EP2277812B1 - Method for lateral alignment of products with level base, in particular printed products and transport device for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Method for lateral alignment of products with level base, in particular printed products and transport device for carrying out the method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2277812B1
EP2277812B1 EP09165957.3A EP09165957A EP2277812B1 EP 2277812 B1 EP2277812 B1 EP 2277812B1 EP 09165957 A EP09165957 A EP 09165957A EP 2277812 B1 EP2277812 B1 EP 2277812B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
products
travel
conveying device
transport
conveying
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP09165957.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2277812A1 (en
Inventor
Marcel Bürge
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mueller Martini Holding AG
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Mueller Martini Holding AG
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Publication date
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Priority to EP09165957.3A priority Critical patent/EP2277812B1/en
Priority to US12/839,833 priority patent/US8434609B2/en
Publication of EP2277812A1 publication Critical patent/EP2277812A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2277812B1 publication Critical patent/EP2277812B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
    • B65H9/16—Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
    • B65H9/10—Pusher and like movable registers; Pusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position
    • B65H9/103—Pusher and like movable registers; Pusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position acting by friction or suction on the article for pushing or pulling it into registered position, e.g. against a stop
    • B65H9/106—Pusher and like movable registers; Pusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position acting by friction or suction on the article for pushing or pulling it into registered position, e.g. against a stop using rotary driven elements as part acting on the article
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2220/00—Function indicators
    • B65H2220/09—Function indicators indicating that several of an entity are present
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
    • B65H2404/20—Belts
    • B65H2404/26—Particular arrangement of belt, or belts
    • B65H2404/264—Arrangement of side-by-side belts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for the lateral alignment of products with a flat base, in particular of printed products, on a side guide of a transport device, on which the products are successively conveyed lying on its base, wherein the products in a first step in a substantially horizontal plane a transport direction of the transport device obliquely and in a second step straight again, while each displaced laterally against the side guide and aligned thereto and a transport device for performing the method.
  • Print products which are produced, for example, in a saddle stitcher, usually have to be aligned very precisely before cutting in a cutting machine. If all printed products are substantially the same width, they can be centered in a simple manner between two vertical bands. However, if successive printed products of different width are processed, they must be aligned laterally, i. be pushed onto one side of the transport device. For the lateral alignment of printed products, there are several proposals in the art.
  • a transport device comprising a twisted conveyor belt to which roller discs are mounted at intervals. For lateral alignment of the objects they are moved transversely to the transport direction on the conveyor belt due to the twisting of the conveyor belt through the pulleys.
  • the DE 19824835 A1 discloses a device for laterally aligning printed sheets, which also has a suction device for detecting and moving the printed sheets sideways.
  • the EP 1620210 B1 relates to a method for aligning flat programs on a narrow side. These items are conveyed upright and aligned on a lower narrow side due to their gravity.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which allows an even easier and safer lateral alignment of horizontally funded products with a flat base.
  • the invention is also based on the object to propose a suitable device for carrying out the method.
  • the transport device has at least two transport elements arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction, which extend in the transport direction and which are driven at different speeds for tilting the products.
  • Such means of transport can be realized particularly cost-effective by bands according to a development of the invention.
  • the transport elements can also be other suitable elements, for example chains, rollers or the like.
  • the products are placed when straightening with the leading edge to a second stop.
  • the first and the second stop are in this case preferably arranged on a transversely extending to the transport direction, imaginary line and at a distance to each other. Such attacks can be easily arranged on a transport chain.
  • the stops are moved in the transport direction at a speed which is smaller than the speed of the transport elements.
  • the side guide has a substantially vertically standing, revolving sideband, on which the respectively just-made products are aligned with a side edge.
  • a particularly secure alignment is ensured when the transport device according to a development of the invention has at least one spaced apart from the side guide and substantially parallel to this and the transport direction extending transport element, which is inclined in a downstream region of the transport device for lateral guidance. As a result, a force directed against the side guide is exerted on the one side edge on this transport element resting, in this area already just made products.
  • the object is also achieved by the transport device according to claim 9.
  • Advantageous developments of the transport device will become apparent from the claims 10 to 14.
  • the inventive transport device forms in particular an inlet for a cutting machine, in particular a three-knife trimmer.
  • the transported products can be printed products, ie single sheets, brochures, magazines, newspapers or book blocks. But there are also other products with a flat base, such as unprinted paper sheets, products made of other materials, boxes, boxes, pallets or other packaging materials with and without therein or on products, but also stack of such products conceivable.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a part of a further processing device 1 with a stapler 2, which is arranged for example by a saddle stitcher not shown here, a cutting machine 3 and a transport device 4 arranged therebetween.
  • the stapler 2 the printed sheets collected in the saddle stitcher are stapled, ie to a product 5 ( Fig. 2 ), in this case to a printed product, such as a booklet, further processed.
  • the staple products 5 having a flat base surface 6 are transferred to the transport device 4, which feeds the products 5 to the cutting machine 3.
  • the transport device 4 thus forms an inlet for the cutting machine 3.
  • the latter is for example designed as a known three-knife trimmer with which the stapled products 5 can be trimmed on three sides.
  • the products 5 are then transported, for example, to a stacker, not shown.
  • the products 5 are conveyed lying in a transport direction 7 shown by an arrow on its base surface 6 and thereby aligned laterally.
  • This lateral alignment ensures that the products 5 can be cut exactly, independently of their width B, in the downstream cutting machine 3 or, alternatively, can be forwarded in a defined position to another further processing device.
  • the transport device 4 has five transport belts 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 designed as belts for transporting the products 5. These belts can be guided and driven in the usual way around rollers not shown here. They are merely examples of transport elements and can be at least partially replaced by chains, rollers or the like.
  • a first and a second alignment means 13, 14 are provided, which in each case have a parallel to the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 12, 12 and parallel to each other transport chain 13a, 14a.
  • the first transport chain 13a has a plurality of first stops 13b at equal intervals, while the second transport chain 14a has second stops 14b in the same arrangement.
  • the transport chains 13a, 14a are also driven in a known manner.
  • the stops 13b, 14b are each arranged in pairs opposite each other and at a distance from each other. They lie on an imaginary line 15 which is transverse to the transport direction 7. Both the distances between the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and between the alignment means 13, 14 may be designed to adapt to different widths B of the products 5 at right angles to the transport direction 7 adjustable.
  • the transport device 4 also has a side guide 16, which has a vertically extending sideband 16a, in particular the Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate.
  • This side band 16a is also driven by a drive roller, not shown here, and can be moved in the transport direction 7.
  • the side band 16a is spaced from the second transport chain 14a and forms a side stop on which the products 5 are positioned.
  • the transport device 4 has a wedge-shaped positioning means 17 extending in the transport direction 7, which is placed in a downstream region 18 of the transport device 4 below the transport element 8.
  • the positioning means 17 is arranged substantially parallel to the sideband 16a located at the opposite edge of the transport device 4 and is inclined towards it (FIG. FIG. 4 ). Due to the inclination of the positioning means 17 which rests on this transport element 8 in the region 18 is also correspondingly inclined.
  • the angle of inclination to the horizontal may be different, but is for example less than 45 °.
  • the distance between the first and the second transport chain 13a, 14a is substantially greater than the distance of the first transport chain 13a to the transport element 8 or the distance of the second transport chain 14a to the side band 16a.
  • the transport elements 9, 10, 11, 12 are arranged between the side band 16a and the transport element 8 and driven at different speeds. In this case, the speed of the first transport element 8 is greatest and that of the fifth transport element 12 is smallest, while the transport elements 9, 10, 11 arranged therebetween in the direction of the fifth transport element 12 each have a lower speed.
  • the different speeds of the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 are achieved for example by using drive rollers, not shown, with different diameters.
  • the first transport element 8 is thus driven by a drive roller, which has the largest diameter relative to the drive rollers of the further transport elements 9, 10, 11, 12. Both transport chains 13a, 14a are each driven at the same speed, which is also smaller than the speed of the fifth transport element 12.
  • the speed of the sideband 16a may be greater than that of the fifth transport element 12, the latter running, for example, 20% slower.
  • a product 5 is to be transferred to the cutting machine 3 or another suitable processing machine, this is done by means of the transport device 4.
  • the product 5 lies with its base 6 in a straight alignment on the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and is in the transport direction 7, ie according to the Figures 2 and 3 transported from left to right. Since the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 run at different speeds, the product 5 is tilted during transport. In the Figures 2 and 3 If the product 5a leading the product 5a is already tilted. A leading edge 19 and a trailing edge 20 of the product 5a parallel to the latter now run obliquely to the imaginary line 15 extending transversely to the transport direction 7.
  • a first side edge 21 and a second side edge 22 of the product 5a thus run obliquely to the transport direction 7. Since the first Transport chain 13a is driven much slower than the first transport element 8, the product 5a is pushed in the region of a first of two front corners 23, 23a against one of the first stops 13b. In this case, this first corner 23 is moved in the direction of the side guide 16 and the side band 16a. The leading product 5b is already in the region of its first front corner 23 against a stop 13b. Due to the lower speed of the first transport chain 13a, at least the first transport element 8 pulls on the product 5b under sliding friction.
  • the product 5b abuts against the first stop 13b in the region of its first front corner 23, however, this corner 23 can no longer be moved faster in the transport direction 7 than the speed of the first transport chain 13a permits. Due to the static friction of the transport elements 9, 10, 11 and 12 on the product 5b, this is moved around the first stop 13b against the second stop 14b and thus increasingly straight. Due to the static friction between the respective first stop 13b and the front edge 19 of the products 5b and 5c, the first front corner 23 remains displaced in the direction of the lateral guide 16 and the sideband 16a. The leading product 5c is thus less inclined than the trailing product 5b. Finally, the leading edge 19 of the leading product 5d bears against both stops 13b, 14b and thus on the imaginary line 15 extending transversely to the transport direction 7.
  • the sideband 16a runs according to FIG. 2 at least partially obliquely to the transport direction 7, so that the distance between the side band 16a and the transport element 8 in the transport direction 7 is increasingly smaller. If a predetermined distance is reached, then the sideband 16a extends in the downstream region 18 of the transport device 4 parallel to the transport element 8. At the moment of arrival in the region 18, the second front corner 23a of the product 5c, 5d already on the sideband 16a. When further straightening, the products 5c and 5d approach each other with a first of two rear corners 23b, 23c more and more sideband 16a, until they finally lie completely with their second side edge 22 on the sideband 16a and thus aligned with this. In this case, the first side edges 21 of the products 5d, 5e are still on the transport element 8.
  • the positioning element 17 is placed in the region 18 of the transport device 4 the transport element 8.
  • a force is exerted on the first side edge 21 of the products 5d, 5e in the direction of the side guide 16 and the side strip 16a, whereby the products 5d, 5e are positioned defined between the side strip 16a and the inclined transport element 8 are.
  • This can alternatively be achieved by means of appropriately arranged and trained blowing nozzles or similar acting elements.
  • the products 5 are aligned in the transport direction 7 left aligned.
  • the transport device 4 can be retrofitted to this in a relatively simple manner by the sideband 16a and the transport element 8, including the positioning means 17 are swapped accordingly.
  • the addition required conversion the speeds of the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 can be achieved in a simple manner by a corresponding exchange of the drive rollers not shown here.
  • five transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 are used to convey the products 5. But it is also an embodiment with more or less transport elements conceivable.
  • the number of transport elements is particularly dependent on the width B or the format of the products 5.
  • the speed difference between the fastest transport element 8 and the slowest transport element 12 may vary depending on the product 5. For example, the speed difference between adjacent transport elements is about 2 to 5%.
  • the skewing of the products 5 may also be different. For example, the inclination is 10 to 30 °.
  • the minimum travel required for alignment depends on the particular product 5.
  • the difference in width of the subsidized products 5, which is possible without changing the transport device 4 is for example 10 mm.
  • the transport device 4 therefore, selectively manufactured products and products can be aligned by different printing presses. An exact alignment is possible even at comparatively high transport speeds of, for example, 3 m / s and more and thus an output of about 30,000 copies per hour.
  • the products 5 can be aligned laterally with a tolerance of about 1 mm.
  • the transport device 4 can be operated again with a comparatively simple and rapid conversion so that the products 5, as hitherto customary, are centered between two vertical bands. This is also possible if the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 run at different speeds.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Registering Or Overturning Sheets (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum seitlichen Ausrichten von Produkte mit ebener Grundfläche, insbesondere von Druckprodukten, an einer Seitenführung einer Transportvorrichtung, auf weicher die Produkte nacheinander auf ihrer Grundfläche liegend gefördert werden, wobei die Produkte in einem ersten Schritt in einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen Ebene bezüglich einer Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung schräg und in einem zweiten Schritt wieder gerade gestellt, dabei jeweils seitlich gegen die Seitenführung verschoben und an dieser ausgerichtet werden sowie eine Transportvorrichtung zum Durchführen des Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for the lateral alignment of products with a flat base, in particular of printed products, on a side guide of a transport device, on which the products are successively conveyed lying on its base, wherein the products in a first step in a substantially horizontal plane a transport direction of the transport device obliquely and in a second step straight again, while each displaced laterally against the side guide and aligned thereto and a transport device for performing the method.

Druckprodukte, die beispielsweise in einem Sammelhefter hergestellt werden, müssen in der Regel vor dem Schneiden in einer Schneidmaschine sehr genau ausgerichtet werden. Sind alle Druckprodukte im Wesentlichen gleich breit, so können diese in einfacher Weise zwischen zwei vertikalen Bändern zentriert werden. Werden jedoch nacheinander Druckprodukte unterschiedlicher Breite bearbeitet, so müssen diese seitlich ausgerichtet, d.h. auf eine Seite der Transportvorrichtung geschoben werden. Zum seitlichen Ausrichten von Druckprodukten gibt es im Stand der Technik mehrere Vorschläge.Printed products, which are produced, for example, in a saddle stitcher, usually have to be aligned very precisely before cutting in a cutting machine. If all printed products are substantially the same width, they can be centered in a simple manner between two vertical bands. However, if successive printed products of different width are processed, they must be aligned laterally, i. be pushed onto one side of the transport device. For the lateral alignment of printed products, there are several proposals in the art.

Durch die DE 10115906 A1 ist eine Transportvorrichtung offenbart, die ein verdrilltes Transportband aufweist, an dem in Abständen Rollenscheiben angebracht sind. Zum seitlichen Ausrichten der Gegenstände werden diese aufgrund der Verdrillung des Transportbandes durch die Rollenscheiben quer zur Transportrichtung auf dem Transportband bewegt.By the DE 10115906 A1 a transport device is disclosed comprising a twisted conveyor belt to which roller discs are mounted at intervals. For lateral alignment of the objects they are moved transversely to the transport direction on the conveyor belt due to the twisting of the conveyor belt through the pulleys.

Mit der DE 202005010981 U1 ist eine Seitenziehvorrichtung bekannt geworden, bei der die in einem Bogenstrom geförderten Druckbogen zum seitlichen Ausrichten mit einem Saugschlitten seitlich an einen Seitenanschlag geführt werden. Die auszurichtenden Druckbogen werden jeweils im Takt erfasst und gegen den Seitenanschlag gezogen.With the DE 202005010981 U1 is a side pulling device has become known, in which the sheet conveyed in a sheet-fed sheet for lateral alignment with a suction carriage are guided laterally to a side stop. The to be aligned sheets are recorded in each clock and pulled against the side stop.

Die DE 19824835 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum seitlichen Ausrichten von Druckbogen, die zum Erfassen und seitlichen Bewegen der Druckbogen ebenfalls eine Saugvorrichtung aufweist.The DE 19824835 A1 discloses a device for laterally aligning printed sheets, which also has a suction device for detecting and moving the printed sheets sideways.

Die EP 1620210 B1 betrifft ein Verfahren zum Ausrichten von flachen Sendungen auf einer Schmalseite. Diese Sendungen werden stehend gefördert und aufgrund ihrer Schwerkraft auf einer unteren Schmalseite ausgerichtet.The EP 1620210 B1 relates to a method for aligning flat programs on a narrow side. These items are conveyed upright and aligned on a lower narrow side due to their gravity.

Aus der US2005/0017440 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Druckprodukten and einer Seitenwand bekannt, mit der die Druckprodukte zunächst schräg und nachfolgend wieder gerade gestellt werden. Dabei werden die Druckprodukte gegen die Seitenwand verschoben und an dieser ausgerichtet.From the US2005 / 0017440 A1 a device for aligning printed products on a side wall is known with which the printed products are first inclined and subsequently straightened again. The printed products are moved against the side wall and aligned with this.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren der genannten Art zu schaffen, das ein noch einfacheres und sichereres seitliches Ausrichten von horizontal geförderten Produkten mit ebener Grundfläche ermöglicht. Der Erfindung liegt zudem die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine geeignete Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens vorzuschlagen.The invention has for its object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which allows an even easier and safer lateral alignment of horizontally funded products with a flat base. The invention is also based on the object to propose a suitable device for carrying out the method.

Die Aufgabe ist bei einem gattungsgemässen Verfahren durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.The object is achieved in a generic method by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Das Ausrichten der Produkte kann dann besonders einfach und sicher durchgeführt werden, wenn gemäss einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung die Transportvorrichtung wenigstens zwei quer zur Transportrichtung im Abstand zueinander angeordnete Transportelemente aufweist, die sich in Transportrichtung erstrecken und die zum Schrägstellen der Produkte mit unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten angetrieben sind. Solche Transportmittel können gemäss einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung besonders kostengünstig durch Bänder realisiert werden. Die Transportelemente können aber auch andere geeignete Elemente, beispielsweise Ketten, Rollen oder dergleichen sein.The alignment of the products can then be carried out in a particularly simple and secure manner if, according to a development of the invention, the transport device has at least two transport elements arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction, which extend in the transport direction and which are driven at different speeds for tilting the products. Such means of transport can be realized particularly cost-effective by bands according to a development of the invention. However, the transport elements can also be other suitable elements, for example chains, rollers or the like.

Nach einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Produkte beim Geradestellen mit der Vorderkante an einen zweiten Anschlag angelegt werden. Dies ermöglicht ein besonders sicheres und exaktes Ausrichten der Produkte. Der erste und der zweite Anschlag sind hierbei vorzugsweise auf einer quer zur Transportrichtung verlaufenden, gedachten Linie und im Abstand zueinander angeordnet. Solche Anschläge können besonders einfach an einer Transportkette angeordnet werden.According to a development of the invention, it is provided that the products are placed when straightening with the leading edge to a second stop. This allows a particularly secure and accurate alignment of the products. The first and the second stop are in this case preferably arranged on a transversely extending to the transport direction, imaginary line and at a distance to each other. Such attacks can be easily arranged on a transport chain.

Nach einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Anschläge in Transportrichtung mit einer Geschwindigkeit bewegt werden, die kleiner als die Geschwindigkeit der Transportelemente ist.According to a development of the invention it is provided that the stops are moved in the transport direction at a speed which is smaller than the speed of the transport elements.

Nach einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Seitenführung ein im Wesentlichen vertikal stehendes, mitlaufendes Seitenband aufweist, an dem die jeweils gerade gestellten Produkte mit einer Seitenkante ausgerichtet werden. Eine besonders sicheres Ausrichten ist dann gewährleistet, wenn die Transportvorrichtung gemäss einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung wenigstens ein im Abstand zur Seitenführung und im Wesentlichen parallel zu dieser sowie zur Transportrichtung verlaufendes Transportelement aufweist, welches in einem stromabwärtigen Bereich der Transportvorrichtung zur Seitenführung hin geneigt ist. Dadurch wird auf die mit jeweils einer Seitenkante auf diesem Transportelement aufliegenden, in diesem Bereich bereits gerade gestellten Produkte eine gegen die Seitenführung gerichtete Kraft ausgeübt.According to a development of the invention, it is provided that the side guide has a substantially vertically standing, revolving sideband, on which the respectively just-made products are aligned with a side edge. A particularly secure alignment is ensured when the transport device according to a development of the invention has at least one spaced apart from the side guide and substantially parallel to this and the transport direction extending transport element, which is inclined in a downstream region of the transport device for lateral guidance. As a result, a force directed against the side guide is exerted on the one side edge on this transport element resting, in this area already just made products.

Die Aufgabe ist ebenfalls durch die Transportvorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 9 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Transportvorrichtung ergeben sich aus den Ansprüchen 10 bis 14. Die erfindungsgemässe Transportvorrichtung bildet insbesondere einen Einlauf für eine Schneidmaschine, insbesondere einen Dreischneider. Die transportierten Produkte können Druckprodukte, d.h. einzelne Druckbogen, Broschüren, Zeitschriften, Zeitungen oder Buchblöcke sein. Es sind hier aber auch andere Produkte mit ebener Grundfläche, wie beispielsweise unbedruckte Papierbogen, Produkte aus anderen Werkstoffen, Kartons, Kästen, Paletten oder andere Verpackungsmittel mit und ohne darin oder darauf befindlichen Produkten, aber auch Stapel solcher Produkte denkbar.The object is also achieved by the transport device according to claim 9. Advantageous developments of the transport device will become apparent from the claims 10 to 14. The inventive transport device forms in particular an inlet for a cutting machine, in particular a three-knife trimmer. The transported products can be printed products, ie single sheets, brochures, magazines, newspapers or book blocks. But there are also other products with a flat base, such as unprinted paper sheets, products made of other materials, boxes, boxes, pallets or other packaging materials with and without therein or on products, but also stack of such products conceivable.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemässe Trans- portvorrichtung, mit welcher Druckprodukte von einer Heftmaschine zu einer Schneidmaschine transportiert werden,
Fig. 2
eine Draufsicht auf die erfindungsgemässe Transportvorrichtung, mit auf dieser aufliegenden Druckprodukten in einzelnen Phasen des seitlichen Ausrichtens,
Fig. 3
eine räumliche Ansicht der Transportvorrichtung gemäss Figur 2 und
Fig. 4
einen Schnitt entlang der Linie IV - IV der Figur 2.
An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic plan view of a transport device according to the invention, with which printed products are transported from a stapler to a cutting machine,
Fig. 2
a top view of the inventive transport device, with resting on this printed products in individual phases of the lateral alignment,
Fig. 3
a spatial view of the transport device according to FIG. 2 and
Fig. 4
a section along the line IV - IV of FIG. 2 ,

Die Figur 1 zeigt schematisch einen Teil einer Weiterverarbeitungsvorrichtung 1 mit einer Heftmaschine 2, die beispielsweise nach einem hier nicht gezeigten Sammelhefter angeordnet ist, einer Schneidmaschine 3 und einer dazwischen angeordneten Transportvorrichtung 4. In der Heftmaschine 2 werden die im Sammelhefter gesammelten Druckbogen geheftet, d.h. zu einem Produkt 5 (Fig. 2), in diesem Fall zu einem Druckprodukt, beispielsweise einem Heft, weiterverarbeitet. Danach werden die eine ebene Grundfläche 6 aufweisenden, gehefteten Produkte 5 an die Transportvorrichtung 4 übergeben, welche die Produkte 5 der Schneidmaschine 3 zuführt. Die Transportvorrichtung 4 bildet somit einen Einlauf für die Schneidmaschine 3. Letztere ist beispielsweise als ein bekannter Dreischneider ausgebildet, mit dem die gehefteten Produkte 5 an drei Seiten beschnitten werden können. Zur Weiterverarbeitung werden die Produkte 5 dann beispielsweise zu einem nicht dargestellten Kreuzleger transportiert.The FIG. 1 schematically shows a part of a further processing device 1 with a stapler 2, which is arranged for example by a saddle stitcher not shown here, a cutting machine 3 and a transport device 4 arranged therebetween. In the stapler 2, the printed sheets collected in the saddle stitcher are stapled, ie to a product 5 ( Fig. 2 ), in this case to a printed product, such as a booklet, further processed. Thereafter, the staple products 5 having a flat base surface 6 are transferred to the transport device 4, which feeds the products 5 to the cutting machine 3. The transport device 4 thus forms an inlet for the cutting machine 3. The latter is for example designed as a known three-knife trimmer with which the stapled products 5 can be trimmed on three sides. For further processing, the products 5 are then transported, for example, to a stacker, not shown.

In der Transportvorrichtung 4 werden die Produkte 5 in einer durch einen Pfeil dargestellten Transportrichtung 7 auf ihrer Grundfläche 6 aufliegend gefördert und dabei seitlich ausgerichtet. Durch dieses nachfolgend näher erläuterte seitliche Ausrichten wird gewährleistet, dass die Produkte 5 im Wesentlichen unabhängig von ihrer Breite B in der nachgeordneten Schneidmaschine 3 exakt geschnitten oder alternativ in einer definierten Lage an eine andere Weiterverarbeitungsvorrichtung weitergeleitet werden können.In the transport device 4, the products 5 are conveyed lying in a transport direction 7 shown by an arrow on its base surface 6 and thereby aligned laterally. This lateral alignment, which is explained in more detail below, ensures that the products 5 can be cut exactly, independently of their width B, in the downstream cutting machine 3 or, alternatively, can be forwarded in a defined position to another further processing device.

Die Transportvorrichtung 4 besitzt für den Transport der Produkte 5 fünf als Bänder ausgebildete Transportelemente 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Diese Bänder können in üblicher Weise um hier nicht gezeigte Rollen geführt und angetrieben sein. Sie sind lediglich Beispiele für Transportelemente und können zumindest teilweise durch Ketten, Rollen oder dergleichen ersetzt werden.The transport device 4 has five transport belts 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 designed as belts for transporting the products 5. These belts can be guided and driven in the usual way around rollers not shown here. They are merely examples of transport elements and can be at least partially replaced by chains, rollers or the like.

Weiter sind ein erstes und ein zweites Ausrichtmittel 13, 14 vorgesehen, welche jeweils eine parallel zu den Transportelementen 8, 9, 10, 12, 12 sowie parallel zueinander ausgerichtete Transportkette 13a, 14a aufweisen. Die erste Transportkette 13a besitzt in gleichen Abständen eine Mehrzahl von ersten Anschlägen 13b, während die zweite Transportkette 14a zweite Anschläge 14b in gleicher Anordnung aufweist. Die Transportketten 13a, 14a sind ebenfalls in bekannter Weise angetrieben. Die Anschläge 13b, 14b sind jeweils paarweise gegenüberliegend und im Abstand zueinander angeordnet. Sie liegen auf einer gedachten Linie 15, die quer zur Transportrichtung 7 verläuft. Sowohl die Abstände zwischen den Transportelementen 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 als auch zwischen den Ausrichtmitteln 13, 14 können zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Breiten B der Produkte 5 rechtwinklig zur Transportrichtung 7 verstellbar ausgebildet sein.Further, a first and a second alignment means 13, 14 are provided, which in each case have a parallel to the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 12, 12 and parallel to each other transport chain 13a, 14a. The first transport chain 13a has a plurality of first stops 13b at equal intervals, while the second transport chain 14a has second stops 14b in the same arrangement. The transport chains 13a, 14a are also driven in a known manner. The stops 13b, 14b are each arranged in pairs opposite each other and at a distance from each other. They lie on an imaginary line 15 which is transverse to the transport direction 7. Both the distances between the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and between the alignment means 13, 14 may be designed to adapt to different widths B of the products 5 at right angles to the transport direction 7 adjustable.

Die Transportvorrichtung 4 besitzt zudem eine Seitenführung 16, die ein vertikal verlaufendes Seitenband 16a aufweist, wie insbesondere die Figuren 2 und 3 zeigen. Dieses Seitenband 16a ist ebenfalls mit einer hier nicht gezeigten Antriebsrolle angetrieben und kann in Transportrichtung 7 bewegt werden. Das Seitenband 16a ist im Abstand zur zweiten Transportkette 14a angeordnet und bildet einen Seitenanschlag, an dem die Produkte 5 positioniert werden.The transport device 4 also has a side guide 16, which has a vertically extending sideband 16a, in particular the Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate. This side band 16a is also driven by a drive roller, not shown here, and can be moved in the transport direction 7. The side band 16a is spaced from the second transport chain 14a and forms a side stop on which the products 5 are positioned.

Zudem besitzt die Transportvorrichtung 4 ein sich in Transportrichtung 7 erstreckendes, keilförmiges Positioniermittel 17, welches in einem stromabwärtigen Bereich 18 der Transportvorrichtung 4 unter dem Transportelement 8 platziert ist. Das Positioniermittel 17 ist im Wesentlichen parallel zu dem am gegenüberliegenden Rand der Transportvorrichtung 4 befindlichen Seitenband 16a angeordnet und zu diesem hin geneigt ausgebildet (Figur 4). Aufgrund der Neigung des Positioniermittels 17 verläuft das auf diesem aufliegende Transportelement 8 im Bereich 18 ebenfalls entsprechend geneigt. Der Neigungswinkel zur Horizontalen kann unterschiedlich sein, beträgt aber beispielsweise weniger als 45°.In addition, the transport device 4 has a wedge-shaped positioning means 17 extending in the transport direction 7, which is placed in a downstream region 18 of the transport device 4 below the transport element 8. The positioning means 17 is arranged substantially parallel to the sideband 16a located at the opposite edge of the transport device 4 and is inclined towards it (FIG. FIG. 4 ). Due to the inclination of the positioning means 17 which rests on this transport element 8 in the region 18 is also correspondingly inclined. The angle of inclination to the horizontal may be different, but is for example less than 45 °.

Der Abstand zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Transportkette 13a, 14a ist wesentlich grösser als der Abstand der ersten Transportkette 13a zum Transportelement 8 bzw. der Abstand der zweiten Transportkette 14a zum Seitenband 16a. Die Transportelemente 9, 10, 11, 12 sind zwischen dem Seitenband 16a und dem Transportelement 8 angeordnet und mit unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten angetrieben. Dabei ist die Geschwindigkeit des ersten Transportelements 8 am grössten und die des fünften Transportelements 12 am kleinsten, während die dazwischen angeordneten Transportelemente 9, 10, 11 in Richtung zum fünften Transportelement 12 jeweils eine geringere Geschwindigkeit aufweisen. Die unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten der Transportelemente 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 werden beispielsweise durch Verwendung von nicht dargestellten Antriebsrollen mit unterschiedlichen Durchmessern erreicht. Das erste Transportelement 8 ist somit mit einer Antriebsrolle angetrieben, welche gegenüber den Antriebsrollen der weiteren Transportelemente 9, 10, 11, 12 den grössten Durchmesser aufweist. Beide Transportketten 13a, 14a sind jeweils mit der gleichen Geschwindigkeit angetrieben, welche zudem kleiner als die Geschwindigkeit des fünften Transportelements 12 ist. Die Geschwindigkeit des Seitenbandes 16a kann grösser als die des fünften Transportelements 12 sein, wobei letzteres beispielsweise 20 % langsamer läuft.The distance between the first and the second transport chain 13a, 14a is substantially greater than the distance of the first transport chain 13a to the transport element 8 or the distance of the second transport chain 14a to the side band 16a. The transport elements 9, 10, 11, 12 are arranged between the side band 16a and the transport element 8 and driven at different speeds. In this case, the speed of the first transport element 8 is greatest and that of the fifth transport element 12 is smallest, while the transport elements 9, 10, 11 arranged therebetween in the direction of the fifth transport element 12 each have a lower speed. The different speeds of the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 are achieved for example by using drive rollers, not shown, with different diameters. The first transport element 8 is thus driven by a drive roller, which has the largest diameter relative to the drive rollers of the further transport elements 9, 10, 11, 12. Both transport chains 13a, 14a are each driven at the same speed, which is also smaller than the speed of the fifth transport element 12. The speed of the sideband 16a may be greater than that of the fifth transport element 12, the latter running, for example, 20% slower.

Soll ein Produkt 5 an die Schneidmaschine 3 oder eine andere geeignete Bearbeitungsmaschine übergeben werden, so erfolgt dies mittels der Transportvorrichtung 4. Das Produkt 5 liegt dabei mit seiner Grundfläche 6 in gerader Ausrichtung auf den Transportelementen 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 auf und wird in Transportrichtung 7, d.h. gemäss den Figuren 2 und 3 von links nach rechts transportiert. Da die Transportelemente 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 mit unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten laufen, wird das Produkt 5 während des Transports schräggestellt. In den Figuren 2 und 3 ist das gegenüber dem Produkt 5 vorlaufende Produkt 5a bereits schräggestellt. Eine Vorderkante 19 und eine zu dieser parallele Hinterkante 20 des Produktes 5a verlaufen nun schräg zu der quer zur Transportrichtung 7 verlaufenden, gedachten Linie 15. Eine erste Seitenkante 21 und eine zweite Seitenkante 22 des Produktes 5a verlaufen somit schräg zur Transportrichtung 7. Da die erste Transportkette 13a wesentlich langsamer als das erste Transportelement 8 angetrieben ist, wird das Produkt 5a im Bereich einer ersten von zwei vorderen Ecken 23, 23a gegen einen der ersten Anschläge 13b geschoben. Dabei wird diese erste Ecke 23 in Richtung zur Seitenführung 16 und des Seitenbandes 16a verschoben. Das vorlaufende Produkt 5b liegt im Bereich seiner ersten vorderen Ecke 23 bereits an einem Anschlag 13b an. Aufgrund der geringeren Geschwindigkeit der ersten Transportkette 13a zieht zumindest das erste Transportelement 8 unter gleitender Reibung am Produkt 5b.If a product 5 is to be transferred to the cutting machine 3 or another suitable processing machine, this is done by means of the transport device 4. The product 5 lies with its base 6 in a straight alignment on the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and is in the transport direction 7, ie according to the Figures 2 and 3 transported from left to right. Since the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 run at different speeds, the product 5 is tilted during transport. In the Figures 2 and 3 If the product 5a leading the product 5a is already tilted. A leading edge 19 and a trailing edge 20 of the product 5a parallel to the latter now run obliquely to the imaginary line 15 extending transversely to the transport direction 7. A first side edge 21 and a second side edge 22 of the product 5a thus run obliquely to the transport direction 7. Since the first Transport chain 13a is driven much slower than the first transport element 8, the product 5a is pushed in the region of a first of two front corners 23, 23a against one of the first stops 13b. In this case, this first corner 23 is moved in the direction of the side guide 16 and the side band 16a. The leading product 5b is already in the region of its first front corner 23 against a stop 13b. Due to the lower speed of the first transport chain 13a, at least the first transport element 8 pulls on the product 5b under sliding friction.

Da das Produkt 5b im Bereich seiner ersten vorderen Ecke 23 am ersten Anschlag 13b anliegt, kann diese Ecke 23 jedoch nicht mehr schneller in Transportrichtung 7 bewegt werden, als dies die Geschwindigkeit der ersten Transportkette 13a zulässt. Aufgrund der Haftreibung der Transportelemente 9, 10, 11 und 12 am Produkt 5b, wird dieses um den ersten Anschlag 13b herum gegen den zweiten Anschlag 14b bewegt und damit zunehmend gerade gestellt. Aufgrund der Haftreibung zwischen dem jeweiligen ersten Anschlag 13b und der Vorderkante 19 der Produkte 5b, und 5c bleibt dabei die erste vordere Ecke 23 in Richtung zur Seitenführung 16 und zum Seitenband 16a verschoben. Das vorlaufende Produkt 5c ist somit weniger schräg gestellt als das diesem nachlaufende Produkt 5b. Schliesslich liegt die Vorderkante 19 des vorlaufenden Produktes 5d an beiden Anschlägen 13b, 14b an und damit auf der quer zur Transportrichtung 7 verlaufenden, gedachten Linie 15.Since the product 5b abuts against the first stop 13b in the region of its first front corner 23, however, this corner 23 can no longer be moved faster in the transport direction 7 than the speed of the first transport chain 13a permits. Due to the static friction of the transport elements 9, 10, 11 and 12 on the product 5b, this is moved around the first stop 13b against the second stop 14b and thus increasingly straight. Due to the static friction between the respective first stop 13b and the front edge 19 of the products 5b and 5c, the first front corner 23 remains displaced in the direction of the lateral guide 16 and the sideband 16a. The leading product 5c is thus less inclined than the trailing product 5b. Finally, the leading edge 19 of the leading product 5d bears against both stops 13b, 14b and thus on the imaginary line 15 extending transversely to the transport direction 7.

Das Seitenband 16a verläuft gemäss Figur 2 zumindest bereichsweise schräg zur Transportrichtung 7, so dass der Abstand zwischen dem Seitenband 16a und dem Transportelement 8 in Transportrichtung 7 zunehmend kleiner wird. Ist ein vorbestimmter Abstand erreicht, so verläuft das Seitenband 16a im stromabwärtigen Bereich 18 der Transportvorrichtung 4 parallel zum Transportelement 8. Spätestens beim Eintreffen in den Bereich 18 liegt die zweite vordere Ecke 23a des Produkts 5c, 5d bereits am Seitenband 16a an. Beim weiteren Geradestellen nähern sich die Produkte 5c und 5d jeweils mit einer ersten von zwei hinteren Ecken 23b, 23c immer mehr dem Seitenband 16a, bis sie schliesslich jeweils mit ihrer zweiten Seitenkante 22 komplett am Seitenband 16a anliegen und somit an diesem ausgerichtet sind. Dabei liegen die ersten Seitenkanten 21 der Produkte 5d, 5e nach wie vor auf dem Transportelement 8 auf.The sideband 16a runs according to FIG. 2 at least partially obliquely to the transport direction 7, so that the distance between the side band 16a and the transport element 8 in the transport direction 7 is increasingly smaller. If a predetermined distance is reached, then the sideband 16a extends in the downstream region 18 of the transport device 4 parallel to the transport element 8. At the moment of arrival in the region 18, the second front corner 23a of the product 5c, 5d already on the sideband 16a. When further straightening, the products 5c and 5d approach each other with a first of two rear corners 23b, 23c more and more sideband 16a, until they finally lie completely with their second side edge 22 on the sideband 16a and thus aligned with this. In this case, the first side edges 21 of the products 5d, 5e are still on the transport element 8.

Um in der Schlussphase des Geradestellens der Produkte 5d, 5e zu verhindern, dass deren jeweilige zweite vordere Ecke 23a und somit die zweite Seitenkante 22 wieder vom Seitenband 16a wegrutscht, ist dem Transportelement 8 im Bereich 18 der Transportvorrichtung 4 das Positioniermittel 17 untergelegt. Durch die daraus resultierende Neigung des Transportelements 8 wird jeweils auf die erste Seitenkante 21 der Produkte 5d, 5e eine Kraft in Richtung der Seitenführung 16 und des Seitenbandes 16a ausgeübt, wodurch die Produkte 5d, 5e zwischen dem Seitenband 16a und dem schräggestellten Transportelement 8 definiert positioniert sind. Dies kann alternativ auch mittels entsprechend angeordneten und ausgebildeten Blasdüsen oder ähnlich wirkenden Elementen erreicht werden. Während des weiteren Fördervorgangs auf der Transportvorrichtung 4 wird das Produkt 5d, 5e durch gleitende Reibung der Transportelemente 8, 24, 25, 28 und 32 ständig gegen die beiden vorauslaufenden Anschläge 13b und 14b geschoben.In order to prevent in the final phase of straightening the products 5d, 5e that their respective second front corner 23a and thus the second side edge 22 slips back from the side band 16a, the positioning element 17 is placed in the region 18 of the transport device 4 the transport element 8. As a result of the resulting inclination of the transport element 8, a force is exerted on the first side edge 21 of the products 5d, 5e in the direction of the side guide 16 and the side strip 16a, whereby the products 5d, 5e are positioned defined between the side strip 16a and the inclined transport element 8 are. This can alternatively be achieved by means of appropriately arranged and trained blowing nozzles or similar acting elements. During the further conveying operation on the transport device 4, the product 5d, 5e by sliding friction of the transport elements 8, 24, 25, 28 and 32 constantly pushed against the two leading stops 13b and 14b.

Beim gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel werden die Produkte 5 in Transportrichtung 7 gesehen links ausgerichtet. Es ist aber auch eine Ausführung denkbar, bei welcher die Produkte 5 in Transportrichtung 7 nach rechts ausgerichtet werden. Die Transportvorrichtung 4 kann dazu in relativ einfacher Weise umgerüstet werden, indem das Seitenband 16a und das Transportelement 8, einschliesslich des Positioniermittels 17 entsprechend vertauscht werden. Die zudem erforderliche Umstellung der Geschwindigkeiten der Transportelemente 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 kann in einfacher Weise durch einen entsprechenden Austausch der hier nicht gezeigten Antriebsrollen erreicht werden.In the embodiment shown, the products 5 are aligned in the transport direction 7 left aligned. However, it is also an embodiment conceivable in which the products 5 are aligned in the transport direction 7 to the right. The transport device 4 can be retrofitted to this in a relatively simple manner by the sideband 16a and the transport element 8, including the positioning means 17 are swapped accordingly. The addition required conversion the speeds of the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 can be achieved in a simple manner by a corresponding exchange of the drive rollers not shown here.

Es ist auch eine Ausführung denkbar, bei der auf beiden Seiten der Transportvorrichtung 4 Seitenbänder 16a vorgesehen sind, wobei jeweils nur das Seitenband 16a zum Einsatz kommt, welches auf der zum Ausrichten benutzten Seite der Transportvorrichtung 4 angeordnet ist. Der Abstand zwischen den beiden vertikalen Seitenbändern 16a muss in diesem Fall so gross gewählt werden, dass genügend Platz für das Schrägstellen der Produkte 5 bleibt.It is also conceivable embodiment in which on both sides of the transport device 4 side bands 16a are provided, in each case only the side band 16a is used, which is arranged on the side used for aligning the transport device 4. The distance between the two vertical side bands 16 a must be chosen in this case so large that enough space for the tilting of the products 5 remains.

Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel werden fünf Transportelemente 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 zum Fördern der Produkte 5 verwendet. Es ist aber auch eine Ausführung mit mehr oder weniger Transportelementen denkbar. Die Anzahl der Transportelemente ist insbesondere abhängig von der Breite B bzw. dem Format der Produkte 5. Die Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen dem schnellsten Transportelement 8 und dem langsamsten Transportelement 12 kann je nach Produkt 5 unterschiedlich sein. Beispielsweise beträgt die Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen benachbarten Transportelementen etwa 2 bis 5 %. Die Schrägstellung der Produkte 5 kann ebenfalls unterschiedlich sein. Beispielsweise beträgt die Schrägstellung 10 bis 30°. Der Weg, der für ein Ausrichten minimal erforderlich ist, hängt vom jeweiligen Produkt 5 ab.In the exemplary embodiment shown, five transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 are used to convey the products 5. But it is also an embodiment with more or less transport elements conceivable. The number of transport elements is particularly dependent on the width B or the format of the products 5. The speed difference between the fastest transport element 8 and the slowest transport element 12 may vary depending on the product 5. For example, the speed difference between adjacent transport elements is about 2 to 5%. The skewing of the products 5 may also be different. For example, the inclination is 10 to 30 °. The minimum travel required for alignment depends on the particular product 5.

Der Breitenunterschied der geförderten Produkte 5, der ohne Umstellung der Transportvorrichtung 4 möglich ist beträgt beispielsweise 10 mm. Mit der Transportvorrichtung 4 können deshalb auch selektiv hergestellte Produkte und Produkte von unterschiedlichen Druckmaschinen ausgerichtet werden. Eine exakte Ausrichtung ist selbst bei vergleichsweise hohen Transportgeschwindigkeiten von beispielsweise 3 m/s und mehr und somit einer Leistung von etwa 30'000 Exemplaren pro Stunde möglich. Hierbei können die Produkte 5 mit einer Toleranz von etwa 1 mm seitlich ausgerichtet werden.The difference in width of the subsidized products 5, which is possible without changing the transport device 4 is for example 10 mm. With the transport device 4, therefore, selectively manufactured products and products can be aligned by different printing presses. An exact alignment is possible even at comparatively high transport speeds of, for example, 3 m / s and more and thus an output of about 30,000 copies per hour. Here, the products 5 can be aligned laterally with a tolerance of about 1 mm.

Die Transportvorrichtung 4 kann mit einem vergleichsweise einfachen und schnellen Umbau wieder so betrieben werden, dass die Produkte 5, wie bisher üblich, zwischen zwei vertikalen Bändern zentriert werden. Dies ist auch dann möglich, wenn die Transportelemente 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 mit unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten laufen.The transport device 4 can be operated again with a comparatively simple and rapid conversion so that the products 5, as hitherto customary, are centered between two vertical bands. This is also possible if the transport elements 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 run at different speeds.

Claims (14)

  1. A method of laterally aligning products having a flat base area (6), in particular printed products, against a side guide (16) of a conveying device (4), on which the products (5), whilst lying flat, are moved along one after the other, said products (5) being placed in a first step in a substantially horizontal plane at an angle relative to a direction of travel (7) of the conveying device (4), and in a second step being straightened again, each thus being moved laterally into position against the side guide (16) and aligned with this, characterized in that the conveying device (4) has stops (13b, 14b) travelling along with it, which are spaced apart from one another in a direction transverse to the direction of travel (7), and in that, in the first step, each product (5) is placed with its front edge (19) against one of said stops (13b, 14b).
  2. A method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the conveying device (4) has at least two conveying elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 12), extending in direction of travel (7) and being spaced apart from one another in a direction transverse to the direction of travel (7), said conveying elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) being driven at different speeds for the angled positioning of the products (5).
  3. A method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the second step, each product (5) is placed with its front edge (19) against the other stop (14b, 13b).
  4. A method according to Claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the stops (13b, 14b) are each provided on aligning means (13, 14), in particular a conveyor chain (13a, 14a), and are moved together with this in direction of travel (7).
  5. A method according to one of Claims 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the stops (13b, 14b) are moved at a first speed and the conveying elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) at a second speed in direction of travel (7), the first speed being less than the second speed.
  6. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the side guide (16) comprises a substantially vertical side belt (16a), against which the side edge (22) of the straightened product (5) is aligned.
  7. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the conveying device (4) has at least one conveying element (8), which is located at a distance from the side guide (16) and extends substantially parallel to this and to the direction of travel (7), a side edge (21, 22) of each product (5) resting on said at least one conveying element (8).
  8. A method according to Claim 7, characterized in that, in a downstream area (18) of the conveying device (4), the at least one conveying element (8) is inclined towards the side guide (16).
  9. A conveying device for implementing the method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it has at least two conveying elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 12), by which the products (5), whilst lying flat, can be moved one after the other and can each be placed at an angle relative to the direction of travel (7), and in that stops (13b, 14b) are provided, by which the angled products (5) can each be straightened again relative to the direction of travel (7) and thus can be aligned laterally against a side guide (16).
  10. A conveying device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the conveying elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) can be driven at different speeds for placing the products (5) at an angle.
  11. A conveying device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a first stop (13b) and a second stop (14b) are placed at a distance from one another on an imaginary line (15) extending transverse to the direction of travel (7).
  12. A conveying device according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the stops (13b, 14b) are each provided on aligning means (13, 14), in particular on a conveyor chain (13a, 14a), so as to be movable in direction of travel (7), and the products (5) can be placed against the stops (13b, 14b) both on positioning at an angle and on being straightened.
  13. A conveying device according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the side guide (16) comprises a substantially vertical side belt (16a), which is movable in direction of travel (7) and against which the products can be laterally aligned.
  14. A conveying device according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the conveying elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) take the form of belts.
EP09165957.3A 2009-07-21 2009-07-21 Method for lateral alignment of products with level base, in particular printed products and transport device for carrying out the method Not-in-force EP2277812B1 (en)

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EP09165957.3A EP2277812B1 (en) 2009-07-21 2009-07-21 Method for lateral alignment of products with level base, in particular printed products and transport device for carrying out the method
US12/839,833 US8434609B2 (en) 2009-07-21 2010-07-20 Method for aligning flat products on a side edge and conveying device for realizing the method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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EP09165957.3A EP2277812B1 (en) 2009-07-21 2009-07-21 Method for lateral alignment of products with level base, in particular printed products and transport device for carrying out the method

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EP2277812A1 EP2277812A1 (en) 2011-01-26
EP2277812B1 true EP2277812B1 (en) 2013-07-03

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US8434609B2 (en) 2013-05-07
US20110017571A1 (en) 2011-01-27

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