Device and method for collating two-dimensional objects

A device for collating two-dimensional, flat objects, in particular printed products, and for the further conveying of the collated objects as stacks, with the device comprising:

• a plurality of receiver units which are movable in a conveying direction (F) along a closed conveying path (U) defined by a conveyor member wherein the receiver units comprise grippers with a first and second gripper jaw, wherein the grippers may assume a clamping position and an open position;
• a plurality of support elements which at least in a collation region (Z) of the conveying path (U), define a rest surface which is inclined in the conveying direction and onto which the objects may be deposited wherein the support elements are designed as a constituent of the grippers, by way of the first gripper jaw being extended with respect to the second gripper jaw and at least in the open position forming a rest surface for the objects, wherein the grippers are capable of firmly holding the objects lying on the rest surface, between their gripper jaws, by way of transition from the open position into the clamping position;
• and
• the first gripper law comprises a rigid first gripper part which cooperates with the second gripper jaw for firmly holding the objects, as well as a second gripper part which is inherently flexible, or flexibly connected or connected in an articulated manner to the first gripper part, and which is capable of supporting the objects in their region which is away from the connection region between the two gripper jaws;
• the grippers and their support elements are connected to the conveyor member and controllable in a manner such that within a receiver unit, the orientation of the rest surface relative to the conveying path (U) and/or an opening angle between the first and second gripper jaw may be set independently of adjacent receiver units.