Auxiliary drive device for the conveying of sheetson a feed table of a cutting press

Abstract

An auxiliary drive device for a machine for processing sheet-like articles. The machine comprises a feed table provided with at least one lower drive belt for transporting a layer of sheet-like articles. A frame of the drive device is arranged above the feed table of the processing machine. The frame supports at least one upper drive belt which cooperates with the lower drive belt(s) for transporting the layer of sheet-like articles by exerting a pressing and driving force on the upper surface of the layer. A mechanism drives the upper belt(s) in synchronism with the lower drive belt(s). A machine for processing sheet-like articles comprises a feed table provided with at least one lower drive belt for transporting a layer of sheet-like articles and comprises such an auxiliary drive device.

1 . A machine for processing sheet-like articles using an auxiliary drive device, the machine comprising a feed table for feeding of the articles over the table, at least one lower drive belt on a path over the table; for transporting a layer of the sheet-like articles of the auxiliary drive,
 the auxiliary drive device comprising a frame arranged above the feed table, wherein the frame supports:   at least one upper drive belt positioned and operable to cooperate with the lower drive belt(s) and the layer then at the table for transporting the layer of sheet-like articles by exerting a pressing and driving force on an upper surface of the layer; and   a drive mechanism operable for driving the upper belt(s) ( 15 ) in synchronism with the lower drive belt(s) and against the surfaces of the layer.   
   
   
       2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary drive device comprises a movable carriage movable for formatting the or each upper drive belt. 
   
   
       3 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary drive device comprises transmission and pressure pulleys movable in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the or each upper drive belt. 
   
   
       4 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary drive device comprises a device operable for adjusting the pressing force exerted by the upper drive belt on the layer. 
   
   
       5 . The machine of  claim 4 , wherein the device operable for adjusting the pressing force comprise a pneumatic jack. 
   
   
       6 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a positioning shaft and the device is raised by pivoting of the frame about the shaft. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled)