Machining device for machining a workpiece sheet with replaceable tools

Abstract

A sheet processing apparatus uses replaceable tools for different packaging material operations and stores optimal setting data specific to each tool independently of the tool. When installing or replacing a tool, the control system compares the actual position of the tool holder to the stored target position and provides visual guidance to the operator. The system indicates when the optimal position is reached, enabling fast, accurate, and repeatable tool setup while reducing adjustment errors and downtime.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing apparatus for processing sheet materials, particularly a processing apparatus for processing sheet materials of paper, cardboard, or plastic.

[0002] The paper sheet, cardboard (including corrugated cardboard) sheet, or plastic sheet undergoes further processing in multiple steps, particularly in packaging. For example, multiple blanks of the same sheet are die-cut and then separated in a platform die-cutting press by adjacent platform peeling devices. The peeling device includes a station and a subsequent station where so-called "waste" is separated from the sheet, and the subsequent station is called the blank separation station, where each blank is pushed out of the sheet and placed on a stack. In another device, called a folding and gluing machine, the blanks are folded and segmented and glued to produce a sturdy box.

[0003] The apparatus according to the invention relates not only to the aforementioned platform die-cutting press and platform peeling device, but also to a printing press from which paper sheets, cardboard sheets or plastic sheets are printed or laminated, and to an apparatus for embossing sheets in order to create indentations in subsequent blanks for an embossing process. Background Technology

[0004] A common problem with these devices is that specialized tools, referred to below as "replaceable tools," must be manufactured for each type of packaging. For platform die-cutting presses, these tools are platforms with cutters or pressure pads; for platform peeling devices, these tools are pins and pressure pads used to separate waste or blank material from the sheet. This means that such devices include upper and lower replaceable tools that act simultaneously on the sheet to be processed.

[0005] For example, in a platform-type peeling device, the following steps are performed to align the upper and lower replaceable tools. First, the lower replaceable tool is inserted into the device, and then the sheet, after being cut at the preceding die-cutting station, is conveyed through the device to the peeling station and stops at that position. Next, the cut portion is separated from the sheet to set the opening position of the lower replaceable tool, which must be moved relative to the cut edge through this opening position. Finally, the upper tool is inserted and aligned to correspond with the lower tool. For this alignment process, in some cases, the operator must climb into the device to check the different positions of the parts relative to each other, some from above and some from below. This is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0006] Displaceable tools must always be perfectly suited to the applied pressure and aligned with the cutting edge of the preceding station. If upper and lower replaceable tools are provided, for example in die-cutting or peeling processes, these tools must also be precisely aligned with each other. For replaceable tools rotating in the X and Y directions and in a plane parallel to the plane of the supplied sheet, the retainers are manually aligned by adjusting the retainers located on the side of the device using a spindle, screws, gears, and manually driven wheels. The independent position of the retainer is determined because the position of the components of the adjusting device or the retainer is determined and continuously measured during the setup process. For this purpose, a mechanical or mechanical digital position indicator is used, which detects and indicates the position of the adjustable components of the retainer or the position of the adjusting device connected to it. The operator must first test the device after setup and then visually readjust it based on the results (repeated trials). Experienced operators spend approximately 20 minutes on this process. Because various different sheets are processed throughout the day, the device must be set up multiple times daily, resulting in considerable production losses. To minimize production losses, optimal settings are recorded on the tool, and a corresponding adhesive label is provided and stored with it. In the event of reinstallation, the retainer only needs to be set to a predetermined position, such as in a coordinate system. This saves a significant amount of time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to improve the processing apparatus for processing sheet metal workpieces, so that the resetting process can be carried out more safely and quickly.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a processing apparatus for processing sheet materials, particularly a processing apparatus for processing paper sheets, cardboard sheets, or plastic sheets for packaging, the processing apparatus comprising: The processing station continuously conveys workpiece sheets. At least one replaceable tool, said replaceable tool being dedicated to processing workpiece sheets and being movable relative to the sheet being introduced into said processing station to process said sheet. At least one retainer is provided on the side of the machining apparatus for holding the replaceable tool. The retainer is adjustable in multiple directions to align the replaceable tool. The central electronic control unit is used to control the processing equipment. The control unit has a memory that stores specific set position data for each particular replaceable tool. An electronic digital sensor for determining the current position of the retainer, the electronic digital sensor being connected to the control unit, and A digital display device connected to a control unit displays the target and actual positions of the retainer or components of each particular replaceable tool connected to the digital display device.

[0009] This invention does not utilize a replaceable tool to inseparably provide data storage about that replaceable tool, for example, but instead utilizes a control unit of the processing device present in any case to store specific optimal setting position data for each particular replaceable tool. Furthermore, this invention is the first to utilize an electronic digital sensor to determine the current position of the retainer and thus the current position of the replaceable tool. For system-related reasons, the sensor does not require mechanical parts to detect the position of the sensed adjustable component, therefore the accuracy of the indication is independent of any wear. This electronic digital sensor is adapted to connect to the control unit so that the control unit can store the setting position data as if automatically or by pressing a button. When a replaceable tool that has already been optimally aligned is subsequently reinstalled, the digital display device not only displays the target position but also simultaneously displays the current position of the retainer for each particular replaceable tool. In this way, the operator immediately receives all the necessary data to bring each retainer to its target position immediately. Alternatively, the relationship between the target and current positions can also be displayed. This is possible, for example, because the display device is placed next to the mechanical actuator for adjustment, and displays the required direction of movement to adjust the setting wheel to the target position. For example, when a handwheel for adjusting the spindle is provided, the display device can show the rotational sensing to reach the target position, and can also show when the target position has been reached. The machining device can also control the position of motors / brakes located in inaccessible parts of the machining device, allowing the operator to remain in the same position outside the machining device while setting up the device, thus reducing changeover time.

[0010] For example, the target location and the current location may appear on the display device after the conversion. However, in a preferred embodiment, the display device displays both the target location and the current location simultaneously to allow for focus on a target / actual location comparison.

[0011] Preferably, the sensors are housed within a sensor unit, and each sensor unit itself includes a display device. Since the sensors are typically located near the adjustable parts of the manual adjustment device, the operator can observe the display device while actuating the corresponding adjustment device. Furthermore, minimizing the number of components to be installed is also structurally advantageous. The structural unit consisting of the display device and sensors reduces costs. However, the display device within the sensor unit receives data via the control unit of the processing device, thus centralizing data reception. In this way, it prevents the operator from unintentionally misallocating data stored in the sensor unit, i.e., unintentionally retrieving data from adjustment wheels used for different convertible tools.

[0012] The connection between sensors, display devices, sensor units, and the control unit is particularly wired, but can also be configured as a wireless connection.

[0013] As described above, the sensor can be arranged on an associated retainer or an associated adjustment device, such as on a drive shaft or on a component driven by the adjustment device.

[0014] The shaft or spindle of the adjustment device extends through the sensor to, for example, provide the optimal distance between parts that move relative to each other, which increases measurement accuracy.

[0015] The retainer is typically mounted so that it is adjustable in two mutually perpendicular directions (i.e., the X and Y directions) on a plane, and can also rotate in that plane, which is parallel to the plane of the sheet.

[0016] A tool holder can be used for the retainer, the tool holder being in the form of a guide and being rotatable and adjustable in two mutually perpendicular directions. The tool holder can also be extended to facilitate easy access when exchanging interchangeable tools.

[0017] The brackets, which can extend laterally from the workstation (i.e., laterally relative to the sheet conveying direction), optimize the rapid replacement process.

[0018] The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous for machines having upper and lower replaceable tools, each having associated upper and lower retainers. The sheet to be processed is positioned between the upper and lower replaceable tools, which are then processed by them, thus aligning the two replaceable tools very precisely relative to each other. Examples of such devices are laminating or peeling devices.

[0019] Displaceable tools, especially flat plates, are typically wooden boards with individually attached, protruding processing tools, such as cutting tools or holding or peeling pins.

[0020] More specifically, the processing apparatus is a platform die-cutting apparatus, a platform peeling apparatus located downstream of the die-cutting apparatus, a sheet printing apparatus, an embossing apparatus, or a folding and bonding machine. All of these apparatuses require a significant amount of setup work when new sheets are available for processing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following figures illustrate a variation of the processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0022] - Figure 1 A processing apparatus in the form of a peeling station is shown, the processing apparatus being used to separate die-cutting waste or blanks removed from sheet material; and - Figure 2 It shows the method for using according to Figure 1 The retainer of the processing device is in the form of a sliding frame into which different replaceable tools can be inserted. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 A processing apparatus, more precisely a station of a so-called platform die-cutting press, is shown, presented as a peeling or blank separation station. In this process, printed or printed and laminated paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or plastic sheet is conveyed through the processing apparatus in conveying direction A after die-cutting. The processing station shown is just one of a plurality of closely adjacent stations.

[0024] The processing device is provided with an upper replaceable tool 2, which has a so-called peeling plate 3, the peeling plate 3 having a downwardly protruding peeling pin 4, the peeling pin 4 being attached to the peeling plate 3.

[0025] The upper replaceable tool 2 is releasably secured to a retainer 5 for the batch to be processed, the retainer 5 being located on the side of the processing device and shown in a simplified manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer is provided in the form of a laterally extendable bracket or sliding frame, to which the peeling plate 3 is secured. However, this bracket is only optionally provided.

[0026] Optionally, the lower replaceable tool 10 is temporarily fixed to the lower retainer 11, which is also in the form of a laterally extendable bracket. The replaceable tool 10 includes a plate from which a telescopic pin 17 extends upward and is aligned with the peeling pin 4.

[0027] Optionally, a second lower replaceable tool 18 (in this case, a peeling plate) may be provided between replaceable tools 2 and 10. This lower tool has an opening adapted in size and geometry to accommodate the die-cutting waste and is positioned directly below the die-cutting waste to be peeled from the sheet located on replaceable tool 18. During separation, the tool closes, allowing the upper replaceable tool 2 to move downward and the replaceable tool 10 to move upward, such that the die-cutting waste is clamped between pins 4 and 17 and subsequently discharged downward through the opening in the peeling plate. Replaceable tool 18 is also mounted to an adjustable retainer.

[0028] Different styles or different blanks always require separate, specific replaceable tools 2, 10, 18, but also different stripping plates.

[0029] The replaceable tools 2, 10, 18 must be inserted into their frame-type brackets, introduced into the processing device, and precisely aligned with each other and with the sheet thereon.

[0030] This is achieved by means of, for example Figure 2 The retainer shown is used to achieve this. The retainer 5 is used for the upper replaceable tool 2, but corresponding retainers are also provided for the lower retainers 10, 18.

[0031] The following discussion focuses only on the basic components of the retainer 5; for any details, refer to DE 601 14 704 T2, which describes the mechanical structure of the retainer.

[0032] The retainer 5 includes a pair of brackets 20, 21 extending along the conveying direction A, and transverse brackets 22, 23 fixed to its lower side. This forms a bracket structure to which a front guide 24 and a rear guide 25 are operably attached. The front guide 24 is movable relative to the bracket structure, and the rear guide 25 is depicted as partially obscured. The front guide 24 has a receiving groove 26 extending substantially along its entire length. The rear guide 25 has a corresponding recess facing the recess 26 and is not visible. The guides 24, 25 can be adjusted as needed in a plane parallel to the sheet plane located below them, i.e., in the X direction (direction of sheet movement), the Y direction (transverse to the X direction), and the rotational direction R, via a rack, pinion, linkage, and spindle. Furthermore, the distance between the guides 24, 25 is changed by a manual adjustment device 27.

[0033] Other manual adjustment devices 28, 29 and 30 are used to align the guides 24 and 25 in the X direction, Y direction and rotational R direction.

[0034] Sensor units 31-34 are connected to adjustment devices 27-30 for detecting corresponding positions. Here, sensor units 31-34 can scan the corresponding guides 24, 25 or components connected to and moving with the corresponding guides 24, 25, and can detect their positions, or, as in the case of sensor units 32-34, detect the position of adjustment devices 28-30. This allows conclusions to be drawn regarding the corresponding positions of the guides 24, 25.

[0035] In the present case, the shaft or spindle 35 extends through the sensor units 32-34. One of the shafts or spindles 35 is symbolically represented by a reference numeral, which is reference numeral 35 in this document.

[0036] Additionally, one of the sensor units 32-34 is shown symbolically at a magnified scale. One or more sensors 36 are housed within the sensor units 31-34 and detect the position of the components moved by the adjustment devices 27-30.

[0037] Sensor 36, or more broadly, all sensor units 31-34, are connected to the central control unit 37 by appropriate wiring or wireless connection (see Figure 1 ).

[0038] The digital display device 38 is a part of each sensor unit 31-34 and at least the associated sensor 36 is electronically connected to the sensor unit 31-34 via the control unit 37.

[0039] The digital display device 38 displays the actual position detected by the associated sensor 36. Figure 2 (top row in the middle) and optimal target position ( Figure 2 (The bottom row in the middle).

[0040] The digital display allows the operator to see which direction the handwheel should be turned (and the number of turns until the current position matches the target position), first by turning the handwheel in the manner shown on the digital display to reach the desired position, but simultaneously eliminating mechanical slack. This particular method can produce an effect where the handwheel turns further than intended, or because it must be turned in the opposite direction and then back in the other direction to eliminate mechanical slack. Each setting has a specific method: from right to left, or from left to right, depending on the mechanical connection between the retainer and the component causing the movement. If the operator does not follow the method, the green light will never illuminate and the setting will not be completed.

[0041] The target position is the optimal position for the desired optimal arrangement of a specific replaceable tool 2, 10 or 18, which is used for a specific type of sheet to be processed.

[0042] After optimal settings are achieved, the values ​​established by the sensor 36 are stored in the memory of the control unit 37 by actuating the operation unit 39 on the central control unit 37. Furthermore, the operation unit 39 can be used to store identifiers for work sequences, replaceable tools 2, 10, 18, or associated sheets in the control unit.

[0043] When the replaceable tools 2, 10, 18 are subsequently installed again, the operator only retrieves the corresponding data in the control unit 37, such as by recalling the identifiers for the work sequence (also known as the "recipe"), the replaceable tools 2, 10, or the specific sheet.

[0044] The stored target position is displayed in the corresponding display device 38. Furthermore, the actual position of the retainer 5, or more precisely, the actual position of the appropriate adjustment devices 27-30, is also displayed in the corresponding display device 38. However, since the position of the retainer 5 and therefore the position of the replaceable tool 2 are defined by the adjustment devices 27-30, the position of the adjustment devices 27-30 directly determines the position of the retainer, and in this case, directly determines the positions of the guides 24 and 25.

[0045] The operator then only needs to use the adjustment device 27-30 to change the actual position to the target position.

[0046] The electronic digital sensor 36 allows direct electronic connection to the control unit 37, for example, via a bus system.

[0047] Of course, a central display can also be installed on or near the control unit 37, which displays all set position data, actual position, and target position. However, from an ergonomic point of view, the display device 38 on the adjustment device is more advantageous.

[0048] The processing device reduces the setup time from 20 minutes to a few seconds to a maximum of a few minutes, which translates into significantly better production time compared to resetting multiple times a day. Although a corresponding device in the form of a peeling device has been discussed, its principle can also be applied to platform die-cutting devices, printing devices, laminating devices, or folding and gluing machines when appropriately modified.

[0049] The processing device can also display text information.

[0050] The processing device can be shut down while the machine is running to reduce power consumption.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing paper sheets, cardboard sheets, or plastic sheets for packaging, comprising: The processing station continuously conveys workpiece sheets. At least one replaceable tool (2, 10, 18) is dedicated to processing and moves relative to the sheet introduced into the processing station to process the sheet. At least one retainer (11) is provided on the device side for holding the replaceable tools (2, 10, 18), the retainer being adjustable by means of adjusting devices (27-30) to align the replaceable tools (2, 10, 18). Control unit (37) for controlling the device. The control unit (37) has a memory that stores specific optimal setting position data for each particular replaceable tool (2, 10, 18). A digital sensor (36) for determining the current position of the retainer (11), the digital sensor being connected to the control unit (37), and A digital display device (38) is connected to the control unit (37) and displays the target and actual positions of the retaining member (11) or other components connected to the digital display device, or displays the relationship between the target and actual positions of each specific replaceable tool (2, 10, 18), wherein the target position is an optimal position determined with reference to specific optimal setting position data stored for each specific replaceable tool (2, 10, 18). The memory of the control unit (37) is independent of the replaceable tool and stores values ​​about the target position of the replaceable tool established by the digital sensor (36), and The control unit (37) is configured to remove mechanical slack by rotating the adjustment device (27-30) in the desired direction of motion, such that the control unit (37) displays a green light when the target position reaches the actual position of the retainer (11).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (37) is configured to display the desired direction of motion.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital display device (38) simultaneously displays the target location and the actual location.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital sensors (36) are respectively housed in a sensor unit (31-34), and each sensor unit (31-34) includes a display device (38) for displaying the target position and the actual position.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital sensor (36) is arranged on an associated retainer (11), an associated adjustment device (27-30), or a component driven by the adjustment device (27-30).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting device (27-30) is a handwheel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The moving part detected by the digital sensor (36), or the shaft or spindle of the associated adjustment device (27-30), extends through the sensor unit (32-34).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The at least one retainer (11) includes a rotatable tool holder (24, 25) in the form of a guide, which can be adjusted in two mutually perpendicular directions.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The at least one retainer (11) is a bracket that can extend laterally from the workstation.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The sheet to be processed is placed between upper and lower replaceable parts (2, 10, 18) and corresponding associated upper and lower retainers (11), the sheet being processed by the upper and lower replaceable tools (2, 10, 18).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The replaceable tools (2, 10, 18) are flat plates with individually attached and protruding machining tools.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The device is a platform die-cutting device, a platform peeling device, a sheet printing device, an embossing device, or a folding and bonding machine.

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