Sheet processing machine

Abstract

A sheet processing machine (10) provided with an alignment plate (26) at a feed port is disclosed. The sheets are deposited at the alignment plate, and during each machine cycle, the bottommost sheet is extracted and fed to a gripping bar (24) of the machine. The alignment plate can accurately move in the longitudinal direction and the diagonal direction to adjust the position and the inclination angle of the sheet, so that the correct positioning of the sheet in the grabbing rod is ensured. By using a pair of synchronous linear actuators (54a, 54b) on both sides of the alignment plate, it is ensured that the alignment plate is always kept in a vertical state. The machine can adjust the gap (25) below the alignment plate through the electric gauge so as to adapt to sheets of different thicknesses. To further optimize sheet positioning, a set of adjoins (28) is provided after the alignment plate, and these adjoins are kept at a fixed distance from the alignment plate. These adjoins can be pivoted away when needed, making a path for the grab bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet handling machine for converting paperboard, for example for die cutting, creasing and / or printing machines. Background Art

[0002] Sheet material handling machines usually have a loading station where the cardboard sheets to be processed are accumulated before being conveyed to a converting mechanism of the sheet material handling machine.

[0003] In the loading station, the sheets are roughly aligned by an alignment plate, and the position of the alignment plate is adjustable to suit the alignment requirements of the sheets.

[0004] The sheets are taken out from the loading station one by one and transferred to the transfer mechanism of the sheet handling machine. Before being transferred to the transfer mechanism, the sheets are further fine-tuned.

[0005] In addition, a gauge is usually integrated into the alignment plate. This gauge ensures that only one sheet is removed from the loading station at a time.

[0006] However, in conventional sheet handling machines, when adjusting the position of the alignment plate, it may happen that the alignment plate pivots about a horizontal axis. This impedes the alignment of the sheets in the loading station, since the alignment plate can no longer provide a consistent horizontal adjustment for the sheets. Furthermore, by pivoting the alignment plate, the setting of the gauge is also affected, since the distance of the gauge from the horizontal plane of the sheet support area changes. As a result, more than one sheet may be extracted from the loading station. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet handling machine to improve the alignment and transfer of sheets.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by a sheet processing machine, which comprises a transfer mechanism for moving sheets along a processing direction of the sheet processing machine, a loading station for supplying sheets to be processed, and an alignment plate adjacent to the loading station for aligning the sheets accumulated in the loading station. The alignment plate is moved in the processing direction by at least two linear actuators, which are arranged at a certain distance in a transverse direction relative to the processing direction. In particular, one actuator is located on the side close to the operator and the other actuator is located on the side opposite to the operator. In addition, a support mechanism is provided to prevent the alignment plate from pivoting around a horizontal axis.

[0009] The sheet handling machine of the invention is improved in terms of fine adjustment and repeatability. In particular, the alignment plate cannot be pivoted about a horizontal axis, so that the height of the lower edge of the alignment plate does not change and the position of the alignment plate always remains vertical. Positioning the sheets in the loading station by means of the alignment plate enables particularly precise alignment. By operating the individual actuators independently, the sheets in the loading station can be adjusted for tilting.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the alignment plate is moved by two pairs of linear actuators, the actuators in each pair being arranged vertically one above the other. In other words, the actuators are in the same position in the longitudinal direction of the alignment plate, i.e. in the transverse direction of the sheet handling machine. The actuators are driven in such a way that the actuators in each pair are driven synchronously.

[0011] By means of two pairs of actuators, ie four actuators, unnecessary tilting of the alignment plate about the vertical axis can be effectively avoided. That is, according to one embodiment, the support mechanism is implemented by providing two pairs of synchronously driven actuators, and arranged in the above manner.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the actuators in each pair of actuators may not be arranged vertically in a mode one above the other. In this case, however, the actuators cannot be driven synchronously, but must be driven with different rotation speeds, which makes the movement of the alignment plate more difficult to control.

[0013] In a further alternative embodiment, the support mechanism may be a guide that maintains the alignment plate in an upright position.

[0014] In a further alternative embodiment, the support mechanism may include an additional linear actuator located between the at least two actuators, in particular located on the vertical centerline of the alignment plate.

[0015] The actuator may comprise a threaded drive mechanism with a rotatable element and a fixed element, which are threadedly engaged together. Thus, the rotational movement of the rotatable element can be converted into a linear movement in a simple manner.

[0016] The fixing element is fixed by two vertical axes, in particular to the machine frame. The axes allow the fixing element to move freely within a certain range to avoid excessive constraints on the actuator. In particular, the vertical axis provides the actuator with a horizontal rotational degree of freedom to adapt to the tilt angle of the alignment plate and to allow vertical movement. The horizontal axis provides the degree of freedom of lateral translation.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the fixing element is fixed by a keyway connection. The keyway connection is relatively simple in design and thus provides a cost-effective fixing solution.

[0018] According to one aspect, the alignment plate is moved by two pairs of linear actuators, the actuators in each pair being arranged vertically one above the other, each pair of actuators being driven by a single motor and the rotatable elements of each pair of actuators being connected by a belt drive or a chain drive. This allows the actuators to be synchronized in a simple manner. In particular, the two actuators are mechanically connected together by a belt or a chain, driving the actuators at the same rotational speed. Another advantage is that by using a single motor to drive the two actuators, a compact and cost-effective design of the sheet handling machine can be achieved.

[0019] In another embodiment, the alignment plate is moved by two pairs of linear actuators, the actuators in each pair of actuators are arranged vertically one above the other, the rotatable element of each actuator is driven by a motor, and the two motors assigned to each pair of actuators are driven synchronously. Therefore, the mechanical connection between the actuators can be omitted.

[0020] Adjustment of the alignment plates can be automated by means of motor-driven actuators.

[0021] The alignment plate can be provided with a slide at its lower end and rests on a support surface by means of the slide. The weight of the alignment plate thus rests on the support surface, which can be arranged at the machine frame. The actuator thus does not need to bear the weight of the alignment plate and does not need to be designed for heavy loads. In particular, the actuator only needs to push and pull the alignment plate in the processing direction of the sheet processing machine. The support surface also defines a fixed vertical position of the alignment plate.

[0022] For example, the travel distance of the alignment plate is limited. Therefore, some components that enable the adjustability of the alignment plate do not need to be designed for excessive travel of the alignment plate.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a limit switch sensor is provided, and when the limit switch sensor detects a maximum stroke of the alignment plate, the motor for driving the actuator may stop operating.

[0024] The alignment plate can be guided by at least one linear guide. The linear guide keeps the alignment plate centered laterally. Thus, the tilting of the alignment plate about a vertical axis is limited. In particular, it is avoided that the alignment plate tilts too much, causing the elements of the actuator to get stuck to each other.

[0025] According to one aspect, the sheet material handling machine comprises an abutment element located behind the alignment plate in the processing direction for fine adjustment of the sheet material, which abutment element may be formed at the edge of a pallet mounted to the alignment plate. The distance between the alignment plate and the abutment element is fixed. The abutment element is always parallel to the alignment plate, unless it is lowered. This embodiment has a particular advantage because the abutment element is adjusted simultaneously with the alignment plate, which means that no separate drive is required to adjust the abutment element.

[0026] For example, the support plate is pivotably mounted to the alignment plate and the pivot is arranged below the level of the table on which the sheet is placed. Therefore, the support plate can be pivoted in such a way that after the sheet is accurately positioned, the abutment element is lowered, allowing the sheet to pass through the abutment element.

[0027] The support plate can be designed in an L-shaped manner. Thus, an abutment element at a fixed distance from the alignment plate can be realized in a simple manner. In particular, one leg of the L-shape forms the abutment element, which protrudes above the tabletop when the other leg is located on the tabletop.

[0028] The alignment plate may include an integrated height-adjustable gauge plate, the height of which is adjusted relative to the alignment plate. The gauge plate allows the gap between the tabletop and the bottom of the alignment plate to be set, thereby accommodating sheets of varying thickness. The height of the gauge plate can be adjusted independently of the alignment plate, so that the height of the alignment plate does not need to be adjusted. This simplifies the structure of the sheet handling machine.

[0029] For example, the gauge plate is height-adjustable relative to the alignment plate by means of another linear actuator. Thus, the gauge plate can be adjusted with sufficient precision.

[0030] As an alternative to the gauge, the height of the entire alignment plate can be adjusted.

[0031] The sheet handling machine preferably includes a handling mechanism configured to move the sheets accumulated in the loading station to the transfer mechanism so that the sheets can be automatically delivered to the transfer mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] - Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sheet material processing machine of the present invention is shown;

[0034] - Figure 2 A component of a sheet handling machine in an example of the present invention is shown;

[0035] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A partial exploded view of an assembly in;

[0036] - Figure 4 Another component of a sheet handling machine in an example of the present invention is shown;

[0037] - Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Components in

[0038] - Figure 6 A linear actuator of a sheet material handling machine of the present invention is shown;

[0039] - Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 Linear actuators in

[0040] - Figure 8 Another linear actuator of a sheet material handling machine of the present invention is shown;

[0041] - Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 Linear actuators in

[0042] - Fig.10 Shows Figure 8 and Fig. 9 a support member of a linear actuator in;

[0043] - Fig.11 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of the components in the first state;

[0044] - Fig.12 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of the components in the second state;

[0045] - Fig.13 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of the component in another state;

[0046] - Fig.14 Another actuator arrangement of the sheet material handling machine of the present invention is shown;

[0047] - Fig.15 Another arrangement of actuators for use in conjunction with guides in a sheet handling machine of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 The sheet material handling machine 10 is schematically shown in a simplified manner.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 , the overall structure and operation of the sheet processing machine 10 according to the present invention will be explained.

[0050] The sheet material handling machine 10 comprises a loading station 12 for supplying sheets 14 to be processed.

[0051] The sheet material processing machine 10 further comprises a transfer mechanism 16 for moving the sheet material 14 along a processing direction of the sheet material processing machine 10. Figure 1 Indicated by arrow 18.

[0052] In addition, the sheet processing machine 10 further includes a processing mechanism 20 configured to transfer the sheets 14 accumulated in the loading station 12 to the transfer mechanism 16 .

[0053] Prior to being fed into the transfer mechanism 16 , the sheet 14 must be properly aligned to ensure that the sheet 14 can be accurately processed in the sheet handling machine 10 .

[0054] To this end, the sheet processing machine 10 is provided with an alignment plate 26 adjacent to the loading station 12 for aligning the stacked sheets 14 in the loading station 12 .

[0055] The handling mechanism 20 comprises an extraction element 22 for extracting a single sheet 14 from the loading station 12, and an optional abutment element 28. The abutment element 28 is located behind the alignment plate 26 and is fixed at a fixed distance from the alignment plate 26 according to the processing direction, so as to facilitate repeated alignment of the sheet 14 after the sheet 14 is removed from the loading station 12. The stop mechanism can compensate for slight inaccuracies caused by the extraction element 22.

[0056] The transfer mechanism 16 includes a grab bar 24 configured to grab the sheet 14 provided by the handling mechanism 20. The grab bar 24 can be driven by two lateral chain drives (not shown) and circulates within the machine. The grab bar 24 preferably includes a set of mechanical clamps or a vacuum system to grab or fix the sheet.

[0057] During operation of the sheet handling machine 10 , a plurality of sheets 14 are accumulated in the loading station 12 .

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the sheet 14 rests against the alignment plate 26 so as to be pre-aligned.

[0059] The extraction element 22 of the handling mechanism 20 extracts a sheet 14 , in particular the bottommost sheet 14 , from the loading station 12 and moves it to a gripping position, where a gripping bar 24 can grip the sheet.

[0060] The extraction element 22 is usually moved back and forth with a fixed amplitude of movement.

[0061] Preferably, the extraction element 22 is moved slightly beyond the required distance, so that the movement distance is greater than the distance d between the alignment plate 26 and the adjacent element 28. Thus, the sheet is realigned at the adjacent element 28 after being extracted from the stack of sheets.

[0062] For example, the over-movement distance is 1.5 mm or less. The risk of damaging the sheet 14 when aligning at the abutment element 28 is thereby reduced.

[0063] When the sheet 14 is in the gripping position, the gripper bars 24 grip the sheet and deliver it to a processing station of the machine for further processing.

[0064] The alignment plate 26 can be moved along the processing direction, such as Figure 1 As shown by the arrow in . Therefore, the relative position of the stack of sheets 14 can be adjusted.

[0065] According to the concept of the present invention, the position of the alignment plate 26 in the processing direction can be set independently for both sides of the alignment plate 26, i.e., the operator side and the side opposite to the operator. However, the alignment plate 26 is only allowed to tilt around the vertical axis, but not around the horizontal axis. Thus, it is ensured that the alignment plate 26 always maintains a vertical position.

[0066] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Subassemblies of the sheet handling machine 10 are shown in greater detail.

[0067] The subassembly includes a handling mechanism 20 , an alignment plate 26 , and an abutment element 28 .

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the extraction element 22 of the handling mechanism 20 is a vacuum table having a suction area 30 for gripping the sheet 14. Figure 2 Indicated by dotted line.

[0069] The extraction element 22 is integrated on a table 32 on which the sheets 14 are deposited.

[0070] In the loading station 12 , lateral guide elements 34 are provided in order to further improve the alignment of the sheets 14 .

[0071] The lateral guide elements 34 are kept at a certain distance from the table 32 so that the bottommost sheet 14 can be easily removed.

[0072] The lower end of the alignment plate 26 is provided with a slide block 36 and rests on a support surface 38 via the slide block 36. The support surface 38 defines the vertical position of the alignment plate 26.

[0073] The slider 36 is freely movable in the horizontal direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the alignment plate 26 is guided by a linear guide 40 .

[0075] The linear guide 40 comprises a guide element 42 mounted on a machine frame 43 and a corresponding slot 44 in the alignment plate 26 .

[0076] The abutment element 28 is formed at an edge of a support plate 46 mounted to the alignment plate 26. Thus, the distance between the abutment element 28 and the alignment plate 26 is fixed.

[0077] In particular, the support plate 46 is pivotally mounted on the alignment plate 26 .

[0078] The support plate 46 is L-shaped.

[0079] When the support plate 46 is in the supporting position, as Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 46 forms an extension of the platform 32 .

[0080] The pivot 48 of the support plate 46 is arranged below the level of the table surface on which the sheet 14 is placed.

[0081] The alignment plate 26 is also provided with an integrated gauge plate 50 .

[0082] The gauge plate 50 is height-adjustable relative to the alignment plate 26 by a linear actuator 52 .

[0083] The gauge plate 50 is used to set the gap 25 and ensure that only one sheet 14 is extracted from the stack of sheets in the loading station 12 at a time, even if the thickness of the sheets in the process job varies.

[0084] The alignment plate 26 is moved in the process direction by two pairs of linear actuators 54: the actuator pair 54a is located on the operator side of the machine, and the actuator pair 54b is located on the opposite operator side of the machine. The actuators 54 of each pair 54a, 54b are arranged vertically above and below each other.

[0085] Figure 2 The actuator 54 is shown in simplified form, but will be Figures 6 to 10 Described in more detail in .

[0086] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The driving devices 58a, 58b of the actuators 54 are configured so that the actuators 54 within each pair 54a, 54b of actuators are driven synchronously.

[0087] The alignment plate 26 is maintained in a vertical position by synchronously driving the two actuators 54 of one pair 54a of actuators and synchronously driving the two actuators 54 of the other pair 54b of actuators. Thus, by a specific arrangement of synchronously driven actuators 54, the support mechanism 53 is realized.

[0088] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the two actuators 54 in each pair 54a, 54b of actuators are connected by a belt drive or a chain drive 55, respectively.

[0089] The actuators 54 in each pair of actuators are driven synchronously by a motor 60 which drives a belt drive or chain drive 55 .

[0090] In another embodiment not shown, each actuator 54 may be driven by a separate motor 60 , and each two motors 60 assigned to a pair of actuators 54 are synchronized, thereby achieving synchronization of four motors 60 in pairs.

[0091] The travel of the alignment plate 26 can be limited. For this purpose, a sensor 62, in particular a limit switch sensor, can be provided.

[0092] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A linear actuator 54 is shown in a first embodiment.

[0093] The actuator 54 is mounted on a block 64 fixed to the machine frame 43 .

[0094] The block 64 designed specifically for the lower actuator 54 has support rollers 66 for supporting the actuator 54 .

[0095] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The actuator 54 shown has a threaded drive device, including a rotatable element 68 and a rotatable fixed element 70, which are engaged together by threads. In the embodiment shown, the rotatable fixed element 70 is a screw and the rotatable element is a threaded shaft.

[0096] The rotatable fixed element 70 is fixed to the machine frame 43 and the rotatable element 68 is coupled to the alignment plate 26 .

[0097] The rotatable fixing element 70 is fixed via two vertical axes, in particular to the block 64 and thus to the machine frame 43 .

[0098] One of the axes is the horizontal axis x and the other is the vertical axis y.

[0099] The horizontal axis x provides lateral translational freedom to accommodate small lateral movements of the side edges of the alignment plate and slight vertical rotations, such as Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow in .

[0100] The vertical axis provides horizontal rotational freedom and vertical translational freedom, just like Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow in .

[0101] The rotatable element 68 is supported by a bearing 72 .

[0102] Mechanical play between the rotatable element 68 and the rotatable fixed element is preferably suppressed by applying a restraining force.

[0103] A flange 74 is provided at one end of the rotatable element 68 . When the rotatable element 68 moves in a direction away from the rotatable fixed element 70 , the flange 74 drives the alignment plate 26 to move.

[0104] When the rotatable element 68 rotates and moves linearly along the rotatable fixed element, the flange 74 applies force to the alignment plate 26, so that the alignment plate 26 moves following the rotatable element 68. The horizontal position of the alignment plate 26 is thereby adjusted.

[0105] A pinion gear 76 is provided at the other end of the rotatable element 68, and the pinion gear 76 may be formed integrally with the rotatable element 68. Through the pinion gear 76, the belt drive or chain drive 55 may be coupled to the rotatable element.

[0106] In another embodiment, the relative positions of the rotatable element 68 and the rotatable fixed element 70 may be reversed, that is, the rotatable element 68 may be mounted on the machine frame 43 , while the rotatable fixed element 70 may be mounted on the alignment plate 26 .

[0107] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the linear actuator 54 is coupled to the alignment plate 26 via a linkage 78 which is connected to the alignment plate 26 .

[0108] Near each actuator 54, an elastic element 80 (see Figure 5 ), such as a thrust rod or a spring, applies elastic force to the alignment plate 26 through the connecting rod 78. The elastic element 80 provides elastic force, and when the rotatable element 68 moves toward the rotatable fixed element 70, the alignment plate 26 is pushed to move with the rotatable element 68.

[0109] Figures 8 to 10 Another embodiment of a linear actuator 54 is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Compared with the actuator 54 in FIG. 1 , the actuator design in this embodiment is simpler.

[0110] In this embodiment, the rotatable fixed element 70 is fixed by a keyway connection 82 .

[0111] Furthermore, the bearing 72 of the rotatable element 68 is also simplified, in particular by using a cylindrical sliding bearing 72 .

[0112] The flange 74 is completed by a cover 84 which includes a groove 86 for the keyway connection 82 .

[0113] One end of the rotatable fixing element 70 , in particular its screw head 88 , is in contact with a static block 64 fixed to the machine frame 43 .

[0114] Elastic element 80( Figures 8 to 10 64) presses the linear actuator 54 toward the block 64, thereby ensuring that the rotatable fixed element 70 remains in contact with the static block 64. Thus, a precise reference point can be maintained.

[0115] It is contemplated that the force applied when longitudinally adjusting the alignment plate 26 may be reduced to reduce wear.

[0116] like Fig.10 As shown, the contact surface of the rotatable fixing element 70 with the block 64 is spherical to allow for angular clearance.

[0117] Figures 11 to 13 The operation of the sheet material handling machine 10 of the present invention is further described.

[0118] exist Figures 11 to 13 In the figure, the alignment plate 26 is shown at an inclined angle, which is exaggerated for the sake of illustration.

[0119] By operating the pair of actuators 54a independently from the pair of actuators 54b, in particular at different numbers of rotations, the tilt angle can be adjusted.

[0120] Fig.11 A state of the sheet handling machine 10 is shown with a sheet 14 placed in the loading station 12 and in contact with the alignment plate 26 .

[0121] The extraction element 22 of the handling mechanism 20 is positioned below the sheets 14, ready to pick up the bottommost sheet 14 in the stack.

[0122] Fig.12 Another state of the sheet material handling machine 10 is shown, in which the extraction element 22 has moved to the supply position and has extracted the bottommost sheet 14 in the stack during the movement.

[0123] In this state, the sheet 14 is in contact with the abutment element 28, thereby performing realignment.

[0124] When the sheet 14 is in Fig.12 In the position shown, the gripper bars 24 are able to grasp the sheet 14 and carry it into a processing station of the machine for processing.

[0125] In order to enable the grab bar 24 to pull the sheet toward the transfer mechanism 16, the support plate 46 will pivot, thereby lowering the abutment element 28 and clearing the movement path of the sheet 14 (see Fig.13 ).

[0126] Fig.14 Another driving method of the alignment plate 26 is shown, which can be integrated into Figures 1 to 13 In the sheet material processing machine 10 described.

[0127] Fig.14 The examples in Figures 1 to 13 The described embodiment differs in the arrangement of the actuators 54. In particular, the alignment plate 26 is moved by three actuators 54 in the process direction.

[0128] The actuators 54 are arranged at intervals in the transverse direction, ie, a direction perpendicular to the processing direction of the sheet processing machine 10 .

[0129] One actuator 54 is located at the alignment plate 26 near the operator side, and the other actuator 54 is located near the side opposite to the operator, with the distance between the two actuators being less than 20 cm, in particular less than 10 cm.

[0130] The two actuators 54 are at the same height in vertical position.

[0131] The third actuator 54 is located between the two actuators near the operator side and the opposite side, specifically on the vertical centerline of the alignment plate 26 .

[0132] The third actuator 54 is mounted at a different height than the other two actuators 54 .

[0133] The third actuator 54 supports the alignment plate 26 in such a manner that the alignment plate 26 is prevented from tilting about the horizontal axis when the alignment plate 26 is moved. Thus, the support mechanism 53 is realized by the third actuator 54.

[0134] For example, the rotation speed of the third actuator 54 is adapted to the rotation speeds of the other actuators 54 when moving the alignment plate 26 so as to prevent the alignment plate 26 from tilting about the horizontal axis. Fig.15 Another actuation method for alignment plate 26 is shown, consistent with the present invention.

[0135] The drive means includes a guide rail 90 for maintaining the vertical position of the alignment plate 26 instead of a third actuator 54 disposed on the vertical centerline of the alignment plate 26 .

Claims

1. A sheet material processing machine (10), comprising: a transfer mechanism (16) for moving the sheet (14) along the processing direction of the sheet processing machine (10), a loading station (12) for providing sheets (14) to be processed, an alignment plate (26) adjacent to the loading station (12) for aligning the sheets (14) stacked in the loading station (12) to table level (33), a handling mechanism (20) for extracting the bottommost sheet (14) from the stack of sheets (14), moving it through the gap (25) between the table level (33) and the bottom of the alignment plate (26) and handing it over to the transfer mechanism (16), wherein the alignment plate (26) is movable in the process direction by at least two linear actuators (54), the at least two linear actuators being arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the process direction, and A support mechanism (53) is provided to prevent the alignment plate (26) from pivoting about a horizontal axis.

2. A sheet processing machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the alignment plate (26) is movable by two pairs of linear actuators (54a, 54b), wherein the actuators (54) in each pair of actuators (54a, 54b) are arranged vertically up and down, and wherein the driving devices (58a, 58b) of the pair of actuators (54a, 54b) are configured to enable the actuators (54) in each pair of actuators (54a, 54b) to be driven synchronously.

3. The sheet handling machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (54) comprises a threaded drive having a rotatable element (68) and a rotatable fixed element (70) threadably engaged with each other.

4. The sheet material handling machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein the rotatable fixing element (70) is fixed by two perpendicular axes (x, y), in particular to a machine frame (43).

5. The sheet material handling machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein the rotatable fixed element (70) is fixed by a keyway connection (82).

6. A sheet handling machine (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and additionally according to claim 2, wherein each pair of actuators (54a, 54b) is driven by a single motor (60) and the rotatable elements (68) of each pair of actuators (54a, 54b) are connected by a belt drive or a chain drive (55).

7. A sheet handling machine (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and additionally according to claim 2, wherein the rotatable element (68) of each actuator (54) is driven by a motor (60) and the two motors (60) assigned to each pair of actuators (54a, 54b) are synchronized.

8. The sheet material handling machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment plate (26) comprises a slide (36) at its lower end and the alignment plate (26) rests on a support surface (38) via the slide (36).

9. A sheet material handling machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel distance of the alignment plate (26) is limited.

10. The sheet material handling machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment plate (26) is guided by at least one linear guide (40).

11. A sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet processing machine (10) comprises an adjacent element (28), which is arranged behind the alignment plate (26) and at a fixed distance from the alignment plate (26) relative to the processing direction for precisely adjusting the sheet (14).

12. The sheet material handling machine (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the abutment element (28) is formed at an edge of a support plate (46) mounted to the alignment plate (26).

13. The sheet handling machine (10) of claim 12, wherein the support plate (46) is pivotally mounted to the alignment plate (26) and the pivot axis (48) is arranged below the table level (33) above which the sheet (14) is placed.

14. The sheet material handling machine (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the support plate (46) is L-shaped.

15. The sheet handling machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment plate (26) comprises an integrated gauge plate (50), which is height-adjustable relative to the alignment plate (26) for setting the gap (25).

16. A sheet processing machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet processing machine (10) includes a processing mechanism (20), and the processing mechanism (20) is configured to move the sheet (14) from the sheet (14) stacked in the loading station (12) and convey the sheet (14) to the transfer mechanism (16).

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