EP2841365B1 - Suction conveyor device for transporting flat items, and system for producing flat items comprising said suction conveyor - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a suction conveyor for transporting flat parts, in particular sheets of paper, preferably on the way from a cutting station to a stacking station in a plant of the paper processing industry, with a suction assembly having a suction side, where a negative pressure is generated, and an endless circulating flexible conveyor assembly consisting of perforated flexible sheet material and an inner side with which the conveyor arrangement is movable along the suction side of the suction assembly, and an outer side for receiving the flat parts in the effective region of the suction side of the suction assembly, where the conveyor arrangement in Moving direction moves, wherein the suction assembly and the conveyor arrangement are formed so that in the effective range of the suction side of the suction arrangement, a transport path is defined. Under "flat parts" fall in particular paper sheets of the paper industry, which are preferably processed into books, but also other sheet-like articles such as plastic film sections, metal, nonwovens, paper o. However, the flat parts in question are not limited thereto.

The essence of a suction conveyor is to apply the flat parts to be transported not only with an advancing movement in the transport direction, but also at the same time with negative pressure. For the movement in the transport direction and thus for the transport of the flat parts provide endless circulating conveyor belts, which together form the conveyor arrangement. For the pressurization of the flat parts with negative pressure, the suction arrangement is responsible. By the negative pressure, a holding force is generated, with which the flat parts are pressed against the outside of the running along the suction side of the suction assembly strand of the conveyor belts. Thus, the flat parts are not only under the influence of their gravity generated by the weight on the conveyor belts, but under the additional influence of a generated by the negative pressure and many times higher holding force. This additional influence of the negative pressure leads to an increased frictional engagement of the flat parts with the conveyor belts, whereby the flat parts are securely fixed to the conveyor belts. This ensures that the flat parts are slipped without slipping or slipping under stationary relative arrangement with respect to the moving strand of the conveyor belts of these, resulting in a precise and secure transport of the flat parts. Only by means of such precise and safe transport can it be ensured that the flat parts arrive at the outlet side of the suction conveyor at a defined location and in a defined orientation, and then transferred to a subsequent station for further processing of the required quality. This is particularly important in a papermaking plant producing blocks or books, preferably on the way from a cutting station to a stacking station, where the placement and orientation of the sheets of paper cut to a given size must remain unaffected and undisturbed to ensure proper stacking to ensure in the stacking station.

The endless peripheral flexible conveyor arrangement is, as already mentioned, formed from a plurality of transversely to the transport direction spaced from each other, arranged parallel to each other and endlessly circulating conveyor belts, wherein in many cases their upper run are provided with their outer and top for receiving the flat parts. The suction arrangement usually has a suction box whose suction side, along which the flat parts conveying runs run along the conveyor belts, is closed with a perforated plate. Thus, the conveyor belts run with their strand carrying the flat parts on or on the perforated plate along. The air is sucked through the openings in the perforated plate in the suction box, which is connected to a suction pump. To be able to act on the flat parts effectively with negative pressure, and the conveyor belts are provided with corresponding suction holes.

Although the suction conveyors have proven in practice with the conventional structure described above in many applications, it has been found that the sliding installation of the flat parts leading runs of the conveyor belts on the suction plate leads to increased friction between the conveyor belts and the perforated plate, the In particular, also caused by the negative pressure generated by the suction assembly, which acts not only on the flat parts, but also on the conveyor belts. This friction not only creates an increased resistance to the drives of the conveyor belts, which leads to an increased load of the drives and an increased energy consumption, but also causes a higher wear of the conveyor belts. It has also been found that a flat part with one of its extending in the transport direction side edges can come into contact with the side edge of an adjacent conveyor belt, without producing an overlap, which leads to damage of flat parts in particular at the side edges. The risk of damage caused by such collisions increases particularly in the processing and transport of flat parts with different formats, since adjustment of the conveyor belts by moving transversely to the transport direction in adaptation to different formats is not possible or only with unreasonable effort.

It is therefore an object of the present invention for a multi-track suction conveyor of the type mentioned constructive improvements to propose to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above substantially. US 4 298 277 A1 discloses a suction conveyor according to the preamble of claim 1. US 2005/0077171 A1 discloses a suction belt for transporting sheets of paper on the way from a cutting station to a stack forming station. JP 2009-234209 A discloses a guided over curved pulleys suction belt for transporting paper sheets.

The above-mentioned object is achieved with a suction conveyor for transporting flat parts, in particular paper sheets, preferably on the way from a cutting station to a stacking station in a plant of the paper-processing industry, with a suction assembly having a suction side, at which a negative pressure is generated , and an endlessly circulating flexible conveyor assembly consisting of perforated, flexible sheet material and an inner side, with which the conveyor arrangement on the suction side of the suction arrangement is movable along, and an outer side for receiving the flat parts in the effective range of the suction side of the suction assembly, where the conveyor arrangement moves in the transport direction, wherein the suction arrangement and the conveyor arrangement are designed such that in the effective region of the suction side of the suction arrangement at least one transport path is defined with a width transverse to the transport direction, wherein the conveying determining arrangement of an endlessly rotating, single integral flexible conveyor is formed, both of which have in the transport direction side edges spaced from each other, which is at least as large as the entire width of the transport path, so that the only one-piece flexible conveyor at least over the entire width of Transport path extends.

To avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, the invention now proposes not to form the conveyor arrangement as previously from a plurality of discrete and spaced conveyor belts, but from a likewise endlessly circulating, but only one-piece flexible conveyor, at least extends over the entire width of the transport path. Accordingly, the invention dispenses with the use of individual spaced-apart conveyor belts, but proposes the use of a single one-piece flexible conveyor, both in the transport direction extending side edges spaced from each other at least as large as the entire width of the Transport track is. Thus, the endless encircling, single integral flexible conveyor according to the invention provides over the entire width of the transport path continuous area for a partially or completely over the entire width of the transport path extending large format flat part or for several transversely to the transport direction adjacent flat parts smaller format. This makes it possible to realize a uniform and complete support of the flat parts and an application of negative pressure over the entire surface of the flat parts with the result of a more effective fixation on the conveyor. Furthermore, due to the use of a single one-piece flexible conveyor with a continuous over the entire width of the transport path surface instead of a plurality of spaced apart and discrete conveyor belts and the risk of damage to the side edges of the flat parts is avoided. Thus, the solution of the invention provides a safe, stable and safe transport of flat parts. This is particularly advantageous for flat parts, which are particularly sensitive due to certain dimensions and / or materials against acting on their side edges frictions and shock loads and thus particularly vulnerable to damage. Thus, the solution according to the invention is particularly suitable for the transport of sensitive flat parts with different formats.

Another advantage of the solution according to the invention consists in the compared to conventional conveyor arrangements simpler mounting option. Because the installation of a plurality of discrete conveyor belts in the prior art is complicated and time-consuming, since the conveyor belts are to be arranged one after the other and often only at the installation site a bonding of the two loose ends to form an endless conveyor belt is possible, so that the installation of the conventional conveyor arrangement a Variety of assembly steps required. In contrast, the inventive solution for the installation of the conveyor assembly, which is indeed formed according to the invention of an endlessly rotating, single integral flexible conveyor, compared to the prior art requires significantly less assembly steps and in many cases even essentially only a single assembly step is sufficient. Because it is possible to configure the only one-piece flexible conveyor before installation to an endless circulating arrangement and then to arrange at the installation only on the bearings there existing. Accordingly, the solution according to the invention offers a much simpler installation compared with the prior art.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

So expediently, the only one-piece flexible funding from an endlessly circulating cloth.

Preferably, the suction assembly and the conveyor assembly are further formed so that the suction side of the suction assembly is substantially completely covered by the suction side strand of the endlessly circulating single integral flexible conveyor.

In addition, the single integral flexible conveying means may preferably at least substantially completely cover the at least one suction opening formed on the suction side of the suction arrangement.

The two aforementioned embodiments can therefore be realized because the conveyor arrangement according to the present invention not from a plurality of spaced discrete conveyors or conveyor belts, but from a over the entire width of the transport path extending and so far the entire width of the transport path closing single integral flexible Funding exists.

Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is that it can dispense with a perforated plate, which is required in the prior art for guiding the plurality of discrete conveyor belts, but leads to increased friction.

To support the run along the suction side of the endless circulating single one-piece flexible conveyor should preferably between the viewed in the transport direction, upstream inlet side and the downstream outlet side at least one support roller or - roller with a substantially parallel to the transport path and transverse or angled be arranged to the transport direction axis of rotation. Conveniently, the at least one support roller or roller is arranged so that the strand defining the transport path of the single integral flexible conveyor with a directed to the suction side on the at least one support roller or roller rests. Preferably, a plurality of in the transport direction one behind the other and / or transverse to the transport direction adjacent support rollers or rollers provided. By means of such support rollers or rollers, a low-friction support option for the funding is created in a structurally simple way.

In order to give the endless circulating single integral flexible conveyor additional stability, means for generating a directed to the outside and extending approximately transversely to the transport direction curvature in the single one-piece flexible conveyor at least partially provided in the effective range of the suction side of the suction. The invention, in which a deflection means for deflecting the conveyor arrangement about a deflection axis is provided on one, viewed in the transport direction, upstream inlet side and on a downstream outlet side and is located between these two deflection means the suction side of the suction arrangement, characterized in that in that at least one deflecting means has a plurality of rollers juxtaposed over the entire width of the transport path and substantially transversely to the transport direction and forming the means for generating the curvature with a rotational axis extending transversely or at an angle to the transport direction, the arrangement and configuration of the rollers being made in such a way in that the distance between at least one peripheral portion of the deflection axis is lower in the outer rollers than in the inner rollers.

In a first variant, the distance between the axis of rotation and the deflection axis should be greater in the case of the inner rollers than in the case of the outer rollers, the rollers having a substantially cylindrical shape. For this purpose, the axes of rotation of the outer rollers relative to the deflection axis may be inclined so that increases their distance in the direction of the inner rollers. The advantage of this variant is that ordinary cylindrical rollers can be used to produce the curvature, which can preferably have the same shape and in particular approximately the same radius.

An alternative second variant of the aforementioned development is characterized in that the axes of rotation of the rollers are substantially aligned with each other and coincide with the deflection axis or parallel to this and the rollers are formed so that increases their radius to the inner rollers out , In this case, the outer rollers should preferably have a conical shape and the inner rollers have an approximately cylindrical shape, which leads to a simpler, but almost equally effective construction of this variant.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that a frame is provided which has guide means for endlessly circulating guide of the single integral flexible conveyor and is supported on both sides by a support bearing at a distance from a substrate, of the two transverse to the transport direction spaced support bearings a first support bearing on the frame detachably arranged and a second support bearing is dimensioned so that it at least temporarily holds the frame at a distance from the ground after removal of the first support bearing and thus assumes the function of a one-sided support bearing, and the frame is designed so that after Remove the first support bearing withdraw the single integral flexible conveyor transversely to the transport direction of the frame on the side leaves, on which the first support bearing is provided. This embodiment offers a particularly simple possibility for the assembly of the endless circulating single integral flexible conveyor used according to the invention as a conveyor arrangement. Because this has to be installed in the frame and mounted there on the guide means, preferably slipped over this for mounting only on that side at which the first support bearing normally provided, but removed for assembly. Conversely, can be for disassembly after removal of the first support bearing, the endless encircling single integral flexible conveyor simply pull out on the side of the frame on which the normally removed for the purpose of disassembly first support bearing is provided. In this embodiment, the simple assembly and disassembly can be realized in that the second support bearing is able to support the frame at least temporarily and thus without the first support bearing floating at a distance from the ground, and after removal of the first support bearing Way for the introduction or removal of the conveyor at the now over the ground floating in the distance side of the frame is free. Thus, this design offers the possibility of simple installation or removal of the conveyor in only one assembly step in a structurally particularly clever way.

In a development of the previously discussed embodiment, the suction arrangement is arranged in the frame, resulting in a particularly space-saving installation of the suction arrangement. Conveniently, the frame should form a housing for the suction assembly.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the suction arrangement is subdivided on its suction side into a plurality of sections one behind the other in the transport direction and / or transversely to the transport direction, the suction power of which is adjustable independently of one another. In a further development, the suction arrangement may comprise at least one suction box, which is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent chambers in the transport direction and / or transversely to the transport direction, each of which forms a section with independently adjustable suction force. By the sectionwise adjustability, the suction force can be particularly well adapted to the properties of the transported flat parts and the conditions of transport, whereby the risk of damage and especially the crumpling of the flat parts is significantly reduced. Another advantage of this design is that the stability of the flat parts has no or at least no significant influence on the transport conditions and in particular the conveying speed, which may be particularly important in the processing of oversized flat parts due to their lability. Due to the partial division and adjustability of the suction arrangement further collapse of the negative pressure at uncovered Saugluftbohrungen and thus an uncontrolled Saugluftverteilung is prevented. Finally, a minimization of the suction air consumption is achieved by the execution, which leads to a reduction in operating costs.

In a further embodiment, a base is provided, which consists of granite, preferably formed by a granite block or a granite plate. Such a shaped base forms a particularly stable and vibration-proof machine bed. Because the granite used as a material has a sufficiently high specific gravity in order to form a stable foundation due to the resulting high total weight. In addition, granite is particularly well suited for the absorption of vibrations and sound waves, which is advantageous for carrying out processes with particularly high precision, as required, for example, in a plant of the paper-processing industry. Finally, granite is suitable for a particularly precise surface treatment, which is particularly important for the arrangement and orientation of the system parts, especially when the coupling of the individual system parts together requires a particularly high precision.

Conveniently, the base should have a substantially flat underside for resting on a substrate and a top for storage at least a plant component or assembly such as the suction assembly and the conveyor arrangement have.

For defined alignment of the at least one assembly or plant component and in particular their frames on which, for example, the suction arrangement and the conveyor arrangement can be stored, should be incorporated into the base a substantially extending in the transport direction, elongated defined reference surface. Preferably, the reference surface is formed on a side edge of the base or of a recess incorporated in the base. It is particularly advantageous to provide the module or the system component and in particular its frame with at least one defined stop, preferably at least two defined stops, which can be brought into contact with the reference surface for defined alignment of the frame , With this design, it is possible in a technically particularly simple and at the same time clever way to reproducibly bring the modules or system components in the desired defined orientation, which is particularly advantageous in a repeated assembly and disassembly, especially if the system initially in the factory for testing purposes then dismantled for reasons of ease of transport and finally assembled at the customer final.

Preferably, in a plant for the production of flat parts, in particular paper sheets of the paper industry, and accumulating the flat parts into stacks, especially book blocks, with a cutting station for cutting flat parts such that at least two running in the transport direction and transverse to the transport direction rows of Flat parts are formed, and arranged with a stacking station, a suction conveyor according to the present invention behind the cutting station and upstream of the stacking station to transport the at least two adjacent rows of flat parts from the cutting station to the stacking station.

A suction conveying device of the present type is a multi-track conveying device, in which a plurality of transport paths running next to one another convey successive flat parts. In particular, the present device is used to transport flat parts to a stack tray.

Fig. 1

beispielhaft eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Anlage zur Buchblockherstellung

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Anlage von Figur 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine in der Anlage gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 enthaltene Saugfördervorrichtung gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

schematisch im Querschnitt die Saugfördervorrichtung von Figur 3;

Fig. 5

die gleiche Ansicht wie Figur 3 mit von der Saugfördervorrichtung aufgenommenen Bögen;

Fig. 6

schematisch in Rückansicht die Saugfördereinrichtung von Figur 3 im normalen Betriebszustand;

Fig. 7

die gleiche Ansicht wie Figur 6, wobei sich jedoch die Saugfördervorrichtung in einem Zustand zur Wartung oder zur Installation des Saugtuches befindet;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Einzeldarstellung einer Gruppe von Umlenkrollen in einer Konfiguration gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführung (a) und in einer Konfiguration gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführung (b);

Fig. 9

schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht ein Maschinenbett gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung;

Fig. 10

das Maschinenbett von Figur 9 in einer Stirnansicht; und

Fig.11

das Maschinenbett von Figur 9 in einer ausschnittsweisen Seitenansicht.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

by way of example a schematic side view of a plant for book block production

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of the plant of FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view of one in the system according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 contained Saugfördervorrichtung according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

schematically in cross section the suction conveyor of FIG. 3 ;

Fig. 5

the same view as FIG. 3 with sheets received by the suction conveyor;

Fig. 6

schematically in rear view of the suction conveyor of FIG. 3 in normal operating condition;

Fig. 7

the same view as FIG. 6 however, the suction conveyor is in a condition for maintenance or installation of the blanket;

Fig. 8

a schematic single representation of a group of pulleys in a configuration according to a first preferred embodiment (a) and in a configuration according to a second preferred embodiment (b);

Fig. 9

schematically in perspective view of a machine bed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10

the machine bed of FIG. 9 in an end view; and

Figure 11

the machine bed of FIG. 9 in a fragmentary side view.

The in the FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically and exemplified system initially contains a Bogenbahnabgabestation 2, which has a frame 4, to which in the illustrated embodiment, two rollers 6, 8 are rotatably mounted. Each roller 6, 8 consists of a wound continuous sheet web, preferably made of paper, which is unwound for processing in the illustrated system of the corresponding role. In this case, in the illustrated embodiment, only one role during operation is used, while the other role can be interchanged.

After leaving the Bogenbahnabgabestation 2 passes the sheet web, which is indicated in the figures by the reference numeral "10", in a printing station 12, in which the sheet web 10 is printed with the desired printed images.

At this point, it should be additionally noted that in the figures, the web running direction takes place from left to right, which is also indicated by the arrow A. Thus, the arrow A denotes the transport direction, which simultaneously corresponds to the process direction.

After leaving the printing station 12 then passes the printed sheet web, which is now marked for better distinction by the reference numeral "14", in the illustrated embodiment, a feed station 16, which supports the transport of the printed sheet web 14 in the web running direction arrow A.

Subordinate to the feed station 16 in the web running direction is in the illustrated embodiment, a refractive station 18, in which the sheet web 14 is broken on both sides and thus in both directions to eliminate any possibly caused by the printing process ripple.

In the web running direction according to arrow A downstream, the system has a longitudinal cutting station 20 which includes a plurality of transverse to the web running direction adjacent and thereby spaced apart blades 22, such as Fig. 2 can be seen schematically. The knives 22 are preferably designed as rotary drivable circular knives whose respective axis of rotation is oriented transversely to the web running direction. Further, the blades 22 are each positioned transversely positionable relative to the web running direction of the sheet web 14, whereby the distance between two adjacent blades 22 from each other for the purpose of format adjustment is variable. In the longitudinal cutting station 20, the printed sheet web 14 is cut by the knives 22 in the web running direction according to arrow A by a number of longitudinal sections into a plurality of respective partial webs corresponding to a desired width of a book block side, which is not recognizable in the figures. Due to the variable positioning of the individual knives 22 transversely to the web running direction of the sheet 14, the distance between two adjacent knives 22 can be adjusted to the desired width of a book block page, resulting in a high format flexibility. Accordingly, if the width of the sheet web 14 is a multiple of the width of one side of the book block to be produced with the machine, a corresponding plurality of book blocks can be produced simultaneously in parallel, so that a corresponding number of parallel, in the conveying direction according to arrow A running and transverse to the conveying direction adjacent Transport paths is defined, which are not shown in the figures.

Downstream of the longitudinal cutting station 20 in the web running direction is a transverse cutting station 24 in which the partial webs cut longitudinally by the preceding longitudinal cutting station 20 are cut into sheets at right angles to the conveying direction, each sheet of which is a book block side for a book to be produced from the sheets forms. The cross-cutting station 24 has a cylindrical knife drum extending over the entire width of the sheet web 14 with a wave-shaped knife disposed thereon inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the knife drum, which is not shown in detail in the figures.

Subordinate to the cross cutting station 24 in the web running direction is a curved switch 26, to which a weft tape 28 connects, which is led out transversely to the web running direction of the system, such as Fig. 2 lets recognize. The Bogenweiche 26 is in the FIGS. 1 and 2 like all modules and stations in the FIGS. 1 and 2 exemplified system only very schematically, in contrast, however, in Fig. 3 is shown in detail and is described below on the basis of Fig. 3 described in more detail. By means of the curved switch 26 are preferably inferior sheets, which in particular have faulty printed images, connecting, spreading or joints or other irregularities or even damage, or empty sheets and removed via the weft tape 28 from the system. For this purpose, upstream of the curved switch 26, a sensor, not shown in the figures, is provided, which determines the number of sheets passing and determines whether the determined number of sheets corresponds to the number of pages formed by the sheets for the production of the book block, as well as to be discarded Identified sheets and controls the curved switch 26 accordingly via a control device, also not shown.

Furthermore, the cross-cutting station 24, viewed in the web running direction according to arrow A, is followed by a suction conveying device 30, which transports the cut sheets to the sheet-weir 26 or past it in the direction of the arrow A.

Downstream of the suction conveyor 30 is a further conveyor 31, which is provided as an inlet assembly for a downstream collecting station 32 downstream. This conveyor 31 is preferably provided with deceleration means for decelerating the sheets to the sheets in the collecting station 32 to pass, the deceleration process leads in particular to an overlap of the sheets.

The collection station 32 includes a plurality of juxtaposed compartments 34, which in Fig. 2 are schematically visible. These compartments 34 are laterally bounded by side walls unspecified in the figures, which are adjustable transversely to the web running direction according to arrow A, so that the width of the individual compartments 34 can be adapted to the width of the sheets cut from the individual transport paths or partial webs. Thus, the side walls of the compartments 34 should be adjusted according to the blades 22 of the slitting station 20 transversely to the web running direction, so as to ensure that the side walls of the compartments 34 in the collecting station 32 occupy the same transverse position as the corresponding blades 22 of the slitting station 20. In each of the compartments 34, a stack of superimposed sheets is set up in the collecting station 32, which upon completion forms the desired book block, the compartments 34 being arranged in a number corresponding to the number of sub-paths or transport paths, thereby forming a corresponding plurality of parallel ones and book blocks forming sheet stacks are accumulated.

In the region of the collecting station 32, not shown in the figures, pliers conveyors are provided, wherein preferably each of the compartments 34 is associated with a pliers conveyor. The forceps conveyors serve to remove a stack accumulated in a finished book block from the respective compartment 34 by clampingly engaging a stack embodying a finished book block between the forceps heads of the forceps conveyor.

In addition, let the FIGS. 1 and 2 adjacent to the downstream side of the collecting station 32 still schematically recognize a cross conveyor 36, to which the way in the figures, also not shown book blocks from the collecting station 32 are transferred by means of said pliers conveyor. Subsequently, the book blocks using the cross conveyor 36 of the in FIGS. 1 and 2 transported away schematically shown system. In the illustrated Embodiment, the transport or conveying direction of the transverse conveyor 36 is oriented transversely to the process direction, as the arrow B in Fig. 2 lets recognize. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a lateral removal of the book blocks using the cross conveyor 36 takes place. The transverse conveyor 36 preferably has a continuous in the direction of arrow B circulating conveyor belt, which is not designated in the figures. Preferably, the cross conveyor 36 leads to a downstream bookbinding machine and / or a downstream packaging machine, which are not shown in the figures. In the packaging machine, the stacks are then wrapped with packaging material and / or packaged in larger units.

From the aforementioned suction conveying device 30, a preferred embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS FIGS. 3 to 8 explained in more detail.

How the particular Figures 3 and 4 can recognize, is an essential feature of the conveyor device 30 in that as endless circulating flexible conveyor a single integral cloth 40 is used, which is perforated over its entire length and width and therefore hereinafter referred to as a suction cloth. In this case, both in the transport direction according to arrow A extending side edges 40a of the suction blanket 40 have a distance from each other, which corresponds to the entire width X of the transport path, so that the suction blanket 40 extends over the entire width X of the transport path. The upper run 40b of the endlessly circulating suction cloth 40 lies in the plane of the transport path, which is thus simultaneously defined by the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40.

In particular Fig. 4 can recognize the suction cloth 40 is guided over upper guide rollers 42 and lower guide rollers 44 which are rotatably mounted on a frame 46. In this case, the upper deflection rollers 42 on the inlet side 30a and the outlet side 30b of the suction conveyor 30 are arranged corresponding to the beginning and end of the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40, so that the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40 is formed between the upper deflection rollers 42 in the transport direction according to arrow A. becomes. Around the endless circulating To move the suction cloth 40 so that its upper run 40b runs in the transport direction according to arrow A from the inlet side 30a to the outlet side 30b, a drive motor 48 is provided on one side of the frame 46, which drives one of the lower deflection rollers 44 and thus these in rotation added. In addition, it should be noted at this point that the axes of rotation of the upper guide rollers 42 oriented approximately transversely and approximately parallel to the plane defined by the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40 transport plane and the rotation axis of the lower guide rollers 44 perpendicular to the transport direction according to arrow A and parallel to the aforementioned transport plane are.

To support the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40, a plurality of support rollers 50 is provided, which are rotatably mounted on the upper side of the frame 46 and, viewed in the direction of transport according to arrow A, both consecutively and juxtaposed, with their axes of rotation perpendicular to the transport direction according to Arrow A and parallel to the plane defined by the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40 transport plane are oriented. In particular Fig. 4 can recognize, are the support rollers 50 with their axes of rotation in the illustrated embodiment in a common plane, whereby the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40 is replaced by a straight and flat shape. As Fig. 3 can recognize the support rollers 50 are not formed integrally or continuously over the entire width X of the transport path, otherwise there is a risk that the support rollers sag downwards. Therefore, a plurality of support rollers 50 are provided over the width X of the transport path in each case, which are combined into a group, wherein between the rollers 50 corresponding (not shown in the figures) bearings for the support rollers 50 are provided. For this it is advantageous, compared to the representation of Fig. 3 to arrange the support rollers of one group offset from the support rollers of the other group to avoid lability of the upper run 40b of the suction blanket 40 between two adjacent support rollers 50.

On the frame 46, a housing is provided, which is designed as a suction box and designated by the reference numeral "52". The suction box 52 is substantially closed and only on its upper side 52a, where the aforementioned Support rollers 50 are arranged and the upper run 40b of the perforated suction cloth 40 runs along, is provided with suction openings, which are, however, not shown in detail in the figures. The one wall forming top 52a of the suction box 52 may be perforated by a plurality of relatively small holes or have only a limited number of larger openings. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to leave the upper side 52a of the suction box 52 substantially open over the entire area covered by the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40. As Fig. 4 can also be seen, the suction box 52 has a suction port 54 to which a suction pump, not shown in the figures, can be connected to generate a negative pressure in the suction box 52, whereby air is sucked through the top 52 a. Thus, the upper side 52a of the suction box 52 forms the so-called suction side, at which the desired suction effect arises.

For transporting the sheets 55, these lie on the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40 and are transported due to the movement of the endlessly circulating suction cloth 40 in the direction of the arrow A, such as FIG. 5 can be seen schematically, the same view as FIG. 3 However, in a somewhat less detailed representation shows, in particular, the suction cloth is shown without perforation. For the movement in the transport direction according to arrow A thus provides the endless peripheral suction cloth 40. The resulting at the top 52a of the suction box 52 suction effect, a holding force is generated with which the sheets 55 are pressed against the upper run 40b of the suction blanket 40. Thus, the sheets are not only under the influence of their gravity generated by the weight on the upper run 40b of the suction blanket 40, but under the additional influence of a generated by the negative pressure at the top 52a of the suction box 52 and a multiple higher holding force. This additional influence of the suction effect and the resulting negative pressure leads to an increased frictional engagement of the sheets with the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40, whereby the sheets are securely fixed to the upper run 40b of the suction cloth 40.

In this case, over the entire width X of the transport path extending and thus the entire width X of the transport path covering suction cloth 40 over the entire width X of the transport path continuous area recording not only for a partially or substantially completely over the entire width of the X Transport path extending large format sheet, but also for several transverse to the transport direction according to arrow A adjacent rows of sheets 55 smaller format, such as FIG. 5 can be seen exemplarily, in the six adjacent to the upper run 40b of the suction blanket 40 rows of each in the transport direction according to arrow A consecutive sheets 55 are shown. As a result, a uniform and complete support of the sheets and an application of negative pressure over the entire surface of the sheets with the result of an effective fixation on the absorbent sheet 40 can be realized. Therefore, the suction conveyor 30 according to the in the FIGS. 3 to 8 illustrated embodiment in the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 The system shown by way of example downstream after the cross-cutting station 24 is used in which the partial webs cut longitudinally by the preceding longitudinal cutting station 20 are simultaneously cut transversely to the conveying direction according to arrow A in sheets, so that several rows of consecutive sheets running side by side transversely to the transport direction according to arrow A arise , which are then received together by the suction cloth 40 of the conveying device 30. Thus, the suction cloth 40 has a continuous over the entire width X of the transport path surface recording for a plurality of transverse to the transport direction adjacent sheets.

The suction box 52 may be subdivided on its suction side forming the upper side 52a in a plurality of in the transport direction according to arrow A one behind the other and / or transverse to the transport direction adjacent sections whose suction force is independently adjustable. These sections may preferably be formed as chambers. The advantage of this embodiment, which is not shown in the figures, is that due to the sectional adjustability, the suction force in particular to the properties of transporting bows well, reducing the risk of damage and in particular the crumpling of the sheets is reduced.

In particular Fig. 4 combined with Fig. 6 can be seen, the frame 46 is supported at its two transverse to the transport direction according to arrow A and thus in the direction of the width X opposite sides by support legs 56, 58 on a base plate 60. Thus, the two support legs 56, 58 serve as two-sided support bearing for the frame 46. There is the peculiarity of (in Fig. 6 right) first support leg 56 in that it is removable from the frame 46, and is the (in Fig. 6 Left) second support leg 58, to the adjacent to the corresponding side of the frame 46, incidentally, the drive 48 is mounted, designed so that it at least temporarily supports the frame 46 at a distance from the base plate 60 after removal of the first support leg 56 and thus the function a one-sided support bearing takes over, like Fig. 7 lets recognize. In this state, as he is in Fig. 7 is shown, the suction cloth 40 can be transverse to the transport direction according to arrow A or in the direction of the width X of the transport path from the frame 46 on the side of deduct, in the normal state according to Fig. 6 the first support leg 56 is provided and is now temporarily removed. For this purpose, the frame 46 and the arrangement of the guide rollers 42, 44 and the support rollers 50 are formed such that after removal of the first support leg 56, the endlessly circulating suction cloth 40 simply from the mentioned rollers 42, 44, 50 subtract and remove from the frame 46 as well as vice versa simply bring into the frame 46 and over the mentioned rollers 42, 44, 50 can coat. Accordingly, the construction of the suction conveying device 30 according to the illustrated embodiment allows easy installation of the suction blanket 40 in an already endless configuration, so that a suction cloth 40 already bonded at the factory with its two ends to an endless configuration can be used for the assembly. In the same, but reverse manner, the endless absorbent sheet 40 can be easily disassembled, so that appropriate maintenance can be carried out quickly and inexpensively. For the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out at this juncture that, for reasons of better clarity, the suction cloth 40 is in the FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown without perforation.

In order to give the endlessly circulating suction cloth 40 additional stability, it is provided on the guide rollers 42 with an upward, slight curvature. For this purpose, the guide rollers 42 are to be formed and arranged accordingly, with two exemplary configurations in Fig. 8 are shown. As Fig. 8 As can be seen, the rollers shown there have a cylindrical shape and substantially the same dimensions. Also is off Fig. 8 It can be seen that a plurality of rollers are combined to form a common deflection roller arrangement, which is preferably to be provided on the inlet side 30a and / or on the outlet side 30b of the suction conveyor device 30. In each pulley arrangement turn some roles are each combined into a group, as shown Fig. 8 is defined. In each case, the outer rollers 42-o, which are arranged adjacent to the side edges 40a of the endlessly circulating cloth 40b, and the inner or middle rollers 42-i are each combined to form a group. Both show in agreement Fig. 8 configurations shown that the distance from a virtual deflection axis 42-a in the group of inner rollers 42-i is greater than in the two groups of outer rollers 42-o. In the configuration according to Fig. 8a the pulley arrangement forms a substantially continuous, slightly curved arc, so that the axes of rotation of each two adjacent rollers are slightly angled to each other. In contrast, in the configuration according to Fig. 8b the rollers of each group are arranged axially aligned so that the axes of rotation of the rollers of each group lie on a common straight line or axis. In this case, the group of internal rollers 42-i is arranged substantially parallel to the virtual deflection axis 42-a, while the two groups of external rollers 42-o are oriented at an angle to the deflection axis 42-a with an outwardly decreasing distance.

To hold in the FIGS. 4 . 6 and 7 shown base plate 60 may be used as a foundation or base a machine bed, which in the FIGS. 9 to 11 shown by way of example and denoted by the reference numeral "62". The special feature of the machine bed 62 used in the illustrated embodiment is that it is formed from a granite slab is. This creates a particularly stable and vibration-proof foundation. For the support and fixing of the base plate 60, the machine bed 62 has two mounting surfaces 62a, which are precisely ground to form a defined common mounting plane. As Fig. 9 can be seen, in each of these two mounting surfaces 62a, a series of holes incorporated, which are not designated in the figures and usually consist of threaded holes. The base plate 60 has corresponding through holes, which are also not marked in the figures in detail and - although in the illustrated embodiment, only half the pitch - are aligned according to the threaded holes in the machine bed 62. As a result, it is possible to screw the base plate 60 and thus the suction conveying device 30 installed on the frame 46 thereon to a desired location on the machine bed 32.

Furthermore let in particular the Figures 9 and 11 recognize that in the machine bed 62 along a long side a shoulder 64 is incorporated. This paragraph forms an elongated defined reference surface 64, wherein the machine bed 62 is preferably to be aligned so that the reference surface 64 forming paragraph in the process or transport direction of the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 shown system according to arrow A runs. The reference surface 64 serves as abutment for stops 66, which are arranged on the underside of the base plate 60, as the FIGS. 10 and 11 reveal. According to Fig. 11 two spaced stops 66 are preferably provided. The stops 66 are positioned defined on the base plate 60 so as to be engageable with the reference surface 64 for defined alignment of the base plate 60. In this way, it is possible assemblies or system components such as in the present case installed on the base plate 60 suction conveyor 30 and / or the longitudinal and transverse cutting stations 20, 24 in the FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically reproduced system to bring in a desired defined orientation, which is particularly advantageous in a repeated assembly and disassembly.

Claims (14)

1. Suction conveyor (30) for transporting flat parts (55), specifically sheets of paper, preferably on the way from a cutting station (20, 24) to a stacking station (32) in a plant of the paper-processing industry, with a suction arrangement (52) comprising a suction side (52a), on which a low pressure is created, and
   an endlessly rotating, flexible conveyor arrangement consisting of flexible flat material furnished with holes and comprising an inner side, with which the conveyor arrangement on the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52) can be moved along, and an external side to receive the flat parts (55) in the operating area of the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52), where the conveyor arrangement moves in the direction of transport (A),
   wherein the suction arrangement (52) and the conveyor arrangement are formed such that at least one conveyor track with a width (X) transverse to the direction of transport (A) is defined in the operating area of the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52),
   wherein the conveyor arrangement is formed by an endlessly rotating, single, one-piece, flexible conveyor (40), whose two side margins (40a) both running in the direction of transport (A) have a distance from each other that is at least as large as the entire width (X) of the conveyor track, such that the single, one-piece, flexible conveyor (40) extends at least over the entire width (X) of the conveyor track, with whose suction conveyor (30) a deflection means (42) to deflect the conveyor arrangement around a deflection axis (42a) is provided respectively at an inlet side (30a) being positioned upstream and viewed in the direction of transport (A) and at an outlet side (30b) being positioned downstream and the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52) is located between these two deflection means (42), characterised by means to produce a curvature being directed towards the external side and running approximately transverse to the direction of transport (A) in the single, one-piece flexible conveyor (40) at least in sections in the operating area of the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52),
   wherein at least one deflection means comprises a multitude of rolls (42-i, 42-o) running next to one another across the entire width (X) of the conveyor track and substantially transverse to the direction of transport (A) and forming the means to produce the curvature with a rotary axis running transversely or angularly to the direction of transport, wherein the arrangement and formation of the rolls (42-i, 42-o) is made such that the interval at least of one circumferential section of the deflection axis (42-a) of the exterior rolls (42-o) is less than of the interior rolls (42-i).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the single, one-piece flexible conveyor (40) comprises an endlessly rotating cloth.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction arrangement (52) and the conveyor arrangement are formed such that the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52) is substantially completely covered by the single, one-piece flexible conveyor (40).
4. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, with which the suction side (52a) of the suction arrangement (52) comprises at least one suction opening, characterised in that the single, one-piece flexible conveyor (40) at least substantially completely covers the at least one suction opening.
5. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance of the rotary axis to the deflection axis (42-a) of the interior rolls (42-i) is greater than of the exterior rolls (42-o), wherein the rolls (42-i, 42-o) have a substantially cylindrical form.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that the rotary axes of the exterior rolls (42-o) are inclined towards the deflection axis (42-a) such that its distance is enlarged in the direction of the interior rolls (42-i).
7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the rolls (42-i, 42-o) have approximately the same radius.
8. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the rotary axes of the rolls (42-i, 42-o) substantially align with each other and coincide with the deflection axis (42-a) or run in parallel to this and the rolls (42-i, 42-o) are formed such that their radius is enlarged towards the interior rolls (42-i).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the exterior rolls (42-o) have a conical form and the interior rolls (42-i) have an approximately cylindrical form.
10. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a frame (46) is provided, comprises the guides (42, 44) for guiding in an endlessly rotating manner the single, one-piece flexible conveyor (40) and can be supported on both sides by a support bearing (56, 58) at a distance from a base, of the two support bearings (56, 58) being arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the direction of transport (A) a first support bearing (56) is detachably arranged on the casing (46) and a second support bearing (58) is dimensioned such that it supports at least temporarily the casing (46) at a distance from the base after the removal of the first support bearing (56) and thus undertakes the function of a one-sided support bearing, and the casing (46) is formed such that after the removal of the first support bearing (56) the sole, one-pieced flexible conveyor can be removed transverse to the direction of transport (A) from the cashing (46) on the side, on which the first support bearing (56) is positioned.
11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the suction arrangement (52) is arranged in the frame (46).
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the frame (46) forms a housing for the suction arrangement (52).
13. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external side of the single, one-piece flexible conveyor (40) forms its upper side, on which the flat parts (55) can be applied.
14. Plant to produce flat parts (55), specifically sheets of paper or similar of the paper-processing industry, and to collect the flat parts (55) for stacking, specifically bodies of books, with a cutting station (20, 24) for cutting flat parts such that at least two rows of adjacent flat parts (55) running in the direction of transport (A) and transverse to the direction of transport (A) are formed, and a stacking station (32), characterised in that a device (30) according to at least one of the preceding claims is arranged downstream behind the cutting station (20, 24) and upstream in front of the stacking station (32) in order to transport at least two adjacent rows of flat parts (55) from the cutting station (20, 24) to the stacking station (32).

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