EP2367745A1

EP2367745A1 - Apparatuses and method for transferring flexible flat objects

Info

Publication number: EP2367745A1
Application number: EP09774616A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claudio Berni
Original assignee: Ferag AG
Current assignee: Ferag AG
Priority date: 2008-12-24
Filing date: 2009-12-16
Publication date: 2011-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-16
Also published as: AU2009329745A1; CA2747077C; AU2009329745B2; US8813949B2; AU2009329745A2; CH700151A1; EP2367745B1; DK2367745T3; BRPI0923578A2; US20110284342A1; WO2010072006A1; CA2747077A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for transferring flexible flat objects (2, 2'), in particular printed products, between two conveyers. The apparatus comprises a first gripper conveyor (10) having first grippers (12) moved along a first gripper conveying path (U1) for the substantially suspended transport of the objects (2, 2') in a conveyor device (F) by seizing a first object edge (3, 3'), a second gripper conveyor (20) having second grippers (22) moved along a second gripper conveying path (U2) for receiving the objects (2, 2') by seizing a second object edge (4, 4') located opposite of the first object edge (3, 3'), at least one actuating apparatus (40, 50) for opening and closing the first and second grippers (12, 22) such that a transfer of the objects (2, 2') from the first grippers (12) to the second grippers (22) can take place in a transfer region (T). According to a first concept of the invention, at least one auxiliary conveyor (70) comprising auxiliary grippers (72) carried along an auxiliary conveyor conveying path (U7) together with the first grippers (10) is provided. The auxiliary grippers (72) are able to seize and fix the first object edges (3, 3') of individual or all objects held in the transfer region (T) and to return the objects to the first gripper (10) such that the positions thereof is shifted relative to the original positions thereof. According to a second concept of the invention, a stabilization apparatus (30) is provided in order to stabilize the objects (2, 2') held by the first grippers (12). The stabilization apparatus (30) is arranged upstream of the transfer region (T) in the conveying direction (F) and comprises stop elements (32) which are moved together with the first grippers (12) and by which the second object edges (4, 4') at the entrance (E) into the transfer region (T) are moved into a defined position in the conveying direction (F) and in the vertical direction.

Description

DEVICES AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING FLEXTOL FLAT OBJECTS

The invention is in the field of conveyor technology and relates to devices and methods for transferring flexible flat articles, in particular printed products, between two conveyors.

In conveyor technology and in particular in the field of printing technology, it is often necessary to transfer objects from grippers of a first gripper conveyor into grippers of a second gripper conveyor. For example, from a

Printing machine products to increase the delivery rate often in groups, e.g. as a pair of two products, held and promoted by a common gripper. For further processing they must be separated. At least some of the products are therefore preferably transferred to grippers of the second gripper conveyor that each product is finally held individually.

The objects are often held congruently (with aligned edges) by a common gripper. For separating the jointly held objects, however, it may have advantages to clamp the objects in the gripper that their held edges are offset from each other (differentiated promotion). In EP-B 1321410 various cases of how a gripper-gripper transfer can proceed, procedurally outlined, for example: 1. Transfer of two held by a common first gripper products to two consecutive second gripper; 2. transfer of every second product pair to two consecutive second grippers and subsequent splitting of the product pairs remaining in the first grippers; 3. Transfer only one of the products of the product pair to a second gripper and further conveying the product not handed over by the first gripper.

When separating pairs of subsidized objects, but also in the transfer of individual items from a first gripper to a second there are special requirements to the effect that the unaffected object edge is reliably positioned so that it is guided as accurately as possible in the open gripper mouth of the second gripper. This is especially true for flexible products, e.g. Printed products, important because they are held only at one edge of the product during conveying and due to external influences, e.g. Breeze, can change their position.

To stabilize the objects, the device according to EP-B 1321410 provides an unspecified flat pad on which the free edges of the article grind while the articles are being conveyed by the first grippers and which terminates in the area where the second grippers are From below approach the free edges of the objects.

EP-A 183491 1 describes a further transfer device in which individual

Objects are transferred from first grippers to synchronously moving second gripper. The second grippers are arranged below the first gripper. In a transfer area, the first grippers are opened so that the objects due to gravity in the mitbewegten open second gripper slide, which are then closed. To stabilize the objects during the transfer or in the transfer area, a stabilization device is provided which comprises two counter-rotating helical or spiral rotors. These each dive laterally into the spaces between the objects held by the first grippers and thus form a substantially vertically oriented planar support which moves with the objects over the entire transfer area, keeps them straight and ends only when the second gripper is closed is. A disadvantage of this arrangement is the relatively large volume, which is claimed by the side rotors, as well as the complexity of the entire stabilization device. Because the rotors have a certain extent both in the conveying direction and transverse to the conveying direction, which corresponds approximately to the length of the transfer region or the rotor diameter. The rotor diameter can not be made arbitrarily small, otherwise no reliable surface guidance of the objects would be possible. Finally, only the position of the objects in the conveying direction is predetermined by the stabilizing device, while the position of the free edge in the vertical direction remains indefinite.

If the first gripper conveys more than one item but not all are to be dispensed, the items remaining in the first gripper must be temporarily held when the gripper opens. For this purpose, EP-B 1321410 proposes two alternative solutions: On the one hand, the use of a special gripper is proposed, which has two independent clamping areas and thus can selectively release an object while the other is still held. On the other hand, an additional auxiliary gripper conveyor is proposed, the auxiliary gripper are moved in the transfer area in synchronism with the first gripper and hold the items not to be dispensed during the opening of the first gripper and thereby retain in the open first gripper. The problem with the differentiated promotion of multiple objects in a common gripper may be that the remaining in the gripper object due to the original offset does not have the optimum position relative to the gripper jaws or the pivot axis.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for transferring flexible, flat objects from a first gripper conveyor to a second gripper conveyor, in which or in which the described disadvantages are avoided. In particular, according to a first aspect of the invention, especially with differentiated promotion with simple means, a position correction of the remaining objects in the gripper to be achieved. According to a second aspect of the invention, a reliable positioning of the free object edge is to be achieved by simple means.

The object is achieved by devices and methods having the features of claims 1, 15, 24 and 32, respectively. Advantageous further developments emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The device according to the invention comprises a first gripper conveyor with first grippers moved along a first gripper conveyor track for essentially hanging transport of the articles in a conveying direction. In this case, first object edges are detected by the first grippers. The objects are promoted individually or in groups; In the case of group-wise conveyance, the first object edges may lie on one another or be offset from one another within the gripper. There is also a second gripper conveyor with second grippers moving along a second gripper conveyor track. These pick up the objects by gripping a second edge of the object opposite the first edge of the article. In addition, at least one Actuating device for opening and closing the gripper present, for example in the form of control scenes or other elements that trigger the opening or closing curtain. Preferably, each conveyor has its own actuator. The conveyor tracks and the actuating device are designed and set up such that in a transfer area a transfer of the objects from the first grippers to the second grippers can take place.

According to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided at least one auxiliary conveyor with auxiliary grippers moving along an auxiliary conveyor conveyor track with the first grippers. The auxiliary grippers are able to grasp and fix the first object edges of individual or all held objects in the transfer area, so that the objects held by the auxiliary gripper do not fall out when the first gripper is opened and, after the first gripper has been closed, continue to be conveyed therethrough can be. According to the invention, the gripper conveyor track and the auxiliary conveyor conveyor track run in this way and the movements of the first grippers and the auxiliary grippers are controlled such that an object temporarily held by the auxiliary gripper and then returned to the first gripper at the end of the transfer area changed distance is held by its first object edge than when entering the transfer area. In this way, a position correction of the objects within the first gripper can be achieved. This is particularly advantageous in the case of differentiated conveying, in which, owing to the offset of the held edges, at least one product does not necessarily have the optimum position relative to the first gripper, e.g. too deep in the gripper is introduced.

According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a stabilizing device for stabilizing the objects held by the first grippers. This is arranged according to the invention in the conveying direction before the transfer area, wherein the objects in the actual transfer area, ie during the Handover process, already no longer be influenced by it. The stabilization device comprises moving stop elements with the first grippers, by means of which the second object edges are brought to the entrance of the transfer area in a position defined in the conveying direction and in the vertical direction. The stop elements stabilize the free edges in two dimensions and therefore reliably fix their position in the room.

The following steps are carried out according to the method: conveying the objects with the first gripper conveyor substantially suspended in the conveying direction, the first grippers holding the articles at a first edge of the article; Further conveying the articles through the second gripper conveyor, the second grippers holding a second article edge opposite the first article edge; Passing the objects from the first grippers to the second grippers in the transfer area by opening the first gripper and closing the second gripper.

According to the first aspect additionally: intermediate fixation of the objects not to be dispensed by auxiliary grippers, as long as the first grippers are opened for object dispensing, and re-transfer to the first gripper with an offset relative to the original position in the first gripper. In particular, an object held by the auxiliary gripper and returned to the first gripper at the end of the transfer region is kept at a different distance from its first article edge than when it enters the transfer region.

According to the second aspect additionally: Stabilizing the objects held by the first grippers by means of a stabilizing device. According to the invention, the objects are stabilized in front of the transfer area by means of stop elements of the stabilization device with the first grippers be moved, that the second object edges are brought at the entrance of the transfer area in a defined in the conveying direction and in the vertical direction, the second object edges are released immediately before the transfer area or at the entrance of the transfer area again.

The two variants of the invention can also be combined with each other.

Transfer area is understood to mean the area in which the transfer process of the objects can take place from the first grippers to the second grippers, in particular because the grippers have approached each other so far that a controlled transfer is possible. In the transfer area, the object can preferably be influenced both by the first grippers and by the second grippers. A controlled transfer, in which the objects are gripped at any time, takes place, for example, by the second gripper or moving along with this auxiliary gripper closed and the first gripper are then opened.

The invention has the following advantages:

First aspect: It is possible with simple means an intermediate fix the objects not to be delivered and at the same time a position correction in the return to the first gripper. This facilitates subsequent processes that rely on a defined position of the article within the gripper, especially with differentiated delivery in the incoming product stream. The auxiliary gripper conveyor can be realized mechanically very easily. For example, the auxiliary grippers can be moved along a circular conveyor track, for example by being attached to a rotary body. One to the main grapple exactly parallel path and thus a more complex management structure, eg a chain-channel system, is not necessary.

Second Aspect: Contrary to the state of the art according to EP-A 183491 1, the articles are not guided during the entire transfer process, but only immediately before the transfer. The supporting device used for this purpose can be mechanically simple and space-saving. In the simplest case, these are merely moving stop or support elements which support and position the second object edges. They can be arranged in front of the transfer area below the first gripper. Laterally projecting support or guide structures are avoided. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support device has a substantially horizontally extending support surface, e.g. formed by one or more conveyor belts, from which the stop elements, which are moved together with the first grippers, e.g. protrude in the form of cams or projections.

The stop elements are moved, for example, along a stop element conveyor track, which has a section running parallel to the first conveyor track in front of the transfer area.

By releasing the second edges from the stop members at the entrance of the transfer area, they can be positioned very quickly in the open second grippers. This process is preferably assisted by bending the flexible articles through the stabilizer device. Preferably, the second article edge of the first article edge runs in the conveying direction. Outside the sphere of influence of the stabilization device, the objects again hang freely from the first gripper so that the second edge of the article releases quickly when released and thereby positioned in a defined manner relative to the second gripper. Preferably, it overcomes a certain height difference by the bending-relaxing and is thereby already positioned deep within the open second gripper mouth. The movement paths of the first and second grippers and the corresponding drives are preferably set up so that the grippers are moved in the transfer area in a coordinated manner, in particular synchronously.

To adapt to the object length, the distance of the stabilization device from the first gripper conveyor track is preferably variable. Likewise, preferably, the distance between the two gripper conveyor tracks can be varied from each other.

The inventive transfer device can be used flexibly. In an operating variant, the objects can be individually conveyed by the first gripper and transferred individually to the second gripper. In this case, the entire product flow is transferred or split from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. In a further operating variant, in each case two or more objects are conveyed as a group by the first grippers. The transfer to the second gripper takes place in a controlled manner so that all products of the group are handed over individually to successive second grippers and are conveyed on by them one by one. Alternatively, only individual products of a group are transferred to the second grippers. It is also possible that only every second (or nth) first gripper is opened and dispenses its products, while the remaining products are conveyed by the first conveyor. In this case, the product streams are split.

The invention can be used in particular for the transfer of groups of objects held in a common first gripper whose first edges offset against each other (differentiated promotion). For in particular in the case of objects having the same format, the second object edges can be separated from one another in a simple manner by sliding on a flat support surface of the stabilization device. The stop elements thereby position at least one of the second edges of the objects of a group. It has been found that it is not necessary to precisely position each of the second edges. In this case, for example, a divider may be inserted at the entrance of the transfer area between spaced second article edges of the articles held by a common first gripper, thereby facilitating transfer to different grippers.

To assist the transfer of the product, in particular with several products per gripper, one or more auxiliary conveyors may be present whose trajectory in the transfer area runs parallel to the path of the first or second gripper. The auxiliary conveyors are used, for example, to specifically transfer the products held together in a first gripper into successive second grippers or to hold one or more products in the first gripper despite opening the first gripper.

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

1 shows a transfer device with a first gripper conveyor, a second gripper conveyor and a stabilizing device arranged in front of the transfer area during the transfer of individual objects of a first format; Fig. 2, the transfer device according to FIG. 1 in the transfer of individual

Objects of a second, larger format;

Fig. 3 + 4, the transfer device according to FIG. 1 in which by a

Aid sponsors support the transfer of paired items in a first or a second, larger format;

Fig. 5, the transfer device according to FIG. 1 in by another

Auxiliary conveyors assist in the transfer of items promoted in pairs;

FIG. 6 shows the transfer device according to FIG. 5 without a stabilizing device; FIG.

7 shows a variant of the transfer device according to FIG. 6 with a circular orbit of the auxiliary gripper;

Fig. 8 shows a variant of the transfer device according to FIG. 7, wherein the

Auxiliary gripper have additional separating elements.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a transfer device 1 according to the invention in various operating variants.

The transfer device 1 comprises a first gripper conveyor 10 with first grippers 12, which along a guide member, for example, not shown here defined first gripper conveyor track Ul are moved in a conveying direction F. The first gripper 12 are here conventional gripper with two approximately equally long gripper jaws 13, 14, which can assume an open position and a clamping position. The first grippers 12 are opened by a first actuating device 40, which is indicated here only schematically and may be formed, for example, as a control link, at an opening point Sl. For interaction with the actuating device 40, the grippers 12 in a conventional manner controls, eg tax rolls, on. In the present case, the first gripper conveyor track Ul runs approximately horizontally in a first section Ul 'and then rises obliquely in a second section Ul ". The first grippers 12 convey articles 2 individually (FIGS. 5) coming from an upstream process, where the articles are respectively held at their first edge 3 and the opposing second edges 4 are directed downwards according to gravity, and in the pairwise conveyance (Figures 3-5) the first edges are against each other offset (differentiated promotion).

The transfer device 1 further comprises a second gripper conveyor 20 with second grippers 22, which are moved along a second gripper conveyor track U2. The second grippers 22 also have two gripper jaws 23, 24 whose position can be influenced relative to one another by means of a second actuating device 50, for example a control link. In the present case, the trailing gripper jaw 23 is extended relative to the leading gripper jaw 24. It makes it possible between two objects 2, which are held by the first gripper 12 and hang freely suspended, and divert them into different (adjacent) second gripper 22. The trailing gripper jaw 23 thus also acts as a separating element. The second gripper conveyor track U2 has a rising first section U2 'and an adjoining, substantially horizontal second section U2 "It is located directly below the first gripper conveyor track U 1. The two gripper conveyors 10, 20 may be part of a higher-level conveyor system. Their conveyor paths U1, U2 approach each other so far in a region, which is referred to below as the transfer region T, that an object 2 held by one of the grippers 12, 22 can be influenced by the other gripper. In this way, a controlled transfer of the objects 2 can take place. The conveyor tracks U1, U2 converge toward one another at the entrance E of the transfer area T with decreasing distance and then preferably run essentially parallel to one another. The transfer area T corresponds approximately to the overlap of the second parts U1 ", U2" of the first and second conveyor track U1, U2 up to the closing point S2 of the second gripper 22. The input E of the transfer area is, for example, the point at which the second grippers 22 or their elongated trailing legs 23 pierced the plane in which the product edges 4, 4 'were held by the stabilizing device 30 (plane of the support surface 34).

The transfer device 1 may further include first and second auxiliary conveyors 60, 70 each having auxiliary grippers 62, 72 moved along respective conveyor tracks U6, U7. These run at least in sections (in particular in the transfer area T) parallel to the conveyor tracks U1, U2 of the first and second gripper conveyors 10, 20. The function of the auxiliary conveyors 60, 70 will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 3-5. When transferring individual items (non-differentiated conveying), e.g. as in Fig. 1 + 2, they are dispensable.

Below the first section U1 'of the first conveyor track U1, ie in front of the entrance E of the transfer area T, there is the stabilization device 30 according to the invention. Here, it comprises a driven conveyor belt 31 whose upper run forms a flat support surface 34. This is oriented parallel to the first section U 1 ^'of the first conveyor track U 1. From the conveyor belt 31 are several stop elements 32 and are also driven. they run Therefore, along a stopper conveyor track U3, which is essentially defined by the conveyor belt 31. The conveyor belt 31 is deflected at the entrance E of the transfer area T, so that the stabilization device 30 ends there. The distance dl of the bearing surface 34 from the first conveying path Ul is preferably variable and set to be smaller than the length of the products in the vertical direction.

The distance d2 of the two gripper conveyors 10, 20 is preferably adjustable at least in the transfer area T. Particularly preferably, the stabilization device 30 is coupled to the second gripper conveyor 20, so that their distance from one another remains constant. In Fig. 2, the distances dl, d2 compared to Fig. 1 are increased because longer products 2 are processed.

The following describes the function of the transfer device:

In Fig. 1, the first grippers 12 convey the articles 2 by holding them at the first edge 3. The second edge 4 rests on the support surface 34 of the stabilizing device 30 and abuts against the stop elements 32, so that the articles 2 are bent or slightly compressed (stretched) counter to the conveying direction F. The exact position of the second edges 4 in the conveying direction is determined by the position of the moving stop elements 32. The position in the vertical direction is defined by the position of the support surface 34 (height or distance from Ul). The second grippers 22 approach from below the (imaginary) plane, which is defined by the support surface 34, and pierce them at the entrance E of the transfer area. The grippers 12, 22 and the stop elements 32 are synchronized so that the voltage applied to the stop element 32 second edge 4 when released by the stabilizing device 30, ie at the front end, by relaxing in the space between two trailing gripper jaws 23 adjacent second gripper 22 and in an open second gripper 22 jumps. Preferably, the long gripper jaw 23 is aligned with the front end of the stabilizer 30 when the abutment member 32 passes through the front end and thus releases the second edge 4. The second edge 4 is therefore positioned at the beginning of the transfer region T relatively low within a second gripper 22. As the two conveyor tracks U1, U2 continue to approach one another in a first section of the transfer area, the second edge 4 comes to rest on the bottom of the gripper jaw. The second gripper 22 can now be closed by a second section of the transfer area T by the actuating device 50. Shortly before, the first gripper 12 is opened by the actuator 40. In order to achieve a particularly controlled transfer, the first gripper 12 can only be opened when the second gripper 22 has been closed. The extended trailing gripper jaws 23 of the second gripper 22 serve after the transfer as a support surface for the objects, which are then oriented in advance. Although the auxiliary grippers 62 of the lower auxiliary conveyor 60 are moved synchronously with the second grippers 22, but remain open and are therefore inoperative.

Fig. 2 corresponds to Fig. 1 with the difference that the product length and the distance dl are increased. The second edges 4 are as in Fig. 1 to the stop elements 32 at. The trailing extended gripper legs 23 of the second gripper 22 are also aligned at the time of release of the second edges 4 with the support surface 34, so that the edge 4 is positioned deep within the second gripper 22. As in Fig. 1, the auxiliary conveyor 60 is inoperative.

3 and 4 show the pairwise conveying and transferring of objects 2, 2 ^" . The aim is to transfer the product pairs 2, T of every second first gripper 12 to two successive second grippers 22, the respective other ones Product pairs 2, 2 'are further conveyed by the first gripper 12. For example, they can be transferred to a further conveyor in another correspondingly designed transfer area T. The actuating device 40 is correspondingly arranged so that only every second first gripper 12 is opened at the opening point Sl.

In the present case, in each case two objects 2, T are held by a first gripper 12 such that their first edges 3, 3 'are spaced apart from one another. The distance dl between the first conveyor 10 and the stabilizing device 30 is set so that only the downwardly shifted object 3 'rests with its second edge 4' on the support surface 34 and on the stop element 32 and is bent therewith. This creates a gap 5 between the two objects 2, 2 '. Furthermore, in the case of FIG. 3, the spacing of the stop elements 32 is selected such that only one object 2 'of every other object pair 2, 2' touches a stop element 32.

In Fig. 3, the extended gripper arm 23 pierces the gap 5 and thus separates the two objects 2, 2 \ The position of the gap 5 is well defined by the relative positions of the first gripper 12 and stop member 32. The leading product 2 is therefore passed into the open gripper mouth of that second gripper 22, which is associated with the gripper arm 23. The trailing product 2 'is passed into the space between said gripper 22 and the trailing gripper 22 and in the open gripper mouth of the trailing gripper 22. The auxiliary grippers 62 serve to reliably transfer the objects 2, T into the respective gripper jaw. A pair of products are therefore associated with the transfer of two second gripper, which are referred to in the following as leading or trailing gripper. The auxiliary grippers 62 have two gripper parts 63, 64 which can assume a clamping and an open position relative to each other. The leading gripper part 63 has two support surfaces 63a, 63b arranged at an angle to each other. These form a stop for the second edge 4 'of the trailing product 2' of a pair of products. This edge 4 ^ς runs against the stop and is clamped by closing the auxiliary gripper 62. The counter to the conveying direction oriented surface of the extended gripper jaw 23 of the leading gripper 22 acts as an additional support surface. The auxiliary gripper 62 is now moved within the transfer region T relative to the second grippers 22 so that its stop edge with the gripper jaw (bottom or local stop edge) of the trailing gripper 22 is aligned. For this purpose, the tracks U2, U6 of the second gripper 22 and the auxiliary gripper 62 and / or the auxiliary grippers cross a variable distance relative to their conveying member. The gripper 22 is closed at the end of the transfer area T and the auxiliary gripper 62 is opened again. In this way, the trailing product 2 'can be transferred very controlled in the trailing gripper 22.

The leading product 2 of a product pair is inserted directly into the open gripper mouth of the leading gripper 22. In the open gripper mouth are also both products 2, 2 'of a pair, which should not be handed over. Their lower edges 4, 4 ', however, are spaced from the clamping region of the second gripper 22. In addition, these products 2, 2 'are pulled out of the gripper mouth by increasing the distance of the conveyor tracks U 1, U 2 towards the end of the transfer area and / or pivoting of the first grippers 12 relative to their conveyor track U1 and can be moved further by the first grippers 12, which remain closed.

In FIG. 4, the objects 2, 2 'are lengthened with respect to the case of FIG. 3, or the distance d 1 is shortened, so that both second edges 4, 4' of the objects 2, 2 'which are held offset rest on the support surface 34. Each of the Trailing edge 4 'is on the stop element 32, while the leading edge 4 is located between two stop elements 32. The bearing surface 34 is here mechanically separated from the conveyor belt 31, on which the stop elements 32 are mounted, and stationary. The support surface 34 has a displaceable extension 34 ', which continues the support surface 34 and is movable in the direction of the support surface 34. Hereby, the point at which the second edges 4, 4 'are released, can be set exactly. It is possible, for example, to move this release point, which is defined by the front edge of the support surface 34 or the displaceable extension 34 ', from product to product. Here, the trailing products 2 "supported by the cam-like abutment member 32 are released directly by the cam 32 (retracted projection 34 '), and the release point is moved forward for the other products 2 by moving the extension 34' in the conveying direction Products 2 longer and controlled controlled.

As in Fig. 3, the products 2, 2 'of each second pair are separated by retracting the extended gripper jaw 23 and transferred to adjacent second gripper 22. The role of the auxiliary gripper 62 is as described with reference to FIG. The remaining pairs are also conveyed on after the transfer region T by the first grippers 12.

5 shows a further example of the use of the transfer device 1. For dividing the stream of product pairs into two product streams, in which the products 2, 2 "are each held individually by a gripper 12, 22, another auxiliary conveyor 70 is used here This is arranged in the area of the first conveyor 10 so that its auxiliary grippers 72 can functionally support the first grippers 12 in the transfer area T. The remainder of the structure is as described with reference to Fig. 4. In particular, the distance d1 is selected that both second Edges 4, 4 'of the staggered objects 2, T rest on the support surface 34.

The sequence here is as follows: The pairs of objects 2, 2 'are conveyed by the first grippers 12 into the transfer region T. Before the transfer area T, the upper auxiliary grippers 72 approach from above the first grippers 12 and move in the transfer area T in synchronism with them. The corresponding gripper mouths are aligned with each other in a view on the plane of the drawing. The auxiliary gripper 72 hold when closing only one of the products 2, 2 '. Here, the leading product 2 is held, which protrudes with its first edge 3 on the other product 2 '. The reverse case (trailing product is deeper in the gripper 12) is possible. When opening the first gripper 12, therefore, only the trailing product 2 'is released or generally the product that is less deeply inserted into the gripper 12. The first grippers 12 are closed again at the end of the transfer region T and the auxiliary grippers 72 are opened so that the leading products 2 are transported further by the first grippers 12. To open and close the upper auxiliary gripper 72 an actuating device not shown here is present.

The transfer of the trailing products T to the second gripper 22 is supported by the lower auxiliary gripper 62. Before the transfer area T, the second grippers 22 and the auxiliary grippers 62 approach from below the plane in which the second edges 4, 4 'are located and pierce them at the entrance of the transfer area T. The second edge 4' is essentially defined by the here vertically oriented support surface 63a guided and then abuts on the other support surface 63b. By closing the auxiliary gripper 62, the edge 4 'is fixed and transferred in the further course of the transfer region T by relative movement of the second gripper 22 and the auxiliary gripper 62 in the gripper mouth of the second gripper 22. The second gripper 22 is closed and the auxiliary gripper 62 again open. The corresponding trajectories U2, U6 then separate again. The product 2 'is transported further by the second grippers 22. The leading product 2 need not be positioned accurately with respect to the second grippers 22 because it is not handed over to them. In the present case, first and second grippers 12, 22 are synchronized so that the leading product 2 is temporarily supported by the trailing surface of the long gripper limb 23. In contrast to FIGS. 3 and 4, the long gripper leg 23 does not separate the product pair here.

The movement paths U1, U7 thus run and the movements of the grippers 72, 12 are controlled such that the following additional function is realized: The leading product 2 is delivered by the auxiliary gripper 72 to the first gripper 12 so that it is at the end of the transfer area T in is held at a smaller distance from its first edge 3 than when entering the transfer area T. The position of the product 2 relative to the first gripper 12 corresponds approximately to the position of the trailing product 2 'before it has been dispensed, and thus to an "optimum" product layer. The position of the product region clamped or held by the gripper 12 can therefore be determined by the transient It can be achieved that the individually conveyed objects 2 have a well-defined position relative to the gripper, for example a defined distance between the gripped edge 3 and the bottom 12a of the gripper 12 (lowest point of the gripper). This correction with differentiated conveyance has advantages in subsequent processing steps in which a certain product position relative to the gripper is required Depending on the position of the products in the first gripper 12, the trailing product can also be used in the first gripper Gripper 12 is left in. It is also possible d a distance reduction is not realized by the auxiliary gripper, but an increase in distance is realized. In any case, the interim transfer to the auxiliary gripper has two functions: Firstly, the object that is to be transported by the first gripper during the opening of the first gripper retained in the first gripper. Thus, the other object to be transported by the second gripper can be discharged. On the other hand, the position of the object to be transported within the first gripper can be corrected during the return to the first gripper.

It is obvious that the position correction by means of auxiliary grippers with differentiated conveyance of two or more products in a common gripper is independent of the stabilizing device described above and can therefore be used in any gripper-gripper transfer devices. This is shown schematically in FIG. 6: The transfer device according to FIG. 6 and its operating mode correspond to FIG. 5: one of the products 2, 2 'held by the first grippers 12 is transferred to second gripper 22 and the other by the first gripper 12 further promoted. First and second grippers 12, 22 are synchronized so that in each case the longer leg of the second gripper 22 in the area between two product pairs 2, T punctures. For this purpose, no stabilization device is necessary because of the relatively large distances of the first gripper 12.

It can be seen that the auxiliary gripper orbit U7 is parallel to the circulation path U 1 of the first gripper 12 over part of the transfer area. After the opening point of the first gripper 12, however, the orbits Ul, U7 slightly apart, the gripper 12 and the auxiliary gripper 72, however, still aligned with each other transversely to the conveying direction. By diverging the orbits Ul, U7 held by the auxiliary gripper 72 product 2 is offset relative to the first gripper 12. When closing the first gripper 12, it is therefore clamped in a different product area than before the transfer area, in the present case, this product area is closer to its edge 3 than before. This approximately corresponds to the clamping position of the dispensed product 2 'in the original formation.

Fig. 7 shows a variant of the device of Fig. 6. The auxiliary Greiferfbrderer 70 has a circular orbit U7. In contrast to the circulation system according to FIG. 6, in which the orbit U7 is defined by suitably shaped guide means, eg a channel, the circular path can be implemented very easily. The auxiliary grippers 72 may be attached to a rigid body and moved by rotation thereof about a horizontal axis A along the circular path U7. The orbit U7 intersects the orbit Ul of the first gripper 12 in two places. In between are the points at which the first grippers 12 are opened and the auxiliary grippers 72 are closed (denoted here by Sl) or the first grippers 12 are closed and the auxiliary grippers 72 are opened (designated S3). At these two reference points S 1, S3 gripper 12 and auxiliary gripper 72 and their orbits Ul, U7 have different distances b \ b from each other. Here the distance b 'of the grippers 12, 72 is defined as the distance of the pivot axes 15, 75 of the gripper jaws. It is zero at S1 and greater than zero at S3. The distance b is the distance of the orbits Ul, U7. Since the products are hanging and the gripper jaws face downwards, only the component in the vertical direction is measured here. To the distance change Δb or Δb 'between the two points Sl, S3 so the product 2 is moved by the transfer to the auxiliary gripper 72 and re-recording by the first gripper 12. The change in distance can be adjusted by selecting the shape and relative position of the orbits Ul, U7 and the opening and closing points Sl, S3. It is not mandatory that first gripper and auxiliary gripper are opened or closed at the same time; The auxiliary gripper can also be closed before opening the main gripper or opened after closing the main gripper. The auxiliary grippers 72 are presently pivotable relative to their path U7. In this way, it can be achieved that they have a largely constant orientation in space in the transfer area T.

In order for auxiliary conveyor 70 and main conveyor 10 not to mechanically lock, auxiliary conveyor 70 may comprise two sub-auxiliary conveyors each disposed on different sides of main conveyor 10 and between which the main conveyor passes. An item not to be delivered is then held in the transfer area to the right and left of the main grippers of two auxiliary grippers.

FIG. 8 shows a variant of the transfer device from FIG. 7, in which the auxiliary grippers 72 additionally have separating elements 80 or interact with such. The separating elements 80 serve to retract laterally from the first gripper 12 (eg to the right and left thereof) between two objects 2, 2 'of a group of objects conveyed jointly in the first gripper 12 and to expose selected ones of these objects to the influence of the auxiliary gripper 72, so that these can be gripped by the auxiliary gripper 72 and the other object or objects not. The use of such separating elements 80 is particularly advantageous when the objects 2, 2 'are arranged congruently in the gripper 12, in particular with congruent gripped edges 3, 3'.

In the present case, two objects 2, 2 "with congruent gripped edges 3, 3 ^{ς are} conveyed by a first gripper 12. At the entrance of the transfer region T, the separating element 80 strikes between the objects 2, 2 'in the region of the gripped edges 3, 3' In this case, the separating element 80 stands beyond the outer regions of the gripper limbs of the auxiliary grippers 72. In the further course of the orbit U7, the auxiliary grippers 72 are closed at S1 only take one of the objects 2, here the leading one. This is thereby retained in the first gripper 12 when it opens. The other object 2 ^C is delivered to the second gripper 22. Subsequently, the first gripper 12 is closed again at S3 and the auxiliary gripper 72 is opened. As in FIG. 7, the position of the further conveyed object 2 in the first gripper 12 is changed.

The solution described above with the separating elements 80 can also be used independently of a positional correction, i. the conveyed objects 2 can be taken in the same position again from the first gripper 12, they originally had. The separating elements 80 may be an integral part of the auxiliary gripper 72. Their position or orientation relative to the legs of the auxiliary gripper 72 can preferably be controlled. It is also possible that one of the legs of the auxiliary gripper 72 takes over the function of the separating element, i. is controlled so that it enters between the products 2, 2 '. However, the separating elements 80 can also be fastened to a separate drive system and moved only in the transfer area in synchronism with the auxiliary grippers 72 or the main grippers 12. You drive as here between the gripped edges 3, 3 'a. Alternatively, the dividers 80 are inserted from the side (not shown here). The dividers 80 may be controlled to lift the overlapping objects apart so that the auxiliary gripper 72 can more easily grasp the selected items.

The device variant with the separating elements therefore consists in its most general form of a first gripper conveyor, an auxiliary conveyor and a plurality of separating elements, which are moved along a closed orbit. This may be identical to the orbit of the auxiliary gripper, but may also differ. The separating elements are controlled so that in the transfer area between two objects one of the first Retracting gripped group of objects, so that selected these objects can be gripped by the auxiliary gripper. Optionally, the above-described positional correction by the auxiliary gripper and the stabilization of the freely suspended object edges.

Claims

Device for transferring flexible flat objects (2, 2 '), in particular printed products, between two conveyors, comprising a first gripper conveyor (10) with first grippers (12) moving substantially along a first gripper conveyor track (U1) Transport the

Objects (2, 2 ') in a conveying direction (F) by gripping a first object edge (3, 3'), a second gripper conveyor (20) along with a second gripper conveyor track (U2) moving second grippers (22) for receiving the Objects (2, 2 ') by gripping a second object edge (4, 4') opposite the first object edge (3, 3 '), at least one actuating device (40, 50) for opening and closing the first and second grippers ( 12, 22) such that in a transfer region (T) a transfer of the articles (2, 2 ') from the first grippers (12) to the second grippers (22) can take place, and at least one auxiliary conveyor (70) along one an auxiliary conveyor conveyor track (U7) with auxiliary grippers (72) moving along with the first grippers (12), which in the transfer area (T) are capable of gripping and fixing the first object edges (3, 3 '), characterized in that Gripper conveyor (Ul) and the auxiliary conveyor conveyor (U7) and the movements of the first gripper (12) and the auxiliary grippers (72) are controlled so that a held by the auxiliary gripper (72) and again to the first gripper (12) discharged object (2 , 2 ') at the end of the transfer area (T) is kept at a different distance from its first object edge (3, 3') than when entering the transfer area (T).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first gripper (12) at an opening point (Sl) is opened and closed at a closing point (S3) and that the auxiliary gripper (72) before or on the Opening point (Sl) are closed and reopened at or after the closing point (S3).

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the distances (b) between the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) and the auxiliary conveyor conveyor track (U7) at the opening point (Sl) and the closing point (S3) are different from each other.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary conveyor (70) has a circular auxiliary conveyor conveyor track (U7), in particular by the auxiliary gripper (72) are arranged on a rigid body of revolution.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary conveyor (70) comprises two sub-auxiliary conveyor (70), each on different sides of the first gripper conveyor

(10) are arranged, wherein a non-dispensable article (2, 2 ^L ) is held in the transfer area of two auxiliary grippers (72).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a stabilizing device (30) for stabilizing the first grippers (12) held objects (2, 2 '), wherein the stabilizing device (30) in the conveying direction (F) before the transfer area ( T) is arranged and with the first grippers (12) moved along

Stop elements (32) through which the second object edges (4, 4 ') at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) are brought in a defined in the conveying direction (F) and in the vertical direction.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) is formed so that the second object edge (4, 4 ') at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) is released.

8. Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) is formed and spaced from the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) that at least some of the first grippers (12) gripped objects (2 , 2 ") are bent by the stabilizing device (30), preferably such that the second object edge (4, 4 ') of the first object edge (3, 3') in FIG

Conveying direction (F) trailing.

9. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) has a substantially horizontally extending support surface (34) and that the stop elements (32) protrude from it and with the first grippers (12) are moved.

10. Device according to one of claims 6-9, characterized in that the distance (dl) of the stabilizing device (30) from the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) is variable for adaptation to the object length.

1 1. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (d2) of the second gripper conveyor track (U2) of the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) is variable for adaptation to the object length.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second gripper conveyor track (Ul, U2) converge in front of the transfer area (T) and in the transfer area (T) are oriented substantially parallel to each other.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one second auxiliary conveyor (60) with a along a second auxiliary conveyor conveyor track (U6) with the second grippers (22) along moving auxiliary grippers (62) in the transfer area (T) the second object edges (4, 4 ') to take and fix are capable.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one separating element (80) which is capable of retracting in the transfer area between two objects (2, 2 ') of a group of objects held together by the first grippers (12), so that selected ones of these objects can be gripped by the auxiliary grippers (72) moved along with the first grippers (12).

15. Method for transferring flexible flat objects (2, 2 ^ς ), in particular printed products, between two conveyors, comprising the following steps:

Conveying the objects (2, 2 ') with a first gripper conveyor (10), the first gripper (12) along a first gripper conveyor track (U l) substantially suspended in a conveying direction (F), wherein the first

Gripper (12) the articles (2, 2 ") at a first edge of the article (3, 3 '), the first grippers (12) each conveying at least two articles (2, 2'),

Further conveying the transferred objects (2, 2 ') by a second gripper conveyor (20) having along a second gripper conveyor track (U2) moving second gripper (22), wherein the second gripper (22) has a second object edge (4, 4th ') which lies opposite the first object edge (3, 3'),

Transferring at least one of the objects (2, 2 ') held by the first grippers (12) to the second grippers (22) in a transfer area (T) by opening the first grippers (12) and closing the second grippers (22), wherein at least one further article (2, 2 ') is conveyed on by the first grippers (12);

wherein the first object edges (3, 3 ') are fixed in the transfer area (T) by means of auxiliary grippers (62, 72) moving in synchronism with the first and / or second grippers (12, 22) and subsequently released again.

characterized in that an object (2, 2 ') held by the Hills gripper (72) and returned to the first gripper (12) at the end of the transfer region (T) is moved at a different distance from its first object edge (3, 3'). ) than when entering the transfer area (T).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the first gripper (12) at an opening point (Sl) opened and at a closing point (S3) be closed and that the auxiliary gripper (72) closed before or at the opening point (Sl) and opened again at or after the closing point (S3).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the auxiliary gripper (72) along a circular auxiliary conveyor conveyor track (U7) are moved.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that the first gripper (12) in each case at least two objects (2, 2 ') promote, of which transfer in the transfer area (T) at least one of the second gripper (22) and at least one further conveyed by the first grippers (12).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least two objects (2, 2 ') are held by the first grippers (12) that their first object edges (3, 3') are spaced apart.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that a separating element (63) at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) between the spaced apart second object edges (4, 4 ') of the objects (2, 2') are held by a common first gripper (12), retracts and that the objects (2, 2 ') in different grippers (12, 22) are further promoted.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15-20, characterized in that the of the first grippers (12) held objects (2, 2 ') before the Stabilization device (30) stabilized by the stop elements (32) of the stabilizing device (30) with the first grippers (12) are moved so that the second object edges (4, 4 ') at the input (E) of Transfer region (T) are brought in a defined in the conveying direction (F) and in the vertical direction position, wherein the second object edges (4, 4 ') are then released by the stabilizing device (30) again.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the objects (2, 2 ') are bent by the stabilization device (30), preferably such that the second object edge (4, 4') of the first

Object edge (3, 3 ') in the conveying direction (F) trailing.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that in each case only one of the second object edges (4, 4 ') of a common first gripper (12) held objects (2, 2') is positioned on a stop element (32) while the other of the second object edges (4,

4 ') assumes a position spaced therefrom.

24. Device for transferring flexible flat objects (2, 2 '), in particular printed products, between two conveyors, comprising a first gripper conveyor (10) with first grippers (12) moving along a first gripper conveyor track (U1) to be substantially suspended Transport the

Objects (2, 2 ') in a conveying direction (F) by gripping a first object edge (3, 3'), a second gripper conveyor (20) along with a second gripper conveyor track (U2) moving second grippers (22) for receiving the Objects (2, 2 ') by gripping a second object edge (4, 4'), the first object edge (3, 3 ') opposite at least one actuating device (40, 50) for opening and closing the first and second grippers (12, 22) such that in a transfer region (T) a transfer of the articles (2, 2 ') from the first grippers (12) to the second grippers (22), and stabilizing means (30) for stabilizing those of the first grippers

(12) held objects (2, 2 '), characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) in the conveying direction (F) in front of the transfer region (T) is arranged and with the first grippers (12) with moving stop elements (32) through which the second object edges (4, 4 ') at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) are brought into a position defined in the conveying direction (F) and in the vertical direction.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) is formed so that the second object edge (4, 4 ') at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) is released.

26. Device according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) is formed and spaced from the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) that at least some of the first grippers (12) gripped objects (2 , 2 ') are bent by the stabilizing device (30), preferably in such a way that the second article edge (4, 4') of the first article edge (3, 3 ') travels in the conveying direction (F).

27. Device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the stabilizing device (30) has a substantially horizontal extending support surface (34) and that the stop elements (32) protrude from it and be moved with the first grippers (12).

28. Device according to one of claims 24-27, characterized in that the distance (dl) of the stabilizing device (30) from the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) is variable for adaptation to the object length.

29. Device according to one of claims 24-28, characterized in that the distance (d2) of the second gripper conveyor track (U2) of the first gripper conveyor track (Ul) is variable for adaptation to the object length.

30. The device according to any one of claims 24-29, characterized in that the first and second gripper conveyor track (Ul, U2) converge in front of the transfer area (T) and in the transfer area (T) are oriented substantially parallel to each other.

31. Device according to one of claims 24-30, characterized by at least one second auxiliary conveyor (60) along with a second auxiliary conveyor conveyor track (U6) with the second grippers (22) moved along

Auxiliary grippers (62) in the transfer area (T) the second object edges

(4, 4 ') are able to grasp and fix.

32. Method for transferring flexible flat objects (2, 2 '), in particular printed products, between two conveyors, comprising the following steps: Conveying the objects (2, 2 ') with a first gripper conveyor (10), the first gripper (12), along a first gripper conveyor track (Ul) substantially hanging in a conveying direction (F), wherein the first gripper (12 ) hold the objects (2, 2 ') on a first object edge (3, 3'),

Further conveying the articles (2, 2 ') by a second gripper conveyor (20) having second grippers (22) moved along a second gripper conveyor track (U2), the second grippers (22) having a second article edge (4, 4'). ), which lies opposite the first object edge (3, 3 '),

Transferring the articles (2, 2 ') from the first grippers (12) to the second grippers (22) in a transfer area (T) by opening the first grippers (12) and closing the second grippers (22),

Stabilizing the objects (2, 2 ') held by the first grippers (12) by a stabilizing device (30),

characterized in that the objects (2, 2 ') are stabilized in front of the transfer region (T) by moving stop elements (32) of the stabilization device (30) with the first grippers (12) in such a way that the second object edges (4, 4 ') at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) are brought into a defined in the conveying direction (F) and in the vertical direction, the second object edges (4, 4 ^ς ) are then released by the stabilizing device (30) again.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that the objects (2, 2 ') are bent by the stabilization device (30), preferably such that the second object edge (4, 4') of the first object edge (3, 3 ') travels in the conveying direction (F).

34. The method according to any one of claims 32-33, characterized in that the first gripper (12) each promote at least two objects (2, 2 '), which in the transfer area (T) optionally passed to the second gripper (22) and / or further conveyed by the first grippers (12).

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that the at least two objects (2, 2 ') are held by the first grippers (12) such that their first object edges (3, 3') are spaced apart from each other.

36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that in each case only one of the second object edges (4, 4 ') of a common first gripper (12) held objects (2, 2') is positioned on a stop element (32) while the other of the second object edges (4,

4 ') assumes a position spaced therefrom.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that a separating element (63) at the entrance (E) of the transfer area (T) between the spaced-apart second object edges (4, 4 ') of the objects (2, 2') from a common first gripper (12) are held, entrance and that the objects (2, 2 ') in different grippers (12, 22) are further requested.

38. The method according to any one of claims 32-37, characterized in that the first and / or second object edges (3, 3 ', 4, 4') by synchronously with the first and / or second grippers (12, 22) along moving auxiliary gripper (62, 72) fixed in the transfer area (T) and then released again.