Separating device for separating stacked substrates

Abstract

A method for separating a stacked substrate (2; 2 '), comprising: a frame (10) and a receiving means for receiving the substrate (2; 2 ') and a stack receptacle (11) for receiving the stack (2; 2'). In this case, the separating device comprises at least one separating element (13A, 13B) which is mounted on the frame (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2) and which is arranged in such a way that the substrates (2; the invention relates to a separating element (13A, 13B), on which a stack of substrates (2, 2 ') can be supported, and which has a receptacle (130) for engaging with one of the substrates (2, 2') and a sliding section (131) which is designed to slide along the other of the substrates (2, 2 ') when at least one separating element (13A, 13B) is rotated about an axis of rotation (D1, D2).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a separating device for separating stacked substrates, a printing system having such a separating device, and a method for separating substrates. Background Art

[0002] Substrates to be successively printed by a printer, in particular print media, are usually provided in the form of stacks. In order to transport the print media to the printer, the print media are usually first separated from the stack. This can usually be done in a simple manner, for example by means of a rubber-coated roller, in the case of flexible print media such as sheets of paper. In contrast, when printing rigid print media, usually more expensive mechanisms are required.

[0003] A separating device is described in DE 20 2012 101 998 U1, which has an upper needle row and a lower needle row. If a print medium in the form of a rigid card is to be withdrawn from a stack, the upper needle row is disengaged from the stack by laterally moving the upper needle row. Since there is no support at this time, the cards in the stack fall down onto the lower needle row. Then the upper needle row is fed again, where the cards are now between the upper needle row and the lower needle row. The next process step provides for the lower needle row to move laterally so that the lower card in the stack falls onto a conveyor belt and can be transported away.

[0004] WO 2015 / 144392 A1 describes a solution having a plurality of slider elements and a sliding track for print media to be marked in the form of a set of signs.

[0005] The common feature of the known devices is that they are each based on complex mechanisms and are furthermore structurally limited in terms of speed because, between a plurality of forward and backward sliding movements, one has to wait for the print media to fall. In addition, the known solutions are susceptible to effects caused by tolerance-specific variations in the size of the print media. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the process of separating substrates.

[0007] This object is solved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, a separating device for separating stacked substrates, in particular print media, comprises a frame and a stack receiving part for receiving a stack of substrates, in particular print media. The separating device further comprises at least one separating element rotatably supported on the frame about a rotational axis, which separating element is arranged such that a stack of substrates arranged in the stack receiving part, in particular a stack of print media, can be supported on the separating element, and the separating element has (at least) one receiving part for engaging with one of the substrates, in particular a print media, and also has a sliding section which is provided for sliding along another of the substrates, in particular a print media, when at least one separating element rotates about the rotational axis.

[0009] This is based on the idea that separation is achieved by a rotatable separating element instead of a multi-layered slider, which separating element withdraws the substrates, in particular print media, from the stack and at the same time supports the remaining stack, in particular the stack located above it. Here, there is no need to change the direction of movement. This makes the mechanism particularly simple and at the same time stable and thus reliable. In addition, there is no need to wait for one or more substrates, in particular print media, to fall down only by the action of gravity, but the substrate to be separated, in particular print media, can be actively withdrawn from the stack. Thereby, the probability of jamming can also be significantly reduced. The substrates, in particular print media, can in particular be rigid bodies which, unlike for example paper, do not deform or only slightly deform due to their own weight. Additionally advantageously, optionally, the separating device can also be used as a stacking device for stacking individual substrates in the case of the opposite rotational direction. Thereby, a large number of identical parts and a simple manufacturing process are obtained.

[0010] Optionally, the sliding section of at least one separating element is configured in an arcuate shape. The substrates arranged in the stack receiving part (and the stack of substrates arranged in this stack receiving part) can be supported on the arcuate sliding section. Thereby, the separating element can be brought back into position after separating the first substrate in order to separate the second substrate without displacing the remaining stack. Thus, the separating element has a dual function.

[0011] Optionally, the receiving part of at least one separating element has a C-shaped profile or a plurality of C-shaped profiles. Thereby, the respective substrate can be withdrawn particularly precisely from the remaining stack with a rotational movement.

[0012] The receiving part of at least one separating element delimits for example an internal space and an opening. Here, it can be set that the opening is narrower than the internal space. For example, the internal width of the opening is smaller than the internal width of the internal space (for example parallel to the opening). This enables precise separation and at the same time enables a non-jamming movement, since the substrate can be displaced in the rotating internal space.

[0013] At least one separating element is in particular arranged to lower the substrates individually vertically into the output area. Thus, the individual substrates can be stored, for example, as printing media on a conveying device and conveyed into the printing area or into the printer.

[0014] The separating device can include a drive unit arranged laterally offset with respect to the stack receptacle. This enables a particularly compact structural form, which can moreover be implemented modularly in a simple manner.

[0015] At least one separating element can be rotatable multiple times in one direction about a rotational axis, for example in order to separate multiple substrates in succession. For example, in each complete rotation, one substrate is carried along. This enables continuous and smooth conveyance.

[0016] At least one separating element can be configured in a disk-like manner. This enables a narrow configuration and at the same time a simple structure.

[0017] The separating device can have two separating elements that can rotate in opposite directions to each other. The receptacles of the two separating elements can engage with the opposite sides, in particular the end sides, of the substrate. Thus, a particularly precise and flexible structure can be achieved.

[0018] Furthermore, the separating device can include a first pair of separating elements that can rotate in the opposite direction to a second pair of separating elements. Thus, each substrate can be withdrawn from the stack simultaneously, for example, at four corners, and the stack located thereon is likewise supported at four corners, which allows for a particularly orderly separation without skewing.

[0019] According to one aspect, a separating device for separating stacked substrates, in particular printing media, is proposed. The separating device can be configured as described above. The separating device includes a frame and a stack receptacle having two guide portions between which a stack of rigid substrates, in particular printing media, can be accommodated, where the guide portions are arranged at a first spacing from each other. Here, the separating device also includes at least two separating elements that are supported on the frame in such a way that they can rotate in opposite directions about a rotational axis, and the separating elements have a second spacing from each other in at least one rotational position, the second spacing being smaller than the first spacing. Furthermore, the separating elements have receptacles that can be aligned with each other by rotation of the separating elements such that a third spacing between the bottoms of the receptacles is greater than the second spacing. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above description. Optionally, the stack receptacle is configured as part of the frame. For example, the frame and the stack receptacle are integrally configured.

[0020] The third spacing can be equal to or greater than the first spacing. Thus, a particularly smooth separation process is achieved.

[0021] Optionally, the separating device is configured to separate a flat and rigid substrate, in particular a printing medium. In particular, it can be provided that the separating device is configured to separate a substrate in the form of a pad of playing cards each having a plurality of breakable identification cards. Such a pad of playing cards is also referred to as a marker element pad.

[0022] At least one rigid substrate, in particular in the form of a pad of playing cards having a plurality of breakable identification cards, in particular a printing medium, can be arranged in the stack receptacle.

[0023] The separating device enables a plurality of substrates (in particular rigid ones) having different sizes, in particular different heights, to be arranged in the stack receptacle and to be separated by means of the separating device. For example, a first substrate having a first height and a second substrate having a second height are arranged in the stack receptacle and can be separated by means of the separating device, where the second height is, for example, greater than the first height, for example at least twice the first height. Thus, very different substrates can be separated using the same separating device. It can be provided here that the substrates have different heights, or when the substrates are configured in the form of a pad of playing cards, for example have only a single or all of the identification cards.

[0024] The substrate can be placed on each of at least two separating elements before separation. It should be noted that the stack receptacle can also be filled with one or more additional substrates during the separation process. This allows for uninterrupted processing.

[0025] According to one aspect, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes a separating device according to any of the designs described herein. In addition, the printing system includes a printer and a conveying device for conveying the printing medium from the separating device to the printer. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the description of the separating device above.

[0026] The conveying device of the printing system includes, for example, one or more tracks for guiding the printing medium. The separating device can be arranged such that the individual printing media can be deposited on the one or more tracks in succession thereby. This enables a particularly compact configuration. Alternatively or additionally, a movable conveying shuttle can be provided on which the individual printing media can be deposited.

[0027] According to one aspect, a method for separating a substrate, in particular a printing medium, is proposed, especially in the case of using a separating device according to any of the design solutions described herein. The separating device includes a frame, a stack accommodating part for accommodating a stack of rigid substrates, in particular printing media, and at least one separating element rotatably supported on the frame about a rotation axis. The method includes the following steps: arranging a rigid substrate, in particular a printing medium (especially a stack of such printing media), in the stack accommodating part; transporting the substrate, in particular the printing medium (especially the lowermost one), arranged in the stack accommodating part to an output area by rotation of at least one separating element about the rotation axis, wherein the substrate, in particular the printing medium, engages with the accommodating part of at least one separating element. Regarding the advantages, reference is again made to the description of the separating device above. Description of the Drawings

[0028] The idea based on the present invention will be elaborated in detail below with the aid of the embodiments shown in the drawings. It shows:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic view of a printing system for printing a printing medium is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A view of a printing medium in the form of a card pad with a plurality of breakable identification plates is shown;

[0031] Figures 3A to 3D A view of a separating device of a printing system according to Figure 1 is shown, wherein the separating device is in different stages of transporting the printing medium;

[0032] Figure 4 A view of a separating device according to Figures 3A to 3D is shown, wherein the drive unit of the separating device is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A view of a separating device according to Figures 3A to 3D is shown, and a view of the channel part of the separating device; and

[0034] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A view of a separating device of a printing system according to Figure 1 is shown, wherein the separating device is in different stages of transporting different printing media. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0035] Figure 1Shows a printing system 3 for printing a plurality of individually printable substrates in the form of print media. For this purpose, the printing system 3 includes a separating device 1 into which a stack of print media can be automatically or manually input. A conveying device 31 transports the individual print media output from the separating device 1 to the printer 32 of the printing system 3.

[0036] The printer 32 prints each print media in turn. In the example shown, the print media is transported from the printer 32 to a stacking device 30 by means of the conveying device 31. The stacking device 30 stacks the individually printed print media into a stack, and then the stack can be manually or automatically removed from the stacking device 30. Instead of the stacking device 30, it can also be provided that the printed print media is simply thrown out, for example.

[0037] Figure 2 Shows an example of such a substrate in the form of a print media 2. The print media 2 includes a plurality of identification plates 20. These identification plates 20 are respectively molded on (at least) one of a plurality of tabs 21. These tabs 21 are arranged parallel to each other and are arranged between two guide portions 22 with the identification plates 20. Here, these tabs 21 are respectively fixed to the two guide portions 22. The print media 2 is integrally constructed. The print media is, for example, an injection molded part. In particular, the print media 2 can be composed of plastic or include plastic. Each identification plate 20 can be detached from the tab 21. Thus, the identification plates 20 printed by the printer 32 can be mounted on electrical or electronic components, for example, to identify them. For this purpose, these identification plates 20 respectively have locking elements for snap-locking with the corresponding components.

[0038] The print media 2 can also be referred to as a backing plate or a card (referred to as “card” in English). It is plate-shaped and rigid. When the print media 2 is held, for example, only on one side or at one corner, the print media 2 does not bend due to its own weight or only bends slightly.

[0039] The print media 2 has a length, a width, and a height. The height is less than the length and the width. The width is less than the length. The guide portions 22 extend along the length. The end sides of the print media 2 extend in its width.

[0040] Depending on the required shape and size of the identification plates 20, the print media 2 can have more or fewer identification plates 20 and tabs 21 for holding the identification plates 20.

[0041] Figures 3A to 3D Shows the separating device 1 and its working principle.

[0042] The separating device 1 includes a frame 10, a stacking receiving part 11, and an output area 12. The output area 12 is arranged vertically below the stacking receiving part 11 when the separating device 1 is used as specified. By means of a conveying device 31, a printing medium 2 can be moved from the output area 12 each time, currently by sliding, to a printer 32. For this purpose, the conveying device 31 has a pair of tracks 310, wherein each of the guide parts 22 of the respective printing medium 2 is placed on one of the tracks 310 and is thereby guided in a longitudinal movement. These tracks 310 of the conveying device 31 are spaced apart from each other. These tracks 310 of the conveying device 31 run parallel to each other. When the separating device 1 (and the printing system 3) is used as specified, the tracks 310 extend horizontally.

[0043] The stacking receiving part 11 includes two guide parts 110 between which a stack of rigid printing media 2 can be received, for example, can be placed between them automatically or manually. These guide parts 110 are arranged at a first distance A1 from each other. The first distance A1 roughly corresponds to the length of the printing medium 2 which is guided vertically between the guide parts 110.

[0044] Furthermore, the separating device 1 generally includes at least one separating element 13A, 13B, and in the example shown, exactly four separating elements 13A, 13B. In the example shown, each of the separating elements 13A, 13B is supported on the frame 10 in such a way that it can rotate completely (i.e., 360 degrees) about its respective axis of rotation D1, D2. However, this is not mandatory, and alternatively or additionally, for example, it can be set that the separating elements 13A, 13B can rotate forward and then backward again for each separating process. The separating device 1 includes a first pair of separating elements 13A which can rotate in a first direction (clockwise in the view according to Figure 3A ), and also includes a second pair of separating elements 13B which can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction (counterclockwise in the view according to Figure 3A ). These two pairs of separating elements are arranged on opposite sides of the stacking receiving part 11. However, alternatively, for example, it can also be envisaged that the separating device has exactly two separating elements which are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the stacking receiving part 11.

[0045] Of the current four separating elements 13A, 13B, two of them (i.e., the first pair) are arranged on one side of the stack receiving part 11, and the other two (i.e., the second pair) are arranged on the side of the stack receiving part 11 opposite to said side, and are thus also correspondingly arranged on the opposite sides of the printing medium 2 positioned in the stack receiving part 11. In the illustrated example, these separating elements 13A, 13B engage with the printing medium at the end side of the printing medium 2. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the separating elements 13A, 13B are arranged such that these separating elements are arranged at the four corners of the rectangular printing medium 2 positioned in the stack receiving part 11.

[0046] Currently, these separating elements 13A, 13B are constructed identically to each other. Here, the first pair is oriented in the opposite direction compared to the second pair.

[0047] These separating elements are respectively arranged such that the stack of the printing medium 2 positioned in the stack receiving part 11 can be supported on said separating elements. In addition, these separating elements respectively have a receiving part 130 and a sliding section 131 for engaging with one (the lowermost) printing medium in the printing medium 2. The sliding section 131 is provided for sliding along another printing medium (the second one from the bottom) in the printing medium 2 when at least one of the separating elements 13A, 13B rotates about the rotation axes D1, D2.

[0048] The sliding sections 131 of the respective separating elements 13A, 13B are constructed in an arc shape and are currently arranged concentrically with the respective rotation axes D1, D2. The receiving parts 130 of the separating elements 13A, 13B are respectively constructed on one side of their respective rotation axes D1, D2. It should be noted here that the illustrated separating elements 13A, 13B respectively have exactly one receiving part 130, but instead, each of the separating elements 13A, 13B can also have more than one receiving part 130, for example, two or three receiving parts 130. Thus, each separating element 13A, 13B generally has, for example, at least one receiving part 130.

[0049] These separating elements 13A, 13B are flat (along the rotation axes D1, D2). These separating elements 13A, 13B are currently disk-shaped. These separating elements 13A, 13B can also be referred to as shaped disks. Thus, separation is performed by means of shaped disks.

[0050] For example, according to Figure 3CIt can be seen that the receiving portions 130 of the separating elements 13A, 13B each have a C-shaped profile. Here, the receiving portions 130 are each delimited by two mutually facing projections 132A, 132B. An opening O leading to the interior space I of the receiving portion 130 is formed between the projections 132A, 132B. Here, the opening O is narrower than the interior space I. Therefore, the interior space I widens starting from the opening O. Parallel to the width of the opening O, the interior space I has a greater width. Therefore, the end of the print medium 2 arranged in the receiving portion 130 can swing in the receiving portion 130.

[0051] One of the projections 132A, 132B, namely the projection 132A (against which the print medium 2 to be separated abuts when it extends into the receiving portion 130), has a rounded end. Thereby, the projection 132A slides along the lower side of the print medium 2 without being jammed when the separating element 13A rotates. The other projection 132B is brought between the two lowermost print media 2 when the separating element 13A rotates, and in this way reliably separates the print media. In the illustrated example, this projection 132B has an injection-molded end, so as to reliably engage between the two lowermost print media 2 of the stack even in the case of relatively large manufacturing tolerances of the print medium 2. The projections 132A, 132B serve as skids.

[0052] The separating device 1 is arranged on the conveying device 31. The separating elements 13A, 13B are each arranged beside one of the tracks 310 or are oriented on one of the tracks 310 of the conveying device 31, whereupon, for example, in each of the two tracks 310, grooves are formed for each two separating elements 13A, 13B respectively.

[0053] Now refer to Figures 3A to 3D and describe the method of separating the print medium 2 by means of the separating device 1.

[0054] In a first step, at least one print medium 2, in particular a stack of print media 2 in the form shown in Figure 2 is placed into the stack receiving portion 11 (see, for example, Figure 3A)。Thus, the (lowermost) print medium 2 is placed on each of these four separating elements 13A, 13B here, more precisely, on the sliding surfaces 131 respectively. A second spacing A2 is formed between the opposing (reversibly rotatable) separating elements 13A, 13B. Specifically, the second spacing A2 is the shortest distance between the sliding surfaces 131 oriented relative to each other. This second spacing A2 is smaller than the first spacing A1. Accordingly, the separating elements 13A, 13B project into the channel defined by the guide part 110. The print medium 2 is placed on the separating elements 13A, 13B, and the print medium 2 has such a length that it is (slightly) smaller than (or the same as) the first spacing, but larger than the second spacing A2.

[0055] Subsequently, by rotating the separating elements 13A, 13B about the respective rotation axes D1, D2, the lowermost print medium 2 arranged in the stacking receptacle 11 is transported to the output area 12, wherein the print medium 2 engages with the receptacles 130 of each of the separating elements 13A, 13B. The separating elements 13A, 13B grip here the (lowermost) print medium 2 in the stack and separate it from the print media 2 located above it in the stack.

[0056] Currently, for each print medium 2 to be separated, the separating elements 13A, 13B rotate completely once about the respective rotation axes D1, D2, i.e., by 360 degrees. However, alternatively, it is also conceivable that the separating elements 13A, 13B each have two (or more) receptacles 130 such that two (or more) print media 2 can be separated per complete rotation. Since the separating elements 13A, 13B can rotate completely about the rotation axes D1, D2, the separation of multiple print media 2 can be achieved by a one-way rotational movement, i.e., without changing the direction of rotation. This allows for a particularly simple drive mechanism, which will be described in more detail below, and moreover, this drive mechanism is not easily jammed due to the absence of a change in the direction of rotation. The rotational movement can be stopped between the transport processes of two print media 2 or, alternatively, can continue to run continuously. Here, all separating elements 13A, 13B move synchronously. The movements of the separating elements 13A, 13B are coupled to each other.

[0057] Figure 3B A moment is shown at which, before the separating elements 13A, 13B are about to separate the lowermost print medium 2 from the print media 2 located above it by means of the upper projections 132B by further rotation about the rotation axes D1, D2, the receptacles 130 surround the end sides of the print medium 2. Here, the lowermost print medium 2 then shifts vertically downwards.

[0058] Figure 3C is shownFigure 3B A partial enlarged view. It is also shown that once the receiving portions 130 of the opposing separating elements 13A, 13B are oriented relative to each other, a third spacing A3 is constructed between the bottoms 134 of the receiving portions 130. In the illustrated example, the third spacing A3 is substantially the same as the second spacing A2 (alternatively, for example, greater than the second spacing). The bottom 134 of the receiving portion 130 represents the portion of the edge of each receiving portion 130 that faces the respective rotational axes D1, D2 (e.g., the half of the edge that faces the respective rotational axes D1, D2).

[0059] Figure 3D A moment is shown at which the separating elements 13A, 13B continue to rotate and the separated print medium 2 has been deposited in the output area 12 on the track 310. Depending on the rotational speed, this process can occur passively due to gravity when the opening O rotates downward sufficiently, or can occur actively with the aid of the upper projection 132B.

[0060] Thus, the print medium 2 is separated and can be conveyed to the printer 32 by means of the conveying device 31.

[0061] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The drive unit 15 of the separating device 1 is shown. The drive unit 15 includes a motor 150 and a plurality of gears 151, 152 shown in the illustrated example (where, of course, other types of reverse drives can also be considered). It is also visible that each pair of separating elements 13A, 13B is non-rotatably fixed to the shaft 133 respectively. In addition, one of the gears 152 is non-rotatably fixed to each of the two shafts 133. To achieve opposite rotational directions for the pairs of separating elements 13A, 13B (and the two shafts 133), the drive unit 15 has a series of gears 151, 152 with a difference of one in number for the first pair and the second pair. Thus, the drive ratchet 153 of the motor 150 (e.g., see Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) drives the shaft 133 shown on the left in Figure 4 through a total of two gears 151, 152, while the drive ratchet 153 drives the shaft 133 arranged on the right in the view of Figure 4 through a total of three gears 151, 152.

[0062] (e.g., in the motor 15) The sensor detects the position of the separating elements 13A, 13B, i.e., in particular, detects the current rotational angle (e.g., relative to the frame 10). In this way, the motor 15 can coordinate the separation process with the conveying process carried out by means of the conveying device 31.

[0063] As particularly according to Figure 4 and Figure 5As can be seen, the frame 10 has two arms 100. The guide part 110 of the stack receiving part 11 extends vertically upwards, while these arms 100 extend vertically downwards. A channel part 101 is constructed between these arms 100. The channel part 101 is constructed to accommodate a section of the conveying device 31 of the printing system 3. In the assembled state, the conveying device 31 of the printing system 3 extends in the channel part 101.

[0064] The drive device 15 is arranged laterally offset relative to the stack receiving part 11. Thereby, the structural space below the stack receiving part 11 is free. Thereby, a particularly compact and moreover modular structural form is possible. In addition, the structural spaces in front of and behind the end side of the print medium 2 are not blocked by the drive.

[0065] The separating device can also be used as a stacking device for stacking the individual print media 2 in the case of opposite rotational directions. Thereby, a large number of identical parts are obtained. For example, the stacking device 30 is constructed identically to the separating device 1.

[0066] Specifically, the drive device 15 is assembled on one of the arms 100. The drive device 15 is arranged below the stack receiving part 11.

[0067] By actively separating the print medium 2, reliable separation can be achieved under high-speed conditions. The separation at the end side allows a particularly simple structure. Thereby, the separating device is particularly stable against the length tolerances of the print medium 2. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to precisely touch the lateral grooves.

[0068] Since the separation, lowering and holding of the print medium 2 are achieved by the rotational movement of (each separating element 13A, 13B) only along one rotational direction, idle strokes can be avoided. The variable loads and the corresponding wear are also eliminated. In addition, particularly few components are required, and thus low complexity, low susceptibility to interference and low noise generation are achieved.

[0069] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is shown that with the separating device 1 described, print media 2, 2' of different shapes can be separated and, in particular, also stacked in the stack receiving part 11 at the same time.

[0070] Currently, by way of example, a plurality of relatively thin print media 2 are arranged in a stack, and a print medium 2' that is thicker compared thereto (in the direction in which the print media 2, 2' are stacked on top of each other). The separating device 1 can handle such a mixed stack, i.e., a stack that is not of a single type, more precisely, without any setting changes in this case.

[0071] The idea on which the present invention is based is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but in principle can also be implemented in a completely different type of manner.

[0072] Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 1 Separation device

[0074] 10 Frame

[0075] 100 Arm

[0076] 101 Channel part

[0077] 11 Stacking accommodation part

[0078] 110 Guide part

[0079] 12 Output area

[0080] 13A, 13B Separation elements

[0081] 130 Accommodation part

[0082] 131 Sliding section

[0083] 132A, 132B Protrusions

[0084] 133 Shaft

[0085] 134 Bottom

[0086] 15 Driving unit

[0087] 150 Motor

[0088] 151 Gear

[0089] 152 Gear

[0090] 153 Driving ratchet

[0091] 2; 2' Printing medium (substrate)

[0092] 20 Sign

[0093] 21 Tab

[0094] 22 Guide part

[0095] 3 Printing system

[0096] 30 Stacking device

[0097] 31 Conveying device

[0098] 310 Track

[0099] 32 Printer

[0100] A1 - A3 Spacing

[0101] D1, D2 Axis of rotation

[0102] I Internal space

[0103] O opening

Claims

1. A separating device (1) for separating stacked substrates (2; 2'), comprising: - a frame (10), and - a stack receiving part (11) for receiving a stack of substrates (2; 2'), characterized in that it further comprises at least one separating element (13A, 13B) rotatably supported on the frame (10) about a rotation axis (D1, D2), which is arranged such that a stack of substrates (2; 2') arranged in the stack receiving part (11) can be supported on the separating element, and the separating element has a receiving part (130) and a sliding section (131) for engaging with one of the substrates (2; 2'), and the sliding section (131) is arranged to slide along another substrate among the substrates (2; 2') when at least one separating element (13A, 13B) rotates about the rotation axis (D1, D2).

2. The separation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding section (131) of at least one separating element (13A, 13B) is configured in an arc shape.

3. The separation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving part (130) of at least one separating element (13A, 13B) has at least one C-shaped profile.

4. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The receiving part (130) of at least one separating element (13A, 13B) defines an internal space (I) and an opening (O), wherein the opening (O) is narrower than the internal space (I).

5. The separating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one separating element (13A, 13B) is arranged to vertically lower the substrates (2; 2') individually into the output area (12).

6. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A drive unit (15) is provided which is arranged laterally offset with respect to the stack receiving part (11).

7. The separating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one separating element (13A, 13B) can rotate about the rotation axis (D1, D2) multiple times in one direction in order to transport a plurality of substrates (2; 2') in sequence.

8. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one separating element (13A, 13B) is configured in a disk shape.

9. The separating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Two reversibly rotatable separating elements (13A, 13B) are provided, and the receiving parts (130) of these separating elements can engage with the opposite sides of the substrates (2; 2').

10. The separation device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, A first pair of separating elements (13A) is provided which can rotate in the opposite direction with respect to a second pair of separating elements (13B).

11. A separating device (1) especially according to any one of the preceding claims for separating stacked substrates (2; 2'), the separating device comprising: - a frame (10), and - a stack receiving part (11) having two guide parts (110) between which a stack of rigid substrates (2; 2') can be received, wherein the guide parts (110) are arranged at a first distance (A1) from each other, characterized in that There are provided at least two separating elements (13A, 13B) supported on a frame (10) in such a way that they can rotate in opposite directions about respective axes of rotation (D1, D2). The separating elements have a second spacing (A2) from each other in at least one rotational position, which second spacing is less than a first spacing (A1), and the separating elements have receiving portions (130) which can be oriented relative to each other such that a third spacing (A3) between the bottoms (134) of the receiving portions (130) is greater than the second spacing (A2).

12. The separation device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third spacing (A3) is equal to or greater than the first spacing (A1).

13. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one rigid substrate (2; 2'), in particular in the form of a pad with a plurality of breakable identification plates, is arranged in the stacking receptacle (11).

14. The separating device (1) according to claim 11 or 12 and according to claim 13, characterized in that, The substrate (2; 2') is placed on each of at least two separating elements (13A, 13B).

15. The separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Substrates (2; 2') having different sizes, in particular different heights, can be arranged in the stacking receptacle (11) and can be separated by means of the separating device (1).

16. A printing system (3), comprising: - the separating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a printer (32), and - a conveying device (31) for transporting the substrate (2; 2'), in the form of a print medium, from the separating device (1) to the printer (32).

17. The printing system (3) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The conveying device (31) includes one or more tracks (310) for guiding the substrate (2; 2'), wherein the separating device (1) is arranged such that the respective substrates (2; 2') can be deposited on the one or more tracks (310).

18. A method for separating a substrate (2; 2') using a separating device (1) in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 15, said separating device comprising a frame (10), a stack receiving part (11) for receiving a stack of rigid substrates (2; 2'), and at least one separating element (13A, 13B) rotatably supported on the frame (10) about a rotation axis (D1, D2), wherein, The method includes the following steps: - arranging a rigid substrate (2; 2') in the stacking receptacle (11); and - transporting the substrate (2; 2') arranged in the stacking receptacle (11) to the output area (12) by rotation of at least one separating element (13A, 13B) about the axes of rotation (D1, D2), wherein the substrate (2; 2') engages with the receiving portion (130) of at least one separating element (13A, 13B).

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