Positioning assembly and sheet material processing machine

Abstract

A positioning assembly (30) for positioning sheet material, particularly at an inlet portion of a sheet material processing machine, is described. The positioning assembly (30) comprises a support beam (32) on which at least a portion of the sheet material to be positioned can be located, and a number of clamp fingers (38). The support beam (32) is coupled to a drive unit (60) configured to translate the support beam (32) along a direction (y) of travel of the sheet material, translate the support beam (32) along a direction (x) transverse to the direction (y) of travel, and rotate the support beam (32) about a pivot axis (z) perpendicular to the direction (y) and the transverse direction (x). Each of the clamp fingers (38) is coupled to a respective clamp finger actuation unit (40). Further, a sheet material processing machine comprising such a positioning assembly (30) is presented.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a positioning assembly for positioning sheet material, particularly at an entry portion of a sheet material processing machine. The positioning assembly includes a support beam on which at least a portion of the sheet material to be positioned can be positioned, and a plurality of clamp fingers, each configured to selectively assume a clamping position in which the respective clamp finger presses the sheet material against the support beam and a release position in which the respective clamp finger is moved away from the support beam and releases the sheet material. The support beam is coupled to a drive unit configured to translate the support beam along a direction of advancement of the sheet material, translate the support beam along a direction transverse to the direction of advancement, and rotate the support beam about a pivot axis perpendicular to the direction of advancement and the transverse directions.

[0002] The invention further relates to a sheet material processing machine, in particular a sheet-to-sheet processing machine or die-cutting machine, equipped with such a positioning assembly, in particular the positioning assembly being mounted at the inlet section of the sheet material processing machine. [Background technology]

[0003] The sheet material may be made from, for example, a paper material, a cardboard material, or a plastic material.

[0004] Such a positioning assembly and a sheet material processing machine equipped therewith are known, for example, from U.S. Patent No. 6,378,862. The positioning assembly is used to position or align sheet material as it enters the sheet material processing machine. This is accomplished by clamping the sheet material onto a support beam, translating the support beam along a direction of travel, often designated the y direction, translating the support beam along a direction transverse to the direction of travel, often designated the x direction, and rotating the support beam about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the direction of travel and the transverse directions. Because this pivot axis is typically vertical, rotation is often designated as rotation about the z direction. The sheet material is then moved to a desired position before being grasped by a gripper bar or other transport mechanism of the sheet material processing machine.

[0005] The sheet material can be positioned while it is moving along the corresponding travel direction. Such a positioning process is called on-the-fly positioning. Typically, the sheet material is stopped after being positioned, so that it is captured by the gripper bars while stationary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,378,862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the invention is to improve known positioning assemblies and sheet material processing machines equipped therewith, and more particularly to create a positioning assembly which is fast and accurate in operation, while at the same time being simple and cost-effective in construction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by a positioning assembly of the above-described type, in which each clamp finger is coupled to an individual clamp finger actuation unit, and each clamp finger is movable to a clamping position and / or a release position independently of the rest of the clamp fingers or synchronously with at least one of the rest of the clamp fingers. Such a positioning assembly allows for accurate clamping of the sheet material on the support beam. Therefore, such a positioning assembly can position the sheet material with high precision and reliability. Furthermore, since each individual clamp finger actuation unit only needs to actuate a single clamp finger, it is simple in design and lightweight. As a result, the clamp fingers and their corresponding clamp finger actuation units are subject to a relatively low level of inertia and can be moved at high speeds. This is particularly true when comparing an individual clamp finger actuation unit with an actuation unit coupled to two or more clamp fingers, particularly all of the clamp fingers. It is clear that a clamp finger actuation unit acting on one clamp finger must provide a lower level of performance than an actuation unit acting on multiple clamp fingers. Furthermore, the arrangement of multiple independent clamp finger actuation units is structurally simpler than an actuation unit coupled to two or more clamp fingers, and the actuation units of each clamp finger can be identically designed, allowing the positioning assembly to be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

[0009] As far as the movement of the individual clamp fingers is concerned, the positioning assembly according to the present invention offers great variability. Thus, the positioning assembly can provide the clamp fingers with mobility suitable for a wide variety of applications. Due to the actuation units of the individual clamp fingers, each of the clamp fingers can be moved independently of the remaining clamp fingers. This applies to movement to the clamping position and / or movement to the release position. However, depending on the application, each clamp finger can be moved synchronously with at least one of the remaining clamp fingers, i.e., one, some, or all. This also applies to movement to the clamping position and / or movement to the release position. Thus, in one embodiment, the clamp fingers can be moved individually, i.e., independently of one another, to their respective clamping positions, but can be moved synchronously, i.e., together, to their respective release positions. Of course, the reverse is also possible. Thus, the clamp fingers can be moved synchronously to their respective clamping positions and individually to their respective release positions. In yet another alternative, both movements can be completely separate or synchronous.

[0010] The positioning assembly includes at least two clamp fingers, preferably four or five clamp fingers, although six or more clamp fingers may be provided depending on the particular application, thereby ensuring that the sheet material is securely held on the support beam.

[0011] Each clamp finger actuation unit may comprise linear guide means by which the corresponding clamp finger can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support beam. Alternatively or additionally, each clamp finger actuation unit may comprise a pivot mechanism by which the corresponding clamp finger can be pivoted towards the support beam. Both the linear guide means and the pivot mechanism ensure accurate and reliable movement of each clamp finger.

[0012] Each clamp finger actuation unit may comprise a biasing means for preloading the corresponding clamp finger into a clamping position. In this context, the clamping position is to be understood as the position of the clamp finger that presses the sheet material against the support beam if sheet material is present; otherwise, the clamp finger abuts the support beam. The biasing means ensures an accurate and reproducible clamping force. Furthermore, the biasing means allows the sheet material to be clamped without excessive time delays.

[0013] Preferably, the biasing means comprises a spring element. Such a biasing means is simple in construction and provides a reliable and constant biasing action. Furthermore, the spring element is subject to only small wear and has a very long service life.

[0014] Advantageously, each clamp finger actuation unit comprises a lifting actuator configured to move the corresponding clamp finger away from the support beam. The lifting actuator is particularly configured to move the clamp fingers away against the action of the biasing means. In other words, the lifting actuator acts against the biasing means that actuates the clamp fingers. When the clamp fingers are moved away from the support beam, a gap is created through which the sheet material can be moved or removed.

[0015] The lifting actuator may include a pneumatic actuator, a linear electric actuator, or a rotary electric actuator, all of which alternatives allow the corresponding clamp fingers to be pulled apart reliably and efficiently.

[0016] For example, the lifting actuator is designed as a so-called electric cylinder. Alternatively, the lifting actuator can be designed as an articulated rod mechanism. In a further alternative, the lifting actuator can comprise a cam mechanism.

[0017] It should be noted that due to the fact that the lifting actuators are only used to separate or open the corresponding clamping fingers, lower precision and higher wear actuators can be tolerated compared to actuators that are also used to close the clamp fingers and provide a reproducible clamping force in a reliable manner.

[0018] Therefore, the solution of the present invention, which uses a biasing means to close the clamp fingers and a lifting actuator to open the clamp fingers, is accurate and at the same time cost effective.

[0019] Where the lift actuators comprise pneumatic actuators, each lift actuator may be connected to an individual pressure source, or alternatively, all lift actuators may share a common pressure source.

[0020] The positioning assembly may include a common holding bar, and all clamp fingers may be mounted on the common holding bar. Such a configuration is structurally simple. Furthermore, the clamp fingers may be mounted on the common holding bar with little effort. Preferably, the common holding bar is supported on a support beam.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the clamp fingers protrude from the holding bar in a direction toward the support beam. The clamp fingers are therefore perfectly positioned to press the sheet material onto the support beam. Since the clamp fingers only need to move a short distance, they can clamp the sheet material quickly and with relatively little energy. A further consequence of this configuration is that sufficient space is provided for positioning a sensor adapted to detect positioning marks on the sheet material, which can be used to obtain position information.

[0022] In a variant, the retaining bar is spaced from the support beam by at least 2 cm, preferably at least 5 cm. The spacing created by this distance is large enough to position a positioning sensor adapted to detect positioning marks on the sheet material that can be used to obtain position information. In more general terms, such a positioning assembly is compact.

[0023] The positioning assembly may also include a position sensor configured to capture the position of the sheet material by detecting a position mark on the sheet material. The position sensor may be mounted on the sensor rail and / or in the sensor space. The sensor rail and / or the sensor space extend substantially across the entire positioning assembly along the lateral direction. As a result, the position sensor can be freely positioned along the sensor rail and / or in the sensor space. Thus, the positioning unit can be flexibly used in a wide variety of applications requiring specific but different positions of the positioning sensor.

[0024] The position marks are, for example, printed on the sheet material.

[0025] In another alternative, the sensor rail is provided with a mounting interface that provides a plurality of individual sensor mounting positions, or is configured to mount sensors at any of its positions. Thus, the sensors can be freely and reliably positioned along a direction that corresponds to the general extension of the sensor rail. Preferably, this direction is transverse to the direction of travel. Also, in this configuration, the positioning device can be flexibly used in a wide variety of applications.

[0026] In a variant, a further positioning sensor is mounted on the sensor rail and / or in the sensor space, so that a total of two positioning sensors are provided, thus further increasing the accuracy with which the sheet material can be positioned.

[0027] As mentioned above, the relatively large space between the retaining bar and the support beam allows for lateral positioning of the sensors. Therefore, the two sensors can be positioned arbitrarily across the sheet depending on the specific application, satisfying any type of sheet. In particular, there is no need to provide alternate sensors for different types of applications.

[0028] Preferably, the support beam is coupled to the drive unit via three coupling points, which makes it possible, inter alia, to move the support beam in the x-direction, the y-direction and rotate it in the z-direction.

[0029] In this regard, the first connection point can be located substantially at the center of the support beam along the lateral direction, and the first drive means is provided at the first connection point and adapted to move the support beam in the lateral direction. Alternatively or additionally, the second connection point can be located at a first end of the support beam along the lateral direction, and the second drive means is provided at the second connection point and adapted to move the support beam in the forward direction. Alternatively or additionally, the third connection point can be located at a second end of the support beam along the lateral direction, the second end being opposite the first end, and the third drive means is provided at the third connection point and adapted to move the support beam in the forward direction. Thus, the support beam can be moved in the lateral direction by the first drive means. When the second drive means and the third drive means move synchronously, the support beam is moved along the forward direction. When the second drive means and the third drive means do not move synchronously, i.e., when they move in different directions or at different speeds, the support beam is rotated. Preferably, all drive means are fixed to the drive unit, and at each connection point, a guide or freeing mechanism is provided to provide the necessary degrees of freedom for the above-mentioned types of movement.

[0030] Because the positioning assembly according to the present invention is lightweight, brushless motors can be used in the drive means to control the position and orientation of the assembly.

[0031] This object is further achieved by a sheet material processing machine of the type described above, which is provided with a positioning assembly according to the invention, the effects and advantages of which are explained in connection with the positioning assembly also applying to the sheet material processing machine.

[0032] The present invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 shows diagrammatically a sheet material processing machine according to the invention, comprising a positioning assembly according to the invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a more detailed view of the positioning assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 3 shows the drive unit of the positioning assembly of FIG. 2, the support beam of the positioning assembly being shown only in a very schematic manner; [Figure 4] 3 illustrates an exemplary clamp finger and corresponding clamp finger actuation unit of the positioning assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 shows the clamp finger and corresponding clamp finger actuation unit of FIG. 4 from another perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a sheet material processing machine 10 .

[0035] The sheet material processing machine 10 is coupled to a first conveyor assembly 12 that is positioned on an inlet side 10a of the sheet material processing machine 10 and configured to supply sheets to be processed to the sheet material processing machine 10. An exemplary sheet or sheet material 14 to be processed is shown on the first conveyor assembly 12.

[0036] The sheet material processing machine 10 is also coupled to a second conveyor assembly 16 positioned on the exit side 10b of the sheet material processing machine 10. The second conveyor assembly 16 is configured to discharge processed sheets from the sheet material processing machine 10. An exemplary processed sheet or sheet material 18 is shown on the second conveyor assembly 16.

[0037] Thus, the direction of travel of the sheet materials 14, 18 corresponds to the y direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, the sheet material processing machine 10 is a sheet-to-sheet processing machine. More specifically, the sheet material processing machine is a die-cutting machine.

[0039] The sheet material processing machine comprises a lower tool 20a and an upper tool 20b, the upper tool 20b being movable relative to the lower tool 20a along a substantially vertically extending z-direction so that the upper tool 20b comes into close contact with the lower tool 20a to process the sheet.

[0040] An exemplary sheet or sheet material 22 is positioned between a lower tool 20a and an upper tool 20b.

[0041] A transport mechanism 24 is provided for transporting sheet material 22 from the entry side 10 a to the tools 20 a , 20 b and from there to the exit side 10 b of the sheet material processing machine 10 .

[0042] The transport mechanism 24 basically consists of a transport chain 26 to which a number of gripper bars 28 are attached.

[0043] Each of the gripping bars 28 is configured to grip an end of the sheet material 22 that is the leading end along the direction of travel y.

[0044] The transport chains 26 are actively driven to allow the sheet material 22 to move through the sheet material processing machine 10 .

[0045] At its inlet side 10a, the sheet material processing machine is provided with a positioning assembly 30. In other words, the positioning assembly 30 is mounted on the inlet portion 10c of the sheet material processing machine 10.

[0046] The positioning assembly 30 is configured to position the sheet or sheet material as it enters the sheet material processing machine 10 .

[0047] The positioning assembly 30 is shown in detail in FIG.

[0048] The positioning assembly 30 includes a support beam 32 upon which at least a portion of the sheet material to be positioned can be placed.

[0049] 2, the sheet material is disposed on a plurality of support protrusions 32a that form part of the support beam 32. For ease of visualization, only some of the support protrusions 32a have been labeled with reference numerals.

[0050] A common retaining bar 34 is mounted on the support beam 32 .

[0051] More specifically, the common retaining bar 34 is attached to the support beam 32 via two lateral retaining bar supports 36a, 36b.

[0052] A plurality of clamp fingers 38 are attached to a common retaining bar 34 .

[0053] The clamp fingers 38 project from the retaining bar 34 in a direction towards the support beam 32, more precisely towards a respective one of the support projections 32a.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, a total of five clamp fingers 38 are provided.

[0055] It should be understood that the number of clamp fingers 38 can be freely selected in relation to the particular application to be realized.

[0056] Each of the clamp fingers 38 is configured to selectively assume a clamping position to clamp the sheet material by forcing it onto the support beam 32, in this embodiment against a corresponding one of the support projections 32a.

[0057] Additionally, each of the clamp fingers 38 is configured to selectively assume a release position in which it is moved away from the support beam 32 to release the sheet material.

[0058] To this end, each of the clamp fingers 38 is coupled to a separate clamp finger actuation unit 40 .

[0059] An exemplary clamp finger 38 and corresponding clamp finger actuation unit 40 are shown in FIGS.

[0060] The clamp finger actuation unit 40 comprises a base portion 42 on which the clamp finger 38 is movably supported via two linear guide means 44a, 44b.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the linear guide means 44a, 44b are configured to allow the corresponding clamp finger 38 to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support beam 32, i.e., in the z-direction.

[0062] More precisely, each of the linear guide means 44a, 44b is provided on the clamp finger 38 and comprises a sleeve portion 46a, 46b through which extends a respective guide cylinder 48a, 48b. The guide cylinders 48a, 48b are provided on the base portion 42.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, each clamp finger actuation unit 40 further comprises biasing means 50a, 50b which are spring elements.

[0064] The biasing means 50a, 50b preload the clamping fingers 38 into the clamping position by preloading the corresponding sleeve portions 46a, 46b against the corresponding guide cylinders 48a, 48b.

[0065] Thus, in the absence of further influence, the clamping fingers 38 abut against the corresponding support projections 32a, thereby clamping the sheet material, if present.

[0066] Furthermore, each clamp finger actuation unit 40 comprises a lifting actuator 52 configured to move the corresponding clamp finger 38 away from the support beam 32 or support projection 32a, i.e., to move the clamp finger 38 to a release position.

[0067] This means that the lifting actuator 52 operates against the action of the biasing means 50a, 50b.

[0068] In this embodiment, lifting actuator 52 comprises a pneumatic actuator in the form of a pneumatic cylinder 54 with the cylinder housing mounted on base portion 42 and a corresponding rod attached to clamp finger 38 .

[0069] The pneumatic cylinder 54 is disposed substantially along the z-direction, and is further disposed between the guide cylinders 48a and 48b.

[0070] It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the lift actuator 52 may alternatively comprise a linear electric actuator or a rotary electric actuator.

[0071] Thus, each of the clamp fingers 38 can be selectively lifted away from the support beam 32 by actuating the corresponding lift actuator 52 .

[0072] When a lifting actuator 52 is deactivated, the corresponding clamp finger 38 is in the closed position.

[0073] This provides several alternatives for moving the clamp fingers 38.

[0074] Of course, each of the clamp fingers 38 can be selectively moved between the clamped and released positions independently of the remaining clamp fingers 38.

[0075] Alternatively, the clamp fingers 38 can be moved synchronously, i.e., all of the clamp fingers move together.

[0076] Combinations of the above alternatives are also possible, for example, the clamp fingers 38 can be selectively moved to their respective clamping positions independently of one another, but synchronously, i.e., together, to their respective release positions.

[0077] The reverse is also possible, so that the clamp fingers 38 can be selectively moved to their respective clamping positions in unison and to their respective release positions independently of one another.

[0078] As mentioned above, the positioning assembly 30 is configured to position the sheet material.

[0079] For this purpose, two position sensors 56a, 56b are provided (see FIG. 2).

[0080] Both position sensors 56a, 56b are configured to capture the position of the sheet material, for example by detecting position marks printed on the sheet material.

[0081] Thus, sensors 56a, 56b can be used to detect the translational position of the sheet material along the x and y directions, and furthermore, the rotational position about the z direction can be assessed.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, both sensors 56 a , 56 b are located in a sensor space 58 .

[0083] The sensor space 58 extends substantially across the positioning assembly 30 along the lateral or x-direction.

[0084] A sensor space 58 is provided where the retaining bar 34 is spaced at least 2 cm from the support beam 32 and support projection 32 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining bar 34 is spaced approximately 10 cm from the support beam 32.

[0085] As a result, the sensor space 58 is sufficiently large, and the sensors 56 a, 56 b can be provided at any desired location within the sensor space 58. As a result, any kind of requirement regarding the location of the sensors 56 a, 56 b in the positioning assembly 30 can be met. Thus, the positioning assembly 30 can be flexibly used for a wide variety of applications.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 56a, 56b are mounted on the retaining bar 34, which functions as a sensor rail.

[0087] However, a separate sensor rail may also be provided.

[0088] The sensor rail may be configured to include a mounting interface that provides multiple individual sensor mounting locations or to mount sensors on any of the locations.

[0089] The support beam 32, and consequently the sheet material pressed onto it by the clamp fingers 38, can move along the x-direction, the y-direction, and can rotate about the z-direction.

[0090] For this purpose, the support beam 32 is connected to a drive unit 60 (see Figures 2 and 3) via three connection points.

[0091] The drive unit 60 comprises a first coupling point 62 located substantially at the center of the support beam 32 along the lateral or x-direction.

[0092] A first drive means 64 is provided at the first connection point 62 for moving the support beam 32 laterally.

[0093] Additionally, the second connection point 66 is located at the first end of the support beam 32 along the lateral direction.

[0094] A second drive means 68 is provided at the second connection point 66 and is adapted to move the support beam 32 in the direction of travel, or y-direction.

[0095] Additionally, the third connection point 70 is located laterally at a second end of the support beam 32. The second end is opposite the first end.

[0096] A third drive means 72 is provided at the third connection point 70 and is adapted to move the support beam 32 in the direction of travel, ie, the y-direction.

[0097] Thus, the sheet material engaged by the clamp fingers 38 of the positioning assembly 30 can be translated along the travel direction, i.e., the y-direction, by simultaneously and synchronously operating the second drive means 68 and the third drive means 72.

[0098] The sheet material can be translated along a direction transverse to the direction of travel, ie along the x-direction, by actuating the first drive means 64 .

[0099] The sheet material can also be rotated about the z-direction by operating the second drive means 68 and the third drive means 72 asynchronously, i.e. by operating the second drive means 68 and the third drive means 72 in different directions or at different speeds.

[0100] To perform these positioning tasks, the positioning assembly 30 can grip the sheet material on the fly, i.e., the sheet material is pressed onto the support beam 32 by the clamp fingers 38 while moving substantially along the direction of travel. Position corrections can also be made superimposed on the movement of the sheet material along the direction of travel.

[0101] Preferably, the sheet material stops moving just before being gripped by gripper bars 28 .

[0102] It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the linear guide means 44a, 44b, the clamp finger actuation unit 40 may also be provided with a pivot mechanism, whereby the corresponding clamp finger 38 can be pivoted towards the support beam 32.

Claims

1. A positioning assembly (30) for positioning sheet material in an inlet section (10c) of a sheet material processing machine (10), comprising: a support beam (32) on which at least a portion of the sheet material to be positioned can be positioned; and a plurality of clamp fingers (38) configured to selectively assume a clamping position in which the clamp finger (38) clamps the sheet material by pressing the sheet material against the support beam (32) and a release position in which the clamp finger (38) releases the sheet material by retracting from the support beam (32); Equipped with the support beam (32) is coupled to a drive unit (60) configured to translate the support beam (32) along a direction (y) of advancement of the sheet material, translate the support beam (32) along a direction (x) transverse to the direction (y) of advancement, and rotate the support beam (32) about a pivot axis (z) perpendicular to the direction (y) and the transverse direction (x); each of the clamp fingers (38) is coupled to a respective clamp finger actuation unit (40), and each of the clamp fingers (38) is movable to the clamp position and / or the release position independently of the remaining clamp fingers (38) or in synchronization with at least one of the remaining clamp fingers (38); A positioning assembly (30) characterized in that:

2. 2. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 1, wherein each of the clamp finger actuation units (40) comprises linear guide means (44a, 44b) by which the corresponding clamp finger (38) is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support beam (32), and / or each of the clamp finger actuation units (40) comprises a pivot mechanism by which the corresponding clamp finger (38) is pivotable in the direction of the support beam (32).

3. 3. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the clamp finger actuation units (40) comprises biasing means (50a, 50b) for preloading the corresponding clamp finger (38) into the clamping position.

4. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 3, wherein said biasing means (50a, 50b) comprises a spring element.

5. 5. A positioning assembly (30) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the clamp finger actuation units (40) comprises a lifting actuator (52) configured to retract the corresponding clamp finger (38) from the support beam (32), in particular the lifting actuator (52) configured to retract the clamp finger (38) against the action of the biasing means (50a, 50b).

6. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 5, wherein the lifting actuator (52) comprises a pneumatic actuator, a linear electric actuator, or a rotary electric actuator.

7. 7. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 1, further comprising a common retaining bar (34) on which all of said clamp fingers (38) are mounted.

8. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 7, wherein said clamp fingers (38) project from said common retaining bar (34) in a direction toward said support beam (32).

9. 9. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 1, further comprising position sensors (56a, 56b) configured to capture the position of the sheet material by detecting position marks on the sheet material, the position sensors (56a, 56b) being mounted on a common holding bar (34) to which all of the clamp fingers (38) are attached and which functions as a sensor rail and / or being mounted within a sensor space (58) provided by the spacing between the support beams (32) and the common holding bar (34), the sensor rail and / or the sensor space (58) extending substantially throughout the positioning assembly (30) along the lateral direction (x).

10. 10. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 9, wherein the sensor rail comprises a mounting interface configured to provide a plurality of discrete sensor mounting locations or to mount the position sensors (56a, 56b) at any of its locations.

11. 11. The positioning assembly (30) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein additional position sensors (56a, 56b) are mounted on the sensor rail and / or in the sensor space (58).

12. 12. The positioning assembly (30) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support beam (32) is coupled to the drive unit (60) via three coupling points (62, 66, 70).

13. a first connection point (62) is located substantially in the middle of the support beam (32) along the lateral direction (x), and a first drive means (64) is provided at the first connection point (62) for moving the support beam (32) in the lateral direction (x); and / or a second connection point (66) is arranged at a first end of the support beam (32) along the transverse direction (x), and second drive means (68) are provided at the second connection point (66) for moving the support beam (32) in the travel direction (y); and / or 13. The positioning assembly (30) of claim 12, wherein a third connection point (70) is disposed at a second end of the support beam (32) along the transverse direction (x), the second end being opposite the first end, and a third drive means (72) is provided at the third connection point (70) for moving the support beam (32) in the forward direction (y).

14. 14. A sheet material processing machine (10), which is a sheet-to-sheet processing machine or a die-cutting machine, comprising a positioning assembly (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the positioning assembly (30) being attached to an inlet portion (10c) of the sheet material processing machine (10).

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