EP2838822B1 - Device for conveying a substrate, and system for printing a substrate - Google Patents

Device for conveying a substrate, and system for printing a substrate Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2838822B1
EP2838822B1 EP13718834.8A EP13718834A EP2838822B1 EP 2838822 B1 EP2838822 B1 EP 2838822B1 EP 13718834 A EP13718834 A EP 13718834A EP 2838822 B1 EP2838822 B1 EP 2838822B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
travel
substrate
holding
units
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13718834.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2838822A1 (en
Inventor
Norbert Muench
Volkmar Kiessling
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KORA-PACKMAT Maschinenbau GmbH
Original Assignee
KORA-PACKMAT Maschinenbau GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KORA-PACKMAT Maschinenbau GmbH filed Critical KORA-PACKMAT Maschinenbau GmbH
Priority to EP20151549.1A priority Critical patent/EP3663241B1/en
Publication of EP2838822A1 publication Critical patent/EP2838822A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2838822B1 publication Critical patent/EP2838822B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
    • B65H5/08—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by grippers, e.g. suction grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/007—Conveyor belts or like feeding devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0085—Using suction for maintaining printing material flat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/10—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides
    • B41J13/22—Clamps or grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
    • B65H5/08—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by grippers, e.g. suction grippers
    • B65H5/14—Details of grippers; Actuating-mechanisms therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/44—Moving, forwarding, guiding material
    • B65H2301/443—Moving, forwarding, guiding material by acting on surface of handled material
    • B65H2301/4433—Moving, forwarding, guiding material by acting on surface of handled material by means holding the material
    • B65H2301/44331—Moving, forwarding, guiding material by acting on surface of handled material by means holding the material at particular portion of handled material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2405/00—Parts for holding the handled material
    • B65H2405/50—Gripping means
    • B65H2405/55—Rail guided gripping means running in closed loop, e.g. without permanent interconnecting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/20—Location in space
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2513/00—Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
    • B65H2513/40—Movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2555/00—Actuating means
    • B65H2555/10—Actuating means linear
    • B65H2555/13—Actuating means linear magnetic, e.g. induction motors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/13—Parts concerned of the handled material
    • B65H2701/131—Edges
    • B65H2701/1311—Edges leading edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/13—Parts concerned of the handled material
    • B65H2701/131—Edges
    • B65H2701/1313—Edges trailing edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2801/00—Application field
    • B65H2801/42—Die-cutting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for conveying a substrate.
  • the invention also relates to a system for printing on a substrate.
  • a processing station can, for example, be a station for punching, cutting, folding or, in particular, for printing.
  • Another challenge is to convey the substrate in such a way that it can be fed to a processing station in the best possible way or can be guided past a processing station.
  • the conveying speed or processing speed must not suffer, since otherwise the production throughput will be too low.
  • substrates are paper sheets, thin plastics, textiles and leather. While substrates with an inherent stability can be conveyed relatively easily, with substrates without an inherent stability the substrate must be guided particularly well in order to avoid deformation.
  • DE 25 01 963 shows a gripper carriage drive with which sheets can be pulled through printing units.
  • the gripper carriages are driven in the manner of a linear drive.
  • EP 1 882 566 A2 shows a sheet punching and embossing machine in which the gripper carriages are driven by a linear drive in order to pull sheets through a punching and embossing unit.
  • EP 1 977 893 A2 shows a general transport system, which is based on a linear drive.
  • DE 100 47 395 A1 shows a sheet transport system for a rotary printing press, in which grippers grab a sheet to be transported by its side edges and pull it through the rotary printing press. The document further discloses the preamble of claim 1.
  • the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.
  • the first driving unit has a first holding unit with which the substrate can be held, in particular can be held in a frictionally engaged manner.
  • the substrate is held by the first holding unit in a force-fitting or form-fitting manner.
  • the device also makes it possible to convey substrates of different lengths, in principle even of any length.
  • the first travel unit is moved relative to the first travel route due to a magnetic interaction between the first travel route and the first travel unit. It is particularly the case here that a first magnetic field interacts with a second magnetic field and the resulting force is used to move the first driving unit along the first driving route.
  • the principle of operation of the device is as follows.
  • the first travel unit is ready in a first area of the first travel route in order to receive the substrate by means of the first holding unit, the first holding unit preferably already being in the open state.
  • the substrate is then fed to the first holding unit.
  • the first holding unit then changes from the open state to the closed state, whereby the substrate is now held by the first holding unit.
  • the first travel unit then moves along the first travel route, preferably passing a processing station.
  • the first holding unit opens and releases the substrate, which is then taken over by a subsequent process step or a conveying device.
  • the device enables precise control of the first driving unit.
  • the first drive unit can be implemented very easily, it is possible to quickly accelerate the first drive unit during production operation, to drive it quickly and to brake it quickly, so that a high throughput can be achieved. Since drive chains, toothed belts, toothed racks, toothed wheels and shafts can be dispensed with, relatively low-noise operation with low maintenance requirements can be achieved.
  • the device also offers the advantage that more than two drive units can be used. In this way, the holding and the positioning of the substrate can be improved and / or the throughput can be improved through better utilization of the travel route.
  • the device preferably has a defined receiving point at which the substrate is grasped by the first holding unit, and a delivery or transfer point at which the substrate is released or is transferred to a further production step.
  • the drive unit is preferably driven according to the principle of a linear motor, which is sometimes also referred to as a linear unit or a linear servo motor. Suitable systems are offered by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, for example.
  • the first holding unit has an upper part and a lower part, with the upper part and lower part being able to be displaced relative to one another.
  • the substrate is inserted between the upper and lower part and the upper and lower part are moved relative to one another in order to hold the substrate by means of the first holding unit.
  • the holding part functions like a pair of pliers and clamps the substrate.
  • the upper and lower parts preferably have smooth contact surfaces so that the substrate can be held securely without damaging it.
  • the upper part can be rigid and the lower part movable, the lower part rigid and the upper part movable, and both the upper part and the lower part can be movable.
  • the device has a second rail-like travel route with a longitudinal extension and, in addition to the first travel unit, a second travel unit which is designed to perform a movement relative to the second travel route along the longitudinal extension of the second travel route, the second travel route and the second driving unit are designed to work together in such a way that the movement of the second driving unit is caused by a magnetic interaction between the second driving path and the second driving unit, the second driving unit having a holding unit which is designed to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a second section of the substrate can be inserted into the holding unit and in the closed state the second section is held by the holding unit.
  • the substrate is preferably held both by the holding unit of the first driving unit and by the holding unit of the second driving unit.
  • the routes are preferably arranged parallel to one another. This makes it possible to ensure in a simple manner that lateral shifts are avoided during conveyance.
  • the first and the second route preferably have the same length and the same shape.
  • the two drive units are preferably moved synchronously in order to avoid yawing of the substrate.
  • the substrate is held by one driving unit on each of the routes. How however, as will be shown below, there are preferred configurations in which the substrate is held by two or more driving units on the same route.
  • the first travel path is designed to generate magnetic fields that change over time along the longitudinal extension and the first travel unit has a permanent magnet.
  • the first drive unit does not require any additional energy supply for the movement.
  • the first travel path has several permanent magnets and the first travel unit is designed to generate magnetic fields that change over time.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that the first route can be implemented easily and inexpensively. Since the general operating principle of linear motors is known to the person skilled in the art, it will not be discussed in more detail in this application. With regard to both embodiments, it should be pointed out that if several routes and / or several driving units are used, the further driving routes or the further driving units are designed in the same way, in particular the second driving route and the second driving unit.
  • the first travel route and the first travel unit are designed to guide the first travel unit as it moves.
  • the first driving unit has a support element with a support profile, the support profile corresponding to a guide profile of a guide rail of the first travel route. It should be noted that if several routes and / or several driving units are used, the further driving routes or the further driving units are designed in the same way, that is to say in particular the second driving route and the second driving unit.
  • the first route forms a closed loop.
  • the closed loop has a forward route and a return route, there is also no obstruction if a driving unit is to be moved back from the end of the first route to the beginning of the first route.
  • the configuration also makes it possible that a large number of driving units can be moved along the first driving route and can be returned to the beginning of the first driving route in a simple manner. In this case, it is particularly possible to return the driving units at high speed from the end of the driving route to the beginning of the driving route.
  • the closed loop preferably has a straight forward section and a straight return section, which are connected to one another on both sides via circular arc-shaped elements.
  • the device has a control device which is designed to control the movement and / or the position of the first driving unit.
  • This refinement makes it possible, among other things, to predefine a certain position for the first driving unit and / or to predefine a certain speed for the first driving unit, which can change over the course of the first driving route.
  • the driving units can preferably be controlled individually or in groups. If several driving units are responsible for conveying a substrate, the control unit controls this group of driving units in one embodiment in such a way that the driving units move at the same speed. It is particularly advantageous if several routes are used that a first driving unit on a first driving route and a second driving unit on a second driving route are moved in the same way and at a constant distance.
  • the distance between the first and the second route can be changed relative to one another.
  • the configuration enables substrates with different widths to be processed, in principle even with any desired widths.
  • the first route moves towards a stationary second route, that the second route moves towards a stationary first route or that both the first and second routes are movable.
  • at least one of the routes is attached to a holding system.
  • the device has a third driving unit which is designed to carry out a movement relative to the first driving route along the longitudinal extension of the first driving route, the first driving route and the third driving unit being designed to work together in such a way that the movement the third travel unit is caused by a magnetic interaction between the first travel path and the third travel unit, the third travel unit having a holding unit which is designed to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a third section of the substrate is inserted into the holding unit can be and in the closed state the third section is held by the holding unit, and the device has a fourth drive unit, which is designed to move relative to the two along the longitudinal extension of the second travel path
  • the second driving route and the fourth driving unit are designed to work together in such a way that the movement of the fourth driving unit is caused by a magnetic interaction between the second driving route and the fourth driving unit, the fourth driving unit having a holding unit which is designed for this purpose to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a fourth section of the substrate can
  • This configuration makes it possible to clamp the substrate in four places and to be able to guide it particularly well in this way.
  • the device has a control device which is designed to control the holding units so that the Holding units of the first and second driving unit open when the substrate is handed over or transferred at a first point in time and the holding units of the third and fourth driving unit open when the substrate is handed over or handed over at a later, second point in time.
  • This configuration makes it possible to guide a substrate with all four drive units until the leading end of the substrate reaches the end of the conveyor section of the device. At this point in time, the holding units of the first and second driving units open. The leading end of the substrate is released and can be transferred to another conveyor line or processing station. Since the substrate is still being held by the third and fourth drive units, the third and fourth drive units push the substrate further in the direction of the further conveying path or processing station.
  • the device has a control device which is designed to control the first and second driving unit for a first speed of movement and to control the third and / or fourth driving unit for a second speed of movement, the second speed being lower is than the first speed.
  • This configuration makes it possible to keep the substrate under tension between the first / second drive unit and the third / fourth drive unit. Since the first and the second drive unit have a tendency to hurry away from the third and / or fourth drive unit, the substrate is tensioned because the four drive units hold the same substrate. It is particularly preferred to set the second speed to a percentage of the first speed, the percentage being between 0% and less than 100%. In one embodiment, the speed is set to zero on the third and fourth drive units, so that the third and fourth drive units are pulled by the first and second drive units, since they are connected to the first and second drive units via the substrate. The percentage of the second speed relative to the first speed is selected, in particular, taking into account the possibility of the substrate tearing and the holding force of the holding units.
  • the holding units of the first and second driving unit are set so that they can provide a first holding force
  • the holding units of the third and fourth driving unit are set so that they can provide a second holding force, the first holding force being greater as the second holding force
  • the first and second drive units ensure that the substrate is held precisely and can be conveyed precisely.
  • the second holding force is selected so that the substrate is released from the holding units of the third and fourth driving unit before it tears.
  • the size of the second holding force can be determined by calculation, simulation or practical tests.
  • the object is achieved by a system for printing a substrate with a previously described device and a printing station, the device and the printing station being arranged relative to one another so that the device can guide a substrate held in the holding unit past the printing station.
  • This configuration makes it possible to meet the high requirements that are given when printing on a substrate that moves past a printing station.
  • a uniform movement should take place along the longitudinal extension without lateral deflections.
  • a constant distance from the printing station, more precisely from the print heads, should be guaranteed.
  • the described device offers these properties and therefore enables a particularly advantageous system for printing on a substrate.
  • the system is followed by a drying station in the direction of production, where the printed substrate is dried. It is advantageous if the substrate is transferred to a conveyor line of the drying station at the end of the travel path.
  • the object is achieved by the use of a device described above in order to guide a substrate past a processing station, in particular to guide it past a printing station for printing the substrate.
  • the device can also be used for other applications that require precise guiding of the substrate, e.g. a cutting or punching process.
  • Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a system 10 for printing a substrate 12 with a printing station 14, here symbolically shown, a drying station 16, only the drying belt is shown, and a device 18 for conveying the substrate 12.
  • the device 18 for conveying the substrate 12 has a rail-like travel path 20, here a first travel path 20 and a second travel path 20 ′, each with a longitudinal extension 22.
  • the device 18 also has a drive unit 24, here a first drive unit 24, a second drive unit 24 ', a third drive unit 24 "and a fourth drive unit 24"'.
  • Each driving unit 24 is designed to perform a movement relative to the driving route 20 along the longitudinal extension 22 of the driving route 20.
  • the driving route 20 and the driving unit 24 are designed to interact in such a way that the movement of the driving unit 24 is moved due to a magnetic interaction between the driving route 20 and the driving unit 24.
  • the first driving unit 24 and the third driving unit 24 ′′ cooperate with the first driving route 20 and the second driving unit 24 ′ and the fourth driving unit 24 ′ ′′ cooperate with the second driving route 20 ′.
  • the route 20 is designed to generate magnetic fields that change over time along the longitudinal extent 22.
  • the route 20 forms a closed loop. These statements apply in the same way to the second route 20 '.
  • the device 18 has a control device 26 which is designed to control the movement and / or the position of the driving unit 24. In this embodiment, the control device 26 controls the movement of all travel units 24 on the travel routes 20.
  • FIG. 14 shows an enlargement of the front section of the device 18 according to FIG Fig. 1 . All reference signs already introduced continue to apply here and below.
  • Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a driving unit 24 according to FIG Fig. 1 .
  • the driving unit 24 has a base body 40, a holding unit 42 with an upper part 44 and a lower part 46, one or more permanent magnets 48 and a support element 50 with a support profile 52, which in particular represents, so to speak, the negative of the guide profile
  • the holding unit 42 is designed to assume an open and a closed state. This is done by shifting the upper part 44 and lower part 46 relative to one another, preferably by shifting 54 and / or by pivoting 56 of the lower part 46 with respect to the upper part 44. In the open state, a section of the substrate 12 can be inserted into the holding unit 42, and in the closed state, the section is held by the holding unit 42.
  • Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the driving unit 24 for a further, not shown embodiment of the device 18. In principle, the for Fig. 3 statements made.
  • the driving unit 24 does not have permanent magnets 48, but rather a coil arrangement 60 which is fed with current via supply cable 62.
  • An associated embodiment, not shown, of a route 20 has a plurality of permanent magnets, so that the magnetic interaction described above occurs again.
  • FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a system 10 with a second embodiment of the device 18. All apply to Fig. 1 statements made here too.
  • a special feature of this embodiment is that the device 18 according to the invention has a vacuum pad 70. If a substrate 12 slides over the vacuum support 70, it is pressed flat onto the vacuum support. However, it is still possible to pull the substrate 12 over the negative pressure support 70 by means of the drive units 24, so that the substrate 12 can be moved precisely and at a constant distance along under the printing station 14.
  • FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a system 10 with a third embodiment of a device 18. All of those apply Fig. 1 and 5 statements made continue.
  • a special feature of this embodiment is that a substrate 12 is only conveyed by a first and a second drive unit 24 '. Since the vacuum pad 70 ensures that the substrate 12 is pressed onto the vacuum pad 70, it is possible to dispense with the third and fourth travel units 24 ′′, 24 ′ ′′.
  • the device 18 has further drive units, these are not to be understood in the sense of a third and fourth drive unit 24 ′′, 24 ′ ′′, since these do not act on the same substrate 12.
  • Fig. 7 shows a simplified fourth embodiment of the device 18.
  • a route 20 is used that does not form a loop and is therefore particularly easy to implement.
  • Fig. 8 shows a device 18 in plan view, which does not show the invention.
  • only one travel path 20 is used, on which a first travel unit 24 and a second travel unit 24 'move. If the travel route is designed as a closed loop, further travel units can of course also be used.
  • the driving units 24, 24 ′ each have a holding unit 42, 42 ′, which each grasp two sections of the substrate 12 here.
  • the device 18 disclosed here for conveying a substrate 12 and the system 10 for printing a substrate 12 are particularly advantageous when processing substrates 12 which do not have inherent stability, in particular paper sheets, plastic films, textiles or leather, etc. it should be noted that the device 18 and the system 10 can also be used to process substrates 12 which already have an inherent stability.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Container, Conveyance, Adherence, Positioning, Of Wafer (AREA)
  • Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats. Die Erfindung betrifft außerdem ein System zum Bedrucken eines Substrats.The present invention relates to a device for conveying a substrate. The invention also relates to a system for printing on a substrate.

Das Fördern von Substraten bei der maschinellen Verarbeitung oder industriellen Fertigung ist eine besondere technische Herausforderung. Ein Teil der Herausforderung liegt darin, ein Substrat während des Verarbeitungsprozesses von einer Verarbeitungsstation zur nächsten Verarbeitungsstation zu bewegen. Bei einer Verarbeitungsstation kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Station zum Stanzen, Schneiden, Falten oder insbesondere zum Bedrucken handeln.The conveyance of substrates in machine processing or industrial production is a special technical challenge. Part of the challenge is moving a substrate from one processing station to the next processing station during the processing process. A processing station can, for example, be a station for punching, cutting, folding or, in particular, for printing.

Eine weitere Herausforderung ist es, das Substrat so zu fördern, dass es in bestmöglicher Weise einer Verarbeitungsstation zugeführt werden oder an einer Verarbeitungsstation vorbeigeführt werden kann. Jedoch darf dabei die Fördergeschwindigkeit bzw. Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit nicht leiden, da sonst der Fertigungsdurchsatz zu gering wird.Another challenge is to convey the substrate in such a way that it can be fed to a processing station in the best possible way or can be guided past a processing station. However, the conveying speed or processing speed must not suffer, since otherwise the production throughput will be too low.

Eine weitere Herausforderung stellt sich, wenn das Substrat keine Eigenstabilität bzw. inhärente Stabilität aufweist, wenn es sich also leicht verformen lässt und insbesondere nicht nach einer Verformung durch innere Rückstellkräfte in seine ursprüngliche Form zurückkehrt. Beispiele für derartige Substrate sind Papierbögen, dünne Kunststoffe, Textilstoffe und Leder. Während Substrate mit einer inhärenten Stabilität relativ einfach gefördert werden können, muss bei Substraten ohne eine inhärente Stabilität das Substrat besonders gut geführt werden, um eine Verformung zu vermeiden.A further challenge arises when the substrate has no inherent stability or inherent stability, i.e. when it can be easily deformed and in particular does not return to its original shape after deformation due to internal restoring forces. Examples of such substrates are paper sheets, thin plastics, textiles and leather. While substrates with an inherent stability can be conveyed relatively easily, with substrates without an inherent stability the substrate must be guided particularly well in order to avoid deformation.

DE 25 01 963 zeigt einen Greiferwagenantrieb, mit dem Bogen durch Druckwerke gezogen werden können. Der Antrieb der Greiferwagen erfolgt in der Art eines Linearantriebs. EP 1 882 566 A2 zeigt eine Bogenstanz- und -prägemaschine bei der Greiferwagen mit einem Linearantrieb angetrieben werden, um Bögen durch eine Stanz- und -prägeeinheit zu ziehen. EP 1 977 893 A2 zeigt ein allgemeines Transportsystem, das auf einem Linearantrieb beruht. DE 100 47 395 A1 zeigt ein Bogentransportsystem für eine Rotationsdruckmaschine, bei der Greifer einen zu transportierenden Bogen an seinen Seitenkanten greifen und durch die Rotationsdruckmaschine ziehen. Das Dokument offenbart weiter den Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. DE 25 01 963 shows a gripper carriage drive with which sheets can be pulled through printing units. The gripper carriages are driven in the manner of a linear drive. EP 1 882 566 A2 shows a sheet punching and embossing machine in which the gripper carriages are driven by a linear drive in order to pull sheets through a punching and embossing unit. EP 1 977 893 A2 shows a general transport system, which is based on a linear drive. DE 100 47 395 A1 shows a sheet transport system for a rotary printing press, in which grippers grab a sheet to be transported by its side edges and pull it through the rotary printing press. The document further discloses the preamble of claim 1.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats aufzuzeigen, die eine gute Führung eines Substrats bei guter Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit ermöglicht und dabei auch Substrate ohne inhärente Stabilität gefördert werden können. Es ist eine weitere Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein entsprechendes System zum Bedrucken eines Substrats mit einer solchen Vorrichtung aufzuzeigen.It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for conveying a substrate, which enables a good guidance of a substrate at a good processing speed and in the process also substrates without inherent stability can be conveyed. It is a further object of the invention to provide a corresponding system for printing a substrate with such a device.

Gemäß einem ersten Aspekt wird die Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1.According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

Die erste Fahreinheit weist eine erste Halteeinheit auf, mit der das Substrat gehalten werden kann, insbesondere reibschlüssig gehalten werden kann. Es sind auch Ausführungsformen denkbar, bei denen das Substrat kraftschlüssig oder formschlüssig von der ersten Halteeinheit festgehalten wird. Die Vorrichtung ermöglicht es auch, Substrate von unterschiedlicher Länge, prinzipiell sogar von beliebiger Länge, zu fördern.The first driving unit has a first holding unit with which the substrate can be held, in particular can be held in a frictionally engaged manner. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the substrate is held by the first holding unit in a force-fitting or form-fitting manner. The device also makes it possible to convey substrates of different lengths, in principle even of any length.

Die erste Fahreinheit wird relativ zur ersten Fahrstrecke aufgrund einer magnetischen Wechselwirkung zwischen erster Fahrstrecke und erster Fahreinheit bewegt. Dabei ist es insbesondere so, dass ein erstes Magnetfeld mit einem zweiten Magnetfeld zusammenwirkt und die resultierende Kraft für eine Bewegung der ersten Fahreinheit entlang der ersten Fahrstrecke benutzt wird.The first travel unit is moved relative to the first travel route due to a magnetic interaction between the first travel route and the first travel unit. It is particularly the case here that a first magnetic field interacts with a second magnetic field and the resulting force is used to move the first driving unit along the first driving route.

Die Funktionsweise der Vorrichtung ist dabei prinzipiell wie folgt. Die erste Fahreinheit steht in einem ersten Bereich der ersten Fahrstrecke bereit, um das Substrat mittels der ersten Halteeinheit aufzunehmen, wobei die erste Halteeinheit sich bevorzugt bereits im geöffneten Zustand befindet. Das Substrat wird dann der ersten Halteeinheit zugeführt. Die erste Halteeinheit wechselt dann vom geöffneten Zustand in den geschlossenen Zustand, wodurch das Substrat nun von der ersten Halteeinheit festgehalten wird. Die erste Fahreinheit bewegt sich dann entlang der ersten Fahrstrecke, wobei sie bevorzugt eine Verarbeitungsstation passiert. In einem zweiten Bereich der ersten Fahrstrecke, insbesondere einem Endbereich, öffnet sich die erste Halteeinheit und gibt das Substrat frei, das dann von einem nachfolgenden Prozessschritt oder einer Fördereinrichtung übernommen wird.The principle of operation of the device is as follows. The first travel unit is ready in a first area of the first travel route in order to receive the substrate by means of the first holding unit, the first holding unit preferably already being in the open state. The substrate is then fed to the first holding unit. The first holding unit then changes from the open state to the closed state, whereby the substrate is now held by the first holding unit. The first travel unit then moves along the first travel route, preferably passing a processing station. In a second area of the first travel route, in particular an end area, the first holding unit opens and releases the substrate, which is then taken over by a subsequent process step or a conveying device.

Die Vorrichtung ermöglicht einerseits eine präzise Ansteuerung der ersten Fahreinheit. Andererseits, da die erste Fahreinheit sehr leicht ausgeführt werden kann, ist es möglich, die erste Fahreinheit während des Produktionsbetriebs schnell zu beschleunigen, schnell zu fahren und schnell abzubremsen, so dass ein hoher Durchsatz erzielt werden kann. Da auf Antriebsketten, Zahnriemen, Zahnstangen, Zahnräder und Wellen verzichtet werden kann, kann ein verhältnismäßig geräuscharmer Betrieb mit geringen Wartungsanforderungen erzielt werden.On the one hand, the device enables precise control of the first driving unit. On the other hand, since the first drive unit can be implemented very easily, it is possible to quickly accelerate the first drive unit during production operation, to drive it quickly and to brake it quickly, so that a high throughput can be achieved. Since drive chains, toothed belts, toothed racks, toothed wheels and shafts can be dispensed with, relatively low-noise operation with low maintenance requirements can be achieved.

Die Vorrichtung bietet außerdem den Vorteil, dass auch mehr als zwei Fahreinheiten zum Einsatz kommen können. Auf diese Weise können das Halten und die Positionierung des Substrats verbessert werden und/oder der Durchsatz durch eine verbesserte Ausnutzung der Fahrstrecke verbessert werden.The device also offers the advantage that more than two drive units can be used. In this way, the holding and the positioning of the substrate can be improved and / or the throughput can be improved through better utilization of the travel route.

Die Vorrichtung verfügt bevorzugt über eine definierte Aufnahmestelle, an der das Substrat von der ersten Halteeinheit erfasst wird, und über eine Ab- oder Übergabestelle, an der das Substrat abgegeben wird oder an einen weiteren Fertigungsschritt übergeben wird.The device preferably has a defined receiving point at which the substrate is grasped by the first holding unit, and a delivery or transfer point at which the substrate is released or is transferred to a further production step.

Der Antrieb der Fahreinheit erfolgt bevorzugt nach dem Prinzip eines Linearmotors, wobei teilweise auch von Lineareinheit oder linearem Servomotor gesprochen wird. Geeignete Systeme werden beispielsweise von der Firma Beckhoff Automation GmbH angeboten.The drive unit is preferably driven according to the principle of a linear motor, which is sometimes also referred to as a linear unit or a linear servo motor. Suitable systems are offered by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, for example.

Es ist bevorzugt, wenn die erste Halteeinheit ein Ober- und Unterteil hat, wobei Oberteil und Unterteil relativ zueinander verlagert werden können. Um das Substrat festzuhalten, wird das Substrat zwischen Ober- und Unterteil eingeführt und werden Ober- und Unterteil relativ aufeinander zu bewegt, um das Substrat mittels der ersten Halteeinheit festzuhalten. Bevorzugt ist es dabei, dass das Halteteil wie eine Zange funktioniert und das Substrat einklemmt. Ober- und Unterteil weisen dabei bevorzugt glatte Anlageflächen auf, damit das Substrat gut festgehalten werden kann, ohne es dabei zu beschädigen. Dabei kann sowohl das Oberteil starr und das Unterteil beweglich sein, das Unterteil starr und das Oberteil beweglich sein als auch sowohl Oberteil als auch Unterteil beweglich sein.It is preferred if the first holding unit has an upper part and a lower part, with the upper part and lower part being able to be displaced relative to one another. To the substrate to hold, the substrate is inserted between the upper and lower part and the upper and lower part are moved relative to one another in order to hold the substrate by means of the first holding unit. It is preferred here that the holding part functions like a pair of pliers and clamps the substrate. The upper and lower parts preferably have smooth contact surfaces so that the substrate can be held securely without damaging it. The upper part can be rigid and the lower part movable, the lower part rigid and the upper part movable, and both the upper part and the lower part can be movable.

Die Vorrichtung weist zusätzlich zu der ersten Fahrstrecke eine zweite schienenartige Fahrstrecke mit einer Längserstreckung und zusätzlich zu der ersten Fahreinheit eine zweite Fahreinheit auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, entlang der Längserstreckung der zweiten Fahrstrecke eine Bewegung relativ zur zweiten Fahrstrecke durchzuführen, wobei die zweite Fahrstrecke und die zweite Fahreinheit dafür ausgebildet sind, derart zusammenzuwirken, dass die Bewegung der zweiten Fahreinheit aufgrund einer magnetischen Wechselwirkung zwischen zweiter Fahrstrecke und zweiter Fahreinheit bewirkt wird, wobei die zweite Fahreinheit eine Halteeinheit aufweist, die dafür ausgebildet ist, einen geöffneten und einen geschlossenen Zustand einzunehmen, wobei im geöffneten Zustand ein zweiter Abschnitt des Substrats in die Halteeinheit eingeführt werden kann und im geschlossenen Zustand der zweite Abschnitt von der Halteeinheit festgehalten wird.In addition to the first travel route, the device has a second rail-like travel route with a longitudinal extension and, in addition to the first travel unit, a second travel unit which is designed to perform a movement relative to the second travel route along the longitudinal extension of the second travel route, the second travel route and the second driving unit are designed to work together in such a way that the movement of the second driving unit is caused by a magnetic interaction between the second driving path and the second driving unit, the second driving unit having a holding unit which is designed to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a second section of the substrate can be inserted into the holding unit and in the closed state the second section is held by the holding unit.

Dies ermöglicht eine besonders genaue Führung des Substrats. Das Substrat wird bevorzugt sowohl von der Halteeinheit der ersten Fahreinheit als auch von der Halteeinheit der zweiten Fahreinheit festgehalten. Die Fahrstrecken sind bevorzugt parallel zueinander angeordnet. Dadurch kann auf einfache Weise sichergestellt werden, dass während der Förderung seitliche Verschiebungen vermieden werden. Die erste und die zweite Fahrstrecke haben bevorzugt die gleiche Länge und die gleiche Form. Die beiden Fahreinheiten werden bevorzugt synchron bewegt, um ein Gieren des Substrats zu vermeiden.This enables the substrate to be guided particularly precisely. The substrate is preferably held both by the holding unit of the first driving unit and by the holding unit of the second driving unit. The routes are preferably arranged parallel to one another. This makes it possible to ensure in a simple manner that lateral shifts are avoided during conveyance. The first and the second route preferably have the same length and the same shape. The two drive units are preferably moved synchronously in order to avoid yawing of the substrate.

Bei einer Ausführungsform mit mehr als zwei Fahrstrecken, wird das Substrat von jeweils einer Fahreinheit auf jeweils einer der Fahrstrecken gehalten. Wie nachfolgend aber noch gezeigt wird, gibt es bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen, bei denen das Substrat von zwei oder mehr Fahreinheiten auf derselben Fahrstrecke gehalten wird.In an embodiment with more than two routes, the substrate is held by one driving unit on each of the routes. How However, as will be shown below, there are preferred configurations in which the substrate is held by two or more driving units on the same route.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist die erste Fahrstrecke dafür ausgebildet, über der Zeit wechselnde Magnetfelder entlang der Längserstreckung zu erzeugen und weist die erste Fahreinheit einen Permanentmagnet auf.In an advantageous embodiment, the first travel path is designed to generate magnetic fields that change over time along the longitudinal extension and the first travel unit has a permanent magnet.

Diese Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass die erste Fahreinheit für die Bewegung keine zusätzliche Energieversorgung benötigt. Bei einer anderen vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung verfügt die erste Fahrstrecke über mehrere Permanentmagnete und ist die erste Fahreinheit dafür ausgebildet, über der Zeit wechselnde Magnetfelder zu erzeugen. Diese Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass die erste Fahrstrecke einfach und kostengünstig realisiert werden kann. Da das allgemeine Wirkprinzip von Linearmotoren dem Fachmann bekannt ist, wird in dieser Anmeldung nicht näher darauf eingegangen. Zu beiden Ausführungsformen sei darauf hingewiesen, dass, wenn mehrere Fahrstrecken und/oder mehrere Fahreinheiten eingesetzt werden, die weiteren Fahrstrecken bzw. die weiteren Fahreinheiten in gleicher Weise ausgebildet sind, also insbesondere die zweite Fahrstrecke und die zweite Fahreinheit.This refinement has the advantage that the first drive unit does not require any additional energy supply for the movement. In another advantageous embodiment, the first travel path has several permanent magnets and the first travel unit is designed to generate magnetic fields that change over time. This embodiment has the advantage that the first route can be implemented easily and inexpensively. Since the general operating principle of linear motors is known to the person skilled in the art, it will not be discussed in more detail in this application. With regard to both embodiments, it should be pointed out that if several routes and / or several driving units are used, the further driving routes or the further driving units are designed in the same way, in particular the second driving route and the second driving unit.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung sind die erste Fahrstrecke und die erste Fahreinheit dafür ausgebildet, die erste Fahreinheit bei ihrer Bewegung zu führen.In a preferred embodiment, the first travel route and the first travel unit are designed to guide the first travel unit as it moves.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht eine besonders präzise Bewegung der ersten Fahreinheit. Dabei ist es bevorzugt, dass die erste Fahreinheit ein Tragelement mit einem Tragprofil aufweist, wobei das Tragprofil einem Führungsprofil einer Führungsschiene der ersten Fahrstrecke entspricht. Es sei darauf hingewiesen, dass, wenn mehrere Fahrstrecken und/oder mehrere Fahreinheiten eingesetzt werden, die weiteren Fahrstrecken bzw. die weiteren Fahreinheiten in gleicher Weise ausgebildet sind, also insbesondere die zweite Fahrstrecke und die zweite Fahreinheit.This refinement enables the first drive unit to move particularly precisely. It is preferred that the first driving unit has a support element with a support profile, the support profile corresponding to a guide profile of a guide rail of the first travel route. It should be noted that if several routes and / or several driving units are used, the further driving routes or the further driving units are designed in the same way, that is to say in particular the second driving route and the second driving unit.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung bildet die erste Fahrstrecke eine geschlossene Schleife.In a further advantageous embodiment, the first route forms a closed loop.

Diese Ausgestaltung bietet den Vorteil, dass die erste Fahreinheit stets in dieselbe Richtung bewegt werden kann. Da die geschlossene Schleife über eine Vorlaufstrecke und eine Rücklaufstrecke verfügt, entsteht zudem keine Behinderung, wenn eine Fahreinheit vom Ende der ersten Fahrstrecke an den Anfang der ersten Fahrstrecke zurückbewegt werden soll. Die Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es zudem, dass eine große Anzahl von Fahreinheiten entlang der ersten Fahrstrecke bewegt werden kann und auf einfache Weise an den Anfang der ersten Fahrstrecke zurückgeführt werden kann. Dabei ist es insbesondere möglich, die Fahreinheiten mit großer Geschwindigkeit vom Ende der Fahrstrecke an den Anfang der Fahrstrecke zurückzuführen. Die geschlossene Schleife weist bevorzugt eine gerade Vorlaufstrecke und eine gerade Rücklaufstrecke auf, die an beiden Seiten über kreisbogenförmige Elemente miteinander verbunden sind.This configuration offers the advantage that the first driving unit can always be moved in the same direction. Since the closed loop has a forward route and a return route, there is also no obstruction if a driving unit is to be moved back from the end of the first route to the beginning of the first route. The configuration also makes it possible that a large number of driving units can be moved along the first driving route and can be returned to the beginning of the first driving route in a simple manner. In this case, it is particularly possible to return the driving units at high speed from the end of the driving route to the beginning of the driving route. The closed loop preferably has a straight forward section and a straight return section, which are connected to one another on both sides via circular arc-shaped elements.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung weist die Vorrichtung eine Steuereinrichtung auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, die Bewegung und/oder die Position der ersten Fahreinheit zu steuern.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a control device which is designed to control the movement and / or the position of the first driving unit.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es u.a., der ersten Fahreinheit eine bestimmte Position vorzugeben und/oder der ersten Fahreinheit eine bestimmte Geschwindigkeit vorzugeben, die sich insbesondere über den Verlauf der ersten Fahrstrecke hinweg ändern kann. Werden mehrere Fahreinheiten verwendet, so können die Fahreinheiten bevorzugt individuell oder in Gruppen angesteuert werden. Sind für die Förderung eines Substrats mehrere Fahreinheiten zuständig, so steuert die Steuereinheit diese Gruppe von Fahreinheiten bei einer Ausführungsform so an, dass sich die Fahreinheiten mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit bewegen. Dabei ist es insbesondere vorteilhaft, wenn mehrere Fahrstrecken eingesetzt werden, dass eine erste Fahreinheit auf einer ersten Fahrstrecke und eine zweite Fahreinheit auf einer zweiten Fahrstrecke in gleicher Weise und mit konstantem Abstand bewegt werden.This refinement makes it possible, among other things, to predefine a certain position for the first driving unit and / or to predefine a certain speed for the first driving unit, which can change over the course of the first driving route. If several driving units are used, the driving units can preferably be controlled individually or in groups. If several driving units are responsible for conveying a substrate, the control unit controls this group of driving units in one embodiment in such a way that the driving units move at the same speed. It is particularly advantageous if several routes are used that a first driving unit on a first driving route and a second driving unit on a second driving route are moved in the same way and at a constant distance.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist der Abstand zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Fahrstrecke relativ zueinander veränderbar.In a further advantageous embodiment, the distance between the first and the second route can be changed relative to one another.

Die Ausgestaltung ermöglicht eine Verarbeitung von Substraten mit unterschiedlichen Breiten, prinzipiell sogar mit beliebigen Breiten. Dabei bestehen grundsätzlich die Möglichkeiten, dass sich die erste Fahrstrecke auf eine ortsfeste zweite Fahrstrecke zu bewegt, dass sich die zweite Fahrstrecke auf eine ortsfeste erste Fahrstrecke zu bewegt oder dass sowohl erste und zweite Fahrstrecke beweglich sind. Um den Abstand der Fahrstrecken relativ zueinander verändern zu können, ist mindestens eine der Fahrstrecken, bevorzugt beide Fahrstrecken, auf einem Haltesystem befestigt.The configuration enables substrates with different widths to be processed, in principle even with any desired widths. There are basically the possibilities that the first route moves towards a stationary second route, that the second route moves towards a stationary first route or that both the first and second routes are movable. In order to be able to change the distance between the routes relative to one another, at least one of the routes, preferably both routes, is attached to a holding system.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung weist die Vorrichtung eine dritte Fahreinheit auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, entlang der Längserstreckung der ersten Fahrstrecke eine Bewegung relativ zur ersten Fahrstrecke durchzuführen, wobei die erste Fahrstrecke und die dritte Fahreinheit dafür ausgebildet sind, derart zusammenzuwirken, dass die Bewegung der dritten Fahreinheit aufgrund einer magnetischen Wechselwirkung zwischen erster Fahrstrecke und dritter Fahreinheit bewirkt wird, wobei die dritte Fahreinheit eine Halteeinheit aufweist, die dafür ausgebildet ist, einen geöffneten und einen geschlossenen Zustand einzunehmen, wobei im geöffneten Zustand ein dritter Abschnitt des Substrats in die Halteeinheit eingeführt werden kann und im geschlossenen Zustand der dritte Abschnitt von der Halteeinheit festgehalten wird, und weist die Vorrichtung eine vierte Fahreinheit auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, entlang der Längserstreckung der zweiten Fahrstrecke eine Bewegung relativ zur zweiten Fahrstrecke durchzuführen, wobei die zweite Fahrstrecke und die vierte Fahreinheit dafür ausgebildet sind, derart zusammenzuwirken, dass die Bewegung der vierten Fahreinheit aufgrund einer magnetischen Wechselwirkung zwischen zweiter Fahrstrecke und vierter Fahreinheit bewirkt wird, wobei die vierte Fahreinheit eine Halteeinheit aufweist, die dafür ausgebildet ist, einen geöffneten und einen geschlossenen Zustand einzunehmen, wobei im geöffneten Zustand ein vierter Abschnitt des Substrats in die Halteeinheit eingeführt werden kann und im geschlossenen Zustand der vierte Abschnitt von der Halteeinheit festgehalten wird.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a third driving unit which is designed to carry out a movement relative to the first driving route along the longitudinal extension of the first driving route, the first driving route and the third driving unit being designed to work together in such a way that the movement the third travel unit is caused by a magnetic interaction between the first travel path and the third travel unit, the third travel unit having a holding unit which is designed to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a third section of the substrate is inserted into the holding unit can be and in the closed state the third section is held by the holding unit, and the device has a fourth drive unit, which is designed to move relative to the two along the longitudinal extension of the second travel path The second driving route and the fourth driving unit are designed to work together in such a way that the movement of the fourth driving unit is caused by a magnetic interaction between the second driving route and the fourth driving unit, the fourth driving unit having a holding unit which is designed for this purpose to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a fourth section of the substrate can be inserted into the holding unit and in the closed state the fourth section is held by the holding unit.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es, das Substrat an vier Stellen einzuspannen und auf diese Weise besonders gut führen zu können.This configuration makes it possible to clamp the substrate in four places and to be able to guide it particularly well in this way.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung weist die Vorrichtung eine Steuereinrichtung auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, die Halteeinheiten so anzusteuern, dass sich die Halteeinheiten der ersten und zweiten Fahreinheit bei einer Ab- bzw. Übergabe des Substrats zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt öffnen und sich die Halteeinheiten der dritten und vierten Fahreinheit bei einer Ab- bzw. Übergabe des Substrats zu einem späteren, zweiten Zeitpunkt öffnen.In a preferred embodiment, the device has a control device which is designed to control the holding units so that the Holding units of the first and second driving unit open when the substrate is handed over or transferred at a first point in time and the holding units of the third and fourth driving unit open when the substrate is handed over or handed over at a later, second point in time.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es, ein Substrat mit allen vier Fahreinheiten so lange zu führen, bis das voreilende Ende des Substrats das Ende der Förderstrecke der Vorrichtung erreicht. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt öffnen sich die Halteeinheiten der ersten und zweiten Fahreinheit. Das voreilende Ende des Substrats wird freigegeben und kann an eine weitere Förderstrecke oder Verarbeitungsstation übergeben werden. Da das Substrat noch von der dritten und vierten Fahreinheit festgehalten wird, schieben die dritte und vierte Fahreinheit das Substrat weiter in Richtung der weiteren Förderstrecke bzw. Verarbeitungsstation.This configuration makes it possible to guide a substrate with all four drive units until the leading end of the substrate reaches the end of the conveyor section of the device. At this point in time, the holding units of the first and second driving units open. The leading end of the substrate is released and can be transferred to another conveyor line or processing station. Since the substrate is still being held by the third and fourth drive units, the third and fourth drive units push the substrate further in the direction of the further conveying path or processing station.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung weist die Vorrichtung eine Steuereinrichtung auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, die erste und zweite Fahreinheit für eine erste Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung anzusteuern und die dritte und/oder vierte Fahreinheit für eine zweite Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung anzusteuern, wobei die zweite Geschwindigkeit geringer ist als die erste Geschwindigkeit.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a control device which is designed to control the first and second driving unit for a first speed of movement and to control the third and / or fourth driving unit for a second speed of movement, the second speed being lower is than the first speed.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es, das Substrat zwischen erster/zweiter Fahreinheit und dritter/vierter Fahreinheit unter Spannung zu halten. Da die erste und die zweite Fahreinheit die Tendenz haben, der dritten und/oder vierten Fahreinheit davonzueilen, wird das Substrat gespannt, da die vier Fahreinheiten dasselbe Substrat festhalten. Dabei ist es besonders bevorzugt, die zweite Geschwindigkeit auf einen Prozentsatz der ersten Geschwindigkeit einzustellen, wobei der Prozentsatz zwischen 0 % und kleiner 100 % liegt. Bei einer Ausführungsform wird an der dritten und vierten Fahreinheit die Geschwindigkeit null eingestellt, so dass die dritte und vierte Fahreinheit von der ersten und zweiten Fahreinheit gezogen werden, da sie mit der ersten und zweiten Fahreinheit über das Substrat verbunden sind. Der prozentuale Anteil der zweiten Geschwindigkeit relativ zur ersten Geschwindigkeit wird insbesondere unter Berücksichtigung der Möglichkeit eines Reißens des Substrats und der Haltekraft der Halteeinheiten gewählt.This configuration makes it possible to keep the substrate under tension between the first / second drive unit and the third / fourth drive unit. Since the first and the second drive unit have a tendency to hurry away from the third and / or fourth drive unit, the substrate is tensioned because the four drive units hold the same substrate. It is particularly preferred to set the second speed to a percentage of the first speed, the percentage being between 0% and less than 100%. In one embodiment, the speed is set to zero on the third and fourth drive units, so that the third and fourth drive units are pulled by the first and second drive units, since they are connected to the first and second drive units via the substrate. The percentage of the second speed relative to the first speed is selected, in particular, taking into account the possibility of the substrate tearing and the holding force of the holding units.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung werden die Halteeinheiten der ersten und zweiten Fahreinheit so eingestellt, dass sie eine erste Haltekraft bereitstellen können, und werden die Halteeinheiten der dritten und vierten Fahreinheit so eingestellt, dass sie eine zweite Haltekraft bereitstellen können, wobei die erste Haltekraft größer ist als die zweite Haltekraft.In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding units of the first and second driving unit are set so that they can provide a first holding force, and the holding units of the third and fourth driving unit are set so that they can provide a second holding force, the first holding force being greater as the second holding force.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es, einem Reißen des Substrats vorzubeugen. Dabei wird mittels der ersten und zweiten Fahreinheit sichergestellt, dass das Substrat präzise gehalten ist und präzise gefördert werden kann. Die zweite Haltekraft ist dabei so gewählt, dass sich das Substrat aus den Halteeinheiten der dritten und vierten Fahreinheit löst, bevor es reißt. Die Größe der zweiten Haltekraft kann durch Berechnung, Simulation oder praktische Versuche ermittelt werden.This configuration makes it possible to prevent the substrate from tearing. The first and second drive units ensure that the substrate is held precisely and can be conveyed precisely. The second holding force is selected so that the substrate is released from the holding units of the third and fourth driving unit before it tears. The size of the second holding force can be determined by calculation, simulation or practical tests.

Gemäß einem zweiten Aspekt wird die Aufgabe gelöst durch ein System zum Bedrucken eines Substrats mit einer zuvor beschriebenen Vorrichtung und einer Druckstation, wobei die Vorrichtung und die Druckstation so zueinander angeordnet sind, dass die Vorrichtung ein in der Halteeinheit festgehaltenes Substrat an der Druckstation vorbeiführen kann.According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a system for printing a substrate with a previously described device and a printing station, the device and the printing station being arranged relative to one another so that the device can guide a substrate held in the holding unit past the printing station.

Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es, die hohen Anforderungen zu erfüllen, die gegeben sind, wenn man ein Substrat bedrucken möchte, das sich an einer Druckstation vorbeibewegt. Dabei soll insbesondere eine gleichmäßige Bewegung entlang der Längserstreckung ohne seitliche Auslenkungen erfolgen. Außerdem soll ein konstanter Abstand zur Druckstation, genauer zu den Druckköpfen, gewährleistet sein. Diese Eigenschaften bietet die beschriebene Vorrichtung und ermöglicht daher ein besonders vorteilhaftes System zum Bedrucken eines Substrats.This configuration makes it possible to meet the high requirements that are given when printing on a substrate that moves past a printing station. In particular, a uniform movement should take place along the longitudinal extension without lateral deflections. In addition, a constant distance from the printing station, more precisely from the print heads, should be guaranteed. The described device offers these properties and therefore enables a particularly advantageous system for printing on a substrate.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung ist dem System in Produktionsrichtung eine Trocknungsstation nachgeordnet, wo das bedruckte Substrat getrocknet wird. Dabei ist es vorteilhaft, wenn das Substrat am Ende der Fahrstrecke auf eine Förderstrecke der Trocknungsstation übergeben wird.In a preferred embodiment, the system is followed by a drying station in the direction of production, where the printed substrate is dried. It is advantageous if the substrate is transferred to a conveyor line of the drying station at the end of the travel path.

Gemäß einem dritten Aspekt wird die Aufgabe gelöst durch die Verwendung einer zuvor beschriebenen Vorrichtung, um ein Substrat an einer Verarbeitungsstation vorbeizuführen, insbesondere an einer Druckstation für eine Bedruckung des Substrats vorbeizuführen.According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by the use of a device described above in order to guide a substrate past a processing station, in particular to guide it past a printing station for printing the substrate.

Die Vorrichtung kann aber auch für andere Anwendungen verwendet werden, die ein präzises Führen des Substrats erfordern, wie z.B. eine Schneid- oder Stanzbearbeitung.However, the device can also be used for other applications that require precise guiding of the substrate, e.g. a cutting or punching process.

Es versteht sich, dass die vorstehend genannten und die nachstehend noch zu erläuternden Merkmale nicht nur in der jeweils angegebenen Kombination, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen oder in Alleinstellung verwendbar sind, vorausgesetzt, dass der Schutzumfang der vorliegenden Ansprüche nicht überschritten wird.It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, provided that the scope of protection of the present claims is not exceeded.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Beschreibung sind in der Zeichnung näher dargestellt und werden in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine erste Ausführungsform eines Systems zum Bedrucken eines Substrats mit einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats,
Fig. 2
eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung des vorderen Teils des Systems gemäß Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
eine erste Ausführungsform einer Fahreinheit,
Fig. 4
eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Fahreinheit,
Fig. 5
eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Systems zum Bedrucken eines Substrats mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats,
Fig. 6
eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Systems zum Bedrucken eines Substrats mit einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats,
Fig. 7
eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats; und
Fig. 8
eine Vorrichtung zum Fördern eines Substrats, die nicht die Erfindung zeigt.
Exemplary embodiments of the description are shown in more detail in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the description below. Show it:
Fig. 1
a first embodiment of a system for printing a substrate with a first embodiment of a device for conveying a substrate,
Fig. 2
an enlarged section of the front part of the system according to Fig. 1 ,
Fig. 3
a first embodiment of a driving unit,
Fig. 4
a second embodiment of a driving unit,
Fig. 5
a second embodiment of a system for printing a substrate with a second embodiment of a device for conveying a substrate,
Fig. 6
a third embodiment of a system for printing a substrate with a third embodiment of a device for conveying a substrate,
Fig. 7
a fourth embodiment of a device for conveying a substrate; and
Fig. 8
an apparatus for conveying a substrate not showing the invention.

Fig. 1 zeigt ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Systems 10 zum Bedrucken eines Substrats 12 mit einer Druckstation 14, hier symbolisch dargestellt, einer Trocknungsstation 16, es ist lediglich das Trocknungsband dargestellt, und einer Vorrichtung 18 zum Fördern des Substrats 12. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a system 10 for printing a substrate 12 with a printing station 14, here symbolically shown, a drying station 16, only the drying belt is shown, and a device 18 for conveying the substrate 12.

Die Vorrichtung 18 zum Fördern des Substrats 12 weist eine schienenartige Fahrstrecke 20, hier eine erste Fahrstrecke 20 und eine zweite Fahrstrecke 20', auf, jeweils mit einer Längserstreckung 22.The device 18 for conveying the substrate 12 has a rail-like travel path 20, here a first travel path 20 and a second travel path 20 ′, each with a longitudinal extension 22.

Die Vorrichtung 18 weist außerdem eine Fahreinheit 24 auf, hier eine erste Fahreinheit 24, eine zweite Fahreinheit 24', eine dritte Fahreinheit 24" und eine vierte Fahreinheit 24"'. Jede Fahreinheit 24 ist dafür ausgebildet, entlang der Längserstreckung 22 der Fahrstrecke 20 eine Bewegung relativ zur Fahrstrecke 20 durchzuführen. Die Fahrstrecke 20 und die Fahreinheit 24 sind dafür ausgebildet, derart zusammenzuwirken, dass die Bewegung der Fahreinheit 24 aufgrund einer magnetischen Wechselwirkung zwischen Fahrstrecke 20 und Fahreinheit 24 bewegt wird. Konkret wirken die erste Fahreinheit 24 und die dritte Fahreinheit 24" mit der ersten Fahrstrecke 20 zusammen und die zweite Fahreinheit 24' und die vierte Fahreinheit 24'" mit der zweiten Fahrstrecke 20' zusammen.The device 18 also has a drive unit 24, here a first drive unit 24, a second drive unit 24 ', a third drive unit 24 "and a fourth drive unit 24"'. Each driving unit 24 is designed to perform a movement relative to the driving route 20 along the longitudinal extension 22 of the driving route 20. The driving route 20 and the driving unit 24 are designed to interact in such a way that the movement of the driving unit 24 is moved due to a magnetic interaction between the driving route 20 and the driving unit 24. Specifically, the first driving unit 24 and the third driving unit 24 ″ cooperate with the first driving route 20 and the second driving unit 24 ′ and the fourth driving unit 24 ′ ″ cooperate with the second driving route 20 ′.

Die Fahrstrecke 20 ist dafür ausgebildet, über der Zeit wechselnde Magnetfelder entlang der Längserstreckung 22 zu erzeugen. Die Fahrstrecke 20 bildet eine geschlossene Schleife. Diese Aussagen gelten in gleicher Weise für die zweite Fahrstrecke 20'. Die Vorrichtung 18 weist eine Steuereinrichtung 26 auf, die dafür ausgebildet ist, die Bewegung und/oder die Position der Fahreinheit 24 zu steuern. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung steuert die Steuereinrichtung 26 die Bewegung aller Fahreinheiten 24 auf den Fahrstrecken 20.The route 20 is designed to generate magnetic fields that change over time along the longitudinal extent 22. The route 20 forms a closed loop. These statements apply in the same way to the second route 20 '. The device 18 has a control device 26 which is designed to control the movement and / or the position of the driving unit 24. In this embodiment, the control device 26 controls the movement of all travel units 24 on the travel routes 20.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Vergrößerung des vorderen Abschnitts der Vorrichtung 18 gemäß Fig. 1. Alle bereits eingeführten Bezugszeichen gelten hier und im Folgenden weiter. Fig. 2 FIG. 14 shows an enlargement of the front section of the device 18 according to FIG Fig. 1 . All reference signs already introduced continue to apply here and below.

In der Fig. 2 ist zu erkennen, dass die Fahrstrecken 20, 20' Spulenanordnungen 30 aufweisen, die die genannten Magnetfelder entlang der Längserstreckung 22 erzeugen, die sich über der Zeit ändern. Außerdem sind Führungsschienen 32, 32' mit einem Führungsprofil zu erkennen, die die Fahreinheiten 24, 24', 24", 24'" bei ihrer Bewegung führen.In the Fig. 2 it can be seen that the routes 20, 20 'have coil arrangements 30 which generate the aforementioned magnetic fields along the longitudinal extent 22 which change over time. In addition, guide rails 32, 32 'with a guide profile can be seen which guide the drive units 24, 24', 24 ", 24 '" during their movement.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Fahreinheit 24 gemäß Fig. 1. Die Fahreinheit 24 weist einen Grundkörper 40, eine Halteeinheit 42 mit einem Oberteil 44 und einem Unterteil 46, einen oder mehrere Permanentmagnete 48 und ein Tragelement 50 mit einem Tragprofil 52 auf, das insbesondere gewissermaßen das Negativ des Führungsprofils darstellt Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a driving unit 24 according to FIG Fig. 1 . The driving unit 24 has a base body 40, a holding unit 42 with an upper part 44 and a lower part 46, one or more permanent magnets 48 and a support element 50 with a support profile 52, which in particular represents, so to speak, the negative of the guide profile

Die Halteeinheit 42 ist dafür ausgebildet, einen geöffneten und einen geschlossenen Zustand einzunehmen. Dies erfolgt durch eine relative Verlagerung von Oberteil 44 und Unterteil 46 zueinander, bevorzugt durch eine Verschiebung 54 und/oder durch ein Verschwenken 56 des Unterteils 46 gegenüber dem Oberteil 44. Im geöffneten Zustand kann ein Abschnitt des Substrats 12 in die Halteeinheit 42 eingeführt werden, und im geschlossenen Zustand wird der Abschnitt von der Halteeinheit 42 festgehalten.The holding unit 42 is designed to assume an open and a closed state. This is done by shifting the upper part 44 and lower part 46 relative to one another, preferably by shifting 54 and / or by pivoting 56 of the lower part 46 with respect to the upper part 44. In the open state, a section of the substrate 12 can be inserted into the holding unit 42, and in the closed state, the section is held by the holding unit 42.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine alternative Ausgestaltung der Fahreinheit 24 für eine weitere, nicht gezeigte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung 18 auf. Es gelten grundsätzlich die zur Fig. 3 gemachten Aussagen. Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the driving unit 24 for a further, not shown embodiment of the device 18. In principle, the for Fig. 3 statements made.

Allerdings ist es bei dieser Ausgestaltung so, dass die Fahreinheit 24 nicht über Permanentmagnete 48 verfügt, sondern über eine Spulenanordnung 60, die über Versorgungskabel 62 mit Strom gespeist wird. Eine zugehörige, nicht gezeigte Ausführungsform einer Fahrstrecke 20 weist eine Mehrzahl von Permanentmagneten auf, so dass sich wiederum die zuvor beschriebene magnetische Wechselwirkung einstellt.In this embodiment, however, it is the case that the driving unit 24 does not have permanent magnets 48, but rather a coil arrangement 60 which is fed with current via supply cable 62. An associated embodiment, not shown, of a route 20 has a plurality of permanent magnets, so that the magnetic interaction described above occurs again.

Fig. 5 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Systems 10 mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung 18. Es gelten alle zur Fig. 1 getätigten Aussagen auch hier. Fig. 5 FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a system 10 with a second embodiment of the device 18. All apply to Fig. 1 statements made here too.

Eine Besonderheit dieser Ausführungsform liegt darin, dass die Vorrichtung 18 gemäß der Erfindung eine Unterdruckauflage 70 aufweist. Gleitet ein Substrat 12 über die Unterdruckauflage 70, so wird es plan auf die Unterdruckauflage gedrückt. Es ist aber weiterhin möglich, das Substrat 12 über die Unterdruckauflage 70 mittels der Fahreinheiten 24 zu ziehen, so dass das Substrat 12 präzise und in gleichbleibendem Abstand unter der Druckstation 14 entlang bewegt werden kann.A special feature of this embodiment is that the device 18 according to the invention has a vacuum pad 70. If a substrate 12 slides over the vacuum support 70, it is pressed flat onto the vacuum support. However, it is still possible to pull the substrate 12 over the negative pressure support 70 by means of the drive units 24, so that the substrate 12 can be moved precisely and at a constant distance along under the printing station 14.

Fig. 6 zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Systems 10 mit einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung 18. Es gelten alle zu den Fig. 1 und 5 getroffenen Aussagen weiterhin. Fig. 6 FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a system 10 with a third embodiment of a device 18. All of those apply Fig. 1 and 5 statements made continue.

Eine Besonderheit dieser Ausführungsform ist, dass ein Substrat 12 nur von einer ersten und einer zweiten Fahreinheit 24' gefördert wird. Da die Unterdruckauflage 70 dafür sorgt, dass das Substrat 12 auf die Unterdruckauflage 70 gedrückt wird, besteht die Möglichkeit, auf die dritte und vierte Fahreinheit 24", 24'" zu verzichten.A special feature of this embodiment is that a substrate 12 is only conveyed by a first and a second drive unit 24 '. Since the vacuum pad 70 ensures that the substrate 12 is pressed onto the vacuum pad 70, it is possible to dispense with the third and fourth travel units 24 ″, 24 ′ ″.

Es wird angemerkt, dass die Vorrichtung 18 zwar über weitere Fahreinheiten verfügt, diese jedoch nicht im Sinne einer dritten und vierten Fahreinheit 24", 24'" zu verstehen sind, da diese nicht an demselben Substrat 12 angreifen.It is noted that although the device 18 has further drive units, these are not to be understood in the sense of a third and fourth drive unit 24 ″, 24 ′ ″, since these do not act on the same substrate 12.

Fig. 7 zeigt eine vereinfachte vierte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung 18. Hier kommt eine Fahrstrecke 20 zum Einsatz, die keine Schleife bildet und daher besonders einfach zu realisieren ist. Fig. 7 shows a simplified fourth embodiment of the device 18. Here, a route 20 is used that does not form a loop and is therefore particularly easy to implement.

Fig. 8 zeigt eine Vorrichtung 18 in der Draufsicht, die nicht die Erfindung zeigt. Hier kommt lediglich eine Fahrstrecke 20 zum Einsatz, auf der sich eine erste Fahreinheit 24 und eine zweite Fahreinheit 24' bewegen. Wenn die Fahrstrecke als geschlossene Schleife ausgebildet ist, können selbstverständlich auch weitere Fahreinheiten eingesetzt werden. Die Fahreinheiten 24, 24' weisen jeweils eine Halteeinheit 42, 42' auf, die hier jeweils zwei Abschnitte des Substrats 12 erfassen. Fig. 8 shows a device 18 in plan view, which does not show the invention. Here, only one travel path 20 is used, on which a first travel unit 24 and a second travel unit 24 'move. If the travel route is designed as a closed loop, further travel units can of course also be used. The driving units 24, 24 ′ each have a holding unit 42, 42 ′, which each grasp two sections of the substrate 12 here.

Die hier offenbarte Vorrichtung 18 zum Fördern eines Substrats 12 und das System 10 zum Bedrucken eines Substrats 12 sind besonders bei einer Verarbeitung von Substraten 12 vorteilhaft, die keine inhärente Stabilität aufweisen, insbesondere Papierbögen, Kunststofffolien, Textilstoffe oder Leder, etc. Es sei aber ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, dass mit der Vorrichtung 18 und dem System 10 auch Substrate 12 verarbeitet werden können, die bereits eine inhärente Stabilität aufweisen.The device 18 disclosed here for conveying a substrate 12 and the system 10 for printing a substrate 12 are particularly advantageous when processing substrates 12 which do not have inherent stability, in particular paper sheets, plastic films, textiles or leather, etc. it should be noted that the device 18 and the system 10 can also be used to process substrates 12 which already have an inherent stability.

Claims (12)

  1. An apparatus (18) for conveying a substrate (12), the apparatus comprising a rail-like first travel path (20) having a longitudinal extension (22) and a first travel unit (24) adapted to perform a movement relative to the first travel path (20) along the longitudinal extension (22) of the first travel path (20), wherein the first travel path (20) and the first travel unit (24) are adapted to cooperate in such a way that the movement of the first travel unit (24) is effected due to a magnetic interaction between the first travel path (20) and the first travel unit (24), and wherein the first travelling unit (24) comprises a first holding unit (42) which is designed to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a portion of the substrate (12) can be inserted into the first holding unit (42) and in the closed state the portion is held by the first holding unit (42), wherein the device (18) further comprises a second rail-like travelling section (20') with a longitudinal extension (22) and a second travelling unit (24'), which is designed to carry out a movement relative to the second travel path (20') along the longitudinal extent (22) of the second travel path (20'), the second travel path (20') and the second travel unit (24') being designed to interact in such a way that the movement of the second travel unit (24') is effected on the basis of a magnetic interaction between the second travel path (20') and the second travel unit (24'), the second travel unit (24') having a second holding unit (42) which is designed for this purpose, to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a second portion of the substrate (12) can be inserted into the holding unit and in the closed state the second portion is held by the second holding unit (42), characterized in that the device (18) comprises a vacuum support (70) arranged relative to the traveling units (24) such that the traveling units (24) can pull the substrate (12) over the vacuum support (70).
  2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first travel unit (20) is designed to generate magnetic fields changing over time along the longitudinal extension (22) and wherein the first travel unit (24) comprises a permanent magnet (48).
  3. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first travel path (20) and the first travel unit (24) are adapted to guide the first travel unit (24) as it moves.
  4. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, the first track (20) forming a closed loop.
  5. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, the apparatus (18) comprising control means (26) adapted to control the movement and/or position of the first travelling unit (24)
  6. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance of the first and second travel distance is variable relative to each other.
  7. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, the device comprising a third travelling unit (24") which is adapted to perform a movement relative to the first travelling section (20) along the longitudinal extension (22) of the first travelling section (20), the first travelling section (20) and the third travelling unit (24") being adapted to cooperate in such a manner, in that the movement of the third travel unit (24") is effected on the basis of a magnetic interaction between the first travel section (20) and the third travel unit (24"), the third travel unit (24") having a holding unit (42) which is designed to assume an open and a closed state, it being possible to insert a third section of the substrate (12) into the holding unit (42) in the open state, and the third section being held by the holding unit (42) in the closed state, and wherein the apparatus comprises a fourth travel unit (24"') which is adapted to perform a movement relative to the second travel path (20') along the longitudinal extension (22) of the second travel path (20'), wherein the second travel path (20') and the fourth travel unit (24"') are adapted to cooperate in such a way that the movement of the fourth travel unit (24"') is effected due to a magnetic interaction between the second travel path (20') and the fourth travel unit (24"'), wherein the fourth traveling unit (24"') comprises a holding unit (42) adapted to assume an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state a fourth portion of the substrate (12) can be inserted into the holding unit (42) and in the closed state the fourth portion is retained by the holding unit (42).
  8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus (18) has a control device (26) which is designed to control the holding units (42) in such a way that the holding units (42) of the first and second traveling unit (24, 24') open at a first point in time when the substrate is delivered or transferred and the holding units (42) of the third and fourth traveling unit (24", 24'") open at a later, second point in time when the substrate (12) is delivered or transferred.
  9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus (18) comprises control means (26) adapted to control the first and second travelling units (24, 24') for a first speed of movement and to control the third and/or fourth travelling unit (24", 24"') for a second speed of movement, the second speed being lower than the first speed.
  10. The apparatus according to one of claims 7, 8 or 9, wherein the holding units (42) of the first and second traveling units (24, 24') are adjusted to provide a first holding force, and the holding units of the third and fourth traveling units (24", 24"') are adjusted to provide a second holding force, wherein the first holding force is greater than the second holding force.
  11. A system (10) for printing a substrate (12) with a device (18) according to one of the preceding claims and a printing station (14), wherein the device (18) and the printing station (12) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the device (18) can guide a substrate (12) held in the holding unit (42) past the printing station (14).
  12. Use of an apparatus (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to feed a substrate past a processing station, in particular to feed it past a printing station (14) for printing the substrate (12).
EP13718834.8A 2012-04-20 2013-04-19 Device for conveying a substrate, and system for printing a substrate Active EP2838822B1 (en)

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JP2015514650A (en) 2015-05-21
EP3663241A1 (en) 2020-06-10
EP3663241B1 (en) 2021-06-23
EP2838822A1 (en) 2015-02-25
DE102012103533A1 (en) 2013-10-24
US9505240B2 (en) 2016-11-29
US20150049150A1 (en) 2015-02-19
JP6317329B2 (en) 2018-04-25

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