EP1274641B1 - Method and device for forming piles of sheets consisting of one or more sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method and a device for forming groups of sheets consisting of one or of a plurality of sheets, a predetermined number of sheets is first supplied to a first position in a collecting station so as to form a first group of sheets. As soon as the first group of sheets has been formed, it is moved from the first position to a second position in the collecting station, and then a predetermined number of sheets is moved to the first position in the collecting station so as to form a second group of sheets.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and to a device for forming leaf groups from a or several sheets.

Paper handling systems are known in the prior art, where, for example, two-use printed sheets one Cutting machine can be fed, separated, and a subsequent machine provided for further processing become. Here, the two-use are printed Sheets using suitable machines, e.g. a merge, stacked on top of each other and thus lie for further processing on subsequent paper handling machines. Instead of of the two-use printed sheets that have one Cutting machine will be provided individually Sheets also go through a sheet feeder following paper handling machines fed, with the leaves for example provided in stacked form in the sheet feeder are.

For further processing in the manner described above Take over sheets in the following machines this one or more sheets provided, whereby a collecting station is arranged in front of these machines, in the individual leaf groups from the sheets provided be formed from one or more sheets. In the Sheet groups formed at the collecting station will be available after completion the sheet group to the subsequent machines, such as. a folder or an inserter.

The clock cycle with which individual sheets pass through the cutting machine or the sheet feeder is provided higher than the cycle of the subsequent machines, that is of the inserter or folder. As an example Adopted inserter that receives sheets through a Cutting machine can be provided. Such a cutting machine can e.g. Cut 1000 times while the inserter e.g. only 100 times can insert. This means that in a first case, in which the inserter only processes single sheets that Cutting machine is stopped regularly because there are too many Sheets would be provided by this, whereas in one second case, in which the inserter has 15 sheets each envelopes, the inserter be stopped regularly must, since the cutting machine does not have enough sheets can provide.

In the prior art are single-level collecting devices or collecting stations where sheets with high Speed can be supplied. When issuing of a sheet stack or sheet group formed the output speed must be reduced, because large stacks are not transported so quickly can. Also a subsequent processing device, such as e.g. a collective folder, reduces the maximum output speed. This leads to the collection station being so long can not collect new leaves until the previous one Group has left the collection area and that of the collection station assigned stop is closed again.

The disadvantage of this known collecting station is that that this leads to a reduction in performance of the overall system, especially with small quantities and fast ones Predecessor machines, e.g. Sheet feeders or cutting machines. In addition, there is a disadvantage in that a gap between the group that is output and the subsequent sheet must be chosen so large that the largest collection quantity and with existing mechanical Scattering a safe function of the rake is guaranteed. As a result, the sheet feeder (e.g. cutting machine or sheet feeder) Only then can paper or a sheet be fed again can if the collection station issued the previous group has and is receptive again.

As an example, for a forerunner this is 6 m / s Feed paper and for a collection station the paper with 3 m / s outputs a reduction in cycle power for a two-sheet collection up to 33%.

6 to 8 are examples of known sheet handling systems closer to the prior art described, with the help of the following description The problem raised above is clarified.

6A is a sheet handling system 600 shown, which has a cutting machine 602 which is followed by a stop or buffer 604. A merger 606 is arranged downstream of the stop point 604, where there is a stop or a buffer 608 connects. At the exit of stop 608 is one Collection station 610 arranged, which forms sheet groups that are then output to a folder 612. The Arrows in the illustration in FIG. 6A in the individual machines indicate a sheet or paper running direction P.

An already printed paper web is cut in the cutting machine 602 separated into individual sheets, which are then the stop 604 can be provided. The individual sheets B are, as can be seen in Fig. 6A, side by side in the paper running direction P parallel to a machine center axis X arranged. The Merger 606 causes a superimposition of the sheets lying in the stop 604 in such a way that this is centered in the paper running direction P with respect to the Machine center axis X are arranged one above the other. Merger 606 becomes the merged sheets of Pass another stop 608 from which the leaf groups then be handed over to the collection station 610 in the one leaf group 614 consisting of one or more Scroll is formed. As soon as the desired number of sheets in the sheet group is reached, the sheet group 614 is made the collecting station 610 is extended and fed to the folding unit 612, in which the corresponding folding operation is carried out becomes. Subsequently, the Leaves as necessary.

6B is a flow chart showing the output times for two-leaf groups, the odd arranged are, with in the diagram on the X axis Time is plotted, and the respective on the Y axis Output times of the individual machines of the System 600, such as this by the corresponding reference numerals on the Y axis is shown. With regard to the merger, it should be noted that with the reference number 606R the output times for a sheet is given that is related to the machine center axis X is located on the right at the merge entrance, and with 606L is the output time for a sheet specified at the entrance of the merger is to the left of the machine center axis X.

For the flowchart it is further assumed that the Cutting machine makes 24000 cuts, the length of the Stops are 330 mm each, and the Merger 606 the outputs individual sheets offset.

The result is the output times for the individual machines for the cutting machine 602 150ms each, for the stop point 604 120ms, for the merger for each sheet 145ms, for the stop 608 for each sheet 70ms, and for the collection station 610 150ms. In the example shown the output times of the individual components change not, as can be seen from the equally long lines in the diagram 6B.

At time t = 0ms, an already completed one is currently being completed Sheet group 614 extended from the collecting station 610. At this time t = 0ms are in the stop 610 one sheet, at stop 604 two sheets and at the exit of the cutting machine 602 there are the next ones Leaves to cut on.

Staggered at the beginning of the leaf extension the collecting station 610 starts at t = 75ms, the leaves in the stop 604, which is at the entrance of the merger 606 to merge, starting at t = 75ms, to move the left sheet, and with a temporal Offset of 25ms starts the one on the right Moving sheet. To make sure the stop 608 can hold the sheets issued by the merger started at t = 125ms, the one in this stop 608 Extend sheet, which takes 70ms, so how to it can be seen in the collection station 610 if the previous group has already left them. To the The left sheet in the merger has time t = 25 ms 606 reaches the stop 608, and is by this also issued to the collection station 610, so that at t = 290ms two sheets again arranged in the collecting station 610 are. After the start of going through the individual Sheets through the Merger 606 will be offset in time the stop 604 driven to the existing there Leaves at the entrance to Mergers 606 to provide what Lasts 120ms. The cutting machine was already in advance Operation set to ensure that after extending of leaves from stop 604 further leaves from Cutting machine 602 are fed. As seen from Fig. 6B then this cycle repeats itself. The Cycle time is 295ms which corresponds to approximately 12200 cycles per hour. The times given may vary due to tolerances and other mechanical scatter in the components to change.

Another example is shown in FIG. 7, wherein in 7A, another paper handling machine 700 is shown which is a sheet feeder 702, a scale belt 704, a Stop 706 and a collection station 708, which along a machine central axis X in the paper running direction P extend successively. As shown in Fig. 7A can be recognized, the sheet feeder 702 individual sheets B removed and provided to the scale belt 704, see above that a plurality of leaves are arranged in shingles, as can be seen in Fig. 7A. From the scale band individual sheets are fed to stop 706, from the same from the collecting station 708 to form one Sheet group 710 fed from one or more sheets become.

7B is a flowchart showing the output times the scale device 704, the stop point 706 and of the collecting station 708, with the Time t is plotted, and the individual on the Y axis Components of the sheet handling system 700.

At the time t = 0ms, the start in the collecting station 708 existing leaf group 710 extend what 150ms lasts. At this point there is already a sheet at stop 706 and a corresponding number of Scroll through facility 704. Just before the leaf group has completely moved out of the collecting station 708 started at t = 125ms, one sheet from the stop 706 extend and one in the paper feed direction at the front lying sheet from the scale device 704 in the Stop point 706 to transmit. Extending the blade the stop point 706 takes 75ms and the extension of one Sheet from device 704 to stop 706 takes 100ms. To ensure that a two-leaf group after the previous group has left the collection station 708 is formed again, it becomes from the shed facility 704 extended leaf after reaching the stop 706 extended out of this again, this with increased speed so that the time is 65ms is. The times given may vary due to tolerances and other mechanical scatter in the components to change.

This means that at the end of the cycle, the 300ms again takes two sheets in the collecting station 708. Um ensure that stop 706 is also on again Sheet contains, another is shifted in time (100ms) Sheet from device 704 towards the stop moves that reaches it when the one there is in advance Sheet is already in the collection station, as shown in Fig. 7B can be seen at 704.

In FIG. 8, the gross clock outputs which are based on FIG. 6 and 7 described devices summarized in a table, depending on the number of forms, whereby in Fig. 8A shows the gross clock power for that described with reference to FIG. 6 System, and based on Fig. 8B, the gross clock power for the system described with reference to FIG. 7 are.

In Fig. 8A in the column "VD group" (form group) indicated that these are either paired, offset or mixed Is 1: 1. With the arrangement in pairs, the forms are such arranged that these are side by side from the Cutting machine 602 are transferred to stop 604, So leaves of a group of leaves are always there in pairs next to each other. The "staggered arrangement" means that sheets that are assigned to individual sheet groups are not arranged in pairs next to each other, but in succession arranged one behind the other in the direction of sheet travel are, d. H. while one leaf of a leaf group already is located in the stop 604, that is subsequent sheet still in the cutting machine 602. Regarding the "mixed arrangement" is noted that expresses that 50% of the forms are offset are arranged and 50% of the forms are arranged in pairs are. The right two columns show how much Envelopes per hour or forms depending on the hour on the number of forms and the arrangement of each Sheets can be processed.

In Fig. 8B, the gross clock power for that based on the Fig. 7 system described for different numbers of Forms depend on the envelopes or forms processed per hour. A grouping of forms as in Fig. 8A does not occur because the individual sheets are not be provided side by side.

As is clear from the discussion above, that is known Problems underlying devices to it see that the collection station has no new leaves for so long can collect until the previous group's collection area has left. The proposed design solutions the collecting station in such a way that this has several receiving areas or has collection areas between which and is switched is in view of the increased mechanical Effort, the increased control effort as well disadvantageous of the increased costs.

Solutions are already known in the prior art that do this Avoid the need to stop individual machines that a stop between the cutting machine and subsequent machines is arranged, or that a collecting station has a buffer or stop device, to enable continuous operation.

In one case, sheets are provided in to collect a buffer and after reaching a predetermined one Number of sheets, d. H. after forming a group of leaves to switch a second buffer level so that the one in the first Buffer level contained sheets of further processing can be fed while simultaneously in the second buffer sheets output from the cutting machine can be entered. Such a device is for example in U.S. Patent 5,083,769.

Another solution is the one provided Lay leaves in a single buffer, where to form groups of leaves, the shingled stream by a predetermined Distance that the number of Leaves in the leaf group to be formed, which then be issued. Such a solution is in DE 199 40 405 A and described in DE 199 40 406 A.

The disadvantage of the devices described above is in that they have multiple buffer areas or storage areas work, resulting in increased mechanical effort and a complex control technology leads, which moreover the cost increases.

DE 4333575 A1 describes a method and a device for forming and moving stacks from printed Scroll. The leaves are moved forward one by one and so scaled one on top of the other so that a subsequent leaf is offset comes to rest under the previous sheet. The stack is by hitting the scaly leaves at a stop educated. With little time when moving a finished one Losing stacks of sheets becomes between the last Stack belonging sheet and the following sheet one Gap formed. Once the last sheet is stacked has reached, the stop is moved away, so that the stack is moved away from the sheet conveyor. Thereupon the attack brought back into its stop position and the next stack formed.

Based on this prior art, the present Invention, the object of an improved method and an improved device for forming sheet groups to create that the inclusion of new leaves already then if the previous group requires the collection device or have not left the assembly station completely without additional collection areas being provided have to.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, solved by a device according to claim 14 and by a device according to claim 19 solved.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present Invention will be the one or more sheets of a Sheet group fed into a collection area. As soon as the predetermined sheet number is reached, the sheet stack is in Moved towards an output unit. Is the output unit reached, the sheet stack is shifted vertically so that the same is arranged above the collection area that Collection area is created by lifting the finished sheet stack so released so that essentially simultaneously with the extension of the finished stack of sheets subsequent stack of sheets in the collection area can be. The feeding of additional sheets is made possible once a sufficient distance between the raised Stack and the collection area is set.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collecting station comprises a pivotable Collection facility with at least two collection compartments, into one or more leaves of a group of leaves be introduced. As soon as a predetermined in a collecting compartment The number of sheets is reached, the collecting facility pivoted so that another collecting subject at the entrance of the Collection station is assigned while the formed Sheet group is extended from the collecting station. By swiveling the collection device to the next one Collecting subject is a sufficient distance between each other following sheets for collection in the collection facility ensured that the first group of sheets extended safely and the second group of leaves against one Stop is retracted.

The advantage of the method according to the invention and that of the invention Device are obvious as it is now is no longer necessary to wait for one Sheet group fully extended from a collecting station is. Rather, when a sufficient distance is reached between the finished sheet group and the collection area allows new sheets to be picked up. This leads to a significant increase in clock performance of such a system and thus to a significant increase the total clock performance of an overall paper handling system.

Another advantage of the method and the device according to the invention is that on the complex "double buffer" can be dispensed with, so that compared to such systems, the mechanical effort, the control technology and the costs are reduced.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the subclaims.

Fig. 1A bis 1C

eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 1D bis 1F

eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2A bis 2D

eine schematische Darstellung verschiedener Stellungen einer Hebeeinrichtung, wie sie in der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel zum Einsatz kommt;

Fig. 3A und 3B

ein erstes Papierhandhabungssystem das die erfindungsgemäße. Sammelvorrichtung aufweist sowie, ein Ablaufdiagramm;

Fig. 4A und 4B

ein zweites Beispiel eines Blatthandhabungssystems das die erfindungsgemäße Sammelvorrichtung aufweist, sowie ein Ablaufdiagramm;

Fig. 5A und 5B

Vergleiche der Bruttotaktleistungen der Vorrichtungen aus den Fig. 3 und 4 mit Blatthandhabungssystemen die herkömmliche Sammelvorrichtungen verwenden;

Fig. 6A und 6B

ein erstes Beispiel für ein herkömmliches Blatthandhabungssystem mit einer herkömmlichen Sammelvorrichtung, sowie ein Ablaufdiagramm;

Fig. 7A und 7B

ein zweites Beispiel für ein herkömmliches Blatthandhabungssystem mit einer herkömmlichen Sammelstation, sowie ein Ablaufdiagramm; und

Fig. 8A und 8B

tabellarische Aufstellungen der Brutto-Taktleistungen der Papierhandhabungssysteme aus Fig. 6 und 7.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1A to 1C

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

1D to 1F

a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention;

2A to 2D

is a schematic representation of different positions of a lifting device, as used in the device according to the invention according to the first embodiment;

3A and 3B

a first paper handling system that the invention. Has collection device and, a flow chart;

4A and 4B

a second example of a sheet handling system having the collecting device according to the invention, and a flow chart;

5A and 5B

Comparisons of gross clock performance of the devices of Figures 3 and 4 with sheet handling systems using conventional collection devices;

6A and 6B

a first example of a conventional sheet handling system with a conventional collecting device, and a flowchart;

7A and 7B

a second example of a conventional sheet handling system with a conventional collecting station, and a flow chart; and

Figures 8A and 8B

Tabular lists of the gross cycle performance of the paper handling systems from FIGS. 6 and 7.

The invention according to the invention will now be described in general with reference to FIGS Method and the device according to the invention described, and with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the use the device according to the invention in sheet handling systems and especially the improvement of achievable Cycle times explained. The following with reference to FIGS. 1 and Fig. 2 sheets are in total with the Designated reference numeral B, and stand for one or several leaves of a group of leaves.

1A is a schematic representation of a first Embodiment of the device according to the invention or shown the collection station according to the invention in its Entire is provided with the reference number 100. The collecting station 100 includes a pair of input rollers 102a and 102b in the direction of sheet travel P at the entrance 104 of the collecting station 100 are arranged. Through the dashed line 106 is indicated the plane in which individual sheets in the Enter the collection station. In the sheet direction P after the A support 108 is arranged on input rollers 102a and 102b, which is covered in FIG. 1A by a lifting device 110 is and is therefore only indicated by dashed lines. On the Pad 108, which is arranged in the sheet inlet plane 106 the sheets that are brought into the collecting station filed, it being obvious that in the event that a plurality of sheets are received in the collecting station should be on the previous sheet come to rest. A sheet B is shown schematically in FIG. 1A.

The collecting station 100 further comprises a lifting device 110 with a lifting frame 112, on the closer design discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2 becomes. The lifting frame is connected via a connecting rod 114 112 connected to a lifting drive 116, its actuation a displacement of the lifting frame 112 in the through the arrow V direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet travel P causes.

In the sheet running direction P after the edition 108 is a pair of Transport rollers 118a and 118b arranged. The transport roller 118a is arranged to be movable in the direction V and is over a connecting rod 120 connected to a drive 122, which causes the roller 118a to move in the direction V. The roller 118b is arranged in a stationary position.

The collecting station 100 further includes a stop 124 which in the illustrated embodiment as an L-shaped Angle piece is formed, but also in the form of a Rake calculation can be formed. The stop 124 is rotatably supported by a bearing 126, a corresponding Movement of the stop 124 around the bearing 126 by actuating a drive 128 which is a connecting rod 130 moves in the V direction, causing a corresponding tilting of the stop 124 around the bearing 126 done around.

An output unit 132 is in the sheet running direction P behind arranged the stop 124 and comprises two discharge rollers 134a and 134b. The discharge roller 134a is via a spring 136 biased against the output roller 134b, and toward V arranged movably. The discharge roller 134b is over one Connecting rod 138 connected to a drive 140, the upon actuation, a displacement of the roller 134b in Direction V and thus also a corresponding one Displacement of the roller 134a in the direction V causes.

1A shows the situation in which a sheet B enters collection station 100, and for further viewing for the sake of simplicity, assume that the forming leaf group consists of only one leaf B. It however, it is apparent that the present invention not on the formation of leaf groups consisting of only one Sheet is limited, but that the invention Station 100 also has a plurality of sheets of a single one Group records.

In Fig. 1A, sheet B became in sheet entry plane 106 moved to the pad 108, the movement in the direction of sheet travel P was ended by the stop 124.

The situation that arises is shown in FIG. 1B immediately after it was found that a group of leaves was completely formed. Once this is grasped, the actuator 128 actuates the connecting rod 130 in such a way to move that the stop 124 after the bearing 126 after tilts downward, as shown in FIG. 1B, so that Path between the platen 108 and the output unit 132 to be released. Simultaneously with the actuation of the drive 128 the actuator 122 is also actuated to the connecting rod 122 and thus the roller 118a against the roller 118b move so by driving the transport rollers 118a and 118b to move the sheet B toward the output unit 132. In Fig. 1B the situation is shown in which the sheet B has already arrived between the discharge roller 134a and 134b is.

Figure 1C shows what happens after the sheet B has reached the output rollers 134 of the output unit 132. Once this is sensed, drives 116 and 140 operated to lift frame 112 and discharge rollers 134a, 134b to move into a sheet exit plane 142 that is vertical from the sheet entry plane 106 by a predetermined distance D is spaced. At the same time the drive 122 is activated, around the transport roller 118a from the transport roller 118b to move vertically as seen in Fig. 1C is so as to impede the transportation of the sheet B. avoid. In addition, the drive 128 is operated, so to cause over the rod 130 that the stop 124 in his closed position returns. As in Fig. 1C only is shown schematically, the lifting frame 112 comprises one Lifting frame support 144, on which when lifting the lifting frame 112 the sheet B is at rest and the support 108 remains stationary in their original position. Once the in Fig. 1C shown situation can be started to insert a new sheet B 'into the collecting station 100.

From the above explanation it is clear that the invention Collection station it enables new sheets of one To introduce leaf group, although the previous group the Has not yet left the collecting station.

In other words, the collection station 100 enables that as soon as a group B is collected, the stop 124 opened the upper transport roller 118a of the transport that is in front of the stop 124 against the lower transport roller 118b is pressed so that group B accelerates becomes. In the paper direction P after the stop 124 group B from the next transport roller 134a / 134b of the Output unit taken over, and once that's done, will this transport roller, the stop 124 and at the same time the part of the group that is still in the collection area, raised so far by the lifting device 110 that the first Sheet B 'of the next group under the previous group B can drive up to the stop 124. The output group is now discharged via the stop 124. As soon as the Group is removed from the collection area, the Lifting device past the sheets already collected lowered again, which is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2 is described.

The FIGS. 1D to 1F are used below to describe the invention Device or the collecting station according to the invention explained in more detail according to a second embodiment. Similar or equivalent elements that already exist 1A to 1C have been explained, the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

The embodiment described with reference to Figures 1D to 1F the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the collecting station has a pivotable collecting device 150 which at least a first collecting subject 152 and a second collecting subject 154 includes. The first collecting subject 152 and the second Tray 154 includes an entrance 152a and 154a and one, respectively common output 156. Inputs 152a and 154b are located adjacent to entrance 104, and the common Exit is adjacent to transport rollers 118a and 118b arranged. Because of this arrangement, both use compartments 152 and 154 together the stop 124. The collectors 152 and 154 are separated by a partition plate 158, so that the two in the collecting device 150 Form compartments 152 and 154. The collector 150 is pivoted in its entirety, the Bearing (not shown) so adjacent to the common exit 156 is arranged so that when the collecting device moves 150 in the direction of that shown in FIG. 1D Arrows move the entrances 152a, 154a of the bins 152 or 154 towards the entrance 104 or from the entrance 104 is made possible, while at the same time the common Exit 156 a position adjacent to the transport rollers 118a, 118b not changed. When using the figures 1D to 1F illustrated embodiment of the present Invention, controller 146 is operative to provide a corresponding one Movement of the collector 150 depending on the leaf groups to be formed and the other elements of the To effect collection station 100, as will be described in more detail below is explained.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, in which a group of leaves formed vertically the sheet group remains here if it is moved is formed when extending essentially in the sheet plane 106, so no height shift of the output 132 is required, so that here on the basis of the figures 1A to 1C mechanisms for height adjustment of the Issue 132 can be dispensed with.

The mode of operation of the device is shown below the second embodiment explained in more detail. In Figure 1D a starting situation is shown in which leaves over the entrance 104 and the rollers 102a and 102b the first collecting compartment 152 are fed. Is schematic in Figure 1D only one sheet B is shown for the sake of clarity Preserve representation. Sheet B is moved such that it in the first collecting compartment 152 against the stop 124 moves. Additional sheets are placed in the bin 152 until a desired number or a permissible number is picked up by leaves. According to one embodiment is the entrance 104 with a so-called lock provided which enables the sheets to be adjusted accordingly of their arrival at the collecting station 100 either in ascending order or to be arranged in descending order in the collecting subjects, i.e. that the Sheets either on the previous sheet or under the previous sheet.

Once controller 146 determines that the desired one Number of sheets of the sheet group is formed in the collecting compartment 152, this causes the stop 124 to move downward, as shown in Figure 1E, in which the motor 128 accordingly is operated. At the same time, the transport rollers 118a and 118b by operating the motor 122 so moved that they engage with the leaf group, and move it towards the output 132. At the same time with the movement of sheet group B towards output 132 the controller 146 causes the collecting device to pivot 150, as shown by the arrow in Figure 1E so that the input 154a of the second collecting compartment 154 in To move towards the entrance 104 of the collection station 100. As soon as the entrance 154a with the entrance 104 of the collecting station 100 is aligned, control begins feeding of sheets assigned to the second sheet group are in the second collecting compartment 154. By pivoting the collecting device during the extension of the first Leaf group and if necessary by accelerated extension the first group of sheets compared to the run-in further leaves will be a sufficiently large distance between the two leaf groups, so that if the first group of sheets has not been fully extended is, by feeding more sheets into the second Collective subject 154 can be started. As soon as the first group of leaves is fully extended, the stop 124 in moved back to its closed position as shown in figure 1F, and the leaves of the second group of leaves recorded in the second collecting compartment 154.

The movement of the collecting device 150 is carried out by a corresponding device, which is shown schematically in FIG 160, and which is for example similar to the engine for the lifting device of the first embodiment can be designed.

The advantage of the present invention is that a significant increase in performance can be achieved, and furthermore a safe function of the stop is achieved, which is not influenced by the group size, none mechanical controls and not subject to wear is.

Thus, the present invention enables already during the output of a collected group by collecting the to start the next group, thereby increasing the collection performance of the Systems can be increased significantly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the collecting station 100 configured to either cut sheets or two sheets lying one above the other, ascending or descending to collect. The inlet and outlet speed, i.e. H. the speeds of the transport rollers 102 and 134 are as well as the stop position of the sheets freely programmable. The control of the individual drives and transport rollers is carried out by a controller 146 of the collecting station, which in Fig. 1 is shown schematically. The controller 146 is in the Location, sheet information required for processing are to be managed and buffered, e.g. the number the leaves in a group of leaves and the like.

The principle of operation of FIG Lifting device 110 according to the first exemplary embodiment explained in more detail. 2 is only for the sake of simplicity the lifting frame 112 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the lifting frame 112 includes one first side element 202 and a second side element 204, that in the sheet running direction P (in Fig. 2 the direction perpendicular to the sheet plane) are arranged parallel to each other, essentially identical in construction to each other and adjustable in height. By the interaction of the movable side elements 202 and 204 becomes a first shot area 206 and a second Receiving area 208 is formed in the lifting element 112. The first and the second receiving area 206 and 208 are through a protrusion 202a or 204a in the respective side elements separated from each other. The upper receiving area 206 is by the protrusions 202a and 204a as well as by covers 202b and 204b. Likewise is the lower recording area 208 by lower boundaries 202c and 204c as well limited by the protrusions 202a and 204a. In Fig. 2 is also shown the stationary edition 108, which already was described with reference to FIG. 1. This edition is stationary arranged, d. H. it does not change its position.

In Fig. 2A the situation is shown that of that Fig. 1A corresponds to, namely the situation in the one group of leaves B is formed. After it was found that a Sheet group B is formed, sheet group B is directed towards the output unit (Fig. 1, 132) moves, and when reached the same, the lifting frame 112 is raised to the in Fig. 2B to achieve the position shown. How to recognize the lifting frame 112 becomes the sheet group B on the protrusions 202a and 204a from the sheet infeed plane moved into the sheet outlet plane. Once the lifting frame 112 has reached the raised position, one can another sheet B 'of a subsequent sheet group in the second recording area 208 can be recorded, as in FIG. 2B is shown.

After the previous sheet group B has been extended, are the two side elements 202 and 204 with respect to the Width direction of the sheet B 'moved apart so that the position shown in FIG. 2C is established. Subsequently the lift frame is lowered as shown in Fig. 2D and the side elements are merged again, so that the situation shown in Fig. 2A again sets.

3 to 5 are examples of Sheet handling systems described that the invention Collection station and the inventive method for Use sheet groups.

3A is a first example of a sheet handling system 300, which shows a cutting machine 302, a first stop or buffer 304, a merger 306, a second stop or a second buffer 308, the collecting station 100 according to the invention and a folding unit 310, which is switched in the paper running direction P one after the other are. The cutting machine 302 becomes a printed one Paper web provided by the cutting machine in individual sheets B is singled out in the first stop 304 lying side by side to the machine center axis X are introduced. From the first stop 304 the parallel leaves next to the entrance to the Mergers 306 fed the two sheets with respect to the Align machine center axis X one above the other, whereby leaves adjacent to the second at the exit of the merger Stop point 308 are passed and from this to the invention Collection device 100 are supplied. The Collecting device 100 specifies the sheet groups formed the folder 310 for further processing.

FIG. 3B shows a flow chart in which over the x-axis the time t is recorded, and over the y-axis the individual components of the device 300 are recorded are. In the diagram, the output times are the individual components.

At time t = 0ms, an already formed one is started Extend sheet group from the collecting station 100, which is 150 ms lasts. At the same time, one begins with respect to the machine center axis X Sheet on the left at the merge entrance (Reference numeral 306L) move through the merger, resulting in 145ms lasts. By using the collecting station according to the invention 100 is now made possible at an early stage after the start of the extension of the formed leaf group from the collecting station 100 with the feeding of further sheets what is started in the illustrated embodiment takes place at time t = 25ms, and at this time (t = 25ms), one that is in the stop 308 is started Extend sheet from same and the collecting station Feed 100, which takes 70ms. Simultaneously with the beginning extending a sheet from the stop 308 started at the merge entrance with respect to the machine center axis x to move the sheet on the right through the merger, which takes 145ms (reference number 306R).

To do this, start at t = 50ms, which in the Stop 304 arranged leaves the entrance to the merger to provide what takes 125ms. At the same time, 304 new cut single sheets at the stop to be provided by the cutting machine 302, which is 150ms lasts. As can be seen further, at time t = 145ms started, which now brought in the stop 308 Extend sheet on same and feed to station 100.

As can be seen from FIG. 3B, the cycle time for this is Designing 215ms, which is about 16,740 cycles per hour equivalent. This implies a reduction in the cycle time 80 ms compared to the conventional described with reference to FIG. 6 System.

4A shows another sheet handling system 400, which is a sheet feeder 402, a scale belt 404, a stop or buffer 406 and the invention Collection station 100 successively in the paper running direction includes. The sheet feeder 402 gives individual sheets to the scale band 404, which scales the same cached and at the exit of individual sheets the stop 406 outputs, which in turn leaves the inventive Feeds collecting device 100.

4B is a flowchart showing the output times of the individual components of system 400 are shown, with over the time t is plotted on the x-axis, and over the y-axis the individual components.

At time t = 0ms, an already formed one is started Extend sheet group from the collecting station 100, which is 150 ms lasts. Through the collecting device 100 according to the invention enables that shortly after the start of the extension the group from the collecting station 100 at t = 30 ms a new sheet is started from stop 406 in bring the collection station 100, which takes 70ms. simultaneously another leaf from the scale band is started 404 to move to stop 406, which is 115ms lasts. As soon as this sheet has reached the stop point, the same thing will happen from the stop point at an increased speed output to collection station 100, which is 65ms lasts. 100ms after the start of a sheet extension the scale band is started, another leaf from the Extend the scale belt towards the stop 406, which in turn takes 115ms.

As can be seen from FIG. 4B, the result of the Use of the device according to the invention a cycle time of 200 ms, compared to that described with reference to FIG. 7 State of the art an improvement of the cycle time by 100ms represents.

5A and 5B are those with the present invention achievable gross cycle performance in tabular form for different numbers of forms in a group specified, and also a comparison to the systems from 6 and 7 given a conventional collection station use.

As can be seen, the use of collection station according to the invention and by applying the inventive Procedural significant increases in cycle performance.

It is thus clear that the present invention is opposite Systems and devices from the prior art clearly Has advantages in terms of the achievable cycle performance, which is achieved by the fact that already during the extension a completed group from the collection station collecting more leaves for a subsequent group can be started.

Claims (23)

1. A method of forming groups of sheets (B, B') consisting of one or of a plurality of sheets, comprising:

   (a) supplying a predetermined number of sheets to a first position in a sheet feeding plane (106) in a collecting station (100) so as to form the first group of sheets (B);
   characterised by the following steps:

   (b) when the first group of sheets has been formed, moving the first group of sheets (B) from said first position (106) in the sheet feeding plane (106) in the collecting station (100) to a second position (142) outside of the sheet feeding plane in the collecting station (100), and discharging the first group of sheets (B) from the collecting station; and

   (c) supplying a predetermined number of sheets to said first position in the sheet feeding plane (106) in said collecting station (100) so as to form a second group of sheets (B') while the first group of sheets (B) is being discharged from the collecting station.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein, in step (b), the first group (B) is moved in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction (P) into a sheet discharge plane (142).
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first group (B) is moved in the direction of a discharge unit (132) of the collecting station (100).
4. A method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein, in step (a), the sheets are moved against a stop (124) in a sheet travelling direction (P).
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein step (b) comprises the following steps:

   (b.1.) moving the stop (124) to an open position;

   (b.2.) moving the formed group (B) to a discharge unit (132); and

   (b.3.) when the discharge unit (132) has been reached, moving said discharge unit (132) and said first group (B) in a direction perpendicular to the sheet travelling direction (P) and moving the stop (124) to a closed position.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the supply of sheets of the second group (B') begins when the stop (124) has reached the closed position in step (b.3.).
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the collecting station (100) comprises a collecting means (150) including at least two collecting compartments (152, 154), wherein, in step (a), at least one inlet of a first collecting compartment (152) is located in the sheet feeding plane and the sheets are supplied to said first collecting compartment (152), wherein, in step (c), at least one inlet of a second collecting compartment (152) is located in the sheet feeding plane and the sheets are supplied to said second collecting compartment (154), and wherein said step (b) comprises the following step:

   moving the collecting means (150) in such a way that the second collecting compartment (154) is available for a supply of sheets in step (c).
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the group of sheets and the collecting means (150) are moved essentially simultaneously in step (b).
9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first group is moved in the direction of a discharge unit (132) of the collecting station (100).
10. A method according to one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein, in step (a), the sheets are moved against a stop (124) in a sheet travelling direction (P).
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (b) comprises the following steps:

    moving the stop (124) to an open position:

    moving the formed group to a discharge unit (132); and

    when the discharge unit (132) has been reached, moving the collecting means (150) in such a way that the second collecting compartment (154) is available for the supply of sheets in step (c).
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the supply of sheets of the second group is started when the second collecting compartment (154) is available for the supply of sheets, the stop (124) being moved to a closed position when the first group has been discharged.
13. A method according to one of the claims 7 to 12, wherein the collecting station is supported such that an outlet of the first collecting compartment and of the second collecting compartment are located essentially in the sheet discharge plane.
14. A device for forming groups of sheets (B, B') consisting of one or of a plurality of sheets, comprising:

    a stationary collecting support (108) for receiving thereon a predetermined number of sheets of a group of sheets (B, B');

    characterized by
    a movable lifting means (110) which moves a group of sheets (B, B') accommodated on the collecting support (108) from said collecting support (108) to a further position (142); and
    a control means (146) which causes the collecting support (108) to receive thereon a predetermined number of sheets of a first group of sheets (B), which causes the lifting means (110) to move said first group of sheets (B) to said further position (142), and which causes the collecting support (108) to receive thereon sheets of a second group of sheets (B').
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the lifting means (110) moves the first group (B) in a direction (V) perpendicular to a direction (P) in which sheets are supplied to the collecting support (108).
16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a discharge unit (132), wherein the control means (146) causes the discharge unit (132) to discharge the first group (B) while sheets of the second group (B') are being supplied.
17. A device according to one of the claims 14 to 16, comprising a stop (124) occupying a closed position so as to form groups of sheets (B, B') on the collecting support (108) and occupying an open position so as to move a group of sheets (B, B') away from the collecting support (108).
18. A device according to one of the claims 14 to 17, wherein the lifting means (110) is provided with first and second vertically adjustable side supports (202, 204) whose distance is adjustable in a direction transversely to the sheet travelling direction (P) so as to be larger than or smaller than a width of a sheet of the group of sheets (B, B').
19. A device for forming groups of sheets consisting of one or of a plurality of sheets, comprising:

    a collecting means (150) comprising a least two collecting compartments (152, 154) for receiving therein a predetermined number of sheets of a group of sheets;

    characterized by
    a means (160) for moving said collecting means (150) so as to place one collecting compartment of the at least two collecting compartments (152, 154) ready for receiving sheets therein; and
    a control means (146) which causes a first collecting compartment (152) to receive therein a predetermined number of sheets of a first group of sheets, which causes the first group of sheets to be discharged from the first collecting compartment, which causes said means to move the collecting means (150) in this way, and which causes a second collecting compartment (154) to be placed ready for the supply of sheets and to receive therein sheets of a second group of sheets while the first group of sheets is being discharged from the first collecting compartment.
20. A device according to claim 19, comprising a discharge unit (132), wherein the control means (146) causes the discharge unit (132) to discharge the first group during the supply of sheets of the second group.
21. A device according to claim 19 or 20, comprising a stop (124) which occupies a closed position so as to form groups of sheets in the collecting compartment (152, 154) and which occupies an open position so as to move a group of sheets out of said collecting compartment (152, 154).
22. A device according to claim 21, wherein the control means (146) causes the stop (124) to move to an open position, causes the formed group to move to a discharge unit (132), causes, when the discharge unit (132) has been reached, a movement of the collecting means (150) in such a way that the second collecting compartment (154) is placed ready for the supply of sheets, and causes the first group to be discharged from the collecting station (100).
23. A device according to claim 22, wherein the control means (146) causes the supply of sheets of the second group, when the second collecting compartment (154) has been placed ready for the supply of sheets, said control means (146) causing a movement of the stop (124) to a closed position when the first group has been discharged.

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