EP1059257A2 - Method for operating a sheet processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves detecting vertical dimensions of the free space (29) in the stacking station (14) in excess of predefinable values, and after the driver stops it is forced to remain halted as long as the vertical extent of the free space exceeds a predefined value.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a sheet processing Machine with a stacking station, a sheet conveyor that feeds the sheets operationally feeds the stacking station and releases it there, one in the Stacking station below the sheet conveyor extending space, one has size dependent on the operating state of the machine, and with a drive operatively connected to the sheet conveyor.

In sheet-processing printing machines, such as those from the Applicant are sold under the type designation SM102 from the processed sheets in a stacking station on a by means of a Hoist, height-adjustable lifting platform, formed sheet stack, that in one of the possible modes of stacking on one stacking pad placed on the lift - generally in the form of a Pallet - rest. Before the start of a respective print job, the The lift is adjusted to such an altitude by means of the lifting mechanism, that the top of the still empty stacking pad is on a Production level. A sheet conveyor takes over the processed Sheets from a last processing station of the printing press a level one drop above production level about the stacking pad set to the production level and gives it for braking by means of a sheet braking system and for the following Stack formation free. In the course of the stack formation, the hoist lowers the Lift automatically and gradually as the height of the stack increases, so that the successive sheets in the production one in substantially constant drop distance between the sheet conveyor and essentially by gradually lowering the lift maintain the maintained production level.

A motor that actuates the hoist is in addition to the aforementioned automatic Lowering the lift manually in the sense of lifting and one Controllable lowering of the lift. In particular, the lifting platform can be completely lowered even without a stack placed on it, so that Such a large space between the lift and the sheet conveyor arises that this is accessible especially by an operator is. This is unproblematic and only when the sheet conveyor is at a standstill insofar as it is desirable as the accessibility of the space mentioned enables, for example, settings on the sheet braking system to make brake rollers or brake bands encompassed by this manually adapt to the format of the processed sheets and if necessary, on unprinted corridors, sheets printed on both sides adjust, or for example in the form of spur wheels Position arch supports according to the circumstances.

Before the press and the sheet conveyor in particular then takes place in conventional Printing machines give an acoustic warning signal to the mentioned in the free space to cause operator to leave the operator and thus dangers on the part of those then circulating over the free space Avert the sheet conveyor.

However, this measure to protect the operator requires always also their observance and above all the compliance with the in this case related request to leave the above-mentioned free space.

The invention has for its object when operating a bow processing press the security risk for in the area of a To reduce the boom of the same operating staff.

To solve this task, a sheet processing machine, in particular a printing press, with a stacking station, a Sheet conveyor, by means of which the sheets can be fed to the stacking station, a space with one extending below the sheet conveyor depending on the operating condition of the machine and with a with the Sheet conveyors operatively connected drive operated in such a way that predeterminable values exceed vertical extents of the free space be detected and after the drive has been shut down, the drive is stopped is forcibly stopped, like the vertical extension of the Free space exceeds a predetermined value, while another Operating mode also vertical values that can be predetermined values of the free space can be detected and a predetermined value Excessive extension of the free space to one predetermined value is reduced.

In the case of sheet-fed printing machines, there are often those at least one processing station, one which feeds the sheets Feeder and the sheet conveyor that transports the sheets to the stacking station a boom with one and the same drive, namely the main drive of the Printing press in operative connection. One designed in such a way and for Equipped to carry out the method according to the invention Printing machine cannot be put into operation as a whole, if the vertical extension of the free space below the sheet conveyor exceeds a predetermined value.

A preferred value for commissioning the printing press permissible vertical extension is in particular of the order of magnitude Fall distance described above. So, for example, is the lift not yet stacked and completely lowered, and one Operator is in the available space with, for example Setup work, so the press can not be in operation be taken so that there is no danger to the operator of the Sheet conveyor runs out, which is usually operationally rotating Gripper systems includes a respective processed sheet on the seize the leading edge and so clamped to Transport the stacking station or empty when the sheet run is turned off circulate.

Commissioning of the printing press is only possible again when the Free space under the sheet conveyor to a predetermined permissible size its vertical extent is reduced. In the case assumed here, the can not yet be loaded with a stack and completely lowered for example, to reduce the free space corresponding manual control of the above, the Hoist-actuating motor are raised so that the top a stacking pad placed on the lift above explained production level, if preferred for production intended fall distance of the bow a predetermined allowable size of the represents vertical extension of the free space.

A vertical extension of the There is room for the process control of the printing press advantageous, since when they are put into operation, the formation of a Stack of intended fall distance of the sheets is present; with view on safety issues d. H. the shielding of the sheet conveyor in such a height below that which does not pose any danger to it an operator go out, but also let larger ones vertical extensions of the free space. There can be at least any such Extent are considered admissible, depending on the Conception of a boom that includes the sheet conveyor Sheet conveyor is excluded.

Druck-Ab" geschaltet, der Stapel bei hierzu völlig abgesenkter Hebebühne aus der Stapelstation entfernt, die Hebebühne mit einer leeren Stapelunterlage bestückt und wieder auf das Produktionsniveau angehoben, so laufen währenddessen im Falle der Koppelung des Bogenförderers an den Hauptantrieb der Druckmaschine die Greifersysteme noch immer um, ohne jedoch Bogen zu transportieren. In diesem Falle geht zwar keine Gefahr davon aus, daß stillstehende Greifersysteme unerwartet umzulaufen beginnen, und eine unmittelbare Gefährdung durch die umlaufenden Greifersysteme ist so deutlich erkennbar, daß sich wohl keine Bedienungsperson dieser Gefährdung direkt aussetzen wird. Zur Vermeidung jeglichen Risikos ist aber gemäß einer Weiterbildung bevorzugt eine zwangsweise Stillsetzung des Antriebes nach einer vorausgegangenen Inbetriebnahme desselben vorgesehen, wenn die Erstreckung des Freiraumes einen vorgegebenen maximal zulässigen Wert übersteigt.For example, if the supply of sheets to the printing press is interrupted when a stack formed from the processed sheets is reached, the printing press is in its operating state

Pressed "switched off", the stack removed from the stacking station with the lift completely lowered, the lift loaded with an empty stacking pad and raised back to the production level, while the gripper systems are still running when the sheet conveyor is coupled to the main drive of the printing press In this case, there is no danger that stationary gripper systems start to circulate unexpectedly, and an immediate danger from the rotating gripper systems is so clearly recognizable that no operator is likely to be exposed to this danger directly However, according to a further development, avoidance of any risk is preferably provided for a forced shutdown of the drive after a previous start-up of the drive if the extent of the free space exceeds a predetermined maximum permissible value.

In the case described, a stack is removed from the stacking station an inadmissible excess of the free space is given at the latest, when the stack to be removed has left the stacking station and it remains insist about until an empty stacking pad is on the Production level is raised.

The above-mentioned termination of the supply of sheets to the printing press takes place at in particular the process outlined before the top of the stack corresponding manual control of the motor for lifting and lowering of the lifting platform provided while lowering the lifting platform a level corresponding to a permissible extension of the free space reached, and the reduction mentioned takes place after that after the termination the supply of sheets on the way to processing have passed the stack.

In particular due to the possibility of manually lifting the motor of the hoist to control, it is also conceivable that an inadmissible extension of the Free space is present in an operating state of the printing press in which this fed sheet is being processed. Because there is a shutdown of the drive in such an operating state of the printing press disadvantageous to the at the moment the drive is stopped in the Printing press would impact is further preferably provided that after a previous commissioning of the Drive when the free space extends beyond a predetermined value in addition, only those sheets from the stacking station are forcibly required fed, which were on the way to processing the sheets and then the drive is forcibly stopped.

This does not only cover the safety-related aspects considered but also created conditions under which the Prevention of waste is prevented.

The safety aspects and the avoidance of waste also a related training bill that during the supply of the sheets to the stacking station that are on the way to processing the Arch were, the extent of the free space is not expandable.

With regard to the stack formation process, this further training provides the Advantage that one after exceeding a predetermined Extension of the free fall distance for the remaining ones stacking sheet is not enlarged, so that with a suitable specification the mentioned extension in particular an impact of a front edge of a Sheet on the surface of a previous one already deposited Arc can be avoided, which otherwise, d. H. with enlarged Fall distance, can occur that a respective arc during a a lagging area of the same still existing contact of the Bow braking system with the bow in a leading area this Sheet already largely lowered before placing it on the stack is.

In the case of the stack removal procedure set forth above from the stacking station and for subsequent stack formation on an empty one The stacking pad extends below the sheet conveyor expansive free space in the vertical direction depending on the operating state of the Printing machine, that is, in particular the delivery of the same, either to the top of the fully lowered lift or to the top a stacking pad placed on it or in production, especially until the top of each at the production level to form one Stack of discarded sheets. In this case, about the order of magnitude the fall distance provided by the bow and including the fall distance The predetermined permissible extension of the free space is sufficient here at least down to the production level, an impermissible extension of the free space arises at the latest with the removal of the stack the stacking station, during which the lift is usually completely is lowered. For example, if it is the only one or last batch of a print job, the lift is usually up to to process another print job in the lowered position leave. To now in the event of an active connection of the sheet conveyor the main drive operates the latter when the empty lift is lowered to be able to take, in particular the processing stations of the Converting press for another print job, such as for example, in the case of an offset printing machine, a change of Making printing plates is a preferred further development of the method to operate the printing press by inserting one into the free space removable and removable from this room divider into the open space its vertical extension to a predetermined permissible value limited.

After a previous shutdown of the present Example with the main conveyor operatively connected to the sheet conveyor unblocked again, d. H. the previously shut down Sheet conveyors can be put back into operation without a Threat posed by its operationally rotating gripper systems.

For this way of operating a printing press, it is suitable as a room divider for example, a roller blind, which, in the manner set out above, has a Remove stack from the stacking station and through an empty stacking pad to be inserted along fixed guides in this way into the free space is that it is limited to a permissible extension in one inserted position of the blind the sheet conveyor before access shields.

A maximum permissible extension of the free space when it is exceeded the shutdown drive is blocked or the drive in operation for another type of replacement, one is shut down Stacking station removed stack in particular by an empty stacking pad dimensioned so that in the position of the Space divider results in an extension of the free space that is smaller than that maximum allowable extension is.

The mentioned further type of replacement of one removed from the stacking station Stacking through an empty stacking pad makes it possible during this The process does not interrupt the processing of the sheets. One on this suitable boom, a so-called non-stop boom, has in particular a second hoist, a so-called auxiliary hoist on which such Recording of another stack underground, a so-called Auxiliary stacking pad, is designed to be based on a previous one Lowering a main stack referred to in this context, stack already built up by a certain amount in the free space to the Auxiliary hoist is transferable. The one handed over to the auxiliary hoist Otherwise, the auxiliary stack pad will catch on the main stack falling sheet and is located after it has been handed over to the Auxiliary hoist initially at such a level that it is the first after the said intercepted sheet essentially on the next Production level explained above takes over. In the further course that lowers Auxiliary hoist gradually removes the auxiliary stacking pad to the extent that Amount of an auxiliary stack referred to in this context of the auxiliary stack underlay increasing stack.

As soon as the auxiliary stacking pad is handed over to the auxiliary hoist, the Removed the main stack from the stacking station that cleared a full stack Lift is equipped with an empty stacking pad and on such a Raised the level that with removal of the auxiliary stacking pad from Auxiliary hoist of the one built on the auxiliary stacking pad in the meantime Auxiliary piles to the empty one now on the lift Stackable is transferable.

In the case of the further type of replacement explained above, one from the Stacking station removed stack by an empty stacking pad, the so-called non-stop delivery, increases the delivery of the Auxiliary stacking pad to lower the auxiliary hoist prior to Main stack by the specified certain amount the vertical extension of the Free space. The degree of lowering is only so large that the Auxiliary pile underlay the sheet essentially on the previously of the Intercept top of the main stack formed production level. The Extension of the free space after this lowering and before the transfer of the Auxiliary stacking pad to the auxiliary hoist therefore has a still permissible Value so that this reduction does not stop the with the Bow conveyor in operatively connected drive requires. The after this lowering over the main stack spent auxiliary stack pad then reduces the vertical extent of the free space, so that again there is a permissible value for this extension and therefore the one mentioned Drive after a previous commissioning not because of the same an exceeding of a permissible value for this extension is forcibly stopped but without endangering one Operator remains in operation.

Here, the auxiliary stack pad takes over the function of the above Room divider.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, predetermined ones are given Extensions of the free space exceeding values are detected and one a Extension of the free space exceeding the predetermined value reduced to a predetermined value.

This can be dispensed with if it is already one explained, so-called non-stop boom, in which in particular, the placement of the auxiliary stack carrier in the free space manually takes place, because a stack change in such a boom only succeeds without adversely affecting the formation of a stack of qualitatively flawless sheet if the through an empty stacking pad too replacing stacks until the auxiliary stack pad is placed in the free space is lowered only by a relatively small value, so that the magnified Extension of the free space still takes a smaller value than one with regard to the safety aspect, the maximum permissible extension.

However, if it is not a non-stop delivery, the forced introduction of the space divider into the free space with an extension of the free space exceeding a predetermined value has the advantage that the sheet feeder, possibly driven by the main drive of the printing machine, and thus the Printing machine is not stopped overall when a fully assembled stack is removed from the stacking station. Instead, the room divider that is forcibly inserted into the free space shields when the sheet is interrupted and in the operating state Druck-Ab "offset printing machine from the empty rotating gripper systems.

All permitted vertical extents of the Free space below the sheet conveyor including one from each Concept of the printing press dependent maximum permissible extension have predeterminable values, with these values being specified by appropriate detectors are placed accordingly. A stop and / or the drive is stopped in the variants of the insofar as the procedure explained whenever the extension of the Free space exceeds a maximum permissible value.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the following are in particular preferred design features of a sheet-processing printing machine explains what their operation according to the so far described Enable process variants and the latter are in a flow chart shown.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Bogen verarbeitenden Druckmaschine mit einem beispielhaft in Form eines Rollos ausgebildeten Raumteiler - hier in einem aufgerollten Zustand des Rollos -,

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines eine Stapelstation umfassenden Abschnittes einer Bogen verarbeitenden Druckmaschine in einem Betriebszustand, in welchem ein aus den Bogen gebildeter Stapel zu dessen Abtransport aus der Stapelstation bereitsteht,

Figur 3

einen der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Abschnitt einer Bogen verarbeitenden Druckmaschine, die zum Ersatz eines Stapels durch eine leere Stapelunterlage ohne Unterbrechung der Bogenverarbeitung mit einer Hilfsstapelunterlage ausgestattet ist,

Figuren 4a bis 4c

ein Ablaufdiagramm für den Betrieb einer Bogen verarbeitenden Druckmaschine unter Berücksichtigung verschiedenartiger Ausstattungen derselben.

In the drawings shows

Figure 1

2 shows a schematic representation of a sheet-processing printing machine with a space divider, for example in the form of a roller blind, here in a rolled-up state of the roller blind

Figure 2

1 shows a schematic representation of a section of a sheet-processing printing machine comprising a stacking station in an operating state in which a stack formed from the sheets is ready for its removal from the stacking station,

Figure 3

2 shows a section of a sheet-processing printing machine which is equipped with an auxiliary stacking pad for replacing a stack with an empty stacking pad without interrupting sheet processing,

Figures 4a to 4c

a flowchart for the operation of a sheet-processing printing press taking into account various types of equipment same.

A rotary printing press shown by way of example in FIG. 1 comprises one Boom 1, which follows a last processing station. Such Processing station can be a printing unit or a post-treatment unit, such as a coating unit. In the present example it is about the last processing station by an offset Printing unit 2 with a printing cylinder 2.1. This leads a respective arc 3 in a processing direction indicated by the direction of rotation arrow 5 through a pressure gap between the pressure cylinder 2.1 and a so cooperating blanket cylinder 2.2 and then passes it to a sheet conveyor 4 while opening on the printing cylinder 2.1 arranged to grasp the sheet 3 on a gripper edge on leading end of the bow provided grippers. The chain conveyor 4 comprises two conveyor chains 6, each of which is along a respective one Side wall of the boom 1 rotates operationally. A respective one Conveyor chain 6 loops around each of two synchronously driven Drive sprockets 7, whose axes of rotation are aligned and is in the The present example has one each relative to the drive sprockets 7 downstream with respect to the processing direction Deflection sprocket 8 out. Extend between the two conveyor chains 6 gripper systems 9 carried by them with grippers 9.1, which gaps drive through between the grippers arranged on the pressure cylinder 2.1 and a respective sheet 3 while grasping the gripper edge at the leading end of the sheet 3 immediately before opening the am Pressure cylinder 2.1 arranged gripper take it over a Transport sheet guide device 10 to a sheet brake 11 and open there for the transfer of the sheet 3 to the sheet brake 11. This conveys the bow to the processing speed reduced filing speed and gives it after reaching it in turn free, so that a respective now slowed sheet 3 finally impinges on leading edge stops 12 in a stacking station 14 and under Alignment with these and with these opposite Trailing edge stops 13 together with previous and / or subsequent sheet 3 forms a stack 14.1, which by means of a hoist can be lowered to the extent that the stack 14.1 grows. From the hoist are only one platform 15 and the stack 14.1 in FIG. 1 load-bearing, chain chains 16 indicated by dash-dotted lines.

The conveyor chains 6 are along their paths between the Drive sprockets 7 on the one hand and the deflection sprockets 8 on the other hand guided by chain guide rails, which thus the chain tracks of Determine chain dreams. In the present example, the sheets 3 of the lower chain center in Fig. 1 transported. The one that this one went through Section of the chain track follows a, facing this Sheet guiding device 10 formed sheet guiding surface 17. Between this and the respective arc 3 passed over is preferably operationally on Air cushion formed. For this purpose, the sheet guiding device 10 is included in the Sheet guiding surface equipped 17 blowing air nozzles, of which in

Fig. 1 is only a representative of their entirety, and in symbolic Representation in the form of the nozzle 18 is reproduced.

To prevent the printed sheets 3 from sticking together in the stack 14.1 prevent are on the way of the bow 3 from the drive chain wheels 7 to Sheet brake 11, dryer 19 and dusting device 20 intended.

To avoid excessive heating of the sheet guide surface 17 by the dryer 19 is a coolant circuit in the sheet guide device 10 integrated, symbolically in Fig. 1 by an inlet port 21 and a Outlet port 22 on one of the sheet guide surface 17 associated Coolant pan 23 is indicated.

The aforementioned sheet brake 11 comprises a plurality of brake modules are each formed by means of a suction belt conveyor.

In the example shown, the printing unit 2 has another printing unit 2 ' ahead, so the press is designed to print two colors is. To print further colors there is another printing unit for each to provide. The printing units - in the example shown 2 and 2 '- are each connected to one another by means of a sheet transfer device 25, of which depending on the level of equipment of the printing press at least one is formed, the sheet 3 is turned to a subsequent printing unit pass, while the rest of the sheet 3 passed unturned.

The printing units 2 and 2 'of the present exemplary embodiment are for this purpose trained to print the sheet 3 in the wet offset process.

A feeder 26 is provided for loading the printing units 2 and 2 '. This comprises a separating device 26.1 which is operated by means of suction cups and drag vacuums seizes a top sheet of a stack 26.2 and one designed as a suction belt conveyor in the present example Feeding device 26.3, which the sheets at their leading and aligns on a side edge of the same and for takeover on the part of a pre-gripper 26.4, who in turn holds a respective sheet 3 a feed drum 2'.2 passes, which then it to the printing cylinder 2'.1 of the first printing unit 2 'passes. A not shown in detail Hoist raises the stack 26.2 gradually as the height of the Stack 26.2 during the continuous removal of sheets from this decreases. Only lifting chains 26.5 and one of the lifting mechanism are shown in FIG. 1 reproduced this suspended platform 26.6 carrying the stack 26.2.

In the case of equipment of the Printing machine is one that can be raised and lowered by means of a further lifting mechanism Auxiliary stacking pad is provided which, except for a residual sheet stack processed stack 26.2 temporarily carries. The auxiliary stack pad and the further hoist mentioned are components of a in this case Non-stop device, by means of which the remaining stack of sheets onto a new stack is settable without the removal of the sheet 3 by means of Separating device 26.1 must be interrupted. Especially advantageous embodiment of a non-stop device for uniting a Remaining sheet stacks with a new stack in particular run under this other necessary procedural steps of undertaking the Remaining sheet stack by means of the auxiliary stack pad and the depositing of the Remaining sheet pile on a new stack automatically.

In the concept of the printing press used as an example here this one drive 27, which in particular also with the sheet conveyor 4 in Active connection is established. For this purpose, in particular, the drive sprockets 7 Cylinder of the respective printing unit 2 and 2 ', the feed drum 2'.2 and one the drum and cylinder assembly forming the sheet transfer device 25 so rotatably connected to gears that they have a gear train form a respective side strand in a respective printing unit. This Gears are the same in the schematic representation of FIG. 1 Is like a drum connected to one of the gears or like a cylinder connected to one of the gears and like that with one of the gears connected drive sprockets 7, which in turn a common sprocket shaft 7.1 are attached. At the In the present concept, a gear wheel of the sheet transfer device 25 is provided a drive gear 27.1 of the drive 27 in engagement, which in turn is preferably connected to a motor via a toothed belt drive.

In such a machine concept, the machine is shut down Sheet conveyor 4 with a shutdown of, in particular, the printing units 2 and 2 'accompanied and usually also with a shutdown on the part of the Investor 26 involved in feeding the press with sheets Components, since these are generally also in active connection with a stand here from the drive 27 main drive of the printing press.

Another concept known from DE 41 02 472 A1, for example Printing machine with in particular a separate drive for the processed sheet a sheet conveyor feeds a stacking station but also a shutdown of the sheet conveyor without this Printing machine is forcibly shut down in the rest. In particular the printing units do not have to be shut down after a

Variant of the method the supply of sheets is interrupted, the printing units successive in the processing direction then successively in their operating state Druck-Ab "are offset and then the drive which is operatively connected to the sheet conveyor is stopped.

The further explanations again refer to a machine concept shown by way of example in FIG. 1, in which in particular the sheet conveyor is operatively connected to the main drive of the printing press. The representation in this figure represents the operating state Continuous printing ", ie the printing press is in operation, sheets 3 are fed, processed and stored in a stacking station 14 on the already explained production level 28 on a stack 14.1. A free space 29 formed in the stacking station 14 below the sheet conveyor 4 points in this operating state a vertical extension down to the production level 28. As a result of the step-by-step lowering of the platform 15 supporting the stack 14.1 to compensate for the increase in the height of the stack 14.1, the production level 28 is subject to slight fluctuations, but these fall with a view to that shielding of the sheet conveyor 4 guaranteed here by the stack 14.1, the production level 28 is usually scanned by means of a production level detector 28.1 indicated in FIG. 1, which, when the stack 14.1 increases by a certain amount, has the aforementioned hoist in mind e controls a corresponding lowering of the stack 14.1. The vertical extent of the free space 29 achieved in this case has an admissible value, so that no further measures are necessary with regard to the shielding of the sheet conveyor 4 in the operating state represented by FIG. 1. The sheet conveyor is shielded in the stacking station 14 by means of the stack 14.1 and otherwise by means of the sheet guide device 10 already mentioned.

2 shows an operating state of a printing press, in which of the in Fig. 1 in particular with the sheet conveyor 4 in Operatively connected drive 27 is stopped, the stack 14.1 its full Has reached height and to remove the same from the stacking station 14 a level provided for this purpose is lowered, on which the stack 14.1 can be transported away, for example, by means of a floor conveyor. During the Lowering the stack 14.1 has an upper edge thereof to the side of the Stack 14.1 placed detector 30 passes in a predetermined Distance A1 to the sheet conveyor is arranged below the same. The Detector recognizes whether it is facing stack 14.1 at its level or not and thus detects a due to the lowering of the Stack 14.1 resulting enlargement of the vertical extension of the Free space 29 beyond a predetermined value.

In the present case according to FIG. 2, the top of the lowered stack 14.1 in an enlarged compared to the distance A1 Distance A2 below the sheet conveyor 4. Thus the vertical Extension of the free space 29 to a value that one by the location of the Detector 30 exceeds the predetermined value. A when crossing the Predetermined value emitted by the detector 30 is in a Processed drive control, not shown in the drawing, processed in the sense that the drive 27 already shut down in this case is forcibly is stopped, and until the free space 29 again Extent has less than a predetermined value. This is In particular, can be achieved in that after removing the stack 14.1 from the stacking station 14 the platform 15 with an empty stacking pad occupied and by means of the lifting mechanism independent of the drive 27 so far is raised that the top of the empty stacking pad on the explained production level.

In the course of this lifting, the detector 30 recognizes that the empty stacking pad faces and he gives a signal accordingly from which by means of the drive control mentioned in the sense of a release the drive 27 is processed. The press is then back in Operation acceptable.

In Fig. 3 the case is shown that a in a target position in the Stacking station 14 positionable room divider 31 is provided. With this one illustrated equipment of the printing machine, the room divider 31 already mentioned auxiliary stack pad, with whose help the disposal of the complete stack 14.1 with continuous promotion of sheet 3 on the part of the sheet conveyor 4 is possible in the manner already explained. The as Auxiliary stack pad trained room divider 31 is depending on the equipment Printing machine manually or automatically in the free space 29 under the Sheet conveyor 4 bringable.

An advantageous embodiment for a manually operated Auxiliary stacking pad is for example the document EP 0 407 728 B1 removable, which reveals an auxiliary stacking pad in the form of a rake, this in a rest position of the same with respect to the conveying direction of the sheet conveyor 4 downstream side of the stack 14.1 opposite is pivoted such that the free ends of the rake-forming rulers point upwards and one that Pivotal pivot axis in the area of the upper end of the hanging calculator is provided. To spend that way trained and arranged room divider in the free space 29 is the Rake swiveled into a horizontal position and on both sides of the Stacking station 14 arranged guides inserted, which in turn such can be raised and lowered that the explained production level 28 during the Formation of an auxiliary stack on which rakes are essentially retained.

In Fig. 3 is, for example, as described above, but not Room dividers 27 shown in corresponding details in one Desired position shown in the stacking position 14, in which position it fulfills a double function in that it builds one Auxiliary stack allows while the stack 14.1 after reaching it is removed in full from the stacking station 14 and on the other hand the shields circulating sheet conveyor 4. In this target position the Room divider 31 after a previous such slight reduction of the stack 14.1 that the room divider 31 above the stack 14.1 There is space and the top of the stack 14.1 does not yet have the detector 30 3 after the extension of the free space 29 has assumed the value A3 indicated in FIG. 3. The said Lowering is initiated by a hoist, not shown controlling hoist control from a detector 32 Signal, which is triggered by means of the room divider 31 before this in the Area of the sheet released by the sheet conveyor 4 arrives. The Room divider 31 is inserted into its target position as soon as the Top of the stack 14.1 is located slightly below the room divider 31. When the target position is reached, the room divider 31 triggers another Detector 33 emits a signal which is in the drive control already mentioned processed in the sense of maintaining the operation of the drive 27 becomes.

During the lowering of the stack 14.1 to insert the Space divider 31 required dimension, the free space 29 increases over a predetermined value detected by means of the production level detector 28.1 out. With a further lowering of the stack 14.1 and with no existing and / or not in the desired position room divider 31 would a signal triggered by the detector 30 when this detector 30 by the Top of the stack 14.1 is passed in the drive control in the sense a shutdown of the drive 27 processed. In this respect it would be in the present If an extension of the Free space 29 beyond the predetermined value A1 as shown in FIG. 2 as inadmissible extension in the sense of security shielding the sheet conveyor 4 to view. If this extension is exceeded would drive 27 after a previous one in the present case Commissioning on the part of the drive control mentioned forcibly stopped and subsequently held as long as the extension of the free space exceeds the value A1. A corresponding one Processing of the signal emitted by detector 30 in this case however, by a in the desired position of the room divider 31 in the free space 29 Signal given by the detector 33 to the drive control prevented. The room divider 31 located in the target position thus limits the Extension of the free space 29 to a predetermined permissible value A4 3. This state is also initially maintained when the Stack 14.1 is lowered under detector 30 and out of stacking station 14 is removed so that the boom 1 can be operated as a non-stop boom can. Become the sheet 3 in the further course of building an auxiliary stack finally on the room divider 31 designed as an auxiliary stack carrier again filed at production level 28, meanwhile by the Detectors 30 and 33 output signals from the drive control ignored, since the extension of the free space 29 here by means of

Production level detector 28.1 (see Fig. 1) whose signals are detected in the mentioned hoist control in the sense of maintaining the Production levels 28 are processed. The removal also has an effect of the space divider 31 designed as an auxiliary stack carrier from its target position placing an auxiliary stack formed thereon on a by means of the Hoist not lifted in accordance with the raised stacking pad a shutdown of the drive 27.

The explanations relating to FIG. 3 are based on the fact that the room divider 31 there can be moved manually into its desired position.

If the equipment of a printing press differs from this, one is Auxiliary stacking pad used in the present process as a room divider a non-stop boom automatically between a rest position and the Desired position can be shifted and is therefore with a room divider drive Active connection that can be controlled by means of a room divider control. One of the possible embodiments of an automatically relocatable Room divider is disclosed in DE 42 44 383 A1.

In a preferred embodiment of a printing press with an im referred to automatically relocatable room divider exists Link between the room divider control and a Detector, which has an extent exceeding a predetermined value of the free space 29 outputs a signal to the room divider control, which on the basis of this signal the room divider drive in the sense of a shift of the Room divider from a rest position in its desired position in the Controls stacking station. Such a link becomes such a link placed detector uses that the said signal at a Exceeds such an extension of the free space 29, at which is a collision-free displacement of the room divider from its rest position in whose target position is possible. In the example according to FIG. 3, the Detector 30 in question.

With this configuration of a printing press, regardless of whether their room divider is used as an auxiliary stacking pad for a non-stop boom is or not, by forcibly moving the room divider 31 out whose rest position in its target position is a predetermined value Extending extension of the free space 29 forcibly to one specified value is reduced if specified values exceed Extends of the free space can be detected. This downsizing works accompanied by a shield of the sheet conveyor and is carried out regardless of whether the drive 27 that is operatively connected to it is in operation or not.

A forced from a rest position to the specified position Movable room divider is in a printing press that does not Has non-stop boom, for example in the form of a roller blind. In Fig. 1 such a room divider 31 'is indicated, which in the present Example is similar to a roller shutter that can be rolled out horizontally. While a room divider provided as an auxiliary stacking pad, as already mentioned, can be raised and lowered by means of an auxiliary lifting device in the stacking station, there is no need to adjust the height of a room divider preferred only for security reasons and, as stated, preferred forcibly into a target position shielding the sheet conveyor 4 in the Stacking station is transferable. Accordingly, the roller shutter box of the Room divider 31 'according to FIG. 1 at a fixed level chosen in this way arranged that the roller blind in its specified target position the vertical Extension of the free space 29 to a permissible predetermined value limited. To support the extendable part of the space divider 31 ' The roller blinds used are not on either side of the stacking station in FIG. 1 Fixed guide rails shown provided.

It goes without saying that the room dividers explained are so dismissed that they shield the sheet conveyor 4 in its target position as far as this is not already shielded by means of the sheet guiding device 10 which is a not shown in Figures 1 to 3, in terms of Direction of delivery of the sheets 3 downstream variable length Section joins. This section extends to the bow brake and changes its length by a respective displacement path along which the sheet brake 11 to adapt to the format of the sheet 3 different positions along the sheet conveyor 4 is set. in the If the space divider 30 is designed in the form of a rake is the mutual distance from the Rake-forming bars chosen so that an involuntary penetration through gaps existing between the bars is prevented.

Capacitive sensors and in particular come as detectors Reflection light barriers into consideration. To detect the target position of the Room divider 31 or 31 ', in particular a limit switch can be used.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1

boom

2; 2 '

Printing unit

2.1

Impression cylinder

2.2

Blanket cylinder

2'.1

Impression cylinder

2'.2

Feed drum

3rd

arc

4th

Sheet conveyor

5

Direction of rotation arrow

6

Conveyor chain

7

Drive sprocket

7.1

Sprocket shaft

8th

Deflection sprocket

9

Gripper system

9.1

Gripper

10th

Sheet guiding device

11

Bow brake

12th

Leading edge stop

13

Trailing edge stop

14

Stacking station

14.1

stack

15

platform

16

Lifting chain

17th

Sheet guiding surface

18th

Support

19th

dryer

20th

Pollinator

21

Inlet connector

22

Exhaust port

23

Coolant pan

25th

Sheet transfer facility

26

Investors

26.1

Separating device

26.2

stack

26.3

Transport device

April 26

Forerunner

26.5

platform

27

drive

27.1

Drive gear

28

Production level

28.1

Production level detector

29

free space

30th

detector

31, 31 '

Room divider

32

detector

33

detector

A1 to A4

distance

Claims (6)

Method for operating a sheet-processing machine, in particular a printing machine, with a stacking station, a sheet conveyor, which feeds the sheets to the stacking station and releases them there, a space which extends in the stacking station below the sheet conveyor and which has a size which is dependent on the operating state of the machine, and with a drive that is operatively connected to the sheet conveyor,
characterized, that vertical dimensions of the free space exceeding predeterminable values are detected
and after the drive has been stopped, it is forcibly stopped for as long as the vertical extent of the free space exceeds a predetermined value. Method according to claim 1,
marked by
a compulsory shutdown of the drive after a previous commissioning of the drive if the extension of the free space exceeds a predetermined value. Method according to claim 1,
characterized by
that after a previous start-up of the drive when the free space is extended beyond a predetermined value, only those sheets are fed to the stacking station that were on the way to processing the sheets and then the drive is forcibly stopped. Method according to claim 3,
characterized,
that during the feeding of those sheets to the stacking station that were on the way to processing the sheets, the extent of the free space cannot be increased. Method according to claim 1,
characterized by
that the extent of the extension is limited to a predetermined value by introducing a space divider that can be moved into and removed from the space into the space. Method for operating a sheet processing machine, in particular a printing machine, with a stacking station, a sheet conveyor, which feeds the sheets to the stacking station and releases them there, a space in the stacking station below the sheet conveyor, which has a size that depends on the operating state of the machine, and with a drive that is operatively connected to the sheet conveyor,
characterized in that vertical dimensions of the free space exceeding predeterminable values are detected and an extent of the free space exceeding a predetermined value is forcibly reduced to a predetermined value.

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