EP1097265B1 - Device and method for transporting a flat article - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for advancing positions of a web material has a first transporter at which the pieces are separated from a web, a clamp which transfers the pieces to the plane of a second transporter and a second transporter operating in this plane in a direction orthogonal to the displacement direction of the first transporter. The second transporter has at least one conveyor at least part of which is movable toward and away from the clamp and toward which the clamp can be moved so that the pieces are transferred to the conveyor and can be displaced by the latter with no spacing between them or with only a limited spacing between them.

Description

The invention relates to a device for Transport of a flat piece of goods, for example a section of a web of textile, of paper, of cardboard, of Plastic, sheet metal or a film, whereby the goods in primarily horizontal Alignment from a first means of transport second means of transport is transferable.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the transport of goods.

In the prior art, a device for Transport of goods, especially from a textile web of isolated pieces of textile known. This consists of a first one discontinuous transport device, by means of which a textile web of one Removable storage and the items to be separated free end of the web possibly tensioned is held, and a second continuously running transport device whose Transport level parallel to the transport level of the first transport device runs and the funds for holding the isolated piece of textile, the direction of transport of the first Transport device parallel to Longitudinal direction and the transport direction of the second transport device transversely to the longitudinal direction of the web is directed, preferably the first Transport device from a transport slide for the textile web and a transport tongs exists, with the pliers towards the transport slide and adjustable from this, between Transport slider and transport tongs one Separating device is arranged, by means of which the Textile web to produce a single Textile piece is severable, the isolated Textile piece after or at the same time Separation cut and release from the first Means of transport, especially transport slides and the transport tongs by a transfer device from the level of the first transport device in the level of the second transport device is displaceable and this can be fed.

In the prior art, it is common for a textile web is pulled from a goods store and part of this textile web was cut off becomes. This isolated piece of textile then becomes a processing station or to one Transfer station transferred. As soon as that Piece of textile is removed from the area, in which the textile web from the store is pulled off, another piece of textile from the textile web are separated and again be transported away.

Such training is disadvantageous because during the length of time in which the isolated piece of textile is transported out of the area in which the pieces of textile are separated, none another piece of textile can be separated, but this can only happen if that already isolated piece of textile completely is transported away. This makes it impossible with continuously driven removal the isolated pieces of textile virtually free of gaps to be transported next to each other and for example a hem and sewing device feed, but it always remains between the single pieces of textile a large gap, which affects the overall performance of this Device equipped sewing system regarding the Output of pieces has a negative impact.

There are also devices with superimposed ones Cross and longitudinal transport planes known. The textile piece is placed on needle bars fixed, separated from the textile web and from the Needle bars for needle chains as a means of transport proceed and handed over to them. Such Device is in terms of training and Alignment of the needle bars complicated and difficult to handle, but also as a disadvantage is felt that through the needle bars Damage to the textile workpiece occurs is not allowed in many cases.

Basically, with such devices, in particular also devices that in the preamble of claim 1 type the problem that it is extremely difficult, the isolated goods at a certain distance from each other using the Transport means of transport, the Distance should also be almost gap-free.

DE 43 28 461 A1 is a method and an arrangement for conveying flat Workpieces known. There is one Pre-conveyor and a follow-up conveyor intended. By means of this Conveyors become parts of fabric fed. This is where the discontinuous promotion of Textile piece with the pre-conveyor in such a way that when the Pre-conveyor with one on its conveyor track applied textile piece, its conveyor track so far on the conveyor of the Follow-up conveyor is extended that the Workpiece completely over the conveyor track of the subsequent conveyor can be moved. Once in this position, it will Workpiece with the conveyor stopped of the pre-conveyor by shortening the Conveyor of the pre-conveyor on the Conveyor belt of the subsequent conveyor stored.

A similar education is out of the DE 11 32 861 B known in which a Conveyor belt and a storage device is provided. The filing device is one in and against the funding movement of the Conveyor belt sliding carriage, the during the laying process against the Conveyor movement of the conveyor belt postponed while at the same time the storage tape stands still relative to the lay-up table. In addition, it is provided that the effective length of the storage tape plus one that may extend this Baffles to the set length of the Extending and retracting movement of his car and the length of the track section to be deposited is coordinated so that this at the beginning the retracting movement with its leading edge the top of the stack at the front completely or almost, preferably on one adjustable stop on the stacking table touched.

Based on the status of Technology is the object of the invention, to create a device of the generic type, which enables it to be isolated in a simple manner Goods at an exact distance from each other if necessary also gap-free or almost gap-free to be transported continuously in succession, so that this is a subordinate workstation, for example in textile pieces Sewing device, can be fed and the Performance of the downstream machine or Device can be fully used.

The solution to this problem is in claim 1 specified.

The second means of transport is there for example from a band-like Continuous conveyor, not as a rotating one Funding must be trained, but also a reversing funding in the form of a closed reversibly operated Band section can be. Through a conveyor element or also through the cross to the conveying direction spaced apart conveyor elements can Goods in an area parallel to Direction of delivery is directed, each with a Conveyor element are taken, which the Piece of goods against the corresponding strip-like Contact surface presses and transports. The distance between the conveyor elements, if necessary can be set to different widths To be able to convey goods. Because the Funding elements each with formation of a Buffer loop is deflected and guided achieved that the conveyor elements against the actual transport direction with your incoming goods opposing Deflector shifted against the conveying direction can be (parallel to the funding level, which by the contact surface is formed). This will correspondingly supplied goods earlier taken over as if a stationary continuous conveyor would be used. After taking over the Goods through the conveyor elements can Conveyor elements with the entrainment located goods from the takeover position move back to the basic position so that the place for arranging another Piece of goods is done, which in turn by adjusted against the conveying direction Means of transport taken over in the takeover position becomes.

In the alternative specified in claim 1 The complete conveyor element is the solution Deflection wheel and drive wheel against the Direction of conveyance during the circulation of the Conveyor element adjusted to the isolated Take over piece of goods. Then that will Conveying element during the further conveyance of the Returned to the basic position. The resulting advantages correspond the one above regarding the first alternative specified.

It is particularly preferred that parallel to the conveyor elements of the first In addition to each of these Conveying element of a second conveyor arranged is which conveyor elements of the second conveyor with the same transport direction and speed like the conveyor elements of the first conveyor are operated and that the deflection area of the Conveying elements of the first conveyor in Direction of transport from the takeover position to Reset position is that the Goods from the conveyor elements of the second Conveyor is transported in the direction of conveyance and the deflection area of the first conveyor on the Supported piece of goods and from the piece of goods in Transport speed back into the Home position is taken.

The parallel to the conveyor elements of the first Conveyor, in particular continuous conveyor each provided further funding elements of a second Are conveyor, in particular continuous conveyor preferably closely adjacent to the conveyor elements of the first conveyor, in particular a continuous conveyor arranged.

This training ensures that initially taken over by the first conveying element Goods from the conveyor elements of the second Sponsor is taken over, at the same time still with the conveyor elements of the first conveyor is in contact. The funding elements of the first Sponsors can from the Takeover position in the basic position in Transport direction can be adjusted, thereby quasi the first continuous conveyor none Executes relative movement to the piece of goods, but with the item in the basic position is transported. Then you can take over another piece of the continuous conveyor be adjusted against the direction of conveyance, and either after reaching the basic position or even before reaching the basic position, so that the conveyor elements of the first continuous conveyor expire the newly supplied item, this transport up to at least the engagement position of the second continuous conveyor and then again with the item in the basic position or a Intermediate position can be traced out which we again against the direction of transport Takeover of the next item blocked can be.

It is also preferably provided that both conveyors are endlessly trained.

A particularly useful training is in it seen, seen that both conveyors as timing belts Have conveying elements that with gears as Deflection wheels and drive wheels are engaged.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the respective preferably narrow, adjacent conveyor elements of the first and second conveyor by one each common Drive are driven, the drives of the two conveyor element pairs synchronously and are operated in sync.

It can also be provided that the actuator to move the conveying element or counter Conveying direction directed with coupled to or from a facility Is controlled by means of which the Submission of a piece of goods and the target position of the goods under the running lower run of the conveyor element of the first conveyor can be detected is.

It can also be provided that the actuator for Movement of the conveyor element or the opposite Conveyor directed deflection area coupled to a facility or by is controlled by means of which the Position of a piece of goods under the expiring Lower strand of the conveyor element of the second Continuous conveyor is detectable.

Can be used as position detection devices for example light barriers, others non-contact detection organs or Touch buttons or the like may be provided. By means of these detection elements for example the rear in the conveying direction lying edge of the item, which is transported, recorded or the in Direction of conveyance leading edge of the next arriving piece of goods or also at the handover and takeover by the first continuous conveyor, such as in the conveying direction of the rear edge of the first continuous conveyor engaged Piece of goods can be recorded to this for example exactly the edge vertically below the axis of rotation of the roller forming the deflection area or the like to position. The next Goods can then go up to this edge be approximated so that, if desired, gap-free or almost gap-free at that already in Interested goods connected can be.

Another preferred training is in Claim 8 specified.

The fact that the two transport devices are arranged one above the other, it is possible the item, in particular the textile web from subtract from the store as much as the measure corresponds to the item to be separated. The piece of goods can then be used for the purpose of Separation can be separated from the web, whereby cutting off with a circular knife or can be done by means of a cutting bar. Before the Separation process is the piece of goods to be separated the transverse edge (in the direction of the web seen) detected by means of the clamping device and held in the correct position. The clamping device will then together with the individual item in the second Transport level transferred to the second continuously operated transport facility is arranged. The piece of goods will be on Border edges held so that the edges over the both arranged on the two edges Protruding clamping devices. By means of the Clamping device becomes the isolated item then in the plane of the second transport device moved towards this, at the same time the second Transport device, preferably made of Conveyor belts are made continuously circulate and on a support table or on Support the support runners against the Forward movement of the clamping device towards this is moved. The via the clamping device edge pieces projecting on both sides are then from seized the second transport device that the Item removed. This moves after the handover of the front in the direction of transport End of the edge part to the second Transport device the transport device together with the removed piece of textile under simultaneous removal of the textile piece into the Starting position in which the Transport device distance from the Has clamping device, which also Clamping device also in the starting position is moved back, i.e. from the second Transport device removed and in the plane of the first transport device is moved.

Through this opposite movement of the second Transport device and the clamping device the delivery of the item is achieved that the piece of goods with its in the conveying direction second conveyor front edge the rear edge of the already removed Piece of goods, which is still from the second Transport device is removed, is immediately approximated so that the following Piece of goods virtually gap-free or under very little Gap formation from the second transport device is taken along and further processing stations can be supplied. It is through the Training according to the invention damage the Goods by needles or the like avoided.

As a consequence, those of the second transport device subordinate stations, such as hemming equipment and / or sewing device continuously with Maximum performance are operated and their performance can be fully exploited.

A preferred further development is seen in that the second means of transport from conveyor elements in the form of transport belts, which in Direction of transport outside next to that of the Clamping device clamped when moving Alignment level of the clamping device are arranged and against the edge of the piece of goods Support areas (10) as part of each press on both transport devices.

It can preferably be provided that the Clamping device consists of pairs of clamping bars.

It is also preferred that the clamping device and the transport device so approachable to each other are that held by the clamping device Goods with its edges on the Transport device is transferable, which passed goods gap-free or almost to a previously handed over, from the Transport device removed piece of goods followed.

For the transfer process it is also advantageous if the investment area through a level Platen or a support table is formed. Under certain circumstances it can also be provided that the support area by one more Continuous conveyor is formed.

Here, the support area can each by endless continuous conveyor be formed, of which one strand as a counter surface for the Continuous conveyor with the conveyor element serves and rectified and at the same speed in Direction of transport expires.

A procedure for the transport of goods is in Claim 14 specified.

Figur 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht;

Figur 2

desgleichen in einer um 90 ° um die Hochachse gedrehten Seitenansicht;

Figur 3 und 4

eine Einzelheit in Seitenansicht und in Draufsicht gesehen;

Figur 5

eine Einzelheit der Fig. 2 in Seitenansicht.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Figure 1

a device according to the invention in side view;

Figure 2

likewise in a side view rotated by 90 ° about the vertical axis;

Figures 3 and 4

a detail seen in side view and in plan view;

Figure 5

a detail of Fig. 2 in side view.

The essential elements are in the drawing a device for transporting from a textile web 1 individual goods 1 ', especially pieces of textile, shown. The device essentially consists from a first working discontinuously Transport device by means of which the web 1 deductible from a store, not shown and the free end of the web to be separated - if necessary - is kept under tension. Further the device consists of a second continuously running transport device, whose transport level is parallel to the transport level the first transport device runs and the Means for holding the individual item 1 ' having. The direction of transport of the first Transport device is indicated at 5. The Transport direction of the second transport device is orthogonal to the plane of the drawing according to FIG and indicated by the arrow 6 in FIG. The Transport levels of the two transport devices run parallel to each other and at a distance one above the other. The transport direction 5 of the first Transport device runs parallel to Railway longitudinal extension of web 1 during the transport direction the second transport device transversely is directed to the longitudinal direction of the web.

The first transport device consists of a Transport slider 7 for the web 1 and one Transport tongs 4, the tongs 4 accordingly the movement arrow 8 towards the transport slide 7 and away from this is adjustable. Between transport slider 7 and Transport tongs 4 is near the Transport slide 7 provided a release agent 9, by means of which the web 1 for generating a individual piece of goods 1 'is severable. The Release agent 9 is in the embodiment as scissors shown. It can be a manual operated scissors or a motor-operated Disc knife or a pneumatic or motorized separating bar or the like act. The item 1 'is after the Carrying out the cut or simultaneously when performing the separating cut from the Transport slider 7 and the transport tongs 4 released and by a transfer means from the Level of the first transport device in the level adjusted the second transport device.

The transfer means consists of a Clamping device 2. Clamping device 2 exists from two pairs of clamping beams, one of which above the web 1 and the others is arranged below the web 1, the isolated piece of goods by closing the Clamping bar of the clamping device 2 is fixed. Then the clamping bars of the Clamping device with the item 1 'from the in Figure 1 dash-dotted in Figure 1 in solid Line shown position transferred. The Clamping bars of the clamping device 2 hold that isolated piece of goods with a short distance of its side edges so that the Edge edges that are transverse to the transport direction 5 are directed over the jaws laterally protrude. The clamping device 2 is in the plane adjusted the second transport device. Then the clamping device 2 with the Clamping beam in the level of the second Transport device adjusted to this and the second transport device is in opposite direction to the clamping device adjusted so that these two elements meet each other be approximated. The second transport device is made of conveyor elements 3 in the form of Transport belts formed that are endlessly circulating Belts are formed. The lower strand of the Transport belt is supported on a counter surface 10 from. Since the clamping device 2 laterally next to the Transport belt of the second transport device is arranged, as in particular from FIG. 1 can be seen, the two units 2 or 3 approximating each other without being involved in this movement disturb or touch each other. Through this Arrangement it is possible that of the Clamping device 2 held piece 1 'so far the second transport device respectively whose conveyor belts approach that in Feed direction of the front edge of the item 1 'practically bumped to that of the second Transport device removed further Piece of goods can be approximated.

As soon as the second transport device with your Transport belt has gripped the item and transported away, the second Transport device again from the Clamping device 2 is adjusted away in the conveying direction are and also the clamping device 2 of the second transport device adjusted back be, the clamping device 2 at the same time or subsequently to the level of the first Transport device is transferred so that it to Inclusion of the further web 1 and for the purpose the separation and handover of another Piece of goods is suitable. The Possibilities of movement of units 2 and 3 or of their individual parts are through Movement arrows 11 indicated.

The bearing surface 10, on each of which Transport belt (3) is supported against Direction of transport (to the left in Figure 2) extended so that the edge of the item is already on this footprint through the Clamping device 2 can be placed before the Transport belt (3) in active engagement with the Edge of the individual item comes.

Both the trigger pliers (transport pliers 4) and the clamping device 2 can be actuated pneumatically his. The conveyor belts (3) can be synchronized be driven, for example by Electric motors or the like.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative solution variant with the possibility of adjusting the complete second transport means with the rotating conveyor element 3.
The lower run of the conveying element 3 is guided parallel to the support surface (10) and runs around deflection and / or drive rollers.

To take over a piece of goods 1 ' complete unit with rotating conveyor element 3 adjusted to the left in the drawing, by means of a frame fixed (at 27) supported linear drive 28. After or during the takeover of the item 1 'becomes the unit adjusted to the right again in the basic position, which is shown in Figure 5. It works Conveyor element 3 constantly with constant Speed around.

The device shown is a Procedure possible in which the occasional Piece of goods already from the second Conveyor device removed goods gap-free or almost gap-free can, so that an extremely dense removal of the individual items to subordinate Processing stations or organs is possible.

In the drawing figures 3 and 4 is a Core element of the device for transporting a flat goods, for example one Piece of goods shown from a textile web. The item 1 'is parallel to the support surface 10 from the first means of transport to the second Hand over the means of transport. The second The means of transport consists of a continuous conveyor 12 with two transverse to the conveying direction 6 from each other spaced and their distance adjustable Conveying elements 3 in the form of transport belts. The Transport belt is one parallel to each other Direction of conveyance 6 extending, strip-like Support surface 10 assigned, on which the respective Conveyor element 3 during transportation Intermediate layer of edge parts of the goods 1 ' supported. The bearing surface 10 can also by the Upper run one below the item 1 ' arranged, rotating continuous conveyor formed his. Each of the two conveyor elements 3 is under Forming a buffer loop already in this way redirected and guided that the opposite of the Transport direction 6 directed deflection region 14 of the Conveyor element 3 taking the Conveying element from a basic position, in which the area 14 in the drawing figure 3 to the right is laid, parallel to the transport direction 6 in a takeover position is adjustable, which in Figure 3 is shown for example. It is parallel to the conveyor elements 3 of the first Continuous conveyor a further conveyor element 15 a second continuous conveyor arranged closely adjacent.

The conveyor elements 15 of the second continuous conveyor are with the same transport direction and Speed like the conveyor elements 3 of the first Continuously operated. The deflection area 14 of the Conveying elements 3 of the first continuous conveyor thereby in the transport direction 6 from the Takeover position in the basic position adjustable that the item 1 'of the Conveying elements 15 of the second continuous conveyor in Conveying direction 6 are transported and the deflecting area 14 supporting the item 1 ' together with the corresponding part of the conveying element 3 is moved back to the basic position.

In both cases, the continuous conveyors are (elements 3 or 15) as endless belts educated. In particular, they are as toothed belts trained conveyor elements with gears as Deflection wheels 16, 17, 18, 19 and guide wheels 20, 21, 22 and as drive wheels 23, the by means of an electric motor drive 24 are operated. Here are the closely neighboring ones Conveying elements of the first and second Continuous conveyor (elements 3 and 15 on the right or left side seen in the direction of transport 6) by one same drive 24 driven. The two Conveyor element pairs are synchronous and synchronous driven by two electric motors 24. each Conveyor element 3 of the first continuous conveyor is on its directed against the direction of transport Deflection ends 14 each around a first deflection wheel 16 diverted. That to this first idler wheel running upper run of the conveying element is below Form a loop twice around a second Deflection wheel 25 and a third deflection wheel 18 deflected, the first deflection wheel 16 and the this with regard to the incoming upper run as next adjacent second deflection wheel 25 together from the basic position against the direction of transport 6 in the takeover position and back in the Basic position adjustable, as through the Movement arrow 26 is indicated. It supports itself the lower run running in the direction of transport 6 always on the contact surface 10. To capture the Position of the item 1 'can in the range Deflection roller 16 and / or in the region of the deflection roller 17, for example, a light barrier is provided be, by means of which the edge of the goods 1 'can be detected and by means of which on the Adjustment device for the adjustment of the Deflection area 14 acting actuator be switched.

When adjusting the deflection area 14 counter Transport direction 6 rotate the corresponding Deflection wheels faster while the real one Belt (3) rotates at a constant speed. When returning to the basic position, it runs Belt (3) continues at constant speed around.

The entire system preferably works with one Belt speed of approx. 15 to 20 m each Minute.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus for transporting a flat article (1'), e.g. a section of a web (1) of textile material, paper, paperboard, plastic, sheet metal or a film, it being possible for the article to be transferred in a horizontal orientation from a first, discontinuously operating transport means (4, 7) to a second transport means (12), characterised in that the second transport means essentially comprises a first handling unit (12) of the band, belt or chain type with at least one conveying element (3), or two conveying elements (3) spaced apart transversely to the conveying direction, each conveying element (3) being assigned a support surface (10) extending parallel to the conveying direction (6), on which the respective conveying element (3) is supported during its return motion, with parts of the article (1') in between, in that either each conveying element (3) of the first handling unit (12) is in each case deflected around a first deflection wheel (16) at its deflection end (14) directed counter to the transport direction (6), the upper strand of the conveying element (3), which runs towards this first deflection wheel (16), is deflected twice round a second and a third deflection wheel (25, 18), forming a loop (13), it being possible for the first deflection wheel (16) and the second deflection wheel (25), which is the closest to the first as regards the forward-running upper strand, to be moved jointly counter to the transport direction out of the base position into a transfer position and back into the base position, the lower strand running off in the transport direction being supported on the support surface (10), with the result that each conveying element (3) is deflected and guided in such a way, forming a buffer loop (13), that the deflection region (14) of the conveying element (3), the said deflection region being directed counter to the transport direction (6), can be moved parallel to the transport direction and counter to the transport direction (6) out of a base position into a transfer position, taking along the conveying element (3), as the conveying element (3) runs round in the transport direction (6), or that the complete second transport means comprising each conveying element (3) with the deflection wheel and drive wheel can be moved parallel to the transport direction (6) and counter to the transport direction (6) of the conveying element (3) out of a base position into a transfer position and then back into the base position as the conveying element (3) runs round in the transport direction (6), more specifically by means of a linear drive (28) held firmly on the frame.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that a further conveying element (15) of a second handling unit is arranged parallel and adjacent to each of the conveying elements (3) of the first handling unit (12), which conveying elements (15) of the second handling unit are operated in the same transport direction and at the same speed as the conveying elements (3) of the first handling unit (12), and in that the deflection region (14) of the conveying elements (3) of the first handling unit (12) can be moved back out of the transfer position into the base position in the transport direction by virtue of the fact that the article (1') is transported in the conveying direction (6) by the conveying elements (15) of the second handling unit, and the deflection region (14) of the first handling unit (12) is supported on the article (1') and is taken along back into the base position at transport speed by the article (1')
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that both handling units are designed in such a way that they run round in an endless loop.
4. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that both handling units have toothed belts as conveying elements (3, 15), which are in engagement with gearwheels as deflection wheels and drive wheels.
5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the adjacent conveying elements (3, 15) of the first and second handling units are each driven by a common drive (24), the drives of the two pairs of conveying elements being operated synchronously and in the same direction.
6. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the actuating drive for moving the conveying element or the deflection region (14) directed counter to the conveying direction is coupled to a device or controlled by a device by means of which the feeding of an article (1') and the desired position of the article (1') under the outgoing lower strand of the conveying element (3) of the first handling unit (12) can be detected.
7. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the actuating drive for moving the conveying element (3) or the deflection region (14) directed counter to the conveying direction is coupled to a device or controlled by a device by means of which the position of an article (1') under the outgoing lower strand of the conveying element (15) of the second handling unit can be detected.
8. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the apparatus comprises the first, discontinuously operating transport means, by means of which a textile web (1) can be drawn off from a cloth store and the web's free end to be isolated is held, and the second, continuously running transport means, the transport plane of which is parallel to the transport plane and below the transport plane of the first transport means and has means for holding the isolated article (1'), the transport direction (5) of the first transport means being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the web, and the transport direction (6) of the second transport means being transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web, the first transport device comprising a transport slider (7) for the web and transport tongs (4), it being possible to move the tongs (4) towards and away from the transport slider (7), a separating apparatus (9), by means of which the web (1) can be severed to produce an isolated article (1'), being arranged between the transport slider (7) and the transport tongs (4), it being possible, after or simultaneously with a separating cut and release from the first transport means, for the isolated article (1') to be transferred by a transfer means from the plane of the first transport means into the plane of the second transport means and fed to it, and in that the transfer means comprises a clamping device (2), by means of which the margins of the isolated article (1'), which are parallel to the transport direction (6) of the second transport means, can be clamped at a distance from its marginal edges in the plane of the first transport means and transferred into the plane of the second transport means by means of the clamping device (2), and in that the clamping device (2) can be moved towards and away from the second transport means, in the plane of the latter, and the second transport means can be moved towards and away from the clamping device (2), allowing the free marginal edges of the article to be brought into engagement with the second transport means.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that the second transport means comprises conveying elements (3) in the form of transport belts, which are arranged on the outside in the transport direction, adjacent to the plane of alignment of the clamping device (2) described by the clamping device (2) during its movement, and which press the margin of the article against support regions (10) forming part of each of the two transport apparatuses.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the clamping device (2) comprises pairs of clamping bars.
11. Apparatus according to Claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the clamping device (2) and the transport apparatus can be moved closer together in such a way that the article (1') held by the clamping device (2) can be transferred by its margins to the transport apparatus, the transferred article (1') adjoining a previously transferred article (1') transported by the transport apparatus.
12. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the support region (10) is formed by a flat support plate or a support table.
13. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the support region (10) is formed by a further continuous-handling unit in each case.
14. Method for transporting articles (1'), a stock web (1) being held at the free end of the web by means of a first, discontinuously operating transport means (4, 7) and transferred as an isolated article (1') to a second, continuously running transport means, the transport plane of which is parallel and horizontal to the transport plane of the first transport means (4, 7) and below this plane, and carried away by the said second transport means, the transport direction (5) of the first transport means (4, 7) being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the web, and the transport direction (6) of the second transport means being transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web, the web (1) entering the first, upper transport plane and being held in a desired position, an isolated article (1') being cut off from the web (1), being held at the margins by a clamping apparatus (2) before being cut off or simultaneously, and transferred to the second, lower transport plane, then being displaced in the transport direction (6) towards the second transport means, and either the second transport means being deflected, forming a loop (13), and being moved with its deflection end (14), which is directed counter to the transport direction (6), out of a base position into a transfer position counter to the transport direction (6) and back to the base position, or the complete second transport means comprising each conveying element (3) with the deflection wheel and drive wheel being moved parallel to the transport direction (6) and counter to this transport direction (6) out of a base position into a transfer position and then back into the base position by means of a linear drive (28) held firmly on the frame as the conveying elements of the second transport means run round in the transport direction (6), with the result that the isolated article (1') is transported away with its transverse marginal edge, which faces the second transport means, adjoining an article (1') transported by the second transport means, the second transport means running forwards into the initial position in the transport direction (6) after the transfer of the article (1'), the article (1') being transported simultaneously, and the clamping apparatus (2) releasing the article (1') and running back into the initial position counter to the transport direction (6) and being moved back into the first, upper transport plane.

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