EP2275373B1 - Method and device for continuous combining of at least two layer transport flows of flat printed products - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous merging of at least two at equal speed and spaced from each other transported scale flows of flat printed products.

With web offset printing, entire paper webs are printed, which are unwound from paper rolls. A web offset press is capable of printing more than 100,000 printed products per hour. In order to achieve this high production figures, double productions are very often used. For example, with a "16-page" printing machine, two similar "8-page" pages can be simultaneously printed and output. Often folding units are connected to the outputs of the printing press, which fold the printed products and pass to a rotation decrease. From the outputs of such a printing press or the subsequent folding units occur continuously from two similar flat printed products, which are transported by the rotation decrease over two acceptance lines for further processing, such as a saddle stitcher. The printed products are conveyed via conveyor systems, e.g. Conveyor belts continuously and in the form of two so-called scale flows, i. each further transported in the transport direction partially overlapping.

A disadvantage of the known systems is the fact that two acceptance lines must be made available and operated for further processing. This leads to an increase in acquisition and maintenance costs.

To address this problem, the two separate scale flows are combined into a single scale flow.

The EP 0155633 A2 discloses a method and an apparatus for uniting two shingled streams conveyed side by side, which are brought together in a common transport plane and merged at an acute angle until complete overlap and are alternately deflected from the common transport plane in the region where the products meet.

The EP 0214458 A2 discloses an improvement of the above-mentioned solution in which the deflection device is designed as at least one non-driven deflector having a smooth, camless engagement contour.

With the WO2008 / 089586 a further method and a corresponding device for merging two scale flows flat printed products are known. The printed products of the two shingled streams are first offset in the conveying direction to each other and transported in a horizontal orientation on separate conveyor paths. Subsequently, the printed products of each scale flow associated grippers of a driven intermediate conveyor are detected and thereby isolated and each spent in a vertical position. In the thus resulting between the successive printed products of a product flow distances a pressure product of the other product stream is introduced comb-like manner by means of the gripper so far until the printed products of both product streams congruent succession, form a single product stream. Finally, this product stream is deposited on a subsequent removal conveyor, forming a scale flow.

In view of the prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for continuously merging two scale streams of flat printed products, which allow an adaptation of the scale flow merging to the outputs of modern web offset printing machines and at the same time to a reduction of acquisition and Maintenance costs during further processing lead.

This object is achieved by a method for the continuous merging of at least two with equal speed and spaced apart transported scale flows of flat printed products and by a device for Implementation of such a method according to the features of the independent claims.

In the method according to the invention, first of all the first of the two scale flows is offset laterally relative to the second scale flow, forming a first lateral overlapping area of both scale flows. Subsequently, the printed products of both shingled streams are continuously raised, at least in the first lateral overlapping area, until their lateral overlap is canceled and the printed products of the two successive shingled streams are separated from one another. Finally, the printed products of both shingled streams are successively lowered or dropped, at least in their raised, lateral overlap area, such that one printed product of the first or second shingle stream alternately overlies a printed product of the other shingle stream, with a single shingled stream having a second lateral overlap area the printed products is formed

The device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention comprises two input conveyors arranged at a distance from one another for transporting respectively one of the two shingled streams to a main conveyor and a folding device arranged in the region of the main conveyor, comprising an unippling plow or designed as an uninviting plow, i. for alternately introducing the printed products of one of the shingled streams into the printed products of the other shingled stream.

The method and the device for carrying out the method make it possible to combine flake streams coming out of a Mehmutzen printing machine, such as from the "16-page" printing press mentioned above, directly into a single scale flow, so that they contain the same flat printed products can be further processed without further adaptation steps. By eliminating the need to provide two or more dandruff lines for the shed flows, the cost of further processing and maintenance costs are reduced.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsge- mässen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2a

eine Detaildarstellung des dritten Teilstücks des unteren Eingangsförderers in einem ersten Arbeitszustand,

Fig. 2b

eine Darstellung analog Fig. 2a, jedoch in einem zweiten, der Fig. 1 ent- sprechenden Arbeitszustand,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht des Verlaufs der Schuppenströme in der erfindungsgemäs- sen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht der Einfächerungseinrichtung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, entsprechend Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht der Einfächerungseinrichtung,

Fig. 6

die Zusammenführung der beiden Schuppenströme des Doppelschuppen- stroms in drei Schritten (Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c),

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf den Bereich E der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, mit der Einfächerungseinrichtung und mit einem gegenseitigen Versatz der Schuppenströme in Transportrichtung,

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht analog Fig. 6, jedoch ohne einen gegenseitigen Versatz der Schuppenströme in Transportrichtung und mit in Transportrichtung zuein- ander verschobenen Teilen der Einfächerungseinrichtung,

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf die an die Einfächerungseinrichtung anschliessende Zu- sammenschiebeeinrichtung sowie die nachfolgende Zentriereinrichtung.

Selected embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and will be explained in detail in the following description with the aid of the figures and examples described below. Showing:

Fig. 1

a side view of a preferred embodiment of the inventive device,

Fig. 2a

a detailed view of the third portion of the lower input conveyor in a first working state,

Fig. 2b

a representation analog Fig. 2a but in a second, the Fig. 1 corresponding working condition,

Fig. 3

a top view of the course of the scale flows in the inventive device,

Fig. 4

a side view of the fanning device of the inventive device, according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5

a detailed view of the diversion device,

Fig. 6

the merging of the two scale flows of the double scale stream in three steps ( Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c )

Fig. 7

a plan view of the region E of the inventive device, with the fanning device and with a mutual offset of the scale flows in the transport direction,

Fig. 8

a top view analog Fig. 6 but without a mutual offset of the scale flows in the transport direction and with parts of the diversion device shifted in the transport direction,

Fig. 9

a plan view of the subsequent to the fanning device collapsing device and the subsequent centering device.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate structurally or functionally equivalent components.

Fig. 1 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention for merging two scale flows 2a, 2b of flat printed products 3. The vertical dashed lines are drawn for illustration purposes and represent a division of the device 1 into areas A-G an output 4 of a printing press not otherwise shown or a folding unit, not shown, by means of two superimposed conveyor belts 5a, 5b flat printed products 3 in the form of a first, upper scale flow 2a and a second, lower scale flow 2b in a transport direction V respectively an upper and a lower, designed as a conveyor belt input conveyor 6a, 6b of the device 1 are passed. The two input conveyors 6a, 6b each comprise a plurality of sections 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b; 9a, 9b; 10a, 10b; 11, which are arranged in the areas A to D of the device 1. In the first area A, the scale flows 2a, 2b are transported via two first sections 7a, 7b of the two input conveyors 6a, 6b. Of course, the input conveyors 6a, 6b can also be equipped with a smaller or larger number of sections and the supply of the scale flows 2a, 2b can also take place without first sections 7a, 7b. In addition, the conveyor belts 5a, 5b instead of one above the other can also be arranged side by side or offset in lateral and / or vertical position relative to one another. Instead of connecting both conveyor belts 5a, 5b to the output 4 of a single printing press, one conveyor belt 5a, 5b can also be connected to the output of another printing press.

In the course of their further transport path, the scale flows 2a, 2b reach a second area B of the device 1, in each of which a second section 8a, 8b of the input conveyor 6a, 6b designed as a switch is arranged such that it can assume two positions. This is a first position for conveying the shingled streams 2a, 2b in the transport direction V and a second position for discharging waste, in which the corresponding printed products 3 are directed, for example, into a waste container (not shown). The lowered for discharging position of the two second sections 8a, 8b of the input conveyor 6a, 6b is shown in dashed lines. The discharging is preferably carried out in start-up phases of the preceding printing operation to faulty printed products 3 until the press is set to a correct pressure. However, the sections 8a, 8b of the input conveyors 6a, 6b can be transferred from one of the two positions to the other at any time.

On the further transport path, the shingled streams 2a, 2b enter a third region C of the device 1, in which at least one of the two input conveyors 6a, 6b has a third section 9a, 9b, which consists of an upper belt 12 and a lower belt 13 ( Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b ). In this case, the upper belt 12 revolving around a number of deflection rollers 12a is driven via a drive roller 12b and also has a tension roller 12c. The lower band 13 is also provided with a number of deflection rollers 13a, a drive roller 13b and a tension roller 13c. It also has a guide element 13d height adjustable attached roller segment 13e, which by means of a control device, not shown, from a first, in Fig. 2a shown position can be brought into a second position, which in Fig. 2b is shown. In the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, only the third portion 9b of the lower input conveyor 6b is formed accordingly. By appropriate actuation of the adjusting device, a direct or a delayed forwarding of the respective scale flow 2a, 2b is effected and thus in the transport direction V an offset 14 (FIG. Fig. 7 ) between the product back of the printed products 3 of the two scale streams 2 a, 2 b, wherein the length of extending between the upper belt 12 and the lower belt 13 transport path of the flat printed products 3 and thus the offset 14 can be varied as needed. A maximum delay of the lower scale flow 2b takes place in the in Fig. 2b shown, the maximum deflected position of the lower band 13, which has the largest possible offset 14 of the two scale flows 2a, 2b result. Of course, only the upper third portion 9a can be formed accordingly. Likewise, both third sections 9a, 9b can be provided with such an extension option for the transport route. Alternatively, other elements can be used for this purpose, for example delay elements consisting of mutually coupled joint pieces.

The flake flows 2a, 2b then pass into a fourth region D of the device 1, in each of which a fourth section 10a, 10b of the input conveyor 6a, 6b is arranged. These sections 10a, 10b deflect the transport direction V of at least one of the two input conveyors 6a, 6b. Downstream end regions of the input conveyors 6a, 6b, in other words the downstream ends of the fourth sections 10a, 10b, are designed such that they essentially come together in a plane adjoining the input conveyors 6a, 6b of a main conveyor 15 likewise designed as a conveyor belt and one of the input conveyors 6a, 6b, ie one of the fourth sections 10a, 10b at a predetermined distance before the meeting with the other input conveyor 6a, 6b, ie laterally offset with the other section 10b, 10a extends to this (see. Fig. 3 ). In a preferred embodiment of the device 1, only the fourth portion 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a is laterally pivotable, while the fourth portion 10b of the lower input conveyor 6b is preferably already aligned directly with the main conveyor 15. In another, not shown embodiment, the fourth portion 10b or alternatively both fourth portions 10a, 10b formed laterally pivotable.

The lateral pivoting of the fourth portion 10a, in other words a displacement of its downstream end transversely to the transport direction V, by means of a downstream of the third portion 9a arranged joint 10c, to which the fourth portion 10a is attached. By the lateral pivoting of the fourth section 10a, the printed products 3 of the upper scale flow 2a are offset relative to those of the lower scale flow 2b transversely to the transport direction V, so that a first lateral overlap region d1 is formed (FIG. Fig. 7 ), in which the two scale flows 2a, 2b overlap one another in their edge area. In addition, the offset 14 in the transport direction V is influenced by the lateral pivoting of the fourth section 10a, which is to be taken into account in the already described adjustment in the region C of the device 1. The offset 14 is thus set as a function of the width of the intended first lateral overlap region d1 of the two scale flows 2a, 2b.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 The fourth portion 10b of the lower input conveyor 6b and the laterally pivotable fourth portion 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a transfer the scale flows 2b, 2a to a fifth and last, common Section 11 of the input conveyor 6a, 6b, which in turn passes a resulting double scale flow 16a to the main conveyor 15. On its further transport path, the double scale flow 16a impinges on a fanning device 17 located in a fifth region E of the device 1. In another embodiment, not shown, the fourth section 10b and the pivotable fourth section 10a transfer the scale flows 2a, 2b directly to the main conveyor 15 ,

The fan-out device 17 is designed as a fan-out plow 18 or comprises such a fan-out plow 18, by means of which the printed products 3 of the upper scale flow 2a can be separated from the printed products 3 of the lower scale flow 2b. The separation refers to a sub-operation of the combination in which the printed products 3 of the two superimposed imbricated streams 2a, 2b of the double-scale flow 16a are erected at least in their overlapping area d1 and the two shingled streams 2a, 2b are thus separated from one another. As a result of falling down onto the main conveyor 15 downstream of the fan-out plow 18, the printed products 3 are then combined to form a single scale flow 16b such that a second overlapping area d2 is formed with printed products 3 overlapping one another in its edge area. Alternatively to falling down, the printed products 3 can also be lowered onto the main conveyor 15.

On both sides of the fan-out plow 18, a first pressure element 19a, preferably a pinch roller, is provided, which is designed such that it separates the printed products 3 of the former shingles 2a, 2b separated by the fan-out plow 18 from side surfaces 18a of the fan-out plow 18 (cf. Fig. 4 ), which promotes the formation of the scale flow 16b.

Im in Fig. 4 shown fifth region E of the inventive device 1 stabilizing elements for a controlled transport of the printed products 3 of the two scale flows 2a, 2b of the double scale flow 16a during the merging of the single scale flow 16b provided whose task is slipping of the printed products 3, in particular during lifting by the unraveling plow 18 and the subsequent dropping onto the main conveyor 15, to prevent. The stabilizing elements comprise, for example, guide elements 15a, 15b designed as tubes, tubes, slides and / or rollers and, for example, second pressure elements 19b designed as upper bands, link chains and / or loading rollers. As in Fig. 3 Shown are preferably at least two first, laterally and upstream of the Einfächerungspflugs 18 arranged guide elements 15a and two second, laterally and downstream of the Einfächerungspflugs 18 arranged guide elements 15b and two laterally of the Einfächerungspflugs 18 and above the main conveyor 15 arranged, second Andruckelemente 19b provided. The first and the second guide elements 15a, 15b are arranged transversely to the transport direction V and transversely to the transport direction V at a distance from each other adjustable. The two second pressing elements 19b are configured such that they press the printed products 3 against the main conveyor 15

In a sixth area F of the device 1 according to the invention, the main conveyor 15 delivers the shingled stream 16b to a first transfer conveyor 21a, which is also designed as a conveyor belt, with secure guidance of the printed products 3 by means of a transfer area above the main conveyor 15 and the first transfer conveyor 21a arranged and designed as pressure rollers, third pressure element 19c is achieved ( Fig. 9 ). By means of the first transfer conveyor 21 a of the scale flow 16 b is forwarded to a Verschschiebeeinrichtung 22. This comprises on both sides of the first transfer conveyor 21 a arranged, from the outside inwardly designed as Klemmbandförderer with two superimposed conveyor belts trained guide elements 22a, which are designed such that they shift the printed products 3 of the two former shingles 2a, 2b respectively in the direction cause the center of the scale flow 16b. In Fig. 9 For example, this displacement is shown by way of example with reference to the printed products 3 of the former shingled stream 2b, that is, for reasons of clarity, only one half of the shingle flow 16b is shown. After the displacement, the overlapping area d2 already formed in the fifth region E of the device 1, that is to say when the printed products 3 fall down after the fan-out plow 18, corresponds to (FIG. Fig. 7 ) of the scale flow 16b is substantially the width In other words, the collapsing device 22 reduces the width of the scale flow 16b and delivers to a subsequent centering device 23 a substantially completely overlapping imbricated flow 16c.

At the bottom of the Fig. 9 is a series of two superimposed, designed as a belt conveyor conveyor guide elements 22a shown. Instead of on both sides in each case two such guide elements 22 a, each also several rows of clamping belt conveyors can be arranged side by side, as in the upper region of the Fig. 9 is shown for two such rows. Furthermore, the pushing-together device 22 has, downstream of the guide elements 22a, a second transfer conveyor 21b and pressure elements 22b, which are arranged as rollers and guide the scale flow 16c at the transition to the centering device 23b.

The centering device 23 has on both sides in each case an adjustable centering element 23a, the distance of which can be adjusted via an adjusting device 23b shown only schematically in accordance with the width of the printed products 3. In this way, the successive printed products 3 in the imbricated flow 16c can be finally aligned after the collapsing device 22, so that the imbricated flow 16c always has a uniform width after the centering device 23. On its way through the centering device 23, the scale flow 16c is conveyed by means of conveyor belts 23c and then forwarded by these to a subsequent, seventh area G of the device 1. Of course, the centering can also be achieved with other suitable devices.

In the seventh region G of the device 1, a test device 24 with a conveyor belt 24a, a flow sensor 24b, designed as a Ausschleusweiche discharge device 24c and a display 24d is arranged. In the area G, a quality check of the scale flow 16c is carried out by means of the pass-through sensor 24b, with faulty printed products 3 being discharged via the discharge device 24c into a waste container (not shown). Finally, the print products 3 of the scale flow 16c which have been found to be good reach via the delivery 24d to a non-illustrated device which adjoins the device 1 Further processing device 25. Of course, can be dispensed with the quality inspection, ie the device 1 is either equipped without an area F or the latter is at least temporarily disabled.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the course of the scale flows 2a, 2b, the double scale flow 16a and the scale flows 16b and 16c. The conveyor belts 5a, 5b, the input conveyor 6a, 6b with their sections 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b; 9a, 9b; 10a, 10b and 11 and the main conveyor 15 and the conveyor of the collapsing device 22, centering device 23 and tester 24 are in the lower part of Fig. 3 for the sake of simplicity only indicated, while not relevant to this presentation components of the device 1 are not shown. The areas A to G correspond to those in Fig. 1 represented areas. In the areas A to C, the first, upper and the second, lower scale flow 2a, 2b run over each other, so that the latter in these areas Fig. 3 is not visible. In the fourth region D, the upper scale flow 2a is deflected laterally offset, ie its printed products 3 have at the downstream end of the region D the above-mentioned first overlapping region d1 transversely to the transport direction V. As already too Fig. 1 described, this is preferably realized by the lateral pivoting of the fourth portion 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a by means of the hinge 10c. In the fifth region E or when using the section 11 of the input conveyors 6a, 6b at the end of the fourth region D, the double scale flow 16a is formed by depositing the upper scale flow 2a laterally offset on the lower scale flow 2b. It should be noted that the two input conveyors 6a, 6b have the same speed. As already related to Fig. 1 described, consisting of the two individual scale flows 2a, 2b double scale flow 16a in the fifth region E transported to the diversion device 17 and transferred by means of their Einfächerungspflug 18, the guide elements 15a, 15b, the second and the first pressure elements 19b, 19a in the single scale flow 16b , In the sixth region F, the width of the scale flow 16b is subsequently reduced continuously by the collapsing device 22 and the subsequent centering device 23 until the second, in Fig. 7 shown overlapping area d2 corresponds to the width of the printed products 3. This creates a single scale flow 16c of each other completely covering printing products 3, which can then be further processed.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the fan-out plow 18 and the main conveyor 15. The sections AA, BB and CC are discussed below in connection with Fig. 5 described. In the region of the section AA, the double scale flow 16a is moved in the direction of the fan blade plow 18. The printed products 3 of the former upper and lower scale flow 2a, 2b, of which only the former lower scale flow 2b is visible in the area of the fan blade 18, are increasingly positioned along the side surfaces 18a and the upper edge 18b of the fan blade 18 and in this way in their previous, first overlapping area d1 separated from each other. In other words, the printed products 3 are raised starting with their inner edges 26. The two first guide elements 15a remain when lifting the previously overlapping areas of the printed products 3 substantially in contact with the fan blade 18 and when lifting the other areas of the printed products 3 substantially in contact with the main conveyor 15, so that a sufficient friction of the printed products. 3 is ensured with the fan blade 18 and the main conveyor 15. This prevents the printed products 3 from slipping sideways and also ensures their controlled placement. In a downstream region of the fan-out plow 18, the printed products 3 of the formerly upper scale flow 2a are already separated from the printed products 3 of the previously lower scale flow 2b.

After this separation, the printed products 3 fall down again onto the main conveyor 15 (cf. Fig. 4 , Position of the section BB) and are then in the direction of in the Characters. 1 . 3 and 9 transported pushing device 22 shown. On both sides of the fan-out plow 18, a preferably designed as a pressure roller, first pressure element 19a is arranged in each case, which is designed such that it presses the printed products 3 when falling on the main conveyor 15 in the direction of the fan blade 18. The first pressure elements 19a are arranged laterally next to the downstream region of the fan-out plow 18, around the beginning of the inner edges 26 erecting the printed products 3 not to hinder. As a result of this arrangement, the first pressure elements 19a advantageously prevent the printed products 3 from dropping onto the main conveyor 15 in an uncontrolled manner after the separation, thereby causing the course of the scale flow 16b occurring downstream of the fan blade 18 to become irregular.

In a preferred embodiment, the two second guide elements 15b adjoin laterally and downstream of the fan-out plow 18, ie in the region of the fall of the printed products 3. These press the printed products 3 against the main conveyor 15 and thus ensure that the air cushion between the falling printed products 3 and the main conveyor 15 is reliably overcome. In this way it is ensured that the printed products 3 are stored in an orderly manner on the main conveyor 15. As related to Fig. 1 described, the falling of the printed products 3 is additionally stabilized by the second pressing elements 19b.

Fig. 5 FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the fan-out plow 18 designed as such or comprising a fan-out device 17. For this purpose, the fan-out plow 18 is in the form of two pyramids 20 each having at least three side surfaces 20a, 20b, 20c and a base 20d. The pyramids 20 are each arranged with a first side surface 20a in the plane of the main conveyor 15, not shown here. They each have an edge 20f which extends between the second and the third side surface 20b, 20c of each pyramid 20 at an adjustable angle α to the transport direction V, wherein the respective base surface 20d is transverse to the transport direction V. The edges 20f of the pyramids 20 converge towards the transport direction V in a common tip 20e. The pyramids 20 are designed such that the edges 20f have an adjustable pitch β. Here, the side surfaces 18a of the fanning plow 18 correspond to the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20 and the upper edges 18b of the fanning plow 18 correspond to the edges 20f of the pyramids 20. Of course, the fanning plow 18 may also comprise more or less than two pyramids 20.

The adjustable angle α and the adjustable pitch β cause the shape of the fanning plow 18 to be dependent on the format of the printed products 3 of the upper and the lower scale flow 2a, 2b can be adjusted so that a regular scale flow 16b is formed. Depending on the shape of the fan blade 18, the position is related to Fig. 1 described first Andruckelemente 19a also transversely to the transport direction V and in height adjustable.

However, the fan blade 18 is not limited to the forms described herein. Within the claimed features of the invention, a variety of other forms are conceivable, e.g. the shape of a single pyramid or guide elements, which have the guide surfaces corresponding to the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20 and the side surfaces 18a of the fan-out plow 18. Of course, these guide surfaces can also be provided with curved surfaces.

The Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show three steps for merging the scale flows 2a, 2b, the in the Fig. 4 sections AA, BB and CC. In this case, the transport direction V is aligned with the observer. While the pressure elements arranged on both sides of the fan-out plow 18, ie the first pressure elements 19a and the adjustably configured second pressure elements 19b, have been omitted for reasons of clarity the representation of the two guide elements 15a, 15b.

The Fig. 6a shows the double scale flow 16a with the first, upper scale flow 2a and the second lower scale flow 2b prior to their separation or before the separation of the associated printed products 3. Here, the upper scale flow 2a is in the transport direction V over its entire length on the lower scale flow 2b , In advance of the formation of this double scale flow 16a, the pivotable section 10a of the upper main conveyor 15 adjusts the first overlapping area d1 of the double scale flow 16a. Due to the structure of the usual processing machines, this double scale flow 16a, however, can not be further processed.

The Fig. 6b shows the position of a first printed product 3a of the upper scale flow 2a and a first printed product 3b of the lower scale flow 2b in FIG separated state. Prior to their separation, the two printed products 3a, 3b are raised substantially in the middle of the first overlapping area d1 by the fan blade 18 formed here in the form of the two pyramids 20 and lie partially on the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20 respectively on their first side surfaces 20a on. The first pressure elements 19a advantageously provide precise guidance of the separate printed products 3a, 3b, by pressing them in the downstream region of the fan blade 18 in the direction of the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20.

The Fig. 6c shows the position of the first printed products 3a, 3b of the formerly upper and lower lower scale flow 2a, 2b downstream of the fan blade 18. After passing through the bases 20d of the pyramids 20, ie the downstream end of the fan blade 18, the first printed products 3a, 3b fall Controlled by the first pressing elements 19a, down to the main conveyor 15, wherein they overlap in a second overlapping area d2, which corresponds in width substantially to the first overlap region d1. This is followed by further printed products 3c and 3d of the former upper and lower scale flow 2a, 2b, which in Fig. 6c are also shown in a separate position. The first printed products 3a, 3b are part of the scale flow 16b, which differs from the double scale flow 16a in that the printed product 3a of the formerly upper scale flow 2a lies on the printed product 3b of the previously lower scale flow 2b, that the trailing printed product 3d of the former lower scale flow 2b comes to lie on the printed product 3a and the trailing printing product 3c of the former upper scale flow 2a on the printed product 3d, etc., so that alternately a printed product 3 of the upper or lower scale flow 2a, 2b partially on a printed product 3 of the other shingled stream 2b , 2a lies (cf. Fig. 7 ). Irrespective of the specific exemplary embodiment, after the merging of the scale flows, the printed product 3 leading in the transport direction V always lies below the printed product 3 trailing in the transport direction V. In contrast, in the case of the double scale stream 16a, the upper scale stream 2a always lies on the lower scale stream 2b.

Fig. 7 shows in a plan view the area E of the device 1 according to the invention, with the fanning 17 and the offset 14 of the printed products 3 of the scale flow 2a to the printed products 3 of the scale flow 2b in the transport direction V. The double scale flow 16a is the Einfächerungspflug 18 fed in the transport direction V and whose aid is transferred to the scale flow 16b. In this case, the width of the second overlapping area d2 is preferably substantially equal to the width of the first overlapping area d1. Fig. 7 also illustrates the location of the first pressure elements 19a on both sides of the fan blade 18 and in its downstream region.

The upper and the lower scale flow 2a, 2b were in advance on the one hand by means of in Fig. 2a, 2b shown in detail third portion 9 of the lower input conveyor 6b and by means of in Fig. 1 shown, pivotable fourth portion 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a offset in the transport direction V by the offset 14 against each other, while the first lateral overlap region d1 has also been adjusted by means of the fourth portion 10a. The offset 14 of the two scale flows 2a, 2b in the transport direction V is according to Fig. 7 greater than zero. It preferably corresponds to half of a scale distance 27 of two successive printed products 3 within one of the two scale flows 2a, 2b upstream of the fan blade 18. The offset 14 can be adjusted arbitrarily by means of the upper belt 12 and the lower belt 13 of the third section 9b of the lower input conveyor 6b and but it can also be zero. This case will be related to Fig. 8 described.

As soon as the printed products 3 have reached the peak 20e of the pyramids 20 of the fan-out plow 18, which is arranged substantially in the middle of the first overlapping area d1, the printed products 3 are continuously erected starting with their inner edges 26. This is in Fig. 7 illustrated by the example of the upper scale flow 2a for the inner edges 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d. The inner edge 26d of a printed product 3 of the upper scale flow 2a is no longer in contact with a printed product 3 of the lower scale flow 2b. The first guide elements 15a are preferably arranged laterally and the second guide elements 15b downstream of the fan-out plow 18.

Fig. 8 shows a plan view of an alternatively formed region E of the inventive device 1, in which the fanning device 17 in the transport direction V no offset 14 between the printed products 3 of the upper and lower scale flow 2a, 2b generated. Nevertheless, in order to produce a defined sequence of falling of the printed products 3 downstream of a fan-out plow 18 and thus a single scale flow 16b, wherein the leading in the transport direction V printed product 3 is below the trailing in the direction of transport print product 3, the two pyramids 20 of the fan-out plow 18 different long side surfaces 20a, 20b, 20c, of which in Fig. 8 representatively only the side surfaces 20b are indicated. In this way, a printed product 3 of the upper or lower scale flow 2a, 2b also alternately comes to lie on a printed product 3 of the respective other scale flow 2b, 2a in the case of the scale flow 16b formed in this way. So that the printed products 3 can be adequately supported even with an unidirectional plow 18 designed in this way, the first pressure element 19a associated with each pyramid 20, the first guide element 15a and the second guide element 15b are adapted accordingly, ie offset from each other in the transport direction V. The double scale flow 16a formed without offset 14 is in the transport direction V analogous to that in the Fig. 7 shown double scale flow 16a promoted to the Einfächerungspflug 18 and transferred by this in a single scale flow 16b. The width of the second overlapping area d2 is preferably also substantially equal to the width of the first overlapping area d1 in this alternative solution.

The advantages of the method according to the invention and of the device 1 according to the invention lie in the fact that adaptation of the rotation decrease to the outputs of a web offset printing press, which are usually located one above the other, can take place and the purchase costs for an additional further processing line can be saved, which otherwise would be necessary to ensure parallel processing of the printed products 3 of the upper and lower scale flow 2a, 2b. The maintenance costs usually associated with the use of two processing lines can thus be considerably reduced. In addition, before merging the two scale flows 2a, 2b in the area B of the device 1 waste paper are discharged individually, which has a cost reduction.

Although the device 1 has previously been described with reference to a conveyor system consisting of conveyor belts, naturally other conveyor systems, such as gripper transporters, can also be used within the scope of the invention. Also, a combination of different conveyor systems is possible. For example, the areas A to D of the device 1 with gripper transporters and the subsequent areas E to G can be equipped with conveyor belts.

Claims (23)

1. Method for continuous combining of at least two shingle streams of flat printed products transported at the same speed at a distance from each other, characterised in that

   • first a first shingle stream (2a) of flat printed products (3) is offset sideways in relation to a second shingle stream (2b) of flat printed products (3), forming a first sideways overlapping area (d1) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b),

   • then the printed products (3) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) are raised continually at least in a first sideways overlapping area (d1) until their sideways overlap is removed and

   • finally the printed products (3) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) are lowered or dropped one after the other at least in their raised sideways overlapping area (d1) in such a way that a printed product (3) of the first or second shingle stream (2a, 2b) alternately comes to lie partly above a printed product (3) of the relevant other shingle stream (2b, 2a), in which a single shingle stream (16b) is formed with a second sideways overlapping area (d2) of the printed products (3).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that

   • first the first shingle stream (2a) is laid down offset sideways on the second shingle stream (2b), forming a double shingle stream (16) with the first sideways overlapping area (d1),

   • then the printed products (3) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) are raised continually at least in a first sideways overlapping area (d1) until they are separated from each other in their first sideways overlapping area (d1) and

   • finally the printed products (3) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) are lowered or dropped one after the other at least in their raised sideways overlapping area (d1) in such a way that a printed product (3) of the first or second shingle stream (2a, 2b) alternately comes to lie partly on a printed product (3) of the relevant other shingle stream (2b, 2a) and through this the single shingle stream (16b) is formed with the second sideways overlapping area (d2) of the printed products (3).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the printed products (3) are raised essentially in the middle of the first sideways overlapping area (d1).
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that before forming the first sideways overlapping area (d1) both shingle streams (2a, 2b) are displaced in relation to each other by a preset offset (14) in a transport direction (V).
5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the offset (14) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) is adjustable and in particular corresponds to half a layer transport distance (27) between two printed products (3) following each other within one of the two shingle streams (2a, 2b), when seen in the transport direction (V).
6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the offset (14) is adjusted depending on the first sideways overlapping area (d1) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) provided.
7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the printed products (3) of both shingle streams (2a, 2b) are raised by means of a fanning device (17) and lowered or dropped onto a main conveyor (15) downstream of the fanning device (17), in which before lowering or dropping onto the main conveyor (15) the printed products (3) are pressed sideways against the fanning device (17) by first pressure elements (19a).
8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the printed products (3) are pressed against the main conveyor (15) by at least two first guide elements (15a) when raising, by at least two second guide elements (15b) when lowering or dropping and by means of two second pressure elements (19b) arranged sideways to the fanning device (17) and above the main conveyor (15) during transport to the main conveyor (15).
9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a width of the shingle stream (16b) is reduced continuously, until the second sideways overlapping area (d2) corresponds to a width of the printed products (3) and there is a shingle stream (16c) of uniform width.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that the shingle stream (16c) is subject to quality control and printed products (3) of inadequate quality are separated from the shingle stream (16c).
11. Device for carrying out a method according to one of the previous claims, characterised by two input conveyors (6a, 6b) arranged at a distance from each other for each to transport a shingle stream (2a, 2b) of printed products (3) to a main conveyor (15) and a fanning device (17), comprising a fanning plough (18) or made as a fanning plough (18), which is arranged in the area of the main conveyor (15), for fanning the printed products (3) of one of the shingle streams (2a, 2b) into the printed products (3) of the other shingle stream (2b, 2a).
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the downstream end areas of the input conveyor (6a, 6b) are made in such a way that essentially they come together offset to each other in a plane of the main conveyor (15) and that one of the input conveyors (6a, 6b) runs offset sideways to the other input conveyor (6b, 6a) at a preset distance.
13. Device according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterised in that at least one of the input conveyors (6a, 6b) has a section (9b) for adjusting an offset (14) of the shingle streams (2a, 2b) in the transport direction (V).
14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that one of the input conveyors (6a, 6b) has a section (10a), which may be swiveled crosswise to the transport direction (V) by means of a joint (10c) in such a way that there is the desired width of the first sideways overlapping area (d1) of the shingle streams (2a, 2b).
15. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the fanning plough (18) is in the form of two pyramids (20) with at least three side areas (20a, 20b, 20c) and a base area (20d), which pyramids (20) are each arranged with a first side area (20a) in the plane of the main conveyor (15) and each have an edge (20f), which runs between a second and a third side area (20b, 20c) of each pyramid (20) at an adjustable angle (α) to the transport direction (V), in which the relevant base area (20d) is arranged crosswise to the transport direction (V) and the edges (20f) of the pyramids (20) run together in a common point (20a) against the transport direction M.
16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that the pyramids (20) are made in such a way that the edges (20f) have an adjustable gradient (β).
17. Device according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterised in that first pressure elements (9a) are arranged on both sides of the fanning device (17) and in particular they are made as pressure rollers, which are made in such a way that they press the printed products (3) against side areas (18a) of the fanning device (17) or against the second side edges (20b) of the pyramids (20) crosswise to the transport direction (V) when dropping onto the main conveyor (15).
18. Device according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterised in that at least two first and/or at least two second guide elements (15a, 15b) are arranged upstream and/or downstream and each sideways to the fanning device (17).
19. Device according to claim 18, characterised in that the first and second guide elements (15a, 15b) are adjustable at a distance to each other crosswise to the transport direction and/or in the transport direction (V).
20. Device according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterised in that two second pressure elements (19b) are arranged sideways to the fanning device (17) and above the main conveyor (15) in the transport direction (V) and are made in such a way that they press the printed products (3) against the main conveyor (15).
21. Device according to one of claims 11 to 20, characterised in that a device for pushing together (22) is arranged downstream of the fanning device (17), which comprises at least one guide element (22a) for producing a single shingle stream (16b) on each side of the main conveyor (15), which are made so that they have the effect of displacing the printed products (3) in the direction of the middle of the shingle stream (16b) so that the second sideways overlapping area (d2) corresponds to the width of the printed products (3) after displacing the printed products (3).
22. Device according to claim 21, characterised in that a centering device (23) is arranged downstream of the device for pushing together (22).
23. Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterised in that test equipment (24) with a separating device, particularly a separating switch (24c), is arranged downstream of the device for pushing together (22) or the centering device (23).

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