Sheet stack processing device

Abstract

To provide a device for processing one or more sheet stacks.SOLUTION: A device includes a support surface 10 provided with a plurality of openings 12 for supplying gas underneath one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3, and an operating unit 20 movable relative to the support surface and having two side clamping devices arranged at a distance from each other. The device further includes at least one upper clamping device 30 configured to apply downward pressure to the one or more stacks 2 of the sheets 3. Due to the at least partially independently operable nature of the two side clamping devices and the at least one upper clamping device, the device can operate both a single stack of sheets and a plurality of stacks of sheets arranged side by side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing one or more stacks of sheets. [Background technology]

[0002] Digital printing of multiple copies of the same image onto a single large sheet provides a cost-effective and rapid means for mass production of images. The image is reproduced contiguously across the entire sheet before being divided into individual copies. This method has gained popularity due to the increasing demand for large quantities of copies in global society.

[0003] Typically, large cutting machines are used to cut these large stacks of sheets and convert them into stacks of individual copies. This process often involves human or robotic assistance, with the stack being precisely translated and rotated to align with the cutting machine. Once the initial cut is made, the stack is repositioned for subsequent cuts along different lines. Incorporating robots into this workflow improves efficiency and streamlines the production process.

[0004] However, existing devices for cutting these large sheets are overly complex and not efficient enough. They use complex configurations of robotic arms and tables with grippers to grasp the stack of sheets. The robotic grippers are not flexible enough and do not provide a sufficiently efficient way to process the stack. Therefore, an improved, more efficient device for processing stacks of sheets is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution that addresses at least some of the above-mentioned design criteria, namely to provide a more flexible and efficient apparatus for holding one or more stacks of sheets. Preferably, the apparatus is more efficient than existing systems for processing stacks of sheets, and further reduces labor costs and increases the speed of processing and cutting of the stacks of sheets. As a result, the apparatus for processing stacks of sheets becomes more cost-effective. This is achieved, according to a first aspect, by an apparatus for processing one or more stacks of sheets, the apparatus comprising: a support surface arranged to support the one or more stacks of sheets, the support surface having a plurality of openings for supplying gas beneath the one or more stacks of sheets; an operating unit movable relative to the support surface and comprising two side clamping devices arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal direction and configured to interact with two opposite sides of the one or more stacks of sheets; at least one upper clamping device configured to apply downward pressure to said stack or stacks of sheets; Equipped with The two side clamping devices and the at least one upper clamping device are at least partially independently operable, allowing the apparatus to operate on a single stack of sheets or on a stack of multiple sheets arranged in a longitudinal row between the two side clamping devices.

[0006] The provided apparatus allows for flexible handling of stacks of sheets. Flexible handling of stacks of sheets is very important in many industries, such as printing, packaging, manufacturing, and textiles. The sheet material may be, for example, paper, wood, textile, nonwoven, or metal. The preferred embodiments disclosed herein are particularly suitable for stacks of paper sheets. Automating the handling of stacks of sheets reduces the number of personnel required and eliminates the need for personnel to directly handle the stacks of sheets. This improves personnel safety and also improves cost efficiency for facility owners. For example, when stacks of sheets are handled and positioned in a cutting machine, it is significantly safer if personnel do not directly handle the stacks of sheets in the cutting machine, but instead supervise the device that handles the stacks of sheets.

[0007] The provided device allows for not only processing one stack of sheets at a time, but also processing multiple stacks of sheets simultaneously. Typically, multiple copies of the same image or product are generated on each sheet, with the images or products positioned adjacent to one another. These stacks of sheets with images are aligned in a cutting machine, which then separates them from one another. In other words, the device starts with a single stack of sheets and cuts it into multiple stacks of sheets. For example, there may be three rows and three columns of images. In this case, the device may first position each row for cutting, then each column for cutting, ultimately resulting in nine separate stacks of sheets. The two side clamping devices provide excellent functionality because a single stack of sheets can be clamped between the two side clamping devices. Therefore, the stack of sheets can be easily manipulated in various directions on the support surface.

[0008] Furthermore, by further including at least one upper clamping device, the apparatus can process two adjacent stacks of sheets. If only the side clamping devices are used when there are two adjacent stacks of sheets, the side clamping devices tend to press the stacks together, which may cause the two stacks of sheets to mix or some other type of disturbance between the stacks of sheets. The upper clamping device may be used, for example, to apply pressure to the two stacks of sheets so that they cannot move toward each other, thereby preventing the two stacks of sheets from mixing. The upper clamping device may extend across both stacks of sheets so that both stacks of sheets are pressed down by one upper clamping device. It should be noted that the upper clamping device may be used for two or more stacks of sheets as well as for one stack of sheets.

[0009] Additionally, the at least one upper clamping device may also be used to apply downward pressure to the stack of one or more sheets during the cutting process. By applying downward pressure to the stack of one or more sheets, a more precise cut may be achieved because the sheets cannot move during cutting.

[0010] The support surface is provided with a plurality of openings that allow gas to be supplied under one or more stacks of sheets. The gas is pressurized gas. The gas is forced out through the openings and provides a lifting force to the sheets placed on the support surface. This improves the maneuverability of the stack of sheets placed on the support surface. For example, when two side clamping devices clamp the stack of sheets, the gas provides a lifting force to the stack of sheets so that the stack of sheets slides smoothly over the support surface. Typically, air is used as the gas for this type of application. However, other gases may also be used. For particularly sensitive manufacturing processes, the use of an inert gas may be considered.

[0011] The side clamping devices and at least one upper clamping device allow for the use of various combinations of clamping mechanisms for manipulating a stack of sheets. Their at least partially independent operation allows for various ways of freely operating one or more of the side clamping devices and the upper clamping devices while the other or other devices remain stationary. For example, by operating only one of the side clamping devices, the stack of sheets can be forced down onto a support surface. By using both side clamping devices, the stack of sheets can be manipulated and rotated to move across a table. Additionally, the upper clamping device can be used alone to clamp, move, and rotate one or more stacks of sheets. Furthermore, a combination of side clamping devices and upper clamping devices can be used to move multiple stacks of sheets, particularly multiple stacks arranged in a row.

[0012] By providing the side clamping device, the operating unit can also be designed with a low height, for example so that it extends below the top of the cutter to reach the stack of sheets, or it can be stated that the cutter can be designed with a relatively small clearance, which makes the design of the cutter easier.

[0013] The term "two opposing sides of the one or more stacks of sheets" is used herein to refer to the two opposing sides of a single stack of sheets when there is only one stack of sheets. In the context of multiple stacks of sheets, the term "two opposing sides of the one or more stacks of sheets" is used to refer to the outer edges of two separate stacks located at either end of a row of stacks. For example, when three stacks of sheets are arranged side by side in a row, the first of the two opposing sides refers to the outer edge of the first stack located at the first end of the row, and the second of the two opposing sides refers to the outer edge of the second stack located at the second end of the row. The first stack located at one end of the row has its outer edge facing away from the adjacent stack. Similarly, the second stack located at the opposite end of the row also has its outer edge facing away from the adjacent stack. The third stack of sheets is located between the first and second stacks of sheets.

[0014] The at least one upper clamping device may include a vacuum function and may be referred to as a vacuum upper clamping device. It may be noted that the term "vacuum" is typically used in these industries to refer to negative pressure rather than a complete vacuum. Therefore, the vacuum upper clamping device may have one or more, preferably multiple, openings on the surface intended to face and contact the stack of sheets, through which negative pressure can be applied to the top sheet of each stack. The use of a vacuum upper clamping device may improve contact between the upper clamping device and the sheets. The topmost sheet of the stack of sheets is influenced by the vacuum of the vacuum upper clamping device and is more likely to follow the movement of the upper clamping device than if friction alone were used. As a result, the overall downward pressure from the upper clamping device may be reduced while still achieving the same overall effect on the stack of sheets. The use of a vacuum upper clamping device may also improve internal friction within the stack. This, in turn, makes it easier to move the stack of sheets over the support surface.

[0015] At least one upper clamping device may be movable longitudinally relative to the two side clamping devices.

[0016] Allowing the upper clamping device to be movable along the longitudinal direction provides flexibility and adaptability to the apparatus. The size of the image to be cut and the dimensions of the stack of sheets may vary. In such cases, it may be advantageous for the upper clamping device to move over the stack of sheets and be positioned at a desired location. This allows the apparatus to handle a variety of stack sizes.

[0017] Longitudinally movable herein means that at least one upper clamping device can be moved toward and away from at least each of the side clamping devices, such that the upper clamping device can be moved relative to the two side clamping devices to position one or more stacks of sheets. Each upper clamping device may also be movable in other directions, such as laterally along the support surface.

[0018] The two side clamping devices may be independently movable at least longitudinally relative to the operating unit, allowing the two side clamping devices to handle the stack of sheets individually. By moving one of the two side clamping devices, the stack of sheets may be moved toward the other of the two side clamping devices. Gas flowing in through openings in the support surface facilitates this type of movement, as the gas reduces friction, allowing the stack of sheets to slide smoothly over the support surface. This movement may be combined with an upper clamping device that applies downward pressure to keep the stack of sheets in order. The two side clamping devices may also be movable in other directions, such as laterally along the support surface.

[0019] Gas may be supplied at a pressure that counterbalances the downward pressure from the at least one upper clamping device so that a gas cushion is formed under the stack of one or more sheets.

[0020] Forming a gas cushion under the one or more stacks of sheets helps maintain the order of the stack of sheets. The balance between the force of the gas supplied through the opening and the downward pressure from the at least one upper clamping device causes the stack of sheets to be clamped between the gas and the at least one upper clamping device. In other words, the stack of sheets can be considered to be floating above the support surface while being pressed by both the gas and the upper clamping device. The gas cushion under the one or more stacks of sheets assists in clamping the one or more stacks of sheets, and the floating state of the one or more stacks of sheets facilitates movement of the one or more stacks of sheets across the support surface.

[0021] The gas cushion is formed by supplying gas at a constant pressure through openings in the support surface. The presence of multiple openings allows the gas to counteract the downward pressure from the upper clamping device. This counterforce can be adapted based on the density of the openings and the pressure at which the gas is supplied. How the openings are distributed on the support surface depends on the type of sheet stack being processed. For example, a sheet stack of heavy material may require a higher density of openings and a higher pressure at which the gas is supplied than a sheet stack of light material. Typically, the gas used is air.

[0022] The apparatus may further comprise at least two upper clamping devices.

[0023] Having at least two upper clamping devices allows for more or less independent manipulation of larger stacks. For example, the apparatus may be designed to have one upper clamping device for every two stacks of sheets, or one upper clamping device for each stack of sheets, depending on how the apparatus is designed to process the stacks. Each additional upper clamping device provides new possibilities for processing additional stacks of sheets.

[0024] The at least two upper clamping devices may be independently movable longitudinally relative to one another, which may allow the at least two upper clamping devices to accommodate various sizes of stacks of sheets and how the stacks of sheets are arranged. For example, if there are two stacks of sheets, the two upper clamping devices may be moved to apply downward pressure to each of the two stacks. However, if there are three stacks of sheets, one upper clamping device may be used to manipulate one of the stacks, and the other may be used to hold the other two stacks together. If there are four stacks of sheets, the two upper clamping devices may be moved to apply downward pressure to two stacks each.

[0025] The manipulation unit may be capable of moving and rotating in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the support surface. This allows the manipulation unit to laterally move and rotate the stack of sheets while clamping the stack of sheets. Being rotatable in a plane refers to the device being rotated around an axis perpendicular to the support plane while remaining in the same planar orientation. In this way, the manipulation unit can manipulate the stack of sheets anywhere on the support surface, increasing the flexibility of the manipulation of the stack of sheets. For example, in a system in which an apparatus moves a stack of sheets to a cutting machine, it may be necessary to rotate the manipulation unit so that the stack of sheets can be accurately positioned. Furthermore, the manipulation unit can have various angles at which it can reach one or more stacks of sheets.

[0026] The operational unit may be supported by one or more robotic arms. The use of robotic arms may improve the operation of the operational unit. Because robotic arms are commonly used in a wide range of industries, control methods for robotic arms are well developed. By implementing a robotic arm in the operational unit, known control methods may be used, such as servo-controlling the robot arm via a servo motor. Furthermore, the robotic arm may perform repetitive tasks with high precision and consistency, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.

[0027] The two side clamping devices may have flat surfaces configured to face and interact with the stack of one or more sheets, thereby enabling the two side clamping devices to interact with stacks of sheets of various heights.

[0028] A flat surface may provide consistent interaction with the stack of sheets, maintaining the integrity of the stack and preventing errors or damage during processing. Furthermore, a flat surface is relatively simple in design and operation compared to complex mechanisms. This simplicity allows for easier maintenance, reduces the likelihood of breakdowns, and reduces overall costs.

[0029] When combined with a flat surface and an opening for supplying gas from below, the side clamping devices can smoothly move one or more stacks over the support surface. Furthermore, the flat surface allows the two side clamping devices to interact with stacks of sheets of various heights. Not all stacks of sheets are the same height, and not all copies of an image are produced in the same number. Flexibility in the height of one or more stacks of sheets provides further adaptability to the apparatus.

[0030] In summary, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for processing one or more stacks of sheets, the apparatus comprising: a support surface provided with a plurality of openings for supplying gas under the one or more stacks of sheets; an operating unit comprising two side clamping devices movable relative to the support surface and arranged at a distance from each other; and at least one upper clamping device configured to apply downward pressure to the one or more stacks of sheets. The two side clamping devices and the at least two upper clamping devices are at least partially independently operable, allowing the apparatus to operate on a single stack of sheets or on multiple stacks of sheets arranged side by side.

[0031] It may be noted that the use of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. should be considered primarily as labels for ease of reading, and that not all intermediate numbered devices or portions are necessarily present, although for ease of reading, the numbers first, second, third, fourth, etc. are used consistently as labels based on embodiments that, in a sense, include all possible devices and portions.

[0032] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description set forth below. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration and example, and that various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] The present invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which show presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0034] [Figure 1] An overview of an apparatus for processing stacks of sheets is disclosed. [Figure 2] An example of an operating unit of the device is disclosed. [Figure 3] A device interacting with a stack of sheets is disclosed. [Figure 4] An apparatus for interacting with a stack of sheets is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for processing one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3. The apparatus 1 can be located in a production line where the apparatus 1 processes one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3, for example, to accurately position the stacks 2 of sheets 3 relative to a cutting machine 4. Automated processing of stacks 2 of sheets 3 is an important development for numerous industries, such as printing, packaging, manufacturing, and textiles. The material of the sheets 3 can be, for example, paper or metal. The apparatus 1 includes a support surface 10 on which the stack 2 of sheets 3 rests during processing. In FIG. 1 , the apparatus 1 further includes a robot arm 40 supporting an operating unit 20. The operating unit 20 of the apparatus 1 is translationally and rotationally movable in a plane P1 parallel to the plane defined by the support surface 10. This means that the operating unit 20 can move over the support surface 10 so that it can interact with the stack 2 of sheets 3 without or with minimal contact with the support surface 10. The robot arm 40 is one possible way of providing the translational and rotational mobility of the operating unit 20. It should be noted that a combination of multiple robotic arms 40 may be used.

[0036] When used in conjunction with a cutter 4, the apparatus 1 is typically used to place a stack 2 of sheets 3 into the cutter 4, allowing the stack 2 of sheets 3 to be cut into smaller stacks 2 of sheets 3. Cutters 4 are known in the prior art and have traditionally been operated by personnel who place the stack 2 of sheets 3 into the cutter 4. The apparatus 1 can be used to replace such personnel. Once the stack 2 of sheets 3 has been cut to the correct size, the apparatus 1 can be used to transfer the stack 2 of sheets 3 to a conveyor belt (not shown) for transport for further processing.

[0037] An example of the apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. 2. At this point, the operational unit 20 has begun collecting a new stack 2 of sheets 3 to be cut. Typically, multiple copies of an image or product are produced adjacent to each other on each sheet 3. These images are aligned in the cutting machine 4 and then separated from each other by the cutting machine 4. In other words, the apparatus 1 starts with one stack 2 of sheets 3, and after cutting, there are multiple stacks 2 of sheets 3. For example, in FIG. 2, there are three rows and three columns of images. In this case, the apparatus 1 may first position each row for cutting, then position each column for cutting, ultimately resulting in nine separate stacks 2 of sheets 3, each containing a respective image. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate interaction with a stack 2 of one sheet 3, and FIG. 4 illustrates interaction with a stack 2 of three sheets 3.

[0038] The stack 2 of sheets 3 is placed on a support surface 10 that supports the stack 2 of sheets 3. The support surface 10 has a plurality of openings 12 that are used to supply gas to the bottom of the stack 2 of sheets 3. The gas is a pressurized gas, typically air. The gas is forced out through the openings and applies a lifting force to the stack 2 of sheets 3 placed on the support surface 10. This makes it easier to manipulate the stack 2 of sheets 3 placed on the support surface 10. The gas allows the stack 2 of sheets 3 to slide smoothly over the support surface 10 when pushed or pulled.

[0039] The operating unit 20 is provided with two side clamping devices 22. The two side clamping devices 22 are arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal direction L and are configured to interact with two opposite side surfaces 6 a, 6 b of the stack 2 of one or more sheets 3.

[0040] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the two opposing sides 6a, 6b of a stack 2 of one or more sheets 3, when referring to a single stack 2 of sheets 3, refers to the opposing sides 6a, 6b of the single stack 2 of sheets. In the context of a stack 2 of multiple sheets 3, the term opposing sides 6a, 6b refers to the outer edges of the two separate stacks 2. For example, if three stacks 2a-c of sheets 3 are arranged side by side in a row, the opposing sides refer to the outer sides of the first and second end stacks 2a and 2b. The first end stack 2a is located at one end of the row, with its outer side facing away from the adjacent stack. Similarly, the second end stack 2b is located at the opposite end of the row, with its outer side facing away from the adjacent stack. The third stack 2c is located in the middle of the row, between the first stack 2a and the second stack 2b.

[0041] The two side clamping devices 22 have flat surfaces 23 configured to face and interact with the stack 2 of one or more sheets 3. The flat surfaces 23 extend along a direction perpendicular to the support surface 10. This allows the two side clamping devices 22 to interact with stacks 2 of sheets 3 of various heights. The flat surfaces 23 may provide consistent interaction with the stack 2 of sheets 3, maintaining the integrity of the stack 2 and preventing errors or damage during operation.

[0042] In FIG. 2 , the apparatus 1 is provided with one upper clamping device 30. The upper clamping device 30 is configured to apply downward pressure to the stack 2 of one or more sheets 3. The upper clamping device 30 is movable into and out of contact with the stack 2 of sheets 3; as shown in FIG. 2 , neither the side clamping device 22 nor the upper clamping device 30 is in contact with the stack 2 of sheets 3. In this context, movement into and out of contact includes movement along a direction perpendicular to the support surface. In all embodiments, the upper clamping device 30 may be a vacuum upper clamping device, i.e., the upper clamping device 30 has a vacuum or negative pressure function that allows it to apply negative pressure to the top sheet of the stack 2.

[0043] In FIG. 3 , the apparatus 1 interacts with one stack 2 of sheets 3. As shown, in this example, only two side clamping devices 22 are used to interact with the stack 2 of sheets 3. The two side clamping devices 22 provide excellent functionality when there is only one stack 2 of sheets 3. By clamping the stack 2 of sheets 3 between the two side clamping devices 22, the stack 2 of sheets 3 can be easily manipulated on the support surface 10. The manipulation unit 20, together with gas supplied through the openings 12 in the support surface 10, allows the stack 2 of sheets 3 to slide smoothly on the support surface 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, the two side clamping devices 22 are independently movable along the longitudinal direction L relative to the operating unit 20. This allows the two side clamping devices 22 to operate individually on the stack 2 of sheets 3. By moving one of the two side clamping devices 22, the stack 2 of sheets 3 can be moved toward the other of the two side clamping devices 22. This movement may be combined with the upper clamping device 30 providing downward pressure to maintain the order of the stack 2 of sheets 3. Furthermore, the upper clamping device 30 may be movable along the longitudinal direction L relative to the two side clamping devices 22. This allows the upper clamping device 30 to be moved and positioned at a desired position on the stack 2 of sheets 3. This allows the apparatus to handle a variety of stack sizes. The upper clamping device 30 can also assist in moving or holding each stack of sheets.

[0045] Additionally, the at least one upper clamping device 30 may also be used to apply pressure to the stack 2 of one or more sheets 3 during the cutting process. By applying pressure to the stack 2 of one or more sheets 3, a more precise cut may be achieved since the sheets 3 cannot move during cutting.

[0046] In FIG. 4 , the apparatus 1 is interacting with three different stacks 2 of sheets 3. If only two side clamping devices 22 were used in this example, mixing of the stacks 2 of sheets 3 or some other disturbance between the stacks 2 of sheets 3 could occur. To avoid this problem, two upper clamping devices 30 are provided. The upper clamping devices 30 are used, for example, to apply downward pressure to the two stacks 2 of sheets 3, respectively, to prevent the two stacks 2 of sheets 3 from moving toward each other, thereby preventing mixing of the two stacks 2 of sheets 3. The upper clamping devices 30 may extend over both stacks 2 of sheets 3 so that both stacks 2 of sheets 3 are pressed by the single upper clamping device 30. It should be noted that one upper clamping device 30 may be used for two or more stacks 2 of sheets 3, as well as for one stack 2 of sheets 3.

[0047] When there are two or more upper clamping devices 30, they may be independently movable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction L. This allows the at least two upper clamping devices 30 to accommodate stacks 2 of sheets 3 of various sizes and how the stacks 2 of sheets 3 are arranged. For example, if there are two stacks 2 of sheets 3, the two upper clamping devices 30 may be moved to apply downward pressure to each of the two stacks 2. However, if there are three or four stacks 2 of sheets 3, the two upper clamping devices 30 may be moved to apply downward pressure to each of the two stacks 2.

[0048] To facilitate movement of the stack 2 of sheets 3 over the support surface 10 while the upper clamping device 30 applies downward pressure to the stack 2 of sheets 3, the gas supplied through the opening 12 may be supplied at a pressure that balances the downward pressure from the upper clamping device 30, thereby forming a gas cushion 13 under the stack 2 of sheets 3.

[0049] Forming a gas cushion 13 below the stack 2 of sheets 3 can help maintain the order of the stack 2 of sheets 3. Due to the balance between the force of the gas supplied through the opening 12 and the downward pressure from the upper clamping device 30, the stack 2 of sheets 3 is clamped between the gas cushion 13 and the upper clamping device 30. In other words, the stack 2 of sheets 3 is considered to be in a floating state above the support surface 10 while being pressed by both the gas cushion 13 and the upper clamping device 30. The gas cushion 13 below the one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3 assists in clamping the one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3, and the floating state of the one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3 facilitates movement of the one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3 above the support surface 10.

[0050] The gas cushion 13 is formed by supplying gas at a constant pressure through the openings 12 in the support surface 10. The presence of multiple openings 10 allows the gas to counteract the downward pressure from the upper clamping device 30. This counterforce can be adapted based on the density of the openings 12 and the pressure at which the gas is supplied. How the openings 12 are distributed on the support surface 10 depends on the type of stack of sheets being processed. For example, a stack of sheets 3 of a heavy material may require a higher density of openings 12 and / or a higher pressure at which the gas is supplied than a stack 2 of sheets 3 of a lighter material.

[0051] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 , the side clamping devices 22 and the at least one upper clamping device 30 can manipulate the stack 2 of sheets 3 using various clamping combinations. For example, with only one side clamping device 22, the stack 2 of sheets 3 can be pushed down onto the support surface 10. With both side clamping devices 22, the stack 2 of sheets 3 can be clamped, manipulated, and rotated across the table. The upper clamping device 30 can be used alone to clamp, move, and rotate one or more stacks 2 of sheets 3. Furthermore, a combination of the side clamping device 22 and the upper clamping device 30 can be used to move multiple stacks 2 of sheets 3. To achieve these combinations, the two side clamping devices 22 and the at least one upper clamping device 30 are at least partially independently operable, allowing the apparatus to manipulate either a single stack 2 of sheets 3 or multiple stacks 2 of sheets 3 arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction L between the two side devices 22. In other words, with the provided device 1 it is not only possible to manipulate one stack 2 of sheets 3 at a time, but also to manipulate several stacks 2 of sheets 3 simultaneously.

[0052] Moreover, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for processing a stack (2) of one or more sheets (3), comprising: a support surface (10) arranged to support the stack (2) of one or more sheets (3), the support surface (10) being provided with a plurality of openings (12) for supplying gas below the stack (2) of one or more sheets (3); an operating unit (20) movable relative to the support surface (10) and comprising two side clamping devices (22) arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal direction (L) and configured to interact with two opposite sides (6 a, 6 b) of the stack (2) of one or more sheets (3); at least one upper clamping device (30) configured to apply downward pressure to said stack (2) of one or more sheets (3); Equipped with The two side clamping devices (22) and the at least one upper clamping device (30) are operable at least partially independently, so that the apparatus (1) can manipulate a stack (2) of one sheet (3) or a stack (2) of multiple sheets (3) arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction (L) between the two side clamping devices (22).

2. the at least one upper clamping device (30) includes a vacuum function; 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The two side clamping devices (22) are independently movable along the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the operating unit (20).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

4. the gas is supplied at a pressure that counterbalances the downward pressure from the at least one upper clamping device (30) so as to form a gas cushion (13) under the stack (2) of one or more sheets (3); 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

5. at least two upper clamping devices (30); 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

6. the at least two upper clamping devices (30) are independently movable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (L); 6. The device (1) according to claim 5.

7. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit (20) is translationally and rotationally movable in a plane (P1) parallel to the plane defined by the support surface (10).

8. The operation unit (20) is supported by one or more robotic arms (40).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

9. the two side clamping devices (22) have flat surfaces (23) configured to face and interact with the stack (2) of one or more sheets (3), thereby being able to interact with stacks (2) of sheets (3) of various heights; 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

10. the at least one upper clamping device (30) is movable along the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the two side clamping devices (22); 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

Images