EP1155996A2 - Device and method for feeding articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding flat, scaly overlapping objects, in particular sheet metal sheets, to at least one front edge stop of a further processing machine, in particular a sheet metal printing or coating machine, with a first conveying means on which the objects rest. It is provided that the first conveying means (5) has a constant or a cyclically changing speed (v1) and that a second conveying means (6) is arranged between the first conveying means (5) and the front edge stop (3), which is endless revolving strand (8) is formed and takes over the foremost object (4 ') from the first conveying means (5) at a speed (v1) corresponding to the first conveying means (5) and slows down to a lower speed (v2) and in this delayed state feeds the leading edge stop (3) by subsequent sliding of the object on a support (27) or transfer to a device (28), the device (28) guiding the object in contact with the leading edge stop (3), or the strand (8 ) brakes the object (4 ') to a standstill such that it is guided against the front edge stop (3). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for feeding of flat, scaly overlapping objects, especially sheets, at least a leading edge stop of a finishing Machine, in particular sheet metal printing or coating machine, with a first grant on which the objects lie.

In a known device is for slowing down of the scaled objects cyclically the entire feed belt system at its speed reduced. The result is that everyone flaked sheets lying on top of each other at the same time slows down, putting the front panel on the front edge stop is applied. From there the sheet is made using another transport system transported away in a defined position. The remaining panels are cyclically accelerated again, until the front board has a certain one Has reached position, from which in turn the slowdown is carried out. This system has that Disadvantage that very large masses accelerated and have to be delayed so the accuracy the position of the foremost panel in the braking target area due to belt elasticity and other influence taking parameter is widely scattered. A safe, reproducible front edge system of the metal sheets is therefore not given.

Furthermore, devices with delay elements known with which over a friction a blackboard delay is effected. The disadvantage is that low accuracy due to difficult to reproduce Slips that are in the braking target area when handing over to the front edge stop can affect that a too high residual speed at the stop (damage problem) or too much delay (no adequate system the front edge of the sheet). Disadvantageous is also that the funding during the Braking the holding surface by the underride the next sheet of metal decreased. In the worst In this case, the holding area is reduced to zero, see above the undefined slip in the last braking phase occurs.

The invention is therefore based on the object Device for feeding flat, flaky overlapping objects of the aforementioned Kind of creating a precise, reproducible Creation of the respective front edge of the Metal sheets allowed at the leading edge stop. In addition, a high number of cycles can be realized.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by that the first grant is a constant or a shows cyclically changing speed and that between the first grant and a second funding to the front edge stop is arranged, that as an endless revolving strand is formed and the foremost object from the first funding to the first Funding appropriate speed takes over and to a lower speed, in particular almost to a standstill, slowed down and in this delayed state the leading edge stop by subsequent slipping of the object a document or handover to an institution fed, the device in the subject Attachment to the leading edge stop, or that the run brakes the object to a standstill, in such a way that it touches the front edge stop is led. To these different There is an exact way in each of the ways Board alignment without edge damage. The on objects, which are shingled on the first funding are thus at a constant speed continuously promoted. It takes place in other words, dandruff conveyance at a constant speed. Alternatively, one can be cyclical changing speed can be provided. Cyclically changing speed means: high speed, low speed, great Speed, low speed, etc., the speed ratio preferably in Range 4: 1 to 2: 1, especially 3: 1. The foremost seen in the scale in the direction of transport Sheet is made using the second funding slowed down, so that with less Remaining speed against the leading edge stop occurs or that it has the low remaining speed is handed over to the institution that it leads against the leading edge stop. Alternatively can slow down by the second grant also be done in such a way that the metal sheet from the second conveyor to the front edge stop is led and there to a standstill is coming. While braking the front panel is the scaled arrangement of the remaining panels constantly moved by means of the first funding. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the Cyclic flow of the first funding promoted becomes. This means a cyclical change in speed to make: high speed - low speed etc. is the first one Blackboard aligned exactly, so it is from a processing mechanism in a precisely aligned Location taken over. The second funding accelerates during the alignment process mentioned back to a speed equal to that corresponds to the first funding, so that subsequently now the foremost metal sheet of the shed arrangement taken over by the second funding and - accordingly as described above - slowed down and precisely aligned with the front edge stop becomes. The frontmost table is preferably located on the second funding, with the Slowdown no relative movement between the second funding and the metal sheet takes place and therefore an exact reproducibility is present. During the slowdown arises in the Main phase no sliding movement between the second Funding and sheet metal. The metal sheet will exactly with the second funding (belt drum) according to a set one, during each bar same place-machine angle- motion law slowed down. The one defined in more detail below, preferably intended holding effect by vacuum dimensioned so that the curve of the deceleration is independent of the board weight and the Surface condition of the metal sheet. The movement of second funding and sheet metal is in synchronized with the deceleration phase, without relative movement. Just before the arrival at the leading edge stop, especially on the front brands this adhesion (by switching off the vacuum) canceled so the second grant then the sheet still pushes, but only with one very little force resulting from the present Friction without vacuum between the strand and the sheet results. The descaling is done in such a way that during the slowdown the foremost panel the overlap zone with the next panel enlarged. By appropriate speed adjustment of the two grants under Consideration of the formats of the respective to be fed Objects can be processed with a high number realize per unit of time. Things lie on the first and second funding on, that means the objects are above the funding; there is therefore no overhead transport in front of which the objects the bottom of the funding. This is important, among other things, because the scaling of the objects designed in this way is that the forefront of the table below is reached, etc., so that the panels from below only in the non-overlapping area alone are accessible.

As mentioned, the invention thus slows down except for a relatively slow speed. The item has this low speed assuming it glides a short distance over the pad and arrives in this way and Way against the leading edge stop and will there aligned. Alternatively, it is also possible that after slowing down the subject of one another facility is taken over, the subject recorded (by gripper device, suction device and / or magnetic device) and defined leads to the front edge stop, see above that the alignment takes place there. Alternative is it is also possible that the second subsidy Brakes the object to a standstill, the Slowdown is realized in such a way that Standstill or shortly before standstill is reached, the object against the leading edge stop occurs and thereby aligned becomes.

According to a development of the invention, that the first funding a first holding device assigned. This can preferably second funding a second holding device be assigned. The first and / or the second holding device can preferably be used as a suction device and / or be designed as a magnetic device. The suction device is designed such that the Objects, especially the metal sheets, on the Surface of the conveyor due to suction are held so that a relative movement between the corresponding funding and the objects is safely avoided. In particular, lets the braking process due to this holding effect without slipping the sheet on the Carry out funding so that high precision is achieved with a high number of cycles. Unless it is for objects around ferromagnetic components, for example sheet steel panels, can act as Holding device also uses a magnetic device be located below the grant located and in this way a relative shift between sheet metal and funding prevented. The metal sheets move exactly at the speed of the corresponding one Funding is specified.

In particular, it can be provided that the first Funding as an endless circulating funding is trained. It is the first and second funding thus around runs that preferred from several belts lying next to each other in parallel exist on which the metal sheets rest, the holding device below the upper run is arranged, which is the metal sheet respectively fix the metal sheets on the belt.

It is also advantageous if the second Holding device - seen in the direction of transport - only extends over a portion of the second funding. For a position fixation this section is sufficient and keeps the fixation zone relatively small, so only appropriate for the holding effect small amounts of energy have to be applied.

It is also advantageous if the second Holding device essentially on the upstream side Half of the second funding is located.

It is particularly preferred if the holding effect the second holding device can be switched on and off is. In the case of a vacuum suction device, the Vacuum source can be turned on and off or it there is a pneumatically acting switching valve in the system with which the suction effect can be switched on and off is. The suction effect is activated as soon as the foremost sheet of metal from the second grant is taken over; it is deactivated or greatly reduced just before the leading edge the braked sheet on the leading edge stop meets. If a magnetic device is present to develop the holding effect preferably an electromagnetic device is used, so that by electrical input or Turn off the holding force can be activated respectively can be deactivated.

The holding effect of the first holding device acts preferably continuous, that is, it will not switched. Exception: on the last table of the Scale flow is switched.

In particular, it can be provided that the first and / or the second holding device of at least one below the first and / or second Funded suction box is formed. The suction box is preferably via a switching valve connected to a vacuum source. About suction through the first and / or the second funding letting the tablets work through it the first and / or the second funding permeable to air educated.

The invention further relates to a method for feeding of flat, scaly overlapping Objects, especially sheet metal, at least a leading edge stop of a finishing Machine, in particular sheet metal printing or Sheet painting machine, with a first conveyor zone, in which the objects with a first, constant Speed transported in a shingled arrangement and with a second, the first production zone following funding zone, in which the foremost object at first speed taken over and then to a second speed is slowed down so that it is at the second speed against at least one leading edge stop is led or at this rate approaches the leading edge stop.

The second speed is much lower as the first speed; it preferably points very small value or it becomes like that proceeded to speed up the board Zero is braked and that when reached the front edge of the table against standstill kick the leading edge stop.

It can preferably be provided that at a Nominal speed corresponding to approximately 9,000 to 10,000 sheets per hour the first speed is about 1 m / s. The second speed can for example a value of about 0.2 or 0.1 m / s exhibit. In particular, it can be provided that the second speed to 0.25 to 0.1 times the first speed is designed.

Figur 1

eine Seitenansicht auf eine Vorrichtung zum Zuführen einer Blechtafel gegen einen Vorderkantenanschlag,

Figur 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung der Figur 1,

Figur 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung der Figur 1 und

Figur 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung der Figur 1.

The drawing illustrates the invention using an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

Figure 1

2 shows a side view of a device for feeding a sheet against a leading edge stop,

Figure 2

2 shows a schematic side view of the device according to FIG. 1,

Figure 3

2 shows a schematic side view of the device in FIG. 1,

Figure 4

is a schematic side view of the device of Figures 1 and

Figure 5

2 shows a schematic side view of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for feeding of flat objects 2 against at least one Front edge stop 3. The objects 2 are as Sheets 4 formed.

The device 1 has a first funding means 5 and a second funding 6. The first grant 5 is surrounded by a run 7 and the second funding 6 from a rotating one Run 8 formed. The circumferential run 7 has a Upper run 9 and a lower run 10 and is on one End led around a pulley 11. The other The end of the deflection wheel of the run 7 is on the figure not shown for reasons of space. The circulating Run 8 each has a deflection wheel at the end 12 or 13. Its upper run 14 lies in the level of the upper run 9 and its lower run 15 is guided over a tension roller 16. Preferably consist of the surrounding runs 7 and 8 each several, spaced straps, so one spread across the width of the metal sheets arranged pad is formed. The strap are corresponding deflection wheels 11 to 13 and Assigned tension rollers 16.

The straps of the strands 7 and 8 are designed to be permeable to air. Below the upper run 9 there is a suction box 17 indicated in the figure, which is connected to a vacuum source. Furthermore, there is a suction box 18 below the upper run 14, which is also connected to or to another vacuum source via a switching valve 19. The runs 7 and 8 thus form suction runs on which the objects are held immovably by negative pressure. The run 7 runs by means of a preferably not shown electric drive at a constant, first speed v ₁ . The direction of transport is indicated by arrow 20 with respect to a transport plane 21. An electric or mechanical drive which can be regulated or controlled in terms of speed drives the run 8 in such a way that it is accelerated and braked accordingly, also in the direction of transport (arrow 20). It has the current speed v ₂ .

It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the metal sheets 4 are in a shingled arrangement to each other, that means that the metal sheet 4 ′ lying foremost overlaps the following sheet 4 '', the leading edge area the metal sheet 4 '' below the rear edge area the metal sheet 4 'lies. Further, adjoining the following table 4 '' upstream Correspondingly, metal sheets are arranged in shingles (not shown).

The suction box 17 forms a first holding device 22, the sheet metal plates 4 in scaled arrangement fixed on the upper run 9. The holding effect of the first holding device 22 is constant. The suction box 18 forms a second holding device 23 for the one in front Sheet 4 ', the holding effect by means of of the switching valve 19 on and off or can be increased and decreased, that is, the vacuum source comes with the suction box 18 connected or there is a separation of the connection.

As can be seen from the figure, the suction box 18 in the area of transport direction (Arrow 20) upstream half of the revolving Arranged 8 runs. To that extent the second holding device 23 only over a portion 24 the entire length of the upper run 14.

In the following, the metal sheets are generally included the reference numeral 4 denotes the one lying at the front The metal sheet bears the reference number 4 'and Follow the reference number 4 ''.

The result is the following function: The metal sheets 4 are fed in a shingled arrangement by means of the strand 7. They lie on the top of the upper run 9 and are fixed by the action of the vacuum of the suction box 17. The suction effect in the suction box 17 is constant; the speed v ₁ is also constant. If the sheet metal plate 4 'lying at the front reaches the strand 8 with its leading edge region, the latter takes over a corresponding, continuously increasing section of the sheet metal plate 4'. With regard to the run 8, this takes place at the speed v ₁ , that is to say the runs 7 and 8 have the same speed v ₁ at this time (v ₁ = v ₂ ). The negative pressure acting on the corresponding metal sheet 4 is "switched off" in the course of the process by the subsequent sheet 4 ″ by covering it. A corresponding position of the switching valve 19 ensures that a negative pressure is built up in the suction box 18, so that an area of the metal sheet 4 ′ is sucked onto the upper side of the upper run 14 and the metal sheet 4 ′ is thus held in an immovable position relative to the upper run 14. The vacuum is built up only when the suction box 18 is completely covered by the metal sheet 4 '. The speed v _{2 of} the run 8 is then reduced by means of deceleration by the associated drive. During the deceleration process, the sheet 4 'is held firmly on the upper run 14 by the negative pressure, so that no relative movement between the run 8 and the sheet 4' can occur. The delay of the run 8 takes place in such a way that the metal sheet 4 'only has a very low speed. In this state, its leading edge 25 is still a short distance from the leading edge stop 3. The vacuum of the suction box 18 is now switched off, so that the metal sheet 4 'is released and slides over the base 27 until the leading edge 25 against the leading edge stop 3 occurs. The base 27 extends between the downstream end of the run 8 and the front edge stop 3. In this way, the metal sheet 4 'is aligned exactly. During the braking process of the run 8, the run 7 continues to run unchanged at the speed v ₁ , so that the following board 4 ″ is pushed a corresponding distance further below the metal sheet 4 ′. If the foremost metal sheet 4 'is exactly aligned with the front edge stop 3, it is gripped at its front edge 25 and - in the direction of transport (arrow 20) - fed to further processing. Before the front edge stop 3 is reached, the negative pressure in the suction box 18 is switched off by actuating the switching valve 19. If the metal sheet 4 'leaves the leading edge stop 3, the strand 6 is accelerated to the initial speed, i.e. the speed v ₁ , so that the leading sheet metal plate 4 can now be taken over by the strand 6 in its leading edge region, as already described above with reference to FIG Sheet 4 'was explained. The holding device 23 is then also activated again. The processes explained above are repeated continuously, so that the metal sheets 4 are processed and aligned at a high clock rate.

Figures 2 to 5 show the device of the figure 1 in schematic form, the following Terms such as "start" and "end", seen in the transport direction of the metal sheets 4 are defined, ie in the direction of arrow 20 Figure 1. Accordingly, according to Figure 2, the distance a between the end of the second holding device 23 and added to the end of the first holding device 22 around a security surcharge that the metal sheets go through in time for a full Vacuum build-up is required to be less than the length of the scales between the panels. Under scale length of the shingled metal sheets 4 is the dimension between the front edge of a metal sheet 4 and the leading edge of the immediately following Sheet 4 to understand. Because of the mentioned Distance a is a secured takeover of the Sheet 4 possible from run 7 to run 8.

According to Figure 3, the distance b is between the beginning of the second conveyor and the leading edge of one Follow table 4 '' at the beginning of the deceleration process the previous table 4 'larger than the path that the Follow table 4 '' during the deceleration process the previous table 4 'covered. Wouldn't be the case, the following table 4 '' runs during the Slowdown process of the previous table 4 ' the second funding 6 and is undefined pre-braked.

It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the distance c from the front edge of the previous panel 4 'at Start of deceleration to the end of the first holding device 22 is greater than the scale length. Would if this is not the case, the one to be braked Sheet 4 simultaneously from the first funding 5 driven (the following table 4 '' must at the start of deceleration of the previous table 4 'on Subsidies 5 shed, that is, the suction box 17 cover).

According to Figure 5 it is provided that the distance between the front edge stop 3 and the front edge the following table 4 '' (dimension d) at the time of Switching on the vacuum (negative pressure in the suction box 18) is smaller than the distance from the front edge stop 3 to the end of the second holding device 23 (dimension e). If this were not the case, then the vacuum would capture the metal sheet 4 that just to be aligned. The one to align Predecessor sheet 4 'must be switched on when the Vacuum (for the following table 4 '') shingled from this his.

In FIG. 5, as an alternative exemplary embodiment, a device is indicated with reference to the reference number 28, which takes over a slowed-down metal sheet 4 'after the vacuum of the suction box 18 has been switched off. The transfer takes place at the delayed, very low speed v ₂ . The device 28, which is only indicated schematically, leads the metal sheet 4 'with further delay up to the front edge stop 3, so that there is a controlled, reproducible alignment.

The invention thus preferably relates to a slowdown of the metal sheets in the phase of feeding the respective front edge at an alignment stop by means of circumferential vacuum suction belts, the metal sheet which is delayed in each case being captured in a force-locking manner. The deceleration preferably takes place to a speed v ₂ which is approximately 10% of the speed v1 or is close to zero. The vacuum belts are decelerated and re-accelerated, the acceleration to the sheet feed speed being carried out by the upstream strand and this speed being kept constant for the take-over of the sheet. Then slow down to a defined speed to carefully drive the sheet against the leading edge stop. By switching the vacuum on and off (switching on before the sheet transfer and during the subsequent delay; switching off the vacuum before reaching the leading edge stop or before the suction belt accelerates to the sheet feed speed for the transfer of the next sheet), it is ensured that there is no uncontrolled shifting of the sheets . The panel aligned at the leading edge stop is preferably transferred to a system, not shown and also not described, in order to be able to process the metal panels in a defined position. The invention achieves a high braking target accuracy or positioning accuracy by driving a speed-distance profile in the same way for each board in the machine cycle. There is a scratch-free introduction of force into the panels due to the negative pressure or a magnetic hold.

The metal sheets 4, 4 'each lie completely flat slowed down. The surface of the decelerator (second funding 6) is in the table run level. When switching off the vacuum on No movement occurs at the end of the deceleration process transverse to the table running plane, in particular perpendicular to the table running level, on that for the exact Place the metal sheets 4 'on the front edge stop 3 could be harmful.

Compared to known, reciprocating vibration units with vacuum head opens the invention Principle of the circulating, endless belt drive the advantage that there is no reverse stroke, the means much more time means gentle, jerky and sliding friction free slowdown available stands or it can interpret the feed speed chosen lower overall be what the safe functioning of the system as a whole benefits. Furthermore, there is a circulating one Belt rum advantageous in terms of a possible Scratching the underside of the metal sheets. While the slowdown in which a large holding vacuum is required, there is no relative movement between the sheet 4 'and the belt (second Funding 6) on, so that scratching is excluded is. At the stage of creating the sheet 4 'with a remaining speed at the preferred consisting of several front stops Front edge stop 3 the belts slip (second Funding 6) without holding effect (vacuum or magnetic force is switched off) under the metal sheet 4 ' by. Since the relative speed is very small, arise from the belt system mentioned no scratches. Worn belt surfaces can be done by simple and Eliminate inexpensive belt replacement easily. With regard to the entire panel arrangement, the invention only one sheet at a time, namely the foremost metal sheet 4 ', from the whole Scale flow slows down. The rest of the stream moves on. This is particularly so also of interest because of the shingled stream is formed such that the foremost Board rests on the next board. That is, it according to the invention, the slowdown from below ago done because the bottom of the metal sheets rests on the funding 5 or 6. This solution is chosen, although for holding the corresponding metal sheet 4 'by means of vacuum or Magnetic force only the area of the board from below is accessible here, which is not in the overlapping position to the next board.

Claims (14)

Device for feeding flat, scaly overlapping objects, in particular sheet metal, to at least one front edge stop of a further processing machine, in particular a sheet metal printing or coating machine, with a first conveying means on which the objects rest, characterized in that the first conveying means (5) has a constant or a cyclically changing speed (v ₁ ) and that between the first conveyor (5) and the front edge stop (3) a second conveyor (6) is arranged, which is designed as an endlessly rotating strand (8) and each foremost object (4 ') takes over from the first conveying means (5) at a speed (v ₁ ) corresponding to the first conveying means (5) and slows down to a lower speed (v ₂ ) and in this delayed state the front edge stop (3) by subsequent slipping the item on a document (27) or handover a n feeds a device (28), the device (28) guiding the object in contact with the leading edge stop (3), or that the run (8) brakes the object (4 ') to a standstill, in such a way that it thereby is guided against the front edge stop (3). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a first holding device (22) is assigned to the first conveying means (5). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second conveying means (6) is assigned a second holding device (23). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second holding device (22, 23) is designed as a suction device and / or as a magnetic device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conveyor (5) is designed as an endlessly rotating conveyor (strand 7). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holding device (23) - viewed in the direction of transport (arrow 20) - extends only over a section (24) of the second conveying means (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holding device (23) is located essentially on the upstream half of the second conveying means (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding action of the second holding device (23) can be switched on and off. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding action of the first holding device (22) acts continuously. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second holding device (22, 23) is formed by at least one suction box (17, 18) located below the first and / or second conveying means (5, 6) . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction box (18) is connected to a vacuum source via an electrical or mechanical switching valve (19). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second conveying means (5, 6) is / are air-permeable. Method of feeding flat, flaky overlapping objects, in particular Metal sheets, with at least one leading edge stop a processing machine, in particular a sheet metal printing or painting machine, with a first conveyor zone in which the objects at a first, constant speed can be transported in a shingled arrangement and with a second, following the first production zone Conveyor zone, in which the foremost object taken over at first speed and then slowed to a second speed will so that it is at the second speed against at least one leading edge stop or the front edge stop at this speed is approaching. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the second speed is almost zero or zero.

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