US3425682A - Collating machine - Google Patents

Description

6 H. M. PEKQVSKY CQLLATING MACHINE Sheet 4 015 Filed May 16, 1966 m m V W HERMAN M. PEKOVSKY Feb. 4, 1969 H. M. PEKOVSKY 3,425,532

COLLATING MACHINE Filed may 16, 1966 Sheet 2 of 5 AVVE/V/Ofi. HERMAN M. PEKOVSKY ATTQP/VEYJI H. M. PEKOVSKY Feb. 4, 1969 COLLATING MACHINE Sheet Filed May 16, 1966 mum/rm. HERMAN M. PEKOVSKY ATTO/FA/EKQ United States Patent 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A collating machine comprising a fixed frame and movable carriage, and having pneumatic sheet engaging and lifting means on the carriage, wherein the carriage and pneumatic means are sequentially and automatically operated in timed relation so that the pneumatic means lift individual sheets from respective stacks. A primary motor provides movement of the carriage, and a secondary motor, on the carriage, provides positive movement of the pneumatic means into engagement with the sheets. An actuator means for the carriage comprises a timer means, a drive motor coupled to the carriage for moving the same, and responsive to the timer means for activating the drive motor.

This invention relates to machines for collating sheet materials originally disposed in diverse stacks. More particularly, this invention relates to machines whereby diverse piles of sheet material such as carbon paper, tissue, coated stock, parchment and other types of glossy or rough finished papers may be taken from homogeneous stacks and placed in a single stack in a desired order.

Many of the commonly used duplicating processes yield stacks of like papers. Thus, to form complete pamphlets, memoranda, etc., it is necessary to draw individual pages from separate stacks and place them in ordered or collated piles. Heretofore, several machines for collating sheet materials have been proposed. See, for example, Patent 3,035,832. Such machines, however, rely heavily on relatively complex mechanical linkages, including drive chains, sprocket wheels, complex gear trains, and reversing electric motors. Such apparatus is characteristically noisy in operation, as well as troublesome to adjust and maintain.

Accordingly, the present invention is a novel and unobvious collating machine, which represents a clear advance in the art in that it provides a drive mechanism far simpler than any heretofore proposed. Thus, the present novel and unobvious collating machine makes use of a motor rotating in a single direction, and an exceedingly simple mechanical linkage whereby maintenance problems and excessive noise are overcome. Moreover, the present invention contemplates the use of a novel means for compensating for the diminution of the respective homogeneous stacks. Thus, with prior art machines, the decrease in the size of the stacks with continued operation has created difficulties, specifically, unreliable pick-up of the lowermost sheets. The present invention overcomes all such difficulties by using a suction nozzle, and a novel spring-urged arrangement for pressing the nozzle into proper contact, regardless of the size of the stack.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel collating machine for sheet materials.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel collating machine which is simpler and quieter than those heretofore known.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a novel collating machine whose operation is unaffected by the size of the individual stacks to be collated.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the novel collating machine of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of the novel machine of the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a rear elevation view of the novel collating machine,

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a partial sectional view showing certain structural details of the present invention.

FIGURE 6 is a further view showing a portion of the novel sheet lifting means of the present invention.

FIGURE 7 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of the present invention.

FIGURE 9 is a detailed view taken along the line 99 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of the structure shown in FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit, which forms a part of the present invention.

FIGURE 12 is a detailed view taken along the line 12-12 in FIGURE 1.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is seen in FIG- URES 1 to 3 a collating machine designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The collating machine 10 includes a generally rectangular base 12, supported by a set of caster wheels 14. Secured to respective corners of the base are upright members 16. Inwardly facing channel members 18 are supported by adjacent upright members 16 on the respective sides of the machine 10. The base 12, channel members 18, and parts rigid therewith may be referred to generally as the frame of the machine. Shelves 20 are slidably received by the channel members 18. As is apparent from FIGURES 3 and 4, a back-up device 21, the purpose of which will be more fully described later, is adjustably mounted on the shelf 20.

A carriage 22 is supported on the channels 18. As is perhaps best seen in FIGURES 4 to 6, the carriage 22 comprises vertically disposed portions 24 on opposite sides of the machine, interconnected by fixed transverse rods 26. A pivotable rod 28 has its respective ends journaled in the vertical portions 24. A bushing 29 is mounted on the rod 28, and retained in position by a collar or the like, not numbered. It is to be understood that the bushings 29 are in engagement with respective upper surfaces of alternate channels 18. A guide portion 30, which may take the form of 'an elongated rod, is fixedly secured to respective upright members 16 parallel to the channels 18. As is perhaps best seen in- FIGURE 10, the vertical portions 24 of the carriage 22 have guide portions 32, generally complemental to the guide portions 30, at their respective lower ends. The pivotable rods 28 support suction heads, designated generally by the reference numeral 34, in a manner to be fully described below.

A shelf 38 is secured to the lower end of one of vertical portions 24. A drive motor 36 is suppoited by the shelf 38. It is to be understood that the motor 36, through a mechanical linkage to be more fully described later, causes movement of the suction heads 34 into contact with the respective upper sheets of stacks placed on the shelves 20.

A vacuum source, designated generally by the numeral 40, and which may take the form of an electrically driven blower, is in communication with a manifold 42, best seen in FIGURES 1 and 3. A plurality of flexible conduits, which are advantageousl of the metal-clad type, place the manifold 42 in fluid communication with the individual suction heads 34.

Referring now to FIGURES 1, 9 and 10, there is seen the linkage whereby the motor 36 drives the suction heads 34. The shelf 38 includes an upstanding bracket 46, on which a gear box 48 is fixedly mounted. The output shaft of the motor 36 is in driving engagement with the gear box 48. A crank 50 is fixed to the output shaft of the gear box 48. A second crank 52 ispivotably secured to a distal end of the crank 50 by a pivot pin 54. A distal end of the crank 52 is pivotably secured to a bearing block 56 by a pivot pin 58. A vertically disposed rod 60 is connected at its lower end portion to the bearing block 56. A microswitch, the purpose of which will be more fully explained later, is fixed to the bracket 46 and positioned to be contacted by the bearing block 56 when the bearing block is in a selected position. As is best seen in FIGURE 1, crank arms 64 are fixedly secured to ends of the pivot able rods 28. The crank arms 64 are pivotably and slidably secured at their respective distal ends to spaced points on the vertically disposed rods 60. Thus, vertical movements of the rod 60 result in rotation of the respective crank arm 64 and pivotable rods 28 through like angles.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 12, there is seen a means whereby the carriage 22 is made to move forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the frame of the machine 10. Thus, secured to a portion of the frame is a main drive motor 66. The drive motor 66 drives an arm 68, which includes a roller bearing 70 at its distal end. The roller bearing 70 is rollingly received in a transverse track 72, secured to the carriage 22. Thus, actuation of the drive motor 66 causes rotation of the arm 68. Upon rotation of the arm 68, the roller 70 transverses the track 72, and carriage 22 undergoes translation rearwardly and then forwardly with respect to the frame. One-half revolution of the motor 66 takes the carriage 22 from its forwardmost to its rearwardmost position.

It should be apparent that contact between the bushings 29 and the upper surfaces of the channels 18 tends to minimize friction between the moving carriage and the fixed frame. Also, it should be apparent that the guide portions 30 and 32 tend to keep the carriage in proper vertical disposition with respect to the frame.

A novel and unobvious aspect of the present invention is the manner in which the respective motors are controlled, and operated sequentially to bring about the desired mode of operation. Thus, there is seen in FIGURE 11 a schematic view of the novel control circuit which forms a part of the present invention. A timer motor 76 is placed in series with a two position switch 74. Actuation of the switch 74 is effective to start the timer motor 76. The timer motor 76 includes a switch actuator 78 indicated diagrammatically as a cam 78. It should be understood, however, that any well-known actuator means may be used. The cam 78 is effective to momentarily close a switch 80. Closing of the switch 80 is effective to complete a circuit through the main drive motor 66. Placed in series relation with the main drive motor 66 is a cam actuated switch 86. It should be understood that the main drive motor 66 is effective to rotate a cam 84 which closes the cam actuated switch 86 against the bias of a spring, not shown. The cam 84 is so designed that the cam actuated switch 86 is closed, except when the drive motor 66 is in positions corresponding to the forwardmost and rearwardmost positions of the carriage 22. Alternatively, a pair of cams, angularly spaced apart by 180 degrees may be used. Thus, it is seen that closing of the switch 74 causes the timer motor 76 to rotate, thereby momentarily closing the timer motor actuated microswitch 80. Such closing is effective to start the main drive motor 66, which then, in

effect, maintains its own circuit due to the closing of the cam actuated switch 86. Accordingly, when the main drive motor 66 has completed one half revolution, and the carriage has recahed its rearwardmost position, reopening of the cam actuated switch 86 causes stoppage of the motor 66. Forward movement of the carriage is initiated by a second momentary closing of the timer motor actuated microswitch 80. In series with motor 36 is a carriage actuated microswitch 88. The last-mentioned switch closes in response to location of the carriage 22 a predetermined distance away from its forwardmost position. In series with the carriage actuated microswitch 88 are normally closed relay operated switch 90 and the motor 36. It is apparent, therefore, that when the motor 66 causes translation of the carriage 22 a predetermined distance from its rearwardmost position, a circuit including the motor 36 is closed, and a downward and upward cycle of the suction heads 34 is begun.

The above-mentioned vacuum source 40 advantageously takes the form of a continuously operating vacuum pump. Thus, the vacuum source 40 is best controlled by a separate off-on switch, independently of the carriage or suction head controls. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that at various points in the cycle of operation it is desirable to cut off suction at the suction heads 34. There is seen in FIGURE 11 a simple and reliable means whereby this may be accomplished. Thus, the motor 66 drives a cam member 94, diagrammatically shown in the figures, which serves as an actuator for a valve 96 in communication with the manifold 42. The valve 96 serves as a vent, and permits the flow of ambient air into the vacuum system, thereby nullifying the effect of the vacuum source 40. Accordingly, when the valve 96 is actuated, no suction is created at the suction heads 34. Although it is shown in the figure to be directly actuated by the cam 94, those skilled in the art will recognize that an electrical solenoid, responsive to the cam 94 could be used to equal advantage.

Referring now to FIGURES 5 to 8, there is seen the means whereby the suction heads 34 are secured to the pivotable rods 28, which constitutes yet another novel and unobvious aspect of the present invention. Spaced blocks 98 are permanently secured, as by welding, to each pivotable rod 28. A bracket 100 is secured to each block 98 by bolts 102. The bracket 100 includes a U-shaped medial portion 104, which straddles the flexible conduit 44. A flat leaf spring 106 is clamped between the conduit 44 and the blocks 98. As is best seen in FIGURE 8, the conduit 44 includes an inner flexible tube 108 of elastomeric material. It should be understood that tube 108 is advantageously of relatively great flexibility. Also, the tube 108 is advantageously provided with internal reinforcement means, such as a metal spiral member 110. A rigid metal tube is received in an open end of the tube 108. The metal tube 112 includes at its remote end a disc 113 of plastic or other material and having a portion defining an orifice 114. A flexible cup 116 of elastomeric material surrounds the end of the rigid metal tube 112. It is to be understood that the flexible cup 116 is of sufficient flexibility and resilience to conform to slight irregularities and textural features of the sheets to be collated. The tube 108 and cup 116 define a suction nozzle.

Referring again to FIGURES 5 and 6, it is seen that the distal end of the leaf spring 106, in its unflexed condition, curves downwardly into contact with the tube 108. It is apparent that rotation of the shaft 28 is effective to move the flexible cup 116 downwardly into contact with the uppermost sheet of the stack. The leaf spring 106 provides a stable backing for the flexible cup 116, and insures proper contact with the sheet. As is best seen in phantom in FIGURE 6, the degree of rotation of the shaft 28 is such that even when the stack has been substantially exhausted, the leaf spring 106 is flexed into a reverse position prior to lifting of the suction head. Accordingly, the flexible cup 116 is forced into air sealing contact with the surface of the sheet, regardless of the size of the stack and the texture of the material.

As is apparent from the drawings, the channels 18, and consequently the shelves slope downwardly toward the rear of the machine. Such an arrangement causes the individual sheets of the respective stacks to slide rearwardly into contact with the back-up device 21. Thus, the individual stacks tend to remain in neat piles and in proper position for lifting by the suction heads 34. It should be noted that the back-up device 21 is adjustable along the shelf 20, thereby providing for sheets of different sizes. It is to be understood that the present collating machine may be used to equal advantage in making straight or crossed collated stacks. Thus, in order to conveniently form a cross collated stack, the stacks on adjacent shelves 20 are oriented in crossed relation. It should be noted that the use of two suction heads with each shelf permits collation of small or large sheets. Thus, large sheets are supported in a relatively stable manner by each of the spaced suction heads 34, while small sheets may be lifted by a single suction head 34.

In view of the foregoing, the operation of the applicants novel collating machine is believed obvious. Thus, in operation, the uncollated stacks are first placed on the shelves 20 in the order in which it is desired they appear in the final collated stack. It is understood that the carriage 22 at this point is in its forwardmost position, and the suction heads 34 are in a raised position. The operator stands facing the front of the machine 10. Ideally, a work table 118 is secured to the front of the machine, and provides a convenient flat surface upon which the collated stacks may be collected. Also, the underside of the work table 118 provides a convenient place for mounting of the timer motor 76 and other operative elements of the machine. For example, as seen in FIGURE 2, the off-on switch 74 is placed on the right side of the forward edge of the work table 118. A switch 120, which serves as an off-on switch for the vacuum source 40 is also located on the front edge of the work table 118. When it is desired to start the operative cycle of the machine, the switches 74 and 120 are placed in the on position. Closing of the switch 74 causes the timer motor 76 to begin rotation. The timer motor 76 momentarily closes the switch 80 to begin rotation of the main drive motor 66; The initial rotation of the drive motor 66 is effective to close the switch 86. Rotation of the main drive motor 66 moves the carriage 22 rearwardly.

Movement of the carriage 22 rearwardly causes closing of the carriage actuated microswitch 88. Closing of the switch 88 completes a circuit to the motor 36, thereby beginning a cycle of movement of the suction heads 34. Also, as the carriage 22 reaches its rearward position, the valve 96 is closed, thereby applying suction to the suction heads 34. Consequently, air pressure is effective to adhere the sheets to the flexible cups 116 upon contact.

The timing of the cycle is such that the carriage 22 begins its return motion to its forwardmost position as the suction heads 34 begin to lift. Forward movement of the carriage is initiated by a second momentary closing of the timer motor actuated microswitch 80. Thus, as the carriage 22 advances, the uppermost sheet of each stack is raised from the stack, and brought to a position in which it protrudes beyond the front of the machine. The operator can then successively remove the sheets, thereby obtaining a finished collated stack, actuation of valve 96 cuts off suction when carriage 22 reaches its forwardmost position.

As the motor 36 completes a revolution, the bearing block 56 closes the microswitch 62, thereby energizing the latching relay coil 92 and opening the switch 90. Opening of the switch 90 stops the motor 36. Forward movement of the carriage 22 is effective to open the carriage actuated microswitch 88, which causes deenergization of the latching relay coil 92, and closing, once again, of the switch 90. As the motor 66 completes a revolution, the cam 84 permits opening of the cam actuated switch 86, thereby stopping the motor. Also, the cam 94 opens the valve 96, thereby shutting off the suction at the suction heads 34. If the switch 74 is still in its on position the timer motor 76 continues to run, and the cycle repeats. In this regard, it should be noted that movement of the carriage 22 so as to close the carriage actuated microswitch 88 results in a closed circuit to the motor 36. The initial flow of current is such that the motor 36 begins rotation, thereby moving the bearing block 56 and permitting opening of the microswitch 62. Thus, the latching relay coil does not prevent re-starting of the motor 36.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention, which uses motors rotating in a single direction, comprises a control system far simpler than many previously known. It should be understood that the main drive motor 66 may be hereinafter referred to a a primary motor, and the motor 36 as a secondary motor.

The present invention may be embodied] in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A collating (machine comprising a frame, a plurality of vertically aligned shelves supported by said frame, a carriage supported by said frame for forward and rearward reciprocatory movement with respect to said frame, sheet engaging means coupled to said carriage, said sheet engaging means including a plurality of suction heads, each head being operatively associated with one shelf, a plurality of transversely disposed rotatable shafts on said carriage, a motor on said carriage, means drivingly coupling said motor on said carriage to said shafts, said means drivingly coupling said motor on said carriage to said shafts comprising crank arms fixedly secured to said shafts, a reciprocable rod member pivotably and slidably secured to said crank arms and in driven engagement with said motor on said carriage so that rotation of said motor causes oscillation of said shaft, said suction heads being secured to said shafts, and actuator means. for said carriage, said actuator means comprising timer means, a drive motor drivingly coupled to said carriage to effect the movement of said carriage, means responsive to said timer means for actuating said drive motor, and means for intermittently stopping said drive motor.

2. A collating machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said suction heads comprises a flexible conduit in communication with a vacuum source, a nozzle secured to said conduit and adapted to engage a sheet of material to be collated, bracket means securing a portion of said conduit to one of said transversely disposed shafts for oscillation therewith, and a leaf spring disposed between said conduit and said shafts for biasing said nozzle to a downward position.

3. A collating machine comprising a frame, a plurality of shelves supported by said frame and adapted to support stacks of sheet material, a carriage supported by said frame for forward and rearward movement and having sheet engaging means coupled thereto, said carriage having an initial forward position in which said sheet engaging means are in a raised position with respect to said sheets and a second position rearwardly of said initial position in which said sheet engaging means are in contact with the uppermost of said sheets, an actuator for said carriage said actuator comprising a timer means, a primary motor, means drivingly coupling said primary motor to said carriage, means responsive to said timer means for actuating said primary motor. a secondary motor movable with said carriage for moving said sheet engaging means from said raised position to said position in. contact with the uppermost sheet and then to said raised position,

means responsive to the position of said carriage for actuating said secondary motor, means for stopping said secondary motor when said sheet engaging means are returned to said raised position, and means responsive to the position of said primary motor for stopping said primary motor at a position corresponding to the initial position of said carriage.

4. A collating machine in accordance with claim 3 wherein said timer means comprises a timer motor, said means responsive to said timer means comprising a first, normally open, cam-operated electrical switch, and a second, cam-operated electrical switch, said second cam-operated electrical switch being closed in all positions other than positions of said primary motor corresponding to the initial position of said carriage and a rearward position of said carriage. said second cam-operated electrical switch being in parallel relation with said first cam-operated electrical switch and in series with said primary motor, said first cam-operated electrical switch being normally open, said timer motor being effective to momentarily close said first cam-operated electrical switch.

5. A collating machine in accordance with claim 4, including means responsive to the position of said carriage for actuating said secondary motor, said last-mentioned means comprising an electrical switch in series relation with said secondary motor, said means for stopping said secondary motor comprising a normally open electrical switch and a latching relay, said latching relay and said normally open switch being in series relation with each other and in parallel relation to said secondary motor, said latching relay being effective to open said electrical switch in series relation with said secondary motor, and means driven by said secondary motor for closing said nonmally open switch.

6. A collating machine in accordance with claim 4, wherein said sheet engaging means comprises a plurality of suction heads, each of said suction heads comprising a flexible conduit in communication with a vacuum source, a nozzle secured to said conduit and adapted to engage a sheet of material to be collated, a rotatable shaft on said carriage and coupled to said secondary motor, bracket means securing a portion of said conduit to said shaft for rotation therewith, and a leaf spring disposed between said bracket and said shaft in underlying relation to said bracket, and at least a portion of said leaf spring being disposed adjacent said nozzle to bias said nozzle to a downward position.

7. A collating machine in accordance with claim 6, and means responsive to the position of said primary motor for applying suction to said suction heads as said suction heads approach said position in contact with the uppermost sheet and for shutting ofi said suction when said suction heads reach said raised position.

8. A collating machine comprising a frame, a plurality of vertically aligned shelves supported by said frame, a carriage supported by said frame for forward and rearward reciprocatory movement with respect to said frame, sheet engaging means coupled to said carriage, said sheet engaging means including a plurality of suction heads movably coupled to said carriage, each head being juxtaposed to and operatively associated with one shelf, actuator means for said carriage adapted to move said carriage with respect to said frame, a secondary motor on said carriage, means drivingly coupling said secondary motor to said suction heads for moving said suction heads toward and away from said shelves, and means responsive to the position of said carriage with respect to said frame for actuating said secondary motor.

9. A collating machine in accordance with claim 8 wherein said actuator means for said carriage comprises timer means, a drive motor, means drivingly coupling said drive motor to said carriage to move said carriage, and means responsive to said timer means for actuating said drive motor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,504,256 8/ 1924 Marcuson 27058 2,389,066 11/1945 Leifer 27058 3,122,363 2/1964 Thomas 27058 3,208,745 9/1965 March 270-58 JEROME SCHNALL, Primary Examiner.

P. V. WILLIAMS, Assistant Examiner.

Images