EP1238930B1 - Sheet separating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products includes a sucker mechanism. The sucker mechanism has a sucker cup, a sucker tube and a vacuum device for generating a vacuum. The sucker tube has a first and second end, the sucker cup being coupled to the sucker tube at the first end of the sucker tube and the vacuum device being coupled to the sucker tube at the second end of the sucker tube. The second end of the sucker tube is movable arranged in the vacuum device so as to vary the sucker stroke of the sucker cup.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for separating flat products from a stack of flat products according to the preambles of claims 1 and 14.

Such a device and such a method are for. B. from DE-A-100 08490 known.

In the production of books, including brochures, magazines, magazines and the like, the use of gathering systems is known. These systems typically include a transport device on which individual flat products such as signatures or sheets are collected in a book block which is then processed and bound. Typically, a series of feeders are disposed along the transport, each of the magazines comprising a feeder for feeding a single flat product from a stack of signatures to the transport to progressively create the book block or an additional sheet in a pocket of a pocket feeder or in a newspaper placed in the pocket. Such feeders typically use a sheet separation device to separate a sheet or other single flat product from a stack of flat products disposed in each magazine. The individual flat products are removed at the lower end of the stack.

Such a sheet separating device is known for example from US 3,988,016. This document describes a high speed paper inserter for inserting inserts in newspapers. The inserts are arranged to form a stack and a vacuum gripper grips the lowermost insert to be loaded from the stack and carries it to a pair of rollers which passes the insert to an opened newspaper. In this case, sheets of different types and thickness each require a different treatment, for example with regard to stroke or suction force to be applied. Thus, a thin single sheet requires a different suction stroke than an insert of 120 pages. The various suction member movement requirements arise from the manner in which the sheets or part products must be arranged and controlled for proper separation. Generally, the bottom of the stack is lifted up with heavy sections to prevent accidentally removing more sheets than desired. The is achieved by repositioning the lifting hook and the retaining elements. When these settings are made, the vacuum tap movement must be changed. In order to achieve upward suction member movement so that it properly engages the stack, the squeegee must pass over a wider range of angles.

In US 6,168,148 an adjustable suction device is described which comprises an upper and lower part which is coupled to a central lever. The central lever is rotatable about an axis extending through the central lever. The adjustment can be made by moving the axis along the central lever.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a sheet separating device with an improved device for positioning the suction position of the sheet separating device.

This object is achieved by a device for separating with the features of claim 1 and a method for separating according to claim 14.

• eine Saugröhre mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Ende;
• mindestens einen Saugnapf, der an die Saugröhre an dem ersten Ende der Saugröhre gekoppelt ist;
• eine Vakuumvorrichtung zum Schaffen eines Vakuums, wobei die Vakuumvorrichtung an dem zweiten Ende der Saugröhre an die Saugröhre gekoppelt ist, wobei das zweite Ende der Saugröhre bewegbar in der Vakuumvorrichturig aufgenommen ist,
• und dass der Saugmechanismns des Weiteren einem separaten Schieber zum Positionieren der Saugröhre umfasst und gleitend und bezüglich der Vakuum vorrichtung und damit auch dem stapel verstellbar angeordnet ist.

The present invention provides a device for separating flat products from a stack of flat products, the device comprising a suction mechanism comprising the following elements:

• a suction tube having first and second ends;
• at least one suction cup coupled to the suction tube at the first end of the suction tube;
• a vacuum device for providing a vacuum, the vacuum device at the second end of the suction tube being coupled to the suction tube, the second end of the suction tube being movably received in the vacuum device,
• and that the Saugmechanismns further comprises a separate slide for positioning the suction tube and slidably and with respect to the vacuum device and thus the stack is arranged adjustable.

The suction mechanism may be pivoted relative to the stack of flat products to allow the suction cup to be moved to engage a lowermost flat product from the stack of flat products.

The vacuum device may have a bore with the second end of the suction tube slidably received in the bore.

The suction mechanism includes a spool for positioning the suction tube, the spool coupled to the first end of the suction tube and slidably disposed relative to the vacuum device.

The slider is slidably mounted on the vacuum device. A fastening device may be provided for holding the slider in a predetermined position. The fastening device may comprise a screw.

The vacuum device may include a vacuum inlet opening for creating a vacuum in the vacuum device.

A squeegee may be provided with the vacuum device disposed on the squeegee.

• eine zweite Saugröhre mit einem jeweiligen ersten und einem zweiten Ende;
• einen zweiten Saugnapf, der an die zweite Saugröhre an dem ersten Ende der zweiten Saugröhre gekoppelt ist; und
• eine zweite Vakuumvorrichtung zum Erzeugen eines Vakuums, wobei die zweite Vakuumvorrichtung an dem zweiten Ende der zweiten Saugröhre an die zweite Saugröhre gekoppelt ist, wobei das zweite Ende der Saugröhre bewegbar in der zweiten Vakuumvorrichtung angeordnet ist, damit der zweite Saugnapf veränderbar im Verhältnis zu dem Stapel aus flachen Produkten unabhängig von dem Saugnapf positioniert werden kann.

The suction mechanism may also include:

• a second suction tube having respective first and second ends;
• a second suction cup coupled to the second suction tube at the first end of the second suction tube; and
• a second vacuum device for generating a vacuum, wherein the second vacuum device is coupled to the second suction tube at the second end of the second suction tube, the second end of the suction tube being movably disposed in the second vacuum device to allow the second suction cup to be changed in relation to the stack can be positioned from flat products regardless of the suction cup.

The suction mechanism may include a pusher for positioning the suction tube and the second suction tube, the pusher coupled to the first end of the suction tube and the first end of the second suction tube and slidably disposed relative to the vacuum device.

The slider may be slidably mounted on the vacuum device.

The present invention also provides a method according to the wording of claim 14.

The apparatus and method according to the invention enable the individual adjustment of the suction cups or their adjustment in groups in order to adjust the stroke of the respective vacuum cleaner in accordance with the respective flat product which is separated from the stack in a feed magazine.

The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer ersten Einstellposition,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer zweiten Einstellposition,

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit einem Sauger in einer gedrehten Position,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer Vielzahl von Saugern,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer Vielzahl von Saugern, die an eine Saugröhre gekoppelt sind, und

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer Vielzahl von Saugröhren, die sich durch einen Schieber erstrecken.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a device according to the invention in a first setting position,

Fig. 2

a schematic side view of a device according to the invention in a second setting position,

Fig. 3

a device according to the invention with a sucker in a rotated position,

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a plurality of suckers,

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a plurality of suckers, which are coupled to a suction tube, and

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a plurality of suction tubes, which extend through a slider.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a sheet separation device according to the invention. A stack of flat products 10, in particular sheets or signatures of paper or plastic, is arranged in a magazine 13 and lies flat on a signature table 14 against a front guide element 15. One or more lifting hooks and / or retaining devices (not shown) can be provided, to assist in supporting the stack 10 and separating products from the stack 10. In order to be able to pull out the lowermost sheet 18 of the stack 10, a gap or a recess 17 is provided at the lower end of the stack 10. For this purpose, the sucker 24 is rotatably disposed about a pivot point 32 of the nipple (Figure 3) and can be rotated in the direction indicated by arrow B to move up and attack the lowermost sheet 18 and then down to the lowermost one Remove bow 18 from the stack 10.

The nipple 24 includes a suction cup coupled to a suction tube 16 at a first end of the suction tube 16. The suction tube 16 extends through the slider 20. The slider 20 can be moved in a horizontal direction by the locking screw 22 is released. By moving the slider 20, it is possible to determine the position of the slider Suction cup 12, as indicated in Fig. 1 by the distance a ₁ , set to a different distance, in Fig. 2 as the distance a ₂ set. The suction tube 16 is coupled at its second end to a vacuum device 26 and movably disposed in the bore 27 of the vacuum device 26 to allow positioning of the suction cup 12 when the slider 20 is moved about the pivot radius r of the suction cup relative to the pivot point 32 to change. The position of the suction cup 12 can thereby be adjusted to provide a suction stroke or tilt angle adapted to the particular type of flat products in the stack 10 and the corresponding lift hook and restrictor positions.

The sealing device 28 is coupled within the vacuum device 26 to the suction tube 16 so that the suction tube can be moved, while the suction tube may still be associated with a vacuum. The vacuum inlet opening 30 is provided in the vacuum device, so that a vacuum can be created.

The suction cup 12 may be a flexible cup-shaped member or another member capable of gripping the lowermost sheet 18 by means of a vacuum suction member. The suction tube 16 is preferably a rigid tube having a circular cross-section or other suitable conduit for connecting to the suction cup 12 at one end and the vacuum device 26 at the other end while being movable relative to the vacuum device 26 to control the position of the vacuum device To change suction cup 12. The slider 20 may be a thin, flat, elongated member having an opening so that the suction tube 16 may be connected to the suction cup 12. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, the slider 20 may suitably grip or hold the suction tube 16 and / or the suction cup 12. The pusher 20 may define a slot which receives the set screw 22 to allow the pusher 20 to move relative to the set screw thereby repositioning the suction tube 16 with the suction cup 12. The locking screw 22 can be screwed directly into the vacuum device 26 or reach into it. Other configurations that permit the sliding re-adjustment of the suction tube 16 and the suction cup 12 and the subsequent locking in relation to the vacuum device 26 are also conceivable.

The vacuum device 26 is preferably a rigid body having a bore 27 formed therein. The bore 27 may have a circular cross section or other shape suitable for slidably receiving the suction tube 16 to allow suction through the suction tube to the suction cup. The sealing device 28 serves to insulate the inside of the vacuum device 26 from atmospheric pressure while still allowing the suction tube to slide in relation to the vacuum device 26. The seal 28 may be a rubber ring or other suitable sealing element. The vacuum inlet port 30 may be connected to a vacuum pump or other suitable device for forming a vacuum in the vacuum device 26. The vacuum may be continuously formed in the vacuum device 26 or at time intervals synchronized to the removal of the sheets 18 from the stack 10.

The vacuum device 26 may be attached to the squeegee 35 or in a variety of other suitable configurations so that the vacuum device is pivoted to bring the suction cup 12 to the lowermost sheet 18 of the stack 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, some embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of suction cups 24, each of which includes an associated vacuum device 26, a suction tube 16, a suction cup 12 and a slider 20. The plurality of vacuum devices 26 may in these cases be mounted on the squeegee 35 so that all of the suction elements at the pivot point 32 are pivoted and moved in unison to engage the lowermost sheet 18. Each of the sliders 20 may be independently adjusted to adjust the respective position of each suction cup 12.

FIG. 5 shows that in some embodiments of the invention, more than one sucker 12 is coupled to the suction tube 16. The position of all the suction cups 12 coupled to the suction tube 16 is adjusted at once by moving the slider 20 as described above.

FIG. 6 shows that in some embodiments of the invention, more than one suction tube 16, each coupled to a respective suction cup, may extend through the slider 20. The slider 20 can accordingly be e.g. a transverse extension 21 through which the suction tubes 16 extend. In these embodiments, the position is adjusted all the suction cups 12 coupled to the suction tubes 16 at once by moving the slider 20. Each of the suction tubes 16 may e.g. be coupled to an associated suction device 26 of the type described above. Additionally, in other embodiments of the invention, more than one suction cup 12 may be coupled to each suction tube 16 extending through a single slider 20.

It is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of example only and variations of the details within the scope of the invention are possible in accordance with the claims.

List of reference numbers

10

Stack of flat products

12

suction cup

13

magazine

14

signature table

15

Front guide element

16

suction tube

17

Gap / recess

18

bottom arch

20

pusher

21

transverse extension

22

locking screw

24

sucker

26

vacuum device

27

drilling

28

sealing device

30

Vacuum inlet opening

32

Pivot point of the teat

35

squeegee

a ₁ , a ₂

distance

B

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Claims (16)

1. A device for separating flat products from a stack (10) of flat products, wherein the device comprises a suction mechanism with the following components:

   a suction tube (16) with a first and a second end;

   at least one suction cup (12) which is coupled to the suction tube (16) at the first end of the suction tube (16); and

   a vacuum device (26) for creating a vacuum, wherein the vacuum device (26) is coupled to the suction tube (16) at the second end of the suction tube (16);

   wherein the at least one suction cup (12) is variable in its position relative to the stack (10) of flat products,

   characterised in that the second end of the suction tube (16) is movably held in the vacuum device (26), and in that the suction mechanism additionally comprises a slider (20) for positioning the suction tube (16), wherein the slider (20) is coupled to the first end of the suction tube (16) and is slidably arranged so as to be displaccable relative to the vacuum device (26) and thus also to the stack (10).
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the suction mechanism is pivotable relative to the stack (10) of flat products so that the at least one suction cup (12) can be moved in order to grasp the lowermost flat product of the stack (10) of flat products.
3. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the vacuum device (26) has a bore (27), wherein the second end of the suction tube (16) is slidably arranged in the bore (27).
4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the slider (20) is slidably arranged on the vacuum device (26).
5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the suction mechanism additionally comprises a fixing device for holding the slider (20) in a predetermined position.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the fixing device comprises a locking screw (22).
7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the suction tube (16) extends through the slider.
8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a sealing device (28) which is coupled to the suction tube (16) within the vacuum device (26) so that the suction tube can be moved.
9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the device additionally comprises a suction rail (35), wherein the vacuum device (26) is arranged on the suction rail (35).
10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a second suction tube (16) with a first and a second end, a second at least one suction cup (12) which is coupled to the second suction tube (16) at the first end of the second suction tube (16), and a second vacuum device (26) for creating a vacuum are provided, wherein the second vacuum device (26) is coupled to the suction tube (16) at the second end of the suction tube (16).
11. A device according to claim 10, characterised in that the respective second end of the second suction tube (16) is movably arranged in the second vacuum device (26) so that the second at least one suction cup (12) is variable in its position relative to the stack (10) of flat products independently of the at least one suction cup (12).
12. A device according to claim 11, characterised in that the suction mechanism additionally comprises a slider (20) for positioning the suction tube (16) and the second suction tube (16), wherein the slider (20) is coupled to the first end of the suction tube (16) and to the first end of the second suction tube (16) and is slidably arranged relative to the vacuum device (26).
13. A device according to claim 12, characterised in that the slider (20) is slidably arranged on the vacuum device (26).
14. A method of separating flat products from a stack (10) of flat products, wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

    provision of a suction mechanism with a suction tube (16) with a first and a second end, at least onc suction cup (12) which is coupled to the suction tube (16) at the first end of the suction tube (16), and a vacuum device (26) for creating a vacuum, wherein the vacuum device (26) is coupled to the suction tube at the second end of the suction tube,

    characterised in that the suction tube (16) is movably arranged in the vacuum device (26), in that a position of the at least one suction cup (12) relative to the stack (10) of flat products is changed by moving the suction tube (16) relative to the vacuum device (26), and in that the movement of the suction tube (16) relative to the vacuum device (26) is executed by means of a separate slider (20) for positioning the suction tube (16), wherein the slider (20) is coupled to the first end of the suction tube (16) and is slidably arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the vacuum device (26) and thus also to the stack (10).
15. A method according to claim 14, characterised in that the suction mechanism is pivoted relative to the stack (10) of flat products so that the at least one suction cup (12) is moved in order to grasp a lowermost flat product of a stack (10) of flat products.
16. A method according to claim 14, additionally comprising the following method steps:

    provision of a second suction tube (16) with a respective first and second end, a second at least one suction cup (12) which is coupled to the second suction tube (16) at the first end of the second suction tube (16), and a second vacuum device (26) for creating a vacuum, wherein the second vacuum device (26) is coupled to the second suction tube (16) at the second end of the second suction tube (16); and

    changing a position of the second at least one suction cup (12) relative to the stack (10) of flat products by moving the second suction tube (16) relative to the second vacuum device (26).

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