Method And Device For Continuously Joining At Least Two Imbricated Flows Of Flat Printed Products

Abstract

A method for continuously joining at least two imbricated flows of flat printed products which are conveyed at equal speeds and spaced from one another, the method includes initially offsetting a first imbricated flow of flat printed products relative to a second imbricated flow of flat printed products so as to form a first lateral overlapping area of both imbricated flows, continuously lifting the printed products of both imbricated flows in the first lateral overlapping area until the lateral overlapping is eliminated, and lowering or dropping the printed products of both imbricated flows in the raised lateral overlapping area, so that partially a printed product of the first imbricated or the second imbricated flow comes to rest above the first or second imbricated flows above a printed product of the respectively other imbricated flow, whereby a single imbricated flow with a second overlapping area of the printed products is formed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a method and a device for continuously joining at least two imbricated flows of flat printed products which are transported at the same speed and spaced from each other.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In rotary offset printing, entire paper webs are printed which are rolled off paper rolls. A rotary offset printing machine is capable of printing more than 100,000.00 printed products per hour. In order to achieve this high production number, very often double productions are carried out. For example, a "16 pages" printing machine is capable of simultaneously printing and discharging two equal "8 pages" brochures. Frequently, folding units are connected to the outputs of the printing machine which fold the printed products and transfer them to a rotary receiving unit. From the outputs of such a printing machine or the folding units following the printing machine, two similar flat printed products emerge continuously which are transported from the rotation pick-up through two pick-up lines to further processing, for example a stitcher gatherer. The printed products are conveyed through conveyor systems, for example, conveyor belts, continuously and in the form of two so-called imbricated flows, i.e., in flows in which the product partially overlap each other in the transporting direction.

[0005] A disadvantage of the known plants is the fact that for further processing two pick-up lines must be made available and operated. This leads to an increase of the purchasing and maintenance costs.

[0006] In order to counteract this problem, the two separate imbricated flows are joined into a single imbricated flow.

[0007] EP 0214458 A2 discloses a method and a device to joining two imbricated flows which are conveyed next to each other, wherein the two flows are joined in a common transport plane offset relative to each other and at an acute angle up to the complete intersection, and the flows are deflected in the area of joining of the products alternatingly from the common transport plane.

[0008] EP 021445882 discloses an improvement of the above-mentioned solution, in which the deflection device is constructed as at least one non-driven deflector which has a smooth, camless engagement contour.

[0009] WO2008/089565 discloses another method and corresponding device for joining two imbricated flows of flat printed products. In this case, the printed products of the two imbricated flows are initially transported offset relative to each other in the conveying direction and are in the horizontal direction transported on separate conveying paths. Subsequently, the printed products are grasped by gripping members assigned to each imbricated flow of a driven intermediate conveyor and are in the process transported relative to each other and in horizontal alignment on separate conveying paths. Subsequently, the printed products are grasped by gripping members assigned to each imbricated flow of a driven intermediate conveyor and are individualized and brought into a vertical position. In the spacings between the successive printed products of a product flow, the distances in the product flow are introduced in the manner of a comb in such a way by means of the gripping members until the printed products of both product flows form a single product flow from identically aligned product flows. Finally, this product flow is placed on a subsequent path conveyor forming an imbricated flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for continuously joining two imbricated flows of flat printed products which facilitate an adaptation of the imbricated flow gathering to the outputs of modern rotary offset printing machines and simultaneously result in a reduction of the purchasing and maintenance costs during further processing.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, this object is met by a method for continuously joining at least two imbricated flows of flat printed products and by a device for carrying out such a method.

[0012] In the method according to the invention, initially the first of the two imbricated flows is laterally offset relative to the second imbricated flow so as to form a first lateral overlapping area of both imbricated flows. Subsequently, the printed products of both imbricated flows are lifted continuously in the first lateral overlapping until the lateral overlapping is canceled and the printed products of the two imbricated flows which previously had been placed one on top of the other are separated. Finally, the printed products of both imbricated flows are, at least in their raised, lateral overlapping area, successfully lowered or dropped in such a way that alternatively one printed product of the first or the second imbricated flow comes to rest partially above the printed products of the respectfully other imbricated flow, so that a single imbricated flow is formed with a second lateral overlapping area of the printed products.

[0013] The device according to the present invention for carrying out the method of the invention comprises two spaced apart input conveyors spaced apart from each other for transporting one of the two respective imbricated flows to a principal conveyor and a spreading device arranged in the area of the principal conveyor for spreading, i.e., alternatingly inserting, the printed products of one of the imbricated flows into the printed products of the other imbricated flow.

[0014] The method and the device for carrying out the method provide the possibility of continuously combining imbricated flows which emerge from a multiple-purpose printing machine, such as the above mentioned "16 Page" printing machine and to combine the imbricated flows directly in a single imbricated flow, so that the flat printed products contained in this imbricated flow can be further processed without any further adaptation steps. As a result of not making it necessary to make available two or more pick-up lines for the imbricated flows, the purchasing costs for further processing and the costs for maintenance are reduced.

[0015] The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to descriptive matter in which there are described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] In the drawing:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2a is a detailed view of the third component of the lower input conveyor in a first state of the operation;

[0019] FIG. 2b is a view analogous to FIG. 2a, however, in a second state of operation corresponding to FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of the pattern of the imbricated flows in the device according to the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the spreading device of the device according to the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the spreading device;

[0023] FIG. 6 shows the gathering of the two imbricated flows of the double flow in three steps (6a, 6b, 6c);

[0024] FIG. 7 is a top view of the area E of the device according to the present .invention, with the spreading device and with a mutual offset of the imbricated flows in the transport direction;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a top view analogous to FIG. 6, however, without a mutual offsetting of the imbricated flows in the transport direction and with portions of the spreading device which are offset relative to each other in the transport direction; and

[0026] FIG. 9 is a top view of the device for pushing together the flows which follows the spreading device as well as the subsequent centering device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In the Figures of the drawing, equal reference numerals refer to structurally or functionally identically acting components.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention for joining two imbricated flows 2a, 2b of flat printed products 3. The vertically broken lines are shown for illustration purposes and represent a division of the device 1 into areas A to G. Upwardly of the device 1 is located an output 4 of an otherwise not illustrated printing machine or of a folding unit, not illustrated in detail, by means of which two conveyor belts 5a, 5b arranged one above the other, flat printed products 3 in the form of a first upper imbricated flow 2a and a second lower imbricated flow 2b are passed on in a transport direction V respectively to an upper and a lower input conveyor 6a, 6b of the device 1 constructed as a conveyor belt. The two input conveyors 6a, 6b each comprise several parts 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b; 9a, 9b; 10a, 10b; 11 which are arranged in the areas A to D of the device 1. In the first area A, the imbricated flows 2a, 2b are transported through two first parts 7a, 7b of the two input conveyors 6a, 6b. Of course, the input conveyors 6a, 6b can also be equipped with a greater or smaller number of parts and the supply of imbricated flows 2a, 2b can also take place without first parts 7a, 7b. In addition, the conveyor belts 5a, 5b can be arranged instead of one above the other, so as to be arranged next to each other or offset relative to each other in a lateral position and/or in a vertical position. Instead of both conveyor belts 5a, 5b at the output 4 of a single printing machine, it is also possible to connect a conveyor belt 5a, 5b respectively to the output of another printing machine.

[0029] In accordance of their further transport path, the imbricated flows 2a, 2b arrive in a second area B of the device 1 in which a second part 8a, 8b of the input conveyor 6a, 6b, each constructed as a switch, can be arranged in such a way that the input conveyor can assume two positions. They are a first position for conveying the imbricated flows 2a, 2b in the transport direction V and a second position for eliminating waste paper, wherein the respective printed products 3 are conducted, for example, into a waste container, not illustrated. The position of the two second parts 8a, 8b of the input conveyor 6a, 6b which is lowered for elimination, is illustrated in broken lines. The elimination takes place preferably in start-up phases of the preceding printing process, in order to remove defective printed products 3 until the printing machine is adjusted to a correct print. The parts 8a, 8b of the input conveyors 6a, 6b, however, can be transferred from one of the two positions into the other at any time.

[0030] Along the further transport path, the imbricated flows 2a, 2b arrive in a third part C of the device 1 in which at least one of the two input conveyors 6a, 6b has a third part 9a, 9b which is composed of an upper belt 12, and a lower belt 13, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2b. The upper belt 12 traveling around a number of deflection rollers 12a are driven through a drive roller 12b and additionally has a tightening roll 12c. The lower belt 13 is also provided with a number of deflection rollers 13a, a drive roller 13b as well as a tightening roller 13c. In addition, it has a roll segment 13e which is vertically adjustably fastened to a guide element 13d which can be moved by means of an adjusting device, not shown, from a first position illustrated in FIG. 2a, into a second position which is shown in FIG. 2b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, merely the third part 9b of the lower input conveyor 6b is similarly constructed. Through an appropriate actuation of the adjusting device, a direct or delayed further transport of the respective imbricated flows 2a, 2b can be effected and, thus, an offset 14, seen in FIG. 7, between the product backs of the printed products 3 of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b can be adjusted in the transport direction V. The length of the transport path of the flat printed product 3 extending between the upper belt 12 and the lower belt 13 can be varied, so that the length of the transport path extending between the upper belt 1 and the lower belt 13 can be adjusted and, thus, the offset 14 can be varied as desired. The maximum delay of the lower imbricated flow 2b takes place in the maximum deflected position of the lower belt 13 as illustrated in FIG. 2b, which has as a result the greatest offset 14 of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b. Of course, it is also possible to construct the upper third part 9a correspondingly. Also, both third parts 9a, 9b can be provided with such extension possibilities for the transport path. For this purpose, alternatively also other elements can be used, for example, delay members composed of articulated pieces which are coupled to each other.

[0031] The imbricated flows 2a, 2b subsequently arrive in a fourth part D of the device 1 in which a respectively fourth part 10a, 10b of the input conveyor 6a, 6b is arranged. These parts 10a, 10b deflect the transport direction V at least of one of the two input conveyors 6a, 6b. Downstream end portions of the input conveyors 6a, 6b, in other words, the downstream ends of the fourth parts 10a, 10b, are constructed in such away that they arrive essentially in a plane following the input conveyor 6a, 6b of a principal conveyor 15 also constructed as a conveyor belt, and at one of the input conveyors 6a, 6b, i.e., one of the fourth parts 10a, 10b, extends at a predetermined distance from the point of joining the other input conveyors 6a, 6b, i.e., with the other part 10b, 10a laterally offset relative to the latter, as seen in FIG. 3. In a preferred configuration of the device 1, only the fourth part 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a is laterally pivotable, while the fourth part 10b of the lower input conveyor 6b preferably already is aligned directly to the principal conveyor 15. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the fourth part 10b or alternatively both fourth parts 10a, 10b, are constructed so as to be laterally pivotable.

[0032] The lateral pivoting of the fourth part 10, in other words an offsetting of the downstream ends thereof transversely of the transport direction V takes place by means of a joint 10c arranged downstream of a third part 9a, wherein the part 10a is fastened to the joint 10c. By laterally pivoting the fourth part 10a, the printed products 3 of the upper imbricated flow 2a are laterally offset relative to those of the lower imbricated flow 2b transversely of the transport direction V, so that a first lateral overlapping area d1 is created, as seen in FIG. 7, in which the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b overlap each other in their border areas. In addition, the lateral pivoting of the fourth part 10a also influences the offset 14 in the transport direction V which must be taken into consideration in the already described adjustment in the area C of the device 1. The offset 14 is thus adjusted in dependence of the width of the intended first lateral overlapping area dl of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b.

[0033] In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the fourth part 10b of the lower input conveyor 6b and the laterally pivotable fourth part 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a transfer the imbricated flows 2b, 2a to a fifth and last common part 11 of the input conveyors 6a, 6b which, in turn, transfers a double imbricated flow 16a obtained as a result to the principal conveyor 15. On its further transport path, the double imbricated flow 16a meets with a spreading device 17 located in a fifth area E of the device 1. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the fourth part 10b and the pivotable fourth part 10a transfer the imbricated flows 2a, 2b directly to the principal conveyor 15.

[0034] The spreading device 17 is preferably constructed as a spreading plow 18 or comprises such a spreading plow 18 by means of which the printed products 3 of the upper imbricated flow 2a can be separated from the printed products 3 of the lower imbricated flow 2b. The separation refers to a partial procedure of the joining process, in which the printed products 3 of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b located one on top of the other of the double imbricated flow 16a are moved upright at least in their overlapping area d1 and the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b can thus be separated from each other. By dropping the printed products 3 downstream of the spreading plow 18 onto the principal conveyor 15, the printed products 3 are then joined together into a single imbricated flow 16b in such a way that a second overlapping area d2 with its border area of overlapping printed products 3 is formed. Alternatively, for dropping the printed products 3, they can also be lowered onto the principal conveyor 15.

[0035] On both sides of the spreading plow 18 is provided a first pressure element 19a, preferably a pressure roller, which is constructed in such a way that it presses the printed products 3 of the previous imbricated flows 2a, 2b which were separated by the spreading plow 18 during falling down still against side surfaces 18a of the spreading plow 18, as seen in FIG. 4, which facilitates the formation of the imbricated flow 16b.

[0036] In the fifth area E of the device 1 according to the present invention illustrated in more detail in FIG. 4, stabilizing elements for a controlled transport of the pressure products 3 of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b of the double imbricated flow 16a during the joining to a single imbricated flow 16b are provided whose purpose it is to prevent sliding of the printed products 3, particularly when being lifted by the spreading plow 18 and the subsequent dropping onto the principal conveyor 15. The stabilizing elements include, for example, guide elements 15a, 15b constructed as hoses, pipes, carriages and/or rollers and second pressure elements 19b constructed, for example, as upper belts, chain links and/or load application rollers. As shown in FIG. 3, preferably at least two first guide elements 15a are arranged laterally and upstream of the spreading plow 18 and two second guide elements 15b are arranged laterally and downstream of the spreading plow 18, as well as two second pressing elements 19b arranged laterally of the spreading plow 18 and above the principal conveyor 15. The first and second guide elements 15a, 15b are arranged transversely of the transport direction V and are adjustable relative to each other transversely of the transport direction V at a distance relative to each other. The two second pressure elements 19b are constructed in such a way that they press the printed products 3 against the principal conveyor 15.

[0037] In a sixth area F of the device 1 according to the present invention, the principal conveyor 15 transfers the imbricated flow 16b to a first transfer conveyor 21a which is also constructed as a conveyor belt, wherein a safe guidance of the printed products 3 by means of a third pressure element 19c in the transfer area above the principal conveyor 15 and the first transfer conveyor 21a, and by means of a third pressure element 19c constructed as pressure rollers, as shown in FIG. 9. Using the first transfer conveyor 21a, the imbricated flow 16b is conducted further to a pushing together device 22. This device 22 includes guide elements 22a arranged on both sides of the first transfer conveyor 21a, which extend from outside toward inside, are constructed as clamping belt conveyors with two guide elements 22a each arranged above conveyor belts. The guide elements 22a are constructed in such a way that they cause a displacement of the printed products 3 of the two previous imbricated flows 2a, 2b each in the direction of the center of the imbricated flow 16b. In FIG. 7, this displacement is illustrated as an example with the aid of the printed product 3 of the previous imbricated flow 2b, i.e., for reasons of clarity only one half of the imbricated flow 16b is shown. After the displacement, overlapping area d2 (FIG. 7) already formed in the fifth area E of the device 1, i.e., when the printed products 3 are dropped down, after the spreading plow 18, corresponds essentially to the width of the respective printed product 3. In other words, the pushing together device 22 reduces the width of the imbricated flow 16b and transfers to a subsequent centering device 23 an imbricated flow 16c which essentially completely overlaps.

[0038] In the lower area of FIG. 9, a number of two guide elements 22a which are arranged above each other and form clamping belt conveyors are illustrated. Instead of always two such guide elements 22a arranged on both sides, it is also possible to arrange always several rows of clamping belt conveyors next to each other, as illustrated in the upper portion of FIG. 9 for two such rows. Moreover, the pushing together device 22 has downstream of the guide element 22a a second transfer conveyor 21b as well as pressure elements 22b arranged above the conveyor 21b and constructed as rollers, wherein the rollers guide the imbricated flow 16c during the transfer to the centering device 23.

[0039] The centering device 23 has on both sides an adjustable centering element 23a each, whose spacing can be adjusted through an only schematically illustrated adjusting device 23b corresponding to the width of the printed products 3. In this manner, the printed products 3 following each other in the imbricated flow 16c can be aligned finally after the pushing together device 22, so that the imbricated flow 16c always has a uniform width after the centering device 23. On its way through the centering device 23, the imbricated flow 16c is conveyed by means of transport belts 23c and is conducted further by the belts 23b to a subsequent seventh area G of the device 1. Of course, centering can also be achieved with other suitable devices.

[0040] In the seventh area G of the device 1, a testing device 24 is arranged with a transport belt 24a, a flow sensor 24b, a switching device 24c constructed as a discharge switch, as well as a display 24d. In the area G, a quality control of the imbricated flow 16c is carried out by means of the flow sensor 24b, so that incorrect printed products 3 can be discharged through the discharge device 24c into a waste paper container, not shown. The printed products 3 of the imbricated flow 16c considered acceptable finally reach through the display 24d a further processing device 25 which is not illustrated and follows the device 1. Of course, the quality control can also be omitted, i.e., the device 1 is equipped either with an area F or the latter is at least temporarily deactivated. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the pattern of the imbricated flows 2a, 2b, of the double imbricated flow 16a as well as the imbricated flow 16b and 16c. The conveyor belts 5a, 5b, the input conveyors 6a, 6b with their parts 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b; 9a, 9b; 10a, 10b and 11 as well as the principal conveyor 15 and the conveyors of the pushing together device 22, the centering device 23 and the testing device 24 are for simplicity's sake only indicated in the lower area of FIG. 3. Components of the device 1 not relevant for the device 1 are not illustrated in this Figure. The areas A through G correspond to the area illustrated in FIG. 1. In the areas A through C, the first, upper and the second, lower imbricated flow 2a, 2b travel above each other so that the latter is not visible in these areas of FIG. 3. In the fourth area D, the upper imbricated flow 2a is deflected so as to be laterally offset, i.e., its printed products 3 have at the downstream end of the area D the first overlapping area dl transversely of the transport direction V which was already mentioned. As described with respect to FIG. 1, this is realized preferably by the lateral pivoting of the fourth part 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a by means of the joint 10c. In the fifth area E or when using the part 11 of the input conveyor 6a, 6b at the end of the fourth area D, the double imbricated flow 16a is achieved by placing the upper imbricated flow laterally offset on the lower imbricated flow 2b. it is to be noted in this respect that the two input conveyors 6a, 6b have the same speed.

[0041] As already mentioned in connection with FIG. 1, the double imbricated flow 16a composed of the two individual imbricated flows 2a, 2b is transported in the fifth area E to the spreading device 17 and is transferred by means of the spreading plow 18, the guide elements 15a, 15b, the second and first pressure elements 19b, 19a into the single imbricated flow 16b. In the sixth area F, subsequently the width of the imbricated flow 16b through the pushing together device 22 and the subsequent centering device 23 are continuously reduced to such an extent that the second overlapping area d2 illustrated in FIG. 7 corresponds to the width of the printed products 3. This results in a single imbricated flow 16c of printed products 3 which completely cover each other and which can subsequently be further processed.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the spreading plow 18 and the principal conveyor 15. The section A-A, B-B and C-C will in the following be described in connection with FIG. 5. In the area of the section A-A, the double imbricated flow 16a is moved in the direction to the spreading plow 18. The printed products 3 of the previously upper and lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b, of which in the area of the spreading plow 18 only the previously lower imbricated flow 2b is visible, the printed products 3 are increasingly moved to be upright along the side surfaces 18a as well as the upper edge 18b of the spreading plow 18, and are in this manner separated form each other in their previous first overlapping area d1. In other words, the printed products 3 are lifted beginning with their inner edges 26. The two first guide elements 15 remain essentially in contact with the spreading plow 18 when the previously overlapping areas of the printed products 3 and when the remaining areas of the printed products 3 are lifted, the products are essentially in contact with the principal conveyor 15, so that a sufficient friction of the printed products 3 with the spreading plow 18 or the principal conveyor 15 is ensured. This prevents the printed products 3 from sliding laterally away and, in addition, ensures the controlled moving into the upright position. In an area downstream of the spreading plow 18, the printed products 3 of the previously upper imbricated flow 2a are already separated from the printed products 3 of the previously lower imbricated flow 2b.

[0043] After this separation, the printed products 3 once again drop onto the principal conveyor 15, as seen in FIG. 4 (position of section B-B) and are subsequently transported in the direction of the pushing together device 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9. Arranged in both sides of the spreading plow 18, is arranged a first pressure element 19a which is preferably constructed as a pressure roll and which is equipped in such a way that it presses when dropping onto the principal conveyor 15 in the direction of the spreading plow 18. The first pressure elements 19a are arranged laterally next to the downstream area of the spreading plow 18, in order not to impair the movement into upright of the printed products 3 which begins at the inner edges 26. As a result of this arrangement, the first pressure elements 19a advantageously prevent printed products 3 from dropping uncontrolled after separation onto the principal conveyor 15 and prevent the flow of the imbricated flow 16b created downstream of the spreading plow 18 from becoming irregular.

[0044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, laterally and downstream of the spreading plow 18, i.e., in the area where the printed products 3 drop, the two second guide elements 15b follow. These press the printed products 3. against the principal conveyor 15 and ensure as a result that the air cushion provided between the dropping printed products 3 and the principal conveyor 15 is relatively overcome. In this manner, it is ensured that the printed products 3 are placed in an orderly manner on the principal conveyor 15. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the dropping of the printed products 3 additionally stabilizes the second pressure element 19b.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the spreading device 17 constructed as a spreading plow 18 or including such a spreading plow. For this purpose, the spreading plow 18 has the form of two pyramids 20 with its three side surfaces 20a, 20b, 20c and a base surface 20d. The pyramids 20 are each arranged with a first side surface 20a in the plane of the principal conveyor 15, not shown. They each have an edge 20f which extends between the second and third side surfaces 20b, 20c of each pyramid 20 in an adjustable angle a relative to the transport direction V, wherein the respective base surface 20d extends transversely of the transport direction V. The edges 20f extend against the transport direction V into a common tip 20e. The pyramids 20 are constructed in such a way that the edges 20f have an adjustable inclination .beta.. In this connection, the side surfaces 18a of the spreading plow 18 correspond to the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20 and the upper edges 18b of the spreading plow 18 correspond to the edges 20f of the pyramids 20. Of course, the spreading plow 18 may also include more or less than two pyramids 20.

[0046] The adjustable angle a and the adjustable inclination .beta. have the effect that the shape of the spreading plow 18 can be adjusted in dependence on the format of the printed products 3 of the upper and lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b in such way that a regular imbricated flow 16b is created. In dependence on the shape of the spreading plow 18, the position of the first pressure element 19a described in connection with FIG. 1 is also adjustable transversely of the transport direction V and vertically.

[0047] The spreading plow 18 is, however, not limited to the forms described above. Within the scope of the claimed features of the invention, a plurality of other form's are conceivable, for example, the form of a single pyramid or also guide elements which have guide surfaces that correspond to the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20 or the side surfaces 18a of the spreading plow 18. Of course, these guide surfaces can also be equipped with curved surfaces.

[0048] FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c show three steps for joining the imbricated flows 28a, 28b which correspond to the sections A-A, B-B and C-C. The transport direction V is directed toward the observer. While the pressure elements arranged on both sides of the spreading plow 18, i.e., the first pressure elements 19a, as well as the adjustable constructed second pressure elements 19b are illustrated, for clarity's sake, the illustration of the two guide elements 15a, 15b was omitted.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows the double imbricated flow 16a with first upper imbricated flow 2a and a second lower imbricated flow 2b prior to their separation or prior to the separation of the corresponding printed products 3. In this connection, the upper imbricated flow 2a rests in the transport direction V over its entire length on the lower imbricated flow 2b. Prior to forming this double imbricated flow 16a, the pivotable part 10a of the upper principal conveyor 15 adjusts the first overlapping area dl of the double imbricated flow 16a. Because of the configuration of the usual further processing machines, this double imbricated flow 16a cannot be further processed.

[0050] FIG. 6b shows the position of a first printed product 3a of the upper imbricated flow 2a and of a first printed product 3b of the lower imbricated flow 2b in the state where they are separated from each other. The two printed products 3a, 3b are prior to their separation lifted by the spreading plow 18, here illustrated in the form of two pyramids 20, essentially in the middle of the first overlapping area dl and the printed products are partially placed on the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20 located on their other side surfaces 20a. The first pressure elements 19a advantageously ensure an exact guidance of the separated printed products 3a, 3b by pressing the products in the downstream area of the spreading plow 18 in the direction toward the second side surfaces 20b of the pyramids 20.

[0051] FIG. 6c shows the position of the first printed products 3a, 3b of the previous upper and lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b downstream of the spreading plow 18. After passing the base surfaces 20d of the pyramids 20, i.e., the downstream end of the spreading plow 18, the first printed products 3a, 3b drop controlled by the first pressure element 19a onto the principal conveyor 15, wherein they overlap each other in a second overlapping area d2 which, with respect to its width, essentially corresponds to the first overlapping area d1. This is followed by additional printed products 3c or 3d of the previously upper and lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b which in FIG. 6 are also illustrated in a separated position. The first printed products 3a, 3b are part of the imbricated flow 16b, which differs from the double imbricated flow 16a by the fact that the printed product 3a of the previously upper imbricated flow 2a is placed on the printed product 3b of the previously lower imbricated flow 2b, such that trailing printed product 3d of the previously lower imbricated flow 2b comes to rest on the printed product 3a and the subsequent printed product 3c of the previously upper imbricated flow 2a, etc., so that alternatingly a printed product 3 of the upper or the lower imbricated flow 2a, 2b is placed partially on a printed product 3 of the respectively other imbricated flow 2b, 2a, as seen in FIG. 7. Independently of the concrete embodiment, after guiding together the imbricated flows, always the printed product 3 which leads in the transport direction V is placed under the printed product 3 which follows in the transport direction V. In contrast, in the double imbricated flow 16a always the upper imbricated flow 2a is placed on the lower imbricated flow 2b.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows in a top view the area E of the device 1 according to the present invention, with the joining device 17 and the offset 14 of the printed products 3 of the imbricated flow 2a to the printed products 3 of the imbricated flow 2b in the transporting direction V. The double imbricated flow 16a is supplied to the spreading plow 18 in the transport direction V and is transferred into the imbricated flow 16b by means of the plow 18. The width of the second overlapping area d2 is preferably essentially the same as the width of the first overlapping area dl. FIG. 7 illustrates also the position of the first pressure elements 16a on both sides of the spreading plow 18 and the downstream area thereof.

[0053] The upper and lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b have already been offset relative to each other previously by means of the part 9 of the lower input conveyor 6b illustrated in detail in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and were offset relative to each other by the offset 14 by means of the pivotable fourth part 10a of the upper input conveyor 6a in the transport direction V, as illustrated in FIG. 1, while the first lateral overlapping area dl also was adjusted by means of the fourth part 10a. The offset 14 of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b in the transport direction V is in accordance with FIG. 7 greater than zero. It preferably corresponds to half a spacing 27 of two successive printed products 3 with one of the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b upstream of the spreading plow 18. The offset 14 can be adjusted as desired by means of the upper belt 12 and the lower belt 13 of the third part 9b of the lower input conveyor 6b, and it can also be equal to zero. This case is described in the following in connection with FIG. 8.

[0054] As soon as the printed products 3 have reached the tip 20e of the pyramids 20 of the spreading plow 18 arranged essentially in the middle of the first overlapping area d1, the printed products 3 are continuously positioned upright beginning with their inner edges 26. This is illustrated in FIG. 7 in connection with the example of the upper imbricated flow 2a for the inner edges 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d. The inner edge 26d of a printed product 3 of the upper imbricated flow 2a is no longer in contact with a printed product 3 of the lower imbricated flow 2b. The first guide elements 15a are preferably arranged laterally and the second guide elements 15b are arranged downstream of the spreading plow 18.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a top view of an alternative construction of the area E of the device 1 according to the invention, wherein the spreading device 17 does not produce any offset 14 between the printed products 3 of the upper and lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b. In order to still produce a defined sequence of the dropping of the printed products 3 downstream of a spreading plow 18 and, thus, to produce a single imbricated flow 16b, in which the leading printed product 3 in the transport direction V is placed underneath the trailing product 3 in the transport direction, the two pyramids 20 of the spreading plow 18 have differently long side surfaces 20a, 20b, 20c, wherein only the side surfaces 20b are illustrated in FIG. 8. Consequently, also in the imbricated flow 16b formed in this manner alternatingly a printed product 3 of the upper or the lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b rests partially on a printed product 3 of the respectively other imbricated flow 2b, 2a. In order to make it possible that the printed products 3 even if the spreading plow 18 is constructed in this manner, the first pressure element 19a, the first guide element 15a and the second guide element 15b are appropriately adjusted, i.e., are offset relative to each other in the transport direction V. The double imbricated flow 16a which has been formed without offset 14 is conveyed analogously to the double imbricated flow 16a shown in FIG. 7 to the spreading plow 18 and is conveyed by the latter into a single imbricated flow 16b. The width of the second overlapping area d2 is also in this alternative solution preferably essentially equal to the width of the first overlapping area d1.

[0056] The advantages of the method and the device 1 according to the present invention reside in that an adaptation of the rotation pickup to the output located usually one above the other of a rotary offset printing machine and the purchasing costs for an additional further processing line can be saved which otherwise would be necessary for ensuring a parallel processing of the printed products 3 of the upper and the lower imbricated flows 2a, 2b. Accordingly, the costs for maintaining two processing lines can thus be significantly reduced. In addition, prior to joining the two imbricated flows 2a, 2b in the area B of the device 1 spoiled products are individually taken out of the flow which results in a cost reduction.

[0057] Although the device 1 has above been described in connection with conveying systems consisting of conveyor belts, it is of course possible within the scope of the invention to use other conveying systems, for example, gripper transporters. Also, a combination of different conveying systems is possible. For example, the areas A through D of the device 1 can be equipped with gripping transporters and the subsequent areas E through G with conveyor belts.

[0058] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

Claims

1. A method for continuously joining at least two imbricated flows of flat printed products which are conveyed at equal speeds and spaced from one another, comprising initially offsetting a first imbricated flow of flat printed products relative to a second imbricated flow of flat printed products so as to form a first lateral overlapping area of both imbricated flows, continuously lifting the printed products of both imbricated flows in the first lateral overlapping area until the lateral overlapping is eliminated, and lowering or dropping the printed products of both imbricated flows in the raised lateral overlapping area, so that partially a printed product of the first imbricated flow or the second imbricated flow comes to rest above the first or second imbricated flows above a printed product of the respectively other imbricated flow, wherein a single imbricated flow with a second overlapping area of the printed products is formed.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising initially placing on the second imbricated flow a second imbricated flow so as to form a double imbricated flow with the first lateral overlapping flow, subsequently lifting at least in the first lateral overlapping area continuously the printed products until they are separated from each other in the first lateral overlapping area, and lowering the printed products of both imbricated flows at least in their lifted lateral overlapping area successively and lowering the printed products of both imbricated flows at least in the lateral overlapping area thereof, and finally successively lowering or dropping the printed products of both imbricated flows successively, so that alternatingly a printed product of the first or of the second imbricated flows come to rest on a printed product of the respectively other imbricated flow, and thereby a single imbricated flow is formed with the second lateral overlapping area of the printed products.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising lifting the printed products essentially in a middle of the first lateral overlapping area.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising shifting the two imbricated flows prior to forming the first lateral overlapping area by a predetermined offset in a transport direction relative to each other.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the offset of the two imbricated flows is adjustable and corresponds to half of a spacing of two successive printed products in the transport direction within one of the two imbricated flows.

6. The method according to claim 4, comprising adjusting the offset in dependence on an intended first lateral overlapping area of the two imbricated flows.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising lifting the printed products of both imbricated flows by means of a spreading device, and lowering or dropping the flows downstream of the spreading device onto a principal conveyor, wherein the printed products are printed prior to lowering or dropping onto the principal conveyor are pressed laterally against the spreading device by the first pressure elements.

8. The method according to claim 1, comprising pressing against the principal conveyor the printed products during lifting by means of at least two guide elements, during lowering or dropping, by at least two second guide elements, and during the transport thereof on the principal conveyor by means of two pressure elements arranged laterally of the spreading device and above the principal conveyor.

9. The method according to claim 1, comprising reducing continuously the width of the imbricated flow until the second lateral overlapping area and an imbricated flow of uniform width is created.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising subjecting the imbricated flow to a quality test and eliminating printed products with insufficient quality out of the imbricated flow.

11. A device for carrying out a method according to claim 1, comprising two input conveyors arranged at a distance from each other for transporting an imbricated flow of printed products to a principal conveyor and a spreading device arranged in the area of the principal conveyor for spreading the printed products of one of the imbricated flows into the printed products of the other imbricated flow.

12. The device according to claim 11, comprising end portions of the input conveyors having a configuration such that they essentially arrive offset relative to each other in a plane of the principal conveyor, and wherein one of the input conveyors operates at a predetermined distance in front of the joining of the other input conveyor.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the input conveyors has a part for producing an offset of the imbricated flows in the transport direction.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein one of the input conveyors has a pivotable part by means of a joint transversely of the transport direction, so that the desired width of the first lateral overlapping area of the imbricated flows results.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein the spreading device has a spreading plow or is constructed as a spreading plow, which has the shape of two pyramids with at least three side surfaces and a base surface, wherein pyramids are arranged with a first side surface in the plane of the principal conveyor, and a respective edge which extends between a first and a second side surface of each pyramid in an adjustable angle relative to the transport direction, wherein the respective base surface is arranged transversely of the transport direction, and wherein the edges of the pyramids come together in a common peak against the transport direction.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the pyramids are constructed in such away that the edges have an adjustable inclination.

17. The device according to claim 11, wherein on both sides of the spreading device is arranged a first pressure element and constructed as pressure rollers, wherein the pressure rollers press the printed products when dropping onto the principal conveyor transversely of the transport direction against side surfaces of the spreading device or against the second side surfaces of the pyramids.

18. The device according to claim 11, wherein always at least two first and/or at least two second guide elements are arranged upstream and/or downstream and laterally of the spreading device.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the first and second guide elements are adjustable transversely of the transport direction and/or at a distance form each other in the transport direction.

20. The device according to claim 11, wherein two second pressure elements are arranged in the transport direction laterally of the spreading device and above the principal conveyor, wherein the pressure elements are constructed such that they press the printed products against the principal conveyor.

21. The device according to claim 11, comprising a pushing together device arranged downstream of the spreading device, wherein the pushing together device comprises for producing a single imbricated flow on each side of the principal conveyor at least one guide element for effecting a shifting of the printed products in the direction of the center of the imbricated flow, so that the second lateral overlapping area after the displacement of the printed products corresponds to the width of the printed products.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein downstream of the pushing together device is arranged a centering device.

23. The device according to claim 21, comprising a testing device with a discharge device, particularly a discharge switch, arranged downstream of the pushing together device or the centering device.