Apparatus and method for the discontinuous production of a laminate from multiple substrates

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for the discontinuous production of a laminate from a plurality of substrates according to patent claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for the discontinuous production of a laminate from a plurality of substrates according to patent claim 13.

[0002] Laminates are typically understood to be a layered structure made up of identical or diverse substrates which, after being pressed together, preferably under the influence of heat, are glued or fused. Examples of laminations include paper wrapped in plastic pockets, but also carrier boards, preferably made of wood-based materials, to which one or more films are glued for finishing purposes. The films usually differ in their properties. For example, a primer film, an image or pattern film, and a transparent adhesive film are applied. The application of pressure and heat causes the adhesive in the adhesive film to penetrate the other two films and, once cured, creates the finished laminate. The invention therefore defines the coating of core boards with one or more films or a similarly suitable coating as the production of a laminate.

[0003] In the production of laminates from multiple substrates, laminates can also be produced, which have become known in the art as decorative high-pressure laminates (HPL). The abbreviation HPL stands for "high-pressure laminates." These are essentially multilayer cured material panels (laminates) that can consist of layers of fibrous cellulose (substrate packages) impregnated with thermosetting resins, particularly phenolic resin, and optionally have a decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin as a surface coating. The advantages that arise compared to the complex manufacturing process are high resistance to environmental influences such as heat, light, and water or moisture. In addition, they offer good inherent stability and high impact and cut resistance from tools.These laminate panels are primarily used as flooring, furniture parts and, above all, as kitchen worktops.

[0004] In production, cycle presses are usually used which harden the individual layers over a period of time (less than one minute up to several minutes) using high pressure (more than 5 N / mm²) and a high temperature (over 120°C) and then laminate them to form a laminate. For optimal production results, the heated and pressed layers must be cooled quickly to reduce internal stresses and to enable mechanical handling of the partially or fully cured laminate. Alternating heating and cooling of the press platens on the press ram and press table has proven to be energetically problematic and is generally accompanied by complex designs to make the press platens thin and as elastic as possible with regard to the alternating temperatures, for example by providing fluid bores for rapid heating and cooling in thin press platens.However, for HPL applications with high pressures, such solutions are not sufficiently rigid, so that despite the high expenditure for temperature-elastic press plates, they have a high heat capacity due to their thickness and cannot be moved back and forth between two temperature ranges cost-effectively or quickly.

[0005] Systems for producing and transporting laminates between different process steps or devices are known from EP 2 905 126 A1 or US 2004 0011225 A1.

[0006] In conventional manufacturing processes, for cost and time reasons, the pressed laminates are removed from the press at a relatively high temperature after only a short cooling period. In most cases, the surfaces of the laminates are not sufficiently plasticized, resulting in indentations or displacements on the surfaces due to the transfer.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a device and method for the discontinuous production of laminates from multiple substrates. Furthermore, it is intended to maintain or improve the surface quality of the produced laminates, preferably in conjunction with lower cycle times.

[0008] The object is achieved for a device for the discontinuous production of a laminate from several substrates in a hot press in that this a supply location for a substrate package comprising a plurality of substrates, a hot press for pressing a substrate package by means of pressure and heat to form a laminate, a cooling press for cooling the laminate and a storage location for the laminate, wherein at least one transfer device is arranged between the supply location, the hot press, the cooling press and the storage location for transporting the substrate packages and the laminates, wherein a manipulation unit (8) of a first type for the substrate package and two manipulation units of at least one further type for laminates are arranged in the transfer device and wherein the manipulation units are suitable for receiving, transporting and dispensing a substrate package and laminates during the transport.

[0009] The invention defines a staging area as an area in which substrate packages are created or finished substrate packages are stacked or individually stored. A hot press is a heated press that meets the necessary temperature and pressure requirements, particularly with regard to rigidity and dimensional accuracy, for the production of laminates. A cooling press can be designed to be just as sophisticated as the hot press, but can get by with lower rigidity and dimensional accuracy for cost reasons, since warping due to high temperatures or pressure is not to be expected. In addition to active cooling presses with a cooling circuit in the press platens, passive cooling presses can also be used, which are capable of sufficiently cooling the laminates during production even without active cooling.Without active cooling here means that the temperature reduction effect is achieved solely through passive cooling devices such as cooling fins, larger masses, and / or similar measures, and not through direct means within the press plate that have a temperature-regulating effect. Stacks of finished or sufficiently cooled laminates can be formed in a storage area, or the laminates can be transported to a separate stacking device or, for example, a cooling star turner. The manipulation units in question are suitable for picking up either the substrate packages or the laminates according to specifications and, if necessary, transporting them gently. In conjunction with a transfer carriage, these generally form a transfer device, which is particularly preferably moved on rails. Alternative mechanical designs are possible.

[0010] Advantageously, the laminates can now be removed from the hot press and conveyed to the cooling press using suitable manipulation units. These laminate manipulation units differ fundamentally from the manipulation units for the substrate packages.

[0011] Preferably, the manipulation units for the laminates are present twice because the laminates have to be transported once from the hot press to the cooling press and once from the cooling press to the storage area.

[0012] The additional cooling press compared to the state-of-the-art technology should easily pay for itself through the energy and time savings during operation, especially because it generally meets lower pressure requirements (only contact or clamping pressure) and rigidity. A rudimentary cooling system, if any, can also be installed cost-effectively. Expansion due to temperature differences is also nonexistent or negligible, further simplifying the design and assembly.

[0013] It has also been surprisingly shown that the device according to the invention with optimal transfer device can minimize the pressure-free waiting time after heating and pressing in the hot press so that this pressure-free waiting time (pre-curing and curing time) does not result in any technological disadvantages with regard to the product quality.

[0014] The manipulation units are designed to pick up, transport, and release a substrate package and two laminates, preferably simultaneously. This enables the shortest possible cycle time and thus a high laminate output.

[0015] Preferably, clamping bars can be used as the first type of manipulation unit for the substrate package, and / or suction bars and / or sliders can be used in the second type of manipulation unit for the laminates. Clamping bars prevent the individual layers from slipping within the substrate package, and suction bars are suitable for gently lifting and transporting flat laminates.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transport or pushing of the laminate from the hot press into the cooling press can be carried out via a sliding surface, which is preferably arranged between the hot press and the cooling press. The sliding surface can be designed to be movable in or against the production direction and, for example, can also engage underneath the still-hot laminate so that it can be pushed out of the hot press by the sliders of the manipulation units or the transfer carriage.

[0017] Preferably, the sliding surface would be made of a friction-reducing material or rolling bearings.

[0018] The sliding surface can also be arranged between the cooling press and the storage area.

[0019] Alternatively or cumulatively, the still hot laminate can also be slightly lifted and / or pushed directly onto the sliding surface between the hot and cooling presses or the storage area. By arranging such a sliding surface, particularly in conjunction with sliders, it would be possible to do without suction bars or force-introducing grippers that could damage the surface of the laminate. A combination of such manipulation units and sliders would also be conceivable, exerting only a slight force on the laminate against gravity so that static friction can be more easily overcome in order to move the laminate. In particular, it can be provided that the laminate is not lifted at all or not at all in order to reduce static friction.Preferably, if the detachment from the heating plate is slight, the laminate is only lifted along the long sides while the central area remains in contact with the heating plate parallel to the transport direction and slides or slips on the heating plate during transport.

[0020] Alternatively, or in addition, the positioning areas of the substrate packages or laminates within the supply area, the hot press, the cooling press, and the storage area can be arranged at essentially the same distance from each other, preferably at the closest distance. This also improves the cycle time and enables simplified control and regulation of the transfer device or the individual manipulation units, particularly with regard to travel distances and times. At the same time, the installation space of the system can be minimized.

[0021] This arrangement is particularly advantageous for mechanically connected manipulation units or a transfer device spanning the various areas. Furthermore, the system's installation space is reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, at least rails can be arranged on which the manipulation units or transfer devices can be moved. Particularly preferred are rails that connect the various areas, in particular the staging area, the hot and cooling press, and the storage area.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, one or more transfer carriages can be arranged, preferably on the rails, which are arranged at least for transporting the manipulation units for the laminates between the hot press, the cooling press, and the storage area. Particularly preferably, they are also arranged for transporting the manipulation units for the substrate packages between the supply area and the hot press.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the transfer device, which consists of at least the manipulation devices, preferably on rails and particularly preferably with transfer carriages, can perform a joint movement for transporting the substrate packages and / or the laminates. This also leads to an improvement in cycle times, particularly if one or more transfer carriages are arranged and can be controlled jointly. The pick-up and drop-off kinematics are also preferably implemented jointly.

[0025] Mechanical connections or electronic control means can be provided for joint control.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, means, preferably controlled drives and / or pneumatic cylinders with controlled pressure, can be arranged on the manipulation units, which are suitable for introducing tensile forces on the long sides of the substrate packages and / or the laminates transversely to the transport direction in order to reduce or avoid sagging.

[0027] Preferably, the storage area for the substrate package at the staging area is smaller than the surface area of the substrate package, with the longitudinal sides of the storage area preferably being arranged, at least in part, narrower than the distance between the longitudinal sides of the substrate package. This allows clamping strips to clamp the substrate package in a lying position for transport before lifting it, so that the various layers cannot slip relative to one another and / or so that the storage position in the hot press can be optimally approached without the substrate package as a whole shifting uncontrollably during transport.

[0028] In this context, it may be useful to preferably arrange movable support elements in the area of the substrate stacks' projections, or to have the parts of the manipulation units arranged below the substrate stacks support the substrate stacks in the area of the substrate stacks' projections. This can prevent parts of the substrate layers from drooping and facilitate or improve the picking up of the substrate stack by the manipulation units.

[0029] For optimal utilization of the device, it may be useful if, instead of one substrate package and one laminate, at least two or more substrate packages, and thus at least two or more laminates in a smaller format, pass through the device one after the other or side by side. The manipulation units must be adapted accordingly. Preferably, the substrate (substrate package or laminate) is interrupted one or more times transversely to the transport direction.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, means for positioning the substrate package and / or the laminate (6) longitudinally and / or transversely to the transport direction are arranged on the manipulation units and / or on the transfer carriages, wherein these means are preferably suitable for performing the positioning during movement in the transport direction, during or after deposition. This is particularly advantageous if one of the two surface sides of the substrate package has graphic features that correspond to elevations or depressions of the heating plate in order to create a certain haptic / grain on the surface side after the pressing process.

[0031] These means for positioning the substrate package and / or the laminate can comprise sensors for monitoring and / or actuators for adjusting the position and / or orientation, wherein the actuators are preferably arranged in operative connection with the manipulation units and / or on the substrate packages and / or on the laminates. In particular, with actuators that are arranged directly on the manipulation units or the transfer carriages and can act directly on the substrate package or the laminate, it is possible to perform sensitive and accurate positioning.

[0032] The problem is solved for a process for the discontinuous production of a laminate from several substrates in a hot press by comprising the following process steps: the provision of a substrate package consisting of several substrates at a provisioning location, the pressing of the substrate package in a hot press to form a laminate by means of pressure and heat, the cooling of the laminate in a cooling press and the storage of the cooled laminate at a storage location, wherein a transfer device transports the substrate packages and the laminates between a supply location, the hot press, the cooling press and the storage location, wherein at least one manipulation unit (8) of a first type for the substrate package (5) and manipulation units (9) of at least one further type for the laminates (6) are used in the transfer device (10), and wherein the manipulation units (8, 9) pick up, transport and release the substrate package (5) and the laminates (6) during the transport.

[0033] The following features can further improve the above-mentioned process independently or in combination by the manipulation units are suitable for picking up, transporting and / or dispensing a substrate package and two laminates simultaneously; the clamping strips are used as a manipulation unit for the substrate package and / or suction strips and / or sliders are used as manipulation units for the laminates; the substrate packages or the laminates are placed within the supply area, the hot press, the cooling press and the storage area on positioning areas which are arranged at substantially the same distance from one another, preferably at the shortest distance; the manipulation units are moved as a transfer device on rails, preferably spanning the system components;one or more transfer carriages, preferably on the rails, are moved at least for transporting the manipulation units for the laminates between the hot press, the cooling press and the storage area, preferably also for transporting the manipulation units for the substrate packages between the provision area and the hot press; the transfer device carries out a common movement for transporting the substrate packages and / or the laminates; means, preferably controlled drives and / or pneumatic cylinders with controlled pressure, are arranged on the manipulation units, which are suitable for introducing tensile forces onto the long sides of the substrate packages and / or the laminates transversely to the transport direction in order to prevent sagging; the storage area for the substrate package in the provision area is smaller than the flat side of the substrate package, wherein the long sides of the storage area are preferably narrower than the long sides of the substrate package;in the area of the projections of the substrate packages, preferably movable support elements are arranged, or in the area of the projections of the substrate packages, the manipulation units arranged below the substrate packages support the substrate packages; instead of one substrate package and one laminate, at least two substrate packages and at least two laminates in a smaller format pass through the device next to one another; the substrate package and / or the laminate are positioned lengthwise and / or transversely to the transport direction by suitable means, wherein these means are preferably suitable for carrying out the positioning during the movement in the transport direction, during depositing and / or after depositing;and / or the substrate package and / or the laminate are monitored by a sensor system with regard to their location or position and / or are adjusted in their location and / or position by actuators, wherein the actuators are preferably operatively connected to the manipulation units and / or to the substrate packages and / or to the laminates. ;

[0034] The invention now makes it possible to provide an extremely fast and reliable sequence in order to achieve short cycle times and the highest possible capacities.

[0035] The essential features of the invention are explained again below: A laminate is a layered body consisting of individual layers (substrates), possibly together with a thicker carrier body, which are joined together using pressure and heat. Before lamination, the individual layers are combined into a substrate package, possibly with a thicker carrier body, and fed into a press.

[0036] A hot press or a cooling press comprises means for applying surface pressure to the surface sides of the substrate package, usually until the binder that bonds the layers has partially or completely cured. Means, such as hydraulic pressure cylinders, are arranged in the press for moving the heated press platens so that the substrate can be pressed between them. The press platens are preferably heated or cooled and can be grained in relief to create an embossed pattern on the surface side(s) of the laminate. Mere contact of the press platens with the laminate during cooling is also conceivable.

[0037] The binder itself can be present as a separate layer (resin film) in the substrate package, individual layers can act adhesively towards the adjacent layers or the layers can be coated with a binder.

[0038] The device for the discontinuous production of a laminate could technically also be defined as a production plant, since it consists of various individual devices that interact to carry out the production process.

[0039] Manipulation units can be driven, thus movable, means capable of manipulating a substrate package by applying a force, preferably in and against gravity, preferably lifting it at least partially or completely, and transporting it over a specified distance. The main movement from one device or system part to the next can be performed by dedicated devices, for example, a transport trolley.

[0040] Elements for handling the substrates / laminates can be suction bars, but also suction cups, suction beams, clamping elements, or sliders. These elements can apply forces to the substrate package or laminate from one or both sides of the surface, as well as from the narrow sides. A slider can be particularly preferred, which can apply forces via the narrow sides (the sides that define the height / thickness).

[0041] Particularly preferably, one or more actuators are provided that can influence the position and / or orientation of the substrate package or laminate independently of the handling or transport elements, most preferably by applying forces to the narrow sides. The narrow sides are the sides that have the smallest dimensions compared to the length and width of a substrate / laminate, thus defining the height or thickness of the substrate / laminate. In other words, the narrow sides, usually four, connect the two surface sides.

[0042] Optionally, the handling elements comprise an element for separating the laminate or substrate from the base, comparable to a cake lifter. The separating element can preferably be made of a material that is softer than the surface of the press plate to avoid damage to the press plate or the relief applied there.

[0043] Preferably, a transfer carriage can be provided that carries and moves the manipulation units. However, this can also be technically replaced by another means, or the manipulation units can be designed to be independently movable. In a preferred embodiment, all manipulation units for the three areas are mounted on a transport carriage.

[0044] Further manipulators, for example, for transporting a substrate package to the staging area or for transporting a laminate from the storage area for further processing, can be provided. Alternatively, means can be provided at the staging area that first form the substrate package by combining the individual layers there, and / or a stack of laminates can be formed at the storage area and then transported away as a stack.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the invention understands a different type of manipulation unit to be devices that differ in terms of their gripping or holding method. For example, the manipulation units for the substrate package should be suitable for transporting this package consisting of a plurality of layers in such a way that the layers do not shift or the package itself is damaged. The surface is usually not a problem during manipulation, so grippers, clamping devices, or the like are perfectly suitable.

[0046] In contrast, freshly pressed laminates have sensitive or still soft surfaces, and excessive manipulation by manipulation units could leave marks. Therefore, the second type of manipulation units for laminates should be designed differently so that they lift the surfaces more gently using vacuum suction cups that cover as wide an area as possible. It is particularly preferable to avoid lifting over a large area, or to apply only as much force vertically as is necessary for a sliding device to move the laminate (on the lying side) without damaging the surface. It is particularly preferable for the laminate to also be moved horizontally using vacuum suction strips, if present, or to apply additional forces to avoid compression on the long sides.Thus, within the meaning of the invention, either pushing occurs solely by using a slider or a vacuum bar with or without vertical force application also pushes the laminate, a combination of both, and / or applying vertical force up to a permissible limit to reduce static friction or the lying mass, and if necessary, a pushing force is applied in parallel or subsequently. For this purpose, it may be possible, in particular, for the force application to the laminates to be controllable or adjustable, preferably in an automated manner, in order to be able to react, for example, to different laminates and their degrees of hardness.

[0047] With regard to a sliding surface, it should be noted that this is preferably a surface that supports the substrate or laminate and prevents the substrate from sagging or bending during transport. This surface can be designed as a roller, table, beam, or the like, and will act adaptively or stationary during transport. In a quasi-stationary arrangement, the laminate can be pushed or pulled over the supporting surface. For longer transport distances, the supporting surface can perform a supporting movement and / or consist of several spaced-apart sliding surfaces. The sliding surface can also be suitable for acting as a type of transfer table, driving under the laminate, picking it up, and transporting it.

[0048] Further advantageous measures and embodiments of the subject matter of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description with the drawing.

[0049] The drawing shows a schematic top view of the device in two different operating positions. It should be noted that the drawing shows an overall optimized embodiment in which many individual and independently combinable features of the invention are used and combined to optimize cycle times.

[0050] The upper part of the drawing shows the device with a staging area 1, a hot press 2, a cooling press 3, and a laying area 4, as well as a transfer device 10 connecting these areas. In a simple embodiment, this transfer device can consist only of manipulation units 8 for transporting the substrate packages 5 from the staging area 1 to the hot press 2, and of manipulation units 9 for transporting the laminates 6 produced from the substrate packages 5 from the hot press 2 to the cooling press 3, or from the cooling press 3 to the storage area 4. Advantageously, the manipulation units 8 and 9 can be arranged on rails 11 and moved along them. Most advantageously, transfer carriages 12 are arranged between the manipulation units 8, 9 and the rails 11. These transfer carriages 12 can each be arranged for one set of manipulation units 8, 9.Alternatively, these can be connected to each other mechanically or electronically (control technology). As an alternative, as shown in the drawing, only one transfer carriage 12 is arranged, which moves the manipulation units 8 and 9 for the substrate packages 5 and the laminates 6 in and against the transport direction 13.

[0051] The transport direction 13 indicates the basic transport or production direction along which the substrate packages are pressed into laminates and the laminates are cooled and stacked in the storage area or prepared for further use.

[0052] Optimally, the areas where the substrate packages or laminates are placed, for example the press plates 14 in the hot press 2 or the cooling press 3, are arranged substantially at a similar or even the same distance from each other in order to ensure the simultaneous delivery or pick-up of the substrate packages or laminates.

[0053] The process sequence for producing laminates (layered materials) would be as follows: At the preparation station 1, the individual parts of the laminate are layered one after the other to form a substrate package 5, or a substrate package 5 is prepared there. As can be seen in the upper part of the drawing, the transfer carriage 12 of the transfer device 10 is ready on the left and extends as far as the cooling press 3. When production is advanced, at this point in time, after the pressing process, a hot laminate 6 is ready in the hot press 2, and at the same time a cooled laminate 6 is ready in the cooling press 3. The manipulation units 8, 9 of the transfer device 10 preferably simultaneously pick up the substrate package 5 at the preparation station 1, the laminate 6 in the hot press 2, and the laminate 6 in the cooling press 3.

[0054] After the pick-up process, the transfer carriage 12 moves to the right along the transport direction 13 (see the lower part of the drawing), and can place the new substrate package 5 into the hot press 2, the hot laminate 6 into the cooling press 3, and the cooled laminate 6 onto the storage area at storage location 4. While the hot press 2 and the cooling press 3 are closing, the transfer carriage 12 of the transfer device 10 moves back "empty" against the transport direction 13. Thus, the transfer carriage 12 is again in the position shown in the upper part of the drawing and, after a new substrate package 5 has been provided and the hot and cooling presses 2, 3 have been opened, can pick up this and the laminates 6 to transport them all along the transport direction 13. Furthermore, there is an optional sliding surface 7 between the hot and cooling presses 2, 3, which supports the transport of the laminate 6 and prevents it from sagging 1024. List of reference symbols:

[0055] 1.Preparation area 2.Hot press 3.Cooling press 4.Storage area 5.Substrate package 6.Laminate 7.Sliding surface 8.Manipulation unit 9.Manipulation unit 10.Transfer device 11.Rails 12.Transfer carriage 13.Transport direction 14.Press plate

Claims

1. Device for the discontinuous production of a laminate from a plurality of substrates in a hot press, comprising: - a supply location (1) for a substrate package (5) consisting of a plurality of substrates, - a hot press (2) for pressing a substrate package (5) by means of pressure and heat to form a laminate (6), - a cooling press (3) for cooling the laminate (6), and - a storage area (4) for the laminate (6), wherein at least one transfer device (10) is arranged for transporting the substrate packages (5) and the laminates (6) between the supply location (1), the hot press (2), the cooling press (3) and the storage location (4), wherein a manipulating unit (8) of a first type for the substrate package (5) and two manipulating units (9) of at least one further type for laminates (6) are arranged in the transfer device (10), and wherein the manipulating units (8, 9) are suitable, in the course of the transportation, for picking up, transporting and releasing a substrate package (5) and laminates (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the manipulating units (8, 9) are suitable for simultaneously receiving, transporting and / or discharging a substrate package (5) and two laminates (6).

3. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that clamping bars are arranged on the manipulating unit (8) for the substrate package (5) and / or suction cups, suction bars and / or sliders or pushing elements are arranged on the manipulating units (9) for the laminates (6).

4. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for transporting or pushing the laminate (6) out of the hot press (2) into the cooling press (3) or from the cooling press (3) to the storage location (4), a sliding surface is arranged which preferably has anti-adhesive means or rolling bearings.

5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more transfer carriages (12) are arranged, preferably on rails, which are suitable at least for transporting the manipulating units (9) for the laminates between the hot press (2), cooling press (3) and / or the storage location (4), preferably also for transporting the manipulating units (8) for the substrate packages (5) between the supply location (1) and hot press (2).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the transfer carriages (12) and / or the manipulating units (8, 9) of the transfer device (10) for transporting the substrate packages (5) and / or the laminates (6) are suitable for performing a common movement.

7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means, preferably controlled drives and / or pneumatic cylinders with controlled pressure, are arranged on the manipulating units (8, 9), which are suitable for introducing tensile forces on the longitudinal sides of the substrate packages (5) and / or the laminates (6) transversely to the transport direction (13) in order to avoid sagging.

8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (10) is suitable for transporting at least two or more substrate packages (5) and / or at least two or more laminates (6) simultaneously along the production direction (13) through the device instead of one substrate package (5) and one laminate (6).

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of projections of the substrate packages (5), formed by a smaller bearing surface for the surface side of the substrate package (5), preferably movable support elements are arranged, or in that in the region of the projections of the substrate packages (5), the manipulating units (8) arranged below the substrate packages (5) support the substrate packages (5).

10. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for positioning the substrate package (5) and / or the laminate (6) lengthwise and / or crosswise with respect to the transport direction (13) are arranged on the manipulating units (8, 9) and / or on the transfer carriage (12), wherein these means are preferably suitable for carrying out the positioning during the movement in the transport direction (13), during or after the depositing.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for positioning the substrate package and / or the laminate comprise a sensor system for monitoring and / or actuators for adjusting the location and / or position, wherein the actuators are preferably operatively connected to the manipulating units (8, 9) and / or to the substrate packages (5) and / or to the laminates (6).

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the means for adjusting the location and / or the position of the substrate package (5) held by the manipulating units (8, 9) and / or of the laminate (6) have actuators which are suitable for displacing the substrate package (5) and / or the laminate (6) relative to the manipulating units (8, 9), preferably by introducing a force into the narrow side.

13. Method for the discontinuous production of a laminate from a plurality of substrates in a hot press, comprising the following method steps: - the supply of a substrate package (5) consisting of a plurality of substrates at a supply location (1), - the pressing of the substrate package (5) in a hot press (2) to form a laminate (6) by means of pressure and heat, - the cooling of the laminate (6) in a cooling press (3) and - the deposition of the cooled laminate (6) at a storage location (4), wherein a transfer device (10) transports the substrate packages (5) and the laminates (6) between a supply location (1), the hot press (2), the cooling press (3) and the storage location (4), wherein at least one manipulating unit (8) of a first type is used for the substrate package (5) and manipulating units (9) of at least one further type are used for the laminates (6) in the transfer device (10), and wherein the manipulating units (8, 9) pick up, transport and deliver the substrate package (5) and the laminates (6) in the course of the transport.

14. Method according to a preceding method claim, characterized in that the laminates (6) are pushed out of the hot press (2) into the cooling press (3) or out of the cooling press (3) by means of slides, preferably over a sliding surface (7), most preferably over a sliding surface (7) with adhesion-reducing means or sliding bearings.

15. Method according to a preceding method claim, characterized in that one or more transfer carriages (12) are moved, preferably on rails (11), at least to transport the manipulating units (9) for the laminates between the hot press (2), cooling press (3) and storage location (4), preferably also for transporting the manipulating units (8) for the substrate packages (5) between the supply location (1) and the hot press (2).

16. Method according to a preceding method claim, characterized in that the transfer carriages (12) and / or the manipulating units (8, 9) of the transfer device (10) perform a common movement for transporting the substrate packages (5) and / or the laminates (6).

17. Method according to a preceding method claim, characterized in that means, preferably controlled drives and / or pneumatic cylinders with controlled pressure, are arranged on the manipulating units (8, 9), which are suitable for introducing tensile forces on the longitudinal sides of the substrate packages (5) and / or the laminates (6) transversely to the transport direction (13) in order to reduce or avoid sagging.

18. Method according to a preceding method claim, characterized in that the substrate package (5) and / or the laminate (6) are positioned longitudinally and / or transversely to the transport direction (13) by suitable means, wherein preferably these means are suitable for carrying out the positioning in the course of the movement in the transport direction (13), during the depositing and / or after the depositing.

19. Method according to a preceding method claim, characterized in that the substrate package and / or the laminate are monitored by a sensor system with respect to their position and / or are adjusted in their position and / or set in their position by actuators, wherein the actuators are preferably operatively connected in operative connection to the manipulating units (8, 9) and / or to the substrate packages (5) and / or to the laminates (6).