METHOD FOR CHANGING A PROCESSING JOB PERFORMED ON A PROCESSING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for changing a processing job performed on a processing machine. Various processing units are used in processing machines, particularly for sheets such as corrugated cardboard sheets. The sheets are coated with printing fluid by means of at least one coating unit and additionally or alternatively modified in their mass and / or shape and / or contour by at least one forming unit. One possible coating method is flexographic printing. Flexographic printing is characterized by a forming cylinder with a flexible printing plate. A possible forming unit is typically a die-cutting machine, in particular a rotary die-cutting machine. The rotary die-cutting machine typically has a forming cylinder, hereinafter also referred to as the die-cutting cylinder, with a tool and a counter-die-cutting cylinder.

[0002] Rotary die-cutting machines typically have die-cutting units with a die-cutting cylinder and a counter-die-cutting cylinder. For example, DE 10 2004 058 597 A1 shows a die-cutting machine with two rotating processing rollers.

[0003] WO 2020 / 216521 A1 also discloses such a processing machine comprising application units and a forming unit designed as a rotary stamping device.

[0004] In order to execute a new machining order on the machining center, the machining center must usually be restarted after a previously completed cycle.

[0005] The processing order needs to be retooled and / or serviced. Typically, the operator manually starts the process requiring retooling.

[0006] A die with die-cutting tools, preferably blades, is arranged on a die-cutting cylinder. During operation, these tools process the substrate and also come into contact with the counter-die-cutting cylinder. The counter-die-cutting cylinders preferably have elastic and durable supports or die-cutting linings. When changing jobs, which alters the die-cut pattern to be produced, the die-cutting tools must be exchanged. To quickly return the rotary die-cutting machine to an operational state, for example, cylinder exchange devices are used.

[0007] US 2005 / 0103173 A1 shows a way to replace punch cylinders, whereby these are adjusted by means of linear guides.

[0008] Various approaches to automating processes for changing processing orders are known from different technical areas of the graphic arts industry.

[0009] For example, EP 2 636 536 A1 discloses a method for retooling a production plant consisting of several print finishing machines, each with its own machine control, and comprising a plant control system. In this process, one of the print finishing machines is retooled fully or semi-automatically for the next production order. The plant control system coordinates the activation of the individual machines within the plant, with the machine controls being responsible for the functions of the respective machine.

[0010] DE 10 2004 021 657 A1 discloses a method for performing a printing plate-specific production changeover on a printing press, wherein a first print job is automatically stopped and parameters for a subsequent print job are automatically loaded. After reaching production readiness for the second print job, a production readiness signal for the second print job is automatically generated, wherein the second print job is only started after a print job confirmation, and the time between the generation of the production readiness signal and the print job confirmation is monitored and recorded.

[0011] US Patent 2014 / 0003853 A1 discloses a method for reducing waste on a digital roll-to-roll printing press. During a first print job, the substrate web is moved at a first speed and printed by at least one printhead and processed by a downstream finishing unit. The finishing unit includes wheels for slitting longitudinal slots and a cutting unit for cutting the web into sections. Before the end of the first print job, the substrate web is slowed down. The configuration of the finishing unit is changed for a second print job. Another section of the substrate web is printed according to the second print job before the configuration change of the finishing unit is complete, taking into account the time it takes for the configuration change to be completed and for the additional section of the substrate web to reach the finishing unit.

[0012] German patent DE 10 2018 202 747 A1 discloses a method for performing a job change on a machine in the graphic arts industry, for example, a sheetfed offset rotary printing press, using a job change menu provided by a computer. An operator is presented with preset options for an automatic switch from a print run to a job change program or for an automatic switch from a job change program to a print run.

[0013] JP 4089891 B2 relates to an input circuit for a voltage detector of a voltage control device, which is mounted in voltage control devices. For example, the voltage detector is used as a device to monitor the voltage of a thin strip such as paper, film, wire, or the like. Zero-value calibration is performed with the machine stopped.

[0014] US Patent 5,447,102 A discloses the operation of a printing press in which various print jobs are executed sequentially. During changeover processes, settings can be adjusted for the subsequent print job.

[0015] The teaching of WO 2022 / 074071 A1 and US 2023 / 0373124 A1 discloses a processing machine and a method for calibrating a processing machine. The processing machine has several units, in particular flexographic printing units, a feeder unit, and a unit designed as a rotary die-cutting module. Transfer units with rollers for transporting the sheets are provided between the sheet-processing units. A calibration system detects a mark on each transported sheet and calculates a deviation of a longitudinal coordinate and a transverse coordinate from a reference. If at least one of the longitudinal mark displacements and one of the transverse mark displacements exceeds a predetermined tolerance threshold, a correction program is initiated.The general capability of using the machine to process a series of batches of different types of boxes with varying formats and print designs is revealed, whereby the rotary die-cutting tool must be changed whenever the box dimensions or configuration change. Upon receiving a job specification, the operator configures the processing machine by changing the rotary die-cutting tool of the die-cutting cylinder, then adjusting the lateral position of the sheets in the feeder and setting the longitudinal register. A register correction on the rotary die-cutting module is performed with the feed interrupted and the machine empty.

[0016] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method for changing a machining order performed on a machining machine.

[0017] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims describe advantageous further developments and / or embodiments of the solution found.

[0018] The processing machine has several units. The processing machine has at least two processing units. At least one processing unit of the processing machine is designed as a forming unit. The processing machine has at least one, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least four, for example six, processing units designed as coating units. The at least one coating unit has at least one forming cylinder. In addition to the at least one coating unit, the processing machine has at least one processing unit designed as a forming unit, preferably as a punching unit, which is designed as a rotary punching unit. The at least one processing unit designed as a forming unit is designed as a rotary punching unit.The at least one application unit, preferably all application units, is preferably arranged in the transport direction of the substrate upstream of the at least one forming unit. At least two processing units of the processing machine thus perform different processing processes.

[0019] To change the processing order, the processing machine's units are reconfigured. In particular, the processing units of the processing machine are reconfigured and / or maintained to accommodate the change in the processing process. The processing machine is preferably designed as a sheet-fed processing machine for processing sheet-shaped substrates. In particular, the processing units are designed to process sheet-shaped substrates.

[0020] A procedure for changing a processing order performed on the processing machine has several steps.

[0021] At least one initial processing order is executed by the processing machine. During this initial processing order, at least one substrate is processed by the at least one processing unit, in particular the at least one forming unit and / or the at least one application unit, more preferably the at least one forming unit and the at least one application unit, of the processing machine. Thus, the at least one substrate is processed by the at least two processing units of the processing machine during the initial processing order. Preferably, a first product is produced according to the initial order. This product preferably has at least one printed image and / or at least one die-cut image.

[0022] The first processing job is completed automatically. A changeover begins automatically. This advantageously creates a seamless transition from the first processing operation to the changeover. It also advantageously avoids delays caused by necessary operator input.

[0023] The process then involves retooling the machining center to adapt at least one of its units to the configuration of a directly subsequent machining operation. Before retooling, the machining center's configuration for the subsequent machining operation is loaded, set, and / or saved in the machine control system. This advantageously ensures that all necessary information for adapting the machining center is available in the machine control system at the start of the retooling process and is ready for execution. This allows for a seamless transition between the first machining operation and the retooling.

[0024] The first processing order is followed by at least one, for example, at least two, subsequent processing orders. After the changeover is complete, the immediately following processing order is started. During this immediately following processing order, at least one substrate is processed with the at least one forming unit. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one substrate is processed with the at least one processing unit designed as an application unit. Thus, during the immediately following processing order, the at least one substrate is processed with the at least two processing units of the processing machine. Preferably, a second product is produced according to the second order. This product preferably has at least one printed image and / or at least one die-cutting image.

[0025] The achievable advantages include, in particular, simplified changeovers between processing jobs. Advantageously, the configuration of the processing machine and the changeover for a subsequent processing job are optimized for time. Specifically, the configuration for at least one subsequent processing job, including the necessary changeover operations and / or cleaning processes and / or format adjustments, is completed before the required changeover, allowing the changeover to begin advantageously without interruption after the completion of the previous processing job. Advantageously, the preparation for subsequent production and / or the execution of changeover processes required for a job change are automated. Advantageously, this allows several changeover processes to run overlapping in time, preferably in parallel. Advantageously, the changeover process is accelerated.Advantageously, the downtime of the machining center is reduced, thus increasing its productivity. Advantageously, manual intervention by the operator during changeovers is reduced. This means the operator is then available for other tasks.

[0026] Preferably, the changeover is carried out according to either a first or a second type of changeover. The first type of changeover preferably allows for a large number of changeover processes and / or a change of the substrate to be processed to a different format or type. The second type of changeover preferably enables a particularly fast changeover and thus minimizes changeover time.

[0027] Preferably, at least two changeover processes, and preferably all changeover processes, are automated during the changeover and / or dependent on each other in a manner controlled by the machine control system. Advantageously, this optimizes the sequence of changeover processes and, in particular, reduces the overall changeover time.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, data relating to a substrate to be processed and / or data relating to a product to be achieved for at least one subsequent processing order are stored or already stored in the machine control system. Preferably, by processing this data and taking into account other machine-related data provided by the machine control system, the machine control system specifies the configuration of the processing machine for the at least one subsequent processing order as well as the necessary changeover processes. Advantageously, this minimizes input errors by the operator. Particularly with recurring processing orders, this preferably minimizes the effort required by the operator to enter data.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the machine control proposes at least one data set comprising at least one configuration of the subsequent machining job and the setup processes to be performed for it, which can be adapted or selected by an operator. Advantageously, the operator can thus adjust the configuration. For example, they can integrate an additional setup process, such as a cleaning process, or remove a setup process, for example, deselecting cleaning if a machining fluid remains unchanged, or deselecting wear-related tool replacement if its remaining service life is sufficient for the subsequent machining job. Advantageously, each unit of the machining center is configured by the machine control. Further preferably, the configuration of each unit of the machining center is adaptable or selectable by an operator.

[0030] In a preferred implementation, at least before each changeover, for example during the processing of the first machining order, the configuration of at least one immediately subsequent machining process and the configuration of at least one further subsequent machining process, as well as the at least one changeover process to be performed, are loaded and / or set and / or saved. Advantageously, this allows chains of multiple machining orders to be executed in a time-optimized manner. Advantageously, this relieves one operator of workload.

[0031] The machine control system manages at least two changeover processes. Preferably, these at least two changeover processes run automatically, i.e., preferably without additional operator intervention. This advantageously relieves one operator of some tasks.

[0032] At least two changeover processes run concurrently, preferably in parallel. This advantageously reduces the changeover time. These processes are controlled by the machine control system. Preferably, at least the changeover processes running concurrently are automated during the changeover. Preferably, at least three changeover processes running concurrently during the changeover, and more preferably the changeover processes of at least the machining units, are automated. Advantageously, automation relieves the operator of some tasks.

[0033] During changeover, at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit runs overlapping, preferably in parallel, with at least one other changeover process of the machine tool. In particular, at least one changeover process takes place in at least two different units of the machine tool, preferably in at least two of the machining units, and more preferably in all machining units, overlapping, preferably in parallel. For example, a changeover process of the forming unit represents a time-limiting factor of the changeover. Advantageously, the sequence of the changeover processes is optimized, and in particular, the duration of the entire changeover is reduced.

[0034] The processing machine preferably comprises at least one forming unit, one coating unit, one substrate feeding device, and one delivery unit as units, wherein, furthermore, at least three changeover processes of these components of the processing machine preferably overlap in time during changeover, preferably automatically. Advantageously, this optimizes the sequence of changeover processes and, in particular, reduces the duration of the entire changeover.

[0035] In an additional or alternative, particularly preferred embodiment, the machine control system automates the termination of the first machining job, the commencement of the changeover process, and the automated execution of at least the overlapping changeover processes. Advantageously, this reduces the operator's workload during changeover. Furthermore, it optimizes the changeover process.

[0036] The at least one forming unit is retooled by at least one changeover process. For example, at least one tool and / or at least one forming cylinder is changed. For example, only the tool is changed, or alternatively, the forming cylinder is changed together with the tool attached to it. The forming cylinder is changed, for example, by means of a device for changing forming cylinders, preferably automatically, or manually by an operator. Preferably, the forming cylinder and / or the counter-punch cylinder is removed from the processing station before a changeover, preferably set down. The tool of the forming cylinder is preferably changed manually. Particularly in the case of a manual changeover, the forming cylinder is preferably made accessible to the operator automatically.For example, following a tool change, the distance between the replaced die cylinder or the die cylinder fitted with the changed tool and the counter-die cylinder is preferably adjusted. The distance is also changed, for example, to adapt to the format of the substrate.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one application unit, preferably designed as a flexographic application unit, is retooled by at least one changeover process. Preferably, at least one changeover process of the at least one application unit runs automatically and overlaps in time with the at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit. This advantageously reduces the changeover time.At least one of the following changeover processes is preferably performed on the at least one application unit: cleaning of an application unit and / or changing the distance between a form cylinder and an impression cylinder of the at least one application unit and / or changing the application fluid used and / or adjusting the application quantity of an application fluid used and / or changing a form cylinder of the at least one application unit and / or changing at least one printing plate of the at least one application unit and / or changing an anilox roller of the at least one application unit. Advantageously, the desired print image is adapted to the processing job being carried out.

[0038] For example, during changeovers, the number of processing units working on a substrate, especially the number of application units, is changed, either in addition to or as an alternative to other changeover processes. This advantageously increases the flexibility of the processing machine and thus its range of applications.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one substrate feed unit is reconfigured by at least one changeover process. Preferably, the at least one delivery unit is reconfigured by at least one changeover process. In a preferred embodiment, an adjustment to the format of a substrate to be processed is carried out during at least one changeover process of the substrate feed unit and / or the delivery unit. For example, at least one of the changeover processes for format adjustment is automated.

[0040] Advantageously, when changing the format of the substrates to be processed, at least one changeover process is carried out to adapt to the new format, in particular to the substrate feed unit and / or the delivery unit, but preferably also to at least one processing unit, for example by changing the distance between the cylinders at a processing point or by replacing forming cylinders, tools and / or printing forms.

[0041] During changeover according to the second changeover method, a substrate feed to the at least one processing unit is preferably blocked for only 0 to N substrates, where N is a natural number less than or equal to 25. More preferably, the feed is blocked for at least one substrate. Additionally, preferably during changeover, at least one transport device of a transport unit of the processing machine is driven to transport substrate with at least one speed profile, where the speed is greater than zero. Preferably, during changeover, at least one forming cylinder of the at least one forming unit is driven to rotate at a speed greater than zero.

[0042] Preferably, or additionally or alternatively, the at least one application unit has at least one ejection device that can adjust the position of a fluid source if one is present and / or is designed to adjust it. Advantageously, the ejection device automates at least one process of the application unit, thereby accelerating at least one changeover process, in particular a cleaning process. Operator intervention is minimized, preferably rendered obsolete.

[0043] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0044] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a processing machine with application units and a forming unit; Fig. 2 a side view of a processing machine in a preferred configuration with four printing units and the die-cutting unit with a device for changing the unit; Fig. 3a a schematic representation of an application unit with ink application from below; Fig. 3b a schematic representation of an application unit with ink application from below and a schematically depicted ejection device of an ink source; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an application unit with ink application from above; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the sheet delivery with a device for diverting sheets and a separation device arranged upstream of the sheet delivery; Fig. 6 a perspective view of an application unit showing a storage device for changing an anilox roller; Fig.Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a forming unit comprising a device for changing the forming cylinders; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a part of the processing machine in a preferred embodiment, wherein the forming unit comprises a device for changing the forming cylinders and showing the preferred embodiment, wherein a transport device is adjustable in the transport direction in front of the processing point and wherein a transport means is pivotable in the transport direction after the processing point; Fig. 9 a perspective view of an ejection device of a color source; Fig. 10 a top view of an ejection device of a color source.

[0045] A processing machine 01 is preferably configured as a printing machine 01 and / or as a forming machine 01, in particular a die-cutting machine 01. The printing machine 01 is, for example, configured as a flexographic printing machine 01.

[0046] The processing machine 01 is preferably referred to as a printing machine 01 if it has at least one printing unit 614 and / or at least one printing unit 600, particularly regardless of whether it has further units for processing substrate 02. For example, a processing machine 01 configured as a printing machine 01 additionally has at least one further such unit 900, for example at least one forming unit 900, which is preferably configured as a punching unit 900, more preferably as a punching device 900. The processing machine 01 is preferably referred to as a forming machine 01 if it has at least one forming unit 914 and / or at least one forming unit 900, particularly regardless of whether it has further units 600 for processing substrate 02.Preferably, the processing machine 01 is referred to as a punching machine 01 if it has at least one punching unit 914 and / or at least one punching unit 900 and / or at least one punching device 900, particularly regardless of whether it has further units 600 for processing substrate 02. For example, a processing machine 01 designed as a forming machine 01 or a punching machine 01 additionally has at least one further unit 600 for processing substrate 02, for example, at least one printing unit 600 and / or at least one printing unit 614. For example, the processing machine thus has only processing units 600 designed as application units 600, or only processing units 900 designed as forming units 900, or both at least one processing unit 600 designed as an application unit 600 and at least one processing unit 900 designed as a forming unit 900.

[0047] Preferably, the processing machine 01 is configured as a sheet processing machine 01, i.e., as a processing machine 01 for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02, also referred to as sheet 02, in particular sheet-shaped printing material 02. For example, the sheet processing machine 01 is configured as a sheet-fed printing machine 01 and / or as a sheet forming machine 01 and / or as a sheet die-cutting machine 01. The processing machine 01 is further preferably configured as a corrugated board sheet processing machine 01, i.e., as a processing machine 01 for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 or sheets 02 made of corrugated board 02, in particular sheet-shaped printing material 02 made of corrugated board 02.Preferably, the processing machine 01 is configured as a sheet-fed printing machine 01, in particular as a corrugated board sheet-fed printing machine 01, i.e., as a printing machine 01 for coating and / or printing on sheet-shaped substrate 02 or sheets 02 made of corrugated board 02, in particular sheet-shaped printing material 02 made of corrugated board 02. For example, the printing machine 01 is configured as a printing machine 01 operating according to a printing form-bound printing process.

[0048] The processing of a substrate 02, as described above and below, involves modifying at least one property of the substrate 02, particularly with regard to its physical and / or material properties, especially its mass, shape, and / or appearance. Specifically, punching, cutting, embossing, creasing, stripping, and / or blanking constitute processing of the substrate 02. Preferably, printing, painting, and / or priming are also considered processing. Through processing operations, an existing substrate 02 can be further processed into an intermediate or final product. The processing machine 01 can therefore, for example, also be referred to as a processing machine for processing preferably arc-shaped substrate 02.

[0049] The processing machine 01 is configured to process substrate 02, preferably an arc-shaped substrate 02. Preferably, the substrate 02 has at least one recess. A recess is preferably that area of ​​the substrate 02 which is designed as a product of the processing machine 01, in particular as an intermediate product for the manufacture of an end product, and / or is further processed into a desired or required end product and / or is designed to be further processed. Preferably, the desired or required end product, which is preferably produced by further processing of the respective recess, is a folding carton and / or packaging.Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "arc-shaped substrate 02," in particular "printing material 02," and specifically "sheet 02," shall, in principle, encompass any substrate 02 that is planar and exists in sections, including substrates 02 that are in sheet or plate form, i.e., sheets or plates. The arch-shaped substrate 02, or sheet 02, as defined above, is, for example, made of paper or cardboard, i.e., as a sheet of paper or cardboard, or is formed by sheets 02, plates, or, if applicable, plates made of plastic, cardboard, glass, or metal. More preferably, the substrate 02 is corrugated board 02, in particular corrugated board sheets 02. Preferably, at least one sheet 02 is made of corrugated board 02. The thickness of a sheet 02 is preferably understood to be a dimension perpendicular to a largest surface of the sheet 02. This largest surface is also referred to as the principal surface.The thickness of the sheets 02 is, for example, at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm, and even more preferably at least 0.5 mm. Significantly greater thicknesses are also common, especially for corrugated cardboard sheets 02, for example, at least 4 mm or even 10 mm and more. Corrugated cardboard sheets 02 are comparatively stable and therefore not very flexible. Corresponding modifications to the processing machine 01 therefore facilitate the processing of sheets 02 of greater thickness. For example, the arc-shaped substrate 02, in particular a sheet 02, has a length of at least 50.0 cm (fifty centimeters), preferably at least 52.0 cm, more preferably at least 60.0 cm, more preferably at least 100.0 cm (one hundred centimeters), more preferably at least 120.0 cm (one hundred twenty centimeters), more preferably at least 130.0 cm (one hundred thirty centimeters), and more preferably at least 150.0 cm (one hundred fifty centimeters).For example, the substrate 02 has a maximum length of 200.0 cm, preferably a maximum of 180.0 cm, and particularly a maximum of 170.0 cm. The length preferably describes the length of the substrate 02 along the transport direction T within the processing machine 01, i.e., preferably the distance from its leading end to its trailing end.For example, the arc-shaped substrate 02, in particular an arc 02, has a width of at least 50.0 cm, preferably at least 60.0 cm, more preferably at least 100.0 cm (one hundred centimeters), more preferably at least 120.0 cm (one hundred twenty centimeters), more preferably at least 130.0 cm (one hundred thirty centimeters), more preferably at least 150.0 cm (one hundred fifty centimeters), even more preferably at least 200 cm (two hundred centimeters), even more preferably at least 250 cm (two hundred fifty centimeters), and even more preferably at least 280 cm (two hundred eighty centimeters). For example, the maximum width of the substrate 02 is 350.0 cm, in particular 300.0 cm. The width preferably describes the width of the substrate 02 along the working width, i.e., in the transverse direction A, within the processing machine 01.

[0050] Preferably, each sheet, preferably at least one, is made of paper, cardboard, or carton. According to DIN 6730, paper is a sheet-like material consisting essentially of fibers, mostly of plant origin, which is produced by dewatering a fibrous suspension on a screen. This creates a fiber mat, which is then dried. The basis weight of paper is preferably a maximum of 225 g / m². According to DIN 6730, cardboard is a sheet-like material consisting essentially of fibers of plant origin, which is produced by dewatering a fibrous suspension on one or between two screens. The fiber structure is compressed and dried. Cardboard is preferably manufactured by gluing or pressing together cellulose. Cardboard is preferably designed as solid board or corrugated board.Corrugated board 02, as defined above and below, is cardboard made of one or more layers of corrugated paper glued to one layer or between several layers of another, preferably smooth, paper or cardboard. Preferably, the basis weight of cardboard is greater than 225 g / m². The term "cardboard," as defined above and below, refers to a preferably single-sided coated paper sheet, preferably with a basis weight of at least 150 g / m² and at most 600 g / m². Preferably, cardboard exhibits high strength relative to paper. A leading edge is preferably an edge of the substrate 02 which, along the transport path in the processing machine 01, comes into contact as the first edge of the substrate 02 with the respective units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000, in particular with the processing stations 609 and 909. A trailing edge is the last edge of the substrate along the transport path.

[0051] The processing machine 01 has several units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000. A unit preferably refers to a group of devices that work together functionally, in particular to perform a preferably self-contained processing operation on sheet 02. For example, at least two, and preferably at least three, and more preferably all of the units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 are designed as modules 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000, or at least each is assigned to one such module. A module is understood in particular to mean a respective unit or a structure consisting of several units, which preferably has at least one means of transport and / or at least its own controllable and / or adjustable drive and / or is designed as an independently functional module and / or a machine unit or functional assembly manufactured and / or assembled separately.A controllable and / or adjustable drive of an assembly or module is understood to be, in particular, a drive that serves to drive movements of components of this assembly or module and / or that serves to effect the transport of substrate 02, in particular arc 02, through this respective assembly or module and / or through at least one area of ​​influence of this respective assembly or module and / or that serves to directly or indirectly drive at least one component of the respective assembly or module intended for contact with arc 02. Preferably, the controllable and / or adjustable drive of an assembly or module is designed to drive movements of components of this assembly or module and / or to effect the transport of substrate 02 and / or to directly or indirectly drive at least one component of the respective assembly or module intended for contact with arc 02.These drives of the units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are preferably designed as position-controlled electric motors. Due to the arrangement and / or linking of the units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000, the processing machine 01 preferably has an uninterrupted substrate flow, in particular of the arc-shaped substrates 02, from the first unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 to the last unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01, in particular at least between the processing units 600; 900.

[0052] Preferably, each unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 has at least one drive control and / or at least one drive regulator, which is assigned to the respective at least one drive of the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000. The drive controls and / or drive regulators of the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 are preferably operable individually and independently of one another. Furthermore preferably, the drive controls and / or drive regulators of the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 circuit-technical, in particular by means of at least one BUS system, are linked and / or linkable to each other and / or to a machine control of the processing machine 01 in such a way that coordinated control and / or regulation of the drives of several or all units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 is carried out and / or can be carried out.The individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 and / or, in particular, modules 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the machine tool 01 are therefore preferably electronically coordinated and / or operable with respect to their drives, in particular by means of at least one virtual and / or electronic master axis. Preferably, the master axis, more preferably the virtual master axis, specifies a machine cycle. Preferably, the virtual and / or electronic master axis is specified for this purpose, for example, by a higher-level machine control of the machine tool 01. Alternatively or additionally, the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the machine tool 01 are, at least with respect to their drives, for example, mechanically synchronized and / or synchronizable with respect to each other.Preferably, the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are mechanically decoupled from each other, at least with regard to their drives.

[0053] The space provided for the transport of substrate 02, which the substrate 02 occupies at least temporarily when present, is the transport path. Preferably, the transport path is defined by at least one device for guiding the substrate 02 in an operating state of the processing machine 01. Unless otherwise described, the units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are preferably characterized in that the section of a transport path provided for the transport of substrate 02, in particular sheets 02, defined by the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000, is at least substantially flat and more preferably completely flat.A substantially flat section of the transport path provided for transporting substrate 02, in particular sheet 02, is understood to be a section having a minimum radius of curvature of at least 2 meters, more preferably at least 5 meters, and even more preferably at least 10 meters, and even more preferably at least 50 meters. A completely flat section has an infinitely large radius of curvature and is therefore also substantially flat and thus also has a minimum radius of curvature of at least 2 meters. Unless otherwise described, the units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 of the processing machine 01 are preferably characterized in that the section of the transport path provided for transporting sheet 02, defined by the respective unit 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000, is at least substantially horizontal and more preferably exclusively horizontal.This transport path preferably extends in a direction T, in particular transport direction T. A substantially horizontal transport path intended for the transport of sheet 02 means in particular that the intended transport path in the entire area of ​​the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 has exclusively one or more directions that deviate by at most 30°, preferably at most 15° and further preferably at most 5° from at least one horizontal direction.

[0054] The direction of the transport path, in particular the transport direction T, is specifically the direction in which the sheets 02 are transported at the point where the direction is measured. The transport direction T provided, in particular for the transport of sheets 02, is the direction T, which is preferably at least substantially and more preferably completely horizontally oriented and / or which preferably points from a first unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 to a last unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01, in particular from a sheet feeder unit 100 or a substrate feeder 100 on the one hand to a delivery unit 1000 or a delivery unit 1000 on the other.on the other hand, a substrate dispensing device 1000, and / or which preferably points in a direction in which the sheets 02 are transported apart from vertical movements or vertical components of movements, in particular from a first contact with an aggregate 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 downstream of the substrate supply device 100 or first contact with the processing machine 01 up to a final contact with the processing machine 01. Regardless of whether the system 300 is an independent aggregate 300 or module 300 or is part of the substrate supply device 100, the transport direction T is preferably the direction T in which a horizontal component points in a direction oriented from the system 300 to the substrate dispensing device 1000.

[0055] A direction A, preferably a transverse direction A, preferably also called an axial direction A, is preferably oriented orthogonally to the transport direction T of the sheets 02 and / or orthogonally to the intended transport path of the sheets 02 through the at least one application unit 600 and / or through the at least one forming unit 900 and / or through the at least one sheet delivery 1000. The transverse direction A is preferably a horizontally oriented direction A. A working width of the processing machine 01 and / or of the at least one application unit 600 and / or of the at least one forming unit 900 and / or of the at least one sheet delivery 1000 is preferably a dimension that extends preferably orthogonally to the intended transport path of the sheets 02 through the at least one application unit 600 and / or of the at least one forming unit 900 and / or of the at least one sheet delivery 1000, further preferably in the transverse direction A.The working width of the processing machine 01 preferably corresponds to the maximum width that a sheet 02 may have in order to still be processed by the processing machine 01, i.e., in particular, the maximum sheet width that can be processed by the processing machine 01. The width of a sheet 02 is understood to mean, in particular, its dimension in the transverse direction A. This is preferably independent of whether this width of the sheet 02 is greater or less than an orthogonal horizontal dimension of the sheet 02, which more preferably represents the length of this sheet 02. The working width of the processing machine 01 preferably corresponds to the working width of the at least one application unit 600 and / or the at least one forming unit 900 and / or the at least one sheet delivery unit 1000.The working width of the processing machine 01, in particular sheet processing machine 01, is preferably at least 100 cm, more preferably at least 150 cm, even more preferably at least 160 cm, even more preferably at least 200 cm and even more preferably at least 250 cm.

[0056] A vertical direction V preferably denotes a direction that is parallel to the normal vector of a plane spanned by the transport direction T and the transverse direction A. For example, in the area of ​​the forming device 900, the vertical direction V is preferably oriented such that it points from the substrate 02 towards a forming cylinder 901 of the forming device 900.

[0057] The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one substrate feed device 100, which is further preferably configured as an assembly 100, in particular a substrate feed assembly 100, and / or as a module 100, in particular a substrate feed module 100. Particularly in the case of a sheet processing machine 01, the at least one substrate feed device 100 is preferably configured as a sheet feeder 100 and / or sheet feeder assembly 100 and / or sheet feeder module 100. A sheet 02 to be processed is preferably arranged in a stack within a stacking area of ​​the substrate feed device 100 at the beginning of a processing job and is conveyed from there by the processing machine 01. The at least one substrate feed assembly 100 is preferably connected to at least one control unit, which preferably controls at least one element of the substrate feed assembly 100.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one substrate feed device 100 has at least one front stop and / or at least one side stop and / or at least one rear stop at the stacking area, which is further preferably movable towards and away from the at least one substrate 02 of the stack and acts as a straight pusher. Alternatively, for example, at least one of the stops is fixed in its position, for example, the front stop. The substrate feed unit 100 preferably has at least one transfer means, preferably a suction means, for removing the at least one substrate 02 from the stack, in particular by suction and removal in a suction state. Preferably, to support the process, in particular for lifting at least one edge of an uppermost substrate 02 of the stack, at least one blowing device is provided, which is directed towards the stack in the stacking area.Preferably, this air is blown laterally onto the stack, preferably in the area of ​​the uppermost substrates 02 of the stack. For example, this raises a front edge, rear edge, or side edge of at least one substrate 02 and / or loosens it from other substrates 02 in the stack. At least one shingle feeder is preferably arranged downstream of the stack area of ​​the substrate feed device 100. This feeder is preferably designed such that substrates 02 removed from the stack are transported in a shingled arrangement in the transport direction T. This is preferably achieved by means of at least one conveying device, preferably a conveyor belt and / or transport roller. The substrates 02 are preferably fed to a system unit 300 in a shingled arrangement or individually.

[0059] The processing machine 01 preferably comprises at least one unit 300, more preferably a system 300, which is further preferably configured as a system unit 300 and / or system module 300. The at least one system 300, also referred to as the system, is preferably configured as a component of the substrate feed unit 100. The substrate feed unit 100 preferably comprises the system unit 300. Preferably, the alignment of the at least one substrate 02 takes place in the system unit 300. The at least one system unit 300 preferably has a storage area 166 in which substrates 02 are present, if any, in the form of at least one stack, the feeder stack 104, or in a shingled arrangement, i.e., overlapping with at least one edge.

[0060] If the shed feeder is arranged upstream, a stack of substrate 02, the feeder stack 104, is preferably temporarily formed in the storage area 166. Preferably, the at least one substrate feed device 100, in particular its feed unit 300, has at least one front stop and / or at least one side stop and / or at least one rear stop, which preferably aligns the at least one substrate 02 in the storage area 166. For example, at least one stop is fixed or movable, movable towards and / or away from the substrate 02. Preferably, the at least one substrate 02 is aligned in the at least one substrate feed device 100, in particular in its feed unit 300, by means of the at least one fixed or movable stop.Preferably, the substrate feed device 100 and / or the plant unit 300 separates the substrates 02, so that the substrates 02 are transported one after the other, preferably spaced apart from each other, by the subsequent units 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01.

[0061] The at least one substrate feed device 100, preferably the at least one unit 300 of the substrate feed device 100, preferably has at least one accelerator, preferably at least one primary accelerator and / or at least one secondary accelerator, for accelerating the substrate 02 to processing speed. Preferably, at least one accelerator of the substrate feed device 100, in particular its unit 300, is designed as a primary accelerator, which draws a single substrate 02 from the storage area 166 and / or accelerates the single substrate 02 to a processing speed of the processing units 600; 900. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one primary accelerator is at least a conveyor belt, alternatively, for example, a vibrating gripper.Preferably, the substrate 02 is pulled from the stack in the storage area 166; more preferably, the lowest substrate 02 of the feeder stack 104 is pulled. Alternatively, for example, instead of pulling from the stack, particularly if the storage area 166 is configured to store the substrates 02 in a shingled arrangement without forming a stack, the foremost substrate 02 of the shingled arrangement is pulled by the at least one accelerator. The at least one accelerator, particularly the at least one primary accelerator, is preferably connected to a control unit, which preferably activates or deactivates the accelerator and / or preferably adjusts the speed of the accelerator.For example, the at least one secondary acceleration means is designed to align a substrate 02 in the circumferential direction, i.e. in the transport direction T, in particular by adjusting the speed of the substrate by accelerating, preferably depending on at least one sensor 164 detecting the substrate 02.

[0062] The machining center 01, for example, has at least one unit designed as a conditioning unit, in particular a conditioning unit, which is further preferably designed as a module, in particular as a conditioning module. Such a conditioning unit is, for example, designed as a preparation unit or as a post-treatment unit. The machining center 01 preferably has at least one unit designed as a preparation unit, in particular a preparation unit, which is further preferably designed as a module, in particular as a preparation module, and represents a conditioning unit. The machining center 01 preferably has at least one post-treatment unit.

[0063] The processing machine 01 has at least one processing unit 600; 900. The at least one processing unit 600; 900 is preferably arranged downstream of the substrate feed unit 100. The processing machine 01 has at least two processing units 600; 900, which preferably perform different processing processes. At least one processing unit 900 of the processing machine 01 is configured as a forming unit 900, preferably as a punching unit 900, which is designed as a rotary punching device 900. The at least one processing unit 900 configured as a forming unit 900 is configured as a rotary punching device 900. The processing processes performed by the at least one forming unit 900 are, for example, punching, creasing, embossing, perforating, and / or stripping. Preferably, the at least one forming unit 900 is configured to perform at least two of the processing processes.Preferably, it has at least two different tools for this purpose.

[0064] The processing machine 01 has at least one, preferably at least two, preferably at least four, processing unit 600 designed as a coating unit 600. Preferably, at least one processing unit 900 following the at least one coating unit 600 is designed as a forming unit 900, in particular a punching unit 900.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, exactly one forming unit 900, in particular a punching unit 900 and / or a rotary punching unit 900, is arranged. In an alternative embodiment, the processing machine 01 has at least two forming units 900, which are designed to perform different processing operations. For example, one forming unit 900 has a punching tool, while another forming unit has a creasing tool and / or embossing tool and / or stripping tool. For example, the processing machine having several forming units also has no coating unit or at least one coating unit.Where, in the preceding and following sections, the at least one forming unit 900 is described in particular as a punching unit 900, this description shall also apply to other forming units, such as a creasing unit, embossing unit, or stripping unit. The tool is preferably adapted and / or adaptable to the respective machining process to be carried out.

[0066] The processing machine 01 has at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least four, and more preferably at least six, for example eight, processing unit 600 designed as an application unit 600. The at least one application unit 600 is preferably arranged and / or constructed according to its function and / or application method. The at least one application unit 600 preferably serves to apply at least one respective application fluid or coating agent to the entire surface and / or partial surface of the sheets 02. An example of an application unit 600 is a printing unit 600 or printing module 600, which is used in particular for applying printing ink and / or ink to substrate 02, especially sheets 02. In particular, the at least one application unit 600 is designed to apply the application fluid, preferably printing ink and / or ink, for example, to the entire surface and / or partial surface of the sheets 02.In the preceding and following, any optionally arranged priming unit and / or coating unit shall also be considered as such an application unit 600 or printing unit 600. Preferably, at least one substrate 02, in particular a sheet 02, is printed and / or coated and / or primed in the at least one front processing unit 600, preferably designed as an application unit 600. The at least one application unit 600 preferably includes the at least one application unit 614. Preferably, at least one first application unit 600 in the transport direction T is designed as a priming unit. Preferably, at least one last application unit 600 in the transport direction T is designed as a coating unit.Preferably, at least one, and more preferably at least four, application units 600, which are preferably arranged downstream of the priming unit and / or upstream of the painting unit, are designed as printing units 600. If the at least one application unit 600 is present, the at least one forming unit 900 is preferably arranged downstream of the at least one application unit 600, and more preferably downstream of all application units 600 of the processing machine 01.

[0067] Particularly independent of the function of the application fluid, application units 600 can preferably be distinguished with regard to their application methods. An example of an application unit 600 is a form-based application unit 600, which in particular has at least one fixed, physical, and preferably replaceable printing form. Form-based application units 600 preferably operate according to a planographic printing process, in particular an offset planographic printing process, and / or according to a gravure printing process, and / or according to a relief printing process, in particular preferably according to a flexographic printing process. The corresponding application unit 600 is then, for example, a flexographic application unit 600 or flexographic printing unit 600, in particular a flexographic application module 600 or flexographic printing module 600. The at least one application unit 600 is preferably designed as a form-based application unit 600, more preferably as a flexographic application unit 600.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Flexo application unit 600 comprises a Flexo priming unit or a Flexo printing unit or a Flexo coating unit.

[0068] The at least one application unit 600 has a forming cylinder 602. The forming cylinder 602 is preferably driven by a drive M2, preferably a single drive. A counter-pressure cylinder 608 is preferably associated with the forming cylinder 602. Between the forming cylinder 602 and the counter-pressure cylinder 608 is the processing station 609, designed as an application point 609. The counter-pressure cylinder is driven by a drive M1, preferably by a single drive or a drive of the pressure unit 600, or, in an alternative embodiment, additionally by the drive M1 of the forming cylinder 602. The forming cylinder 602 and the counter-pressure cylinder 608 are preferably designed as cylinder 602 and cylinder 608, respectively.

[0069] Furthermore, the at least one application unit 600, particularly in the case of a flexographic printing unit 600, preferably has at least one supply roller 603, which is preferably designed as an anilox roller 603. During operation, the printing cylinder 602 is supplied with printing fluid via the supply roller 603. For this purpose, the supply roller 603 is preferably in contact with a chambered doctor blade 604.

[0070] The at least one application unit 600 preferably comprises at least one supply system for application fluid, preferably ink and / or varnish and / or primer. The supply system is preferably configured to supply the application fluid to the rotating rollers and / or cylinders of the application unit 614, i.e., preferably the anilox roller 603. The chambered doctor blade 604 is preferably a component of the supply system.

[0071] The chambered doctor blade 604 preferably has at least one blade and preferably also at least one intermediate reservoir for application fluid. The intermediate reservoir is supplied with application fluid, for example, by a fluid source 629 of the supply system. The application fluid is preferably applied to the supply roller 603 by the chambered doctor blade 604.

[0072] Preferably, at least one fluid source 629 is provided on the at least one application unit 600. Preferably, the at least one fluid source 629 is designed to be removable from the application unit 600. The at least one fluid source 629 is preferably a source of the application fluid, i.e., the paint and / or ink and / or varnish and / or primer of the application unit 600. For example, the fluid source 629 is designed as a paint bucket. Preferably, the volume, in particular the filling volume, of the fluid source 629 for application fluid is greater than the amount of application fluid required for a single processing job. During use of the fluid source 629 in the application unit 629, it is arranged in an operating position. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fluid source 629 is arranged so that it is accessible to an operator, particularly when the processing machine 01 is locked.Particularly preferably, the at least one fluid source 629 is arranged on an outer side of a housing of the application unit 600. The housing preferably forms a safety cover for the application unit 614 and, for example, has a lockable door.

[0073] The supply system preferably comprises at least one line 631 for the coating fluid, preferably at least one line 631 configured as a supply line and / or at least one line 631 configured as a return line. The at least one line 631 is configured to interact with the fluid source 629, which, if present, is arranged in the operating position, to provide the coating fluid, in particular to convey the coating fluid to the chambered doctor blade 604 and / or anilox roller 603. The at least one line 631 preferably guides the coating fluid into the coating unit 614, in particular into the housing. Preferably, the at least one line 631 is operatively connected to at least one pumping device.

[0074] The at least one line 631 preferably has at least one lance 632, particularly at its end facing the fluid source 629. Preferably, the at least one inlet line and the at least one outlet each have a lance 632. For example, the lance 632 is a rigid tubular component. The at least one lance 632 is preferably designed to immerse itself in the fluid source 629, particularly in the application fluid present therein, and to ensure the conveyance of the application fluid. In a first, lowered position, the at least one lance 632 is arranged, preferably with at least one tip of the lance 632, preferably to penetrate a volume of the fluid source 629, which, if present, is arranged in its operating position.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one lance 632, preferably the at least two lances 632, is adjustable, particularly preferably height-adjustable. The at least one lance 632 preferably has at least one lowered position and at least one second raised position. These positions are preferably spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction V. In the second position, the at least one lance 632, particularly its tip, is preferably located outside the volume of the at least one fluid source 629, if the latter is present. The at least one lance 632 is preferably adjustable along at least one guide 633, preferably a linear guide, for example a rail system, for adjustment between the at least two positions.Preferably, the at least one lance 632 has at least one mounting, and preferably the at least two lances 632 have a common mounting, which is adjustable along the at least one guide 633. Preferably, at least one drive M4 is provided, which is in drive connection to the at least one lance 632 and adjusts it between the at least one first and second position. For example, the drive M4 of the at least one lance 632 is a pneumatic or hydraulic drive or an electric drive. The at least one drive M4 of the at least one lance 632 is preferably in data communication with at least one control unit of the processing machine 01, in particular with the control unit that controls and / or regulates at least one cleaning process, in particular a washing process, of the application unit 600.

[0076] The at least one fluid source 629 is preferably arranged in the operating position during the processing operation of the application unit 600, in which it can preferably enter into, or enters into, an operative connection with the at least one line 631, in particular the at least one lance 632. Preferably, the at least one fluid source 629 is removable from its operating position. A position of the at least one fluid source 629 spaced apart from the operating position is a storage position, preferably spaced apart in a direction of movement B. Preferably, the at least one fluid source 629 rests on a surface that allows the fluid source 629 to slide over it.

[0077] For example, at least one, preferably at least two, guide rails 627 are arranged below the at least one fluid source 629, along which the at least one fluid source 629 can be adjusted between the operating position and the shutdown position. Alternatively, for example, the at least one fluid source 629 stands on the floor of the machine hall.

[0078] The at least one application unit 600 preferably has at least one ejection device 623 with at least one contact surface 624. The at least one ejection device 623 is preferably configured to move the at least one fluid source 629 from its operating position to its standby position, particularly in the direction of movement B. For example, the at least one ejection device 623 pushes the at least one fluid source 629 laterally, preferably in the transverse direction A, out of its operating position. The direction of movement B is preferably a linear direction, which is particularly preferably horizontal, pointing, for example, away from the housing of the application unit 600 in or against the transverse direction A.

[0079] The at least one ejection device 623 has at least one contact surface 624, which preferably can come into operative contact with the fluid source 629 or comes into operative contact when the fluid source 629 is present. A normal vector of the contact surface 624, which is therefore perpendicular to the contact surface 624, is preferably directed towards the fluid source 629. Preferably, the at least one contact surface 624 has at least one surface area that has a normal vector with a directional component in the direction of movement B. For example, at least one normal vector of a first surface area is parallel to the direction of movement B. Additionally or alternatively, at least one normal vector of a second surface area is, for example, parallel to a direction different from the direction of movement B.Preferably, the first and / or second surface area of ​​the contact surface 624 forms a plane spanned by the vertical direction V and a horizontal direction different from the direction of movement B.

[0080] The at least one contact surface 624 preferably has at least one first, deactivated position and one second, activated position. The at least one ejection device 623 is preferably configured to release the effective position for the arrangement of the fluid source 629 when the at least one contact surface 624 is in the first, deactivated position. The at least one ejection device 623 is preferably configured to block the effective position for the arrangement of the fluid source 629 when the at least one contact surface 624 is in the second, activated position. Preferably, the at least one contact surface 624 in the deactivated position is spaced apart from the effective position of the fluid source 629, for example, recessed in a housing wall of the application unit 600. The at least one contact surface 624 is preferably arranged in the deactivated position during the processing of a machining job by the application unit 600.The at least one extension device 623 preferably has at least one guide 628, preferably a guide rail 628, more preferably a linearly directed guide rail 628, for adjusting the at least one contact surface 624 from the deactivated position to the activated position and / or vice versa.

[0081] The at least one extension device 623 preferably has at least one actuating means 626, preferably at least one actuating cylinder 626, for adjusting the at least one contact surface 624 from the deactivated position to the activated position and / or vice versa. The at least one actuating means 626 is particularly preferably a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating cylinder 626. Alternatively, the at least one actuating means 626 is, for example, an electric drive means, for instance comprising an electric motor.

[0082] The at least one actuating means 626 of the at least one ejection device 623 is preferably in data communication with at least one control unit of the processing machine 01. The at least one actuating means 626 is preferably in data communication with a control unit of the processing machine 01 that controls or regulates a changeover process of the at least one application unit 600, which is designed as a cleaning process. Preferably additionally or alternatively, the at least one actuating means 626 is in data communication with a control unit of the processing machine 01 that controls or regulates a changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900. The at least one actuating means 626 of the at least one ejection device 623 is preferably controlled or regulated in accordance with at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900, in particular by the at least one control unit.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one actuating means 626 of the at least one extension device 623 and the at least one drive M4 of the at least one lance 632 are in data communication with at least one control unit of the machine tool 01, which coordinates the control of the at least one actuating means 626 and the at least one drive M4. Particularly preferably, the at least one actuating means 626 of the at least one extension device 623 and the at least one drive M4 of the at least one lance 632 are controlled or regulated by the at least one control unit of the machine tool 01 in a coordinated manner.

[0083] The supply roller 603 preferably has a cell structure on its outer surface, particularly on the outer surface of its roller core. The supply roller 603 is preferably designed as a cylinder 603. The at least one supply roller 603 is preferably arranged in contact with and / or capable of being brought into contact with a forming cylinder 602. Preferably, deposition fluid is transferred from the anilox roller 603, which is positioned against the forming cylinder 602, to the forming cylinder 602. A supply roller drive M3, designed as a drive M3 of the supply roller 603, is preferably connected and / or connectable to the supply roller 603 via a detachable connection, for example, by means of a coupling. This connection is preferably released when the supply roller 603 is to be placed in a storage device 21.The at least one storage device 21 preferably has at least two, more preferably at least three, even more preferably at least four, and even more preferably exactly four storage receptacles 22 for each receiving a supply roller 603. In this way, at least one supply roller 603 can always be kept near its intended place of use if a currently used supply roller 603 needs to be replaced. Such a replacement typically occurs, for example, when a subsequent processing job requires a smaller or larger quantity of coating fluid per area. The storage device 21 preferably has at least one movable transfer device 23 by means of which the at least two storage receptacles 22 can be moved and arranged in different storage positions. The storage device 21 is thus suitable for quickly and easily replacing the anilox roller 603.To change the anilox roller 603, the anilox roller 603 to be replaced is preferably moved from its working position to at least one free storage position of the transfer device 23, and at least one anilox roller 603 to be replaced is moved from its storage position in the transfer device 23 to its working position. This changeover process is preferably controlled by the machine control system. In particular, in conjunction with a device 950 for changing punch cylinders 901; 903, an accelerated job changeover can be achieved. Both devices thus contribute significantly to accelerated job changes of the processing machine 01. The cylinders 602, 603, 608 are preferably supported by a frame 607.

[0084] A preferred first embodiment of the flexographic printing unit 614 is designed to apply printing fluid to substrate 02, in particular sheets 02 and / or substrate 02, from below, for example, by printing on them. In this preferred first embodiment of the flexographic printing unit 614, the printing cylinder 602 is preferably arranged below the impression cylinder 608. In an alternative embodiment, the sheets 02 are printed from above. In this case, the printing unit 600 is preferably configured in a mirror-image arrangement with structural modifications. Preferably, the sheets 02 are die-cut on the side opposite the printed image. Therefore, printing from below is the preferred embodiment.

[0085] The forming cylinder 602 of the at least one application unit 600 is preferably movable relative to the supply roller 603 by means of actuators and / or relative to the counter-pressure cylinder 608 by means of actuators. This allows a corresponding application point 609 to be preferably adapted to different thicknesses of the substrate 02 to be processed.

[0086] The at least one printing form of the forming cylinder 602 is preferably adapted to the processing order being carried out. Therefore, it is necessary to change the at least one printing form when switching to a different processing order. Preferably, the printing form change is automated. The printing form can be provided with or is provided with a printed image. The printing form can preferably be attached to the forming cylinder 602 by means of holding means, for example, mounting arms of the printing form in conjunction with spring elements of the cylinder 602, preferably by generating a holding force. For example, the printing form is suspended and / or clamped in a channel in the outer surface of the cylinder 602. The printing form is released from the forming cylinder 602 by removing the holding force, for example, by using a preferably pneumatically actuated actuating means. The at least one application unit 600 preferably has at least one printing form magazine.The printing plate magazine preferably has at least one receiving device for a printing plate to be inserted and at least one receiving device for a printing plate to be replaced. For the removal of a used printing plate and / or for the provision of a new printing plate in the receiving devices, the receiving devices are preferably accessible from the side facing away from the printing cylinder 602 or from a side of the printing plate magazines running parallel to the transport direction of the substrate 02.

[0087] Preferably, the printing plate magazines extend over the entire working width of the processing machine 01 and / or, more preferably, the receiving devices are loaded with printing plates over the portion of the working width required for the respective processing order. Preferably, the printing plate magazine can be attached to the plate cylinder 602, for example by pivoting, thereby further increasing accessibility.

[0088] In a working position of the printing plate magazine, i.e., when it is attached to the printing cylinder 602, preferably at least one printing plate can be exchanged between the receiving devices and the printing cylinder 602, preferably by either removing a printing plate no longer required for executing a print job from the printing cylinder 602 and inserting it into the receiving device, or by moving a new printing plate out of the receiving device and mounting it on the printing cylinder 602. For example, at least one guide plate is provided for guiding the printing plates. Preferably, a drive means is provided that moves the printing plate from the receiving device to the printing cylinder 602 or vice versa. Preferably, a used printing plate is detached from the cylinder 602 and removed from the cylinder 602 by rotating the cylinder and transferred to the receiving device.After the used printing form is removed, a new printing form is preferably released from its receiving device and mounted onto the printing cylinder 602 by means of the drive means and / or by rotating the printing cylinder 602 in the opposite direction. The new printing form is then attached to the printing cylinder 602, preferably by applying the holding force.

[0089] It is advantageous if the execution, in particular the completion, of a printing form change is monitored by sensors. It is advantageous to move the printing cylinder 602 into a predefined position with respect to its lateral register, e.g., to zero it with respect to the lateral register, before a printing form is exchanged between the printing cylinder 602 and the printing form magazine. Alternatively, instead of adjusting the printing cylinder 602, the printing form magazine can also be moved laterally relative to the printing cylinder 602 into a predefined position so that the exchange of a printing form between the printing form magazine and the printing cylinder 602 can be carried out precisely and without lateral offset. Likewise, the printing form magazines in conjunction with the printing cylinders 602 can be controlled such that a printing form change can preferably be initiated selectively from a control station assigned to the processing machine 01 and / or by the machine control system.Because the printing plate magazines can be prepared for a printing plate change during ongoing production on the processing machine 01, the setup time requiring a standstill of the application units 600 is reduced to an extremely short period of, for example, less than two minutes, preferably less than ninety seconds, for a complete change of all printing plates of the application units 600 arranged in this processing machine 01. Such a rapid printing plate change, even with a large number of printing plates, significantly increases the efficiency of the processing machine 01 due to its extremely short standstill time.

[0090] For example, the application unit 600 has at least one cleaning device, preferably a washing device, for cleaning, in particular washing, at least one of the cylinders 602, 603, or 608. Advantageously, washing is performed with water and / or a cleaning agent tailored to the respective application fluid. In particular, at least one cleaning device can be attached to and / or is attached to the forming cylinder 602. Preferably, at least one further cleaning device can be attached to and / or is attached to the feed roller 603. Alternatively, the cleaning device of the forming cylinder 602 can also be used to clean the feed roller 603 and / or the counter-pressure cylinder 608, for example, by attaching the cylinders 602, 603, or 608 to each other during the cleaning process. The at least one cleaning device is preferably operatively connected to the at least one control unit of the machine control system.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the processing machine 01 has more application units 600 than are required in a normal job. That is, the processing machine 01 has at least two application units 600, one of which can be used as a redundant application unit 600. In multicolor printing, four application units 600 are typically used. Preferably, these four application units 600 are printing units 600. Additionally, further units 600 configured as coating units 600 may also be present. More preferably, the processing machine 01 has four additional application units 600 for multicolor printing. These four application units 600 can typically be serviced and / or set up while the other units 600 are in operation. These four additional application units 600 can be used as redundant application units 600.Alternatively, these additional 600-unit printing units can also be used for special printing jobs. For example, special inks and / or varnishes can also be applied with the additional 600-unit printing units.

[0092] Furthermore, the processing machine 01, for example, has at least one unit designed as a drying device, in particular a drying unit, which is further preferably designed as a module, in particular as a drying module. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one drying device 506 and / or at least one post-drying device is part of at least one unit 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, 1000, preferably designed as a module 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, 1000. For example, at least one coating unit 600 has at least one drying device 506 and / or has at least one unit 700 designed as a transport device 710 and / or at least one transport unit 700. The drying device 506 is preferably located downstream of the coating unit 609.

[0093] The processing machine 01 comprises at least one unit 700, in particular at least one transport unit 700, and / or the module 700, in particular the transport module 700. Additionally or alternatively, the processing machine 01 preferably comprises transport devices 700, for example as components of other units and / or modules. The at least one transport unit 700 is driven by a drive. For example, this drive is mechanically coupled to other units 700, for example, other transport units 700. Alternatively, the drive is mechanically decoupled from other units.

[0094] The processing machine 01 comprises at least one forming unit 900, which is configured as an assembly 900, in particular a forming unit 900 or a punching unit 900, and / or as a module 900, in particular a forming module 900 or a punching module 900, and / or as a punching unit 900. Preferably, the processing machine 01 comprises at least one forming unit 900 configured as a punching unit 900. The at least one forming unit 900 is configured as a rotary punching unit 900 and / or preferably comprises at least one forming element 914 or punching unit 914. A forming unit 900 shall also be understood to include an embossing unit and / or a creasing unit. Preferably, a perforating unit is also a form of a punching unit 900. The forming unit 900 preferably comprises at least one forming cylinder 901 and at least one counter-punching cylinder 902.The forming cylinder 901 is designed as a cylinder 901, preferably as a die-cutting cylinder 901, and in particular as a die-cutting cylinder 901. The die-cutting cylinder 901 is preferably driven or can be driven by a drive in a rotating manner. The counter-die-cutting cylinder 902 is designed as a cylinder 902. For example, the counter-die-cutting cylinder 902 is also referred to as the counter-pressure cylinder 902 of the forming device 900. The counter-die-cutting cylinder 902 is preferably driven or can be driven by a drive in a rotating manner.

[0095] For example, to change the forming cylinders 901; 903, in particular die-cutting cylinders 901; 903, a further cylinder 903, in particular die-cutting cylinder 903, is provided. The at least one forming device 900 preferably has at least one, and more preferably exactly one, machining area 909 designed as a forming point 909. The at least one forming device 900 preferably has the at least one, and more preferably exactly one, forming point 909, which is formed by at least one, and more preferably exactly one, forming cylinder 901, in particular designed as a die-cutting forming cylinder 901, on the one hand, and at least one counter-pressure cylinder 902 on the other. The forming point 909 is preferably the area in which the respective forming cylinder 901 on the one hand and the respective counter-pressure cylinder 902 on the other hand are closest to each other.The at least one forming location 909 is preferably configured as at least one punching location 909 and / or as at least one transport means 909 and / or as at least one forming transport means 909 and / or as at least one punching transport means 909. Preferably, the forming device 900, in particular the forming unit 914, comprises at least one tool; more preferably, the at least one forming cylinder 901 comprises at least one tool. For example, the tools of the forming cylinder 901, preferably also referred to as punching tools, have half-shells 964 with punching tools such as cutting dies, embossing dies, or creasing tools arranged thereon. Preferably, at least one die, which is preferably configured as a half-shell 964, is attached to the forming cylinder 901; 903.In a preferred embodiment, the tool of the forming device 900, in particular the forming unit 914, preferably the tool of the forming cylinder 901, is in direct contact with the counter-punching cylinder 902, particularly in the area of ​​the forming point 909. Preferably, the counter-pressure cylinder 608 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 must operate in synchronous operation, preferably at the same surface speed. The tool is preferably adapted to the machining process, as a punching tool, creasing tool, embossing tool and / or perforating tool.

[0096] Preferably, the forming cylinder 901 incorporates several tools for different machining processes. The at least one forming cylinder 901, designed as a punching cylinder 901, has a tool with preferably vertically arranged blades. The blades are preferably arranged discontinuously and differ depending on the punching job. For example, the blades differ in their penetration depth. In particular, a single surface speed cannot then be specified for the punching cylinder 901. In this case, an average value is preferably used. Preferably, the at least one starting diameter must be entered into an interface to a control system before starting the machine, for example, manually.

[0097] The at least one counter-pressure cylinder 902, designed as a counter-punching cylinder 902, preferably has a lift or die-cutting surface. The die-cutting surface is preferably made of a plastic and / or rubber and has slightly elastic properties. Preferably, the die-cutting surface is made of a plastic such as polyurethane or similar. Preferably, the die-cutting surface is, for example, slightly compressible and can partially revert to its original shape. Typically, such a die-cutting surface is between 10 mm and 12 mm thick, with between 4 mm and 8 mm being abradable. At least one grinding cylinder 911 or a grinding roller 911 is arranged or adjustable on the counter-punching cylinder. The at least one grinding cylinder 911 has a drive, preferably a direct drive. The grinding cylinder 911 is preferably adjustable to the counter-punching cylinder 902 by means of actuators.

[0098] Preferably, the punching unit 900 includes a suction device 966 for extracting waste particles or dust. The punching unit 900 preferably has a housing. Preferably, the housing of the punching unit 900 has at least a first wall and a second wall, which are arranged axially before and after the transport path of the sheet 02. Preferably, the housing is designed as a frame, for example, for holding the cylinders 901, 902, and 903 of the punching unit 900.

[0099] The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one unit 1000 designed as a substrate delivery device 1000, in particular as a delivery unit 1000, in particular as a sheet delivery unit 1000, which is further preferably designed as a module 1000, in particular as a delivery module 1000. The delivery unit 1000 is preferably the last unit 1000 of the processing machine 01. Preferably, at least one stack of the processed substrates 02 is formed in this unit. The delivery unit 1000 has at least one delivery stack carrier 1003 on which processed substrates 02 can be placed. A substrate 02 is decelerated along the transport path by at least one transport means, preferably designed as a suction transport means. For example, the deceleration speed is adjusted so that the substrate 02 is brought to a standstill within one machine cycle.Preferably, a rear portion of the substrate 02, which is preferably located closer to the trailing edge than to the leading edge of the substrate 02, is released from the braking transport means by means of at least one pusher, thus enabling a subsequent substrate 02 to slide underneath it. For example, the at least one pusher rotates or pivots about an axis oriented transversely to the transport direction T and, with each rotation or pivot, comes into contact with a substrate 02 that is present at that time at the position of the transport path where the pusher acts, and whose rear portion is then released by the pusher. The rotational speed of the pusher is preferably adjusted such that the rear portion of each substrate 02 is released.At least one discharge device preferably completely releases the decelerated substrate 02 from the decelerating transport device, preferably by downward pressure, whereby the substrate 02 is preferably deposited onto the delivery stack carrier 1003. In the area of ​​the delivery stack carrier 1003, at least one stop for aligning the deposited substrate 02 is preferably provided, preferably at least one stop for the front edge and / or at least one stop for the rear edge of the substrate 02. For example, lateral stops are also provided. Preferably, at least one discharge tray 1002 is provided in which sample sheets and / or substrates 02 of insufficient quality can be deposited and separated from the other substrates 02. The transport path of the substrate 02 can preferably be changed via at least one sheet diverter 1001, so that a substrate 02 is directed into the discharge tray 1002 instead of onto the delivery stack carrier 1003.

[0100] The processing machine 01 has several sensors. These can, for example, detect the arrival of the sheet at specific points on the processing machine 01. Furthermore, the sensors can also be designed as cameras and, for example, inspect the processing result. Preferably, such an inspection system is designed as a print image control system 726 for inspecting a printed image. Furthermore, such a sensor can be a register control system 728. The print image control system 726 and the register control system 728 are preferably arranged downstream of the application units 600 and preferably inspect the complete printed image and / or printed register marks. The processing machine 01 also preferably has a die-cutting image control system 916. This is preferably arranged downstream of the die-cutting unit 900. Using the sensors 726, 728, and 916, for example, a sheet 02 can be ejected from the processing machine 01.The processing machine 01 preferably has a sheet diverter 1001 and a discharge stack 1002, also called a delivery tray 1002. If there are deviations in the printing and / or die-cutting quality, the sheet diverter 1001 can be controlled by means of the signals from sensors 726, 728, 916, and the sheets in the transport path can be deflected and thus conveyed onto the discharge stack 1002. If, on the other hand, the printing and / or die-cutting quality is sufficient, the sheet 02 is preferably placed on a delivery stack carrier 1003 of the delivery tray 1000. Furthermore, the sheet processing machine 01 has several sheet arrival sensors 164; 622; 722; 922. Over time, external changes in the printing length and the die-cutting length also occur. This change can also be detected by the sensors, and the cylinders, in particular the forming cylinders 602; 901; 903, subsequently controlled and / or regulated with the signals.

[0101] The processing machine 01 has at least one machine control system. Preferably, the machine control system is a higher-level control system of the processing machine 01, which has at least one control unit. Preferably, the machine control system has at least one central control unit that controls processes of the processing machine 01. Preferably, the central control unit is coupled with means for controlling individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 and / or with means for controlling individual components, such as a cylinder 602; 603; 608; 901; 902; 903 or a device for changing 950 of forming cylinders 901, within a unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000. The coupling is preferably carried out by means of electrical control lines and / or by means of wireless transmission technology, such as radio or WLAN or Bluetooth, preferably in the radio frequency range or alternatively in the infrared or optical frequency range.In particular, the machine control is accessible and / or displayable by an operator via at least one display device, preferably by means of at least one monitor or display, and / or at at least one control station, which, for example, has at least one display device. For example, the machine control is additionally or alternatively accessible and / or displayable via at least one mobile device, such as a smartphone. Preferably, the machine control comprises at least one processing unit, for example, at least one computer, preferably configured for calculating data and / or for calculating comparisons between data.

[0102] Preferably, at least one sensor 164; 622; 722; 726; 728; 922; 916 is connected, at least via data transmission, to at least one control unit of the machine control system. The machine control system, in particular its at least one control unit, preferably evaluates data from the at least one sensor 164; 622; 722; 726; 728; 922; 916. Preferably, a monitoring result from the at least one sensor 164; 622; 722; 726; 728; 922; 916 is displayed on at least one monitor. For example, the at least one sensor 164; 622; 722; 726; 728; 922; 916 is controlled by the machine control and / or by access to the machine control by an operator, for example via the at least one control station of the processing machine 01.Preferably, at least one component of the processing machine 01 is controlled by the machine control and / or by access to the machine control by an operator, for example via the at least one control station of the processing machine 01, depending on the determined data of the at least one sensor 164; 622; 722; 726; 728; 922; 916.

[0103] The tool of the at least one forming cylinder 901 of the forming unit 900 determines the forming result achieved by processing a substrate 02. This is also referred to, for example, as the stamping pattern. Since the tool of the at least one forming cylinder 901 of the at least one forming unit 900 is adapted to a specific processing order, it is necessary to change the tool when switching to a different processing order.

[0104] In a first embodiment, to change the tool of the at least one forming unit 900, the tool is removed from the forming cylinder 901 while the latter is in a punching position or in a position, preferably a changeover position, for example a few millimeters away from the punching position and set aside by the counter-punching cylinder 902. The changeover is carried out, for example, manually by an operator. Access to the forming cylinder 901 for the operator must then be ensured during the changeover.

[0105] In a second embodiment, to change the tool of the at least one forming unit 900, the at least one forming cylinder 901 is exchanged for another forming cylinder 903 with a different tool and / or a tool positioned differently along its cylindrical surface. For this purpose, the at least one forming unit 900 preferably has a device 950 for changing the forming cylinders 901; 903, in particular the cylinders 901; 903 designed as punching cylinders 901; 903. A punching cylinder 901, which is in a punching position during operation, can be exchanged for another punching cylinder 903. Preferably, the exchange is automated. The changing device 950 comprises the components of the punching unit 900 that are involved in and / or required for changing the cylinders 901; 903.In particular, the changing device 950 comprises at least one punching cylinder 901 and at least one further punching cylinder 903 for changing with the at least one punching cylinder 901. Where punching cylinders 901 and 903 or their changing are described above and below, this preferably applies to the respective forming cylinders 901 and 903 of the forming unit 900.

[0106] Preferably, the device for changing the mold cylinders 901; 903 has at least one, preferably several, and in particular at least two, guides 958; 959. In particular, a transport system has the guides 958; 959. Preferably, the two guides 958; 959 of the device for changing the mold cylinders 950 are designed as linear guides 958; 959. Preferably, one guide 959 is designed as a predominantly horizontal guide 959, more preferably with at least one horizontal transport element. Preferably, one guide 958 is designed as a predominantly vertical guide 958, more preferably with at least one vertical transport element 956; 960. "Predominantly" here preferably refers to a larger directional component in the respective horizontal or vertical direction. In another embodiment, the guides 958; 959 can also be curved.Where a horizontal guide 959 is mentioned in the preceding and following text, this formulation preferably also includes a predominantly horizontal guide 959, i.e., a curved guide with a larger directional component in the horizontal direction. Where a vertical guide 958 is mentioned in the preceding and following text, this formulation preferably also includes a predominantly vertical guide 958, i.e., a curved guide 958 with a larger directional component in the vertical direction. Preferably, the at least one transport element 956; 960 has at least one receiving area, preferably at least one cup-shaped receiving area, for the at least one forming cylinder 901; 903. The changing device 950 preferably has a transport system for moving the punching cylinders 901; 903.This preferably comprises transport elements 956; 960, which receive the punch cylinders 901; 903, for example at their cylinder pins, and transport them along the guide paths, i.e., in particular along the at least predominantly horizontal guide 959 and / or along the at least predominantly vertical guide 958, and / or to the different positions. Thus, the transport system preferably comprises the at least one guide 958; 959. Preferably, at least one guide rail 957 is provided, which is further preferably designed as a linear guide, along which the at least one transport element 956; 960 is preferably moved. Preferably, the transport system has the at least one transport element for predominantly horizontal movement of the punch cylinders 901; 903 and more preferably the at least one transport element 956; 960 for predominantly vertical movement of the punch cylinders 901; 903.These transport elements 956; 960 are, for example, designed as slides with retaining arms. More preferably, they have a half-shell for holding the punching cylinder 901; 903. Preferably, the half-shell is designed as a contact surface with the punching cylinder 901; 903. Preferably, a transport element 956; 960 is arranged on each side of the housing. For example, the predominantly vertical guide 958 has either two transport elements 956; 960 or two transport elements 956; 960 on a common transport device 972. In a particularly simple design, the two transport elements 956; 960 of the predominantly vertical guide 958 are arranged together on a common transport device 972, in particular a carrier 972 and / or slide 972. Then, by moving the transport device 972, both punching cylinders 901; 903 can be moved in a predominantly, and more preferably completely, vertical direction V.

[0107] The punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged in several positions in the changing device 950. In particular, the punching cylinders 901; 903 are moved along the guides 958; 959. During punching, the punching cylinder 901; 903, in particular the respective punching cylinder 901; 903 used, is arranged in the punching position. It is located at the forming point 909, preferably above the counter-punching cylinder 902. During operation of the processing machine 01, the punching blades come into contact with the punching surface of the counter-punching cylinder 902 in the punching position. This position of the counter-punching cylinder 902 is referred to as the working position of the counter-punching cylinder 902. Thus, the processing point 909 is preferably formed by the punching cylinder 901; 903 arranged in the punching position and the counter-punching cylinder 902 arranged in the working position. The punching position is therefore the same for both punching cylinders 901 and 903.In particular, the processing point 909 is thus located at an identical position for at least one punching cylinder 901 and for the further punching cylinder 903. The sheet 02 is preferably processed at the processing point 909 of the punching unit 900 during operation, in particular regardless of which punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged in the punching position.

[0108] For example, the forming cylinder 901 is fixed in position in the punching position by means of a locking mechanism. To change the forming cylinder 901, the locking mechanism is preferably opened. For example, opening the locking mechanism moves the forming cylinder 901 from the punching position to a changeover position, in which it is ready for removal. In contrast, the cylinder 903 to be replaced is fixed in position in the punching position by closing the locking mechanism. For example, closing the locking mechanism moves the other cylinder 903 from the changeover position to the punching position. The locking mechanism is thus preferably designed to fix the punching cylinder 901 or 903 that is to be positioned in the punching position at the respective time.Preferably a drive, for example a hydraulic drive, is used to open and / or close the locking mechanism, i.e. preferably to fix and / or release the forming cylinder 901; 903 in the punching position, controlled by means of the machine control.

[0109] The changeover position is preferably located on a direct guide path between the punching position and a maintenance position. The changeover position is preferably offset from the punching position by a few millimeters, preferably by a maximum of 1 cm, more preferably by a maximum of 5 mm, more preferably by a maximum of 1 mm, more preferably by a maximum of 0.5 mm, and more preferably by a maximum of 0.05 mm. The changeover position is further preferably spaced apart from the punching position, particularly in the vertical direction V, and more preferably arranged below the punching position. In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged further away from the forming point 909 in the changeover position than in the punching position, preferably shifted in the direction of the counter-punching cylinder 902, and more preferably shifted downwards. The changeover position is preferably arranged above or, more preferably, below the punching position in the vertical direction V.This is particularly the case when the locking mechanism presses the punch cylinder 901 or the further punch cylinder 903 into a position and is then released. The locking mechanism is particularly preferably arranged to fix the punch cylinder 901; 903 from the opposite side, particularly from below, against the frame and / or a frame-fixed element and / or the housing, particularly by pressing it. The locking mechanism is particularly preferably arranged to fix and / or press the punch cylinder 901; 903 from below against a contact surface, preferably in the form of a half-shell, in a wall of the housing, particularly the housing wall, or into the frame.

[0110] Alternatively, the changeover position is identical to the punching position, except that the locking mechanism is open. In this case, the punching cylinder 901 is preferably moved from its punching position to its changeover position solely by releasing the locking mechanism.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is in operative connection with a drive that rotates it in the punching position. The drive is preferably arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in its punching position. The drive is preferably fixed to the frame and / or housing of the punching unit 900, preferably by means of a support. Preferably, the forming cylinder 901; 903 in the punching position is coupled to its rotating drive by the machine control, for example by axial adjustment of at least one component of the drive and / or by activation of a clutch.

[0112] The changing device 950 preferably includes a coupling for connecting and / or disconnecting the punching cylinders 901; 903 to and / or from the drive for driving one of the punching cylinders 901; 903. Preferably, the coupling is opened when changing the punching cylinders 901; 903, thus disconnecting the punching cylinder 901 from its drive. In particular, the coupling connects the punching cylinder 901; 903, which is arranged in the punching position, to the drive or its motor. In the engaged state, the coupling is preferably movable in the axial direction with the punching cylinder 901; 903. For example, the coupling is moved in the axial direction A with the punching cylinder 901; 903 during register setting.

[0113] Preferably, the counter-punch cylinder 902 has its working position and a disengaged position at a greater distance from the processing point 909 and / or at a greater distance from the forming cylinder 901 arranged in the punching position. For example, an actuator is configured to move the counter-punch cylinder 902 from its working position to the disengaged position and vice versa.

[0114] Preferably, the machine control system controls the actuator.

[0115] Along the guide path between the punching position and the maintenance position, the guide path preferably changes its direction at an extension position, for example, starting at the punching position from a substantially horizontal guide 959 to a substantially vertical guide 958. Preferably, the extension position is spaced apart from the punching position in or against the transport direction T. Preferably, the changeover position is arranged along the guide path between the punching position and the extension position. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 can be removed predominantly horizontally from the changeover position and moved into the extension position. "Predominantly horizontal" here refers in particular to a direction with a predominantly horizontal component. This also includes inclined guides.Preferably, the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be moved from the changeover position to the extension position and / or vice versa on the guide 959, which is designed as a linear guide. For example, at least one transport element is provided for this purpose, which holds and moves the forming cylinder 901; 903 to be moved. Preferably, the at least one transport element has at least one cup-shaped receptacle for the at least one forming cylinder 901; 903.

[0116] Furthermore, one of the forming cylinders 901; 903, in particular the punching cylinder 901; 903, can be arranged in a maintenance position for setup and / or maintenance, and / or is already arranged in such a position. In this maintenance position, the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be serviced and, for example, prepared for a new processing order. For example, a tool can be exchanged for a new one. Preferably, this exchange is carried out manually by an operator. Preferably, at least one removable half-shell 964 with the tool is removed from the forming cylinder 901; 903, and at least one further half-shell 964 with a new tool or a differently positioned tool is attached to the forming cylinder 901; 903. The maintenance position is preferably arranged in a vertical direction V below the punching position and / or the changeover position. More preferably, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is then at a height that is convenient for an operator.This has the advantage that the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be prepared for the next processing job in a position that is easily accessible to an operator. The punching cylinder 901; 903 is also located away from interfering elements and can thus be easily reached from the surrounding sides. Preferably, the maintenance position is arranged on the vertical guide 958.

[0117] Another position in which the forming cylinders 901; 903, in particular punching cylinders 901; 903, can be arranged is a waiting position. Preferably, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged in the waiting position for the two punching cylinders 901; 903 to pass each other, and / or can be arranged in it, and / or is arranged in it, and / or is arranged in it. The waiting position serves for the passage of two cylinders 901; 903 past each other and lies at least outside a guide path of a punching cylinder 901. The guide path is the direct transport path between the punching position and the maintenance position. Preferably, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is arranged in the waiting position, while the other of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is moved past it.Preferably, the waiting position is arranged outside a direct guide path between the processing position and the maintenance position of the forming cylinder 901, preferably above, in, or opposite to the transport direction T. In a preferred embodiment, the waiting position is arranged at a similar height to, or above, the changeover position and / or the punching position. Furthermore, the waiting position and the maintenance position are preferably arranged on the vertical guide 958.

[0118] The punching cylinder 901 is changed using the changing device 950 by the method described below. During operation of the processing machine 01 while processing a machining order, the punching cylinder 901 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 are arranged in the punching position or working position. By changing the forming cylinder 901, which is also described below using the punching cylinder 901 as an example, it is moved from the machining position, in particular the machining position configured as a punching position, to the maintenance position, while at least one further cylinder 903, which is also described below using the punching cylinder 903 as an example, is moved from the maintenance position of the other cylinder 903 to the machining position.

[0119] In a preferably first step, the counter-punch cylinder 902 is preferably detached from the punch cylinder 901 and moved from its working position to its deactivated position. Preferably, the counter-punch cylinder 902 is adjusted predominantly in the vertical direction V, preferably downwards. During the changeover, the counter-punch cylinder 902 preferably remains in this position, i.e., preferably in the deactivated position, and does not need to be moved. Preferably, the locking mechanism is released to change the forming cylinder 901 and / or engaged to fix the other cylinder 903 in the processing position. By releasing the locking mechanism, the punch cylinder 901 can preferably be moved out of the punching position. The punch cylinder 901 is moved from the punching position to the changeover position.In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901 is decoupled from the drive, preferably the drive that rotates the forming cylinder 901, by means of the coupling before the locking mechanism is released, preferably before it is moved from the punching position to the changeover position. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 is supported in the changeover position by the transport element of the preferably horizontal guide 959. The other punching cylinder 903, which is to be exchanged with the current punching cylinder 901, is in the maintenance position. The other punching cylinder 903 is preferably pre-prepared while the at least one punching cylinder 901 is in the punching position and processing the substrate 02, i.e., during the execution of a processing job. Preferably, the punching cylinder 903 is prepared in the maintenance position, for example, in a simple manner, for the next processing job.Preferably, a half-shell 964 containing the forming tools, in particular cutting dies, is exchanged. The preparation of the additional cutting cylinder 903, for example, already takes place during the operation of the processing machine 01 with the at least one cutting cylinder 901, i.e., preferably before the start of the cutting cylinder change. Preferably, the forming cylinder 901 and / or the additional cylinder 903 is placed in the receptacle of the transport element 956; 960 and moved by it along the at least one guide 958; 959. The two cutting cylinders 901; 903 are preferably guided past each other in the guides 958; 959. To exchange the forming cylinder 901 with the additional cylinder 903, the forming cylinder 901 or the additional cylinder 903 is further preferably positioned in the waiting position for the forming cylinder 901 and the additional cylinder 903 to pass each other.For this purpose, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is temporarily stored in the waiting position. Either the punching cylinder 901 is moved from the punching position to the waiting position, or the other punching cylinder 903 is moved from the maintenance position to the waiting position. The other cylinder 901; 903, which is not in the waiting position, is then preferably moved past the cylinder 901; 903 in the waiting position, preferably along the direct guide path. Following the passage of the cylinders 901; 903, the cylinder 901 to be removed is preferably moved to the maintenance position, and the cylinder 903 to be replaced is moved to the punching position. The other cylinder 903 is preferably fixed in the machining position by the locking mechanism. In particular, the rotating drive is coupled to the other cylinder 903 after it has been positioned in the machining position.Subsequently, the counter-punch cylinder 902 is preferably re-positioned against the punch cylinder 903 arranged in the punching position, especially if the latter was previously switched off.

[0120] In the processing machine 01, the substrate 02 must be transported to the processing stations 609 and 909. For this purpose, the processing machine 01 preferably has several transport units 700. Preferably, each transport unit 700 has at least one transport device 710. In other words, the processing machine 01 thus preferably has at least one transport unit 700 for transporting an arc-shaped substrate 02, with at least one transport device 710 for transporting an arc-shaped substrate 02. In a preferred embodiment, the transport device 710 is designed as a suction transport means, in particular as a suction box, preferably a roller suction box. The guide path of the cylinder change, for example, overlaps the transport path of the substrate 02. Therefore, for example, to carry out the cylinder change, at least one component of a transport unit 700 must be moved from its position for transporting the substrate 02.The punching unit 900 preferably has an adjustment device for adjusting the at least one transport unit 710. Preferably, a transport unit 710 is adjusted which is arranged in the transport direction T in front of the processing station 909. For example, the adjustment device is driven by a drive 933, which is preferably controlled by the machine control. For example, the drive 933 also drives the vertical guide 958 of the changeover device, then in a particularly preferred embodiment a contact surface 992 is provided between the transport unit 710 and the at least one transport element 956; 960; 972 of the vertical guide 958, so that both the transport unit 710 and the at least one transport element 956; 960; 972 are adjusted together. Alternatively or additionally, the transport unit 710 can be adjusted manually, for example by an operator.Preferably, when changing a punch cylinder, only the part or transport device 710 that is in the way during the change is adjusted. Preferably, the transport device 710 is adjusted, preferably in the vertical direction V, or pivoted to clear the guide path of the forming cylinders 901; 903. In particular, after the change of the forming cylinders 901; 903 is completed, the at least one transport device 710 is preferably returned to its working position, in which it is arranged during a processing order.

[0121] Furthermore, a transport means 904 arranged in the transport direction T downstream of the forming unit 900, preferably a punching unit 900, is adjustable so that an operator can easily reach the punching cylinder 901; 903 and / or the counter-punching cylinder 902. In particular, this transport means 904 is adjusted when a manual exchange of the forming tool takes place or when the at least one forming cylinder 901 is to be made accessible to an operator. Preferably, the transport means 904 is pivotable for this purpose. For example, this transport means 904 arranged downstream of the punching unit 900 is designed as a separation transport means 904 of a separation device 905. In particular, the separation transport means 904 is used to separate offcuts produced by processing with the punching cylinder 901; 903 from the sheet 02, especially if they have not already been separated from the sheet 02.For example, the separation device 905 is designed as a vibrating device 905. For example, the transport means 904 downstream of the punching unit 900 has an upper and lower part, for example, an upper and lower conveyor belt. For example, the upper part of the transport means 904 is pivoted upwards, while the lower part of the transport means 904 is pivoted downwards.

[0122] Preferably, the die-cutting cylinder change process can be fully automated. The die-cutting unit 900 is preferably operatively connected to a machine control system. The cylinder change process can be programmed into this system and then run fully automatically. The die-cutting unit 900 with the changing device 950 is advantageously arranged inline in a processing machine 01, preferably designed as a sheet-fed processing machine 01, with application units 600. These units 600 also have, for example, devices for the simplified changing of the cylinders 602, 603, and 608 of the application units 614. Thus, an inline integrated, fully automatic die changer can contribute to a significantly more efficient overall machine.

[0123] There is a need to minimize the duration of a changeover process between successive machining orders, advantageously to reduce downtime of machining machine 01 and increase its production.

[0124] In the preceding and following sections, a changeover preferably describes all processes necessary to prepare the processing machine 01 for a new processing order. Preferably, a changeover of the processing machine 01 describes a change in configuration and / or the replacement of at least one component of the processing machine 01 in order to subsequently produce a large number of identical products, which preferably differ from the products before the changeover in at least one characteristic or, alternatively, are identical to them. In particular, during a changeover, the processing machine 01 is adapted to data relating to a substrate 02 to be processed. Additionally or alternatively, during a changeover, the processing machine 01 is adapted to data relating to a product to be produced.The data relating to the substrate 02 to be processed preferably include at least the format of the substrate 02 to be processed, such as its length, width, or thickness, and / or the material of the substrate 02 to be processed, for example, including whether it is paper, cardboard, corrugated board, or carton, and / or its surface structure in the form of any existing primer or whether it is a coated substrate 02. The data relating to the product to be obtained preferably include at least the printed image to be produced and / or a forming result to be produced, in particular a die-cut image to be produced, and / or the number of units per substrate 02.

[0125] To execute a first processing order, the processing machine 01 is preferably configured with a first configuration. To execute a directly subsequent processing order, the processing machine 01 is preferably configured in a second configuration; therefore, the configuration usually needs to be changed, and thus preferably at least one parameter of the processing machine 01 needs to be adjusted. To switch from a first processing order to at least one subsequent processing order, at least the following steps are preferably carried out.

[0126] The first processing order is executed by the processing machine 01. During the first processing order, at least one substrate 02 is processed by the processing unit 900 designed as a forming unit 900 and / or the processing unit 600 of the processing machine 01, preferably at least two, more preferably at least four, for example six, designed as an application unit 600. The substrate 02 is preferably cut and / or punched and / or scored and / or perforated and / or embossed by the at least one forming unit 900. Preferably, the at least one forming unit 900 is designed as a rotary die-cutting unit 900. By means of the at least one application unit 600, at least one application fluid is preferably transferred to the substrate 02, and preferably at least one printed image is applied to the substrate 02.For example, at least one colored printed image is applied and / or the substrate 02 is varnished and / or primed.

[0127] Before changeover, preferably during the processing of the first machining order, the configuration of machining center 01 for at least one subsequent machining order, or at least for the immediately following one, is loaded, set, and / or saved in the machine control system. When loading the configuration, a previously saved data record is preferably accessed, which preferably contains the data of the configuration to be set or shows only minor deviations between the stored data and the required data of the configuration to be set. This previously stored data record is then individually adapted according to the requirements of the machining order, for example, by changing individual data points within the data record.Setting the processing order preferably refers to adapting a loaded data set to the required configuration, for example, by adjusting individual data points. For instance, the data is adjusted by the machine control system or by the operator. Preferably, setting also includes compiling the data of the data set directly from individual data points, particularly when no pre-existing data set is available or extensive modifications to an existing data set would be necessary. Preferably, the adapted configuration data set is stored in the machine control system and is thus available for later reuse. Advantageously, loading, setting, and / or saving the configuration reduces the changeover time. In a preferred embodiment, a pre-existing configuration is loaded.

[0128] The machine control system preferably specifies the configuration of the processing machine 01 for the at least one subsequent processing order, as well as the necessary changeover processes. The machine control system preferably stores or contains the data relating to a substrate 02 to be processed and / or the data relating to a product to be obtained for the at least one subsequent processing order. For example, the data relating to a substrate 02 to be processed and / or the data relating to a product to be obtained for the at least one subsequent processing order are entered by an operator or, preferably, loaded from a pre-stored template at the operator's command.Preferably, for the subsequent processing order, the operator only needs to load and / or configure the data relating to a substrate 02 to be processed and / or the data relating to a product to be obtained. The machine control system, preferably by processing this data and taking into account further machine-related data provided by the machine control system, specifies the configuration of the processing machine 01 for the at least one subsequent processing order, preferably as well as the necessary changeover processes. Advantageously, this minimizes the amount of data to be entered by the operator, thereby advantageously minimizing input errors and / or reducing the time required for manual configuration.The machine-related data preferably includes a configuration of the units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 of the machine 01 that is valid before the changeover process, i.e., as set on the machine 01 for the first processing process. This includes, for example, the existing unit arrangement and / or the tool used for the at least one forming unit 900 and / or the printing plates used for the application units 600 and / or the allocation of application fluid to the application units 600 and / or the applied height of the substrate stacks and / or settings of elements of the machine 01 with regard to the format of the processed substrates 02. Additionally or alternatively, the machine-related data includes the condition of individual elements, for example, with regard to maintenance intervals to be observed and / or necessary cleaning processes and / or the wear of the respective element.The machine-related data is preferably stored in the machine control system as the basis for the calculation; for example, this data is based on settings stored in the machine control system and / or internal calculations and / or sensor measurements in the processing machine 01. Preferably, the machine-related data is generated by the machine control system without operator intervention and made available for processing in the calculation.

[0129] Preferably, the machine control system calculates the necessary configuration of the processing machine 01 for producing the substrate 02 to be processed and / or the data relating to the product to be obtained. Preferably, the machine control system, for example, its at least one processing unit, compares the configuration set on the processing machine 01 for the first processing job with the required configuration of the at least one subsequent processing job, in particular at least the immediately following processing job. From this comparison, the machine control system preferably calculates the necessary changeover processes for setting the new configuration. Preferably, the machine control system also includes changeover processes based on a comparison of the condition of individual elements with a reference value, for example, a required maintenance and / or cleaning process.Preferably, the machine control system creates a data set comprising the changeover processes to be performed and the properties of the machining center 01 for executing the at least one subsequent machining job. This data set is preferably displayed to an operator on at least one display of the machining center 01 and / or a control station. The data set preferably contains diagrams regarding the sequence of the individual changeover processes as well as regarding the chronological order of interdependent changeover processes. Preferably, as many changeover processes as possible, preferably at least one changeover process for each unit to be changed (100, 300, 600, 700, 900, 1000), are executed overlapping in time, preferably in parallel.

[0130] The machine control preferably proposes at least one data set comprising at least one configuration for the subsequent machining job and the necessary changeover processes, which can be adjusted or selected by an operator. For example, the machine control generates a configuration proposal, which can preferably be further adjusted by an operator, for example, by selecting or deselecting a changeover process such as a cleaning process or a tool change. Alternatively, the machine control may generate at least two alternative proposals from which an operator can choose. Preferably, an operator must accept the predefined or, if applicable, adjusted data set before the changeover process begins, for example, by pressing a confirmation symbol on a display or a push button.Preferably, the modified and / or adapted data set is stored in the machine control system. This preferably makes it available for a later repetition of the processing order.

[0131] The machine control automatically terminates the first processing order, preferably without explicit operator intervention at this point. Preferably, at least one counter is provided for this purpose, which counts the processed substrates 02 and / or the substrates 02 to be processed. Preferably, the count is transmitted to the machine control via data transmission and further preferably compared with a target value. Once the required number of processing orders has been reached, the processing order is preferably terminated.

[0132] Preferably, the first processing order is completed as soon as the substrates 02 provided in the stack of the stacking area of ​​the substrate feed device 100 have been processed, or the number of products to be produced in the first processing order has been reached, or after reaching the number of products to be produced, the remaining substrates 02 of the at least one feeder stack 104 have been processed. For example, the stack of the stacking area contains more substrates 02 than the number of products to be produced in the processing order. Preferably, at least from the point in time when the number of products to be produced has been reached in the delivery 1000, no further substrates are conveyed from the stack of the stacking area to the at least one feeder stack 104.Preferably, only the substrates 02 already on the conveying path and / or those present in the feeder stack 104 are conveyed or processed further by the processing machine 01 from the point at which the desired number of products is reached, preferably before a changeover process is started. Preferably, to complete the processing order, the at least one feeder stack 104 is emptied, and preferably its remaining substrates 02 are conveyed or processed by the processing machine 01 and placed onto a delivery stack. For example, these remaining substrates 02 are placed on the delivery stack carrier 1003 of the products after processing, or they are placed on an alternative delivery stack, for example, in the discharge delivery 1002.The substrate stack of the delivery stack carrier 1003, which preferably comprises the substrates 02 processed for the first processing order, is preferably removed from the processing machine 01, i.e., transported away. The produced products are further processed, for example, in a downstream process, for example on another machine, preferably to produce end products.

[0133] In the preceding and following text, "automated" preferably describes a defined sequence of a process that is carried out independently by the processing machine 01, in particular controlled by the at least one machine control system. Preferably, an automated process, in the preceding and following text, describes the opposite of a manual process, i.e., a process carried out by an operator.

[0134] After the first machining operation, particularly after its completion, the machining center 01 is retooled to adapt at least one unit 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, or 1000 of the machining center 01 to the configuration of a directly subsequent machining operation. The retooling process begins automatically, i.e., controlled by the machine control system, preferably without operator intervention. At least one retooling process is performed. Preferably, at least two retooling processes are automated. These at least two retooling processes are preferably controlled by the machine control system, preferably without additional operator intervention to execute and / or start the respective process. At least two retooling processes run overlapping in time, preferably in parallel, and are controlled by the machine control system, preferably running in an even more automated manner.The basis for controlling the changeover processes by the machine control system is preferably the configuration set for the immediately following processing order.

[0135] During changeover, at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900 runs in overlapping time, and preferably in parallel, with at least one further changeover process of the processing machine 01. The machine control system preferably controls the at least two overlapping changeover processes automatically, i.e., preferably without additional operator intervention to execute and / or start the respective process. In a preferred embodiment, at least three changeover processes of the components of the processing machine 01, more preferably three changeover processes of the processing units, and even more preferably at least of the at least one forming unit 900, the at least one coating unit 600, the at least one substrate feed unit 100, and the at least one delivery unit 1000, run in overlapping time and preferably automatically during changeover.The processing machine 01 preferably comprises at least one forming unit 900, at least one coating unit 600, at least one substrate feed unit 100, and at least one delivery unit 1000 as units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000, wherein, further preferably, at least three changeover processes of these components of the processing machine 01 are carried out automatically and overlapping in time during changeover. At least two of the changeover processes, preferably all of the changeover processes, are preferably carried out automatically according to the scheme stored in the machine control for setting the required configuration.

[0136] The machine control system manages at least two changeover processes that overlap in time. Preferably, at least the overlapping changeover processes run automatically during the changeover, i.e., preferably without operator intervention, which advantageously allows the operator to perform other processes, such as changing over another element. A process that occurs without operator intervention preferably describes a situation where the machine control system automatically triggers the start of the process and / or executes the process automatically, for example, without explicit authorization from the operator at the time the process begins.

[0137] Once the conversion is complete, the next processing order is started.

[0138] The immediately following machining operation is preferably started manually by the operator. Preferably, during the preceding changeover, the machining center 01 is unlocked so that at least one unit 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, or 1000 becomes accessible to the operator, who can preferably perform at least one manual changeover process. To ensure the operator's safety, confirmation is required that they have left the operating area of ​​the machining center 01. Preferably, the immediately following machining operation only starts after confirmation by the operator, for example, by pressing a button or operating a control panel.

[0139] During the immediately following processing order, at least one substrate 02 is processed by the processing machine 01 using at least one processing unit 900 designed as a forming unit 900 and at least one processing unit 600 designed as an application unit 600, preferably by punching and / or creasing and / or perforating and / or embossing or printing and / or lacquering and / or priming. Preferably, the resulting punching image and / or printed image of the second processing order differs from that of the first processing order. For example, a counter for counting the substrates 02 to be processed or already processed starts at zero at the beginning of the new processing order.

[0140] For example, at least one further subsequent processing order follows. Preferably, a changeover of the processing machine 01 is provided between each processing order. This is preferably prepared and / or specified and / or loaded and / or set and / or saved in the machine control system at least before the respective changeover, for example, before the changeover for the processing order directly following the first processing order, and even more preferably during the processing of the first processing order. Advantageously, this shortens the necessary settings at a later time. The operator can thus begin preparing the processing orders as early as possible. Alternatively, the preparation and / or setting of the respective configuration takes place at the latest during the immediately preceding processing order.

[0141] The machine control system preferably controls the completion of the first machining order and / or the start of the changeover and / or the execution of at least the overlapping changeover processes and / or the completion of the changeover. Preferably, these processes run automatically, i.e., preferably without further operator intervention. Alternatively, at least the necessary steps required by an operator to perform these processes are reduced. This preferably shortens downtime. Preferably, the operator can already make preparations for subsequent machining orders and / or further monitor the quality of the produced products and / or perform maintenance on components of the machining center 01 that are not currently being used in the ongoing machining process.

[0142] In a preferred further development, the machine control system receives at least three consecutive processing orders. Preferably, the machine control system creates the configurations for the processing orders and calculates the necessary changeover processes between the processing orders. Preferably, the machine control system suggests a sequence for processing the processing orders to the operator, which preferably minimizes the duration and / or number of changeover processes between the individual processing orders.

[0143] The following section provides a more detailed explanation of the conversion processes for the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000.

[0144] During at least one changeover process of the at least one substrate feed unit 100 of the processing machine 01, an adjustment to the format of a substrate 02 to be processed is preferably carried out, for example automatically. Preferably, this involves changing the position of at least one component of the substrate feed unit 100 to adapt to the format of the substrate 02 to be processed. For example, the distance of the scale feeder to the storage area 166, for example to the at least one front stop of the storage area 166, is adjusted to the format. In particular, the distance is reduced for smaller formats for the subsequent processing job, while the distance is increased for larger formats.For example, additionally or alternatively, the distance between the stops aligning the substrate 02 on the stacking area and / or the distance between the stops aligning the substrate 02 on the storage area 166 is adjusted, in particular reduced for smaller formats for the subsequent processing job or increased for larger formats. For example, additionally or alternatively, the at least one blowing device is moved closer to the stacking area or positioned further away from it. For example, additionally or alternatively, the control of the at least one acceleration means, preferably at least the primary acceleration means, is adapted to the format. In particular, the starting time of the acceleration and / or the duration of the acceleration and / or the length of the at least one acceleration means in the transport direction T is adjusted.For example, the duration of the acceleration of the at least one primary accelerator is set such that it ends as soon as another substrate 02 following a substrate 02 to be accelerated comes into contact with the at least one accelerator. For example, the length of the at least one primary accelerator is set such that it is shorter than the length of the substrate 02 to be processed.

[0145] The stack of substrate 02 in the stacking area of ​​the substrate feeder 100 is changed, for example, when there is a format change or a change in the type of substrate 02. This can occur, for example, while the feeder stack 104 is being emptied or during changeovers. Alternatively, the stack of substrate 02 remains in the stacking area if the format or type remains the same.

[0146] At least one application unit 600, for example at least two of the application units 600, preferably at least one of the following changeover processes is carried out: cleaning of an application unit 614 and / or changing a distance between a form cylinder 602 and an impression cylinder 608 of the at least one application unit 600 and / or changing an application fluid used and / or adjusting an application quantity of an application fluid used and / or changing a form cylinder 602 of the at least one application unit 600 and / or changing at least one printing plate of the at least one application unit 600 and / or changing an anilox roller 603 of the at least one application unit 600. For example, only those application units 600 of the application units 600 for which a change of configuration is planned are changedover.Preferably, at least one of the changeover processes, preferably at least two of the changeover processes, and preferably all of these changeover processes, are automated.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, at least one changeover process of the at least one application unit 600 preferably overlaps, and preferably runs in parallel, with the at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900. Preferably, at least this overlapping changeover process is automated. Advantageously, the various processing units 600 and 900 are changedover simultaneously, thus reducing the required downtime.

[0148] For example, the printing cylinder 602 of the application unit 600 is changed when the format of the substrate 02 changes, particularly when the length of a printable area of ​​the substrate 02 exceeds the circumferential length of the printing cylinder 602 intended for at least one printing plate of a previously used printing cylinder 602. For example, the printing cylinder 602 of the application unit 600 is changed manually or by a device identical to the device 950 for changing the at least one forming unit 900.

[0149] Particularly for changing the printed image to be produced, the at least one printing plate of the printing cylinder 602 is preferably changed. For example, the printing plate to be removed is automatically pulled off the printing cylinder 602, and then a new printing plate is automatically mounted. Preferably, the printing plate to be removed is held by at least one holding means while the printing cylinder 602 rotates about its axis of rotation, thereby scraping the printing plate off the printing cylinder 602. The new printing plate is positioned against the printing cylinder 602 and pressed against its outer surface by rotating the printing cylinder 602. Preferably, the previously used printing plate is cleaned, more preferably washed, before being replaced.

[0150] Preferably, the coating fluid used in at least one coating unit 600 is changed, for example, from a first color to a second color. Preferably, when changing the color combination, the at least one coating unit 614 of the coating unit 600, preferably at least one printing plate of the printing cylinder 602 and / or the at least one anilox roller 603 and / or the at least one impression cylinder 608, is additionally or alternatively cleaned, preferably washed. The cleaning preferably takes place before changing the coating fluid. For example, additionally or alternatively, when changing the color combination, the at least one anilox roller 603 of the coating unit 600 is replaced with another anilox roller 603; for example, the anilox roller replacement takes place before changing the coating fluid.For example, additionally or alternatively, when changing the color assignment, at least one printing plate of the printing cylinder 602 of the application unit 600 is replaced with another printing plate. For example, the replacement of at least one printing plate takes place before the change of the application fluid.

[0151] For example, additionally or alternatively, the application quantity of the application fluid of the at least one application unit 600 is changed. For this purpose, preferably the at least one anilox roller 603 of the application unit 600 is replaced with another anilox roller 603. For example, the anilox roller change occurs simultaneously with a printing plate change. Alternatively, the anilox roller 603 is changed before or after the at least one printing plate change.

[0152] For example, to adapt to a changing thickness of a substrate 02, the distance between the forming cylinder 602 and the counter-pressure cylinder 608 is adjusted during changeover at the application point 609. Preferably, the forming cylinder 602 and the counter-pressure cylinder 608 are arranged such that they do not touch when a substrate 02 is absent, while when a substrate 02 is present, they touch it and exert sufficient pressure on the substrate 02 to transfer the application fluid. Preferably, the adjustment of the distance between the forming cylinder 602 and the counter-pressure cylinder 608 is a final changeover process of the application unit 600 before the changeover is completed.

[0153] For example, the changeover process of the coating unit 614, preferably of the at least one printing plate, the at least one printing cylinder 602 and / or the at least one anilox roller 603, which is designed as a cleaning process, is also carried out for maintenance purposes, for example after a predetermined time interval and / or after a predetermined number of processed substrates 02, preferably independently of further changeover processes of the coating unit 600. Preferably, cleaning takes place before changing at least one printing plate and / or before changing an anilox roller 603 and / or before introducing a new coating fluid.

[0154] For cleaning, the at least one printing cylinder 602, for example also the printing cylinder 602 containing the printing form to be cleaned, is preferably rotated while at least one cleaning element is applied to it and / or while at least one cleaning agent, for example water or a water-based cleaning agent, cleans its surface. For example, the cleaning agent can also be transferred to the printing cylinder 602 via the anilox roller 603. For example, the cleaning element is designed as a wiper or brush. Preferably, the at least one cleaning element wipes the outer surface of the printing cylinder 602 or the at least one printing form or the at least one anilox roller 603. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cleaning process of the coating unit 614 is started and / or carried out automatically.Preferably, the at least one cleaning element is automatically positioned at the at least one forming cylinder 602 or at the anilox roller 603 and / or automatically deactivated after cleaning. Preferably, the at least one forming cylinder 602 and / or the anilox roller 603 is automatically rotated during this process. For example, the at least one chambered doctor blade 604, and particularly preferably the doctor blade and the at least one intermediate storage unit, are automatically deactivated from the anilox roller 603 and / or automatically reactivated after cleaning.

[0155] An additional or alternative cleaning process preferably involves flushing the supply system of the application fluid for the application unit 600 with a detergent, preferably a water-based cleaning agent or water. Preferably, at least one line 631, and for example, additionally the at least one intermediate storage tank of the at least one chambered doctor blade 604, are flushed. For a preferred intensified cleaning process, the at least one detergent is circulated in the supply system and, for example, additionally in the fluid source 629, in which case the fluid source 629 is preferably arranged in the active position. For example, at least a portion of the detergent leaves the at least one line 631 through the at least one lance 632, preferably directing it into a disposal unit, for example, a waste container.

[0156] Particularly preferably, the rinsing of the supply system and the cleaning of the form cylinder 602 and / or the anilox roller 603 are carried out together in a combined cleaning process with at least one cleaning element.

[0157] In particular, components of the application unit 600 are adjusted. These adjustments preferably take place during the changeover of the application unit 600. Advantageously, a cleaning process is started and / or carried out automatically. Operator intervention is advantageously reduced.

[0158] Preferably, in a first step of a method for adjusting the components of the application unit 600, particularly in a step of the preferably rinsing cleaning process, the application fluid present in the at least one line 631 is removed from the at least one line 631, preferably returned to the at least one fluid source 629, directed to a disposal unit, or directed to the intermediate storage of the chamber doctor blade 604. Preferably additionally or alternatively, the pumping device that conveys the application fluid through the at least one line 631 is stopped.

[0159] In a further step of the method for adjusting the components of the application unit 600, particularly in a further step of the preferably rinsing cleaning process, especially after the pumping device has been stopped, the at least one lance 632 of the at least one line 631 is preferably adjusted from the first, lowered position, projecting into a volume of the fluid source 629 arranged in the operating position, to the second, raised position outside the volume of the fluid source 629. Preferably, the at least two lances 632 are adjusted together via a common holder and / or guide 633. The adjustment preferably takes place along the at least one guide 633, preferably by lifting in the vertical direction V. The at least one lance 632 is preferably adjusted by the at least one drive M4.To adjust the at least one lance 632, the at least one drive M4 of the lance 632, particularly preferably designed as a pneumatic lifting drive, is preferably controlled by the at least one control unit. Advantageously, adjusting the at least one lance 632 interrupts the operative connection to the at least one fluid source 629, thereby advantageously releasing the fluid source 629 for extraction and / or adjustment.

[0160] In a further step of the method for adjusting the components of the application unit 600, particularly in a further step of the preferably rinsing cleaning process, especially after the at least one lance 632 has been adjusted to the second position, the at least one ejection device 623 is preferably controlled by the at least one control unit. The at least one ejection device 623 preferably adjusts the at least one fluid source 629, in particular the paint bucket, from the operating position in the direction of movement B to the storage position, particularly preferably in a linear direction.Particularly preferably, the at least one actuating means 626 of the at least one extension device 623 adjusts the at least one contact surface 624 of the at least one extension device 623, which is in operative contact with the fluid source 629, from the first, deactivated position to the second, activated position. Advantageously, this eliminates the need to manually pull out the at least one fluid source 629, relieving the operator and accelerating the changeover process. Preferably, when the at least one contact surface 624 is in the first, deactivated position, the at least one extension device 623 releases the operative position for arranging the fluid source 629, and preferably, when the at least one contact surface 624 is in the second, activated position, it blocks the operative position for arranging the fluid source 629.

[0161] For example, the fluid source 629 arranged in the parking position is exchanged by an operator for another fluid source 629, in particular to change the application fluid, and / or filled with additional application fluid, in particular with the same type of application fluid already present.

[0162] In a further step of the method for adjusting the components of the application unit 600, particularly in a further step of the preferably rinsing cleaning process, especially as soon as or when the at least one fluid source 629 has left the operating position and / or has been arranged in the standby position, the at least one lance 632 is preferably adjusted, particularly by actuating the drive M4, from the second position to its first, preferably lowered, position or to a further position lowered relative to the second position, particularly by lowering it against the vertical direction V. Advantageously, this releases previously blocked movement paths of other components of the application unit 600.

[0163] In a further step of the method for adjusting the components of the application unit 600, particularly in a further step of the preferably rinsing cleaning process, especially after the fluid source 629 has been moved to the standby position and with the lance 632 in the second or lowered position, a cleaning process of the application unit 600 is preferably carried out. Particularly preferably, the supply system, especially the at least one line 631, is rinsed with detergent and / or the forming cylinder 602 is cleaned by the engaged cleaning element and / or the anilox roller 603 is cleaned by the engaged cleaning element. Advantageously, the rinsing and / or cleaning thus starts automatically, particularly without requiring any action from an operator.

[0164] Preferably, after the cleaning process has been completed, the fluid source 629 or another fluid source 629 is positioned in the operating position, for example, by an operator or automatically by the at least one extension device 623 or automatically by at least one other positioning device. Here, the at least one lance 632 is preferably positioned in the second, raised position and / or has been moved into this position. Furthermore, after the cleaning process has been completed, the at least one lance 632 is preferably lowered into the volume of the fluid source 629 or the other fluid source 629. This allows the application fluid from the fluid source 629 to be reintroduced into the supply system, in particular the at least one line 631, especially by activating the at least one pumping device.

[0165] During changeover, for example, at least one setting of the at least one drying device 506 or the at least one drying unit is adjusted by the machine control. Preferably, the intensity of the radiation, in particular the UV or IR radiation or the hot air flow, is changed during changeover, in particular increased or decreased. For example, the drying is adjusted when the application fluid of the application station 609, to which this drying device 506 or this drying unit is assigned, is changed, or when the application quantity of the relevant application fluid is changed.

[0166] Preferably, the replacement of at least one anilox roller 603 occurs in a temporal overlap, preferably parallel, with at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900, in particular the replacement of the forming cylinder 901 or the tooling. Preferably, in addition to or as an alternative to the anilox roller replacement, the replacement of at least one printing plate occurs in a temporal overlap, preferably parallel, with at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900, in particular the replacement of the forming cylinder 901 or the tooling.

[0167] For example, at least 600 identical changeover processes are carried out simultaneously on at least two order processing units.

[0168] During the changeover, preferably automated, the at least one forming cylinder 901 and / or the at least one counter-punch cylinder 902 of the at least one forming unit 900 is preferably removed from the processing location 909 of the at least one forming unit 900, for example, by being set down and / or removed and / or moved to a position away from the processing location 909. Advantageously, a tool change of the forming cylinder 901 or a replacement of the forming cylinder 901 can then take place without interference from the counter-punch cylinder 902. Preferably, the setting down takes place before changing a forming cylinder 901 or before changing the tool.Additionally or alternatively, during the changeover, preferably automatically, the distance between the forming cylinder 901 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 is changed, preferably to adapt to the format of a substrate 02 to be processed, preferably by increasing it for greater substrate thickness or decreasing it for smaller substrate thickness. Preferably, the adjustment of the distance between the forming cylinder 901 and counter-punching cylinder 902 takes place after changing a forming cylinder 901 or after changing the tool. Furthermore, preferably, the adjustment of the distance between the forming cylinder 901 and counter-punching cylinder 902 is a final changeover process of the forming unit 900 before the changeover is completed.

[0169] Advantageously, to change the desired forming result, preferably also called the die-cutting pattern, the at least one forming cylinder 901 of the at least one forming unit 900 is preferably exchanged for the at least one further cylinder 903 during the changeover, preferably automatically, in particular controlled by the machine control, by the at least one changing device 950 of the at least one forming unit 900. This preferably achieves a particularly fast exchange of the desired forming result. Advantageously, the changeover process is automated, in particular controlled by the machine control, i.e., preferably without operator intervention. The processes preferably run automatically according to the scheme stored in the machine control for setting the required configuration.The tool of the forming cylinder 901 or of the further cylinder 903 is preferably changed on the forming cylinder 901 or further cylinder 901 which is arranged in the maintenance position. Preferably, the cylinder 903 to be changed is pre-set up in the maintenance position during the execution of the first machining operation and then changed with the forming cylinder 901 to be replaced during the changeover without any operator intervention. Preferably, the processes required for changing the forming cylinder 901 with the further cylinder 903 are controlled by the machine control, preferably automatically.

[0170] For example, as an alternative to changing the forming cylinder 901 with the additional cylinder 903, the at least one tool of the at least one forming cylinder 901 is changed to change the desired forming result. In particular, the at least one tool is changed during the changeover, for example, manually by an operator. This is, for example, more cost-effective than changing the forming cylinder 901, since only one forming cylinder 901 needs to be available to hold the tool. For example, the respective tool, preferably comprising at least one half-shell 964, is manually removed from the forming cylinder 901 by the operator and placed onto the forming cylinder 901. For this purpose, the at least one forming cylinder 901 is preferably made automatically accessible to an operator during the changeover; this preferably occurs without operator intervention.Preferably, the machine control initiates the access process as soon as the changeover has started and / or as soon as the relevant forming unit 900 has been brought to a standstill during the changeover. Access is preferably achieved by moving the at least one forming cylinder 901 and the at least one counter-punching cylinder 902 away from each other. Either both cylinders 901 and 902 are moved, or only either the forming cylinder 901 or the counter-punching cylinder 902 is moved.In addition to or as an alternative to parking the cylinders 901; 902, access is achieved by moving the at least one transport device 710 of a transport unit 700 of the processing machine 01, in particular the transport device 710 transporting the arc-shaped substrate 02, to a position remote from its working position, for example by raising the transport device 710, and / or by pivoting the at least one transport means 904. Advantageously, the operator can then easily access the forming cylinder 901 and change its tool. For example, the at least one tool-changing device 950 is not required, i.e., it is not integrated into the processing machine 01, if only the tool of the at least one forming cylinder 901 is changed manually.

[0171] The term "tool change" for the forming cylinder 901 of the forming unit 900 preferably means that different tools are used for the new machining operation, for example, knives with a new blade or tools for at least one other machining operation, such as grooving, cutting, punching, embossing, and / or perforating. Preferably, a tool change also means that the same type of tool is used before and after the change, but in a different arrangement, i.e., with a different tool placement.

[0172] A further changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900 involves adjusting the distance between the forming cylinder 901 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 at the forming point 909. This is preferably carried out for format adjustment and / or after a tool or forming cylinder 901 has been changed. For example, regardless of whether only the tool or the forming cylinder 901 is changed, the distance between the forming cylinder 901 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably adjusted during a changeover process of the forming unit 900 to match the thickness of the substrate 02 to be processed in the immediately following processing process, preferably increased or decreased, to ensure optimal processing. The distance adjustment is preferably automated.

[0173] In a further or alternative changeover process of the at least one forming unit 900, the counter-punch cylinder 902 is preferably ground down using the at least one grinding cylinder 911. Preferably, the grinding cylinder 911 is positioned against the outer surface of the counter-punch cylinder 902, preferably in contact, and the counter-punch cylinder 902 is set into rotation. Alternatively, for example, the grinding of the counter-punch cylinder 902 is carried out during the processing of a machining job, preferably at regular intervals.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment of the processing machine 01, it has at least two forming units 900, which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. Preferably, the tools of these forming units 900 differ from one another, or the tool positions differ from one another, for example, to produce a different stamping pattern. Examples of tools are stamping tools, embossing tools, creasing tools, perforating tools, and stripping tools. For example, a separate forming unit 900 is provided for at least two of these tool types, preferably for each. Preferably, at least one of these forming units 900, or for example, all of them, is then adjusted during changeover, for example, the forming cylinders 901 or the tool is changed, or the distance of the respective forming cylinder 901 to its counter-punching cylinder 902 is adjusted.In this exemplary embodiment of the processing machine 01, in a preferred embodiment at least one application unit 600 is arranged upstream of the forming units or alternatively the processing machine 01 is designed without application units 600.

[0175] During at least one changeover process of the at least one delivery unit 1000 of the processing machine 01, an adjustment to the format of a substrate 02 to be processed is preferably carried out. The format adjustment is preferably automated. Preferably, at least one stop of the delivery unit 1000 is adjusted for the format change, preferably the at least one stop for the rear edge and / or the at least one stop for the front edge and / or the at least one side stop. The at least one stop is preferably moved from its previous position further into or out of the area of ​​a substrate 02 to be deposited, depending on the format of the substrate 02 of the immediately following processing job. For example, in addition to or as an alternative to the change in position of the at least one stop, the rotational speed of the at least one pusher of the delivery unit 1000 is adjusted to the format of the substrate 02.The rotational speed is preferably accelerated or decelerated to position the pusher within its effective range in the transport path of substrate 02, provided the rear portion of the substrate 02 is located there. Advantageously, this prevents the released substrate 02 from being moved in or against the transport direction T by the rotational movement of the pusher. For example, the deceleration speed is preferably adjusted by the at least one braking transport element. Smaller formats of substrate 02 can, for instance, be decelerated more slowly than larger formats, since, at the same machine speed and / or cycle time, more time is available until the arrival of the next substrate 02. This preferably reduces wear on the substrate 02 and / or the braking transport element.

[0176] For example, during a changeover, the number of units 600; 900 processing substrate 02 is changed, either additionally or as an alternative to other changeover processes. Advantageously, this avoids redundant processing units 600; 900, or a disengaged processing unit 600; 900 can be prepared manually for a subsequent processing job, for example, during production. In a preferred embodiment, at least one application unit 600 is adapted to reduce the number of application units 600 such that it ensures the transport of substrate 02 along the transport path, but does not process the substrate 02. This is preferably achieved by interrupting the supply of the application fluid to the forming cylinder 602, and more preferably by disengaging the anilox roller 603 from the forming cylinder 602.To increase the number of units, at least one application unit 600 is adapted for processing substrate 02, preferably by ensuring the supply of the application fluid, for example, by adjusting the anilox roller 603 against the forming cylinder 602. Advantageously, the number of processing units 600 and 900 used can be adjusted quickly and easily without changing the total number and sequence of the processing units 600 and 900. For example, in an alternative embodiment, at least one application unit 600 is removed from the transport path to reduce the number or integrated into it to increase the number. The application units 600 are equipped, for example, with actuators for switching the application units 600 on and off.The remaining units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are then preferably repositioned so that a continuous transport path for substrate 02 exists, for example by coupling the remaining units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 to each other or by uncoupling the existing units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 and coupling in the processing unit 600; 900 to be inserted.In particular, if the number of application units 600 processing a substrate 02 in the first processing process differs from the number of application units 600 processing a substrate 02 in the at least one subsequent processing process, preferably at least one application unit 600 is adapted according to the number of the directly subsequent processing order to carry out processing of substrate 02 by positioning the anilox roller 603 against the forming cylinder 602 or to transport substrate 02 without simultaneous processing of the substrate 02 by positioning the anilox roller 603 away from the forming cylinder 602, or preferably at least one application unit 600 is integrated into or removed from the transport path of substrate 02 according to the number of the directly subsequent processing order.Preferably, before changing the number of processing units 600; 900, the at least one application unit 600 whose supply of application fluid is to be interrupted or which is to be removed is cleaned. For example, the removed application unit 600 is serviced or retooled while removed.

[0177] For example, at least two types of changeover can be distinguished. Preferably, the machine control selects the type of changeover for an upcoming changeover process or proposes it to the operator for approval. Preferably, regardless of the type of changeover, the order data is updated in the machine control, for example, in its control units, when the processing order is changed. This includes, for example, the creation of documentation such as starting a new documentation document, saving the order data, and / or setting a new counter to count the processed or to-be-processed substrates 02 for the respective processing order.Preferably, at least one unit downstream of processing machine 01 in the process chain for processing substrate 02, for example, at least one palletizer and / or one folding machine and / or one gluing machine, is informed of the change in the processing order by means of data transmission, for example, via cable or wirelessly, preferably automatically by the at least one machine control system. This allows these units to also perform the change at the right time.

[0178] In a first type of changeover, there is preferably a significant difference between the first product to be produced in the first processing order and the second product to be produced in the immediately following processing order. For example, the die-cutting images and / or print images differ from each other, or there is a change of substrate 02. Preferably, when the substrate 02 to be processed is changed, i.e., its format or type is altered, the at least one feeder stack 104 is preferably emptied to complete the first processing order during a changeover of the first type, for example, whereby these substrates 02 are also processed on their way to the delivery 1000. Preferably, these substrates 02 are placed on the delivery stack carrier 1003 and processed further with the other products.

[0179] During the changeover in the first type of changeover, the processing machine 01 is preferably stopped. Preferably, the transport of substrate 02 by the units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 of the processing machine 01 is stopped. Preferably, the components of the processing machine 01 designed for transporting a substrate 02 are brought to a standstill during the changeover. These components preferably include at least the forming cylinders 602 and 901 and / or the counter-pressure cylinders 608 and 902 and / or the means of the at least one transport unit 700 that drive the substrate 02. Preferably, during the conversion, at least one, preferably arc-shaped, transport device 710 of a transport unit 700, preferably at least two transport units 700, preferably all transport units 700, of the processing machine 01 is stopped to transport substrate 02.For example, the transport of substrate 02 by processing machine 01 is interrupted for at least two minutes, or at least three minutes. The duration of the interruption depends in particular on the changeover processes to be carried out.

[0180] During the changeover according to the first type of changeover, preferably at least one unit 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, or 1000 of the machining center 01 is unlocked, for example, by releasing a lock on at least one safety cover. Preferably, at least this unit 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, or 1000 is thus accessible to an operator during the changeover. In the case of the first type of changeover, the immediately subsequent machining operation is preferably started manually by an operator. This ensures that all changeover processes have been successfully completed and that no operator is within the working area of ​​the machining center 01, thereby preferably increasing safety.

[0181] Preferably, during the changeover according to the first type of changeover, at least two, and preferably a plurality, changeover processes are carried out to adapt the configuration to the subsequent processing order. Preferably, the at least two changeover processes controlled by the machine control are carried out, in particular the at least two changeover processes that overlap in time. Preferably, a die-cutting image to be produced by the at least one forming unit 900 of the successive processing orders is changed. Additionally or alternatively, preferably at least one print image produced by at least one of the application units 600 is changed, and further preferably at least one further changeover process is carried out on at least one further application unit 600 of the application units 600.For this purpose, the processing machine 01 preferably has at least two, for example at least four, application units 600 and, more preferably, at least one forming unit 900. For example, the contour of a blank is changed by altering the die-cutting image and / or a different processing process such as die-cutting, embossing, creasing, or perforating is used for the subsequent processing order compared to the preceding processing order. For example, additionally or alternatively, at least two printed images are applied and modified by at least two application units 600, preferably by changing the respective printing form and / or the colors used.Preferably, in the first type of changeover, at least two changeover processes are carried out on different units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the machine tool 01, in particular on at least two machining units 600; 900, overlapping in time, preferably in parallel to each other. For example, additionally or alternatively, at least one maintenance process and / or at least one cleaning process is carried out in the first type of changeover.

[0182] In a second type of changeover, there is preferably only a slight deviation between the first product to be produced in the first processing order and the second product to be produced in the immediately following processing order. Preferably, the substrate 02 to be processed remains unchanged from the first processing order, i.e., it has the same format and type, for example, grammage. Preferably, the two products have the same die-cutting image. For example, the two products differ only in the printed image applied by an application unit 600, for example, a changed text and / or at least one added or missing symbol of a color, while the printed images of the other application units 600 are identical.For this purpose, the processing machine 01 preferably has at least two, for example at least four, application units 600, preferably each having a forming cylinder 602, more preferably each designed as a flexo application unit 600, and more preferably the at least one forming unit 900.

[0183] In the second type of changeover, the components of the processing machine 01, which are designed to transport a substrate 02, preferably an arc-shaped one, are preferably driven further during the changeover, for example, rotated circumferentially. These components preferably include at least the form cylinders 602; 901 and / or counter-pressure cylinders 608; 902 and / or the means of the transport unit 700 that drive the substrate 02. For example, they are driven at the speed at which a substrate 02 is processed if it is present during a processing job. Alternatively, for example, the speed of the components is reduced compared to the regular processing speed, preferably being greater than zero.In particular, during changeover, at least one transport device 710 of a transport unit 700, preferably at least two transport units 700, preferably all transport units 700, of the processing machine 01 is driven for transporting substrate 02 with at least one speed profile, wherein the speed is greater than zero. Preferably, the speed profile corresponds to a drive speed during the execution of a processing job. The speed profile preferably includes a constant speed as well as deceleration and / or acceleration corresponding to the substrate guidance, wherein the speed is preferably permanently not equal to zero.Preferably, to ensure the operator's safety due to the continuous operation of the components for transporting substrate 02, the units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 of the processing machine 01 are locked during changeover according to the second method, for example, by means of an activated locking mechanism for the safety covers. Thus, the units 100, 300, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 are preferably inaccessible to the operator during changeover.

[0184] In the second type of conversion, the supply of, preferably arc-shaped, substrate 02 to the processing units 600; 900 is preferably blocked, for example by deactivating the at least one acceleration means of the substrate supply unit 100, which preferably, in the activated state, draws a single substrate 02 from a storage area 166 of a substrate supply unit 100 and accelerates the single substrate 02 to a processing speed of the processing units 600; 900. In particular, the single substrate 02 is a bottom substrate 02 of the feeder stack 104.Preferably, while the components of the processing machine 01, which are designed to transport a substrate 02, continue to be driven, the supply of substrate 02 is preferably blocked for only 0 to N substrates 02, where N is preferably a natural number less than or equal to 25, more preferably less than or equal to 10, more preferably less than or equal to 5, more preferably less than or equal to 3, and more preferably less than or equal to 2. In other words, the natural number N describes a number between 1 and preferably 25, with which objects can be counted. Preferably, the supply of substrate 02 is blocked for at least 1 to a maximum of 25, particularly preferably at least two and / or up to a maximum of 15, even more preferably up to a maximum of 5, even more preferably up to a maximum of 3, and even more preferably up to a maximum of 2, substrates 02. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the substrate supply is blocked for one to three substrates 02, preferably two to three substrates 02.Preferably, no gap or only a small gap is created in the substrate flow. In other words, if a blockage occurs, a gap is created in the substrate flow that is preferably less than or equal to 25 substrates, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 5 substrates. Preferably, the conveyance of the substrates 02 from the stack of the upstream stacking area to the stack of the storage area 166 is maintained unchanged during a changeover of the second type.

[0185] Preferably, during the second type of changeover, the first processing order is terminated as soon as the number of products to be produced in the first processing order is reached. In particular, since the substrate 02 to be processed is unchanged for both processing orders, i.e., especially for the first and second processing orders, the second type of changeover eliminates the need to empty the substrates 02 of the at least one feeder stack 104.

[0186] During the changeover according to the second changeover method, the at least one forming cylinder 901 of the at least one forming unit 900 is preferably driven rotating at a speed greater than zero, preferably the processing speed. Preferably, during the changeover according to the second changeover method, the punching pattern to be produced by the at least one forming unit 900 for the successive processing jobs remains unchanged. Preferably, no changeover process is carried out on the at least one forming unit 900. Thus, the forming cylinder 901 of the at least one forming unit 900 preferably remains in its punching position during the changeover of the second method. Alternatively, at least one changeover process is carried out on the at least one forming unit 900.

[0187] Additionally or alternatively, preferably at least one printed image generated by at least one of the application units 600 of the successive processing orders remains unchanged. Preferably, no maintenance and / or cleaning process is carried out on the at least one application unit 600.

[0188] Preferably, additionally or alternatively, during the changeover of the second type of changeover, at least one application unit 600 is preferably modified in its configuration. Thus, at least one changeover process is preferably carried out on at least one of the application units 600. Preferably, at least one printing plate of the at least one application unit 600 is changed. Preferably, additionally or alternatively, the number of application units 600 is increased by engaging the at least one anilox roller 603 with the printing cylinder 602 of at least one application unit 600, and preferably thus by transferring the application fluid.

[0189] Alternatively, for example, the number of application units 600 is reduced by switching off at least one anilox roller 603. With the preferably at least two application units 600, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the conversion of the second type, the state occurs that at least one printed image generated by at least one application unit 600 of the application units 600 of the successive processing jobs remains unchanged, and at least one further application unit 600, particularly preferably only one application unit 600 of all application units 600, is changed in its configuration.

[0190] For example, preferably in addition to changing the at least one application unit 600, a stack change of substrate 02 is carried out during the changeover of the second type of changeover, preferably in the at least one substrate feed unit 100 and / or in the at least one delivery unit 1000.

[0191] The immediately following processing order preferably starts during the changeover of the second type of changeover by releasing the blockage of the substrate feed, in particular by activating the at least one deactivated acceleration device. Since the processing machine 01 is already operating at the processing speed, a rapid continuation of operation of the processing machine 01 is ensured. In the machine control settings, the operator can preferably select whether the processing machine 01 should continue production directly with the subsequent processing order after its start, or whether it should interrupt the feed again after the production of at least one sample sheet so that the operator can check the quality of the at least one sample sheet. Advantageously, the interruption due to the changeover in the second type of changeover is shorter than in a changeover of the first type.This advantageously minimizes the downtime of the processing machine 01. Reference symbol list

[0192] 01 Processing machine, printing machine, forming machine, die-cutting machine, flexographic printing machine, sheet processing machine, sheet printing machine, sheet forming machine, sheet die-cutting machine, corrugated sheet processing machine, corrugated sheet printing machine 02 Substrate, sheet, substrate, corrugated board, corrugated sheet 21 Storage unit 22 Storage unit 23 Transfer unit 100 Unit, module, substrate feeder, substrate feeder unit, substrate feeder module, sheet feeder, sheet feeder unit, sheet feeder module 104 Feeder stack 164 Sheet arrival sensor 165-166 Storage area 300 Unit, module, feeder unit, feeder unit, feeder module 506 Drying unit 600 Unit, processing unit, application unit, module, application module, printing unit, printing module, flexographic application unit, flexographic printing unit, flexographic application module, flexographic printing module 601-602 Forming cylinder, cylinder 603 Supply roller, anilox roller, cylinder 604 Chambered doctor blade 607 Frame 608 Counter-pressure cylinderCylinder 609 Processing point, order point 614 Order unit, printing unit 622 Sheet arrival sensor 623 Ejection device 624 Contact surface 625- 626 Actuating means, actuating cylinder 627 Slide rail 628 Guide, guide rail 629 Fluid source 630- 631 Line 632 Lance 633 Guide 700 Unit, module, transport unit, transport module, transport means, suction transport means, upper 710 Transport device, suction box 722 Sheet arrival sensor 726 Sensor, print image control system 727- 728 Sensor, register control system 900 Unit, module, processing unit, forming device, forming unit, punching unit, forming module, punching module, punching device, rotary punching device 901 Forming cylinder, punching forming cylinder, punching cylinder, cylinder 902 Counter-punch cylinder, counter-pressure cylinder, cylinder 903 Punching cylinder, further cylinder 904 Transport means, separation transport means 905 Separation device, vibrating device 909 Machining point, forming point, punching point, transport meansForming transport device, die-cutting transport device 910-911 Grinding cylinder, grinding roller 914 Forming unit, die-cutting unit 915-916 Sensor, die-cutting control system 922 Sheet arrival sensor 933 Drive 950 Changing device 956 Vertical transport element, first, lower 957 Guide rail, linear guide 958 Vertical guide, linear guide 959 Horizontal guide, linear guide 960 Vertical transport element, second, upper 964 Die-cutting mold, half-shell 965-966 Extraction device 972 Transport device, carrier, slide 992 Contact surface 1000 Unit, module, substrate discharge device, delivery, sheet delivery, delivery unit, delivery module 1001 Sheet diverter 1002 Discharge delivery, discharge stack 1003 Delivery stack carrier A Direction, transverse direction, horizontal, axial direction TRung, transport direction VRung, vertical BRung, direction of movement M1 Drive counter-pressure cylinder M2 Drive form cylinder, printing cylinder M3 Drive supply roller, anilox roller M4 Drive lance,

Claims

1. Method for changing a processing application performed on a processing machine (01), wherein the processing machine (01) comprises a plurality of units (100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000), wherein the processing machine (01) comprises at least one processing unit (600) designed as an application unit (600) having a form cylinder (602) and comprises at least one processing unit (900) designed as a shaping unit (900), wherein the at least one shaping unit (900) is designed as a rotary punching device (900), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - carrying out a first processing application by means of the processing machine (01), during which at least one substrate (02) is processed using the at least two processing units (600; 900) of the processing machine (01); - automatically terminating the first processing application and automatically starting a changeover; - carrying out the changeover of the processing machine (01) to adapt at least one unit (100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000) of the processing machine (01) to a configuration of a directly subsequent processing application, wherein, prior to the changeover, the configuration of the processing machine (01) for the at least one subsequent processing application is loaded and / or set and / or saved in a machine controller, wherein, during the changeover, at least one changeover process of the at least one shaping unit (900) overlaps in time with at least one further changeover process of the processing machine (01), and wherein the machine controller controls the at least two changeover processes that overlap in time; - starting the directly subsequent processing application, during which at least one substrate (02) is processed using at least two processing units (600; 900).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that during the changeover, at least one form cylinder (901) and / or at least one counter-punching cylinder (902) of the at least one shaping unit (900) is automatically removed from a processing point (909) of the at least one shaping unit (900) and / or in that during the changeover, the distance between a form cylinder (901) and a counter-punching cylinder (902) of the at least one shaping unit (900) is automatically changed.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during the changeover, at least one form cylinder (901) of the at least one shaping unit (900) is automatically changed to at least one further cylinder (903) by at least one changing apparatus (950) of the at least one shaping unit (900).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that in order to change the form cylinder (901), it is moved from a processing position to a maintenance position, while the at least one further cylinder (903) is moved from a maintenance position of the further cylinder (903) to the processing position and / or in that in order to change the form cylinder (901), the form cylinder (901) or the further cylinder (903) is positioned in a waiting position for the form cylinder (901) and the further cylinder (903) to pass one another.

5. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized in that during the changeover, at least one tool of at least one form cylinder (901) of the at least one shaping unit (900) is changed.

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that during at least one changeover process, at least one substrate feed device (100) of the processing machine (01) is adapted to a format of a substrate (02) to be processed and / or in that during at least one changeover process, at least one unit (1000) of the processing machine (01) designed as a delivery unit (1000) is adapted to a format of a substrate (02) to be processed and / or in that in order to complete the first processing application, at least one feeder stack (104) must be emptied.

7. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that a change of at least one anilox roller (603) of the at least one application unit (600) and / or a change of at least one printing form of the at least one application unit (600) takes place overlapping in time with at least one changeover process of the at least one shaping unit (900).

8. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one application unit (600) is designed as a flexo application unit (600) and / or in that the processing units (600; 900) are designed to process a sheet-like substrate (02) and / or in that the processing machine (01) is designed as a sheet processing machine (01) and / or in that a portion, defined by the particular unit (100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000), of a transport path provided for the transport of the substrate (02) has a minimum radius of curvature of at least 2 meters.

9. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one changeover process of the following changeover processes is performed on the at least one application unit (600): cleaning an application station (614) and / or changing a distance between a form cylinder (602) and an impression cylinder (608) of the at least one application unit (600) and / or changing an application fluid used and / or adapting an application quantity of an application fluid used and / or changing a form cylinder (602) of the at least one application unit (600) and / or changing at least one printing form of the at least one application unit (600) and / or changing an anilox roller (603) of the at least one application unit (600).

10. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that the number of application units (600) processing a substrate (02) in the first processing process differs from the number of application units (600) processing a substrate (02) in at least one subsequent processing process.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that in accordance with the number of directly subsequent processing applications, at least one processing unit (600) is adapted to perform processing of a substrate (02) by attaching an anilox roller (603) to a form cylinder (602) or to transport the substrate (02) without simultaneous processing of the substrate (02) by detaching the anilox roller (603) from the form cylinder (602) or in that in accordance with the number of directly subsequent processing orders, at least one application unit (600) is integrated into or removed from the transport path of the substrate (02).

12. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one changeover process of the at least one application unit (600) takes place automatically and / or in that at least the changeover processes that overlap in time take place automatically during the changeover and / or in that at least one changeover process of the at least one application unit (600) takes place automatically overlapping in time with the at least one changeover process of the at least one forming unit (900).

13. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12, characterized in that data relating to a substrate to be processed (02) and / or data relating to a product to be obtained for at least one subsequent processing application are stored in the machine controller, and the machine controller, by processing these data while taking into account further machine-related data provided by the machine controller, specifies the configuration of the processing machine (01) for the at least one subsequent processing application as well as the changeover processes to be carried out for this purpose, and / or in that the machine controller proposes at least one data set comprising at least one configuration of the subsequent processing application as well as the changeover processes to be performed for this purpose, which data set can be adapted or selected by an operator.

14. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 or 13, characterized in that during the changeover, at least one setting of at least one drying apparatus (506) or at least one drying unit is adjusted by the machine controller and / or in that during the changeover, at least one transport device (710) of a transport unit (700) of the processing machine (01) is stopped for transporting a substrate (02) and / or in that during the changeover, at least one unit (100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000) of the processing machine (01) is unlocked.

15. Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 or 13 or 14, characterized in that the punching images and / or printing images of the processing applications differ from one another or there is a change of the substrate (02), and / or in that the processing machine (01) comprises at least two processing units (600) designed as application units (600) having a form cylinder (602) and at least two printing images applied by the at least two application units (600) are changed.