EP4053056B1 - Device and method for feeding plate-shaped goods to a processing unit - Google Patents

Device and method for feeding plate-shaped goods to a processing unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4053056B1
EP4053056B1 EP22159454.2A EP22159454A EP4053056B1 EP 4053056 B1 EP4053056 B1 EP 4053056B1 EP 22159454 A EP22159454 A EP 22159454A EP 4053056 B1 EP4053056 B1 EP 4053056B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transport
suction
transport direction
plate
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP22159454.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4053056A1 (en
Inventor
Steffen Fischer
Klaus Kirsch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koenig and Bauer AG
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Koenig and Bauer AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koenig and Bauer AG filed Critical Koenig and Bauer AG
Publication of EP4053056A1 publication Critical patent/EP4053056A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4053056B1 publication Critical patent/EP4053056B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
    • B65H9/10—Pusher and like movable registers; Pusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position
    • B65H9/103—Pusher and like movable registers; Pusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position acting by friction or suction on the article for pushing or pulling it into registered position, e.g. against a stop
    • B65H9/105—Pusher and like movable registers; Pusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position acting by friction or suction on the article for pushing or pulling it into registered position, e.g. against a stop using suction means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H11/00—Feed tables
    • B65H11/002—Feed tables incorporating transport belts
    • B65H11/005—Suction belts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H7/00—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles
    • B65H7/02—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors
    • B65H7/06—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed
    • B65H7/08—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed responsive to incorrect front register
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H7/00—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles
    • B65H7/02—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors
    • B65H7/06—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed
    • B65H7/10—Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed responsive to incorrect side register
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
    • B65H9/002—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor changing orientation of sheet by only controlling movement of the forwarding means, i.e. without the use of stop or register wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2406/00—Means using fluid
    • B65H2406/30—Suction means
    • B65H2406/34—Suction grippers
    • B65H2406/342—Suction grippers being reciprocated in a rectilinear path
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/17—Nature of material
    • B65H2701/173—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2801/00—Application field
    • B65H2801/03—Image reproduction devices
    • B65H2801/21—Industrial-size printers, e.g. rotary printing press

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device and a method for feeding flat goods to a processing unit, the flat goods being arranged one behind the other in a lying position and transported by means of a transport device.
  • the panels which are transported lying one behind the other, hit the positioning marks or stops during their transport, so that the panels are forced into the desired or precise position. Finally, an optimal longitudinal alignment of the panels with respect to the transport route is necessary so that they are fed to the processing process or the processing unit at the right time. Since the panels have increasingly smaller sheet thicknesses and ever higher production speeds are required, damage to the panel edges can often occur with the known devices.
  • the panels When separating and feeding panels from the feeder to the processing unit, the panels must be transferred at an exact angle to ensure smooth and shock-free panel movement, which is ultimately also a prerequisite for a good fit on the processing unit.
  • the panel transport to the processing unit using friction-dependent transport means is influenced, among other things, by the condition of the transport means, the difference in speed between two transport systems, the coefficient of friction of the underside of the panel, the production speed and the inertia of the panels.
  • An alignment device in which the side edge of a sheet is detected by light barriers in order to determine its position relative to a target printing position.
  • a conveyor device and a method for conveying sheets of printing material are known, with the leading edges of the printing material being aligned with stop surfaces of a cylinder.
  • the DE 100 13 006 A1 discloses a device for driving a pre-gripper for the individual transport of sheets from a feed table to a gripper system of a further cylinder.
  • the pre-gripper has sheet detection elements that can be driven by an electric linear drive.
  • the DE 198 14 141 C2 discloses according to the preamble of claim 1 a device for precisely positionally feeding sheet-shaped goods to a processing unit by means of a transport device.
  • the transport device has two transport means that are spaced apart from one another and can be driven independently of one another to correct the skew and can be moved transversely to the transport direction to align the goods sideways.
  • the DE 101 36 872 A1 discloses a device for aligning sheets on a feed table of a sheet processing machine with front marks for aligning sheets transported in a conveying direction with the front edge against the front marks.
  • the invention is based on the object of creating a device and a method for feeding flat goods to a processing unit, which reduces the mechanical load on the flat goods even at high processing speeds and which, in particular, enables high feeding accuracy.
  • the advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that the flat goods are fed to a processing unit without any shocks. Another advantage is, in particular, that the feeding of flat goods takes place with greater precision. Alignment errors when separating a stack or feeding errors, which can be caused by aggregates that are arranged upstream of the device for feeding sheet-shaped goods, are corrected. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in Described in more detail below.
  • the coating machine which is not shown as a whole, can in particular be a painting machine and/or a printing machine.
  • the coating machine can be designed in particular for processing flat goods in the form of panels.
  • panels in particular metal panels
  • a transport device 01 in a transport plane
  • processing units 50 in particular printing and / or painting units
  • one or more processing units 50 on at least one of their sides processed for example printed and/or painted.
  • the transport of the flat goods, in particular the panels takes place unscathed, in a series arrangement, that is to say individually in a lying position and spaced apart from one another.
  • At least one cylinder 51 which is preferably part of a processing unit 50, can have front edge alignment means, preferably front edge stops, in particular positioning marks, for register-correct alignment of the panels transported by the transport device 01.
  • the cylinder 51 preferably has grippers, in particular clamping grippers.
  • the panels can be laid out in register.
  • the transport device 01 has a first transport device 10 and a second transport device 20.
  • the first transport device 10 preferably comprises transport means 11 rotating via rear and front deflection wheels.
  • Transport belts 11, which rotate parallel to one another, are particularly suitable as transport means 11.
  • the transport means 11, in particular transport belts 11, engage in particular on the underside of a respective flat item when it enters the transport area of the first transport device 10.
  • the transport means 11, in particular transport belts 11, transport the respective flat material lying on it in the transport direction 06.
  • the transport belts 11 can also have suction holes which are supplied with suction air from a suction air supply (not shown).
  • the transport belts 11, in particular suction belts 11, can also be supplied with suction air partially or activated or deactivated in certain areas.
  • the position or extent of suction areas can also be changed. Suction areas can be realized in particular by using preferably switchable suction chambers below the suction belt 11.
  • the first transport device 10 has a guide forming the transport plane for the flat goods.
  • the guide can be formed by fixed guide rails, in particular slide rails, and/or by the transport means 11, in particular the transport belts 11.
  • At least one circumferential stop 18 can be formed in the area of the first transport device 10.
  • the at least one circumferential stop 18 can be assigned to a belt 17 rotating over rear and front deflection wheels or a chain 17 rotating over rear and front deflection wheels.
  • a pair of stops 18 are formed which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the transport direction 06.
  • the distance between the deflection wheels of the transport means 11 is preferably smaller than the distance between the deflection wheels of the belts 17 or chains 17. The distances can also be the same size.
  • the circumferential stops 18 serve to pre-align the front edges of a respective sheet-like item transported by the first transport device 10 during transport through the first transport device 10.
  • the alignment of the front edges of a respective sheet-shaped item transported by the first transport device 10 is achieved by a slightly lower rotational speed of the rotating Stops 18 are caused in relation to the rotational speed of the transport means 11, in particular the transport belt 11.
  • the first transport device 10 can also have a conically tapering side guide 19 on which flat goods transported by the first transport device 10 are aligned with respect to their lateral position as a result of the transport movement.
  • the second transport device 20 is arranged downstream of the first transport device 10 in the transport direction 06, so that each sheet-shaped item transported by the first transport device 10 is transferred to the second transport device 20.
  • the second transport device 20 includes two suction elements 21; 22, each suction element 21; 22 a respective first drive 23 is assigned.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 form 23 suction thrusts in conjunction with the first drives.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 can be driven back and forth, in particular oscillating, by the first drives 23 independently of one another in the transport direction 06.
  • Both suction elements 21; 22 are assigned to a common carrier 25.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 can be guided in linear guides 26.
  • the linear guides 26 preferably extend parallel to one another and in the transport direction 06. More preferably, the linear guides 26 are assigned to the carrier 25.
  • the first drives 23 are preferably also assigned to the carrier 25.
  • the first drives 23 are preferably designed as electric linear motors 23.
  • the linear guides 26 can also be part of the first drives 23 designed as electric linear motors 23.
  • the carrier 25 is displaceable, in particular displaceable, transversely to the transport direction 06, stored and connected to a second drive 24.
  • the second drive 24 acts on the carrier 25 to displace it, in particular displacement, transversely to the transport direction 06.
  • the second drive 24 is preferably designed as a servo motor.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 can be rotatably mounted. They are each formed from a base body 27 and a suction plate 28 rotatably mounted in the respective base body 27.
  • the base bodies 27 are the suction elements 21; 22 assigned to the carrier 25 and fixed to it via a screw-on surface formed on the respective base body 27.
  • the suction cups 28 are preferably mounted without play.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 are, according to one embodiment, displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the carrier 25.
  • each suction element 21; 22 an actuator 31, wherein the suction plate 28 can be displaced vertically by the actuator 31 relative to the base body 27 and thus also relative to the carrier 25.
  • the actuator 31 can be designed as a pneumatic actuator 31.
  • the base body 27 can have a cylindrical cavity in its interior, in which a piston rod is guided, at the end of which protrudes from the base body 27 a suction plate 28 is fixed.
  • Each base body 27 can have a suction air connection 29 and/or a suction air line for supplying a suction surface formed on the suction plate 28 with suction air.
  • the base body 27 can also have one or more further air connections 30 and/or a further air line for supplying the respective actuator 31 or the cylindrical cavity with air, in particular compressed air.
  • first sensors 41 can be formed.
  • the first sensors 41 are preferably arranged in the area of the second transport device 20 facing the processing unit 50 or in the area of the second transport device 20 facing the first transport device 10.
  • the first sensors 41 can be arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction 06.
  • the first sensors 41 are designed as optical sensors, in particular as light barriers, and are used to detect the position or the inclination of the front edge of a respective one of the suction elements 21; 22 held flat material is configured, for example, by detecting an edge change.
  • One or more second sensors 42 can be provided for the flat goods held in 22.
  • One or all of the second sensors 42 can be designed as optical sensors, preferably line sensors, in particular as CCD lines, or embodied by a camera.
  • the first sensors 41 and the first drives 23 are connected in terms of signals to a control device, which can be part of the second transport device 20.
  • the control device is designed to control the first drives 23 depending on the signals from the first sensors 41.
  • the control device can also be connected to the first drives 23, the first sensors 41 and a further sensor (not shown), the further sensor being assigned to a cylinder 51 of a processing unit 50 arranged downstream of the second transport device 20 in the transport direction 06 for detecting its angular position.
  • the control device is preferably designed to control the first drives 23 depending on the signals from the further sensor and the first sensors 41.
  • the control device or an additionally designed control device can also be connected to the second drive 24 and at least one second sensor 42 for signaling purposes and can be used to control the second drive 24 depending on the signals from the at least one second sensor 42 may be formed.
  • the first transport device 10 can be preceded by a further transport device, not shown, in the transport direction 06.
  • the further transport device preferably has rotating transport means, which can be designed as transport belts and rotate over deflection wheels.
  • the further transport device can be subordinate to a feeder or can be designed as a feeder or be part of a feeder.
  • a method for feeding sheet-shaped goods to a processing unit 50 in a transport plane and in a transport direction 06, in particular for feeding panels in precise positions to a printing and/or coating unit of a coating machine or the like, is described below.
  • the flat goods are arranged one behind the other in a lying position and transported by means of a transport device 01.
  • flat goods are transported by transport means 11 of a first transport device 10 of the transport device 01 in the transport plane.
  • suction elements 21; 21 and from the suction elements 21; 21 included suction plate 28 of a second transport device 20 downstream of the first transport device 10 in the transport direction 06 in the transport direction 06 accelerated from standstill to the transport speed of the transport means 11 of the first transport device 10.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 have reached the transport speed of the transport means 11, the suction plates 28 perpendicular to the transport plane, preferably shifted in the vertical direction.
  • the displacement can be brought about by an actuator 31, in particular a pneumatic actuator 31, in particular by applying air, for example in the form of compressed air.
  • the displacement takes place in such a way that the suction cups 28 rest on the underside of a respective flat item.
  • the impact when putting it on can be dampened by the effect of the transport means designed as a suction belt 11.
  • Suction air is then applied to the suction plate 28.
  • the application of suction air can take place before the suction plates 28 are applied to the respective flat material. Applying the suction air causes the respective flat material to be fixed on the suction plates 28.
  • the second transport device 20 takes over the further transport.
  • the inclined position of the front edge and/or the position of the front edge of a respective sheet-shaped item is detected by the first sensors 41.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 moves in the transport direction 06 depending on the detected inclination at unequal speeds to correct the inclination.
  • the evaluation of the signals from the first sensors 41 and the unequal control of the first drives 23 are effected by the control device.
  • the correction of the position of the respective flat material can also take place with respect to the phase position of the processing unit 50.
  • the angular position of a cylinder 51 of the processing unit 50 downstream of the second transport unit 20 in the transport direction 06 is also recorded.
  • the suction elements 21; 22 can be in the transport direction 06 depending on the detected position of the front edge in relation to the angular position of the cylinder 51 with the same change in speed to correct the position of the Front edge can be moved.
  • the correction of the position of the front edge in the transport direction 06 and a required skew correction can also be carried out simultaneously by appropriately controlling the first drives 23 with a superimposed change in speed in accordance with the determined position errors.
  • the position of the side edge can also be corrected.
  • the position of one of the side edges of the respective flat item is detected and the carrier 25 with the suction elements 21 assigned to it; 22 is shifted transversely to the transport direction 06 to correct the lateral position depending on the detected position of the side edge.
  • the lateral position is corrected while the suction plates 28 move the respective flat goods in the transport direction 06.
  • the respective flat material can then be transferred to the gripper of a cylinder 51 of the processing unit 50.
  • the suction air is switched off at the suction plates 28.
  • the suction plates 28 of the suction elements 21; 22 preferably from the actuator 31 vertically and the suction elements 21; 22 moved by first drives 23 in the opposite direction to the transport direction 06.
  • the carrier 25 is moved into its starting position by the second drive 24.
  • the path lengths, time periods, times, speeds and accelerations assigned to the described movement cycle of the suction elements 21, 22 are exemplified in the movement diagram according to Fig. 4 shown.
  • the motion diagram shows the parameters at a processing speed of 7,200 cycles/hour.
  • the movement diagram shows that the useful travel distance for the alignment process or position correction at constant speed is 450 mm and the braking distance and acceleration distance are each 75 mm.
  • the total length of the linear motor 23 is preferably 600 mm.
  • the movement cycle time is 500 milliseconds at a processing speed of 7,200 cycles/hour or 2.67 meters/second.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Registering Or Overturning Sheets (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern zu einer Bearbeitungseinheit, wobei die flächenförmigen Güter in Hintereinanderanordnung in liegender Position mittels einer Transportvorrichtung transportiert werden.The invention relates to a device and a method for feeding flat goods to a processing unit, the flat goods being arranged one behind the other in a lying position and transported by means of a transport device.

Das Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern, zum Beispiel Tafeln, insbesondere Blechtafeln, zu einer Bearbeitungseinheit, insbesondere zu einem Druck- oder Lackierwerk einer Blech-Beschichtungsmaschine, muss für zufriedenstellende Lackier- oder Druckergebnisse positionsgenau erfolgen.The feeding of flat goods, for example panels, in particular metal sheets, to a processing unit, in particular to a printing or painting unit of a sheet metal coating machine, must be carried out in a precise position for satisfactory painting or printing results.

Hierzu ist es bekannt, eine mechanische Ausrichtung der Tafeln durch Seitenmarken, Anlegmarken, Tafelanschläge oder dergleichen vorzunehmen.For this purpose, it is known to carry out a mechanical alignment of the panels using side marks, positioning marks, panel stops or the like.

Die Tafeln, die liegend hintereinander transportiert werden, treffen während ihres Transports auf die Anlegmarken beziehungsweise Anschläge, so dass die Tafeln dadurch zwangsweise in die gewünschte beziehungsweise genaue Position gebracht werden. Schließlich ist eine optimale Längsausrichtung der Tafeln bezüglich der Transportstrecke notwendig, damit diese zum richtigen Zeitpunkt dem Bearbeitungsprozess beziehungsweise der Bearbeitungseinheit zugeführt werden. Da die Tafeln zunehmend geringere Blechdicken aufweisen und zudem immer höhere Produktionsgeschwindigkeiten gefordert werden, kann es bei den bekannten Vorrichtungen häufig zu Beschädigungen an den Tafelkanten kommen.The panels, which are transported lying one behind the other, hit the positioning marks or stops during their transport, so that the panels are forced into the desired or precise position. Finally, an optimal longitudinal alignment of the panels with respect to the transport route is necessary so that they are fed to the processing process or the processing unit at the right time. Since the panels have increasingly smaller sheet thicknesses and ever higher production speeds are required, damage to the panel edges can often occur with the known devices.

Bei der Vereinzelung und Zuführung von Tafeln aus dem Anleger zu der Bearbeitungseinheit müssen die Tafeln winkelgenau übergeben werden, um einen ruhigen und stoßfreien Tafellauf zu gewährleisten, was letztendlich auch eine Voraussetzung für eine gute Passgenauigkeit an der Bearbeitungseinheit ist.When separating and feeding panels from the feeder to the processing unit, the panels must be transferred at an exact angle to ensure smooth and shock-free panel movement, which is ultimately also a prerequisite for a good fit on the processing unit.

Der Tafeltransport zu der Bearbeitungseinheit mittels friktionsabhängiger Transportmittel wird unter anderem beeinflusst vom Zustand der Transportmittel, der Differenzgeschwindigkeit zwischen zwei Transportsystemen, dem Reibungskoeffizient der Tafelunterseite, der Produktionsgeschwindigkeit und der Massenträgheit der Tafeln.The panel transport to the processing unit using friction-dependent transport means is influenced, among other things, by the condition of the transport means, the difference in speed between two transport systems, the coefficient of friction of the underside of the panel, the production speed and the inertia of the panels.

Entsprechend kann es erforderlich sein, den Synchronpunkt zwischen zwei miteinander zusammenwirkenden Transportstrecken nachzuregulieren.Accordingly, it may be necessary to readjust the synchronization point between two interacting transport routes.

Die Nachregulierung erfolgt derzeit am Bedienpanel einer Bearbeitungseinheit manuell und rein visuell durch die Bedienperson.Readjustment is currently carried out manually and purely visually by the operator on the control panel of a processing unit.

Steigende Produktionsgeschwindigkeiten lassen geringere Einstelltoleranzen zu. Gleichzeitig wird die visuelle Erfassung bei höheren Geschwindigkeiten für eine Bedienperson schwieriger, insbesondere wenn die Sicht auf die Tafelbahn durch Schutzabdeckungen, Doppeltafel-Auswurf oder Zwischentrockner beeinträchtigt wird.Increasing production speeds allow for smaller setting tolerances. At the same time, visual detection becomes more difficult for an operator at higher speeds, especially if the view of the panel web is impaired by protective covers, double panel ejection or intermediate dryers.

Aus der DE 10 2007 031 115 A1 sind eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Ausrichten von tafelförmigen Gütern bekannt, bei denen umlaufende Ausrichtanschläge verwendet werden.From the DE 10 2007 031 115 A1 a device and a method for aligning table-shaped goods are known in which rotating alignment stops are used.

Aus der EP 1 008 016 B1 ist eine Ausrichtvorrichtung bekannt, wobei die Seitenkante eines Blattes von Lichtschranken erfasst wird, um dessen Lage relativ zu einer Soll-Drucklage zu ermitteln.From the EP 1 008 016 B1 An alignment device is known, in which the side edge of a sheet is detected by light barriers in order to determine its position relative to a target printing position.

Aus der DE 10 2005 037 128 A1 ist ein Transportsystem einer Blechdruck- oder Blechlackiermaschine bekannt, bei der Flachriemen zum Transport der Tafeln zum Einsatz kommen.From the DE 10 2005 037 128 A1 a transport system of a sheet metal printing or sheet metal painting machine is known in which flat belts are used to transport the panels.

Aus der DE 10 2012 211 783 A1 sind eine Fördervorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Fördern von Bedruckstoffbogen bekannt, wobei die Bedruckstoffvorderkanten an Anschlagflächen eines Zylinders ausgerichtet werden.From the DE 10 2012 211 783 A1 A conveyor device and a method for conveying sheets of printing material are known, with the leading edges of the printing material being aligned with stop surfaces of a cylinder.

Die DE 100 13 006 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung für den Antrieb eines Vorgreifers zum Einzeltransport von Bogen von einem Anlegetisch zu einem Greifersystem eines weiterführenden Zylinders. Der Vorgreifer weist Bogenerfassungselemente auf, die von einem elektrischen Linearantrieb antreibbar sind.The DE 100 13 006 A1 discloses a device for driving a pre-gripper for the individual transport of sheets from a feed table to a gripper system of a further cylinder. The pre-gripper has sheet detection elements that can be driven by an electric linear drive.

Die DE 198 14 141 C2 offenbart gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 eine Vorrichtung zum positionsgenauen Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern zu einer Bearbeitungseinheit mittels einer Transportvorrichtung. Die Transportvorrichtung weist für eine Schräglagenkorrektur zwei beabstandet zueinander liegende und unabhängig voneinander antreibbare Transportmittel auf und ist für eine Seitenausrichtung des Guts quer zur Transportrichtung verlagerbar.The DE 198 14 141 C2 discloses according to the preamble of claim 1 a device for precisely positionally feeding sheet-shaped goods to a processing unit by means of a transport device. The transport device has two transport means that are spaced apart from one another and can be driven independently of one another to correct the skew and can be moved transversely to the transport direction to align the goods sideways.

Die DE 101 36 872 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Bogen auf einem Anlegtisch einer bogenverarbeitenden Maschine mit Vordermarken zum Ausrichten von in einer Förderrichtung mit der Vorderkante gegen die Vordermarken transportierten Bogen.The DE 101 36 872 A1 discloses a device for aligning sheets on a feed table of a sheet processing machine with front marks for aligning sheets transported in a conveying direction with the front edge against the front marks.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern zu einer Bearbeitungseinheit zu schaffen, das/die auch bei großen Bearbeitungsgeschwindigkeiten die mechanische Belastung der flächenförmigen Güter vermindert und das/die insbesondere eine hohe Zuführgenauigkeit ermöglicht.The invention is based on the object of creating a device and a method for feeding flat goods to a processing unit, which reduces the mechanical load on the flat goods even at high processing speeds and which, in particular, enables high feeding accuracy.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 bzw. 11 gelöst.The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 11, respectively.

Die mit der Erfindung erzielbaren Vorteile bestehen insbesondere darin, dass die flächenförmigen Güter stoßfrei einer Bearbeitungseinheit zugeführt werden. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht insbesondere darin, dass die Zuführung flächenförmiger Güter mit größerer Genauigkeit erfolgt. Ausrichtefehler beim Vereinzeln von einem Stapel oder Zuführfehler, die durch Aggregate verursacht sein können, die der Vorrichtung zum Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern vorgeordnet sind, werden korrigiert. Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und werden im Folgenden näher beschrieben.The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that the flat goods are fed to a processing unit without any shocks. Another advantage is, in particular, that the feeding of flat goods takes place with greater precision. Alignment errors when separating a stack or feeding errors, which can be caused by aggregates that are arranged upstream of the device for feeding sheet-shaped goods, are corrected. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in Described in more detail below.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
einen Zylinder einer Bearbeitungseinheit mit einer Vorrichtung zum Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern;
Fig. 2
eine detaillierte Darstellung der zweiten Transporteinrichtung der Vorrichtung zum Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern zu Fig. 1;
Fig. 3
eine detaillierte Darstellung eines Saugelements der zweiten Transporteinrichtung zu Fig. 2;
Fig. 4
ein Bewegungsdiagramm der Saugelemente der zweiten Transporteinrichtung.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a cylinder of a processing unit with a device for feeding sheet-shaped goods;
Fig. 2
a detailed representation of the second transport device of the device for feeding flat goods Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3
a detailed representation of a suction element of the second transport device Fig. 2 ;
Fig. 4
a movement diagram of the suction elements of the second transport device.

Bei der nicht im Ganzen dargestellten Beschichtungsmaschine kann es sich insbesondere um eine Lackiermaschine und/oder eine Druckmaschine handeln.The coating machine, which is not shown as a whole, can in particular be a painting machine and/or a printing machine.

Die Beschichtungsmaschine kann insbesondere für die Bearbeitung von flächenförmigen Gütern in Form von Tafeln ausgebildet sein.The coating machine can be designed in particular for processing flat goods in the form of panels.

In der Beschichtungsmaschine werden beispielsweise Tafeln, insbesondere Blechtafeln, entlang eines Förderweges in einer Transportrichtung 06 mit einer Transportvorrichtung 01 in einer Transportebene einer oder mehreren Bearbeitungseinheiten 50, insbesondere Druck- und/oder Lackierwerken zugeführt und in einer beziehungsweise mehreren Bearbeitungseinheiten 50 auf wenigstens einer ihrer Seiten bearbeitet, zum Beispiel bedruckt und/oder lackiert. Der Transport der flächenförmigen Güter, insbesondere der Tafeln, erfolgt dabei ungeschuppt, in einer Hintereinanderanordnung, das heißt einzeln in liegender Position und beabstandet zueinander.In the coating machine, for example, panels, in particular metal panels, are fed along a conveyor path in a transport direction 06 with a transport device 01 in a transport plane to one or more processing units 50, in particular printing and / or painting units, and in one or more processing units 50 on at least one of their sides processed, for example printed and/or painted. The transport of the flat goods, in particular the panels, takes place unscathed, in a series arrangement, that is to say individually in a lying position and spaced apart from one another.

Um eine bezüglich des Längsregisters registergerechte Bearbeitung sicher zu stellen kann wenigstens ein Zylinder 51, der vorzugsweise Bestandteil einer Bearbeitungseinheit 50 ist, Vorderkantenausrichtmittel, bevorzugt Vorderkantenanschläge, insbesondere Anlegmarken, zur registergerechten Ausrichtung der durch die Transportvorrichtung 01 herantransportierten Tafeln aufweisen. Der Zylinder 51 weist vorzugsweise Greifer, insbesondere Klemmgreifer auf.In order to ensure register-correct processing with respect to the longitudinal register, at least one cylinder 51, which is preferably part of a processing unit 50, can have front edge alignment means, preferably front edge stops, in particular positioning marks, for register-correct alignment of the panels transported by the transport device 01. The cylinder 51 preferably has grippers, in particular clamping grippers.

Durch Zusammenwirken der die flächenförmigen Güter, insbesondere Tafeln, transportierenden Transportvorrichtung 01 mit den Vorderkantenausrichtmitteln, bevorzugt Vorderkantenanschlägen, insbesondere Anlegmarken, eines Zylinders 51, insbesondere eines Druckzylinders, können die Tafeln registergerecht angelegt werden.Through interaction of the transport device 01 transporting the flat goods, in particular panels, with the front edge alignment means, preferably front edge stops, in particular feed marks, of a cylinder 51, in particular a printing cylinder, the panels can be laid out in register.

Die Transportvorrichtung 01 weist eine erste Transporteinrichtung 10 und eine zweite Transporteinrichtung 20 auf.The transport device 01 has a first transport device 10 and a second transport device 20.

Die erste Transporteinrichtung 10 umfasst vorzugsweise über hintere und vordere Umlenkräder umlaufende Transportmittel 11. Als Transportmittel 11 eignen sich insbesondere Transportriemen 11, die parallel zueinander umlaufen. Die Transportmittel 11, insbesondere Transportriemen 11, greifen insbesondere auf der Unterseite eines jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes an, wenn dieses in den Transportbereich der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 gelangt. Die Transportmittel 11, insbesondere Transportriemen 11, transportieren das aufliegende jeweilige flächenförmige Gut in Transportrichtung 06.The first transport device 10 preferably comprises transport means 11 rotating via rear and front deflection wheels. Transport belts 11, which rotate parallel to one another, are particularly suitable as transport means 11. The transport means 11, in particular transport belts 11, engage in particular on the underside of a respective flat item when it enters the transport area of the first transport device 10. The transport means 11, in particular transport belts 11, transport the respective flat material lying on it in the transport direction 06.

Die Transportriemen 11 können auch Sauglöcher aufweisen, die von einer nicht dargestellten Saugluftversorgung mit Saugluft beaufschlagt werden. Die Beaufschlagung der Transportriemen 11, insbesondere Saugriemen 11, mit Saugluft kann auch partiell erfolgen oder bereichsweise aktiviert oder deaktiviert werden. Ebenso kann eine Veränderung der Lage oder der Erstreckung von Saugbereichen erfolgen. Saugbereiche können insbesondere durch die Verwendung von vorzugsweise schaltbaren Saugkammern unterhalb der Saugriemen 11 realisiert sein.The transport belts 11 can also have suction holes which are supplied with suction air from a suction air supply (not shown). The transport belts 11, in particular suction belts 11, can also be supplied with suction air partially or activated or deactivated in certain areas. The position or extent of suction areas can also be changed. Suction areas can be realized in particular by using preferably switchable suction chambers below the suction belt 11.

Die erste Transporteinrichtung 10 weist eine die Transportebene für die flächenförmigen Güter bildende Führung auf. Die Führung kann durch feststehende Führungsschienen, insbesondere Gleitschienen, und/oder durch die Transportmittel 11, insbesondere die Transportriemen 11, gebildet sein.The first transport device 10 has a guide forming the transport plane for the flat goods. The guide can be formed by fixed guide rails, in particular slide rails, and/or by the transport means 11, in particular the transport belts 11.

Im Bereich der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 kann mindestens ein umlaufender Anschlag 18 ausgebildet sein. Der mindestens eine umlaufende Anschlag 18 kann einem über hintere und vordere Umlenkräder umlaufenden Riemen 17 oder einer über hintere und vordere Umlenkräder umlaufenden Kette 17 zugeordnet sein. Vorzugsweise ist ein Paar von quer zur Transportrichtung 06 beabstandet zueinander umlaufenden Anschlägen 18 ausgebildet. In Transportrichtung 06 ist der Abstand zwischen den Umlenkrädern der Transportmittel 11 vorzugsweise geringer als der Abstand zwischen den Umlenkrädern der Riemen 17 oder Ketten 17. Die Abstände können auch gleich groß sein.At least one circumferential stop 18 can be formed in the area of the first transport device 10. The at least one circumferential stop 18 can be assigned to a belt 17 rotating over rear and front deflection wheels or a chain 17 rotating over rear and front deflection wheels. Preferably, a pair of stops 18 are formed which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the transport direction 06. In the transport direction 06, the distance between the deflection wheels of the transport means 11 is preferably smaller than the distance between the deflection wheels of the belts 17 or chains 17. The distances can also be the same size.

Die umlaufenden Anschläge 18 dienen der Vorausrichtung der Vorderkanten eines jeweiligen von der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 transportierten flächenförmigen Gutes während des Transports durch die erste Transporteinrichtung 10. Die Ausrichtung der Vorderkanten eines jeweiligen von der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 transportierten flächenförmigen Gutes wird durch eine geringfügig niedrigere Umlaufgeschwindigkeit der umlaufenden Anschläge 18 in Bezug zu der Umlaufgeschwindigkeit der Transportmittel 11, insbesondere der Transportriemen 11, bewirkt. Die erste Transporteinrichtung 10 kann auch eine konisch zulaufende Seitenführung 19 aufweisen an der von der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 transportierte flächenförmige Güter in Bezug auf ihre Seitenlage infolge der Transportbewegung ausgerichtet werden.The circumferential stops 18 serve to pre-align the front edges of a respective sheet-like item transported by the first transport device 10 during transport through the first transport device 10. The alignment of the front edges of a respective sheet-shaped item transported by the first transport device 10 is achieved by a slightly lower rotational speed of the rotating Stops 18 are caused in relation to the rotational speed of the transport means 11, in particular the transport belt 11. The first transport device 10 can also have a conically tapering side guide 19 on which flat goods transported by the first transport device 10 are aligned with respect to their lateral position as a result of the transport movement.

Die zweite Transporteinrichtung 20 ist der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 in Transportrichtung 06 nachgeordnet, so dass jedes von der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 transportierte flächenförmige Gut an die zweite Transporteinrichtung 20 übergeben wird.The second transport device 20 is arranged downstream of the first transport device 10 in the transport direction 06, so that each sheet-shaped item transported by the first transport device 10 is transferred to the second transport device 20.

Die zweite Transporteinrichtung 20 umfasst zwei Saugelemente 21; 22, wobei jedem Saugelement 21; 22 ein jeweiliger erster Antrieb 23 zugeordnet ist. Die Saugelemente 21; 22 bilden in Verbindung mit den ersten Antrieben 23 Saugschübe. Die Saugelemente 21; 22 sind von den ersten Antrieben 23 unabhängig voneinander in Transportrichtung 06 hin- und herlaufend, insbesondere oszillierend, antreibbar.The second transport device 20 includes two suction elements 21; 22, each suction element 21; 22 a respective first drive 23 is assigned. The suction elements 21; 22 form 23 suction thrusts in conjunction with the first drives. The suction elements 21; 22 can be driven back and forth, in particular oscillating, by the first drives 23 independently of one another in the transport direction 06.

Beide Saugelemente 21; 22 sind einem gemeinsamen Träger 25 zugeordnet.Both suction elements 21; 22 are assigned to a common carrier 25.

Die Saugelemente 21; 22 können in Linearführungen 26 geführt sein. Die Linearführungen 26 erstrecken sich vorzugsweise parallel zueinander und in Transportrichtung 06. Weiter bevorzugt sind die Linearführungen 26 dem Träger 25 zugeordnet. Neben den Linearführungen 26 sind dem Träger 25 vorzugsweise auch die ersten Antriebe 23 zugeordnet.The suction elements 21; 22 can be guided in linear guides 26. The linear guides 26 preferably extend parallel to one another and in the transport direction 06. More preferably, the linear guides 26 are assigned to the carrier 25. In addition to the linear guides 26, the first drives 23 are preferably also assigned to the carrier 25.

Vorzugsweise sind die ersten Antriebe 23 als elektrische Linearmotoren 23 ausgebildet.The first drives 23 are preferably designed as electric linear motors 23.

Die Linearführungen 26 können auch Bestandteil der als elektrische Linearmotoren 23 ausgebildeten ersten Antriebe 23 sein.The linear guides 26 can also be part of the first drives 23 designed as electric linear motors 23.

Der Träger 25 ist quer zur Transportrichtung 06 verlagerbar, insbesondere verschiebbar, gelagert und mit einem zweiten Antrieb 24 verbunden. Der zweite Antrieb 24 wirkt auf den Träger 25 zu dessen Verlagerung, insbesondere Verschiebung, quer zur Transportrichtung 06 ein. Vorzugsweise ist der zweite Antrieb 24 als Servomotor ausgebildet.The carrier 25 is displaceable, in particular displaceable, transversely to the transport direction 06, stored and connected to a second drive 24. The second drive 24 acts on the carrier 25 to displace it, in particular displacement, transversely to the transport direction 06. The second drive 24 is preferably designed as a servo motor.

Die Saugelemente 21; 22 können drehbar gelagert sein. Sie sind jeweils aus einem Grundkörper 27 und einem im jeweiligen Grundkörper 27 drehbar gelagerten Saugteller 28 gebildet.The suction elements 21; 22 can be rotatably mounted. They are each formed from a base body 27 and a suction plate 28 rotatably mounted in the respective base body 27.

Bei der Ausbildung mit einem Grundkörper 27 sind die Grundkörper 27 der Saugelemente 21; 22 dem Träger 25 zugeordnet und an diesem über eine am jeweiligen Grundkörper 27 gebildete Anschraubfläche fixiert. Vorzugsweise sind die Saugteller 28 spielfrei gelagert.When designed with a base body 27, the base bodies 27 are the suction elements 21; 22 assigned to the carrier 25 and fixed to it via a screw-on surface formed on the respective base body 27. The suction cups 28 are preferably mounted without play.

Die Saugelemente 21; 22 sind gemäß einer Ausführung gegenüber dem Träger 25 in vertikaler Richtung verlagerbar. Vorzugsweise umfasst jedes Saugelement 21; 22 einen Aktor 31, wobei der Saugteller 28 von dem Aktor 31 vertikal gegenüber dem Grundkörper 27 und damit auch gegenüber dem Träger 25 verlagerbar ist. Der Aktor 31 kann als pneumatischer Aktor 31 ausgebildet sein. Insbesondere kann der Grundkörper 27 in seinem Inneren einen zylindrischen Hohlraum aufweisen, in dem eine Kolbenstange geführt ist, an deren aus dem Grundkörper 27 herausragenden Ende ein Saugteller 28 fixiert ist.The suction elements 21; 22 are, according to one embodiment, displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the carrier 25. Preferably, each suction element 21; 22 an actuator 31, wherein the suction plate 28 can be displaced vertically by the actuator 31 relative to the base body 27 and thus also relative to the carrier 25. The actuator 31 can be designed as a pneumatic actuator 31. In particular, the base body 27 can have a cylindrical cavity in its interior, in which a piston rod is guided, at the end of which protrudes from the base body 27 a suction plate 28 is fixed.

Jeder Grundkörper 27 kann einen Saugluftanschluss 29 und/oder eine Saugluftleitung zur Versorgung einer am Saugteller 28 ausgebildeten Saugfläche mit Saugluft aufweisen. Der Grundkörper 27 kann auch einen oder mehrere weitere Luftanschlüsse 30 und/oder eine weitere Luftleitung zur Versorgung des jeweiligen Aktors 31 oder des zylindrischen Hohlraums mit Luft, insbesondere Druckluft, aufweisen.Each base body 27 can have a suction air connection 29 and/or a suction air line for supplying a suction surface formed on the suction plate 28 with suction air. The base body 27 can also have one or more further air connections 30 and/or a further air line for supplying the respective actuator 31 or the cylindrical cavity with air, in particular compressed air.

Zur Erfassung der Lage, insbesondere der Lage der Vorderkante und/oder der Schräglage eines jeweiligen von den Saugelementen 21; 22 gehaltenen flächenförmigen Gutes können ein oder mehrere erste Sensoren 41 ausgebildet sein. Die ersten Sensoren 41 sind vorzugsweise in dem der Bearbeitungseinheit 50 zugewandten Bereich der zweiten Transporteinrichtung 20 oder in dem der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 zugewandten Bereich der zweiten Transporteinrichtung 20 angeordnet.To detect the position, in particular the position of the front edge and / or the inclined position of each of the suction elements 21; 22, one or more first sensors 41 can be formed. The first sensors 41 are preferably arranged in the area of the second transport device 20 facing the processing unit 50 or in the area of the second transport device 20 facing the first transport device 10.

Die ersten Sensoren 41 können quer zur Transportrichtung 06 zueinander beabstandet angeordnet sein. Nach einer Ausführungsform sind die ersten Sensoren 41 als optische Sensoren, insbesondere als Lichtschranken, ausgebildet und zur Erfassung der Lage oder der Schräglage der Vorderkante eines jeweiligen von den Saugelementen 21; 22 gehaltenen flächenförmigen Gutes zum Beispiel durch Detektion eines Flankenwechsel konfiguriert.The first sensors 41 can be arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction 06. According to one embodiment, the first sensors 41 are designed as optical sensors, in particular as light barriers, and are used to detect the position or the inclination of the front edge of a respective one of the suction elements 21; 22 held flat material is configured, for example, by detecting an edge change.

Zur Erfassung der Seitenlage, insbesondere der Lage einer Seitenkante eines jeweiligen von den Saugelementen 21; 22 gehaltenen flächenförmigen Gutes können ein oder mehrere zweite Sensoren 42 vorgesehen sein. Ein oder alle zweiten Sensoren 42 können als optische Sensoren, bevorzugt Zeilensensoren, insbesondere als CCD Zeilen ausgebildet oder durch eine Kamera verkörpert sein.To detect the lateral position, in particular the position of a side edge of each of the suction elements 21; One or more second sensors 42 can be provided for the flat goods held in 22. One or all of the second sensors 42 can be designed as optical sensors, preferably line sensors, in particular as CCD lines, or embodied by a camera.

Die ersten Sensoren 41 und die ersten Antriebe 23 sind signaltechnisch mit einer Steuervorrichtung verbunden, die Bestandteil der zweiten Transporteinrichtung 20 sein kann. Die Steuervorrichtung ist zur Steuerung der ersten Antriebe 23 in Abhängigkeit der Signale der ersten Sensoren 41 ausgebildet.The first sensors 41 and the first drives 23 are connected in terms of signals to a control device, which can be part of the second transport device 20. The control device is designed to control the first drives 23 depending on the signals from the first sensors 41.

Die Steuervorrichtung kann auch mit den ersten Antrieben 23, den ersten Sensoren 41 und einem nicht dargestellten weiteren Sensor verbunden sein, wobei der weitere Sensor einem Zylinder 51 einer der zweiten Transporteinrichtung 20 in Transportrichtung 06 nachgeordneten Bearbeitungseinheit 50 zur Erfassung von dessen Winkellage zugeordnet ist. Die Steuervorrichtung ist bei dieser Ausführung vorzugsweise zur Steuerung der ersten Antriebe 23 in Abhängigkeit der Signale des weiteren Sensors und der ersten Sensoren 41 ausgebildet.The control device can also be connected to the first drives 23, the first sensors 41 and a further sensor (not shown), the further sensor being assigned to a cylinder 51 of a processing unit 50 arranged downstream of the second transport device 20 in the transport direction 06 for detecting its angular position. In this embodiment, the control device is preferably designed to control the first drives 23 depending on the signals from the further sensor and the first sensors 41.

Die Steuervorrichtung oder eine zusätzlich ausgebildete Steuervorrichtung kann auch mit dem zweiten Antrieb 24 und mindestens einem zweiten Sensor 42 signaltechnisch verbunden und zur Steuerung des zweiten Antriebs 24 in Abhängigkeit der Signale des mindestens einen zweiten Sensors 42 ausgebildet sein.The control device or an additionally designed control device can also be connected to the second drive 24 and at least one second sensor 42 for signaling purposes and can be used to control the second drive 24 depending on the signals from the at least one second sensor 42 may be formed.

Der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 kann in Transportrichtung 06 eine nicht dargestellte weitere Transporteinrichtung vorgelagert sein. Die weitere Transporteinrichtung weist vorzugsweise umlaufende Transportmittel auf, die als Transportriemen ausgebildet sein können und über Umlenkräder umlaufen. Die weitere Transporteinrichtung kann einem Anleger nachgeordnet sein oder als Anleger ausgebildet sein oder Bestandteil eines Anlegers sein.The first transport device 10 can be preceded by a further transport device, not shown, in the transport direction 06. The further transport device preferably has rotating transport means, which can be designed as transport belts and rotate over deflection wheels. The further transport device can be subordinate to a feeder or can be designed as a feeder or be part of a feeder.

Nachfolgend wird ein Verfahren zum Zuführen von flächenförmigen Gütern zu einer Bearbeitungseinheit 50 in einer Transportebene und in einer Transportrichtung 06, insbesondere zum positionsgenauen Zuführen von Tafeln zu einem Druck- und/oder Lackierwerk einer Beschichtungsmaschine oder dergleichen beschrieben.A method for feeding sheet-shaped goods to a processing unit 50 in a transport plane and in a transport direction 06, in particular for feeding panels in precise positions to a printing and/or coating unit of a coating machine or the like, is described below.

Gemäß des Verfahrens werden die flächenförmigen Güter in Hintereinanderanordnung in liegender Position mittels einer Transportvorrichtung 01 transportiert.According to the method, the flat goods are arranged one behind the other in a lying position and transported by means of a transport device 01.

Gemäß des Verfahrens werden flächenförmige Güter von Transportmitteln 11 einer ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 der Transportvorrichtung 01 in der Transportebene transportiert. Während des Transports eines jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes durch die erste Transporteinrichtung 10 werden Saugelemente 21; 21 und von den Saugelementen 21; 21 umfasste Saugteller 28 einer der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 in Transportrichtung 06 nachgeordneten zweiten Transporteinrichtung 20 in Transportrichtung 06 aus dem Stillstand auf Transportgeschwindigkeit der Transportmittel 11 der ersten Transporteinrichtung 10 beschleunigt. Wenn die Saugelemente 21; 22 die Transportgeschwindigkeit der Transportmittel 11 erreicht haben, werden die Saugteller 28 senkrecht zur Transportebene vorzugsweise in vertikaler Richtung verlagert. Die Verlagerung kann durch einen Aktor 31, insbesondere einen pneumatischen Aktor 31, insbesondere durch Anlegen von Luft zum Beispiel in Form von Druckluft bewirkt werden.According to the method, flat goods are transported by transport means 11 of a first transport device 10 of the transport device 01 in the transport plane. During the transport of a respective flat product through the first transport device 10, suction elements 21; 21 and from the suction elements 21; 21 included suction plate 28 of a second transport device 20 downstream of the first transport device 10 in the transport direction 06 in the transport direction 06 accelerated from standstill to the transport speed of the transport means 11 of the first transport device 10. If the suction elements 21; 22 have reached the transport speed of the transport means 11, the suction plates 28 perpendicular to the transport plane, preferably shifted in the vertical direction. The displacement can be brought about by an actuator 31, in particular a pneumatic actuator 31, in particular by applying air, for example in the form of compressed air.

Die Verlagerung erfolgt derart, dass sich die Saugteller 28 an der Unterseite eines jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes anlegen. Der Aufprall beim Anlegen kann durch die Wirkung der als Saugriemen 11 ausgebildeten Transportmittel gedämpft werden.The displacement takes place in such a way that the suction cups 28 rest on the underside of a respective flat item. The impact when putting it on can be dampened by the effect of the transport means designed as a suction belt 11.

Anschließend wird an den Saugteller 28 Saugluft angelegt. Das Anlegen von Saugluft kann vor dem Anlegen der Saugteller 28 am jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gut erfolgen. Das Anlegen der Saugluft bewirkt eine Fixierung des jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes an den Saugtellern 28.Suction air is then applied to the suction plate 28. The application of suction air can take place before the suction plates 28 are applied to the respective flat material. Applying the suction air causes the respective flat material to be fixed on the suction plates 28.

Nach dem Fixieren eines jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes an den Saugtellern 28 übernimmt die zweite Transporteinrichtung 20 den Weitertransport. Während des Weitertransports wird die Schräglage der Vorderkante und/oder die Lage der Vorderkante eines jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes von den ersten Sensoren 41 erfasst.After fixing a respective flat item on the suction plates 28, the second transport device 20 takes over the further transport. During further transport, the inclined position of the front edge and/or the position of the front edge of a respective sheet-shaped item is detected by the first sensors 41.

Anschließend werden die Saugelemente 21; 22 in Transportrichtung 06 in Abhängigkeit der erfassten Schräglage mit ungleicher Geschwindigkeit zur Korrektur der Schräglage bewegt. Die Auswertung der Signale der ersten Sensoren 41 und die ungleiche Steuerung der ersten Antriebe 23 wird von der Steuervorrichtung bewirkt.The suction elements 21; 22 moves in the transport direction 06 depending on the detected inclination at unequal speeds to correct the inclination. The evaluation of the signals from the first sensors 41 and the unequal control of the first drives 23 are effected by the control device.

Die Korrektur der Lage des jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes kann auch in Bezug auf die Phasenlage der Bearbeitungseinheit 50 erfolgen. Dazu wird auch die Winkellage eines Zylinders 51 der der zweiten Transporteinheit 20 in Transportrichtung 06 nachgeordneten Bearbeitungseinheit 50 erfasst. Die Saugelemente 21; 22 können in Transportrichtung 06 in Abhängigkeit der erfassten Lage der Vorderkante in Bezug auf die Winkellage des Zylinders 51 mit gleicher Geschwindigkeitsänderung zur Korrektur der Lage der Vorderkante bewegt werden.The correction of the position of the respective flat material can also take place with respect to the phase position of the processing unit 50. For this purpose, the angular position of a cylinder 51 of the processing unit 50 downstream of the second transport unit 20 in the transport direction 06 is also recorded. The suction elements 21; 22 can be in the transport direction 06 depending on the detected position of the front edge in relation to the angular position of the cylinder 51 with the same change in speed to correct the position of the Front edge can be moved.

Die Korrektur der Lage der Vorderkante in Transportrichtung 06 und eine erforderliche Schräglagenkorrektur können auch gleichzeitig durch die entsprechende Steuerung der der ersten Antriebe 23 mit überlagerter Geschwindigkeitsänderung gemäß der ermittelten Lagefehler erfolgen.The correction of the position of the front edge in the transport direction 06 and a required skew correction can also be carried out simultaneously by appropriately controlling the first drives 23 with a superimposed change in speed in accordance with the determined position errors.

Neben der Korrektur von Lagefehlern der Vorderkante kann auch eine Korrektur der Lage der Seitenkante erfolgen. Dazu wird nach der Fixierung eines jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes an den Saugtellern 28 die Lage einer der Seitenkanten des jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes erfasst und der Träger 25 mit ihm zugeordneten Saugelementen 21; 22 in Abhängigkeit der erfassten Lage der Seitenkante quer zur Transportrichtung 06 zur Korrektur der Seitenlage verlagert. Die Korrektur der Seitenlage erfolgt während die Saugteller 28 das jeweilige flächenförmige Gutes in Transportrichtung 06 bewegen.In addition to correcting position errors of the front edge, the position of the side edge can also be corrected. For this purpose, after fixing a respective flat item on the suction plates 28, the position of one of the side edges of the respective flat item is detected and the carrier 25 with the suction elements 21 assigned to it; 22 is shifted transversely to the transport direction 06 to correct the lateral position depending on the detected position of the side edge. The lateral position is corrected while the suction plates 28 move the respective flat goods in the transport direction 06.

Anschließend kann das jeweilige flächenförmige Gut an die Greifer eines Zylinders 51 der Bearbeitungseinheit 50 übergeben werden. Nach Übergabe des jeweiligen flächenförmigen Gutes an die Greifer wird die Saugluft an den Saugtellern 28 abgestellt. Anschließend werden die Saugteller 28 der Saugelemente 21; 22 vorzugsweise vom Aktor 31 vertikal und die Saugelemente 21; 22 von ersten Antrieben 23 entgegengesetzt zur Transportrichtung 06 bewegt.The respective flat material can then be transferred to the gripper of a cylinder 51 of the processing unit 50. After the respective flat material has been transferred to the grippers, the suction air is switched off at the suction plates 28. The suction plates 28 of the suction elements 21; 22 preferably from the actuator 31 vertically and the suction elements 21; 22 moved by first drives 23 in the opposite direction to the transport direction 06.

Ebenso wird der Träger 25 von dem zweiten Antrieb 24 in seine Ausgangslage bewegt.Likewise, the carrier 25 is moved into its starting position by the second drive 24.

Nach dem Abbremsen der Saugelemente 21, 22 bis zum Stillstand kann der Bewegungszyklus erneut durchlaufen werden.After the suction elements 21, 22 have been braked to a standstill, the movement cycle can be run through again.

Die dem beschriebenen Bewegungszyklus der Saugelemente 21, 22 zugeordneten Weglängen, Zeitspannen, Zeitpunkte, Geschwindigkeiten und Beschleunigungen sind beispielhaft in dem Bewegungsdiagramm gemäß Fig. 4 dargestellt. Das Bewegungsdiagramm zeigt die Parameter bei einer Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit von 7.200 Takten/Stunde. Dem Bewegungsdiagramm ist entnehmbar, dass der Nutzfahrweg zum Ausrichtvorgang bzw. zur Lagekorrektur bei konstanter Geschwindigkeit 450 mm und der Bremsweg und Beschleunigungsweg je 75 mm betragen.The path lengths, time periods, times, speeds and accelerations assigned to the described movement cycle of the suction elements 21, 22 are exemplified in the movement diagram according to Fig. 4 shown. The motion diagram shows the parameters at a processing speed of 7,200 cycles/hour. The movement diagram shows that the useful travel distance for the alignment process or position correction at constant speed is 450 mm and the braking distance and acceleration distance are each 75 mm.

Die Gesamtlänge des Linearmotors 23 beträgt vorzugsweise 600 mm. Die Zeit des Bewegungszyklus beträgt bei einer Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit von 7.200 Takten/Stunde oder 2,67 Metern/Sekunde 500 Millisekunden.The total length of the linear motor 23 is preferably 600 mm. The movement cycle time is 500 milliseconds at a processing speed of 7,200 cycles/hour or 2.67 meters/second.

BezugszeichenlisteReference symbol list

0101
TransportvorrichtungTransport device
0202
--
0303
--
0404
--
0505
--
0606
TransportrichtungTransport direction
0707
--
0808
--
0909
--
1010
Transporteinrichtung, ersteTransport facility, first
1111
Transportmittel, Transportriemen, Saugriemen, umlaufend (10)Means of transport, transport belts, suction belts, all-round (10)
1212
--
1313
--
1414
--
1515
--
1616
--
1717
Riemen, KetteBelt, chain
1818
Anschlag, umlaufendStop, all around
1919
Seitenführung, konischSide guide, conical
2020
Transporteinrichtung, zweiteTransport device, second
2121
SaugelementSuction element
2222
SaugelementSuction element
2323
Antrieb, Linearmotor, ersterDrive, linear motor, first
2424
Antrieb, zweiterDrive, second
2525
Trägercarrier
2626
LinearführungLinear guide
2727
GrundkörperBasic body
2828
Saugtellersuction cup
2929
SaugluftanschlussSuction air connection
3030
Luftanschluss, weitererAir connection, more
3131
Aktor, pneumatischActuator, pneumatic
3232
--
3333
--
3434
--
3535
--
3636
--
3737
--
3838
--
3939
--
4040
--
4141
Sensor, ersterSensor, first
4242
Sensor, zweiterSensor, second
5050
BearbeitungseinheitProcessing unit
5151
Zylindercylinder

Claims (15)

  1. A device for feeding plate-shaped goods to a processing unit (50) on a transport plane and in a transport direction (06), in particular for feeding panels to a printing unit and/or lacquering unit of a coating machine or the like, wherein the plate-shaped goods are transported in tandem arrangement in a lying position by means of a transport device (01), wherein the transport device (01) has a first transport unit (10) with a guide forming the transport plane for the plate-shaped goods and a second transport unit (20) arranged downstream of the first transport unit (10) and the second transport unit (20) comprises two suction elements (21; 22) and a first drive (23) is assigned to each suction element (21; 22), wherein the suction elements (21; 22) can be driven back and forth or are driven back and forth independently from one another in the transport direction (06) by the first drives (23), both suction elements (21; 22) are assigned to a common carrier (25) and the carrier (25) is connected to a second drive (24), with which the carrier (25) is displaced or can be displaced perpendicular to the transport direction (06),
    characterized in that the suction elements (21; 22) are respectively formed from a base body (27) and a suction plate (28) pivoted in the respective base body (27).
  2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction elements (21; 22) are guided in linear guides (26) and the linear guides (26) and/or the first drives (23) are assigned to the carrier (25).
  3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction elements (21; 22) are pivoted.
  4. The device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that each suction element (21; 22) comprises an actuator (31), wherein the suction plate (28) can be displaced vertically opposite the base body (27) by the actuator (31).
  5. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the suction plate (28) is moveably displaced opposite the base body (27) and the base body (27) has a suction air connection (29) and/or a suction air line for supplying a suction surface formed on the suction plate (28) with suction air and/or the base body (27) has an air connection (30) and/or a further air line for supplying a or the actuator(s) (31) with air.
  6. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that one or more first sensors (41) for detecting the position and/or the inclined position of a respective plate-shaped good held by the suction elements (21; 22) and/or one or more second sensors (42) for detecting the lateral position of a respective plate-shaped good held by the suction elements (21; 22) are formed.
  7. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that a controller is provided, which is connected for signaling purposes to the first drives (23) and first sensors (41) and is designed to control the first drives (23) dependent upon the signals of the first sensors (41).
  8. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, characterized in that a controller is provided, which is connected to the first drives (23), first sensors (41) and a further sensor, wherein the further sensor is assigned to a cylinder (51) of a processing unit (50) arranged downstream of the second transport unit (20) in transport direction (06) for detecting its angular position and the controller is designed to control the first drives (23) dependent upon the signals of the further sensor.
  9. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that a controller is provided, which is connected for signaling purposes to a or the second drive (24) and at least a second sensor (42) and is designed to control the second drive (24) dependent upon the signals of the at least one second sensor (42).
  10. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the first transport unit (10) has revolving transport means (11) and a stop (18) revolving at least occasionally at relative speed to the transport means (11) .
  11. A method for feeding plate-shaped goods to a processing unit (50) on a transport plane and in a transport direction (06), in particular for position precise feeding of panels to a printing unit and/or lacquering unit of a coating machine or the like, wherein the plate-shaped goods are transported in tandem arrangement in lying position by means of a transport device (01), using a device according to any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein a respective plate-shaped good is transported by transport means (11) of a first transport unit (10) on the transport plane, suction elements (21; 22) and suction plates (28) comprised by the suction elements (21; 22) of a second transport unit (20) arranged downstream of the first transport unit (10) in the transport direction (06) are accelerated in the transport direction (06) at transport speed of the transport means (11), the suction plates (28) are subsequently displaced perpendicular to the transport plane, suction air is applied to the suction plates (28), after the fixation of a respective plate-shaped good on the suction plates (28) the inclined position of the front edge of a respective plate-shaped good is detected and, dependent upon the detected inclined position the suction elements (21; 22) are moved in the transport direction (06) at a different speed for correction of the inclined position.
  12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the angular position of a cylinder (51) of a processing unit (50) arranged downstream of the second transport unit (20) in the transport direction (06) is detected and after the fixation of a respective plate-shaped good on the suction plates (28) the position of the front edge of a respective plate-shaped good is detected and the suction elements (21; 22) are moved in the transport direction (06) dependent upon the detected position of the front edge with respect to the angular position of the cylinder (51) at the same speed change for correction of the position of the front edge.
  13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that after the fixation of a respective plate-shaped good on the suction plates (28) the position of one of the lateral edges of the respective plate-shaped good is detected and a carrier (25) with the suction elements (21; 22) moving in transport direction (06) assigned to it is displaced dependent upon the detected location of the lateral edge perpendicular to the transport direction (06) for correction of the lateral position.
  14. The method according to claim 11, 12, or 13, characterized in that the front edge of a respective good is pre-aligned during transport by the first transport unit (10) on at least one circumferential stop (18) and/or the lateral edge of a respective good is pre-aligned during transport perpendicular to the transport direction (06) on at least one tapering lateral guide (19) perpendicular to the transport direction (06).
  15. The method according to claim 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that a respective plate-shape good is transferred to grippers of a cylinder (51) of a processing unit (50) arranged downstream of the second transport unit (20) in the transport direction (06) and after transfer of the respective plate-shaped good to the grippers the suction air on the suction plates (28) is cut off and the suction plates (28) are subsequently moved by an actuator (31) vertically and the suction elements (21; 22) are moved opposite to the transport direction (06) by first drives (23).
EP22159454.2A 2021-03-03 2022-03-01 Device and method for feeding plate-shaped goods to a processing unit Active EP4053056B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102021105082.0A DE102021105082B4 (en) 2021-03-03 2021-03-03 Devices and methods for feeding flat goods to a processing unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4053056A1 EP4053056A1 (en) 2022-09-07
EP4053056B1 true EP4053056B1 (en) 2023-10-18

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EP (1) EP4053056B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102021105082B4 (en)

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1021118A (en) * 1964-01-16 1966-02-23 Thompson Jack Evans A sheet registering device
US6135446A (en) 1996-10-22 2000-10-24 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Aligning device
DE19814141C2 (en) 1998-03-30 2003-08-14 Ltg Holding Gmbh Method and device for the precise feeding of sheet-like goods to a machining process
DE10013006B4 (en) 2000-03-16 2004-02-19 Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag Device for driving a pre-gripper
DE10136872A1 (en) * 2001-07-28 2003-02-06 Koenig & Bauer Ag Method for aligning sheets of a sheet processing machine, e.g. printer, on a feed table has front stops and side position measurement and alignment mechanism that ensures precise alignment without lowering processing capacity
DE102005037128B4 (en) 2005-08-06 2009-04-23 LTG Mailänder GmbH & Co. KG Transport system of a sheet metal or sheet metal painting machine
DE102007031115B4 (en) 2007-06-28 2009-04-23 Kba-Metalprint Gmbh Device for positionally accurate feeding of tabular goods and corresponding method
DE102012211783A1 (en) 2012-07-06 2014-01-09 Kba-Metalprint Gmbh Conveying device and a method for conveying of printing material sheet

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DE102021105082A1 (en) 2022-09-08
EP4053056A1 (en) 2022-09-07
DE102021105082B4 (en) 2024-01-04

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