Method of handling sheets using a die-cutting machine and die-cutting machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for handling sheets using a die-cutting machine having a platen press equipped with a cutting device. A lift device is used to separate a first sheet and a second sheet from a plurality of sheets and feed them to the platen press. An alignment device is used to align the first and second sheets so that they are stacked and reach the receiving position simultaneously and with proper registration. A gripping bar is used to capture the stacked sheets at the receiving position and transport them to the cutting device of the platen press. Because the sheets are stacked, they are cut simultaneously in a single cutting operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for handling a sheet by a die-cutting machine and a die-cutting machine.

Background Art

[0002] In the platen press of a die-cutting machine, the sheet is handled and processed, such as being cut. In order to achieve the desired quality of the finished product, alignment of the processed sheet with the processing device of the platen press is necessary. This alignment must be achieved and maintained individually for each individual sheet throughout the entire production procedure. For example, WO2017 / 202498A1 discloses a system for gripping a sheet on-the-fly at an introduction station in order to accurately convey the sheet to the platen press according to the position of a print mark on the sheet. This system functions for one sheet at a time. As a result, the production efficiency of the entire platen press and die-cutting machine is limited.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a die-cutting machine that can be processed so as to avoid or at least mitigate the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The subject matter of the independent claims meets the respective requirements. Preferred embodiments are shown in the dependent claims and the following description, and each of these embodiments can represent aspects of the present disclosure alone or in combination. Some aspects are described with respect to the apparatus, and other aspects are described with respect to the method. However, these aspects shall be correspondingly converted.

[0005] The following outlines some of the specific embodiments disclosed herein. These embodiments are presented solely to provide a brief summary of the particular embodiments, and it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure may encompass various embodiments not described below.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method for handling a sheet using a die-cutting machine having a platen press is provided. The method includes at least the following steps:

[0007] The first sheet supplied to the platen press is separated from the multiple sheets being supplied using a lifting device (Step A).

[0008] The second sheet supplied to the platen press is separated from the multiple supply sheets using a lifting device (step B).

[0009] The first and second sheets supplied to the platen press are aligned using an alignment device so that they are aligned with each other simultaneously and stacked when they reach the receiving position (step C).

[0010] The supplied stacked first and second sheets are captured in the receiving position using at least one gripping bar (step D).

[0011] The stacked first and second sheets are transported to the cutting device of the platen press using at least one gripping bar (step E).

[0012] The stacked first and second sheets are cut simultaneously in a single cutting operation using a cutting device (step F).

[0013] In this specification, “stacked and aligned” means two sheets having the same dimensions and stacked and aligned such that their sides, which are perpendicular to the extending top and bottom surfaces, are aligned in a straight line with each other.

[0014] In this specification, a cutting device can be considered a device configured to produce a cutout portion from a stack of sheets. The cutting device may also include a stamping device that simultaneously stamps both sheets onto a support portion on which the sheets are placed. The cutting device is part of a platen press, and the platen press itself is part of a die-cutting machine.

[0015] This method allows for the simultaneous processing of the first and second sheets, thereby advantageously increasing the production speed of sheets processed by the platen press. Consequently, the production efficiency of the die-cutting machine is also improved. However, the alignment device ensures the alignment of both sheets. Therefore, the quality of the processed sheets is maintained regardless of the simultaneous processing of the two sheets. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets can be handled in a shorter time.

[0016] Preferably, the cut blanks are separated simultaneously from the stacked first and second sheets in a single separation operation following step F. This further improves production efficiency because, unlike the conventional method in which blanks of individually processed sheets were subsequently separated sequentially, this method requires only a single separation operation. These individual separation steps can be avoided in this method.

[0017] Optionally, in step C, the first sheet to be supplied is transported toward the receiving position using a first transport speed, and the second sheet to be supplied is transported toward the receiving position using a second transport speed, and the first and second transport speeds are coordinated with each other so that the first and second sheets to be supplied arrive at the receiving position simultaneously and in alignment with each other while stacked. Thus, the time difference caused by the point in time when individual sheets are separated independently from the other sheets can be compensated for by different transport speeds. Thus, different transport speeds ensure that the sheets arrive at the receiving position simultaneously. Essentially, in this embodiment, individual lift devices used to lift individual sheets can move at different speeds from each other.

[0018] Optionally, the transport speeds can be adjusted relative to each other during the transport procedure toward the receiving position. In this way, unexpected relative distances between sheets can be compensated for. In this regard, for example, at least one sensor device can be used to obtain the relative distance between sheets, and based on this, it can be determined whether or not it is necessary to adapt any of the transport speeds during the transport procedure.

[0019] In some embodiments, in step C, the first and second conveying speeds are changed during the conveying procedure of the first and second sheets toward the receiving position, and the first and second conveying speeds are adjusted to be the same when the supplied first and second sheets reach the receiving position. Thus, it can be ensured that the sheets are moving at the same speed at the receiving position. Thus, from the receiving position, the sheets can be conveyed at the same speed in a stacked state.

[0020] Preferably, in step C, the supplied first and second sheets are carried using a lifting device until they are aligned with each other.

[0021] In detail, for each sheet being handled, a lift device is first used to separate it from other sheets, and then the lift device is used to transport each sheet to its receiving position. The speed of the lift device can then be appropriately adjusted.

[0022] In some embodiments, the supplied first and second sheets are transported using a conveyor mechanism in step C. A breaking mechanism is provided at the receiving position. The breaking mechanism is released when the supplied first and second sheets reach the breaking mechanism in a stacked state, aligned with each other. Thus, the alignment of the sheets being handled and the sheets stacked with each other can be further simplified from a control standpoint. The breaking mechanism can ensure a specific speed of the sheets at the receiving position. After the sheets are released, both sheets can have the same speed. In other words, the breaking mechanism helps to adapt the relative speeds of the sheets to each other.

[0023] Preferably, the first and second sheets are conveyed toward the receiving position in step C in a state at least partially stacked. The breaking mechanism allows for the simultaneous adaptation of the speed of each sheet so that they have the same speed when they reach the breaking mechanism. Therefore, since the speed adaptation is independent, the sheets can be at least partially stacked with each other before reaching the breaking mechanism. As a result, the time difference required between consecutive stacking operations can be reduced. This improves the production speed of the method.

[0024] Optionally, in step C, the breaking mechanism is used to change the transport speed of at least one of the first and second sheets. In other words, a specific transport speed of at least one sheet can be guaranteed at the receiving position for each pair of stacked sheets. For example, the breaking mechanism can also guarantee that the sheets are stopped (speed = 0 m / s). Thus, at the receiving position, the sheets are ensured to be aligned with each other in terms of transport speed.

[0025] Alternatively, the transport speed of at least one of the first and second sheets can be changed using a breaking mechanism so that the first and second sheets have the same transport speed when they arrive at the receiving position aligned with each other. For example, one sheet can be stopped and "wait" in the breaking mechanism until the other sheet arrives. Thus, the breaking mechanism provides an extremely efficient means of adapting the relative alignment of the sheets to each other along the passage used for transporting the sheets.

[0026] Preferably, the breaking mechanism includes at least one contact surface, and the supplied first sheet is decelerated upon contact with at least one contact surface. By using a contact surface, it is advantageous to provide the option of avoiding any mechanism used to interact with the sheet surface. Thus, irregularities on the sheet surface can be avoided. In particular, the contact surface of the breaking mechanism can interact with the sides of each sheet.

[0027] Optionally, in step C, the breaking mechanism engages at least partially with the passage provided by the conveyor mechanism for the supplied sheet, and the breaking mechanism is released by removing it from the passage. In other words, the breaking mechanism extends into the passage when in operation. When not in operation, the breaking mechanism can be retracted from the passage. Because the breaking mechanism extends into the passage, it can be reliably ensured that the sheet interacts with the breaking mechanism and is properly aligned as a result of this contact.

[0028] In some embodiments, the alignment device includes a first conveyor mechanism and a second conveyor mechanism. The first conveyor mechanism is configured to convey the supplied first sheet at a first conveying speed along a first conveying route toward a receiving position in step C. The second conveyor mechanism is configured to convey the supplied second sheet at a second conveying speed along a second conveying route toward a receiving position in step C. The first conveying route and the second conveying route terminate adjacent to each other in a stacked state at the receiving position. The first sheet and the second sheet are conveyed at least partially simultaneously with each other using their respective conveyor mechanisms. By using different conveyor mechanisms, in fact, different conveying routes can be established, thereby compensating for the time difference caused by the difference in the timing when the first and second sheets are separated from a plurality of sheets. However, the conveying routes can terminate at a common identical end position such as the receiving position. The different conveying speeds are adjusted so that the sheets are aligned with each other at the receiving position despite the different conveying routes.

[0029] Preferably, in step C, at least one acceleration mechanism is provided to adjust at least one of the first and second conveying speeds so that the first sheet and the second sheet reach the receiving position simultaneously and aligned with each other in a stacked state. Accordingly, the conveying speeds can be adjusted with respect to each other even while the sheets are being conveyed along different conveying routes.

[0030] Optionally, the adjustment of the conveying speed is performed based on the relative distance between the sheets while being conveyed along different conveying routes. For example, a sensor device can be used to obtain information regarding the relative distance between the sheets.

[0031] More preferably, at least one acceleration mechanism includes at least one acceleration roller or at least one pair of acceleration rollers. Acceleration rollers are extremely efficient in adapting the speed of the processing sheet passing through each roller, especially since the sheet is a quasi-two-dimensional product.

[0032] Optionally, in step C, at least one feeder flap is used to selectively guide each supplied sheet toward the first or second conveyor mechanism. The feeder flap can be rotatable so that its leading edge can guide the sheet along different transport routes. However, the feeder flap avoids the occurrence of undesirable irregularities within the sheet surface when handling the sheet. Furthermore, the feeder flap can also ensure a specific alignment of multiple sheets from which each supplied sheet is separated.

[0033] Preferably, the multiple sheets to be supplied are provided as a stack of sheets at the introduction station of the die-cutting machine. The stack of sheets is easy to provide and is suitable for the purpose of sheet-feed processing machines, which are commonly used to produce a large number of identical products, such as packaging materials.

[0034] The stacking of sheets can be aligned so that the top sheet is at the same height, regardless of the number of sheets remaining in the stack. Therefore, the interaction point with the lift device can always be the same, regardless of the height of the stack.

[0035] In some embodiments, step B is not performed until the first sheet supplied from the multiple sheets provided as a stack of sheets at the introduction station is separated. Thus, undesirable interactions between the lifting processes of different sheets can be avoided.

[0036] Optionally, the first or second sheet is separated from the other sheets using a suction process in steps A and B, respectively. In other words, each lift device may be equipped with a suction device. The suction device can efficiently interact with the top surface of each sheet without causing irregularities on the sheet surface.

[0037] Preferably, in step C, the number of sheets to be aligned with each other is not greater than the number of the first and second sheets. This avoids the situation where an intermediate sheet placed between two adjacent outer sheets cannot be processed directly. In other words, such an intermediate sheet can only be processed and aligned indirectly. Therefore, the alignment of the intermediate sheet cannot be guaranteed with the same degree of confidence as the outer sheets. Accordingly, by limiting the number of sheets in the package to two, a high degree of alignment confidence is guaranteed.

[0038] Optionally, the methods described herein are computer-implemented and executed. For example, a data processing device of a control device having a circuit may be configured to provide commands so that embodiments of the methods described above are executed by each device coupled to the control device. In particular, the control device may be coupled to a lift device, a positioning mechanism, a gripping bar, and a cutting device.

[0039] Optionally, the control device can also be coupled to additional auxiliary devices, such as a conveyor mechanism.

[0040] In another embodiment, a die-cutting machine is provided. The die-cutting machine comprises a platen press equipped with a cutting device, at least one lift device, a positioning device, a gripping bar, and a control device. The control device is coupled to at least the lift device, the positioning device, the cutting device, and the gripping bar. The control device is configured to perform the method described above. Thus, a platen press and die-cutting machine having an improved production speed are provided.

[0041] Optionally, the lift device comprises at least one suction device. Thus, the sheet can be reliably processed through interaction with its surface.

[0042] Preferably, the alignment device includes a breaking mechanism. The breaking mechanism includes a retractable contact surface. The breaking mechanism can define obstacles configured to appropriately adapt the sheet transport speed.

[0043] All features and embodiments disclosed in any aspect of this disclosure may be combined with features of the remaining aspects of this disclosure, either individually or in a (partial) combination including each of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, to the extent that the resulting combination is reasonable to a person skilled in the art.

[0044] The aforementioned aspects and further advantages of the subject matter described in the claims will be more readily understood, as they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a die-cutting machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a die-cutting machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a sheet is handled by a die-cutting machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine including an alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] The detailed description below, accompanied by the accompanying drawings in which the same number refers to the same element, is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and does not represent only one embodiment. Each embodiment described herein is merely an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferable or advantageous to other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive and do not limit the subject matter described in the claims to the exact form disclosed. Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein are applicable to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to the illustrated embodiments and should be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0047] All of the features disclosed below with respect to exemplary embodiments and / or accompanying drawings may be combined, individually or in any partial combination, with features of the embodiments of this disclosure, including features of the preferred embodiments, provided that the resulting combination of features is reasonable to a person skilled in the art.

[0048] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C), including all further possible orderings when more than three items are listed. In other words, “at least one of A and B” generally means “A and / or B,” i.e., “A” only, “B” only, or “A and B.”

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a die-cutting machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The die-cutting machine 10 is used to handle sheets 12A and 12B. For example, the die-cutting machine 10 is equipped with a platen press 14 that can be used to cut sheets 12A and 12B. Sheets 12A and 12B are introduced into the die-cutting machine 10 at an introduction station 16, where sheets 12A and 12B are provided by the operator.

[0051] At the receiving position 18, sheets 12A and 12B are captured using a chain drive 20 equipped with gripping bars 22. Each gripping bar 22 is configured to capture multiple sheets 12A and 12B and transport them along the chain drive 20 within the die-cutting machine 10.

[0052] After sheets 12A and 12B are cut in the platen press 14, the waste material generated by the cutting operation is discharged in the waste station 24. Subsequently, the blanks of the processed sheets 12A and 12B are collected as a blank stack 28 in the blanking station 26, which represents the output of the die-cutting process that forms the basis of the die-cutting machine 10.

[0053] At the discharge station 29, the stack of blanks can be removed from the die-cutting machine 10 for further use.

[0054] Therefore, starting from the stack 30 of "unprocessed" sheets 12A and 12B provided at the introduction station 16, a stack of blanks 28 is achieved and received at the discharge station 29.

[0055] In contrast to conventional die-cutting machines, the die-cutting machine 10 of the present invention is configured to process at least two sheets 12A and 12B simultaneously from at least the platen press 14. As a result, an improved production speed is achieved. For this purpose, the die-cutting machine 10 is equipped with a control device 32. The control device 32 is coupled to at least the platen press 14, the introduction station 16, and the gripping bar 22.

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The stack of sheets 12 30 is provided at the introduction station 16 and configured to be aligned by a height control mechanism, so that the top sheet 12 is always provided at the same height, regardless of the number of sheets 12 remaining in the stack 30.

[0058] The sheets 12 are individually captured and provided to a feeder table 34 located near the receiving position 18. At the receiving position 18, the sheets 12 are captured by a chain-driven gripping bar 22. Here, the die-cutting machine 10 is shown in a configuration where only the first sheet 12A has reached the receiving position 18. Therefore, the second sheet 12B is moving toward the receiving position 18. The gripping bar 22 is positioned relative to each other so that the sheets 12A and 12B register with each other in a stacked state, and waits for the second sheet 12B to arrive so that both sheets 12A and 12B can be captured simultaneously in a stacked state. The stacked sheets 12A and 12B can then be cut simultaneously in a single cutting operation using the platen 36 of the platen press 14.

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a method 38 for handling a sheet 12 by a die-cutting machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] In step 39A, the first sheet 12A supplied to the platen press 14 is separated from the stack 30 of supplied sheets 12 using the lift device 42.

[0061] In step 39B, the second sheet 12B supplied to the platen press 14 is separated from the stack of supplied sheets 30 using the lift device 42.

[0062] Steps 39A and 39B are performed in particular at the introduction station 16 of the die-cutting machine 10. Here, step 39B is not performed before step 39A is completed. In other words, the two sheets 12A and 12B are separated individually from the stack 30.

[0063] Subsequently, the first and second sheets 12A and 12B, which are supplied to the platen press 14, are aligned in step 39C using the alignment device 44 so that they arrive at the receiving position 18 simultaneously and in alignment with each other while stacked.

[0064] Next, in step 39D, the stacked first and second supplied sheets 12A and 12B are captured at the receiving position 18 using the gripping bar 22. The alignment procedure allows sheets 12A and 12B to be processed together from the receiving position 18.

[0065] In step 39E, the stacked first and second sheets 12A and 12B are transported to the cutting device of the platen press 14 using at least one gripping bar 22.

[0066] Subsequently, in step 39F, the stacked first and second sheets 12A and 12B are cut simultaneously in a single cutting operation using a cutting device.

[0067] As a result, the basic alignment of sheets 12A and 12B enables simultaneous cutting operations, thus providing an improved production speed in method 38.

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine 10 including an alignment device 44 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] In this embodiment, the sheets 12 are separated from the stack 30 at the introduction station 16 using a lift device 40. Each separated sheet 12A is then transported to a first transport device 42A.

[0070] Subsequently, the next sheet 12B is separated from the stack 30 using the lift device 40 and transported to another transport device 42B, which is best shown in Figure 5.

[0071] The alignment device 44 comprises a lift device 40 and transport devices 42A and 42B. However, the lift device 40 does not need to be separate from the transport devices 42A and 42B. The transport devices 42A and 42B can also individually incorporate the functions of the lift device 40.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lift device 40 and the transport devices 42A and 42B include a suction function. This means that each sheet 12 can be captured by the low pressure established between the surface of the sheet 12 and the respective device. Thus, the sheet surface can be prevented from becoming irregular, which may occur with other capture techniques.

[0073] As can be seen in Figure 5, the different transport devices 42A and 42B operate at different transport speeds. Figure 6 shows that the transport speeds of the different transport devices 42A and 42B are matched so that the first sheet 12A and the second sheet 12B reach the receiving position 18 aligned with each other while stacked. This means that the time difference caused by the difference in the timing at which the first and second sheets 12A and 12B are separated from the stack 30 is compensated for by the second transport device 42B operating faster. However, during the transport procedure toward the receiving position 18, the transport speeds are changed so that the first and second sheets 12A and 12B reach the receiving position 18 at the same speed. Thus, aligned and simultaneous movement beyond the receiving position 18 is guaranteed.

[0074] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine 10 including an alignment device 44 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The features of the second embodiment may be combined with the features of the first embodiment.

[0075] Here, the alignment device 44 includes a breaking mechanism 46 having a contact surface 47. The breaking mechanism 46 is located within the passage of the sheet 12 at the receiving position 18. Using the feeder table 34, the sheet 12 is transported toward the receiving position 18. When the sheet 12 comes into contact with the contact surface 47, the sheet 12 is stopped if the breaking mechanism 46 is activated.

[0076] Figure 8 shows that the breaking mechanism 46 is used to align the two sheets 12A and 12B relative to each other so that they are aligned when stacked at the receiving position 18.

[0077] In this embodiment, the breaking mechanism 46 is fixed with respect to the position of the sheet 12 along the passage, but this may differ in other embodiments. For example, the breaking mechanism can move along the passage at a speed slower than the conveying speed of the first and second sheets 12A and 12B.

[0078] Once the two sheets 12A and 12B are aligned with each other at the receiving position 18, the breaking mechanism 46 is deactivated, as shown in Figure 9. Therefore, the breaking mechanism 46 is removed from the passage, freeing it for the stacked sheets 12A and 12B. The stacked sheets 12A and 12B can then be processed as a package for further processing within the die-cutting machine 10.

[0079] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a part of a die-cutting machine 10 including an alignment device 44 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The features of the third embodiment may be combined with the features of the second embodiment.

[0080] In this case, the alignment device 44 includes a first conveyor mechanism 48A configured to transport each sheet 12 toward the receiving position 18 along a first transport route. Furthermore, the alignment device 44 includes a second conveyor mechanism 48B configured to transport the sheets 12 toward the receiving position 18 along a second transport route different from the first transport route. Since the different transport routes have different lengths, it is possible to compensate for the time difference caused by the different lifting times of the sheets 12A and 12B, which are separate from the stack 30.

[0081] To guide the sheet 12 along a specific transport route, the alignment device 44 also includes a feeder flap 50. By operating the rotatable feeder flap, the sheet 12 is guided along different paths.

[0082] Furthermore, the alignment device 44 includes accelerating rollers 52A and 52B that can be used to adjust the speed of the sheet 12 along the transport route.

[0083] Optionally, the feeder flap 50 may be equipped with a feeder device 54 located next to the stack 30, or may be combined with the feeder device 54. In this case, the feeder flap 50 may also have the function of a feeder device 54, which separates the sheets but ensures the straight (vertical) alignment of the remaining sheets 12 of the stack 30.

[0084] In particular, Figure 11 shows that the feeder flap 50 and the accelerating rollers 52A and 52B are used to guide the first sheet 12A along a transport route having a greater length. This compensates for the head start of the first sheet 12A, as the transport route that the second sheet 12B must traverse is shorter.

[0085] In effect, Figure 12 shows that both sheets 12A and 12B reach the receiving position 18 simultaneously. Since the various transport routes have their respective ends positioned to overlap each other, the sheets 12A and 12B reach the receiving position 18 in a stacked state, aligned with each other.

[0086] In this embodiment, each transport route is equipped with a breaking mechanism 46A, 46B, which assists in alignment. Therefore, the quality of alignment of the first and second sheets 12A, 12B can be further improved.

[0087] Therefore, the alignment device 44 ensures that the two sheets 12A and 12B are provided in a stacked state at the receiving position 18 so that they are aligned with each other.

[0088] Downstream from the receiving position 18, sheets 12A and 12B are treated as a package, are captured together by the gripping bar 22 (step 39D), transported simultaneously to the cutting device (step 39E), and cut together in a single cutting operation (step 39F).

[0089] In one embodiment, the circuit includes a combination of circuits and computer program products that store software or firmware instructions in one or more computer-readable memories, which work together to cause the device to perform one or more protocols, methods, or techniques described herein. In one embodiment, the circuit includes, for example, a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor, which requires software, firmware, etc., for operation. In one embodiment, the circuit includes one or more processors or a part thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware, etc.

[0090] This application may refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, such quantities and numbers should be considered not limiting but illustrative examples of possible quantities or numerical values ​​relating to this application. In this regard, this application may use the term “multiple” to refer to quantities or numbers. In this regard, the term “multiple” means “any number greater than 1,” such as 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “nearby” mean ±5% of the stated value.

[0091] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described in relation to one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to read and understand the specification and drawings and make equivalent changes and modifications. Furthermore, certain features of this disclosure may be disclosed in relation to only one of the multiple embodiments, but such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments so as to be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular use.

Claims

1. A method (38) for handling a sheet (12) using a die-cutting machine (10) having a platen press (14), A) Using a lift device (40), separate the first sheet (12A) supplied to the platen press (14) from the multiple sheets (12) being supplied; B) Using the lift device (40), separate the second sheet (12B) supplied to the platen press (14) from the plurality of supplied sheets; It includes at least, The above method (38) further, C) Using an alignment device (44), align the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) supplied to the platen press (14) so ​​that they reach the receiving position (18) simultaneously and in a stacked state, with mutual alignment; D) The step of using at least one gripping bar (22) to capture the supplied stacked first and second sheets (12A, 12B) at the receiving position (18), E) Using at least one gripping bar (22), transport the stacked first and second sheets (12A, 12B) to the cutting device of the platen press (14), F) The step of simultaneously cutting the stacked first and second sheets (12A, 12B) in a single cutting operation using the cutting device, Method (38), including the above.

2. The method according to claim 1 (38), wherein, in a single separation operation following step F, the cut blank is simultaneously separated from the stacked first and second sheets (12A, 12B).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (38), wherein in step C, the supplied first sheet (12A) is transported toward the receiving position (18) using a first transport speed, and the supplied second sheet (12B) is transported toward the receiving position (18) using a second transport speed, and the first and second transport speeds are adjusted toward each other so that the supplied first and second sheets (12A, 12B) arrive at the receiving position (18) simultaneously and aligned with each other in a stacked state.

4. The method according to claim 3 (38), wherein in step C, the first and second conveying speeds change during the conveying procedure of the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) toward the receiving position (18), and the first and second conveying speeds are adjusted to be the same when the supplied first and second sheets (12A, 12B) reach the receiving position (18).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (38), wherein in step C, the supplied first and second sheets (12A, 12B) are transported using a lift device (40) until they are aligned with each other.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (38), wherein in step C, the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) are transported using a conveyor mechanism, a breaking mechanism (46) is provided at the receiving position (18), and as soon as the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) reach the breaking mechanism (46) in a stacked state and are aligned with each other, the breaking mechanism (46) is released.

7. The method according to claim 6 (38), wherein in step C, the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) are transported toward the receiving position (18) in a state at least partially stacked.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7 (38), wherein in step C, the breaking mechanism (46) is used to change the transport speed of at least one of the first and second sheets (12A, 12B).

9. The method according to claim 8 (38), wherein in step C, the breaking mechanism (46) is used to change the transport speed of at least one of the first and second sheets (12A, 12B), and when the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) are aligned with each other and reach the receiving position (18), the first and second sheets (12A, 12B) have the same transport speed.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9 (38), wherein the breaking mechanism (46) includes at least one contact surface (47), and the supplied first sheet (12A) is immediately decelerated upon contact with the at least one contact surface (47).

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10 (38), wherein in step C, the breaking mechanism (46) is at least partially engaged with a passage provided by the conveyor mechanism for the sheet (12) to be supplied, and the breaking mechanism (46) is released by removing the breaking mechanism (46) from the passage.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (38), wherein the alignment device (44) comprises a first conveyor mechanism (48A) and a second conveyor mechanism (48B), and in step C, the first conveyor mechanism (48A) is configured to transport the first sheet (12A) supplied according to a first transport route toward the receiving position (18) at a first transport speed, and in step C, the second conveyor mechanism (48B) is configured to transport the second sheet (12B) supplied according to a second transport route toward the receiving position (18) at a second transport speed, and the first and second transport routes terminate adjacent to each other in a stacked state at the receiving position (18), and the first sheet (12A) and the second sheet (12B) are transported simultaneously and at least partially toward each other using the respective conveyor mechanisms (48A, 48B).

13. The method according to claim 12 (38), wherein in step C, at least one acceleration mechanism (52) is provided to adjust at least one of the first and second transport speeds so that the first sheet (12A) and the second sheet (12B) reach the receiving position (18) simultaneously and aligned with each other in a stacked state.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13 (38), wherein in step C, at least one feeder flap (50) is used to selectively feed each of the supplied sheets (12) toward the first or second conveyor mechanism (48A, 48B).

15. A die-cutting machine (10) comprising at least a platen press (14) having a cutting device, a lift device (40), an alignment device (44), a gripping bar (22), and a control device (32), wherein the control device (32) is at least coupled to the lift device (40), the alignment device (44), the cutting device, and the gripping bar (22), and the control device (32) is configured to perform the method (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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