EP0741101B1 - Method for separating a stack of signatures in a stacker and stacker for performing this method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for separating Staple packages in stackers and a stacker for Perform the procedure according to the generic terms of Claims 1 and 3.

In the known methods for separating staple packages in vertical and horizontal trucks usually for dividing the parcels continuously Stream of incoming booklet interruptions created and then in these breakpoints a separating shovel inserted. The well-known forklift essentially have a feed path of the booklet layers to the package formation area at a package education and Along the conveyor path, a vibrating carpet to pull out the Tack layers, a package support fork and a package stop fork, both retractable and adjustment means are assigned a retractable and likewise Separating blade assigned to adjusting means, the forks and the bucket with drive means for producing a Prepackage or a finished package in operative connection stand, as well as a circulation counter or the like.

The one required to insert the separation blade Interruption of the booklet flow is disadvantageous in that that is in the area where the booklet flow is interrupted will pile up several booklets so that they Lose scale-like arrangement for the most part. It it follows that these booklets on the Support side opposite side of the subsequent one Stand out the package accordingly. This from the packages As is well known, outstanding booklets lead to various disorders that affect both the operation of the Staplers as well as the subsequent packaging processes can affect. Such disorders make repeated occurrences Operator intervention is required Staple scrap and reduce productivity.

Sometimes such projections can even be used to shutdown of the stacker and consequently to a standstill of the rotary printing press to lead. The disorders mentioned are with the desired increase in printing speed more often, which allows the more modern rotary printing presses now an hourly output of 100,000 copies to reach.

The represent the prior art indicated above Forklifts are manufactured by the applicant.

US-A-4772003 discloses a stacker for forming packages consisting of booklets, but not from a scale-like, continuous booklet flow be separated, e.g. through a in the booklet stream introduce, or to be extracted from the latter Separating scoop, but will after the formation of each package the supply of the booklet current stopped.

To form the booklet packs are oblique arranged guide plate and three movable back and forth Stop elements provided that come from the guide plate protrude, as well as below the latter orthogonal to Guide plate can be removed and stored, with the Packet formation and movement a first stop element as the front support element, the second stop element as Stop and package guide element and the third Stop element as subsequent, front stop and Package guide element act.

When forming the respective front end of the package the front booklet layers neither front nor back supported, but are the same only by one upper, essentially horizontal and swiveling arranged holding plate positioned.

Above the sloping guide plate is also a End plate feeder arranged, the one the front Insert the end plate into the third stop element and then - after the complete formation and postponement of a Booklet package - the rear end plate creates.

It is obvious that both stopping of the booklet stream in the formation of each one Booklet package as well as the time it takes to attach the two end plates is needed, it will not allow that To increase the performance of the truck as well as that of the To reduce operator intervention so that the operator would have time to move additional stackers to use.

The invention has for its object the above mentioned disadvantages of the known methods and stackers eliminate and specify a method and a stacker, with which a perfect separation of the booklet packs can be accomplished without the current of to interrupt incoming booklet positions or their speed to change.

In such a method, this task with the specified in the characterizing part of claim 1 Features resolved.

The features specified in claim 2 aim at clean separation of the finished package without damage or shifts in the booklet positions.

In the case of a stacker for carrying out the method, this is Object according to the invention with the in claim 3 specified features solved.

The with the inventive method and the corresponding device achieved significant advantage is that on the speed change or on the interruption of the booklet flow faults that can be attributed to them are eliminated. It will thereby the required intervention of the operators diminishes, which is very important, also because you strive is not just a stacker for an operator, but to allocate two forklifts. At the same time, a Issue committee and a possible shutdown of the Rotary printing machine or the downstream Packaging machines excluded and therefore the respective machine output increased. Another advantage can be seen in the fact that the proposed Solution a limited number of additional components required and with few changes in already existing trucks can be integrated.

It is also advantageous that the forklift concerned even at the high speeds achievable today of the rotary printing presses work reliably.

Further advantageous embodiments of the inventive Stacker trucks are specified in the subclaims.

The features specified in claim 4 relate to a simple embodiment of the invention, which is easy in has the frame of the truck integrated.

An advantageous result results from patent claim 5 Embodiment of the guide cam, which is a simple and space-saving assembly allowed.

Figur 1 einen waagerechten Stapler während der Fertigstellung eines Pakets, in einer seitlichen Teilansicht;

Figur 2 den Stapler während des Vorganges, bei dem die Länge eines fertigen Pakets festgelegt wird, in einer mit derjenigen von Figur 1 vergleichbaren Ansicht ;

Figur 3 den Staplers im Augenblick der Trennung des fertigen Pakets, in einer Ansicht, die mit derjenigen von Figur 1 vergleichbaren ist;

Figur 4 den Stapler während des Vorganges, bei dem der Transport zum Entfernen des fertigen Pakets eingeleitet und das nächste Vorpaket gebildet wird, in einer mit derjenigen von Figur 1 vergleichbaren Ansicht; und

Figur 5 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht der Trennschaufel und der Gabeln zur Bildung und zum Transport der Pakete gemäss der Erfindung.

The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment shown schematically in the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 shows a horizontal stacker during the completion of a package, in a partial side view;

FIG. 2 shows the stacker during the process in which the length of a finished package is determined in a view comparable to that of FIG. 1;

Figure 3 shows the stacker at the moment of separation of the finished package, in a view comparable to that of Figure 1;

FIG. 4 shows the stacker during the process in which the transport for removing the finished package is initiated and the next pre-package is formed, in a view comparable to that of FIG. 1; and

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the separating blade and the forks for forming and transporting the packages according to the invention.

Parts that are the same as one another have the same reference numerals designated.

The stacker designated as a whole has 1 Support frame 2, in which a known and therefore unspecified funding route for one continuous stream 3 of scale-like arranged Booklet positions 4 runs in the direction of arrows F in the End section 5 of the guide section of the booklet runs.

This section 5 is a vibrating carpet 6 assigned, the individual bands between the wheels 7th and 8 can be redirected. With the reference number 9 a tensioning unit for tensioning the tapes of the carpet 6 designated. The whole structure of the vibrating carpet is about that Axis of the deflection wheel 7 pivotable. On the carpet 6 are Means 10 for biasing the vibrating carpet after Booklet package attached to the to pull out or Stripping the individual booklet layers 4 required Contact pressure of the carpet 6 on the booklet stream 3 produce. The booklets 4 are against those known from Belt driven existing parcel carrier and conveyor track 12 guided. These straps are not shown in FIG Supported spars, which are part of the support frame 2 of the Machine are.

The biasing means 10 consist, for example, of a piston-cylinder unit attached to the machine support frame 2.
The stacker is also equipped with a separating blade 13, a support fork 14 and a stop fork 15 of the finished package, see FIG. 4, the separating blade 13 and the support and stop forks 14, 15 being retractable in a known and not shown manner. The separating blade 13 on the one hand and the forks 14 and 15 on the other hand are operatively connected to known adjusting means, not shown. The reference numerals 17 and 18 denote a circulation counter or a straight line of the upper edge of the booklet layers. The known stackers also have a device for temporarily stopping the booklet stream 3 for generating interruption points in the continuous booklet stream 3. Such means consist, for example, of a press jaw which can be provided at any point along the conveying path of the booklet stream.

So far, a well-known stacker, for example a horizontal stacker described. In such a case Stacker performed procedures to separate the package the introduction of the separating blade in an interruption point provided that the end of the education Package and the beginning of the formation of the pre-pact for the subsequent package determined. For the sake of simplicity for a detailed description of the whole thing in the known stacker handling process for education and waived to separate the packages.

To carry out the method according to the invention, in which the booklet stream 3 without interruptions or speed changes is fed, are the following Improvements to the truck described.

Between the biasing piston-cylinder unit 10 and the Forklift frame 2, an adjusting device 20 is arranged, which in the example shown is a piston-cylinder unit is, the control valve 21 with the designated 17 Edition counter or the like.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, the Separating blade 13 made of two retractable tines 22, 23, the respective piston-cylinder units 24, 25 assigned are on a in the direction of arrow f1 below the Parcel conveyor 12 can be moved back and forth, the prepackage supporting frame 27 are arranged. It's practical the prepackage supporting frame 27, on a central spar slidably mounted, the middle belt of the web 12th carries and for example in a manner not shown an annular belt is driven between two pulleys is deflected, one of which is one Drive motor is assigned.

In the example shown, the support fork 14 also exists and the stop fork 15 each from two prongs 30, 31 and 32, 33, for their retracting movement a piston-cylinder unit assigned.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the support fork 14 and the Stop fork 15 arranged on a frame 35 which for Example similar to how the frame 27 is mounted. The Racks 27 and 35 are plate-shaped, for example executed. The frame 35 is also not in shown way over an annular belt driven, which is deflected between two pulleys , one of which is assigned to a drive motor.

Figure 5 also shows that on the prongs 22, 23 of the Separating blade 13 stop and separating wedges 40, 41 arranged are. The wedges 40, 41 are perpendicular to the prongs 22, 23 movable and stand in with fixed guide cams Active connection that is not shown in detail and with the stacker frame 2 are connected in one piece. The cams are designed so that the stop wedges 40, 41 be moved vertically, between an upper one Position, Figure 1, 2 and 5, in which they from the Parcel conveyor track 12 protrude in height, but without to the lower, free edge of the last booklet 4a one finished package 42 to reach, and a confiscated Position below the conveyor track 12, Figures 3 and 4.

The packet separation method according to the invention is now under Described in relation to the operation of the truck.

In Figure 1 the step is shown in which the formation of a package is completed. The separating blade 13 is located in the withdrawn position in front of the infeed conveyor 12 of the booklet stream 3. The stop wedges 40, 41 are in the raised waiting position. The the Pre-package supporting frame 27 is corresponding withdrawn. The stop fork 15 is also withdrawn. The booklet layers 4 through the piston-cylinder unit 10 prestressed vibrating carpet 6 in a known manner introduced and positioned. The support fork 14 supports this Package and moves in a known manner with a Speed which is the speed of packet formation equivalent.

According to the one from the circulation counter 17 given momentum determined completion of the package, the pulse controls the following steps to disconnect the packet on: via the control valve 21 causes the piston-cylinder unit 20 the swinging out of the vibrating carpet 6 in the open position, see Figure 2. The frame 27 moves with a quick run to the package 42 and the towering part of the stop wedges 40, 41 lies on lower, free edge of the last booklet position 4a of the package 42 on. When opening the carpet 6 there can be a large space form to accommodate the incoming booklet layers. At her Downward movement therefore slides the stapling 4b, the comes immediately after the booklet position 4a, over the separating wedges away and away from the booklet position 4a. In this At the moment the withdrawn is on one level with the separating blade 13 also retracted Stop fork 15 in the lower vertical parting plane between the booklet layers 4a and 4b. Immediately after Swinging out the vibrating carpet 6 in the open position (Arrow F1, Figure 2) and the separation of the booklet layers 4a and 4b, the separating blade 13 and the stop fork 15 from, Figure 3. This ensures the clean separation of the finished package 42 and the following in preforming realized package 43 takes place, Figure 3.

After the formation of the prepackage 43 begins the piston-cylinder unit 20 in the direction of the arrow F2, FIG 3, returned and the vibrating carpet 6 is in Closed position swiveled. In the meantime they got involved the corresponding guide cam in operative connection standing stop wedges 40, 41 moved downward, Figure 4.

While the frame 27 carrying the prepackage Moving the formation of the prepackage further leads the frame 35 the finished package 42 to the downstream treatment station, for example a station, not shown, where after attaching the end flaps, the package is pressed and is tied down. After transfer of package 42 to downstream treatment station, the rack 35 runs back quickly in a known manner, the tines 32, 33 retract the stop fork 15 and then the Tines 30, 31 of the support fork 14 against the first stitch position 4b of the prepackage come to the plant, which is known to be the floor of the package being formed. Now they are driving Prongs 22, 23 of the separating blade 13 back and at their Backward movement push the stop wedges 40, 41, Figure 1, in the packet formation route.

From the above description, the fact that deal with the inventive method and with a Stacker to carry out the same a clean and accurate Separation of the booklet packs can be done, namely without interrupting the current 3 of the incoming booklet layers or change their speed. By the arrangement the stop and separating wedges 40, 41 on the separating blade 13 you can see the essential part of the known packet formation process as well as the known structure of the truck to let.

Instead of a circulation counter 17, one could not shown sensor or the like. the length of the package give determining packet separation pulse.

Although the invention is related to a horizontal Stacker has been described, its teaching can be done easily can also be used for vertical stackers.

Claims (5)

1. Method of separating stacks of signatures (42) in stackers (1), for example, in horizontal stackers comprising:

   an oscillating belt (6) which is disposed at the end (5) of a signature conveying path for the purpose of extracting the supplied signatures (4), and is disposed below a stack-forming line (12),

   a retractable separating blade (13) which is provided with adjusting means, and

   a stack support fork (14) and a stack stop fork (15) which can both be retracted and are provided with adjusting means,

   characterised in that the method comprises the following steps:

   a step, in which the signatures (4) are directed for stack formation in a continuous flow (3) and

   a step, in which the stacks (42) are separated, in that the oscillating belt (6) opens by means of an abrupt outwards pivot movement and the completed stack,(42) stops in a mechanical manner against the separating blade (13) which acts upon the lower free edge of the last signature (4a) of the formed stack (42),

   a step, in which the separating blade and the stop fork (15) of the completed stack (42), which lie in one plane, are pushed in simultaneously between the last signature of the completed stack (42) and the first signature of the following pre-stack (43),

   a step, in which the oscillating belt (6) is pivoted into the closing position, after which the known procedures are performed, in which the pre-stack (43) is formed and the stack (42) is conveyed to the treatment station downstream, the support fork (14) and the stop fork (15) move back, the support fork (14) moves into position on the first signature (4b) of the pre-stack (43) being formed and the retracted separating blade (13) moves back to the starting position,

   wherein the separating blade is introduced partially into the stack-forming line (12), in order to stop the completed stack (42) in a mechanical manner, at a level below the lower free edge of the last signature of the completed stack (42).
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the separating blade (13) is partially introduced into the stack-forming line and the completed stack is stopped in a mechanical manner by way of separating wedges (40, 41) which are mounted in the prongs (22; 23) of the separating blade (13) such that the vertical movement thereof is controlled during the extraction and retraction movement.
3. Stacker, for example a horizontal stacker (1) for the purpose of implementing the method according to claim 1 and 2, which essentially compriaes a stack-forming line (12), on which the signature flow (3) is directed to the stack-forming region by way of a forming and conveying path of the stacks (42), an oscillating belt (6) for the purpose of extracting the signatures (4), a stack support fork (14) and a stack stop fork (15) which can both be retracted and are allocated to adjusting means, and a retractable separating blade (13) which is likewise allocated to adjusting means, wherein the forks (14, 15) and the blade (13) are operatively connected to drive devices for the purpose of producing a pre-stack (43) or the completed stack (42), and a layer counter (17) or the like, characterised in that the oscillating belt (6) is allocated a device (20) which triggers the pivot movement of the oscillating belt (6) in the opening and closing position, that disposed in a displaceable manner on the prongs (22, 23) of the separating blade (13) are stop wedges (40, 41) which are operatively connected to guide cams and can move between an upper position, in which they protrude into the stack-forming line (12) of the stack (42) upstream of the arrival point of the signatures (4), and a retracted position, that the separating blade (13) is disposed on a frame (27) which supports the pre-stack (43) and which is mounted in a reciprocating manner below the stack-forming line (12), that the support fork (14) and the stop fork (15) are disposed on a frame (35) which supports the stack (42) and is mounted in a reciprocating manner below the stack-forming line (12), and that during the separating procedure of the stack (42) the separating wedges (40, 41) lie against the lower free edge of the last signature (4a) of the stack (42) to be separated and the separating blade (13) lies together with the stop fork (15) in the same vertical plane between the last signature (4a) of the stack (42) to be separated and the first signature (4b) of the pending pre-stack (43).
4. Stacker according to claim 3, characterised in that the frame (27) supporting the pre-stack (43) and the frame (35) supporting the completed stack (42) are formed in a plate-like manner and are mounted in a displaceable manner in a support spar which supports a belt of the stack-forming line (12).
5. Stacker according to claim 3, characterised in that the guide cams which cooperate with the separating wedges (40, 41) of the separating blade (13) consist of plate-like cams which are attached to the frame (2) of the stacker (1).

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