Transport device, use of a transport device and printing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (1) with segments (2) for transporting substrates, wherein in a variant A the segments form a segment traction element (2000) which is driven via a drive element (31) of a drive system (3), or wherein in a variant B the transport device (1) has transverse guides (33) by means of which the segments (2) are movably arranged in a positioning section (101) in a transverse direction (12) relative to one or more traction elements (32), wherein a force (102) is exerted on the segments (2) in the transverse direction (12) by means of a pressure system, such that segment guide elements (211) are pressed against a track guide element (4).so that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) can each be positioned in the transverse direction (12) independently of the position in the transverse direction (12) of the one or more traction elements (32) and / or the drive element (31) and / or of segments outside the positioning section (101), and / or that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction (12) that is less than the freedom of movement of the one or more traction elements (32) and / or the drive element (31) and / or the segments (2) outside the positioning section (101). The invention also relates to a pressure device (10) and a use of the transport device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device, a use of a transport device and a printing device.

[0002] It is common practice in sheetfed printing to use vacuum conveyor belts to transport printed sheets under a printing unit. These are typically perforated belts made of polyurethane (PUR) or stainless steel, welded together to form an endless conveyor belt. The problem is that these conveyor belts can move considerably laterally during operation. The play in the conveyor belts is therefore relatively large. As a result, the sheet being printed shifts during printing, along with the conveyor belt, also laterally, resulting in an imprecise, inaccurate, or insufficiently registered printed image.

[0003] Various approaches are known for moving endless conveyor belts with as little play as possible.

[0004] One approach involves guiding the conveyor belts along their entire length between two raised "side walls." However, to ensure low-wear operation and prevent the conveyor belts from tilting within the side walls, a relatively large amount of play in the conveyor belts within the side walls must always be accepted, compared to the pressure requirements.

[0005] Another approach uses a so-called wedge strip to guide the conveyor belts. This wedge strip is located in the center of the conveyor belt. It is, for example, firmly attached to the conveyor belt and runs in a groove during transport, guiding the wedge strip and thus the conveyor belt. However, here too, a relatively low contact force of the wedge strip on the groove is necessary, especially for low-wear operation, which again results in a certain amount of play perpendicular to the direction of transport.

[0006] Furthermore, US patent 2022144573 A1 discloses the use of a multitude of segments connected by a chain or toothed belt conveyor and moved along a transport path. The segments are guided by wheels that are axially fixed to the segments on one side and run in a V-shaped track attached to the frame. Similar to the method described for guiding the wedge strip in the groove, this type of guidance also has the disadvantage that relatively large movements perpendicular to the transport direction must be accepted, particularly for unimpeded and low-wear operation.

[0007] The above approaches all have in common that they deliver imprecise printing or coating results.

[0008] It is also known to provide segmented deflection rollers with a variable diameter and to adjust the position of the bends using these deflection rollers. However, this is an extremely complex and elaborate technique, which is correspondingly expensive.

[0009] For example, one object of the invention is to provide an improved transport device, in particular an improved vacuum transport device. Another object of the invention is, for example, to provide an improved printing device, in particular an improved sheet-fed printing device.

[0010] The problem is solved by means of a transport device according to claim 1, a printing device according to claim 17 and a use according to claim 18.

[0011] The problem is solved by means of a transport device, in particular for use in a printing device, preferably for use in a sheet-fed printing device. The transport device is in particular a vacuum transport device. The transport device comprises segments for transporting substrates, in particular sheets, and a drive system for moving the segments in a drive direction along an endless path.

[0012] In variant A, the segments are connected to each other via joints such that the segments form a segment traction element. The drive system includes a drive element for transmitting a force to the segments. Preferably, the joints are hinges.

[0013] In variant A, the drive element is arranged in engagement with the segment traction element, in particular in direct engagement with the segment traction element. The segments have freedom of movement in a transverse direction that runs perpendicular to the drive direction, in particular with respect to a stationary reference point of the transport device (1) and / or with respect to the drive element (31).

[0014] In variant B, the drive system comprises a drive element and one or more endless traction elements for transmitting a force exerted by the drive element to the segments. The one or more traction elements have freedom of movement in a transverse direction perpendicular to the drive direction. This freedom of movement exists, in particular, relative to a stationary reference point of the transport device and / or relative to the drive element.

[0015] In variant B, the segments are attached to the one or more traction elements sequentially along the drive direction by means of transverse guides. For each segment, the one or more traction elements are movably arranged in the transverse direction relative to the respective segment by means of one or more of the transverse guides.

[0016] Each segment of variant A and / or B also has or forms at least one segment guide element. The transport device also includes a pressure system for exerting a transverse force on the segments. In a positioning section, the pressure system of variant A and / or B presses the segment guide elements and a track guide element against each other in such a way that the segments in the positioning section can be positioned transversely, regardless of the transverse position of segments outside the positioning section and / or the drive element. In particular, a transverse movement of the drive element and / or of segments outside the positioning section does not affect the position of the segments within the positioning section, which is determined by the segment guide elements and the track guide element.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, in variant A and / or B, the pressure system in a positioning section presses the segment guide elements and a path guide element against each other in such a way that the segments in the positioning section have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction, in particular with respect to a stationary reference point, which is less than the freedom of movement of segments outside the positioning section in the transverse direction, in particular with respect to the stationary reference point, and / or is less than the freedom of movement of the drive element in the transverse direction, in particular with respect to the stationary reference point.In particular, a movement of the drive element in the transverse direction and / or of segments outside the positioning section in the transverse direction has only a minor effect on the respective position of the segments located in the positioning section, which is determined by the segment guide elements and the path guide element.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, in variant B, the pressure system in a positioning section presses the segment guide elements and a track guide element against each other in such a way that the segments in the positioning section can each be positioned in the transverse direction independently of a transverse position of the one or more traction elements and / or the segment guide elements and a track guide element against each other in such a way that the segments in the positioning section have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction, in particular with respect to the stationary reference point and / or with respect to the drive element, which is less than the freedom of movement of the one or more traction elements.

[0019] The problem is further solved by a printing device, in particular a sheet-fed printing device, comprising the transport device according to the invention, preferably for printing the substrates, in particular the sheets, in the positioning section. The problem is further solved by using the transport device according to the invention in a printing device, preferably for printing the substrates, in particular the sheets, in the positioning section, and / or by using the transport device according to the invention for printing substrates, in particular sheets, preferably in the positioning section.

[0020] Variant A can be designed without the one or more traction elements and without the transverse guides of variant B. The term "traction element(s)" therefore refers specifically to the traction elements of variant B, unless the segment traction element of variant A is explicitly mentioned. The following explanations apply to both variants A and B, unless otherwise stated.

[0021] The present invention achieves, in particular, that the movements of the substrates transported by the segments are minimized in the transverse direction within the positioning section. Consequently, the substrates, especially the sheets transported by the segments, can be printed or otherwise coated with exceptionally high precision and / or register accuracy. Specifically, during operation of the transport device, the pressure system advantageously presses the segment guide elements and the web guide element against each other in such a way that the segment guide elements are always in contact with the web guide element within the positioning section, thus defining the path along which the segments move within the positioning section in the transverse direction.If a traction element, particularly of variant B, and / or the drive element, particularly of variant A, moves laterally within the positioning section, this traction element and / or drive element transmits no force, or only a very minimal force, to the segments resulting from the lateral movement. The segments remain in the predetermined path, and the laterally moving traction element and / or drive element performs a relative movement with respect to the respective segment in the lateral direction. Consequently, traction elements and / or drive elements that themselves execute relatively large lateral movements can also be used.

[0022] Through a connection of the segments to the traction elements, in particular variant B, provided by means of the transverse guides, or the segment traction element of variant A formed by the segments, and by pressing the segment guide elements and track guide elements together, reduced lateral movements of the segments are achieved on the one hand, and on the other hand, for example, the design possibilities of the drive system with regard to its wear and / or complexity are also improved, since the traction elements and / or drive elements can meet lower requirements with regard to their lateral movements.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0024] The transverse direction runs in particular perpendicular to the drive direction and / or parallel to a surface of a respective segment, which is expediently provided for receiving and / or holding one or more of the substrates or a part of a substrate.

[0025] Register accuracy refers to the positional accuracy of two or more elements and / or layers relative to each other. The register accuracy should fall within a predefined tolerance and be as low as possible. At the same time, the register accuracy of multiple elements and / or layers relative to each other is an important characteristic for increasing process reliability. Precise positioning can be achieved, in particular, using sensory, preferably optically detectable, register marks. These register marks can either represent specific separate elements, areas, or layers, or they can themselves be part of the elements, areas, or layers being positioned.

[0026] The freedom of movement of one or more traction elements, particularly of variant B, is or comprises, in particular, a clearance, preferably a clearance of one or more traction element guides, which guide the one or more traction elements, preferably at least partially along the path in the drive direction, and / or limit a maximum movement of the one or more traction elements in the transverse direction, preferably at least partially along the path in the transverse direction. The freedom of movement of the one or more traction elements can, in particular, also be achieved through the interaction of several clearances between different components of the drive system. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the freedom of movement is achieved, at least partially, due to an elastic deformation capability of one or more traction elements.

[0027] Outside the positioning section, the segments, particularly those of variant A, are movable in the transverse direction, preferably within the limits of a preferably existing clearance, wherein this clearance allows movement of the segments relative to each other in the transverse direction via the joints. Advantageously, the segments within this clearance in the transverse direction, particularly in the positioning section, can be positioned by pressing the respective at least one segment guide element against the track guide element, and in particular, positioned according to the path defined by the track guide element. By positioning the segments in the transverse direction within the positioning section, the freedom of movement of the segments relative to each other in the positioning section is thus preferably less than outside the positioning section and / or within the positioning section.

[0028] The freedom of movement of the drive element, particularly of variant A, is or includes, in particular, a clearance, preferably a clearance of one or more bearings that support the drive element. The freedom of movement of the drive element can also be achieved, in particular, through the interaction of several clearances between different components of the drive system. The freedom of movement of the drive element is, in particular, limited by a maximum movement of the drive element in the transverse direction, which is expediently greater than the maximum movement of the segments positioned in the transverse direction within the positioning section while the segments are movable or are moved through the positioning section in the drive direction.If, while the drive element is preferably movable within limits of the play, there is also a freedom of movement, in particular a play, of the segments of variant A in the transverse direction, then this freedom of movement is expediently less than the freedom of movement, in particular the play, of the drive element, at least in the positioning section.

[0029] If, particularly in variant A, there are several drive elements or the drive element comprises several shafts, each with one or more transmission elements, such as sprockets, the above preferably applies to each drive element or each shaft with the one or more transmission elements.

[0030] In the positioning section, particularly in variants A and / or B, the transverse guides advantageously prevent the transverse movement of one or more traction elements and / or the drive element from being converted into a transverse movement of the segments within their range of motion. This allows the segments to be positioned independently of the transverse position of the one or more traction elements and / or the drive element. A reduced range of motion for the segments compared to that of the one or more traction elements and / or the drive element in the positioning section can result from a combination of play between different components of the respective segment guide elements and / or the track guide element, or from irregularities in these components.In particular, in some embodiments, the one or more traction elements and / or the drive element can thereby cause a minimal movement of the segments within their range of motion. Advantageously, however, the range of motion of the segments is very small. The reduced range of motion of the segments refers in particular to a lower tolerance of the segments from a target position; that is, preferably, the segments in the positioning section have a maximum deviation from a target position in the transverse direction that is smaller than the maximum deviation of the one or more traction elements and / or the drive element and / or the segments located outside the positioning section from a target position and / or from an average position that is caused by the range of motion of the one or more traction elements and / or the drive element and / or the segments located outside the positioning section.

[0031] The path is preferably straight, at least in some sections, and in particular straight at least in the positioning section. The path is preferably curved, at least in some sections, about an axis running along the transverse direction, and preferably curved outside the positioning section. It is conceivable that the path runs at least in some sections or completely on a plane. The path preferably has an upper part, which runs through the positioning section, and a lower part. The path is particularly guided back from one end of the positioning section to the beginning of the positioning section.

[0032] The segments are preferably spaced apart from each other by a gap. The gap is advantageously designed such that the segments are sufficiently mobile relative to each other, in particular to be able to follow curves of the track when moving along it. Each segment can be a single piece or multiple pieces. In particular, each segment comprises one or more plates, preferably one or more plates made of metal, preferably stainless steel or aluminum, and / or one or more plates made of plastic, preferably thermosetting high-pressure laminates (HPL) or plates made of one or more thermoplastic fiber-reinforced plastics. The plates form, particularly in variant B, for example, a perforated plate which is received by transport plates. It is possible that the segments are arranged partially or completely along the one or more traction elements and / or along the track, particularly in variants A and / or B.Advantageously, the segments together form a segmented conveyor belt. A gap is preferably provided between any two segments of several or all segments, preferably providing a distance between the respective segments of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm. The segments are arranged in such a way that, apart from a gap which is preferably less than 10 mm, particularly preferably less than 5 mm, a closed surface comparable to that of an endless conveyor belt is formed between the individual segments.

[0033] The positioning section is preferably located along a portion of the web. In this portion, the substrates, preferably the sheets, are preferably printed or otherwise coated. However, it is also conceivable that the positioning section extends along the entire web. In this case, the material requirements, effort, and wear can be minimized. Depending on the requirements, the transport device may also have additional positioning sections, each designed according to the configuration of the positioning section. Preferably, the positioning section has a length in the drive direction that is at least twice the length of a printing area in which a sheet is printed using a printing unit.

[0034] The substrates, in particular the sheets, are preferably essentially flat. A flat substrate has dimensions on the segments, particularly in the transverse and drive directions, that are a multiple of the height perpendicular to a plane spanned by the transverse and drive directions. Preferably, the substrates are to be coated (preferably printed) (in particular by means of the printing device). Each substrate, in particular each sheet, can preferably be picked up and / or held by one or more segments. A picked-up and / or held substrate is expediently coatable, in particular printable, in the positioning section, and / or is coated, in particular printed, there, and is transported through the positioning section, in particular at a defined position.

[0035] The term "each" is to be understood in particular as referring to a single corresponding part, for example, a segment, whereby preferably all corresponding parts, for example, segments, are designed with respect to the properties under consideration in the same way as the one considered individually. However, it is also conceivable that additional parts, for example, further segments, with a different design are present. For example, embodiments are conceivable which have two or more different conveyor belts with segments which, while each conveyor belt being designed identically with respect to their transverse guides and / or their segment guide elements, are also partially designed differently, for example, with respect to their retaining means, such as their holes for a vacuum system and / or gaps between the segments for a vacuum system.For example, it is possible that only certain segments have a vacuum system and other segments do not, or that the vacuum systems of the segments differ in the strength or distribution of the vacuum suction effect, particularly across the segment area.

[0036] Preferably, a coating and / or printing process is carried out using the transport device, comprising at least the following steps: picking up a substrate by means of one or more segments; coating and / or printing the substrate within the positioning section. During coating and / or printing, the segment guide elements within the positioning section are pressed against the web guide element by means of the pressure system.

[0037] Preferably, the printing device for printing the substrates comprises a printing unit as described in particular in German patent application number 10 2024 113 523. The transport device is used in particular for transporting the substrates, which are printed using the method disclosed therein. The transport device can be combined with the embodiments disclosed therein, in particular, to obtain especially precise printing results.

[0038] The transport device can be installed and / or used in particular in a digital printing device, a hot stamping device, a cold stamping device, a blind stamping device, a finishing device or an analog printing device.

[0039] The freedom of movement of the segments in the positioning section, starting from a central position, lies specifically within a range of -0.02 mm to +0.02 mm and / or within a span of less than or equal to 0.04 mm. In other words, the maximum deviation of the segments from a target position in the positioning section, starting from a central position, lies within a range of -0.02 mm to +0.02 mm and / or the maximum deviation has limits that are less than or equal to 0.04 mm apart.

[0040] The transport device preferably comprises several rotating bodies, which are rotatably mounted on the segment guide elements and / or the track guide element. The rotating bodies are arranged such that the segment guide elements can be moved along the track guide element by rotating the rotating bodies. The rotating bodies are preferably rotatably mounted about an axis that runs perpendicular to the transverse direction and preferably perpendicular to the drive direction. Advantageously, each segment can thus be moved along the track guide element with a defined path. This results in particularly low wear due to low friction.

[0041] Preferably, the segment guide elements each comprise at least one rotating body which can roll along the track guide element. Preferably, the segment guide elements are or comprise cam rollers. In particular, the segment guide elements comprise or consist of one or more of the following guide elements: a cam roller, one or more rotating bodies attached to or within the respective segment, in particular a roller strip, preferably a flat cage with rollers, preferably with needle rollers.

[0042] The track guide element advantageously has a fixed position in the transport device and is preferably not adjusted or modified, and / or is not adjustable. It may be provided that the track guide element is mounted on a sliding guide, in particular wherein the position of the sliding guide is adjustable or modified via screws or a threaded spindle. The track guide element is thus immobile, particularly during operation of the transport device. However, an embodiment is particularly possible in which the fixed position is adjustable at least in the transverse direction, preferably by means of an adjusting device for the track guide element.Preferably, this adjusting device is designed such that the position of the track guide element relative to a frame element, in particular the first or second frame element described below or the single frame element, can be adjusted by means of the adjusting device, and / or by means of which the position of a frame element, in particular the first or second frame element described below or the single frame element, together with the track guide element, can be adjusted. The adjusting device is or comprises, in particular, a guide system and / or has, in particular, a threaded spindle.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, each segment has at least or exactly two segment guide elements, each forming one of the rotating bodies, preferably each forming a cam roller. The guide element preferably has or represents at least one stationary running rail, preferably one that is adjustable in position by means of the adjusting device. Thus, preferably at least two cam rollers run on the running rail for each segment, thereby preventing rotation of this segment relative to the running rail and / or a corresponding torque acting adversely on this segment.

[0044] However, it is also possible for each segment to have at least one surface as a segment guide element, which can be pressed against the web guide element. In this case, the web guide element is preferably formed with or by bodies of revolution, on which the at least one surface of the respective segment can roll. Here, the web guide element can, for example, have or form a roller strip, in particular a flat cage with rollers, preferably with needle rollers. Particularly in variant A, however, it is also conceivable for each segment to have at least one surface as a segment guide element, which can be pressed against the web guide element, wherein the segments can each be guided along the web guide element by means of a sliding guide.

[0045] Particularly in variant A, the segments may comprise or consist of plastic, especially a sliding material. Alternatively or additionally, each segment may have a support body made entirely or partially of plastic, especially a sliding material. The sliding material preferably forms segment guide elements formed by the segments. Preferably, the sliding material also forms joint elements, which are described in more detail below. The sliding material is or comprises, in particular, the following material: polyoxymethylene (POM). It is also possible that the sliding material comprises or consists of one or more of the following materials: polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyamide (PA).

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, particularly in variant A, the track guide element and the segment guide elements each form a sliding guide. Thus, each segment preferably has at least one surface formed by a sliding material, which can slide or slides along the track guide element in the positioning section. This allows for particularly precise positioning of the segments with a lightweight and simple transport device design. Preferably, the track guide element also consists of or comprises a sliding material.

[0047] Preferably, the segments and / or the carrier bodies are or are injection molded and / or have an injection molding material or consist of it.

[0048] In variant A, it is alternatively or additionally possible for the segments to have a receiving layer to form a surface for receiving the substrates. Preferably, the receiving layer is a rubber layer. The surface for receiving the substrates thus exhibits, by means of the receiving layer, a higher static friction per unit area with the substrates than a surface of the carrier body, particularly the sliding material. The rubber layer preferably has a higher elasticity than the carrier body. The rubber layer can be injection-molded, flooded, or otherwise coated onto the carrier body. Preferably, the rubber layer forms a continuous area on each segment. However, it is also possible for the rubber layer to form several sections on each segment, for example, to improve the friction with specific substrates.The rubber layer is or preferably comprises an elastomer.

[0049] To form the joints, particularly the hinges, of variant A, the segments preferably each have one or more joint elements. The joint elements of any two adjacent segments are preferably mounted so that they can rotate relative to each other. Through the interaction of the joint elements of the two adjacent segments, a joint is advantageously formed between these two adjacent segments. In the transverse direction, the joint elements preferably form several openings through which at least one axis runs, about which any two adjacent segments can rotate. Thus, if one considers a single segment, this segment preferably has two axes of rotation. This segment is arranged to rotate about these axes of rotation relative to the two directly adjacent segments. Advantageously, this applies to each segment.The segment traction element preferably comprises several components, in particular several hinge pins, to form one axis of rotation of each of two adjacent segments, in order to form the axes of rotation of a plurality of mutually rotatable segments.

[0050] It is preferred that the segment magnets are each secured in the form of a bolt or pin in an opening of a segment, in particular by means of a fit, preferably an interference fit. It is also conceivable that the segment magnets (in particular each in the form of a fastening element, preferably a bolt, screw, or pin, and / or in the form of a plate or the like) are each secured in a retaining element provided by the respective segment. These retaining elements can be one or more of the openings of the joint elements and can be threaded or unthreaded, or arranged separately from the joint elements or openings thereof on or in the segments.

[0051] It is particularly preferred that the at least one axis (around which any two adjacent segments are rotatable) is formed by at least one component extending through the multiple openings, particularly through a portion of the multiple openings. In another portion of the multiple openings, one of the segment magnets is preferably arranged for each segment. In the other portion of the openings, the respective segment magnet is preferably fastened by means of a fit, particularly an interference fit. In particular, the segment magnets are arranged in outer openings of the multiple openings, preferably in the outermost opening of each segment. The other portion of the openings is thus preferably formed by only a single opening of one segment. The component forming the at least one axis (around which any two adjacent segments are rotatable) preferably extends through the remaining openings.At least one axis therefore preferably runs through one part of the openings with the at least one component and through the other part of the openings with the segment magnet.

[0052] To form the press fit, the segment magnets preferably have a larger, in particular only slightly larger, diameter than the at least one component for forming the at least one axis.

[0053] Preferably, the segment magnets each have a stop, for example a bolt, screw, or pin head, which preferably enables precise positioning in the opening(s). Magnetic bolts are particularly preferred for the segment magnets.

[0054] The segment magnets are preferably arranged on a rotation axis shared by two adjacent segments. Along the rotation axis, each segment has at least one component forming the axis and a segment magnet, particularly in the form of a magnetic bolt. This advantageously allows for simple and uniform assembly of the segments and correspondingly low-vibration operation due to even weight distribution. Furthermore, openings in existing chain links can be easily repurposed to accommodate the segment magnets and, together with the track magnet(s), form the pressure system.

[0055] In particular, several hinge elements of the two adjacent segments are provided successively along the transverse direction, in which the at least one component forming the at least one axis is received. Preferably, the at least one component forming the at least one axis is received alternately along the transverse direction by a hinge element of one of the adjacent segments and a hinge element of the other of the adjacent segments.

[0056] It is preferred that the at least one component for forming the at least one axis is or comprises a cylindrical component, preferably a hinge pin, which is arranged in the openings of the joint elements, in particular mounted, and more preferably mounted by means of sliding guides formed through the respective openings.

[0057] Preferably, at least one component, in particular the respective hinge pin, has a stop, for example a head, which preferably enables exact positioning in the opening or openings.

[0058] In the positioning section, particularly in variant A, preferably at least 50 segments can be pressed against the track guide element simultaneously and / or are pressed against the track guide element simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, at least 9 joint elements, each with an opening, are provided for each segment and each axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the segments are each a maximum of 25.4 mm long in the drive direction and / or preferably at least 15.0 cm long in the transverse direction. Preferably, measurements are taken along the drive direction or along the transverse direction between two planes defined by the first and last points of a segment.

[0059] Preferably, the joints form hinges that essentially allow only rotation of the segments about axes running along the transverse direction. This allows, in particular, more precise positioning of the substrates in the drive direction.

[0060] However, it is also conceivable to achieve the rotatability of the segments of variant A using other means for providing the mobility of chain links, such as those used in known chains, e.g., plate chains and / or plastic modular belts. It is also possible that, along a respective axis of rotation, a pin of another of the adjacent segments is mounted in an opening of a respective joint element of one of the adjacent segments. Thus, the hinge can be formed, in particular, by a plurality of pins of one segment, each of which is rotatably mounted in an opening of a joint element of an adjacent segment.

[0061] The segment traction element is or comprises, in particular, a hinged belt chain, a plate chain and / or a plastic modular belt.

[0062] The pressure system, particularly in variants A and / or B, in a preferred embodiment comprises segment magnets, which are expediently attached to the segments. In particular, the pressure system includes one or more track magnets in the positioning section. Preferably, the one or more track magnets exert, or can generate, a repulsive or attractive effect on the segment magnets located in the positioning section. This generates, in particular, the force acting on the segments in the transverse direction. Preferably, at least one or exactly one segment magnet is attached to each segment. Preferably, the segment magnets do not touch the one or more track magnets. The force in the transverse direction is thus advantageously provided by the pressure system without contact and with correspondingly low wear.

[0063] The one or more track magnets are advantageously spaced apart from the segment magnets by an air gap, particularly in the positioning section. Specifically, the one or more track magnets are fixed in position within the transport device, and the segment magnets are movable relative to the one or more track magnets, preferably movable in the drive direction and, in particular, movable in the transverse direction up to a limit set by the track guide element.

[0064] It is possible that the positioning section contains a continuous arrangement of one or more track magnets. These track magnets can be longer in the drive direction than the segment magnets. Therefore, it is possible that the positioning section contains fewer track magnets than segment magnets. In particular, it is conceivable that the positioning section contains a single track magnet, for example, in the form of a continuous magnetic strip. This can significantly reduce the number of components and the complexity of the device.

[0065] The position of the segment magnets or the position of the one or more track magnets is preferably adjustable in the transverse direction, in particular such that the attractive or repulsive force between the segment magnets and the one or more track magnets in the positioning section can be adjusted by means of a distance between the segment magnets and the one or more track magnets. The distance is preferably formed by the air gap.

[0066] Preferably, the distance between each segment magnet and the one or more track magnets opposite the segment magnet in the positioning section is between 3 mm and 15 mm and / or is adjustable within this range. Preferably, the distance can be varied by ± 6 mm, for example, starting from a distance of 9 mm. The distance can vary considerably depending on the requirements of the transport device. However, the distance, and thus the contact force, is expediently adjusted so that the contact force is always sufficient to press the segment guide elements, in particular the cam rollers or the at least one surface that can be pressed against the track guide element and is preferably made of a sliding material, securely and with minimal play against the track guide element, especially the guide rail.Increasing the contact force beyond this point should preferably be avoided to prevent faster wear of the components. Therefore, the maximum values ​​mentioned below are particularly advantageous.

[0067] The segment magnets are or preferably comprise cuboid magnets, preferably one cuboid magnet per segment. The one or more track magnets are or preferably comprise magnetic plates with a rectangular base. The one or more magnetic plates are preferably arranged continuously along the drive direction in the positioning section. The number of magnetic plates can be less than the number of segments and / or segment magnets that may be present in the positioning section.

[0068] The segment magnets and / or the one or more track magnets are or preferably comprise permanent magnets.

[0069] In particular, it is possible that the segment magnets are or include neodymium magnets and that the one or more orbital magnets are or include neodymium magnets.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the pressure system may be or include a spring-loaded pressure system with one or more springs and in particular may be designed such that the segment guide elements and the path guide element in the positioning section can be pressed against each other and / or are pressed against each other by spring forces of the one or more springs.

[0071] The one or more springs preferably comprise or consist of one or more coil springs and / or one or more disc springs and / or one or more leaf springs.

[0072] The spring-loaded pressure system comprises, in particular, several pressure rotating elements through which the spring forces can be transmitted to the segments. The pressure rotating elements are rotatably attached to the segments or rotatably mounted outside the segments in the positioning section. The pressure rotating elements, which are preferably attached to the segments, are preferably pressed against a spring-loaded strip in the positioning section. It is also possible for pressure rotating elements to be pressed against the segment guide elements by a spring-loaded strip, which is preferably attached to a frame element, and thus fixed in position by this frame element.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure system includes an adjusting device for setting the force in the transverse direction. In particular, the pressure system includes an adjustable bar with the adjusting device for setting the bar's position. The adjustable bar allows, in particular, the adjustment of the force acting on the segments in the transverse direction, preferably by adjusting the preload travel of one or more springs or the distance between the segment magnets and the one or more track magnets. The one or more track magnets are therefore preferably mounted on the adjustable bar, or the adjustable bar is the spring-loaded bar.

[0074] Preferably, the pressure system applies a pressure force of less than or equal to 150 N to the segment guide elements and / or a pressure force in the range of 50 N to 150 N. ,preferably in a range of 50 N to 100 N, pressing against the track guide element.

[0075] The contact force refers in particular to a force exerted on the track guide element when considering a single segment. In the case of magnets, the contact force preferably corresponds to the attractive or repulsive force between the one or more track magnets and the at least one segment magnet of the respective segment. It is also possible that the contact force corresponds to a spring force or a sum of spring forces acting on a respective segment. For example, the contact force is the sum of the forces exerted by all segment guide elements of a segment, such as the only two cam rollers serving as segment guide elements of a segment, on the track guide element, such as the running rail.

[0076] The repulsive and / or attractive force of the respective segment magnets to the respective track magnets depends on the distance between the segment magnets and the track magnets. The smaller the distance, the greater the repulsive and / or attractive force, and at a distance of almost 0 mm, the maximum force occurs, which is preferably 150 N. Therefore, the greater the distance between the two magnets, the lower the repulsive and / or attractive force becomes.

[0077] The one or more traction elements, particularly of variant B, are preferably endless. Advantageously, the drive element, particularly of variant A and / or B, comprises at least one rotary motor and a drive shaft on which one or more transmission elements are arranged. The one or more transmission elements are selected, in particular individually or in combination, from: a transmission pulley, for example, a toothed belt pulley, a V-belt pulley, and / or a flat belt pulley, and / or a sprocket. It is possible that the one or more traction elements comprise or consist of one or more of the following: a belt, a belt (preferably a drive belt or toothed belt or a V-belt), or a chain. However, particularly in variant A, the drive system preferably does not have a traction element separate from the conveyor belt; rather, the transport device only has the segmented traction element as the traction element.

[0078] Preferably, the one or more traction elements or the segment traction element and the drive element comprise or form a positive-locking traction element system.

[0079] The drive element comprises, in particular, a profile for transmitting torque to one or more traction elements, which have a shape adapted to the profile, or to the segmented traction element, whose segments have a shape adapted to the profile. The one or more traction elements are preferably one or more toothed belts. A positive-locking traction element system is particularly advantageous because it allows for simple and precise adjustment of the position in the drive direction. One or more toothed belts are advantageously also suitable, especially in variant B, for mounting the transverse guides. However, depending on the specific requirements of the transport device, it is also conceivable that the one or more traction elements or the segmented traction element and the drive element form a friction-locking traction element system.

[0080] In particular, joint elements (which are described in more detail below) can have a profile with which the drive element of variant A engages to transmit the drive force or torque, wherein this profile has a greater width in the transverse direction than the profile of the drive element, in particular than the tooth width of sprockets of the drive element. Thus, it is preferably possible for the segments to be driven with a clearance in the transverse direction relative to the drive element, which is determined by the resulting difference in width between the profiles of the joint elements and the drive element. Advantageously, this clearance is sufficiently large so that the segment guide elements within the positioning section can be pressed against the path guide element by utilizing this clearance.

[0081] The drive system, particularly in variant B, preferably has at least or exactly two traction elements, which are preferably driven together by the drive element. The drive element may comprise a shaft with two transmission elements, such as two toothed discs, or two separately, but expediently synchronously, driven transmission elements, particularly toothed discs. Preferably, the at least two traction elements, or more preferably the two traction elements, are arranged offset in the transverse direction and / or run parallel to each other. Preferably, each of the two traction elements is connected to a transverse guide on each segment. Each segment therefore preferably has two transverse guides. Each segment can have a transport plate on each transverse guide.

[0082] By means of the multiple tension elements, a relatively symmetrical force application into the segments can be achieved, and at the same time, for example, an area between the multiple (especially two) tension elements can be kept free of fastening elements, such as the transverse guides. In this area, one or more further assemblies, such as a vacuum system, preferably a vacuum box, can then be provided.

[0083] The transport device comprises, in particular, one or more traction element guides. The one or more traction elements are preferably each arranged in at least one of the traction element guides, which guide each traction element (preferably with some play in the transverse direction) at least partially along the drive direction. The play in the transverse direction is, in particular, greater than the freedom of movement of the segments in the positioning section and / or lies within a range of ± 3 mm from a central position.

[0084] The one or more traction elements are preferably deflected by means of one or more deflection elements and, in particular, guided back to the drive element. The one or more deflection elements are (advantageously depending on the type of traction element) selected, in particular, from a pulley, preferably a toothed belt pulley, a V-belt pulley and / or a flat belt pulley, and / or a sprocket.

[0085] Preferably, at least one traction element guide of each traction element is arranged at least partially within the positioning section or extending completely through it, and / or between the drive element and at least one deflection element. This reduces lateral movements of the traction elements and can thus, in particular, allow the force acting laterally on the segments to be relatively low. Furthermore, this can further reduce the wear of the traction elements and the lateral guides.

[0086] Particularly in variant A, it is preferred that the segment traction element is a chain consisting of several chain links, especially where the chain links are each formed by the segments. The conveyor belt formed by the segments is thus preferably itself a (particularly endless) segment traction element, which is formed by connecting the segments to one another, so that it is advantageously possible to accommodate one or more substrates by means of several segments. In other words, the conveyor belt represents a traction element, such as a chain, which is preferably driven or can be driven by a corresponding drive element, for example, comprising one or more sprockets. Here, the drive element can be or comprise a shaft with one or more transmission elements, in particular one or more sprockets.Furthermore, the drive element can have several shafts, each with one or more transmission elements, in particular one or more sprockets. Thus, especially in variant A, it is possible for the one or more sprockets to be arranged on a single shaft, or for several shafts to each have one or more sprockets. The wider the segmented traction element is in the transverse direction, the more sprockets are preferably arranged per shaft, in order to enable, in particular, a straight and uniform drive. Four to six sprockets per shaft are preferred, especially in printing applications, particularly since this allows a large number of common substrates to be conveyed with a relatively compact and low-wear transport device.

[0087] Furthermore, it is possible that the transport device includes one or more shafts with one or more deflection elements, in particular one or more sprockets, for deflecting the segment traction element. Preferably, these shafts, or at least one of them, have fewer sprockets than the one or more shafts of the drive element, in order to enable, in particular, less wear and a lower complexity of the transport device.

[0088] The segments, particularly those of variant A and / or B, preferably include retaining means for holding the substrates. These retaining means may comprise clamps, notches, raised areas and / or recesses, and / or holes for generating a vacuum system.

[0089] The retaining means are, or preferably include, holes for generating a vacuum system. Here, "holes" refers in particular to any type of suitable channel, especially for the passage of air. Preferably, these are straight through holes, particularly openings through the respective segment, with a preferably round, or more preferably circular, cross-section.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, each segment has or forms a perforated plate with multiple holes. The holes of this perforated plate can advantageously be pressurized with a vacuum system to hold one or more substrates.

[0091] The vacuum system preferably comprises a vacuum box with one or more fans, in particular one or more axial fans. The vacuum box is advantageously located in the at least one positioning section, so that the negative pressure in the holes can be generated by an airflow produced by the one or more fans. The vacuum box is preferably a closed box with recesses facing upwards towards the perforated plates of the segments, thus enabling it to draw air through the holes. The recesses are advantageously arranged corresponding to the holes, but can, for example, extend over several of the holes in the drive direction. The one or more fans for generating the negative pressure are located at the bottom of the vacuum box. It is also possible to generate the negative pressure in the holes using other turbomachinery.Instead of one or more fans at the bottom of the vacuum box, a side channel blower is also a possible option.

[0092] It is possible that the segments each have the perforated plate centered in the transverse direction. The perforated plate preferably has a transport plate on each of its outer sides in the transverse direction, namely, in particular, a first transport plate and a second transport plate opposite the first. The first and second perforated plates preferably together accommodate the perforated plate. The first and second transport plates preferably have an identical shape and / or differ in shape only due to the attachment of the segment magnets and the segment guide elements.

[0093] The first transport plate is preferably connected via a first transverse guide to a first traction element, which is in particular a toothed belt, and the second transport plate is preferably connected via a second transverse guide to a second traction element, which is in particular a toothed belt. The first transport plate and / or the second transport plate is preferably connected to one or more of the segment magnets and / or one or more of the pressure rotary elements of the spring-loaded pressure system.

[0094] It is also possible for the perforated plates to have additional elongated holes, which serve in particular to detach the substrates, especially the printed sheets, by preferably enabling the substrates to be lifted. In other words, the elongated holes allow the substrates to be "blown out." This particularly simplifies the ejection and / or removal of the substrates in the drive direction behind the positioning section. For this purpose, a system can be provided which generates overpressure, particularly in the elongated holes, for example by means of one or more axial fans or the side channel blower, or by means of one or more additional axial fans or an additional side channel blower.

[0095] In one embodiment, particularly variant A, it is preferred that the segment traction element has gaps which can be pressurized with a vacuum system to hold one or more substrates. The gaps are preferably formed between the segments, especially at the joints, and expediently also allow the segments to move relative to one another. It is preferred that the segments of the segment traction element each have a closed surface and / or no holes for a vacuum system. Advantageously, these gaps can be designed such that, in addition to allowing the segments to move, they simultaneously enable the substrates to be reliably held by the vacuum system. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous that the aforementioned number of segments at the positioning distance is relatively high and / or the length of the segments is relatively short, so that a comparatively high number of gaps per substrate is possible.Each positioning section can be provided for holding the substrates. The vacuum system can be configured as described above. The vacuum system preferably comprises a vacuum box with one or more fans, particularly one or more axial fans. The vacuum box is advantageously located in at least one positioning section, so that the negative pressure in the gaps can be generated by an airflow produced by the one or more fans.

[0096] Particularly in variant A, it is possible that a support layer is provided, at least in the positioning section, which defines the position of the segments in a vertical direction that is transverse to both the transverse direction and the drive direction. The support layer can, in particular, have holes, preferably slots, such that the vacuum system can generate the negative pressure for holding the substrates through these holes, preferably slots. The support layer is preferably made of a sliding material or has at least one surface made of a sliding material.

[0097] Advantageously, particularly in variant A, the material (e.g., plastic and / or sliding material instead of metal or similar segment materials) and especially the geometry of the segments, or the higher number of segments simultaneously present in the positioning section with corresponding gaps that can be pressurized with negative pressure, result in simpler manufacturing at lower costs and a lighter weight for the segments and the transport device designed for them. The transport device can also be operated with reduced wear on segments or other components and / or offer improved design options for other components, such as the possibility of achieving particularly reliable positioning of the segments via track and segment guides. This, in turn, allows for reduced and less complex maintenance and repair measures.

[0098] Particularly in cases where, especially in variants A and / or B, no vacuum chamber is provided, but rather no holding devices or other securing means, a single tensioning element attached centrally to the segments by means of a transverse guide for each segment is also conceivable. This can, for example, reduce the complexity and the number of components of the device.

[0099] The transverse guides, particularly those of variant B, are or preferably comprise linear guides. It is further preferred that the transverse guides are or comprise sliding guides. In particular, the transverse guides are or comprise flat guides. Since the transverse guides are often subject to relatively low movement and wear, a relatively simple and compact design for the transverse guides can preferably be chosen. For example, flat guides of the drylin® type from igus GmbH, Cologne, can be used as the transverse guides.

[0100] Preferably, the transverse guides each comprise a carriage and a guide rail, particularly wherein the carriage is attached to the respective segment and the guide rail is attached to the one or more traction elements. It is also possible that the guide rail is attached to the segment and the carriage to the traction element. Preferably, a transverse guide is attached to each traction element per segment.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device, particularly variant A and / or B, has one or more support rollers outside the positioning section for supporting the one or more traction elements and / or the segment traction element. The one or more support rollers preferably contact a side of the segments that is designed in the positioning section to receive the substrates. In particular, the track along which the segments are transported preferably has an upper part in the positioning section and, preferably, a lower part below it. The track is expediently guided back from one end of the positioning section to the beginning of the positioning section via the lower part. For this return, the track has, for example, one or more curves about an axis running along the transverse direction, on which the one or more deflection rollers are preferably provided.The one or more support rollers preferably support this lower part of the track. The support roller(s) thus prevent sagging of the segments, which, for example, enables smooth and low-wear operation of the transport device. This also prevents the need to counteract sagging of the traction elements and / or the segment traction element with excessive tension when installing the traction elements, especially when the segments already have a relatively high dead weight.

[0102] It is preferred that the transport device has two frame elements, although further frame elements are also possible. Preferably, the segments in the positioning section are arranged between these two frame elements, wherein preferably a first frame element has and / or carries the track guide element, and a second frame element, in conjunction with the segments, forms the pressure system. For example, the second frame element carries the one or more track magnets and / or the spring-loaded strip.

[0103] It is also possible for the transport device to have two frame elements, between each of which only a portion of the segments, in particular a protruding part, is arranged. The protruding part extends, in particular, at least along one direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and perpendicular to the drive direction. Preferably, it is a protruding part of an L-shaped or a T-shaped segment section. Preferably, a first frame element carries or incorporates the track guide element, and a second frame element, in conjunction with the segments, forms the pressure system. Preferably, at least one of the two frame elements is covered by the segments in the positioning section when viewed perpendicular to the drive direction and the transverse direction, and more preferably, the other is arranged outside the segments. This allows for a particularly compact design.

[0104] It is also possible that the transport device has a frame element which includes and / or supports the track guide element and, in conjunction with the segments, forms the pressure system. Preferably, the frame element, ideally when viewed in the positioning section perpendicular to the drive direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction, is covered by the segments and / or arranged outside the segments. For example, this frame element supports the track guide element and additionally also the one or more track magnets and / or the spring-loaded strip.

[0105] Even with such covering by the segments or with two frame elements, one of which is covered by the segments, a compact design can preferably be achieved.

[0106] The features, effects, and advantages described in connection with the transport device, in particular variant A and / or B, can also be applied analogously to the printing device and the coating and / or printing process and are therefore considered to be disclosed. The same applies in the reverse direction: features, effects, and advantages described in connection with the coating and / or printing process are also transferable to the transport device, in particular variant A and / or B, and the printing device and are therefore considered to be disclosed.

[0107] Aspects of various embodiments are specified in particular in the claims. These and further aspects of various embodiments are specified in particular in the following numbered paragraphs: 1. Transport device (1), in particular for use in a printing device (10), comprising segments (2) for transporting substrates (201) and a drive system (3) for moving the segments (2) in a drive direction (11) along an endless path, wherein in a variant A the segments (2) are connected to one another via joints (200), in particular via hinges, such that the segments (2) form a segment traction element (2000), wherein the drive system (3) has a drive element (31) for transmitting a force to the segments (2), wherein the drive element (31) is arranged in direct engagement with the segment traction element (2000), wherein the segments (2) have freedom of movement in a transverse direction (12) which extends transversely to the drive direction (11), in particular with respect to a stationary reference point of the transport device (1) and / or with respect to the drive element (31),exhibit; or wherein in a variant B the drive system (3) comprises a drive element (31) and one or more endless traction elements (32) for transmitting a force exerted by the drive element (31) to the segments (2), wherein the one or more traction elements (32) have freedom of movement in a transverse direction (12) which extends transversely to the drive direction (11), in particular with respect to a stationary reference point of the transport device (1) and / or with respect to the drive element (31), wherein the segments (2) are successively attached to the one or more traction elements (32) along the drive direction (11) by means of transverse guides (33),wherein the one or more traction elements (32) per segment (2) are movably arranged in the transverse direction (12) in relation to the respective segment (2) by means of one or more of the transverse guides (33); and wherein in variant A and / or B each segment (2) has or forms at least one segment guide element (211), and wherein the transport device (1) has a pressure system for exerting a force (112) acting in the transverse direction (12) on the segments (2), which in a positioning section (101) presses the segment guide elements (211) and a path guide element (4) against each other such that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) can each be positioned in the transverse direction (12) independently of a position of segments (2) outside the positioning section (101) in the transverse direction (12) and / or independently of a position of the drive element (31) in the transverse direction (12),and / or that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction (12), in particular with respect to a stationary reference point, which is less than the freedom of movement of segments (2) outside the positioning section (101) and / or than the freedom of movement of the drive element (31), in particular with respect to the stationary reference point, and / or that in variant B the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) can each be positioned in the transverse direction (12) independently of a position in the transverse direction (12) of the one or more traction elements (32), and / or in variant B the segment guide elements (211) and a track guide element (4) press against each other in such a way that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction (12), in particular with respect to the stationary reference point and / or with respect to the drive element (31),which is less than the freedom of movement of one or more traction elements (32). 2. Transport device (1) according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the freedom of movement of the segments (2) and / or a maximum deviation from a target position of the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) starting from a mean position is in a range of -0.02 mm to +0.02 mm and / or that the freedom of movement of the segments (2) is in a range of less than or equal to 0.04 mm. 3. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transport device (1) has several rotating bodies which are rotatably mounted on the segment guide elements (211) and / or on the track guide element (4) and are arranged such thatthat by rotating the rotating bodies, the segment guide elements (211) are movable along the path guide element (4). 4. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the path guide element (4) has a fixed position in the transport device (1). 5. Transport device (1) according to paragraph 4, characterized in that the fixed position is adjustable at least in the transverse direction (12), preferably by means of an adjusting device of the path guide element (4). 6. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that each segment (2) has at least two segment guide elements (211), each of which forms a rotating body, preferably each forming a cam roller, and that the path guide element (4) has at least one fixed position, preferably adjustable by means of the adjusting device of the path guide element (4).7. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segments (2) comprise or consist of plastic, preferably a sliding material, or each have a support body (001) consisting entirely or partially of plastic, in particular a sliding material. 8. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segments (2) have a receiving layer, preferably a rubber layer (002), for forming a surface for receiving the substrates (201). 9. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that at least 50 segments (2) can be pressed simultaneously against the guide element (4) in the positioning section (101). 10. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in thatthat the track guide element (4) forms a sliding guide with the segment guide elements (211). 11. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the pressure system has segment magnets (212) and comprises one or more track magnets (5) in the positioning section (101), wherein at least one segment magnet (212) is attached to each segment (2) and in the positioning section (101) a repulsive or attractive effect can be exerted by the one or more track magnets (5) on the segment magnets (212) present in the positioning section (101), thereby generating the force (112) in the transverse direction (12). 12. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that a position of the segment magnets (212) or a position of the one or more track magnets (5) in the transverse direction (12) is adjustable, such thatthat an attractive force or a repulsive force between the segment magnets (212) and the one or more track magnets (5) in the positioning section (101) can be adjusted by means of a distance between the segment magnets (212) and the one or more track magnets (5). 13. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the distance of a respective segment magnet (212) to the one or more track magnets (5) opposite the respective segment magnet in the positioning section (101) has a value in the range of 3 mm to 15 mm and / or is adjustable in this range. 14. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segments (2) each have one or more joint elements (2101) to form the joints (200), in particular the hinges.wherein joint elements (2101) of each pair of adjacent segments (2) are rotatably mounted relative to one another, such that the interaction of the joint elements (2101) of each pair of adjacent segments (2) forms a joint (200) between these two adjacent segments (2). 15. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the joint elements (2101) form several openings in the transverse direction (12) through which at least one axis (2102), about which the two adjacent segments (2) are rotatable, passes. 16. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the at least one axis (2102) is formed by a component, in particular a hinge pin (210), which passes through a part of the several openings.17. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the respective segment magnet (212) is attached in the other part of the openings by means of an interference fit and that the at least one axis (2102) runs through one part of the openings as well as the other part of the openings. 18. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segment magnets (212) have a larger diameter for forming the interference fit than a component for forming the at least one axis (2102). 19. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the pressure system is a spring-loaded pressure system with one or more springs and is designed such thatthat the segment guide elements (211) and the track guide element (4) in the positioning section (101) can be pressed together by spring forces of one or more springs. 20. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the spring-loaded pressing system has several pressing rotary bodies (213, 214, 215) via which the spring forces can be transmitted to the segments (2), wherein the pressing rotary bodies (213, 214, 215) are rotatably attached to the segments (2) or are rotatably attached outside the segments (2) in the positioning section (101). 21. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that a gap is provided between each pair of segments of several or all segments (2), the gap being less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, between the respective segments.22. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the pressure system has a bar with an adjusting device for setting a position of the bar, whereby the force (112) acting on the segments (2) in the transverse direction (12) is adjustable, in particular by means of the bar an adjustable preload travel of the one or more springs or an adjustable distance between the segment magnets (212) and the one or more track magnets (5). 23. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the pressure system presses the segment guide elements (211) against the track guide element (4) with a contact force of less than or equal to 150 N and / or with a contact force in a range of 50 N to 150 N, preferably in a range of 50 N to 100 N. 24. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in thatthat the segment traction element (2000) is a chain with chain links, each formed by the segments (2). 25. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the one or more traction elements (32) and the drive element (31) comprise or form a positive-locking traction element system. 26. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the one or more traction elements (32) comprise or are one or more toothed belts. 27. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segment traction element (2000) has gaps which can be pressurized with a vacuum system to hold one or more substrates (201). 28. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in thatthat the segments (2) of the segment traction element (2) have a closed surface and / or no holes for a vacuum system. 29. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segments (2) have or form a perforated plate with several holes which can be pressurized with a vacuum system to hold one or more substrates (201). 30. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the segments (2) each have the perforated plate (22) centrally in the transverse direction (12), wherein the perforated plate (22) has a transport plate (21) on each of its outer sides in the transverse direction (12), namely a first transport plate and a second transport plate opposite the first transport plate. 31. Transport device (1) according to paragraph 30, characterized in that the first transport plate is connected to a first traction element via a first transverse guide,which is in particular a toothed belt, and the second transport plate is connected via a second transverse guide to a second traction element, which is in particular a toothed belt. 32. Transport device (1) according to one of paragraphs 30 and 31, characterized in that the first transport plate and / or the second transport plate is connected to one or more of the segment magnets (211) and / or the spring-loaded pressure element. 33. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transverse guides (33) are or comprise linear guides. 34. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transverse guides (33) are or comprise sliding guides. 35. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transverse guides (33) are or comprise flat guides. 36. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs,characterized in that the transport device (1) outside the positioning section (101) has one or more support rollers (7) for supporting the one or more traction elements (32) and / or the segment traction element (2000), wherein the one or more support rollers contact the side of the segments (2) that is formed in the positioning section (101) for receiving the substrates. 37. Transport device (1) according to paragraph 36, characterized in that the web in the positioning section (101) has an upper part and below it a lower part, over which the web is guided from one end of the positioning section (101) to a beginning of the positioning section (101), wherein the one or more support rollers (7) support the segments (2) of the lower part. 38. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transport device (1) has two frame elements (61, 62),39. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transport device (1) has two frame elements (63, 64), between each of which only a portion of the segments (2), which is in particular a projecting part of an L-shaped or a T-shaped segment area, is arranged, wherein a first frame element (63) has or carries the path guide element (4) and a second frame element (64) forms the pressure system in conjunction with the segments (2). 40. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the transport device (1) has a frame element (65),which includes or carries the web guide element (4) and also forms the pressure system in conjunction with the segments (2), wherein the frame element (65) is preferably covered by the segments (2) or arranged outside the segments (2) when viewed perpendicular to the drive direction (11) and the transverse direction (12) in the positioning section (101). 41. Printing device comprising a transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs. 42. Use of a transport device (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs in a printing device (10) and / or for printing on substrates (201), in particular sheets.

[0108] The invention will now be explained by way of example using several embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale. These drawings show: Fig. 1 schematic side view of a transport device and a pressure device, Fig. 2a, 2b schematic cross-sections and top views of a transport device, Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c schematic top views of a conveyor belt, Fig. 4, 5, 6, 7a, 7b schematic cross-sections of transport devices, Fig. 8 to 12 schematic cross-sections of parts of transport devices, Fig. 13 schematic side view of a transport device and a pressure device, Fig. 14 schematic side view of a section of a segment traction element and drive element, Fig. 15 schematic top view of a transport device, Fig. 16 schematic side view of a section of a segment traction element, Fig. 17 schematic side view of a transport device, Fig. 18 and 19 schematic side views of sections of segment traction elements, Fig. 20 to 22 sections of a segment traction element.

[0109] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a transport device 1, which is shown by way of example in a printing device 10 with a pressure unit 100 and a vacuum box 102, in particular in variant B. The use of the transport device 1 in the printing device 10, in particular with at least one pressure unit, such as the pressure unit 100, and with at least one vacuum box, such as the vacuum box 102, is optional.

[0110] The use of a transport device 1 in a printing device and / or for printing on substrates, especially sheets, is preferred. Preferably, a coating or printing process is carried out using the transport device 1, which comprises at least the following steps: picking up a substrate by means of one or more segments 2, preferably picking up one substrate 201 at a time by means of one of the segments 2; coating or printing the substrate 201 within the positioning section 101. During coating or printing, the segment guide elements 211 within the positioning section are pressed against the web guide element 4 by means of a pressure system, as can be seen in particular from one of the Fig. 2a , 2b , 3a , 3b , 3c and 4 bis 12 This illustrates the point.

[0111] The transport device 1 is, as exemplified by Fig. 1 As illustrated, a vacuum transport device 1 is preferably used. The printing device 10 is preferably a digital printing device. Preferably, the printing device for printing the substrates 201 comprises a printing unit 100 as described in particular in German patent application number 10 2024 113 523. The transport device 1 is used in particular for transporting the substrates 201, which are printed using the method disclosed in the aforementioned patent application. The transport device 1 can be combined in particular with the embodiments of the printing unit disclosed in the aforementioned patent application, which are included in the present disclosure, in order to obtain particularly precise printing results.

[0112] Other uses of the transport device 1 are also conceivable, particularly where very precise positioning of the substrates 201 is required or advantageous. For example, the transport device 1 can be used in an embossing device which, instead of or in addition to the printing unit 100, has an embossing unit, such as a hot stamping device or a blind stamping device, or it can be used in a finishing device. The vacuum box 102 and a corresponding configuration of the segments 2 with holes are also optional.

[0113] The transport device 1 comprises segments 2 for transporting the substrates 201. Furthermore, the transport device 1 comprises a drive system 3 for moving the segments 2 in a drive direction 11 along an endless path.

[0114] The drive system 3 comprises a drive element 31 and endless traction elements 32 for transmitting a force exerted by the drive element 31 to the segments 2. In this example, the drive element 31 preferably comprises two toothed belt pulleys, each engaged with a traction element 32, which is a toothed belt. For alternative drive elements and traction elements, reference is made in particular to the above descriptions. The drive system 31, for example, comprises two toothed belt conveyors, each of which has a toothed belt with multiple threaded units for attaching the transverse guides 33, a toothed pulley for driving the toothed belt, and a guide for guiding the toothed belt with a transverse clearance, which is, for example, a linear sliding guide. The transverse clearance is, for example, greater than the freedom of movement of the segments 2 in the positioning section 101, for example, starting from a central position of ± 3 mm.

[0115] As through Fig. 1 As illustrated by example, the segments 2 preferably form a conveyor belt 20 along the endless path. For this purpose, the transport device 1 has, for example, one or more deflection rollers, such as the three deflection rollers 300 shown, for each traction element 32, and the drive element 31 also has a deflection function in this preferred embodiment. The path is thus guided downwards in the drive direction 11, preferably behind the positioning section 101, and then guided upwards again to the positioning section 101. The number and arrangement of the deflection rollers can also be selected differently depending on the application, and the drive element 31 can optionally also be designed without a deflection function. For example, it is possible that the path runs in a plane and is guided to the left or right behind the positioning section and then guided back to the positioning section 101.For this purpose, the segments 2 may preferably have semicircular edges adapted to one another, which in particular enable corresponding curve movements, and one or more chains may be used as traction means.

[0116] For example, a gap is provided between each pair of segments of the segments 2 of the conveyor belt 20, which preferably provides a distance between the respective segments via this gap of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm.

[0117] Fig. 2a and 2b The figures above show schematic cross-sections through the transport device 1 in the positioning section 101 and below show a top view of a section of the transport device 1 with one of the segments 2. Fig. 2a The transport device 1 is shown particularly in operation, wherein Fig. 2b especially to illustrate freedom of movement. Based on the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b The transport device 1, illustrated by way of example, can be designed as follows: Fig. 1 is described. Preferably shows Fig. 2a that is, an area of ​​the transport device 1 which only covers an upper part of the track.

[0118] As through Fig. 2a and 2b As illustrated, the traction elements 32 have freedom of movement in a transverse direction 12, which runs perpendicular to the drive direction 11. This freedom of movement of the traction elements 32 exists, in particular, relative to a stationary reference point of the transport device 1 and / or relative to the drive element 31. This freedom of movement can, for example, result from play in a traction element guide. The stationary reference point can, for example, be located in one of the frame elements 61 and 62.

[0119] The segments 2 are preferably attached sequentially along the drive direction 11 by means of transverse guides 33. Preferably, the traction elements 32 are each movably arranged on each segment 2 by means of a transverse guide 33 in the transverse direction 12 relative to the respective segment 2. It is also possible that the traction elements 32 are movably arranged on each segment 2 by means of several transverse guides.

[0120] Each segment 2 has at least one segment guide element 211. The by Fig. 2a The illustrated transport device 1 features, as segment guide elements 211, two cam rollers per segment 2 as an example. Regarding alternative designs of the segment guide elements, particular reference should be made to the above descriptions and the Fig. 6 , 7b , 9, 10 and 11 referred to. In other embodiments, such as by Fig. 7b and 10As illustrated, the segments 2 can each also form the segment guide element 211 in the form of a surface or, as shown by the Fig. 6 , 9 and 11 As illustrated by example, other bodies of revolution, in particular rolling elements, may be attached in or on the segments 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis which is expediently perpendicular to the transverse direction 12 and to the drive direction 11.

[0121] How this can be further exemplified by Fig. 2a As illustrated, the transport device 1 has a pressure system for exerting a force 112 acting in the transverse direction 12 on the segments 2. This force 112 is also illustrated schematically by means of the Fig. 3c illustrates, which in comparison to Fig. 3a and 3bA straight movement along the drive direction 11 can be observed. The pressure system is thus designed such that it presses the segment guide elements 211 and a track guide element 4 against each other in the positioning section 101. The segments 2 can therefore be positioned in the transverse direction 12 in the positioning section 101 independently of the position of the traction elements 32 in the transverse direction 12, or are positioned accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 have a lesser freedom of movement in the transverse direction 12 than the freedom of movement of the traction elements 32. In particular, this lesser freedom of movement, like preferably the freedom of movement of the traction elements 32, exists relative to the stationary reference point and / or relative to the drive element 31.

[0122] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b The double arrows pointing in the transverse direction 12 illustrate the freedom of movement. Fig. 2b Figure 1 also shows a gap between the segment guide element 211 and the track guide element 4. This gap can be created by moving the segments 2 away from the track guide element 4. However, this requires a force acting on the segments 2 to overcome the force 112 generated by the pressure system, which is not achieved during operation of the transport device 1 by a movement of the traction elements 31 in the transverse direction 12.

[0123] This effect is particularly due to the Fig. 3a , 3b and 3c Further illustrated schematically. Fig. 3a A conveyor belt 20 is shown which has no segment guide elements 211, no track guide elements 4, and no pressure system. For example, the segments 2 are guided here only by a linear guide, which, however, has some play. This could be, for example, a conveyor belt not according to the invention or a section of the transport device 1 which lies outside the positioning section 101.

[0124] During operation of the transport device 1, undesirably strong movements occur in the transverse direction 12. As a result, Fig. 3b As illustrated, the position of segments 2 deviates from the position they would have during ideal movement 110 along the drive direction 11. If segments 2 are guided, as shown in the diagram, the following occurs: Fig. 3a As described, there is a maximum distance 111, which is relatively large. The segments 2 therefore have a large freedom of movement, which is disadvantageous, for example, when the segments 2 transport the substrates 201 that are to be printed, embossed, or the like. Preferably, however, in the positioning section 101 of the transport device 1, the maximum distance 111, i.e., the freedom of movement of the segments 2 starting from a central position, which, for example, lies on the path of the ideal movement 110, is smaller and preferably lies in a range of -0.02 mm to +0.02 mm. The freedom of movement of the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 therefore has a range of less than or equal to 0.04 mm.

[0125] As exemplified by Fig. 3c As illustrated, the segments 2 are pressed against the track guide element 4 by means of the force 112 generated by the pressure system, using the respective segment guide elements 211. The force 112 is high enough to prevent the segments 2 from deviating from the position thus defined by the track guide element 4. This limits the freedom of movement of the segments 2 in the transverse direction 12. If the segment guide elements 211 are cam rollers and the track guide element 4 is a running rail, then the segments 2 can deviate from a target position defined by the ideal movement 110, for example, essentially only due to play in the cam rollers, irregularities on the running surface of the cam rollers, and irregularities in the running rail, which can be kept very small.The reduced freedom of movement refers in particular to a lower tolerance with respect to a target position, which is specified by the ideal movement 110, i.e. preferably the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 have a smaller deviation from a target position than the traction elements 32, wherein the deviation of the 32 traction elements corresponds to their freedom of movement, in particular their play.

[0126] In the through Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b In the illustrated embodiment, the segments 2 each have segment guide elements 211 designed, for example, as two cam rollers. In the positioning section 101, a track guide element 4, designed, for example, as a running rail, is provided on a first frame element 61 of the transport device 1, wherein the segment guide elements 211 can be pressed against, or are pressed against, the track guide element 4. During operation of the transport device 1, the cam rollers, for example, roll along the running rail.

[0127] The guide rail can have a shape adapted to the segment guide elements 211, in particular the cam rollers or other segment guide elements, for example a V-shape, a U-shape or similar. This shape can also be designed such that the segments 2 are guided in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction 12 and the drive direction 11. Preferably, the segments 2 are guided in the vertical direction at least by means of the traction elements 32 bearing on their respective guides.

[0128] The force for pressing down is generated by a pressure system, which is located in the Fig. 2a The illustrated example consists of a track magnet 5 and segment magnets 212 attached to each of the segments 2. The track magnet 5 and the segment magnets 4 repel each other because they are polarized in the same way. The track magnet 5 is fixed in position within the transport device 1, while the segment magnets 5 are movable relative to the track magnet 5.

[0129] Instead of a single track magnet 5, several track magnets can also be provided. The one or more track magnets can be longer in the drive direction 11 than the segment magnets 212.

[0130] The track magnet 5, or the multiple track magnets, are expediently spaced apart from the segment magnets 212. This space is preferably formed by an air gap. The distance of each segment magnet 212 to the one or more track magnets opposite the respective segment magnet 212 in the positioning section 101 preferably has a value in the range of 3 mm to 15 mm and / or is adjustable within this range. For example, the distance is set to 9 mm. Preferably, the distance can be varied by, for example, ± 6 mm starting from a distance of 9 mm. The distance can vary considerably depending on the requirements of the transport device.The distance, and thus the contact force, is advantageously adjusted so that the contact force is always sufficient to press the segment guide elements 211, in particular the cam rollers, securely and with as little play as possible against the track guide element 4, in particular the guide rail. Increasing the contact force beyond a point at which the deviation of the segments 2 from the target position in the positioning section 101 no longer improves should preferably be avoided to prevent accelerated wear of the components. Therefore, the maximum values ​​mentioned below are particularly advantageous.

[0131] It is in the Fig. 2a and 2bNot shown, but preferably possible, that the position of the one or more track magnets in the transverse direction 12 is adjustable such that the attractive force (or the repulsive force, if attracting magnets are used, as for example by one of the Fig. 11 und 12 (illustrated) between the segment magnets 212 and the one or more track magnets is adjustable. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the position of the segment magnets 212 is adjustable in the transverse direction 12. The distance can be adjusted, for example, by means of an adjustable strip (not shown) on which the track magnet 5 or the track magnets are attached. In particular, it is possible that the distance is adjusted by means of an adjusting device (not shown) by moving the track magnet 5 in the transverse direction 12 towards or away from the frame element 62 and / or by moving the frame element 62 together with the track magnet 5 or together with the track magnets in the transverse direction 12 away from or towards the segment magnets 212 in the positioning section 101. The adjusting device has, in particular, a threaded spindle for this purpose.

[0132] The pressure system presses the segment guide elements 211 preferably with a contact force of less than or equal to 150 N and / or with a contact force in a range of 50 N to 150 N, preferably in a range of 50 N to 100 N, against the path guide element 4.

[0133] The contact force refers in particular to a force exerted on the track guide element 4 when considering a single segment 2. In the case of magnets, the contact force preferably corresponds to the attractive or repulsive force between the one or more track magnets and the at least one segment magnet 212 of the respective segment 2. If the respective segment 2 has several segment guide elements 211, the force exerted on the track guide element 4 by each segment guide element 211 is correspondingly lower. For example, the contact force is the sum of the forces exerted by all segment guide elements 211 of a segment 2, as in Fig. 2a from the two cam rollers of a segment 2, exerted on the track guide element 4, such as the running rail. It is also possible that the contact force corresponds to a spring force or a sum of spring forces acting on a respective segment 2, as is the case in particular with the one formed by one of the Fig. 6 , 7a, 7b The illustrated example illustrates this.

[0134] The repulsive and / or attractive force of the respective segment magnets 212 to the respective track magnet(s) 5 depends on the distance between the respective segment magnets 212 and the respective track magnet(s) 5. The smaller the distance, the greater the repulsive and / or attractive force, and at a distance of almost 0 mm, the maximum force occurs, which is preferably 150 N. The greater the distance between the two arrangements of segment and track magnets, the lower the repulsive and / or attractive force becomes.

[0135] Fig. 2b This can be seen as an example of a state in which the cam rollers are not yet in contact with the guide rail. Starting from this state, if the distance, in particular the air gap, between the segment magnets 212 in the positioning section 101 and the track magnet 5 or to the multiple track magnets is reduced, the cam rollers can be brought into contact with the guide rail, as this state is described by Fig. 2a This illustrates the point.

[0136] The segment magnets 212 are or preferably comprise cuboid magnets, for example, one cuboid magnet per segment 2. The one or more track magnets are or preferably comprise one or more magnetic plates, preferably with a rectangular base. The one or more magnetic plates are preferably arranged continuously along the drive direction in the positioning section 101. The number of magnetic plates can be less than the number of segments and / or segment magnets that can be present in the positioning section 101. However, if there are multiple magnetic plates, they can, for example, each be identical to the cuboid magnets and arranged directly next to each other along the drive direction.

[0137] As an alternative to the design with cuboid magnets and magnetic plates, it is also possible that the segment magnets are or comprise 212 neodymium magnets and that the one or more track magnets are or comprise neodymium magnets.

[0138] As particularly evident from the Fig. 2a As can be seen, the pressure system with such a magnetic arrangement thus enables the contactless introduction of the force 112 acting in the transverse direction 12 into the segments 2.

[0139] The through Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b The illustrated transport device 1 preferably has two frame elements, namely the first frame element 61 and the second frame element 62, between which the segments 2 are arranged in the positioning section 101. The first frame element 61 carries the track guide element 4, and the second frame element 62, in conjunction with the segments 2, forms the pressure system, in that the second frame element 62 carries the track magnet 5, and the segments 2 each have a segment magnet 212, in particular such that the air gap described above exists between the segment magnets 212 and the track magnet 5 in the positioning section 101. However, it is also possible that only a single frame element is used for both the track guide element 4 and the pressure system, as is exemplified by one of the Fig. 11 und 12 This illustrates the point.

[0140] The track guidance element 4, for example the one in the Fig. 2a and the Fig. 2b The guide rail shown preferably has a fixed position in the transport device 1, meaning that the guide element 4 is immobile, particularly during operation of the transport device 1. However, the position is preferably adjustable at least in the transverse direction 12. Preferably, the transport device 1 has an adjusting device (not shown) by means of which, for example, the position of the guide element 4 relative to the first frame element 61 can be adjusted, and / or by means of which the position of the frame element 61 together with the guide element 4 can be adjusted. The adjusting device can be located in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b The illustrated example is designed in particular by a strip that can be adjusted on a base plate transversely to the direction of travel using threaded spindles.

[0141] This adjusting device for setting the position of the track guide element 4 can therefore also be used alternatively or additionally to adjust at least part of the distance between the segment and track magnets and the corresponding contact force.

[0142] It is also possible that the segments 2 each have at least one surface as a segment guide element 211, which can be pressed against or is pressed against the path guide element 4. In this case, the path guide element 4 is preferably designed with rolling elements on which the surface can roll, as can be seen in particular from one of the Fig. 7b and 10 This illustrates the point.

[0143] The segments 2 preferably each have a perforated plate 22, as exemplified by Fig. 2a This is illustrated. The perforated plate 22 has several holes which can be pressurized via a vacuum system to hold one or more substrates under negative pressure. In addition to the perforated plate 21, the segments 2 have on their outer sides (i.e., in Fig. 2a For example, on the left and right) each has a transport plate 21. The transport plates 21 together support the perforated plate, which is arranged, in particular, centrally between the transport plates 21. It is advantageous to provide exactly one transport plate 21 for each segment 2 and each traction element 32.

[0144] It is also conceivable that the segments 2 form a perforated plate that is directly attached to one or more traction elements. If no vacuum system is provided in the transport device 1, but, for example, no or other of the aforementioned holding elements are provided, the segments 2 can also expediently be designed without holes or without a perforated plate.

[0145] As through Fig. 2a As illustrated by example, a transverse guide 33 is preferably attached to each traction element 32 per segment 2. The transverse guides 33 are also attached to the segments 2. As shown by example in Fig. 2a As can be seen, the transverse guides 33 are located on both the left and right sides and connect the respective traction element 32 to the respective segment 2. The transverse guides 33 are preferably linear guides. More preferably, they are flat guides, which are preferably sliding guides.

[0146] Preferably, the transverse guides 33 each comprise a slide 331 and a guide rail 332, particularly wherein the slide 331 is attached to the respective segment 2 and the guide rail 332 is attached to the respective traction element 32. It is also possible that the guide rail 332 is attached to the respective segment 2 and the slide 331 to the respective traction element 32. The respective segment 2 and the respective traction element 32 are thus movably mounted relative to each other in the transverse direction 12 via the slide 331 and the guide rail 332. In the drive direction 11, however, a drive force can be transmitted from the traction elements 32 to the segments 2.

[0147] Each slide 331 is preferably connected to a transport plate 21 of a segment 2. Fig. 2a For example, a carriage 331 is attached to the left transport plate 21 and a carriage 331 to the right transport plate 21 of the respective segment 2. On the left side, for example, the segment guide elements 211, designed as two cam rollers, are also arranged, which run on the track guide element 4 designed as a running rail, and on the right side are the repelling magnets, i.e. the respective segment magnet 212 and the track magnet 5 or the track magnets, which adjust the contact force of the cam rollers on the running rail.

[0148] For example, the 33 cross guides can be flat guides, preferably of the drylin® type from igus GmbH, Cologne. Depending on the requirements, the 33 cross guides can alternatively or additionally represent more complex guide systems, such as guide systems comprising ball and / or roller bearings, in order to further reduce the required contact force and wear.

[0149] In Fig. 2a The left transport plate 21 is connected, for example, to a first traction element, in particular the left toothed belt, via a first transverse guide, and the right transport plate 21 is connected, for example, to a second traction element, in particular the right toothed belt, via a second transverse guide. The right transport plate 21 is also, for example, connected to a segment magnet 212. Alternatively, instead of a segment magnet 212, a spring-loaded pressure element 51 can, for example, be attached to the left or the right transport plate 21, through which the force 112 is exerted on the segments 2.

[0150] To fasten the transverse guides 33 to a respective traction element 32, such as a toothed belt, threaded units are preferably provided in the traction element, such as the toothed belt. Preferably, several, preferably two, threaded units are provided for each segment 2, in particular for each transport plate 21 of a segment, and are inserted into or attached to the respective traction element 32 in a transverse direction 12.

[0151] Thus, in the Fig. 2a In the illustrated example, a guide rail 332 is rigidly connected to the threaded units on the respective traction element 32, in particular a toothed belt, wherein the two transport plates 21 of the respective segment 2 are connected to the slides 331 on the left and right of the respective guide rail 332, the slides 331 then being movably arranged in the transverse direction 12 in the respective guide rail 332. Thus, by attaching the transverse guides 33 to the threaded units and the transport plates 21, the segments 2 and the traction elements 32, which are exemplified as toothed belts, are fixed to one another, but are movable relative to each other in the transverse direction 12.

[0152] As shown by the Fig. 2a As illustrated by example, the drive system has at least two traction elements. These can be driven by several drive elements or a common drive element. Preferably, the multiple traction elements, more preferably the two traction elements 32 designed as toothed belts, are arranged offset in the transverse direction 12 and extend parallel to each other along the drive direction 11. Preferably, the two traction elements 32 are each connected to a transverse guide 33 with each segment 2. Each segment 2 therefore preferably has two transverse guides 33. A region between the two traction elements 32 is preferably free of fastening elements, such as the transverse guides 33. In this region, one or more further assemblies, for example a vacuum system, preferably the vacuum box 102, are provided.It is also conceivable that only one traction element is provided, for example on one side or in the middle of the segments 2. If the single traction element is arranged in the middle of the segments 2, the transport device 1 preferably has no vacuum system, i.e., no vacuum box 102, or at least has no vacuum box 102 at this middle, but a vacuum box 102 on one or both sides to the side of this middle. The one or more traction elements are preferably each arranged in at least one traction element guide, which guides each traction element preferably with some play in the transverse direction 12 at least partially along the drive direction 11. The one or more traction elements are preferably guided by means of one or more deflection elements, for example, the ones shown in . Fig. 1 The deflection pulleys 300 shown are deflected and, in particular, returned to the respective drive element.

[0153] Based on the Fig. 4 A transport device 1 is illustrated by way of a schematic cross-section, in which the track in the positioning section 101 has an upper part and is guided back from one end of the positioning section 101 to a beginning of the positioning section 101 via a lower part of the track, as is also the case for the transport device 1 by the Fig. 1 This illustrates how, in particular, Fig. 4 As illustrated, in a preferred embodiment, the transport device 1 has one or more support rollers, such as the support rollers 7, outside the positioning section 101 for supporting the one or more traction elements, such as the traction elements 32. The support rollers 7 advantageously contact a side of the segments 2 that is designed in the positioning section 101 to receive the substrates 201. The support rollers 7 thus support the lower part of the track. The segments 2 can therefore be guided, for example, in a vertical direction, i.e., perpendicular to the transverse direction 12 and the drive direction 11, in the upper part by the traction elements 32, such as toothed belts, resting on their respective guides, and in the lower part by means of the support rollers 7.

[0154] Fig. 5 An example of a transport device 1 illustrates how this can be used based on the Fig. 4 is illustrated, with an additional vacuum unit 102 provided. The upper half of the transport device can be, in particular, as shown in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b as described, be designed. The printing device 10 of the Fig. 1 In particular, the transport device of Fig. 5 exhibit.

[0155] Segments 2 of the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 5 They have holes for generating a vacuum system. For this purpose, the segments 2 can be configured in particular with the perforated plates 22 and transport plates 21 described above. One or more substrates, such as those described in [reference to relevant document], can be moved via the vacuum. Fig. 1 The substrates 201 shown, preferably arcs, are held on the segments 2. Here, "holes" refers in particular to any type of suitable channel, especially for the passage of air. Preferably, these are straight through holes as openings through the respective segment with a preferably round, more preferably circular, cross-section.

[0156] The vacuum box 102 preferably has one or more fans, in particular one or more axial fans. The vacuum box 102 is advantageously provided in the positioning section 101 so that the negative pressure in the holes can be generated by means of an airflow produced by the one or more fans. The vacuum box 102 is, in particular, a closed box that has recesses facing upwards towards the perforated plates of the segments 2 and draws in air there during operation of the transport device 1. The recesses are advantageously arranged corresponding to the holes, but can, for example, extend over several of the holes in the drive direction 11. The one or more fans, in particular axial fans, are preferably located at the bottom of the vacuum box 102. Alternatively, a side channel blower is also conceivable for generating the negative pressure.

[0157] It is further possible that the perforated plates 22 additionally have elongated holes. The elongated holes preferably have larger dimensions in the transverse direction 12 than in the drive direction 11. The elongated holes can, for example, be slots. The elongated holes serve in particular to detach the substrates 201, especially the arcs, by preferably enabling the substrates 201 to be lifted. In other words, the elongated holes particularly enable the substrates 201 to be "blown out". This enables and simplifies, in particular, the ejection and / or removal of the substrates 201 in the drive direction 11 behind the positioning section 101. For this purpose, a system can be provided which generates an overpressure, in particular in the elongated holes, for example by means of one or more fans, in particular axial fans, or the side channel compressor, or by means of one or more additional fans or one or more additional compressors.

[0158] Alternatively or additionally to the transport device 1 with the vacuum system, the segments 2 may also preferably have holding means for retaining the substrates. These holding means may include clamps, notches, raised areas and / or recesses, and / or holes for generating a vacuum. Particularly if no vacuum chamber 102 is provided, but instead, for example, no holding means or other holding means, a single tensioning element attached centrally to the segments 2 (preferably by means of a transverse guide for each segment) is also conceivable. This can, for example, reduce the complexity and the number of components of the device.

[0159] Fig. 6 Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section through a transport device 1 in the positioning section 101. The transport device 1 can be configured as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b as described, however, the segment guide elements 211, the track guide element 4, and the pressure system are formed on only one side of the segments 2. For this purpose, the transport device 1 has the frame element 63 and the frame element 64, between which a projecting section of an L-shaped segment area of ​​the segments 2 is arranged. The frame element 63, in conjunction with the segment 2, forms the pressure system. For this purpose, the frame element 63 has a spring-loaded strip 51, and the segment 2 has one or more rotating bodies 213, which can roll along the spring-loaded strip 51 when the segments 2 move in the drive direction 11. The track guide element 4 is formed on the frame element 64, which has a design similar to that described above. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b The described guide rail can be used. The segment guide elements 211 are, for example, rotating bodies such as rollers or needles, which are rotatably arranged in the segments 2 so that they are pressed against the track guide element 5 by the pressure system and can roll along it.

[0160] Instead of the L-shaped section of segments 2, a T-shaped section is also conceivable, for example. In particular, if no vacuum box 102 is provided in the middle of segments 2, the T-shaped section can, for example, be located in the middle of segments 2.

[0161] Thus, when viewed perpendicular to the drive direction 11 and the transverse direction 12 in the positioning section 101, the frame element 63 can be covered by the segments 2 and the frame element 64 can also be covered by the segments 2 in the T-shaped section or arranged outside the segments 2 in the L-shaped section.

[0162] As through Fig. 6 and Fig. 7a und Fig. 7b As illustrated by example, it is possible that the pressure system is a spring-loaded pressure system with one or more springs and is designed such that the segment guide elements 211 and the path guide element 4 in the positioning section 101 can be pressed against each other and / or are pressed together by the spring forces of the one or more springs. For this purpose, the spring-loaded pressure system has several pressure rotary bodies (such as those described by Fig. 6 illustrated solid of revolution 213 or the by Fig. 7a illustrated solid of revolution 215 or the by Fig. 7b illustrated rotating bodies 214) via which the spring forces can be transmitted to the segments 2, wherein the pressure rotating bodies are rotatably attached to the segments 2 or rotatably attached outside the segments 2 in the positioning section 101.

[0163] As through Fig. 7a As illustrated, it is possible that the pressure-rotating bodies, such as the rotating body 215 preferably shown as a cam roller, can be pressed against the spring-loaded bar 51 in the positioning section 101. This causes the force 112 to be introduced into the respective segment 2 in the transverse direction 12 by the spring-loaded bar 51, pressing the segment 2 with its segment guide element 211 or its multiple segment guide elements 211 against the track guide element 4, in particular the running rail. During operation of the transport device 1, the segments 2 can be moved along the track guide element 4 in the drive direction 11.

[0164] The one or more springs are shown by way of example and schematically as a single coil spring, but alternatively or additionally preferably comprise or consist of several coil springs and / or one or more disc springs and / or one or more leaf springs.

[0165] As through Fig. 7b As illustrated by example, it is also possible that the pressure-rotating bodies, such as the rotating body 214 shown, can be pressed against the segment guide elements 211 by the spring-loaded strip 51, which is supported by one or more springs. The spring-loaded strip 51 can, for example, comprise a roller strip, preferably a flat cage with rollers, preferably with needle rollers.

[0166] Each segment 2 of the through the Fig. 6 or 7a The illustrated transport device 1 preferably has at least two, preferably exactly two, of the rotating bodies 213 or 215. The rotating bodies 214 of the Fig. 7b The illustrated transport device 1 is preferably arranged at regular intervals along the drive direction 11, so that at least two rotating bodies 214 are provided within a width that corresponds to a width of the segments 2 in the drive direction 11.

[0167] Fig. 8 bis 11 Each diagram shows a schematic cross-section of a part of the transport device 1. This is divided into one of the Fig. 8 bis 11 The part shown is, for example, part of a transport device 1, which, outside the part shown, resembles one of the Fig. 1, 2a , 4, 5 or 6 The illustrated transport device 1 is designed.

[0168] Fig. 8 Figure 211 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the segment guide elements 211 are cam rollers and are pressed against a track guide element 4 designed as a running rail. The track guide element 4 is attached to the frame element 63, so that a part projecting from the segments 2 with the cam roller is arranged between the frame elements 63 and 64, but in particular no further frame element on the other (in Fig. 8 (not shown) side of segments 2 is required to provide the track guidance element 4.

[0169] Fig. 9 Figure 63 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the track guide element 4, preferably designed as a running rail, is attached to the frame element 64. The segments 2 have segment guide elements 211 in the form of rotating bodies, such as rollers or needles, which are rotatably arranged in the segments 2. The frame element 63 has the track magnet 5 or multiple track magnets, and the segments 2 have the segment magnets such that they form an air gap to the track magnet 5 or multiple track magnets, and a repulsive effect presses the segment guide elements 211 against the track guide element 4. This exemplary embodiment... Fig. 10 In contrast, the design is modified such that the web guide element 211 is formed by a surface of the respective segment 2, in particular the carrier plate 21, wherein the surface is pressed by the pressure system against rotating bodies provided by the web guide element 4. The rotating bodies of the web guide element 4 are preferably arranged at regular intervals along the drive direction 11, so that at least two rotating bodies 214 are provided within a width corresponding to the width of the segments 2 in the drive direction 11. The rotating bodies of the segment guide elements 211 or of the web guide element 4 can each, for example, consist of a roller strip, preferably a flat cage with rollers, preferably with needle rollers.

[0170] The Fig. 11 and the Fig. 12 To illustrate embodiments of the transport device 1, schematic cross-sections of a part are provided, in which only one frame element 65 is installed to implement the pressure system and the track guide element 4. Further frame elements are of course possible, but not strictly necessary for the design of the pressure system and the track guide element 4. For this purpose, the frame element 65 has the track magnet(s) 5 and the track guide element 4, and the segments 2 have, accordingly, the segment magnets 212 and the segment guide elements 211 on a side facing the frame element 65. The track magnet 5 or the multiple track magnets and the segment magnets 212 can be configured as described in the above descriptions, but they are mutually attractive, i.e., preferably with opposite polarities. In the embodiment of the Fig. 12 The segment guide elements 211 are rotating bodies, such as rollers or needles, which are rotatably arranged in the segments 2. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 12 The segment guide elements are 211 cam rollers.

[0171] In a further embodiment of the transport device 1, not shown, it has mutually attracting segment magnets 212 and one or more track magnets 5, wherein the segment magnets 212 are arranged on the right or left side of an outer surface of the segments 2 in cross-section, wherein the segment guide elements 211 are attached to or in this outer surface and a frame element is arranged opposite the outer surface, which has the one or more track magnets and the track guide element.

[0172] In a further embodiment of the transport device 1, not shown, it has mutually attracting segment magnets 212 and one or more track magnets 5, wherein the segment magnets 212 are arranged in cross-section on the right or left side of a protruding part of a T-shaped area of ​​the segments 2, wherein the segment guide elements 211 are attached to or in this outer side and opposite the outer side a frame element is arranged which has the one or more track magnets and the track guide element.

[0173] Furthermore, an arrangement with mutually attracting and repelling magnets is also possible.

[0174] As illustrated by the above embodiments, the transport device 1 preferably has several rotating bodies which are rotatably mounted on the segment guide elements 211 and / or on the track guide element 4 and are arranged such that the segment guide elements 211 can be moved along the track guide element 4 by rotating the rotating bodies. The rotating bodies are preferably rotatably mounted about an axis that runs perpendicular to the transverse direction 12 and preferably perpendicular to the drive direction 11. Advantageously, each segment 2 can thus be moved along the track guide element 4 with a defined path.

[0175] Fig. 13 Figure 1 schematically shows a transport device 1 of variant A, which is exemplified in a pressure device 10 with a pressure unit 100 and a vacuum box 102. How this is achieved by Fig. 13 As illustrated by example, the transport device 1 can preferably be a vacuum transport device. The pressure device 10 is preferably, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 described, designed. The vacuum box 102 can also be designed as in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 is described.

[0176] The use of the based on the Fig. 13 The illustrated transport device 1 in the printing device 10, in particular with at least one printing unit, such as the printing unit 100, and with at least one vacuum box, such as the vacuum box 102, is optional. However, use in a printing device and / or for printing on substrates, in particular sheets, is preferred. Other uses of the transport device 1, such as those shown in the illustration, are also possible. Fig. 1 The options described are also possible.

[0177] Preferably, a coating or printing process is carried out using the transport device 1, which comprises at least the following steps: picking up one substrate 201 at a time by means of several of the segments 2; coating or printing the substrate 201 within the positioning section 101. During coating or printing, the segment guide elements 211 within the positioning section 101 are pressed against a web guide element by means of a pressure system, as described in more detail below.

[0178] The transport device 1 comprises segments 2 for transporting the substrates 201. In Fig. 13 Two such segments 2 are schematically represented at point A. As illustrated here, the segments 2 are connected to each other via joints 200 in such a way that the segments 2 form the segment traction element 2000, which thus also represents the conveyor belt 20 for transporting the substrates 201.

[0179] Fig. 14 The left side schematically illustrates the two segments 2, which are in Fig. 13 shown at point A of conveyor belt 20. On the right side of the Fig. 14 Two segments 2 are schematically illustrated as they are in Fig. 13 at point B. Segments 2 are therefore, as in Fig. 14 As can be seen on the left, the segments 2 are connected to each other and rotatably to each other via joints 200, which are, for example, hinges, by means of a hinge pin 210. For this purpose, each segment 2 has joint elements 2101, each with an opening through which the hinge pin 210 passes. Further segments between the segments 2 at locations A and B are not shown for illustrative purposes. However, the segments 2 at locations A and B are connected to each other via further segments with corresponding joints, resulting in a preferably endless segment tension member 2000, as shown by Fig. 13 This illustrates the point.

[0180] The transport device 1 also includes a drive system for moving the segments 2 in the drive direction 11 along an endless path. As shown in particular by the right-hand illustration of the Fig. 14 As further illustrated, the drive system here comprises a drive element 31 for transmitting a force to the segments 2, wherein the drive element 31 of variant A is preferably arranged in direct engagement with the segment traction element 2000. For example, the segment traction element 2000 is a chain, and the drive element 31 has sprockets as transmission elements, which directly contact the segments 2, each of which is designed in the form of a chain link, and thus transmit a drive force to them. A suitable exemplary form of the segments 2 for this purpose is, in particular, Fig. 22 illustrated.

[0181] How this will be further developed Fig. 13 As illustrated, it is possible that the drive element 31 has several shafts equipped with sprockets. Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows two shafts with such sprockets. Depending on the requirements, however, there can also be more than two shafts, for example, by the drive element 31 having two further shafts with sprockets between the shafts with sprockets shown. For example, the drive system has a total of four shafts with six sprockets each.

[0182] The wider the segment traction element 2000 is in the transverse direction 12, the more sprockets are preferably arranged per shaft, in order to enable in particular a straight and uniform drive of the segment traction element 2000.

[0183] Furthermore, it is possible that one or more shafts with sprockets as deflection elements 300 are provided in the transport device 1, as shown in Fig. 13 These are shown as examples. Preferably, these shafts have fewer sprockets than the one or more shafts of the drive element 31.

[0184] The segments 2 have freedom of movement in the transverse direction 12, which runs perpendicular to the drive direction 11. This freedom is achieved in particular by the fact that the joint elements 2101 are each movable in the transverse direction 12 on the hinge pin 210, preferably with limited movement. In particular, two adjacent segments 2 are thus mounted on a hinge pin 210 so as to be slidably relative to each other in the transverse direction 12, preferably with some play relative to each other.

[0185] A degree of freedom of movement exists here, particularly with respect to the drive element 31. For this purpose, the profile of the joint elements 2101, with which the drive element 31 engages, can have a greater width in the transverse direction 12 than the profile of the drive element 31, in particular than the tooth width of the sprockets. Thus, each segment 2, which is engaged with, for example, a sprocket of the drive element 31, can move within a certain clearance in the transverse direction 12 relative to the respective sprocket.

[0186] Thus, segments 2, especially outside the positioning section 101, exhibit freedom of movement in the transverse direction 12 even relative to a stationary reference point.

[0187] Fig. 14 This shows schematically enlarged side views of the Segment Traction Unit 2000 at locations A and B. On the right side of the Fig. 14 The transverse direction 12 points into or out of the image plane. If the drive element 31 moves into the image plane, for example here due to play in its shaft bearing, the position of the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 can be maintained, and a relative movement of the segments 2 in the transverse direction 12 with respect to the drive element 31 can be executed in the positioning section 101. Outside the positioning section 101, it is possible for the segments 2 to move on the drive element 31 in the transverse direction 12, or at least partially move with the drive element 31 in the transverse direction 12, or to move in the transverse direction 12 due to other influences. However, the position of the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 is maintained according to the position specified by the path guide element 4 and the segment guide elements 211, as shown in particular below. Fig. 15 This is further illustrated. As can be seen in particular from the freedom of movement described above, this holding of the position can be accompanied in particular by a relative movement of the segments 2 within the positioning section 101 with respect to segments 2 outside the positioning section 101 and / or with respect to the drive element 31, which may be located inside and / or outside the positioning section 101.

[0188] Fig. 15 schematically illustrates in top view the transport device 1, how it is based on the Fig. 13 und 14 This is illustrated in the area of ​​positioning section 101. Fig. 15 The figure shows only four segments 2, each connected to the others via a joint 200. Further existing segments, intended to form the segment traction element 2000, are omitted for clarity only. Fig. 16 schematically illustrates an enlarged side view of a section of the segment traction element 2000 from a viewing direction which is in Fig. 15 This corresponds to a view from right to left. Fig. 17 schematically illustrates a side view of the transport device 1 from a viewing direction in Fig. 15 from bottom to top. Fig. 18 schematically illustrates the segment traction element 2000 using a cross-sectional view through six segments 2 of a segment traction element 2000 in a viewing direction which is in Fig. 15 a view from left to right, whereby in Fig. 18 in particular, the head of a hinge bolt 210 is visible, which is in Fig. 15 not shown, but may be present (usefully for positioning the hinge pin in the respective openings). Fig. 19 schematically illustrates one of the six segments 2 in a viewing direction which is in Fig. 15 This corresponds to a view from right to left. In the Fig. 18 und 19 For the sake of simplicity, only joint elements 2101 are shown, which lie in a plane spanned perpendicular to the direction of view.

[0189] Each segment 2 of variant A now preferably forms a segment guide element 211, which is located in the Fig. 15 For example, the segments 2 are arranged on the left side of the segments 2. Here, the segments 2 form segment guide elements 211, for example, by having a surface for sliding on the track guide element 4. It is also conceivable that a separate segment guide element is arranged on each segment 2, which is designed for sliding or rolling on the track guide element 4. In particular, the segment guide elements can each be formed by one of the hinge pins 210, in that the respective hinge pin has a partial area designed as a segment guide element between the respective segment, in particular the outermost joint element 2101, and the track guide element 4. This partial area can, for example, be a head of the hinge pin, which is pressed by the segment 2 against the track guide element 4 as a result of a force 112 acting on a respective segment 2.In this case, the hinge pin 210 therefore expediently has a surface for sliding or rolling on the track guide element 4.

[0190] What next? Fig. 15 As illustrated by example, the transport device 1 has a pressure system for exerting the force 112 acting in the transverse direction 12 on the segments 2. This presses the segment guide elements 211 and the track guide element 4 against each other in such a way that the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 can each be positioned in the transverse direction 12 independently of the position of the drive element 31 in the transverse direction 12 and of the position of segments 2 not located in the positioning section 101 in the transverse direction 12. In the positioning section 101, the segments 2, due to the pressure of the segment guide elements 211 and the track guide element 4 against each other, also have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction 12 relative to a stationary reference point, which is less than the freedom of movement of segments 2 when they are located outside the positioning section 101.It is therefore particularly possible that the freedom of movement of the drive element 31 is greater than the freedom of movement of the segments 2 in the positioning section 101 relative to the stationary reference point. In particular, the freedom of movement of the segments 2 is almost non-existent in the positioning section 101 relative to the stationary reference point in the transverse direction 12 and / or is reduced compared to the freedom of movement of the drive element 31 and / or the segments 2 outside the positioning section 101 relative to the stationary reference point, in particular because the positioning on the path guide element 4 specifies a particularly precise position in the transverse direction 12.

[0191] As through Fig. 15 As illustrated by example, the pressure system 3 here comprises segment magnets 212 and track magnets 5, which repel each other and thus exert the force 112 on the segments 2. The segment magnets 212 are preferably magnetic bolts. The track magnets 5 are, for example, rectangular magnets.

[0192] As this is shown in the Fig. 15 and 17As can be seen by way of example, the joint elements 2101 preferably form several openings in the transverse direction, through which an axis 2102 runs for each joint 200, which is defined, for example, by the respective hinge pin 210. Two adjacent segments 2 are rotatable about this axis 2102. The openings of the joint elements 2101 form, in particular, sliding guides for the hinge pin 210, by means of which the respective joint elements 2101 of two adjacent segments 2 are rotatable about the hinge pin 210 and are thereby movable in the transverse direction 12 along the hinge pin 210 within limits.

[0193] The hinge pin 210 preferably extends through a portion of openings in each segment 2, which are formed by joint elements 2101 of two adjacent segments 2. As shown in Fig. 15 based on the right side as well as in Fig. 21 As illustrated by example on the left side of segments 2, in another part of the openings (which here, for example, only represents the outermost opening) one of the segment magnets 212 is arranged for each segment 2. In The respective segment magnet 212 is preferably attached to this opening by means of an interference fit. Furthermore, the segment magnets 212 preferably have a stop, which here is formed, for example, by a head of the magnetic bolt, thus preferably enabling precise positioning of the segment magnets 212 in the respective opening.

[0194] Instead of the segment magnets 212 in the form of a bolt, embodiments with segment magnets in the form of another fastening element, preferably a screw or a pin, or in the form of a plate or the like, are also conceivable, which are preferably attached in or to one of the holding means provided by the respective segment 2. These holding means can be one or more of the openings with or without a thread, or can be arranged separately from the openings, which are preferably located on an axis, on or in the segments 2.

[0195] The segment traction element 2000 is therefore preferably a hinged belt chain. Instead of the joints 200 formed by the joint elements 2101 and hinge pins 210, other means for providing the movement of chain links relative to each other are also conceivable, depending on the requirements and substrate. These are used in known conveyor chains, such as plastic modular belts, if they have sufficient clearance between the segments 2 and relative to the drive element 31, so that positioning in the positioning section 101 is ensured via the pressure system and the track and segment guide elements.

[0196] Segments 2 of the, for example, through the Fig. 15 The illustrated transport device 1 is preferably movable relative to each other in the transverse direction 12 by being movable within predetermined limits along the hinge pin 210. This enables positioning in the positioning section 101 with low forces and bending between the segments 2 and correspondingly low wear. Simultaneously, the gaps provided for this mobility between the segments 2 can be used to apply a vacuum by means of the vacuum system. The segments 2 of the segment traction element 2000 therefore preferably each have a closed surface without holes for a vacuum system. The vacuum box 102 is expediently provided in the positioning section 101 so that the vacuum in the gaps between the segments 2 can be generated by means of an airflow produced by one or more fans.

[0197] The segments 2 preferably comprise a plastic that is a sliding material. In particular, the support bodies 2001, which are located in the Fig. 14 , 16 and 18 bis 22 The segments 211 and the segment guide elements 211, as shown in the figures, are formed by injection molding of a sliding material. The sliding material preferably forms the segment guide elements 211 and the joint elements 2101. Here, the sliding material is, for example, POM. However, it is also conceivable that the sliding material comprises or consists of one or more of the following materials: PE, PET, PTFE, PVDF, PA. Preferably, the track guide element 4 also consists of or comprises a sliding material. Thus, the track guide element 4, together with the segment guide elements 211, forms a sliding guide. Therefore, the sliding material of the track guide element 4 is, for example, PTFE. However, it is also conceivable that the sliding material of the track guide element 4 comprises or consists of one or more of the following materials: aluminum, steel with a PTFE coating.

[0198] It is also advantageous that the track guide element 4 and the segment guide elements 211 are ground.

[0199] In addition, each segment 2 has a rubber layer 2002 as a receiving layer to form a surface for receiving the substrates 201. The rubber layer 2002 can, in particular, be injection-molded or otherwise coated onto the carrier body 2001. Preferably, the rubber layer 2002 forms a continuous area on each segment 2. However, it is also possible for the rubber layer to form several sub-areas.

[0200] In In the positioning section 101, preferably at least 50 segments can be pressed simultaneously against the track guide element 4 and / or are pressed simultaneously against the track guide element 4. Furthermore, preferably at least 9 joint elements 2101, each with an opening, can be provided for each segment 2 and each axis of rotation. Preferably, the segments 2 are each a maximum of 25.4 mm long in the drive direction 11 and preferably at least 15.0 cm long in the transverse direction 12. Fig. 15 For this purpose, the distance between an imaginary line connecting the uppermost points and an imaginary line connecting the lowermost points of a segment 2 can be measured along the drive direction 11, and / or the distance between an imaginary line connecting the leftmost points and an imaginary line connecting the rightmost points of a segment 2 can be measured along the transverse direction 12. However, the number of segments 2 can vary, particularly depending on the design, and is expediently directly related to the size (division) of the segments 2, which are specified, for example, in inches, and the length of the positioning section 101.

[0201] Furthermore, it is possible that at least in positioning section 101 a support layer 1201 is provided, as shown in Fig. 15 and 17The support layer 1201 preferably consists of a sliding material and is fixed in such a way that the segments 2 above it are in a defined position in a vertical direction in the positioning section 101, i.e. in Fig. 17 along a top-to-bottom direction. The support layer 1201 can be provided with several holes, in particular slots, to allow a vacuum to be applied to the gap between the segments 2 to hold the substrates 201.

[0202] Figs. 20 to 22 illustrate an exemplary conveyor belt 20, which is formed by a segment traction element 2000 in the form of a chain and in particular in a configuration based on one of the Figs. 13 to 19 The illustrated embodiment is shown using sections with three segments 2 of the segment traction element 2000.

[0203] Fig. 20This illustrates in particular the formation of the joint elements 2101 by the carrier body 2001, wherein a receiving layer, namely the rubber layer 2002, is arranged on the carrier body 2001.

[0204] Fig. 21 illustrated by a cross-section along the axis of rotation, how the in Fig. 15 Axis 2102 shown, in particular the interaction of the joint elements 2101 of two adjacent segments 2 via the hinge pin 210, wherein the segment magnet 212 is provided in the form of a magnetic pin in an outermost opening of each segment 2.

[0205] Fig. 22The segment traction element 2000 is illustrated by way of an example from below showing a section of the segment traction element 2000. As illustrated here, the segment traction element 2000, which is expediently designed as a chain, is shaped in such a way that a driving force can be exerted directly on the segment traction element 2000 via a profile of a transmission element, in particular in the form of teeth of one or more sprockets.

[0206] The one of the Figs. 13 to 22 The illustrated transport device 1 therefore corresponds in particular to variant A. The one described by one of the Figs. 1 to 12 The illustrated transport device 1 corresponds in particular to variant B. Based on the Figs. 13 to 22A pressure system using two repelling magnets is illustrated here. However, it is also possible to generate the force required to press the segment guide elements against the track guide element using attracting magnets or other systems, such as spring-loaded systems. In particular, a system characterized by the Figs. 13 to 22 The illustrated variant A of the transport device 1 shows the corresponding ones, based on one of the Figs. 1 to 12 The described pressure systems and segment and path guide elements for pressing the segment guide elements against the path guide element are possible. Furthermore, even with one of the Figs. 13 to 22Variant A illustrates corresponding designs for adjusting the force with which the segment guide elements are pressed against the track guide element in the positioning section. For example, variant A can provide that a position of the segment magnets 212, in particular the magnetic bolts, or a position of the one or more track magnets 5 in the transverse direction 12 is adjustable, such that an attractive force or a repulsive force between the segment magnets 212 and the one or more track magnets 5 in the positioning section 101 can be adjusted by means of a distance between the segment magnets 212, in particular the magnetic bolts, and the one or more track magnets 5.

[0207] In particular, it is also possible by means of the Figs. 13 to 22In illustrated variant A, it is possible that the freedom of movement of segments 2 and / or a maximum deviation from a target position of segments 2 in positioning section 101 from a mean position lies in a range of - 0.02 mm to + 0.02 mm and / or that the freedom of movement of segments 2 lies in a range of less than or equal to 0.04 mm.

[0208] As through Fig. 13As further illustrated, the segments 2 form the conveyor belt 20, which in variant A is the segment traction element 2000, preferably along the endless path. For this purpose, the transport device 1 has, for example, one or more deflection rollers, such as the two deflection rollers 300 shown, and the drive element 31 also has a deflection function in this preferred embodiment. The path is thus guided downwards in the drive direction 11, preferably behind the positioning section 101, and then guided upwards again to the positioning section 101. The number and arrangement of the deflection rollers can also be selected differently depending on the application, and the drive element 31 can optionally also be designed without a deflection function or have shafts with sprockets without a deflection function. Supporting a lower part of the segments 2, as shown in Fig. 4As described, this is also possible with variant A. It is also conceivable that the track runs in a plane and is guided to the left or right behind the positioning section and then back to the positioning section 101. For this purpose, the joints 200 can be adapted to the joints of plate chains, plastic modular belts, and / or the like.

[0209] A mirrored construction of the transport device 1, schematically illustrated by the figures, is of course also possible.

[0210] The features, effects, and advantages described in connection with the transport device 1 can also be applied analogously to the printing device 10 and to the coating and / or printing process and are therefore considered to be disclosed. The same applies in the reverse direction: features, effects, and advantages described in connection with the coating and / or printing process are also transferable to the transport device 1 and the printing device 10 and are considered to be disclosed. Reference symbol list:

[0211] 1 Transport device 10 Pressure device 11 Drive direction 100 Pressure unit 101 Positioning section 102 Vacuum box 1021 Support layer 110 Ideal movement 111 Maximum distance 112 Force 2 Segment(s) 20 Conveyor belt 21 Transport plate(s) 211 Segment guide element(s) 212 Segment magnet(s) 213, 214, 215 Rotating body 200 Joint(s) 2000 Segment traction element 2001 Support body 2002 Rubber layer 210 Hinge pin 2101 Joint element(s) 2102 Axle(s) 22 Perforated plate(s) 31 Drive element(s) 32 Traction element 33 Guide unit(s) 331 Slide 332 Guide rail 4 Track guide element 5 track magnet / s 51 spring-loaded pressure element, spring-loaded strip 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 frame elements A, B positions of the segment pull-out device

Claims

1. Transport device (1), in particular for use in a printing device (10), comprising segments (2) for transporting substrates (201) and a drive system (3) for moving the segments (2) in a drive direction (11) along an endless path, wherein in a variant A the segments (2) are connected to one another via joints (200), in particular via hinges, such that the segments (2) form a segment traction element (2000), wherein the drive system (3) has a drive element (31) for transmitting a force to the segments (2), wherein the drive element (31) is arranged in direct engagement with the segment traction element (2000), wherein the segments (2) have freedom of movement in a transverse direction (12) which extends transversely to the drive direction (11), in particular with respect to a stationary reference point of the transport device (1) and / or with respect to the drive element (31),or wherein in variant B the drive system (3) comprises a drive element (31) and one or more endless traction elements (32) for transmitting a force exerted by the drive element (31) to the segments (2), wherein the one or more traction elements (32) have freedom of movement in a transverse direction (12) which extends transversely to the drive direction (11), in particular with respect to a stationary reference point of the transport device (1) and / or with respect to the drive element (31), wherein the segments (2) are successively attached to the one or more traction elements (32) along the drive direction (11) by means of transverse guides (33),wherein the one or more traction elements (32) per segment (2) are movably arranged in the transverse direction (12) in relation to the respective segment (2) by means of one or more of the transverse guides (33); and wherein in variant A and / or B each segment (2) has or forms at least one segment guide element (211), and wherein the transport device (1) has a pressure system for exerting a force (112) acting in the transverse direction (12) on the segments (2), which in a positioning section (101) presses the segment guide elements (211) and a path guide element (4) against each other such that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) can each be positioned in the transverse direction (12) independently of a position of segments (2) outside the positioning section (101) in the transverse direction (12) and / or independently of a position of the drive element (31) in the transverse direction (12),and / or that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction (12), in particular with respect to a stationary reference point, which is less than the freedom of movement of segments (2) outside the positioning section (101) and / or than the freedom of movement of the drive element (31), in particular with respect to the stationary reference point, and / or that in variant B the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) can each be positioned in the transverse direction (12) independently of a position in the transverse direction (12) of the one or more traction elements (32), and / or in variant B the segment guide elements (211) and a track guide element (4) press against each other in such a way that the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) have a freedom of movement in the transverse direction (12), in particular with respect to the stationary reference point and / or with respect to the drive element (31),which is less than the freedom of movement of one or more traction elements (32).

2. Transport device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the freedom of movement of the segments (2) and / or a maximum deviation from a target position of the segments (2) in the positioning section (101) starting from a mean position is in a range of - 0.02 mm to + 0.02 mm and / or that the freedom of movement of the segments (2) is in a range of less than or equal to 0.04 mm.

3. Transport device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the track guide element (4) has a fixed position in the transport device (1) and in particular that the fixed position is adjustable at least in the transverse direction (12), preferably by means of an adjusting device of the track guide element (4).

4. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe segments (2) comprise or consist of plastic, preferably a sliding material, or each have a support body (2001) consisting entirely or partially of plastic, in particular of a sliding material.

5. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the track guide element (4) forms a sliding guide with the segment guide elements (211).

6. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe pressure system has segment magnets (212) and includes one or more track magnets (5) in the positioning section (101), wherein at least one segment magnet (212) is attached to each segment (2) and in the positioning section (101) a repulsive or attractive effect can be exerted by the one or more track magnets (5) on the segment magnets (212) present in the positioning section (101) and thereby the force (112) in the transverse direction (12) can be generated.

7. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thata position of the segment magnets (212) or a position of the one or more track magnets (5) in the transverse direction (12) is adjustable, such that an attractive force or a repulsive force between the segment magnets (212) and the one or more track magnets (5) in the positioning section (101) is adjustable by means of a distance of the segment magnets (212) to the one or more track magnets (5) in the positioning section (101), and in particular that the distance of a respective segment magnet (212) to the one or more track magnets (5) which are opposite the respective segment magnet in the positioning section (101) has a value in a range of 3 mm and 15 mm and / or is adjustable in this range.

8. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatThe segments (2) for forming the joints (200), in particular the hinges, each have one or more joint elements (2101), wherein joint elements (2101) of each pair of adjacent segments (2) are rotatably mounted relative to each other, so that by the interaction of the joint elements (2101) of each pair of adjacent segments (2) a respective joint (200) is formed between these two adjacent segments (2).

9. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that The joint elements (2101) form several openings in the transverse direction (12), through which at least one axis (2102) runs, about which the two adjacent segments (2) are rotatable.

10. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe at least one axis (2102) of a component extending through a part of the multiple openings, which is in particular a hinge pin (210), is formed and in another part of the multiple openings per segment one of the segment magnets (212) is arranged.

11. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the other part of the openings the respective segment magnet (212) is attached by means of a press fit and that at least one axis (2102) runs through one part of the openings as well as the other part of the openings.

12. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the segment magnets (212) for forming the press fit have a larger diameter than a component for forming at least one axis (2102).

13. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatThe pressure system comprises a bar with an adjusting device for setting a position of the bar, whereby the force (112) acting on the segments (2) in the transverse direction (12) is adjustable, in particular by means of the bar a distance between the segment magnets (212) and the one or more track magnets (5) is adjustable, and / or that the pressure system presses the segment guide elements (211) against the web guide element (4) with a contact force of less than or equal to 150 N and / or with a contact force in a range of 50 N to 150 N, preferably in a range of 50 N to 100 N.

14. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the segment traction element (2000) is a chain with chain links, each of which is formed by the segments (2).

15. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe segment traction element (2000) has gaps which can be subjected to a vacuum system for holding one or more substrates (201) with a negative pressure.

16. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the segments (2) of the segment traction element (2) have a closed surface and / or no holes for a vacuum system.

17. Printing device comprising a transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

18. Use of a transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in a printing device (10) and / or for printing on substrates (201), in particular sheets.

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