Device and method for transporting and singulating blanks from a web of material

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for transporting and singulating blanks (1010) of a material web (1000) comprising a vacuum cylinder (8) for transporting the blanks (1010), a vacuum transport cylinder (7) for further transport of the blanks (1010), and a control unit (9). According to the invention, the vacuum cylinder (8) has a pivotable vacuum segment (82), and a pivoting drive (85) is provided for pivoting the vacuum segment during operation. This makes it possible to reduce the effective vacuum area on a surface of the vacuum cylinder (8). The invention also relates to a method for transporting and singulating blanks from a web of material. The device and method enable a gentler and more precise transfer of blanks from a vacuum cylinder to a vacuum transport cylinder.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for transporting and singulating blanks of a material web, comprising a vacuum cylinder for transporting the blanks, a vacuum transport cylinder arranged downstream of it for further transport of the blanks, and a transfer level further downstream for receiving the blanks from the vacuum transport cylinder. The invention also relates to a method for transporting and singulating blanks from a web of material. State of the art

[0002] It is known to manufacture a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) or parts thereof for a fuel cell, an electrolysis cell, a redox flow cell (liquid battery), or membrane-based humidifiers from material webs. In various embodiments, the MEA comprises a catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) to which edge reinforcements or rims made of a more cost-effective and durable material are attached on one or both sides. For further assembly, two gas diffusion layers (GDLs) can be applied to the outer surfaces of the MEA. The application of the GDLs can be carried out in a single process with the fabrication of the MEA, including the CCM and the frame(s), or in a spatially and / or temporally separate process.In another embodiment, an MEA comprising a membrane and two gas diffusion layers arranged on it is provided, wherein edge reinforcements or frames are attached to this MEA on one or both sides.

[0003] To position and join the individual components or sections of the MEA, it is known from the prior art to die-cut individual components from roll material, place them on top of each other, and laminate them. For the MEA to be effective, it is essential that the components are precisely aligned and positioned relative to each other. Furthermore, it is important to handle the components as gently as possible, since even small forces acting on catalyst-coated membranes, for example, can cause cracks in the coating's microstructure.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to transport the components of the MEA on vacuum cylinders. For this purpose, the vacuum cylinders are provided with a porous or perforated surface on their outer surfaces, through which a vacuum is created. To change the distance between components or blanks transported in the material flow on a vacuum cylinder, in particular to increase it, in order to later enable individual placement and positioning on other components, the components are transferred from a slower rotating vacuum cylinder to a faster rotating vacuum cylinder. At the beginning of the transfer, each blank is predominantly drawn in and held by the first vacuum cylinder. In a later phase of the transfer, the blank is predominantly drawn in and held by the second vacuum cylinder.As the transmission process progresses, the force balance shifts increasingly in favor of the subsequent cylinder. At the point where the intake forces of the second cylinder predominate, the cutting edge is pulled downwards against the remaining intake force from the first cylinder.

[0005] This results in slippage, which leads to positional inaccuracies during the transfer to the second cylinder. Furthermore, the acceleration process during slippage cannot be precisely predicted, which also reduces positional accuracy. Particularly in MEA manufacturing, there are high demands on the accuracy of MEA components that are stacked on top of each other.

[0006] Another negative side effect is that forces act on the blanks during the transfer, which, in the case of easily stretchable blanks, namely MEA components, especially the CCM, lead to elongation. In other words: The second cylinder pulls on the front end of the blank, while the first cylinder holds it back.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known solution is that, firstly, forces act on the components during the transfer from the first to the second vacuum cylinder, which can impair, damage, or even destroy them. Secondly, unwanted slippage occurs between the components and the surfaces of the vacuum cylinders. This slippage causes the components to lose their defined position on the surface of the vacuum cylinders, which impairs subsequent precise positioning relative to other components. Task

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for transporting and singulating blanks of a material web and to describe a method for transporting and singulating blanks of a material web, which enables a transfer of blanks from a vacuum cylinder to a vacuum transport cylinder that is as slip-free as possible and therefore gentler and more precise, and which at least partially eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art. Technical solution

[0009] This problem is solved by a device for transporting and singulating blanks of a material web as described and claimed below.

[0010] According to the invention, it was found to be advantageous to provide a vacuum cylinder with a pivotable vacuum segment, which makes it possible to reduce the effective vacuum area on a lateral surface of the vacuum cylinder.

[0011] The device is used for transporting and singulating blanks from a web of material, particularly MEA components. Alternatively, the blanks can also be, for example, wound dressings, labels, film or membrane blanks, or similar materials. The device comprises a vacuum cylinder for transporting the blanks, a vacuum transport cylinder arranged downstream (in the direction of travel of the web and the blanks) for further transport of the blanks, and a transfer level further downstream for receiving the blanks from the vacuum transport cylinder, as well as a control unit. Singulating blanks means that they can be individually deposited or transferred. If necessary, the distance between two consecutive blanks can also be increased, particularly if the blanks are fed directly adjacent to each other without any gap before being fed into the vacuum cylinder.

[0012] According to the invention, the vacuum cylinder has a pivotable vacuum segment that extends over an angular range of the vacuum cylinder for applying negative pressure to its outer surface. A pivoting drive is provided for pivoting the vacuum segment during operation of the device. For this purpose, the pivoting drive is connected to the control unit via data transmission and can be controlled by it.

[0013] By rotating the angular range, particularly around the axis of rotation of the vacuum cylinder, the duration of the vacuum acting on a given blank can be determined relative to the rotation angle of the vacuum cylinder. This allows, for example, the vacuum acting on a blank to be terminated earlier or later in the transfer area, i.e., in the roller gap between the vacuum cylinder and the vacuum transport cylinder.

[0014] In particular, at least one motion profile for the rotary actuator is stored in the control unit. This motion profile includes values ​​for the timing of the control and the swivel angle of the rotary motion.

[0015] Advantageously, the effective holding force on a blank or parts thereof during its transfer from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder can be influenced by pivoting the vacuum segment.

[0016] In a further development of the device, the pivot axis of the vacuum segment lies on the axis of rotation of the vacuum cylinder. It is particularly advantageous if the vacuum segment extends over an angular range of 180–300° of the vacuum cylinder, especially 250–290°. This ensures that a large portion of the lateral surface of the vacuum cylinder has an effective vacuum zone. Nevertheless, a sufficient area remains where no vacuum is present, which can be used to assist in the removal of a blank from the vacuum cylinder or to reduce the vacuum acting on a blank.

[0017] In a first embodiment of the device, the vacuum segment is formed by a sector, i.e., a circular segment that opens towards the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder and is rotatably mounted within the hollow vacuum cylinder. In one embodiment, the sector includes a chamber that is connected via a rotary feedthrough in the axis of rotation of the vacuum cylinder to a vacuum system, thus supplying a vacuum to bores, holes, or pores in the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder.

[0018] According to a second embodiment, the vacuum cylinder has supply channels distributed evenly around its circumference and the vacuum segment is formed by at least one control disk which can connect the supply channels to a vacuum system.

[0019] In this configuration, for example, axially extending supply channels can be arranged beneath the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder, which have a fluidic connection to the holes or pores in the cylinder's outer surface. A control disc, or optionally two control discs, which are arranged to seal against one or both end faces of the vacuum cylinder, close or open the supply channels. The control discs can be designed such that they have kidney-shaped recesses on their inner surface, which are connected externally to a vacuum system. The at least one control disc, with its vacuum-operated kidney-shaped recess, is rotatably mounted about the common axis of the vacuum cylinder and can be adjusted externally by means of the rotary actuator.

[0020] In a possible further development of the device, at least the vacuum cylinder is equipped with its own independent, controllable drive motor for its rotation. This drive motor is connected to the control unit via data transmission for controlling the drive motor. The vacuum cylinder can be operated with a speed profile stored in the control unit. Speed ​​profiles for the rotation of the vacuum cylinder are stored in the control unit or can be generated, i.e., calculated. The drive motor of the vacuum cylinder can be controlled such that the vacuum cylinder rotates with different speeds according to a given speed profile. In other words, the vacuum cylinder is selectively accelerated, decelerated, or briefly stopped during its rotation.This advantageously allows influence to be exerted on the slippage during the transfer of a blank from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder, and if necessary, the distance between two blanks can be changed before and after the transfer.

[0021] In a further development of the device according to the invention, it is equipped with a material web feed device for transporting a material web, a punching cylinder, and a counter-punch cylinder for punching blanks from the material web upstream of the vacuum cylinder and / or the vacuum transport cylinder. The punching cylinder is arranged on one side of the material web and the counter-punch cylinder on the other side, such that the material web can be guided between them and punched. Cutouts, i.e., blanks surrounded by a punched remnant, are also referred to here as blanks. The material web feed device, the punching cylinder, and the counter-punch cylinder are each equipped with their own independent drive motor for their rotation.

[0022] According to a first variant, the material web is at least single-layered and has a product layer without a support layer, and the vacuum cylinder is formed by the punching cylinder or the counter-punching cylinder. A product layer punched by the punching cylinder and counter-punching cylinder can have multiple layers. Advantageously, this variant allows for a particularly compact device design.

[0023] According to a second variant, the material web is multi-layered with at least one carrier layer and one product layer, and the device has a delamination unit for separating the carrier layer from the blanks that are fixed to the vacuum cylinder. Thanks to the carrier layer, particularly sensitive and / or unstable product layers can be transported and processed. A product layer, which is punched by a punching cylinder and a counter-punching cylinder, can have several layers.

[0024] In both variants, the device can have a mechanism for removing the stamping residues and, if necessary, the carrier layer freed from the blanks.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, at least the vacuum transport cylinder is equipped with an adhesion-optimized, i.e., adhesion-enhancing, surface such that the surface enables good adhesion of the blanks. This advantageously ensures sufficient adhesion even if it is not already guaranteed by the material properties of the cylinder's outer surface. The adhesion-enhancing surface ensures that slippage during the transfer of the blanks from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder is avoided or at least reduced. The blanks can thus be transferred without affecting their position.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for transporting and singulating blanks of a material web as described and claimed below, and which can in particular be carried out on a device as described above.

[0027] The process is used for transporting and singulating blanks of a material web, in particular components of an MEA, with the following continuously repeating steps: a) Feeding a web of material with cut pieces b) Transport of the blanks on a vacuum cylinder c) Transfer of the blanks to a vacuum transport cylinder and d) Transport of the blanks on the vacuum transport cylinder e) Transfer of the cutouts to a transfer level In step c), the effective vacuum area on a surface of the vacuum cylinder is reduced during the transfer of each blank. In particular, an area of ​​the vacuum cylinder located upstream and adjacent to the roller gap of the vacuum cylinder and vacuum transport cylinder can be vented and freed from vacuum. The position of the vacuum area can, for example, be shifted, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, the vacuum cylinder has a vacuum segment extending over an angular range of the cylinder for applying negative pressure to its outer surface. During the transfer of the blanks to a vacuum transport cylinder, the vacuum segment is pivoted in the opposite direction to the rotation of the vacuum cylinder.

[0029] Tests have shown that it is advantageous for the swiveling of the vacuum segment against the direction of rotation to begin as soon as at least 20%, and in particular at least 40%, of the area of ​​a given blank has been transferred from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder and is held by it.

[0030] By pivoting the vacuum segment, the vacuum's adhesive effect on the rear part of the blank is weakened, thus reducing the holding forces. This prevents unnecessary stretching of the blanks during transfer. Limiting stretching is particularly important for sensitive materials, such as membranes used in fuel cell manufacturing. Transferring most of the blank before reducing the effective vacuum area advantageously ensures that the blanks can be transferred with precise positioning, retain their orientation, and experience minimal stretching.

[0031] In a further development of the process, the vacuum segment is pivoted in the direction of rotation from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder before each subsequent blank is transferred. The vacuum segment is thus pivoted back to its original position. This ensures that a subsequent blank can be reliably drawn onto the vacuum cylinder by the vacuum along its entire length, especially at its leading edge. The pivoting speed of the vacuum segment during this return movement can correspond to the rotational speed of the vacuum cylinder, allowing both the vacuum segment and the vacuum cylinder to move synchronously. Before a subsequent blank reaches the roller gap, the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder in the transfer area is again pressurized with vacuum.

[0032] In a further development of the process, the vacuum cylinder is operated with a speed profile such that, at the start of the transfer of a respective blank, the vacuum cylinder and the vacuum transport cylinder rotate at the same surface speeds, i.e., when the leading edge of a respective blank reaches the transfer area, i.e., the roller gap between the vacuum cylinder and the vacuum transport cylinder. This can also be described as the synchronous operation of the vacuum cylinder and the vacuum transport cylinder.

[0033] The swiveling motion of the vacuum segment and the speed profile of the vacuum cylinder interact in a suitable manner, ensuring that at the start of the transfer of each blank from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder, the blank is held under vacuum across its entire surface. The vacuum in the vacuum cylinder only weakens in the rear area of ​​the blank, facilitating its release from the vacuum cylinder once the front area of ​​the blank is sufficiently secured to the vacuum transport cylinder. In other words, by superimposing the movement profile of the swiveling motion of the vacuum segment and the speed profile of the rotation of the vacuum cylinder, an even more precise, slip-free, and gentle transfer can be achieved.

[0034] This method can be combined with the method described in DE 10 2024 122 364, to which full reference is hereby made.

[0035] According to DE 10 2024 122 364, the rotational speed of the vacuum cylinder is temporarily reduced during the transfer of each blank from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder. The speed profile can be designed such that the rotational speed of the vacuum cylinder is reduced as soon as at least 50%, and in particular at least 65%, of the area of ​​each blank has been transferred from the vacuum cylinder to the vacuum transport cylinder and is held by it.

[0036] It appears particularly advantageous if the vacuum transport cylinder is moved with a predominantly constant rotational speed, as this supports a particularly precise transfer and positioning of the blanks in the downstream transfer plane.

[0037] If the circulating conveyor belt or the product web located in the transfer plane moves at a constant and the same speed as the vacuum transport cylinder, highly accurate placement of the blanks can be achieved.

[0038] Constant speed here does not mean that the speed is unchanging. Rather, it means that the speed does not change continuously during normal operation, i.e., there are hardly any accelerations or decelerations, thus enabling a continuous manufacturing process. If the speed of the circulating conveyor belt or the product web located in the transfer level needs to be increased – for example, with the aim of increasing output – or if the speed of the circulating conveyor belt or the product web located in the transfer level needs to be decreased – for example, due to a required roll change or a temporarily slower-running inline production system upstream – then the speeds of the other elements of the device, i.e., vacuum cylinders, vacuum transfer cylinders, etc., must be adjusted accordingly.

[0039] The described invention and the described advantageous further developments of the invention also represent advantageous further developments of the invention when combined with each other - insofar as this is technically sensible.

[0040] Regarding further advantages and structurally and functionally advantageous embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Example of implementation

[0041] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Corresponding elements and components are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures. For the sake of clarity, the figures are not drawn to scale.

[0042] They show in schematic representation Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a device for transporting and singulating blanks Fig. 2a and b a second embodiment of a device for transporting and singulating blanks of a single-layer material web with two sub-variants Fig. 3 a third embodiment of a device for transporting and singulating blanks of a multilayer material web Fig. 4 a,b,c a detailed view of the vacuum cylinder and the vacuum transport cylinder at different times Fig. 5. a cut in a top view Fig. 6 a,b two embodiments of a vacuum segment.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device 100 for transporting a web of material 1000 consisting of consecutive blanks 1010 and for singulating the blanks 1010. The device 100 is equipped with a material web feeder 1 for transporting the web of material 1000, a vacuum cylinder 8 for transporting the blanks 1010, a vacuum transport cylinder 7 arranged downstream of it (viewed in the transport direction T) for further transporting the blanks 1010, and a transfer level E further downstream for receiving the blanks 1010 from the vacuum transport cylinder 7. Only individual blanks 1010 are shown by way of example in the figures. A web of product 2000 is guided and transported in the transfer level E to receive the blanks 1010 from the vacuum transport cylinder 7.

[0044] Fig. Figures 2a and b show a second embodiment of a device for transporting and singulating blanks of a single-layer material web 1000 in two partial variants a) and b).

[0045] The device 100 is equipped with a punching cylinder 2 and a counter-punching cylinder 3 for punching blanks 1010 from the material web 1000, which are arranged upstream of the vacuum transport cylinder 7. In variant a), the vacuum cylinder 8 is formed by the counter-punching cylinder 3, and in variant b) by the punching cylinder 2, and has its own independent drive motor (not shown). A material web feeding device 1 is not shown here or in the figure described below for the sake of clarity. Downstream of the punching cylinder 2, a device 5 for removing the punching waste 1020 is arranged.

[0046] In the transfer level E, a product web 2000 is guided and transported to receive the blanks 1010 from the vacuum transport cylinder 7.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a device 100 for transporting and singulating blanks, which is constructed similarly to the one in Figure 3. Fig. 2 Device 100 shown. In contrast, the material web 1000 is multi-layered with at least one carrier layer 1030 and one product layer 1040. Downstream of the punching cylinder 2, the device has a delamination unit 4 for separating the blanks 1010 from the carrier layer 1030.

[0048] Furthermore, a facility 5 is provided for the removal of the stamping residues 1020 and the support layer 1030.

[0049] In further contrast to the embodiments described above, the transfer level E has a conveyor belt 6 for further transport of the blanks 1010.

[0050] Fig. Figures 4a-c show a detailed view of the vacuum cylinder and the vacuum transport cylinder over time.

[0051] Vacuum cylinder 8 and vacuum transport cylinder 7 can each be equipped with their own independent drive motor 84, so that the vacuum cylinder 8 can be rotated with a speed profile with different rotational speeds R.

[0052] The vacuum cylinder 8 has an adjustable vacuum segment 82 by means of which the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder 8 is subjected to a vacuum. The vacuum segment 82 is fluidically connected to a vacuum generator 83.

[0053] As indicated by the double arrows, the vacuum segment 82 can be pivoted, i.e., rotated, in its position, but its size is neither increased nor decreased. The pivoting movement is achieved by a rotary actuator 85 controlled by the control unit 9.

[0054] Part of the device 100 is also a control unit 9, with which at least the drive motor 84 of the vacuum cylinder 8 and the rotary actuator 85 are connected via data transmission and can be controlled. The control unit 9 contains or can generate speed profiles for the rotation of the vacuum cylinder 8 and motion profiles for the pivoting of the vacuum segment 82, which depend on the length 1013 and / or the area distribution over the length 1013 of a respective blank 1010. The motion profile that is applied to the rotary actuator 85 also depends on the speed profile of the vacuum cylinder 8.

[0055] The snapshot of Fig. The vacuum segment 82 shown in Figure 4a is in a neutral, normal position. The blank 1010, which has just been transferred with its leading edge 1014 to the vacuum transport cylinder 8, is held on the vacuum cylinder 8 by vacuum from the roller gap along its entire length to its trailing edge 1012. This ensures that the blank 1010 can be transferred with precise positioning from the vacuum cylinder 8 to the vacuum transport cylinder 7.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4b is a snapshot taken at a slightly later point in time. Vacuum cylinder 8 and vacuum transport cylinder 7 have continued to rotate, and the blank 1010 has been transported further with them. To reduce the effective vacuum area of ​​vacuum cylinder 7 and also reduce the holding force of the vacuum on the blank 1010, the vacuum segment 82 was pivoted – as indicated by the arrows – against the direction of rotation R of vacuum cylinder 8. In the area of ​​the roller gap between vacuum cylinder 8 and vacuum transport cylinder 7, the outer surface of vacuum cylinder 8 is ventilated, and the blank 1010 experiences no vacuum-induced holding force here. Thus, the holding force acting on the rear part of the blank 1010 is reduced, which makes it possible to decelerate the vacuum cylinder 8 without causing any positional shifts of the blank 1010 during further transfer.Thanks to the speed reduction of the vacuum cylinder 8, which is achieved by applying a corresponding speed profile to the drive motor 84, the distance between two successive cuts 1010 can be increased.

[0057] As seen in the next snapshot of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4c, the distance between the blanks 1010 has been increased. To ensure that the subsequent blank 1010 is securely held by the vacuum cylinder 8 with its leading edge 1011 at the start of the transfer to the vacuum transport cylinder 7, the vacuum segment 82 is pivoted back by a pivoting movement in the direction of rotation R of the vacuum cylinder 8, indicated by two arrows. The pivoting movement is effected by the pivot drive 85, controlled by the control unit 9. The pivoting movement can have the same rotational speed as the vacuum cylinder 8. The vacuum segment 82 is pivoted until it is back in its normal position (see Figure 4c). Fig. 4a) has arrived.

[0058] The one based on the Fig. The movement sequence of vacuum segment 82 and vacuum cylinder 8 shown in 4a-c is repeated for each cut 1010.

[0059] The vacuum transport cylinder 7 is equipped with an adhesion-optimized surface 81 to improve the adhesion of the blanks 1010 and to reduce slippage during transfer between the cylinders 7, 8.

[0060] Fig. Figure 5 shows a cutout 1010 in a top view with the dimensions of the cutout 1010.

[0061] From the front edge 1011 to the back edge 1012, a cutout has a length of 1013. The cutout 1010 has a width of 1015. The area of ​​the cutout, as the product of length 1013 and width 1015, is marked with 1016. A partial area 1014, which occupies 1 / 3 of the front area of ​​the cutout 1010, i.e., more than 30% of its total area, is marked with hatching for clarity.

[0062] Fig. Figures 6a and 6b show two embodiments of a vacuum segment. In the embodiment of Fig. 6a The vacuum segment 82 is formed by a hollow cylinder, a sector, which is semi-open on its outer surface and rotatably mounted within the vacuum cylinder 8. Where the hollow cylinder is open on its outer surface, a vacuum is provided on the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder 8. Where the hollow cylinder is closed on its outer surface, no vacuum is provided on the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder 8, and a region 86 without vacuum exists. The hollow cylinder can contain a chamber that is connected via a rotary feedthrough (not shown) in the axis of rotation A of the vacuum cylinder 8 to a vacuum system, thus supplying a vacuum to bores, holes, or pores in the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder 8.

[0063] In the embodiment of Fig.6b The vacuum segment 82 is formed by a pivotable control disk, which acts as a link between the vacuum cylinder 8 and a stationary disk 87 with a vacuum connection. The vacuum cylinder 8 is uniformly provided around its circumference with axially extending supply channels, indicated by a dotted line, which have a fluidic connection to holes or pores in the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder 8. The control disk serves to connect the supply channels to a vacuum system.

[0064] The control disc closes or opens the supply channels. The control disc can be designed with kidney-shaped recesses on its inner surface (left in the illustration), which are connected to a vacuum system on the outer surface (right in the illustration). The control disc, with its vacuum-operated kidney-shaped recess, is pivotally mounted about the common axis A with the vacuum cylinder 8 and can be adjusted externally by means of a rotary actuator 85. Reference symbol list 1. Material web feeding device 2 punch cylinders 3 counter-punch cylinders 4 Delamination unit 5. Equipment for removal 6 Conveyor belt 7 vacuum transport cylinders 8 vacuum cylinders 81 Surface area of ​​vacuum (transport) cylinders 82 swiveling vacuum segment (angle range) 83 Vacuum system / vacuum pump 84 Drive motor 85 Swivel drive 86 Area without vacuum 87 fixed disk with vacuum connection 9 Control unit 100 Device for transporting and singulating 1000 material conveyor 1010 Cut from material web 1011 Front edge cut 1012 Rear edge cut 1013 Length Cut 1014 1 / 3 of the area of ​​the cut 1015 Width of the cut 1016 Area of ​​the cut 1020 punch remnant 1030 support position 1040 Product location 2000 product lanes A axis of rotation E handover level R direction of rotation E handover level QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2024 122 364 [0034, 0035]

Claims

[1] Device (100) for transporting and singulating blanks (1010) of a material web (1000) comprising a vacuum cylinder (8) for transporting the blanks (1010), a vacuum transport cylinder (7) arranged downstream of it for further transport of the blanks (1010), with a further downstream transfer level (E) for receiving the blanks (1010) from the vacuum transport cylinder (7), and with a control unit (9), characterized by , that the vacuum cylinder (8) has a pivotable vacuum segment (82) which extends over an angular range of the vacuum cylinder (8) for applying negative pressure to its outer surface, and that A swivel drive (85) is provided for swiveling the vacuum segment (82), wherein the swivel drive (85) is connected to the control unit (9) via data transmission. [2] Device according to claim 1 characterized by, that at least one motion profile for the rotary drive (85) is stored in the control unit (9). [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pivot axis of the vacuum segment (82) lies in the rotation axis of the vacuum cylinder (8). [4] Device according to claim 3 characterized by , that the vacuum segment (8) extends over an angular range of 180 - 300° of the vacuum cylinder (8), in particular from 250 - 290°. [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vacuum segment (82) is formed by a sector which is open to the outer surface of the vacuum cylinder (8) and is rotatably mounted within the vacuum cylinder (8), or that the vacuum cylinder (8) has supply channels distributed evenly around its circumference and the vacuum segment (82) is formed by at least one control disk which can connect the supply channels to a vacuum system (83). [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least the vacuum cylinder (8) is equipped with a controllable rotary drive (84). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (100) is equipped with - a device (1) for feeding material webs for the transport of a material web (1000) and / or - a punching cylinder (2) and a counter-punching cylinder (3) for punching blanks (1010) from the material web (1000) upstream of the vacuum cylinder (8) and / or the vacuum transport cylinder (7) and / or - a vacuum transport cylinder (7) with an adhesion-optimized surface (81) and / or - if the material web (1000) is multi-layered with at least one carrier layer (1030) and one product layer (1040), with a delamination unit (4) for separating the blanks (1010) from the carrier layer (1030) and / or - a facility (5) for removing the stamping residues (1020) and, if applicable, the support layer (1030) and / or - a conveyor belt (6) or a transport system with product receiving in the transfer level (E) for further transport of the blanks (1010) or, with a product web (2000) in the transfer level (E) for receiving the blanks (1010). [8] Method for transporting and singulating blanks (1010) of a material web (1000) comprising the following steps: a) Feeding a web of material (1000) with cut pieces (1010) b) Transport of the blanks (1010) on a vacuum cylinder (8) c) Transfer of the blanks (1010) to a vacuum transport cylinder (7) and d) Transport of the blanks (1010) on the vacuum transport cylinder (7) e) Transfer of the blanks (1010) to a transfer level (E) wherein in step c) the effective vacuum area on a lateral surface of the vacuum cylinder (8) is reduced during the transfer of each blank (1010). [9] Method according to claim 8 characterized by , that the vacuum cylinder (8) has a vacuum segment (82) which extends over an angular range of the vacuum cylinder (8) for applying a vacuum to its outer surface, and the vacuum segment (82) is pivoted in step c) against the direction of rotation (R) of the vacuum cylinder (8). [10] Method according to claim 9 characterized by, that the pivoting of the vacuum segment (82) against the direction of rotation (R) begins as soon as at least 20%, in particular at least 40% of the area (1016) of a respective blank (1010) has been transferred from the vacuum cylinder (8) to the vacuum transport cylinder (7) and is held by it. [11] Method according to one of claims 9-10 the vacuum segment (82) is pivoted in the direction of rotation (R) of the vacuum cylinder (8) before the transfer of each subsequent next blank (1010) from the vacuum cylinder (8) to the vacuum transport cylinder (7). [12] Method according to one of claims 8-11 in step c) during the beginning of the transfer of a respective blank (1010) from the vacuum cylinder (8) to the vacuum transport cylinder (7) the vacuum cylinder (8) to the vacuum transport cylinder (7) rotate synchronously. [13] Method according to any one of claims 8-12 characterized by, that the vacuum transport cylinder (7) is moved with a constant rotational speed (R).

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