EP3587136B1 - System and method for positioning printed products in connection with a display - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

• Es müssen Kommunikationen zu übergeordneten Steuerungssystemen bestehen, welche die nötigen Daten aus dem Produktionsprozess zur Verfügung stellen;
• Die Produktionsmaschinen müssen so konstruiert sein, dass die nötigen Einstellungen "On-the-fly" (siehe Definitionsliste) für jeden Produktionstakt durchgeführt werden können.

The present invention relates to a system, preferably designed as a saddle stitcher, which essentially consists of a transport chain, which is designed in the shape of a roof in the upper area, along which one or more printed products, preferably designed as folded sheets, can be transported astride, collected and preferably as a brochure in an intermediate stapling station. This mode of transport can also be used on non-stapled, collated printed products, whereby these can also be in the form of an amalgamation of folded sheets. These folded sheets are generally transported along the transport chain designed as a saddle chain to a stop point, and these folded sheets are then passed from there via at least one feed device on to a cutting device in which the folded sheets, respectively. the ready-made brochure can be cut to size. This invention represents a further step in the field of digitization. It is based on the technical implementation, namely that a production machine is now available which can be operated down to an edition size of 1. In order for such production machines to meet this requirement, it is necessary that at least the following requirements are met:

• There must be communications to higher-level control systems that provide the necessary data from the production process;
• The production machines must be designed in such a way that the necessary settings can be made "on-the-fly" (see definition list) for each production cycle.

Definition list

Here are the most important terms that are used in the registration:
Folded sheet (sheet): A folded sheet, partial product of the printed sheet (paper printed on both sides) consisting of several sheet parts.

Brochure: printed product consisting of at least one or more folded sheets.

, und dass durch die Broschüre gestossen und anschliessend umgebogen wird

. Staple: Consisting of wire, which is given this shape in a first step

, and that it is pushed through the brochure and then bent over

.

Stapling head: cuts and positions the staple wire and forms the staple wire into a staple.

Stapling process: Process in which at least one staple is pushed through the booklet and closed at the other end.

Stapling carriage: Part of the stapling station on which the stapling heads are mounted.

Stapling station: Staples a product using a staple while the stapling carriage is in sync with the transport chain.

Product: Consists of at least one folded sheet that is made into a brochure.

Variable thickness: Accepts brochures and / or sheet parts with different thicknesses.

Cutting device: Cutting system which has a front knife and two side knives and performs the cutting process consisting of a front cut and head-toe cut as a subsequent cut.

Saddle stitcher: In a saddle stitcher, usually several folded sheets are collected on a transport chain, stapled in the stapling station and cut on three sides in the cutting device.

Saddle chain: The saddle chain has a guide device, the upper section of which is designed in the shape of a cutting edge and whose ridge line defines the transport and stitching line, and an essentially roof-shaped support on which the sheet parts are transported astride.

Delivery: machine component that transports the products after the stitching station into the feed to the cutting device. In the delivery there is a change of transport direction by 90 °, depending on the location of the cutting device, forwards or backwards.

Product infeed: Conveyor belt, which transfers products to the cutting device after delivery. The conveyor belt has mechanical stops which move synchronously with the cutting device.

Ejection phase, eject: By means of a device called an ejector, the product is lifted by the saddle chain until it is picked up by the conveyor belts in the delivery and transported further in the same.

On-the-fly: Changes to e.g. settings, positions of devices etc. possible during operation.

MIS: In connection with the term "Industry 4.0", terms such as "Finishing 4.0", "Print 4.0" or "Web to Print" are known in the printing industry. Basically, the digital transformation of IT and production technology is meant. In order to achieve these objects are M anagement I nformation- S ystems required.

State of the art

With existing solutions, the printed products are simply ejected into the delivery (see definition list) and then fed from the delivery itself to a cutting device, where they are trimmed to size. The stabilization takes place only (if at all) by holding the printed products in the belts. The force applied to change direction is only absorbed by the conveyor belts.

The following problems arise: Regarding center offset:

The horizontal position (center offset) of the printed products in the delivery is not "defined", i.e. that the printed products slide through their kinetic energy to a greater or lesser extent on the ejector, depending on the situation. This means that the position in the display can vary by +/- a few millimeters.

Regarding inclination:

The printed products still have kinetic energy in the transport direction at the point in time when the printed product reaches the conveyor belts of the delivery. This leads to a tilting torque of the printed product itself, with the second deflection in the delivery additionally and consciously (but unintentionally) exerting a moment on the printed product.

Concerning undefined transport phase:

The product does not have a clearly defined position during delivery.

Out DE102004011973 A1 shows a saddle stitcher with at least one stapling station for stapling sheets, the stapling station being arranged on a stapling carriage movable in the longitudinal direction of a saddle chain during the stapling process and at least one ejecting unit for ejecting the sheets in the transport direction of the sheets behind the stapling station. Accordingly, this saddle stitcher is characterized in that at least one acceleration and / or braking unit for accelerating and / or braking the sheets in the longitudinal direction of the ejection unit is arranged between the stapling slide and the ejector unit. The ejector unit then lifts the braked sheets from the saddle chain. In the chronological sequence of this saddle stitcher, the sheets are collected, stapled, in order then, preferably in the braked state, in particular at a standstill, to be gripped by the ejector unit and lifted off, this in turn to ensure that they can be lifted off. The invention aims to remedy this precisely against this.

Out EP1593526 B1 shows a saddle stitcher for brochures, with a stapling machine, an output station that is gradually fed with the brochures, a front cutter arrangement defining a cutting plane for trimming the brochures along a respective target cutting line and with transport components that transport the brochures from the output station to the front cutter arrangement. There are sensors that emit signals defining the phase positions of the stapling machine and one of the conveyor components. A controller processing these signals, which one of the transport means components (brochure ejector; Trimmer feed) in such a way that at a predetermined phase angle of the stapling machine, the respective nominal cutting line is located in the cutting plane regardless of the width of the respective brochure. This publication does not reveal any adaptations of a clock-precise "on-the-fly".

EP1153764 A2 a saddle stitcher emerges which has at least the assemblies stapling slide, saddle chain, stapling lifting device, delivery and ejector. At least two of these assemblies each have their own drive and controllable motors are provided as the drive source. Each of these motors has a control unit which synchronizes the movement of one assembly to the movement of at least one other separately driven assembly. Here, too, it can be stated that there are no adjustments to a clock-precise "on-the-fly" process.

The document EP 0 893 275 A1 discloses a system designed as a saddle stitcher, the system having a feed conveyor which is roof-shaped in the upper area, along which one or more printed products, preferably formed by folding sheets, can be transported astride, and wherein in the transport direction of the printed product along the further course of the feed conveyor a stop that is adjustable according to the format of the printed product is arranged, and wherein the stop, in operative connection with mutually interdependent means, accomplish a timed and format-stabilized conveyance of the printed product, the adjustable stop having a stop plane facing the transport direction of the transport path, which is opposite the front edge of the printed product consisting of one or more folded sheets exerts a coordinated stop function when it is conveyed out.

Presentation of the invention

• Positionierung: Die Druckprodukte werden eindeutig in einer horizontalen Position, in Bezug auf die Transportrichtung (Sammelkette), definiert.
• Stoppen des Druckprodukts: Bei einer eventuell immer noch bestehenden kinetischen Energie (Remanenz-Geschwindigkeit) in Transportrichtung wird diese in unmittelbarem Bereich eines Anschlags vollständig eliminiert.
• Stabilisation: Das Druckprodukt wird während der Auswurfphase in die Auslage stabilisiert, d.h., ein mögliches Verkanten und/oder Kippmoment wird damit aufgefangen resp. unterdrückt.

The invention aims to provide a remedy here in its entirety. The invention, as it is characterized in the claims, is based on the object of meeting the following criteria:

• Positioning: The printed products are clearly defined in a horizontal position in relation to the transport direction (saddle chain).
• Stopping the printed product: If there is still any kinetic energy (remanence speed) in the transport direction, this will be immediately Area of a stop completely eliminated.
• Stabilization: The printed product is stabilized during the ejection phase in the delivery, ie a possible tilting and / or tilting moment is thus absorbed or suppressed.

All underlying criteria of the task extend to the entire operational speed range of the system, to all format sizes and thicknesses of the printed products, and to the behavior of the respective paper material from which the individual folded sheets are made.

The object of the invention is achieved by the appendix of claim 1 and by the methods of claims 8, 11 and 15.

In particular, an automated, adjustable

• Formatgrösse der Falzbogen;
• Maschinen-Geschwindigkeit;
• Mögliche, manuell eingegebene Offsets.

Stop operated. This stop is appropriately positioned horizontally and preferably parallel to the transport direction with an electric motor (typically a servo motor). This position is defined by the control profiles implemented in the main controller, with such a position also being able to be changed accordingly for each differently designed printed product that is brought up. Such a positioning of the stop depends on important parameters which are continuously transmitted to the main control, namely at least the following:

• Format size of the folded sheets;
• Machine speed;
• Possible, manually entered offsets.

Furthermore, sensors are preferably installed in the immediate vicinity of the stop, or also integrated into it, which are able to immediately recognize a paper jam and to trigger corresponding relieving precautions, which also serve to protect the machine. For this purpose, traffic jam switches, camera systems, photocells, etc. are preferably installed. In addition, sensors are also provided, which serve as feedback for the position control of the printed product, preferably in the form of photo cells, camera systems, etc.

An embodiment of the invention is basically characterized as follows: The folded sheets or the brochure formed therefrom (see definition list) lie on a saddle-shaped saddle chain (see definition list) and they are transported towards the stop. Between the stapling machine and delivery (see definition list), before the stop is reached, the carriers integrated in the saddle chain, which act on the rear edge of the folded sheets and, in operative connection with the saddle chain, ensure the targeted transport of the folded sheets, fold backwards so that they then can slide further under the folded sheet as the saddle chain continues.

This ensures that the printed product formed in this way is no longer carried along by the driver in its final transport phase, but rather solely by the friction or friction indicated by the saddle-shaped saddle chain. persistent force can be transported to the stop. It is also important that the kinematics triggered in this final phase, i.e. between the stapling machine and the delivery, open the printed product in a spreading manner so that the folded catch can pass underneath it without any problems, especially in those cases in which the printed product is during the delivery operation should experience a delay.

The stop according to the invention has, respectively, regarding the end positioning of the folded sheet. the brochure has a multiple function, namely that it actually has a certain nominal fixed stop position in relation to the transported printed product as the end location, but not exclusively in the conventional manner as a fixed stop station. This means that the printed product is not transported in a horizontal transport movement to the fixed wall of the stop in order to be completely braked there, but at the same time this stop fulfills the function of counteracting the front edge of the printed product as an alignment aid during the further dynamic transfer into the display a tilting or tilting of the same to serve. So the stop fulfills through his special training and in operative connection with the controlled transport of the printed product a double function, which is characterized in the immediate area of the stop by horizontally / vertically superimposed movements of this printed product.

These superimposed movements are to be understood as follows: On the one hand, there is a horizontal movement of the printed product (folded sheet or brochure) specified by the saddle chain, the kinematic energy of which is now not completely and abruptly destroyed by the stop, but the printed product is just before it hits Impact detected by the locally acting aids of the display and an operatively connected ejector and lifted away from the saddle chain.

During this time interval, which tends towards zero, the printed product conveyed further in the horizontal direction still has a minimized remanence speed in the horizontal direction, which causes the front edge of the ejected printed product to snugly and then slide along the wall of the stop. Therefore, this assumed, also dynamically adaptable positioning of the stop relative to the respective printed product being brought up is also dependent on the speed.

This sliding along the front edge of a folded sheet or the brochure during the operative process, due to the dynamics of the transfer of the printed product caused by the display, ensures that it does not tilt, so that it is perfectly aligned in terms of format during the subsequent trimming.

Thus, in the final phase of positioning the printed product, there is a coordinated, control-guided interdependence between the horizontal movement of this printed product and its vertical transfer, with the stop then, as already explained, performing a double function, namely the end position on the one hand of the printed product brought up to ensure, and on the other hand to prevent this a possible tilting during the vertical movement. The stop thus absorbs counter-movements which could lead to a tilting moment acting on the printed product, which could cause the printed product to tilt. These processes are in operative connection with a sword as part of an ejector arranged on the underside of the saddle chain, which components will be discussed in more detail below.

• Bei der Jobeinrichtung wird der Anschlag, in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Parameter wie Formatgrösse, Geschwindigkeit etc., auf die richtige Position gefahren.
• Eine solche Positionseinnahme des Anschlags kann auch während des Ausförderns fortlaufend vorgenommen werden.
• Während des Betriebs wird der Anschlag mit Sensoren (wie Photozellen, Kamerasysteme etc.) überwacht und wenn nötig "On-the-fly" (siehe Definitionsliste) via Steuerung nachjustiert.

The sequence of a cycle is designed as follows:

• When setting up the job, the stop is moved to the correct position depending on various parameters such as format size, speed, etc.
• Such a position assumption of the stop can also be carried out continuously during the conveying out.
• During operation, the stop is monitored with sensors (such as photocells, camera systems, etc.) and, if necessary, readjusted "on-the-fly" (see definition list) via the control.

The position-related setting of the stop and the continuous monitoring of the process are preferably carried out by stored control profiles, the main control being able to control according to adaptive principles. Furthermore, the main control is also able to provide a predictive / anticipatory control.

1. a) Insbesondere durch den Eigenantrieb (Servomotor) des Anschlags lässt sich für jedes Druckprodukt durch den "On-the-fly" Betrieb die perfekte Einstellung (siehe Definitionsliste) erstellen.
2. b) Die eingenommene operative Position des Anschlags ist im Wesentlichen von dem Format des herangeführten Falzbogens oder der Broschüre und von der Geschwindigkeit der Sammelkette abhängig. Diese eingenommene operative Position des Anschlags lässt sich, wie oben erwähnt, nach abgelegten Steuerungsprofilen steuerbar oder fortlaufend regelbar erstellen.
3. c) Aus fortlaufenden Rückmeldungen von Sensoren wie Photozellen, Kamerasysteme, etc., lässt sich die Position des Anschlags, darüber hinaus, im "On-the-fly"-Betrieb, fortlaufend verstellen.
4. d) Der Anschlag nimmt Gegenbewegungen des Druckprodukts auf, welche zu einem Kippmoment desselben führen könnten, womit sichergestellt wird, dass sich der Falzbogen, die Broschüre, oder das Druckprodukt allgemein, während des durch die Auslage durchgeführten Ausförderns eine maximierte formatabhängige und gezielte Lage einnehmen kann.
5. e) Der Anschlag definiert grundsätzlich die horizontale Endposition des Produkts hinsichtlich des durch die Auslage injizierten Ausförderns (auch Auswerfens genannt), wobei diese Position immer streng danach gerichtet ist, dass unabhängig der Formatgrösse (Minimum/Maximum-Format) des Falzbogens das Ausfördern immer ein mittiges Auswerfen gegenüber den operierenden Hilfsmitteln der Auslage, in unserem Fall vorzugsweise durch Transportbänder gebildet, sicherstellt.
6. f) Der Anschlag ist direkt oder indirekt zusätzlich mit entsprechenden Sensoren ausgestattet, welche auf Staukontrolle ausgerichtet sind, eine solche frühzeitig erkennen und durch interponierende regelnde Eingriffe auch entgegenwirken können, womit eine Beschädigung der Anlage verhindert oder die Zeit zur Pannenbehebung nachhaltig reduziert werden kann.

The advantages of an embodiment of the invention relating to the stop, which also form an integral part of the subject matter of the invention, can essentially be explained as follows:

1. a) In particular, the self-drive (servo motor) of the stop enables the perfect setting (see list of definitions) to be created for each printed product through "on-the-fly" operation.
2. b) The operative position adopted by the post is essentially dependent on the format of the folded sheet or brochure that is brought up and on the speed of the gathering chain. This assumed operative position of the stop can, as mentioned above, be created in a controllable or continuously adjustable manner according to stored control profiles.
3. c) On the basis of continuous feedback from sensors such as photocells, camera systems, etc., the position of the stop can also be continuously adjusted in "on-the-fly" mode.
4. d) The stop absorbs counter movements of the printed product, which could lead to a tilting moment of the same, which ensures that the folded sheet, the brochure or the printed product in general can assume a maximized format-dependent and targeted position during the delivery carried out through the delivery .
5. e) The stop basically defines the horizontal end position of the product with regard to the outfeed injected through the delivery (also called ejection), whereby this position is always strictly based on the fact that the outfeed always occurs regardless of the format size (minimum / maximum format) of the folded sheet central ejection in relation to the operating aids of the delivery, in our case preferably formed by conveyor belts.
6. f) The stop is directly or indirectly additionally equipped with corresponding sensors, which are geared towards congestion control, recognize this at an early stage and can also counteract it through interposing regulating interventions, thus preventing damage to the system or reducing the time to repair a breakdown in the long term.

• Phase I.: Zunächst verharrt das vorzugsweise direkt oder indirekt motorbetriebene Schwert unterhalb der Auslage in einer neutralen Position ("Pos. Null"). Hier wartet das Schwert als Bestandteil des Auswerfers auf das Eintreffen des Befehls, "Trigger", zur Auslösung der Bewegungskinematik. Der Auswerfer startet sonach seine Bewegung an der "Trigger"-Position, um das Druckprodukt möglichst gleichbleibend in die Auslage zu schieben. Dieser Auslösepunkt ist von dem Produktformat, von der Geschwindigkeit der Sammelkette, und einer allfälligen manuellen Korrektur abhängig, insoweit als eine definierte oder laufend frei definierbare Geschwindigkeitsschwelle über- oder unterschritten wird, dazu führt, ob die nachfolgenden Phase II. oder III. eingeleitet werden.
• Phase II.: Oberhalb der Geschwindigkeitsschwelle richtet sich die Geschwindigkeit des Auswerfers an jene der Sammelkette, respektive der zu der Auslage gehörenden Transportbänder der Auslage. D.h., wird die Geschwindigkeit der Sammelkette erhöht, bewegt sich der Auswerfer (das Schwert) entsprechende schneller nach oben. Bei Reduktion der Geschwindigkeit der Sammelkette bewegt sicher der Auswerfer entsprechend langsamer.
• Phase III.: Unterhalb der Geschwindigkeitsschwelle ist das Bewegungsprofil gleichbleibend. Damit wird eine Mindestgeschwindigkeit des Auswerfers definiert, um die Übergabe des Druckprodukts an die Transportbänder der Auslage sicherzustellen.

To complete the previously described conveying out of the folded sheet / brochure, the kinematics of a sword that is operatively connected to the saddle chain plays an eminently important role. The following phases are important:

• Phase I .: First of all, the preferably directly or indirectly motor-driven sword remains below the delivery in a neutral position ("Pos. Zero"). Here, the sword as part of the ejector waits for the arrival of the command, "Trigger", to trigger the kinematics of the movement. The ejector then starts its movement at the "trigger" position in order to push the printed product into the delivery as consistently as possible. This trigger point depends on the product format, the speed of the saddle chain, and any manual correction, insofar as a defined or continuously freely definable speed threshold is exceeded or undershot, leading to whether the subsequent phase II. Or III. be initiated.
• Phase II .: Above the speed threshold, the speed of the ejector is directed towards that of the saddle chain or the delivery conveyor belts belonging to the delivery. That is, if the speed of the saddle chain is increased, the ejector (the sword) moves upwards correspondingly faster. If the speed of the saddle chain is reduced, the ejector will certainly move more slowly.
• Phase III .: The movement profile is constant below the speed threshold. This defines a minimum speed of the ejector in order to ensure the transfer of the printed product to the conveyor belts of the delivery.

1. a) Zum einen bewegt sich der Auswerfer bis zu einem Punkt, der als "Pos. Oben" bezeichnet wird. Diese "Pos. Oben" ist der obere Umkehrpunkt des Schwerts, von hier aus wird mit einer definierten oder laufend frei definierbaren Geschwindigkeit die Position, "Pos. Unten", angefahren.
2. b) "Pos. Unten" ist der untere Umkehrpunkt des Schwerts, von hier aus wird mit einer definierten oder laufend frei definierbaren Geschwindigkeit die Position 'Pos Null' angefahren.

With regard to the movements of the ejector, a distinction must be made between the following positions:

1. a) On the one hand, the ejector moves to a point called "Pos. Above". This "pos. Above" is the upper reversal point of the sword, from here the position "pos. Below" is approached with a defined or continuously freely definable speed.
2. b) "Pos. below" is the lower reversal point of the sword, from here the position 'Pos Null' is approached with a defined or continuously freely definable speed.

As part of the ejector, the sword then assumes three fixed positions, which are either pre-defined positions or are continuously freely defined. That is, "Pos. Above" is the highest position of the sword, and it forms, as it were, its reversal point at which the transfer of the folded sheet to the conveyor belts of the delivery is completed. "Pos. Below" is the lowest position of the sword as the turning point; The sword dips down to this position so as not to collide with the subsequent printed product on the saddle chain. "Pos. Zero" represents the neutral position from which the sword comes into operation for the next printed product.

Order data from an MIS (see definition list) or from your own data system preferably lead to the activation of stored control profiles, which in particular record the format data of the individual folded sheets, those of the brochure, such as cut width and length and other data that are necessary for the qualitative implementation of the order are needed. The main control preferably also contains algorithms which continuously calculate the thickness of the brochures from the production of the individual folded sheets.

Based on these values, the main control calculates the position of the sword and controls its movement, which takes place mechanically via an ejector ram, so that the operative position of this sword can always be precisely determined.

• Es wird mit einem dynamischen, variablen Auswerfzeitpunkt gearbeitet;
• Das dynamisch veränderbare Profil wird durch die Hauptsteuerung fortlaufend berechnet oder durch vorgegebene Tabellen eingegeben, wobei diese Werte entweder durch abgelegte Steuerungsprofile oder Algorithmen für eine dynamische Steuerung/Regelung abgestützt sind;
• Es greift fortlaufend eine auf optischen Messungen abgestützt Regelung ein, welche unmittelbar zu gezielten Korrekturen oder prädiktiven Steuerungen führt;
• Das Auswurf-Profil kann darüber hinaus durch "On-the-fly"-Dynamik veränderbar gestaltet werden;
• Die Steuerung/Regelung des ganzen Prozesses über alle involvierten Aggregate geschieht fortlaufend durch die Ermittlung von Dicken und Format der Druckbogen (Falzbogen) sowie durch die fortlaufend ermittelten Geschwindigkeiten der Transportkette (Sammelkette);
• Nach Bedarf lässt sich ein frei wählbares Profil implementieren, das völlig unabhängig anderer Parameter, wie z.B. Sammelkettengeschwindigkeit oder Auslage-Transportbändergeschwindigkeit, betrieben wird;
• Start-/Stopprampen verhalten sich frei programmierbar, situativ anpass- und regulierbar;
• Die involvierten Aggregate der Anlage lassen zu, dass sie auf nicht-lineare Bewegungsabläufe umprogrammiert werden können.

The advantages of an embodiment of the invention relating to the mode of operation of the sword and ejector, which also form an integral part of the subject matter of the invention, can essentially be explained as follows:

• A dynamic, variable ejection time is used;
• The dynamically changeable profile is continuously calculated by the main controller or entered using predefined tables, these values either being supported by stored control profiles or algorithms for dynamic control / regulation;
• A control based on optical measurements continuously intervenes, which leads directly to targeted corrections or predictive controls;
• The ejection profile can also be designed to be changeable by means of "on-the-fly"dynamics;
• The control / regulation of the whole process over all involved units is done continuously by determining the thickness and format of the printed sheets (folded sheets) as well as by the continuously determined speeds of the transport chain (collecting chain);
• If required, a freely selectable profile can be implemented, which is operated completely independently of other parameters, such as collecting chain speed or delivery conveyor belt speed;
• Start / stop ramps are freely programmable, can be adapted and regulated according to the situation;
• The units involved in the system allow them to be reprogrammed to non-linear motion sequences.

In one embodiment, the adjustable stop has a stop wall arranged on the front opposite the transport direction of the transport path, which functions as a saddle chain, which fulfills a stop and alignment function opposite the front edge of the folded sheets, the saddle chain also being equipped with foldable transport fingers. These fold in in the final phase of the hitting process so that the saddle chain can pass under the spread folded sheet.

The delivery has a number of adjacent moving belts which, in operative connection with an ejector operating on the underside of the ridge of the folded sheets, effect the conveying out of the folded sheets. The ejector itself is equipped with a protruding sword, which conveys the folded sheets through a path running vertically from below into the delivery.

The interdependent operation of the transport chain, stop, delivery, ejector, cutting device is managed by a main control, this operation at least affecting the mentioned units of the system, which are operated by stored control profiles and / or by an adaptive and / or predictive control.

1. i) Durch einen Eigenantrieb lässt sich der Anschlag für jedes Falzbogenformat, bezogen auf dessen Endstellung, in Transportrichtung individuell einstellen;
2. ii) Die eingenommene Endposition des Anschlags steht im Wesentlichen in Abhängigkeit der Geschwindigkeit der Transportkette und des Formats des herangeführten Falzbogens;
3. iii) Der Anschlag definiert die horizontale Endposition des Falzbogens hinsichtlich des durch die operativen Hilfsmittel der Auslage injizierten Ausförderns, wobei diese Endposition danach so eingestellt wird, dass der Falzbogen unabhängig der jeweiligen Formatgrösse mittig zu den operativen Hilfsmitteln der Auslage ausgerichtet wird;
4. iv) Die einzunehmende operative Endposition des Anschlags wird durch abgelegte Steuerungsprofile gesteuert oder fortlaufend durch Sensoren, wie Photozellen, Kamerasysteme, geregelt;
5. v) Die eine falzbogenseitige Fläche des Anschlags wirkt stabilisierend gegen einen Kippmoment und/oder eine Schrägstellung des Falzbogens während des durch die operativen Hilfsmittel der Auslage und des Auswerfers durchgeführten Ausförderns desselben, wobei die operativen Hilfsmittel der Auslage aus Transportbändern bestehen, welche die Falzbogen falzseitig für den Weitertransport erfassen.

The operative connection between the stop and aids of the display is carried out according to the following criteria:

1. i) With its own drive, the stop for each folded sheet format, based on its end position, can be set individually in the transport direction;
2. ii) The end position assumed by the stop is essentially a function of the speed of the transport chain and the format of the folded sheet that is brought up;
3. iii) The stop defines the horizontal end position of the folded sheet with regard to the outfeed injected by the operative aids of the delivery, this end position then being set in such a way that the folded sheet is centered on the operative aids of the delivery, regardless of the respective format size;
4. iv) The operative end position to be taken by the stop is controlled by stored control profiles or continuously regulated by sensors such as photocells, camera systems;
5. v) The one folded sheet-side surface of the stop has a stabilizing effect against a tilting moment and / or an inclined position of the folded sheet while it is being conveyed out by the operational aids of the delivery and the ejector, the operational aids of the delivery consisting of conveyor belts which the folded sheets for record the onward transport.

1. i) Ein Schwert als Bestandteil eines unterhalb der Auslage angeordneten und mit vorzugsweise einem eigenen Antrieb ausgestatteten Stössels des Auswerfers verharrt in einer neutralen Position ("Pos. Null"), bis zum Eintreffen eines von der Hauptsteuerung übermittelten Befehls, der die Auslösung ("Trigger") des Ausförderns des Druckprodukts einleitet;
2. ii) Der Auswerfer startet seine Bewegung von dieser "Trigger"-Position aus, um das Druckprodukt gleichbleibend in die Auslage zu überführen, wobei diese Auslösung zeitlich von der Geschwindigkeit der Transportkette, dem Format des jeweiligen Falzbogens, und einer allfälligen manuellen Korrektur abhängig ist, und wobei die Geschwindigkeit der Transportkette eine definierte oder laufend frei definierbare Geschwindigkeitsschwelle aufweist;
3. iii) Oberhalb der Geschwindigkeitsschwelle richtet sich die Geschwindigkeit des Auswerfers an jene der Transportkette und/oder an jene zu der Auslage gehörende Transportbänder, dergestalt, dass sich bei Zunahme der Geschwindigkeit der Transportkette die vertikale Bewegung des Auswerfers nach oben erhöht, und wobei bei Reduktion der Geschwindigkeit der Transportkette die vertikale Bewegung des Auswerfers nach oben entsprechen abnimmt;
4. iv) Unterhalb der Geschwindigkeitsschwelle ist das Bewegungsprofil des Auswerfers durch eine Mindestgeschwindigkeit gleichbleibend definiert, um die Übergabe des Falzbogens an die Transportbänder der Auslage sicherzustellen.

The stop itself is directly and indirectly equipped with corresponding sensors, which respond to a jam control in the flow of the folded sheets, and such information is then passed on to the main control. The operative connection between the stop and the auxiliary means of the delivery for conveying out the printed product is generally carried out according to the following criteria:

1. i) A sword as part of a plunger of the ejector, which is arranged below the delivery and is preferably equipped with its own drive, remains in a neutral position ("Pos. Zero") until a command sent by the main control arrives that triggers the release ("Trigger ") initiates the conveyance of the printed product;
2. ii) The ejector starts its movement from this "trigger" position in order to transfer the printed product consistently into the delivery, whereby this triggering depends on the speed of the transport chain, the format of the respective folding sheet, and any manual correction, and wherein the speed of the transport chain has a defined or continuously freely definable speed threshold;
3. iii) Above the speed threshold, the speed of the ejector is directed towards those of the transport chain and / or those of the conveyor belts belonging to the delivery, in such a way that the vertical movement of the ejector upwards increases as the speed of the transport chain increases, and where when the speed of the transport chain is reduced, the vertical movement of the ejector upwards correspondingly decreases;
4. iv) Below the speed threshold, the movement profile of the ejector is constantly defined by a minimum speed in order to ensure the transfer of the folded sheet to the delivery conveyor belts.

With this kinematics, the sword belonging to the ejector moves to an upper reversal point (pos. Above) when the folded sheet is conveyed out. Furthermore, the sword moves to a lower reversal point (item below) after the folding sheet has been conveyed out. Furthermore, the sword assumes a neutral position (pos. Zero) from the lower reversal point (pos. Bottom).

Brief description of the figures

Figur 1

eine Gesamtansicht eines Sammelhefters;

Figur 2

eine Gesamtansicht einer Auslagevorrichtung mit einem angetriebenen Anschlag;

Figur 3

eine Gesamtansicht eines Sammelhefters, mit Steuerung-/Regelungs-Funktionen;

Figur 4

einen Auswerfer in Wirkverbindung mit einer Auslage.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, to which express reference is made with regard to all details essential to the invention and not highlighted in the description. All elements that are not essential for a direct understanding of the invention have been omitted; the same elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the various figures. In the drawing shows:

Figure 1

an overall view of a saddle stitcher;

Figure 2

an overall view of a delivery device with a driven stop;

Figure 3

an overall view of a saddle stitcher, with control / regulation functions;

Figure 4

an ejector in operative connection with a delivery.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

Figure 1 shows an overall view of a saddle stitcher 100. Essentially, such a saddle stitcher consists of a centrally operating saddle chain 110, which transports the folded sheets 200, respectively. of brochure 600 takes over. Such a collecting chain 110 has a guide device with an upper section which is pointed, that is to say roof-shaped, and the ridge line of which defines the transport and stitching line on which the folded sheets 200 are transported astride. The individual folded sheets are assembled into a brochure in a stapling machine 120. The folded sheets rest on the saddle-shaped saddle chain, and they are transported from this direction to the stop 160. Between the stitching machine 120 and a downstream delivery 130, before the stop 160 is reached, the catches integrated in the saddle chain (not shown in detail in the drawing) fold, which act on the rear edge of the folded sheets and, in operative connection with the saddle chain, ensure the targeted transport of the folded sheets , to the rear so that they can slide under the folding sheet as the saddle chain moves forward. This ensures that the folded sheets combined to form a brochure are no longer directly affected by the carrier in the final transport phase, but only by the friction or friction indicated by the saddle-shaped saddle chain. persistent force is transported to the stop. The kinematics triggered on the individual folded sheets or on the brochure in general in this final phase are also important, namely to the effect that the printed product opens between the stapling machine and delivery so that the folded carrier can pass under the printed product without any problems, this also occurs in those Cases particularly useful when this printed product should be delayed in the ejecting operation.

The stapling machine itself, which is not shown in more detail and which belongs to the prior art, has a staple made of wire, the wire being bent in a first step to a U-shape that acts downwards, which is ideally suited to pushing through the brochure and to be bent afterwards. This process is accomplished by at least one stapling head that cuts and positions the staple wire and forms it into a staple. The stapling process itself involves pushing at least one staple through the brochure and closing it at the other end. The stapling machine also includes a stapling slide on which the stapling head is mounted, and within this stapling station the printed product is stapled by means of the aforementioned staple while the stapling slide is moving.

The stop 160 with its predetermined stop plane 170 forms the end position of the transport on the saddle chain for folded sheets 200 or brochure 600 before the mentioned printed product is transferred to the display 130 and from here transferred via a product feed 140 into the cutting apparatus 150. This cutting apparatus 150 functions as a cutting system, which preferably has a front knife and two side knives and carries out the cutting process consisting of a front cut and head / foot cut as a subsequent cut.

The stop 160, which is preferably operated by a servomotor 161, fulfills a multiple function with regard to the final positioning of the brochure 600, namely that this stop has a fixed stop position in relation to the transported brochure in the very last end state, but not exclusively in the conventional manner as a fixed stop station. This means that the brochure is not transported in a horizontal transport movement to the front wall of the stop in order to be completely braked there, as is the case according to the prior art, but this stop simultaneously fulfills the function of the front edge of the in the transport direction Brochure to serve as an alignment aid against tilting or tilting of the same during the further dynamic transfer of the brochure into the display. This fulfills the stop Due to its special design and in connection with the controlled transport of the brochure, it has a double function, which is characterized by superimposed horizontal / vertical movements of the brochure in the area of the stop.

These superimposed movements are to be understood as follows: On the one hand, there is a horizontal movement of the brochure given by the saddle chain, the kinematic energy of which is now not completely and abruptly destroyed by the stop, but the brochure becomes infinitesimal shortly before it hits the stop by the ejector ejected from the saddle chain and captured by the locally acting tools of the display.

During this time interval, which tends towards zero, the brochure conveyed in the horizontal direction still has a minimized remanence speed, which causes the front edge of the brochure to nestle snugly and then slide along the wall of the stop. Therefore, this assumed, also dynamically adaptable positioning of the stop relative to the respectively brought up folded sheet is also dependent on the speed.

This vertical movement of the front edge of the brochure along the wall of the stop while the brochure is being transferred to the display ensures that the brochure does not tilt, so that the brochure has a perfect format alignment during the subsequent trimming .

Thus, in the final phase of the positioning of the brochure, there is a coordinated, control-guided interdependence between the horizontal transport movement of the brochure and its vertical transfer, with the stop then, as already explained, performing a double function, namely on the one hand to ensure the final position of the brochure and on the other hand possible tilting to be collected during the vertical conveyance out of the same. Accordingly, the stop also absorbs those counter-movements which could lead to a tilting moment for the brochure, which means that it can no longer be inclined. These processes are in operative connection with a sword as part of an ejector arranged on the underside of the saddle chain, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Out Figure 2 shows the display 130 in operative connection with the motor-driven 161 stop 160 already explained. This delivery is designed as a machine component that transfers the folded sheet, the brochure or the printed products in general to the product feed after the stapling station (see Figure 1 , Item 140) to the cutting device (see Figure 1 , Item 150). In the display itself there is a change in the direction of transport by preferably 90 ° via the conveyor belts 131, depending on the location of the cutting apparatus. The operating stop 160 basically defines the horizontal end position of the brochure with regard to the conveying out carried out by the display, the display being in operative connection with an ejector (see FIG Figure 4 ), whereby this position is always strictly oriented towards the fact that regardless of the small format size 202 resp. of the large format size 201 of the brochure, the conveyance always ensures a central ejection with respect to the operating aids of the display, that is to say the conveyor belts 131 arranged next to one another.

The Figure 3 shows essentially the same saddle stitcher as from Figure 1 . This system is supplemented with essential control systems, the data of which are transmitted to a central controller 400, which in turn mutually communicates 401 with an MIS system 410. This control processes all incoming data from all the units involved in processing the printed products, including the speed of the saddle chain 110, and then ensures the targeted control of all units, in particular the operation of the transport chain, stop, delivery, ejector, depending on the format size of the respective printed product. The rivers shown here in the survey of operational Data for the controller 400 are not to be understood as a numerus clausus. First of all, there is an optical control system 310 in the area of the stop plane 320 of the stop 160, which forwards the information 311 obtained to the controller 400. This is followed by a continuous interrogation of the ejector 500, the information 501 of which is also forwarded to the controller 400. Furthermore, device 300 continuously measures the thickness 301 of the folded sheets. Further acquisition of the operational data can take place for the stapling machine 120, for example. In addition, the controller 400 is in a reciprocal data flow system 401 with an MIS (Management Information System) 410, which system 410 in connection with the term "Industry 4.0" in the printing industry under the names such as "Finishing 4.0", " Print 4.0 "or" Web to Print "have become known. Basically, this means the digital transformation of the IT area and production technology. The MIS system 410 is used in particular to solve these tasks.

From this collected data and the continuous monitoring of the process, the position-related setting and operating mode of the units participating in the process of the saddle stitcher are ensured. The integral control as such can be maintained by stored control profiles. The main control is also able to implement a regulation according to adaptive principles; Furthermore, the main control is also able to provide a predictive / anticipatory control.

Out Figure 4 an ejector device 500 emerges, which is in operative connection with the already described display 130. The mode of operation of this ejector device or generally this ejector 500 is as follows:
First, a sword 503 remains below the display 130 in a neutral position (“Pos. Zero”). The sword 503 is waiting here, which is coupled to an ejector plunger 502 and primarily forms the components of the ejector. The ejector ram 502 preferably has its own drive, and When the "Trigger" command arrives, the motion kinematics are started. The ejector 500, viewed as an overall unit, then starts its movement at the trigger position in order to generally transfer the printed product into the delivery as consistently as possible. This "trigger" point is mainly dependent on the speed of the saddle chain, the product format and any manual correction, in such a way that the subsequent phases are initiated, depending on whether a defined or continuously freely definable speed threshold is exceeded or not reached.

Above the speed threshold, the speed of the operative parts 502, 503 of the ejector 500 is directed towards that of the saddle chain or the conveyor belts belonging to the display. This means that if the speed of the saddle chain is increased, the ejector moves upwards faster. If the speed of the saddle chain is reduced, the ejector will certainly move more slowly.

The movement profile is constant below the speed threshold. This defines a minimum speed of the ejector in order to ensure that the folded sheet is transferred to the delivery conveyor belts in any case.

With regard to the movements of the ejector, a distinction must be made between the following positions:
On the one hand, the ejector moves to a point called "Pos. Above". This "pos. Above" is the upper reversal point of the sword 503, from here the position "pos. Below" is approached with a defined or continuously freely definable speed.

"Pos. Below" is the lower reversal point of the sword, from here the position "Pos Null" is approached with a defined or continuously freely definable speed.

After that, the sword 503 resp. whose plunger 502 of the ejector 500 has three fixed positions, which are either predefined positions or are continuously freely defined. That is, "Pos. Above" is the highest position of the sword, and it forms, as it were, its reversal point at which the transfer of the folded sheet to the conveyor belts of the delivery is completed. "Pos. Below" is the lowest position of the sword as the turning point; The sword dips down to this position so as not to collide with the subsequent folded sheet on the saddle chain. "Pos. Zero" represents the neutral position from which the sword comes into operation for the next folding sheet.

Claims (18)

1. System (100), preferably formed as a saddle-stitcher, wherein the system has a transport chain which is roof-shaped in the upper region, along which one or more printed products preferably formed by folded sheets are transportable astride, are collected and optionally stapled in an intermediate stapling station, wherein, in the transport direction of the printed product (200, 600), after the optionally operating stapling station along the further course of the transport chain (110) there is arranged a stop (160) which is adjustable according to the format of the printed product, wherein the stop, in operative connection with mutually interdependently operating means (130, 500), brings about timed and format-stabilized discharge of the printed product such that the format-stabilized printed product is subsequently preferably deliverable to a cutting apparatus (150), and wherein the adjustable stop (160) has a stop plane (170) which is directed towards the transport direction of the transport path and which exerts a coordinated stopping and alignment function against the front edge of the printed product consisting of one or more folded sheets as it is discharged.
2. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that a first means for the timed discharge of the printed product consisting of one or more folded sheets consists of a delivery system (130).
3. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that a second means for the timed discharge of the printed product consisting of one or more folded sheets consists of an ejector (500).
4. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that as the printed product is discharged, a directional change with respect to the transport direction of the transport chain by 90° or approximately 90° takes place.
5. System according to Claim 1, in that the transport path is a collecting chain (110), which is equipped with retractable transport fingers to carry along the printed product consisting of one or more folded sheets.
6. System according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the delivery system (130) has a series of transport belts (131) acting beside one another which are operatively connected to an ejector (500) arranged on the underside of the ridge of the printed product and bring about the discharge of this printed product.
7. System according to Claim 6, characterized in that the ejector (500) is equipped with a projecting blade (503), by means of which the printed product is conveyable into the delivery system (130) from below.
8. Method for operating the system according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the interdependent operation of at least the transport chain (110), stop (160), delivery system (130), ejector (500), cutting apparatus (150) is controlled by a main controller (400).
9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the interdependent operation of at least the aforementioned units of the system is operated by means of stored control profiles and/or by means of an adaptive and/or predictive controller.
10. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the main controller (400) is operatively connected to at least one management information system (410).
11. Method for operating a system according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the operative connection between stop (160) and delivery system (130) is carried out in accordance with the following criteria:

    a) by means of an independent drive, the stop can be positioned individually for each printed product on the basis of its end position in the transport direction;

    b) the end position reached by the stop (160) is at least dependent on the format (201, 202) of the printed product brought up and taking the speed of the transport chain into account;

    c) the stop defines the horizontal end position of the printed product with regard to the discharge injected by the operative aids (131) of the delivery system (130), wherein the end position reached by the stop (160) is set such that the printed product reaches a central position with respect to the arrangement of the aids (131) of the delivery system (130) as it is discharged, irrespective of its format size;

    d) the operative end position to be reached by the stop is at least controlled by stored control profiles or continuously regulated via sensors such as photocells, camera systems;

    e) the one printed-product-related front wall (170) of the stop has a stabilizing action against a tilting moment and/or skewing of the printed product during the discharge carried out by the operative aids (131) of the delivery system (130).
12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the stop is coupled to an independent drive, in that the stop ensures point-accurate positioning for each printed product by means of an "on-the-fly" operation.
13. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the operative aids of the delivery system (130) consist of transport belts (131), which initially grip the printed product on the folded side and transport it onward in conformance with the format.
14. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the stop is equipped directly or indirectly with appropriate sensors which respond to congestion monitoring in the flow of the printed products brought up, and such information is forwarded to the main controller.
15. Method for operating a system according to Claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the operative process sequences of the ejector (500) for the discharge of the printed product are carried out in accordance with the following criteria:

    a) a blade (503), as a constituent part of an ejector (500) arranged underneath the delivery system (130) and preferably equipped with an individual drive, remains in a neutral position ("zero pos.") until the arrival of a command transmitted by the main controller which initiates the triggering of the discharging;

    b) the ejector (500) starts the movement of its operative parts (502, 503) from this "trigger" position in order to transfer the printed product consistently into the delivery system, wherein this triggering depends temporally on the speed of the transport chain, the format of the printed product and a possible manual correction, and wherein the speed of the transport chain has a defined or continuously freely definable speed threshold;

    c) above the speed threshold, the speed of the ejector depends on that of the transport chain and/or on that of transport belts belonging to the delivery system, in such a way that when the speed of the transport chain increases, the vertical movement of the ejector upward increases and, wherein, when the speed of the transport chain reduces, the vertical movement of the ejector upward decreases accordingly;

    d) below the speed threshold, the movement profile of the ejector is defined consistently by a minimum speed in order to ensure the transfer of the printed product to the transport belts (131) of the delivery system (130).
16. Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that the blade (503) belonging to the ejector (500) moves as far as an upper turning point (upper pos.) during the discharge of the printed product.
17. Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that the blade (503) belonging to the ejector (500) moves as far as a lower turning point (lower pos.) after the discharge of the printed product has been completed.
18. Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that the blade (503) belonging to the ejector (500) reaches the neutral position (zero pos.), starting from a lower turning point (lower pos.).

Images