EP2011758A2 - Device and method for stacking envelopes, magazines and similar printed products into groups - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves applying a bundle label (19) on each stack (20) produced in predetermined heights, where the label is provided with an inscription specific for the stack. Partial areas (34) of the individual information (30) on the top printing product (16) of the each stack are detected using a camera (42). The bundle label containing the part of the partial areas is printed and is applied on the corresponding stack. An independent claim is also included for a device for group-wise stacking of envelops, magazines and printing products.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a method and a device, with the envelopes, magazines and the like printed matter in groups can be stacked. The printed products are usually sent as a stacked product. In order to minimize the associated postage costs, the stacking of the printed products into individual stacks takes place according to postal criteria. As a result, an optimization of the shipping costs and a related maximum cost-effectiveness of the shipping of printed matter is possible.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known to provide the printed products with an individualizing indication such as a print mark or a sequence of letters. Such an individualizing indication is used in the production of the printed products as a change mark for separating the individual printed product groups. The separation can be done manually to fully automated depending on the number of printed products and the degree of equipment of each sender. In most cases, so-called bundles are pre-printed for each group of printed products, that is, for each stack, and each bundle is provided with a bundle identifying it. On the bundle, further information characterizing the respective broadcasting order may be available. These bundles are then placed on the individual stacks or manually placed. Subsequently, the individual stacks are then usually held together by a Kreuzumreifung. Due to disruptions in the production process, it often happens that the pre-printed bundles are lost or not placed in the correct order and thus not on the correct stack. This production disruption leading to complaints and, in any case, to manual reworking can not be completely avoided by manual monitoring of the production process. There Such printed products often have to come to the day exactly to delivery, such rework can lead to scheduling problems.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a technically flawless and possible störunanfällige way groupwise stacking of envelopes, magazines and the like printed matter, so that the sending of such printed products can be optimized from a postal point of view.

This invention is given by the features of the method claims 1 and 6 and the device claim 9. Useful developments of these inventions are features of the subsequent claims.

The invention includes that Bundles not necessarily pre-printed must be kept in stock, but that it is possible with sufficient lead time to print bundles only at their respective individual needs and then hang up on each individual stack. The bundle slips can therefore be made as needed, that is, if they are needed for a particular stack, and then placed on this stack immediately.

The data required for printing the bundle slip can be taken from the top printed product of a pile. In this case, these individualized details can be detected before the stack in question is formed or even after this stack has been formed. In this case, the optical detection can be performed both before stacking and after stacking. It is also possible to extract and reconcile the required data from a database.

The optical recording of the data relevant to the bundle slip can be used to trigger the printing process for the respective individual bundle slip and to control the transfer of the bundle slip to a pile in time. The initiation of the printing process and the transfer of the printing sheet from the printer to the stack for which this printing sheet is intended, the respective production process, that is, the production speed, with the printed products are generated and stacked, adapted. In accordance with the time required for printing a bundle label and transporting this printed bundle label to the respectively assigned stack, the printing operation or transporting of the bundle label to the respective stack is to be initiated or started correspondingly earlier in time.

The determination of the individualizing information which characterize the respective stack or the topmost printed product lying on this stack takes place with an automated optical device. This optical detection device includes in particular a camera device. The ascertained with the camera device information of such a top printed product of a stack can be compared with the time previously determined in this printed matter in a comparable manner individualizing information and thus the time previously prepared for the printer to print the bundle cover pressure information to be compared; subsequently, when the respectively individualized stack and the bundle that has been predetermined for it have been recognized as belonging to the data, then the printing slip is deposited on the stack. It can be provided that when the stack and the bundle have been recognized as belonging, only the bundle printed and only then the bundle is placed on the stack. The individual process variants depend on which time lead is required for printing a bundle and for transferring the same from the printer to the respective stack.

Since the stacks can have a different height, and the automated optical detection device can detect precisely only a small optical depth range exactly when this optical detection device should be economically relatively simple designed, it can be provided to arrange this optical detection device in particular the camera device in height adjustable , This can ensure that the camera can always be positioned at an equal distance above a printed product, from which the individualizing information should be read and further processed for the purpose of printing a printed sheet.

The already mentioned printing principle "printing on demand" can be fully automatically realized by a corresponding transport device between the printer and the stack in a position in which the bundle is to be placed on him. This stack may be immovable in this transfer or when placing a bundle, but it is also possible to carry out the transfer at fortbewegendem stack.

The production process can be increased by visually recording the individualizing information on the topmost printed product of this stack before transferring a bundle label to a stack and then comparing the acquired data with the data prepared or to be prepared for printing the bundle label. In this case, the bundle slip could also only be printed at this point in time after the collected data has been reconciled. This depends on how much time is required to print the bundle and transfer the bundle slip from the printer to the stack.

Insofar as the lead time for the printing of a leaflet and for transferring it to the respective stack includes a period of time which is greater than the time span between the optical recognition of the individualizing information required for the printing of a leaflet on the topmost printed product of the respective stack On the one hand, and on the other hand, the introduction of the printed products in a stacked position in which the stack in question is ready for placing a bundle, is available, it may be useful to use preprinted bundle and thereby shorten the time lead, thereby the clock and Process speed in connection with the stacking of printed products to be able to remain high.

Also in this case, the detection means described above can be used in connection with the detection and comparison of existing on the printed matter and the leaflets, the individual stack individualizing information. Placing a bundle on a stack can then be made dependent on the correct allocation of bundles and batches.

The optical detection device, such as in particular the camera device, which optically detects the stack again before placing the bundle label, can be combined with the transport device for the printed bundle constructively insofar as at least one height adjustment of the optical detection device in the area above the stack, on the the Bundle is launched, is possible. Also, the transport device of the bundle should be adjustable in height, since the stack, as already stated, may have a different height, because they may for example be composed of different numbers of printed products.

The transport device can advantageously contain a suction device in such a way that a bundle strip can be picked up from the area of the printer by means of this suction device, transported to the stack and lowered onto the stack from above. To store the bundle label can then be turned off after appropriate lowering of the transport device to the stack of the bundle label at the suction device holding negative pressure.

After placing a bundle on the respective stack, the stack can then be held together with the bundle by a Kreuzumreifung. For this purpose, one or two bands are placed, for example, crosswise around the stack, on top of which, for example, a bundle rests.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the features further listed in the claims as well as by the embodiments given below. The features of the claims may be combined in any manner as far as they are not obviously mutually exclusive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

ein Ablaufschema für eine erste Art und Weise zum gruppenweisen Aufstapeln von Druckereierzeugnissen,

Fig. 2

ein Ablaufschema für eine zweite Art und Weise zum gruppenweisen Aufstapeln von Druckereierzeugnissen,

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Draufsicht auf die bei Fig. 1 und 2 verwendeten Druckereierzeugnisse,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf einen bei den Fig. 1 und 2 vorhandenen Bundzettel,

Fig. 5

ein Ablaufschema für eine weitere Art und Weise zum gruppenweisen Aufstapeln von Druckereierzeugnissen, mit bereits vorhandenen Bundzetteln.

The invention will be described and explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a flow chart for a first way to group stacks of printed products,

Fig. 2

a flow chart for a second way to group stacks of printed products,

Fig. 3

an enlarged plan view of the at Fig. 1 and 2 used printed matter,

Fig. 4

a plan view of one of the Fig. 1 and 2 existing bundle slip,

Fig. 5

a flowchart for a further way to groups stacking of printed products, with existing leaflets.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Along one in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated production line 12, which is indicated by dash-dotted lines and whose production direction is illustrated by an arrow 14, usually produced printed products, for example, magazines are 16, one after the other stacked (stack 18), provided with a bundle 19 and the completed stack 20 then to a stack 21 by means of one or more bands 24, 26 cross-straps. The stack 21 then contains on its upper side the bundle 19 characterizing it.

The individual journals contain information 30 which individualises the journals. Such information may include, for example, the newspaper type, the end customer to whom this journal is to be delivered and other endorsements. This information may be printed directly on the journal or printed on the journal by means of a printed sticker.

By means of a camera device 32, which is fixedly arranged along the production line 12 in the production direction 14, the individual items 30 present on each magazine 16 can be optically recognized when the individual magazines 16 are transported past. Of the camera device 32, the entire individualizing information 30 or just one or more subregions 33, 34 (FIG. Fig. 3 ) and, for example, only one print 31 is stored in digitized form. These stored data are then fed to a printer 36 so that a certain bundle 19 can be printed. In this case, the bundle sheet 19 is printed with those details 30 or those portions 33 and / or 34 of such information 30 (overprint 31), which are present on the magazine 16, which comes to rest on a stack 18 as the top magazine 16. The other journals 16.1 present below this topmost magazine 16 are left unconsidered for the purpose of printing the bundle slip 20. With the camera device 32 but these magazines 16.1 can be optically recorded and evaluated, to check whether in the stack 18, only those magazines are available that should be present in the stack 20 and to be marked with the bundle 19.

As soon as the camera device 32 optically recognizes and evaluates the individualizing data 30 of the uppermost magazine 16, the printer 36 is prompted, with the individualizing information or with the subregions 33 and / or 34 of this information 30, with a certain time offset, either temporally or immediately in accordance with the production progress Bundle 19 to print. The time lead is such that the printed bundle 19 can be placed by means of a transport device 40 on top of a then waiting stack 20.

The transport device 40 has in the present example, a suction device, not shown in the drawing, held with the respective sucked a bundle and picked up from the filing of the printer 36 and can be transported to the stack 20. The transport device 40 is designed to be movable in the area above the stack 21 in height (double arrow 41). This ensures that any high (large) stack can be occupied by the transport device 40 and the existing suction with Bundzetteln 19. The very light bundle must often be kept sucked up to just above the top magazine 16. When transferring, that is, when switching off the suction holding force, the bundle 19 may then not exceed a very small, maximum distance, which can also assume the value zero, to the top of the magazine 16.

In the Fig. 1 It is provided that prior to placing the bundle 19 on the stack 21 once again with a camera device 42 on the top magazine 16 of this stack 21 existing individualizing information 30 is optically detected and compared with the data provided for the bundle 19 data. This ensures that the respective correct bundle 19 is placed on the respective waiting stack 20. Since the camera device 42 as well as the camera device 32 should be placed at a certain distance from this indication 30 above the magazine 16, the camera device 32 is adjustable in height, which is illustrated by the double arrow 44. The camera device 32 does not necessarily have to be adjustable in height, since the magazines are read individually. However, since magazines 16 can generally be different in thickness, depending on whether it is, for example, a weekend edition or another edition, it is recommended that the camera device 32 also be designed to be height-adjustable.

In the present example case, which is not shown in detail in the drawing, the camera device 42 coupled to the transport device 40 such that together with the lowering of the suction device in the direction of the top of the top magazine 16 and the camera device 42 is lowered with, and vice versa , The camera device 42 and the transport device 40 can also be moved independently of each other.

After placing the bundle 19 on the stack 21, the transport device 40 with its suction device back up and then relative to the production direction 14 transversely moved back into the area of the printer 36. In this case, the camera device 42 is also driven away from the stack away, so as not to collide with subsequent higher stacks. Subsequently, another printed bundle 19 can then be placed by the printer 36 on a further stack in a comparable manner.

After the stack 21 is provided with its bundle 19, the same with two bands, for example, 24, 26 wrapped crosswise, thereby preparing a ready-to-ship stacking package.

On the bundle 19, the portion 34 of the information 30 has been printed by the printer 36, which corresponds to the imprint 31. In addition, the Bundzettel 19 contains more pressure notes 35, which may have any information content.

The production process according to Fig. 2 is different from the one in Fig. 1 to the effect that not only the stack 20, but also the stack 18 is optically scanned by a camera device 42. This camera device 42 is adjustable in height (double arrow 44) to account for the different height of stacks and still be able to order the camera device at a predetermined constant distance above the top magazine 16 at each stack.

Both the camera device 32 and the camera devices 42 can be used to trigger the printing process at the printer 36. The chronological sequence depends on the production rate at which the magazines 16 are stacked and placed in the position in which they are provided with a bundle 19.

If, for example, a printed bundle label 19 does not fit the stack 20, which can be detected by the camera device 42, a bundle 19 matching the stack 21 could subsequently be printed and placed in time on the stack 21. If necessary, the production line 12 would have to be stopped for this purpose.

These embodiments of the invention have the advantage that the bundle not pre-printed and pre-stored must be kept in stock, but that they can be produced in the so-called "printing on demand" and then processed immediately after their preparation. Incorrect assignment of leaflets is practically impossible. It is also advantageous that the imprint of the leaflet can be checked checked immediately before its placement on the respective stack by means of a camera device for its correctness and thus can be ensured that no pile is equipped with a false bundle.

The devices according to the invention are suitable for stacks of different heights, since both the camera devices with which the individual data 30 are detected and the transport device for depositing the bundle strips on the respective stack can each be adjusted in height. Since it is clear in the production process which of the consecutively printed magazines 16 is present in each case as the uppermost magazine of a stack, by correspondingly early detection of the individual information 30 of these later once top journal of each batch of printing process for the respective bundle 19 are printed in time by the printer 36 so that it can be placed in good time on the waiting stack.

This in Fig. 5 The illustrated process and process scheme for stacking printed products differs from the above embodiments in that printed bundles 19 are already present and do not have to be printed. In a control unit 51, the individualized information 30 optically detected by the camera device 32 of the magazine 16, the camera device 42 of the stack 18 and the camera device 42 of the stack 20, as described above, is detected and checked for stacking is done correctly. In this case, it is checked once again with the last-mentioned camera device 42 of the stack 20 whether the individualized indication 30 present on the uppermost printed product 16 of this stack 20 coincides with the uppermost bundle slip 19 of the bundle stack 50. It is thus checked whether the correct bundle 19 for the respectively ready stack 20 is also available. If the correct bundle 19 for the respective stack 20 is present, it can be removed from the stack 50 and placed on the stack 20 with the already mentioned transport device 40 of each uppermost Bundzettel 19, as the above in connection with the Fig. 1 and 2 already described. In the control unit 50, therefore, the signal lines 52, 54, 56 run together by the camera device 32 and the two camera devices 42 of the two stacks 18, 20. For the bundle stack 50, a camera device 46 is likewise present, whose signal line 57 is likewise connected to the control unit 50. Via a control line 58, a corresponding control signal is then directed to the transport device 40 and the transport device 40 is moved accordingly, that is to say moved from the stack 50 to the stack 20 or vice versa in connection with picking up and transferring a bundle 19 from the stack 50 a correspondingly available stack 20.

Claims (15)

Method for stacking envelopes, magazines (16) and similar printed products in groups, each of which contains a same individualizing indication (30), in which a bundle ticket (19) is placed on each stack (20) produced and provided with an imprint (34) characterizing the respective stack (20), - characterized in that at least partial regions (33, 34) of the individualizing indication (30) are optically detected by the at least uppermost printed product (16) of each stack and are made available to a printer (Bundestag) (19), - a the printed products (16) associated Bundzettel (19) is printed with a respective stack (20) characterizing print, wherein the imprint (31) at least parts of these optically detected portions (33, 34) contains, and - Then the printed bundle sheet (19) is placed on the relevant stack (20). Method according to claim 1, - characterized in that - That the topmost printed product (16) of a stack individualizing indication (30) is detected optically before the stack in question (18, 20) is formed and / or after this stack (18, 20) has been formed. Method according to claim 1 or 2, - characterized in that - The time of optically detecting the topmost printed product individualisierenden indication (30) is used to timed with the production process triggering the printing process for the bundle sheet (19) of this top printed product containing stack. Method according to claim 2 or 3, - characterized in that - Before depositing a bundle label (19) first with an optical detection device (42), in particular a camera device, the top printed product (16) of this stack (20) individualizing indication (30) is determined and the information for this Stack characterizing imprint (31) of the bundle label (19) is compared and only then, when stack (20) and bundles (19) have been recognized as belonging, the bundle sheet (19) is placed on the stack (20). Method according to claim 4, - characterized, in that - When stacks (20) and the print data prepared for the bundle slip (19) have been recognized as belonging, the bundle slip (19) is printed and then placed on the stack (20). Method for stacking envelopes, magazines (16) and similar printed products in groups, each of which contains a same individualizing indication (30), in which a bundle ticket (19) is placed on each stack (20) produced and provided with an imprint (34) characterizing the respective stack (20), - characterized in that at least partial regions (33, 34) of the individualizing indication (30) are optically detected by the at least uppermost printed product (16) of each stack, - Subsequently, a bundle (19) characterizing the respective stack (20), which has an imprint (31) with at least parts of these subregions (33, 34), is deposited on the relevant stack (20), - before depositing this bundle label (19) first with an optical detection device (42), such as in particular a camera device, the top printed product (16) of this stack (20) individualizing statement (30) with the stack characterizing this imprint (34) the bundle label (19) is compared, and only then, when stack (20) and bundles (19) have been recognized as belonging, the bundle slip (19) is placed on the stack (20). Method according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - The bundle (19) provided with a stack (20, 21) with at least one band (24, 26) held together in particular strapped or kreuzumreift. Method according to one of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - A device (42) for the automated optical detection of a printed matter individualizing information is moved with the means (40) for transporting a bundle label (19) on this stack (20). Device for stacking envelopes, magazines (16) and similar printed matter in groups, each of which contains a same individualizing indication (30), - marked by - A device (32, 42) for the automated optical detection of at least partial areas of existing on a printed product individualizing indication (30), this printed product is the top printed product of a stack (18, 20, 21) yet to be and / or is already . a device for comparing the data determined by the optical detection device (32, 42) with an imprint on a bundle label characterizing the respective stack, the imprint containing at least partial regions of the individualizing indication (30), - A device (40) for transporting the respective bundle label (19) to the respective stack (20) and for storing this bundle label (19) on this stack (20). Device according to claim 9, - marked by a printer (36) for printing a bundle label (19) which is to contain an imprint characterizing the respective stack, - A device for transmitting by the optical detection means (32, 42) determined data to the printer (36) for printing the respective bundle label (19). Device according to one of claims 9 to 10, - marked by - A device for holding together, in particular for strapping or Kreuzumreifen provided with a bundle (19) stack (21). Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, - characterized in that - at least one device (42) for optically detecting the individualizing information of the uppermost printed product of a stack (18, 20) in the area above this stack (18, 20) is movable up and down so that this device at a predetermined distance above the stack ( 18, 20) is positionable. Device according to claim 12, - characterized in that - The predeterminable distance has the value zero. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, - characterized in that - A device (42) for optically detecting with the means (40) for transporting a bundle label (19) to a stack (20) at least in the region above the stack (20) is jointly adjustable. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, - characterized in that - The means (40) for transporting a Bundzettels (19) includes a Bundzettel (19) sucked holding suction.

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