ES2818077T3 - Processing of workpieces with dies whose level is compensated with a compensating element - Google Patents

Abstract

A die processing machine (100) for processing a workpiece (190), in particular a flat bed punching, punching and / or stamping machine for processing cardboard or other sheet-shaped material used for packaging for articles , the die processing machine (100) comprising a first platen (110); a second platen (115); a lifting system (120) to provide relative movement between the two plates (110, 115) along a predetermined direction (z); a die processing tool (130) that is located between the two plates (110, 115) and mechanically connected to the first platen (110), wherein the die processing tool (130) comprises at least two dies ( 132); a back plate (140) mechanically connected to the second platen (115), in which a workpiece (190) can be inserted between the back plate (140) and the die processing tool (130); characterized by a compensation element (150) that is located between the first platen (110) and the die processing tool (130) to provide proper leveling of the edges of the at least two dies (132) with respect to the default (z) direction; a mechanical action sensor (160) that is located non-separably between the two plates (110, 115) and that is configured to provide mechanical action data signals that are indicative of mechanical action magnitudes that are assigned to the at least two dies (132) when processing the workpiece (190); and a data processing unit (165) that is configured to process the mechanical action data signals in such a way that geometric data is provided for an additional offset element (350) resulting, when more pieces of work (190), an at least partially uniform pressure distribution in the processing regions that is assigned to the at least two dies (132).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Processing of workpieces with dies whose level is compensated with a compensating element

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical field of punching, die-cutting and / or stamping machines for flat-bed sheet material. In particular, the present invention relates to a die processing machine, a die processing system and a method for processing workpieces by means of die processing.

Background of the technique

In the packaging industry, a process of punching, punching or stamping cardboard or other sheet-shaped materials is used to make suitable packages for articles, in particular consumer articles. In this document, the stamping, punching and / or stamping processes are referred to as "die processing" for short. Cardboard or other sheet-shaped materials are called workpieces.

A die processing is typically carried out within a die cutting, punching or stamping machine, hereinafter referred to as a die processing machine. Said die processing machine comprises a punching, punching or stamping tool, hereinafter referred to as a die processing tool, in which various dies are provided representing the tools for processing the workpiece. By means of an appropriate lifting system, the die processing tool is pressed against a back plate of the die processing machine, in which the respective workpiece is located between the die processing tool and the back plate. .

During such a die processing procedure, the dies at least partially penetrate the workpiece. At the end of a punch or punch, the dies make mechanical contact with the back plate. Hereby, it is of great importance that all edges of the cutting dies involved make contact with the back plate simultaneously at the end of the relative movement between the die processing tool and the back plate. Otherwise, a series of cuts or perforations will be incomplete. A similar situation exists for stamping, in which, for good stamping quality, it is also important that all the dies involved penetrate the workpiece to the same extent.

Due to unavoidable inaccuracies and / or wear of the dies and due to tolerances, deviations and / or wear of the components of the involved die processing machine, the demand mentioned above will, in fact, hardly or never be immediately satisfied. , at least when proper level compensation is not provided for (the edges of) the dies.

To provide proper leveling of (the edges of) the dies, it is known to use a compensation element under the dies on their side opposite their die edges. A suitable compensation element comprises a typically spatially variable thickness such that each die has a suitable level. A compensation element typically comprises a base sheet and several local compensation portions attached to the surface of the base sheet. The local compensation portions can be realized by means of bands, in which each band is assigned to at least one die and has an appropriate thickness to level the respective die. The compensation elements can be made of polyurethane, metal, tetrafluoroethylene, paper, or a combination thereof.

In practice, during the operation of a die processing machine, the offset of the dies must be adjusted frequently. This is valid not only to compensate for uneven wear of different dies during the production of a batch of one and the same type of workpieces, but in particular when the type of workpiece to be processed is changed. Since the preparation of a suitable compensation element is a labor-intensive procedure, in practice significant downtimes of the respective die processing machine occur. Furthermore, the preparation of a suitable compensation element requires comparatively high skills, so that only experienced operators can be relied upon. All this contributes significantly to the manufacturing costs of the packaging.

EP 2 705 936 A1 discloses a method for determining a machine dependent compensation requirement that is supposed to provide a compensation element. Machine-dependent compensation requirements are determined with the aid of a computer-implemented analysis of the variation in thickness of various appropriate compensation elements, which have been used and / or are used to process different types of workpieces. In this analysis, an averaging procedure is carried out whereby the workpiece dependent compensation requirements are eliminated. The variation of the thickness of the compensation elements can be carried out by means of a 3D scanner.

EP 2327521 A1 discloses a method for compensating the level of the edges of the dies of a die processing tool, in which a pressure distribution sensor is used to measure the spatial distribution of pressure that is associated with different dies when the die processing tool is used to punch or stamp a workpiece. Based on the respective measurement results, a compensation element with a suitable thickness distribution is produced by an additive manufacturing process, in which the compensation element is manufactured in one piece by establishing layer structures or eliminating selectively layered structures. Compared to the pure manual manufacture of a suitable compensating element, the described procedure provides partial automation. However, the production of a suitable compensating element still requires some effort that results in significant downtimes of a die processing machine, in particular when the production of a container is changed from a first type of container or piece of work to a second type of container or workpiece. This results in lower efficiency when producing packages.

It may be necessary to increase the efficiency to produce packages automatically by means of a die processing machine.

Summary of the invention

This need can be satisfied with the subject matter according to the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined by the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a die processing machine for processing a workpiece, in particular a flat bed punching, punching and / or stamping machine for processing cardboard or other sheet-shaped material that It is used for packaging of articles. The die processing machine comprises (a) a first platen; (b) a second platen; (c) a lift system that is mechanically connected to the first platen and / or to the second platen to provide relative movement between the two platen along a predetermined direction; (d) a die processing tool that is located between the two plates and is mechanically connected to the first platen, wherein the die processing tool comprises at least two dies; (e) a back plate that is located between the two plates and is mechanically connected to the second plate, in which a workpiece can be inserted between the back plate and the die processing tool; (f) a compensation element that is located between the first platen and the die processing tool to provide proper leveling of the edges of the at least two dies with respect to the predetermined direction; (g) a mechanical action sensor that is located non-separably between the two plates and that is configured to provide mechanical action data signals that are indicative of mechanical action magnitudes that are assigned to the at least two dies when they are processes the workpiece; and (h) a data processing unit that is communicatively coupled with the mechanical action sensor and configured to process the mechanically action data signals in such a way that geometric data is provided for an additional compensation element that results in, when more workpieces are processed, an at least partially uniform pressure distribution in the processing regions that are assigned to the at least two dies.

The described die processing machine is based on the idea that, during its operation, it can be monitored whether the pressure and / or force that are assigned to the dies upon contact with the workpiece is still within limits. acceptable or exhibits unacceptable spatial variation, for example due to unwanted wear that has developed during a previous operation of processing machines, in which a plurality of workpieces have typically been processed. Furthermore, the non-detachably mounted pressure distribution sensor in connection with the described data processing unit enables a quick determination of the geometric data for an appropriate (additional) compensation element which, for subsequent workpiece processing , can be used to achieve at least partially uniformity and / or, compared to the compensation element used previously, an improved uniformity of pressure and / or forces exerted on the various dies.

The mechanical action sensor can be configured to measure (i) mechanical action on the respective die or (ii) a mechanical interaction between the respective die and the first platen. Mechanical action and mechanical interaction can occur in particular along the predetermined direction, when, actuated by the lifting system, the first platen and the second platen move towards each other and sand the workpiece between them. .

In this document, the term "processing region" may indicate in particular the spatial region of the mechanical interaction between (the edges of) the dies and the workpiece. Depending on the type of processing, this mechanical interaction can result in partial or complete penetration of the dies into the workpiece.

It is mentioned that the number and / or shape of the dies used may depend on the specific application. In particular, the more complicated the geometric structure of the processing regions, the greater the number of dies and / or the greater the complexity of the shape of the edges of the dies. Preferably, the edges of the dies have a simple geometric structure, in particular a straight line, and, depending on the structure of the processing regions, the number of dies used is correspondingly greater.

In this document, the term "connected" can mean a direct or indirect connection between the respective elements. An indirect connection can mean that one or more intermediate elements are located in the middle. This applies in particular to mechanical connections. However, the same considerations also apply for the electrical, electronic and / or optical connection coupling respectively between the mechanical action sensor and the data processing unit.

The first platen and / or the second platen may be any mechanical structure that is formed in such a way and comprises sufficient mechanical stability so that the mechanical arrangement comprising the die processing tool, the back plate, and the workpiece respective in the middle can be pressed together so as to achieve the desired processing of the workpiece. The first stage and / or the second stage can be realized, for example, by means of simple block or cuboid structures. Preferably, the first platen and / or the second platen are made of a metallic material.

The described data processing unit that is coupled (directly or indirectly) with the permanently implemented mechanical action sensor allows to produce the geometric data that is necessary to form an appropriate (additional) compensation element that produces a superior quality of the processing of the Workpiece. Specifically, a suitable (additional) compensation element can already be produced during operation of the described die processing machine. This results in a significant reduction in machine downtime and, as a consequence, higher packaging production efficiency for (consumer) items.

It is mentioned only for the sake of clarity that the invention described herein may be related to a punching, an embossing, or a combination of punching and embossing. In order to avoid lengthy expressions herein, these well-known procedures per se are hereinafter referred to as "processing procedures".

By monitoring the geometric data provided during the operation of the die processing machine, a high quality of workpiece processing can be guaranteed. Specifically, if it turns out that the geometric data provided for the additional offset element does not differ significantly from the geometric data of the offset element that is used to process workpieces, it can be assumed that the die processing machine operates in an operational mode which produces high-quality processing of workpieces.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical action sensor is a pressure distribution sensor that is located non-separably between the two plates and that is configured to provide pressure data signals that are indicative of a given spatial pressure distribution between the two plates.

The pressure distribution sensor can be, for example, a layer or a sheet of a pressure-sensitive material, which is electrically connected with a suitable reading device that makes it possible to obtain a distribution of pressure values, in which each Pressure value is assigned to a certain portion of the pressure distribution sensor surface and / or a certain die or at least a certain edge portion of a die. The pressure distribution sensor may comprise, for example, a piezoelectric material, which responds to an applied pressure by providing a voltage difference between two opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric material, preferably layered and, if appropriate, structured. However, other types of pressure distribution sensors (two-dimensional or laminar) can also be used such as piezoresistive pressure distribution sensors, capacitive pressure distribution sensors, inductive pressure distribution sensors or combinations thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first stage is an upper stage and the second stage is a lower stage.

In this regard, the term "upper" and "lower" refer to the direction of gravity and an orientation of the die processing machine in the orientation in which the die processing machine is operating. This means that the predetermined direction mentioned above is a vertical direction which can be called in particular the z-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system in which an x-direction and a y-direction are horizontally aligned and are both perpendicular to the z-direction.

Movement of the first platen and / or the second platen in a vertical direction can provide the advantage that the described die processing machine can be implemented as a work station on a production line that is capable of manufacturing finished packages. Said production line may include, in particular, a suitable folding machine which, with respect to a transport direction of the work piece, is connected downstream of the described die processing machine and which is configured to fold the pieces of Two-dimensional work processed in an appropriate three-dimensional container.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first platen is mounted stationary on the chassis and the lifting system is configured to move only the second platen along the predetermined direction. This can provide the advantage that the mechanical structure of the entire machine can be kept simple because only one of the two plates needs to be suspended in a movable manner.

Stationary mounting of the first platen to the chassis can be accomplished by direct attachment of the first platen to (a portion of) the chassis. However, an indirect connection is also possible via one or more intermediate (mechanical) elements.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lifting system is further configured to demonstrate a tilting movement between the two plates. This can provide the advantage that the application of force to at least one of the plates can be modified. An appropriate application-specific application of force can result in an optimized distribution of pressure and force respectively over the entire plane of the (flat) workpiece and in particular within the processing regions. As a consequence, high-quality workpiece processing can be achieved.

The tilting movement can be characterized in particular by a pivoting movement about an axis perpendicular to the predetermined direction. However, it is mentioned that the lifting system can also generate other non-linear movements of at least one stage.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lifting system comprises a lever device. This can provide the advantage that not only very precise or controlled movement can be generated, but also strong movement of the at least one stage. A strong or powerful movement can be performed even with a comparatively weak actuator if the levers of the lever arrangement are designed in such a way that a favorable ratio of the levers is achieved.

The use of a lever arrangement can be especially advantageous if the tilting movement described above is to be performed. In this case, the lever arrangement can be actuated not only by one but, depending on the desired degree of movement (inclination), by a greater number of actuation means. Suitable drive means can in particular be electric motors.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the mechanical action sensor is located between the first platen and the die processing tool. This can provide the advantage that the pressure and the force respectively acting on the various dies during the processing of the workpiece can be measured very accurately. As a consequence, the geometric data provided by the data processing unit for the additional compensation element will accurately characterize an additional compensation element that is optimized to produce high-quality processing of workpieces.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the mechanical action sensor is located between the first stage and the compensation element. This can provide the advantage of further optimized part processing when using an additional offset element produced on the basis of the geometric data provided by the data processing unit.

The benefit of this embodiment can be easily understood by the following consideration: In the event that the force and / or pressure acting on the compensation element during the operation of the die processing machine are more or less uniform or homogeneous, there is no need to modify the compensation element. This is true because, in the desired operating state, in which all the (active) portions of the compensation element have more or less the same mechanical load, also all the dies involved in the processing of the workpiece undergo more or less the same mechanical stress. It is clear that this operating state will provide the best quality for workpiece processing by means of the described die processing machine.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a die processing system is provided for processing a workpiece. The die processing system provided comprises (a) a die processing machine as described above; and (b) an automatic machining device for automatically producing the additional compensation element based on the geometric data provided for the additional compensation element. The automatic machining device is mounted on the die processing machine.

The provided die processing system is based on the idea that a close and reliable functional connection or interaction between the die processing machine and the described automatic machining device can be used to efficiently process workpieces with high quality. In this way, it can be ensured that workpiece processing is always carried out with a suitable compensating element. Due to a small spatial and functional separation between the die processing machine and the automatic machining device, the downtime of the workpiece processing, the downtime of which is associated with a production and a change of the compensation element , can be significantly reduced. As already mentioned above, the reduction of downtime can be of particular importance in case the number of workpieces of a specific type to be processed is comparatively small, such that it is necessary to replace or change the compensation element frequently. However, the downtime associated with replacing a compensation element can also be reduced due to developed wear of the (edges of the) dies.

In this document, "mounted on" can indicate in particular a mechanical connection in which the geometric or spatial relationship between (a chassis of) the die processing machine and (a chassis of) the automatic machining device is fixed at least during the operation of the die processing system. Thus, this operation includes not only the processing of workpieces, but also, at least from time to time, an automatic production of (more) compensation elements.

It is mentioned that the automatic machining device may comprise a control unit for controlling the production of the additional compensation element. In the described die processing system, the data processing unit of the die processing machine and the control unit of the automatic machining device are communicatively coupled to each other by means of an appropriate data interface. However, the data processing unit and the control unit can also be realized by means of a single processor device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the automatic machining device is configured to produce the additional compensation element by means of an additive manufacturing process.

Unlike well-known machining procedures, such as in particular milling, in which material is removed to produce a certain shape of an object, in an additive manufacturing process, the respective object is constructed by forming appropriately structured layers one on top. other. In this way, complex geometric shapes can also be made quickly and efficiently.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the automatic machining device comprises a three-dimensional printer. This may provide the advantage that, in the meantime, well-known and established technology can be employed to realize the desired automatic machining device that allows fast, reliable and accurate production of at least one (additional) compensation element.

It is mentioned that with the described three-dimensional printer, the entire compensation element can be produced. However, at present it seems more appropriate if only the local compensation portions of the compensation element are produced by means of a three-dimensional printing process, in which the local compensation portions with appropriate thicknesses are formed on a prefabricated base sheet. of the respective compensation element.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the die processing system further comprises a handling system for transferring an additional compensation element produced from the automatic machining device to the die processing machine. This can provide the advantage that the compensation element produced can be transferred automatically, that is, without any manual operation performed by an operator, to the processing region of the die processing machine, the processing region of which is located between the two plates.

The handling system may comprise at least one clamp that is configured to temporarily hold the additional compensation element produced. The gripper can be moved by appropriate robot means. The operation of the entire handling system can be controlled by a control unit. The control unit may be communicatively coupled with the data processing unit of the described die processing machine. Alternatively, the control unit for the handling system can be implemented by means of hardware and / or software by the data processing device of the described die processing machine.

It is mentioned that, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handling system is also configured to remove the compensation element used up to now from the processing region. This can provide the advantage that a complete exchange of compensation items can be performed fully automatically without any operation on the part of the user. So Alternatively, an additional handling system can be provided which is responsible for removing the compensation element used heretofore.

With the help of a standardized and automatic production of a suitable compensating element and an automatic transfer of an additional produced compensating element to the die processing region, the downtime of the die processing machine can be reduced by 50 % compared to the downtimes that are unavoidable when using known technology to produce compensation elements in an at least partially manual way.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the handling system is configured to transfer the die processing tool between the die processing machine and the automatic machining device. This can provide the advantage that, for the production of the additional compensation element, the die processing tool can be used as a support platform. In addition, it can be easily ensured that the additional compensation element is precisely aligned with the die processing tool. Specifically, it can be ensured that the local (additional) offset portions of the additional offset member are precisely aligned with the dies of the die processing tool. There will no longer be a need to align the additional offset element with the processing tool within the die processing machine.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is described for processing workpieces, in particular by punching, punching and / or flat bed stamping of a cardboard or other sheet-like material that is used for packaging for articles. The described method comprises the steps of (a) processing a first workpiece by means of the die processing machine as described above; (b) transferring the geometric data provided for the additional compensation element to an automatic machining device; (c) produce the additional compensation element based on the geometric data provided; (d) removing the offset element that has been used to process the first workpiece from a processing region of the die processing machine; (e) transferring the additional compensation element produced in the processing region; and (f) processing a second workpiece by means of the die processing machine using the additional compensation element.

The described production and exchange of the compensation element, wherein the compensation element that has been used to process at least one first workpiece is exchanged for the additional compensation element that is used to process at least one second piece of work, it can be done fully automatically. This is valid not only for transferring the additional compensation element, but also for producing the additional compensation element by means of the described automatic machining device. Due to a fully automatic replacement of the compensation elements, the downtime of the die processing machine can be significantly reduced compared to a known at least partial manual production and exchange of compensation elements.

The aforementioned reduction in downtime can be of particular relevance if the first workpiece is of a first type and the second workpiece is of a second type that is different from the first type. In this case, it is clear that a replacement of the compensation element, in which the first compensation element with a first geometry is replaced by the second compensation element with a second geometry that is different from the first geometry, is essential to allow high-quality processing of workpieces. However, the reduction in downtime can also be achieved if both workpieces are of the same type, and a replacement of the offset element is necessary due to wear of the dies of the die processing tool, wear which may have produced during the processing of a plurality of first workpieces.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the production of the additional compensation element comprises an additive manufacturing process. This can provide the advantage that an additional compensation element with a suitable thickness distribution can be produced quickly and efficiently. The additive manufacturing process may involve a three-dimensional printing of at least one (additional) compensation element.

As already mentioned above, with the mentioned additive manufacturing preferably only the local compensation portions are produced and formed into a sheet-like base sheet. The combination of the base sheet and the local compensation portions formed on it represents the compensation element.

Descriptively speaking, the local offset portions each having an appropriate thickness are locally formed in or on certain regions of the base sheet. This can provide the advantage that the three-dimensional printing process can be completed comparatively quickly, so that the compensation element (additional) can be manufactured quickly, reliably and efficiently. This contributes to a significant reduction in the downtime of the die processing machine.

It should be noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments have been described with reference to apparatus type claims, while other embodiments have been described with reference to method type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will obtain from the description above and the following that, unless otherwise noted, in addition to any combination of characteristics belonging to one type of subject matter as well, any combination between characteristics related to different subjects. object, in particular between the characteristics of the claims of type of apparatus and the characteristics of the claims of type of method, is considered disclosed with this document.

Aspects defined above and additional aspects of the present invention are apparent from the exemplary embodiments to be described hereinafter and explained with reference to these exemplary embodiments. The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments, but to which the invention is not limited.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a structure of a die processing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates the operation of the die processing machine.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates the production of an additional compensation element on the basis of geometric data obtained with a pressure distribution sensor during an operation of the die processing machine.

Figure 4 shows a die processing system comprising the die processing machine and an automatic machining device that is mounted on the die processing machine.

Detailed description

The illustration in the drawing is schematic. It should be noted that, in different figures, similar or identical elements or characteristics are provided with the same reference signs or with reference signs, which are different from the corresponding reference signs only within the first digit. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, elements or characteristics that have already been clarified with respect to a previously described embodiment will not be clarified again in a later position of the description.

Furthermore, spatially relative terms, such as "front" and "back", "up" and "down", "left" and "right", etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element to another element (s) ( s) as illustrated in the figures. Therefore, the spatially relative terms can be applied to orientations in use that differ from the orientation shown in the figures. Obviously, all these spatially relative terms refer to the orientation shown in the figures for ease of description only and are not necessarily limiting, since an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention may assume different orientations to those illustrated in the figures. figures when in use.

Figure 1 shows a die processing device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The die processing machine 100 comprises a chassis 102 and an upper (first) platen 110 stationary attached to the chassis 102. Furthermore, the die processing machine 100 according to the embodiment described herein comprises a (second) lower platen 115 and a lift system 120. As illustrated by the arrow denoted by reference numeral "z", the lift system 120 is configured to move the bottom platen 115 vertically along the z direction. In accordance with the embodiment described herein, the lifting system 120 is realized by means of a lever arrangement 122 comprising a crank mechanism or cam mechanism not further specified.

The die processing machine 100 further comprises a die processing tool 130 which, depending on the specific application, is capable of punching, folding, punching or stamping a workpiece 190. According to the embodiment described herein, the workpiece is the carton 190 which is used for a container not shown for a consumer item. In order to properly perform its task, the die processing tool 130 comprises a number of dies 132, the rear sides of which are embedded within a tool deck 136. The tool deck 136 may be made of wood or a combination of wood. and other materials.

In addition, a number of rubber elements 134 are provided, which are positioned laterally with respect to the edges of the dies 132 and which, during the processing of a workpiece 190, are used to hold the workpiece 190 in a fixed position. A tool frame is used to hold the die processing tool 130 in position. In Figure 1, a lower platen of this tool frame is designated by reference numeral 138. The die processing tool 130 can be firmly attached to the lower platen 138 by screwing.

Furthermore, the die processing machine 100 comprises a back plate 140 to which, during the processing of a workpiece, the edges of the dies 132 are approached. At the end of a die cutting procedure, the edges of the dies 132 they come into mechanical contact with the surface of the back plate 140. In addition, in accordance with the embodiment described herein, an optional support plate 142 is provided between the bottom plate 115 and the back plate 140.

According to known processing technology for punching, punching and / or stamping cardboard material within the tool frame, a compensation element 150 is provided. As already mentioned above, the compensation element 150 is used for leveling in height the edges of the dies 132 so that a uniform processing pattern is developed when processing the workpiece 190. In order to provide an appropriate level compensation for each die 132, the compensation element 150 comprises different compensation portions local 154 formed on a base sheet 152. The thickness and height respectively of each local compensation portion 154 is assigned to the respective die 132. According to the embodiment described here, the compensation element 150 is protected by a sheath protective 158.

The die processing machine 100 further comprises a mechanical action sensor which, in the embodiment described here, is carried out by means of a pressure distribution sensor 160. The pressure distribution sensor 160 collects the pressure that is present between (a) the upper platen 110 and (b) the die processing tool 130 and specifically the rear side of the dies 132. It is clear that, when there is a uniform pressure distribution, the compensation element 150 comprises an optimal geometry. On the contrary, when there is a strong pressure variation between the areas that are assigned to different dies 132, the compensation element 150 is not or is not more suitable to allow high quality processing of the workpiece 190.

The die processing machine 100 further comprises a data processing unit 165 which is connected to the pressure distribution sensor 160 by means of a data line which is illustrated in Figure 1 with a broken line.

Figure 2 illustrates the operation of the die processing machine 100. The electric motors M1 and M2, which are schematically depicted in Figure 2, cooperate with the lever arrangement 122 so that the bottom platen 115 moves upward at along the z direction.

The following description of the operation of the die processing machine 100 begins with the determination of a geometry of a compensation element that only provides a die level compensation that is related to the respective die processing machine 100 regardless the (type of) respective workpiece 190 to be processed. As a consequence, to determine machine dependent compensation requirements, no workpiece is inserted between the two sinks 110 and 115.

The two electric motors M1 and M2 are driven in such a way that the processing pressure automatically increases to an operating point where the linear increase in processing pressure becomes a superproportional increase. At this point (the edges of) the dies 132 first come into mechanical contact with the back plate 140. The pressure distribution sensor 160, which is firmly attached or integrated within the upper platen 110, extends over the entire surface ( whose normal vector is parallel to the direction z) of the upper plate 110. In this way, the compensation requirement caused by deformations of the two plates 110 and 115 is determined in particular. perfect potential of die processing tool 130.

The determined pressure data will be transferred to the data processing device 165. The data processing device 165 will calculate appropriate drive signals which, when applied to the two electric motors M1 and M2, will cause a specific movement of the bottom platen 115 , the movement of which will result in the smallest possible compensation requirements. Then, the distance between the upper stage 110 and the lower stage 115 is measured.

In the following, the so-called local compensation requirements are determined which also depend on the type of workpiece. As a consequence, to determine local offset requirements, the respective workpiece 190 must be inserted into the processing region between the die processing tool 130 and the back plate 140. The workpiece 190 is transferred to the processing region via handling equipment not represented. It is clear that the workpiece 190 represents additional mechanical strength resulting in (a) additional elastic deformation and stretching of the involved components of the die processing machine 100, as well as (b) an increase in distance between the two plates 110 and 115. Based on the value previously determined for the distance between the two plates 110 and 115 without the workpiece 190, it is now determined what distance between the two plates 110 and 115 is necessary for a processing of the workpiece 190 across the entire workpiece surface. A possible correction of this distance and a potentially new requirement to reduce a spatial sub-zone for the compensation requirement are now determined by means of again a suitable drive of the two motors M1 and m 2 so that there is a uniform pressure distribution as much as possible as measured by the pressure distribution sensor 160. Now, the pressure distribution sensor 160 measures the current pressure distribution and sends the corresponding pressure data to the data processing unit 165.

These pressure data are now indicative for an optimal geometric design for the local compensation portions 154 of the compensation element 150 when the actuation determined before the bottom plate 115 in response to the actuation signals of the motors M1 and is taken into account. M2, drive signals that have been determined as described above.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates the production of an additional compensation element 350 based on geometric data defining the optimal geometric design for the additional compensation element 350. In accordance with the embodiment described herein, an additive manufacturing process is used to form the corresponding additional local offset portions 354 on an additional base sheet 352.

Figure 4 shows a die processing system 4000 comprising the die processing machine 100 and an automatic machining device 470 which is mounted on the die processing machine 100. The die processing system 4000 comprises a three-dimensional printer which is schematically represented by its printer head 472. To make the three-dimensional printer 472, any known 3D printing technology can be applied. The printer 472 comprises a nozzle 473 with which an appropriate material for the (additional) local offset portions 354 is applied onto the additional base sheet 352. Within the automatic machining device 470, the printer head 472 can be moved in a controlled manner by means of a gantry system not shown.

According to the embodiment described here, the additional compensation element 350 and, respectively, the additional local compensation portions 354 are formed while the additional base sheet 352 is supported by the die processing tool 120, respectively, by the bottom plate 138 described above. This can provide the advantage that it can be very easily ensured that the additional local offset portions 354 are formed exactly at the positions where they are needed to provide proper level offset of the blades 132.

Only one handling system 480 is schematically depicted in Figure 4 that is configured to transfer the die processing tool 130 along with the additional compensation element 350 produced from the automatic machining device 472 to the die processing machine 100. At this point, it is mentioned that the handling system 480 might also be able to transfer the die processing tool 130 together with the previously used offset element 150 from the die processing machine 100 to the automatic machining device 470. Preferably , the handling system 480 or an additional handling system can be used to remove or unload the previously used compensation element 150. In this way, fully automated production and replacement of compensation elements can be achieved. This results in a significant reduction in the downtime of the die processing machine 100. An additional advantage of this automation is that it is no longer necessary to rely on a skilled operator to perform the manual steps that would be required when carrying out carry out a manual replacement of said compensation element.

It is noted that, according to a basic aspect of the embodiments of the invention, there is a fixed spatial relationship between the die processing machine 100 and the automatic machining device 470. The corresponding mounting of the automatic machining device 417 in the frame 102 of the die processing machine 100 is illustrated in Figure 4 by means of a frame structure 484 of the automatic machining device 470 which is mechanically connected to the chassis 102. Mounted on the frame structure 484 is a platform 486 for an operator not shown who can comfortably access platform 486 via ladder 488. Platform 486 and / or ladder 488 can contribute to the rigidity of frame structure 484.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or stages and that the words "one" or "one" do not exclude a plurality. Elements described in association with different embodiments can also be combined. It should also be noted that the reference signs in the claims shall not be considered as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. A die processing machine (100) for processing a workpiece (190), in particular a flat bed punching, punching and / or stamping machine for processing cardboard or other sheet material used for packaging for articles, comprising the die processing machine (100) a first platen (110); a second platen (115); a lifting system (120) to provide relative movement between the two plates (110, 115) along a predetermined direction (z); a die processing tool (130) that is located between the two plates (110, 115) and mechanically connected to the first platen (110), wherein the die processing tool (130) comprises at least two dies ( 132); a back plate (140) mechanically connected to the second platen (115), wherein a workpiece (190) can be inserted between the back plate (140) and the die processing tool (130); characterized by a compensation element (150) that is located between the first platen (110) and the die processing tool (130) to provide proper leveling of the edges of the at least two dies (132) with respect to the direction ( z) default; a mechanical action sensor (160) that is located non-separably between the two plates (110, 115) and that is configured to provide mechanical action data signals that are indicative of mechanical action magnitudes that are assigned to the at least two dies (132) when processing the workpiece (190); Y a data processing unit (165) that is configured to process the mechanical action data signals in such a way that geometric data is provided for an additional offset element (350) resulting, when more workpieces are processed (190), an at least partially uniform pressure distribution in the processing regions that is assigned to the at least two dies (132). The die processing machine as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the mechanical action sensor is a pressure distribution sensor (160) that is located non-separably between the two plates (110, 115) and is configured to provide pressure data signals that are indicative of a given spatial pressure distribution between the two plates (110, 115). The die processing machine as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first deck is an upper deck (110) and the second deck is a lower deck (115). The die processing machine as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a chassis (102), wherein the first platen (110) is stationary mounted on the chassis (102) and the lift system (120) is configured to move only the second platen (115) along the predetermined direction (z). The die processing machine as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The lift system (120) is further configured to test a tilt movement between the two plates (110, 115). The die processing machine as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The lifting system (120) comprises a lever arrangement (122). The die processing machine as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mechanical action sensor (160) is located between the first platen (110) and the die processing tool (130). The die processing machine as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mechanical action sensor (160) is located between the first stage (110) and the compensation element (150). 9. A die processing system for processing a workpiece, comprising the die processing system (4000) a die processing machine (100) as set forth in any one of the preceding claims; Y an automatic machining device (470) for automatically producing the additional compensation element (350) based on the geometric data provided for the additional compensation element (350); wherein the automatic machining device (470) is mounted on the die processing machine (100). The die processing system as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the automatic machining device (470) is configured to produce the additional offset element (350) by means of an additive manufacturing process. The die processing system as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the automatic machining device (470) comprises a three-dimensional printer. The die processing system as set forth in any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, further comprising a handling system (480) for transferring an additional compensation element (350) produced from the automatic machining device ( 470) to the die processing machine (100). The die processing system as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the handling system (480) is configured to transfer the die processing tool (130) between the die processing machine (100) and the automatic machining device (470). 14. Process for processing workpieces (190), in particular by flat-bed punching, punching, and / or stamping a cardboard or other sheet-like material used for packaging for articles, the process comprising processing a first workpiece (190) by means of the die processing machine (100) as set forth in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8; transferring the geometric data provided for the additional compensation element (350) to an automatic machining device (470), in particular an automatic machining device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims 9 to 13; producing the additional compensation element (350) based on the geometric data provided; removing the offset member (150) that has been used to process the first workpiece (190) from a processing region of the die processing machine (100); transferring the additional compensation element (350) produced to the processing region; and processing a second workpiece by means of the die processing machine (100) using the additional compensation element (350). 15. The method as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the production of the additional compensation element comprises an additive manufacturing process. Ċ