Sheet processing machine

Abstract

Sheet processing machine, comprehensive at least one means for transporting sheets (7, 8) and / or at least one means for storing sheets (7, 8), a sensor device designed to detect the position of a front and a rear edge of a sheet (7, 8) as viewed in the sheet transport direction (11), wherein the sensor device is in signal communication with an evaluation device (18) and the evaluation device (18) is designed to determine a target position of the rear edge of a sheet (7, 8) based on the actual position of the front edge and a predetermined format parameter and to compare the determined target position of the rear edge of the sheet (7, 8) with the actual position of the rear edge of the sheet (7, 8), as well as a control device (39) which controls at least one of the means, wherein the control device (39) is connected to the evaluation device (18) via a signal and is designed to control the at least one means depending on the result of the comparison, wherein a display device is provided which visualizes the result of the comparison and wherein the sensor device comprises a camera designed to capture a printed image on a sheet (7, 8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sheet processing machine.

[0002] Sheet-fed machines have a variety of tools that shape and influence the sheet path within the machine during operation. These tools must be adjusted to suit the type and / or size of the substrate being processed. For this purpose, format parameters of the substrates being processed can be accessed, provided such parameters are available at the start of processing. Even if such format parameters are available, they may be inaccurate, for example, with regard to individual substrate sheets in a sheet stack, which can be the result, in particular, of cutting differences.

[0003] For example, sheets printed on a printing press can be inspected inline. Each sheet can be photographed and compared with the target template.

[0004] EP 2 520 430 A1 discloses a method for determining setting errors in a sheet-fed printing press. During more or less regular service intervals, white, unprinted sheets are run through the press, possibly at different speeds. Cameras or sensor arrays aligned essentially perpendicular to the sheet surface capture visible contours of the sheet edges. The measured deviations of the sheet edges from the target contours can be used to determine setting errors. Among other things, excessive lifting of the sheet from the impression cylinder due to incorrect adjustment of the blow air for sheet guidance, incorrect adjustment of the grippers transporting the sheet, or an incorrect radius of the impression cylinder or blanket cylinder due, for example, to incorrectly selected backings / cylinder lifts can be assumed.

[0005] The sheet geometries recorded by the imaging systems are not used to preset the sheet processing machine.

[0006] DE 199 10 244 A1 discloses a method and an arrangement for monitoring the position of a sheet in grippers during its conveyance through a printing machine. To determine the position of a sheet in grippers during its conveyance through a printing machine, a binary signal is derived from a stationary detector when the sheet or an element of the conveying device enters the detection range of the detector. The binary signal is evaluated only to determine the position of the leading edge of the sheet relative to the leading edge gripper. The format size of the processed sheets is not determined and cannot be derived from the detector signal.

[0007] In the arrangement described in DE 42 44 276 A1 for measuring the position of a sheet edge on a cylinder, a mark consisting of several tracks is provided in the support surface of the sheet, transverse to the direction of rotation, to the side of a gripper holding the sheet. This mark is partially covered by a sheet when a sheet is present. Each track is assigned to a stationary photoelectric scanning arrangement. Control marks are present in the tracks, which initialize the position measurement. The control marks are coded. The signals derived from the tracks at the control marks can be logically linked. The control marks and the scanning arrangement are not evaluated to determine the format size of the processed sheets.

[0008] DE 10 2015 209 694 A1 discloses a turning device comprising a storage drum and a sensor device associated with the storage drum. The sensor device is arranged and configured such that, during sheet travel, it can detect an area spaced from the leading edge of a sheet. The sensors included in the sensor device can also be used for format width detection. The signals from the sensors are used exclusively to determine the position of sheets on the storage drum.

[0009] DE 42 10 958 A1 discloses a device for measuring the sheet length during sheet transport through a printing press, in which all sub-assemblies used for transport, such as the feeder and delivery unit, printing units, and folder, are coupled to one another via a closed gear train. The sensor signals are evaluated for sheet length measurement. A control device can automatically adjust the turning device, monitor sheet transport during turning, and control the powder application time. Furthermore, the sheet length measurement can be used to monitor the contamination of the printing cylinder. The adjustment of means for sheet delivery or sheet separation based on the results of the sheet length measurement is not performed.

[0010] DE 10 2006 040 679 A1 describes a method for conveying sheets onto a stack, in which the sheets are conveyed one after the other over the stack and aligned by moving a stop surface of at least one stop at the side edge. The position of the side edge of the respective sheet relative to the stop surface is monitored, and a signal is output when the side edge is behind the stop surface. The evaluation of the recorded signals to determine the format of the processed sheets is not disclosed in DE 10 2006 040 679 A1.

[0011] DE 10 2012 206 926 A1 discloses a delivery of a sheet-processing machine with a sheet conveyor system which contains circulating gripper carriages with which sheets to be deposited can be transported along a sheet conveyor path, wherein a sensor device for measuring the distance between two successive sheets is formed on the sheet conveyor path.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of providing a sheet-processing machine in which the dimensions of the processed sheets are recorded. In particular, the object of the invention may be to optimize the setting of a sheet-guiding element in a sheet-processing machine.

[0013] According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawing.

[0014] The invention has the advantage of providing an alternative sheet-processing machine. Particularly preferred is the adaptation of elements of the sheet-processing machine, such as separating suction devices, transport suction devices, separating blowers, side or leading edge stops, sheet guiding elements, sheet brakes, trailing edge stops, side joggers, or side stops, to the actual sheet format being processed. This can, in particular, provide better protection for a sheet-processing machine against damage that may arise from being set to a format that deviates from the actual format of the sheets being processed. This not only protects against incorrect settings that could lead to accidents, but can also be advantageous when adapting the settings of the aforementioned means during operation of a sheet-processing machine.The settings of these devices in a sheet-processing machine can be optimized. In particular, this can simplify operation of the machine or improve sheet travel stability.

[0015] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The accompanying drawings show Fig. 1 a sheet-fed machine with, for example, four printing units, Fig. 2 an arched structure in side view, Fig. 3 a partial view of a feed table in plan view, Fig. 4 to 7 a device for detecting the format above the stacking area of ​​a feeder.

[0016] The Fig. 1 shows a sheet-processing machine 35, for example a sheet-fed printing press, in particular a sheet-fed offset rotary printing press, preferably in a unit and in-line design. The machine 35 contains any number of sheet-processing units, which can be designed, for example, as a feeder, printing, coating, drying and / or finishing unit or inline processing unit. In the unit and in-line design, the successively arranged units of the machine 35 are preferably largely identical in construction, wherein, for example, identical substructure modules can be used. Furthermore, the machine 35 can contain a feeder for sheet feeding and a delivery for outputting the processed sheets 7, 8. A turning device can also be arranged between two units of the machine 35, with which the sheets 7, 8 are turned in a perfecting mode.The machine 35 contains, for example, several units, here, for example, four printing units 36, whereby a final unit can also be designed as a coating, drying, finishing, or inline processing unit. Furthermore, the machine 35 could also have inline processing devices and / or one or more inline processing units, which can be designed, for example, as a foil finishing unit, calendering unit, punching unit, numbering unit, screen printing unit, perforating unit, and / or embossing unit.

[0017] The printing units 36 preferably each contain a transfer cylinder or blanket cylinder and a forme cylinder or plate cylinder. A blanket cylinder of a printing unit 36 ​​interacts with a respective sheet guiding cylinder, in particular an impression cylinder 37. Between the sheet guiding cylinders, in particular impression cylinders 37, sheet guiding cylinders, in particular transfer drums or transfer cylinders, are preferably also provided. The sheet guiding cylinders, in particular impression cylinders 37 or transfer drums or transfer cylinders, are designed multiple times larger, preferably double-sized, and the blanket cylinders and the plate cylinders are designed single-sized. Single-sized cylinders can accommodate approximately one sheet 7, 8 of maximum format circumferentially at the same time, and double-sized cylinders can accommodate approximately two sheets 7, 8 of maximum format. In an alternative embodiment, the sheet guiding cylinder(s), in particular impression cylinder 37, could also be designed single-sized, triple-sized, or larger.

[0018] The sheet guiding cylinders, in particular impression cylinders 37 or transfer drums or transfer cylinders, which are here in particular double-sized, preferably each have two gripper systems 6 for transporting the sheets. These gripper systems 6, which are arranged in particular diametrically opposite one another, hold the sheet 7, 8 to be processed, for example a printing substrate, on the respective sheet guiding cylinder. The sheets 7, 8 are transferred between the sheet guiding cylinders in the gripper closure. The last unit of the machine 35 is preferably followed by a delivery with a delivery chain circuit, which, by means of gripper carriages, receives the sheets 7, 8 from the last sheet guiding cylinder, in particular impression cylinder 37, and transports them to a delivery pile.

[0019] The impression cylinders 37 in the machine 35 preferably have full-surface outer surfaces and are operatively connected to blanket cylinders, which are then operatively connected to the plate cylinders in the printing units 36. Known inking units or inking and dampening units are arranged in the printing units 36 and apply the corresponding printing ink to a printing plate stretched on the respective plate cylinder. A plate cylinder is inked by at least one, but preferably several, rollers of the associated inking unit or inking and dampening unit during its rotation. As the plate cylinder rolls off the blanket cylinder, the printing ink is transferred, in accordance with the motif, to the blanket cylinder covered with a rubber blanket. A printing zone is formed between a blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder 37, through which the sheet 7, 8 to be printed is conveyed by the impression cylinder 37 by means of the gripper systems 6. In the printing zone orIn the printing nip, the printing ink is transferred from the blanket cylinder to sheets 7, 8 in accordance with the motif.

[0020] A plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder of a respective printing unit 36 ​​preferably each have a cylinder journal on both sides, via which the cylinders are rotatably mounted in the frame of the respective printing unit 36. Both the plate cylinder and the blanket cylinder preferably have bearer rings (not shown) arranged on both sides. The plate cylinder bearer rings are in contact with the blanket cylinder bearer rings during the printing process and roll against each other under pressure. The bearer rings are preferably dimensioned such that no significant torque transfer occurs between the cylinders during printing operation, i.e., no predetermined torque is transmitted via the bearer rings.

[0021] In particular, the machine 35 has a drive gear train, which particularly preferably drives the impression cylinders 37 of the printing units 36 as a continuous drive gear train. The sheet guide cylinders designed as transfer drums or transfer cylinders are preferably also driven by the drive gear train. For this purpose, the impression cylinders 37 and the transfer drums or transfer cylinders each have intermeshing gears that form the drive gear train. The drive gear train is driven by at least one main drive motor, which drives centrally or preferably in the region of the first unit of the machine 35. The main drive motor is preferably driven in the first printing unit 36 ​​immediately following the feed unit in the sheet travel direction, in particular on the gear assigned to the shaft of the first impression cylinder 37. The cylinders or drums are driven jointly about their respective rotational axes by the continuous drive gear train.Preferably, the blanket cylinders of the printing units 36 are also driven by the drive gear train. Other rotating bodies or rollers of the machine 35 or the printing units 36 can also be driven, at least temporarily, by the drive gear train, and these can also be designed to be coupled to the drive gear train.

[0022] For example, an individual drive, in particular a plate cylinder direct drive, is assigned to one or each plate cylinder of a printing unit 36. Direct drives are in particular individual drives whose rotors are aligned and concentric, preferably directly mounted to the assigned cylinders. During printing, the respective plate cylinder is then electronically synchronized to track the blanket cylinder, which is preferably driven by the main drive motor via the drive gear train. For this purpose, a rotary encoder can be assigned to the plate cylinder and / or blanket cylinder, which can be connected to a control unit of the printing unit 36 ​​and / or the machine control system. Alternatively, the plate cylinder(s) can also be driven via the drive gear train from the main drive motor. Additional individual or direct drives can be arranged in one or more units of the machine 35.

[0023] A rotary encoder, preferably designed as a rotary angle encoder 38, can be assigned to a sheet guiding cylinder of the machine 35, in particular a sheet guiding cylinder downstream of a turning device (not shown) and / or a sheet guiding cylinder of a final unit. The rotary angle encoder 38 is assigned here in particular to the last sheet guiding cylinder, in particular impression cylinder 37, of the machine 35, located immediately upstream of the delivery chain circuit. The rotary angle encoder 38 is assigned to the sheet guiding cylinder, in particular impression cylinder 37, preferably directly on its rotation axis or axle journal. The rotary angle encoder 38 can determine the position of the sheet guiding cylinder, in particular impression cylinder 37, absolutely or relatively, with respect to stationary elements, for example the stationary side frame, and provide corresponding signals representing the position of the sheet guiding cylinder, in particular impression cylinder 37.

[0024] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a sheet system comprising an alignment means 2, a sheet acceleration device 3 and a feed drum 5.

[0025] The alignment means 2 is preferably formed by front lays 2, the sheet acceleration device 3 is preferably designed as an oscillating system 4 with a sheet holding system 28 and the feed drum 5 preferably has a gripper system 6 which can be arranged to be axially displaceable.

[0026] The feed drum 5 is preferably followed by a cylinder 9, in particular a pressure cylinder 37, which has one or more gripper systems 6.

[0027] A feed table 1 is preferably formed in front of the alignment means 2, the upper table surface of which preferably forms a support plane along which sheets 7, 8 can be fed to further elements of the sheet-processing machine, such as the sheet-holding system 28 of the oscillating system 4. A sheet 7 to be aligned, gripped by the gripper system 6, and a subsequent sheet 8 are shown on the feed table 1. The sheet acceleration device 3 is preferably designed such that it accelerates a sheet 7, 8 aligned by the alignment means and preferably transfers it to a gripper system 6, designed as a leading edge gripper system 6, of the feed drum 5 for transfer to a gripper system 6, designed as a leading edge gripper system 6, of the printing cylinder 37.

[0028] According to an alternative, a sensor device can be arranged in the sheet feeder, which is designed to detect the position of a trailing edge, viewed in the sheet transport direction 11, of the sheet 7, 8 held by the leading edge gripper system 6 of the feed drum 5 or by the leading edge gripper system 6 of the printing cylinder 37. The location of the sensor device is determined by the geometry of the interacting components such that the trailing edge of a respective sheet 7, 8 can be detected, the leading edge of which is held in the gripper lock of another element of the sheet-processing machine 35.

[0029] The sensor device can comprise a sensor 31 arranged above or below the support plane. Alternatively, the sensor 31 can also be integrated into the feed table 1. The sensor 31 is preferably arranged in front of or behind the alignment means 2, as viewed in the sheet transport direction 11. More preferably, the sensor 31 is arranged in the region of the sheet acceleration device 3. The sensor 31 can be designed as a light barrier, a reflex sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or in another form suitable for detecting a sheet edge.

[0030] The sheet processing machine 35 preferably has at least one angle sensor 38 which is assigned to a printing cylinder 37 or the feed drum 5 or to a component which is in mechanical drive connection with the printing cylinder 37 or the feed drum 5 and generates a position signal representing the position of the leading edge gripper system 6 of the printing cylinder 37 or the feed drum 5.

[0031] The angle sensor 38 and the sensor device or its sensor 31 are preferably signal-connected to an evaluation device 18. According to an alternative to determining the format length of sheets 7, 8, the evaluation device 18 is configured to use a predeterminable angle value representing the position of the leading edge gripper system 6 of the printing cylinder 37 or the feed drum 5 and an angle value determined by the angle sensor when the sensor device detects the trailing edge. The evaluation device 18 can also be configured to compare the determined format length with a predefined format parameter.

[0032] The sheet-processing machine 35 can also be equipped with a first sensor 31, which is assigned to a first lateral region of a sheet transport path and is designed to optically detect the position of one lateral edge of one or more superimposed sheets 7, 8, and with a second sensor 32, which is assigned to a lateral region of the sheet transport path opposite the first lateral region of the sheet transport path and is designed to optically detect the position of the other lateral edge of one or more superimposed sheets 7, 8. Preferably, the first and second sensors 31, 32 are arranged at a distance from one another. The first and / or second sensors 31, 32 can be arranged above or below the sheet transport path. Preferably, an illumination device 16 is arranged on the side of the sheet transport path facing away from or towards the respective sensor 31, 32.

[0033] To accommodate sensor 31 and a further sensor 32, channels 13 extending in the feed table 1 can be formed, for example. The channels 13 are preferably closed with transparent cover strips 14, so that the surface of the feed table 1 and the cover strips 14 form a common plane. The sensor 31 and the further sensor 32 can be designed as an optoelectric measuring device 10, e.g. as a reflex line 15, CCD line or as a camera. However, any other measuring principle can also be used. The reflex line 15 preferably consists of an illumination device 16 extending over the entire length of the measuring device 10 and a receiver located approximately in the same plane, in a position adjacent to the illumination device 16 and parallel to the receiver and likewise extending over the entire length of the measuring device 10.The receiver can be configured from individual elements connected in series or as a scanner line extending across the entire format area 12. The CCD elements preferably consist of a plurality of measuring elements arranged side by side in a row. For the design of the receiver, it is irrelevant whether it is a component of the measuring device 10, whether it is assigned an illumination device 16, or what its specific structure is, as long as it is designed for optically detecting the lateral area of ​​one or more superimposed sheets 7, 8.

[0034] In addition to the sensor 31 and the further sensor 32, a third and a fourth sensor 33, 34 can also be arranged and configured to detect the position of one or more edges of the sheet 7, 8 not detected by the first and second sensors 31, 32. The first and second sensors 31, 32 and / or the third and fourth sensors 33, 34 can form a dual functional unit. Preferably, the first and second sensors 31, 32 and / or the third and fourth sensors 33, 34 are configured to simultaneously detect the position of a respective sheet edge.

[0035] The first and second sensors 31, 32 can be in signal connection with an evaluation device 18 which is designed to determine the extension of one or more sheets 7, 8 transversely to the sheet transport path, ie transversely to the sheet transport direction 11.

[0036] The evaluation device 18 can be in signal connection with the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34 and can determine the extension of sheets 7, 8 along the sheet transport path, ie transversely to the sheet transport direction 11, from the signals of the third and fourth sensors 33, 34 representing the position of the edges of the respective sheets 7, 8.

[0037] The evaluation device 18 is preferably connected to a control device 39 which is signal-technically connected to at least one means for separating sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 and / or at least one means for transporting sheets 7, 8 and / or at least one means for depositing sheets 7, 8 and is designed to control the at least one means depending on the extension of the sheet(s) 7, 8 transversely to a sheet transport direction 11.

[0038] The means for separating sheets 7, 8 can be designed as a separating suction device, transport suction device and / or separating blower and / or side or front edge stop, the means for transporting the sheets 7, 8 can be designed as a mechanically or pneumatically acting sheet guiding element and / or the means for depositing the sheets 7, 8 can be designed as a sheet brake and / or trailing edge stop and / or side straightener and / or side stop.

[0039] The evaluation unit 18 is preferably linked to an actuating element 19 and / or drive of the sheet-processing machine. The actuating element 19 can, in turn, be operatively connected to the gripper system 6 of the feed drum 5. The gripper system 6 preferably consists of gripper fingers 21 clamped on a gripper shaft 20, which correspond to gripper stops 22. The gripper system 6 is preferably arranged as a functional unit on a carriage 24, which is displaceably mounted in a drum channel 23. A driver 25 engages the carriage 24 and is connected to an actuating shaft 27 guided concentrically in a drum base body 26. The actuating element 19, by means of which the gripper system 6 can be displaced in the axial direction, corresponds to the actuating shaft 27.Preferably, from a belt table (not shown), the sheet 7, 8 to be aligned is conveyed onto the feed table 1 with its leading edge resting against the front lays 2 located in a position on the feed table 1, which can form the alignment means 2. The sheet 7, 8 to be aligned is brought to rest and thus aligned with the leading edge. The side edge of the sheet 7 to be aligned, which is preferably at rest, is detected. For this purpose, when configured as a reflex line 15, beams are preferably emitted by the illumination device 16, which are reflected by the underside of the sheet 7, 8 to be aligned and detected by the receiver 17, 29.

[0040] In the area covered by the sheet 7, 8 to be aligned, the emitted rays are reflected by the illumination device 16. After the position of at least one side edge has been detected, the sheet 7, 8 to be aligned, with its leading edge resting against the front lays 2, is detected by the sheet acceleration device 3 and pulled off the feed table 1, wherein the front lays 2 are guided into a position below the feed table 1. If the sheet acceleration device 3 is designed as an oscillating system 4, the sheet 7 to be aligned is clamped by the sheet holding system 28 and subsequently pulled off the feed table 1. Preferably, in the first phase of pulling off, in which the leading edge of the sheet 7 to be aligned travels a distance s, where s can be approximately 2 to 10 mm, the position of the side edge of the moving sheet 7 to be aligned is detected in a sequence of measurements, and the generated further signals are fed to the evaluation unit 18.In the evaluation unit 18, an average value is preferably calculated from the first signal and the further signals of a measuring cycle, whereby the values ​​that exceed a specified tolerance, i.e., actual values ​​initiated by anomalies of the side edge, are masked out and thus not taken into account. This average value preferably represents the position of the side edge of the sheet 7 to be aligned and is compared with the target value stored in the evaluation unit 18. If the average value of the sheet 7 to be aligned deviates from the target value, the evaluation unit 18 generates a control signal and feeds it to the control element 19.After the sheet 7 to be aligned has been transferred from the sheet acceleration device 3 / oscillating system 4 to the gripper system 6 of the drum 5, the adjusting element 19 displaces the gripper system 6 in the axial direction to such an extent that the side edge of the sheet 7 to be aligned moves from the actual position to the target position. The sheet 7 to be aligned is then transferred in the target position from the drum 5 to the cylinder 9. While the sheet 7 to be aligned is being transported to the drum 5, the following sheet 8 is transported with its leading edge against the leading lays 2 positioned on the feed table 1, aligned, and brought to rest. The measuring device 10 / reflex line 15 then records the actual position of the side edge of the following sheet 8, and a sequence of measurements is carried out analogously at the start of the pull-off process.

[0041] The sheet-processing machine further preferably comprises a sensor device designed to detect the position of a leading and trailing edge of a sheet 7, 8, viewed in the sheet transport direction 11. The sensor device can be designed to detect the position of the edges of an individual sheet 7, 8 or a sequence of sheets 7, 8 during the transport and / or deposit of the sheets 7, 8. The sensor device preferably comprises a camera designed to detect a printed image on a sheet 7, 8.

[0042] The sensor device can be signal-connected to an evaluation device 18. The evaluation device 18 is preferably designed to determine a desired position of the trailing edge of a sheet 7, 8 based on the actual position of the leading edge and a predetermined format parameter, and to compare the determined desired position of the trailing edge of the sheet 7, 8 with the actual position of the trailing edge of the sheet 7, 8.

[0043] The sheet-processing machine 35 can also comprise a control device 39 connected to the evaluation device 18. The control device 39 controls at least one means for transporting sheets 7, 8 and / or at least one means for depositing sheets 7, 8. Preferably, the control device 39 controls at least one of the means depending on the result of the comparison. The means for transporting the sheets 7, 8 can be designed as mechanically or pneumatically acting sheet guide elements, and the means for depositing the sheets 7, 8 can be designed as sheet brakes and / or trailing edge stops and / or side straighteners and / or side stops.

[0044] The control device 39 acts when the sheet-processing machine 35 is at a standstill or can be designed to control at least one means for transporting sheets 7, 8 or for depositing sheets 7, 8 during the transport of sheets 7, 8 and / or during the deposit of sheets 7, 8.

[0045] In the case of the design of the sheet-processing machine 35 as a printing machine 35, ie if the sheet-processing printing machine 35 comprises one or more printing units 36, the sensor device can be designed to detect the position of the edges of sheets 7, 8 and / or the control device 39 can be designed to control at least one means for transporting sheets 7, 8 or for depositing sheets 7, 8 during the printing of sheets 7, 8.

[0046] In the event that the sensor device 39 comprises a camera or another suitable image recording device which is connected to the control device 39, the control device 39 can be designed to control an inking device depending on the print image captured by the camera or the image recording device.

[0047] The sheet processing machine 35 preferably also comprises a display device that visualizes the result of the comparison of the evaluation device 18.

[0048] In addition to a means for separating sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 and / or a means for transporting sheets 7, 8 and / or a means for depositing sheets 7, 8, the sheet-processing machine 35 can also have a camera or another suitable image recording device designed to capture a printed image on a sheet 7, 8 and to optically capture the position of at least two side edges of one or more superimposed sheets 7, 8. Preferably, the image recording device or another suitable image recording device is in signal communication with an evaluation device 18 designed to determine the extension of one or more sheets 7, 8 transversely to the sheet transport direction 11.

[0049] The control device 39 can be signal-connected to a means for separating sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 and / or at least one means for transporting sheets 7, 8 and / or a means for depositing sheets 7, 8, and can be designed to control an inking device depending on the print image captured by the camera or the image recording device. In addition to this functionality, the control device 39 is preferably also designed to control at least one means from the group of means for separating sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 or the means for transporting sheets 7, 8 or the means for depositing sheets 7, 8 depending on the extension of one or more sheets 7, 8 transversely to the sheet transport direction 11.

[0050] Instead of a camera or other suitable image recording device, a first and a second sensor 31, 32 can also be provided. The first sensor 31 is assigned to a first lateral region of a sheet transport path and is designed to optically detect the position of one side edge of one or more superimposed sheets 7, 8, and a second sensor 32 is assigned to a lateral region of the sheet transport path opposite the first lateral region of the sheet transport path and is designed to optically detect the position of the other side edge of one or more superimposed sheets 7, 8. The evaluation device 18, which is preferably connected to the two sensors 31, 32, is designed to determine the position of the side edges and the extension of one or more sheets 7, 8 transversely to the sheet transport direction 11.The first and second sensors 31, 32 are preferably designed as CCD lines and are spaced apart from one another by an amount corresponding to the extent of the sheet formats to be processed transversely to the sheet transport direction 11. The sensors 31, 32 are either designed to be displaceable transversely to the sheet transport direction 11 or can preferably image an area, ie, detect side edges in an area whose area boundaries are formed by the position of the sheet edges of a maximum sheet format to be processed by the sheet-processing machine 35 and a minimum sheet format.

[0051] Further preferably, the evaluation device 18 monitors whether the extension of the sheet(s) 7, 8 transversely to the sheet transport direction 11 does not exceed a predetermined value and otherwise sends a signal to a control device 39 for stopping or slowing down a main drive of the sheet processing machine 35.

[0052] The sheet-processing machine 35 preferably comprises a plurality of printing units 36, wherein in this case the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 are arranged in front of the first printing unit 36 ​​and / or are arranged so as to be displaceable transversely to the sheet transport direction 11. The first and second sensors 31, 32 can form a dual functional unit.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the sheet processing machine 35 has a sheet switch and the control device 39 is designed to control the sheet switch depending on the print image captured by the camera or the signals supplied by the first sensor 31 and second sensor 32.

[0054] Likewise, the camera can be part of a device that compares a printed image with an image stored in a file and displays the result of the comparison.

[0055] In addition to at least one means for separating sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 and / or at least one means for transporting sheets 7, 8 and / or at least one means for depositing sheets 7, 8, the sheet-processing machine 35 can also have a device for detecting the format of sheets 7, 8 with a sensor device and an evaluation device 18. The sensor device, in turn, has at least a first sensor 31, which is designed to detect the position of an edge of a respective sheet 7, 8, and a second sensor 32, which is designed to detect the position of a further edge of the respective sheet 7, 8 opposite the first edge. The first and second sensors 31, 32 are preferably arranged at a distance from one another, viewed in a sheet transport direction 11 of the sheet-processing machine 35.Viewed in a sheet transport direction 11 of the sheet processing machine 35, the first sensor 31 is preferably designed to detect the position of the leading edge of a respective sheet 7, 8 and the second sensor 32 is designed to detect the position of the trailing edge of the respective sheet 7, 8, or the first sensor 31 is designed to detect the position of one side edge of a respective sheet 7, 8 and the second sensor 32 is designed to detect the position of the other side edge of the respective sheet 7, 8. In addition to the first and second sensors 31, 32, a third and a fourth sensor 33, 34 can also be arranged at a distance from one another and can be designed to detect the position of the opposite edges of the respective sheet 7, 8 not detected by the first and second sensors 31, 32.

[0056] The evaluation device 18 can be in signal communication with the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34 and determine the sheet length and / or the sheet width from the signals of the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34 representing the position of the edges of the respective sheet 7, 8. Further preferably, the first and second sensors 31, 32 and / or the third and fourth sensors 33, 34 are designed to simultaneously detect the position of a respective sheet edge. The aforementioned sensors 31, 32, 33, 34 can operate according to the same or different measuring methods. This also applies to the first and second sensors 31, 32. According to one embodiment, the first and second sensors 31, 32 form a dual functional unit. A dual functional unit can also be formed by the third and fourth sensors 33, 34.

[0057] Preferably, the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34 are designed to directly detect the position of a respective edge at a specific time or machine angle, or to detect the time or machine angle at which an edge passes the sensor 31, 32, 33, 34. To control the at least one means for separating sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 and / or for transporting sheets 7, 8 and / or for depositing sheets 7, 8, a control device 39 can be provided, which controls the sheets 7, 8 depending on the format.

[0058] The format detection by the format detection device can be carried out for a single sheet 7, 8, but also for a sequence of sheets 7, 8, e.g., during the separation and / or transport and / or storage of the sheets 7, 8. If the sheet-processing machine 35 comprises one or more printing units 36, the format detection device is preferably designed for format detection during the printing of sheets 7, 8 and / or the control device 39 is designed for controlling the at least one means during the printing of sheets 7, 8.

[0059] The control device 39 can be designed to control the at least one means during the separation of sheets 7, 8 from a stack 42 and / or during the transport of sheets 7, 8 and / or during the deposit of sheets 7, 8. In particular, the control device 39 can be designed to control the at least one means depending on the result of the comparison by the evaluation device 18. The comparison by the evaluation device 18 compares the detected format of the sheet(s) 7, 8 with target values. The result of the comparison by the evaluation device 18 can also be visualized using a display device.

[0060] The sheet-processing machine 35 can also comprise a means for transporting sheets 7, 8 through a printing nip formed between the means and a cylinder 9, and a sensor device for detecting vibration. The sensor device can be in signal communication with an evaluation device 18, which is designed to evaluate the vibration with respect to the occurrence of a vibration pattern caused by an edge of the sheet 7, 8 running out of the printing nip.

[0061] Preferably, the sensor device is in signal connection with an evaluation device 18, wherein the evaluation device 18 is designed to evaluate the vibration with respect to the occurrence of a vibration curve caused by the running out of an edge of the sheet 7, 8 from the printing gap.

[0062] The sensor device preferably comprises a sensor 31 suitable for detecting a vibration, which is preferably designed as a strain gauge or piezo element or as an angle sensor or in another form.

[0063] Depending on its design, the sensor 31 is mounted on a suitable component of the sheet-processing machine 35. Possible mounting locations for the sensor 31 include, for example, the blanket cylinder, a sheet-guiding cylinder, or a printing cylinder 37. Another means for transporting sheets 7, 8, or a frame part preferably close to the printing nip, or a gearbox that implements a pressure switch between the components forming the printing nip, would also be suitable. The vibration detected by the sensor 31 can be a torsional vibration of a rotating machine part or another vibration, such as a bending vibration.

[0064] The means for transporting sheets 7, 8 can be a sheet guiding cylinder comprising a leading edge gripper system 6, wherein a position sensor, in particular an angle sensor, is preferably provided, which generates a signal representing the position of the leading edge gripper system 6. Preferably, the evaluation device 18 is capable of determining the position of the respective trailing edge of a sheet 7, 8 transported on the sheet guiding cylinder relative to the sheet guiding cylinder from the signal of this position sensor, which also represents the rotational position of the sheet guiding cylinder, and the signal of the sensor 31. Based on the fact that the leading edge of a sheet 7, 8 transported on the sheet guiding cylinder is located in the gripper engagement of the leading edge gripper system 6, the evaluation device 18 can thus also determine the format length of a respective sheet 7, 8 or a sequence of sheets 7, 8.

[0065] It can also be provided that the evaluation device 18 is designed to determine a desired position of the rear edge of a sheet 7, 8 based on the position of a front edge gripper system 6 and a predetermined format parameter and to compare the determined desired position of the rear edge of the sheet 7, 8 with the actual position of the rear edge of the sheet 7, 8.

[0066] More preferably, when an edge of the sheet 7, 8 emerges from the printing nip, the evaluation device 18 generates a signal that can be transmitted to a control device 39 for implementing further commands. In particular, the control device 39 can be designed to control mechanically or pneumatically acting sheet guiding elements and / or a sheet brake and / or trailing edge stops and / or side straighteners and / or side stops, in particular as a function of the format length or the result of the comparison or the position of the trailing edge of the sheet relative to the leading edge gripper system 6. According to a preferred form, the sheet-processing machine 35 with the sensor device for detecting a vibration is designed as a printing press 35, in particular an offset printing press.

[0067] The sheet processing machine 35 may also have a feeder with a stacking area for receiving a stack 42 of sheets 7, 8 and with a device for detecting the format of the uppermost sheet 7, 8 of the stack 42.

[0068] The format detection device comprises at least two emitters 43, 44, 45 for electromagnetic radiation and receivers associated with the emitters 43, 44, 45. Each emitter 43, 44, 45 is preferably pivotally mounted about a rotational axis and is connected to a position sensor that detects the position values ​​of the respective emitter 43, 44, 45. Furthermore, an evaluation device 18 is preferably provided, which evaluates the electromagnetic radiation received by the receivers during the pivoting of the emitters 43, 44, 45.

[0069] The evaluation device 18 is designed such that it detects a change in the received electromagnetic radiation due to the interruption of the beam path by a stack edge and records the position values ​​of the emitters 43, 44, 45 that occur when the change in the received electromagnetic radiation occurs. In particular, the evaluation device 18 is capable of evaluating the position values ​​of the emitters 43, 44, 45 to determine the sheet format. In the simplest case, the determination of the sheet format in the longitudinal direction and / or transverse direction can be based on the fact that the uppermost sheet 7, 8 of the stack 42 is always at a fixed and defined height and thus also at a fixed and defined distance from the emitters 43, 44, 45. In this case, the position of the edges of the uppermost sheet 7, 8 can be calculated using angle functions or angle sets.The sheet format can be determined just as easily in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. To ensure a fixed and defined height of the top sheet 7, 8 of the stack 42 and thus also a fixed and defined distance from the emitters 43, 44, 45, a stack lifting device can be provided, which has a sensor 46 that detects the position of the respective top sheet 7, 8 of the stack 42. The stack lifting device maintains the distance between the respective top sheet 7, 8 of the stack 42 and the emitters constant according to the signals from the sensor 46.

[0070] Likewise, a sensor 46 may be provided, which detects the position of the top sheet 7, 8 of the stack 42 relative to the emitters 43, 44, 45 and transmits a signal representing the position of the top sheet 7, 8 to the evaluation device 18. In this case, the evaluation device 18 determines the position of the edges of the top sheet 7, 8 and / or the sheet format of the top sheet 7, 8 in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, taking into account the position values ​​of the emitters 43, 44, 45 and the signal from the sensor 46.

[0071] According to one embodiment, three emitters 43, 44, 45 arranged above the stack area are provided, as well as a stop for aligning the side or edge of the stack 42 which cannot be detected by any of the emitters 43, 44, 45.

[0072] As in connection with the described embodiments, the means for transporting sheets 7, 8 can be designed in various ways, with the sole exception of a design as a turning drum. List of reference symbols 1 feed table 2 front mark, alignment means 3 Bow acceleration device 4 Vibration system 5 Feed drum 6 gripper system, front edge gripper system 7 sheets, sheet to be aligned 8 sheets, follow-up sheets 9 cylinders 10 Measuring device 11 Conveying direction, sheet transport direction 12 Format range 13 Channel 14 cover strips 15 reflex line 16 Lighting device 17 - 18 Evaluation device 19 Control element 20 gripper shaft 21 gripper fingers 22 Gripper impact 23 Drum channel 24 sleds 25 carriers 26 Drum base body 27 Control shaft 28 Bow holding system 29 - 30 - 31 Sensor 32 sensors 33 Sensor 34 Sensor 35 machine, printing machine 36 printing units 37 printing cylinders 38 rotary encoders, angle encoders 39 Control device 40 Inspection system 41 Blow air box 42 sheet stacks 43 emitters 44 emitters 45 emitters 46 Position sensor S Way

Claims

[1] Sheet processing machine, comprising at least one means for transporting sheets (7, 8) and / or at least one means for depositing sheets (7, 8), a sensor device designed to detect the position of a front and a rear edge of a sheet (7, 8) viewed in the sheet transport direction (11), wherein the sensor device is in signal connection with an evaluation device (18) and the evaluation device (18) is designed to determine a desired position of the rear edge of a sheet (7, 8) based on the actual position of the front edge and a predetermined format parameter and to compare the determined desired position of the rear edge of the sheet (7, 8) with the actual position of the rear edge of the sheet (7, 8), and a control device (39) which controls at least one of the means, wherein the control device (39) is connected to the evaluation device (18) in terms of signal technology and is designed to control the at least one means depending on the result of the comparison, wherein a display device is provided which visualizes the result of the comparison and wherein the sensor device comprises a camera which is designed to capture a printed image on a sheet (7, 8). [2] Sheet processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is designed to detect the position of the edges of an individual sheet (7, 8) or a sequence of sheets (7, 8) during the transport and / or depositing of the sheets (7, 8). [3] Sheet processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for transporting the sheets (7, 8) are mechanically or pneumatically acting sheet guide elements and / or the means for depositing the sheets (7, 8) are designed as sheet brakes and / or trailing edge stops and / or side straighteners and / or side stops. [4] Sheet processing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the control device (39) is designed to control the at least one means during the transport of sheets (7, 8) and / or during the deposit of sheets (7, 8). [5] Sheet-processing machine according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, comprising one or more printing units (36), wherein the sensor device is designed to detect the position of the edges of sheets (7, 8) and / or the control device (39) is designed to control the at least one means during the printing of sheets (7, 8). [6] Sheet processing machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, with a memory for storing the format parameter and / or an interface for inputting the format parameter. [7] Sheet-processing machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, comprising one or more printing units (36). [8] Sheet-processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the camera is connected to the control device (39) and the control device (39) is designed to control an inking device as a function of the print image captured by the camera.

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