EP0068462A1 - Stacker-tyer - Google Patents
Stacker-tyer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0068462A1 EP0068462A1 EP82105639A EP82105639A EP0068462A1 EP 0068462 A1 EP0068462 A1 EP 0068462A1 EP 82105639 A EP82105639 A EP 82105639A EP 82105639 A EP82105639 A EP 82105639A EP 0068462 A1 EP0068462 A1 EP 0068462A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- stack
- stacks
- platform
- articles
- stacker
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H33/00—Forming counted batches in delivery pile or stream of articles
- B65H33/16—Forming counted batches in delivery pile or stream of articles by depositing articles in batches on moving supports
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/70—Article bending or stiffening arrangements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H31/00—Pile receivers
- B65H31/30—Arrangements for removing completed piles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a stacker-tyer capable of receiving a stream of sheet-like articles, forming the articles into a stack, and tying the stack.
- Stackers for receiving signatures, newspapers, or other sheet-like articles in a stream and for forming them into stacks are well known. Typical are the stackers shown in U.S. Patents 4,139,191; 4,037,525; 3,851,773; 3,538,818; 3,479,932; 3,450,275; 3,480,503; and 2,672,079. These stackers receive a stream of publications, form them into stacks and.deposit them on a conveyor for subsequent handling.
- Known stackers can build stacks of a preselected count or number of publications, and the count selected may be adjustable. For example, stackers are known which are adjustable to form stacks of from 50 to 100 newspapers in each stack.
- a weekday paper may be printed all in a single press run, folded, and then stacked into bundles which can be easily handled by a delivery truck driver.
- a delivery truck driver To the applicant's knowledge, there is no single stacker which has the flexibility to form either bundles or logs.
- the stacks formed by a stacker are moved on a conveyor to a tying station where the stacks are tied prior to shipment.
- Commercially manufactured tyers are well known.
- One manufacturer of a tyer is the Signode Corporation, 2600 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60647. Tyers such as the ones made by Signode automatically feed a strap around a bundle, box, or other article, tighten the strap, cut the strap, and fasten the ends together.
- Conveyor systems have been developed which alternately deliver stacks from the stacker to one or the other of two tyers. See, e.g., U.S. Patent 4,037,525.
- these conveyor systems require a relatively large amount of floor space.
- these conveyor systems have not proved entirely satisfactory because the conveyor itself may break down and because the stacks may become skewed or misaligned during movement on a conveyor from the stacker to the tyer, especially where the conveyor is operating at a speed fast enough to keep up with a stacker connected directly with a high speed press.
- the present invention provides a stacker-tyer which receives a stream of sheet-like articles and forms them into either tall stacks (logs) or short stacks (bundles). Moreover, in an apparatus constructed according to the present invention two tyers are utilized, one located immediately adjacent each side of.a stacker assembly, and the stacks (either bundles or logs) are shifted alternately from the stacker assembly laterally and directly into one or the other of the tyers. With the tyers right next to the stacker, lengthy conveyors are eliminated.
- the stacker assembly of the present invention receives a stream of sheet-like articles from an overhead conveyor.
- the leading edge of each article hits a deflector and the articles drop to form a stack on a downwardly movable platform which supports the bottom of the stack.
- the platform is moved downward, so that the top of the stack remains at approximately the same level.
- the stacker also includes an upper and a lower stack support for receiving stacks from the movable platform.
- the upper stack support receives short stacks. (bundles) from the movable platform.
- the upper stack support is removed when making tall stacks (logs).
- the tall stacks (logs) are received on the lower stack support from the movable platform.
- the upper stack support extends laterally across the entire width of the two tyers and the stacker for building bundles.
- the platform supporting a bundle is moved downward as the bundle is built, and when the bundle is complete the platform moves rapidly to the level of the upper stack support. There the bundle is transferred from the platform to the upper stack support and then pushed laterally across the upper stack support into one of the other of the tyers where the bundle is compressed and tied.
- the upper stack support When log-sized stacks are to be built, the upper stack support is removed. As articles pile on to build a log, the platform moves downward past the level where the upper stack support had been for receiving bundles. When a full log has been built, the platform moves downward rapidly to the level of the lower stack support. The log is transferred to the lower stack support and moved laterally toward a tyer (which has been adjusted to tie a log-sized stack). The tyer.then compresses the log and ties it.
- the stacker includes a series of platforms which move downward along a stacking path inclined from vertical. Movement of the platforms is coordinated so that when one stack has a preselected number of articles in it, the succeeding platform moves into position to intercept the incoming stream of articles and thus begin the succeeding stack.
- the present invention eliminates conveyors between the stacker and the tyers and the problems-associated with them.
- the resulting stacker-tyer is more compact and can operate at a higher speed than
- the shuttle mechanism moves the stacks from the stacker to the tyers.
- the shuttle mechanism- has pushers which engage two opposite sides of the stack to push the stack laterally while simultaneously keeping the stack in proper vertical alignment during movement.
- a third side of the stack is supported by skid plates which extend laterally parallel to the direction of movement of the stack.
- the skid plates are inclined slightly from vertical with the result that the stack leans against them.
- the skid plates extend the full length of the stacks and laterally from the stacker to each of the tyers.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic plar view of a stacker-tyer 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- the stacker-tyer 50 receives a stream of sheet-like articles from conveyor 52.
- the conveyor 52 delivers folded newspapers comprising one or more sections and that the newspapers arrive in a shingled stream directly from a conventional folder or stuffer.
- the stream of articles is fed into the in feed section 54 of a stacker assembly 56 where the articles are arched in conveyors to give them rigidity. Then the articles are fed to a stacker section 58.
- the stacker assembly 56 may form the articles into uncompensated stacks, i.e., the folded edges of all the articles in a stack may face in the same direction, or the stacks may be compensated in which the case the folded edges of half of the articles face one way, and half the other. If compensated stacks are desired, then during the stacking process one or both of the compensating sections 64 and 66 are utilized.
- the stacker section 58, and the compensators 64 and 66 together form what is termed herein the stacker assembly 56. In some appications, it may prove desirable to make only uncompensated bundles or logs in which case the compensators 64 and 66 would not be utilized and the stacker assembly 56 would consist of only the stacker sectio 58 and the infeed section 54.
- a stack After a stack has been formed, it is moved from the. stacker assembly 56 to one or the other of.the tyers 70 and 72 where it is compressed and tied. Thereafter, the stack is moved to the one of the delivery stations 80 'and 82 which is adjacent to the tyer in which the stack had been tied. The delivery stations 80 and 82 push the tied stacks onto conveyors (not shown) for further processing.
- the stacker-tyer 50 can stack and tie stacks which, when tied, are up to 12 inches high, herein termed “bundles”, or stacks which, when tied, are up. to 48 inches high, herein termed “logs”.
- the term “stack” is used in this specification genericly to refer to a stacked group of sheet-like articles which may be either a bundle or a log.)
- the ability to stack either bundles or logs provides great operational flexibility.
- the articles being stacked are newspaper sections which will be further processed, for example, preprinted sections which must be temporarily stored and then later fed to automatic stuffing machinery, it is convenient to have the newspaper sections stacked into logs.
- the arriving sheet-like articles are complete newspapers, it is convenient to have them stacked into bundles which can be easily handled by an individual laborer.
- the physical layout of the stacker-tyer 50 is designed to faciliate stacking, tying; and delivering printed sheet-like articles as fast as modern presses, folders, and stuffers can operate.
- the stacking section 58 (Fig. lA) can operate at the same speed as modern web presses and can stack articles as fast as they can be folded and stuffed, the compensator sections 64 and 66 and the tyers 70 and 72 are inherently slower. Accordingly, the stacker-tyer 50 is arranged symmetrically about a center line 88 (Fig. 1) which bisects the conveyor 52.
- the stacker-tyer 50 includes a shuttle mechanism 100 which moves completed stacks from the stacker assembly 56 alternately to one or the other of the tyers 70 and 72.
- a compensator section 64, 66, a tyer 70, 72, and a delivery 80, 82 on each side of the stacker section 58, the slower components may work at half the speed of the stacker section 58, and the entire stacker-tyer 50 can keep up with the fastest web presses, folders and stuffers.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 moves completed stacks from the stacker assembly 56 to the tyers 70 and 72 and to the delivery stations 80 and 82.
- the shuttle mechanism moves the stacks very rapidly from the stacker assembly 56 to one side or the other, and thereby enables the stacker-tyer 50 to operate as fast as the presses, folders, and stuffers currently available.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 includes stack supporting surfaces 806, 808 (Fig. 30, discussed and illustrated more fully below) which support two opposite sides of the stacks to keep the articles in each stack in vertical alignment during movement.
- a third side of the stacks is supported by rear skid plates 380 (Fig. lA) in the stacker section, rear skid plates 390, 390a in the compensators 62 and 64 and by rear skid plates 504 in the tyers 70 and 72.
- the bottom of the stacks are supported on stack supports 290 or 292 in the stacker 5$, by the supports 382, 382a, 405 or 405a in the compensators 64 and 66 and by the stack receiving supports 506 in the tyers 70 and 72.
- the stacks arriving in the tyers 70 and 72 do not require realignment prior to tying. Moreover, because the stacks are supported during movement on both the front and rear sides of the stack (relative to the direction of movement) it is possible to subject the stacks to greater accelerations and decelerations and thus to move them faster than if the stacks were supported only from below or from below and on only one side during movement.
- Figure 2 illustrates the in feed section 54 and stacker section 58 of the stacker assembly 56 in profile.
- the in feed section 54 receives sheet-like articles in a shingled stream from in feed conveyor 52.
- the in feed section 54 feeds the articles to the stacker section 58 where they are stacked.
- the stacker section 58, the compensators 64 and 66 and the tyers 70 and 72 are all mounted on wheels so that the sections may be easily removed for repair or maintenance.
- the in feed section 54 receives a flat shingled stream of sheet-like articles between upper and lower cooperating belt conveyors 120 and 122.
- the upper and lower belt conveyors 120. and 122 are both flat, but at the downstream nip 126, the rollers 130 and 131 (Fig. 4) cause the upper and lower belt conveyors to take on an arched configuration to bend the arriving stream of articles about an axis parallel to their path of travel. This bending is conventional and adds rigidity to the articles and thereby facilitates jogging and stacking.
- the rollers 130 mounted on shafts 132 are supported by pivotable brackets 133, 134 and 135.
- Adjustable pneumatic springs 136, 137, 138 control the pressure between the rollers 130 and 131.
- the pneumatic springs 136-133 may be adjusted according to the stiffness and thickness of the articles being stacked.
- the conveyors 120 and 122 (Fig. 3) are driven in synchronism with each other by a motor 139 and drive chain 140 which connects the motor with sprockets 141 and 142 which in turn are connected with the upper belt conveyor 120 and lower belt conveyor 122, respectively.
- the motor 139 is driven at a speed slightly faster than the speed of the in feed conveyor 52 (Fig. 2) to assure that the arriving sheet-like articles will not jam in the in feed section 54.
- each of the articles expelled from the downstream nip 126 (Fig. 3) of the upper and lower conveyors 120 and 122 of the in feed section 54 hits spaced apart deflectors 150. and 152 (Fig. 5).
- the deflectors 150 and 152 are positioned generally transverse to the path of travel of the articles as they leave the downstream nip 126, and contact with the deflectors causes the articles to drop onto a platform 158b (Fig. 3) to form a generally vertical stack.
- the stack supporting platform 158 moves downward as the stack grows in a-manner to be described more fully below. Suffice it to say for the present, the stack supporting platform 158b moves downward so that the top of the growing stack remains slightly below the level of the downstream nip 126 of the belt conveyors 120 and 124.
- the in feed section 54 (Fig. 3) includes a jogger mechanism which assures that succeeding articles expelled from the downstream nip 126 of the belt conveyors 120 and 122 lie squarely on top of the growing stack in proper vertical alignment.
- the jogger mechanism includes the deflectors 150 and 152 (Fig. 5) and side plates 160 and 162 all of which are driven in. oscillatory movement by motor 164.
- Figures 3, 5 and 6 illustrate the jogger assembly and its drive.
- the motor 164 (Fig. 5) drives shaft 166 (Figs. 5 and 6) through a chain 168.
- the shaft 166 is rotatably mounted in bearings 169 and 170 which are connected with a fixed frame member 172 to which the motor 164 is also connected.
- the fixed frame member 172 is in turn rigidly connected with machine frame side plates 173 and 174.
- the shaft 166 carries eccentrics 176 and 177 (Fig. 5) which drives the deflectors 150 and 152.
- the eccentric 176 is connected by a link 194 with deflector plate 150.
- the eccentric 177 is connected by-a link 192 with the deflector plate 152.
- the links 192 and 194 are connected to the upper end portions of the deflectors 152 and 150, respectively.
- the opposite, lower end portions of the deflectors 150 and 152 are pivotably mounted by brackets 196 and 198 which are fixedly connected with the machine frame side plates 173 and 174.
- the links 192 and 194 oscillate, pivoting the deflectors 150 and 152 about axis 199, thereby jogging the incoming articles.
- the shaft 166 also drives 90 degree gear boxes 200 and 202. These gear boxes in turn drive shafts 204 and 206, respectively, to which eccentrics 208 and 210, respectively, are connected.
- the eccentrics 208 and 210 have an output links 212, 214, respectively, which are connected through intermediate links to the upper end portions of the side plates 160 and 162 (Fig. 5).
- the lower end portions of side plates 160 and 162 are mounted for pivoting movement about shafts 215 and 216, respectively.
- the output links 212 and 214 drive the side plates 160 and 162 in oscillatory motion to jog the incoming articles.
- the infeed assembly 54 is adjustable to receive sheetlike articles of various lengths and widths.
- the lower end portions of the side plates 160 and 162 (Fig. 5) are both mounted on linkages 217 and 218 which permit the shafts 215 and 216 about which the side plates bscillate to be adjusted to compensate for different widths of incoming articles.
- the linkage 218 which supports the lower end portion of side plate 162 is generally similar to the linkage which supports the lower end portion of side plate 160.
- the linkage supporting plate 160 includes an adjusting screw 219 which, when turned, moves the shaft 215 and the lower end portion of the side plate 160 toward or away from the center line 88.
- a similar adjusting mechanism 220 having an adjusting screw 222 provides adjustment for the upper end portion of side plate 160.
- the infeed section 54 also includes an adjustable trailing edge guide 223 positioned below the conveyor or nip 126.
- the guide 223 may be moved toward or away from the deflectors 150 and 152 to accommodate articles of different lengths.
- a belt jogger of conventional design may also be used to jog the trailing edge of the articles as they form a stack.
- the guide 223 and the side plates 160 and 162 may be adjusted to accommodate articles ranging in size from about 7" x 10" to about 12" x 17".
- the stacker section 58 includes a plurality of platforms 158a-158h to receive stacks. Alternate platforms are driven independently, i.e., 158a, 158c, 158e and 158g are driven independently of platforms 158b, 158d, 158f and 158h. In this way one stack can be in the process of being built while the preceding stack is lowered to platform 290 or 292 (Fig. 7) to be moved. laterally by the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) .
- the platforms 158a-153h are mounted on endless chains 230, 232, 234 and 236 (Fig. 9).
- the chains 230-236 are trained around sprockets 238, 240, 242 and 244 which rotate about the axis of an upper shaft 246 and about sprockets 248, 250, 252 and 254 which rotate about the axis of a lower shaft 256.
- the upper shaft 246 is parallel to the lower shaft 256 but offset vertically from it (see Fig. 8) so that the straight portions of the paths of the chains 230-236 are inclined about 15 degrees from vertical.
- the chains 230-236 move downward on the forward or lefthand portion (as viewed in Fig. 8) of their path and upward on the rear or return portion of the path.
- the chains 230-236 are paired into an outer pair comprising chains 230 and 236 and an inner pair comprising chains 232 and 234.
- Each platform.158a-158h is connected with either the outer pair of chains 230 and 236 or the inner pair of chains 232 and 234.
- the movement of each pair of chains is controlled independently from the movement of the other pair, and accordingly the platforms 158a, 158c, 158e and 158g move independently from the platforms 158b, 158d, 158f and 158h.
- Sprockets 238, 240, 242, and 244 are mounted for rotation about upper shaft 246 (Figs. 8 and 9).
- the outer pair of sprockets, 238 and 244, are mounted for free rotation on shaft 246.
- the inner pair of sprockets, 240 and 242 are fixedly connected with the shaft 246, and they rotate whenever the shaft is turned.
- the arrangement of sprockets 248, 250, 252 and 254 is reversed.
- the inner pair of sprockets 250 and 252- are mounted for free rotation on shaft 256, and the outer pair of sprockets 248 and 254 are fixedly connected with the shaft 256. With this arrangment the outer pair of chains 230 and 236 are driven through shaft 256 while the inner pair of chains . 232 and 234 are driven through shaft 246.
- the stacker section 58 includes two drive motors 260 and 262 (Figs 8 and 10) for driving the shafts 246 and 256 . at high and low speeds, respectively.
- the high speed drive motor 260 may be selectively connected with an intermediate shaft 264 by a clutch 266 and drive chain 267.
- the high speed drive motor 260 may be selectively connected with intermediate shaft 268 by clutch 270 and drive chain 271.
- the low speed drive motor 262 may be selectively connected with the intermediate shaft 264 through means of a clutch 272 and drive chain 273.
- the low speed drive motor 262 may also be selectively connected with the upper intermediate shaft 268 by means of clutch 274 and drive chain 275.
- the lower and upper intermediate shafts 264 and 268 also each carry a selectively operable brake 276 and 278, respectively, which when applied-stops rotation of the intermediate shaft to which they are connected.
- the upper intermediate shaft 268 drives the upper shaft 246 through chain 280 and a sprocket 281 fixed to shaft 246.
- the upper shaft 246 in turn drives the inner pair of chains 232 and 234 (Fig. 9).
- the lower intermediate shaft 264 (Fig. 8) is drivingly connected with the lower shaft 256 by means of chain 282 and a sprocket 283 fixed to shaft 256 and thereby drives the outer pair of chains 230 and 236.
- the inner pair of chains 240 and 242 may be driven at either a high or low speed.
- the brake 278 may be actuated to stop movement of the chains.
- the outer pair of chains 230 and 236 may be driven at either high or low speeds by selective operation of clutches 266 and 272, and the outer pair of chains may be stopped by actuation of brake 276.
- the inner pair of chains 232 and 234 (Fig. 9) are connected with the low speed motor 262 as a stack is being built on platform 158b.
- the low speed drive motor 262 is a variable speed motor, and its speed is controlled to maintain the top of the stack of incoming articles approximately even with or a little below the downstream nip 126 (Fig. 8) of the infeed section 54.
- a counter 279 (shown schematically in Fig. 3) counts the number of articles on platform 158b (Fig. 8) (and on each succeeding platform), and when a predetermined number is reached, the chains 232 and 234 to which the platform 158b is connected, are disconnected from the low speed drive motor 262 (Figs. 8 and 10) by disengaging clutch 274. Simultaneously, the chains 232 and 234 are connected with the high speed drive motor 260 by engagement of clutch 270. This causes the platform 158b to drop downward rapidly. The platform 158b moves downward and the stack, in the case of a log, is transferred to the stack receiving support 290 (Figs. 7 and 8). If bundles are being made, then the platform transfers the stack to the upper stack receiving support 292.
- the chains 232 and 234 were actuated to bring platform 158a to a position poised above the downstream nip 126 of the infeed section 54.
- the outermost tip 296 (Figs. 8 and 11) of the platform 158a is restrained by a latch mechanism 300 (Figs. 8, 14 and 15).
- the latch mechanism 300 serves to hold the tip 296 away from the stream of incoming articles until the stack being built on platform 158b contains the predetermined number of articles.
- the latch mechanism 300 releases the tip 296 which then intercepts the stream of articles to begin the next stack.
- the latch mechanism 300 is shown in detail in Figures 14 and 15.
- the latch mechanism 300 is mounted to a fixed frame member 302 which extends between machine frame side plates 173 and 174.
- the latch includes a pivotable catch 304 which can be rotated about the axis of bolt 306 by actuation of the-cylinder 308.
- the pivotable catch 304 When the cylinder 308 is in its extended position, the pivotable catch 304 extends outward from the fixed frame member 302 and engages the tip 296 (Figs. 3 and 8) of the platform 158a.
- a controller (not shown) is connected with the counter 279 (Fig. 3), and when a preselected number of articles has been counted, indicating that a stack is complete, the cylinder 308 (Fig. 14) is retracted to pull back the catch 304 and release the tip 296.
- the platforms 158a-158h (Fig. 8) are guided in their downward movement by a pair of parallel guide rails 316 and 318 (Figs. 8 and 9).
- the guide rails function to control the attitude of the platforms 158 as they move downward.
- the guide rails 316 and 318 (Fig. 11) have a rectangular cross section and the platforms 158 each have four wheels, two of which (320 and 322) engage the front surfaces of the guide rails 316 and 318, respectively, and two of which (324 and 326) engage the rear surfaces of the guide rails 316 and 318, respectively.
- the wheels 320, 322, 324, and 326 support the platforms 158 and resist any tendency for the platform to tilt downward under the weight of the stack built upon it.
- the guide rails 316 and 318 (Fig. 13) cause the platform 158 to move downward in a straight path which is inclined 15 degrees from vertical.
- the torque caused by the weight of the stack on the platform 158 is resisted by the guide rails 316 and 318 and is not transmitted to the chains 230, 232, 234, and 236, which serve only to control the descent of the platforms and to return the platforms to' the top of the guide rails.
- the guide rails 316 and 318 terminate at the bottom of the forward run of the chains 230-236 (Fig. 8), and the platforms 158 are relatively free on the upward, return run of the chains.
- the guide rails 316 and 318 have a curved, tapered portion 328 at the top of the return run of the chains 230-236 so that the wheels 320-326 of the platforms 158 are guided into place just before the chains 230-236 make their turn around the upper sprockets 238, 240, 242 and 244.
- the platform 158 includes a carriage assembly 330 (Fig. 11) and a stack supporting plate 332 connected with the carriage assembly.
- the carriage assembly 330 includes a cross shaft 334 extending between the guide rails 316 and 318.
- the previously mentioned wheels 320 and 322 are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of the cross shaft 334.
- Brackets 336 and 338 are fixedly connected with the cross shaft 334.
- the brackets 336 and 338 support the wheels 324 and 326, respectively, which are rotatably mounted thereon.
- the brackets 336 and 338 are generally similar in structure and function, and Figure 13 illustrates the position of the bracket 338 when the wheels 322 and 326 are in contact with the front and rear surfaces of the guide rail 316 during downward movement of the platform 158.
- the wheel 326 is behind and above the wheel 322 as the platform 158 moves downward. Any torque applied to the cross shaft 334 by the weight Qf the stack growing on the stack support plate 332 is resisted by the wheels 322 and 326.
- the carriage assembly 330 is connected with chains 232 and 234 through identical brackets 340 and 342 (Fig. 11). .
- the brackets 340 and 342 each include a pin 341 and 343, respectively; which extends through a link of the chain 232 or 234, respectively.
- the brackets 340 and 342 are connected with a mating bracket 344 and 346, respectively which are permanently connected with the shaft 334.
- the platform 158 illustrated in Figure 11 includes brackets 340 and 342 along with cooperating brackets 344 and 346, respectively, which are positioned along shaft 334 for connection with the inner pair of chains 232 and 234, respectively.
- This arrangement is suitable for use with platforms 158b, 158d, 158f and 158h, all of which are connected with the inner pair of chains 232 and 234.
- the brackets 240, 242, 244, and 246 are moved outward on the shaft 334 to the position shown in phantom in Figure 11 where the brackets are aligned with the chains 230 and 236.
- the stack supporting plate assembly 332 (Fig. 12) is pivotably mounted to the carriage assembly 330.
- The.stack supporting plate assembly 332 is connected with a support bracket 350 which has a passage through which the cross shaft 334 extends. Rotation of the support bracket 350 downward (counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 12) is limited by a clamp 352 (Figs. 11 and 12) which is fixedly connected. with the cross shaft 334.
- a pin 354 extending generally parallel with the cross shaft 334 is connected with the support bracket 350 and engages a tab on the clamp 352 thereby preventing further counterclockwise movement of the support bracket 350 relative to the cross shaft 334.
- the platform 158 includes a hinge and spring arrangement which enables the platform to be pretensioned while being held by the latch mechanism 300.
- the spring arrangement snaps the platform 158 into the stream of incoming sheet-like articles. This snap action eliminates the need for a gap maker or other device to temporarily interrupt the incoming stream of articles while a complete stack is being lowered and the next platform is being brought into place.
- a pair of torsion coil springs 358 and 360 bias the rotatable support bracket 350 toward engagement with the clamp 352.
- One end portion of the torsion coil springs 358 and 360 are fixed against rotation relative to the cross shaft 334, and the other end portion of the torsion coil springs extend to engage the pin 354 connected with the support bracket 350.
- the springs 358 and 360 tighten and resist this motion.
- the stack supporting plate 332 of the platform 158 (Fig. 11) is connected with the support bracket 350.
- the support bracket 350 extends generally perpendicular to the shaft 334.
- the stack receiving supports 290 and 292 (Figs. 1A and 7) are formed with tines 370 which fit between or interdigitate with the tines 333 of the stack supporting plate 332 of the platform 158.
- the platform 158 (Fig. 8) supporting the stack is lowered rapidly to transfer the stack to either the upper stack receiving support 292 or the lower stack receiving support 290.
- the platform 158 moves downward its tines 333 trace out vertical paths which fit between the tines 370 of the upper and lower stack receiving supports 290 and 292, and the stack which was once on the stack supporting plate 332 is automatically transferred to one of the stack receiving supports.
- the stack support 292 (Fig. 7) is removable and adapted to be positioned at the level indicated in phantom in Fig.. 8 for receiving bundles from the platform 158.
- the stack support 292 (Fig. 7) includes a plate member 371 of which the tines 370 are an integral part.
- the plate member 371 is connected with a bracket 372 which provides support for the plate member 371.
- a pair of pins 377 and 378 are connected with the skid plates 380 at the level of the upper stack support.
- the pins 377 and 378 are received in openings 375 and 376, respectively, in the bracket 372 and hold the stack support 297 fixed to the stacker assembly 58 (Fig. lA) and generally perpendicular to the rear skid plates 380 to receive bundles.
- the stack support 392 may be lifted off the pins 377 and 378 when logs are being made.
- the lower stack support 290 ( F ig. 8) is connected with the stacker assembly to receive logs from the platforms 158. Because the logs are relatively heavy, the lower stack support 290 is mounted on shock absorbing springs 373.
- the pair of chains 230 and 240 or 232 and 234 (Fig. 9) to which the platform 158 upon which the stack had just been resting is connected are advanced to bring the next platform connected with that same pair of chains into an indexed position with its tip 296 (Fig. 8) engaged by the latch assembly 300.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) moves the stack on the stack receiving support 290 or 292 from the stacker section 58 into one or the other of the compensator sections 64 or 66 which are positioned immediately adjacent the stacker section 58.
- Fig. 13A It has proven advantageous to provide the stacker- section 58 with a pair of retractable guide bars 382 and 383 (Fig. 13A).
- the guide bars when in the extended position shown in phantom in Fig. 13A, extend parallel to the downward stacking path of the platform 158 and engage opposite sides of the stack as the platform 158 is lowered to thereby keep the stack in proper alignment.
- the guide bars 382 and 383 are mounted on the ends of arms 384 and 385, respectively, which are mounted in the frame 386 of the stacker section 58 for rotation about axes 387 and 388, respectively.
- a hydraulic cylinder 389 is effective to rotate the arms 384 and 385 about axes 387 and 388, respectively, when it extends and retracts.
- the cylinder 389 is pivotably connected with the frame 386 at 390 and its opposite end is connected with lever 391.
- the lever 391 rotates about axis 392 when the cylinder 387, extends or retracts.
- Lever 391 is connected by link 393 with arm 384 and by link 394, lever 395 and link 396 with arm 385.
- lever 391 rotates about axis 392 and lever 395 rotates about axis 396 to move the arms 384 and 385 toward the position shown in phantom-The guide bars 382 and 383 are kept in this position while a log is being built. Once the log is completed, the guide bars 382 and 383 are retracted by the contraction of the cylinder 389, and as discussed below, the stack is then moved laterally out of the stacker section 58.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) includes pusher assemblies 706, 708, 710 and 712 to be discussed below which engage the trailing side of the completed stack in the stacker section 58.
- the pushers engage the trailing side of the stack and accelerate the stack laterally while preserving vertical alignment of the articles in the stack.
- the momentum of the rapidly moving stack causes the stack to engage the pusher located adjacent the leading side of the stack.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 includes pushers located on both the leading side and trailing side of the stack being moved laterally from the stacker section 58 into the compensator section 64, it is possible to accelerate and decelerate the stack very rapidly while preserving vertical alignment of the stack. Since alternate stacks are moved in opposite directions from the stacker section 58 into one or the other of the compensator sections 64 and 66, the roles of the pushers as engaging the leading or trailing sides of the stacks changes with the direction of motion of the particular stack.
- the stacker section 58 includes rear skid plates 380 which are disposed parallel to the guide rails 316 and 318 (Figs. 8, 9 and 10).
- the rear skid plates 380 form a continuation of the deflectors 150 and 152 and are inclined 15 degrees from vertical. They are generally perpendicular to the plane of the stack receiving supports 290 and 292 as the platforms move downward. As the stack on a platform 158 grows, the stack leans against the rear skid plates 380.
- the compensators 64 and 66 include rear skid plates 390 which together with the skid plates 380 of the stacker section 58 provide continuous support for the back of the stacks as they are moved within the stacker assembly 56. There are similar rear skid plates 504 and 504a (Fig.
- the rear skid plates 380, 390, the pushers of the shuttle mechanism 100, the stack receiving supports 290 or 292 of the stacker and the stack receiving supports 382, 382a, 405 or 405a of the compensators cooperate to support four of the six faces of a stack during movement, and thus to preserve alignment of the articles in the stack. Therefore, when the stack or partial stack arrives at a compensator section 64 or 66 or a tyer 70 or 72, no rejogging is required to realign the articles in the stack despite the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the stacks as they are moved.
- the compensator sections 64 and 66 are utilized only when making bundles.
- the stacker-tyer 50 does not make compensated logs because the logs are . intended for further automatic processing with which alternating orientation of the articles would not be compatible.
- the counter 279 (Fig. 3) which controls the release of the latch mechanism 300 is set to count one-half of the total number of articles required to make a complete bundle. This "half bundle" is then lowered onto the stack receiving support 292 (Fig. 8) and moved laterally-by the shuttle mechanism 100 into one df the compensator sections 64 or 66 (Fig. 1).
- the compensator sections 64 and 66 are substantially identical, and only the compensator section 64 will be described in detail, it being understood that the description applies equally to the compensator section 66.
- a half bundle is pushed by the shuttle mechanism 100 across the stack support 292 and a similar stack support 382 connected with the compensator section 64 into the compensator section (Figs. 16 and 17) to a position (Fig. 17) where it is aligned over an elevator platform 400.
- the elevator platform 400 is connected with a cylinder assembly 402 (Fig. 16) which lifts the elevator platform 400 and the half bundle on it upward into a rotatably mounted compensator box 404.
- the elevator platform 400 of the compensator section is locked in its uppermost position and the stack support 382 is removed to permit lateral movement of the logs whose - bottom is supported by stack support 405 which forms a continuation of the stack support 290 in the stacker section 56.
- the compensator box 404 includes a pair of pivotable supports 406 and 408.
- the supports 406 and 408 form the bottom of the box 404 and are hinged to opposite bottom edges of the compensator box 404.
- the supports 406 and 408 may be moved from a position in which they are generally vertical (as shown in Fig. 17) and hence the bottom of the box is open to a position in which they are generally horizontal (Fig. 16) and the bottom of the compensator box 404 is closed.
- a cylinder and linkage mechanism 410 is utilized to move the supports 406 and 408 between these two positions.
- the elevator platform 400 includes a plurality of tines 414, and each of the supports 406 and,408 which form the hinged bottom of the compensator box 404 is formed with tines 416 which interdigitate with the tines on the elevator platform 414.
- the supports 406 and 408 are extended downward so that the bottom of the compensator box 404 is open.
- the cylinder assembly 402 then lifts the elevator platform 400 to bring a half bundle inside the compensator box.
- the cylinder and linkage mechanism 410 is actuated to pivot the supports 406 and 408 to their horizontal position as shown in Figure 16 to support the bottom of the half bundle inside the compensator box 404.
- the elevator platform 400 is lowered leaving the half bundle inside the compensator box 400.
- the compensator box 404 is rotatably mounted.
- a bearing assembly 418 (Fig. 16) supports a shaft 420 which is connected with the top of the compensator box 404 for rotation about an axis parallel to the plane of the rear skid plates-380.
- a sprocket 422 is fixedly connected with the shaft 420 and an endless chain 424 fits around sprocket 422 and sprocket 426.
- a cylinder assembly 428 is connected between the frame of the compensator section 64 and the chain 424. By actuating the cylinder assembly 428, the chain causes the shaft 420 and therefore the compensator box 404 to rotate.
- the compensator box 404 is rotated 180 degrees when the cylinder-assembly 428 moves between its extended and retracted positions.
- the compensator box 404 includes adjustable bundle side supports 430 (Fig. 17) which permit the compensator box to accommodate stacks formed of articles having dimensions from 7 x 10 inches to 12 x 17 inches.
- adjustable bundle side supports 430 Fig. 17
- the operation of the compensator section 64 has been described as building a complete bundle in which half of the articles face one direction and half the articles are rotated 180 degrees. It is also possible to operate the compensator section so that the complete bundle is built in quarters with each succeeding quarter rotated 180 degrees from the preceding quarter.
- the tyer compresses the stack and ties a band or bands around it.
- the tyer sections 70 and 72 can compress either bundles or logs and can tie either one band or two parallel bands around a stack.
- the tyer 70 is substantially the same as the tyer 72, and consequently, only the tyer 70 will be described in detail. However, it will be understood that the description of the tyer 70 is equally applicable to the tyer 72.
- the tyer 70 (Fig. 18). includes a frame 500 and is positioned adjacent the compensator section 64 (Figs. 1 and lA).
- the tyer 70 includes rear skid plates 504 (Figs. 18 and 20) which are coplanar with and form a continuation of the rear skid plates 380, 390 and 390a (Fig. lA) of the stacker 58 and compensators 64 and 66.
- the tyer 70 also includes a stack receiving support 506 (Fig. 18) which supports the bottom of the stack when it is pushed into the tyer 70.
- the stack receiving support 506 may be positioned either even with the stack receiving support 290 (Fig. 8) when it is in its lower position in the stacker assembly 56 or it may be elevated to be even with the position of the upper stack receiving support 292, as will be discussed in more detail below.
- the tyer 70 includes a pair of compression cylinders 510 and 512 (Fig. 19).
- the cylinder portions of the compression cylinder assemblies 510 and 512 are fixedly connected to the frame 500, and a compression plate 514 and 516 (Fig. 19), respectively, is connected with the piston of each of the cylinder assemblies.
- the compression cylinder assemblies 510 and 512 have a stroke sufficient to compress a bundle from about 18 inches in height when it arrives at the tyer 70 to a height of about 12 inches.
- the compression cylinder assemblies 510 and 512 can compress a log from an initial height of about 63 inches to approximately 48 inches.
- the tyer 70 includes two compression cylinder assemblies 510 and 512 and two compression plates 514 and 516. There is a gap 517 between the two compression plates so that a band or strap used to tie the stack may pass between the plates and be fastened while the stack is being held compressed.
- Each of the compression cylinder assemblies 510 and 512 includes a guide rod 518 and 520, respectively, which is slidable in a bushing fixedly connected with the frame 500.
- the guide rods 518 and 520 resist any tendency of the compression plates 514 and 516 to tilt or twist while a stack is being compressed. This not only forces even compression of the stack, but also protects the seal within the compression cylinder assemblies 510 and 512 from excessive wear.
- a conventional tie head 524 Connected with and below the stack receiving support i506 is a conventional tie head 524 (Fig. 18).
- the particular tie head used is manufactured by Signode Corporation, 2600 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60647, sold under the model name "SERIES MCD”.
- the tie head 524 includes a supply of banding material and a mechanism which feeds the band through a trough 530 around the stack, tightens the band, cuts the end of the band and binds the ends together.
- the trough 530 which is aligned with the tie head 524 and guides the band of material around the stack in the tyer 70.
- the trough 530 defines a generally rectangular path with rounded corners.
- the channel. which forms the trough 530 is generally U-shaped (Fig. 20) and its open face is toward the inside of the rectangle.
- the open face of the U-shaped trough may be covered with a spring biased closure (not shown) which guides the band while it is being passed around a stack and opens in response tension in the band as it is being pulled tight.
- the trough 530 includes a U-shaped upper end portion 532 (Fig. 18) which is fixedly connected with the frame and a U-shaped lower end portion 534 which is fixedly connected with the movable stack receiving support 506.
- the trough 530 includes a pair of removable side portions 536 and 538.
- the side portions 536 and 538 are positioned in the tyer 70 (as shown in Fig. 18) to connect the upper and lower end portions 532 and 534 of the trough 530, making a continuous smooth rectangular path for the band of material to pass through.
- the side portions 536 When bundles are being tied, the side portions 536.
- the frame 500 in which the stack support 506 moves is shown in plan view in Figure 22.
- the frame 500 has a horizontal rear member 542, and extending from the middle of the rear frame member and perpendicular thereto is a member 544.
- the frame 500 in plan view has a generally T-shaped configuration.
- Extending generally vertically downward from opposite end portions of the rear frame member 542 are vertical members 546 and 548 (Figs. 18-20), and a vertical member 550 extends downward from and is connected with the end of the member 544 which is remote from the rear frame member 542.
- the stack receiving support 506 and the tie head 524 attached thereto are mounted for easy vertical movement in the frame 500. Guiding with the stack receiving support 506 are a pair of guide rollers 552 and 554 (Fig. 22). These guide rollers engage the rear surfaces of frame members 546 and 548, respectively. As shown in Figure 18, a second guide roller 556 is positioned vertically below the guide roller 552, and another guide roller (not shown) is positioned vertically below the guide roller 554.
- a forward guide roller 558 (Fig. 22) is connected with the stack receiving support 506 by means of a bracket 560 which extends forwardly from the stack receiving support.
- a second forward guide roller 562 (Fig. 18) is positioned vertically below the forward guide roller 558. Both the guide rollers 558 and 562 bear against the forward vertical frame member 550.
- the stack receiving support 506 with the attached tie head 524 and lower portion 534 of the trough 530 can be raised and lowered in the frame 500 by means of a crank and chain mechanism 570 (Fig. 18).
- a crank and chain mechanism 570 Fig. 18
- the chains 574, 576, and 577 Fig. 19
- the chain 574 is connected with the bracket 560 (Fig. 22) which extends forward from the stack receiving support 506.
- the chains 576 and 577 are connected with the brackets 578 and 579 which connect the rear guide rollers 552 and 554 with the stack receiving support 506.
- the stack receiving support 506 is moved from the position shown in solid in Figure 18 to the position shown in phantom. To do this, it is necessary to swing the rear.skid plate 504 out of the way. To faciliate this, each half of the rear skid plate 504 is mounted by upper and lower hinges 580. After the rear skid plates 504 have been swung out of the way, the hand crank 572 can be turned and the stack receiving support elevated to its upper position for compressing and tying bundles.. Locking means (not shown) are utilized to hold the stack receiving support, tie head, and lower end portion 534 of the trough 530 in its upper position. Thus, the tyer 70 (Fig.
- 16 is adapted to compress and tie either bundles or logs. It does this with only a single tie head 524 which may be moved in the frame of the tyer from a lower portion in which its stack receiving support 506 is positioned to receive logs and an upper position in which the stack receiving support is positioned to receive bundles.
- the tyer 70 includes side supports 590 and 592 (Figs. 18 and 20) which engage and support the side of a stack during compression and tying. Moreover, as will be discussed more fully below, the side supports 590 and 592 may be moved laterally to move the entire stack relative to the trough 530 so that the stack may be tied with two parallel bands on either side of a vertical center line through the stack.
- the side supports 590 and 592 move from the position shown in solid in Figure 18 to the position shown in phantom upon the arrival of a stack to be tied in the tyer 70.
- the side supports 590 and 592 are mounted on arms 594 and 596 which are pivotally connected with a base 598 for rotation about axes 600 and 602, respectively.
- a hydraulic cylinder 604 has one end portion connected with the base 598 and its movable piston rod 606 is pivotably connected with an intermediate lever 608.
- the intermediate lever 608 is mounted to pivot about an axis 610 which is fixed relative to the base 598
- the end portion of the intermediate lever. 608 which is remote from the piston rod 606 has a pin 609 which fits in a slot 611 in the arm 594.
- the arm 596 is connected through links 612, 614, 616 and 618 with intermediate lever 608. Consequently, when the hydraulic cylinder 604 is actuated, the side support 592 is brought from the position shown in solid in Figure 20 to the position shown in phantom.
- the mechanism illustrated in Figure 20 is connected with the upper end portions of the side supports 59Q and 592 to move them between the phantom and solid positions of Figure 20.
- a similar mechanism 623 (Figs. 19 and 21) is connected with the lower end portion of the side supports 590 and 592.
- logs will be. tied with two bands and that bundles will be tied with only one band.
- the tyer 70 could be operated to tie either logs or bundles with either one or two bands.
- the side supports 590 and 592 may be moved laterally with respect to the rear skid plates 504 and the trough 530. This is done when it is desired to place two parallel bands around a bundle or log.
- the base 598 (Fig. 20) is slidably mounted on a pair of cross shafts 624 and 626 which are in turn fixedly connected with the vertical frame members 546 and 548.
- a mechanism 630 is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder 632 (Fig.
- the base 633 of the lower mechanism 620 is similarly mounted for lateral sliding, and also moves when cylinder 632 extends or retracts. This, in turn, causes the arms 590 and 592 to move the stack laterally.
- the base 598 ( F ig. 20) stays in the central position shown.
- the stack arrives in the tyer 70 (Fig. 1) and is automatically positioned by the shuttle mechanism 100 so that the vertical midline of the stack is aligned with the trough 530 (Fig. 20).
- the side supports 590 and 592 may then brought to the position shown in phantom in Figure 20 in which they are symmetrical about the gap between the rear skid plates 504 and the trough 530. In some tying operations it may not be necessary to actuate the side supports 590 and 592. Then the compression cylinders 510 and 512 (Fig.
- the mechanism 630 is actuated to move the entire stack laterally with respect to the rear skid plate 504 and the trough 530 through which the band of material is passed.
- the compression cylinders 510 and 512 extend, and the tye head 524 is actuated to place the first band around the stack.
- the compression cylinders 510 and 512 are released so that the compression plates 514 and 516 are drawn upward away from the stack, and the mechanism 630 is operated to slide the base 598 and the corresponding base of the lower mechanism 620 the opposite side of a vertical center line through the stack. It is contemplated that the bands might be about six inches apart.
- the compression cylinders 510 and 512 are again extended and the tye head 524 then ties the second band around the stack. Thereafter, the stack is returned to its original position centered over the trough 530.
- the mechanism 630 for shifting the stack laterally is actuated by hydraulic cylinder 632.
- the mechanism 630 comprises a triangular link 634 which is pivotally mounted to a frame member 636 for rotation about axis 638. Connected with link 634 is one end portion of a rod 640, the other end portion of which is connected with the base 633 of the mechanism 623. Therefore, when the cylinder 632 is extended from the position shown in Figure 21, it causes the link 634 to rotate counterclockwise (as shown in Fig. 21) about the axis 638. This in turn pushes the rod 640 to the left and the base 633 also moves to the left. When the cylinder 632 is contracted, the motions of the link 634 and rod 640 are reversed and the base 633 moves to the right of its central position as shown in Figure 19.
- the base 598 is connected with the link 634 through a series of rods and links which serve to move the base member 598 in the same direction and to the same extent as the base member 633.
- One end portion of a rod 642 is pivotally connected with link 634.
- the other end portion of the rod 642 is pivotally connected with the link 644 which is rotatably mounted to frame member 646 for rotation about axis 648.
- One end portion of a rod 650 is pivotally connected with link 644, and the other end portion of the rod 650 is connected with the base 598.
- a series of links and rods are used so that the base 598 may be moved to the left of its central position through a linkage whose slender member 658 is under tension, not compression.
- one end portion of a rod 652 is pivotally connected with link 634.
- the other end portion of the rod 652 is pivotally connected with a link 654 which is mounted for rotation on cross member 636 about an axis 656.
- One end portion of a rod 658 is pivotally connected with the link 654 and the other end portion of the rod 658 is pivotally connected with a link 660.
- the link 660 is pivotally mounted on frame member 646 for rotation about an axis 662.
- a rod 664 is connected with link 660, and the other end portion of the rod 664 is connected with link 644.
- link 634 rotates counterclockwise (as viewed in Fig. 21) about axis 638, moving rod 652 toward the left. Movement of the rod 652 toward the left causes link 654 to rotate counterclockwise about the axis 656, and this in turn pulls downward on rod 658. Downward motion of rod 658 causes link 660 to rotate counterclockwise about axis 662 which in turn pulls rod 664 toward the left. Leftward movement of rod 664 causes link 644 to rotate counterclockwise about its axis 648 and this achieves the final result of pushing rod 650 and the base 598 to which it is connected leftward.
- the bases 598 and 633 can be moved either to the left or the right of the central position shown in Figure 19. This in turn causes the side supports 590 and 592 (Fig. 20) to move a stack in the tyer to the left or the right of the trough 530.
- the bases 598 and 633 are locked in a central position by means of a pair of levers 670 and 672 ( F ig. 21).
- the levers 670 and 672 are pivotally mounted to frame member 636 for rotation, respectively, about axes 674 and 676.
- the end face 678 of lever 670 and the end face 680 of lever 672 abut stops 682 and 684 which are connected with links 654 and 634, respectively.
- the contact between stop 682 and end face 678 prevents the link 654 from rotating counterclockwise, and this prevents the bases 598 and 633 from moving to the left of their central position.
- end face 680 and the stop 684 prevents the link 634 from rotating clockwise, and this prevents the bases 598 and 633 from moving to the right of their central position.
- the levers 670 and 672 may be moved out of alignment by actuation of hydraulic cylinder 686 which pulls the levers against the bias of springs 687 and 688 which tend to return them to their aligned position illustrated in Figure 21.
- the tyer 70 includes a mechanism illustrated in Figures 22A and 22B for detecting whether or not a stack has been successfully tied.
- a tie attempt can fail for any number of reasons ranging from an absence of strap material to an inadequate binding.
- Stacks that are not successfully tied must be detected so that they are not allowed to move on for further handling where loose, unbound, articles could jam machinery.
- the mechanism illustrated in Figures 22A and 22B includes a finger 689 which extends from the compression plate 514 and which is temporarily caught under the strap tied around a stack.
- the finger 689 is displaced by the strap indicating a successful tying operation. If the tying operation was unsuccessful, the finger is not displaced.
- the finger 689 extends across the gap ⁇ between the compression plates 514 and 516 and is pivotably mounted so that it is temporarily trapped by the strap of banding material while the plates 514 and 516 are compressing a stack and the strap is tied around a stack.
- the finger 689 pivots out from under the strap (as shown in phantom in Fig. 22B) as the compression plates 514 and 516 are lifted from the stack.
- a spring (not shown) may be used to bias the finger 689 to the position shown in solid lines in Figure 22B.
- the finger 689 is pivotably mounted in a slot 690 (Fig. 22A) in compression plate 514.
- the finger 689 is connected with shutter 691 by a linkage comprising shaft 692, a lever 693 connected with shaft 692, a link 694 connected with lever 693 and with arm 695 which also carries shutter 691.
- The-mechanism for signaling a successful tying peration also includes a photo cell 696 and a mirror 697.
- the mirror 697 is mounted on a bracket 698 on the compression plate 514 which moves up and down with each tying operation.
- the photo cell 696 is mounted on the stationary and relatively vibration-free frame member 544 (Fig. 22) of the tyer 70.
- the shutter 691 (Fig. 22B) is . coated with a non-reflective material so that when it is in the position shown in solid, no light is reflected from the mirror 697 to the photo detector 696. When a strap pivots the finger 689, the shutter 691 is temporarily moved out of the path of reflected light and the photo detector receives reflected light indicating a successful tying operation.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) includes a frame 700 which supports a laterally reciprocatable carriage 702 and a drive mechanism for causing the carriage to reciprocate.
- the drive mechanism 704 (Figs. 25-27 and 29) is effective to reciprocate the carriage 702 between an extreme right position as illustrated in Figure 23, and an extreme left position illustrated in Figure 24.
- the carriage 702 includes four selectively extendable pusher assemblies 706, 708, 710 and 712 (Figs. 1, 23 and 24) which, when extended, engage stacks to move them laterally as the carriage moves laterally.
- the pusher assembly 710 engages any stack-which might have been in the compensator 66 and pushes it toward the tyer 72, and the pusher assembly 712 pushes any stack which might have been in the tyer 72 into the delivery station 82.
- the pusher assemblies 708, 710 and 712 are retracted, and the carriage 702 returns from its righthand position illustrated in Figure 23 to its central position illustrated in Figure 1.
- Figures 25, 26 and 27 each show a portion of a side elevation view of the shuttle mechanism 100 including the drive mechanism 704 which drives the carriage 702.
- the Figures may be placed edge to edge with Figure 25 on top, Figure 26 in the middle and Figure 27 on the bottom to form a continuous drawing showing a complete side elevation view of the shuttle mechanism 100.
- the drive mechanism 704 includes a crank 714 shown schematically in Figure 26 and in more detail in Figure 28.
- the crank 714 is driven by a motor 716 (Fig. 27) which is connected by a belt to a countershaft 718 (Fig. 26).
- the countershaft 718 carries a flywheel, a brake and a clutch through which the motor 716 is selectively - connected to a 90 degree gear box 720.
- the output shaft 722 of the gear box 720 drives the crank 714.
- crank 714 To reduce distortion of to the crank 714 caused by large torques, it is driven from both sides.
- One side of the crank 714 is driven directly by the output shaft 722 of the gear box 720.
- the other side of the crank 714 is driven from a sprocket 724, a chain 726, a sprocket 728 (Fig. 25) carried on a cross shaft 730 which carries at its opposite end another sprocket 732 which in turn drives a chain 734 which is connected by a sprocket 736 (Fig. 26) with a stub shaft 738 to which the crank 714 is connected.
- the crank 714 (Fig. 28) is a double throw crank which is rotatable about the axis of output shaft 722 and stub shaft 738.
- the crank 714 has a pair of diametrically opposed pins 740 and 742.
- the pins 740-and 742 are equally spaced from the axis about which the crank 714 rotates, i.e., the axis of shafts 722 and 738, and each pin carries a connecting rod 744 and 746, respectively, journaled thereto.
- the connecting rods 744 and 746 carry wrist pins 748 and 750, respectively, which are rotatably mounted in their respective connecting rods.
- the pins 748 and 750 carry bearing blocks 752 and 754, respectively, which are rotatable on the pin 750 and are axially slidable within slides 756 and 758 (Fig. 29).
- the slides 756 and 758 guide the bearing blocks 752 and 754 and thereby guide the pins 748 and 750 as the crank 714 rotates.
- the slides 756 and 758 are pivotable about axes 760 and 762, respectively, which are fixed with respect to the frame 700.
- Cylinders 764 and 766 respectively, have one end pinned to the frame 700 and the other end pinned to one of the slides 756 and 758. Extension and retraction of the cylinders 764 and 766 cause the slides 756 and 758 to pivot about their respective axes.
- the carraige 702 starts from a stopped position centered about the stacker section 58 (Fig. 1), accelerates as it moves to, e.g., the left and decelerates so that by the time it is in its left extreme position (Fig. 24) it is again fully stopped. As the crank 714 rotates the next 180 degrees .the carriage 702 is again accelerated and decelerated to a full stop by the time it returns to its center position (Fig. 1).
- a single throw crank having twice the radius of the crank 714 could move the carriage the same distance as the double throw,crank 714, but it would not decelerate to a full-stop at the central position nor could it be controlled to move always to the same side of its central position as can the drive mechanism 704 (as is discussed below).
- Figure 30 is a schematic illustration of one half of the reciprocating carriage 702. The portion of the carriage 702 not shown is a mirror image of the portion shown in Figure 30.
- the reciprocating carriage 702 (Fig. 30) includes a pair of U-shaped brackets 770 (only one shown) which are adapted to receive one of the pins 748 and 750.
- the U-shaped socket 770 has an upwardly opening U-shaped opening which is adapted to receive the pin 748.
- the pin 748 may be moved into or out of the U-shaped socket by actuation of the cylinder 764 (Fig. 29).
- the cylinder 764 When the carriage 702 is in its central position, and the crank 714 is in the position where the pin 748 is pulled in to its closest position to the axis of rotation of the crank, the cylinder 764 may be extended causing the slide 756 to pivot clockwise about the axis 760 as viewed in Figure 29, and this causes the pin 748 to move down into the bracket 770. On the other hand, retraction of the cylinder 764 causes a slide 756 to rotate in the opposite direction and lifts the pin 748 out of the U-shaped socket.
- the crank 714 may be rotated to cause the reciprocating carriage 702 to move from its central position illustrated in Figure 1 toward its righthand position illustrated in Figure 23 and back again to the central position. Since the pin 750 moves in the opposite direction from the pin 748, it is obviously necessary that the pin 750 be disconnected from the carriage during motion of the carriage to the right of its central position. This is accomplished by retracting cylinder 766 which pulls the pin 750 out of engagement with the U-shaped socket corresponding to socket 770.
- the cylinder 764 When it is desired to move the reciprocating carriage 702 to the left of its central position, the cylinder 764 is retracted, lifting the pin 748 out of engagement with socket 770, and simultaneously the cylnder 766 is extended. This causes the slide 758 to rotate . counterclockwise about the axis 762 (as viewed in Fig. 29) and this in turn causes the pin 750 to drop into a socket corresponding to socket 770. Whereupon, the crank 714 may be rotated and the reciprocating carriage 702 moves toward the left of its central position and returns.
- the drive mechanism 704 can be operated to move the carriage 702 only to one side of its central position. This is accomplished by simply engaging one of the pins 748 or 750 with the corresponding socket 770 on the reciprocating carriage 702 and leaving it engaged while the other pin (750 or 748) remains disengaged. This might prove advantageous when the supply of incoming articles is not arriving at such a speed that the use of both tyers 70 and 72 and deliveries 80 and 82 is necessary. This is also advantageous when some portion of the machinery on one side or the other needs repair.
- the entire printing press, folders, and stuffers must be slowed down to half of their normal operating speed in order that the stacker and the single remaining tyer can keep up with the supply.
- this is far better than the alternative of having to shut down the entire press while a single tyer is being repaired.
- the carriage 702 can automatically move stacks only to the opposite side until the untied stack is removed.
- the frame 700 is equipped with a linear ball bushing (Fig. 25), and a rod 773 connected with the upper portion of the carriage 702 slides therein.
- Rollers 774 are mounted to the lower portion of the frame 700 for rotation in a generally vertical plane which is laterally offset from the axis of rod 773 so that the reciprocating carriage 702 is inclined at a 15 degrees angle from vertical.
- a U-shaped channel 775 is connected with the carriage and surrounds the rollers 774. In this way, the carriage 702 may slide laterally in a plane which is approximately parallel with the rear skid plates 380 (Fig. 8) of the stacker assembly 56 and the rear skid plates 504 (Fig. 18) of the tyers 70 and 72.
- FIG. 30 One half of the reciprocating carriage 702 is illustrated in Figure 30. Although only half of the reciprocating carriage 702 is illustrated, it will be understood that the opposite half is generally symmetrical with the half illustrated and integral therewith, and the description of the half illustrated is equally applicable to the half not shown if left and right are interchanged.
- the reciprocating carriage 702 includes four horizontal tubes 790, 792, 794 and 796 which are interconnected by a plurality of vertical members 798, 800, 802 and 804. These horizontal tubes 790-796 and vertical members 798-804 form a rigid framework to which the rods 773 and channels 775 are connected.
- the pusher assemblies 710 and 712 are connected with the vertical members 802 and 804, and 798 and 800, respectively.
- the pusher assembly 712 includes upper pusher bars 806 and 808 and lower pusher bars 810 and 812.
- the upper pusher bar 806 engages the side of a bundle in tyer 72 and pushes the bundle toward the delivery section 82.
- the pusher bar 808 serves to slow a bundle being pushed from the compensator section 66 toward the tyer 72 as the reciprocating carriage 702 decelerates.
- the lower pusher bar 810 is positioned coaxial with the upper pusher bar 806 and is connected therewith.
- the pusher bar 812 is positioned coaxial with the upper pusher bar 808 and is connected with it.
- the pusher bars 806 and 810 thus form a continuous bar to push against the side of a log to move the log laterally in the stacker-tyer 50.
- the pusher bars 806, 808,-810 and 812 are mounted adjustably so that the distance between them can be varied. This is necessary to accommodate varying widths of articles being stacked. When the articles being stacked are relatively narrow, the distance between the pusher bars 806, 810 and the pusher bars 808, 812 must be increased so that the sides of the stacks will have good support and the stacks will remain in vertical alignment during lateral movement. Conversely, when the articles being stacked are relatively wide, the pusher bars 806, 810 and 808, 812 are brought closer together.
- the pusher bars 806, 808, 810 and 812 are each supported by two brackets, all of which are identical. Therefore, only the bracket 814 will be described in detail.
- the bracket 814 is fixedly connected with the upper pusher bar 806 and includes a rod 815 which extends through a bar 816.
- the rod 815 of the bracket 814 is generally perpendicular to the upper pusher bar 806 and may be slid relative to the bar 816 to select the desired position of the upper pusher bar 806. Thereafter, a locknut (not shown) is tightened onto the rod 815 to clamp it into position relative to the bar 816.
- the pusher bars 806 and 808 are thus adjustably mounted to the bar 816 by brackets similar to bracket 814.
- the bar 816 forms one side of a four bar linkage which permits the pusher bars 806 and 808 to be extended or retracted away from or toward the horizontal bars 790-796 and the vertical members 798-804 which form the fixed framework of the reciprocating carriage 702.
- the bar 816 has a pivotal connection with two links 818 and 819, and these links are in turn pivotably connected with vertical members 798 and 800 by means of shafts 820 and 822, respectively.
- the shafts 820 and 822 are rotatably mounted in the vertical members 798 and 800 and the link 819 is fixedly connected with the shaft 822 and the link 818 is fixedly connected with the shaft 820.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 includes means for causing the shaft 822 to rotate to thereby selectively extend or retract the pusher bars 806 and 808.
- the lower pusher bars 810 and 312 are mounted in a similar fashion except that when the lower pusher bars are in use, they are connected directly with the upper pusher bars and hence there is no need to separately actuate the linkage which connects the lower pusher bars 810 and 812 with the framework of the reciprocating carriage.
- the remaining pusher assembly 710 illustrated in Figure 30 and the pusher assemblies 706 and 708 are generally the same as the pusher assembly 712 and consequently a detailed description is not required.
- lower link 832 of the pusher assembly 710 is rotatably mounted on shaft 822 so that movement of the pusher bars of pusher assembly 710 is not affected by rotation of shaft 822.
- the upper link 830 is fixedly connected with shaft 834, and so rotation of shaft 834 is effective to extend or retract pusher assembly 710.
- Rotation of shaft 822 is accomplished by means of a gear 836 fixedly connected therewith.
- a rack 838 is disposed in meshing engagement with the gear 836 and extends generally perpendicular to the shaft 822 and parallel with the vertical members 798-804.
- the rack 838 is supported for sliding movement in a bearing blocks 840 and 841 which are fixedly connected with the frame work of the carriage 702.
- a similar rack 842 and gear 844 serve to rotate the shaft 834, and to thereby extend or retract the pusher bars of pusher assembly 710.
- a mechanism 850 selectively raises and lowers the racks 838 and 842 (Fig. 30) and the . corresponding racks (not shown) which operate the pushers 708 and 706 (Figs. 1, 23, and 24).
- the mechanism 850 includes a pair or horizontal, parallel tracks 852 and 854 (Fig. 32) connected with the frame 700 of the shuttle mechanism 100.
- the rack 838 which actuates the pusher assembly 712 carries a wheel 856 adapted to ride in the tracks 852 and 854.
- the rack 842 (Fig. 30) carries a wheel 858, and the wheels 860 and 862 (shown somewhat schematically in Figs. 35A-35D) which actuate the pushers 708 and 706, respectively, also ride in the tracks 852 and 854 (Fig. 35).
- switching sections 870, 872, 874, 876, 878, 880, 882, 884, 886, and 888 are ten switching sections 870, 872, 874, 876, 878, 880, 882, 884, 886, and 888.
- the switching sections 870-888 may divided into three groups: an "A” group consisting of switching sections 878 and 880; a “B” group consisting of switching sections 870, 872, 874 and 876; and a “C” group consisting of switching sections 882, 884, 886 and 888. This grouping is convenient because, as will be discussed below, when the switiching sections are actuated, all the sections in each group move in unison.
- the pusher assemblies 706-712 are retracted when the followers 856-862 ride in the lower track 854, (Fig. 35A).
- the switching sections 870-888 are selectively actuatable to elevate the followers 856-862 which in turn causes the pusher assemblies to extend, as described above with reference to Figures. 1, 23, and 24.
- the switching sections 870-888 are actuatable in the A, B and C groupings described. The mechanism for switching each of the groups are generally similar and therefore only the mechanism for switching the B group will be described in detail.
- Switching section 876 of the B group (Fig. 33 is operated by a cylinder 900, one end of which is connected with a housing 901 connected to the frame 700 and the other end of which is pivotally connected with an arm 902.
- the arm 902 is mounted for rotation about the axis of a shaft 904 which is rotatably supported by the frame 700.
- One end of the arm 902 is connected with the switching section 876.
- the cylinder 900 is shown in its retracted position and the wheel 856 is aligned with the lower track 854.
- the cylinder 900 When the cylinder 900 is extended, it causes the arm 902 to rotate counterclockwise about the axis of shaft 904 as viewed in Figure 33, thus elevating the switching section and the wheel 856 to the upper position shown in phantom in which the wheel is aligned with the track 852.
- the switching section 876 includes a slidable body member 928 which is connected with the arm 902 and is vertically slidable in the frame 700 in response to movement of the arm 902.
- the body member 928 carries four extensions 930, 932, 934, and 936 (Fig. 33) which define three slots 938, 940, and 942.
- the slots 938, 940, and 942 are spaced apart from each other the same distance as are tracks 852 and 854.
- the block 928 is slidable between a position in which the slots 938 and 940 are aligned with the tracks 852 and 854, respectively, and a position in which the slots 940 and 942 are aligned with the tracks 852 and 854, respectively.
- Adjustable stops 943a and 943b are provided to assure that the slots 938, 940 and 942 align properly with tracks 852 and 854. By moving the block 928 when a wheel such as the wheel 856 is between two of the extensions 930-936 of the block 928, the wheel can be moved from alignment with the track 852 to alignment with track 854, or vice versa.
- the remaining switching sections 870, 872 and 874 (Fig. 34) are actuated by arms 944, 946 and 948 which are similar to arm 902 and which are fixedly connected with shaft 904.
- a tubular stiffening member 950 interconnects the arms 902, 944, 946 and 948 rigidly. Therefore when cylinder 900 is actuated, all the arms in the B group operate their respective switching sections simultaneously.
- the C group is actuated by a single cylinder 952 which is connected in the same way as cylinder 900 to the various switching sections in its group, and the switching sections in the A group are similarly actuated by cylinder 954.
- the pushers are retracted by moving the switching sections in the A and B groups downward to the position shown in Figure 35D.
- This causes the wheels 856, 858 and 860 to move down into alignment with track 854 and the pusherse 708, 710 and 712 to retract.
- the carriage returns to its central position shown in Figure 1 and the whee.ls 856-862 return to their initial position.
- the switching sections in the A group and C group are actuated to elevate the switching sections associated therewith and the process is repeated.
- the present invention provides a stacker-typer 50 (Fig. 1) which receives a stream of sheet-like articles and forms them into either tall stacks (logs) or short stacks (bundles).
- the present invention uses two tyers 70 and 72, one located immediately adjacent each side of the stacker 56, and the stacks (either bundles or logs) are shifted alternately from the stacker laterally and directly into one or the other of the tyers. With the tyers 70 and 72 right next to the stacker 56, lengthy conveyors are eliminated.
- the stacker 56 receives a stream of sheet-like articles from an overhead conveyor. The leading edge of each article hits a deflectors 150 and 152 (Fig. 5) and the articles drop to form a stack on a downwardly movable platform 158 (Fig. 8) which supports the bottom of the stack. As the stack grows, the platform 158 is moved downward, so that the top of the stack remains at approximately the same level.
- the stacker 56 also includes a stack support 290 for receiving tall stacks (logs) from the movable platform.
- An upper stack support 292 for receiving short stacks (bundles) from the movable platform 158 is removably positioned above the stack support 290.
- the platform 158 moves downward to the appropriate level where the stack is transferred from the platform to one of the stack supports 290 and 292 and moved laterally to one or the other of the tyers 70 and 72 (Fig. 1).
- the stack support 292 and support 382 (Fig. 16) on the compensator 64 and a corresponding support 382a on compensator 66 (Fig. lB) extend laterally across the entire width of the stacker 56 when bundles are being built.
- the platform 158 supporting a bundle is moved downwardly as the bundle is built, and when the bundle is complete the platform moves rapidly to the level of the stack support 292.
- the bundle is transferred to the stack support 292 and then pushed laterally across the stack support into one or the other of the tyers 70 and 72 where the bundle is compressed and tied.
- the stack support 292 is removed (Fig. lA).
- the platform 158 moves downward past the level where the stack support 292 had been for receiving bundles.
- the platform 158 moves downward rapidly to the level of the stack support 290.
- the log is transferred to the stack support 290 and moved laterally across one of the stack supports 405 and 405a in the compensator sections 64 and 66 into an adjacent tyer 70 or 72 (Fig. 1) (which has been adjusted to tie a log-sized stack).
- the tyer then compresses the log and ties it.
- the stacker includes a series of platforms 158a-158h which move downward along a stacking path inclined from vertical. Movement of the platforms 158a-158h is coordinated so that when one stack has a preselected number of articles in it, the succeeding platform moves into position to intercept the incoming stream of articles and thus begin the succeeding stack.
- a shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) with the bottom of the stacks resting on one of the stack supports 290 and 292 and one of the stack supports 382 or 405 in the compensator sections 64 and 66 within the stacker assembly 56.
- the present invention eliminates conveyors between the stacker 56 and the tyers 70 and 72 and the problems associated with them.
- the resulting stacker-tyer 50 (Fig. lA) is more compact than prior art devices.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 moves the stacks from the stacker assembly 56 (Fig. 1) to the tyers 70 and 72.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 has pushers 706, 708, 710 and 712 which engage two opposite sides of the stack to push the stack laterally while simultaneously keeping the stack in vertical alignment during movement.
- a third side of the stack is supported by skid plates 380 in the stacker section 58 and skid plates 390, 390a and 504 and 504a in the compensators and tyers, respectively, (Fig. 1A) which extend laterally parallel to the direction of movement of the stack.
- the skid plates 380 are inclined from vertical with the result that the stack leans against them.
- the skid plates 380 extend the full length of the stacks and laterally from the stacker 56 to each of the tyers 70 and 72.
- the pushers 706, 708, 710, and 712 (Fig. 1) of the shuttle mechanism 100 and the skid plates 380 (Fig. lA) support three sides of the stacks as they are moved across stack supports 292, 382 or 382a or 290 and 405 or 405a from the stacker 56 to the tyers 70 and 72 so that the stacks arrive at the tyers in vertical alignment and do not require realignment prior to tying.
- the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) of the present invention ordinarily moves stacks alternately to one or the other of the tying mechanisms 70 and 72 (see Figs. 23 and 24). However, the shuttle mechanism 100 may be adjusted so that every stack goes to the same tyer (either 70 or 72). This permits efficient stacking and tying when articles are arriving relatively slowly as well as permitting repair or maintenance of one tyer without stopping, stacking and tying entirely.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pile Receivers (AREA)
- Packaging Of Special Articles (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a stacker-tyer capable of receiving a stream of sheet-like articles, forming the articles into a stack, and tying the stack.
- Stackers for receiving signatures, newspapers, or other sheet-like articles in a stream and for forming them into stacks are well known. Typical are the stackers shown in U.S. Patents 4,139,191; 4,037,525; 3,851,773; 3,538,818; 3,479,932; 3,450,275; 3,480,503; and 2,672,079. These stackers receive a stream of publications, form them into stacks and.deposit them on a conveyor for subsequent handling. Known stackers can build stacks of a preselected count or number of publications, and the count selected may be adjustable. For example, stackers are known which are adjustable to form stacks of from 50 to 100 newspapers in each stack.
- In some operations it is desirable to have the articles stacked in bundles up to about 12 inches high which are easily handled by an individual laborer. In other operations it is desirable to have the articles stacked to form logs up to 4 feet long which are easily handled by a forklift truck and which are suitable for feeding into automatic handling equipment. This would be the case in a newspaper printing plant where some sections of the newspaper are preprinted, e.g., the Sunday Magazine and advertising sections. These sections are thereafter collated with subsequently printed sections containing late news. The preprinted sections are stacked into logs which can be easily fed to an inserting or stuffing machine while the late news sections are fed directly from the press to a folder and then to the stuffing machine. On the other hand, a weekday paper may be printed all in a single press run, folded, and then stacked into bundles which can be easily handled by a delivery truck driver. To the applicant's knowledge, there is no single stacker which has the flexibility to form either bundles or logs.
- Frequently, the stacks formed by a stacker are moved on a conveyor to a tying station where the stacks are tied prior to shipment. Commercially manufactured tyers are well known. One manufacturer of a tyer is the Signode Corporation, 2600 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60647. Tyers such as the ones made by Signode automatically feed a strap around a bundle, box, or other article, tighten the strap, cut the strap, and fasten the ends together.
- One problem encountered in using a tyer in connection with a stacker which receives newspapers from a printing press concerns the speed of the tying operation relative to the speed of the press and stacker. A printing press at full speed can deliver over 70,000 newspapers per hour, and known stackers can handle this delivery rate. However, tyers can operate at only about one-half that speed, and as a result it is not uncommon to utilize two tyers with a single stacker.
- Conveyor systems have been developed which alternately deliver stacks from the stacker to one or the other of two tyers. See, e.g., U.S. Patent 4,037,525. However, these conveyor systems require a relatively large amount of floor space. Moreover, these conveyor systems have not proved entirely satisfactory because the conveyor itself may break down and because the stacks may become skewed or misaligned during movement on a conveyor from the stacker to the tyer, especially where the conveyor is operating at a speed fast enough to keep up with a stacker connected directly with a high speed press.
- The present invention provides a stacker-tyer which receives a stream of sheet-like articles and forms them into either tall stacks (logs) or short stacks (bundles). Moreover, in an apparatus constructed according to the present invention two tyers are utilized, one located immediately adjacent each side of.a stacker assembly, and the stacks (either bundles or logs) are shifted alternately from the stacker assembly laterally and directly into one or the other of the tyers. With the tyers right next to the stacker, lengthy conveyors are eliminated.
- The stacker assembly of the present invention receives a stream of sheet-like articles from an overhead conveyor. The leading edge of each article hits a deflector and the articles drop to form a stack on a downwardly movable platform which supports the bottom of the stack. As the stack grows, the platform is moved downward, so that the top of the stack remains at approximately the same level.
- The stacker also includes an upper and a lower stack support for receiving stacks from the movable platform. The upper stack support receives short stacks. (bundles) from the movable platform. The upper stack support is removed when making tall stacks (logs). The tall stacks (logs) are received on the lower stack support from the movable platform. When the stack being built has a preselected number of sheet-like articles in it, the platform moves downward to the appropriate stack support where the stack is transferred from the platform to the stack support and moved laterally toward one or the other of the tyers.
- The upper stack support extends laterally across the entire width of the two tyers and the stacker for building bundles. The platform supporting a bundle is moved downward as the bundle is built, and when the bundle is complete the platform moves rapidly to the level of the upper stack support. There the bundle is transferred from the platform to the upper stack support and then pushed laterally across the upper stack support into one of the other of the tyers where the bundle is compressed and tied.
- When log-sized stacks are to be built, the upper stack support is removed. As articles pile on to build a log, the platform moves downward past the level where the upper stack support had been for receiving bundles. When a full log has been built, the platform moves downward rapidly to the level of the lower stack support. The log is transferred to the lower stack support and moved laterally toward a tyer (which has been adjusted to tie a log-sized stack). The tyer.then compresses the log and ties it.
- The stacker includes a series of platforms which move downward along a stacking path inclined from vertical. Movement of the platforms is coordinated so that when one stack has a preselected number of articles in it, the succeeding platform moves into position to intercept the incoming stream of articles and thus begin the succeeding stack.
- As the stacks are completed, they are pushed laterally from the stacker into one or the other of the tyers by-a shuttle mechanism with the bottom of the stacks resting on the stack support. The present invention eliminates conveyors between the stacker and the tyers and the problems-associated with them. The resulting stacker-tyer is more compact and can operate at a higher speed than
- The shuttle mechanism moves the stacks from the stacker to the tyers. The shuttle mechanism- has pushers which engage two opposite sides of the stack to push the stack laterally while simultaneously keeping the stack in proper vertical alignment during movement. A third side of the stack is supported by skid plates which extend laterally parallel to the direction of movement of the stack. The skid plates are inclined slightly from vertical with the result that the stack leans against them. The skid plates extend the full length of the stacks and laterally from the stacker to each of the tyers. Thus, the pushers of shuttle mechanism and the skid plates support three sides of the stacks as they are moved across a stack support from the stacker to the tyer so that the stacks arrive at the tyers in vertical alignment and do not require realignment prior to tying.
- These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become clear from reading the following specification when taken together with the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and in which:
- Figure 1 is a schematic, plan view of a stacker-tyer constructed according to the present invention;
- Figure lA is a partly schematic perspective illustration of a stacker assembly, two tyers and two delivery stations forming a part of the stacker-tyer of Figure 1;
- Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a stacker assembly forming a part of the stacker tyer of Figure I;
- Figure 3 is a partly cut away cross sectional view of an infeed section forming a part of the stacker assembly of Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a view of the infeed section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;
- Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3;
- Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3;
- Figure 7 is a perspective illustration of a stack receiving support forming a part of the stacker assembly of Figure 2;
- Figure 8 is a side elevation, partly schematic view of the stacker assembly illustrated in Figure 2;
- Figure 9 is a front elevational view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8;
- Figure 10 is a rear elevational view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 8;
- Figure 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 8;
- Figure 12 is a side view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11;
- Figure 13 is taken along line 13-13 of Figure 11;
- Figure 13A is a cross sectional view of a portion of the stacker of Figure 8;
- Figure 14 is taken along line 14-14 of Figure 3;
- Figure 15 is taken along the line 15-15 of Figure 14;
- Figure 16 is a side elevation view, partly cut away, of a compensator section forming a part of the stacker-tyer illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 17 is a perspective illustration of a portion of the compensator assembly of Figure 16;
- Figure 18 is an elevation view of a tyer assembly forming a part of the stacker-tyer illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 19 is a rear elevation view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18;
- Figure 20 is a view taken along line 20-20 of Figure 18;
- Figure 21 is an enlarged view of portions of the tyer illustrated in Figure 19;
- Figure 22 is a plan view taken along line 22-22 of Figure 18;
- Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of the stacker-tyer assembly of Figure 1 showing a shuttle mechanism forming a part of the stacker-tyer assembly moved to one direction from a central position;
- Figure 24 is a schematic illustration generally similar to Figure 23 but showing the shuttle mechanism moved in the opposite direction from a central position;
- Figure 25 is a partly schematic elevation view of an upper portion of the shuttle mechanism forming a part of the stacker-tyer illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 26 is a partly schematic side elevation view of the middle portion of the shuttle mechanism of Figure 25;
- Figure 27 is a partly schematic side elevation view of a lower portion of the shuttle mechanism illustrated in Figure 25;
- Figure 28 illustrates a crank mechanism forming a part of the shuttle mechanism of Figures 25-27;
- Figure 29 is a partly schematic front elevation view of a portion of the shuttle mechanism illustrated in Figures 25-27;
- Figure 30 is a partly schematic perspective illustration of a portion of the shuttle mechanism illustrated in Figures 27-30;
- Figure 31 is a partly schematic front elevation view of a portion of the shuttle mechanism illustrated in Figures 25-27;
- Figure 32 is a sectional view taken along line 32-32 of Figure 31;
- Figure 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33-33 of Figure 31;
- Figure 34 is a top plan view taken generally along line 34-34 of Figure 33; and
- Figures 35A-35D show a portion of the shuttle mechanism illustrated in Figures 25-27 schematically in sequential operational positions.
- Figure 1 illustrates a schematic plar view of a stacker-
tyer 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The stacker-tyer 50 receives a stream of sheet-like articles fromconveyor 52. In particular, it is contemplated that theconveyor 52 delivers folded newspapers comprising one or more sections and that the newspapers arrive in a shingled stream directly from a conventional folder or stuffer. The stream of articles is fed into the infeed section 54 of astacker assembly 56 where the articles are arched in conveyors to give them rigidity. Then the articles are fed to astacker section 58. - The
stacker assembly 56 may form the articles into uncompensated stacks, i.e., the folded edges of all the articles in a stack may face in the same direction, or the stacks may be compensated in which the case the folded edges of half of the articles face one way, and half the other. If compensated stacks are desired, then during the stacking process one or both of the compensatingsections stacker section 58, and thecompensators stacker assembly 56. In some appications, it may prove desirable to make only uncompensated bundles or logs in which case thecompensators stacker assembly 56 would consist of only thestacker sectio 58 and theinfeed section 54. - After a stack has been formed, it is moved from the.
stacker assembly 56 to one or the other of.thetyers delivery stations 80 'and 82 which is adjacent to the tyer in which the stack had been tied. Thedelivery stations 80 and 82 push the tied stacks onto conveyors (not shown) for further processing. - The stacker-
tyer 50 can stack and tie stacks which, when tied, are up to 12 inches high, herein termed "bundles", or stacks which, when tied, are up. to 48 inches high, herein termed "logs". (The term "stack" is used in this specification genericly to refer to a stacked group of sheet-like articles which may be either a bundle or a log.) The ability to stack either bundles or logs provides great operational flexibility. When the articles being stacked are newspaper sections which will be further processed, for example, preprinted sections which must be temporarily stored and then later fed to automatic stuffing machinery, it is convenient to have the newspaper sections stacked into logs. On the other hand, when the arriving sheet-like articles are complete newspapers, it is convenient to have them stacked into bundles which can be easily handled by an individual laborer. - The physical layout of the stacker-
tyer 50 is designed to faciliate stacking, tying; and delivering printed sheet-like articles as fast as modern presses, folders, and stuffers can operate. Although the stacking section 58 (Fig. lA) can operate at the same speed as modern web presses and can stack articles as fast as they can be folded and stuffed, thecompensator sections tyers tyer 50 is arranged symmetrically about a center line 88 (Fig. 1) which bisects theconveyor 52. On either side of the centrally locatedstacker section 58 areidentical compensator sections tyers tyers delivery sections 80 and 82, respectively. The stacker-tyer 50 includes ashuttle mechanism 100 which moves completed stacks from thestacker assembly 56 alternately to one or the other of thetyers compensator section tyer delivery 80, 82 on each side of thestacker section 58, the slower components may work at half the speed of thestacker section 58, and the entire stacker-tyer 50 can keep up with the fastest web presses, folders and stuffers. - The
shuttle mechanism 100 moves completed stacks from thestacker assembly 56 to thetyers delivery stations 80 and 82. The shuttle mechanism moves the stacks very rapidly from thestacker assembly 56 to one side or the other, and thereby enables the stacker-tyer 50 to operate as fast as the presses, folders, and stuffers currently available. - The
shuttle mechanism 100 includes stack supporting surfaces 806, 808 (Fig. 30, discussed and illustrated more fully below) which support two opposite sides of the stacks to keep the articles in each stack in vertical alignment during movement. A third side of the stacks is supported by rear skid plates 380 (Fig. lA) in the stacker section,rear skid plates compensators 62 and 64 and byrear skid plates 504 in thetyers stacker 5$, by thesupports compensators tyers tyers - Figure 2 illustrates the in
feed section 54 andstacker section 58 of thestacker assembly 56 in profile. The infeed section 54 receives sheet-like articles in a shingled stream from infeed conveyor 52. The infeed section 54 feeds the articles to thestacker section 58 where they are stacked. As shown in Figure lA, thestacker section 58, thecompensators tyers - The in feed section 54 (Fig. 3) receives a flat shingled stream of sheet-like articles between upper and lower cooperating
belt conveyors lower belt conveyors 120. and 122 are both flat, but at the downstream nip 126, therollers 130 and 131 (Fig. 4) cause the upper and lower belt conveyors to take on an arched configuration to bend the arriving stream of articles about an axis parallel to their path of travel. This bending is conventional and adds rigidity to the articles and thereby facilitates jogging and stacking. - The
rollers 130 mounted on shafts 132 (Fig. 4) are supported bypivotable brackets rollers - The
conveyors 120 and 122 (Fig. 3) are driven in synchronism with each other by amotor 139 anddrive chain 140 which connects the motor withsprockets upper belt conveyor 120 andlower belt conveyor 122, respectively. Themotor 139 is driven at a speed slightly faster than the speed of the in feed conveyor 52 (Fig. 2) to assure that the arriving sheet-like articles will not jam in the infeed section 54. - The leading edge of each of the articles expelled from the downstream nip 126 (Fig. 3) of the upper and
lower conveyors feed section 54 hits spaced apartdeflectors 150. and 152 (Fig. 5). Thedeflectors stack supporting platform 158 moves downward as the stack grows in a-manner to be described more fully below. Suffice it to say for the present, the stack supporting platform 158b moves downward so that the top of the growing stack remains slightly below the level of the downstream nip 126 of thebelt conveyors - The in feed section 54 (Fig. 3) includes a jogger mechanism which assures that succeeding articles expelled from the downstream nip 126 of the
belt conveyors deflectors 150 and 152 (Fig. 5) andside plates motor 164. Figures 3, 5 and 6 illustrate the jogger assembly and its drive. - The motor 164 (Fig. 5) drives shaft 166 (Figs. 5 and 6) through a
chain 168. Theshaft 166 is rotatably mounted inbearings frame member 172 to which themotor 164 is also connected. The fixedframe member 172 is in turn rigidly connected with machineframe side plates - The
shaft 166 carrieseccentrics 176 and 177 (Fig. 5) which drives thedeflectors link 194 withdeflector plate 150. The eccentric 177 is connected by-alink 192 with thedeflector plate 152. Thelinks deflectors deflectors brackets 196 and 198 which are fixedly connected with the machineframe side plates shaft 166 thelinks deflectors - As shown in Figure 6, the
shaft 166 also drives 90degree gear boxes 200 and 202. These gear boxes in turn driveshafts eccentrics eccentrics output links side plates 160 and 162 (Fig. 5). The lower end portions ofside plates shafts 215 and 216, respectively. Whenshaft 166 rotates, theoutput links side plates - The
infeed assembly 54 is adjustable to receive sheetlike articles of various lengths and widths. The lower end portions of theside plates 160 and 162 (Fig. 5) are both mounted onlinkages 217 and 218 which permit theshafts 215 and 216 about which the side plates bscillate to be adjusted to compensate for different widths of incoming articles. The linkage 218 which supports the lower end portion ofside plate 162 is generally similar to the linkage which supports the lower end portion ofside plate 160. Thelinkage supporting plate 160 includes an adjusting screw 219 which, when turned, moves the shaft 215 and the lower end portion of theside plate 160 toward or away from thecenter line 88. Asimilar adjusting mechanism 220 having an adjustingscrew 222 provides adjustment for the upper end portion ofside plate 160. - The infeed section 54 (Fig. 3) also includes an adjustable
trailing edge guide 223 positioned below the conveyor or nip 126. Theguide 223 may be moved toward or away from thedeflectors guide 223 and theside plates - As previously mentioned, the incoming articles are stacked on a platform 158b (Fig. 3) which moves downward as the stack grows. The stacker section 58 (Fig. 8) includes a plurality of
platforms 158a-158h to receive stacks. Alternate platforms are driven independently, i.e., 158a, 158c, 158e and 158g are driven independently ofplatforms 158b, 158d, 158f and 158h. In this way one stack can be in the process of being built while the preceding stack is lowered toplatform 290 or 292 (Fig. 7) to be moved. laterally by the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) . - The
platforms 158a-153h are mounted onendless chains sprockets upper shaft 246 and aboutsprockets lower shaft 256. Theupper shaft 246 is parallel to thelower shaft 256 but offset vertically from it (see Fig. 8) so that the straight portions of the paths of the chains 230-236 are inclined about 15 degrees from vertical. The chains 230-236 move downward on the forward or lefthand portion (as viewed in Fig. 8) of their path and upward on the rear or return portion of the path. - The chains 230-236 are paired into an outer
pair comprising chains pair comprising chains chains chains platforms platforms 158b, 158d, 158f and 158h. -
Sprockets shaft 246. The inner pair of sprockets, 240 and 242, are fixedly connected with theshaft 246, and they rotate whenever the shaft is turned. At the lower end of thestacker section 58, the arrangement ofsprockets sprockets 250 and 252-are mounted for free rotation onshaft 256, and the outer pair ofsprockets shaft 256. With this arrangment the outer pair ofchains shaft 256 while the inner pair of chains . 232 and 234 are driven throughshaft 246. - The
stacker section 58 includes twodrive motors 260 and 262 (Figs 8 and 10) for driving theshafts speed drive motor 260 may be selectively connected with anintermediate shaft 264 by a clutch 266 anddrive chain 267. Similarly, the highspeed drive motor 260 may be selectively connected withintermediate shaft 268 byclutch 270 anddrive chain 271. - The low
speed drive motor 262 may be selectively connected with theintermediate shaft 264 through means of a clutch 272 anddrive chain 273. The lowspeed drive motor 262 may also be selectively connected with the upperintermediate shaft 268 by means ofclutch 274 anddrive chain 275. The lower and upperintermediate shafts operable brake - The upper
intermediate shaft 268 drives theupper shaft 246 throughchain 280 and asprocket 281 fixed toshaft 246. Theupper shaft 246 in turn drives the inner pair ofchains 232 and 234 (Fig. 9). The lower intermediate shaft 264 (Fig. 8) is drivingly connected with thelower shaft 256 by means ofchain 282 and asprocket 283 fixed toshaft 256 and thereby drives the outer pair ofchains - By selectively engaging or disengaging
clutches chains brake 278 may be actuated to stop movement of the chains. Similarly, the outer pair ofchains brake 276. - In operation, the inner pair of
chains 232 and 234 (Fig. 9) are connected with thelow speed motor 262 as a stack is being built on platform 158b. The lowspeed drive motor 262 is a variable speed motor, and its speed is controlled to maintain the top of the stack of incoming articles approximately even with or a little below the downstream nip 126 (Fig. 8) of theinfeed section 54. - A counter 279 (shown schematically in Fig. 3) counts the number of articles on platform 158b (Fig. 8) (and on each succeeding platform), and when a predetermined number is reached, the
chains clutch 274. Simultaneously, thechains speed drive motor 260 by engagement ofclutch 270. This causes the platform 158b to drop downward rapidly. The platform 158b moves downward and the stack, in the case of a log, is transferred to the stack receiving support 290 (Figs. 7 and 8). If bundles are being made, then the platform transfers the stack to the upperstack receiving support 292. - While the stack was being built on platform 158b, the
chains platform 158a to a position poised above the downstream nip 126 of theinfeed section 54. The outermost tip 296 (Figs. 8 and 11) of theplatform 158a is restrained by a latch mechanism 300 (Figs. 8, 14 and 15). Thelatch mechanism 300 serves to hold thetip 296 away from the stream of incoming articles until the stack being built on platform 158b contains the predetermined number of articles. - Thereafter, the
latch mechanism 300 releases thetip 296 which then intercepts the stream of articles to begin the next stack. - The
latch mechanism 300 is shown in detail in Figures 14 and 15. Thelatch mechanism 300 is mounted to a fixedframe member 302 which extends between machineframe side plates pivotable catch 304 which can be rotated about the axis ofbolt 306 by actuation of the-cylinder 308. When thecylinder 308 is in its extended position, thepivotable catch 304 extends outward from the fixedframe member 302 and engages the tip 296 (Figs. 3 and 8) of theplatform 158a. A controller (not shown) is connected with the counter 279 (Fig. 3), and when a preselected number of articles has been counted, indicating that a stack is complete, the cylinder 308 (Fig. 14) is retracted to pull back thecatch 304 and release thetip 296. - As the tip 296 (Fig. 8) of the
platform 158a is released, brake 276 (Fig. 10) is released and the clutch 272 is engaged to drive thesprockets lower shaft 256 to thereby cause theplatform 158a to be lowered slowly as the stack grows thereon. After the stack onplatform 158a is completed, the process is repeated. Platform 158g, which had previously been brought to a poised position and held there bybrake 278 and thelatch mechanism 300, is released and another stack is built. - The
platforms 158a-158h (Fig. 8) are guided in their downward movement by a pair ofparallel guide rails 316 and 318 (Figs. 8 and 9). The guide rails function to control the attitude of theplatforms 158 as they move downward. The guide rails 316 and 318 (Fig. 11) have a rectangular cross section and theplatforms 158 each have four wheels, two of which (320 and 322) engage the front surfaces of theguide rails guide rails wheels platforms 158 and resist any tendency for the platform to tilt downward under the weight of the stack built upon it. - During stacking, the
guide rails 316 and 318 (Fig. 13) cause theplatform 158 to move downward in a straight path which is inclined 15 degrees from vertical. The torque caused by the weight of the stack on theplatform 158 is resisted by theguide rails chains platforms 158 are relatively free on the upward, return run of the chains. The guide rails 316 and 318 have a curved, tapered portion 328 at the top of the return run of the chains 230-236 so that the wheels 320-326 of theplatforms 158 are guided into place just before the chains 230-236 make their turn around theupper sprockets - All the
platforms 158 are generally alike, and the one shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13 is typical. Theplatform 158 includes a carriage assembly 330 (Fig. 11) and astack supporting plate 332 connected with the carriage assembly. Thecarriage assembly 330 includes across shaft 334 extending between theguide rails wheels cross shaft 334.Brackets cross shaft 334. Thebrackets wheels - The
brackets bracket 338 when thewheels guide rail 316 during downward movement of theplatform 158. Thewheel 326 is behind and above thewheel 322 as theplatform 158 moves downward. Any torque applied to thecross shaft 334 by the weight Qf the stack growing on thestack support plate 332 is resisted by thewheels - The
carriage assembly 330 is connected withchains identical brackets 340 and 342 (Fig. 11).. Thebrackets pin chain brackets mating bracket shaft 334. When it is desired to remove theplatform 158 from thestacker assembly 56, it is only necessary to disconnect thebracket 340 from themating bracket 344 and thebracket 342 from themating bracket 346. Theentire carriage assembly 330 andstack supporting plate 332 connected to it can then be removed by sliding it down and off the bottom of theguide rails - It is appropriate to note here that when stacking bundles, all eight
platforms 158a-158h (Fig. 8) are used. When stackinglogs platforms - The
platform 158 illustrated in Figure 11 includesbrackets brackets shaft 334 for connection with the inner pair ofchains platforms 158b, 158d, 158f and 158h, all of which are connected with the inner pair ofchains platforms chains brackets shaft 334 to the position shown in phantom in Figure 11 where the brackets are aligned with thechains - The stack supporting plate assembly 332 (Fig. 12) is pivotably mounted to the
carriage assembly 330. The.stack supportingplate assembly 332 is connected with asupport bracket 350 which has a passage through which thecross shaft 334 extends. Rotation of thesupport bracket 350 downward (counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 12) is limited by a clamp 352 (Figs. 11 and 12) which is fixedly connected. with thecross shaft 334. Apin 354 extending generally parallel with thecross shaft 334 is connected with thesupport bracket 350 and engages a tab on theclamp 352 thereby preventing further counterclockwise movement of thesupport bracket 350 relative to thecross shaft 334. - The
platform 158 includes a hinge and spring arrangement which enables the platform to be pretensioned while being held by thelatch mechanism 300. When the latch mechanism releases the tip of theplatform 158, the spring arrangement snaps theplatform 158 into the stream of incoming sheet-like articles. This snap action eliminates the need for a gap maker or other device to temporarily interrupt the incoming stream of articles while a complete stack is being lowered and the next platform is being brought into place. - A pair of torsion coil springs 358 and 360 (Fig. 11) bias the
rotatable support bracket 350 toward engagement with theclamp 352. One end portion of the torsion coil springs 358 and 360 are fixed against rotation relative to thecross shaft 334, and the other end portion of the torsion coil springs extend to engage thepin 354 connected with thesupport bracket 350. When thesupport bracket 350 is rotated in the clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 12) toward the position shown in phantom, thesprings - Referring to Figure 8, it can be seen that as the
support platform 158a is brought into position with itstip 296 engaging thelatch assembly 300, continued downward movement of thecarriage assembly 330 causes thestack supporting plate 332 to rotate in a clockwise direction about.the cross shaft 334 (Figs. 11 and 12) and thus increases the tension in thesprings latch assembly 300 is released, thesprings stack supporting plate 332 to snap downward rapidly in a counterclockwise direction, to thereby intercept the arriving stream of articles. - The
stack supporting plate 332 of the platform 158 (Fig. 11) is connected with thesupport bracket 350. Thesupport bracket 350 extends generally perpendicular to theshaft 334. The platform 332-includes a pair oftines 333 extending transverse to thesupport bracket 350 on both sides. The stack receiving supports 290 and 292 (Figs. 1A and 7) are formed withtines 370 which fit between or interdigitate with thetines 333 of thestack supporting plate 332 of theplatform 158. As noted above, when a stack (either a bundle or a log) is completed, the platform 158 (Fig. 8) supporting the stack is lowered rapidly to transfer the stack to either the upperstack receiving support 292 or the lowerstack receiving support 290. As theplatform 158 moves downward itstines 333 trace out vertical paths which fit between thetines 370 of the upper and lower stack receiving supports 290 and 292, and the stack which was once on thestack supporting plate 332 is automatically transferred to one of the stack receiving supports. - The stack support 292 (Fig. 7) is removable and adapted to be positioned at the level indicated in phantom in Fig.. 8 for receiving bundles from the
platform 158. The stack support 292 (Fig. 7) includes aplate member 371 of which thetines 370 are an integral part. Theplate member 371 is connected with abracket 372 which provides support for theplate member 371. A pair ofpins skid plates 380 at the level of the upper stack support. Thepins openings 375 and 376, respectively, in thebracket 372 and hold the stack support 297 fixed to the stacker assembly 58 (Fig. lA) and generally perpendicular to therear skid plates 380 to receive bundles. Thestack support 392 may be lifted off thepins - The lower stack support 290 (Fig. 8) is connected with the stacker assembly to receive logs from the
platforms 158. Because the logs are relatively heavy, thelower stack support 290 is mounted on shock absorbing springs 373. - Once the stack is on either the upper or lower
stack receiving support chains platform 158 upon which the stack had just been resting is connected are advanced to bring the next platform connected with that same pair of chains into an indexed position with its tip 296 (Fig. 8) engaged by thelatch assembly 300. As this is happening, the shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) moves the stack on thestack receiving support stacker section 58 into one or the other of thecompensator sections stacker section 58. - It has proven advantageous to provide the stacker-
section 58 with a pair of retractable guide bars 382 and 383 (Fig. 13A). The guide bars, when in the extended position shown in phantom in Fig. 13A, extend parallel to the downward stacking path of theplatform 158 and engage opposite sides of the stack as theplatform 158 is lowered to thereby keep the stack in proper alignment. - The guide bars 382 and 383 are mounted on the ends of
arms frame 386 of thestacker section 58 for rotation aboutaxes - A
hydraulic cylinder 389 is effective to rotate thearms axes cylinder 389 is pivotably connected with theframe 386 at 390 and its opposite end is connected withlever 391. Thelever 391 rotates aboutaxis 392 when thecylinder 387, extends or retracts.Lever 391 is connected bylink 393 witharm 384 and bylink 394,lever 395 and link 396 witharm 385. When thecylinder 389 extends,lever 391 rotates aboutaxis 392 andlever 395 rotates aboutaxis 396 to move thearms cylinder 389, and as discussed below, the stack is then moved laterally out of thestacker section 58. - The shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) includes
pusher assemblies stacker section 58. The pushers engage the trailing side of the stack and accelerate the stack laterally while preserving vertical alignment of the articles in the stack. As the stack starts to slow down,-a pusher disposed on the leading edge of the stack comes into play. The momentum of the rapidly moving stack causes the stack to engage the pusher located adjacent the leading side of the stack. Because theshuttle mechanism 100 includes pushers located on both the leading side and trailing side of the stack being moved laterally from thestacker section 58 into thecompensator section 64, it is possible to accelerate and decelerate the stack very rapidly while preserving vertical alignment of the stack. Since alternate stacks are moved in opposite directions from thestacker section 58 into one or the other of thecompensator sections - The
stacker section 58 includesrear skid plates 380 which are disposed parallel to theguide rails 316 and 318 (Figs. 8, 9 and 10). Therear skid plates 380 form a continuation of thedeflectors platform 158 grows, the stack leans against therear skid plates 380. Thecompensators rear skid plates 390 which together with theskid plates 380 of thestacker section 58 provide continuous support for the back of the stacks as they are moved within thestacker assembly 56. There are similarrear skid plates tyers delivery stations 80 and 82. Therear skid plates shuttle mechanism 100, the stack receiving supports 290 or 292 of the stacker and the stack receiving supports 382, 382a, 405 or 405a of the compensators cooperate to support four of the six faces of a stack during movement, and thus to preserve alignment of the articles in the stack. Therefore, when the stack or partial stack arrives at acompensator section tyer - The
compensator sections 64 and 66 (Fig. 1) are utilized only when making bundles. The stacker-tyer 50 does not make compensated logs because the logs are . intended for further automatic processing with which alternating orientation of the articles would not be compatible. When making compensated bundles the counter 279 (Fig. 3) which controls the release of thelatch mechanism 300 is set to count one-half of the total number of articles required to make a complete bundle. This "half bundle" is then lowered onto the stack receiving support 292 (Fig. 8) and moved laterally-by theshuttle mechanism 100 into one df thecompensator sections 64 or 66 (Fig. 1). Thecompensator sections compensator section 64 will be described in detail, it being understood that the description applies equally to thecompensator section 66. - A half bundle is pushed by the
shuttle mechanism 100 across thestack support 292 and asimilar stack support 382 connected with thecompensator section 64 into the compensator section (Figs. 16 and 17) to a position (Fig. 17) where it is aligned over anelevator platform 400. Theelevator platform 400 is connected with a cylinder assembly 402 (Fig. 16) which lifts theelevator platform 400 and the half bundle on it upward into a rotatably mountedcompensator box 404. When making logs, theelevator platform 400 of the compensator section is locked in its uppermost position and thestack support 382 is removed to permit lateral movement of the logs whose - bottom is supported bystack support 405 which forms a continuation of thestack support 290 in thestacker section 56. - The
compensator box 404 includes a pair ofpivotable supports supports box 404 and are hinged to opposite bottom edges of thecompensator box 404. Thesupports compensator box 404 is closed. A cylinder andlinkage mechanism 410 is utilized to move thesupports - The
elevator platform 400 includes a plurality oftines 414, and each of thesupports compensator box 404 is formed withtines 416 which interdigitate with the tines on theelevator platform 414. When a half bundle has been pushed onto theelevator platform 400 from thestacker section 58, thesupports compensator box 404 is open. Thecylinder assembly 402 then lifts theelevator platform 400 to bring a half bundle inside the compensator box. Thereafter, the cylinder andlinkage mechanism 410 is actuated to pivot thesupports compensator box 404. Next, theelevator platform 400 is lowered leaving the half bundle inside thecompensator box 400. - As previously noted, the
compensator box 404 is rotatably mounted. A bearing assembly 418 (Fig. 16) supports ashaft 420 which is connected with the top of thecompensator box 404 for rotation about an axis parallel to the plane of the rear skid plates-380. Asprocket 422 is fixedly connected with theshaft 420 and anendless chain 424 fits aroundsprocket 422 andsprocket 426. Acylinder assembly 428 is connected between the frame of thecompensator section 64 and thechain 424. By actuating thecylinder assembly 428, the chain causes theshaft 420 and therefore thecompensator box 404 to rotate. Thecompensator box 404 is rotated 180 degrees when the cylinder-assembly 428 moves between its extended and retracted positions. - While one-half bundle is being lifted by the
elevator platform 400 into the compensator box of the lefthand compensator section 64 (Fig. 1) thestacker section 58 is building another half bundle which will be moved by theshuttle mechanism 100 to the right to thecompensator section 66. The succeeding half bundle built in thestacker section 58 is moved laterally by the shuttle mechanism.100 to the left into thecompensator section 64. Once this succeeding half bundle is positioned on the elevator platform 400 (Fig. 16), the cylinder andlinkage mechanism 410 is actuated to pivot thesupports compensator box 404 onto the half bundle which is on theelevator platform 400. Since the half bundle from thecompensator box 404 has been rotated and the succeeding half bundle on the elevator platform has not been rotated, the resulting complete bundle is compensated. - The
compensator box 404 includes adjustable bundle side supports 430 (Fig. 17) which permit the compensator box to accommodate stacks formed of articles having dimensions from 7 x 10 inches to 12 x 17 inches. Moreover, the operation of thecompensator section 64 has been described as building a complete bundle in which half of the articles face one direction and half the articles are rotated 180 degrees. It is also possible to operate the compensator section so that the complete bundle is built in quarters with each succeeding quarter rotated 180 degrees from the preceding quarter. - Once a complete bundle is in the compensator section 64 (Fig. 1), pusher assemblies of the shuttle mechanism. 100 are extended and then moved laterally to push the bundle from the
compensator section 64 into thetyer 70. A complete bundle in thecompensator section 66 is pushed laterally in the opposite direction into thetyer 72. Tyer - Once a completed bundle from one of the
compensator sections 64 and 66 (Fig. 1) has been pushed by theshuttle mechanism 100 into an adjacent one of thetyers tyer sections tyer 70 is substantially the same as thetyer 72, and consequently, only thetyer 70 will be described in detail. However, it will be understood that the description of thetyer 70 is equally applicable to thetyer 72. - The tyer 70 (Fig. 18). includes a
frame 500 and is positioned adjacent the compensator section 64 (Figs. 1 and lA). Thetyer 70 includes rear skid plates 504 (Figs. 18 and 20) which are coplanar with and form a continuation of therear skid plates stacker 58 andcompensators tyer 70 also includes a stack receiving support 506 (Fig. 18) which supports the bottom of the stack when it is pushed into thetyer 70. Thestack receiving support 506 may be positioned either even with the stack receiving support 290 (Fig. 8) when it is in its lower position in thestacker assembly 56 or it may be elevated to be even with the position of the upperstack receiving support 292, as will be discussed in more detail below. - When a stack is pushed into the tyer 70 (Fig. 18) its bottom is supported by the
stack receiving support 506 and the entire stack leans against therear skid plate 504. Thetyer 70 includes a pair ofcompression cylinders 510 and 512 (Fig. 19). The cylinder portions of thecompression cylinder assemblies frame 500, and acompression plate 514 and 516 (Fig. 19), respectively, is connected with the piston of each of the cylinder assemblies. Thecompression cylinder assemblies tyer 70 to a height of about 12 inches. In addition, thecompression cylinder assemblies - When the
compression cylinder assemblies compression plates stack receiving support 506. Thetyer 70 includes twocompression cylinder assemblies compression plates gap 517 between the two compression plates so that a band or strap used to tie the stack may pass between the plates and be fastened while the stack is being held compressed. - Each of the
compression cylinder assemblies guide rod frame 500. Theguide rods compression plates compression cylinder assemblies - Connected with and below the stack receiving support i506 is a conventional tie head 524 (Fig. 18). The particular tie head used is manufactured by Signode Corporation, 2600 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60647, sold under the model name "SERIES MCD". The
tie head 524 includes a supply of banding material and a mechanism which feeds the band through atrough 530 around the stack, tightens the band, cuts the end of the band and binds the ends together. - Mounted in the
frame 500 is thetrough 530 which is aligned with thetie head 524 and guides the band of material around the stack in thetyer 70. Thetrough 530 defines a generally rectangular path with rounded corners. In cross section the channel. which forms thetrough 530 is generally U-shaped (Fig. 20) and its open face is toward the inside of the rectangle. The open face of the U-shaped trough may be covered with a spring biased closure (not shown) which guides the band while it is being passed around a stack and opens in response tension in the band as it is being pulled tight. - The
trough 530 includes a U-shaped upper end portion 532 (Fig. 18) which is fixedly connected with the frame and a U-shapedlower end portion 534 which is fixedly connected with the movablestack receiving support 506. In addition, thetrough 530 includes a pair ofremovable side portions side portions lower end portions trough 530, making a continuous smooth rectangular path for the band of material to pass through. When bundles are being tied, theside portions 536. and 538 of thetrough 530 are removed, and thestack receiving support 506 and thetie head 524 are elevated to the level of the upper level of thestack receiving support 290 of the stacker assembly 56 (as shown in phantom in Fig. 18). This brings thelower end portion 534 of thetrough 530 into juxtaposition with theupper end portion 532 thus forming a shorter and nearly square path for the band of material. - The
frame 500 in which thestack support 506 moves is shown in plan view in Figure 22. Theframe 500 has a horizontal rear member 542, and extending from the middle of the rear frame member and perpendicular thereto is amember 544. Thus, theframe 500 in plan view has a generally T-shaped configuration. Extending generally vertically downward from opposite end portions of the rear frame member 542 arevertical members 546 and 548 (Figs. 18-20), and avertical member 550 extends downward from and is connected with the end of themember 544 which is remote from the rear frame member 542. - The
stack receiving support 506 and thetie head 524 attached thereto are mounted for easy vertical movement in theframe 500. Guiding with thestack receiving support 506 are a pair ofguide rollers 552 and 554 (Fig. 22). These guide rollers engage the rear surfaces offrame members second guide roller 556 is positioned vertically below theguide roller 552, and another guide roller (not shown) is positioned vertically below theguide roller 554. - A forward guide roller 558 (Fig. 22) is connected with the
stack receiving support 506 by means of abracket 560 which extends forwardly from the stack receiving support. In a manner similar to therear guide rollers forward guide roller 558. Both theguide rollers 558 and 562 bear against the forwardvertical frame member 550. I - The
stack receiving support 506 with the attachedtie head 524 andlower portion 534 of thetrough 530 can be raised and lowered in theframe 500 by means of a crank and chain mechanism 570 (Fig. 18). When the hand crank 572 is turned, thechains chain 574 is connected with the bracket 560 (Fig. 22) which extends forward from thestack receiving support 506. Similarly, thechains brackets rear guide rollers stack receiving support 506. - To change from tying logs to tying bundles, the
stack receiving support 506 is moved from the position shown in solid in Figure 18 to the position shown in phantom. To do this, it is necessary to swing therear.skid plate 504 out of the way. To faciliate this, each half of therear skid plate 504 is mounted by upper and lower hinges 580. After therear skid plates 504 have been swung out of the way, the hand crank 572 can be turned and the stack receiving support elevated to its upper position for compressing and tying bundles.. Locking means (not shown) are utilized to hold the stack receiving support, tie head, andlower end portion 534 of thetrough 530 in its upper position. Thus, the tyer 70 (Fig. 16) is adapted to compress and tie either bundles or logs. It does this with only asingle tie head 524 which may be moved in the frame of the tyer from a lower portion in which itsstack receiving support 506 is positioned to receive logs and an upper position in which the stack receiving support is positioned to receive bundles. - The
tyer 70 includes side supports 590 and 592 (Figs. 18 and 20) which engage and support the side of a stack during compression and tying. Moreover, as will be discussed more fully below, the side supports 590 and 592 may be moved laterally to move the entire stack relative to thetrough 530 so that the stack may be tied with two parallel bands on either side of a vertical center line through the stack. - The side supports 590 and 592 (Fig. 20) move from the position shown in solid in Figure 18 to the position shown in phantom upon the arrival of a stack to be tied in the
tyer 70. The side supports 590 and 592 are mounted onarms base 598 for rotation aboutaxes hydraulic cylinder 604 has one end portion connected with thebase 598 and its movable piston rod 606 is pivotably connected with anintermediate lever 608. Theintermediate lever 608 is mounted to pivot about anaxis 610 which is fixed relative to thebase 598 The end portion of the intermediate lever. 608 which is remote from the piston rod 606 has apin 609 which fits in a slot 611 in thearm 594. When hydraulic pressure is applied to thecylinder 604, the piston rod 606 extends causing the intermediate lever to rotate aboutaxis 610, and this in turn causes thearm 594 to rotate about theaxis 600 to bring theside support 590 from the position shown in solid to the position shown in phantom. - The
arm 596 is connected throughlinks intermediate lever 608. Consequently, when thehydraulic cylinder 604 is actuated, theside support 592 is brought from the position shown in solid in Figure 20 to the position shown in phantom. - The mechanism illustrated in Figure 20 is connected with the upper end portions of the side supports 59Q and 592 to move them between the phantom and solid positions of Figure 20. A similar mechanism 623 (Figs. 19 and 21) is connected with the lower end portion of the side supports 590 and 592.
- It is contemplated that logs will be. tied with two bands and that bundles will be tied with only one band. However, the
tyer 70 could be operated to tie either logs or bundles with either one or two bands. As mentioned above, the side supports 590 and 592 may be moved laterally with respect to therear skid plates 504 and thetrough 530. This is done when it is desired to place two parallel bands around a bundle or log. To this end, the base 598 (Fig. 20) is slidably mounted on a pair ofcross shafts vertical frame members mechanism 630 is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder 632 (Fig. 21) and is effective to cause the base 598 to slide laterally with respect to theframe members cylinder 632 extends or retracts. This, in turn, causes thearms - When it is desired to place a single band around a compressed stack, the base 598 (Fig. 20) stays in the central position shown. In this case, the stack arrives in the tyer 70 (Fig. 1) and is automatically positioned by the
shuttle mechanism 100 so that the vertical midline of the stack is aligned with the trough 530 (Fig. 20). The side supports 590 and 592 may then brought to the position shown in phantom in Figure 20 in which they are symmetrical about the gap between therear skid plates 504 and thetrough 530. In some tying operations it may not be necessary to actuate the side supports 590 and 592. Then thecompression cylinders 510 and 512 (Fig. 19) are actuated to compress the bundle and the tye head 524 (Fig. 18) is activated to pass a band around the stack and tie it. Thereafter the compression cylinders are released and the shuttle mechanism.100 moves the compressed and tied stack out of the tyer into the delivery station 80. - In the event that two bands are to be placed around the stack, once the stack is in the tyer and the side supports 590 and 592 (Fig. 18) are brought into engagement with opposite sides of the stack, clutches contained in
links cylinder 604 allowing the side supports 590 and 592 to move. - Once the side supports are locked, the
mechanism 630 is actuated to move the entire stack laterally with respect to therear skid plate 504 and thetrough 530 through which the band of material is passed. Once the stack is in the desired position with respect to thetrough 530, thecompression cylinders tye head 524 is actuated to place the first band around the stack. Thereafter, thecompression cylinders compression plates mechanism 630 is operated to slide thebase 598 and the corresponding base of the lower mechanism 620 the opposite side of a vertical center line through the stack. It is contemplated that the bands might be about six inches apart. Once positioned for the second band, thecompression cylinders tye head 524 then ties the second band around the stack. Thereafter, the stack is returned to its original position centered over thetrough 530. - The
mechanism 630 for shifting the stack laterally (Fig. 21) is actuated byhydraulic cylinder 632. Themechanism 630 comprises atriangular link 634 which is pivotally mounted to aframe member 636 for rotation aboutaxis 638. Connected withlink 634 is one end portion of arod 640, the other end portion of which is connected with the base 633 of themechanism 623. Therefore, when thecylinder 632 is extended from the position shown in Figure 21, it causes thelink 634 to rotate counterclockwise (as shown in Fig. 21) about theaxis 638. This in turn pushes therod 640 to the left and the base 633 also moves to the left. When thecylinder 632 is contracted, the motions of thelink 634 androd 640 are reversed and the base 633 moves to the right of its central position as shown in Figure 19. - The
base 598 is connected with thelink 634 through a series of rods and links which serve to move thebase member 598 in the same direction and to the same extent as the base member 633. One end portion of arod 642 is pivotally connected withlink 634. The other end portion of therod 642 is pivotally connected with thelink 644 which is rotatably mounted toframe member 646 for rotation aboutaxis 648. One end portion of arod 650 is pivotally connected withlink 644, and the other end portion of therod 650 is connected with thebase 598. When actuation of thecylinder 632 causes thelink 634 to rotate clockwise (as viewed in Fig. 21) about theaxis 638, therod 642 moves downward and causes thelink 644 to rotate clockwise about theaxis 648. This in turns pulls therod 650 and the base 598 which is connected with it to the right of the central position shown in Fig. 21. - While in theory it would be possible to operate the
rod 642 in the reverse direction, that is, to push upward on therod 642 to move thebase member 598 to the left of its central position, it is not practical to do so. Therod 642 is long.and slender and would tend to buckle under the large compressive forces which would be applied to the rod under those circumstances. Moreover, the logs are relatively heavy and the force required to move a log laterally in a short time are relatively large. - Instead of applying compressive forces to
rod 642, a series of links and rods are used so that the base 598 may be moved to the left of its central position through a linkage whoseslender member 658 is under tension, not compression. To this end, one end portion of arod 652 is pivotally connected withlink 634. The other end portion of therod 652 is pivotally connected with alink 654 which is mounted for rotation oncross member 636 about anaxis 656. One end portion of arod 658 is pivotally connected with thelink 654 and the other end portion of therod 658 is pivotally connected with a link 660. The link 660 is pivotally mounted onframe member 646 for rotation about anaxis 662. One end portion of a rod 664 is connected with link 660, and the other end portion of the rod 664 is connected withlink 644. When thecylinder 632 is extended from the position shown in Figure 21, link 634 rotates counterclockwise (as viewed in Fig. 21) aboutaxis 638, movingrod 652 toward the left. Movement of therod 652 toward the left causes link 654 to rotate counterclockwise about theaxis 656, and this in turn pulls downward onrod 658. Downward motion ofrod 658 causes link 660 to rotate counterclockwise aboutaxis 662 which in turn pulls rod 664 toward the left. Leftward movement of rod 664 causes link 644 to rotate counterclockwise about itsaxis 648 and this achieves the final result of pushingrod 650 and the base 598 to which it is connected leftward. - Thus by extending or retracting the
cylinder 632 from the position shown in Figure 21, thebases 598 and 633 can be moved either to the left or the right of the central position shown in Figure 19. This in turn causes the side supports 590 and 592 (Fig. 20) to move a stack in the tyer to the left or the right of thetrough 530. - When it is desired to tie only a single band around a stack, the
bases 598 and 633 are locked in a central position by means of a pair oflevers 670 and 672 (Fig. 21). Thelevers frame member 636 for rotation, respectively, aboutaxes levers end face 678 oflever 670 and theend face 680 oflever 672 abut stops 682 and 684 which are connected withlinks end face 678 prevents thelink 654 from rotating counterclockwise, and this prevents thebases 598 and 633 from moving to the left of their central position. The contact betweenend face 680 and the stop 684 prevents thelink 634 from rotating clockwise, and this prevents thebases 598 and 633 from moving to the right of their central position. Thelevers hydraulic cylinder 686 which pulls the levers against the bias ofsprings 687 and 688 which tend to return them to their aligned position illustrated in Figure 21. - The
tyer 70 includes a mechanism illustrated in Figures 22A and 22B for detecting whether or not a stack has been successfully tied. A tie attempt can fail for any number of reasons ranging from an absence of strap material to an inadequate binding. Stacks that are not successfully tied must be detected so that they are not allowed to move on for further handling where loose, unbound, articles could jam machinery. - The mechanism illustrated in Figures 22A and 22B includes a
finger 689 which extends from thecompression plate 514 and which is temporarily caught under the strap tied around a stack. When thecompression plate 514 is lifted after tying, thefinger 689 is displaced by the strap indicating a successful tying operation. If the tying operation was unsuccessful, the finger is not displaced. - The
finger 689 extends across the gap·between thecompression plates plates finger 689 pivots out from under the strap (as shown in phantom in Fig. 22B) as thecompression plates finger 689 to the position shown in solid lines in Figure 22B. Thefinger 689 is pivotably mounted in a slot 690 (Fig. 22A) incompression plate 514. Thefinger 689 is connected withshutter 691 by alinkage comprising shaft 692, alever 693 connected withshaft 692, alink 694 connected withlever 693 and witharm 695 which also carriesshutter 691. - -The-mechanism for signaling a successful tying peration also includes a
photo cell 696 and amirror 697. Themirror 697 is mounted on abracket 698 on thecompression plate 514 which moves up and down with each tying operation. Thephoto cell 696 is mounted on the stationary and relatively vibration-free frame member 544 (Fig. 22) of thetyer 70. The shutter 691 (Fig. 22B) is . coated with a non-reflective material so that when it is in the position shown in solid, no light is reflected from themirror 697 to thephoto detector 696. When a strap pivots thefinger 689, theshutter 691 is temporarily moved out of the path of reflected light and the photo detector receives reflected light indicating a successful tying operation. - The shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) includes a
frame 700 which supports a laterallyreciprocatable carriage 702 and a drive mechanism for causing the carriage to reciprocate. The drive mechanism 704 (Figs. 25-27 and 29) is effective to reciprocate thecarriage 702 between an extreme right position as illustrated in Figure 23, and an extreme left position illustrated in Figure 24. Thecarriage 702 includes four selectivelyextendable pusher assemblies - The sequence of operation of the
shuttle mechanism 100 can be described with reference to Figures 1, 23, and 24 as follows. Assuming thecarriage 702 is initially in its central position illustrated in Figure 1, sheet-like articles are stacked in thestacker section 58 of thestacker assembly 56. When a stack (or a half stack if compensated bundles are to be made) is completed in the manner previously described, threepusher assemblies reciprocating carriage 702 to move it to the right to the position illustrated in Fig. 23. As this happens, thepusher assembly 708 engages the trailing side of the stack in thestacker section 58 and pushes it toward thecompensator section 66. Simultaneously, thepusher assembly 710 engages any stack-which might have been in thecompensator 66 and pushes it toward thetyer 72, and thepusher assembly 712 pushes any stack which might have been in thetyer 72 into thedelivery station 82. Once thereciprocating carriage 702 has completed moving the stack from thestacker section 58 into thecompensator section 66, thepusher assemblies carriage 702 returns from its righthand position illustrated in Figure 23 to its central position illustrated in Figure 1. - When the succeeding stack (or half stack) has been stacked in the
stacker section 58, it will be moved to the left from thestacker section 58 intocompensator section 64. To accomplish this, thepusher assemblies drive mechanism 704 moves thereciprocating carriage 702 to the left of its central position as illustrated in Figure 24. Again, once the stacks have been moved, thepusher assemblies reciprocating carriage 702 returns to its central position. - Figures 25, 26 and 27 each show a portion of a side elevation view of the
shuttle mechanism 100 including thedrive mechanism 704 which drives thecarriage 702. The Figures may be placed edge to edge with Figure 25 on top, Figure 26 in the middle and Figure 27 on the bottom to form a continuous drawing showing a complete side elevation view of theshuttle mechanism 100. - The
drive mechanism 704 includes a crank 714 shown schematically in Figure 26 and in more detail in Figure 28. Thecrank 714 is driven by a motor 716 (Fig. 27) which is connected by a belt to a countershaft 718 (Fig. 26). Thecountershaft 718 carries a flywheel, a brake and a clutch through which themotor 716 is selectively - connected to a 90degree gear box 720. Theoutput shaft 722 of thegear box 720, in turn, drives thecrank 714. - To reduce distortion of to the crank 714 caused by large torques, it is driven from both sides. One side of the
crank 714 is driven directly by theoutput shaft 722 of thegear box 720. The other side of thecrank 714 is driven from asprocket 724, achain 726, a sprocket 728 (Fig. 25) carried on across shaft 730 which carries at its opposite end anothersprocket 732 which in turn drives achain 734 which is connected by a sprocket 736 (Fig. 26) with astub shaft 738 to which thecrank 714 is connected. - The crank 714 (Fig. 28) is a double throw crank which is rotatable about the axis of
output shaft 722 andstub shaft 738. Thecrank 714 has a pair of diametricallyopposed pins crank 714 rotates, i.e., the axis ofshafts rod - Opposite from the
pins rods wrist pins pins carry bearing blocks pin 750 and are axially slidable withinslides 756 and 758 (Fig. 29). Theslides pins crank 714 rotates. - The
slides axes frame 700.Cylinders frame 700 and the other end pinned to one of theslides cylinders slides - As can be seen in Figure 29, as the
crank 714 rotates, thepins pins carriage 702, it is possible to make the carriage move from its central position to one side and back as the crank makes.one complete rotation. Theslides cylinders pins carriage 702 so : that the carriage may be moved to one side or the other from the central position. To move thecarriage 702 from its central position (Fig. 1) to the right (as viewed in Fig. 29 and to the left as viewed in Figs. 1, 23 and 24) a controller 768 (Fig. 29) connects thepin 750 with the carriage when thecrank 714 is rotated so that thepin 750 is at the "bottom" of its stroke, i.e., as close to the axis of rotation of the crank as possible. When thecrank 714 is then rotated through a complete revolution (360 degrees), thecarriage 702 makes an excursion from its central position to the position illustrated in Figure 24 and back to its central position. Thereafter, thecontroller 768 disconnects thepin 750 by retractingcylinder 766 and connectspin 748 by extendingcylinder 764. Rotation of thecrank 714 through another complete revolution movescarriage 702 in the opposite direction and back to the central position. - When the double throw crank 714 rotates 180 degrees the carraige 702 starts from a stopped position centered about the stacker section 58 (Fig. 1), accelerates as it moves to, e.g., the left and decelerates so that by the time it is in its left extreme position (Fig. 24) it is again fully stopped. As the
crank 714 rotates the next 180 degrees .thecarriage 702 is again accelerated and decelerated to a full stop by the time it returns to its center position (Fig. 1). A single throw crank having twice the radius of thecrank 714 could move the carriage the same distance as the double throw,crank 714, but it would not decelerate to a full-stop at the central position nor could it be controlled to move always to the same side of its central position as can the drive mechanism 704 (as is discussed below). - Figure 30 is a schematic illustration of one half of the
reciprocating carriage 702. The portion of thecarriage 702 not shown is a mirror image of the portion shown in Figure 30. - The reciprocating carriage 702 (Fig. 30) includes a pair of U-shaped brackets 770 (only one shown) which are adapted to receive one of the
pins U-shaped socket 770 has an upwardly opening U-shaped opening which is adapted to receive thepin 748. Thepin 748 may be moved into or out of the U-shaped socket by actuation of the cylinder 764 (Fig. 29). When thecarriage 702 is in its central position, and thecrank 714 is in the position where thepin 748 is pulled in to its closest position to the axis of rotation of the crank, thecylinder 764 may be extended causing theslide 756 to pivot clockwise about theaxis 760 as viewed in Figure 29, and this causes thepin 748 to move down into thebracket 770. On the other hand, retraction of thecylinder 764 causes aslide 756 to rotate in the opposite direction and lifts thepin 748 out of the U-shaped socket. - Once the
pin 748 is in the U-shaped socket, thecrank 714 may be rotated to cause thereciprocating carriage 702 to move from its central position illustrated in Figure 1 toward its righthand position illustrated in Figure 23 and back again to the central position. Since thepin 750 moves in the opposite direction from thepin 748, it is obviously necessary that thepin 750 be disconnected from the carriage during motion of the carriage to the right of its central position. This is accomplished by retractingcylinder 766 which pulls thepin 750 out of engagement with the U-shaped socket corresponding tosocket 770. - When it is desired to move the
reciprocating carriage 702 to the left of its central position, thecylinder 764 is retracted, lifting thepin 748 out of engagement withsocket 770, and simultaneously thecylnder 766 is extended. This causes theslide 758 to rotate . counterclockwise about the axis 762 (as viewed in Fig. 29) and this in turn causes thepin 750 to drop into a socket corresponding tosocket 770. Whereupon, thecrank 714 may be rotated and thereciprocating carriage 702 moves toward the left of its central position and returns. - The
drive mechanism 704 can be operated to move thecarriage 702 only to one side of its central position. This is accomplished by simply engaging one of thepins socket 770 on thereciprocating carriage 702 and leaving it engaged while the other pin (750 or 748) remains disengaged. This might prove advantageous when the supply of incoming articles is not arriving at such a speed that the use of bothtyers deliveries 80 and 82 is necessary. This is also advantageous when some portion of the machinery on one side or the other needs repair. In the event, for example, that one of thetyers carriage 702 can automatically move stacks only to the opposite side until the untied stack is removed. - The
frame 700 is equipped with a linear ball bushing (Fig. 25), and a rod 773 connected with the upper portion of thecarriage 702 slides therein.Rollers 774 are mounted to the lower portion of theframe 700 for rotation in a generally vertical plane which is laterally offset from the axis of rod 773 so that thereciprocating carriage 702 is inclined at a 15 degrees angle from vertical. AU-shaped channel 775 is connected with the carriage and surrounds therollers 774. In this way, thecarriage 702 may slide laterally in a plane which is approximately parallel with the rear skid plates 380 (Fig. 8) of thestacker assembly 56 and the rear skid plates 504 (Fig. 18) of thetyers - One half of the
reciprocating carriage 702 is illustrated in Figure 30. Although only half of thereciprocating carriage 702 is illustrated, it will be understood that the opposite half is generally symmetrical with the half illustrated and integral therewith, and the description of the half illustrated is equally applicable to the half not shown if left and right are interchanged. - The
reciprocating carriage 702 includes fourhorizontal tubes vertical members channels 775 are connected. - The
pusher assemblies vertical members pusher assembly 712 includes upper pusher bars 806 and 808 and lower pusher bars 810 and 812. The upper pusher bars 806 and 808, when extended, fit between the compensator section 66 (Fig. 1) and thetyer 72. Upon acceleration of thereciprocating carriage 702 to the right of the central position illustrated in Figure 1, the upper pusher bar 806 engages the side of a bundle intyer 72 and pushes the bundle toward thedelivery section 82. At the same time thepusher bar 808 serves to slow a bundle being pushed from thecompensator section 66 toward thetyer 72 as thereciprocating carriage 702 decelerates. When logs are being made instead of bundles, thelower pusher bar 810 is positioned coaxial with the upper pusher bar 806 and is connected therewith. Similarly, thepusher bar 812 is positioned coaxial with theupper pusher bar 808 and is connected with it. The pusher bars 806 and 810 thus form a continuous bar to push against the side of a log to move the log laterally in the stacker-tyer 50. - The pusher bars 806, 808,-810 and 812 are mounted adjustably so that the distance between them can be varied. This is necessary to accommodate varying widths of articles being stacked. When the articles being stacked are relatively narrow, the distance between the pusher bars 806, 810 and the pusher bars 808, 812 must be increased so that the sides of the stacks will have good support and the stacks will remain in vertical alignment during lateral movement. Conversely, when the articles being stacked are relatively wide, the pusher bars 806, 810 and 808, 812 are brought closer together.
- The pusher bars 806, 808, 810 and 812 are each supported by two brackets, all of which are identical. Therefore, only the
bracket 814 will be described in detail. Thebracket 814 is fixedly connected with the upper pusher bar 806 and includes arod 815 which extends through abar 816. Therod 815 of thebracket 814 is generally perpendicular to the upper pusher bar 806 and may be slid relative to thebar 816 to select the desired position of the upper pusher bar 806. Thereafter, a locknut (not shown) is tightened onto therod 815 to clamp it into position relative to thebar 816. The pusher bars 806 and 808 are thus adjustably mounted to thebar 816 by brackets similar tobracket 814. - The
bar 816 forms one side of a four bar linkage which permits the pusher bars 806 and 808 to be extended or retracted away from or toward the horizontal bars 790-796 and the vertical members 798-804 which form the fixed framework of thereciprocating carriage 702. Thebar 816 has a pivotal connection with twolinks vertical members shafts shafts vertical members link 819 is fixedly connected with theshaft 822 and thelink 818 is fixedly connected with theshaft 820. When theshaft 822 is rotated, thelinks bar 316 to move toward or away from the framework of the reciprocating carriage. As will be discussed below, theshuttle mechanism 100 includes means for causing theshaft 822 to rotate to thereby selectively extend or retract the pusher bars 806 and 808. - The lower pusher bars 810 and 312 are mounted in a similar fashion except that when the lower pusher bars are in use, they are connected directly with the upper pusher bars and hence there is no need to separately actuate the linkage which connects the lower pusher bars 810 and 812 with the framework of the reciprocating carriage.
- The remaining
pusher assembly 710 illustrated in Figure 30 and thepusher assemblies pusher assembly 712 and consequently a detailed description is not required. However, it should be noted thatlower link 832 of thepusher assembly 710 is rotatably mounted onshaft 822 so that movement of the pusher bars ofpusher assembly 710 is not affected by rotation ofshaft 822. However, theupper link 830 is fixedly connected withshaft 834, and so rotation ofshaft 834 is effective to extend or retractpusher assembly 710. - Rotation of
shaft 822 is accomplished by means of agear 836 fixedly connected therewith. Arack 838 is disposed in meshing engagement with thegear 836 and extends generally perpendicular to theshaft 822 and parallel with the vertical members 798-804. Therack 838 is supported for sliding movement in a bearing blocks 840 and 841 which are fixedly connected with the frame work of thecarriage 702. When therack 838 is moved vertically, it causes theshaft 822 to rotate which in turns extends or retracts the pusher bars ofpusher assembly 712. Asimilar rack 842 andgear 844 serve to rotate theshaft 834, and to thereby extend or retract the pusher bars ofpusher assembly 710. - A mechanism 850 (Fig. 27) selectively raises and lowers the
racks 838 and 842 (Fig. 30) and the . corresponding racks (not shown) which operate thepushers 708 and 706 (Figs. 1, 23, and 24). Themechanism 850 includes a pair or horizontal,parallel tracks 852 and 854 (Fig. 32) connected with theframe 700 of theshuttle mechanism 100. Therack 838 which actuates thepusher assembly 712 carries awheel 856 adapted to ride in thetracks wheel 858, and thewheels 860 and 862 (shown somewhat schematically in Figs. 35A-35D) which actuate thepushers tracks 852 and 854 (Fig. 35). - At spaced intervals along the
tracks sections sections sections sections - The pusher assemblies 706-712 are retracted when the followers 856-862 ride in the
lower track 854, (Fig. 35A). The switching sections 870-888 are selectively actuatable to elevate the followers 856-862 which in turn causes the pusher assemblies to extend, as described above with reference to Figures. 1, 23, and 24. The switching sections 870-888 are actuatable in the A, B and C groupings described. The mechanism for switching each of the groups are generally similar and therefore only the mechanism for switching the B group will be described in detail. -
Switching section 876 of the B group (Fig. 33 is operated by acylinder 900, one end of which is connected with ahousing 901 connected to theframe 700 and the other end of which is pivotally connected with anarm 902. Thearm 902 is mounted for rotation about the axis of ashaft 904 which is rotatably supported by theframe 700. One end of thearm 902 is connected with theswitching section 876. In Figure 33 thecylinder 900 is shown in its retracted position and thewheel 856 is aligned with thelower track 854. When thecylinder 900 is extended, it causes thearm 902 to rotate counterclockwise about the axis ofshaft 904 as viewed in Figure 33, thus elevating the switching section and thewheel 856 to the upper position shown in phantom in which the wheel is aligned with thetrack 852. - Referring to Figures 33 and 34, it can be seen that the
switching section 876 includes aslidable body member 928 which is connected with thearm 902 and is vertically slidable in theframe 700 in response to movement of thearm 902. Thebody member 928 carries fourextensions slots slots tracks block 928 is slidable between a position in which theslots tracks slots tracks slots tracks block 928 when a wheel such as thewheel 856 is between two of the extensions 930-936 of theblock 928, the wheel can be moved from alignment with thetrack 852 to alignment withtrack 854, or vice versa. - The remaining
switching sections arms arm 902 and which are fixedly connected withshaft 904. In addition, a tubular stiffening member 950 interconnects thearms cylinder 900 is actuated, all the arms in the B group operate their respective switching sections simultaneously. - The C group is actuated by a
single cylinder 952 which is connected in the same way ascylinder 900 to the various switching sections in its group, and the switching sections in the A group are similarly actuated bycylinder 954. - In operation, when the pusher assemblies 706-712 are all in their retracted positions as shown schematically in Figure 1, all the wheels 856-862 are in the
lower track 854 as shown in Figure 35A. In order to extend thepushers wheels track 854 and thepusherse - Thus, it is clear that the present invention provides a stacker-typer 50 (Fig. 1) which receives a stream of sheet-like articles and forms them into either tall stacks (logs) or short stacks (bundles). The present invention uses two
tyers stacker 56, and the stacks (either bundles or logs) are shifted alternately from the stacker laterally and directly into one or the other of the tyers. With thetyers stacker 56, lengthy conveyors are eliminated. - The
stacker 56 receives a stream of sheet-like articles from an overhead conveyor. The leading edge of each article hits adeflectors 150 and 152 (Fig. 5) and the articles drop to form a stack on a downwardly movable platform 158 (Fig. 8) which supports the bottom of the stack. As the stack grows, theplatform 158 is moved downward, so that the top of the stack remains at approximately the same level. - The
stacker 56 also includes astack support 290 for receiving tall stacks (logs) from the movable platform. Anupper stack support 292 for receiving short stacks (bundles) from themovable platform 158 is removably positioned above thestack support 290. When the stack being built has a preselected number of sheet-like articles in it, theplatform 158 moves downward to the appropriate level where the stack is transferred from the platform to one of the stack supports 290 and 292 and moved laterally to one or the other of thetyers 70 and 72 (Fig. 1). - The
stack support 292 and support 382 (Fig. 16) on thecompensator 64 and a corresponding support 382a on compensator 66 (Fig. lB) extend laterally across the entire width of thestacker 56 when bundles are being built. Theplatform 158 supporting a bundle is moved downwardly as the bundle is built, and when the bundle is complete the platform moves rapidly to the level of thestack support 292. The bundle is transferred to thestack support 292 and then pushed laterally across the stack support into one or the other of thetyers - When log-sized stacks are to be built, the
stack support 292 is removed (Fig. lA). As articles pile on to build a log, theplatform 158 moves downward past the level where thestack support 292 had been for receiving bundles. When a full log has been built theplatform 158 moves downward rapidly to the level of thestack support 290. The log is transferred to thestack support 290 and moved laterally across one of the stack supports 405 and 405a in thecompensator sections adjacent tyer 70 or 72 (Fig. 1) (which has been adjusted to tie a log-sized stack). The tyer then compresses the log and ties it. - The stacker includes a series of
platforms 158a-158h which move downward along a stacking path inclined from vertical. Movement of theplatforms 158a-158h is coordinated so that when one stack has a preselected number of articles in it, the succeeding platform moves into position to intercept the incoming stream of articles and thus begin the succeeding stack. - As the stacks are completed, they are pushed laterally from the
stacker assembly 56 into one or the other of thetyers compensator sections stacker assembly 56. The present invention eliminates conveyors between thestacker 56 and thetyers - The
shuttle mechanism 100 moves the stacks from the stacker assembly 56 (Fig. 1) to thetyers shuttle mechanism 100 haspushers skid plates 380 in thestacker section 58 andskid plates skid plates 380 are inclined from vertical with the result that the stack leans against them. Theskid plates 380 extend the full length of the stacks and laterally from thestacker 56 to each of thetyers pushers shuttle mechanism 100 and the skid plates 380 (Fig. lA) support three sides of the stacks as they are moved across stack supports 292, 382 or 382a or 290 and 405 or 405a from thestacker 56 to thetyers - The shuttle mechanism 100 (Fig. 1) of the present invention ordinarily moves stacks alternately to one or the other of the tying
mechanisms 70 and 72 (see Figs. 23 and 24). However, theshuttle mechanism 100 may be adjusted so that every stack goes to the same tyer (either 70 or 72). This permits efficient stacking and tying when articles are arriving relatively slowly as well as permitting repair or maintenance of one tyer without stopping, stacking and tying entirely.
Claims (14)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/279,670 US4398455A (en) | 1981-07-01 | 1981-07-01 | Stacker-tyer |
US279670 | 1981-07-01 | ||
US06/279,671 US4397229A (en) | 1981-07-01 | 1981-07-01 | Stacker-tyer |
US279671 | 1988-12-05 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0068462A1 true EP0068462A1 (en) | 1983-01-05 |
EP0068462B1 EP0068462B1 (en) | 1987-09-02 |
Family
ID=26959819
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP82105639A Expired EP0068462B1 (en) | 1981-07-01 | 1982-06-25 | Stacker-tyer |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0068462B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH0613383B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3277116D1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2188308A (en) * | 1986-03-22 | 1987-09-30 | Rodwell H T B Limited | Sheet feeder |
WO1996004194A1 (en) * | 1994-08-04 | 1996-02-15 | Gaemmerler Hagen | Device for removing a stack of sheet-like products from a collection point |
EP0770570A3 (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1998-02-25 | Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. | Sorter |
CN102285468A (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2011-12-21 | 武汉人天包装技术有限公司 | Novel high-speed automatic stacking device |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3526170A (en) * | 1968-03-29 | 1970-09-01 | Sta Hi Corp | Automatic stacking device for publication conveyor |
US3772972A (en) * | 1972-03-20 | 1973-11-20 | Taylor M L | Stacker |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5517437B2 (en) * | 1974-12-03 | 1980-05-12 | ||
US4037525A (en) * | 1975-07-30 | 1977-07-26 | Eds, Inc. | Signature stacker employing swingable intercept means driven in a non-linear fashion |
AU1737476A (en) * | 1975-09-12 | 1978-03-09 | Wingard Ltd | Variable torque belt reel |
JPS5470565A (en) * | 1977-11-16 | 1979-06-06 | Hitachi Seiko Ltd | Automatic printed matter processing apparatus for rotary press |
JPS5651753U (en) * | 1979-09-28 | 1981-05-08 |
-
1982
- 1982-06-25 DE DE8282105639T patent/DE3277116D1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-06-25 EP EP82105639A patent/EP0068462B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-07-01 JP JP57114770A patent/JPH0613383B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3526170A (en) * | 1968-03-29 | 1970-09-01 | Sta Hi Corp | Automatic stacking device for publication conveyor |
US3772972A (en) * | 1972-03-20 | 1973-11-20 | Taylor M L | Stacker |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2188308A (en) * | 1986-03-22 | 1987-09-30 | Rodwell H T B Limited | Sheet feeder |
WO1996004194A1 (en) * | 1994-08-04 | 1996-02-15 | Gaemmerler Hagen | Device for removing a stack of sheet-like products from a collection point |
US5827039A (en) * | 1994-08-04 | 1998-10-27 | Gaemmerler; Hagen | Apparatus for handling a stack of sheet-like products |
EP0770570A3 (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1998-02-25 | Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. | Sorter |
US5934670A (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1999-08-10 | Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. | Apparatus having a rotary circulating mechanism |
CN102285468A (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2011-12-21 | 武汉人天包装技术有限公司 | Novel high-speed automatic stacking device |
CN102285468B (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-11-07 | 武汉人天包装技术有限公司 | Novel high-speed automatic stacking device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS5836856A (en) | 1983-03-03 |
JPH0613383B2 (en) | 1994-02-23 |
EP0068462B1 (en) | 1987-09-02 |
DE3277116D1 (en) | 1987-10-08 |
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