Sheet processing unit and sheet processing machine

Abstract

A sheet processing unit (20, 22, 24) includes a conveying system (32) for conveying a sheet (12) or a portion thereof from its respective input end (20i, 22i, 24i) to its respective output end (20o, 22o, 24o). A gripper unit (46) is releasably connected to the conveying system (32) and configured to hold at least a portion of one of the sheets (12). Furthermore, at least one transfer mechanism (47d, 47r) is provided, configured to detach the gripper unit (46) from the conveying system (32) and provide the gripper unit (46) to an adjacent sheet processing unit (20, 22, 24) and / or receive the gripper unit (46) from an adjacent sheet processing unit (20, 22, 24) and connect the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding conveying system (32). Additionally, a sheet processing machine (10) is shown, comprising at least two such sheet processing units (20, 22, 24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sheet processing unit, comprising an input end where a sheet to be processed enters the sheet processing unit and an output end where at least a portion of the sheet leaves the sheet processing unit. The sheet processing unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for paper processing units, paperboard processing units, or flexible material processing units.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sheet processing machine comprising at least two such sheet processing units. Background Technology

[0003] Sheet processing units and corresponding sheet processing machines are known in the art.

[0004] In this document, a sheet processing machine is, for example, a hot foil stamping machine. Such a machine includes a sheet processing unit associated with the application of hot foil, conveyed by a pressure plate and sheet. Alternatively, a sheet processing machine is a die-cutting machine, including a sheet processing unit associated with cutting, waste removal, and blank separation. However, the invention is not limited to these types of machines.

[0005] To enable the sheet to travel through the different units of the machine, a conveying system is provided. Typically, such a conveying system includes chain drives or conveyor belt drives that extend substantially over all units of the machine. Thus, the sheet to be processed is connected to the conveying system at the input end of the sheet processing machine, and at least a portion of the sheet exits the conveying system at the output end of the sheet processing machine after processing.

[0006] This type of sheet processing machine is effective in performing a certain number of predefined processing steps. Modifying the number or characteristics of these steps would require significant improvements to the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the problem this invention aims to solve is to make sheet processing machines more flexible. Of course, this should be done while maintaining a high level of efficiency and productivity.

[0008] This problem is solved by the sheet processing unit described above, which includes a conveying system for transporting a sheet or a portion thereof from an input end to an output end, and a gripper unit releasably connected to the conveying system and configured to hold at least a portion of one of the sheets. Furthermore, the input end and / or the output end are equipped with a transfer mechanism configured to separate the gripper unit from the conveying system and to provide and / or receive gripper units from adjacent sheet processing units, connecting the received gripper units to the corresponding conveying systems. Compared to known sheet processing machines, each sheet processing unit includes a proprietary conveying system. These conveying systems can be selectively interconnected via the transfer mechanism. Therefore, this sheet processing unit is a self-contained module that can be freely combined to form a sheet processing machine. Thus, the number of modules and the corresponding processing steps performed by the modules can be easily adjusted. Compared to the known conveying systems of known sheet processing machines, the conveying system of the sheet processing unit is smaller and simpler. Furthermore, its weight and inertia are also reduced. Another advantage is the fact that multiple sheet processing units can be produced and tested in parallel or separately before being assembled into a sheet processing machine.

[0009] The basic idea of ​​this invention is to replace the known conveyor system spanning all processing units of a known sheet processing machine with a smaller, dedicated conveyor system for each sheet processing unit. These conveyor systems are interconnectable. For this purpose, corresponding gripper units are releasably connected to them. Thus, gripper units can be transferred from one sheet processing unit to an adjacent sheet processing unit.

[0010] The fact that the conveying system is suitable for transporting sheets or portions thereof and that the gripper unit is configured to hold at least a portion of the sheet is due to the fact that the sheet entering the sheet processing unit may be divided into multiple parts during its processing. In principle, three alternatives are conceivable. In a first alternative, the sheet enters and exits the sheet processing unit without being divided into multiple parts. Alternatively, the sheet entering the sheet processing machine is divided into a first part and a second part during its processing. The first part may correspond to the desired outcome of the process, such as a product or intermediate product, and the second part may be waste. Therefore, in a second alternative, the gripper unit may be configured to hold the first part, i.e., the product or intermediate product, while in a third alternative, the gripper unit may be configured to hold the second part, i.e., waste. In summary, the sheet processing unit according to the invention is configured for all the mentioned alternatives.

[0011] The sheet processing unit is suitable for processing sheets in the form of cardboard, paper, plastic or wood.

[0012] The clamping unit can be connected to a conveying system via a clamping mechanism, specifically wherein the conveying system includes one or more convex clamping elements and the clamping unit includes one or more corresponding concave clamping elements. Such a clamping unit can be easily and quickly disconnected from one conveying system and connected to another (e.g., the conveying system of an adjacent sheet processing unit). This process can be automated. Furthermore, the clamping mechanism allows for precise and stable positioning of the clamp on the conveying system.

[0013] In an alternative, the gripper unit is connected to the conveyor system via a clamping mechanism, wherein the gripper unit includes at least one switchable clamp configured to selectively engage the conveyor system of the sheet processing unit and / or the conveyor system of an adjacent sheet processing unit. Because the clamping mechanism is operated by an actuated cam, clamp switching can be performed automatically. This can be performed quickly. Therefore, the clamping mechanism allows for simple and reliable switching of the gripper unit between two adjacent sheet processing units. In this case, the gripper unit and the conveyor system can be configured such that clamping can only occur at a designated location on the conveyor system. Alternatively, the gripper unit and the conveyor system can be configured such that the gripper unit can be connected to the conveyor system at any suitable location.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the conveying system includes a processing section configured to convey and hold clamping units of a sheet or portion thereof for processing in a direction from an input end to an output end. Therefore, the processing section is associated with a transfer mechanism arranged at the input end, configured to receive clamping units from adjacent sheet processing units and connect the received clamping units to the respective conveying system. Additionally or alternatively, the processing section is associated with a transfer mechanism arranged at the output end, configured to separate the clamping units from the conveying system and provide the clamping units to adjacent sheet processing units. Thus, clamping units carrying the sheet or portion thereof to be processed can reach the input end of the sheet processing unit. The clamping units are then connected to the respective conveying system via the transfer mechanism. Subsequently, the sheet or portion thereof can undergo one or more processing steps performed by the sheet processing unit. The gripper unit and the sheet, or a portion thereof, then reach the output and are transferred to an adjacent sheet processing unit to perform subsequent processing steps. The gripper unit is then released from the conveying system and connected to the conveying system of the adjacent sheet processing unit. Therefore, the sheet processing unit is a flexible module that can be easily connected to other modules to process sheets.

[0015] The sheet processing unit can be a feeding unit, preferably including a registration module, a flatbed printing unit, especially a hot foil stamping unit or a die-cutting unit, a peeling unit, a waste discharge unit, a blank separation unit, a quality control unit, a digital printing unit, a digital decoration unit, a digital cutting unit, an indentation unit, or a delivery unit. Therefore, the sheet processing unit can be adapted to perform any kind of processing steps related to sheet processing.

[0016] In one variant, the sheet processing unit is a transition unit configured to connect two sheet processing units for processing sheets. The transition unit's conveying system includes a transition section configured to convey a clamping unit holding the sheet or a portion thereof in a direction from input to output. Additionally, the transition section is associated with a transfer mechanism arranged at the input end, configured to receive clamping units from adjacent sheet processing units and connect the received clamping units to the corresponding conveying system. Furthermore, the transition section is associated with a transfer mechanism arranged at the output end, configured to separate the clamping units from the conveying system and provide the clamping units to adjacent sheet processing units. In other words, a sheet processing unit configured as a transition unit can be used to connect two sheet processing units for processing sheets. Such a transition unit is not configured to perform processing steps other than conveying the sheet or a portion thereof. The purpose of a transition unit is to make sheet processing units compatible, i.e., to connect sheet processing units, where the connection mechanism at the output end of one sheet processing unit may not be directly connected to the connection mechanism at the input end of another sheet processing unit. Using a transition unit allows the gripper unit to be transferred from one sheet processing unit to the transition unit and from the transition unit to another sheet processing unit. In this case, the connection mechanisms at the input and output ends of the transition unit can have different designs. Therefore, the transition unit can be used as an adapter unit. Alternatively or additionally, a transition unit can simply be used to bridge a certain distance between two sheet processing units.

[0017] The conveying system may also include a recirculation section configured to convey gripper units without sheet material in the direction from the output to the input. Therefore, the recirculation section is associated with a transfer mechanism located at the output and configured to receive gripper units from adjacent sheet processing units and connect the received gripper units to the corresponding conveying system. Additionally or alternatively, the recirculation section is associated with a transfer mechanism located at the input and configured to separate the gripper units from the conveying system and provide the gripper units to adjacent sheet processing units. In other words, the sheet processing unit can recirculate empty gripper units from its output to its input. These gripper units can then be used to process other sheets. In this process, the gripper units circulate in a closed loop. This is efficient because only a predetermined number of gripper units are needed, and the recirculation is performed fully automatically.

[0018] Preferably, the conveying system includes a belt drive or a chain drive, wherein the gripper unit is releasably connected to the corresponding belt or chain. Belt drives and chain drives have proven suitable for sheet processing units. They operate reliably and accurately.

[0019] This problem is also solved by the sheet processing machine described above, which includes at least two adjacent sheet processing units according to the invention. The sheet processing units are connected by a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The first transfer mechanism is located at the output end of the first sheet processing unit and configured to separate the gripper unit from the corresponding conveying system and provide the gripper unit to the second sheet processing unit. The second transfer mechanism is located at the input end of the second sheet processing unit and configured to receive the gripper unit from the first sheet processing unit and connect the received gripper unit to the corresponding conveying system. In this configuration, at least two sheet processing units can actually perform processing steps on the sheet to be processed. Alternatively, one of the at least two sheet processing units may be a transition unit, and only the other of the at least two sheet processing units may perform processing steps. Therefore, this sheet processing machine offers high flexibility because the sheet processing units can be easily combined and connected via the corresponding transfer mechanisms, depending on the process to be performed. Processing steps can also be eliminated by removing the corresponding sheet processing units and reconnecting the remaining sheet processing units via their transfer mechanisms.

[0020] In one configuration, one of the at least two sheet processing units of the sheet processing machine is a transition unit, and preferably, a third sheet processing unit is provided, which is configured to perform processing steps on the sheet. The transition unit is advantageously located between the sheet processing units that perform processing steps on the sheet. In this case, the transition unit can operate as an adapter unit as described above. Therefore, the sheet processing units can be freely and flexibly combined.

[0021] Two adjacent sheet processing units can be connected via a third and a fourth transfer mechanism. The third transfer mechanism is located at the input end of the second sheet processing unit and configured to separate the gripper unit from the corresponding conveying system and provide the gripper unit to the first sheet processing unit. The fourth transfer mechanism is located at the output end of the first sheet processing unit and configured to receive the gripper unit from the second sheet processing unit and connect the received gripper unit to the corresponding conveying system. This applies to sheet processing units that actually perform processing steps, as well as sheet processing units that serve as transition units. Therefore, the gripper units can be recycled to the input end of the sheet processing machine after they have been used to hold the sheet. The gripper units can thus operate in a closed loop.

[0022] Alternatively, a recirculation module can be provided, which includes a conveying system for transporting the gripper unit from the output of the second sheet processing unit to the input of the first sheet processing unit. In this alternative, the gripper unit is not recirculated through the sheet processing unit, but rather through a separate recirculation module that crosses from the output of the sheet processing machine to its input. Therefore, the sheet processing unit can operate as if used in an open-loop configuration. Due to the recirculation module, such a sheet processing machine can operate in a closed loop.

[0023] The recirculation module is particularly advantageous for sheet processing units that transport gripper units carrying sheets or portions thereof at speeds that vary over time. In this case, the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or portions thereof can be accelerated or decelerated in a regular manner. The movement of the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or portions thereof can also be stopped in a regular manner. This operating mode can be called a stop-and-go mode. However, the recirculation module can operate continuously, i.e., transporting the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or portions thereof at a substantially constant speed. In this configuration, the sheet processing unit experiences reduced inertia when accelerating or decelerating the gripper units and the corresponding sheets or portions thereof, because the gripper units disengage from them during the recirculation process. This allows the sheet processing unit to operate at high speeds and / or high accelerations. Furthermore, high-quality processing results are ensured.

[0024] The sheet processing machine may also include a gripper replacement module, which can be connected to or engaged with a recycling section of at least one sheet processing unit. The gripper replacement module is configured to remove gripper units from the recycling section or recycling module and / or feed gripper units into the recycling section or recycling module. Therefore, the gripper replacement module can be used to replace gripper units that require maintenance or replacement. Furthermore, the gripper replacement module can be used to increase or decrease the number of gripper units used in the sheet processing machine. Thus, the gripper replacement module helps adapt the sheet processing machine to different operations requiring different numbers of gripper units. The gripper replacement module can be operated while the sheet is being processed by the sheet processing machine, and especially by the sheet processing unit. Therefore, the gripper replacement module can perform its functions without stopping the process in the sheet processing machine.

[0025] The gripper replacement module can be equipped with an input buffer that can store multiple gripper units. Therefore, the gripper units remain available for replacement or replenishment of gripper units in the sheet processing machine. Thus, replacement or replenishment can be performed within a very limited timeframe.

[0026] Advantageously, the conveying system of the first sheet processing unit includes a first conveyor wheel arranged at its output end, and the conveying system of the second sheet processing unit includes a second conveyor wheel arranged at its input end, wherein the first and second conveyor wheels are substantially coaxial. In this configuration, switching of the gripper unit can be performed quickly because the first conveyor wheel drives a release mechanism that disconnects the gripper unit from the conveying system of the first sheet processing unit, and the second conveyor wheel drives a locking mechanism that connects the gripper unit to the conveying system of the second sheet processing unit. This solution also saves space.

[0027] In another embodiment, the conveying system of the first sheet processing unit overlaps with the conveying system of the second sheet processing unit in the processing direction. The area of ​​overlap can be referred to as a transition zone. In this zone, the gripper unit connects to the conveying system of the second sheet processing unit and disconnects from the conveying system of the first sheet processing unit. Preferably, the gripper unit is connected to the conveying system of the second sheet processing unit before being released from the conveying system of the first sheet processing unit. Throughout this process, the gripper unit remains in a clearly defined position.

[0028] According to a preferred variant, the conveying systems of the first and second sheet processing units each include control units, making the conveying systems independently controllable. This allows for independent error handling, for example, within each sheet processing unit. In particular, positioning errors of the sheet to be processed can be easily corrected. Furthermore, the independent control units allow for the combination of sheet processing units based on different operating speeds. It also makes it possible to connect sheet processing units operating at a constant speed (e.g., feeding or unloading units) with sheet processing units operating in a stop-and-go mode (e.g., imprinting or peeling units). Notably, to ensure a smooth transition between the two independently controllable sheet processing units, the sheet processing units only need to be synchronized during the transition of the gripper unit from one conveying system to the adjacent conveying system. For example, if the first unit operates in a stop-and-go mode and the second unit operates at a constant speed, then the two conveying systems need to operate at the same speed only for a relatively short period of time during which the gripper is transferred from one conveying system to the adjacent conveying system.

[0029] Sheet processing machines can be flatbed printing machines, especially hot foil stamping machines, or die-cutting machines. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0031] - Figure 1 A sheet processing machine according to a first embodiment is schematically shown, comprising a plurality of sheet processing units according to the invention.

[0032] - Figure 2 A sheet processing machine according to a second embodiment is schematically shown, comprising a plurality of sheet processing units according to the invention.

[0033] - Figure 3 A sheet processing machine according to a third embodiment is schematically shown, comprising a plurality of sheet processing units according to the invention.

[0034] - Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 Detailed view of the transition zone of the sheet processing machine.

[0035] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Cross-sectional view VV,

[0036] - Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 3 Detailed view of the alternative transition zone of the sheet processing machine.

[0037] - Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a gripper replacement module, which can be... Figures 1 to 3 Any part of a sheet processing machine

[0038] - Figure 8 A sheet processing machine according to a fourth embodiment is schematically shown, comprising three sheet processing units according to the invention, wherein one of them is a transition unit, and

[0039] - Figure 9 It is based on Figure 8 Sheet processing machine along Figure 8 The view of direction IX in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 A sheet processing machine 10 according to a first embodiment is shown, which is a die-cutting machine.

[0041] It is suitable for processing sheet 12 provided on input stack 14 and placed on output stack 16 after processing.

[0042] Along the sheet 12 through the processing direction 18 of the sheet processing machine 10, it includes a total of five sheet processing units 20 to 28.

[0043] In this embodiment, sheet processing unit 20 is a feeding unit, sheet processing unit 22 is an imprinting unit, sheet processing unit 24 is a peeling unit, sheet processing unit 26 is a quality control unit, and sheet processing unit 28 is a delivery unit.

[0044] In the following text, for ease of explanation, the feeding unit will be indicated by reference numeral 20, the imprinting unit by reference numeral 22, the peeling unit by reference numeral 24, the quality control unit by reference numeral 26, and the delivery unit by reference numeral 28.

[0045] In addition, a recirculation module 30 is provided.

[0046] Each of the sheet processing units 20 to 28 includes an input end and an output end. The input ends are marked as 20i, 22i, 24i, 26i, and 28i, respectively. The sheet 12 to be processed enters the corresponding sheet processing unit 20 to 28 at the input end, and the output ends are marked as 20o, 22o, 24o, 26o, and 28o, respectively. The sheet 12 leaves the corresponding sheet processing unit 20 to 28 at the output end.

[0047] The feeding unit 20, the imprinting unit 22 and the peeling unit 24 are equipped with corresponding conveying systems 32 for conveying the sheet 12 from the corresponding input ends 20i, 22i, 24i to the corresponding output ends 20o, 22o, 24o.

[0048] Each conveying system 32 includes a first conveying wheel 34 arranged at the output ends 20o, 22o, 24o of the corresponding sheet processing units 20, 22, 24 and a second conveying wheel 36 arranged at the input ends 20i, 22i, 24i of the corresponding sheet processing units 20, 22, 24.

[0049] The conveyor wheels 34, 36 interact with the conveyor belt 38 driven and / or guided by the respective conveyor wheels 34, 36.

[0050] The recycling module 30 also includes a conveying system 40 equipped with a conveyor belt 42 driven and / or guided by a plurality of associated conveyor wheels 44.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the conveying system 40 is a shared conveying system because it is also used for the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28. In other words, the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28 do not have separate conveying systems such as the feeding unit 20, the imprinting unit 22, and the peeling unit 24.

[0052] All conveying systems 32 are adapted to transport the sheet 12 from the corresponding input ends 20i, 22i, 24i to the corresponding output ends 20o, 22o, 24o.

[0053] Since the sheet 12 does not interact directly with the conveying systems 32 and 40, a clamping unit 46 suitable for holding the sheet 12 is provided.

[0054] The gripper unit 46 can be connected to the conveyor systems 32 and 40.

[0055] It should be understood that the number of gripper units 46 used in a particular sheet processing machine 10 can vary depending on the job to be performed.

[0056] exist Figure 1 Only two gripper units 46 are shown in the figure, for ease of illustration rather than for technical requirements.

[0057] The sheet 12 to be processed is held by the gripper unit 46 in the feeding unit 20 and released in the delivery unit 28.

[0058] The conveying system 40 is adapted to transfer a clamping unit 46 without carrying sheet 12 from the output end 24o of the peeling unit 24 to the input end 20i of the feeding unit 20.

[0059] Therefore, the gripper unit 46 operates in a closed loop.

[0060] Therefore, the gripper unit 46 needs to be transferred from one conveying system 32, 40 to the corresponding adjacent conveying system 32, 40.

[0061] To do this, the gripper unit 46 is releasably connected to the conveyor systems 32, 40, or more precisely, to the corresponding conveyor belts 38, 42.

[0062] In addition, each of the input terminals 20i, 22i, 24i, and 26i includes a transfer mechanism 47r, which is configured to receive a gripper unit 46 from an adjacent sheet processing unit 20 to 24 or a recycling module 30, and to connect the received gripper unit 46 to the corresponding conveying system 32, 40.

[0063] In this case, the input terminal 26i of the quality control unit is used as the input terminal 30i of the recirculation module 30.

[0064] Outputs 20o, 22o, 24o, and 30o are equipped with a transfer mechanism 47d, which is configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the corresponding conveyor systems 32 and 40 and to provide the gripper unit 46 to adjacent sheet processing units 22 to 24 or recycling module 30.

[0065] The area where the clamping unit 46 intersects is called the transition zone 48.

[0066] More specifically, the feeding unit 20 includes a transfer mechanism 47d disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its output end 20o and configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the conveying system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the conveying system 32 of the flatbed printing press unit 22.

[0067] In addition, the feeding unit 20 includes a transfer mechanism 47r, which is disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its input end 20i and is configured to receive a gripper unit 46 without carrying sheet 12 from the recycling module 30 and connect the received gripper unit 46 to its conveying system 32.

[0068] Therefore, the feeding unit 20 includes a total of two transfer mechanisms 47d and 47r.

[0069] The flatbed printing press unit 22 includes a transfer mechanism 47r disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its input end 22i and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 carrying sheet 12 from the feed unit 20 and connect the received gripper unit 46 to its conveying system 32.

[0070] Additionally, the flatbed printing press unit 22 includes a transfer mechanism 47d disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its output end 22o and configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the conveying system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the conveying system 32 of the stripping unit 24.

[0071] Therefore, the flatbed printing press unit 22 also includes a total of two handover mechanisms 47r and 47d.

[0072] This also applies to the stripping unit 24, and the above description is adapted to the stripping unit 24 with the necessary modifications.

[0073] The conveying system 40 of the recycling module 30 (also shared by the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28) includes a transfer mechanism 47r, which is disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its inputs 26i, 30i and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 carrying sheet 12 from the peeling unit 24 and to connect the received gripper unit 46 to its conveying system 40.

[0074] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism 47d is located in the transition zone 48 associated with its output end 30o, and is configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the conveying system 40 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the conveying system 32 of the feeding unit 20.

[0075] Therefore, the shared conveying system 40 of the recycling module 30 includes two transfer mechanisms 47d and 47r.

[0076] The following will combine Figures 4 to 6 Explain the handover mechanisms 47r, 47d and the transition zone 48.

[0077] Each of the conveying systems 32 of the sheet processing units 20 to 24 and the conveying system 40 of the recycling module 30 includes a corresponding control unit 49.

[0078] The control unit 49 is adapted to control the movement of the corresponding conveyor belts 38, 42. In this case, the position and movement of the gripper unit 46 connected to the corresponding conveyor belts 38, 42 can be precisely controlled.

[0079] The control units 49 are independent of each other, so some conveyor systems 32, 40 can be operated in a continuous manner, that is, the corresponding conveyor belts 38, 42 travel at a substantially constant speed.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, this is the case for the feeding unit 20 and the recycling module 30.

[0081] Other conveyor systems 32 and 40 can also be operated in stop-and-go mode, that is, the corresponding conveyor belts 38 and 42 intermittently accelerate to a predetermined travel speed and then stop.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the embodiments, this is the case for the flatbed printing unit 22 and the stripping unit 24.

[0083] exist Figure 2 The image shows a sheet processing machine 10 according to a second embodiment.

[0084] The following description only illustrates the differences from the sheet processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment. Identical or corresponding parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0085] Figure 2 The sheet processing machine 10 is also a die-cutting machine, including a feeding unit 20, a flatbed printing unit 22, a peeling unit 24, a quality control unit 26, and a delivery unit 28.

[0086] Similarly, sheet processing units 20 to 24 are equipped with conveying systems 32.

[0087] Compared to the first embodiment, no recycling module is provided. Instead, the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28 share the conveying system 32.

[0088] The sheet processing machine 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the sheet processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment in that the recirculation of the clamping unit 46, which does not carry the sheet 12, is carried out through the conveying system 32 of the sheet processing units 20 to 28.

[0089] In this case, the conveying system 32 can be subdivided into a processing section 32p and a recycling section 32r.

[0090] The processing section 32p is configured to transport and hold the sheet 12 in a clamping unit 46 so that the sheet 12 is processed in the processing direction 18 (i.e. from the corresponding input ends 20i, 22i, 24i, 26i to the corresponding output ends 20o, 22o, 24o).

[0091] The processing sections are associated with their respective transfer mechanisms 47r and 47d, which are arranged in the transition zone 48 and substantially correspond to the transfer mechanisms 47r and 47d as explained with respect to the first embodiment.

[0092] The recirculation section 32r is configured to transport the clamping unit 46 without the sheet 12 in the direction from the corresponding output terminals 28o, 26o, 24o, 22o, 20o to the corresponding input terminals 20i, 22i, 24i, 26i, 28i.

[0093] For this purpose, the recirculation section 32r is also equipped with handover mechanisms 47r and 47d arranged in the corresponding transition zone 50.

[0094] The transfer mechanisms 47r and 47d of the recycling section 32r basically correspond to the transfer mechanisms 47r and 47d of the machining section 32p, and will be combined below. Figures 4 to 6 Please provide a detailed explanation.

[0095] Therefore, the feeding unit 20 includes a transfer mechanism 47d, which is disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its output end 20o and is configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the conveying system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the conveying system 32 of the flatbed printing press unit 22.

[0096] Additionally, the feeding unit 20 includes a transfer mechanism 47r disposed in a transition zone 50 associated with its output end 20o, and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 without carrying sheet 12 from the flatbed printing press unit 22 and to connect the received gripper unit 46 to its conveying system 32.

[0097] Therefore, the feeding unit 20 includes a total of two transfer mechanisms 47d and 47r.

[0098] The flatbed printing press unit 22 includes a transfer mechanism 47r disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its input end 22i and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 carrying sheet 12 from the feed unit 20 and to connect the received gripper unit 46 to its conveying system 32.

[0099] In addition, the flatbed printing press unit 22 includes a transfer mechanism 47d, which is disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its output end 22o and is configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the stripping unit 24.

[0100] Additionally, the flatbed printing press unit 22 includes a transfer mechanism 47r disposed in a transition zone 50 associated with its output end 22o and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 without carrying sheet 12 from the peeling unit 24 and to connect the received gripper unit 46 to its transport system 32.

[0101] The flatbed printing press unit 22 also includes another transfer mechanism 47d, which is disposed in the transition zone 50 associated with its input end 22i and is configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the conveying system 32 and to provide the gripper unit 46 to the conveying system 32 of the feeding unit 20.

[0102] Therefore, the flatbed printing press unit 22 includes a total of four transfer mechanisms 47r and 47d.

[0103] This also applies to the stripping unit 24, and the above description is adapted to the stripping unit 24 with the necessary modifications.

[0104] The shared conveying system 32 of the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28 includes a transfer mechanism 47r disposed in a transition zone 48 associated with its input end 26i and configured to receive a gripper unit 46 carrying sheet 12 from the peeling unit 24 and to connect the received gripper unit 46 to its conveying system 32.

[0105] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism 47d is located in the transition zone 50 associated with its input end 26i and is configured to separate the gripper unit 46 from the transport system 32 and provide the gripper unit 46 to the transport system 32 of the stripping unit 22.

[0106] Therefore, the combination of the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28 includes a total of two handover mechanisms 47d and 47r.

[0107] The sheet processing machine 10 according to the third embodiment is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0108] The following description only illustrates the differences from the sheet processing machine according to the first and second embodiments. Identical or corresponding parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0109] The sheet processing machine 10 according to the third embodiment is a hot foil stamping machine. The flatbed printing unit 22 is adjusted accordingly.

[0110] In contrast to the embodiment described above, it includes a foil processing system 52 having a storage device for the foil processed by the flatbed printing unit 22.

[0111] The foil processing system 52 is arranged within the shared conveying system 32 of the quality control unit 26 and the delivery unit 28.

[0112] In addition, the stripping unit 24 was removed.

[0113] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Transition zones 48 and 50 and corresponding handover mechanisms 47r and 47d are shown.

[0114] In this case, two conveyor belts 38 of the first conveyor system 32 and two conveyor belts 38 of the second conveyor system 32 are shown.

[0115] To distinguish between the two conveying systems 32, the components of the first conveying system will be represented by the suffix 'a', while the components of the second conveying system will be represented by the suffix 'b'.

[0116] The first conveying system 32a is associated, for example, with the feeding unit 20, the flatbed printing unit 22, or the stripping unit 24.

[0117] The second conveying system 32b is associated, for example, with the flatbed printing press unit 22 or the stripping unit 24.

[0118] Along the processing direction 18, the second conveying system 32b is arranged behind the first conveying system 32a. Furthermore, the first conveying system 32a and the second conveying system 32b overlap in the processing direction 18.

[0119] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the state shown, the gripper unit 46 is connected to the first conveyor system 32a, or more precisely, to the corresponding conveyor belt 38a via the clamping mechanism 54.

[0120] It includes at least two clamps 56a, 56b. They engage the conveyor belt 38a because the conveyor belt 38a is clamped between the respective clamps 56a, 56b and the gripper unit 46.

[0121] In order to transfer the gripper unit 46 from the first conveyor system 32a to the second conveyor system 32b, the grippers 56a and 56b are disengaged from the conveyor belt 38a. For this purpose, a transfer mechanism 47d is used, which separates the gripper unit 46 from the first conveyor system 32a and provides it to the second conveyor system 32b.

[0122] The transfer mechanism 47d is associated with the actuator 57a, which can interact with the clamps 56a and 56b via a cam or cam-type wheel.

[0123] Subsequently, the handover mechanism 47r associated with the second conveying system 32b receives the gripper unit 46 and connects it to the second conveying system 32b, since the conveyor belt 38b is clamped between the corresponding clamps 56a, 56b and the gripper unit 46.

[0124] The transfer mechanism 47r is also associated with the actuator 57b, which can interact with the clamps 56a and 56b via a cam or cam-type wheel.

[0125] The switching process is indicated by arrows 58a and 58b. The corresponding rotation axes of clamps 56a and 56b are indicated by reference numerals 60a and 60b.

[0126] Figure 6 Transition zones 48 and 50 with alternative handover mechanisms 47d and 47r are shown.

[0127] In this alternative, the first conveyor wheel 34 and the second conveyor wheel 36 of the adjacent conveyor system 32 are arranged substantially coaxially.

[0128] The conveyor belt 38a of the first conveyor system 32a and the conveyor belt 38b of the second conveyor system 32b are both equipped with convex clamping elements 62. For ease of illustration, only some of the convex clamping elements 62 are given reference numerals.

[0129] The gripper unit 46 to be transferred from the first conveying system 32a to the second conveying system 32b includes a concave gripping element 64.

[0130] exist Figure 6 In the state shown, the convex clamping element 62 of the first conveyor belt 38a engages with the concave clamping element 64 of the clamping unit 46 to form a clamping mechanism 66.

[0131] As the conveyor belt 38a travels further along the processing direction 18, the convex clamping element 62 of the first conveyor belt 38a will disengage from the clamping unit 46 via the transfer mechanism 47d.

[0132] Subsequently, the gripper unit 46 will be conveyed to the second conveyor system 32b, and the gripper unit 46 (more precisely, the concave gripping element 64 disposed thereon) will engage with the convex gripping element 62 of the second conveyor belt 38b via the transfer mechanism 47r.

[0133] Figure 7 A clamp replacement module 68 is shown, which can be connected to the recycling section 32r or recycling unit 30 of any of the aforementioned sheet processing units 20 to 28.

[0134] The gripper replacement module 68 includes a gripper retraction section 70, which is configured to retract the gripper unit 46 from the recirculation section 32r or the recirculation unit 30.

[0135] In addition, the gripper replacement module 68 has a feeding section 72, which is configured to supply the gripper unit 46 to the recycling section 32r or the recycling unit 30.

[0136] The feeding section 72 is equipped with an input buffer 74, which stores three gripper units 46 for easy representation.

[0137] The clamp replacement module 68 can be used to replace the clamp unit 46 that needs to be replaced.

[0138] In addition, the clamp changing module 68 is configured to adjust the number of clamp units 46 used in the sheet processing machine 10, and thus to adapt the sheet processing machine 10 to different operations that require different numbers of clamp units 46.

[0139] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A sheet processing machine 10 according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0140] Again, only the differences from the sheet processing machine 10 according to the above embodiment will be described. Corresponding parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0141] The sheet processing machine 10 of the fourth embodiment includes three sheet processing units 20, 22, and 24, wherein sheet processing units 20 and 24 are configured to perform processing steps on the sheet 12 to be processed. They can be any type mentioned in the previous embodiments.

[0142] The sheet processing unit 22 is a transition unit 76, and is therefore configured to connect the sheet processing units 20 and 24 in terms of material flow (i.e., in terms of the flow of the sheet 12 to be processed).

[0143] The conveying system 32 of the transition unit 76 includes a transition section 32t, which is configured to convey a clamping unit 46 holding the sheet 12 or a portion thereof in the direction from the input end 22i to the output end 22o of the transition unit 76.

[0144] The transition section 32t is associated with a transfer mechanism arranged on the input end 22i and configured to receive the clamping unit 46 from the sheet processing unit 20 and connect the received clamping unit 46 to the conveying system 32 of the transition unit 76.

[0145] Furthermore, the transition section 32t is associated with a transfer mechanism arranged on the output end 22o and configured to separate the clamping unit 46 from the conveying system 32 of the transition unit 76 and to provide the clamping unit 46 to the sheet processing unit 24.

[0146] The two handover mechanisms are configured as in the previous implementation method. For ease of illustration, they are not shown... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the image.

[0147] The conveying system 32 of the transition unit 76 includes four conveyor belt drives 78a, 78b, 78c, and 78d.

[0148] Conveyor belt drives 78a and 78b are positioned on the same side of the sheet processing machine 10 and arranged one on top of the other, such that the clamping unit 46 can be received between the conveyor belt drives 78a and 78b.

[0149] Similarly, conveyor belt drives 78c and 78d are positioned on the side opposite to the side where conveyor belt drives 78a and 78b are located on the sheet processing machine 10. Conveyor belt drives 78c and 78d are also arranged one on top of the other, so that the gripper unit 46 can be received on the conveyor belt drives 78c and 78d.

[0150] During the operation of the sheet processing machine 10, the clamping unit 46 provided by the handover mechanism at the output end 20o of the sheet processing unit 20 can be received by the conveying system 32 of the transition unit 76, i.e., between the conveyor belt drives 78a, 78b and the conveyor belt drives 78c, 78d.

[0151] After the conveyor belt drives 78a to 78d are started, the clamp unit 46 and the sheet 12 connected thereto can be transferred from the input end 22i of the transition unit 76 to the output end 22o.

[0152] At the output end 22o, the clamping unit 46 and the sheet 12 can be provided to the handover mechanism located at the input end 24i of the sheet processing unit 24.

[0153] For example, when the sheet processing machine 10 of the fourth embodiment is connected with... Figure 4 When comparing the transition zones 48 shown, it can be seen that the transition unit 76 makes the sheet processing units 20 and 24, both of which include the conveyor system 32, compatible, wherein the conveyor belts 38 are arranged with substantially equal lateral distances. In this configuration, it is not possible to arrange the conveyor belts 38 in an overlapping manner relative to the processing direction 18.

[0154] In order to recycle the gripper unit in the direction opposite to the processing direction 18, a recycling module 30 may be provided, or the sheet processing units 20, 22, 24 may be equipped with the recycling section as described above.

Claims

1. Sheet processing units (20 to 28), including The sheet to be processed (12) enters the sheet processing unit (20 to 28) at the input end (20i to 28i) and at the output end (20o to 28o) where at least part of the sheet (12) leaves the sheet processing unit (20 to 28). Conveying system (32), which is used to convey sheet (12) or a portion thereof from input end (20i to 28i) to output end (20o to 28o), and A gripper unit (46), which is releasably engaged with the conveying system (32) and configured to hold at least a portion of one of the sheets (12), The input terminals (20i to 28i) and / or output terminals (20o to 28o) are equipped with transfer mechanisms (47d, 47r), which are configured to detach the gripper unit (46) from the conveying system (32) and provide the gripper unit (46) to an adjacent sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and / or receive the gripper unit (46) from the adjacent sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and connect the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding conveying system (32), and The conveying system (32) includes a recirculation section (32r) configured to convey a gripper unit (46) without carrying sheet (12) in the direction from the output end (20o to 28o) to the input end (20i to 28i).

2. The sheet processing unit (20-28) according to claim 1, characterized in that The gripper unit (46) is connected to the conveying system (32) via a clamping mechanism (66) or a clamping mechanism (54).

3. The sheet processing unit (20-28) according to claim 2, wherein, The gripper unit (46) is connected to the conveying system (32) via a clamping mechanism (66), wherein the conveying system (32) includes one or more convex gripping elements (62) and the gripper unit (46) includes one or more corresponding concave gripping elements (64).

4. The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) according to claim 1, characterized by The gripper unit (46) is connected to the conveying system (32) via a clamping mechanism (54), wherein the gripper unit (46) includes at least one switchable clamp (56a, 56b) configured to selectively engage the conveying system (32) of the sheet processing units (20 to 28) and / or the conveying system (32) of adjacent sheet processing units (20 to 28).

5. The sheet processing unit (20-28) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The conveying system (32) includes a processing section (32p) configured to convey a clamping unit (46) holding a sheet (12) or a portion thereof for processing in a direction from the input end (20i to 28i) to the output end (20o to 28o). The processing section (32p) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47r), which is arranged on the input end (20i to 28i) and configured to receive a gripper unit (46) from an adjacent sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and connect the received gripper unit (46) to a corresponding conveying system (32), and / or The processing section (32p) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47d), which is arranged on the output end (20o to 28o) and configured to separate the clamping unit (46) from the conveying system (32) and provide the clamping unit (46) to the adjacent sheet processing unit (20 to 28).

6. The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sheet processing units (20 to 28) are feeding units.

7. The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) includes a registration module, a flatbed printing unit, a hot foil stamping unit or a die-cutting unit, a peeling unit, a quality control unit, a digital printing unit, a digital decoration unit, a digital cutting unit, and an indentation unit or a delivery unit.

8. The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sheet processing units (20 to 28) are transition units (76) configured to connect the two sheet processing units (20 to 28). The conveying system (32) includes a transition section (32t) configured to convey a clamping unit (46) holding a sheet (12) or a portion thereof in a direction from the input end (20i to 28i) to the output end (20o to 28o). The transition section (32t) is associated with a transfer mechanism located at the input end (20i to 28i) and configured to receive clamping units (46) from adjacent sheet processing units (20 to 28) and connect the received clamping units (46) to the corresponding conveying system (32). The transition section (32t) is associated with a handover mechanism located at the output end (20o to 28o) and configured to separate the clamping unit (46) from the conveying system (32) and provide the clamping unit (46) to the adjacent sheet processing unit (20 to 28).

9. The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The recirculation section (32r) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47r), which is located at the output end (20° to 28°) and configured to receive gripper units (46) from adjacent sheet processing units (20 to 28) and connect the received gripper units (46) to the corresponding conveyor system (32), and / or The recirculation section (32r) is associated with a transfer mechanism (47d), which is located on the input end (20i to 28i) and configured to separate the gripper unit (46) from the conveying system (32) and provide the gripper unit (46) to the adjacent sheet processing unit (20 to 28).

10. The sheet processing unit (20 to 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The conveying system (32) includes a belt drive or a chain drive, wherein the gripper unit (46) is releasably connected to the corresponding belt (38) or chain.

11. A sheet processing machine (10) comprising at least two adjacent sheet processing units (20 to 28) according to any one of the preceding claims, connected by a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The first handover mechanism is located at the output end (20° to 28°) of the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and configured to separate the clamping unit (46) from the corresponding conveying system (32) and provide the clamping unit (46) to the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28), and The second handover mechanism is located at the input end (20i to 28i) of the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and is configured to receive the clamping unit (46) from the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and connect the received clamping unit (46) to the corresponding conveying system (32).

12. The sheet processing machine (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, Two adjacent sheet processing units (20 to 28) are connected by a third transfer mechanism and a fourth transfer mechanism. The third handover mechanism is located at the input end (20i to 28i) of the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and configured to separate the clamping unit (46) from the corresponding conveying system (32) and provide the clamping unit (46) to the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28), and The fourth handover mechanism is located at the output end (20° to 28°) of the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and is configured to receive the clamping unit (46) from the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28) and connect the received clamping unit (46) to the corresponding conveying system (32).

13. The sheet processing machine (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The recycling module (30) includes a conveying system (40) for conveying the gripper unit (46) from the output end (20o to 28o) of the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28) to the input end (20i to 28i) of the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28).

14. The sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, Clamp replacement module (68) A recycling section (32r) or recycling module (30) connected to at least one sheet processing unit (20 to 28), and Configured to remove the gripper unit (46) from the recycling section (32r) or the recycling module (30) and / or to feed the gripper unit (46) into the recycling section (32r) or the recycling module (30).

15. The sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The conveying system (32) of the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28) includes a first conveyor wheel (34) arranged at its output end (20o to 28o), and the conveying system (32) of the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28) includes a second conveyor wheel (36) arranged at its input end (20i to 28i), wherein the first conveyor wheel (34) and the second conveyor wheel (36) are substantially coaxially arranged.

16. The sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The conveying system (32) of the first sheet processing unit (20 to 28) overlaps with the conveying system (32) of the second sheet processing unit (20 to 28) in the processing direction (18).

17. The sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The sheet processing machine (10) is a flatbed printing machine.

18. The sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The sheet processing machine (10) is a hot foil stamping machine or a die-cutting machine.

Images