Cylinder for a machine for processing and / or treating sheets, with suction air openings, and machine for processing and / or treating sheet-like substrates, with such a cylinder

Abstract

The invention relates to a cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) for a machine (01) for processing and / or treating sheets, the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) being provided with a peripheral holding means (33) by means of which a substrate sheet (02) to be conveyed via the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) is received or can be received at its front end and during the rotation of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) is held or can be held over a rotation angle range between the reception of the substrate sheet (02) and the transfer downstream, the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) being provided with a rotary feedthrough (123) which is a rotor (124) rotating together with the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) and which at its end side is The rotor (124) is arranged on a lateral shaft end (128) of a shaft (32) driving a cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) at its end face or on a cylinder pin (128) at the end face, and a stator (126) that does not rotate during operation, wherein a negative pressure can be supplied via the rotary feedthrough (123) to a plurality of suction openings (42) or groups of suction openings (42) provided on the circumferential surface of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) during the passage of an active rotational angle phase of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) about the rotational axis (R) of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12), the rotary feedthrough (123) being arranged on the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) in a passing angular sector (ΔΔΔΔΔ) that determines the magnitude of the active rotational angle phase. Φ ) and / or the position of the active rotational phase, Φ ) is adjustable in position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a cylinder for a machine for processing and / or treating sheets, having a suction air opening, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a machine for processing and / or treating sheet-like substrates, having such a cylinder, according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] From DE 10 2018 212 429 C1 a printing machine is known which comprises a screen printing unit and a device for directing magnetic or magnetizable particles contained in a printing ink or varnish, which device comprises a cylinder with a number of elements for generating a magnetic field on its circumferential surface, the elements being arranged in a number of axially adjustable ring-shaped elements which have suction air openings at the height of the cylinder envelope which serve to hold the sheet to be transported and which are or can be connected via a rotary feed-through to a vacuum line or a vacuum source.

[0003] DE 112012006348 A1 relates to a combined printing machine and discloses in particular a magnet cylinder with suction openings on the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder outer body, which are supplied with suction air during rotation from an air chamber extending in it over a given angular range, the air chamber being delimited by two axially extending dividing strips rigidly attached to the inner shaft.

[0004] DE 10 2012220401 A1 discloses a transfer drum for transporting printing sheets, which has an inner tube and an outer tube arranged coaxially with respect to the inner tube and rotatably thereon, the outer tube being provided with suction openings on its circumferential surface. Between the inner tube and the rotatable outer tube, an intermediate tube is arranged coaxially with respect to the non-rotatable inner tube, which can be adjusted by a limited rotation angle relative to the inner tube, and which surrounds the circumferential surface of the inner tube with its inner wall. The intermediate tube has at least one groove in the circumferential direction, which extends along only a portion of the circumferential surface of the inner tube or the intermediate tube and which changes its position in the circumferential direction and thus the position of the angle range for the passage of suction air by rotation of the intermediate tube.

[0005] DE 1 917 795 A1 relates to a conveying device for sheet-like objects which operates with suction air, in which a roll jacket with radial passages is rotatably mounted in the form of a rotary valve on an inner stator which has an internal suction line which is permanently connected to a suction air source.

[0006] DE 10 2014 001 969 C1 relates to a device for changing the format of a sheet-transporting drum, which has an outer sleeve with a nozzle passage for air pressure and an inner sleeve with a cover segment for covering the nozzle passage depending on the format.

[0007] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a cylinder for a machine for processing and / or treating sheets, which is provided with a suction air opening, as well as a machine for processing and / or treating sheet-like substrates, which is provided with such a cylinder.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 or claim 15.

[0009] The advantage that can be obtained by the invention is, for example, that the sheet transport can be carried out particularly precisely and / or reliably on the cylinder, without the cylinder carrying out particularly uncontrolled movements, which is achieved by adhesion to the cylinder at least over a certain rotation angle phase.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous that the sheet transport can be optimized, in particular with regard to the receipt from and / or delivery to another sheet transport means, in that the rotation angle phase is variable, at least within certain limits, in terms of its position and / or its size around the rotation axis of the cylinder, in particular with the suction opening activated, i.e. with the negative pressure applied.

[0011] The rotary feedthrough, which should preferably be arranged at the end face so that it cannot rotate relative to the shaft driving the cylinder or to the cylinder pin at the end face, makes complex cylinder assembly and / or adjustment mechanisms unnecessary and / or makes it possible to retrofit the rotary feedthrough to existing cylinders.

[0012] The cylinder according to the present invention for a machine for processing and / or treating sheets has a holding means on its circumferential surface, by means of which a base sheet to be transported through the cylinder is received by its front end and is held or can be held during the rotation of the cylinder over a rotation angle range between the reception of the base sheet and the transfer on the downstream side, and has a rotary feedthrough, by means of which a negative pressure can be supplied to a number of suction openings provided on the circumferential surface of the cylinder during active and / or defined rotation angle phases of the cylinder, in particular when a negative pressure is applied on the inlet side and / or when connected to a suction air source, and which rotary feedthrough is adjustable at least with respect to the magnitude of an angular sector for passing suction air, or for short a pass angular sector, which determines the magnitude of a defined and / or active rotation angle phase, and / or the position of the pass angular sector which determines the position of a defined and / or active rotation angle phase.

[0013] The above-mentioned solutions having a rotation angle phase which is variable in terms of position and / or magnitude or a passing angle sector which is variable in terms of position and / or magnitude, in conjunction with the clamping device for fixing the ring-shaped element, also described below, and / or the configuration of the magnet elements and suction elements as a structural unit, also described below, and / or the movability of individual or all of the magnet elements in the axial and / or circumferential direction, also described below, and / or the clamping device for clamping the magnet elements or the structural unit, also described below, are advantageous in terms of high precision and / or good adjustability when processing and / or treating the substrate, in particular when producing optically variable image elements.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder is configured as a magnetic cylinder and has a matrix of a number of magnet elements, for example n×m (n, m∈N), in the region of its outer circumferential surface, which are arranged in rows extending parallel to the axis and in columns extending in the circumferential direction and have suction elements with outwardly directed suction openings. In an advantageous refinement, several or all of the magnet elements of the circumferentially extending rows are arranged on or on a respective open or closed ring-shaped support element attached to the cylinder shaft, which ring-shaped support element has, one behind the other, a number of chambers which are each connected independently of one another via corresponding ducts on the one hand to the rotor of the rotary feedthrough and on the other hand to at least one group of suction openings opening into the circumferential surface.

[0015] The machine according to the present invention for processing and / or treating substrates, in particular in sheet form, comprises a substrate supply section, and, if the initial substrate is in web form, for example a cross cutter, at least one printing unit capable of printing and / or printing in a matrix form an allocation surface of m columns and n rows on at least a first side of the substrate guided through the machine in a transport path, a product receiver capable of bundling the processed substrate, and at least one conveying cylinder arranged in the substrate path between the substrate supply section and the product receiver, the conveying cylinder being formed with an suction opening, as described above, and a rotary feedthrough connected to the suction opening through a pipe.

[0016] Further details and implementation variations can be seen from the examples.

[0017] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a machine for creating optically variable image elements on a substrate. [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of a substrate printed with an optically variable coating agent in a printing element, a) shown with as yet unoriented magnetic or magnetizable particles and b) shown after orientation of the imaged portion, here in the form of, for example, the number "1". [Diagram 3] A schematic diagram of the printing process with an image-applying printing unit cylinder and a cylinder with magnetic elements, and a downstream orientation process, showing an example with a substrate sheet that is trapezoidally widened towards the rear end. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a magnet cylinder. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a support element on which, for example, a number of magnet elements are mounted one after the other in the circumferential direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a support element with one magnet element mounted thereon in a narrower configuration compared to FIG. 5; [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing a part of a vertical cross section of the cylinder shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a valve for selectively opening and closing an intake air opening. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a simpler configuration of an action unit, comprising one magnet element and one suction element. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the functional unit shown in FIG. 9 without the magnet and the housing. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a working unit with one magnet element and one suction element, in which the adjustment mechanism for axially adjusting the magnet element can be seen. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a working unit with one magnet element and one suction element, in which an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the magnet element in the circumferential direction can be seen. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly aid for mounting or removing and / or positioning the function unit; [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an action unit arranged on a ring-shaped element, on which the assembly aid shown in FIG. 13 is mounted. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cylinder inner body fitted with six ring-shaped elements. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a cylinder with a cylinder inner body, a support element in the form of a ring-shaped segment arranged on the cylinder inner body, and, for example, ten working units arranged on the support element. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged partial view of a fastening device for a support element. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a partial view showing a detail of a fastening device for a support element. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end-side connection of a cylinder to a stator that does not rotate during operation of the rotary feedthrough; [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows the portions of the rotary feedthrough shown in FIG. 19 that do not rotate during operation, with the shaft extending outward. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an enlarged partial view of a stator formed in two sections of the rotary feedthrough shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of a connection for a cylinder with a rotary feedthrough to an adjusting means for adjusting a stator;

[0019] Preferably, a machine 01 for processing and / or treating a web-like or in particular sheet-like substrate 02, for example a in particular sheet-like printing substrate 02, for generating an optically variable image element 03 thereon, in particular a security machine 01, for example a printing machine 01, in particular a security printing machine 01, comprises an application device 04, for example a printing unit 04, by which an optically variable coating agent 06, for example an optically variable printing ink 06 or varnish 06, can be applied in the form of a printed image element 08 over the entire surface or in partial areas to at least one first side of the substrate 02, for example a printing substrate 02, at at least one application station, for example a printing station 11, and, in the case of a machine 01 for generating an optically variable image element 03, a device 07 for directing particles P which are contained in the optically variable coating agent 06 applied to the substrate 02 and which provide the optical variability (see for example FIG. 1 ). This device 07 will be referred to below for short as an orientation device 07, or as an image orientation device 07, since it produces an image orientation for an optically variable pattern or motif by a defined orientation of the particles P. The application of a coating agent 06 containing particles P to a substrate 02 and the image element 03 obtained by the subsequent image orientation of the initially randomly oriented particles P is, for example, shown diagrammatically under the designation of the number "1" in Fig. 2, where in a) the coating agent 06 is shown in the applied state, e.g. still present in a random orientation, and in b) the state after the image orientation has taken place.

[0020] The printed image element 08 consisting of the variable coating agent 06 applied by the applicator 04 to the substrate 02 before treatment by the directing device 07 may correspond in size and position to the optically variable image element 03 to be generated and may possibly be larger and possibly even extend over the area of ​​several allocation surfaces 09. In the case of a larger printed image element 08, for example, the optically variable image element 03 is not generated by directing over the entire surface coated with the optically variable coating agent 06.

[0021] As particles P which provide optical variability, magnetic or magnetizable non-spherical particles P, e.g. pigment particles P, are contained here in a coating agent 06, e.g. a printing ink 06 or varnish 06, which are also referred to below as magnetic flakes for short.

[0022] The machine 01 is preferably configured to produce layout surfaces 09, such as securities 09, in particular banknotes 09. The production also includes in particular the production of security intermediate products with a plurality of printed images of securities 09, for example in the form of a substrate 02, in particular a web-like or sheet-like substrate section 02, in particular a substrate sheet 02. The substrate 02 can be formed, for example, of paper based on or at least including cellulose or preferably cotton fibers, of plastic polymers or of hybrid products thereof. Before coating, the substrate 02 can be present in the above-mentioned coating device 04 uncoated or can already be coated, the substrate 02 can be unprinted or can already have been printed one or more times in one or more upstream processes, the substrate 02 can also be mechanically processed in another way. In the print substrate section 02 formed by a longitudinal section of a web-like substrate 02 or a sheet of a sheet-like substrate 02, a plurality of layout surfaces 09, e.g. banknotes 09 to be produced or their printed images, are preferably arranged in a matrix-like manner in rows extending transversely to the transport direction T and one after the other in columns extending in the transport direction T or are arranged in the middle of the processing of the substrate 02 (see for example Figures 2 and 3).

[0023] The machine 01 configured as a printing machine 01 can in principle comprise one or more printing units 04 of any printing method. In the illustrated configuration, however, the machine 01 expediently comprises a printing unit 04 which applies or can apply the optically variable coating agent 06 to a first side of the substrate 02, in particular a printing unit 04 which works according to the flexographic printing method or preferably the screen printing method. By the printing methods mentioned above, in particular the screen printing method, it is possible, for example, to apply larger layer thicknesses compared to other printing methods. In this case, the expression "first side" of the substrate 02 or substrate 02 is chosen arbitrarily and here denotes the side of the substrate 02 on which the optically variable coating agent 06 is applied or has been applied or can be applied, which is to be processed downstream by the directing device 07.

[0024] In the preferred configuration shown, the printing machine 01 has a substrate supply 13, preferably formed as a sheet feeder 13, from which the substrate 02, for example formed as a sheet-like printing substrate 02, is or can be supplied, possibly via further printing or converting units, to at least one printing unit 04, for example a flexographic printing unit or preferably a screen printing unit 04, which applies an optically variable coating agent 06, and which forms a printing position 11 for printing, for example on a first side, of the printing substrate 02 between a printing unit cylinder 14, in particular a plate cylinder 14, for example a screen printing cylinder 14, and one common cylinder 17, for example an impression cylinder 17 (see for example FIG. 1 ).

[0025] Preferably, the printing unit 04 comprises as an image-imparting cylinder a plate cylinder 14, which is provided on its circumferential surface with a multiplicity of image-imparting printing elements 18, in particular of identical and / or similar, or a group of image-imparting printing elements 18 or printing bodies 18, in particular of identical and / or similar, which image-imparting printing elements 18 or printing bodies 18 are arranged in a circumferential length corresponding to the printing image length in a plurality, for example several, for example 4-8, in particular 5-7, for example 6, columns spaced apart from one another transversely to the transport direction T, and in a cylinder width corresponding to the printing image width in a plurality of rows spaced apart from one another in the transport direction T. In the case of a printing unit 04 working according to flexography, the printing body 18 is formed in the form of a letterpress printing relief, and in the preferred case of a printing unit 04 working according to screen printing, in the form of a screen printing plate.

[0026] From the printing unit 04, which applies the optically variable coating agent 06, the printing substrate 02 can be fed to the directing device 07 via a transport means, for example one or more transport devices 12 formed as transport cylinders 12. In the case of a web-like printing substrate 02, the transport means can also be formed by one or more positively driven and / or non-driven rolls.

[0027] After passing through the orientation device 07, which will be described in more detail below, the substrate 02 can be fed directly or via another transport means, for example a further conveying cylinder, to a further, for example a second conveying device 21, which can feed it to a product receiver 22 for receiving the substrate 02 that has been treated and / or processed in the machine 01, or in the case of sheet-shaped substrate 02 to a pile delivery 22. In the preferred case of sheet-shaped substrate 02, a sheet conveying means is provided here as the transport means, for example one or more transfer cylinders or transfer drums, or a conveying device 21, as described here, for example formed as a gripper circular conveyor 21, in particular a chain gripper system 21, by means of which the substrate sheet 02 is received from the transport path section of the orientation device 07, possibly via one or more further conveying cylinders, and fed, for example, to a pile delivery 22.

[0028] The transport path extending away from the directing device 07 may be provided with at least one drying device with one or more dryers 23, e.g. radiant dryers 23, directed towards the first side of the substrate 02 and possibly with a cooling device (not shown), e.g. a cooling roll. In one refinement, the transport path between the directing device 07 and the pile delivery 22 may be provided with an inspection device, e.g. a cylinder 152, e.g. a conveying cylinder 152, in particular a sensor device 153, e.g. a camera 153, in particular a line camera 153, which cooperates with the inspection cylinder 152.

[0029] In an advantageous refinement, the printing unit 04 and the orientation device 07 can be structurally combined, for example in the form of a module, to form an apparatus 16 for generating optically variable image elements. In one refinement, such an apparatus 16 can, for example, be provided several times in succession in the machine 01. In an advantageous configuration in the form of a module, the apparatus 16 is connected or can be connected in the transport path of the machine 01 to be equipped by means of inlet and outlet interfaces to corresponding interfaces of a transport system running upstream and downstream.

[0030] The orientation device 07, which will be described in more detail below, is indeed fundamentally optional in its configuration, embodiment variants or construction, but is preferably provided or may be provided in the above-mentioned machine 01 or printing machine 01.

[0031] An orientation device 07 for forming an optically variable image element 03, for example for forming an optically variable effect in an optically variable coating agent 06 that has previously been applied to a substrate 02, in particular a printing substrate 02, for example in the form of a printed image element 08, has a defined transport path along which the substrate 02 to be transported through the orientation device 07, from an inlet area where the substrate 02 to be treated having the optically variable coating agent 06 on a first side is supplied or can be supplied, can be in a defined interacting relationship with an orientation mechanism 26 which comprises an element 24 for providing a magnetic field, or magnet element 24 for short, as an active element 24, preferably such that the magnet element 24 of the orientation mechanism 26 used for the image-applying orientation and the printing substrate 02 printed with the printing ink 06 containing particles P are moved synchronously with one another at least in a section of the transport path. The orientation mechanism 26 is here formed as a magnetically active cylinder 26, or magnet cylinder 26 for short, which has an array of magnet elements 24 on its circumferential surface, and via the cylinder 26 the printing substrate 02 is guided or transported from the inlet area of ​​the orientation device 07 in the direction of the outlet area.

[0032] The magnet element 24 may be formed directly by the magnet 27 itself consisting of one or more parts, and preferably may comprise one or more magnets 27, which are arranged in or in contact with the holder 28, for example on or in the pedestal 28, preferably detachably. Here, the magnet 27 generally means a magnetically effective device that generates a magnetic field strong enough to direct the particles P contained in the coating agent 06, as described here, at least towards the side of the transport path, in particular upwards, towards the substrate 02 guided above. In this case, the magnet 27 may be formed by one or more permanent magnets, electromagnets or a combination of one or more permanent magnets and / or one or more electromagnets, with or without embossments. Regardless of whether it is a single magnet or a combination of multiple magnets, such as permanent magnets and / or electromagnets, the expression "magnet 27" hereinafter also means a plurality of magnets 27 forming a single magnetic unit as a whole, assigned to the same magnet element 24, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The magnet element 24 may include, for example, a configuration with a plurality of magnets 27 consisting of one or more parts, spaced apart from each other and included in the magnet element 24, such that they can be used when the respective magnetic fields are to act at two different locations on the same assignment surface 09. In this case, such an array of magnets 27 or a plurality of magnets 27 of the same magnet element 24 may be accommodated in the housing 38 of the magnet element 24, which housing 38 is arranged in or on the holder 28, for example detachably from the holder 28.

[0033] Basically, two such magnet cylinders 26 may be provided in the transport path, which are arranged on the same side or on different sides of the substrate 02 to be transported along the transport path.

[0034] In an advantageous configuration, the directing device 07 is assigned a drying and / or curing device 19, for example a radiant dryer 19, in particular a UV radiant dryer 19, or UV dryer 19 for short, which is preferably formed as a UV-LED dryer 19 and / or is directed towards the point in the transport path where the substrate 02 cooperates with the magnetic cylinder 26.

[0035] The magnet cylinder 26 is arranged in the transport path of the substrate 02 to be transported, preferably on the second side of the substrate, so that the substrate 02 is directed outward with its side which is coated with the optically variable coating agent 06 in-line on the first, particularly upstream, side when passing through this magnet cylinder 26, in particular when transported through the magnet cylinder 26.

[0036] The magnetic cylinder 26 has a one- or preferably multi-part cylinder body 29 on which or on which the magnetic element 24 is arranged, preferably releasably. The one- or preferably multi-part cylinder body 29 can be or is rotatably supported in a frame. In this case, the term cylinder body 29 includes not only closed structures, i.e. closed structures with a more or less closed cylindrical wall, but also open structures, i.e. framework- or frame-like structures, for example the example shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] The magnetic cylinder 26 has a number of magnetic elements 24 in the area of ​​its surface facing the substrate path, for example in the area of ​​its outer peripheral surface, in particular in the area of ​​the outer cylindrical envelope surface of the cylinder body 29, which are used to orient at least a portion of the magnetic or magnetizable particles P of the coating agent 06 applied to the substrate 02 passing by.

[0038] In the particularly preferred embodiment shown here, in the case where there are several layout surfaces 09 per substrate section, for example per printing substrate sheet or substrate sheet 02, the cylinder body 29 is provided with a number of rows or groups, in particular a number m (m∈N>1) corresponding to the number of columns in the substrate section 02, on the one hand, and a number n (n∈N>1) corresponding to the number of rows of the layout surfaces 09 in the substrate section 02 to be processed on the other hand, ... These magnet elements 24 are preferably arranged in rows extending parallel to the axis, with the same number n of magnet elements 24 per row or group being provided on the periphery, and / or in particular arranged in such a way that they correspond to the pattern of image elements 03 which are to be developed on the substrate 02 and exert a magnetic field on the substrate 02, given the correct registration between the substrate position in the transport direction T and the cylinder angle position. An arrangement in rows or columns also means a corresponding grid-like or matrix-like arrangement, in which the magnet elements 24 are possibly partially slightly offset from one another in the direction parallel to the axis for correction or alignment purposes. In this case, the n magnet elements 24 arranged one behind the other in a row or group are arranged one behind the other in the periphery, for example at least, such that they at least intersect one another in the development along a circular circumference and / or lie within the allocation surface 09 of the same row of the substrate 02 to be processed, even if they are possibly partially slightly offset from one another for correction or alignment purposes. The same also applies to an axially parallel arrangement, if there is a slight mutual offset in the circumferential direction.

[0039] By guiding the substrate 02 through the magnetic cylinder 26 thus formed, for example with the first substrate side facing outward during transport through the first cylinder 26, orientation or alignment of the particles P in the area of ​​the image element 03 provided on the allocation surface 09 can be achieved by the magnetic element 24, i.e. in this case, for example through the substrate 02.

[0040] In this case, the number m of rows or groups is, for example, 4 to 8, in particular 5 and 7, for example 6, and / or the number n of magnet elements 24 in a row or group is, for example, 2 to 12, advantageously 5 to 10. The magnet cylinder 26 or its cylinder body 29 is preferably designed in such a way that, in order to meet different requirements, the number m of rows or groups and / or the number n of rows or the number n of magnet elements 24 arranged one behind the other in a row or group is variable, for example within the above-mentioned boundaries.

[0041] Preferably, the magnet element 24 is or can be releasably arranged in the cylinder 26 together with the holder 28, preferably in or against a corresponding holder 28, so that in the assembled state the magnet element 24 can be arranged at a defined location on the circumferential surface of the cylinder 26 and, preferably, can be completely removed from the cylinder 26 and / or can be positioned axially and / or circumferentially on the circumferential surface of the cylinder 26.

[0042] For the above-mentioned matrix arrangement, the magnet elements 24 can be arranged and supported on or in a cylinder body 29, so that they are supported variably relative to the one or more part cylinder body 29, at least in terms of their axial position relative to the other magnet elements 24 of the same row or group of magnet elements 24. This can be realized, for example, via axially extending guides on the periphery of the cylinder body 29, in which or on which the corresponding magnet elements 24 are supported indirectly or directly and can be moved to different axial positions. Such guides can basically be provided individually for the individual magnet elements 24 of a row (see, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 11), but can also be provided consistently for several or all magnet elements 24 of one and the same row. In this case, the guides can also be provided on the above-mentioned axially extending support elements, which support all the magnet elements 24 of one and the same row.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the magnet elements 24 of each row or preferably each column are variable in terms of their circumferential position in the case of rows and in terms of their axial position in the case of columns as a group shown here, in addition to the independent positioning possibility of the individual or all magnet elements 24 of a row or column, possibly extending in the axial and / or circumferential direction, as described in more detail below, on the magnet cylinder 26 or cylinder body 29, as a whole and independently of the adjacent rows or columns. In the case of rows grouped in groups (not shown), in particular several, preferably all, rows of magnet elements 24 are grouped in a group that can be commonly positioned in the circumferential direction, for example row by row, on an axially extending support element. In the preferred case of columns grouped in groups, in particular several, preferably at least three, rows, at least both rows closest to the end face, preferably all rows, are supported in this way as a group in an axially movable manner in or on the magnet element support 29, in particular in or on the cylinder body 29.

[0044] In the preferred case of grouped rows, the magnet elements 24 may be or can be arranged indirectly or directly in or on a plurality, for example a number m, for example 4 to 8, in particular 5 to 7, for example 6, of axially spaced apart, preferably ring-shaped, support elements 31, preferably the above-mentioned portions or preferably entirely axially positionable on the cylinder inner body 32, in particular the axially extending cylinder axis 32, for short axis 32, for example here in or on the ring-shaped element 31, in which case also a plurality, for example 2 to 12, advantageously 5 to 10, of magnet elements 24 are or can be arranged one after the other in the circumferential direction, preferably at least partially or entirely positionable in the circumferential direction (see for example Figures 4 and 5).

[0045] In the case of a web-like substrate 02, the magnetic cylinder 26 can be formed, for example, with a ring-shaped element 31 closed in the circumferential direction, without any holding means acting on said substrate 02. In the case of a sheet-like substrate 02, which is preferred here, the circumferential surface of the cylinder 26 is preferably provided with a holding means 33, for example a gripper 33 of a so-called gripper strip, by means of which the front edge of the substrate sheet 02 to be conveyed through the cylinder 26 can be received and held over a defined range of rotation angles during the rotation of the cylinder 26. In this case, the magnetic cylinder 26 formed in this way is simultaneously used for the transport of the substrate 02. In this case, the ring-shaped element 31 is interrupted in the circumferential direction, for example, in order to accommodate the holding means 33, as can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5. The term "ring-shaped" support element or "ring-shaped element" here therefore also includes, unless a clear distinction is made, elements that are not closed, i.e. in the shape of a ring segment. FIG. 5 does not show the fastening means possibly used for fastening, as shown, for example, in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18 and which are also applicable to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0046] In a particularly advantageous configuration of the magnet cylinder 26, individual structural units 36, also referred to below as working units 36, in particular magnet units 36, are provided for a number or for all of the magnet elements 24, positioned or positionable in a matrix in columns and rows on or within the cylinder body 29, in the above-mentioned sense, which structural units 36 each have at least one magnet element 24 and at least one suction element 34.

[0047] In a particularly preferred configuration of the device 07 for directing magnetic or magnetizable particles P, in a plurality, preferably all, of the m rows of magnet elements 24, a plurality, in particular all successively arranged magnet elements 24 are grouped together in a respective component unit 36 ​​as an operating unit 36 ​​together with at least one assigned suction element 34, which can be positioned circumferentially as a whole and independently of all other such operating units 36 and / or can be detached from the cylinder 26.

[0048] The working units 36 each comprise a magnet element support 37 on which or in which the magnet element 24 is arranged with its outwardly facing surface. At least one suction element 34 can be integrated into the magnet element support 37 as part of it or can be arranged on the magnet element support 37 as a separate part. Preferably, the working units 36 comprise at least one suction element 34 on both sides of the magnet element 24, respectively, as seen in the axial direction of the cylinder body 26. Each suction element 34 has a number of suction openings 42 on its outwardly facing surface, i.e. facing towards the outside of the cylinder 26 and / or located at the height of the cylinder jacket, which suction openings 42 are provided, for example, in a cover element 41 which covers an intake air passage 39 (see, for example, FIG. 11 ) provided in the suction element 34 and is preferably releasably fixed above the intake passage 39. A passage assembly, not shown in the drawings, leads from each intake air passage 39 through the working unit 36 ​​to a bottom-side line interface 43, which is formed, for example, by at least one cavity 43 (see for example FIG. 11) open towards the cylinder interior, in the bottom part of the working unit 36 ​​directed towards the cylinder interior. By means of this at least one cavity 43 or the line interface 43 thus formed, assigned to the working unit 36 ​​here, air can be sucked in from a suction opening 42 connected via the passage assembly and the intake air passage 39.

[0049] In principle, the working units 36 may or may be arranged indirectly or directly in a matrix on, for example, a cylindrical circumferential wall surface 44 of the axially extending cylinder body 32, in particular the shaft 32, in an embodiment not shown. One or more working units 36, for example in a longitudinal section which indirectly or directly supports the magnet elements 24, have a radially outwardly directed intake air opening 46 as a duct interface 46 for guiding the intake air, which is duct-connected, for example via a radially extending feedthrough 47, for example a bore 47, to a passage 48 which extends, for example axially to the shaft 32 and from at least one cylinder end, for example an intake air passage 48, through which the intake air is to be supplied.

[0050] If the working units 36 are or may be arranged in a matrix-like manner directly on the above-mentioned circumferential wall surface 44 of the axially extending cylindrical inner body 32 or of the shaft 32, the working units 36 are or are positioned on the circumferential wall surface 44 in such a way that the line interfaces 43 at the bottom of the working units 36, for example the free cross-section of the above-mentioned cavities 43 at the bottom of each working unit 36, overlap at least one of the line interfaces 43 formed, for example, by the intake air openings 46 at the shaft 32. The above-mentioned cavities 43 here form, for example, a chamber 43 bounded by the circumferential wall surface 44 on the bottom side, the wall surrounding the cavities 43 all around forming, in the base region of the working units 36, a sealing surface which seals the chamber 43 in a ring-like manner together with the facing region of the circumferential wall surface 44 of the shaft 32. In this arrangement, air is sucked in from the suction opening 42 in the corresponding suction element 34 via the suction air passage 39 and the passage assembly, e.g. via a line interface 43 formed by a cavity 43 in the working unit 36, at least one suction air opening 46 in the cylinder inner body 32 and a suction air passage 48. For such an arrangement, suitable fastening means, e.g. in the form of clamping means or screw fastening means, can be provided, by means of which the respective working unit 36 ​​can be fixed in position on the peripheral wall surface 44.

[0051] However, in the particularly advantageous configuration shown here, the functional units 36 are not or can not be arranged directly on the section of the cylinder body 32 or of the shaft 32 which has the intake air openings 46, but rather several or preferably all of the functional units 36 provided for each row are or can be arranged as a group on the already mentioned, in particular ring-shaped, support element 31, for example on or on the ring-shaped element 31, in which case advantageously at least the outermost support elements 31 on both sides, but preferably all support elements 31 which support each group or each row of functional units 36 on the cylinder body 32 or on the shaft 32, are variable with respect to their axial position.

[0052] Preferably, the ring-shaped support element 31 or the ring-shaped element 31 has, on its inwardly directed face, i.e. directed in the assembled state towards the cylinder inner body 32 or towards the axis 32, and on its outwardly directed face, a line interface 49; 51 respectively assigned to the corresponding support element 31 and a passage assembly connecting one or more of the inner line interfaces 49 to one or more of the outer line interfaces 51 for the passage of the intake air. In this case, on the inner surface, as line interface 49, for example a cavity 49 is provided in a wall 52 directed towards the cylinder interior, which cavity 49 is connected via one or more passages 53 respectively extending through the ring-shaped element 31 to a feedthrough 54, for example a hole 54 extending for example radially, which leads through the support element 31 to the outer line interface 51. The openings of the individual holes 54 may simultaneously form an outwardly effective pipeline interface 51, but preferably one or in particular several of the holes 54 also lead outwardly, for example to a cavity 51 which is provided in the outwardly directed wall 56 of the support element 31 and which forms the external pipeline interface 51.

[0053] In particular with regard to supplying the suction opening 42 only during the passage of a defined rotation angle phase, which will be explained in more detail below, the ring-shaped element 31 may have separate line connections per segment between one or more inner line interfaces 49 and one or more outer line interfaces 51, in particular in circumferential sections located radially opposite each other, so that applying a negative pressure to one or more inner line interfaces 49 of one segment 45 only results in the supply of a negative pressure to one or more outer line interfaces 51 assigned to the same segment 45, in particular independently of the supply to one or more inner line interfaces 49 of one other or adjacent segment 45. For this purpose, a direct line connection may be provided between the inner line interfaces 49 and the outer line interfaces 51 or, as shown in FIG. 5 for example, a chamber 55 assigned to the segment 45 may be provided, which chambers 55 are separated from one another by walls extending between the outer wall 56 and the inner wall 52 of the ring-shaped element 31. In this case, the segments 45 or chambers 55 thus formed may extend over smaller or larger sections in the circumferential direction, depending on the desired stepping, and / or may have one or more inner line interfaces 49 and / or outer line interfaces 51 arranged one after the other in the circumferential direction. In this case, the supply of the vacuum or suction air in a given segment 45 is determined by the corresponding angular segment Δ x This results in suction by the suction opening 42 within the

[0054] The ring-shaped element 31 is positioned or is positioned such that, for example, the peripheral wall surface 44, in particular one or more respective line interfaces 49 provided on the inner surface of the ring-shaped element 31, here for example the free cross-section of the aforementioned cavity 49, overlaps at least one of the intake air openings 46 provided in the shaft 32 or the cylindrical inner body 32. In this case, the aforementioned cavity 49 forms, for example, a chamber 49 bounded by the peripheral wall surface 44 on the bottom side, in which a surface of the inwardly directed wall 52 of the ring-shaped element 31 lying outside the cavity 49 forms, on the inwardly directed side of the ring-shaped element 31, together with the facing area of ​​the peripheral wall surface 44, a sealing surface which seals off the chamber 49. Analogously, for example, a working unit 36 ​​is positioned or is positioned on the outwardly facing side of the ring-shaped element 31 in such a way that the free cross section of the line interface 43 provided at the bottom of this working unit 36, here for example the above-mentioned cavity 43 provided at the bottom of the corresponding working unit 36, overlaps at the outwardly facing side of the ring-shaped element 31 with at least one of the outer line interfaces 51. In this case, the cavity 43 forms, for example, a chamber 43 bounded on the bottom side by an outer wall 56, which wall surrounding the cavity 43 all around forms, in the base region of the working unit 36, a sealing surface which seals off the chamber 43 together with the facing region of the wall 56 of the support element 31. In this configuration, air is sucked in from the suction opening 42 of the corresponding suction element 34 via the suction air passage 39 and the passage assembly, via the line interface 43;51 formed, for example, by the overlapping cavities 43 and 51, the passage assembly of the ring-shaped element 31, the line interface 49 formed, for example, by a cavity 49 on the ring-shaped inner surface, at least one suction air opening 46, the suction air passage 48, and from a suction air source located outside the cylinder 26, for example, via a rotary feedthrough 123. By suction air source is meant any form of air pressure reducing device which produces a pressure, smaller than the ambient pressure, i.e. a negative pressure, at the corresponding suction opening 42 via a corresponding line connection to the suction opening 42.This may for example be a vacuum pump or possibly a vessel to which negative pressure is supplied.

[0055] In connection with the above-mentioned first variant (without support element 31), the respective pattern of the suction air openings 46 or line interfaces 46 provided in the cylinder inner body 32 and the position and shape of the associated line interface 43 or cavity 43 provided in the bottom region of the working unit 36 ​​are preferably coordinated with one another, so that continuous positioning of the working unit 36 ​​in the circumferential direction over the adjustment range of at least one of the two suction air openings 46 spaced apart from one another on the axis 32 is possible in the first variant in each position located in the corresponding adjustment range, in which at least one of the suction air openings 46 or line interfaces 46 is completely covered by the underside of the working unit 36, while the opening cross-section of at least one suction air opening 46 or line interface 46 simultaneously overlaps at least partially with the line interface 43 or cavity 43 on the bottom side of the working unit 36.

[0056] In connection with the second variant (with support element 31), the respective pattern of the intake air openings 46 or the line interfaces 46 provided in the cylinder inner body 32 and the position and shape of the cooperating line interfaces 49 or cavities 49 provided on the inner surface of the support element 31 and the position and shape of the cooperating line interfaces 51;43 or cavities 51;43 provided on the outer surface of the support element 31 on the one hand and in the bottom region of the working unit 36 ​​on the other hand are preferably coordinated with one another, so that in the circumferential direction at least two of the intake air openings 46 or the line interfaces 49 or the cavities 49 provided on the inner surface of the support element 31 are arranged in a circumferential direction. Continuous positioning of the operating unit 36 ​​in the second variant over the adjustment range of the pipeline interfaces 51 or cavities 51 is made possible by the fact that at least one pipeline interface 51 or cavity 51 provided on the outer surface of the support element 31 is completely covered by the underside of the operating unit 36, while the open cross-section of at least one pipeline interface 51 or cavity 51 provided on the outer surface of the support element 31 simultaneously overlaps at least partially with the pipeline interface 43 or cavity 43 on the bottom side of the operating unit 36.

[0057] In a particularly advantageous refinement in connection with the variable positioning, the line interfaces 46;51 are provided in the axial direction of the cylinder body 32 and / or in the circumferential direction on the support element 31 at more locations than is required for the respective specific configuration for operation. However, in order to prevent the intake of air through the line interfaces 46;51 that are not covered by the working unit 36 ​​or the ring-shaped element 31, closing means 57;58 are provided, by means of which the feedthroughs 47;54 that feed the line interfaces 46;51 that are not covered by the working unit 36 ​​or the support element 31 can be selectively closed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder body 32 and / or the support element 31. In the simplest case, the closing means 57;58 can be a kind of plug which is inserted into the respective feedthroughs 47;54 for closing and which is removed again from the feedthroughs 47;54 if necessary.

[0058] However, preferably, the feedthroughs 47 or 54 to be selectively closed are provided with closing means 57; 58, for example formed as valves 57; 58, which are moved or can be moved within the feedthroughs 47 or 54 from feedthroughs 47 or 54 that are not at all or only partially directly covered by the operating unit 36 ​​or support element 31 to a closed position, while at least some of the feedthroughs 47 or 54 are moved or can be moved from the pipe interfaces 46; 51 that are completely covered by the operating unit 36 ​​or support element 31 to a through position.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of such a closing means 57;58 is in the form of a valve 57;58, which can be selectively moved between a pass-through position and a closed position without the need for removal or insertion. In an advantageous embodiment, the feedthrough 47;54, in particular formed as a bore 47;54, is connected only on the side of the inside cross section to the passage 48;53 leading to the suction side of the cylinder body 32 or the support element 31. The valve 57;58 is, for example, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, formed by a sleeve 57;58, which on one side has a recess 61 in a lateral wall 62, which in a rotational position representing the pass-through position opens the passage 48;53 leading to the cylinder body 32 or the support element 31 on the suction side, and in another rotational position closes the connection to the corresponding passage 47;54 through the sleeve wall. In an advantageous embodiment, the sleeve-shaped valve 57;58 has, for example at least in the section situated further out in the assembled state, an actuating interface 63 which can be engaged with a tool 59, via which the valve 57;58 can be rotated between the pass-through position and the closed position by means of a corresponding tool 59 without the need for special removal. As a corresponding tool interface pair 59, 63, for example a polygonal wrench 59 and an inner circumference section 63 of the sleeve 57;58 formed as a polygonal hole 63 are used here.

[0060] In a refinement of the cylinder 26, between each of two rows or groups of structural or functional units 36, a support element 66 is provided, which at the height of the cylinder jacket has a support surface 67, 68 for supporting the substrate 02 conveyed via the cylinder 26. In this case, this support surface 67 can be either an outwardly facing cylindrical surface 67 of an annular support disk 64 or an outwardly facing surface 68 of a support plate 71, for example made of plastic or metal, arranged on the support disk 69. In this case, the terms "annular" or "ring-shaped" also include support disks 69 that are not completely closed around the circumference, i.e. that are in the form of an annular segment.

[0061] In a particularly advantageous configuration for fixing the magnet elements 24 to the cylinder 26, in which a plurality or all of the magnet elements 24 of a group are in contact with or supported on a common ring-shaped support element 31 and can be positioned circumferentially on the support element 31, the magnet element 24 or the magnet element support 37 supporting the magnet element 24 has at least one clamping element 72; 73 on each side when viewed in the axial direction, for example, clamping levers 72; 73. Each of the effective ends of these clamping elements 72; 73 for clamping extends circumferentially on each end face of the ring-shaped support element 31 in the assembled state and is directed inward, that is, directed inwardly in the normal direction of that surface, that is, directed into the cylinder interior, and / or engages from below with the abutment surfaces 74; 77 that prevent the radial removal of the magnet element 24 or the magnet element support 37 by cooperation with the clamping elements 72; 73 in the clamping position. In this case, in a particularly advantageous configuration, the abutment surfaces 74; 77 may be the inwardly directed surfaces of grooves 76; 78 that extend circumferentially on the end face side in the support element 31, and the clamping elements 72; 73 engage with this surface at their effective, for example, claw-shaped or clamping-shaped ends. In this case, in addition to the continuous abutment surfaces 74; 77 or grooves 76; 78 that preferably extend over the entire circumference or over the relevant arc segments as shown in the figure, the circumferentially extending abutment surfaces 74; 77 or grooves 76; 78 may also include, optionally interrupted, abutment surfaces 74; 77 or grooves 76; 78 that are continuous in a plurality of arc segments. However, the latter may limit the variability of the circumferential positioning. The "inwardly" directed surface here means, in addition to the surface that is strictly radially inwardly directed, a surface that is inclined with respect to this surface, that is, although the surface vector of this surface is directed into the cylinder interior, preferably, as a surface that extends over the entire circumference for each end face, it is focused at the same location on the cylinder axis, thereby also meaning a surface that provides a stopper in the direction opposite to the radial removal for the clamping elements 72; 73. In an advantageous implementation variant for particularly enhancing the stability of fixation, on each side, two clamping elements 72; 73 that are circumferentially spaced apart from each other or clamping elements 72; 73 having two claws that are spaced apart from each other and cooperate with the support element 31 are provided.

[0062] The clamping element 72;73 may essentially be formed as a one-arm lever 72;73, but is preferably formed in the form of a two-arm lever 72;73 which can be swiveled about an axis 81, for example a pivot axis 81, which is supported on the magnet element 24 or its holder 28, or on the structural unit 36 ​​which comprises the magnet element 24, of which the lever arm located closer to the middle of the cylinder has, for example, a claw-like or clamp-like part which cooperates with the abutment surface 74;77, and the lever arm located further out is used for operation. The clamping elements 72;73 are preferably spring preloaded in a self-locking manner, for example by means of a spring element 79, in particular a compression spring 79, which is effective between the lever 72;73, in particular the more outer lever arm, and the magnet element 24 or the holder 28 or the structural unit 36, so that in the rest state, i.e. without actuation, the clamping elements 72;73 are in the clamping position and hold the magnet element 24 or the holder 38 or the structural unit 36 ​​on the support element 31. The described fixing device offers particular advantages together with the assembly aids 97, which are explained in more detail below.

[0063] The above-mentioned type of fastening by the illustrated fastening means 72; 73, 74, 77 is certainly not essentially dependent on the above-mentioned configuration of the structural unit 36, in particular the working unit 36, and / or the special configuration of the suction air guideway or suction air supply channel and / or the axial and / or circumferential mobility of the individual magnet elements 24, which will be described in more detail below, but is advantageously linked thereto. The clamping elements 72; 73 make it possible to release the coupling from the outside, without the need to remove the corresponding magnet element 24 for this purpose. The continuous adjustability allows the release to take place precisely insofar as the corresponding magnet element 24 can be positioned in the circumferential direction against possibly still existing frictional forces, but without the risk of, for example, tipping, slipping or falling off.

[0064] Some of the drawings, such as Figures 11, 12 and 14, show or are shown diagrammatically an optional line 84 which supplies signals and / or electrical energy to the motor when the magnet 27 is configured within the magnet element 24 so as to be rotatable by the motor.

[0065] As already mentioned above in connection with Figures 2 and 3, each row of image-applied printing bodies 18 extending in the circumferential direction of the printing cylinder 14 corresponds to the same row of layout surfaces 09 which have been or are to be provided one after the other on the substrate 02. These layout surfaces 09 are ideally aligned with one another along the transport direction T and have a uniform width. If this is not the case, for example if a trapezoidal deformation of the substrate 02, possibly already initially printed with the pattern of the layout surfaces 09, occurs in an upstream process or due to other mechanical or physical loads, then this changed geometry can be accommodated by a correspondingly changed arrangement of the printing bodies 18 on the printing cylinder 14. In this case, the printing bodies 18 of the individual rows are not, for example, strictly aligned with one another in the circumferential direction, but lie, for example, on a spiral which is in part slightly inclined relative to the circumference (for example, shown exaggeratedly in Figure 3 for better perception). In this case, the width of the allocation surface 09 on the substrate 02 increases, for example, from the front end to the rear end of the substrate section or substrate sheet 02 or possibly decreases, for example in the case of a corresponding reverse feed at the inlet side of the printing machine 01. However, there may possibly be other reasons for deviations in the relative position between the axial position of the individual magnet elements 24 and the target position for the action of the magnet elements 24 on the substrate 02, such as, for example, a slightly defective axial positioning of the magnet elements 24 on the cylinder 26.

[0066] Thus, while basically independent of the arrangement of the magnet elements 24 in the above-mentioned structural unit 36 ​​and / or the configuration of the above-mentioned fixing device and / or the circumferential adjustability, preferably in connection with one or more of the described advantageous embodiments, in a particularly advantageous configuration, at least in a plurality, preferably all, of the circumferentially extending rows or groups of magnet elements 24, at least one of the magnet elements 24 is indirectly or directly supported in the cylinder body 29 of the magnet cylinder 26 so as to be adjustably or movably at least in the axial direction, independent of at least one other magnet element 24 of the same row or group. Preferably, a plurality of magnet elements 24 of the same group, preferably at least all except one, however particularly preferably all, are supported in or against the cylinder body 29 in such a way that they can be moved in the axial direction independently of the other magnet elements 24 of this group, and / or a plurality of magnet elements 24 of at least both, particularly all but one, of at least three rows or groups, closest to the end face, in particular all rows or groups, are supported in or against the cylinder body 29 in such a way that they can be moved in the axial direction independently of the other magnet elements 24 of each row or group. This allows the above-mentioned random or systematic relative deviations of the individual magnet elements 24 in the axial position to be subsequently adjusted or corrected. In particular in connection with the above-mentioned indirect support of the magnet elements 24 via the magnet element support 37, which is provided on the cylinder body 29 directly or indirectly via the above-mentioned support element 31, such axially adjustable magnet elements 24 are preferably axially adjustable at the corresponding magnet element support 37 relative to this magnet element support 37.

[0067] In a particularly advantageous configuration of a cylinder 26 with magnet elements 24 arranged in an n × m matrix, at least two or all of the magnet elements 24 arranged one after the other in the same row are supported against or on the above-mentioned common support element 31 and are variable in terms of their axial position in or on the cylinder 26 together with this support element 31 and independently of the adjacent groups, in which case, in addition to this, at least two or preferably all of the magnet elements 24 of these or preferably each row are arranged on respective magnet element supports 37 which can be positioned independently of one another in the circumferential direction on the common support element 31 and / or can be detached from the support element 31 and are supported in the corresponding magnet element support 37 in the axial direction so as to be adjustably supported, for example overall within an adjustment range of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm.

[0068] That is, in this configuration, the axially movable magnet 27 or holder 28 is indirectly supported via an assigned magnet element support 37 which supports at least each axially movable magnet element 24 and which is preferably itself variably positionable in the circumferential direction on the ring-shaped element 31.

[0069] In a simple and straightforward embodiment (see for example FIG. 10 ), the respective magnet element 24 or holder 28 is fixed in or on the magnet element support 37 or its holder 28 by means of fastening means 83, for example screws 83, in such a way that after at least partial loosening of the fastening, the magnet element 24 or holder 28 is released, for example by at least partial loosening of the screws 83 with a corresponding tool, and is then axially movable at least within the associated adjustment range of the magnet element support 37. The fastening means 83, for example formed as screws 83, is accessible through a cavity, for example formed as a slot 82 in the bottom region of the holder 28 which receives the magnet element 24 after its removal.

[0070] However, the movement or adjustment of the magnet element 24 or the holder 28 included in the magnet element 24 in the axial direction is preferably carried out via mechanical, in particular transmission-equipped, adjustment means 86, 87, 89, as opposed to, for example, purely manual and / or tool-free movement.

[0071] The adjusting means 86, 87, 89 for generating the axial movement may be realized by any suitable mechanism or transmission, but in the particularly advantageous case shown, they comprise a transmission, in particular an eccentric drive, which converts the rotational movement, in particular of the magnet element 24 or the holder 28 supporting the magnet element 24, in particular on the inlet side, into a linear movement, for example indirectly or directly, which converts the pivoting movement of the eccentric 86, for example formed by the eccentrically supported shaft section 86, into a linear movement of a carriage 87, which is supported linearly in or on the magnet element support 37 and which is indirectly or directly operatively connected thereto via contact with an axially extending eccentric circumferential wall side active surface, for example a support element 87 which indirectly or directly supports the magnet element 24 or its holder 28. In this case, the eccentric 86 with its pivot axis preferably extends radially relative to the cylinder 26 and / or can be indirectly or directly actuated from the cylinder side facing outwards. For this purpose, for example, a shaft 89 carrying the eccentric 86 or extending outwards has, in the region of its outwardly directed end, an actuating interface 88, for example a polygonal bore 88, which can be actuated, in particular swivelled, by means of a corresponding tool, here for example a polygonal wrench. As an alternative to the eccentric 86 being located radially with its pivot axis, a tangential position or a position parallel to the tangential line is also possible, in which case the eccentric 86 can be actuated, for example, from the circumferentially directed side or from the outside via an angle gear.

[0072] The axial adjustment range is, for example, at least ±1.0 mm (ie, an overall adjustment distance of at least 2 mm), preferably at least ±1.2 mm, for example ±1.5 mm, viewed from the mid-position.

[0073] In the above-described configuration as working unit 36 ​​with at least one suction element 34, in one embodiment, the at least one suction element 34 can be axially movable in the magnet element support 37 together with the magnet element 24. In this case, corresponding suction air feed-throughs, for example via relatively movable sealing surfaces or flexible ducts, can be provided.

[0074] There may be deviations in the relative position between the position of the individual magnet elements 24 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 26 and their target position for acting on the substrate 02 in the transport direction T, which may have different reasons, for example limited possibilities for rough and / or manual pre-positioning on the cylinder body 29 or in particular on the support element 31 provided as appropriate.

[0075] Thus, essentially independent of the above-mentioned arrangement of the magnet elements 24 in the structural unit 36 ​​and / or the above-mentioned configuration of the fixing device and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the axial direction, preferably in conjunction with one or more of the above-mentioned advantageous embodiments, in a particularly advantageous configuration, at least in an axially extending plurality, preferably in all rows of the magnet elements 24, at least one of the magnet elements 24 is indirectly or directly mounted in the cylinder body 29 of the magnet cylinder 26 in such a way that it is at least circumferentially adjustable or movable, independently of at least one other magnet element 24 of the same row. Preferably, in a plurality, in particular in all rows, a plurality, preferably at least all except one, however particularly preferably all, of the magnet elements 24 of the same row are axially movable, independently of the other magnet elements 24 of this row.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, in a particularly advantageous configuration of the cylinder 26 with the magnet elements 24 arranged in a matrix, at least two magnet elements 24 arranged one after the other in the same row are arranged on or in different magnet element supports 37 which can be positioned independently of one another in the circumferential direction on the cylinder 26, with at least two, in particular all, of the magnet elements 24 arranged on each magnet element support 37 being supported so as to be adjustable in the circumferential direction relative to the magnet element support 37 which supports the magnet elements 24, for example overall within an adjustment range of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm. This preferably applies to at least two or all of the magnet elements 24 in all rows.

[0077] The movement or adjustment of the magnet element 24 or the holder 28 included in the magnet element 24 in the circumferential direction is here preferably carried out via mechanical, in particular geared, adjustment means 91, 92, 94, as opposed to, for example, a purely manual and / or tool-free movement.

[0078] In addition to movements on circular paths, circumferential adjustment or adjustment movements also explicitly include movements on linear paths of movement that run tangentially or parallel to the tangential path over the corresponding adjustment range on the circumferential surface, where the linear adjustment distances do not usually result in unacceptably large imaging errors, since the relevant adjustment ranges are relatively, usually very small, in relation to the cylinder diameter.

[0079] The adjustment means 91, 92, 94 for the circumferential movement can be realized by any suitable mechanism or transmission, but in the particularly advantageous case shown, they comprise a transmission, in particular an eccentric drive, which converts the rotational movement, in particular of the magnet element 24 or the holder 28 supporting the magnet element 24, in particular on the inlet side, into a linear movement, for example indirectly or directly, which converts the pivoting movement of the eccentric body 91, for example formed by the eccentrically supported shaft section 91, into a linear movement of a carriage 92, which is indirectly or directly operatively connected via contact with an active surface on the eccentric body circumference and is supported in or on the magnet element support 37 for linear movement, for example a support element 92 which indirectly or directly supports the magnet element 24 or its holder 28. The linear movement is, in the above sense, a straight-line movement, which is preferred due to the effort, but may also be a movement on a circular arc if necessary. The eccentric 91 with its pivot axis preferably extends radially relative to the cylinder 26 and / or is actuable from the cylinder side facing outward. For this purpose, for example, the shaft 94 on which the eccentric 91 is provided or which extends outward has in the region of its outward end an actuating interface 93, for example a polygonal bore 93, which can be actuated, in particular swivelled, by means of a corresponding tool, here for example a polygonal wrench. As an alternative to the eccentric 91 located radially with its pivot axis, a tangential position or a position parallel to the tangential is also possible, in which case the eccentric 91 can be actuated from the outside, for example from the circumferential side or via an angle gear.

[0080] The circumferential adjustment range, viewed from the midpoint, is for example at least ±1.0 mm (ie an overall adjustment distance of at least 2 mm), preferably at least ±1.2 mm, for example ±1.5 mm.

[0081] In the above-described configuration as an operating unit 36 ​​with at least one suction element 34, in one embodiment, the at least one suction element 34 can be circumferentially movable in the magnet element carrier 37 together with the magnet element 24. In this case, corresponding suction air feed-throughs, for example via relatively movable sealing surfaces or flexible ducts, can be provided.

[0082] If adjustability of the magnet elements 24 on each magnet element support 37 is envisaged both in the axial and circumferential direction, both carriages 87;92 may be arranged indirectly or directly above and / or on top of each other in the form of cross guides.

[0083] In the embodiment variants described above, the adjustment of the corresponding magnet elements 24 in the axial and / or circumferential direction can in one refinement be carried out by a remotely controllable drive means in each case, for example an electric motor driving the eccentrics 86; 91, for example via a reducer.

[0084] Basically, independently of the arrangement of the magnet element 24 in the above-mentioned structural unit 36 ​​and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the axial direction and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the circumferential direction, preferably, in connection with one or more of the described advantageous embodiments, the already mentioned assembly aid 97 is provided, which can be mounted on the magnet element 24 or on the magnet element support 37 supporting the magnet element 24 or on the structural unit 36 ​​comprising the magnet element 24, and by means of the assembly aid 97 the clamping fit or clamping connection between the clamping elements 72; 73 on both sides and the support element 31 can be released. Advantageously, the clamp is not only disengageable and releasable by means of the assembly aid 97 or by means of a drive means 102, in particular manually operable, contained in the assembly means 97, so that the magnet element 24 or the structural unit 36 ​​comprising it can be removed from the support element 31, but also disengageable in intermediate positions, in terms of clamping strength or opening, to such an extent that the magnet element 24 or the structural unit 36 ​​is not yet completely free, but can be positioned on the support element 31 in the overall circumferential direction. In this case, the opening can be adjusted so that there is indeed still contact between the clamping elements 72; 73, but positioning is possible when the possibly still present slight frictional forces are overcome. For this purpose, the operating arm 98 can be positioned by the drive means 102, preferably continuously, over an adjustment distance between a clamping position in which the clamping elements 72; 73 exert a full clamping force on the support element 31 and a position in which the clamping has been loosened to such an extent that the magnet element 24 or the magnet element support 37 supporting it can be removed from the support element 31.

[0085] In order to be able to realize simple operation from the outer surface of the cylinder and / or in particular also such a defined opening, the assembly aid 97 has, in addition to a base 104 which can be mounted on the corresponding magnet element 24 or corresponding structural unit 36, operating arms 98 on both end faces which extend radially to both end faces of the magnet element 24 or structural unit 36 ​​and which can be or are operatively connected for operation to one or more clamping elements 72; 73 on the respective end faces. Furthermore, the assembly aid 97 comprises the above-mentioned drive means 102, in particular an adjustment drive 102, by means of which the operating arm 98 can be moved, for example against the above-mentioned spring force, into a first position in which the clamping element 72; 73 is released until the magnet element 24 or the structural unit 36 ​​can be attached to or completely detached from the support element 31, and by means of the operating arm 98 into a second position in which the clamping element 72; 73 exerts its full clamping force on the support element 31 without any longer receiving forces directed against the clamping force. Preferably, the drive is adjustable to all intervening positions.

[0086] In the above-described configuration of the clamping elements 72;73 as two-armed levers 72;73, the actuating arms 98 act indirectly or directly on the outermost lever arm and can be moved towards each other by the actuating means 102, i.e. respectively towards the support element 31, in order to open the clamping connection and can be moved away from each other again in order to close the clamping connection. In the above-described case of two clamping elements 72;73 arranged next to each other, these clamping elements 72;73 are connected to each other, for example via a connecting member 96 which connects the two outermost lever arms to each other, for example a connecting shaft 96 which is supported on the two outer lever arms and which acts, for example simultaneously as a point of application for each actuating arm 98. In the case of a single clamping element 72;73, each actuating arm 98 can act indirectly or directly on the outermost lever arm of the respective clamping element 72;73.

[0087] Basically, any drive mechanism is possible as the drive means 102, which can move both opposite operating arms 98 towards each other in the above-mentioned sense as well as away from each other, but here a drive mechanism with a self-locking gear, as is realized, for example, in a screw gear, is preferred. Thus, the drive means 102 comprises, for example, a first member 99, for example a first bush 99, supporting the operating arm 98 on one side, a second drive member 99, for example a second bush 101, supporting the operating arm 98 on the other side, which is not rotatable relative to the first member 99 but is supported axially movably, and a screw transmission formed therein, by means of which the members supporting the operating arm 98 can be moved away from and towards each other, via, on the one hand, a manual operating interface 103, for example a threaded spindle (not shown) which can be rotated via a rotating grip 103, and an internal thread provided on the other of both members 99;101 of the drive means 102.

[0088] In the configuration of the magnet cylinder 26 with an axially positionable, in particular ring-shaped, support element 31, this axially positionable support element or ring-shaped element 31 can basically be fixed in any manner that allows a releasable connection and a relative axial movement between the respective support element 31 and the cylinder inner body 32. In particular in the region of the line interface pair through which the intake air passes, consisting of a line interface 46 provided on the shaft 32 and a cooperating line interface 49 provided on the inwardly directed wall 52 of the ring-shaped element 31, a connection is particularly advantageous in which the surfaces surrounding the line interfaces 46; 49 are pressed together by the connection so that they form a sealing surface which is sufficiently closed against the intake air flow.

[0089] Although essentially independent of the above-mentioned arrangement of the magnet elements 24 in the structural unit 36 ​​and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the axial direction and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the circumferential direction and / or the above-mentioned clamping device for clamping the magnet elements 24 or the holder 29 or the structural unit 36, preferably in connection with one or more of the above-mentioned advantageous embodiments, a suitable configuration for the fastening of the ring-shaped element 31 is provided for the fastening, by means of which the support element or the ring-shaped element 31 can be fastened to the cylindrical body 32, which is in particular formed as a shaft 32, so as to form the above-mentioned sealing surface. In this case, it is useful to configure the ring-shaped element 31, which is actually formed as a ring segment, i.e. not completely closed on the circumferential surface, so that the inner diameter of the ring-shaped element 31 within the segment angle range is slightly, for example 2 to 50 μm, in particular 5 to 20 μm, larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 32, which is formed as a shaft 32, in the cooperating circumferential surface region.

[0090] In particular in the cylinder 26 with the magnet elements 24 arranged in rows, already described, several or all rows of magnet elements 24 are arranged in each group on or on the respective support element 31. Each support element 31 is here explicitly formed as a ring-shaped segment, i.e. a ring-shaped support element 31 interrupted over a circumferential section or intermediate angle, and has a front end 106 and a rear end 107 with respect to the production rotation direction D. In this case, the production rotation direction D is determined, for example, by the arrangement of the gripper strips already mentioned above, which have a gripper 33 at the front end 106 of the segment-shaped ring-shaped element 31, which opens and closes in order to receive the substrate sheet 02 during operation. Each support element 31 is arranged releasably and in the releasable state variably with respect to its axial position in a cylindrical body 32 contained in the cylinder 26. In order to fix the support element 31 in the desired position on the internal cylinder body 32, when the support element 31 is assembled on the internal cylinder body 32 in the region between the front end 106 and the rear end 107 of the ring-shaped segment-shaped support element 31 in the internal cylinder body 32, a clamping device 108 is provided or is provided, by means of which a force directed toward each other in the circumferential direction can be applied to the two ends 106; 107 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction via an adjustment means 109 contained in the clamping device 108. This causes the segment-shaped ring-shaped element 31 to be pressed tightly against the circumferential wall surface of the shaft 32, possibly through slight elastic deformations, thereby providing the above-mentioned sealing surface.

[0091] In this case, the clamping device 108 acts in particular on both ends 106;107 of the support element 31 and is variable in the circumferential direction with respect to its effective length for acting on both sides via an adjustment means 109 contained in the clamping device 108.

[0092] The clamping device 108 preferably comprises a clamping strip 111 which is arranged on the circumference of the inner cylinder body 32 in the region between the front end 106 and the rear end 107 of the support element 31 and which is fixed in the circumferential direction against relative movement with respect to the inner cylinder body 32 at least towards one side. However, preferably, the clamping strip 111 and the inner cylinder body 32 are fixed in the circumferential direction against rotation by a stop pair which is effective in both rotation directions. Such a fixation can be realized, for example, by a corresponding offset between the inner circumference of the ring-shaped element 31 and the outer circumference of the inner cylinder body 32, which act as a stop pair. In the illustrated embodiment, however, such a prevention of relative rotation is provided by so-called engagement elements 112, also commonly referred to as engagement keys 112, which are, for example, anchored to the circumferential wall of the cylinder body 32 and cooperate in a corresponding manner with a recess, in particular a groove, in the fastening strip 111 or vice versa. In this case, engagement elements 112 with correspondingly cooperating recesses are advantageous in that they allow a simple radial mounting of the fastening strip 111 to the cylinder body 32. In addition to the prevention of rotation, fastening means (not shown), for example screws, can be provided, by means of which the fastening strip 11 can be radially fixed to the cylinder body 32.

[0093] In this case, the clamping strip 111 can preferably be removed from the inner body 32 in the relaxed state of the clamping device 108, i.e. in the force-free state, either directly or after loosening the above-mentioned fastening means, if the support element 31 is still left in the inner body 32, or can be inserted in the inner body 32 in the region of the interruption if the ring-shaped element 31 is already positioned in the inner body 32.

[0094] In an advantageous configuration, the clamping device 108 acts statically, i.e., with an invariant circumferential relative position between the clamping strip 111 and the corresponding end 107; 106, preferably the rear end 107, on one end 107; 106, and variably spaced via the adjusting means 109 on the other, preferably the front end 106, i.e., with a variable circumferential relative position between the clamping strip 111 and the corresponding other end 106; 107. That is, for example, by adjusting the point of action, and thus, the corresponding end 106; 107 can be displaced towards the clamping strip 111 or, for example, by the elastic restoring force in the ring-shaped element 31, can return to the starting position again.

[0095] For the static action, for example, an effective shape connection in the circumferential direction is provided via an effective stopper pair between the corresponding end 107; 106 and the clamping strip 111. The stopper pair 106, 107 is formed, for example, by a hook-shaped overhang provided on the clamping strip 111 and a hook-shaped overhang 117 as a latching edge provided at the end 107 of the ring-shaped element 31, for example, which engages in the opposite direction with this overhang, by the mutually facing surfaces.

[0096] In a preferred configuration, the location of the action via the adjusting means 109 on the corresponding end 106; 107 is located, exactly or with a deviation of at most 5° or less, in the circumferential direction at a location where the tangent in contact with the circumferential surface of the inner cylinder body 32 extends parallel to the adjustment direction of the adjusting means 109. Thereby, in the small adjustment range present here, a force is applied substantially in the tangential direction to the end 106; 107 tightened by the adjusting means 109, which makes it possible to prevent radial deformations that may occur due to a force direction deviating from the tangent in some cases.

[0097] Basically, it can also be realized in another form. However, the adjusting means 109 is preferably a screw transmission device 113, 114 supported by the clamping strip 111 and operable manually, for example, a threaded rod 113 rotatably supported on the clamping strip 111, in particular a screw 113, and a corresponding thread 114, for example a threaded bush 114. The adjusting means 109 is directly formed on the clamping means 116 which is position-variable in the adjusting direction of the screw transmission device 113, 114 via the screw transmission device 113, 114 acting on the end region of the ring-shaped element 31 or preferably on the ring-shaped element 31. In this case, the clamping means 116 is configured and arranged to cooperate with the corresponding end 106 via a circumferentially effective stopper pair. The stopper pair is formed, for example, by the mutually facing surfaces of the clamping means 116 formed as a tension strip 116 and a hook-shaped overhang 118 accommodating the tension strip 116, and is provided on the ring-shaped element 31 as a hanging edge 118, for example.

[0098] In an advantageous refinement, the tension strip 116 at least partially enters into a cavity 122 or notch 122 provided in the clamping strip 111 and corresponding to the shape and cross-section, as seen in a cross-section extending perpendicular to the cylinder axis. Thereby, the movement of the tension strip 116 along the adjusting direction guided through the notch 122 is ensured.

[0099] Basically, each ring-shaped element 31 to be fixed can be provided with its own clamping strip 111 and / or its own assigned clamping means 116. However, in a preferred embodiment, clamping strips 111 and / or clamping means 116 are provided which extend over several or all of the support elements 31 arranged on the cylinder body 32, as viewed in the axial direction of the cylinder 26. In this case, a fixed numerical or spatial allocation of the adjusting means 109 or screw drives 113, 114 to be assigned to the ring-shaped elements 31 is not necessary. In this case, the fixing device can remain the same regardless of the number and position of the ring-shaped elements 31 with which the continuous or possibly divided clamping device 108 cooperates for its clamping. In particular, the above-described clamping device 108 without the tension strip 116, i.e. with an adjustment means 109 which engages directly with the ring-shaped element 31, is not suitable for continuous positionability, since the possible positions are governed by the hole spacing for the threaded rod 113.

[0100] The clamping strip 111 can be arranged and configured in such a way that it simultaneously forms a base support for the one- or multi-part gripper strip, whereby, for example, a bearing 121 supporting the gripper shaft 119 is arranged on the clamping strip 111 which forms the base support.

[0101] In a preferred configuration, such a cylinder 26 is a component of the above-mentioned machine 01 and / or is particularly advantageously associated with one or more aspects for the position adjustability of the individual magnet elements 24 on the respective magnet element support 37 in the axial and / or circumferential direction, and / or for the formation of the above-mentioned working unit 36 ​​with the respective magnet element 24 and the suction element 34, and / or for clamping the individual magnet elements 24 or their holders 28, or the magnet element support 37, to the ring-shaped element 31.

[0102] Basically, independently of the above-mentioned arrangement of the magnet elements 24 in the structural unit 36 ​​and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the axial direction and / or the above-mentioned adjustability in the circumferential direction and / or the above-mentioned arrangement for the magnet elements 24 or the holder 29 or the above-mentioned clamping device for clamping the structural unit 36 ​​and / or the above-mentioned arrangement for fixing the ring-shaped element 31 by means of a clamping device, preferably in connection with one or more of the described advantageous embodiments, in a preferred configuration, the cylinder 26, in particular the magnet cylinder 26, is formed with an intake opening 42 and a corresponding line connection to an intake air source or a device for reducing the air pressure, whereby the intake opening 42 is line-connected to the intake air source or the device for reducing the air pressure only during a defined or definable rotational angle phase, i.e. during the passage through or exceeding of a defined or definable angular range of less than 360° around the rotation axis of the cylinder 26, whereby this angular range or rotational angle phase is preferably variable in the circumferential direction with respect to its position and / or magnitude. In this case, a line interface 123, in particular a rotary feedthrough 123, is provided, via which, when a vacuum is applied on the inlet side, the suction opening 42 provided on the circumferential surface of the cylinder 26 or a part thereof can be supplied with vacuum during the passage of this rotation angle phase of the cylinder 26, which is also called the active rotation angle phase due to the application of the vacuum, and in which the rotary feedthrough 123 is preferably connected to a passage angle sector Δ, which is referred to below for short. Φ The angular sector Δ Φ is adjustable with respect to its position and / or size.

[0103] In this case, the circumferential surface of the cylinder 26 is divided into individual segments Δ x, i.e. in a peripheral surface or in a subsection of the aforementioned peripheral surface section (see, for example, FIG. 5 ), the suction openings 42 are thus advantageously provided in the suction openings 42 or in groups of suction openings 42 which are arranged in succession in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 26 in a number of segments Δ x , for example an angular segment or a ring-shaped segment Δ x In at least one of the segments, the adjacent segments Δ x The negative pressure or the suction air can be supplied independently of the pressure of the cylinder 26, i.e. the suction air source or the device for reducing the air pressure can be connected or disconnected from the line. x can be supplied with negative pressure or suction air, for example via separate duct paths. This can be achieved, for example, in an advantageous embodiment, by means of individual segments 45 for the segmented passage of the suction air, for example in the above embodiment, by means of correspondingly circumferentially segmented structures for guiding the suction air, which have groups of suction openings opening into separate chambers 55.

[0104] For the passage of the intake air, the intake openings 42 or groups are connected via corresponding lines, passages and / or chambers in the cylinder 07 to the above-mentioned rotary feedthrough 123, which has a cylinder-fixed and co-rotating element 124, for example also referred to below as the rotor 124 of the rotary feedthrough 123, and a frame-fixed element 126, for example also referred to below as the stator 126 of the rotary feedthrough 123, which in operation cooperates with the rotor 124 in the assembled state to define a passage angular sector Δ Φ on its suction side, ie downstream from the suction-side outlet of the rotary feedthrough, is connected in the above-mentioned sense to a suction air source or is connectable to a suction air source.

[0105] In this case, several or all consecutive angle segments Δ x The suction openings 42 or groups of suction openings 42 are connected, for example via corresponding segments 45 for passage, via duct paths separated for each segment, to the respective openings of the rotary feedthrough 123, in particular formed with a plurality of passages, for example the passage openings 127 of the rotating element 124, i.e. the rotor 124, so that the suction air can be supplied to each segment separately via the corresponding passage openings 127 and the corresponding duct paths. The passage openings 127 are preferably arranged eccentrically, in particular concentrically about the axis of rotation of the cylinder 26 or an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the cylinder 26, and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction by a corresponding angle segment Δ x Or they are provided in the same order and / or number as the order and / or number of the assigned segments 45 .

[0106] The rotary feedthrough 123 is preferably arranged at its end face with its cylinder-fixed element 124 on a cylinder pin 128 formed by a lateral shaft end 128 of the shaft 32 or in another way, in particular laterally with respect to the cylinder end face and / or outside the cylinder sleeve. In this case, the passage opening 127 can basically be arranged on the circumferential surface of the rotor 124 and can cooperate with a recess on the inner circumferential surface of the stator 126 surrounding the rotor 124 or vice versa. However, in the preferred embodiment shown here, the passage opening 127 is arranged on the end face and eccentrically as mentioned above, in particular concentrically with the axis of the rotor 124, and cooperates on the end face with one or more eccentrically arranged recesses 129 of the stator 126 for the passage of the intake air or the vacuum pressure. The latter is connected or connectable on the suction side via a corresponding piping path to a source of suction air or to a device for reducing the air pressure, which, by means of the relative rotation of the rotor 124 and the stator 126 about the axis of rotation of the cylinder 26 or an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the cylinder 26, at least temporarily, is to supply suction air over an angular segment Δ xor eccentrically disposed so as to at least partially overlap the passage opening 127 of each of the segments 45. When the passage opening 127 at least partially overlaps the notch 129 or one of the notches 129, the corresponding angular segment Δ x Alternatively, in the corresponding segment 45, the suction opening 42 is or can be supplied with suction air or with a vacuum.

[0107] In a preferred configuration, the stator 126, which does not rotate during operation, is adjustable in rotational position about the axis of rotation of the cylinder 26 or an axis coinciding therewith, so that the angular position of one or more notches 129 cooperating with the passage openings 127 for passage about this axis of rotation is variable. If a notch 129 or a group of notches 129 extending over a circular arc segment on the stator 126 is located eccentrically opposite the group of passage openings 127 arranged in the rotor 124 and capable of overlapping as described above by relative movement, the angular position of rotation at which one passage opening 127 enters the overlapping area with a notch 129 or a notch 129 is variable via the rotation of the stator 126. In this configuration of the stator 126 or a rotary feedthrough 123 comprising such a stator 126, the angular position of exit from the overlap is simultaneously changed to the same extent by the rotation of the stator 126. By means of the rotation of the stator 126, by means of the adjustment of the angular position of one or more recesses 129 which cooperate for passage with the passage opening 127, an angular segment Δ x or assuming a corresponding arrangement in order and / or number of the segments 45, the passing angular sector Δ Φ The position of the above-mentioned active rotation angle phase about the rotation axis of the cylinder 26 is variable, within which the suction opening 42 is connected in line to a source of suction air or to a device for reducing the air pressure during the passage thereof as the cylinder 26 rotates.

[0108] In a particularly advantageous configuration, which can for example improve even further the sheet travel of the substrate sheet 02 to be conveyed, the stator 126 is formed from several parts, so that the free cross section for the passage of the intake air through one or more notches 129 is variable, for example, via a relative pivoting movement between a first stator part 131 with one or more notches 129 and a second stator part 132, which for example closes a variable part of the one or more notches 129 of the first stator part 131 to the intake air flow depending on the rotational position relative to the first stator part 131. This relative pivoting movement is preferably effected by rotation of the second stator part 132, for example about a pivoting axis parallel to, and in particular aligned with, the rotation axis of the cylinder 26.

[0109] The rotary feedthrough 124 is configured in this multi-part, in particular two-part, configuration such that, via the positioning of both stator parts 131; 132, respectively and relative to each other, the start of an active rotation angle phase, i.e. the rotation angle for starting suction when the cylinder 26 rotates, and the end of an active rotation angle phase, i.e. the rotation angle for ending suction when the cylinder 26 rotates, are selectable or adjustable independently of each other over at least one respective adjustment range.

[0110] In the illustrated preferred first variant (see for example Figures 19 to 21), the first stator part 131 preferably has a circumferentially extending cutout 129 in the form of an annular segment over at least part of its length and is arranged directly adjacent to the rotor 124 as viewed in the axial direction, so that the passage opening 127 of the rotor 124 and, in particular, the opening in the end face of the annular segment-shaped cutout 129 are at least partially directly opposite each other in a correspondingly adapted relative position. In this embodiment variant, the second stator part 132, which is provided on the end face of the first stator part 131 facing away from the rotor 124, has a cover element 133, for example a circular disk sector 133 arranged inside a closed ring, which covers a variable part of the recess 129 or its ring-segment-shaped part on the side facing away from the rotor 124 depending on the rotational position, and a blocking element 134 arranged on one side of the cover element 133, as seen in the direction of rotation, which blocking element 134 engages in the ring-segment-shaped recess 129 or at least its ring-segment-shaped part in a form-complementary manner perpendicular to the ring-segment-shaped longitudinal extension with respect to the cross-sectional shape of the recess 129, so as to prevent free intake air flow inside the recess 129 between the covered part and the free part of this recess 129. Configurations are also included here in which residual amounts still flow or may flow, for example due to tolerances. In this case, depending on the relative rotational position between the first stator part 131 and the second stator part 132, on the suction side, a variable part of the recess 129 is covered against the intake air flow in the axial direction, and a significant flow of the intake air from the covered part of the recess 129 through the blocking element 134 engaged in the recess 129 is prevented in the above-mentioned sense. The intake air therefore only flows through the stator 126 and thus the rotary feedthrough 123 in the overlap region of the now free recess 129, at least to a degree that is worth mentioning.In addition to the above-mentioned change in the position of the above-mentioned rotational angular phase about the rotation axis of the cylinder 26, in which the suction opening 42 or the underlying segment 45 is connected by a pipe to a suction air source or a device for reducing the air pressure during the passage when the cylinder 26 rotates, through a change in the effective size in the circumferential direction of the free portion of the notch 129 which cooperates with the passage opening 127 for the passage, through a relative rotation between the first stator part 131 and the second stator part 132, a passage angular sector Δ. Φ And the above-mentioned active passing angular sector Δ Φ The magnitude of the variable in the circumferential direction.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment variant (not shown), the second stator part 132 with the cover element 133 is arranged directly adjacent to the rotor 124, the first stator part 131 is arranged on the side facing away from the rotor 124, and as cover element 133, for example, a ring segment 133 arranged on the inside of a ring or a circular disk sector 133 is provided, however, in this case, due to the arrangement of the cover element 133 on the side of the rotor 124, the above-mentioned blocking element 134 may be omitted.

[0112] For adjusting the stator 126 or, if it is formed in two parts, for adjusting the first stator part 131 having the at least one recess 129, adjustment means 136, 141 are provided, for example an adjustment shaft 136, for example in the form of a hollow shaft 136 or a sleeve 136 which is connected to the stator 126 or to the first stator part 131 in a rotationally immovable manner relative to the stator 126 and an adjustment lever 141, for example, by which the adjustment shaft 136 can be pivoted. By pivoting the stator 126 or the first stator part 131, as described above, the angular position of the at least one recess 129 and thus the passage angular sector Δ, through which the openings are supplied with negative pressure or suction air when the cylinder 26 rotates, can be adjusted. ΦAlternatively, the position of the active rotation angle phase becomes variable. For example, in order to improve reproducibility, a pointer 148 coupled to the adjustment lever 141 may be provided, for example, and this pointer 148 cooperates with a structure-fixed scale 149. In the case of the integral stator 126, the passage of the suction air may be effected, for example, through an adjustment shaft 139 formed as a hollow shaft 136. In order to prevent unwanted displacement, a clamping element 144 in the form of a screw nipple, for example, may be provided, by means of which the adjustment lever 141 can be selectively fixed against displacement.

[0113] If the stator 126 comprises two stator parts 131, 132 as described above, for example, another adjustment means 137, 139 extending inside the above-described hollow shaft 136, for example, another adjustment shaft 137 coupled to the second stator part 132, for example, a hollow shaft or slit shaft 137 through which the suction air is passed from the outlet on the suction side of the rotary feed-through 123 formed by the rotor 124 cooperating with the stator 126, and, for example, another adjustment lever 139 by means of which the adjustment shaft 137 can be swivelled, are provided. By swivelling the second stator part 132 while keeping the first stator part 131 stationary at the same time, as described above, the length of the free cross-section of the notch 129 in the circumferential direction for the through-flow and thus the passage angle sector Δ of the rotary feed-through 123 to which negative pressure or suction air is supplied to the opening during rotation of the cylinder 26 Φ Alternatively, the size of the active rotation angle phase becomes variable. For example, in order to improve reproducibility, a pointer 146 coupled to the adjustment lever 139 via a sleeve or rod 146 may be provided, for example, and this pointer 146 cooperates with a structure-fixed scale 147. In order to prevent unwanted displacement of the adjustment lever 139, a clamping element 143 in the form of a screw nipple, for example, may be provided, by means of which the adjustment lever 141 can be selectively fixed against displacement.

[0114] Between the two adjustment shafts 136; 137, a sleeve fixed to the frame may be provided for supporting them.

[0115] The line connection through which the intake air passes into the rotary feedthrough 123, for example the corresponding adjustment shaft 136; 137, is line-connected in its end region, for example via an air chamber, to an intake air line 142 which is itself line-connected to an intake air source or to a device for reducing the air pressure.

[0116] In the assembled state, the cylinder 26 is housed, for example, in one or more bearing shells 151 which are rotatably supported in the lateral frame via radial bearings not shown here, with the rotor 124 (see, for example, Figure 4 or Figure 15) and the stator 126 (see, for example, Figure 19 or Figure 20) cooperating on the end side to pass the intake air through, as described above.

[0117] The above-described configuration of the cylinder 26 with the suction opening 42 or group of suction openings 42 is connected to a suction air source or a device for reducing the air pressure only during the above-mentioned active rotation angle phase, i.e. during the passage or exceeding of a defined or definable angular range of less than 360° around the rotation axis of the cylinder 26, in which case the passage angle sector Δ Φ The fact that the active rotation angle phase is preferably variable in terms of its position and / or magnitude in the circumferential direction has indeed been described above in connection with a preferred configuration of the cylinder 26 as a magnet cylinder 26, but in another particularly advantageous configuration it can also without question be transferred to a holding means 33 for gripping another cylinder 12;17;153, in particular a conveying cylinder 12;17;153, for example a machine 01 for processing and / or treating sheets, in particular a securities machine 01, for example a printing press 01 or in particular a securities printing press 01, having a substrate sheet 02 on its circumferential surface.

[0118] In this case, the machine 01 may be formed as described above, for example with a magnet cylinder 26 formed as described above. However, additionally or alternatively to this, in the case of a sheet-like substrate 02, the impression cylinder 17 effective as a conveying cylinder 17 and / or the cylinder 152, for example an inspection cylinder 152, which cooperates with the above-mentioned sensor device 153, for example a camera 153, in particular a line camera 153, may be formed with a suction opening 42 or a group of suction openings 42 in the above-mentioned configuration, which suction openings 42 are connected to a suction air source or a device for reducing the air pressure only during the above-mentioned active rotation angle phase, i.e. during the passage or exceedance of a defined or definable angular range of less than 360° around the rotation axis of the cylinder 26, in which case the rotation angle phase is preferably variable as described above in the example of the magnet cylinder 26 with respect to its circumferential position and / or size. All these cylinders 26;17;152 have in common that they are components of devices which act on or inspect the base sheet 02 and require particularly secure loading and optimised sheet delivery characteristics.

[0119] Basically, the above-mentioned adjustability of the active rotation angle phase with respect to position and / or magnitude can also be advantageous for purely transport cylinders 12 which do not have to perform any other function besides the transfer of the substrate sheet, due to their optimisable handover characteristics.

[0120] In a particularly advantageous refinement, such a rotary feedthrough 123 is provided at each end face of the cylinder 26; 17; 152; 12, so that the vacuum is or can be supplied, for example from both sides, to the corresponding suction opening 42 or to a group of suction openings 42 in the active rotation angle phase. In this case, the vacuum can be supplied to the chamber 55 from both sides or can be divided in the axial direction and supplied separately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 01 Machinery, securities machines, printing machines, securities printing machines 02 Base material, printing material, printing material classification, printing material sheet, base material sheet 03 Image Elements 04 Coating equipment, printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit 05 - 06 Coatings, printing inks, varnishes 07 Apparatus for orienting magnetic particles in an image element, orienting device 08 Print image elements 09 Allocations, securities, banknotes 10 - 11 Printing location 12 Conveying equipment, transport cylinders 13 Substrate supply section, sheet feeder 14 Printing unit cylinder, plate cylinder, screen printing cylinder 15 - 16 Apparatus for producing optically variable image elements 17 Cylinders, impression cylinders, transport cylinders 18 Printing elements and subjects 19 Drying and / or curing equipment, radiant dryers, UV radiant dryers, UV dryers, UV-LED dryers 20 - 21 Conveying device, gripper circulation conveyor, chain gripper system 22 Product receiving section, pile delivery 23 Dryer, Radiant Dryer 24 Working elements, elements, magnetic elements twenty five - 26 Orientation mechanism, cylinder, magnet cylinder 27 Magnet 28 Holder, base 29 Cylinder body 30 - 31 Support elements, ring-shaped elements 32 Cylinder inner body, cylinder shaft, shaft 33 Holding means, gripper 34 Suction element 35 - 36 Configuration units, action units, magnet units 37 Magnet element support 38 Housing 39 Intake air passage 40 - 41 Cover Elements 42 Suction opening 43 Pipe interface, void, chamber 44 Surrounding wall surface (32) 45 Segments 46 Pipeline interface, suction air opening (32) 47 Feedthrough, hole 48 Passage, suction air passage 49 Pipe interface, void 50 - 51 Pipe interface, void 52 Wall 53 Passage 54 Feedthrough, hole 55 Chamber 56 Wall 57 Closures, valves, sleeves 58 Closures, valves, sleeves 59 Tools, multi-sided wrenches 60 - 61 Notch 62 Wall 63 Operation interface, polygonal hole, inner circumference division 64 Support Disc 65 - 66 Supporting Elements 67 Supporting surface, surface 68 Support surface 69 Support Disc 70 - 71 Support Plate 72 Clamping element, clamp lever, lever 73 Clamping element, clamp lever, lever 74 Contact surface 75 - 76 Groove 77 Contact surface 78 Groove 79 Spring elements, compression springs 80 - 81 axis, pivot axis 82 Slot 83 Fixing means, screws 84 Railroad 85 - 86 Eccentric body, shaft division 87 Carriage, Support Elements 88 operation interface, polygonal hole 89 Axis 90 - 91 Eccentric body, shaft division 92 Carriage, support element 93 Operation interface, polygonal hole 94 Axis 95 - 96 Connecting members, connecting shafts 97 Assembly aids 98 Operating Arm 99 First member, first bush 100 - 101 Second member, second bush 102 Driving means, adjustment driving device 103 Operation interface, rotating grip 104 Base 105 - 106 Front end (31) 107 Rear end (31) 108 Tightening device 109 Adjustment means 110 - 111 Fastening strip 112 Mating elements, mating keys 113 Threaded rod, screw 114 Thread, Threaded bush 115 - 116 Fastening means, tension strips 117 Overhanging part, hanging edge 118 Overhanging part, hanging edge 119 Gripper axis 120 - 121 Bearings 122 Voids, notches 123 Pipe Interface, Rotary Feedthrough 124 First part (123), rotor 125 - 126 Second member (123), stator 127 Passage opening 128 Shaft end, cylinder pin 129 Notch 130 - 131 first stator portion (126) 132 second stator portion (126) 133 Cover elements, ring segments, circular disk sectors 134 Blocking Elements 135 - 136 Adjustable shafts, hollow shafts, sleeves 137 Adjustable shaft, hollow shaft, slit shaft 138 - 139 Adjustment lever 140 - 141 Adjustment lever 142 Suction air line 143 Clamping elements 144 Clamping elements 145 - 146 Guidelines 147 scale 148 Guidelines 149 scale 150 - 151 Bearing shell 152 Cylinders, transport cylinders, inspection cylinders 153 Sensor equipment, cameras, line cameras Δ x Segment, Ring Segment, Angular Segment (x=1,2,3,…) D Manufacturing Rotation Direction P particles, pigment particles R Rotation axis T Transport direction Δ Φ Angle sector, passing angle sector

Claims

1. A cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) for a machine (01) for processing and / or treating sheets, the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) having a holding means (33) on its periphery, by means of which a base sheet (02) to be conveyed through the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) is received or can be received at its front end, and during the rotation of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) the base sheet (02) is held or can be held over a rotation angle range between the reception of the base sheet (02) and the transfer downstream, the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) having a rotary feedthrough (123) which comprises a rotor (124) rotating together with the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) and which, at its end side, holds the base sheet (02) over a rotation angle range between the reception of the base sheet (02) and the transfer downstream, The rotor (124) is arranged on an axial end (128) of a shaft (32) driving a cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) or on a cylinder pin (128) on the end face side, and a stator (126) that does not rotate during operation, in which a negative pressure can be supplied to a plurality of suction openings (42) or a group of suction openings (42) provided on the circumferential surface of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) during the passage of an active rotational angle phase of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) about the rotational axis (R) of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12), the rotary feedthrough (123) being arranged to define a passage angle sector (ΔΔΔΔ) that defines the magnitude of the active rotational angle phase. Φ ) and / or the position of the active rotational angular phase, Φ ) is adjustable in position.

2. 2. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary feedthrough (123) is formed with a plurality of passages on the rotor (124) side, and a plurality of line connections extending from passage openings (127) of the rotor (124) with a plurality of passages on the cylinder side lead to different suction openings (42) or groups of suction openings (42) located one behind the other in the circumferential direction.

3. 3. The cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that the stator (126) is provided with a notch (129) or a group of notches (129) serving to pass the intake air, the notch (129) or the group of notches (129) overlapping a different part of the passage opening (127) of the rotor (124) depending on the rotational position of the rotor (124) rotating together with the cylinder (26).

4. 4. The cylinder according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that during rotation of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 122) and the rotor (124) of the rotary feedthrough (123), which rotates together with the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 122), only those parts of the passage openings (127) that are connected via corresponding ducting paths to the suction openings (42) or groups of suction openings (42) that are located within a range of a rotation angle phase of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) about the rotation axis (R) of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) of less than 360° are always duct-connected to a free cross section of the notch (129) or group of notches (129) of the stator (126).

5. The stator (126) having the notch (129) or the group of notches (129) is arranged to have a width corresponding to the passing angular sector (Δ Φ 5. The cylinder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it is rotatable about the rotation axis (R) of the cylinder (26) or about an axis coinciding with the rotation axis (R) in order to vary the position of the recess (129) or the position of the defined rotation angle phase and / or to vary the position of the passage opening (127) which simultaneously overlaps with the notch (129) or the group of notches (129) and the position of the suction opening (42) or the group of suction openings (42) which are connected to the passage opening (127).

6. 6. The cylinder according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the stator (126) is formed as a multi-part stator (126) with a first stator part (131) and a second stator part (132), the rotational positions of which are adjustable relative to each other and to the rotation axis (R) of the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) or about an axis coinciding with said rotation axis (R).

7. The passing angular sector (Δ Φ 7. The cylinder according to claim 6, characterized in that the position and magnitude of the active angular phase of rotation (131; 132) and / or the beginning and end of the active angular phase of rotation (131; 132) are selectable or adjustable by positioning both stator parts (131; 132) relative to one another and in each angular position of both stator parts (131; 132) occupied about the axis of rotation or an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation, over at least one respective adjustment range.

8. The stator (126) is formed as a multi-part stator (126) with a first stator part (131) having a notch (129) or a group of notches (129) and a second stator part (132) having a cover element (133), the first stator part (131) and the second stator part (132) being spaced apart from each other by the passage angular sector (ΔΔΔΔ) with respect to their relative rotational positions. Φ 8. The cylinder according to claim 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the recess (129) is variably arranged to vary the size of the free-flow cross section through the recess (129) and thus the size of the defined rotational angle phase and / or to vary the size of the free-flow cross section through the recess (129) and thus the proportion of the passage openings (127) which simultaneously overlap the recess (129).

9. 9. The cylinder according to claim 8, characterized in that the second stator part (132) is pivotable relative to the first stator part (131) and / or comprises a blocking element (134) which engages in the cutout of the first stator part (131), the blocking element (134) separating the part of the cutout (129) not covered by the cover element (133) from the covered part of the cutout (129).

10. 10. Cylinder according to claim 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the second stator part (132) is pivotable relative to the first stator part (131) and / or about the rotation axis (R) of the cylinder (26) or an axis coinciding with the rotation axis (R) via adjustment means (137, 139) and / or the first stator part (131) is pivotable relative to the second stator part (132) and / or about the rotation axis (R) of the cylinder (26) or an axis coinciding with the rotation axis (R) via adjustment means (136, 141).

11. 11. The cylinder according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the stator (126) is rotatable about the rotation axis (R) of the cylinder (26) or about an axis coinciding with the rotation axis (R) via adjustment means (136, 141).

12. 12. The cylinder according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that it is formed as a magnetic cylinder (26) having, in the region of its outer surface, a plurality of magnetic elements (24) arranged in a matrix of n x m (n, m ∈ N) in rows extending parallel to the axis and in columns extending in the circumferential direction.

13. 13. The cylinder according to claim 12, characterized in that a number or all of the magnet elements (24) of the circumferentially extending row are arranged on or on a respective open or closed ring-shaped support element (31) attached to the cylinder axis (32), which ring-shaped support element (31) comprises, seen in the circumferential direction, a number of chambers (55) one behind the other, which are each independently of one another connected via corresponding ducting paths to the rotor (124) of the rotary feedthrough (123) and to at least one group of suction openings (42) opening onto the circumferential surface.

14. 14. The cylinder according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the shaft (32) supporting the cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) or the cylinder pin (128) on the end face side is provided with a plurality of passages (48) leading to the inside of the cylinder, and the passages (48) are connected by pipes to passage openings (127) on the end face side of the rotor (124).

15. 1. A machine (01) for processing and / or treating a sheet-like substrate (02), comprising a substrate supply (13), at least one printing unit (04) capable of printing and / or printing in matrix form m columns and n rows of layout surfaces (09) on at least a first side of the substrate (02) guided through the machine (01) in a transport path, a product receiver (22) capable of bundling the processed substrate (02) into bundles, and at least one transport cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) arranged in the substrate path between the substrate supply (13) and the product receiver (22), characterized in that the transport cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) is formed by a cylinder (26; 17; 152; 12) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. In the substrate path, a transport cylinder (26) by the cylinder (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is provided, and the transport cylinder (26) is provided between the printing unit (04) and the product receiving part (22). It is formed as a magnet cylinder (26) of an orientation device (07) for orienting magnetic or magnetizable particles (P), and the magnet cylinder (26) has an axis-parallel extending row and a circumferential direction in a region of its outer peripheral surface. The machine according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of magnet elements (24) arranged in a matrix of n×m (n, m∈N) numbers arranged in columns extending in the direction.

17. In the substrate path, a transport cylinder (17) by the cylinder (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is provided, and the transport cylinder (17) is used as an impression cylinder (17) of the printing unit (04) and is used as a support for the printing unit cylinder (14). The machine according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it forms a printing location (11) together with the printing unit cylinder (14).

18. In the substrate path, a transport cylinder (152) by the cylinder (152) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is provided, and the transport cylinder (152) provides a support for the substrate (02) to be transported as an inspection cylinder (152). The machine according to claim 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that it cooperates with a sensor device (153) directed towards the substrate path as a component of the inspection device.

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