Separating and transporting flexible two-dimensional (sheet-like) product

Abstract

In a method and apparatus to separate and transport flexible two-dimensional products, such as paper sheets having an adhesive, the products are supplied via a product supply stack to a separation device. The separation device includes at least one conveyor element. The products at the same time are only stabilized on an edge or a portion thereof and are free at the other portions thereof. The at least one conveyor element separates the products and convey these subsequently to a transfer location. The at least one conveyor element is multi-functional and has a flattened geometry. The at least one conveyor element is moved in a direction of movement essentially parallel to a plane of the product supply stack. The direction of movement moves from one free end of the products to a stabilized region of the products. At the same time, the at least one conveyor element moves below the frontmost product of the supply stack and subsequently seizes the frontmost product at its distant side and further conveys it.

1 . A method of separating and transporting flexible, two-dimensional products, the method comprising:
 providing a product supply stack including a separation device and at least one conveyor element to separate products stabilized only at a portion thereof and to convey the products to a transfer location;   moving the conveyor element in a direction parallel to a plane of the product supply stack and in a direction from a free region of the products to a stabilized region of the products;   separating a free region of a first product of the product supply stack from the product supply stack by moving the conveyor element beneath the free region of the first product of the product supply stack;   peeling a stabilized region of the first product from the product supply stack by moving the conveyor element from the free region of the first product of the product supply stack through the stabilized region of the first product of the product supply stack; and   seizing the first product using the conveyor element with a non-positive fit on a distant side of the first product.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 lifting the first product with an initiation element moving in the same direction as the conveyor element.   
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising the step of:
 supporting the product supply stack by alternating support from the initiation element and the conveyor element.   
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the conveyor element in the last phase of the separation of the first product cooperates with an auxiliary element to overcome release force. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of transferring the first product to a take-over device arranged downstream of the separation device and said take-over device applying the first product onto designated articles. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein air is selectively expelled or suctioned via openings in the conveyor elements and initiation elements by a pneumatic system, wherein air is discharged at a portion of the openings of at least one of the conveyor elements and initiation elements, and air is suctioned at another portion of the openings of the same conveyor and initiation elements. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the air distribution in the pneumatic system is controlled by cams and wherein air is discharged or suctioned via the openings in the conveyor elements and initiation elements at least one of temporarily and regionally. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 supporting the products at their stabilized regions with a stabilizing means having moving parts to reduce friction forces in a last phase of the separation of the first product.   
   
   
       9 . An apparatus to separate and transport flexible, two-dimensional products, the apparatus comprising:
 a supply stack of products, wherein the products include a free edge and a stabilized edge;   a separation device including at least one conveyor element having a leading edge and a side surface, the conveyor element arranged to separate a first product from the supply stack and to convey the first product to a transfer location;   wherein the at least one conveyor element rotates along an endless path and is arranged on the separation device such that the first product to be seized is moved by the leading edge of the conveyor element in a direction starting at the free edge of the first product and towards the stabilized edge of the first product thereby separating the free edge of the product and peeling the stabilized edge of the product from the product supply stack and the first product is seized by the conveyor element on the side surface with a non-positive fit and further transported.   
   
   
       10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising an initiation element arranged in front of the at least one conveyor element, wherein the initiation element is also moved along the endless path of the conveyor element and is arranged to initially lift the first product from the supply stack. 
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the initiation element is driven about an axis in opposite direction to the rotational direction of the at least one conveyor element. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the initiation element and the conveyor element dynamically alternately support the product supply stack. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising an auxiliary element arranged to support the seizing of the first product by the at least one conveyor element. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising a guide element arranged in a region of the free edge of the first product to be separated, the guide element supporting a subsequent product to be separated. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 an initiation element arranged in front of the at least one conveyor element, wherein the initiation element is also moved along the endless path of the conveyor element and is arranged to initially lift the first product from the supply stack and wherein the initiation element comprises a circular segment shaped geometry.   
   
   
       16 . An apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the separation device comprises a pneumatic system connected to openings on the conveyor element and on the initiation elements such that air is discharged or suctioned at these openings. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus according to patent  claim 16 , wherein the pneumatic system comprises injector distributors controlled by cams to discharge or suction air via the openings at least one of temporarily and regionally. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the supply stack of products is supported by a stabilizing means at the stabilized edge of the supply stack, the stabilizing means having moving parts to reduce friction forces in the separation of the first product of the supply stack. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one conveyor element comprises a kidney-shaped geometry.