Apparatus and method for resting and positioning a stack forming aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method associated therewith for depositing and positioning a stack forming aid (5) on a stack (9) in a device (1) suitable for stacking, comprising a gripping unit (6) and a guide system (12), wherein the guide system (12) is arranged outside the stack (9) at a throw height of stackable objects (11), wherein the guide system (12) comprises at least one guide rod (13) having a receptacle (14) for the gripping unit (6), wherein the gripping unit (6) is movable in the receptacle (14), wherein the receptacle (14) is movable with the gripping unit (6) about and along the guide rod (13), wherein the gripping unit (6) has a unit (7) for receiving the stack forming aid (5), wherein the movement space of the gripping unit (6) is limited, wherein the gripping unit (6) is movable via the device into a basic position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placing and positioning stacking aids on a stack in equipment suitable for stacking (e.g., printing presses, especially paper printing presses, stamping presses, laminating presses, etc.). Background Technology

[0002] In applications such as paper offset printing presses, it is common for operators to place wedges in the output stack by hand while the machine is running to achieve better stacking. Here, especially in the stacking area, there is a risk of injury to operators reaching into the operating machine due to the small gap between the stack surface and the surrounding transport elements. Without careful attention, hands and / or the wedges to be positioned may be caught by the surrounding gripper system. Personal injury and machine damage are foreseeable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to improve the apparatus and method for enhancing the stacking formation of stackable objects in such a way that the danger to the operator is kept as low as possible.

[0004] The solution to the task of the device is characterized by an apparatus for placing and positioning stacking forming aids on a stack in a stackable device, the apparatus comprising a gripping unit and a guiding system, wherein the guiding system is arranged outside the stack at the throwing height of the stackable object, wherein the guiding system includes at least one guide rod having a receiving portion for the gripping unit, wherein the gripping unit is movable within the receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion is movable together with the gripping unit around and along the guide rod, wherein the gripping unit has a unit for receiving the stacking forming aids, wherein the movement space of the gripping unit is restricted, wherein the gripping unit is capable of... The solution to the task of the method is characterized by a method for placing and positioning a stacking forming aid on a stack in a device suitable for stacking, wherein the stacking forming aid is placed and positioned on the stack by means of a gripping unit having a unit for receiving the stacking forming aid, wherein the gripping unit is guided in a receiving portion, wherein the gripping unit is moved in the receiving portion, wherein the gripping unit is moved together with the receiving portion around and along a guide rod, wherein the movement of the gripping unit is restricted by a movement space, wherein the gripping unit is moved to a basic position via a device, and wherein stacking formation is influenced by the stacking forming aid.

[0005] Advantageous improvements can be derived from the instruction manual and accompanying drawings.

[0006] The device according to the invention allows the operator to safely position and place the stacking forming aid on the stack, as the operator does not need to bring their arm or hand close to the system, such as the surrounding gripper system in a paper printing press. Furthermore, flexible positioning of the stacking forming aid is possible. The stacking forming aid can be placed individually on and / or within the stack. For example, it can be placed directly adjacent to the end of the stack in the direction of travel of the object to be placed, or spaced apart from the rear edge and / or side edge of the stack. Tilt positioning of the stacking forming aid on the stack is also conceivable. A greater formatting range can be achieved with the aid of the device. Furthermore, the device can be universally and variably installed in equipment suitable for stacking, and can also be modified.

[0007] A device for placing and positioning stacking aids on a stack in a stackable apparatus includes a gripping unit and a guiding system. The guiding system is positioned outside the stack at the auwurf height of the stackable object. This can be viewed from the right, left, and / or rear of the stack in the direction of travel. The stackable object can be, for example, paper, film, sheet, any other printable substrate, or the like. The guiding system includes at least one guide rod having a receiving portion for the gripping unit. The gripping unit is movable within the receiving portion. The receiving portion is movable around and along the guide rod with the gripping unit. The gripping unit has a unit for receiving the stacking aids. The movement space of the gripping unit is restricted. The gripping unit is movable via the device to a basic position.

[0008] A method for placing and positioning stacking forming aids on a stack in a suitable stacking device involves using a gripping unit having a unit for receiving the stacking forming aids. The gripping unit is guided and moved within the receiving section. The gripping unit moves together with the receiving section around and along a guide rod. The movement of the gripping unit is restricted by a movement space. The gripping unit is moved to a basic position via a device. Stacking formation is influenced by the stacking forming aids.

[0009] Guide rods can be constructed in the form of circles, squares, rectangles, or ovals. Advantageously, the guide rods are constructed to such a length that the accessibility of the machine (especially paper printing presses) is ensured across a range from the maximum to the minimum print length.

[0010] The gripping unit can be a gripping arm, gripper, or robotic arm.

[0011] The gripping unit can move within the receiving section. The gripping unit can move in all three axial directions. Therefore, pivoting, tilting, rotating, and / or turning of the gripping unit within the receiving section is possible. This pivoting can be limited or locked. According to the improved configuration, the stacking forming auxiliary device is placed parallel to the stacking surface. For this purpose, a torsional stop is advantageous, which prevents the gripping unit from rotating about its own longitudinal axis.

[0012] A rectangular design for the gripping unit's arm is advantageous. The rectangular shape of the arm restricts its twisting or rotation around its longitudinal axis within the receiving section. This structural shape achieves torsional deceleration. Other shapes for the gripping unit's arm are also conceivable. Torsional deceleration can be achieved through designs for the gripping unit's arm that differ from a circular shape.

[0013] According to the improved design, different stacking forming auxiliary devices can be received at the gripping unit by means of a unit for receiving stacking forming auxiliary devices.

[0014] Stacking aids can have different shapes and sizes (length, width, height) and can be made of different materials. Crucially, there must be a smooth transition between the stacking surface and the objects that can be stacked.

[0015] Stacking aids can be, for example, wedges or similar features. A wedge shape has the advantage of creating a smooth transition between, for example, paper already placed on the stack and paper still to be placed. In the case of a wedge shape, steep edges are avoided, thus preventing bending within the paper, for example, in the case of paper.

[0016] The improved design alters the placement surface of stackable objects by using stacking-forming aids positioned on the stack. This alteration of the placement profile creates, for example, sloping portions, recesses, basin-like portions, or similar features on the stack. If the stacking-forming aids are placed on the right and left sides in the direction of travel of the objects to be stacked, a basin-like portion or recess is created on the stack, allowing paper to be better placed within it. The paper itself can be centered within this basin-like portion or recess. This stacking-forming aid is particularly helpful in the case of thin materials. Depending on the shape and / or size and / or printing material, the stacking-forming aid can be placed individually.

[0017] In paper printing presses, it sometimes occurs that a stacking forming aid, in the form of a wedge, is initially placed on a tray in the feeder, thus allowing the advantages of stacking forming according to the invention to be utilized from the very beginning of stacking. The stacking forming aid can influence stacking formation.

[0018] According to the improved design, the limiting device restricts the movement space of the gripping unit.

[0019] To prevent the gripping unit from colliding with other systems in the equipment, causing damage or machine stoppage, a limiting device restricts the movement space of the gripping unit. This limiting device can be implemented mechanically and / or electronically. The limiting device can be a lever (limiting lever), a plate, a stop, or a light grating. Furthermore, the movement of the gripping unit can be limited by limiting devices, such as by means of couplings and / or brakes, in a way that, for example, prevents the gripping unit from moving further.

[0020] In a paper printing press, a gripper system surrounding the feeder sits atop a stack. To prevent the gripping units from colliding with this gripper system in the feeder and potentially causing damage to the paper printing press, a limiting device is provided at the guide system. While the gripping arms can still move in all directions, upward movement or angle is restricted by the limiting device. The limiting device can be fixed or adjustable.

[0021] The gripping unit is advantageously designed in black and yellow, like a safety barrier. This signals to the operator that an obstacle has been placed in the space behind and / or beside the equipment and stack.

[0022] The gripping unit can move to the base position independently, automatically, or manually. According to the improved design, the device used to move the gripping unit to the base position is a tension or compression spring, a rope, or a chain. Furthermore, the movement of the gripping unit to the base position can be achieved by gravity, counterweight, magnetic force, pneumatic force, or motorized means.

[0023] According to the improved design, the receiving part is adapted to guide the gripping unit, and the receiving part is implemented in such a way that the gripping unit is fixed to prevent it from twisting about its own longitudinal axis, thereby preventing twisting.

[0024] This makes it easier to position the stacking aid on the stack as intended. The wedge-shaped portion will thus rest directly with its lower side parallel to the stack surface.

[0025] Twisting gripping units can lead to mispositioning of stacking aids or access to systems above the stack, resulting in the aforementioned hazards.

[0026] The receiving portion for the gripping unit can be designed differently. The receiving portion should be adapted to the contours of the gripping unit to ensure torsional stop. Furthermore, the receiving portion can move around and along the guide rod together with the gripping unit.

[0027] According to the improved design, the unit for receiving the stacking forming aid is a pair of pliers, an unlockable clamping device, a shape-fitting adapter that conforms to the stacking forming aid, or a magnetic device. An example of a shape-fitting adapter is an inflatable airbag that conforms to the stacking forming aid and is deflated again to release it. In the case of a magnetic implementation, the stacking forming aid is magnetically held, for example, by the unit for receiving it. For example, when the electromagnet is deactivated, the stacking forming aid is released from the unit for receiving it.

[0028] In the case of a printing press, for example, an assembly plate, sheet, or connecting element is fixed at the feeder in the paper travel direction to assemble the guiding system at the feeder. The guiding system can also be fixed to the machine while making full use of existing structural conditions.

[0029] Automated operation of the gripping unit can be envisioned. For this purpose, a robotic arm is preferred. However, other variations are also possible. According to the invention, the placement of the stacking forming aid on the stack is performed automatically, for example, in a known location obtained through empirical values. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The device according to the invention is schematically shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic side view of the equipment in which stacking occurs is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A top view of the machine in which stacking occurs and the possible location of the device according to the invention are shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A view showing a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic side view of device 1 is shown, in which stackable objects 11 are stacked on a stack 9. This is particularly typical of paper handling machines, as is currently used for printing paper. Figure 1The feeder 2 is shown, from which printing paper is continuously fed in a stacked manner to the first module 3 via a belt feed table (or belt table, Baendertisch). Additional modules 4 are connected to the feeder 2 and the first module 3. These modules can be printing units, coating units, transfer modules, steering modules, etc. An output device 8 is connected to the printing paper to be placed on the stack 9. The output device 8 typically consists of a continuously looping chain conveyor 10 with a gripper system 16 and receives the stack 9. During transport from the last module 4 to the stack 9 in the output device 8, the printing paper is held only at its leading edge by means of the gripper system 16 of the chain conveyor 10.

[0035] Figure 2 An exemplary top view of device 1 is shown, in which stacking occurs. This device may be a paper printing press, a stamping press, a laminating press, etc. A feeder 8 is arranged in the operating direction 17 of device 1 after the last module 4. A stack 9 is present in the feeder 8, on which stackable objects 11 are placed. The stackable objects 11 may be paper, film, sheet, or the like. The device according to the invention can be arranged at different locations outside the stack 9 at the machine's feeder 8. A guiding system 12 is coupled to the stack 9 in the operating direction 17 via a gripping unit 6. Alternative locations are shown in dashed lines and are provided to the right and / or left of the stack 9.

[0036] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown, arranged to the left side of the stack 9 in the direction of travel 17. However, the device may also be arranged to the right side and / or rear of the stack 9 in the direction of travel 17. The device includes a gripping unit 6 and a guiding system 12. The gripping unit 6 is implemented herein as a gripping clamp, including at least one unit 7 for receiving stacking forming aids, an arm 6a having a rectangular cross-section, and an actuating unit 6b by means of which the unit 7 can be operated. The rectangular design of the arm 6a is advantageous because it achieves torsional stop. The unit 7 for receiving the stacking forming aids is implemented as a clamp. As mentioned above, the gripping unit 6 and unit 7 can be designed differently. The guiding system 12 includes at least one guide rod 13, which is implemented in a circular shape and at which a receiving portion 14 for gripping the unit 6 is fixed. As described above, the receiving portion 14 can move around and along the guide rod 13. Furthermore, the gripping unit 6 is guided in the receiving portion 14 and can move in all three axial directions as described above. The limiting device 15 is implemented in the form of two rods, thereby limiting the movement space of the gripping unit 6. The limiting device 15 is used to prevent the gripping unit 6 from colliding with the gripper system 16 surrounding the discharger 8.

[0037] The device according to the invention achieves the following: avoiding injury to the operator or damage to the equipment. This is because the stacking forming aid is placed into the stack by means of a gripping unit, rather than by the operator's hand. The limiting device also prevents the stacking forming aid from being gripped by other systems.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1 Equipment

[0040] 2. Feeder

[0041] 3 First Module

[0042] 4. Other modules

[0043] 6 Grabbing Units

[0044] 6a arm

[0045] 6b Control Unit

[0046] 7. Units for receiving and stacking auxiliary devices

[0047] 8. Discharge device

[0048] 9. Stacking

[0049] 10 Chain Conveyor

[0050] 11 Stackable objects

[0051] 12. Boot System

[0052] 13 Guide rods

[0053] 14 Receiving section for the gripping unit

[0054] 15. Limiting devices

[0055] 16. Grabber System

[0056] 17. Direction of movement

Claims

1. A device for depositing and positioning a stack forming aid (5) on a stack (9) in a device (1) suitable for stacking, the device comprising a gripping unit (6) and a guide system (12), wherein the guide system (12) being arranged outside the stack (9) at a throw height of stackable objects (11), wherein the guide system (12) comprises at least one guide rod (13) having a receptacle (14) for the gripping unit (6), wherein the gripping unit (6) is movable in the receptacle (14), wherein the receptacle (14) is movable with the gripping unit (6) around and along the guide rod (13), wherein the gripping unit (6) has a unit (7) for receiving the stack forming aid (5), wherein the movement space of the gripping unit (6) is limited, wherein the gripping unit (6) is movable into a basic position via a means.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that different stack forming aids (5) are receivable at the gripping unit (6) by means of the unit (7) for receiving the stack forming aid (5).

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, a limiting device (15) limits the movement space of the gripping unit (6).

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the means for moving the gripping unit (6) into a basic position is at least one tension spring or pressure spring, a pull cord or a chain.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (14) is suitable for guiding the gripping unit (6), and the receptacle (14) is embodied such that the gripping unit (6) is fixed against twisting around its longitudinal axis.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the unit (7) for receiving a stack forming aid is a pair of pliers, a clamping device that can be unlocked, a form-fit adapter that adapts to the stack forming aid, or is magnetic.

7. A method for depositing and positioning a stack forming aid (5) on a stack (9) in a device (1) suitable for stacking, wherein depositing and positioning the stack forming aid (5) on the stack (9) by means of a gripping unit (6) having a unit (7) for receiving the stack forming aid (5), wherein the gripping unit (6) is guided in a receptacle (14), wherein the gripping unit (6) is moved in the receptacle (14), wherein the gripping unit (6) is moved with the receptacle (14) around and along a guide rod (13), wherein the movement of the gripping unit (6) is limited by a movement space, wherein the gripping unit (6) is moved into a basic position via a means, wherein the stack formation is influenced by the stack forming aid (5).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The movement of the gripping unit (6) into the basic position is effected by means of gravity, a counterweight, a magnetic force, pneumatically or motorized.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The stack forming aid (5) is placed parallel to the stack surface.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The resting surface for stackable objects (11) is changed by means of a stack-forming auxiliary device (5) positioned on the stack.

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