Device and method for intermittently conveying a material web along a conveying direction and for cutting the material web

Description

background

[0001] This document describes a device and method for intermittently conveying a web of material along a conveying direction and for cutting the web of material. The details of this device and method are defined in the claims; the description and drawings also contain relevant information about the device and its mode of operation, as well as variants. State of the art

[0002] A device for cross-cutting a web of material is known from DE 31 31 101 C2. The device comprises three conveyor units arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. The first conveyor unit has a pair of rollers, the second and third conveyor units each have a conveyor roller and spring-mounted rollers to guide the web of material between the conveyor roller and the rollers. A pair of fly knives for cross-cutting the web of material is arranged between the second and third conveyor units. Compared to the first conveyor unit, the second and third conveyor units operate at increased speed. The web of material is transported with slip between the conveyor roller on the one hand and the rollers on the other. Between the second conveyor unit and the pair of fly knives, the web of material is guided on a table above which a hold-down device is located.To cut a sheet from the web, the table is pivoted upwards – driven by a clutch – so that the web is clamped between the table and the hold-down device. In this position, the web accumulates between the first conveyor unit and the hold-down device. After the cut is completed, the table is lowered again, freeing the web, and the cut sheet is fed to a storage area by the third conveyor unit. Between the pair of fly knives and the third conveyor unit, the web is guided on blast-air-fed floating bars to prevent static charging of the cut sheets and ensure trouble-free deposit.

[0003] Document US 2004 / 076799 A1 discloses a device for intermittently conveying a web of material along a conveying direction and for cutting the web of material. The device comprises a cutting device for cutting the web of material at an angle transverse to the conveying direction and a conveying device for conveying the web of material in the conveying direction, wherein the conveying device has a support for the web of material.

[0004] Furthermore, the documents DE 34 07 627 A1, EP 0 822 915 A1 and EP 0 000 411 disclose devices for conveying webs of material and / or devices for cutting paper webs. problem

[0005] With the known device, a jam of the web occurs in front of the pair of fly knives, causing the web to sag to a greater or lesser extent. The jam is then cleared by the second conveyor unit. Thus, the web in front of the pair of fly knives is constantly being alternately loosened and re-tensioned. This makes it difficult to precisely adjust the desired length of a sheet to be cut.

[0006] The table is pivoted upwards to clamp the web of material using a clutch via a crankshaft and connecting rods. The inevitable and not insignificant play here also makes it difficult to precisely adjust the desired length of a sheet to be cut.

[0007] Another problem is that conventional conveyor systems are only suitable for webs with a minimum thickness and minimum material strength. With very thin materials, there is a risk of imprecise transport due to slippage and / or material distortion. This also subsequently makes it difficult to precisely adjust the desired length of a sheet or piece of web to be cut.

[0008] The object is therefore to provide a corresponding device and a corresponding method which enables particularly precise adjustment of the length of a sheet to be cut - even for thin materials. Proposed solution

[0009] To achieve this object, a device is proposed for intermittently conveying a web of material along a conveying direction and for cutting the web of material, in particular into pieces of predetermined lengths. The device comprises a cutting device for cutting the web of material at an angle transverse to the conveying direction and a conveying device for conveying the web of material in the conveying direction. The conveying device comprises a support for the web of material, as well as a pressure and movement device for applying and releasing pressure, with which the web of material is pressed against the support and for generating a movement of the web of material relative to the support in the conveying direction.The conveying device is designed and configured to move the printing and movement device in order to produce the print, starting from a starting position in the direction of the support, and then - while at least partially maintaining the pressure - to effect the movement of the web of material relative to the support in the conveying direction by means of a movement of the printing and movement device in the conveying direction up to a front end position.

[0010] By moving the printing and movement device in the direction of the support to create the print, the starting point of the web's movement can be determined very precisely. When the printing and movement device moves in the conveying direction to a front end position, slippage between the printing and movement device and the web can be reliably and easily prevented – with the appropriate pressure selection. This also allows the end point of the web's movement to be determined very precisely.

[0011] Furthermore, the described variant enables reliable conveying of a material web with a particularly thin material thickness. For example, the device can reliably and precisely convey plastic material webs (polymers, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyurethanes, etc.) with material thicknesses of approximately 100 µm or approximately 50 µm, and cut into pieces with high dimensional accuracy in the conveying direction.

[0012] In one variant, the length of the movement of the pressure and movement device in the conveying direction can be adjusted. This allows the web of material to be conveyed to the desired extent and cut with particular precision at a predetermined location using the cutting device to form a piece of a specified length or a sheet. For example, the position of the starting position and / or the position of the front end position of the pressure and movement device relative to the support can be designed to be adjustable.

[0013] The movement of the pressure and movement device in the conveying direction allows the web to be conveyed without jamming. This reliably prevents sagging or rippling of the web. The web can be conveyed in a flat condition.

[0014] In one variant, the conveying device is designed such that when the web of material moves relative to the support in the conveying direction, the web of material adheres at least partially to the pressure and movement device. This can be achieved, for example, in that the pressure and movement device has a contact surface for the web of material made of a first material and in that the support has a contact surface or support surface for the web of material made of a second material, wherein the first material has a higher static coefficient of friction than the second material compared to a material of the web, for example plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the contact surface of the pressure and movement device can be rougher than the contact surface of the support.

[0015] In one variant, the conveying device has an adhesion promoter, which ensures that the web adheres at least partially to the pressure and movement device as it moves relative to the support in the conveying direction. The adhesion promoter can be formed, for example, by structuring the contact surface of the pressure and movement device.

[0016] This allows the distance, measured in the conveying direction, by which the web is moved during the movement of the printing and moving device to the front end position to be measured with particular precision, and consequently the length of a sheet to be cut from the web can be adjusted with particular precision. In particular, the conveying device can be designed such that the web adheres to the printing and moving device during the movement of the web relative to the support in the conveying direction.

[0017] In one variant, the pressure and movement device has a pressure surface for contact with the web of material, which extends transversely to the conveying direction and, for example, covers at least part of the width of the web or the entire width of the web. For example, the pressure surface can also have several spaced-apart segments. This allows for particularly good adhesion of the pressure and movement device to the web of material. In one variant, the pressure surface extends transversely to the conveying direction on both sides beyond the support. The pressure surface is preferably made of a material with particularly good adhesive properties, such as rubber.

[0018] In one variant, the pressure and movement device has, at least in a first approximation, a beam shape. In one variant, the pressure and movement device's main axis, defined by the beam shape, is oriented transversely, in particular at 90° (± approximately 40°) to the conveying direction.

[0019] In one variant, the cutting device is located on the side of the conveyor facing the conveying direction. This allows the web of material to be fed to the cutting device by the conveyor in a pushing motion. The web of material does not have to be pulled toward the cutting device. This provides particularly suitable design freedom on the side of the cutting device opposite the conveyor. This can be used as a storage area for cut sheets.

[0020] In one variant, the support has a flat support surface for the web of material. This ensures that the support offers very little resistance to the web as it moves relative to the support. This facilitates adhesion of the web to the printing and moving device. Furthermore, the flat support surface supports the flat alignment of the web of material during its conveyance. In one variant, the support surface is oriented horizontally. The support surface is preferably designed to support the web of material across its entire width.

[0021] In one variant, the support has a support surface for the web that is flat along the cutting direction and curved in the conveying direction. This also ensures that the support offers very little resistance to the web during its movement relative to the support.

[0022] In one variant, the overlay contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). For example, the overlay can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter also referred to as "Teflon ®<"). A particularly low frictional resistance (dynamic friction coefficient approximately 0.07, static friction coefficient approximately 0.03) between the web and the support surface can be achieved if the support surface contains at least partially Teflon ®<. If the overlay has a surface or support surface for the web with a low coefficient of friction, preferably also with low static and / or sliding friction, a smooth or jerk-free transition of the web from standstill to movement is possible. This also contributes to the dimensional accuracy of the cut sheets.

[0023] In one variant, the support is immobile or fixed relative to a housing of the device. This is advantageous for a flat arrangement of the web of material during its conveyance and also for a simple construction of the device.

[0024] In one variant, the support is made of a flexible (PTFE-containing) film.

[0025] In one variant, the conveying device has a first drive unit which is set up and designed to move the printing and movement device, starting from the start position for producing the print, in the direction of the support into a rear printing position in which the printing and movement device has produced the pressure with which the web of material is pressed against the support. In one variant, the first drive unit has - with reference to the conveying direction - a linear guide on each side of the support for guiding the printing and movement device, wherein the linear guides are designed to guide the movement of the printing and movement device from the start position into the rear printing position. In one variant, the linear guides are arranged in such a way that they guide the printing and movement device vertically.For example, the first drive unit can have at least one pneumatic cylinder for driving the pressure and movement device along the linear guides. In particular, one pneumatic cylinder can be provided per linear guide.

[0026] In one variant, the conveyor device also has a second drive unit designed to move the printing and moving device from the rear printing position in the conveying direction to the front end position. In one variant, the second drive unit has a toothed belt arrangement, with the linear guides of the first drive unit being firmly connected to the toothed belt. In one variant, the toothed belt arrangement is arranged below the support (above the support when viewed from the web).

[0027] In one variant, the support is a film, wherein the conveying device further comprises a roller element which acts as a counter-pressure element for the pressure and movement device. In one variant, the roller element is arranged below the support; wherein the roller element has at least one roller which extends transversely to the conveying direction, preferably across the entire width of the support. The roller element is designed such that the roller can contact a lower surface of the support. In one variant, the roller element interacts with the linear guide, in particular such that the roller element moves with the conveying direction when the pressure and movement device moves in and / or against the conveying direction. In this way, particularly suitable clamping of the web of material for conveying it in the conveying direction can be achieved.In one variant, the roller element rolls with its at least one roller on the lower surface of the support during the movement of the printing and moving device from the rear printing position to the front end position.

[0028] According to the invention, the conveying device further comprises a hold-down device which is mounted on the pressure and movement device so as to be movable about a pivot axis, so that when the web of material moves relative to the support in the conveying direction, the hold-down device presses the web of material against the support with an end region which is opposite the pivot axis and which is located on a side of the pressure and movement device which points in the conveying direction.

[0029] This helps to ensure a flat alignment of the material path during conveyance.

[0030] In another variant, the support is straight along the cutting direction and curved in the conveying direction.

[0031] In one variant, the hold-down device is mounted on the pressure and movement device so that the pivot axis extends perpendicular to the conveying direction. This ensures that the end section of the hold-down device presses the web against the support perpendicular to the conveying direction, thus contributing particularly effectively to a flat alignment of the web.

[0032] In one variant, the hold-down device has two arms, with the pivot axis running through the arms and the arms enclosing the pressure and movement device on two opposite sides. This enables a particularly simple version of the hold-down device.

[0033] In one variant, the hold-down device is mounted on the pressure and movement device so that it can pivot only about the pivot axis. This also enables a particularly simple yet effective version of the hold-down device. The arrangement of the hold-down device on the pressure and movement device can be designed without a drive. This way, the hold-down device is only actuated by gravity.

[0034] In one variant, the hold-down device is designed as a sheet metal part, which is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0035] In one variant, the end section of the hold-down device is located above the support or support surface when the pressure and movement device is in its forward end position. This ensures that the hold-down device presses the web against the support over the entire distance of the pressure and movement device's movement from the rearward pressure position to the forward end position.

[0036] In one variant, the end area of ​​the hold-down device contacts the web with a narrow, elongated contact surface.

[0037] In one variant, the cutting device has at least one cutting element. To drive the cutting element transversely to the conveying direction, the device can have a cutting element drive. The cutting device can be controlled such that with each movement of the cutting element transversely to the conveying direction, i.e., with each forward and backward movement, a sheet is cut from the web of material. In one variant, the cutting element is a rotatably mounted knife. A rotary drive can be provided to generate active rotation of the knife.

[0038] In one variant, the cutting device is designed such that the angle at which the web is cut is 90° ± 40° to the conveying direction. For example, the angle is 90°.

[0039] In one variant, the cutting device has a clamping element for clamping and releasing the web of material against a clamping support, by means of which a movement of the web of material in and against the conveying direction is prevented, wherein the cutting device is designed and configured to move the clamping element back and forth between a clamping position in which the clamping is effected and a release position in which the clamping is released.

[0040] The clamping allows for particularly precise positioning of the web during the cutting process.

[0041] In one variant, the clamping element is arranged between the support and the cutting element, viewed in the conveying direction. This allows the pressure and movement device to be moved from the front end position back to the start position in preparation for further movement of the web in the conveying direction, without causing the web to be moved counter to the conveying direction.

[0042] In one variant, the clamping support has a support surface for the web that is at the same height as the support surface of the support. This allows the web to be moved particularly flatly, particularly without ripples, in the conveying direction.

[0043] In one variant, the cutting device also has an additional clamping element for clamping and releasing the web against another clamping support, with the at least one cutting element located between the two clamping elements as seen in the conveying direction. This enables particularly reliable positioning of the web during cutting.

[0044] In one variant, when the pressure and movement device is in the front end position, a distance measured in the conveying direction between the end region of the hold-down device and the clamping element of the cutting device is less than approximately 10% to 30%, preferably approximately 20%, of the distance between the pressure and movement device and the clamping element. For example, the distance between the end region of the hold-down device and the clamping element of the cutting device is less than 20% of the distance between the pressure and movement device and the clamping element.

[0045] In this way, the material web can be held down by the hold-down device until it is close to the cutting device.

[0046] In one variant, the device also has a control device for controlling the cutting device and the conveying device, wherein the control device is designed and configured to cause the clamping element to be in the release position in a first time interval and the conveying device to cause the material web to move relative to the support in the conveying direction by moving the pressure and movement device, and that in a second time interval the pressure and movement device is in the front end position and the clamping element is moved from the release position into the clamping position, and that in a third time interval the clamping element is in the clamping position and the pressure and movement device is moved from the front end position into the start position by the conveying device.

[0047] This makes it particularly suitable for repeated conveying of the web of material in the conveying direction.

[0048] In one variant, the device also has a gripping device with a gripping element, wherein the gripping device is designed and configured to grip an edge region of the web of material produced by cutting the web of material with the cutting device and then to pull the web of material in the gripped state in the conveying direction.

[0049] For example, the gripping device can pull the web of material toward a storage area, a transfer position, or a processing station. For example, a cut sheet can be clamped against a support at the storage area by a stamp, and the gripping element can then be moved back to its starting position near the cutting device.

[0050] In one variant, the gripping device is designed in such a way that it can grip the edge area of ​​the web with the gripping element without the web being moved between the cutting to create the edge area and the gripping.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the variant can be such that the gripping device with the gripping element can grip the edge area of ​​the web of material after - following the cutting to create the edge area - the web of material has been transported a short distance in the conveying direction by the conveyor device.

[0052] In one variant, the gripping device is designed and configured to pull the web of material - seen in its conveying direction - with varying degrees of force at its two lateral edge areas in order to thereby achieve a lateral alignment of the web of material.

[0053] For example, the gripping device can have two drive axes, particularly those controlled by the control device, which are arranged next to each other transversely to the conveying direction. By driving the two drive axes uniformly, the web of material or a cut sheet can be moved in the conveying direction. By driving the two drive axes unevenly, the web of material or sheet can be aligned laterally. For this purpose, one variant additionally provides a camera configured to detect the lateral alignment of the web of material and is also connected to the control device.

[0054] In one variant, the device also has an alignment unit which is designed and configured to align the web of material laterally with respect to the conveying direction in accordance with a desired alignment.

[0055] In one variant, the alignment unit is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the support about a rotational axis extending in a plane containing the conveying direction and oriented approximately perpendicular to a support surface for the web formed by the support. In one variant, said plane forms an angle of 90° ± 10° with the support surface.

[0056] In one variant, the alignment unit has at least one roller for guiding the web of material, which is arranged transversely to the conveying direction. For example, the alignment unit has two rollers for guiding the web of material, which are arranged transversely to the conveying direction, with the axis of rotation running in a central region between the two rollers. In one variant, the alignment unit is arranged upstream of the conveyor device, so that the alignment of the web of material can take place before the web is conveyed by the conveyor device toward the cutting device.

[0057] The gripping device and / or the alignment device can be provided for lateral alignment of the web in preparation for a cutting process.

[0058] A method for intermittently conveying a web of material along a conveying direction and for cutting the web of material comprises the following steps: (a) arranging the web of material on a support for the web of material; (b) conveying the web of material by means of a pressure and movement device which, starting from a starting position, is moved in the direction of the support until it exerts pressure on the web of material and is then moved in the conveying direction to a front end position, while at least partially maintaining the pressure, so that the web of material is thereby moved in the conveying direction relative to the support;wherein the web of material is pressed against the support by a hold-down device, wherein the hold-down device is mounted on the pressure and movement device so as to be movable about a pivot axis and, during the movement of the web of material relative to the support in the conveying direction (R), presses the web of material against the support with an end region which is opposite the pivot axis and which is located on one side of the pressure and movement device, and (c) cutting the web of material at an angle transverse to the conveying direction. ;

[0059] In one variant, the following step is also provided: (d) clamping the web so that movement of the web in and against the conveying direction is prevented and moving the printing and moving device from the front end position to the start position. Short description of the characters

[0060] Further features, properties, advantages, and possible modifications will become clear to a person skilled in the art from the following description, which refers to the accompanying drawings. The figures schematically show a variant of a device for the intermittent conveying and cutting of a web of material, without limiting possible variants of the described device to these. Fig. 1 shows a sketched side view of a device according to the application for intermittently conveying and cutting a web of material. Fig. 2 shows an excerpt from Fig. 1 with a conveying device and a cutting device of the device. Fig. 3 shows one of the Fig. 2 appropriate supervision. Fig. 4 shows a sketch of a possible return movement of the printing and movement device from the front end position to the start position. Detailed description of the characters

[0061] Fig. 1shows a sketched side view of a device according to the application for intermittently conveying and cutting a web of material 1. The device comprises a housing 6 or machine frame on which a roller 20 is rotatably mounted, which serves to support the web of material 1 in the rolled-up state. A drive controlled by a control system (not further illustrated) is used to unwind the web of material 1 from the roll 20, with which the roll 20 can be actively rotated for this purpose.

[0062] The device further comprises a tensioning device 21 attached to the housing 6, which is designed and configured to receive the web 1 unwound from the roll 20 and to apply a specific, desired tension. This counteracts undesirable rippling of the web 1.

[0063] The tensioning device 21 also functions as a buffer, whereby the tension can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the portion of the web 1 accommodated in the tensioning device 21. For this purpose, the tensioning device 21 can, for example, have a vertically movable guide roller for the web 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the device has an alignment unit 13 fastened to the housing 6, which is designed and configured to receive the web 1 delivered by the tensioning device 21 and to align it laterally with respect to a conveying direction R, which is horizontal here, in accordance with a desired alignment.

[0065] For this purpose, the alignment unit 13 is mounted relative to the housing 6 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 14, wherein the rotation axis 14 is oriented at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction R.

[0066] The alignment unit 13 has two rollers 22, 23 arranged at different heights for guiding the web 1, which are arranged transversely to the conveying direction R. The rotation axis 14, about which the alignment unit 13 is rotatably mounted, runs in a central region, in particular in the middle between the two rollers 22, 23. The rollers 22, 23 are arranged in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0067] The two rollers 22, 23 of the alignment unit 13 are non-driven rollers. To rotate the alignment unit 13 about the rotation axis 14, the device has a drive motor for the alignment unit 13.

[0068] To detect a current lateral alignment of the web 1 relative to the target alignment, a sensor is provided which is arranged, for example, at a lower end region of the alignment unit 13.

[0069] For further guidance of the web, the device has two additional rollers 24, 25, via which the web 1 is fed to a conveyor device 3. Preferably, the two additional rollers 24, 25 are each mounted relative to the housing 6 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0070] The conveyor device 3 serves for the intermittent conveying of the web 1 in the conveying direction R. The conveyor device 3, which is Fig. 2 and a corresponding top view in Fig. 3 shown in more detail, has a support 4 designed as a PTFE (Teflon ®<) film, through which a horizontal support surface 41 is formed for the web of material 1. The support 4 is arranged in a fixed position on the housing 6 and is dimensioned such that the web of material 1 can rest with its entire width on the support surface 41.

[0071] In addition, the conveyor device 3 has a pressure and movement device 5, by which the web 1 is conveyed intermittently in the conveying direction R, wherein the web 1 moves relative to the support 4. The conveyor device 3 is described in more detail below.

[0072] The conveying direction R here refers to a direction in which the web 1 is conveyed by the printing and moving device 5. The conveying direction R extends horizontally here.

[0073] Furthermore, the device has a cutting device 2 attached to the housing 6, with which the web 1 can be cut transversely to the conveying direction R, so that a cut sheet is formed. The alignment unit 13 ensures that the web 1 is arranged for cutting with the intended lateral alignment.

[0074] Furthermore, the device has a gripping device with a gripping element 12, with which the web 1 can be pulled in the conveying direction R. The gripping device can be mounted on the housing 6 of the device.

[0075] The axis of rotation 14, about which the alignment unit 13 is rotatably mounted, extends in a plane which is oriented normal to the support surface 41 and which contains the conveying direction R.

[0076] The pressure and movement device 5 is designed to create and release a pressure with which the web 1 is pressed against the support 4 and to generate a movement of the web 1 relative to the support 4 in the conveying direction R.

[0077] Here, the conveying device 3 is designed and configured to move the printing and movement device 5 from a starting position S in the direction of the support 4 to produce the print and then - while at least partially maintaining the pressure - to effect the movement of the web of material 1 relative to the support 4 in the conveying direction R by means of a movement of the printing and movement device 5 in the conveying direction R to a front end position E. The printing and movement device 5 is designed here as a bar-shaped pressure element extending transversely to the conveying direction R, which has a downward-facing pressure or pressure contact surface, at least in a first approximation, for pressing contact with the web of material 1. The pressure surface extends transversely to the conveying direction R across the entire width of the support 4.

[0078] The conveying device 3 is designed in such a way that when the web 1 moves relative to the support 4 in the conveying direction, the web 1 adheres to the pressure and movement device 5.

[0079] For the guided movement of the printing and moving device 5, the conveyor device 3 has a linear guide 30 on each side of the support 4 with respect to the conveying direction R. (In the Figures 2 and 3 For the sake of clarity, the linear guides 30 are not shown.) The linear guides 30 are designed to guide the movement of the printing and movement device 5, starting from the starting position S in the direction of the support 4 into a rear printing position D. The linear guides 30 are designed for a vertically guided movement of the printing and movement device 5. Pneumatic cylinders controlled by the controller, for example, can be provided to drive the linear guides 30.

[0080] To achieve a particularly suitable pressure with which the web of material 1 is pressed or urged against the support 4, the conveying device 3 further comprises a roller element 40, which acts as a counter-pressure element for the pressure and movement device 5. The roller element 40 is arranged below the support 4 here; the roller element 40 has at least one roller that extends at a right angle to the conveying direction R across the entire width of the support 4. In one variant, the roller element 40 interacts with the linear guides 30, so that the roller element 30 is held immovably relative to the linear guides 30 in the conveying direction R. In this way, a particularly suitable clamping of the web of material 1 for its conveyance in the conveying direction R can be achieved.

[0081] Furthermore, the conveying device 3 comprises a toothed belt arrangement 31, which is designed to move the printing and movement device 5 in the conveying direction R from the rear printing position D to the front end position E. For this purpose, the linear guides 30 are attached to a toothed belt of the toothed belt arrangement 31. The variant is such that the linear guides 30 are moved by the toothed belt arrangement 31 in the conveying direction R and carry the printing and movement device 5 along, thereby causing the aforementioned movement of the printing and movement device 5 from the rear printing position D to the front end position E.

[0082] In order to move the printing and movement device 5 from the front end position E to the start position S in preparation for further conveyance of the web 1, the printing and movement device 5 is moved with the linear guides 30 - as shown in Fig. 4indicated - moved vertically upwards from the front end position E into a front release position L, which is at the same height as the start position S and then moved by the toothed belt arrangement 31 against the conveying direction R into the start position S.

[0083] According to the invention, the conveying device 3 has a hold-down device 7 which is mounted on the pressure and movement device 5 so as to be movable about a pivot axis 8 oriented transversely to the conveying direction R, so that when the web of material 1 moves relative to the support 4 in the conveying direction R, the hold-down device 7 presses the web of material 1 against the support 4 with an end region 9 which is opposite the pivot axis 8 and which is located on a side of the pressure and movement device 5 which points in the conveying direction R. The end region 9 is designed here as a straight edge region of the hold-down device 7 which runs transversely to the conveying direction R.

[0084] The hold-down device 7 is mounted on the pressure and movement device 5 so that it can rotate and pivot freely, so that only gravity acts on the hold-down device 7. The hold-down device 7 has two arms 71, with the pivot axis 8 running through the arms 71 and the arms 71 enclosing the pressure and movement device 5 on two opposite sides. The hold-down device 7 can, for example, be designed as a sheet metal plate, which is simple to manufacture.

[0085] The cutting device 2 has a cutting element 27 in the form of a rotatably mounted knife, which can be moved transversely to the conveying direction by a drive, so that the web 1 is cut at an angle of 90° to the conveying direction R.

[0086] Furthermore, the cutting device 2 has a clamping element 10 for clamping and releasing the web of material 1 against a clamping support 11, by means of which a movement of the web of material 1 in and against the conveying direction R is prevented, wherein the cutting device 2 is designed and configured to move the clamping element 10 back and forth between a clamping position in which the clamping is effected and a release position in which the clamping is released. In addition, the cutting device 2 has a further clamping element 10' designed analogously to the clamping element 10, as well as a corresponding further clamping support 11', wherein the cutting element 27 is arranged between the clamping element 10 and the further clamping element 10', viewed in the conveying direction R.

[0087] The two clamping supports 11, 11' form support areas for the web 1, which are at the same height as the support surface 41 formed by the support 4.

[0088] The two clamping elements 10, 10' serve to hold the web 1 precisely in position during the cutting process.

[0089] When the pressure and movement device 5 is in the front end position E, the end region 9 of the hold-down device 7 is located very close to the cutting device 2 or the clamping element 10, as viewed in the conveying direction R. In this way, a flat arrangement of the web 1 can be particularly well ensured. A distance a1, measured in the conveying direction R, between the end region 9 of the hold-down device 7 and the clamping element 10 of the cutting device 2 is less than 20% of a distance a2 between the pressure and movement device 5 and the clamping element 10 of the cutting device 2.

[0090] To carry out the described movements of the printing and moving device 5 and the cutting device 2, the device has a control device.

[0091] In particular, the following sequence is provided or adjustable, controlled by the control system: In a first time interval, the clamping element 10 of the cutting device 2 is in the release position and the conveying device 3, by moving the pressure and movement device 5, causes the web of material 1 to move relative to the support 4 in the conveying direction R.

[0092] In a subsequent second time interval, the pressure and movement device 5 is in the front end position E and the cutting device 2 moves the clamping element 10 from the release position into the clamping position.

[0093] In a subsequent third time interval, the clamping element 10 of the cutting device 2 is in the clamping position and the printing and moving device 5 is moved from the front end position E to the start position S by the conveying device 3.

[0094] A further, analogous conveying process can then take place.

[0095] The end region 9 of the hold-down device 7 is designed so that it can slide easily onto the web 1. This is advantageous during the movement of the pressure and movement device 5 from the front end position E to the start position S, because it helps to prevent the web 1 from being moved counter to the conveying direction R.

[0096] To set a desired sheet length, a distance can be set by appropriately controlling the toothed belt arrangement 31 with the control device, which the printing and movement device 5 travels between the rear printing position D and the front end position E. For example, a length adjustment can be provided via software.

[0097] To achieve correspondingly long sheets, several conveying processes can be carried out if necessary before the cutting of web 1 takes place. Different lengths can be set for different conveying processes if necessary.

[0098] The device allows a web of material to be conveyed in the area of ​​the cutting device or between the conveyor and the cutting device without undulating deformation. The device operates using a relatively simple unwinding motion and can be constructed from relatively inexpensive components. The hold-down device is moved only passively.

[0099] In one variant, pulling the web 1 is not required for conveying. In another variant, the gripping device can be provided to grip the edge area of ​​the web 1 before the cutting of the web 1 begins.

[0100] The device is particularly suitable for precise adjustment of the length of a sheet to be cut.

[0101] The device is particularly suitable for webs with low material thickness, for example in the range of 100 µm.

[0102] The device allows a comparatively high conveying speed to be achieved.

Claims

1. Device for intermittently conveying a web (1) along a conveying direction (R) and for cutting the web (1), comprising: - a cutting device (2) for cutting the web (1) at an angle transverse to the conveying direction (R); and - a conveying device (3) for conveying the web (1) in the conveying direction (R), wherein the conveying device (3) has a support (4) for the web (1), - a pressure and movement device (5) for applying and releasing pressure with which the web (1) is pressed against the support (4) and for generating movement of the web (1) relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R), wherein the conveyor device (3) is designed and arranged to move the pressure and movement device (5) for generating the pressure from a starting position (S) in the direction of the support (4) and then - while at least partially maintaining the pressure - by means of a movement of the pressure and movement device (5) in the conveying direction (R) to a front end position (E), to cause the movement of the web (1) relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R), wherein the device is characterized in that the conveyor device (3) further comprises a hold-down device (7) which is mounted on the pressure and movement device (5) so as to be movable about a pivot axis (8) such that, when the web (1) moves relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R), the hold-down device (7) with an end region (9) opposite the pivot axis (8) and located on one side of the pressure and movement device (5) facing in the conveying direction (R), presses the web (1) against the support (4).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor device (3) has an adhesion promoter by means of which, when the web (1) moves relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R), the web (1) adheres at least partially to the pressure and movement device (5).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support (4) - has a flat support surface (41) for the web (1); and / or - has a support surface (41) for the web (1) which is straight along the direction of cutting and curved in the conveying direction, and / or - has a support surface (41) for the web (1) with a low coefficient of friction, preferably also with low static and / or sliding friction for a smooth or jerk-free transition of the web (1) from rest to motion, wherein the support in particular contains polytetrafluoroethylene or consists of polytetrafluoroethylene; and / or - is arranged immovably relative to a housing (6) of the device; and / or - has a support surface (41) formed by a film for the web (1).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hold-down device (7) is mounted on the pressure and movement device (5) in such a way that the pivot axis (8) extends perpendicular to the conveying direction (R); and / or wherein the hold-down device (7) has two arms (71), wherein the pivot axis (8) extends through the arms (71) and the arms (71) surround the pressure and movement device (5) on two opposite sides; and / or wherein the hold-down device (7) is arranged on the pressure and movement device (5) so as to be pivotable only about the pivot axis (8).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting device (2) has at least one cutting element (21); and / or wherein the cutting device (2) is designed such that the angle at which the web (1) is cut is approximately 90° ± 40° to the conveying direction (R).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting device (2) has a clamping element (10) for clamping and releasing the web (1) against a clamping support (11), which prevents movement of the web (1) in and against the conveying direction (R) is prevented, wherein the cutting device (2) is designed and arranged to move the clamping element (10) back and forth between a clamping position, in which the clamping is effected, and a release position, in which the clamping is released.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the variant is such that, when the pressure and movement device (5) is in the front end position (E), a distance (a1) measured in the conveying direction (R) between the end region (9) of the hold-down device (7) and the clamping element (10) of the cutting device (2), measured in the conveying direction (R), is less than about 10% to 30%, preferably about 20%, of a distance (a2) between the pressure and movement device (5) and the clamping element (10) of the cutting device (2).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with the features mentioned in claim 6, which also has a control device for controlling the cutting device (2) and the conveyor device (3), wherein the control device is designed and arranged to cause that in a first time interval, the clamping element (10) is in the release position and the conveying device (3) causes the web (1) to move relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R) by the movement of the pressure and movement device (5), and that in a second time interval, the pressure and movement device (5) is in the front end position (E) and the clamping element (10) is moved from the release position to the clamping position; and that in a third time interval, the clamping element (10) is in the clamping position and the pressure and movement device (5) is moved by the conveyor device (3) from the front end position (E) to the start position (S).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which also has a gripping device with a gripping element (12), wherein the gripping device is designed and arranged to grip an edge region of the web (1) produced by cutting the web (1) with the cutting device (2) and then to pull the web (1) in the gripped state in the conveying direction (R).

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the gripping device is designed and arranged to pull the web (1) - viewed in its conveying direction (R) - with different strengths at its two lateral edge regions in order to thereby effect lateral alignment of the web (1).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which also has an alignment unit (13) which is designed and arranged to align the web (1) laterally with respect to the conveying direction (R) in accordance with a desired alignment.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the alignment unit (13) is rotatably mounted relative to the support (4) about an axis of rotation (14) which extends in a plane containing the conveying direction (R) of the web (1) and which is approximately normal to a bearing surface (41) for the web (1) formed by the support (4) and the conveying surface (2) of the conveyor (1). (4) for the web (1).

13. Method for intermittently conveying a web (1) along a conveying direction (R) and for cutting the web (1), comprising the steps: (a) arranging the web (1) on a support (4) for the web (1); (b) conveying the web (1) by means of a pressure and movement device (5) which, starting from a starting position (S), is moved in the direction of the support (4) until it exerts pressure on the web (1) and then - while maintaining at least part of the pressure - is moved in the conveying direction (R) to a front end position (E), so that the web (1) is moved relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R), wherein the web (1) is pressed against the support by a hold-down device (7), wherein the hold-down device is mounted on the pressure and movement device (5) so as to be movable about a pivot axis (8) and, when the web (1) moves relative to the support (4) in the conveying direction (R), engages with an end region (9) which is opposite the pivot axis (8) and is located on one side of the pressure and movement device (5) , presses the web (1) against the support; and (c) cutting the web (1) at an angle transverse to the conveying direction (R).

14. Method according to claim 13, further comprising the step (d) clamping the web (1) so that movement of the web (1) in and against the direction of transport (R) is prevented, and moving the pressure and movement device (5) from the front end position (E) to the start position (S).