EP1134085A1 - Device for printing on sheet material - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a printing mechanism, transport systems for feeding unprinted sheets (S) to the printing mechanism and printed sheets out and a controller. The modular device has modules (M1-M7), each containing a printing mechanism (P), that can be physically placed in series, especially stacked, and a modular distribution device (WE, WA) for allocating material to be printed to the available modules and collecting or sorting printed material.

Description

The invention relates to a device for printing sheet material according to the preamble of the independent claim.

In digital imaging, among other imaging methods in particular also used color printing processes. The ones used today for this Color printers based on inkjet or dye sublimation technologies however relatively slow and reach (based on an example Image format of 10cm x 15cm) a maximum printing capacity of typically approx. 50 images per hour. Integrated systems such as the Canon Hyperphoto system are indeed more powerful, but print on roll material and therefore offer without later Cut out the images with little format flexibility. With conventional table printers (Desktop printers) single sheets are inserted in stacks, which at Format change requires an exchange of the sheet stack. To a certain minimum benefit To obtain, have to use those available today to process Sheet material suitable printers parallel printing devices of the same type be operated, which on the one hand causes considerable installation effort and on the other hand requires a relatively large footprint.

This problem is now to be remedied by the present invention and accordingly a printing device of the generic type can be improved, that on the one hand it increased one over conventional printing devices Has printing performance (productivity) and on the other hand with regard to their productivity can be adapted to changing requirements in a simple and cost-effective manner can. Furthermore, the printing device should essentially have one of its printing capacity take up independent stand space.

The solution to this problem underlying the invention results from the im characterizing part of the independent claim described features. Especially Advantageous refinements and developments are the subject of the dependent Expectations.

According to the basic idea of the invention, the printing device is therefore modular built up and consists of a more or less large number of each other stacked modules, each a complete printing unit with all the necessary Components included, as well as a distribution system to process the Distribute print jobs to the individual modules and, if necessary, after printing merge or sort again.

Thanks to the modular concept, the performance data of the printing device can be precisely determined the needs of the user are coordinated. It is also possible to perform to increase the device by adding additional modules later or to adapt to lower requirements by removing modules. On Another advantage of the modular construction of the printing device according to the invention is the high flexibility. Falls e.g. one module, so only the overall performance the device by the proportion of the failed module, the function the device remains intact as long as at least one module is still functional is.

According to another important aspect of the invention, the modules are designed that they are simply strung together, i.e. can be stacked on top of each other, without the need for wiring or wiring. The The individual modules are connected to one another in accordance with a preferred method Embodiment via a bus system with corresponding connection and expansion interfaces e.g. in the form of plug connections. In a basic module a central control unit is provided, which connects the connected via the bus system Expansion modules are recognized and configured themselves. The central one Control unit automatically divides the print jobs to be processed among the available ones Modules and thus achieves optimally short lead times for everyone single order.

If the modules are equipped with inkjet printing units, are according to a further important aspect of the invention, the ink reservoir only in the base module and are common to all modules. The modules come with an additional hydraulic bus system, which on the one hand connects each module to the ink reservoir connects and on the other hand by means of suitable, provided in each module hydraulic connection and expansion interfaces e.g. in the form of plug-in pipe couplings enables simple connection of the modules to one another.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Gesamtdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemässen Druckvorrichtung in einem Vertikalschnitt,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung des Modul-Konzepts der Erfindung,

Fig. 3-4

eine blockschematische Darstellung der wichtigsten Steuerungseinheiten bzw. -funktionen der Vorrichtung,

Fig. 5-6

zwei Skizzen zur Erläuterung der Eingangs- und Ausgangsweicheneinheiten der Module der Vorrichtung,

Fig. 7-9

drei Skizzen zur Erläuterung des Aufbaus der elektrischen und hydraulischen Anschluss- und Erweiterungsschnittstellen der Module der Druckvorrichtung und

Fig. 10-13

vier Skizzen zur Verdeutlichung der durch die Eingangs- und Ausgangsweicheneinheiten der Module der Vorrichtung realisierten verschiedenen Transportpfade.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic overall illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the printing device according to the invention in a vertical section,

Fig. 2

1 shows a schematic representation of the module concept of the invention,

Fig. 3-4

a block diagram of the most important control units or functions of the device,

Fig. 5-6

two sketches to explain the input and output switch units of the modules of the device,

Fig. 7-9

three sketches to explain the structure of the electrical and hydraulic connection and expansion interfaces of the modules of the pressure device and

Fig. 10-13

four sketches to illustrate the different transport paths realized by the input and output switch units of the modules of the device.

As can be seen from the overall illustration in FIG. 1, the printing device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises seven modules, namely a base module M ₀ and six expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ , which are arranged on the base module and stacked one above the other. On the uppermost expansion module M ₆ , a termination element M _{7 is} arranged, which is not essential to the function and only serves to physically terminate the module stack.

A cutting device C is connected upstream of the module stack consisting of the aforementioned seven modules M ₀ - M ₆ , which separates individual sheets of desired length in a manner known per se from a material web B held in the form of a roll R, and thus the material web B in sheet material S disassembled. This sheet material S is fed to the base module M ₀ and printed there or forwarded to one of the expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ in a manner to be described and printed there. The decomposition of a material web into sheet material S is known, for example, from the paper feed in photographic printers designed for the processing of sheet material and therefore requires no further explanation for the person skilled in the art. To understand the present invention, it is only essential that the base module M ₀ is loaded with individual sheets to be printed, that is to say sheet material, and that all modules M ₀ - M _{6 are designed} for processing sheet material S.

One or more additional rolls can also be used for greater format flexibility with material webs of different widths e.g. in the axial direction (perpendicular to the Plane level) arranged side by side and means provided to be as needed to cut a sheet from one or the other roll or material web and to feed the base module. Suitable cutting and transport equipment are also part of the paper supply for the processing of sheet material designed photographic printers known and therefore not explained here.

On the output side, each of the seven modules M ₀ - M _{6 is} assigned an inclined sorting compartment F ₀ - F ₆ , in which the sheet material S printed in the modules can be stored in a manner to be described.

The six expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ are all identical. The base module M ₀ is essentially of the same design as the expansion modules, but also contains some additional components, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Each module M ₀ - M ₆ contains as a central component a complete, conventional printing unit P designed for the processing of sheet material, which can be designed, for example, as an inkjet printing unit. Furthermore, each module contains an input switch unit W _E connected upstream of the printing unit P and an output switching unit W _A connected downstream of the printing unit P, as well as a module controller S _M (not shown in FIG. 1) (FIG. 4). The input switch unit W _E feeds sheet material S to be printed with the appropriate switch position to the printing unit P, and the output switch unit W _A removes printed sheet material S from the printing unit P with the appropriate switch position. The printing unit P and the input and output switch units W _E and W _A are each provided with transport and drive means (motor-driven transport rollers and belts) which are known per se and are therefore not shown here. The module control S _M controls the printing unit P in a manner known per se and, in cooperation with a central control unit S _Z (FIG. 3) provided in the base module M ₀ and not shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 3), controls the input and output switch units W _E and W _A . The image data required for printing are supplied to the module control S _M by the central control unit S _Z in a manner to be described.

Each input switch unit W _E has a lower or side input 1 communicating with the exterior of the module in question, an upper output 2 also communicating with the exterior of the module in question and an internal output 3 which is assigned to the input p1 of the printing unit P of the module in question . Each input switch unit W _E contains two transport paths that lead from input 1 to output 2 or from input 1 to internal output 3 and can be activated depending on the switch position. The input switch units W _E or their inputs 1 and outputs 2 are arranged in the modules M ₀ - M ₆ in such a way that an output 2 is aligned with the input 1 of the input switch unit W _{E of} the module directly above it. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet material S coming from the input 1 of the base module M ₀ can be fed to any printing unit P of the seven modules M ₀ -M ₆ by appropriate switch combinations of the input switch units W _{E of} the individual modules M ₀ -M ₆ become. The input switch units W _{E of} the expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ are shown in FIG. 10, that of the base module M ₀ is shown separately in FIG. 11.

Each output switch unit W _A has an upper input 4 which communicates with the exterior of the module in question, an lower or lateral output 5 which also communicates with the exterior of the module in question, an internal input 6 which is assigned to the output p2 of the printing unit P of the module in question , and (with the exception of the base module M0) an additional side output 7, which also communicates with the outside space of the module in question. Each output switch unit W _{A of} the expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ contains four transport paths, which go from input 4 to output 5 and from input 4 lead to additional output 7 or from internal input 6 to output 5 or from internal input 6 to additional output 7 and can be activated depending on the switch position. The output switch unit W _{A of} the base module M ₀ contains only two transport paths, which lead from input 4 or from internal input 6 to output 5. The output switch units W _A or their inputs 4 and outputs 5 are arranged in the modules M ₀ - M ₆ in such a way that an input 4 is aligned with the output 5 of the output switch unit W _{A of} the module immediately above. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet material S coming from the output p2 of the printing unit P of any module can in this way be guided into any sorting compartment F ₀ -F ₆ by appropriate combinations of switches of the output switch units W _{A of} the individual modules M ₀ -M ₆ , provided that this sorting compartment belongs to a module that is no higher than the module from whose printing unit the sheet material comes. The output switch units W _{A of} the expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ are shown in FIG. 12, that of the base module M ₀ is shown separately in FIG. 13.

In Fig. 1, some sheets of sheet material S are drawn in different transport phases to illustrate the various transport paths resulting from the various switch combinations. A first sheet is currently being taken over by the cutting device C and is on the way to the module M ₂ . Another sheet is being fed from the input switch unit into the printing unit in module M ₁ . Another sheet coming from module M _{5 is passed} in module M ₆ via the input switch unit into the printing unit. Another sheet has just left the printing unit in module M ₅ and is fed to module M ₃ by means of the output switch unit in module M ₄ . Another sheet is still partly in module M ₃ in the printing unit and is fed into module M ₂ by means of the output switch unit. Another sheet is just leaving the module M ₂ via the additional side exit of the exit switch unit and slides into a sorting compartment. Finally, a last sheet leaves the printing unit in the base module and is guided into the sorting compartment assigned to the base module by means of the exit switch unit.

The person skilled in the art is familiar with the practical implementation of the input and output switch units W _E and W _A and as such, as long as the functions described above are guaranteed. A typical example of how a switch function can be implemented in principle is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The switch W shown there has an input 10 and two outputs 20 and 30. At the input 10 there is a pair of transport rollers 11a / 11b. Another pair of transport rollers 12a / 12b is arranged inside. A transport belt 13a and 13b is wrapped around the transport rollers 11a and 12a and around the transport rollers 11b and 12b. Furthermore, three transport rollers 14a, 14b and 14c and three further transport rollers 15a, 15b and 15c are provided, the latter being located at the exits 20 and 30 of the switch W. A transport belt 16a or 16b or 16c is looped around the transport rollers 14a and 15a, the transport rollers 14b and 15b and the transport rollers 14c and 15c. The pair of transport rollers 12a / 12b can be adjusted in the direction of the double arrow 17 by adjusting means (not shown) in one position, one in front of the pair of transport rollers 14a / 14b (FIG. 5) and the other in front of the pair of transport rollers 14b / 14c (FIG. 6 ) lies. The transport rollers and thus also the transport belts are driven by drive motors, not shown, and convey sheet material supplied to the switch W at the input 10, depending on the position of the transport roller pair 12a / 12b, through the switch W to its output 20 (FIG. 5) or to its output 30 ( Fig. 6).

Another important aspect of the invention can be seen in the fact that the modules M ₀ -M ₆ are designed in such a way that they can easily be strung together, ie stacked on top of one another, without having to carry out any wiring or wiring. The individual modules are electrically connected to one another via an electrical bus system with corresponding connection and expansion interfaces, for example in the form of plug connections. In the base module M ₀ , a common electrical power supply PS is provided for all modules as well as the already mentioned central control unit Sz, which communicates with the module controls S _M in the base module M ₀ and the expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ and supplies them with the necessary control signals and data and receive feedback from them. The module control of the base module can of course also be integrated in the central control unit.

The electrical bus system designated B _E is shown in detail in FIG. 2. It consists of three sub-bus systems, namely a power supply bus 51, a data bus 52 and a communication bus 53. Each of the three sub-bus systems naturally comprises a larger number of lines, of which only one is shown for the sake of clarity.

Each module M ₀ - M ₆ is provided on its upper side with an electrical expansion interface 60 which leads the electrical bus system B _E to the outside. Each expansion module M ₁ - M ₆ is additionally provided on its underside with an electrical connection interface 70 which is complementary to the electrical expansion interface 60. In each expansion module M ₁ - M ₆ , the electrical bus system B _{E is} looped through from the electrical connection interface 70 to the electrical expansion interface 60. The electrical expansion interfaces 60 and the electrical connection interfaces 70 are arranged on or in the modules M ₀ - M ₆ in such a way that the electrical connections are established automatically when the individual modules are stacked on top of one another.

If the modules according to the exemplary embodiment shown are equipped with inkjet printing units, according to a further important aspect of the invention, the required ink supply containers IT (for typically six colors) are only in the base module M ₀ and are common to all modules M _{0 to} M ₆ . The modules are additionally equipped with a hydraulic bus system B _H , which on the one hand connects each module or the printing unit P located therein to the ink reservoir IT and, on the other hand, by means of suitable hydraulic connection and expansion interfaces provided in each module, e.g. in the form of plug-in pipe couplings enables easy connection of the modules to each other.

The hydraulic bus system denoted by B _H is shown in detail in FIG. 2. It essentially consists of only a number of pipes corresponding to the number of ink reservoirs IT, of which only three are shown for the sake of clarity.

Each module M ₀ - M ₆ is provided on its top with a hydraulic expansion interface 80, which leads the hydraulic bus system B _H to the outside. Each extension module M ₁ - M ₆ is additionally provided on its underside with a hydraulic connection interface 90 which is complementary to the hydraulic extension interface 80. In each expansion module M ₁ - M ₆ , the hydraulic bus system B _{H is} looped through from the hydraulic connection interface 90 to the hydraulic expansion interface 80. The hydraulic expansion interfaces 80 and the hydraulic connection interfaces 90 are arranged on or in the modules M ₀ - M ₆ in such a way that the hydraulic connections are established automatically when the individual modules are stacked on top of one another.

It goes without saying that for the supply of the inkjet printing units P corresponding Ink pumps are provided which take the various printing inks from the storage containers Promote IT to the printing units P. Suitable pumps are on known and therefore not shown for the sake of clarity.

FIGS. 7-9 show sectional representations of exemplary forms of implementation of the electrical and hydraulic connection and expansion interfaces 60-90 of the electrical and hydraulic bus systems B _E and B _H.

The electrical extension interface 60 and the electrical connection interface 70 are designed as a complementary connector system. The connection interface 70 includes a socket 71 in which a number of electrical contact pins 72 are composed. The expansion interface 60 accordingly comprises a base 61, in which a number of contact sockets 62 are contained. The clarity for the sake only three contact pins 72 or contact sockets 62 are shown. The Contact pins 72 and the contact sockets 62 are connected to the electrical lines of the electrical bus system connected.

The hydraulic extension interface 80 and the hydraulic connection interface 90 are designed as a complementary plug-in pipe coupling system. The connection interface 90 comprises a base 91 and a number of pipe sockets 92, only one of which is shown. The pipe sockets 92 are each connected to a pipe of the hydraulic bus system B _H or form the ends of these lines themselves. The expansion interface 80 comprises a base 81, in which a number of cylindrical bores 82 are arranged, only one such bore being shown for the sake of clarity. The end of a pipeline of the hydraulic bus system B _H provided with a flange 83 is held in each bore 82. There is also a sealing ring 84 in each bore 82.

The sockets 71 and 91 of the electrical and hydraulic connection interfaces 70 and 90 are physically combined into a common base. Corresponding are also the sockets 61 and 81 of the electrical and hydraulic expansion interface 60 and 80 physically combined into a common base.

FIG. 9 shows the electrical and hydraulic connection and expansion interfaces when plugged together, which results when two modules are stacked on top of each other.

Figures 3 and 4 schematically show the principle design of the individual modules M ₀ - M ₆ available module controllers S _M and the ₀ provided in the base module M central control unit S _Z.

Each module control S _M essentially comprises a printing group control 101, an input switch control 102 which controls the input switch unit W _E , an output switch control 103 which controls the output switch unit W _A , an image data memory 104, a synchronization control 105 and an identification stage 106. The central control unit S _Z Determine the presence of an expansion module M ₁ - M ₆ in the base module M ₀ via the communication bus 53 of the electrical bus system B _E and identify it. The synchronization controller 105 works together with the central control unit S _Z via the communication bus 53 and controls the input and output switch control 102 or 103 under the control of the latter such that the sheet material follows the transport path specified by the central control unit S _Z. The image data memory 104 receives the image data representing the images to be printed from the central control unit S _Z via the data bus 52. Finally, the printing unit control 101 controls the printing unit P in a manner known per se. The power supply for the module control S _M and all the components controlled by it (for example, electrical drives and the like) takes place via the power supply bus 51.

The central control unit S _Z in the base module M ₀ is constructed in a manner known per se as a digital computer which is supplied with energy by the power supply unit PS and is connected to the data bus 52 and the communication bus 53. Furthermore, the central control unit S _{Z is connected} to an external operating unit PC, for example in the form of a personal computer, which in turn cooperates with an interface unit IFU or contains it. The latter can of course also be integrated directly in the central control unit S _Z.

The central control unit Sz essentially contains six programming elements implemented functional units, namely a system monitoring unit 201, a synchronization unit 202, a module identification unit 203, a Image data unit 204, a paper control unit 205 and an ink control unit 206.

The ink control unit 206 controls the supply of the individual modules M ₀ - M ₆ with the required printing inks from the ink reservoirs IT via the hydraulic bus system B _H.

The paper control unit 205 controls the drive of the paper roll R and the cutting device C. If necessary, it also allows the selection of different material web widths from different rolls R and then also controls the feeding of the sheet material S into the basic module M ₀ .

The module identification unit 203 recognizes and identifies the existing expansion modules M ₁ - M ₆ via the communication bus 53.

The synchronization unit 202 manages the utilization of the base module M ₀ and any expansion modules that may be present, by dividing the print jobs to be processed in order to optimize performance and by routing the sheet material through the device by controlling the input and output switch units in the modules. In addition, the printed sheet material can also be sorted.

The image data unit 204 directs it from the operating unit PC or the Interface unit IFU supplied image data via the data bus 52 to the individual Modules further.

The system monitoring unit 201 monitors the in a manner known per se Function of the other components and functional units.

The interface unit IFU is mainly used for data input and output and for communication of the device or the entire system with others Computers. In addition to the usual communication interfaces for computers a network interface, a modem, one or more reading devices for Data carrier, a connection for a scanner or directly a scanner, a connection for a digital camera etc. Via the interface unit IFU Device in particular also the image data for the print jobs to be executed fed.

Claims (14)

Device for printing sheet material with a printing unit and input-side transport means for supplying unprinted sheet material to the printing unit and output-side transport means for removing printed sheet material from the printing unit, and with a control for the printing unit and the input-side and output-side transport means, characterized by a modular structure with modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) that can be physically aligned, in particular stacked on top of one another, each containing a printing unit (P), and by means of a distribution device (W _E , W _A ) that is also modular and divided into the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ), to divide the sheet material (S) to be printed on the available modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) and, if necessary, to combine or sort printed sheet material (S). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) each have a printing unit (P), an upstream input switch unit (W _E ) with an input (1) and an output (2) and the output transport unit downstream of the printing unit (W _A ) for removal of printed sheet material from the printing unit (P) and an electrical module control (S _M ), the input switch unit (W _E ) and the output transport means (W _A ) of all modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) together Form distribution device and the input switch unit (W _E ) in each module is designed to feed its unprinted sheet material (S) fed to its input (1) either to the printing unit (P) of the module in question (M ₀ -M ₆ ), which via its output ( 2) to feed the input (1) of the input switch unit (W _E ) of an immediately adjacent module (M ₁ -M ₆ ). Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the output transport means of the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) are designed as an output switch unit (W _A ) with an input (4) and an output (5), which printed sheet material (S) optionally from Printing unit (P) of the module in question (M ₀ -M ₆ ) or via its input (4) from the output (5) of the output switch unit (W _A ) of an immediately adjacent module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) and its output (5) feeds. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the output switch unit (W _A ) at least one module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) has an additional output (7) and that the output switch unit (W _A ) is designed to selectively printed sheet material (S) to supply their output (5) or their additional output (7). Device according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the input switch units (W _E ) are designed and arranged in the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) such that the output (2) of the input switch unit (W _E ) of a module (M ₀ -M ₆ ) with the input (1) of the input switch unit (W _E ) of the immediately adjacent module (M ₁ -M ₆ ). Device according to one of claims 3-5, characterized in that the output switch units (W _A ) are designed and arranged in the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) such that the input (4) of the output switch unit (W _A ) of a module (M ₀ -M ₆ ) with the output (5) of the output switch unit (W _A ) of the immediately adjacent module (M ₁ -M ₆ ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an expandable electrical bus system (B _E ) is provided for the electrical supply and connection of the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a base module (M ₀ ) and at least one expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) are provided, that the base module (M ₀ ) with an electrical expansion interface (60) for the electrical bus system (B _E ) is provided that the expansion modules (M ₁ -M ₆ ) are each provided with an electrical expansion interface (60) and a complementary electrical connection interface (70) for the electrical bus system (B _E ), the electrical bus system in each expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) is looped through from its electrical connection interface (70) to its electrical expansion interface (60). Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrical expansion interface (60) and the electrical connection interface (70) for the electrical bus system (B _E ) in the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) are arranged and designed such that when they are physically aligned of an expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) to the base module (M ₀ ) or to an existing expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) automatically an electrical connection between the electrical connection interface (70) of the extension module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) and the electrical expansion interface (60) of the base module (M ₀ ) or the existing expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) is produced. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in the base module (M ₀ ) a common electrical power supply (PS) connected to the electrical bus system (B _E ) for all modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) and also to the electrical bus system (B _E ) connected and via this with electrical module controls (S _M ) in the expansion modules (M ₁ -M ₆ ) in connection with the central control unit (S _Z ) are provided. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrical bus system (B _E ) comprises a power supply bus (51), a data bus (52) and a communication bus (53). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a base module (M ₀ ) and at least one expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) are provided, that the printing units (P) in the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) are ink jet printing units, that in the base module (M ₀ ) there are common ink reservoirs (IT) for the inkjet printing units in all modules and that an expandable hydraulic bus system (B _H ) connected to the ink reservoir (IT) for supplying the inkjet printing units (IT) in the individual modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the base module (M ₀ ) is provided with a hydraulic expansion interface (80) for the hydraulic bus system (B _H ), that the expansion modules (M ₁ -M ₆ ) each have a hydraulic expansion interface (80 ) and a complementary hydraulic connection interface (90) for the hydraulic bus system (B _H ) are provided, the hydraulic bus system in each extension module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) from its hydraulic connection interface (90) to its hydraulic extension interface (80) is looped through. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the hydraulic expansion interface (80) and the hydraulic connection interface (90) for the hydraulic bus system (B _H ) in the modules (M ₀ -M ₆ ) are arranged and designed such that when physical Adding an extension module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) to the base module (M ₀ ) or to an existing extension module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) automatically creates a hydraulic connection between the hydraulic connection interface (90) of the extension module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) and the hydraulic expansion interface (80) of the base module (M ₀ ) or the existing expansion module (M ₁ -M ₆ ) is produced.

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