Patent ID: 6070398
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A machine for making up bundles of sheets, said machine comprising:a plurality of stacking modules having a front and each provided with a respective formation channel having an outlet, each said formation channel being disposed for receiving banknotes from a checking station and forming at least one ordered stack of banknotes at the outlet, the at least one ordered stack having a larger face; anda bundling unit associated with at least two of said stacking modules for applying at least one wrapping band to each of the stacks of banknotes formed at each of the outlets of the formation channels of said stacking modules;wherein said bundling unit comprises:a binder;first movable pickup and transfer means operating independently of said binder and disposed for picking up a stack of banknotes from the outlet of a selected one of the at least two stacking modules and transferring the stack of banknotes that has been picked up to a position which is preparatory for the application of at least one wrapping band,wherein said first pickup and transfer means comprise:first gripper means for taking up and holding at least one stack of banknotes;first sliding carriage means supporting said first gripper means and being mounted for movement along a predetermined transfer path that passes substantially across the front of said stacking modules, said first sliding carriage means being movable cyclically between a first station in which said first sliding carriage means address one of said stacking modules and come to a halt opposite the outlet of the respective formation channel, where said first gripper means can move from a retracted transfer position to a forward position, pick up and hold the stack of banknotes accumulated internally of the formation channel and then return to the retracted position to allow transfer of the stack, and a second station, distanced from the stacking modules, at which said first sliding carriage means draw alongside said binder where said first gripper means can move from the retracted transfer position to a forward position;wherein said machine further comprises pickup and feed means further comprising;second gripper means; anda translate and tilt unit equipped with a supporting member to which said second gripper means are mounted,wherein, when said first sliding carriage means are positioned at the second station and said first gripper means are in the forward position, a stack of banknotes can be transferred from said first gripper means to said second gripper means;wherein said translate and tilt unit is movable cyclically through at least four successive positions including: a first operating position in which a stack of banknotes is transferred to said second gripper means; a second operating position in which the stack of banknotes is offered to said binder in readiness for the application of at least one wrapping band to make up a bundle; a third operating position in which the bundle is distanced from said binder, and a final operating position in which the bundle is tilted into the path of a feed means associated with a packaging and/or storage station; andwherein said second gripper means are rotatable about a first axis extending substantially perpendicular to the larger face of a stack held by said second gripper means for overturning the stack.