Method for depositing sheets in a delivery tray of a sheet-processing machine

Abstract

Method for operating a delivery unit (1) of a sheet-processing machine with a non-stop device (11), wherein sheets are gripped at the leading edge by a conveying system (2) in a sheet conveying direction (BFR) via a sheet brake (7) to a stacking area and released above the stacking area, wherein the released sheets are decelerated by the sheet brake (7), wherein in the area of ​​the sheet brake (7) at least one support element (18) is first moved into the stacking area and wherein subsequently, to form an auxiliary stack, an auxiliary stack carrier (12) is moved by the non-stop device (11) in the sheet conveying direction (BFR) into the stacking area with sensor support, characterized in that the movement of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) takes place depending on sensor signals from a sensor (30) and the current position of the auxiliary stack carrier (12).wherein the auxiliary stack carrier (12) is returned to a starting position after an aborted insertion movement.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for depositing sheets in a delivery of a sheet-processing machine with a non-stop device.

[0002] In printing, it is helpful to be able to produce uninterrupted over a longer period. To continue printing even with a full delivery stack, so-called nonstop systems are common. Here, auxiliary stack supports or support elements such as rollers, boards, rods, etc., are inserted into the flow of falling sheets to form a temporary stack, while the pallet change can take place underneath. To allow these support elements to be inserted into the sheet flow without collision, support elements, such as nonstop fingers, with a defined control mechanism are provided at the trailing edge.

[0003] The system can incorporate one or more nonstop fingers or pivoting plates, which are inserted into the arched drop from behind to hold one arched sheet up, upon which the other sheets then rest. Meanwhile, the delivery stack can be moved downwards until a sufficiently large opening is created into which a roller blind can enter without collision.

[0004] The problem is that, when a nonstop operation is triggered, the nonstop fingers or pivot plates that extend into position do not guarantee that all parts of the arch's trailing edge are supported above the space required for the nonstop roller blind to retract, especially with flexible materials and / or an unfavorable axial position of the axially positionable nonstop fingers or pivot plates. This can lead to an arch corner extending far beyond an outer nonstop finger or pivot plate protruding downwards to the point where it collides with the retracting nonstop roller blind. Consequently, this can result in damage to the storage area or even a breakdown.

[0005] DE 296 19 951 U1 discloses a device for automatic stack changing, wherein a control device controls the insertion movement of laterally inserted sheet separating devices and the insertion movement of laterally inserted auxiliary stack carriers using sensor support.

[0006] DE 10 2014 210 109 A1 discloses a method for uninterrupted stack change on a sheet processing machine and a corresponding delivery system, wherein the auxiliary stack carrier is pre-positioned to the sheet stack before entering the stacking area.

[0007] DE 10 2015 210 556 A1 discloses a delivery system for a sheet processing machine and a method for depositing sheets, wherein a sensor is provided for monitoring the position of a sheet with respect to a stop and the sensor is designed to monitor a point within the stack plan.

[0008] From DE 10 2005 014 296 A1, a sheet trailing edge support is known, wherein at least one separating device is inserted centrally into the stacking area in the sheet conveying direction, forming a support area that tapers outwards. The actual auxiliary stacking support only moves into position when it has been ensured that the sheets still falling below the separating device have also reached the area below the auxiliary stacking support. This is achieved either by waiting a certain amount of time or by detecting the falling sheets below the separating device using sensors. The precise method of controlling the auxiliary stacking support is not disclosed.

[0009] From DE 10 2005 058 197 A1, an arch support is known in which a trailing edge of an arch is held up by support elements while an auxiliary stacking beam is inserted underneath. The auxiliary stacking beam only inserts when it is ensured that the arches still falling below the support elements have also reached the area below the auxiliary stacking beam. This is achieved either through a corresponding time control or by sensor detection of the falling arches below the support elements. The exact method of controlling the auxiliary stacking beam is not disclosed.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of creating an alternative method for depositing sheets in the delivery unit of a sheet-processing machine. In particular, it aims to create an improved non-stop operation in the delivery unit of a sheet-processing machine, for example, a printing press.

[0011] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a method with the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0012] The invention has the advantage of providing an alternative method for depositing sheets into the delivery tray of a sheet-processing machine. In particular, it also enables improved non-stop operation. A suitable sheet-processing machine could, for example, be a printing press, especially an offset rotary printing press, with a delivery tray.

[0013] Advantageously, when using support elements, especially support bars such as nonstop fingers or swivel plates, the control system ensures that a sufficiently large entry gap exists for the auxiliary stacking support, for example a roller blind, so that even when processing flexible material or with an arbitrarily chosen position of the support elements, especially nonstop fingers, a collision with the trailing edge of the arch can be ruled out.

[0014] For temporary intermediate support of the trailing edges of the stacks during the initiation of the nonstop process, a nonstop device is provided, which includes support elements such as nonstop fingers or pivot plates that can be swiveled around, for example, vertical pivot axes and extend into the stacking area or the stacking plan. An auxiliary stacking support, such as a nonstop roller blind or nonstop rake, which extends below the support elements into the stacking area or the stacking plan, is provided for the intermediate support of the nonstop stack or auxiliary stack during stack removal or pallet exchange.

[0015] Preferably, a sensor, in particular a light barrier, is arranged in the area of ​​the trailing edge of the stack. In particular, the light barrier is arranged such that its optical beam path runs transversely to the sheet conveying direction below the support element(s), in particular nonstop fingers or pivot plates. The sensor, in particular the light barrier, monitors or checks, in particular, the area just above an upper limit or within an entry gap of the auxiliary stack support, in particular a nonstop roller blind, for sheet sections protruding into the entry gap.

[0016] The sensor, in particular the light barrier, is preferably connected to a control unit, for example the machine control, which evaluates or analyzes the transmitted sensor values. Preferably, the time of checking or evaluating the sensor values ​​can essentially coincide with the start of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind. Specifically, it is provided that if a section of the sheet is detected by the sensor, for example, if the light barrier is interrupted, the retraction of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind, does not begin.

[0017] The control unit preferably evaluates the sensor signals by detecting whether a section of the arc, for example a hanging corner, is present over the at least one support element. The sensor unit preferably performs a continuous evaluation of the sensor signals even after the auxiliary stacking support has begun to be moved into the stacking area. The control unit can then, in particular, control the movement of the auxiliary stacking support, especially the roller blind, based on the sensor signals, especially from the light barrier, and the current position of the auxiliary stacking support, especially the position reached by the roller blind.

[0018] In the event of a detected arc or arc segment, for example, if the light barrier is interrupted, the auxiliary stack support's retraction movement can be interrupted after it has already begun, particularly during the roller shutter's movement. Depending on the progress of the auxiliary stack support's movement, especially the roller shutter's movement, its further retraction can be stopped, and the auxiliary stack support, especially the roller shutter, can be returned to its initial position. The retraction movement of the auxiliary stack support is specifically intended to be interrupted if it, or its tip, has not yet reached the position of the sensor, especially the light barrier.

[0019] In the event of detection, for example, if the light barrier is interrupted before the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind, reaches the sensor position, the insertion movement of the auxiliary stack support, in particular the roller blind movement, can be interrupted, and the elements (support elements and auxiliary stack support) can be moved back to their starting or parked position. Preferably, the stack is also lowered further by the thickness of all sheets located on the support elements, in particular nonstop fingers or pivot plates. Even more preferably, the nonstop process can be automatically restarted. Otherwise, if detection occurs before the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind, reaches the sensor position, the nonstop process can be aborted, and in particular, the machine can be stopped.

[0020] In particular, in the event of a detection event, such as an interruption of the light barrier, the nonstop process can continue or no longer be aborted after the sensor position has passed through the auxiliary stack carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind. Specifically, the nonstop process continues if at least the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind, has passed a vertical plane oriented transversely to the arc conveyor direction and intersecting the position of the sensor, especially the sensor beam, during its insertion movement.

[0021] Advantageously, this makes it possible to check the clearance of the entry gap for an auxiliary stacking carrier, especially a non-stop roller blind, before insertion. This prevents crumpling and damage during a non-stop operation. In particular, unnecessary machine downtime can also be avoided by repeatedly inserting the support element(s).

[0022] The invention will now be explained by way of example. The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate the following: Fig. 1 Side view of a delivery of a sheet processing machine with a conveying system, a sheet brake and a non-stop device; Fig. 2 Section of a side view of a display with an auxiliary stacking carrier in front of the entry into the stacking area and with swinging driven stops; Fig. 3 Perspective view of a section of a bow brake with an axially adjustable brake station supporting a support rod; Fig. 4 Perspective view of a section of a bow brake with pneumatically actuated support rods; Fig. 5 Perspective view of a bow brake with support rods arranged at braking stations in starting position; Fig. 6 Perspective view of the arch brake with support bars inserted into the stacking area; Fig. 7 Perspective view of the arch brake with support bars retracted and lowered into the stacking area; Fig. 8 Perspective view of the bow brake with lowered support bars withdrawn from the stacking area; Fig. 9 - 14 Drive of a support rod by means of a two-actuator drive; Fig. 15 - 18 Angle-controlled insertion of a support bar into the stacking area; Fig. 19 - 20 Sensor-controlled insertion of an auxiliary stacking carrier into the stacking area.

[0023] The Fig. Figure 1 shows, for example, the stacking area of ​​a delivery unit 1 of a sheet-fed printing machine, such as a sheet-fed printing press, in particular a sheet-fed offset rotary printing press, preferably in a modular or in-line configuration, in which the processed sheets, for example printed and / or coated, are deposited. Circulating conveyor systems, for example gripper carriages 2 carrying clamping grippers, are preferably used to transport the sheets from a final processing station, in particular a final printing or coating unit, of the machine. The sheets are fixed at their leading edges and conveyed in the sheet feed direction (BFR) to the stacking area by these carriages. The conveyor systems are preferably designed as chain conveyor systems with two delivery chains, each guided laterally on the frame of the delivery unit 1, between which the gripper carriages 2 are arranged.The delivery chains continuously guide the gripper carriages 2 on a gripper carriage track in the sheet conveying direction BFR to the stacking area or over a delivery stack 3, where the gripper carriages 2 release the sheets for deposit.

[0024] In the delivery unit 1, sheet guide plates (not shown) can be arranged below the sheet conveying path, guiding the sheets on their way to the delivery stack 3. Such sheet guide plates preferably have at least nearly closed surfaces for sliding and / or floating guidance of the sheets. Preferably, the sheet guide plates can be equipped with nozzle openings, in particular Venturi nozzles, for pneumatic guidance of the sheets. The machine can also have a turning device and is preferably designed to be switchable between single-sided printing and double-sided printing modes. An air cushion can be formed between the sheet guide plates and the sheets transported over them, particularly in double-sided printing mode. The delivery unit 1 is designed in particular as a non-stop delivery unit for uninterrupted stack removal with a non-stop device 11 and can also be designed as a double-stack or multiple-stack delivery unit.

[0025] In the stacking area of ​​the delivery unit 1, a stacking support plate 4, which can be vertically displaced by a stacking lifting device (not shown), is provided. This plate can, for example, support a pallet 5 for receiving the sheets to be delivered. Above or in the stacking area, particularly above the stacking support plate 4, the grippers of the gripper carriages 2 open and release the sheets, so that they fall under the influence of gravity, for example, onto the pallet 5 arranged on the stacking support plate 4. Above the delivery stack 3, blowing devices, for example, a blowing frame preferably with axial fans, can be arranged to assist the delivery movement of the sheets released by the gripper carriages 2. In this way, the delivery stack 3 is formed on the pallet 5 from sheets stacked on top of each other. Leading edge stops 6 and trailing edge stops 9, optionally together with side edge stops, formThe side edge pushers together in the stacking area form a drop-off chute for the falling sheets. As the delivery stack 3 on the pallet 5 increases, the stacking support plate 4 is lowered by the stacking lift drive, so that each sheet to be deposited travels approximately the same distance to the stack surface. A sensor, preferably detecting the top edge of the delivery stack 3, can be arranged to control the lowering movement of the stacking support plate 4. Once the delivery stack 3 has reached its maximum height, the delivery of the delivery stack 3 can be carried out, in particular without interruption, using the nonstop device 11. The delivery unit 1 can also be equipped with a logistics system for the preferably automated transport of full and / or empty pallets 5.

[0026] In the delivery unit 1, a sheet brake 7 is arranged upstream of the delivery stack 3 with respect to the sheet conveying direction (BFR). This brake takes the sheets to be laid down from the gripper carriages 2 and, after their release, decelerates them from machine speed to the laying speed. A sheet brake 7 can, for example, have rotating and / or circumferential braking elements acting on the underside of the sheets, particularly those that are pneumatically actuated. During the laying process, the sheets to be laid down are slowed down by the sheet brake 7 after being released by a gripper carriage 2. The slowed sheets then adhere, particularly under the influence of compressed air, to the contact surfaces of the leading-edge stops 6 and fall onto the stack surface. Preferably, the sheet brake 7 comprises at least two braking stations that are arranged to be displaceable axially, i.e., transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR).However, several such braking stations can also be used, for example, at least three, or exactly three, four, five, six, seven, or even more depending on the format. The braking stations can be positioned, particularly in front and back printing, on a respective lateral, usually unprinted, sheet margin, on unprinted corridors, and / or on sufficiently dried ink areas. This repositioning can preferably be motorized. For example, one or more actuators, especially via spindles, can reposition the braking stations. Each, several, or all braking stations can have their own dedicated drive. Unneeded braking stations can be deactivated and / or moved laterally out of the sheet area.

[0027] Preferably, each braking station of the sheet brake 7 has at least one braking element, preferably a brake band 8 mounted around several axes of rotation. The brake band 8 preferably interacts pneumatically with the sheets transported via the sheet brake 7 or the respective braking station. In particular, the sheets are brought into contact with the brake band 8 and / or held in place by suction air, so that contact is established between the brake band 8 and the respective sheet. The brake band 8 moves at least temporarily at a speed lower than the machine speed and decelerates each sheet released by the gripper carriage 2 accordingly. A drive is assigned to the brake band 8 for this purpose, which drives it at a constant or variable speed reduced compared to the machine speed.Preferably, the brake band 8 is operated dynamically and / or periodically between at least approximately machine speed and a lower depositing speed. Furthermore, the braking elements of the sheet brake 7, in particular brake bands 8, can also exert a transversely tightening force on each sheet to be deposited by means of an arrangement diverging with respect to the sheet conveying direction BFR. For example, the sheet brake 7 can have catching elements, such as suction rings, arranged upstream of the braking elements with respect to the sheet conveying direction BFR. These catching elements, in particular suction rings, can be displaceable or height-adjusted and / or separately pneumatically controlled.

[0028] To adjust to a sheet format that includes a sheet length oriented in the sheet conveying direction (BFR), the sheet brake 7 and / or the brake stations are designed to be movable in and against the sheet conveying direction (BFR). By adjusting to the sheet format, the sheet brake 7 and / or the brake stations are positioned such that a desired distance between the brake elements, in particular the brake bands 8, and the vertical stop surfaces of the leading edge stops 6 is achieved. The sheet brake 7 and / or the brake stations are preferably mounted in a separate frame, which is designed to be movable in and against the sheet conveying direction (BFR) and fixed in the desired position to accommodate different sheet formats. This movement is performed, in particular, by a motor or automatically, for example, by a separate drive. An electric motor can be used as a separate drive.To control the drive, it is connected to a control unit, in particular the machine control.

[0029] In the stacking area of ​​the delivery unit 1, a crossbeam, preferably spanning the width of the machine, is arranged on the side facing the delivery stack 3 in the area of ​​the sheet brake 7. This crossbeam is designed here as a trailing edge crossbeam 10. The trailing edge crossbeam 10 carries at least one, and preferably several, trailing edge stops 9 for aligning falling sheet trailing edges during the delivery process. The trailing edge stops 9 also have vertically oriented stop surfaces, which are in particular movable and / or pivotable. The trailing edge crossbeam 10 can, for example, be mounted separately by means of one or more actuators so that it can be moved in and against the sheet conveying direction (BFR), whereby the individual trailing edge stops 9 do not necessarily have to be assigned separate actuators. The trailing edge crossbeam 10 can also be adjusted to the trailing edge of the selected sheet format simultaneously with the sheet brake 7.For example, the trailing edge traverse 10 can be connected to the arc brake 7, in which case separate actuators or drives can be provided for the trailing edge stop(s) 9. Piezo actuators or piezo elements are used as the actuator(s).

[0030] For example, a sample sheet removal device (not shown) located downstream of the stacking area with respect to the sheet conveying direction (BFR) can serve for sample sheet removal. For sample sheet removal, support or separating elements, such as actuators, particularly pneumatic cylinders, movable support bars, or fingers, can be inserted into the stacking area against the sheet conveying direction (BFR) to hold the falling sheets. For example, for sample sheet removal, the leading edge stops 6 can be movable, in particular pivotable. The leading edge stops 6 can, for example, be supported by a leading edge stop shaft and pivotable about this shaft. In particular, the stop surfaces of the leading edge stops 6 are preferably formed entirely above the leading edge stop shaft. The leading edge stops 6, or...In particular, one actuator is assigned to the front edge stop shaft for displacement.

[0031] For uninterrupted stack changes or stack removal, the nonstop device 11 in the delivery area 1 has an auxiliary stack support that can be moved by a drive. This auxiliary stack support contains a support structure that can be moved into the stacking area or the sheet drop area over the delivery stack 3 and moved out of the stacking area in the opposite direction of entry. Generally, such auxiliary stack supports can be designed as roller blinds, boards, rods, etc. In particular, the auxiliary stack support here is designed as a nonstop roller blind 12 that can be moved in the sheet conveying direction (BFR), preferably with a plurality of rollers as a support structure. The nonstop device 11, or the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is preferably arranged directly below the sheet brake 7 and has, in particular, a separate auxiliary stack lifting device for vertical displacement.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller shutter 12, before entering the stacking area. For the auxiliary stacking support to enter the stacking area, the delivery stack 3 must be lowered so that the auxiliary stacking support can move between the falling sheets in the stacking area. To prevent the sheets located in the upper delivery chute from jamming during the lowering movement of the delivery stack 3, the front edge stops 6 and / or rear edge stops 9 are periodically moved, specifically for stack removal, between a position adjacent to the formed delivery stack 3 and a position away from this delivery stack 3. In doing so, the front edge stops 6 and / or rear edge stops 9 are regularly moved from a backlash-free position against the delivery stack 3 to a position with play relative to the delivery stack 3. Furthermore, side edge stops are also preferably provided.The side edge pushers are periodically moved between a position adjacent to the delivery stack 3, preferably without play, and a position away from the delivery stack 3. The front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops or side edge pushers are preferably driven by a respective actuator in a particularly high-frequency oscillation, for example, with a frequency in the range of 50 to 500 Hz, preferably with a frequency in the range of 75 to 250 Hz, particularly preferably with a frequency in the range of 90 to 150 Hz, and particularly with a frequency of at least approximately 100 Hz. The frequency can also be set or changed, particularly depending on parameters or measured values. Preferably, at least the front edge stops 6 and the rear edge stops 9 each have the same oscillation frequency.

[0033] The front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops or side edge pushers move exclusively horizontally, with their stop surfaces preferably always remaining parallel to the respective side surface of the delivery stack 3. The stop surfaces can be shifted between positions by, for example, fractions of a millimeter up to a few millimeters. The driven front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops or side edge pushers ensure uninterrupted guidance and alignment of the sheets being conveyed, even during a stack lowering movement for stack removal. In particular, the front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, side edge stops, or side edge pushers are moved in phase with each other in such a way that their stop surfaces always move simultaneously towards the delivery stack 3.simultaneously move away from the delivery stack 3. In particular, the contact surfaces of the front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9 and / or side edge stops or side edge pushers contact the respective stack side surfaces simultaneously, so that no displacement of the sheets occurs. Alternatively or in specific cases, the contact surfaces can also be shifted, for example, around a pivot point, so that the contact surfaces do not perform a purely horizontal movement.

[0034] The movement of the front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops or side edge pushers is preferably coordinated by a control unit, in particular the machine control, which is connected, in particular electrically, to all actuators, especially all piezo actuators, of the stops 6 and 9 for their control. The periodic stop movement is preferably carried out by the control unit exclusively during the additional stack lowering movement for uninterrupted stack removal by means of the nonstop device 11. Furthermore, the sheet brake 7, which is set to the sheet format, preferably remains unchanged in its position, so that the sheets released during stack removal can be deposited under the same conditions with a delay onto the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12.Furthermore, in particular before the auxiliary stacking support, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, is inserted into the stacking area above the auxiliary stacking support to support falling arches, forming a gap between the falling arches for the auxiliary stacking support, especially the nonstop roller blind 12.

[0035] Once the sheets have settled onto the support elements and / or the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, the front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops or side edge pushers can be returned to their positions for a particularly backlash-free contact with the forming auxiliary stack. The oscillating drive of at least the front edge stops 6 and / or rear edge stops 9 preferably only occurs during stack removal or stack change. However, the actuators or drives provided for the rear edge stops 9 can also be used for format adjustment, fine-tuning, or readjustment, and for the front edge stops 6 for repositioning during test sheet removal.Furthermore, some or all stops 6, 9 could be driven by oscillation during the transfer of the auxiliary stack to the new pallet 5 with the stack support plate 4 raised, so that the auxiliary stack can be safely transferred to the new pallet 5. This can be done with the same or an adjusted oscillation frequency mentioned above.

[0036] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a sheet brake 7 in a delivery 1 of a sheet-processing machine, particularly as described above. At least one brake station of the sheet brake 7 includes a base body 13, which is mounted or guided on a guide traverse 14 arranged transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR for axial adjustment. For example, the brake station can be mounted exclusively on a downwardly open U-shaped guide traverse 14, which extends transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR at least over the maximum sheet format to be processed and, in particular, supports all brake stations of the sheet brake 7. The guide traverse 14 can, in particular, partially or completely enclose the actuator for the axial adjustment of the or all brake stations.The brake station can be moved or shifted, preferably by the respective actuator, along the guide traverse 14 arranged transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR and a trailing edge traverse 10 carrying trailing edge stops 9 arranged in the area of ​​the sheet brake 7, in accordance with axial adjustment. For example, the guide traverse 14 and the trailing edge traverse 10 can be connected together with laterally movable signs (not shown) for format adjustment.

[0037] The brake station of the arc brake 7 further comprises a first drive element, in particular a first square shaft drive 15, for the rotary drive of the associated brake element, in particular the brake band 8, and preferably a second drive element, in particular a second square shaft drive 16, for the pneumatic control of the brake element, in particular the brake band 8. The drive of the brake element, in particular the brake band 8, can be effected, for example, via a drive wheel, preferably designed as a hedgehog wheel, which is driven directly or via a gear stage by the first drive element, in particular the first square shaft drive 15.Preferably, all brake elements assigned to the brake stations of the arc brake 7, in particular all brake bands 8, are driven jointly by rotational movement of the square shaft of the first square shaft drive 15, which is arranged across the machine width, and / or all brake elements assigned to the brake stations of the arc brake 7, in particular all brake bands 8, are controlled jointly by pneumatic movement of the square shaft of the second square shaft drive 16, which is arranged across the machine width. The square shafts are arranged here in particular parallel to the trailing edge traverse 10 or guide traverse 14.

[0038] The at least one axially adjustable brake station of the sheet brake 7 is assigned at least one support or separating element, which can be moved into the stacking area, in particular the stack plan, to create or enlarge a sheet gap in the stacking area or in the sheet drop area. Preferably, a support rod can be used as the support element, which is moved or mounted by at least one actuator. Preferably, a rod movable by a pneumatic cylinder 17, for example a piston rod or the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, can be used as the support rod. In particular, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is held by the actuator, in particular the first pneumatic cylinder 17, linearly in an at least approximately horizontal orientation in the sheet conveying direction BFR into the stacking area or the sheet drop area on the base body 13 of the brake station.The support element can be moved by the actuator both in the arc conveying direction BFR and against the arc conveying direction BFR. In particular, the pneumatic cylinder piston 18 can be extended in the arc conveying direction BFR and retracted against the arc conveying direction BFR.

[0039] The support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is preferably arranged directly below the contact surface of the braking element, in particular the brake band 8, of the braking station. This ensures that the trailing edge of the arc, which is decelerated or held by the braking element, in particular the brake band 8, can be supported in the best possible flat position after leaving the contact surface. The distance between the immediately successive arcs is greatest after leaving the arc brake 7 and decreases with the distance traveled, or becomes more undefined or random with the distance traveled. The preferred arrangement of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, between the braking elements, in particular between the brake bands 8, of the braking stations of the arc brake 7 ensures the largest possible arc gap with increased reliability.Preferably, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, or the actuator, in particular the first pneumatic cylinder 17, is pivotably or rotatably mounted on the brake station, in particular on the base body 13 of the brake station, about a horizontally oriented pivot axis arranged transversely to the arc conveying direction BFR.

[0040] The brake station of the arc brake 7, in particular the base body 13 of the brake station, is associated with a second actuator, which interacts with the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, or with the actuator, in particular the first pneumatic cylinder 17, for the support element. This second actuator can, for example, be designed as a second pneumatic cylinder 19 and configured for adjusting the inclination of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18. For example, the second actuator, in particular the second pneumatic cylinder 19, can be pivotally connected to the first actuator, in particular the first pneumatic cylinder 17. The second pneumatic cylinder 19 can be positioned at a distance from the bearing or pivot axis of the first pneumatic cylinder 17. The second pneumatic cylinder 19 can preferably be connected directly to the first pneumatic cylinder 17 or via gears or couplings.The second actuator, in particular the second pneumatic cylinder 19, allows the support element, especially the pneumatic cylinder piston 18 of the first pneumatic cylinder 17, to be moved from its essentially horizontal orientation to a position inclined to the horizontal. The second actuator, in particular the second pneumatic cylinder 19, is specifically designed for adjustment between these two positions, so that the inclination of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, can be adjusted in both directions. Furthermore, the travel of the support element, in particular the first pneumatic cylinder piston 18, and / or of the second actuator, in particular the second pneumatic cylinder piston, can be variable or adjustable.For example, the initial height of the support element, in particular the piston of the first pneumatic cylinder 18, can be changed or adjusted by appropriately adjusting the second pneumatic cylinder 19. With the second pneumatic cylinder 19 held slightly retracted, the support element, in particular the piston of the first pneumatic cylinder 18, can also be retracted into the stacking area in an orientation inclined to the horizontal.

[0041] Furthermore, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, can have blowing and / or suction air openings, preferably in an area that can be inserted into the stacking area. At least one opening can be provided in the direction of the sheet's descent or downwards, from which blowing air can escape, at least with one component directed downwards. Such blowing air can accelerate the descent of the sheets located below the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, and thus create a gap for the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, more quickly. Alternatively or additionally, openings for generating blowing air transverse to the sheet conveying direction (BFR) can also be provided, for example, in the area of ​​the tip of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18.Alternatively or additionally, for example, blown air can be introduced into the stacking area from an opening at the tip of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, in the arc conveying direction BFR.

[0042] Furthermore, at least one opening can be provided on the surface of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, which is located opposite the direction of the sheet's fall. This opening can be pressurized with suction air to hold the sheet resting on or supported. This ensures that at least the sheet supported by the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, in the stacking area is securely held during movement of the support element, in particular during tilting of the pneumatic cylinder piston 18 in the direction of the sheet's fall. The support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, can be connected to an overpressure generator and / or a vacuum generator. Further developments could include the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, or support rod, etc.Flexible separating devices such as straps may be assigned to the support fingers, for example, which are stretched when entering the stacking area and form an additional support surface.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 4 shows, for example, a section of a sheet brake 7 in the delivery 1 of a sheet-processing machine, for example, as described above. Shown here are two support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, with pneumatically actuated openings in areas that, when extended, are located in the stacking area or stack plan. One or more openings can be provided that allow or direct blown air in the direction of sheet fall, for example, vertically downwards, transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR), and / or in the sheet conveying direction (BFR). Furthermore, at least one opening can be provided at which a suction effect can be generated in a support area of ​​a sheet to be underpinned or already underpinned. A support element can have several channels for conducting negative and / or positive pressure.The one or more blowing air openings of a support element, in particular a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, are connected to a pressure generator that provides an air pressure higher than ambient pressure. It may also be provided that one or more support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are each assigned an ejector that generates suction air from the provided overpressure according to the ejector principle. This allows both blowing air and suction air to be provided at a support element, in particular at each pneumatic cylinder piston 18. Alternatively or in addition to suction openings of the support elements, separate suction elements, for example, suction cups, can also be used between the support elements, in particular between the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, for the pneumatic fixing of the trailing edge of the sheet.

[0044] Preferably, the support elements assigned to the individual braking stations of the arc brake 7, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are identical in design or mirror-symmetrical to one another. Specifically, identical pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 are arranged on the side facing an adjacent braking station or the center of the machine at each axially adjustable braking station of the arc brake 7. This ensures, in particular, that a sufficient number of support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, in the currently set format are always available to support the trailing edges of the arc.The preferred arrangement of the support elements, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, between brake elements, especially between brake bands 8, of the brake stations of the arc brake 7, ensures that the largest possible arc gap is reached with increased safety by all support elements, in particular all retracting pneumatic cylinder pistons 18. In particular, separate actuators, in particular pneumatic cylinders 17, are assigned to each support element for preferably linear displacement into the stacking area. The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are preferably also held and / or driven in their position within the stacking area so that they can be displaced or pivoted, as described above.

[0045] It can also be provided that the blowing air openings and / or suction air openings of the support elements, in particular the individual pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are pneumatically actuated independently of one another. In this way, blowing air can be activated and / or deactivated in the direction of the sheet's fall, perpendicular to the sheet's conveying direction (BFR), and in the sheet's conveying direction (BFR), and / or the suction air at the top can be activated and / or deactivated at different times. The pneumatic effect or intensity of the air at the support elements, in particular at all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can also be adjusted separately.For example, a blowing air stream perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction (BFR) can be activated until an adjacent support element, in particular a pneumatic cylinder piston 18 immediately adjacent in the blowing direction, is retracted into the stacking area, while a blowing air effect in the sheet's downward direction, for example vertically, can be maintained until the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is retracted below the support elements, in particular below all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18. For example, a downward blowing air stream can also be maintained during an adjustment of the inclination or downward movement of the support element(s), in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18. Furthermore, the desired suction height of the support element(s) can also be set in this way. Preferably, the respective suction height can be adapted to the shape of the sheet's trailing edge.The corresponding control can be achieved by the connected control unit, for example via switching valves. Furthermore, the control can also be achieved through manipulation by the operator, particularly during the depositing process, and / or be extended by sensor-based control.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sheet brake 7 with braking stations in a delivery unit 1, for example, as described above. The sheet brake 7 is specifically mounted in a separate frame and is designed to be movable in and against the sheet conveying direction (BFR) for adjustment to different sheet formats. A crossbeam, preferably extending across the machine width, is arranged on a side facing the stacking area. This crossbeam is designed here as a trailing-edge crossbeam 10 and is associated with the sheet brake 7. The trailing-edge crossbeam 10 preferably carries several trailing-edge stops 9, each of which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis oriented in the sheet conveying direction (BFR). By moving the trailing-edge crossbeam 10, possibly together with the sheet brake 7, in or against the sheet conveying direction (BFR), the trailing-edge stops 9 are adjusted to the current sheet format.Separate actuators, in particular piezo actuators, can be assigned to the trailing edge stops 9 for oscillating drive and / or one or more actuators, in particular piezo actuators, can be assigned to the trailing edge traverse 10 for oscillating drive of all trailing edge stops 9, which are not shown further.

[0047] Preferably, a guide traverse 14 for supporting the braking stations, for example as described above, is rigidly connected together with the trailing edge traverse 10 and preferably with a further traverse 20, each with plates 21 arranged laterally in the area of ​​the delivery frame. Within or outside the area of ​​a maximum sheet width, the guide traverse 14 for the braking stations can be connected to or supported by the plates 21. For example, the trailing edge traverse 10 and the further traverse 20 can optionally extend beyond the plates 21 via connecting elements, such that they pass through openings in the frame walls of the lateral delivery frames. Particularly preferably, the trailing edge traverse 10 and the further traverse 20, or optionally connecting elements, are each received outside the delivery frame by fixing plates 22, which are supported against the delivery frame.The fixing plates 22, preferably arranged on both sides outside the delivery frame, are displaceable or slidable relative to the delivery frame, particularly in and against the direction of sheet conveyance (BFR). The fixing plates 22 can be supported, for example, by means of strips. Preferably, further protective elements are provided to encapsulate the elements that penetrate the frame walls.

[0048] The sheet brake 7, for example, comprises four braking stations that can be axially displaced or moved along the guide traverse 14, which is arranged transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR), by an actuator. The guide traverse 14 is preferably arranged approximately centrally to the braking stations when viewed in the sheet conveying direction (BFR) and is connected, in particular, to the lateral plates 21, which can be moved for format adjustment. In particular, the guide traverse 14 is thus fixed to the frame but adjustable for format. The guide traverse 14 extends at least over the maximum sheet format to be processed and, in particular, supports all braking stations of the sheet brake 7. An actuator for each braking station of the sheet brake 7 can, for example, comprise a spindle drive 23 arranged outside the plates 21, which can be controlled separately by a control device, in particular the machine control.Preferably, the spindle drives 23 of the brake stations can be mounted, in particular screwed, outside the delivery frame on a fixing plate 22, for example, located on the operator side of the machine. The actuator of each brake station of the sheet brake 7 includes, in particular, a threaded spindle 26, which is driven by one of the spindle drives 23. An axial adjustment of the respective brake station can be made via an actuating element (not shown) preferably guided within the guide traverse 14 and assigned to each brake station. By rotating a threaded spindle 26, the assigned actuating element, and with it the assigned brake station, can be moved axially, i.e., transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR), and thus adjusted. Each actuating element has, in particular, exactly one connection point.The engagement point is a threaded spindle 26, while the threaded spindles 26 of the other brake stations are only guided through bores of the actuating element.

[0049] The arc brake 7 further comprises a first drive, in particular a first square shaft drive 15, for driving brake elements, especially the brake bands 8, and preferably a second drive, in particular a second square shaft drive 16, for pneumatically controlling the brake elements, especially the brake bands 8, for example as described above. A servo motor 24 can, for example, be used as the drive for the square shaft of the first square shaft drive 15. Preferably, the servo motor 24 can be mounted, in particular screwed, outside the delivery frame on a fixing plate 22, for example, arranged on the drive side of the machine. Furthermore, the servo motor 24 can interact with a control device, for example the machine control, via which a desired delivery speed and / or, if necessary, the movement of the brake elements, in particular the brake bands 8, of the arc brake 7 can be set or adjusted.The arc brake 7 is modifiable. This allows the brake stations to be adapted to different pressure conditions. For example, a servo motor 25 can be provided as the drive for the square shaft of the second square shaft drive 16, which drives the square shaft, in particular at a single speed, i.e., in time with the machine cycle. Preferably, the servo motor 25 can be mounted, in particular screwed, outside the delivery frame adjacent to the servo motor 24 on the fixing plate 22. For example, a rotary valve for the cycle-by-cycle pneumatic control, in particular control of the suction air supply, a brake element, in particular the brake band 8, and / or a catch element of a brake station can each be driven by the second square shaft drive 16.

[0050] At least one brake station of the arc brake 7 is assigned a support element, in particular as described above. Preferably, however, several or all axially adjustable brake stations of the arc brake 7 are assigned such a support element, which is designed to be displaceable within the stacking area. The support elements are preferably designed as actuator-displaceable support bars and particularly preferably as pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 of pneumatic cylinders 17, as described above. Preferably, the support elements assigned to the brake stations, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are identical in design, whereby the off-center elements can also be arranged in a mirror image.In the case of multiple support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, these are preferably arranged on the side facing an adjacent brake station, particularly between the brake elements, especially the brake bands 8. Here, the support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are shown in a starting position outside the stacking area. The support elements, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are automatically adjusted to the current sheet format by the brake stations of the sheet brake 7.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the arc brake 7 with support elements arranged at braking stations and relocated into the stacking area, in particular with pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 extended and thus retracted into the stacking area. To enter the stacking area, the support elements are relocated linearly, at least approximately horizontally, in the arc conveying direction (BFR), particularly starting centrally, by the respective actuators, either simultaneously or sequentially. The actuators of the individual support elements can be controlled by the control unit to precisely control the retraction movement. Preferably, the pneumatic cylinders 17 that move the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 are equipped with electrically actuated switching valves, in particular high-speed switching valves.Preferably, the retraction movement of the support elements, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be controlled such that their movement begins when the trailing edge of the sheet to be laid down is located in the horizontal direction shortly before the end of the braking action. The extension speed of the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be equal to or slightly higher than the sheet feed speed. Furthermore, a sensor can also be provided in the area of ​​the sheet brake 7, for example, shortly before the end of the braking distance, which can be connected to the control unit. Based on the position values ​​of the sheet's trailing edge, the control unit can optimize the extension time of the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, or activate the air elements.When several support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, enter a gap between sheets in the stacking area, the gap can be enlarged by blown air in the direction of sheet fall, transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR, and / or in the sheet conveying direction BFR. In particular, a first, centrally located, or several approximately centrally located, retracting support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can enlarge the gap between the sheets such that the further, more outwardly retracting support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are guaranteed to encounter the same sheet gap.

[0052] The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, which move directly below the contact or braking surface of the braking elements, especially the brake bands 8, ensure that a gap between the sheets can be reliably engaged, since the sheets are guided in a defined manner by the braking elements, especially the brake bands 8, until they exit the stack. In the upper part of the stacking area, the gaps between the falling sheets are larger than near the stacking surface. Furthermore, deformations of the sheet trailing edges, which would make engaging the gap more difficult, only increase with increasing fall time. Therefore, in the preferred entry area just below the braking elements, and especially minimally below the brake bands 8, the sheet brake 7 can support a substantially straight sheet trailing edge.In addition, the support elements can preferably be thin and / or pointed, so that the probability of contact with a bow trailing edge is largely minimized.

[0053] For example, one or more, and preferably all, of the support elements located in the stacking area, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can fix a sheet being supported, especially by means of suction. For this purpose, openings, in particular suction openings, can be provided in the support area of ​​the sheet being supported. A sheet resting on the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, is thus held or fixed by these suction openings. Subsequently, the support elements located in the stacking area, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, which are still essentially horizontally oriented, can be moved or pivoted together or simultaneously in the direction of the sheet's fall, i.e., downwards, with the at least one sheet resting on them, in particular as described above.This removes the sheet(s) resting on the support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, from the area of ​​the rotating gripper carriages 2, as further sheets continuously deposit themselves on top of the sheet being underpinned.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the sheet brake 7 with support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, arranged at braking stations and retracted and lowered into the stacking area. The sheets, which continue to fall, can rest on these support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18. While the support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are located in the stacking area, the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, of the nonstop device 11, which is located in particular directly below the sheet brake 7, is moved into the stacking area in the sheet conveying direction BFR. The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are retracted from the stacking area together or simultaneously as soon as the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is at least partially located in the stacking area.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the sheet brake 7 with lowered support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, arranged at braking stations and withdrawn from the stacking area. By withdrawing the inclined support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, the sheets, held up by their trailing edge, can be gently laid down on the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12. Any suction air used to hold the sheets is switched off or deactivated before the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are moved out of the stacking area. The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can remain in this position or, for example, be moved or pivoted separately, together, or simultaneously into a horizontally oriented starting position outside the stacking area for another nonstop cycle. The position orThe movement of one, several or all support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder piston 18, can be monitored by sensors to increase safety.

[0056] During the normal depositing process, the sheets are collected into a delivery stack 3 until delivery stack 3 reaches a maximum height or it is ready to be removed. To remove delivery stack 3 from delivery 1, a continuous stack removal process is initiated using the nonstop device 11. The nonstop device 11 allows the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, to be positioned at the rear edge of the stack. As soon as the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is ready to enter the stacking area or the stack footprint of delivery stack 3, existing front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops can be engaged.The side edge pusher is set into a particularly high-frequency vibration and the delivery stack 3 is lowered by a predefinable distance by the stack lifting device, this lowering movement being provided as an additional movement to the continuous lowering movement.

[0057] Before, during, or after the additional lowering movement of the delivery stack 3, the support elements arranged at the braking stations of the sheet brake 7, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are moved simultaneously or with a time delay, starting in the center, into the stack area. The support of a defined sheet trailing edge can be assisted by compressed air, in particular from the support elements, especially the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18. In particular, compressed air can be generated in the sheet falling direction and / or transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR. The support elements located within the sheet format, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are moved into the stack area, in particular exclusively linearly and horizontally in the sheet conveying direction BFR, to support a falling sheet trailing edge.

[0058] The support elements located in the stacking area, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, hold at least one sheet at its trailing edge, so that the subsequently conveyed sheets rest on this sheet. The supported sheet can be fixed by the support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, for example by activating suction. Subsequently, the horizontally oriented support elements located in the stacking area, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be displaced or pivoted in the direction of sheet fall, along with the sheet(s) resting on them.

[0059] While the falling sheets are held up at the trailing edge by the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is moved in the sheet conveying direction BFR below the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, into the formed sheet gap. Additionally, support elements can also be used at the leading edge of the sheet, for example by a sample sheet removal device or on other sides of the stack.

[0060] As soon as the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is at least partially in the stacking area for receiving the falling sheets and forming an auxiliary stack, the support elements, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are preferably retracted simultaneously from the stacking area. While the auxiliary stack forms on the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, which is lowering vertically, the stacking support plate 4 can optionally be lowered by the stacking lifting drive and the pallet 5 with the delivery stack 3 can be removed from the delivery 1. A new pallet 5 can be placed on the stacking support plate 4 and this can be lifted by the stacking lifting drive.

[0061] The auxiliary stack formed on the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, can then be transferred to the empty pallet 5 by pulling the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, out of the stacking area against the direction of the arc conveying system (BFR). For transferring the auxiliary stack to the new empty pallet 5, the front edge stops 6, rear edge stops 9, and / or side edge stops or side edge bumpers can be set into a vibration, particularly at a high frequency, so that the auxiliary stack can be transferred to the empty pallet 5 without jamming but with sufficient alignment. The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be held in a waiting or parked position outside the stacking area during this process.Subsequently, the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be brought into a horizontally aligned starting position, so that they are available for another non-stop process.

[0062] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a drive for at least one support element, in particular a support bar or a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, for example as described above. In particular, a coupling gear with a two-actuator drive, in particular a two-cylinder drive, is provided for driving one or, in the case of multiple support elements, for driving a respective support element. During sheet transport, sheets are conveyed from the gripper carriages 2 via the sheet brake 7, as described in particular above. The support element, in particular a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is in a parked position in front of the stacking area during normal sheet transport. In this parked position, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is located between brake elements, in particular brake bands 8, of the axially adjustable brake stations of the sheet brake 7, as described in particular above.In the parked position, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, preferably assumes a position inclined relative to the horizontal. The support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is thus held at a distance, particularly vertically, from the contact surfaces of the brake element, in particular the brake band 8, so that the arc tracking remains unaffected. Particularly when initiating a non-stop process, the support element or all support elements, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be moved from the parked position to a defined starting position, in particular an upper starting position.

[0063] To reposition the support element, in particular a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, a second actuator, in particular a second pneumatic cylinder 19, is connected to the support element or the first actuator, in particular the first pneumatic cylinder 17. Specifically, a pneumatic cylinder piston of the second pneumatic cylinder 19 is rotatably connected to the first pneumatic cylinder 17 via a first coupling element 27. A second coupling element 28 is rotatably connected to the first coupling element 27 at the coupling point of the pneumatic cylinder piston, and the second coupling element 28 is preferably rotatably supported on a frame. For example, the second coupling element 28 can be supported on the arc brake 7, in particular on a base body 13 of a brake station. The first coupling element 27 and the second coupling element 28 can, for example, be of the same length.When the second actuator, in particular the second pneumatic cylinder 19, is actuated, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is pivoted between two or more different positions with respect to the horizontal about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is preferably formed transversely to the arc conveying direction, in particular between the braking stations of the arc brake 7, as already described above.

[0064] The Fig. Figure 10 shows the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, positioned in a trapping plane, which preferably corresponds to the horizontal or can also be parallel to the contact surface of the brake element, in particular the brake band 8. In the trapping position, the first coupling member 27 and / or the second coupling member 28 can assume a vertical position. The pneumatic cylinder piston of the second pneumatic cylinder 19 can, for example, be fully extended. The positioning of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, in the starting position or trapping position can take place before, during, or after the stack lowering movement for the nonstop process, in particular for nonstop stack removal or nonstop stack change. Preferably, the additional stack lowering movement of the delivery stack 3 and the positioning of the support element, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, take place simultaneously.Particularly preferred is the positioning of a support element, in particular a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, in the catch position coordinated such that the positioning is completed when the first arc to be supported is still in contact with the braking element, in particular the brake band 8, with its trailing edge, as shown.

[0065] The Fig. Figure 11 shows the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, which is retracted into the stack area or the stack plan and is brought into the arc drop area, particularly horizontally or linearly in the arc conveying direction BFR. The retraction of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, takes place during the stack lowering movement such that the first support arc to be underpinned is reliably supported immediately after leaving the braking element, in particular the brake band 8. During the retraction movement, in particular during the entire retraction movement, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, remains at least approximately horizontally oriented. Preferably, during the retraction movement of the support element into the stack area or the extension movement of the pneumatic cylinder piston 18 by the pneumatic cylinder 17, the first coupling element 27 and the second coupling element 28 remain in a vertical orientation.The support element inserted into the stacking area, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, assumes a preferably horizontally oriented first working position in the stacking area. The insertion of further support elements, in particular further pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, or the pneumatic configuration of the support elements can be carried out as described above.

[0066] The Fig. Figure 12 shows the support element located in the stacking area, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, in a further working position. In the stacking area, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is displaced or pivoted such that its support surface or support line is inclined to the horizontal. Preferably, all support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are pivoted about a pivot axis arranged horizontally transverse to the sheet conveying direction BFR such that they form a common lower collecting plane. It is also possible to pivot the individual support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, to different extents or depths such that the trailing edge of the sheet being placed on the stack is positioned in the middle, e.g.The arch lies deeper than at the edge, forming a longitudinal wave that stiffens the arch and additionally prevents the arch, or just its trailing edge, from buckling over the front tips of the support elements, particularly the tips of the pneumatic cylinder pistons. The inclination adjustment of the support element(s), particularly all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, is preferably achieved with at least one supporting arch resting on it, as shown or described above. To adjust a support element, particularly a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, from the first working position to the spaced-apart second working position located below, the second actuator, particularly the second pneumatic cylinder 19, is actuated. Preferably, the pneumatic cylinder piston of the second pneumatic cylinder 19 is retracted, so that the first coupling element 27 and the second coupling element 28 are moved from their respective vertical positions.The first pneumatic cylinder 17, connected to the first coupling element 27, approaches the frame-fixed mounting or support of the second coupling element 28.

[0067] Actuating the linkage mechanism shifts the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, from a first working position, which is primarily horizontal, to a second working position inclined relative to the horizontal. The angle of inclination between the horizontal and the support line of the support element, in particular the contact surface of the pneumatic cylinder piston(s) 18, can be acute. For example, the angle of inclination to the horizontal in the second working position can be in the range of 5° to 20° and preferably at least approximately 10°. However, different second or further working positions can also be provided, depending on the parameters. For example, the second working position can be adjustable or automatically set using sensors.

[0068] The Fig. Figure 13 shows the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, in the second inclined working position located in the stacking area, in which the sheets that have been deposited are held up by their trailing edge. While the trailing edges of the sheets are held up across the sheet width by the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, the auxiliary stack carrier of the nonstop device 11, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is retracted. The auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, moves over the sufficiently lowered delivery stack 3 in the sheet conveying direction BFR until it reaches the leading edge stops 6 of the delivery 1. Once the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, is at least partially in the stacking area and at least below the trailing edges of the sheets, the support element(s), in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be retracted from the stacking area or the stack plan.In particular, all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 are drawn in by the pneumatic cylinders 17, for example as described above.

[0069] The Fig. Figure 14 shows an auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, retracted above the delivery stack 3 to receive an auxiliary stack of sheets conveyed further. The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are extended from the stacking area or the stack plan, releasing the raised trailing edges of the sheets, so that the auxiliary stack forms on the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12. Preferably, the support element(s), in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are moved into the parked position outside the stacking area. Preferably, the angle of inclination assumed in the second working position is maintained; in particular, only the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 are retracted by the pneumatic cylinders 17. Preferably, the second pneumatic cylinder 19 remains inactive, so that the linkage is not actuated. During stack removal or...During the stack change and especially during the subsequent normal operation, the support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder piston 18, remain in the parked position. For another non-stop operation, the support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder piston 18, can be returned to the starting position or the catch position as described above.

[0070] The Fig. Figure 15 shows an angle-controlled retraction of a support element, in particular a pneumatic cylinder piston 18, into the stacking area for the purpose of a non-stop process, especially as described above. During normal sheet travel, the sheets are conveyed by the gripper carriages 2 in the sheet conveying direction BFR to the stacking area and released for placement. Each sheet to be placed is conveyed by the gripper carriages 2 at machine speed vGrabbercarriage and taken over by the discontinuously rotating braking elements, in particular the brake bands 8, and decelerated over a braking distance sBrakes to a residual speed vPlacement, whereby the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the residual speed vPlacement exactly at the braking end point P0.The sheet shown here, conveyed by the gripper carriage 2 and entering the stacking area, is already drawn in by the braking element, in particular the brake band 8, of the sheet brake 7, with the gripper carriage 2 being located shortly before the gripper opening, preferably by means of an adjustable gripper opening curve. The support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is in a starting position or the catching position, in particular as described above. The previous sheet located in the sheet drop area lowers onto the delivery stack 3.

[0071] The support elements, in particular pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, provided for the temporary intermediate support of the sheet trailing edges during the initiation of a non-stop process, are pneumatically connected to one or more switching valves, in particular a quick-switching valve, which, when actuated, allows the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, to retract into the stacking area or the stack plan and thus into the sheet drop area. The electrical control for one and preferably all switching valves is implemented by the control unit such that the support elements, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, have reached their working position or their first working position at a machine angle W1 at which the sheet trailing edge is in a determined desired position P1.The preferred determined desired position P1 is, in particular, the one at which the first support sheet begins to leave the sheet brake 7 or the discontinuously rotating brake bands 8, whereby a possible tolerance of approximately ± 50° can be taken into account. To determine the determined machine angle W1, a characteristic reference angle W0 is used, derived from the control of the dynamic braking movement of the brake elements, especially the brake bands 8, of the sheet brake 7. The characteristic reference angle W0 is, in particular, the angle at which the trailing edge of the sheet has reached exactly the braking endpoint P0 or the sheet has reached exactly the delivery speed vDelivery.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the characteristic reference angle W0 can also be obtained by a brake end sensor, in particular located at the braking endpoint P0.

[0073] In particular, the start angle W_Start for the control signal of the control valve(s) for the actuators, especially the pneumatic cylinders 17, is calculated as follows: W_Start=W0+(ΔsvAblage−t_Tott_Takt)∗360∘; where W0 is the machine angle at which the trailing edge of the arc is located at the braking endpoint P0, W1 is the machine angle at which the trailing edge of the arc is located at the determined desired position P1, at which the movement of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, is started, vAblage is the constant residual velocity of the arc after the end of arc braking at the braking endpoint P0, The remaining storage distance of the arc between braking endpoint P0 and the stack trailing edge is, The path offset Δs = P1 - P0 is which is with an angle offset δ= W1 - W0 correlates, t_Takt is the cycle time of the machine, in particular exactly corresponding to one revolution of a single-revving shaft, and t_Tot is the reaction time of the support element, in particular the Pneumatic cylinder piston 18, from the electrical signal until reaching the working position or the first working position.

[0074] The Fig. Figure 16 shows a braked sheet released by the gripper carriage 2, which continues to move towards the leading edge stops 6 with residual velocity vdeposit. This sheet has almost reached the stack base, with the downward movement of the stack progressing further. In this situation, the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, has just reached its working position in the stack base or its first working position in the stack area, for example as described in one of the illustrations above.

[0075] The Fig. Figure 17 shows the first arch to be supported by the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, which has reached the stack plan and completely covers it. The trailing edge of this first support arch rests on the support element(s), in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18, and is held up by them. Meanwhile, the downward movement of the delivery stack 3 has progressed further.

[0076] The Fig. Figure 18 shows the subsequent arches being laid down on the first raised support arch. The downward movement of the delivery stack 3 is stopped here, as the auxiliary stack support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, can move into the sufficiently large gap without collision. The further process can proceed as described above.

[0077] The Fig. Figure 19 shows a sensor-controlled insertion of an auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, into the stacking area. The at least one support element, in particular one or more pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are positioned in the stacking area such that the subsequent sheets conveyed by the gripper carriages 2 and decelerated by the sheet brake 7 are laid down on it, as described in particular above. The downward movement of the stack to create an insertion gap for the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, has already stopped here, as described in particular above.

[0078] In the display 1, a sensor is provided which is connected to a control unit, in particular the machine control, for evaluating the sensor signals. Furthermore, the control unit is preferably operatively connected both to the drive of the auxiliary stacking carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, and to the support elements arranged in the area of ​​the arc brake 7 above the auxiliary stacking carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, especially the pneumatic cylinders 17 which move the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 into the stacking area. Preferably, the sensor is designed as a light barrier 30 and is provided above the upper boundary of the entry gap, which can be formed, for example, by the support surface of the auxiliary stacking carrier, in particular by rollers or belts of the nonstop roller blind 12.Preferably, the sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, is arranged at a minimal distance from the aforementioned upper entry gap limit 29. Above the upper entry gap limit 29, the sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, has a clear view, unobstructed by the guides of the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12. The sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, can be positioned only a few millimeters above the upper entry gap limit 29. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor or light barrier sensor can also be provided in the entry gap of the auxiliary stacking support, if this is permitted by the guides of the auxiliary stacking support.

[0079] The light barrier 30, preferably provided here and connected to the control device, in particular the machine control, is arranged in the area of ​​the rear edge of the stack, its optical beam path running, in particular transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR, below the at least one support element, in particular below all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 located in the stack area. The sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, is thus arranged in the stack area or stack plan such that the space or area below the at least one support element located in the stack area, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 located in the stack area, is monitored by the sensor. The sensor or the light beam of the light barrier 30 thus lies in a vertical plane, which is oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR and can be understood as a spatial plane.The vertical plane intersects the sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, at its sensor position P2, where sensor position P2 is located in the stacking area at a distance from the rear edge of the stack in the arc conveying direction BFR. Sensor position P2 can be located a few centimeters away from the rear edge of the stack.

[0080] Particularly during a non-stop operation, the sensor, specifically the light barrier 30, monitors and checks the space immediately above the upper entry gap limit 29 or the entry space of the auxiliary stacking carrier, particularly the non-stop roller blind 12, for sheet fragments protruding into this entry space, e.g., hanging sheet corners 31, which can be caused by significant overhang and / or low basis weight, or sheet trailing edges located between the support elements, particularly pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, which can occur if not all support elements, particularly pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, engage the same sheet gap. By evaluating the sensor signals, the control unit can thus determine whether there is an unobstructed passage in the entry gap of the auxiliary stacking carrier, particularly the non-stop roller blind 12. If no sheet fragments orHanging arched corners 31 can be detected, allowing the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, to move into the gap without collision. Clear passage cannot be detected if the presence of arched parts such as hanging arched corners 31 is detected in the entry space, which triggers a detection event.

[0081] Preferably, depending on the sensor signals, in particular those of the light barrier 30, the at least one support element or all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 can be removed from the stacking area. Preferably, when a sheet segment, in particular a hanging sheet corner 31, is detected by evaluating the sensor signals, the at least one support element or all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 are returned to their initial position or catch position. The delivery stack 3 located in the stacking area is then lowered, in particular by the thickness of the sheets placed on the at least one support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18. The control device can preferably automatically restart the nonstop process when a sheet segment, in particular a hanging sheet corner 31, is detected by evaluating the sensor signals.

[0082] During an initiated non-stop process, the at least one support element or the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 can be moved from their initial or catch position into the stacking area for the first time or again, particularly depending on the machine angle, as described above. Preferably, the at least one support element, and in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can also be moved into the stacking area in such a controlled manner that they reach their working position at a machine angle W1, at which a trailing edge of the sheet is in a determined desired position P1 with respect to the discontinuously rotating brake elements, in particular the brake bands 8 of the sheet brake 7. The insertion, relocation, or pivoting of the support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be carried out as described in detail above. Furthermore, after renewed orUpon repeated engagement of the at least one support element, particularly after repeated engagement of the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, a signal is initiated and / or a machine stop is initiated when a sheet segment, especially a hanging sheet corner 31, is detected by evaluating the sensor signals. For example, after the first repetition, the warning signal can be automatically triggered and the machine stop initiated. For example, the control unit can detect, by evaluating the sensor signals, whether a sheet is still falling or whether a sheet segment, such as a hanging sheet corner 31, is present over the at least one support element, especially a pneumatic cylinder piston 18.

[0083] The Fig.Figure 20 shows, for example, an arc portion projecting into the entry gap of the auxiliary stacking carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, specifically an arc corner 31 hanging over the at least one support element, in particular at least one pneumatic cylinder piston 18, which is detected by the sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, in conjunction with the control unit. The arc corner 31 hanging into the entry space or entry gap of the auxiliary stacking carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, interrupts the beam of the light barrier 30 and can thus be detected. In such a detection case, the control unit can prevent or abort the entry of the auxiliary stacking carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, or abort the entire nonstop process, whereby the at least one support element, in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, are removed from the stacking area, as already described.

[0084] The control unit can also control the displacement of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, depending on the sensor signals from the sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, and the current position of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12. For example, it may be provided that the sensor signals are only evaluated until the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, has passed the vertical plane intersecting the sensor position P2 of the sensor, in particular the light barrier 30, which is oriented transversely to the arc conveying direction BFR, during its retraction movement.In the event of detection, i.e., when a section of the arc, in particular a hanging corner of the arc 31, is detected by the control device before or after the start of the insertion movement of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, into the stacking area, the further movement of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, can thus be controlled depending on the progress of the movement of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12.

[0085] In the event of a detection event, or a sheet segment detected by evaluating the sensor signals, particularly a hanging sheet corner 31, the control unit can prevent the auxiliary stacking carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, from entering the stacking area. Furthermore, the further entry of the auxiliary stacking carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, already in the stacking area can be aborted if its tip has not yet reached the vertical plane oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR and intersecting the sensor position P2. In particular, the auxiliary stacking carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, is returned to its starting position after an aborted entry movement. The auxiliary stacking carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, can be moved into the stacking area either always from the same starting position or from a starting position that, for example, is determined by the format.

[0086] If, upon detection of a sheet section, in particular a hanging sheet corner 31, the control device prevents the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, from entering the stacking area, or aborts the further entry of the auxiliary stacking support, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, located in the stacking area, the at least one support element, or in particular all pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be removed from the stacking area, and the resulting delivery stack 3 in the stacking area can be lowered by the thickness of the sheets resting on the at least one support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder piston 18. Furthermore, the nonstop process can be automatically restarted, as already described.The at least one support element, in particular the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18, can be moved from its initial position or catch position into the stacking area, in particular depending on the machine angle, wherein a movement is controlled in such a way that a working position is reached at a machine angle W1, in which a bow trailing edge is in the determined desired position P1 with respect to the discontinuously rotating brake elements, in particular the brake bands 8, of the bow brake 7.As described above, when the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, re-enters the machine, a signal can be initiated and / or a machine stop initiated by the control device upon detection of a sheet part, in particular a hanging sheet corner 31, if at this time at least the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier, in particular the nonstop roller blind 12, has not yet reached the vertical plane oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR, which intersects the sensor position P2.

[0087] In particular, the entry of the auxiliary stack carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, continues if, in the event of detection or detection of a sheet segment, especially a hanging sheet corner 31, at least the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, has already passed the vertical plane oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction BFR and intersecting sensor position P2. During the nonstop process, the at least one support element can be removed from the stacking area; in particular, the pneumatic cylinder pistons 18 can be retracted from the stacking area jointly or simultaneously as described above, for example, as soon as the auxiliary stack carrier, especially the nonstop roller blind 12, has passed sensor position P2. During the formation of the auxiliary stack, the stack removal or stack exchange can then take place, as already described. Reference symbol list 1 display 2 grabber trolleys 3 display stacks 4 Stacking support plate 5 pallets 6 front edge stop 7 Bow brake 8 brake band 9 trailing edge stops 10 trailing edge traverse 11 Nonstop facility 12 Nonstop roller blinds 13 basic shapes 14 Guide rail 15 first square shaft drive 16 second square shaft drive 17 pneumatic cylinders 18 pneumatic cylinder pistons 19 pneumatic cylinders 20 more trusses 21 signs 22 Fixing plate 23 spindle drives 24 servo motor 25 servo motor 26 threaded spindle 27 first coupling link 28 second coupling link 29 upper entry gap limit 30 light barriers 31 hanging arched corner vGrabber carriage Grabber carriage speed vDeposit arc residual velocity Brake braking distance P0 Braking end point P1 Desired position Δs path difference between P0 and P1 W0 machine angle at the time of the bow trailing edge at location P0 W1 Machine angle at the time of the bow trailing edge at location P1 t_Takt cycle time of the machine T_Tot Dead time of the actuator system for support element W_Start Starting angle for actuator control P2 Sensor position BFR Bow conveyor direction

Claims

Method for operating a delivery unit (1) of a sheet-processing machine with a non-stop device (11), wherein sheets are gripped at the leading edge by a conveying system (2) in a sheet conveying direction (BFR) via a sheet brake (7) to a stacking area and released above the stacking area, wherein the released sheets are decelerated by the sheet brake (7), wherein in the area of ​​the sheet brake (7) at least one support element (18) is first moved into the stacking area and wherein subsequently, to form an auxiliary stack, an auxiliary stack carrier (12) is moved by the non-stop device (11) in the sheet conveying direction (BFR) into the stacking area with sensor support, characterized in that the movement of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) takes place depending on sensor signals from a sensor (30) and the current position of the auxiliary stack carrier (12).wherein the auxiliary stack carrier (12) is returned to a starting position after an aborted insertion movement. Method according to claim 1, wherein the space below the at least one support element (18) located in the stacking area is monitored by sensors and a control device connected to the nonstop device (11) evaluates the sensor signals of the sensor (30). Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor signals are only evaluated until the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) has passed a vertical plane oriented transversely to the arc conveying direction (BFR) and intersecting the position (P2) of the sensor (30) during its insertion movement. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, upon detection of a bow section (31) by the control device after the start of the insertion movement of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) into the stacking area, the further movement of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) is controlled depending on the progress of the movement of the auxiliary stack carrier (12). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein, upon detection of a sheet portion (31) by the control device, the entry of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) into the stacking area is prevented or aborted in the stacking area if the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) has not yet reached a vertical plane oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR) and intersecting the position (P2) of the sensor (30). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein, upon detection of a sheet portion (31) by the control device, the entry of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) is continued if at least the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) has already passed a vertical plane oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR) and intersecting the position (P2) of the sensor (30) in the event of detection. Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein a light barrier (30) connected to a control device or machine control is arranged in the area of ​​the rear edge of the stack, the optical beam path of which runs below the at least one support element (18). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein a light barrier (30) connected to a control device or machine control is arranged in the area of ​​the rear edge of the stack, the optical beam path of which runs transversely to the arc conveying direction (AFR) below the at least one support element (18). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein one or the light barrier (30) checks the space immediately above an upper boundary (29) or within the entry space of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) for the presence of arc parts (31), in particular arc parts (31) projecting into the entry space. Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein upon detection of a sheet part (31) by the control device the at least one support element (18) is removed from the stacking area and the delivery stack (3) forming in the stacking area is lowered by the thickness of the sheets resting on the at least one support element (18) and wherein the nonstop process is in particular automatically restarted. Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the at least one support element (18) is moved from its initial position or catch position into the stacking area for the first time or again, in particular depending on the machine angle. Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the at least one support element (18) is moved into the stacking area in such a controlled manner that it reaches its working position at a machine angle (W1) at which a sheet trailing edge is in a determined desired position (P1) with respect to discontinuously rotating brake elements (8) of the sheet brake (7). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein, upon first or subsequent entry of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) upon detection of a sheet portion (31) by the control device, a signal is initiated and / or a machine stop is initiated if, at that time, the tip of the auxiliary stack carrier (12) has not yet reached a vertical plane oriented transversely to the sheet conveying direction (BFR) and intersecting the position (P2) of the sensor (30). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein several support elements (18) are withdrawn from the stack area jointly or simultaneously as soon as the auxiliary stack support (12) has passed the position (P2) of the sensor (30). Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the auxiliary stack carrier (12) is always moved into the stacking area from the same starting position or from a starting position assumed depending on the format.

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