EP1348571A1 - Devie for binding flat, stacked elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The binding device uses an elongate edge binder (42) with 2 curved side sections which are initially spaced apart for fitting in aligned edge perforations in the stacked sheets (29) via an insertion device (36) before closure of the edge binder. The insertion device has a pivot mechanism (50) for pivoting the open edge binder about its longitudinal axis, along a path corresponding to the curvature of the side sections, during insertion in the edge perforations, the edge binder transferred to the reception station via a transport device (40) with 2 perpendicular support surfaces. An Independent claim for a method for binding a paper sheet stack is also included.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for binding flat parts stacked on top of one another, in particular sheets of paper, with the aid an elongated connecting means, which are two curved in cross section Has side sections, which are introduced into edge sections of the Flat parts formed perforations opened and after insertion are closed, in particular a wire comb, with the help of a Introducing the open lanyard into the perforations introduced and with the help of a locking device that into the perforations introduced connection means is closed.

A device of the type mentioned is usually part of one semi-automatic or fully automatic system for the production of Blocks of paper held together by wire combs. In Such systems are made from sheets of paper Cutting made, the paper sheets during this step perforated simultaneously in an edge section with the aid of a punching device and possibly printed in a printing unit. Then these Sheets of paper overlap and form blocks with a defined number of Sheets of paper collected. The sheets of paper are stacked in such a way that the perforated edge sections are aligned with each other. The latter is important to in the binding device for binding the blocks of paper wire combs with one leg still open at this time insert the perforations of all sheets of paper and push them through can. Then the open wire combs are closed, by the spaced-apart legs towards each other bent to form closed annular segments form.

The wire combs consist of a large number of adjacent ones Leg or segment pairs, which are connected by connecting sections are connected, and therefore have the shape of a cross to their Longitudinal movable "caterpillar". The wire combs are like this prefabricated so that they are delivered with the segments open. in the open state are the segments of each segment pair with their free ends spaced apart, creating each segment pair and thus the wire combs in cross section the shape of a double "C" to have. Because of this special shape, it is important that the wire combs in the binding device as precisely as possible through the perforations of the Sheets of paper can be inserted to enable smooth binding.

It is an object of the present invention, a device and a To improve methods of the type mentioned in such a way that a the most precise and therefore smooth introduction of the connecting means into the perforations of the flat parts stacked on top of each other is guaranteed.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention solved by a device for binding stacked Flat parts, in particular sheets of paper, using an elongated connecting means, which has two curved side sections in cross section, which are formed before being introduced into edge sections of the flat parts Perforations are open and closed after insertion, in particular a wire comb, with an insertion device for inserting the open connection means in the perforations and a device for Closing of the connecting means drawn into the perforations, thereby characterized in that the introduction device has a pivoting means which the open connecting means transverse to its longitudinal extent Subjects pivoting movement and thereby leads along a path that in the Essentially the course of the curvature of the to be drawn in Side section of the connecting means and / or the alignment and Arrangement of the perforations corresponds.

Furthermore, the object according to a second aspect of the present Invention solved by a method for binding stacked on top of each other Flat parts, especially sheets of paper, with the help of an elongated one Lanyard that has two curved side sections in cross section has, which is formed before introduction into edge portions of the flat parts Perforations are open and closed after insertion, especially a wire comb, with the steps that open Insert lanyards into the perforations and then close characterized in that during the step, the open Introducing lanyard into the perforation, the open lanyard subjected to a pivoting movement transversely to its longitudinal extent and is guided along a path that essentially follows the course the curvature of the side section of the connecting means to be introduced and / or the alignment and arrangement of the perforations.

With the help of the invention elongated connecting means, each in Cross-section have two curved side sections that before insertion are open in the perforations of the flat parts, particularly precisely in the Insert perforations and insert them through them. This will create a ensures smooth binding of the flat parts.

Preferably, the pivot axis of the falls during the pivoting movement Pivot means essentially with the fulcrum of the circular or partially circular curvature of the side portion of the connecting means together.

The introduction device should expediently be an engagement means for Have receptacle of the connecting means. A further education of this Execution, which a receiving station and a transport device for Transport of the connecting means to the receiving station is distinguished characterized in that the transport device in the connecting means Conveyed longitudinally into the receiving station, where the engaging means Lanyard engages and removes.

In another preferred development of this embodiment, this is Engagement means transverse to the longitudinal extension of the connecting means and / or the pivot axis of the pivot means movable.

Fig. 1a und b

schematisch eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Anlage zur Herstellung von mittels Drahtkämmen zusammengehaltenen Blöcken aus Papierbögen;

Fig. 2

in Draufsicht eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Drahtkamm-Einziehvorrichtung sowie einer Drahtkamm-Schließvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

in Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung der Drahtkamm-Einziehvorrichtung von Fig. 2 in einer ersten Betriebsstellung;

Fig. 4

in Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung der Drahtkamm-Einziehvorrichtung von Fig. 2 in einer zweiten Betriebsstellung;

Fig. 5

in Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung der Drahtkamm-Einziehvorrichtung von Fig. 2 in einer dritten Betriebsstellung;

Fig. 6

in Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung der Drahtkamm-Einziehvorrichtung von Fig. 2 in einer vierten Betriebsstellung; und

Fig. 7

in Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer DrahtkammSchließvorrichtung von Fig. 2.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1a and b

schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a system for producing blocks of paper sheets held together by wire combs;

Fig. 2

in plan view a schematic representation of an embodiment of a wire comb retraction device and a wire comb closing device;

Fig. 3

in side view a schematic representation of the wire comb retractor of Figure 2 in a first operating position.

Fig. 4

in side view a schematic representation of the wire comb retractor of Figure 2 in a second operating position.

Fig. 5

in side view a schematic representation of the wire comb retractor of Figure 2 in a third operating position.

Fig. 6

in side view a schematic representation of the wire comb retractor of Figure 2 in a fourth operating position. and

Fig. 7

In side view, a schematic representation of an embodiment of a wire comb closing device of Fig. 2.

For general understanding, a system for Manufacture of blocks held together by wire combs Paper sheets shown in an exemplary embodiment.

1 has a first, straight-line conveyor and Processing section 1 and a second, curved Conveying and processing section 2. The conveyor section 1 consists of a loading station 3 with a stop 4 on the stack 6 Paper sheets 7 multiple widths can be created by hand. To the The stack 6 is removed by a cyclically driven conveyor 8 Carriers 9 are provided, from which the stack 6 successively to one Sub-device 11 are eligible. In the sub-device 11, the stacks 6 with the aid of pliers 12 divided into partial stacks between two Conveyor belts 13 and 14 are conveyed to a punching device 16. The Punching device 16 is arranged transversely to the conveying direction of the stack 6 and acts in this way with a controllable stop 17 between subsequent ones Conveyor belts 18 and 19 together that the partial stack in the area of their rear edge 21 can be provided with a row of holes 22. Of the Conveyor belts 18 and 19 are provided with a row of holes 22 Part of the stack is conveyed to a collecting device 23 in which the part of the stack be accumulated again to a stack 6. For removal from the Collecting device 23 serves a controllable pliers 24, the stack 6 as far pulls out of the collecting device 23 that it is then from a cyclically driven conveyor or detected by its drivers 26 become. A cutting device 27 follows in the conveying direction arranged knives 28 which the stack 6 multiple widths in blocks 29 divide. The blocks 29 are then processed in FIG subsequent work stations transported, for which in Fig. 1b only the reference numeral 30 is given.

The following work stations can in particular be a Alignment device, a wire comb retractor and one Wire comb locking device included. While the alignment device in is not shown in the accompanying drawings, is with the Reference numeral 36 marked wire comb retractor in the Figures 2 to 6 and the one designated by reference numeral 38 Wire comb locking device shown in Figures 2 and 7 recognizable.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 6, there is a transport device 40 provided that the already cut to the required length, however still open wire combs transported into the wire comb puller 36. For this purpose, the transport device 40 is in the present exemplary embodiment provided with two belt conveyors arranged at right angles to each other whose conveyor belts rest on the wire comb that is still open. In Figures 4 to 7 runs the transport direction and thus the so-called wire comb drawing-in plane perpendicular to the image plane. Therefore, in Figures 2 to 6 the Wire comb, which is identified by the reference number 42, in Front view shown and thus extends in its longitudinal extent perpendicular to the image plane.

In Fig. 3 the situation is shown in which the wire comb 42 still open Help the transport device 40 straight into the wire comb retractor 36 has been transported. The open double C shape is clearly visible of the wire comb 42 with a first approximately semicircular comb segment 42a and a second approximately semicircular comb segment 42b, the free ends of which are spaced from each other.

The wire comb 42 is in the operating position shown in FIG. 3 already in clamping engagement with a jaw unit 44, the one immovable lower first jaw 46 and a movable upper second Has jaw 48. The wire comb 42 lies on the first Clamp 46 on, while the second jaw 48 is engaged the free end of the second leg 42b of the wire comb still open 42 is located. The movable second jaw 48 is driven by a pneumatic unit 49 by a control unit, not shown is controlled accordingly, whereby the jaw unit 44 either closed or opened.

The jaw unit 44 and the pneumatic unit 49 are part of one Clamping unit 50, which has a body 51 on which a slide 52 is movably mounted. The slide 52 has an external one Front element 52a and parallel arranged rods 52b, which through appropriate holes (not shown in the figures) in Body 51 are guided and at their opposite ends Wear the jaw unit 44 with the associated pneumatic unit 49. By moving the slider 52 relative to the body 51 of the The position of the clamping jaw unit 44 can be compared to the clamping unit 50 change the body 51 of the clamping unit 50 accordingly.

On the end element 52a of the slide 52 is one via a hinge 53 End 54a of a first double lever 54 articulated, which on a first Shaft 56 is rotatably mounted. In contrast, are non-rotatable on the first shaft 56 fixed at one end to two spaced apart support arms 58, which each carry a second shaft 60 at their other free ends which the body 51 of the clamping unit 50 with lateral support arms 51a is pivotally mounted, as in addition to FIG. 3 in particular also FIG. 2 reveals.

At the other end 54b of the double lever 54, a second roller 64 is mounted, which runs along the circumference of a first cam 66, which on a third shaft 68 is rotatably attached. The third shaft 68 is from a driven individual motor, not shown.

For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned here that the first Shaft 56, the second shafts 60 and the third shaft 68 parallel to one another and the two second shafts 60 are arranged coaxially to one another, as in particular Fig. 2 shows.

3, the first cam 66 has a kind of pear shape with a part-circular first section 66a and a radius enlarging, bulging or projecting second section 66b. Rotation of the first cam 66 causes a reciprocal movement of the double lever 54 around the first shaft 56, which leads to an alternating Transport device 40 leading and away from this Movement of the jaw unit 44 leads. In the shown in Fig. 3 In the operating position, the jaw unit 44 has the smallest distance from Transport device 40 on with the result that at this point in time wire comb lying in the transport device 40 from the The jaw unit 44 can be gripped in the manner described above can. This operating position is achieved in that the roller 64 on second end 54b of the double lever 54 on the second section 66b of the first Cam 66 is present, as can also be seen in FIG. 3. So that the Roller 64 is always in contact with the first cam 66 is a biasing device, not shown in detail provided that biases the double lever 54 accordingly.

With continued rotation, the roller 64 then arrives at the second end 54b of the Double lever 54 on the part-circular first section 66a of the first Cam 66, whereby the distance to the third shaft 68 becomes clear reduced. This causes the double lever 54 to pivot, that its first end 54a moves away from the transport device 40 becomes. The double lever 54 takes the slide 52 via the hinge 53 corresponding to the clamping unit 50. This in turn means that the The jaw unit 44 is removed from the transport device 40. Since the Wire comb 42 has been received by the jaw unit 44, the transport device 40 is free to the next wire comb in the Transport wire comb retractor 36.

By movement of the jaw unit 44 from that shown in FIG. 3 The first position in the second position shown in Fig. 4 is the Clamping jaw unit 44 and thus the still open one held by it Wire comb 42 transported in the direction of the block 29.

During the pivoting movement between those in FIGS. 3 and 4 The pivot arm 58 remains shown opposite the Transport device 40 and the block 29 in unchanged relative position.

As can be seen in FIG. 5 in connection with FIG. 2, the first is also Shaft 56 rotatably fixed a second double lever 72 on which a first Support arm 72a and a second support arm 72b are provided. The first Support arm 72a carries a first roller 74 which runs along the circumference of a second cam 76 runs, which sits on the third shaft 68 rotatably. The second support arm 72b carries a second roller 78 which runs along the circumference a third cam 80, which also runs on the third shaft 68 is rotatably attached. The support arm 58 is also not closer by shown biasing device in the direction of the second and third Cam 76 and 80 biased that the rollers 74 and 78 with the second and third cams 76 and 80 always in contact Engagement.

By rotating the second and third cams 76 and 80, the Double lever 72 pivots on the first shaft 56 is transmitted, which in turn the support arm 58 one subjected to corresponding pivoting movement. becomes. As a consequence, that the entire clamping unit 50 is now removed from the transport device 40 is moved away. The one held by the clamping unit 50 Wire comb 42 taken along so that one of its comb segment 42a in the holes 29a of the block is inserted, as shown in FIG. 5. The pivoting path of the clamping unit 50 is shown in FIG. 5 by an "X" designated dash-dotted line indicated. 5 clearly shows, the entire arrangement is made in this way and in particular the radius that formed by the distance between the central axes of the shafts 56 and 60 is selected so that the leading comb segment 42a of the wire comb 42 is aligned with the perforation 29a and can therefore be inserted cleanly.

The body 51 of the clamping unit 50 remains unchanged Relative position to support arm 58.

As has already been described with reference to FIG. 3, the Clamping unit 50 with its body 51 via second shafts 60 on the support arm 58 pivoted. To control the swiveling movement against the Support arms 58 each have a rack 82 arranged thereon Is slidably mounted in the direction of its longitudinal extent (see also Fig. 2). Each rack 82 is not located closer to it in the figures designated row of teeth in engagement with a likewise not in the figures Specified ring gear that runs along the circumference of the second Shafts 60 is formed. To with longitudinal movement of the two Racks 82 the body 51 of the clamping unit 50 with a to act on the corresponding pivoting movement are the second Shafts 60 rotatably attached to the side arms 51a of the body 51 and rotatably supported in the support arms 58. Furthermore, the first shaft 56 Sprocket sections 56a, each with the row of teeth one Rack 82 are also engaged. Constructive details of the Support arm 58 and in particular the slidably mounted thereon Rack 82 can be seen in Fig. 6. At this point, however, be on it pointed out that the details of the support arm 58 shown in FIG. 6 2 to 5 are omitted for reasons of clarity.

Finally, as can also be seen in FIG. 6, is on a stationary element 90 a third double lever 94 can be pivoted with the aid of an articulated shaft 92 stored. The third double lever 94 has two parallel arms 94a and 94b on. The first arm 94a carries a first roller 96 which runs along the The circumference of a fourth cam 98, which rotates on the third Shaft 68 is attached. The second arm 94b facing the support arm 58 carries also wines roll 100, which are along the circumference of a fifth Cam 102 is running; which also rotatably on the third shaft 68 sitting. Here too, the arrangement is such that the rollers 96, 100 are always in rolling engagement with the fourth and fifth cams 98 and 102 remain.

The edge portion of the third adjacent the second arm 94b Double arm 94 is provided with a tooth segment 94c, which is also in engagement with one of the two ring gear sections 56 a of the first shaft 56 located. The tooth segment 94c is slightly curved and follows one Circular arc, the center of which is with the central axis of the cardan shaft 92 coincides, as shown in FIG. 6.

The rotation of the fourth and fifth cams 98 and 102 causes one reciprocal pivoting movement of the third double lever 94 around the Cardan shaft 92. The toothed segment 94c also becomes a corresponding one reciprocal movement subjected to this movement across the wave 56 transmits to the racks 82. The corresponding in reciprocal Gear racks 82 offset in the longitudinal direction transmit this movement again on the second shafts 60, whereby the clamping unit 50 one corresponding pivotal movement is subjected.

The fourth and fifth cams 98 and 102 are designed so that during the operating positions shown in Figures 3 to 5 Pivotal movement of the clamping unit 50 around the second shafts 60 compared to the support arms 58, but only when the transition 5 into the operating position shown in FIG. 6 takes place. Then the racks 82 are namely in corresponding longitudinal movement offset, whereby the entire clamping unit 50th with respect to the support arms 58 around the second shafts 60 in that in FIG. 6 shown position is pivoted. During this pivotal movement of the Clamping unit 50 falls along the longitudinal axis of the second. Waves 60 with about Center axis of the part-circular comb segment 42a together. As a result, during the pivoting of the clamping unit 50 the wire comb 42 with its first comb segment 42a around it Center axis rotated and thereby the leading first comb segment 42a is aligned and thus screwed cleanly into the perforation 29a.

As a result, the one with its first comb segment 42a is already in the perforation 29a stuck wire comb opposite the position of FIG. 5 further screwed into the hole 29a and then pulled through it becomes.

Then the pneumatic cylinder 49 opens the jaws 48, whereby the clamping unit 50 is released from the wire comb 42, and the wire comb 42 remains due to its first inserted through the perforation 29a Now hang comb segment 42a on block 29.

As the cams 98 and 102 continue to rotate, the third Double lever 94 subjected to a further pivoting movement such that the racks 82 via the second shafts 60, the clamping unit 50 into the in Fig. 4 pivot back position before then through Effect of the first double lever 54 of the slide 52 and thus that of it seated jaw unit 44 in the direction of the meantime from the Transport device 40 delivered new wire comb 42 and thus in the 3 are advanced to then this to take up new wire comb 42.

The wire comb retractor 36 described above is used in illustrated embodiment thus only for hanging the still open wire combs 42, the clamping unit 50, as from the previous description is recognizable, not just for gripping, but is also used to pivot the wire combs 42.

To close the wire combs 42 that are still open, however, there is one Wire comb locking device provided, which in Figures 2 and 7 in is shown individually and is identified by reference numeral 38. Usually the wire comb closing device 38 is adjacent to the previous one described wire comb retractor. Like Fig. 2 can be seen in the illustrated embodiment is that in the right Half of FIG. 2 wire comb closing device 38 compared to that in FIG the left half of Fig. 2 wire comb retractor 36 so arranged that the block 29 with the wire comb 42 suspended therein only in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the wire comb 42 from the Wire comb insertion device 36 into the wire comb closing device 38 needs to be transported, making the transport route proportionate can be kept short. Thus, in the illustrated Embodiment, the positions of the wire comb 42 in the wire comb retractor 36 and in the wire comb closing device 38 with respect to the longitudinal axis with each other.

Details of the wire comb closing device 38 are exemplified in FIG. 7 shown. The view of Fig. 7 has the same perspective as that of Figures 3 to 6; i.e. 7 is the wire comb 42 in front view shown and thus extends at right angles in its longitudinal extent to the image plane.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the wire comb closing device 38 has one upper first locking bar 108. This first locking bar 108 is on a bearing, not shown, which allows the first Locking bar 108 along a relatively short stroke in Direction on and away from the wire comb 42, wherein the Movement is generated by a drive, also not shown. The The movement stroke of the first locking bar 108 only has to be large enough that when the block 29 is transported into the wire comb closing device 38 and from this a collision with the wire comb 42 is avoided.

As can also be seen in FIG. 7, the wire comb closing device 38 also a lower second locking bar 110, which is by a carriage 112 is held. This carriage 112 is not shown in detail Slidably mounted, whereby the second locking bar 110 in Direction on the wire comb 42 and is movable away from this. The Stroke of the second locking bar 110 is significantly larger than that of the first locking bar 108.

For the reciprocal drive of the carriage 112, this is with one across provided its direction of movement extending slot 114 in which one Roller 115 runs on a first arm 116a of a three-arm lever 116 is rotatably mounted. The three-arm lever 116 is about an articulated shaft 118 pivoted. On a second arm 116b of the three-arm lever 116 a roller 120 arranged along the circumference of a sixth Cam 122 runs. On a third arm 116c of the three-arm lever 116 is another roller 124 rotatably mounted along the circumference of a seventh cam 126 runs. The sixth and seventh cams 122 and 126 are like the other already described cams rotatably attached to the third shaft 68 (see. Fig. 2) and are by Rotation of this shaft 68 is set into corresponding rotation. Here is the entire arrangement made so that with rotation of the shaft 68 and thus the cam disks 122 and 126 the rollers 120 and 124 always in touching engagement with the cam disks 122, 126 remain.

When the cams 122, 126 rotate, the three-arm lever 116 and thus its first arm 116a is reciprocally pivoted what to a reciprocal longitudinal movement of the carriage 112 and thus that of it attached second locking bar 110 leads.

After the block 29 with the wire comb 42 suspended therein into the Wire comb locking device 38 has been retracted, the upper first locking bar 108 lowered until it on the first Comb segment 42a of the still open wire comb 42 abuts. Doing or then by corresponding rotation of the third shaft 68 and thus the cam disks 122, 126 of the three-arm lever 116 are actuated such that the carriage 112 and thereby the second carried by it Closing bar 110 is moved in the direction of the wire comb 42, thereby comes into engagement with the second comb segment 42b and this in the direction presses on the first comb segment 42a; until the free ends of both Comb segments 42a, 42b essentially lie one above the other and on top of them Way, the wire comb 42 is closed, the first locking bar 108 serves as an abutment.

If necessary, the wire comb closing device 38 can still be a additional alignment element, which is usually designed as a swivel bar to have the wire comb 42 in a desired position align before engaging with the locking beams 108, 110 in the previously closed is closed. Such an additional Alignment element is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity shown.

After closing the wire comb 42, the block is also by a Transport device, not shown, from the wire comb closing device 38 removed for further processing.

Claims (10)

Device for binding flat parts stacked on top of one another, in particular sheets of paper, with the aid of an elongated connecting means (42) which has two curved side sections (42a, 42b) in cross section, which have perforations (29b) formed in edge sections of the flat parts (29) before being introduced. opened and closed after insertion, in particular a wire comb, with an insertion device (36) for introducing the open connecting means (42) into the perforations (29b) and a device for closing the connecting means drawn into the perforations,
characterized in that the insertion device (36) has a pivoting means (50) which subjects the open connecting means (42) to a pivoting movement transversely to its longitudinal extent and thereby leads along a path which essentially follows the course of the curvature of the side portion of the connecting means (to be drawn in) ( 42) and / or the alignment and arrangement of the perforations (29a). Device according to claim 1 for binding flat parts stacked on top of one another with the aid of an elongated connecting means (42), the two side sections (42a, 42b) of which are curved in the shape of a part circle,
characterized in that during the pivoting movement the pivot axis of the pivoting means essentially coincides with the pivot point of the part-circular curvature of the side section (42a) of the connecting means (42). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insertion device (36) has an engagement means (44) for receiving the connecting means (42). Apparatus according to claim 3, having a receiving station and a transport device (40) for transporting the connecting means (42) to the receiving station,
characterized in that the transport device (40) transports the connecting means (42) in the longitudinal direction into the receiving station, where the engaging means (44) grips and removes the connecting means (42). Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the engagement means (44) is movable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the connecting means (42) and / or the pivot axis (56) of the pivot means (50). Method for binding flat parts stacked on top of one another, in particular sheets of paper, with the aid of an elongated connecting means (42) which has two curved side sections (42a, 42b) in cross section, which opens before perforations (29) formed in edge sections of the flat parts (29) and are closed after insertion, in particular a wire comb, with the steps of introducing the open connecting means (42) into the perforations (29a) and then closing them,
characterized in that during the step of introducing the open connecting means (42) into the perforation (29a), the open connecting means (42) is pivoted transversely to its longitudinal extent and is thereby guided along a path which essentially follows the course of the curvature of the side section (42a) of the connecting means (42) to be introduced and / or the alignment and arrangement of the perforations (29a). Method according to claim 6 for binding flat parts stacked on top of one another with the aid of an elongated connecting means (42), the side sections (42a, 42b) of which have a part-circular curvature,
characterized in that during the pivoting movement the pivot axis essentially coincides with the pivot point of the part-circular curvature of the side section of the connecting means. A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the connecting means (42) is received with the aid of an engagement means (44) for introduction into the perforations (29a). A method according to claim 8, comprising the step of transporting the connecting means (42) to a receiving station before being drawn into the perforations (29a),
characterized in that the connecting means (42) is conveyed longitudinally into the receiving station, where the engaging means (44) grips and removes the connecting means (42). A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting means (42) is removed transversely to its longitudinal extent from the receiving station and converted into the pivoting movement.

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