Device for aligning the leading edge, as seen in a transport direction, of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path

Abstract

Device (10) for aligning the leading edge (105) of flat, flexible objects (100) that can be moved along a transport path, as seen in a transport direction, with - a conveyor belt (40) for transporting the objects (100) in the transport direction (x), - wherein at least one chamber (70) is arranged on the side of the conveyor belt (40) facing away from the objects (100), which has at least one opening (75) facing the conveyor belt (40), and which can be pressurized with both negative and positive pressure, and - with a stop element (90) which is movable between a first position in which it is arranged in the transport path and a second position in which it is arranged outside the transport path, and which has a stop surface (95) which is oriented transversely to the transport path in the first position, characterized in that the stop element (90) has two side surfaces (95a, 95b) arranged at an angle to each other and is pivotable in the first position about an axis (B) which is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport path.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for aligning the leading edge, as seen in a transport direction, of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path.

[0002] Devices for transporting flat, flexible objects along a transport path are known, for example, in feed systems for printers, especially large-format printers, or other processing equipment. Such devices are intended for use with flat, flexible objects made of various materials, such as paper, cardboard, carton, plastic, metal, or others, where the objects have different sizes, thicknesses, and material properties. To ensure high feeding accuracy, which is necessary for printing, among other things, the fed objects are aligned before they reach the processing equipment, such as the printer.

[0003] For example, a lateral alignment along a guide element aligned laterally, particularly parallel to the transport path, is known. The disadvantage here is that flat, flexible objects of different sizes, thicknesses, or material properties may require differently designed guide elements.

[0004] However, a lateral orientation alone does not allow for a defined orientation of the flat, flexible objects in space.

[0005] Devices for aligning the leading edge of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path, as seen in a transport direction, are also known from DE 10 2017 221 220 A1, DE 10 2016 207 397 A1, DE 15 61 146 B, DE 10 2010 041 453 A1 and EP 0 554 774 A1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device for aligning the leading edge, as seen in a transport direction, of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path. The device is intended to be particularly suitable for flat, flexible objects of varying sizes, thicknesses, or material properties.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device for aligning the leading edge, as seen in a transport direction, of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path, having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The device according to the invention for aligning the leading edge, as seen in a transport direction, of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path comprises a conveyor belt for transporting the objects in the transport direction, wherein at least one chamber is arranged on the side of the conveyor belt facing away from the objects, which has at least one opening facing the conveyor belt and which can be pressurized with both negative and positive pressure, and a stop element which is movable between a first position in which it is arranged in the transport path and a second position in which it is arranged outside the transport path, and which has a stop surface which is oriented transversely to the transport path in the first position.

[0010] The positioning of the stop surface perpendicular to the conveyor path ensures that the object, as it moves along the conveyor path, is moved head-on against the stop element. The object's front edge rests flush against the stop surface, resulting in a defined alignment of the front edge. This alignment is further simplified by the chamber, which can be pressurized with either negative or positive pressure. Specifically, the chamber is pressurized during the object's movement against the stop element, reducing friction as the object is lifted slightly from the conveyor belt. This allows for particularly precise alignment when the front edge contacts the stop element.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stop element is displaceable between the first and second positions, in particular linearly displaceable, whereby the movement between the first and second positions can be carried out in a structurally simple manner.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the stop surface is arranged perpendicular to the transport path. This allows the longitudinal axis of a rectangular object to be aligned parallel to the transport path.

[0013] According to the invention, the stop element has two side surfaces arranged at an angle to each other and is pivotable in the first position about an axis which is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport path. This allows the orientation of the stop element relative to the transport path to be adjusted in order to optimally adapt the device to the flat, flexible objects to be transported, in particular depending on the thickness and / or material structure of the objects.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the first position, in a first orientation of the stop element, one of the side surfaces is arranged approximately perpendicular to the plane of the flat, flexible object to be transported, and in a second orientation of the stop element, one of the side surfaces projects into the space above the flat, flexible object. The first orientation of the side surface, approximately perpendicular to the plane of the flat, flexible object to be transported, enables a stop, particularly for thicker flat, flexible objects, without the risk of the objects becoming jammed against the stop element, while the second orientation of the side surface, such that it projects into the space above the flat, flexible object, enables a stop but prevents thinner flat, flexible objects from sliding up the stop surface.

[0015] The angle of the mutually arranged side surfaces is preferably less than 90° and is preferably between 30° and 85°, particularly preferably between 80° and 70°, which makes it possible to adapt to different material thicknesses of the flat, flexible objects.

[0016] Preferably, at least two, and preferably three, chambers are arranged one behind the other on the side of the conveyor belt facing away from the objects, with each chamber having at least one opening facing the conveyor belt. At least the last chamber in the direction of transport, and preferably the two penultimate chambers in the direction of transport, can be pressurized with both negative and positive pressure. In other words, the chamber closest to the stop element in the direction of transport is the one closest to the stop element. This design of the conveyor belt allows the friction of the flat, flexible object to be lifted or reduced shortly before it reaches the stop element, while another flat, flexible object can already be conveyed at the other end of the conveyor belt.

[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one suction and transport device is arranged between the conveyor belt and the stop element. This device comprises first means for generating a vacuum by means of a vortex to draw in at least one of the objects, wherein the first means are arranged within a housing which has a suction opening and includes at least one transport belt. Such a suction and transport device enables efficient feeding of the flat, flexible objects to the stop element. Furthermore, the suction and transport device with first means for generating a vacuum by means of a vortex to draw in at least one of the objects can be designed to be particularly effective, small, and cost-efficient.

[0018] Preferably, at least one suction and transport device is suitable and designed to move the object transversely to the transport direction. This allows for lateral alignment of the flat, flexible objects.

[0019] Advantageously, the device incorporates a laser unit for detecting the object's side edge. If the flat, flexible object needs to be aligned laterally, this design allows for contactless verification of whether the desired position has been reached using the laser unit. This enables the simple positioning of flat, flexible objects of varying sizes, thicknesses, or material properties.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction and transport device is movable transversely to the direction of transport. If a flat, flexible object is held in place by the suction and transport device, particularly by the first means, transport transversely to the direction of transport occurs simply as soon as the suction and transport device is moved.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the suction and transport device is rotatably mounted about an axis, wherein the axis is arranged, in particular, transversely to the transport direction, and especially perpendicular to a plane of the flat, flexible objects. If a flat, flexible object is held in place by the suction and transport device, particularly by the first means, transport transversely to the transport direction is carried out in a simple manner as soon as the suction and transport device is rotated, for example by 90°, and the object is then transported transversely to the transport direction by moving the transport belts.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least two suction and transport devices are present, which are aligned relative to each other in such a way that the transport belts of the two suction and transport devices do not run parallel to each other and, in particular, run perpendicular to each other. This makes it possible to transport the object in the transport direction with one of the suction and transport devices and to transport the object transversely to the transport direction with the other suction and transport device.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the two suction and transport devices is arranged to be movable such that it can be disengaged from the objects. This makes it possible to first transport the object in the transport direction to a desired position using one of the suction and transport devices, and then to transport the object transversely to the transport direction to the desired lateral position using the other suction and transport device.

[0024] The device advantageously includes a control unit with which one or more suction and transport devices can be controlled. In particular, the control unit can be used to control which of the suction and transport devices are activated to pick up objects, which of the suction and transport devices are rotated or moved into which position, and in which of the suction and transport devices the transport belt(s) are driven to transport an object.

[0025] The laser unit is preferably connected to the control unit, which is designed to stop the movement of the object perpendicular to the transport direction as soon as the laser unit detects that the desired lateral positioning of the object has been achieved.

[0026] To prevent the objects from unintentionally shooting beyond the desired lateral position, the device can, according to an advantageous embodiment, have a lateral catching element.

[0027] The invention is explained in detail with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for aligning the leading edge, as seen in a transport direction, of flat, flexible objects movable along a transport path, comprising a conveyor belt and a stop element, Fig. 2 the device according to Fig. 1 with partially hidden conveyor belt, Fig. 3 another perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1 with partially hidden conveyor belt, Fig. 4 a close-up of another perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1 with the stop element in a first position in a first orientation, Fig. 5 a close-up from Fig. 4 Fig. 6 the section enlargement according to Fig. 5 with the stop element in a second position and Fig. 7 the section enlargement according to Fig. 5 with the stop element in the first position in a second orientation.

[0028] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows different views of an embodiment of a device 10 for aligning the leading edge 105 of flat, flexible objects 100 that can be moved along a transport path, as seen in a transport direction x.

[0029] The objects 100 can, for example, be transported via a conveyor belt 40, which is located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which is partially hidden, is transported along a transport path in the transport direction x, for example in a processing unit such as a feeder for printers, especially large format printers, or other processing plants.

[0030] The flat, flexible objects (100) can be made of various materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, or others, and can vary in size and thickness. For example, they can be longer than 800 mm and wider than 400 mm. Their thickness can range from 0.1 mm to several millimeters. To ensure high feeding accuracy, which is essential for printing, the fed objects (100) are aligned before reaching the processing equipment, such as the printer.

[0031] On the side of the conveyor belt 40 facing away from the objects 100, at least one chamber 70 is arranged, in this case, for example, three chambers 70a, 70b, 70c arranged one behind the other in the transport direction x, which have at least one opening 75 facing the conveyor belt 40. The chambers 70 can be pressurized with at least a negative pressure, for example, by means of a pump unit 80. At least one of the chambers 70, in particular the last of the chambers 70 viewed in the transport direction x, in this case chamber 70a, can be pressurized with both a negative pressure and a positive pressure.

[0032] The device 10 has a stop element 90, which is positioned between a first position (cf. Fig. 5 and Fig. 7), in which it is arranged in the transport path, and a second position (cf. Fig. 6), in which it is arranged outside the transport path, and is movable. The movement can be effected, for example, by displacement, in particular by linear displacement. The stop element 90 has a stop surface 95 which, in the first position, is oriented transversely to the transport path and causes a flat, flexible object 100 conveyed by the conveyor belt 40 to strike the stop surface 95, with the leading edge 105 resting against the stop surface 95 and the object 100 being oriented in a defined direction.

[0033] The stop element 90, in particular the stop surface 95, has in particular two side surfaces 95a, 95b arranged at an angle to each other, and can be pivotably arranged in the first position about an axis B which is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport path. For example, in the first position, the stop element 90 can be arranged in a first orientation which is Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the side surface 95a is arranged approximately perpendicular to the plane of the flat, flexible object 100 to be aligned, while in a second orientation (see Figure 5) Fig. 7) the side surface 95a projects into the space above the flat, flexible object 100. The angle between the side surfaces 95a, 95b is less than 90°, preferably between 30° and 85°, and particularly preferably between 70° and 80°. The first orientation is advantageous if the flat, flexible object 100 is thicker and has sufficient rigidity to prevent it from migrating up the stop surface 95. Because the side surface 95b is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flat, flexible object 100, there is no risk of the object 100 becoming jammed. The second orientation is advantageous if the flat, flexible object 100 is thinner. In this orientation, the leading edge 105 of the object 100 lies between the two side surfaces 95a, 95b, and the side surface 95a thus partially overlaps the flat, flexible object 100. This prevents it from creeping upwards at the stop surface 95.However, with thin objects 100, although the object 100 engages in the acute angle between the side surfaces 95a, 95b, there is no risk of jamming.

[0034] In a further development of the embodiment, in addition to the alignment of the front edge 105 of the objects 100, a lateral positioning of the side edge 110 of the objects 100 can also be carried out.

[0035] The device 10 can include at least one suction and transport device 20 with first means 22 for generating a vacuum by means of a vortex for drawing in one of the objects 100, wherein the first means 22 are arranged within a housing 24 which has a suction opening 26, and with at least one transport belt 28, which is arranged on the housing in such a way that it runs laterally past the suction opening 26 or crosses the suction opening with at least part of its width. Advantageously, two transport belts 28 can also be provided per suction and transport device 20.

[0036] The device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment has 16 suction and transport devices 20. Depending on the size of the objects 100 to be handled, however, only one, two or four suction and transport devices 20 may be present.

[0037] At least one of the suction and transport devices 20 can be suitable and designed to move the object 100 perpendicular to the transport direction x.

[0038] According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the suction and transport device 20 is oriented such that the entire suction and transport device 20 is arranged to be movable transversely to the transport direction x. If the flat, flexible object 100 is held in suction by the suction and transport device 20, in particular by the first means 22, transport transversely to the transport direction x occurs simply as soon as the suction and transport device 20 is moved. If the transport belts 28 are arranged parallel to the transport direction x, the object 100 can first be transported in the transport direction x, in particular until it reaches the stop at the stop element 90, in order to then achieve lateral alignment by moving the suction and transport device 20 transversely to the transport direction x.

[0039] The lateral alignment, viewed in the transport direction x, can be either to the right or to the left. This is described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiment of device 10 shown in Figure 2 can, for example, transport objects 100 on a right and a left track. Device 10 has a total of 16 suction and transport devices 20, wherein, viewed in the transport direction x, objects 100 on the left track can be aligned to the left and those on the right track can be aligned to the right. The lateral movement continues until the side edge 110 of the object 100 is detected by a laser unit (not shown). If, prior to lateral alignment, the object 100 was first aligned at its front edge 105, in particular such that the front edge 105 is arranged perpendicular to the transport direction x, after lateral alignment the object 100 is aligned in both directions and can be defined and fed to a further processing system, for example a printer.

[0040] The device 10 can have a lateral catch element 50, which is arranged behind the laser unit, particularly when viewed from the direction of the object 100, in order to catch an accidental overshoot of the objects 100.

[0041] An alternative embodiment of the device 10, not shown in the figures, differs from the previously described embodiment in that at least one of the suction and transport devices 20 is rotatably mounted about an axis, the axis being arranged, in particular, transversely to the transport direction x, and especially perpendicular to a plane of the flat, flexible objects 100. If a flat, flexible object 100 is held in suction by the suction and transport device 20, in particular by the first means 22, transport transversely to the transport direction x occurs simply as soon as the suction and transport device 20 is rotated, for example by 90°, and the object 100 is then transported transversely to the transport direction x by movement of the transport belts 28.If the transport belts 28 are arranged parallel to the transport direction x, the object 100 can first be transported in the transport direction x, in particular up to the stop on the stop element 90, in order to then carry out the lateral alignment by rotating the suction and transport device 20 by 90° around the axis and subsequently moving the object by means of the transport belts 28 transversely to the transport direction x.

[0042] A further alternative embodiment of the device 10, not shown, provides that at least two suction and transport devices 20 are present, which are aligned relative to each other such that the transport belts 28 of the two suction and transport devices 20 do not run parallel to each other and, in particular, run perpendicular to each other. The transport belts 28 of one of the two suction and transport devices 20 run, in particular, parallel to the transport direction x. This makes it possible to transport the object 100 in the transport direction x with one of the suction and transport devices 20 and the object 100 transversely to the transport direction with the other suction and transport device 20.

[0043] In this arrangement, at least one of the two suction and transport devices 20, in particular the suction and transport device whose transport belt 28 runs transversely to the transport direction x, can be arranged to be movable such that this suction and transport device 20 can be disengaged from the objects 100. This makes it possible to first transport the object 100 with one of the suction and transport devices 20 in the transport direction x until it reaches the stop at the stop element 90, and then to transport the object 100 transversely to the transport direction x to the desired lateral position with the other suction and transport device 20.

[0044] The various possibilities for moving and arranging the suction and transport devices 20 can in principle also be combined.

[0045] The suction and transport devices 20 of the device 10 can be controlled, in particular, by a control unit. Depending on the design and capabilities of the respective suction and transport device 20, the control unit can control any possible movement transverse to the transport direction x, any existing height positioning to disengage the suction and transport device 20 from the objects 100, any possible rotation of the suction and transport device 20 about the axis A and / or the drive of the transport belts 28.

[0046] The movement of object 100 transversely to the transport direction can be monitored by means of the laser unit. The laser unit is arranged on the device 10 such that the side edge 105 is detectable. When the side edge 105 is in the desired position, the laser unit 30 detects the side edge 105 of object 100 and is connected to the control unit in such a way that the control unit stops the movement of object 100 transversely to the transport direction x as soon as the desired lateral positioning is reached. Reference symbol list 10 Device 20 Suction and transport device 22 first aid 24 cases 26 Suction opening 28 transport belts 40 conveyor belt 70 Chamber 70a Chamber 70b Chamber 70c Chamber 75 Opening 80 Pump unit 90 Stop element 95 mm stop surface 95a Side surface 95b side surface 100 objects 105 Leading edge 110 side edge B axis x direction of transport

Claims

Device (10) for aligning the leading edge (105) of flat, flexible objects (100) movable along a transport path, as seen in a transport direction, comprising: - a conveyor belt (40) for transporting the objects (100) in the transport direction (x), - wherein at least one chamber (70) is arranged on the side of the conveyor belt (40) facing away from the objects (100), which has at least one opening (75) directed towards the conveyor belt (40), and which can be pressurized with both negative and positive pressure, and - a stop element (90) which is movable between a first position in which it is arranged in the transport path and a second position in which it is arranged outside the transport path, and which has a stop surface (95) which in the first position is oriented transversely to the transport path, characterized in that the stop element (90) has two side surfaces (95a, 95a) arranged at an angle to each other.95b) and is pivotable in the first position about an axis (B) which is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the transport path. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop element (90) is displaceable between the first and the second position, in particular linearly displaceable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop surface (95) is arranged perpendicular to the transport path. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first position in a first orientation of the stop element (90) one of the side surfaces (95a) is arranged approximately perpendicular to the plane of the flat, flexible object (100) to be transported and in a second orientation of the stop element (90) one of the side surfaces (95a) projects into the space above the flat, flexible object (100). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the angle of the mutually arranged side surfaces (95a, 95b) is less than 90° and preferably between 30° and 85°, particularly preferably between 80° and 70°. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two chambers (70), preferably three chambers (70), which have at least one opening (75) facing the conveyor belt, are arranged one behind the other on the side of the conveyor belt (40) facing away from the objects (100) in the transport direction (x), wherein at least the last (70a) of the chambers (70) seen in the transport direction (x), preferably the two penultimate chambers (70) seen in the transport direction, can be pressurized with both negative pressure and positive pressure. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one suction and transport device (20) with first means (22) for generating a vacuum by means of a whirlwind for sucking in at least one of the objects (100) is located between the conveyor belt (40) and the stop element (90), wherein the first means (22) are arranged within a housing (24) which has a suction opening (26) and has at least one transport belt (28). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one suction and transport device (20) is suitable and designed to move the object (100) transversely to the transport direction (x), Device according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the device has a laser unit for detecting the side edge (110) of the object (100). Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the suction and transport device (20) is movable transversely to the transport direction (x). Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the suction and transport device (20) is rotatably mounted about an axis, wherein the axis is arranged in particular transversely to the transport direction (x), in particular perpendicular to a plane of the flat, flexible objects (100). Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that at least two suction and transport devices (20) are provided which are aligned relative to each other in such a way that the transport belts (28) of the two suction and transport devices (20) do not run parallel to each other and in particular run perpendicular to each other. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one of the two suction and transport devices (20) is arranged to be movable in such a way that this suction and transport device (20) can be brought out of engagement with the objects (100). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has a control unit with which the one or more suction and transport devices (20) can be controlled. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the laser unit is connected to the control unit which stops the movement of the object (100) transverse to the transport direction (x) as soon as the desired lateral positioning is achieved. Device according to one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that the device has a lateral collecting element.

Images