DE19758732B4 - Device for stack of books - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of stacking books (5, 5 'to 5' '' ') by means of a device comprising a plurality of successive conveyors, including a plurality of linear conveyors (7, 19) and a selectively actuatable rotator (17), after the Position of each book (5, 5 'to 5' '' ') on a linear conveyor (7, 19) is determined, calculating the remaining transport distance of each book (5, 5' to 5 '' '') to a transfer position, in it is taken over by a subsequent conveyor before. The book (5, 5 'to 5' '' ') is transported away in this transfer position.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for stacking books a first linear conveyor, from the books occasionally fed in a linear transport direction, a optional turning device, a lower and has an upper rotary punch whose vertical distance relative to each other by adjusting means is adjustable and between those of the first linear conveyor occasionally added Books dependent on detected by detection by a book scanner, clamped and rotated about a vertical axis, and a second linear conveyor, from the turned books removed from the rotator become.

In Machine bookbinding becomes the individual after the bookmaking process Books usually for the Further transport, i.a. for the Palletizing, merging into bookstacks. For this purpose, generic devices used in the form of book stackers. Before the books on a linear conveyor in the form of a conveyor belt are discarded, they are isolated. The continuously running conveyor belt transports the books up to a transfer position, which is defined by an end stop to which the books abut. A lift table pick up the books from the transfer position into a stacking shaft where they are stacked on top of each other. A newly fed Book is thereby led under the book stack formed so far. Laterally prevent disengaging pawls projecting into the stacking shaft, that the formed pile back down on the conveyor belt falls, and give way to the supplied Book free until under the previous book.

Around Thickness differences of the books between frontcut and spine balance books preferably rotated alternately by 180 ° stacked on top of each other. Therefor a rotating device is provided in the known device, from a driven, vertically movable rotary punch and one opposite him, resilient, freely rotatably mounted counter punch exists.

The Unit of rotary punch and counter punch is also in the transport direction traversable. The rotary punch is between two parallel, extending to the conveyor belt supplementary Single bands arranged and can between the single bands over the transport level of the Books move on the conveyor belt to lift an incoming book off the conveyor belt. One as Book scanner acting light barrier detects an incoming book, and with a certain delay the signal generated by the photocell is transmitted to the rotating device passed on, whereupon this now transported to her Book at undiminished conveying speed from the conveyor belt takes off and presses against the counter punch. The book is trapped by it and, depending on the orientation with which the books are fed to the device, rotated by 0 °, 90 ° or 180 ° while move it in the transport direction and before returning it to the conveyor belt is filed.

The Previous device claimed the books very strong. By the mechanical stop at the end of the conveying path can just one produced Book deformed and the spine damaged. The produced books have theirs optimum shape, in particular the position of the block relative to the cover maintained in book stack, otherwise they are permanently deformed. The preserved optimal shape of each book affects stacking accuracy and the stack stability out.

Also at the takeover the books By the rotating device they are over-stressed and deformed. The lower rotary punch takes while he is driven up, arriving at high speed Book from the conveyor belt, which can lead to the deformation of the book. When pinching the book between the lower and upper rotary punch becomes one forced fit formed between the lower and upper rotary punch. When driving the lower rotary punch takes over the book the function of coupling between the two stamps, i.e. the driving torque is partially over the book in the transferred upper rotary punch. Especially in the acceleration phase of the rotation can therefore the book due to its inertia deform by the book top twisted relative to the bottom of the book becomes.

In a packaging line for sausage, cheese and the like. It is already known ( DE 44 05 181 A1 ) to align the sliced good conveyed on a roller conveyor in the direction of its longer side by being lifted by means of a turntable of the roller conveyor, held between this turntable and a counter punch and rotated. Both the turntable and the counter punch are rotated synchronously by the same angle. The turntable and the counter punch can have separate drives that are synchronized in an electronic manner.

It is further known ( DE 91 06 384 U1 ), in a subdivided into a plurality of transport path sections transport path provided for the individual transport path sections drives separately separa te control units assign. The transport of objects along the transport path sections is monitored by sensors. In this case, each control unit, the sensor signals of the associated transport path section and the adjacent transport path sections are fed, thereby controlling the transfer of the objects to be transported from the one Transportwegabschnitt to the transport direction in the direction of transport section.

Of the Invention is the object of a device of the initially to create said type, with the help of the stacking process book friendly carried out will, so that Book keeps its shape available after the production process and that Book stack produced with high accuracy and high stability can be.

 These Task is solved by that in the Clamping position by the upper rotary punch on the book the same Torque exerted is like the lower rotary punch and that in the clamping position of the vertical distance of the rotary punch to each other by a control device dependent on is tuned by a given book thickness.

advantageous Embodiments of the device according to the invention are characterized the features of the subclaims characterized.

Preferably becomes a remaining transport route taking into account the book format determined. since a path control was not provided, the book scanner on The book format will be matched, hence the focus of the book also coincides with the axis of rotation of the turning device acting on it and the book is not turned eccentrically. Such an adjustment the book scanner is omitted, because the linear conveyor transports the book under consideration its format in the ideal transfer position, which has a positive effect on the stack accuracy.

Further the stacking accuracy can also be optimized by the fact that the transfer of the Books from a preceding to a subsequent conveyor essentially without speed difference between the adjacent ones Conveyors takes place, which in the prior art just when transferring the book to the rotary device not the case. Since the book is less burdened by this, it will keep its given shape.

Preferably the book remains on reaching the transfer position until the takeover by the subsequent conveyor, i. the book rests when it is taken over by the subsequent conveyor becomes. This, too, helps to reduce the burdens on the book significantly reduce stacking accuracy.

A first linear conveyor preferably direct the books in the transport direction to the axis of rotation of the rotating device. This can be an exact handover of the book to the turning device.

at the device according to the invention jams the turning device is a book to be rotated between one on the Book top and an attacking on the book underside rotary stamp. About both Rotary punch is applied an equal torque on the book, so that the book during the Turning process is not turned in and its desired shape loses.

Around retooling reduce the device when switching to other books Thickness may be necessary, the vertical, in the clamping position certain Distance between the two rotary punch can be changed by adjusting means. The control unit controls in dependence on the given Book thickness the adjusting means according to the distance to the book thickness vote. The control unit takes over so far done by hand conversion the device in stacking books of different thickness.

Further is preferably provided a further linear conveyor, the the books relative to the stacking shaft in the transport direction stop-free positioned. Since the other linear conveyor the book up to reach the transfer position slows down, although in addition yet a stop be provided, this slows the book, however not from the maximum conveying speed as is the case in the prior art.

Around the differences in thickness of the books between frontcut and spine can balance the books also be stacked with a book offset. This will be done according to a preferred embodiment the device according to the invention achieved in that the another linear conveyor successive books offset by a predetermined distance to each other below the stacking shaft positioned.

The linear conveyor or conveyors direct the books in the transport direction and laterally opposite guide means align them transversely to the transport direction. The distance between the guide means is used to quickly change the Device set to a different book format by the control unit by the control unit actuators can actuate the guide means accordingly.

• a) die einzelnen Bücher werden ohne Auftreffen auf Anschläge in eine Übergabeposition transportiert,
• b) die Übergabe der Bücher von einer Fördereinrichtung in die darauffolgende Fördereinrichtung erfolgt annähernd ohne Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen den Fördereinrichtungen bei der Buchübergabe, und
• c) es wird nicht einseitig, sondern auf der Buchober- und der -unterseite ein gleiches Drehmoment in das zu drehende Buch eingeleitet.

The design of the device according to the invention protects the books to be stacked in particular by three principles:

• a) the individual books are transported to a transfer position without impinging on attacks,
• b) the transfer of books from a conveyor in the subsequent conveyor takes place approximately without relative speed between the conveyors at the book transfer, and
• c) it is not unilaterally, but introduced on the Buchober- and -unterseite a same torque in the book to be rotated.

each some of these principles alone already create a reduction who practiced on the book personnel when stacking and therefore can be used alone.

According to one preferred embodiment of Device according to the invention is in each case at least one book scanner in the area of the first and another linear conveyor intended. The drives of both linear conveyors are doing steered away by the control unit.

The Rotary stamps are additional in a vertical direction relative to each other to move the book between to be able to pinch. In addition, the drives of both rotary punches are synchronized with each other.

The Synchronization is preferably done by an electric wave.

Of the vertical distance of the rotary punch can, from the control unit actuated, changed by adjusting means so that the Device so to speak at the touch of a button without significant changeover times the stacking of books can be changed with a different thickness. For this purpose, e.g. only the Drive the upper rotary punch, which serves as an actuating means, so controlled be that Distance between the two rotary punch in the clamping position is greater.

The Rotary device is according to the preferred embodiment vertically and substantially horizontally movable in the transport direction, so that she too a linear conveyor represents. The turning device takes over the book from the first linear conveyor and transports it to another linear conveyor and sets it on this. That several Linear conveyors are provided, has the advantage that there are several books in the Device can be located and this away from the conveyor, on which they are located, to the transfer position to be brought.

Of the Lifting table has on its top a lifting rake, which is extend through recesses of the further linear conveyor can be that in the transfer position to lift the book in the stacking shaft.

Preferably are laterally of the transport path guide means for aligning the books provided transversely to the transport direction. The distance of opposite guide means Can be changed by coupled with the control unit actuators. The control unit fits hence the position of the guide means to the book format.

Further can the orientation transversely to the transport direction and relative to Stacking shaft with side guides at the bottom of the stacking shaft and / or by synchronously driven, transversely to the transport direction movable alignment slide made.

The Control unit is according to the preferred embodiment designed as a freely programmable control unit, which in the Device provided drives, actuators and / or actuating means dependent of the book format, stack cycle and / or the stack form can control. The device according to the invention fits quickly adapt to new book formats, batch cycles and stacking forms without that she to be converted by hand must become.

The Invention will be explained below with reference to the drawing.

1 is a schematic perspective side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

2 is a plan view of the device according to 1 ;

3 is a front view, opposite to the transport direction, showing the stacking shaft and the Hubrechen; and

4 is one of the 3 corresponding view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention with a conically widening down stack shaft.

In the 1 shown device for Sta Books is immediately linked to the last station of a book production line. The books to be stacked are pre-directed, ie always with the spine, the front, head or tail section ahead on a belt conveyor 1 supplied to the device. A Vereinzeller 3 in the form of a driven roller, as well as the belt conveyor 1 Being part of the device or part of the previous station serves books 5 with a certain distance from each other on a first linear conveyor 7 To transport, as a conveyor belt, consisting of two parallel, via a drive 9 in motion offset single bands, is formed. The drive 9 is with a freely programmable central control unit 11 coupled, which may also communicate with an optionally provided over-ordered host computer, which controls the entire book production process. The drives (not shown) of the belt conveyor 1 and the Vereinzellers 3 are also with the control unit 11 connected. During the transport of the books 5 on the first linear conveyor 7 is through one above the linear conveyor 7 arranged, a book scanner performing light barrier 13 connected to the control unit 11 connected, an incoming book 5 detected. One over a drive 15 in the transport direction T movable rotating device 17 detected at the end of the linear conveyor 7 the book and transports it to another linear conveyor 19 in the form of a conveyor belt, the construction of which is the first linear conveyor 7 equivalent. The other linear conveyor 19 has a separate, with the control unit 11 coupled drive 22 ,

The turning device 17 is not just horizontal, but one with the control unit 11 connected drive 21 also movable vertically to a book 5 from the linear conveyor 7 lift off and on the linear conveyor 19 to sell again. The drives 21 and 15 may optionally be directly coupled with each other. To capture a book this is between a lower and an upper rotary punch 23 respectively. 25 clamped.

In order for the stack to be produced to be as stable as possible, the books can be stacked through the device rotated 180 ° to each other, as at the left end of 1 shown by two stacks, so that a book spine is adjacent to a front section of the adjacent book. This stack shape can be generated by the rotating device 17 After reading a book from the conveyor 7 has decreased, turns. Depending on which side the books enter into the device shown, either every other book can be rotated 180 ° (if the books with the spine or the front cut run into the device ahead), or the turning device 17 turns each incoming book by 90 ° (if the books enter the device head or tail in advance), in which case the turning device 17 Turn books alternately by 90 ° in and counterclockwise by 90 °, so that in the book stack book spines are adjacent to front cuts.

So that the shape of the books is not changed when turning, have both rotary punch 23 . 25 separate rotary actuators 27 respectively. 29 on which an electronic wave 31 synchronized with each other. As a result, a same torque is introduced into the book for turning a book on the book bottom and the top of the book, and the book top and the book bottom are not moved relative to each other. Also the upper rotary punch 25 is otherwise vertically movable, the corresponding actuator for clarity is not shown.

To the book exactly aligned by the turning device 17 To be able to take over what has a positive effect on the stacking accuracy, that is on the linear conveyor 7 transported book transported away in a transfer position, in which the book 5 ' is located, transported. This transfer position is characterized in that the axis of rotation 33 the turning device 17 approximately through the center of gravity of the book 5 ' goes. The orientation of the incoming books transversely to the transport direction is done by 2 shown lateral guide means 35 . 37 in the area of the conveyor belt 1 , which also extends into the area of the linear conveyor 7 can extend. The distance of the lateral guide means 35 . 37 is over with the control unit 11 connected actuators 39 . 41 Fully automatically changeable and adjustable to the book format. In the transport direction T is the book of the linear conveyor 7 brought very precisely aligned in the transfer position. This is done by the photocell 13 when passing an incoming book of the control unit 11 processed signal transmitted and dependent on the book format remaining transport stretch X1 (see. 2 ) to the ideal transfer position. The control unit 11 providing a path control for the conveyor 7 includes controls the drive 9 accordingly, until the book has reached the transfer position, whereupon the linear conveyor 7 stop. The book 5 ' lingers briefly until it is between the rotary punch 23 . 25 is clamped and by the linear conveyor 7 lifted off and into one through the book 5 '' illustrated transfer position on the linear conveyor 19 is transported. At the in 1 illustrated alignment of the books, which run into the device with the front section ahead, every second book of the rotating device 17 during transport to the line arfördereinrichtung 19 rotated by 180 °. The books are at a standstill linear conveyor 19 , only moved vertically, slowly deposited on these, as well as they are slow from the linear conveyor 7 be lifted off. After the rotary punch 23 . 25 have moved apart from the clamping position, the drive 22 from the control unit 11 controlled, and the linear conveyor 19 transports the book under a stacking shaft 43 from which only the rear side wall 45 , is shown. The front side wall 47 is in the 2 and 3 to see. The front ends of the side walls 45 . 47 taper conically outward to form chamfers and align the books transversely to the transport direction T, as far as the guide means 35 . 37 has not been reached exactly. As well as the lateral guide means 35 . 37 are also the side walls 45 . 47 over with the control unit 11 connected actuators 49 . 51 movable transversely to the transport direction, so that the width of the stacking shaft 43 can be monitored and controlled by the control unit without significant changeover times to a new book format.

This in 1 With 5 ''' designated book is in a transfer position (see also left half of 3 ), in the tines of one on one, with a drive 54 provided lifting table 53 attached Hubrechens 55 the book 5 ''' through recesses in the linear conveyor 19 lift off from this and from below into the stacking shaft 43 under the book already in it 5 '''' to press.

The accuracy of the stack formed is immediately on the accuracy with which a book in the transfer position for the lift table 53 is brought dependent. For this purpose, the linear conveyor 19 like the linear conveyor 7 from the control unit 11 taxed away. Another light barrier 56 detects an incoming book during transport on the linear conveyor 19 , and that to the control unit 11 transmitted signal initiates the determination of a residual transport path X2 (see. 2 ) to the transfer position to the lift table 53 , The linear conveyor 19 slows down the book transported by her so slowly until reaching the transfer position that this is not overly burdened and the book pages or the book top and the book bottom can move relative to each other. When reaching the transfer position, the linear conveyor 19 stopped.

Subsequently, the lift table 53 moved up (see right half of 3 ) and push the book into the stacking bay 43 , until laterally deflectable pawls 57 back to the stacking shaft 43 snap into place and prevent the newly added book from dropping off the book.

Another way to compensate for differences in thickness of the book between the front incision and the spine, is in a staggered stacking, as well as the two in 1 shown stacks is visible. The book offset b is the offset of stacked books in the transport direction T. This is freely programmable and infinitely adjustable by it is included in the remaining transport path X2 and the linear conveyor 19 consecutive books transported in different distances. The control unit 11 Depending on the book thickness and book format selects the optimal book offset b and controls the linear conveyor 19 accordingly.

A finished book stack is from one through one with the control unit 11 connected drive 59 moving pile shifter 61 on a staple conveyor 63 pushed, their drive 65 also with the control unit 11 is coupled. The staple conveyor 63 is vertically offset to the linear conveyor 19 , Since the pushing out of the stack takes place at a relatively high speed and the further transport of the stack on the stack conveyor 63 is advantageous at a lower speed, the staple conveyor 63 briefly when passing the book stack to them on the speed of Stapelausschiebers 61 brought. After the transfer is the staple conveyor 63 slowed down again to the normal transport speed.

The The device shown in the figures exerts extremely low loads on the books piled up by them out by the books preferably impinge on any mechanical stops and with substantially no relative speed passed from a conveyor to the next conveyor become.

The device is further characterized in that it can be quickly changed over to another book format or book thickness. The conversion can be completely done by the control unit 11 be taken over, for example, by a parent production computer, the new book format to the control unit 11 is transmitted, which then actuates all drives or actuators accordingly. It therefore requires no manual adjustment of attacks or the like. All adjustment axes can be automatically controlled programmatically. Book thickness, stack shape or stack cycles may also be entered into the control unit via keyboards not shown.

In 2 are the individual sections to which the books are moved in the transport direction T. the, individually shown. Measured by Vereinzeller 3 the books are stretched to the light barrier 13 and then from the linear conveyor 7 about the remaining transport path X1 in the transfer position to the rotating device 17 promoted. There the turning device takes over 17 the book and finally puts it, moved to the distance B, on the linear conveyor 19 from. After moving a distance C each book reaches the light barrier 56 and then from the linear conveyor 19 to the transfer position to the lift table 53 move around the remaining transport distance X2. The stack shifter 61 moves the stack formed by the distance D and pushes it onto the staple conveyor 63 which transports him to a station, not shown, in which the individual stacks processed, for example, packaged or palletized.

In the 4 illustrated embodiment differs from the in 3 shown only in that the side walls 45 . 47 of the stacking shaft 43 run obliquely outwards at the lower end, around Einweiser 71 to build. If the books are only rotated by 90 °, small deviations between the center of gravity of the books and the axis of rotation can occur 33 no longer from the subsequent conveyor 19 be corrected, since these deviations lead to an offset of the books transversely to the transport direction. This alignment error is determined by the referrers 71 at the bottom of the side walls 45 . 47 corrected as soon as a book from the linear conveyor 19 is lifted. Lateral slipping of the books on the linear conveyor 19 however, is not desirable if the conveyor belts used have a slip-resistant surface.

Instead of the stationary referrers 71 can also have two synchronously driven lateral alignment slide 73 the book on the Hubrechen 55 after lifting off the linear conveyor 19 slide in the middle stacking position.

Claims (14)

Device for stacking books with a first linear conveyor ( 7 ) from which the books ( 5 ' ) are fed in isolated manner in a linear transport direction (T), an optional rotary device ( 17 ), which have a lower and an upper rotary punch ( 23 . 25 ) whose vertical distance relative to each other is adjustable by adjusting means and between which of the first linear conveyor ( 7 ) occasionally supplied books ( 5 '' ) in response to detection by a book scanner ( 13 . 56 ) are clamped and rotated about a vertical axis, and a second linear conveyor ( 19 ) from which the rotated books ( 5 ''' ) from the turning device ( 17 ) are discharged, characterized in that in the clamping position by the upper rotary punch ( 25 ) on the book ( 5 '' ) the same torque is applied as by the lower rotary punch ( 23 ) and that in the clamping position, the vertical distance of the rotary punch ( 23 . 25 ) to each other by a control device ( 11 ) is tuned depending on a given book thickness. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of each book ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) takes place from a preceding to a subsequent conveyor without speed difference between the adjacent conveyors. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each book ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) on reaching his transfer position until the takeover by the turning device ( 17 ) remains in the transfer position. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a first linear conveyor device ( 7 ) the books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) in the transport direction (T) to the axis of rotation ( 33 ) of the turning device ( 17 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a further linear conveyor device ( 19 ) the books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) relative to the stacking shaft ( 43 ) positioned in the transport direction (T) without impact. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the further linear conveyor device ( 19 ) successive books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) offset by a predetermined distance (b) to each other below the stacking shaft ( 43 ) to form a book stack with a book offset. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that via the control unit ( 11 ) the distance from the side of the linear conveyor ( 7 . 19 ), the orientation of the books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) transversely to the transport direction (T) serving, opposite guide means ( 35 . 37 ; 45 . 47 ) by actuating associated actuators ( 39 . 41 ; 49 . 51 ) can be matched to the respective book format. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in each case at least one book scanner in the region of the first and the further linear conveyor device ( 7 . 19 ) is provided and the control unit ( 11 ) Travel controls for the drives ( 9 . 21 ) of both linear conveyors ( 7 . 19 ) having. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotary drives ( 27 . 29 ) the rotary punch ( 23 . 25 ) by an electric wave ( 31 ) are coupled together. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotating device ( 11 ) is horizontally movable to books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) from the first linear conveyor ( 7 ) and to the other linear conveyor ( 19 ) to transport. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a book the stack with a lifting table ( 53 ), which at its top a Hubrechen ( 55 ), whose tines extend through recesses in the further linear conveyor ( 19 ) and a book located in the transfer position ( 5 '''' ) into the stacking shaft ( 43 ) to lift. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the stacking shaft ( 43 ) widens laterally outwards at its lower end in order to 71 ) for the in the stacking shaft ( 43 ) to be funded ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) to form the books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) align transversely to the transport direction (T). Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that lateral, synchronously driven alignment slide ( 73 ), which are the books ( 5 . 5 ' to 5 '''' ) after lifting off the linear conveyor ( 19 ) through the lift table ( 53 ) align transversely to the transport direction (T). Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the control unit ( 11 ) is designed as a freely programmable control unit, the drives provided in the device ( 15 . 21 . 22 . 27 . 29 . 59 . 65 ), Actuators ( 39 . 41 . 49 . 51 ) and / or actuating means depending on the book format, stack cycle and / or the stack shape can control.