EP2974835B1 - Longitudinal cutting system for sheet-form materials and method for operating the longitudinal cutting system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a longitudinal cutting system for sheet-like materials according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a longitudinal cutting system according to the preamble of claim 14.

A longitudinal cutting system is used for the longitudinal division of web-shaped materials. These sheet-like materials may be, for example, paper, foil, composites and the like. By a longitudinal division, the web-shaped material is divided into several narrower strips or bands, in particular by cutting.

Depending on material, type and requirements different cutting methods can be used. For example, scissors or pinch-cut methods can be used. In the case of a shear cut, two overlapping blades cut through the material. A squish is usually performed by rolling a knife on a roller so that the material in between is displaced and severed.

Typically, the knives are circular knives which are rotatably mounted on a central axis. The web-shaped material is usually supplied on rollers and unrolled for cutting in the machine for longitudinal section. Accordingly, it passes through a cutting region between one or more knives arranged at the top, so-called upper knives, on the one hand and knives arranged below the web, so-called lower knives, or else other counter-bearings for the knives on the other hand. Depending on the cutting method, the lower blades can be replaced by, for example, a smooth roller, for example for crimping. Of course, a vertical reversed arrangement is also possible in principle.

The usual longitudinal cutting systems have a separate holder for each of the knives arranged at the top. Each knife must therefore be individually fastened and adjusted. This means considerable effort in the equipment and adjustment of the slitting system, for example, when changing the cutting width. Due to the space requirements of the required brackets usually only a limited number of cuts can be performed simultaneously.

For example, in the document EP 1 676 681 A1 discloses a slitting system in which the knife holders are clamped on a rail system.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a slitting system that allows easy to handle and adjustable knives. In addition, the smallest possible space requirement of the knife for cutting narrow strips should be ensured.

The above object is achieved by a slitting system having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the longitudinal cutting system is characterized in that a common holding device for receiving and releasably securing a plurality of knife holders is provided. In particular, all introduced into the fixtures knife are adjustable so in particular a variety of knives. This advantageously leads to the fact that not for each knife a separate holder must be provided. The actual holder is done by the holding device. By a common holding device for several or all knives or their knife holder a common adjustment of the knife is possible.

Preferably, all knives or knife holder are fastened together releasably by the holding device. By no fixed arrangement of the knife holder is provided in the holding device, can easily a conversion or Reconfiguration or a reconstruction of the slitting system are made. Thus, for example, the number of blades and / or their distance from each other can be varied within wide limits. All knife holders in the holding device are preferably at least substantially freely positionable and / or attachable. This ensures that virtually any strip widths or longitudinal divisions of the web-shaped material can be achieved. A fixation at special, predefined positions is not required.

The holding device has in particular two parallel holding plates. The at least one knife holder or the or all knife holders are preferably fixed between the holding plates, in particular braced. Opposing side surfaces of the knife holder are preferably mounted on each one of the two holding plates. This can be achieved for example by inserting the knife holder in a gap in or between the holding plates. By the holding device is arranged in particular transversely to the longitudinal extent of the web-shaped material, so the knife holder can arrange for cutting a sheet material and in particular fix. The holding plates are preferably aligned at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the sheet material. The knives or knife holders are in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the web-shaped material. The gap between the two holding plates is also preferably aligned transversely to the longitudinal extent of the web-shaped material and preferably extends at least over the entire width of the web-shaped material. Thus, the knife holder can be arranged with the knives in virtually any position relative to the sheet material.

The holding device preferably has at least one holding element for releasably fixing the position of the at least one knife holder. It may in particular be a pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or magnetic holding element. The at least one retaining element is preferably associated with at least one of the retaining plates. Particularly preferably, at least one holding element is designed as an expansion element and / or magnetic element. As an expansion element, for example, a with a pressure medium, such as a gas or a liquid, can be acted upon hose-like structure called. By appropriate pressurization, the element expands or is less compressible than in the unloaded state. Alternatively, a magnetic system may be provided. A magnetic element can be represented for example by an electromagnet, which is used to activate and fix the knife holder with electricity is charged. Alternatively or additionally, at least one permanent magnet can also be used as the magnetic element. This provides a magnetic field for fixing without electric current. Here, for example, by a temporary weakening of the magnetic field by a pole arranged opposite electromagnet, a release of the fixation can be achieved. This ensures that the holding device with the holding element allows secure fixing of the at least one knife holder. The magnetic elements or magnetic plates may be formed, for example, with Längspol- and / or Pendelpolteilung. The or the holding elements are arranged for this purpose in particular on the walls of a gap in the holding device. This is done in particular such that the knife holders are clamped between the walls or held by magnetic forces. The knife holders have in particular corresponding magnetic or magnetizable bearing elements.

More preferably, only one single knife is arranged in one of the knife holders. Alternatively, several knives may also be arranged in a single one of the knife holders, in particular as a so-called knife cassette. These knives are then arranged in particular next to each other. Incidentally, such a knife holder preferably has at least one bearing for the associated knife. In addition, the knife holder includes a particular suitability for fixing in the holding device, in particular by means of bearing elements. Finally, a device for gripping or handling the knife holder may be provided, for example a projection and / or a receptacle. This allows use in the longitudinal cutting system. The knife holders are in particular at least substantially identical, in order to allow easy replacement against each other.

Each of the knife holders has in particular an identification means or a data carrier. The identification means is used in particular for the identification of the at least one associated knife. The identification means may preferably be an electronic chip, preferably a radio chip, for example an RFID chip (Radio Frequency Identification Device). The identification means or the data carrier preferably contains next to identification data, such as a unique number, further data specific to the knife. This may in particular be measurement data, application data, damage and the like. By storing the data directly on the knife holder or in the identification means is a follow-up of the Knife and the knife insert and a smooth use of the knife allows.

The at least one knife holder has at least one spring means for pressing the knife during the cutting process. Preferably, the spring means is adjustable to vary, for example, the contact pressure. Optionally, the spring means can also be easily interchangeable, so as to meet defects or different application needs. The force direction of the spring can be aligned in particular perpendicular to the material plane. But it can also act laterally, preferably parallel to the material plane, for example, for lateral pressure of the knife to a lower blade.

More preferably, a force measuring device is provided for determining the pressing force of the blades. Such a force measuring device is operated separately by supplying a knife or a knife holder with a knife. For this purpose, in particular a receiving plate is provided for force measurement. In particular, the knife is pressed onto the blade so as to achieve the pressing force as a function of the distance traveled in absolute values.

Further preferably, a measuring device is provided for, in particular, optical measurement of the knives. With the measuring device, in particular the cutting edge of the knife is measured, in particular during a corresponding rotation. For this purpose, preferably a light source, preferably a laser, in particular to enable illumination and optical processing of the images, in particular by means of a camera or another suitable detector.

More preferably, a handling device for the at least one knife is provided in particular. This is preferably used for insertion and / or removal of the knife holder in or out of the holding device. The handling device is preferably designed as a computer-controlled and / or robotic gripper in particular. Thus, preferably an automated replacement or placement is possible, preferably without manual intervention. More preferably, the gripper is designed as gripping tongs. Particularly preferably, the gripper has at least two gripping arms. Hereby, a secure gripping the knife holder can be ensured. At the knife holders corresponding counterparts are formed for this purpose. In particular, a device such as in particular a knife magazine, for Provision and storage of knife holders may be provided outside of the holding device.

The handling device and the knife holder preferably have corresponding fits for play-free connection or for receiving a fit in the other. Further preferably, receiving surfaces are provided for this purpose, which in particular run obliquely. This allows a safe and backlash-free connection of the handling device with the knife holder. In particular, triangular or prismatic surfaces or bodies may be provided to allow a backlash-free fit.

The positioning of the knife holder in the holding device is particularly dependent on the intended use and / or the type of knife. Further, the positioning is dependent on measured or determined measured values, in particular knife parameters, error and / or pressure forces of the knife. This allows a targeted and application-related positioning of the knife in the fixture. Depending on the condition of the knife, the position in the holding device and thus in the cutting system can be adjusted accordingly. This is of great interest in, for example, already partially worn knives or the like. For example, the diameter of different circular blades may be different, especially reduced by wear.

The device has in particular a device for removing chips. For this purpose, in particular a blowing device for supplying air, in particular compressed air, may be provided. The blowing device is particularly suitable for removing chips by air from a range. In particular, the blowing device is provided in the region of the holding device for positioning the knife holder. This reliably prevents chips and the like from remaining in the region of the holding device or the fits.

The invention also relates to a method having the features of claim 14. The method of operating a slitting system for a sheet material is carried out with a slitting system as described above. At least one holding device is provided for the common mounting of knife holders with knives and for common adjustment and for joint use of the knives. The method is characterized in that the holding device has two parallel holding plates for fixing the knife holder between the holding plates.

1. a) dass die Haltevorrichtung von einer Schneideposition in eine Rüstposition verfahren wird, wobei die Haltevorrichtung vorzugsweise deaktiviert wird zum Umsetzen und/oder Entfernen von Messerhaltern,
2. b) dass ein Messerhalter mit einem Messer von einer Handhabungseinrichtung ergriffen wird, insbesondere einem Greifer, vorzugsweise in einer Vorlagestation und/oder der Haltevorrichtung für die Messerhalter,
3. c) dass das Messer in einer optischen Messeinrichtung vermessen wird, insbesondere zur Ermittlung der Schadensfreiheit der Klinge des Messers,
4. d) dass die Andruckkraft mittels eines Andrucksensors gemessen wird, um die Andruckkraft des Messers durch geeignete Positionierung des Messerhalters in der Haltevorrichtung einzustellen zu können,
5. e) dass der wenigstens eine Messerhalter in eine Haltevorrichtung des Längsschneidesystems eingesetzt wird, wobei zur lösbaren Befestigung aller eingesetzten Messerhalter wenigstens ein Halteelement, insbesondere Expansionselement und/oder Magnetelement, der Haltevorrichtung aktiviert wird, und
6. f) dass die Haltevorrichtung von einer Rüstposition derart in eine Schneideposition verfahren wird, dass die Klingen der Messer zum Schneiden des bahnförmigen Materials mit einer Gegenklinge beziehungsweise Walze zur Anlage gebracht werden.

The method is also preferably characterized by at least one or more of the following measures, namely:

1. a) that the holding device is moved from a cutting position to a set-up position, wherein the holding device is preferably deactivated for moving and / or removing knife holders,
2. b) that a knife holder with a knife is gripped by a handling device, in particular a gripper, preferably in a feed station and / or the holder for the knife holder,
3. c) that the knife is measured in an optical measuring device, in particular for determining the freedom from damage of the blade of the knife,
4. d) that the pressure force is measured by means of a pressure sensor in order to be able to adjust the pressure force of the blade by suitable positioning of the blade holder in the holding device,
5. e) that the at least one knife holder is inserted into a holding device of the longitudinal cutting system, wherein for detachable attachment of all knife holder used at least one holding element, in particular expansion element and / or magnetic element, the holding device is activated, and
6. f) that the holding device is moved from a set-up position so in a cutting position, that the blades of the knife for cutting the web-like material with a counterblade or roller are brought to bear.

This achieves in particular that the knife holder can be positioned with the knives in the corresponding holding device in order to achieve a cutting of a web-shaped material. The various components of the slitting system are used as part of the process for setting or to ensure the operation. The automated positioning of the holding elements in the holder device also allows an exact and reproducible adjustment of the positions.

Fig.1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Längsschneidsystem in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Frontansicht des Längsschneidsystems der Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Haltevorrichtung für die Messerhalter eines Magnetspannsystems in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht der Haltevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

die Haltevorrichtung der Fig. 4 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 7

die erfindungsgemäße Haltevorrichtung für die Messerhalter eines Expansionsspannsystems in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 8

eine Schnittansicht der Haltevorrichtung gemäß Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

die Haltevorrichtung der Fig. 7 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 10

eine erfindungsgemäße Handhabungsvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht der Handhabungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 10,

Fig. 12

eine horizontale Schnittansicht B-B der Handhabungsvorrichtung der Fig. 10 beziehungsweise 11,

Fig. 13

eine vertikale Schnittansicht A-A des bewegliches Teils der Handhabungsvorrichtung der Fig. 10 beziehungsweise 11,

Fig. 14

einen erfindungsgemäßen Messerhalter mit Schermesser für eine Halterung durch Expansionselemente in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 15

eine Frontansicht des Messerhalters der Fig. 14,

Fig. 16

eine Schnittansicht des Messerhalters der Fig. 14,

Fig. 17

einen erfindungsgemäßen Messerhalter mit Schermesser für eine magnetische Halterung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 18

eine Frontansicht des Messerhalters der Fig. 17,

Fig. 19

eine Schnittansicht des Messerhalters der Fig. 17,

Fig. 20

einen erfindungsgemäßen Messerhalter mit Quetschmesser für eine Halterung durch Expansionselemente in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 21

eine Frontansicht des Messerhalters der Fig. 20, und

Fig. 22

eine Schnittansicht des Messerhalters der Fig. 20.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this show:

Fig.1

an inventive longitudinal cutting system in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

a front view of the slitting system of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a side sectional view of Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

the holding device according to the invention for the knife holder of a magnetic clamping system in a perspective view,

Fig. 5

a sectional view of the holding device according to Fig. 4 .

Fig. 6

the holding device of Fig. 4 in a plan view,

Fig. 7

the holding device for the knife holder of an expansion clamping system according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 8

a sectional view of the holding device according to Fig. 7 .

Fig. 9

the holding device of Fig. 7 in a plan view,

Fig. 10

a handling device according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 11

a side view of the handling device according to Fig. 10 .

Fig. 12

a horizontal sectional view BB of the handling device of Fig. 10 or 11,

Fig. 13

a vertical sectional view AA of the movable part of the handling device of Fig. 10 or 11,

Fig. 14

a knife holder according to the invention with a blade for a holder by expansion elements in a perspective view,

Fig. 15

a front view of the knife holder the Fig. 14 .

Fig. 16

a sectional view of the knife holder of Fig. 14 .

Fig. 17

a knife holder according to the invention with a blade for a magnetic holder in a perspective view,

Fig. 18

a front view of the knife holder the Fig. 17 .

Fig. 19

a sectional view of the knife holder of Fig. 17 .

Fig. 20

a knife holder according to the invention with crushing knife for a holder by expansion elements in a perspective view,

Fig. 21

a front view of the knife holder the Fig. 20 , and

Fig. 22

a sectional view of the knife holder of Fig. 20 ,

In Fig. 1 an inventive longitudinal cutting system 10 is shown. The longitudinal cutting system 10 serves to divide a web-shaped material 11 into narrower strips 12, that is to say to cut longitudinally.

For this purpose, the web-shaped material 11 is guided by means of several shafts or rollers 13, 14, 15 horizontally through a cutting region 16 of the longitudinal cutting system 10 therethrough. Depending on the Einsatzart different combinations of shafts 13, 14, 15 and / or rollers 13, 14, 15 may be provided. The rollers 13, 14, 15 are mounted in a frame 17. This frame 17 has two side parts 18 and 19, which are connected by means of two bottom-side struts 20. On the floor stand feet 21 are provided, which may be provided with damping elements.

Above the rollers 13, 14, 15, the actual cutting device 22 is arranged. This includes a holding device 23, which serves for the storage of knife holders 24. Each knife holder 24 has at least one knife 25. These knives 25 are used to cut the sheet material 11. It may be different types of knives, depending on the purpose and material.

When squeezing the blades 25 work on a cylindrical roller 14 as an abutment, wherein the intermediate material is crushed by the contact pressure. In shear cutting, on the other hand, the knives 25 act as upper knives on the side of corresponding lower knives in the region of a shaft 14. As a result, a cutting of the material 11 is made possible. The lower blade 83, not shown in detail here, are usually attached to the shaft 14 as a ring cutter. They are held there by expansion elements 84. In order to enable the lower knife 83 to be placed on the shaft 14, the shaft 14 is provided with an adjustable mounting 59.

In Fig. 3 For example, two alternative guideways are given for the sheet material 11, 11a. The path above all three rollers 13, 14, 15 is denoted by 11. Other materials may require a different guide such as that shown in 11a, such as heavy or brittle media.

The holding device 23 extends at least substantially over the entire width of the frame 17 of the longitudinal cutting system 10. The holding device 23 is arranged at the upper portion of the frame 17 along a plurality of axes adjustable. For this purpose, adjusting devices 26 and 27 are provided on both sides. An adjustment is in the present case in the vertical direction on the one hand, ie perpendicular to the plane of the sheet material 11, and transverse thereto, ie perpendicular to the longitudinal extent in the horizontal direction on the other hand possible.

For the vertical determination of the entire cutting device 22 to the frame 17, a height adjustment with vertical drive 28 is provided. This height adjustment can be designed both motor, especially electric motor, as well as pneumatic and / or hydraulic. The height adjustment serves to raise or lower the entire cutting device 22 relative to the frame 17. Thus, the cutting device 22 can be moved from the working position in contact with the sheet material 11 in a set-up position remote therefrom. The set-up position or setting position is usually provided above the working position of the cutting device 22. For this purpose, for example, at least one pneumatic, electromotive or similar drive can be used. In the present case, two pneumatic drives are provided as vertical drives 28.

For horizontal displacement or longitudinal adjustment of the holding device 23, a longitudinal drive 29 is provided. Here it is designed as a pneumatic drive. It serves to move the holding device 23 in the horizontal direction relative to the sheet-like material 11 and thus to position the cuts to be applied in the material 11 correctly.

In order to enable a rotary drive or rotary drive of the roller 14, a roller drive 30 is provided. This can preferably be designed as an electric motor, but also as a pneumatic drive. It serves to drive the roller 14 with a speed suitable for advancing the web-shaped material 11.

The holding device 23 has a recess in the form of a gap 31. This gap 31 extends between the holding plates 32 and 33. In the longitudinal direction of the sheet material 11 and between the two-sided end plates 34 and 34 at the end portions of the holding device 23 in the transverse direction to the sheet-like material 11. In this gap 31, the knife holder 24 are accurately used.

The variant with a hydraulic or pneumatic fixing of the knife holder 24 by means of an expansion clamping system will first be described below. Following then still a description of a magnetic holder.

The knife holder 24 are clamped for holding between the two surfaces 32 and 33 of the holding device 23 hydraulically or pneumatically. As in the unloaded condition but possibly only an insufficient holding force for the knife holder 24 prevails in the vertical direction, they can slip through the gap 31 down. During assembly therefore a fuse is required. Namely, the blade holders 24 are inserted into the gap 31 from above. Thus, the knife holder 24, for example, even in case of failure of the system can not slip down through the gap 31, retaining pins 35 are provided on both sides at the upper end of the knife holder 24. With these retaining pins 35, the knife holder 24 is supported on the upper edges of the walls or holding plates 32 and 33 of the holding device 23.

The knife holder 24 itself have in the lower area, for example in the Fig. 14 the actual knife 25, which is designed as a rotatably mounted ring knife. The circular cutting edge 36 of the knife 25 is circumferentially connected to a knife carrier 37 in the case of the doctor blade. This blade carrier 37 in turn runs on a central axis 38. In this case, for example, a rolling bearing, plain bearings or the like may be provided. At the lower end region of the knife holder 24, the cutting edge 36 protrudes downwards in order to be able to split the web-shaped material 11 arranged underneath in use.

A spiral spring 58 is arranged circumferentially between the cutting edge 36 and the blade carrier 37. For this purpose, the coil spring 58 is formed as a ring-shaped closed spring. This serves to generate an axial or lateral pressure of the knife 25 to the respective lower blade in the shear cutting method.

The knife holder 24 also has a receptacle 39 for handling the knife holder 24 in the upper area. This receptacle 39 includes a central connecting body 40, which has two recesses 41 for engaging behind. Laterally adjacent to the connecting body 40, two prism-shaped bearing bodies 42 are provided. These serve for the play-free connection of the knife holder 24 with a corresponding counterpart.

Finally, in this case, in the upper end region, a data carrier 43 as an identification means for the knife holder 24 is embedded in the housing. In this case, it may be an electronic data carrier 43, specifically an RFID chip. The RFID chip as a data carrier 43 can be read by radio. In addition to identification data for the knife 25 or the knife holder 24, it additionally carries information about performance data, damage, service life, setting variables and similar relevant data for the specific associated knife 25. Alternatively, the data can also be recorded in a separate database.

The knife 25 shown here or the knife holder 24 is provided for clamping between corresponding, provided in a corresponding holding device expansion elements 54. For this purpose, the lateral surfaces 45 of the knife holder 24 are provided accordingly. By appropriate lateral clamping forces on the surfaces 45 of the knife holder 24 can be clamped in a suitably prepared holding device 23. By a slight curvature of the clamping surfaces 45 is provided, the alignment of the knife 25 can be varied to the sheet material 11 within certain limits. This serves, in particular, to provide a slight inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the material 11 during the shear cut.

For clamping in the holding device 23 so-called expansion elements 54 are provided at least on one side or in the holding plate 32. On the opposite side or in the holding plate 33 bearing elements 55 are arranged, for example, provided from an elastic, anti-slip material. Optionally, expansion elements 54 can also be provided on both sides. Expansion elements 54 have a cavity in the interior, in which a fluid medium, such as in particular a gas, such as compressed air can be introduced. As a result, the expansion element 54 is expanded and presses accordingly on one of the clamping surfaces 45 of the knife holder 24. Thus, corresponding clamping forces between the contact element 55 and the expansion element 54 are exercised.

In the FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 is also a shearing blade described, which is substantially identical to those of FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 is trained. Only the fixation of the knife holder 24 in the holding device 23 takes place in this case instead of a clamping by means of expansion elements 54 by magnetic means.

For this purpose, the knife holder 24 laterally at least two magnetic, in particular permanent magnetic or ferromagnetic magnetic bearing elements 46, 47. Both bearing elements 46, 47 are rotatably mounted by means of bolts 48 at the upper and lower end region in corresponding projections 49 of the knife holder 24. In this case, a rotation can take place only in a limited angular range. This example in Fig. 18 In the left area shown bearing element 46 is accordingly only rotatably mounted. By contrast, the bearing element 47 arranged on the right is, in addition to the rotatability, still displaceably mounted to a small extent in the plane of the drawing. It can therefore be moved by a few millimeters linearly in the direction of the knife holder 24 or away. For this purpose, the bearings in the projections 49 are formed as slots 50. This is necessary to ensure appropriate distances for insertion and removal or for tilting in a magnetic storage. This also ensures a bridging of the tolerance range.

The holding device 23 has a plurality of magnetic plates 56 and 57 respectively to the holding plates 32 and 33 for fixing the knife holder 24. The knife holder 24 can be inserted into the gap 31 and are magnetically fixed there. For this purpose, the magnetic plates 56, 57 and the magnetic bearing elements 46, 47 attract and contact themselves accordingly due to magnetic forces. The magnetic plates 56, 57 may be formed, for example, with Längspol- and / or pendulum pole pitch. This ensures a stable mount.

In order to enable a release of the knife holder 24 from the holding device 23, the existing permanent magnetic field must be reduced. For this purpose, 57 electromagnets are provided in the region of the magnetic plates 56, which cause a weakening of the existing magnetic field when activated by current flow. This allows removal of knife holders 24. The electromagnets and the magnetic plates 56, 57 may also be divided into several individual elements.

Finally, in the FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 another type of knife 25 is shown. It is a so-called crushing knife. A crush meter is provided for dicing by pressurizing the material 11. The blade 51 of this knife is formed in the present case of one piece with integrated cutting edge 36. The blade 51 is formed in this case as a circular blade or circular blade 44 and accordingly mounted rotatably on a central axis 38. In this case, corresponding bearings, for example by roller bearings or sliding bearings can be provided. The actual blade 36 is formed with this blade type with a much blunt tip to allow a division of the material by pressing.

In order to adjust the optimum contact pressure of the blade 36 on the material, a spring element 52 for supporting the axle 38 is provided. The spring element 52 is designed as a rod-shaped or leaf-shaped spring, which is mounted for this purpose at two bearing points 53. The axis 38 is arranged vertically movable in a slot 54. Accordingly, the spring element 52 can spring in, so as to allow the knife 25 to spring back.

For handling the knife holder 24 is an example in Fig. 10 shown in detail handling device 60 is provided. This handling device 60 has a multi-axis adjustment device 61, which is suspended on a vertical stand 62.

For handling the knife holder 24, a gripper 63 is provided. This gripper 63 has two cooperating gun arms 64. These serve to grasp the corresponding projection or connecting body 40 of the knife holder 24. For this purpose, inwardly directed thickenings 65 are provided at the end region of the gripper arms 64, which correspond to the recesses 41 on the connecting body 40 of the knife holder 24. By squeezing the gripper arms 64, the knife holder 24 can be gripped securely.

In addition, the gripper 63 has two lateral guide elements 65. These are designed to engage with the prismatic corresponding guide elements 42 of the knife holder 24 in engagement. This is the case when the gripper 63 with the gripping arms 64 engages the connecting body 40. The guide elements 42 run then into corresponding prism-shaped recesses of the guide elements 65 inside. Thus, they provide a backlash-free fit of the knife holder 24 with the gripper 63.

Due to the multi-axis adjustment device 61 of the handling device 60, the gripper 63 can now be moved together with the knife holder 24. A rail 66 allows a vertical displacement of the gripper 63. For this purpose, a corresponding motor drive 67 is provided. The vertical displacement is performed by means of a ball screw 68.

A rotation of the gripper 63 about a vertical axis is made possible by a further drive 69. This ensures a possibility of rotation about the vertical axis. Thus, for example, a rotation of the knife holder 24 can be adjusted or eliminated by small angles, in particular to allow or eliminate entanglement of the knife 25.

Opening and closing of the gripper 63 with the gripping arms 64 is performed by a further drive by a pneumatic cylinder 70. This is arranged above the gripper 63. The pneumatic cylinder 70 drive a gripper wedge 73, which enters between two legs of the gripping arms 64 to close the same against the spring force of two spring elements 74. The spring elements 74 open the gripping arms 64 in the unloaded state.

Finally, an additional lateral adjustment or a self-finding fit by two spring elements 71 as a compensation axis transverse to the longitudinal extent of the holding device 23 is possible. This axis is used for exact control of the knife positions in the holding device 23.

The entire handling device 60 is mounted along the longitudinal extension of the holding device 23 in rails 72 and slidable via a play-free ball screw 73. For this purpose, a motor drive 74 is provided.

At the right end portion of the holding device 23, a force transducer 80 is arranged as part of a surveying station. The force transducer 80 serves to set up a knife 25 with the knife holder 24 by the handling device 60 and to measure the pressing force as a function of the vertical position of the knife 25. Because of this, the exact positioning of the knife holder 24 in the vertical direction in the holding device 23 can then be determined. The load cell 80 points to it a measuring surface 81, to which the respective knife 25 can be pressed. By performing a corresponding measurement for each knife holder 24, all knife holders 24 can be installed in such a way that the same pressing force prevails or the same knife position is provided in the vertical direction at the location of the sheet material 11 to be cut. Corresponding data can be stored at least temporarily, as a rule permanently in the data carrier 43.

In order to store individual knife holder or to exchange, a template position 82 is provided in the form of a holder for the knife holder 24. Alternatively or additionally, a magazine or a transport device for knife holder 24 may also be provided in this area in order to be able to carry out a fully automatic replacement of knife holders 24.

The control of the longitudinal cutting system 10 is effected by an electronic control, in particular a computer control. The system 10 can be operated at least almost fully automatically, since all required data can be determined or already have to be available for operation anyway. Manual intervention is kept to a minimum. In order to obtain reproducible measured values and to be able to make corresponding adjustments, all adjusting devices are equipped with absolute encoders. Thus, in each case corresponding absolute measured values with respect to the longitudinal cutting system 10 can be determined.

The method according to the invention works, for example, as described above or as follows:
A knife holder 24 is gripped by the gripper 63, for example, to be inserted into the holding device 23. In order to determine the correct position, a pressure measurement is first carried out with the aid of the force transducer 80. For this purpose, the knife 25 is pressed onto the active surface 81 of the force transducer 80. Based on the measured values of the absolute value encoder, the value can be used as a reference for the corresponding positioning in the holding device 23. An insertion in the appropriate height and horizontal position takes place. The measured values can be stored in the data carrier 43 of the knife holder 24.

The holding elements can be adjusted such that a slight holding force already adequately fixes the knife holders 24 during the installation of further knives 25 or the setting of the device. Then, with a fixation until insertion and positioning all blade holders 24 are reset. Only after completion of the adjustment, the position of the knife 25 is fixed by activating the expansive or magnetic clamping function holding device 23.

Before removing individual knives 25, the holding force must be reduced accordingly. The gripper 63 accordingly removes the desired knives individually or reconfigures the system by converting individual knives or adjusting the cutting parameters. <B> LIST OF REFERENCES: </ b> 10 Slitting system 45 clamping surface 11 sheet material 46 Magnetic bearing element 11a sheet material 47 Magnetic bearing element 12 strip 48 bolt 13 roller 49 head Start 14 roller 50 slots 15 roller 51 blade 16 cutting area 52 spring element 17 frame 53 bearing point 18 side panel 54 expansion element 19 side panel 55 contact element 20 pursuit 56 magnetic disc 21 stand 57 magnetic disc 22 cutter 58 spiral spring 23 holder 59 adjustable storage 24 knife holder 60 handling device 25 knife 61 adjustment 26 adjustment 62 stand 27 adjustment 63 grab 28 vertical drive 64 tong 29 longitudinal drive 65 guide element 30 roller drive 66 rail 31 gap 67 drive 32 Retaining plate 68 Ball Screw 33 Retaining plate 69 drive 34 endplate 70 pneumatic cylinder 35 Retention pin 71 spring element 36 blade 72 rails 37 blade carrier 73 gripper wedge 38 axis 74 spring element 39 admission 75 roller bearing 40 connecting body 80 Load cell 41 indentation 81 measuring surface 42 guide element 82 original location 43 disk 83 lower blade 44 circular blade 84 expansion element

Claims (15)

1. Longitudinal cutting system for web-type materials, having at least one cutter, preferably a plurality of cutters (25), for cutting a web-type material (11) in the longitudinal direction, wherein each cutter (25) is assigned to a cutter holder (24), wherein a common holding apparatus (23) for receiving and releasably fastening a plurality of cutter holders (24) is provided, such that all cutters (25) introduced into the holding apparatus are adjustable jointly, characterized in that the holding apparatus (23) has two parallel holding plates (32, 33) for fixing the cutter holders (24) between the holding plates (32, 33) .
2. Longitudinal cutting system according to Claim 1, characterized in that all cutters (25) or cutter holders (24) are releasably fastened jointly by the holding apparatus (23), and/or in that all cutter holders (24) are fastenable and/or positionable at least substantially freely in the holding apparatus (23) .
3. Longitudinal cutting system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all cutter holders (24) are fixed between the holding plates (32, 33), and/or in that opposite side faces of the cutter holders (24) are preferably mounted on in each case one of the two holding plates (32; 33).
4. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding apparatus (23) has at least one preferably pneumatic and/or hydraulic and/or magnetic holding element for releasably fixing the position of the at least one cutter holder (24), wherein the holding element is particularly preferably configured as an expansion element (54) and/or magnet element (56, 57).
5. Longitudinal cutting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one holding element is assigned to at least one of the holding plates (32, 33).
6. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one cutter (25) is arranged in a cutter holder (24), and/or in that a plurality of cutters (25) are arranged in a cutter holder (24).
7. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the cutter holders (24) has an identification means, in particular a data carrier (43), for identifying the at least one assigned cutter (25), wherein the identification means preferably stores further cutter-specific data, preferably measurement and use data, damage and the like.
8. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cutter holder (24) has at least one preferably settable spring means (52) for pressing on the cutter (25) during the cutting operation.
9. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a force measuring device for determining the pressure force of the cutters (25) is provided.
10. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a measuring device for in particular optically measuring the cutters (25) is provided, preferably for measuring the cutting edge of the cutter (25), wherein preferably a light source, preferably a laser, for illuminating the cutting edge is provided.
11. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a handling apparatus (60) for the at least one cutter (25) is provided, preferably for inserting and/or removing the cutter holders (24) into and/or out of the holding apparatus (23), wherein the handling apparatus (60) is configured preferably as an in particular computer-controlled and/or robotic gripper (63), preferably with at least two gripping arms, in particular as gripping pliers.
12. Longitudinal cutting system according to Claim 11, characterized in that the handling apparatus (63) and the cutter holders (24) have mutually corresponding fits for play-free connection or reception, preferably with obliquely extending receiving surfaces (42).
13. Longitudinal cutting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning of the cutter holders (24) in the holding apparatus (23) is dependent on the planned use purpose and/or on the cutter type and/or on measured or determined measurement values, in particular cutter parameters, defects and/or pressure forces of the cutter (25).
14. Method for operating a longitudinal cutting system (10) for a web-type material (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one holding apparatus (23) for jointly holding cutter holders (24) with cutters (25) and for jointly adjusting and for jointly using the cutters (25) is provided, characterized by the measures in which a cutter holder (24) with a cutter (25) is taken hold of by a handling device (60), and in which the pressure force is measured by means of a pressure sensor in order for it to be possible to set the pressure force of the cutter (25) by suitable positioning of the cutter holder (24) in the holding apparatus (23).
15. Method according to Claim 14, characterized by at least one of the measures in which

    a) the holding apparatus (23) is moved from a cutting position into an equipping position, wherein the holding apparatus (23) is preferably deactivated in order to change over and/or remove cutter holders (24),

    b) a gripper (63) is used as handling device (60), preferably in a feed station and/or the holding apparatus (23) for the cutter holders (24),

    c) the cutter (25) is measured in an optical measuring device, in particular in order to determine the lack of damage to the blade (36) of the cutter (25),

    d) the at least one cutter holder (24) is inserted into a holding apparatus (23) of the longitudinal cutting system (10), wherein, in order to releasably fasten all inserted cutter holders (24), at least one holding element, in particular expansion element (54) and/or magnet element (56, 57), of the holding apparatus (23) is activated, and

    e) the holding apparatus is moved from an equipping position into a cutting position such that the blades (36) of the cutters (25) are brought into abutment against a counterpart blade or roller in order to cut the web-type material (11).

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