EP1924437B1 - Hot-stamping method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a method and a device for hot-stamping parts (20) to be stamped, in which a block (10) and a part (20) that is to be stamped are effectively interconnected on a stamping plane (24) by means of the surfaces (30, 32) thereof which are used for stamping. A stamping foil (28) comprising material that is to be stamped on is placed between the block (10) and the part (20) to be stamped in such a way that the material that is to be stamped on is stamped upon the part (20) to be stamped with the aid of the block (10) during the effective connection while a stamping force (P) required for stamping acts in the direction of a stamping axis (B) extending approximately perpendicular to the stamping plane (24). In the inventive method and device, the surfaces (30, 32) of the block (10) and the part (20) which are used for stamping simultaneously move relative to each other along defined uniform trajectories (36, 38) onto the stamping plane (24) and back out therefrom, intersecting the stamping axis (B) during the stamping process.

Description

For advertising purposes, especially in the cosmetics industry containers and their closures are colored and printed. This is used, for example, for lipsticks, mascaras, cream tubes, shampoo bottles, etc. In many cases, the so-called hot stamping process is used for such imprints and, in particular, for metal-colored imprints.

In the DE 20 2004 003 746 U1 a hot embossing device and a hot stamping process is described, wherein embossing surfaces and a hot stamping foil F are used to apply embossments on a print material S, namely a printing film, continuously. Here, a plurality of embossments on the one printing film arranged side by side is applied, wherein the printing material (the printing film) is not changed. This document is particularly concerned with the correction of the elongation of the hot stamping foil F by the embossing operations, in which the heating necessary for embossing leads to an extension of the hot stamping foil F.

The EP 0 453 168 A1 shows a similar device as in the above DE 20 2004 003 746 U1 is shown. In this document, the goal of the most economical use of the hot stamping foil 27 is pursued by the unwinding speed of the hot stamping foil 27 with respect to the unwinding of the printing film 28 varies so as to counteract a known length expansion of the hot stamping foil 27.

In the WO 98/12051 is a similar hot stamping device as in the EP 0 453 168 A1 The aim is also to use as low-consumption as possible of the hot stamping foil when embossing on a printing foil (substrates).

The US 5,198,059 discloses a hot stamping method and a hot stamping device for decorating a stamped part having a non-circular cross section. Here, the problem of changing rolling speeds is to be solved at non-circular cross-sections. Each individual embossed part is completed before the embossing process vertical feeding to a roller (roller) brought into an embossing position, provided by rotation about a central axis of the embossing part of this role with an embossing and then led out again perpendicular to the roll from the embossing position.

In the JP 60073849 is a similar hot stamping device as in the US 5,198,059 shown, in which also each individual embossing is brought before the embossing process by perpendicular feeding to a roll (heating roller) in an embossed position, is provided by rotation about a central axis of the embossing part of this role with an embossing and then again perpendicular to the role the embossing position is led out.

When hot stamping a hot stamping foil is pressed by a heated plate for a certain time and with a predetermined pressure on a stamped embossed part. In this case, a paint layer located on the film is transferred to the embossed part at the raised portions of the plate, which form the actual embossing mold. In a variant of the hot stamping clichés are used without embossing mold, which act on raised forms of the embossing part and transfer to this the color layer of the film. Basically, flat or cylindrical clichés are used which are fixed or movable.

The present invention is a hot stamping method according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a hot stamping device according to the features of claim 7 and clichés according to the features of claim 19.

A special form of the hot stamping process is roll-off stamping. In this case, a cylindrical, about its axis of rotation rotatably mounted cliché and a stamping part are fed to each other. For this purpose, the embossing part and / or the cliché are fastened on translationally movable carriages and can be moved relative to one another on these carriages in a relatively translatory manner. Are embossing part and cliché brought into position with each other, so the actual embossing process can begin, in which the cylindrical plate rotates about its axis, so that by means of the embossing form of the cliché - or in a cliche without

Embossing mold on a raised shape of the embossing part - the predetermined transfer of the color of the film on the embossed part takes place. The unwinding speed of the plate, the embossing pressure and the temperature of the plate are matched to the embossing foil and the embossing part.

The embossing member may be a body that is to be embossed only on one side, so that for the rolling embossing the rotational movement of the plate about its axis is either combined with a translational movement, or the embossing part is as the cliché a rotationally symmetrical body and should be embossed on its entire circumference, so that the embossing part for the actual embossing process is also rotated and cliché and embossing roll in this way each other and the embossing is done in this way. The surface speeds of the embossing part and the cliché are each matched. An adaptation to the outer geometry of the embossed part can take place, if necessary, during the embossing process by a corresponding translational movement of the carriage of the embossing part or of the carriage of the plate, so that the embossing always takes place with a constant embossing pressure,

Since the embossing temperature can be too long to destroy the film, after the embossing process for the period in which the embossed embossing part is removed and a next embossing part is positioned in position, the cliché must be removed from the embossing position in the immediate vicinity of the film. Therefore, after the embossing process, the feeders or the carriages of the plate and the embossing part are returned to their original position. Subsequently, a next embossing part and the embossing foil are prepared for a next embossing process and the process begins again.

The movement of the carriage or sleds are accelerated and moved with each stamping process. After the embossing process, these components must be back in their starting position to be reset. This process requires drive energy, can cause vibrations and takes time. As a result, the performance of an embossing plant is significantly influenced and limited. The life of the device is lowered and increases the maintenance. In addition, the radial positioning of a round plate to the embossing part is only possible to a limited extent, which can adversely affect the accuracy of the embossing. Therefore, only embossed parts can be processed with this type of hot stamping devices, which should be embossed on their entire circumference or on their side facing the cliché on their entire length.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to further develop the known devices and methods and to avoid the disadvantages mentioned. Another goal is to expand the possibilities of application and make it more flexible. The throughput numbers should be increased. Another object of the invention is to increase the service life and / or to reduce maintenance.

These objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 7. To achieve the goals further contribute clichés according to claim 19.

The hot embossing method according to the invention presented here and the hot embossing device according to the invention achieve these goals in that no abrupt change of direction occurs between the individual embossing processes cliché and embossing part at least in the region of a embossing axis but those surfaces of cliché and embossing part for embossing run on defined uniform trajectories simultaneously and relative to one another into and out of an approximately perpendicular to the embossing axis embossing plane in which they intersect the embossing axis during the embossing process.

Characterized in that the cliché moves in a closed, preferably about ellipsoidal or circular trajectory, during the entire cycle, i. while it is brought into the embossing position, during embossing and also when it is returned to the starting position, the abrupt changes of direction in the region of the embossing axis and thus vibrations and vibrations can be avoided. Thus, the embossing always takes place with a constant embossing pressure, if necessary, during the embossing process adaptation to the outer geometry of the embossing part by superimposing the movement of the cliché and / or the embossing on the respective closed, uniform trajectory with a translational movement along the embossing axis.

It is particularly advantageous if the circumference of the movement path is chosen to be greater than a length of the embossing surface of the cliché extending along the circumference. In this way, the time between bringing the cliché out of the embossing plane and reentering the cliche into the embossing plane can be used to introduce a next embossing part into the embossing plane and bring the embossing film into the required position.

Run on the trajectory instead of a single cliché a number n clichés, with n = 1, 2, 3, ..., to, and is provided between the clichés each a cliché-free section, so a period t1, in each case a cliché free Section passes through the embossing plane, are chosen so that the time t1 corresponds to a time period t2, in which a next embossed part of the embossing plane is supplied.

It is particularly advantageous if the rotational speed and position of, or the cliché are selectively adjustable at any time, as this increases the stamping accuracy.

If the rotational speed, position and position of the embossed parts are adjustable at any time, this also has an effect on the embossing accuracy and embossing parts which are to be imprinted on only part of their circumference or their side facing the cliché can also be embossed using the inventive unwinding hot stamping method ,

If the length of the cliché-free sections and the time t2, which is required for the supply of a next embossed part, well matched, it is possible to keep the adjustable rotational speed of the plates on their trajectory almost constant. Particularly useful for this purpose, so-called adaptive controllers can be used.

The hot embossing process described can be carried out very advantageously on a hot embossing device according to the invention having a embossed part feed and at least one cliché. The at least one cliché is movably mounted in a cliché holder or each embossing part in a receptacle of the embossing part feed with its respective surface intended for embossing in the device according to the invention such that the embossing part and cliché surfaces for embossing can be brought into operative connection with each other in an embossing plane , Between embossing part and cliché while a stamping foil aufzupflemem material is arranged so that the aufzuprägende material during the operative connection with the help of the cliché on the embossing part can be impressed and a stamping force necessary for embossing in a standing approximately perpendicular to the embossing plane embossing axis acts. For the embossing surfaces of the cliché and embossing part, the device has in each case one movement path which has a uniform defined course and in each case intersects the embossing axis approximately in the embossing plane. With the help of a control are embossed part and cliché on their respective movement paths coordinated with each other and movable relative to each other, that they are engageable with each other in the embossing plane in operative connection.

The trajectories of the hot stamping device according to the invention are free of abrupt changes in direction at least in the region of the embossing plane and are particularly advantageously designed as a closed, preferably ellipsoidal or circular curve. In this way, mass accelerations between the embossing processes and possibly resulting vibrations and vibrations are avoided. Advantageously, the trajectory of the cliché is greater than a length of the embossing surface of the cliché extending along the trajectory. In this way, the time between the removal of the cliché from the embossing plane and the re-feeding of the cliché in the embossing plane can be used to introduce a next embossing part in the embossing position in the embossing plane, allowing a higher throughput.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a number n clichés, with n = 1, 2, 3, ..., arranged circumferentially on the movement path, wherein between the plates preferably a cliché-free section is provided, whose length is dimensioned so that it Interplay with an adjustable rotational speed of the clichés on their trajectory on the time is tuned, which is required for the supply of a next embossing part. Thus, a further increase in throughput is possible.

The device is particularly easy to implement when the cliché holder is designed as a rotatably mounted cylinder and the clichés are arranged on this cylinder. In such an embodiment, either the or the clichés themselves can be designed to be heatable, or else the cylinder can be heated and the cliché (s) can be heated via the cylinder. An indirect temperature control of the cliché, for example, in a known manner by infrared radiators, is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the or the clichés are provided with a drive and a controller, so that the rotational speed and the position of, or the cliché are adjustable at any time. For accurate control and positioning, one or more sensors are provided along the trajectory of the clichés. These sensors can be designed in the form of light barriers, cameras, etc.

The embossing part supply is advantageously provided with at least one drive and a controller, so that the rotational speed, the position and the position of the embossed parts are always adjustable in their recordings. This control is also preferably supplied with the information of one or more sensors installed along the path of movement of the embossed parts to be moved. These sensors can be designed in the form of light barriers, cameras, etc. But it can also be provided positioning, for example, cooperate with notches or projections of the embossed parts and thus allow positioning.

An advantageous embodiment of the embossing part supply is a Zuführrevolver in which the recordings are designed in the form of thorns or clamps. But the design as a thorn or clamp conveyor is advantageous. In such a conveyor, the clamps or spikes are movable along the path of travel by means of a conveyor such as a drawstring or a chain. It is particularly advantageous if the distance between the spikes or clamps of the conveyor is flexibly adjustable, as irregularities in the delivery of embossed parts can be very easily compensated in this way. If the mandrels or clamps are rotatably mounted about their axis and can even be driven in a rotating manner, the exact positioning is particularly easy to realize.

In order for the embossing of an embossed part to take place with a constant embossing pressure, the closed uniform movement path of the embossing plate and / or the embossing part in the region of the embossing axis can, if necessary, be superposed with a translatory movement. For this purpose, either the cliché according to the outer geometry of the embossing part be designed as its development or the carriage on which the cliché is arranged with its cliché holder, performs such a translational movement.

As a result of the above-described solution, smaller cycle times or higher throughputs and a longer service life are achieved due to lower mass movements and substantially uniform movements. The use of the device according to the invention or of the method according to the invention enables a variety of embossing, which is not limited to circumferential or full-page impressions.

Further embodiments of the method and the device are described in the further dependent claims.

Fig. 1a

eine Heissprägevorrichtung gemäss Stand der Technik;

Fig. 1b

in Vergrösserung Klischee und Prägeteil aus Fig. 1 a;

Fig. 2a, 2b

eine weitere Heissprägevorrichtung gemäss Stand der Technik;

Fig. 3a

eine erfindungsgemässe Heissprägevorrichtung;

Fig. 3b

die erfindungsgemässe Heissprägevorrichtung aus Fig. 3a während des Prägevorgangs;

Fig. 4

Beispiele für Prägeteile mit anderer als zylindrischer Geometrie;

Fig. 5

Beispiele für Klischees mit an die Prägeteilgeometrie angepasster Form; und

Fig. 6

eine weitere erfindungsgemässe Heissprägevorrichtung.

In the following the invention will be explained by way of example by way of example. Identical objects are generally designated by the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures show purely schematically:

Fig. 1a

a hot stamping device according to the prior art;

Fig. 1b

Enlarged cliché and embossed part Fig. 1 a;

Fig. 2a, 2b

another hot stamping device according to the prior art;

Fig. 3a

an inventive hot stamping device;

Fig. 3b

the inventive hot stamping device Fig. 3a during the stamping process;

Fig. 4

Examples of embossed parts with other than cylindrical geometry;

Fig. 5

Examples of clichés with adapted to the embossing part geometry shape; and

Fig. 6

another inventive hot stamping device.

In Fig. 1a a hot stamping device 1 according to the prior art is shown, which has a heatable, cylindrical plate 10, which is rotatably mounted in a plate holder 12. The cliché holder 12 in Fig. 1 is connected to a carriage 14 which is movable in a machine frame 16 in a first translational direction R1. The cliché holder 12 is movably mounted in the carriage 14 in a second translational direction along the embossing axis B, the embossing axis B in this example being perpendicular to the first translational direction R1. A embossed part to be embossed 20, which is formed in this example cuboidal with a flat surface facing the cliché 10 for embossing 30, is mounted for the embossing process on a support 22 in a defined position. Between embossing 20 and cliché 10, a stamping plane 24 spans. Through the embossing plane 24 running in the direction of arrow A between an unwinding device 18 and a take-up device 19 by means of deflection rollers 26, an embossing film 28 is stretched. The embossing foil 28 has on its side facing the embossing part aufzuprägendes a material that transmits during the embossing process at a corresponding temperature of the plate 10 and pre-definable pressure on the embossing member 20. The embossing member 20 is for the embossing process with its flat surface 30 parallel to the embossing plane 24 just below the stamping foil 28th or positioned in the stamping plane 24. In Fig. 1b are schematically the heatable plate 10 and the embossing 20 off Fig. 1 miteinender shown in operative connection, wherein for simplicity, the embossing film located between the two is not shown.

For the embossing process, the cliché 10 has an embossing surface 32, which is formed elevated relative to a base surface 34 of the plate 10. With the help of the carriage 14, the cliché 10 for the embossing process from a start position (not shown) laterally offset to the embossing member 20 above the stamping foil 28 in an embossing position (indicated by dashed lines), in which the embossing intended surface 32 of the plate 10 and a surface 30 for embossing of the embossing part 20 in the embossing plane 24 come into operative connection with one another, so that the material to be applied is embossed by the embossing film 28 onto the embossing part 20. The heated plate 10 is this pressed with a predetermined constant pressure P in embossing direction B against the stamping foil 28 and the embossing member 20 and unrolled on the stamping foil 28 and the embossing member 20 in the direction of R1. Depending on the nature of the cliché 10, embossing 20 and embossing film 28, the cliché 10 is maintained at a certain temperature T and the movement speed in the translational direction R1 or the unwinding of the cylindrical plate 10 on the embossing member 20 and the embossing P predetermines. In this way, cliché 10 and embossing member 20 for a defined time t1 reach each other with a defined, constant pressure P in operative connection.

After the embossing process, the cliché 10 is moved in a first stroke translationally in the opposite direction to the applied embossing pressure P along the embossing axis B, to remove the cliché 10 from the embossing member 20 and the embossing film 28. With the aid of the carriage 14, the cliché 10 is guided back into the starting position by a further translational movement in the direction R2 (not shown). Now with the imprint provided stamping member 20 is removed from the support 22 and a next embossing member 20 is positioned on the support 22. Now begins the whole process again, namely the feeding of the cliché 10 from the start position to the embossing position, the embossing, the subsequent resetting of the cliché 10 in the starting position and the removal of the embossed embossing part 20 and the feeding of a next embossing part 20. The removal and feeding of the embossing parts 20 takes place by means of a embossing part feed, which can be designed, for example, in a known form of a robot.

In the Fig. 2a, 2b is shown a further hot stamping device 1 according to the prior art. In principle, it has the same structure as the one from the Fig. 1a, 1b only that the embossed parts 20 in this example are rotationally symmetrical bodies which, like the cliché 10, with which they interact, are rotatably mounted about their axis of rotation. For the embossing operation, the cliché 10 in this embodiment is moved from the starting position as shown in FIG Fig. 2a is shown, with a translational movement along the embossing axis B in the direction of the embossing P in the embossing position, as shown in FIG Fig. 2b For the actual embossing, the cylindrical plate 10 is rotated by a motor (not shown), wherein the embossing member 20 either by friction or motor driven - by the same engine or a separate motor - with the same peripheral speed as that Cliché 10 rotates about its axis. The embossing film 28 is simultaneously moved at a speed corresponding to the peripheral speed between the embossing part 20 and the cliché 10 in the direction A and wound on the winding device 19.

Since the cliché 10 is heated with temperatures T up to 300 ° C, there is a risk that at only minimally longer exposure time than it is required for embossing, the stamping foil is damaged by the high temperatures and possibly even ruptures. In order to remove the embossing member 20, therefore, the cliché 10 must again by a translational Movement along the embossing axis B are brought to the start position. The distance to the cliché 10 must be chosen so large that the heat of the heated plate 10 does not endanger the stamping foil 28. Of course, this also applies to the hot stamping device from the Fig. 1a, 1b ,

The hot stamping devices 1 according to the Fig. 1a, 1b , Be used today only for embossing parts 20, the on their cliché 10 side facing in the direction of R1 along its entire length or in the hot stamping device according to Fig. 2a, 2b be embossed on their entire scope. In these hot stamping devices, it is necessary, as described above, the cliché 10 between the individual embossing operations by translational movement along the embossing axis B - and in the device according to Fig. 1a, 1b also still along the directions R1, R2 - to move, this takes time, whereby the possible throughputs of embossed parts 20, that is, the number of embossed parts 20, which can be processed per unit time, is limited. In addition, the translational movements lead to vibrations in the device, which adversely affect the accuracy of the embossing and on the life of the device, or various components of the device effect, which increases the maintenance.

In the Fig. 3a . 3b a hot stamping device 1 according to the invention for embossing embossed parts 20 is shown. In Fig. 3a the cliché 10 is again in a non-embossing position and in Fig. 3b shown in an embossed position. According to the invention, the cliché 10 or the embossing-specific surface 32 of the cliché 10 in the hot embossing device 1 according to the invention moves on a defined, uniform first movement path 36 and the embossing part 20 or the embossing surface 30 of the embossing part 20 according to the invention moves on a defined, uniform motion paths 38. The movement paths 36, 38 intersect the embossing axis B approximately in the embossing plane 24. Cliché 10 and embossing member 20 are moved relative to each other so while their speed on the respective movement path 36, 38 matched to each other, so that they get in the embossing plane 24 in operative connection with each other and embossing of the embossing part 20 takes place. For this purpose, the peripheral speeds of embossing 20 and cliché 10 and the speed of the stamping foil, which is not shown here for the sake of clarity, synchronized. During the embossing process, the cliché 10 rolls with its intended for embossing surface 32 on the embossed surface 30 of the embossing part 20 and the embossing foil located between them, with a predetermined unwinding speed Va, which is preferably constant, and predetermined temperature T and predetermined constant embossing pressure P.

Again, either the embossing member 20 with a corresponding elevation, is formed on the embossed and the cliché 10 according to a flat surface half or vice versa. Clichés 10 and embossed parts 20 with a flat surface can also be used, between which a so-called image film then passes. The picture film has a colorless environment next to a colored lettering, logo or picture. It is embossed then the entire contact area between the cliché 10 and embossing 20 with coined but only the colored lettering, the logo or image are visible on the embossing 20 later.

In this, in the Fig. 3a . 3b , shown example of an inventive hot stamping device 1, the cliché holder 12 is formed as a cylinder 12 'and the trajectory 36 of the cliché 10 and its intended for embossing surface 32 corresponds to a closed circular path. The cliché 10 is heated via the heated cylinder 12 'and covers only a part of the circumference of the cylinder 12' from. In the example shown here only the cliché 10 is heated. Denkbatr but is also the cylinder 12 'as a cliché holder 12 to make heated and to heat the plate 10 on the cylinder. It is also possible to heat the cliché 10 indirectly, for example with the help of a cliché holder associated, insulated heat chamber, for example, heat over infrared heaters, electric heating coils, gas burners, etc., the cylinder 12 'and the cliché 10.

The cylinder 12 'is driven by a motor 40, by means of which the rotational movement and the rotational position of the cylinder 12' can be precisely defined. As Prägeteilzuführung a Zuführrevolver is indicated in this example, which is equipped as receptacles 22 for the embossing parts 20 in a known manner with thorns, depending on the embossing mold and terminals and / or facilities with suction and / or compressed air can be used as receptacles 22 , For the exact positioning of cliché 10 and embossing member 20 and for the adjustment of the rotational speeds, the mandrels 22 and the cylinder 12 'are each driven in rotation by means of a motor 40, 40'. By means of sensors 42 along the trajectories 36, 38 and a preferably learning controller 44, the vote and accurate positioning is guaranteed.

After the start of the cycle, the cliché 10 is delivered with the feed slide 14 (alternatively, the embossing member 20 can be delivered). Thereafter, the cliché 10 and embossing member 20 rotate so that the surface speed and rotation position are synchronized with each other. This is followed by pressure and temperature transfer from the cliché 10 to the film 28 and the embossing member 20 located underneath the embossing process. After completion of the embossing process, the embossing member 20 is stopped. The machined stamping 20 can be removed and a new fed. Alternatively, another receptacle 22 is brought into the embossing position by a suitable means. Meanwhile, the plate 10 rotates in the side facing away from the embossing member 20 side, and the embossed embossing member can be easily removed and fed to a next embossing part. At the right time, in turn, the surface speed and rotational position of embossed part and cliché synchronized with each other and carried out the next embossing.

Between the individual embossing processes, the feed carriage 14 with the plate 10 is not reset. The necessary clearance between the cliché 10 and embossing member 20 is achieved by the cliche 10 not covered portion 45 of the cylinder 12 'along the path of movement 36. Only with a complete standstill of the system of the feed carriage 14 is reset.

During the continuous process, the speed of the cylinder 12 'between embossing process end and renewed embossing start is calculated and adjusted by the learning controller 44 on the basis of the average cycle time, so that the cylinder 12' can rotate as uniformly as possible.

For non-cylindrical embossed parts 20 ', 20 ", as in Fig. 4 are shown, the adaptation to the shape or outer geometry of the embossing member 20 ', 20 "by a superposition of the movement of the plate 10 on its uniform trajectory 36 and the translational movement of the Zustellschlittens 14 with the cliché holder 12/12' and the cliché 10. For this purpose, the embossing part must first be accurately measured and then the carriage must be prescribed with the exact movement, for example by programming it accordingly.

As a further possibility non-cylindrical embossed parts 20 ', 20 ", as in Fig. 4 To emboss, it is to adapt the surface topography of the clichés 10 used according to the outer geometry of the embossing part 20, as in the cliché 10 in Fig. 5 is shown.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the inventive hot stamping device 1, which is constructed in principle, as the hot stamping device 1 from the Fig. 3a . 3b , In contrast to the hot stamping device 1 in the Fig. 3a . 3b For example, instead of a revolver in this example, the embossing part feed is designed as a conveyor 48 with a conveying member 46, which in this special case is designed as a chain. Next, the cliché holder 12 is configured in this example as a cylinder 12 'with a very large diameter and on the cylinder circumference 45 equally spaced cliché free sections 45 spaced cliches 10 are arranged. It is also conceivable, the clichés 10 also by means of a conveyor, instead of moving on a cylinder. In the example shown here, the clichés 10 are relatively flat and therefore individually heated. The time t1, which require cliché-free sections 45 for passing through the embossing plane 24 in the intersection with the embossing axis B and the time t2, which is required for the supply of a next embossing part 20, are in turn matched by means of control (not shown) it is possible to keep the adjustable rotational speed of the plates 10 on its trajectory 36 almost constant.

The embodiments shown in the figures clearly serve to illustrate the invention by way of example. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that there are further possibilities for the embodiment of the invention. The way in which the elements shown in the various figures can be meaningfully combined is clear to those skilled in the art, so that the examples shown in the figures have no limiting effect.

Claims (17)

1. Method for hot stamping a plurality of individual stampings (20), in which a die (10) and each of the plurality of individual stampings (20), having their surfaces intended for stamping in a single stamping plane (24), come into operative connection with each other, wherein a stamping foil (28) with material to be stamped is arranged therebetween in such a way that the material to be stamped is stamped onto each individual stamping (20) during the operative connection with the aid of the die (10), and wherein a stamping force necessary for stamping acts in a stamping direction approximately perpendicular to the stamping plane, characterised in that the plurality of stampings (20) is introduced by means of a revolver or a conveyor (48), the revolver or the conveyor (48) being provided with at least one cradle (22) in the form of a mandrel or a clamp for the take-up of the stampings (20), and in that the surfaces (30, 32) of the die (10) and of each individual stamping (20) that are intended for stamping move on defined uniform movement paths (36, 38) simultaneously and relative to each other into and out of the stamping plane (24), cutting a stamping axis (B) during the stamping process.
2. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the die (10) moves on a closed, preferably approximately ellipsoidal or circular movement oath (36), wherein the circumference of the movement path (36) is in particular greater than a length of the surface (32) of the die (10) extending along the circumference, which surface is intended for stamping.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that a number n of dies (10), wherein n = 1, 2, 3,..., circulate on the movement path (36), a die-free section (45) being provided between each of the dies (10), and the die-free section (45) passing through the stamping plane (24) within a period of time (t1) corresponding to period of time (t2) in which a next stamping (20) is introduced to the stamping plane (24).
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3; characterised in that the circulation speed and position of the die or dies (10) can be purposefully adjusted at any time.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the circulation speed, position and lie of the stampings (20) can be adjusted at any time.
6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the length of the die-free portions (45) and the time (t2) required for introducing a next stamping (20) are matched to each other in such a way that the adjustable circulation speed of the die (10) on its movement path (36) can be kept virtually constant.
7. Hot stamping device having a stamping supply and at least one die (10) for stamping a plurality of individual stampings (20), in which the at least one die (1 0) with its surface intended for stamping and/or each stamping (20) with its surface intended for stamping are mounted in a cradle (22) of the stamping supply so as to be movable in such a way that they can be brought into operative connection with each other in a stamping plane (24), wherein a stamping foil (28) with material to be stamped is arranged therebetween in such a way that the material to be stamped is stampable onto each stamping (20) during the operative connection with the aid of the die (10), and wherein a stamping force necessary for stamping is applicable in a stamping direction approximately perpendicular to the stamping plane, characterised in that the plurality of stampings (20) is introduced by means of a revolver or a conveyor (48), wherein the at least one cradle (22) in the form of a mandrel or a clamp for the cradle of the stampings (20) is arranged on the revolver or on the conveyor (48), and in that the surfaces (30, 32) of the die (10) and stamping (20), which surfaces are intended for stamping, are movable relative to each other on defined, uniform movement paths (36, 38), and the movement paths (36, 38) cut a stamping axis (B) approximately in the stamping plane (24), wherein the movements of die (10) and stamping (20) are matchable to each other in such a way that they can be brought into operative connection with each other in the stamping plane (24).
8. Hot stamping device according to claim 7, characterised in that the movement paths (36, 38) are free from abrupt changes of direction at least in the region of the stamping plane (24).
9. Hot stamping device according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the movement path of the die (10) represents a closed, preferably ellipsoid or circular curve, wherein the circumference of the movement path (36) is preferably greater than a length of the surface (32) of the die (10) extending along the circumference, which length is intended for stamping.
10. Hot stamping device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that a number n of dies (10), wherein n = 1, 2, 3,..., are arranged circulating on the movement path (36), preferably a die-free section (45) being provided between the dies (10), the length of which section is such that, in interplay with an adjustable circulation speed of the dies (10) on their movement path (36), it is matchable to time (t2) required for the introduction of a next stamping (20).
11. Hot stamping device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the die or dies (10) are heatable.
12. Hot stamping device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that the die or dies (10) are arranged on a cylinder (12'), wherein the cylinder (12') is preferably heatable and the die or dies (10) are heatable via the cylinder (12').
13. Hot stamping device according to one of claims 7 to 12; characterised in that the die or dies (10) are provided with a drive (40) and a control system (44), so that the circulation speed and the position of the die or dies (10) are adjustable at any time, and in that preferably one or more sensors (42) are provided for the controlling and positioning the dies (10) along the movement path (36).
14. Hot stamping device according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterised in that the stamping supply is provided with at least one drive (40') and one control system (44), so that the circulation speed, position and the positioning of the stampings (20) are adjustable in their cradles (22) at any time, and in that preferably one or more sensors (42) are provided for controlling the stampings (20) to be moved along the movement path (38).
15. Hot stamping device according to claim 7 to 14, characterised in that the distance between the mandrels and/or the clamps is preferably flexibly adjustable.
16. Hot stamping device according to claim 15, characterised in that the cradles (22) are rotatably mounted about their axis and preferably drivable in rotation.
17. Hot stamping device according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterised in that the cradles (22) are provided with a suction air connector and a compressed air connector.

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