Positioning device and positioning assembly for holding a flat flexible member and sheet material processing machine

Abstract

A positioning device (38) for holding a flat flexible member, in particular a sheet, on a positioning surface is described. It comprises a main body (44) having a fluid inlet (52) for supplying a driving fluid to the main body (44), a fluid outlet (58) for discharging the driving fluid from the main body (44), and a suction opening for sucking the flat flexible member. A circulation channel (60) connects the fluid inlet (52) and the fluid outlet (58), and a suction channel (70) connects the suction opening to the circulation channel (60). The suction channel (70) is connected to the circulation channel (60) adjacent to a section (64) having a reduced cross-sectional area, such that a jet pump (71) is formed. Each cross-section (S c ) of the circulation channel (60) along its entire respective length and / or each cross-section (S s ) of the suction channel (70) along its entire respective length has a smooth edge. Furthermore, a positioning assembly comprising at least one such positioning device (38) is proposed. Moreover, a sheet material processing machine comprising at least one positioning assembly is introduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a positioning device for holding a flat, flexible component, particularly a sheet, on a positioning surface. The positioning device includes a body and a suction port. The body has a fluid inlet for supplying driving fluid to the body and a fluid outlet for discharging driving fluid from the body. The suction port is used to hold the flat, flexible component. The suction port is disposed within the positioning surface, which is the outer surface of the body. Furthermore, a circulation channel connects the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, wherein the circulation channel includes a section with a reduced cross-sectional area. The suction channel connects the suction port to the circulation channel, wherein the suction channel is connected to the circulation channel adjacent to the section with the reduced cross-sectional area to form a jet pump. In this document, the term "hold" is also understood to mean the deceleration and subsequent holding of the sheet material.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a positioning assembly for holding a flat, flexible component, particularly a sheet, on a retaining surface, the positioning assembly comprising a base having a central air supply duct and at least one positioning device of the type described above. The positioning device is mounted on the base such that its air inlet is fluidly connected to the central air supply duct, and the positioning surface forms the retaining surface.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sheet material processing machine, which includes at least one such positioning component. Background Technology

[0004] Sheet material processing machines, positioning assemblies, and positioning devices of the types described above are known in the art. Sometimes, positioning devices are also referred to as tablet devices.

[0005] Sheet material processing machines, such as paper or cardboard processing machines, typically consist of multiple processing units or stations, where a certain type of processing is performed on the sheet material, such as cutting, peeling, or blanking. Usually, a conveying system is incorporated into such machines to transfer the sheet material from one processing unit to the next.

[0006] To perform the corresponding processing in a precise and reliable manner, each processing unit may include a positioning assembly of the type described above. The positioning assembly may include at least one positioning device of the type described above. The positioning of the sheet material performed by the positioning assembly and positioning device can be static or dynamic; that is, the sheet material can be stationary or moving while remaining against the positioning surface. In the first case, the positioning device may also be designated as a holding device. In the second case, it can be used to decelerate the sheet material, acting as a so-called suction brake.

[0007] When the positioning device is used as a suction brake, it decelerates the sheet material from its maximum feed rate after it arrives at the workstation. A well-known practice is to brake its rear portion using a suction bed, which may be referred to as a suction brake or suction brake device, to maintain a degree of flatness of the sheet material during the sheet introduction phase. Laterally mounted near the inlet of the workstation, such a brake performs its function by suction-constraining the rear portion of the sheet while allowing it to gradually slide forward as its front portion is pulled. Specifically, when the sheet arrives at the workstation for processing, a clamping rod pulling the leading edge of the sheet stops to allow the sheet to be processed. The suction brake generates friction between the sheet and the stationary surface, thereby providing a braking effect on the rear portion of the sheet, preventing the sheet's inertia from causing bending, wrinkling, or creases.

[0008] In operation, the suction brake first draws out the air between the sheet and the operating surface of the braking device, and then applies a restraining force to the sheet as a braking force by pulling the sheet against the operating surface of the device. Ideally, the first operation of drawing out the air between the sheet and the operating surface of the braking device should be performed as quickly as possible to avoid sheet deformation due to sheet inertia. This requires maximum suction force.

[0009] In the second stage of operation, the sheet is drawn onto the operating surface of the braking device, blocking the suction orifice, and the airflow through the orifice drops to zero. During this stage, the sheet continues to decelerate, and the applied braking force must be high enough to effectively brake the sheet, prevent wrinkles from forming, and keep the sheet flat. Optimal operation (especially avoiding sheet deformation) requires adjusting the suction volume in this second stage based on the type of sheet (e.g., the material type and weight) and the cut shape of the sheet. This means that the pressure and / or volume of the gas causing the suction needs to be adjusted based on the operational requirements of this second stage—although this may conflict with the requirements of the first stage. Applying excessive braking force during this stage can lead to machine interruption, damage to the packaging blank, etc.

[0010] In all cases, the sheet material to be processed spans between a positioning assembly having at least one positioning device and a clamping unit of a conveying system. The sheet material is held on a positioning surface, thereby precisely positioning the sheet material within the machine. The sheet material is held on the corresponding positioning device by suction generated by a jet pump formed by a circulation channel and a suction channel connected thereto. For the suction port, the jet pump functions as a suction device.

[0011] As is generally known, suction power depends on the acceleration of the fluid present in the suction channel. This fluid is accelerated by the driving fluid flowing through the circulation channel. Higher suction power requires higher acceleration of the fluid in the suction channel. This can be achieved by providing a high-pressure driving fluid. In short, high suction power requires a high level of power or energy to be provided with the driving fluid.

[0012] WO2011 / 064226A1 discloses an apparatus for processing sheet-like printed substrates, comprising a sheet support surface and a fluid flow generator for inducing fluid flow through a Venturi-type pressure source. The Venturi-type pressure source includes a first channel extending from an inlet to an outlet and a second channel connecting the first channel to a suction end. The connection between the first and second channels is located near a radial flow restriction within the first channel.

[0013] Furthermore, US2013 / 269817A1 discloses a pump suction pipe for a pumping station, comprising a suction pipe outlet section, a suction pipe inlet section, and a suction pipe bend section connecting the suction pipe outlet section and the suction pipe inlet section to each other and changing the flow from a lateral direction to a vertical direction. Thus, the vertical cross-section of the suction pipe bend section monotonically increases from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0014] Furthermore, US2018 / 274831A1 discloses a refrigerant compressor with a suction line. The suction line includes a geometry with a progressively decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction toward the compressor. This geometry of the suction line is configured to reduce the amount of eddies, the amount of pressure loss, and to provide a more uniform refrigerant flow to the compressor.

[0015] WO2017 / 137170A1 discloses an apparatus for loading insert sheets, wherein a longitudinal rod is fixed to a transverse member such that the longitudinal rod forms a positioning surface. The longitudinal rod includes a suction conduit having at least one suction orifice on the positioning surface. The suction conduit is configured to be connected to a vacuum source. A transverse conduit is further formed in the transverse member and opens at a lateral end of the transverse member, to which a vacuum source can be connected.

[0016] Furthermore, WO2014 / 067611A1 discloses another device for maintaining a sheet-like flat element, which includes two series of suction members, each series consisting of multiple suction members. The two series of suction members and the multiple suction members are arranged in a specific manner between and among themselves. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The object of this invention is to improve upon known sheet material processing machines, positioning assemblies, and positioning devices in terms of their energy efficiency. This means achieving a given level of suction using a drive fluid with a relatively low power or energy setting.

[0018] This problem is solved by positioning devices of the type described above, wherein each cross-section of the circulation channel and / or each cross-section of the suction channel along its entire corresponding length has a smooth edge. In this document, the cross-sections are substantially perpendicular to the axes of the circulation channel or suction channel, where the axes are local axes because the circulation channel and / or suction channel may include bends or curves. The edge is understood as the outer contour of the cross-section. The edge is always a closed geometry. Since the edge is smooth, it does not include corners or warps, but can have substantially straight portions. Mathematically, this means that the first differential of the edge is continuous. Furthermore, the edge can be convex or include both concave and convex portions. Thus, in the first alternative, the radius of curvature of the edge does not change its direction or sign. In the second alternative, the radius of curvature changes its direction or sign at least twice. In particular, the edge has a circular, elliptical, or oval shape. Therefore, undesirable pressure loss along the course of the circulation channel and / or suction channel is significantly reduced. Therefore, less power or energy is required to maintain a given level of suction at the suction port compared to known positioning devices. Alternatively, an increased level of suction can be provided using a given level of power or energy. This is due to the fact that the smooth cross-section reduces friction in the fluid flow within these channels. It should be noted that, within sections with a reduced cross-sectional area, and more precisely, downstream of sections with a reduced cross-sectional area, pressure drop is both desirable and necessary for the function of the jet pump. Overall, this improves the energy efficiency of the positioning device.

[0019] In its operating state, the positioning surface can be the top surface. The inlet can be located on the lower surface of the positioning device, and the outlet can be located on its side surface.

[0020] According to the embodiment, the cross-sectional route of the circulation channel along its length includes only one discontinuity. This means that its cross-section changes only once along the circulation channel in a sudden, step-like manner. Alternatively, the cross-section can, of course, change continuously. Preferably, the single discontinuity is located at the downstream end of a segment with a reduced cross-sectional area. In particular, the circulation channel is incorporated into the circulation channel adjacent to the discontinuity. Therefore, upstream and downstream of the single discontinuity, the circulation channel is designed such that relatively low pressure loss occurs when fluid flows through it. This further increases the energy efficiency of the positioning device.

[0021] In one variation, the cross-section of the suction channel evolves continuously along its entire length. Therefore, the suction channel has no discontinuities. Consequently, the suction channel is also designed to result in relatively low pressure loss as fluid flows through it.

[0022] Specifically, the direction of extension of the circulation channel evolves continuously along its entire length. Additionally or alternatively, the direction of extension of the suction channel evolves continuously along its entire length. This means that the circulation and / or suction channels do not involve abrupt changes in direction, but rather smooth transitions. Moreover, this design results in relatively low pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the respective channels.

[0023] The circulation channel may include a bend, particularly a bend of approximately 180 degrees. Such a circulation channel can be described as hairpin-shaped. Therefore, the circulation channel can be positioned within a confined space. The corresponding positioning device is compact.

[0024] The circulation channel may additionally include a bend of approximately 90 degrees. This bend can be positioned adjacent to the inlet. Such a bend facilitates the arrangement of the inlet, allowing it to be easily connected to a fluid supply source.

[0025] According to one alternative, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are arranged on the same end of the body. They can be arranged on the same surface of the body, but this is not necessarily the case. According to an embodiment, the inlet can be arranged on the lower surface, and the outlet can be arranged on the side surface of the body. In particular, the combination with a hairpin-shaped circulation channel results in a compact design of the positioning device.

[0026] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the wall that laterally defines the circulation channel is in the range of 0.2 mm to 30 mm, particularly in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, making the channel exceptionally smooth. Therefore, friction of the fluid flowing through the circulation channel is reduced, resulting in only relatively low pressure loss.

[0027] Possibly, at least 60%, preferably at least 75%, and more preferably at least 90% of the length of the circulation channel has a cross-sectional area that is at least twice the length of the remaining portion. Preferably, the remaining portion includes sections with a reduced cross-sectional area. As previously explained, sections with a reduced cross-sectional area are necessary for forming the jet pump. Therefore, in other words, the cross-sectional area is kept as large as possible for as long as possible. This reduces frictional losses occurring in the circulation channel. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 87% of the length of the circulation channel has a large cross-sectional area that is at least twice the length of the remaining portion. In this embodiment, the larger cross-sectional area is approximately 30 mm². 2 .

[0028] A cleaning fluid inlet may be located on the main body. A cleaning fluid (e.g., pressurized air) can be supplied to the main body through this inlet to clean at least a portion of the circulation and / or suction channels. By keeping the circulation and / or suction channels clean, the positioning device can operate reliably over extended periods.

[0029] The cleaning fluid channel fluidly connects the cleaning fluid inlet to either the circulation channel or the suction channel, wherein the cross-section of the cleaning fluid channel has smooth edges along its entire length. Therefore, the cleaning fluid channel is also designed to minimize losses as the cleaning fluid flows through it. Consequently, the cleaning process achieves high energy efficiency.

[0030] According to one implementation, the main body is an additively manufactured component. In other words, the main body is manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques (such as 3D printing). Such a manufacturing technique means that there are very few design constraints on the manufactured component, i.e., the main body. Therefore, suction channels and circulation channels, in particular, can be designed without considering the limitations of conventional manufacturing techniques. Consequently, suction channels and circulation channels, especially those with the aforementioned characteristics, can be manufactured with relatively low effort.

[0031] The body can be specifically designed to be manufactured using additive manufacturing technology. The body preferably includes wall sections whose outer surfaces are specifically formed. Channel sections forming suction channels and / or circulation channels can be formed within the wall sections. Additionally, the body may include support sections. The wall sections, channel sections, and support sections can all have substantially equal wall thicknesses. Alternatively, the thickness difference can vary by only + / - 20% relative to each other within the channels.

[0032] The reduced cross-sectional area section of the circulation channel may include a nozzle with a substantially circular cross-section. This nozzle forms part of the jet pump and is used to accelerate the fluid in the suction channel. In an ideal positioning device, the pressure drop occurs only in the nozzle. The remainder of the circulation channel is lossless.

[0033] This problem is also solved by a positioning component of the type described above, which includes at least one positioning device according to the invention. For reasons already explained in conjunction with the positioning device, this positioning component can operate in an energy-efficient manner.

[0034] Furthermore, the number and / or size of the positioning devices can be selected so that different numbers of positioning devices or combinations of positioning devices of different sizes produce the desired width of the positioning assembly. This width can be selected to correspond to the common widths of sheet material processing machines. In other words, the positioning assembly is modular in terms of the positioning devices. Therefore, it can be easily adapted to different types of sheet material processing machines.

[0035] In addition, all the effects and advantages already explained in conjunction with the positioning device also apply to the positioning component, and vice versa.

[0036] Furthermore, this problem is solved by a sheet material processing machine of the type described above, which includes at least one positioning component according to the invention. Since the positioning component can operate in a very energy-efficient manner, this also applies to sheet material processing machines equipped with such a positioning component.

[0037] In addition, all the effects and benefits already explained in conjunction with positioning devices and positioning components also apply to sheet material processing machines, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0039] - Figure 1 A sheet material processing machine according to the present invention is shown, comprising a plurality of positioning components according to the present invention, each positioning component having at least one positioning device according to the present invention.

[0040] - Figure 2 The diagram shows a partially assembled configuration with two positioning devices. Figure 1 Part of the positioning component,

[0041] - Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The positioning component in the cross-sectional view of plane III.

[0042] - Figure 4 Shown in perspective view Figure 1 and Figure 2 Positioning device,

[0043] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A detail V in the positioning device,

[0044] - Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The positioning device is shown in the cross-sectional view of plane VI.

[0045] - Figure 7 Shown in perspective view form including Figure 6 cross-sectional view Figure 5 The positioning device part.

[0046] - Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 The positioning device in the cross-sectional view of plane VIII, and

[0047] - Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The positioning device is shown in the cross-sectional view of plane IX. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1 A sheet material processing machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as machine 10) is shown.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, machine 10 is configured for cutting sheet material and consists of five units, each of which performs a certain processing on the sheet material.

[0050] The first unit is a feeder unit 10a for providing or supplying sheet 12 to be processed. For illustrative purposes, only one sheet 12 is shown in the feeder unit 10a.

[0051] The second unit includes a flatbed printing press 14, which is configured to cut the sheet 12. Therefore, the second unit is a flatbed printing press unit 10b.

[0052] The third unit is the stripping unit 10c, which is configured to remove certain waste elements from the cut sheet 12.

[0053] The fourth unit is the feeding unit 10d. In this unit, the actual required portion of the cut sheet 12 is taken out and placed on the stack 16.

[0054] The fifth unit is the waste discharge unit 10e, which is used to eliminate further waste elements from the cut sheet 12.

[0055] Sheet 12 is conveyed through machine 10 via conveying system 18, which generally includes conveyor belt 20 and a plurality of gripper units 22 configured to selectively hold sheet 12 attached to conveyor belt 20.

[0056] The flatbed printing unit 10b, the peeling unit 10c, and the blanking unit 10d additionally include a positioning assembly 24 for holding the sheet 12 on the holding surface 26.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the retaining surface 26 is the top surface of the positioning component 24.

[0058] During the processing of sheet 12 in any of the flatbed printing unit 10b, peeling unit 10c and blanking unit 10d, the leading edge of sheet 12 will be held by the corresponding clamping unit 22, and the trailing edge of sheet 12 will be held by the corresponding positioning component 24 (see travel direction T).

[0059] Figure 2 The positioning component 24 is shown in more detail.

[0060] It includes a base 28 with a central air supply duct 30.

[0061] Therefore, pressurized air can be supplied to the base 28 via the central air supply duct 30.

[0062] The base 28 also includes multiple fluid outlets 32 that are in fluid communication with the central air supply duct 30.

[0063] In addition, the base 28 includes a cleaning fluid inlet 34. Therefore, cleaning fluid can be supplied to the positioning component 24 via the cleaning fluid inlet 34.

[0064] The base 28 also includes a clean fluid outlet 36 in fluid communication with the clean fluid inlet 34.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, two positioning devices 38 are mounted on the base 28 via fastening devices 40 (e.g., bolts or rivets).

[0066] The pad 42 is placed between the base 28 and each positioning device 38.

[0067] Reference Figures 3 to 9 Let's explain one of the positioning devices 38 in more detail. Because... Figure 2 The two positioning devices 38 shown are essentially the same, and the following explanation applies to both positioning devices 38.

[0068] The positioning device 38 includes a main body 44, which is an additively manufactured component.

[0069] One of the outer surfaces of the main body 44 is the positioning surface 46.

[0070] The positioning surface 46 forms part of the retaining surface 26.

[0071] exist Figure 2 In the representation, positioning surface 46 is the top surface of body 44.

[0072] The main body 44 also includes a connecting surface 48, which also serves as its outer surface.

[0073] The connecting surface 48 is arranged opposite the positioning surface 46, therefore in Figure 2 The representation shows the lower surface of the main body 44.

[0074] Suction ports 50 are provided on the positioning surface 46. These suction ports 50 are configured to adsorb the sheet 12, so that it is held on the positioning surface 46.

[0075] A fluid inlet 52 is provided on the connecting surface 48 for supplying driving fluid to the main body 44 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0076] Additionally, a clean fluid inlet 54 is disposed on the connection surface 48 (see [link]). Figure 4 ).

[0077] The main body 44 also has a lateral surface 56 that connects the positioning surface 46 and the connecting surface 48.

[0078] A fluid outlet 58 is provided on the lateral surface 56 for discharging the driving fluid from the main body 44 (see [reference]). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0079] Fluid inlet 52 and fluid outlet 58 are arranged at the same end of body 44. Figure 4 In the representation, they are set at their upper ends.

[0080] Each of the fluid inlets 52 is connected to the corresponding fluid outlet 58 via a circulation channel 60. In other words, the circulation channel 60 extends from the corresponding fluid inlet 52 to the corresponding fluid outlet 58 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8 ).

[0081] The circulation channel 60 is typically shaped like a hairpin, meaning it includes a bend 62 of approximately 180°.

[0082] Downstream of the bend 62, the circulation channel includes a section 64 with a reduced cross-sectional area.

[0083] Section 64 includes a nozzle 66 for accelerating the flow of the driving fluid through the circulation channel 60.

[0084] Nozzle 66 has a substantially circular cross-section (see...) Figure 9 ).

[0085] When considering the cross-section S of the circulation channel 60 along its length c At that time, the cross-section has a single discontinuity 68 at the downstream end of the nozzle 66.

[0086] In the remainder of the circulation channel 60, the cross-section S c Continuous evolution.

[0087] For ease of representation, Figure 8 Some cross sections S of the circulation channel 60 c It is indicated by the reference numerals in the attached figure.

[0088] In this paper, approximately 87% of the length of the circulation channel 60 has a cross-sectional area that is at least twice the cross-sectional area of ​​the remaining portion of the length of the circulation channel 60.

[0089] This means that the circulation channel 60 has a relatively large and relatively uniform cross-sectional area in all sections except for section 64, which has a reduced cross-sectional area.

[0090] Furthermore, the extension direction E of the circulation channel 60 cThe evolution is continuous along the entire length of the loop channel 60, that is, the loop channel 60 has no corners or twists.

[0091] In addition, each cross section S of the circulation channel 60 along its entire length c It has smooth edges, that is, it defines the cross-section S. c Its outline also does not have corners or twists.

[0092] Specifically, the radius of curvature r of the wall portion that laterally defines the circulation channel 60 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0093] For ease of representation, Figure 8 Some of the radii of curvature r of only the circulating channel 60 are indicated by the attached figures.

[0094] The main body 44 is also provided with a suction channel 70, which connects the suction port 50 to the circulation channel 60.

[0095] The suction channel 70 surrounds the circulation channel 60 in a section 64 with a reduced cross-sectional area and is connected to the circulation channel 60 in the vicinity of the section 64 with a reduced cross-sectional area, thereby forming a jet pump 71.

[0096] More precisely, the suction channel 70 merges into the circulation channel 60 at the discontinuity 68.

[0097] Therefore, the flow of the driving fluid through the circulation channel 60 is accelerated by the nozzle 66 and the fluid present in the suction channel 70 is accelerated, so that the sheet 12 is adsorbed through the suction port 50.

[0098] The cross-section S of the suction channel 70 s It evolves continuously along the entire length of the suction channel 70. The cross-section S of the suction channel 70... s The route is not discontinuous.

[0099] Similarly, in Figure 5 and Figure 9 Only two representative cross sections S in the middle s This indicates that there are attached figures.

[0100] Furthermore, the extension direction E of the suction channel 70 s It evolves continuously along the entire length of the suction channel 70.

[0101] Furthermore, similar to the circulation channel 60, each cross-section S of the suction channel 70 along its entire corresponding length... s It has smooth edges.

[0102] It should be noted that even though the suction port 50 is generally D-shaped, the edges of the cross-section of the suction port 50 and therefore the edges of the cross-section of the suction channel 70 do not include bends or corners. This means that all corners of the D-shape are rounded.

[0103] In addition, a cleaning fluid channel 72 is provided, which fluidly connects the cleaning fluid inlet 54 to the suction channel 70 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 9 ).

[0104] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the cleaning fluid channel 72 branches at its downstream end, such that the first cleaning fluid channel portion 72a and the second cleaning fluid channel portion 72b are incorporated into the suction channel 70.

[0105] The cleaning fluid channel 72 has a cross-section with smooth edges along its entire length.

[0106] It should be understood that in the embodiments described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, sheet 12 serves as a representative example of a flat, flexible component. This means that machine 10, positioning assembly 24, and positioning device 38 can also be used in conjunction with any other flat, flexible component.

Claims

1. A positioning device (38) for holding a flat, flexible component on a positioning surface (46), the positioning device (38) comprising: The body (44) has a fluid inlet (52) for supplying driving fluid to the body (44), a fluid outlet (58) for discharging driving fluid from the body (44), and a suction port (50) for adsorbing flat flexible parts, wherein the suction port (50) is arranged within a positioning surface (46) which is the outer surface of the body (44). A circulation channel (60) connecting a fluid inlet (52) and a fluid outlet (58), wherein the circulation channel (60) includes a section (64) having a reduced cross-sectional area, and A suction channel (70) connects a suction port (50) to a circulation channel (60), wherein the suction channel (70) is connected to the circulation channel (60) adjacent to a section (64) having a reduced cross-sectional area, thereby forming a jet pump (71). Its features are, Each cross section (S) of the circulation channel (60) c ) and / or suction channel (70) along each cross section (S) of its entire corresponding length s ) has smooth edges that define each cross section (S) of the circulation channel (60). c ) and / or suction channel (70) along each cross section (S) of its entire corresponding length s The outline of the body (44) has no corners or bends, and the fluid inlet (52) and fluid outlet (58) are arranged on the same end of the body (44).

2. The positioning device (38) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flat flexible component is a sheet (12).

3. The positioning device (38) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Cross-section (S) of the circulation channel (60) along its length c The route includes only one discontinuity (68).

4. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cross-section (S) of the suction channel (70) s It evolves continuously along the entire length of the suction channel (70).

5. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The extension direction of the circulation channel (60) (E) c ) evolves continuously along the entire length of the circulation channel (60), and / or along the extension direction (E) of the suction channel (70). s It evolves continuously along the entire length of the suction channel (70).

6. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The circulation channel (60) includes a bend (62).

7. The positioning device (38) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The curved portion (62) is 180°.

8. The positioning device (38) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The radius of curvature (r) of the wall portion that laterally defines the circulation channel (60) is in the range of 0.2 mm to 30 mm.

9. The positioning device (38) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The radius of curvature (r) of the wall portion is in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

10. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least 60% of the length of the circulation channel (60) has a cross-sectional area that is at least twice the length of the remaining portion of the circulation channel (60).

11. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least 75% of the length of the circulation channel (60) has a cross-sectional area that is at least twice the length of the remaining portion of the circulation channel (60).

12. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least 90% of the length of the circulation channel (60) has a cross-sectional area that is at least twice the length of the remaining portion of the circulation channel (60).

13. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A clean fluid inlet (54) is arranged on the main body (44).

14. The positioning device (38) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cleaning fluid channel (72) fluidly connects the cleaning fluid inlet (54) to the circulation channel (60) or to the suction channel (70), wherein the cross section of the cleaning fluid channel (72) has smooth edges along its entire length.

15. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main body (44) is an additively manufactured component.

16. The positioning device (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The section (64) of the circulation channel (60) with a reduced cross-sectional area includes a nozzle (66) with a substantially circular cross-section.

17. A positioning assembly (24) for holding a flat, flexible component on a retaining surface (26), comprising a base (28) having a central air supply duct (30) and at least one positioning device (38) according to any of the preceding claims. The positioning device (38) is mounted on the base (28) such that the fluid inlet (52) of the positioning device (38) is fluidly connected to the central air supply duct (30), and the positioning surface (46) forms the retaining surface (26).

18. The positioning component (24) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The flat flexible component is a sheet (12).

19. A sheet material processing machine (10) comprising at least one positioning component (24) according to claim 17 or 18.

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