Printing plate logistics system

Abstract

A printing plate logistics system comprising a plate supply (1), a plate disposal (3), and a transport system (2) connecting the plate supply (1) and the plate disposal (3) to several printing presses (4), wherein the transport system (2) comprises a rail network (2.1) comprising rail segments and a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) movable on the rail network (2.1), and at least one printing press (4) has a plate changing device with a shaft, and wherein a rail segment of the rail network (2.1) runs in the area of ​​the plate changing device and is designed to be vertically displaceable relative to adjacent rail segments, wherein means for fixing a respective transport carriage (2.3) on the rail segment when the rail segment is displaced are assigned to the vertically displaceable rail segment, and wherein each transport carriage (2.3) has a mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) for suspending and fixing a respective plate, which is held in a closed position by a power storage device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printing plate logistics system comprising a plate supply, a plate disposal and a transport system that connects the plate supply and the plate disposal with several printing presses.

[0002] From DE 43 09 658 C1, a printing plate transport device is known which is movable on guide rails above the printing press. The printing plate transport device takes the printing plate from a centrally arranged magazine and transports it above the printing press to the relevant plate cylinder.

[0003] From EP 1 193 057 A1, a printing press with plate exposure is known. It is proposed that a printing press containing a plate imaging unit be equipped with a transport system for moving the imaged printing plate to the individual printing units. The transport system grips the end of the printing plate with vertically movable gripping elements, and then moves the printing plate horizontally to a plate changing unit, whereby the printing plate position during transport can be either vertical or horizontal. During transport, the printing plates are rotated to bring them into the necessary feed position for the plate changing units.

[0004] From DE 10 2006 032 204 B3, a method for providing at least one printing form at its mounting location on a printing cylinder of a rotary printing press is known. This method proposes transporting a printing form in a transport module of a transport device from the imaging station to its respective mounting location on the printing cylinder. For this purpose, the transport module is moved to the desired printing unit on the operator side of the printing press.

[0005] A transfer system for lithographic printing plates is known from DE 38 71 940 T2. This system proposes a horizontal conveyor that transports lithographic printing plates to a point of use, wherein the lithographic plates are picked up by hooks of the transfer system at the angled front edge and fed to an overhead conveyor.

[0006] A device for changing printing plates is known from DE 103 38 373 A1. The printing press has several printing units arranged in series, each printing unit being equipped with a plate-changing device. A guide rail is arranged parallel to the printing units, to which a movable handling device is assigned. The handling device takes a designated printing plate from a printing plate depot and transports it to the plate-changing device of the desired printing unit.

[0007] DE 10 2010 034 593 A1 discloses a printing press system with at least one printing unit, a printing form loading system for loading the printing forms into transport units, a transport system for transporting the transport units to the at least one printing unit, and a printing form feeding system for unloading the printing forms into the printing unit. The transport units are designed as transport vehicles and run on rails.

[0008] DE 10 2008 005 798 A1 describes a printing machine with a device for transporting printing plates, wherein the printing machine has several printing units and a plate transport system extending along the length of the printing machine is arranged above the printing units, with which the printing plates can be conveyed to the printing units in a horizontal position.

[0009] DE 44 42 265 A1 describes a transport system with a transport means for transporting printing plates from at least one printing plate processing station to the printing units. The transport system can comprise a primary and a secondary transport means. The transport means convey printing plates to a removal station near the plate cylinder.

[0010] From EP 2 006 102 A2, a rotary printing press is known, comprising a first and a second conveying device. The first conveying device is designed as a horizontal conveyor, which conveys exposed printing plates horizontally to the area of ​​the printing tower. The second conveying device transports printing plates to the area of ​​the plate cylinder position of a printing unit in the printing tower, where the respective printing plate is required for a plate change.

[0011] DE 10 2006 032 201 A1 relates to a handling device for handling printing plates on a printing press, which is modular in design.

[0012] Plate trolleys can also be used to transport printing plates. These trolleys are typically loaded by automated plate processing lines, also known as plate supply lines. The plate trolleys are identifiable via QR codes, allowing the control system of the plate processing line to know which trolley is ready for loading. Consequently, the sequence of printing plates placed on a trolley is linked to its identification. To transfer the printing plates, the operator manually moves fully loaded plate trolleys from the plate processing line to the immediate vicinity of the designated printing press for the upcoming print job change. The printing presses can be equipped with fully automatic plate changers. Accordingly, during an ongoing printing process, the operator can pre-position the complete set of printing plates for the next print job in the feed chutes of the plate changers. The operator must ensure that the printing plates are assigned to the correct printing press and, within the press, to the correct printing unit. It is known to secure this process using a plate identification system comprising multiple cameras, one of which is located at each printing unit. After the print job changeover, the used printing plates are ready for removal in the discharge chute of the plate changer. The operator removes the printing plates and transports them manually to a central storage area.

[0013] Especially with complex machine configurations of the printing presses and large distances between the printing plate processing line and the printing presses, the printing plate changing process is very time-consuming.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a printing plate logistics system that ensures high transport speed and process reliability in the handling of plates for printing presses.

[0015] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a printing plate logistics system with the features of claim 1.

[0016] The invention has the advantage that unused plates can be transported from a plate supply to the printing units of printing presses, whereby the operator's freedom of movement is not restricted or only minimally restricted.

[0017] The invention will now be explained by way of example. The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate the following: Fig. 1: a printing plate logistics system with a plate supply, a plate disposal and a transport system and several printing presses; Fig. 2: a plate supply system with several plate trolleys and a manipulator; Fig. 3: Details of a record disposal.

[0018] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a printing plate logistics system with a plate supply 1, a plate disposal 3 and a transport system 2 that connects the plate supply 1 and the plate disposal 3 with several printing presses 4.

[0019] The multiple printing presses 4 are preferably designed as sheet-fed rotary printing presses, in particular as sheet-fed offset printing presses.

[0020] The printing presses 4 are preferably of a modular design. They consist in particular of a feeder, a feed unit, several printing units arranged in series, and a delivery unit. The sheet transport direction corresponds to the direction from the feeder to the delivery unit. The illustrated printing presses 4 each have eight identical printing units and a perfecting unit arranged after the fourth printing unit and are to be understood as an example of printing presses 4 of any configuration, which can be connected via the transport system 2 to further elements such as the plate supply 1 and the plate disposal 3. The printing units 4 each preferably contain an impression cylinder, a transfer drum, a plate cylinder, and a blanket cylinder. An inking unit or inking and dampening unit (not further specified) is assigned to the plate cylinder. The plate cylinder is covered with a printing plate, hereinafter referred to as the plate.The plate is inked with the appropriate printing ink by the inking unit. As the plate cylinder rolls down the blanket cylinder, the printing ink is transferred, in accordance with the image, onto the blanket cylinder, which is covered with a rubber blanket. A printing gap is formed between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, through which the substrate to be printed, i.e., the sheet, is fed. In the printing gap, the printing ink is transferred from the blanket cylinder to the sheet. In addition to printing units, the printing presses 4 may also have further coating and / or finishing units, drying units, and / or perfecting units. The printing presses 4 could also be configured as web-fed rotary printing presses.

[0021] Each printing unit preferably has a pivotable plate change guard on the side facing the delivery area. This guard acts as a chute for removing the old, printed plate and feeding the new plate into place during a plate change, in a known manner. Preferably, the plate change guard includes two parallel chutes, in particular an infeed chute and an outfeed chute, through which two plates can be inserted and removed past each other. The plate change guard is part of the plate change device of a printing unit. The plate change device includes other known elements necessary for plate changes. For a plate change, the plate cylinders are positioned in a defined plate change position.This positioning movement of the plate cylinders can be accomplished by a central drive gear train, whereby the plate cylinders running in phase within a group are simultaneously moved into the plate-changing position. After the plate change on the corresponding plate cylinders, the other group of plate cylinders running in phase is moved into the plate-changing position by the central drive gear train, so that the plate change can also take place there. In another embodiment of the invention, not shown, the plate cylinders are driven by direct drives that are synchronized for printing operation. In this embodiment, all plate cylinders can be moved into the plate-changing position simultaneously during a plate change, thus enabling the plate change to be carried out on all printing units at the same time.

[0022] The plate supply system 1 preferably comprises a plurality of plate trolley receptacles 1.2 and a plurality of plate trolleys 1.1.1, which can be loaded with multiple plates and positioned in the plate trolley receptacles 1.2, as well as a manipulator 1.2.3. Each of the plate trolley receptacles 1.2 preferably has a positioning means for positioning a respective plate trolley 1.1.1. The positioning means can be formed in a manner known per se by mechanical stops or by magnetic and / or inductive positioning means. Preferably, each of the plate trolley receptacles 1.2 also has fixing means for locking the plate trolleys 1.1.1 in the plate trolley receptacle 1.2. The positioning means can also form the fixing means for locking a respective plate trolley 1.1.1, which is particularly the case if the positioning means is designed as a magnetic and / or inductive means. Preferably, the plate trolley receptacles 1.2Two readers are arranged on the plate trolleys or are assigned to the plate trolley mounts 1.2. The readers can be configured, in particular, for reading RFID codes, QR codes, Data Matrix codes, or codes based on NFC technology. Each of the plate trolleys 1.1.1 bears a uniquely identifying code, which can be an RFID code, a QR code, a Data Matrix code, or a code readable based on NFC technology. The plate trolleys 1.1.1 are designed in a manner known per se and can have an inclined support plate on which several plates or sets of plates with aligned side edges can be placed.

[0023] The loading of the plate trolleys 1.1.1 can be carried out by a plate sorting device (not shown) which is technologically upstream of the plate supply 1.

[0024] Information on the available plates on plate trolley 1.1.1 is available within the printing plate logistics system. Accordingly, a memory can be provided that is written with or contains data describing the assignment of each plate to a plate trolley 1.1.1 and / or the position of each plate within a plate trolley 1.1.1.

[0025] The manipulator 1.2.3 is designed to remove plates from a respective plate carriage 1.1.1 and to transfer the plates to a respective transport carriage 2.3 of a transport system 2, which is described below. The manipulator 1.2.3 is movable on a path extending over all plate carriage receptacles 1.2. It preferably comprises a gripper and a multi-axis robot 1.2.1, wherein the multi-axis robot 1.2.1 is preferably designed with a linear axis extending over all plate carriage receptacles 1.2. The gripper is preferably designed as a suction gripper. A camera, which can be moved together with the manipulator 1.2.3, is preferably associated with the manipulator 1.2.3 for detecting marks on a plate to be detected or detected by the manipulator 1.2.3.Depending on the design, the camera can be guided along the linear axis alone, or, like the gripper, it can be mounted to move along other spatial axes in addition to the linear axis.

[0026] The transport system 2 comprises a rail network 2.1 and a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 that can travel on the rail network 2.1. Each of the transport carriages 2.3 carries a uniquely identifying code, which can be an RFID code, a QR code, a data matrix code, or a code readable based on NFC technology. Each transport carriage 2.3 also includes a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 for suspending and fixing a respective plate, which is preferably held in a closed position by an energy storage device.

[0027] The rail network 2.1 is formed from rail segments, with individual rail segments running in the area of ​​the plate-changing devices of the printing press 4. To enable the transfer of plates to the plate-changing devices of the printing press 4, the rail segments of the rail network 2.1 in the area of ​​the plate-changing device are designed to be vertically displaceable relative to adjacent rail segments. The vertically displaceable rail segments are preferably equipped with means for fixing a respective transport carriage 2.3 to the rail segment during its displacement. Actuators are preferably provided in the area of ​​the plate-changing devices, which can be selectively activated and, when activated, can cause the respective mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 to open. The actuators can be activated by horizontal displacement of the respective transport carriage 2.3 on the rail network 2.1 or by vertical displacement of a rail segment into engagement with a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1, wherein activation of a respective actuator only affects a respective gripper system 2.3.1 if the respective actuator is also in engagement with the respective gripper system 2.3.1. A respective vertically displaceable rail segment of the rail network 2.1 is spatially assigned to an insertion shaft of the plate changing device and / or vertically displaceable relative to it such that when the rail segment is lowered, a plate held in the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of a transport carriage 2.3 guided on the rail segment is inserted into the insertion shaft.

[0028] Preferably, the respective vertically displaceable rail segment is spatially assigned to a shaft of the plate changing device and / or vertically displaceable relative to it in such a way that, when the rail segment is lowered, a plate conveyed from a discharge shaft of the plate changing device can be transferred into a detection area of ​​a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of a transport carriage 2.3 guided on the rail segment.

[0029] The advantage of this design is that a transport carriage 2.3, held on a respective rail segment and lowered to transfer a plate, can also take over a printed plate for removal in the same position. The supplied plate can be placed in a different shaft than the shaft from which a plate to be removed is to be taken.

[0030] For the transport of the transport sleds 2.3 on the rail network 2.1, individual rail segments or areas of the rail network 2.1 can be arranged inclined relative to the horizontal, so that a respective transport sled 2.3 located on the individual rail segments or areas of the rail network 2.1 moves solely by gravity acting down the slope.

[0031] Another possibility for driving the transport carriages 2.3 along the rail network 2.1 involves the arrangement of permanently rotating brushes. The brushes engage in recesses formed on the transport carriages 2.3. The brushes can also be arranged on a rail segment that is inclined relative to the horizontal and drives the respective transport carriages 2.3 against the force of gravity. With such a design, the respective transport carriages 2.3 can be transported to a higher level in a relatively short section of the rail network 2.1, in order to move again solely by gravity in the subsequent sections of the rail network 2.1. A further possibility for driving the transport carriages 2.3 along the rail network 2.1, which is based on the use of toothed segments and toothed chains or gears, is found particularly at the locations of the rail network 2.1. Uses where each transport carriage 2.3 needs to be positioned with relative precision. Accordingly, each transport carriage 2.3 can be assigned a tooth segment, and transfer areas 1.4 can be formed along the rail network 2.1 for positioning the respective transport carriage 2.3, in each of which a single-motor driven gear or toothed chain is arranged, wherein the gear or toothed chain meshes exclusively with the tooth segment assigned to the transport carriage 2.3 when the respective transport carriage 2.3 is located in the transfer area 1.4.

[0032] The panel disposal system 3 comprises at least one panel stack holder in which a stacking support 3.1.6 can be positioned. The stacking support 3.1.6 can be a standard Euro pallet or a system pallet known from nonstop stacking exchange systems. A panel stack holder comprises at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 for aligning panels, which are released in a vertically suspended state by a respective transport carriage 2.3 positioned in the area of ​​the panel stack holder. A deflection means 3.1.2, 3.1.3 is also provided in the area of ​​the panel stack holder in which the stacking support 3.1.6 can be positioned. This deflection means deflects a leading edge of the panel horizontally towards the at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 as it falls. The deflection means 3.1.2, 3.1.3 can be formed by a guide element inclined at an angle to the vertical. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the deflection means 3.1.2, 3.1.3 is3 in the range of 10 to 80 degrees, in particular 15 to 70 degrees. Accordingly, the deflecting element 3.1.2, 3.1.3 can also be adjustable to change its angle of attack. Preferably, the deflecting element 3.1.2, 3.1.3 is formed by an upper guide plate 3.1.2 and a lower guide plate 3.1.3, which are arranged adjacent to one another and inclined at different angles of attack. The angle of attack of the upper guide plate 3.1.2 relative to the vertical is preferably smaller than the angle of attack of the lower guide plate 3.1.3 relative to the vertical. The upper guide plate 3.1.2 and / or the lower guide plate 3.1.3 are preferably adjustable to change the angle of attack or can be designed with a fixed angle of attack. The advantage of embodiments that allow adjustment of the angle of attack is, in particular, that they can be adapted to changing plate formats.To assist the deflection process after the release of a respective plate by the gripper system 2.3.1 of a respective transport carriage 2.3, the deflection means 3.1.2, 3.1.3, in particular the lower guide plate 3.1.3 and / or the upper guide plate 3.1.2, can be pneumatically actuated. The deflection means 3.1.2, 3.1.3 can also be designed as a pneumatically actuated means or as a motor-actuated means. Preferably, the at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 is horizontally adjustable to adapt to the format of the panels to be aligned. Instead of a single lateral stop 3.1.4, a pair of opposing lateral stops 3.1.4 can also be provided. Instead of a single panel stack holder, several panel stack holders can also be provided and arranged side by side or distributed along the rail network 2.1. Preferably, a first panel stack holder is designed to receive panels of a first size, and a second panel stack holder is designed to receive panels of a second size, which differs from the first. In this case, a deflection element 3.1.2, 3.1.3 of the first panel stack holder is preferably inclined at a different angle than a deflection element 3.1.2, 3.1.3 of the second panel stack holder. The lateral stops 3.1.4 of the first plate stack holder may be set differently or have a different distance to each other than the side stops 3.1.4 of the second plate stack holder.

[0033] To ensure a consistent storage level for the stacking of panels, the panel stack holder can include a lifting device 3.1.5. A stacking support 3.1.6 can be positioned on the lifting device 3.1.5 and moved vertically to adjust the storage level. The lifting device 3.1.5 preferably comprises a sensor for detecting the position of the upper edge of a stack of panels placed on the stacking support 3.1.6 and a drive unit. The drive unit moves the stacking support 3.1.6 vertically based on the sensor signals. Alternatively, the drive unit can be controlled based on signals from a sheet counter, in which case the control unit takes the sheet counter signals and the thickness of the panels to be placed into account when controlling the drive unit.

[0034] Plate supply 1 and transport system 2 are interconnected via a central control unit or each has decentralized control units that interact to implement the plate transport processes. The central control unit or the decentralized control units can also interact with the control units of the printing presses 4 to implement the plate transport processes.

[0035] The following describes a central control system for jointly controlling plate supply 1 and transport system 2, also representing several interacting decentralized control systems.

[0036] The control system is preferably signal-connected to the readers for reading the unique codes assigned to the plate carriage 1.1.1 and is designed to control a respective transport carriage 2.3 and the manipulator 1.2.3 depending on the signals from the readers.

[0037] The control unit can also be connected to a memory unit that is written with data by a plate sorting device upstream of the plate supply 1, which loads the plate trolleys 1.1.1 with plates, or that contains data describing the assignment of respective plates to a plate trolley 1.1.1 and / or the position of respective plates in a plate trolley 1.1.1.

[0038] This connection provides the control system with information on the plates or plate sets available for future print jobs.

[0039] If the control system and / or the storage system are also connected to the control stations, i.e., the controls of the printing presses 4, in particular the printing press controls, the information about the plates or plate sets available on the plate trolleys 1.1.1 is also available at the control stations, for example for selection by an operator.

[0040] The control system can also be connected to readers for reading a unique code assigned to the respective transport carriage 2.3, which are arranged in transfer areas 2.1.2 of the rail network 2.1. Rail switches are also installed in the transfer areas 2.1.2, which are controlled by the control system depending on the signals from the readers. The transfer areas 2.1.2 form branches of the rail network 2.1.

[0041] The control unit is preferably also connected to the camera, which is movable together with the manipulator 1.2.3 and is designed to detect marks on a plate to be detected or detected by the manipulator 1.2.3.

[0042] The controller can be configured to implement a special handling routine for plates by the manipulator 1.2.3, which improves the reliability of plate recognition. Since plates may be placed on a plate cart 1.1.1 with an incorrect orientation, the controller, with the aid of the manipulator 1.2.3, corrects such a potential error. If the camera fails to detect a mark during a detection process and / or the controller fails to identify a mark during an identification process, the manipulator 1.2.3 removes the respective plate from the plate cart 1.1.1 and rotates it around its own axis. Following its command by the controller, the manipulator 1.2.3 can then place the plate back on the plate cart 1.1.1 for renewed mark detection.

[0043] The following explains how the printing plate logistics system works. Before printing a future print job, an operator can select this print job, and possibly others, at the control station of one of the printing presses (4) where the job is to be processed. The control system for plate supply (1) and transport system (2) receives information about the operator's request from the control station of printing press (4).

[0044] The control system has access to information via the memory about plates available on the plate trolley 1.1.1, in particular about the assignment of respective plates to a respective plate trolley 1.1.1 and / or the position of respective plates on the plate trolley 1.1.1.

[0045] To enable the transfer of the plates required for a given print job from plate supply 1 to the respective printing press 4, the control system positions a free transport carriage 2.3 of the transport system 2 on the rail network 2.1 such that it is a short distance from the plate trolley 1.1.1 on which the relevant plate or plate set is located. Positioning takes place within a transfer area 1.4 or a transfer station, preferably by the engagement of toothed chains with the toothed segment of the transport carriage 2.3, with the toothed chain and toothed segment acting together as a chain drive. Instead of a single transfer station, several transfer stations can also be provided. Each transfer station is equipped with an actuator, which can be designed as a pivoting cam. This cam is pivoted and actuates a mechanism that engages the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3 opens. Alternatively, permanently installed pneumatic cylinders can actuate the mechanism of the gripper system 2.3.1.

[0046] The controller also positions the manipulator 1.2.3, preferably on its linear axis, near the plate carriage 1.1.1, which carries the plate to be picked up by the manipulator 1.2.3. By controlling the multi-axis robot 1.2.1 of the manipulator 1.2.3, the gripper of the manipulator 1.2.3, in particular the suction gripper, is positioned above the upper plate of the plate carriage 1.1.1, and the plate is fixed and picked up, in particular by applying a vacuum. Subsequently, the multi-axis robot 1.2.1 can move the plate in front of the camera for its capture, in particular for identification. This increases the safety of the process.

[0047] The identification of a particular plate can be achieved by comparing the detected mark with data stored in a memory. Depending on the result of the comparison, the plate is then transported to a printing press 4 by controlling a respective transport carriage 2.3 and the manipulator 1.2.3, or, if the result of the comparison is negative, handled in another way, in particular temporarily stored.

[0048] After identification with a positive result of the comparison of the printing plate, it is positioned in the provided transport carriage 2.3 via the multi-axis robotics 1.2.1.

[0049] Once the control system receives confirmation that the plate has been successfully positioned within the gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3, the cam pivots and the gripper system 2.3.1 closes. The gripping action of the gripper on the manipulator 1.2.3 is then released. The plate is now only held in place by the gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3.

[0050] For control purposes, the identity of each disk, in particular the disk ID, is linked to the identity, in particular the code, of the transport carriage 2.3 in which it is fixed. This link is preferably maintained until the disk is released again by the respective transport carriage 2.3.

[0051] The transport carriage 2.3 travels along the rail network 2.1 towards the printing press 4. Preferably, the movement of the transport carriage 2.3 is effected by gravity, i.e., the force of gravity acting downhill. Driving elements, in particular toothed chains, rollers and / or brushes, can provide support in individual areas of the transport system 2 or completely assume the function as the drive element. The process of plate pickup, identification, and transfer to a transport carriage 2.3 by the plate supply 1 preferably takes place for all plates of a printing plate set.

[0052] During transport, the transport carriages 2.3 are raised out of the operators' reach via a level adjustment mechanism. This minimizes the obstruction of the operators by the transport system 2. The transport carriages 2.3 preferably move on a closed circuit consisting of a conveying and return track. Each printing press 4 has its own rail system. Each printing press 4 is connected to the conveying and return track via its transport area through a transfer area 2.1.2.

[0053] The transfer areas 2.1.2 consist of at least two switches to allow the transport carriages 2.3 to enter and exit the transport area of ​​the printing press 4. The transfer areas 2.1.2 are equipped with readers to verify the identity of each individual transport carriage 2.3. When a transport carriage 2.3, along with a plate requested by the control station of a printing press 4, passes through the corresponding transfer area 2.1.2, the transport carriage 2.3 is directed from the conveying and return section into the transport area of ​​the printing press 4.

[0054] Within the transport area of ​​the printing press 4, the transport carriage 2.3 is guided to the corresponding printing unit via switches and drive elements. The rail segments located directly above the printing units or plate changing devices of the printing units can be disengaged from the rest of the rail network 2.1 by means of a mechanism, in particular a pneumatic cylinder. Thus, the rail segment can be positioned on two different levels.

[0055] This process of transferring the transport carriages 2.3 into the defined transport areas up to the corresponding printing unit is carried out for all plates of a printing plate set.

[0056] Once all plates of a plate set are positioned above their respective printing units on the detachable rail segments, these are lowered to a lower level by the mechanism. Due to its direct positioning above the rear feed slot of the plate changer, the transported plate is guided into it. When the rail segment is fully lowered, the gripper system 2.3.1 opens by activating the actuator and releases the plate. The plate is thus pre-positioned for the next print job.

[0057] The lowering of the rail segments with the transport carriages 2.3 positioned on them can also be implemented sequentially or in groups for the printing units of a printing press 4 at different times.

[0058] This process is performed for all plates of a plate set or print job. The rail segments preferably remain in the lowered position during the subsequent print job change.

[0059] After receiving confirmation of correct positioning, particularly pre-positioning of the plate, and completion of the current print job, printing press 4 ejects the used plate from the system and places it in the plate changer, specifically in its output chute, for removal. The plate for the next print job is then fed into printing press 4 via the plate changer. The still-open gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3 now contains only the used printing plate from the previous print job, which the plate changer has placed in the output chute for removal. The gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3 is closed, and the rail segment, along with the transport carriage 2.3 and the used plate, moves to the upper level for removal. This process is repeated for all plates in a plate set.

[0060] The plates are transported serially in a row. The transport carriages 2.3 are guided via the transport area of ​​the printing press 4 and the transfer area 2.1.2 into the conveying and return line towards plate disposal 3.

[0061] The panel disposal system 3 includes a panel stack holder in which a stack carrier 3.1.6 can be positioned to hold unused panels.

[0062] The number of panel stacking stations depends on the number of format classes to be processed, or the different panel geometries, especially the type of bending. Transport system 2 runs directly over the individual panel stacking stations.

[0063] Actuators, in particular pivoting cams for actuating the gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3, are installed above the individual plate stack holders, analogous to other areas. The control system knows which used plates are transported from the transport area of ​​the printing press 4 towards the plate disposal system 3. The format sizes and plate geometries of the plates to be transported are known and can be retrieved by the control system from a memory or queried from the respective printing press 4 in which the plate was used. Accordingly, the control system can activate the actuator in the area of ​​a plate stack holder if a transport carriage 2.3 is located in the area of ​​the plate stack holder, carrying a plate whose format size and plate geometry allow it to be placed in the respective plate stack holder.

[0064] Actuation of the actuator causes the gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 to open, releasing the respective plate. The plate, held suspended in the gripper system 2.3.1 until its release, falls vertically downwards and is deflected by the deflection means 3.1.2, 3.1.3. This deflection brings the plate into a horizontal or at least nearly horizontal position, whereby the plate is aligned against a lateral stop 3.1.4 by utilizing its kinetic energy. A stack is formed according to the number of plates placed on the stacking carrier 3.1.6, the position of which relative to the top of the stack is preferably kept constant by a lifting device.

[0065] After each plate has been placed, the transport carriage 2.3, together with the empty gripper system 2.3.1, can be moved towards plate supply 1 and is then ready to receive a new plate. This process is repeated for all transport carriages 2.3 that transport one plate from a plate set to the printing press 4.

[0066] According to a method for operating a printing plate logistics system with a controller that controls the manipulator 1.2.3 and the transport carriages 2.3, the printing press controllers, in particular the control stations of the printing presses 4, can generate time signals for each ongoing print job. These signals indicate the end of the current print job and / or the beginning of a future print job. The time signals are transmitted to the controller of the printing plate logistics system, which controls the manipulator 1.2.3 and the transport carriages 2.3. Based on the time signals for future print jobs, the controller of the printing plate logistics system determines a sequence in which the respective printing plates are transported from the plate carriages 1.1.1 to the printing presses 4 and controls the manipulator 1.2.3 and the transport carriages 2.3 according to this determined sequence.

[0067] The control system can consider various parameters when determining the sequence. Accordingly, the control system can determine the sequence based on the length of transport paths or the transport times of the respective plates to the respective printing presses 4. The control system can also determine the sequence based on the length of transport paths or the transport times of the respective plates to the respective printing units of the respective printing presses 4. Another possibility is that the control system determines the sequence based on the number of plates that together form a plate set for a given future print job and / or based on the time required for an automatic, semi-automatic, or manual plate change at the respective printing press 4.The control system can retrieve or calculate from memory the transport time to the respective printing press 4 and / or the printing units of the respective printing press 4, on which the respective print job is to be printed, and / or the time required for an automatic, semi-automatic, or manual plate change, for future print jobs. The time signals from the printing press controls can be transmitted to the control system of the printing plate logistics system when changes occur, particularly when new operator inputs are made or when time shifts occur during the processing of individual print jobs. In this case, the transmission is triggered by the occurrence of the changes or by an operator input. Alternatively, the time signals from the printing press controls can also be transmitted cyclically to the control system of the printing plate logistics system. List of reference symbols used 1. Plate preparation 1.1.1 Flatbed trolley 1.2 Plate trolley mounting 1.2.3 Manipulator 1.2.1 Multi-axis robotics 1.4 Transfer area 2 Transport system 2.1 Rail network 2.1.2 Transfer area 2.3 Transport sled 2.3.1 Gripper system 3. Disc disposal 3.1.2 Deflection means, top guide plate 3.1.3 Lower guide plate, deflection device 3.1.4 Attack 3.1.5 Lifting device 3.1.6 Stacking beams 4 printing press

Claims

[1] A printing plate logistics system comprising a plate supply (1), a plate disposal (3), and a transport system (2) connecting the plate supply (1) and the plate disposal (3) to several printing presses (4), wherein the transport system (2) comprises a rail network (2.1) comprising rail segments and a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) movable on the rail network (2.1), and at least one printing press (4) has a plate changing device with a shaft, and wherein a rail segment of the rail network (2.1) runs in the area of ​​the plate changing device and is designed to be vertically displaceable relative to adjacent rail segments, wherein means for fixing a respective transport carriage (2.3) on the rail segment when the rail segment is displaced are assigned to the vertically displaceable rail segment, and wherein each transport carriage (2.3) has a mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) for suspending and fixing a respective plate, which is held in a closed position by a power storage device. [2] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, wherein an actuator is formed in the area of ​​the plate changing device which can be brought into engagement with a mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) by vertical displacement of the rail segment and, when activated, opens the mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) against the force of a power storage device. [3] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertically displaceable rail segment is spatially assigned to an insertion shaft of the plate changing device and / or is vertically displaceable relative to it in such a way that when the rail segment is lowered, a plate held in a mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) of a transport carriage (2.3) guided on the rail segment is inserted into the insertion shaft. [4] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the vertically displaceable rail segment is spatially assigned to a shaft of the plate changing device and / or is vertically displaceable relative to it in such a way that when the rail segment is lowered, a plate conveyed from a discharge shaft of the plate changing device can be transferred into a detection area of ​​a mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) of a transport carriage (2.3) guided on the rail segment. [5] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein a mechanical gripper system (2.3.1) is designed with a detection area for capturing a respective plate, with which, in one and the same position of the gripper system (2.3.1), an insertion of a respective plate into an insertion shaft and a receiving of a plate conveyed from an output shaft of a plate changing device is made possible. [6] Pressure plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein at least one rail segment is arranged inclined relative to the horizontal, so that a respective transport carriage (2.3) located on the rail segment moves solely by gravity acting down the slope. [7] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein permanently rotating brushes are arranged at least in certain areas along the rail network (2.1), the bristles of which engage in recesses formed on transport carriages (2.3) for driving the transport carriages (2.3). [8] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein at least one rail segment is arranged inclined relative to the horizontal and permanently rotating brushes are arranged along the rail segment, the bristles of which engage in recesses formed on transport carriages (2.3) for driving the transport carriages (2.3) against the downward force of gravity. [9] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein each vertically displaceable rail segment is assigned a single motor-driven gear or toothed chain and each transport carriage (2.3) is assigned a toothed segment, wherein the gear or toothed chain meshes exclusively with the toothed segment assigned to a respective transport carriage (2.3) when the respective transport carriage (2.3) is located on the vertically displaceable rail segment.

Images