EP1206407B1 - Method and device for transferring at least two overlapped sheets to a sheet-handling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and a device for transferring at least two sheets, which are arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in a sheet transport direction, to a sheet handling machine in which the at least two sheets are moved at a first speed after the transfer, a first and a second sheet being spaced by a certain length of displacement in the sheet transport direction. The two sheets are first supplied to the sheet handling machine at a second speed which is higher than the first speed. As soon as the first sheet is decelerated to the first speed in the sheet handling machine, the second sheet is decelerated to a third speed which is lower than the second speed.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for taking over at least two, in one Sheet or paper running direction arranged in shingles Scrolling into a sheet or paper handling machine, in which the at least two sheets after the takeover with one first speed to be moved.

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. mergers, placed 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.

US-A-4,040,617 relates to a sheet overlap device which between a fast and a slow conveyor is positioned to sheets from the fast conveyor slow down and the same on an overlapping Way to transfer into the slow conveyor. It describes a sheet overlap device that is slightly different from each other separately arranged sheets by a cutter be fed from the quick to the slow conveyor transferred. The takeover of in a sheet running direction is arranged overlapping sheets not described.

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 7.

(a) Zuführen der zumindest zwei Blätter zu der Blatthandhabungsmaschine mit einer zweiten Geschwindigkeit, wobei die zweite Geschwindigkeit höher ist als die erste Geschwindigkeit; und

(b) Abbremsen des zweiten Blattes auf eine dritte Geschwindigkeit, sobald das erste Blatt in der Blatthandhabungsmaschine auf die erste Geschwindigkeit abgebremst wird, wobei die dritte Geschwindigkeit niedriger ist als die zweite Geschwindigkeit.

The present invention provides a method for transferring at least two sheets, which are arranged in a sheet running direction, in a sheet handling machine, in which the at least two sheets are moved at a first speed after transfer, a first and a second sheet of the at least two sheets in Sheet direction are offset by an offset, with the following steps:

(a) feeding the at least two sheets to the sheet handling machine at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed; and

(b) decelerating the second sheet to a third speed as soon as the first sheet in the sheet handling machine is decelerated to the first speed, the third speed being lower than the second speed.

The present invention provides an apparatus for transferring at least two sheets that are shingled in a sheet travel direction into a sheet handling machine, which comprises a transport unit that moves the at least two sheets after transfer at a first speed, a first sheet and a second sheet of the at least two sheets are offset by an offset in the paper travel direction
an infeed roller which feeds the at least two sheets of the sheet handling machine at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed; and
a brake roller which brakes the second sheet to a third speed as soon as the first sheet is braked by the transport unit, the third speed being lower than the second speed.

The present invention is based on the finding that that by the advancement of the invention to be processed Leaves the disadvantages described above in the prior art Technology can be overcome by the 2-way printed Leaves superimposed with a small longitudinal offset become, i.e. the leaves are scaled so that these are easy to separate later. In a simple way and In this way, larger groups can be formed by using further, already pre-scaled leaves, a larger one Scale flow is formed. The known in the prior art Machines enable such an approach not, but only allow the formation of the shingled stream from single sheets or with non-offset double benefit. In contrast, the present invention has the advantage that by the inventive method and the inventive Device for taking over in one cycle at least two leaves that are already shingled into one Paper handling machine can be taken over without that, as would be the case with the prior art, they were scaled Leaves would slide together again. According to the invention this problem is solved in that the leading Sheet on the leading edge of the sheet and the trailing one Leaf at the rear edge of the leaf is braked.

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

According to an embodiment of the present invention the thus formed is then transported onward Group and the resulting scale flow by one Distance equal to the number of sheets in the group times the scale length, moving to a subsequent one Transport takes place, which then takes over the group.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present According to the invention, a further transport unit is additionally provided, to which the in the first transport unit continuously collected and flaked leaves Reaching a predetermined number of sheets in the first Transport unit will be handed over, the second Transport unit depending on the number of items to be output Scrolling is moved clocked, so that the stored therein Shingled stream is moved towards an output unit, where on the output unit each in the paper travel direction front sheet output from the paper handling machine becomes. This configuration can be done in a simple manner and way by slightly increasing the clock a predetermined number of sheets in the form of a group be issued.

The advantage of the present invention is that this is a continuous inflow of the merged leaves enables and with it a high performance increase. A process that involves the provision of at least allows two leaves in a scaly shape is in 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 Groups between which the above limits lie 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 des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4A-4C

eine schematische Darstellung der Funktionsweise eines zweiten Abschnitts der Papierhandhabungsmaschine;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht des zweiten Abschnitts der Papierhandhabungsmaschine;

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

a schematic representation of the method according to the invention;

Fig. 3

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

4A-4C

a schematic representation of the operation of a second section of the paper handling machine;

Fig. 5

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

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 are 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 are labeled 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 of taking over this shingled order Leaves in section C and the output of the leaves in groups to the subsequent 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 FIGS. 2 and 4.

As already stated above, the present invention works from already scaled leaves, whereby in the following description of the invention Method and the device according to the invention first for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that only two flaky leaves are to be taken over.

2 shows the method according to the invention and the method according to the invention Device generally described, first of all, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that to take over only two scaly leaves are.

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.

In Fig. 2a is also schematically a first scale roll 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 second speed supplied according to a preferred embodiment is about 3 m / s, but also in the range of Can be 2 m / s to 6 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 is braked by about 2 m / s, but can 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 the first one Sheet 206 has reached the scale roll 204. According to a preferred embodiment is the first speed (Transport 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 exemplary embodiment of the invention Procedure shown in which instead of two sheets described so far four sheets 214, 216, 218, 220 are supplied. 2E shows the situation, in which the sheet 214 already on the scale roll 204 has arrived so that the supplied sheets are braked become. To prevent the remaining sheets 216, 218 and 220 slipped together at the time that first sheet 214 has reached the scale roll 204 which Brake roller 206 in the second position shown in FIG. 2E moves 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 which is a first embodiment of the invention Device implemented.

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 (pre-printing height) and the number of sheets to be picked up. In the figure, an example is shown in which the rollers are arranged 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 334a 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 contain the predetermined number of sheets in unit 304 is, these are in one measure to a subsequent one Transport unit, which will be described later, passed on.

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 is the operation of a second section 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.

4B shows the situation in which from the in 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 the 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.

In Fig. 5 is that, schematically described 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 number of intermediate 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, m 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 540 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 Shingled stream moved 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 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 from the above description of the present invention becomes clear, it reaches that in the prior art Technology known devices, by the pre-scaling, the continuous inlet and the clocked outlet one A lot 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 is used to prevent slipping 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 (16)

1. A method of transferring at least two sheets (200, 202), which are arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in a sheet transport direction (P), to a sheet handling machine (600, 602) in which the at least two sheets are moved at a first speed after the transfer, a first and a second sheet of the at least two sheets being spaced by a certain length of displacement (X) in the sheet transport direction (P), the method comprising the following steps:

   (a) supplying the at least two sheets (200, 202) to the sheet handling machine at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed; and

   (b) decelerating the second sheet (202) to a third speed as soon as the first sheet (200) is decelerated to the first speed in the sheet handling machine, the third speed being lower than the second speed.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the first sheet (200) which is the leading edge (200a) in the sheet transport direction (P) and an edge of the second sheet (202) which is the leading edge (202a) in the sheet transport direction (P) are displaced relative to one another by the length of displacement (X), the first sheet being decelerated at the front edge thereof and the second sheet (202) being decelerated at the edge constituting the rear edge (202b) in the sheet transport direction (P).
3. A method according to one of the claims 1 to 2, the method comprising the following steps:

   (c) advancing the at least two sheets (200, 202) in the sheet handling machine by a distance which is determined by the sheet format and the length of displacement; and

   (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) for an additional pair of sheets (210, 212) arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in the sheet transport direction (P).
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the additional pair of sheets is deposited in the sheet handling machine shingled in an ascending or descending mode.
5. A method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the first speed is 0.25 m/s, the second speed is 3 m/s, and the third speed is 2 m/s.
6. A method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the third speed is equal to the first speed.
7. A device for transferring at least two sheets, which are arranged in a shingled mode of arrangement in a sheet transport direction (P), to a sheet handling machine (600, 602) which comprises a first transport unit (304) which moves the at least two sheets at a first speed after the transfer, a first and a second sheet of the at least two sheets being spaced by a certain length of displacement (X) in the sheet transport direction (P), the device com-prising:

   a feed roll (308a, 308b) which feeds the at least two sheets to the sheet handling machine at a second speed, the 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.
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the 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, as soon as the shingle roll (334a) has engaged the first sheet, the brake roll (322a, 322b) engages the edge of the second sheet constituting the trailing edge in the sheet transport direction.
9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the transport unit (304) comprises a substantially continuously driven conveying belt (328) and a plurality of shingle rolls (334a - 334d) which are pretensioned towards the conveying belt (328) and which are spaced apart in the sheet transport direction (P) by a distance determined by the sheet format and the sheet displacement (X).
10. A device according to one of the claims 7 to 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 7 to 11, wherein the sheet handling machine comprises:

    a second transport unit (502), which is arranged after the first transport unit (304) in the sheet transport direction (P), the first transport unit (304) collecting the sheets continuously and transferring them to the second transport unit (502), when a predetermined number of sheets is arranged in the first transport unit (304), the

    sheets in the second transport unit (502) being 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 sheet transport direction are spaced apart by a certain length of displacement, the second transport unit (502) moving the sheets in a clocked mode in such a way that the sheets are displaced by a predetermined distance in the sheet transport direction (P), the distance depending on the number of sheets to be distributed and on the sheet displacement; and

    a distributing unit (504) which, when the sheets move in the transport unit (502), discharges from the sheet handling machine the respective leading sheet in the sheet transport direction.
13. A device according to one of the claims 7 to 11, wherein the paper handling machine comprises:

    a second transport unit (502) which is arranged such that it extends parallel to the first transport unit (304),

    a deflection means (604) which is arranged in front of the first and second transport units (304,502) when seen in the sheet transport direction (P) and which conducts sheets to the first transport unit (304) when occupying a first position and sheets to the second transport unit (402) when occupying a second position, the deflection means (604) switching over from the first to the second position, when a predetermined number of sheets has been received in the respective transport unit, and

    a distributing unit (504) arranged after the first and second transport unit (304, 502) when seen in the sheet transport direction,

    wherein the transport unit having no sheets supplied thereto moves the sheets in a clocked mode in such a way that the sheets are displaced by a predetermined distance in the sheet transport direction, the distance depending on the number of sheets to be distributed and on the sheet displacement;
    wherein, when the sheets are being moved, the distributing unit (504) discharges from the paper handling machine the respective leading sheet in the sheet transport direction (9)
14. A device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second transport unit (502) comprises a conveying belt (514) and a plurality of transport 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 displacement (X) and by the sheet format.
15. A device according to one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the distributing unit (504) includes a counter (534a, 534b, 536, 538) which detects the number of sheets distributed.
16. A device according to one of the claims 7 to 15, wherein the third speed is equal to the first speed.

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