Apparatus for bundling stacks of flat materials

p0001one of <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP0640529B1"><text>EP 640 529 B1 0</text></patcit> known device for banding stacks of flat workpieces including a fixed stacking tray with a raisable and lowerable shaft floor, an the stacking shaft with copies of print products filled belt conveyor, one each before and arranged behind the stacking shaft tape supply roller, the bands are welded together in the region of the stacking shaft and are thus guided in one piece from a strip supply roll on the shaft floor away to another tape supply roll. The shaft bottom is to the extent lowered the height of itself increases thereto anabolic stack. In this case, the underlaid 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 and downstream to an upstream facing end face of the building-up stack. After reaching the intended height of the stack a temporarily the stacking shaft supplied copies receiving auxiliary carrying device is placed in the stacking area and pushed the tape from the upstream facing and facing the downstream face of the stack by means of one welding die as far over the top of the stack, to this is strapped. In this case, two sections of the belt are under the effect of each of the welding die in mutual contact and by means of the welding die welded together in this position. A now present two-layered welded portion of the tape is severed in such a way that the stack is strapped by means of a closed band and the rest of the band, in turn, integrally extends from one to the other sheet supply roller.

p0002During the strapping of the intended height having stack, the welding of the band and Entfernes the banded stack of shaft bottom temporarily spent in the stackers range auxiliary carrying device takes over the function of the shaft floor and transfers the formed during the mentioned operations and consumed by the auxiliary carrying device part of the next stack to be formed and the portion underneath the tape back again in its altitude positioned at the shaft bottom.

p0003There is a certain amount of time needed to spend the said auxiliary support device in the stacking area. The income received during this time-scale workpieces are dammed temporarily on said belt conveyor in the known device.

p0004The known device needed for completion of a banded stack of a time consisting of the time for piling a stack of a specific number of copies, and the time for banding of the stack.

p0005A contrast shortened time is a packet-discharge system is needed which has marketed under the type designation PAS 66, the applicant. This has a stacking station, a banding station and provided a stack with shafts, intermittently conveyed on the endless conveyor. A supply of tape extends integrally (after the welding) from a first to a second supply roll, and this is in contrast to that of<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="EP0640529B1"><text>EP 640 529 B1 0</text></patcit> known device is that a developed strip section extends in a manner in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane of the endless conveyor plane.

p0006The invention has for its object to provide a device for banding stacks of flat workpieces with an alternate tape guide and a cycle time which exceeds the stacking period not more than marginally.

p0007To achieve this object, an apparatus for forming stacks of flat workpiece and for banding of the stack with a stacking station, a banding station and provided with stacking shafts, intermittently promoting endless conveyor equipped with a respective, formed on a respective one of the stacking shafts first band guide and one in the banding disposed second band guide, which forms an essentially self-contained guideway, together with the respective first band guide.

p0008With a pertinent training that temporarily between two successive ones of the flat workpieces is provided on a respective one of the stacking shafts verbringbarer auxiliary pile carrier, a cycle time is obtained, which is essentially limited to the stacking time.

p0009The same applies to the case that instead a number of continuously arriving flat workpieces temporarily on the proposed device with these workpieces be fed conveyors are similar to the described known apparatus dammed.

p0010The features of the subject invention and embodiments thereof are the accompanying drawings and the following explanations referring to it removed.

p0011In the drawings:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>Stacking shafts, which are arranged sequentially on a dash-dot indicated, intermittently rotating endless conveyor,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>simplified representation of a portion of the equipped with stacking shafts 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 Einschießvorrichtung for injecting a portion of a tape in a respective present in the banding station stacking shaft,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>one located in the banding station stack shaft, a trained herein first band guide and a stationary second band guide, which form a self-contained guideway of a first embodiment together with the first, and one of the banding station assigned 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>

p0012As in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> recognizable, comprising the proposed device for banding flat workpieces 2 'an endless conveyor 1, which is preferably a first Zugmittelpaar 1.1 and a second Zugmittelpaar 1.2 comprises, namely in the present embodiment in the form of a first and a second pair of endless roller chains with suitable sprockets 1.5 form a multi-chain drive. Both Zugmittelpaare 1.1 and 1.2 form a conveyor section 1.3 of mutually parallel conveying strands which preferably lie in a single area and move operatively intermittently in a direction indicated by the arrow 1.4 conveying direction.

p0013On the endless conveyor 1 are arranged along the same sequentially stacking shafts. 2 A respectively with respect to the conveying direction trailing limiting the stacking shafts 2 is 2.3 and 2.4 formed by rear stops 2.1 and 2.2 respectively, and a preemptive limiting the stacking shafts 2 of front stops. The rear stops 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 preferably follow each other in the conveying direction at equal intervals, which then determine the largest possible size of the stackable flat workpieces. The mutual position of the rear stops 2.1 with respect to the rear stops 2.2 is also adjustable by the mutual phase position of the traction means of the first Zugmittelpaares 1.1.

p0014Analogously, the front stops are 2.3 and 2.4 attached to the second Zugmittelpaar 1.2.

p0015By setting specific mutual phase positions on the one hand the first and the other part of the second Zugmittelpaares 1.1 and 1.2 the stacking shafts 2 are certain formats of the flat workpieces 2 'set. By means of an in<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> schematically indicated drive means 3 are said multiple chain drives and thus the stacking shafts 2 intermittently in the conveying direction of the arrow in 1.4 <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> movable. This results in an advantageous manner the possibility of making the operations of stacking and banding in different places, so that these operations after forming a first stack 2 may run "simultaneously. The endless conveyor 1 conveyed thereto 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 in an in<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> only roughly indicated banding station B. A respective constructed in the stacking station P stack 2 'is in this case supported by a support 2 formed for example by means transversely to the direction 1.4 spaced circumferential bands or fixed guides' '' (see <figref idrefs="f0003">figures 3</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">5</figref>).

p0016It is understood that the stacking shafts 2 will only be transported from the stacking station P in the banding station B when in the stacking station P is a stack 2 "stacked, the 'having a certain number of flat workpieces 2, if after accumulating the flat workpieces 2 'are temporarily intercepted and the stack 2 "with its underside in contact with the endless conveyor. Such contact can be canceled during the stacking if the stack 2 ', as is preferably provided, on a raisable and lowerable stacking table 2' '' '(see<figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>) Is coated.

p0017The <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> are omitting the endless conveyor 1 one of the stacking shafts 2 in a position thereof in the banding station B again. The presentation corresponds to a conducted between the roller chains of the first Zugmittelpaares 1.1 section in a transverse to the axes of the sprockets 1.5 (see<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>) Vertical plane and can, among other things - as well as in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> visible - recognize a formed on the stacking shafts 2 first band guide 2.10 and a disposed in the banding station B second band guide 2.11 which is oriented substantially in or against the conveying direction. 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 essentially oriented vertically and arranged such that in each case 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, the first guide section 2.5 a in the conveying direction according to arrow 1.4-setting and second guide section 2.6 has a counter to the conveying direction oriented guide surface. It is certainly pointing in the direction of conveyance guide surface over a 2.1 and 2.2 respectively formed at the rear stops stop face alignment of the stack 2 "reset.

p0018The lower guide sections 2.7 and 2.8 and an upper guide portion 2.9 having second band guide 2:11 forms together with the first band guide 2:10 a substantially closed guideway. In particular, to the upper guide section 2.9 of the guideway later explained in greater detail pertinent precautions are taken, that turned a lanky in the banding station B in a stacking shaft 2 end of a tape 6 first applies to all guide sections 5.2 to 9.2. To this extent, a respective stack 2 "measured by zeroing in a belt portion of always the same length of usual dimensions of the staple 2" from the end portion of the tape 6 first strapped widely. Said length is such that the leading end of the picked end portion reaches a clamping, welding and cutting station 4 (see<figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">5</figref>). The zeroing is done by means of a reversible, the banding station B associated Einschießvorrichtung 5, the preferred in the present embodiment, a tape drive 5 'and with this cooperating pressure rollers comprises (see<figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">5</figref>).

p0019The shot-end portion is a free end of a not shown here wound tape is depleted.

p0020For shooting in the tape drive 5 runs 'to in the present embodiment in a clockwise direction and between a conveying of the belt drive 5' Band 6 located and said pressure rollers is injected into the interior of the stacking shaft 2 through a gap between the lower guide sections 2.7 and 2.8. Here in the present embodiment the inlet direction of the conveying direction is opposite according to arrow 1.4.

p0021In an alternative embodiment a Einschießvorrichtung is provided einschießt the tape 6, for example by clamping between the upper and lower bands of a belt drive arrangement in the stacking shaft. 2

p0022The <figref idrefs="f0004">Figures 4a to 4f</figref> show individual phases of the banding process and each represents the clamping, welding and cutting station. 4 In this is for the strapping across the conveying direction according to arrow 1.4 (see <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">3</figref>) Inserted beneath the support 2 '' 'an anvil 4.1 that might be taken back out of the welding and cutting station 4 after the end of the banding process.

p0023Said always constant length of the injected end section of the strip 6 is further dimensioned so that at least covers the leading end of the strip 6 substantially across the cross-sectional width of the anvil 4.1. During the Einschießvorganges the tape 6 is guided through an opening 4.2 'in a pestle 4.2 (see<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4b</figref>), Which applies the came under the anvil 4.1 leading end of the injected end section of the strip 6 to the underside of the anvil 4.1 (see <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4c</figref>). The anvil 4.1 thus forms, together with the tappet 4.2 a clamping device for the leading end of the injected end section of the strip. 6

p0024After the clamping of the leading end of the injected end section of the band 6, the drive of Einschießvorrichtung 5 is reversed and thus the stack 2 ', first widely strapped band 6 so tightened that it conforms to the strapped surfaces of the stack 2'.

p0025If 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 is pressed portions of the tape 6 (see <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4d</figref>).

p0026After the welding of the pressed against the anvil sections 4.1 of the belt 6 drives a diameter 4.4 in the direction of the underside of the anvil 4.1 and separates a now closed, the stack 2 "wrapping around band 6 'from the tape supply (see <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4e</figref>).

p0027Once this process is completed, the ram 4.2, the welding dies 4.3 and 4.4 meter drive back to initial positions. The from the closed band 6 'separated free end of the tape supply this case remains for the next cycle in the opening 4.2' of the ram 4.2.

p0028After banding further the anvil 4.1 peeled off from the clamping, welding and cutting station 4, a next stack 2 "by temporarily driving the endless conveyor 1 from the stacking station P in the banding station B and the banded stack 2 'from the banding station B moved to a subsequent station. Thereafter, the anvil is 4.1 reinserted into the banding station B, so that a state shown in <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG. 4a</figref> results.

p0029The means and procedures to create a band with a 6 set 'provided stack 2 "result in the diversion in an advantageous manner that the stamps 6' have only a single weld.

p0030The <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a first alternative of indicated earlier and now explained precautions again, which are taken to make certain strapping a respective stack 2 "in the banding station B with the shot-in this end of the strip 6, although this is a large part of this end section above the stack 2 "must be performed. This alternative provides for the formation of the aforementioned upper guide section 2.9 of the second band guide 2:11 before a pressure chamber. 7 This forms a substantially downward-pointing chamber wall 7.1 of the upper guide section 2.9. In the chamber wall 7.1 7.2 nozzles are provided, from which operationally blown air flows with a direction component which points in the direction in which the shot-end portion of the strip 6, the chamber wall happened 7.1. The nozzles 7.2 are designed as slotted nozzles, and in their totality form a levitation nozzle arrangement 7.3, which the chamber wall holds 7.1 passing part of the picked portion of the belt 6 under the action of the aerodynamic paradox in a floating position relative to the chamber wall 7.1.

p0031In <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> A second alternative for safe guidance of the injected end section of the strip 6 above to be strapped and then indicated to be banded stack 2 ". In this case a second band guide is 2.11 ', which forms an upper guide section 2.12 using a Saugbandtriebes 8.1, which in a vacuum chamber 8 is inserted, which in turn is connected to a vacuum generator not shown. the Saugbandtrieb 8.1 includes, depending on its configuration, for example, one or more perforated belts or a certain number of round belts. These each form a conveying that of the present case the direction of entry band 6 operatively moved substantially in the interior of the respective stacking shaft 2 in the conveying direction according to arrow 1.4.

p0032The arrangement of the perforated belts or round belts as well as the configuration of the Einschießvorrichtung 5 and optionally the welding and cutting station 4 and the first band guide 2:10 shall do so according to the number of the respective stacking shaft 2 supplied benefits.

p0033In the event that the second band guide 2:11 includes the already mentioned levitation nozzle arrangement 7.3, also the arrangement of the nozzles on the number of the respective stacking shaft 2 is supplied benefits adjusted as necessary.

p0034As in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> indicated, the extent explained device in a preferred embodiment to 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 ', which takes place in the present embodiment by means of a Zuführbandanordnung 10th

p0035The auxiliary pile carrier 9 is manually or automatically abzulegendes depending on the design of which between a last on the stack 2 "and a subsequent flat workpiece 2 'is inserted and temporarily stores to said last following-area workpieces 2' to the here (in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>) Only schematically and incompletely reproduced endless conveyor 1 has spent the finished stack 2 "from the stacking station P in the banding station B, so that again is an empty stacking shaft 2 in the stacking station P.

p0036Once this condition is reached, the auxiliary pile carrier 9 are removed from the stacking area and accumulated on the auxiliary pile carrier 9 flat workpieces 2 'to the stacking table 2 "" (see <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>) to hand over.

p0037On without the auxiliary pile carrier 9 required temporary backflow of the flat workpieces 2 'on the Zuführbandanordnung 10 can thus be avoided.

p0038The cycle time of the device to the extent set forth arises mainly from the time "required for piling up a respective stack 2. For this purpose, only comes the the displacement of a respective stacking shaft 2 from the stacking station P into the banding station B required time. As a rule, ie from a certain number of flat workpieces 2 'per stack 2', the time required for banding, namely shorter than that for piling up a respective stack 2 '.

p0039As in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> further indicated, a stop 11 is provided for the leading edges of the transported into the stacking station P-area workpieces 2 'in the stacking station P. In a preferred embodiment includes the stop 11, one or more such circulating belts or belt that the leading edges of the flat workpieces 2 'downwards moving strands are facing.

p0040As shown only symbolically, the stop 11 on the format of the supplied flat workpieces 2 'and set this adjustable for example by means of a chain 11.1.

p0041The as set circumferential bands or belts of the stopper 11 support advantageously lowering the incident in the stacking station P-area workpieces 2 '.

p0042Lowering the arrivals flat workpieces 2 'is further facilitated by an effective at the trailing edge, also downward moving run of Zuführbandanordnung 10th