ES2478677T3 - Sheet plate suction device as well as device for transporting sheet plates to a sheet metal printing machine or to a sheet metal varnishing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Sheet metal suction device for a sheet metal transport system for aligning sheet metal sheets before they are delivered to a sheet metal printing machine or a sheet metal varnishing machine and comprising at least one table for this purpose. support (12) with a central longitudinal axis, one or more conveyor belts (14, 16) that move in the conveying direction as well as a compressed air device, with - a clamping device (32) that can be mounted on the supporting table (12) and extending inwardly above the supporting table, and - at least two suction elements (40) mounted on the clamping device (32) at a distance from the supporting table. support (12) each suction element (40) presenting a bottom (45) with at least one hole (47), the bottom being attached with the hole for suction, parallel and at a distance with respect to the sheet metal plate, and which can be connected to the compressed air device, the hole at the bottom of the suction element serving as an outlet (47) for the supplied compressed air, - in which the clamping device has a first crosspiece (32) that is extends substantially over the entire width of the support table, - in which at least four suction elements (40) are provided on the first crosspiece (32), - in which at least two suction elements (40) are arranged in the lateral zone - seen at a right angle to the direction of transport - and at least two suction elements (40) are arranged in the central zone, - the suction elements (40) being arranged in the outer zone and the elements suction element (40) in the central area with an offset relative to each other - seen in the direction of transport, - the suction elements (40) being arranged in the outer area, lifting at least lateral areas of an upper sheet metal plate of a sheet metal plate arranged below, when the suction device (30) is activated.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Sheet plate suction device as well as device for transporting sheet plates to a sheet metal printing machine or to a sheet metal varnishing machine

The present invention relates to a sheet plate suction device for a sheet plate transport system that lines sheet plates prior to delivery to a sheet plate printing machine or a sheet plate varnishing machine sheet and for this it has at least one support table with a central longitudinal axis, one or several conveyor belts that move in the direction of transport as well as a compressed air device.

Transport systems for printing machines on sheet metal or sheet varnishing machines are generally known, for example, from EP1749773A2. Transportation systems of this type are generally used to drive sheet irons to an exact position in application marks of a

15 application drum that follows the transport system, so that the sheet iron is applied with the highest definition possible with its front edge in the application mark. In addition to this alignment, the transported sheet iron is also aligned transversely with respect to its direction of movement, for which a lateral alignment device is provided, for example.

In total, the transport system on the one hand has to deliver the sheet metal with high precision to the application drum to achieve high precision during subsequent printing and, on the other hand, the transport system has to allow a high yield of He passed.

Precisely in the case of high throughputs, sheet plates are supplied to the system of

25 transport as an imbricated stream, that is to say that the successive sheet plates overlap in part. In the case of an imbricated current of this type, within the transport system, care must be taken that the upper sheet iron delivered to the application drum does not engage with sheet metal plates located below, which would cause a failure and therefore the stop of the transport system. This problem of the overlapping of sheet metal sheets that overlap occurs especially if the sheet plates do not have straight side edges.

In figure 2 two sheet plates 20 are shown as examples, which have non-straight side edges 22 respectively. To minimize waste, that is, to take advantage of the entire surface of the sheet plates, the sheet plates are cut in the manner shown. In these sheet metal plates generally talk about sheet plates scroll type.

35 It is easy to imagine that this type of sheet plates of scroll type in an imbricated current can cause problems when separated. Especially, the side edges, not straight, of superimposed sheet plates can be easily hooked causing an interruption.

Document US2004 / 01785671A1 discloses a sheet printing machine with a sheet guide device. To a supply table is assigned a sleeper with grooved blow and suction nozzles.

Document DE19756032A1 refers to a device for separating and transporting sheets to a sheet applicator

45 printing machines. In this, blow and suction elements are provided with blow and suction nozzles oriented in the direction of sheet transport.

Document DE19631175C1 describes a device for guiding a sheet in the area of a sheet application of a sheet processing machine. In the area of front marks a sleeper with blow nozzles is provided. If a blowing and suction effect is to be used in these blowing nozzles, the blowing nozzles must be arranged in such a way that they blow at an oblique angle from the crossbar in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the sheets.

Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a suction device for

55 sheet irons that, with the simplest and most economical means, prevent sheet plates of the scroll type from engaging inside the transport system.

This objective is achieved with the sheet metal suction device mentioned above, with the features of claim 1.

In other words, this means that the sheet plate suction device according to the invention has several suction elements, with the aid of which the sheet plate located above in the imbricated current that arrives can be easily lifted to avoid in this way that the sheet metal plates are hooked. The suction elements themselves are simple structure elements that are fed with compressed air and let it pass through an outlet hole located parallel to the sheet metal. If the distance between the sheet plate and the exit hole is small enough, paradoxically it is a suction effect that

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it holds the sheet iron on the suction element, however, no contact occurs between the sheet plate and the suction element.

The advantage of this type of suction elements that can also be called blow and suction elements

5 suction is that they can be manufactured very economically, since their geometry can be made very easily. After all, it is only necessary to release the compressed air supplied perpendicularly with respect to the surface of the sheet iron, and after its exit, the compressed air must flow as uniformly as possible in all directions within a flat.

Another advantage is that it is not necessary to provide any device to generate a vacuum, which would be necessary if "classic" suction elements are used. Rather, the existing compressed air itself can also be used to "suck."

In addition, a great advantage of the sheet plate suction device according to the invention also consists in

15 that the suction elements suck the sheet plates by lifting them from the sheet plate arranged below, but do not allow contact between the surface of the sheet plate and the suction element. In this way, it is possible to prevent the surface of the sheet iron from being damaged. Rather, in the sucked state, the sheet iron can still be transported in the direction of transport, since an air cushion is formed between the suction elements and the sheet plate and virtually no forces are produced transversely with respect to the sense of suction.

Finally, the sheet plate suction device according to the invention offers the advantage that it is a system that can be easily used to retrofit existing transport systems.

According to the invention, the clamping device has a first cross member that extends substantially over the entire width of the support table. Preferably, two guide slats are provided which can be mounted on both sides of the support table and which are made to hold the crossbar in a movable way in the direction of transport.

In other words, this means that, in a manner comparable to a car, the crossbar on the guide slats as guide rails can be placed in different positions in the direction of transport. In this way, the suction elements mounted on the crossbar can be placed in an optimal position depending on the format of the sheet metal used.

35 The advantage is, among other things, that it is very easy to adapt to different sheet metal. In addition, through this system of "rails" it is possible to move the crossbar and therefore the suction elements in the direction of transport during the suction process and therefore during the process of fastening a sheet iron to release the plate of sheet metal better and more easily from the imbricated stream.

In a preferred embodiment, the suction elements are arranged in the crossbar so that they can move at least at right angles to the direction of transport, preferably also in the direction of transport.

In other words, this means that the position of the suction elements with respect to

45 the naughty. In this way, the advantage is achieved that a very exact adaptation to the sheet metal to be lifted is possible.

In a preferable embodiment, the fastening device has a second cross member that, seen in the direction of transport, is arranged behind the first cross member and in which at least two suction elements are mounted, preferably in specular symmetry with respect to to the central longitudinal axis.

The arrangement of a second crossbeam offers the advantage of being able to distribute even better - by the surface of a sheet metal plate - the suction elements necessary to lift a sheet metal plate. In this way, a safe lifting of the sheet iron is guaranteed more reliably.

In a preferable embodiment, a magnetic valve located between suction elements and the compressed air device is provided for controlling and disconnecting the compressed air flow to the suction elements in a controlled manner.

This measure offers, among others, the advantage that the suction device does not have to be constantly in operation, but that it is activated only when sheet plates of scroll type have to be processed. In addition, the suction elements can be connected and disconnected in a controlled manner, allowing a more selective and more controlled lifting of the sheet metal.

65 In a preferable embodiment a pressure valve is provided which on the one hand is connected to the suction elements and on the other hand can be connected to the compressed air device to adjust,

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preferably manually, the pressure of the compressed air towards the suction elements.

This measure offers the advantage that the suction force can be adjusted very easily by the user through the pressure valve in order to react to different properties of the sheet metal. 5 Obviously, it is also possible to adjust the pressure through the pressure valve automatically, for example through a control or a regulation.

According to the invention, at least four suction elements are provided in the first cross member, at least two suction elements being arranged in the lateral area - seen at right angles to the direction of

10 transport - and at least two suction elements in the central area. According to the invention, the suction elements in the outer zone and the suction elements in the central zone are arranged displaced relative to each other - seen in the direction of transport.

This arrangement of the various suction elements has proved to be especially advantageous in view of the

15 lifting a sheet iron. Especially, it is advantageous that the suction elements attack in different positions of the sheet iron - seen in the direction of transport. In this way, the lowering of one end of the sheet plate can be better prevented by the distributed arrangement of the suction elements.

In a preferable embodiment, each suction element has a cylindrical structure, being

20 provided in the suction element preferably an inlet opening that can be connected to the compressed air device and which is connected to the outlet through a channel. Preferably, the inlet opening is provided on a cover surface of the suction element, opposite the bottom. In addition, the channel preferably has different circulation sections, especially different diameters. Preferably, a section of the channel, adjacent to the exit orifice has a larger diameter than a section away from it.

25 These measures result in a very simple suction element that can be manufactured at a low cost. Finally, it is only a body, for example rotationally symmetrical, with a flat surface as flat as possible in which a channel that on its opposite side can be loaded with compressed air. In total, the suction elements of the present invention may have a more structure

30 simple that the "classic" suction elements to be loaded with depression.

The geometry of the suction elements can be carried out in very different ways, with some examples being listed below. For example, it is possible to differ from a cylindrical structure of the suction element or for example from a circular outlet or a single channel passing through the suction element. A section of the channel, adjacent to the exit hole, may have a larger diameter than a section away from it. The bottom surface that surrounds the exit orifice can be rotationally symmetrical at least with respect to an axis. The bottom may have a circular shape. The bottom may have a bevel on its circumferential edge, preferably 30 °. The exit orifice may have a bevel, preferably 30 °. The suction element may have several outlet holes in the bottom. Several suction elements may be provided. 40 The suction elements may be arranged in such a way that their outlet holes are in a line. The suction elements can be arranged in such a way that their exit holes are displaced alternating with respect to a line. On the outer side of the bottom, current conduction elements may be provided. The conduction elements of currents can be elevations that extend outwardly from the exit orifice. Downstream of the outlet orifice an element of

45 current diversion that deflects the current in a parallel direction with respect to the bottom. Upstream of the outlet orifice, at least one current rectifier may be provided in the suction element.

It has proved particularly advantageous to choose between 0.01 and 0.1, preferably of the order of 0.05, the relationship between the cross-sectional area of the exit hole and the bottom projection surface.

The object of the invention is also achieved with a transport system for transporting sheet irons to a sheet metal printing machine or to a sheet metal varnishing machine, which uses at least one sheet plate suction device as it has been previously described.

The transport system according to the invention has the same advantages as the sheet plate suction device described above, so that these advantages can be omitted again.

More advantages and embodiments of the invention result from the description and the attached drawing.

It is understood that the characteristics mentioned above and which are still described below can not only be used in the combination indicated respectively, but also in other combinations or individually, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

The invention is now described in detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

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1 shows a perspective view of a transport system according to the invention with a sheet metal suction device according to the invention;

Figure 2 a schematic representation of so-called scroll sheet plates; 5 figures 3a, b two schematic representations of a suction element according to the invention;

Figures 4a, b two schematic representations of another embodiment of a suction element according to the invention;

Figures 5a, b, c two schematic representations of three other embodiments of the suction element according to the invention;

Figures 6a, b schematic representations of two different embodiments of a compressed air channel 15 in a suction element;

Figures 7a-f different representations of the outlet orifice of the suction element according to the invention;

Figures 8a-h schematic cross-sectional representations of different embodiments of the compressed air channel within a suction element;

Figures 9a-h schematic representations of different arrangements of various suction elements according to the invention; Y

Figures 10a-d schematic representations of other embodiments of the suction element.

Figure 1 shows a transport system that is designated by the reference figure 10. This transport system 10 is used to transport goods in the form of an iron, especially sheet metal, in a T direction, from one end of the system of transport to the opposite end. In addition to the transport of the sheet metal, the transport system 10 also has the objective of aligning the sheet plate both laterally and with respect to the front edge of the sheet plate. It is that the transport system 10 is an integral part of a sheet metal printing machine or a sheet metal varnishing machine and is arranged directly in front of a so-called application drum with application marks and gripping elements. By means of the alignment of the sheet iron in the transport system 10 it is intended

35 deliver in an exact and reproducible position to the application drum which in turn supplies the sheet metal with an exact adjustment to a rolling mechanism for printing the surface of the sheet plate.

Since the basic operation of such a transport system 10 is known, for example by document EP1749773A2, it will not be described here in detail, but rather refers to the content disclosed by the aforementioned document. Otherwise, transport systems 10 are used in installations with the product designation "Sprint®" of the applicant, so that it is also referred to.

In general, a transport system 10 which is often also referred to as an application device for

45 sheet metal plates comprise a support table 12 with a central longitudinal axis M as well as conveyor belts 14 and, where appropriate, suction belts 16. In many cases, the conveyor belts 14 carry front edge stops with those in which contact the front edges of the sheet metal. The suction straps 16 serve to push the sheet metal against the application marks of the application drum to achieve an exact position contact.

As already mentioned, the sheet metal plates are also aligned laterally by the transport system 10, for which side marks 18 are provided here which act in conjunction with the side edges of the sheet metal plates. The lateral marks 18 are arranged at one end of the transport system 10 and act in a known manner, so it is not necessary to describe them in detail.

The transport system 10 shown in Figure 1 is made as a separate unit and can be replaced at any time as a modular unit within the sheet metal printing machine or the sheet metal varnishing machine.

The transport system 10 also comprises a sheet plate suction device 30 which is also provided as a replaceable unit, so that existing transport systems 10 can for example be retrofitted therewith. The sheet plate suction device 30, which is hereinafter referred to only as a suction device, has a first cross member 32 which extends over the entire width of the support table 12 and preferably comprises a profiled support. The first cross member 32 is mounted at its two ends on 65 carriages 34 which in turn are guided on guide rails 36. The guide rails 36 are mounted laterally on both sides of the support table 12, such that the first cross member is can move in the direction of transport T

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(or in the opposite direction to this) keeping the distance of the first crossbar constant with respect to the support table 12. Accordingly, the first crossbar 32 moves in a plane that is parallel with respect to the support table cloth 12 and, therefore, with respect to the plane of transport of the plates of sheet.

5 In the first cross member 32 several are provided, in the present embodiment four, suction elements 40 that are fixed to the projecting arms 42. The projecting arms 42 are arranged at right angles to the first cross member and can be moved preferably with respect to the first crossbar and in the direction of transport T. At the end of a projecting arm 42, opposite the crossbar, a suction element 40 is mounted, preferably fixing so that the suction element can slip with

10 with respect to the projecting arm 42. In this way, the distance of the suction element from the first cross member 32 can be adjusted.

The suction elements 40 are arranged in such a way that their "suction side" is oriented downwards, towards the support table 12. In the present embodiment, the four suction elements 40 mounted on

15 the first cross member 32 is mounted such that the two outer suction elements 40 have a somewhat greater distance from the first cross member than the two inner suction elements 40. The outer suction elements 40 and the inner suction elements 40 are respectively in a line that is parallel to the first cross member 32.

20 It is understood that the described arrangement of the four suction elements 40 is only exemplary and usually depends on the format of the sheet metal plates used. Due to the possibility of moving the suction elements 40 both in the direction of transport and perpendicularly with respect to it, it is possible very quickly and easily to adapt to different sheet metal formats. Usually, the suction elements are arranged in specular symmetry with respect to the central longitudinal axis M to achieve a

25 uniform lifting of the sheet iron. Obviously, other non-symmetrical arrangements are also possible, if required by the specific application, for example due to a special embodiment of the sheet metal.

Obviously, it would also be possible to mount the protruding arms directly on the support table,

30 preferably also movable in the direction of transport, so that a crossbar can be dispensed with as part of a clamping device. Then, the suction elements would be fixed to the support table through the protruding arms.

In the first cross member 32, compressed air distributors 58 are also provided, which on the one hand are

35 connected to a compressed air generating device not shown, for example a compressor, and which on the other hand conducts this compressed air to the suction elements through joints by flexible pipes, not shown. For this, the suction elements 40 have flexible tube coupling fittings, so that the compressed air hoses can be easily connected and removed.

40 Of the sheet plate suction device 30 described there is also a second cross member 38 which also extends over the entire width of the support table 12, but which, unlike the first cross member, is stationary mounted on the table support 12. However, the second cross member 38 can be easily released or mounted from or on the support table 12, so that easy retrofitting of a support table 12 is possible.

45 As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the second cross member 38 is arranged at the end of the support table 12 (seen in the direction of transport), such that the second cross member is arranged behind the first cross member 32, Seen in the sense of transport.

50 The second cross member 38, which in this exemplary embodiment is made as a tubular bar, has other suction elements 40 in the present embodiment in total two suction elements 40. These suction elements 40 are arranged on the second cross member 38, being able to sliding at right angles to the direction of transport T, so that an individual adjustment of the location of the suction elements 40 is possible. In the present embodiment, the two suction elements 40 are respectively located

55 in a parallel line, with respect to the direction of transport, with an outside suction element 40 of the first cross member 32.

Finally, the sheet plate suction device 30 further comprises two other suction elements 40 arranged in the area of the lateral marks 18 and held by the projecting arms 42. The projecting arms 42 are

60 extend perpendicularly with respect to the direction of transport, so that a displacement of the suction elements 40 is possible perpendicularly with respect to the direction of transport and in relation to the protruding arms 42. Since the lateral marks 18 can move perpendicularly with respect to to the direction of transport in order to react to different formats of sheet metal plates, when adjusting the lateral marks, the projecting arms 42 also move with the suction elements.

65

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In Fig. 1, a blow nozzle 52 can also be seen, which is mounted on the first cross member 32 and oriented in the direction of transport T. The blow nozzle 52 serves to blow compressed air towards the rear edge of a sheet metal plate what happens, to improve the lifting of sheet metal plates that arrive in an overlapping arrangement. It is understood that in the sleeper not only the blow nozzle 52 is arranged

5 represented, but also at least one additional blow nozzle.

In addition to the components described above, a pressure valve is also part of the sheet plate suction device 30, preferably with the aid of adjusting the pressure of the compressed air fed to the suction elements 40, the adjustment being made manual or automatic In addition, another valve may be provided to connect and disconnect in a controlled manner the compressed air stream supplied to the suction elements 40.

The sheet plate suction device described above has the following function:

15 As already mentioned, the main function of the transport system 10 is to drive a sheet metal plate in exact position to the application marks of the application drum set out below. For this, the front area of the sheet metal is sucked through the suction straps 16 and pushed against the application marks, during which it is possible that the suction straps slide slightly when the front edge of the sheet plate is in contact with the application marks.

It should be noted, however, that instead of the suction belts, the transport system 10 may also have, for example, rear edge thrust devices to drive the sheet metal towards the application marks.

25 The sheet metal plates reach the transport system 10 usually in the form of a so-called overlapping current, in which the successive sheet plates overlap in part. In the transport system 10, the upper sheet plate of the imbricated stream is separated from it and supplied to the application drum. This results in a speed difference between the upper sheet plate and the next sheet plate, located below. Normally, this speed difference is not critical; but if the sheet plates are scroll sheet plates (shown for example in Figure 2), the side edges 22 of the overlapping sheet plates can be engaged in one another causing a failure.

To avoid this, the suction device 30 is activated which, with the help of the suction elements 40, raises at least the lateral areas of the upper sheet plate of the sheet plate arranged below. To do this, to

35 the suction elements 40 are supplied compressed air that is blown in the direction of the sheet metal. If the suction elements 40 are at a very small distance from the sheet iron, a suction effect is drawn that attracts the sheet plate in the direction of the suction elements by lifting them in this way.

During the suction of the sheet metal, the surface of the sheet however does not come into direct contact with the suction elements 40, so that in a very simple way and without damaging the surface it is possible to continue transporting the sheet plate by means of the suction straps 16 towards the application marks of the application drum. During this, the sheet iron slides along the suction elements 40 in the direction of transport T being suctioned at the same time.

45 By means of this slight lifting of the sheet metal, at least in its lateral zone, preferably also in the area of the rear edge of the sheet metal, it is possible to prevent the lateral edges 22 of the upper sheet plate from engaging with the lateral edges of the sheet iron located below. By lifting the back edge of the sheet iron, by blowing under it with the aid of the suction nozzles 52, the lifting of the sheet plate assembly can be encouraged.

It would also be possible to use the suction elements 40 mounted on the first cross member 32 not only as lifting suction elements but also as dragging suction elements, for which the cross member 32 could move in the direction of transport.

55 The suction elements 40 used in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1 have a cylindrical body which in Figures 3a and 3b is designated by the reference figure 44. In this cylindrical body 44 a bore 46 is provided which forms a channel that connects an inlet port 48 to an outlet port 47 located at the bottom 45 of the cylindrical body. The channel 46 has in its section oriented towards the entrance hole 48 a first diameter and in its section oriented towards the exit hole 47 a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. This can be seen very clearly in the sectional view of Figure 3b. The bottom 45 of the cylindrical body 44 is made smooth and flat and, when the suction element is mounted, it is substantially parallel with respect to the support table and, therefore, to the sheet metal to be lifted.

65 During operation, the compressed air is conducted, through a hose joint, to the inlet port 48 and then circulates through the channel 46 passing out through the outlet port 47. When the

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sheet metal is in contact with the bottom 45 at a very small distance from it, the outgoing compressed air is deflected in the sheet iron and comes out evenly radially. A depression is generated by the outgoing compressed air that causes the sheet plate to be suctioned, but not so much that it covers the outlet opening 47.

5 As shown in Figure 3a, the suction element 40 is preferably manufactured from synthetic material and is very economical because of its simple geometry.

Obviously, other forms of the suction element are also possible without affecting its operation. In the

10 following figures 4 to 10 are shown some of the possible embodiments of suction elements 40, not being an exhaustive enumeration. Rather, other shapes and geometries not shown are also possible, as long as the compressed air that exits the outlet orifice 47 can cause depression.

15 Thus, for example, in figures 4a, b an embodiment of the suction element 40 is shown in which the body is composed of a section of tube 50 and an open plate 49 located below. The flanged plate 49 is made circularly as can be seen in Figure 4a. Apart from this circular embodiment, other shapes such as oval, rectangular, square or polygonal are obviously also possible, as indicated in Figures 5a, b and c.

20 The outlet orifice 47 may have a bevel on the edge, as shown in Figure 6a with the reference figure 54. Furthermore, it is possible that the channel 46 will flow into several outlet orifices 47a ac, as represented for example in figure 6b. These multiple exit holes 47 may be arranged, for example, in a circular shape, as shown in Figure 7e.

Typically, the outlet opening 47 has a circular cross section, as shown in Figure 7a. However, other cross sections are also possible, for example rectangular, oval or stellar, as shown in Figures 7b, 7c and 7d. Furthermore, the outlet opening 47 may be arranged slightly offset with respect to the center M of the body 44, as shown for example in Figure 7f.

30 In Figures 8a to 8h other embodiments of the suction element 40 are shown, the different embodiments being differentiated among other things by the shape of the channel 46. For example, it is not essential that the channel 46 extend in one direction as shown for example in Figure 8f, the channel 46 being able to present two or several sections that extend obliquely or at right angles to each other. In addition, it is possible

35 that the first section of the channel 46 flows into a space 62 formed by a bowl-shaped housing 64, said space 62 being covered by an open plate 49 with the outlet opening 47. This embodiment is represented for example in the figure 8g.

As already mentioned, usually, the compressed air is supplied to the suction element 40 through a flexible tube which is schematically represented in Figure 8b and designated by the reference sign 56.

Other embodiments of the suction element 40 are shown in Figures 10a to d, the solution shown in Figures 10a and b presenting a bowl-shaped body, whose outlet opening 47 is larger than the opposite inlet hole 48. Also with such a suction element it is possible to suck a

45 sheet iron.

Finally, a solution with an outlet orifice 47 with circular shape is shown in FIGS. 10c, current conduction elements 76 are additionally provided in the background, and a solution with a current rectifier 73 is shown in FIG. channel 46 and with a diverting body 72 that is

50 disposed in the area of the outlet opening 47 and radially outwardly displacing the compressed air outgoing.

Usually, the suction elements 40 shown above are individually arranged in the crossbar, as shown in Figure 1. However, if the suction force of a single suction element in these areas is not enough, several elements of suction forming an arrangement of elements of

Suction 70, as schematically represented in Figures 9a to h.

For example, several suction elements 40 located in a row in slats 66 can be mounted, as shown in Figure 9d. In this case, the outlet holes 47 are in a line.

60 A solution is shown in FIG. 9d in which the suction elements 40 are in turn mounted on a slat 66, but the adjacent suction elements 40 are arranged displaced relative to each other, so that also outlet holes 47 are offset with respect to a line.

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However, apart from the arrangement of several individual suction elements 40 as shown in figures 9a, 9d or 9g, it is also possible to provide arrangements of suction elements 70 composed of a single piece, as represented for example in the figures 9b, 9c, 9e, 9f or 9h. All these solutions have in common that in addition to several circular or slot-shaped exit holes 47, openings are also provided.

5 74 specially designed to let out the compressed air circulating between the sheet plate and the bottom of the arrangement of suction elements 70.

Therefore, a great freedom of design of the suction elements 40 results, which allows an adaptation to the most diverse circumstances. However, for simplicity, the suction element shown in Figures 3a, b 10 with a cylindrical body 44 is preferable.

In summary, it should be noted that the present invention provides a sheet metal suction device 30 which, with very simple and therefore economical means, allows a sheet metal to be lifted so as to avoid the engagement of sheet plates of scroll type. The suction elements are not fed by a

15 depression in the usual way, but of compressed air that usually exists in any installation, so that costs of a vacuum generating device do not occur.

In addition, the proposed suction elements have the characteristic that the sheet plates are not sucked in such a way that they touch the bottom of the suction elements, so that in any case it is avoided that the surface of the plates of the plates be damaged. sheet metal, even when the sheet plates slide in front of the suction elements.

Finally, the sheet plate suction device according to the invention is realized in such a way that it can be mounted with relatively little work as a retrofit kit in existing transport systems. 25 The work is still reduced especially if the cross member 32 or the cross member 38 already exists, for example, for the blowing nozzles 52.

Claims (12)

E09008750 07-08-2014 1. Sheet plate suction device for a sheet plate transport system that aligns the sheet plates prior to delivery to a sheet metal printing machine or to a varnishing machine 5 sheet and for this it has at least one support table (12) with a central longitudinal axis, one or several conveyor belts (14, 16) that move in the direction of transport as well as a compressed air device, with -a clamping device (32) that can be mounted on the support table (12) and which extends inwardly above the support table, and 10-at least two suction elements (40) mounted on the clamping device (32) at a distance with respect to the support table (12) each suction element (40) having a bottom (45) with at least one hole (47), the bottom being held with the hole for the suction, parallel and at a distance from the sheet iron, and which can be connected to the compressed air device, the hole serving at the bottom of the suction element of outlet port (47) for the compressed air supplied, 15 -in which the clamping device has a first cross member (32) that extends substantially by the entire width of the support table, -in which at least four suction elements (40) are provided in the first cross member (32), -in which at least two suction elements (40) are arranged in the area lateral - seen at right angles with respect to the direction of transport - and at least two suction elements (40) are arranged in the central zone 20, - the suction elements (40) being arranged in the outer zone and the suction elements (40) in the zone central with a displacement relative to each other - seen in the direction of transport, - the suction elements (40) being arranged in the outer area by raising at least lateral areas of an upper sheet iron from a sheet plate arranged below, when the suction device (30) is activated. 2. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that two guide slats (38) are provided that can be mounted on both sides of the support table (12) and are made to hold the crossbar in a manner movable in the direction of transport. 30 3. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction elements (40) are arranged in the clamping device (32) so that they can move at least at right angles to the direction of transport (T), preferably also in the direction of transport.

35 4. Sheet plate suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping device has a second cross member (38) which, seen in the direction of transport, is arranged behind the first cross member (32) and in which at least two suction elements (40) are mounted in specular symmetry with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

40 5. Sheet plate suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a magnetic valve that is provided between suction elements (40) and the compressed air device for connecting and disconnecting the compressed air flow in a controlled manner. towards the suction elements.

6. Sheet plate suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a A pressure valve that on the one hand is connected to the suction elements (40) and on the other hand can be connected to the compressed air device to adjust, preferably manually, the pressure of the compressed air towards the suction elements. 7. Sheet plate suction device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each suction element (40) has a cylindrical structure (44). 8. Sheet plate suction device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an inlet (48) is provided in the suction element (40) which is connected to the compressed air device and through of a channel (66) is connected to the outlet hole (47). 55 9. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 10, characterized in that the inlet hole (48) is provided on a cover surface of the suction element (40), opposite the bottom (45). 10. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the channel (46) 60 has different circulation sections, especially diameters. 11. Sheet plate suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio between the projection surface of the exit orifice (47) and the projection surface of the bottom (45) is between 0.01 and 0.1, preferably of the order of 0.05. 65 10 E09008750 07-08-2014 12. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supplied compressed air exits at least one outlet orifice (47) perpendicularly with respect to a surface of the sheet plate, and why, afterwards from its outlet, compressed air flows uniformly in all directions within a plane. 5 13. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction elements (40) are made as individual suction elements (40). 14. Sheet plate suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction elements (40) have a cylindrical body (44). eleven