JP2009536138A - Sheet feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

The sheet feeding device (1) may include one or more at any corner of the product or along the length of the sealed edge, provided that the corner of the product is adjacent to the sealed edge. A single product (4) can be grasped and pulled out of the pile (3) by means of a suction cap or equivalent means, and the associated mounting table (2) is arranged parallel to the packaging direction (A) An axis substantially perpendicular to the single product (4) so that the single product is delivered along a direction (B) substantially parallel to the direction and the free edge is parallel or perpendicular to the packaging line (A) Each single product (4) withdrawn from the ridge (3) is rotated before being delivered along the packaging line (L) in a translational phase on the surface of the single product (4) Means (20).
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device of the type used to supply a laminated insert to a packaging line.

  Typically, feeders and sheet feeding devices can be provided with a layer of adhesive resin that can be heat sealed, for example, along a continuously operated packaging line, according to a packaging procedure known as a flow pack. The cellophane film or another film that can be heat-sealable, or further arranged to be juxtaposed with elements to be wrapped by wound paper.

  The elements packaged in this way are, by way of example, formed by magazines, newspapers, flat parcels, furthermore by a single sheet or by brochures with sealed edges, or for example by folds An associated insert formed by a bookbinding portion or envelope. In general, the following insert is referred to as a single product in sheet form.

Examples of the types described above use a device known as a feeder to supply magazines that are supplied to a packaging line, sold individually or in pairs, and various inserts (advertisements or Advertising leaflets).

  In a sheet feeding device, a single product is typically collected in a single pile mounted on a table. A part of the mountain protrudes from the platform, so that at the bottom of this mountain, the gripping means can take out the lowest product and send it to the packaging line along a predetermined path.

  Considering the extremely high flow speed of the packaging line, it arrives from each sheet feeding device in synchrony with the elements already flowing along the line, eg, parallel to the packaging line and at the center of the underlying element It is a particularly conceivable problem to accurately place each insert stacked in a precise orientation.

  As a practical matter, a high flow velocity requires the sheet feeding device to provide a strong acceleration to the insert, either transversely or longitudinally to the flow direction, and in any event The insert must be under control to ensure correct placement.

  In the context of this field, a direction parallel or even perpendicular to the packaging line by means of gripping each single product at multiple points on the free edge of the product, which protrudes entirely from the mounting platform Sheet feeding devices that deliver a single product in accordance with are known.

  US Pat. No. 5,174,559-A and European Patent No. 1,160,186 describe a sheet feeding device in which a single product is gripped by a single suction cap that pulls the product at its corners. Disclose. Furthermore, the stage on which the pile of products is placed is arranged obliquely with respect to the direction of the packaging line, simply the packaging direction.

  Thus, in order to decompose the acceleration vector into two elements, one parallel to the packaging line and the other perpendicular to the packaging line, a single product follows a direction oblique to the packaging direction. Delivered.

  Each element has a size or size that is smaller than the entire vector, and considering that the longitudinal elements can be coupled to the line speed, the elements are already placed by side stops or along the line. Are controlled independently of each other by the friction of the product against other products.

  However, such known technology devices are not fully satisfactory because the orientation given for the movement of a single product is generally fixed and of different sizes requiring dedicated devices. It is because it cannot apply to the insert which has.

  Furthermore, it is particularly difficult to control the acceleration of the longitudinal element because it needs to be synchronized with the line flow velocity, since the latter does not have the necessary predetermined entries It is.

  The fundamental technical problem of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device that can eliminate the drawbacks described with respect to the known art.

  Such a challenge is within a translational phase on the plane of a single product about an axis that is approximately perpendicular to a single product so that the free edge is parallel or perpendicular to the packaging line. Solved by the above-identified device having means for rotating each single product drawn from the pile prior to delivery to the packaging line.

  The main advantages of the sheet feeding device according to the invention can be realized at any corner of a single product, or even along the length of the sealing edge, provided that the corner of the product is adjacent to the sealing edge. It is possible to grip and pull a single product from the pile by one or more suction caps or equivalent means, and to place the mounting table vertically or parallel to the packaging direction, respectively. The point of delivering a single product according to a direction generally parallel or perpendicular to the direction.

  The invention will now be described in accordance with preferred embodiments thereof, provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, a sheet feeding device, generally indicated at 1, is described.

  The device 1 comprises a mounting table 2 in which a pile of sheet-like products 4 is arranged on top and arranged so that the product protrudes on the delivery side of the table 2 indicated by 5.

  The delivery side 5 is substantially parallel to the packaging direction contained in the continuous packaging line on which the device 1 is mounted, and in this way a single product is delivered perpendicular to the packaging line.

  However, the delivery side may also be perpendicular to the packaging direction, and the product is delivered in a direction that conforms to it, i.e. parallel to the packaging line.

  At least a part of the free edge of the sheet-like product 4 protrudes from the product, and the free edge is intended to be a single sheet or envelope edge, a leaflet binding part, or a leaflet fold.

  In FIGS. 1A and 1C, the free edge is the long side of the product, and in FIG. 1B it is the short side.

  In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the product protrudes only at one corner or triangle, and in FIG. 1C, the product protrudes along the entire length of the edge parallel to the delivery side 5.

  In order to accurately arrange the piles of products having different sizes, the sheet feeding device 1 comprises adjustment means 6 for positioning the corners of the piles 3 of the sheet-like product 4 on the mounting table 2; Such corners are movable along at least two directions on the table.

  Such a means is provided on the support part 9 mounted on the table 2 so as to be slidable perpendicularly to the delivery side part 5, and at the corner mounted so as to be slidable parallel to the delivery side part 5. It comprises a block member 7 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) or a straight block member 8 (FIG. 1C).

  The device 1 therefore comprises means for gripping and extracting a single sheet-like product 4 from the bottom of the ridge 3 mounted on the table 2. The means for gripping and removing is indicated generally at 10.

  They comprise at least one suction cap 11 mounted on a movable arm 12 that can surround one or more suction caps as required for operation.

  Such a suction cap 11 lowers the protruding portion of the single product 4 indicated by 13 toward the rotating drum 14 disposed under the table 2 with respect to the movement of the arm 12.

  The drum includes a gripping prior 15 that captures the protruding portion 13 and pulls the withdrawal of a single product 4, which is inserted between the surface of the drum 14 and the surface of the tape 16 adjacent to the drum 14. .

  In such a method, a single product is rotated 180 ° and fed to a single product delivery means 17 to a packaging line L which is continuously operated according to the packaging direction indicated by arrow A.

The delivery means 17 comprises a sliding surface, which can be embodied by a tape or a belt so that it can be easily understood. 18.

  The roller 19 of the roller base 18 is driven by a motor and is inclined with respect to the delivery direction B substantially perpendicular to the packaging direction A.

  The device 1 is a single product 4 on a single product sliding surface 18 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the single product 4 so that the free edge is parallel or perpendicular to the packaging direction A. Within the translation phase, the sliding surface 18 is provided with means 20 for rotating each single product 4 drawn from the pile 3 before delivery along the packaging line P.

  The rotating means 20 has a system for increasing the interference between the single product 4 and the movable sliding surface 18. Such a system for increasing interference is spherical and is maintained at a predetermined adjustable distance from the surface of the sliding movable surface 18 under which a single product 4 is introduced along its path. A plurality of idling rotating members 21.

  The ball 21 is mounted on a support portion 22 whose position relative to the sliding surface is adjustable.

  The sheet feeding device 1 therefore exerts a lower pressure than the preceding first system and comprises a single product 4 and sliding surface 18 comprising a series of idle wheels 23 mounted on an elastic support 24. A second system for increasing the interference between the two.

  In connection with the operation of the sheet feeding device 1 described above, depending on the type of insert, in particular depending on the position of the free edge, either the required corner or the entire edge protrudes into a position where it It is clear how it is possible to place a pile of products to be delivered.

The product can be pulled with only one suction cap, or with multiple suction caps that can optionally be provided, such as with an angled grip.

  As the product is pulled from the pile, it is delivered towards the packaging line. In the case described herein, each product is rotated 180 ° on the drum.

  The product is then delivered onto the sliding surface formed by the roller platform. In this position, the product hits the wheel 21 of the rotating means before being delivered to the packaging line. Due to the greater friction by the roller 19 of the turntable 18, the product rotates until the product is placed against the edge of the stand or the stop edge mounted on the rotating means, ie the support 22 of the wheel 21. .

  A similar rotation is also given to the product arranged on the table 2 with the entire free edge protruding, in which case the product is subjected to a rotation of 90 °.

  If rotation is not required, it is sufficient to raise the level of the rotating means relative to the sliding surface.

  However, in any situation it is possible to deliver any insert that is precisely placed in the packaging line.

  For the sheet feeding device described above, the person skilled in the art will meet any further and possible requirements as defined by the appended claims, all of which are within the protection scope of the present invention. In this case, several further modifications and variations can be realized.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to the present invention in different operating states. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to the present invention in different operating states. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sheet feeding device according to the present invention in different operating states. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of details of the device of FIG. 1A at different operating times. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of details of the device of FIG. 1A at different operating times.

Claims (12)

A mounting table on which a pile (3) of sheet-like products is arranged and at least a part (13) of the free edge of the sheet-like product protrudes at the delivery side (5) of the mounting table (2) (2) and
Means (10) for grasping and removing a single sheet-like product (4) from the bottom of the mountain (3) placed on the mounting table (2);
A sheet feeding device (1) comprising means (17) for delivering said single product (4) along a packaging direction (A) towards a continuously actuated packaging line (L). And
Translational phase on the plane of the single product (4) about an axis substantially perpendicular to the single product (4) so that the free edge is parallel or perpendicular to the packaging direction (A) In which the sheet comprises means (20) for rotating each single product (4) drawn from the pile (3) before delivery onto the packaging line (L) Feeding device (1).   The sheet feeding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the single product (4) is delivered according to a delivery direction (B) substantially parallel or perpendicular to the packaging direction (A).   The sheet feeding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the delivery side (5) is substantially perpendicular or parallel to the packaging direction (A).   The means (10) for gripping and extracting places the single product (4) on a sliding movable surface (18) on which the translation takes place. Sheet feeding device (1).   The sheet feeding device according to claim 4, wherein the means for rotating (20) comprises a system for increasing interference between the single product (4) and the sliding movable surface (18). (1).   The system for increasing interference is a plurality of idle rotations, wherein the single product (4) is introduced along its path under a constant distance from the surface of the sliding movable surface (18) The sheet feeding device (1) according to claim 5, comprising a rotating member (21).   The sheet feeding device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the idling rotating member is a sphere (21).   The sheet feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the sliding movable surface (18) comprises a roller base driven by a motor.   9. A sheet feeding device (1) according to claim 8, wherein a roller (19) extends transverse to the translational direction of the single product, but the roller is inclined relative to the latter.   10. A system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, comprising another system that increases the interference between the single product (4) and the sliding surface (18) and exerts a lower pressure than the preceding one. Sheet feeding device (1).   The sheet feeding device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the further system for increasing interference comprises a series of wheels (23) mounted on a resilient support (24).   12. The mounting table (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting table (2) comprises means (6) for positioning the corners of a sheet-like product pile (3) that are movable in at least two directions. Sheet feeding device (1).

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