Sheet material processing tool, sheet material processing station, and sheet material processing machine

Abstract

A sheet material processing tool (14), in particular a cardboard or paper processing tool, is described. The sheet material processing tool (14) comprises a front frame member (28) extending substantially perpendicular to a processing direction (P) of the sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member (30) extending substantially parallel to the front frame member (28), a first cross frame member (32) connecting corresponding first ends (28a, 30a) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30), and a second cross frame member (34) connecting corresponding second ends (28b, 30b) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30). Furthermore, a first multipurpose interface (54) is provided for selectively connecting a first tool element for processing the sheet material to the transport frame (26). Additionally, a sheet material processing station is shown. The sheet material processing station comprises a support structure, and the sheet material processing tool (14) is connected to the support structure. Further, a sheet material processing machine having such a sheet material processing station is described.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet material processing tool, particularly to a cardboard or paper processing tool, comprising a conveying frame having a front frame member extending substantially perpendicular to a processing direction of the sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member extending substantially parallel to the front frame member and substantially perpendicular to the processing direction, a first horizontal frame member connecting corresponding first ends of the front and rear frame members, and a second horizontal frame member connecting corresponding second ends of the front and rear frame members, the second ends and the first ends being arranged opposite each other.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a sheet material processing station comprising a support structure, such that sheet material processing tools are coupled to the support structure.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention is directed to a sheet material processing machine, in particular a sheet material cutting machine, equipped with such a sheet material processing station. [Background technology]

[0004] Sheet material processing tools having the above-mentioned configuration are known in the art, and the same applies to sheet material processing stations and corresponding sheet material processing machines equipped with such tools.

[0005] Known tools may, for example, be configured as so-called punching tools, i.e. the tools are configured to separate the actually desired part of the sheet material, called the layout, from the remaining part, which strictly speaking is not part of the product to be manufactured from the sheet material, the latter part also being called the waste part.

[0006] Alternatively, known tools may be so-called full sheet tools, i.e. the tool is configured to cut off a front portion of the sheet material, the remaining portion comprising both the desired portion, i.e. the layout, and the remaining portion surrounding the layout, in which case the layout is separated from the remaining portion in a further processing step.

[0007] The sheet material may be in the form of a continuous web or separate, ie, discontinuous, sheets.

[0008] Examples of sheet materials are paper, cardboard or polymers.

[0009] Known tools are specially designed to perform the corresponding tasks or operations, and are therefore able to perform them in an efficient manner.

[0010] Additionally, it is known that different sheet material converting operations require different tooling and / or different arrangements of tooling within corresponding sheet material converting stations or machines.

[0011] As a result, frequent job changes lead to relatively high efforts to reconfigure the sheet material processing stations and machines used to perform the jobs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] For these reasons, the problem solved by the present invention is to reduce the effort required to reconfigure sheet material processing stations and machines in the event of a job change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This problem is solved by a sheet material processing tool of the above-mentioned type, which includes a first multi-purpose interface for selectively coupling first tool elements for processing sheet material to a carrier frame. Thus, the sheet material processing tool may include different first tool elements, all of which may be coupled to the carrier frame via the first multi-purpose interface. As a result, the sheet material processing tool can be easily and quickly reconfigured to perform different tasks or operations. The effort required for such reconfiguration is relatively low, since only the first tool elements need to be replaced, i.e., the remaining parts remain the same. Such a sheet material processing tool can also be described as being very flexible or modular. In this sense, a multi-purpose interface should be understood as an interface through which different first tool elements are coupled to a carrier frame. In other words, a multi-purpose interface has a certain versatility. Consequently, interfaces of known tools that are specifically adapted for coupling two specific parts of the tool are not multi-purpose interfaces.

[0014] The carrier frame of the sheet material processing tool according to the invention may also be called a tool base or base tool, since different first tool elements may be mounted thereon.

[0015] In this sense, the first tool element may also be called an accessory or an extension tool.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the sheet material processing tool comprises a rear wall extending substantially parallel to the rear frame member, a first side wall extending substantially parallel to the first horizontal frame member, and a second side wall extending substantially parallel to the second horizontal frame member. The front frame member, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a duct through which a sheet or a portion of a sheet can pass. In this sense, a wall should be understood as a part separated from the frame members. The duct is further configured to allow the sheet or a portion thereof to pass through after being processed by the sheet material processing tool. In other words, final or intermediate products are directed through the duct, while potential remaining portions of the sheet, e.g., waste portions, may be collected from the sheet material processing tool along a different path. Such a sheet material processing tool is compact. The clear separation of the paths of the product or intermediate products and the waste portions additionally results in the fact that the tool is adapted to operate at high speeds.

[0017] At least one of the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall may be movably supported within the transport frame so that the size of the duct is adjustable. The duct can thus be adapted to different sizes of products or intermediate products passing therethrough. In this way, the products or intermediate products can be precisely guided on their way through the duct. This leads to the possibility of precisely positioning the products or intermediate products when they exit the duct.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall is coupled to a respective drive device such that the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall can be adjusted in a motorized manner within the transport frame. In other words, the size of the duct formed by the walls can be adjusted automatically. As a result, the duct can be adjusted accurately and quickly.

[0019] In a variant, a flexible cover is attached to the rear wall and / or rear frame member so that the space between the rear wall and the rear frame member is covered. The flexible cover prevents any kind of interference between the space or elements present in the space and the sheet material being processed. Thus, the sheet material processing tool can operate in a reliable manner. Because the cover is flexible, its functionality is independent of the size of the space, i.e., the distance of the rear wall from the rear frame member, which may vary.

[0020] Furthermore, a second multi-purpose interface may be provided for selectively coupling a second tool element for processing sheet material to the carrier frame. The sheet material processing tool may therefore be provided with different second tool elements coupled to the carrier frame via the second multi-purpose interface. In doing so, the sheet material processing tool can be quickly and easily reconfigured to perform different tasks or operations. The effort required for such configuration or reconfiguration is minimal, since only the second tool element needs to be replaced, i.e., the remaining parts of the sheet material processing tool remain the same. The sheet material processing tool is also flexible or modular relative to the second multi-purpose interface. Here again, a multi-purpose interface should be understood as an interface through which different second tool elements can be coupled to the carrier frame. In other words, a multi-purpose interface has a certain versatility. Consequently, interfaces of known tools that are specifically adapted for coupling two specific parts of the tool are not multi-purpose interfaces.

[0021] According to the first tool element, the second tool element may also be called an accessory or an extension tool.

[0022] The second multi-purpose interface may be disposed on the rear wall. Thus, the second tool element may be attached in a stable and reliable manner. If the rear wall is movable, the second multi-purpose interface is also movable.

[0023] The first multipurpose interface may be provided on the front frame member, thus allowing the first tooling element to be mounted on the frame member in a stable and reliable manner.

[0024] Alternatively, the first tool element is a cutting member for cutting the sheet to be processed, and the first tool element is coupled to the transport frame via the first multipurpose interface. For example, the cutting member may be used to cut off a front portion of the sheet held by the gripper bar.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the second tool element is a sheet support member for supporting and / or guiding a sheet to be processed, the second tool element being coupled to the transport frame via a second multipurpose interface.

[0026] A tool comprising a first tool element that is a cutting member and a second tool element that is a sheet support member may be referred to as a full sheet tool. Such a tool is adapted to cut off a front portion of the sheet, leaving a remaining portion that comprises both a layout portion and a waste portion. The layout portion is separated from the waste portion in a subsequent processing step.

[0027] In a further alternative, the first and second tool elements are constituted by a punch assembly, which is coupled to the carrier frame via the first and second multipurpose interfaces. The sheet material processing tool is therefore a punch tool. In this sense, the side walls and the rear wall may be in a specific, e.g., retracted, position to provide the required space for the punch assembly.

[0028] The punching assembly may include at least one separating bar that separates the working surface of the punching assembly into at least two sections, each section corresponding to a blank to be removed from the sheet to be processed, thus making the punching assembly adapted to process sheets with more than one layout.

[0029] A tool comprising a first tool element and a second tool element formed by a punch assembly may be referred to as a punch tool.

[0030] Therefore, the sheet material processing tool according to the present invention may also be referred to as a combined full sheet and punch tool.

[0031] Furthermore, the sheet material processing tool, cutting member, sheet support member, and punching assembly according to the present invention form a kit that may be used to create different tools, for example, a punching tool and a full sheet tool.

[0032] This problem is additionally solved by a sheet material processing station of the above-mentioned kind, in which the sheet material processing tools according to the invention are connected to a support structure, such a sheet material processing station being able to be easily and quickly reconfigured for a specific processing step with very little effort.

[0033] The sheet material processing station may also comprise further tools, and the sheet material processing tools may be arranged in the support structure so as to be able to interact with the further tools to process the sheet, in this context the sheet material processing tools may be lower tools and the further tools may be upper tools that interact with the lower tools.

[0034] Furthermore, the sheet material processing station may have a sheet pile support unit provided below the sheet material processing tool, the sheet pile support unit being adapted to receive and support the sheet that has passed through the duct of the sheet material processing tool.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the sheet material processing tool is supported in the support structure via at least one linear bearing means so that the sheet material processing tool can be selectively positioned in an operating position, where the sheet material processing tool is configured to at least contribute to the processing of the sheet material, or in an extended position, where the sheet material processing tool protrudes from the support structure. Preferably, the direction between the operating position and the extended position is transverse to the processing direction, i.e., the sheet material processing tool may protrude at a side of the sheet material processing station. Thus, the sheet material processing station provides sufficient access to the sheet material processing tool for its reconfiguration, i.e., for the installation or removal of the first and second tool elements. Using the linear bearing means, the sheet material processing tool may be moved from the operating position to the extended position in a drawer-like manner. The same applies to the movement from the extended position to the operating position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sheet material processing station comprises at least one support arm configured to support the sheet material processing tool in its extended position. Optionally, the support arm is rotatably supported so that it can be moved to a retracted position when not in use. A corresponding axis of rotation may extend substantially vertically.

[0037] Moreover, all effects and advantages that have been described in connection with the sheet material processing tool also apply to the sheet material processing station, and vice versa.

[0038] This problem is also solved by a sheet material processing machine of the type described above, which comprises a sheet material processing station according to the invention. The sheet material processing machine is, for example, a die-cutting machine. All effects and advantages that have been explained in connection with the sheet material processing tool or the sheet material processing station also apply to the sheet material processing machine, and vice versa.

[0039] The present invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 shows a part of a sheet material processing machine according to the invention, which has a sheet material processing station according to the invention with a sheet material processing tool according to the invention configured as a punching tool. [Figure 2] 2 shows another view of the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 shows the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 2 from a different perspective; [Figure 4] 4 shows the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 3 with the punch assembly withdrawn. [Figure 5] 5 shows a detail V of the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 4 shows the sheet material processing tool of FIGS. 2 and 3 from a further perspective. [Figure 7] Detail VII of the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 6 is shown. [Figure 8] 1 shows a sheet material processing tool according to the invention configured as a full sheet tool; [Figure 9] 9 shows a detail IX of the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 8; [Figure 10] 9 shows a detail X of the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9 shows the sheet material processing tool of FIG. 8 adapted to sheets of different sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] 1 shows a sheet material converting machine 10, which in the example shown is a die-cutting machine. The sheet material converting machine 10 is configured to convert cardboard.

[0042] The sheet material processing machine 10 includes, among other things, a sheet material processing station 12, which will be described in more detail below.

[0043] Other sheet material processing stations of the sheet material processing machine 10 are, for example, a sheet material receiving station and a sheet material cutting station.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sheet material processing station 12 is configured as a die-cutting station, ie a station where layouts are separated from the sheet material and placed on a stack.

[0045] To this end, the sheet material processing station 12 comprises a sheet material processing tool 14 which, in the example shown, is configured as a punching tool for cardboard.

[0046] More precisely, the sheet material processing tool 14 is configured as a lower tool and is configured to interact with an upper tool 16 in a generally known manner.

[0047] The sheet material processing station 12 includes a support structure 18 .

[0048] The sheet material processing tool 14 is supported on a support structure 18 via two linear bearing means 20a, 20b.

[0049] The sheet material processing tools 14 are therefore slidably supported on the support structure 18 or within the sheet material processing station 12 in a drawer-like manner.

[0050] In this sense, the sheet material processing tool 14 may be selectively placed in the extended position depicted in Figure 1. In this position, the sheet material processing tool 14 projects laterally from the support structure 18.

[0051] Alternatively, the sheet material processing tool 14 may be selectively positioned in an operating position in which the sheet material processing tool 14 is configured to at least contribute to processing the sheet material. In this position, the sheet material processing tool 14 is positioned within the sheet material processing station 12 below the upper tool 16 such that the tools 14, 16 can interact.

[0052] With respect to the processing direction P of the sheet material processing machine 10, the sheet material processing tool 14 is slidable laterally.

[0053] The linear bearing means 20a is thus the rear bearing means with respect to the processing direction P and the linear bearing means 20b is the front bearing means.

[0054] The sheet material processing tool 14 can be seen in more detail in FIG. 2 and linear bearing means 20a, 20b are also shown although they do not form part of the sheet material processing tool 14.

[0055] The sheet material processing tool generally consists of a tool base 22 and a punch assembly 24 coupled thereto.

[0056] The tool base 22 includes a transport frame 26 having a front frame member 28 extending substantially perpendicular to the machining direction P and a rear frame member 30 extending substantially parallel to the front frame member 28 and substantially perpendicular to the machining direction P.

[0057] Furthermore, the transport frame 26 includes a first horizontal frame member 32 that connects the corresponding first ends 28a, 30a of the front frame member 28 and the rear frame member 30, and a second horizontal frame member 34 that connects the corresponding second ends 28b, 30b of the front frame member 28 and the rear frame member 30.

[0058] The second ends 28b, 30b and the first ends 28a, 30a are disposed opposite each other.

[0059] The sheet material processing tool 14 additionally comprises a rear wall 36 extending substantially parallel to the rear frame member 30 and movably arranged on the transport frame 26 .

[0060] Furthermore, the sheet material processing tool 14 has a first side wall 38 extending substantially parallel to the first cross frame member 32 and movably disposed on the transport frame 26 .

[0061] Furthermore, a second side wall 40 is provided so as to extend substantially parallel to the second horizontal frame member 34 and to be movably disposed on the transport frame 26 .

[0062] The front frame member 28, rear wall 36, first side wall 38 and second side wall 40 define a duct 42 through which a seat or portion of a seat can pass.

[0063] Due to the fact that the rear wall 36, the first side wall 38 and the second side wall 40 are movably arranged on the carrier frame 26, the size of the duct 42 is adjustable.

[0064] Additionally, the rear wall 36, the first side wall 38 and the second side wall 40 are adjustable within the carrier frame 26 in a motorized manner.

[0065] For this reason, they are coupled to respective drive units, which are not shown in Figures 1 to 7 and will be described later.

[0066] The sheet material processing tool 14 also includes a flexible cover 44 that is attached to the rear wall 36 and rear frame member 30 so that the space between the rear wall 36 and rear frame member 30 is covered.

[0067] The punch assembly 24 essentially comprises a punch assembly frame 46 defining a substantially rectangular opening 48 .

[0068] Additionally, the punch assembly 24 has two separator bars 50, 52 that subdivide the opening 48 into four punch sections.

[0069] The separator bars 50 extend substantially parallel to the machine direction P. The separator bars 50 divide the opening 48 into two halves of substantially equal size.

[0070] Separator bar 52 is oriented substantially transverse to machine direction P. Separator bar 52 also divides opening 48 into two halves of substantially equal size.

[0071] In doing so, the working surface of punch assembly 24 is separated into four sections, each corresponding to a blank to be removed from the sheet being worked.

[0072] As can be particularly seen in the combination of FIGS. 3 and 4, the punch assembly 24 is coupled to the carrier frame 26 via a first multipurpose interface 54 and a second multipurpose interface 56 .

[0073] Generally speaking, the first multi-purpose interface 54 is configured to selectively couple a first tool element to the carrier frame 26 .

[0074] The second multi-purpose interface 56 is configured to selectively couple a second tool element to the carrier frame 26 .

[0075] Thus, in the example shown, the first tool element and the second tool element are constituted by a punch assembly 24 .

[0076] A first multipurpose interface 54 is provided on the front frame member 28 .

[0077] A second multi-purpose interface 56 is disposed on the rear wall 36 .

[0078] To couple the punch assembly 24 to the carrier frame 26 or tool base 22, the first multi-purpose interface 54 includes a first support surface 58 against which the front of the punch assembly frame 46 is vertically supported (shown particularly in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7).

[0079] Additionally, an abutment surface 60 is provided as part of the first multipurpose interface 54 against which the punch assembly frame 46 abuts in a horizontal direction oriented substantially parallel to the machining direction P (shown particularly in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0080] Additionally, a centering protrusion 62 is provided on the abutment surface 60 for centering the punch assembly 24 transversely to the machining direction P (shown particularly in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0081] In the mounted state of the punch assembly 24, the centering projections 62 engage in centering recesses provided on the punch assembly 24, and more precisely on the punch assembly frame 46 (not shown).

[0082] Additionally, the first multipurpose interface 54 includes two openings 64a, 64b disposed on the abutment surface 60 (particularly shown in Figures 6 and 7).

[0083] Openings 64a, 64b are configured to receive corresponding mounting pins (not shown) that extend from stamping assembly frame 46 in a direction substantially parallel to the machine direction.

[0084] At its rear end, ie, at the end of the punch assembly frame 46 relative to the machining direction P, a protrusion (not shown) is provided which extends substantially across the entire width of the punch assembly frame 46 .

[0085] This protrusion is received in a corresponding slot 66 in the second multi-purpose interface (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0086] The slot 66 is located in the rear wall 36 and the opening of the slot 66 faces in the machining direction P.

[0087] In the example shown, the protrusions on the punch assembly frame 46 have a substantially wedge-shaped cross section. The same applies to the slots 66 through which the protrusions extend in the installed state of the punch assembly 24.

[0088] Thus, starting with the punch assembly 24 unattached, the rear wall 36 must be moved to a position close enough to the rear frame member 30 or spaced far enough from the front frame member 28 so that the punch assembly 24 can be inserted between the front frame member 28 and the rear wall 36 and the pins of the punch assembly frame 46 can be inserted into the corresponding openings 64a, 64b.

[0089] The wedge-shaped protrusions are then oriented so that they are located substantially in front of the slots 66. The rear wall 36 is then moved toward the punch assembly frame 46 so that the protrusions are engaged by the slots 66 and the pins are forced into the corresponding openings 64a, 64b.

[0090] As a result, the punching assembly 24 is fixedly held on the carrier frame 26 or the tool base 22. Furthermore, the punching assembly 24 is accurately positioned in the processing direction P by abutting against the abutment surface 60.

[0091] Laterally, the punch assembly 24 is precisely positioned by the engagement of the centering projections 62 .

[0092] In the vertical direction, the punching assembly 24 is precisely positioned by abutting against a support surface 58 .

[0093] Additionally, a sensor may be provided to detect the position of the rear wall 36 .

[0094] Using such a sensor, the correct installation of the punch assembly 24 may be deduced from whether a predetermined position of the rear wall 36 is detected. The sensor may be a proximity sensor.

[0095] An alternative configuration of the sheet material processing tool 14 is described in relation to Figures 8-10.

[0096] In this alternative, the sheet material processing tool 14 is configured as a so-called full sheet tool. In such a tool, the layout remains in the sheet material, and the part of the sheet material with the layout is placed in a stack below the duct 42 of the tool.

[0097] In its configuration as a full sheet tool, the sheet material processing tool 14 includes a cutting member 68 configured to cut off a leading portion of the sheet material, in particular the leading portion being held by a gripper assembly for conveying the sheet material through the sheet material processing machine 10.

[0098] The cutting member 68 is coupled to the carrier frame 46 via the first multi-purpose interface 54. Thus, the cutting member 68 is a first tool element.

[0099] In this sense, the cutting member 68 abuts against the support surface 58 of the first multipurpose interface.

[0100] Additionally, first multipurpose interface 54 includes a plurality of openings 70 disposed within support surface 58 (shown particularly in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7).

[0101] Behind each of these openings 70, an engagement bolt 72 is provided. In the example shown, the engagement bolts 72 extend substantially along the machining direction P (shown in particular in FIG. 7).

[0102] On the side of the cutting member 68 that is the lower side in the installed state, a hook (not shown) is provided, which is configured to extend through each one of the openings 70 and engage with a corresponding engagement bolt 72.

[0103] The hooks may be spring biased so that the cutting member 68 is securely held on the support surface 58 once the hooks engage the corresponding engagement bolts 72 .

[0104] Alternatively or additionally, the surface of the hook that engages the engagement bolt 72 may be beveled to achieve the same effect.

[0105] In the example shown, four openings 70 may be provided with respective engagement bolts 72. Furthermore, the cutting member 68 comprises four hooks.

[0106] Furthermore, the first multipurpose interface 54 comprises a retaining means in the form of a pin (not shown) supported on the front frame member 28, the retaining means projecting from a support surface 58 in a spring-biased manner.

[0107] On the cutting member 68, corresponding openings are provided so that when the cutting member 68 takes up its correct position on the support surface 58, the pins of the holding means protrude into the openings.

[0108] Thus, to mount the cutting member 68 on the carrier frame 26 via the first multi-purpose interface 54, the cutting member 68 is positioned on the support surface 58 in a slightly offset position, with the hooks of the cutting member 68 protruding through the corresponding openings 70 but not engaging the engagement bolts 72.

[0109] Thus, the cutting member 68 is displaced laterally relative to the machining direction P while remaining in contact with the support surface 58. In doing so, the hooks engage with corresponding engagement bolts 72. When the desired position of the cutting member 68 is reached, the retaining pins of the retaining means move into corresponding openings in the cutting member 68.

[0110] The cutting member 68 is then held in its desired operating position.

[0111] As described above with respect to the punching assembly 24, the precise position of the cutting member 68 may also be sensed by a sensor, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0112] In the configuration as a full sheet tool, the sheet material processing tool 14 also includes a sheet support member 74 for supporting and / or guiding the sheet being processed.

[0113] The sheet support member 74 is coupled to the carrier frame 26 via the second multipurpose interface 56 .

[0114] Thus, the seat support member 74 may be a second tool element.

[0115] The seat support member 74 abuts against a support surface 76 of the second multi-purpose interface 56 (shown particularly in FIG. 5).

[0116] Additionally, like the first multi-purpose interface 54 , the second multi-purpose interface 56 also includes a plurality of openings 78 disposed within the support surface 76 .

[0117] Behind each of these openings 78, an engagement bolt 80 is provided.

[0118] In the illustrated example, the engagement bolt 80 extends substantially along the machining direction P (see FIG. 5).

[0119] Hooks (not shown) are provided on the underside of the seat support member 74 and are configured to extend through respective ones of the openings 78 and engage corresponding engagement bolts 80 .

[0120] The hooks may be spring loaded so that the seat support member 74 is securely held on the support surface 76 once the hooks engage the corresponding engagement bolts 80 .

[0121] As previously described with respect to the cutting member 68, the surface of the hook on the seat support member 74 that engages the engagement bolt 80 may be beveled to achieve the same effect.

[0122] In the example shown, two openings 78 are provided with respective engagement bolts 80. The seat support member 74 therefore comprises two hooks.

[0123] Furthermore, the second multipurpose interface 56 is provided with retaining means in the form of a pin (not shown) supported on the rear wall 36 in a spring-loaded manner so as to project from the support surface 76 .

[0124] On the seat support member 74, corresponding openings are provided so that when the seat support member 74 takes up its correct position on the support surface 76, the pins of the retaining means protrude into the openings.

[0125] Thus, to mount the seat support member 74 on the carrier frame 26 via the second multi-purpose interface 56, the seat support member 74 is positioned on the support surface 76 in a slightly offset position, with the hooks of the seat support member 74 protruding through the corresponding openings 78 but not engaging the engagement bolts 80.

[0126] Thus, the seat support member 74 is displaced laterally relative to the machining direction P while remaining in contact with the support surface 76. In doing so, the hooks engage the corresponding engagement bolts 80.

[0127] When the desired position of the sheet support member 74 is reached, the retaining pins of the retaining means move into corresponding openings in the sheet support member 74 .

[0128] The seat support member 74 is then held in its desired operating position.

[0129] As above, the exact position of the seat support member 74 may also be sensed by a sensor, for example a proximity sensor.

[0130] FIG. 11 shows a sheet material processing tool 14 configured as a full sheet tool.

[0131] In contrast to the illustrations of Figures 8 to 10, the side walls 38, 40 and rear wall 36 have been moved so that the sheet material processing tool 14 is now adapted to sheets having a smaller size.

[0132] It is further noted that in Figures 8 and 11 there is depicted a drive 82 configured to move the rear wall 36 in a motorized manner.

Claims

1. A sheet material processing tool (14), in particular a tool for processing cardboard or paper, a conveying frame (26) having a front frame member (28) extending substantially perpendicular to a processing direction (P) of a sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member (30) extending substantially parallel to the front frame member (28) and substantially perpendicular to the processing direction (P), a first horizontal frame member (32) connecting corresponding first ends (28a, 30a) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30), and a second horizontal frame member (34) connecting corresponding second ends (28b, 30b) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30), wherein the second ends (28b, 30b) and the first ends (28a, 30a) are arranged on opposite sides of each other; a first multipurpose interface (54) for selectively coupling a first tool element to the carrier frame (26) for processing the sheet material; a rear wall (36) extending substantially parallel to the rear frame member (30), a first side wall (38) extending substantially parallel to the first horizontal frame member (32), and a second side wall (40) extending substantially parallel to the second horizontal frame member (34); the front frame member (28), the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38) and the second side wall (40) define a duct (42) through which a seat or a portion of a seat can pass; If the first tool element is a full sheet tool that cuts off both the layout and other portions of the sheet material through the duct, At least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38) and the second side wall (40) is movably supported within the transport frame (26) so that the size of the duct (42) is adjustable; If the first tool element is a punch assembly (24), and wherein at least one of the first side wall (38), the second side wall (40), and the rear wall (36) movable within the carrier frame (26) can be retracted to provide the space necessary to couple the punching assembly (24) to the carrier frame (26) via the first multi-purpose interface.

2. At least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38), and the second side wall (40) is coupled to a respective drive device (82) such that at least one of the rear wall (36), the first side wall (38), and the second side wall (40) is adjustable within the transport frame (26) in a motorized manner. The sheet material processing tool (14) of claim 1.

3. a flexible cover (44) attached to the rear wall (36) and / or the rear frame member (30) so as to cover a space between the rear wall (36) and the rear frame member (30); The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a second multipurpose interface (56) for selectively coupling a second tool element to the carrier frame (26) for processing the sheet material; The sheet material processing tool (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second multipurpose interface (56) is disposed on the rear wall (36). The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 4.

6. The first multipurpose interface (54) is provided on the front frame member (28). The sheet material processing tool (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the first tool element is a cutting member (68) for cutting the sheet to be processed, and the first tool element is coupled to the transport frame (26) via the first multi-purpose interface (54); The sheet material processing tool (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the second tool element is a sheet support member (74) for supporting and / or guiding a sheet to be processed, and the second tool element is coupled to the transport frame (26) via the second multi-purpose interface (56); The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 4.

9. The second tool element is constituted by the punching assembly (24), and the punching assembly (24) is coupled to the conveying frame (26) via a first multipurpose interface (54) and a second multipurpose interface (56). The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 4.

10. The punching assembly (24) includes at least one separation bar (50, 52) that separates the working surface of the punching assembly (24) into at least two sections each corresponding to a blank to be removed from the sheet to be processed. The sheet material processing tool (14) according to claim 9.

11. a support structure (18), to which the sheet material processing tool (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is coupled; A sheet material processing station (12) characterized in that:

12. The sheet material processing tool (14) is supported within the support structure (18) via at least one linear bearing means (20a, 20b), and the sheet material processing tool (14) can be selectively positioned in an operating position in which the sheet material processing tool (14) is configured to at least contribute to processing of the sheet material, or in an extended position in which the sheet material processing tool (14) protrudes from the support structure (18). A sheet material processing station (12) according to claim 11.

13. A sheet material processing machine (10), in particular a sheet material cutting machine, comprising a sheet material processing station (12) according to claim 11 or 12.

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