Processing station for a punching machine

Abstract

Processing station (2, 3, 4) of a sheet die-cutting and / or embossing machine (100) for processing sheets (6) of paper, cardboard, plastic and the like, with a sheet transport system (7) for transporting the sheets (6) in a sheet transport direction (B) through the processing station (2, 3, 4), with an upper tool (21, 30) and a lower tool (20, 23) and a first tool holder (40) of the upper tool (21, 30) and a second tool holder (40) of the lower tool (20, 23), characterized in that at least one of the tool holders (40) has: - a first clamping device (41.1) comprising at least a first clamping element (43.1) and a first spring clamping device (42.1) for clamping the tool (21, 30) in the sheet transport direction (B) and - a second clamping device (41.2) comprising at least a second clamping element (43.2) and a second spring clamping device (42.2) for clamping the tool (20, 23) perpendicular to the sheet transport direction (B) and - an actuating element (44, 45) for moving (b) or rotating (c) the at least first and the at least second clamping element (43.1, 43.2) against the spring force (F1, F2) of the respective spring tensioning device (42.1, 42.2) to release the clamping.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a processing station according to the preamble of claim 1 and a sheet die-cutting and / or embossing machine according to claim 10. State of the art

[0002] Die-cutting refers to the process of cutting with self-contained geometric shapes, which can be circular, oval, polygonal, or any imaginative form. Practices used in print finishing, such as punching with a hole punch, corner trimming, and register cutting, also fall under this category. Die-cutting is performed against a die-cutting plate or a die; sometimes, shearing is involved. Packaging materials made of paper, cardboard, corrugated board, plastic, or film are primarily die-cut in sheet format. During the die-cutting process, scoring lines or embossing can also be incorporated into the material. This complex process necessitates die-cutting the sheets individually. Since the end products are sophisticated packaging in terms of both technical and graphic design (e.g., packaging for cosmetics, cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, food, etc.),Special demands are placed not only on the packaging materials themselves, but also on die-cutting tools with extremely tight tolerances and highly precise and reliable die-cutting machines for optimal results. Flatbed die-cutting best meets these requirements. In this process, the printed sheets, stacked on a pallet, are fed into the die-cutting machine. Inside the machine, the sheets to be die-cut are precisely aligned in an alignment unit, picked up by a gripper carriage, and positioned exactly in the rigid unit between a fixed lower table and an upper table that can be moved vertically via a toggle lever or eccentric drive.

[0003] In known sheet-fed die-cutting and embossing machines used for die-cutting, embossing, stripping, optionally blanking, and depositing sheets of paper, cardboard, and the like, it is known to move the sheets through the individual stations of the machine by means of gripper carriages. Each gripper carriage has a gripper bridge to which grippers are attached that grasp the sheets at one front end. A gripper carriage also has lateral carriages connected to endless chains of the transport system, which move the gripper carriages through the machine. This method of moving the sheets through the machine enables continuous operation in the individual stations of the machine, arranged in series, in particular the die-cutting, stripping, and blanking stations.

[0004] Such a flatbed die-cutting machine is known, for example, from DE 30 44 083 A1. The two tables are equipped with cutting and creasing tools or corresponding counter-tools, which punch out the blanks from the sheets fed between the table surfaces in a sequential manner and simultaneously press in the grooves necessary for clean folding. In the subsequent stripping unit, the waste is removed mechanically by stripping tools. Depending on the machine's configuration, the punched blanks can then be separated in a dedicated blanking unit.

[0005] The upper tools located in the stripping station or blanking station, i.e., the stripping tool and the blanking tool, are held in place by quick-release frames according to the state of the art, thus enabling rapid tool changes. One known method is to clamp the tool using a compression spring. The force required to release the board clamp is applied by a pneumatic cylinder. A disadvantage of this solution is that the pneumatic cylinder is subjected to high vibration loads due to the stroke movements of the upper tool. These can lead to leaks in the pneumatic cylinder itself or in the necessary supply lines. Another known method involves pulling the tool against a stop at its front and rear edges, thus clamping it. The tool is clamped by rotating eccentrics against these stops.A disadvantage of this solution is that, unlike springs, eccentrics do not allow for length compensation. While a spring can compensate for tool length tolerances by being tensioned more or less, eccentrics can only travel a defined distance and therefore do not allow for length compensation for tool length tolerances.

[0006] DE 10 2010 024 274 A1 discloses a processing station of a sheet die-cutting and / or embossing station, which has a clamping device for a lower tool.

[0007] DE 34 09 392 C2 discloses a tool in a punching and cutting device with a tool holder which has a clamping device.

[0008] DE 20 2007 012 349 U1 discloses a sheet die-cutting and embossing machine with an alignment system for sheets.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a processing station of a punching machine whose tool holder is both insensitive to vibrations and allows compensation for length tolerances of the tools.

[0010] This problem is solved by a processing station with the features of claim 1. The processing station according to the invention, of a sheet-cutting and / or embossing machine for processing sheets of paper, cardboard, plastic, and the like, has a sheet transport system for transporting the sheets through the processing station in a sheet transport direction. Each sheet is processed by an upper tool and a lower tool, each of which is held by a tool holder.According to the invention, at least one tool holder has, firstly, a first clamping device comprising at least one first clamping element and a first spring clamping device for clamping the tool in the sheet transport direction, and furthermore, a second clamping device comprising at least one second clamping element and a second spring clamping device for clamping the tool perpendicular to the sheet transport direction, as well as an actuating element for moving or rotating the at least first and the at least second clamping elements against the spring force of the respective spring clamping device to release the clamping. It is particularly advantageous if such a tool holder is used for the stroke-moving tool of the processing station; in particular, this can be a top tool such as a stripping tool or a blanking tool.Since only one actuating element is required, the machine operator can change tools and position and clamp them in the tool holder particularly quickly and easily. The resulting time savings in clamping the tools have a positive impact on the productivity of the punching machine, as the time required for changeovers can be reduced.

[0011] In a first embodiment, the actuating element has a double eccentric with two effective eccentricities, each of which can be understood as a curve contour, and a rotation of the eccentric causes the clamping of the tool to be released.

[0012] In an alternative, particularly advantageous, and therefore preferred embodiment, the actuating element is designed as a push rod, the displacement of which releases the clamping. Such a push rod is easy to manufacture, easy to mount in the tool holder, and simple to actuate.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the machining station according to the invention, the push rod is provided with a first and a second cam contour, such that when the push rod is moved, the first cam contour imparts a movement to the at least first clamping element, and the second cam contour also imparts a movement to the at least second clamping element. Moving the push rod in a first direction allows the tool to be aligned and clamped in the tool holder by the spring forces. Moving the push rod in the opposite direction, however, releases the clamping effect by the spring forces. It is particularly advantageous if the cam contours are arranged so that they become effective at different times, i.e., that they act on the associated clamping element at different times, thus achieving an optimized release of the clamping effect.Another advantage is that the clamping sequence is predetermined in this embodiment. This prevents the machine operator from entering an incorrect clamping sequence.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the tool holder can transmit the movement of the rod by having first and second transmission elements, which are arranged between a respective curve contour and a respective clamping element.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous and therefore preferred embodiment, the push rod has a handle and can be operated manually. This allows for quick and easy operation. Actuators, which would be subject to vibration, are thus unnecessary. The push rod can be guided by rollers, which can be positioned on either side of the push rod.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the machining station according to the invention, at least one transmission element has a rack and a lockable gear engaged with the rack. This gear typically remains locked and can thus transmit the thrust movement of the rack. To adapt the tool holder to the tool format, the gear's locking mechanism can be briefly released, allowing the gear to be moved along the rack. This format adjustment is achieved by means of Fig. 2a is described in more detail below.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the transmission element has a lever that pivots around a joint. In an advantageous embodiment of the machining station, the tool holder has a rack-and-pinion transmission element assigned to one clamping element and a further lever-type transmission element assigned to the other clamping element. The use of both transmission element designs allows for efficient actuation of the first and second clamping devices.

[0018] The invention also relates to a sheet-fed die-cutting and / or embossing machine, which is equipped with at least one processing station as described above.

[0019] The described invention and the described advantageous embodiments of the invention also represent advantageous embodiments of the invention in any combination with one another.

[0020] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and the description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example of implementation

[0021] The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The schematic representation shows... Fig. 1. An overview of a sheet-fed die-cutting and / or embossing machine according to the invention Fig. 2a a sectional view through the first clamping device Fig. 2b a top view of the first clamping device Fig. 3 a representation of the second clamping device Fig. 4 an alternative actuating element

[0022] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a sheet-fed die-cutting and embossing machine 100 for die-cutting, stripping, blanking, and depositing sheets of paper, cardboard, plastic, and the like. The die-cutting and embossing machine 100 has a feeder 1, a die-cutting station 2, a stripping station 3, and a delivery unit 4 with a depositing and blanking station, all supported and enclosed by a common machine housing 5 and driven by a main drive 17. The processing stations 2, 3, and 4 are accessible from one side, the so-called operator side; the drive train of the sheet-fed die-cutting and embossing machine 100 is located on the opposite side, the so-called drive side. A machine control 15 controls the processes within the die-cutting machine 100.

[0023] The sheets 6 are separated from a stack by a feeder 1, fed to the sheet transport system 7 and gripped at their leading edge by grippers attached to gripper bridges of a gripper carriage 8 and pulled intermittently through the various stations 2, 3 and 4 of the punching and embossing machine 100 in the sheet transport direction 13.

[0024] The sheet transport system 7 has several gripper carriages 8, so that several sheets 6 can be processed simultaneously in the different stations 2, 3 and 4. The gripper carriages 8 can be driven by a chain drive or, in an alternative embodiment, by an electromagnetic linear drive with traveling-field motors, as described, for example, in DE 20 2007 012 349 U1.

[0025] The punching station 2 consists of a lower platen, a so-called lower table 9, and an upper platen, a so-called upper table 10. The upper table 10 is mounted so that it can move vertically back and forth and is equipped with an upper tool 30 with punching and creasing blades. The lower table 9 is fixed in the machine frame and is equipped with a counter plate 20 for the punching and creasing blades. Alternatively, the upper table 10 can be fixed and the lower table 9 movable. For embossing, embossing tools, especially in the form of so-called embossing dies, are used instead of the punching and creasing tools.

[0026] The gripper carriage 8 transports the sheet 6 from the punching and embossing station 2 to the subsequent stripping station 3, which is equipped with stripping tools 21, 23. In the stripping station 3, the stripping tools 21, 23 push the unwanted waste pieces 11 downwards from the sheet 6, causing the waste pieces 11 to fall into a cart-like container 12 inserted below the station.

[0027] From the stripping station 3, the sheet 6 enters the delivery unit 4, where it is either simply deposited or the individual blanks of each sheet 6 are simultaneously separated. For this purpose, the delivery unit 4 has a blank separating tool 21, 23. The delivery unit 4 can also contain a pallet 13 on which the individual sheets 6 or blanks are stacked in the form of a stack 14, so that once a certain stack height is reached, the pallet 13 with the stack of sheets 14 can be moved away from the area of ​​the die-cutting and embossing machine 100.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2a, each tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 is received by a first clamping device 41.1 of a tool holder 40 in the arc transport direction B at its downstream leading edge by a front tool holder bar 40.1 and clamped at its upstream trailing edge by a first clamping element 43.1. A first clamping force F1 is applied by a first spring tensioning device 42.1. The first spring tensioning device 42.1, which is designed as a compression spring, is supported against a support block 410 and acts on a slide 406, which is pushed to the left. The slide 406 is connected to a rack 407 by means of a screw connection, and thus transmits the clamping force F1 to the rack 407. A gear 412 engages in the rack 407, which is held in a fixed position by a locking mechanism and cannot rotate.The gear 412 and its bearing then transmit the first clamping force F1 to the first clamping element 43.1, which is designed as a rear tool holder. To release the clamping of the tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30, the push rod 44, which has a curved contour, is moved as indicated by the double arrow b. The push rod 44 rests on one side against rollers 405, which are mounted on a plate 408; movable rollers 404 roll on its other side. The curved contour 401 is applied to the second side of the push rod 44. The rollers 404 are mounted in the rack 407.

[0029] While Fig. Figure 2b shows a snapshot in which the tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 is in a clamped state. Fig. 2b The push rod 44 in a snapshot, in which the clamping of the tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 is released. Positions for the clamped state are indicated by dashed lines.

[0030] As can be seen from Fig. As shown in Figure 2a, the push rod 44 of the tool holder 40 is positioned such that the clamping is released. The rollers 404 have rolled on the first cam contour 401 of the push rod 44 and are thereby moved downwards in the plane of the image. Since the rollers 404 are mounted in the rack 407, which is in Fig. Since 2b is not shown because it is located below the plate 408, the displacement movement b of the push rod was converted into a displacement movement of the rollers 404 and this displacement movement was transferred to the rack 407. Via the in Fig. The coupling of the rack 407 via the gear 412 to the first clamping element 43.1, as shown in Figure 2a, releases the clamping of the tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30. The actuating movement b of the push rod 44 and the release of the clamping occurs against the first clamping force F1, i.e., against the spring force of the compression spring 42.1: Since the slide 406 is connected to both the rack 407 and the first spring tensioning device 42.1, the force F1 must be overcome when the push rod 44 is actuated. In other words, the spring 42.1 must be compressed. Moving the push rod 44 therefore causes the spring 42.1 to be tensioned or released, thus allowing or releasing the clamping effect on the tool.

[0031] If the processing tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 has a greater length in the sheet transport direction B, the first clamping device 41.1 can be adjusted to the correct format. For this purpose, the locking mechanism of the Fig. The gear 412 shown in Figure 2a is released during the format adjustment process. This allows the gear to rotate and be moved in its position on the rack 407. Alternatively, a handle with a load moment lock is used, whereby attaching the handle simultaneously releases the clamp and performs the adjustment. This sliding movement is indicated by the double arrow a.

[0032] After based on the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, where the clamping of the tool in the direction of arc transport or the release of this clamping has been described, will be explained below using the following examples: Fig. 3 the mode of operation of the second clamping device 41.2 is described, which causes the tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 to be clamped perpendicular to the arc transport direction B.

[0033] The in Fig. The 3 indicated tools 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 have a so-called centerline block 24, which enables the centering of the tool and thus its alignment perpendicular to the sheet transport direction B. This centerline block 24 is pressed against a machine-fixed stop 409 to position the tool. This clamping is effected by a second clamping device 41.2 with a second clamping element 43.2. The positions of the second clamping element 43.2, which is connected to a lever 413, are shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows a snapshot in which no clamping occurs. The positions of the second cam contour 402 and the second clamping element 43.2, in which clamping occurs and a second clamping force F2 presses the centerline block 24 against the stop 409, are indicated by a dashed line. While the lever 413 of the second clamping device 41.2 has the second clamping element 43.2 at one end, a roller 404 is mounted at its other end. The lever 413 itself is pivotally mounted by a joint 414. A second spring tensioning device 42.2, designed as a tension spring, engages the lever 413 and constantly attempts to pull the second clamping element 43.2 against the stop 409. In the snapshot of Fig. However, this is prevented by the second cam contour 402 of the push rod 44. This second cam contour 402 is located on the underside of the push rod 44, allowing the roller 404 to roll on the cam contour 402. Actuation of the push rod 44, i.e., a sliding movement b, causes a displacement of the cam contour 402 on which the roller 404 rolls, and thus a rotational movement of the lever 413 against the spring force F2 of the tension spring 42.2, and thus a pivoting of the second clamping element 43.2, so that it can pivot from its disengaged position (shown) to its engaged position (shown with dashed lines), and clamp F2 of the centerline block 24 against the stop 409.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, a double eccentric 45 can be used as the actuating element instead of the push rod 44, as shown in [reference to be added]. Fig.Figure 4 shows the double eccentric 45. It has two eccentricities, the first forming a first curve contour 401 and the second forming a second curve contour 402. A rotary movement c to actuate the double eccentric 45 causes the curve contours 401 and 402 to rotate. Analogous to the embodiment described above with push rod 44, the movement of the curve contour 401 is transferred to the first clamping element 43.1 and the movements of the curve contour 402 to the second clamping element 43.2, so that the tool 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 can be clamped or released in the same way. Reference symbol list 1 investor 2. Die-cutting and / or embossing station 3 Breakout stations 4 outriggers 5 machine housings 6 sheets 7 Bow transport system 8 grab carts 9 Under-table 10 upper table 11 pieces of waste 12 cars 13 pallets 14 display stacks 15 Control unit with interface and input devices 16 Feed table 17 Machine drive 20 Counter-punching tool (punching creasing plate) 21 Upper tool with punches 23 Partition grid or breakout board (sub-tool) 24 Centerline block 30 punching tools 40 Tool holder 40.1 front tool holder 41.1 1. Clamping device 41.2 2. Clamping device 42.1 1. Spring tensioning device 42.2 2. Spring tensioning device 43.1 1. Clamping element 43.2 2. Clamping element 44 Push rod (actuating element) 45 Double eccentric (actuating element) 100 sheet die-cutting and embossing machines 401 1. Curve contour 402 2. Curve contour 403 Handle 404 movable roller 405 Fixed roller 406 slides 407 Rack and pinion 408 plate 409 attack 410 support block 411 Guide element (screw) 412 lockable gear 413 levers 414 Joint a format adjustment b Actuating movement Push rod c Actuating movement double eccentric h Stroke movement of tool and tool holder during bow processing B Bow transport direction E Bow transport level F1 first clamping force F2 second clamping force

Claims

[1] Processing station (2, 3, 4) of a sheet punching and / or embossing machine (100) for processing sheets (6) made of paper, cardboard, plastic and the like, with a sheet transport system (7) for transporting the sheets (6) in a sheet transport direction (B) through the processing station (2, 3, 4), with an upper tool (21, 30) and a lower tool (20, 23) and a first tool holder (40) of the upper tool (21, 30) and a second tool holder (40) of the lower tool (20, 23), characterized by that at least one of the tool holders (40) has: - a first clamping device (41.1) comprising at least one first clamping element (43.1) and a first spring tensioning device (42.1) for clamping the tool (21, 30) in the sheet transport direction (B) and - a second clamping device (41.2) comprising at least one second clamping element (43.2) and a second spring tensioning device (42.2) for clamping the tool (20, 23) perpendicular to the sheet transport direction (B) and - an actuating element (44, 45) for displacing (b) or rotating (c) the at least first and the at least second clamping element (43.1, 43.2) against the spring force (F1, F2) of the respective spring tensioning device (42.1, 42.2) to release the clamping. [2] Processing station according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating element is a double eccentric (45) with two effective eccentricities (401, 402), the rotation (c) of which causes the clamping to be released. [3] Processing station according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating element is a push rod (44), the displacement (b) of which causes the clamping to be released. [4] Processing station according to claim 3, characterized by that the push rod (44) is provided with a first and a second curved contour (401, 402) such that when the push rod (44) is moved (b), the first curved contour (401) imparts a movement to the at least first clamping element (411) and the second curved contour (402) imparts a movement to the at least second clamping element (43.2). [5] Processing station according to claim 4, characterized by that the tool holder (40) has first and second transmission elements (404, 406, 407, 412, 413) which are arranged between a respective curved contour (401, 402) and a respective clamping element (43.1, 43.2). [6] Processing station according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the push rod (44) has a handle (403) and can be operated manually. [7] Processing station according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that the push rod (44) is guided by rollers (404, 405). [8] Processing station according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that at least one transmission element has a rack (407) and a lockable gear (412) engaging with the rack (407). [9] Processing station according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by that at least one transmission element is designed as a lever (413) pivotable about a joint (414). [10] Sheet punching and / or embossing machine (100) for processing sheets (6) made of paper, cardboard, plastic and the like, with a processing station (2, 3, 4) according to one of the preceding claims.

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