U.S. patent application number 09/832568 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for method and apparatus for conveying printed products.
This patent application is currently assigned to FERAG AG. Invention is credited to Honegger, Werner.
Application Number | 20010020769 09/832568 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 4227265 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010020769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Honegger, Werner |
September 13, 2001 |
Method and apparatus for conveying printed products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for conveying printed products in an
imbricated formation with different spacings between the products,
from a feed conveyor to the grippers on a removal conveyor. The
printed products are introduced into the grippers in groups without
any change in the spacing between successive printed products, and
the conveying speeds of the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor
are coordinated such that the portion of each group of products
which projects into a gripper is less than the depth of the mouth
of the gripper. Also, a deflection device at the transfer location
serves to deflect the leading end of each group of products toward
the approaching gripper. Alternatively, the grippers are controlled
so that in the transfer location, a leading clamping part of the
approaching gripper engages a trailing clamping part of the
preceding gripper so as to guide the next group of products into
the mouth of the approaching gripper.
Inventors: |
Honegger, Werner; (Bach,
CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
FERAG AG
|
Family ID: |
4227265 |
Appl. No.: |
09/832568 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09832568 |
Apr 11, 2001 |
|
|
|
PCT/CH99/00389 |
Aug 24, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
271/277 ;
271/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2220/01 20130101;
B65H 2220/02 20130101; B65H 2301/44712 20130101; B65H 2301/44732
20130101; B65H 29/669 20130101; B65H 2301/4354 20130101; B65H
2301/42244 20130101; B65H 2301/44712 20130101; B65H 2301/44732
20130101; B65H 29/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/277 ;
271/307 |
International
Class: |
B65H 005/12; B65H
029/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 1998 |
CH |
2159/98 |
Claims
Patent claims
1. A method of conveying printed products which are fed
continuously in an imbricated formation, with spacings between
successive printed products, by a feed conveyor to a transfer
location at which the printed products are received by a removal
conveyor which has individually controllable grippers which are
arranged at fixed spacings one behind the other in a conveying
direction and are configured for gripping printed products,
comprising the steps of introducing the printed products into the
grippers of the removal conveyor without any change in the spacing
between successive printed products, so that each gripper grips the
number of printed products fed to it with the same mutual spacing
as in the fed imbricated formation, and so that, once a number of
printed products have been received by each gripper, the following
printed products are directed into an open mouth of the next
gripper, with the spacing being maintained between the last printed
product still gripped by the preceding gripper and the following
printed product.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein coordinated with the
movement of the grippers past the transfer location, the printed
products run up to the transfer location in a normal conveying path
and are subjected to periodic and brief action such that, while
maintaining their feeding speed, they are deflected out of the
normal conveying path onto another conveying path, which is
oriented counter to the conveying direction of the removal
conveyor, and, without any change in their mutual spacing, are
directed into the next gripper reaching the transfer location.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grippers each
include a leading clamping part and a trailing clamping part and
wherein the grippers are controlled such that, in the region of the
transfer location, the leading clamping part of a gripper butts in
each case against the trailing clamping part of the preceding
gripper.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conveying speeds
of the feed conveyor and removal conveyor relate to one another in
a given, fixed ratio.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conveying
directions of the feed conveyor and removal conveyor form an angle
(.alpha.) which is approximately 90.degree. or greater than
90.degree..
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed products
running up to the transfer location are pressed against the feed
conveyor in the region of their trailing end, until they are firmly
clamped at their leading end by a gripper.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conveying speeds
of the feed conveyor and removal conveyor and the spacing between
the grippers are coordinated with one another such that the length
of that portion of the gripped imbricated stream which projects
into the mouth of the grippers is the same for all grippers and is
smaller than the depth of the gripper mouths.
8. An apparatus for conveying printed products comprising a feed
conveyor for continuously feeding printed products in an imbricated
formation, with spacings between successive printed products, to a
transfer location, a removal conveyor which receives the fed
printed products at the transfer location and has individually
controllable grippers which are arranged at fixed spacings one
behind the other in a conveying direction and is configured for
gripping printed products, wherein the grippers of the removal
conveyor have a depth which is larger than at least the spacing
between two printed products following one after the other in the
fed imbricated formation, with the result that at least some of the
grippers of the removal conveyor can grip at least two printed
products with the same mutual spacing which the gripped printed
products have in the fed imbricated formation, and wherein for
directing in each case a number of fed printed products into the
grippers of the removal conveyor without a change in the spacing
between respectively successive printed products, either a) a
deflecting arrangement is provided which is coordinated with the
movement of the grippers past the transfer location and acts
periodically and briefly on the printed products running along a
normal conveying path toward the transfer location and while the
printed products maintain their feeding speed, so as to deflect
said printed products from the normal conveying path onto another
conveying path which is oriented counter to the conveying direction
of the removal conveyor, or b) a control means is provided for
controlling the grippers such that, in the region of the transfer
location, a leading clamping part of a gripper in each case butts
against a trailing clamping part of the preceding gripper.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the conveying
speeds of the feed conveyor and removal conveyor relate to one
another in a given, fixed ratio.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the conveying
directions of the feed conveyor and removal conveyor form an angle
(.alpha.) which is approximately 90.degree. or greater than
90.degree..
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the depth of the
grippers is larger than the sum of the spacings between in each
case two adjacent printed products of a group of three or more
successive printed products.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the deflecting
arrangement comprises a wheel which can be driven in rotation, is
preferably arranged beneath the normal conveying path for the
printed products, said path being defined by the feed conveyor, and
is provided, on its circumference with at least one deflecting
element which, as it comes into contact with the printed products
in the imbricated formation, acts on at least one printed product
and deflects the latter onto the other conveying path as the wheel
rotates further.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the wheel is
driven at a changing speed.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the deflecting
arrangement has a suction element which is arranged on the normal
conveying path which is defined by the feed conveyor, is driven at
the conveying speed of the feed conveyor, and is connected
periodically to a negative pressure source which, as it comes into
contact with the printed products in the imbricated formation, acts
on at least one printed product and deflects the latter onto the
other conveying path as it rotates further.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a
pressure exerting arrangement which is arranged above the feed
conveyor and by means of which the printed products running up to
the transfer location are pressed against the feed conveyor in the
region of their trailing end, until the printed products are firmly
clamped at their leading end by a gripper.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of international application
PCT/CH99/00389, filed Aug. 24, 1999, and designating the U.S.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method of, and to an
apparatus for, conveying printed products in imbricated formation
with different spacings between successive products, from a feed
conveyor to the grippers on a removal conveyor. Such a method and
such an apparatus are suitable, in particular, for conveying
newspapers and periodicals as well as parts thereof and inserts
therefor.
[0003] CH-A-630 583 and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,320,894
disclose a method and an apparatus of the abovementioned type
wherein the drives for the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor
are independent of one another, that is to say there is no
correlation of the conveying speed of the removal conveyor to the
timed sequence of the arriving printed products conveyed by the
feed conveyor. This means that, on the one hand, the grippers grip
a different number of printed products and, on the other hand, the
printed products reaching the transfer location may not necessarily
come into contact with a gripper. For this reason, the following
precautions are taken in order nevertheless to ensure that the
printed products are received satisfactorily by in each case one
gripper:
[0004] Arranged in the transfer region are stop rails against which
a printed product which reaches the transfer region earlier than
the associated gripper strikes. A printed product butting against
the stop rails is prevented from moving any further forward until
such time as it is carried along by the associated gripper. Also
provided in the transfer region is a deflecting arrangement which
has a rotating wheel which is driven by the feed conveyor and on
which resilient deflecting fingers are fastened. These deflecting
fingers are deflected in each case, by the trailing clamping part
of the grippers, into an active position, in which the deflecting
fingers serve as a stop for printed products reaching the transfer
region late. The printed products positioned against a deflecting
finger are deflected downward, out of the normal conveying path, in
the region of their leading edge and braked in the process and
subsequently then fed to the next gripper.
[0005] These two measures taken in the case of the known apparatus
ensure that all the printed products are gripped satisfactorily by
in each case one gripper, but, as has been mentioned, cause the
printed products reaching the transfer region to be braked. This
braking of the printed products results in a reduction in the
spacing between the braked printed products and the respectively
following products. In other words, there is a change in the
imbricated formation as it is transferred from the feed conveyor to
the removal conveyor.
[0006] It is known from EP-A-0 330 868 and the corresponding U.S.
Pat. No. 4,953,847 for the printed products which are fed in an
imbricated formation, with uniform spacings between the
respectively successive printed products, to a transfer location to
be received by a removal conveyor with grippers in such a way that
each gripper grips in each case two printed products, with the
spacing of the latter in the imbricated formation being maintained.
This is achieved in that the feeding speed of the feed conveyor and
the conveying speed of the removal conveyor are selected such that,
during the time in which the fed printed products cover double the
spacing between two printed products, the grippers of the removal
conveyor cover a distance which corresponds to the fixed spacing
between two grippers.
[0007] The object of the present invention, then, is to provide a
method and an apparatus of the type mentioned in the introduction
which make it possible, in a straightforward manner, for the
printed products which are fed with irregular mutual spacings to
the transfer location to be received satisfactorily and carefully
by the grippers of the removal conveyor without it being necessary,
for this purpose, for individual products to be braked and
displaced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention
are achieved by the provision of a method and apparatus wherein the
printed products are introduced into the grippers of the removal
conveyor without any change in the spacing between successive
printed products, so that each gripper grips the number of printed
products fed to it with the same mutual spacing as in the
imbricated formation. Also, once a number of printed products have
been received by a gripper, the following printed products are
directed into an open mouth of the next gripper, with the spacing
being maintained between the last printed product gripped by the
preceding gripper and the following printed product.
[0009] The present invention is based on the finding that the
printed products can be transferred from the feed conveyor to the
removal conveyor, while maintaining their mutual spacing, if it is
ensured that, on the one hand, the printed products running into a
gripper in each case are not inhibited in their forward movement
prior to the closure of the gripper and, on the other hand, the
following printed products which cannot be gripped correctly by the
preceding gripper are directed to the open mouth of the next
gripper while maintaining their mutual spacing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the
invention are explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference
to the drawings, in which, purely schematically:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a
conveying apparatus according to the invention,
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a view in the direction of the arrow II in FIG.
1, and partially in group, of the end region of the feed conveyor
of the conveying apparatus according to FIG. 1,
[0013] FIGS. 3a-d show how the operation of the grippers of the
removal conveyor receiving printed products proceeds over time,
[0014] FIGS. 4a-f show the deflecting arrangement in different
phases following one after the other in time,
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a
conveying apparatus according to the invention,
[0016] FIGS. 6a and b show a simplified side view of a third
embodiment of a conveying apparatus according to the invention in
two product-receiving phases following one after the other in time,
and
[0017] FIGS. 7a-d show the product-transfer sequence in a conveying
apparatus according to FIG. 6 at different points in time.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The first embodiment of a conveying apparatus according to
the invention illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a feed
conveyor 1 and a removal conveyor 2. The conveying direction of the
feed conveyor 1 is designated A and the conveying direction of the
removal conveyor 2 is designated B. In the exemplary embodiment
illustrated, the two conveyors 1, 2 are arranged such that the
conveying direction A and the conveying direction B form an angle
.alpha. which is greater than 90.degree., as is illustrated in FIG.
1. This means that the conveying direction B of the removal
conveyor 2 has a component which is parallel to the conveying
direction A of the feed conveyor 1 and runs in the same direction
as A. The feed conveyor 1 conveys printed products 3 in an
imbricated formation S, at the conveying speed v1, to a transfer
location 4. The printed products 3 may be newspapers, periodicals
and the like or parts thereof, and inserts therefor. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, in the imbricated formation S, in each
case one printed product 3 rests on the following printed product.
This means that, in the imbricated formation S, the leading edges
3a of the printed products 3 are located at the bottom, i.e. rest
on the feed conveyor 1.
[0019] In the imbricated formation S, the imbrication spacings a,
i.e. the spacings between the leading edges 3a of successive
printed products 3, are irregular, as is shown in FIG. 1 with
reference to the spacings a1, a2, a3 and a4. These spacings a1 to
a4 differ from one another but, in certain cases, it is quite
possible for them also to be the same. In other words, the printed
products 3 are located in an irregular manner in the imbricated
formation S.
[0020] The feed conveyor 1 is formed by two conveying belts 5, 6
which are arranged parallel to one another and are spaced apart
from one another (FIG. 2). The two conveying belts 5, 6 are each
guided over deflecting rollers, of which only the end-side
deflecting rollers 7, 8 are shown. The two conveying belts 5, 6 are
driven at the speed v1.
[0021] Arranged above the feed conveyor 1 is a pressure-exerting
belt 9 which is driven in circulation in the direction of the arrow
C. This pressure-exerting belt 9 is likewise guided over deflecting
rollers, of which only one deflecting roller 10, which also serves
as a pressure-exerting roller, is shown. The imbricated formation S
is guided between the pressure-exerting belt and the deflecting
roller 10 and the feed conveyor 1 and is pressed onto the feed
conveyor 1 in the process. The deflecting roller 10 is set back by
a certain distance in relation to the deflecting rollers 7, 8.
[0022] The removal conveyor 2 has a drawing element (not
illustrated) which is guided in a guide channel 11 and is driven in
circulation in conveying direction B at the conveying speed v2.
Grippers 12 are fastened at fixed and identical spacings D one
behind the other on said drawing element. The grippers shown in
FIG. 1 correspond, in terms of design and function, to the grippers
described in EP-A-0 600 183 and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No.
5,395,151. For this reason, you are referred to these documents as
regards construction and functioning of the grippers 12. It goes
without saying that it is also possible to use grippers of some
other suitable design. Each gripper has two clamping parts 13, 14
which can be moved toward one another into a clamping position and
away from one another into an open position. In order to control
the movement of the clamping parts 13, 14, and to pivot the
grippers 12, control arrangements (not illustrated specifically),
e.g. guide elements, are provided. The gripper mouth defined by the
two clamping parts 13, 14 is designated 15.
[0023] Arranged in the end region of the feed conveyor, between the
two deflecting rollers 7, 8, is a deflecting arrangement 16 which
has a wheel 17 which is mounted rotatably on a pin 18. Fastened on
the circumference of the wheel 17 are two diametrically opposite
deflecting elements 19 which are of L-shaped design in side view.
One leg 19a of the deflecting elements 19 is spaced apart from the
circumference of the wheel 17 and serves as a directing part, as
will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
The wheel 17 is driven, via a toothed belt 20, by a gearwheel 21
which, for its part, is driven via a jointed shaft 22 (FIG. 2). The
varying drive speed of the wheel 17, i.e. the movement speed of the
deflecting elements 19, is coordinated with the conveying speed v1
of the feed conveyor 1 and the position of the grippers 12 of the
removal conveyor 2.
[0024] The conveying speeds v1 and v2 relate to one another in a
given, fixed ratio, although this may be adjusted.
[0025] It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the printed products 3,
which are fed at a constant conveying speed v1 to the transfer
location 4, are conveyed to the grippers 12 of the removal conveyor
2, and gripped by said grippers in groups, without any change in
the original mutual spacing a of the printed products 3 in the
imbricated formation S. In this case, depending on the size of the
mutual spacing a between respectively successive printed products
3, each gripper 12 grips different numbers of printed products 3.
It is ensured here, by coordination of the conveying speeds v1 and
v2 and with account being taken of the gripper spacing D, that the
length F of that portion of a received group which projects into a
gripper mouth 15 is smaller than the depth E of the clamp mouth 15,
so that no printed product 3 strikes against a gripper part, and is
braked in the process, as it runs into a gripper 12. F thus
designates the distance in which are located those edges of the
printed products 3 which are gripped by a gripper 12, it being
necessary to ensure that the rearmost printed product 3 still
gripped by a gripper 12 projects into the gripper mouth 15 to a
sufficiently large extent for this printed product also still to be
reliably secured. The printed products 3 of a group which are
gripped by a gripper 12 and conveyed away thus have the same mutual
spacing a' or a" as in the fed imbricated formation S.
[0026] By way of the deflecting elements 19 dipping periodically
into the imbrication formation S, the deflecting arrangement 16
ensures, in a manner which is still to be described, that the
individual groups are separated from one another and the first
printed products of the respectively following group are directed
to the next gripper 12. The deflecting element 16, however, only
acts if the spacing between the rearmost printed product of one
group and the foremost printed product of the following group is
such that it is not ensured that said foremost printed product will
be directed satisfactorily into the next gripper.
[0027] The functioning of the conveying apparatus according to
FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 3, which
is simplified in relation to FIG. 1. FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate four
phases, following one after the other in time, during the transfer
of the printed products 3 from the feed conveyor 1 to the removal
conveyor 2. Just as in FIG. 1, F designates the lengths of that
portion of a group which projects into a gripper mouth 15, said
length, as has been mentioned, being smaller than the gripper-mouth
depth E. The front boundaries of each of these groups are
designated 23, 23' and 23".
[0028] At the point in time according to the illustration of FIG.
3a, the grippers 12' and 12" have already received the printed
products 3 of the groups s1 and s2 respectively assigned to them,
while the next gripper 12 is reaching the transfer location and is
ready for receiving the printed products 3 of the next group s3. At
this point in time, the first printed product 3' of the next group
s3 comes into the region of action of a deflecting element 19 of a
deflecting arrangement 16 and, as will be explained with reference
to FIG. 4, is deflected out of the normal conveying path 24, which
is defined by the feed conveyor 1.
[0029] At a somewhat later point in time according to the
illustration of FIG. 3b, the printed products 3 in the imbricated
formation S have already moved on, while the wheel 17, with the
deflecting elements 19, has rotated somewhat further. From FIG. 3b,
it is possible to see the commencing deflection of the incoming
printed products out of the normal conveying path 24 under the
action of a deflecting element 19.
[0030] At a somewhat later point in time, at least the foremost
printed products of the next group s3, which is to be received by
the following gripper 12, have already been clearly deflected out
of the normal conveying path 24 into an alternative conveying path
25, which is oriented in the direction counter to the conveying
direction B of the removal conveyor 2, as can be seen in FIG. 3c.
It can also be seen from FIG. 3c that, by virtue of this deflection
of the printed products onto the alternative conveying path 25, it
is ensured that the printed products are reliably directed into the
open mouth 15 of the gripper 12.
[0031] At the point in time according to the illustration of FIG.
3d, the printed products of the group s3, which is to be received
by the gripper 12, have been directed into the gripper mouth 15 and
are ready to be firmly clamped. The clamping parts 13, 14 of the
gripper 12 are then closed. The deflecting element 19 of the
deflecting arrangement 16 has released the printed products which
it previously deflected onto the alternative conveying path 25.
According to the illustration of FIG. 3d, the other deflecting
element 19 then moves into the incoming imbricated formation S from
beneath, but does not act on the first printed product of the next
group s4 since said product has a sufficiently large spacing in
order to run satisfactorily into the next gripper 12 by the direct
route.
[0032] The functioning of the deflecting arrangement 16 will now be
explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.
[0033] FIGS. 4a to 4f show the wheel 17, which rotates in the
direction of the arrow G, with the two deflecting elements 19 in
different positions following one after the other in time.
[0034] In FIG. 4a, the wheel 17 and the deflecting elements 19
assume approximately the same position as the wheel 17 in FIG. 3d.
In this case, the deflecting element 19 engages in the imbricated
formation S and raises the leading printed products, i.e. the final
printed products of the preceding group, to some extent. At this
point in time, the movement speed v3 of the deflecting elements 19
is somewhat greater than the advancement speed v1 of the imbricated
formation S, in order to catch up with, and overtake, the conveyed
printed products 3.
[0035] In that position of the wheel 17 which is shown in FIG. 4b,
the movement speed v3 of the deflecting elements 19 is lower than
the conveying speed v1 of the printed products 3, the movement
speed v3 decreasing. This, then, allows the printed products of the
next group (illustrated by a single printed product 3 in FIGS. 4a
to 4f) to catch up with the deflecting element 19 (FIG. 4c). The
foremost printed product 3 of this group then comes into the region
of action of a deflecting element 19 and moves, by way of its
leading edge 3a, into the interspace between the circumferential
surface of the wheel 17 and the directing part 19a of the
deflecting element 19 (see FIGS. 4c and 4d).
[0036] By virtue of the deflecting element 19, which now has
essentially the same speed as the printed product 3, the printed
product is then deflected out of the normal conveying path 24 onto
the alternative conveying path 25, as has already been described
with reference to FIG. 3 and is shown in FIG. 4e.
[0037] The wheel 17 is then accelerated, which results in the
movement speed v3 of the deflecting element 19 being greater than
the advancement speed v1 of the printed product 3. It is thus
possible for the deflecting element 19 to be released from the
printed product 3, with the result that, during the further
advancement, said printed product can run into the open mouth of
the associated gripper, as has already been described with
reference to FIG. 3 (see FIG. 4f).
[0038] It can be gathered from above that the wheel 17 is driven at
changing circumferential speed in order first of all to make it
possible for the printed products to catch up with the deflecting
elements 19, subsequently to allow a printed product 3 to move into
the deflecting element 19, and then to ensure that the deflected
printed product 3 is released by the deflecting element 19. It is
important that the movement speed of the deflecting element 19 is
such that the leading edge 3a of a printed product 3 never strikes
against a deflecting element 19. This means that the printed
products 3 are deflected onto the alternative conveying path 25
without being braked or accelerated. This ensures that the spacing
a between successive printed products 3 is maintained even during
the deflecting operation.
[0039] As has been mentioned, the deflecting roller 10, and thus
the end of the pressure exerting belt 9, is set back in relation to
the end of the feed conveyor 1. The distance by which it is set
back, then, is selected such that the printed products 3 of each
group remain in the region of influence of the deflecting roller 10
until they are secured at their leading end 3a by the clamping
parts 13, 14 of a gripper 12. The action of the printed products of
each group being pressed onto the feed conveyor 1 in this way
during the transfer operation helps to maintain, as desired, the
mutual position of the printed products during the transfer.
[0040] In the second embodiment of a conveying apparatus according
to the invention, this embodiment being shown in FIG. 5, a feed
conveyor 1 and a removal conveyor 2 are likewise provided. The feed
conveyor 1 supplies the printed products 3 in an imbricated
formation S in the direction of the arrow A, at a conveying speed
v1, to a transfer location 4. In contrast to the embodiment
according to FIGS. 1 and 2, in this imbricated formation S, each
printed product 3 rests on the preceding printed product. This
means that, in this fed imbricated formation S, the leading edges
3a of the printed products 3 are located at the top. It is also the
case in this embodiment that the spacings a, a1 between
respectively successive printed products 3 are irregular.
[0041] The removal conveyor 2 receives the fed printed products in
groups at the transfer location 4 and conveys them away in the
direction of the arrow B at the conveying speed v2. The conveying
direction B of the removal conveyor 2 and the conveying direction A
of the feed conveyor 1 form an obtuse angle. This means that, just
as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveying
direction B has a component which runs parallel to the conveying
direction A and in the same direction as A. The conveying speeds v1
and v2 relate to one another in a given, fixed ratio, which can be
changed.
[0042] The removal conveyor 2 likewise has a drawing element (not
shown) which is guided in a guide channel 11. Grippers 26 are
arranged at uniform, fixed spacings B on said drawing element,
although they differ in design from the grippers 12 of the removal
conveyor 2 according to FIG. 1. Note CH-A-592 562 and the
corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,667 with regard to the
construction and functioning of the grippers 26. Each gripper 26
has a gripper housing 27 which is fastened on the abovementioned
drawing element in a non-pivotable manner. A fixed clamping part 28
is formed on each gripper housing 27. In the gripper housing 27, a
shank 29 is mounted such that it can be displaced in the direction
of its longitudinal axis and pivoted about the latter. The shank 29
is prestressed in the direction of the open position, as is
illustrated in FIG. 5 for the rearmost gripper 26', as seen in the
conveying direction B, by a spring (not shown). Fastened on the
shank 29 is a movable clamping part 30 which, in the open position
of the gripper 26', is pivoted through approximately 90.degree. in
relation to the conveying direction B.
[0043] By virtue of correspondingly designed control arrangements,
which comprise for example stationary guide elements, the shank 29,
together with the movable clamping part 30, are pivoted through
approximately 90.degree. and moved into a position in which the
movable clamping part 30 runs approximately parallel to the fixed
clamping part 28 and thus forms the gripper mouth 15, as is shown
in FIG. 5 for the gripper 26". In order to close the grippers 26,
the shank 29 is displaced in the direction of its longitudinal
axis, likewise by means of suitable control arrangements, and the
two clamping parts 28, 30 are thus brought together. The shank 29
is arrested in its closed position by means of a releasable locking
element 31.
[0044] Following the transfer location 4, beneath the removal
conveyor 2, there is arranged a directing plate 32 which runs
approximately parallel to the conveying direction B and by means of
which the printed products 3 guided away by the grippers 26 are
supported in the region of their trailing edges.
[0045] Provided in the region of the discharge end of the feed
conveyor 1, and at the transfer location 4, is a deflecting
arrangement 33 which has a roller 34 which is driven in rotation in
the direction of the arrow H. This roller 34 is provided with two
diametrically opposite suction regions 35, 35'. These suction
regions 35, 35' (not illustrated in any more detail) have holes
which can be connected periodically to a negative pressure source.
The rotational speed of the roller 34 is coordinated with the
conveying speed v2 of the removal conveyor 2 such that one of the
suction regions 35, 35' comes into contact with a printed product 3
of the fed imbricated formation S in each case when the trailing,
fixed clamping part 28 of a gripper 26 is about to leave the
transfer location 4. This is because the roller 34 has the same
task as the deflecting arrangement 16 in the exemplary embodiment
according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and serves, if necessary, for deflecting
in each case the first printed product 3 of a group out of the
normal conveying path onto an alternative conveying path, which is
directed counter to the conveying direction B of the removal
conveyor 2. Each time one of the suction regions 35, 35' comes into
contact with a printed product 3 in the imbricated formation S, the
holes of the suction region 35, 35' are connected to the
negative-pressure source. The roller 34 thus carries along the
gripped region of the corresponding printed product 3 and deflects
it towards the next gripper (in FIG. 5, the gripper 26').
[0046] Just as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the
printed products 3 are fed to the grippers 26 at the conveying
speed v1 and gripped, and carried along, by the grippers in groups.
This likewise ensures that the length F of that portion of the
formation which projects into the mouth of the grippers 26 is
smaller than the depth E of the grippers 26, with the result that
there is no mutual displacement of the printed products 3 as the
latter are received by the grippers 26. The printed products
secured by the clamping parts 28, 30 of a gripper 26 thus have the
same mutual spacing a', a" as in the imbricated formation S fed by
the feed conveyor 1.
[0047] Since the roller 34 of the deflecting arrangement 33 has a
circumferential speed which corresponds to the feeding speed v1,
the printed products 3 gripped by the roller 34 also maintain their
speed. This avoids the situation where the printed products gripped
by the roller 34 are displaced in relation to the following printed
products.
[0048] A third embodiment of a conveying apparatus according to the
invention is shown with reference to FIG. 6, which corresponds in
illustrative terms to FIG. 3 and in which both the feed conveyor 1
and the removal conveyor 2 are shown merely in a quite schematic
and simplified manner, and to FIG. 7. The same designations are
used in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 7 for corresponding parts. This third
embodiment is very similar to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1
and 2. In particular, the grippers 12 of the removal conveyor 2 are
of the same design in both embodiments. Unlike the embodiment
according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the embodiment which is shown in FIGS.
6 and 7 does not have a deflecting arrangement 16, 33. The
operation of deflecting the printed products 3, i.e. of directing
them into the open grippers 12, is achieved, in a manner which is
still to be described, by control of the clamping parts 13, 14 of
the grippers 12.
[0049] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate the product receiving situations
at two successive points in time. FIGS. 7a to 7d show even more
clearly, in an illustration which is on a larger scale than FIG. 6,
with reference to the regions designated T and T1, how the
product--receiving operation proceeds over time. In this case, the
situation illustrated in FIG. 7a corresponds to that according to
FIG. 6a.
[0050] In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, it is important that
the clamping parts 13, 14 of the grippers 12, 12' running into the
region of the transfer location 4 are controlled such that in each
case the trailing clamping part 14 of a gripper 12' and the leading
clamping part 13 of the next gripper 12 butt against one another,
as is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. This measure means that there is no
interspace, between the clamping parts 14, 13 of successive
grippers 12', 12, into which a printed product 3 could pass
accidentally. The control of the grippers 12, 12' and of the
clamping parts 13, 14 thereof may take place, for example, in a
manner similar to that described in EP-A-0 557 680 and the
corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,820.
[0051] FIG. 6a shows a first point in time, at which the gripper
12" has already gripped a group comprising three printed products
3. The spacings a' and a" between the leading edges of successive
products are the same here as the corresponding spacings between
these printed products in the fed imbricated formation S. The
following gripper 12' is about to grip the group of printed
products which is assigned to it, and is designated s1. The length
of this group is given by the group boundaries 23 and 23'.
[0052] The situation occurring at a later point in time is
illustrated in FIG. 6b. The gripper 12' is closed and firmly clamps
the printed products 3 of the gripped group s1. This group sl
comprises four printed products, of which the rearmost printed
product is designated 3'. The next gripper 12 is reaching the
transfer location 4 and is ready to receive the printed products 3
of the next group s2.
[0053] FIGS. 7a to 7d show, even more clearly, the procedure at the
changeover between the products being received by a gripper 12' and
the following gripper 12. These figures illustrate the end region
of the group s1, which is gripped by the gripper 12', and the
starting region of the following group s2, which runs into the next
gripper 12. The last product of the group s1 is designated 3', and
the first product of the group s2 is designated 3". It is clear
from FIG. 7 that the abutment of the leading clamping part 13 of
the gripper 12 against the trailing clamping part 14 of the
preceding gripper 12' forms an essentially continuous directing-in
surface which ensures that the printed products which are intended
to run into the gripper 12 pass satisfactorily into the mouth of
said gripper.
[0054] It can readily be seen with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 that
in the third embodiment, which is shown in these figures, the
printed products 3 are fed to the grippers 12 while maintaining
their spacing. Just as in the other embodiments, it is also the
case here that, by coordinating the conveying speeds v1 and v2 in
relation to the gripper spacing D, it is ensured that the length F
of that portion of the received group which projects into the
gripper mouth is smaller than the depth E of the grippers (see also
FIG. 3a).
[0055] In the illustration of FIGS. 6 and 7, the two conveying
directions A and B form an angle of approximately 90.degree.. Of
course, it is also possible, or even desirable, in this embodiment
for this angle, just as in the other embodiments, to be greater
than 90.degree..
[0056] In all the exemplary embodiments shown, during the time in
which the grippers 12, 26 cover a distance corresponding to the
gripper spacing D, the printed products 3 are advanced by a
distance which corresponds to the length F, which, as is known, is
equal to the length of that portion of each group s which projects
into the gripper mouth 15. This means that each group s gripped by
a gripper 12, 26 always projects into the gripper mouth 15 by the
same length F. However, the number of printed products 3 per group
s differs and depends on the mutual spacing a of the printed
products 3 in the fed imbricated formation S, i.e. a gripper 12, 26
grips one, two or more printed products 3, e.g. up to six products,
or even no product at all.
[0057] The position of the deflecting arrangement 16, 33 in
relation to the removal conveyor 2 is adapted to the design of the
grippers 12, 26, i.e. the spacing between the deflecting
arrangement 16, 33 and the grippers 12, 26 is selected such that
the sought after operation of directing the printed products 3 into
the grippers 12, 26 also actually takes place (see FIGS. 1 and
5).
[0058] The printed products 3 secured and transported away by the
grippers 12, 26 of the removal conveyor 2 may be discharged again
at a discharge location in such a way as to re-form an imbricated
formation in which the spacings a of successive printed products 3
are the same again as in the original imbricated formation S.
[0059] In addition, however, it is also possible to discharge the
printed products 3 in groups, i.e. to release and open all of the
grippers 12, 26 or some of the grippers 12, 26 irrespective of the
other grippers.
* * * * *