Transfer device for tissues, napkins and the like

Abstract

A transfer device for sheet products, comprising at least one drum which rotates about its own axis and is provided with retention apparatus adapted to retain the products so that they adhere to its outer surface along at least one portion of its rotation, and at least one star conveyor which is provided peripherally with a plurality of receptacles for the insertion of the products and for the release of the products at subsequent production stations. At least one element for rotationally entraining the products one by one, is further provided which is arranged substantially between the drum and the star conveyor and is adapted to follow the insertion of each of the products within the receptacles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transfer device for sheet products, comprising: at least one drum with an outer surface which is rotatable about an axis thereof; retention means provided at said drum suitable to retain the sheet products adhering to the outer surface of the drum during at least one part of a rotation thereof; at least one star conveyor which is provided peripherally with a plurality of receptacles adapted to allow insertion therein of the sheet products and release of said sheet products at subsequent production stations; at least one entrainment element for rotationally entraining the sheet products one by one, which is arranged substantially between said drum and said star conveyor and is adapted to follow the insertion of each of the sheet products within said receptacles. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said star conveyor comprises an actuation shaft and at least one pair of flat disks which are mutually parallel and opposite and are each provided with said receptacles and are rigidly keyed along said actuation shaft, said rotary entrainment element being arranged between said disks. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said rotary entrainment element comprises at least one head, which is made of a material having a high friction coefficient with respect to the sheet products and is supported in fixed parts of the device. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said retention means comprise apparatus for producing a partial vacuum within said drum and are connected to openings formed in said outer surface. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said outer surface of said drum has formed thereon at least one pair of circumferential grooves, within which peripheral edges of said disks engage.