Processing apparatus for corrugated cardboard

Abstract

A machining device for machining a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, comprising a drive unit which is configured to move at least one tool or two tools between a machining position and a rest position, characterized in that the drive unit drives at least one eccentric unit which rotates the at least one tool or the two tools between the machining position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a processing device for processing a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, according to the preamble of claim 1, a processing unit according to the preamble of claim 16, a processing system according to the preamble of claim 17 and a processing method according to the preamble of claim 18. State of the art

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of processing objects made of planar elements, such as paper and / or cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard, for the production of boxes and cartons for packaging goods. The processing of, for example, corrugated cardboard into cartons requires, on the one hand, various work steps or processes, and on the other hand, various machines and devices for mechanical processing by deformation without material removal. The devices are therefore equipped with various tools for creasing, cutting, perforating, and scoring.

[0003] Machines for processing cardboard are described, for example, in DE 10 2015 011 399 B4 and US 11,400,680 B2. Machines of this type are primarily used for processing web-like materials, such as continuous cardboard webs or cardboard blanks cut into individual sheets and stacked, which are used, for example, in the packaging industry for the production of foldable boxes. Several processing steps are required to produce a foldable package, such as creasing, cutting, and perforating.

[0004] To manufacture products from corrugated or solid cardboard, slits and grooves are cut into the cardboard. Slitting involves cutting narrow indentations into the cardboard, while scoring causes local compression of the corrugated cardboard. The cardboard is later bent along the scoring lines, which are usually straight, to create a box from the flat sheet of cardboard. A corresponding packaging template may have notches, cutouts, subdivisions, and / or folds that allow the template to be bent and / or folded into a box.

[0005] In the machining device of DE 10 2015 011 399 B4, the grooving tool is connected to a pneumatic or hydropneumatic adjusting element via a corresponding lever mechanism, and the cutting tool is connected to an electric or pneumatic adjusting element via a corresponding lever mechanism. A lever mechanism is available for adjusting a cutting tool arranged in a machining device, in the form of a multi-functional tool, e.g., from the rest position to the machining position and back. A linear motor is used here as a drive and positioning system to move the multi-functional tool translationally in the vertical direction.

[0006] In the processing device of US 11,400,680 B2, a crossbeam has a cutting wheel and scoring wheels, which, as the crossbeam moves back and forth over the corrugated board, create creases, perforations, cuts, and / or notches in the board. While the scoring wheels rotate, they can remain essentially in the same vertical position relative to the processing device. In contrast, the cutting wheel can be selectively raised and lowered relative to the crossbeam. The cutting wheel is rotatably mounted on a cutting wheel frame, and the cutting wheel frame is movably connected to the crossbeam. Specifically, the cutting wheel frame is slidably mounted on one or more shafts and is biased toward the raised position by one or more springs located between the crossbeam and the cutting wheel frame.One or more solenoids are used to selectively move the cutter wheel frame, and thus the cutter wheel itself, from a raised rest position to a lowered working position. Each solenoid includes a plunger that extends or retracts linearly when the solenoids are activated or deactivated. When the plunger retracts, the cutter wheel frame and cutter wheel are raised by springs. Conversely, when the solenoids are continuously activated, the plunger extends, lowering the cutter wheel frame and cutter wheel so that the cutter wheel can cut the corrugated board.

[0007] The operating principle of the machining devices described above is based on linear motors with pneumatic and / or electric drives, which perform linear movements and, if necessary, convert the driving force according to the lever principle. These machining devices consume energy not only when moving the tools between the rest and machining positions, but also require significant amounts of energy in the machining position to hold or stabilize the tools in the machining area (in contact with the workpiece) by applying a constant holding force. If electric motors are used to move individual machine components, a complex and elaborate thermal management system for the heat-generating electric drives is necessary. The use of pneumatic drives is also energy-intensive and requires regular maintenance.Furthermore, pneumatic drives allow for less precise tool positioning than electric drives. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a processing device, a processing system and a processing method with the aid of which a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, can be processed in an energy-efficient manner and with high accuracy.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a processing device for processing a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, according to the preamble of claim 1, a processing unit according to the preamble of claim 16, a processing system according to the preamble of claim 17, and a processing method according to the preamble of claim 18. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea that an eccentric comprises a drive shaft to which at least one control disc (also called eccentric disc) is attached, the center of which lies outside the shaft axis, thereby enabling the conversion of rotary (torsional) movements into translational (lengthwise) movements. The greater the eccentricity of the eccentric, the greater the stroke, and vice versa.

[0011] In this context, it was recognized that an electric drive can be operated particularly energy-efficiently if it rotates an eccentric (with a tool attached to it) within a specific swivel angle range to set a desired vertical stroke (corresponding to the distance between a rest and machining position). Simultaneously, the swivel angle of the eccentric can be adjusted such that the electric drive only needs to apply a small holding torque to the eccentric shaft or its drive shaft to keep the tool in a machining position. In other words, both the rotation of the eccentric between a rest and machining position and its remaining in the machining position can be operated with minimal energy consumption.

[0012] For this purpose, a machining device according to the invention for machining a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, has the following: a drive unit which is configured to move at least one tool or two tools between a machining position and a rest position, characterized in that the drive unit drives at least one eccentric unit which rotates the at least one tool or the two tools between the machining position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees.

[0013] The machining position and the rest position are two distinct positions in space between which the tool can move or rotate. The machining position is specifically a position in which the workpiece is being machined by the tool, i.e., in which the workpiece comes into contact with the tool. However, the tool can also be moved into or remain in the machining position even without the workpiece being present. Conversely, a rest position is a position in which the workpiece is not being machined by the tool, i.e., in which the workpiece does not come into contact with the tool. However, the tool can also be moved into or remain in the rest position even if the workpiece is present.

[0014] The described processing device is particularly advantageous for workpieces that preferably consist at least partially of corrugated cardboard, since corrugated cardboard must be processed in various ways for the production of boxes, such as by creasing, cutting, perforating, and / or scoring. While corrugated cardboard is inexpensive to purchase as a workpiece, it requires a high degree of processing precision to create a high-quality and functional end product. However, it is also conceivable that the workpiece (at least partially) consists of a material other than corrugated cardboard, which is essentially a flat, sheet-like material that can be folded into a box-like shape, such as wood, metal, and / or plastic. This material has a suitable thickness and weight so that it can be bent and / or folded into a box-like shape. The essentially flat orHowever, leaf-shaped material can also be processed in such a way that it is completely cut through and / or perforated, without being foldable into a box-like shape later.

[0015] A key advantage of the machining device described above is that the drive unit is directly coupled to the eccentric unit to move the one or two tools without the need for additional gear units or mechanical coupling systems. This allows for a compact and virtually maintenance-free device. At the same time, the use of the eccentric unit offers the advantage that one or two tools can be connected to a single drive unit. However, the eccentric unit can also be connected to just one or two tools. Alternatively, three, four, five, or even more tools can be coupled to the eccentric unit.

[0016] Another significant advantage is the energy-efficient operation of the machining device according to the invention, which is achieved by utilizing the specific swivel and rotational characteristics of the eccentric unit. Thus, a machining position of the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it), which can rotate 360 ​​degrees, corresponds to a dead center on a circular path or a 6 o'clock position on a circular path along which the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) moves during rotation. In this machining position, the drive only needs to apply a small holding torque to keep the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) in this position during machining of the workpiece and to counteract rotation from this position.

[0017] A rest position of the 360-degree rotatable eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) corresponds to the top dead center on a circular path or a 12 o'clock position on a circular path along which the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) moves during rotation. In this rest position, the drive only needs to apply a small holding torque to keep the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) in this position and to counteract rotation from this position.

[0018] Another rest position of the 360-degree rotatable eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) corresponds to a 3 and / or 9 o'clock position on a circular path along which the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) moves during rotation. Even in this rest position, the drive only needs to apply a small holding torque to keep the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) in this position and to prevent it from rotating out of this position.

[0019] Due to the arrangement of the machining position and rest position(s) described above, the tool can be moved between these positions particularly effectively, efficiently, and quickly. The eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) is simply rotated 180 degrees (corresponding to a swivel angle of 180 degrees) to move between the machining position and a rest position. In other words, the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) moves along a circular path between the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions. A rotation of the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) by 90 degrees (corresponding to a swivel angle of 90 degrees) is particularly advantageous for moving between the machining position and a rest position. In other words, the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) moves along a circular path between the 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and / or the 3 o'clock position.In this case, the drive requires very little energy to ensure the necessary vertical stroke of the tool. However, it is also conceivable that the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) rotates at a swivel angle ranging from 30 to 180 degrees. This is advantageous when a specific vertical stroke needs to be set.

[0020] Furthermore, the energy-efficient operation of the drive unit also results from the fact that, due to the arrangement of the machining position and rest position(s) described above, there is a relationship between the vertical stroke of the eccentric unit (or the tool coupled to it) and the swivel angle of the eccentric unit that advantageously coincides with an acceleration phase, a constant speed phase, and a braking phase of the drive that rotates the eccentric unit. Therefore, the drive unit can operate particularly energy-efficiently during these phases.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the eccentric unit can have a drive shaft driven by the drive unit, which is preferably mounted to rotate in a fixed position. In other words, the drive unit directly drives the eccentric unit via the drive shaft. This results in a low-maintenance coupling system between the drive and the tool. Since the drive shaft itself is mounted to rotate in a fixed position, the forces acting on the eccentric unit during machining can be distributed across the entire machining device in a way that minimizes material damage.

[0022] Preferably, the eccentric unit can have one or two circular control discs directly connected to the drive shaft, with a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft running perpendicularly through the control disc(s) and eccentrically to the center of the control disc(s). In this way, the drive force can be transmitted directly to the control disc(s) via the drive shaft. Furthermore, two control discs can be actuated simultaneously with just one drive. This enables a compact configuration of the machining device. The circular shape of the control discs is also advantageous for arranging machining tools in a space-saving manner along the entire circumference of the control disc(s).

[0023] The circular control disk(s) is / are also designed so that the eccentric position of the drive shaft on the control disk(s), whose longitudinal axis runs perpendicularly through the control disk(s), can be varied / adjusted relative to the center point of the control disk(s). In other words, the distance between the center point of the control disk and a point on the control disk through which the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft runs perpendicularly is variable / differentiable. In this way, the drive shaft can be flexibly coupled to the control disk(s) to define a specific vertical stroke during rotation.

[0024] If two circular control discs are directly connected to the drive shaft, with one longitudinal axis of the drive shaft running perpendicularly through the two control discs and positioned eccentrically to the center of the control discs, the two circular control discs (in a side view along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft or viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis) can be congruent or offset at both ends of the drive shaft. It is understood that the offset of the two circular control discs can also be caused by a different eccentric arrangement on the drive shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, the two circular control discs, arranged offset from each other on the drive shaft, can be positioned such that one tool connected to one control disc is in a machining position, while the second tool, connected to the second control disc, is in a rest position. After rotating the drive shaft, preferably by 90 degrees, the two circular control discs, arranged offset from each other on the drive shaft, can be positioned such that one tool connected to one control disc is in a rest position, while the second tool, connected to the second control disc, is also in a rest position.

[0026] More preferably, the at least one tool can be connected to the control disc via a bearing, or the two tools can be connected to the two control discs via two bearings, wherein the bearing(s) is / are preferably arranged along an outer circumference of the control disc, and the bearing is preferably a ball bearing. This allows the tool to rotate, preferably along the circumference of the control disc. Thus, the tool or the machining device can remain in the machining position, and the workpiece can move past the (rotating) tool, preferably with the aid of a conveying device, the tool rotating along the control disc with the aid of the bearing. It is understood that other plain bearings can also be used instead of the ball bearing, such as roller bearings, sintered bearings, or plastic bearings.The bearings also offer the possibility of mounting the tool directly on (and preferably along its entire circumference) the control disc. This enables a compact design of the machining fixture.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the eccentric unit may have one or two tool holders coupled to the drive shaft, which rotatably mount the at least one tool (for example, a circular disc blade, a cutting wheel, or a perforating tool), wherein a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft runs parallel and offset from an axis of rotation of the at least one rotatably mounted tool. This configuration provides a flexible mounting option for the at least one tool. Preferably, the eccentric unit has only a single tool holder coupled to the drive shaft.

[0028] The tool holder serves to mount the at least one tool in such a way that it can rotate freely about an axis of rotation when it engages the workpiece in the machining position. For this purpose, the tool can be attached to a corresponding rotating shaft, which is rotatably mounted on the tool holder. Alternatively, the tool itself rotates about a shaft that is fixedly mounted on the tool holder. Due to the parallel offset (which is, for example, preferably more or less than 200 mm, more preferably more or less than 100 mm, even more preferably more or less than 50 mm, and even more preferably more or less than 25 mm) of the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft of the tool rotatably mounted on the tool holder, the tool can be rotated eccentrically between the rest position and the machining position.In other words, due to the eccentric arrangement of the tool relative to the drive shaft's longitudinal axis (caused by the parallel offset of the drive shaft's longitudinal axis to the rotational axis of the tool's rotating shaft mounted on the tool holder), the tool can be eccentrically rotated / pivoted between its rest position and the machining position. Simultaneously, the tool can rotate around a rotational axis on the tool holder in both its rest and machining positions (stationary). It is understood that the drive shaft's longitudinal axis also represents a rotational axis, but one that is parallel to and offset from the tool's rotational axis on the tool holder.The device therefore has at least two axes of rotation: a first one (which is also the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft) around which the tool is rotated (eccentrically) between a rest position and a machining position, and a second one around which the tool can rotate on the tool holder in the corresponding (stationary) rest position and / or machining position.

[0029] Furthermore, two tool holders, each with at least one tool, can be coupled to the drive shaft, preferably to the corresponding two ends of the drive shaft. It is also conceivable that several tool holders are attached to the respective end region(s) of the drive shaft, arranged at a corresponding distance from each other along the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft.

[0030] Furthermore, it is understood that an eccentric unit can also include at least one tool holder with at least one tool and at least one control disc with at least one tool. In other words, for example, at least one tool holder with at least one tool can be attached to one end of the drive shaft and at least one control disc with at least one tool to the other end of the drive shaft. It is also conceivable that several tool holders and / or control discs, each with at least one tool, are coupled on both sides of the drive shaft, for example, arranged at a corresponding distance from each other along the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the tool holder can be a tool changer, preferably comprising a carrier disc on which at least one tool, preferably two or three tools (for example, a circular disc blade, a cutting wheel, or a perforating tool), is rotatably mounted. This is advantageous because it allows switching between different tools, each of which is to be used in the machining position. Thus, by rotating the tool changer, a corresponding tool mounted on the carrier disc can be rotated (eccentrically) into the machining position, while the other (one or two) tools remain in the rest position. In the rest position and the machining position, the tools are rotatably mounted (about corresponding axes of rotation) on the carrier disc.The axes of rotation of the tools (which are mounted on the carrier disc) are each offset parallel to the longitudinal axis (axis of rotation) of the drive shaft.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the tool holder can have at least one or two plate-shaped elements that rotatably support the at least one tool, preferably rotating it between the two plate-shaped elements. This creates a simple and stable bearing structure for securely supporting the tool and allowing for quick and easy decoupling from the drive shaft when necessary. In particular, a rotating shaft of the tool is supported on the two plate-shaped elements. The tool is arranged, for example, between the two plate-shaped elements such that more than three-quarters of the tool surface is covered by the two plate-shaped elements.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the at least one tool or the two tools can have the form of a circular disk, in particular an annular disk, on which a first workpiece contact surface is arranged on a first outer circumference. This first workpiece contact surface preferably comprises a cutting edge and / or a grooved wheel. This has the advantage that the entire outer circumference of the tool can come into contact with the workpiece during rotation, and the workpiece contact surface wears evenly (with a delay). At the same time, the shape of a flat disk is advantageous for a compact machining device. The preferred design as an annular disk also ensures an even distribution of force from the tool to the control disk, which contributes to the stability and durability of the device. It is also conceivable that the first workpiece contact surface may (additionally) have sharpened edges, serrations, teeth, skids, or the like.

[0034] Preferably, a second workpiece contact surface can be arranged on a second circular outer circumference, which is preferably configured to roll over a surface of the workpiece. The second workpiece contact surface, which is arranged on the circular disk or ring disk, advantageously stabilizes the workpiece during machining by the first workpiece contact surface by rolling over the workpiece near the machining area without causing significant deformation of the workpiece.

[0035] Even more preferably, a third workpiece contact surface can be arranged on a third circular outer circumference, which is preferably configured to roll over a surface of the workpiece. The third workpiece contact surface, which is arranged on the circular disk or ring disk, advantageously stabilizes the workpiece during machining by the first workpiece contact surface by rolling over the workpiece near the machining area without causing significant deformation of the workpiece.

[0036] Preferably, the radius of the second circular outer circumference of the second workpiece contact surface and / or the radius of the third circular outer circumference of the third workpiece contact surfaces can be smaller than the radius of the second circular outer circumference of the second workpiece contact surface. In other words, the two and / or three circular workpiece contact surfaces of the circular tool form a stepped outer circumference that advantageously stabilizes the workpiece or workpiece surface near the machining area.

[0037] Even more preferably, the first workpiece contact surface can be arranged between the second and third workpiece contact surfaces. This enables symmetrical stabilization of the workpiece or workpiece surface near the machining area and consequently leads to a particularly high-quality machining result.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the drive unit can be an electric motor, such as a torque motor. This is advantageous because it operates with high dynamics, low backlash, and high torque. A torque motor, in simplified terms, is a large servo motor with a hollow shaft, optimized for high torque. For example, the torque motor can be a brushless DC motor. The torque motor can be used as an external rotor (stator inside, rotor outside) or as a conventional internal rotor (rotor inside, stator outside). This allows for fast and precise movement and positioning of the tool. Simultaneously, direct coupling of the drive shaft to the rotor of the internal rotor is possible, resulting in a compact design.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit can be arranged on the drive shaft, preferably completely enclosing a longitudinally extending portion of the drive shaft. This results in a compact design of the machining device, and the drive unit can transmit the drive force directly to the drive shaft. For example, the drive unit is arranged on the drive shaft such that it is located between two tool holders and / or control discs arranged longitudinally along the drive shaft. The drive unit is preferably a torque motor, for example, an internal rotor motor, in which the stator is preferably designed as part of the drive shaft of the eccentric unit. Thus, the drive shaft extends through the drive unit and / or a portion of the drive shaft is (completely) enclosed longitudinally by the drive unit.

[0040] More preferably, the distance (A) between the drive unit and the control disc and / or the distance (A) between the drive unit and the tool holder can be less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, and even more preferably 18 mm. This configuration ensures a small and compact design, and the torque generated by the drive unit can be transmitted with virtually no backlash, friction, or loss, or used to rotate / move the tool between the machining and rest positions. At the same time, the tool can be held in the machining and rest positions in an energy-efficient manner.

[0041] A machining unit according to the invention comprises at least two of the machining devices described above, which are mounted on a horizontally and / or vertically movable support structure, wherein the drive shafts of the at least two machining devices are preferably arranged parallel to each other. The distance between the two parallel drive shafts can be, for example, more or less than 500 mm, preferably more or less than 300 mm, and even more preferably more or less than 100 mm. This configuration creates a compact unit with which (several) workpieces can be machined (simultaneously) at different machining positions. The machining devices are preferably mounted in a support frame which is movable horizontally and / or vertically along a crossbeam.

[0042] A machining system according to the invention comprises at least one machining device and / or machining unit as described above, a storage device for holding the workpiece, which is preferably made at least partially of corrugated cardboard, a feeding device and / or a conveying device for feeding and / or conveying the workpiece, wherein the machining device and / or the machining unit is linearly movable along the conveyed workpiece. With this machining system, a multitude of machining steps can be performed precisely and energy-efficiently on a workpiece. The machining system can have two, three, four, or a plurality of the machining devices described above, each of which can be moved individually and / or together along the workpiece. This system is highly flexible and can perform several machining operations on the workpiece (simultaneously).

[0043] A method according to the invention for machining a workpiece, preferably using the machining device and / or the machining unit or machining system described above, comprises the following steps: Feeding and / or conveying a workpiece, preferably consisting at least partially of corrugated cardboard, to a processing device and / or a processing unit using a feeding device and / or a conveying device; moving one or two tools of the processing device and / or the processing unit between a processing position and a rest position, wherein the one or two tools are rotated eccentrically between the processing position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees; and processing, preferably cutting and / or perforating, the workpiece. This method processes a workpiece precisely and energy-efficiently. Furthermore, it is highly flexible, and several processing operations can be performed (simultaneously) on the workpiece using a variety of the processing devices described above.

[0044] Preferably, in the process from the rest position to the machining position and / or from the machining position to the rest position, one or the two tools are rotated eccentrically in a conveying direction of the workpiece.

[0045] This movement of the tool prevents workpiece overlap, especially at high conveying speeds of at least 1 m / s. The eccentric unit is rotated / pivoted eccentrically so that the tool performs a corresponding stroke from the rest position to the machining position and / or from the machining position to the rest position, ensuring that at a given position (machining position) on the (circular) path of the tool, the conveying direction of the workpiece and the direction of movement of the tool are identical. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] Further features and advantages of the method and the device will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show: Fig. 1a a first embodiment of the machining device in a rest position in an oblique view; Fig. 1b a first embodiment of the machining device in a rest position in a side view; Fig. 2a a first embodiment of the machining device in a further rest position in an oblique view; Fig. 2b a first embodiment of the machining device in a further rest position in a side view; Fig. 3a a first embodiment of the machining device in a machining position in an oblique view; Fig. 3b a first embodiment of the machining device in a machining position in a side view; Fig. 4a a second embodiment of the machining device in a machining position or rest position in an oblique view; Fig. 4b a second embodiment of the machining device in a machining position or rest position in a side view; Fig.Fig. 5a a second embodiment of the machining device in a rest position in an oblique view; Fig. 5 a second embodiment of the machining device in a rest position in a side view; and Fig. 6 a diagram illustrating the relationship between swivel angle and vertical stroke; Fig. 7a a third embodiment of the machining device in an oblique view; Fig. 7 a third embodiment of the machining device front view; Fig. 7 a third embodiment of the machining device side view; Fig. 7 a third embodiment of the machining device rear view; Fig. 8a a fourth embodiment of the machining device in an oblique view; Fig. 8 a fourth embodiment of the machining device front view; Fig. 8 a fourth embodiment of the machining device side view; Fig. 9 a schematic sequence of movements of a machining device; . Description of embodiments

[0047] Identical reference numerals shown in different figures denote identical, corresponding, or functionally similar elements. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that individual features described in different embodiments can also be implemented in a single embodiment, provided they are not structurally incompatible. Likewise, different features described within a single embodiment can also be provided individually or in each sub-combination in several embodiments.

[0048] Figure 1a shows an oblique view and Figure 1bA side view of a first embodiment of the machining device (2) in a rest position with a single tool (6) which is coupled by means of a ball bearing (5) to a control disk (4) which is attached to a distal end of a stationary rotatable drive shaft (3). Other bearings such as roller bearings, sintered bearings or plastic bearings can also be used. The control disk (4) and the drive shaft (3) are connected to each other at a coupling point (11), in particular detachably, for example with a screw connection. However, other detachable and non-detachable connection types are also conceivable. The drive shaft (3) is connected to a non-removable Figure 1aFigures / b show an electric torque motor connected to the drive shaft (3). This motor can be connected to the drive shaft (3) in such a way that it rotates the shaft 360 degrees. The drive shaft (3) is, for example, designed as part of the rotor of an internal rotor (torque motor) or coupled to it. The torque motor is thus located near the drive shaft (3) or is arranged around it, forming a compact machining device (2).

[0049] In this embodiment, the tool (6) is designed as an annular disk, with a ball bearing (5) arranged on the (inner) circumference of an inner circular recess of the annular disk, which is simultaneously arranged on an outer circumference of the control disk (4). The tool (6) is designed with a first (7) and a second (8) workpiece contact surface, which are arranged along corresponding outer circumferences of the annular tool (6). The first (7) and second (8) workpiece contact surfaces form a stepped annular disk, wherein a radius of an annular circle of the first workpiece contact surface (7) is larger than a radius of an annular circle of the second workpiece contact surface (8) or larger than a radius of an annular circle of the first step (8) formed by the second workpiece contact surface (8). The first (7) and second (8) workpiece contact surfaces, respectively, are arranged along the outer circumferences of the first step (8) formed by the second workpiece contact surface (8).The first step (8) extends accordingly around the entire outer circumference of the ring-shaped tool (6). The tool (6) also has a third workpiece contact surface or a third step, which, however, is located in . Figure 1a / b is not shown. The third workpiece contact surface is identical to the second workpiece contact surface (8), wherein the second (8) and third workpiece contact surfaces are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the annular tool (6) to form two circularly symmetrical steps around two outer circumferences of the circular disk. The first workpiece contact surface (7) lies between the second (8) and third workpiece contact surfaces and is designed as a knife edge. The first workpiece contact surface (7) may (additionally) have a grooving wheel (10) which forms only a portion of the first workpiece contact surface (7). In other words, the grooving wheel (10) occupies 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or 50% of the first workpiece contact surface (7).

[0050] It is understood that the second (8) and third workpiece contact surfaces form a surface that does not necessarily have to come into contact with the workpiece during machining. In other words, the tool (6) can be positioned in the machining position or rotated into this position without the second (8) and third workpiece contact surfaces touching the workpiece, but only the first workpiece contact surface (7). A corresponding vertical stroke can be achieved, for example, by a specific swivel angle or by adjusting the eccentric coupling between the drive shaft (3) and the control disc (4).

[0051] In Figure 1a / b the machining device (2) is in a rest position. This means that the workpiece contact surfaces (7, 8, 9) of the tool (6) of the machining device (2) are not in contact with the workpiece (1), regardless of whether a workpiece (1) is located in a machining area of ​​the machining device (2) or the machining system. In other words, the 360-degree rotatable eccentric unit or the control disk (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it are located at a top dead center on a circular path, or in a 12 o'clock position on a circular path along which the eccentric unit or the control disk (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it move during rotation. In this rest position, the vertical distance between the center point of the annular tool (6) and a surface of the workpiece (1) facing away from the tool (6) is exactly the height H + E.

[0052] Figure 2aFigure b shows the machining device (2) of the first embodiment in a second rest position. The eccentric unit or control disc (4), which can be rotated 360 degrees, and the tool (6) coupled to it are located at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, respectively, on a circular path along which the eccentric unit or control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it move during rotation. To move the machining device or the eccentric unit or control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it between the first and second rest positions, the eccentric unit or the drive shaft is rotated by 90 degrees. In this rest position, the vertical distance between the center point of the annular tool (6) and a surface of the workpiece (1) facing away from the tool (6) is exactly the height H.

[0053] Figure 3aFigure b shows the machining device (2) of the first embodiment in a machining position. The eccentric unit or control disc (4), which can be rotated 360 degrees, and the tool (6) coupled to it are located in a 6 o'clock position on a circular path along which the eccentric unit or control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it move during rotation. To move the machining device or the eccentric unit or control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it between the first rest position and the machining position, the eccentric unit or the drive shaft is rotated 180 degrees. Movement between the second rest position and the machining position corresponds to a rotation of 90 degrees.

[0054] In the machining position, the perpendicular distance between the center point of the ring-shaped tool (6) and a surface of the workpiece (1) facing away from the tool (6) is less than the height H - E. In the machining position in Figure 1a / b at least the first workpiece contact surface (7) (but not the second (8) and / or third workpiece contact surface) is in contact with the workpiece (1) in such a way as to cut through and / or perforate it. That is, the outer circumference of the first workpiece contact surface (7) of the tool (6) can pass from an upper to a lower surface of the plate-shaped workpiece (1). If, on the other hand, the workpiece (1) is only scored and / or a groove is impressed by the first workpiece contact surface (7) of the tool (6), the outer circumference of the first workpiece contact surface (7) of the tool (6) is located between the upper and the lower surfaces of the plate-shaped workpiece (1). That is, the outer circumference of the first workpiece contact surface (7) of the tool (6) is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped workpiece (1) without passing through it.Here, the vertical distance between the center point of the ring-shaped tool (6) and a surface of the workpiece (1) facing away from the tool (6) is less than the height H, but greater than H - E. In the two rest positions and the machining position, the distance E is the distance between the center point of the ring-shaped tool (6) (the control disk (4)) and a point on the control disk (4) through which the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (3) passes perpendicularly. It is understood that the distance H can be changed according to a specific rotation of the eccentric unit or the drive shaft (3). The distance E is referred to here as the vertical stroke of the machining device (2).

[0055] Figure 4aFigure 2b shows the machining device (2) of a second embodiment. The machining device (2) according to the second embodiment differs from the machining device (2) according to the first embodiment only insofar as it comprises two control discs (4) with two tools (6) coupled thereto, the control discs (4) being arranged at a distal end of the drive shaft (3). Figure 4a / b the machining device (2) according to the second embodiment is simultaneously in a machining and a rest position. In other words, one of the two control discs (4) with the tool (6) coupled to it is in the machining position or the other in the rest position. Here, the machining position of one control disc (4) with the tool (6) coupled to it corresponds exactly to the configuration of the control disc (4) with the tool (6) coupled to it of the first embodiment in the machining position described above. At the same time, the rest position of the other control disc (4) with the tool (6) coupled to it corresponds exactly to the configuration of the control disc (4) with the tool (6) coupled to it of the first embodiment in the rest position described above, in which the eccentric unit, which can be rotated by 360 degrees, is located in the machining position.The control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it are located in a 12 o'clock position on a circular path along which the eccentric unit or the control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it move during rotation. In other words, one of the two tools (6) of the machining device (2) is machining the workpiece in the machining position, while the other tool (6) is in the rest position. In this position, the two circular control discs (4) or the ring-shaped tools (6) are (in a side view along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (3) or with a viewing direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (corresponds to the right side in ). Figure 4 ) offset at both distal ends of the drive shaft (3).

[0056] In Figure 5a / b the machining device (2) according to the second embodiment is in a rest position, i.e., the two control discs (4) with the tool (6) coupled to them are in the rest position. Here, the configuration of the two control discs (4) with the tool (6) coupled to them in the rest position corresponds exactly to the configuration of the control disc (4) with the tool (6) coupled to it of the first embodiment in the rest position described above, in which the eccentric unit, which can be rotated 360 degrees, or the control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it are located in a 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position on a circular path, on which the eccentric unit, or the control disc (4) and the tool (6) coupled to it move during rotation. In this position, the two circular control discs (4) or the ring-shaped tools (6) (in a side view along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (3) orwith a viewing direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (corresponds to the view in . Figure 5b The eccentric unit (2) is arranged congruently at both distal ends of the drive shaft (3). To move the machining device (2) between the machining position and a rest position according to the second embodiment, the eccentric unit or the drive shaft must be rotated by 90 degrees. It is understood that other specific degrees of rotation can also be implemented, so that the tool (6) only scores and / or embosses the workpiece (1) as described in embodiment 1.

[0057] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating the relationship between the swivel angle and the vertical stroke. This relationship is exemplified for both the eccentric unit with one control disc (4) according to embodiment 1 and the eccentric unit with two control discs (4) according to embodiment 2. Here, the relationship between the vertical stroke of the eccentric unit (or the tool (6) coupled to it) and the swivel angle of the eccentric unit can be superimposed with an acceleration phase, a constant velocity phase, and a braking phase of the drive that rotates the eccentric unit.In other words, the acceleration phase, in which the rotation of the drive shaft is accelerated, takes place, for example, between a swivel angle of 0 degrees and 60 degrees; the constant speed phase takes place between a swivel angle of 60 degrees and 120 degrees; and the braking phase takes place between a swivel angle of 120 degrees and 180 degrees. This allows the drive unit to operate particularly energy-efficiently during these phases.

[0058] The Figures 7a to 7dFigure 1 shows a third embodiment of the machining device (2) in oblique, front, side, and rear views. The machining device (2) comprises the eccentric unit, which has a drive shaft (3), a control disk (4), and a tool holder (12), and a drive unit (13). The control disk (4) and the tool holder (12) are each coupled to one end of the drive shaft (3), with the drive unit (13) arranged on the drive shaft (3) and along the longitudinal axis between the control disk (4) and the tool holder (12). The drive unit (13), as an internal rotor electric motor, encloses a portion of the drive shaft (3) in the longitudinal direction. The tool holder (12) comprises two plate-shaped elements (16) that support a shaft of the tool (6), allowing the tool (6) to rotate freely on or with it. The tool (6) is located between the two plate-shaped elements (16).

[0059] For example, in the Figure 7bAs shown, the longitudinal / rotational axis (15) of the shaft of the tool (6) attached to the tool holder (12) runs parallel to and offset from the longitudinal / rotational axis (14) of the drive shaft (3), so that the tool (6) can be rotated eccentrically around the drive shaft (3) between a machining position and a rest position. The part of the eccentric unit described here (comprising the drive shaft (3) and the control disc (4) with the tool (6) attached thereto) corresponds to the eccentric unit described in the first embodiment (comprising the drive shaft (3) and the control disc (4) with the tool (6) attached thereto). Therefore, all features of the first embodiment can also be found in the third embodiment.Consequently, the drive unit (13) can rotate the tool (6) attached to the tool holder (12) and the tool (6) attached to the control disc (4) eccentrically between a machining position and a rest position by rotating the drive shaft (3) (preferably simultaneously).

[0060] As in Figure 7c As can be seen, the distance (A) between the control disk (4) or the tool holder (12) and the drive unit (13) is small in order to achieve a compact design. The distances (A) can, for example, be more or less than 30 mm, preferably more or less than 20 mm, and even more preferably 18 mm. This applies both to the distance (A) between the control disk (4) and the drive unit (13) and to the distance (A) between the tool holder (12) and the drive unit (13), whereby the distances (A) defined above can be combined in any way.

[0061] The third embodiment is not limited to the (first) configuration of the third embodiment described above, in which only one control disk (4) or only one tool holder (12) with a tool (6) attached to it is coupled to each end of the drive shaft (3). Alternative configurations are also possible in which only one control disk (4) or only one tool holder (12) with a tool (6) attached to it is coupled to each end of the drive shaft (3). However, multiple control disks (4) and / or multiple tool holders (12) with a tool (6) attached to it can also be coupled to each end of the drive shaft (3). Furthermore, there are also configurations in which only one control disk (4) or only one tool holder (12) with a tool (6) attached to it is coupled to only one end of the drive shaft (3), with the other end of the drive shaft (3) remaining unoccupied / free.For all these alternative configurations, the features of the first configuration of the third embodiment described above are implemented accordingly.

[0062] The Figures 8a to 8cFigure 1 shows a fourth embodiment of the machining device (2) in oblique, front, and rear views. The machining device (2) comprises the eccentric unit, which has a drive shaft (3) and a tool changer (18), and a drive unit (13). The tool changer (18) comprises a carrier disc (17) on which a total of three tools (6) are arranged, with two of these tools (6) being in a rest position and one tool (6) in a machining position. However, all tools (6) can also be in a rest position. The carrier disc (17) is coupled to one end of the drive shaft (3), with the drive unit (13) arranged on the drive shaft (3) and along its longitudinal axis. The drive unit (13), as an internal rotor electric motor, encloses a portion of the drive shaft (3) in the longitudinal direction.The tool changer (18) includes the carrier disk (17) which supports the three shafts of the three tools (6), so that the three tools (6) can each rotate freely on or with these shafts.

[0063] For example, in the Figure 8b As shown, the longitudinal / rotational axes (15) of the shafts of the tools (6) attached to the tool changer (18) are all parallel and offset from the longitudinal / rotational axis (14) of the drive shaft (3), so that the tool (6) can rotate eccentrically around the drive shaft (3) between a machining position and corresponding rest positions. Consequently, the drive unit (13) can rotate the tools (6) attached to the tool changer (18) eccentrically between a machining position and a rest position by rotating the drive shaft (3).

[0064] The following applies in principle to all tool changers (18) described here: A tool changer (18) is set up to be rotated by a drive unit (13) in such a way that one tool (6) is in a machining position and two tools (6) are in a rest position and / or the tool changer (18) is set up to be rotated by a drive unit (13) in such a way that three tools (6) are in a rest position.

[0065] As in Figure 8c As can be seen, the distance (A) between the carrier disc (17) of the tool changer (18) and the drive unit (13) is small in order to ensure a compact design. The distance can be, for example, more or less than 30 mm, preferably more or less than 20 mm, and even more preferably 18 mm.

[0066] The fourth embodiment is not limited to the first configuration of the fourth embodiment described above, in which a tool changer (18) with three tools (6) attached to it is coupled to only one end of the drive shaft (3). An alternative configuration is also possible in which a tool changer (18) with three tools (6) attached to it is coupled to each end of the drive shaft (3). In all configurations, only one or two tools (6) can be coupled. For all these alternative configurations, the features of the first configuration of the fourth embodiment described above are implemented accordingly.

[0067] A machining unit not shown in the figures comprises, for example, at least two of the machining devices described above in the first to fourth embodiments, which are mounted on a horizontally and / or vertically movable support structure, wherein the drive shafts of the at least two machining devices are preferably arranged parallel to each other. The distance between the two parallel drive shafts can be, for example, more or less than 500 mm, preferably more or less than 300 mm, and even more preferably more or less than 100 mm. This machining unit creates a compact unit that can machine (several) workpieces simultaneously at different machining positions. The machining devices are mounted in a support frame that is horizontally and / or vertically movable along a crossbeam.

[0068] A processing system not shown in the figures comprises at least one processing device (2) and / or processing unit as described above, comprising a storage device for storing the workpiece (1), which is preferably at least partially made of corrugated cardboard, a feeding device and / or a conveying device for feeding and / or conveying the workpiece (1), wherein the processing device (2) and / or the processing unit is linearly movable along the conveyed workpiece.

[0069] Figure 9shows a specific process step of the process according to the invention.In the inventive method for machining a workpiece (1) using the machining device (2) and / or the machining unit or machining system described above, the following steps are performed: feeding and / or conveying a workpiece (1), which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, with a feeding device and / or a conveying device to a machining device and / or a machining unit; moving one or two tools of the machining device and / or the machining unit between a machining position and a rest position, wherein one tool (6) or the two tools (6) are rotated eccentrically between the machining position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees; and machining, preferably cutting and / or perforating, the workpiece.

[0070] As in Figure 9 This schematic diagram shows, particularly during the process of moving from the rest position to the machining position and / or from the machining position to the rest position, that one or two tools (6) rotate eccentrically in a conveying direction of the workpiece (1). This movement of the tool (6) prevents the workpiece (1) from overlapping, especially at high conveying speeds of at least 1 m / s. The eccentric unit is rotated / pivoted eccentrically such that the tool (6) executes a corresponding stroke from the rest position to the machining position and / or from the machining position to the rest position, whereby at one position (machining position) on the (circular) path of motion of the tool (6), the conveying direction of the workpiece (1) and the direction of movement of the tool (6) are identical. Reference symbol list

[0071] 1 Workpiece 2 Machining device 3 Drive shaft 4 Control disc 5 Ball bearing 6 Tool 7 First workpiece contact surface 8 Second workpiece contact surface 9 Third workpiece contact surface 10 Grooving wheel 11 Coupling point 12 Tool holder 13 Drive unit 14 Longitudinal / rotational axis of the drive shaft 15 Longitudinal / rotational axis of the tool 16 Plate-shaped element 17 Carrier disc 18 Tool changer

Claims

1. Machining device for machining a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, comprising a drive unit which is configured to move at least one tool or two tools between a machining position and a rest position, characterized by the fact that the drive unit drives at least one eccentric unit which rotates the at least one tool or the two tools between the machining position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees.

2. Machining device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the eccentric unit has a drive shaft driven by the drive unit, which is preferably mounted to rotate in a fixed position.

3. Machining device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatThe eccentric unit comprises one or two circular control discs directly connected to the drive shaft, wherein a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft passes perpendicularly through the control disc or the two control discs and is arranged eccentrically to the center of the control disc or the control discs.

4. Machining device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the at least one tool is connected to the control disc via a bearing, or the two tools are connected to the two control discs via two bearings, wherein the bearing(s) is / are preferably arranged along an outer circumference of the control disc, wherein the bearing is preferably a ball bearing.

5. Machining device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact thatthe eccentric unit has one tool holder coupled to the drive shaft or two tool holders coupled to the drive shaft, which rotatably support the at least one tool, wherein a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft runs parallel to and offset from an axis of rotation of the at least one rotatably supported tool.

6. Machining device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that The tool holder is a tool changer which preferably comprises a carrier disc which rotatably mounts the at least one tool, preferably two or three tools.

7. Machining device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that The tool holder has at least one or two plate-shaped elements that rotatably support the at least one tool, preferably rotatably between the two plate-shaped elements.

8. Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe at least one tool or the two tools have / have the form of a circular disk, in particular a ring disk, on which a first workpiece contact surface is arranged on a first outer circumference of the circle, which preferably has a cutting edge and / or a grooved wheel.

9. Machining device according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that A second workpiece contact surface is arranged on a second circular outer circumference, which is preferably designed to roll over a surface of the workpiece.

10. Machining device according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that A third workpiece contact surface is arranged on a third circular outer circumference, which is preferably designed to roll over a surface of the workpiece.

11. Machining device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact thata radius of the second circular outer circumference of the second workpiece contact surface and / or a radius of the third circular outer circumference of the third workpiece contact surfaces is / are smaller than a radius of the second circular outer circumference of the second workpiece contact surface.

12. Machining device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that The first workpiece contact surface is arranged between the second and third workpiece contact surfaces.

13. Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the drive unit is an electric motor, which is, for example, a torque motor.

14. Machining device according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized by the fact that the drive unit is arranged on the drive shaft, preferably fully enclosing a longitudinally extended part of the drive shaft.

15. Machining device according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 14, characterized by the fact thata distance (A) between the drive unit and the control disc and / or a distance (A) between the drive unit and the tool holder is less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably 18 mm.

16. Machining unit comprising at least two machining devices according to one of the preceding claims, which are attached to a horizontally and / or vertically movable carrier device, wherein preferably the drive shafts of the at least two machining devices are arranged parallel to each other.

17. Machining system comprising at least one machining device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15 and / or a machining unit according to claim 16, a storage device for storing the workpiece, which is preferably at least partially made of corrugated cardboard, a feeding device and / or a conveying device for feeding and / or conveying the workpiece, wherein the machining device and / or the machining unit is linearly movable along the conveyed workpiece.

18. A method for machining a workpiece, preferably by means of a machining device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 15 and / or a machining unit according to claim 16, or a machining system according to claim 16, comprising the following steps: - feeding and / or conveying a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, with a feeding device and / or a conveying device to a machining device and / or the machining unit; - moving one or two tools of the machining device and / or the machining unit between a machining position and a rest position, wherein one or the two tools are / are rotated eccentrically between the machining position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees; and - machining, preferably cutting and / or perforating, the workpiece; 19. Method for machining a workpiece according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that During the process from the rest position to the machining position and / or from the machining position to the rest position, one or both tools are rotated eccentrically in a conveying direction of the workpiece.

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