CN111225797B

CN111225797B - Machine for processing sheets and method for transferring sheets to a sheet feeding system

Info

Publication number: CN111225797B
Application number: CN201880040855.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 沃尔克·凯斯勒; 沃尔克·塔申伯格; 米夏埃尔·科赫; 安特·延茨施
Original assignee: Koenig and Bauer AG
Current assignee: Koenig and Bauer AG
Priority date: 2017-10-13
Filing date: 2018-10-02
Publication date: 2022-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-02
Also published as: WO2019072650A1; EP3694718B1; CN111225797A; EP3694718A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine for processing sheets, comprising: a sheet-fed conveying device having a sheet-fed feeding system for receiving sheets from a sheet-fed guide roller, the sheet-fed feeding system having a gripping device for clamping and fixing and conveying a front edge of the corresponding sheet; and at least two revolving sheet-supporting segments for simultaneously holding the sheets on the cylinder shell surface of the sheet-guiding cylinder and/or pneumatic fixing devices for the rear edge of the sheets. The object of the invention is to provide an alternative sheet-processing machine with a sheet-conveying device and an alternative method for conveying sheets. In particular, the transfer of the sheets from the sheet guide roller to the downstream sheet feed system should be further improved. According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the pneumatic fixing device is pneumatically connected to the compressed-air generator.

Description

Machine for processing sheets and method for transferring sheets to a sheet feeding system

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sheet-fed machine with a sheet-fed transport device having a sheet-fed feeding system for receiving sheets from a sheet-fed guide roller, and to a method for transporting sheets to a sheet-fed feeding system by a sheet-fed guide roller in a sheet-fed machine for processing sheets.

Background

From DT2025849, DE7303778U and DE2813136A1, it is known to provide additional sheet-carrying elements for the sheet-guiding cylinder, which sheet-carrying elements contact the sheets only in regions. Disadvantageously, the drum is of solid design and is therefore disadvantageous in terms of movement. In addition, the adjustment is very costly.

From US2,965,026, DT1761714, DT2002877, DT2518334B1 and GB2256426a it is known that the carrying wheel of the sheet-guiding drum is configured with adjustable contact elements. Disadvantageously, the adjustment is very complex and cannot be carried out in a rational manner on machines for processing sheets when the job is changed rapidly.

DE3535621A1 and DE19644011A1 disclose a flat sheet-carrying element that is moved on a chain toward the sheet below the circumference of a sheet-guiding drum. The disadvantage is that the sheet-guiding drums are not suitable for carrying out sheet transport of freshly painted sheets in the output of a sheet-processing machine.

DE102004031171A1 and DE517004 disclose the removal of sheets from the cylinder jacket surface by means of suction disks which are adjusted to the side edges which are not used for printing. The vacuum required for holding the sheet edges is generated by a pump and transmitted to the sprocket wheel spindle by means of a rotary slide valve. Here, the rotary slide valve follows the cycle setting of the suction air. Disadvantageously, the rotary slide valve generally operates in a contactless manner and sucks off a very large amount of leakage air. In addition, high demands are placed on the rigidity of the structural assembly, since small deformations lead to a change in the gap between rotor and stator, as a result of which leakage losses become unacceptable or which lead to undesired contact and thus also to strong losses. This imposes a high demand on adjustment during assembly, based on the desired minimum gap width and the necessity of eliminating contact. Although the possibility exists of implementing the rotary slide valve in a non-contact manner, this is associated with high wear of the components which rub against one another, in particular in the case of a powder-loaded delivery device. In addition, the fact that the rotary slide valve and the point of action (suction device) do not come into direct contact is disadvantageous, which makes the suction line which still has to be evacuated during each cycle relatively long. Just in fast running machines with cycle times of 180 milliseconds and less, such systems can become too sluggish. It is also disadvantageous that the suction wheel, because of the type of construction, must have an axial extension which requires a relatively large side edge which is not used for printing. This reduces the available sheet area.

DE102005002509A1, DE102013224489A1 and DE102015204113A1 disclose that the individual sheets are pressed mechanically or pneumatically after the transfer center against the support disks of the output drum. Disadvantageously, the mechanical or pneumatic support mechanism must be very laborious to set up. In order to reliably hold the sheets, it is necessary that the supporting wheel disc has a certain axial extension.

It is known from DE10014417A1, DE102004051323A1, DE102004052656A1, DE102011012808A1 and DE102004009703A1 to receive sheets from a printing cylinder by means of a delivery device drum with supporting roulettes. The rear edge of the sheet is held by a cross member having a suction means which reaches the maximum specification width. Disadvantageously, the cross member is large for receiving the rear edge of the sheet and is disadvantageous in terms of movement. The available sheet area is reduced by the cross member and high leakage losses occur.

A sheet-fed brake with a brake station that can be moved in the axial direction is known from DE102012206928 A1.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide an alternative machine for processing sheets with a sheet-fed transport device and an alternative method for transporting sheets. In particular, the transfer of the sheets from the sheet-guiding cylinder to the downstream sheet-feeding system should be further improved.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide an alternative machine for processing sheets with a sheet-fed transport device and an alternative method for transporting sheets. In particular, the transfer of the sheets from the sheet-guiding cylinder to the downstream sheet-feeding system is further improved.

The sheet-fed transport device can be used inside a machine for processing sheets (for example, a sheet-fed printing press) or in an output device of a machine for processing sheets (for example, a sheet-fed printing press). The sheet-fed transport system can be designed, for example, as a sheet-guiding drum and is arranged in particular between two printing cylinders of a sheet-fed printing press. Accordingly, a machine for processing sheets, in particular a sheet-fed printing press, is also provided, which has a corresponding sheet-fed transport device. The sheet-fed system preferably comprises an outfeed drum, which is used in particular in an outfeed unit of a machine for processing sheets. The outfeed drum preferably comprises a sprocket shaft for driving the gripper device, in particular the gripper carriages of the chain feed system, for receiving the leading edge of the sheet.

For example, when printing on a sheet-fed printing press, small amounts of ink are also transferred from the printing plate to the printing cylinder via the blanket cylinder in areas which are not otherwise used for printing. At the locations where the sheets are not placed on the printing cylinder, a small amount of ink remains on the printing cylinder, which can accumulate over time. This can also be a significant amount during the cleaning process. The sheet support sections that remain in constant contact with the printing cylinder become soiled over time. This involves the rear of the sheet support section even when the maximum specification is not exactly printed. It is therefore advantageous to adjust the support or contact elements, which are in contact with the sheets in the region of the sheet-guiding drum or the output-device drum, to the specifications.

Preferably, the suction is effected only on the rear edge or on the rear corner of the sheet. The lateral sheet-fed support element or support elements are thus of very narrow design, which in turn results in advantageous, very narrow side edges which are not used for printing. For example, the sheet-fed support section is designed as a bow or a support bow in the gap between the gripper carriages in order to guide one of the pulling means, in particular a chain, which is at least partially occupied by a preferably elastic support element, in particular preferably designed such that these elements are located between the gripper carriages and the fixing device (in particular the suction) only in the region of the lateral sheet edges. When adjusting the fixing device, in particular the suction device, with respect to a specific sheet length, the pulling mechanism, in particular the chain, is preferably adjusted together. The interference support element is then advantageously "stored" in the region in which it does not come into contact with the sheet of paper when adjusted to a smaller format length.

Advantageously, the support element is used only at those regions between the support element and the cylinder shell surface where printing material, in particular paper, is still present. Thereby, the support element is protected from contamination.

Preferably, the support element only contacts the printing material and never contacts the soiled surface of the printing cylinder of the sheet-fed printing press. The entire device is thus significantly less prone to contamination and is therefore low maintenance. In particular, it is preferred to obtain, in the sheet-supporting section which serves only for supporting, the possibility of using particularly narrow supporting elements, wherein it has been found sufficient to fix the sheets, preferably pneumatically, to the rear edges or rear corners of the sheets on the sides. In particular, the sheet of paper held or retained on the cylinder shell surface from the front edge to the rear edge can be easily received from a holding device arranged adjacent to the sheet-supporting segment.

In particular, it is possible to design a sheet-fed support element, in particular a support element having the function of engaging a sheet with a sheet-fed guide cylinder, in particular a printing cylinder, and thus preventing the "sheet drop" from occurring. On the other hand, the sheet-fed support section, in particular the support element, can be supported on its path around the sheet-fed guide drum or the output-device drum, in particular the sprocket shaft, and can be held on a desired trajectory, for example close to the sheet-fed guide, so that the sheets do not show a cut line.

It is particularly preferred that each sheet is gripped on its rear edge at the transfer center by a fixing device, in particular a pneumatic suction device, which is preferably arranged only in the region of the lateral sheet support sections. The vacuum required for suction is preferably generated "on site" by means of a fastening device operating according to the ejector principle. In this case, in particular, the compressed air is preferably transmitted non-periodically via a rotary inlet of a rotatably mounted shaft of the sheet-fed guide drum or the delivery drum, in particular of a sprocket shaft. In the vicinity of the region of action of the fastening device, in particular at the corners of the sheets, for example, there are in each case a magnet valve, preferably a quick-switching valve, which is connected to the vacuum injector via a line which is as short as possible. The vacuum ejector is located as close as possible to the extractor or is integrated into the extractor assembly, in order to keep the dead volume or dead volume (Totvolumen) to be evacuated as small as possible. Advantageously, leakage losses are thereby reduced or avoided, which results in less energy usage (although the vacuum is actually more energy consuming by means of compressed air than by means of a pump). It is also advantageous to eliminate complex components of the rotary slide valve and to provide a virtually wear-free solution. Since there is little dead volume behind the magnet valve in the pressure line and also in the suction line, a high mobility behaviour can be achieved. The time points of switching on and/or off can also advantageously be adjusted or varied as a function of the speed of the sheets and/or the print substrate, for example by machine software.

For example, the sheets can be transferred from a rotating sheet-guide cylinder to a revolving gripping device, in particular a gripper carriage and a sheet-feed system with a delivery drum. The output drum of the sheet-fed transport system preferably has a revolving, in particular rotationally driven, sheet-supporting segment which is arranged adjacent to the sheet-guiding cylinder and which has, in particular, a recess for the gripper carriage. The sheet-fed support segment and the front cylinder shell of the sheet-fed guide cylinder jointly form a transfer center in which the gripper carriage closes the front edge of the sheet with a gripper hand and receives it from the gripper system of the sheet-fed guide cylinder. The sheet-supporting section has in particular a small axial extension with respect to the width of the cylinder. In addition, pneumatic mechanisms can also be provided which press the sheets against the cylinder jacket surface and/or which hold the sheets on or against the sheet support sections after they have been transferred to the center.

For example, the sheets can be pressed against the front side of the sheet guide cylinder by exactly two sheet support segments simultaneously at the intersection center. Below the sheet-fed support section, a sheet-fed guide element can be arranged here, which preferably enters the region of the center of care with a comb element deep, wherein preferably a support blowing opening is arranged in the sheet-fed guide element. Preferably, the support blowing openings can be arranged in a central region of the sheet-guiding element, over the machine width, in a high density and in adjoining regions, in particular in regions which are upstream and/or downstream in the sheet-feeding direction, in a lower density relative to the central region. The blowing air of the sheet-guiding element can also be varied or cycled as the sheet is being transferred, or controlled or regulated as a function of sensor values. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheet transport from the sheet-guiding cylinder of the last device to the sheet-feeding system can be arranged in the outfeed unit of a machine for processing sheets, wherein the sheet-guiding element can be arranged below the outfeed unit cylinder.

Drawings

In the following, the present invention should be exemplarily explained. Here, the figures show schematically:

fig. 1 shows an output device of a sheet-processing machine with a sprocket shaft;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sprocket shaft with adjustable sheet support segments;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sprocket shaft with a sheet supporting section carrying a supporting member and a fixing device for the rear edge of the sheet;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a double-sized sprocket shaft with hold-down elements arranged on the chain;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a sheet support section with a pressing member and a suction for the rear edge of the sheet;

fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a pressing element for a chain guided on a bow;

fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the contact element as an extractor for the fastening device.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows, for example, an output device 1 of a sheet-processing machine, in particular a sheet-fed printing press here, in particular a sheet-fed offset rotary printing press, preferably in the form of an assembly and a tandem arrangement. The machine is accordingly preferably operated in an offset printing process, wherein other printing processes, for example screen printing, can also be integrated into the machine. In a device of the machine, which is not shown in addition, the sheet is gripped by the rotating cylinders at the leading edge by means of a gripper system and is transferred between the cylinders with the gripper closed. In the printing unit, the sheets are inked in each case in a printing nip formed by a cylinder and a blanket cylinder, in each case with printing ink. In addition, one or more painting devices may be provided, in which the sheets can be painted by the painting forme cylinder. The cylinders arranged in the machine can be implemented in a single or multiple size, the single size cylinder can receive at least one single sheet of the largest size on the circumferential side, and the double size cylinder can receive at least two single sheets of the largest size on the circumferential side. The machine is preferably equipped with a turning device for turning the sheets during the machine operation in the recto-verso printing mode of operation. In addition, it is also possible to integrate the finishing device or finishing apparatus (for example a cold die press) in the machine.

In particular, the machine has a drive train which drives at least the sheet-guiding cylinder of the machine, particularly preferably as a continuous drive train. The sheet-guiding cylinder, which is also embodied as a transfer cylinder or transport cylinder, is preferably driven by a drive wheel train. For this purpose, the sheet-guiding rollers each have, on the drive side of the machine, toothed wheels which engage in one another and form a drive train. The drive wheel train is driven by at least one main drive motor, which is connected to the drive wheel train at least one drive connection point. Preferably, the blanket cylinder of the printing unit is also driven by the drive train. Other rotating bodies or rollers of the machine or of the printing unit can likewise be driven at least temporarily by the drive train, wherein the rotating bodies or rollers can also be designed so as to be coupled to the drive train.

A separate drive, in particular a direct drive, may also be associated with the plate cylinder of the printing unit. The direct drive is in particular a single drive, the rotor of which is preferably mounted directly in line and concentrically with respect to the respective drum. During printing, the relevant plate cylinder then follows electronically synchronously with the blanket cylinder guide, which is preferably driven by a main drive motor via a drive train. For this purpose, the plate cylinder and/or blanket cylinder can be assigned a rotation detector, which can be connected to a control unit of the printing unit and/or to a machine controller. Alternatively, the driving of one or more plate cylinders can also be effected by the main drive motor via a drive train.

The control device of the machine, for example the machine controller, is preferably known with respect to the respective current machine angle. Here, the machine angle may be defined as a position of the drum in space. For example, the machine angle may be derived or received by the main drive motor. Alternatively or additionally, a rotation detector, in particular a rotation angle detector, which supplies or provides a rotation detector signal to a control device, in particular a machine controller, can also be assigned or assigned to a preferably rotating element of the machine. For example, a rotation detector, in particular designed as a rotation angle detector, is assigned to the sheet-guiding cylinder of the machine, in particular behind the sheet-guiding cylinder of the turn-over device and/or of the last device, not shown. The rotation angle detector can be assigned or assigned in particular to the last sheet-fed guide roller of the machine, which is arranged directly in front of the delivery device 1, and/or be connected to a control device and/or to a quality monitoring device, for example to a diagnostic system.

In a machine for processing sheets, for example a sheet-fed printing press, the last, here double, sheet-fed guide cylinder and the sheet in the receiving sheet-fed system of the outfeed device 1 are shown. The sheet-fed guide cylinder has an at least almost closed cylinder jacket surface and is here in particular the printing cylinder 2 of the last printing unit. Alternatively, the sheet-guiding roller may be the last roller in the painting device or other processing device. The printing cylinder 2 is here embodied in double-size and comprises two gripper systems arranged diametrically in a gripper channel. The front edge of the sheet is gripped by the gripper system for sheet transport and is thus fixed. Alternatively, however, the sheet-guiding roller can also be embodied in a single size, three times or more.

In the output device 1, a sheet-fed system is also arranged, in particular a cyclically, preferably continuously revolving, driven and guided gripper device for receiving and transporting the sheets. The gripping device is preferably arranged on the traction mechanism and is driven cyclically around by means of wheels and/or on the steering guide. The gripping devices are arranged in particular parallel to one another and at regular intervals between the pulling devices and are preferably embodied as clamping fingers. The sheet-fed system has here in particular a chain-fed system 3 with a gripper trolley guided in a revolving manner and a sprocket shaft 4 adjacent to the sheet-fed guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2. The sprocket feed system 3 here comprises, in particular on both sides of the frame of the output device 1, guide chains guided on chain guides, on which guide chains and between which the gripper cars are fixed. Each gripper trolley comprises a clamping gripper system, for example with a gripper fixedly arranged on a movable gripper shaft and a fixedly placed gripper support. The gripping movement can be controlled by twisting the gripper shaft for fixing the front edge of the corresponding sheet. The gripper shaft of the gripper carriage can be actuated by a control cam, preferably by means of a roller lever and a cam, in particular in the region of the sheet take-up and in the region of the sheet deposit.

The sheet is taken up by the gripper carriages of the chain feed system 3 from the sheet guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2, and guided along the sheet feed path in the sheet feed direction BFR to the output stack 5. Preferably, the gripping movement of the gripper carriage can be controlled by a control curve from the sheet-fed guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2, in the region of the sheet-fed reception, in the center of transfer, and in the region of the sheet stack, in particular above the output stack 5, by means of roller levers and cams. It is particularly preferred that the sheet-fed transport in the outfeed device 1 is effected only on the front edge of the sheet by means of a gripper device, in particular a gripper carriage. In the sheet-fed path from the sheet-guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2, to the delivery stack 5, the sheets are preferably guided on a guide element, not shown, for example a sheet-guide plate, wherein an air gap can also be formed between the sheets and the sheet-guide plate. In particular, in the front-back printing mode, a contactless sheet transport can be realized. On the sheet-fed path, one or more dryers and/or dusting devices can be provided, for example.

In the outfeed device 1, a sheet brake is preferably arranged in front of the outfeed device stack 5 in the sheet feed direction BFR, which receives the sheets to be deposited from the gripper trolley and after release of the gripper trolley decelerates from the machine speed to the depositing speed. After deceleration by the sheet brake, the sheets are aligned on a not shown front edge stop, rear edge stop and/or side edge stop and rest neatly on the output stack 5. The output stack 5 is preferably lowered by a stack lifting drive, not shown, during the sheet-fed deposit process in such a way that the output stack surface forms an at least approximately constant deposit level for the incoming sheets. The sheet brake may comprise, for example, at least two brake stations, which are preferably arranged so as to be displaceable, in particular displaceable, in the axial direction, i.e. transversely to the sheet feed direction BFR. The braking station is adjusted in particular to the respective side edge of the sheet, which is not normally printed. In a further provided brake station, the brake station is adjusted to a non-printing aisle and/or to a sufficiently dry ink area. The undesired braking stations can be deactivated and/or removed from the area of the sheet format. Alternatively, a tracking gripper may be used.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the sprocket shaft 4, which directly adjacently corresponds to the last sheet-guiding cylinder of the machine. The sprocket shaft 4 has a shaft arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the adjacent sheet-guiding cylinder, to which shaft sprockets for the revolving chain of the chain feed system 3 are assigned on both sides. The chain wheels cooperate with corresponding chain guides for guiding the gripper carriages in the region of the chain wheel shaft 4. The chain wheels thereby correspond coaxially with one another and at a distance, in particular fixedly, to the chain wheel shafts 4. A drive device is assigned to the sprocket shaft 4, which drive device drives the sprocket shaft 4 in rotation about its axis of rotation in synchronism with the drive train. Preferably, the sprocket shaft 4 here carries obliquely meshing gears which cooperate with or are driven by the drive of the machine. In particular, the gears which are in fixed engagement with the sprocket shaft 4 in an inclined manner are preferably in toothed engagement with the gears of the sheet-fed guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2, which is arranged directly upstream, as a consecutive drive wheel train or as part of a gear train of the machine. The gripper carriages of the chain feed system 3 guided in the region of the sprocket shaft 4 receive the sheets from the gripper system of the sheet guide cylinder arranged upstream, in particular the printing cylinder 2, in a common transfer center by gripper closure.

The sprocket shaft 4 has at least two and exactly two sheet-supporting segments 6 between the two sprockets for simultaneously supporting the sheets toward the sheet-guiding cylinder, in particular the cylinder shell surface of the printing cylinder 2. At least one and preferably two sheet-fed support sections 6 are mounted on the sprocket shaft 4, for example on a hub, so as to be displaceable in the axial direction. In the double-sized embodiment of the sprocket shaft 4, for example, each hub has exactly two sheet-fed support sections 6 which are fixedly assigned to the hub in a diametrically opposite arrangement to one another. The joint adjustment of the sheet-fed support sections 6 relative to the respective pages is achieved by the joint mounting of the sheet-fed support sections 6 on a hub which is axially displaceable relative to the axis of the sprocket shaft 4. The hub may for example have rollers that roll on the surface of the shaft. In this case, it may be provided that for each hub, for example, there are 6 rollers which run on a preferably ground track of the sprocket shaft 4. In particular, an adjusting mechanism is provided for the axial adjustment of the sheet-supporting section 6. Preferably, one or one drive device is provided for each hub, for example a drive motor which can be electrically driven, for example on the servo side, which drive device acts on the respective hub, preferably by means of a spindle drive, and effects an axial adjustment of the hub or of the sheet-fed support section 6 corresponding to the hub. For example, the axial adjustment of the sheet-supporting segment 6 can be performed jointly with the axial adjustment of the braking station of the sheet brake according to the sheet specification. The axial adjustment can also be carried out and/or monitored automatically by the control device, in particular the machine controller, on the basis of this data.

The sheet-fed support sections 6 can preferably be moved apart from one another in such a way that the sheets are supported to the greatest possible extent in the finished format on the sheet-fed side edges of the respective side faces. In addition, it can be provided that one or both sheet-supporting sections 6 are moved out of the maximum sheet format, for example, in order to enable sheet transport without the need for sheet-supporting sections 6 or to enable maintenance. In this case, the sheet-fed support section 6 or the hub can also be moved or adjusted or adjustable in the axial direction independently of one another. For this purpose, the drive motors for axially displacing the hub carrying the sheet-supporting segment 6 can be actuated independently of one another, for example, by a control device, in particular a machine controller. For the revolving gripper carriages of the chain feed system 3, the sheet support section 6 has a recess or its circumferential extension is dimensioned accordingly.

For example, the respective sheet-supporting section 6 has a bow 6, which preferably remains in a single plane. The bow 6 is assigned on the circumferential side a traction mechanism which carries the support element, in particular a chain 8 which carries the pressure element 7. Bow 6 comprises a guide oriented in the circumferential direction for the pulling means, in particular a chain 8, which is thus movable or displaceable relative to bow 6 in the circumferential direction or along and/or counter to the sheet-feed direction BFR. The support element associated with the pulling means, in particular the pressing element 7 associated with the chain 8, is supported so as to be displaceable by the pulling means or the chain 8 together along the circumferential direction along the bow 6 or the guide of the bow 6, respectively, during the displacement. As a result, the supporting element, in particular the pressing element 7, can be displaced jointly along and/or against the sheet-feed direction BFR for adjusting, in particular for adjusting, the format.

The supporting elements, in particular the pressing elements 7, assigned to the drawing means, in particular the chain 8, have sheet-contacting surfaces with a minimum axial extension. The axial extent of the sheet-contacting surface can be, for example, 0.5mm to 3mm, preferably at least approximately 1mm. The support element, in particular the pressing element 7, preferably comprises an elastic material or is made of an elastic material. The pressing element 7 can in particular comprise rubber or be produced from rubber. For example, the supporting element, in particular the pressing element 7, also has a wedge-shaped cross section or an enlarged sheet contact surface, as viewed in the sheet feed direction BFR. The extension of the pressing element 7 in the circumferential direction or in the sheet-feed direction BFR may be, for example, up to 50mm. The contact line of the support element, in particular the sheet-contacting surface of the pressure element 7, allows the sheet to be pressed against the cylinder jacket surface of the sheet-guiding cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2, and thus to be fixed or held thereon. In this way, the sheets are prevented from falling, as long as they are between the support element, in particular the pressure element 7, and the sheet guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2. Preferably, the sheet is pressed only by the supporting elements, in particular the pressing elements 7, against the cylinder shell surface and is not sucked by the sheet supporting segment 6.

The hub of the sprocket shaft 4, which here carries, for example, two respective sheet-fed support sections 6, also has, in particular, a hub sleeve which is movable in the circumferential direction and which is preferably mounted on the hub so as to be movable in rotation. A separate drive device is preferably assigned to the hub sleeve, which drive device can move the hub sleeve relative to the hub in the circumferential direction or along and/or counter to the sheet feed direction BFR. The drive device can, for example, be arranged directly on the hub or on the hub sleeve and move the hub sleeve relative to the hub. The hub can have, for example, internally engaging tooth segments into which a pinion driven by the drive engages. The hub sleeve or the drive means accordingly moves with the hub in the axial direction along the axis of the sprocket shaft 4. The transmission of energy and/or signals to the drive arranged on the wheel hub is preferably effected by means of the rotary leadthrough 11 of the rotatably mounted sprocket shaft 4. For example, in the interior of the sprocket shaft 4, the cables are guided approximately to the machine center, in which in particular cable ties for storing the cables are provided. Starting from the cable tie, the supply to two drives each corresponding to a hub is realized.

Preferably, at least one fixing device is associated with the sprocket shaft 4 and in particular with the respective hub sleeve, for fixing the sheet-fed rear edge, preferably pneumatically, in regions. In the double-sized embodiment of the sprocket shaft 4, each hub sleeve carries exactly two fixing devices arranged diametrically opposite one another, which are preferably each fixedly connected to the hub sleeve. The drive device, which moves the respective hub sleeve relative to the hub, can adjust the fixing device in and/or against the sheet-feed direction BFR toward the respective rear sheet-fed edge. By means of such a drive, it is particularly preferred to simultaneously move the pulling means, in particular the chain 8, corresponding to the sheet-supporting section 6, in particular the bow 6. The pulling means, in particular the chain 8, is displaced along the guide of the bow 6, in particular also along and/or against the sheet-feed direction BFR. Preferably, the respective fixing device is connected to the traction means, in particular to the chain section of the chain 8, in such a way that an adjustment movement of the fixing device simultaneously effects an adjustment of the supporting element corresponding to the traction means, in particular an adjustment of the pressing element 7 corresponding to the chain 8.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the sprocket shaft 4 with the sheet support sections 6, in particular the bow 6, carrying the support elements, in particular the pressing elements 7, and the fixing device for the rear edge of the sheets. In this case, the fixing means are arranged between the sheet-fed support elements 6, in particular the brackets 6, in particular only in the region of the sheet-fed support elements 6, in particular the brackets 6, wherein the fixing means are each assigned directly to the sheet-fed support elements 6, in particular the brackets 6. No other fixing device is provided for the rear edge of the sheet between the two outer fixing devices for fixing the rear corners of the sheet. In particular, exactly one fixing device is associated with the respective sheet-fed support element 6, in particular the bracket 6. Preferably, the fixing device is mounted in each case directly adjacent to the sheet-fed support element 6, in particular the bow 6, in particular for adjustment purposes. The fixing device can be designed to be adjustable in format, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, i.e. in the sheet feed direction BFR, and/or in the width direction of the sheet, i.e. transversely to the sheet feed direction BFR. Preferably, the fastening device together with the support element, in particular the pressing element 7, is displaced simultaneously or jointly by a drive device mounted on the hub.

In particular, the respective fixing device comprises, for the rear edge of the sheet, a contact element which preferably serves as a pneumatically acting suction means 10 for fixing a defined region of the rear edge of the sheet in a sucked manner. In particular, each fastening device, in particular each extractor 10, has a pneumatic connection, wherein the pneumatic connections of the fastening devices, in particular of the extractors 10, are preferably connected pneumatically or fluidically to a common compressed-air generator. The compressed-air generator in particular provides a continuously above-ambient pressure and/or a non-periodic pneumatic pressure which is accordingly provided at the pneumatic connection of the fastening device, in particular of the extractor 10. As the compressed air generator, for example, a compressor can be used. It is particularly preferred that the pneumatic connection of the fastening device, in particular of the suction unit 10, is also effected by the rotary leadthrough 11 of the rotatably mounted sprocket shaft 4, in particular in the case of a cable tie, for example, in the center of the machine. The compressed-air generator is in particular connected here to two laterally arranged fastening devices, in particular to the suction unit 10, which simultaneously fasten the sheets. In the double-sized delivery device drum, in particular sprocket shaft 4, the compressed air generator is pneumatically or fluidically connected to all or exactly four fastening devices, in particular suction devices 10.

The contact element of the fixing device has an at least approximately flat contact surface for the sheet-fed region. In particular, the suction unit 10 has a suction surface which transmits the suction action of the fixing device to the sheets. The pneumatically acting suction cups 10 of the fastening device preferably each have at least one through-opening for the generated suction air in the suction surface, through which the individual sheets are held in a snug manner on the suction cups 10. For example, each suction means 10 can have a plurality of through-openings or suction openings, for example 4 to 6 suction openings. The fastening device can also have, for example, replaceable contact elements, in particular suction cups 10, which have, for example, differently arranged or configured through-holes or openings. The contact surface of the contact element or the suction surface of the suction element 10 may have an extent of up to 20mm, for example, in the sheet-feed direction BFR and/or an extent of up to 50mm transverse to the sheet-feed direction BFR. An air control element, which is preferably designed as a magnet valve 13, particularly preferably as a quick-switching valve, is preferably associated with each fastening device, in particular directly adjacent to the suction surface.

The fastening device may also have a separate holding element, but preferably corresponds directly to the sheet-fed support section 6, in particular the bow 6. The contact surface of the contact element of the fixing device, in particular the suction surface of the suction device 10, is preferably always maintained at the level of the support element, in particular the contact surface of the pressure element 7, of the sheet support section 6. For example, the contact element, in particular the extractor 10, can be received by the fastening device via a plug connection that can be latched. In particular, the contact element, in particular the suction means 10, can correspond to a fixing device in the axial direction of the receptacle, wherein the contact element, in particular the suction means 10, can be accommodated in a positionally fixed manner by the fixing device, for example by means of a ball lock. In this way, differently designed contact elements, in particular pickups 10, can each be assigned to a fastening device in an interchangeable manner. In particular, the contact elements, in particular the suction means 10, can each be assigned to different material compositions and/or shapes of the fastening device. The contact element, in particular the extractor 10, can be removed quickly or without tools or can be assigned to a fastening device for adjustment, assembly, cleaning and/or maintenance work.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of, for example, a double-sized sprocket shaft 4 with a support element arranged on the pulling mechanism, in particular a pressing element 7 arranged on the chain 8. The chains 8 corresponding to the respective sheet-supporting sections 6, in particular the bow 6, are arranged as closed chains 8 around the bow 6 and are guided by the bow 6 in the circumferential direction. On the side face which is built in, the chain 8 is held by the tensioning mechanism, in this case in particular by the tensioning roller 9, with a desired or adjustable tension. In this case, an adjusting mechanism, in particular a drive, preferably an electrically operated drive motor, is provided for moving the chain 8 carrying the pressing element 7 relative to the bow 6 along and/or against the sheet-feed direction BFR, in particular for adjusting or adjusting the format.

The chain 8 has links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and for which the pressing elements 7 are assigned. In this case, exactly one pressing element 7 can be assigned to each chain link of the chain 8. The pressing elements 7 preferably correspond to the chains 8 in an exchangeable manner, wherein the respective pressing element 7 can be received in a form-locking and/or force-locking manner by the chain links of the chain 8. In particular, the pressing element 7 is received by a link of the chain 8 via a plug connection that can be latched. Preferably, the pressing elements 7 are received by respective links of the chain 8 by means of screw connections. In this way, differently designed pressing elements 7 can each be interchangeably assigned to a respective link of chain 8. In particular, the pressing elements 7 of different material compositions and/or shapes can each alternatively correspond to a respective link of the chain 8. For adjustment, assembly, cleaning and/or maintenance work, the pressing element 7 can be quickly removed or exchanged in accordance with the chain 8 and also the sheet-fed support section 6, in particular the bow 6.

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the sheet-supporting segment 6, in particular the bow 6, with the pressing element 7 corresponding to the chain 8 and the fixing device for the rear edge of the sheet. The fastening device has a compressed air connection to the compressed air generator and operates according to the ejector principle. The fastening device comprises in particular an injector 12 which opens into the discharge channel. The used air can escape through a discharge channel, for example, directed in the direction of the shaft. In addition, a diversion mechanism or a dispensing mechanism is provided for the air discharged from the discharge channel. The fastening device has in particular an air control element, which is in particular designed as a magnet valve 13. The control of the suction effect of the respective holding device is effected by means of air control elements, in particular magnet valves 13, for example as a function of the machine speed and/or as a function of the printing material properties. In this case, all fastening means are preferably designed as ejector suction devices. Preferably, an air control element, in particular a remotely controllable magnet valve 13, is assigned to each fastening device, in particular to each suction unit 10, for individually and/or remotely controllable suction control, wherein the air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13, controls in particular the compressed air supplied to the ejector 12.

The actuation of the air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13, of one or preferably of each fastening device can be carried out by a control device, in particular a machine controller. Preferably, the electrical control connection is likewise realized by a rotary leadthrough 11 of the sprocket shaft 4, which can be mounted by rotation, and, if appropriate, a cable harness. In this case, the air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13, can be actuated by a control device, in particular a machine controller, for adjusting the pneumatic action of the fastening device, in particular of each suction unit 10, in relation to the commissioning task. It is particularly preferred that the start, intensity and/or end of the pneumatic action of the fixing device can be adjusted and/or varied by means of the air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13. The adjustment or change can also be carried out during the machine operation or during the printing process. It is particularly preferred that the pneumatic action of the holding device, in particular of the suction unit 10, can be influenced or adjusted as a function of the machine speed and/or the printing material properties by means of an air control element, in particular a magnet valve 13. The air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13, can be coupled to the control device in such a way that the start, intensity and/or end of the pneumatic action can be adjusted manually or automatically.

By means of corresponding, fixing meansIn particular the magnet valve 13 of the extractor 10, controls the compressed air supply to the ejector 12 in such a way that the beginning, the intensity and/or the end of the extraction action are adjusted. The adjustment of the suction air of the holding device, in particular of the suction unit 10, by means of the air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13, can also be carried out in dependence on the sheet running situation during the sheet take-up and/or sheet release. The sheet-fed operation can thus also be influenced or controlled or regulated individually and/or remotely during the printing process. The automatic adjustment of the suction effect of the sprocket shaft 4, in particular of the individual fastening devices, in particular of the suction apparatus 10, can be carried out, for example, as a function of sensor values. In particular, dead or dead times (T) in the formation of the suction effect can be taken into account when the pneumatic suction effect is influenced _o tzeit). The dead time can also be compensated, for example, also in dependence on the speed.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the pressing element 7 for a chain 8 guided on the bow 6. The pressing elements 7 can alternatively correspond to the links of the chain 8 by means of screw connections. The pressing element 7 is in particular of elastic design and has a contact surface for the individual sheets which extends in the circumferential direction and has a minimal axial extent. The pressing element 7 can be made of rubber, for example. The elasticity of the pressure element 7 can be achieved in particular by material selection and/or suitable shaping.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a contact element of the extractor 10 as a fixing device. The extractor 10 can correspond to the fastening device, in particular the injector 12, via a receptacle. For example, the extractor 10 may have a guide surface which is received or guided by the guide surface of the fixing means. For example, the extractor 10 can correspond axially to a fastening device, wherein preferably a latching plug connection is provided for fastening the position. On the underside of the extractor 10, for example, at least one hemispherical recess can be provided, which is positively connected to a spring-elastic detent ball of the securing device for securing the position and thus enables the extractor 10 to be exchanged or replaced without tools.

The suction device 10 has at least one and in this case in particular 4 through-holes and, together with a centrally arranged, supporting projection, forms a suction surface for the rear edge of the sheet. The suction means 10 is preferably dimensioned in such a way that its suction surface is always or continuously at the level of the contact line of the directly adjacent support elements, in particular the pressing elements 7, of the sheet-fed support section 6. An elastic, for example rubber, lining can also be provided for the suction device 10. One or more of the through-holes of the suction unit 10 enable the suction air generated by the ejector 12 to act on the trailing edge of the sheet depending on the area, so that the suction force holds the trailing edge of the sheet snugly against the suction surface of the suction unit 10.

Aiming at the working principle: before a new printing order, for example, the sheet-supporting section 6, in particular the bow 6, can be adjusted axially to the side edges of the new sheet format. Before, simultaneously or also after, the fixing device, in particular the suction device 10, can be adjusted to the trailing edge of the new sheet of paper, wherein the support element, in particular the pressing element 7, is preferably moved simultaneously in such a way that only the edge of the sheet of paper of the new sheet of paper is contacted by the support element, in particular the pressing element 7. If necessary, suitable support elements, in particular the pressing element 7, can be assigned to the sheet-fed support section 6, in particular the bow 6, and/or suitable contact elements, in particular the suction element 10, can be assigned to the fastening device.

During the subsequent sheet-fed operation, the sheet-fed support section 6, in particular the bow 6 or the support element, in particular the pressure element 7, simultaneously supports or presses the respective sheet against the cylinder jacket surface of the preceding sheet-fed guide cylinder, in particular the printing cylinder 2, wherein the rear edge of the respective sheet is held and guided next to the sheet-fed support section 6, in particular the bow 6 or the support element, in particular the pressure element 7, in the region of the sheet-fed support section 6, in particular the bow 6 or the support element, in particular the pressure element 7, only by means of the fixing means, in particular the suction element 10, which are arranged directly adjacent to one another.

The suction air of the fastening device, in particular of the suction means 10, is preferably taken from the compressed air of the compressed air generator according to the ejector principle, wherein the respective air control element, in particular the magnet valve 13, associated with the fastening device, in particular the suction means 10, controls the suction air precisely in a cycle-by-cycle manner. Individual and/or remotely controllable changes to the control scheme of the suction air can also be performed, if desired. The actuation of the air control element, in particular of the magnet valve 13, can be effected, for example, according to a characteristic curve. In this way, maximum suction of air can be ensured during the reception of the sheets in the transfer centre. The reduction of the suction effect can then be performed, for example, in dependence on the angle, since a lower suction force is sufficient for the trailing edge of the sheet held on the suction side of the suction unit 10.

List of reference numerals

1. Output device

2. Printing cylinder

3. Chain feeding system

4. Sprocket shaft

5. Output device stack

6. Sheet-fed support segment, bow

7. Pressing element

8. Chain

9. Tensioning roller

10. Suction device

11. Rotary lead-in

12. Ejector

13. Magnet valve

BFR sheet feeding device

Claims

1. A machine for processing sheets of paper, comprising:

a sheet-fed conveying device having a sheet-feeding system (3, 4) for receiving sheets from a sheet-guiding roller (2); the sheet-fed systems (3, 4) have gripping devices for gripping and holding and conveying the front edges of the respective sheets; and

at least two revolving sheet-supporting segments (6) for simultaneously holding the sheets on the lateral surface of the sheet-guiding drum (2) and at least two pneumatic fixing devices for the rear edges of the sheets;

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the fixing device is pneumatically connected to the compressed-air generator, wherein the compressed-air generator supplies a pneumatic pressure which is continuously higher than the ambient pressure, the fixing device operates according to the injector principle and has a discharge channel for escaping air, the sheet-fed support section (6) carries a support element (7) which mechanically contacts the sheets, said support element being connected by means of a pulling mechanism (8), wherein the fixing device is connected to the pulling mechanism (8) in each case, and the fixing device is designed such that the format can be adjusted together with the support element (7) of the sheet-fed support section (6) in or against the sheet-fed direction (BFR) and transversely to the sheet-fed direction (BFR).

2. The machine for processing sheets of paper as set forth in claim 1, wherein the compressed air generator provides non-periodic pneumatic pressure.

3. The machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet-fed system has an outfeed drum and the compressed air supply is effected by a rotary lead-in (11) of a rotatably supported shaft of the outfeed drum.

4. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 3, wherein the outfeed drum comprises a double sprocket shaft, the compressed air generator being in pneumatic fluid connection with exactly 4 fixing means of the double sprocket shaft (4).

5. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein fixing means are arranged between the sheet-supporting sections (6) only in the region of the sheet-supporting sections (6) and respectively correspond the fixing means to the sheet-supporting sections (6).

6. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each fixing means has a separate holder and/or a separate pneumatic connection.

7. The machine for processing sheets of paper as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing device has pneumatically acting suction cups (10) which each have at least one through-opening and/or are associated alternatively with the fixing device.

8. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein an air control element (13) is assigned to each fixing device for controlling the suction action of the respective fixing device.

9. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein an air control element (13) is assigned to each fixing device for controlling the suction action of the respective fixing device as a function of the machine speed and/or as a function of the properties of the printing material.

10. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing devices are designed as ejector grippers, the fixing devices have ejectors (12), and a remotely controllable magnet valve (13) is assigned to each fixing device, said magnet valve controlling the compressed air supplied to the ejector (12).

11. A machine for processing sheets of paper, comprising:

a sheet-fed conveying device having a sheet-feeding system (3, 4) for receiving sheets from a sheet-guiding roller (2); the sheet feeding systems (3, 4) are provided with gripping devices which are used for clamping, fixing and conveying the front edges of the corresponding sheets; and

at least two revolving sheet-supporting segments (6) which hold the sheets simultaneously on the lateral surface of the sheet-guiding cylinder (2) and at least two pneumatic fixing devices for the rear edges of the sheets;

the device is characterized in that the fastening device is pneumatically connected to the compressed-air generator, wherein the compressed-air generator supplies a pneumatic pressure which is continuously higher than the ambient pressure, the fastening device operates according to the ejector principle and has a discharge channel for escaping air, an air control element (13) is provided for influencing the pneumatic action of the fastening device in an individually and/or remotely controllable manner, wherein the start, strength and/or end of the pneumatic action can be varied by the air control element (13), the fastening device is configured in an adjustable manner transversely to the sheet-feed direction (BFR), and an air control element (13) designed as a magnet valve is provided for each fastening device in each case directly adjacent to the suction surface for individually and/or remotely controllable control of the suction action.

12. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein a separate air control member (13) is associated with each fixing device.

13. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 11, wherein said air control member (13) cooperates with control means in such a way as to: enabling the start, intensity and/or end of the pneumatic action to be adjusted manually or automatically.

14. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the fixing means are kept connected to a compressed-air generator which provides a pneumatic pressure which is continuously higher than the ambient pressure and/or which is non-periodic, wherein the fixing means operate according to the ejector principle.

15. The machine for processing sheets as set forth in claim 11, wherein the sheet-feeding system has a outfeed drum, and the supply of compressed air is effected by a rotary lead-in (11) of a rotatably supported shaft of the outfeed drum.

16. The machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 11, wherein fixing means are arranged between the sheet-supporting subsections (6) only in the region of the sheet-supporting subsections (6) and are each assigned to a sheet-supporting subsection (6).

17. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixing means are configured to be adjustable in format along or against the direction of feed (BFR) of the sheets and/or the fixing means are configured to be adjustable in format together with the supporting element (7) of the sheet supporting section (6).

18. A sheet-fed machine as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the sheet-fed machine is a printing press.

19. A machine for processing sheets as recited in claim 18, wherein the printing press is a lithographic printing press.

20. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the machine for processing sheets is implemented in an integrated and in-line configuration.

21. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the machine for processing sheets has turn-over means for the sheets.

22. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the machine for processing sheets has a printing device and/or at least one painting device.

23. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the sheet feeding system (3, 4) is arranged directly behind the sheet guide cylinder (2).

24. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the sheet-guiding cylinder is a printing cylinder (2) having an at least approximately closed shell surface.

25. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the sheet supporting section (6) and/or the fixing means contact the finished page of the sheet.

26. A sheet processing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the sheet feeding system has a chain feed system with continuously revolving gripper carriages fixed only to the front edge of the sheets as gripping means.

27. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the sheet-guiding cylinder (2) is a component part of the final painting or printing unit of the machine.

28. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the machine for processing sheets has an output device (1) comprising a sheet feeding system (3, 4) and a sheet brake.

29. A machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein the machine for processing sheets comprises a sheet brake having two or more axially adjustable braking stations and/or a stack lifting drive for lowering the output stack (5).

30. The machine for processing sheets as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein at least one of the sheet-supporting sections (6) and/or the fixing device is mounted so as to be movable transversely to the sheet feed direction (BFR) beyond the maximum sheet format to be processed.

31. A method for transferring sheets from a sheet-guiding cylinder (2) to a sheet-feeding system (3, 4) in a machine for processing sheets, in which,

the gripper device holds the front edge of the respective sheet in a clamping manner for transport,

the sheet is held by at least two revolving sheet support segments (6) on the cylinder shell of the sheet guide cylinder (2) and the rear edge of the sheet is held by a pneumatic holding device,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the fixing device has an ejector (12), the pneumatic action of the fixing device is influenced individually and/or remotely by means of an air control element (13), the adjustment is carried out by means of the air control element (13) as a function of the operating condition of the sheets on receipt of the sheets and/or on release of the sheets, and the compressed air supplied to the ejector (12) is controlled by means of a corresponding air control element (13) assigned to the fixing device and designed as a magnet valve, in order to adjust the beginning, the intensity and/or the end of the suction action, taking into account the dead time when the suction action is established when the pneumatic action is influenced.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the sheets are printed, turned and/or painted in the machine.

33. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the sheets are processed in such a way as to be placed on a sheet-guiding cylinder (2).

34. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the sheet-fed system has a chain-fed system by means of which the sheets are taken up from the sheet-guide cylinder (2) and fed to the sheet-deposit area by means of a continuously revolving gripper trolley as gripping means.

35. The method as claimed in claim 31, in which the sheets are received by an at least approximately closed lateral surface of the sheet-guiding cylinder (2).

36. The method of claim 31 wherein the single sheet is transferred from the single sheet feed system to a single sheet brake for retarding the single sheet.

37. The method of claim 31 wherein the sheet is decelerated by an axially adjustable brake station of the sheet brake after being released by the sheet feed system.

38. Method according to claim 31, wherein the axial adjustment of the two braking stations of the sheet brake and the axial adjustment of the sheet support section (6) are performed jointly according to the sheet format.