Apparatus for bundling stacks of flat materials

A 0,640,529 B1 is known from EP device for banding Stacks of flat workpieces includes a stationary stacking shaft with a lifting and lowerable shaft bottom, a stacking tray with the Copies of printed matter filled belt conveyor, each one in front and arranged behind the stacking shaft tape supply roller, the bands in the welded together area of ​​the stacking shaft and thus integrally from of a tape-supply roll on the shaft floor across to the other Ribbon supply roll are performed. The shaft bottom is lowered to the extent as the height of itself increases thereto anabolic stack. It places that with a portion below the stack and on the shaft floor located at a band with respect to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor downstream and looking at an upstream face of itself anabolic stack on. After reaching the intended height of the stack A temporarily the stacking shaft supplied copies spent receiving auxiliary carrying device in the stacking area and the tape from the upstream facing and from the downstream that end face of the stack by means of one welding die extent pushed over the top of the stack until it is strapped. there There are two sections of the tape under the action of a respective the welding die in mutual contact and are in this position, by means of welding dies are welded together. A now present welded two-layer portion of the band is severed in such a way that the stack is strapped by a closed band and the remaining tape in turn integrally from one to the other tape-supply roll runs.

During the strapping of the intended height having stack, the welding of the band and the banded Entfernes Stack from the bottom of the shaft takes over temporarily in the Stacking area spent auxiliary carrying device, the function of Shaft bottom and transfers the formed during said processes and recorded by the auxiliary carrying device part of the next to forming stack and the section underneath the tape again to again in its altitude positioned shaft bottom.

There is a certain amount of time is required to said auxiliary support device in to spend the stackers area. The costs incurred during this period flat workpieces are temporarily in the known device dammed on said belt conveyor.

The known device requires the completion of a banded Stack a time consisting of the time for piling up a Stack of a specific number of copies, and the time for Banding of the stack.

A contrast shortened time is a packet-discharge system required that the applicant under the type designation PAS 66 has sold. This has a stacking station, a banding station and one provided with stacking shafts, intermittently promoting endless conveyor on. A tape supply extends integrally (after welding) of from a first to a second supply roll, and this in contrast to the EP 0640529 B1 known apparatus in a manner that a unwound belt section in a to the conveying plane of the endless conveyor vertical plane.

The invention has the object of providing a device for banding stacks of flat workpieces with an alternate tape guide and a provide cycle time which the stackers duration than marginally exceeds.

To achieve this object, an apparatus for forming stacks flat workpiece and for banding of the stack with a stacking station, a banding station and provided with stacking shafts, cyclically promoting endless conveyor equipped with a respective, at a each of the stacking shafts formed first band guide and one disposed in the banding station second band guide, the together with the respective first band guide a substantially forms a self guideway.

With a pertinent training that temporarily between Two subsequent flat workpieces on a respective one of the Stacking shafts verbringbarer auxiliary pile carrier is provided, is a receive clock time essentially limited to the stackers time is.

The same also applies in the event that instead, a certain number of continuously arriving flat workpieces similar to the beginning known device described temporarily on the proposed device with these workpieces be fed conveyor be dammed.

The same features of the subject invention and embodiments are accepting the accompanying drawings and the reference to it accompanying notes removed.

In the drawings:<dl tsize="14"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>Stacking shafts, successively on a indicated in chained lines, intermittently circulating Endless conveyor are arranged,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>simplified representation of a section with Pile shafts equipped endless conveyor, a Drive means therefor, a device for Feeding a stacking shaft in a stacking station with flat workpieces and a Banding station assigned to Einschießvorrichtung Zeroing a portion of a tape in a located each in the banding station Stacking shaft,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>one located in the banding station stacking shaft, a trained herein first band guide and a stationary second band guide, which together with the first a self-contained track a form first embodiment, and one of the Banding associated welding and Cutting station,</dd><dt>FIGS. 4a to 4f</dt><dd>Currently, pictures from the expiry of a banding process, </dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a second embodiment of a self-contained Guideway.</dd></dl>

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the proposed device for Banding flat workpieces 2 'an endless conveyor 1, the preferred a first and a second Zugmittelpaar 1.1 Zugmittelpaar 1.2 has, and Although in the present embodiment in the form of a first and a second pair of endless roller chains with appropriate Sprockets 1.5 form a multi-chain drive. The two Zugmittelpaare 1.1 and 1.2 form a conveyor section 1.3 of each other parallel conveying strands which preferably lie in a single area and operatively intermittently in a direction indicated by the arrow 1.4 conveying direction move.

On the endless conveyor 1 successively along the same Stacking shafts 2 arranged. A respectively with respect to the conveying direction trailing limiting the stacking shafts 2 is from rear Stops 2.1 and 2.2 and a respective preemptive limit Stacking shafts 2 of front stops 2.3 and 2.4 formed. The rear Attacks 2.1 and 2.2 are fixed to the first Zugmittelpaar 1.1, and in a way that it transversely to the direction opposite to each other and in preferably successive conveying direction at equal intervals, which then the largest possible size of the stackable flat workpieces determine. The mutual position of the rear stops with respect to the 2.1 rear stops 2.2 is also through the mutual phasing of Traction means of the first Zugmittelpaares 1.1 adjustable.

In an analogous manner, the front stops 2.3 and 2.4 at the second Zugmittelpaar 1.2 attached.

By setting specific mutual phase positions one part of the first and the other part of the second Zugmittelpaares 1.1 and 1.2 are the Stacking shafts 2 to certain formats of the flat workpieces 2 ' adjustable. By means of a in Fig. 2 indicated schematically Driving means 3 are said multiple chain drives and thus the Stacking shafts 2 intermittently in the conveying direction of the arrow in Figure 1.4. 1 movable. This results in an advantageous manner the possibility that Operations of the stackers and of banding in different places make, so that these processes after the formation of a first Stack 2 'can run simultaneously. The endless conveyor 1 conveys this a respective one of the stacking shafts 2 operatively intermittently in a Stacking station P, and then in a conveying direction according to arrow 1.4 a in Fig. 2, only roughly indicated banding station B. A respective in the stacking station P assembled stack has 2 "is in this case of an example by means of laterally spaced from each other to the conveying direction 1.4 peripheral Bands or fixed guides formed support 2 '' 'worn (see Figures 3 and 5).

It is understood that the stacking shafts 2 only from the stacking station P are transported into the banding station B when in the stacking station P Stack 2 'is laminated which a certain number of flat Workpieces 2 'has, if after accumulating the flat workpieces 2' are temporarily intercepted and the stack 2 "with its underside has contact with the endless conveyor. Such contact may occur during Stackers be lifted if the stack 2 ", as preferred provided, on a raisable and lowerable stacking table 2 '' '' (see Fig. 1) is coated.

FIG. 3 is the omission of the endless conveyor 1 an the Stacking shafts 2 in a position thereof in the banding station B again. The representation corresponds to a between the roller chains of first Zugmittelpaares 1.1 out section in a direction transverse to the axes of the Sprockets 1.5 (see Fig. 2) vertical plane and can among other things - as can be seen also in Fig. 1 - an opening formed in the stack shafts 2 first band guide 2.10 and a band in the station B disposed second band guide see 2.11 substantially in or is aligned against the direction of conveyance. The first Band guide 2:10 embraces in the present embodiment, a first guide section 2.5 and a second guide section 2.6. These are substantially perpendicularly oriented and arranged such that respectively in the region of the same backstop 2.1 and / or 2.2 a first guide section 2.5 and a second guide section 2.6 is, wherein the first guide section 2.5 a in the conveying direction according to arrow 1.4 oriented and the second guide section 2.6 a counter to the Conveying direction oriented guide surface. It is in any case in Conveying direction oriented guide surface relative to a respectively on the rear stops 2.1 and 2.2 formed abutment surface for alignment the stack 2 "reset.

The lower guide sections 2.7 and 2.8 and an upper forming guide portion 2.9 having second band guide 2:11 together with the first band guide 2:10 a substantially closed guideway. In particular, at the upper Guide section 2.9 of the guideway are explained in more detail later taken pertinent measures that in the banding station B a stacking shaft 2 is lanky end portion of a strip 6, initially applies to all guide sections 5.2 to 9.2. In that regard, a respective stack 2 "by zeroing in a belt portion of always the same length as measured by the usual dimensions of the stack 2 "of the End portion of the tape 6 first widely strapped. Said length is dimensioned so that the leading end of the picked End portion of a clamping, welding and cutting station 4 arrives (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The zeroing is done by means of a reversible, the Banding B associated Einschießvorrichtung 5, which in the present Embodiment preferably a belt drive 5 'and with this cooperating pressure rollers comprises (see Fig. 3 and 5).

The shot-end portion is a free end of a here not illustrated wound tape supply.

For shooting in the tape drive 5 runs' in the present embodiment clockwise around and between a conveying of the belt drive 5 ' and said pressure rollers located Volume 6 is a gap between the lower guide sections 2.7 and 2.8 in the interior of the Stacking shaft 2 injected. Here, in the present Embodiment, the entering direction of the conveying direction according to arrow 1.4 opposite.

In an alternative embodiment a Einschießvorrichtung provided that the Volume 6 for example, clamping between the upper and lower bands a belt drive arrangement in the stacking shaft 2 einschießt.

4a to 4f show individual phases of the banding process and each represent the clamping, welding and cutting station. 4 In this is for the strapping across the conveying direction according to arrow 1.4 (see Fig. 1 and 3) inserted beneath the support 2 '' '4.1, an anvil, according to the Termination of the banding process and again from the welding Cutting station 4 is withdrawn.

Said, always consistent length of the injected End portion of the belt 6 is further such that the leading end of the belt 6 at least over substantially the Cross-sectional width of the anvil extends 4.1. During the Einschießvorganges the band 6 through an opening 4.2 'in a pestle out 4.2 (see Fig. 4b) which came under the anvil 4.1 leading end of the picked end portion of the belt 6 at the underside of the anvil 4.1 creates (see Fig. 4c). The anvil 4.1 forms Thus, together with the tappet 4.2 a clamping device for the leading end of the picked end portion of the tape. 6

After clamping of the leading end of the picked End portion of the band 6, the drive of the Einschießvorrichtung 5 reversed and thus the stack 2 'first widely strapped Volume 6 so streamlined that it adhere to the surfaces of the strapped stack 2 ' snugly.

If this state is reached, stops the reversed tape drive 5 'and a Seal bar 4.3 moves toward the bottom of the anvil 4.1 and welded now the part of the seal bar 4.3 to the anvil 4.1 pressed-on portions of the tape 6 (see Fig. 4d).

After welding of the pressed against the anvil 4.1 Portions of the belt 6 drives a diameter 4.4 in the direction of the bottom the anvil 4.1 and separating a now closed, the stack 2 " wrapping around band 6 'from the band supply (see Fig. 4e).

Once this process is completed, drive the tappet 4.2, the Welding dies 4.3 and 4.4 the knife back to initial positions. The of the closed band 6 'severed free end of the tape supply case remains for the next cycle in the opening 4.2 'of the ram 4.2.

After banding further the anvil 4.1 is out again the clamping, welding and cutting station 4 withdrawn, a next Stack 2 "by temporarily driving the endless conveyor 1 from the Stacking station P into the banding station B and the banded stack 2 ' the banding B moved to a subsequent station. Thereafter the anvil 4.1 reinserted into the banding station B, so that a state shown in FIG. 4 results.

The means set out and procedures to create a band with a 6 ' provided stack 2 "result in the diversion in an advantageous manner that the Bands 6 'have only a single weld.

FIG. 3 is a first alternative of the indicated earlier and now explained again precautions that are taken to a respective stack 2 'in the banding station B with the in this sure to strap injected end section of the strip 6, although out this much of this end portion above the stack 2 " must become. This alternative provides for the formation of the aforementioned top Guide section 2.9 of the second band guide 2:11 a Pressure chamber 7 before. This forms a substantially downward pointing chamber wall 7.1 the upper guide section 2.9 of. In the Chamber wall 7.1 are provided nozzles 7.2, from which operationally Blowing air with a directional component flows, which points in the direction in the shot-end portion of the strip 6, the chamber wall 7.1 happens. The nozzles 7.2 are designed as slotted nozzles and in their totality form a levitation nozzle arrangement 7.3, which the the chamber wall 7.1 passing part of the picked portion of The strip 6 under the action of the aerodynamic paradox in a keeps floating position relative to the chamber wall 7.1.

In Fig. 5 is a second alternative for safe guidance of the picked End portion of the strip 6 above to be strapped and then to banded stack 2 "indicated. This is a second Band guide 2:11 'provided that an upper Guide section 2.12 formed by a Saugbandtriebes 8.1, the in is a vacuum chamber 8 is inserted, which in turn not to a Vacuum generator shown is connected. The Saugbandtrieb 8.1 includes, depending on its configuration, for example, one or more perforated tapes or a certain number of round belts. This form each one conveying strand of which in the present case which Entering direction of the strip 6 in the interior of the respective Stacking shaft 2 operatively substantially in the conveying direction moves according to arrow 1.4.

The arrangement of the perforated belts or round belts as well as the Embodiment of the Einschießvorrichtung 5 and, if appropriate, the welding and cutting station 4 and the first band guide 2.10 directed while the number of the respective stacking shaft 2 supplied benefits.

In the event that the second band guide the already mentioned 2:11 includes levitation nozzle arrangement 7.3, optionally also the arrangement from whose nozzles the number of the respective stacking shaft 2 supplied benefits adjusted.

As indicated in Fig. 2, the device described so far in a preferred embodiment of a temporarily over a respective one of the Stacking shafts 2 verbringbaren auxiliary pile carrier. 9 This allows for a continuous feed of the device with the flat workpieces 2 ', in the present embodiment by means of a carried Zuführbandanordnung 10th

The auxiliary pile carrier 9 is manually depending on its design or automatically between a last abzulegendes on the stack 2 "and a subsequent flat workpiece 2 inserted 'and stores temporarily to said final following flat workpieces 2 ' until here (in Fig. 2) only schematically and incompletely reproduced Endless conveyor 1 the finished stack 2 "from the stacking station P in the Banding has spent B, so that in the stacking station P again an empty stacking shaft 2 is.

After this state is reached, the auxiliary pile carrier 9 will be from back the stacking area away and on the auxiliary pile carrier 9 accumulated sheet-like workpieces 2 'to the stacking table 2 "" (see Fig. 1) to hand over.

One without the auxiliary stack carrier 9 required temporary backlog of flat workpieces 2 'on the Zuführbandanordnung 10 can thus be avoided.

The cycle time of the device to the extent set forth essentially results from the "required for piling up a respective stack 2 time. For this only comes the shift to a respective stacking shaft 2 Time required from the stacking station in the banding station P B. In all Rule, ie from a certain number of flat workpieces 2 'per batch 2 " Namely, the time required for banding shorter than that for Stack of each stack 2 '.

As indicated in Fig. 2 further is in the stacking station a P Stop 11 for the leading edges of the stacking station P conveyed flat workpieces 2 'is provided. In a preferred Configuration includes the stop 11, one or more such circumferential Bands or belts that the leading edges of the flat Workpieces 2 'downwards moving strands are facing.

As shown only symbolically, the stop 11 on the format of the delivered flat workpieces 2 'and set this example adjustable by means of a chain 11.1.

The as set circumferential bands or belts of the stop 11 support advantageously lowering the in the stacking station P incoming flat workpieces 2 '.

Lowering the arrivals flat workpieces 2 'is further favored by an effective at the trailing edge, also downwards moving strand of Zuführbandanordnung 10th