EP1259450B1 - Method and device for lifting flat products - Google Patents

Abstract

Method of raising sheet-like products (2), in particular printed products, which are taking part in a conveying process and follow sequentially one after the other, the products (2) resting, at least in certain regions, on a conveying means (1) during the conveying process, it being the case that, for at least a period of time of the raising operation, gravitational force being overcome in the process, the products (2) are pivoted actively about an axis (B) which extends essentially parallel to the direction (A) in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for lifting flat, in a conveying process, sequentially successive products, in particular Printed products, the products being processed during the funding process at least partially on a subsidy rest.

In certain applications, it is necessary, for example, on one Conveyor belt transported products by 180 ° with respect to one to the conveying direction to turn parallel axis. this will e.g. achieved by so-called "rotating belts", in which the products held between two bands, along the conveying direction are twisted parallel to each other by 180 °. These swivel bands need itself - to avoid damage to the products and a reliable To ensure turning - over a relatively large area of the Conveyor belts extend, as regards the claimed by the turning device Space is a disadvantage.

Another type of turning device in the form of a storage device for Envelopes are disclosed in EP-A-0572221. It will be horizontal first oriented envelopes conveyed in a conveying direction to a tilting plate and postponed to this. Subsequently, the tilting plate with the lying on it Envelopes about an axis parallel to the conveying direction and parallel to a Edge of the envelopes extends, pivoted by means of an eccentric mechanism. Upon reaching the Endschwenkposition are almost vertically oriented Envelopes with the edge resting against a sliding stop or a previous envelope provided. The tilting plate is then in the Swung back starting position and the previously described process starts again.

In other applications, it is necessary, the conveying direction of, for example abruptly transported on a conveyor belt by a predetermined angle, in particular by an angle of 90 ° to change. This is for example achieved that at the front end of a first conveyor a extending at right angles thereto extending second conveyor belt, its conveying plane below the conveying plane of the first conveyor belt is arranged so that the products fall on the second conveyor belt can and thus change their direction of conveyance by 90 °. Here it is e.g. disadvantageous that the products between the two conveyor levels uncontrolled fall, which can lead to disturbances. It is still from Disadvantage that, for example, when with the change of the conveying direction upstream or downstream also turning the products done should, this only by means of separate turning devices or rotating belts can be achieved, which in turn in terms of the claimed Space is a disadvantage. The same applies if with the change of the conveying direction upstream or downstream also turning the products around a perpendicular to the conveying plane axis or a combination said operations of changing the conveying direction, the turning and / or the rotation should be done in any temporal order.

An object of the invention is a method of the aforementioned Form such a way that sequentially from a conveyor Delivered products with a reduced mechanical complexity can be processed individually, in particular also achieved should be that the subsidy only to a small extent or even not at all from the device for lifting the products is covered.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the products during at least a period of lifting while overcoming be actively pivoted by gravity about an axis which extends substantially parallel to the direction in which the Promotion process is oriented immediately before lifting.

It thus takes place at the beginning of the lifting a reorientation of Movement of the products to the extent required by the production process caused forward movement is slowed down and already during this Abbremsens uses a laterally oriented pivoting movement. For this, oriented laterally relative to the direction of the conveying process Pivoting movement must affect the products at least for a period of time be supplied with potential energy, so that a pivoting the products during the said period upwards possible becomes. The products are thus at the end of the said period a higher potential energy than before this period.

Since the pivoting of the products starts in each case, if a product Arrives at a defined position or at the end of the conveyor, all products are pivoted one after the other, so that in rapid or in dandruff formation successive products during pivoting results in a fan-like structure, in which each fan element is formed by exactly one product each is, so that an individual further processing of the fanned out isolated Products is easily possible. After all, the products have completed the pivoting movement according to the invention can They from their fanned out isolated structure without difficulty, for example individually gripped or individually on another conveyor be filed.

Instead of the promotion and pivoting of individual products can each group of products promoted and / or pivoted become. The groups of products can already do so during the Pivoting previous conveying be formed so that already the conveying process takes place in groups. However, it is also possible the product groups only immediately before the onset of the panning or even to form only during the pivoting, which means that individual, for example, in dandruff formation consecutive Products shortly before or during pivoting into groups essentially congruent to each other.

By inventively provided pivoting will continue achieved that the transfer between two sequential successive Conveying can be done with minimal space requirements, since the two conveyors have to cover each other only slightly, this overlap, for example, in the order of the longitudinal extent a product lies in the conveying direction.

It is advantageous if the for the inventive pivoting movement authoritative pivot axis at least substantially with a product edge coincides, which extends parallel to that direction, in which the production process is oriented immediately before lifting is. The products are pivoted in this case around one of their edges, on the one hand requires that the pivoting movement with minimal Space requirement can be performed and the other on advantageous Means that the products can only be processed in an unproblematic way Measurements must be accelerated. In the process, that edge becomes the pivoting movement takes place, practically practically at all not accelerated.

The products can be horizontal just before the start of lifting or inclined with respect to the horizontal. It is from Advantage, if the products are flat on an appropriately oriented Conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt rest.

However, it is also possible to promote the products by means of grippers, which the products then for the purpose of pivoting according to the invention passed a corresponding pivoting device. These Grippers can, for example, grasp the products on one or two edges hold.

Throughout the pivoting movement, the products are preferred pivoted at an angle between 10 ° and 270 °, wherein the Gravity overcoming period of lifting usually always an angle range between 10 ° and 90 ° occupies. It is according to the invention so possible, the products first by an angular range between 10 ° and 90 ° and then, for example Gravity-assisted by an angle range between 90 ° and 180 ° to swing down.

In order to be able to execute the pivoting movement according to the invention in a defined manner, be the products during this pivoting movement at least temporarily, especially at its leading in the conveying direction Edge, with claws held, which cause the swinging movement of the products and accompany. In particular, each product becomes a single gripper whose movement ultimately reduces the speed of the movement Pivoting movement of the products determined. The products can immediately before the beginning of the pivoting movement with its leading Edge are moved by the conveying movement in the gripper. It is also possible to counteract the gripper by a suitable device to introduce the conveying movement to the leading edge of the products, to grab them then.

It is preferred if the products at the beginning of lifting with their leading edge against a, in particular stationary, stop moves so that the products at least partially from the Lift off conveyor in swivel direction. This stop thus causes an introduction of the pivoting movement according to the invention, for example by in an area facing away from the pivot axis of the leading Edge of the products another movement in the conveying direction which causes the products to deteriorate due to the effect of friction between subsidies and products upwards "Bulge". This bulging takes place in each case in a defined Direction away from the conveyor, so that said stop controlled one and defined initiation of the pivotal movement triggers, whereupon the further pivoting movement upwards controlled by a Gripper can be done.

It is particularly preferred if a Vorfalz having products at the beginning of lifting only with the leading edge of its prefold area be moved against a stop of the type mentioned, so that the area of the products facing the prefolded area in Pivoting direction lifts from the prefold and thus opening the products is effected. The attack leads in this case, both to a Initiation of the pivoting movement as well as to an opening of the products.

Alternatively or in addition to the stop described above can in the area of the conveyor also a particular stationary Guide be provided along which the products at the beginning of lifting with its leading edge to be moved. The guiding scenery causes at least partially a lifting of the products from the conveyor in the pivoting direction. If then, for example at the end of the guide slot located in the conveying direction in addition Yet another stop may be provided, products with pre-fold first be lifted by the guide slot, whereupon opening the raised one by abutting the stop at the stop Products, so that the products, for example, easily can be gripped with a 3-finger gripper, respectively a finger of the gripper on the two outer sides of the product and a finger between the pre-fold area and the pre-fold area lying opposite area comes.

During the pivoting movement preceding conveying process The products can be both in dandruff formation and without mutual overlap to be transported. For the implementation the process of the invention, it is only essential that individual Products or groups of products follow each other sequentially.

The products can after lifting in an at least substantially vertically oriented position in each case individually by grippers, in particular on one up-facing edge, grabbed and another Processing be supplied. In this case, the conveying direction of the corresponding Claw distance substantially perpendicular to that Direction in which the conveying process immediately before lifting is oriented.

After lifting the products into one at least substantially However, vertically oriented position can also be a gravity assisted Pivoting the products downwards, taking this Pivoting about the same pivot axis can be done as the previous one Lifting. The gravity-assisted pivoting after At the bottom, this is done in particular by an angle range between 90 ° and 180 °. After swiveling down the products can be stored on another funding or a product stack.

A special rational operation of the method according to the invention is achieved when the products during the against gravity and / or during gravity assisted Pivoting movement processed, in particular opened, stapled, addressed, cut or the like. In this case, the pivoting movement not only used to lift products away from subsidies, But at the same time, while achieving a time savings during the pivoting movement already carried out a processing.

If folded products are opened during the pivoting movement, it is advantageous if the covenant of the products relative to the Swivel movement comes to lie radially inside. In a special variant The process of the invention can then in already open Products during the pivoting movement other products be plugged in.

Following the pivotal movement of the invention, the products - as already mentioned - for example on another subsidy be filed. In this case, the conveying direction of this further conveyor substantially perpendicular or parallel to the direction in which the funding process immediately before was oriented to lifting. The conveying direction of the products can thus by means of the method according to the invention e.g. a change of direction around 0 °, 90 °, 180 ° or 270 °. The further funding can, for example as a grab line, as a pocket conveyor, as a saddle conveyor, as Combined bag and saddle conveyor or as a conveyor belt be educated.

Further preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention are described in the subclaims.

Fig. 1

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Ablaufs eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß einer ersten Variante,

Fig. 2

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Ablaufs eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß einer zweiten Variante,

Fig. 3

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Ablaufs eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß einer dritten Variante mit einem ersten und einem weiteren Fördermittel,

Fig. 4

eine schematisierte Darstellung eines zur Stapelbildung verwendeten zweiten Verfahrensschritts eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

Fig. 5

eine schematisierte Darstellung eines zweiten Verfahrensschritts eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens unter Einbeziehung eines Öffnungsprozesses mit einem als Sattelförderer ausgebildeten weiteren Fördermittel,

Fig. 6

eine schematisierte Darstellung eines zweiten Verfahrensschritts eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit einem als Förderband ausgebildeten weiteren Fördermittel,

Fig. 7

eine Darstellung gemäß Fig. 6 mit einem im Vergleich zu Fig. 6 in alternativer Richtung laufenden Förderband,

Fig. 8

das Ende eines im Rahmen der Erfindung verwendbaren Fördermittels mit einer in seinem Endbereich angeordneten Führungskulisse,

Fig. 9

das Ende eines im Rahmen der Erfindung verwendbaren Fördermittels mit einem in seinem Endbereich angeordneten Anschlag,

Fig. 10

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Ablaufs eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit einem horizontal orientierten, an seinem Ende einen Anschlag aufweisenden Fördermittel.

Fig. 11

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Ablaufs eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit einer detaillierteren Darstellung des Öffnungsprozesses, und

Fig. 12

eine schematisierte Darstellung eines Öffnungsprozesses mit im Vergleich zu Fig. 11 alternativen Mitteln.

The invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments with reference to the drawings; in these show:

Fig. 1

1 is a schematic representation of the sequence of a method according to the invention according to a first variant,

Fig. 2

1 is a schematic representation of the sequence of a method according to the invention according to a second variant,

Fig. 3

1 is a schematic representation of the sequence of a method according to the invention according to a third variant with a first and a further conveying means,

Fig. 4

1 is a schematic representation of a second method step of a method according to the invention used for stacking;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a second method step of a method according to the invention including an opening process with a trained as a saddle conveyor further funding,

Fig. 6

1 is a schematic representation of a second method step of a method according to the invention with a further conveyor designed as a conveyor belt,

Fig. 7

6 shows a conveyor belt running in an alternative direction compared to FIG. 6, FIG.

Fig. 8

the end of a conveying means which can be used within the scope of the invention with a guide slot arranged in its end region,

Fig. 9

the end of a conveyor which can be used within the scope of the invention with a stop arranged in its end region,

Fig. 10

a schematic representation of the sequence of a method according to the invention with a horizontally oriented, at its end a stop having conveyor.

Fig. 11

a schematic representation of the flow of a method according to the invention with a more detailed representation of the opening process, and

Fig. 12

a schematic representation of an opening process with in comparison to FIG. 11 alternative means.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a in a horizontal plane arranged conveyor 1, by means of which printed products 2 in Shed formation in the conveying direction A to be moved. The printed products 2 are by the conveyor 1 to in the end 3 moves, where the movement of the printed products 2 in the conveying direction A ends and a pivoting movement about the axis B begins, which is parallel extends to the conveying direction A. The pivot axis B can with a in the conveying direction A running edge of the products 2 coincide; but it can also - as shown in Fig. 1 - spaced from said Extend edge.

Fig. 1 shows that the products 2 at the beginning of the pivoting movement under Overcoming gravity from the conveyor 1 over an angular range must be raised from about 90 ° until they are substantially in the vertical, whereupon other processes can use, in connection with the following figures exemplified.

FIG. 2 shows a variant of the method according to FIG. 1, in which horizontal in the direction A transported products 2 to one in the conveying direction A. extending product edge 4 pivoted by about 90 ° upwards be so that this pivotal movement takes up less space than the Pivoting movement according to FIG. 1. The above-mentioned manner pivoted products 2 are then substantially vertical Orientation spaced apart in the direction of C further promoted, wherein the direction C extends perpendicular to the direction A. The conveyor movement in direction C, for example, by means (not shown) gripper be accomplished, which the products 2 at their upper product edge 5 grip, so that the products 2 transported hanging in the direction of C. can be.

Fig. 3 also shows in the direction A transported products 2, the - As well as the products according to FIGS. 1 and 2 - in imbricated formation be encouraged. These products 2 are about a pivot axis B to slightly more than 90 ° pivoted upwards, which means that for the Panning movement over the first 90 ° gravity overcome must be while the further pivoting movement, which is about extends over an angular range between 10 ° and 20 °, gravity assisted he follows.

At the end of this gravity-assisted pivoting movement are the Products 2 stored on a conveyor 6, where they are flat lean this conveyor 6 and at its lower edge 4 via a Supporting tab 7 are supported, which is substantially perpendicular to Conveyor 6 and extends to the level of products 2. The funding 6 thus continues to promote the products 2 in the direction of A, but not more in a horizontal, but in an obliquely oriented orientation.

FIGS. 4 to 7 each show a second method step of the invention Procedure, which directly adjusts to overcoming of gravity lifting products 2 connects. In all process steps according to FIGS. 4 to 7, a gravity assisted takes place Continue swinging the products 2 by at least 90 °.

Fig. 4 shows that the present invention pivoted upward 2 by another, gravity-assisted pivoting at about 90 °, for example, can be stored on a stack 8. to further processing, this stack 8 then, for example, down (Arrow D) are separated. But it can also be a batch processing in the direction of arrow E.

Fig. 5 shows a subsequent to the invention pivoting Successful gravity-assisted pivoting about the pivot axis B not only by an angular range of 90 °, but by an angular range of 180 °. At the same time during the pivoting of the Products 2, which are designed as folded products according to FIG. 5, opening these products 2 causes. To allow this opening, must the products 2 during the pivoting movement with its collar 9th be oriented radially inward, so that the flower 10 of the products. 2 comes to lie radially outside during the pivoting movement.

The products 2 are thus shown in FIG. 5 from a substantially vertical Position in which the collar 9 comes to lie down, in turn pivoted in the substantially vertical position, in which, however the covenant 9 is at the top and the one below Flower 10 is open.

Such opened, with the flower 10 down-oriented products 2 may at the end of the illustrated in Fig. 5 second process step easily stored on a saddle conveyor 11 shown schematically be, which the products 2 then in the direction F, preferably perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the conveying process before the invention Lifting the products 2, transported.

Fig. 6 shows a substantially of FIG. 4 corresponding gravity assisted Swiveling products 2 downwards by about 90 ° and illustrates that after this second process step also a Another conveyor 12 can be used, which is the products 2 continues in the direction A of the first (not shown in FIG. 6) Conveyor 1 transported, with respect to the leading Edge 13 between the first conveyor 1 and the other funding 12 no change results. However, it would also be possible to do that to operate further conveyor 12 in the opposite direction, so that the Products 2 by this conveyor 12 opposite to the direction A. be transported.

Alternatively, it is also possible, as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 6, a provide further conveyor 14, which the products 2 after the Pivoting movement transported in the direction of arrow E, the Direction E is oriented perpendicular to the direction A.

FIG. 7 illustrates that the further conveying means 14 according to FIG. 6 by a simple switching of the same also one in direction F ongoing Can produce product flow, with the direction F opposite is oriented to the direction E of FIG. 6.

Fig. 7 further illustrates that by the two invention Process steps of lifting and then dropping the Products 2 can be achieved that in the field of further funding 14 now precedes a longer edge 15, while the previous, in the direction A extending conveying process a shorter edge 16th runs ahead. By the method according to the invention can thus be achieved be that a product 2, which with the shorter edge 16 leading is transported, with a longer edge 15 ahead can be transported.

It is conceivable, for example, at the end of the further conveyor 14 again another device for carrying out the inventive To provide for a procedure which in turn could that the products 2 with their shorter edge 16 or with this shorter Edge 16 opposite shorter edge 17 leading from a third funding to be transported.

Fig. 8 shows the end of a conveyor which can be used within the scope of the invention 1 with a wedge-shaped arranged in its end region Guide slot 18.

By the movement of the products 2 in the conveying direction A moves the on the subsequent pivoting movement related outer area of the leading Edge 13 of the products 2 along the guide slot 18th upwards and thus stands out from the conveyor 1. Thus directs the Guide slot 18, the inventive lifting of the products 2 a and allows gripping the products 2 at its leading edge 13 by means (not shown) gripper.

Fig. 9 shows that as an alternative to the guide slot 18 of FIG. 8 also a Stop 19 may be provided, on which the leading edge 13 of the products 2 due to the conveyance process caused by the conveyor 1 abuts. The continued transport movement of the product 2 then causes a bulging of the product 2 in the direction of the intended Pivoting movement. This bulging thus also causes an introduction of the pivoting movement according to the invention and allows the gripping of the products 2 at the leading edge 13th

FIG. 10 again illustrates the method according to FIG. 9, wherein the Products 2 are not pivoted directly around their longer edges become. Rather, the pivoting movement is such that the radially inner longer edges of the products 2 spaced from the pivot axis B are arranged.

Fig. 11 shows a guided by means of grippers pivoting according to the invention 90 ° upwards and a subsequent, gravity-assisted Next panning.

The products 2 are in the conveying direction A in dandruff formation the conveying means 1 transported, wherein they are on the conveyor 1 such are positioned so that both their flower 10 and their collar 9 in parallel run to the conveying direction A.

At the end of the conveying means 1, a stop 19 (see FIG. 9 and 10) causes an initiation of the pivoting movement according to the invention. The further pivoting movement is shown in FIG. 11 substantially of two gripper fingers 20, 21 causes, which the pivoting movement of the Take products 2 with you. At the beginning of the pivoting movement, the opening and / or spreader 22 in the already slightly open product 2 introduced, whereupon then the two gripper fingers 20, 21 closed be so that the product 2 between the two gripper fingers 20, 21 is held. During the subsequent pivoting movement, the products 2, gripper fingers 20, 21 and opening and / or expanding element Doing 22 together is done by turning the opening and / or or spreading elements 22 reaches a further opening of the products 2, so that at the end of the pivoting movement, for example, a hassle-free (not shown) placing the products 2 on a saddle conveyor becomes possible. For such a hang-up, however, it is necessary that the Products are pivoted by a total of about 270 °, so that the open flower 10 of the products facing downwards. Once the open Products 2 above a saddle conveyor - aligned with a support the same - are positioned, the gripper fingers 20, 21 are opened, so that the product 2 can fall on a saddle-shaped pad.

Fig. 12 illustrates an alternative to Fig. 11 alternative way of opening the products located in the pivoting process according to the invention 2.

According to FIG. 12, the products 2 are in the range of their relative to the Conveyor 1 leading edge 13 first of the two gripper fingers 20, 21 seized. While performing the following Pivoting movement then becomes an opening and / or expanding element 23 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flower 10 of the products 2 in the direction whose covenant 9 moves into the flower 10, so that in this way a Opening the flower 10 is effected.

The opening of products 2 as shown in FIG. 11 or 12 may be on products 2 with or without prefold, to allow subsequent process or machining operations on the products 2.

Claims (19)

1. A method of raising sheet-like products (2), in particular printed products, which are taking part in a conveying process and follow sequentially one after the other, the products (2) resting, at least in certain regions, on a conveying means (1) during the conveying process and for at least a period of time of the raising operation, the products (2) are pivoted actively, thereby overcoming gravitational force, about, an axis (B) which extends essentially parallel to the direction (A) in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation, characterized in that at least during the raising operation, the products (2) are retained, in particular at their leading edge (13), as seen in the conveying direction (A), by grippers (20, 21) which cause the products (2) to pivot and that the products (2) are pivoted such that a fan-like structure of products (2) is produced.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the pivot axis (B) coincides at least essentially with a product edge (9) which extends parallel to the direction (A) in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation.
3. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that immediately prior to the beginning of the raising operation, the products (2) are oriented horizontally or in a manner inclined in relation to the horizontal.
4. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the raising operation, the products (2) are pivoted through an angle between 10° and 90°.
5. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the beginning of the raising operation, the products (2) are moved, by way of their leading edge (13), against an in particular stationary stop (19), with the result that the products (2), at least in certain regions, lift off from the conveying means (1) in the pivoting direction.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that at the beginning of the raising operation, products having an overfold are only moved against a stop (19) by way of the leading edge (13) of their overfold region, with the result that that region of the products (2) which is located opposite the overfold lifts off from the overfold region in the pivoting direction and the products (2) are made to open.
7. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at the beginning of the raising operation, the products (2) are moved, by way of their leading edge (13), along an in particular stationary guide element (18), with the result that the products (2), at least in certain regions, lift off from the conveying means (1) in the pivoting direction.
8. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the conveying process, the products (2) are transported in imbricated formation.
9. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that once they have been raised into an at least essentially vertically oriented position, the products (2) are each gripped individually by grippers, in particular at their upwardly oriented edge (5), and fed for further processing.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the conveying direction (C) of the grippers runs essentially perpendicularly to the direction (A) in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation.
11. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that once they have been raised into an at least essentially vertically oriented position, the products (2) are pivoted downward, assisted by gravitational force, about the pivot axis (B) of the raising operation, in particular through an angle range of between 90° and 180°, and are thus deposited.
12. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the pivoting movement, the products (2) are processed, in particular opened, stapled, cut or addressed.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that during the pivoting movement, folded products (2) are opened, the fold region (9) of the products (2) ending up in the radially inward direction in relation to the pivoting movement.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that during the pivoting movement, already open products (2) have further products inserted into them.
15. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the products (2) are deposited on a further conveying means (6, 11, 12, 14) or a product stack (8).
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the conveying direction (F, E) of the further conveying means (11, 14) runs essentially perpendicularly to the direction (A) in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation.
17. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the products (2) are deposited on a pocket and/or saddle conveyor (11) or on a conveying belt (6, 12, 14).
18. An apparatus for raising sheet-like products, in particular printed products, which are taking part in a conveying process and follow sequentially one after the other, having a conveying means (1) for conveying the products (2), at least in certain regions, in a direction (A), in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation, and an axis (B) running essentially parallel to the direction (A), characterized by grippers (20) which run around the axis (B), are designed to retain the products (2) at least during the raising operation and pivot them about the axis (B) such that a fan-like structure of products (2) is produced.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the running grippers (20) are disposed such that the products (2) are retained at their leading edge (13), as seen in the conveying direction (A), during the raising and pivoting operation.

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