DE202018105944U1 - Device for positionally accurate storage of signatures - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for positionally accurate storage (4) of at least one signature (2), the device (1) a first transport device (10) in a first plane (12) for transporting the at least one signature (2) in a first transport direction (11), wherein the device (1) comprises a tray (4), on which the at least one signature (2) is deposited on a second plane (13) after leaving the first transport device (10), the second one Level (13) in a vertical extent below the first plane (12) is arranged, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one blowing nozzle (20) for at least temporarily holding the at least one signature (2) against gravity.

Description

The invention relates to a device for positionally accurate storage of at least one signature, wherein the device comprises a first transport device in a first plane for transporting the at least one signature in a first transport direction, the device comprising a tray on which the at least one signature after exit the first transport device is stored on a second level, wherein the second plane is arranged in a vertical extent below the first plane.

Signatures in the sense of generally printed, folded or unfolded sheets or individual web sections are often processed into further stacks either for further post-processing or for transport. For this purpose, the signatures are usually transported in a transport device either individually in succession or else as a scale flow and fed to a stacking device.

In such a stacking device, the corresponding signatures are stacked in a stack. Such stacks are used either for transporting mostly identical or similar signatures to a further processing step.

However, it is possible in particular in connection with printing form variable, digital printing methods such as the inkjet printing method to produce sequential signatures, each with different print content, which is possible with both digital sheetfed presses and digital web presses with downstream cutting and / or folding unit. Such successive signatures, each with different print contents, can be processed into more or less finished books in a process chain for the production of small and very small editions of books or for the "book-on-demand process".

Here, the belonging to a book signatures are stacked in an offshoot to a stack, the stack thus produced is then glued, for example, on the back to a book block and provided with a cover.

For such stacking usually stacking devices such as offshoot, Ständer, modified stacker or so-called collators are used, in which the signatures are conveyed with a transport device in a so-called collection tray or basket with a corresponding tray. The storage surface of the respective signature is usually located in the vertical direction below the transport device, so that depositing of the respective signature on the stack being formed is ensured independently of the signature thickness and / or stack height.

After the emergence of a respective signature from the transport device, the signature thus falls a greater or lesser height difference due to its gravitational force. In order to avoid extremely different drop heights, the tray is usually, although not necessarily, during stacking in height and thus adjustable in vertical distance to the transport device. Furthermore, such Stapelbildner have at least one stop to allow exact stopping of the transport device at least in the transport direction.

However, the known stack formers essentially have two physical disadvantages that lead to a relatively inaccurate position of the signatures in the stack to the desired position and thus the individual signatures to each other: After at least partial leakage of the signatures from the transport device, the signatures bend according to the acting Gravity, wherein the deflection depends on the grammage of the printing substrate, the page number, the rigidity of the printing material, etc.

Furthermore, the signature released by the transport device has a velocity component in the horizontal direction as well as due to gravity an increasing velocity component in the vertical direction, resulting in a parabolic-shaped curve movement.

The stored signature thus abuts against a stop with a vertical and a horizontal speed component and at least tends to rebound, which in itself, as well as in particular with the curvature of the signature due to the deflection occurred prior to complete release by the transport device to a deviation the location of each signature leads to the desired position and thus to an unclean stack.

In particular, when a book is bound from such a stack, a high accuracy of the stack and thus an exact location of the signatures to each other is absolutely necessary, especially to avoid the slippage of the individual signatures to each other until the final gluing of the stack to a book block the individual signatures with a so-called Hilfsverleimung, which is usually applied selectively, are fixed to each other. Although such Hilfsverleimung has the advantage that the Signatures can not slip to each other until the final gluing on the back, but the stack in the sense of book blocks can not be aligned in itself, for example, by shaking or tapping.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device for positionally accurate storage of signatures in a stacker.

The DE 31 07 551 A1 teaches to arrange in the region of the transport device designed as a double belt conveyor blowing nozzles and to arrange in the region of the front in the conveying direction pulleys rotating suction nozzles.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

In the present invention, the device comprises at least one blowing nozzle for at least temporarily holding the at least one signature against gravity.

Although similar nozzles are already known in principle from the prior art, however, such nozzles are used exclusively for accelerating or slowing down signatures, but not for holding and guiding signatures against their gravitational force.

So revealed the DE 10 2004 054 044 A1 Print products in a folder in the case of lower transport speeds by means of a baffle, from which air escapes and sweeps along in the transport direction to accelerate, wherein the product is guided here between the baffle and a ribbon cable.

The invention has the advantages that the signature held exclusively by the at least one blowing nozzle against gravity and thus without additional device between the signature and the tray and / or the stack and can be guided to the stop, so that the signature only after Reaching the horizontal target position has to cover a low drop height. Furthermore, by holding the signature, the gravitational deflection of the signature is avoided, so that the signature can be stored in a flat state on the tray or on the stack being formed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the blowing nozzle has an extension, which is aligned substantially in the direction of the first transport direction. Alternatively, the tuyere can also have an extension, which at an acute angle α is arranged to the first transport direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, the blowing nozzle is designed such that the outlet of the blowing air is configured substantially in the direction of the extension of the blowing nozzle. Preferably, the blowing air exits the blowing nozzle substantially in the direction of the first transport direction. According to the Bernoulli effect, an air flow thus forms between the respective signature and the blowing nozzle at an air velocity, as a result of which the air pressure drops in this region, so that the signature is held against the force of gravity due to the unchanged air pressure on the underside of the signature. In addition, a blast air leaving essentially in the direction of transport supports the horizontal movement of the signature as far as it will go.

For this physical principle is therefore also justified that the at least one tuyere is arranged on the side of the at least one signature, which is the second plane averted, which ultimately means that the at least one tuyere is arranged on top of the respective signature.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device has at least one stop for stopping and / or guiding the at least one signature. At least one stop can be executed in extension of the first transport direction, so that the respective signature can be stopped in the transport direction by the stop and thus accurately positioned. The at least one stop in this case preferably has recesses or interruptions, so that the blowing air can escape and no air accumulation or no air turbulence can arise in order to avoid a shift of the respective signatures.

However, it is also possible and advantageous to attach at least one stop in the direction perpendicular to the first transport direction, so that the respective signature is not only aligned in its position in the first transport direction, but that the signature is also accurately positioned perpendicular to the first transport direction and / or can be aligned. In order to avoid a change in position of the signature, such a stop can be mounted not only on one side of the signature, but also on both sides. The at least stop, regardless of the arrangement to the respective signature also have a vertical extent, in order to lead the respective signature even when sinking on the tray can.

The device according to the invention also makes possible a method for positioning accurately depositing at least one signature, the at least one signature being transported with a first transport device located in a first plane in a first transport direction, wherein the At least one signature after leaving the first transport device is deposited on a tray located in a second plane, wherein the second plane is arranged vertically below the first plane, and wherein the at least one signature after the at least partial exit from the first transport device of at least one tuyere is held against the action of gravity at least temporarily.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one signature is conveyed along the extent of the at least one blowing nozzle. For this purpose, according to a further advantageous embodiment, the blowing air emerging from the blowing nozzle is blown out of the at least one blowing nozzle in the extension of the blowing nozzle and substantially in the extension of the first transporting direction. The physical principle used here has already been described above.

Thus, as already mentioned above, the blown air due to the larger prevailing air pressure on the underside of the respective signature these are held against gravity.

Preferably, after the respective, at least one signature of at least one stop has been stopped in its at least one direction of movement, the respective signature can move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first transport direction in addition to the first transport direction, the at least one signature after reaching the desired position or optionally a short time later, no longer held by the nozzle against gravity and released from the tuyere, so that the respective signature can sink onto the tray. By stacking a plurality of signatures, a stack, such as a book block, can thus be formed.

Keeping the at least one signature against gravity can be caused in one embodiment of the invention by interrupting the blowing air. As soon as there is no more blown air coming out of the tuyere, there is no air flow, so that the air pressure on the top and the bottom of the signature corresponds to that of the surroundings, whereby the respective signature follows the action of gravity and sinks onto the shelf.

According to an advantageous embodiment, however, it is also possible that in the case of the supply of a plurality of overlapping signatures in the form of a scale flow, the at least one signature located in the desired position is replaced by the wake of the trailing or subsequent signatures of the tuyere.

Due to the overlapping of the signatures in a corresponding scale flow, each respective signature is thus only partially covered by the blowing nozzle. The respective subsequent signature slides between each of the tuyere, at least partially, covered and thus held by the tuyere signature and the at least one tuyere so that the air film or the air cushion between the at least one tuyere and the respective held signature also tears off with the result that the respective signature of gravity following the storage sinks.

The respective subsequent signature is then in turn, at least partially, covered by the tuyere and held accordingly.

However, it is also possible that the holding of the respective signature by the at least one blowing nozzle is terminated against the force of gravity by the exit of blowing air in extension substantially perpendicular to the extension of the blowing nozzle. Due to the need of blowing air for the operation and the basic function of the blowing nozzle, it is advantageous to allow blowing air perpendicular to the extension of the tuyere from one or a plurality of openings, so that the respective signature is lifted from the tuyere and the air flow in the direction the first transport direction comes to demolition.

However, it is also possible that the respective held by the nozzle against gravity signature exit through at least one mechanical component such as a pin or a plurality of pins from the tuyere and remove the respective signature from the tuyere until the air flow between the tuyere and the respective signature tears off and the corresponding signature of gravity following for filing decreases.

A combination of these methods of stopping the blowing nozzle is also possible or necessary. Thus, for example, if the number of signatures in a shingled stream associated with a stack or book block is supplied, the signatures can be replaced by peeling off by undermining the previous signature, whereas the last signature belonging to this stack is interrupted in the event of interruption of the signature Schuppenstrom must be solved by another previously described method of the tuyere.

• 1 eine Vorrichtung zur Bildung von Stapeln, wie dieser aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist
• 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit einer Blasdüse in Erstreckung der ersten Transportrichtung
• 3 eine Detailansicht der eingesetzten Blasdüse
• 4 eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit einer Blasdüse angeordnet in einem Winkel zur ersten Transportrichtung

Preferred developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description. Various embodiments of the invention will be described, without being limited thereto, with reference to the drawings. Showing:

• 1 a device for forming stacks, as known from the prior art
• 2 a device according to the invention with a blowing nozzle in extension of the first transport direction
• 3 a detailed view of the blowing nozzle used
• 4 a device according to the invention with a blowing nozzle arranged at an angle to the first transport direction

1 shows the basic structure of a device 1 to form stacks 3 such as book blocks, with at least one signature 2 with the aim of positioning as accurately as possible on a shelf 4 is stored, as this is known from the prior art.

The at least one signature to be filed 2 is by means of a first transport device 10 which the at least one signature 2 in a first transport direction 11 for filing 4 on which the stack 3 is formed, transported. In 1 is shown that the signatures 2 sporadically transported one behind the other, the signatures 2 However, they can also be transported overlapping in the form of a scale flow.

The first transport device 10 is as a conveyor belt, on which the signatures 2 rest, drawn, the first transport device 10 However, it can also be used as a ribbon conductor, in which the at least one signature 2 is guided by means of preferably a plurality of upper bands and lower bands, be configured.

The first transport device 10 is on a first level 12 , which are in vertical extension above the one on the second level 13 placed tray 4 is arranged. Between the first level 12 and the second level 13 there is a first height difference H , where for the filing 4 the signatures 2 on the stack 3 the second height difference H is crucial. For this reason, in many cases, the filing 4 height adjustable, allowing the stack 3 over the first transport device 10 supplied signature 2 preferably only the second height difference H to the filing 4 on the stack 3 must overcome.

To form the pile 3 is usually a plurality of signatures 2 , but at least one signature 2 over the first transport device 10 the filing 4 which can also be configured as a collecting basket or collecting shaft, in a first transport direction 11 transported and fall after leaving the first transport device 10 on the shelf 4 or the stack already formed 3 ,

To a relatively positionally accurate storage 4 the signatures 2 on the stack 3 and thus stacked as accurately as possible 3 to get is next to the filing 4 at least one more stop 5 appropriate. Although in 5 only one stop 5 in the direction of the first transport direction 11 is shown, so can on the one hand in the direction of the first transport direction 11 also a plurality of attacks 5 to be appropriate.

It is also possible, though in 1 not shown that at least one more stop 5 in extension perpendicular to the first transport direction 11 is attached, so each one on a pile 3 to be filed signature 2 also in the direction perpendicular to the first transport direction 11 can be aligned.

However, the signatures are bending 2 after at least partial withdrawal of the signatures 2 from the transport device according to the applied gravity, which is why in 1 that from the first transport device 10 escaping signature 2 is shown bent accordingly.

Furthermore, the signature released by the transport device has 2 a velocity component in the horizontal direction as well as due to gravity, an increasing velocity component in the vertical direction, resulting in a parabolic-shaped curve movement.

The on the pile 3 filed signature 2 thus hits with a vertical and a horizontal velocity component against a stop 5 and on the pile 3 and at least tends to bounce off the stroke 5 , which looks both on its own and in particular with the curvature of the signature 2 due to the deflection occurring before the complete release by the transport device, a deviation of the position of each signature 2 to the target position and thus to a dirty piled up stack 3 leads, which is why the in 1 illustrated stack 3 is shown accordingly.

2 schematically shows a device according to the invention 1 to form stacks 3 by stacking supplied signatures 2 , Identical to the in 1 The prior art also describes the signatures 2 by means of a first transport device 10 in a first transport direction 11 on a first level 12 as a filing 4 supplied collecting shaft, wherein the height ratios and the first and second height differences H . H identical to the prior art.

Unlike in 1 illustrated prior art is in the first transport direction 11 seen after the first transport device 10 a blowing nozzle 20 attached, so that from the first transport device 10 escaping signature 2 from the tuyere 20 is at least partially covered.

Although in the 2 to 4 only one tuyere at a time 20 is shown, so instead of the drawn a tuyere 20 also a plurality of tuyeres 20 be used. These nozzles can in extension of the first transport direction 11 behind one another and / or perpendicular to the extension of the first transport direction 11 be arranged side by side.

The at least one tuyere 20 is on the side of at least one of the first transport device 10 exiting signature 2 arranged, which is the second level 13 averted, which ultimately means that the at least one tuyere 20 on top of the at least one respective signature 2 is arranged.

Through the out of the tuyere 20 exiting blowing air 21 is an air flow between the tuyere 20 and the signature 2 generated, which is why there the pressure drops, so that the regular air pressure is the signature 2 in the vertical direction at the tuyere 20 holds.

The from the first transport device 10 escaping signature 2 can thus without bending down and without vertical speed component up to the at least one stop 5 , the movement of the signature 2 in extension of the first transport direction 11 limited, transported and so after the departure of the air flow between the tuyere 20 and the signature 2 due to gravity in only vertical direction on the stack 3 slide.

Due to the non-deflection of the signature 2 as well as by sinking the signature 2 on the pile 3 or the filing 4 in only vertical direction can thus the signature 2 be guided and stored with correspondingly high accuracy, which is why the stack 3 has a much higher stacking accuracy.

3 shows enlarged the area of the exit of the signature 2 from the first transport device 10 , the blowing nozzle 20 and the filing 4 from the 2 ,

The tuyere 20 indicates here the, the signature 2 side facing an extension, which is substantially in the direction of the first transport direction 11 is aligned.

Furthermore, in 3 shown schematically that the tuyere 20 is configured such that the outlet of blown air 21 essentially in the direction of the extension of the tuyere 20 he follows. Furthermore, the exit of the blowing air takes place 21 in the direction of the first transport direction 11 so the signature 2 can not be deformed or deflected when entering the airflow.

Due to this type of outlet and the flow of blast air 21 has the air in the gap between the at least one tuyere 20 and the signature 2 a relatively high flow rate, which is why in this area according to the Bernoulli equation, the air pressure drops. As on the bottom of the signature 2 unchanged air conditions are in the sense of no appreciable flow rate and a normal ambient air pressure, presses on the underside of the signature 2 higher air pressure the signature 2 evenly against gravity against the tuyere 20 and thus prevents both bending and sinking of the signature 2 ,

By the flow direction of the blown air 21 in the direction of the first transport direction 11 also becomes the signature 2 still in their first transport direction 11 supported until this secured to the stop 5 to be led.

At this point it should be noted that the representation of the length of the signature 2 , the length and arrangement of the illustrated tuyere 20 as well as the positioning of the tuyere 20 to the first transport device 10 and the positioning of the tuyere 20 to the stop 5 only purely schematically and any aspect ratios and distances are not to scale.

Once the signature 2 the stop 5 has reached or a relatively short period of time later, the flow conditions between the at least one tuyere 20 and the corresponding signature 2 interrupted, for example by interrupting the supply of air. Other variants of the interruption of the flow conditions are described above, such as the interruption in the case of the supply of the signatures 2 in a shingled stream or the discharge of blast air 21 or mechanical components perpendicular to the effective surface of the tuyere 20 ,

The so from the tuyere 20 shared signature 2 now falls due to gravity, the second height difference H according to 2 in exclusively vertical direction of movement on the stack 3 and thus can from the at least one stop 5 be carried out accordingly clean.

Although in 3 not shown, it has at least one stop 5 preferably or at least in the upper, the tuyere 20 facing area recesses, openings or a rake-like configuration, so that from the tuyere 20 exiting blowing air 21 not from the at least one stop 5 is dammed, resulting in air turbulence and an influence on the position accuracy of the deposited at least one signature 2 would result.

4 shows an embodiment of the in the 2 and 3 illustrated device according to the invention 1 , Unlike in the 2 and 3 illustrated arrangement of the blowing nozzle 20 indicates at the in 4 arrangement illustrated the tuyere 20 an extension, which at an acute angle α to the first transport direction 11 is arranged. By such an arrangement of the blowing nozzle 20 can the signature 2 already something in the direction of filing 4 be deflected, which is particularly advantageous if the first transport device 10 or in particular the region of the delivery point of the first transport device 10 not exactly in the horizontal direction.

The angle α usually lies in a range between 1 ° and about 30 ° and should be chosen so that an impact of the signatures 2 on the tuyere 20 is avoided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

signature

3

stack

4

filing

5

attack

10

first transport device

11

first transport direction

12

first floor

13

second level

20

blow nozzle

21

blowing air

H

first height difference

H

second height difference

α

angle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3107551 A1 [0013]
• DE 102004054044 A1 [0017]

Claims (7)

Device (1) for positionally accurate storage (4) of at least one signature (2), the device (1) a first transport device (10) in a first plane (12) for transporting the at least one signature (2) in a first transport direction (11), wherein the device (1) comprises a tray (4), on which the at least one signature (2) is deposited on a second plane (13) after leaving the first transport device (10), the second one Level (13) in a vertical extent below the first plane (12) is arranged, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one blowing nozzle (20) for at least temporarily holding the at least one signature (2) against gravity. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one blowing nozzle (20) has an extension which is aligned substantially in the direction of the first transport direction (11). Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one blowing nozzle (20) has an extension which is arranged at an acute angle α to the first transport direction (11). Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one blowing nozzle (20) for the outlet of blowing air (21) is designed substantially in the direction of the extension of the blowing nozzle (20). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one blowing nozzle (20) is arranged on the side of the at least one signature (2) which is averted from the second plane (13). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one stop (5) for stopping and / or guiding the at least one signature (2). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport device (10) is designed as a conveyor belt or as a ribbon cable.

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