EP4110715B1 - Stacking device and a method for forming a target stack from plate-like articles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a stacking device and a method for forming a target stack of tabular goods.

There are known printing machines for tabular goods. Table-shaped goods are also referred to below as tables. Tabular goods have two opposing main surfaces and an orthogonal dimension that is significantly smaller than the dimensions of the main surfaces. Such table-shaped goods are, for example, metal plates. These are more expensive per piece than regular sheets of paper. Accordingly, attempts are made to use these table-shaped goods sparingly. When starting or re-starting printing presses for sheet-shaped goods, an attempt is therefore made to generate as little waste as possible and, in particular, to use, as far as possible, only table-shaped goods that have already been rejected, so-called waste boards, for the set-up process. An operator usually places a certain number of waste boards on a stack of feeders and prints them for the start-up process. After this number, a test sheet is printed, which is examined for printing success. A good board must be used for this. This process is usually repeated until a satisfactory print result has been produced. A certain number of waste boards must be placed on the feeder pile. The process is correspondingly lengthy and labor-intensive, especially because an operator is required at the feeder almost permanently.

Through the DE 197 49 193 A1 a method for handling pallets that are used to hold metal sheets is known.

Through the DE 276 850 A a device is known by means of which sheets can be removed from a stack and alternately fed to one of two stacks. For this purpose, the device has an upper transfer device which has two upper holding devices arranged next to one another. These upper holding devices can each be arranged in one of two transfer positions by a common pivoting movement. The device can be used by reversing movement to form a stack which is formed from alternating sheets of two stacks.

Through the DE 10 2015 210 557 A1 a sheet delivery of a sheet-fed printing machine is disclosed, which has horizontally movable stack aligners.

Through the DE 31 32 393 A1 a device is known by means of which a stack can be produced which alternately contains carrier plates for printed electronic circuits and sheets of paper. For this purpose, the device has an upper transfer device which has two upper holding devices arranged next to one another. These upper holding devices can each be arranged in one of two transfer positions by a common movement.

Through the EP 0 037 427 A1 a sheet feeder of a printing press is known, which has a stack of good sheets and a stack of waste sheets, a sheet gripper being arranged, by means of which sheets of the stack of waste sheets can be moved onto the stack of good sheets.

Through the DE 10 2012 104 624 A1 a stacking device for producing a stack of tabular goods is known according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the stacking device has source stack areas for receiving plate-shaped electrodes and wherein the stacking device has a target stacking area and a pivotable upper transfer device for tabular electrodes, the holding devices for tabular electrodes acting from above Has electrodes which are arranged to be movable with respect to a vertical direction and wherein the upper holding device is arranged to be pivotable.

The invention is based on the object of creating a stacking device and a method for forming a target stack of tabular goods.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and the features of claim 10.

A stacking device for producing at least one stack of tabular goods according to claim 1 is described below.

Such a stacking device has the particular advantage that a mixed stack can be created in advance, which is tailored to the corresponding needs. It is then no longer necessary, for example, for an operator to be tasked with feeding suitable sheet-shaped goods to a feeder during a set-up process of a processing machine.

In a further development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device has a plurality of upper holding elements and that these several upper holding elements can be arranged in different positions relative to one another. This means that the stacking device is flexible with regard to the format of the table-shaped goods to be stacked and can be adapted to the format to be processed become. These upper holding devices are preferably movable together, in particular while maintaining their position relative to one another.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device has at least one upper holding element designed as a suction element. This enables the panel-shaped goods to be transported particularly effectively and gently, even if they weigh a relatively high amount per piece.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that a first of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to the target stack area and that a second of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a first source stack area and that a third of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a second source stack area is. This makes it particularly efficient to form a mixed target stack.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device is arranged to be movable with respect to the vertical direction, in particular along a linear positioning path, by means of at least one vertical drive, preferably guided by at least one linear guide. In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least one vertical drive together with the at least one upper holding device with respect to the at least one horizontal direction, in particular along a linear, preferably horizontal The actuating path is arranged to be movable, preferably guided by at least one linear guide. This results in particularly simple yet flexible movement sequences. In particular, corresponding stack carriers can remain in their respective positions during the formation of the mixed stack and do not have to be raised or lowered, for example. Alternatively or in addition to such a design with linear movement paths, the movement of the at least one upper holding device can also take place at least partially along curved transport paths. For example, alternatively or additionally, a rotary joint robot is arranged which carries the at least one upper holding device. The swivel joint robot also allows movement in the vertical direction as well as movement in the horizontal direction and in particular superimposition of these two movements. The swivel robot, for example, allows additional movements in a further horizontal direction orthogonal thereto, for example a longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, means can be provided by means of which the stacks can be moved in the vertical direction.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device is arranged to be movable with respect to the vertical direction along a linear positioning path by means of the at least one vertical drive and that the at least one vertical drive together with the at least one upper holding device with respect to which is arranged to be movable in at least one horizontal direction along a linear horizontal adjustment path. This results in a particularly simple and lightweight construction.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least one target plate aligner of the target stack area has at least one rear target stop and at least two side target stops and at least one front target stop and in particular that at least two of these target stops are designed as, in particular, pneumatic actuators. Then ensures that the tabular goods of the mixed stack are stacked on top of each other in a sufficiently aligned manner and that problem-free further processing in a processing machine, for example a printing press, is possible.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device is preferably characterized in that the at least three stacking areas are arranged next to one another in a row that extends in the horizontal direction. This results in a particularly simple design and efficient operation with particularly few changes of direction.

The invention relates according to claim 10 to a method for forming a target stack of tabular goods, in particular metal panels, wherein a first source stack or stack of panels is provided in a first stacking area of a stacking device, in particular on a stack carrier, for example a pallet. A second source stack or waste board stack is provided in a second stacking area of the stacking device, in particular on a stack carrier, for example a pallet. In a first stacking process, a first quantity of tabular goods are removed, in particular individually, from the first source stack and placed on top of each other in a target stack area of the stacking device, in particular on a stack carrier, for example a pallet. This starts or expands the target stack. In a subsequent second stacking process, a second quantity of tabular goods are removed, in particular individually, from the second source stack and placed in the target stacking area of the stacking device on the tabular goods deposited in the first stacking operation, thereby expanding the target stack. In a subsequent third stacking process, a third quantity of tabular goods are removed, in particular individually, from the first source stack and placed in the target stacking area of the stacking device on the tabular goods deposited in the second stacking operation, thereby expanding the target stack. In a subsequent fourth stacking process, add a fourth quantity tabular goods are removed, in particular individually, from the second source stack and placed in the target stack area of the stacking device on the tabular goods deposited in the third stacking process, thereby expanding the target stack. Such a method creates a mixed stack that is adapted to a corresponding setup process of a processing machine. For example, to determine the respective quantities of the table-shaped goods, at least one mixing rule is stored, which can be called up as needed. Alternatively or additionally, further mixing regulations can be programmed. Alternatively or additionally, the stacking device can preferably be operated individually by an operator in order to produce individual mixed stacks. Depending on the mixing instructions, additional stacking processes are advantageous.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is characterized in that the method is a method for forming a target stack and for setting up a printing press and that in a transfer process the target stack is removed from the stacking device after the stacking processes have been completed and in particular fed to the printing press as a stack and that in a printing process by means of a feeder of the printing press, sheet-shaped goods are individually removed from the target stack and printed in the printing press in particular for setting up the printing press.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is described in more detail below.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Stapeleinrichtung in Frontalansicht;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Stapeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Stapeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer seitlichen Ansicht;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Stapeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung von Teilen einer Stapeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung von Teilen einer Stapeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung dreier Stapel und einer oberen Halteeinrichtung einer Stapeleinrichtung gemäß Fig. 4;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung von Teilen einer alternativen Stapeleinrichtung in einem ersten Betriebszustand;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung gemäß Fig. 8 in einem zweiten Betriebszustand.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a stacking device in a front view;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a stacking device according to Fig. 1 in one View from above;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a stacking device according to Fig. 1 in a side view;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a stacking device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of parts of a stacking device according to Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of parts of a stacking device according to Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of three stacks and an upper holding device of a stacking device according to Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of parts of an alternative stacking device in a first operating state;

Fig. 9

a schematic representation according to Fig. 8 in a second operating state.

A stacking device 01 is preferred for producing at least one stack 13 of tabular goods 02. This at least one stack 13 is referred to, for example, as a target stack 13 or mixed stack. The stacking device 01 preferably has at least three stacking areas 06; 07; 08, which is used to accommodate a respective stack carrier 16; 17; 18 and/or a respective stack 11; 12; 13 are trained. The stacking device 01 preferably has at least two source stack areas 06; 07 formed stacking areas 06; 07, which is used to accommodate a respective stack carrier 16; 17 and/or a respective stack 11; 12 are trained. The respective stack carrier 16; 17 is, for example, as a pallet 16; 17 trained. The stacking device 01 has preferably has at least one stack area 08 designed as a target stack area 08, which is designed to accommodate a respective stack carrier 18 and / or a respective stack 13. The respective stack carrier 18 is designed, for example, as a pallet 18. The stacking device 01 can be used in particular to create a respective stack 13, which contains a particular predetermined sequence of tabular goods 02, each of which is from a stack 11; 12 in one of the at least two source stack areas 06; 07 come from. The stacking device 01 preferably has at least one upper transfer device 03, in particular for transporting preferably individual tabular goods 02. By means of this at least one upper transfer device 03, individual tabular goods 02 in particular can then be removed from a respective stack 11; 12 from a source stack area 06; Remove 07 from above and place it on top of the target stack 13. For example, a first source stack 11 is a panel stack 11, which contains in particular those panel-shaped goods 02 that are to be further processed into end products. For example, a second source stack 12 is a waste board stack 12, which contains in particular those sheet-shaped goods 02 that are only to be used to set up a processing machine, for example a printing press.

The at least one upper transfer device 03 preferably has at least one holding device 04 which acts from above on the respective tabular goods 02 for holding in particular individual tabular goods 02. Preferably, the at least one upper holding device 04 is arranged to be movable at least with respect to a vertical direction V, for example over a height difference of at least 500 mm, more preferably at least 1000 mm and even more preferably at least 1200 mm. Preferably, the at least one upper holding device 04 is arranged to be movable at least with respect to a horizontal direction H, for example referred to as working direction H, for example over a length of at least 2000 mm, more preferably at least 3000 mm and even more preferably at least 3500 mm. In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device 01 is characterized preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device 04 has a plurality of upper holding elements 09. More preferably, these several upper holding elements 09 can be arranged in different positions relative to one another. These different layers differ, for example, in the particular average distances that the individual holding elements 09 have from one another in pairs. The at least one upper holding element 09 is preferably designed as at least one suction element 09. If the upper transfer device 03 is designed accordingly, several table-shaped goods 02 can also be transported at the same time. For example, in particular for this purpose, the at least one holding element 09 is designed in an alternative embodiment as at least one mechanical gripping element and/or as at least one electromagnet.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device 01 is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device 04 has at least one blowing nozzle and more preferably several blowing nozzles. These blowing nozzles are preferably used to direct gas, in particular compressed air, at least between the two top tabular goods 02 of a respective source stack 11; 12 and thereby make it easier to lift off the top tabular material 02. Arranging the blowing nozzles on the at least one upper holding device 04 ensures that the blowing nozzles are independent of the source stack 11; 12 and in particular its current height are always positioned at the correct location. Preferably, the at least one blow nozzle has at least one flow element that deflects outflowing air according to the Coanda effect. This allows the corresponding air jet to be used more precisely and thus saves compressed air.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device 01 is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device 04 can be moved along a particularly linear horizontal adjustment path and along this in particular linear horizontal adjustment path in at least three different ones Transfer positions can be arranged. For example, a first of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to the target stack area 08. With the upper holding device 04 arranged in this first transfer position, a transfer of a table-shaped item 02 between this upper holding device 04 on the one hand and a stack 13 and / or stack carrier 18 on the other hand is possible, in particular a deposit, but if necessary also a removal. For example, a second of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a first source stack area 06. With the upper holding device 04 arranged in this second transfer position, a transfer of a table-shaped item 02 between this upper holding device 04 on the one hand and a stack 11 and / or stack carrier 16 on the other hand is possible, in particular a removal, but if necessary also a storage. For example, a third of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a second source stack area 07. With the upper holding device 04 arranged in this third transfer position, a transfer of a table-shaped item 02 between this upper holding device 04 on the one hand and a stack 12 and / or stack carrier 17 on the other hand is possible, in particular a removal, but if necessary also a storage.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device 01 is preferably characterized in that the at least one upper holding device 04 is arranged to be movable with respect to the vertical direction V by means of at least one vertical drive 14, in particular along a linear and more preferably vertical adjustment path. In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device 01 is preferably characterized in that the at least one vertical drive 14 is arranged to be movable together with the at least one upper holding device 04 with respect to the at least one horizontal direction H or working direction H, in particular along a linear and more preferably horizontal travel. For example, at least one drive spindle and/or at least one rack is arranged to interact with the at least one vertical drive 14. The at least one vertical drive 14 is preferably designed as an electric motor 14, more preferably as position-controlled electric motor 14 and/or in particular as a brushless servo motor 14. The at least one vertical drive 14 preferably has at least one sensor device, in particular at least one absolute value encoder. The at least one vertical drive 14 preferably has at least one holding brake. In addition to the at least one vertical drive 14, at least one height safety device is preferably arranged, which is further preferably designed as a brake. The height safety device prevents unwanted downward movements of the vertically movable components.

The at least three stacking areas 06; 07; 08 arranged next to each other in a row, which further preferably extends in the horizontal direction H or working direction H. Preferably, the at least one target stack area 08 is between the at least two source stack areas 06 with respect to the horizontal direction H or working direction H; 07 is arranged. Other arrangements are possible, but may extend the overall distance that the at least one upper holding device 04 has to cover. The stacking device 01 has at least one frame 27. The at least one frame 27 preferably has at least two side parts 28. The at least two side parts 28 preferably carry at least one horizontal guide 24, which is further preferably designed as a horizontal linear guide 24. The at least one horizontal guide 24 preferably extends with respect to the horizontal direction over at least 50%, more preferably over at least 60%, even more preferably over at least 75% and even more preferably over at least 100% of a total area length. This area length preferably corresponds to the sum of all at least three stack areas 06; 07; 08 in the horizontal direction H or working direction H. The at least one horizontal guide 24 is preferably designed in one piece or alternatively in several parts. The at least one horizontal guide 24 is preferably supported on the side parts 28 of the frame 27.

At least one horizontal drive 19 is preferably arranged. For example, at least one drive spindle and/or at least one rack with the at least a horizontal drive 19 is arranged to cooperate. The at least one horizontal drive 19 is preferably designed as an electric motor 19, more preferably as a position-controlled electric motor 19 and/or as, in particular, a brushless servo motor 19. The at least one horizontal drive 19 preferably has at least one sensor device, in particular at least one absolute value encoder. The at least one horizontal drive 19 preferably has at least one holding brake. At least one vertical positioning device 29 is preferably arranged. The at least one vertical positioning device 29 preferably has at least one vertical guide 26, which is designed, for example, as a vertical linear guide 26. The at least one vertical positioning device 29 preferably has the at least one vertical drive 14. The at least one vertical positioning device 29 preferably has the at least one upper holding device 04. The entire vertical positioning device 29 is preferably arranged to be movable along the at least one horizontal guide 24 by means of the at least one horizontal drive 19, in particular in and/or against the horizontal direction H or working direction H. The transfer device 03 preferably has at least the vertical positioning device 29 and additionally the at least one horizontal guide 24 and the at least one horizontal drive 19. A running assembly or trolley is preferably an assembly of components that can be moved horizontally together and which includes at least the entire vertical positioning device 29 and the horizontal drive 19.

The holding device 04 is preferably designed as a holding device 04 acting from above on the respective tabular goods 02 for holding in particular individual tabular goods 02. The at least one upper holding device 04 is preferably arranged to be movable at least with respect to a vertical direction V. The at least one upper holding device 04 is preferably arranged to be movable at least with respect to a horizontal direction H or working direction H. The at least one upper holding device 04 preferably has at least one upper holding element 09, more preferably several upper holding elements 09. The at least one upper Holding device 04 preferably has at least one format setting device 33. By means of the at least one format adjustment device 33, a plurality of upper holding elements 09 of the at least one upper holding device 04 can preferably be positioned relative to one another. As a result, the upper holding elements 09 can preferably be adapted to a format of the tabular goods 02 and can thus be aligned for an optimized position and/or support of the tabular goods 02. The at least one upper holding element 09 is preferably designed as a suction element 09. In the case of several upper holding elements 09, preferably several holding elements 09 and more preferably all upper holding elements 09 of the at least one upper holding device 04 are designed as suction elements 09. The respective suction element 09 is preferably connected to a vacuum source and/or arranged to be connectable and/or can be subjected to negative pressure. This enables gentle yet secure holding of the respective table-shaped goods. The negative pressure source is, for example, part of the stacking device 01.

The at least one format setting device 33 preferably has at least one and more preferably exactly one main carrier 34. The length of the at least one main support 34 is preferably designed to be variable. The at least one format setting device 33 preferably has at least one and more preferably several, in particular at least three, secondary supports 36. The length of the at least one secondary support 36 is preferably designed to be variable. Respective holding elements 09 are preferably arranged at least on the secondary supports 36. More preferably, at least one holding element 09 is arranged on each secondary support 36. For example, at least one and more preferably exactly one holding element 09 or exactly two holding elements 09 are arranged at each end of a secondary support 36. For example, no holding element 09 is arranged directly on the main support 34. For example, the upper holding device 04 has exactly one main support 34, from which six secondary supports 36 extend, at the ends of which one or two upper holding elements 09 are arranged.

For example, at least a first energy chain 31 is arranged. The at least one first energy guiding chain 31 preferably ensures that the at least one vertical drive 14 is supplied with energy and/or signals, in particular independently of the position of the vertical positioning device 29 along the horizontal guide 24. The at least one horizontal drive 19 is preferred, in particular together with the at least one vertical positioning device 29 arranged movably along the at least one horizontal guide 24. Preferably, the at least one first energy chain 31 also ensures that the at least one horizontal drive 19 is supplied with energy and/or signals. The at least one first energy guiding chain 31 is preferably connected both to the frame 27 and to the at least one vertical positioning device 29. The at least one first energy guiding chain 31 preferably ensures that the at least one upper holding element 09 is supplied with energy and/or signals and/or negative pressure, in particular independently of the position of the vertical positioning device 29 along the horizontal guide 24.

For example, at least one second energy chain 32 is arranged. The at least one second energy guiding chain 32 is preferably connected both to the at least one upper holding device 04 and to at least one component of the at least one vertical positioning device 29 that is movable relative to the at least one upper holding device 04. The at least one second energy guiding chain 32 preferably ensures a supply of the at least one upper holding element 09 with energy and/or signals and/or negative pressure, in particular independently of the position of the vertical positioning device 29 along the horizontal guide 24 and/or independently of the position of the at least one upper holding device 04 along the vertical guide 26.

The stacking device 01 preferably has at least one, in particular horizontal movable panel aligner 23; 37; 43 on. More preferably, the stacking device 01 has at least one panel aligner 23; 37; 43 per stacking area 06; 07; 08 on. The respective at least one panel aligner 23; 37; 43 serves in particular to capture the respective tabular goods 02 in the correct position relative to the at least one upper holding device 04 and/or to place them in the correct position relative to a stack carrier 18 and/or an already formed stack 13, i.e. the tabular goods 02 of the target stack 13 or mixed stack 13 should be aligned as precisely as possible with one another and, ideally, stacked exactly on top of each other. The table organizers 23; 37; 43 also serve in particular to prevent a respective stack 11; 12; 13 to prevent.

Preferably, at least one first, in particular horizontally movable, source panel aligner 37 of the stacking device 01 is assigned to the first source stack area 06. The first source panel aligner 37 preferably has at least one first source stop 38 provided for longitudinal alignment, which is designed, for example, as a first rear source stop 38 and is preferably arranged rigidly. The longitudinal alignment is preferably an alignment orthogonal to the horizontal direction H, preferably referred to as the working direction H, so in particular an alignment with respect to a horizontal direction L, designated as the longitudinal direction L and oriented orthogonally to the working direction H. The first source panel aligner 37 preferably has at least a second, for Transverse alignment provided swelling stop 39, which is designed, for example, as a first lateral swelling stop 39 and is preferably arranged rigidly. The transverse alignment is preferably an alignment with respect to the horizontal direction H, preferably referred to as the working direction H. The first source panel aligner 37 preferably has at least a third source stop 41 provided for longitudinal alignment, which is designed, for example, as a first front source stop 41 and preferably in and / or opposite is arranged movably in the longitudinal direction L. The first source panel aligner 37 preferably has at least a fourth source stop 42 provided for transverse alignment, which is designed, for example, as a second lateral source stop 42 and is preferably arranged rigidly.

For example, the at least one second lateral swelling stop 42 is movably mounted on the frame 27, in particular linearly movable, for example by means of at least one linear guide. For example, the at least first front swelling stop 41 is movably mounted on the frame 27 and/or on the first lateral swelling stop 39, in particular linearly movable, for example by means of at least one linear guide. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first front swelling stop 41 is movably mounted on the second lateral swelling stop 42, in particular linearly movable. Two first front swelling stops 41 are preferably arranged, one of which is movably mounted on the first lateral swelling stop 39 and another of which is movably mounted on the second lateral swelling stop 42. The movable source stops 41; 42 can preferably be fixed in their positions.

For example, a source stack 11 can be arranged in the first source stack area 06 and on the rigidly arranged source stops 38; 39 can be aligned, in particular by moving the movable source stops 41; 42 and/or this source stack 11 can be positioned by appropriately positioning the movable source stops 41; 42 are kept in its defined position. This allows an optimized takeover of the corresponding table-shaped goods 02 to be achieved by the at least one upper holding device 04. The movable source stops 38; 39; 41; 42 of the first source table aligner 37 are preferably manually movable. In an alternative embodiment, at least one drive is arranged to move them.

Preferably, at least one, in particular horizontally movable, second source panel aligner 43 of the stacking device 01 is assigned to the second source stack area 07. The second source panel aligner 43 preferably has at least a fifth source stop 44 provided for longitudinal alignment, which is designed, for example, as a second rear source stop 44 and is preferably arranged rigidly. The second source panel aligner 43 preferably has at least a sixth source stop 46 provided for transverse alignment, which, for example, is a third lateral one Source stop 46 is formed and is preferably arranged rigidly. The second source panel aligner 43 preferably has at least a seventh source stop 47 provided for longitudinal alignment, which is designed, for example, as a second front source stop 47 and is preferably arranged to be movable in and/or against the longitudinal direction L. The second source panel aligner 43 preferably has at least one eighth source stop 48 provided for transverse alignment, which is designed, for example, as a fourth lateral source stop 48 and is preferably arranged rigidly. For example, the at least one fourth lateral source stop 48 is movably mounted on the frame 27, in particular linearly movable, for example by means of at least one linear guide. For example, the at least one second front swelling stop 47 is movably mounted on the frame 27 and/or on the third lateral swelling stop 46, in particular linearly movable, for example by means of at least one linear guide. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second front swelling stop 41 is movably mounted on the fourth lateral swelling stop 48, in particular linearly movable. Two second front swelling stops 47 are preferably arranged, one of which is movably mounted on the third lateral swelling stop 46 and another of which is movably mounted on the fourth lateral swelling stop 48. The movable source stops 47; 48 can preferably be fixed in their positions.

For example, a source stack 12 can be arranged in the second source stack area 07 and on the rigidly arranged source stops 44; 46 can be aligned, in particular by moving the movable source stops 47; 48 and/or this source stack 12 can be positioned by appropriately positioning the movable source stops 47; 48 are kept in its defined position. This allows an optimized takeover of the corresponding table-shaped goods 02 to be achieved by the at least one upper holding device 04. The movable source stops 44; 46; 47; 48 of the second source table aligner 43 are preferably manually movable. In an alternative embodiment, at least one drive is arranged to move them.

Preferably, at least one, in particular horizontally movable, target board aligner 23 of the stacking device 01 is assigned to the target stacking area 08. The target board aligner 23 preferably has at least one first target stop 49 provided for longitudinal alignment, which is designed, for example, as a rear target stop 49. The at least one rear target stop 49 can be arranged rigidly. However, the at least one rear target stop 49 is preferably designed as an actuator 49, in particular as a pneumatically and / or electrically and / or hydraulically driven actuator 49. At least two rear target stops 49 are preferably arranged, which are more preferably both designed as actuators 49. Rear target stops 49 designed as actuators 49 are arranged, for example, directly on the frame 27 of the stacking device 01.

The target board aligner 23 preferably has at least one second target stop 51 provided for transverse alignment, which is designed, for example, as a first lateral target stop 51. The at least one first lateral target stop 51 can be arranged rigidly. However, the at least one first lateral target stop 51 is preferably designed as an actuator 51, in particular as a pneumatically and / or electrically and / or hydraulically driven actuator 51. At least two first lateral target stops 51 are preferably arranged, which are more preferably both designed as actuators 51. First lateral target stops 51 designed as an actuator 51 are arranged, for example, directly on the frame 27 of the stacking device 01.

The target board aligner 23 preferably has at least a third target stop 52 provided for longitudinal alignment, which is designed, for example, as a front target stop 52. The front target stop 52 is preferably designed as an actuator 52, in particular as a pneumatically and / or electrically and / or hydraulically driven actuator 52. At least two front target stops 52 are preferably arranged, which are more preferably both designed as actuators 52. Front target stops 52 designed as actuators 52 are, for example, on a respective front carrier 57 Stacking device 01 arranged. Preferably, this respective front carrier 57 itself can be arranged in different positions relative to the frame 27, particularly for format adjustments in and/or against the longitudinal direction L, and can also preferably be fixed there.

The target board aligner 23 preferably has at least a fourth target stop 53 provided for transverse alignment, which is designed, for example, as a second lateral target stop 53. The second lateral target stop 53 is preferably designed as an actuator 53, in particular as a pneumatically and / or electrically and / or hydraulically driven actuator 53. At least two second lateral target stops 53 are preferably arranged, which are more preferably both designed as actuators 53. Second lateral target stops 53 designed as actuators 53 are arranged, for example, on a particularly common lateral support 56 of the stacking device 01. Preferably, this particular common lateral support 56 itself can be arranged in different positions relative to the frame 27, in particular for format adjustments in and/or against the working direction H, and can also preferably be fixed there.

For example, the at least one second lateral support 56 is movably mounted on the frame 27, in particular linearly movable, for example by means of at least one linear guide and more preferably fixable. For example, the at least one front support 57 is movably mounted on the frame 27 and/or on the at least one side support 56, in particular linearly movable, for example by means of at least one linear guide and more preferably fixable. Two front supports 57 are preferably arranged, one of which is movably mounted on the frame 27 and another of which is movably mounted on the side support 56.

For example, a target stack 13 or mixed stack 13 can be generated in the target stack area 08 using the actuators 49; 51; 52; 53 can be aligned. This alignment is preferably carried out by regularly activating and acting on the actuators 49; 51; 52; 53 on at least one tabular item 02. Preferably, each tabular item 02 is placed before and/or during and/or after it is placed in the target stack area 08 by means of the actuators 49; 51; 52; 53 aligned. For example, one alignment process takes place for each storage process. This allows an optimized transfer of the corresponding table-shaped goods 02 to be achieved through the at least one upper holding device 04. Preferably, in particular for format adjustments, the at least one side carrier 56 is arranged to be movable, in particular manually. In an alternative embodiment, at least one drive is arranged to move it. Preferably, in particular for format adjustments, the at least one front carrier 57 is arranged to be movable, in particular manually. In an alternative embodiment, at least one drive is arranged to move it.

In an alternative or additional development, the stacking device 01 is preferably characterized in that at least one safety device 58 is arranged. The at least one security device 58 preferably has at least one physical barrier device 59, for example at least one fence 59. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one security device 58 preferably has at least one monitoring device 61, which serves in particular to monitor an access area. For example, the at least one monitoring device 61 is designed as at least one light barrier 61 and/or as at least one light curtain 61. For example, the stacking device 01 is surrounded on three sides by a fence 59 and an access located on a fourth side is monitored by means of a light curtain 61. Supply and removal of stacks 11; 12; 13 and/or stacking carriers 16; 17; 18 are then possible via this fourth page.

In an alternative or additional development of the stacking device 04, at least two upper holding devices 04 are arranged. These are, for example, each one of the at least two source stack areas 06; 07 assigned. This means that corresponding stacking processes can be carried out more quickly.

In an alternative embodiment of the stacking device 01, for which the previous features also apply as long as there are no contradictions, the target stack area 08 on the one hand and the two source stack areas 06; 07, on the other hand, arranged to be movable relative to one another. For example, the transfer device 03 has an upper holding device 04 and a lower transport element 62. For example, the two source stack areas 06; 07 can be moved in the longitudinal direction L, so that it is possible to select which of the two is arranged to cooperate with the upper holding device 04. The upper holding device 04 then takes over a tabular product 02 from the corresponding source stack 11; 12 and transfers it to the lower transport element 62, which then feeds the table-shaped material 02 to the target stacking area 13. Around a tabular Gur 02 of another source stack 11; 12 then the two source stack areas 06; 07 can be moved in such a way that the other source stack 11; 12 is arranged to cooperate with the upper holding device 04. (This is for example in the Fig. 8 and 9 shown.)

A method for forming a target stack 13 from tabular goods 02, in particular 02 metal panels 02, is preferred. A first source stack 11 or stack of panels 11 is preferably provided, for example on a stack carrier 16, in particular a pallet 16, in a first stacking area 06 of a stacking device 01. The first source stack 11 is preferably formed predominantly and more preferably exclusively from good panels. A second source stack 12 or waste board stack 12 is preferably provided, for example, on a stack carrier 17, in particular a pallet 17, in a second stacking area 07 of the stacking device 01. The second source stack 12 is preferably formed predominantly and more preferably exclusively from waste boards. Preferably, in a first stacking process, in particular by means of the at least one transfer device 03 and its at least one upper holding device 04, a first quantity of tabular goods 02, in particular good panels, in particular each individually removed from the first source stack 11 and placed on top of one another in a target stack area 08 of the stacking device 01, in particular on a stack carrier 18, for example a pallet 18, and the target stack 13 is thereby started or expanded. The first quantity of tabular goods 02 preferably comprises between one and five tabular goods 02. The first quantity of tabular goods 02 comprises, for example, at least two tabular goods 02.

Preferably, in a subsequent second stacking process, in particular by means of the at least one transfer device 03 and its at least one upper holding device 04, a second quantity of tabular goods 02, in particular waste boards, are removed, in particular individually, from the second source stack 12 and placed in the target stack area 08 of the stacking device 01 the table-shaped goods 02 deposited in the first stacking process and the target stack 13 is thereby expanded. The second set of tabular goods 02 comprises, for example, at least two tabular goods 02, preferably at least five tabular goods 02. The second amount of tabular goods 02 preferably comprises between ten and thirty tabular goods 02. As an alternative to the preferred individual treatment of the tabular goods 02 in In the second stacking process, for example, several tabular goods 02 are simultaneously removed from the second source stack 12 and placed in the target stacking area 08 of the stacking device 01 on the tabular goods 02 deposited in the previous stacking operation. This is possible, for example, by means of at least one holding element 09 designed as at least one mechanical gripping element and/or as at least one electromagnet.

Preferably, in a subsequent third stacking process, in particular by means of the at least one transfer device 03 and its at least one upper holding device 04, a third quantity of tabular goods 02, in particular good panels, are removed, in particular individually, from the first source stack 11 and placed in in the target stacking area 08 of the stacking device 01 on the table-shaped goods 02 deposited in the second stacking process and the target stack 13 is thereby expanded. The third quantity of tabular goods 02 comprises, for example, at least two tabular goods 02. The third quantity of tabular goods 02 preferably comprises between one and five tabular goods 02 and/or corresponds, for example, to the first quantity of tabular goods 02.

Preferably, in a subsequent fourth stacking process, in particular by means of the at least one transfer device 03 and its at least one upper holding device 04, a fourth quantity of tabular goods 02, in particular waste boards, are removed, in particular individually, from the second source stack 12 and placed in the target stack area 08 of the stacking device 01 the table-shaped goods 02 deposited in the third stacking process are deposited and the target stack 13 is thereby expanded. The fourth quantity of tabular goods 02 comprises, for example, at least two tabular goods 02, preferably at least five tabular goods 02. The fourth quantity of tabular goods 02 preferably comprises between ten and thirty tabular goods 02 and/or corresponds, for example, to the second quantity of tabular goods 02 .As an alternative to the preferred individual treatment of the tabular goods 02 in the fourth stacking process, in the second stacking process, for example, several tabular goods 02 are simultaneously removed from the second source stack 12 and placed in the target stacking area 08 of the stacking device 01 on the tabular goods 02 deposited in the previous stacking process.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a subsequent fifth stacking process, in particular by means of the at least one transfer device 03 and its at least one upper holding device 04, a fifth quantity of tabular goods 02, in particular good panels, in particular individually from the removed from the first source stack 11 and placed in the target stack area 08 of the stacking device 01 on the fourth The table-shaped goods 02 stored in the stacking process are deposited and the target stack 13 is thereby expanded. The fifth amount of tabular goods 02 comprises, for example, at least two tabular goods 02. The fifth amount of tabular goods 02 preferably comprises between one and five tabular goods 02 and/or corresponds, for example, to the first amount and/or the third amount of tabular goods 02.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a subsequent sixth stacking process, in particular by means of the at least one transfer device 03 and its at least one upper holding device 04, a sixth quantity of tabular goods 02, in particular waste boards, in particular individually from the second source stack 12 is removed and placed in the target stack area 08 of the stacking device 01 on the table-shaped goods 02 deposited in the fifth stacking process, thereby expanding the target stack 13. The sixth quantity of tabular goods 02 comprises, for example, at least two tabular goods 02, preferably at least five tabular goods 02. The sixth quantity of tabular goods 02 preferably comprises between ten and thirty tabular goods 02 and/or corresponds, for example, to the second quantity and/or the fourth quantity of tabular goods 02. As an alternative to the preferred individual treatment of the tabular goods 02 in the sixth stacking process, in the second stacking process, for example, several tabular goods 02 are simultaneously removed from the second source stack 12 and placed in the target stacking area 08 of the stacking device 01 on top of those placed in the previous stacking process table-shaped goods 02 stored.

The respective sequence of stacking processes results in a target stack 13 with a sequence of alternating layers, each of which has good panels or waste panels, for example. This sequence is preferably adapted to a subsequent process in which the target stack 13 is used.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that the method is a method for forming a target stack 13 and for setting up a printing press. The method is then preferably characterized in that, in a transfer process, the target stack 13 is removed from the stacking device 01 after the stacking processes have been completed and, in particular, is fed to the printing machine as a stack 13, and further preferably, in a printing process by means of a feeder of the printing machine, sheet-shaped goods 02 are taken from are removed individually from the target stack 13 and printed in the printing press in particular for setting up the printing press.

For example, the number of tabular goods 02 per shift can be adapted to different processes. For example, target stacks 13 can be created, when they are separated, a few waste boards are removed to set up a printing unit and then a good board is printed as a test board, the quality of which is examined, in order to then print waste boards again in an iterative process until the printing unit moves further has approached the optimized state for printing operations. Then a good panel is printed again as a test panel and examined. This can be repeated until acceptable print results are produced. Desired sequences can be determined through empirical determination and stored as part of a respective mixing rule, for example in a memory of the stacking device 01.

Reference symbol list

01

Stacking facility

02

Metal panel, good, panel-shaped

03

Transfer facility

04

Holding device

05

-

06

Stack area, source stack area, first

07

Stack area, source stack area, second

08

stacking area; Target stack area

09

Holding element, suction element

10

-

11

Stack; source stack; Good table stack, first

12

Stack; source stack; Wasteboard stack, second

13

Stack, target stack, shuffle stack

14

Vertical drive, electric motor, servo motor

15

-

16

Stacking carrier, pallet

17

Stacking carrier, pallet

18

Stacking carrier, pallet

19

Horizontal drive, electric motor, servo motor

20

-

21

-

22

-

23

Board aligner, target board aligner

24

Linear guide, horizontal guide

25

-

26

Linear guide, vertical guide

27

frame

28

Side part

29

Vertical positioning device

30

-

31

Energy chain, first

32

Energy chain, second

33

Format setting device

34

main beam

35

-

36

Secondary carrier

37

Board aligner, source board aligner, first

38

Source stop, rear

39

Source stop, lateral

40

-

41

Source stop, front

42

Source stop, lateral

43

Board aligner, source board aligner, second

44

Source stop, rear

45

-

46

Source stop, lateral

47

Source stop, front

48

Source stop, lateral

49

Target stop, actuator, rear

50

-

51

Target stop, actuator, lateral

52

Target stop, actuator, front

53

Target stop, actuator, lateral

54

-

55

-

56

Straps, side

57

Carrier, front

58

Safety device

59

Barrier direction, fence

60

-

61

Monitoring device, light barrier, light curtain

62

Transport element

H

Direction, working direction, horizontal

L

Direction, longitudinal, horizontal

v

Direction, vertical

Claims (15)

1. Stacking device (01) for creating at least one stack (13) of sheet-like articles (02), wherein the stacking device (01) has at least two stack regions (06; 07) configured as source stack regions (06; 07) which are designed to accommodate a respective stack support (16; 17) and/or a respective stack (11; 12), and wherein the stacking device (01) has at least one stack region (08) configured as a target stack region (08) which is designed to accommodate a respective stack support (18) and/or a respective stack (13), and wherein the stacking device (01) has at least one upper transfer device (03) for transporting sheet-like articles (02), and wherein the at least one upper transfer device (03) has at least one holding device (04), acting on the respective sheet-like article (02) from above, for securely holding sheet-like articles (02), and wherein the at least one upper holding device (04) is arranged so as to be movable at least with respect to a vertical direction (V), and wherein the at least one upper holding device (04) is arranged so as to be movable at least with respect to a horizontal direction (H), characterized in that the at least one upper holding device (04) is movable along a linear horizontal travel path and can be arranged in at least three different transfer positions along this linear horizontal travel path, and in that at least one target sheet aligner (23), which is movable at least horizontally, is assigned to the target stack region (08).
2. Stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one upper holding device (04) has a plurality of upper holding elements (09) which can be arranged in different positions relative to each other, and/or in that the at least one upper holding device (04) has at least one upper holding element (09) designed as a suction element (09).
3. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one upper holding device (04) is movable along a horizontal travel path and can be arranged in at least three different transfer positions along this horizontal travel path, and in that a first of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to the target stack region (08), and in that a second of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a first source stack region (06), and in that a third of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a second source stack region (07).
4. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one upper holding device (04) is arranged so as to be movable with respect to the vertical direction (V) along a linear travel path by means of at least one vertical drive (14), and in that the at least one vertical drive (14) is arranged so as to be movable jointly with the at least one upper holding device (04) with respect to the at least one horizontal direction (H) along a linear horizontal travel path.
5. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one target sheet aligner (23) of the target stack region (08) has at least one rear target stop (49) and at least two lateral target stops (51; 53) and at least one front target stop (52), or in that the at least one target sheet aligner (23) of the target stack region (08) has at least one rear target stop (49) and at least two lateral target stops (51; 53) and at least one front target stop (52) and at least two of these target stops (49; 51; 52; 53) are designed as in particular pneumatic actuators (49; 51; 52; 53).
6. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least three stack regions (06; 07; 08) are arranged next to each other in a row that extends in the horizontal direction (H).
7. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that a first of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to the target stack region (08), and a second of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a first source stack region (06), and a third of these at least three transfer positions is assigned to a second source stack region (07).
8. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one first source sheet aligner (37) is assigned to the first source stack region (06), or in that at least one first movable source sheet aligner (37) is assigned to the first source stack region (06), or in that at least one first horizontally movable source sheet aligner (37) is assigned to the first source stack region (06).
9. Stacking device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one second source sheet aligner (43) is assigned to the second source stack region (07), or in that at least one second movable source sheet aligner (43) is assigned to the second source stack region (07), or in that at least one second horizontally movable source sheet aligner (43) is assigned to the second source stack region (07).
10. Method for forming a target stack (13) of sheet-like articles (02) and for setting up a printing press, wherein a first source stack (11) is provided in a first stack region (06) of a stacking device (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and wherein a second source stack (12) is provided in a second stack region (07) of the stacking device (01), and wherein, in a first stacking process, a first quantity of sheet-like articles (02) is removed from the first source stack (11) and is deposited in a target stack region (08) of the stacking device (01) and as a result the target stack (13) is started or enlarged, and wherein, in a subsequent second stacking process, a second quantity of sheet-like articles (02) is removed from the second source stack (12) and is deposited in the target stack region (08) of the stacking device (01) on top of the sheet-like articles (02) deposited in the first stacking process and as a result the target stack (13) is enlarged, and wherein, in a subsequent third stacking process, a third quantity of sheet-like articles (02) is removed from the first source stack (11) and is deposited in the target stack region (08) of the stacking device (01) on top of the sheet-like articles (02) deposited in the second stacking process and as a result the target stack (13) is enlarged, and wherein, in a subsequent fourth stacking process, a fourth quantity of sheet-like articles (02) is removed from the second source stack (12) and is deposited in the target stack region (08) of the stacking device (01) on top of the sheet-like articles (02) deposited in the third stacking process and as a result the target stack (13) is enlarged, and wherein, in a transfer process, the target stack (13) is removed from the stacking device (01) following completion of the stacking processes and is fed to the printing press.
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that, in a printing process, sheet-like articles (02) are individually removed from the target stack (13) by means of a feeder of the printing press and are printed in the printing press.
12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first source stack (11) is formed of good sheets, and/or in that the second source stack (12) is formed of waste sheets, and/or in that the sheet-like articles (02) are in the form of metal sheets (02).
13. Method according to claim 10 or 11 or 12, characterized in that, during the second stacking process and/or during the fourth stacking process, multiple sheet-like articles (02) are simultaneously removed from the second source stack (12) and are deposited in the target stack region (08) of the stacking device (01) on top of the sheet-like articles (02) that were deposited in the preceding stacking process.
14. Method according to claim 10 or 11 or 12 or 13, characterized in that the first quantity of sheet-like articles (02) comprises at least two sheet-like articles (02), and/or in that the third quantity of sheet-like articles (02) comprises at least two sheet-like articles (02).
15. Method according to claim 10 or 11 or 12 or 13 or 14, characterized in that the second quantity of sheet-like articles (02) comprises at least two sheet-like articles (02) and/or comprises at least five sheet-like articles (02) and/or comprises between ten and thirty sheet-like articles (02), and/or in that the fourth quantity of sheet-like articles (02) comprises at least two sheet-like articles (02) and/or comprises at least five sheet-like articles (02) and/or comprises between ten and thirty sheet-like articles (02).

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