Punching device for punching out blister packs from a blister strip

Abstract

The die-cutting device for punching blister packs (1) from a blister strip (2) comprises at least a first and a second die-cutting element (5, 6). The first die-cutting element (5) has several die-cutting punches (8), and the second die-cutting element (6) has a die (14). The first die-cutting element (5) is reciprocally movable in a die-cutting direction (S) such that the die-cutting device alternately assumes an open position and a closed position. During operation of the die-cutting device, each die-cutting punch (8) is connected to at least one of a plurality of slides (19). In the rest state of the die-cutting device, the slides (19) are displaceable relative to the associated die-cutting punch (8) in a direction perpendicular to the die-cutting direction (S).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a punching device for punching out blister packs from a blister tape.

[0002] The demands on quality assurance and the technical capabilities for it are constantly increasing in the field of automated product manufacturing. A paramount principle of quality assurance is to deliver only products to the customer that are free of defects and meet the agreed specifications. In the automated packaging of products in blister packs, such as tablets or other small items, it is essential that the intended number of products per blister compartment is present after automated packaging and that the backing film of the blister band and the sealing film are free of damage that could adversely affect the storage of the packaged products.

[0003] The automated packaging of products in blister packs is typically a continuous process. If a defect is detected in one process step, the affected section of the blister strip cannot be excluded from further processing in subsequent steps. At the end of the automated packaging process, filled blister packs are punched out of the blister strip, separated, and packed into folding cartons. If the defective sections of the blister strip are punched out as blister packs, a separate, subsequent rejection process is necessary. This is time-consuming and can also lead to errors.

[0004] Punching devices for blister packaging generally have two interacting punching elements. The first punching element comprises the punch(es), and the second punching element comprises a die. The punch(es) are usually moved into the die while the die remains stationary. The punch(es) and the die recesses each have the contour of the blister packaging to be punched, with the punch(es) being slightly smaller to allow for a narrow, circumferential cutting gap within the die recess. This cutting gap protects the two punching elements from wear by preventing direct mechanical contact between them. The cutting gap must be precisely adjusted to ensure that the blister packaging is sheared off the blister strip without any burrs.When a punch is moved into the die, it is guided in the punching direction by linear guides. These linear guides must have very little lateral play to the punching direction, otherwise the punch will tilt laterally beyond the tolerance of the cutting gap and come into direct contact with the die, damaging both the die and the punch.

[0005] When changing formats, both die-cutting elements must be replaced.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide an improved punching device that facilitates the rejection of defective sections of the blister tape, ensures precise punch guidance during the punching process, and can be easily adapted to different blister packaging formats.

[0007] The die-cutting device according to the invention for cutting blister packs from a blister strip comprises at least a first and a second die-cutting element, wherein the first die-cutting element has several die-cutting punches and the second die-cutting element has a die. The first and / or the second die-cutting element is movable back and forth in a die-cutting direction such that the die-cutting device alternately assumes an open position and a closed position. In addition, each die-cutting punch is connected to at least one of a plurality of slides during operation of the die-cutting device, wherein the slides are displaceable relative to the associated die-cutting punch in a direction perpendicular to the die-cutting direction when the die-cutting device is at rest.

[0008] The horizontal adjustability of the carriages allows for greater flexibility in the application range of the die-cutting device. In particular, the die-cutting device can be easily adapted to different die-cutting elements and various blister packaging formats.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, each slide can be individually controlled for its displacement.

[0010] It is preferred that at least one drive unit is provided which is designed to move the carriages perpendicular to the punching direction. This increases the degree of automation.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one drive unit comprises at least one drive, preferably an actuator, and most preferably a stepper motor or servo motor. These components enable precise adjustment of the horizontal position of each slide.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one drive unit comprises at least one spindle that interacts with the slide. This allows for a mechanically simple design of the drive unit. The spindle drive enables very precise horizontal adjustment of the slide.

[0013] It is generally preferred to have a plurality of slides and a plurality of spindles, with each slide assigned a spindle. In this way, the movement of each slide can be carried out independently using simple mechanical means.

[0014] In one embodiment, several spindles from the plurality can be driven by a single drive or motor. Because the carriages cannot be moved while the punching device is running anyway, certain or all carriages can be adjusted sequentially using the same motor. This allows for component savings.

[0015] Because several slides are preferably arranged horizontally next to each other for space reasons, it is preferred that at least one of the plurality of slides has a through-hole through which a spindle passes without contact.

[0016] The spindle generally interacts with the associated slide via a threaded segment that is arranged on the slide.

[0017] This threaded segment can be an integral part of the slide, or the threaded segment can be inserted into a through hole of the associated slide in the form of a threaded bushing.

[0018] Typically, a locking mechanism will be provided on the slide, linear guide or spindle to lock the slide horizontally during the punching operation.

[0019] It is also conceivable that multiple spindles are arranged one above the other in the punching direction and / or side by side perpendicular to the punching direction, each interacting with a slide. This allows the spindles to be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0020] Then at least some of the slides can have a corresponding number of holes arranged one above the other in the punching direction.

[0021] Preferably, the slide is guided along a linear guide on a lifting table of the punching device. This ensures reliable guidance of the slide. In all configurations, this can be achieved through a suitable positive-locking connection, such as a dovetail or T-slot guide.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the punching device further comprises at least one adjustment unit assigned to each punch, which is configured to move the punch, in addition to moving the at least one punching element, in the punching direction between an operating position and an offset position such that the punch is positioned further away from the second punching element in the offset position than in the operating position, with each adjustment unit being attached to or integrally formed with one of the slides. In this way, variable activation and deactivation of individual punches becomes possible.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the punching device has a plurality of adjustment units arranged one behind the other in the direction of band travel and / or side by side perpendicular to the direction of band travel. The number of adjustment units preferably corresponds to the number of slides.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one adjustment unit can be detachably connected to the associated punch. This has the advantage that the adjustment units can be replaced individually and that they are generally independent of the tool's life cycle. Furthermore, this reduces the weight and dimensions of the first punching element.

[0025] In an advantageous further development, at least one adjustment unit remains in the punching device during a tool change of the first and second punching element.

[0026] It is advantageous if the detachable connection includes a T-slot or dovetail groove in the area of ​​the first punching element and a corresponding extension of the adjustment unit. This allows the adjustment unit to be moved while connected to the first punching element, or vice versa.

[0027] The extension of the adjusting unit can be a T-slot nut, a slide or a bolt that engages positively with the T-slot or dovetail groove.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the T-slot or dovetail groove runs perpendicular to the strip direction and the first punching element is displaceable relative to the at least one adjustment unit in a direction perpendicular to the punching direction and perpendicular to the strip direction.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one adjustment unit has a force transmission element that is adjustable in the punching direction and can be individually controlled. When the force transmission element is actuated, the associated punch is preferably moved over the same stroke length as the force transmission element. This generally corresponds to the offset height between the operating position and the offset position of the punch. The force transmission element is preferably a piston of a pneumatic cylinder.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one adjustment unit is arranged in the punching direction between a lifting table of the punching device and a base plate of the first punching element.

[0031] The die-cutting device according to the invention is typically used in a blister packaging machine. Blister packaging machines generally comprise a forming station for forming the blister cavities in a forming film, a filling station for filling the formed blister cavities with products, a sealing station for sealing a cover film onto the forming film web filled with products, and a die-cutting device.

[0032] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. Fig. 1 is a sectional view, perpendicular to the belt direction, of a non-inventive embodiment of a punching device in an open position; Fig. 2 is a sectional view, perpendicular to the belt direction, of the punching device made of Fig. 1in a closed punching position, with two punching dies in an offset position in which they do not come into contact with the blister tape; Fig. 3 is a sectional view, in the tape travel direction, of the punching device along the section line AA. Fig. 2 Fig. 4 is a sectional view, perpendicular to the belt direction, of an embodiment of a punching device according to the invention in an open position; Fig. 5 is a sectional view, perpendicular to the belt direction, of the punching device made of Fig. 4 , in which an adjustment unit for a punch is adjusted horizontally; Fig. 6 is a sectional view, in the band travel direction, of the punching device according to section line BB. Fig. 5 Fig. 7 is a sectional view, in the direction of band travel, of the punching device according to section line BB. Fig. 5, however, during a punching stroke of the punching device; Fig. 8 is a sectional view, perpendicular to the strip travel direction, of a further embodiment of the punching device according to the invention in an open position; Fig. 9 is a sectional view, perpendicular to the strip travel direction, of details of an embodiment of the punching device according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a sectional view, in the strip travel direction, along the section line CC from Fig. 9 ; and Fig. 11 is a front view of a stamp package made of Figs. 9 and 10 with the associated cylinder liners.

[0033] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a non-inventive embodiment of a stamping device. However, the elements described therein are necessary for understanding the embodiments according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a punching device for selectively punching blister packs 1 (see Fig. 2) from a blister strip 2 in an open position. The punching device comprises a drive 4, a lifting table 3, and a first and a second punching element 5, 6. In the illustrated example, the first punching element 5 is arranged below the second punching element 6. However, this can also be reversed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the punching device is oriented at an angle or horizontally.

[0035] The lifting table 3 is driven by a drive 4 of the punching device with a predetermined stroke H1 ( Fig. 2 The first punching element 5 is continuously moved back and forth in a punching direction S to generate a defined punching motion. The punching device constantly switches between an open position and a closed position in which the punching can take place.

[0036] Here, the lifting table 3 transfers the movement to the first punching element 5, so that the punching dies 8 of the first punching element 5 move relative to the second punching element 6. The stroke H1 is generally typically between 20 mm and 50 mm.

[0037] The lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5 have guides aligned with each other to guide the lifting table 3 together with the first punching element 5 in a continuous back-and-forth movement in the punching direction S relative to the second punching element 6. The guides of the lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5 each have bushings 15 that are guided along the guide columns 16, which are fixedly connected to the second punching element 6 and a machine frame (not shown) of the punching device. More precisely, guide columns 16 are arranged in corner regions of the second punching element 6, which first penetrate the bushing 15 of the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5 and then the bushing 15 of the lifting table 3. Due to the common guidance of the lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5 along the guide columns 16, they are precisely aligned with the second punching element 6 and guided with sufficient rigidity.The guide columns 16 and the bushings 15 are dimensioned in such a way as to prevent the lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5 from tilting.

[0038] The lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5 are rigidly connected, so that the stroke H1 of the drive 4 is completely transferred to the first punching element 5. Accordingly, the stroke H1 of the drive 4 is equal to the stroke of the lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5.

[0039] In the example shown, the second die-cutting element 6 is stationary. However, it is also conceivable that both die-cutting elements 5 and 6 move relative to each other, or that only the second die-cutting element 6 moves relative to the first, stationary die-cutting element 5.

[0040] The first punching element 5 has a base plate 25 and a plurality of punch packages 9, which move back and forth together with the first punching element 5 and accordingly with the lifting table 3 and the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5.

[0041] The punch assemblies 9 each comprise a punch 8, punch guides 12, and an actuating plate 10. The punch guides 12 penetrate the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5 along the punching direction S, with the punch 8 and the actuating plate 10 being arranged on opposite sides of the base plate 25 of the lower punching element 5 in the punching direction 10. Furthermore, the punch assembly 9 includes a punch support plate 11 between the punch guides 12 and the punch 8. The punch guides 12 are formed, for example, by guide columns which, in conjunction with bushings 13 in the base plate 25, form a linear guide.

[0042] The punch 8 is detachably attached to the punch carrier plate 11 by force-fit and / or positive-fit. The punch guides 12 are connected to the punch carrier plate 11 on the side facing away from the punch 8. In an embodiment not shown, the punch carrier plate 11 can be omitted, so that the punch guides 12 are directly connected to the punch 8.

[0043] Each bushing 13 is fixed in the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5 and enables linear movement of the punch assembly 9 along the punch guide 12 in the punching direction S. In this embodiment, the punch assemblies 9 are each provided with four punch guides 12, which are arranged in the corner regions of the punch carrier plate 10 and the actuating plate 10, respectively. This arrangement allows the punch guides to provide precise guidance of the punch assembly 9. Furthermore, any number of punch guides can generally be provided for each punch assembly 9 to improve the guidance of the punch 8.

[0044] The second punching element 6 has a band guide which is designed to feed a filled and sealed blister band 2 in a clocked manner in the feed direction or band travel direction F (see Fig. 3) to lead. The second die-cutting element 6 has a die 14 with recesses that interacts with the associated die-cutting punches 8 of the first die-cutting element 5. In addition, dispensing openings are provided on the side of the die facing away from the first die-cutting element 5, which allow the die-cut blister packs 1 to be removed from the die-cutting device. The removal of the die-cut blister packs 1 is in Fig. 2 and 3 The diagram is shown schematically only. A transfer device (not shown) can be used for removal, which transfers the blister packs 1 to downstream processing equipment, for example, a transport device for the blister packs 1. For this purpose, the transfer device can, for example, have individually controllable suction grippers that grip the lid film of the blister packs 1.

[0045] The die 8 is guided precisely into the die 14 of the second die 6 by means of the multiple die guides. Furthermore, the die guides prevent the die 8 from tilting in the die 14. The number of die guides in each die set 9 can be selected to suit the die format and the dimensions of the die 8.

[0046] The first punching element 5 and the lifting table 3 are spaced apart from each other in the punching direction S, creating a free space between them. Adjustment units 17 are provided in the space between the lifting table 3 and the first punching element 5. These units can be adjusted by an offset height H2, thus allowing each punch assembly 9 or each punch 8 to be adjusted in the punching direction S by this offset height H2. For this purpose, each adjustment unit 17 is appropriately connected to the punch carrier plate 10 and the lifting table 3. The punching force is transmitted from the lifting table 3 to the respective punch assemblies 9 or punch 8 via the adjustment units 17. The offset height H2 is typically between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0047] Each adjustment unit 17 can be individually controlled, so that each punch set 9 or each punch 8 can be moved by the predetermined offset height H2 from an operating position (punch 8 is extended) to a retracted offset position (punch 8 is retracted). The adjustment units 17 are designed as, preferably double-acting, pneumatic cylinders with a force transmission element 32 in the form of a piston. In alternative embodiments, they can also be designed as hydraulic cylinders, solenoids, or similarly acting mechanical, electrical, or fluidic adjustment units.

[0048] The adjusting units 17 must selectively adjust the punching dies 9 due to the continuous movement of the drive 4 during the recurring stroke H1. The adjustment must be synchronized with the drive 4 of the punching device so that the adjustment of the adjusting units 17 to the offset position takes place within a predetermined stroke range in the punching direction S, in which no contact with the blister strip 2 can occur, regardless of the position of the punch assembly 9 or the punching die 8.

[0049] The adjustment of the adjustment units 17 is initiated by a control unit of the packaging machine (not shown), into which the punching device according to the invention is integrated. The control unit is further coupled to a quality assurance system of the packaging machine. If the quality assurance system detects defects in a section of the blister strip 2 (e.g., incomplete filling of the blister cavities), the control unit initiates an adjustment of the punch assembly 9 or the punch 8 to the offset position. As a result, the corresponding defective section of the blister strip is not punched out of the blister strip 2 in the form of blister packs 1, but remains within it. The remaining grid of the blister strip 2 containing the defective blister packs 1' is subsequently disposed of.

[0050] In Fig. 1The left punch assembly 9 is in the operating position, while the middle and right punch assemblies 9 are in the retracted offset position. In this embodiment, the offset of the punch assemblies 9 in the punching direction S is defined by the distance between the punch carrier plate 11 and the actuating plate 10 and the thickness of the base plate 25 or the height of the bushings 13 of the first punching element 5 in the punching direction S. Depending on the constraints, the offset height H2 can be adjusted by design.

[0051] According to the present embodiment, the punch assembly 9 or the punch 8 is adjusted exclusively between two positions: the operating position and the offset position. No punching is performed when the punch assembly 9 is in the offset position, and punching is performed when the punch assembly 9 is in the operating position.

[0052] Fig. 2This illustrates the connection. The punching device is shown therein. Fig. 1 in a closed position in which, depending on the positioning of the stamp package 9 or the punch 8, a blister pack 1 is selectively punched out of the blister tape 2 or not.

[0053] It is further provided that the first and second punching elements 5, 6 are interchangeable, with the lifting table 3 and the adjustment units 17 remaining in the punching device when the punching elements 5, 6 are changed.

[0054] Fig. 3 represents a sectional view along the section line AA according to Fig. 2The cutting edge of the punch 8 penetrates the blister tape 2 in the punching direction S, so that a blister pack 1 is punched out and can be removed from the punching device. It can also be seen that two adjustment units 17 are arranged one behind the other in the tape travel direction F of the blister tape 2, which jointly adjust a punch package 9 or a punch 8 in the punching direction S.

[0055] In an embodiment not shown, it is also conceivable to arrange several punch packs 9 one behind the other in the direction of band travel in order to increase the punching capacity of the punching device.

[0056] In general, different die-cutting elements 5, 6 can be used in a die-cutting device, depending on the blister packaging format. One or more adjustment units 17 can be assigned to a punch package 9. It is advantageous if the adjustment units 17 are dimensioned such that they do not exceed the size of the smallest blister packaging format to be processed.

[0057] The adjustment units 17 therefore preferably have a width and / or length of no more than 60 mm perpendicular to or in the direction of band travel. The height of the adjustment units 17 themselves is selected to be as small as possible in the punching direction S in order to reduce the overall height of the punching device. The height of an adjustment unit 17 is generally typically between 70 mm and 90 mm.

[0058] Fig. 4 presents an embodiment of the stamping device according to the invention as a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 1In this embodiment, the punching device has many identical features as previously described in relation to Figs. 1 to 3 have been explained. The same reference numerals denote identical elements. Therefore, the following only refers to additional elements or elements that differ from the punching device. Figs. 1 to 3 Distinguishing features were included.

[0059] In Fig. 4 Four adjustment units 17 are provided, which can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the tape travel direction F and perpendicular to the punching direction S, in order to allow adaptation to different formats of the blister tape or blister packs. The adjustment units 17 are preferably adjusted in the direction perpendicular to the tape travel direction F and perpendicular to the punching direction S such that they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the punching dies 8.

[0060] In Fig. 4On the right side, an adjustment unit 17 can also be seen, which is in a parked position and is not interacting with a punch pack 9. Depending on the number and size of the punch packs 9 or the die-cutting dies 8, there may be zero, one, or multiple adjustment units 17 in the parked position. This allows, for example, a three-lane blister strip 2 to be die-cut with a four-lane die-cutting device when a punch pack 9 is in the parked position.

[0061] In this embodiment, the adjustment of the adjustment units 17 in the direction perpendicular to the strip travel direction F and perpendicular to the punching direction S is effected by means of spindles 18, which interact with horizontally displaceable slides 19. One spindle 18 is provided for each slide. However, two slides 19 can also be adjusted with the same spindle if they belong to the same punch 8. The slides 19 themselves are guided in the lifting table 3 by means of a linear guide, such as a dovetail or T-slot guide, transverse to the strip travel direction. The linear guide of the slides 19 holds them immovably in the punching direction S, while movement is possible in a direction perpendicular to both the strip travel direction and the punching direction. Each slide 19 is assigned to an adjustment unit 17, so that each adjustment unit 17 can be adjusted individually or several adjustment units 17 together can be adjusted by means of the spindle drive.

[0062] In Fig. 5 The diagram shows how the spindles 18 are connected to the slides 19. The spindles 18 pass through through holes in the slides 19. Without further action, they do not engage with each other. The assignment of a spindle 18 to a specific slide 19, and thus the engagement of the spindle 18 with that slide 19, is ensured by inserting a threaded segment 21 into the through hole. When the spindle 18 is rotated, the rotation of the spindle 18 is then transferred to the slide 19, causing the slide 19 to move. The threaded segments can preferably be threaded bushings.

[0063] The spindle 18 can be driven manually, for example by means of a hand crank, or by a motor. In particular, each spindle 18 can be assigned a separate drive 20, for example in the form of an actuator, which enables precise, preferably controlled, adjustment of the respective adjustment units 17. Furthermore, a drive 20 can also be assigned to a plurality of spindles 18. In this case, it is necessary to decouple the drive 20 from one spindle 18 and couple it to another spindle 18.

[0064] If each spindle 18 is assigned a separate drive 20, the drives 20 are rigidly connected to the lifting table 3 and move back and forth with it in the punching direction during punching operation. If one drive 20 is assigned to several spindles 18, the drive 20 is preferably attached to a machine frame of the punching device and is adjustable horizontally and / or vertically relative to this frame or the lifting table 3 by means of an adjustment device (not shown).

[0065] In principle, the adjustment units 17 with their associated slides 19 are adjusted when the punching device is at a standstill and not during punching operation, usually when changing the punching elements 5, 6. When changing the punching elements 5, 6, the adjustment units 17 together with the slides 19 as well as the spindles 18 remain connected to the lifting table 3.

[0066] Figs. 6 and 7 Each shows the lower punched element 5 along the cutting line BB. Fig. 5in the open position and in the closed punching position. In both figures, however, the punch package 9 or the punch 8 is in the offset position that prevents a blister pack 1 from being punched out of the blister strip 2. In further comparison between Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 It can be seen that two drives 20 are arranged one behind the other in the direction of belt travel.

[0067] In Fig. 6 are the two drives 20 assigned to the two upper spindles 18, while in Fig. 7 The two drives 20 are assigned to the two lower spindles 18. The drives 20 remain in the same position in the punching direction S, while the lifting table 3 including the first punching element 5 moves. Fig. 7 in the punching direction S is moved manually upwards, which is why the two drives 20 can also be coupled to the two lower spindles 18.

[0068] Between the two states of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7The drives 20 must be decoupled from the lower spindles 18 and then coupled back to the upper spindles 18. This can be accomplished using suitable couplings (not shown). Horizontal adjustment of the drives 20 for coupling and decoupling them from the respective spindles 18 is also conceivable.

[0069] Figs. 6 and 7 further show that in the band travel direction F, two adjustment units 17 are assigned to a punch package 9 and are arranged symmetrically in relation to the punching die 8. In addition, the Figs. 6 and 7Two T-slots 22 are arranged in the actuating plate 10 perpendicular to the strip direction F, which interact with corresponding extensions 30 of the adjusting units 17 and thus form a positive-locking connection in the punching direction S. Furthermore, the T-slots 22 allow the adjusting units 17 to be adjusted transversely to the strip direction, while the actuating plate 10 of the punch assembly 9 is connected to the adjusting units 17.

[0070] Instead of a T-slot 22, another linearly displaceable, positive-locking connection can also be provided, such as a dovetail guide, whereby the extension 30 of the adjusting unit 17 is also designed according to the selected connection. The positive-locking connection of the adjusting unit 17 with the punch assembly 9 by means of the T-slot 22 and the extension 30 of the adjusting unit 17 ensures the force transmission from the lifting table 3 via the adjusting unit 17 in the tensile and compressive directions to the punch assembly 9 in the punching direction S.

[0071] Fig. 8 shows a further modification of the punching device according to the invention. Figs. 1 to 3 As before, only additional features or features that differ from this punching device will be discussed. For all other features, please refer to the description at Fig. 1 or Fig. 4 referred.

[0072] In Fig. 8Two adjustment units 17 are assigned to a punch set 9 and a punch die 8, respectively, in a direction perpendicular to the belt travel direction F. The adjustment units 17 are arranged symmetrically to the punch set 9 to ensure precise guidance of the punch set 9.

[0073] Figs. 9 and 10 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a further embodiment of a stamping device according to the invention, which is a further development of the embodiments described above. Again, only the additional features are discussed.

[0074] Fig. 9Figure 1 shows a first punching element 5 with a punch assembly 9. An elastic element 23 is provided between the punch carrier plate 11 and the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5. The elastic element 23 is shown here specifically as a coil spring, which is mounted in a recess in the base plate 25 and bears against the punch carrier plate 11. The elastic element 23 pre-tensions the punch assembly 9 into the operating position. This causes the actuating plate 10 to be pressed against a lower surface of the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5 in the punching direction S.

[0075] The contact of the actuating plate 10 with the underside of the base plate 25 simultaneously enables the alignment of the punch assembly 9 in the operating position. Several elastic elements 23 can also be provided between the punch carrier plate 11 and the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5 to exert a desired, distributed preload force on the punch assembly 9.

[0076] The underside of the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5 can additionally feature specially manufactured punch package stops 24, which, in the pre-tensioned state, come into contact with the actuating plate 10. These punch package stops 24 can make contact with the actuating plate 10 as line contacts and / or point contacts. Furthermore, the punch package stops 24 can be made of a different material than the actuating plate 10 and can be integrated into the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5, for example, in a recess. This allows for an optimized material pairing between the punch package stops 24 and the actuating plate 10, because the material of the punch package stops 24 can be different from the material of the base plate 25.

[0077] The punch assembly stop 24, or the stop surface of the base plate 25 of the first punching element 5, together with the actuating plate 10, ensures precise alignment of the punch 8 in a direction perpendicular to the strip travel direction, in the strip travel direction F, and in the punching direction S. The cutting gap between the punch 8 and the die 14 is typically in the micrometer range, which is why it is extremely important to prevent tilting of the punch assembly 9 or the punch 8 to protect the punching elements 5 and 6 from damage. The actuating plate 10, the punch assembly stops 24, and the elastic elements 23 for pre-tensioning the punch assembly 9 further stiffen the punch assembly 9 in the operating position for this purpose.

[0078] Furthermore, the elastic elements 23 also help to transmit the punching force, thus relieving some of the stress on the adjusting units 17 during punching in the operating position. However, when adjusting the punch assembly 9 to the offset position, the restoring force of the elastic elements 23 must be overcome by the adjusting units 17. The preloading of the punch assemblies 9 by means of elastic elements 23 also ensures that the punch assemblies 9 are always in the operating position when the adjusting units 17 are out of operation or not connected to the punch assemblies 9, for example, when changing the punching elements 5, 6 or in the event of a defect in the adjusting units 17 themselves.

[0079] Fig. 10 is a section view along the section line CC from Fig. 9The actuating plate 10 has two T-slots 22 extending transversely to the belt direction. The T-slots 22 extend completely across the width of the actuating plate 10.

[0080] Fig. 11 This is an enlarged view of stamp set 9 from Figs. 9 and 10 in a front view.

[0081] The in Figs. 9 to 11 The illustrated stamp packages 9 can be used in any of the embodiments described above.

[0082] The power transmission element 32 can generally also be designed as a pin or spindle adjustable in the punching direction S.

[0083] The stamping elements 5, 6 are usually connected in such a way that they are referred to together as a stamping tool and are also provided as a spare part in this form.

[0084] In certain embodiments, it is also conceivable that the adjusting units 17 are replaced by fixed mechanical connecting elements or are permanently set in the operating position.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that features of the individual embodiments can be combined.

Claims

1. A die-cutting device for punching blister packs (1) from a blister strip (2), wherein the die-cutting device has at least a first and a second die-cutting element (5, 6), wherein the first die-cutting element (5) has several die-cutting punches (8) and the second die-cutting element (6) has a die (14), wherein the first and / or the second die-cutting element (5, 6) is movable back and forth in a die-cutting direction (S) such that the die-cutting device alternately assumes an open position and a closed position, wherein each die-cutting punch (8) is connected to at least one of a plurality of slides (19) during operation of the die-cutting device, wherein the slides (19) are displaceable relative to the associated die-cutting punch (8) in a direction perpendicular to the die-cutting direction (S) when the die-cutting device is at rest.

2. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that Each carriage (19) can be individually controlled for its displacement.

3. Punching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that at least one drive device is provided which is designed to move the carriages (19) perpendicular to the punching direction (S).

4. Punching device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the at least one drive unit comprising at least one drive (20), preferably an actuator, particularly preferably a stepper motor or servo motor.

5. Punching device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the at least one drive unit comprising at least one spindle (18) which interacts with the slide (19).

6. Punching device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that a plurality of spindles (18) are present and each slide (19) is assigned a spindle (18).

7. Punching device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that several of the plural spindles (18) can each be driven by a single motor.

8. Punching device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that at least one of the majority of slides (19) has a through-hole through which a spindle (18) passes without contact.

9. Punching device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by the fact that the spindle (18) interacts with the associated slide (19) via a threaded segment (21) which is arranged on the slide (19).

10. Punching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Each slide (19) is guided on a linear guide along a lifting table (3) of the punching device.

11. Punching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe punching device further comprises at least one adjusting unit (17) assigned to each punch (8), which is configured to move the punch (8), in addition to the movement of the at least one punching element (5, 6), in the punching direction (S) between an operating position and an offset position such that the punch (8) is arranged further away from the second punching element (6) in the offset position than in the operating position, wherein each adjusting unit (17) is attached to one of the slides (19) or is integrally formed with it.

12. Punching device according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that which at least one adjusting unit (17) can be detachably connected to the associated punching die (8).

13. Punching device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the fact thatwhich has at least one adjustment unit (17) comprising a force transmission element (32) that is adjustable in the punching direction (S) and can be controlled individually.

14. Punching device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by the fact that the at least one adjusting unit (17) is arranged in the punching direction (S) between a lifting table (3) of the punching device and a base plate (25) of the first punching element (5).

15. Blister packaging machine with a punching device according to one of the preceding claims.

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