EP2288560B1 - Device and method for inserting flat objects into folded printed products - Google Patents

Description

The invention is in the field of further processing of printed products and more particularly relates to an apparatus and a method for inserting flat objects into a folded printed product. Such flat objects are, for example, printed products, printed preliminary or additional products, newspaper parts, samples, brochures, flyers and other supplements.

For inserting flat objects between the two product parts of a folded printed product, it is known to transfer the printed products coming from the rotary printing press to a separate device to hold and open it, introduce the flat objects and remove the resulting end product and further promote.

From the EP-B 0 448 679 For example, there is known a method and apparatus for inserting flat objects into a folded printed product, in which the printed products are held by a gripper conveyor gripper and moved to a flat object feed station. In the area of the feed station, the grippers are opened briefly, the flat objects are introduced into the previously opened products, and the grippers are subsequently returned closed. They now continue to feed the product, including the article, without removing the product from the gripper. In the open state of the gripper there is the problem that the products can fall out of the gripper. To support the products, therefore, a pocket conveyor is provided, the pockets of which are moved in the region upstream and downstream of the feed station along a path parallel to the path of movement of the gripper in synchronism with the grippers. When the gripper is open, the outer surfaces of the two product parts abut against the respective side surfaces of the pockets. One of the product parts is fixed with a clamping element on the side surface, so that the product is kept open. The folded edge is supported at all times by a channel-like extension which is firmly connected to one of the gripper jaws of the gripper. As a result, a lateral tilting of the product is prevented in the open state of the gripper. After the insertion of the flat object and the closing of the gripper, the trajectories of the grippers and the pockets separate again.

A disadvantage of the known device is that no conventional gripper can be used and thus known gripper conveyor can not be used without constructive adjustments. Because with conventional grippers, opening the gripper would cause the product to slip deeper into the now open gripper jaw and thereby also move transversely to the gripper movement direction. The in the EP-B 0 448 679 shown bags have only two lateral support walls, but no pocket bottom, and are not suitable due to this design to support the product at the folded edge. The grippers of EP-B 0 448 679 are greatly widened compared to normal grippers through the channel, which can be disadvantageous for upstream or downstream processes for reasons of space.

Another problem not solved by the known device is the adaptation to different product formats. Since the clamping elements on the outer ends of the bag walls, only products with a specific, adapted to the bag size length can be kept.

Finally, there is the problem in the known device that the gripper must have a certain minimum distance, so that the pockets can be retracted with their angularly spaced apart pocket walls between the gripper and the products held by it. As a result, it is not possible to promote the products in a dense formation in which, for example, the product distances in the conveying direction are smaller than the product lengths. However, this is typically the case with known gripper conveyors, so that they can not be used for this reason either.

Furthermore, from the EP-B 1 809 557 a device for inserting flat objects into printed products, in which the printed products also remain in the gripper when the articles are inserted. The grippers run around a deflection. In the lower part of the deflection, the folded products are opened in a suspended state by an opening means, whereby the free ends of the products are moved apart. The product edges of respectively adjacent products are clamped together by clamping elements which are moved along with the grippers in the region of the deflection at a constant distance, so that the product is kept open even if its orientation changes. The articles are introduced when the open product is oriented upwards; In this state, the gripper is opened and then closed again to hold the product together with the inserted object. The invention has the advantage that the product is well positioned by clamping the free product edges. However, the adaptation to different formats is complex, and products with a short length in the axial direction have due to the constant distance of the gripper and The clamping elements have a large opening angle, which can affect sensitive products.

The US 5,551,682 further describes a method and apparatus for feeding multi-sheet printed sheets collected to print products with an insert. The device contains a separating device in the form of wedge-like elements, which can be inserted laterally between the product parts in a linear movement.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and apparatus for inserting flat objects in folded printed products, which avoids the problems of the prior art. In particular, conventional gripper conveyors should be usable.

The object is achieved by a device and a method having the features of claims 1 and 12, respectively. Advantageous further developments emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

According to the invention, the folded products are held for insertion of flat objects by grippers of a gripper conveyor, wherein the grippers open only briefly for insertion of the flat object and otherwise securely hold and convey the product. A transfer to another conveyor may take place after insertion. In order to stabilize the product in the open state, a support element is provided according to the invention, which moves after opening the products between the two product parts and supports one of the product parts. With a suitable choice of the orientations of the support elements and the gripper, this is sufficient that the gripper open briefly and closed again can be to let the product short and to take again including the flat object. The flat object can be inserted with the gripper open or just before opening the gripper, and the gripper can then be closed again while clamping the product with the flat object. Additional support elements are available, which additionally support the product from the outside at the folded edge.

In another mode, the flat objects are inserted directly into empty grippers instead of folded printed products held by them. The support members are movable relative to the grippers so that they can support the flat object surface when inserted into the gripper and can lead into the open gripper. The surface of the support elements is aligned in the region of the feed station, preferably with the open gripper mouth.

The inventive device is like the prior art of a gripper conveyor with along a closed gripper orbit movable grippers. The orbit leads to a feeding station for the flat objects and past it. There is a control device which is set up so that the grippers are opened at an opening point and closed at a closing point lying in the direction of movement. The predetermined by the position of the feed station insertion point for the flat objects is located between the opening and closing of the gripper or shortly before the opening point in an area in which the products are already open, the grippers but not yet. The products thus remain with the inserted flat objects in the gripper. According to the invention, there is a plurality of support elements that are movable along a closed support element orbit. The support elements are at least in a portion of the gripper orbit relative to the grippers movable so that they retract between the two product parts of the folded printed product and one of the product parts at least between the opening point and the closing point, so while the gripper is open to support planar are, preferably over a majority or the entire product length between the folded edge and the opposite edge. This allows the gripper to be opened for insertion of the flat object without the product falling out or shifting. Even thin or flexible products can be safely supported and kept open in this way, without necessarily clamp their edges. The product will be sideways and depending on Orientation of the support member also supported on the folded edge and kept open at the same time, so that the flat object can be inserted between the product parts.

In the further mode of operation, the support elements guide the flat object into the open, empty gripper.

The support element is preferably shaped and is moved so that its front edge facing the gripper securely supports even smaller products. Its front edge can be arranged, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the folded edge, in particular parallel to it.

The invention can be realized in a simple manner on the basis of known gripper conveyors. It is merely necessary to provide a support element concentricity with a plurality of support elements moved along a support element orbit whose movement is synchronized with the gripper movement. The support element concentricity is preferably arranged in a curved part of the gripper orbit, for example in a 180 ° deflection. As a result, the grippers change their orientation along the orbit. This advantageously makes it possible to utilize gravity for opening and supporting the products, e.g. by one of the product parts is held by the support member and the other by gravity hanging down. A similar effect can also be achieved in a straight region of the orbit by controlled orientation change of the grippers.

Printed product is understood to mean any folded product of a web material. It can be single or multi-layered and also more complex Act product that already has one or more pre- or main products. Flat article is understood to mean any additional product which is to be introduced into the folded product, for example a one-part or multi-part printed product (primary or main products), a sample, a brochure, a flyer, a data carrier or the like. The folded printed product may also be just an envelope into which a flat article in the form of a more complex printed product previously assembled is introduced. Finally, it may also be stacks of different products, for example, various precursors that were previously collected.

In order for the support element to be inserted between the two product parts or into a plane passing through the gripper mouth, it is preferably flat. It is also possible to provide two or more mutually cooperating support elements per product, which move in together between the product parts and / or support the product from outside or inside.

In order to facilitate the insertion of the support elements, an opening means may be provided, with which the two product parts are slightly lifted from each other. Such opening devices are known per se, for example from the above-mentioned EP-B 1 809 557 ,

In addition to the support of the product parts from the inside, ie by inserting the support member between the two product parts, further support elements are provided for further stabilization, which support the folded edge from the outside. They are used at least in the section of the gripper orbit, in which the grippers are open. The further support elements may be stationary or moved. In the latter case, their movement is synchronized with the gripper movement. Support elements and other support elements cooperate together by enclosing the product from both sides and bringing it into a defined spatial position. The folded edge support elements can also, as in the above-mentioned EP-B 0 448 679 described, be integrated into one of the gripper jaws.

For flexible products, it is advantageous to support the non-internally supported product part. For this purpose, further support elements may be provided, which support it from the outside; This can also serve the support element, which is assigned to the forward or trailing in the conveying direction gripper. This function can be achieved by appropriate orientation change of the gripper (pivoting relative to its orbit).

The invention is particularly suitable for inserting various individual or compiled printed products into a product, in particular in a single insertion process. It can be integrated into an existing grab conveyor line without great design effort and is thus a cost-effective alternative to the known collecting drums. When not using the plug-in function, the device according to the invention can be run through without any problems, without the flat objects being inserted; the support elements are not activated in this case, e.g. pivoted away. The same applies to the control device for opening and closing the gripper, which can be set inactive, so that the grippers remain closed. Likewise, the invention can be used to transfer previously collected products to grippers, without necessarily taking place in a folded product.

Preferably, in the area in which the grippers are open, an orientation function for the lateral alignment of the product, optionally with the inserted Object realized. As a result, the quality of the subsidized product can be increased in a simple manner. The straightening function is realized, for example, by lateral alignment elements, such as, for example, running bands or stationary guide surfaces. The alignment elements are preferably adaptable to different product widths.

The support elements are preferably mounted on a conveyor which defines the support element orbit. The conveying means is, for example, a rigid body (wheel, spokes of a wheel) that defines a circular path, or a chain that can be moved along an arbitrarily shaped path by suitable guiding means (e.g., a channel). The support elements are preferably movable relative to their funding, in particular pivotable. This ensures that the support elements can be introduced into the space area, which is swept by the folded printed products and / or einzusteckenden flat objects, without the orbits or driving elements of the gripper and the support elements intersect and block each other. The support element orbit is preferably arranged laterally as seen in the conveying direction of the gripper orbit. Particularly preferred are two support element orbits, each with support elements present, which are arranged symmetrically to both sides of the gripper orbit. By pivoting the support elements relative to their funding, the position of the support elements relative to the gripper can be changed in a particularly simple manner and be changed between active, supporting position and inactive position.

The alternate mode operation is to insert flat objects into an empty gripper which is conveyed along a closed gripper orbit to and past a flat article feed station. The grippers are opened before reaching the feed station, the flat objects inserted, fixed by the gripper and then further promoted. According to the invention, a support member is moved relative to the gripper before inserting the flat object so that the flat object is supported flat during insertion and guided into the open gripper. The support element can be moved away from the gripper again after the insertion process.

Fig. 1

eine Übersichtsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Einsteckvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht in Förderrichtung auf die Stützelemente;

Fig. 3a-c

verschiedene Varianten für die weiteren Stützelemente;

Fig. 4+5

eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung mit weiteren Stützelementen in zwei weiteren Ausführungsformen;

Fig. 6

die Abstützung beider Produktteile von innen bzw. aussen durch Stützelemente;

Fig. 7

eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung mit verschwenkbaren Greifern und Stützelementen.

Examples of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described below. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1

an overview of an inventive insertion device;

Fig. 2

a view in the conveying direction on the support elements;

Fig. 3a-c

different variants for the other support elements;

Fig. 4 + 5

an inventive device with further support elements in two further embodiments;

Fig. 6

the support of both product parts from inside or outside by supporting elements;

Fig. 7

an inventive device with pivotable grippers and support elements.

Fig. 1 shows an overview of a processing and conveyor system with an inventive device 1. Individual folded printed products 2 are withdrawn in a loading station 50 of a stack 52, rearranged to a scale formation 54, isolated (56) and individually with the folded edge 6 ahead in the gripper 12 of a Gripper conveyor 10 transferred. The products 2 can also come online (without intermediate storage) directly from a rotary printing press or be delivered from an intermediate storage, eg a reel; in this case, the loading station 50 is not actuated.

The products 2 may consist of a single or multiple sheets. You may already have flat items or other by-products. These are folded products 2, which each have two product parts 3, 4 lying on or next to one another. The grippers 12 have two gripper jaws 13, 14 which define a gripper jaw 15. They are connected at a constant distance with a conveying means 16, for example a chain guided in a channel, or are moved individually along a guide rail. The path of the conveyor or the guide rail defines a closed gripper orbit U _G.

The products 2 are conveyed with the gripper conveyor 10 to a feeding station 30 for flat objects 5 and past it. The feeding station 30 provides the flat objects 5 which are introduced into the opened product 2, for example by being withdrawn from a stack or scaly formation and accelerated in the direction of the open gripper mouth 15, eg according to FIG EP-A 1 475 329 , For introducing more complex flat objects, for example, a device according to WO 2005/118400 be used.

In an alternative mode of operation, the grippers 12 do not convey folded products, but the flat articles 5 are introduced at the feed station 30 into the open empty gripper.

In the area of the feed station 30, the gripper orbit U _{G has} a curved, here approximately circular deflection 17, with which the grippers 12 are deflected by approximately 180 ° and thereby undergo a change in orientation. In the region of this deflection 17 is located in the conveying direction before or after the feed station 30, an opening or closing point S1 and S2, at which the gripper 12 are opened or closed. This is achieved by means of a suitable control device 18, for example, a link control, in a conventional manner. Between the opening point S1 and the closing point S2, the flat objects 5 are inserted into the opened product 2 or into an empty gripper 12 (alternatively, the insertion point could also lie in front of the opening point S1). This is opened in the conveying direction before the opening point S1 by an opening device 40 and held open as described below and supported:

In the region of the deflection 17 there are a plurality of planar support elements 22, which are moved here in a support element concentricity 20 synchronously with the grippers 12 in the same direction. The support elements 22 have the purpose of retracting between the two lifted by the opening device 40 from each other product parts 3, 4 and support the product 2 so that the article 5 can be inserted without the product 2 moves uncontrollably. For example, the product is supported so that the gripper 12 can be opened. In the alternative mode of operation, the support elements 22 move in such a way that their support plane is aligned, for example, with the open gripper jaw, ie runs in a plane passing through the gripper 12.

The support elements 22 are arranged on a conveying means 23, which in the region of the deflection 17 has a supporting element circulating path U _S which is parallel to the gripper circulating path U _G and which here is a circular path. The conveying means 23 is realized, for example, by one or more rigid bodies, which are rotated about an axis A1, for example one or more spoke-like elements. Alternatively, it can also be a flexible, eg rail-guided drive means. How out Fig. 2 it can be seen, the support elements 22 relative to the conveying means 23 about axes A2, which are perpendicular to the axis A1 and point in the conveying direction, pivotable. As a result, the support elements 22 in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction of the gripper 12 and the direction of movement of the support elements conveying means 23, the gripper jaw 15 toward or away movable, in the present case, a radially to the orbit taking place movement. This movement thus takes place substantially parallel to the product parts 3, 4 (without taking into account their inherent flexibility) or to the gripper jaws 13, 14.

As Fig. 2 shows, per product 2 and gripper 12, two support elements 22, 22 'are provided, the pivot axes A2, A2' seen in the direction of the axis A1 are arranged in front of and behind the gripper orbit U _G. There are therefore two support element circulating paths U _S , each with support elements 22, 22 'present, which are arranged symmetrically to both sides of the gripper orbit U _G. The orbits do not intersect, but overlap the space regions, which are swept by the support elements 22, 22 'on the one hand and the held products 2 on the other hand during the movement along the orbits U _S , U _G.

The support elements 22, 22 'are flat and have a widening from the pivot axis A2, A2' to the distal end shape. In inactive state (solid lines or upper position in Fig. 2 ) extend the support members 22, 22 'laterally outside the products 2, 2' (with 2 'is a smaller format). For retraction between the product parts 3, 4, the support elements 22, 22 'for Gripper 12 towards the active (support) position pivoted (shown in phantom). The curved front edges 22a, 22a 'of the support elements 22, 22' can be pushed into the gripper jaw 15 and support the product 2 at or in the region of the folded edge 6 from the inside. By means of the two support elements 22, 22 ', products 2, 2' of different format can also be securely supported in a simple manner. The pivoting movement is controlled by a suitable control device, such as a link control.

The gripper orbit U _G is shaped so that the products 2 are suspended in the tangential direction approximately at 45 ° to the deflection 17 are brought. Immediately before the transition into the circular path piece of the deflection 17, the opening device 40 is below the gripper orbit U _G. The unobstructed open product edges first slide over a conveyor belt 42 and are fanned out slightly, so that an opening worm 44 engage and the product parts 3, 4 can spread further apart. In this area, the product flow is passed between the laterally unfolded support elements 22, 22 'arranged on both sides. These are then pivoted and mesh between the product parts 3, 4, such as when the associated grippers 12 reach the circular path piece of the deflection 17. Since the support elements 22, 22 'are always radially aligned in the present example, the leading product part 4, which rests on the support element 22, 22' from the outside, held in this orientation, while the trailing product part 3 of gravity depends down accordingly. In the immediate vicinity of the feed station 30, the support element 22, 22 'and thus the leading product part 4 has an approximately horizontal to slightly upright orientation. The gripper 12 is opened and the front edge of the support element 22, 22 'preferably in their - depending on the product size / - stiffness previously determined - brought optimal position. Now, the flat object 5 is inserted below the support member 22, 22 'in the opened product 2 and the open gripper 12, the support member 22, 22' moved back out and the gripper 12 is closed. The products 2 are then moved forward substantially inclined or forward.

In the case of more rigid products 2, the support described above extends through the or the planar support elements 22, 22 'entering between the product parts 3, 4. For more flexible products, it may be advantageous to supplement the support by further support members 62. In the present case, these are moved in a further support element concentricity 60 synchronously with the grippers 12 or the support elements 22, 22 '. They serve to support the folding edges 6 of the products 2 from the outside, so that the products 2 do not move even when the gripper is open. As Fig. 2 shows, in addition U-shaped or V-shaped further support members 62, 62 'are arranged along the axis A1 in front of or behind the gripper in cross section. Their bottoms 63, 63 'are aligned with each other and with the desired position for the folded edge 6 in the gripper jaw 15. Their width in the direction of the axis A1 is chosen so that different formats can be supported; Alternatively or additionally, the further support elements may also be displaceable in the direction of the axis A1 for the purpose of format adaptation. The length 1 of the legs of the further support elements 62, 62 'is small in comparison to the distance of the gripper and the product length L. It is therefore possible to move the further support elements 62, 62 'without displacement in the radial direction along a circular path which is concentric with the gripper orbit U _G in the deflection region 17 or with the support element orbit U _S , and thus to the Approach folded edges 6.

The one described below Fig. 4 shows an example with further support elements 62, which have a leg or support surface which is greatly extended in contrast, and which, for reasons of space, are inserted between the grippers 12 and products 2 coming from the axis of rotation A1.

Between opening and closing point S1, S2 is preferably located here not shown preferably format adaptable alignment station for laterally aligning the product on both side edges transverse to its current conveying direction. Alignment elements could also be arranged on the support elements 22, 22 'and be moved with them controlled.

Fig. 3a-c show two alternatives for the further support elements 62, 62 'for supporting the folded edge 6 Fig. 3a + b are the other support members 62, 62 'formed by discs which are rotatable about the axis A1. The discs have V- or U-shaped notches 64, on whose bottoms 63 abut the folded edges 6. In the right part of Fig. 3a the gripper 12 is shown in the open state. The product 2 is securely positioned by the support elements 22 introduced between the product parts 3, 4 and the further support elements 62 resting against the folded edge 6 from the outside. The flat article 5 can now be inserted into the open product 2 and the open gripper 12. In the left part of the Fig. 3a the gripper 12 is shown in the now closed state, wherein the support member 22 has been removed before closing. The trajectories of the gripper 12 and the notches 64 now separate again.

Fig. 3b shows a longitudinal section along the axis of rotation A1. To adapt to different product widths, the two support disks 62, 62 'are displaceable along the axis A1.

Fig. 3c shows an alternative design of the other support members 62, here in the form of a wheel with a structured outer edge, for example, a corrugated or provided with grooves in cross-section U-shaped structure. This can be realized for example by a foam coating with beads. The bike will be like at Fig. 3a + b rotated in synchronism with the grippers, wherein the folding edges 6 in the wells be positioned. It is also possible to use a support member 62 having a finer texture or an unstructured but non-slip surface to prevent the seaming edges from slipping. For example, belts with studs, ribs, knobs, grooves, or other structure may be used.

Fig. 4 shows another example of a device according to the invention with further support elements 62 for supporting the folded edge 6 and the trailing product part 3. The folded edge 6 rests on the outer edge of an outer ring 65, which is rotated about the axis A1 as in the above examples. The ring has a plurality of radially aligned sleeves 66, which serve for the radial guidance of the support pin 67. The support pins 67 are mounted on an eccentric to the outer ring 65 arranged inner ring 68 so that they protrude different distances depending on the rotational position of the sleeves 66. In the area around the opening and closing point S1, S2, the support pins 67 are advanced from the sleeves 66. The transition between the support pin 67 and the ring 68 defines a groove, which serves to ensure that the folded edge 6 does not slip down. In addition, the support bolts 67 support the trailing product part 3 and the inserted flat object 5. This is particularly advantageous for thin or flexible products.

Fig. 5 shows a further example of a device according to the invention, in which the products 2 are supported on their trailing product part 3 from the outside / below. The other support members 62 are hook-shaped in cross-section and are as in the example of Fig. 4 coming from the center of rotation A1 approaching from outside to the folded edge 6 in order to support this. Her long leg supports the trailing product part 3.

In Fig. 6 an example is shown as the trailing product part 3 by similar to the support members 22 according to Fig. 2 trained support elements 70, 70 'can be supported from the outside. These support elements 70, 70 'are also shaped like a sail surface and drive between each two adjacent products 2 a. For example, they may be pivotably arranged on the same conveying means 23, 23 'as the supporting elements 22, 22' retracting inwardly about a pivot axis A ₃ extending parallel to the pivot axis A ₂ . In the conveying direction, the further support elements 70, 70 'from the support members 22, 22' spaced (see side view in the right part of Fig. 6 ) so that the product 2 remains open for insertion of the flat article 5. In addition, a folded edge support 62 as in FIG Fig. 2 . 3a-c to be available.

The additional support elements 70, 70 'are thus in cross section as in the example of Fig. 5 trough-shaped with a long and a short thigh. The long leg acts as a support surface for the trailing product part or for the flat object 5 to be inserted (also in the case of insertion into the empty gripper 12). The connecting region between the legs serves as a folded edge support 62. In the application in the region of the feed station, it is preferably aligned with the gripper jaw.

Fig. 6 shows the inactive positions of the support elements 22, 22 ', 70, 70' in dashed lines and the active positions in solid lines. It can be seen that the gripper 12 can be moved freely with the held product 2 in the inactive position by the weggeschwenkten support elements 22, 22 ', 70, 70' and past them. In the active position overlap the space swept by said elements, so that a support can take place.

If only the insertion operation into an empty gripper (without folded product 2) is to be supported, it may be sufficient to swivel only the lower support elements 70, 70 'and leave the upper support elements 22, 22' in the inactive position. Because the upper support members 22, 22 'serve in this example mainly for opening and keeping open the product 2 by supporting its leading product part 4. When inserting into the empty gripper is mainly supporting the einzusteckenden article 5 from below, so from trailing direction , and important at the seaming edge. This function is exercised here by the lower support elements 70, 70 '.

Instead of the trailing product part 3 or the object 5 to be inserted in an empty gripper 12, as in FIG Fig. 6 supported by separate support members 70, it can also be supported by the subsequent gripper 12 associated regular support member 22 to achieve a defined position of the two product parts 3, 4 during insertion of the flat object. If the gripper distances are small compared to the product length, the flexible product parts 3 are without further measures on the trailing support member 22 and on the leading product part 4 of the trailing product 2. At a less favorable ratio of product length to gripper distance, a support function can be achieved by the gripper 12 and the associated support member 22 are pivoted in a suitable manner relative to the orbit U _G. This is in Fig. 7 shown. The otherwise radially oriented gripper 12 and support members 22 are pivoted shortly before the opening point S1 in the conveying direction, so that the support elements 22, the leading product 2, which is located in the gripper just opening, and the introduced flat object 5 support.

When inserting into empty gripper, it may be necessary to easily adjust the opening and / or closing points of the gripper. This is preferably done by adjustable Steuerkulissen.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for inserting flat articles (5) into folded printed products (2), comprising a gripper conveyor (10) with grippers (12) which can be moved along a closed circulatory gripper path (U_G), wherein the circulatory gripper path (U_G) leads past a feed station (30) for the flat articles (5), a control arrangement (18) for opening the grippers (12) at an opening location (S1) and for closing the grippers (12) at a closing location (S2) located downstream of the opening location (S1), as seen in the movement direction, and a plurality of supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70') which can be moved along a closed circulatory supporting-element path (U_S), wherein the supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70') can be moved relative to the grippers (12) at least in a section of the circulatory gripper path (U_G), such that they are capable of being moved inbetween the two product parts (3, 4) of a folded printed product (2) and of supporting one of the product parts (3, 4) over its surface area and of keeping the same open for insertion of a flat article (5),
   characterized in that
   further supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70') are provided which are capable of supporting the printed products (2) along their folding edge (6) at least between the opening location (S1) and the closing locatoin (S2).
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70') are configured and arranged such that, once moved into the printed products (2), they are capable of supporting the latter essentially over their entire length.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70'), for the purpose of moving inbetween the product parts (3, 4), are capable of executing a movement, relative to the grippers (12), of which the movement plane is oriented essentially perpendicular to the circulatory gripper path (U_G).
4. The apparatus as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70') are arranged on at least one conveying means (23) which can be moved along the closed circulatory supporting-element path (U_S), wherein the circulatory supporting-element path (Us) runs essentially parallel to the circulatory gripper path (U_G) at least in the region of the feed station (30).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the supporting elements (22, 22', 70, 70') can be pivoted relative to the conveying means (23) in a plane which runs essentially perpendicular to the circulatory supporting-element path (Us).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5,
   characterized in that the conveying means (23) is a body of rotation and the circulatory supporting-element path (Us) is a circular path.
7. The apparatus as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening location (S1) is located upstream or downstream of the feed station (30), as seen in the movement direction.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the further supporting elements (62, 62', 70, 70') are formed by stationary rests which run preferably on either side of the gripper (12) and define a bearing surface located in the region of the folding edge (6).
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the further supporting elements (62, 62', 70, 70') are formed by co-moving elements which preferably have a structuring in the direction transverse to the movement direction, in particular grooves (64) running transversely to the movement direction.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the further supporting elements (62, 62', 70, 70') can be moved synchronously with the supporting elements (22, 22'), preferably by means of a common drive.
11. The apparatus as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized by the presence of an aligning unit which is capable of acting, at least between the opening location (S1) and the closing location (S2), on either side of the printed product (2) in order to align the latter in the direction transverse to the movement direction.
12. A method for inserting flat articles (5) into folded printed products (2), wherein the printed products (2) are retained in the region of their folding edge (6) by grippers (12) of a gripper conveyor (10) and conveyed along a closed circulatory gripper path (U_G) to a feed station (30) for the flat articles (5), wherein the printed products (2) are opened prior to reaching the feed station (30), the flat articles (5) are inserted and the printed products (2) with the flat articles (5) inserted therein are fixed by the grippers (12) and then conveyed further, wherein, prior to the insertion of a flat article (5), a supporting element (22, 22', 70, 70') is moved inbetween the two product parts (3, 4) of a folded printed product (2), and supports one of the product parts (3, 4) over its surface area and keeps the printed product (2) open at least until a flat article (5) is introduced,
    characterized in that
    the printed product (2), at least in the open state of the gripper (12), is supported along its folding edge by a further supporting element (62, 62', 70, 70').
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the supporting element (22, 22', 70, 70') is moved, at least in certain regions, essentially synchronously with the grippers (12).
14. The method as claimed in one of claims 12 to 13,
    characterized in that that product part (3, 4) of the printed product (2) which is not supported by the supporting element (22, 22') is supported, at least in the open state of the gripper (12), by a further supporting element (62, 62', 70, 70').
15. The use of the apparatus as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11 for producing groups of flat articles, wherein the articles are newspapers, periodicals, single folded or non-folded sheets, CDs, flat trade samples, cards and/or labels or cards stuck on one of the aforementioned articles.
16. The use of the apparatus as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11 for inserting flat articles into empty grippers of the apparatus.

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