EP1206402B1 - Method and device for distributing a predetermined number of sheets from a stream of sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device for distributing a predetermined number of sheets ( 410, 412, 414, 416 ) from a group of sheets in which a plurality of sheets is arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in a sheet transport direction (P) in such a way that the leading edges of the sheets in the paper transport direction are spaced apart by a certain length of displacement (X), wherein the group of sheets is moved in the sheet transport direction (P) by a predetermined distance which depends on the number of sheets to be distributed and on the sheet displacement, a respective sheet constituting the leading sheet in the sheet transport direction (P) being distributed from the group of sheets as soon as the respective leading sheet has reached a distributing unit ( 504 ) as a result of the movement.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and means for outputting a predetermined number of Scroll from a group of leaves, the group of Sheets comprises a plurality of sheets that are in one Sheet or paper running direction arranged in such a way scaled are that in the direction of the paper leading edges of the sheets are offset by an offset in the group.

Paper handling systems are known in the prior art, where, for example, 2-use printed sheets one Cutting machine are fed, separated by this are provided, and subsequent processing become. Here, the 2-up are printed Sheets using suitable machines, e.g. Mergerh, stacked on top of each other and thus lie for further processing on subsequent paper handling machines.

For further processing of the individual provided in this way Sheets take over the following machines, per machine cycle, a sheet provided, depending on the downstream machines, for example from the provided Scroll individual groups are formed must then be inserted, for example.

The cycle with which the cutting machine works and with which the individual sheets to the subsequent machines provided is higher than the clock cycle of one subsequent inserter. Let’s take as an example that the cutting machine for a fixed period of time Can cut 1000 times while the inserter 100 times can insert. This leads to a first Case in which the inserter only processes single sheets, the cutting machine is stopped regularly because there are too many Leaves would be provided by this, whereas in a second case, in which the inserter fifteen Sheets inserted, the inserter stopped regularly must be because the cutting machine is not sufficient can provide many sheets. Are in the prior art already known solutions to avoid the associated Disadvantages of a buffer between the cutting machine and switch the subsequent machines to one to enable continuous operation of the cutting machine. In this case, the individual, from the cutting machine output sheets entered into the buffer, and after reaching a predetermined number of sheets, e.g. switched to a second buffer level, so that the in the first buffer level contain sheets of further processing can be fed while simultaneously in the second buffer sheets output from the cutting machine can be entered. Such a device is for example in U.S. Patent 5,083,769.

However, the disadvantage of such devices is that the takeover of those issued by the cutting machines Pages that were merged by the merger takes a long time after the sheets are individually in the buffer must be handed over. If the leaves are provided in pairs, two sheets can be transferred in parallel. Large groups are consecutive hand two sheets in parallel. Furthermore arise at larger buffers or with odd number of sheets or group sizes or with even numbers of sheets and unpaired output Performance losses, since such systems to form a Group, depending on the number of sheets, need two or more bars.

DE 197 43 020 A1 describes a device for separating of printed products in the form of a scale covered sequence. A foremost of the printed products is detected in the "scale stream" and in the singling device accelerated forwarded, so that sets a distance to the following printed products and thus the desired separation occurs. Instead of complete isolation can also be the degree of coverage the scale flow by appropriate control to be changed. Formation of groups with a plurality of leaves is not possible.

DE-OS 2 207 175 shows an apparatus for forming Stack. Single sheets are clocked on a first conveyor belt fed, depending on the clock in scaled form are placed on the first section of the conveyor belt. A trigger mechanism is moved over a carriage, whereby an oscillating slide movement is provided, so that there was no copy during the entire carriage advance pulled off a faster running, further conveyor belt is, and so that when sled retraction gripped by a role Specimens with increased speed atm collection magazine are fed. This creates a gap in the further transport on the conveyor belt.

US-A-4,873,547 relates to an image forming apparatus such as. a copier that next to a scanner and an image forming device a paper path to create double-sided or multiple layers has printed prints. The double-sided paper path comprises a bundle conveyor consisting of two pairs of rollers and a feed device that a pair of rollers has and at the exit of the bundle conveyor followed. When issuing the bundled Leaves a time-consuming control process is required, being used to output the bundled sheets Sensor is required which is the leading edge of the first Sheet detected, the time for the feed of the Leaf bundle is selected to the leaf bundle or the Leading edge of the first sheet from the sensor by one to move predetermined distance further. The predetermined one Distance is again the distance of the sensor from dependent on a pair of roles. Around a plurality of sheets output is a sensor for detecting the leading edge of the sheet of the first sheet required. It is also an intermittent one On / off operation of the pair of rollers of the feed device required.

Based on this prior art, the present Invention based on the object, a method and a To create device that is simple and accelerated Group formation with a minimum number of required Support machine clocks in paper handling systems.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and solved by a device according to claim 6.

The present invention is based on the finding that that by the type of output according to the invention to be processed Leaf through the disadvantages described above State of the art can be overcome as the 2-use printed, superimposed with a small longitudinal offset (pre-scaled) leaves are easy to separate.

Larger groups can be formed in a simple manner with additional, already pre-scaled leaves, a larger scale stream is formed. The state of the art Machines known in the art enable such a procedure not, but only enable the formation of the Scale flow from single sheets or with non-offset Double benefit. In contrast, the present invention has the advantage that the inventive method and the device according to the invention in a simple manner by a slight extension of the clock a predetermined one Number of sheets issued in the form of a group can be.

According to one embodiment, the first speed is equal to the third speed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention a transport unit is provided in which the sheets are flaked. The transport unit moves depending on the number of sheets to be output, the stream of shingles clocked so that the same in the direction of a Output unit is moved, which on the output unit front sheet from the paper handling machine in the direction of paper travel is issued. Through this configuration can easily by a minor Extending the clock a predetermined number of sheets in the form of a group.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present Invention, the transport unit is another transport unit upstream, in which leaves are continuously collected and scaled down and after reaching a predetermined number of sheets to the transport unit be handed over. In this embodiment at least two already scaled in one cycle Sheets taken into a paper handling machine, without this, as would be the case with the prior art pre-scaled leaves would slide together again. This is achieved in that the leading sheet on the The leading edge of the sheet and the trailing sheet on the trailing edge of the sheet is braked. Through this continuous infeed The merged leaves will have a high performance boost reached. A process that involves the provision of allows at least two leaves in a scaly form described in DE 199 35 186 A.

According to a further advantage, the present invention enables the operation of a paper handling machine with medium group sizes, the number of leaves per Group lies between the above limits, at which a precursor machine (e.g. cutting machine) or one Follower machine (e.g. inserter) must be stopped.

Further preferred configurations of the present invention are defined in the subclaims.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Papierhandhabungssystems, in dem die vorliegende Erfindung implementiert ist;

Fig. 2A-2E

eine schematische Darstellung der Funktionsweise eines ersten Abschnitts einer Papierhandhabungsmaschine;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des zweiten Abschnitts der Papierhandhabungsmaschine;

Fig. 4A-4C

eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Abschnitts der Papierhandhabungsmaschine, die ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung implementiert;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht der Papierhandhabungsmaschine mit den in Fig. 3 und 5 dargestellten Abschnitten; und

Fig. 7A-7D

Beispiele für die Transporteinheiten in der Papierhandhabungsmaschine aus Fig. 6.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic representation of a paper handling system in which the present invention is implemented;

2A-2E

is a schematic representation of the operation of a first section of a paper handling machine;

Fig. 3

a side view of the second section of the paper handling machine;

4A-4C

a schematic representation of the method according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a side view of the first portion of the paper handling machine implementing a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a side view of the paper handling machine with the sections shown in Figures 3 and 5. and

7A-7D

Examples of the transport units in the paper handling machine from FIG. 6.

The following description relates to a paper handling system, in which the device according to the invention and the inventive methods are implemented. Regarding of the individual figures it is pointed out that in these same or equivalent elements with the same reference numerals are provided.

1 schematically shows an example of a paper handling system shown, which is essentially four separate Sections A - D includes.

Section A of the paper handling system becomes 2-use printed sheets 100 fed to a cutting machine, and the paper web is cut lengthways and crossways around the cut sheets 100a and 100b, which are described in section B are merged in such a way that the Leaves 100a and 100b are arranged in shingled relationship thus in a sheet or paper running direction P by a predetermined Offset (scale length) X are shifted. Of the merger section B, the two are arranged in shingles Pass sheets 100a and 100b to section C, in which the fed sheets are cached before in section D e.g. passed on to a collecting station become.

Section C is divided into sections C1 and C2, wherein section C1 is a section of the sheet handling machine represents, which is based on 3 is described in more detail. Section C2 also provides a section of the paper handling machine , which is described in more detail below using the Fig. 5 is described. Section C presents in its Taken as a whole, the paper handling machine described later in FIG. 6 represents.

In section C1 the scaly leaves are arranged 100a and 100b continuously fed until a predetermined one Number is reached, and then the one so formed Scale flow in a single cycle to section C2 transferred from which, then, clocked, single sheets or Groups of sheets are fed to the collecting station, such as this will be described in detail later.

1 is shown as an example in section A and B, like single sheets or groups of sheets in the double benefit are arranged. Leaves belonging to the same group belong with the same lowercase letters. The Group a comprises only one sheet, which comprises group b two sheets, and group c comprises three sheets.

As described later with reference to the following figures is the simplest possible Way the takeover of shingled arranged Scroll to section C and issue the sheets in groups to the following processing machines D.

An exemplary paper handling machine is shown on the basis of the following figures described the present invention implemented. In the description below are the individual components of the machine in Figures 3 and 5 described, their operation is explained schematically in advance with reference to Figures 2 and 4.

As already stated above, the present invention works from already scaled leaves, whereby in the following description, first the simplicity half it is assumed that only two flakes arranged sheets are to be adopted.

In Fig. 2 is a method for taking over shingled leaves generally described, being first, simplicity half, it is assumed that only two flakes arranged sheets are to be adopted.

The situation is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2A, in which is a first sheet 200 and a second sheet 202 in one Direction of paper or sheet of a direction not shown in detail Paper handling machine can be fed. How to the first sheet is 200 and the second sheet 202 in the paper running direction P by the one already described Offset X arranged shifted, so have a scale length X on that in a preferred embodiment 20 mm, but are in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm can.

The offset X or the scale length X is defined by the distance of the front edge 200a in the paper running direction P of the first sheet 200 to the front in the paper running direction P. Edge 202a of the second sheet.

A first scale roll is also shown schematically in FIG. 2A 204 depicted with respect to sheets 200 and 202 is arranged. The scale roll 204 is part of a first transport unit shown in the following figures is described in more detail. It is also schematic a brake roller 206 is shown which is relative to the blades 200 and 202 between a first position and a second Position is movable, the brake roller 206 in Fig. 2A is in its first position in which it is sheets 200 and 202 is not engaged.

Sheets 200 and 202 are not replaced by one in FIG shown feeder at a first speed supplied according to a preferred embodiment is about 3 m / s, but also in the range of Can be 2 m / s to 3 m / s.

2B shows the situation in which the first sheet 200, more precisely its edge 200a, has reached the scale roller 204. As already mentioned, the scale roller 204 is part of the transport unit to be described below, which moves the picked up or taken over sheets at a speed which is preferably approximately 0.25 m / s, but in the range of 0.2 m / s s can be up to 2 m / s. The first or transport speed v ₁ is dependent on the form height VH, i.e. the format length in the paper running direction P, the scale length X and the second or feed speed v ₂ (v ₁ = f (VH, X, v ₂ )).

If the sheets 200, 202 reach the scale roll 204, see above they are slowed down by their feeding speed, and to avoid that the two sheets 200 and 202 overlap slide, the brake roller 206 is of its in Fig. 2A shown in its first position shown in FIG. 2B Switched position in the same with one in the paper running direction rear edge 202b of the second sheet 202 engaging takes and brakes them so that the shingled arrangement the two sheets 200 and 202 are retained. The Brake roller causes the second blade 202 to speed up of approx. 2 m / s is braked, however, this speed also in the range of 0.2 m / s to 2 m / s lie. The brake roller 206 is switched as soon as it does Sheet 200 has reached the scale roll 204. according to a preferred embodiment is the first speed (Feed speed) equal to the third speed (Deceleration speed). This situation will preferred, because in this case ideal behavior the takeover results. In this case the scale length of the taken over leaves equal to the scale length of the on the Device adjacent leaves.

The transport unit for moving the taken over Sheets are driven continuously, and after reaching them the first scale roll 204 turns the two sheets around moved a distance equal to the number of Leaves times the scale length X is.

In Figure 2C, this situation is along with the insertion shown more sheets in the paper handling machine. Sheets 200 and 200a are already around a first Part of the distance between the first scale roll 204 and a second scale roller 208 have been moved the distance between the two scale rollers 204 and 208 is equal to the number of leaves times the scale length. Dependent from the offset or the scale length X of the to be introduced the sheets to be taken over are the scale rolls arranged accordingly adjustable, so different Being able to handle formats. The distance of the Rolling is smaller than the smallest possible form height (Format length or length of a sheet in the direction of paper travel measured). With a format length of 3.5 "(8.89 cm) the Distance 3 "(7.62 cm) so that the sheet is transported further is surely taken by the following role.

Furthermore, two further sheets 210 and 212 are additionally fed and after this is not yet in the field of Scale roller 204 have arrived, the brake roller is 206 in its first position, in which no intervention done with the leaves.

In FIG. 2D, sheets 200 and 202 were taken from the Situation in Fig. 2C so that the sheet 200 now is present on the scale roller 208. The new sheet 210 reached with its front edge 210a in the paper running direction the first scale roller 204 and is braked there, and at the same time the brake roller 206 is actuated, who switched from their first to their second position to have a rear edge 212b in the paper travel direction of the second sheet 212 to engage that sheet braking in the manner already described above, so that the new sheets 210 and 212 slide together avoid.

2E shows a further example in which instead of the two leaves described so far, four leaves 214, 216, 218, 220 fed. The situation is in Fig. 2E shown in which the sheet 214 already on the scale roll 204 has arrived so that the supplied sheets are braked become. To avoid the remaining leaves 216, 218, and 220 were sliding together at the time when the first sheet 214 has reached the scale roll 204, brake roller 206 into the second shown in FIG. 2E Position moved so that a braking effect on the sheets 216-220 is exercised so that they do not shift.

3 is a first section of the paper handling machine shown.

The portion of the device shown in Fig. 3 is in provided with the reference number 300 in its entirety. The Section 300 includes an inlet section 302 and one first transport unit 304.

The inlet section 302 includes an inlet 306 that passes through two guides 306a converging in the paper running direction P. and 306b, and for feeding the at least two Sheets in the paper running direction P to the section 300 is used. Adjacent to the front ends of the paper in direction P Guides 306a and 306b is a pair of feed rollers 308a, 308b arranged, the feed roller 308a by a, in Fig. 3 motor, not shown, is driven. The pressure force between the rollers 308a and 308b can over a Adjustment screw 310, by means of the position of the roller 308b can be changed with respect to the roller 308a become. The rollers 308a and 308b are on a frame 312 of the inlet section 302. The infeed rollers 308a and 308b are driven to feed sheets preferably at a speed of 2 m / s to 6 m / s of 3 m / s.

Following the infeed rollers 308a and 308b, the an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3 Trap 314 provided. The trap 314 includes a deflecting element 316, as well as two arranged adjacent to the deflecting element Deflection guides 318a and 318b. The deflection device 316 can between the position shown in Fig. 3, in the whose rear tip in the paper running direction is adjacent to the Infeed roller 308a is arranged in a second position can be switched over in the direction in which the paper runs Tip of the deflector 316 adjacent to the Roll 308b is shown. Depending on the position of the Deflection device is by the deflection device 316 and the respective deflection guide 318a or 318b is a first leaf path 320a or a second leaf path 320b is formed, via which the sheets fed toward the transport unit 304 be moved. The trap 314 allows the fed "Double sheets" optionally, depending on the position of the Trap, scaled ascending or descending in the direction of the transport unit 304 to move.

Each of the sheet paths 320a and 320b is a brake roller 323a and 323b. By operating a magnetic Actuator 324a and 324b becomes the respective brake roller 322a or 322b from their first position, in which no intervention with the leaves fed through the leaf paths, moved to its second position, in which an engagement-with the rear edge of the second sheet of the fed Sheets are made to slow this down. Through a Motor, not shown in Fig. 3, are the two brake rollers 322a and 322b driven, the braking speed is in the range of 0.2 m / s to 2 m / s, preferably at 2 m / s.

The brake roller 322a is released after the activation of the Actuator 324a by gravitational force into its first Position moves back, whereas roller 322b after completion activation of actuator 324b by the restoring force a spring 326 in its rest or first position is moved back. In another embodiment, where the gravitational force is not sufficient to To move brake roller 322a back sufficiently quickly is this also assigned a spring.

The first transport unit 304, which forms a buffer for receiving a multiplicity of "double sheets", in which these sheets are received in a scaled manner, comprises a conveyor belt 328, which is driven as continuously as possible and is guided over two guide rollers 330a and 330b, and over a motor, not shown in FIG. 3, is operated at a continuous speed which is in the range from 0.2 m / s to 2 m / s, preferably at 0.25 m / s (v ₁ = f (VH, X, v ₂ )). The rollers 330a and 330b are carried in a frame 332, which is shown schematically in FIG. 3. Four scale rollers 334a-334d are further provided, which are arranged in contact with the conveyor belt 328 and are spaced apart from one another by a distance which is dependent on the number of sheets fed simultaneously and the offset of the sheets. The individual scale rollers 334a-334d are movably attached (see arrow 336) to a chain 338, which is shown schematically in FIG. 3. The chain shown schematically is guided over transport rollers 340a and 340b, also shown schematically. The chain, in conjunction with the scale rollers, serves to adjust the transport unit 304 to certain formats of the sheets. The transport unit described is only shown schematically, and it is obvious that the number and the distance of the rolls depends on the sheets or sheet formats used (form height) and the number of sheets to be picked up. An example is shown in the figure in which the rollers are spaced 3 "(7.62 cm) apart.

The transport unit 304 also includes, for safe takeover the fed double sheets from the inlet 302, two parallel guides 342 and 344, which are extend along the entire transport unit 304.

The operation of section 300 is such that the Double sheets are fed through inlet 306, and once the first of the double sheets the first scale roll 334a reached, the double sheets are braked, and to Avoiding the leaves sliding on each other becomes too the time at which a leading edge of the first sheet the scale roller 334α reaches one of the brake rollers 322a or 322b by actuating the corresponding actuator activated so with a rear edge of the second Leaf of the double leaves to engage so that a Sliding the sheets together is avoided. Subsequently the sheets are moved further by the transport unit 304, with additional double sheets fed simultaneously until a predetermined number of double sheets is contained in the transport unit 304. As soon as the predetermined number of sheets included in unit 304 these are sent to a subsequent transport unit in one cycle, which will be described later.

With regard to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 it is pointed out that the provision of the Trap and the associated double execution of the Brake rollers 322a and 322b is optional. The trap can, for example be omitted entirely, or double Brake rollers can, for example, by a single brake roller, which is subordinate to the trap.

It is also noted that instead of the driven Brake roller also a brake roller can be used which have increased running resistance compared to conventional rollers has, so that by pressing them against a rear Edge on the second sheet a corresponding delay the same is achieved.

4A to 4C, a first embodiment of the inventive method and a second Section of the paper handling machine schematically explained. The portion of the paper handling machine shown in Fig. 4 serves a predetermined number of sheets, which are arranged in a transport unit (not shown) are to spend in a simple way.

In Fig. 4A is schematically one in the paper running direction P last arranged transport roller 400 and an output roller 402 shown. As an example, assume that four leaves 410, 412, 414 and 416 are shingled. The single ones Sheets 410 to 416 are arranged so that their in Paper running direction P front edges offset by the distance X are arranged.

FIG. 4B shows the situation in which from the 4A illustrated sheet flow only a single sheet, namely the sheet 410 is to be output. this happens in that the transport unit moves the sheet stream caused by a predetermined distance so that only the leading edge of the first sheet 410 in contact with the Output roller 402 is brought. Through this clocked movement of the leaves and due to the continuous movement the output roller 402 is done by the as in FIG. 4B Arrow indicated the output of sheet 410 from the sheet stream.

4C shows the situation in which a group of leaves, namely leaves 412 and 414 from the leaf stream should be removed, in which case the Transport device a movement of the leaves or the Leaf flow causes the moving distance through the Number of sheets in the group and by the offset of the Leaves is determined. Through this clocked movement causes that now the first sheet 412 in the Sheet stream is brought to the output roller 402 and through this is removed, and subsequently the sheet 414 to the Output roller 402 is brought and is also removed.

The advantage of this approach is that it is due to the scaled arrangement and the chosen type of Movement of the leaf flow is not required to be a complete Format length, e.g. to spend two sheets it is enough just a distance to bridge that arranged essentially by the offset of the Leaves is determined.

Through this type of output of the individual sheets from which Leaf flow can be the one already shown with reference to FIG. 1 Grouping of the individual leaves in a simple way way, namely by first issuing the Single sheet a the meanwhile existing scale flow or sheet current is moved by the offset X, so that only that Sheet a to exit rollers 402 during this movement is created. This is done in the same way below Movement of the shingled stream a little further away, which is caused by a bar that is a little longer is as the first measure, so that the two Sheets of group b are placed on the original rolls. The group-wise output takes place in the same way the leaves of group c.

5 is the one described schematically with reference to FIG. 4 Section in an embodiment according to an embodiment shown. Section 500 includes a second Transport unit 502 and an output unit 504.

The second transport unit 502 comprises a pair of guides 506 and 508, which are from an entrance to the transport unit Extend 502 to an output 512 thereof. The transport unit 502 further comprises a conveyor belt 514, which is clocked by a motor not shown in FIG. 5 can be driven, and via two rollers 516a and 516b. The rollers 516a and 516b are in turn attached to a frame 518 as shown in FIG. 5 is shown schematically.

Four transport rollers 520a to 520d are also provided, which cooperate with the conveyor belt 514, and by one predetermined distance from each other are. The individual transport rollers 520a to 520d are on attached to a chain 522, shown schematically in Fig. 5 chain 522, in turn, also over schematically illustrated rollers 524a and 524b is guided. As shown by arrow 526, the roles are corresponding movable, so an attitude to different Enable formats. The transport unit described is only shown schematically and it is obvious that the number and spacing of the rolls of the sheets or sheet formats used (form height) and the number of sheets to be picked up. In the Figure shows an example where the reels are 3 " (7.62 cm) are spaced.

In the second transport unit 502, the in the in Fig. 3 shown, first transport unit recorded Sheets inserted as soon as the first transport unit maximum possible or a predetermined number of sheets added Has. The individual are in the transport unit 502 Leaves are shingled and face each other one of their front edges in the direction of paper travel predetermined offset.

Closes at the output 512 of the second transport unit 502 the output unit 504 with its input 528, whereby immediately after the entrance 528 a stopper device 530 is provided which is on a portion of the frame 532 of the Output unit 504 is attached.

The stop device enables stopping or provision a group of leaves. Is the following paper handling machine, e.g. the collecting station, ready to receive, and the leaves were at the stop point provided, is the way to the collection station shorter, which enables a further increase in performance becomes. Another example is one of the paper handling device downstream inserter accepted. While this is a group of sheets or single sheets located therein no more sheets are placed on the envelope Envelope issued. In this situation, the Stopper device already the one to be processed next Group or sheet to be processed next in the direction the output of the paper handling machine are moved and be provided at the stopper so that when the inserter to record the next group or the next Sheet is ready, the distance to be bridged is shorter than with a feed from the second transport unit, so that the feed is faster.

Furthermore, the stopper device opens, alternatively or additionally to the first-mentioned functionality described above the stopper device, the possibility of a group to "buffer" (store) while the shingled stream in the example shown in Fig. 6A from the first Transfer the transport unit to the second transport unit becomes. As a result, the slightly longer intermediate bar, which is used for Handover may be required, not a degradation.

In the paper running direction P behind the stop device 530 a pair of sensor rollers 534a and 534b is arranged by means of that between the two rollers 534a and 534b Leaves are counted. The count is done such that a corresponding through the passing leaves Spacing of the two rollers 534a and 534b will, in turn, shift the signaling lever 536 for an inductive measuring element 538 causes a change in inductance sets based on the the number of between roles 534a and 534b continuous sheets can be detected. at an alternative embodiment, the sensor can also are arranged in front of the output 512.

Located behind the rollers 534a and 534b in the paper travel direction P. the output rollers 540a and 540b, which over in Fig. 5 motors not shown continuously with a predetermined speed are driven in the range from 2 m / s to 5 m / s, preferably 4.75 m / s. The rollers 534 and 540 are on the frame 532 of the section 504 attached. The exit rollers 540a, 540b and the last one Transport rollers 520d are spaced a distance which ensures that an engagement of the sheet by the Exit rolls occur when the shingled stream is moved. The distance between the rollers is smaller than the smallest possible Form height (format length or length of a sheet in Direction of paper measured). With a format length of 3.5 " (8.89 cm) the distance is 3 '' (7.62 cm) so that the sheet when moving on from the following role safely is taken.

In operation of section 500, it is first determined how many of the sheets contained in the transport unit 502 to a subsequent processing device during a cycle are to be issued. Depending on the number of output Leaves are determined by what distance the in arranged in the direction of the transport unit 502 the output unit is to be moved, and this movement is then performed with the output rolls 540a and 540b the front one in the paper running direction Subtract sheet of the stream of scale, in the event that for example, only a single leaf from the stream of flakes a corresponding movement is to be removed the scale flow by means of the transport unit 502 in such a way that only the foremost sheet leaves the exit rollers 540a and 540b is provided so that during this clock only this single sheet is output. Should be several Leaves, e.g. three sheets, will be issued, the The shingled stream moves for a period that is slightly larger than the cycle time required to output a single sheet, however, is significantly lower than for two separate issues Leaves so that in this case the one after the other Sheets of the subsequent processing unit arriving at the output rolls are fed. This will within provided a group at a time that was significantly shorter is as the amount of time that is conventionally required is, for example, three individual sheets for a group to feed a subsequent processing unit.

Depending on the number of sheets to be output, i.e. the Size of the group will accelerate to the leaves more so the highest possible speed of output to reach.

6A, the entire paper handling machine is 600 shown, and as can be seen, this exposes itself section 300 and section 500 together, the Section 500 to section 300 in the paper running direction P follows. Instead of the configuration shown in Fig. 6A the paper handling machine are others, however Configurations possible.

6B is another embodiment of the paper handling machine 602 shown, in which the transport units 304 and 502 are arranged parallel to one another, between the inlet unit 302 and the output unit 504. A deflection device 604 is between the inlet unit 302 and the two transport units 304 and 502, which is effective to first double sheets one of the two Feed transport equipment. Once the predetermined or the maximum possible number of sheets in one of the transport devices is added, the deflection device is on the other of the two transport units switched, and the Double sheets are in continuous form the further Transport unit fed. At the same time, the operation the first transport unit from continuously to clocked switched, and the predetermined number of sheets in groups in the manner described above and clocked via the device 606 to the output unit 504 forwarded.

In addition to the configurations described in the previous figures the transport units are also other realizations possible, especially in connection with the Setting the appropriate formats.

7, further configurations are described below the transport units and the format settings described in more detail.

7A shows the two transport units 304 and 502, taking the appropriate setting of the formats by increasing and reducing the number accordingly reached by scale rollers 334 or transport rollers 520 becomes. Depending on the format, more or fewer roles used.

7B shows the transport units 304 and 502, the conveyor belts in this case by so-called Vacuum belts are realized. 7C is one further embodiment shown, in which the transport units 304 and 502 are made in one piece. In Fig. 7D is another embodiment of the format setting shown.

As is clear from the above description these compared to the devices known in the prior art, due to the advance, the continuous entry and the clocked outlet a number of advantages.

The 2-up printed sheets are placed on top of each other, with a slight longitudinal offset, so that these leaves are pre-scaled and later easy to separate. If larger groups are formed, the others, pre-scaled leaves formed a larger scale stream.

In the machines known from the prior art this only with single sheets or with non-offset double sheets possible. Dislocated, i.e. pre-scaled leaves, would slide together again in such machines. This As described above, the problem is solved by that the leading sheet on the sheet leading edge and slowed down the trailing sheet on the trailing edge of the sheet becomes. The shingled stream is used to transport the group onward to a subsequent transport that moves the group takes over, the path by which the shingled stream moves is equal to the number of leaves times the scale length is.

The paper handling machine described above enables the continuous intake of merged leaves and thus a high increase in performance, because even with group separation within the merged leaves these from the forerunner can be spent together. So there is only one bar required. This enables the use of continuously current forerunners, e.g. Rotary cutting machine etc., which means a further increase in performance.

As described above, is according to one embodiment of the present invention is a paper handling machine formed, essentially from a feed transport with brake, a trap, a shed transport, and there is an output transport as in the previous one have been described with reference to the figures. The feed transport device with brake serves to slip avoid damage to the incoming sheets, and, as has already been described, the shed transports can be arranged in two levels, and are from each other can be operated independently.

When operating the paper handling systems described above is first in a cutting machine (Fig. 1) cut a paper web lengthways and crossways. The cut like that Leaves are placed side by side in pairs the merger (Fig. 1) hand over the leaves with a slight longitudinal offset on top of each other.

The (merged) merged by the forerunner Leaves are offset with a small length of about 20 mm from the feed handling 302 of the paper handling machine. The leading edge of the leading sheet turns on the scale roller 334a braked, the lagging sheet becomes braked at the rear edge. This avoids that the sheets are pushed over each other again. Further "Double leaves" become, depending on the position of the trap 314, scaled ascending or descending, continuously transported into the transport unit 304 of the buffer, until the route is completely filled.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6A are the transport units or the buffers one after the other arranged, the newly formed scale flow in the first Transport unit 302 after reaching a predetermined Number of sheets and if the second transport unit is emptied completely in one intermediate cycle the first transport unit to the second transport unit is handed over.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 6B, when reached the filling state of the first transport unit 302, the switching device 604 activated so that while the leaves now in the second level in the manner described above and Run in, the first level is emptied clocked.

Due to the longitudinal offset of the individual sheets can by a short or longer feed (cycle) of individual sheets or whole groups in the correct sheet sequence to the output transport 504 are passed. This transfers the group then e.g. to a collecting station, in which the leaves are along and be pushed open across so that they are exactly on top of each other lie. The group is then sent to a follower, e.g. on Folder or an inserting machine.

The advantages of the present invention are that very high sheet outputs can be achieved because it is continuous Sheets can be picked up without Change of group should be respected. Another advantage is that the forerunners and followers can be operated independently, i.e., the The cutting machine and the collecting station brake, for example not mutually exclusive. By scaling the Leaves become a slight separation or group formation allows.

According to the present invention, through the pre-pitching rapid group formation at a low speed can be achieved. In pairs or unpaired groups there are no differences in performance, large groups can can be handled with a slightly longer cycle, start-stop operation of the cutting machine is avoided, so that there is a higher sheet performance, and there is a low functional risk due to the relatively low Transport speeds.

Claims (15)

1. A method for distributing a plurality of sheets from a group of sheets, said group of sheets comprising a plurality of sheets (410, 412, 414, 416) which are arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in a sheet transport direction (P) in such a way that leading edges of the sheets in the sheet transport direction (P) are spaced apart in the group by a certain length of displacement (X), said method characterized by the following step:

   (a) moving the group of shingled sheets in the sheet transport direction (P) by a predetermined distance which depends on the number of sheets to be distributed and on the sheet displacement,

   wherein a respective sheet constituting the leading sheet in the sheet transport direction (P) is distributed from the group of sheets as soon as the respective leading sheet has reached a distributing unit (504) as a.result of the movement, said distributing unit (504) being driven continuously at least during the movement in step (a).
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the following steps:

   (a.1.) determining the distance in dependence upon the number of sheets to be distributed and the sheet displacement; and

   (a.2.) driving a transport unit (502) for a predetermined period of time which depends on the distance determined in step (a.1.);

   wherein the distributing unit (504) is driven continuously.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the following step:

   (b) repeating step (a) so as to distribute further individual sheets or groups of sheets.
4. A method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of distributed sheets is detected.
5. A method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the group of sheets is moved at a speed of 0.25 m/s and the respective leading sheet is distributed at a speed of 4.75 m/s.
6. A device for distributing a plurality of sheets from a group of sheets from a sheet handling machine (600, 602), said group of sheets comprising a plurality of sheets (410, 412, 414, 416) which are arranged in a first transport unit (502) in a shingled mode of arrangement in a sheet transport direction (P) in such a way that leading edges of the sheets in the sheet transport direction (P) are spaced apart in said group by a certain length of displacement (X), characterized in that
   the transport unit moves the group of shingled sheets in the sheet transport direction (P) by a predetermined distance in the direction of the distributing unit (504), said predetermined distance depending on the number of sheets to be distributed and on the sheet displacement, and
   said distributing unit (504) is continuously driven at least as long as the group of shingled sheets is being moved by the transport unit, and wherein the distributing unit (504) distributes from the group of sheets a respective leading sheet in the sheet transport direction (P) as soon as the respective leading sheet has reached the distributing unit (504) as a result of the movement.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the transport unit (502) comprises a conveying belt (514) driven in a clocked mode and a plurality of shingle rolls (520a - 520d) which are pretensioned towards the conveying belt (514) and which are spaced apart in the sheet transport direction (P) by a distance determined by the sheet format and the sheet displacement.
8. A device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a means (300) which is used for transferring to the sheet handling machine (600, 602) at least two sheets arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in the sheet transport direction and which includes a second transport unit (304) which, after the transfer, moves the at least two sheets at a first speed, a first and a second sheet of the at least two sheets being spaced by a length of displacement in the sheet transport direction (P), said means comprising:

   a feed roll (308a, 308b) which feeds the at least two sheets to the sheet handling machine at a second speed, said second speed being higher than the first speed; and

   a brake roll (322a, 322b) which decelerates the second sheet to a third speed as soon as the first sheet is decelerated by the transport unit (304), the third speed being lower than the second speed.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the second transport unit (304) comprises a first shingle roll (334a) which engages the edge of the first sheet constituting the leading edge in the sheet transport direction (P), and wherein the brake roll (322a, 322b) engages the edge of the second sheet constituting the trailing edge in the sheet transport direction (P), as soon as the shingle roll (334a) has engaged the first sheet.
10. A device according to claim 8 or 9 comprising a trap (314), which is arranged between the feed roll (308a, 308b) and the first shingle roll (334a), the trap (314) causing descending shingles of sheets in a first position and ascending shingles of sheets in a second position.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the brake roll (322a) is associated with a first sheet path (320a) along which the at least two sheets travel when the trap (314) is at the first position, an additional brake roll (322b) being provided, which is associated with a second sheet path (320b) along which the at least two sheets travel when the trap (314) is at the second position.
12. A device according to one of the claims 6 to 12, wherein the distributing unit (504) includes a counter which detects the number of sheets distributed.
13. A device according to one of the claims 8 to 13, wherein the second transport unit (304) is arranged in front of the first transport unit (502) when seen in the sheet transport direction (P).
14. A device according to one of the claims 8 to 13, wherein the second transport unit (304) is arranged such that it extends parallel to the first transport unit (502), said device comprising the following additional feature:

    a deflection means (604) which is arranged in front of the first and second transport units (502, 304) when seen in the sheet transport direction (P) and which conducts sheets to the first transport unit when occupying a first position and sheets to the second transport unit when occupying a second position,

    said deflection means (604) switching over from said first to said second position, when a predetermined number of sheets has been received in the respective transport unit.
15. A device according to one of the claims 8 to 14, wherein the third speed is equal to the first speed.

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