Lifting and storage module, and machine and system for quire, as well as manufacturing method of product

Abstract

To provide a folding machine capable of improving workflow in the field of post-print processing, and especially shortening a manufacturing time and a working time.SOLUTION: A folding machine (1) has at least one lifting module (30) and at least one mobile storage module (40). The storage module can be moved horizontally toward the lifting module and away from the lifting module. The storage module is provided on the downstream side of a paper discharge device (2) in a paper discharge direction (3). The lifting module has a vertically positionable lifting level (32) for vertically positioning a plurality of quires (4). The storage module is provided on the downstream side of the lifting module during the discharge of the quire. The storage module has at least two storage levels (41) which are vertically arranged one above the other and can be separately driven for individually carrying the plurality of quires in the storage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] invention The invention relates to a folding, fastening or binding machine, the preparation and operation of a system consisting of at least one folding machine and at least one fastening or binding machine, a lifting module, a mobile storage module and a manufacturing method according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0002] Technical Field The invention is situated in the technical field of the graphic industry, in particular in the field of stapling or binding of collectively supported folded signatures or preferably in the field of industrial, i.e. high-quality and high-productivity production (folding and subsequent stapling or binding) of printed paper products, such as brochures and the like.

[0003] Background technology From the field of post-printing processing, folders as well as saddle stitchers, perfect binders and stitchers are already known. It is also known for the folded products in the folders to be unloaded onto a pallet and transported on the pallet to another post-processing machine (saddle stitcher, perfect binder, stitcher) where they are further processed.

[0004] DE 10344026 A1 and DE 102014114952 A1 each disclose the post-processing of the printed product in a folder followed immediately by a saddle stitcher, where the transport of the product from the folder to the saddle stitcher takes place in each case via a transport device arranged stationary between the respective machines, for example via an inclined roller platform.

[0005] From the field of storage technology, a wide variety of devices for storing or storing items are known.

[0006] Chinese Utility Model No. 205045337 discloses a stationary storage rack with at least two storage planes arranged one above the other for storing pallets. Each plane has driven rollers for moving the pallets horizontally when entering or leaving the storage. The rack has a stationary lifting device arranged laterally adjacent to the planes, which moves the pallets vertically to the height of each plane when entering the storage (and in the opposite direction when leaving the storage), for which the lifting device has a drive device. The lifting device also has driven rollers for moving the pallets horizontally when entering or leaving the storage. The method of driving the rollers remains unclear. No mention is made of the mobility of the entire rack. Also no mention is made of the connection and disconnection of the lifting device to the rack.

[0007] CN 113525483 discloses a mobile vehicle with a centrally arranged storage unit, interlocking loading units and interlocking loading / unloading units. The storage unit has several storage planes arranged one above the other. Each of these storage planes is formed as a conveyor belt to which containers are attached. The containers can be loaded and unloaded with objects, for which the containers are transported horizontally to the respective loading or unloading unit. Both the loading and unloading units are formed as lifting devices. The manner in which the respective conveyor belts are driven remains unclear. No mention is made of the coupling and decoupling of the storage unit to the lifting devices. It is assumed that the vehicle is complexly constructed based on two lifting devices and therefore expensive to manufacture. No mention is made of the coupling and decoupling of the storage unit to one of the lifting devices.

[0008] Technical challenges The object of the present invention is to achieve an improvement over the state of the art and to improve the workflow, in particular in the field of post-print processing, and in particular to make it possible to reduce production and labor times.

[0009] Solution to the Problems of the Invention These objectives are achieved according to the invention by a folding machine (folding machine for short), a stapler or binding machine (jointly stapler or binding machine for short), in particular a saddle stitching machine (for collecting and thread-stitching or line-stitching folded signatures; saddle stitching for short), a perfect binding machine or thread stitching machine (perfect stitcher or thread stitcher), the preparation and operation of a system comprising at least one folding machine and at least one stapler or binding machine, a lifting module, a mobile storage module and a production method according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0010] Advantageous and therefore preferred refinements of the invention emerge from the dependent claims as well as from the description and drawings.

[0011] The folding machine according to the present invention having a delivery device for discharging the signatures is advantageous in that it has at least one lifting module and at least one mobile storage module, which is horizontally movable towards and away from the lifting module, which is arranged downstream of the delivery device in the delivery direction, the lifting module having a vertically positionable lifting plane for vertically positioning a plurality of signatures, which storage module is arranged downstream of the lifting module during the delivery of the signatures, and which has at least two separately drivable storage planes arranged vertically one above the other for respectively receiving a plurality of signatures.

[0012] The stapler or binding machine according to the invention having a plurality of feeding devices for respectively feeding the folded signatures is advantageous in that it has a plurality of lifting modules and at least one movable storage module for each lifting module, the storage modules being horizontally movable towards and away from the lifting modules, the lifting modules being arranged upstream of each feeding device in the feed direction, each lifting module having a vertically positionable lifting plane for vertically positioning the folded signatures, and during the feeding of the folded signatures, one storage module is arranged upstream of each lifting module, the storage modules having at least two separately drivable storage planes arranged vertically one above the other for respectively conveying the folded signatures.

[0013] The preparation and operation according to the invention of a system consisting of at least one folding machine according to the invention and at least one stapling or stapler machine according to the invention is advantageous in that a number of mobile storage modules are provided which a) are connected in succession to the lifting modules of the folding machine during delivery, receive each folded signature from the lifting modules of the folding machine and store the received folded signatures, then b) are each detached from the lifting modules and transport the stored folded signatures from the folding machine to the stapling or stapler machine, and then c) are each connected in parallel to the lifting modules of the machine during delivery, and supply the transported folded signatures in parallel to each lifting module of the machine.

[0014] The lifting module according to the invention for folded signatures, suitable for use as a lifting module of a folding, staple or binding machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims or for use in the preparation and operation of a system, is advantageous in that it has a vertically movable lifting plane for vertically positioning a number of folded signatures, the lifting plane having a driven first coupling member of a coupling device.

[0015] The mobile storage module for folded signatures according to the invention, suitable for use as a storage module of a folding machine according to the invention, a fastening or binding machine according to the invention or for use in the preparation and operation of a system according to the invention, is advantageous in that it has at least two separately drivable storage planes arranged vertically one above the other and for storing a plurality of folded signatures respectively, the storage planes each having a driven second coupling member of a coupling device.

[0016] The manufacturing method according to the present invention for producing post-processed printed products from folded sheets is advantageous in that it uses a plurality of lifting modules according to the present invention and a plurality of storage modules according to the present invention, each one of the lifting modules and each one of the storage modules being temporarily connected to each other via a connecting device, which includes a first connecting member of the lifting modules and a second connecting member of the storage modules.

[0017] Advantageous Configurations and Effects of the Invention The invention advantageously improves the workflow in the field of post-printing processing and in particular makes it possible to reduce production and labor times.

[0018] The invention improves the workflow in a printing shop between successive machines in the production process, for example between a folder and a saddle / perfect / stitcher. Errors and delays in the workflow can be avoided. Less operator intervention is required. Productivity can be increased. The invention forms the "basis" for the concept of an autonomous printing shop, especially when mobile storage modules move autonomously and signatures are transported automatically from one machine to the other.

[0019] According to the invention, a lifting module for vertically moving and positioning the signatures and a mobile storage module for horizontally moving and positioning the signatures are provided and used, for example in a complex of a (production) system consisting of several different machines. The storage module can temporarily store or intermediately store the signatures and transport them between the machines of the complex. The lifting module is preferably arranged stationary on the machine, whereas the storage module is mobile, for example rollable. The storage module and the lifting module can be connected to one another, in which case a power transmission is preferably provided for the storage element (circulating belt) of the storage module. The lifting module can be provided with an associated motor. The storage module does not need to be provided with a motor, which makes the storage module lighter and less expensive.

[0020] In a printing shop with at least one folder and at least one further finishing machine, such as a saddle stitcher, perfect binder or stitcher, there can preferably be several storage modules (pool of storage modules), by means of which the transport of the signatures between the machines can be carried out. Furthermore, these storage modules can store pre-produced signatures intermediately until further finishing. In this way, rush orders can also be interposed. The storage modules are preferably constructed very simply and are therefore very inexpensive, so that it is possible for an enterprise to purchase a large number of such storage modules.

[0021] The signatures may be arranged in a stack, i.e. one above the other, on the storage plane of the storage module ("flat storage"). Preferably, several stacks are arranged next to each other per storage plane. Alternatively, the signatures may be arranged in a line, i.e., next to each other, on the storage plane of the storage module ("upright storage"). The storage module may thus be adapted to various delivery types of the folder (flat delivery, upright delivery).

[0022] Improvements to the invention In the following, preferred refinements (refinements for short) of the invention are described, which may - if not technically precluded - be combined with one another.

[0023] Machine improvements A refinement may be advantageous in that the lifting plane has a conveying element for conveying the signatures at the respective vertical positions during the infeed or outfeed and a drive for the conveying element. The conveying element may be configured as a circulating belt. The belt may be driven, for example having driven rollers. The belt may be provided with stops or supports for the signatures or stacks of signatures.

[0024] A refinement may be advantageous in that the storage planes each have a conveying element for conveying the signatures during the infeed or removal. The conveying element may be configured as a circulating belt. The belt may be driven indirectly, for example via a conveying element of a lifting device. The belt may be provided with stops or supports for the signatures or stacks of signatures.

[0025] A refinement may be advantageous in that the storage planes are each configured to be connectable with the lifting plane in order to drive them separately. The respective conveying members of the storage plane and the conveying members of the lifting plane may be temporarily connected when they are located at the same vertical position. In this way, the signatures can be conveyed in the horizontal direction from the lifting plane to the storage plane (or vice versa). In this case, the two planes are preferably arranged at the same vertical height and with their respective ends close together.

[0026] A refinement may be advantageous in that the lifting plane has a driven first coupling member of the coupling device and each storage plane has a driven second coupling member of the coupling device, the coupling being for example via gears or friction wheels as coupling members.

[0027] System preparation and operation improvements One improvement may be that a warning device is activated for the stapler or binding machine if the correct storage module is not positioned at the correct feeder. This warning may be visual or acoustic, for example. A red light and / or a loud sound can inform the operator that he has not brought the storage module close to the correct lifting module. It may also be envisaged that another light on another lifting module indicates the correct position to the operator. It may also be envisaged that the storage modules are numbered and equipped with a transponder, so that an indicator, for example a green light, is activated on the correct lifting module when the storage module approaches a row of lifting modules, in this way the operator quickly and easily finds the correct lifting module. Alternatively, the storage modules may be moved under computer control, in which case it is guaranteed that the correct storage module (with the expected signature) is positioned in the correct position at the correct time.

[0028] One refinement may be that several storage modules are docked at the same time to the lifting module of the folder and loaded simultaneously or sequentially. It may be envisaged to pass the signatures through one storage module and feed them to another storage module arranged downstream.

[0029] One refinement may be that when loading the storage module, a counter is activated which accordingly counts together the number of signatures or stacks of signatures to be fed in. The numerical value may be stored and can be called up for control when unloading the storage module.

[0030] One improvement may be that a computer is provided which monitors the loading of a number of storage modules and records which (possibly different) signatures, possibly in how many, have been delivered to which storage module, possibly in which storage plane (vertical position), and possibly in which position on the storage plane (horizontal position). In this way, the computer has comprehensive knowledge of where in the pool of storage modules which signatures are currently in intermediate storage, and thus can contribute to improving the workflow, especially in the case of sudden order changes.

[0031] One refinement may be advantageous in that a plurality of different storage modules are used, for example storage modules having different storage capacities for signatures, such storage modules may have, for example, different lengths and / or different heights or different numbers of storage planes.

[0032] One refinement may be that the folder is provided with several lifting modules, in this way several storage modules can be loaded in parallel, the individual signatures being guided via diverters to the different lifting modules in each case.

[0033] One refinement of the folder may be distinguished in that the folder has a robot with a robot arm in the region of its delivery device, which is used to deposit or deposit the signatures or stacks of signatures onto a pallet. The folder may have a diverter, by means of which an operator or a control program can select whether the signatures are fed to the lifting module or to the robot. For example, in the case of a small number of copies, they can be fed or deposited via the lifting module to the storage module, and in the case of a large number of copies, they can be deposited or deposited via the robot onto a pallet.

[0034] Lifting module improvements One refinement may be advantageous in that the lifting plane has a movable belt for conveying the signatures on entry or exit.

[0035] One refinement may be that a lift module can have multiple storage modules docked at the same time, for example on different sides of the module, which can then be loaded, possibly sequentially or even simultaneously.

[0036] Storage module improvements One refinement may be distinguished in that the storage planes each have a movable belt for conveying the signatures during infeed or outfeed. The belt may have means for fixing the signatures in position for reliable conveyance, for example stop surfaces oriented perpendicular to the belt.

[0037] A (transport) stationary plate can be suspended above each storage plane or above each individual stack, which can be guided preferably laterally along the storage module (e.g. the side wall of the storage module) for vertical movement. When loading and unloading the storage module, the plate can be moved to an upper position. When the storage module is moved, the plate can rest on the stack, i.e. it rests by its gravity and, if necessary, is additionally spring-loaded. The upper position of the plate is preferably equal in each plane, the lower position occurs via the height of each stack. The plate can be moved vertically manually. Alternatively, it can be provided for the plate to be moved vertically by a drive, which is preferably arranged in the lifting module and which is likewise connected when the storage module is connected to the respective lifting module. Before the stack is loaded, all existing plates of the storage module are moved upwards via the connections (if they are not already positioned upwards) and after loading they are moved downwards for safe transport; before the stack is unloaded, all existing plates of the storage module are moved upwards via the connections and after loading they preferably remain upwards.

[0038] One refinement may feature that the storage module is equipped without a dedicated drive for its storage plane, for example for its circulating belt.

[0039] Instead, the required drives can be provided in the lifting module and can be used both for the lifting module and for the storage module (eg for the circulating belts respectively provided there).

[0040] One improvement may be that the storage module accommodates signatures (or stacks of such signatures) based on different production orders, which is particularly useful for low run production orders.

[0041] One refinement may predominate in that the storage module is moved by an operator from the folder to the stapler or stitcher (or vice versa) or the storage module is moved autonomously. For autonomous movement, the storage module must be equipped with a drive. Such an autonomous storage module may be configured as an FTF ("fahrerloses Transportfahrzeug" automated guided vehicle).

[0042] One refinement may prevail in that two or more storage modules are connected to each other and moved together when moving between the folder and the stapler or stitcher.

[0043] One refinement may excel in that a storage module is mechanically docked to each lift module of the folder or stapler or stitcher, and it may be envisaged that if it is identified that the correct storage module is not positioned at the lift module, the mechanical docking is not allowed or prevented.

[0044] One refinement may be that the storage module has a plurality of storage planes, the position of each of which is vertically variable, so that the spacing between the storage planes can be adapted to varying stack heights.

[0045] One refinement may be that the storage plane of the storage module extends or is oriented substantially horizontally, which is particularly advantageous in the feeding of stacks of laid-down signatures.

[0046] Alternatively, it may be provided that the storage plane has an incline, which may be advantageous in particular for the feeding of upright signatures.

[0047] Alternatively, it may be envisaged that the upright signatures are fed into cassettes, which are then stored substantially horizontally in the storage module and transported by the storage module.

[0048] Improved manufacturing method One refinement may feature that each individual signature or stack of signatures has a code. The code may be generated in one or more printing machines or alternatively in a folding machine arranged upstream in the production process. The code may be a bar code or a QR code, respectively, or alternatively an attached RFID chip, etc. The code may be used to uniquely identify each individual signature or stack of signatures. The identification may be used to ensure that no errors occur in the production process. For example, it may be prevented that the correct signature is not fed.

[0049] One improvement may be that excess signatures at the staple or binding machine are discharged as broke or returned to a storage module, which provides the returned signatures to a broken bin where they can be disposed of for disposal.

[0050] The features and combinations of features disclosed in the above Technical Field, Invention and Improvements sections and in the Examples section below - in any combination with one another - constitute further advantageous improvements of the present invention.

[0051] Examples and drawings of the invention [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention and improvements. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention and improvements. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention and improvements. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention and improvements. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention and improvements.

[0053] In the figures, corresponding features are given the same reference numerals, and some repeated reference numerals have been omitted for clarity.

[0054] In Fig. 1, a cross-section of one preferred embodiment with a storage module, a lifting module and a folder or a folder delivery device and the input flow during operation are shown diagrammatically. The input of the signatures 4 (from the machine 1 to one or more storage modules 40) takes place according to the flow shown in Fig. 1. The machine 1 (folder; only partially shown) comprises a delivery device 2 (also only partially shown) with a preferably horizontal delivery direction 3 for the signatures 4 or a stack / stack of such signatures 4 (laying delivery body or laying stock body). Such a machine 1 can be part of a system 20 consisting of different machines 1 and 10.

[0055] From the delivery device 2, the signatures 4 reach the lifting plane 32 of the lifting module 30, which is movable in a direction 93 ("up and down") upon activation of the lifting module 30 or drive 32a and is thus positionable in a number of positions 92 in the vertical direction.

[0056] The movable lifting plane 32 comprises a conveying member 33, which may preferably comprise an endless belt 33a and a number of rollers 33b guiding said belt. The conveying member 33 is driven, i.e. a drive 34, preferably a motor, is provided for one of the rollers 33b. It will become clear further below (in the description of the storage module) that this drive 34 simultaneously forms (in coupled state) the drive of the coupling device.

[0057] From the lift module 30, the signatures 4 reach the storage module 40 (connected at the docking area 53a). While the lift module 30 is preferably arranged stationary (at or alternatively as part of the delivery device 2), the storage module 40 is preferably made mobile by being provided with wheels 43 and a gripper 44, so that an operator can move the storage module 40 towards the lift module 30 and away again (see double arrow 90).

[0058] The storage module 40 preferably has a number of storage levels 41 arranged one above the other for storing the signatures 4, each of which has a transport member 42, preferably a circulating belt 42a and rollers 42b for guiding the belt. The lifting levels 32 can be moved to different positions 92, so that the signatures 4 can be fed to the different storage levels 41 via the lifting levels 32, in this case in the direction 91. This is preferably done in a controlled manner, i.e. a computer, for example the computer 70 shown in FIG. 3, controls the feeding of the signatures 4 according to the number of signature stacks 4 to be stored and the storage capacity of the storage module 40 used. Preferably, the storage module is fully loaded. However, it can also happen that during a job change, the storage module is only partially loaded.

[0059] To form a connection between the storage module 40 and the lifting module 30, a (multi-part) coupling device 50 is provided, which comprises a first coupling element 51 and a second coupling element 52. The first coupling element 51 is part of the lifting module 30, and the second coupling element 52 is part of the storage module 40. Both coupling elements can be formed, for example, as gears which engage with each other when the two modules 30 and 40 are coupled. On the side of the storage module 40, each storage plane 41 can comprise one second coupling element 52, i.e. the second coupling element itself can be multi-part and can comprise, for example, gears. The lifting plane 32 can be coupled to the storage plane 41, preferably at each of its vertical positions 92. That is to say, it can be envisaged, for example, that a gear of the lifting plane is coupled to a respective gear of the storage plane. In Figs. 2, 3 and 5 such gears are shown as filled circles.

[0060] A cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment with a storage module, a lifting module and a saddle stitcher, perfect stitcher or thread stitcher or a feeder for these and the output flow during operation are shown diagrammatically in Figure 2. The machine 10 (saddle stitcher, perfect stitcher or thread stitcher; only partially shown) comprises a feeder 11 (also only partially shown) with a preferably horizontal feed direction 12 for signatures 4 or a stack / stack of such signatures 4. The output of the signatures 4 (from one or more storage modules 40 to the machine 10) takes place according to the flow shown in Figure 2, which takes place essentially in the reverse order and in the opposite direction to the input.

[0061] The at least partially loaded storage module 40 can be detached by the operator and moved from the machine 1 (folder) to the machine 10 (saddle stitcher, perfect stitcher or stitcher) and docked there (docking area 53b). In this case, the detachment is preferably effected simply by moving the storage module 40 from a predetermined position, for example away from a stop of the lifting module 30 of the machine 1, and the docking is effected by moving it to a predetermined position on the lifting module 31, for example towards a stop of the lifting module 31 of the machine 10.

[0062] Each incoming stack of signatures 4 is moved onto the lifting plane 32 by the associated transport member 42 of the storage module 40 and the correspondingly vertically positioned and connected transport member 33 of the lifting module 31, which then moves upwards together with the stack 4, which is then moved to the feeder 11 (alternative names: feeder module or paper feed module) or to its transport member 60 and finally into the machine 10, where it is further processed. The transport member 60 may be configured, for example, as a runnable circulating belt 61. Successive stacks 4 may be built up in the feeder 11 as long as the individual signatures are drawn downwards.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment with a number of storage modules, a number of lifting modules and a saddle stitcher, perfect stitcher or stitcher, as well as the output flow during operation.

[0064] It can be seen that a number of storage modules 40 can be coupled ("docked") to the feeder 11 of the machine 10. For this purpose, the feeder 11 has a gathering section 13, known per se, which guides the gathered signatures 5 removed from the storage modules 40 to the post-processing station 14 (movement direction 91). It can also be seen that the feeder 11 and the lifting module 31 are preferably movable in the direction 94, which allows easy access for an operator to the machine 10 or its gathering section 13, for example in the event of a breakdown.

[0065] It is preferably envisaged that each storage module 40 comprises a first control member 45a of the respective control device 45 and each lifting module 30 or 31 comprises a second control member 45b of the respective control device 45. In this case, the control members 45a and 45b can communicate with each other and / or with a computer, for example the computer 70, via contact or preferably contactless (for example by RFID; via distance), in which case it is identified for example which storage module should be placed on which lifting module, and then the placement can be blocked if it is identified that the storage module is not placed on the correct lifting module - with respect to the manufacturing process. This blocking can include a warning (acoustic and / or visual). The blocking can also include a mechanical solution, for example a lock (not shown) that prevents docking. The warning and the lock can also be combined.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of one preferred embodiment with multiple storage modules, multiple lifting modules, a folder and a saddle stitcher, perfect stitcher or stitcher, and the in- and out-flow during operation.

[0067] The illustrated exemplary system 20 includes a folder 1 with a delivery device 2 having a delivery direction 3, a lift module 30, and preferably a sensor 73 for detecting a passing signature stack 4, and a counter 74 for counting the stack together. The count can be used to identify when a docked storage module is full or when another storage module must be loaded.

[0068] The system 20 further comprises a machine 10 , such as a saddle stitcher, perfect stitcher or stitcher, with a number of lifting modules 31 and a number of sheet feeders 11 having a sheet feed direction 12 and preferably a gathering section 13 .

[0069] Finally, the system 20 includes a "pool" of storage modules 40 that can shuttle between the two machines 1 and 10 depending on the production. The operation or production of the system 20 can be monitored and controlled by a computer 70, which is connected to the two machines 1 and 10 via connection means 71 and 72, respectively, preferably wirelessly. The computer 70 furthermore identifies the loading status of the individual storage modules 40, i.e. which signatures 4 have been fed into the modules 40. The computer can thus indicate to an operator which modules 40 (which may be, for example, numbered or coded in any other way known) must be docked at which time to which module 30, for example via a display device provided on the modules 30. If the modules 40 are optionally configured as FTFs ("fahrerlose Transportfahrzeuge" automated guided vehicles), the control of production can take place autonomously, i.e. without an operator.

[0070] A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment with a storage module, a lifting module and a folder or a folder delivery device and the infeed flow during operation are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5. In Fig. 1, the stacks are stored lying down, whereas in Fig. 5 they are stored upright.

[0071] Storing upright can be advantageous when the machine 1 located upstream itself has a discharge device for upright signatures 4 and the machine 10 located downstream allows for the feeding of upright stored signatures 4.

[0072] Storing the signatures 4 upright - i.e. not lying substantially vertically one on top of the other (arranged in a vertical stack) but lying substantially horizontally, possibly side by side with an incline (arranged in a horizontal stack) - can be advantageous, since possibly more signatures 4 can be introduced per module 40. However, a transport member 42 suitable for this must possibly additionally be equipped with a (front and possibly end) support for the row of upright signatures 4, which support may, for example, be displaceable in order to allow introduction and removal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Folding machine or folding machine 2 Paper ejection device 3 Paper ejection direction 4 (Layed) Signature or Signature Stack 5 Signature 6 (standing) signature or signature stack 10 Stapling or binding machines (saddle stitchers, perfect binders, thread binders) 11 Paper feeder 12 Paper Feed Direction 13 Collating Section 14 Finishing station (stacking or perfect binding) 20 System consisting of a folder and a saddle stitcher / perfect stitcher / stitcher 30 Folding machine lifting module 31 Lifting module for saddle stitcher / perfect binder / sew stitcher 32 Lifting plane 32a Lifting plane drive device 33 Transporting parts 33a Circulation belt 33b Lola 34 Driving device for conveying member 35 Drive device for coupling device 40 Storage Module 41 Storage Plane 42 Transporting member 42a Circulation belt 42b Lola 43 wheels 44 Gripping part 45 Control device 45a first control member 45b second control member 50 Coupling device 51 First connecting member 52 Second connecting member 53a Docking area in folding machine 53b Docking area in saddle stitchers / perfect binders / sew stitchers 60 Movable conveying member 61 Circulating (movable) belt 70 Computer 71 Connection means for folder 72 Connection means for saddle stitchers / simple binders / sew stitchers 73 Sensors 74 Counter 90 Direction of movement Storage module 91 Movement Direction Signature / Signature Stack 92 Vertical Position 93 Direction of movement Lift plane 94 Direction of movement Lifting module and paper feeder (for maintenance)

Claims

1. 1. A folding machine having a delivery device for delivering signatures, The machine (1) comprises at least one lifting module (30) and at least one mobile storage module (40), said storage module (40) being horizontally movable towards and away from said lifting module (30); the lifting module (30) is arranged downstream of the delivery device (2) in a delivery direction (3), and the lifting module (30) has a vertically positionable lifting plane (32) for vertically positioning a plurality of signatures (4); The storage module (40) is disposed downstream of the lifting module (30) during the delivery of the signatures (4), and the storage module (40) has at least two separately operable storage planes (41) arranged vertically one above the other for respectively receiving the multiple signatures (4). A folding machine characterized by:

2. 1. A stapler or binding machine having a plurality of feeders for respectively feeding signatures, comprising: The machine (10) has a plurality of lifting modules (31) and at least one mobile storage module (40) for each lifting module (31), the storage module (40) being horizontally movable towards and away from the lifting modules (31); a lifting module (31) is arranged upstream of each of the sheet feeders (11) in the sheet feed direction (12), each of the lifting modules (31) having a vertically positionable lifting plane (32) for vertically positioning the signatures (4); During the feeding of the signatures (4), a storage module (30) is arranged upstream of each of the lifting modules (31), and the storage module (30) has at least two separately operable storage planes (41) arranged vertically one above the other for respectively conveying the multiple signatures (4). A fastening or binding machine comprising:

3. 3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lifting plane (32) comprises conveying members (33) for conveying the signatures (4) at each vertical position (92) during their infeed or discharge, and a drive (34) for said conveying members (33).

4. 4. A machine according to claim 1, wherein each of said storage planes (41) has a conveying member (42) for conveying the signatures (4) during the infeed or discharge.

5. 5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the storage plane (41) is configured so as to be connectable with each of the lifting planes (32) in order to drive the storage planes (41) separately.

6. 6. A machine according to claim 5, wherein the lifting plane (32) has a driven first coupling member (51) of a coupling device (50) and each storage plane (41) has a driven second coupling member (52) of the coupling device (50).

7. The preparation and operation of a system comprising at least one folding machine according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and at least one fastening or binding machine according to any one of claims 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1. Preparation and operation of a system, characterized in that a number of movable storage modules (40) are provided, which are a) sequentially connected to the lifting module (30) of the folding machine (1) during paper discharge to receive each folded signature (4) from the lifting module (30) of the folding machine (1) and store the received folded signatures (4), and then b) respectively disconnected from the lifting module (30) and transporting the stored folded signatures (4) from the folding machine (1) to the staple or binding machine (10), and then c) respectively connected in parallel to the lifting module (31) of the machine (10) during paper feed to supply the transported folded signatures (4) in parallel to each of the lifting modules (31) of the machine (10).

8. A lifting module for signatures suitable for use as a lifting module in a folding, stapler or binding machine or in the preparation and operation of a system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The lifting module (30, 31) has a vertically movable lifting plane (32) for vertically positioning the signatures (4); A lifting module, characterized in that the lifting plane (32) comprises a driven first coupling member (51) of a coupling device (50).

9. 9. The lifting module according to claim 8, wherein the lifting plane (32) has a movable belt (33a) for conveying the signatures (4) during the infeed or outfeed.

10. A mobile storage module for signatures suitable for use as a storage module for a folding, stapler or binding machine or for use in the preparation and operation of a system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: The storage module (40) has at least two vertically arranged, one above the other, separately operable storage planes (41) for storing a plurality of signatures (4) respectively, A mobile storage module, characterized in that the storage planes (41) each have a driven second coupling member (52) of a coupling device (50).

11. 11. A mobile storage module according to claim 10, characterized in that the storage planes (41) each have a movable belt (42a) for conveying the signatures (4) during the infeed or outfeed.

12. 1. A method for producing a post-processed printed product from a signature, comprising:

12. A method for manufacturing a storage module according to claim 10, comprising the steps of: using a plurality of lifting modules (30, 31) according to claim 8 or 9; and a plurality of storage modules (40) according to claim 10 or 11; and temporarily connecting each one of the lifting modules (30, 31) and each one of the storage modules (40) to each other via a connecting device (50), the connecting device (50) including a first connecting member (51) of the lifting modules (30, 31) and a second connecting member (52) of the storage module (40).

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