EP0931741B2 - Pile turning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A paper stack turning machine (1) incorporates a jack by means of which the stack of sheets of paper is lifted, inclined and inverted. It further has clamps (4) which hold the stack of paper secure during this operation, pads with which the paper stack sides are re-aligned as required, and ventilators which loosen the sheets of paper from each other. One side of the stack (B) has a side-face rule (5) which operates in at right angles to the clamps (4), and which may be repositioned parallel to the direction of the clamp (4) plane.

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

There are devices known which are referred to as pile turner, by means of which pallet-mounted sheet stack can be manipulated. The sheet piles are delivered to print shops or other paper processing plants on pallets and are therefore very compressed by the transport or the type of packaging ago, so that the sheets then tend to adhere to each other. In addition, the stack alignment may have been adversely affected by the transport as the sheet stack may slip. To enable the individual processing of the sheet from the sheet stack, it is necessary to loosen the entire stack pack and, if necessary, reorient the sheets to each other. When using so-called logistics systems, as they are now used in many areas of sheet processing, the sheet stack may need to be implemented on other pallets or support systems. A pile turner is therefore able to grasp a transport pallet together with the stack of sheets resting thereon. For this he is provided with a, possibly fork-shaped, pliers. This pliers has an upper and a lower support, between which the stack of sheets can be packed. In addition, the stack turner is provided with a lifting device which allows the stack of sheets to be raised, tilted and pivoted about an axis (US-A-4 070 767).

The objective of the further development of such a pile turner is to see various measures relating to the processing sequences and the stack quality. For the preparation of sheet stacks for automatic processing in sheet processing machines, it is necessary to take special measures influencing the stack quality. Furthermore, the sheet pile is to be implemented for example by a simple transport pallet on a so-called system palette. The system palette is used to automatically feed the sheet stack to a sheet processing machine. The sheet pile should also be able to be aligned as accurately as possible in order to improve the processing quality with respect to the system pallet. Furthermore, the change of the transport pallet against the system pallet should be as automated as possible.

The object of the invention is therefore to enable a stacking of a sheet stack for processing in a sheet-processing machine, in particular the implementation of a transport pallet on a system pallet, with high accuracy and variable positioning as possible on the system palette.

The solution of this task is designed according to the features of claim 1. In this case, additional features of the dependent claims are of importance. The pile turner is provided with a leveling ruler that can align itself to both the transport pallet and the stack itself. Incidentally, the straightedge serves as a contact surface when the stack is pivoted. Furthermore, a clamping device is provided for the stack change. Finally, it is possible to attach runway parts to one of the carriers of the pile turner. This allows a pallet to be processed in one pass. In addition, a runway part can be attached to both carriers of the pile turner, so that it can be used on both sides.

In the following an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in more detail with reference to drawings.

Figur 1

eine erste Darstellung eines Stapelwenders,

Figur 2

einen Stapelwender in Verbindung mit einer Rollbahn und

Figur 3

einen Aufriss eines Stapelwenders nach der vorhergehenden Figur.

Show in it

FIG. 1

a first representation of a pile turner,

FIG. 2

a pile turner in conjunction with a runway and

FIG. 3

an elevation of a pile turner according to the preceding figure.

FIG. 1 shows a pile turner 1 together with a sheet pile B seated on a transport pallet TP. The pile turner 1 is provided with a base frame 1A. On the base frame 1A, the stack turner 1 carries a hoist 2. The hoist 2 in turn is connected to a holding platform 3. At the holding platform 3, two clamping plates 4 are arranged transversely. The clamping plates 4 are formed in this case trough-shaped and slidable along the holding platform 3, so that between them a sheet stack B can be clamped. By means of the lifting mechanism 2, the sheet stack B can then be tilted about a horizontal axis from its upright position in a vertical position up to 90 degrees, in which case the sheets are perpendicular. The hoist 2 is designed so that it can also approach any other angle of the sheet pile B. Furthermore, the hoist 2 is capable of pivoting held in the clamping plates 4 sheet stack B about a perpendicular to the holding platform 3 pivot axis D to pivot. In this case, the sheet stack B is applied to the holding platform 3.

On the holding platform 3 is further a means for aligning in the form of a multiple adjustable Rule 5 arranged. The straightedge 5 is adjustable both in the direction of the arrows in its length and position in the longitudinal direction, as well as at its holder 5A to the support platform 3 parallel to the clamping plates 4 in the direction of the pile turner 1 and transversely adjustable. So that the guideline can be positioned both in terms of its length, its position in the longitudinal direction and its positioning with respect to one side of a sheet pile and with respect to the position of the entire sheet pile B, all positioning possibilities are provided with positioning drives.

Finally, a vibrating and aeration unit 6 is arranged in the middle of the surface of the holding platform 3. It is used to generate vibrations and blowing air, which act on one side of the sheet stack B and solve the sheets from each other and align each other.

In order to manipulate a stack of sheets B seated on a transport pallet TP in the stack turner 1, it is moved into the lower of the two clamping plates 4 in the direction indicated on the sheet pile B. Then the upper of the two clamping plates 4 is moved in the direction against the lower clamping plate 4 and the two clamping plates 4 are moved against each other in the indicated direction of the arrow and the sheet stack B is clamped together with transport pallet TP between the clamping plates 4.

Then the sheet stack B can be tilted together with transport pallet TP by means of the hoist 2 by 90 degrees or tilted and pivoted at a smaller angle, as will be explained later in more detail. When pivoting the sheet pile B, the guide bar 5, which is adjustable for this purpose in its length and positionable in all directions in its position and is driven against a corresponding side of the sheet stack B acts as a support and protection against displacements of the sheet pile B.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the pile turner 1. Here is the basic structure of base frame 1A, Hoist 2, holding platform 3; Clamping plates 4, a straightening ruler 5 and the vibration and aeration unit 6 of the above embodiment the same. However, transport rollers 7 are inserted into the clamping plates 4 at least on the underside. These transport rollers 7 can be arranged to be fitted in a runway 8. Furthermore, the transport rollers 7 can be driven. This can be promoted on such a runway 8, a sheet stack B and retracted directly into the pile turner 1. After the sheet stack B has been automatically inserted into the pile turner 1, it can be detected and clamped with the aid of the second clamping plate 4. The transport rollers 7 are braked for this case or their drives are stopped, so that the sheet stack B can be securely held. By means of the second clamping plate 4, the sheet stack B can then be clamped and turned as already indicated. For adjusting the sheet stack B within the pile turner 1, it is possible to arrange the transport rollers 7 mounted on the pile turner 1 to be movable in the direction of their axes of rotation. Thus, the sheet stack B can be moved within the pile turner 1 not only transversely in the transport direction, but also in the longitudinal direction. This may be useful for aligning the front stacking side with the shaker and aeration unit 6 in the holding platform 3.
If necessary, 4 transport rollers 7 can be arranged on the second clamping plate. Then the pile turner 1 can be used on both sides. The immovable support of the sheet pile B when pivoting is, as already described, then ensured by braking the transport rollers 7 and especially by the guide 5 as a safety stop.

To ensure the exact positioning, it is provided in the pile turner 1 to create a centering for the pallet to be used. The pallet to be used is, for example, the system pallet SP, which has defined dimensions, since it is to be used in an automatic transport and further processing system in connection with a sheet-processing machine. in the simplest case, the system palette SP can be aligned at one edge and centered in the pile turner 1. For this purpose, adjustable stops in the stack turner 1, for example, can be provided on different standard formats. Likewise, each system pallet SP can receive a center mark regardless of size, which can be interrogated by means of a scanning device on the pile turner 1. This system pallet SP and sheet stack B are centered to each other.

Likewise, an asymmetrical arrangement of the sheet stack B within the pile turner 1 or the system pallet SP is possible by means of the straightedge 5. The guideline 5 is movable in the direction of the height and also in the direction of the width of the sheet pile B. Here, the straightedge 5 can be aligned both initially on a pallet such as a transport pallet TP or a system pallet SP and then on the actual side surface of the sheet stack B. Finally, the guideline 5 is indeed also arranged such that it can serve as a side stop when turning the sheet pile 5. Thus, the guideline 5 can also be adjusted over the wing of a pallet and not only on the side edge. The sheet stack B can therefore also be held laterally by the leveling rule 5 if the edges of the sheet pile B and the pallet are not covered.
Ultimately, the sheet stack B even when turning or pivoting already on both sides, ie in the two orientation directions of the bow, aligned, since he comes with one side already on the support platform 3 and with a second side on the guide 5 to the plant.

By means of the aid of the straightedge 5 as a safety stop, it is also possible to turn the sheet pile B in inclined position of the clamping plates 4 of the pile turner 1 and thus save time for the production process. In this case, the sheet stack B is not tilted by 90 degrees, as is customary to swing the sheet pile B safely to be able to. Rather, the sheet stack B is tilted only by an angle of, for example, 45 degrees. When tilting the sheet stack B then inevitably at least one stack page gets into a hillside down. But it can be based on the voltage applied in this direction 5. The risk of slipping of the sheet stack B does not exist.

The application of the pile turner 1 described above assumes that there is a connection to the stack transport and the handling of the pallets.

In this case, the stack transport via runways 8 or via separate conveyor means. Furthermore, the supply of empty pallets or the discharge of empty pallets can be provided for each pile turner 1. This is useful, for example, if the transport pallet TP is to be exchanged for a so-called system pallet SP.

In the embodiment, however, the handling of the pallets is provided even in the pile turner 1 only insofar as, for example, a system pallet SP can be detected together with the sheet stack B and the transport pallet TP and is secured by turning on one of the clamping plates 4 in turning. For this purpose, a holding device or a fastening device can be provided on the upper clamping plate 4, into which the system pallet SP can be inserted or suspended and also possibly clamped. In the batch processing process, when the sheet pile B is released with the corresponding apparatus, the system pallet SP is then held above the sheet stack B and the uncovered transport pallet TP can be removed manually or automatically. To settle on the system pallet SP, the sheet stack B then only needs to be clamped and turned together with the system pallet SP. This ensures a safe and fast process for converting the sheet stack B to a system pallet SP.

The holding of the pallets on the pile turner 1 can be done in different ways. Furthermore, a clamping device may be provided on the clamping plates 4 of the pile turner 1, which fixes the pallet there, for example, by clamping a pallet part. The holding device can also be designed simply as a hook arrangement into which the pallet can be inserted. By means of the holding device, however, the position of the pallet to be used can also be determined. Therefore, a holding device is provided which fixes the pallet to be used, that is, for example, the system pallet SP, in the direction against the holding platform 3. Against this holding platform 3 and the sheet pile B is created during shaking and venting. This results in an automatic parallel alignment of system palette SP and sheet stack B.

The batch processing is explained in more detail below in the following steps A to F: Step A The sheet stack B is retracted on the transport pallet TP in the pile turner 1. The guideline 5 serves as a Justieranschlag. Step B The sheet pile B is clamped together with the transport pallet TP in the pile turner 1 between the clamping plates 4. The guideline 5 is set to the length between the clamping plates 4. Step C The sheet stack B is tilted together with the transport pallet TP in the pile turner 1 by means of the hoist 3 by 90 degrees or tilted by an angle less than 90 degrees. Step D The sheet stack B is now pivoted together with the transport pallet TP in the pile turner 1 by means of the hoist 3 about an axis perpendicular to the support plate 2 axis.
The guideline 5 acts as a safety stop for the clamped sheet pile B. Steps The clamping plates 4 are moved apart. The sheet stack B is shaken and ventilated. Optionally, the transport pallet TP is exchanged for a system pallet SP. Step F The sheet stack B is clamped together with the transport pallet TP (system pallet SP) again between the clamping plates 4, pivoted in the correct orientation with the transport pallet TP (system pallet SP) down, tilted back into the starting position, deposited in the pile turner 1 and can then be ready for processing the pile turner 1 are extended.

In the special case of the simplified pallet exchange, the steps basically remain the same. There are only a few changes: Step A The sheet stack B is first deposited outside the pile turner 1 (or with its help) together with the transport pallet TP on a system pallet SP and retracted into the pile turner 1 against the straightedge 5. Step B The sheet stack B is clamped together with the transport pallet TP and the system pallet SP in the pile turner 1 between the clamping plates 4. The guideline 5 is set to the length between the clamping plates 4. Step C The sheet stack B is tilted together with the transport pallet TP and the system pallet SP in the stack turner 1 by means of the hoist 3 / tilted. Step D The sheet stack B is pivoted together with the transport pallet TP and the system pallet SP in the pile turner 1 by means of the hoist 3 about an axis perpendicular to the support plate 2 axis. The guideline 5 acts as a safety stop. Steps The clamping plates 4 are driven apart (possibly only to a small extent). The sheet stack B is shaken and ventilated.
The transport pallet TP is removed from the pile turner 1, wherein the system pallet SP is clamped and held on a clamping plate 4. Step F The sheet stack B is again clamped together with the system pallet SP between the clamping plates 4, pivoted in the correct orientation with the system pallet SP down, tilted back, deposited in the pile turner 1 and can then be ready for processing from the pile turner 1 extended.

For different substrates or sheet materials, it is possible to set different production processes at the pile turner 1. This is particularly important for the fact that thinner substrates stick together more strongly than thicker substrates. In addition, the consumption of sheets is thicker for thicker substrates than for thinner substrates, as the stacks are processed faster. Furthermore, the stack weights vary depending on the substrate.

In view of these criteria, it makes sense to predefine different procedures for the pile turner 1 and automatically bring it to drain on the basis of the incoming material. Here, a control is provided, which makes it possible to detect the type of stack and the substrate. This can be done for example via a bar code reader, by means of which either the operator reads the data from a sticker attached to the sheet pile B or at an automatic reading station, the data from the sheet stack B are scanned. From the determination of the size of the sheet pile B and the stack weight, the control of the pile turner 1 takes a certain treatment sequence for the transfer of the stack.

• die Einstellungen für die Positionierung des Bogenstapels B im Stapelwender 1 mittels der Transportrollen 7,8,
• die Bestimmungswerte für die Erfassung des Bogenstapels B mit den Klemmplatten 4 und deren Haltekraft,
• die Einstellung und Positionierung des Richtlineals 5,
• die Einstellung der Rüttel- und Belüftungseinheit 6 bezüglich Intensität und Dauer und gegebenenfalls Anwendungszyklen,
• der Kipp-bzw. Ankippwinkel des Hubwerkes 3
  und
• die Zangenbewegung der Klemmplatten 4 beim Belüften und Austauschen der Paletten

mittels einer Voreinstellung beispielsweise bei einem Probelauf erfasst und in einer Steuereinheit des Stapelwenders 1 sowohl als Stellwerte abgelegt, als auch als Ablaufprogramm eingespeichert. Bei der weiteren Verarbeitung von Bogenstapeln B können dann in Abhängigkeit der Rahmenbedingungen und der Daten zu einem Bogenstapel B die verschiedenen Ablaufprogramme für die Stapelbehandlung aufgerufen werden.
In Vereinfachung der Abläufe werden die Abmessungsparameter und die von Papiersorte und Stapelgewicht beeinflussten Einstellungen in einem programmierten Ablauf zur Stapelbehandlung aufeinander abgestimmt abrufbar gemacht.Here are tailored to the specific needs of each substrate or Stapelstoffsorte and possibly also depending on the supplier, the environmental conditions and the specific requirements of further processing in a sheet-processing machine

• the settings for the positioning of the sheet pile B in the pile turner 1 by means of the transport rollers 7, 8,
• the determination values for the detection of the sheet stack B with the clamping plates 4 and their holding force,
• the adjustment and positioning of the guideline 5,
• the setting of the vibration and aeration unit 6 in terms of intensity and duration and, if necessary, application cycles,
• the tilting or. Tilt angle of the hoist 3
  and
• the forceps movement of the clamping plates 4 when venting and replacing the pallets

detected by a default, for example, during a test run and stored in a control unit of the pile turner 1 both as control values, as well as stored as a sequence program. In the further processing of sheet stacks B, the various sequence programs for batch processing can then be called in dependence on the framework conditions and the data for a sheet stack B.
In simplification of the procedures, the dimensional parameters and those influenced by paper type and stack weight are determined Settings made in a programmed sequence for batch handling matched to each other.

For execution of the pile turner 1, only the essential features are listed here, so that further embodiments may be given within the scope of what has been described. For example, the pile turner 1 for detecting a sheet stack B can be arranged to be movable in its longitudinal direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

pile turner

1

base frame

1 A

hoist

2

support platform

3

clamps

4

straightedge

5

bracket

5A

Vibrating / aeration unit

6

transport wheels

7

runway

8th

sheet pile

B

pallet

TP

system palette

SP

Claims (11)

1. Pile turner (1) for a sheet pile with a lifting unit for lifting, tipping and swivelling of the sheet pile, plate shaped clamping means for grasping and holding a sheet pile preferably together with at least one pile pallet and with means for aligning and aerating the sheet pile, wherein a stop means acting on one side of the sheet pile (B) is provided which is shiftably arranged laterally to a pile position between the clamping means (4) characterised in that a control for the pile turner (1) is provided by means of which at least adjustments of the stop means can be detected and positioning of the stop means can be preset and automatically approached.
2. Pile turner according to Claim 1, characterised in that the stop means is a rectilinear guide (5) which is arranged perpendicular to the plane of the clamping means (4).
3. Pile turner according to Claim 2, characterised in that the rectilinear guide (5) is arranged shiftably parallel to the direction of the planes of the clamping means (4).
4. Pile turner according to Claims 2 to 3, characterised in that the rectilinear guide (5) is arranged adjustably in its longitudinal alignment both in its position and also in its length.
5. Pile turner according to Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the rectilinear guide (5) is constructed as a lateral stop for the sheet pile (B) in such a fashion that the sheet pile (B) on swivel movements is secured against shifting in the oblique position by the rectilinear guide (5).
6. Pile turner according to Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that at least one of the clamping plates (4) is provided with transport rollers (7) for driven transport of a sheet pile (B).
7. Pile turner according to Claim 6, characterised in that both clamping plates (4) are provided with transport rollers (7).
8. Pile turner according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the transport rollers (7) on at least one clamping plate (4) are constructed shiftably in the direction of their longitudinal axes.
9. Pile turner according to Claims 2 to 7, characterised in that on at least one clamping plate (4), a device for holding a pallet is provided in such a fashion that the pallet with the turned sheet pile (B) is liftable by means of the mounting together with the clamping plate (4) away from the sheet pile (B).
10. Process for aerating, aligning and upsetting a sheet pile using a pile turner according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sheet pile (B) is positioned against the stop means, that the sheet pile (B) is gripped and held by the clamping means (4) together with a pallet, that the sheet pile (B) is tipped through an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, that the sheet pile (B) with application of the stop means is swivelled in such a way that it remains adjacent against the stop means and that the sheet pile (B), after alignment, aeration and exchange or removal of the pallet while against the stop means, is swivelled back again and deposited.
11. Process according to Claim 11, characterised in

    - that the sequence of pile processing can be stored in the control in such a fashion that, in differing stores of the control, values

    - for the dimensions and weight of the sheet pile (B) and of individual sheets,

    - for data for the positioning of the sheet pile (B) on a pallet, and

    - processing parameters with respect to application time and application intensity of the pile alignment or pile aeration are stored,

    - that independently of the stored values for the dimension and weight of the sheet pile (B) and individual sheets and for data for the positioning of the sheet pile (B) on a pallet, values for the processing parameters and the positioning of lifting unit (2) and stop means are determined,

    - that the values for dimensions and weight of the sheet pile (B) and individual sheets are read in automatically or manually on the feed of a sheet pile (B) to the pile turner (1) and

    - that the pile processing takes place by a sequentially correct calling up of the coordinated values of the operating parameters and the positioning of lifting unit (2) and of the stop means.

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