EP2690040B1 - Device for separating individual flat, flexible objects from the underside of a stack of such objects - Google Patents

Description

The invention is in the field of promotion of flat, bendable objects, in particular of printed products, and relates to a device according to the preamble of the independent claim. Such a device is for example in the WO 2008/000099 A1 and in the EP 2 128 055 A2 disclosed.

The device is used for separating individual flat, bendable objects from the bottom of a stack of such objects and the removal of the objects. The device is used in particular for the separation of individual printed products from the underside of a printed products product stack and for conveying away the printed products.

The WO 2008/000099 describes a device for separating individual flat, bendable printed products from the underside of a printed product pile and the conveying away of the printed products. The device includes a stacking space with a support area in which the stack is supported against the bottom. The apparatus further comprises a roller carpet having a plurality of rollers freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which are moved along an orbit below the support area and thereby support the printed product stack against the bottom. For this purpose, the rollers are fastened to a rotatable roller wheel or coupled thereto. In addition, the device contains circumferential separating and holding means in the form of pairs cooperating suction elements and grippers for separating the objects from the bottom of the stack. The roles are in the Supporting area rectified with the separating and holding means under the stack moves over.

The device also comprises a removal device for conveying away the separated objects.

The removal of individual printed products is done by a vacuum circulating in the support area suction sucks from the bottom of the lowest printed product and this pulls down by its circulation movement. When removing the printed product this is introduced with the leading edge in the gripper mouth of a taktsynchron in the support area rotating gripper. The gripper grips the printed product with a closing movement. In the same process step, a subsequent support roller moves between the bottom of the stack and the detached printed product and peels it off during its movement through the support area from the stack.

While the suction element is now detached from the printed product and moved away from the printed product, the circulating, closed gripper conveys the peeled printed product further down to a removal device and transfers it to the removal device. The withdrawn printed product is partially conveyed in this process in the interior of the roll carpet and in this position a little way in sync with the roll carpet before it is deposited on the conveyor belt of the removal device.

The EP 2 128 055 A2 also describes apparatus for separating printed products from the underside of a printed product stack and for conveying the separated printed products away. The apparatus includes a stacking space having a support portion in which the stack is supported downwardly. Furthermore, the device includes a revolving roller carpet with a plurality of freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis rollers, which through the support area be moved while supporting the stack against the bottom. Furthermore, the device contains circumferential separating and holding means in the form of suckers and grippers for separating the objects from the bottom of the stack. The rollers are moved in the support area rectified with the separating and holding means under the stack over.

The device also comprises a removal device for conveying away the separated objects.

The rollers of the roller carpet are coupled to at least one roller wheel. The coupling is designed in accordance with this embodiment such that the rollers are pivotable with their longitudinal axis relative to the roller wheel.

The removal of individual printed products is done by a vacuum circulating in the support area suction sucks from the bottom of the lowest printed product and this pulls down by its circulation movement. When removing the printed product this is introduced with the leading edge in the gripper mouth of a taktsynchron in the support area rotating gripper. The gripper grips the printed product with a closing movement.

As the suction member is now released from the printed product and moved away therefrom, a subsequent support roll moves between the bottom of the stack and the released printed product and peels it off the stack as it moves through the support region. The rotating, closed gripper conveys the printed product further down to a removal device and passes this to the removal device. These process steps correspond to those in WO 2008/000099 described method. The peeled printed product is, however, completely guided in this process according to the present embodiment in the interior of the roll carpet.

The rollers are in turn pivoted by a control in a release area of the orbit. As a result, an opening in the roll carpet is generated in the release area through which the removal device is guided.

The printed product, which is completely conveyed by the grippers into the interior region of the roll carpet, is now guided out of the inner region through the opening in the roll carpet, outside the sphere of influence of the rolls, and transferred to the removal belt of the removal device.

However, the devices described suffer from the disadvantage that the rollers move the printed product stack only locally, as it moves through the support area. linear support and the linear support area moves along with the rollers through the support area accordingly.

If, for certain reasons, no printed products are withdrawn over one or more cycles, i. So-called empty cycles produced with unequipped grippers, so an increasing curvature of the bottom of the stack can occur by rolling the rolling under the stack support rollers. An idle cycle is thus characterized by the fact that no product is sucked off and the corresponding gripper remains empty.

In idle cycles, although no object is removed from the stack by the suction element and the gripper, but the roller carpet continues to run in the direction of rotation under the stack. Due to the rollers moving through the support area, sags of the printed products, which point downwards, form between each pair of rollers, which, viewed over the support area, results in a wave-like deformation of the bottom of the stack. These bulges each move together with the rollers in a wave-like manner in the direction of rotation of the rollers through the support area. The process involved is called walking.

This undesirable effect occurs in particular with thin, less rigid printed products and leads to mutual shifts of the printed products within the stack. As a result, disruptions in the separation of printed products can occur, for example, by removing several printed products instead of individual printed products, or by being arbitrarily, i. out of tact, replace products from the pile.

The bag-like bulging of the printed products product stack between the rollers downwards occurs due to gravity, even when the device is stationary, when the rollers are stationary in the support area. Upon resumption of operation, the cambers along with the rollers are waved through the support areas, resulting in the above-mentioned effects.

The invention therefore has the object to provide a device which serves the same purpose as the devices described above, in which, however, even with very thin printed products no walking occurs, and which therefore a trouble-free deduction even with relatively thin printed products from the stack allowed.

This object is achieved by the device with the features of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description and the figures. The inventive device corresponds in particular to a further development in the WO 2008/000099 and in the EP 2 128 055 A2 revealed device. Accordingly, the device features described in connection with these two publications are also valid for the present invention.

• einen Stapelraum mit einem Stützbereich;
• eine den Stapel im Stützbereich von unten stützende Rollenanordnung aus einer Mehrzahl von Rollen;
• Abtrenn- und Haltemittel zum Abtrennen der Gegenstände von der Unterseite des Stapels im Stützbereich; sowie
• eine Wegfördereinrichtung zum Wegfördern der abgetrennten Gegenstände.

The device according to the invention for separating individual flat, bendable objects from the underside of a stack of such objects and for conveying away the separated objects contains according to the claims:

• a stacking room with a support area;
• a roller assembly of a plurality of rollers supporting the stack in the support area from below;
• Separating and holding means for separating the articles from the bottom of the stack in the support area; such as
• a Wegfördereinrichtung for conveying away the separated objects.

The separating and holding means are preferably arranged circumferentially along an orbit. The rollers of the roller arrangement are preferably movable in the support area below the stack. The rollers preferably move in the same direction as the separating and holding means revolving below the support region, under the stack.

The rollers preferably clamp a support surface in the support region. The support surface may be formed as a plane or curved surface.

The roller arrangement can be designed for a translational movement of the rollers in the support area. The translational movement may be, for example, a reciprocating motion.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rollers are moved along an orbit which leads past the support area. Thus, for example, along the orbit a plurality of spaced-apart rollers may be arranged, which form a so-called revolving roller carpet, which is moved in the support area under the stack and supports it down.

The rollers are preferably moved spaced apart at least in the support area.

In a development of the invention, two mutually oppositely disposed roller arrangements can also be provided, which jointly form the support plane in the support area. The two roller assemblies are preferably each moved along an orbit. The two roller assemblies are preferably mirror-symmetrical to each other. Between the opposing rollers, in particular a centrally arranged gap may be provided in the support region through which z. B. the circulating separating and holding means are moved. The roller arrangements can, for. B. may be mounted in each case on a rotating roller wheel.

The rollers of the roller arrangement are preferably freely rotatably mounted at least in the support region about their longitudinal axis. The direction of movement of the rollers through the support area extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rollers.

The invention is now characterized in that the device includes a Unterstelleinrichtung for positioning a Unterstellmittels in a holding position between the stack and the rollers of the roller assembly. That the lowering element is in the holding position below the stack. It is preferably in direct contact with the lowermost article of the stack. The sub-setting means located in the holding position and the rollers of the roller arrangement are furthermore preferably located in the support area in planes extending parallel to one another.

The Unterstelleinrichtung is preferably arranged laterally from the support area. The sub-setting device is preferably designed and arranged such that the sub-adjusting means can be retracted toward the supporting area towards the direction of movement of the rollers in the direction of the supporting area and driven out of the supporting area counter to this direction of movement.

The Unterstellmittel is preferably a sheet-like Unterstellelement. The sub-control means may extend partially or completely over the support area in the holding position. The support area is expediently defined by the bearing surface of the objects. The Unterstellmittel exerts in addition to the roles of an additional supporting function on the stack. It can therefore also be considered as another proppant.

The sub-adjusting means extends in the holding position along the direction of movement, in particular viewed in the direction of rotation of the rollers, preferably over at least two rollers. That is, the Unterstellmittel forms a support surface at least over a lying between two rollers free gap. This prevents sagging of the articles of the stack between the two rollers. Preferably, the sub-adjusting means extends over a plurality of rollers and spans a plurality of spaces formed by the rollers.

The sub-adjusting means is preferably flexible. The sub-adjusting means may in particular also be designed to be elastic.

Further, the Unterstellmittel also contain a hinge connection, which gives this the appropriate flexibility.

The sub-control means may be formed in one piece or in several parts, in particular single-membered or multi-membered. Furthermore, the Unterstellmittel can be constructed as a single layer or multi-layered and z. B. contain two, three, four, five or more layers.

The sub-control means may be in the form of a chain, a ribbon, a bundle of strings or a strip.

The sub-adjusting means is preferably self-supporting. That is, the Unterstellmittel deforms by gravity not or only insignificantly.

The Unterstellelement can z. B. made of metal, such as spring steel, plastic, leather or a composite material with multiple materials. The Unterstellmittel may in particular be a sheet. Furthermore, the Unterstellelement can also be plate-shaped.

The Unterstellelement is preferably such that it has a low stiction towards the stack, so that a retraction of the Unterstellelements from the support area does not lead to a displacement of the objects or damage derselbigen.

A multi-layered Unterstellelement may also have a damping layer to reduce the noise. The damping layer may, for. B. be plastic. The damping layer may be, for example, an outer or inner layer.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Unterstellelement is strip-shaped. The strip-shaped lower adjusting element is in the holding position at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rollers, in particular at a right angle.

The Unterstelleinrichtung can also several, viewed in the insertion or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rollers, side by side, in particular parallel juxtaposed Unterstellelemente included. According to this embodiment variant, the lower adjustment elements are preferably strip-shaped.

It can also be provided several, in particular strip-shaped, Unterstellelemente which are introduced into the support area. These can be parallel to each other.

The Unterstelleinrichtung further preferably includes an actuating means, in particular pneumatic means for retracting the sub-adjusting means in the direction of the support area. With retraction, the introduction of the sub-control means into the support area is meant. The actuating means should preferably also be designed to extend the sub-control means out of the support area. Extending is the removal of the sub-control means from the support area meant. The extension may, for example, be a withdrawal. Instead of pneumatic means, the actuating means for retracting and extending the sub-control means may also comprise hydraulic or electrical means.

Since the device according to the invention runs at a comparatively high processing speed, the retraction and extension of the lower setting element also take place at a comparatively high speed. For example, up to 15 items per second can be deducted from the stack. At these speeds, the retraction of the lower adjustment element in the direction of the support area is more like a shoot-in in the direction of the support area. The more important here is the isochronous movement of the sub-control element for the separation process of the objects.

The actuating means is expediently controlled by a control device. The control device may be a central control device which also controls the operation of the device.

As already mentioned, the actuating means is preferably clock-synchronized with the operation of the device. In this way, the retraction of the sub-control means in the direction of the support area with an approaching empty cycle, in which no item is withdrawn, or synchronized shutdown of the device. Furthermore, the retraction of the sub-control means from the support region can thus also be coordinated with the first cycle with which an object is withdrawn from the stack.

The longitudinal axes of the rollers extend in the support area, i. in the region of the stack, where they support the stack against the bottom, preferably parallel to the bottom of the stack. As a rule, the longitudinal axes of the rollers in the support area are horizontal or slightly inclined.

The rollers of the roller assembly are preferably coupled to at least one rotating wheel wheel. The coupling of the rollers to a rotating roller wheel allows a simple construction of the device and a reliable guidance of the roller assembly along its orbit.

The separating and holding means are preferably arranged on a revolving carrier wheel. Carrier wheel and roller wheel preferably have the same direction of rotation. Roller wheel and carrier wheel preferably have parallel axes of rotation.

The release and holding means preferably comprise at least one suction element and at least one gripper. Suction element and gripper cooperate in pairs.

The removal or separation of individual objects, in particular printed products, happens by the vacuum circulating in the support area suction sucks from the bottom of the bottom object and this subtracts down by its circulation movement. When the object is removed, it is inserted with the leading edge into the gripper jaw of a gripper rotating clockwise in the support area. The gripper grips the object with a closing movement. In the same process step, a subsequent support roll moves between the bottom of the stack and the detached object and peels it off while moving through the support area from the stack.

While the suction element is now released from the object and moved away from it, the circulating, closed gripper conveys the peeled object further down to a removal device and transfers this to the removal device. The withdrawn object is in this process partially or completely conveyed in the interior of the roller assembly and in this position a little way in sync with the roller carpet before it is then passed to a removal device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rollers are coupled to the roller wheel so that they are pivotable with their longitudinal axes in each case with respect to the roller wheel. The rollers are in this case pivotable in a release area along the orbit by a control. That is, the roller assembly is swung open in the release area. In this case, the removal device is guided by the pivoted-up roller assembly.

According to this embodiment, the detachment and holding means move the articles in the support area completely through the moving roller arrangement into an inner region of the roller arrangement. The roller arrangement is pivoted open in a direction in the direction of rotation of the rollers release area in which the objects leave the interior, for conveying away the objects.

The pivoting of the rollers in the release area is preferably done by a fixed link guide, z. B. in the form of a Steuerkufe. For example, the rollers roll off the control skid. It is exploited that the rollers are freely rotatably mounted about their longitudinal axis in a roller carrier. Thus, a rigid slide guide can be used without further moving controls. The Slotted guide is preferably arranged in the interior of the orbit and presses the rollers respectively the roller assembly from the inside. Alternatively, however, the rollers beyond the roller carrier can be extended to the rear, so that the rear ends of the rollers are pressed against each other by a slotted guide, which is arranged outside the roller assembly and thus move their front ends apart. Other mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical actuating means for pivoting the rollers are also usable. The roller carriers are preferably mounted pivotably about a pivot axis on the roller wheel.

According to a development of the device according to the invention, the latter has two roller wheels lying opposite one another with roller sets facing one another, preferably symmetrical to each other. The axes of the two roller wheels are preferably coaxial, but may also be inclined, for example, towards the interior of the device. In certain applications, however, only a single roller wheel can be appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one roller wheel and the carrier wheel of the suction and gripper parallel axes of rotation, whereby a simple construction is possible. Further, preferably, the carrier wheel and the at least one roller wheel are driven in rotation at the same angular speeds, preferably coupled together by the same drive and by a transmission.

The device according to the invention can be designed as a feeder, which can be moved, for example. Such a feeder is designed, for example, for manual refilling with objects by personnel.

However, the device according to the invention can also be integrated into a conveying or processing system, wherein the articles are arranged upstream of the stack Furnishings are supplied individually or in groups and wherein the stack serves as a buffer, for example.

During operation of the device, items are removed from the stack at a predetermined rate.

The withdrawn objects can be designed individually or as a scale flow on the conveyor belt of a removal device and conveyed away.

If at least one idle cycle occurs or the device is taken out of operation, a sub-setting means is now (previously) positioned in the support region between the stack and the roller arrangement.

This is preferably done by the Unterstellmittel is introduced below the support area between two rollers in the direction of the support area. The sub-control means inserted between the rollers is moved by the rollers in the direction of rotation of the rollers towards the support area and positioned in the support area between the stack and the roller arrangement.

The inventive solution allows with little effort and technical means to eliminate the problem of Walkens on the bottom of the stack. The lower setting element inserted into the support area prevents the objects from bulging between the rollers of the roller arrangement and thus a walking within the stack.

The inventive solution also protects the objects to be processed. This is achieved by the Unterstellmittel is not retracted by the actuating means directly between rollers and stack. Rather, the Unterstellmittel is retracted below the support area and outside the contact area with the stack between the rollers and by coming from below Rollers are taken towards the support area and positioned below the stack.

The inventive solution also has the advantage that existing devices such as z. B. in the WO 2008/000099 A1 and in the EP 2 128 055 A2 are disclosed, can be retrofitted with the inventive adjusting device.

Figur 1

eine Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung;

Figur 2a, 2b:

eine abstrahierte Seitenansicht der ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

eine Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung.

In the following, the subject invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each show schematically:

FIG. 1

a side view of a first embodiment of the inventive device;

FIGS. 2a, 2b:

an abstracted side view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3

a side view of a second embodiment of the inventive device.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

The FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the inventive device 1 for separating individual flat, bendable objects 2 from a stack 30 of these objects 2 and for conveying away the separated objects 2. Die FIG. 1 corresponds to a side view with a viewing angle parallel to the axis of rotation A of a carrier 3 and roller wheel. 7

The device 1 has a stacking space 31, in the flat, at least parallel to the axis of rotation A bendable objects 2, in particular printed products, resting on a still to be described roller assembly in the form of a roll carpet are stacked. In the area where the stack 30 rests the roll carpet, a support region 14 is formed accordingly.

Below the stacking space 31, a rotating carrier wheel 3 is arranged with suction elements 4 and grippers 5 coupled thereto, which are associated with each other in pairs, such that the axis of rotation A is oriented substantially horizontally and parallel to an edge of the stacked objects 2, and that the Suction elements 4 and gripper 5 are moved approximately centrally under the stack 30 over. Below the carrier wheel 3, the objects 2 wegfördernde removal conveyor 6 is arranged.

Coaxial with the carrier wheel 3 and axially spaced therefrom is a roller wheel 7, at the periphery of which levers 8 are coupled at regular angular intervals. The levers 8 each have an inner leg 8.1 and an outer leg 8.2. The two legs 8.1 and 8.2 are articulated via a joint 8.3 and thereby parallel to the plane of rotation of the roller wheel 7 against each other pivotally connected to each other. The inner leg 8.1 is pivotally connected to the periphery of the roller wheel 7 parallel to the rotation plane. In the distal end of the outer leg 8.2 the aligned perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the roller wheel 7 roller 9 is freely rotatably mounted. The rollers 9 or the distal ends of the outer legs 8.2 are guided in a roller guide 10 (indicated by dashed and dotted lines), the roller guide 10 defining the orbit 11 of the rollers 9.

The arrangement of roller wheel 7, levers 8, rollers 9 and roller guide 10 goes out of the FIG. 2 better.

The carrier wheel 3 and the roller wheel 7 are driven in rotation at the same angular velocities, in the present illustration in a clockwise direction (direction of rotation R). The suction elements 4 are approximately in the 12 o'clock position to the pivoted detecting edge portions of the stacked objects 2 and the objects 2 are released approximately at the 6 o'clock position by the grippers 5.

The carrier wheel 3 and the roller wheel 7 are advantageously driven by a same drive 19 via a common shaft 12. It is possible, as shown, to drive the conveyor belt 13 of the removal device 6 from the same drive 19 from.

The device 1 according to FIG. 1 has ten sucker / gripper pairs 4/5 and ten rollers 9, such that each sucker / gripper pair 4/5 a roller 9 is assigned. The roller 9 associated with a nipple / gripper pair 4/5 is moved in the support area 14 downstream of the nipple 4 between the object covered by the nipple 4 and the next object lying thereon. The roller 9 remains, as long as the object 2 is held by suction element 4 or gripper 5, positioned between these two objects 2.

It can also be provided on the carrier wheel more or less than ten suckers / gripper pairs 4/5. Furthermore, each sucker / gripper pair 4/5 can also be assigned more than one roller 9.

The suction elements 4 are pivoted during their circulation in a conventional manner by means of corresponding control means relative to a spoke 15 on which they are mounted. Before the 12 o'clock position, they are swung forwards relative to the direction of rotation R. Approximately in the 12 o'clock position (takeover area), they are pivoted for gripping the object 2 between successive rollers 9 in an approximately radial position and then pivoted back for relative to the conveying direction for turning the detected edge area against the open mouth of the trailing gripper 5 , As long as the grippers 5 hold an object, the suckers 4 remain in the backward pivoted position, but after the 6 o'clock position (discharge area) again pivoted to the forward tilted position to be ready for takeover again in the takeover area.

The grippers 5 are closed during their rotation by means of corresponding control means (not shown) immediately after the 12 o'clock position (takeover area) and opened again approximately at the 6 o'clock position (delivery area).

The defined by the roller guide 10 orbit of the rollers 9 is non-circular and in particular has a support portion 14 (12 o'clock position to about 2 o'clock position) in which the rollers 9 are supported the stack 30 supporting under this. In this support region 14, the roller guide 10 extends substantially in a straight line or at least with a relevant larger bending radius than a concentric circle to the roller wheel 7. Since the rollers 9 are to maintain their positions between each two successive objects 2, the support region 14 can not extend to the end of the stacking space 1. For this reason, it may be advantageous to attach a stationary support roller 16 on the rear side of the stacking space 1.

In the support region 14, the distances between the rollers 9 are relatively small, such that at the entrance of the support region 14 between them just enough large removal openings are present. Against the output of the support region 14, the distances between the rollers 9 are advantageously further reduced, so that the stack 30 is well supported. Thus, the rollers 9 are delayed with respect to their associated teat / gripper pair 4/5 and reach the trailing area of the separated from the stack 30 items. 2

On the support area 14 is followed by a conveyor area (about 2 o'clock position to 6 o'clock position), in which the grippers 5 promote the completely separated from the stack of items 2, which advantageously by a support means 17 (support 17.1 and support band 17.2 ). The rollers 9 remain in this area between two each Items 2 positioned. This means that trailing areas of objects 2 are still on the outside of the revolving roller carpet. In this case, advantageously reduces the distance between the roller 9 and axis of rotation A and increases the distance between successive rollers 9 such that the rollers 9 in the delivery area (6 o'clock position) only a little outside the distal ends of the spokes 15 on which the Suction elements 4 are mounted, are positioned and can push the object 2 deposited by the gripper 5 optionally in a middle or leading area against the removal device 6. Then follows the return area (about 6 o'clock position to 12 o'clock position), in which the rollers 9 can again be guided radially outwards, such that the suction element 4 unhindered from its rearwardly pivoted position to its forward pivoted position can be swung around.

It is not mandatory for the device 1 according to the invention that the removal device 6 adjoins the gripper movement in the 6 o'clock position, and it is also not mandatory for the removal direction F to be aligned parallel to a tangent to the carrier 3 in the delivery region. like this in the FIG. 1 is shown. It is also possible, for example, to arrange the delivery area in the 3 o'clock position and to radially align the path transporting direction. It is also possible to transfer the objects 2 held by the grippers 5 for transporting away to a gripper transporter, instead of placing them on a conveyor belt.

The device now further includes a Unterstelleinrichtung 32 with pneumatic means 34 which comprise a pneumatic cylinder, and a Unterstellmittel 33 in the form of a flat, flexible Unterstellelementes.

The Unterstelleinrichtung 32 serves to insert a Unterstellelement 33 between the stack 30 and the rollers 9 in idle cycles or when the device 1 is turned off. The lower adjusting element 33 extending transversely to the rollers 9 prevents sagging of the printed products 2 between two successive ones Rolls 9, as done for example by walking or longer downtime of the device 1.

The lower setting device 32 is connected to a device control, so that retraction of the lower setting element 33 into the support region 14 and extension of the Unterstellelementes 33 from the support portion 14 can be performed isochronous with the movement of the rollers 9 and the suction elements 4 and the grippers 5.

The Unterstellelement 33 is now retractable via control means by means of the pneumatic cylinder in the direction of the support region 14 and again moved out of this. Instead of pneumatic means 34 and hydraulic means can be used with a hydraulic cylinder.

The Unterstelleinrichtung 32 is arranged laterally from the support region 14, so that the Unterstellelement 33 laterally in the direction of the support portion 14 retractable. The Unterstelleinrichtung 32 is arranged laterally such that the Unterstellelement 33 rectified to the direction of movement of the rollers 9 in the support portion 14 can be inserted into this.

The flat, flexible Unterstellelement 33 is inserted below the support portion 14 laterally between two successive rollers 9. The sub-control element 33 is then taken along by the following roller 9, which is moved in the direction of the support region 14, in the direction of the support region 14 and guided into the support region 14 below the stack 30. The rollers 9 move in a rolling manner below the lower adjustment element along the support region 14.

While the rollers 9 are moved along their orbit through the support portion 14 below the stack 30, the Unterstellelement 33 remains in a holding position in the support region 14 below the stack 30, which corresponds to an end position.

If an object 2 is to be withdrawn from the stack 30 again, or if the device is to be put into operation again, the sub-setting element 33 is withdrawn again from the support area 14.

The structural and functional features disclosed in connection with the adjusting device 32 are not limited to the specific exemplary embodiment, but are generally applicable to a device according to the claims or according to the general description part.

The FIGS. 2a and 2b show an abstracted side view of the first embodiment. The carrier wheel with the suction elements and the grippers is not shown here. As a result, the rotational movement of the rollers 9 and the lever 8 is more clearly recognizable than in the FIG. 1 , Out FIGS. 2a and 2b It can be seen that the rollers 9 are held during their guided by the roller guide 10 circulating by an additional control means in locally defined positions. The additional control means consists of spring means 18, by which the two articulated legs 8.1 and 8.2 of each lever 8 are biased against each other such that the angle between the two legs is always smallest possible.

As already mentioned above, it is also possible to bias the legs 8.1 and 8.2 against each other, such that said angle is always the greatest possible. Alternative additional control means, which can be used individually or jointly, are a joint guide 20 (indicated by dash-dotted line) in which, for example, the axes of the joints 8. 3 or distal ends of the inner limbs 8.

The in the FIGS. 1 . 2a and 2b Lever 8 shown have a directed in the direction of rotation forward 8.3. In other words, the inner legs 8.1 are pushed by the roller wheel 7 and the outer legs 8.2 are pulled by the inner legs 8.1. This is not a condition for the shown embodiment of the device according to the invention. The levers 8 can also be arranged with rearwardly directed joints 8.3.

In the FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrated embodiment of the inventive device, in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 a removal device 6, the conveying direction F is opposite to the tangential direction of movement of the gripper in the delivery area.

In the FIGS. 2a and 2b is also a Unterstelleinrichtung 32 with pneumatic means 34 and a Unterstelleelement 33 as described above. For further information on this, the description of the FIG. 1 directed. In FIGS. 2a and 2b For example, the suppression element 33 is shown in various positions during retraction. That's how it shows FIG. 2a as the Unterstellelement 33 guided below the support portion 14 between two rollers 9, in particular is pushed.

The FIG. 3 shows a side view of an inventive device 51, looking at a plane of a roller wheel 57. On the roller wheel 57 are each a plurality of rollers 59 by means of a coupling 58, pivotally mounted. The entirety of the rollers 59 forms a roll carpet circulating along an orbit 61.

In a first region of the orbit 61, the longitudinal axes 60 of the rollers 59 extend parallel to the axis of rotation A of the roller wheel 57 or perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

This first region comprises a support region 64, in which flat objects 52, stacked in a stacking space 81 to form a stack 80, rest on the rollers 59. In the first area, the rollers 59 roll off on a rolling body 70. In the embodiment shown, the rolling body 70 is a rope or round belt stretched around part of the orbit 61.

In a second region of the orbit 61, hereinafter referred to as the release region 63, the rollers 59 are pivoted by a sliding guide 65 from the direction normal to the plane of the drawing. A traction means 68, here a pull rope, pulls the rollers 59 back against a stop in this direction.

The following elements relate to the transport of the flat objects 52 through the device 51. In the FIG. 3 By way of example only two separating and holding means in the form of a pair of suction element 54 and gripper 55 are shown.

A plurality of such (not shown here) suction elements 54 and gripper 55 run on a in the FIG. 3 dashed orbit in the counterclockwise direction.

According to this embodiment, the device 51 has two roller wheels 57, facing one another in the direction of the axis of rotation A, with roller sets facing one another. The roller sets form a gap. In the space between the two roller sets, the suction elements 54 can be guided against the flat objects 52. In each case, a suction element 54 dissolves one of the flat objects 52 or a printed product. A subsequent support roller moves between the bottom of the stack and the detached printed product and peels it gently during its movement through the support area from the stack.

In the same process step, a gripper 55 grips this printed product 52 and moves it between the rollers 59 into the interior of the orbit 61.

Subsequently, the gripper 55 conveys the printed product 52 in a release region 63 to the removal device 56, for example a conveyor belt, and releases the printed product 52. In the release region 63, the removal device 56 conveys the printed product 52 out of the circulation path 61 through the roll carpet swung open there.

The device further includes a Unterstelleinrichtung 82 with pneumatic means 84 which comprise a pneumatic cylinder, and a Unterstellmittel 83 in the form of a flat, flexible Unterstellelementes.

As mentioned, the sub-control device 82 serves to insert a sub-setting element 83 between the stacks 80 and the rollers 59 during idle cycles or when the device 51 is switched off. The Unterstellelement 83 extending transversely to the rollers 59 prevents sagging of the printed products 52 between the rollers 59, as is done for example by walking or longer downtime of the device 51.

The lower control device 82 is connected to a device control, so that retraction of the lower control element 83 into the support region 64 and extension of the lower control element 83 out of the support region 64 can be performed in synchronism with the movement of the rollers 59 and the suction elements 54 and gripper 55.

The sub-control element 83 is now retractable via control means by means of the pneumatic cylinder in the direction of the support region 64 and again moved out of this. Instead of pneumatic means 84 and hydraulic means can be used with a hydraulic cylinder. In addition, also an electrical Be provided linear drive for retracting and extending the Unterstellelementes.

The Unterstelleinrichtung 82 is arranged laterally from the support portion 64, so that the Unterstellelement 83 laterally in the direction of the support portion 64 retractable. The Unterstelleinrichtung 82 is arranged laterally such that the Unterstellelement 83 rectified to the direction of movement of the rollers 59 in the support portion 64 can be inserted into this.

The flat Unterstellelement 83 is instead introduced laterally below the support portion 64 between two successive rollers 59. The sub-setting element 83 is then taken along by the following roller 59, which is moved in the direction of the support region 64, in the direction of the support region 64 and guided into the support region 64 below the stack 80. Since the Unterstellelement 83 is formed flexible, this is bent upwards in the support area 64 by the rollers 59.

Now, while the rollers 59 are moved along their orbit through the support portion 64 below the stack 80, the lower actuator 83 remains in a holding position in the support portion 64 below the stack 80, which corresponds to an end position.

If an object 52 is to be withdrawn from the stack 80 again, or if the device is to be put into operation again, the sub-setting element 83 is withdrawn again from the support region 64.

The structural and functional features disclosed in connection with this adjusting device 82 are not limited to the specific embodiment, but are generally applicable to a device according to the claims or according to the general description part.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus (1, 51) for separating individual flat, bendable objects (2, 52) from the underside of a stack (30, 80) of such objects (2, 52) and for the onward conveying of the separated objects (2, 52), said apparatus including:

   - a stacking area (31, 81) having a support region (14, 64);

   - a roller arrangement produced from a plurality of rollers (9, 59), said roller arrangement supporting the stack (30, 80) from below in the support region (14, 64);

   - separating and holding means (4, 54; 5, 55) for separating the objects (2, 52) from the underside of the stack (30, 80) in the support region (14); and

   - an onward conveying device (6, 56) for the onward conveying of the separated objects (2, 52),

   characterized in that
   the apparatus (1, 51) includes a supporting and stopping device (32, 82) having a supporting and stopping means (33, 83) which is positionable in the support region (14, 64) in a holding position between the stack (30, 80) and the rollers (9, 59) of the roller arrangement.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the roller arrangement includes a plurality of rollers (9, 59) which circulate along a circular path (11, 61).
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) is a planiform, preferably flexible supporting and stopping element.
4. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) is a strip-shaped supporting and stopping element.
5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supporting and stopping device includes several supporting and stopping means which are arranged side by side in the insertion direction.
6. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means is a supporting and stopping element which is realized in one part or multiple parts.
7. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means is a supporting and stopping element which is realized in one layer or in multiple layers.
8. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) extends in the holding position in the support region (14, 64) along the roller arrangement over at least two rollers (9, 59).
9. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the supporting and stopping device (32, 82) includes actuating means (34, 84) for extending the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) in the direction of the support region (14, 64) and for retracting the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) out of the support region (14, 64).
10. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the supporting and stopping device (32, 82) is arranged laterally of the support region (14, 64).
11. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means (33) is movable along the direction of movement of the rollers (9, 59) toward the support region (14, 64).
12. Method for operating an apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that during the operation of the apparatus (1, 51), objects (2, 52) are removed from the stack (30, 80) in a predetermined cycle and when at least one empty cycle occurs or when the apparatus (1, 51) is taken out of operation, a supporting and stopping means (33, 83) is inserted beforehand in the support region (14, 64) between the stack (30, 80) and the roller arrangement.
13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the supporting and stopping means (33, 83), when viewed along the direction of movement of the rollers (9, 59), is inserted laterally between two rollers (9, 59) in front of and below the support region (14, 64), and the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) is guided into the support region (14, 64) between the stack (30, 80) and the roller arrangement by means of the rollers (9, 59), which are moved along the direction of movement to the support region (14, 64).
14. Method according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that when the separation of objects (2, 52) from the stack (30, 80) is resumed subsequent to an empty cycle or an operating interruption, the supporting and stopping means (33, 83) is retracted beforehand out of the support region (14, 64).

Images