EP4370339B1 - Punching unit having a device for changing a punching cylinder and method for changing a punching cylinder - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for using a punching unit with a device for changing a punching cylinder according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for changing a punching cylinder according to claim 12.

During the processing of corrugated board, a sheet of corrugated board undergoes several processing steps. For example, the sheets are printed or varnished, and their mass, shape, and/or contour can be altered using forming equipment. Flexographic printing is a particularly suitable printing process. Flexographic printing is characterized by a forme cylinder with a flexible printing form. Rotary processing methods, such as rotary die-cutting, are often used for forming due to their speed advantages.

Rotary punches usually have punching units with a punching cylinder and a counter-punching cylinder. DE 10 2004 058 597 A1 shows, for example, a punch with two rotating processing rollers. DE 20 2012 100 708 U1 discloses a punching device with a continuously running punching roller which is driven by a synchronous motor.

Typically, a die with cutting tools or knives is mounted on the cutting cylinder. These tools process the substrate during operation and also come into contact with the counter-cutting cylinder. The counter-cutting cylinders feature elastic and durable pads or cutting pads. When changing jobs, the dies must be replaced. To quickly return the rotary die cutter to operational status, cutting cylinder changeover devices are used. for use.

Through the US 6 138 544 A A changing device for a punching cylinder is known. The arrangement of the cylinders in this changing device is referred to in the document as a planetary arrangement, since two punching cylinders are arranged around a counter-punching cylinder. The cylinders are arranged on a disk, and the two punching cylinders can be exchanged by rotating the disk.

Furthermore, the GB 2 406 069 A A similar arrangement of the counter-punching cylinders and punching cylinders. The two punching cylinders are arranged so they can rotate around a rotation axis and can be swapped by rotation.

Furthermore, the DE 10 2014 205 880 B3 A punching device with means for changing punching cylinders. This is intended to speed up tool changes. The punching device has two holders for holding the punching cylinders. The counter-punching cylinder can be positioned against both punching cylinders. The counter-punching cylinder is removed from one punching cylinder and placed against the other.

The US 2005/0103173 A1 and the US 7 175 578 B2 show another option for replacing punching cylinders. Two punching cylinders are adjusted using linear guides. One punching cylinder can be moved horizontally from a maintenance position. The punching cylinder to be replaced and the counter-punching cylinder are adjusted from a vertical position so that the two punching cylinders are on the same vertical plane. Both punching cylinders are then moved horizontally. The new punching cylinder then assumes the position of the previous cylinder.

Cylinder changing devices are also known in printing machines. WO 98/50235 A2 For example, a device for changing a forme cylinder in a rotary printing press, particularly a gravure printing press. The use of a steady rest bearing makes changing a cylinder very easy. A forme cylinder can be lifted from the side frame using a carriage and moved toward a lift. There, the forme cylinder can then be shifted. The lift is moved to accommodate a new forme cylinder, and the new forme cylinder is then guided to the bearing.

When changing forme cylinders or for the purpose of relative rotation, the forme cylinders can be decoupled from their drive. For example, the WO 01/87605 A1 Such a coupling of a forme cylinder with a corresponding drive in a printing press. In this document, the motor is moved as a whole for coupling and/or decoupling. The motor is adjusted via a threaded spindle.

The DE 10 2009 028 208 A1 as well as the WO 2011/015478 A1 disclose a printing press with interchangeable cylinders of a printing unit. A forme cylinder and/or a transfer cylinder can be decoupled from a drive and replaced. A device allows the cylinders to be arranged in different positions. This simplifies cylinder replacement and also allows for the installation of cylinders of different sizes.

The cylinder exchange in a rotary printing press is also revealed by the WO 2013/ 041 455 A1 By means of a handling device, the cylinder is removed from its storage receptacles and transferred to a storage position in a receiving device of a movable storage unit arranged in a transfer position. The movable storage units are movable along a guide system with one component in the vertical direction and with one component in an axial direction parallel to the cylinder's rotational axis.

Through the US 2001/0037739 A1 A printing unit of a gravure web-fed rotary printing press is disclosed. The printing unit comprises a printing roller immersed in an ink tray, the shaft journals of which can be supported on support devices designed as support rollers for changing the printing roller. Each support device is arranged on a horizontally displaceable support provided with a drive, via which the support devices can be displaced between the bearings of the printing roller and an extended position in which a device for raising and inserting the printing roller is provided.

The JP S58-168565 A discloses a device for replacing a plate cylinder of a printing unit. To replace a plate cylinder with a new one after the printing process has been completed, the plate cylinder is released from its mounting by means of a pivoting arm. The pivoting arm is then held horizontally, and the plate cylinder is moved along the pivoting arm to a holding position at the end of the arm. A plate cylinder to be replaced is placed in a central position on the pivoting arm and transported to the position for performing the printing process.

For example, vertically adjustable transport devices are also provided in processing machines. An example of this is the DE 41 00 458 A1 , which discloses a panel feeding device for panel dividing saws. A transfer table is interposed between a lifting table and a panel loading table, which is vertically adjustable by predetermined steps on a guide frame under computer control.

Through the DE 20 2021 104 224 U1 For example, a system component with a transfer and alignment function is known, wherein an alignment unit has slide rails for adjusting a lateral relative position and wherein a carrier unit is height adjustable.

The invention is based on the object of providing a method for using a punching unit with a device for changing a punching cylinder and a method for changing a punching cylinder.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 or by the features of claim 12.

The advantages achievable with the invention consist, in particular, in the creation of an improved punching unit. In particular, an improved processing machine with at least one punching unit has been created.

The punching unit has at least one punching cylinder, in particular with a rotational axis, and at least one counter-punching cylinder. A device for changing has at least one further punching cylinder for changing with the at least one punching cylinder. One of the punching cylinders can be arranged and/or is arranged in a punching position. The counter-punching cylinder is in a Arrangable and/or arranged in a working position and/or in a parked position.

The punching cylinder is preferably changed in a simple manner by the changing device. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by the punching cylinder being able to be removed from a punching position and/or change position in a particularly simple manner, predominantly horizontally. A connecting line between the cylinder positions is then inclined at less than 30° to a horizontal line.

The cutting cylinder can preferably be changed in an improved manner using a changing device. In addition, pre-setting of a cutting cylinder is made possible by the changing device. The time-consuming process of changing a cutting die can be carried out during an ongoing cutting process thanks to pre-setting. By using the changing device, another cutting cylinder can be pre-set while a cutting cylinder is in operation. The new cutting die is then already applied to the new cutting cylinder when the job is changed, and the cylinder can then be moved quickly and fully automatically to the cutting position. The design of the changing device ensures a high degree of automation with increased safety. Furthermore, the design of the changing device avoids additional costs thanks to its simple design and the elimination of unnecessary components.

In addition, the cutting cylinder can be changed fully automatically using the changing device. When installed inline in a sheet-fed processing machine with application units, such as printing or coating units, the sheet-fed processing machine achieves increased efficiency in terms of the time required for a job change and/or processing speed. The application units also have devices for simplifying the changing of the cylinders of the application units, for example. Thus, an inline, fully automatic changing device can lead to a significantly This contributes to more efficient operation of the entire machine. The time-consuming process of changing a cutting die can thus be performed in the processing machine while the current cutting process is still running. The new cutting die is then already attached to the cutting cylinder when the job changes, and the cylinder can then be moved quickly and fully automatically to the cutting position. The design of the changing device advantageously ensures a high degree of automation with a high level of reliability and avoids additional costs through its simple design and the elimination of duplicate components.

When changing jobs, in a preferred embodiment, the application forms must also be changed in the processing machine in addition to the punching tools. In a preferred configuration, the processing machine has redundant application units, i.e. more application units than are required for a normal job. By combining redundant application units with the device for changing the punching cylinders, a job change can be carried out significantly faster. The application units are preferably designed so that they can be switched on and/or off quickly and fully automatically. The combination of the device for changing the punching cylinders and the redundant application units makes it possible to pre-set up both processing steps and significantly reduces the time until the next job. However, the use of an increased number of application units is not only limited to their use for pre-setup. They can also be used, for example, to carry out special orders. For example, an increased number of colors, especially specialty colors, can be applied in this way.

In a preferred embodiment, the punching unit has a device for locking the punching cylinder in the punching position. This allows the punching cylinder to be easily and securely held in the punching position and also easily released. The punching cylinder is preferably Processing point, preferably vertical, pointing away, preferably from below, against a frame and/or an element fixed to the frame and/or housing. The punching cylinder is subjected to loads from the processing point during punching. These loads arise, for example, from the punching cylinder cyclically pressing and/or striking the counter-punching cylinder and/or the substrate. Because the punching cylinder is pressed against the frame from the opposite side or from below, the impacts do not act on the locking mechanism of the punching cylinder, but rather on the solid frame. This leads to improved force dissipation with reduced load and wear. The locking mechanism is connected to a drive, whereby the locking mechanism can be automatically actuated and raised. The release or fixing of the locking mechanism can thus take place via a control system synchronized with the changing process of the punching cylinders.

In a preferred embodiment, the bearings and bearing seats are mounted on the punching cylinders. This makes it easier to remove the punching cylinder. The punching cylinder then does not have to be removed from the bearings in an axial direction before changing the cylinder.

The punching unit preferably has a drive for driving the punching cylinder. The drive has a motor with a rotor and a stator, which are arranged so as to be axially adjustable relative to one another. The drive thus serves various functions. The relative adjustability can be used, on the one hand, for lateral register adjustment and, on the other hand, to release and/or remove a punching cylinder from a clutch so that the punching cylinder can be changed easily. In particular, the punching cylinder can thus be easily removed horizontally from its punching position. This is possible because the motor is designed as a synchronous motor with a permanently excited magnetic field on the rotor. For this purpose, the rotor has at least one permanent magnet. In this configuration, the rotor can be easily adjusted relative to the stator.

From a design perspective, adjusting only the rotor offers the advantage that the drive can be permanently mounted on a housing support, eliminating the need for additional linear guides on which the entire drive is moved. Thus, only the axial adjustment of the rotor is required. This is preferably achieved through a plain bearing.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotor is adjustable relative to the stator. The rotor can be adjusted either together with the punching cylinder or without the punching cylinder. When the rotor is adjusted together with the punching cylinder, its lateral register can be adjusted. When adjusted without the punching cylinder, a clutch can be moved out of the way so that the punching cylinder can be easily replaced. Furthermore, a clutch can also be easily brought back into contact with the new punching cylinder after the cylinder has been replaced.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotor and stator are adjusted relative to each other by means of an actuator. This enables an automated adjustment process. The actuator is preferably connected to the rotor for this purpose. The actuator is preferably designed as a pneumatic and/or electric and/or preferably an electromechanical drive. The electromechanical drive is characterized by its longevity and reduced complexity.

In a preferred embodiment, a clutch is arranged between the motor and the punching cylinder. By releasing the clutch, the connection between the drive and the punching cylinder can be severed. The clutch is preferably releasable using a pressure medium. This makes it easy to apply a sufficiently high force to release the clutch. Particularly preferably, the pressure medium can be supplied to the clutch through a bore through the rotor axis. A rotary inlet is preferably used for this purpose.

The rotor is preferably centered by the punching cylinder's bearing, particularly in a hub of the punching cylinder. The rotor is preferably centered by connecting the coupling. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for additional bearings in the motor. A spherical roller bearing allows for the necessary mobility.

In another preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder is decoupled from its drive by means of a coupling for replacement. This has the advantage that the punching cylinder can be replaced while the drive remains in position. This eliminates the need for an additional drive and significantly simplifies the movement sequence for changing the punching cylinder. The punching unit and the changing device can then be simplified and require less space.

In a preferred embodiment, the clutch is actuated by an actuator. For this purpose, the actuator preferably adjusts either the entire drive of the punching cylinder parallel to the rotational axis or only a part of it. In addition to actuating the clutch, the actuator can preferably be used to adjust the lateral register of the punching cylinder drive. The drive is preferably designed as a torque motor with a rotating component, a rotor, and a rigid component, a stator. The actuator then preferably adjusts only one of the two components, preferably the rotor, in the axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the punching cylinder. In this embodiment, both functions can therefore be realized with just one actuator.

In a further preferred embodiment, the punching cylinders are guided in guides by means of a groove. This significantly increases the safety of the changing process. The punching cylinders remain in the guides and displacement in the axial direction is prevented. This prevents the cylinders from becoming loose from the guides. This prevents accidents and increases safety. Safe operation for the plant operator is thus ensured at all times.

In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder journals of the cylinders, in particular the cylinder journals of the at least one punching cylinder, each have at least one hub. Such a hub preferably has the groove for securely guiding the punching cylinders in the guides. Furthermore, the hub has the bearings for supporting the punching cylinders. The hub preferably has a matched contact surface for securing and/or releasing the punching cylinders by means of the locking mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the punching unit is designed such that the at least one counter-punching cylinder is and/or remains in a working position or in a parked position during replacement. This simplifies the replacement process, as only the punching cylinders need to be moved. Furthermore, the replacement process is accelerated, as the counter-punching cylinder can be quickly returned to the working position.

The device for changing punching cylinders preferably has two guides. This small number of guides enables cylinder changes with a particularly simple movement sequence.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the changing device has a waiting position for guiding the cylinders, in particular the punching cylinders, past each other. This minimizes the complexity of the cylinder change. For this purpose, the waiting position is preferably located outside a direct guide path between the punching position and the maintenance position, more preferably between the changing position and the maintenance position.

In a preferred embodiment, the waiting position in the vertical direction is arranged slightly below or at the same height as or above the punching position and/or the changing position and/or the extending position. This means that changing the cylinders, in particular the punching cylinders, can be carried out particularly easily and with a simple design. By arranging the waiting position above the changing position and/or the extending position, in particular at a distance from the extending position, it is achieved that changing the punching cylinders is carried out in a simple manner, since both cylinders can be moved past each other particularly easily. For this purpose, for example, only a vertical guide needs to be extended. In this way, one cylinder, in particular a punching cylinder, can be temporarily stored in the waiting position and the other cylinder, in particular a punching cylinder, can simply be moved past it. Additional guides and further levels for arranging the cylinders can therefore be dispensed with.

In a preferred embodiment, the maintenance position is at a significantly lower level than the punching position of the punching cylinder. This makes it particularly easy to change or replace a punching die. The punching die can then be changed conveniently and without a lifting device. Likewise, the punching cylinder is significantly more accessible in the maintenance position than in the punching position. A wide variety of devices such as sensors, suction devices, counter-punching cylinders, etc. interfere with the punching position. It is particularly advantageous that the punching cylinder is arranged at a distance from other cylinders in this position. For example, auxiliary devices can then also be easily brought close to the punching cylinder.

In a preferred embodiment, the punching unit has a device for locking the punching cylinder in the punching position. This allows the punching cylinder to be held in the punching position easily and securely.

In a further preferred embodiment, the punching cylinders are transported on a transport system. In a preferred embodiment, only two Transport elements are required for a cylinder change. This is preferably achieved by using a common carrier with two holding positions for the cylinders. A horizontal transport element is added. This arrangement allows the entire cylinder change to be carried out with just two adjustable elements.

A further advantage achieved with the invention is that the punching cylinder can be removed from its punching position particularly easily. Using an adjustment device, the transport device that guides the sheets to the processing station can be easily adjusted or raised. The punching cylinder can then be removed from the punching position particularly easily, preferably horizontally. The transport device can be easily adjusted depending on the position of a punching cylinder. This enables a simple movement sequence when changing the cylinder.

The adjustment device preferably has a drive for adjusting the transport device. This allows the transport device to be adjusted automatically and moved out of the way if necessary.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment process of the transport device is synchronized with the device for changing the punching cylinders, preferably mechanically and/or electrically. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the adjustment process is mechanically coupled to the device for changing the punching cylinders via a contact surface of the transport device. The mechanical coupling leads to a particularly simple and reliable operation of the cylinder change. The mechanical coupling ensures, in particular, that the transport device is guided out of the guide path of the changing device at the correct moment.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting device has a particularly simple structure for adjusting the transport device. The transport device is preferably guided on a guide, preferably designed as a guide rail, more preferably a linear guide, which ensures simple and safe adjustment or lifting of the transport device. The transport device preferably rests with its own weight on a stop in the working position. To adjust the at least one transport device, preferably the transport devices, one only has to work against the transport device's own weight. The transport device can be easily raised vertically.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide in which the transport device is guided is designed as a shared guide with the changing device. A frame and/or housing is preferably arranged on the transport device and sits in the guide. The movements during cylinder changing are synchronized via a shared contact surface between the transport device or frame and the changing device. During the punching cylinder changing process, a transport element and/or a carrier is preferably moved and adjusts the transport device or raises the transport device. This movement preferably takes place in only one guide, namely the vertical guide. This ensures that the cylinder, in particular the punching cylinder, can be easily removed from the punching position and that the transport device is quickly brought back into the correct position or working position after the cylinder change. The return movement preferably takes place by lowering the contact element of the adjustment device. Due to the transport device's own weight, it preferably lowers again.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Bogenbearbeitungsmaschine mit Auftragswerken und Stanzaggregat;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht einer Bogenbearbeitungsmaschine in einer bevorzugten Konfiguration mit vier Druckwerken sowie dem Stanzaggregat mit Vorrichtung zum Wechseln;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Auftragswerkes mit einem Farbauftrag von unten;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Auftragswerkes mit einem Farbauftrag von oben;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung der Bogenauslage mit einer Vorrichtung zum Ausschleusen von Bogen;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Rasterwalzenwechselvorrichtung;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einem Stanzzylinder in der Stanzposition und dem weiteren Stanzzylinder in der Wartungsposition und dem Gegenstanzzylinder in der Arbeitsposition;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einem Stanzzylinder in der Stanzposition und dem weiteren Stanzzylinder in der Wartungsposition und dem Gegenstanzzylinder in der abgestellten Position;

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einem Stanzzylinder in der Wechselposition und dem weiteren Stanzzylinder in der Wartungsposition und dem Gegenstanzzylinder in der abgestellten Position;

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einem Stanzzylinder in der Wechselposition und dem weiteren Stanzzylinder in der Warteposition und dem Gegenstanzzylinder in der abgestellten Position;

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einem Stanzzylinder in der Ausfahrposition und dem weiteren Stanzzylinder in der Warteposition und dem Gegenstanzzylinder in der abgestellten Position;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einem Stanzzylinder in der Wartungsposition und dem weiteren Stanzzylinder in der Stanzposition und dem Gegenstanzzylinder in der Arbeitsposition;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Stanzaggregats;

Fig. 14

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung des Stanzaggregats, wobei weitere Stanzzylinder zur Verdeutlichung der Positionen schematisch in der Warteposition, der Ausfahrposition und der Wartungsposition angeordnet sind;

Fig. 15

eine Schnittdarstellung des Stanzaggregats mit Antrieben;

Fig. 16

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einer Transporteinrichtung in der Arbeitsposition;

Fig. 17

eine Seitenansicht des Verstellmechanismus der Transporteinrichtung;

Fig. 18

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einer Transporteinrichtung in der Wartungsposition;

Fig. 19

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einer gelösten Kupplung;

Fig. 20

eine Seitenansicht des Stanzaggregats mit einer geschlossenen Kupplung;

Fig. 21

eine Schnittdarstellung des Antriebes des Stanzzylinders.

They show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a sheet processing machine with application units and punching unit;

Fig. 2

a side view of a sheet processing machine in a preferred configuration with four printing units and the punching unit with a device for changing;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a commissioned work with paint applied from below;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a commissioned work with a paint application from above;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of the sheet delivery with a device for ejecting sheets;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of an anilox roller changing device;

Fig. 7

a side view of the punching unit with one punching cylinder in the punching position and the other punching cylinder in the maintenance position and the counter-punching cylinder in the working position;

Fig. 8

a side view of the punching unit with one punching cylinder in the punching position and the other punching cylinder in the maintenance position and the counter-punching cylinder in the parked position;

Fig. 9

a side view of the punching unit with one punching cylinder in the change position and the other punching cylinder in the maintenance position and the counter-punching cylinder in the parked position;

Fig. 10

a side view of the punching unit with one punching cylinder in the change position and the other punching cylinder in the waiting position and the counter punching cylinder in the parked position;

Fig. 11

a side view of the punching unit with one punching cylinder in the extended position and the other punching cylinder in the waiting position and the counter-punching cylinder in the parked position;

Fig. 12

a side view of the punching unit with one punching cylinder in the maintenance position and the other punching cylinder in the punching position and the counter-punching cylinder in the working position;

Fig. 13

a perspective view of the punching unit;

Fig. 14

a further perspective view of the punching unit, with further punching cylinders schematically arranged in the waiting position, the extended position and the maintenance position to clarify the positions;

Fig. 15

a sectional view of the punching unit with drives;

Fig. 16

a side view of the punching unit with a transport device in the working position;

Fig. 17

a side view of the adjustment mechanism of the transport device;

Fig. 18

a side view of the punching unit with a transport device in the maintenance position;

Fig. 19

a side view of the punching unit with a released clutch;

Fig. 20

a side view of the punching unit with a closed clutch;

Fig. 21

a sectional view of the punching cylinder drive.

A processing machine 01 is preferably designed as a printing machine 01 and/or as a forming machine 01, in particular a punching machine 01. The printing machine 01 is designed, for example, as a flexographic printing machine 01.

The processing machine 01 is preferably referred to as a printing machine 01 if it has at least one printing unit 614 and/or at least one printing assembly 600, in particular regardless of whether it has further assemblies for processing substrate 02. For example, a processing machine 01 designed as a printing machine 01 additionally has at least one further such assembly 900, for example at least one shaping assembly 900, which is preferably designed as a punching assembly 900, more preferably as a punching device 900. The processing machine 01 is preferably referred to as a shaping machine 01 if it has at least one shaping unit 914 and/or at least one shaping assembly 900, in particular regardless of whether it has further assemblies 600 for processing substrate 02. The processing machine 01 is preferably referred to as a punching machine 01 if it has at least one punching unit 914 and/or at least one punching unit 900 and/or at least one punching device 900, in particular regardless of whether it has further units 600 for processing substrate 02. For example, a processing machine 01 designed as a forming machine 01 or punching machine 01 additionally has at least one further unit 600 for processing substrate 02, for example at least one printing unit 600 and/or at least one printing unit 614.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing machine 01, in particular a sheet processing machine 01, preferably comprises a unit 100 designed as a sheet feeder 100 and/or at least one application unit 614 for applying at least one print image to substrate 02. If the processing machine 01 has at least one printing unit 614 and/or at least one printing unit 600 on the one hand and at least one shaping unit 914 and/or at least one shaping unit 900 on the other hand, it is accordingly designed both as a printing machine 01 and as a shaping machine 01. If the processing machine 01 has at least one printing unit 614 and/or at least one printing unit 600 on the one hand and at least one punching unit 914 and/or at least one punching unit 900 and/or at least one punching device 900 on the other hand, it is accordingly designed both as a printing machine 01 and as a shaping machine 01, in particular a punching machine 01.

The processing machine 01 is preferably designed as a sheet processing machine 01, i.e. as a processing machine 01 for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 or sheets 02, in particular sheet-shaped printing material 02. For example, the sheet processing machine 01 is designed as a sheet-fed printing machine 01 and/or as a sheet-forming machine 01 and/or as a sheet-punching machine 01. The processing machine 01 is further preferably designed as a corrugated cardboard sheet processing machine 01, i.e. as a processing machine 01 for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 or sheets 02 made of corrugated cardboard 02, in particular sheet-shaped printing material 02 made of corrugated cardboard 02. The processing machine 01 is further preferably designed as a sheet-fed printing press 01, in particular as a corrugated cardboard sheet printing press 01, i.e. as a printing press 01 for coating and/or printing sheet-shaped substrate 02 or sheets 02 made of corrugated cardboard 02, in particular sheet-shaped printing material 02 made of corrugated cardboard 02. For example, the printing press 01 is designed as a printing press 01 operating according to a printing form-bound printing process.

Unless explicitly differentiated, the term sheet-shaped substrate 02, in particular a printing material 02, specifically sheet 02, is intended to encompass in principle any substrate 02 that is present in a flat form and in sections, i.e. also substrates 02 that are present in panel or plate form, i.e. also sheets or plates. The sheet-shaped substrate 02 or sheet 02 defined in this way is made, for example, of paper or cardboard, i.e. as a paper or cardboard sheet, or by sheets 02, sheets or possibly plates made of plastic, cardboard, glass or metal. More preferably, the substrate 02 is corrugated cardboard 02, in particular corrugated cardboard sheets 02. Preferably, the at least one sheet 02 is designed as corrugated cardboard 02. A thickness of a sheet 02 is preferably understood to mean a dimension orthogonal to a largest area of the sheet 02. This largest area is also referred to as the main area. The thickness of the sheets 02 is, for example, at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm, and even more preferably at least 0.5 mm. Significantly greater thicknesses are also common, for example, at least 4 mm or even 10 mm or more, for corrugated cardboard sheets 02. Corrugated cardboard sheets 02 are comparatively stable and therefore not very bendable. Appropriate adjustments to the processing machine 01 therefore facilitate the processing of sheets 02 of greater thickness.

Preferably, the respective, preferably at least one, sheet 02 is made of paper or cardboard or carton. According to DIN 6730, paper is a flat material consisting essentially of fibers of mostly plant origin, which is formed by dewatering a fiber suspension on a screen. This creates a fiber felt, which is then dried. The basis weight of paper is preferably a maximum of 225 g/m2. According to DIN 6730, cardboard is a flat material consisting essentially of fibers of plant origin, which is formed by dewatering a fiber suspension on one or between two screens. The fiber structure is compacted and dried. Cardboard is preferably made by gluing or pressing together cellulose.

Cardboard is designed as solid board or corrugated board 02. In the foregoing and in the following, corrugated board 02 is board made of one or more layers of corrugated paper that is glued to a layer or between several layers of another, preferably smooth, paper or board. The basis weight of board is preferably over 225 g/m2. In the foregoing and in the following, the term board refers to a preferably one-side coated paper sheet, preferably with a basis weight of at least 150 g/m2 and a maximum of 600 g/m2. Board preferably has a high strength relative to paper.

The processing machine 01 preferably has a plurality of units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000. A unit is preferably understood to be a group of devices that interact functionally, in particular to be able to carry out a preferably self-contained processing operation of sheets 02. For example, at least two and preferably at least three and more preferably all of the units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 are designed as modules 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 or are at least each assigned to one such module. A module is understood to mean, in particular, a respective unit or a structure comprising several units, which preferably has at least one transport means and/or at least its own controllable and/or adjustable drive and/or is designed as an independently functional module and/or as a machine unit or functional assembly manufactured and/or assembled separately. A separate controllable and/or adjustable drive of a unit or module is understood to mean, in particular, a drive which serves to drive movements of components of this unit or module and/or which serves to effect a transport of substrate 02, in particular sheets 02, through this respective unit or module and/or through at least one area of action of this respective unit or module and/or which serves to directly or indirectly. Preferably, the dedicated controllable and/or adjustable drive of an aggregate or module is configured to drive movements of components of this aggregate or module and/or to effect transport of substrate 02 and/or to directly or indirectly drive at least one component of the respective aggregate or module intended for contact with sheet 02. These drives of the aggregates 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are preferably configured, in particular, as position-controlled electric motors.

Preferably, each unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 has at least one drive control and/or at least one drive regulator, which is assigned to the respective at least one drive of the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000. The drive controls and/or drive regulators of the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 can preferably be operated individually and independently of one another. Further preferably, the drive controls and/or drive regulators of the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 are and/or can be linked to one another and/or to a machine control system of the processing machine 01 in terms of circuitry, in particular by means of at least one BUS system, in such a way that a coordinated control and/or regulation of the drives of several or all units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 is and/or can be carried out. The individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 and/or in particular modules 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 can therefore be operated and/or operated in a manner preferably electronically coordinated with one another, at least with regard to their drives, in particular by means of at least one electronic master axis. Preferably, an electronic master axis is specified for this purpose, for example by a higher-level machine control of the processing machine 01. Alternatively or additionally, the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are and/or can be synchronized with one another, at least with regard to their drives, for example mechanically. Preferably, the individual units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are, however, mechanically decoupled from each other, at least with regard to their drives.

The spatial area provided for the transport of substrate 02, which the substrate 02 occupies at least temporarily when present, is the transport path. Preferably, the transport path is defined by at least one device for guiding the substrate 02 in an operating state of the processing machine 01. Unless otherwise described, the units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are preferably each characterized in that the section of a transport path provided for transporting sheets 02 defined by the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 is at least substantially flat and more preferably completely flat. A substantially flat section of the transport path provided for the transport of sheets 02 is understood to mean a section that has a minimum radius of curvature that is at least 2 meters, more preferably at least 5 meters, even more preferably at least 10 meters, and even more preferably at least 50 meters. A completely flat section has an infinitely large radius of curvature and is thus also substantially flat and thus also has a minimum radius of curvature that is at least 2 meters. Unless otherwise described, the units 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 are preferably each characterized in that the section of the transport path provided for the transport of sheets 02 defined by the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 runs at least substantially horizontally and more preferably exclusively horizontally. This transport path preferably extends in a direction T, in particular transport direction T. A substantially horizontally extending transport path provided for the transport of sheets 02 means in particular that the provided transport path in the entire area of the respective unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 exclusively has one or more directions which deviate by a maximum of 30°, preferably by a maximum of 15° and more preferably by a maximum of 5° from at least one horizontal direction. The direction of the transport path, in particular the transport direction T, is in particular the direction in which the sheets 02 are transported at the point at which the direction is measured. The transport path provided for the transport of sheets 02 preferably begins at a point where the sheets 02 are removed from a feeder stack 104.

The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one substrate feed device 100, which is more preferably designed as an assembly 100, in particular a substrate feed assembly 100, and/or as a module 100, in particular a substrate feed module 100. Particularly in the case of a sheet processing machine 01, the at least one substrate feed device 100 is preferably designed as a sheet feeder 100 and/or a sheet feeder assembly 100 and/or a sheet feeder module 100. A sheet 02 to be processed is preferably collected in the feeder stack 104 within a storage area of the substrate feed device 100 and is conveyed from there through the processing machine 01.

The processing machine 01 has, for example, at least one unit designed as a conditioning device, in particular a conditioning unit, which is more preferably designed as a module, in particular as a conditioning module. Such a conditioning device is designed, for example, as a preparation device or as a post-treatment device. The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one unit designed as a preparation device, in particular a preparation unit, which is more preferably designed as a module, in particular as a preparation module, and represents a conditioning device. The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one post-treatment device. The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one unit 300, preferably a system device 300, which is more preferably designed as a system unit 300 and/or system module 300. The at least one system device 300 is alternatively designed as a component of the Substrate feed device 100 or another unit.

The processing machine 01 has, for example, at least one unit 600, e.g., application unit 600. The at least one application unit 600 is preferably arranged and/or constructed depending on its function and/or application method. The at least one application unit 600 preferably serves to apply at least one respective application fluid or coating agent to the entire surface and/or part of the surface of the sheets 02. An example of an application unit 600 is a printing unit 600 or printing module 600, which serves, in particular, to apply printing ink and/or ink to the substrate 02, in particular sheets 02. In particular, the at least one application unit 600 is designed to apply application fluid, preferably printing ink and/or ink, to the entire surface and/or part of the surface of the sheets 02. In the foregoing and the following, any priming unit and/or any coating unit that may be arranged are also considered to be such an application unit 600 or printing unit 600.

In particular, regardless of the function of the application fluid that can be applied therewith, application units 600 can preferably be differentiated with regard to their application methods. An example of an application unit 600 is a form-based application unit 600, which in particular has at least one fixed, physical, and preferably replaceable printing form. Form-based application units 600 preferably operate according to a planographic printing process, in particular offset planographic printing process and/or according to a gravure printing process and/or according to a letterpress printing process, particularly preferably according to a flexographic printing process. The corresponding application unit 600 is then, for example, a flexographic application unit 600 or flexographic printing unit 600, in particular a flexographic application module 600 or flexographic printing module 600. The printing unit 600 preferably has a forme cylinder 602. The forme cylinder 602 is preferably driven by a drive M2, preferably a single drive. An impression cylinder 608 is preferably assigned to the forme cylinder 602. The The impression cylinder is driven by a drive M1, preferably by a single drive or a drive of the printing unit 600, or in an alternative embodiment in addition to the forme cylinder 602 by the drive M1 of the forme cylinder 602. The forme cylinder 602 and the impression cylinder 608 are preferably each designed as cylinder 602 and cylinder 608, respectively.

Such a flexographic printing unit 600 preferably has at least one supply roller 603, which is more preferably designed as an anilox roller 603 and/or has a cup structure on its outer surface, in particular on the outer surface of its roller barrel. The supply roller 603 is preferably designed as a cylinder 603. The at least one supply roller 603 is preferably arranged in contact with a forme cylinder 602 and/or can be brought into contact with it. A supply roller drive M3 designed as a drive M3 of the supply roller 603 is preferably connected and/or connectable to the supply roller 603 via a detachable connection, for example by means of a coupling. This connection is preferably released when the supply roller 603 is to be deposited in the storage device 21. At least one chambered doctor blade 604 is therefore preferably in contact with and/or operatively connected to the supply roller 603, which is designed in particular as an anilox roller 603. The at least one storage device 21 preferably has at least two, more preferably at least three, even more preferably at least four, and even more preferably exactly four storage receptacles for each accommodating a supply roller 603. In this way, at least one supply roller 603 can always be kept ready near its intended location in case a currently used supply roller 603 is to be replaced. Such a replacement usually takes place, for example, when a subsequent application requires a smaller or larger quantity of application fluid per area. The storage device 21 preferably has at least one movable transfer device 23, by means of which the at least two storage receptacles 22 can be moved and arranged in different storage positions. The storage device 21 is thus suitable for quickly and easy to replace. Especially in conjunction with a device 950 for changing punching cylinders 901; 903, an accelerated job change can be achieved. Both devices thus contribute significantly to accelerated job changes on processing machine 01.

A preferred first embodiment of the flexo applicator 614 is intended to provide substrate 02, in particular sheet 02 and/or printing material 02, with application fluid from below, for example for printing. In this preferred first embodiment of the flexo applicator 614, the forme cylinder 602 is preferably arranged below the impression cylinder 608. In an alternative embodiment, the sheets 02 are printed from above. In this case, the printing unit 600 is preferably designed in a mirror-inverted order with structural adaptations. Preferably, the sheets 02 are punched on the opposite side to the printed image. Therefore, printing from below is the preferred embodiment. The printing unit 600 preferably also has the forme cylinder 602. The forme cylinder 602 is preferably movable relative to the supply roller 603 by means of actuators. As a result, a corresponding application point 609 can preferably be adapted to different thicknesses of the substrate 02 to be processed. The supply roller 603 preferably has a drive M3. During operation, the forme cylinder 602 is supplied with pressurized fluid via the supply roller 603. For this purpose, the supply roller 603 is in contact with a chambered doctor blade 604. An impression cylinder 608 is arranged opposite the forme cylinder 602. The application point 609 is located between the forme cylinder 602 and the impression cylinder 608. The cylinders 602, 603, and 608 have drives M1, M2, and M3 and are supported by a frame 607.

Furthermore, the processing machine 01 comprises, for example, at least one unit designed as a drying device, in particular a drying unit, which is further preferably designed as a module, in particular as a drying module. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one drying device 506 and/or at least one post-drying device is a component of at least one unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000, preferably designed as a module 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000. For example, at least one application unit 600 has at least one drying device 506 and/or has at least one unit 700 designed as a transport device 710 and/or at least one transport unit 700.

The processing machine 01 comprises an assembly 700, in particular a transport assembly 700, and/or the module 700, in particular the transport module 700. Additionally or alternatively, the processing machine 01 preferably comprises transport devices 700, for example as components of other assemblies and/or modules. The transport assembly 700 is driven by a drive. For example, this drive is mechanically coupled to further assemblies 700, for example, further transport assemblies 700. Alternatively, the drive is mechanically decoupled from further assemblies.

The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one shaping device 900, which is more preferably designed as an assembly 900, in particular a shaping assembly 900 or punching assembly 900, and/or as a module 900, in particular as a shaping module 900 or punching module 900 and/or as a punching device 900. The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one shaping assembly 900 designed as a punching assembly 900. The at least one shaping device 900 is preferably designed as a rotary punching device 900 and/or preferably has at least one shaping unit 914 or punching unit 914. A shaping device 900 should also be understood to include an embossing device and/or a creasing device. Preferably, a perforating device is also a form of a punching device 900. The forming device 900 preferably has at least one forme cylinder 901 and at least one counter-punching cylinder 902. The forme cylinder 901 is designed as a cylinder 901, preferably as a punching forme cylinder 901, in particular, punching cylinder 901. The punching cylinder 901 is preferably driven or drivable in rotation by a drive 962. The counter-punching cylinder 902 is designed as a cylinder 902. For example, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is also referred to as the counter-pressure cylinder 902 of the forming device 900. The counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably driven or drivable in rotation by a drive 961.

The processing machine 01 preferably has at least one unit 1000 designed as a substrate delivery device 1000, in particular designed as a delivery 1000, in particular unit 1000 designed as a sheet delivery 1000, in particular delivery unit 1000, which is further preferably designed as a module 1000, in particular as a delivery module 1000.

The transport direction T provided in particular for transporting sheets 02 is the direction T which is preferably at least substantially and more preferably completely horizontally oriented and/or which preferably points from a first unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01 to a last unit 100; 300; 600; 700; 900; 1000 of the processing machine 01, in particular from a sheet feeder unit 100 or a substrate feed device 100 on the one hand to a delivery unit 1000 or a substrate discharge device 1000 on the other hand, and/or which preferably points in a direction in which the sheets 02 are transported apart from vertical movements or vertical components of movements, in particular from a first contact with a unit 300; 600; 700; 900; arranged downstream of the substrate feed device 100. 1000 of the processing machine 01 or first contact with the processing machine 01 up to a last contact with the processing machine 01. Regardless of whether the installation device 300 is an independent unit 300 or module 300 or is part of the substrate feed device 100, the transport direction T is preferably the direction T in which a horizontal component of a direction points which is The installation device 300 is oriented towards the substrate delivery device 1000.

A direction A, preferably a transverse direction A, preferably also called axial direction A, is preferably a direction A oriented orthogonal to the transport direction T of the sheets 02 and/or orthogonal to the intended transport path of the sheets 02 through the at least one application unit 600 and/or through the at least one shaping unit 900 and/or through the at least one sheet delivery 1000. The transverse direction A is preferably a horizontally oriented direction A. A working width of the processing machine 01 and/or of the at least one application unit 600 and/or of the at least one shaping unit 900 and/or of the at least one sheet delivery 1000 is preferably a dimension that preferably extends orthogonally to the intended transport path of the sheets 02 through the at least one application unit 600 and/or the at least one shaping unit 900 and/or the at least one sheet delivery 1000, more preferably in the transverse direction A. The working width of the processing machine 01 corresponds preferably a maximum width that a sheet 02 may have in order to still be able to be processed with the processing machine 01, i.e. in particular a maximum sheet width that can be processed with the processing machine 01. The width of a sheet 02 is to be understood in particular as its dimension in the transverse direction A. This is preferably independent of whether this width of the sheet 02 is greater or smaller than a horizontal dimension of the sheet 02 that is orthogonal thereto, which more preferably represents the length of this sheet 02. The working width of the processing machine 01 preferably corresponds to the working width of the at least one application unit 600 and/or the at least one shaping unit 900 and/or the at least one sheet delivery 1000. The working width of the processing machine 01, in particular sheet processing machine 01, is preferably at least 100 cm, more preferably at least 150 cm, even more preferably at least 160 cm, even more preferably at least 200 cm and even more preferably at least 250 cm.

A vertical direction V preferably denotes a direction that is arranged parallel to the normal vector of a plane spanned by the transport direction T and the transverse direction A. For example, in the region of the forming device 900, the vertical direction V is preferably oriented such that it points from the printing substrate 02 towards a forme cylinder 901 of the forming device 900.

The sheet processing machine 01 is preferably a sheet processing machine 01 with at least one shaping device 900 and at least one delivery 1000 arranged downstream of the at least one shaping device 900 along a transport path provided for transporting sheets 02. The at least one shaping device 900 is preferably designed as a punching device 900 and/or as a rotary punching device 900. For example, exactly one shaping device 900, in particular punching device 900 and/or rotary punching device 900, is arranged.

The at least one shaping device 900 preferably has at least one and more preferably exactly one shaping point 909. The at least one shaping device 900 preferably has the at least one and more preferably exactly one shaping point 909, which is formed by at least and more preferably exactly one forme cylinder 901, in particular designed as a cutting forme cylinder 901, on the one hand, and at least one impression cylinder 902, on the other hand. The shaping point 909 is preferably the area in which the respective forme cylinder 901, on the one hand, and the respective impression cylinder 902, on the other hand, are closest to each other. The at least one shaping point 909 is preferably designed as at least one cutting point 909 and/or as a processing point 909 and/or as at least one transport means 909 and/or as at least one shaping transport means 909 and/or as at least one cutting transport means 909. Preferably, the shaping device 900, in particular the shaping unit 914, comprises at least one tool, more preferably the at least one forme cylinder 901 comprises at least one Tool. In a preferred embodiment, the tool of the forming device 900, in particular of the forming unit 914, preferably the tool of the forme cylinder 901, is in direct contact with the counter-punching cylinder 902, in particular in the region of the forming point 909. Preferably, the counter-pressure cylinder 608 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 must run in synchronous operation, preferably at the same surface speed.

The at least one form cylinder 901, configured as a punching cylinder 901, has a tool with preferably vertically arranged blades. The blades are preferably arranged discontinuously and differ depending on the punching job. For example, the blades differ in their penetration depth. In particular, no single surface speed can then be specified for the punching cylinder 901. In this case, an average value is preferably used for calculations. Preferably, the at least one starting diameter must be entered, for example manually, in an interface to a control system before starting the machine.

The at least one counter-pressure cylinder 902 configured as a counter-punching cylinder 902 preferably has a lining or punching pad 906. The punching pad 906 is preferably made of a plastic and/or rubber and has slightly elastic properties. The punching pad 906 is preferably made of a plastic such as polyurethane or the like. The punching pad 906 is preferably, for example, easily depressible and can partially recover. Such a punching pad 906 is typically between 10 mm and 12 mm thick, with between 4 and 8 mm being sandable.

At least one grinding cylinder 911 or grinding roller 911 is arranged or adjustable on the counter-punching cylinder 902. The at least one grinding cylinder 911 has a drive, preferably a direct drive. The grinding cylinder 911 can preferably be adjusted to the counter-punching cylinder 902 by means of actuators.

The processing machine 01 has a plurality of sensors. This allows, for example, the arrival of sheets at specific points on the processing machine 01 to be detected. Furthermore, the sensors can also be designed as cameras and, for example, inspect the processing result. Such an inspection system is preferably designed as a print image inspection system 726 for inspecting a print image. Furthermore, such a sensor can be a register control system 728. The print image inspection system 726 and the register control system 728 are preferably arranged downstream of the application units 600 and preferably inspect the entire print image. Furthermore, the processing machine 01 preferably has a punching image inspection system 916. This is preferably arranged downstream of the punching unit 900. By means of the sensors 726, 728, 916, for example, a sheet 02 can be ejected from the processing machine 01. For this purpose, the processing machine 01 preferably has a sheet diverter 1001 and a discharge pile 1002, also called a discharge delivery 1002. In the event of deviations in the printing and/or punching quality, the sheet diverter 1001 can be controlled by means of the signal from the sensors 726, 728, 916 and the sheets can be deflected in the transport path and thus conveyed to the discharge pile 1002. If, on the other hand, the printing quality and/or punching quality is sufficient, the sheet 02 is preferably deposited on a delivery pile carrier 1003 of the sheet delivery 1000. Furthermore, the sheet processing machine 01 has a plurality of sheet arrival sensors 164; 622; 722; 922. Furthermore, external changes in the printing length and the punching length arise over time. This change can also be detected by the sensors and the cylinders, in particular the forme cylinders 602; 901; 903, then controlled and/or regulated with the signals.

There is a need to exchange the punching cylinders 901; 903 in a punching unit 900 in an improved manner. For this purpose, the punching unit 900 has a device 950 for exchanging the punching cylinders 901; 903. A punching cylinder 901, which is in a punching position 981 during operation, can be exchanged with another punching cylinder 903. The device 950 for exchanging comprises the components of the punching unit 900 that are involved and/or required for changing the cylinders 901; 903. In particular, the changing device 950 has the at least one punching cylinder 901 and the at least one further punching cylinder 903 for changing with the at least one punching cylinder 901. The punching unit 900 preferably has a suction device 966 for sucking away waste parts or dust. The punching unit 900 preferably has a housing 963. The housing 963 of the punching unit 900 preferably has at least a first wall and a second wall, which are arranged in the axial direction upstream and downstream of the transport path of sheet 02. The housing 963 is preferably designed as a frame 963, for example for holding the cylinders 901; 902; 903 of the punching unit 900.

Preferably, the device for changing 950 of the punching cylinders 901; 903 has at least one, preferably several, in particular at least two, guides 958; 959. In particular, a transport system 95 has the guides 958; 959. Preferably, a guide 959 is designed as a preferably predominantly horizontal guide 959, more preferably with at least one horizontal transport element 965. Preferably, a guide 958 is designed as a preferably predominantly vertical guide 958, more preferably with at least one vertical transport element 956; 960. The punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged in the changing device 950 in several positions 981; 982; 985; 986; 987. The at least one guide 958; 959 is designed for positioning the at least one punching cylinder 901 and/or the further punching cylinder 903. In particular, the punching cylinders 901; 903 are moved along the guides 958; 959. One of the punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged and/or is arranged in a punching position 981. During punching, the punching cylinder 901; 903, in particular the respective punching cylinder 901; 903 used, is arranged in the punching position 981. In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged in the punching position 981 above the shaping point 909. During operation of the processing machine 01, the punching knives in the Punching position 981 in contact with the punching pad 906 of the counter-punching cylinder 902. This position 983 of the counter-punching cylinder 902 is referred to as the working position 983 of the counter-punching cylinder 902. Thus, the processing point 909 is preferably formed by the punching cylinder 901; 903 arranged in the punching position 981 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 arranged in the working position 983. The punching position 981 is thus the same position for both punching cylinders 901; 903. In particular, the processing point 909 is thus in an identical position for the at least one punching cylinder 901 and for the further punching cylinder 903. The sheet 02 is preferably processed at the processing point 909 of the punching unit 900 during operation, in particular regardless of which punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged in the punching position 981.

One of the punching cylinders 901; 903, preferably at least the at least one punching cylinder 901, can preferably be arranged and/or is arranged in a change position 982. The at least one punching cylinder 901 or the further punching cylinder 903 can preferably be arranged and/or is arranged in the change position 982. From the punching position 981, the punching cylinder 901 can be transferred to a change position 982. For this purpose, at least one locking mechanism 951 of the punching cylinder 901 is preferably opened. The at least one punching cylinder 901 is ready for removal in the change position 982. In particular, for a cylinder change, the punching cylinder 901 is transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. The further cylinder 903 is preferably transferred from the change position 982 to the punching position 981. From the change position 982, the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be transferred to the punching position 981 and/or is transferred thereto. The change position 982 is preferably spaced apart from the punching position 981, in particular in the vertical direction V, and more preferably arranged below the punching position 981. In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged further away from the shaping point 909 in the change position 982 than in the punching position 981, preferably adjusted in the direction of the previously parked counter-punching cylinder 902, more preferably adjusted downwards.

Preferably, the change position 982 is arranged in the vertical direction V above or preferably below the punching position 981. Preferably, the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901 in the change position 982 is on the same axis in the vertical direction V as the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901 in the punching position 981. The change position 982 is preferably located on a direct guide path between the punching position 981 and a maintenance position 987.

In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is operatively connected to the drive 962. The drive 962 preferably drives the punching cylinder 901; 903 in rotation, in particular in its punching position 981. The drive 962 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 is designed to drive a punching cylinder 901; 903 arranged in the punching position 981. The punching cylinder 901; 903 has a rotation axis 976. The rotation axis of a body is the straight line about which this body can be rotated without changing the view of the body. When rotating about the rotation axis, the individual points of the body move on circles in planes perpendicular to the respective rotation axis. The drive 962 is preferably arranged coaxially to the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 arranged in its punching position 981. The drive 962 is preferably arranged fixed to the frame and/or the housing on the housing 963 of the punching unit 900, preferably by means of a carrier 932. The carrier 932 is preferably a housing carrier and fixed to the frame, i.e., preferably arranged at an unchangeable position of the housing 963. Advantageously, the drive 962 comprises a motor 931, in particular a torque motor 931, with a rotor 994 and a stator 995. The motor 931 is preferably designed as a synchronous motor 931. The rotor 994 preferably has a permanently excited magnetic field. For this purpose, the rotor 994 preferably has at least one permanent magnet. For this purpose, the rotor 994 preferably has at least one winding with at least one, preferably several, permanent magnets. The rotor 994 or rotor of the synchronous motor 931 has poles made of permanent magnets on its circumference (in particular, alternating poles in the circumferential direction). The stator 995 has preferably has windings opposite the permanent magnets for generating magnetic fields using electrical energy. A moving magnetic rotating field is generated in the stator 995. The rotor 994 and the stator 995 are preferably arranged so as to be adjustable relative to one another, preferably axially. This preferred design of the motor 931, in particular with the permanent magnets, achieves a high power density. The use of gear ratios is therefore unnecessary. This eliminates inaccuracies in the drive train and wear on mechanical elements such as the gearbox.

In a preferred embodiment, a coupling 968 couples the punching cylinder 901; 903 to the drive 962, which is preferably designed to drive the punching cylinder 901; 903 in rotation. Through the axial adjustment of the rotor 994, the punching cylinder 901; 903 can and will preferably be completely removed from the coupling 968 and brought back into contact. Furthermore, the lateral register can and will be adjusted through the relative adjustability of the rotor 994 and stator 995. Furthermore, the power of the drive 962 changes due to the relative adjustment. The rotor 994 is axially adjusted or displaced from a coupled position to a decoupled position. Axial preferably means in or against the transverse direction A. The rotor 994 preferably moves between 50 mm and 200 mm, more preferably approximately 160 mm. To adjust the lateral register, the rotor 994 is moved from the coupled position with the punching cylinder 901; 903. Sensors on the processing machine 01 can be used to generate a signal for an actuator 996 via the machine control. Based on this signal, the actuator 996 is adjusted accordingly to correct the lateral register. The actuator 996 preferably moves the punching cylinder 901; 903 for register adjustment, in particular into its punching position 981. The actuator 996 is preferably designed as a pneumatic and/or electric and/or preferably an electromechanical drive. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901, 903 is moved only a few millimeters to centimeters for register adjustment. The drive 962 has at least one guide 969 for this purpose. Particularly preferably, the Drive 962 is designed as a torque motor 931. A rotary encoder preferably monitors the position of the cylinders 901; 903. To remove the punching cylinder 901, the clutch 968 is preferably released. Alternatively, in particular as an alternative to adjusting only part of the drive 962, the entire drive 962 can also be adjusted parallel to the rotational axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903, preferably by means of an actuator 996.

Preferably, only the rotor 994 of the drive 962 is arranged so as to be adjustable and/or adjustable parallel to the rotational axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903, preferably by means of the actuator 996. The rotor 994 is preferably adjustable either with or without the punching cylinder 901; 903.

In particular, the lateral register can and will then be adjusted by the relative displacement of rotor 994 to stator 995. In this case, rotor 994 is adjustable with punching cylinder 901; 903. On the other hand, rotor 994 can and will also be adjusted without punching cylinder 901; 903. This is the case when coupling 968 is released and coupling 968 is pulled off or removed from punching cylinder 901; 903 or when coupling 968 is to be coupled to a new punching cylinder 901; 903. Coupling 968 is preferably removed from a cylinder journal of punching cylinder 901 when changing punching cylinders. This frees punching cylinder 901 for easy, preferably horizontal, removal from its change position 982. After replacing the punching cylinder 901, the new punching cylinder 903 is preferably coupled by axially adjusting the rotor 994. The drive 962 then preferably drives the additional punching cylinder 903, which is arranged in the punching position 981.

The rotor 994 is mounted in the motor 931. The motor 931 preferably has a bearing 930 for support, preferably a bearing 930 designed as a rolling bearing 930, more preferably a bearing 930 designed as a spherical roller bearing 930. This is Preferably, the rotor 994 is adjusted in the axial direction by means of the actuator 996. Furthermore, a plain bearing 999 is preferably used to enable the axial movement of the rotor 994. The plain bearing 999 is preferably arranged on the end face in the direction of the coupling 968.

The centering of the rotor 994 is preferably ensured by a bearing 990 of the punching cylinder 901; 903, in particular in a hub 970 of the punching cylinder 901; 903. By coupling the coupling 968, the drive 962 or the rotor 994 is centered. The bearing 930, preferably designed as a spherical roller bearing 930, enables the centering movement. The drive 962 is thus preferably supported by the bearing 930, preferably designed as a spherical roller bearing 930, and the bearing 990 of the punching cylinder 901; 903.

In a preferred embodiment, the changing device 950 has the coupling 968 for coupling and/or decoupling the punching cylinders 901; 903 to and/or from the drive 962 for driving one of the punching cylinders 901; 903. The actuator 996 is preferably connected to the drive 962. The drive 962 is preferably connected to the punching cylinder 901 via the coupling 968. Preferably, the coupling 968 can or will be opened when changing the punching cylinders 901; 903, thus decoupled the punching cylinder 901 from its drive 962. Preferably, the coupling 968 is arranged between the drive 962 or the motor 931 and the punching cylinder 901; 903. In particular, the coupling 968 couples the punching cylinder 901; 903 arranged in the punching position 981. 903 to the drive 962 or its motor 931. In the engaged state, the coupling 968 is preferably movable in the axial direction with the punching cylinder 901; 903. For example, the coupling 968 is moved with the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the axial direction A during register adjustment.

In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling 968 has a clamping bush 973 with pre-tensioned clamping elements. Such clamping elements can, for example, Star disks. The clutch 968 is preferably designed to be detachable using a pressure medium, for example by means of a hydraulic or hydraulic system. For this purpose, the pressure medium can preferably be fed to the clutch 968 through the axis of the rotor 994. The rotor 994 preferably has a central bore 998 through which the pressure medium reaches the clutch 968. The bore 998 preferably extends through the entire rotor 994. The supply of pressure medium can thus be fed or conveyed to the clutch 968 in a simple manner, for example via a rotary inlet 997 through the axis or the bore 998.

Alternatively, the clutch 968 can also be a clutch 968 that can be switched in another way. For example, the clutch 968 can be designed as a cone, disc, electromagnetic, or fluid clutch. In a first embodiment, the punching cylinder 901 remains in position or does not change its position when transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982.

Preferably, the at least one actuator 996 can adjust the drive 962 or a part thereof, preferably the rotor 994, in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 and/or is arranged to be adjustable. Preferably, the actuator 996 is operatively connected to the rotor 994 and can adjust it in the axial direction relative to the stator 995. Preferably, the rotor 994 is adjustable by at least 100 mm, more preferably by 160 mm in the axial direction. The actuator 996 is preferably designed to adjust the drive 962, preferably a part of the drive 962, more preferably the rotor 994, in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903, preferably in the axial direction relative to the stator 995.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive 961 of the counter-punching cylinder 902 also has a synchronous motor, preferably one excited by a permanent magnet. A gear can then also be used for the counter-punching cylinder 902. be waived.

The changing device 950 preferably has a locking mechanism 951 for fixing the punching cylinder 901 or the further punching cylinder 903, in particular depending on which of the cylinders 901; 903 is to be used, in the punching position 981 and/or for releasing it from the punching position 981. The at least one punching cylinder 901 or the further punching cylinder 903 can be arranged and/or is arranged in the changing position 982 when the locking mechanism 951 is released. The at least one punching cylinder 901 or the further punching cylinder 903 can be arranged and/or is arranged in the punching position 981 when the locking mechanism 951 is fixed. The punching cylinder 901; 903 is preferably transferred exclusively by releasing the locking device 951 from its punching position 981 to its change position 982 and/or preferably transferred exclusively by fixing the locking device 951 from the change position 982 to the punching position 981. If a change of the at least one punching cylinder 901 with the further punching cylinder 903 has taken place, the release and fixing by means of the locking device 951 applies analogously to the further punching cylinder 903. The locking device 951 is thus preferably designed to fix the punching cylinder 901; 903 which is to be arranged in the punching position 981 at the respective time.

In a first embodiment, the punching cylinder 901 remains in position when transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982, or does not change its position, or changes its position only slightly. A slight change in position here describes, for example, a change in the position of the rotation axis 976 relative between the positions by a maximum of 1 cm, preferably by a maximum of 5 mm, more preferably by a maximum of 1 mm, more preferably by a maximum of 0.5 mm, more preferably by a maximum of 0.05 mm. The change position 982 is characterized in this case by only the locking device 951 being opened or loosened. In this case, the punching cylinder 901 is preferably transferred from its punching position 981 to its change position 982 exclusively by releasing the locking device 951.

In a further embodiment, the position of the punching cylinder 901 changes upon transfer from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. This is particularly the case when the locking mechanism 951 presses the punching cylinder 901 or the further punching cylinder 903 into one position and is then released. Particularly preferably, the locking mechanism 951 is arranged so as to fix, in particular press, the punching cylinder 901; 903 from the opposite side, in particular from below, against the frame 963 and/or a frame-fixed element 963 and/or the housing 963. Particularly preferably, the locking mechanism 951 is arranged so as to fix and/or press the punching cylinder 901; 903 from below against a contact surface, preferably in the form of a half-shell, in a wall of the housing 963, in particular the housing wall 963, or into the frame 963. The contact surface is preferably adapted to the shape of the punching cylinder 901 and/or at least to a guide element 971 on the cylinder journal. In particular, the contact surface is adapted to the shape of the punching cylinder 901, which the punching cylinder 901 has in the region in which it comes into direct contact with the contact surface. Such a guide element 971 is preferably a groove 971 on a hub 970, which is placed on the cylinder journal. Each punching cylinder 901; 903 preferably has at least one guide element 971 or a guide element 971 designed as a groove 971 for securely guiding the punching cylinders 901; 903 in the guides 958; 959. The hub 970 preferably has the contact surface for locking the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the punching position 981. In the embodiment with the locking mechanism 951 from below, the punching cylinder 901 falls or moves downward in the vertical direction V when transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. In particular, the punching cylinder 901, in particular its groove 971, then lies in a guide 959 in the change position 982, preferably in a predominantly horizontal guide 959. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 then moves only a few centimeters. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 moves less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm.

At least in the embodiment with the locking mechanism 951 from below and the position change during transfer to the change position 982, the counter-punching cylinder 902 has its working position 983 and a parked position 984. Further preferably, the counter-punching cylinder 902 has an actuator, at least in the embodiment with the locking mechanism 951 from below and the position change during transfer to the change position 982. By means of the actuator, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is arranged so that it can be transferred from the working position 983 to the parked position 984. The working position 983 is in particular the position of the counter-punching cylinder 902 in which the punching cylinder 901; 903 arranged in the punching position 981 is preferably in direct contact with the counter-punching cylinder 902. In a preferred embodiment, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is arranged in the working position 983 in the vertical direction V below the punching position 981 of the punching cylinder 901; 903. The parked position 984 is a position in which the counter-punching cylinder 902 is brought out of contact with the punching cylinder 901; 903. In a preferred embodiment, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is arranged in the parked position 984 in the vertical direction V below the punching position 981 of the punching cylinder 901; 903.

The locking device 951 is preferably operatively connected to a drive 952. In a preferred embodiment, the drive 952 of the locking device 951 is designed as a hydraulic drive 952. The drive 952 preferably actuates the locking device 951. The drive 952 preferably actuates the locking device 951 to fix and/or release the punching cylinder 901; 903. By means of the locking device 951 driven by the drive 952, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is preferably released from its punching position 981 or fixed in its punching position 981. Thus, the drive 952 preferably fixes and/or releases the locking device 951. The drive 952 presses or pulls a holding element via a lever, preferably from below, against the contact surface, in particular against the hub 970 or its groove 971, of the punching cylinder 901; 903. In a preferred embodiment, the drive 952 pulls the locking device 951 from bottom to top and thus clamps the respective Punching cylinder 901; 903 in punching position 981. The punching cylinder 901; 903 lifts up and is pressed from below against the housing wall 963 and/or the frame 963. The housing 963 is preferably designed as a frame 963. The housing 963 preferably has at least one element 963 fixed to the frame, for example its wall. The locking mechanism 951 is arranged to fix, preferably press, the punching cylinder 901; 903, preferably from below, against the frame 963 and/or the element 963 fixed to the frame and/or the housing 963. The locking mechanism 951 can then be released again by the drive 952. By releasing the locking mechanism 951, the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. In particular, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982 by releasing the locking device 951.

In this preferred embodiment described here, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is locked from below. However, locking from the side or from above is also possible. The locking mechanism 951 particularly preferably acts pointing away from the shaping point 909 or processing point 909, in particular vertically. In a rotated punching unit, i.e. when the counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably arranged above the punching cylinder 901; 903 to form the processing point 909, locking from above is advantageous, for example. The locking mechanism 951 is arranged to fix the punching cylinder 901; 903 preferably in the punching position 981, preferably by means of the locking mechanism 951, pointing away from the shaping point 909 against the wall of the frame 963, in particular the frame wall, and/or the wall of the housing 963, in particular the housing wall 963. In particular, the locking mechanism 951 acts on the punching cylinder 901; 903 or on the further punching cylinder 903 from a side of the punching cylinder 901; 903 opposite the contact surface of the frame 963. Preferably, the housing 963 is in contact with the punching cylinder 901; 903 only from the side of the punching cylinder 901; 903 opposite the locking mechanism 951, preferably from above. The housing 963 has a coordinated contact surface, preferably in the form of a half-shell, for receiving the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the punching position 981. With The coordinated shape preferably means a contact surface with a similar curvature to the corresponding contact surface of the punching cylinder 901; 903, in particular of the hub 970. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901; 903 has a contact surface for clamping. The locking device 951 has a further coordinated contact surface, in particular a contact surface coordinated with the punching cylinder 901; 903. Preferably, the contact surface of the locking device 951 is also coordinated with the shape of the punching cylinder 901; 903, or the shape of the hub 970. For a good clamping effect, the contact surface of the locking device 951 is then arranged opposite the contact surface of the housing 963 or the frame 963. In particular, the contact surface of the housing 963 and the contact surface of the locking device 951 hold the punching cylinder 901; 903 from opposite sides. Alternatively, the two contact surfaces can also be arranged diagonally opposite each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901 or the further punching cylinder 903 is arranged in the change position 982. In this change position 982, the respective punching cylinder 901; 903 is preferably arranged at the end of the horizontal guide 959. The horizontal guide 959 preferably has a half-shell at the end. The punching cylinder 901; 903 rests in this half-shell. For example, the horizontal guide 959 has a half-shell shape, or half-shell for short, at one end of its guide path to define the change position 982. In particular, when the punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged in the change position 982, the punching cylinder 901; 903 rests in the half-shell of the horizontal guide 959. Furthermore, a further recess, preferably in the form of a half-shell, is preferably arranged above, preferably a further recess for holding the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the punching position 981. The punching cylinder 901; 903 is now pressed into this position. To do so, the locking device 951 preferably lifts the punching cylinder 901; 903 from below and presses the punching cylinder 901; 903 into the recess above. The recess is designed such that the punching cylinder 901; 903 is then held in position. This position is preferably the punching position 981. The contact surface of the locking device 951 The punching cylinder 901; 903 is then also held in position by the coordinated shape, preferably the half-shell shape. Preferably, the respective punching cylinder 901; 903 is then held in the punching position 981 by the locking device 951, in particular its contact surface, and/or by the recess in the frame 963 and/or housing 963 and/or the recess at the end of the horizontal guide 959, preferably linear guide 959. The recesses are preferably designed such that they have a shape coordinated with the contact surface of the hub 970. In particular, this design enables a secure fixing of the punching cylinder 901; 903.

In a further preferred embodiment, the position of the punching cylinder 901 changes when transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. The punching cylinder 901 preferably moves only a few centimeters. The punching cylinder preferably moves less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm. Thus, the distance between the change position 982 and the punching position 981 is preferably less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm. Thus, the rotation axes 976 of the punching cylinders in the change position 982 to the punching position 981 are preferably spaced from one another by less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm. In a preferred embodiment, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is adjustable predominantly in the vertical direction V. The parked position 984 is a position in which the counter-punching cylinder 902 is brought out of contact with the punching cylinder 901. The counter-punching cylinder 902 thus remains essentially at its working position 983. Preferably, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is only moved so far that the counter-punching cylinder 902 is out of contact even when the punching cylinder 901 is arranged in the change position 982. Preferably, an actuator moves the counter-punching cylinder 902 only between 15 cm and 30 cm. Preferably, the actuator has a stroke of a maximum of 50 cm, more preferably a maximum of 30 cm. The actuator of the counter-punching cylinder 902 preferably comprises a cylinder 953, preferably designed as a linear guide 953, which, for example, has a holding element, preferably designed as a partial frame 954. The holding element 954 preferably carries a bearing of the counter-punching cylinder 902. Thus, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably moved by the actuator by means of the cylinder 953 and by means of the holding element 954 from its working position 983 to its parked position 984 and/or vice versa. Preferably, cylinders 953 and holding elements 954 are arranged in the axial direction upstream and downstream of the processing point 909.

The punching cylinder 901 and/or the at least one further punching cylinder 903 preferably has at least one bearing 990 at each of its axial ends, preferably on the cylinder journal. The at least one punching cylinder 901; 903 preferably has at least one bearing 990 at each of its axial ends. The bearing 990 is preferably arranged on the punching cylinder 901; 903 in such a way that it moves with the punching cylinder 901; 903. Thus, the bearing 990 is preferably arranged on the punching cylinder 901; 903 in such a way that it moves with the punching cylinder 901; 903 when the punching cylinders 901; 903 are changed. The position of the bearing 990 differs in the change position 982 from the position in the punching position 981. Preferably, a bearing 990 is arranged at each axial end of the punching cylinder 901; 903 a bearing 990 is arranged. In particular, each punching cylinder 901; 903 has a hub 970 at its ends in the axial direction A.

The punching cylinder 901 and/or the at least one further punching cylinder 903 preferably has at least one hub 970 on at least one of the cylinder journals. The hub 970 is preferably designed such that it limits the movement of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the axial direction in the guides 958; 959. For this purpose, the hub 970 has two shoulders that form a groove 971. Thus, the hub 970 preferably has the groove 971. The hub 970 has a surface that can be firmly connected to the frame 963 and/or a wall of the housing 963, in particular the housing wall 963, by the locking device 951. The locking device 951 preferably has a half-shell shape, which rests on the contact surface of the hub 970, in particular the groove 971. In addition, the wall of the housing 963, in particular the housing wall 963, preferably also has a matched half-shell for receiving the contact surface of the hub 970, for example the groove 971. Thus, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is fixed in the punching position 981 in the vertical and horizontal directions by means of the locking mechanism 951. In the axial direction, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is preferably fixed by the elevation of the hub 970. These accordingly also act as guide elements in the guides 958; 959. The hub 970 preferably has at least one bearing 990. More preferably, the bearing 990 is arranged in the hub 970. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 951 is briefly opened, for example, to adjust the lateral register, which is adjusted by means of the actuator 996.

The changing device 950 preferably has a transport system 955 for moving the punching cylinders 901; 903. This preferably comprises transport elements 956; 960; 965, which receive the punching cylinders 901; 903 and transport them along the guide paths, i.e., in particular, along the at least predominantly horizontal guide 959 and/or along the at least predominantly vertical guide 958, and/or to the different positions. Thus, the transport system 955 preferably comprises the at least one guide 958; 959.

A further position that the punching cylinder 901 and/or the at least one further punching cylinder 903 can assume is the extended position 985. One of the punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged and/or is arranged in the extended position 985. Preferably, the extended position 985 is arranged on the vertical guide 958. The extended position 985 is preferably spaced from the punching position 981, preferably in or opposite to the transport direction T. The at least one punching cylinder 901 and/or the at least one further punching cylinder 903 can be transferred from the exchange position 982 into an extended position 985 and/or vice versa. In particular, for exchanging the at least one punching cylinder 901, the at least one punching cylinder 901 can be transferred from the change position 982 into the extended position 985 and/or is transferred into the extended position 985. The change position 982 is thus preferably arranged along the guide path between the punching position 981 and the extended position 985. For this purpose, the at least one punching cylinder 901 is preferably removed from the change position 982 and guided along a guide 959, preferably in the predominantly horizontal guide 959. The punching cylinder 901 can preferably be removed predominantly horizontally from the change position 982 and transferred into the extended position 985. Predominantly horizontal here means in particular a direction with a predominantly horizontal component. This formulation also includes inclined guides. The punching cylinder 901; 903 can be transferred on the guide 959 designed as a linear guide 959 from the change position 982 into the extended position 985 and/or vice versa.

The changing device 950 preferably has at least one transport element 965 for transferring the punching cylinder 901; 903 from the changing position 982 to the extended position 985 and/or vice versa. This further preferably has a half-shell for holding the punching cylinder 901; 903. The half-shell is preferably designed as a contact surface to the punching cylinder 901; 903. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal transport element 965 is designed as a shell 965. The predominantly horizontal guide 959 is preferably realized by means of the at least one transport element 965. For example, the at least one transport element 965 of the preferably predominantly horizontal guide 959 is designed as a carriage, preferably as a carriage with holding arms. Further preferably, the at least one transport element 965 of the preferably predominantly horizontal guide 959 has at least one shell-shaped region on which the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be arranged. Preferably, a transport element 965 is arranged on each side of the housing 963.

The transport element 965 is preferably movable on at least one guide rail 967, preferably horizontally. However, the transport element 965 can also follow curved guide paths. Preferably, the at least one guide rail 967 defines the guide path of the preferably predominantly horizontal guide 959. In a preferred embodiment, the preferably predominantly horizontal guide 959 has the at least one transport element 965 and the at least one guide rail 967 and at least one drive for moving the transport element 965 along the at least one guide rail 967. By moving the transport element 965, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is moved along the guide 959, preferably predominantly horizontally, more preferably completely horizontally. The predominantly horizontal guide 959 preferably defines the guide path of the punching cylinder 901; 903 from the change position 982 to the extension position 985 and vice versa.

Before releasing the locking device 951, the at least one transport element 965 is preferably arranged under the punching cylinder 901, which is preferably arranged in the punching position 981. The transport element 965 preferably has a coordinated shape, in particular coordinated with the at least one punching cylinder 901; 903, and thus holds it on the transport element 965. For this purpose, the transport element 965 receives the punching cylinder 901 in the change position 982 and is guided on the guide rail 967 by means of the drive. Preferably, a distance between the punching position 981 and the change position 982 is smaller than a distance between the punching position 981 and the extended position 985. In the foregoing and in the following, a distance between two reference points from one another designates the length of the shortest connection between the respective reference points.

Preferably, the extended position 985 is the position at which a change of direction of the punching cylinder 901; 903 takes place. In particular, in the extended position 985, a change of direction of the guide path takes place between the change position 982 and the Maintenance position 987 takes place. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901, in particular the punching cylinder 901 to be replaced, is transferred at the extension position 985 from the transport element 965 of the horizontal guide 959 to a transport element 956 of the vertical guide 958. Preferably, the punching cylinder 903, in particular the punching cylinder 903 to be replaced, is transferred at the extension position 985 from the transport element 956 of the vertical guide 958 to the transport element 965 of the horizontal guide 959. This means that the extension position 985 is preferably a position at which the guide paths of the vertical guide 958 and the horizontal guide 959 intersect. For this purpose, the two transport elements 956; 965 are arranged in different positions or offset from one another in the axial direction, i.e. across the machine width, and can engage with one another and take over the punching cylinder 901; 903. From there, the punching cylinder 901, in particular the punching cylinder 901 to be replaced, can then be adjusted in the vertical direction V, in particular by means of the vertical guide 958.

Furthermore, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged and/or is arranged in a maintenance position 987 for setup and/or maintenance. In this maintenance position 987, the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be serviced and, for example, prepared for a new punching job. For example, a punching tool can be exchanged for a new one. For example, the punching tools consist of half-shells 964 with punching tools arranged thereon, such as punching knives. Preferably, at least one punching die 964, which is preferably designed as a half-shell 964, is fastened to the punching cylinder 901; 903. The maintenance position 987 is preferably arranged in a vertical direction V below the punching position 981 and/or the change position 982. More preferably, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is then at a height that is comfortable for an operator. This has the advantage that the punching cylinder 901; 903 can be prepared for the next punching job in a position that is at an easily accessible height for an operator. The punching cylinder 901; 903 is also away from any interfering elements and can thus be easily reached from the surrounding sides. Preferably, the maintenance position 987 is arranged on the vertical guide 958.

A further position in which the punching cylinders 901; 903 can be arranged is a waiting position 986. One of the punching cylinders 901; 903 can preferably be arranged in the waiting position 986 for guiding the two punching cylinders 901; 903 past one another and/or can be arranged therein and/or is arranged therein and/or is arranged therein. The waiting position 986 serves for guiding two cylinders 901; 903 past one another and lies at least outside a guide path of a punching cylinder 901. The guide path is the direct transport path between the change position 982 and the maintenance position 987. In particular, the waiting position 986 is a position outside the direct guide path between the punching position 981 and the maintenance position 987. This guide path is preferably defined by the guides 958; 959. This allows a punching cylinder 901 and another punching cylinder 903 to be guided past each other in the guides 958; 959. Thus, a punching cylinder 901 can be swapped with another punching cylinder 903 in the punching position 981. The process can also run in the reverse order. For this purpose, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is arranged in the waiting position 986, and the other punching cylinder 901; 903 can then be guided past it. Preferably, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is arranged in the waiting position 986, while the other of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is guided past it.

In a preferred embodiment, the waiting position 986 is arranged at a similar height or above the change position 982 and/or the punching position 981. The waiting position 986 is preferably located in the vertical direction V above the change position 982. Additionally or alternatively, the waiting position 986 is located in the vertical direction V above the punching position 981. More preferably, the waiting position 986 is spaced above the punching position 981 and/or the change position 982 in the vertical direction V. More preferably, the waiting position 986 is arranged above the extended position 985. By similar height, in particular, is meant a position in the vertical direction V that is essentially at the same position in the vertical direction V. This means, in particular, that the waiting position 986 is arranged a maximum of only 100%, more preferably a maximum of 50% or 20%, lower than a diameter D901 of the punching cylinder 901. In particular, the waiting position 986 is located in the vertical direction V at most only 100% lower than the diameter D901 of the punching cylinder 901 in the change position 982 and/or punching position 981. The diameter D901 is preferably the distance from the furthest extents, including any knife lengths, of the punching cylinder 901. The waiting position 986 is thus preferably spaced apart in the transport direction T from the punching position 981 and/or the change position 982, preferably in front of it in the transport direction T. In order to save space, the at least one punching cylinder 901; 903 of the punching cylinders 901; 903 in the waiting position 986 is preferably above the other punching cylinder 901; 903 of the punching cylinders 901; 903, however, the waiting position 986 is only so far above that it is outside the guide path and the other punching cylinder 901; 903 can be guided past it.

In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901, in particular the punching cylinder 901 to be removed, is removed from the change position 982 along a removal direction E and guided to the extension position 985. Furthermore, the waiting position 986 is arranged within or even more preferably above two enveloping tangents 974; 975 of the punching cylinder 901. This preferably means that the waiting position 986 is arranged within or even more preferably above the enveloping surface of the tangents 974; 975. An upper tangent 974 preferably lies against the punching cylinder 901 in the change position 982, and a lower tangent 975 lies against the opposite edge. This upper tangent 974 and lower tangent 975 preferably lie against the opposite points of the outer edges of the punching cylinder 901 and are preferably parallel to the Removal direction E from the change position 982 is arranged. The removal direction E is preferably determined by the guide 959, preferably horizontal guide 959. In a preferred embodiment, the removal direction E is oriented horizontally. However, in the case of an inclined or curved guide 959, the removal direction E can also be inclined relative to the horizontal. Preferably, the removal direction E runs through the change position 982 and the extension position 985 or is defined by these two positions. This means that the removal direction E preferably points from the change position 982 to the extension position 985. In particular with curved guides 959, in particular curved horizontal guides 959, the removal direction E can be determined in this way. The removal direction E preferably has at least one component which is oriented in or opposite to the transport direction T; more preferably, the removal direction E is directed in or opposite to the transport direction T. Preferably, the waiting position 986, in particular its center point, is located within or above the tangent, in particular the two enveloping tangents 974; 975, and preferably spaced apart so that the cylinder 901 to be removed and the new cylinder 903 do not interfere with each other. The position of the positions preferably refers to the position of the axis of a cylinder, in particular a punching cylinder 901; 903, that would be located at this position. Preferably, the waiting position 986 is arranged at a distance from the punching position 981 and/or from the change position 982 in or opposite to the transport direction T.

Preferably, the changing device 950 has the two guides 958; 959. Preferably, the two guides 958; 959 of the changing device 950 are designed as linear guides 958; 959. Preferably, one guide 959 of the guides 958; 959 is designed as the predominantly, more preferably completely, horizontal guide 959, in particular linear guide 959. The other guide 958 of the guides 958; 959 is preferably designed as the predominantly, more preferably completely, vertical guide 958, in particular linear guide 958. Preferably, with predominantly a larger directional component in the respective horizontal or vertical direction. In another embodiment, the guides 958; 959 can also be curved. If reference is made above and below to a horizontal guide 959, this formulation preferably also includes the predominantly horizontal guide 959, i.e. a curved guide 959 with a larger directional component in the horizontal direction. If reference is made above and below to a vertical guide 958, this formulation preferably also includes the predominantly vertical guide 958, i.e. a curved guide 958 with a larger directional component in the vertical direction. In particular, the punching cylinders 901; 903 are guided along the guides 958; 959. Thus, the punching cylinders 901; 903 along the predominantly horizontal guide 959 preferably in an at least predominantly horizontal direction, preferably in a larger horizontal component, more preferably in or opposite to the transport direction T. Thus, the punching cylinders 901; 903 are moved along the predominantly vertical guide 958 preferably in a direction with a larger vertical component, preferably in or opposite to the vertical direction V.

The transport system 955 preferably has at least one transport element 965 for predominantly horizontal movement of the punching cylinders 901; 903 and preferably at least one transport element 956; 960 for predominantly vertical movement of the punching cylinders 901; 903. These transport elements 965; 956; 960 are designed, for example, as carriages with holding arms. More preferably, they have a half-shell for holding the punching cylinder 901; 903. The half-shell is preferably designed as a contact surface for the punching cylinder 901; 903. A respective transport element 956; 960; 965 is preferably arranged on each side of the housing 963.

Preferably, the waiting position 986 is arranged on the vertical guide 958. Then, the predominantly vertical guide 958 has either two transport elements 956; 960 or two transport elements 956; 960 on a common transport device 972. In a particularly simple structural embodiment, the two transport elements 956; 960 of the predominantly vertical guide 958 are arranged together on a common transport device 972, in particular a carrier 972 and/or carriage 972. Then, by moving the transport device 972, both punching cylinders 901; 903 can be moved in a predominantly, more preferably completely, vertical direction V. Preferably, the vertical guide 958 has two transport elements 956; 960, in particular a first vertical transport element 956 and a second vertical transport element 960. The first and the second transport element 956; 960 are preferably movable with a common transport device 972 on a preferably predominantly, more preferably completely, vertical guide rail 957. The first and the second transport element 956; 960 are preferably moved by the common transport device 972 on the preferably predominantly, more preferably completely, vertical guide rail 957. Preferably, the common transport device 972 has the first transport element 956 below the second transport element 960.

The at least one transport element 956; 960 of the vertical guide 958 is preferably movable on at least one guide rail 957, preferably vertically. However, the at least one transport element 956; 960 can also follow curved guide paths. Preferably, the at least one guide rail 957 defines the guide path of the preferably predominantly vertical guide 958. In a preferred embodiment, the preferably predominantly vertical guide 958 has the at least one transport element 956; 960 and the at least one guide rail 957 and at least one drive 933 for moving the at least one transport element 956; 960 along the at least one guide rail 957. By moving the at least one transport element 956; 960, the punching cylinder 901; 903 is moved along the guide 958, preferably predominantly vertically, more preferably completely vertically. The predominantly vertical guide 958 preferably defines the guide path of the Punching cylinder 901; 903 from the extended position 985 to the maintenance position 987 and vice versa and/or from the waiting position 986 to the extended position 985 and vice versa and/or from the waiting position 986 to the maintenance position 987 and vice versa.

Furthermore, the punching cylinders 901, 903 can and/or are arranged in intermediate positions, at least temporarily, during the changeover. This is due, for example, to the fact that the transport elements 956; 960; 965 retract beneath the cylinders 901; 903 for transfer, whereby these can be slightly raised. Furthermore, the punching cylinder 901, 903 arranged in the maintenance position 987 can, in principle, be placed on the upper or lower transport element 956; 960 of the vertical transport elements 956; 960. This is then moved to the appropriate height for maintenance.

The at least one punching cylinder 901 and the at least one further punching cylinder 903 have a rotation axis 976. The individual positions can be described geometrically via connecting lines 977; 978; 979 of the rotation axes 976. The rotation axes 976 run axially through the punching cylinders 901; 903. They can also be referred to as a central axis. In particular, these connecting lines 977; 978; 979 are the shortest connections between the rotation axes 976 of the punching cylinders 901; 903 when these are at the individual positions. A shortest connecting line 977 between the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the punching position 981 and the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the extended position 985 is inclined less than α = 30 °, more preferably less than α = 15 °, to a horizontal plane 988. Inclined means an inclination between an angle α, also called inclination angle α, and a horizontal plane 988. This also applies to the change position 982. This differs little from the punching position 981, preferably only by the release or locking of the locking device 951. Here, too, a shortest connecting line 979 between the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the change position 982 and the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the extended position 985 is inclined by less than 30° to a horizontal plane 988. The horizontal plane 988 preferably runs parallel to a floor.

Furthermore, the waiting position 986 and the maintenance position 987 are preferably arranged on the vertical guide 958. Further preferably, the waiting position 986, the maintenance position 987, and the extended position 985 are preferably arranged on the vertical guide 958. This means that the positions are aligned with one another relative to a vertical line 989 and are preferably offset in the vertical direction V, further preferably one above the other. The vertical line 989 is preferably parallel to the vertical direction V. The vertical line 989 preferably runs through the centers of the cylinders 901; 903 in the maintenance position 987, the extended position 985, and the waiting position 986. The three positions are preferably arranged directly one above the other. The maintenance position 987 is preferably arranged below the extended position 985. The waiting position 986 is preferably arranged above the extended position 985, and the maintenance position 987 is arranged below the extended position 985. However, in another embodiment, the waiting position 986 can also be located next to one of the other positions. In principle, it is only important that the waiting position 986 lies outside the direct guide path between the maintenance position 987 and the punching position 981. However, the waiting position 986 is preferably above, as this enables a particularly preferred and simple structural design of the changing device 950. Preferably, a shortest connecting line 978 between the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the extended position 985 and the waiting position 986 is inclined by less than 30°, more preferably less than 15°, to the vertical 989 and/or vertical direction V. A shortest connecting line 980 between the rotation axis 976 of the punching cylinder 901; 903 in the extended position 985 and the maintenance position 987 is less than 30 ° to the Vertical 989 and/or vertical direction V. Preferably, the maintenance position 987 is arranged below in the vertical direction V and at a distance from the changing position 982. Preferably, the maintenance position 987 is arranged below in the vertical direction V and at a distance from the punching position 981. Preferably, the maintenance position 987 is arranged in or opposite to the transport direction T and at a distance from the changing position 982 and/or from the punching position 981.

The punching unit 900 with the changing device 950 is advantageously arranged inline in a processing machine 01, preferably designed as a sheet processing machine 01, with application units 600. These units 600 also have, for example, devices for simplified changing of the cylinders 602; 603; 608 of the application units 614. Thus, an inline, fully automatic punching die changer can contribute to a significantly more efficient overall machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing machine 01 has more application units 600 than are required in a normal job. This means that the processing machine 01 has at least two application units 600, wherein one of the application units 600 can be used at least as a redundant application unit 600. In multi-color printing, four application units 600 are usually used. These four application units 600 are preferably printing units 600. In addition, further units 600 designed as varnish application units 600 can also be present. More preferably, the processing machine 01 has four further application units 600 for multi-color printing. These four application units 600 can usually be serviced and/or set up while the other units 600 are in operation. These four further application units 600 can be used at least as redundant application units 600. Alternatively, these additional application units 600 can also be used for special print jobs. For example, special inks and/or varnishes can be applied with the additional application units 600. be applied.

The punching cylinder 901 is changed using the changing device 950 using the method described below. During operation of the processing machine 01, the punching cylinder 901 and the counter-punching cylinder 902 are arranged in the punching position 981 and the working position 983, respectively. From time to time, the punching cylinder 901 must be changed or replaced. In particular, the punching cylinder 901 is replaced with the additional punching cylinder 903.

In a preferably first step, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably decoupled from the punching cylinder 901 and transferred from its working position 983 to its decoupled position 984. For this purpose, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably adjusted predominantly in the vertical direction V, preferably downward. During the change, the counter-punching cylinder 902 preferably remains in this position, i.e., preferably in the decoupled position 984, and does not need to be moved.

The punching cylinder 901 is moved from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. Preferably, in a further step, in particular after the counter-punching cylinder 902 has been deactivated, the punching cylinder 901 is moved from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. In a preferred embodiment, the punching position 981 and the change position 982 are different positions. For the transfer, the locking device 951 is released. In a preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901 is decoupled from the drive 962 by the coupling 968 before being transferred from the punching position 981 to the change position 982. The punching cylinder 901 is pressed in the punching position 981 by means of the locking device 951, pointing away from the shaping point 909, against a wall of the frame 963, in particular the frame wall, and/or the wall of the housing 963, in particular the housing wall 963. In the preferred embodiment, the punching cylinder 901 is arranged above the shaping point 909. Therefore, the locking device 951 presses the punching cylinder 901 from below against the Frame 963 and/or the wall of the housing 963. In this case, the locking device 951 lifts the cylinder 901; 903 and presses it against a matching contact surface, preferably a half-shell. By releasing the locking device 951, the pressure against the punching cylinder 901 is preferably eliminated, whereby the latter is transferred to the change position 982. In particular, the locking device 951 is released for changing and the punching cylinder 901 is released from the punching position 981 into the change position 982. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one punching cylinder 901 is moved away from the shaping point 909 during the transfer from the punching position 981 to the change position 982, preferably in the direction of the previously parked counter-punching cylinder 902, more preferably downwards. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 is carried in the change position 982 by the transport element 965 of the preferably horizontal guide 959.

The additional punching cylinder 903, which is to be replaced with the current punching cylinder 901, is located in maintenance position 987. The additional punching cylinder 903 is preferably pre-equipped while the at least one punching cylinder 901 is in punching position 981 and processing the substrate 02. Preferably, the punching cylinder 903 can be or is prepared for the next punching job in maintenance position 987, for example in a simple manner. For this purpose, a half-shell 964 with the punching knives is preferably replaced. The additional punching cylinder 903 has already been prepared, for example, during operation of the processing machine 01 with the at least one punching cylinder 901, i.e. preferably before the start of the punching cylinder change.

The two punching cylinders 901; 903 are now preferably guided past each other in the guides 958; 959. For this purpose, one of the punching cylinders 901; 903 is temporarily stored and/or temporarily stored in the waiting position 986. Either the punching cylinder 901 is guided from the change position 982 and/or the punching position 981 to the waiting position 986 or the other punching cylinder 903 is guided from the maintenance position 987 to the waiting position 986. Only one of the cylinders 901; 903 must be removed from the guide path and is therefore temporarily stored in the waiting position 986 for the cylinders 901; 903 to pass each other.

In the embodiment with the further punching cylinder 903 in the waiting position 986, the adjustment preferably takes place according to the following steps. The further punching cylinder 903 is moved from the maintenance position 987 into the waiting position 986. This is preferably done by the predominantly vertical adjustment of the further punching cylinder 903, preferably along the predominantly vertical guide 958. In particular, for this purpose, a transport element 960 of the preferably two vertical transport elements 956; 960 is moved in the vertical direction V with the cylinder 903 on the guide rail 957 and thus transports the further punching cylinder 903 to the waiting position 986. The transport element 956, preferably the other of the preferably two vertical transport elements 956; 960, is preferably positioned at the extended position 985 and waits for the punching cylinder 901 to be taken over. The two vertical transport elements 956; 960 together in the vertical direction V. At least in the preferred embodiment in which the waiting position 986 is arranged above the change position 982 and/or above the punching position 981 and/or above the other cylinder 901, the further punching cylinder 903 is preferably transported by the vertical transport element 960, which is arranged higher than the other vertical transport element 956 in the common transport device 972. The punching cylinder 901 to be removed is preferably guided from the change position 982 and/or from the punching position 981, preferably on the horizontal guide 959, into the extended position 985. In the embodiment with the further punching cylinder 903 in the waiting position 986, this preferably takes place after the further punching cylinder 903 has been transferred to the waiting position 986. Preferably, after the counter-punching cylinder 902 has been parked and the locking device 951 has been released, the punching cylinder 901 is guided from the change position 982 and/or the punching position 981, preferably on the guide 959, into the extended position 985. For this purpose, in particular for guidance into the extended position 985, the punching cylinder 901 preferably lies on the provided contact surfaces of the transport element 965, in particular the horizontal transport element 965. This is guided with the punching cylinder 901 on a guide rail 967 and stopped in the extended position 985. Preferably, the horizontal transport element 965 transports the punching cylinder 901 from the change position 982 to the extended position 985. The punching cylinder 901 is preferably adjusted in an extension step from the punching position 981 or change position 982 to the extended position 985. The punching cylinder 901 is preferably adjusted in the extension step from the punching position 981 to the change position 982 and from the change position 982 to the extended position 985. The punching cylinder 901 is preferably adjusted predominantly horizontally from the punching position 981 and/or from the change position to the extended position 985. The punching cylinders 901; 903 are thus preferably moved from the punching position 981 via the change position 982 into the extended position 985 and/or vice versa. In the extended position 985, the punching cylinder 901 is transferred to the transport element 956 of the preferably vertical guide 958. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 to be removed is transferred to the vertical transport element 956 on which the further punching cylinder 903 is not arranged, i.e. which is free of the further punching cylinder 903. For example, the transport element 956 of the preferably vertical guide 958 moves from below to the punching cylinder 901 and takes over the punching cylinder 901, preferably by the transport element 956 of the preferably vertical guide 958 slightly lifting the cylinder 901 so that the transport element 965 of the predominantly horizontal guide 959 can be moved out. There may be some intermediate positions for this purpose, which are determined by the design and are required to transfer the cylinders 901; 903 from one transport element 956; 960; 965 to another. From the extended position 985, the punching cylinder 901 is then preferably transferred to the maintenance position 987, in particular by means of the preferably vertical guide 958. For example, further intermediate positions occur between the extended position 985 and the maintenance position 987. Preferably, the punching cylinder 901 in this embodiment is guided along the direct guide path from whose punching position 981 is transferred to the maintenance position 987, while preferably the further punching cylinder 903 leaves the direct guide path during the punching cylinder change. In particular, after the at least one punching cylinder 901 has left the extended position 985 in the direction of the maintenance position 987, preferably the at least one further punching cylinder 903 is moved from the waiting position 986 to the punching position 981 via the extended position 985 and the change position 982.

Alternatively, the punching cylinder 901, which is preferably to be removed, can also be temporarily stored in the waiting position 986. For this purpose, the punching cylinder 901 to be removed is preferably moved from the punching position 981 and/or from the change position 982 to the extended position 985, preferably by means of the preferably horizontal guide 959. In a preferred embodiment, the further punching cylinder 903 is arranged in the maintenance position 987 or along the direct guide path between the maintenance position 987 and the extended position 985, preferably on one of the vertical transport elements 956; 960. The punching cylinder 901 is then preferably transferred from the extended position 985 to the waiting position 986. The at least one punching cylinder 901 is preferably moved predominantly vertically from the extended position 985 to the waiting position 986. The punching cylinder 901 to be removed thus preferably leaves the direct guide path from its punching position 981 to the maintenance position 987, while the further punching cylinder 903 is preferably transported along the direct guide path. For example, this occurs when the change position 982 is at the same height in the vertical direction V, in particular at the same height as the waiting position 986. Then the punching cylinder 901 is either transferred directly, predominantly horizontally, from the change position 982 to the waiting position 986. Alternatively, the punching cylinder 901 is removed from the extended position 985 and then transferred predominantly vertically, for example, with the further transport element 956, preferably a transport element 956 of the preferably vertical guide 958, and transferred to the waiting position 986. In this variant, a transport element 956 preferably takes over. preferably a transport element 956 of the preferably vertical guide 958, the punching cylinder 901 in the extended position 985 and moves it into the waiting position 986. In particular, the transport element 956, which is free of the further punching cylinder 903, takes over the punching cylinder 901 to be removed. Preferably, after the further punching cylinder 903 has left the extended position 985 in the direction of the punching position 981, the at least one punching cylinder 901 is moved from the waiting position 986 to the maintenance position 987.

Following the cylinders 901; 903 being guided past one another, i.e. preferably while the punching cylinder 901 to be removed is arranged either in the waiting position 986 or in the maintenance position 987 or along the guide path between the extended position 985 and the maintenance position 987, the further punching cylinder 903 is preferably guided to the extended position 985. For example, depending on the embodiment, it is guided to the extended position 985 by means of the transport system 955. Depending on the embodiment, the first or second vertical transport element 956, 960 is preferably used for this purpose. With the aid of the waiting position 986, it is thus preferably achieved that the two cylinders 901; 903 can be guided past one another. From the extended position 985, the further punching cylinder 903 can or is then moved, preferably predominantly horizontally, to the change position 982. For this purpose, the horizontal transport element 965 is preferably used. At the change position 982, the additional punching cylinder 903 is then preferably reattached or fixed by means of the locking device 951. For this purpose, the additional punching cylinder 903 is preferably transferred to the punching position 981. In particular, the fixing by means of the locking device 951 transfers the additional punching cylinder 903 to the punching position 981. Thus, the at least one additional punching cylinder 903 is preferably transferred from the extended position 985 to the change position 982 and then to the punching position 981.

Subsequently, the counter-punching cylinder 902 is preferably reconnected to the punching cylinder 903 is switched on, especially if it was previously switched off, and the processing machine 01 is put back into operation.

Preferably, the punching cylinder change process can be fully automated. The punching unit 900 is preferably connected to a machine control system. The cylinder change can be stored in this system and then run fully automatically.

In the embodiment with a carrier 972 and two transport elements 960; 956, both cylinders 901; 903 can only be moved together in the predominantly vertical guide 958. In this case, the cylinders 901; 903 can be guided to intermediate positions in order to achieve the movement of the punching cylinders 901; 903 to the positions previously described in detail. For example, in the embodiment with the first punching cylinder 901 in the waiting position 986, the other punching cylinder 903 must already be moved from the maintenance position 987. During the transfer from the predominantly horizontal transport element 965 to the upper of the vertical transport elements 960, for example, the new punching cylinder 903 is already arranged slightly below the extended position 985 on the lower transport element 956. Depending on which of the two cylinders 901; 903 is on which transport element 956; 960, the other punching cylinder 901; 903 is carried vertically.

The punching cylinders 901; 903 are preferably adjusted between the maintenance position 987 and/or the extended position 985 and/or the waiting position 986 on the predominantly vertical guide 958. The punching cylinders 901; 903 are preferably adjusted between the change position 982 and the extended position 985 on the predominantly horizontal guide 959.

The accelerated waiting and/or setup preferably follows the following procedure. With a part of the application units 600, the pressure fluid applied or printed, with the rest of the application units 600 being in a shut-down state. In the shut-down state, the forme cylinders 602 can be serviced or set up, particularly while the processing machine 01 is running. During set-up, at least the application forms are preferably exchanged. However, other processes can also take place during set-up, such as anilox roller exchange.

Preferably, the additional punching cylinder 903 can also be pre-equipped at the same time, while the at least one punching cylinder 901 is in the punching position 981 and processing the substrate 02. For this purpose, the additional punching cylinder 903 is arranged in the maintenance position 987 of the changing device 950. The additional punching cylinder 903 can be conveniently pre-equipped or serviced in this position.

Once the processing job is completed, the processing machine 01 is prepared for a new processing job. For this purpose, the additional punching cylinder 903 is swapped with the punching cylinder 901 using the swapping device 950. In addition, the parked and pre-equipped application units 600 are transferred from the parked state to the engaged state. Both processes preferably run automatically according to a scheme stored in a control system. The punching cylinders 901; 903 are swapped according to the method described above. The application units 600 also have actuators for switching the application units 600 on and off. Accordingly, the application units 600 can also be transferred from the parked to the engaged position.

In the processing machine 01, the sheet 02 must be transported to the processing stations 909. For this purpose, the processing machine 01 preferably has several transport units 700 with transport devices 710. The punching unit 900 also has at least one transport device 710 for feeding the sheets 02 to the processing station 909. Preferably, the punching unit 900 has several Transport devices 710. The transport device 710 is preferably designed for suspended sheet transport and is therefore located above a transport path of the sheet 02. In another embodiment, the transport device 710 can also be arranged below the transport path of the sheet 02. In a preferred embodiment, the transport device 710 is designed as a suction transport means, in particular as a suction box. For the precise feeding of the sheet 02 to the processing station 909, the transport device 710 preferably extends shortly before the processing station 909. When the punching cylinder is changed using the changing device 950, the transport device 710 is in the way. Preferably, the transport device 710 is in the way especially when the punching cylinder 901 is removed horizontally. Therefore, the punching unit 900 preferably has an adjustment device. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device 710 can be adjusted manually, for example by an operator. Preferably, during a punching cylinder change, only the part or transport device 710 that is in the way during the punching cylinder change is adjusted. For this purpose, the punching unit 900 preferably has a transport device 710 in the area of the changing device 950. Then, only this part of the transport device 710 is adjusted.

During operation of the processing machine 01, in particular during operation of the punching unit 900, the transport device 710 is arranged in a working position. Thus, the transport device 710 is preferably arranged in the working position during operation of the processing machine 01, regardless of which punching cylinder 901; 903 is arranged at the punching position 981, i.e. in particular before and after a change of the cylinders 901; 903. To change the cylinders 901; 903, the transport device 710 can be transferred to a maintenance position. Preferably, the maintenance position is a position that lies outside the guide path of the device 950 for changing the punching cylinders 901; 903. In a first embodiment, this maintenance position can be located next to the working position of the transport device 710. More preferably, however, the maintenance position is above the working position or above a transport plane 993. More preferably, the transport device 710 is arranged at a distance from the transport plane 993 in the maintenance position. In particular, the transport device 710 is arranged raised in the vertical direction V in the maintenance position. Preferably, the transport device 710 is adjusted upwards by at least one cylinder diameter of a punching cylinder 901; 903. The transport plane 993 is preferably the plane 993 in which a sheet 02 is transported. The embodiment with the maintenance position arranged above is particularly advantageous because the lifting of the transport device 710 can be done in a particularly simple manner. In particular, the transport device 710 is arranged at least temporarily in this maintenance position during a cylinder change. Preferably, the movement of the adjusting device is synchronized with the movement of the changing device 950. The transport device 710 is preferably adjustable depending on the position of the punching cylinders 901; 903. The movement can be synchronized electrically, for example, by means of an electrical master axis and a controller, and/or mechanically via contact elements. Preferably, the changing device 950 has contact elements for contacting the adjustment device. During the movement sequence of the punching cylinder change, these contact elements and/or contact surfaces 992 are touched, and the transport device 710 is moved and/or moved out of the way at the appropriate times. This prevents the transport device 710 from interfering with the simple movement sequence of the punching cylinder change.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device 710 is arranged in the maintenance position pivoted upwards relative to the working position, in particular pivoted toward the plane 993, in particular toward the transport plane 993. Preferably, the transport device 710 only needs to be out of the way for the punching cylinder change.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device 710 is arranged in the maintenance position above the waiting position 986 of the punching cylinders 901; 903. This ensures that sufficient space is available for changing the cylinders.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device 710 is arranged in front of the processing station 909 in the transport direction T of sheet 02. In particular, the transport device 710 is arranged along the transport direction T on that side of the processing station 909 on which the transport system 955, in particular the vertical guide 958, is arranged.

Furthermore, a transport means 904 arranged downstream of the punching unit 900 is adjustable so that an operator can easily reach the punching cylinder 901; 903 and/or the counter-punching cylinder 902. The transport means 904 is preferably pivotable for this purpose. For example, this transport means 904 arranged downstream of the punching unit 900 is designed as a separation transport means 904 of a separation device 905. In particular, by means of the separation transport means 904, residual pieces which were produced by processing by means of the punching cylinder 901; 903 are separated from the sheet 02, in particular if they have not already been separated from the sheet 02 beforehand. For example, the separation device 905 is designed as a jogging device 905 for this purpose. For example, the transport means 904 arranged downstream of the punching unit 900 has an upper and lower part, for example an upper and lower conveyor belt. For example, the upper part of the transport means 904 is pivoted upwards while the lower part of the transport means 904 is pivoted downwards.

Preferably, the adjusting device has a drive 933 for adjusting the at least one transport device 710. Preferably, this drive 933 is a common drive 933 with the changing device 950. Preferably, this drive 933 drives at least the transport element 956; 960, in particular the at least one vertical Transport element 956; 960, and/or the carrier 972 of the changing device 950, in particular in the vertical guide 958.

Preferably, the drive 933 is configured as a spindle drive. Upon actuation of the drive 933, the transport element 956; 960, in particular the at least one vertical transport element 956; 960, and/or the carrier 972 are preferably moved up or down in the vertical direction V.

The at least one adjusting device is preferably arranged on at least one guide, in particular a guide 958 of the changing device 950, preferably the at least predominantly vertical guide 958, more preferably on the guide rail 957 of the at least predominantly vertical guide 958, and/or guided thereon and/or adjusted thereon. The guide 958 is thus preferably designed as a common guide for the changing device 950 and the adjusting device. The guide in question, more preferably the guide rail 957, preferably of the at least predominantly vertical guide 958, is preferably designed as a linear guide. Thus, the guide 958 preferably has the guide rail 957 designed as a linear guide 957. The adjusting device preferably has a frame 991 and/or housing 991. This is attached in the axial direction A at the ends of the at least one transport device 710, in particular the transport devices 710, and preferably arranged in the guide rail 957 of the guide 958, in particular the vertical guide 958 of the changing device 950. Preferably, the at least one transport device 710 is arranged fixedly connected to the frame 991 and moves together with it. The guide 958, in particular the guide rail 957, more preferably the linear guide 957, is preferably designed as a common guide 958, preferably as a common guide rail 957, for the changing device 950 and the adjusting device. The adjusting device preferably comprises a stop on which the frame 991 and/or the Transport device 710 rests in the working position. In the working position, the at least one transport device 710 preferably rests on the stop only with its own weight. Preferably, the stop restricts movement counter to the vertical direction V. Furthermore, horizontal movement of the transport device 710 is restricted by the guide 958, in particular the vertical guide 958 of the changing device 950. Preferably, the transport device 710 only has one degree of freedom in, preferably along, the vertical direction V. Preferably, only movement from the working position into the vertical direction V is possible. In a preferred embodiment, the transport device 710 has a contact surface 992 for lifting the transport device 710 with the at least one transport element 956; 960 and/or the carrier 972 of the changing device 950, in particular the vertical guide 958. Preferably, the adjusting device has a contact element with the contact surface 992 for contacting the changing device 950. When the transport element 956; 960, in particular the at least one vertical transport element 956; 960, or the carrier 972 is raised in the vertical direction V, it and/or the carrier comes into contact with the contact surface 992 and lifts the transport device 710. Preferably, the transport device 710 is thereby transferred at least temporarily into the maintenance position.

Alternatively, the transport device 710 can also execute the desired movement via an electronic master axis. The adjustment device then preferably has a further drive, preferably a drive mechanically decoupled from the changing device 950.

The adjustment of the transport device 710 preferably takes place according to the method described below. When changing the punching cylinder, the transport device 710 is adjusted by means of the adjustment device from the working position, preferably into the maintenance position, preferably by means of the drive 933. Preferably, the Drive 933 is the common drive 933 of the changing device 950. The adjustment of the transport device 710 preferably takes place synchronously with the changing device 950 or the punching cylinder change. Preferably, the transport device 710 is adjusted and/or guided on a guide, preferably the guide rail 957 designed as a linear guide 957.

Preferably, the transport device 710 is raised by means of the adjustment device in the vertical direction V, counter to the dead weight of the transport device 710. For this purpose, the transport device 710 is preferably contacted via a contact surface 992 by means of the transport element 956; 960 and/or the carrier 972, preferably from below, and thus adjusted. After the cylinder change, the transport device 710 is preferably brought back into the working position. The return movement preferably occurs by lowering the contact element of the adjustment device. Due to the dead weight of the transport device 710, it preferably lowers again.

List of reference symbols

01

Processing machine, printing machine, forming machine, die-cutting machine, flexo printing machine, sheet processing machine, sheet-fed printing machine, sheet forming machine, sheet die-cutting machine, corrugated board sheet processing machine, corrugated board sheet printing machine

02

substrate, sheet, printing material, corrugated board, corrugated board sheet

21

Storage device

22

Memory recording

23

Transfer facility

100

Unit, module, substrate feed device, substrate feed unit, substrate feed module, sheet feeder, sheet feeder unit, sheet feeder module

104

Investor stack

164

Sheet arrival sensor

165

-

166

Storage area

300

aggregate, module, plant equipment, plant aggregate, plant module

506

Drying device

600

Unit, application unit, module, application module, printing unit, printing module, flexo application unit, flexo printing unit, flexo application module, flexo printing module

601

-

602

Form cylinder, cylinder

603

Supply roller, anilox roller, cylinder

604

Chamber doctor blade

607

frame

608

impression cylinder, cylinder

609

Order office

614

Commissioning unit, printing unit

622

Sheet arrival sensor

700

aggregate, module, transport aggregate, transport module, means of transport, suction transport means, upper

710

Transport device, suction box

722

Sheet arrival sensor

726

Sensor, print image control system

727

-

728

Sensor, register control system

900

Unit, module, forming device, forming unit, punching unit, forming module, punching module, punching device, rotary punching device

901

Form cylinder, cutting form cylinder, cutting cylinder, cylinder

902

Counter-punching cylinder, impression cylinder, cylinder

903

punching cylinder, further, cylinder

904

Means of transport, separation transport means

905

Separation device, shaking device

906

Punching pad

909

processing station, forming station, punching station, transport means, forming transport means, punching transport means

910

-

911

Grinding cylinder, grinding roller

914

Forming plant, punching plant

915

-

916

Sensor, punching control system

922

Sheet arrival sensor

930

Bearings, rolling bearings, spherical roller bearings

931

Motor (962), synchronous motor, torque motor

932

Carriers (962)

933

Drive (958)

950

Device for changing

951

Locking

952

Drive, hydraulic drive (951)

953

Cylinder, linear guide

954

Holding element

955

transport system

956

Transport element, vertical, first, lower

957

Guide rail, linear guide

958

Guide, vertical, linear guide

959

Guide, horizontal, linear guide

960

Transport element, vertical, second, upper

961

Drive (902)

962

Drive (901; 903)

963

Housing, frame, frame-fixed element, housing wall

964

Cutting die, half shell

965

Transport element, horizontal, tray

966

Extraction device

967

Guide rail, horizontal

968

coupling

969

Adjustment guides

970

hub

971

Guide element, groove

972

Transport device, carrier, sled

973

clamping sleeve

974

Tangent upper

975

Tangent, lower

976

Rotation axis (901; 903)

977

Connecting line punching position 981 to extension position 985

978

Connecting straight line from exit position 985 to waiting position 986

979

Connecting straight line from change position 982 to extension position 985

980

Connecting straight line from extension position 985 to maintenance position 987

981

Punching position (901; 903)

982

Change position (901; 903)

983

Working position (902; 903)

984

Parked position (902)

985

Extended position (901; 903)

986

Waiting position (901; 903)

987

Maintenance position (901; 903)

988

Level, horizontal

989

vertical

990

storage

991

frame, housing

992

Contact surface

993

Transport level, level, curve

994

rotor

995

stator

996

Actuator, electromechanical

997

rotary inlet

998

drilling

999

plain bearings

1000

Unit, module, substrate delivery device, delivery, sheet delivery, delivery unit, delivery module

1001

curved switch

1002

Rejection delivery, discharge stack

1003

Delivery stack carrier

A

direction, transverse direction, horizontal, axial direction

T

direction, transport direction

V

Direction, vertical

E

Removal direction

M1

Drive impression cylinder

M2

Drive forme cylinder, impression cylinder

M3

Drive supply roller, anilox roller

α

angle, angle of inclination

D901

Diameter of the punching cylinder (901)

Claims (15)

1. Method for using a die-cutting unit (900) comprising a device for changing (950) a die-cutting cylinder (901), the die-cutting unit (900) comprising at least one die-cutting cylinder (901) having an axis of rotation (976) and further comprising at least one anvil cylinder (902), the device for changing (950) comprising at least one further die-cutting cylinder (903) to replace the at least one die-cutting cylinder (901), one of the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) being arrangeable in a die-cutting position (981), one of the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) being arrangeable in a move-out position (985), the move-out position (985) being spaced apart from the die-cutting position (981), one of the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) being arrangeable in a maintenance position (987) for set-up and/or maintenance, the anvil cylinder (902) being arrangeable in a working position (983) and a backed-away position (984), and the anvil cylinder (902), in the backed-away position (984), being arranged in the vertical direction (V) beneath the die-cutting position (981), characterized in that a shortest straight connecting line (977) between the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the die-cutting position (981) and the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the move-out position (985) is inclined less than α=30° with respect to a horizontal plane (988), and in that a shortest straight connecting line (980) between the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the move-out position (985) and the maintenance position (987) is inclined less than 30° with respect to a vertical direction (V).
2. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one die-cutting cylinder (901) or the at least one further die-cutting cylinder (903) is arrangeable and/or is arranged in a change-out position (982).
3. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 2, characterized in that a shortest straight connecting line (979) between the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the change-out position (982) and the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the move-out position (985) is inclined less than 30° with respect to the horizontal plane (988), and/or in that the change-out position (982) is spaced apart from the die-cutting position (981) in the vertical direction (V), and/or in that the change-out position (982) is arranged beneath the die-cutting position (981).
4. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that one of the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) is arrangeable and/or can be arranged and/or is arranged in a waiting position (986) for guiding the two die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) past one another.
5. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 4, characterized in that a shortest straight connecting line (978) between the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the move-out position (985) and the waiting position (986) is inclined less than 30° with respect to a vertical (989), and/or in that the waiting position (986) is located in the vertical direction (V) above the die-cutting position (981), and/or in that the waiting position (986) is located outside a direct guide path between the maintenance position (987) and the die-cutting position (981).
6. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that the maintenance position (987) is arranged beneath the move-out position (985), and/or in that a change in direction of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) takes place at the move-out position (985).
7. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that the anvil cylinder (902), in the working position (983), is arranged in the vertical direction (V) beneath the die-cutting position (981).
8. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, characterized in that the device for changing (950) comprises a predominantly horizontal guide (959), and in that the predominantly horizontal guide (959) establishes a guide path of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) from the change-out position (982) to the move-out position (985) and vice versa.
9. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8, characterized in that the device for changing (950) comprises a predominantly vertical guide (958).
10. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the predominantly vertical guide (958) establishes a guide path of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) from the move-out position (985) to the maintenance position (987) and vice versa, and/or from the waiting position (986) to the move-out position (985) and vice versa, and/or from the waiting position (986) to the maintenance position (987) and vice versa, and/or in that the predominantly vertical guide (958) comprises a first vertical transport element (956) and a second vertical transport element (960), and the first and the second transport element (956; 960) are moved by way of a shared transport device (972) on a predominantly vertical guide rail (957).
11. Method for using a die-cutting unit according to claim 8 in combination with claim 9 or according to claim 8 in combination with claim 9 and claim 10, characterized in that the guide paths of the vertical guide (958) and of the horizontal guide (959) intersect at the move-out position (985).
12. Method for changing a die-cutting cylinder (901) of a die-cutting unit (900), the die-cutting unit (900) comprising at least one die-cutting cylinder (901) and at least one anvil cylinder (902), the at least one die-cutting cylinder (901) being exchangeable and/or being exchanged for at least one further die-cutting cylinder (903) by means of a device for changing (950), the further die-cutting cylinder (903) being located in a maintenance position (987) for set-up and/or maintenance, the anvil cylinder (902), in a working position (983), being arranged in the vertical direction (V) beneath the die-cutting position (981) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903), the anvil cylinder (902) being displaced from the working position (983) into a backed-away position (984), the anvil cylinder (902) being displaced in a predominantly vertical direction (V) into the backed-away position (984), and the die-cutting cylinder (901), in a move-out step, being displaced from the die-cutting position (981) into a move-out position (985), characterized in that the die-cutting cylinder (901) is displaced predominantly horizontally from the die-cutting position (981) to the move-out position (985), in that a shortest straight connecting line (977) between the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the die-cutting position (981) and the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the move-out position (985) is inclined less than α=30° with respect to a horizontal plane (988), and in that a shortest straight connecting line (980) between the axis of rotation (976) of the die-cutting cylinder (901; 903) in the move-out position (985) and the maintenance position (987) is inclined less than 30° with respect to a vertical direction (V).
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the die-cutting cylinder (901) is displaced from the die-cutting position (981) into a change-out position (982), in that the die-cutting cylinder (901) is displaced from the change-out position (982) into the move-out position (985), and/or in that one of the two die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) is arranged in a waiting position (986) for guiding the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) past one another.
14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) comprise at least one guide (959; 958), in that the device for changing (950) comprises a predominantly horizontal guide (959), and in that the device for changing (950) comprises a predominantly vertical guide (958).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the guide paths of the vertical guide (958) and of the horizontal guide (959) intersect at the move-out position (985), and/or in that the die-cutting cylinders (901; 903) are displaced between the maintenance position (987) and the move-out position (985) on the predominantly vertical guide (958), and/or in that the predominantly vertical guide (958) comprises a first vertical transport element (956) and a second vertical transport element (960), and the first and the second transport element (956; 960) are moved by way of a shared transport device (972) on a predominantly vertical guide rail (957).

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