Printing plate logistics system and methods for operating a printing plate logistics system

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing plate logistics system comprising a plate storage unit, a transport system connecting the plate storage unit to one or more printing presses, a separator designed to separate plates arranged at least partially overlapping on the plate storage unit by moving a single plate in a separation direction, and a punch designed to punch a hole in a plate separated by the separator, wherein the punch is displaceably mounted from a first position spaced apart from the separated plate to a second position closer to the separated plate. The invention also relates to a method for operating a printing plate logistics system, in particular a printing plate logistics system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printing plate logistics system and a method for operating a printing plate logistics system.

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] Plate trolleys can also be used to transport printing plates. These trolleys are typically loaded by automated plate processing lines, also known as plate supply lines.

[0008] The plate trolleys are identifiable via QR code, so the control system of the printing plate processing line knows which trolley is ready for loading. Accordingly, the sequence of the printing plates placed on a trolley is linked to its identity. To transfer the printing plates, the operator manually moves fully loaded trolleys from the printing plate processing line to the immediate vicinity of the designated printing press for the upcoming print job change.

[0009] The printing presses can be equipped with fully automatic plate changers. Accordingly, during an ongoing printing process, the operator can pre-position the complete set of printing plates for the next print job in the feed chutes of the plate changers. The operator must ensure that the printing plates are assigned to the correct printing press and, within the printing press, to the correct printing unit. It is known to secure this process using a plate identification system comprising multiple cameras, one of which is located at each printing unit. After the print job changeover, the used printing plates are ready for removal in the discharge chute of the plate changer. The operator removes the printing plates and transports them manually to a central storage area.

[0010] Especially with complex machine configurations of the printing presses and large distances between the printing plate processing line and the printing presses, the printing plate changing process is very time-consuming.

[0011] According to DE 10 2022 125 983 A1 and DE 10 2022 125 980 A1, manipulators for automating disk exchange processes are known. Such a manipulator serves to separate disks, each bearing a control mark and partially or completely overlapping, which are stored on the disk storage system, and transfers the disks directly to respective transport carriages circulating on a rail system. The disadvantage of the known solutions, which are based on the direct transfer of a specific disk from a disk storage system and the transfer of the respective disk to a transport carriage, is that the transfer process is slow.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of creating a printing plate logistics system and a method for singulating plates that ensures increased speed in the transfer of plates and high process reliability in the handling of plates for printing presses.

[0013] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 or 19.

[0014] The invention has the advantage that the singling and transfer of plates are carried out by independent devices, which increases the process reliability of the respective operation and allows for a temporal overlap of the singling and transfer operations, so that the singling and transfer process is faster overall.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a printing plate logistics system with a plate supply, a plate disposal and a transport system for a printing press; Fig. 2. A representation of a plate supply system with a separator and a manipulator; Fig. 3 Details of a plate preparation process using a separator and a manipulator; Fig. 4 Details of a plate supply using a separator; Fig. 5 Details of a plate supply with manipulator carrying a variable hole punch; Fig. 6 Details of a plate supply system with manipulator and a rack-mounted punch; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of slab disposal.

[0017] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a printing plate logistics system with a plate supply 1, a plate storage, a plate disposal 3 and a transport system 2.

[0018] The transport system 2 connects the plate supply 1, the plate storage and the plate disposal 3 with a printing press 4.

[0019] In particular, the transport system 2 connects the disk storage with several printing presses 4.

[0020] The one or more printing machines 4 are preferably designed as sheet-fed rotary printing machines, in particular as sheet-fed offset printing machines.

[0021] The printing presses 4 are preferably constructed as a modular unit. They consist in particular of a feeder 15, a feed unit, several printing units 16 arranged in series, and a delivery unit 14. The sheet feed direction corresponds to the direction from the feeder 15 to the delivery unit 14. The illustrated printing press 4 has eight identical printing units 16 and a perfecting unit arranged after the fourth printing unit 16 and is to be understood as an example of printing presses 4 of any configuration, which can be connected via the transport system 2 to further elements such as the plate supply 1 and the plate disposal 3. The printing units 16 each preferably contain an impression cylinder, a transfer drum, a plate cylinder, and a blanket cylinder. An inking unit or inking and dampening unit (not further specified) is assigned to the plate cylinder.The plate cylinder is covered with a printing plate, hereinafter referred to as plate 5. The plate 5 is inked with the appropriate printing ink by the inking unit. As the plate cylinder rolls down the blanket cylinder, the printing ink is transferred, in accordance with the image, to the blanket cylinder. A printing gap is formed between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, through which the substrate to be printed, i.e., the sheet, is fed. In the printing gap, the printing ink is transferred from the blanket cylinder to the sheet. In addition to printing units 16, the printing presses 4 may also have further coating and / or finishing units, drying units, and / or perfecting units. The printing presses 4 could also be configured as web-fed rotary printing presses.

[0022] Each printing unit 16 preferably has a pivotable plate change guard on the side facing the delivery 14. This guard acts as a chute for removing the old, printed plate 5 and feeding the new plate 5 into place during a plate change, in a known manner. Preferably, the plate change guard comprises two parallel chutes, in particular an infeed chute and an outfeed chute, through which two plates 5 can be inserted and removed past each other. The plate change guard is part of the plate change device of a printing unit 16. The plate change device includes other known elements necessary for the plate change. For a plate change, the plate cylinders are positioned in a defined plate change position.This positioning movement of the plate cylinders can be accomplished by a central drive gear train, whereby the plate cylinders running in phase within a group are simultaneously moved into the plate-changing position. After the plate change on the corresponding plate cylinders, the other group of plate cylinders running in phase is moved into the plate-changing position by the central drive gear train, so that the plate change can also take place there. In another embodiment, the plate cylinders are driven by direct drives that are synchronized for printing operation. In this embodiment, all plate cylinders can be moved into the plate-changing position simultaneously during a plate change, thus enabling the plate change to be carried out on all printing units 16 at the same time.

[0023] The disk storage unit can be configured in a manner known per se and preferably comprises an element for receiving several disks 5 in the form of a stack. In a simple embodiment, the disk storage unit can be formed by a pallet. Preferably, the disk storage unit is formed by a disk carriage 1.1.1, which is particularly movable.

[0024] The plate supply 1 preferably comprises a plurality of plate trolley receptacles and a plurality of plate trolleys 1.1.1 that can be loaded with several plates 5 and positioned in the plate trolley receptacles. Instead of a plurality, exactly one plate trolley receptacle can also be provided.

[0025] Each of the plate carriage receptacles preferably has a positioning means for positioning a respective plate carriage 1.1.1. The positioning means can be formed in a manner known per se by mechanical stops or by magnetic and / or inductive positioning means. Preferably, each of the plate carriage receptacles also has fixing means for locking the plate carriages 1.1.1 in the plate carriage receptacle. The positioning means can also serve as the fixing means for locking a respective plate carriage 1.1.1, which is particularly the case when the positioning means is designed as a magnetic and / or inductive means. Preferably, readers are arranged in the plate carriage receptacles or readers are associated with the plate carriage receptacles. The readers can be designed, in particular, for reading RFID codes, QR codes, Data Matrix codes, or codes based on NFC technology.

[0026] Each of the panel trolleys 1.1.1 bears, in particular, a uniquely identifying code, which may be an RFID code, a QR code, a Data Matrix code, or a code readable based on NFC technology. The panel trolleys 1.1.1 are designed in a manner known per se and may have an inclined support plate on which several panels 5 or sets of panels with aligned or offset side edges can be placed or positioned.

[0027] The plates 5 are arranged on the plate storage, in particular the plate carriage 1.1.1, preferably standing on one of their edges and overlap each other, in particular at least partially.

[0028] The loading of the plate trolleys 1.1.1 can be carried out by a plate sorting device (not shown) which is technologically upstream of the plate supply 1.

[0029] Information on the available plates 5 on the plate trolleys 1.1.1 is preferably available within the printing plate logistics system. Accordingly, a memory can be provided that is written with or contains data describing the assignment of each plate 5 to a plate trolley 1.1.1 and / or the position of each plate 5 within a plate trolley 1.1.1.

[0030] The plates 5 rest on the plate trolley 1.1.1 as a stack of several plates 5, wherein such a stack preferably comprises all plates 5 of a respective plate set.

[0031] A separator 1.2.3 is provided for singulating plates 5, each standing on one of its edges. The separator 1.2.3 is designed to singulate the plates 5 by displacing one of the outer plates 5 in a singulation direction 6. The singulation direction 6 runs parallel to the normals of the surfaces in which the plates 5, which are arranged partially overlapping on the plate storage, extend. In particular, the singulation direction 6 runs horizontally or at least approximately horizontally.

[0032] To support singulation, a stop can be provided which, when moving an outer plate 5 on the disk storage, fixes a plate 5 immediately adjacent to the outer plate 5 on the disk storage.

[0033] The plates 5 are preferably laid out offset from one another. In particular, two immediately adjacent plates 5 are always laid out offset from each other by a distance corresponding to the width of the stop. In other words, the at least one stop can preferably be placed completely on a plate 5 arranged below the top plate 5 in the stack, without touching the top plate 5 in the stack.

[0034] The stop can be part of separator 1.2.3.

[0035] Preferably, the separator 1.2.3 has a movable first support 1.2.5.

[0036] The basic shape of the first support 1.2.5 is preferably determined such that the first support 1.2.5 preferably extends over the format of the plate 5 to be separated by the separator 1.2.3.

[0037] If a stop is formed, it can be mounted on the first support 1.2.5 and be movable relative to the support 1.2.5. Instead of a single stop, several stops can also be formed. Preferably, four stops are formed, each assigned to one of the corners of the first support 1.2.5.

[0038] The stop is arranged to be movable, in particular between a first position and a second position and / or in the singulation direction 6, and in particular to be movable back and forth.

[0039] The carrier 1.2.5 is preferably linearly and / or rotationally displaceable by a first drive 10.

[0040] The separator 1.2.3 has at least one first gripper 1.2.9, wherein the first gripper 1.2.9 can be formed by exactly one or a plurality of individual grippers. The individual grippers can be activated jointly or independently of one another.

[0041] The first gripper 1.2.9 or the individual grippers are preferably designed as suction grippers.

[0042] The first gripper 1.2.9 can be permanently assigned to the first carrier 1.2.5 and in this case can only be moved together with the carrier 1.2.5.

[0043] Alternatively, the first gripper 1.2.9 can be mounted on the first support 1.2.5 and be movable relative to the support 1.2.5. In this case, the first gripper 1.2.9 is movable independently of the support 1.2.5.

[0044] The separator 1.2.3 preferably has a linear axis, which in particular runs parallel to the singulation direction 6, and more preferably horizontally. The separator 1.2.3 can also include a first pivot joint 13. The first pivot joint 13 can be configured such that a respective plate 5 held by the separator 1.2.3 is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation forms a normal to the plane in which the plate 5 is held by the separator 1.2.3. In particular, the action of the first pivot joint 13 allows the first support 1.2.5 and, with it, the first gripper 1.2.9 to be rotatable.

[0045] The first pivot joint 13 can alternatively or additionally be configured to implement a tilting movement of the first support 1.2.5 and, with it, the first gripper 1.2.9. The tilting movement causes the first support 1.2.5, and with it the first gripper 1.2.9, to adjust its inclination to an inclined position of a plate 5 to be separated on the plate storage unit, in particular the plate carriage 1.1.1. To implement the tilting movement, a further joint, in particular as a component of the separator 1.2.3, can be provided instead of or in addition to the first pivot joint 13.

[0046] In addition to the separator 1.2.3, a manipulator 1.2.8 is provided, which is designed to grasp a plate 5 separated by the separator 1.2.3 and to transfer the plate 5 to the transport system 2, which is separate from the manipulator 1.2.8. The manipulator 1.2.8 has at least one second gripper 1.3, which can be moved or is moved independently of the at least one first gripper 1.2.9.

[0047] The second gripper 1.3 can be formed by exactly one or a plurality of individual grippers. The individual grippers can be activated together or independently of each other. The at least one second gripper 1.3 or the individual grippers can be designed as suction grippers. The first gripper 1.2.9 and / or the second gripper 1.3 can each be formed by a gripper system.

[0048] Preferably, the second gripper system is formed by clamping grippers. In particular, two or four clamping grippers can be provided, which are especially associated with a second support 12. The second support 12 can have approximately the outer contour of a plate 5 to be gripped. Each of the clamping grippers can comprise two clamping jaws that can be moved linearly towards each other or linearly away from each other.

[0049] In particular, the manipulator 1.2.8 comprises several second grippers 1.3 which are designed to fix a respective plate 5 at two opposite side edges.

[0050] The second support 12 is preferably displaceable by a second drive 11 for repositioning the at least one second gripper 1.3. Preferably, a further vertically extending linear axis is provided, which guides the second support 12 or a machine element connected to the second support 12.

[0051] The manipulator 1.2.8 can have a camera connected to a controller. The camera is preferably arranged on the second support 12 transversely to the singulation direction 6 and is movable.

[0052] The camera is assigned to or movable from the manipulator 1.2.8 or the carrier 12 in such a way that a control mark on a disk 5 arranged on the disk storage can be detected with the camera after the preceding disk 5 has been separated from the disk storage and before this separated disk 5 has been transferred to the transport system 2.

[0053] The manipulator 1.2.8 or the separator 1.2.3 can also include or carry a sensor configured for multi-plate detection and / or configured as an ultrasonic or induction sensor. The sensor can be directly associated with the first carrier 1.2.5 or the second carrier 12. Preferably, multi-plate detection is performed using the camera by logically evaluating the detected control marks.

[0054] To assist in the singulation of plates 5, a blowing device can be provided which generates a blowing air stream directed towards a gap between plates 5 stored on the plate storage or towards a gap between a respective plate 5 displaced from the plate storage and the plate 5 arranged on the plate storage immediately adjacent to it.

[0055] The manipulator 1.2.8 can include a second rotary joint 17.

[0056] The second pivot joint 17 can be configured such that a respective plate 5 held by the manipulator 1.2.8 is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation forms a normal to the plane in which the plate 5 is held by the manipulator 1.2.8. In particular, the second support 12 and with it the at least one second gripper 1.3 are rotatable by the action of the second pivot joint 17.

[0057] The manipulator 1.2.8 is specifically designed to move a respective plate 5 back and forth between a transport carriage 2.3 positioned above a respective printing unit 16 and the respective printing unit 16.

[0058] The transport system 2 comprises a rail network 2.1 and a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 that can travel on the rail network 2.1. The rail network 2.1 can be designed without switches. Preferably, the rail segments in the area of ​​the printing units 16 run at right angles to the axes of rotation of the rollers and / or cylinders encompassed by the printing units 16.

[0059] Each of the transport carriages 2.3 preferably bears a uniquely identifying code, which may be an RFID code, a QR code, a Data Matrix code, or a code readable based on NFC technology. Each transport carriage 2.3 also preferably comprises a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 for suspending and fixing a respective plate 5, which is preferably held in a closed position by a power storage device. Preferably, the gripper system 2.3.1 of each transport carriage 2.3 has a joint whose axis of rotation is at least approximately perpendicular and at least approximately centered between the two ends of the transport carriage 2.3. In particular, a stationary rotating device may also be provided, which rotates the transport carriages 2.3 about an axis of rotation that is at least approximately perpendicular, so that the lower edge of a plate 5 held by a respective transport carriage 2.3 is3 held plate 5 runs parallel to the axes of rotation of the rollers and / or cylinders of a respective printing unit 16 when the plate 5 is located in the area of ​​the respective printing unit 16.

[0060] The rail network 2.1 is preferably formed from rail segments, with individual rail segments running in the area of ​​the plate-changing devices of the printing press 4. To enable the transfer of plates 5 to the plate-changing devices of the printing press 4, the rail segments of the rail network 2.1 are preferably designed to be vertically displaceable relative to adjacent rail segments in the area of ​​the plate-changing device. The vertically displaceable rail segments are preferably equipped with means for fixing a respective transport carriage 2.3 to the rail segment during its displacement. Actuators are preferably provided in the area of ​​the plate-changing devices, which can be selectively activated and, when activated, can cause the respective mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 to open.The actuators can be engaged with a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 by horizontal displacement of the respective transport carriage 2.3 on the rail network 2.1 or by vertical displacement of a rail segment. Activation of a respective actuator only affects a respective gripper system 2.3.1 if the respective actuator is also engaged with the respective gripper system 2.3.1. Each vertically displaceable rail segment of the rail network 2.1 is spatially assigned to an insertion shaft of the plate exchange device and / or vertically displaceable relative to it such that, when the rail segment is lowered, a plate 5 held in the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of a transport carriage 2.3 guided on the rail segment is inserted into the insertion shaft.

[0061] Preferably, the respective vertically displaceable rail segment is spatially assigned to a shaft of the plate changing device and / or vertically displaceable relative to it in such a way that, when the rail segment is lowered, a plate 5 conveyed from a discharge shaft of the plate changing device can be transferred into a detection area of ​​a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of a transport carriage 2.3 guided on the rail segment.

[0062] To enable the transfer of plates 5 to the plate-changing devices of the printing presses 4, as an alternative to the relocation of rail segments of the rail network 2.1, the use of an additional manipulator, identical in construction to manipulator 1.2.8, may be provided. This manipulator is then specifically designed for transferring the respective plates 5 between the respective transport carriages 2.3 and the respective printing units 16.

[0063] For the transport of the transport sleds 2.3 on the rail network 2.1, individual rail segments or areas of the rail network 2.1 can be arranged inclined relative to the horizontal, so that a respective transport sled 2.3 located on the individual rail segments or areas of the rail network 2.1 moves solely by gravity.

[0064] Another possibility for driving the transport carriages 2.3 along the rail network 2.1 is the arrangement of permanently rotating brushes. The brushes engage in recesses formed on the transport carriages 2.3.

[0065] The brushes can also be arranged on a rail segment that is inclined relative to the horizontal and drives the respective transport carriages 2.3 against the force of gravity. With such a design, the respective transport carriages 2.3 can be transported to a higher level in a comparatively short section of the rail network 2.1, in order to move again solely by gravity in the subsequent sections of the rail network 2.1.

[0066] Another option for driving the transport carriages 2.3 along the rail network 2.1, based on the use of toothed segments and toothed chains or gears, is particularly useful at locations on the rail network 2.1 where each transport carriage 2.3 needs to be positioned with relative precision. Accordingly, each transport carriage 2.3 can be assigned a toothed segment, and transfer areas for positioning the respective transport carriage 2.3 can be provided along the rail network 2.1. In each of these transfer areas, a gear or toothed chain driven by a single motor is arranged. The gear or toothed chain meshes exclusively with the toothed segment assigned to the transport carriage 2.3 when that carriage 2.3 is in the transfer area.

[0067] The transport carriages 2.3 preferably have a fixing element in addition to the gripper system 2.3.1. In contrast to the gripper system 2.3.1, the fixing element is designed for positive locking of the respective plate 5.

[0068] The fixing element can be in the form of a pin.

[0069] Preferably, the fixing element is designed to reach through an opening formed in the respective plate 5. "Reaching through" in the aforementioned sense also includes partial engagement or protrusion into an opening formed in the respective plate 5.

[0070] The fixing element is displaceable in one direction of movement during the positive locking of the respective plate 5. The direction of movement can correspond to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element. Likewise, the fixing element can be mounted such that, in addition to a longitudinal movement, it preferably also performs a minimal pivoting movement when displaced in the direction of movement.

[0071] Preferably, the fixing element has a cross-section extending transversely to its direction of movement during the positive locking fixing of the respective plate 5, which becomes larger with increasing distance from the respective plate 5 against the direction of movement during positive locking fixing.

[0072] The cross-section of the fixing element is accordingly smaller in the areas of the fixing element that first enter the opening formed in the respective plate 5 during the form-fitting fixing of the respective plate 5 than the cross-section of the fixing element in the areas of the fixing element that last enter the opening formed in the respective plate 5 during the form-fitting fixing of the respective plate 5.

[0073] In particular, the fixing element can be conical or have a lead-in chamfer. If the fixing element has a lead-in chamfer, the lead-in chamfer is preferably formed on the side of the fixing element facing the rail network 2.1.

[0074] The fixing element can be connected directly or indirectly to gripper jaws. In particular, the fixing element can be designed to be movable together with the gripper jaws. Instead of a single fixing element, several fixing elements can also be provided, each assigned to a transport slide 2.3. The fixing elements can also be arranged in pairs and, in particular, opposite each other. If a fixing element is directly assigned to a gripper jaw, a recess or a depression is preferably formed in the gripper jaw opposite the gripper jaw to which the fixing element is assigned, into which the fixing element can engage.

[0075] The fixing element or several fixing elements can also be designed to be movable independently of the gripper jaws for form-fitting fixing and / or releasing of the respective plate 5.

[0076] It is particularly advantageous if the respective fixing element can be repositioned, especially pulled, to release the respective plate 5 before the gripper jaws of the respective transport carriage 2.3 open. Otherwise, the respective plate 5 could become stuck on the respective fixing element or its position or orientation could change undesirably due to the effect of gravity.

[0077] Preferably, at least one first detector is provided with which the position of the respective plate 5 can be detected and / or is detected before the force-fit fixing and / or during the force-fit fixing of the respective plate 5 by the gripper system 2.3.1.

[0078] The at least one first detector can also be formed by a pair consisting of two individual detectors. The at least one first detector or the individual detectors are preferably designed as optical sensors, in particular as reflective or transmitted light barriers. If the at least one first detector or the individual detectors are designed as reflective light barriers, the plate 5 itself can form the reflector. When the respective plate 5 is transferred to the respective transport carriage 2.3, the respective plate 5 is moved, in particular, vertically. The at least one first detector or the individual detectors are arranged and / or designed such that a signal representing the presence of the respective plate 5 is generated and / or output only if the respective plate 5 is positioned with sufficient accuracy in the clamping gap formed between the gripper jaws of the respective gripper system 2.3.1.

[0079] Preferably, at least one second detector is provided with which it is possible to detect and / or detect whether the gripper system 2.3.1 is open or closed.

[0080] Preferably, the fixing element is connected to the gripper system 2.3.1 or to a gripper jaw encompassed by the gripper system 2.3.1 in such a way that the gripper system 2.3.1 can only grip a respective plate 5 if the fixing element encounters an opening formed in the respective plate 5 to be fixed when fixing the respective plate 5.

[0081] A punch 9 is preferably provided to create the opening. The punch 9 preferably comprises two tool carriers, with at least one tool carrier being movably arranged on the other tool carrier, and one of the tool carriers carrying a tool and the other tool carrier carrying a counter-tool that interacts with the tool. The tool can, in particular, be designed as a punch whose shape and size correspond to the opening to be created. If the tool is designed as a punch, the counter-tool is preferably designed as a perforated plate whose hole dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the punch's contour, taking into account appropriate tolerances and a technologically determined spacing.

[0082] A drive is associated with the punch. Preferably, the punch 9 also has a receiving device in which the waste particles generated when creating the perforation in a respective plate 5 are collected under the influence of gravity and / or under the influence of the driving force of the drive or the punch. The receiving device can be part of the punch 9, be associated with it, or be permanently connected to it.

[0083] The hole punch 9 can be statically arranged or movably mounted.

[0084] In particular, the punch 9 can be displaceably mounted from a first position spaced away from the separated plate 5 to a second position closer to the separated plate 5. The first and second positions of the punch 9 can be formed in the area of ​​the separator 1.2.3, such that a plate 5 separated and held by the separator 1.2.3 can be punched by the punch 9 when it occupies the second position.

[0085] A functional gap is formed between the tools of the punch 9, in particular between the tool and the counter-tool. In the second position of the punch 9, a respective plate 5 projects into the functional gap.

[0086] The punch 9 is preferably mounted so that it can be moved at least approximately perpendicular to the singulation direction 6. In particular, the punch 9 can be moved vertically or horizontally.

[0087] The first and second positions of the punch 9 can also be formed in the area of ​​the manipulator 1.2.8, such that a plate 5 held by the manipulator 1.2.8 can be punched by the punch 9 when the latter occupies the second position.

[0088] In particular, the punch 9 can be movably mounted on the first support 1.2.5 of the separator 1.2.3 or the second support 12 of the manipulator 1.2.8, and is particularly movable together with the separator 1.2.3 or the manipulator 1.2.8.

[0089] In the case of a stationary design of the hole punch 9, the manipulator 1.2.8 is designed to detect each individual disk 5 separated from a disk storage, to feed the separated disk 5 to the hole punch 9 and to subsequently transfer the separated and punched disk 5 to the transport system 2.

[0090] Each plate 5 can be rotated before being fed to and / or after being removed from the punch 9. In particular, one or more rotations of 90 or 180 degrees are provided.

[0091] The panel disposal system 3 comprises at least one panel stack holder in which a stacking support 3.1.6 can be positioned. The stacking support 3.1.6 can be a standard Euro pallet or a system pallet known from nonstop stacking exchange systems. A panel stack holder comprises at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 for aligning panels 5, which are released in a vertically suspended state by a respective transport carriage 2.3 positioned in the area of ​​the panel stack holder. A deflecting element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 is also provided in the area of ​​the panel stack holder in which the stacking support 3.1.6 can be positioned. This deflecting element deflects a leading edge of the panel 5 horizontally in the direction of the fall as it falls, towards the at least one lateral stop 3.1.4. The deflecting element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 can be formed by a guide element inclined at an angle to the vertical. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the deflecting element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 is set or adjustable in the range of 10 to 80 degrees, in particular 15 to 70 degrees. Accordingly, the deflecting element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 can also be adjustable to change its angle of attack. Preferably, the deflecting element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 is formed by an upper guide plate 3.1.2 and a lower guide plate 3.1.3, which are arranged adjacent to one another and inclined at different angles of attack. The angle of attack of the upper guide plate 3.1.2 relative to the vertical is preferably smaller than the angle of attack of the lower guide plate 3.1.3 relative to the vertical. The upper guide plate 3.1.2 and / or the lower guide plate 3.1.3 are preferably adjustable to change their angle of attack or can be designed with a fixed angle of attack. The advantage of embodiments that allow adjustment of the angle of attack is, in particular, that they can be adapted to changing formats of plates 5.To assist the deflection process after the release of a respective plate 5 by the gripper system 2.3.1 of a respective transport carriage 2.3, the deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3, in particular the lower guide plate 3.1.3 and / or the upper guide plate 3.1.2, can be pneumatically actuated. The deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 can also be designed as a pneumatically actuated means or as a motor-actuated means.

[0092] Preferably, the at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 is horizontally adjustable for adapting to the format of the panels 5 to be aligned. Instead of a single lateral stop 3.1.4, a pair of opposing lateral stops 3.1.4 can also be provided. Instead of a single panel stack holder, several panel stack holders can also be provided and arranged side by side or distributed along the rail network 2.1. Preferably, a first panel stack holder is designed to receive panels 5 of a first panel size, and a second panel stack holder is designed to receive panels 5 of a second panel size that differs from the first. In this case, a deflection element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 of the first panel stack holder is preferably inclined at a different angle than a deflection element 3.1.2; 3.1.3 of the second panel stack holder. The lateral stops 3.1.4 of the first plate stack holder may be set differently or have a different distance to each other than the side stops 3.1.4 of the second plate stack holder.

[0093] To ensure a consistent storage level for the stacking of panels 5, the panel stack holder can include a lifting device 3.1.5. A stacking support 3.1.6 can be positioned on the lifting device 3.1.5 and moved vertically to adjust the storage level. The lifting device 3.1.5 preferably includes a sensor for detecting the position of the upper edge of a stack of panels 5 placed on the stacking support 3.1.6 and a drive unit. The drive unit moves the stacking support 3.1.6 vertically based on the sensor signals.

[0094] Plate supply 1 and transport system 2 are connected via a central control system or each has decentralized control systems that interact to implement the plate transport processes. The central control system or the decentralized control systems can also interact with the control systems of the printing presses 4 to implement the plate transport processes.

[0095] The following describes a central control system for jointly controlling plate supply 1 and transport system 2, also representing several interacting decentralized control systems.

[0096] The control system is preferably signal-connected to the readers for reading the unique codes assigned to the plate carriage 1.1.1 and is designed to control a respective transport carriage 2.3 and the manipulator 1.2.3 depending on the signals from the readers.

[0097] The control unit can also be connected to a memory unit that is written with data by a plate sorting device upstream of the plate supply 1, which loads the plate trolleys 1.1.1 with plates 5, or that contains data describing the assignment of respective plates 5 to a plate trolley 1.1.1 and / or the position of respective plates 5 in a plate trolley 1.1.1.

[0098] This connection provides the control system with information on the plates or plate sets available for future print jobs.

[0099] If the control system and / or the storage system are also connected to the control stations, i.e. the controls of the printing presses 4, in particular the printing press controls, the information about the plates 5 or plate sets available on the plate trolleys 1.1.1 is also available at the control stations, for example for selection by an operator.

[0100] The control system can also be connected to readers for reading a unique code assigned to the respective transport carriage 2.3, which are arranged in transfer areas of the rail network 2.1. Rail switches can also be installed in the transfer areas, which are controlled by the control system depending on the signals from the readers. The transfer areas form branches of the rail network 2.1.

[0101] The control unit is preferably also connected to the camera, which is movable together with the manipulator 1.2.3 and is designed to detect control marks on a plate 5 to be detected or detected by the separator 1.2.3.

[0102] The controller can be configured to implement a special handling routine for plates 5 by the manipulator 1.2.3, which improves the reliability of plate detection. Since plates 5 may be placed on a plate cart 1.1.1 with an incorrect orientation, the controller, with the aid of the manipulator 1.2.3, corrects such a potential error. Specifically, if the camera fails to detect a control mark during a detection process and / or the controller fails to identify a control mark during an identification process, the manipulator 1.2.3 removes the respective plate 5 from the plate cart 1.1.1 and rotates it around its own axis. Following this rotation, the manipulator 1.2.3 can, according to its commands from the controller, place the plate 5 back onto the plate cart 1.1.1 for re-detection of the control mark.

[0103] The following describes a method for operating a printing plate logistics system.

[0104] The procedure can be carried out in particular using the printing plate logistics system described above.

[0105] In this process, each disk 5 is separated from a stack of disks 5, which are arranged on a disk storage system in a manner that at least partially overlaps with one another, by a separator 1.2.3. After separation, the disk 5 is picked up by a manipulator 1.2.8 and transferred to a transport system 2, which is separate from the manipulator 1.2.8. During the transfer of each separated disk 5 from the manipulator 1.2.8 to the transport system 2, a subsequent disk 5 is separated from the other disks 5 on the disk storage system by the separator 1.2.3. The advantage of this solution lies particularly in the speed of disk handling, because the separation and transfer processes are carried out as at least partially parallel operations.

[0106] To carry out the process, in particular in step A, a gripper 1.2.9 of a separator 1.2.3 is moved in a singulation direction 6 onto an outer plate 5 of a plurality of plates 5 arranged partially overlapping on the plate storage. In step B, which follows step A, the outer plate 5 is fixed by the gripper 1.2.9. A vacuum can be applied to the gripper 1.2.9 for this purpose. In step C, which follows step B, the outer plate 5 is separated from the other plates 5 by moving the gripper 1.2.9 in the singulation direction 6. In step E, the separated plate 5 is fed to a punch 9, or a punch 9 is moved to the separated plate 5. In step F, the plate 5 is punched and in step G it is transferred from the manipulator 1.2.8 to a transport system 2 that is different from the manipulator 1.2.8.

[0107] Steps E and F according to the procedure described above can also be omitted, in which case, in a step G following step C, an unperforated plate 5 is transferred from the manipulator 1.2.8 to a transport system 2 different from the manipulator 1.2.8.

[0108] Preferably, one or more of steps B and / or C and / or E are performed for a plate 5 to be singulated in parallel or partially superimposed with step G for a plate 5 that has already been singulated and is different from the plate 5 to be singulated. In particular, the singulated plate 5 can be perforated before it is gripped by the manipulator 1.2.8. The singulated plate 5 can also be perforated while it is held by the manipulator 1.2.8. To secure transport by the transport system 2, the perforated plate 5 is positively locked in place by inserting a pin encompassed by the transport system 2 into the hole in the plate 5.

[0109] Before punching the isolated plate 5, the position of the plate 5 relative to the position of the punch 9 can be recorded and, depending on the position values, the isolated plate 5 relative to the punch 9 or the punch 9 relative to the isolated plate 5 can be moved.

[0110] According to another method for operating a printing plate logistics system, a respective plate 5 is detected by a separator 1.2.3 from a stack of plates 5 which are arranged on a plate storage unit in a manner that overlaps at least partially, and is separated by moving it in a singulation direction 6 and then punched by a punch 9.

[0111] The further procedure can also be carried out, in particular using the printing plate logistics system described above.

[0112] According to the further procedure, in step A, a gripper 1.2.9 of the separator 1.2.3 is moved in a singulation direction 6 onto an outer plate 5 of a plurality of plates arranged partially overlapping on the plate storage. In step B, the outer plate 5 is fixed by the gripper 1.2.9. In step C, which can immediately follow step B, the outer plate 5 is singulated from the other plates 5 by moving the gripper 1.2.9 in the singulation direction 6. In step D, which can immediately follow step C, a punch 9 is moved from a first position spaced away from the singulated plate 5 to a second position closer to the singulated plate 5, and the plate 5 is punched.In a step E, which preferably follows step D immediately, the punch 9 can be moved from the second position to the first position and in a step F the perforated plate 5 can be detected by a manipulator 1.2.8 different from the separator 1.2.3 and transferred to the transport system 2.

[0113] Preferably, the perforated plate 5 is fixed by inserting a pin encompassed by the transport system 2 into the hole of the plate 5.

[0114] Before punching the individual plate 5, its position relative to the position of the punch 9 can be determined, and depending on the position values, the individual plate 5 relative to the punch 9 or the punch 9 relative to the individual plate 5 can be moved. The positioning of the punch 9 and / or the plate 5 can also be supported by stops arranged in the area where the punching takes place.

[0115] According to a preferred method for operating a printing plate logistics system, a plurality of plates 5 of a respective plate set are transported successively to several printing units 16 of one or more printing presses 4 by a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 circulating on a closed, endless rail network 2.1, wherein a marker encoding the assignment of the respective plate 5 to a respective printing unit 16 is detected by a sensor on each plate 5. The rail network 2.1 is, in particular, designed without switches and can have a closed circle, an oval, or another suitable closed shape.

[0116] The preferred method can also be carried out, in particular, using the printing plate logistics system described above.

[0117] In step A, all plates 5 of a respective plate set are fed to the respective transport carriages 2.3. In step B, the circulation of the transport carriages 2.3 is started.

[0118] In step C, the rotation of one or all transport carriages 2.3 is stopped when at least one transport carriage 2.3 with a plate 5 has reached the respective printing unit 16 assigned to the plate 5.

[0119] In step D, all plates 5 that have reached their respective printing unit 16 are transferred from the respective transport carriages 2.3 to the respective printing units 16 by a manipulator 1.2.8. The plate assignment check can be performed in such a way that all plates 5 that have not reached their respective printing unit 16 remain in the transport carriages 2.3. In other words, preferably no lowering process is triggered for any plates 5 that have not reached their respective printing unit 16.

[0120] Subsequently, in step E, it is checked whether all plates 5 of the respective plate set have been transferred to the respective printing units 16. Only if this is not the case are steps B, C, and D repeated until all plates 5 of the respective plate set have been transferred to the respective printing units 16. For this purpose, the transport carriages 2.3 may, if necessary, circulate multiple times, in particular two or three times, on the continuous rail network 2.1.

[0121] Only when all plates 5 of the respective plate set have been transferred to the respective printing units 16 are all plates 5 of a further respective plate set fed to the respective transport carriages 2.3 in one step F.

[0122] A new cycle of the preferred procedure can then be initiated.

[0123] According to another preferred method, a single plate 5 is separated from a stack of plates 5, which are arranged on a plate storage device in a manner that overlaps at least partially, by moving them in a singulation direction 6 and punched by a punch 9.

[0124] The other preferred method can also be carried out, in particular using the printing plate logistics system described above.

[0125] In step A, a gripper 1.2.9 of a separator 1.2.3 is moved in the singulation direction 6 to one of the outer plates 5 arranged partially overlapping on the plate storage. In step B, following step A, the gripper 1.2.9 secures the uppermost plate 5. In step C, the gripper 1.2.9 moves in the singulation direction 6, separating the outer plate 5 from the other plates 5. In step D, the separated plate 5 is picked up by a manipulator 1.2.8 and, in step E, fed by the manipulator 1.2.8 to a punch 9. The plate 5 is then punched in step F. According to step G, immediately following step F, the separated and punched plate 5 is transferred by the manipulator 1.2.8 to a transport system 2, which is separate from the manipulator 1.2.8.

[0126] The perforated plate 5 can be fixed by inserting a pin encompassed by the transport system 2 into the hole of the plate 5 for the purpose of securing it during transport by the transport system 2, which is different from the manipulator 1.2.8, in particular the movable transport carriages 2.3.

[0127] In the further preferred method, the position of the singulated plate 5 relative to the position of the punch 9 can also be detected before the punching of the plate 5, and depending on the position values, the singulated plate 5 relative to the punch 9 or the punch 9 relative to the singulated plate 5 can be repositioned. The positioning of the punch 9 and / or the plate 5 can also be supported by stops arranged in the area where the punching is carried out.

[0128] Preferably, the plates 5 are arranged on the plate storage, in particular a plate trolley 1.1.1, standing on one of their edges.

[0129] To carry out the process, in particular in step A, a gripper 1.2.9 of a separator 1.2.3 is moved in a singulation direction 6 onto an outer plate 5 of a plurality of plates 5 arranged partially overlapping on the plate storage. In step B, which follows step A, the outer plate 5 is fixed by the gripper 1.2.9. A vacuum can be applied to the gripper 1.2.9 for this purpose. In step C, which follows step A, the outer plate 5 is singulated from the other plates 5 by moving the gripper 1.2.9 in the singulation direction 6. In step E, the singulated plate 5 is fed to a punch 9, or a punch 9 is moved to the singulated plate 5. In step F, the plate 5 is punched and in step G it is transferred from the manipulator 1.2.8 to a transport system 2 that is different from the manipulator 1.2.8.

[0130] The removal of individual plates 5 from the respective printing units 5 to the transport system 2 is carried out as described below. Each printed plate 5 is conveyed by the plate-changing device of a respective printing unit 5, in particular by the fully automatic plate-changing unit, into a respective discharge chute and fixed in the discharge chute by a manipulator 1.2.8. Fixing is effected by the second gripper 1.3 of the manipulator 1.2.8. The manipulator 1.2.8 conveys the fixed plate 5 until one of its edges, in particular its upper edge, is within the gripping range of the gripper system 2.3.1 of a respective transport carriage 2.3 of the transport system 2, which then fixes the edge. After the respective printed plate 3 has been released by the second gripper 1.3 of the manipulator and the manipulator 1.2.8 has been moved out of the transport path of the transport carriage 2.3, the printed plate is transported away by and with the transport carriage 2.3.The transport carriage 2.3 conveys the respective printed plate 5 to the plate disposal unit 3 and releases it there. The removal process described above can follow all of the plate feeding methods described above. Reference symbol list 1. Plate preparation 1.1.1 Flatbed trolley 1.2 - 1.2.1 - 1.2.2 - 1.2.3 Separator 1.2.4 - 1.2.5 Carrier, first (1.2.3) 1.2.6 - 1.2.7 - 1.2.8 Manipulator 1.2.9 Gripper, first (1.2.3) 1.3 Gripper, second (1.2.8) 2 Transport system 2.1 Rail network 2.2 - 2.3 Transport sled 2.3.1 Gripper system 3. Disc disposal 3.1.1 - 3.1.2 Deflection means, top guide plate 3.1.3 Deflection device, lower guide plate 3.1.4 Attack 3.1.5 Lifting device 3.1.6 Stacking beams 4 printing press 5 plate 6. Direction of separation 7 - 8 - 9-hole punch 10 Drive, first (1.2.3) 11 Drive, second (1.2.8) 12 carriers, second (1.2.8) 13 Swivel joint, first (1.2.3) 14 Display 15 investors 16 printed matter 17 Swivel joint, second (1.2.8) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 43 09 658 C1

[0002] EP 1 193 057 A1

[0003] DE 10 2006 032 204 B3

[0004] DE 38 71 940 T2

[0005] DE 103 38 373 A1

[0006] DE 10 2022 125 983 A1

[0011] DE 10 2022 125 980 A1

[0011]

Claims

[1] Printing plate logistics system comprising a plate storage unit, a transport system (2) connecting the plate storage unit to one or more printing presses (4), a separator (1.2.3) designed to separate plates (5) arranged at least partially overlapping each other on the plate storage unit by moving a single plate (5) in a separation direction (6), and a punch (9) designed to punch a plate (5) separated by the separator (1.2.3), wherein the punch (9) is mounted to be displaceable from a first position spaced away from the separated plate (5) to a second position closer to the separated plate (5). [2] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the punch (9) comprises two tool carriers, wherein at least one tool carrier is arranged to be movable over the other tool carrier and one of the tool carriers carries a tool and the other tool carrier carries a counter-tool cooperating with the tool. [3] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the hole punch (9) has two interacting tools between which a functional gap is formed. [4] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that in the second position of the punch (9) a functional gap is formed in the area of ​​the isolated plate (5), so that a hole can be produced or is produced by moving together interacting tools of the punch (9) in the isolated plate (5). [5] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized by, that the punch (9) is mounted so that it can be moved at least approximately perpendicular to the singulation direction (6). [6] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized by , that a manipulator (1.2.8) different from the separator (1.2.3) is provided, which is designed to grasp a plate (5) separated by the separator (1.2.3) and to transfer the plate (5) to the transport system (2), (does that fit??) wherein the punch (9) is designed to punch a respective plate (5) held by the separator (1.2.3) or by the manipulator (1.2.8). [7] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized by , that the separator (1.2.3) has at least one first gripper (1.2.9) and the manipulator (1.2.8) has at least one second gripper (1.3) and that the at least one first gripper (1.2.9) is movable or is moved independently of the at least one second gripper (1.3). [8] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized by , that the separator (1.2.3) has a first support (1.2.5) that can be moved by a first drive (10) and that a gripper (1.2.9) is assigned to the first support (1.2.5) and / or that a manipulator (1.2.8) has a second support (12) that can be moved by a second drive (11) and that a second gripper (1.3) is assigned to the second support (12). [9] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized by , that at least one stop is formed which, when moving an outer plate (5) on the disk storage, fixes a plate (5) immediately adjacent to the outer plate (5) on the disk storage and / or is associated with or encompassed by the separator (1.2.3). [10] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized bythat one or the stop is arranged to be movable between a first position and a second position and / or in the singulation direction (6). [11] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized by , that the singulation direction (6) runs horizontally or parallel to the normals of the surfaces in which the partially overlapping plates (5) are arranged on the plate storage. [12] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterized by , that the punch (9) is movably mounted on one or the first support (1.2.5) of the separator (1.2.3) or on one or the second support (12) of the manipulator (1.2.8). [13] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized by, that a camera is assigned to the separator (1.2.3) or to the manipulator (1.2.8) and / or is movable in such a way that a control mark on a disk (5) arranged on the disk storage can be detected with the camera after the preceding disk (5) has been separated from the disk storage and before this separated disk (5) has been transferred to the transport system (2). [14] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized by , that the separator (1.2.3) and / or the manipulator (1.2.8) includes a sensor designed for multi-plate detection and / or designed as an ultrasonic sensor or as an induction sensor. [15] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized by , that the transport system (2) comprises a rail network (2.1) and a plurality of transport sleds (2.3) that can be moved on the rail network (2.1). [16] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterized by , that the disk storage is a movable disk trolley (1.1.1) and the disks (5) are arranged standing on one of their edges on the disk trolley (1.1.1). [17] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, characterized by , that a blowing device is designed which generates a blowing air stream directed towards a gap between plates (5) stored on the plate storage or towards a gap between a respective plate (5) displaced from the plate storage and the plate (5) arranged on the plate storage immediately adjacent to it. [18] Printing plate logistics system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, characterized by, that a detection means is designed which detects the position of the plate (5) relative to the position of the punch (9) and a drive means is provided which moves the isolated plate (5) relative to the punch (9) or the punch (9) relative to the isolated plate (5) depending on the position values ​​of the detection means. [19] Method for operating a printing plate logistics system, in particular a printing plate logistics system according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein a respective plate (5) from a stack of plates (5) which are arranged on a plate storage unit in a manner that overlaps at least partially is detected by a separator (1.2.3) and is separated by moving it in a separation direction (6) and is subsequently punched by a punch (9). [20] Method according to claim 19, characterized by , that - in step A a gripper (1.2.9) of the separator (1.2.3) is moved in a singulation direction (6) onto an outer of a plurality of partially overlapping plates (5) arranged on the plate storage, - in step B the outer plate (5) is fixed by the gripper (1.2.9), - in step C by moving the gripper (1.2.9) in the singulation direction (6) the outer plate (5) is singulated from the other plates (5), - in step D a hole punch (9) is moved from a first position spaced away from the isolated plate (5) to a second position closer to the isolated plate (5) and the plate (5) is punched. [21] Method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by , that - in step E immediately following step D, the hole punch (9) is moved from the second position to the first position and - in step F the perforated plate (5) is detected by a manipulator (1.2.8) different from the separator (1.2.3) and transferred to the transport system (2). [22] Method according to claim 19, 20 or 21, characterized by , that the perforated plate (5) is fixed by inserting a pin encompassed by the transport system (2) into the hole of the plate (5). [23] Method according to claim 19, 20, 21 or 22, characterized by , that before punching the isolated plate (5), the position of the plate (5) relative to the position of the punch (9) is recorded and, depending on the position values, the isolated plate (5) is moved relative to the punch (9) or the punch (9) is moved relative to the isolated plate (5). [24] Method according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23, characterized by , that the plates (5) on the disk storage are arranged standing on one of their edges.

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