Apparatus for Torning Over Piles of Items

Abstract

An apparatus for turning over piles of items, comprising a forming station ( 1 ), adapted for defining the above mentioned piles of items ( 20 ), each consisting of one or more items ( 10 ), and for pulling the piles towards a relevant outlet section according to a feeding direction (A); conveying means ( 2 ), adapted for receiving the above piles of items ( 20 ) from said outlet section and, in the order, conveying the piles according to a direction substantially equal to the above mentioned feeding direction (A), turning them over relative to a median axis perpendicular to the feeding direction and finally, conveying the piles according to a forwarding direction (B), substantially opposed to the feeding direction (A), into a receiving station ( 3 ), adapted for inserting the pile of items into corresponding envelopes ( 11 ).

1 . An apparatus for turning over piles of items, characterised in that it is provided with:
 a forming station ( 1 ), adapted for defining said piles of items ( 20 ), each pile consisting of one or more items ( 10 ), and for pulling the piles towards a relevant outlet section according to a feeding direction (A);   conveying means ( 2 ), adapted for receiving said piles of items ( 20 ) from said outlet section and, in the order, conveying the piles according to a direction substantially equal to said feeding direction (A), turning them over relative to a median axis perpendicular to the feeding direction and, finally, conveying the piles according to a forwarding direction (B), substantially opposed to the feeding direction (A), into a receiving station ( 3 ), adapted for inserting the piles of items into corresponding envelopes ( 11 ).   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , characterised in that said conveying means ( 2 ) comprise a pair of respectively first and second belt conveyors ( 2   a , 2   b ), mutually arranged for defining two facing branches intended for receiving the piles of items ( 20 ) from said outlet section, carrying them with a direction substantially equal to said feeding direction (A), as well as turning them over relative to the median axis perpendicular to the feeding direction. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , characterised in that at said receiving station ( 3 ), it is provided with a conveyor ( 6 ) functionally co-operating with the top branch of said belt conveyor ( 2   a ), for allowing the continuous movement of said pile of items ( 20 ) in said forwarding direction (B), and intended for receiving said envelopes ( 11 ) in phase relation with the approach of said pile of items ( 20 ), a mobile abutment member ( 7 ), provided for defining said receiving station ( 3 ) and associated to the top branch of said conveyor ( 6 ), for allowing said enveloping step. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , characterised in that it is provided with an additional feeding line ( 5 ) adapted for feeding on said pile of items ( 20 ), turned over and moved according to said forwarding direction (B), at least one item ( 10 ), in phase relation with the actuation of said conveying means ( 2 ), for defining a new pile of items ( 21 ) consisting of said pile of items ( 20 ) and of said item dispensed by said feeding line ( 5 ). 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , characterised in that said feeding line ( 5 ) comprises a conveying member ( 9 ) and a horizontal support ( 8 ), with the latter provided for moving said item ( 10 ), released by a sheet feeder ( 12 ), with said item ( 10 ) defining, along with said pile of items ( 20 ), said new pile of items ( 21 ). 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , characterised in that at said receiving station ( 3 ), it is provided with a conveyor ( 6 ) functionally co-operating with the top branch of said belt conveyor ( 2   a ), for allowing a continuous movement of said pile of items ( 20 ) in said forwarding direction (B), and intended for receiving said envelopes ( 11 ) in phase relation with the approach of said pile of items ( 21 ), a mobile abutment member ( 7 ), provided for defining said receiving station ( 3 ) and associated to the top branch of said conveyor ( 6 ), for allowing said enveloping step.