Sheet pile support assembly and method for operating a sheet pile support assembly

Abstract

A sheet pile support assembly (24) for a sheet processing machine is presented. It comprises a plurality of sheet pile support bars (28) and a movable guiding device for selectively moving one or more sheet pile support bars (28) from a retracted position to an extended position. Furthermore, an automatic selection unit (30) is provided for automatically selecting a sheet pile support bar (28) to be moved to the extended position and for connecting the selected sheet pile support bar (28) to the movable guiding device. Furthermore, a method for operating a sheet pile support assembly (24) for a sheet processing machine is set forth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sheet stack support assembly for sheet processing machines, particularly for paperboard or paper processing machines. The sheet stack support assembly includes a plurality of sheet stack support rods that extend substantially parallel to each other and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the sheet stack support rods are adapted to support the sheet stack only when in the extended position.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating such a sheet stack support assembly. Background Technology

[0003] Such sheet stack support assemblies and corresponding methods for operating such sheet stack support assemblies are known in the art. They can be used in combination with sheet cutters or sheet blankers, such as paper cutters or paper blanking machines.

[0004] Known sheet stack support assemblies are suitable for temporarily supporting sheet stacks comprising multiple sheets stacked sequentially. These sheets can be products or intermediate products produced by sheet processing machines. Sheet stack support assemblies are typically needed during pallet changes or when it is necessary to place separated sheets into a stack at the machine's output. For this purpose, the sheet stack support rods move from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions.

[0005] Sheet stack support rods can also be called swords, and sheet stack support assemblies can also be called non-stop frames or simply non-stop components.

[0006] Known sheet stack support assemblies need to be adapted to the sheet processing machines that use them. Furthermore, they need to be configured according to the specific job being performed on that machine. This is because specific jobs often require the installation of specific tools within the sheet processing machine.

[0007] The sheet stack support assembly is configured such that, when used to support a sheet stack, a set of sheet stack support rods are selected to be moved to their respective extended positions. The remaining sheet stack support rods are locked in their respective retracted positions and will not move during use of the sheet stack support unit. This is because, when the latter's sheet stack support rods are moved to their respective extended positions, they would cause geometric interference with components of the sheet stacking machine and / or components of the specific tools used therein. This interference needs to be avoided. In other words, collisions between the sheet stack support rods and the sheet stacking machine and tools must be prevented.

[0008] Typically, the configuration of sheet stack support assemblies is done manually by experienced operators. These operators move the levers laterally to avoid interference when moving them to the corresponding extension positions. In other systems, the levers do not move laterally. The lever to be moved to the extension position is selected manually by moving it to a "selected" state. US2013 / 0140763 discloses such a system in which a user selects the levers physically or manually on a machine computer. This system lacks the ability to automatically select the configuration of the sheet stack support assembly suitable for the specific job being performed on the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem this invention aims to solve is to further improve the configuration of the sheet stack support assembly. This reduces the time required to configure the sheet stack support assembly. Furthermore, the reliability of the configuration is enhanced because collisions between the sheet stack support rods and other components of the sheet stacking machine or the tools mounted therein are strictly avoided.

[0010] This problem is solved by the sheet stack support assembly of the type described above, which includes a movable guide for selectively moving one or more sheet stack support rods from a retracted position to an extended position, and an automatic selection unit for automatically selecting the sheet stack support rods to be moved to the extended position and for connecting the selected sheet stack support rods to the movable guide. The automatic selection unit selects only those sheet stack support rods that will not interfere with the sheet processing machine, and in particular, will not interfere with the tools mounted therein, when moved to their respective extended positions. Only the selected sheet stack support rods are connected to the movable guide. This process can be completed in significantly less time than a corresponding manual process. Therefore, the changeover time between different operations on the sheet processing machine can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, automatic selection allows for safe operation of the sheet stack support unit. Contact between the sheet stack support rods and the rest of the sheet processing machine and / or tools is strictly avoided. By "automatic selection," we mean that there is a device within the machine capable of selecting the sheet stack support rods, but it does not mean that the process of deciding which rod to select must be fully automated.

[0011] Sheet stack support assemblies are primarily used at the output of machines that transport machine-processed sheets.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the selection unit includes a scanning unit, such as an optical scanning unit, adapted to detect geometric obstacles in the extended space associated with the sheet stack support rods. In other words, the scanning unit can detect whether each sheet stack support rod can be moved to a corresponding extended position without interfering with other components of the sheet processing machine. Geometric obstacles can be components of tools used in the sheet processing machine, particularly blanking tools used to separate, for example, many layouts existing on a single piece of cardboard, or general components of the sheet processing machine. Sheet stack support rods that have detected such geometric obstacles will not be selected for supporting the sheet stack. Therefore, reliable operation of the sheet stack support assembly is ensured.

[0013] The scanning unit can move along the width direction of the sheet stack support assembly, specifically wherein the scanning unit is movably connected to a track extending in the width direction. In this way, the scanning unit can scan the entire extended space of the sheet stack support rod. Therefore, geometric obstacles can be reliably detected. Furthermore, a relatively small scanning unit can be used.

[0014] Advantageously, the scanning unit includes a light source, particularly a laser, a reflector unit, and a light sensor, wherein obstacles are detected by analyzing light emitted by the light source and reflected by the reflector unit. In this document, the light source and light sensor can be arranged on one side of the extended space, advantageously corresponding to the side where the sheet stack support assembly is arranged. The reflector unit is preferably arranged on the opposite side of the extended space. In this configuration, the light beam can be emitted by the light source in the direction of the reflector unit. The light sensor analyzes the reflected light and is adapted to assess whether the reflected light results in reflection on the reflector unit or elsewhere. Therefore, obstacles within the extended space can be detected reliably and rapidly.

[0015] In one variation, a first locking unit is provided to lock the selected sheet stack support rod onto a movable guide, allowing the selected sheet stack support rod to be moved to an extended position via the movable guide. Therefore, only this sheet stack support rod will be connected to the movable guide, and when moved to the corresponding extended position, it will not interfere with the sheet processing machine. This ensures reliable operation of the sheet stack support assembly.

[0016] According to an alternative, a fixed guide device is provided, which has a second locking unit for locking unselected sheet stack support rods onto the fixed guide device, such that the unselected sheet stack support rods are held in a retracted position by the fixed guide device. Therefore, all sheet stack support rods that pose a risk of interfering with the sheet processing machine and / or tools during operation are locked onto the fixed guide device. This reliably prevents accidental movement of these sheet stack support rods.

[0017] The first locking unit may include a locking bar extending substantially in the width direction of the movable guide, and / or the second locking unit may include a locking bar extending substantially in the width direction of the fixed guide. In this configuration, the two locking bars are adapted to reliably lock each possible subgroup of the sheet stack support rods to the corresponding guide, i.e., to either the movable or fixed guide. Therefore, all the sheet stack support rods are held in the defined position.

[0018] Preferably, the automatic selection unit includes a means for selectively moving each sheet stack support rod to an engagement position on a fixed guide or to an engagement position on a movable guide, particularly wherein the sheet stack support rod moves along its respective longitudinal extension direction. Preferably, the sheet stack support assembly is configured such that, when in the respective engagement position, the sheet stack support rod can be locked onto either the movable or fixed guide.

[0019] In a further preferred alternative, the engagement position on the movable guide is arranged between the original position and the extended position of each sheet stack support rod.

[0020] The engagement position on the fixed guide device is preferably arranged on the side of the original position opposite to the engagement position on the movable guide device.

[0021] In this configuration, the sheet stack support rod only needs to be moved in small increments to be positioned at the engagement point on either a fixed or movable guide. This process can be completed in a short time.

[0022] The engagement unit may include engagement fingers that are movable along the width direction of the sheet stack support assembly and are configured to individually move the sheet stack support rods to one of the engagement positions. Therefore, the engagement fingers can be adapted to selectively move each individual sheet stack support rod by small increments toward or away from the corresponding extension position. In this way, the engagement fingers can move along the width direction of the sheet stack support unit to enable each sheet stack support rod to be moved to the correct engagement position.

[0023] Furthermore, this problem is solved by a method of the type described above for a sheet stack support assembly used to operate a sheet processing machine, wherein a set of sheet stack support rods to be moved to an extended position for supporting the sheet stack is automatically selected. In this way, the sheet stack support assembly can be quickly and reliably adjusted and configured to suit the new job to be performed on the corresponding sheet processing machine. Additionally, accidental interference between the sheet stack support rods and the sheet processing machine and / or tools mounted thereon is avoided.

[0024] Automatic selection can include, in particular, the detection of geometric obstacles that impede the movement of one or more sheet stack support rods when they move to their respective extended positions, by scanning the extended space associated with the sheet stack support rods. These geometric obstacles can be generated by tools arranged within the sheet processing machine or by components of the sheet processing machine itself. The scanning process enables rapid and reliable detection of such obstacles.

[0025] Advantageously, the sensor unit moves along a scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the extension direction of the sheet stack support rod to detect obstacles. Therefore, the extension space of the sheet stack support rod can be completely scanned in a relatively short time. Furthermore, a relatively simple sensor is sufficient for this task. In particular, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional sensor is sufficient to scan a two-dimensional or three-dimensional extension space.

[0026] Sheet stack support rods that do not detect obstructions can be selectively moved to an extended position. These sheet stack support rods are not at risk of interfering with other parts of the sheet processing machine.

[0027] Alternatively, the automatic selection using the sensor unit can be manually adjusted by the operator using the machine's user interface to calibrate a set of stack support rods to be moved to the extended position. Furthermore, the operator can determine from scratch which stack support rods are part of the selection on the machine's user interface (by automatic rod selection, we mean that the operator has no physical intervention in the rods themselves; the rods are physically selected by the equipment within the machine).

[0028] In one embodiment, the selected sheet stack support rods are connected to a movable guide, specifically wherein the selected sheet stack support rods are moved together to an extended position by the movable guide. In other words, all the selected sheet stack support rods move together via the movable guide.

[0029] Preferably, the unselected sheet stack support rod is connected to a fixed guide device, and in particular, the unselected sheet stack support rod is held in the retracted position by the fixed guide device. Therefore, the unselected rod is also in a clearly defined position. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0031] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a paper processing machine including a sheet stack support assembly according to the present invention.

[0032] - Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the sheet stack support assembly according to the present invention, showing a sheet stack support rod and tools.

[0033] - Figure 3This is a perspective view of the sheet stack support assembly and tool according to the present invention, wherein all sheet stack support rods are in their respective retracted positions.

[0034] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sheet stack support components and Figure 3 Another perspective view of the tools, with some of the sheet stacks supporting the rods in their respective extended positions.

[0035] - Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Sheet stack support components and Figure 3 A more detailed perspective view of the tool.

[0036] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sheet stack support components and Figure 5 The perspective of the tool, where... Figure 5 In comparison, a different perspective was adopted.

[0037] - Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 Sheet stack support components and Figure 5 and Figure 6 The perspective of the tool, where... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In comparison, a different perspective was adopted.

[0038] - Figure 8 It shows the joining unit. Figures 3 to 7 A perspective view of the sheet stack support assembly.

[0039] - Figure 9 It is specifically shown that its joining unit is Figures 3 to 8 Detailed view of the sheet stack support assembly.

[0040] - Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Cross-section of sheet stack support assembly Figure XX The connecting finger is in its original position.

[0041] - Figure 11 It corresponds to Figure 10 The view shows the engaging finger in its extended position.

[0042] - Figure 12 It corresponds to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The view shows the engaging finger in the retracted position.

[0043] - Figure 13 yes Figures 3 to 8 A further detailed view of the sheet stack support assembly shows the locking lever and the corresponding actuator.

[0044] - Figure 14 yes Figures 3 to 8 Additional detailed views of the sheet stack support assembly, with particular emphasis on the locking of the selected sheet stack support rod.

[0045] - Figure 15 It corresponds to Figure 14 Detailed views, particularly showing the locking of the unselected sheet stack support rods,

[0046] - Figure 16 It corresponds to Figure 14 and Figure 15 A detailed view, specifically showing the initial operational status during the reset process,

[0047] - Figure 17 It corresponds to Figures 14 to 16 A detailed view, with particular emphasis on the second operational status during the reset process.

[0048] - Figure 18 It corresponds to Figures 14 to 17 A detailed view, particularly showing the third operating state during the reset process, and

[0049] - Figure 19 It corresponds to Figures 14 to 18 A detailed view, with particular emphasis on the fourth operating state during the reset process. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 A paper processing machine 10 is shown, which in the illustrated embodiment is a paper feeder.

[0051] It includes a feeder module 12 for feeding paper S into the paper processing machine 10. The paper S is conveyed to the unloading module 14 via a conveyor belt 16. The direction of travel is indicated by an arrow T.

[0052] In the blanking module 14, the layout L is cut off from the paper S.

[0053] In this paper, layout L is defined as the available portion of a sheet, which can typically consist of one or more blanks.

[0054] Subsequently, the paper S with the cutting layout L is conveyed to the waste stripping module 17, where the layout L is separated from some waste.

[0055] Subsequently, the paper S with the cutting layout L is conveyed to the unloading module 18, where the layout L separates from each other and is separated from the remaining waste.

[0056] The layout L is placed on the tray 20, and the waste is guided to the waste discharge module 22.

[0057] As each layout L arrives at the tray 20, the position of the tray 20 decreases by an increment that substantially corresponds to the thickness of the layout L.

[0058] The paper processing machine 10 also includes a sheet stack support assembly 24. Its overall structure and function will combine... Figure 2 To explain, Figure 2 A peeling tool 26 for separating layout L from paper S is also shown.

[0059] The sheet stack support assembly 24 is represented by a single sheet stack support rod 28, which is shown in an intermediate position, neither fully retracted nor fully extended. The fully extended position of the sheet stack support rod 28 is shown by a dashed line, and the fully retracted position of the sheet stack support rod 28 is shown by a dashed line.

[0060] Sheet stack support rod 28 is used to support the sheet stack (more precisely, the layout stack) during pallet 20 replacement.

[0061] This means that shortly before the pallet 20 is to be replaced, or shortly before the inserted sheet is inserted into the sheet stack, the sheet stack support rod 28 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0062] Additionally, shortly before the inserted sheet is inserted into the sheet stack, the sheet stack support rod 28 is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The inserted sheet is inserted via a device (not shown) positioned below the support rod. Although each layer of the stack has multiple separate layouts, the inserted sheet serves to maintain the sheet stack as a single stack, or as a means of counting the number of blanks on the stack output from the machine.

[0063] Sheet stack support rod 28 is adapted to support the sheet stack only when it is in the extended position.

[0064] Therefore, the layout L, which has been separated from each other and from the waste in the unloading module 18, will no longer be placed on top of the stack supported by the pallet 20, but will be placed on the sheet stack support rod 28 or on the sheet stack supported by the sheet stack support rod 28.

[0065] As will be explained later, the sheet stack support assembly 24 includes a plurality of sheet stack support rods 28, which are arranged such that a plane for supporting the sheet stack is formed at their extended positions. Thus, the sheet will be supported by the plurality of sheet stack support rods 28.

[0066] Then, the pallet 20 can be removed from the paper processing machine 10, and a new pallet 20 can be placed under the sheet stack support rod 28.

[0067] Subsequently, the sheet stack support rod 28 can be moved to the retracted position, thereby placing the sheet stack supported thereon onto the newly installed pallet 20.

[0068] Figures 3 to 8 A more detailed view of the sheet stack support assembly 24 can be seen in the image.

[0069] It includes generally parallel extensions and can be retracted separately (see reference). Figure 3 Multiple sheet stack support rods 28 that move between the extended position and the extended position.

[0070] exist Figure 3 In the middle, all sheet stack support rods 28 are in their retracted positions. However, in Figure 4 In this configuration, some sheet stack support rods 28 are in their respective extended positions. In this position, they are positioned below the tool 26, that is, below the top of the tool, but still inside or partially inside the tool.

[0071] It's worth noting that this was purely for better readability. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Only some of the sheet stack support rods 28 are equipped with attached reference numerals. This also applies to the rest of the drawings.

[0072] from Figures 2 to 7 As can be seen, the extension space into which the sheet stack support rods 28 are moved includes obstacles, for example, in the form of a component, tool 26, when they are in their respective extension positions. In this document, the extension space is defined as the space occupied by the sheet stack support rods 28 when all sheet stack support rods 28 are in their extension positions.

[0073] This means that some sheet stack support rods 28 must not be moved to their respective extension positions to avoid interference or collision with the tool 26. In other words, the sheet stack support rods 28 that will be moved to their respective extension positions during the use of the sheet stack support assembly 24 must be carefully selected.

[0074] To this end, an automatic selection unit 30 is provided for automatically selecting the sheet stack support rod 28 to be moved to the extension position.

[0075] It includes a scanning unit 32 adapted to detect geometric obstacles in the extended space of the sheet stack support rod 28.

[0076] The scanning unit 32 includes a light source 34, which is a laser source in the illustrated embodiment.

[0077] The light source 34 is mounted on a track 36 that extends substantially along the entire width of the sheet stack support assembly 24. Therefore, the light source 34 can move along this width direction.

[0078] The light source 34 is adapted to interact with the reflector unit 38, which is positioned on the opposite side of the tool 26 relative to the light source 34.

[0079] Additionally, the scanning unit 32 includes a light sensor 40.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 34 and the light sensor 40 form a movable sensor unit 41.

[0081] Therefore, the scanning unit 32 is adapted to detect obstacles in the extended space because the light source 34 emits a beam 42 in the direction of the reflector unit 38.

[0082] For each position of light source 34 on track 36, two cases must be distinguished.

[0083] Alternatively, beam 42 may be reflected solely by reflector unit 38. The reflected beam is then detected by light sensor 40.

[0084] Alternatively, the beam 42 may be partially reflected by the reflector unit 38 or by any other object. In this case, the reflected beam is also detected by the light sensor 40.

[0085] Since the reflector unit 38 is configured such that only a small optical loss occurs during the reflection of the beam 42, the light sensor 40 detects a relatively high intensity of light when the beam 42 is only reflected by the reflector unit 38.

[0086] When the light beam is not completely reflected by the reflector unit 38, the light sensor 40 detects only light of a lower intensity.

[0087] Therefore, the scanning unit 32 is adapted to detect obstacles in the extended space by analyzing the light emitted by the light source 34 and reflected by the reflector unit 38.

[0088] Alternatively, a light barrier can be used instead of scanner 32, which is adapted to detect geometric obstacles in the extended space of the sheet stack support rod 28. For example, it can be positioned directly above or below rod 28.

[0089] Alternatively, we can replace the scanner 32 with a sensor located at the tip of each rod 28, which is adapted to detect geometric obstacles within the extended space of the sheet stack support rod 28.

[0090] Therefore, information arises regarding the sheet stack support rod 28, which can be moved to an extended position without interfering with the tool 26 and / or the components of the paper processing machine 10.

[0091] These sheet stack support rods 28 will be selected for operation of the sheet stack support assembly 24.

[0092] The automatic selection unit 30 is also adapted to connect the selected sheet stack support rod 28 to the movable guide device 48. This will combine... Figures 9 to 15 To explain.

[0093] The automatic selection unit 30 includes an engagement unit 44, which is adapted to selectively move each sheet stack support rod 28 to an engagement position on a fixed guide device 46 or to an engagement position on a movable guide device 48.

[0094] Therefore, all selected sheet stack support rods 28 will move to the engagement position on the movable guide device 48, and all unselected sheet stack support rods 28 will move to the engagement position on the fixed guide device 46.

[0095] The engagement unit 44 includes engagement fingers 50, which are connected to the actuator 52 such that they can move substantially along the longitudinal extension of the sheet stack support rod 28.

[0096] Alternatively, the engagement finger 50 and actuator 52 are mounted on the track 54 so that they can move along the track 54 in the width direction of the sheet stack support assembly 24.

[0097] From Figure 10 The original position of the junction indicated by 50 is where the function begins to be explained.

[0098] Engagement finger 50 has already occupied its position along track 54, which is consistent with... Figure 9 The sheet stack support rod 28 is highlighted in the image.

[0099] Based on the information generated by the scanning unit 32, the sheet stack support rod 28 will be selected and needs to be moved or held in an engaged position on the movable guide 48. To move the stack support rod 28, the engaging finger 50 moves toward the movable guide 48, thereby engaging the sheet stack support rod 28 via its first cam 56, and moving the first cam 56 into the corresponding cam receiving space 58 on the movable guide 48 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 11 Therefore, the sheet stack support rod 28 is in the engagement position on the movable guide device 48.

[0100] If the sheet stack support rod 28 is not selected based on the information generated by the scanning unit 32, it needs to be moved or held in an engagement position on the fixed guide device 46. To move the stack support rod 28, the engagement finger 50 moves toward the fixed guide device 46, thereby engaging the sheet stack support rod 28 via its second cam 60, and moving the second cam 60 into the corresponding cam receiving space 62 on the fixed guide device 46 (see...). Figure 12Therefore, the sheet stack support rod 28 is in the engagement position on the fixed guide device 46.

[0101] This process is repeated for all the sheet stack support rods 28 of the sheet stack support assembly 24, so that each sheet stack support rod 28 is moved individually to one of the engagement positions. The sheet stack support rods 28 move specifically along their respective longitudinal extension directions.

[0102] Subsequently, the selected sheet stack support rod 28 and the unselected sheet stack support rod 28 will be locked to the corresponding fixed guide device 46 or movable guide device 48.

[0103] For this purpose, a first locking unit 64 is provided on a movable guide device 48 for locking the selected sheet stack support rod 28 onto the movable guide device 48 in the corresponding engagement position.

[0104] The first locking unit 64 includes a locking lever 66 connected to a corresponding actuator 68. Furthermore, the locking lever 66 is connected to the movable guide device 48 via an inclined slot 70 provided on the locking lever 66 and engages with a bolt 72 fixed to the movable guide device 48 (see [link to manual]). Figure 13 ).

[0105] The locking lever 66 extends substantially in the width direction of the movable guide 48.

[0106] The locking lever 66 can be in an unlocked lower position and a locked upper position. In the unlocked lower position, it does not interfere with the sheet stack support lever 28, and in the locked upper position, it closes the cam receiving space 58 on the movable guide device 48. Therefore, all selected sheet stack support levers 28 are locked on the movable guide device 48.

[0107] Therefore, during operation of the sheet stack support assembly 24, these sheet stack support rods 28 can be moved to an extended position via the movable guide device 48. Of course, the selected sheet stack support rods 28 can also be moved back to the corresponding retracted position via the movable guide device 48.

[0108] The fixed guide device 46 is equipped with a second locking unit 74, which further includes... Figure 13 The locking lever 66 is of the type shown. Therefore, the locking lever 66 of the second locking unit 74 is connected to the fixed guide device 46 via an inclined slot 70 provided on the locking lever 66 and a bolt 72 fixed to the fixed guide device 46.

[0109] The locking lever 66 of the second locking unit 74 can also be in the unlocked lower position, in which it does not interfere with the sheet stack support lever 28. Furthermore, it can be in the locked upper position, in which it closes the cam receiving space 62 on the fixed guide device 46. Therefore, all unselected sheet stack support levers 28 are locked to the fixed guide device 46. Thus, they are held in a defined position, and accidental interference between these sheet stack support levers 28 and components or tools 26 of the paper processing machine 10 is avoided.

[0110] Therefore, the sheet stack support assembly 24 described above can be operated as follows.

[0111] In the first step, geometric obstacles in the extended space are detected by scanning. For this purpose, sensor unit 41 moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of sheet stack support rod 28.

[0112] Based on the obstacles detected within the extended space, sheet stack support rods 28 without detected obstacles are selected so that they can be moved to the extended position during use of the sheet stack support assembly 24. These sheet stack support rods 28 are connected to the movable guide device 48 as described above.

[0113] The remaining sheet stack support rod 28 is connected to the fixed guide device 46 as previously described.

[0114] In summary, the set of sheet stack support rods 28 to be moved to the extended position to support the sheet stack is automatically selected.

[0115] If the operation performed on the paper processing machine 10 is to be changed, the configuration of the sheet stack support assembly 24 also needs to be changed.

[0116] To do this, a reset procedure is performed, which will combine Figures 16 to 19 The resetting process brings all the stack support rods 28 into engagement position on the fixed guide device 46.

[0117] During this process, the locking lever 66 of the first locking unit 64 and the locking lever 66 of the second locking unit 74 both move to their respective unlocked lower positions. The movable guide 48 moves to the override position. The override position is defined by the second cam 60 of the sheet stack support rod 28, which moves via the movable guide 48 to the cam receiving space 62. This means that the first cam 56 is simultaneously positioned within the cam receiving space 58. In other words, the sheet stack support rod is simultaneously in the engagement position on both the movable guide 48 and the fixed guide 46 (see...). Figure 16In other words, when the movable guide 48 moves toward the overtravel position, all the levers in the engagement position on the movable guide (48) are pushed toward the engagement position on the fixed guide 46. Thus, with a single operation, all the levers are set to the same position.

[0118] Then, the locking lever 66 of the second locking unit 74 is moved to the locked position, thereby locking all sheet stack support rods 28 onto the fixed guide device 46. This includes both previously selected sheet stack support rods 28 and previously unselected sheet stack support rods 28 (see [link to guide device]). Figure 17 ).

[0119] Then, the movable guide 48 moves to its intermediate position, which is a greater distance from the fixed guide 46 relative to the overtravel position (see...). Figure 18 ).

[0120] As the final step in the reset to the fixed position process, the locking lever 66 of the second locking unit 74 moves to the unlocked position (see...). Figure 19 ).

[0121] Now, the sheet stack support rod 28 is neither locked to the fixed guide device 46 nor to the movable guide device 48.

[0122] Therefore, as previously explained, the newly selected sheet stack support rod 28 can be engaged at its respective engagement position on the movable guide device 48 via the engagement finger 50.

[0123] Conversely, a similar reset to movable process can be performed to orient all stack support rods 28 toward the movable guide 48, and use engagement fingers 50 to drive the selected sheet stack support rod 28 toward the fixed guide 46 before the rod is locked.

[0124] The choice between resetting to fixed or resetting to movable can be determined by the number of stack support rods 28 that will need to be moved individually via the engagement finger 50. The alternative requiring the fewest rod movements is preferred because it can be performed in a shorter time (the time required for any reset process is independent of the number of rods moved).

Claims

1. A sheet stack support assembly (24) for a sheet processing machine, comprising: Multiple sheet stack support rods (28) extend in parallel and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position, respectively. The sheet stack support rod (28) is adapted to support the sheet stack when in the extended position. A movable guide device (48) for selectively moving one or more of the sheet stack support rods (28) from the retracted position to the extended position, and An automatic selection unit (30) is used to automatically select the sheet stack support rod (28) to be moved to the extended position, and to connect the selected sheet stack support rod (28) to the movable guide device (48). The automatic selection unit (30) is characterized in that it includes a scanning unit (32) adapted to detect geometric obstacles in the extended space associated with the sheet stack support rod (28).

2. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet processing machine is a cardboard or paper processing machine (10).

3. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning unit (32) is an optical scanning unit.

4. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning unit (32) can move along the width direction of the sheet stack support assembly (24).

5. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 4, wherein the scanning unit (32) is movably connected to a track (36) extending in the width direction.

6. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The scanning unit (32) includes a light source (34), a reflector unit (38), and a light sensor (40), wherein the obstacle is detected by analyzing the light emitted by the light source (34) and reflected by the reflector unit (38).

7. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The light source (34) is a laser.

8. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A first locking unit (64) is provided for locking the selected sheet stack support rod (28) onto the movable guide device (48), so that the selected sheet stack support rod (28) can be moved to the extended position through the movable guide device (48).

9. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A fixed guide device (46) is provided, the fixed guide device (46) having a second locking unit (74) for locking the unselected sheet stack support rod (28) on the fixed guide device (46), so that the unselected sheet stack support rod (28) is held in the retracted position by the fixed guide device (46).

10. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 8, characterized in that, A fixed guide device (46) is provided, the fixed guide device (46) having a second locking unit (74) for locking the unselected sheet stack support rod (28) on the fixed guide device (46), so that the unselected sheet stack support rod (28) is held in the retracted position by the fixed guide device (46).

11. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first locking unit (64) includes a locking rod (66) extending in the width direction of the movable guide (48), and / or the second locking unit (74) includes a locking rod (66) extending in the width direction of the fixed guide (46).

12. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The automatic selection unit (30) includes a joining unit (44) for selectively moving each sheet stack support rod (28) to a joining position on the fixed guide device (46) or to a joining position on the movable guide device (48).

13. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 12, wherein the sheet stack support rods (28) move along their respective longitudinal extension directions.

14. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The engagement unit (44) includes engagement fingers (50) that are movable along the width direction of the sheet stack support assembly (24) and are configured to move the sheet stack support rod (28) individually into one of the engagement positions.

15. The sheet stack support assembly (24) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The movable guide (48) is adapted to move toward an overtravel position, which positions all the sheet stack support rods (28) into a common engagement position.

16. A method for operating a sheet stack support assembly (24) for a sheet processing machine, in, The sheet stack support assembly (24) includes a plurality of sheet stack support rods (28) movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the sheet stack support rods (28) are adapted to support the sheet stack only when in the extended position. Among them, a set of sheet stack support rods (28) for supporting the sheet stack to be moved to the extended position are automatically selected. The feature is that automatic selection includes detecting geometric obstacles that obstruct one or more sheet stack support rods (28) when one or more sheet stack support rods (28) are moved to their respective extended positions.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the detection of the geometric obstacle is performed by scanning the extended space associated with the sheet stack support rod (28).

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The sensor unit (41) is moved along a scanning direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the sheet stack support rod (28) to detect the obstacle.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The sheet stack support rod (28) that has no detected obstacle is selected to move it to the extended position.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The selected sheet stack support rod (28) is connected to a movable guide device (48), wherein the selected sheet stack support rod (28) is moved together to the extended position via the movable guide device (48).

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The unselected sheet stack support rod (28) is connected to a fixed guide device (46), wherein the unselected sheet stack support rod (28) is held in the retracted position by the fixed guide device (46).

22. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The sheet processing machine is a cardboard or paper processing machine (10).

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