DE102019133353B4 - Printing plate logistics system with plate provision - Google Patents

Abstract

Printing plate logistics system with plate provision (1), plate disposal (3) and a transport system (2) which connects plate provision (1) and plate disposal (3) to a plurality of printing presses (4), the transport system (2) being a rail network comprising rail segments (2.1) and a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) that can be moved on the rail network (2.1) and a disk store (14), the disk store (14) comprising a first rail switch (9.1), a switch controller, a first rail section (10.1) and a next to the first running second rail section (10.2), the first and the second rail section (10.1; 10.2) adjoining the first rail switch (9.1) on one side of the latter and a respective transport carriage (2.3) depending on the position of the first rail switch (9.1) on the first and / or the second rail section (10.1; 10.2) can be guided and on the first rail On the side (9.1) facing away from the first rail section (10.1) and the second rail section (10.2), a second rail switch (9.2) controlled by the switch controller or a Y-shaped rail connecting piece without moving elements is formed, characterized in that the switch controller is used to control the first rail switch (9.1) is designed such that for a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) moved along the rail network (2.1) via the first rail switch (9.1), the first running gear (11.1) of the respective transport carriage (2.3) is placed on the first rail section (10.1) and the second running gear (11.2) of the respective transport carriage (2.3) is guided onto the second rail section (10.2).

Description

The invention relates to a printing plate logistics system with plate provision, plate disposal and a transport system that connects plate provision and plate disposal with a number of printing presses.

From the DE 43 09 658 C1 a printing plate transport device is known which can be moved on guide rails above the printing press. The printing plate transport device takes over the printing plate from a centrally located magazine and transports it above the printing press to the relevant plate cylinder.

From the EP 1 193 057 A1 a printing press with printing plate exposure is known. In this case, it is proposed to assign a transport system for transporting the imaged printing plate to the individual printing units to a printing press containing a printing plate imaging device. The transport system grips the end of the printing plate with vertically movable gripping elements, then the printing plate is moved in a horizontal direction to a printing plate changing device, with the printing plate position during transport being able to be vertical or horizontal. During transport, the printing plates are turned in order to bring them into the necessary feed position for the printing plate changing devices.

From the DE 10 2006 032 204 B3 a method for providing at least one printing forme at its installation site on a forme cylinder of a rotary printing machine is known. It is proposed here to transport a printing forme in a transport module of a transport device from the imaging station to its respective installation location on the forme cylinder. For this purpose, the transport module is transported to the desired printing unit on the operating side of the printing machine.

From the DE 38 71 940 T2 a transfer system for lithographic printing plates is known. Herein a horizontal conveyor is proposed which conveys lithographic printing plates to a point of use, the lithographic plates being taken over by hooks of the transfer system at the angled leading edge and fed to an overhead conveyor.

From the DE 103 38 373 A1 a device for changing printing plates is known. The printing press has a plurality of printing units arranged one behind the other, with each printing unit being equipped with a plate-changing device. A guide rail is arranged parallel to the printing units and is assigned a movable handling device. The handling device removes a designated printing plate from a printing plate depot and transports it to the plate changing device of the desired printing unit.

the DE 20 2010 008 730 U1 shows and describes a transport device for printing plates of printing presses with a lifting device for transporting the printing plates to an installation level. The transport device has a guideway and at least one gondola that can be moved thereon and has a carrying device for a plurality of printing plates.

the DE 10 2010 042 100 A1 discloses a transport system in a printing unit for transporting at least one printing form to be newly applied to a forme cylinder of the printing unit. A printing forme carrier is arranged on the printing unit, in which a new printing forme to be applied can be held before transport to the forme cylinder. A transfer unit transports the printing form carrier along a transport path.

the DE 10 2009 045 402 A1 discloses a printing forme magazine of a printing unit in which a printing forme that can be arranged on a forme cylinder can be stored. At least one interchangeable magazine is arranged in the printing forme magazine. The interchangeable magazine is designed as a mobile collection container that can be transported by an automatic transport system.

So-called plate wagons can also be used to transport printing plates. The plate trolleys are usually loaded by automated printing plate processing lines, which are also referred to as plate preparation.

The plate trolleys can be identified via a QR code, so that the control system of the printing plate processing line knows which plate trolley is available for loading. Accordingly, the order in which the printing plates are placed on a plate trolley is linked to its identity. To transfer the printing plates, the operator manually shifts fully equipped plate carriages from the printing plate processing line to the immediate vicinity of the defined printing machine for the pending print job change in a known manner.

The printing machines can be equipped with fully automatic plate changing machines. Accordingly, the operator can place the complete set of printing plates for the subsequent print job in the feed shafts of the fully automatic plate changing machines while the printing process is running preposition. The operator must ensure that the printing plates are assigned to the correct printing machine and also to the correct printing unit within the printing machine. It is known to secure this process using a printing plate identification that includes a number of cameras, one of which is arranged on each printing unit. After the print job has been changed, the used printing plates are ready for transport in the discharge chute of the fully automatic plate changer. The operator removes the printing plates and transports them manually to a central storage area.

The process of changing the printing plates is very time-consuming, particularly in the case of complex machine configurations of the printing machines and large distances between the printing plate processing line and the printing machines.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a printing plate logistics system with plate provision that ensures a high transport speed and process reliability when handling plates for printing presses.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

The invention has the advantage that unused plates can be transported from a plate staging area to the printing units of printing presses, with the operator's freedom of movement being restricted only minimally or not at all.

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

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckplattenlogistiksystems mit einer Plattenbereitstellung, einer Plattenentsorgung und einem Transportsystem und mehrere Druckmaschinen;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Plattenbereitstellung mit mehreren Plattenwagen und einem Manipulator;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Details einer Plattenentsorgung;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Übergabebereiches des Schienennetzes mit Transportschlitten und einem Positionierelement;
• 5 eine schematische Seitenansicht zu 4;
• 6 eine schematische Draufsicht zu 4
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Rollenfördersystems zum liegenden Transport von Platten;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung eines Rollenfördersystems und Schwenkarms in einem ersten Handhabungszustand;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung eines Rollenfördersystems und Schwenkarms in einem zweiten Handhabungszustand;
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung eines Rollenfördersystems und Schwenkarms in einem dritten Handhabungszustand;
• 11 eine schematische Darstellung eines Details des Druckplattenlogistiksystems bei einem Wendevorgang;
• 12 eine schematische Darstellung eines Details einer Variante des Druckplattenlogistiksystems bei einem Wendevorgang in Draufsicht;
• 13 eine schematische Darstellung eines Details einer weiteren Variante des Druckplattenlogistiksystems bei einem Wendevorgang in Draufsicht;
• 14 eine perspektivischer Darstellung eines Details einer Variante eines Plattenspeichers des Druckplattenlogistiksystems;
• 15 eine schematische Draufsicht eines Details einer Variante eines Plattenspeichers des Druckplattenlogistiksystems;
• 16 eine perspektivischer Darstellung eines Details einer weiteren Variante eines Plattenspeichers des Druckplattenlogistiksystems;
• 17 eine schematische Draufsicht eines Details einer weiteren Variante eines Plattenspeichers des Druckplattenlogistiksystems.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a printing plate logistics system with a plate preparation, a plate disposal and a transport system and several printing machines;
• 2 a schematic representation of a plate provision with several plate cars and a manipulator;
• 3 a schematic representation of a detail of a plate disposal;
• 4 a schematic representation of a transfer area of the rail network with transport carriage and a positioning element;
• 5 a schematic side view 4 ;
• 6 a schematic top view 4
• 7 a schematic representation of a roller conveyor system for horizontal transport of plates;
• 8th a schematic representation of a roller conveyor system and swivel arm in a first handling state;
• 9 a schematic representation of a roller conveyor system and swivel arm in a second handling state;
• 10 a schematic representation of a roller conveyor system and swivel arm in a third handling state;
• 11 a schematic representation of a detail of the printing plate logistics system during a turning operation;
• 12 a schematic representation of a detail of a variant of the printing plate logistics system during a turning process in plan view;
• 13 a schematic representation of a detail of a further variant of the printing plate logistics system during a turning process in plan view;
• 14 a perspective view of a detail of a variant of a plate storage of the printing plate logistics system;
• 15 a schematic plan view of a detail of a variant of a plate storage of the printing plate logistics system;
• 16 a perspective view of a detail of another variant of a plate storage of the printing plate logistics system;
• 17 a schematic plan view of a detail of a further variant of a plate store of the printing plate logistics system.

In the 1 a printing plate logistics system with a plate preparation 1, a plate disposal 3 and a transport system 2, which connects the plate preparation 1 and the plate disposal 3 with several printing presses 4, is shown.

The plurality of printing presses 4 are preferably designed as sheet-fed rotary printing presses, in particular as sheet-fed offset printing presses.

The printing machines 4 are preferably developed in aggregate construction. In particular, they consist of a feeder, a system, several printing units arranged one behind the other in a row and a delivery. The sheet feed direction corresponds to the direction from the feeder to the delivery. The printing presses 4 shown each have 8 identical printing units and a turning device arranged after the fourth printing unit and are to be understood as examples of printing presses 4 of any configuration that can be connected via the transport system 2 to other elements such as plate preparation 1 and plate disposal 3 . The printing units each preferably contain an impression cylinder, a transfer drum, a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder. An unspecified inking unit or inking and dampening unit is assigned to the plate cylinder. The plate cylinder is covered with a printing plate, referred to below as the plate. The plate is inked with the appropriate ink by the inking unit. When the plate cylinder unrolls on the rubber blanket cylinder, the printing ink is transferred to the blanket cylinder covered with a rubber blanket in line with the motif. A nip is formed between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, through which the substrate to be printed, ie the sheet, is conveyed. In the printing nip, the ink is transferred from the blanket cylinder to the sheet. In addition to printing units, the printing machines 4 can also have further coating and/or finishing units, drying units and/or turning devices. The printing machines 4 could also be embodied as web-fed rotary printing machines.

Each printing unit preferably has, on the side facing the delivery, a pivotable plate change protection which serves as a shaft when changing plates in a known manner for removing the old printed plate and for feeding the new plate to be used. Preferably, the protection against changing plates contains two shafts arranged in parallel, in particular an insertion shaft and an exit shaft, with which two disks can be inserted and removed past one another. The plate change protection is part of the plate change mechanism of a printing unit. The plate changing device contains other known elements required for changing plates. For a plate change, the plate cylinders are placed in a defined plate changing position. This adjusting movement of the plate cylinders can be effected by a central drive wheel train, with each of the plate cylinders running in phase in a group being simultaneously placed in the plate changing position. After the plate change on the corresponding plate cylinders, the other group of plate cylinders running in phase is placed in the plate change position by the central drive wheel train, so that the plate change can also take place here. In another embodiment, not shown, the plate cylinders are driven by direct drives that are synchronized for the printing operation. When changing plates, all the plate cylinders can be placed in the plate changing position at the same time, so that the plates can be changed on all printing units at the same time.

The plate provision 1 preferably comprises a plurality of plate carriage receptacles 1.2 and a plurality of plate carriages 1.1.1 that can be loaded with multiple plates and positioned in the plate carriage receptacles 1.2, as well as a manipulator 1.2.3. Each of the plate carriage receptacles 1.2 preferably has a positioning means for positioning a respective plate carriage 1.1.1. The positioning means can be formed in a manner known per se by mechanical stops or by magnetic and/or inductively acting positioning means. Preferably, each of the plate car shots 1.2. also fixing means for locking the plate carriage 1.1.1 in the plate carriage receptacle 1.2. The positioning means can also form the fixing means for locking a respective plate carriage 1.1.1, which is particularly the case when the positioning means is designed as a magnetic and/or inductively acting means.

Readers are preferably arranged in the plate car mounts 1.2 or readers are assigned to the plate car mounts 1.2. The readers can be designed in particular to read RFID codes or QR codes or data matrix codes or to read codes based on NFC technology.

Each of the plate wagons 1.1.1 carries a code that uniquely identifies it, which can be embodied as an RFID code or QR code or data matrix code or as a code that can be read on the basis of NFC technology. The plate wagons 1.1.1 are designed in a manner known per se and can have an inclined support plate on which several plates or sets of plates can be placed with side edges aligned with one another.

The plate wagon 1.1.1 can be loaded by a plate sorting device, not shown, which is technologically arranged upstream of the plate provision 1 .

The information on the available plates on the plate trolley 1.1.1 is available within the printing plate logistics system. Accordingly, a memory can be provided to which data is written or which contains data describing the assignment of respective disks to a disk carriage 1.1.1 and/or the position of respective disks in a disk carriage 1.1.1.

The manipulator 1.2.3 is designed to remove plates from a respective plate carriage 1.1.1 and to transfer the plates to a respective transport carriage 2.3 of a transport system 2, which is described below. The manipulator 1.2.3 can be moved on a path that extends over all plate car receptacles 1.2. It preferably comprises a gripper and a multi-axis robotic system 1.2.1, with the multi-axis robotic system 1.2.1 preferably being designed with a linear axis extending over all plate carriage receptacles 1.2. The gripper is preferably designed as a suction gripper. The manipulator 1.2.3 is preferably assigned a camera that can be moved together with the manipulator 1.2.3 for detecting marks on a plate to be detected or detected by the manipulator 1.2.3. Depending on the design, the camera can be movably guided solely via the linear axis or, like the gripper, can also be movably mounted in other spatial axes in addition to the linear axis.

The transport system 2 comprises a rail network 2.1 and a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 that can be moved on the rail network 2.1. Each of the transport carriages 2.3 carries a code that uniquely identifies it, which can be embodied as an RFID code or QR code or data matrix code or as a code that can be read on the basis of NFC technology. Each transport carriage 2.3 also includes a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 for hanging a respective plate in place, which is preferably held in a closed position by an energy store.

The rail network 2.1 is formed from rail segments, with individual rail segments running in the area of the plate changing devices of the printing press 4. In order to enable plates to be transferred to the plate changing devices of the printing presses 4, the rail segments of the rail system 2.1 in the area of the plate changing device are designed to be vertically displaceable relative to adjacent rail segments. The vertically displaceable rail segments are preferably assigned means for fixing a respective transport carriage 2.3 on the rail segment when the rail segment is displaced. In the area of the plate-changing devices, actuators 2.2 are preferably formed, which can be selectively activated and, in the activated state, can bring about an opening of the respective mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3. A respective vertically displaceable rail segment of the rail network 2.1 is spatially assigned to an insertion shaft of the plate changing device and/or vertically displaceable relative to it in such a way that when the rail segment is lowered, a plate held in the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of a transport carriage 2.3 guided on the rail segment enters the insertion shaft is introduced.

The respective vertically displaceable rail segment is preferably also spatially assigned to a chute of the plate changing device and/or vertically displaceable relative to it in such a way that when the rail segment is lowered, a plate conveyed out of a discharge chute of the plate changing device enters a detection area of a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of one on the rail segment guided transport carriage 2.3 can be transferred.

The advantage of this design is that a transport carriage 2.3 held on a respective rail segment and lowered to transfer a respective board can also take over a printed board for transport in the same position. In this case, the panel supplied can be placed in a shaft other than the shaft from which a panel to be removed is to be taken.

To transport the transport carriage 2.3 on the rail network 2.1, individual rail segments or areas of the rail network 2.1 can be arranged inclined relative to the horizontal, so that a respective transport carriage 2.3 located on the individual rail segments or areas of the rail network 2.1 moves solely by downhill force.

Another possibility for driving the transport carriage 2.3 along the rail network 2.1 consists in the arrangement of permanently rotating brushes. The brushes engage in recesses formed on the transport carriage 2.3.

The brushes can also be arranged on a rail segment which is inclined relative to the horizontal and drive respective transport carriages 2.3 against the downhill force. With such an embodiment, respective transport carriages 2.3 can be transported to a higher level in a comparatively short section of the rail network 2.1 in order to be able to move in the subsequent sections of the rail network 2.1 again solely by downhill force.

Another option for driving the transport carriage 2.3 along the rail network 2.1, which is based on the use of toothed segments and toothed chains or gear wheels, is used in particular at those locations on the rail network 2.1 where a respective transport carriage 2.3 is to be positioned comparatively precisely. Accordingly, any transport carriage 2.3 can be assigned a toothed segment and transfer areas 1.4 for positioning the respective transport carriage 2.3 can be formed along the rail network 2.1, in each of which a single motor-driven gearwheel or toothed chain is arranged, with the gearwheel or toothed chain being exclusively connected to the toothed segment assigned to the transport carriage 2.3 combs when a respective transport carriage 2.3 is in the transfer area 1.4.

Plate disposal 3 comprises at least one plate stack receptacle in which a stack carrier 3.1.6 can be positioned. A commercially available Euro pallet or a system pallet known from non-stop stack changing systems can be provided as the stack carrier 3.1.6. A plate stack receptacle comprises at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 for aligning plates, which a respective transport carriage 2.3 positioned in the area of the plate stack receptacle releases in the vertically suspended state. In the area of the plate stack receptacle in which the stack carrier 3.1.6 can be positioned, there is also a deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 is provided, which deflects a front edge of the plate in the direction of fall horizontally in the direction of the at least one lateral stop 3.1.4. The deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 can be formed by a guide element which is inclined at an angle of incidence with respect to the vertical. The angle of attack of the deflection means is preferably 3.1.2; 3.1.3 set or adjustable in the range from 10 to 80, in particular 15 to 70 degrees. Accordingly, the deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 also be adjustable to change its angle of attack. The deflection means is preferably 3.1.2; 3.1.3 formed by an upper baffle 3.1.2 and by a lower baffle 3.1.3, which are arranged next to one another and are inclined at different angles of attack. The angle of attack of the upper baffle 3.1.2 relative to the vertical is preferably smaller than the angle of attack of the lower baffle 3.1.3 relative to the vertical. The upper baffle 3.1.2 and/or the lower baffle 3.1.3 are preferably adjustably mounted to change an angle of attack or can be designed with a fixed angle of attack. The advantage of embodiments that allow the angle of attack to be adjusted consists in particular in the fact that they can be adapted to changing formats of panels. To support the deflection process after the release of a respective panel by the gripper system 2.3.1 of a respective transport carriage 2.3, the deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3, in particular the lower baffle 3.1.3 and/or the upper baffle 3.1.2, can be pneumatically actuated. The deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 can also be formed as a pneumatically acting means or as a motor-acting means.

The at least one lateral stop 3.1.4 can preferably be adjusted horizontally to adapt to the format of the panels to be aligned. Instead of a single lateral stop 3.1.4, an opposing pair of lateral stops 3.1.4 can also be formed. Instead of a single plate stack receptacle, several plate stack receptacles can also be formed and arranged next to one another or distributed along the rail network 2.1. A first plate stack receptacle is preferably designed to receive plates of a first size and a second plate stack receptacle to receive plates of a second plate size that is different from the first. In this case, a deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 of the first plate stack receptacle preferably at a different angle than a deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 of the second plate stack recording inclined. The lateral stops 3.1.4 of the first plate stack receptacle can also be set differently or have a different distance from one another than the lateral stops 3.1.4 of the second plate stack receptacle.

In order to permanently realize a constant storage level for storing plates, the plate stack receptacle can have a lifting device 3.1.5. A respective stack carrier 3.1.6 can be positioned on the lifting device 3.1.5 and displaced vertically to adjust the storage level. The lifting device 3.1.5 preferably comprises a sensor for detecting the position of the upper edge of a stack formed from boards placed on the stack carrier 3.1.6 and a drive. The drive moves the stack carrier 3.1.6 vertically depending on the signals from the sensor. Instead of a sensor, the drive can also be controlled as a function of the signals from a sheet counter, in which case a controller takes into account the signals from the sheet counter and the thickness of the plates to be deposited when controlling the drive.

The disk supply 1 and the transport system 2 are connected to one another via a controller or each have decentralized controllers which interact with one another to implement the disk transport processes. The common controller or the decentralized controllers can also interact with the controllers of the printing machines 4 to implement the plate transport processes.

In the following, a central controller for jointly controlling disk provision 1 and transport system 2 is described as representative of a number of decentralized controllers that interact with one another.

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

The controller can also be connected to a memory that is written to by a plate sorting device arranged upstream of the plate provision 1 and that loads the plate carriage 1.1.1 with plates, or that contains data relating to the assignment of respective plates to a plate carriage 1.1.1 and / or describe the position of respective plates in a plate wagon 1.1.1.

This connection provides the controller with the information on the plates or plate sets available for future print jobs.

If the controller and/or the memory are also connected to the control stations, i.e. the controllers of the printing machines 4, in particular the printing machine controllers, the information about the plates or plate sets available on the plate carriage 1.1.1 is also available at the control stations, for example for selection by an operator.

The controller can also be connected to reading devices for reading a unique code assigned to the respective transport carriage 2.3, which are arranged in transfer areas 2.1.2 of the rail network 2.1. In the transfer areas 2.1.2 rail points are also formed, which are controlled by the controller depending on the signals from the reading devices. The transfer areas 2.1.2 form branches of the rail network 2.1.

The controller is preferably also connected to the camera, which can be moved together with the manipulator 1.2.3 and is designed to detect marks on a plate to be detected or detected by the manipulator 1.2.3.

The controller can be designed to implement a special handling routine for plates by the manipulator 1.2.3, which improves the reliability of plate recognition. Since it can happen that plates with incorrect orientation are placed on a plate carriage 1.1.1, the controller corrects such a possible error with the help of the manipulator 1.2.3, such that when the camera detects no mark during a detection process and/or the Control identifies no brand in an identification process, the manipulator 1.2.3 removes the respective plate from the plate carriage 1.1.1 and rotates the respective plate around its own axis. The manipulator 1.2.3 can put the plate back on the plate carriage 1.1.1 according to its control by the controller after rotating it about its own axis for re-detecting the mark.

The mode of operation of the printing plate logistics system is explained below.

Before a future print job is printed, an operator can select this print job and possibly others, for example at the control console of one of the printing presses 4 on which the print job is to be processed. The control of the plate preparation 1 and the transport system 2 receives the information about the request from the operator from the control station of the printing press 4 .

Information about the plates available on the plate carriage 1.1.1, in particular about the assignment of respective plates to a respective plate carriage 1.1.1 and/or the position of respective plates on the plate carriage 1.1.1, is available to the controller via the memory.

In order to enable the plates required for a respective print job to be transferred from the plate supply station 1 to the respective printing press 4, the controller positions a respective free transport carriage 2.3 of the transport system 2 on the rail network 2.1 in such a way that it is a small distance from the plate carriage 1.1.1 on which the relevant disk or set of disks resides.

The positioning takes place within a transfer area 1.4 or a transfer station, preferably through the engagement of toothed chains in the toothed segment of the transport carriage 2.3, with toothed chain and toothed segment acting together as a chain drive. Instead of a single one, several transfer stations can also be formed. The transfer stations are each equipped with an actuator 2.2, which can be designed as a pivoting backdrop. This link is swiveled in and actuates a mechanism which opens the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3. Alternatively, permanently installed pneumatic cylinders can actuate the mechanism of the gripper system 2.3.1.

The control also positions the manipulator 1.2.3, preferably on its linear axis, in the vicinity of the panel carriage 1.1.1, which carries the panel to be gripped by the manipulator 1.2.3. By controlling the multi-axis robotics 1.2.1 of the manipulator 1.2.3, the gripper of the manipulator 1.2.3, in particular the suction pad, is positioned over the overhead plate of the plate carriage 1.1.1 and the plate is fixed and picked up in particular by applying a vacuum. The multi-axis robotics 1.2.1 can then lead the plate in front of the camera for its detection, in particular identification. This increases the security of the process.

A respective disk can be identified by comparing the detected mark with data stored in a memory. Depending on the result of the comparison, the plate is then conveyed to a printing press 4 by controlling a respective transport carriage 2.3 and the manipulator 1.2.3 or, if the result of the comparison is negative, handled in some other way, in particular temporarily stored.

After identification with a positive result of the comparison of the printing plate, it is positioned in the provided transport carriage 2.3 via the multi-axis robotics 1.2.1.

If the controller receives the message that the panel has been successfully positioned within the gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3, the connecting link swings out and the gripper system 2.3.1 closes. The gripping effect of the gripper on the manipulator 1.2.3 is then canceled. The plate is now only fixed by the gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3.

For control purposes, the identity of the respective plate, in particular the plate ID, is linked to the identity, in particular the code, of the transport carriage 2.3 in which it is fixed. The link is preferably maintained until the plate is released again from the respective transport carriage 2.3.

The transport carriage 2.3 travels over the rail network 2.1 in the direction of the printing machine 4. The transport carriage 2.3 is preferably moved by means of gravity, ie downhill force. Driver elements, in particular toothed chains, rollers and/or brushes, can have a supporting effect in individual areas of the transport system 2 or can completely assume the function of a drive element.

The process of plate pick-up, identification and transfer to a transport carriage 2.3 by plate preparation 1 preferably takes place for all plates of a printing plate set.

During transport, the transport carriages 2.3 are transported upwards out of the operator's range of action via a level adjustment. As a result, the obstruction of the operators by the transport system 2 is reduced to a minimum. The transport carriages 2.3 preferably move on a closed circuit consisting of a conveying and return section. Each printing machine 4 has its own rail system. Each printing press 4 is connected via its transport area to the conveying and return path via a transfer area 2.1.2.

The transfer areas 2.1.2 are at least two switches to allow the transport carriages 2.3 to move in and out of the transport area of the printing press 4. The transfer areas 2.1.2 are equipped with readers to check the identity of the individual transport carriages 2.3. If a transport carriage 2.3 together with the plate that was requested from the control station of a printing press 4 passes the associated transfer area 2.1.2, the transport carriage 2.3 is guided from the conveying and return path into the transport area of the printing press 4.

Within the transport area of the printing machine 4, the transport carriage 2.3 is guided to the corresponding printing unit via switches and driver elements. The rail segments, which are located directly above the printing units or plate changing devices of the printing units, can be decoupled from the rest of the rail network 2.1 via a mechanism, in particular a pneumatic cylinder. The rail segment can thus be positioned on two different levels.

This process of transferring the transport carriages 2.3 into the defined transport areas up to the corresponding printing unit is carried out for all plates of a printing plate set.

If all the plates of a plate set are positioned above the associated printing units on the rail segments that can be decoupled, these are lowered to a lower level by the mechanism. Due to the direct positioning above the rear insertion shaft of the plate changing device, the transported plate is guided into it. If the rail segment is completely lowered, the gripper system 2.3.1 opens by activating the actuator 2.2 and releases the plate. The plate is thus pre-positioned for the next print job.

The lowering of the rail segments with the transport carriages 2.3 positioned thereon can also be implemented sequentially or in groups for the printing units of a printing press 4 at different times.

This process is carried out for all plates of a plate set or print job leads. The rail segments preferably remain in the lowered state during the subsequent print job changeover.

After feedback of the correct positioning, in particular pre-positioning of the plate and the completion of the current print job, the printing press 4 ejects the used plate from the system and makes it available in the plate changing device, in particular in its discharge chute for transport. The plate of the next print job is now drawn into the printing press 4 via the plate changing device. In the gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3, which is still open, there is now only the used printing plate from the previous print job, which the plate changing device in the outfeed chute has made available for removal. The gripper system 2.3.1 of the transport carriage 2.3 is closed and the rail segment moves together with the transport carriage 2.3 and the used panel to the upper level for transport. This process is also carried out for all disks in a disk set.

The panels are removed serially in a row. The transport carriages 2.3 are routed via the transport area of the printing press 4 and the transfer area 2.1.2 into the conveying and return path in the direction of plate disposal 3.

Plate disposal 3 includes a plate stack receptacle in which a stack carrier 3.1.6 can be positioned to accommodate unused plates.

The number of plate stack holders depends on the number of format classes to be processed or the different plate geometries, in particular the type of edging. The transport system 2 runs directly over the individual plate stack receptacles.

Similar to other areas, actuators 2.2, in particular swiveling linkages for the actuation of the gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3, are installed above the individual plate stack receptacles. The controller knows which used plates are being transported away from the transport area of the printing press 4 in the direction of plate disposal 3 . The format sizes and plate geometries for the plates to be transported away are known and can be retrieved from a memory by the controller or queried by the respective printing press 4 in which the plate was used. Accordingly, the controller can activate the actuator 2.2 in the area of a plate stack receptacle if there is a transport carriage 2.3 in the area of the plate stack receptacle, which carries a plate that can be stored in the respective plate stack receptacle in terms of format size and plate geometry.

The activation of the actuator 2.2 causes the opening of the gripper system 2.3.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 to release the respective plate. The plate, which is held hanging in the gripper system 2.3.1 until it is released, falls vertically downwards and is deflected by the deflection means 3.1.2; 3.1.3 deflected and transferred by the deflection into a horizontal or at least approximately horizontal position, the plate being aligned using its kinetic energy on a lateral stop 3.1.4. Depending on the number of boards placed on the stack carrier 3.1.6, a stack is formed, the position of which is preferably kept constant in relation to the top of the stack by a lifting device 3.1.5.

After each plate has been deposited, the transport carriage 2.3 together with the empty gripper system 2.3.1 can be moved in the direction of plate preparation 1 and is available for receiving a new plate. This process takes place for all transport carriages 2.3 which transport a plate of a plate set to the printing press 4.

The details of the design of the transport carriage 2.3 are in particular the 4 , 5 and 6 removable.

Only one transport carriage 2.3 will be described below as a representative of the other transport carriages 2.3 of the printing plate logistics system.

The transport carriage 2.3 preferably comprises a traverse 2.3.8 in which two bearing points designed in particular as pivot bearings 2.3.7.1 are provided. Each of the pivot bearings 2.3.7.1 can be connected to guide elements 2.3.4 via a further bearing 2.3.7.2 and a bridge 2.3.9, which are designed in particular as guide rollers 2.3.4. The other bearing 2.3.7.2 has, in particular, a rotational degree of freedom and enables a rotational movement between a respective bridge 2.3.9 and the traverse 2.3.8. The other bearing 2.3.7.2 can also be designed in a different way, in particular as a ball joint. The guide rollers 2.3.4 run on the top of the rails of the rail network 2.1. You lead the transport carriage 2.3 on the rails of the rail network 2.1 and are rotatably mounted on the bridges 2.3.9. In each case a pivot bearing 2.3.7.1, another bearing 2.3.7.2, and a bridge 2.3.9 with guide elements 2.3.4 form a chassis 11.1; 11.2. Correspondingly, each transport carriage 2.3 has a first and a second running gear that guides the transport carriage 2.3 on the rail network 2.1 11.1; 11.2 on. The first chassis 11.1 and the second chassis 11.2 are spaced apart.

The traverse 2.3.8 is preferably connected to the gripper system 2.3.1 via a carrier 2.3.1.3. The gripper system 2.3.1 comprises two gripper jaws 2.3.1.2 which interact with one another and form a clamping gap. The gripper jaws 2.3.1.2 are movable and mounted on an axis 2.3.1.1 running in the middle of the transport carriage 2.3. On the axis 2.3.1.1, in particular, force accumulators designed as a spring can be arranged, which keep the gripper jaws 2.3.1.2 in a closed position. The gripper system 2.3.1 is closed in the basic position. At their ends facing away from the axis 2.3.1.1, the gripper jaws 2.3.1.2 can have rubber or plastic elements in order to avoid damage to the plate to be transported.

At the front and rear end of the transport carriage 2.3 viewed in the transport direction 7, a drive-on buffer 2.3.3 is arranged, which can be formed from an elastic material or can comprise resilient elements. The transport carriage 2.3 includes an index bolt 2.3.2. The index pin 2.3.2 is preferably assigned to the at least one transport carriage 2.3 with a longitudinal axis extending transversely to the transport direction 7 . The transport direction 7 corresponds to a virtual connecting straight line between the guide elements 2.3.4 at the front and rear end of the transport carriage 2.3. The transport carriage 2.3 is preferably constructed symmetrically with respect to a virtual, vertical axis running centrally between its front end and its rear end.

In a stationary handover area 1.4 formed on the rail network 2.1, as in 4 shown as representative of a large number of transfer areas 1.4, a respective transport carriage 2.3 can be positioned to take over and/or transfer a respective panel. For this purpose, a positioning element 2.3.5 and a positioning drive 2.3.6 displacing the positioning element 2.3.5 in a positioning direction 5 are provided in the transfer area 1.4. The positioning element 2.3.5 has two positioning surfaces 2.3.5.1 facing one another, which form a gap that narrows or widens in the positioning direction 5 and can be or can be brought into contact with the index bolt 2.3.2 by moving the positioning element 2.3.5. The gap preferably has the same cross-section in all cutting planes whose normals correspond to the longitudinal axis of the index bolt 2.3.2. The positioning direction 5 can run horizontally or vertically. Accordingly, the positioning element 2.3.5 can be mounted so that it can be displaced horizontally or vertically. The position of the positioning element 2.3.5 can preferably be adjusted vertically and/or horizontally in order to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances.

In the transfer area 1.4, brushes driven in rotation by a drive can be arranged, the bristles of which engage in recesses formed on the at least one transport carriage 2.3 for driving the at least one transport carriage 2.3, or in the area of the running gears 11.1; 11.2 attack.

A gear wheel driven by a drive or a toothed chain can also be arranged in the transfer area 1.4, which meshes with a toothed segment arranged on the at least one transport carriage 2.3 for driving a respective transport carriage 2.3.

A controller is preferably provided which controls the drive of the brushes or the gear wheel or the toothed chain depending on the position of the positioning element 2.3.5 relative to the position of the index bolt 2.3.2 of a respective transport carriage 2.3 located in the transfer area 1.4. A sensor, in particular a camera, can be designed to detect the position of the index bolt 2.3.2, which is connected to the control system in terms of signals. The position of the index bolt 2.3.2 can take place both directly and indirectly by detecting a marking on the transport carriage 2.3, the geometric relationship of the index bolt 2.3.2 to the marking on the transport carriage 2.3 being taken into account. Targeted activation of the drive means that the index bolt 2.3.2 and the positioning element 2.3.5 are in such a position, in particular close to one another, that the positioning element 2.3.5 can be brought into contact with the index bolt 2.3.2. The controller preferably causes a kind of pre-positioning, while the actual positioning of the respective transport carriage 2.3 is effected by the interaction between the positioning element 2.3.5 and the index bolt 2.3.2. When the positioning drive 2.3.6 pushes the positioning element 2.3.5 over the index bolt 2.3.2, the respective transport carriage 2.3 aligns itself, with the respective transport carriage 2.3 due to the force of the positioning drive 2.3.6, which is via the positioning element 2.3.5 and the Index bolt 2.3.2 is transferred to the transport carriage 2.3, is either moved forward or backward in the transport direction 7 until both positioning surfaces 2.3.5.1 of the gap are in contact with the index bolt 2.3.2. The positioning drive 2.3.6 can be implemented as a pneumatic cylinder.

In the transfer area 1.4, an actuator 2.2 is preferably also arranged which, when activated, counteracts the force action of the force accumulator the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 opens. The actuator 2.2 can act on the gripper system 2.3.1 directly or via a lever, in particular an angle lever, which is pivotably mounted on a pivot point 2.2.1.

A rotatably mounted, stationary support body 2.1.1 is preferably formed in the transfer area 1.4. The support body 2.1.1 can support the at least one transport carriage 2.3 or the gripper system 2.3.1 of the at least one transport carriage 2.3 against deflection in the horizontal direction. Such a deflection, which has to be supported, can result in particular from the effect of the actuator 2.2 when the gripper system 2.3.1 is opened. The support body 2.1.1 can be designed as a single support roller 2.1.1 or be embodied by several support rollers 2.1.1. The support rollers 2.1.1 can be mounted on a stationary frame part and are preferably adjustable in their horizontal position in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. In the transfer area 1.4, a wedge-shaped counter-holder 2.4 can also be arranged horizontally or vertically displaceably between an end position close to the at least one transport carriage 2.3 and an end position remote from the at least one transport carriage 2.3. In its end position close to the at least one transport carriage 2.3, the counter-holder 2.4 supports the transport carriage 2.3 on the gripper system 2.3.1 against deflection due to the force of the actuator 2.2 for opening one or the mechanical gripper system 2.3.1. The actuator 2.2 together with the counter-holder 2.4 forms a kind of tongs which acts on the gripper system 2.3.1. The actuator 2.2 can be designed as a pneumatic cylinder.

The transport system 2 can comprise a roller conveyor system 2.5 which has rollers 2.5.1 and is designed for the horizontal transport of panels. Such a roller conveyor system 2.5 is particularly in the 7 shown. The rollers 2.5.1 preferably form a horizontal or approximately horizontal transport plane and are driven individually, in pairs or in groups and are arranged parallel to one another. A plate preparation device 1, for example in the form of a platesetter, and other means of transport, such as a turntable 15, can be arranged upstream of the roller conveyor system 2.5. The transport system 2 preferably also comprises at least one swivel arm 2.6, see FIG 8th , 9 and 10 , and the swivel arm 2.6 associated fixing members 2.7 designed to fix the undersides of the plates.

The fixing elements 2.7 are designed in particular as suction pads.

In particular, the formation of two pivoting arms 2.6 can be provided, with the formation of the at least one pivoting arm 2.6 also being described as representative of the formation of two pivoting arms 2.6 in the description.

If two swivel arms 2.6 are formed, these are formed at a distance from one another and are each assigned to a gap formed between adjacent rollers 2.5.1.

The at least one swivel arm 2.6 is pivotably mounted by a swivel drive 2.9.1 about a swivel axis 2.6.1 through a gap formed between adjacent rollers 2.5.1. In the inactive state, the at least one swivel arm 2.6 is below the transport plane formed by the rollers 2.5.1.

In particular, the at least one swivel arm 2.6 of the swivel drive 2.9.1 is between a transfer position, in which the fixing elements 2.7 lie vertically below or in a transport plane formed by the rollers 2.5.1, and a transfer position, in which the at least one swivel arm 2.6 is opposite the transfer position is pivoted by 70 degrees to 120 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, displaceable. In the transfer position, the at least one swivel arm 2.6 preferably extends vertically.

The pivot axis 2.6.1 is formed in a manner known per se by a bearing or a bearing arrangement, in particular a bearing or a bearing arrangement with a rotational degree of freedom.

The function of the pivot axis 2.6.1 and thus the nature of the camp or the bearing assembly is particularly in the 8th until 10 shown, which shows the at least one swivel arm 2.6 in various swiveled positions that correspond to handling states.

A lifting drive 2.9.2 can be assigned to the at least one pivot arm 2.6, which vertically displaces the pivot axis 2.6.1 of the at least one pivot arm 2.6 or with which the pivot axis 2.6.1 can be displaced vertically.

The at least one swivel arm 2.6 can also be made up of two parts. Preferably, a first part of the at least one pivot arm 2.6 is slidably mounted on or coaxially displaceable in a second part of the at least one pivot arm 2.6. Accordingly, the swivel arm 2.6 can be telescopic or designed with an external guide. The lifting drive 2.9.2 is preferably assigned to the first part of the swivel arm 2.6 and is designed and arranged for this purpose, the first part of the swivel arm 2.6 move relative to the second part. During operation, the lifting drive 2.9.2 moves the first part of the swivel arm 2.6 relative to the second part.

The at least one swivel arm 2.6 is preferably arranged in the transfer area 1.4, so that a plate fixed by the fixing elements 2.7 can be fed to a mechanical gripper system 2.3.1 of a transport carriage 2.3 positioned in the transfer area 1.4 when the swivel axis 2.6.1 is moved vertically by the lifting drive 2.9.2 is or is supplied.

The at least one swivel arm 2.6 can also be arranged in the transfer area 1.4 in such a way that when the first part of the swivel arm 2.6 is displaced by the lifting drive 2.9.2 relative to the second part of the swivel arm 2.6, a plate fixed by the fixing elements 2.7, a mechanical gripper system 2.3. 1 of a transport carriage 2.3 positioned in the transfer area 1.4 can be fed or is fed.

The lifting drive 2.9.2 is preferably designed for the vertical displacement of the pivot axis 2.6.1 or the first part of the pivot arm 2.6 by 5 to 80 mm. The lifting drive 2.9.2 can be a pneumatic drive. In particular, the lifting drive 2.9.2 or the at least one swivel arm 2.6 can be designed as a hydraulic cylinder or as a pneumatic cylinder. In the case of a two-part design of the at least one swivel arm 2.6 as a hydraulic cylinder or as a pneumatic cylinder, one of the parts of the at least one swivel arm 2.6 is formed by a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder or the pneumatic cylinder.

More preferably, a continuous front stop or two front stops 2.8.1 are arranged in a gap between the rollers 2.5.1, but at least one front stop 2.8.1 is arranged.

One or more side stops 2.8.2 can be arranged in two different gaps between the rollers 2.5.1. The at least one front stop 2.8.1 and/or the side stop 2.8.2 or the side stops 2.8.2 are preferably arranged such that they can be displaced vertically. For the vertical displacement of the at least one front stop 2.8.1 and/or the side stops 2.8.2 together or independently of one another, a drive can be provided which, if necessary, drives the at least one front stop 2.8.1 and/or the side stops 2.8.2 together or independently of one another especially vertically shifted. Instead of a single drive, multiple drives can also be designed for the same purpose.

A sensor can also be arranged in the transfer area 1.4, which detects the horizontal position of a respective plate fixed by the fixing elements 2.7 when the at least one swivel arm 2.6 is in the transfer position. In particular, a controller can be provided and designed, which is connected to the sensor in terms of signals and which controls the movement of a respective transport carriage 2.3 in the transfer area 1.4 as a function of the signals from the sensor.

The plate preparation 1, the roller conveyor system 2.5, the at least one swivel arm 2.6, a respective transport carriage 2.3 and other elements of the printing plate logistics system can interact with one another in the manner described below.

A plate provided by the plate preparation 1 can be transferred via the turntable 15 to the roller conveyor system 2.5 and conveyed by it by driven rollers 2.5.1 for the purpose of alignment against one or more front stops 2.8.1. For this purpose, the front stop or stops 2.8.1 are extended in the vertical direction to a position above the transport plane. After aligning the panel along its leading edge, it can also be aligned along its side. This is done, for example, using the side stops 2.8.2 and lateral slides assigned to the roller conveyor system 2.5, or using the side stops 2.8.2 and the effect of the downhill force in the case of a roller conveyor system 2.5 with a transport plane inclined relative to the horizontal. For the purpose of alignment, the side stops 2.8.2 are also extended in the vertical direction to a position above the transport plane. After the plate has been aligned, it is gripped, in particular sucked, by one or more fixing elements 2.7 assigned to the at least one swivel arm 2.6. The front stop(s) 2.8.1 and/or the side stops 2.8.2 can then be shifted in the vertical direction to a position below the transport plane. The at least one swivel arm 2.6 swivels in the direction of its transfer position, with the at least one swivel arm 2.6 reaching through a gap formed between adjacent rollers 2.5.1.

The lifting drive 2.9.2 then shifts the pivot axis 2.6.1 in the vertical direction, whereby the at least one pivot arm 2.6 is raised and the plate held by one or more fixing elements 2.7 assigned to the at least one pivot arm 2.6 is transferred to a transport carriage 2.3, in particular its gripper system 2.3.1 supplied for the purpose of acquisition.

The pivot axis 2.6.1 runs below the transport plane in the displaced and in the non-displaced state.

In an embodiment with at least one two-part swivel arm 2.6, part of the at least one swivel arm 2.6 is displaced vertically by the lifting drive 2.9.2 instead of the swivel axis 2.6.1. One or more fixing elements 2.7 are assigned to the shifted part of the at least one swivel arm 2.6, so that the same effects result as were described in connection with an embodiment with a shiftable swivel axis 2.6.1.

The printing plate logistics system can have a first rail switch 9.1 and a first rail section 10.1 and a second rail section 10.2 running next to it can be formed on one side of the first rail switch 9.1. In other words, the rail network 2.1 is double-tracked on this side of the rail switch 9.1 in the region of the first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2. The first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2 preferably run parallel or at least partially parallel to one another. The first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2 can lie horizontally. Likewise, the first rail section 10.1 and/or the second rail section 10.2 can be inclined relative to the horizontal. If one or both rail sections 10.1; 10.2 relative to the horizontal, the inclination of the first rail section 10.1 can deviate from the inclination of the second rail section 10.2 throughout or in certain areas.

On the rail sections 10.1; 10.2, a respective transport carriage 2.3 or a series of transport carriages 2.3 can be guided depending on the position of the first rail switch 9.1. The first rail switch 9.1 can be controlled by a switch controller. The switch control controls the first rail switch 9.1 at least in one operating form such that for a respective transport carriage 2.3 moved along the rail network 2.1 via the first rail switch 9.1, the first rail switch 9.1 moves the first running gear 11.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 onto the first rail section 10.1 and the second running gear 11.2 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 directs to the second rail section 10.2. In other words, in one mode of operation of the first rail switch 9.1, a transport carriage 2.3 viewed in the transport direction 7 is guided after the first rail switch 9.1 both on the first rail section 10.1 and on the second rail section 10.2.

The points control can be connected on the input side to a sensor arranged in the area of the first rail points 9.1, which detects the position and/or the movement of the running gears 11.1; 11.2 of a respective transport carriage 2.3 is detected and passed on to the switch controller, which controls the first rail switch 9.1 depending on the sensor signals. In order to facilitate the detection, in particular the detection by the sensor, the running gears 11.1; 11.2 be associated with these distinctive marks. The distinction between the chassis 11.1; 11.2 can also be done by the point control evaluating the time course of the sensor signals.

On the side of the first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2 facing away from the first rail switch 9.1, a second rail switch 9.2 controlled by the switch controller or a Y-shaped rail connecting piece without moving elements can be formed. The Y-shaped rail joint guides each of one of the two rail sections 10.1; 10.2 upcoming landing gear 11.1; 11.2 to a single-track section of the rail network 2.1 adjoining the Y-shaped rail union.

Preferably, between the first rail switch 9.1 and the second rail switch 9.2 or between the first rail switch 9.1 and the Y-shaped rail joint, the rail network 2.1 has two tracks and is connected to the other side of the first or second rail switch 9.1; 9.2 or the Y-shaped rail union piece, the rail network 2.1 is single-track.

A first drive for transport carriages 2.3 can be configured along the first rail section 10.1, and a second drive for transport carriages 2.3 can be configured along the second rail section 10.2, with the first and the second drive having a respective running gear 11.1; 11.2 of the transport carriage 2.3 at a different speed than the respective other chassis 11.1; 11.2 drives. The first and second drive can run in combination as a differential drive.

The first and/or the second drive can each have a motor and, driven by this, on a respective chassis 11.1; 11.2 of the transport carriage 2.3 include acting brushes, chains, rollers, belts, cables or driver elements 12.

The speed difference is set in such a way that the running gears 11.1; 11.2, in the projection of the two rail sections 10.1; 10.2 considered, overtake. In particular, that will first chassis 11.1 overtaken by the second chassis 11.2.

The first rail section 10.1 and/or the second rail section 10.2 can also be inclined relative to the horizontal, only along one of the two rail sections 10.1; 10.2 a drive for transport carriage 2.3 is formed. In this embodiment, too, different speeds of the two running gears 11.1; 11.2 causes. These result from different inclinations of the respective rail sections 10.1; 10.2. Different speeds can also result from the ratio or the course over time from the inclination of a rail section 10.1; 10.2 resulting driving force on a chassis 11.1; 11.2 on the one hand and on the other chassis 11.1; 11.2 on the other rail section 10.1; 10.2 acting driving force of the drive on the other hand, result. In this case, too, a speed difference is set in such a way that the running gears 11.1; 11.2, in the projection of the two rail sections 10.1; 10.2 considered, overtaking each other. In particular, the first running gear 11.1 is overtaken by the second running gear 11.2.

A stopper element 13 is preferably formed on the first rail section 10.1 and/or on the second rail section 10.2, which stops between an active position in which it moves the rail section 10.1; 10.2 for the passage of the landing gear 11.1; 11.2 of a transport carriage 2.3 blocked, and a passive position in which the rail section 10.1; 10.2 for the passage of the landing gear 11.1; 11.2 of a transport carriage 2.3 releases, can be displaced.

The speed differences described above can also be caused solely by the use of the stopper element 13 or by the supporting effect of the stopper element 13 . This can be used to the speed of a respective chassis 11.1; 11.2 on one of the two rail sections 10.1; 10.2 temporarily reduced to zero.

The diverter controller can be connected to the controller controlling the plate provision 1, the plate disposal 3 and/or the transport system 2 and can be or can be controlled by it to activate and deactivate a plate turning operating mode.

In the plate turning mode, the switch control controls the first and the second rail switch 9.1; 9.2 in such a way that for a transport carriage 2.3 moved via the first rail switch 9.1, its first running gear 11.1 is routed to the first rail section 10.1 and its second running gear 11.2 to the second rail section 10.2, and that for the same transport carriage 2.3 moved via the second rail switch 9.2, its second Running gear 11.2 and then its first running gear 11.1 is routed to a single-track rail section adjoining the second rail switch 9.2.

In the operating mode for plate turning, the switch controller can operate the first drive configured along the first rail section 10.1 at a lower drive speed than the second drive configured along the second rail section 10.2.

Likewise, the switch control can activate the stop element 13 formed on the first rail section 10.2 for a period of time to assume an active position and then deactivate it in the operating mode for plate turning, so that the first running gear 11.1 is stopped for the period of time and is then released.

The operating mode for turning the plates causes a switch over the first and the second rail switch 9.1; 9.2 and the first and the second rail section 10.1; 10.2 guided transport carriage 2.3 is turned with the plate held by him. The same applies if a Y-shaped rail connecting piece is formed instead of the second rail switch 9.2.

The first and second rail switch 9.1; 9.2 each includes a pivotable element that can be mounted at one of its ends. The swiveling is in the 12 and 13 represented by a double arrow.

The printing plate logistics system can also include a plate store 14, which has a first rail switch 9.1, a switch controller, a first rail section 10.1 and a second rail section 10.2 running next to the first.

The first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2 adjoin the first rail switch 9.1 on one side of the latter. A respective transport carriage 2.3 is dependent on the position of the first rail switch 9.1 on the first and / or the second rail section 10.1; 10.2 conductive. On the side of the first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2 facing away from the first rail switch 9.1, a second rail switch 9.2 controlled by the switch controller or a Y-shaped rail connecting piece without moving elements is formed. Preferably, between the first rail switch 9.1 of the plat tenspeichers 14 and the second rail switch 9.2 or between the first rail switch 9.1 and the Y-shaped rail union piece the rail network 2.1 double track and following the other side of the first or second rail switch 9.1; 9.2 or the Y-shaped rail union piece, the rail network 2.1 is single-track.

The Y-shaped rail joint of disk file 14 guides each of one of the two rail sections 10.1; 10.2 upcoming landing gear 11.1; 11.2 to the single-track section of the rail network 2.1 adjoining the Y-shaped rail union.

A bypass can be formed for the disk storage device 14 in the rail network 2.1.

Transport carriages 2.3 can be transported past the disk store 14 via the bypass without the transport carriages 2.3 interacting with the elements of the disk store 14. The bypass can have a third rail switch arranged in front of the disk store 14 and a fourth rail switch arranged after the disk store 14, as well as a third and fourth rail switch connecting next to the first and the second rail section 10.1; 10.2 running third rail section include.

The length of the first and/or the second rail section 10.1; 10.2 is preferably set in such a way that the first and/or the second rail section 10.1; 10.2 can accommodate at least or exactly the plurality of transport carriages 2.3, the number of which corresponds to the number of printing units of that printing press 4 of the printing plate logistics system which has the most printing units. Printing units of printing presses 4 are also understood to be coating units or primer units in connection with the design of the plate store 14, provided these are designed for the use of plates that are suitable for transport by one of the transport carriages 2.3.

Along the first rail section 10.1 of the disk store 14, a first drive for the transport carriage 2.3 and along the second rail section 10.2 of the disk store 14, a second drive for the transport carriage 2.3 can be formed.

The first rail section 10.1 of the disk store 14 and/or the second rail section 10.2 of the disk store 14 can be inclined relative to the horizontal. The first rail section 10.1 of the disk store 14 and the second rail section 10.2 of the disk store 14 run parallel to one another, in particular in certain areas.

The points control of the disk storage 14 is designed to control the first rail switch 9.1 in such a way that for a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 moved along the rail network 2.1 via the first rail switch 9.1, the first running gear 11.1 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 is moved to the first rail section 10.1 and the second Chassis 11.2 of the respective transport carriage 2.3 is directed onto the second rail section 10.2.

Stopper elements 13 are preferably formed on the first rail section 10.1 and/or on the second rail section 10.2, each between an active position in which the respective stopper element 13 blocks the rail section 10.1; 10.2 for the passage of the landing gear 11.1; 11.2 of a transport carriage 2.3 blocked, and a passive position in which the respective stopper element 13 the rail section 10.1; 10.2 for the passage of the landing gear 11.1; 11.2 of a transport carriage 2.3 releases, are relocatable. The stopper elements 13 are in particular arranged in pairs. The first rail section 10.1 preferably has first stopper elements 13 and the second rail section 10.2 has second stopper elements 13. The first and second stopper elements 13 are preferably arranged in areas of the first rail section 10.1 and the second rail section 10.2 in which they run parallel to one another. A first stopper element 13 and a second stopper element 13 can each be used as a pair in association with different rail sections 10.1; 10.2 be arranged opposite one another, with each of the pairs determining a parking position for a respective transport carriage 2.3. Viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first rail section 10.1, the first stopper elements 13 are arranged at equal distances from one another. The same applies to the second stopper elements 13, here with reference to the second rail section 10.2. The distances between the stopper elements 13 in the longitudinal direction of the rail sections 10.1; 10.2 correspond at least to the width of the transport carriage 2.3.

The switch control of the disk store 14 can also be connected to a controller controlling the supply of disks 1 , the disposal of the disks 3 and/or the transport system 2 . Preferably, the switch controller can be controlled by the controller to activate and deactivate a disk storage mode of operation.

In the disk storage operating mode, the switch controller preferably controls the first rail switch 9.1 in such a way that a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 moved over the first rail switch 9.1 are guided onto the first rail section 10.1 and a first drive configured along the first rail section 10.1 is then deactivated.

In the disk storage operating mode, the switch controller can also control the first rail switch 9.1 in such a way that a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 moved via the first rail switch 9.1 are guided onto the second rail section 10.2 and a second drive configured along the second rail section 10.2 is then deactivated.

In a further variant of the disk storage operating mode, the switch controller can control the first rail switch 9.1 and stopper elements 13 in such a way that, for a plurality of transport carriages 2.3 moved over the first rail switch 9.1, their first running gear 11.1 is on the first rail section 10.1 and their second running gear 11.2 is on the second rail section 10.2 is routed and a pair of stopper elements 13 is activated for each transport carriage 2.3 moved over the first rail switch 9.1. The pairs of stopper elements 13 are preferably activated by the points control in such a way that only after the running gears 11.1; 11.2 of a preceding moving transport carriage 2.3 have applied to a pair of activated stopper elements 13, another pair of stopper elements 13 is activated.

The stopper elements 13 are so on the rail sections 10.1; 10.2 arranged or associated with it, that a plurality of transport carriages 2.3, whose chassis 11.1; 11.2 rest against the stopper elements 13, parallel to one another and at an angle of 90 degrees to the transport direction 7 and thus also to the longitudinal extent of the rail sections 10.1; 10.2 are arranged. The arrangement of the transport carriages 2.3 parallel to one another means that the longitudinal axes of the traverses 2.3.8 of the transport carriages 2.3 run parallel to one another.

The first and/or the second drive of the disk store 14 can each have a motor and, driven by this, on a respective chassis 11.1; 11.2 of the transport carriage 2.3 include acting brushes, chains, rollers, belts, cables or driver elements 12.

In the areas of the rail sections 10.1; 10.2, in which no drives are formed, their function is preferably the effect of the downhill force due to the inclination of the rail sections 10.1; 10.2 taken from the horizontal.

Instead of a single disk store 14, a plurality of disk stores 14 viewed in the transport direction 7 can also be arranged next to one another and/or one behind the other. Disk storage 14 may be of the same type or different types. Preferably, the plurality of disk stores 14 are connected to one another via additional rail switches, either directly or with the interposition of one or more devices for turning disks.

According to a method for operating a printing plate logistics system with a controller that controls the manipulator 1.2.3 and the transport carriage 2.3, the printing press controllers, in particular the control stations of the printing presses 4, can generate time signals for current print jobs that indicate the end of the current print job and/or or mark the start of a future print job. The time signals are transmitted to the controller of the printing plate logistics system, which controls the manipulator 1.2.3 and the transport carriage 2.3. Depending on the time signals for future print jobs, the controller of the printing plate logistics system defines an order in which the respective printing plates are transported from the plate carriage 1.1.1 to the printing machines 4 and controls the manipulator 1.2.3 and the transport carriage 2.3 according to the defined order.

The controller can take various parameters into account when determining the sequence. Accordingly, the controller can determine the sequence depending on the lengths of transport routes or transport times of the respective plates to the respective printing machines 4. The controller can also determine the sequence as a function of lengths of transport routes or transport times of the respective plates to the respective printing units of the respective printing machines 4. Another possibility is that the controller determines the sequence depending on the number of plates that together form a set of plates for a respective future print job and/or determines the sequence depending on the time required for an automatic, semi-automatic or manual plate change is required at the respective printing press 4. For future print jobs, the controller can determine the transport time to the respective printing machine 4 and/or the printing units of the respective printing machine 4 with which the respective print job is to be printed, and/or the time required for an automatic, semi-automatic or manual plate change is needed, call it up from a memory or calculate it.

The time signals of the printing machine controls can be transmitted to the control of the printing plate logistics system in the event of changes, in particular in the case of new entries by the operator or if there are time delays in the processing of respective print jobs, with the occurrence of the changes or the making of an entry by the operator in this case the transmission triggers. Alternatively, the time signals from the printing machine controls can also be transmitted cyclically to the control of the printing plate logistics system.

Reference List

1

Disk Provisioning

1.1.1

plate wagon

1.2

Plate trolley pick-up

1.2.3

manipulator

1.2.1

multi-axis robotics

1.4

transfer area

2

transport system

2.1

rail network

2.1.1

support body, support roller

2.1.2

transfer area

2.2

actuator

2.2.1

pivot point

2.3

transport carriage

2.3.1

gripper system

2.3.1.1

Axis of the gripper system

2.3.1.2

gripper jaw

2.3.1.3

carrier

2.3.2

index bolt

2.3.3

drive-on buffer

2.3.4

Guiding element, guiding role

2.3.5

positioning element

2.3.5.1

positioning surface

2.3.6

positioning drive

2.3.7.1

swivel bearing

2.3.7.2

camp, more

2.3.8

traverse

2.3.9

Bridge

2.4

counter holder

2.5

roller conveyor system

2.5.1

role

2.6

swivel arm

2.6.1

pivot axis

2.7

fixation organ

2.8.1

front stops

2.8.2

side stops

2.9.1

slewing drive

2.9.2

lifting drive

3

plate disposal

3.1.2

Deflection means, upper baffle

3.1.3

Deflection means, lower baffle

3.1.4

attack

3.1.5

lifting device

3.1.6

stack carrier

4

printing press

5

positioning direction

7

transport direction

9.1

Rail switch, first

9.2

Rail switch, second

10.1

Rail section, first

10.2

rail section, second

11.1

landing gear, first

11.2

landing gear, second

12

driver element

13

stopper element

14

disk storage

15

turntable

Claims (15)

Printing plate logistics system with plate provision (1), plate disposal (3) and a transport system (2) which connects plate provision (1) and plate disposal (3) to a plurality of printing presses (4), the transport system (2) being a rail network comprising rail segments (2.1) and a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) that can be moved on the rail network (2.1) and a disk store (14), the disk store (14) comprising a first rail switch (9.1), a switch controller, a first rail section (10.1) and a next to the first running second rail section (10.2), the first and the second rail section (10.1; 10.2) adjoining the first rail switch (9.1) on one side of the latter and a respective transport carriage (2.3) can be guided onto the first and/or the second rail section (10.1; 10.2) depending on the position of the first rail switch (9.1) and on the side of the first rail section (10.1 ) and the second rail section (10.2), a second rail switch (9.2) controlled by the switch controller or a Y-shaped rail connecting piece without moving elements is designed, characterized in that the switch controller is designed to control the first rail switch (9.1) in such a way that for a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) moved along the rail network (2.1) via the first rail switch (9.1), the first running gear (11.1) of the respective transport carriage (2.3) onto the first rail section (10.1) and the second running gear (11.2) of the respective transport carriage (2.3) is directed onto the second rail section (10.2). printing plate logistics system claim 1 , characterized in that between the first rail switch (9.1) and the second rail switch (9.2) or between the first rail switch (9.1) and the Y-shaped rail connecting piece, the rail network (2.1) has two tracks and is connected to the other side of the first or second Rail switch (9.1; 9.2) or the Y-shaped rail connecting piece, the rail network (2.1) is designed as a single track. printing plate logistics system claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that in the rail network (2.1) to the disk storage (14) a bypass is formed, which has a third rail switch arranged in front of the disk storage (14) and a fourth rail switch arranged after the disk storage (14) as well as one of the third and the fourth Rail switch connecting, next to the first and the second rail section (10.1; 10.2) running third rail section. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 or 3 , characterized in that in the rail network (2.1) the first and/or the second rail section (10.1; 10.2) is designed with a length that at least or exactly enables the accommodation of a plurality of transport carriages (2.3), the number of which corresponds to the number of printing units corresponds to that printing press (4) of the printing plate logistics system that has the most printing units. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 or 4 , characterized in that along the first rail section (10.1) a first drive for transport carriage (2.3) and along the second rail section (10.2) a second drive for transport carriage (2.3) is formed and / or wherein the first rail section (10.1) and / or the second rail section (10.2) is inclined relative to the horizontal and/or wherein the first rail section (10.1) and the second rail section (10.2) run parallel to one another in certain areas. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 or 5 , characterized in that the transport slides (2.3) are each guided on the rail network (2.1) via a first running gear (11.1) and a second running gear (11.2) spaced apart from the first. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 or 6 , characterized in that stopper elements (13) are formed on the first rail section (10.1) and/or on the second rail section (10.2), each between an active position in which the respective stopper element (13) the rail section (10.1; 10.2) for the Passage of the chassis (11.1; 11.2) of a transport carriage (2.3) is blocked, and a passive position in which the respective stopper element (13) releases the rail section (10.1; 10.2) for the passage of the chassis (11.1; 11.2) of a transport carriage (2.3). , are relocatable. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 or 7 , characterized in that first stopper elements (13) are assigned to the first rail section (10.1) and second stopper elements (13) are assigned to the second rail section (10.2) and in each case a first stopper element (13) and a second stopper element (13) are arranged as a pair opposite one another and each pair determines a parking position for a respective transport carriage (2.3). printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 or 8th , characterized in that the diverter controller is connected to a controller that controls the disk preparation (1), the disk disposal (3) and/or the transport system (2) and can be controlled by the latter to activate and deactivate a disk storage mode. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8th or 9 , characterized in that the switch control controls the first rail switch (9.1) in a disk storage operating mode in such a way that a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) moved over the first rail switch (9.1) are guided onto the first rail section (10.1) and then a along the first rail section (10.1) trained first drive is deactivated or on the second Rail section (10.2) is conducted and then along the second rail section (10.2) trained second drive is deactivated. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8th , 9 or 10 , characterized in that the switch control controls the first rail switch (9.1) and stopper elements (13) in a disk storage operating mode in such a way that for a plurality of transport carriages (2.3) moved over the first rail switch (9.1) their first running gear (11.1) is opened the first rail section (10.1) and its second running gear (11.2) is guided onto the second rail section (10.2) and a pair of stopper elements (13) is activated for each transport carriage (2.3) moved over the first rail switch (9.1). printing plate logistics system claim 11 , characterized in that the switch control for activating the pairs of stopper elements (13) is designed in such a way that only after the running gear (11.1; 11.2) of a preceding moving transport carriage (2.3) has come into contact with a pair of activated stopper elements (13), another pair of stopper elements is activated (13). printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8th , 9 , 10 , 11 or 12 , characterized in that a first and/or a second drive each have a motor and brushes, chains, rollers, belts, cables or driver elements (12) driven by this and acting on a respective running gear (11.1; 11.2) of the transport carriage (2.3). includes. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8th , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 or 13 , characterized in that each running gear (11.1, 11.2) is assigned a further bearing (2.3.7.2) having at least one rotational degree of freedom. printing plate logistics system claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8th , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 or 14 , characterized in that several disc stores (14) viewed in the transport direction (7) are arranged side by side and/or one behind the other and are connected to one another via further track switches and/or one or more devices for turning discs.

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