EP2660174B1 - Device for creating a layer transport flow of flat, flexible objects - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for forming and / or transporting a shingled stream of flat, flexible objects, such as those incurred, for example, after cutting operations or printing operations.

In such operations, a continuous stream of flat, flexible objects is usually supplied to a collection area, from which these are supplied, for example, to a storage device for batch removal. At the relatively high transport speed of the cutting or printing device used, the speed of the individual objects before reaching the storage device must be significantly reduced in order to avoid damage to the objects when depositing. The speed reduction is usually done by a partial overlap of the objects, resulting in the formation of a scale flow. With the formation of a scale flow and possibly an increasing overlap of the individual objects during transport of the scale flow, the speed of the individual objects is reduced at the end of the transport route. For example, a speed reduction of a factor of 5: 1 to 8: 1 can occur even at an entrance velocity of greater than 5 m / s, so that the objects are deposited with significantly less kinetic energy as compared to a non-reduced velocity impact of the object.

Methods or devices for forming and / or transporting a scale flow are, for example, from DE 41 39 888 A1 . DE 199 45 114 A1 . US Pat. No. 7,628,396 B2 . DE 10 2008 025 667 A1 . DE 27 25 547 A1 . EP 0 503 531 A1 . EP 0 962 414 A2 or US 2011 / 056804A1 known.

A disadvantage of the known devices and methods for forming and / or transporting a scale flow is that the use of a suction chamber based on radial or axial fans, or an alternative vacuum generator, such as. a pump or a compressor, with the associated control valves and supply lines, a not inconsiderable expense and costs of the overall system. In addition, suction chambers have the disadvantage that they have a predetermined pitch for successive objects, which leaves little room for flexible arrangements, and that the openings of the suction chambers must be completely covered during operation, otherwise they are disturbed in their suction and holding function , Thus, particularly in the case of the first and last objects, special provisions or procedures are required in the use of a suction chamber to prevent the first or last object from falling off the suction chamber. Due to the predetermined grid dimension of the suction chambers a flexible use of such devices is difficult.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for forming a scale flow, which are more flexible and preferably have lower manufacturing and / or operating costs.

The object is achieved by a device for forming a scale flow of flat, flexible objects with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for forming an imbricated flow of flat, flexible objects along a transport path, wherein successive objects have an overlap length, is characterized in that the device comprises a first suction and transport device with first means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for sucking at least an object, wherein the first means are arranged within a housing having a suction opening, and with at least one transport belt that the device comprises a second suction and transport device with second means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for sucking at least one object wherein the second means are arranged within a housing, which has a suction opening, and with at least one transport belt, that the first suction and transport device and the second suction and transport device to different are arranged on different sides of the transport path, that the first suction and transport device and the second suction and transport device in the direction of the transport path offset from each other by a length and are arranged in the direction transverse to the transport path by a distance from each other, and that in the direction of Transport path rear second suction and transport device is arranged inclined against the direction of the transport path by an angle. Since the whirlwind-based suction and transport devices require no Rastmermaß, resulting in a more flexible use the device according to the invention. The use of two suction and transport devices, due to the higher suction force of the suction and transport devices based on a whirlwind relative to the suction chambers, allows a distance across the transport path, which in turn allows the flat, flexible objects to yield to their bending stiffness, causing kinking or crumpling the objects is avoided. When using two identical suction and transport devices, they equally exert a force on the flat, flexible objects, so that the slippage is evenly distributed on both suction and transport devices and the flat, flexible objects are less stressed. Sucking and transporting devices based on a whirlwind also have the advantage over the suction chambers of a higher suction force, so that objects from longer distances compared to a suction chamber can be detected by the suction port.

Particularly preferably, the length of the offset is greater than the length of the first suction and transport device. The offset is defined as the distance projected onto the transport path between the trailing edge of the first suction and transport device and the trailing edge of the second suction and transport device. If the length of the offset is greater than the length of the first suction and transport device, a gap arises along the transport path between the first suction and transport device and the second suction and transport device. However, this poses no problem for the transportation of the flat, flexible objects due to the high suction power of the whirlwind-based suction and transport devices, and in particular allows the formation and / or transport of a shingled stream of flat, flexible objects with less suction and transport devices as in the case that the length of the offset is smaller than the length of the first suction and transport device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the first suction and transport device and the second suction and transport device transversely to the direction of the transport path is about 3 mm to 25 mm and is particularly preferably about 15 mm. The distance is defined as the shortest distance between any point of the first suction and transport device and any point of the second suction and transport device. Such a clearance further enables reliable tightening of the objects due to the high holding force of the suction and transport devices, but gives the flat, flexible objects enough space to yield between the first suction and transport device and the second suction and transport device of their bending stiffness, if so should be necessary without the objects being damaged, kinked or crumpled.

According to the invention, the angle is about 0 ° to 30 °. More preferably, the angle is about 10 °. The inclination of the second suction and transport device against the transport path, the trailing edge of the object is lowered compared to the leading edge, so that the formation of a scale flow is simplified without damaging the objects.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the speeds of the conveyor belts of the various suction and transport devices are independently adjustable. As a result, the overlap length is infinitely adjustable and allows the formation of a scale flow with any overlap length. In particular, since the suction and transport devices based on a whirlwind no given Having pitch and thus may be present at any point of the conveyor belt object, any overlap lengths are possible, which can also be varied continuously during operation by variations in the speeds of the conveyor belt.

A device for transporting a shingle stream of flat, flexible objects along a transport path, wherein successive objects have an overlap length, is characterized in that along the transport path at least three suction and transport devices are arranged, each of the suction and transport devices first means for Generation of a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for sucking at least one object, wherein the first means are arranged within a housing having a suction opening, and wherein each of the suction and transport devices comprises at least one transport belt, wherein the suction and transport devices in the direction of Transport paths are arranged one behind the other, and wherein the speeds of the transport belt of each of the suction and transport devices are independently adjustable. The use of suction and transport devices based on a whirlwind allow any overlap length between the flat, flexible objects, in particular, since the suction and transport devices have no predetermined grid for the investment of objects. The suction and transport devices also have the advantage that objects from a greater distance can be tightened reliably. Preferably, therefore, successive suction and transport devices in the direction of the transport path can be arranged spaced from each other with a distance, wherein at the distance of the successive suction and transport devices, the distance between the front edge of the transport direction first suction and transport device and the rear edge of the downstream in the transport direction suction and transport device is to be understood.

It is envisaged that the suction and transport devices are arranged on one side of the transport path. Particularly preferably, the suction and transport devices are arranged above the transport path. The arrangement of the suction and transport devices above the transport path results in a suspended transport of the flat, flexible objects, which has the advantage that is pulled at the objects, instead of pushing them, which reduces the risk of damage to the objects.

According to a preferred embodiment, two successive suction and transport devices are at an angle, which is preferably in the range of 0 degrees to 60 degrees, against the plane of the objects and / or at an angle which is preferably in the range of 0 degrees to 30 degrees lies inclined in the plane of the objects. As a result, a change in direction of the objects is made possible, so that the device can be used flexibly.

Particularly preferably, a device according to the invention for forming a scale flow is combined with a device for transporting a scale flow in order to be able to provide a device of simple construction, cost-effective and flexibly usable for forming and transporting a scale flow.

Advantageously, in a device for forming a scale flow, in a device for transporting a scale flow or in a device for forming and for Transporting a scale flow in the direction transverse to the transport path next to each of the suction and transport devices arranged at least one further suction and transport device. As a result, the handling of objects with large width is possible.

Advantageously, the first and / or second means are formed as an impeller whose rotational speed is preferably adjustable independently of each other for each of the suction and transport devices. By means of an impeller, the generation of a whirlwind in a simple and cost-effective manner possible. If the rotational speed is preferably adjustable independently of one another for the suction and transport devices, the holding force for each of the suction and transport devices can be regulated independently and preferably steplessly, resulting in multiple possibilities for handling the objects and the scale flow.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably each, of the suction and transport devices has at least two transport belts, which preferably cover the suction opening in sections. The use of two transport belts usually leads to a more stable guidance of the objects.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that along the transport path at least one support element, preferably a plurality of support elements are arranged, which can lead to an advantageous stiffening of the objects in the transport direction.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the uncovered length of an object is smaller than the length of one of the suction and transport devices and preferably greater than 80% of the distance between the axes of the outer transport rollers of the transport belt of one of the suction and transport devices. When using suction chambers, the uncovered length of an object, which corresponds to the length of the object minus the overlap length, must be at least equal to the length of the suction and transport devices. By using the whirlwind-based suction and transport devices, it is possible to choose the uncovered length of an object smaller than the length of one of the suction and transport devices and still a safe transfer of the object from one of the suction and transport devices to a subsequent suction and transport To ensure transport device.

A method for forming and / or transporting an imbricated flow of flat, flexible objects along a transport path, wherein successive objects have an overlap length, is characterized in that the overlap length is infinitely variably adjustable within the scale flow. By means of a continuously variable adjustment of the overlap length within the scale flow, a particularly flexible application is possible. In particular, the overlap length from one object to the subsequent object during formation and / or during transport of the scale flow can be varied merely by changing the module speed difference of two successive modules, without the need for elaborate design changes of the device.

An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that in a device for forming a scale flow of flat, flexible objects along a transport path with a first suction and transport device with first means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for sucking at least one object, wherein the first Means are arranged within a housing having a suction opening, and with at least one transport belt, with a second suction and transport device with second means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for sucking at least one object, wherein the second means are arranged within a housing , Which has a suction opening, and with at least one transport belt, wherein the first suction and transport device and the second suction and transport device are arranged on different sides of the transport path, wherein the first suction and Transportvorrich tion and the second suction and transport device in the direction of the transport path offset from each other by a length and are arranged transversely to the transport path by a distance from each other, and wherein the rear in the direction of the transport path suction and transport device against the direction of the transport path to a Angle is arranged inclined to adjust the overlap length, the speeds of the conveyor belt of the various suction and transport devices are independently variable and controllable during operation. The fact that the speeds of the conveyor belt of the various suction and transport devices are independently variable and controllable during operation, which means in particular that the speeds of the conveyor belt can be changed continuously at any time, the overlap length is infinitely adjustable and the formation of a scale flow with arbitrary overlap length allows. In particular, since the suction and transport devices based on a whirlwind have no predetermined pitch and thus an object can lie at any point of the conveyor belt, any overlap lengths are possible, which can also be varied continuously during operation by variations in the speeds of the conveyor belt.

An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that in a device for transporting a scale flow of flat, flexible objects along a transport path along the transport path at least two arranged suction and transport devices, each of the suction and transport devices means for generating a negative pressure means a whirlwind for sucking at least one object, wherein the first means are arranged within a housing having a suction opening, and wherein each of the suction and transport devices comprises at least one transport belt, wherein the suction and transport devices are arranged in the direction of the transport path one behind the other , To set the overlap length, the speeds of the conveyor belt of the various suction and transport devices are independently variable and controllable during operation. The fact that the speeds of the conveyor belt of the various suction and transport devices are independently variable and controllable during operation, which means in particular that the speeds of the conveyor belt can be changed continuously at any time, the overlap length is continuously adjustable and the continuous variation of the overlap length of the already formed shingled stream allows. During operation, a scale flow can thus be dammed up, for example in order to delay the storage of the objects, and then rectified again and the objects are removed occasionally.

Figur 1

eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Vortex-Attraktors,

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung der Luftströmungen, welche durch einen Vortex-Attraktor gemäß Fig. 1 erzeugt werden,

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Impellers eines Vortex-Attraktors,

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Vortex-Attraktors,

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Saug- und Transportvorrichtung mit einem externen Antrieb,

Figur 6

eine Ansicht von unten auf ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Saug- und Transportvorrichtung mit einem eigenen Antrieb,

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht der Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6,

Figur 8

eine Draufsicht auf die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6,

Figur 9

eine schematische Darstellung der Luftströmungen zum Ansaugen eines Objekts, welche durch die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6 erzeugt werden,

Figur 10

die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 9 mit angesaugtem Objekt,

Figur 11

eine Ansicht von oben auf ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Saug- und Transportvorrichtung,

Figur 12

eine Ansicht von unten auf die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 11,

Figur 13

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-B durch die Saugund Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 12,

Figur 14

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie C-D durch die Saugund Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 12 mit einer schematischen Darstellung der Luftströmungen zum Ansaugen eines Objekts,

Figur 15

die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 14 mit angesaugtem Objekt,

Figur 16

die Darstellung gemäß Fig. 14 mit der durch die Riemenanordnung bedingten Verwindungen eines Objekts in angesaugtem Zustand des Objekts,

Figur 17

zwei quer zum Transportpfad parallel angeordnete Saug- und Transportvorrichtungen gemäß Fig. 16 mit angesaugten Objekten,

Figur 18

die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 12 mit daran angeordnetem Objekt, welches die Saugöffnung nicht vollständig überdeckt,

Figur 19

die Saug- und Transportvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 12 mit mehreren an einer Saugöffnung gehaltenen Objekten,

Figur 20

zwei entlang eines Transportpfads nacheinander angeordnete Saug- und Transportvorrichtungen gemäß Fig. 12 bei der Übergabe eines Objekts von der einen Saug- und Transportvorrichtung auf die nachfolgende Saug- und Transportvorrichtung,

Figur 21

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Bildung eines Schuppenstroms und einer Vorrichtung zum Transport eines Schuppenstroms,

Figur 22a

Darstellung einer Momentaufnahme eines Bewegungsablaufs von Objekten in einer Vorrichtung zur Bildung des Schuppenstroms gemäß Fig. 21 ,

Figur 22b

Darstellung einer Momentaufnahme eines Bewegungsablaufs von Objekten in einer Vorrichtung zur Bildung des Schuppenstroms gemäß Fig. 21,

Figur 22c

Darstellung einer Momentaufnahme eines Bewegungsablaufs von Objekten in einer Vorrichtung zur Bildung des Schuppenstroms gemäß Fig. 21,

Figur 22d

Darstellung einer Momentaufnahme eines Bewegungsablaufs von Objekten in einer Vorrichtung zur Bildung des Schuppenstroms gemäß Fig. 21,

Figur 22e

ein Detailausschnitt aus Fig. 21,

Figur 23

die zweite Saug- und Transportvorrichtung der Vorrichtung zur Bildung eines Schuppenstroms gemäß Fig. 21 in einer Draufsicht und einer Seitenansicht bei Überlappung zweier aufeinanderfolgender Objekte,

Figur 24

die Vorrichtung zur Bildung und zum Transport eines Schuppenstroms gemäß Fig. 21 mit mehreren nebeneinander angeordneten Saug- und Transportvorrichtungen,

Figur 25a

eine schematische Darstellung zweier aufeinanderfolgender Saug- und Transportvorrichtungen, welche gegeneinander gegen die Ebene der Objekte geneigt angeordnet sind,

Figur 25b

eine schematische Darstellung zweier aufeinanderfolgender Saug- und Transportvorrichtungen, welche gegeneinander gegen die Ebene der Objekte geneigt angeordnet sind,

Figur 26

eine schematische Darstellung dreier aufeinanderfolgender Saug- und Transportvorrichtungen, welche gegeneinander in der Ebene der Objekte geneigt angeordnet sind und

Figur 27

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Saug- und Transportvorrichtung mit zwei Riemenantrieben.

The invention will be explained in detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:

FIG. 1

a side view of an embodiment of a vortex attractor,

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of the air currents, which by a vortex attractor according to Fig. 1 be generated,

FIG. 3

a perspective view of an impeller of a vortex attractor,

FIG. 4

a schematic representation of another embodiment of a vortex attractor,

FIG. 5

a perspective view of an embodiment of a suction and transport device with an external drive,

FIG. 6

a view from below of another embodiment of a suction and transport device with its own drive,

FIG. 7

a side view of the suction and transport device according to Fig. 6 .

FIG. 8

a plan view of the suction and transport device according to Fig. 6 .

FIG. 9

a schematic representation of the air flows for sucking an object, which by the suction and transport device according to Fig. 6 be generated,

FIG. 10

the suction and transport device according to Fig. 9 with sucked object,

FIG. 11

a top view of a further embodiment of a suction and transport device,

FIG. 12

a view from below of the suction and transport device according to Fig. 11 .

FIG. 13

a section along the line AB through the suction and transport device according to Fig. 12 .

FIG. 14

a section along the line CD by the suction and transport device according to Fig. 12 with a schematic representation of the air flows for sucking an object,

FIG. 15

the suction and transport device according to Fig. 14 with sucked object,

FIG. 16

the representation according to Fig. 14 with the twisting caused by the belt arrangement of an object in the sucked state of the object,

FIG. 17

two transversely to the transport path arranged in parallel suction and transport devices according to Fig. 16 with sucked objects,

FIG. 18

the suction and transport device according to Fig. 12 with an object arranged thereon, which does not completely cover the suction opening,

FIG. 19

the suction and transport device according to Fig. 12 with several objects held on a suction opening,

FIG. 20

two along a transport path successively arranged suction and transport devices according to Fig. 12 in the transfer of an object from the one suction and transport device to the subsequent suction and transport device,

FIG. 21

a schematic representation of an apparatus for forming a scale flow and a device for transporting a scale flow,

FIG. 22a

Representation of a snapshot of a movement sequence of objects in a device for forming the scale flow according to Fig. 21 .

FIG. 22b

Representation of a snapshot of a movement sequence of objects in a device for forming the scale flow according to Fig. 21 .

FIG. 22c

Representation of a snapshot of a movement sequence of objects in a device for forming the scale flow according to Fig. 21 .

FIG. 22d

Representation of a snapshot of a movement sequence of objects in a device for forming the scale flow according to Fig. 21 .

FIG. 22e

a detail from Fig. 21 .

FIG. 23

the second suction and transport device of the apparatus for forming a scale flow according to Fig. 21 in a plan view and a side view when overlapping two consecutive objects,

FIG. 24

the apparatus for forming and transporting a scale flow according to Fig. 21 with several juxtaposed suction and transport devices,

FIG. 25a

a schematic representation of two successive suction and transport devices, which are arranged inclined against each other against the plane of the objects,

FIG. 25b

a schematic representation of two successive suction and transport devices, which are arranged inclined against each other against the plane of the objects,

FIG. 26

a schematic representation of three successive suction and transport devices, which are arranged inclined to each other in the plane of the objects and

FIG. 27

Another embodiment of a suction and transport device with two belt drives.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally identical parts, for better clarity, not all reference numerals are given in all figures.

The FIG. 1 shows a vortex attractor 10 with a lower impeller 12 which is driven by a motor 20. The lower impeller 12 has a separator 18 and a plurality of vanes 14 extending radially on the separator 18, which vanes are arranged substantially perpendicular to the separator 18. The vanes 14 and separator 18 rotate about a rotation axis R. In one embodiment, a similarly configured upper impeller 16 with vanes 14 is provided on the opposite side of the separator 18. In one embodiment, one of the two impellers 12, 16, preferably the upper impeller 16, is used to cool the motor 20. The separator 18 may be disposed symmetrically between the upper impeller 16 and the lower impeller 12, but in one embodiment, the upper impeller 16 for cooling the motor 20 is of lesser height than the lower impeller 12, which is the negative pressure for aspirating an object 40 provides. In particular, in one embodiment, the vortex attractor 10 has only the lower impeller 12 for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind (cf. FIG. 4 ).

The motor 20 may be formed as a DC motor or as an AC motor. For example, the motor 20 is designed as a brushless DC motor or as a stepper motor, for example, with a number of revolutions of about 15,000 revolutions / minute to 25,000 revolutions / minute, more preferably with a number of revolutions of about 20,000 revolutions / minute. With these revolutions, with an impeller wheel diameter of approximately 50 mm and with a blade height of approximately 8 mm, a suction holding force of approximately 1.6 N can be generated in a distance of approximately 4 mm from the object 40.

The wings 14 may have different shapes and, for example, be curved blade-shaped. In one embodiment, however, the wings 14 are substantially straight and flat, and in particular are arranged radially. This allows rotation of the impellers 12, 16 in both directions.

In one embodiment, the upper impeller 16 and the lower impeller 12 are made of lightweight material, such as plastic, and preferably have a diameter of about 50 mm.

In a further embodiment, which in FIG. 1 14, the wings 14 of the upper impeller 16 may have a recess in an upper, inner and radially extending region in which, for example, the motor 20 may be arranged. Alternatively, the motor 20 may of course also be arranged outside the upper impeller 16.

The vortex attractor 10 may include a housing 30 which is disposed about the outer edges of the divider wall 18, if this divider wall 18 is present, and the outer edges of the vanes 14. The housing 30 may be formed as a shell or ring, which is formed separately from the wings 14 (see. FIG. 1 ) to provide a particularly lightweight impeller wheel. Alternatively, the impeller 12 and / or the impeller 16 may also be formed such that a ring is arranged directly on the outer edges of the wings 14 or outer edge of the partition wall 18, which forms the housing 30 (see. FIG. 3 ).

Vortex attractor 10 is any device that generates a whirlwind FF. The particular radially extending wings 14 generate the air flow FF, which is formed in particular vortex wind-like and a negative pressure region LP generated before the impeller 12 (see. Figures 1 and 2 ). The air flow FF has an axis of rotation, which in particular coincides with the axis of rotation of the wings 14. An attractive force A is generated in the negative pressure region LP, which allows the vortex attractor 10 to attract an object 40 and / or to move up to the surface of an object if the vortex attractor 10 is not fixed in position. Vortex attractors 10 are particularly suitable for attacking flat and non-planar surfaces of objects 40 and possibly moving the object in space.

The FIGS. 5 to 10 show various views of a first embodiment of a suction and transport device M, which a vortex attractor 10, for example, a vortex attractor 10 according to FIG. 1 or 4 , in a housing 30 a, which is additionally equipped with two transport belts 34. The housing 30a has a suction opening 33 (see FIG. FIG. 6 ) behind which the impeller 12 of the vortex attractor 10 is located. In order to protect the impeller 12 against damage by the objects 40 and vice versa the objects 40 against damage by the impeller 12, in one embodiment in front of the suction opening 33 a plurality of webs 32 or in an alternative embodiment, a protective grid are arranged.

The transport belts 34 are formed as an endless belt and guided around the housing 30 a. For this purpose, two transport rollers 36 and two deflection rollers 35 are arranged on the housing 30a for each of the transport belts 34. The portion of the transport belts 34, which is arranged between the transport rollers 36, serves as a contact surface for the objects 40 to be moved. The maximum length at which the object 40 can rest on the transport belt 34 is the distance between the two axes TA of the transport rollers 36 (cf. Fig. 7 ). About the pulleys 35 is the transport belt 34 is guided on the suction opening 33 opposite side of the housing 30a.

It is fundamentally possible for not only one of the transport belts 34 but also two or more transport belts 34 to run on the transport rollers 36 and the deflection rollers 35. The transport belts are guided around the housing 30a such that they are arranged on the side in which the suction opening 33 is arranged parallel to the housing side, at the end sides of the housing 30a via the transport rollers 36 are guided and on the suction side 33 opposite side wall of the housing 30a are returned via the pulleys 35. The transport belts 34 can either be driven by means of an external motor via a drive 37a, for example on one of the transport rollers 36, as in the embodiment in FIG Fig. 5 shown. An external motor drive has the advantage that parallel operating suction and transport devices can be driven via a frictional coupling, for example a common axis, as described below with reference to FIG FIG. 24 explained. Alternatively, each suction and transport device M may have its own belt motor 37 for driving the transport belts 34 (cf. Fig. 7 ). The belt motor 37 can be designed as a stepper motor or as a DC motor and as an asynchronous motor. In one embodiment, a transmission 38 is disposed between the belt motor 37 and one of the transport rollers 36 (see FIG. Fig. 7 ).

The suction and transport device M may comprise a single controller 39 which preferably controls the motor 20 of the impeller 12 and, if present, the belt motor 37 for driving the transport belts 34. In this case, preferably the motor 20 and the belt motor 37 are independent of each other, independently of other suction and transport devices and also during the current operation individually and preferably independently continuously variable and controllable. An activation of the individual controller 39 can take place via a ribbon cable 39a.

FIG. 9 shows schematically the generation of the air flow FF by the suction and transport device M according to Fig. 7 to attract an object 40 located at a distance a to the transport belts 34, as in FIG FIG. 10 shown. When the transport belts 34 are driven, the object 40 is moved further via the transport belts 34.

The FIGS. 11 to 16 show various views of a further embodiment of a suction and transport device M ', which differs from the in the FIGS. 5 to 10 Suction and transport device M shown differs only by the arrangement of the conveyor belt 34. While in the suction and transport device M according to the FIGS. 5 to 10 the transport belts 34 do not cover the suction opening 33 are in the suction and transport device M 'according to the FIGS. 11 to 16 the transport belt 34 is guided via the suction opening 33. The guidance of the transport belt 34 above the suction opening 33 reduces the suction force only slightly. This is hardly the case in particular when the transport belts 34 have a flat cross section, for example with a thickness of 0.8 mm and a width of about 15 mm, compared to a diameter of the suction opening 33 of about 50 mm. Despite the partial covering of the suction opening 33, the whirlwind generated by the impeller 12 is also maintained outside the transport belts 34, which further leads to a good suction force. The arrangement of the transport belts 34 above the suction opening 33 has the advantage that webs 32 or another protective grid can be dispensed with, since the transport belts 34 themselves prevent the object 40 from being disadvantageous with the blades 14 of the impeller 12 in contact. Another advantage of the arrangement of the transport belts 34 above the suction opening 33 is that a distortion of the object 40 is generated, which in FIG. 16 is shown. The objects 40 undergo a reduction of the object width transversely to the transport direction TR in the vertical projection, so that a substantially parallel guidance and storage of the objects 40 is possible without widening the transport path for the objects 40 running in parallel. The width reduction is due to geometrical arrangement of the transport belts 34 relative to the suction opening 33. The width reduction is dependent on the flexural rigidity of the object 40 and the suction strength of the vortex attractor 10. A thin object with little flexural rigidity can be bent more easily while an object 40 with high grammage and / or bending stiffness will require increased suction to achieve a desired camber. Helpful in the formation of the curvature is the elasticity of the conveyor belt 34, which adapt in the region of the suction opening 33 due to the suction pressure to the curvature of the object 40, as in FIG. 16 shown.

In FIG. 17 is the advantageous distortion of the objects 40 again recognizable. FIG. 17 shows two juxtaposed, ie transverse to the transport direction, arranged suction and transport devices M ', which transport the objects 40 in a transport direction which is perpendicular to the paper plane. Below the suction and transport devices M ', a stack of objects 40 is arranged, which are arranged substantially horizontally without distortion, so that their cut-related distance A1 is significantly smaller than the twisting distance A2 at bent objects 40, which at the suction and Transport devices M 'are arranged hanging.

The FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a further advantage of the suction and transport devices M '. Tests and measurements have shown that the suction opening 33, in particular the projected area of the impeller wheel, does not have to be completely covered, in order nevertheless to develop a suction force at a distance of up to 40 mm in front of the suction opening 33. If the suction opening 33 is covered by the object 40 only to an area of 30% of the area of the suction opening 33, at a distance of the object 40 to the suction opening 33 of about 4 mm still a suction force of 1.2 N is given. As in FIG. 18 Thus, despite an open area O of the suction opening 33 and only a partially covered area G of the suction opening 33, an object 40 is reliably held on the suction and transport device M '.

Furthermore, it is possible to transport a plurality of objects 40 in the transport direction TR one behind the other at the suction opening 33 of a single suction and transport device M '. For example, it is thus possible to carry up to three DIN A4-sized objects 40 with a grammage of up to 80 g / qm hanging on a single suction and transport device M '. If the flexural rigidity of the object 40 and the twisting by the suction and transport device M 'are sufficiently high, this object can also be transferred in a hanging form to the subsequent suction and transport device M' due to its dimensional stability (cf. FIG. 20 ). Due to the still acting at a distance of up to 50 mm in front of the suction opening 33 suction object 40 is detected by the negative pressure of the subsequent suction and transport device M and pulled against the conveyor belt 34 of the subsequent suction and transport device in the direction of the suction port 33. Also, a distance d in the transporting direction TR between the objects 40 is possible, as in FIG FIG. 20 shown. The suction and transport devices M, M 'thus not only allow objects 40 to be held, but also to be transported, even if the suction opening 33 is only partially covered.

In the FIGS. 18 and 19 additional support elements 50 can be seen, which can lead to an advantageous stiffening of the objects 40 in the transport direction. As in FIG. 18 recognizable, the support member 50, which may be formed for example as a steel cable, causes the object 40 stiffened so advantageous that the contact surface is increased to the conveyor belt 34.

FIG. 21 10 shows a device 60 for forming and transporting a scale flow of objects 40, which comprises a device 70 for forming the scale flow of the objects 40 and a device 90 for transporting the scale flow of the objects 40. It should be noted that the device 70 for forming the scale flow of the objects 40 need not necessarily be combined with the device 90 for transporting the scale flow of objects 40, but both devices 70, 90 are independent of each other. The devices 70, 90 can be arranged spaced apart in the transport direction TR at a distance D2-3.

The apparatus 70 for forming the scale flow of flat, flexible objects 40, such as cut objects 40 in the form of paper sheets or the like, has a first suction and transport device M1 and a second suction and transport device M2. The suction and transport devices M1, M2 can, for example, as the suction and transport device M, which in the FIGS. 5 to 10 is described, or as the suction and transport device M ', which in the FIGS. 11 to 16 is described, be configured. Preferably, the suction and transport devices M1, M2 are of identical construction.

The objects 40, which may be located within the device 60 at the positions indicated by S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, and S9, are moved along a transport path TP in a transport direction TR. The device 70 for forming the imbricated flow of the objects 40 are fed by a cutting device SE, in particular a transverse and longitudinal cutting device, separated and cut objects 40 individually one after the other and without overlap (see position S9). The objects 40 thereby move at an input speed Ve. The first suction and transport device M1 and the second suction and transport device M2 are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path TP. In particular, the first suction and transport device M1, which is arranged in the transport direction TR in front of the second suction and transport device M2, arranged above the transport path TP, while the second suction and transport device M2 is disposed below the transport path TP. The suction and transport devices M1, M2 have a length LM. The suction and transport devices M1, M2 are offset in the direction of the transport path TP against each other by a length L, which in the illustrated embodiment is smaller than the length LM of one of the suction and transport devices M1, M2 is formed, but which in an alternative embodiment also greater than the length LM of one of the suction and transport devices may be formed, for example by 25% of the length LM of one of the suction and transport devices M1, M2. The corresponding detail shows FIG. 22e , The length L is preferably selected such that the suction vortices of the suction and transport devices M1, M2 do not overlap and if possible with a distance SW, which is preferably about 5 to 10 mm, turn past each other (see. FIG. 22e ).

As in FIG. 21 and 22e can be seen, the two suction and transport devices M1, M2 are arranged spaced apart by a distance AM in the direction transverse to the transport path TP and thus are indeed arranged on opposite sides of the object 40, but are not both on opposite sides of the object 40 at. The distance AM is about 3 to 25 mm, preferably about 10 to 15 mm.

Furthermore, the second suction and transport device M2 is arranged against the transport direction TR and the transport path TP at an angle α, as also in FIG. 21 and 22e seen. The angle α is in the range of 0 degrees to 20 degrees and is preferably about 10 degrees.

The movement of the object 40 between the two suction and transport devices M1, M2 is based on the FIGS. 22a to 22d explained in more detail. The object 40 is just fed to the apparatus 70 for forming the scale flow of objects 40 (cf. Fig. 22a ). The distance D1 between successive objects 40 may be between 2 mm and 30 mm, for example about 20 mm.

Because of the distance AM between the first suction and transport device M1 and the second suction and transport device M2, which is present in the vertical direction transversely to the transport path TP, the leading edge of the object 40 hangs down when a certain length of the object 40 at the suction opening 33 of the first Suction and transport device M1 has passed over (see. FIG. 22a ). The leading edge lies down on the conveyor belt 34 of the second suction and transport device M2. The transport belts of the suction and transport devices M1, M2 are moved at substantially the same speed.

As soon as the trailing edge of the object 40 in the position S9 has reached the center of the suction opening 33 of the first suction and transport device M1 (cf. FIG. 22b ), the speed of the transport belts 34 of the second suction and transport device M2 is reduced to approximately 10% to 90% of the input speed Ve, depending on objects 40 to be transported. Since the transport belts 34 of the first suction and transport device M1 continue to run at undiminished speed, the object 40 slides in position S8 over the preceding object 40 in the position S7, which leads to an overlap and increases an overlap that may already exist. In the processing of relatively rigid objects 40 there may be slipping phenomena, since the relatively fast transported part of the object 40, which abuts the first suction and transport device M1, of the slowly transported part, which on the second suction and transport device M2 is applied, is braked. For thin, in most cases less rigid objects can be a looping as in FIG. 22c shown occur. Due to the existing distance AM between the first and the second suction and transport device M1, M2, such a loop can be formed without damaging the object 40. As soon as the trailing edge of the object 40 has reached approximately the middle of the suction opening 33 of the second suction and transport device M2 (cf. FIG. 22d ), the speed of the conveyor belts of the second suction and transport device M2 is raised again to the original speed, ie the input speed Ve, whereby the possibly resulting loop of the object 40 is straightened. Subsequently, the object 40 from the second suction and transport device M2 a subsequent further processing device passed, for example, as described below to the device 90 for transporting the scale flow of the objects 40th FIG. 23 shows two consecutive objects 40 with an overlap length Ü in the transport via the second suction and transport module M2. The shingled flow, which is formed by the device 70, thus continues to have the input speed Ve on transfer to a subsequent device.

The device 70 thus generates a scale flow of the objects 40 which have an overlap length Ü, which is defined as the area between the two successive objects 40, in which the two successive objects 40 overlap (cf. FIG. 22d ).

The overlapping length Ü can be varied with the described apparatus 70 for forming the scale flow in dependence on the speeds of the transport belts 34 of the suction and transport devices M1, M2 and in particular the difference in the transport speeds of the suction and transport devices M1, M2 during the transfer of the object 40th be set from the first suction and transport device M1 to the second suction and transport device M2 (see. Figure 22a-d ).

By the corresponding control of the speeds of the conveyor belt, in particular the second suction and transport device M2, the overlap length Ü can be changed at any time, so that in the formation of the scale flow, the overlap length Ü is variably adjustable and can vary between successive pairs of objects.

The non-overlapped portion of two successive objects 40 may be smaller than the length LM of one of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 and even smaller than the diameter of the suction port 33 of one of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5.

The control of the first and second suction and transport devices M1, M2 via the controller 45, which is preferably clocked by the cutting cycle of the cutting device SE. Depending on the length, the bending stiffness and the object distances of the objects 40, the times for a speed change of the transport speed of the second suction and transport device M2 are calculated and stored as a table. In the case of objects 40 with very high or very low bending stiffness, the suction force of the first and / or second suction and transport device M1, M2 can also be varied in order to influence the slip process or to avoid excessively large loops. The controller 45 can control both the speeds of the conveyor belts 34 of the individual suction and transport devices M1, M2 and the speeds of the impeller 12 of the vortex attractors 10 of the suction and transport devices M1, M2 independently of each other individually and controllable during operation ,

The device 90 for transporting the scale flow of the objects 40 serves on the one hand to convey the scale flow to a tray 100. On the other hand, the device 90 is intended to reduce the speed of the objects 40 in order to avoid damage to the objects 40 when they are deposited in the depositing device 100.

The device 90 has at least three suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5, which are arranged successively along the transport path TP and preferably on one side of the transport path TP, in particular above the transport path TP are. In this case, a distance D3-4 and between the suction and transport devices M4, M5 a distance D4-5 is arranged in the direction of the transport path TP between the suction and transport devices M3, M4. A direct concern of the suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 is not necessary due to the whirlwind-based suction principle. By the distances D3-4 and D4-5, the transport distance can be increased or the number of necessary for a given transport route suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 can be reduced.

The speed of the transport belts 34 of the suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 and the rotational speeds of the impellers 12 of the vortex attractors 10 of the suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 can also be controllably controlled independently by the controller 45 and during operation become.

Upon transfer of the object 40 from the device 70 for forming the scale flow of objects 40 to the device 90 for transporting the scale flow of the objects 40, the transport belts 34 of the first suction and transport device M3 of the device 90 in the transporting direction TR can be driven at the same speed be like the transport belt 34 of the second suction and transport device M2 of the device 70 for forming the scale flow of the objects 40. From the suction and transport device M3, the object 40 via the position S7 and the position S6 in the position S5 in the direction of subsequent suction and transport device M4 transported. The transport belts 34 of the suction and transport device M4 preferably run at a lower speed than the transport belts 34 of the preceding suction and transport device M3. The object 40 is moved from the position S5 via the position S4 in the position S3 to the subsequent suction and transport device Hand over M5. The transport belts 34 of the suction and transport device M5 preferably run at a lower speed than the transport belts of the suction and transport device M4. If further suction and transport devices should be arranged below, the transport speeds of the transport belt 34 are preferably increasingly smaller, so that at the last suction and transport device a desired reduced output speed is reached. For example. the input speed can be up to 6 m / s, with suitable rigid objects 40 up to 8 m / s. The final speed is preferably 1 m / s or less. If the object 40 has reached the last suction and transport device M5, the leading edge of the object 40 strikes a stacking edge 102 and is transported by subsequent objects 40, which are transported to the transport belt 34 of the suction and transport device M5 in the transport direction TR As the overlapping of the subsequent object 40 increases, the preceding object 40 is ultimately peeled off the transport belts 34 of the suction and transport device M5 (compare the two objects 40 in the positions S2 and S1) and then fall into the depositing device 100.

By selective control and change the speeds of the conveyor belts 34 of the different suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5, the overlap length of the scale flow of the objects 40 can be selectively influenced over the length of the device 90 and continuously controlled. If desired, the scale flow can also be temporarily accumulated and a high overlap length can be generated, which can be equalized again in the subsequent onward transport, if desired. This is advantageous, for example, if so many objects 40 have accumulated in the depositing device 100 that the depositing device 100 is emptied or empty Storage device 100 must be replaced. After successful emptying or replacement of the depositing device 100, the accumulated imbricated stream of the objects 40 can be equalized again by corresponding control of the speed of the subsequent suction and transport devices to deliver the objects 40 to the new depositing device 100 or emptied filing device 100.

The final speed can be adjusted in particular via the last suction and transport devices, in this case the suction and transport devices M4, M5. For example. At an input speed of 5 m / s, a final speed of 1 m / s can be achieved. The desired end velocity is defined as the maximum velocity at which the objects 40 remain undamaged upon impact with the stack edge 102 and are not discarded due to the resiliency of the objects 40 and / or come to rest disorderly in the stacker 100. It is at about 1 m / s for most objects 40, but is dependent on the objects 40 and must be further reduced if necessary. At the desired end speed, the transport belts 34 of the last suction and transport device M5, at which the objects 40 are peeled into the depositing device 100, are operated. For example. For example, the speed of the suction and transport device M5 can be about 1 m / s, while the preceding suction and transport device M4 is still operated at about 2.5 m / s. Of course, the final speed can be further reduced by further suction and transport devices, if in particular for thin objects 40 with low bending stiffness, a lower output speed, eg. Of well below 1 m / s, for example. Of 0.8 m / s should be required , Alternatively, with additional suction and transport device and the input speed at the same final speed be increased by about 1 m / s. The greater the difference between the input speed and the output speed, the higher the number of necessary suction and transport devices to achieve this desired difference is usually higher.

Via the control unit 45, the speeds of each of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 are selectively adjustable, resulting in a flexible device 60.

In addition, it is possible to control the speeds of the impellers 12 of the vortex attractors 10 of the individual suction and transport devices M1 to M5 via the control unit 45, and thus to vary the suction force. While in most objects 40, a mean suction force of about 0.8 N at a distance of 4 mm is sufficient, for heavier objects 40 with a grammage of up to 200 g / m ^2, a suction force of 1.2 N be required per suction and transport device M1 to M5.

Alternatively, it may also be useful to reduce the suction force of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 independently. For example, in thin and less rigid objects 40 a strong distortion of the object 40 at the suction port 33 of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 be detrimental to the transport, so that on the reduction of the number of revolutions of the motor 20 of the vortex attractors 10 an adaptation of Suction on the object 40 can be made. Usually, all of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 have a comparable suction force. As required, however, the suction force can be adjusted individually for each individual of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 in order, for example, to make a friction adjustment. This applies in particular to the first suction and transport device M1, in which a lower suction force may be advantageous if, during the acceleration of the object 40 in the transfer of the object 40 from the device 70 for forming the scale flow to the device 90 for transporting the scale flow, the maximum speed of the object 40 during acceleration over the short term Input speed Ve is.

The device 60 with the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 largely covers the usual sizes of the objects 40 in the paper-processing sector. For example, in the described device 60 with a total of five successive suction and transport devices M1 to M5 objects from a length of 80 mm and a width of 110 mm to a length of 530 mm and a width of 210 mm and with a grammage of 40 g / m ² up to 250 g / m ^{2 are} transported. The distances between the individual suction and transport devices M1 to M5 need not be changed. The minimum length of the objects 40 is dependent only on the size of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5. With a length LM of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 of 110 mm, the shortest object 40 still transportable from one suction and transport device to the next suction and transport device is about 80 mm long. Of course, with smaller suction and transport devices M1 to M5 and smaller objects 40, such as check cards or objects 40 in stamp size, are transported.

For forming a shingled stream of oversized objects 40, for example, having a size format of 710 mm by 530 mm and a grammage of up to 500 g / m ² , it is preferable to use a plurality of parallel devices 60 to align the respective objects with their weights and surfaces to the desired, to bring reduced final speed. An example of such a device 60 'is shown in FIG FIG. 24 shown. The individual devices 60 can be mounted on parallel support rails AS for varying the mutual distance AX. The distances AX can be varied either manually or by motor control. Depending on the size of the object 40, two devices 60 may already be sufficient. In FIG. 24 a plurality of parallel devices 60 are shown. The devices 60 may be evenly distributed across the width of the object 40. When dividing the devices 60 on the sheet width, however, the edge distance RA is given special attention. The smaller this edge distance RA of the suction region is selected to the edge of the object, the easier is the guidance of the object 40, in particular at speeds of more than 4 m / s. In particular, care should therefore be taken that the edge distance RA is less than 25 mm. This is especially true for the overlap area where the leading edge of the object 40 in position S8 possibly hits the raised trailing edge of the object 40 at position S7 instead of colliding without overlapping on the sheet end of the object 40 at position S7.

The belt drive of the suction and transport devices M1 to M5 of the juxtaposed devices 60 according to the device 60 'can be done either individually via individual belt motors 37 of the transport belts 34 for each module M1 to M5 of the device 60 or preferably by means of continuous axes VT with each a single drive motor.

With the device 60 ', it is also possible, several parallel incoming, similar objects 40, time-parallel over the individual devices 60 in corresponding storage facilities 100 to put down. The reduction of the width of the objects 40 on the suction-induced deformation allows the parallel transport and the parallel storage (see also FIG. 17 ).

The suction holding force of a suction and transport device M1 to M5 of about 1.2 N basically allows the conclusion that for the transport and delay of an object 40 with the size DIN A3 and a grammage of 200 g / m ² , which transverse to the transport direction TR into the device 90, a single device 60 is sufficient because the normal weight of the object 40 is only about 0.25N. However, it must be taken into account that the object 40 is subjected to considerable resistance by the ambient air during its transport at a speed of about 5 m / s to 8 m / s, in particular because the object 40 is not guided at its corners and at this Speed fluttering in motion. In fact, with this format and the mentioned input speed, it is almost compulsory to use at least one further device 60, with the division of the two devices 60 towards the width of the object 40 paying more attention to covering the lateral edges of the object 40 than to a uniform distribution of the devices 60 across the width of the objects to be transported 40th

The acceleration curves and times required for operation as well as the other control data belonging to the control of the respective objects 40 are determined from the entered parameters, such as grammage and size of the objects 40, via a central control device and are programmed there as control data. Depending on the selected object 40, in the device 60 for forming and transporting the scale flow of the objects 40, the individual functions of the respective ones Suction and transport devices M1 to M5 are controlled by the control unit 45.

With the described shingled stream forming apparatus 70 and the shingle stream transporting apparatus 90, objects 40 in the form of flat, flexible objects 40 of various dimensions and materials can be transported. For example, the transport of sheets, textiles, plastics or papers is possible. Depending on the dimensions of the objects to be transported 40, the dimensioning of the individual suction and transport devices M1 to M5, the number of necessary devices 60, 70 and 90 to form a device 60 'adjusted accordingly.

In order to make the movement possibilities of the objects 40 even more flexible, it is possible, two successive suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 against each other at an angle β, γ, which is preferably in the range of 0 ° to 60 °, against the plane the objects 40 to arrange, as for example in the Figures 25a and 25b is shown. In FIG. 25a In this case, the objects 40 can be deflected from the horizontal by an angle β upwards. According to FIG. 25b For example, the objects 40 can be deflected downwards from the horizontal by an angle γ.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, two consecutive suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 at an angle δ, ε, which is preferably in the range of 0 ° to 30 °, to arrange in the plane of the objects 40 against each other inclined, as for example in FIG. 26 shown. So that a deflection of the objects 40 in the plane of the objects 40 can be made possible, advantageously suction and transport devices M3, M4, M5 used, in which the two conveyor belts 34 a single suction and transport device M3, M4, M5 can be controlled independently of each other in order to move the two conveyor belt 34 at different speeds can. Such an embodiment of a suction and transport device M ", as they could be used in this case as a suction and transport device M3, M4 or M5, showed FIG. 27 , The suction and transport device M "shown there shows two belt motors 37, 37b, which respectively drive one of the transport belts 34 and by means of which independently of one another the drive speed of the two different transport belts 34 can be regulated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Vortex attractor

12

impeller

14

wing

16

impeller

18

partition wall

20

engine

30

casing

30a

casing

31

mounting tab

32

web

33

suction opening

34

conveyor belts

35

idler pulley

36

transport roller

37

belt motor

37a

belt drive

37b

belt drive

38

transmission

39

Single controller

39a

Ribbon cable

40

object

45

control unit

50

support element

60

device

60 '

contraption

70

device

90

device

100

Bin Setup

102

stack edge

M, M ', M "

Suction and transport device

M1

Suction and transport device

M2

Suction and transport device

M3

Suction and transport device

M4

Suction and transport device

M5

Suction and transport device

R

axis of rotation

LP

Vacuum region

FF

airflow

TA

bearing axle

TR

transport direction

TP

transport path

L

length

AT THE

distance

LM

length

Ü

overlap length

SE

cutter

Ve

input speed

SW

distance

D1

distance

D3-4

distance

D4-5

distance

AX

distance

RA

margin

AS

support rail

VT

axis

a

distance

d

distance

α

corner

β

corner

γ

corner

δ

corner

ε

corner

Claims (15)

1. Apparatus (70) for forming an imbricated stream of flat, flexible objects (40) along a transporting path (TP), wherein successive objects (40) have an overlap length (Ü),
   characterized in that
   the apparatus (70) has a first suction and transporting apparatus (M1) having a first means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for the suction attachment of at least one object (40), wherein the first means are arranged within a housing (30a) which has a suction opening (33), and having at least one transporting belt (34), in that the apparatus (70) has a second suction and transporting apparatus (M2) having second means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for the suction attachment of at least one object (40), wherein the second means are arranged within a housing (30a) which has a suction opening (33), and having at least one transporting belt (34), in that the first suction and transporting apparatus (M1) and the second suction and transporting apparatus (M2) are arranged on different sides of the transporting path (TP), in that the first suction and transporting apparatus (M1) and the second suction and transporting apparatus (M2) are offset in relation to one another in the direction of the transporting path (TP) by a length (L) and are spaced apart from one another by a distance (AM) in the direction transverse to the transporting path (TP), wherein the first suction and transporting apparatus (M1), which is arranged upstream of the second suction and transporting apparatus (M2), as seen in the transporting direction (TR), is arranged above the transporting path (TP), whereas the second suction and transporting apparatus (M2) is arranged beneath the transporting path (TF), and in that the second, downstream suction and transporting apparatus (M2), as seen in the direction of the transporting path (TP), is inclined in relation to the direction of the transporting path (TP) by an angle (α), wherein the angle (α) is approximately 0° to 30°.
2. Apparatus (70) according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the length (L) of the offset is greater than the length (LM) of the first suction and transporting apparatus (M1).
3. Apparatus (70) according to either of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the distance (AM) is approximately 3 mm to 25 mm and particularly preferably approximately 10 mm to 15 mm.
4. Apparatus (70) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the angle (α) is approximately 10°.
5. Apparatus (70) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the speeds of the transporting belts (34) of the various suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2) can be adjusted independently of one another.
6. Apparatus (70) according to one of the preceding claims,
   having an apparatus (90) for transporting the imbricated stream of flat, flexible objects (40) along the transporting path (TF), wherein at least three suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) are arranged along the transporting path (TP), wherein each of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) has first means for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for the suction attachment of at least one object, wherein the first means are arranged within a housing (30a) which has a suction opening (33), and wherein each of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) has at least one transporting belt (34), wherein the suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the transporting path (TP), and wherein the speeds of the transporting belts (34) of each of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) can be adjusted independently of one another, wherein the suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) are arranged on one side of the transporting path (TP).
7. Apparatus (90) according to Claim 6,
   characterized in that the suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) are arranged above the transporting path (TP).
8. Apparatus (90) according to either of Claims 6 and 7,
   characterized in that two successive suction and transporting apparatuses (M3, M4, M5) are inclined in relation to one another at an angle (β, γ), ranging preferably from 0° to 60°, in relation to the plane of the objects (40) and/or at an angle (δ, ε), ranging preferably from 0° to 30°, in the plane of the objects (40).
9. Apparatus (90) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the apparatus (90) is arranged downstream of an apparatus (70) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, as seen in the transporting direction (TR) .
10. Apparatus (70, 90) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that,
    as seen in the direction transverse to the transporting path (TP), each of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) has at least one further suction and transporting apparatus (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) arranged alongside.
11. Apparatus (70, 90) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the first and/or second means are designed in the form of impellers (12, 16), of which the rotational speeds can be adjusted independently of one another preferably for each of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5).
12. Apparatus (70, 90) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that each of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) has at least two transporting belts (34), which partially cover over preferably the suction opening (33).
13. Apparatus (70, 90) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that at least one supporting element (50) is, preferably a plurality of supporting elements (50) are, arranged along the transporting path (TP).
14. Apparatus (70, 90) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the overlap length (Ü) at least for two successive objects (40) is smaller than the length (LM) of one of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and particularly preferably is smaller than the diameter of the suction opening (33) of one of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5).
15. Apparatus (70, 90) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the non-covered-over length of an object (40) is smaller than the length (LM) of one of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and preferably is greater than 80% of the distance between the axles of the outer transporting rollers (36) of the transporting belt (34) of one of the suction and transporting apparatuses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5).

Images