Device for conveying flat elements

A conveying device for flat elements along a conveying path, comprising:

• an endless conveying member which is guided to travel over the entire length of the conveying path by a succession of substantially adjacent guide members, at least one mobile guide member being movably mounted at a distance from static fixedly mounted guide members, the mobile guide member being movable between a retracted position, in which the mobile guide member is placed in a direct continuity with the static guide members, and a deployed position, in which the mobile guide member is kept at a distance from the static guide members;
• complementary guide members which are movably mounted to be displaced between a reserve position, in which the complementary guide members are placed at a distance from the static guide members and from the mobile guide member when the mobile guide member is in a retracted position, and a service position in which the complementary guide members are interposed continuously between the static guide members and from the mobile guide member when the mobile guide member is in the deployed position;
• coupling means configured for causing the displacement of the complementary guide members between the reserve position and the service position, when the mobile guide member is displaced between the retracted position and the deployed position, and
• the coupling means comprising a drive element which is fixed to the complementary guide members and which cooperate simultaneously by sliding,
• on the one hand, with a static drive guide comprised of a guide element fixed to the static guide members, the static drive guide being configured to define an oblique guide trajectory which moves toward the conveying path relative to the direction of displacement of the flat elements, and,
• on the other hand, a mobile drive guide comprising a guide element fixed to the mobile guide member, the mobile drive guide being configured to define an oblique guide trajectory which moves away from the conveying path relative to the direction of displacement of the flat elements.