Feeder device

Abstract

The invention generally relates to a feeder device and a sheet feed processing machine. The feeder device comprises a rotating mechanism, a displacement mechanism and a feeder baffle. The rotating mechanism is configured to cause rotational movement of the feeder baffle for supplying sheets to be fed into the sheet feed processing machine to a receiving device of the sheet feed processing machine. The displacement mechanism is configured to cause a displacement movement of the feeder baffle according to the displacement direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a feeder device and a sheet feeding and processing machine. Background Art

[0002] In a sheet feeding and processing machine, a sheet is provided from a stack of a plurality of sheets to be fed through a feeder shutter. The feeder shutter generally rotates while supporting the corresponding sheet, thereby providing it to a processing device of the processing machine. However, due to the weight of the sheet to be fed, the feeder shutter may at least partially mark the sheet in the sense of imprinting or scratching, thereby causing unevenness on the sheet surface. The unevenness is caused in a more pronounced manner because during the backward movement of the feeder shutter, the feeder shutter at least partially moves through the passage of the sheet to be fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine. Therefore, if the timing is improper, unevenness will be caused on the sheet surface.

[0003] If the sheet is not ideally flat but presents a deformed corrugated shape, the degree of marking of the sheet to be fed will also increase because the area on which the force caused by contact with the feeder shutter acts is reduced. Therefore, the marking depth caused by the contact between the sheet and the feeder shutter increases.

[0004] Generally speaking, known feeder shutters for providing sheets to be fed to a sheet feeding and processing machine cause a decline in sheet quality.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a feeder device and a sheet feeding and processing machine based on which the disadvantages of known feeder shutters can be avoided or at least reduced.

[0006] In U.S. Patent 2,199,170, a feeder device is described which has a feeder shutter driven by an eccentric drive to move in an elliptical pattern. Initially, the feeder shutter moves vertically downward to release the top sheet from the stack so that it can be removed and transported for further processing. However, during the backward phase of this action, the edge of the feeder shutter will be lifted higher than during the forward movement, which poses a potential risk of damage to the underside of the sheet. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The subject matter of the independent claims meets the corresponding needs. Preferred embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims and the following description, and each embodiment alone or in combination may represent an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] An overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that presenting these aspects is merely to provide a brief overview of these particular embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0009] According to one aspect, a feeder device for a sheet feeding and processing machine is provided. The feeder device includes at least a rotating mechanism, a displacement mechanism, and a feeder baffle. The rotating mechanism is configured to cause a rotational movement of the feeder baffle for supplying a sheet to be fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine to a receiving device of the sheet feeding and processing machine. The displacement mechanism is configured to cause a displacement movement of the feeder baffle according to a displacement direction.

[0010] In other words, the feeder device according to the present disclosure is configured such that the feeder baffle can not only rotate but also be displaced. In particular, the displacement movement can be oriented such that contact between the feeder baffle and the sheet to be fed can be avoided because the feeder baffle can be removed from the channel for the sheet to be fed. Thus, since the distance between the feeder baffle and the channel for the sheet to be fed is ensured at least for a specific period during feeding, the risk of unevenness in the sheet to be fed caused by the feeder baffle is reduced. In this way, the surface quality of the sheet to be fed is improved without being affected by potential deformation ripples of the sheet to be fed.

[0011] Herein, the sheet feeding and processing machine can be regarded as a machine for professional purposes, which is used to manipulate sheets, especially paper or cardboard, by, for example, cutting, printing, embossing, etc. For example, the sheet feeding and processing machine can represent a hot foil stamping machine. In principle, the sheet feeding and processing machine is fed by individual sheets of a stack of sheets.

[0012] Herein, the rotational movement can be regarded as a rotation about a rotation axis. In other words, the rotational movement can follow a substantially circular path around the rotation axis.

[0013] Herein, the rotating mechanism can be regarded as a device configured to cause a rotational movement of the feeder baffle based on mechanical, pneumatic, or electric actuation.

[0014] Herein, the displacement movement can be regarded as a movement that substantially follows a substantially linear (straight) path. However, the final path followed by the feeder baffle is not necessarily linear because several movements of the feeder baffle overlap with each other such that the final trajectory is different from the linear (straight) path. Instead, in this case, a superimposed trajectory can be achieved. The curvature of the final trajectory may also be caused at least to some extent by the mechanism according to how the feeder baffle is caused to move. Herein, the displacement mechanism can be regarded as a device configured to cause a displacement movement of the feeder baffle based on mechanical, pneumatic, or electric actuation.

[0015] In this text, the receiving device of the sheet feeding and processing machine can be regarded as a device configured to capture the sheet fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine. In particular, the receiving device is configured to capture the sheet in a defined manner such that the sheet can be subsequently processed according to a standard procedure. The defined manner can, for example, include a specific orientation of the captured sheet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the receiving device can, for example, include a pair of rollers configured to capture the sheet therebetween such that the orientation of the sheet is ensured for further processing.

[0017] The rotation mechanism is configured to cause at least a partial rotational movement during the forward and backward movements of the feeder baffle. The displacement mechanism is configured to cause at least a partial displacement movement during the backward movement of the feeder baffle. In other words, the feeder baffle makes a forward movement to feed the sheet into the sheet feeding and processing machine or to feed the sheet to the receiving device of the sheet feeding and processing machine. During the forward movement, the displacement mechanism does not need to cause a displacement movement of the feeder baffle. However, during the backward movement of the feeder baffle, when the feeder baffle moves back to its starting position for a subsequent feeding cycle, both the rotation mechanism and the displacement mechanism cause corresponding movements of the feeder baffle. Therefore, in order to be able to support the sheet to be fed during the forward movement of the feeder baffle, the feeder baffle needs to reach or intervene in the path of the sheet to be fed, otherwise there can be no supporting contact. Therefore, during the forward movement of the feeder baffle, a displacement movement is not necessary. However, since the feeder baffle makes an additional displacement movement during the backward movement, potential interference between the feeder baffle and the path of the sheet is advantageously avoided.

[0018] In the forward action, the displacement mechanism can align the leading edge of the feeder baffle with the leading edge of the sheet, with the leading edge of the feeder baffle slightly ahead in time. In this way, the sheet does not need to be supported on this leading edge since this leading edge moves in front of the sheet at a similar speed.

[0019] Additionally, when the feeder baffle extends between the forward and backward actions, it forms a ramp to prevent the edge of the sheet from getting stuck under the receiving device during further processing. Ideally, the ramp is set at a 45-degree angle (100% slope), but should not exceed a 150% slope to effectively function as a ramp rather than an obstacle.

[0020] Optionally, during the backward movement of the feeder baffle, both the rotation mechanism and the displacement mechanism can cause the movement of the feeder baffle, and the movement of the feeder baffle at least partially overlaps in time with each other. This means that, at least during the backward movement of the feeder baffle, the corresponding movements can be at least partially synchronous.

[0021] The displacement mechanism can also be configured to cause a displacement movement of the feeder baffle during the forward movement of the feeder baffle. In this case, the forward movement of the feeder baffle can be ensured, which is advantageously flatter than without the displacement movement. If the forward movement of the feeder baffle is only based on the rotation mechanism, the leading edge of the feeder baffle follows a trajectory that substantially follows a circular path. Thus, during this trajectory, the leading edge of the feeder baffle includes different height levels defined by the circular path below. If, during the forward movement of the feeder baffle, a displacement movement of the feeder baffle is also additionally carried out, the trajectory can be flattened in a sense, and the leading edge of the feeder baffle only reaches a maximum height level that is lower compared to the case without the displacement movement. Therefore, advantageously, the forward movement is flatter. Consequently, the force applied to the sheet is smaller, so that the unevenness caused in the sheet surface is reduced. Of course, during the forward movement of the feeder baffle, the displacement mechanism and the rotation mechanism can cause corresponding movements of the feeder baffle that at least partially overlap each other in time.

[0022] In some embodiments, whether it is the forward movement or the backward movement of the feeder baffle, the rotational movement and the displacement movement can also be carried out successively with respect to each other.

[0023] Alternatively, the displacement mechanism does not need to start when the backward movement of the feeder baffle is initiated. Instead, the displacement mechanism can also start before or after the time point when the backward movement of the feeder baffle is initiated. For example, the displacement mechanism can also start slightly earlier than when the backward movement of the feeder flip is initiated, that is, slightly earlier than the end of the forward movement of the feeder baffle.

[0024] Optionally, the feeder baffle includes a leading edge. During the forward movement of the feeder baffle, the leading edge of the feeder baffle includes a first maximum height level. During the backward movement of the feeder baffle, the leading edge of the feeder baffle includes a second maximum height level. The second maximum height level is lower than the first maximum height level. This situation is ensured because during the backward movement of the feeder baffle, the displacement movement causes a reduction in the height of the leading edge of the feeder baffle.

[0025] In this regard, the height level of the leading edge of the feeder baffle is determined by the height above the support surface of the channel of the sheet to be fed into the sheet feeding and printing machine. The maximum height level during each corresponding movement of the feeder baffle can be regarded as the highest height level above the support surface that the leading edge of the feeder baffle participates in during the corresponding movement. Since the displacement movement can ensure that the feeder baffle does not reach the channel of the sheet to be fed during the backward movement, the maximum height level can also be zero, or even negative, during the backward movement. In other words, the leading edge of the feeder baffle experiences a trajectory during the forward movement, where it participates in a positive maximum height level, while the maximum height level during the backward movement of the feeder baffle may be zero, or even negative. Therefore, during the backward movement of the feeder baffle, contact between the feeder baffle and the channel of the sheet to be fed is ensured to be avoided.

[0026] Optionally, the displacement direction of the feeder baffle is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the feeder baffle specified by the rotating mechanism. Thus, the displacement movement can be used to directly retract the feeder baffle from the space required by the rotating mechanism. In other words, the displacement mechanism provides an additional degree of freedom for the movement of the feeder baffle.

[0027] Preferably, the axis of rotation of the feeder baffle is oriented in a horizontal plane, and the displacement direction of the feeder baffle is oriented substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Although the sheet to be fed is usually transported along a horizontal path, the displacement direction is specifically configured to move the feeder baffle away from the horizontal plane as directly as possible, where the interaction with the sheet to be fed occurs on this horizontal plane. Therefore, the direction for retracting the feeder baffle can be specifically adapted to coincide with the direction of gravity.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism and the displacement mechanism are coupled to each other through a control shaft. This provides the possibility of including a combined mechanical coupling, such that different movement mechanisms can be controlled jointly, for example, through a control device.

[0029] Specifically, the control shaft can be used to coordinate the rotating mechanism and the displacement mechanism relative to each other, such that an overall defined movement scheme of the feeder baffle is achieved.

[0030] Preferably, each of the rotating mechanism and the displacement mechanism includes at least one of a cam device, a pneumatic drive, and an electric drive. In other words, there are various ways to ensure the proper movement of different mechanisms, such as through a cam device, which allows the sequence of different movement mechanisms to be adapted relative to each other according to the orientation of the cam device.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation mechanism includes a first cam device, and the displacement mechanism includes a second cam device. The first and second cam devices are coupled to the feeder baffle via respective first and second levers. In this way, the levers represent a mechanical connection to directly transmit the movement of the cam devices to the feeder baffle. Thereby, an appropriate movement of the feeder baffle according to the time-varying orientation of the cam devices is ensured.

[0032] The final displacement movement is not necessarily linear and may exhibit a small curvature because the displacement mechanism is achieved by at least one lever acting on the feeder baffle. However, the displacement movement can be considered to be substantially linear in the sense that it only has a slight difference from a rectilinear movement.

[0033] Optionally, the first cam device and the second cam device are coupled to a camshaft. The camshaft can then be directly operated to control the movement of all cam devices. In other words, the actuation of a single component (i.e., the camshaft) ensures the appropriate movement of the feeder baffle, including the appropriate sequence of the rotation mechanism and the displacement mechanism, while the rotation mechanism and the displacement mechanism individually depend on the orientation of the cam devices relative to the camshaft.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the feeder device further includes a control device configured to actuate the camshaft at least according to the position of the sheet to be fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine. In this regard, at least one sensing device can be coupled to the control device and can provide a measurement value based on which the position of the sheet to be fed can be determined by the control device. Thereby, an appropriate movement of the feeder baffle relative to the position of the sheet can be ensured.

[0035] Optionally, the control device can be coupled to an engine device or the like, which is configured to cause the (especially rotational) movement of the camshaft based on at least one control signal received by the control device.

[0036] The control device can include circuitry configured to perform the above control routines.

[0037] Preferably, the first and second levers are mounted to the support structure in a spring-loaded manner. Thus, it can be ensured that the spring-loaded levers return to a defined position after a certain sequence of movements, for example, after one rotation of the camshaft, during which the levers can finally overcome the spring-loading forces acting on them and move.

[0038] Optionally, the first and second levers are coupled to a control shaft. This provides the possibility of providing a synchronous anchor point for the various levers via the control shaft. Thus, the complexity of the feeder device is reduced because separate anchor points can be avoided.

[0039] Preferably, the first and second levers are at least partially rotatable about the control axis. This means that a complete rotation about the control axis is not required for the levers. However, for the various levers, a small rotation may be possible in both rotational directions. Since a single axis of rotation is provided, the complexity of the feeder device is further reduced.

[0040] In some embodiments, an additional third lever is mounted remote from and parallel to the second lever. The additional third lever is coupled to at least the control axis and the feeder baffle. In other words, for at least the displacement mechanism, a number of mechanical connections can be provided between the control axis and the feeder baffle. This can allow for a more uniform displacement movement. Especially considering that the lateral dimension of the feeder baffle may be quite large (mainly depending on the size of the sheet to be fed), compared to a configuration with a single lever connection, this can avoid or at least reduce the bending of parts of the feeder baffle.

[0041] Of course, additional levers acting parallel to the second lever or the first lever can also be provided. In essence, although the feeder baffle may include a large lateral dimension (along the axis of rotation), a more uniform movement of the feeder baffle can still be ensured.

[0042] According to another aspect, a sheet feeding and processing machine is provided, which includes the feeder device as described above.

[0043] The sheet feeding and processing machine may particularly include at least one processing device for cutting, printing, embossing, etc. of the sheet. Each of the processing devices may include receiving means for capturing the sheet according to the required orientation. The sheet may be provided at least in part by the above-described feeder device. In particular, the feeder device can be used to feed the sheet to the first processing device (the upstream processing device at the entrance of the processing machine), and the sheet is typically provided from a stack located at the introduction station of the machine.

[0044] In this regard, if the topmost sheet is introduced into the machine, the feeder baffle of the feeder device also serves to ensure the straight (vertical) orientation of the remaining sheets in the stack of sheets.

[0045] All features and embodiments disclosed for any aspect of the present disclosure can be combined individually or in any combination with any one of the remaining aspects of the present disclosure (including each of its preferred embodiments) as long as the final combination of features is reasonable for a person skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] When combined with the drawings, the above aspects and further advantages of the claimed subject matter will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description. In the drawings,

[0047] - Figure 1Schematic diagram of a sheet feeding and processing machine

[0048] - Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the inlet section of a sheet feeding and processing machine

[0049] - Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a feeder device

[0050] - Figure 4A and Figure 4B Side view schematic diagram of a feeder baffle

[0051] - Figure 5 Another schematic diagram of a feeder baffle

[0052] - Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of a sheet feeding and processing machine Detailed implementation manners

[0053] The following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements) is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration and should not be construed as superior to or favored over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the claimed subject matter to the exact forms disclosed. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. Thus, the described embodiments are not limited to the embodiments shown and should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0054] All features disclosed herein with respect to example embodiments and / or the accompanying drawings can be combined, either singly or in any sub-combination, with the features of aspects of this disclosure (including the features of its preferred embodiments), provided that the resulting combination of features is reasonable to those skilled in the art.

[0055] For the purposes of this disclosure, for example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all possible permutations and combinations when listing more than three elements. In other words, the term "at least one of A and B" generally means "A and / or B", i.e., A alone, B alone, or A and B.

[0056] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a sheet feeding and processing machine 10. The machine 10 includes an inlet station 12, at least one processing device 14, and an output station 16.

[0057] At the input station 12, stacks 18 of sheets 20 to be fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine 10 are provided.

[0058] At the output station 16, stacks 18 of processed sheets 20 are accumulated.

[0059] Inside the machine 10, gripper bars 22 are used along a chain drive 24 to pick up individual sheets 20 and transport them through various sections, such as the processing device 14.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the processing device 14 represents a printing press, but other types of processing devices 14, such as printing devices, cutting devices, etc., can also be considered.

[0061] Upstream of the processing device 14, a feeder device 26 is provided, which is configured to ensure the proper feeding of the sheets 20 through a feed table 28 to the processing device 14.

[0062] According to the present embodiment, the sheet feeding and processing machine 10 includes an engine 30 to cause the movement of the chain drive 24.

[0063] The feeder device 26 has two purposes. First, it ensures the proper feeding of the sheets 20 in the stack 18 of sheets 20 at the input station 12 to the feed table 28. Second, during the feeding process, the feeder device 26 ensures that the sheets 20 in the stack 18 of sheets 20 arranged within the input station 12 remain properly oriented. In other words, during the feeding process, a stabilizing mechanism is ensured by the feeder device 26.

[0064] Figure 2 It is a schematic view of the input section 12 of the sheet feeding and processing machine 10.

[0065] The stack 18 of sheets 20 to be fed into the machine 10 is arranged on a platform 32 that can be raised by an engine 34. Thereby, it can be ensured that the topmost sheet 20 is always at a similar height level. Thereby, the feeder device 26 can interact with the stack 18 (especially the topmost sheet 20) in the same way, regardless of the number of remaining sheets 20 in the stack 18.

[0066] A suction device 36 is generally used to lift the topmost sheet 20 and transport the sucked sheet 20 horizontally (as indicated by the arrow 38) towards the feed table 28.

[0067] This movement of the sheet 20 is assisted by the feeder device 26 before a receiving device 40, which is assigned to the most upstream processing device 14 of the machine 10 and is configured to capture individual sheets 20.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the receiving device 40 includes a pair of rollers 42 arranged and configured to capture the sheet 20 therebetween. Since one roller 42 is arranged above the sheet 20 and the other below, the rotation of the rollers 42 in opposite rotational directions (rotation directions) causes the movement of the sheet 20 (as shown, from right to left).

[0069] The feeder device 26 serves as an intermediate device between the suction device 36 and the receiving device 40, which transfers the sheet 20 between these two devices.

[0070] To avoid unnecessary waste and improve the surface quality of the sheet 20 and the production efficiency of the machine 10, the present feeder device 26 includes a plurality of movement mechanisms acting in different directions.

[0071] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the feeder device 26. The feeder device 26 includes a feeder baffle 44 having a leading edge 45, a control shaft 46, and a camshaft 48. A first cam device 50 and a second cam device 52 are coupled to the camshaft 48. The first cam device 50 is coupled to the feeder baffle 44 through a first lever 54. The second cam device 52 is coupled to the feeder baffle 44 through a second lever 56.

[0072] The first lever 54 and the second lever 56 are also coupled to the control shaft 46. A third lever 58 is mounted between the control shaft 46 and the feeder baffle 44, parallel to but away from the second lever 56.

[0073] In this regard, the first to third levers 54, 56, 58 are at least partially rotatable about the control shaft 46 serving as an anchor point. In addition, at least the first and second levers 54, 56 are spring-loaded by a spring device 60, and the spring device 60 is coupled between the levers 54, 56 and the support structure of the machine 10.

[0074] The feeder device 26 is generally mounted to a support plate 62 of the sheet feeding and processing machine 10.

[0075] To enable the movement of the feeder baffle 44, an engine device 64 is coupled to the camshaft 48.

[0076] According to the present embodiment, the first cam device 50 and the first lever 54 are assigned to the rotation mechanism 66 of the feeder device 26. According to the orientation of the first cam device 50 relative to the camshaft 48 and the first lever 54, the rotation of the camshaft 48 causes the first lever 54 to rotate about the control shaft 46. Thereby, the feeder baffle 44 rotates about the rotation axis 68. In this regard, the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle follows a trajectory having a circular path.

[0077] Similarly, a second cam device 52, a second lever 56, and a third lever 58 are assigned to the displacement mechanism 70 of the feeder device 26. Depending on the orientation of the second cam device 52 relative to the camshaft 48 and the second lever 56, rotation of the camshaft 48 causes rotation of the second lever 56 and the third lever 58 about the control axis 46. As a result, displacement of the feeder shutter 44 in the displacement direction 72 occurs. In other words, the displacement movement of the feeder shutter 44 represents a linear movement. Therefore, the leading edge 45 of the feeder shutter 44 performs a linear movement.

[0078] However, the rotation mechanism 66 and the displacement mechanism 70 can also start at least partially overlapping each other in time. In other words, the corresponding movements of the feeder shutter 44 and its leading edge 45 can be caused at least partially synchronously. Therefore, the trajectory followed by the leading edge 45 of the feeder shutter 44 can include a superposition of a circular path and a linear movement. For example, the leading edge 45 can follow a trajectory having an elliptical path.

[0079] According to the present embodiment, the axis of rotation 68 lies in a horizontal plane, and the displacement direction 72 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The displacement is designed to be close to a linear vertical displacement, but since it is driven by three levers, it is neither completely linear nor completely vertical. However, the main component of the displacement of the feeder shutter 44 is vertically oriented. In other words, the displacement direction 72 is oriented substantially along the vertical direction.

[0080] Although the sheet 20 to be fed is typically transported parallel to the horizontal plane of the axis of rotation 68, the displacement mechanism 70 is capable of immediately displacing the feeder shutter 44 from this horizontal plane so that once the displacement mechanism 70 starts, contact with the sheet 20 to be fed can be directly stopped. When no corresponding sheet is supported, but instead the feeder shutter 44 returns to its starting position for a subsequent feeding cycle, during the backward movement of the feeder shutter 44, the displacement movement of the feeder shutter 44 can be caused at least partially by the displacement mechanism 70.

[0081] The sequence of the rotation mechanism 66 and the displacement mechanism 70 depends on the orientation of the first cam device 50 and the second cam device 52 relative to the camshaft 48. Since both cam devices 50, 52 are coupled to a single camshaft, a single engine device 64 can be used to control the movement of the feeder shutter 44.

[0082] According to the present embodiment, the sequence (movement scheme) of the movement of the feeder shutter 44 can be described as: counterclockwise backward rotation (transporting the sheet 20 to be fed), downward displacement (canceling contact with the sheet 20 to be fed), clockwise forward rotation (rotating toward the start orientation), and upward displacement (moving toward the next expected point of contact with the subsequent sheet 20 to be fed). Thereafter, the movement of the feeder shutter 44 is repeated for subsequent sheets 20.

[0083] Note that, for the sake of illustration, the sequence of movements of the feeder baffle 44 is described herein as non-overlapping with respect to the rotational movement and the displacement movement. However, typically, the rotational movement and the displacement movement can at least partially overlap with each other, i.e., be performed synchronously.

[0084] In other words, the counterclockwise backward rotation of the feeder baffle 44 can also be performed at least to some extent or completely synchronously with the downward displacement of the feeder baffle 44. Similarly, the clockwise forward rotation can be performed at least to some extent or completely synchronously with the upward displacement of the feeder baffle 44. Thus, the individual cycle of the sequence of movements of the feeder baffle 44 can be shortened, such that a higher throughput of the sheet 20 can be achieved.

[0085] However, since the flat feet 44 are removed from the channel for the sheet 20, the displacement mechanism 70 can ensure avoidance of contact with the sheet 20. Thus, additional surface irregularities with respect to the surface of the sheet 20 can be avoided. Ultimately, the quality of the processed sheet 20 and the efficiency of the entire machine 10 are improved. The amount of waste is reduced.

[0086] Since the second lever 56 and the third lever 58 act parallel to each other, a more uniform force distribution is achieved during the displacement movement of the feeder baffle 44. In addition, the bending of the feeder baffle 44 along its width 74 is smaller.

[0087] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a side view schematic of the feeder baffle 44. The sheet 20 to be fed has been lifted from the stack 18 of sheets 20. However, for better illustration of the height characteristics of the feeder baffle 44, the sheet 20 has not yet contacted the feeder baffle 44.

[0088] According to Figure 4A , before the displacement mechanism 70 is activated, the feeder baffle 44 is positioned according to the raised position. H1 designates the maximum height level of the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44 during the rotational movement of the rotational mechanism 66. H2 designates the height level of the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44 at the end of the backward rotational movement of the rotational mechanism 66, but before the start of the displacement mechanism 70. In addition, in Figure 4A , the feeder baffle 44 forms a ramp 47 to prevent the edge of the sheet 20 from getting stuck under the receiving device 40 during further processing. The ramp 47 is set at a 45-degree angle (100% slope)

[0089] According to Figure 4B, after the displacement mechanism 70 is activated and the feeder baffle 44 is retracted to the downward position, the feeder baffle 44 is positioned according to the retracted position. At the end of the backward rotation movement of the rotation mechanism 66 but before the start of the displacement mechanism 70, H2 again designates the height level of the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44. Conversely, after the displacement mechanism 70 starts and the feeder baffle 44 is displaced downward away from the sheet 20 to be fed to the lower position, H3 designates the height level of the feeder baffle 44.

[0090] Here, the operation of the feeder baffle 44 is described in a sense in the way that the backward rotation movement and the displacement mechanism are actuated one after another. However, the backward rotation movement and the displacement mechanism 70 can generally overlap in time.

[0091] The height difference between H2 and H3 can cancel the contact with the sheet 20 to be fed, so that the surface unevenness in the surface of the sheet 20 can be reduced or even avoided. Even if the sheet 20 is corrugated, the height difference between H2 and H3 is sufficient to avoid contact.

[0092] Figure 5 is another schematic view of the feeder baffle 44. In the figure, the feeder baffle 44 is simultaneously shown in its so-called open position (solid line) and its so-called closed position (dashed line). During the forward movement 76, due to the rotation mechanism 66, the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44 follows an arc. During the forward movement 76, the leading edge 45 participates in the first maximum height level HMAX1, which is positive and higher than the nominal support surface 78 of the channel of the sheet 20 to be fed.

[0093] During the backward movement 80 (dashed line), the displacement mechanism 70 starts and causes the displacement movement of the feeder baffle 44. Therefore, the trajectory of the backward movement 80 is such that the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44 remains below the support surface 78 of the channel of the sheet 20 to be fed. This means that, at the end of the backward movement 80, the maximum height level HMAX2 of the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44 is zero. Therefore, relative to the support surface 78 of the channel of the sheet 20 to be fed, the maximum height level HMAX2 that the leading edge 45 of the foot 44 participates in during the backward movement 80 is lower than the maximum height level HMAX1 of the leading edge 45 of the feeder baffle 44 during the forward movement 76.

[0094] Therefore, during the backward movement 80, it is ensured to avoid the contact between the feeder baffle 44 and the channel of the sheet 20 to be fed. This is achieved because at least during the backward movement 80, the feeder baffle 44 moves at least partially through the rotation mechanism 66 and the displacement mechanism 70, which can optionally be at least partially synchronized with each other.

[0095] Figure 6is another schematic view of the sheet feeding and processing machine 10. According to this embodiment, the machine 10 includes a control device 82, which is part of the feeder device 26 and includes a circuit system. The control device 82 is coupled to the engine device 64 for controlling the movement of the camshaft 48. Optionally, the control device 82 can be coupled to at least one sensing device such that the movement of the camshaft 48 is adapted to the position of the sheet 20 to be fed. Thus, the proper movement of the feeder baffle 44 can be ensured according to the position of the sheet.

[0096] Certain embodiments disclosed herein, particularly corresponding modules, utilize a circuit system (e.g., one or more circuits) to implement the standards, protocols, methods, or techniques disclosed herein, operably couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode / decode signals, convert signals, transmit and / or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Any type of circuit system can be used.

[0097] In an embodiment, among other things, the circuit system includes one or more computing devices, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), general-purpose computing on a graphics processing unit (GPGPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-chip (SoC), etc., or any combination thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronic devices, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the circuit system includes an implementation of a hardware circuit (e.g., an implementation of an analog circuit system, a digital circuit system, etc., and combinations thereof).

[0098] In an embodiment, the circuit system includes a combination of a circuit and a computer program product having software or firmware instructions stored in one or more computer-readable memories, which work together to cause the device to perform one or more of the protocols, methods, or techniques described herein. In an embodiment, the circuit system includes a circuit, such as, for example, a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor that requires software, firmware, etc. to operate. In an embodiment, the circuit system includes one or more processors or portions thereof along with software, firmware, hardware, etc.

[0099] This application may refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise indicated, these quantities and numbers should not be considered restrictive, but rather examples of possible quantities or numbers related to this application. Similarly, in this regard, this application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" refers to any number greater than one, such as two, three, four, five, etc. Terms such as "about," "approximately," "close to," etc. mean plus or minus 5% of the specified value.

[0100] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalent substitutions and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the drawings. In addition, although a particular feature of the present disclosure may have been disclosed only with respect to one of several embodiments, that feature may be combined with one or more other features in other embodiments as desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A feeder device (26) for a sheet feeding and processing machine (10), comprising a rotating mechanism (66), a displacement mechanism (70) and a feeder baffle (44), wherein, The rotation mechanism (66) is configured to cause a rotational movement of the feeder baffle (44) for feeding a sheet (20) to be fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine (10) to a receiving device (40) of the sheet feeding and processing machine (10), and wherein the displacement mechanism (70) is configured to cause a displacement movement of the feeder baffle (44) according to a displacement direction (72). Wherein the rotation mechanism (66) is configured to at least partially cause the rotational movement during a forward movement (76) and a backward movement (80) of the feeder baffle (44), and wherein the displacement mechanism (70) is configured to at least partially perform the displacement movement during the backward movement (80) of the feeder baffle (44). Wherein the feeder baffle (44) includes a leading edge (45), wherein during the forward movement (76) of the feeder baffle (44), the leading edge (45) of the feeder baffle (44) includes a first maximum height level (HMAX1), and wherein during the backward movement (80) of the feeder baffle (44), the leading edge (45) of the feeder baffle (44) includes a second maximum height level (HMAX2), and wherein the second maximum height level (HMAX2) is lower than the first maximum height level (HMAX1).

2. The feeder device (26) according to claim 1, wherein, When the feeder baffle (44) extends between the forward movement (76) and the backward movement (80), the feeder baffle (44) forms a ramp for preventing the sheet (20) from being stuck under the receiving device (40).

3. The feeder device (26) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The ramp (47) has a gradient less than or equal to 150%, preferably equal to 100%.

4. The feeder device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The displacement direction (72) of the feeder baffle (44) is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (68) of the feeder baffle (44) caused by the rotation mechanism (66).

5. The feeder device (26) according to claim 4, wherein, The axis of rotation (68) of the feeder baffle (44) is oriented in a horizontal plane, and wherein the displacement direction (72) of the feeder baffle (44) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

6. The feeder device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotation mechanism (66) and the displacement mechanism (70) are coupled to each other by a control shaft (46).

7. The feeder device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the rotation mechanism (66) and the displacement mechanism (70) includes at least one of a cam device (50, 52), a pneumatic drive, and an electric drive.

8. The feeder device (26) according to claim 7, wherein, The rotation mechanism (66) includes a first cam device (50), wherein the displacement mechanism (70) includes a second cam device (52), and wherein the first and second cam devices (50, 52) are coupled to the feeder baffle (44) by respective first and second levers (54, 56).

9. The feeder device (26) according to claim 8, wherein, The first cam device (50) and the second cam device (52) are coupled to a camshaft (48).

10. The feeder device (26) according to claim 9, wherein the feeder device (26) comprises control means (82) configured to actuate the camshaft (48) at least according to the position of the sheet (20) to be fed into the sheet feeding and processing machine (10).

11. The feeder device (26) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The first and second levers (54, 56) are mounted to the support structure in a spring-loaded manner.

12. The feeder device (26) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, dependent on claim 6, wherein, The first and second levers (54, 56) are coupled to the control shaft (46).

13. The feeder device (26) according to claim 12, wherein, The first and second levers (54, 56) are rotatable about the control shaft (46).

14. The feeder device (26) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, An additional third lever (58) is mounted remote from and parallel to the second lever (56), wherein the additional third lever (58) is coupled to at least the control shaft (46) and the feeder shutter (44).

15. A sheet feeding and processing machine (10) comprising a feeder device (26) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images