Arrangement and method for processing leaf-shaped material

Abstract

Cutting arrangement (10) for processing a stack (40) of sheet-shaped material, such as paper, or at least a part thereof, comprising at least one transport level, in particular a rear table (22) and / or a front table (20) associated with a cutting line, and at least one handle (33, 100, 200), such as a gripping element (33) and / or a stop (180, 280), for grasping and / or moving the stack (40) or the part thereof, characterized in that a top surface of the transport level is formed from one or more stator modules (28, 30) of a planar drive system generating electromagnetic fields, or has one or more stator modules of a planar drive system, in that at least one rotor (32, 34, 36, 132) having a permanent magnet is movable on the transport level by means of the at least one stator module (28, 30) suspended above the transport level. 232) is arranged and that of the runner (32, 34, 36,132, 232) the handle (33, 100, 200) extends or is designed as a runner (32, 34, 36, 132, 232).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting arrangement for processing a stack of sheet-shaped material, such as paper, or at least a part thereof, comprising at least one transport level, in particular a rear table and / or front table associated with a cutting device, and at least one handle, such as a gripping element and / or stop, for grasping and / or moving the stack or the part thereof.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for processing and / or handling or transporting a stack of sheet-shaped material, such as paper, or a part thereof, on a transport plane in a cutting arrangement, comprising a rear and / or front table and at least one handle, such as a gripping element like pliers or a stop, which grasps and / or pushes the stack or part thereof and is moved along the transport plane, such as the rear and / or front table.

[0003] Manual intervention is still common in cutting systems for processing stacks of sheet-shaped materials. Robot-assisted systems are also known, as can be seen, for example, in DE 10 2018 108 555 A1, DE 199 14 580 A1, EP 2 886 220 A1, or DE 10 2020 111 448 A1.

[0004] Even though the use of robots offers significant advantages, especially compared to current technology requiring manual intervention, special safety precautions must be taken to prevent users from being endangered by the robot's movements. Additional space may also be required for the robot.

[0005] DE 10 2006 033 575 A1 describes a device for positioning stacked, sheet-like processing materials on the worktable of a machine tool. A positioning unit is provided for positioning a stack on the rear table; this unit is movable by means of an electromagnetic linear drive consisting of a rotor and stator.

[0006] In order to be able to move sheet-shaped material on a machine table, DE 103 31 609 A1 provides a positioning unit which can be adjusted via drive elements such as racks and pinions.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement for processing, handling, or transporting a stack of sheet-shaped material, which can be designed to save space and offers highly precise processing capabilities. A fully automated process sequence should optionally be possible.

[0008] To solve the problem, the invention essentially provides, with regard to the arrangement, that the top of the transport plane is formed from one or more stator modules of a planar drive system generating electromagnetic fields, or has one or more stator modules of a planar drive system, that at least one runner having a permanent magnet is arranged on the transport plane and is movable above the transport plane by means of the at least one stator module on the transport plane, and that the handle extends from the runner or is designed as a runner.

[0009] The invention is explained below in connection with a cutting arrangement comprising a front and / or rear table, between which a cutting line runs, without this being intended to impose any limitations. Therefore, front and rear tables are also to be understood as synonyms for transport level.

[0010] According to the invention, an arrangement, in particular a cutting arrangement, is proposed in which the principle of magnetic levitation technology is applied by generating an electromagnetic field on the surface of the rear and / or front table, in particular both the rear and front table, by means of the stator module(s), by means of which the runners, which can also be referred to as movers or shuttles and in which permanent magnets are integrated, are moved levitating and freely movable above the table surface in order to move a stack of sheet-shaped material to be processed and / or a part thereof and to align it with a cutting line, for example to carry out a circumferential cut and / or to cut the stack or part thereof into strips and these optionally into blanks.

[0011] Thanks to magnetic levitation technology, specifically the planar drive system, the runner(s) can move not only two-dimensionally above the surface, but also rotate, tilt, and raise / lower, essentially enabling movement across six degrees of freedom. The size of the runners, and the ability to connect them in a row, allows for optimization of load capacity and footprint.

[0012] All components required for generating and controlling the electromagnetic field can be integrated into the stator modules, such as coil groups, associated power electronics, position sensing, and power supply including communication components. A plastic film, a glass sheet, or non-magnetic stainless steel can be applied to the surface.

[0013] Each runner can contain a unique identifier stored within it.

[0014] A transport system is provided that operates with high precision and is freely movable depending on the generated electric fields. The stator modules define the movement of the rotors along desired paths.

[0015] In particular, the invention is characterized in that the upper surface of both the front and rear tables is formed by stator modules generating electromagnetic fields, which can be connected via a side table, the upper surface of which is also formed by one or more stator modules.

[0016] In particular, the handle is designed as a pair of tongs, with the arrangement preferably comprising two pairs of tongs as gripping elements to enable the transfer of a stack or a portion thereof for all-around trimming. To actuate the tongs, they can be connected to a compressed air source or to an electric drive located on the runner along with the tongs. Alternatively, the tongs can be aligned with a stationary actuating element by means of which the tongs are opened and can be closed by means of a pressure element, such as a spring.

[0017] In order to grasp a stack or part thereof placed on the rear table, a further development of the invention provides that recesses are provided in the rear table, set back from the plane spanned by the stator modules, for receiving a lower jaw of a pair of pliers.

[0018] In particular, it is also possible for a stator module to be height-adjustable so that it can be lowered when the top of the lower jaw is to be flush with the plane defined by the stator modules, i.e., with the surface of the rear table. An identical design can be provided for the front table.

[0019] The stator modules themselves can have a desired geometry, in particular a rectangular geometry such as the shape of a square. Other geometries, such as L-shaped or ring-shaped designs, are also possible.

[0020] Regardless of this, the stator modules can be assembled into a surface which, in plan view, has a rectangular, square, I-, E-, L- or O-shape.

[0021] A method of the type mentioned above is characterized by the fact that the handle is moved along the transport plane by means of a planar drive system comprising at least one stator module and at least one runner, suspended above the transport plane, wherein the handle originates from the runner or is itself a runner.

[0022] For this purpose, it is provided that the handle is connected to a runner with an integrated permanent magnet or is designed as such, the movement of which is determined by control and / or regulation of a power supply from the stator modules of the planar drive system forming the top of the rear and / or front table.

[0023] In this process, a tong with upper and lower jaws is used as a handle. To ensure that the upper surface of the lower jaw, which contacts the stack or part thereof, is aligned with the surface of the transport level, such as the rear and / or front table, at least one stator module is lowered. This provides clearance for the lower jaw of the tong, allowing its upper surface to be flush with the surface of the transport level, such as the table, and thus enabling it to easily grip the stack or part thereof.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, a recess can be formed in the transport plane, such as the table, into which the lower jaw dips.

[0025] The pliers themselves can be operated using compressed air or electricity. They can also be opened by an external actuating element.

[0026] If electrical actuation occurs, it is primarily achieved through control via the planar drive system.

[0027] Further details, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent not only from the claims and the features derived therefrom - individually and / or in combination - but also from the following description of preferred embodiments shown in the drawing.

[0028] They show: Fig. 1. A schematic diagram of a cutting system, Fig. 2 a cutting system in the cut, Fig. 3 the cutting system according to Fig. 2 in top view, Fig. 4 a first embodiment of a handle designed as pliers, Fig. 5 a second embodiment of a handle designed as pliers, Fig. 6 the pliers according to Fig. 5 in a position to open these, Fig. 7 the pliers of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 at the beginning of an opening process, Fig. 8 the pliers according to the Fig. 5 to 7 when open, Fig. 9 - 14 a schematic representation of a process flow for the all-around cutting of a stack of leaf-shaped material including cutting a strip, Fig. 15 - 17 cutting strips and Fig. 18 cutting of benefits.

[0029] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show schematic diagrams of a cutting system designated as cutting arrangement 10, which comprises a portal 14 extending from a machine frame 12, with a knife 16 and clamping beam 18. The knife 16 defines a cutting line by which a stack of sheet-like material, such as sheets of paper, is to be cut in the manner described below. This material can be printed sheets, such as banknotes, for cutting into blanks.

[0030] Where the term stack is used below, it is also to be understood as a synonym for a part of the stack, which can also be referred to as a layer.

[0031] In front and behind the cutting line, a front table 20 and a rear table 22 are arranged, which can be connected via a side table 24 and a feeder table 26, as can be seen from the schematic diagrams.

[0032] According to the invention, both the front table 20 and the rear table 22 have stator modules generating electromagnetic fields, one of which is designated with reference numeral 28 on the front table and with reference numeral 30 on the rear table.

[0033] The stator modules have a square shape in plan view, without this implying any limitation in terms of geometry. The stator modules 28, 30 form a highly compact drive of a planar drive system, by means of which rotors, also referred to as movers, in which a permanent magnet is integrated, can be moved freely and wirelessly above the surface of the front or rear table 20, 22. In this respect, reference is made to a technique as described in publications WO 2013 / 059934 A1, WO 2015 / 017933 A1, WO 2015 / 179962 A1, WO 2015 / 184553 A1, WO 2015 / 188281 A1, WO 2017 / 004716 A1, DE 10 2017 131 304 A1, DE 10 2017 131 314 A1, DE 10 2017 131 321 A1, DE 10 2017 131 304 A1, DE 10 2017 131 314 A1 and DE 10 2017 131 321 A1, the disclosure content of which is expressly referenced. The subject matter of the present invention is...

[0034] Planar drive systems, also known as planar drive systems, are commercially available from Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG, 33415 Verl, Germany. The stator modules are referred to as tiles and the rotors as movers.

[0035] A planar drive system utilizing the principle of magnetic levitation processes a stack of sheet-like material, such as sheets of paper, with each sheet bearing a print. The stack is fed to the cutting line according to the print and cut. Prior to this, the stack is cut all around and aligned with the cutting line. For this purpose, grippers and stops are used, which, according to the invention, extend from runners 32, 34, 36 that are moved suspended above the stator modules 30, i.e., above the surface of the front and rear tables 20, 22.

[0036] The Fig. Figures 4 to 8 show embodiments of corresponding pliers 100, 200, which are designed in such a way that they can optionally also perform the function of stops.

[0037] The in Fig. The pliers 100 shown in Figure 4 are integrated into a runner or mover 132 and have a lower jaw 134 and an upper jaw 136, which are adjustable relative to each other via scissor-forming arms 138, 140, 142, 144. Fig. 4 The lower and upper jaws 134, 136 are spaced apart from each other. To move them towards each other, a pneumatic cylinder 146, which is connected via a hose (not shown) to a pressure source (such as a compressed air or hydraulic source) required to actuate the pneumatic cylinder 146, is used to move a sliding element 148 connected to the arms 138, 142 into a guide 150 extending longitudinally along the pliers 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the piston of the pneumatic cylinder 146 must be moved to the right in order to adjust the sliding element 148 in the guide 150 to the right, with the result that the legs 138, 140 and 142, 144, respectively, due to the elongated holes 152, 154, 156 which accommodate the right ends of the legs 138, 140, 142, 144, change the angle between the legs 138, 140 and 144, respectively.142, 144 are reduced in size, and consequently the upper jaw 136 is adjusted relative to the lower jaw 134, since each leg 138, 140, 142, 144 is connected at one end to the upper jaw 136 or a frame 158 connected to it, and at the other end to the lower jaw 134 or a frame connected to it. Thus, a stack or layer of the stack can be clamped by means of the tongs 100 and moved, i.e., pulled, on the rear table 22 according to the movement of the tongs 100.

[0038] If the pliers 100 require an energy connection, i.e., in this case a compressed air source, then the pliers 200 are required according to the Fig. 5 to 8 are designed such that by aligning the pliers 200 with a stationary actuating device 300, the pliers 200 can be opened in order to push a stack of sheet-shaped paper into the space between its lower jaw 234 and upper jaw 236 and then to close the pliers in such a way that the stack is clamped in place due to the spring force.

[0039] If the actuating device 300 is previously described as stationary, the invention is not abandoned even if it is not designed to be stationary, for example to take into account that the pliers must handle different stack formats.

[0040] The design of the pliers 200 corresponds, with regard to the scissor design, to that in the Fig. 4, so that appropriate reference symbols are used and reference is made to the relevant explanations.

[0041] To open the pliers 200, they have a sliding element 252 which is acted upon by a compression spring 260 in the direction of a counter bearing 262, which is located at the end of the adjustment path of the sliding element 252, according to the Fig. 4 is adjustable within the frame 152. The sliding element 252 has a roller element 264 in the stop-side area to enable low-friction insertion of a wedge-shaped end section 266 of an actuating element 268, the jaw-side inclined surface 270 of the wedge-shaped section 266 interacting with the roller element 264. The rear surface of the wedge-shaped section 266 is displaced along the stop 262. This moves the sliding element 252 against the force exerted by the compression spring 260 in the direction of the lower and upper jaws 234, 236, with the result that the legs 138, 140 forming the scissor jaws are pivoted such that the upper jaw 236 and lower jaw 234 are spaced apart from each other, as is the case with the Fig. 8 can be seen.

[0042] The confirmation element 268 starts from a stationary carrier 272, which has a pressure medium or pneumatic cylinder 274, by means of which the rod-shaped actuating element 268, which has the wedge-shaped end section 266, is axially adjustable in a direction that is perpendicular to the force of the compression spring 260.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the clamp 200 extending from a runner or mover 232 in the closed position, with the roller element 264 aligned with the stop 262 on the wedge-shaped section 266 of the actuating element 268. This is also shown again by the Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this.

[0044] To open the pliers 200, the actuating element 268 is lowered via the pneumatic cylinder 274 such that the free end, i.e., the tip 276 of the wedge-shaped section 266, penetrates the space between the roller element 264 and the stop 262. As the actuating element 268 is lowered further, the slide 252 is moved to the left against the force of the compression spring 260 in the drawing, thus lifting the upper jaw 236. A stack or layer of sheet-shaped material can then be inserted between the lower and upper jaws 234, 236. The actuating element 268 is then retracted, so that the force exerted by the compression spring 260 moves the sliding element 252 to the right, causing the upper jaw 236 to lower until the stack or its position is clamped in place. The clamping force is generated by the compression spring 260.

[0045] As the graphic representations of the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 to 8, the tongs 100 and 200 each have a stop 180 and 280, respectively, at their end furthest from the jaws, to allow a stack or layer to be moved on the rear table 22. The tongs 100 and 200 can thus move a stack or layer on the rear table 22 either by clamping it or by applying the stop 180 and 280 to the stack or layer.

[0046] Like the Pliers 100, the Pliers 200 are based on a Runner 232 or are integrated into it.

[0047] Thus, the clamp 100, 200 performs a dual function, namely either to grip a stack or to move it exclusively by pushing on a transport level, such as the rear or front table 20, 22.

[0048] Based on the Fig. Sections 9 to 18 explain the cutting of a stack or layer of sheet-like material, beginning with a circumferential cut followed by the cutting of strips and panels. The terms "stack" and "layer" are used synonymously here, indicating that several sheets arranged one above the other are being processed or cut.

[0049] For this purpose, at least one pair of pliers is used, by means of which the position 40 on the rear table 22 is moved and aligned with the cutting line formed by the knife 16. The pliers, which are of a type corresponding to the design of the Fig. According to the invention, the components 4 to 8 are moved suspended above the rear table 22 and for this purpose originate from or form the movers 32, 132, 232. In this respect, there is a technical equivalence.

[0050] To detect position 40, the lower jaw of the tongs can, for example, be aligned flush with the top of the back table 22 by either forming a corresponding recess in the back table 22 or by having a stator 30 that can be lowered. Another possibility is that a step runs between a feed table that brings the stack and the back table 22.

[0051] If a stationary operating device is used to open the pliers, such as this one... Fig. If the stack is to be removed from positions 5 to 8, it is pushed by means of a stop extending preferably from another pair of pliers towards the pliers aligned with the actuating device, specifically into the open pliers, in order to then clamp the position 40 by closing the pliers. On the entry side, the lower jaw with its clamping surface is aligned with the surface of the rear table 22 in such a way that a flush transition is achieved.

[0052] According to Fig. 9 The position 40 of the feed table 26 is gripped by the gripper 33 extending from the mover 32 in order to first grasp the part in the Fig. to trim the lower page 42 shown in 9. This will be done using the Fig. Figure 10 illustrates this. Position 40 is aligned with the cutting line in such a way that side 42 can be trimmed.

[0053] According to Fig. 11. The pliers 33 are then moved by means of the runner 32, and thus the position 40 on the rear table 22 is shifted, i.e. rotated, so that the one in the Fig. 9. The right-hand side 44 of position 40 can be trimmed.

[0054] In Fig. In step 12, layer 40 is rotated again by 90° to trim the edge or side 46.

[0055] To trim the remaining side 38, the runner 32 is moved along sides 38, 42, 44 with the pliers 33, with the lower jaw of the pliers 33 remaining between position 40 and the surface of the rear table 22.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 13 illustrates the adjustment of the clamping jaws 33 along side 38, so that with the lower jaw of the clamping jaws 33 located below layer 40, they are moved to side 46. Layer 40 is then clamped and aligned with the cutting line so that side 38 can be trimmed. For this purpose, layer 40 is fixed by the clamping jaws during the movement of the runner 42. Subsequently, the completely trimmed layer 40 is successively pushed through the portal 14 by means of the clamping jaws 33 extending from the runner 32 to cut strips 48. Fig. 14), which in turn are gripped by a clamp 50, which originates from a runner 52, which is suspended on the front table 20, since the front table 20 also consists of stator modules 28 or the top side has them.

[0057] According to the Fig. 15 and Fig. Strips 48, 66 are transferred from the tongs 50 to the tongs 60, 62, 64 originating from movers 54, 56, 58, as should be illustrated in principle by the figures.

[0058] In the Fig. 16 Two strips 48, 66 are clamped by the grippers 60, 62. By means of the runners 54, 56 with the grippers 60, 62, the strips 48, 66 are aligned onto the cutting line of the cutting arrangement by moving the runners 54, 56 on the rear table 22 to cut the blanks, which in turn are gripped by grippers 68, 70 extending from runners 72, 74 and floating on the front table 20 ( Fig. 18).

[0059] By means of the tongs 68, 70 and the runners 72, 74, the blanks can then be fed to further processing machines.

[0060] In order to move the stack, or a part thereof (i.e., a layer), smoothly and with minimal friction on the rear table 22, an inventive proposal provides for air outlet openings 135 in the end face of the lower jaw 134 of the tongs 100, in order to create an air cushion beneath the stack gripped by the tongs 100. This achieves the advantages of an air table, which, as is known, has openings through which compressed air is released.

[0061] Preferably, the air outlet openings 135 are located in an end face of the lower clamp 134 that runs perpendicular to the transport surface of the stack or the position.

[0062] The end face can also form an acute angle with the transport surface.

[0063] The air outlet openings 135 can originate from channels running inside the lower clamp 134, which are inclined to the transport plane in order to build up an air cushion below the stack or layer to the desired extent.

Claims

[1] Cutting arrangement (10) for processing a stack (40) of sheet-shaped material, such as paper, or at least a part thereof, comprising at least one transport level, in particular a rear table (22) and / or a front table (20) associated with a cutting line, and at least one handle (33, 100, 200), such as a gripping element (33) and / or a stop (180, 280), for gripping and / or moving the stack (40) or the part thereof, characterized by, that a top surface of the transport plane is formed from one or more stator modules (28, 30) of a planar drive system generating electromagnetic fields, or has one or more stator modules of a planar drive system, that at least one rotor (32, 34, 36, 132, 232) having a permanent magnet is arranged on the transport plane and is movable suspended above the transport plane by means of the at least one stator module (28, 30) on the transport plane, and that the handle (33, 100, 200) extends from the rotor (32, 34, 36, 132, 232) or is designed as a rotor (32, 34, 36, 132, 232). [2] Cutting arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the top surface of both the rear and front tables (20, 22) consists of or comprises one or more stator modules (28, 30) and that preferably the front and rear tables (20, 22) are connected via a side table (24), the top surface of which is preferably formed by one or more stator modules (28, 30). [3] Cutting arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the handle (33, 100, 200) is a pliers (33, 100, 200) and that the arrangement has at least two pliers (33, 100, 200), each pliers (33, 100, 200) originating from or being a separate runner (32, 34, 36, 132, 232). [4] Cutting arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the handle (132, 232) is operated for opening and / or closing by means of a pneumatic cylinder (146), an electric drive or by means of a stationary actuating device (300). [5] Cutting arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least in the rear table (22) a recess is provided, set back from the plane spanned by the stator modules (30), to receive a lower jaw (134, 234) of a pair of pliers (33, 100, 200) as a gripping element (33, 100, 200) such that a clamping surface of the lower jaw is aligned with the plane. [6] Cutting arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a stator module (28, 30) or several stator modules (28, 30) are designed to be height-adjustable to form the depression. [7] Cutting arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stator module (28, 30) has a rectangular shape, square shape, L-shape or ring or ring section shape in plan view. [8] Method for processing and / or handling or transporting a stack (40) of sheet-shaped material, such as paper, or a part thereof, on a transport plane in a cutting arrangement (10), comprising a rear and / or front table (20, 22) and at least one handle (33, 100, 200), such as a gripping element (33, 100, 200), such as a tong (33, 100, 200) or a stop (180, 280), which grasps and / or moves the stack (40) or part thereof and is moved along the transport plane, such as the rear and / or front table (20, 22), characterized by , that the handle (33, 100, 200) is moved along the transport plane by means of a planar drive system comprising at least one stator module (28, 30) and at least one runner (32, 34, 36, 132, 232), suspended above the transport plane, wherein the handle (33, 100, 200) originates from or is itself the runner (32, 34, 36, 132, 232). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by, that a pliers (33, 100, 200) with lower and upper jaws (134, 136, 234, 236) is used as a handle (33, 100, 200) and that, for the purpose of aligning the stack (40) or its part contacting upper surface of the lower jaw to the surface of the transport plane, such as the rear and / or front table (20, 22), at least a recess is formed in it or at least a stator module (28, 30) is lowered. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the pliers (33, 100, 200) are actuated by means of compressed air, by interaction with an actuating element (268) originating from a stationary actuating device (300) or electrically. [11] Method according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that compressed air is released from the lower jaw (135) of the tongs (100) to create an air cushion below the stack (40) or part thereof. [12] Method according to at least one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by, that to perform a circumferential cut of the stack (40) or the part thereof, the stack (40) or the part thereof is gripped by the gripping element (33) extending from the runner (32) on one side (38) of the stack (40) or the part thereof, and by moving the runner (32) with the gripping element (33) on the rear table (22) the further sides (42, 44, 46) are trimmed, that after trimming the last untrimmed side of the stack (40) or its part, it is fixed by means of a clamping bar (18) of the cutting arrangement (10), then the gripping element (33), with the lower jaw of the gripper (33) remaining between the stack (40) or its part and the rear table, is moved to the side (44) running diametrically opposite to the previously clamped side, and by closing the gripper (33) holds the stack (40) or its part thereof, that then by moving the runner (32) the untrimmed side (38) aligned with the cutting line and the side is trimmed,and that subsequently, by adjusting the runner (32) towards the cutting line, strips (48, 66) of the stack (40) or part thereof are cut. [13] Use of a planar drive system with a stator module (28, 30) generating an electromagnetic field and a rotor (32, 34, 36, 132, 232) containing a permanent magnet which is suspended above the stator module (28, 30) for moving a stack (40) of sheet-shaped material or part thereof in a cutting arrangement (10). [14] Use according to claim 13 with one or more features of claims 1 to 12.

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