UNIDADE DE PROCESSAMENTO DE MATERIAL EM FOLHAS E MÁQUINA DE PROCESSAMENTO DE MATERIAL EM FOLHAS
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BOBST MEX SA
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
Smart Images
Figure 00000039_0000 
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Figure 00000041_0000
Abstract
Description
1 / 31 Sheet Material Processing Unit and Sheet Material Processing Machine
[001] The present invention relates to a sheet material processing unit comprising an inlet end where the sheets to be processed enter the sheet material processing unit, and an outlet end where at least portions of the sheets leave the sheet material processing unit. The sheet material processing unit according to the invention is especially a paper processing unit, a cardboard processing unit or a flexible material processing unit.
[002] In addition, the invention relates to a sheet material processing machine comprising at least two sheet material processing units.
[003] Sheet processing units and corresponding sheet processing machines are known in the art.
[004] In this context, a sheet material processing machine is, for example, a hot foil stamping machine. Such a machine comprises sheet material processing units related to the application of hot foils by a platen and the delivery of sheets. Alternatively, a sheet material processing machine is a die-cutting machine that includes sheet material processing units related to cutting, waste ejection, and separation of blanks. The invention is not limited, however, to this type of machine.
[005] In order to pass sheet material through the different units of the machine, a conveying system is provided. Often this conveying system comprises a chain or belt drive that extends substantially over all the Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 6 / 95 2 / 31 units of the machine. Consequently, a sheet material to be processed is connected to the conveyor system at an input end of the sheet material processing machine, and at least a portion of the sheet material is released from the conveyor system at an output end of the sheet material processing machine after it has been processed.
[006] Such sheet material processing machines are efficient in performing a certain number of predefined process steps. Modifying the number or nature of these steps implies profound modifications to the machine.
[007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is, therefore, to make sheet processing machines more flexible. Naturally, the high level of efficiency and productivity of such machines must be maintained.
[008] The problem is solved by a sheet material processing unit, as mentioned above, comprising a conveying system for transporting sheets or parts thereof from the input end to the output end, and a gripping unit being coupled in a manner capable of being disconnected from the conveying system and being configured to hold at least a part of one of the sheets. In addition, the input end and / or the output end are equipped with a transfer mechanism to be configured to uncouple the gripping unit from the conveying system and supply the gripping unit to a neighboring sheet material processing unit and / or receive a gripping unit from a neighboring sheet material processing unit and couple the received gripping unit to the corresponding conveying system.Unlike known sheet material processing machines, each sheet material processing unit comprises a conveying system. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 7 / 95 3 / 31 own. These transport systems can be selectively interconnected via transfer mechanisms. Consequently, these sheet material processing units are autonomous modules that can be freely combined to form a sheet material processing machine. Thus, the number of modules and the corresponding process steps performed by the modules can be easily adapted. Compared to a known transport system of a known sheet material processing machine, the transport system of the sheet material processing unit is smaller and less complex. In addition, its weight and inertia are reduced. Another advantage lies in the fact that several sheet material processing units can be produced and tested in parallel or separately before being assembled to form a sheet material processing machine.
[009] The basic idea of the invention is to replace known transport systems that encompass all processing units of known sheet material processing machines with smaller transport systems, unique to each sheet material processing unit. These transport systems are interconnectable. To this end, the corresponding gripper units are connected to it in a releaseable manner. Consequently, the gripper units can be transferred from one sheet material processing unit to a neighboring sheet material processing unit.
[010] The fact that the transport system is adapted to transport sheets or parts thereof and that the gripper unit is configured to hold at least part of the sheet is due to the situation that a sheet entering the sheet material processing unit may be separated into several parts during its processing. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 8 / 95 4 / 31 ment. In principle, three alternatives can be imagined. In a first alternative, the sheet enters and exits the sheet material processing unit without being separated into parts. Alternatively, the sheet entering the sheet material processing machine is separated into a first part and a second part during its processing. The first part may correspond to a desired process result, for example, a product or intermediate product, and the second part may be scrap. Thus, in a second alternative, the gripping unit can be configured to hold the first part, i.e., the product or intermediate product, while in a third alternative, the gripping unit can be configured to hold the second part, i.e., the scrap. In short, the sheet material processing unit, according to the invention, is configured for all the aforementioned alternatives.
[011] The sheet material processing unit can be adapted for processing cardboard, paper, plastic or wood material.
[012] The gripper unit can be coupled to the conveyor system via a coupling mechanism, especially where the conveyor system comprises one or more male clip elements and the gripper unit comprises one or more corresponding female clip elements. Such a gripper unit can be easily and quickly disconnected from one conveyor system and connected to another conveyor system, for example, the conveyor system of a neighboring sheet material processing unit. This process can be automated. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism allows for precise and stable positioning of the gripper in the conveyor system.
[013] Alternatively, the gripper unit is coupled to the transport system via a fastening mechanism, where the uni Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, p. 9 / 95 5 / 31 The gripper unit comprises at least one switchable clamp configured to selectively couple the conveyor system of the sheet material processing unit and / or the conveyor system of a neighboring sheet material processing unit. The clamp switching can be done automatically, as an actuating cam operates the clamping mechanism. This can be done quickly. Consequently, the clamping mechanism allows for easy and reliable transfer of gripper units between two neighboring sheet material processing units. In this context, the gripper unit and conveyor systems can be configured such that clamping is only possible at designated locations on the conveyor systems. Alternatively, the gripper unit and conveyor systems can be configured so that the gripper unit can be coupled to the conveyor systems at any suitable location on the systems.
[014] According to one embodiment, the transport system comprises a processing section configured for transporting gripper units holding sheets or parts thereof for processing in one direction from the input end to the output end. Thus, the processing section is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the input end and configured to receive a gripper unit from a neighboring sheet material processing unit and couple the received gripper unit to the corresponding transport system. Additionally or alternatively, the processing section is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the output end and configured to decouple the gripper unit from the transport system and supply the gripper unit to a neighboring sheet material processing unit. Consequently, the gripper units transporting sheet material or parts thereof to Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, p. 10 / 95 6 / 31 to be processed can reach the input end of the sheet material processing unit. The gripper units are then connected to the corresponding transport system via the transfer mechanism. Subsequently, the sheet material or parts thereof can go through one or more processing steps performed by the sheet material processing unit. Next, the gripper unit and the sheet material or parts thereof will reach the output end and be transferred to a neighboring sheet material processing unit performing the subsequent processing steps, where the gripper unit is released from the transport system and connected to the transport system of the neighboring sheet material processing unit. Thus, the sheet material processing unit is a flexible module that can be easily connected with other modules in order to process sheet material.
[015] The sheet material processing unit may be a feeding unit, preferably including a registration module, a plate press unit, especially a hot stamping unit or a die-cutting unit, a stripping unit, a waste ejection unit, a raw part separation unit, a quality control unit, a digital printing unit, a digital embellishment unit, a digital cutting unit, a creasing unit or a delivery unit. Thus, the sheet material processing unit may be adapted to perform any type of processing step related to sheet material processing.
[016] In one variant, the sheet material processing unit is a transition unit that is being configured to connect two sheet material processing units. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 11 / 957 / 31 which are being used to process sheet material. The transition unit's transport system comprises a transition section configured for transporting gripper units holding sheets or parts thereof in one direction from the inlet end to the outlet end. Furthermore, the transition section is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the inlet end and configured to receive a gripper unit from a neighboring sheet material processing unit and couple the received gripper unit to the corresponding transport system. Additionally, the transition section is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the outlet end and configured to decouple the gripper unit from the transport system and supply the gripper unit to a neighboring sheet material processing unit.In other words, a sheet material processing unit configured as a transition unit can be used to connect two sheet material processing units that are used to handle sheet material. The transition unit as such is not configured to perform any process steps other than transporting sheets or parts thereof. The purpose of a transition unit is rather to make sheet material processing units compatible, i.e., to connect sheet material processing units where a transfer mechanism at an output end of one sheet material processing unit may not be directly compatible with a transfer mechanism at an input end of another sheet material processing unit.If a transition unit is used, a gripper unit can be transferred from a sheet material processing unit to the transition unit and from there to another sheet material processing unit. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 12 / 95 8 / 31 sheets. In this context, the transfer mechanisms at the input and output ends of the transition unit may be of different designs. Consequently, the transition unit can be used as an adapter unit. Alternatively or additionally, the transition unit can simply be used to bridge two sheet material processing units.
[017] The transport system may also include a recirculation section configured to transport sheetless gripper units in one direction from the output end to the input end. Thus, the recirculation section is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the output end and configured to receive a gripper unit from a neighboring sheet material processing unit and couple the received gripper unit to the corresponding transport system. Additionally or alternatively, the recirculation section is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the input end and configured to uncouple the gripper unit from the transport system and supply the gripper unit to a neighboring sheet material processing unit.In other words, the sheet material processing unit is capable of recirculating empty gripper units from an output end to an input end. These gripper units can then be used for processing additional sheet material. In doing so, the gripper units circulate in a closed loop. This is efficient in that only a predefined number of gripper units are needed and in that the recirculation is done fully automatically.
[018] Preferably, the transport system comprises a belt or chain drive, where the gripper unit is Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 13 / 95 9 / 31 coupled again to a corresponding belt or chain. Belt and chain drives have proven to be suitable for sheet material processing units. They are reliable and precise in operation.
[019] The problem is also solved by a sheet material processing machine, as mentioned above, comprising at least two adjacent sheet material processing units, according to the invention. The sheet material processing units are coupled by a first transfer mechanism which is provided at the output end of a first sheet material processing unit and configured to uncouple the gripper unit from the corresponding transport system and provide the gripper unit to a second sheet material processing unit and a second transfer mechanism which is provided at the input end of the second sheet material processing unit and configured to receive the gripper unit from the first sheet material processing unit and couple the received gripper unit to a corresponding transport system.In this context, both of at least two sheet material processing units can actually perform a process step on the material being processed. Alternatively, one of at least two sheet material processing units is a transition unit, and only the other of the two sheet material processing units performs a process step. Thus, such a sheet material processing machine is highly flexible insofar as, depending on the process to be performed, the sheet material processing units can be easily combined and connected by the corresponding transfer mechanisms. It is also possible to eliminate process steps by eliminating the unit of... Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 14 / 95 10 / 31 processing of corresponding sheet material and reconnecting the remaining sheet material processing units via their transfer mechanisms.
[020] In a configuration where one of at least two sheet material processing units of the sheet material processing machine is a transition unit, preferably a third sheet material processing unit is provided, configured to perform a process step on the sheet material. The transition unit is advantageously located between the sheet material processing units, performing process steps on the sheet material. By doing so, the transition unit can operate as an adapter unit, as previously described. Consequently, the sheet material processing units can be combined freely and flexibly.
[021] The two adjacent sheet material processing units can be coupled by a third transfer mechanism that is provided at the input end of the second sheet material processing unit and configured to uncouple the gripper unit from the corresponding transport system and provide the gripper unit to the first sheet material processing unit, and by a fourth transfer mechanism that is provided at an output end of the first sheet material processing unit and configured to receive the gripper unit from the second sheet material processing unit and couple the received gripper unit to a corresponding transport system. This applies to sheet material processing units that actually perform process steps and also to sheet material processing units that are transition units. Thus, the gripper units can Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 15 / 95 11 / 31 can be recirculated to an inlet end of the sheet material processing machine after being used to hold the sheet material. The gripper units can thus be operated in a closed loop.
[022] Alternatively, a recirculation module may be provided comprising a conveyor system for transferring gripper units from an output end of the second sheet material processing unit to an input end of the first sheet material processing unit. In this alternative, the gripper units are not recirculated through the sheet material processing units, but through a separate recirculation module that runs from an output end of the sheet material processing machine to an input end of the same. Thus, the sheet material processing units can be operated as if they were used in an open loop configuration. Due to the recirculation module, the sheet material processing machine as such can be operated in a closed loop.
[023] Recirculation modules are particularly advantageous for sheet material processing units that transport gripper units with sheets or parts thereof at a variable speed over time. In this context, the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or parts thereof can be regularly accelerated or decelerated. The movement of the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or parts thereof can also be regularly interrupted. Such a mode of operation can be called a stop-and-go mode. However, recirculation modules can operate continuously, i.e., transport the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or parts thereof at a substantially constant speed. In this configuration, the units Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 16 / 95 12 / 31 sheet material processing units exhibit reduced inertia when accelerating or decelerating the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or parts thereof, since the gripper units are decoupled from them during recirculation. This allows the sheet material processing units to operate at high speeds and / or high accelerations. Furthermore, high-quality process results are guaranteed.
[024] The sheet material processing machine may also comprise a gripper exchange module that can be coupled to a recirculation section of at least one of the sheet material processing units or to the recirculation module. The gripper exchange module is configured to remove gripper units from the recirculation section or the recirculation module and / or to feed gripper units into the recirculation section or the recirculation module. Thus, the gripper exchange module can be used for the exchange of gripper units that need to be serviced or that need to be replaced. In addition, the gripper exchange module can be used to increase or decrease the number of gripper units being used in the sheet material processing machine.Consequently, the gripper exchange module facilitates the adaptation of the sheet material processing machine to different jobs that require different numbers of gripper units. The gripper exchange module can operate while the sheet material is being processed by the sheet material processing machine and especially by the sheet material processing units. Consequently, the gripper exchange module can perform its functions without the need to stop the process on the sheet material processing machine.
[025] The claw exchange module can be fitted with a Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 17 / 95 13 / 31 Temporary input storage, in which a number of gripper units can be stored. Consequently, the gripper units are kept available to replace or supplement the gripper units on the sheet material processing machine. Thus, replacement or supplementation can be carried out within a very tight timeframe.
[026] Advantageously, the transport system of the first sheet material processing unit comprises a first transport wheel being disposed at the exit end and the transport system of the second sheet material processing unit comprises a second transport wheel being disposed at the entry end, where the first transport wheel and the second transport wheel are arranged substantially coaxially. In this configuration, the transfer of the gripper units can be carried out quickly, as the first transport wheel drives a release mechanism that disconnects the gripper unit from the transport system of the first sheet material processing unit and the second transport wheel drives a locking mechanism that connects the gripper unit to the transport system of the second sheet material processing unit. This solution also saves space.
[027] In another embodiment, the transport system of the first sheet material processing unit overlaps the transport system of the second sheet material processing unit in one processing direction. The area where the transport systems overlap can be called the transition zone. In this area, the gripper unit will be coupled to the transport system of the second sheet material processing unit and uncoupled from the transport system of the first sheet material processing unit. Preferably, the unit of Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 18 / 95 14 / 31 gripper will be connected to the conveyor system of the second sheet material processing unit before being released from the conveyor system of the first sheet material processing unit. By doing so, the gripper unit is always in a well-defined position.
[028] According to a preferred variant, the conveyor system of the first sheet material processing unit and the conveyor system of the second sheet material processing unit comprise a control unit, respectively, so that the conveyor systems are controllable independently of each other. This allows, for example, the independent handling of errors in the respective sheet material processing units. Especially errors in the positioning of the sheet material to be processed can be easily corrected. Furthermore, the independent control units make it possible to combine sheet material processing units with different operating speeds.It is also possible to connect sheet material processing units operating at constant speed, for example, feeding or unloading units, with sheet material processing units operating in stop-and-go mode, for example, printing or stripping units. Note that to ensure a smooth transition between two independently controllable sheet material processing units, the sheet material processing units need to be synchronized only during the transition of the gripper unit from one conveyor system to the neighboring system. For example, if the first unit is operating in stop-and-go mode, and the second operates at constant speed, only during the relatively short period of time in which the gripper has moved from one conveyor system to the other. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 19 / 95 15 / 31 neighboring transport theme, both transport systems need to operate at the same speed.
[029] The sheet material processing machine can be a plate press, especially a hot stamping machine, or a die-cutting machine.
[030] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[031] - Figure 1 schematically shows a sheet material processing machine according to a first embodiment comprising several sheet material processing units, according to the invention,
[032] - Figure 2 schematically shows a sheet material processing machine according to a second embodiment comprising several sheet material processing units, according to the invention,
[033] - Figure 3 schematically shows a sheet material processing machine according to a third embodiment comprising several sheet material processing units, according to the invention,
[034] - Figure 4 is a detailed view of a transition zone of the sheet material processing machines of Figures 1 to 3,
[035] - Figure 5 shows a VV sectional view of Figure 4,
[036] - Figure 6 is a detailed view of an alternative transition zone of the sheet material processing machines of Figures 1 to 3,
[037] - Figure 7 is a schematic view of a gripper change module that can be part of any of the sheet material processing machines in Figures 1 to 3,
[038] - Figure 8 shows schematically a machine of Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, p. 20 / 95 16 / 31 processing of sheet material according to a fourth embodiment comprising three sheet material processing units according to the invention, wherein one of them is a transition unit, and
[039] - Figure 9 is a view of the sheet material processing machine according to Figure 8 along direction IX in Figure 8.
[040] Figure 1 shows a sheet material processing machine 10 according to a first embodiment which is a die-cutting machine.
[041] It is adapted for processing sheets 12 being supplied in an input stack 14 and being placed in an output stack 16 after it has been processed.
[042] Following a processing direction of 18 sheets 12 through the sheet material processing machine 10 it comprises a total of five sheet material processing units 20 to 28.
[043] In the present example, sheet material processing unit 20 is a feeding unit, sheet material processing unit 22 is a plate press unit, sheet material processing unit 24 is a pickling unit, sheet material processing unit 26 is a quality control unit and sheet material processing unit 28 is a shipping unit.
[044] Next, the feeding unit will be designated with reference sign 20, the plate press unit will be designated with reference sign 22, the pickling unit will be designated with reference sign 24, the quality control unit will be designated with reference sign 26 and the shipping unit will be designated with reference sign 28 for ease of explanation. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 21 / 95 17 / 31
[045] In addition, a recirculation module 30 is provided.
[046] Each of the sheet material processing units 20 to 28 comprises an input end, respectively designated 20i, 22i, 24i, 26i, 28i, where the sheets to be processed enter the respective sheet material processing unit 20 to 28 and an output end, respectively designated 20o, 22o, 24o, 26o, 28o, where the sheets leave the respective sheet material processing unit 20 to 28.
[047] The feeding unit 20, the plate press unit and the stripping unit 24 are equipped with a respective transport system 32 to transport the sheets 12 from the respective inlet end 20i, 22i, 24i to the respective outlet end 20o, 22o, 24o.
[048] Each transport system 32 comprises a first transport wheel 34 being disposed at the output end 20o, 22o, 24o of the corresponding sheet material processing unit 20, 22, 24 and a second transport wheel 36 being disposed at the input end 20i, 22i, 24i of the corresponding sheet material processing unit 20, 22, 24.
[049] Transport wheels 34, 36 interact with a conveyor belt being driven and / or guided by the respective transport wheels 34, 36.
[050] The recirculation module 30 also comprises a transport system 40 which is fitted with a belt 42 which is driven and / or guided by a plurality of associated transport wheels 44.
[051] In the example shown in Figure 1, the transport system is a shared transport system in the sense that it is also used for the quality control unit 26 and the shipping unit 28. In other words, the quality control unit Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 22 / 95 Units 18 / 31, 26, and shipping unit 28 do not have a separate transport system, unlike feeding unit 20, plate press unit 22, and pickling unit 24.
[052] All transport systems 32 are adapted for transporting sheets 12 from their respective entry end 20i, 22i, 24i to their respective exit end 20o, 22o, 24o.
[053] As sheets 12 do not interact directly with transport systems 32, 40, gripper units 46 are provided that are adapted to hold sheet 12.
[054] The gripper units 46 can be coupled to the transport systems 32, 40.
[055] It should be understood that the number of gripper units 46 used in a specific sheet material processing machine 10 may vary depending on the work to be performed.
[056] Figure 1 shows only two gripper units 46, which is due more to ease of representation than to technical requirements.
[057] The sheets 12 to be processed are gripped by gripper unit 46 in feeder unit 20 and released in delivery unit 28.
[058] The transport system 40 is adapted for transporting claw units 46 without sheets 12 from the output end 24o of the stripping unit 24 to the input end 20i of the feeding unit 20.
[059] Consequently, the 46 gripper units are operated in a closed circuit.
[060] Therefore, the 46 gripper units need to be transferred from a transport system 32, 40 to a respective neighboring transport system 32, 40.
[061] For this purpose, the 46 gripper units are coupled in such a way Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 23 / 95 19 / 31 releasable to conveyor systems 32, 40, more precisely to the corresponding belts 38, 42.
[062] In addition, each of the terminal entries 20i, 22i 24i, 26i comprises a transfer mechanism 47r being configured to receive a gripper unit 46 from a neighboring sheet material processing unit 20 to 24 or the recirculation module 30 and to couple the received gripper unit 46 to the respective transport system 32, 40.
[063] In this context, the final input 26i of the quality control unit serves as a final input 30i of the recirculation module 30.
[064] The output end at 20°, 22°, 24°, 30° are fitted with a transfer mechanism 47d which is configured to uncouple the gripper unit 46 from the respective transport system 32, 40 and supply the gripper unit 46 to a neighboring sheet material processing unit 22 to 24 or the recirculation module 30.
[065] The zones where the delivery of the gripper units 46 takes place are called transition zones 48.
[066] In more detail, the feeding unit 20 comprises a transfer mechanism 47d being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its final output 20o and being configured to decouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the plate press unit 22.
[067] In addition, the feed unit 20 comprises a transfer mechanism 47r being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its input end 20i and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 without carrying a sheet 12 of the recirculation module 30 and to couple the received gripper unit 46 to Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 24 / 95 20 / 31 your transportation system 32.
[068] Thus, the feeder unit 20 in total comprises two transfer mechanisms 47d, 47r.
[069] The plate press unit 22 comprises a transfer mechanism 47r being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its input end 22i and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 carrying a sheet 12 from the feed unit 20 and coupling the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 32.
[070] In addition, the plate press unit 22 comprises a transfer mechanism 47d being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its output end 22o and being configured to uncouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the pickling unit 24.
[071] Thus, the plate press unit 22 also comprises a total of two transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d.
[072] The same applies to pickling unit 24, to which the above explanations apply with the necessary adaptations.
[073] The transport system 40 of the recirculation module 30, which is also shared by the quality control unit 26 and the dispatch unit 28, comprises a transfer mechanism 47r being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its input end 26i, 30i and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 carrying a sheet 12 from the pickling unit 24 and coupling the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 40.
[074] In addition, a transfer mechanism 47d is provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its output end 30o and is configured to decouple the gripper unit 46 from the system. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 25 / 95 21 / 31 ma of transport 40 and supply the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the feeding unit 20.
[075] Thus, the shared transport system 40 of the recirculation module 30 comprises two transfer mechanisms 47d, 47r.
[076] The transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d and the transition zones 48 will be explained below in connection with Figures 4 to 6.
[077] Each of the transport systems 32 of the sheet material processing units 20 to 24 and the transport system 40 of the recirculation module 30 comprises a respective control unit 49.
[078] The control units 49 are adapted to control the movement of the respective conveyor belt 38, 42. By doing this, the position and movement of a gripper unit 46 being coupled to the respective belt 38, 42 can be precisely controlled.
[079] The control units 49 are independent of each other and thus make it possible to operate some of the transport systems 32, 40 continuously, i.e., the corresponding belts 38, 42 move at a substantially constant speed.
[080] In the example shown, this is the case for power supply unit 20 and recirculation module 30.
[081] It is also possible to operate other transport systems 32, 40 in a start-stop mode, that is, the corresponding belts 38, 42 are accelerated intermittently to a predetermined travel speed and then stopped.
[082] In the example in Figure 1, this is the case for the plate press unit 22 and the pickling unit 24.
[083] Figure 2 shows a sheet material processing machine 10 according to a second embodiment. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 26 / 95 22 / 31
[084] The differences for the sheet material processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained below. Equal or corresponding parts will be designated with the same reference signs.
[085] The sheet material processing machine 10 of Figure 2 is also a die-cutting machine and comprises a feeding unit 20, a plate press unit 22, a stripping unit 24, a quality control unit 26 and a shipping unit 28.
[086] Again, the sheet material processing units 20 to 24 are equipped with a 32 conveyor system.
[087] In contrast to the first embodiment, no recirculation module is provided. Instead, the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28 share a transport system 32.
[088] The sheet material processing machine 10 according to the second embodiment differs further from the sheet material processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment in that the recirculation of the gripper units 46 without sheets 12 occurs through the transport systems 32 of the sheet material processing units 20 to 28.
[089] In this context, the transport systems 32 can be subdivided into a processing section 32p and a recirculation section 32r, respectively.
[090] The 32p processing sections are configured to carry 46 gripper units holding 12 sheets to be processed in a processing direction 18, i.e., from a respective input end 20i, 22i, 24i, 26i to a respective output end 20o, 22o, 24o.
[091] The processing sections are associated with the respec Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 27 / 95 23 / 31 transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d which are located in transit zones 48 and correspond substantially to transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d as explained in relation to the first embodiment.
[092] The recirculation sections 32r are configured to transport 46 leafless gripper units 12 in one direction from a respective output end 28o, 26o, 24o, 22o, 20o to a respective input end 20i, 22i, 24i, 26i, 28i.
[093] For this purpose, recirculation sections 32r are also provided with transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d which are arranged in the corresponding transit zones 50.
[094] The transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d of the recirculation sections 32r correspond substantially to the transfer mechanisms 47r, 47d of the processing sections 32p and will be explained in detail in connection with Figures 4 to 6 below.
[095] Consequently, the feeding unit 20 comprises a delivery mechanism 47d being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its final outlet 20o and being configured to decouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the plate press unit 22.
[096] In addition, the feeding unit 20 comprises a delivery mechanism 47r being provided in the transition zone 50 associated with its output end 20o and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 without loading a sheet 12 from the plate press unit 22 and to couple the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 32.
[097] Thus, the feeder unit 20 in total comprises two transfer mechanisms 47d, 47r.
[098] The plate press unit 22 comprises a meca Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 28 / 95 24 / 31 transfer system 47r being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its input end 22i and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 carrying a sheet 12 from the feeder unit 20 and coupling the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 32.
[099] In addition, the plate press unit 22 comprises a delivery mechanism 47d being provided in the transition zone 48 associated with its output end 22o and being configured to uncouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the pickling unit 24.
[0100] In addition, the plate press unit 22 comprises a delivery mechanism 47r being provided in the transition zone 50 associated with its entry end 22o and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 not carrying a sheet 12 from the stripping unit 24 and coupling the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 32.
[0101] The plate press unit 22 comprises an additional delivery mechanism 47d being provided in the transition zone 50 associated with its input end 22i and being configured to decouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the feed unit 20.
[0102] Thus, the plate press unit 22 in total comprises four delivery mechanisms 47r, 47d.
[0103] The same applies to pickling unit 24, to which the above explanations apply with the necessary adaptations.
[0104] The shared transport system 32 of the quality control unit 26 and the shipping unit 28 comprises a delivery mechanism 47r being provided in the transition zone 48 Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 29 / 95 25 / 31 associated with its input end 26i and being configured to receive the gripper unit 46 carrying a sheet 12 from the stripping unit 24 and coupling the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 32.
[0105] In addition, a transfer mechanism 47d is provided in the transition zone 50 associated with its inlet end 26i and is configured to decouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the pickling unit 22.
[0106] Thus, the combination of the quality control unit and the shipping unit 28 in total comprises two transfer mechanisms 47d, 47r.
[0107] A sheet material processing machine 10 according to a third embodiment is shown in Figure 3.
[0108] The differences for sheet material processing machines according to the first and second embodiments will be explained below. Equal or corresponding parts will be designated with the same reference signs.
[0109] The sheet material processing machine 10, according to the third embodiment, is a hot stamping machine. The plate press unit 22 is adapted accordingly.
[0110] Unlike the embodiments explained above, it comprises a sheet handling system 52 with a storage facility for sheets to be processed by the plate press unit 22.
[0111] The sheet handling system 52 is located within the shared transport system 32 of the quality control unit 26 and the shipping unit 28.
[0112] In addition, pickling unit 24 was eliminated. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 30 / 95 26 / 31
[0113] Figures 4 and 5 show the transition zones 48, 50 and the corresponding delivery mechanisms 47r, 47d.
[0114] In this context, two belts 38 of a first transport system 32 and two belts 38 of a second transport system 32 are shown.
[0115] In order to differentiate the two transport systems 32, elements of the first transport system will be designated with a suffix ae elements of the second transport system will be designated with a suffix b.
[0116] The first transport system 32a is associated, for example, with the feeding unit 20, the plate press unit 22 or the pickling unit 24.
[0117] The second transport system 32b is associated, for example, with the plate press unit 22 or the pickling unit 24.
[0118] Along processing direction 18, the second transport system 32b is positioned behind the first transport system 32a. Furthermore, the first transport system 32a overlaps the second transport system 32b in processing direction 18.
[0119] In the state represented in Figures 4 and 5, the gripper unit 46 is coupled to the first transport system 32a, more precisely to the corresponding belts 38a through a fastening mechanism 54.
[0120] It comprises at least two clamps 56a, 56b. They engage the straps 38a so that the straps 38a are clamped between the respective claws 56a, 56b and the claw unit 46.
[0121] To transfer the gripper unit 46 from the first transport system 32a to the second transport system 32b, the clamps 56a, 56b are disengaged from the belts 38a. For this purpose it is Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 31 / 95 27 / 31 uses the transfer mechanism 47d, which decouples the gripper unit 46 from the first transport system 32 and supplies it to the second transport system 32b.
[0122] The transfer mechanism 47d is associated with the actuator 57a, which can interact with the clamps 56a, 56b via cams or wheels with cams.
[0123] Subsequently, the transfer mechanism 47r which is associated with the second transport system 32b receives the gripper unit 46 and couples it to the second transport system 32b where the belts 38b are fastened between the respective grippers 56a, 56b and the gripper unit 46.
[0124] The transfer mechanism 47r is also associated with an actuator 57b, which can interact with clamps 56a, 56b via cams or wheels with cams.
[0125] This transfer procedure is illustrated by the arrows 58a, 58b. The respective axes of rotation of the grippers 56a, 56b are designated by the reference marks 60a, 60b.
[0126] Transition zones 48, 50 with alternative transfer mechanisms 47d, 47r are shown in Figure 6.
[0127] In this alternative, the first transport wheel 34 and the second transport wheel 36 of neighboring transport systems 32 are arranged coaxially in a substantial manner.
[0128] Both a belt 38a of a first conveyor system 32a and a belt 38b of a second conveyor system 32b are equipped with male fastening elements 62. For ease of representation, only some of the male clip elements 62 are provided with a reference mark.
[0129] The gripper unit 46 to be transferred from the first transport system 32a to the second transport system 32b comprises female clip elements 64. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 32 / 95 28 / 31
[0130] In the state represented in Figure 6, the male clip elements 62 of the first belt 38a are coupled with the female clip elements 64 of the gripper unit 46, thus forming a coupling mechanism 66.
[0131] When moving in the processing direction 18, the male clip elements 62 of the first belt 38a will be disengaged from the gripper unit 46 via the transfer mechanism 47d.
[0132] Subsequently, the gripper unit 46 will be transferred to the second transport system 32b and the gripper unit 46, more precisely the female clip elements 64 provided therein, will be engaged with the male clip elements 62 of the second belt 38b by the transfer mechanism 47r.
[0133] Figure 7 shows a gripper exchange module 68 that can be coupled to a recirculation section 32r of any of the sheet material processing units described above 20 to 28 or to a recirculation unit 30.
[0134] The gripper exchange module 68 comprises a gripper removal section 70 which is configured to remove the gripper units 46 from the recirculation section 32r or from the recirculation unit 30.
[0135] In addition, the gripper exchange module 68 has a feed section 72 that is configured to feed the gripper units 46 from the recirculation section 32r or the recirculation unit 30.
[0136] The feed section 72 is equipped with an input buffer 74, where three gripper units 46 are stored for ease of representation.
[0137] The 68 gripper exchange module can be used to exchange the 46 gripper units that need to be replaced.
[0138] In addition, the 68 gripper exchange module is configured Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 33 / 95 29 / 31 to adapt a number of gripper units 46 being used in the sheet material processing machine 10 and therefore to adapt the sheet material processing machine 10 to different jobs that require different numbers of gripper units 46.
[0139] Figures 8 and 9 show a sheet material processing machine 10 according to a fourth embodiment.
[0140] Again, only the differences for the material processing machines in sheet 10 will be explained according to the embodiment described above. Corresponding parts will be designated with the same reference signs.
[0141] The sheet material processing machine 10 of the fourth embodiment comprises three sheet material processing units 20, 22, 24, wherein the sheet material processing units 20 and 24 are configured to perform a process step on the sheet 12 to be processed. They may be of any type mentioned in the previous embodiments.
[0142] Sheet material processing unit 22 is a transition unit 76 and is therefore configured to connect sheet material processing units 20, 24 in terms of material flow, i.e. with respect to a flow of sheets 12 to be processed.
[0143] The transport system 32 of the transition unit 76 comprises a transition section 32t configured to transport gripper units 46 holding sheets 12 or parts thereof in one direction from the inlet end 22i to the outlet end 22o of the transition unit 76.
[0144] The transition section 32t is associated with a transfer mechanism located at the input end 22i and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 from the processing unit. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 34 / 95 30 / 31 material handling in sheets 20 and attach the received gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the transition unit 76.
[0145] Furthermore, the transition section 32t is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the output end 22o and configured to decouple the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 of the transition unit 76 and supply it to the sheet material processing unit 24.
[0146] Both transfer mechanisms are configured as in previous embodiments. For ease of representation, they are not shown in Figures 8 and 9.
[0147] The transport system 32 of the transition unit 76 comprises four belt drives 78a, 78b, 78c, 78d.
[0148] Belt drives 78a, 78b are positioned on the same side of the sheet material processing machine 10 and are arranged one above the other so that a gripper unit 46 can be received between belt drives 78a, 78b.
[0149] Similarly, belt drives 78c, 78d are positioned on one side of the sheet material processing machine 10 that is opposite the side where belt drives 78a, 78b are located. Also, belt drives 78c, 78d are arranged one above the other, so that a gripper unit 46 can be accommodated between belt drives 78c, 78d.
[0150] During the operation of the sheet material processing machine 10, a gripper unit 46 being supplied by the transfer mechanism at the end of the output 20o of the sheet material processing unit 20 can be received by the transport system 32 of the transition unit 76, i.e., between the belt drives 78a, 78b and the belt drives 78c, 78d.
[0151] When activating belt drives 78a to 78d, the unit Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 35 / 95 31 / 31 of claw 46 and a sheet 12 connected to it can be transported from the input end 22i to the output end 22o of the transition unit 76.
[0152] At the output end 22o, the gripper unit 46 and the sheet 12 can be supplied to a transfer mechanism at the input end 24i of the sheet material processing unit 24.
[0153] As can be seen, for example, by comparing the sheet material processing machine 10 of the fourth embodiment with the transition zone 48 shown in Figure 4, the transition unit 76 makes the sheet material processing units 20, 24 compatible 10, both comprising conveyor systems 32 where the belts 38 are arranged with substantially equal transverse distance. In this configuration, it is not possible to arrange the belts 38 in an overlapping manner with respect to the processing direction 18.
[0154] For recirculation gripper units in a direction opposite to the processing direction 15 18 or a recirculation module 30 may be provided or sheet material processing units 20, 22, 24 may be fitted with the recirculation section as previously described. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 36 / 95
Claims
1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. Sheet material processing unit (20, 28) comprising: an inlet end (20i to 28i) where the sheets (12) to be processed enter the sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), and an outlet end (20o to 28o) where at least parts of the sheets (12) leave the sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), a conveyor system (32) for conveying the sheets (12) or parts thereof from the inlet end (20i to 28i) to the outlet end (20o to 28o), and a gripper unit (46) being releasably coupled to the conveyor system (32) and being configured to hold at least a part of one of the sheets (12), wherein the inlet end (20i to 28i) and / or the outlet end (20o to 28o) is / are equipped with a transfer mechanism (47d,47r) being configured to decouple the gripper unit (46) from the transport system (32) and supply the gripper unit (46) to a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and / or receive a gripper unit (46) from a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and couple the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding transport system (32), characterized in that the transport system (32) comprises a recirculation section (32r) configured to transport gripper units (46) without the sheets (12) in a direction from the output end (20 to 28) to the input end (20 to 28).
2. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to claim 1, characterized in that Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page 37 / 95 2 / 7 the gripper unit (46) is coupled to the transport system (32) by means of a coupling mechanism (66) or by means of a fastening mechanism (54).
3. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripper unit (46) is coupled to the transport system (32) via the coupling mechanism (66), and wherein the transport system (32) comprises one or more male clip elements (62) and the gripper unit (46) comprises one or more corresponding female clip elements (64).
4. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper unit (46) is coupled to the transport system (32) via the clamping mechanism (54), wherein the gripper unit (46) comprises at least one switchable gripper (56a, 56b) configured to selectively couple the transport system (32) of the sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and / or the transport system (32) of a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28).
5. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system (32) comprises a processing section (32p) configured to transport gripper units (46) holding sheets (12) or parts thereof to be processed in one direction from the inlet end (20i to 28i) to the outlet end (20o to 28o), wherein the processing section (32p) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47r) disposed at the inlet end (20i to 28i) and being configured to receive a gripper unit (46) from a sheet material processing unit. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, p.38 / 95 3 / 7 neighboring (20 to 28) and couple the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding transport system (32), and / or wherein the processing section (32p) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47d) disposed at the output end (20 to 28) and being configured to uncouple the gripper unit (46) from the transport system (32) and supply the gripper unit (46) to a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28).
6. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a feeding unit, preferably including a registration module, a plate press unit, especially a hot stamping unit or a die-cutting unit, a stripping unit, a quality control unit, a digital printing unit, a digital embellishment unit, a digital cutting unit, a creasing unit or a shipping unit.
7. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is a transition unit (76) configured to connect two sheet material processing units (20 to 28), as defined in claim 5, wherein the transport system (32) comprises a transition section (32t) configured for transporting gripper units (46) holding sheets (12) or parts thereof in one direction from the inlet end (20i to 28i) to the outlet end (20o to 28o), wherein the transition section (32t) is associated with a transfer mechanism disposed at the inlet end (20i to 28i) and being configured to receive a gripper unit (46) of Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page.39 / 95 4 / 7 a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and coupling the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding transport system (32), and wherein the transition section (32t) is associated with a delivery mechanism disposed at the output end (20 to 28) and being configured to uncouple the gripper unit (46) from the transport system (32) and providing the gripper unit (46) to a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28).
8. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recirculation section (32r) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47r) disposed at the output end (20 to 28) and is configured to receive a gripper unit (46) from a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and couple the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding transport system (32), and / or wherein the recirculation section (32r) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47d) disposed at the input end (20 to 28) and is configured to uncouple the gripper unit (46) from the transport system (32) and supply the gripper unit (46) to a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20 to 28).
9. Sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system (32) comprises a belt drive or a chain drive, wherein the gripper unit (46) is loosely coupled to a corresponding belt (38) or chain.
10. Sheet material processing machine (10), characterized in that it comprises at least two units Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page.40 / 95 5 / 7 sheet material processing units (20 to 28), as defined in any of the preceding claims, being coupled by a first transfer mechanism (47d) being provided at an output end (20o to 28o) of a first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28o) and being configured to uncouple the gripper unit (46) from the corresponding transport system (32) and provide the gripper unit (46) to a second sheet material processing unit (20 to 28), and a second transfer mechanism (47r) being provided at an input end (20i to 28i) of the second sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and being configured to receive the gripper unit (46) from the first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and couple the received gripper unit (46) to a corresponding transport system (32).
11. Sheet material processing machine (10), according to claim 10, characterized in that the two adjacent sheet material processing units (20 to 28) are coupled by a third transfer mechanism (47d) being provided at an input end (20i to 28i) of the second sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and being configured to uncouple the gripper unit (46) from the corresponding transport system (32) and providing the gripper unit (46) to the first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) and by a fourth transfer mechanism (47r) being provided at an output end (20o to 28o) of the first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28o) and being configured to receive the gripper unit (46) from the second unit of Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, page.41 / 95 6 / 7 processing of sheet material (20 to 28) and coupling the received gripper unit (46) to a corresponding transport system (32).
12. Sheet material processing machine (10), according to claim 10, characterized in that a recirculation module (30) comprises a transport system (40) for transferring gripper units (46) from an output end (20o to 28o) of the second sheet material processing unit (20 to 28o) to an input end (20i to 28i) of the first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28).
13. Sheet material processing machine (10), according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a gripper exchange module (68) is coupled to a recirculation section (32r) of at least one of the sheet material processing units (20 to 28) or to the recirculation module (30) and is configured to remove the gripper units (46) from the recirculation section (32r) or from the recirculation module (30) and / or to feed the gripper units (46) into the recirculation section (32r) or into the recirculation module (30).
14. Sheet material processing machine (10), according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the transport system (32) of the first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) comprises a first transport wheel (34) being disposed at the exit end (20° to 28°) thereof, and the transport system (32) of the second sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) comprises a second transport wheel (36) being disposed at the entry end (20i to 28i), wherein the first transport wheel (34) and the second transport wheel (36) are substantially coaxially arranged. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, p. 42 / 95 7 / 7 15. Sheet material processing machine (10), according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the transport system (32) of the first sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) overlaps the transport system (32) of the second sheet material processing unit (20 to 28) in a processing direction (18).
16. Sheet material processing machine (10), according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the sheet material processing machine (10) is a plate press, especially a hot stamping machine, or a die-cutting machine. Petition 870260021286, dated 09 / 03 / 2026, p. 43 / 95