ES2681961A1 - Device and procedure for the transport of flexible sheets (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for the transport of flexible sheets (2) combining mobile support means (3) on which a sheet may be applied and which are adapted to move the sheet in a direction of travel; and suction means (5) for maintaining the sheet applied against the support means, in which the support means are configured so that a sheet applied against the support means takes a warped shape in a plane transverse to the direction of travel . The process for transporting flexible sheets (2) in a direction of travel comprises warping the sheets in a plane transverse to the direction of travel. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Device and procedure for transporting flexible sheets

5 Technical sector of the invention

The device and method for the transport of flexible sheets of the present invention are those that allow the transport of flexible sheets of those used in the graphic arts sector or packaging industry, between different handling stations.

10 Background of the invention

In the graphic arts or packaging industry sector it is usual to have to transport flexible sheets, for example between a feeding station and a printing station or between

15 a rotary burner and a stacking station. The rotary burner formats materials initially wound in a coil and, therefore, flexible, in the longitudinal direction, so that, after the sheets are cut transversely, they must be transported to be subsequently stacked or handled. These flexible sheets are made of materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic or the like, and particularly simple, corrugated cardboard,

20 consisting of two papers, one plain or "liner" and one wavy or "fluting."

It is important that the transport takes place in a controlled manner so that the position of the sheets is well in the stacking station or other handling stations, such as a printing station, and that they do not roll on each other during transport by the

25 lack of stiffness in its longitudinal direction which at the same time is the direction of transport, instead of staying flat.

Devices for transporting sheets are known as described in patent document EP0363662. This document presents a device provided with a set of

30 drag rollers combined with an air extractor to transport sufficiently rigid elements, such as double-sided or double / double corrugated cardboard sheets, suspended.

However, when the items to be transported are not rigid enough, such as when

35 these elements are flexible sheets, the device described in this document does not allow the transport of these flexible sheets at high speeds, since the air currents that

generated during the transport of each flexible sheet can separate the sheet from the device, initially bending its front edge and finally separating the sheet from the device, causing the sheet to exit the longitudinal direction of transport and be arranged obstructing the passage of other sheets . This situation requires that an operator

5 have to intervene to remove the foil that hinders the passage, being necessary to stop the transport device, with the corresponding loss of time.

A solution to this problem would be to increase the force exerted by the air extractor so as to ensure that the sheets were more glued to the drag rollers. Do not

However, since the sheets are flexible, there would be a risk of damaging them during transport due to the action of the rollers on the sheet, in addition that the sheets would slow down when rubbing against the plate through which the rollers protrude.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to disclose a device for the

15 transport of flexible sheets that allows transporting flexible sheets at a higher speed without damaging them.

Explanation of the invention.

The device for transporting flexible sheets of the present invention is one that combines mobile support means on which a sheet can be applied and which are adapted to move the sheet in a direction of travel, preferably straight and preferably horizontal ; and suction means to keep the sheet applied against the support means.

In essence, the device is characterized in that the support means are configured so that a sheet applied against the support means adopts a combo shape in a plane transverse to the direction of travel, which can be, for example, grooved or in the form of a tile. Naturally the combated form can be both convex and concave, as well as

30 be undulated, presenting convex sections and concave sections, advantageously allowing the sheet to move while maintaining the warped shape thereby increasing the bending resistance of its front part and supporting greater accelerations and speeds without separating from the device and without being damaged.

35 In a variant embodiment, the combated shape has a curve whose relationship between the

so that the variation in the trajectory of the curve is sufficiently high so that the sheet is sufficiently combated so that a bending resistance is achieved in the transport direction.

5 In another variant embodiment, the combated form has a curve whose relationship between rope and sagita is greater than 10, that is, 10 sagitas or more fit in the rope, so that the trajectory variation of the curve is low enough for the sheet It can be sufficiently combated but not damaged.

10 Preferably, it is envisaged that the combated shape has a curve whose relationship between the rope and the sagite is less than 100 and greater than 10, that is, they fit between 10 and 100 sagites in the rope, so that it confers good resistance to sheets to bend in the longitudinal direction of transport without damaging them.

15 In a variant of interest, the curved shape has a curve whose sagite is larger than 20 millimeters, said shape being suitable for the transport of flexible sheets of cardboard in a curved or corrugated shape.

In a variant of interest, the mobile support means comprise parallel drive shafts

20 to each other, perpendicular to the direction of travel of sheets and that follow a curved path in the plane transverse to the direction of travel of the sheets, said axes being provided with wheels. Said wheels determine a transport surface of the sheets through which the sheets can be transported when pushed by the wheels. Each drive axle can be independently driven by

25 an engine, thus controlling the rotation speed of each axis so that the blades can be accelerated and braked by gradually increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of consecutive axes as appropriate. This speed control can be controlled by a computer through which instructions are sent to the different motors that drive the shafts, as well as other means of support, such as a belt

30 conveyor

According to a variant embodiment, the curved path that follows each driving axis in its transverse plane to the direction of travel of the sheets is equal to the curve of the transport surface in that same transverse plane.

35 In a variant embodiment, the drive shafts comprise straight sections whose ends

they are connected to a turn transmission parts coupled to both sides of the same wheel, thus allowing the rotation to all wheels of an axle, thus allowing the rotation to be transmitted to all wheels of the same axle.

5 In a variant of interest, the wheels are provided with lateral recesses for the coupling of the turn transmission parts that allow the turn of the section to be transmit to the wheel and the wheel transmit the turn to the next section through its piece of transmission.

10 In a variant embodiment, the profile of the turning transmission parts and the wheel recesses is complementary, the complementary profile being a complementary sprocket profile in a variant of interest.

It is also known that in a variant embodiment the wheels are of a material

15 more flexible than the turning transmission parts, thus allowing straight straight sections to vary the axis trajectory by slightly deforming the rotating transmission parts the wheel recesses. To achieve this effect, in a variant of interest the wheels are expected to be made of polyurethane or any other flexible material.

20 In a variant embodiment, the device further comprises means for expelling defective sheets arranged between the axes, so that when said means of ejection are operated by an operator, push a defective sheet to remove it from the device. It should be noted that when the sheet is slightly separated from the device, it will detach, allowing it to fall into a rejection container arranged under the means

25 expulsion. These means of ejection means will preferably be retractable, that is, they can be hidden inside the device and can comprise a pneumatic piston which, when actuated, allows the sheet to be pushed out of the device quickly and the ejection means removed, thus removing only the defective sheet and avoiding that the rest of the plates, that would not present defects, are expelled.

In another variant embodiment, the support means in the direction of travel comprise a conveyor belt, which allows better control of the blades, especially for braking and positioning with precision.

35 It is also known that the device may comprise an acceleration section in which the mobile support means comprise parallel drive shafts between

perpendicular to the direction of travel of sheets and that follow a curved path in the plane transverse to the direction of travel of the sheets, said axes being provided with wheels, and a final section in which the support means comprise a conveyor belt, allowing so that in the acceleration section the blades can

5 Increase and decrease its speed as the different driving axes are activated keeping the blades attached to the device and that in the final section the blades can be better controlled, held more firmly and even released by deactivating in this final section the suction means, for example to its stacking

10 Even when the device described above comprises an acceleration section in which the movable support means comprise drive axles parallel to each other, perpendicular to the direction of travel of sheets, said axes being provided with wheels, and a final section in which the support means comprise a conveyor belt, sufficient transport of the sheets could be achieved even if they are not

15 were combated, that is, they would be transported flat, although in this case speeds and accelerations would not be supported as high as when transported combatants. Of course, the devices described above could also be considered in which the mobile support means on which a sheet can be applied and which are adapted to move the sheet in a direction of travel, were configured

20 so that a sheet applied against the support means would adopt a flat shape in a plane transverse to the direction of travel, although speeds and accelerations would not be supported as high as when transporting commates.

The device of the present invention therefore allows to perform a procedure for the

Transport of flexible sheets comprising applying a flexible sheet against mobile support means that are adapted to move the sheet in a direction of travel; and keeping the sheet against the support means by means of suction means, so that the flexible sheet adopts a combo shape in a plane transverse to the direction of travel, that is, the method for transporting sheets

30 flexible comprises combining the sheets in a plane transverse to the direction of travel, thus conferring greater resistance to bending the sheets on their front during transport and allowing the sheets to be transported at higher speeds and accelerations.

35 Brief description of the drawings To complement the description being made and in order to facilitate the

Understanding the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present specification in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Fig. 1a presents a bottom view of an embodiment variant of the device of the present invention; Fig. 1b shows a sectional view in a transverse plane of the device of Fig. 1a; Fig. 2 shows a diagram of the section in a transverse plane of the device; Fig. 3a presents a sectional view in a transverse plane of another variant of

10 embodiment of the device of the present invention; Fig. 3b shows a detail of the sectional view of Fig. 3a; Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the wheels of the device of Figs. 3a and 3b in correlative lace position; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the wheels of Figs. 3a and 3b in position

15 correlative lace; Fig. 6a presents a bottom view of another variant embodiment of the device of the present invention; Fig. 6b presents a sectional view in a transverse plane of the device of Fig. 6a; Fig. 6c shows a side view of the device of Fig. 6a;

Fig. 7 shows a system incorporating the device of the present invention between a rotary burner and a stacking station; Figs. 8a, 8b and 8c show the curvature of the sheets of the device of Fig. 7 in different sections; Fig. 9 shows another system incorporating the device of the present invention between a

25 stacking station and one printing station; and Fig. 10 shows another system incorporating the device of the present invention between a stacking station and a battery distribution station.

Detailed description of the drawings

30 Figs. 1a and 1b presents a bottom and sectional view of a first embodiment variant of the device 1 for the transport of flexible sheets 2 of the present invention which has mobile support means 3 on which a sheet 2 can be applied and which are adapted to move the sheet in a direction of travel,

35 to transport a sheet 2 or a succession of sheets 2 between different stations. As illustrated and as will be seen below, the sheets 2 will preferably be transported

suspended or hung from device 1, that is, arranged between device 1 and the ground, allowing an operator to better visualize the transport of sheets from the ground.

As can be seen, the mobile support means 3 are wheels 8 arranged in some

5 axes 7 that allow pushing the sheets 2 during transport. Between the axes 7 and the plates 2 a plate 18 is arranged, so that the wheels 8 pass through the plate 19 through windows 20 conveniently practiced in the plate 19 which allow the wheels 18 to protrude and push the plates 2 into the direction of transport, as illustrated in Fig. 1. It is envisioned that the same plate 19 has perforations 21 through which

10 air can be aspirated, so that suction means 5, which may be formed by one or more air extractors 22, allow the sheets 2 to be applied against the support means 3, that is, against the wheels 8. The plate 18 also has ejection means 24 of defective sheets 2, which when driven, preferably by means of a pneumatic piston that would be activated for example when an operator detected a

15 Defective sheet 2, protrude from the plate 18 causing the sheet 2 to be removed from the device 1.

As can be seen, the mobile support means 3 comprise drive axes 7 parallel to each other, perpendicular to the direction of travel of sheets 2 and which follow a curved path in the plane transverse to the direction of travel of the sheets 2, being said axles provided with wheels 8 that determine the sheet transport surface 4. It is envisaged that each axis 7 is driven by an independent motor and can rotate at a different speed, so that the transport speed of the plates 2 can be varied, accelerating or braking the plates 2 so that they can move at greater or lesser speed.

25 speed and to separate or join together without the increase in speed causing the sheets 2 to separate from the device 1 and block the passage of other sheets 2. In this way, it is also possible to separate the sheets 2 sufficiently between handling stations of the sheets 2 in which the sheets 2 have to be distanced for correct processing.

30 As can be seen, the path that runs each drive shaft 7 in its transverse plane to the direction of travel of the sheets 2 is equal to the curve 6 of the transport surface in that same transverse plane, so that all the wheels 8 of the same axle 7, which will have the same radius, turn at the same angular velocity e

35 will drive the sheet 2 at the same speed along the entire axis 7 conferring the curved shape 6 to the sheet 2.

Advantageously, the mobile support means 3 are configured so that the sheets 2 applied against the support means 3 adopt a combed or grooved shape in a plane transverse to the direction of travel, that is, they adopt a tile shape that confers the sheets 2 greater resistance to bending at the front when transported

5 at high speeds between different stations, without damaging them. The sheets 2 will preferably maintain an essentially straight shape in a plane longitudinal to the direction of travel, so that they do not offer resistance to their transport.

Therefore, the support means 3 can be considered to determine a surface 4 for

10 the transport of sheets 2 which in turn has a combed or ribbed shape, the section of this transport surface 4 determining in a plane transverse to the direction of travel of the sheets 2 a curve 6, which can be both convex and concave as even a combination between convex and concave portions that form a ripple. Naturally, when a sheet 2 is arranged on the transport surface 4

15 as a result of the suction means 5, this will take the same shape as the surface 4.

It is envisioned that the support means 3 may be discrete, such as the wheel assembly 8 presented in Figs. 1a and 1b whose ends would determine the transport surface 4, as continuous, as a conveyor belt 12 that allows the passage of air through it and

20 which would determine the transport surface 4, such as a perforated belt or a net or mesh, for example a metal mesh, as will be described later. As can also be seen in Figs. 1a and 1b, the perforations 21 in the plate 19 are distributed between the wheels 8 of the support means 3, thus ensuring that the force exerted by the suction means 5 is well distributed along the axis 7.

25 As can be seen in Fig. 1b, in order to ensure that the sheets adopt the warped shape, the support means 3 are arranged such that the transport surface 4 determines a curve 6 which will be the shape that the sheets 2 will adopt. during transport To ensure that the sheets 2 have sufficient resistance to bending

30 frontally during transport, it is envisaged that the curved shape they adopt presents a curve 6 whose relationship between the rope c and the sagite s is less than 100, that is, the distance of the rope c is 100 times or less the distance of sagita s, in other words, that fit 100 sagitas or less on the rope. As can be seen, this same curved shape 6 will be presented by both the support means 3, for example the axes 7 will follow the same

35 curve 6, like plate 19.

Although the sheets 2 are expected to be flexible, it is convenient that the sheets 2 do not take on a too tight shape as they could be damaged. In order to avoid damage, especially when the sheets 2 are made of cardboard, it is convenient that the curved shape has a curve 6 whose relationship between the rope c and the sagite s is greater than 10, that is, the distance

5 of the rope c is 10 times or more the distance of the sagita s, in other words, that 10 sagitas or more fit in the rope. Usually, the curved shape is provided to have a curve 6 whose sagite s is larger than 20 millimeters, so that the device 1 is especially suitable for transporting flexible sheets 2 of standard size.

10 Fig. 3 presents a cross-sectional view of a device 1 according to the present invention together with a detail of the device 1 in which it can be seen how the mobile support means 3 and the suction means 5 are combined. you can see, the drive shafts 7 are mounted through supports 23 of the plate 19 and comprise straight sections 9 whose ends are connected to transmission parts

15 of rotation 10 coupled to both sides of the same wheel 8, the wheels 8 being provided with lateral recesses 11 for the coupling of the rotation transmission parts 10, so that the axle 7 is curved. This curvature of the axle 7 is achieved by slightly deforming by pressure the turning transmission parts 10 the wheels 8, which are expected to be more flexible than the turning transmission parts 10, such as polyurethane. The pieces of

20 rotation transmission 10 of the wheels is expected to be of a more rigid material, such as polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, other plastics or even of a metallic material or also of any other material more rigid than the material of the recesses 11 of the wheels 8. It is envisaged that the deformation exerted by the rotating transmission parts 10 to the wheels 8 will allow straight straight sections 9 to be rotated approximately 0.5 degrees, so that the rotation

25 of the straight sections 10 is correctly transmitted to the wheels 8. It is also provided that the turning transmission parts 10 can fit into the lateral recesses 11 of the wheels 8 so that the turning transmission parts 10 can move axially inside each recess 11, alternatively in the inward and outward direction of the wheel 8, during the rotation of the axle 7. Naturally, it is anticipated that not all of the wheel 8 is of this flexible material,

30 but it could be enough if only the area of the recesses 11 were of this flexible material.

It is envisaged that the suction means 5 incorporate an extractor 22 that exerts a suction effect through the perforations 21 of the plate 19 that allow the sheet 35 2 to be held against the support means 3. Naturally, it is also provided that the suction means 5 are formed by different extractors, so that the suction can be controlled in

different sections of the device 1, allowing for example to release the sheet 2 at the end of its transport. It is envisaged that when the support means 3 are provided with wheels 8, and the plate 19 is provided with windows 20 through which the wheels 8 pass, it is possible that the plate 19 does not need perforations 21 if the suction exerted by the means of

5 suction 5 through the windows 21 was enough.

In the manner illustrated above, it is achieved that the sheets 2 can be transported suspended, the support means 3 being mobile, such as wheels 8, which rotate allow the sheets 2 to move along a transport surface 4, which when adopted

10 a curved or tile shape, advantageously allowing the flexible sheets 2 to be moved at speeds greater than if the sheets 2 were flat preventing them from separating from the device 1.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the section of the wheels 8 of the device 1 of the

15 Fig. 3 in correlative position of engagement with straight segments 9 of the axis 7. As can be seen, the ends of the straight sections 9 are provided with a threaded pin 14 that will pass through a hole 15 in each turn transmission part 10 in which ensures a nut 13, so that the straight section 9 is firmly attached to the turning transmission part 10, thus achieving that when turning the shaft 7, each straight section 9 rotates the parts of

20 turn transmission 10 attached to its ends. The turn transmission parts 10 are adapted to fit and be engaged in the lateral recesses 11 arranged on both sides of the same wheel 8, so that a straight section 9 that is driven by a motor transmits the turn to the rest of the straight sections 9 through the respective wheels 8. As described above, the material around the lateral recesses 11 is expected to be

25 flexible and allow straight sections 9 successive to be able to be slightly inclined to each other when yielding this material around the lateral recesses, but allowing the rotation to be transmitted correctly to both the wheel 8 and the next straight section 9 of the axis 7. Naturally it is envisioned that the fastening of the straight sections 9 to the turn transmission parts 10 can be carried out in other alternative ways that ensure the fixation of the sections

30 straight 9 to the turning transmission parts 10, such as a grooved shaft, a conical shaft or even an integrated shaft during the molding process of the rotating transmission part 10, among others.

As can be best seen in the perspective view presented in Fig. 5, the profile of the

35 pieces turn transmission 10 and recesses 11 of wheels 8 is complementary, of

transmitting it to the next straight section 9 through the turning transmission parts 10. An especially advantageous shape of the profile of the turning transmission parts 10 and the recesses 11 of the wheels 8 is a complementary gearwheel profile, such and as illustrated in Fig. 5 and also presented in the previous Figures 3 and 4, although it was not evident from the sectional views presented. However, other complementary profiles that allow the turn to be transmitted correctly could be used, such as geometric shapes or other irregular shapes that allow the fit between the turn transmission parts 10 and the recesses 11 of the wheels 8 and the transmission of the turn of the axis

7. It is also noted that the profiles of the recesses 11 of the wheels 8 shown are

10 equal and cogwheel on both sides, whereby it is possible to use equal transmission parts 10, one of the recesses 11 rotated with respect to the other.

Fig. 6a shows another embodiment of the device 1 in which the support means 3 comprise a conveyor belt 12, such as a conveyor belt that allows the passage of air, so that the suction means 5 allows the sheet is applied against the conveyor belt 12 and can be moved on the transport surface 4, which in this case coincides with the conveyor belt 12. Unlike the previous variants in which the support means 3 were formed by different axes 7 that could rotating at a different speed, in the variant shown in Fig. 6a the conveyor belt 12 20 will advance at the same speed, it being not possible to accelerate sheets to separate them from each other by a single device 1. An option to solve this inconvenience would be to arrange different devices 1 in series, so that the conveyor belt 12 of each device 1 has a speed greater or less than the previous one, according to n want accelerate or brake the sheets 2. Naturally, also provide that the conveyor 12 is formed by

25 different longitudinal belts, for example 10 longitudinal belts of 40 mm each, provided with flexible, homokinetic couplings, between them, so that they resist the combed shape and the drag of all of them can be carried out by a single motor.

Naturally, the sectional view of the variant of Fig. 6a in which the support means 3

30 comprising a conveyor belt 12 will also have the curved section that allows the sheets 2 to be transported in a tile form, so that higher speeds are allowed to be achieved without damaging the sheets 2, in the same way as described above, being suction means 5 adapted to exert a suction force that holds the sheet 2 against the conveyor belt 12.

35 As illustrated in Fig. 6c, the conveyor belt 12, which can be a belt or

Any other transport surface that allows air to pass through, such as a mesh or a fence, can be driven by a single motor.

Naturally, it is envisaged that the support means 3 may have different sections, that is,

5 that some sections of the support means 3 are formed by axles 7 provided with wheels 8, so that the speed of each axle 7 can be independently controlled to separate or join consecutive sheets 2, for example in an acceleration section T1 and other sections are formed by conveyor belt 12, so that although the speed of the conveyor belt 12 is the same, a single motor can be used to drive the belt,

10 for example in a final section T2 as illustrated below.

Fig. 7 shows a system formed by a device 1 of the present invention for transporting sheets 2 between a rotary burner 16 and a stacking station 17. The rotary burner 16 is adapted to format initially rolled materials in a

15 coil and therefore flexible in the longitudinal direction by cutting sheets 2 from the material previously wound in the coil in its transverse direction.

The rotary burner 16 provides one by one the flexible blades 2 to the device 1, which although initially may be flat on the support means 3, as indicated in the section A illustrated in Fig. 8a, progressively the support means 3 will be curved the flexible sheet 2, reaching a curvature as indicated in section B illustrated in Fig. 8b. until it adopts the curved shape of tile indicated in section C and illustrated in Fig. 8c. This controlled form will allow its high-speed transport as described above, to, before arriving at the stacking station 17 in which it must be presented flat, return the sheet 2 from its curved transport position to the flat final position, adapted for storage in the stacking station 17. The system presented in Fig. 7 uses a rotary topper 16 and a stacking station 17 of those known in the state of the art that provide and require 2 straight sheets, so this transition between the flat and curved position of transport of the sheets 2 is necessary. However, 30 if the rotary burner 16 already provided the curved sheets 2, similar to section C, the device 1 could take and directly transport the 2 curved sheets without having to bend it progressively. The same would happen with the stacked station 17 if, for example, the sheets 2 took the flat form simply by separating from the device 1. Advantageously, by adopting the sheets 2 the combated tile form, they not only avoid separating from the device 1 during its transport, but also prevent the sheets,

As can be seen in Fig. 7, the device 1 has an acceleration section T1 in which the support means 3 will be formed by axles 7 provided with wheels 8, so that the speed of each axis 7 can be controlled in a manner independent to separate or join consecutive sheets 2, and a final section T2 formed by conveyor belt 12, so that, although the speed of the conveyor belt 12 is the same, a single motor can be used to drive the belt. Naturally, the support means 3 could also be formed entirely by axles 7 provided with wheels 8 or by one or more conveyor belts 12, as well as different combinations of sections. As illustrated, the sheets 2 are preferably transported suspended or hung from the device 1, that is,

10 arranged between the device 1 and the ground, allowing not only an operator to better visualize the transport of sheets from the ground, but also allowing to transport sheets 2 such as single-sided corrugated cardboard with the wave open up, thus achieving its stacking with the wave open up, as they should preferably be provided to the end customer.

Fig. 9 shows another system formed by a device 1 of the present invention for transporting sheets 2 between a stacking station 17, in which a set of flexible sheets 2 and a printing station 18 are stacked in which the device 1 must transfer the sheets 2. As can be seen, the power station 17 will provide

20 one by one the flexible sheets 2 to the device, which although initially may be flat on the support means 3, as indicated in section A illustrated above in Fig. 8a, progressively the support means 3 will be bending the flexible sheet 2, to present a curvature as indicated in section B illustrated above in Fig. 8b. until it adopts the curved shape of tile indicated in section C and illustrated above in Fig.

25 8c, which will allow its high-speed transport as described above, to, before arriving at the printing station 16 in which it must be presented flat, return the sheet from its curved transport position to the flat final position, adapted for insertion in the printing station. The system presented in Fig. 7 uses a stacking station 17 and a printing station 16 of those known in the prior art.

30 provide and require 2 straight sheets, so this transition between the flat and curved transport position is necessary. However, if the feeding station already provided the curved sheets 2, similar to section C, the device 1 could directly pick up and transport the curved sheets 2 without having to bend it progressively. The same would happen with print station 16 if it accepted

35 sheets 2 folded. In this way, sheets 2 can be transported by applying a sheet

direction of travel and holding the sheet 2 against the support means 3 by means of suction means 5, so that the flexible sheet adopts the shape commanded in a plane transverse to the direction of travel. Naturally, it is envisioned that the device 1 of the present invention can be used to transport sheets 2 among many others.

5 types of stations, such as counting station stations, among others.

Fig. 10 again shows the device 1 of the present invention, now between a stacking station 17 and a battery distribution station 24, allowing the sheets 2 of the stacking station 17 to be transported in the manner described above but now releasing the

10 sheets 2 after overcoming an acceleration section T1 and upon reaching a final section T2, grouping the sheets two by two or even in larger groups in order to redistribute the plates 2 that were initially stacked in the stacking station 17 in different stacks at the battery distribution station 24, so that the size of each battery is smaller and the sheets can then move more easily. In this way, for example

15 as illustrated in Fig. 10, the device 1 will wait for three sheets 2 to reach the final section T2 of the device 1 and then the suction means 5 of the final section T2 will be deactivated, allowing the sheets 2 to be stacked each in a battery of the battery distribution station 24. Naturally, the device would also allow transport between a rotary topper 16 and a battery distribution station 24, analogously.

20 Although in the previously shown variants of the device 1 the flexible sheets 2 are transported suspended, the support means 3 being above the sheets 2, it is also provided that in other variants of embodiment the flexible sheets 2 are above the means support 3, for example when the device is mounted

25 directly on the ground. Advantageously, when flexible sheets 2 are transported suspended, their observation is facilitated by an operator, so that defective sheets 2 can be visually detected. These defective sheets 2 could be removed from the device 1 by actuation by the operator of sheet ejection means 25, such as a pneumatic piston protruding from the means of

30 support 3, so that the defective sheet 2 could detach from the device 1 and fall into a rejection vessel disposed below the pneumatic piston. Also, if it was not necessary for the speed or acceleration of the sheets 2 to be high, one could even contemplate devices similar to those previously represented in which the sheets 2 were transported flat, that is, that the support means determined a plane of

35 conveys flat and were configured so that a sheet applied against the media of support will adopt a flat shape with respect to a transverse transverse plane.

Claims (14)

1. Device (1) for transporting flexible sheets (2) that combines: 5 -a mobile support means (3) on which a sheet can be applied and that are adapted to move the sheet in a direction of travel; Y

-

suction means (5) to keep the sheet applied against the support means 10,

characterized in that the support means are configured so that a sheet applied against the support means adopts a ribbed shape. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the corrugated form has a curve whose relationship between the rope (c) and the sagite (s) is less than 100. 3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized 20 because the ribbed shape has a curve whose relationship between the rope (c) and the sagite (s) is greater than 10. 4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized because the ribbed shape has a curve whose sagite (s) is greater than 20 millimeters. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile support means (3) comprise drive axles (7) parallel to each other, perpendicular to the direction of sheet travel and which follow a 30 curved path, said axles being provided with wheels (8). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the curved path that follows each driving axis (7) is equal to the curve (6) of the transport surface. Device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the drive shafts (7) comprise straight sections (9) whose ends are connected to turn transmission parts (10) coupled to both sides of the same wheel (8). 8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wheels (8) 5 are provided with lateral recesses (11) for the coupling of the parts of turn transmission (10). 9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized because the profile of the turning transmission parts (10) and the recesses (11) of the 10 wheels (8) is complementary. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the profile of the turning transmission parts (10) and of the recesses (11) of the wheels (8) is a complementary profile of the cogwheel. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the wheels (8) are of a more flexible material than the turning transmission parts (10). 12. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wheels (8) are made of polyurethane. 13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized because it also includes ejection means (25) of sheets (2) arranged between the shafts (7). 14. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ejection means (25) comprise a pneumatic piston. 15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support means (3) in the direction of travel comprise a conveyor belt (12). 16. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized 35 because it comprises an acceleration section (T1) in which the mobile support means (3) comprise driving axles (7) parallel to each other, perpendicular to the direction of travel of sheets (2) and which follow a curved path, being said axles provided with wheels (8) and a final section (T2) in which They comprise a conveyor belt (12). 17. Procedure for transporting flexible sheets (2) in a direction of travel, characterized in that it comprises grooving the sheets.  Fig. 9