Mobile storage module, system and operating method for storage of

Abstract

A mobile storage module for sheet stacks during the production and / or further processing of printed products comprises an inclined storage surface for storing a plurality of sheet stacks in rows. The storage surface can be adjusted to two different horizontal positions, namely a loading position and an unloading position. The adjustment is preferably performed with a robotic arm. A system includes a storage module, a first robot with a first robot arm for loading the storage module, and a second robot with a second robot arm for unloading the storage module. In a method for operating a system, a storage module is moved to a working area of a first robot; the first robot loads the storage surface with at least one stack of sheets in a loading position of the storage surface; moving the storage module to a working area of the second robot; the second robot unloads the storage surface in an unloading position of the storage surface. The invention enables reliable storage and transport and transfer of stacks of sheets between graphics industry machines. The invention is used, for example, in folders and binding machines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a storage module, a system and an operating method for stacking sheets.

[0002] The present invention belongs to the technical field of the graphic arts or graphics industry, in particular to the technical field of storing and conveying stacks of superimposed, flexible, preferably printed and folded flat products, such as folded sheets, preferably made of paper, cardboard, paperboard, plastic or composite materials, and loading and unloading the stacks by robots, in particular articulated-arm robots / elbow-arm robots with a robot arm and a stack gripper. Background Art

[0003] Folding machines and downstream further processing machines with feeders, such as collation machines, binding machines, or stitching machines, are already known. The folded sheets must be transported from one machine to another, where they are fed. This is usually done on pallets. Placing stacks of sheets on pallets and then manually picking them up and placing them on the pallet is labor-intensive, labor-intensive, and time-consuming, leading robots to be used in this area. "Storing" and transporting stacks on pallets can lead to further problems, such as the stack or individual sheets slipping or tipping over. Consequently, there is a continuous need to improve logistics between and within these machines.

[0004] Unpublished German patent application No. 102023117693.5 discloses an improvement in a lifting and storage module, machine, system, and production method for handling folded layers. In this context, a mobile storage module for folded layers is also disclosed, comprising a plurality of stacked storage surfaces equipped with movable conveyor belts and capable of tilting.

[0005] In addition, various types of transport vehicles for paper or other goods are also disclosed.

[0006] DE 35 31 188 A1 discloses a movable paper cart with a plurality of horizontally oriented shelves, wherein a plurality of paper stacks can be placed on each shelf.

[0007] CN217623687U discloses a transport vehicle with an inclined storage surface for accommodating goods. Due to the inclination of the storage surface, the goods can move "downward" to the corresponding terminal position. To unload, the goods must be pressed "upward" again, and a corresponding device is required for this purpose. CN209618105U discloses a similar device, but with multiple stacked storage layers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the prior art and, in particular, to enable the safe storage, transport and transfer of sheet stacks between machines in the graphics industry.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a mobile storage module for stacking sheets having preferred features, a system having preferred features, and an operating method having preferred features.

[0010] Advantages and advantageous developments of the invention are apparent from the alternative technical solutions, the description and the drawings.

[0011] The present invention proposes a mobile storage module for stacking sheets during the production and / or further processing of printed products, comprising: at least one inclined storage surface, wherein the storage surface is designed to store a plurality of serially connected sheet stacks, and is characterized in that the storage surface can be adjusted into two different horizontal positions.

[0012] The invention further proposes a system comprising at least one mobile storage module according to the invention, at least one first robot with a first robot arm for loading the storage module, and at least one second robot with a second robot arm for unloading the storage module.

[0013] The present invention also proposes a method for operating the system according to the present invention, characterized in that the storage module is moved to the working area of a first robot; the first robot loads at least one stack of sheets onto at least one storage surface in the loading position of the at least one storage surface; the storage module is moved to the working area of a second robot; and the second robot unloads the storage surface in the unloading position of the storage surface.

[0014] Advantageous design and effects of the present invention

[0015] The present invention (as a device or storage module, system and / or method) advantageously enables the reliable storage, transport and transfer of sheet stacks between machines in the graphic arts industry. The present invention is used, for example, in folding machines and bookbinding machines.

[0016] For example, the present invention offers the advantage that robots can be used for loading and unloading, and that stacks of sheets can be transferred, received, stored, and transported safely. The storage surface to be loaded or unloaded can be moved, in particular pushed, into the corresponding (loading and unloading) position. In the corresponding position, the storage surface is easily accessible to the robot or robots. During transport, the storage surface and the stack of sheets are in a safe (intermediate) position. During the production process, the storage surface can be used as a placement surface for the stack of sheets to be stored. There can be surfaces that are each equipped with rollers, rollers, or balls as supporting elements, or alternatively, there can be surfaces that are each equipped with one or more conveyor belts. These surfaces can also be designed as purely sliding surfaces without any other components.

[0017] The corresponding storage surface is designed as an inclined storage surface (with or without one or more side walls or one or more stops), and depending on the design, it can also be called a (inclined) storage layer, storage tray, storage compartment or storage box. Since the corresponding storage surface is also movable, in particular pushable, it can also be called a storage drawer depending on the design.

[0018] The stack of sheets to be stored preferably consists of (loosely) stacked sheets, for example sheets of paper or cardboard, in particular folded sheets or so-called signatures or signatures.

[0019] The robot arm is preferably part of a robotic system, which generally also includes a robot base and can be designed as a conventional industrial robot with a fence for operator protection, in particular an articulated arm robot with three to seven axes of rotation, or as a so-called collaborative robotic system, in particular a so-called cobot. The latter does not require a fence because the system has its own sensors and uses them to detect contact with the operator and prevent possible injuries, for example by automatically stopping the movement of the robot arm. As an alternative to a cobot, a collaborative robotic system can also be implemented as an industrial robot with an additional zone scanner (to detect operators in the danger zone) and an automatic stop device.

[0020] Expansion scheme of the present invention

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention (in short: embodiments) are described below. These embodiments can also be combined with one another if this is not technically impossible.

[0022] Storage module expansion solution

[0023] An extension is characterized in that the storage surface can be adjusted into a first horizontal position. An extension is characterized in that the first horizontal position is a loading position. An extension is characterized in that in the loading position, the storage surface can be loaded with stacks of sheets. An extension is characterized in that the storage surface can be adjusted into a second horizontal position (which is different from the first horizontal position). An extension is characterized in that the second horizontal position is an unloading position. An extension is characterized in that in the unloading position, the storage surface can unload stacks of sheets. An extension is characterized in that the loading position and the unloading position are arranged relative to each other. In this case, "different horizontal positions" means that the respective positions are different from each other relative to a horizontal line, for example the "left" and "right" of a storage module (see figure).

[0024] One development is characterized in that the storage surface can be locked in the loading position (e.g. to prevent accidental displacement). One development is characterized in that the storage surface can be locked in the unloading position. One development is characterized in that the storage surface can be locked in an intermediate position between the loading position and the unloading position. One development is characterized in that a latch is provided for each locking. The latch is preferably operated by a robot.

[0025] One development is characterized in that the storage surface automatically adjusts from the loading position into an intermediate position and the storage surface automatically adjusts from the unloading position into an intermediate position. One development is characterized in that the at least partially loaded storage surface automatically adjusts from the loading position into an intermediate position under the action of its weight. One development is characterized in that the automatic adjustment is triggered by a robot arm, a drive device or manually. For example, the robot can push or pull the storage surface out of the loading position or unloading position, and the storage surface can then move automatically or continue to move. One development is characterized in that in the unloading position, there are end position dampers for the storage surface.

[0026] One development is characterized by the presence of an actuator that automatically adjusts the storage surface from a loading position or an unloading position to an intermediate position. One development is characterized by the actuator being at least one compression spring. One development is characterized by the actuator being operated pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically. One development is characterized by the actuator being a robot arm. This solution is particularly advantageous because no other actuator is required besides the (already existing) robot. One development is characterized by the storage surface being pushed. One development is characterized by the storage surface being pulled. The compression spring can be arranged between the frame of the storage module and the storage surface (which can move relative to the frame); during pushing or pulling, the compression spring can support the robot: initially (after loading), the robot pushes the storage surface against the compression spring until the compression spring rotates due to its rotational fastening, and then pushes the storage surface further; correspondingly (after unloading), the robot pushes in the opposite direction.

[0027] One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the movement from the first horizontal position to the second horizontal position is performed along a horizontal line. Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the movement from the first horizontal position to the second horizontal position is performed along a direction inclined to the horizontal line.

[0028] One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface includes a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface can accommodate multiple stacks of sheets in the longitudinal direction. One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface is inclined in the longitudinal direction. One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface is also inclined in the transverse direction. The corresponding slope (when a corresponding stop is simultaneously provided for the sheet stack) improves the safe storage and transportation of the sheet stack (single or double layer) in an inclined position.

[0029] One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface includes at least one groove for receiving a grabbing tooth (or gripping tooth). One embodiment is characterized in that the groove extends in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction of the storage surface. One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface includes at least one groove in the loading area for receiving a grabbing tooth for stacking sheets. One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surface includes at least one groove in the unloading area for receiving a grabbing tooth for stacking sheets.

[0030] One development is characterized in that the storage surface is equipped (at different positions in its longitudinal direction) with transport rollers (corresponding to the width of the storage surface), transport rollers (several adjacent transport rollers along the width of the storage surface) or preferably transport balls for the sheet stacks. The rollers, rollers or balls preferably protrude slightly, for example by a few millimeters, beyond the support surface of the storage surface. One development is characterized in that the transport rollers, transport rollers or transport rollers or transport balls are designed with brakes; the sheet stack is then braked and can thus be moved more safely along the storage surface. One development is characterized in that the transport rollers, transport rollers or transport balls are designed as free-running devices; the sheet stack can then only be moved safely in one direction along the storage surface and cannot move backwards. One development is characterized in that additional braking elements, for example small hooks, are provided on the storage surface.

[0031] One embodiment is characterized in that the storage module comprises a plurality of inclined storage surfaces. One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surfaces are arranged one above the other (at different heights). One embodiment is characterized in that the storage surfaces have an identical structure. In this case, the storage module can be in the form of a shelf. Alternatively or additionally, there can also be a plurality of adjacent storage surfaces (at the same height), in which case each storage surface is preferably capable of being moved forward and backward independently.

[0032] One development is characterized in that the storage module comprises rollers for moving the storage module on the ground. One development is characterized in that the storage module comprises at least one parking brake. One development is characterized in that the storage module can be moved by an FTF (i.e., an AGV). The FTF can preferably drive under the storage module and lift it up. For this purpose, the storage module preferably has a corresponding opening on at least one side close to the ground. One development is characterized in that the storage module is constructed to be movable by a forklift. One development is characterized in that the storage module is constructed to be placed in a high-bay warehouse. For this purpose, the storage module can have corresponding rails or a bottom surface on its underside.

[0033] One embodiment is characterized in that the storage module has a frame, wherein at least one storage surface is movably mounted in the frame. The frame can be made of metal. Horizontal rails for the movable storage surface are preferably arranged on the frame, for example, telescopic rails similar to those of a drawer.

[0034] One development is characterized in that the sheet stack comprises folded sheets placed one on top of the other. One development is characterized in that the storage module can receive sheet stacks from different production orders.

[0035] System expansion plan

[0036] One development is characterized in that the system includes a docking module for the mobile storage module. The docking module can be fixed to the floor of the production facility. The docking module can be connected to a robot. One development is characterized in that the docking module determines the positioning of the storage module relative to the robot. This ensures that the robot places the stack of sheets into or removes it from the storage module precisely or that the teeth of the gripping device for the stack of sheets move precisely into the grooves of the storage surface. Since the dimensions and positioning of the relevant modules (robot, storage module) are known and a control computer is provided for the robot, no teaching is required. The movable storage module can engage with the docking module (for example its transport rollers) and be secured to prevent unintentional movement.

[0037] Extensions to the Run Method

[0038] One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first robot arm or the second robot arm adjusts the storage surface from the loading position to the intermediate position, or triggers automatic adjustment of the storage surface from the loading position to the intermediate position. One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first robot arm or the second robot arm adjusts the storage surface from the unloading position to the intermediate position, or triggers automatic adjustment of the storage surface from the unloading position to the intermediate position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The features and feature combinations disclosed in the above technical fields, the summary and the developments as well as in the following exemplary embodiments (in any combination with one another) represent further advantageous developments of the invention.

[0040] Figures 1 to 4 The preferred embodiment of the present invention and its extensions is shown. Corresponding features in the figures are indicated by the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, repeated reference numerals in the figures are omitted.

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a storage module according to the invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 Shown is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a storage module according to the invention.

[0043] Figure 3 A side view of a preferred embodiment of a storage module according to the present invention is shown when being loaded using a robot.

[0044] Figure 4 A side view showing a preferred embodiment of a storage module according to the present invention during unloading using a robot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A mobile storage module 1 according to the present invention is shown for storing multiple stacks 2 of stacked sheets 3 on different levels. The storage module 1 comprises a frame 4 having multiple (e.g., five, in the illustrated case) storage surfaces 5, or storage areas or compartments. The storage module 1 has a shelf-like structure. Each storage surface 5 is arranged inclined in at least one direction 72 relative to a horizontal plane 70; optionally, it may also be inclined transversely to this direction in a direction 73 (a first slope 18 and an optional second slope 19 of each storage surface 5). The storage surfaces 5 are arranged one above the other along a vertical plane 71 at a distance (this distance determines the maximum height of the stacks 2 to be stored). The storage module 1 may include rollers 54, which allow the storage module 1 to be moved across the floor 74 of a production facility (e.g., a printing press), for example, by being pushed by an operator. The rollers 54 themselves may be equipped with parking brakes. The storage module 1 has a longitudinal direction 10 and a transverse direction 11. In the longitudinal direction 10 or in a direction 72 (slightly) inclined thereto, multiple sheet stacks 2 can be received and stored on the respective storage surface 5. The sheet stacks 2 are then arranged in different storage positions on the respective storage surface 5. For example, two or more sheet stacks 2 can be stored in a row on each storage surface 5. Due to the slope 18, the storage module nearly fills the respective storage surface 5 "from the bottom up" with respect to the sheet stacks 2.

[0046] For loading, unloading, and storing sheet stacks 2, the storage module 1 comprises a loading area 12, an unloading area 13, and a storage area 14 located therebetween. The storage area 14 may overlap with the loading and unloading areas 12, 13. Each storage surface 5 can be pushed or pulled in direction 15a to a first position 15, in which the loading area 12 is accessible for loading. Similarly, each storage surface 5 can be pushed or pulled in direction 16a to a second position 16, in which the unloading area 13 is accessible for unloading. Figure 3 The storage surface 5 is shown in a loading position 15; Figure 4 The storage surface 5 is shown in the unloading position 16. Figure 1 In FIG, all storage surfaces 5 are shown in a central position 17 in which the sheet stacks 2 are stored and the storage module 1 can be moved.

[0047] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the corresponding storage surface 5 comprises grooves 20, in particular longitudinal and transverse grooves in the loading area 12 and transverse grooves in the unloading area 13. When the sheet stack 2 is received on the teeth 48 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), which make it easier to place and receive the sheet stacks 2. The teeth 48 in the loading area can be oriented in the longitudinal direction 10 or in the transverse direction 11, while the teeth 48 in the unloading area 13 can be oriented in the transverse direction 11. No longitudinal grooves are provided in the unloading area 13, since the corresponding storage surface 5 preferably includes a stop 6 for the sheet stack 2 in the unloading area 13. The stop 6 determines the storage position of the first sheet stack 2 stored on the respective storage surface 5; all other sheet stacks 2 stored on the same storage surface 5 then collide with the previously stored sheet stack 2.

[0048] The respective storage surface 5 can be equipped with a locking device 21, which makes it possible to lock the storage surface 5 in one of its positions 15, 16 and 17. For example, the locking device 21 can be designed as an easily actuable snap, wherein the snap can preferably be actuated not only by an operator but also by a robot. The respective storage surface 5 can also be equipped with an end position damper 22, which dampens the movement of the storage surface 5 in the end position of the intermediate position 17. Figure 2 In FIG. 5 , the elements 21 and 22 are shown by way of example only for one storage surface 5 .

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen in the figure, the corresponding storage surface 5 is equipped with (a series of) conveying balls 23 on its surface (facing the sheet stack 2 to be stored). Alternatively, conveying rollers or conveying rollers can also be used. Due to the slope 18 and the conveying balls 23, the stored sheet stack 2 will automatically move in the direction of the stop 6 due to the weight of the stack. In order to limit the speed of this movement, the conveying element (in this case the conveying ball 23) can be equipped with a brake 24. In order to further prevent the sheet stack 2 from moving in the opposite direction (i.e. away from the stop 6), the conveying element can be equipped with a corresponding freewheeling device; such an undesirable movement of the sheet stack 2 can occur when the storage module 1 is moved.

[0050] from Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen in the figure, the respective storage surfaces 5 are arranged movably in the frame 4 and can be moved "left" from the storage position 17 to the loading position 15 and "right" to the unloading position 16. The movement of the respective storage surfaces 5 can be performed by an operator; however, preferably, this movement is performed by a robot 40 or 42. For example, rails can be provided on the frame 4 to achieve this movement. A corresponding actuator 30 can also be provided for the movement of the respective storage surfaces 5. This actuator can be, for example, an (electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic) drive or a pivotable pressure spring 31, which preferably only triggers or supports the automatic movement of the storage surface 5.

[0051] Figure 2 Also illustrated is system 50 of the present invention. It comprises at least one storage module 5 according to the present invention, but preferably comprises a plurality of storage modules. Said system 50 can also comprise one or more unmanned conveyor vehicles (for the convenience of representation, only symbolically illustrated), and said conveyor vehicle preferably drives below the storage module 5, lifts it slightly and moves automatically on the ground 74. Replace or additionally, said system 50 can also comprise one or more forklifts 60 (for the convenience of display, only one of their forks is illustrated), which also can lift and move the storage module 5. In addition, said system 50 can also comprise high-bay warehouse 61, in which a large amount of empty or loaded storage modules 5 can be deposited. Utilize shown system 50 to realize the logistics of production facilities (as printing house), wherein products (as printed products) can be warehousing, conveying and unloading by computer-controlled automation mode, and in this way a plurality of production machines (as post-press processing machine) are coupled to produce smoothly.

[0052] Figure 3The automated loading of a storage surface 5 with a stack of sheets 2 is shown in its loading position 15. For this purpose, a first robot 40 is provided, having a first working area 41 and a first robot arm 44. The first working area 41 extends from a first machine 51 (e.g., a folding machine) to a storage module 1, which is preferably arranged in a docking module 53 during the loading process and is thus positioned in a defined position relative to the robot. For this purpose, the docking module 53 can, for example, have receptacles for rollers 54. The first robot 40 receives the stack of sheets 2 to be stored from the first machine 51 and transfers it to the storage module 1 or its storage surface 5 (moved into the loading position 15). For this purpose, the first robot 40 includes a gripping tool 46 with a movable gripper 47, preferably equipped with two teeth 48 that can grip underneath the stack of sheets 2 during robotic transport. During loading, the teeth 48 can be moved into the existing grooves 20, wherein, due to the preferred orientation of the grooves, loading can be carried out both in the longitudinal direction 10 and in the transverse direction 11, i.e., the first robot 40 rotates the gripping tool 46 into the corresponding orientation during loading. Preferably, only one storage surface 5 is removed at a time.

[0053] The loading is automated, for which purpose the first robot 40 is equipped with a control unit 49. The control is preferably such that the first robot 40 takes over the sheet stacks 2 from the first machine 51 and stores them in the storage module 1, depending on the production situation. To this end, the first robot 40 can pull the corresponding storage surface 5 from the intermediate position 17 to the loading position 15 and push it back to the intermediate position 17 after loading. For this purpose, the gripping tools 46 and the storage surface 5 can preferably be equipped accordingly using existing coupling elements. The control unit 49 or a higher-level control system can monitor production and storage. In particular, it can monitor and electronically store which sheet stacks 2 are stored in which storage module 1, so that these sheet stacks 2 can be removed later correctly, i.e., in the correct order, for further production. This is particularly advantageous when using a large number of storage modules 1 and / or high-bay warehouses 61.

[0054] Figure 4The automatic unloading of sheet stacks 2 from a storage surface 5 at its unloading position 16 is shown. For this purpose, a second robot 42 with a second working area 43 and a second robot arm 45 is provided. The second working area 43 extends from a second machine 52 (such as a plate-making machine, a binding machine, or a stitching machine) to the storage module 1, which is preferably located in a (further) docking module 53 during loading and is therefore also positioned in a specific position relative to the robot. The second robot 42 receives the sheet stacks 2 to be stored from the storage module 1 or its storage surface 5 (which has been moved into the unloading position 16) and transfers them to the second machine 52. For this purpose, the second robot 42 also includes a gripper 46 with a movable gripper 47, which is preferably also equipped with two teeth 48. During unloading, the teeth 48 can be moved into the existing slots 20. Due to the preferred orientation of the slots, unloading can only occur in the transverse direction 11, meaning that the second robot 42 rotates the gripper 46 into this orientation during loading. In a manner similar to the first robot 40, the second robot 42 can pull the respective storage surface 5 from the intermediate position 17 to the unloading position 16 and push it back to the intermediate position 17 after unloading. Preferably, only one storage surface 5 is moved out at a time.

[0055] The first robot 40 and the second robot 42 can be constructed identically. The second robot 42 preferably also has a control unit 49, which allows unloading to be controlled according to production or production speed. Based on the electronically stored information about the deposited sheet stacks 2 (production orders) and their respective storage locations (high-bay warehouse, storage module 1, storage surface 5, storage location on storage surface 5), the correct sheet stacks 2 can be supplied to the second machine 52 in the correct sequence according to the production situation.

[0056] If the second machine 52 has multiple feeders for sheet stacks 2, the second robot 42 can also operate multiple feeders, or multiple second robots 42 can be provided to simultaneously unload multiple storage modules 1. The same applies to the first machine 51 or its delivery or delivery conveyor section.

[0057] Reference Signs List

[0058] 1 Storage Module

[0059] 2-sheet stacking

[0060] 3 pages

[0061] 4 frames

[0062] 5. One / multiple storage areas

[0063] 6 stop

[0064] 10 vertical direction

[0065] 11 horizontal direction

[0066] 12 Loading Area

[0067] 13 Unloading Area

[0068] 14 Storage Area

[0069] 15 First position, loading position

[0070] 15a moves to the first position

[0071] 16 Second position, unloading position

[0072] 16a moves to the second position

[0073] 17 Intermediate position, especially storage position

[0074] 18 First Slope

[0075] 19 Second Slope

[0076] 20 one / multiple slots

[0077] 21 Locking mechanism, especially buckle

[0078] 22 End position damper

[0079] 23 conveyor roller, conveyor roller or conveyor ball

[0080] 24 one / more brakes

[0081] 25 Idle device

[0082] 30 actuator (for adjusting storage surface)

[0083] 31 driver or pressure spring (for adjusting the storage surface)

[0084] 40 First Robot

[0085] 41 First Work Area

[0086] 42 Second Robot

[0087] 43 Second work area

[0088] 44 The first robotic arm

[0089] 45 Second Robot Arm

[0090] 46 Crawler

[0091] 47 Crawler

[0092] 48 teeth

[0093] 49 Control Unit

[0094] 50 systems

[0095] 51 First machines, especially folding machines

[0096] 52 Second Machine

[0097] 53 One / multiple docking modules

[0098] 54 (Storage module) roller

[0099] 60 FTF or forklift

[0100] 61 High Bay Warehouse

[0101] 70 horizontal plane

[0102] 71 vertical plane

[0103] 72 Tilt direction

[0104] 73 Another tilt direction

[0105] 74 Floors of production facilities.

Claims

1. A mobile storage module for stacking sheets in the production and / or further processing of printed products, comprising at least one inclined storage surface (5), wherein the storage surface (5) is designed for storing a plurality of sheet stacks (2) in rows, characterized in that The storage surface (5) can be adjusted into two horizontal positions (15, 16) that are different from one another.

2. The mobile storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The storage surface (5) can be adjusted into a first horizontal position (15), which is a loading position (15).

3. The mobile storage module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The storage surface (5) can be adjusted into a second horizontal position (16), which is an unloading position (16).

4. The mobile storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The storage surface (5) can be locked in a loading position (15) and / or in an unloading position (16).

5. The mobile storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The storage surface (5) is automatically adjusted from a loading position (15) into an intermediate position (17), and the storage surface (5) is automatically adjusted from an unloading position (16) into an intermediate position (17).

6. The mobile storage module according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that An actuator (30) is provided which adjusts the storage surface (5) from a loading position (15) or from an unloading position (16) into an intermediate position (17).

7. The mobile storage module according to claim 6, wherein: The actuator (30) is a robot arm (44, 45).

8. The mobile storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The storage surface (5) comprises a longitudinal direction (10) and a transverse direction (11).

9. The mobile storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The storage surface (5) receives a plurality of sheet stacks (2) in the longitudinal direction (10).

10. The mobile storage module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The storage surface (5) is inclined in the longitudinal direction (10).

11. The mobile storage module according to claim 10, wherein: The storage surface (5) is additionally inclined in the transverse direction (11).

12. Mobile storage module according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The storage surface (5) comprises at least one groove (20) for receiving a corresponding grabbing tooth (48).

13. The mobile storage module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The groove (20) extends in the longitudinal direction (10) or the transverse direction (11) of the storage surface (5).

14. The mobile storage module according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The storage surface (5) is equipped with transport rollers (23), transport rollers (23) or transport balls (23) for the sheet stacks (2).

15. Mobile storage module according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The storage module (1) comprises a plurality of inclined storage surfaces (5).

16. A system comprising at least one mobile storage module according to one of the preceding claims, at least one first robot (40) with a first robot arm (44) for loading the storage module (1) and at least one second robot (42) with a second robot arm (45) for unloading the storage module (1).

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that The system comprises a docking module (53) for the mobile storage module (1).

18. A method for operating a system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The storage module (1) is moved to a working area (41) of a first robot (40); the first robot (40) loads at least one storage surface (5) with at least one sheet stack (2) in a loading position (15) of the at least one storage surface; the storage module (1) is moved to a working area (43) of a second robot (42); the second robot (42) unloads the storage surface (5) in an unloading position (16) of the storage surface.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The first robot arm (44) or the second robot arm (45) adjusts the storage surface (5) from the loading position (15) to the intermediate position (17) or triggers automatic adjustment of the storage surface (5) from the loading position (15) to the intermediate position (17).

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: The first robot arm (44) or the second robot arm (45) adjusts the storage surface (5) from the unloading position (16) to the intermediate position (17) or triggers automatic adjustment of the storage surface (5) from the unloading position (16) to the intermediate position (17).

Images