Suction head device for a sheet feeder

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction head device of a sheet feeder, which comprises a feeler foot (3) that can be lifted from the surface of a sheet stack in a periodic manner by a drive. The drive is an electromagnetic linear drive (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction head device for a sheet feeder, the suction head device including a probe foot capable of being periodically lifted from the surface of a sheet stack by a driver. Background Technology

[0002] DE2220353C2 describes a suction head device in which a probe foot swings below a sheet lifted by a split suction device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide another suction head device.

[0004] This task is accomplished by a suction head device of a sheet feeder, which includes a probe foot that can be periodically lifted from the surface of the sheet stack by a driver, characterized in that the driver is an electromagnetic linear driver.

[0005] The advantage is that linear drives save space, thus allowing sufficient installation space in the suction head assembly for components with other functions.

[0006] The following improvements are possible:

[0007] Electromagnetic linear actuators can be a common actuator for both lift-type suction devices (separate suction devices) and probe feet.

[0008] The probe can be connected to an electromagnetic linear actuator via a transmission mechanism (especially a coupling transmission mechanism).

[0009] The suction head device may have a lift-up suction device that is driven by another actuator.

[0010] Another type of driver could be an electromagnetic linear driver. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Further improvements to the present invention can be derived from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] It shows:

[0013] Figure 1 A first embodiment having a common linear actuator for a lifting suction device and probe feet, and

[0014] Figure 2 A second embodiment having different linear actuators for the lifting suction device and the probe foot. Detailed Implementation

[0015] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In both embodiments, the suction head assembly includes a lifting suction unit 1 for sequentially lifting sheets from a feed stack, the suction head assembly being positioned above the feed stack. The vertical movement of the lifting suction unit 1 is driven by an electromagnetic linear actuator 2, which has a stator 2a and an actuator 2b. The lifting suction unit 1 is connected to the actuator 2b. The suction head assembly also includes probes 3 that operate at the sheet conveying rhythm. The probe detaches from and returns to the feed stack. As the lifting suction device 1 approaches the feed stack, the probe 3 releases the topmost page of the feed stack by lifting it. Once the lifting suction device 1 has lifted the topmost page, the probe 3 swings under the lifted page and presses against the surface of the next top page of the feed stack. The swinging of the probe 3 occurs around the hinge 4.

[0016] Figure 1 One embodiment is shown in which the movement of the probe 3 is driven by the linear actuator 2 of the lifting suction device 1 via a coupling transmission mechanism 5. The coupling transmission mechanism 5 includes a rocker arm 6, which is connected to the linear actuator 2 (or its actuator 2b) via a first link 7 and to a hinge 4 via a second link 8. When the linear actuator 2 swings the rocker arm 6, the hinge 4 moves along a linear guide 9. The probe 3 is connected to the second link 8 via the hinge 4 in a swingable manner relative to the second link 8. The probe 3 is connected to a curved roller 11 via a rod 10, which runs in a curved track 12. The connection between the rod 10 and the probe 3 is rigid, so that the latter cannot move relative to the former. When the hinge 4 moves along the linear guide 9, the curved transmission mechanism 13, consisting of the curved roller 11 and the curved track 12, swings the rod 10 and consequently causes the probe 3 to swing about the hinge 4.

[0017] Figure 2 One embodiment is shown in which, in addition to the linear actuator 2 of the lifting suction device 1, a separate electromagnetic linear actuator 14 is provided for the probe foot 3. The linear actuator 14 includes a stator 14a and an actuator 14b. A hinge 4 is fixed to the actuator 14b, and a curved transmission mechanism 13 oscillates the probe foot 3 about the hinge 4. The structure of the curved transmission mechanism 13 and its connection to the probe foot 3 via the rod 10 are the same as in the first embodiment. When the actuator 14b moves downward or upward together with the hinge 4, the curved roller 11 runs accordingly along the curved track 12. This achieves the oscillating motion of the probe foot 3 swinging away from the feed stack and back to the feed stack after the linear actuator 14 changes direction.

[0018] List of reference numerals

[0019] 1 Lifting suction device

[0020] 2 linear drivers

[0021] 2a stator

[0022] 2b actuator

[0023] 3 probes

[0024] 4 Hinges

[0025] 5. Coupling transmission mechanism

[0026] 6-axis Wippe

[0027] 7. First Link

[0028] 8 Second Link

[0029] 9 Linear Guide Section

[0030] 10 strokes

[0031] 11 Curved Roller

[0032] 12-curved track

[0033] 13 Curved Transmission Mechanism

[0034] 14 linear drivers

[0035] 14a stator

[0036] 14b Actuator

Claims

1. A suction head device for a sheet feeder, the suction head device comprising a probe (3) capable of being periodically lifted from the surface of a sheet stack by a driver. Its features are, The actuator is an electromagnetic linear first actuator (2), and the probe (3) is connected to a curved roller (11) via a rod (10), which runs in a curved track (12). The connection between the rod (10) and the probe (3) is rigid, so that the latter is immovable relative to the former. When the hinge (4) moves up and down, the curved transmission mechanism (13) formed by the curved roller (11) and the curved track (12) causes the rod (10) to swing and the probe (3) to swing around the hinge (4).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The electromagnetic linear first actuator (2) is a common actuator for the lifting suction device (1) and the probe foot (3).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, Its features are, The probe foot (3) is connected to the electromagnetic linear first driver (2) via a coupling transmission mechanism (5).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The suction head device has a lifting suction device (1), which is driven by another driver.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, Its features are, The other driver is an electromagnetic linear second driver (14).

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