EP2511207B1 - Device for intermediate storage of flat products, in particular printed products, which can be coiled in a scale assembly, and method for operating such a device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of transport and storage of sheet products, in particular in the context of print finishing. It relates to a device for temporarily storing in a flake arrangement aufwickelbaren, sheet products according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a method for operating such a device.

STATE OF THE ART

Especially in postpress, various types of printed products, printed sheets, supplements, flyers, etc., when printed, must first be cached to be then retrieved for the compilation of finished printed products, such as supplements provided with supplements.

For temporary storage in a space-saving, flexible, manageable and fast-working way winding stations have proven in which the incoming in a scale flow printed products for intermediate storage to form a roll wound on a winding core and unwound for removal again. If the winding of the printed products formed in a winding station has reached a maximum diameter, the storage capacity of this winding station is exhausted. In order to take up further printed products, either a new roll must be started in the same winding station, or the incoming shingled stream of the printed products must be diverted to another winding station. Conversely, when the winding of a winding station is completely unwound during the removal, the empty roll must be in the same winding stations against a full Wickel be exchanged, or it is switched to another winding station with a full winding.

In order to be able to optimally utilize such winding stations as a buffer, it should be possible to use first winding stations for the storage of printed products at the same time and without mutual interference while printing products are stored out of second winding stations, and vice versa.

From the publication DE 33 04 219 a device for stacking printed sheets is known, in which a high stacking capacity can be created in a comparatively small space, wherein 12 parallel juxtaposed buffer and stacking sections are provided to which fed via a common Zubringerförderstrecke partial shed or transported away from those on a common Abtransportstrecke partial shed can be. In each of the 12 buffer and stacking lines two winding stations are arranged on opposite sides of the centrally-passing Zubringerförderstrecke and Abtransportstrecke, one of which serves to wind the partial shed and the other for wrapping the partial shed to have the desired scale position in the shingled stream during the Ausspeichern. The selection of the individual buffer and stack route is done by on the feeder conveyor section and removal path stationarily arranged, associated points arrangements, with which the storage and retrieval and the cross connection between opposite winding stations is switched. The disadvantage of this stacking device, among other things, the equipment and space required due to the winding stations used in pairs.

From the publication WO 94/02398 a device for the processing of printed products is known, in which a processing station is preceded by a product memory with two storage units for winding supplied as shingled printed products. The printed products enter the storage units via a feed path, wherein the feed path has a curved feed section. Outsourcing from the individual storage units takes place via a straight-ahead storage line to the processing station. For the corresponding change of the conveying ways a turnout can be used. Here, too, an increased expenditure on equipment is necessary because the transitions between supply lines and discharge lines as well as the connecting sections leading to the storage units are to some extent hard-wired.

From the publication DE 196 00 809 a method for storing sheet-like products is known, in which a first part of the resulting products in a flake formation wound into a first winding and at least another part of the products to another, the first winding associated winding or unwound from this, wherein the Products synchronously on all reels with the same orientation up or synchronously unwound from all reels with the same orientation. For carrying out the method, a winding station, an intermediate storage and a further processing station are spatially separated from one another, between which the rolls are transported back and forth with transport vehicles. This results in a larger space requirement and a flexible, but relatively expensive process technology.

From the publication EP 0 229 888 a device for storing accumulated in scale formation printed products is known in which a number of similar winding units are arranged on a common support column over another, which can be rotated independently. In order to feed the printed products to be wound onto the winding cores, a conveyor is provided which has an outlet region that is adjustable in height. The winding units can be individually equipped with printed products and also emptied individually. In this configuration, only one winding unit can always be loaded or unloaded. A combined, flexible operation is not possible.

From the publication EP 0 272 398 For example, a method and a device for transferring printed products obtained in at least one continuous stream to the supply lines of at least two processing stations are known. So that the distribution of the resulting stream can be carried out as continuously as possible and optimally adapted to the needs of the processing stations, the stream is guided such that it crosses the supply routes, wherein at the intersection of the stream at least temporarily supplied to a memory, while at the same intersection point printed products simultaneously be transferred from the memory via a transfer point of the feed. As memory devices, a twin winding frame is present in the region of each intersection, each carrying two reels. The winding frames are displaceable along the feed path, so that each one of the winding can be aligned with one of the conveyors used, in which case the other winding is aligned to one of the transfer points at the respective intersection.

From the publication GB 2 133 778 For example, a device is known for rotating a stream of overlapping printed products about a vertical axis. A stream of printed products is guided on a conveyor to a 90 ° deflection. The printed products are received by a switch and guided on a belt, the printed products are stored temporarily on a winding station. For feeding to a next processing step, the switch is switched and passed the stream of printed products from the winding station to a 90 ° deflection and a conveyor. The original end of the stream of printed products has become the head of the stream of printed products.

From the prior art known solutions have in common that they require to achieve a flexible intermediate storage, a relatively large expenditure on equipment, which is also associated with a considerable space requirement.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to form a generic device for caching so that there is a high flexibility in operation with reduced space requirements and equipment expense.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of operating such a device.

These and other objects are achieved by the features of claims 1 and 22.

The invention is based on a device for temporarily storing flat products that can be wound up in a flake arrangement, in particular printed products, which intermediate storage device has a plurality of substantially adjacent winding stations to which the products to be temporarily stored are supplied for winding on connecting lines or of which the temporarily stored products be discharged after unwinding on the links, and at least one feed line and at least one discharge line, which intersect the links at predetermined crossing points. It is characterized in that on the connecting lines transfer devices are arranged movable, which connect either at the crossing points, the links with the at least one feed line or the at least one discharge line for transferring the sheet products between the routes.

As a result of the movable transfer devices, it is possible, as required, to "activate" one of the basically existing crossing points by transferring transfer devices to these intersection points in order to temporarily establish an actual transfer path between the intersecting sections. In this way, devices for transferring the products can be saved at the unneeded "passive" crossing points, which contributes to a reduction in the expenditure on equipment. The matrix-like configuration of the device used for this purpose is compact and space-saving.

An embodiment of the temporary storage device is characterized in that the connecting sections are arranged parallel to one another, that the at least one feed section and the at least one discharge line run parallel to one another, that the sections intersect at right angles in the manner of a matrix, and that in the transfer devices the flat products are each deflected by 90 °.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the winding stations are combined with their connecting lines in pairs.

A further embodiment of the temporary storage device according to the invention is characterized in that the transfer devices can be moved individually and independently of one another, and that a controllable drive motor is provided in each case for moving the transfer devices. This allows a particularly high flexibility in operation.

Preferably, the controllable drive motor is in each case arranged stationarily on the connecting path and is operatively connected by means of force transmission means with the associated transfer device. As a result, the structure of the device can be simplified. The power transmission means may in particular comprise a drive chain.

According to another embodiment of the invention, conveying means for transporting the flat products on the first paths between the transfer devices and the winding stations are provided along the connecting sections.

In particular, the conveying means comprise in the longitudinal direction of the connecting lines circulating conveyor belts, wherein for reversing the transport direction, the running direction of the conveyor belts is reversible.

Preferably, the conveyor belts are guided on rollers by the transfer devices.

A secure transport with limited effort is achieved in that, according to another embodiment, two parallel conveyor belts are provided per link.

According to another embodiment, means for transporting the sheet-like products through the transfer device between the connecting sections and the at least one feed section or the at least one discharge section are provided within the transfer devices.

In particular, the means for transporting the sheet-like products through the transfer device each comprise a transport means and a pressure means, between which the flat products are transported horizontally.

Preferably, the means of transport is driven, while the contact pressure rests on the sheet-like products and is passively moved.

Particularly space-saving, it is when the two means form a passing through the transfer device through transport path, which is designed as a twisted space curve in the manner of a loop.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the transport means is driven in each case via a force transmission means revolving along the connecting line, into which force transmission means the transfer device is looped. The power transmission means may in particular be a drive belt.

It is advantageous if the power transmission means or the drive belt is driven by a coupling device of and synchronously with the associated winding station. In this way, there is a simple synchronization between the winding station and transfer device while saving additional drive and control means.

In the same way, the conveying means for transporting the flat products on the connecting lines can be driven by a coupling device of and synchronously with the associated winding station.

The flexibility of the intermediate storage can be increased in a simple manner by providing a plurality of supply lines and / or discharge lines.

Furthermore, it is expedient if according to another embodiment at the end of the discharge line (s) intermediate stations for the preparation of the stored Schuppenstroms the sheet products for subsequent processing steps are arranged.

In particular, the intermediate stations can be designed to change the position of the flat products to each other in the scale flow.

In addition, to increase flexibility, the intermediate stations may have an additional input for feeding additional flat products via an adjacent feeder.

Also, the intermediate stations may have different output paths for the same reason.

The inventive method for operating a temporary storage device according to the invention is characterized in that for winding brought over a selected feed line flat products in a selected winding station belonging to the selected winding station transfer device on the associated to the selected winding station connection path to the intersection of the selected Feeding distance is moved with the belonging to the selected winding station connecting path, and that for discharging unwound in the selected winding station flat products via a selected discharge path, the associated transfer device is moved to the intersection of the selected discharge path with belonging to the selected winding station connecting path and the transport direction of the flat products in the associated transfer device and on the connecting line is reversed.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

in der Draufsicht von oben ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Zwischenspeicher-Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung mit vier Wickelstationen sowie einer Zuführstrecke und eine Abführstrecke;

Fig. 2

in der Draufsicht von oben ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Zwischenspeicher-Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung mit sechs Wickelstationen sowie zwei Zuführstrecken und zwei Abführstrecken;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Teils der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

in einer Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung einer Zwischenstation gemäss Fig. 1 in einem ersten Betriebsmodus;

Fig. 5

in einer Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung der Zwischenstation aus Fig. 4 mit einer zusätzlichen Zuführvorrichtung in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus;

Fig. 6

in einer Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung der Zwischenstation aus Fig. 4 mit einer zusätzlichen Zuführvorrichtung in einem dritten Betriebsmodus;

Fig. 7

in einer Seitenansicht eine schematische Darstellung einer Zwischenstation gemäss Fig. 1 in einem vierten Betriebsmodus;

Fig. 8

in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht zwei parallele Verbindungsstrecken zur Anbindung der Wickelstationen in einer Vorrichtung gemäss Fig. 1 mit darauf verfahrbaren Übergabevorrichtungen gemäss einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und

Fig. 9

in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht in vergrösserter Darstellung die Übergabevorrichtungen aus Fig. 8.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

in plan view from above a first embodiment of a buffer device according to the invention with four winding stations and a feed line and a discharge path;

Fig. 2

in top plan view of a second embodiment of a buffer device according to the invention with six winding stations and two feed lines and two discharge lines;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a part of the device Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

in a side view a schematic representation of an intermediate station according Fig. 1 in a first mode of operation;

Fig. 5

in a side view of a schematic representation of the intermediate station Fig. 4 with an additional feeder in a second mode of operation;

Fig. 6

in a side view of a schematic representation of the intermediate station Fig. 4 with an additional feeder in a third mode of operation;

Fig. 7

in a side view a schematic representation of an intermediate station according Fig. 1 in a fourth mode of operation;

Fig. 8

in a perspective side view of two parallel links for connecting the winding stations in a device according to Fig. 1 with movable transfer devices according to another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 9

in a perspective side view in an enlarged view of the transfer devices Fig. 8 ,

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Fig. 1 is shown in plan view from above a first embodiment of a buffer device according to the invention. The buffer device 10 of the Fig. 1 comprises a total of four winding stations D1-D4, which are arranged in pairs parallel to each other. In the winding stations D1-D4, the flat products arriving in dandruff formation are wound in a manner known per se onto an angle core 15 to form a winding 16 and temporarily stored in the form of the roll 16. The winding cores 15 and winding 16 are each rotatably mounted in the winding stations D1-D4 about an axis, wherein the axes of the various winding stations are arranged parallel to each other. The winding stations D1-D4 are all connected to the storage and retrieval of the products from the same side via parallel connecting lines 14 with the remaining parts of the buffer device 10.

A feed section 11 runs parallel to the connecting sections 14, and a discharge section 12 runs parallel to the feed section 11. The feed section 11 is designed as a circulating, belt-like transport mechanism (see also FIG Fig. 3 ), via which the products to be stored are introduced in the form of a scale flow and optionally on the connecting lines 14 be diverted and transferred. The transfer takes place in the lower return of the feed section 11, in which at the intersections between the feed section 11 and the underlying connecting sections 14 lowerable sections or other switches are provided, via which the scale flow can be transferred at this point to each underlying connection path 14 , For the actual transfer of the products transfer devices 13 are provided (see also Fig. 8 and 9 ), which will be discussed later.

The feed section 11 can be supplied, for example via a conveyor TR1, for example in the form of a known Klammertransporteurs, with the sheet products. For this purpose, the feed dog TR1, as in Fig. 3 shown, over a certain distance parallel over the feed line 11 along and sets (by opening the brackets) from the products on the feed line 11 in imbricated formation.

Parallel to and behind the feed section 11, the discharge line 12 is guided across the connecting lines 14. Via the discharge line 12, the products (unwound) unwound from a reel 16 in one of the reeling stations D1-D4 can be further transported to a processing station 22 for further processing, which is formed in the example shown as a known insertion drum. Also via the discharge line 12, the products are transported in the form of a scale flow, the products may have a different scale arrangement than on the Zuführstrecke 11. If the products, for example, along a folded edge folded sheet is, with the folded edge first one of Winding stations D1-D4 are supplied to the sheets are transported in the scale flow of the discharge line 12 with the folded edge to the rear or the flower first on.

In order to restore the original scale formation, the products are introduced at the end of the discharge line 12 in an intermediate station 17, in which a corresponding Rearrangement of the scale formation is made. The intermediate station 17, to which later in connection with the Fig. 4-7 will be discussed in more detail, can be used simultaneously for other modes of operation, which further increase the flexibility of the device. For this purpose, the intermediate station 17 can in particular be assigned a feed device 18 (eg of the type known in the market "JetFeeder" of the present applicant) (see also FIG Fig. 5 and 6 ), from which other products can be entered into the processing process from outside. The rearranged products coming from the intermediate station 17 are input to the processing station 22 via a deflecting device 19 and a corresponding feeding device 21.

At the in Fig. 1 2, the four parallel links 14 and the intersecting feed section 11 and the down link 12 form a 2x4 matrix with 2 rows and 4 columns and a total of 8 intersection points. This configuration makes it possible to wind products in a first winding station for temporary storage on a winding 16, while at the same time unwound in an other, second winding station of an existing winding 16 products and thus be stored out. For this purpose, the first winding station is connected by the associated transfer device 13 on the associated link 14 to the feed line 11, while the second winding station is connected by the associated transfer device 13 on the associated link 14 with the discharge line 12. The transport directions of the two transfer devices 13 and connecting lines 14 are in each case opposite.

If, in the first winding station, it is intended to switch over from the winding process to an unwinding process, the associated transfer device 13 is moved on its connecting path 14 from the point of intersection with the supply line 11 to the intersection point with the discharge line 12, ie moves spatially. At the same time, the transport direction in the transfer device 13 and on the connecting path 14 is reversed.

If, however, in the second winding station the unwinding process switches over to a winding-up process, the associated transfer device 13 is moved on its connecting path 14 from the point of intersection with the discharge line 12 to the point of intersection with the feed line 11. At the same time, the transport direction in the transfer device 13 and on the connecting path 14 is reversed.

Thus, the optional connection of the winding stations D1-D4 to the feed section 11 and the discharge line 12 can be done easily via the corresponding intersection points, the transfer devices 13 are arranged movable on their associated links 14. For moving the transfer devices 13, a motor drive (drive motor 38 in FIG Fig. 8 ), which is arranged on the winding station facing the end of the connecting path 14. The power transmission takes place, for example, via a chain running along the connecting path 14 into which the transfer device 13 is looped. The transfer device 13 itself is slidably mounted on the top of the displacement section 14 on rails or by means of linear guides.

The method or movement of the transfer devices 13 can be done by these are moved directly or else by means of separately driven vehicles. Their different working positions can be specified by mechanical positioning means, by sensors or by appropriately controlled linear drives. In complex devices, e.g. because of constructive and / or logistical conditions, preferably spatially not purely linear movements between the different working positions of the transfer devices in the invention are possible.

It goes without saying that in the context of the invention, other matrix configurations of winding stations and feed and discharge lines than those in Fig. 1 shown are possible. So is in Fig. 2 a 6x4 matrix shown, in which six winding stations D1-D6 are arranged in pairs and parallel to each other and each with two feed lines 11 a, b and two discharge lines l2a, b can be selectively connected. In the Fig. 2 shown buffer device 20 'in turn has per link 14 a movable on this route transfer device 13, so that a total of six transfer devices are available. Each of the six transfer devices 13 is movable on its connecting path 14 between four crossing points, which are formed by the connecting path 14 and the two transverse feed lines 11 a, b and two transverse discharge lines 12 a, b.

Due to the 6x4 matrix arrangement, products can be simultaneously stored in two different winding stations via the two feed lines 11a, b and products can be stored out of two other winding stations via the two discharge lines 12a, b. The two feed lines 11 a, b are supplied by associated conveyors TR1 and TR2 with the products to be stored, while at the end of each of the discharge lines 12a, b respectively a combination of an intermediate station 17a, b and a feeder 18a, b is arranged. Correspondingly, the products are forwarded via deflecting devices 19a, b and feeding devices 21a, b to a subsequent processing station 22.

In Fig. 3 is shown in a perspective view, a latching device 20, resulting from the device of Fig. 2 thereby results that the additional winding stations D5 and D6 as well as the processing station 22, the feeders 21a, b and the deflection devices 19a, b are omitted. In the presentation of the Fig. 3 It can be seen clearly that the feed lines 11a, b are designed as circulating transport means and the delivery of the products takes place at the crossing points in the lower return via lowerable sections. It can further be seen that the connection between the ends of the discharge lines 12a, b and the entrances of the intermediate stations 17a, b takes place via transport paths which have the shape of a space curve twisted in the manner of a "partial looping" and a 90 ° change in direction of the scale flow enable. Comparable transport routes or space curves are arranged in the transfer devices 13. Finally, it can also be seen that the transporters TR1 and TR2 extend above the supply lines 11a, b for a distance and deliver the products to the supply lines 11a, b there.

The in the Fig. 1-3 shown intermediate stations 17 and 17a, b, for example, have an internal structure, the in Fig. 4 is shown schematically in a side view. The central component of the intermediate station 17 is a device for rearranging, which comprises a feed section 23, a transfer station 24, a removal device 26 and a discharge line 28. The incoming scale flow of the products passes via the feed line 23 to the transfer station 24, where it forms an intermediate stack of products, from the puller 26 pulls the products in the opposite direction one after the other and discharges via the discharge line 28 to the outside, the transport direction of the individual products is reversed ,

The intermediate station 17 of the Fig. 4 also has a conveyor line 25, which leads from another (opposite) input to the extractor around and can be connected via a switch 27 with either the discharge line 28 or with another discharge line 29. The purpose and advantage of the conveyor line 25 results from the Fig. 5 showing a configuration in which a feed device 18 is connected to the intermediate station 17 such that the products supplied by the feed device 18 can be transferred directly to the conveyor line 25 (see Fig. 5 ). In this way, additional or other products that are present at the feed device 18, for example in the form of a stack 31 and are withdrawn from the stack by means of a puller 32, via the conveyor line 25 and the discharge line 28 in the processing process, as in Fig. 1 is exemplified introduced.

With the configuration of Fig. 5 But can also be realized by switching the switch 27, an operating mode in which additionally supplied products are discharged via the discharge line 29 as a scaly formation elsewhere ( Fig. 6 ). One of these possibilities is to transport the products via the discharge line 29 on the discharge line 12 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) or 12a ( Fig. 2 ), which is operated in reverse transport direction and the products to a winding station (D2 in Fig. 1 or D1 in Fig. 2 ) (solid, right - turning arrows in Fig. 1 . 2 ). In this way, separately input products from outside can be wound up and temporarily stored in a winding station.

The intermediate station 17 of the Fig. 4 but can also be used according to Fig. 7 the rearranged products with appropriate position of the switch 27 via corresponding conveyor lines 33 and 34 of a collection line 35, where it is assembled with other products to more complex printed products. An example of such a collection line is the Applicant's device known as "FlyStream".

In the latching devices 10, 20 and 20 'of Fig. 1-3 comes to the movable on the connecting lines 14 arranged transfer devices 13 is of particular importance, because they not only the transport-related connection between the connecting section 14 and the feed lines 11, 11a, b and discharge lines 12, 12a, b must produce, in which a Deflection by 90 ° accomplished and a difference in height between the lying on different levels routes must be overcome, but because they must - together with the connecting section 14 - be designed switchable in the transport direction.

Suitable embodiments of such transfer devices 13a, b are in the Fig. 8 and 9 shown. Fig. 8 shows two immediately adjacent to each other, each other parallel links 14a and 14b. Each of the two connecting sections 14a, b has two continuous conveyor belts 37a-d extending over the entire length. From the connection section 14b is in Fig. 8 only one of the conveyor belts, 37c shown. The second conveyor belt has been omitted in order to provide an unobstructed view of a drive belt 36b arranged between the two conveyor belts, which is responsible for driving the transport mechanism in the associated transfer device 13b. On the other connecting path 14a, a corresponding drive belt 36a between the two conveyor belts 37a and 37b is present. The drive belts 36a, b are preferably formed as a toothed belt, but can also be replaced by other elements such as chains.

The conveyor belts 37a-d and the drive belts 36a, b for the transfer devices 13a, b are preferably driven by a mechanical coupling (eg a cardan shaft) from a main drive accommodated in the respective winding station D1-D4, which at the same time winds the reel during winding and unwinding drives and controls. In this way, the winding or unwinding process in the winding station and the transport process on the connecting path and in the transfer device always run synchronously. But it can also be provided for the conveyor belts 37a-d and the drive belt 36a, b a separate drive, which is then synchronized with the other drives accordingly.

The two transfer devices 13a and 13b are respectively arranged on the connecting paths 14a and 14b in the manner of a carriage on two parallel rails 44a, b and 44c, d (FIG. Fig. 9 ) movably mounted and guided. As already mentioned earlier, the transfer devices 13a, b are each moved by means of a drive motor 38 arranged at the end of the connecting lines 14a, b via a chain drive. In each transfer device 13a, b, a deflection 40a and 40b is formed, which has the shape of a self-represented space curve in the manner of a looping and deflected to be transferred scale flow of the products by 90 ° and thereby. At the same time with the deflection route 40a, b bridges a difference in height which exists between the connecting sections 14a, b and the conveying paths 11, 11a, b extending transversely over them and discharge lines 12, 12a, b.

The deflection paths 40a, b are each formed by one of the space curve following row of rollers 45, over which a driven transport 41 runs. The transport means 41 is connected via two parallel drive axles 39 and 43, which are operatively connected to each other via a belt drive 46 ( Fig. 9 ), driven by the drive belt 36a, b. On the upper side of the transport means 41, a contact pressure means 42 adhere to the deflection path 40a, b. The pressing means 42, which does not have its own drive, presses in this way go on the deflection line 40a, b transported imbricated flow to the transport means 41, so that the imbricated flow of the products between the two belts 41 and 42 is guided safely. For lateral support of the products in the transported shingled stream, parallel running support strips 47a, b (on both sides of the roller conveyor formed by the rollers 45 Fig. 8 ) arranged.

In each of the transfer devices 13a, b, the deflection path 40 or 40a, b ends up in a connection part 48 (FIG. Fig. 8 ), with which the connection of the deflection 40 and 40a, b and thus the transfer device 13a, b to one of the supply lines 11 and 11a, b or discharge lines 12 and 12a, b can be made. The connecting part 48 is designed to be movable in the vertical direction, which can be realized for example by a hydraulic or pneumatic adjusting mechanism.

Both the conveyor belts 37a-d in the connecting sections 14a, b and the lower belts 41 driven by the drive belts 36a, b can be reversibly operated in opposite directions, so that the connecting sections 14a, b and transfer devices 13a, b both during storage and during Storing the products make the connection between the winding stations D1-D4 and the feed lines 11, 11a, b and discharge lines 12, 12a, b.

The described arrangement by which the products are transported and delivered in the form of flakes can also be used, under suitable operation, to densify the shingled stream by either shortening the distance between successive products or by pulling it apart by extending the same distance. Such a change in the scale current density is achieved in that the transport speed of the scale before and after the transfer between two routes is chosen differently: To stretch the scale, the transport speed after the transfer is higher, for upsetting it is lower. By turning the scale in the transfer device 13, 13a, b can be ensured that the foremost product in the scale always comes to lie lowermost. In particular, it is possible in this way to wind the scale in compacted form.

For winding or storing products supplied via a selected feed line 11, 11a, b in a selected winding station D1,..., D4, the transfer device 13, 13a, b belonging to the selected winding station D1, the selected winding station D1, .., D4 associated link 14, 14a, b by means of the drive mechanism described above to the intersection of the selected feed section 11, 11a, b with the associated to the selected winding station D1, .., D4 connecting path 14, 14a, b emotional.

For discharging or extracting in the selected winding station D1, .., D4 unwound flat products on a selected discharge line 12, 12a, b, the associated transfer device 13, 13a, b to the intersection of the selected discharge line 12, 12a, b with the the selected winding station D1, .., D4 associated link 14, 14a, b moves and the transport direction of the scale flow of the products in the associated transfer device 13, 13 a, b and on the connecting line 14, 14 a, b reversed.

In particular embodiments, it may be advantageous to arrange the feed section 11, 11a, b and the discharge section 12, 12a, b not substantially at right angles to the connecting sections 14, 14a, b, but at a certain angle thereto. In this way, the transfer devices 13, 13a, b can be adapted with their space curves special needs and it can be achieved, for example, that the deflected by these transfer devices deflection - viewed in plan view - not 90 °, but, for example, only 70 ° cover. In addition, special arrangements in corresponding operating halls can be taken into account by such arrangements.

In other embodiments, it is preferably provided that the parallel feed lines 11, 11 a, b and discharge lines 12, 12 a, b have their entry and exit points at opposite ends. This allows for further variability of the cache device.

A further variant of the invention uses transfer devices 13, 13a, b, which are not fixedly assigned to a winding station, but are movable between the lines of two winding stations (ie, for example, with a movement substantially parallel to the supply / discharge lines 11, 12 in FIG Fig. 1 ). Thus, for example, a first and three further transfer devices (per supply / discharge line one) between the winding stations D5 and D6 back and forth to be movable. Such solutions may take account of the fact that the movement path is minimized if the distances of the supply and discharge lines 11 a, b and 12 a, b at a given arrangement in relation to the distance of the winding stations (the example D5, D6) significantly larger is. In this case, the transfer devices 13, 13a, b would have to be able to be decoupled from the connecting links 14, 14a, b in order to be able to change between the connecting links 14, 14a, b.

Claims (21)

1. A device (10, 20, 20') for the temporary storage of flat products, in particular printed products, which can be coiled in a shingled arrangement, which temporary storage device (10, 20, 20') has a plurality of coiling stations (D1,...,D4) which are arranged substantially adjacent to one another and to which the products to be temporarily stored are fed in for coiling on connecting sections (14, 14a,b) or from which the temporarily stored products are discharged after uncoiling on the connecting sections (14, 14a,b), and at least one infeed section (11, 11a,b) and at least one discharge section (12, 12a,b) which cross the connecting sections (14, 14a,b) at specified crossing points, characterized in that transfer devices (13, 13a,b) are arranged in a movable manner on the connecting sections (14, 14a,b), which transfer devices can be moved to the crossing points and optionally connect the connecting sections (14, 14a,b) to the at least one infeed section (11, 11a,b) or to the at least one discharge section (12, 12a,b) at the crossing points for transferring the flat products between the sections (11, 11a,b; 12, 12a,b; 14, 14a,b).
2. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connecting sections (14, 14a,b) are arranged parallel to one another, that the at least one infeed section (11, 11 a,b) and the at least one discharge section (12, 12a,b) run parallel to one another, that the sections (11, 11a,b; 12, 12a,b; 14, 14a,b) cross one another in the manner of a matrix at substantially a right angle, and that the flat products are in each case deflected through substantially 90° in the transfer devices (13, 13a,b).
3. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer devices (13, 13a,b) can be moved individually and independently from one another, and that in each case a controllable drive motor (38) is provided for moving the transfer devices (13, 13a,b).
4. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the controllable drive motor (38) is in each case arranged in a stationary manner on the connecting section (14, 14a,b) and actively connected to the associated transfer device (13, 13a,b) by force transmission means.
5. The temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 1-4, characterized in that conveying means (37a-d) are provided along the connecting sections (14, 14a,b) for transporting the flat products on the first sections (14, 14a,b) between the transfer devices (13, 13a,b) and the coiling stations (D1,...,D4).
6. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the conveying means comprise circulating conveyor belts (37a-d) in the longitudinal direction of the connecting sections (14, 14a,b), and that the running direction of the conveyor belts (37a-d) can be reversed in order to reverse the transport direction.
7. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the conveyor belts (37a-d) are fed through the transfer devices (13, 13a,b) on rollers.
8. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that two parallel conveyor belts (37a,b and 37c,d respectively) are provided per connecting section.
9. The temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 1-8, characterized in that means (41, 42) for transporting the flat products through the transfer device (13, 13a,b) are provided within the transfer devices (13, 13a,b) between the connecting sections (14, 14a,b) and the at least one infeed section (11, 11a,b) and the at least one discharge section (12, 12a,b).
10. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the means for transporting the flat products through the transfer device (13, 13a,b) in each case comprise a transport means (41) and a pressing means (42) between which the flat products are transported horizontally.
11. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the transport means (41) is driven, while the pressing means (42) rests on the flat products and is moved passively therewith.
12. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the two means (41, 42) form a conveyor section running through the transfer device (13, 13a,b) which, in the manner of a loop, is designed as a convoluted spatial curve.
13. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the transport means (41) is in each case driven by a force transmission means which runs along and around the connecting section, in which force transmission means the transfer device (13, 13a,b) is looped.
14. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the force transmission means or the drive belt (36a,b) is driven by and synchronously with the associated coiling station (D1,...,D4) by means of a coupling device.
15. The temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 5-8, characterized in that the conveying means (37a-d) for transporting the flat products on the connecting sections (14, 14a,b) are driven by and synchronously with the associated coiling station (D1,...,D4) by means of a coupling device.
16. The temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 1-15, characterized in that a plurality of infeed sections (11, 11a,b) and/or discharge sections (12, 12a,b) are provided.
17. The temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 1-16, characterized in that intermediate stations (17, 17a,b) for preparing the discharged shingled stream of flat products for subsequent processing steps are arranged at the end of the discharge section(s) (12, 12a,b).
18. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the intermediate stations (17, 17a,b) are capable of changing the position of the flat products with respect to one another in the shingled stream.
19. The temporary storage device as claimed in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the intermediate stations (17, 17a,b) have at least one additional entry point for feeding in additional flat products via an adjacent infeed device (18, 18a,b).
20. The temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 17-19, characterized in that the intermediate stations (17, 17a,b) have different discharge paths (28, 29).
21. A method for operating a temporary storage device as claimed in one of claims 1-20, characterized in that, for coiling flat products which are fed in from a selected infeed section (11, 11a,b) in a selected coiling station (D1,...,D4), the transfer device (13, 13a,b) associated with the selected coiling station (D1,...,D4) on the connecting section (14, 14a,b) associated with the selected coiling station (D1,...,D4) is moved to the crossing point of the selected infeed section (11, 11 a,b) with the connecting section (14, 14a,b) associated with the selected coiling station (D1,...,D4), and that, for discharging flat products which are uncoiled in the selected coiling station (D1,...,D4) via a selected discharge section (12, 12a,b), the associated transfer device (13, 13a,b) is moved to the crossing point of the selected discharge section (12, 12a,b) with the connecting section (14, 14a,b) associated with the selected coiling station (D1,...,D4) and the transport direction of the flat products in the associated transfer device (13, 13a,b) and on the connecting section (14, 14a,b) is reversed.

Images