Supporting device and paperboard processing machine

Abstract

A support device (11) for a compression station of a paperboard processing machine (10), in particular a die-cutting and / or creasing machine, is provided, comprising a support plate (28, 30) and at least one locking device (36) provided at the support plate (28, 30), the locking device (36) being configured to secure a tool plate (32) to the support plate (28, 30), where the locking device (36) comprises a rotatable actuation element (38) and a latch (40), wherein the latch (40) is rotatable with the actuating element (38) when the actuating element (38) is rotated within a first range of rotation, and the height of the latch (40) is adjustable when the actuating element (38) is rotated within a second range of rotation, where the first range of rotation differs from the second range of rotation. Furthermore, a paperboard processing machine (10) is provided.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for a pressure station of a cardboard processing machine and to a cardboard processing machine, in particular a die-cutting and / or embossing machine. Background Art

[0002] In a cardboard processing machine, in particular in a die-cutting and embossing machine, the cardboard arranged in the feed station is clamped and transported through a pressure station, a waste discharge station and a blanking station.

[0003] In the pressure station, the cardboard can be cut and embossing lines can be created. An embossing line is a compression of the cardboard where the cardboard is configured to be folded to create a box. To create a cutting or embossing line, the pressure station has a lower support plate and an upper support plate arranged above the lower support plate, wherein the support plates can move towards each other. A tool plate carrying a cutting tool and / or a protrusion or carrying a groove corresponding to the cutting tool and / or the protrusion can be attached to each support plate.

[0004] The tool plates are specific to a particular cardboard design and must be replaced after each production operation.

[0005] Currently, the tool plates are screwed to the respective support plates, which is both time-consuming and ergonomically unfavorable.

[0006] DE 602004005659 T2 discloses an assembly having a fastening mechanism configured to fasten a tool plate to the assembly. The fastening mechanism includes an actuating element which is a rotatable handle and serves as a latch, but does not include any height adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution to the problem of how to fix a tool plate to a support plate.

[0008] This object is achieved by a support device for a pressure station of a cardboard processing machine, in particular a die-cutting and / or embossing machine, the support device comprising a support plate and at least one locking device. The locking device is arranged at the support plate and is configured to fix a tool plate to the support plate. The locking device includes a rotatable actuating element and a latch, wherein when the actuating element rotates within a first rotation range, the latch can rotate with the actuating element, and when the actuating element rotates within a second rotation range, the height of the latch is adjustable, wherein the first rotation range is different from the second rotation range.

[0009] The support device according to the invention allows the tool plate to be replaced in a very simple and ergonomic manner.

[0010] Due to the height adjustment of the latch, the latch can act on the tool plate such that the tool plate is fixed and pressed against the support plate. Thus, no tools and fastening elements are required to replace the tool plate, especially no screws which are easily lost when unscrewed from the support plate.

[0011] The actuating element is preferably fixed to the support plate and is thus always at hand and cannot be lost.

[0012] For example, the actuating element is a handle which can be actuated manually by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the actuating element is a pneumatic or electric actuator.

[0013] When the actuating element rotates within a first rotation range, depending on the direction of rotation of the actuating element, the latch is brought to a position above the tool plate for fixing the tool plate or for disassembling the tool plate into a position next to the tool plate.

[0014] For example, the latch does not rotate when being adjusted in height and vice versa.

[0015] According to one aspect, the latch includes a first abutting element, and the locking device is configured such that when the actuating element transitions from the first rotation range to the second rotation range, the abutting element abuts against a stop surface. When the actuating element rotates within the second rotation range, the abutting element engages with the stop surface to prevent further rotation of the latch. Thus, the latch remains in a preferred position in which sufficient overlap with the tool plate is achieved.

[0016] The latch may include a stop surface, and the locking device may be configured such that when the actuating element transitions from the second rotation range to the first rotation range, the actuating element abuts against the stop surface of the latch. Thereby, it is ensured that when transitioning from the second rotation range to the first rotation range, the actuating element drives the latch, i.e., rotates the latch.

[0017] For example, the latch is coupled to the actuating element by friction. Thereby, the actuating element and the latch are coupled in a simple manner. In addition, due to the frictional connection, the connection between the actuating element and the latch can be overcome so that the actuating element can rotate relative to the latch within the second rotation range.

[0018] According to one aspect, the locking device includes a base member to which the actuating element and the latch are attached. Thus, the locking device can be pre-assembled and the installation of the locking device on the support plate is particularly easy.

[0019] Preferably, the base member is rotatably fixed in the support plate, and the actuating element and the latch are rotatable relative to the base member, especially at least partially. Since the base member is embedded in the support plate, the base member does not collide with the tool plate.

[0020] For example, the actuating element includes an inclined region, and the base member includes a corresponding ramp, in particular where the ramp is arranged in a second rotation range, where when the actuating element rotates within the second rotation range, the actuating element moves up or down on the ramp to adjust the height of the latch. Due to the ramp, rotation results in height adjustment. In particular, through the ramp, the rotational movement is converted into a vertical movement in a simple manner.

[0021] By fixing the latch relative to the direction along the rotation axis of the actuating element, when the actuating element rotates within the second rotation range, the latch is lowered or raised.

[0022] The actuating element is formed, for example, by two parts, namely a handle and a turntable attached to the handle, where in particular when the actuating element is a handle, the inclined region is formed at the turntable. By forming the handle from two parts, the production of the handle remains simple, i.e., the geometry of the separate parts is less complex compared to an integrally molded handle.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the base member includes a second ramp on the side opposite the first ramp. When the actuating element transitions from the second rotation range to the first rotation range, the second ramp supports the lifting of the actuating element and thus also the lifting of the latch. In particular, the second ramp is located at the transition from the first to the second rotation range and slopes downward towards the second rotation range.

[0024] Preferably, the locking device includes an elastic element that presses the latch against the actuating element. For example, the elastic element is a spring washer. The elastic element compensates for the tolerance between the latch and the actuating element and also contributes to the fastening strength of the locking device.

[0025] This object is also achieved by a cardboard processing machine, in particular a die-cutting and / or indentation machine, which includes a pressing station with a lower support plate and an upper support plate arranged above the lower support plate, where the support plates can move towards each other to cut or indent a cardboard blank arranged between the plates, and a support device according to the invention including one of the lower support plate and the upper support plate.

[0026] The cardboard processing machine may include a centering device configured to align the tool plate at the support plates. Thus, the tool plate can be positioned very precisely, which helps to improve the quality of the processed cardboard. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Further features and advantages of the present invention can be derived from the following description and the figures. In the figures

[0028] - Figure 1 schematically shows the cardboard processing machine of the present invention,

[0029] - Figure 2Shows a top view of the support device of the present invention for a cardboard processing machine, the support device having a support plate and a tool plate attached thereto,

[0030] - Figure 3 Shows the locking device of a cardboard machine in an unlocked position, which position allows the replacement of the tool plate,

[0031] - Figure 4 Shows the Figure 3 locking device in a transition position,

[0032] - Figure 5 Shows the Figure 3 locking device in a locked position,

[0033] - Figure 6 Shows an exploded view of the locking device,

[0034] - Figure 7 Shows the base member and the turntable of the locking device,

[0035] - Figure 8 Shows a side view of the locking device,

[0036] - Figure 9 Shows a cross-section through the locking device,

[0037] - Figure 10 Shows a cross-section through the support plate with a tool plate at the lateral edge,

[0038] - Figure 11 Is a further embodiment of the support device of the present invention, in which the locking device is in the locked position, and

[0039] - Figure 12 Figure 11 the support device, in which the locking device is in the unlocked position. Detailed Description

[0040] Figure 1 Shows a cardboard processing machine 10, in particular a die-cutting and / or embossing machine.

[0041] The cardboard processing machine 10 includes a feed station 12, in which cardboard blanks 14 to be processed are stacked.

[0042] Furthermore, the cardboard processing machine 10 includes a pressing station 16, in which the cardboard blanks 14 are cut or embossed.

[0043] In a waste discharge station 18 following the pressing station 16, the waste is separated from the cardboard blanks 14.

[0044] In a stacking station 20, the cardboard blanks 14 can be stacked before being removed from the discharge station 22.

[0045] The blank 14 can be moved in the processing direction by the clamping rod 24 attached to the drive chain 26.

[0046] Hereinafter, the pressurizing station 16 will be described in more detail.

[0047] In particular, the pressurizing station 16 includes a lower support plate 28 and an upper support plate 30. The upper support plate 30 is arranged above the lower support plate 28.

[0048] The support plates 28, 30 can move towards each other to cut or crease the cardboard blank 14 arranged between the plates 28, 30.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper support plate 30 is fixed and the lower support plate 28 is movable. Therefore, the mechanism of the pressurizing station 16 is less complex.

[0050] To cut or crease the cardboard blank 14, a tool plate 32 carrying a cutter and / or a protrusion (see Figure 2 ) can be attached to the upper support plate 28 or the lower support plate 30.

[0051] The tool plate 32 with slots or grooves corresponding to the cutter and / or the protrusion is attached to the other support plate 28, 30.

[0052] Figure 2 A top view of the support plates 28, 30 is shown, which can be the lower support plate 28 or the upper support plate 30 to which the tool plate 32 is attached. However, the tool plate 32 is shown in a simplified form without any cutter, protrusion or slot.

[0053] Since different production operations require different tool plates 32, the tool plate 32 is replaceable.

[0054] The cardboard processing machine 10 includes a centering device 34 configured to align the tool plate 32 with the support plate.

[0055] In addition, the cardboard processing machine 10 includes a locking device 36 provided on at least one of the support plates 28, 30.

[0056] The support plates 28, 30 and the locking device 36 form a support device 11.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the support plates 28, 30 of the support device 11 include four locking devices 36, in particular two locking devices on opposite sides respectively.

[0058] The locking device 36 is configured to fix the tool plate 32 to the support plates 28, 30.

[0059] The locking device 36 will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0060] Figure 3 shows the locking device 36 at the support plates 28, 30 in the unlocked state. When all the locking devices 36 at one of the support plates 28, 30 are in the unlocked state, the tool plate 32 can be removed from the support plates 28, 30 and a new tool plate 32 can be placed on the support plates 28, 30.

[0061] The locking device 36 includes an actuating element 38 and a latch 40, and the actuating element is a rotatable handle in the illustrated embodiment. The actuating element 38 can be gripped by the user and rotated in the Figure 3 locking direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 5 to bring the locking device 36 into the

[0062] locking position shown in

[0063] When the locking device 36 is in its locking position, the tool plate 32 is fixed to the support plates 28, 30.

[0064] Figure 6 The locking device 36 is shown in an exploded view.

[0065] In addition to the actuating element 38 and the latch 40, the locking device 36 further includes a base member 42, an elastic element 44 and a spacer 46.

[0066] The base member 42 has a plate-like shape.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 38 is made of two parts, namely a handle 48 and a turntable 50 attached to the handle 48. The turntable 50 is attached to the handle 48 in a rotationally fixed manner (i.e., by screws).

[0068] The actuating element 38 and the latch 40 are attached to the base member 42 (see also Figure 8 which shows a side view of the locking device 36).

[0069] The base member 42 is embedded in the support plates 28, 30, thereby fixing the locking device 36 to the support plates 28, 30 (see Figures 3 to 5 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 42 is fixed to the support plates 28, 30 by screws.

[0070] The actuating element 38 is fixed to the base member 42 by the handle 48 and the turntable 50 arranged on two opposite sides of the base member 42.

[0071] The base member 42 has an opening 51, in particular a circular opening, through which the actuating element 38 extends. Thus, the actuating element 38 is rotatably mounted on the base member 42.

[0072] The latch 40 is fixed to the base member 42 by means of a spacer 46. In particular, the latch 40 and the spacer 46 are arranged on opposite sides of the base member 42 and on opposite sides of the actuating element 38 and are fixed to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 40 is screwed to the spacer 46 (see Figure 8 ).

[0073] The elastic element 44 is placed between the actuating element 38 and the spacer 46, more precisely between the turntable 50 and the spacer 46. Thus, the elastic element 44, which is a spring washer in this embodiment, compensates for tolerances and ensures that the latch 40 lies flat on the actuating element 38.

[0074] The actuating element 38 includes an inclined region 52 formed in particular at the turntable 50. More precisely, the inclined region 52 extends in the angular section of the turntable 50.

[0075] The base member 42 includes a corresponding ramp 54, which is visible in Figure 7 .

[0076] The ramp 54 faces the inclined region 52.

[0077] In particular, there are two inclined regions 52 and two corresponding ramps 54 in the locking device 36. Thereby, tilting of the actuating element 38 is inhibited.

[0078] Furthermore, the base member 42 has a second ramp 55 on the side opposite to the first ramp 54.

[0079] Figure 8 A side view of the locking device 36 in the assembled state is shown.

[0080] It can be clearly seen from the side view that the inclined region 52 of the actuating element 38 contacts the ramp 54 of the base member 42.

[0081] The latch 40 is coupled to the actuating element 38 by friction in the rotational direction such that the latch 40 can rotate with the actuating element 38. In order to increase the friction, a rubber ring 56 is arranged radially between the latch 40 and the actuating element 38 (see Figure 9 ).

[0082] The elastic element 44 also contributes to increasing the friction between the actuating element 38 and the latch 40.

[0083] However, the friction can be overcome such that the actuating element 38 can rotate relative to the latch 40.

[0084] More precisely, when the actuating element 38 rotates within the first rotation range, the latch 40 can rotate together with the actuating element 38.

[0085] The first rotation range is different from the second rotation range.

[0086] When the actuating element 38 rotates within the second rotation range, the actuating element 38 can rotate relative to the latch 40.

[0087] The first rotation range is the range in which the actuating element 38 rotates from the unlocked position (see Figure 3 ). In Figure 4 , the actuating element 38 is shown in the transition position between the first rotation range and the second rotation range.

[0088] The second rotation range is the range in which the actuating element 38 rotates from the transition position to the locked position (see Figure 5 ).

[0089] As long as the actuating element 38 rotates within the first rotation range, the latch 40 and the actuating element 38 are frictionally coupled and rotate together.

[0090] When the actuating element 38 reaches the transition position, further rotation of the latch 40 is blocked.

[0091] This is achieved by the latch 40 and the locking device 36, the latch 40 including a first abutting element 58, the locking device 36 being configured such that when the actuating element 38 transitions from the first rotation range to the second rotation range, the abutting element 58 abuts against the stop surface 60.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the stop surface 60 is formed at the substrate 42. However, the stop surface 60 can also be provided at the support plates 28, 30.

[0093] In addition, the latch 40 includes a stop surface 62 which is positioned such that when the actuating element 38 transitions from the second rotation range to the first rotation range, the actuating element 38 abuts against the stop surface 62 of the latch 40.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface 62 is provided at a projection 64 extending downward from the latch 40.

[0095] Hereinafter, the working principle of the locking device 36 will be explained.

[0096] At the beginning, especially before the installation of the tool plate 32, the actuating element 38 and the latch 40 are in the unlocked state, as Figure 3 shown.

[0097] Now, when the actuating element 38 is rotated by the user, due to the friction between the actuating element 38 and the latch 40, the latch 40 rotates together with the actuating element 38.

[0098] When the actuating element 38 reaches the transition position, the abutment element 58 of the latch 40 abuts against the stop surface 60 at the base member 42, thereby preventing further rotation of the latch 40 in the locking direction.

[0099] When the abutment element 58 contacts the stop surface 60, the latch 40 is in a position above the tool plate 32. Therefore, the tool plate 32 can no longer be lifted. However, since there is no pressure on the tool plate 32, the tool plate 32 remains loose.

[0100] When the actuating element 38 rotates further in the locking direction, i.e., within the second rotation range, the inclined region 52 contacts the ramp 54. The ramp 54 is arranged within the second rotation range.

[0101] Due to the slopes of the inclined region 52 and the ramp 54, the actuating element 38 is subjected to a force in the axial direction along the axis of rotation of the actuating element 38 during rotation.

[0102] When the actuating element 38 acts on the latch 40 in the axial direction, especially indirectly via the elastic element 44 and the spacer 46, the latch 40 is also subjected to a force in the axial direction.

[0103] Therefore, when the actuating element 38 rotates within the second rotation range, the height of the latch 40 is adjustable. More precisely, when rotating within the second rotation range, the actuating element 38 moves up or down along the ramp 54 to adjust the height of the latch 40.

[0104] Due to the height adjustment of the latch 40, the latch 40 acts on the tool plate 32 such that the tool plate 32 is firmly fixed to the support plates 28, 30.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the length of the inclined region 52 in the angular direction is less than the second rotation range. In particular, as Figure 8 shown, the flat region 66 is adjacent to the inclined region 52. In addition, a corresponding flat region 68 is adjacent to the ramp 54. Thereby, better support of the actuating element 38 in the locked position is achieved.

[0106] To unlock the locking device 36, the actuating element 38 is rotated in the unlocking direction, thereby lifting the latch 40 from the tool plate 32. The unlocking direction is indicated by the Figure 5 arrow in

[0107] When the actuating element 38 reaches the transition position during the unlocking movement, the actuating element 38 abuts against the stop surface 62 of the latch 40. Therefore, upon further rotation, the latch 40 is coupled to the actuating element 38 not only by friction but also in a form - fit manner.

[0108] Then, the latch 40 rotates together with the actuating element 38 to Figure 3at the position shown, and the locking device 36 is unlocked.

[0109] When unlocking the locking device 36, the actuating element 38 moves on a second ramp 55 formed on the base member 42. The second ramp 55 supports the lifting of the actuating element 38.

[0110] Figure 10 A cross-section through the support plate 28 is shown, with the tool plate 32 at the lateral edge of the support plate 28.

[0111] A rod 70 serving as a pressing device is arranged along the lateral edge.

[0112] The rod 70 improves the holding force on the tool plate 32.

[0113] In particular, in the presence of the rod 70, when a locking device 36 is arranged on each side of the support plate 32, two locking devices 36 are sufficient to hold the tool plate 32.

[0114] Figure 11 and 12 A further embodiment of the support device 11 with the support plates 28, 30, the locking device 36 and the tool plate 32 is shown.

[0115] Figure 11 A locking device in the locked position is shown. In Figure 12 the unlocked position is shown by a dashed line.

[0116] The locking device 36 further includes an actuating element 38 and a latch 40, which is a handle in the illustrated embodiment.

[0117] According to Figure 11 and 12 the latch 40 of the illustrated embodiment has an L-shape.

[0118] According to Figure 11 and 12 the locking device 36 works together with an eccentric wheel 72.

[0119] When the actuating element 38 rotates within a first rotation range, the latch 40 is respectively raised from or lowered onto the tool plate 32.

[0120] The eccentric wheel 72 rotates together with the actuating element 38.

[0121] During the first rotation range, the latch 40 is raised from its lower position.

[0122] The latch is frictionally coupled to the eccentric wheel. When the actuating element 38 further rotates within a second rotation range, the latch 40 rotates away from the support plates 28, 30, so that the tool plate 32 can be removed.

[0123] Conversely, when the actuating element rotates in the other direction, the latch rotates with the eccentric wheel by friction during the first rotation range until it abuts against a stopper, which holds it in position above the cutting plate.

[0124] In the second rotation range, the eccentric wheel continues to rotate and lowers the latch onto the cutting plate to lock it to the support plate 28. The device is designed such that when the actuating element reaches its final position, a downward force is exerted on the cutting plate to prevent it from sliding relative to the support plate.

Claims

1. A support device (11) for a pressure station of a cardboard processing machine (10), in particular for a die-cutting and / or embossing machine, the support device (11) comprising: a support plate (28, 30) and at least one locking device (36) provided at the support plate (28, 30), the locking device (36) being configured to fix a tool plate (32) to the upper or lower support plate (28, 30), wherein the locking device (36) comprises a rotatable actuating element (38) and a latch (40), wherein when the actuating element (38) rotates within a first rotation range, the latch (40) can rotate together with the actuating element (38), and when the actuating element (38) rotates within a second rotation range, the height of the latch (40) is adjustable, wherein the first rotation range is different from the second rotation range, and wherein the latch (40) does not rotate together with the actuating element (38) within the second rotation range.

2. The support device (11) according to claim 1, wherein the latch comprises a first abutting element (58), and wherein the locking device (36) is configured such that the abutting element (58) abuts against a stop surface (60) when the actuating element (38) transitions from the first rotation range to the second rotation range.

3. The support device (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch (40) comprises a stop surface (62), and the locking device (36) is configured such that the actuating element (38) abuts against the stop surface (62) of the latch (40) when the actuating element (38) transitions from the second rotation range to the first rotation range.

4. The support device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (40) is coupled to the actuating element (38) by friction.

5. The support device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (36) comprises a base member (42), wherein the actuating element (38) and the latch (40) are attached to the base member (42).

6. The support device (11) according to claim 5, wherein the base member (42) is rotatably fixed in the support plate (28, 30), and the actuating element (38) and the latch (40) are rotatable relative to the base member (42).

7. The support device (11) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the actuating element (38) comprises an inclined region (52), and the base member (42) comprises a corresponding ramp (54), in particular wherein the ramp (54) is arranged within the second rotation range, wherein when the actuating element (38) rotates within the second rotation range, the actuating element (38) moves up or down on the ramp (54) to adjust the height of the latch (40).

8. The support device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base member (42) includes a second ramp (55) on a side opposite to the first ramp (54).

9. The support device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (36) includes an elastic element (44) that biases the latch (40) against the actuating element (38).

10. A cardboard processing machine (10), in particular a die-cutting and / or embossing machine, comprising: a pressing station (12) having a lower support plate (28) and an upper support plate (30) arranged above the lower support plate (28), wherein the support plates (28, 30) are movable towards each other to cut or emboss a cardboard blank (14) arranged between the plates (28, 30), and the support device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes one of the lower support plate (28) and the upper support plate (30).

11. The cardboard processing machine (10) according to claim 10, wherein the machine (10) includes an alignment device (34) configured to align the tool plate (32) at the support plates (28, 30).

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