DE102022132556A1 - Stacking device for stacking substrates - Google Patents

Abstract

A stacking device (1) for stacking substrates (2; 2') comprises: a frame (10), an input area (11) and an output area (12). The stacking device comprises at least one conveyor element (13A, 13B) mounted on the frame (10) so as to be completely rotatable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2) and having a gripping section (130) for conveying a substrate (2; 2') located in the input area (11) to the output area (12).

Description

The invention relates to a stacking device for stacking substrates, a printing system with such a stacking device and a method for stacking substrates.

For example, print media printed one after the other by a printer are typically output to a stack. The stack or part of it can be removed by a user. Several principles are conceivable for stacking. For example, the last printed print medium can be placed on top of a stack. Alternatively, the last printed print medium can be fed into a stack from below. Feeding from below into a stack accessible to a user from above has the advantage that the first printed print medium is also available first.

The EN 10 2020 120 256 A1 describes a printer for printing on plate-like media, namely for printing marker cards with markers for marking electrical devices. The printer comprises a housing and at least one input station for the marker cards to be printed, a printing station with a printing device and an output station for the printed marker cards. The output station has a magazine device which has one or more guide devices, wherein the respective guide device also has a stacking unit which is pivotally mounted and is pivoted back and forth for stacking.

In the EN 10 2013 104 780 A1 A magazine device for printed marking element mats is described, which has a horizontal conveyor device and a vertical lifting device that is moved in a shaft. The shaft has two symmetrical flaps that can be pivoted back and forth.

What the known devices have in common is that they are based on a complex mechanism that is prone to jamming.

The object of the present invention is to enable the simplest and most reliable stacking of print media.

This object is solved by an article having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a stacking device for stacking substrates, in particular printing media, comprises a frame, an input area and an output area, wherein at least one conveying element mounted on the frame so as to be completely rotatable about an axis of rotation is provided with a gripping section for conveying a substrate, in particular printing medium, located in the input area to the output area.

This is based on the idea of providing a FIFO principle ("first in - first out"), in which the substrate, in particular the printing medium, that is fed in first is also the first to be fed out, with a particularly simple and robust mechanism. By providing the conveyor element that can rotate completely around the axis of rotation and which uses the gripping section to grip and transport the respective substrate, in particular the printing medium, no change in the direction of movement is necessary. This makes the mechanism particularly simple and at the same time robust and therefore reliable. The substrates, in particular the printing media, can be rigid objects in particular, which, unlike paper, for example, do not deform or only deform insignificantly due to their own weight.

The at least one conveying element can have a recess adjacent to the gripping section. A substrate can engage in this recess when being conveyed by the at least one conveying element. This enables a particularly compact design, since the axis of rotation can be arranged particularly close to the substrate.

Optionally, the at least one conveying element has an outer circular arc section. A substrate arranged in the output area can be supported on the circular arc section. This allows the conveying element to be brought back into position after conveying a first substrate in order to convey a second substrate into the output area. The circular arc section then slides past the first substrate, with the position of the first substrate remaining unchanged, for example. The conveying element therefore has a dual function.

The at least one conveying element can be designed to lift one or more substrates vertically against gravity into the output area. This makes it possible to create a stack that can be removed particularly easily.

The output area may include a guide for guiding a stack of substrates. This allows for orderly stacking of a large number of substrates.

The stacking device can be arranged laterally offset relative to the output area. This enables a particularly compact design that can also be implemented in a modular manner.

The at least one conveying element can be rotated unidirectionally multiple times, in particular as often as desired, around the axis of rotation, e.g. in order to convey several substrates one after the other to the output area. For example, a substrate is taken along with each full rotation. This enables continuous and uniform conveying.

At least one conveying element can be disc-shaped. This allows for a narrow design and at the same time a simple construction.

The stacking device can have two conveyor elements that can rotate in opposite directions, between which a substrate can be arranged. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly smooth-running construction.

Furthermore, the stacking device can comprise a first pair of conveyor elements that can rotate in the opposite direction to a second pair of conveyor elements. This means that each substrate can be lifted up at four corners at the same time, for example, which allows for particularly orderly stacking without jamming.

Furthermore, the stacking device can have a second output area that is separate from the output area already mentioned, wherein the substrates can be output from the input area into the separate output area as an alternative to the output area.

Optionally, the stacking device is designed to stack flat and rigid substrates, in particular printing media. For example, the stacking device is designed to stack printing media in the form of sign mats, each with several break-out identification plates. Such sign mats are also referred to as marking element mats. The stacking device is particularly well suited to efficiently stacking such printing media.

The stacking device can comprise at least one flat, rigid substrate, in particular a printing medium, in particular in the form of a sign mat with several break-out identification signs. This can be arranged in the entrance area and in the output area.

According to one aspect, a printing system is provided. The printing system comprises the stacking device according to any embodiment described herein. The printing system further comprises a printer and a transport device for transporting the substrates in the form of print media from the printer to the stacking device. With regard to the advantages, reference is made to the above information on the stacking device.

The transport device of the printing system comprises, for example, at least one rail for guiding the printing media. A recess for engagement by the at least one conveying element can be formed in the at least one rail. This results in a particularly compact design.

According to one aspect, a method for stacking substrates, in particular printing media, is specified, in particular using the stacking device according to any embodiment described herein. The stacking device comprises a frame, an input area, an output area and at least one conveyor element mounted on the frame so as to be completely rotatable about an axis of rotation. The method comprises the following steps: arranging a substrate, in particular printing medium, in the input area; and conveying the substrate, in particular printing medium, arranged in the input area with a gripping section of the at least one conveyor element to the output area by rotating the at least one conveyor element at least once about the axis of rotation. With regard to the advantages, reference is again made to the above information on the stacking device.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Bedruckungssystems zum Bedrucken von Druckmedien;
• 2 eine Ansicht eines Druckmediums in Form einer Schildermatte mit mehreren herausbrechbaren Kennzeichnungsschildern;
• 3A bis 3C Ansichten einer Aufstaplungsvorrichtung des Bedruckungssystems gemäß 1 in verschiedenen Stadien der Förderung eines Druckmediums;
• 4 eine Ansicht eines Stapels von Druckmedien in einem Ausgabebereich der Aufstaplungsvorrichtung gemäß 3A bis 3C;
• 5 eine Ansicht der Aufstaplungsvorrichtung gemäß 3A bis 3C, wobei ein zusätzlicher Ausgabebereich gezeigt ist;
• 6 eine Ansicht der Aufstaplungsvorrichtung gemäß 3A bis 3C, wobei eine Antriebseinheit der Aufstaplungsvorrichtung gezeigt ist; und
• 7 eine Ansicht auf einen Durchgang der Aufstaplungsvorrichtung gemäß 3A bis 3C.

The idea underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below using the embodiments shown in the figures. They show:

• 1 a schematic view of a printing system for printing on print media;
• 2 a view of a printing medium in the form of a sign mat with several break-out identification labels;
• 3A to 3C Views of a stacking device of the printing system according to 1 at different stages of the conveyance of a printing medium;
• 4 a view of a stack of print media in an output area of the stacking device according to 3A to 3C ;
• 5 a view of the stacking device according to 3A to 3C , showing an additional output area;
• 6 a view of the stacking device according to 3A to 3C , wherein a drive unit of the stacking device is shown; and
• 7 a view of a passage of the stacking device according to 3A to 3C .

1 shows a printing system 3 for printing on several individually printable substrates in the form of print media. For this purpose, the printing system 3 comprises a separating device 30 into which a stack of print media can be fed automatically or manually. A transport device 31 conveys individual print media output by the separating device 30 to a printer 32 of the printing system 3.

The printer 32 prints the individual print media one after the other. The print media are transported from the printer 32 to a stacking device 1 by means of the transport device 31. The stacking device 1 stacks the individual printed print media into a stack, which can then be removed manually or automatically from the stacking device 1.

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

The printing medium 2 can also be referred to as a mat or card. It is plate-shaped and rigid. Due to the weight of the printing medium 2, the printing medium 2 does not bend or only bends insignificantly, for example if it is only held on one side or corner.

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

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

3A to 3C show the stacking device 1 and how it works.

The stacking device 1 comprises a frame 10, an input area 11 and an output area 12. When the stacking device 1 is used as intended, the output area 12 is arranged vertically above the input area 11. By means of the transport device 31, a printing medium 2' can be moved, in this case displaced, from the printer 32 into the input area 11. For this purpose, the transport device 31 has a pair of rails 310, wherein each of the guides 22 of the respective printing medium 2' sits on one of the rails 310 and is thus guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable. 3A illustrates with an arrow the promotion of the 3A shown printing medium 2' into the arrangement of the printing medium 2' in the entrance area 11 shown in the figure. The rails 310 of the transport device 31 are spaced apart from one another. The rails 310 of the transport device 31 run parallel to one another. When the stacking device 1 (and the printing system 3) is used as intended, the rails 310 extend horizontally.

Furthermore, the stacking device 1 generally comprises at least one conveyor element 13A, 13B, in the example shown exactly four conveyor elements 13A, 13B. Each of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B is mounted on the frame 10 so as to be completely rotatable, i.e. by 360 degrees, about a respective axis of rotation D1, D2. As shown in particular in 5 and 7 As can be seen, the stacking device 1 comprises a first pair of conveyor elements 13A which are arranged in a first direction (in the view according to 3A counterclockwise) and a second pair of conveyor elements 13B which is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction (in the view according to 3A clockwise). Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable, for example, for the stacking device to have exactly two conveying elements, which are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the entrance area 11, so that they are arranged on opposite sides of a printing medium 2' located in the entrance area 11.

Of the four conveyor elements 13A, 13B, two (namely the first pair) are arranged on one side of the entrance area 11, two more (namely the second pair) on an opposite side of the entrance area 11, and thus also correspondingly on opposite sides of a printing medium 2' positioned in the entrance area 11. In the example shown, the conveying elements 13A, 13B engage the front sides of the printing medium 2'. Specifically, the conveying elements 13A, 13B in the example shown are arranged such that they are arranged at four corners of a rectangular printing medium 2' positioned in the entrance area 11.

In the present case, the conveying elements 13A, 13B are designed identically to one another. The first pair is oriented in the opposite direction to the second pair.

Each of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B has a gripping section 130 for gripping a printing medium 2' located in the input area 11 and for conveying the printing medium 2' to the output area 12. The gripping section 130 is in the form of a projection. By rotating the respective conveyor element 13A, 13B about the corresponding axis of rotation D1, D2, the gripping section 130 grips under the printing medium 2' positioned in the input area 11 and lifts it, as will be explained in more detail below.

Adjacent to the gripping section 130, a recess 131 is formed in the conveying element 13A, 13B. When conveyed by the conveying elements 13A, 13B, the pressure medium 2' engages in the respective recesses 131.

Furthermore, the conveying elements 13A, 13B each have a circular arc section 132. A printing medium 2' arranged in the output area 12 can be supported on the circular arc section 132 while the conveying element 13A, 13B continues to rotate. The circular arc section 132 is arranged concentrically to the respective axis of rotation D1, D2. The gripping section 130 is designed eccentrically to the circular arc section 132 (and to the axis of rotation D1, D2). The gripping section 130 extends further outwards in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation D1, D2 than the circular arc section 132. The gripping section 130 of a respective conveying element 13A, 13B is aligned such that it points in the respective direction of rotation of the conveying element 13A, 13B. The extended gripping sections 130 enable the printing media 2' to be picked up without having to lift them using separate elements. The respective printing medium 2' remains at a transport height in the entrance area 11 until it is picked up by the gripping sections 130. No additional mechanics are necessary.

The conveyor elements 13A, 13B are flat (along the rotation axis D1, D2). The conveyor elements 13A, 13B are disc-shaped in this case. The conveyor elements 13A, 13B can also be referred to as profiled discs. The stacking is therefore carried out by profiled discs.

The stacking device 1 is placed on the transport device 31. The conveyor elements 13A, 13B are each aligned with one of the rails 310 of the transport device 31. In each of the two rails 310, a recess 311 is formed for each two of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B (i.e. one recess 311 per conveyor element 13A, 13B). The gripping sections 130 of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B engage in these recesses 311 when they rotate about the respective axis of rotation D1, D2. This allows the gripping sections 130 to easily reach under the printing medium 2' sitting on the rails 311. The conveyor elements 13A, 13B specifically engage in the guides 22 of the printing medium 2'. This ensures that the printing medium 2' sits securely during conveyance.

Referring to 3A to 3C and 4 A method for stacking print media 2' with the stacking device 1 is now explained.

In a first step, a printing medium, for example the one in 2 Print medium 2 shown or the one in the 3A-3C shown printing medium 2', is transported into the input area 11, as shown in 3A illustrated by the arrow. In the example shown, this displacement takes place in a horizontal direction. The printing medium 2' is then available in the entrance area 11. The conveyor elements 13A, 13B were previously arranged such that the gripping sections 130 do not stand in the way of the displacement of the printing medium 2 along the rails 310. For example, the conveyor elements 13A, 13B are rotated such that the gripping sections 130 point upwards.

Next, the print medium 2' arranged in the input area 11 is conveyed to the output area 12 with the gripping sections 130 of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B by rotating the at least one conveyor element 13A, 13B about the axis of rotation D1, D2. In the process, the conveyor elements 13A, 13B each mesh with the front sides of the print medium 2' in a rotating manner. In the present case, the conveyor elements 13A, 13B are rotated completely once about the axis of rotation D1, D2 for each print medium 2' to be stacked, i.e. by 360 degrees. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the conveyor elements 13A, 13B to each have two (or more) gripping sections, so that two (or more) print media 2' can be conveyed per complete rotation. Because the conveyor elements 13A, 13B rotate completely about the rotation axes D1, D2 are rotatable, the stacking of several print media 2' can be carried out by a unidirectional rotational movement, i.e. without switching the direction of rotation. This allows a particularly simple drive mechanism, which will be described in more detail below, and which also does not tend to jam due to the lack of switching of a direction of rotation. The rotational movement can be stopped between the transport of two print media 2' or alternatively continue continuously. All conveyor elements 13A, 13B move synchronously. The movements of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B are coupled with one another.

3B shows a moment in which the gripping sections 130 dip into the recesses 311 in the rails 310 of the transport device 31, shortly before they grip under one of the webs 21 (and/or one of the guides 22) of the printing medium 2' by further rotation about the rotation axes D1, D2. As soon as the gripping sections 130 come into contact with the webs 21, the printing medium 2' is lifted by a further rotation of the conveyor elements 13A, 13B in the vertical direction, against the direction of gravity, as shown in 3C illustrated by an arrow.

3C shows a moment in which the gripping sections 130 have already rotated further and their ends are no longer in contact with the printing medium 2'. Rather, the printing medium 2' rests on the respective conveying element 13A, 13B at a transition to the circular arc section 132. When the conveying elements 13A, 13B rotate further, the printing medium 2' slides on the circular arc sections 132. These rotate under the printing medium 2' while the printing medium 2' remains stationary in the output area 12. The printing medium 2' then rests on the respective outer diameter of the conveying elements 13A, 13B.

4 shows the arrangement of a plurality of print media 2' to form a stack in the output area 12. The stacking device 1 always feeds further print media 2' to the stack from below, thus lifting the stack above it.

The output area 12 has a guide 120 for guiding a stack of print media 2'. The guide 120 borders the output area 12 at the side. The guide 120 forms a slot for the print media 2'. The guide 120 is open at the top so that the stack of printed print media 2' can be removed. To facilitate removal, the guide 120 has two opposite side slots, as can be seen from the 5 and 6 visible.

In 5 an optional separate output area 14 of the stacking device 1 is also shown. A respective print medium 2; 2' can either be selectively stacked by the stacking device 1 in the output area 12 or transported individually from the input area 11 into the separate output area 14, e.g. by means of the transport device 31. In the present case, the separate output area 14 is inclined relative to the rails 311 to facilitate removal. The separate output area 14 can also be referred to as a discharge area. If, for example, it is determined that an individual print medium has been incorrectly printed or is of the wrong type, it can be discharged into the separate output area 14 so that it does not end up in the stack. Even if a print medium is to be processed with priority, it can be guided past the stack in this way.

The 6 and 7 show a drive unit 15 of the stacking device 1. The drive unit 15 comprises a motor 150 and several gears 151, 152. It can also be seen that each pair of conveyor elements 13A, 13B is each fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft 133. One of the gears 152 is also fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to each of the two shafts 133. In order to bring about the opposite directions of rotation of the pairs of conveyor elements 13A, 13B (and of the two shafts 133), the drive unit 15 for the first pair and the second pair has a number of gears 151, 152 connected in series that differs by one. A drive pinion of the motor 150 thus drives the 6 The shaft 133 shown on the left has a total of two gears 151, 152, while the drive pinion has the gears 152, 153 shown in the 6 The shaft 133 arranged on the right is driven via a total of three gears 151, 152.

A sensor (e.g. in the motor 15) detects the position of the conveying elements 13A, 13B, i.e. in particular a current angle of rotation (e.g. relative to the frame 10). The motor 15 can thus coordinate the stacking with the conveying by means of the transport device 31.

As can be seen in particular from the 6 and 7 As can be seen, the frame 10 has two arms 100. While the guide 120 of the output area 12 extends vertically upwards, the arms 100 extend vertically downwards. A passage 101 is formed between the arms 100. The passage 101 is designed to accommodate a section of the transport device 31 of the printing system 3. In the assembled state, the transport device 31 of the printing system 3 extends in the passage 101.

The drive device 15 is arranged laterally offset from the output area 12. This the installation space under the output area 12 is free. This enables a particularly compact and modular design. This arrangement also allows the use of the separate output area 14 because the installation space is not blocked at the transport height. In addition, the installation space in front of and behind the front sides of the printing media 2 is not blocked by the drive.

When rotated in the opposite direction, the stacking device can also be used as a separating device for separating and feeding stacked print media 2. This results in a large number of identical parts.

Specifically, the drive device 15 is mounted on one of the arms 100. The drive device 15 is arranged below the output area 12.

The stacking device 1 shown enables stacking according to the FIFO principle, so that a printing medium 2, 2' printed on first is also available first.

The conveying elements 13A, 13B actively lift the printing media 2, 2' and no external force is necessary that could deform the printing media 2, 2'. Furthermore, the printing media 2, 2' are lifted at the front, which enables a very simple and inexpensive construction.

Since the picking up, lifting and holding back of the printing media 2, 2' is carried out by a rotational movement (per conveying element 13A, 13B) in only one direction of rotation, an idle stroke can be avoided. Furthermore, alternating loads and the associated wear are eliminated. In addition, very few components are required, thus achieving low complexity and susceptibility to failure.

The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can in principle also be implemented in a completely different way.

List of reference symbols

1

Stacking device

10

Frame

100

poor

101

Passage

11

Entrance area

12

Output area

120

guide

13A, 13B

Conveyor element

130

Gripping section

131

Recess

132

Circular arc section

133

Wave

14

separate output area

15

Drive unit

150

engine

151

gear

152

gear

2, 2`

Print medium

20

Identification plate

21

web

22

guide

3

Printing system

30

Separation device

31

Transport device

310

rail

311

deepening

32

Printer

D1, D2

Rotation axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102020120256 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013104780 A1 [0004]

Claims (16)

Stacking device (1) for stacking substrates (2; 2'), comprising: - a frame (10), - an input area (11) and - an output area (12), characterized by at least one conveyor element (13A, 13B) mounted on the frame (10) so as to be completely rotatable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2) and having a gripping section (130) for conveying a substrate (2; 2') located in the input area (11) to the output area (12). Stacking device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B) has a recess (131) adjacent to the gripping section (130) so that a substrate (2; 2') engages therein during conveyance by the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B). Stacking device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B) has an outer circular arc section (132) on which a substrate (2; 2') arranged in the output region (12) can be supported. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B) is designed to lift the substrates (2; 2') vertically into the output area (12). Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output area (12) has a guide (120) for guiding a stack of substrates (2; 2'). Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a drive unit (15) arranged laterally offset from the output area (12). Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B) is unidirectionally rotatable several times about the axis of rotation (D1, D2) in order to convey several substrates (2; 2') one after the other to the output area (12). Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B) is disc-shaped. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two oppositely rotatable conveyor elements (13A, 13B), between which a substrate (2; 2') can be arranged. Stacking device (1) according to Claim 9 , characterized by a first pair of conveying elements (13A) which is rotatable opposite to a second pair of conveying elements (13B). Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a separate output area (14) into which substrates (2; 2') can be output from the input area (11). Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking unit (1) is designed to stack substrates (2; 2') in the form of flat, rigid printing media, in particular in the form of sign mats, each with a plurality of break-out identification plates. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one rigid substrate (2; 2'), in particular in the form of a sign mat with several break-out identification signs. Printing system (3) comprising: - the stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - a printer (32) and - a transport device (31) for transporting the substrates (2; 2') in the form of printing media from the printer (32) to the stacking device (1). Printing system (3) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the transport device (31) comprises at least one rail (310) for guiding the substrates (2; 2'), in which a recess (311) is formed for engagement by the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B). Method for stacking substrates (2; 2') with a stacking device (1), in particular according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , comprising a frame (10), an input region (11), an output region (12) and at least one conveyor element (13A, 13B) mounted on the frame (10) so as to be completely rotatable about an axis of rotation (D1, D2), the method comprising the following steps: - arranging a substrate (2; 2') in the input region (11); and - conveying the substrate (2; 2') arranged in the input region (11) with a gripping section (130) of the at least one conveyor element (13A, 13B) to the output area (12) by rotating the at least one conveying element (13A, 13B) completely about the axis of rotation (D1, D2).

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