Individualizing device for individualizing stacked substrates

Abstract

The invention relates to an individualizing device (1) for individualizing stacked substrates (2; 2'), comprising: a frame (10) and a stack receiving area (11) for receiving a stack of substrates (2; 2'). The individualizing device comprises at least one individualizing element (13A, 13B) which is mounted on the frame (10) in a rotatable manner about a rotational axis (D1,D2) and is arranged such that a stack of substrates (2; 2') arranged in the stack receiving area (11) can be supported on the individualizing element and which has a receiving area (130) for engaging with one of the substrates (2; 2') and a slide section (131) that is designed to slide along another substrate of the substrates (2; 2') during a rotation of the at least one individualizing element (13A, 13B) about the rotational axis (D1, D2).

Description

[0001] Separation device for separating stacked substrates

[0002] The invention relates to a separating device for separating stacked substrates, a printing system with such a separating device and a method for separating substrates.

[0003] For example, substrates to be printed consecutively by a printer, especially print media, are typically provided in stacks. To feed the print media to the printer, they are typically first separated from the stack. While this can usually be done easily with flexible print media such as paper pages, for example, using rubberized rollers, a comparatively more complex mechanism is generally required when printing on rigid print media.

[0004] DE 202012 101 998 U1 describes a separating device which has an upper row of needles and a lower row of needles. If a printing medium in the form of a rigid card is to be removed from a stack, the upper row of needles is disengaged from the stack by shifting the upper row of needles sideways. Since the support is now missing, the cards in the stack fall downwards onto the lower row of needles. The upper row of needles is then advanced again, with the card now lying between the upper and lower rows of needles. The next process step involves shifting the lower row of needles sideways so that the bottom card of the stack falls onto a conveyor belt and can be transported away.

[0005] WO 2015 / 144392 A1 describes a solution with several slide elements and a slide track for printing media to be labeled in the form of identification label sets.

[0006] What all known devices have in common is that they are based on complex mechanics and, due to their design, are limited in speed because they require waiting for the print media to drop between several forward and backward sliding movements. Furthermore, the known solutions are susceptible to tolerance-related variations in the print media dimensions.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to improve the separation of substrates. This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, a separating device for separating stacked substrates, in particular print media, comprises a frame and a stack receptacle for receiving a stack of substrates, in particular print media. The separating device further comprises at least one separating element mounted on the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, which is arranged such that a stack of substrates, in particular print media, arranged in the stack receptacle can be supported thereon, and which has (at least) one receptacle for engaging with one of the substrates, in particular print media, and a sliding section, which sliding section is configured to slide along another of the substrates, in particular print media, upon rotation of the at least one separating element about the rotation axis.

[0009] This is based on the idea of ​​singulating using a rotatable singulating element instead of several levels of sliders, which simultaneously pulls a substrate, in particular printing medium, from the stack and supports the remaining stack, in particular the one above it. No change in direction of movement is necessary. This makes the mechanics particularly simple and at the same time robust and therefore reliable. Furthermore, there is no need to wait until one or more substrates, in particular printing media, fall down under the influence of gravity alone, but the substrate, in particular printing medium, to be singulated can be pulled off the stack actively. This can also significantly reduce the likelihood of jamming. The substrates, in particular printing media, can be rigid objects in particular, which, unlike paper, for example, do not deform or only deform insignificantly due to their own weight.Another advantage is that the separating device can optionally be used as a stacking device for stacking individual substrates with the direction of rotation reversed. This allows for a large number of identical parts and simplifies production.

[0010] Optionally, the sliding section of the at least one separating element is circularly arc-shaped. A substrate arranged in the stack holder (and a stack of substrates arranged therein) can be supported on the circularly arc-shaped sliding section. This allows the separating element to be repositioned after separating a first substrate in order to separate a second substrate without displacing the remaining stack. The separating element thus has a dual function.

[0011] The receptacle for the at least one separating element optionally has one or more C-shaped contours. This allows a particular substrate to be removed from the rest of the stack with particular precision using the rotary motion.

[0012] The receptacle of the at least one separating element defines, for example, an interior space and an opening. The opening can be narrower than the interior space. For example, the clear width of the opening is smaller than (e.g., parallel to) the clear width of the interior space. This enables precise separation and, at the same time, jam-free movement, because the substrate can be displaced within the rotating interior space.

[0013] The at least one separating element is particularly configured to lower the substrates vertically into an output area one at a time. Thus, the individual substrates can be deposited as print media, for example, on a transport device and transported to a printing area or to a printer.

[0014] The separating device can comprise a drive unit that is laterally offset relative to the stack holder. This enables a particularly compact design that can also be easily implemented in a modular manner.

[0015] The at least one separating element can be rotated unidirectionally multiple times around the rotation axis, e.g., to separate multiple substrates one after the other. For example, one substrate is moved with each complete rotation. This enables continuous and uniform conveyance.

[0016] The at least one separating element can be disc-shaped. This allows for a narrow design and, at the same time, a simple construction,

[0017] The separating device can have two separating elements that can rotate in opposite directions. The receptacles of the two separating elements can be engaged with opposite sides, in particular end faces, of a substrate. This allows for a particularly precise and smooth-running construction. Furthermore, the separating device can comprise a first pair of separating elements that can rotate in opposite directions to a second pair of separating elements. This allows each substrate, for example, to be pulled from the stack at four corners simultaneously, with the stack above it also being supported at four corners, which allows for particularly orderly separating without tilting.

[0018] According to one aspect, a singling device for singling stacked substrates, in particular print media, is specified. The singling device can be designed as described above. The singling device comprises a frame and a stack receptacle with two guides, between which a stack of rigid substrates, in particular print media, can be received, wherein the guides are arranged at a first distance from one another. The singling device further comprises at least two singling elements mounted on the frame so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation opposite to one another, which in at least one rotational position have a second distance from one another that is smaller than the first distance. Furthermore, the singling elements have receptacles that can be aligned with one another by rotating the singling elements, such that a third distance between bases of the receptacles is greater than the second distance.Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above information. Optionally, the stack holder is formed as part of the frame. For example, the frame and stack holder are formed as a single piece.

[0019] The third spacing can be the same or larger than the first spacing. This ensures particularly smooth separation.

[0020] Optionally, the separating device is configured to separate flat and rigid substrates, in particular print media. In particular, the separating device can be configured to separate substrates in the form of sign mats, each containing several breakable identification labels. Such sign mats are also referred to as marking element mats.

[0021] At least one rigid substrate, in particular a printing medium, in particular in the form of a sign mat with several break-out identification signs, can be arranged in the stack holder.

[0022] The singling device makes it possible for a plurality of (in particular rigid) substrates with different dimensions, in particular with different heights, to be arranged in the stack holder and to be singulated using the singling device. For example, a first substrate with a first height and a second substrate with a second height are arranged in the stack holder and can be singulated using the singling device, wherein the second height is, for example, greater than the first height, for example at least twice as great. In this way, a wide variety of substrates can be singulated using the same singling device. It can be provided that the substrates have different heights or, for example, only some or all of the identification plates thereof if the substrates are designed in the form of plate mats.

[0023] The substrate can rest on each of the at least two separating elements before singulation. It should be noted that the stack holder can also be filled with one or more additional substrates during singulation. This allows for uninterrupted processing.

[0024] According to one aspect, a printing system is provided. The printing system comprises the singulating device according to any embodiment described herein. Furthermore, the printing system comprises a printer and a transport device for conveying the print media from the singulating device to the printer. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above information regarding the singulating device.

[0025] The transport device of the printing system comprises, for example, one or more rails for guiding the print media. The separating device can be arranged so that individual print media can be deposited one after the other on the rail(s). This achieves a particularly compact design. Alternatively or additionally, a movable transport shuttle can be provided, on which the individual print media can be deposited.

[0026] According to one aspect, a method for separating substrates, in particular print media, is specified, in particular using the separating device according to any embodiment described herein. The separating device comprises a frame, a stack holder for receiving a stack of rigid substrates, in particular print media, and at least one separating element mounted on the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The method comprises the following steps: arranging a rigid substrate, in particular print medium (in particular a stack of such print media), in the stack holder; and conveying the (in particular the bottommost) substrate, in particular print medium, arranged in the stack holder to an output area by rotating the at least one separating element about the rotation axis, wherein the substrate, in particular print medium, is brought into engagement with a receptacle of the at least one separating element.With regard to the advantages, reference is again made to the above information on the separating device described above.

[0027] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0028] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a printing system for

[0029] Printing on print media;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a view of a printing medium in the form of a sign mat with several break-out identification plates;

[0031] Fig. 3A to 3D views of a separating device of the printing system according to Fig. 1 in different stages of conveying a printing medium;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a view of the separating device according to Figs. 3A to 3D, showing a drive unit of the separating device;

[0033] Fig. 5 is a view of a passage of the separating device according to Figs. 3A to 3D; and

[0034] Fig. 6A and 6B views of the separating device of the printing system according to Fig. 1 in different stages of conveying different printing media.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a printing system 3 for printing on a plurality of individually printable substrates in the form of print media. For this purpose, the printing system 3 comprises a separating device 1 into which a stack of print media can be fed automatically or manually. A transport device 31 conveys individual print media output from the separating device 1 to a printer 32 of the printing system 3. The printer 32 prints the individual print media one after the other. In the example shown, the print media are conveyed from the printer 32 to a stacking device 30 by means of the transport device 31. The stacking device 30 stacks the individual printed print media into a stack, which can then be removed manually or automatically from the stacking device 30. Instead of the stacking device 30, it could also be provided that the printed print media are simply ejected, for example.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an example of such a substrate in the form of a printing medium 2. The printing medium 2 comprises a plurality of identification plates 20. The identification plates 20 are each formed on (at least) one of a plurality of webs 21. The webs 21 are arranged parallel to one another and with the identification plates 20 between two guides 22. The webs 21 are each fixed to both guides 22. The printing medium 2 is formed in one piece. For example, it is an injection-molded part. In particular, the printing medium 2 can consist of a plastic or comprise a plastic. The individual identification plates 20 can be broken off from the webs 21. For example, an identification plate 20 printed with the printer 32 can be attached to an electrical or electronic component in order to identify it. For this purpose, the identification plates 20 each have locking elements for locking onto a respective component.

[0037] The print medium 2 can also be referred to as a mat or card. It is plate-shaped and rigid. Due to its own weight, the print medium 2 does not bend, or only slightly, when held, for example, only on one side or corner.

[0038] The print medium 2 has a length, a width, and a height. The height is smaller than the length and the width. The width is smaller than the length. The guides 22 extend along the length. The end faces of the print medium 2 extend across its width.

[0039] Depending on the required shape and size of the identification labels 20, the printing medium 2 can have a larger or smaller number of identification labels 20 and webs 21 for holding the identification labels 20.

[0040] 3A to 3D show the singulating device 1 and its mode of operation. The singulating device 1 comprises a frame 10, a stack holder 11, and an output area 12. When the singulating device 1 is used as intended, the output area 12 is arranged vertically below the stack holder 11. By means of the transport device 31, a printing medium 2 can be moved, in this case displaced, from the output area 12 to the printer 32. For this purpose, the transport device 31 has a pair of rails 310, wherein each of the guides 22 of the respective printing medium 2 rests on one of the rails 310 and is thus guided for longitudinal displacement. The rails 310 of the transport device 31 are spaced apart from one another. The rails 310 of the transport device 31 run parallel to one another. During the intended use of the separating device 1 (and the printing system 3), the rails 310 extend horizontally.

[0041] The stack holder 11 comprises two guides 110, between which a stack of rigid print media 2 can be accommodated, e.g., automatically or manually inserted. The guides 110 are arranged at a first distance A1 from each other. The first distance A1 corresponds approximately to the length of the print media 2, which is guided vertically between the guides 110.

[0042] Furthermore, the separating device 1 generally comprises at least one separating element 13A, 13B, in the example shown exactly four separating elements 13A, 13B. In the example shown, each of the separating elements 13A, 13B is mounted on the frame 10 so as to be completely rotatable, i.e. by 360 degrees, about a respective rotation axis D1, D2. However, this is not mandatory and alternatively or additionally, it can be provided, for example, that the separating elements 13A, 13B for each

[0043] can be rotated back and forth during the singling process. The singling device 1 comprises a first pair of singling elements 13A, which can be rotated in a first direction (clockwise in the view according to Fig. 3A), and a second pair of singling elements 13B, which can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction (counterclockwise in the view according to Fig. 3A). The two pairs are arranged on opposite sides of the stack holder 11. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable, for example, for the singling device to have exactly two singling elements, which are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the stack holder 11.

[0044] Of the four separating elements 13A, 13B shown here, two (namely the first pair) are arranged on one side of the stack holder 11, and two more (namely the second pair) are arranged on an opposite side of the stack holder 11, and thus also correspondingly on opposite sides of a print medium 2 positioned in the stack holder 11. In the example shown, the separating elements 13A, 13B engage the end faces of the print medium 2. Specifically, the separating elements 13A, 13B are arranged in the example shown such that they are located at four corners of a rectangular print medium 2 positioned in the stack holder 11.

[0045] In this case, the separating elements 13A, 13B are identical to each other. The first pair is oriented inversely to the second pair.

[0046] The separating elements are each arranged such that a stack of print media 2 arranged in the stack holder 11 can be supported thereon. Furthermore, the separating elements each have a holder 130 for engaging with one (the bottommost) of the print media 2 and a sliding section 131. The sliding section 131 is configured to slide along another of the print media 2 (the second from the bottom) upon rotation of the at least one separating element 13A, 13B about the rotation axis D1, D2.

[0047] The sliding section 131 of the respective separating element 13A, 13B is circularly arc-shaped and, in this case, arranged concentrically to the respective rotational axis D1, D2. The receptacles 130 of the separating elements 13A, 13B are each formed on one side of the respective rotational axis D1, D2. It should be noted at this point that the illustrated separating elements 13A, 13B each have exactly one receptacle 130, but that each of the separating elements 13A, 13B could alternatively have more than one receptacle 130, e.g., two or three receptacles 130. In general, each separating element 13A, 13B has, for example, at least one receptacle 130.

[0048] The separating elements 13A, 13B are flat (along the rotational axis D1, D2). The separating elements 13A, 13B are disc-shaped in this case.

[0049] Separation elements 13A, 13B can also be referred to as profiled discs. Separation is therefore performed by profiled discs.

[0050] For example, from Fig. 3C it can be seen that the receptacles 130 of the separating elements 13A, 13B each have a C-shaped contour. The receptacles 130 are each bordered by two projections 132A, 132B facing one another. Between the projections 132A, 132B an opening O to an interior space I of the receptacle 130 is formed. The opening O is narrower than the interior space I. Starting from the opening O, the interior space I therefore widens. Parallel to the width of the opening O, the interior space I has a greater width. This allows the end of the printing medium 2 arranged in the receptacle 130 to pivot in the receptacle 130.

[0051] One of the projections 132A, 132B, namely the projection 132A on which a print medium 2 to be separated rests when it projects into the receptacle 130, has a rounded end. As a result, this projection 132A slides along the underside of the print medium 2 without jamming when the separating element 13A rotates. The other projection 132B is inserted between the bottom two print media 2 when the separating element 13A rotates, thus reliably separating them. In the example shown, this projection 132B has a molded-on end to ensure it can be securely inserted between the two bottom print media 2 of the stack, even with larger manufacturing tolerances of the print media 2. The projections 132A, 132B serve as skids.

[0052] The separating device 1 is mounted on the transport device 31. The separating elements 13A, 13B are each arranged next to one of the rails 310 or aligned with one of the rails 310 of the transport device 31, wherein, for example, a recess is formed in each of the two rails 310 for two of the separating elements 13A, 13B.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 3A to 3D, a method for separating print media 2 with the separating device 1 will now be explained.

[0054] In a first step, at least one print medium 2, in particular a stack of print media 2, for example in the form of the print medium 2 shown in Fig. 2, is inserted into the stack holder 11 (see, for example, Fig. 3A). The (lowest) print medium 2 then rests on each of the four separating elements 13A, 13B, specifically on the sliding surface 131. A second distance A2 is formed between the opposite (counter-rotatable) separating elements 13A, 13B. Specifically, the second distance A2 is the shortest distance between the mutually aligned sliding surfaces 131. This second distance A2 is smaller than the first distance A1. The separating elements 13A, 13B thus protrude into a shaft defined by the guides 110. The print media 2, which have a length which is (slightly) smaller than the first distance (or equal to it), but larger than the second distance A2, rest on the separating elements 13A, 13B.

[0055] Next, the print medium 2 located at the bottom of the stack holder 11 is conveyed to the output area 12 by rotating the separating elements 13A, 13B about the respective rotation axes D1, D2, whereby the print medium 2 is brought into engagement with a receptacle 130 of each of the separating elements 13A, 13B. The separating elements 13A, 13B thereby grip the print medium 2 (bottommost in the stack) and separate it from the print media 2 located above it in the stack.

[0056] In the present case, the separation elements 13A, 13B are rotated completely once around the respective rotational axis D1, D2 for each print medium 2 to be separated, i.e. by 360 degrees. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the separation elements 13A, 13B to each have two (or more) receptacles 130, so that two (or more) print media 2 can be separated per complete rotation. Because the separation elements 13A, 13B can be rotated completely around the rotational axes D1, D2, the separation of several print media 2 can take place by a unidirectional rotational movement, i.e. without switching the direction of rotation. This allows for a particularly simple drive mechanism, which will be described in more detail below and which, moreover, is not prone to jamming due to the lack of a switching of the direction of rotation. The rotational movement can be stopped between the conveyance of two print media 2 or, alternatively, can continue continuously.All separation elements 13A, 13B move synchronously. The movements of the separation elements 13A, 13B are coupled to one another.

[0057] Fig. 3B shows a moment in which the receptacles 130 engage the end faces of the print medium 2, shortly before the separating elements 13A, 13B separate the lowermost print medium 2 from the print medium 2 above it by further rotation about the rotation axes D1, D2 by means of the upper projection 132B. The lowermost print medium 2 is then displaced vertically downward.

[0058] Fig. 3C shows an enlarged view of a section of Fig. 3B. It also illustrates that, as soon as the receptacles 130 of the opposing separating elements 13A, 13B are aligned with one another, a third distance A3 is formed between the soles 134 of the receptacles 130. In the example shown, the third distance A3 is approximately the same as (alternatively, e.g., greater than) the second distance A2. The soles 134 of the receptacles 130 represent the part of the edge of the respective receptacle 130 facing the corresponding axis of rotation D1, D2 (e.g., the half of the edge facing the corresponding axis of rotation D1, D2).

[0059] Fig. 3D shows a moment in which the separating elements 13A, 13B have continued to rotate and the separated print medium 2 has already been deposited on the rails 310 in the output area 12. Depending on the rotation speed, this can occur passively due to gravity, as soon as the openings O are rotated downward far enough, or actively by means of the upper projections 132B.

[0060] The printing medium 2 is thus separated and can be transported to the printer 32 by means of the transport device 31.

[0061] 4 and 5 show a drive unit 15 of the separating device 1. The drive unit 15 comprises a motor 150 and, in the example shown, several gears 151, 152 (although other counter-rotating drive types are of course also conceivable). Furthermore, it can be seen that each pair of separating elements 13A, 13B is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft 133. One of the gears 152 is also fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to each of the two shafts 133. In order to effect the opposite directions of rotation of the pairs of separating elements 13A, 13B (and of the two shafts 133), the drive unit 15 has a number of gears 151, 152 connected in series for the first pair and the second pair, which number differs by one. Thus, a drive pinion 153 of the motor 150 (see e.g. Fig. 3A and 3B) drives the shaft 133 shown on the left in Fig. 4 via a total of two gears 151, 152, while the drive pinion 153 drives the shaft 133 shown in the view of Fig.4 right-hand shaft 133 is driven via a total of three gears 151, 152.

[0062] A sensor (e.g., in motor 15) detects the position of the separating elements 13A, 13B, i.e., in particular, a current angle of rotation (e.g., relative to frame 10). This allows motor 15 to coordinate the separation with the conveying by transport device 31.

[0063] 4 and 5, the frame 10 has two arms 100. While the guides 110 of the stack holder 11 extend vertically upwards, the arms 100 extend vertically downwards. A passage 101 is formed between the arms 100. The passage 101 is designed to accommodate a section of the transport device 31 of the printing system 3. In the assembled state, the transport device 31 of the printing system 3 extends in the passage 101. The drive device 15 is arranged laterally offset from the stack holder 11. This frees up the installation space below the stack holder 11. This enables a particularly compact and modular design. Furthermore, the installation space in front of and behind the end faces of the print media 2 is not blocked by the drive.

[0064] When rotated in the opposite direction, the separating device can also be used as a stacking device for stacking individual print media 2. This results in a large number of identical parts. For example, the stacking device 30 has the same structure as the separating device 1.

[0065] Specifically, the drive device 15 is mounted on one of the arms 100. The drive device 15 is arranged below the stack holder 11.

[0066] The active separation of the print media 2 enables reliable separation at high speeds. The front-end separation allows for a particularly simple design. This makes the separating device particularly robust against length tolerances of the print media 2. For example, it is not necessary to precisely target a lateral recess.

[0067] Since the separation, lowering and retention of the print media 2 is realized by a rotational movement (per separation element 13A, 13B) in only one direction of rotation, an idle stroke can be avoided. Furthermore, a

[0068] alternating loads and corresponding wear. Furthermore, very few components are required, resulting in low complexity, low susceptibility to failure and

[0069] Noise development achievable.

[0070] Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate that with the described separating device 1 it is possible to separate differently shaped print media 2, 2' and in particular to stack them simultaneously in the stack holder 11.

[0071] In the present example, several comparatively thin print media 2 are arranged in the stack, as well as a comparatively thicker (in the direction in which the print media 2, 2' are stacked). The separating device 1 can process such mixed, i.e., non-uniform, stacks, in this case without changing any settings. The concept underlying the invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments, but can in principle also be implemented in a completely different manner.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] 1 separating device

[0074] 10 frames

[0075] 100 arms

[0076] 101 passage

[0077] 11 Stack holder

[0078] 110 Guide

[0079] 12 Output area

[0080] 13A, 13B Separation element

[0081] 130 recording

[0082] 131 sliding section

[0083] 132A, 132B projection

[0084] 133 Wave

[0085] 134 sole

[0086] 15 Drive unit

[0087] 150 engine

[0088] 151 gear

[0089] 152 gear

[0090] 153 drive pinion

[0091] 2; 2' printing medium (substrate)

[0092] 20 Identification plate

[0093] 21 jetty

[0094] 22 Guide

[0095] 3 Printing system

[0096] 30 Stacking device

[0097] 31 Transport device

[0098] 310 rail

[0099] 32 printers

[0100] A1-A3 spacing

[0101] D1, D2 rotation axis

[0102] Interior

[0103] O Opening

Claims

Patent claims 1. Separating device (1) for separating stacked substrates (2; 2'), comprising: a frame (10) and a stack holder (11) for receiving a stack of substrates (2; 2'), characterized by at least one separating element (13A, 13B) which is mounted on the frame (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2), which is arranged such that a stack of substrates (2; 2') arranged in the stack holder (11) can be supported thereon, and which has a holder (130) for engaging with one of the substrates (2; 2') and a sliding section (131) which is designed to slide along a further one of the substrates (2; 2') upon rotation of the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) about the axis of rotation (D1, D2).

2. Separating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding section (131) of the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) is circularly arc-shaped.

3. Separating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (130) of the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) has at least one C-shaped contour.

4. Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (130) of the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) defines an interior space (I) and an opening (O), wherein the opening (O) is narrower than the interior space (I).

5. Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) is designed to lower the substrates (2; 2') individually vertically into an output area (12).

6. Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a drive unit (15) arranged laterally offset from the stack holder (11).

7. Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) is rotatable unidirectionally several times about the axis of rotation (D1, D2) in order to convey several substrates (2; 2') one after the other.

8. Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) is disc-shaped.

9. Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two oppositely rotatable separating elements (13A, 13B), the receptacles (130) of which can be brought into engagement with opposite sides of a substrate (2; 2').

10. Separating device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by a first pair of separating elements (13A) which is rotatable opposite to a second pair of separating elements (13B).

11. Separating device (1) for separating stacked substrates (2; 2'), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a frame (10) and a stack holder (11) with two guides (110), between which a stack of rigid substrates (2; 2') can be received, wherein the guides (110) are arranged at a first distance (A1) from one another, characterized by at least two separating elements (13A, 13B) which are mounted on the frame (10) so as to be rotatable about a respective rotational axis (D1, D2) opposite to one another and which, in at least one rotational position, have a second distance (A2) from one another which is smaller than the first distance (A1), and which have holders (130) which can be aligned with one another such that a third distance (A3) between soles (134) of the receptacles (130) is greater than the second distance (A2). Separating device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the third distance (A3) is the same as or greater than the first distance (A1). Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rigid substrate (2; 2'), in particular in the form of a sign mat with several break-out identification signs, is arranged in the stack receptacle (11). Separating device (1) according to claim 11 or 12 and according to claim 13, characterized in that the substrate (2; 2') rests on each of the at least two separating elements (13A, 13B).Separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that substrates (2; 2') with different dimensions, in particular heights, can be arranged in the stack holder (11) and separated using the separating device (1). Printing system (3) comprising: the separating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a printer (32), and a transport device (31) for conveying the substrates (2; 2') in the form of print media from the separating device (1) to the printer (32). Printing system (3) according to claim 16, characterized in that the transport device (31) comprises one or more rails (310) for guiding the substrates (2; 2'), wherein the separating device (1) is arranged such that individual substrates (2; 2') can be deposited on the rail(s) (310).Method for separating substrates (2; 2') with a separating device (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a frame (10), a stack holder (11) for receiving a stack of rigid substrates (2; 2') and at least one rotatable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2) on the frame (10). mounted separating element (13A, 13B), the method comprising the following steps: Arranging a rigid substrate (2; 2') in the stack holder (11); and - conveying the substrate (2; 2') arranged in the stack holder (11) to an output area (12) by rotating the at least one separating element (13A, 13B) about the rotation axis (D1, D2), wherein the substrate (2; 2') is brought into engagement with a holder (130) of the at least one separating element (13A, 13B).

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