US3891202A

US3891202A - Collating machine

Info

Publication number: US3891202A
Application number: US248828A
Authority: US
Inventors: Melvin D Kircher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-05-01
Filing date: 1972-05-01
Publication date: 1975-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-24
Also published as: CA985319A

Abstract

A sheet collating machine is provided which includes a plurality of parallel storage compartments for the generally vertical arrangement of individual stacks of sheet material. A collecting means is positioned above and adjacent to the upper ends of the storage compartments for collecting simultaneously the extended top sheet from each stack and arranging these sheets into a properly ordered set. A direct drive cam-follower mechanism provides a feed means for simultaneously extending the sheet from each stack. An eccentric cam moves a spring biased follower which is rigidly secured to an elongated carrier member. Individual push members which are positioned with respect to each storage compartment are pivotally attached to the elongated carrier member and are positioned to contact the top sheet in each compartment. The follower and elongated carrier member move as a single unit in a path which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the storage compartments. Automatic raising means is provided to simultaneously position all push members to provide easy access for stacking materials within the compartments. A plug-in type control module for coordinating operation of the feed and collecting means and signalling an error in the individual collated sets is provided.

Description

United States Patent [191 Kircher Mignano 270/58 Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant Examiner-A. Heinz Attorney, Agent. or Firm-Joseph W. Molasky 571- ABSTRACT f A sheet collating machine is provided which includes 1 June 24, 1975 a plurality of parallel storage compartments for the and adjacent to the upper ends of the storage compartments for collecting simultaneously the extended .to'pssheet from each stack and arranging these sheets into a properly ordered set. A direct drive camtollower mechanism provides a feed means for simu1- tane'citisly extending the sheet from each stack. An cccentric cam moves a spring biased follower which is rigidly'secured to an elongated carrier member. individual push members which are positioned with respect toeach storage compartment are pivotally attached to the elongated carrier member and are positioned to contact the top sheet in each compartment. The follower and elongated carrier member move as a single unit in a path which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the storage compartments. Automatic raising means is provided to simultaneously position all push'members to provide easy access for stacking materials within the compartments. A plug-in type control module for coordinating operation of the feed and collecting means and signalling an error in the individual collated sets is provided.

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49 52 7' so to J 53 1 COLLATING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a device for automatically collating and assembling sheets of material. More specifically. it is directed to a device for collecting and stacking a single sheet of material from each of a plurality of material stacks wherein the sheets are arroper or desired order-to form' a complete The upper end of each compartment is open. The Iongitudinal axis of the compartments forms an acute angle with a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine; A collecting means situated above the paper storage compartments; simultaneously gathers the sheets of material which are raised in an extended fashion from theindividual compartments in order to stack the sheets in the desired order. A feed means disposed below the storage compartments moves the top sheet of each stack upwardly into a position where it can be collected by the collecting means.

The feed means is composed of a plurality of elongated push members pivotally attached to an elongated carrier member that is situated parallel to the longitud ito the other sheets to attain a complete'set of sheets having the desired order. This method, although exnal axis of the machine. The upper end of each push member includes a friction device to aid in the gripping of the topmost sheet of each stack so that it may be m'ovedinan upward direction. A cam and follower i means is-provided as the moving force for the elonical devices have been utilized. These devices have the disadvantage of being expensive and occasionally experience trouble with mechanical malfunctions and inopfunction causing missed sheets or extra sheets to be inserted into the individual sets. Because of this. the sets can be inaccurate or improper without any indication of an error.

It is also well known in the prior art to provide machines which utilize a plurality of sheet storage compartments arranged parallel to themselves. A belt or roller type collecting mechanism is arranged in combination with the compartments for assembling the sheets as they are issued from the individual stacks.

Various types of feed mechanisms for separating the individual sheets from the stacks have been suggested. In some cases. a cam-follower mechanism to actuate push elements is individuallypositioned in connection with each compartment. These devices utilize pivots and links which either move the push members perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the machine or move the push members in a pivoted or arcuate path with respect to the compartments. Major disadvantages have been found with this type of mechanism due to gated member which is attached directly and rigidly to the follower member. As the eccentric cam is rotated, the follower and elongated member are moved in a direction which parallels the longitudinal axis of the stortheir unreliable operation and feeding or separating of the sheets from the stacks.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Due to the many disadvantages that have been encountered with the prior art devices, an object of the present invention is to provide a collating machine which is both reliable in operation and inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object is to provide a feed mechanismfor a machine foreollating sheet material whereby the individual sheets are reliably separated and fed from the individual stacks to form the desired collated sets.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a g collating machine wherein a minimum of moving parts The collating machine includes a plurality of generally upwardly extending paper holding compartments.

An automatic raising device is provided on the clongated member to lift each push member to facilitate stacking of the sheet material within the storage compartments. Another feature of this invention is the inclusion of a modular type control unit for controlling the operation of the collating machine. This control unit is arranged to beeasily replaceable by use of a plug-in modular arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification where like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIG. I is a"perspective view of the collating machine of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view in diagrammatic form showing the sheet feeding mechanism for the collating machine;

FIG. 2a is apartial side elevational view in diagrammatic form showing the compartment loading reset mechanism:

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the collating machine;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the machine taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a sheet of material feeding into the collecting mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cam-follower mechanism; a

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base'of the storage compartment mounted on the frame of the machine; 7

FIG. 8 is 'a partial sectional view of the support pin 1 DESCRIPTION or SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS As can be seen in FIG. I, the collating machine I of the present invention is mounted on a support frame 2 which includes leg members 3. Any type of support arrangement can be provided and is not generally-considered as part of this invention. Within the frame 2 of the machine 1 is'positioned a plurality of generally upright t pairs 19. 22 which serve as a collecting means 14 for the sheet material. The upper roller 19 of each pair has a plurality of endless belts 24 threaded so as'to encompass all of the upper rollers. The belts 24 are spaced transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rollers 19. 20 and provide a collecting means 14 for gathering the sheets from the individual compartments 4.

A basket or shelf 18 is disposed at the machine end 6 for collecting the orderly stacked sheet material as it is gathered and issues from the collecting means 14. A mechanism (not shown) can be provided which is coordinated with the feed or drive mechanism 10 to reposition the shelf 18 and change the position of the individual sets issuing from the machine so that they will be indexed and separated to correspond with each cyclic it actuation of the machine feed mechanism 10.

The drive for operation of this device is provided by two

separate motors

8 and 58. such as electrical motors. The motor 8 is mounted near the top of the machine 1 and is connected to the endless belts 24 of the collecting means 14 by means of a drive means 7 such as a belt or the like. The motor 58 is located in the lower portion of the frame 2 and is drivingly connected to the feedmechanism by means of a drive means on the side opposite the open side of the compartment 4 can be provided (see FIG. 7). The side guide 390 is movable" transversely with respect to the compartment 4-for properly positioning the stacked material 9 with respect to the adjacent collecting means 14. Thus. the side guidej39a and the length of the compartments 4 can be made adjustable to accommodate various sizes of material sheets.

At the open end of each compartment 4 is arranged a deflector plate 26 having a lip 27 and mounted by bracket 25 for guiding the sheet material 9a and directing it into the vertically aligned collecting roller pairs 19.22 (see FIG. 5). The uppermost roller 19 is supported on a pair of pivoted members which are hiased by means of a spring 23 to hold the upper roller 19 in a position against the stationary lower roller 22. At one end of the machine is located a vertically aligned pair of rollers 28. 29 that are biased into contig- 59. such as a belt or chain. The motor 58 can be ar-,

ranged to be operated in cyclic fashion wherein it is started and stopped after one complete cycle or it can be arranged to operate continuously providing stacked sets as long as the motor is energized and sheet material is available in the compartments.

it is to be understood that. if desired. a single motor for driving the collecting means 14 and feed means 10 through suitable transmission means can be provided. The advantage of this arrangement is that synchronized speed control is possible to provide a more uniform collating operation.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a plurality of paper storage compartments or bins 4 arranged parallel to each other and positioned with their longitudinal axes arranged in a generally upward direction. lt has been found that if a longitudinal axis is positioned ;at a slight acute angle B with respect toa line normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine. the sheets can be feed more efficiently and reliably. in the present embodimentthe compartments 4 are set at an angle B of 13. However, the device has been found to work satisfactorily if this angle lies generally within the range of about 10 to about 16 degrees.

The compartments 4 are generally fabricated from a single piece of thin sheet material 39 which forms a base and which is attached to the frame 2 by means of support 40. The top portion of the compartments 4 is left open as well asat least one side. These openings allow for easy access to the compartments 4 for the purpose of stacking the sheet material 9.

At the bottom of each compartment 4 is provided a lip or projection 41 to support the bottom edge of the stacked material 9. in the present embodiment, a pair of pin or bolt members Mr: are arranged for the purpose of the support. A side guide support 39a mounted uous contacting arrangement with each other.

A plurality of endless belts 24 are threaded around the uppermost roller 19 in each pair. in the present embodiment. three belts 24 of generally narrow width are spaced in side-by-side relationship around the uppermost rollers 19. Belts 24 provide a continuous c0llccting surface means for moving the individual sheets of material along the collecting means whereby they are gathered and stacked ona shelf 18 at the end of the machine. Shelf 18 is attached to the end of the machine by means of angle bracket 17 and brace 15 attached to the end frame member 11 by a bracket 14.

The angle of the deflector plates 26 is provided to extend across the depth of the respective compartments to properly deflect the top or uppermost sheet of each stack 9 and guide it into the respective pair of rollers 19. 22. in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. the sheets are collected between the roller pairs 19. 22 and moved from right to left with each sheet riding on top and overlapping the sheet next to it. Thus. the sheets issue from the end 31 of the collecting means 14 in proper stacked order in relation to the respective positions of the individual stacks of material placed in the storage compartments. The positioning of the stacks within the proper compartment determines the order of the individual sheets issuing from the collecting means in this embodiment. the collecting means is mounted on a separate framework 37 which is pivotally supported on the axis of the roller 36. By raising the f ramcwork 37. the open end of each compartment 4 is exposed for easy insertion or removal of the individual stacks of material.

Below the storage compartments 4 and extending across the entire under edge of the compartments 4 is an elongated member or bar 44. Member 44 is generally held in position by the

guide members

50 and 51 which are attached to the bottom frame member 12. Push' members 42 extend upwardly and are pivotally attached by pins 45 to the elongated member 44. A separate push member 42 is provided for each paper storage compartment 4. At the upper end of each push member 42 is a friction device 43 (see H08. 9 & lit). The friction device 43 is made from a soft resilient material such as rubber. felt. or the like. and is attached to the upper end of each push member 42 by a spring loaded screw adjustment 43a. Taming the adjusting screw 43a clockwise applies additional force to the frietion member 43 to restrain it and prevent it from lifting.

A biasing means such as a spring or elastic band 46 can be used to hold the push member 42 and friction device 43 in contact with the top sheet 9a of the material within the compartments 4."T he length of the'pushmember 42 is usually adjustedtof'permit'the friction j member 43 to engage the shcet19 a at a point whichis approximately one-fourth ofthei overall length. from its lower edge; .This position; is' generaliyjnot'critical but is The feed mechanism is powered by aneccentric rotating cam 54' and a follower member 52 positioned in contact with the cam. The.,motor' 58 mounted on plate 57 drives a sprocket 58a which in turn drives the chain 59. The chain 59 is threaded over a sprocket 59a which is attached to the shaft 544 upon which the cam 54 is mounted (See FIGS. 3. 4 and 6). in this embodiment. the cam 54 is designed so that amovement of approximately four inches will be effected by the follower member 52.

The follower member 52 is provided as an elongated bar or strip of material which is positioned generally parallel to the elongated carrier member 44 and the longitudinal axis of the machine. An extension member 49 is rigidly secured to both the elongated carrier member 44 and the follower member'52 to securely fix these members into a single rigid movable unit. 7

The extension member 49 is positioned so as to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the storage compartments 4. Bracket guides 50. 51 attached to the bottom frame 12 of the machine maintains the sliding movement of the extension member 49 in a direction parallel to the compartments 4. A slot in the

guide

50 and 51 is provided which closely tits the cross section of the extension member 49 to allow the extension member 49 to slide yet provide a minimum of transverse movement or wobble in the elongated carrier member 44.

The follower member 52 is biased on a line which is generally parallel with the extension member 49 in order thatthe follower 52 is held in continuous contact with the cam surface. Biasing means can be of any type desired such as a spring or the like and. as shown in FIG. 3. can be attached to the end of the follower 52 in order to provide clearance from ,the cam 54.

Upwardly extending from the elongated carrier member 44 are brackets 69 and 70. Brackets 69 and 70 include a bore or slot at their upper ends and slidabiy support a guidance or raising rod 60. A ring or block 70 for each push rod is adjustably' fixed to theralsing rod 60(Therefore, as rod 60 is moved to the right. as seen in FIG. 9. each push rod'42 will be raised and moved pivotally towards-the right. Thus. the friction member 43 on each push rod 42 will be elevated from the sheet material stored within the paper compartments 4.. I

As can heseen in H0. 2a. an actuating means such as an electrical solenoid 66 is suspended at one end of r the elongated carrier member 44 by the bracket 48. The solenoid armature 67 and extension rod 64 connc'cted by pin 68 are attached to theraising rod 60 by means of a member 61 pivoted at 62. A slot and pin 63 6 a is provided at the end of the extension rod 64 to allow for pivotal movement of the bar 61. A ring or block 65 is adjustably mounted on the raising bar.p to contact the pivotal arm 61 in order to symove -t'he"'raising bar 60.-A counterweight 47 is positioned'on theopposite end of the elongated member 44 1 to counterbalance the weight of the actuating means 66 and to'prevent the'car'rier member from turning. This feature minimizes the wear on the extension member "[ltis'to be understoodthat the cam 54 and follower 52 can be ofany material suitable for this purpose. such as aluminum. steel. plastic.-etc.' The

guides

50 and 51 which slidably support the extension member 49 can be l5 provided in a harder material such as hardened steel or the like to reduce wear and to maintain the desired tolerances. g g

The present. machine is intended to operate at a proximately 3,600 sets per hour. This speed can be varied. however. as desired depending upon the number of sheets in each set and the size of the individual sheets.

As an additional feature of this machine, a control g means or unit is provided to control and coordinate the cyclic operation of the feed means with respect to the vides a detection function (not shown) for ascertaining that on each feed cycle a single sheet of material was fed upwardly to the collection means from each bin. if a sheet is missed or several sheets of the same type are moved into the collection means, the machine is stopped or a warning device is actuated to call attention to the fact that the collated set is incorrect. Thus. it can be assured that each collated set is correct and has the proper number of sheets in the desired order. The control unit is intended to be designed in the form of a modular plug-in arrangement so that a defective control unit can be easily replaced with a known good unit. as desired. lnthis way. a minimum of down-time can be experienced with this machine.

While the collating machine has been shown and dc scribed in detail. it is obvious that this invention is not to be considered to be limited to the exact form disclosed in that changes in detail and construction may be made therein within the scope of the invention with- 5 out departing from the spirit thereof.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, what is claimed is:

1. A machine for collating sheet material into desired order} from individual stacks. including:

- a. a pluralityof storage compartments disposed at an angle to the vertical for storing individual stacks of sheet material. and

g b. feed means for simultaneously separating the outer sheet of each stack in eachstorage compartment whereby saidsheets can be collected into individual .sets of properly ordered sheet material.

c. said feed means comprising a push member extending upwardly within each compartment and t which includes a frictional device which rests on the top sheet ofthe stack .contained therein. said push member having an end pivotally attached to an elongated carrier member which is part of a rigid single unit assembly comprising:

l."a follower arm positioned below and parallel to the said carrier member.

. 2. an extension which rigidly joins said carrier member and said follower arm. and

collecting means. In addition; this control means prog 3. guide means which slidingly engage said extcnsion to constrain said extension to move at a constant angle essentially parallel to the angle of the storage compartments.

said assembly being driven up and down by drive meanspartments are at an angle of from about to about 16 from a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the said machine.

4. The machine of claim 3 wherein the angle is about 13.

5. The machine of claim 3 wherein the single rigid unit assembly comprises: (l) a longitudinal elongated carrier member; (2) a follower arm positioned below and parallel to the said carrier member; and (3) an extension which rigidly joins said carrier and said follower arm a,t about their longitudinal mid-points, and wherein the said extension is at an angle which essentially paral lcls the angle of the storage compartments.

6. The machine of claim 5 wherein the extension member is held in position by guides which slidingly engage the said member.

a 7. The machine of claim 5 wherein thefollower arm is in direct contact with and is powered by an eccentric rotating cam.

8. A machine as defined in claim 1 which includes a means for raising the push'members from contact with the sheets of material, and wherein said raising means simultaneously engages push members for movement to a position away from the storage compartment means whereby unobstructed access is provided to facilitate the stacking of additional sheet material within each storage compartment. p 9. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed means includes means for controlling the length of the individual sheets that simultaneously extend from the compartments whereby they may be collected automatically when directed. 10. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the control means is disposed as an interchangeable module whereby a replacement control means may be quickly 'substituted when necessary for repairs or the like. it. The machine of claim 1 in which the compartments are at an angle of about 13.

l2.A machine. including a frame. for collating sheet a material into desired order from individual stacks comprising;

a. a plurality of adjacent compartments equal in numher to the sheets to be collected. each compartment being adapted to accommodate a stack of sheets of a single page in the order which they are to be collated.saidcompartments being inclined at an angle of from about ID to about 16 from a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine;

b. an elongated push ..'member extending upwardly within each compartment and having at one end a frictional device which rests on the top sheet from each stack soas to effect a separation of the said top sheet from .eachsta'ck in order to present them to collecting rollers. each push member being pivotally attached at its opposite end to an elongated longitudinal carrier member; c. a rigid single unit assembly comprising:

l. the elongated longitudinal carrier member of (b) above, 2. a follower arm positioned below and parallel to the said carrier member, and 3. an extension which rigidly joins said carrier member s'lfd said follower arm and wherein the said extension is at an angle which is essentially parallel to the angle of the storage compartments and isheld in position by guide means which slidingly eligage said extension at a constant angle; d. a powered rotating eccentric cam for accuating the rigid single unit assembly of (e) above. via direct contact of said cam with the follower arm. said cam having a fixed axis with respect to the frame whereby the profile of said cam. causes an upward and downard movement of said assembly so that the motion is transferred to said push members which, by their upward movement, push the top sheets of each stack upwards into collecting roller pairs: a

e. in collecting means which superimposes the sheets of (d) in the desired order and conveys them to a ments are at an angle offrom about 10 to about l6 from a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the said machine. 7 i i i

Claims

1. A machine for collating sheet material into desired order from individual stacks, including: a. a plurality of storage compartments disposed at an angle to the vertical for storing individual stacks of sheet material, and b. feed means for simultaneously separating the outer sheet of each stack in each storage compartment whereby said sheets can be collected into individual sets of properly ordered sheet material, c. said feed means comprising a push member extending upwardly within each compartment and which includes a frictional device which rests on the top sheet of the stack contained therein, said push member having an end pivotally attached to an elongated carrier member which is part of a rigid single unit assembly comprising: 1. a follower arm positioned below and parallel to the said carrier member, 2. an extension which rigidly joins said carrier member and said follower arm, and 3. guide means which slidingly engage said extension to constrain said extension to move at a constant angle essentially parallel to the angle of the storage compartments, said assembly being driven up and down by drive means operatively connected to said follower arm.

2. a follower arm positioned below and parallel to the said carrier member, and

2. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the compartments are at a slight acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the machine.

2. an extension which rigidly joins said carrier member and said follower arm, and

3. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the compartments are at an angle of from about 10* to about 16* from a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the said machine.

3. guide means which slidingly engage said extension to constrain said extension to move at a constant angle essentially parallel to the angle of the storage compartments, said assembly being driven up and down by drive means operatively connected to said follower arm.

3. an extension which rigidly joins said carrier member and said follower arm and wherein the said extension is at an angle which is essentially parallel to the angle of the storage compartments and is held in position by guide means which slidingly engage said extension at a constant angle; d. a powered rotating eccentric cam for accuating the rigid single unit assembly of (c) above, via direct contact of said cam with the follower arm, said cam having a fixed axis with respect to the frame whereby the profile of said cam causes an upward and downard movement of said assembly so that the motion is transferred to said push members which, by their upward movement, push the top sheets of each stack upwards into collecting roller pairs; e. a collecting means which superimposes the sheets of (d) in the desired order and conveys them to a receiving device where the sheets are gathered and stacked, said collecting means consisting of vertically aligned roller pairs with an endless belt which when driven, produces a continuous longitudinal movement, with the uppermost rollers being held on a bias so as to weigh on the said belt and bring it firmly into contact with the stationary rollers or with the sheets engaged between said belt and said rollers; and f. a receiving device in which the succession of collated material is stacked.

4. The machine of claim 3 wherein the angle is about 13*.

5. The machine of claim 3 wherein the single rigid unit assembly comprises: (1) a longitudinal elongated carrier member; (2) a follower arm positioned below and parallel to the said carrier member; and (3) an extension which rigidly joins said carrier and said follower arm at about their longitudinal mid-points, and wherein the said extension is at an angle which essentially parallels the angle of the storage compartments.

7. The machine of claim 5 wherein the follower arm is in direct contact with and is powered by an eccentric rotating cam.

8. A machine as defined in claim 1 which includes a means for raising the push members from contact with the sheets of material, and wherein said raising means simultaneously engages push members for movement to a position away from the storage compartment means whereby unobstructed access is provided to facilitate the stacking of additional sheet material within each storage compartment.

9. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed means includes means for controlling the length of the individual sheets that simultaneously extend from the compartments whereby they may be collected automatically when directed.

10. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the control means is disposed as an interchangeable module whereby a replacement control means may be quickly substituted when necessary for repairs or the like.

11. The machine of claim 1 in which the compartments are at an angle of about 13*.

12. A machine, including a frame, for collating sheet material into desired order from individual stacks comprising; a. a plurality of adjacent compartments equal in number to the sheets to be collected, each compartment being adapted to accommodate a stack of sheets of a single page in the order which they are to be collated, said compartments being inclined at an angle of from about 10* to about 16* from a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine; b. an elongated push member extending upwardly within each compartment and having at one end a frictional device which rests on the top sheet from each stack so as to effect a separation of the said top sheet from each stack in order to present them to collecting rollers, each push member being pivotally attached at its opposite end to an elongated longitudinal carrier member; c. a rigid single unit assembly comprising:

13. The machine of claim 12 in which the compartments are at an angle of from about 10* to about 16* from a line normal to the longitudinal axis of the said machine.