EP3585717B1 - Method and device for stacking two-dimensional material sheets, and printing and/or coating machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for stacking flat sheets of material, as well as a method, a printing and / or painting machine, and a sheet metal printing machine for processing and / or processing sheets of material designed as metal sheets according to claims 1, 7, 12 and 18.

Through the DE 199 35 665 A1 or the EP 1 072 548 B1 a device for stacking flat goods, in particular metal sheets, is known, the metal sheets being conveyed overhead over a stacking space and being placed flush between a front and rear edge stop on a lifting table to form a stack on top of one another. The EP 1 262 435 A1 relates to a method and a device for stacking raw material, in particular sheets of paper, wherein an auxiliary stack carrier covering the entire width of the shaft can be introduced horizontally into the stacking space at the stack delivery. The new stack is started on this as an auxiliary stack and then delivered to a pallet positioned below.

The WO 2012/072699 A2 relates to the formation of several stacks of metal sheets, in particular transformer sheets, which, for example, have previously been cut out in a cutting and punching device. In order to be able to deposit several of the cut sheets next to one another in a defined manner in several stacks, stop elements are provided which guide the sheets laterally when they are deposited. The lateral stop elements can be adjusted horizontally to set the target positions, but are mounted at a fixed height. Also the DE 25 51 497 C3 relates to a stacking of transformer sheets to complete Transformers.

The WO 2017/001398 A2 relates to stacking at the end of a sheet-fed printing machine, a downstream stop aligning the stack flush with the corresponding pallet edge.

Through the U.S. 3,217,902 A a device for forming a plurality of stacks is known, in which a pallet is positioned by drive means in the stacking space along the transport direction. A stop plate is provided which can be adjusted in the transport direction via a handwheel and interacts with the pallet to position it.

The JP S60 114157 U discloses a stacking device known, wherein a load support receiving the stack is introduced from the side into the stacking space against a stop. At the level of the stack formation, there is a sheet front stop which can be adjusted along the transport direction for the sheets and a sheet front stop which is adjustable along the transport direction for the sheets. The sheet stops are mounted on the frame so that they can move vertically.

The EP 1 424 301 A1 relates to a stacking device for stacking sheets of paper cut transversely from webs, whereby the stacking should be possible in non-stop operation. For this purpose, in addition to a vertically movable main stacking table, a two-part auxiliary stacking table is provided on which an auxiliary stack can be formed while the main stack is being removed. The pallet arranged on the main stacking table is set and held in its position by pallet fixing strips. A pallet that is slightly larger than the sheet format is normally used to prevent damage to the lower edge of the stack due to the overhang of the pallet.

In the DE 10 2014 210 109 A1 a stacking device for a non-stop stack change is disclosed, one being known, wherein an auxiliary stack carrier including a trailing edge stop can be moved in the transport direction for a smaller sheet format.

The DE 101 00 199 C1 discloses another non-stop pile changing device, the US 2010/0270737 A1 a stacking device with a stacking space accessible from three sides, the DE 10 2016 211 623 A1 a double stacker and the DE 298 20 661 U1 a device for machine-centered alignment of stack carriers in the feeder or delivery of sheet-fed printing machines.

The invention is based on the object of creating methods and devices for stacking flat material sheets and a printing and / or painting machine.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 7, 12 and 18.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are in particular that stacks can be formed in a variable position on an auxiliary load, in particular a pallet. In particular, they can be at least optionally essentially flush with a front with respect to the sheet of material entering the stacking space, i. H. more upstream edge of the loading aid or at a rear edge with respect to the material sheets entering the stacking space, d. H. more upstream charge aid edge. This can advantageously take place without great effort, which would, for example, be associated with a variation of the delivery position.

This is preferably achieved by the fact that in the stacking device, in which material sheets are conveyed via the stacking space of a stacking delivery included by the stacking device and placed on top of one another in a stack on an auxiliary load, the stacks with the four corners of their base area differ from one another for two different productions Relative position to the respectively arranged in the stacking space of the stack delivery and opposite the respective material sheets to be deposited larger-sized auxiliary cargo can be formed on the same by positioning one auxiliary cargo of the same format for each of the two productions at different locations in the stacking space of this stacking display when viewed in the horizontal projection. Preferably for the two different productions the Stack is formed - at least essentially - flush on edges lying on different sides of the larger-sized charging aid compared to the sheet of material to be deposited in each case.

A - particularly suitable for this - preferred device comprises at least one stack delivery with a stacking space, via which incoming sheets of material can be conveyed by a conveyor and placed one on top of the other to form a stack, and a stack carrier that is vertically movable in the stacking space upstream side of the stack as well as a stop means that aligns the material sheets flush with the stack formation on the downstream side of the stack, wherein a loading aid can be positioned on the stack carrier, on which the stack to be formed can be received, and wherein a positioning aid with one or more, the positioning of the loading aid Alignment aids serving in the transport direction are provided, by means of which a position of the auxiliary charge means can be predetermined in a first position in which it is vertically aligned with the downstream connection with its downstream edge hlagmittel is aligned or at most slightly, d. H. is offset by up to 20 mm along the transport direction, in particular upstream, and a position in a second position in which the upstream edge of the loading aid is vertically aligned with the upstream stop means or at most slightly, i.e. H. is offset by up to 20 mm along the transport direction, especially downstream.

Basically regardless of the above, but advantageously also in connection with this, when stacking flat material sheets in a stacking device - preferably comprised by a printing and / or painting machine - material sheets are conveyed on the input side via a stacking space of a stacking delivery comprised by the stacking device and placed on a loading aid in a stack placed on top of one another, with one opposite each other before the formation of a new stack The material sheet of larger-format loading material to be deposited is positioned in the stacking space, and after the horizontal positioning of the loading material for the subsequent stacking, the loading material is moved vertically upwards at least until it is in contact with the lower edge of at least one of the material sheets of the stack during stacking on at least one side of the stack, in particular in one mode of operation of the front and / or in another mode of operation of the rear side of the stack, there is a flush-aligning stop means. This is preferably moved upwards until the at least one stop means is raised at least at least slightly in relation to the position previously assumed in the non-contact state.

A preferred device for stacking flat material sheets - particularly suitable for the above and / or comprised by a printing and / or painting machine - comprises at least one stack delivery with a stacking space, via which incoming material sheets can be conveyed by a conveyor and stored there on top of one another to form a stack are, and a stack carrier that is vertically movable in the stacking space, with a lifting device that aligns the material sheets in the stack formation on the upstream side of the stack and a stop means that aligns the material sheets flush with the stack formation on the downstream side of the stack, and a loading aid can be positioned on the stack carrier on which the to be formed stack can be picked up. A loading plane of the vertically movable stack carrier provided for receiving the loading aid has a greater length, viewed in the transport direction, than a fixed or maximally adjustable distance between the upstream and downstream attachment means for depositing. Instead or in addition to this, the vertically movable stack carrier, viewed in the direction of transport, protrudes significantly on at least the upstream side with its supporting plane supporting the loading aid, i.e. by at least 50 mm and / or by at least one tenth of the length of the between the upstream and downstream stop means for storage operationally existing fixed or maximum distance to be set, beyond the vertical alignment of the stop surface of a stop means that aligns the material sheets flush with the stack formation on the upstream side of the stack.

Individual or more advanced features can be added to the features of the above-mentioned versions, as set out in the versions and variants of the following statements and / or in the referenced patent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Materialbogen be- und/oder verarbeitenden Maschine mit einer ausgangsseitigen Stapelvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht bzw. Draufsicht für die Positionierung eines Stapels a) an der vorderen Ladungshilfsmittelkante und b) an der hinteren Ladungshilfsmittelkante;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Draufsicht für die Positionierung eines Stapels a) an der in Transportrichtung betrachtet linken Ladungshilfsmittelkante und b) an der rechten Ladungshilfsmittelkante;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Positionierung des Ladungshilfsmittels a) an einem die vordere Ladungshilfsmittelkante und einem eine Seitenkante betreffenden Ausrichtmittel zur mittigen Positionierung des Stapels bündig zur vorderen Ladungshilfsmittelkante, b) an einem die hintere Ladungshilfsmittelkante und einem eine Seitenkante betreffenden Ausrichtmittel zur mittigen Positionierung des Stapels bündig zur hinteren Ladungshilfsmittelkante, c) an einem die hintere Ladungshilfsmittelkante und einem eine Seitenkante betreffenden Ausrichtmittel zur Positionierung des Stapels bündig zu einer seitlichen Ladungshilfsmittelkante auf mittlerer Höhe der Transportmittellänge und d) an einem die hintere Ladungshilfsmittelkante und einem die andere Seitenkante betreffenden Ausrichtmittel zur Positionierung des Stapels bündig zur anderen seitlichen Ladungshilfsmittelkante auf mittlerer Höhe der Transportmittellänge;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines Prozesses beim Stapeln von Materialbogen bündig zur vorderen Ladungshilfsmittelkante wobei a) das zuvor zum Vorderkantenanschlag in etwa fluchtend positionierte und zu beladende Ladungshilfsmittel nach oben verfahren wird bis es b) die für den Beginn des Stapelns erforderliche Ausgangslage eingenommen hat um c) erste Materialbogen darauf abzulegen und d) für weitere abzulegende Materialbogen ein Niveau der Stapeloberkante durch Absenken des Ladungshilfsmittels konstant gehalten wird;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines Prozesses beim Stapeln von Materialbogen bündig zur vorderen Ladungshilfsmittelkante wobei a) das zuvor zum Hinterkantenanschlag in etwa fluchtend positionierte und zu beladende Ladungshilfsmittel nach oben verfahren wird bis es b) die für den Beginn des Stapelns erforderliche Ausgangslage eingenommen hat um c) erste Materialbogen darauf abzulegen und d) für weitere abzulegende Materialbogen ein Niveau der Stapeloberkante durch Absenken des Ladungshilfsmittels konstant gehalten wird;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht einer Stapelvorrichtung mit in Transportrichtung hintereinander zwei Stapelauslagen;

Fig. 8

eine Schrägansicht einer Stapelvorrichtung mit schematisch angedeutete, durch Lichtprojektionen gebildeten Ausrichthilfen;

Fig. 9

eine Detaildarstellung eines vorderen oberen Teils einer Stapelauslage mit Lichtquellen und angedeutetem Lichtstrahlverlauf für durch Lichtprojektionen gebildete Ausrichthilfen;

Fig. 10

eine Detaildarstellung eines oberen mittleren Teils einer Stapelauslage mit Lichtquellen und angedeutetem Lichtstrahlverlauf für durch Lichtprojektionen gebildete Ausrichthilfen;

Fig. 11

eine Detaildarstellung eines hinteren oberen Teils einer Stapelauslage mit einer Lichtquelle und angedeutetem Lichtstrahlverlauf für eine durch Lichtprojektion gebildete Ausrichthilfen;

Fig. 12

eine Detaildarstellung eines hinteren oberen Teils einer Stapelauslage mit Lichtquelle und angedeutetem Lichtstrahlverlauf für eine durch eine Lichtprojektionen gebildeten Ausrichthilfe;

Fig. 13

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines mehrteiligen, im unteren Bereich vertikalbeweglichen Anschlagmittels;

Fig. 14

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Materialzuführung;

Fig. 15

eine Schrägansicht auf ein Ladungshilfsmittel in einer ersten, exemplarisch mehrteilige Ausführung;

Fig. 16

eine Schrägansicht auf ein Ladungshilfsmittel in einer zweiten, exemplarisch einteiligen Ausführung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a sheet of material handling and / or processing machine with a stacking device on the output side;

Fig. 2

a schematic side view or plan view for the positioning of a stack a) at the front edge of the load carrier and b) at the rear edge of the load carrier;

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view for the positioning of a stack a) on the left loading aid edge viewed in the direction of transport and b) at the right loading aid edge;

Fig. 4

a schematic plan view of the positioning of the load accessory a) on one of the front load accessory edge and an alignment means relating to a side edge for the central positioning of the stack flush with the front load accessory edge, b) on one of the rear Loading aid edge and an aligning means relating to a side edge for the central positioning of the stack flush with the rear loading aid edge, c) on one of the rear loading aid edge and an aligning means relating to a side edge for positioning the stack flush with a lateral loading aid edge at mid-height of the length of the means of transport and d) on one of the rear edge of the load aid and an alignment means relating to the other side edge for positioning the stack flush with the other side edge of the load aid at mid-height of the length of the means of transport;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a process when stacking sheets of material flush with the front edge of the auxiliary cargo, whereby a) the auxiliary cargo, which was previously positioned and to be loaded in approximately flush position with the front edge stop, is moved upwards until it b) has assumed the starting position required for the beginning of the stacking to c) the first Depositing material sheets thereon and d) for further material sheets to be deposited a level of the upper edge of the stack is kept constant by lowering the auxiliary load;

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of a process when stacking sheets of material flush with the front edge of the auxiliary cargo, whereby a) the auxiliary cargo, which was previously positioned and to be loaded in approximately flush position with the rear edge stop, is moved upwards until it b) has assumed the starting position required for the beginning of the stacking to c) the first Depositing material sheets thereon and d) for further material sheets to be deposited a level of the upper edge of the stack is kept constant by lowering the auxiliary load;

Fig. 7

a side view of a stacking device with in the transport direction two stacking deliveries one behind the other;

Fig. 8

an oblique view of a stacking device with schematically indicated alignment aids formed by light projections;

Fig. 9

a detailed representation of a front upper part of a stack delivery with light sources and indicated light beam path for alignment aids formed by light projections;

Fig. 10

a detailed representation of an upper middle part of a stack delivery with light sources and indicated light beam path for alignment aids formed by light projections;

Fig. 11

a detailed representation of a rear upper part of a stack delivery with a light source and indicated light beam path for an alignment aid formed by light projection;

Fig. 12

a detailed representation of a rear upper part of a stack delivery with light source and indicated light beam path for an alignment aid formed by light projections;

Fig. 13

a schematic sectional view of a multi-part, vertically movable stop means in the lower area;

Fig. 14

a schematic side view of a material feed;

Fig. 15

an oblique view of a charging aid in a first, exemplary multi-part embodiment;

Fig. 16

an oblique view of a loading aid in a second, exemplary one-piece design.

A device for stacking flat material sheets 02, or stacking device 01 for short, comprises at least one stack delivery 03.1; 03.2, sometimes also briefly as a display 03.1; 03.2, with a stacking space in which on the input side of the stacking device 01 incoming, in particular uniformly sized, material sheets 02 on an auxiliary load 04 to form a stack 06, i. H. with side edges that are flush with one another, are to be placed on top of one another.

The stacking device 01 is preferably from a material sheet 02 processing and / or processing machine 11, for. B. printing and / or painting machine 11, and provided with reference to the material flow at its downstream end (see e.g. Fig. 1 ). For example, the printing and / or painting machine 11 comprises a material feed 07, z. B. a so-called feeder 07 or in particular a stack feeder 07, from which the flat material sheets 02 from an input-side stack 06; 06 '; 06 "and one or more printing or varnishing units 09 via conveying devices, not detailed here, through a processing and / or processing unit 09, possibly in the further course through a dryer 14, for example a hot air dryer 14, and finally on the input side into the stacking device 01 be promoted.

The material sheets 02 are preferably formed here by so-called sheet metal panels 02. As such, thin, for example at most 1 mm thick, and in particular rectangular sheets of sheet metal, eg. B. steel or especially aluminum sheet, to understand whose width and length z. B. are each more than a factor of 200 greater than their thickness. The stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 set up for stacking material sheets 02 of different material sheet formats or formats for short, ie for stacking material sheets 02 of a first material sheet format with a first length and / or width in a first operating situation or production and for stacking material sheets 02 of a second material sheet format with a length and / or width different from the first in a second operating situation or production.

In principle, the auxiliary loading means 04 can be implemented by any transportable support that is suitable for receiving a stack 06 of flat material sheets 02 on its upper side and with this for transport purposes - e.g. B. by or via appropriate means of transport 12; 13 - to be moved. In a preferred embodiment, the loading aid 04 is designed as or in the manner of a pallet 04 which, for receiving the stack 06, has a superstructure 16 with a flat stack 06; 06 '; 06 "supporting receiving floor with a one-part or multi-part closed or interrupted supporting surface on the upper side and a one-part or multi-part substructure 15 supporting the superstructure 16 from below with several longitudinal and / or transverse support elements 17 spaced apart from one another, e.g. so-called. Runners 17, which are formed, for example, by blocks and so-called floor boards, and optionally include additional crossbars.

In a preferred embodiment, the loading device 04 arranged or to be arranged on the input and / or output side of the machine 11 is designed as a standard loading device 04, in particular a standard or standard pallet 04, with the same format for different material sheet formats to be carried. Compared to conventional handling, in which suitable pallets 04 with different pallet formats are used for different material sheet formats, the use of the same pallet format for different material sheet formats enables automation or at least partial automation in a multi-stage process with, for example, several successive loading and / or or processing machines are simplified or can at least meet the requirements for automation or at least partial automation be improved.

Such standard loading aids 04 can be used, for example, in the entire system, such as. B. on the input side of one or more machines 11, during transport by possibly a wide variety of transport means 12; 13 or in a storage area 05, e.g. B. for temporary storage of stacks 06; 06 '; 06 "sheet of material 02 to be processed several times. Between machines 11 and / or a machine 11 and a storage area 05, for example at least one industrial truck 13, e.g. trackless, track-bound or track-guided, in particular an AGV 13 (automated guides vehicle ), be provided.

For example, the machine 11 can have a stack 06; 06 '; 06 "material sheet 02 to be processed on a loading aid 04, which is larger than the material sheet format, i.e. a loading aid 04 is supplied and / or on the output side a stack 06 of processed material sheets 02 can be stacked on a loading aid 04 larger than the material sheet format, in particular standard loading aid 04 of the same loading aid format.

It is particularly advantageous if, in productions with material sheets 02 with a smaller format than the loading aids 04, the position of the stack 06 to be formed on the loading aids 04 located in the stacking space of the stacking device 01 can be varied or determined at least within certain limits. Stack 06; 06 'of the same material sheet format can only be positioned differently on the loading aid 04 (see for an illustration in an example in Fig. 1 , FIGS. 2 and 3 marked 06 and 06 '). Instead or in addition to this, the stacks 06; 06 "of two productions, however, also have material sheet formats that are different from one another, for example each smaller than the loading auxiliary format (see for illustration in Fig. 1 exemplary with 06 or 06 'and labeled 06 ").

When handling or processing material sheets 02, the respective stacks 06; 06 '; 06 "with the four corners of their base area in mutually different relative positions to the respectively arranged in the stacking space and larger-format loading devices 04 compared to the respective material sheets 02 to be deposited. In other words, the stacks 06; 06 '; 06" are different from one another for two productions Places of the auxiliary cargo means 04 positioned in the stacking space are formed.

In this case, an embodiment is advantageous, according to which the stacks 06; 06 '; 06 "each end flush with its edge on at least one side of the cargo accessory 04. Under the flush finish, the stack side and the load accessory edge 18; 19; 48; 49 (see below) should be exactly aligned up to a slight protrusion of the stack 06; 06 ' ; 06 "over the relevant charge auxiliary edge 18; 19 of, for example, up to 20 mm, preferably up to a maximum of 10 mm. For the sake of clarity, this can also be summarized below under the expression "essentially" flush.

For example, in order to better meet the requirements of different subsequent work, storage or transfer steps, the stacks 06; 06 '; 06 "is formed flush on edges lying on different sides of the larger-format cargo aid 04 opposite the respective material sheet 02 to be deposited. For example, in a production or operating mode, the stack 06 can be placed on the upstream cargo aid edge 18, in the following with reference to its orientation in Stacking space also referred to as the front edge 18, lie or be formed (see e.g. Fig. 2a )) and in a different production or mode of operation of the stack 06 ′ on the downstream edge 19 of the auxiliary load, also as the rear edge 19 in the following designated, lie or be formed (see e.g. Figure 2b )). Instead or preferably in addition to this, stacks 06; 06 '; 06 ″ of different productions also on the two different lateral cargo means edges 48; 49, e.g. once with a view from the transport direction T on the left side edge 48 (see e.g. Fig. 3a )) and another time on the right side edge 49 (see e.g. Figure 3b )). A positioning of a stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ lie or are formed in one of the corners of the auxiliary cargo means 04 and in a different production or operating mode in a different position.

The expression “upstream” and “downstream” should be used - provided that it is the stacking device 01 or the auxiliary cargo 04 or stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ - relate in particular to the direction of movement of the material flow as it is present on the input side of the stacking space for material sheets 02 to be deposited there.

Instead of the position of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ on the auxiliary cargo means 04, the position of the auxiliary cargo means 04 is defined in the stacking space at different points within the scope of the solution presented here, which is particularly advantageous in terms of complexity.

In a preferred embodiment, the remains on the position in the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 related storage location for a stack front side 28, z. B. upstream facing stack side 28 forming material sheet leading edges 38 viewed in the transport direction T for depositing in the transport direction T on the load support 04 varying positions of stacks 06; 06 '; 06 "stationary. That is, for productions with positions of a stack 06; 06 ';06" that are different from one another on the auxiliary loading device 04 in the transport direction T, the one on the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 related delivery point for the stack front 28 forming material sheet front edges 38 varies, but the Position of the auxiliary load 04 in the stacking space of the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2. The loading aid 04 is positioned on a support device 51 which can be moved vertically in the stacking space.

The on the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 related delivery location for the rear edges 39 of the material sheet forming a rear side 29 of the stack may vary with format lengths of material 02 to be deposited for different productions in the transport direction T to positions of stacks 06 that vary in the transport direction T on the auxiliary load material 04; 06 '; 06 "remain stationary, whereby the teaching otherwise - with the changes that may be necessary due to the reversal - is to be applied to this.

It is of particular advantage if for those in one of the above Way in the storage position of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ on the productions differentiating the loading aid 04, a loading aid 04 of the same format, in particular an above-mentioned standard loading aid 04, is positioned in a defined manner at different locations in the stacking space.

The positioning of the loading aid 04 for at least one of two productions or modes of operation with mutually different stacking positions is preferably supported by a data processing-based positioning aid, which z. B. using the required position of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "on the load accessory 04 information I (L) and information I (F) relating to the format of the material sheets 02 to be deposited a position specification relating to the target position of the load accessory 04, for example a location specification for a drive device positioning the load accessory 04 or preferably a location specification for Determines and implements an alignment aid. The determination can also be based on information I (P) relating to which is available for certain production situations Position data. For this purpose, information I (P) relating to the forthcoming production is retrieved, for example, to determine the position specification. The data processing-based positioning aid can include a data processing program implemented in a data processing means, which on the one hand is in signal connection to an input-side interface via which one or more of the above information I (L); I (F); I (P) can be fed or are fed, and on the output side with a transport means 12 or an alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 positioning drive device is in signal connection.

The positioning aid is the required position of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "on information I (L) relating to the loading aid 04, preferably by selecting or specifying on an operating interface 59, for example an operating device 59 associated with the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 or even the entire machine 11, such as a touch panel 59, in particular by selecting a stack position or the load accessory edge 18; 19; 48; 49 provided for flush closure is conveyed in a graphical representation of a load accessory 04 or by selecting one of several graphically represented load accessories 04 with stacks 06; 06 '; 06 ″ positioned on differently.

For the - for example at least partially automated - case of a drive device positioning the transport means 12 for the auxiliary cargo means 04, a drive means for the auxiliary cargo means 04 receiving and moving the transport means 12 at least in the stacking space, e.g. B. a drive motor driving the roller conveyor 12 may be provided. Its drive means or its drive means or a position control acting on it receives the position specification determined in the above-mentioned manner and causing the desired position of the auxiliary cargo means 04. In order to enable variable positioning transverse to the transport direction T instead of or in addition to a variable positioning along the transport direction T, a part of the z. B. designed as a driven roller conveyor 12 transport means 12 in or be arranged on a transversely movable and transversely drivable frame.

In an embodiment that is less complex with regard to the configuration of the transport means 12, a desired position of at least one alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 identified and implemented, d. H. positioned according to the position specification. As alignment aids 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 can be one or more mechanical stop means or, preferably, as optical display means 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 trained alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 can be provided, for which or which the relevant position specification is determined and the specification via appropriate control and / or drive means 41; 42; 43; 44 implemented, d. H. is activated and / or positioned according to the position specification. In principle, the optical display means 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27, an illuminated display, for example a one- or two-dimensional light-emitting diode array, provided in the support plane of the auxiliary cargo means 04 to be positioned, can be provided which, for displaying the nominal position for the auxiliary cargo means 04, for example shows the nominal position of a reference line or a set of reference points, for example a cargo auxiliary edge 18 ; 19; 48, 49 or corner undergoes optically highlighting control.

In an advantageous embodiment shown here, at least one optical alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 by a light projection 21 to be made visible in the support plane of the auxiliary charge means 04 to be positioned; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 of a directed - for example point or line-shaped - light beam is formed which is passed through a light source 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37, preferably a laser 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37, in particular a line laser 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37, is sent out. At least one or more of the light projections 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 is or can be displaced in the horizontal direction in order to implement different target positions, in that the assigned light source 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37 can be moved by motor as a whole or at least with respect to its beam direction and according to determined target position controllable in the stacking device 01 or stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 is arranged.

In order to position the auxiliary cargo 04 - in particular for at least one of two productions which differ from one another in the transport direction T in the stacking position on the auxiliary cargo 04 - the auxiliary cargo 04 in this embodiment is thus attached to the horizontally movable light projection 21; 22; 23; 26 of a point-shaped or line-shaped light beam of a light source 31 that is movable overall or at least with respect to its beam direction; 32; 33; 36 aligned. For the light source 31; 32; 33; 36 or its beam direction, a desired position is determined as a position specification and is determined by corresponding drive means 41; 42; 43; 44 implemented.

By the relevant light source 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37 or its beam direction is at the level of the support plane of the auxiliary charge means 04 to be positioned, in particular on a support device 51 receiving the auxiliary charge means 04, to form the light projection 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 executed alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 projects the image of a point or line-shaped light beam. The support device 51, for. B. also referred to as stack carrier 51, is vertically displaceable via a drive means, not shown, whereby the loading aid 04 arranged thereon between a lower position, in which it is positioned, for example, according to the target position, and an upper position, in which, for example, stacking from sheet of material 02 to a new stack 06; 06 '; The stack carrier 51, in particular its part that can be equipped with a loading aid 04, has a greater length than the largest material sheet format length to be stacked when viewed in the transport direction T and / or protrudes with its support plane receiving the loading aid 04 when viewed in the transport direction T on the downstream side via the rear side 29 of the stack to be formed farthest downstream in or through the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 and / or in particular on the upstream side via the rear side 29 to be formed furthest upstream Stack front 28 addition. It preferably protrudes downstream by at least 50 or in particular at least 100 mm and / or by at least one tenth of the length of the between the upstream and downstream stop means 61; 52 for filing operationally existing fixed or maximum distance to be set beyond the stop. The stack carrier 51 is formed, for example, in the manner of a support frame which can dip into the transport means 12, which is preferably designed as a roller conveyor 12.

In principle, one or more charge aid edges 18; 19; 48; 49 directed alignment aids 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27, in particular light projections 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 may be provided. In this case, a charge aid edge 18 to be aligned; 19; 48; 49 an alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 assigned in a defined manner so that an orientation of the on the alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 of the part of the auxiliary charge means 04 to be aligned, the desired position (in particular with respect to the relevant direction) and / or the desired alignment of the corresponding auxiliary charge means edge 18; 19; 48; 49 results. As on the alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; The part of the auxiliary cargo means 04 to be aligned 27 can in principle be arranged to have any line or set of dots on the auxiliary cargo means 04, which is suitable for this by contacting an alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 a desired alignment and / or position of a charge aid edge 18; 19; 48; 49 of the auxiliary cargo means 04 to be positioned in the support plane. Preferably, however, the lines or sets of points to be aligned in each case are used which are already determined by the structure and geometry of the auxiliary charge means 04 and which are to be aligned with respect to the charge aid edge 18; 19; 48; 49 parallel alignments, as they are, for example, due to the charge aid edge 18; 19; 48; 49 or other edges, e.g. B. that of the support elements 17 or of z. B. by columns 47 separated from each other support elements 46 of a multi-part receiving base, given are. When using one of the charge auxiliary edge 18 to be aligned; 19; 48; 49 deviating line or set of dots is their relative position to the position of the charge aid edge 18; 19; 48; 49 when determining the desired position of the alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 for the required target position of the auxiliary cargo means 04 are also taken into account.

The stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 is - in particular at the level of the storage level - at least one alignment aid 21 which serves to align and / or position the downstream load aid edge 19 with respect to its position in the transport direction T; 22, for example optical alignment aid 21; 22, in particular light projection 21; 22, which, in order to vary the target position for the auxiliary cargo means 04 in the transport direction T - is movable over at least one setting range - by a drive means 41. In principle, any line or set of points that are suitable in the above sense can be used as on the alignment aid 21; 22 to be aligned part. However, it is advantageous if the alignment aid 21; 22, for example, taking into account the length of the auxiliary load, the positioning of the front edge 18, particularly parallel to the rear edge 19, or preferably directly to the positioning of the rear edge 19.

For example, the at least one alignment aid 21 serving to align and / or position the downstream load aid edge 19 with respect to its position in the transport direction T is independent of a stop means 52, e.g. B. trailing edge stop 52, one of the sheets of material 02 of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ during the stack formation on its rear side 29 of the stack, ie the downstream-facing stack side 29, flush-aligning stop device 53 in the transport direction T. An alignment aid 21 that can be moved independently of the rear edge stop 52 in the transport direction T can, on the one hand, allow a different positioning of a stack 06; 06 '; 06 "on the cargo accessory 04 in Transport direction T, z. B. also in one of both the front and rear cargo support edge 18; 19 spaced-apart intermediate layer (see e.g. Figure 4c ) and d)) serve. On the other hand, in the case of productions with format lengths that differ from one another and a respective stacking on the rear edge 19 of the load aid, this can serve to position the alignment aid 21 in accordance with the respective position of the stop 52.

In one embodiment variant, a first alignment aid 21 serving to align and / or position the downstream edge 19 of the load aid with respect to its position in the transport direction T, for example an optical alignment aid 21, in particular a light projection 21, can be moved independently of the stop means 52 of the stop device 53 in the transport direction T. This alignment aid 21, which can be moved independently of the rear edge stop 52 independently in the transport direction T, can be used in the above-mentioned manner for a different positioning of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "on the auxiliary load 04 in transport direction T (see e.g. Figure 4c ) and d)) serve. In addition to this, in this variant - in particular at the level of the storage level - a further alignment aid 22, for example optical alignment aid 22, in particular light projection 22, serving to align and / or position the downstream load aid edge 19 with respect to its position in transport direction T, is provided which, together with the stop means 52 of the stop device 53 is movable or is moved in the transport direction T. This alignment aid 22 is positioned together with the rear stop means 52 by a drive means 42 in the case of productions with format lengths that differ from one another and with a respective stacking on the rear edge 19 of the load aid. It is used, for example, in the event that the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "is not to be formed at the rear edge 19 of the auxiliary cargo 04 but upstream of it (see e.g. Fig. 4a) or 4d )), not activated or at least not taken into account.

In a third variant, the alignment and / or positioning of the alignment aid 22 serving downstream load aid edge 19 with respect to its position in transport direction T, only alignment aid 22 to be positioned together with rear stop means 52 may be provided. In this case, however, the possibility of stacking 06; 06 '; 06 ″ to be able to position differently in the transport direction T on the auxiliary cargo 04.

Instead, or in particular in addition to the at least one or both of the alignment aids 21; 22 is in an advantageous embodiment of the stacking device 01 or stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 - in particular at the level of the storage level - at least one alignment aid 23, for example optical alignment aid 23, in particular light projection 23, which serves to align and / or position a first lateral load aid edge 48 with respect to its position transversely to transport direction T, is provided, which is used to vary the target position for the Loading aid 04 transversely to the transport direction T - over at least one adjustment range - is movable and can be positioned by a drive means 43. In principle, any line or set of points suitable in the above sense can also serve as the part to be aligned on the alignment aid 23. It is advantageous, however, if the alignment aid 23 used to align and / or position the first side edge 48, for example, taking into account a known loading aid width on the positioning of the second side edge 49 - particularly parallel to the first side edge 48 - or preferably directly on the positioning of the first side edge 48 is directed.

The lateral positioning of the alignment aid 23 can in a first embodiment independently of a lateral stop means 54, for. B. side edge stop 54, one of the sheets of material 02 of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ during stack formation on its lateral stack side 55, that is to say transverse to the transport direction T, flush aligning stop device 56 can be moved or positioned. In a preferred embodiment shown here, the lateral alignment aid 23 is connected to the Lateral stop means 54 can be jointly positioned by the drive means 43. In the case of productions with different format widths and a respective stacking on the lateral loading aid edge 48, the alignment aid 23 is then positioned by the drive means 43 together with the lateral stop means 54.

For example, the at least one alignment aid 23, which is used to align and / or position a first lateral load aid edge 48 with respect to its position transverse to the transport direction T, is limited in its adjustment path to the outside mechanically and / or in terms of control technology to a lateral position which is aligned with the lateral Material sheet edge of a material sheet 02 of the largest possible format width to be guided and deposited or one as wide as possible on this machine side in the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 to be guided and deposited there is material sheet 02. In this outer position, the alignment aid 23 specifies the lateral position of the auxiliary loading means 04 in the event that material sheets 02 are or are to be deposited with the largest possible format width or with the largest possible lateral position.

In addition to or instead of the above-mentioned lateral limitation of the travel, an alignment aid 24 can be specifically provided in one variant of the aforementioned embodiment, which - in particular at the level of the storage level - is aligned with the lateral material sheet edge of a material sheet 02 of the largest possible format width to be guided and deposited or the widest possible on this side of the machine in the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 to be guided and deposited there is material sheet 02. This alignment aid 24 (see e.g. in Fig. 4c) and 4d ) indicated by dashed lines) can be implemented as a fixed marking 24, as a lateral stop 24 or, as provided here, as an optical display means 24, in particular as a light projection 24 from an above-mentioned light source 34 and, for example, operationally with respect to the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 be stationary, but possibly adjustable. It is used, for example, in the event that the auxiliary cargo 04 is not at the outermost but at a point further inward is to be positioned (see e.g. Figure 4c )), not activated or at least not taken into account.

In a third variant, only the stationary alignment aid 24 can be provided, in which case the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "is formed, for example, for each format width symmetrically to the center that bisects the width of the load accessory on the load accessory 04.

In an advantageous further development of the embodiment with at least one or both of the alignment aid 23; 24 is in an advantageous development of the stacking device 01 or stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 - in particular at the level of the storage level - at least one alignment aid 26, for example optical alignment aid 26, in particular light projection 26, which serves to align and / or position the other or second lateral load aid edge 49 with respect to its position transversely to transport direction T, is provided, which is used to vary the The target position for the auxiliary load 04 transversely to the transport direction T - over at least one setting range - is movable and can be positioned by a drive means 44. For the implementation of this alignment aid 26 and, if necessary, an additional or instead provided further lateral alignment aid 27 (shown in dashed lines, delimiting the maximum outer position) Figure 4c ) and d)) is the same as above for alignment aid 23; 24 for the first lateral loading aid edge 48, with the proviso that this is arranged and acts in a mirror image to the vertically running machine center plane M dividing the maximum transport path width in the center of the stacking device 01. This is to be used for all three mentioned variations and drive configurations, wherein in one drive configuration the lateral alignment aid 26 together with a lateral stop means 57, e.g. B. side edge stop 57 one for the other stack side 55; 45 provided stop device 58 can be jointly positioned by a respective drive means 44.

In addition to the at least one or both of the alignment aid 21; 22 and / or to the one or both sides provided on the position of the lateral loading aid edge 49; 48 directed alignment aid 23; 24; 26; 27 is in an advantageous development of the stacking device 01 or stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 - in particular at the level of the storage level - at least one alignment aid 25 serving the alignment and / or positioning of the front load aid edge 18 with respect to its position in the transport direction T is provided. In principle, any line or set of points suitable in the above sense can again serve as part of the auxiliary charge means 04 to be aligned with the alignment aid 25. However, it is advantageous if the alignment aid 25 serving to align and / or position the front edge 18, for example, taking into account a known load aid length, is directed to the positioning of the rear edge 19 - particularly parallel to the front edge 18 - or preferably directly to the positioning of the front edge 18. This alignment aid 25 (e.g. in Figure 4a ) indicated) can be designed as a fixed marking 25, as a stop 25 or, as provided here, as an optical display means 25, in particular as a light projection 25 of an above-mentioned light source 35, and for example operationally with respect to the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 be stationary, but possibly adjustable. It is used, for example, in the event that the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "is not to be formed directly on the front edge 18, but at a point further back on the auxiliary cargo 04 (see e.g. Figure 4b ), c) or d)), not activated or at least not taken into account.

The to the positioning of the rear edge 19, the two side edges 48; 49 and the front edge 18 is to be applied accordingly to the reverse case, in which for the with the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 stacks 06 to be formed; 06 '; 06 ″ of different format lengths and / or varying positions on the auxiliary load material 04 in the transport direction T, not the front side 28 of the stack, but the rear side 29 of the stack remains fixed in relation to the position in the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 in the transport direction T, this however, with the proviso that the alignment aids 21; 22; 25 are arranged and act as a mirror image of a plane running vertically transversely to the transport direction T in the stacking space. In this case, for example, the rear alignment aid 21; 22 stationary corresponding to the previously described front alignment aid 25 and a front alignment aid 25 corresponding to the described rear alignment aid 21; 22 can be positioned in the transport direction T and, if necessary, "doubled" as described above. In this respect, the direction of transport T in the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 fixed position of the front side 28 of the stack is preferred, but the teaching otherwise basically applies to both cases - namely to the case of a fixed position of the front side 28 of the stack and a fixed position of the rear side 29 of the stack.

Basically regardless of the support for the positioning of the loading aid 04 presented by a positioning aid or an embodiment set out above, but particularly advantageously in connection with such, the loading aid 04 - in particular still unloaded and / or larger in size compared to the material sheets 02 - loading aid 04 after a Positioning in the stacking space for a subsequent stack formation is moved vertically upwards at least until it is in contact with the lower edge of a sheet of material 02 of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "when the stack is formed on at least one stack side 28; 29; 45; 55 flush-aligning stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 or the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 is on the top of the auxiliary cargo means 04, in particular on its receiving base or . Superstructure 16. In order to further reduce the risk of a slight gap remaining, the loading aid 04 is preferably moved vertically upwards until it reaches the relevant stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 or at least a lower part at least slightly, that is, for example, is raised by at least 3 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, compared to the position previously assumed in the non-contact state. The affected stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 or its part to be lifted is for this purpose vertically movable on the frame 63 of the Stacking device 01 stored.

For example, in the event that a stack 06; 06 '; 06 "is to be formed on the front edge 18 of the auxiliary cargo means 04, the auxiliary cargo means 04 - possibly without, but preferably with the support of a position specification for a drive or an above-mentioned alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 - see above Positioned in the stacking space so that the front edge 18 of the auxiliary loading means 04 is vertical to a stop surface of a stop means 61, e.g. front edge stop 61, a stop device 62 which aligns the material sheets 02 of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "during the stack formation on its stack front 28 flush is straight or at most slightly, that is to say by up to 20 mm or a maximum of 10 mm, along the transport direction T, especially downstream (see e.g. Figure 5a )).

After the - preferably supported in the above manner - positioning of the auxiliary cargo means 04, it is moved upwards at least until a stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 on the stack side 28; 29; 45; 55, here in particular the front edge stop 61, and the loading aid 04 with its upper side at least slightly overlap vertically and / or the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 on the opposite side of the stack 28; 29; 45; 55, here in particular the rear edge stop 52, touches the top of the auxiliary cargo means 04, in particular until its movable part is slightly raised from its position in the unloaded state in the above sense (see e.g. Figure 5b )). The stack 06; 06 '; 06 "is formed by material sheets 02 arriving on the input side being deposited on top of one another on the previously positioned auxiliary loading device 04. In doing so, the front and rear edge stops 52; 61 and possibly side edge stops 54; 57 provided on one or both sides form a stack 06; 06; 06 "aligned flush (see e.g. Figure 5c )). With the increase in the stack height - but possibly only after reaching a minimum height - the auxiliary load 04 becomes so moved at the bottom so that the top of the stack remains at the same level despite further sheet storage (see e.g. Fig. 5d )).

In another operating situation in which the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ in the above sense is to be formed flush on the opposite stack side 28; 29; 45; 55, in particular here the rear stack side 29, the loading aid 04 is - possibly without, but preferably with the support of a position specification for a drive or the above Alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 - positioned in the stacking space in such a way that the rear edge 19 of the auxiliary loading means 04 is vertical to a stop surface of a stop means 52, for example a rear edge stop 52, one of the material sheets 02 of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "during the stack formation on its rear 29 flush-aligning stop device 53 is straight or at most slightly, ie by up to 20 mm or a maximum of 10 mm, offset along the transport direction T, in particular upstream (see e.g. Figure 6a )). The appropriately positioned auxiliary cargo equipment 04 (see e.g. Figure 6a )) is then moved upwards at least until the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 of this stack page 28; 29; 45; 55, here in particular the rear edge stop 52, and the loading aid 04 with its upper side at least slightly overlap vertically and / or the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 on the opposite side of the stack 28; 29; 45; 55, in this case the front edge stop 62, touches the top of the auxiliary cargo means 04, in particular until its movable part is slightly raised from its position in the unloaded state in the above sense (see e.g. Figure 6b )). The stack 06; 06 '; 06 "is formed by material sheets 02 arriving on the input side - with the above-mentioned alignment by the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 and possibly the synchronous lowering - are placed on top of one another on the previously positioned auxiliary cargo device 04 (see e.g. Figure 6c )).

To enable the variable positioning of a - especially in relation to the To enable larger-format material sheet format - loading aid 04, the vertically movable stack carrier 51, viewed in the transport direction T, has a particularly significant, ie by z. B. at least 50 or in particular 100 mm or even at least 200 mm, greater length L51 than between the upstream and downstream stop means 61; 52 for filing operationally - ie for the operating state of a production - existing fixed or maximally adjustable distance a. Instead or in addition to this, the vertically movable stack carrier 51, viewed in the transport direction T, protrudes particularly significantly on at least the upstream side, ie by, for. B. at least 50 mm or even at least 100 mm, beyond the vertical alignment of the stop surface facing the stacking space of the stop means 61 which aligns the sheet of material 02 flush with the stack formation on the upstream stack side 28. The upstream stop means 61 is operationally fixed to the frame as far as the transport direction T is concerned, although possibly - z. B. to a few, for example at most 50 mm millimeters, adjustable, while the downstream stop means 52 for setting the storage of different material format lengths operationally along the transport direction T - z. B. is mounted movably by more than 50 mm, in particular by more than 100 mm.

By the length of the auxiliary charge means 04 z. B. is at least 50 mm, in particular 100 or even 200 mm, greater than the operational or maximum distance a between upstream and downstream stop means 61; 52 protrudes the transport aid during stacking when it is aligned with the downstream stop means 52 or at most slightly, ie by up to 20 mm along the transport direction (T) offset loading means front edge (19) with its upstream loading means front edge 18 by z. B. at least 30 mm, in particular at least 80 mm or even 180 mm beyond the vertical alignment of the stop surface facing the stacking space of the stop means 61 which aligns the material sheets 02 flush with the upstream stack side 28 during stack formation.

The stacking space therefore has, viewed in the transport direction T, a free cross-section such that stacking can be carried out on a loading aid 04 positioned on the vertically movable stacking carrier 51, which can, for. B. at least 30 mm, in particular at least 80 mm or even at least 180 mm beyond the vertical alignment of the stop surface facing the stacking space of the stop means 61 which aligns the material sheets 02 in the stack formation on the upstream stack side 28 flush.

In principle, the material sheets 02 can be conveyed and deposited using any suitable type of conveying means, such as those provided, for example, by belt or gripper systems. In the preferred case here - especially in the case of metal sheets - a conveyor 64, in particular an overhead conveyor 64, e.g. B. a belt conveyor 64 holding the sheet of material 02 from above is provided. This can in principle be based on known operating principles such as, for example, holding by magnetic force or by negative pressure, but is preferably designed here as being based on negative pressure. The overhead transport device 64 is designed to decelerate the material sheet 02 received on the input side on the transport path towards the delivery. For this purpose, the overhead transport device 64 is or is preferably driven by a drive means, in particular a drive motor, in such a way that it takes over the respective material sheet 02 on the input side with its transport speed present there - clocked for the infeed of the material sheets 02 and with this in a precisely positioned position above the stop means 52 ; 54; 57; 61 formed stacking shaft comes to a standstill in order to release the material sheet 02 there before it accelerates again to the transport speed of the incoming material sheet 02 and picks up the next material sheet 02.

Which convey the material sheets 02 in the stacking device 01 above the stacking space A conveying section section can be arranged upstream of a conveying section with a transport device 66, via which the material sheets 02 are brought in and delivered to the adjoining conveying device 64. The transport device 66 is designed, for example, as a belt conveyor device 66 supporting the material sheets 02 from below.

Although the above Solution with variably selectable stack positioning basically for just one stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 comprehensive stacking device 01 is advantageous, it unfolds its advantages to a particular extent in a stacking device 01 with several stacking displays 03.1; 03.2, whereby for several or all of the stack deliveries 03.1; 03.2 such a variably selectable stack positioning is provided. With alternating stack formation, an uninterrupted stack change can take place or the formation of stacks 06; 06 '; 06 "for a different further destination, as can be the case, for example, for the discharge and, if necessary, subsequent reprocessing of waste in a separate stack 06; 06 '; 06".

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the stacking device 01 has, for example in the transport direction T of the material sheets 02 to be stacked, a first and at least one second stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 each with a stacking space, in which a loading aid 04 can be introduced in the above-mentioned manner and there - possibly with the assistance of at least one alignment aid 21; 22; 23, 24; 25, 26, 27 - in different defined relative positions in the stacking space of the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 can be positioned. The same components or components with the same function are z. B. in Fig. 7 for the two stack deliveries shown there 03.1; 03.2 is provided with the same reference number.

Instead of for each stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 to provide a separate overhead transport device 64, it is also conceivable in an alternative, not shown, for both the first and the second or possibly further stack deliveries via the stacking spaces 03.1; 03.2 reaching conveying path section a continuous overhead transport device 64 with, for example, independently switchable sections with regard to the holding effect.

In the case of an overhead transport device 64 per stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 these can be connected directly to one another and a direct transfer of the to the second stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 to be conveyed material sheet 02 between these overhead transport device 64 take place. In an embodiment shown here which is advantageous with regard to the control, however, one of the material sheets 02 between the two stack deliveries 03.1; 03.2 a conveying cut with a transport device 67 is provided, via which the material sheets 02 between the overhead transport devices 64 of the first and second stack delivery 03.1; 03.2. This transport device 67 is designed, for example, as a belt conveyor device 67 supporting the material sheets 02 from below.

Based on the figures Figures 8 to 12 the design features for the variable positioning of the auxiliary cargo means 04 in the horizontal direction and / or its vertical positioning are further specified in an advantageous embodiment. Unless otherwise stated or explicitly stated otherwise, the individual design features or their combinations should be used both for a design with just one stack delivery 03.1 and in the advantageous design with multiple stack deliveries 03.1; 03.2 must be understood.

In Fig. 8 are the aforementioned light projections 21; 22; 23, 24; 25; 26; 27 as well as the respective light beam of a light source 31, embodied, for example, as a line laser; 32; 33; 34, 35; 36; 37 indicated. In contrast to the illustration, stationary alignment aids 24; 27 and optionally 25 by markings 24; 27 or 25 or mechanical stops 24; 27 and 25 respectively.

Also shown are the input-side transport device 66, the transport means 12 designed as a roller conveyor 12 and an operating interface 59 arranged on the frame 63 of the stacking device 01.The latter is designed here, for example, in the form of an operating panel 59, in particular as a touch panel 59.

In principle, the light projections 21; 22; 23, 24; 25; 26; 27 causing light sources 31; 32; 33; 34, 35; 36; 37 can also be arranged below the storage level and the light against z. B. throw a translucent surface in or below the storage level. In the illustrated and advantageous embodiment, the light sources 31; 32; 33; 34, 35; 36; 37, however, are arranged above the storage level and cast the light from above into the storage level, where it is reflected, for example, on parts of the stack carrier 51 and / or the transport means 12.

One or more leading edge stops 61 can be provided on a cross member 68 encompassed by the frame 63. In addition to this, for example, for the implementation of the alignment aid 25, which is used to align the front edge 28 of the loading aid 04, as an optical display means 25, the light source 35 causing this is provided on the cross member 68 (see e.g. Fig. 9 ). The stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ facing the stop surface of the leading edge stops 61 and the optical alignment aid 25 in a common vertical alignment.

In addition to the at least one leading edge stop 61 and / or the light source 35 relating to the alignment of the leading edge 18 of the loading aid 04, for example the alignment aid 24 serving the outer limit for the position of the right side edge 48 of the loading aid 04 and / or the outer limit for the Position of the left side edge 49 of the loading aid 04 serving alignment aid 27 causing light source 37 is provided on the cross member 68. The latter are for example, in a lateral area of the cross member 68 to delimit the outermost lateral position.

The transversely movable alignment aid 23 serving to align the right side edge 48 of the auxiliary cargo device 04 and / or the transversely movable alignment aid 26 producing the alignment of the right side edge 49 of the auxiliary cargo device 04; 36 is provided, for example - via a bracket 71 fixed to the frame - on a lateral longitudinal traverse 69 encompassed by the frame 63 (see e.g. Fig. 10 ).

The rear edge stop 52 can be arranged together with the light source 32 of an above-mentioned alignment aid 22 on a sub-frame 72 that can be moved on the frame 63 in the transport direction T. For example, this sub-frame 72 is movably supported on both sides on rails 73 and is supported by the in Fig. 11 Drive means 42, not shown, movable (see e.g. Fig. 11 ).

Instead of the aforementioned light source 32, which moves with the rear edge stop 52, or preferably in addition to this, the light source 31, which is used to variably position the rear edge 19 of the auxiliary load carrier, is arranged movably in the transport direction T on the frame 63, for example on an auxiliary carrier 74 (see e.g. Fig. 12 ).

As stated, at least the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 on at least one stack side 28; 29; 48; 49 in total or with at least one lower part at least slightly, ie for example by at least 3 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, mounted on the frame 63 so as to be liftable relative to the position previously assumed in the contactless state. At least the front or rear and the left or right stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 can be moved as a whole or with a lower part. In an embodiment which is particularly advantageous with regard to the diverse stacking possibilities, the front, rear, left and right stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 each as a whole or with a lower part mounted vertically relative to the frame 63 so as to be movable. This is shown as an example for a multi-part leading edge stop 61 (see e.g. Fig. 13 ), whereby here z. B. an upper part 61.1 of the stop means 61 fixed to the frame (but possibly adjustable), but the lower part 61.2 is mounted vertically movable and / or resiliently upward. In the event that the relevant stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 is formed in one piece or in several rigidly connected parts, this can be mounted on the frame 63 so as to be vertically movable as a whole. The multi-part design of the leading edge stop 61 with an upper part 61.1 fixed to the frame and a lower part 61.2 is on one or more of the remaining stop means 52; 54; 57 apply accordingly.

As also for the other, in particular vertically movable, stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 based on a leading edge stop 61 exemplarily in Fig. 13 is indicated, is on at least one longitudinal section of the, in particular vertically movable - stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 the horizontally extending longitudinal edge 76 between the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ and the lower side are sharp-edged, for example with a maximum radius of curvature of 1.0 mm, in particular at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.3 mm can arise in the lower area by material sheet edges sliding under the stop means 52; 54; 57; 61. Such sharp longitudinal edges 76 are preferred as the inner lower edge of the front edge stop 61, ie the lower edge pointing towards the stacking space, as well as at least one rear edge stop 52 and / or at least one side edge stop 54; 57 provided.

Basically independent of the above-mentioned supported positioning and / or of the placement of the auxiliary cargo means 04 on a stop means 52; 54; 56; 62, but preferably in connection therewith, the charging aid 04 is - as already indicated above - as one to be used for different material sheet formats and / or used standard or unit pallet 04 of a fixed format.

A bundle of such a loading aid 04, designed as a standard pallet 04, and a stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ is to be fed, for example, on the input side to a first or further processing stage, for example a printing and / or painting machine 11. This is preferably done via the - schematically in Fig. 1 indicated and z. B. in Fig. 14 Enlarged stack feeder 07. The material sheets 02 are through a z. B. vibratory gripper 84 comprising conveyor 83, from the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ and fed into the machine 11 for loading and / or processing.

The stack feeder 07 is assigned, for example, a separating aid with a separating tool 77 which supports the separation and which, viewed in the transport direction T, is located in an upper region of the stack 06; 06 '; A separating tool 77 of this type can be formed, for example, by a blowing device, by a mechanical separating aid or a combination thereof. Preferably, several separating tools 77 of a different and / or several separating tools 77 of the same type are provided next to one another transversely to the transport direction T. The separating tools 77 can be arranged on a holder 78 and mounted so as to be movable in the transport direction T with respect to a frame 79 of the stack feeder 07.

Instead of or in addition to the separating device, a device can be provided for carrying out a completely uninterrupted or at least particularly fast stack change, which, for example, has a vertically movable auxiliary support device 81, e.g. B. also referred to as auxiliary stack carrier 81 includes. This is - preferably along the transport direction T - in the cross-sectional area of a adjacent stack 06; 06 '; 06 "can be moved in and out of this. After the auxiliary support device 81 has been brought under this, for example, between the auxiliary loading device 04 and the lowermost layer of the currently adjacent stack 06; 06 ';06", this can optionally be carried out by a vertically movable support device 82, e.g. . B. a stack carrier 82, carried load accessories 04 are lowered and removed. A new batch 06; 06 '; 06 "and brought under the lower end of the previous stack 06; 06 ';06" before the auxiliary stack carrier 81 is finally moved out of the stack cross-section again.

Basically independent of the above statements on the horizontal and / or vertical positioning of the auxiliary cargo means 04 or the stack 06; 06 '; 06 ″ on the same, but particularly advantageously in connection with this, comprises an advantageous loading aid 04 for receiving a stack 06; 06 ′; 06 ″ to be transported of material sheets 02 with a substructure 15 and a stack 06; 06 '; 06 "on its upper side receiving superstructure 16 along its length or at least one longitudinal section next to one another, a plurality of supporting elements 46; 86 extending parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another via gaps 47; 87 running in the longitudinal direction at least one gap 47 is provided on the upper side, with a gap width s1 which is smaller than that of a gap 87 lying between them in a central region.

Thus, for example, a separating tool 77 can engage in the middle area from above and / or in the lateral edge area with a material sheet format that is narrower than the loading aid format, a bending of the side material sheet edge can be kept small. In addition to or instead of this, the larger gap width s2 in the central area also enables material and weight to be saved.

Preferably, several, z. B. at least three or preferably six or even more, columns 87 of the same larger gap width s2 and on both sides several, z. B. at least two or preferably three or even more, gaps 47 of the same smaller gap width s1 are provided.

The larger gap width s2 and / or the gap width s2 of the gap 87 located in the central area is preferably at least 50 mm, in particular at least 80 mm.

The gaps 47 are preferably located over the entire length of the auxiliary charge means 04 or at least on that; 87 comprehensive longitudinal section a gap depth h for the larger gap width s2 or the gap width s2 of the gap 87 lying in the middle area of at least 20 mm, advantageously at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40 mm.

For the smaller gap width s1 or the gap width s1 of the gap 47 located in the lateral edge region, a gap depth h of at least 10 mm is preferably present. In an advantageous embodiment, the gap depth h of the wider and narrower gaps 47; 87 match.

The gap width s2 of the at least one gap 87 located in the central area is greater than the width b1; b2 of an adjacent support element 46; 86 in the area of its upper side.

The support elements 46; 86 are, for example, by webs 46; 86 formed, which in a first advantageous embodiment (see e.g. Fig. 15 ) for example as strips 46; 86 on several transverse beams 88 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction or in another advantageous embodiment (see e.g. Fig. 16 ) are arranged on a base plate 89 extending over the length.

For the second embodiment, the webs 46; 86 positively or cohesively connected to the base plate 89 or else - made of plastic, for example - be made in one piece with the latter. In addition, the substructure 15 can also be produced in one piece with the base plate 89 for this last-mentioned embodiment.

For the versions with base plate 89, the columns 47; 87 also through grooves 47; 87 be formed with, for example, a closed groove base.

In the execution of as webs 46; 86 formed support elements 46; 86 the columns 47; 87 through gaps 47; 87 between the adjacent webs 46; 86 be formed.

The support elements 45; 86 can all have the same width b1, but possibly also with a different width b1; b2 be executed.

At least two, but advantageously three runners 17 can be provided. They are formed, for example, by blocks supporting the superstructure 16, which in turn are arranged on floor boards arranged below. In a one-piece design together with the superstructure 16, the runners 17 can be closed or provided with openings to reduce weight.

For all designs and variants, the loading aid 04 has in the area of the top side that receives the goods, for example, along the column 47; 87 running length of 800 mm to 1,200 mm, in particular 900 mm to 1,100 mm, and a transverse width of 900 mm to 1,300 mm, in particular 1,000 mm to 1,200 mm. It can therefore be used particularly well as a standard or unit pallet 04, since this format covers the common sheet material formats.

In said column 47; 87 of different widths having the embodiment of the auxiliary charge means 04 and all of its variants, it is particularly advantageously suitable for use in one of the above. Stacking device 01 of a printing and / or painting machine 11, into which flat material sheets 02 on the input side via a stacking space of a stacking delivery 03.1; 03.2 conveyed and on an auxiliary cargo 04 in a stack 06; 06 '; 06 "are placed on top of one another. Such a loading aid 04 of the same format is then preferably positioned at different locations in the stacking space for two different productions.

The positioning of the auxiliary cargo means 04 for at least one of the two productions is preferably supported by a data processing-based positioning aid, by means of which, for the productions in question, a position specification relating to the target position of the auxiliary cargo means 04 for a means of transport 12 or an alignment aid 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 positioning drive device is determined and positioned according to the position specification.

After the positioning of the auxiliary charge means 04 designed according to the advantageous embodiment for the subsequent stack formation, it is moved vertically upwards at least until it is in contact with the lower edge of at least one sheet of material 02 of the stack 06; 06 '; 06 "stands on at least one stack side 28; 29; 48; 49 flush-aligning stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 during stack formation. Preferably, this load support means 04 is moved vertically upwards until the at least one stop means 52; 54; 57; 61 is raised at least at least slightly compared to the position previously assumed in the contactless state.

In the above, the stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 or display 03.1; 03.2 part of the Be understood device by which a stack 06 can be formed from the incoming material sheets 02 at this delivery point during production. Should optionally on several stacks 06; 06 ', several such stack deliveries 03.1; 03.2 or expenses 03.1; 03.2 - in particular one behind the other in the transport direction - arranged or to be arranged, in which case each stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 or display 03.1; 03.2 represents a delivery point. The stacking area should be that of a relevant stack delivery 03.1; 03.2 assigned space should be understood in which when stacking on this stack delivery 03.1; 03.2, that is to say at this delivery point, the auxiliary cargo 04 to be loaded is or is positioned. Such a stacking space is also referred to as a "stacking box" in the prior art and is used, for. B. in the production of the recording of exactly one stack to be formed 06; 06 '. The above positioning of a stack 06; 06 'on a load accessory 04 in different positions relative to the load accessory 04 is thus effected by different positioning of the respective load accessory 04 in one and the same stacking space of the same or single stacking display 03.1; 03.2 or display 03.1; 03.2.

List of reference symbols

01

Stacking device

02

Material sheet, sheet metal

03.1

Stack delivery, delivery

03.2

Stack delivery, delivery

04

Load accessory, pallet, standard load accessory, standard or unit pallet

05

storage area

06

stack

06 '

Stack (other layer)

06 "

Stack (other format)

07

Material feed, feeder, pile feeder

08

-

09

Processing and / or processing unit, printing unit, coating units

10

-

11

Machine, printing and / or coating machine

12th

Means of transport, roller conveyor

13th

Means of transport, industrial trucks (trackless, track-bound or track-guided), AGV

14th

Dryer, hot air dryer

15th

Substructure

16

Superstructure

17th

Support element, runner

18th

Load accessory edge, front edge (04)

19th

Loading accessory edge, rear edge (04)

20th

-

21

Alignment aid, optical display, light projection

22nd

Alignment aid, optical display, light projection

23

Alignment aid, optical display, light projection

24

Alignment aid, marking, stop, optical display means, light projection

25th

Alignment aid, marking, stop, optical display means, light projection

26th

Alignment aid, optical display, light projection

27

Alignment aid, optical display, light projection

28

Stack Front, Stack Side (upstream)

29

Back of stack Stack side (downstream)

30th

-

31

Light source, laser, line laser

32

Light source, laser, line laser

33

Light source, laser, line laser

34

Light source, laser, line laser

35

Light source, laser, line laser

36

Light source, laser, line laser

37

Light source, laser, line laser

38

Material sheet leading edge

39

Trailing edge of material sheet

40

-

41

Drive means (21; 22)

42

Drive means (22; 52)

43

Drive means (23)

44

Drive means (26)

45

Stack side

46

Support element, web, bar

47

Gap, groove, gap

48

Load accessory edge, side edge, left

49

Load accessory edge, side edge, right

50

-

51

Carrying device, stacking carrier

52

Lifting device, rear edge stop

53

Anchor device

54

Lifting gear, side edge stop

55

Stack side

56

Anchor device

57

Lifting gear, side edge stop

58

Anchor device

59

Operating interface, operating device, touch panel

60

-

61

Lifting gear, leading edge stop

61.1

Part, upper

61.2

Part, lower

62

Anchor device

63

frame

64

Conveyor, overhead conveyor, belt conveyor

65

-

66

Transport device, belt conveyor device

67

Transport device, belt conveyor device

68

Cross member

69

Longitudinal traverse

70

-

71

bracket

72

Subframe

73

rail

74

Auxiliary carrier

75

-

76

Long edge

77

Separation tool

78

bracket

79

Frame (07)

80

-

81

Auxiliary support device, auxiliary stack carrier

82

Carrying device, stacking carrier

83

Conveyor

84

Oscillating gripper

85

-

86

Support element, web, bar

87

Gap, groove, gap

88

Cross member

89

Base plate

M.

Machine center plane

T

Transport direction

a

Distance (61; 52)

H

Gap depth

b1

width

b2

width

L51

Length (51)

s1

Gap width

s2

Gap width

Claims (20)

1. A method for stacking flat material sheets (02) in a stacking device (01), in particular in a stacking device (01) that is part of a printing and/or coating machine (11), said stacking device comprising at least one pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) having a stacking space, wherein material sheets (02) are conveyed above the stacking space of the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2), which is part of the stacking device (01), and are deposited one on top of the other on a loading aid (04) to form a pile (06, 06'; 06"), wherein for two different production runs, the piles (06, 06'; 06") are formed on the loading aid with the four corners of their main surface area arranged in mutually different positions relative to the loading aid (04), which in each case is arranged within the stacking space of the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) and is larger in format than the material sheets (02) to be deposited in each case, in that for each of the two production runs, a loading aid (04) of the same format is positioned at a different location within the stacking space of the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2), as viewed in the horizontal projection, characterized in that a positioning of the loading aid (04) for at least one of the two production runs is assisted by a data processing-based positioning aid, by means of which for the production run in question, a position specification relating to the target position of the loading aid (04) is determined for a drive device that positions alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27), and positioning is carried out in accordance with the position specification, in that, as the position specification relating to the target position of the loading aid (04), a target location of at least one alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27), configured as an optical indicator (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) or as a mechanical stop means, is determined and implemented, i.e., activation or positioning is carried out in accordance with the position specification, and in that, as the position specification relating to the target position of the loading aid (04), the target location of at least one alignment aid (21; 22) that is used for aligning and/or positioning the downstream or upstream loading aid edge (19; 18) and/or the target location of an alignment aid (23; 26) that is used for aligning and/or positioning a lateral loading aid edge (48; 49) is determined, and activation or positioning is carried out in accordance with said position specification.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that for the two different production runs, the piles (06; 06'; 06") are formed approximately flush, i.e., with a maximum offset of 20 mm, along edges that lie on different sides of the loading aid (04), which is larger in format than the material sheets (02) to be deposited in each case.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for production runs, in particular for production runs in which the material sheets (02) to be deposited have the same format length in the transport direction (T) and in which the target positions for the pile (06; 06'; 06") on the loading aid (04) differ from one another in the transport direction (T), rather than varying the stacking point with respect to the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) for the material sheet edges that form the pile side (28), the position of the loading aid (04) within the stacking space of the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) is varied.
4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the positioning aid determines and implements a position specification relating to the target position of the loading aid (04) using information I(L) relating to the required position of the pile (06, 06', 06") on the loading aid (04), and/or information I(F) relating to the format of the material sheets (02) to be deposited, and/or information I(P) from position data stored for the planned production run and/or pile position.
5. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that for positioning the loading aid (04) for at least one of the two production runs that differ from one another in terms of pile stacking, the loading aid (04) is aligned along a light projection (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) of a focused light beam from a light source (31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37) that is movable in its entirety or with respect to its beam direction, and/or in that the respective loading aid (04) is positioned at the different locations within the stacking space of the same one of multiple pile deliveries (03.1; 03.2) arranged one behind the other in the transport path.
6. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that once the as yet unloaded loading aid (04) has been positioned within the stacking space, the loading aid (04) is moved vertically upward for a subsequent pile formation, at least until, in the region of its upper surface, it is in physical contact with the lower edge of a stop means (52; 54; 57; 61) that is used for aligning the material sheets (02) of the pile (06, 06', 06") flush along at least one pile side (28; 29; 45; 55) during pile formation, and/or in that, before a new pile (06; 06'; 06") is formed, a loading aid (04) that is larger in format than the material sheets (02) to be deposited in each case is positioned within the stacking space, and, after the loading aid (04) has been positioned horizontally for the subsequent pile formation, in at least one production situation the loading aid (04) is moved vertically upward, at least until the region of its upper surface is in physical contact with the lower edge of a stop means (52; 54; 57; 61) that is used to align the material sheets (02) of the pile (06; 06'; 06") flush along at least one pile side (28; 29; 45; 55) during pile formation.
7. A method for processing and/or treating material sheets (02) in the form of metal sheets (02) in a printing and/or coating machine (11), wherein for each of two different production runs, metal sheets (02) that are fed in on the input side are treated in at least one printing or coating unit (09), wherein, downstream of the treatment process for the production runs, the material sheets (02) in the form of metal sheets (02) are stacked in a stacking device (01), wherein material sheets (02) are conveyed on the input side above a stacking space of a pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) that is part of the stacking device (01) and are stacked one on top of the other on a loading aid (04) to form a pile (06, 06'; 06"), characterized in that before a new pile (06, 06'; 06") is formed, a loading aid (04) that is larger in format than the material sheets (02) to be deposited in each case is positioned within the stacking space and, once the loading aid (04) has been positioned horizontally for the subsequent pile formation, in at least one production situation the loading aid (04) is moved vertically upward, at least until the region of its upper surface is in physical contact with the lower edge of a stop means (52; 54; 57; 61) that is used to align the material sheets (02) of the pile (06; 06'; 06") flush along the upstream pile side (28; 29; 45; 55) during pile formation, and in that, for production runs that involve piles (06; 06'; 06") of the same format length in mutually different positions in the transport direction (T) on the loading aid (04), rather than varying the stacking point with respect to the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) for the material sheet edges that form the pile front side (28), the position of the loading aid (04) within the stacking space of the pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) is varied.
8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the loading aid (04) is moved vertically upward until it raises the entire at least one stop means (52; 54; 57; 61), or at least a lower part thereof, at least slightly in relation to the position it previously occupied in the contact-free state.
9. The method according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the loading aid (04) is moved vertically upward at least until, during pile formation in which the pile side (29) is substantially flush with the downstream loading aid edge (19), a stop means (61) for aligning the material sheets (02) of the pile (06, 06'; 06") along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation rests on the upper surface of the loading aid (04) or is raised at least slightly in its entirety or at least a lower part thereof is raised, and/or until, during pile formation in which the pile side (28) is substantially flush with the upstream loading aid edge (18), a stop means (61) for aligning the material sheets (02) of the pile (06, 06'; 06") on the downstream pile side (29) during pile formation rests on the upper surface of the loading aid or is raised at least slightly in its entirety or at least a lower part thereof is raised, and/or until, during pile formation in which the pile side is substantially flush with one lateral loading aid edge (48; 49), a stop means (54; 57) for aligning the material sheets (02) of the pile (06, 06'; 06") along the other pile side during pile formation rests on the upper surface of the loading aid or is raised at least slightly in its entirety or at least a lower part thereof is raised.
10. The method according to claim 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that to adapt to a changing material format length, the stop means (52) used for aligning the material sheets (02) of the pile (06; 06'; 06") flush along the downstream pile side (28; 29; 45; 55) during pile formation is moved along the transport direction (T), and/or in that for production runs that have mutually different pile positions, loading aids (04) of the same format are positioned at different locations within the stacking space, as viewed in the horizontal projection.
11. The method according to claim 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the positioning of the loading aid (04) within the stacking space is assisted by a positioning aid which determines and implements a position specification relating to the target position of the loading aid (04), using information I(L) relating to the required position of the pile (06; 06'; 06") on the loading aid (04) and information I(F) relating to the format of the material sheets (02) to be stacked.
12. A printing and/or coating machine (11), in particular a sheet metal printing machine, processing and/or treating material sheets (02) in the form of metal sheets (02), which comprises a feeder (07), at least one printing or coating unit (09) as well as a stacking device (01), wherein the stacking device (01) comprises at least one pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) with a stacking space, above which incoming material sheets (02) can be conveyed by a conveyor system (64) and can be deposited there, one on top of the other, to form a pile (06, 06'; 06"), and comprising a pile carrier (51) that is movable vertically within the stacking space, wherein a stop means (61; 52) for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation is provided, along with a stop means for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the downstream pile side (29) during pile formation, and wherein on the pile carrier (51) a loading aid (04) can be positioned, on which the pile (06; 06'; 06") to be formed can be received, characterized in that a positioning aid having one or more alignment aids (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) that are used for positioning the loading aid (04) in the transport direction (T) is provided, which can be used to define a location of the loading aid (04) in a first position, in which the downstream edge of said loading aid is aligned vertically with the downstream stop means (52) or is offset at most slightly, i.e., by up to 20 mm as viewed along the transport direction (T), in particular upstream, and a location in a second position, in which the upstream edge of the loading aid (04) is aligned vertically with the upstream stop means (62) or is offset at most slightly, i.e., by up to 20 mm, as viewed along the transport direction (T), in particular downstream.
13. The printing and/or coating machine (11) according to claim 12, characterized in that on the pile carrier (51), a loading aid (04) that is longer, as viewed in the transport direction (T), than the fixed distance or a maximum distance to be set between the downstream and upstream stop means (61; 52) under operating conditions for deposition can be positioned on the pile carrier (51) in such a way that in the first location, defined by the positioning aid, the upstream edge of said loading aid protrudes upstream beyond the vertical alignment with the upstream stop means (61), and in the second location, defined by the positioning aid, the downstream edge of said loading aid protrudes downstream beyond the vertical alignment with the downstream stop means (52).
14. The printing and/or coating machine (11) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first position can be defined and/or indicated by a first alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27), and the second position can be defined and/or indicated by the same first alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27), which is movable along the transport direction (T), or by another, second alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27), which is offset from the first alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) along the transport direction (T), and/or in that a horizontally positionable mechanical stop means or optical indicator (21; 22; 23; 24; 25 , 26; 27), which can be positioned in a horizontal direction by means of a drive means (41 , 42; 43; 44), is provided as the alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27).
15. The printing and/or coating machine (11) according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the positioning aid comprises a data processing means in which a data processing program is run, which on the output side is in signal communication with a drive device for positioning an alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) for the loading aid (04), and on the input side is in signal communication with an interface, via which information I(L) relating to the required position of the pile (06, 06', 06") on the loading aid (04) and/or information I(F) relating to the format of the material sheets (02) to be stacked and/or information I(P) from position data stored for the planned production run and/or pile location can be supplied to the positioning aid.
16. The printing and/or coating machine (11) according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that a light source (31; 32) focused in the direction of the support plane is provided, the light projection (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) from which forms an optical alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27) in the support plane of the loading aid (04) to be positioned that is used for positioning the downstream loading aid edge, and/or a light source (33; 34) focused in the direction of the support plane, the light projection (23; 24) from which forms an optical alignment aid (23; 24) in the support plane of the loading aid (04) to be positioned that is used for positioning a lateral loading aid edge.
17. The printing and/or coating machine (11) according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the upstream stop means (61) is mounted fixed relative to the frame along the direction of transport (T) under operating conditions, and the downstream stop means (52) is adjustable along the transport direction (T) under operating conditions, to adjust to the stacking of different material format lengths, and/or in that above the stacking space, a conveyor system (64) embodied as an overhead transport system (64) for conveying the material sheets (02) is provided, and/or in that the length of the vertically movable pile carrier (51) is greater, as viewed in the transport direction (T), than a fixed distance or maximum distance to be set under operating conditions between the upstream and the downstream stop means (61; 52) for deposition, and/or in that a loading plane of the vertically movable pile carrier (51), as viewed in the transport direction (T), protrudes on at least the upstream side beyond the vertical alignment of the stop surface of a stop means (61) that is used for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation.
18. A sheet metal printing machine for processing and/or treating material sheets (02) in the form of metal sheets (02), which comprises a feeder (07), at least one printing or coating unit (09), and a stacking device (01), wherein the stacking device (01) comprises at least one pile delivery (03.1; 03.2) having a stacking space, above which incoming material sheets (02) can be conveyed by means of a conveyor system (64) and where said sheets can be deposited one on top of the other to form a pile (06; 06'; 06"), and having a pile carrier (51) that is movable vertically within the stacking space, wherein on the pile carrier (51), a loading aid (04) can be positioned, on which the pile (06; 06'; 06") to be formed can be received, wherein a stop means (52) for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the downstream pile side (29) during pile formation is provided, characterized in that a stop means (61) for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation is provided, in that the upstream stop means (61) is mounted fixed relative to the frame along the transport direction (T) under operating conditions and the downstream stop means (52) can be adjusted along the transport direction (T) under operating conditions to adjust for the stacking of different material format lengths, and in that the support plane of the vertically movable pile carrier (51) that supports the loading aid (04) protrudes, at least on the upstream side as viewed in the transport direction (T), significantly, i.e., by at least 50 mm and/or by at least one-tenth of the length of the fixed distance or the maximum distance to be set under operating conditions between the upstream and the downstream stop means (61; 52) for deposition, beyond the vertical alignment of the stop surface of a stop means (61) that is used for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation.
19. The sheet metal printing machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the stop means (61) for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation and/or the stop means (52) for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the downstream pile side (29) during pile formation is mounted on the frame (63) such that it is upwardly yielding and/or is vertically movable in its entirety or with at least a lower part, and/or in that a lower longitudinal edge (76), lying toward the side of the stacking space and extending horizontally, of the stop means (61) for aligning the material sheets (02) along the upstream pile side (28) during pile formation, and/or of the stop means (52) for aligning the material sheets (02) flush along the downstream pile side (29) during pile formation is configured as sharpedged, i.e., as having a maximum radius of curvature of 1.0 mm, on at least one longitudinal section.
20. The sheet metal printing machine according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that a positioning aid having one or more alignment aids (21; 22; 25) that are used for positioning the loading aid (04) in the transport direction (T) is provided, and can be used to define a location of the loading aid (04) in a first position, in which its downstream edge is aligned vertically with the downstream stop means (52) or is offset at most slightly, i.e. by up to 20 mm, as viewed along the transport direction (T), in particular upstream, and a location in a second position, in which the upstream edge of the loading aid (04) is aligned vertically with the upstream stop means (62) or is offset at most slightly, i.e., by up to 20 mm, as viewed along the transport direction (T), in particular downstream, and/or in that a horizontally positionable mechanical stop means or optical indicator (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27), which can be positioned in a horizontal direction via a drive means (41 , 42; 43; 44), is provided as an alignment aid (21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27).

Images