EP2505533A1 - Device and method for delivering printed products from a saddle-shaped support - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has two disks (14a, 14b) configured to pass through a gap (8) formed between two support parts (4a, 4b), where the disks are rotatable about respective fixed rotation axles (13a, 13b) that are mutually spaced from one another in a conveying direction (10). Each disk projects intermittently, during the rotation about the respective rotation axle, above a ridge line (7a) of a ridge (7) in a delivery region (11) of a saddle-shaped support (4) so as to continuously lift a printed product (3) from the saddle-shaped support in the delivery region. An independent claim is also included for a method for delivering a printed product from a saddle-shaped support.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for laying out printed products from a saddle-shaped, a ridge-bearing support on which the printed products are initially supplied astride means of conveying elements in a conveying direction a display area of the saddle-shaped pad and finally removed by means of at least one gripping element from the display area , wherein at least in the delivery area two support parts of the saddle-shaped support spaced from one another and between them forming a gap extending in the conveying direction are arranged.

Such devices and methods are known and are usually realized in saddle stitchers. These are machines in which folded sheets are deposited successively on a saddle-shaped support by means of several feeders, assembled into printed products and stapled. The printed products are subsequently transferred to a device for further processing, for example a cutting device. The transport of the sheet is done at the saddle stitcher, at least in the region of its stapling device often with a two individual, spaced from each other and mutually parallel collecting chains existing, so-called double collection chain. In saddle stitchers equipped with such a double-collection chain, the printed product is tacked in the area of a free space between the two chains. On the double collection chain designed as a carrier conveyor elements are arranged, which transport the astride resting on the saddle-shaped pad sheet or printed products through the saddle stitcher.

Furthermore, solutions are known in which instead of a double collection chain, only a single, carrying the conveying elements collecting chain is used, which arranged together with a substantially parallel thereto Pad part forms the saddle-shaped pad. Finally, solutions are also known in which the saddle-shaped support is formed by two mutually parallel support parts, while the printed products are transported by means of arranged outside of the saddle-shaped support conveyor elements on the saddle-shaped support. Irrespective of the design of the saddle-shaped support, the printed sheets or printed products should be transported as gently as possible and designed for the respective further processing device, for which purpose a number of devices and methods have already been developed.

So revealed the EP1072546 A1 a device in which a first having saddle-shaped support is lowered in its display area. The printed products are placed on a fixed in this area in a running between the support members of the saddle-shaped overlay gap, fixed and substantially aligned with a extended to the delivery area ridge line sword and designed from there by means of gripping elements to a further processing device.

The US2005 / 0225023 A1 relates to a device for transporting stapled printed products consisting of printed sheets. The device comprises a saddle-shaped support equipped with a ridge, on which the printed products are transported by carriers and a chain equipped with swords, active elements which, in a delivery area, enter into a gap of the saddle-shaped support, penetrating it from the bottom to the top , The printed products are lifted over a ridge line extended into the delivery area, thus lifted off the saddle-shaped support and positioned for transfer to a rotating arm. The lifting is carried out to allow easier gripping of the printed products. The problem arises that the printed products must be taken by the gripping elements in the exact gap between two swords, so that no unwanted marks on the printed products are left. Consequently, the control of the device complicated because the pressure products on the saddle-shaped support transporting conveyor elements, the chain carrying the swords and the gripping elements must be synchronized very precisely for this purpose.

Therefore, the object of the invention is to show a cost-effective device and a corresponding method for the careful laying out of printed products from a saddle-shaped support.

This object is achieved by a device and a method for laying out printed products from a saddle-shaped support according to the features of the independent claims.

The device according to the invention has at least two slits of the delivery area, each rotatable about a spaced apart in the conveying direction, fixed rotation axis rotatable discs, which for the continuous lifting of the printed products from the delivery area of the saddle-shaped support during its rotation about the axis of rotation temporarily over one to in the display area extended ridge line of the saddle-shaped support are formed protruding.

In a first embodiment of the device, the discs are formed substantially equal in size and configured such that an uppermost peripheral point of each disc is formed by an equal distance beyond the extended to the display area ridge line of the saddle-shaped support austragbar.

In a further embodiment of the device, a distance between the axis of rotation and a respective uppermost peripheral point of the discs is dependent on the angle, wherein the discs are each formed substantially spirally at least in a peripheral region.

The inventive device is used in particular in a saddle stitcher.

In the method according to the invention, the printed products in the delivery area are continuously lifted off the saddle-shaped support in the direction of the at least one gripper element by at least two slits that pass through the gap and are each provided with a stationary rotational axis spaced apart in the conveying direction.

The device and the method provide the opportunity to gently lift the printed products from the saddle-shaped pad and thus prepare them for a corresponding removal.

In addition, the inventive device allows a saving of some elements. Referring to US2005 / 0225023 A1 For example, the second chain with the associated elements, such as the swords, no longer necessary. As a result, the cost of manufacturing and maintaining the device, and in particular the entire saddle stitcher, is reduced.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer ersten Momentaufnahme, mit einem im Auslagebereich ankommenden Druckprodukt,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer zweiten Momentaufnahme, zum Zeitpunkt eines ersten Kontakts der Scheiben mit dem Druckprodukt, und

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer dritten Momentaufnahmen. mit einem von den Scheiben angehobenen Druckprodukt, zum Zeitpunkt seiner Entnahme aus dem Auslagebereich.

Selected embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and will be explained in detail in the following description with the aid of the figures and examples described below. Showing:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of an inventive device,

Fig. 2

3 shows a side view of a device according to the invention in a first snapshot, with a printed product arriving in the delivery area,

Fig. 3

a side view of an inventive device in a second snapshot, at the time of a first contact of the discs with the printed product, and

Fig. 4

a side view of an inventive device in a third snapshots. with a printed product lifted from the discs, at the time of its removal from the display area.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate structurally or functionally equivalent components.

The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for laying provided with a fold 2 printed products 3 from a saddle-shaped pad 4 of a saddle stitcher 5 to a further processing device 6. The saddle-shaped pad 4 has two spaced apart, arranged parallel to each other, designed as collecting chains support parts 4, 4b as well as a central between the support members 4a, 4b, this outstandingly arranged, the printed products 3 in the region of their fold 2 leading, resting stationary 7 on. Between the collecting chains runs a gap 8, in which the ridge 7 is arranged. A plurality of conveying elements 9 designed as drivers are fastened to the collecting chains, by means of which the printed products 3 are transported astride the ridge 7 and the saddle-shaped support 4 in a conveying direction 10 to a delivery area 11.

As an alternative to such a double collection chain, only a single collecting chain receiving the conveying elements 9 can be used, which forms the saddle-shaped support 4 and the gap 8 together with a support part arranged substantially parallel thereto. Of course, the saddle-shaped support 4 can also be formed by two support parts arranged parallel to one another, while the printed products are transported on the saddle-shaped support 4 by means of conveying elements 9 arranged outside the saddle-shaped support 4. The gap 8 is formed in this case between the support parts.

In Fig. 1 the front support part 4a is visible while the rear support part 4b is covered by the ridge 7 and by a printing product 3 consisting of at least one printed sheet 3 lying in the delivery area 11 on the saddle-shaped support 4. Also hidden are upper edges 12 of the saddle-shaped pad 4, which are indicated in the display area 11 with dashed lines. Stapled printed products 3 are usually lifted off the saddle-shaped delivery device with the device 1 and thus provided for forwarding to the further processing device 6. Of course, also unhewn print products can be used.

On the saddle-shaped support 4, the printed products 3 are transported at a speed in the conveying direction 10 by means of the conveying elements 9 fastened to the collecting chains, which speed corresponds to a speed 9c of the conveying elements 9 or the collecting chains. In Fig. 1 a back leg of a printed product 3 is partially hidden by the front leg and the support parts 4a, 4b.

The leading the printed products 3 First 7 ends immediately upstream of the display area 11, wherein a running at the height of the ridge 7 ridge line 7a is extendable into the display area 11. The device 1 located in the delivery area 11 has two disks 14a, 14b arranged in the gap 8, arranged between the support parts 4a and 4b and passing through them, spaced apart from one another in the conveying direction 10, stationary rotation axis 13a, 13b. The discs 14a, 14b are formed during their rotation about the rotation axis 13a, 13b for continuous lifting of the printed products 3 of the saddle-shaped pad 4 temporarily beyond the extended to the display area 11 ridge line 7a of the saddle-shaped pad 4 protruding. In addition, the discs 14a, 14b in the conveying direction 10 are arranged one behind the other in such a way that a second, upstream disc 14a is followed by a second, upstream disc 14b, wherein these in the representation of Fig. 1 located in a hidden by the printed product 3 area of the gap 8 of the saddle-shaped pad 4. Naturally The discs 14a, 14b can also be arranged partially overlapping each other in the gap 8 by their axes of rotation 13a, 13b relative to the in Fig. 1 shown position offset in the conveying direction 10 to each other and the discs 14a, 14b so that laterally offset from one another. Alternatively, one of the discs 14a, 14b may be slotted and the other disc 14b, 14a may be engaged in the slot. The use of two discs 14a, 14b is preferred, but more than two discs may be used.

For the rotary drive of the discs 14a, 14b about their axes of rotation 13a, 13b, an actuator 15 is provided. Drive or shaft strands of the disks 14a, 14b are indicated by connecting lines between the respective rotational axis 13a, 13b and the actuator 15. Embodiments of such drives are known and will not be explained further here. The actuator 15 drives the disks 14a, 14b at a preferably constant and equal angular velocity 14c. In another embodiment of the device 1, not shown here, each disc 14a, 14b is connected to a separate actuator, the discs 14a, 14b being driven at a preferably constant and substantially equal angular speed 14c. In this case, a "constant angular velocity" is understood to mean a temporally constant angular velocity 14c during normal operation of the device 1. Alternatively, the drive of the discs 14a, 14b, of course, by means of a drive, not shown, also a stapler of the saddle stitcher, also not shown.

In addition, a controller 16 for adjusting the angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b is arranged, whose function is associated with Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail.

In Fig. 1 is also a part of the further processing device 6 is shown, which has a rotating at an angular velocity 17c 17 arm on which a gripper element 18 with two gripper fingers 18a for laying out the printed products 3 from the saddle-shaped pad 4 is arranged. Of course, the further processing device 6 and / or the arm 17 and / or the gripper element 18 can also be designed differently. Embodiments thereof are known to the person skilled in the art. For example, in the W02008 / 008301 A2 discloses an adjustable gripper assembly.

The Fig. 2 to 4 show side views of the device 1 in three different snapshots. In these snapshots, the display area 11 of the saddle-shaped pad 4 is shown. Basically, in the entire application text in connection with "display area" or "laying out" the taking place by means of the device 1 lifting the printed products 3 of the saddle-shaped pad 4 and the output of the printed products 3 to the further processing device 6 understood.

Below are the Fig. 2 to 4 and the snapshots illustrated therewith explained in more detail, dashed lines also indicating that the respective component is concealed in the relevant area.

In particular in Fig. 2 and 3 For example, the orientation of the discs 14a, 14b may vary slightly from the actual orientation in a saddle-shaped pad 4, where a certain speed 9c of the conveyor elements 9 or the gathering chains and a certain angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b prevail. The illustrated orientation of the discs 14a, 14b is therefore chosen approximately and for explanatory purposes.

The Fig. 2 shows a snapshot of the device 1 with an incoming in the delivery area 11 printed product 3. The discs 14a, 14b are substantially equal in size and configured such that a distance a1 between their axes of rotation 13a, 13b and a respective uppermost peripheral point 19 of the respective disc 14a 14b is angle-dependent. The discs 14a, 14b are formed in a preferred embodiment substantially spiral. The term "spiraling" is to be understood here as the discs 14a, 14b, at least in a peripheral region 20, have substantially the shape of a root spiral or an Archimedean spiral, each with a substantially circular circumference. Of course, the spiral radius can also originate from another growth function and increase from a minimum to a maximum spiral radius. As in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown, the spiral of the discs 14a, 14b is not formed over 360 °, ie, it initially has a constant radius, which increases, for example, from an angle of about 120 ° helically. Of course, deviating formations of the spiral are also possible. Finally, instead of spiral disks 14a, 14b, other, for. B. elliptical disks are used.

The discs 14a, 14b are arranged at a fixed distance a2 between their axes of rotation 13a and 13b. Large format printed products are transported so far on the saddle-shaped pad 4, that the discs 14a, 14b attack to lift off approximately in the middle. If a printed product 3 with a fold 2 deviating from a parallel to the ridge line 7a of the saddle-shaped support 4 is to be transferred to the further processing device 6, this is achieved by adjusting the angular position of the disks 14a, 14b relative to one another by means of the control 16.

The discs 14a, 14b can also be driven so that their angular position can be adjusted to the conveyor elements 9. In this way, with the discs 14a, 14b directly successively different thickness printed products and printed products with variable format lifted from the saddle-shaped pad 4 and thus be provided for takeover by the gripping fingers 18a of the gripping member 18. The device 1 is therefore also suitable for the further processing of printed products 3 produced by means of digital printing machines, which can have different thicknesses and / or formats from print product to print product.

Alternatively to the arrangement of the discs 14a, 14b with a fixed distance a2, this can also be designed to be adjustable. In this case, the minimum distance a2 is to be chosen such that the discs 14a, 14b do not interfere with each other during their rotation. The adjustability of the distance a2 between the axes of rotation 13a, 13b of the discs 14a, 14b has the advantage of ensuring increased flexibility with respect to the maximum supported format of the printed products 3, especially a height 21 of the printed products 3. The minimum height 21 is fixed by the smallest possible distance a2 between the axes of rotation 13a, 13b. In contrast, the maximum height 21 of the printed products 3 can be achieved by displacing the axes of rotation 13a, 13b in opposite directions, i. by a displacement of the first rotation axis 13a in the conveying direction 10 and the second rotation axis 13b counter to the conveying direction 10 can be varied.

Further, the discs 14a, 14b are preferably arranged interchangeably. In particular, they can be exchanged for discs of different shape and size.

In an initial position, the discs 14a, 14b are aligned, in other words calibrated, that after the delivery of a printed product 3 in the delivery area 11 each located on the largest radius of the discs 14a, 14b, the uppermost point of circumference 19b of the discs 14a, 14b extended ridge line 7a of the saddle-shaped pad 4 at least temporarily surmounted at the same time with an equal distance a3 such that the printed product is lifted off the support parts 4a, 4b ( Fig. 4 ). Based on their shape and size, the discs 14a, 14b are positioned so that they move synchronously. Whether their respective uppermost perimeter point 19, after the delivery of a printed product 3 in the display area 11 temporarily or always surmounted the extended ridge line 7a of the saddle-shaped pad 4 depends mainly on the distance of the fold 2 of the printed product 3 from the ridge 7 and thus of the respective training of the printed product 3 from.

The alignment of the discs 14a, 14b relative to each other can be done manually, for example. In particular, when using its own actuator 15 for each disc 14a, 14b, this can also be done automatically by the angular velocity 14c of each disc 14a, 14b is varied until one formed by the transition from a largest to a smallest radius of the disc 14a, 14b Nose 22 of each disc 14a, 14b has passed through a corresponding control point at the same time. The control points, not shown, can be defined for example by the use of laser beams, which are interrupted at the same time and for an equal period of time by the retracting nose 22 of the respective disc 14a, 14b in a synchronous running of the discs 14a, 14b. The change in the angular velocities 14c of the disks 14a, 14b can be effected such that the controller 16, based on an evaluation of the data obtained via the interruption of the laser beams, drives the respective actuator 15 to correct the angular velocity 14c of the associated disk 14a, 14b. Of course, this calibration can also be made for intermediate calibration in idle of the conveying elements 9 and the collecting chains. Other known calibration methods can also be used.

At the transition from the in Fig. 2 shown to the in Fig. 3 As shown, the printed product 3 moves further in the conveying direction 10, while the discs 14a, 14b rotate at the angular velocity 14c. Due to their spiral formation, the disks 14a, 14b do not protrude beyond the ridge-line 7a of the saddle-shaped support 4 extended into the delivery area 11 during transport of the printed products 3 in the conveying direction 10, since a peripheral area 20 'of the disks 14a equipped with "small" spiral radii is present , 14b in the region of the upper edges 12 of the saddle-shaped pad 4 is located. As a result, the printed product 3 is transported further unhindered by the conveying elements 9 of the collecting chains via the upstream disk 14b and thus reaches the disk 14a arranged downstream. Due to their further rotation has meanwhile the radius of the discs 14a, 14b increased in its actual top center point 19, preferably steadily increased. When the printed product 3 extends over both disks 14a, 14b, the radius of the disks 14a, 14b has reached such a value in a first, at this time highest, circumferential point 19a that the disks 14a, 14b have the printed product 3 with the first peripheral point 19a first touch, like this in Fig. 3 is shown for the first peripheral point 19a of the second disc 14b, and then continuously lift it from the delivery area 11 of the saddle-shaped pad 4. Depending on the design of the discs 14a, 14b, they may also have contact with the printed product 3 even before lifting.

In order to avoid damage to the printed product 3 or undesired markings on the printed product 3 during take-off, a web speed of the first top circumferential point 19a defined by the first contact of at least one of the disks 14a, 14b with the printed product 3 arriving in the delivery area 11 is selected such that in that the amount of a first web speed component 19d parallel to the conveying direction 10 of the conveying elements 9 and of the printed products 3 transported by them is substantially equal to the speed 9c of the conveying elements 9 of the collecting chains. Depending on the specific working conditions, however, the speed 9c of the conveying elements 9 can also deviate considerably from the web speed component 19d.

The first, uppermost, circumference point 19a is in Fig. 3 shown with a black dot and its web speed component 19d with a horizontal arrow. By aligning the first web speed component 19d with the speed 9c of the conveyor elements 9, the printed product 3 undergoes neither deceleration nor acceleration which, for example, leads to abrasion of the seam 2 on the disks 14a, 14b or of the printed product 3 on the conveyor elements 9 of the gathering chains could. In Fig. 3 For example, the orbit velocity 23c of any circumferential point 23 is shown by an arrow to indicate the difference with the angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b to illustrate. The web speed 23c depends on the radius of the disk 14a, 14b at the respective peripheral point 23, ie, with the angular velocity 14c being constant, the web speed 23c increases with increasing radius of the disk 14a, 14b. Consequently, it can be achieved via this dependence that, with a variation of the angular velocity 14c and / or the shape of the discs 14a, 14b, the web speed component 19d at the first, uppermost circumferential point 19a corresponds to the speed 9c of the conveyor elements 9. It is noted that the term "component" is used in the context of the web speeds of the first, top, circumferential point 19a of the disks 14a, 14b for formal reasons to distinguish from the horizontal and vertical component web speed 23c of any peripheral point 23 to effect. In the illustrated horizontal arrangement of the saddle-shaped support 4 and thus of the gathering chains, the web speed component 19d actually corresponds to the total web speed in the first, highest circumferential point 19a. In a slightly oblique position of the saddle-shaped pad 4 and thus the collecting chains this would no longer be the case, since in this case, a vertical component would result in the first, uppermost peripheral point 19a. The term "component" therefore always refers in the present invention to the running in the conveying direction 10 speed component of the respective perimeter point.

As already mentioned, the angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b can be adjusted via the controller 16. As a result, according to the explained dependencies with the controller 16, the web speed component 19d can be synchronized indirectly with the speed 9c of the conveyor elements 9. This can be done in such a way that the controller 16 connected to the actuator 15 first determines the current angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b. From this, the expected web speed component 19d in the first, highest circumferential point 19a can be determined. The controller 16 can also be used with a not shown here Drive the conveying elements 9, ie the collecting chains to be connected in order to determine the required for synchronization, current speed 9c of the conveying elements 9. Of course, the angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b and / or the speed 9c conveying elements 9, ie the collecting chains can be determined during the ongoing operation of the device 1. Alternatively, the angular velocity 14c and / or the velocity 9c may also be programmed. A comparison of the thus determined web speed component 19d in the first, highest circumferential point 19a with the speed 9c of the conveyor elements or the gathering chains shows whether the angular velocity 14c of the disks 14a, 14b has to be changed in order to adjust the two speeds if required and within certain tolerances 9c and 19d to create. The adjustment can be done analogously to the manner described for the alignment of the discs 14a, 14b relative to each other.

In Fig. 4 the printed product 3 is shown at the moment of removal by the gripping element 18. At the transition between the snapshot off Fig. 3 and the snapshot Fig. 4 the printed product 3 is continuously lifted off the disks 14a, 14b from the saddle-shaped support 4 and thus from the gathering chains. This is due to the already explained increasing radius of the respective uppermost circumferential point 19 of the discs 14a, 14b. In the in Fig. 4 As shown, the printed product 3 has been gripped in the area of the lugs 22 by means of the gripper element 18 and its fold 2 is already above the highest possible position achievable with the device 1, ie above a second circumferential point located on the largest radius of the disks 14a, 14b 19b, from where the printed product 3 is removed by means of the gripper element 18 from the delivery area 11. This can be ensured that the printed product 3 on the one hand has been raised high enough to leave no marks on the removal and that on the other hand, not accidentally the discs 14a, 14b are clamped.

When the frequency of the printed products 3 arriving in the delivery area 11 changes, the position of the second circumferential point 19b located at the largest radius of the discs 14a, 14b can be adjusted correspondingly to the angular velocity 14c of the discs 14a, 14b, which is preferably during the Operation of the device 1 takes place. In this case, it may be the case that the angular velocity 14 c when lifting the printed product 3 through the discs 14 a, 14 b according to the speed 9 c of the conveyor elements 9 must be low, but the discs 14 a, 14 b have no time for sufficient rotation to enter the proper position for receiving the next printed product 3 to come. In this case, the discs 14a, 14b cyclically accelerated for a short time and braked to lift the printed product 3 again.

The web speed of the second circumferential point 19b of the disks 14a, 14b defined by the time of removal of the printed product 3 is represented by a web speed component 19e and selected such that the amount of the web speed component 19e parallel to the conveying direction 10 of the conveying elements 9 is substantially one in the conveying direction 10 the conveyor elements 9 extending speed component corresponds to 18d of the rotatable with an angular velocity gripper element 18. In order to ensure an optimally gentle lifting of the printed product 3 from the saddle-shaped support 4 and a withdrawal of the printed product 3 from the conveyor element 9, the speed 9c of the respective conveyor element 9 and thus the speed of the printed product 3 at the time of lifting in the conveying direction 10 extending Speed component 18d of the gripper element 18 adapted such that the speed component 18d of the gripper element 18 is greater than the speed of the printed product 3. This can be done by choosing suitable dimensions of the discs 14a, 14b. From the time of the first contact of the printed product 3 in the first peripheral point 19a, the printed product 3 is no longer by the conveying elements 9, but by means of

Wheels 14a, 14b of the device 1 transported. In this case, the printed product 3 describes a forward movement in the conveying direction 10 and at the same time, due to the increasing radius of the discs 14a, 14b, a lifting movement away from the saddle-shaped support 4. In addition, the printed product 3 experiences an acceleration. A final speed 3c of the printed product 3 at the time of removal by the gripping member 18 is determined by the radius of the discs 14a, 14b at the second peripheral point 19b. For adapting the end speed 3c of the printed product 3 to the velocity component 18d of the gripping element 18, the radius increase of the discs 14a, 14b from the first circumferential point 19a to the second peripheral point 19b is advantageously chosen such that the radius associated with the second circumferential point 19b is the constant angular velocity 14c Slices 14 a, 14 b assumes such a value that the final speed 3 c of the printed product 3 is substantially equal to the speed component 18 d of the gripping member 18.

Of course, instead of a rotating gripping element 18, a plurality of rotating gripper elements or one or more suitable stationary gripping elements for the removal of the printed products 3 can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the slices 14a, 14b can be decelerated or stopped during the supply of a printed product 3 to the delivery area 11 of the saddle-shaped support 4 at a time when they do not hinder the transport of the printed product 3 in the conveying direction 10. The advantage of this option is that one or more printed products 3 instead of being lifted off the saddle-shaped support 4 and fed to the further processing device 6 can first be forwarded on the saddle-shaped support 4 in the conveying direction 10 and fed to another use. This can be particularly advantageous, for example, if individual printed products 3 are to be removed as samples for quality control. Next, for example, two different

Batches of printed products 3, which are to be transported by means of the conveyor elements 9 successively on the saddle-shaped tray 4, but require different processing, without changes in the devices involved and therefore processed with minimal interruption. An example of the option mentioned is a tandem operation in which two saddle stitchers are connected in series. The printed products pass unhindered from the saddle-shaped support of the first saddle stitcher to the saddle-shaped support of the second saddle stitcher, where additional printed products are added. Only at the end of the second saddle stitcher all printed products are stapled together by means of a stapler. In contrast, the printed products of the first saddle stitcher can already be pre-stitched in an operation with active delivery and only then fed to the second saddle stitcher.

While advantageous embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited to them, but may be otherwise practiced and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

Device for laying out printed products (3) from a saddle-shaped support (4) having a ridge (4) on which the printed products (3) lie astride by means of conveying elements (9) in a conveying direction (10) a delivery area (11) of the saddle-shaped At least in the delivery area (11), two support parts (4a, 4b) of the saddle-shaped support (4) spaced apart from each other and between them in the conveying direction at least one gripping element (18) (10) are arranged forming forming gap (8), characterized in that the device (1) at least two the gap (8) of the delivery area (11) formed by tangible, each one in the conveying direction (10) spaced from each other, stationary axis of rotation (13a, 13b) rotatable discs (14a, 14b), which for continuous lifting of the printed products (3) from the delivery area (11) of the saddle-shaped pad (4) w During their rotation about the axis of rotation (13a, 13b), the saddle-shaped support (4) is designed so that it can be extended temporarily over a ridge line (7a) extended into the delivery area (11). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the discs (14a, 14b) are formed substantially equal in size and configured such that an uppermost circumferential point (19, 19a, 19b) of each disc (14a, 14b) by an equal distance (a3 ) is designed so that it can be extended beyond the ridge line (7a) of the saddle-shaped support (4) that is extended into the delivery area (11). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a distance (a3) between the rotation axis (13a, 13b) and a respective uppermost peripheral point (19, 19a, 19b) of the discs (14a, 14b) dependent on the angle is, wherein the discs (14a, 14b) at least in a peripheral region (20) are each formed substantially helically. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the discs (14a, 14b) are mounted such that a distance (a2) between their axes of rotation (13a, 13b) is adjustable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a controller (16) for synchronizing a to the conveying direction (10) parallel web speed component (19d) by a first contact at least one of the discs (14a, 14b) with the printed product ( 3) defined circumferential point (19a) having a speed (9c) of the conveying elements (9). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a common actuator (15) for driving the discs (14a, 14b) at a same angular velocity (14c) or in each case an actuator (15) for driving each disc (14a, 14b) at a substantially equal angular velocity (14c). A method for laying out printed products (3) of a saddle-shaped support (4) on which the printed products (3) initially astride lying by means of conveying elements (9) in a conveying direction (10) fed to a delivery area (11) of the saddle-shaped pad (4) and Finally, at least in the display area (11) two support parts (4a, 4b) of the saddle-shaped support (4) spaced from each other and between them in the conveying direction (10) extending gap (8) are arranged forming, characterized in that the printed products (3) in the delivery area (11) by at least two the gap (8) by cross, each with a in the conveying direction (10) spaced from each other, stationary axis of rotation (13a, 13b) equipped, rotating discs (14a, 14b) are continuously lifted from the saddle-shaped support (4) in the direction of the at least one gripping element (18). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that a web speed of a first circumferential point (19a) defined by a first contact of at least one of the disks (14a, 14b) with a printed product (3) arriving in the delivery area (11) is selected such that the amount of a first web speed component (19d) parallel to the conveying direction (10) of the conveying elements (9) is substantially equal to a speed (9c) of the conveying element (9) conveying the printed product (3). Method according to one of Claims 7 or 8, characterized in that a web speed of a second circumferential point (19b) of the disks (14a, 14b) defined by the time of removal of the printed product (3) is selected such that the amount of a second, to the conveying direction (10) of the printing product (3) transporting conveying element (9) parallel web speed component (19e) substantially in the conveying direction (10) extending speed component (18d) of the gripping element (18). Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the discs (14a, 14b) have substantially equal angular velocities (14c). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the angular velocity (14c) of the discs (14a, 14b) is constant. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the angular velocity (14c) of the discs (14a, 14b) depends on the frequency of the printed products (3) arriving in the delivery area (11). is set, preferably during operation of the conveying elements (9). Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the printed product (3) at the time of removal rests on both discs (14a, 14b). Method according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the discs (14a, 14b) are aligned in a starting position such that in each case an uppermost peripheral point (19, 19a, 19b) of the discs (14a, 14b) after the supply of a Printed product (3) in the display area (11) extends beyond the delivery area (11) extended ridge line (7a) of the saddle-shaped support (4) at least temporarily at the same time by an equal distance (a3). Method according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the discs (14a, 14b) after the delivery of a printed product (3) in the display area (11) are decelerated or stopped at a time to each of which an uppermost peripheral point (19 , 19a) of the discs (14a, 14b) not extending beyond the delivery area (11) extended ridge line (7a) of the saddle-shaped support (4).

Images