Stacking machine with quick release mounts

摘要

An improved stacker apparatus for the formation of aligned stacks of signatures from one or more incoming streams of partially overlapping signatures in shingled form. The stacker has an outer framework (32) having an input end (16) and an output end (26). A stream of partially overlapping signatures in shingled form is accepted at the input end and is passed to a compression conveyor. The compression conveyor has two conveyor belts in compressed opposition to one other which follow an upward arcuate path along a series of idler rollers (22). The series of idler rollers (22) is mounted to the outer framework (32) by a quick release inner framework (44). The conveyor transfers the signatures to a receiving station which guides successive signatures into aligned stacking registry with one another. When a conveyor belt breaks, the inner frame (44) is quick released from the outer frame, a new belt is wound around the inner frame, and the inner frame re-mounted. Drive shaft pulley assemblies are rotably mounting to the outer framework (32) by a quickly releasable bearing such as a two bolt (55) flanged bearing with a screw clamp collar. This arrangement avoids removing each roller to replace a broken belt.