Sheet material processing tool, sheet material processing station and sheet material processing machine

Abstract

A sheet material processing tool (14), in particular a cardboard or paper processing tool, is described. It comprises a carrying frame (26) having a front frame member (28) extending substantially perpendicular to a processing direction (P) of a sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member (30) extending substantially parallel to the front frame member (28), a first lateral frame member (32) connecting respective first end portions (28a, 30a) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30), and a second lateral frame member (34) connecting respective second end portions (28b, 30b) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30). Furthermore, a first multipurpose interface (54) is provided for selectively connecting a first tool element for processing the sheet material to the carrying frame (26). In addition, a sheet material processing station is provided. It comprises a support structure to which the sheet material processing tool (14) is connected. Furthermore, a sheet material processing machine having the sheet material processing station is described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to sheet material processing tools, particularly cardboard or paper processing tools. The sheet material processing tool includes a support frame having a front frame member extending substantially perpendicular to the processing direction of the sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member extending substantially parallel to the front frame member and substantially perpendicular to the processing direction, a first lateral frame member connecting respective first ends of the front and rear frame members, and a second lateral frame member connecting respective second ends of the front and rear frame members, wherein the second ends are disposed opposite to the first ends.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a sheet material processing station including a support structure, wherein such sheet material processing tools are connected to the support structure.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to sheet material processing machines including such sheet material processing stations, particularly sheet material cutting machines. Background Technology

[0004] Sheet material processing tools with the above-described configuration are known in the art. So are sheet material processing stations and corresponding sheet material processing machines that include such tools.

[0005] Known tools, for example, can be configured as so-called blanking tools, that is, tools configured to separate the actual required portion of sheet material (which is called the layout) from the remaining portion, which is not strictly part of the product to be produced from the sheet material. The latter portion can be called the waste portion.

[0006] Alternatively, known tools can be so-called full-sheet tools, which are tools configured for cutting the front portion of a sheet material, where the remaining portion includes the desired section (i.e., the layout) and the remaining portion surrounding the layout. In this case, the layout will be separated from the remaining portion in a further processing step.

[0007] Sheet materials can be in the form of continuous rolls of paper or discontinuous (i.e., separate) sheets.

[0008] Examples of sheet materials include paper, cardboard, or polymers.

[0009] Because known tools are specifically designed to perform the corresponding tasks or operations, they are able to do so in an efficient manner.

[0010] Furthermore, it is well known that different sheet material processing operations require different tools and / or different tool arrangements within the corresponding sheet material processing station or sheet material processing machine.

[0011] Therefore, frequent job changes result in a relatively high level of effort required to reconfigure the sheet material processing stations and sheet material processing machines used to perform the job. Summary of the Invention

[0012] For these reasons, the problem that this invention aims to solve is to reduce the effort required to reconfigure sheet material processing stations and sheet material processing machines during job changes.

[0013] This problem is solved by a sheet material processing tool of the type described above, which includes a first multi-purpose interface for selectively connecting a first tool element for processing sheet material to a support frame. Therefore, the sheet material processing tool can be equipped with different first tool elements, all of which can be connected to the support frame via the first multi-purpose interface. Consequently, the sheet material processing tool can be easily and quickly reconfigured to perform different tasks or operations. The effort required to perform such reconfiguration is very low, as only the first tool element needs to be exchanged; the rest remains unchanged. Such a sheet material processing tool can also be described as highly flexible or modular. In this document, the multi-purpose interface should be understood as an interface through which different first tool elements can be connected to the support frame. In other words, the multi-purpose interface solves a certain degree of versatility. Therefore, an interface of a known tool specifically designed for connecting two particular parts of a tool is not a multi-purpose interface.

[0014] The support frame of the sheet material processing tool according to the present invention can be referred to as a tool base or base tool, because different first tool elements can be mounted thereon.

[0015] In this article, the first tool element may also be referred to as an additional element or a tool extension.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a sheet material processing tool includes a rear wall extending substantially parallel to a rear frame member, a first side wall extending substantially parallel to a first lateral frame member, and a second side wall extending substantially parallel to a second lateral frame member. The front frame member, rear wall, first side wall, and second side wall define a duct through which a sheet or portion of a sheet can pass. Herein, a wall is understood as a component separate from the frame member. The duct is additionally configured to allow the sheet or portion of a sheet to pass through after being processed by the sheet material processing tool. In other words, the final or intermediate product is directed through the duct, while potential remaining portions of the sheet (e.g., waste portions) can be removed from the sheet material processing tool along different paths. Such a sheet material processing tool is compact. The clear separation paths between the product or intermediate product and the waste also result in the tool being suitable for high-speed operation.

[0017] At least one of the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall can be movably supported within the load-bearing frame, making the pipe size adjustable. Therefore, the pipe can be adapted to accommodate products or intermediate products of different sizes. Consequently, the product or intermediate product can be precisely guided during its passage through the pipe. This leads to the possibility of precisely positioning the product or intermediate product as it exits the pipe.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall engages with its respective drive unit, such that at least one of the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall is electrically adjustable within the support frame. In other words, the dimensions of the pipe formed by the walls can be automatically adjusted. Therefore, the pipe can be adjusted precisely and quickly.

[0019] In one variation, a flexible cover is attached to the rear wall and / or rear frame member, thereby covering the gap between the rear wall and the rear frame member. The flexible cover prevents any interference with the gap or prevents elements present in the gap, as well as sheet material to be processed, from entering. Therefore, sheet material processing tools can operate reliably. Because the cover is flexible, its function is independent of the size of the gap (i.e., the distance between the rear wall and the rear frame member, which can vary).

[0020] Additionally, a second multi-purpose interface can be provided for selectively connecting a second tool element for processing sheet material to the support frame. Therefore, the sheet material processing tool can be equipped with different second tool elements connected to the support frame via the second multi-purpose interface. This allows the sheet material processing tool to be quickly and easily reconfigured for performing different tasks or operations. The effort required to perform such configuration or reconfiguration is very low, as only the second tool element needs to be replaced; the rest of the sheet material processing tool remains unchanged. The sheet material processing tool is also flexible or modular relative to the second multi-purpose interface. Similarly, a multi-purpose interface should be understood as an interface through which different second tool elements can be connected to the support frame. That is, the multi-purpose interface solves a certain degree of versatility. Therefore, an interface of a known tool specifically designed for connecting two particular parts of a tool is not a multi-purpose interface.

[0021] Based on the first tool element, the second tool element can also be referred to as an additional element or a tool extension.

[0022] The second multi-purpose interface can be located on the rear wall. Therefore, the second tool element can be installed in a stable and reliable manner. If the rear wall is movable, the second multi-purpose interface is also movable.

[0023] The first multi-purpose interface can be located on the front frame member. Therefore, the first tool element can be mounted on the frame member in a stable and reliable manner.

[0024] In an alternative, the first tool element is a cutting member for cutting the sheet to be processed, wherein the first tool element is connected to the support frame via a first multi-purpose interface. For example, the cutting member can be used to cut off the front portion of the sheet held by the gripper bar.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the second tool element is a sheet support member for supporting and / or guiding the sheet to be processed, wherein the second tool element is connected to the support frame via a second multipurpose interface.

[0026] A tool comprising a first tool element as a cutting component and a second tool element as a sheet support component can be referred to as a full-sheet tool. This tool is suitable for cutting the front portion of a sheet, where the remaining portion includes a layout section and a scrap section. The layout section will be separated from the scrap section in subsequent processing steps.

[0027] In another alternative, the first and second tool elements consist of a blanking assembly, which is connected to the support frame via a first multi-purpose interface and a second multi-purpose interface. Therefore, the sheet material processing tool is a blanking tool. In this document, the sidewalls and rear wall can be in specific positions (e.g., a retracted position) to provide the necessary space for the blanking assembly.

[0028] The blanking assembly may include at least one separating bar that divides the processing plane of the blanking assembly into at least two portions, each portion corresponding to a blank to be removed from the sheet to be processed. Therefore, the blanking assembly is suitable for processing sheets comprising more than one layout.

[0029] A tool that includes a first tool element and a second tool element consisting of a blanking assembly can be called a blanking tool.

[0030] Therefore, the sheet material processing tool according to the present invention can also be referred to as a combined full sheet and blanking tool.

[0031] Furthermore, the sheet material processing tool, cutting component, sheet support component, and blanking assembly according to the present invention constitute a kit that can be used to generate different tools, such as blanking tools and full sheet tools.

[0032] Furthermore, this problem is solved by the sheet material processing station of the type described above, wherein the sheet material processing tool according to the invention is connected to the support structure. Such a sheet material processing station can be easily and quickly reconfigured for specific processing steps with very little effort.

[0033] The sheet material processing station may also include further tools, which can be arranged within a support structure to interact with the further tools to process the sheet. In this context, the sheet material processing tool can be a lower tool, and the further tool can be an upper tool with which it interacts.

[0034] In addition, the sheet material processing station may have a sheet stack support unit disposed below the sheet material processing tool. This sheet stack support unit is suitable for receiving and supporting sheets that have passed through the pipes of the sheet material processing tool.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a sheet material processing tool is supported in a support structure by at least one linear support device, allowing the sheet material processing tool to be selectively arranged in an operating position or an extended position. In the operating position, the sheet material processing tool is configured to at least facilitate the processing of the sheet material. In the extended position, the sheet material processing tool extends from the support structure. Preferably, the direction between the operating position and the extended position is transverse relative to the processing direction, i.e., the sheet material processing tool can extend from one side of the sheet material processing station. Therefore, the sheet material processing station provides a good entry point for the reconfiguration of the sheet material processing tool (i.e., installation or removal of the first and second tool elements). Using the linear support device, the sheet material processing tool can be transferred from the operating position to the extended position in a drawer-like manner. This also applies to the transfer from the extended position to the operating position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sheet material processing station includes at least one support arm configured to support a sheet material processing tool in its extended position. Optionally, the support arm is pivotally supported such that it can be moved to a retracted position when not in use. The corresponding pivot axis can extend in a substantially vertical direction.

[0037] In addition, all the effects and benefits already explained in relation to sheet material processing tools also apply to sheet material processing stations, and vice versa.

[0038] This problem is also solved by a sheet material processing machine of the type described above, which includes a sheet material processing station according to the invention. This sheet material processing machine is, for example, a die-cutting machine. All the effects and advantages already explained in relation to sheet material processing tools or sheet material processing stations also apply to the sheet material processing machine, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0040] - Figure 1A portion of a sheet material processing machine according to the invention is shown, the machine having a sheet material processing station according to the invention, the station having a sheet material processing tool according to the invention configured as a blanking tool.

[0041] - Figure 2 Shown in a separate representation Figure 1 Sheet material processing tools,

[0042] - Figure 3 It shows from different perspectives Figure 2 Sheet material processing tools,

[0043] - Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The sheet material processing tool, in which the blanking component has been removed.

[0044] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Details of sheet material processing tools, V

[0045] - Figure 6 It shows from another perspective Figure 2 and Figure 3 Sheet material processing tools,

[0046] - Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Detail VII of sheet material processing tools

[0047] - Figure 8 A sheet material processing tool according to the invention, configured as an all-sheet tool, is shown.

[0048] - Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Details of sheet material processing tools IX

[0049] - Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 Details X of sheet material processing tools, and

[0050] - Figure 11 It shows Figure 8 A sheet material processing tool, which is suitable for sheets of different sizes. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 A sheet material processing machine 10 is shown, which is the die-cutting machine in the example shown. It is configured for processing cardboard.

[0052] The sheet material processing machine 10 includes a sheet material processing station 12, etc., which will be explained in more detail below.

[0053] Other sheet material processing stations of the sheet material processing machine 10 include, for example, a sheet material receiving station and a sheet material cutting station.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the sheet material processing station 12 is configured as a dropping station, that is, a station that separates the layout from the sheet material and places it on a stack.

[0055] Therefore, the sheet material processing station 12 includes a sheet material processing tool 14, which is configured as a cardboard cutting tool in the example shown.

[0056] More precisely, the sheet material processing tool 14 is configured as a lower tool and is configured to interact with the upper tool 16 in a generally known manner.

[0057] The sheet material processing station 12 includes a support structure 18.

[0058] The sheet material processing tool 14 is supported on the support structure 18 by two linear support devices 20a and 20b.

[0059] Therefore, the sheet material processing tool 14 is slidably supported on the support structure 18 or slidably supported inside the sheet material processing station 12 in a drawer-like manner.

[0060] In this paper, the sheet material processing tool 14 can be selectively arranged as follows: Figure 1 In the extended position shown, the sheet material processing tool 14 extends laterally from the support structure 18.

[0061] Alternatively, the sheet material processing tool 14 may be selectively positioned in an operating position where it is configured to at least facilitate the processing of the sheet material. In this position, the sheet material processing tool 14 is arranged within the sheet material processing station 12 below the upper tool 16, allowing the tools 14 and 16 to interact with each other.

[0062] The sheet material processing tool 14 can slide in the lateral direction relative to the processing direction P of the sheet material processing machine 10.

[0063] Therefore, the linear support device 20a is a rear support device relative to the machining direction P, and the linear support device 20b is a front support device.

[0064] exist Figure 2 The sheet material processing tool 14 can be seen in more detail, and linear support devices 20a and 20b are also shown, even though they are not part of the sheet material processing tool 14.

[0065] Sheet material processing tools typically consist of a tool base 22 and a blanking assembly 24 connected thereto.

[0066] The tool base 22 includes a support frame 26 having a front frame member 28 extending substantially perpendicular to the machining direction P and a rear frame member 30 extending substantially parallel to the front frame member 28 and substantially perpendicular to the machining direction P.

[0067] In addition, the load-bearing frame 26 includes a first lateral frame member 32 connecting the corresponding first ends 28a, 30a of the front frame member 28 and the rear frame member 30, and a second lateral frame member 34 connecting the corresponding second ends 28b, 30b of the front frame member 28 and the rear frame member 30.

[0068] The second ends 28b and 30b are arranged opposite to the first ends 28a and 30a.

[0069] The sheet material processing tool 14 also includes a rear wall 36 that extends substantially parallel to the rear frame member 30 and is movably arranged on the support frame 26.

[0070] In addition, the sheet material processing tool 14 has a first sidewall 38 that extends substantially parallel to the first lateral frame member 32 and is movably arranged on the load-bearing frame 26.

[0071] Furthermore, a second sidewall 40 is provided, which extends substantially parallel to the second lateral frame member 34 and is movably arranged on the load-bearing frame 26.

[0072] The front frame member 28, the rear wall 36, the first side wall 38, and the second side wall 40 define a conduit 42 through which the sheet or part of the sheet can pass.

[0073] Since the rear wall 36, the first side wall 38, and the second side wall 40 are movably arranged on the support frame 26, the size of the pipe 42 is adjustable.

[0074] Additionally, the rear wall 36, the first side wall 38, and the second side wall 40 are electrically adjustable within the load-bearing frame 26.

[0075] Therefore, they are connected to their respective drive units, and the drive units are in Figures 1 to 7 This was not stated in the text and will be explained later.

[0076] The sheet material processing tool 14 is also equipped with a flexible cover 44, which is connected to the rear wall 36 and the rear frame member 30, so that the spacing between the rear wall 36 and the rear frame member 30 is covered.

[0077] The blanking assembly 24 is basically composed of a blanking assembly frame 46, which defines a basic rectangular opening 48.

[0078] In addition, the feeding assembly 24 has two dividing rods 50 and 52 that divide the opening 48 into four feeding sections.

[0079] The dividing bar 50 extends substantially in a direction parallel to the machining direction P, dividing the opening 48 into two halves of substantially the same size.

[0080] The separator 52 is oriented substantially transversely to the machining direction P. It also divides the opening 48 into two halves of substantially the same size.

[0081] In this way, the processing plane of the blanking assembly 24 is divided into four parts, each part corresponding to the blank to be removed from the sheet to be processed.

[0082] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 The combination of these components is particularly evident in that the blanking assembly 24 is connected to the support frame 26 via a first multi-purpose interface 54 and a second multi-purpose interface 56.

[0083] Generally, the first multipurpose interface 54 is configured to selectively connect the first tool element to the support frame 26.

[0084] The second multipurpose interface 56 is configured to selectively connect the second tool element to the support frame 26.

[0085] Therefore, in the example shown, the first tool element and the second tool element are composed of the blanking assembly 24.

[0086] The first multi-purpose interface 54 is provided on the front frame member 28.

[0087] The second multi-purpose interface 56 is located on the rear wall 36.

[0088] For connecting the blanking assembly 24 to the support frame 26 or the tool base 22, the first multi-purpose interface 54 includes a first support surface 58, on which the front portion of the blanking assembly frame 46 is vertically supported (see, in particular) Figure 4 , 6 and 7).

[0089] In addition, an adjacent surface 60 is provided as part of the first multi-purpose interface 54, and the blanking assembly frame 46 abuts against this adjacent surface 60 in a horizontal direction that is substantially parallel to the processing direction P (see in detail). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0090] Additionally, a centering protrusion 62 is provided on the adjacent surface 60 for centering the blanking assembly 24 in a direction transverse to the processing direction P (see in detail). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0091] With the blanking assembly 24 installed, the centering protrusion 62 engages with the centering groove (not shown) provided on the blanking assembly 24 (more precisely, on the blanking assembly frame 46).

[0092] Furthermore, the first multi-purpose interface 54 includes two openings 64a and 64b, which are disposed on the adjacent surface 60 (see in detail). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0093] Openings 64a and 64b are configured to receive corresponding mounting pins (not shown) extending from the blanking assembly frame 46 in a direction substantially parallel to the processing direction.

[0094] At its rear end, that is, at the end of the blanking assembly frame 46 relative to the processing direction P, there is a protrusion (not shown) that extends substantially across the entire width of the blanking assembly frame 46.

[0095] The protrusion is accommodated in a corresponding slot 66 of the second multipurpose interface 56 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0096] The slot 66 is located on the rear wall 36, wherein the opening of the slot 66 is substantially oriented in the machining direction P.

[0097] In the example shown, the protrusion on the blanking assembly frame 46 has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section. The same is true for the slot 66 into which the protrusion extends when the blanking assembly 24 is mounted.

[0098] Therefore, starting from the non-installed state of the blanking assembly 24, the rear wall 36 needs to be moved to a position that is close enough to the rear frame member 30 or sufficiently spaced from the front frame member 28, so that the blanking assembly 24 can be inserted between the front frame member 28 and the rear wall 36, and the pin of the blanking assembly frame 46 can be inserted into the corresponding openings 64a, 64b.

[0099] Subsequently, the wedge-shaped protrusion is oriented so that it is substantially in front of the slot 66. Then, the rear wall 36 is moved toward the blanking assembly frame 46 so that the protrusion engages with the slot 66 and the pin is pushed into the corresponding openings 64a, 64b.

[0100] Therefore, the blanking assembly 24 is fixedly held on the support frame 26 or tool base 22. Additionally, it is precisely positioned in the machining direction P by abutting against the adjacent surface 60.

[0101] Due to the engagement of the centering protrusion 62, it is precisely positioned relative to the lateral direction.

[0102] The blanking assembly 24 is precisely positioned in the vertical direction by abutting against the support surface 58.

[0103] In addition, a sensor can be installed to detect the position of the rear wall 36.

[0104] Using such a sensor, if a predefined position of the rear wall 36 is detected, the correct installation of the blanking assembly 24 can be deduced. This sensor can be a proximity sensor.

[0105] Combining Figures 8 to 10 Explain alternative configurations of the sheet material processing tool 14.

[0106] In this alternative, the sheet material processing tool 14 is configured as a so-called full sheet tool. In such a tool, the layout is left in the sheet material, and the portion of the sheet material with the layout is placed on a stack below the tool's conduit 42.

[0107] In its configuration as a full sheet tool, the sheet material processing tool 14 includes a cutting member 68 configured to cut off the front portion of the sheet material, wherein the front portion is held by a clamping assembly for transporting the sheet material through the sheet material processing machine 10.

[0108] The cutting component 68 is connected to the support frame 46 via a first multi-purpose interface 54. Therefore, the cutting component 68 is a first tool element.

[0109] In this text, the cutting component 68 abuts against the support surface 58 of the first multipurpose interface 54.

[0110] Furthermore, the first multi-purpose interface 54 includes a plurality of openings 70 disposed in the support surface 58 (see in particular). Figure 4 , 6 and 7).

[0111] A connecting bolt 72 is provided behind each opening 70. In the example shown, the connecting bolt 72 extends substantially along the machining direction P (see especially). Figure 7 ).

[0112] In its installed state, a hook (not shown) is provided on one side of the lower cutting member 68, the hook being configured to extend through one of the corresponding openings in the opening 70 and engage the corresponding engagement bolt 72.

[0113] The hook can be spring-biased such that the cutting member 68 is securely held on the support surface 58 when the hook engages the corresponding engagement bolt 72.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the hook that engages with the engagement bolt 72 may be inclined to achieve the same effect.

[0115] In the example shown, four openings 70 are provided, each with a connecting bolt 72. Accordingly, the cutting member 68 includes four hooks.

[0116] In addition, the first multipurpose interface 54 includes a fastening device in the form of a pin (not shown), which is supported on the front frame member 28 such that it protrudes from the support surface 58 in a spring-biased manner.

[0117] The cutting member 68 is provided with a corresponding opening so that once the cutting member 68 is in its correct position on the support surface 58, the pin of the fixing device will extend into the opening.

[0118] Therefore, in order to mount the cutting member 68 on the support frame 26 via the first multipurpose interface 54, the cutting member 68 is positioned on the support surface 58 at a slightly offset position such that the hook of the cutting member 68 protrudes through the corresponding opening 70, but does not engage with the engagement bolt 72.

[0119] Subsequently, the cutting member 68 is displaced in a direction transverse to the processing direction P while maintaining contact with the supporting surface 58. In doing so, the hook engages with the corresponding engaging bolt 72. Once the desired position is reached, the retaining pin of the fixing device moves into the corresponding opening on the cutting member 68.

[0120] Then the cutting component 68 is fixed in its desired operating position.

[0121] As previously mentioned regarding the blanking assembly 24, the correct position of the cutting component 68 can also be detected by a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor).

[0122] In its configuration as an all-sheet tool, the sheet material processing tool 14 also includes a sheet support member 74 for supporting and / or guiding the sheet to be processed.

[0123] The sheet support member 74 is connected to the load-bearing frame 26 via a second multi-purpose interface 56.

[0124] Therefore, the sheet support member 74 can be regarded as a second tool element.

[0125] Sheet support member 74 abuts against support surface 76 of second multipurpose interface 56 (see especially) Figure 5 ).

[0126] In addition, as with the first multipurpose interface 54, the second multipurpose interface 56 also includes a plurality of openings 78 arranged in the support surface 76.

[0127] A connecting bolt 80 is provided behind each opening 78.

[0128] In the example shown, the engagement bolt 80 extends substantially along the machining direction P (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0129] A hook (not shown) is provided on the underside of the sheet support member 74. The hook is configured to extend through a corresponding opening in the opening 78 and engage a corresponding engagement bolt 80.

[0130] The hook can be spring-biased so that the sheet support member 74 is firmly held on the support surface 76 when the hook engages the corresponding engagement bolt 80.

[0131] As explained regarding the cutting member 68, the surface of the hook of the sheet support member 74, which engages with the connecting bolt 80, can be inclined to achieve the same effect.

[0132] In the example shown, two openings 78 are provided, each with a connecting bolt 80. Accordingly, the sheet support member 74 includes two hooks.

[0133] In addition, the second multipurpose interface 56 includes a fastening device in the form of a pin (not shown) supported on the rear wall 36 such that it protrudes from the support surface 76 in a spring-biased manner.

[0134] A corresponding opening is provided on the sheet support member 74 so that once the sheet support member 74 is in its correct position on the support surface 76, the pin of the fixing device will protrude into the opening.

[0135] Therefore, in order to mount the sheet support member 74 onto the support frame 26 via the second multipurpose interface 56, the sheet support member 74 is positioned on the support surface 76 at a slightly offset position, such that the hook of the sheet support member 74 protrudes through the corresponding opening 78, but does not engage with the engagement bolt 80.

[0136] Subsequently, the sheet support member 74 moves in a direction transverse to the processing direction P while maintaining contact with the support surface 76. Thus, the hook engages with the corresponding engagement bolt 80.

[0137] Once the desired position of the sheet support member 74 is reached, the fixing pin of the fixing device moves into the corresponding opening of the sheet support member 74.

[0138] Then the sheet support member 74 is fixed in its desired operating position.

[0139] As mentioned earlier, the correct position of the sheet support member 74 can also be detected by a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor).

[0140] Figure 11 A sheet material processing tool 14 configured as a full sheet tool is shown.

[0141] and Figures 8 to 10 Conversely, the sidewalls 38, 40 and the rear wall 36 have been moved so that the sheet material processing tool 14 is now suitable for sheets with smaller dimensions.

[0142] It was also noted that, Figure 8 and Figure 11 The diagram shows a drive unit 82, which is configured to move the rear wall 36 electrically.

Claims

1. Sheet material processing tools (14), including A supporting frame (26) having a front frame member (28) extending substantially perpendicular to the processing direction (P) of the sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member (30) extending substantially parallel to the front frame member (28) and substantially perpendicular to the processing direction (P), a first lateral frame member (32) connecting the respective first ends (28a, 30a) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30), and a second lateral frame member (34) connecting the respective second ends (28b, 30b) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30), wherein the second ends (28b, 30b) and the first ends (28a, 30a) are arranged opposite to each other. A first multi-purpose interface (54) is used to selectively connect a first tool element for processing sheet material to a support frame (26). A rear wall (36) extending substantially parallel to the rear frame member (30), a first side wall (38) extending substantially parallel to the first lateral frame member (32), and a second side wall (40) extending substantially parallel to the second lateral frame member (34). in, The front frame member (28), the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38), and the second side wall (40) define a conduit (42) through which the sheet or part of the sheet passes. At least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38), and the second side wall (40) is movably supported within the support frame (26) such that the size of the conduit (42) is adjustable. At least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38) and the second side wall (40) is retractable to provide the necessary space for inserting the material drop assembly (24) into the support frame (26).

2. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that... At least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38) and the second side wall (40) is connected to a respective drive unit (82) such that at least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38) and the second side wall (40) is electrically adjustable within the support frame (26).

3. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... A flexible cover (44) is attached to the rear wall (36) and / or the rear frame member (30) such that the gap between the rear wall (36) and the rear frame member (30) is covered.

4. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... A second multipurpose interface (56) for selectively connecting a second tool element for processing sheet material to the support frame (26).

5. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 4, characterized in that... The second multipurpose interface (56) is disposed on the rear wall (36).

6. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The first multipurpose interface (54) is disposed on the front frame member (28).

7. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The first tool element is a cutting member (68) for cutting the sheet to be processed, wherein the first tool element is connected to the support frame (26) via the first multi-purpose interface (54).

8. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 4, characterized in that... The second tool element is a sheet support member (74) for supporting and / or guiding the sheet to be processed, wherein the second tool element is connected to the support frame (26) via the second multipurpose interface (56).

9. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first tool element and the second tool element are composed of the blanking assembly (24), wherein the blanking assembly (24) is connected to the support frame (26) via the first multipurpose interface (54) and the second multipurpose interface (56).

10. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The blanking assembly (24) includes at least one separating bar (50, 52) that divides the processing plane of the blanking assembly (24) into at least two parts, each part corresponding to a blank to be removed from the sheet to be processed.

11. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sheet material processing tool (14) is a cardboard or paper processing tool.

12. A sheet material processing station (12) including a support structure (18), wherein a sheet material processing tool (14) according to any one of claims 1-11 is connected to the support structure (18).

13. The sheet material processing station (12) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sheet material processing tool (14) is supported in the support structure (18) via at least one linear support device (20a, 20b), such that the sheet material processing tool (14) can be selectively arranged in an operating position or an extended position, in the operating position the sheet material processing tool (14) is configured to at least facilitate the processing of sheet material, and in the extended position the sheet material processing tool (14) extends out of the support structure (18).

14. Sheet material processing machine (10), including sheet material processing station (12) according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The sheet material processing machine (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sheet material processing machine (10) is a sheet material cutting machine.

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