GB1110257A - Feeding apparatus for groups of limp sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

1,110,257. Feeding sheets. A. MALAMOOD, and H. MALAMOOD. 30 June, 1965 [1 July, 1964], No. 27652/65. Heading B6B. Limp sheets 41 in a stack 40 are separated from the bottom of the stack in batches by moving a stack-splitter 58, Figs. 3, 6 and 7 (not shown), into the front of the stack to separate a group of sheets and press their forward edges downwardly away from the stack, and then removing the group by mechanical grippers which move toward the stack, grip the sheets, and then retract to a sheet delivery position. Stack supports.-The base 46 of magazine 42, which is cut away at the front, is tiltably supported by brackets 43, has adjustable side guides 49 and back plate 51, and a gapped front wall 52. The front face of the stack is registered by the periodic engagement therewith of a flat face of the stack-splitter 58. Sheet separation.-The stack-splitter 58, Figs. 3, 5, 6 and 7, is hinged at 59 to a bar 54 on the magazine plate 52, and is urged away from the stack by a spring 62, and comprises two parts adjustably secured together by screw means 63. The base of the member 58 has a hooked barb 60 which enters the stack and depresses a group of sheets away from the stack. A carriage 76, which engages the lower run of an endless chain 77, and is reciprocated thereby toward and away from the stack 40, has a member 84 mounted thereon which is formed with a fixed gripper jaw 87 and a spring-loaded plunger 94 secured thereto. A movable gripper jaw 88 is carried by a member 85 which is pivoted at 86 to the member 84 and urged about that pivot by a spring 97. The movable jaw 88 is controlled by a solenoid 98 and an adjustable cam 126, 127, Fig. 8. When the carriage 76 moves forward, the plunger 94 engages a rubber pad 93 on the stack-splitter member 58 to force the barb 60 thereon into the stack, and the separated group of sheets is grasped by the grippers 87, 88. When the carriage is retracted, the group of sheets is removed from the stack, and is dropped on to a moving chain conveyer 29, 30. Sheet forwarders and joggers.-As described, the sheet separating apparatus is embodied in an automatic punching machine wherein the plane 26 of the paper feed is inclined to the horizontal. The groups or batches of sheets are dropped by the grippers 87, 88 on to a pair of endless chains 29, 30, Figs. 1, 2 and 9, to rest against a side gauge 33 under the action of gravity, and they are conveyed by lugs 38 on the chains. The groups of sheets are pressed against the gauge 33 by a jogger 115, Fig. 9, on reciprocating rod 116. Driving arrangements.-The various parts are driven from a power shaft 34 driven by a motor 36 and gearing 37. The jogger gauge 115 is operated by a cam 118 on the shaft 34. and the other parts are driven from a countershaft 124 which is connected to the shaft 34 by chain gearing 122. A crank disc 137 on the shaft 124 has a rod 138 which reciprocates a rack bar 139 to drive a shaft 143 coupled by a chain gear 145 to a housing 147 adjacent the magazine 42. Gearing in the housing 147 is connected through a coupling hub 153 to reciprocate the carriage 76.