Patent ID: 12187575

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A processing machine01is preferably designed as a printing machine01and/or as a shaping machine01, in particular a die-cutting machine01, more preferably a rotary die-cutting machine. The printing machine01is preferably designed as a flexographic printing machine01.

The processing machine01is preferably referred to as a printing machine01when it comprises at least one application mechanism614designed as a printing unit614and/or at least one printing unit600designed as a unit600, in particular regardless of whether it comprises additional units for processing substrate02. A processing machine01designed as a printing machine01also comprises, for example, at least one additional such unit900, for example at least one shaping unit900, which is preferably designed as a die-cutting unit900, more preferably as a die-cutting device900. The processing machine01is preferably referred to as a shaping machine01when it comprises at least one shaping mechanism914and/or at least one shaping unit900, in particular regardless of whether it comprises additional units600for processing substrate02. The processing machine01is preferably referred to as a die-cutting machine01when it comprises at least one die-cutting mechanism914designed as a shaping mechanism914and/or at least one die-cutting unit900and/or at least one die-cutting device900, in particular regardless of whether it comprises additional units600for processing substrate02. A processing machine01designed as a shaping machine01or die-cutting machine01also comprises, for example, at least one further unit600for processing substrate02, for example at least one printing unit600and/or at least one printing mechanism614.

The processing machine01comprises at least two processing units600;900, which carry out processing operations that differ from one another. The at least one application unit600and/or the at least one shaping unit900, preferably die-cutting unit900, are in each case a processing unit600;900of the processing machine01, preferably for processing substrate02. Above and below, processing a substrate02preferably describes changing at least one property of the relevant substrate02with respect to its physical properties and/or material properties, in particular the mass and/or shape and/or appearance thereof. The substrate02can be converted into at least one intermediate product that can be further worked and/or into an end product by at least one processing operation. Preferably, the at least one processing unit600;900, preferably the at least one application unit600and/or the at least one shaping unit900, more preferably each processing unit600;900, in particular an application unit600and/or a processing unit600;900following an application unit600, comprises at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900. The at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900is preferably designed so as to axially adjust in each case the plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900. The plate cylinder616;901of the at least one processing unit616;900is preferably axially adjusted by means of the at least one drive for axially adjusting the plate cylinder616;901. Preferably, the at least one processing unit600;900, preferably the at least one application unit600and/or the at least one shaping unit900, more preferably each processing unit600;900, in particular an application unit600and/or a processing unit600;900following an application unit600, comprises at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900. The at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900is preferably designed so as to accelerate and/or decelerate in each case the plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900in the circumferential direction and/or is preferably designed so as to adapt in each case a processing length of the processing unit600;900by accelerating and/or decelerating the plate cylinder616;901in the circumferential direction. The at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900preferably in each case accelerates and/or decelerates the plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900in the circumferential direction. In addition or as an alternative, the at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900in each case preferably adapts a processing length of the processing unit600;900by accelerating and/or decelerating the plate cylinder616;901in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the at least one drive of the plate cylinder616;901, preferably at least the axial adjustment and/or the speed in the circumferential direction, is controlled by at least one inspection device726;728;916, preferably the color register monitoring system728and/or the die-cutting monitoring system916.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing machine01, in particular a sheet processing machine01, preferably comprises a unit100designed as a feeder100, preferably as a sheet feeder100, and/or at least one printing mechanism614designed as an application mechanism614for applying at least one print image onto substrate02. Thus, if the processing machine01comprises at least one printing mechanism614and/or at least one printing unit600, and also comprises at least one shaping mechanism914and/or at least one shaping unit900, it is designed both as a printing machine01and as a shaping machine01. If the processing machine01comprises at least one printing mechanism614and/or at least one printing unit600, and also comprises at least one die-cutting mechanism914and/or at least one die-cutting unit900and/or at least one die-cutting device900, it is accordingly designed both as a printing machine01and as a shaping machine01, in particular a die-cutting machine01.

The processing machine01is preferably designed as a sheet processing machine01, that is, as a processing machine01for processing sheet-format substrate02or sheets02, in particular sheet-format print substrate02. For example, the sheet processing machine01is designed as a sheet-fed printing machine01and/or as a sheet-fed shaping machine01and/or as a sheet-fed die-cutting machine01. The processing machine01is further preferably designed as a corrugated cardboard sheet processing machine01, that is, as a processing machine01for processing sheet-format substrate02or sheets02made of corrugated cardboard02, in particular sheet-format print substrate02made of corrugated cardboard02. The processing machine01is further preferably designed as a sheet-fed printing machine01, in particular as a corrugated cardboard sheet printing machine01, that is, as a printing machine01for coating and/or printing sheet-format substrate02or sheets02made of corrugated cardboard02, in particular sheet-format print substrate02made of corrugated cardboard02. The printing machine01is designed as a printing machine01that operates according to a printing forme-based printing method, for example.

The processing machine01is designed so as to process substrate02, preferably sheet-format substrate02. The substrate02preferably includes at least one multiple-up copy. A multiple-up is preferably the region of the substrate02that is either designed as a product of the processing machine01, in particular as an intermediate product for producing an end product, and/or, for example, is further worked and/or is designed to be further workable into a desired or required end product. The desired or required end product here, which is preferably generated by further processing the respective multiple-up, is preferably a folder-type box and/or a packaging. Unless an explicit distinction is made, the term sheet-format substrate02, in particular print substrate02, specifically sheet02, shall generally encompass any flat substrate02present in the form of sections, that is, including substrates02in tabular form or panel form, i.e., including boards or panels. The sheet-format substrate02or sheet02thus defined is formed, for example, of paper or paperboard, that is, as a sheet of paper or paperboard, or as sheets02, boards, or optionally panels made of plastic, cardboard, glass, or metal. More preferably, the substrate02is corrugated cardboard02, in particular corrugated cardboard sheets02. The at least one sheet02is preferably designed as corrugated cardboard02. A thickness of a sheet02shall preferably be understood to mean a dimension orthogonal to a largest surface area of the sheet02. This largest surface area is also referred to as the main surface area. Preferably, printing fluid is applied at least partially and/or at least on one side of the sheet02on the at least one main surface area. The thickness of the sheets02is, for example, at least 0.1 mm (zero point one millimeters), more preferably at least 0.3 mm (zero point three millimeters), and still more preferably at least 0.5 mm (zero point five millimeters). Considerably greater thicknesses are also customary, especially in the case of corrugated cardboard sheets02, for example at least 4 mm (four millimeters) or also 10 mm (ten millimeters) and more. Corrugated cardboard sheets02are relatively stable and are therefore not very flexible. Corresponding adjustments of the processing machine01therefore facilitate the processing of sheets02of great thickness.

The respective, preferably at least one, sheet02is preferably made of paper or cardboard or paperboard. More preferably, the respective sheet02is made of cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard. According to DIN 6730, paper is a flat material, consisting mainly of fibers derived from vegetable sources, which is formed by the dewatering of a fiber suspension on a sieve. In the process, a card web is created, which is subsequently dried. The basis weight of paper is preferably a maximum of 225 g/m2 (two hundred and twenty-five grams per square meter). According to DIN 6730, cardboard is a flat material, consisting mainly of fibers derived from vegetable sources, which is formed by the dewatering of a fiber suspension on a sieve or between two sieves. The fiber structure is compressed and dried. Cardboard is preferably manufactured from cellulose and/or by gluing or pressing. Cardboard is preferably designed as solid board or corrugated cardboard02. Above and below, corrugated cardboard02is cardboard made of one or more layers of corrugated paper that is glued to one layer or between multiple layers of another, preferably smooth, paper or cardboard. The basis weight of cardboard is preferably more than 225 g/m2 (two hundred and twenty-five grams per square meter). Above and below, the term paperboard refers to a sheet material that is preferably primed on one side and made of paper, preferably having a basis weight of at least 150 g/m2 (one hundred and fifty grams per square meter) and no more than 600 g/m2 (six hundred grams per square meter). Paperboard preferably has high strength relative to paper.

The processing machine01comprises several units100;300;600;700;900;1000. A unit in this context shall preferably be understood to mean a group of devices that cooperate functionally, in particular in order to carry out a preferably self-contained processing operation of sheets02. At least two, for example, and preferably at least three, and more preferably all of the units100;300;600;700;900;1000are designed as modules100;300;600;700;900;1000or at least each is assigned to such a module. A module in this context shall in particular be understood to mean a respective unit or a structure made up of multiple units, which preferably comprises at least one transport means and/or at least a dedicated drive controllable by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, and/or as an independently functioning module and/or as an individually manufactured and/or separately assembled machine unit or functional assembly. A dedicated drive, controllable by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, of a unit or module shall in particular be understood to mean a drive that is used to power the movements of components of this unit or module and/or that is used to transport substrate02, in particular sheets02, through this particular unit or module and/or through at least one operating zone of this particular unit or module and/or that is used to directly or indirectly drive at least one component of the particular unit or module that is intended for contact with sheets02. The dedicated drive of a unit or module which can be controlled by open loop and/or closed loop is preferably designed to power movements of components of this unit or module and/or designed to effect a transport of substrate02and/or designed to directly or indirectly drive at least one component of the particular unit or module which is intended for contact with sheets02. These drives of the units100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01are preferably embodied, in particular, as closed loop position-controlled electric motors. A main drive is preferably connected to at least two components of the processing machine01and/or is preferably designed so as to drive the at least two components jointly, which more preferably are mechanically and/or virtually coupled to one another or can be synchronized with one another. A dedicated drive is preferably designed so as to drive a component, preferably independently of further drives and/or components. A dedicated drive, preferably at least one dedicated drive ME, of a transport element701is preferably a closed loop position-controlled electric motor, for example, alternatively, rotation angle-controlled. A main drive, preferably at least one main drive M of the transport unit700, is preferably a closed loop position-controlled electric motor, for example, alternatively, rotation angle-controlled.

Each unit100;300;600;700;900;1000preferably comprises at least one drive control system and/or at least one drive controller, which is assigned to the respective at least one drive of the particular unit100;300;600;700;900;1000. The drive control systems and/or drive controllers of the individual units100;300;600;700;900;1000can preferably be operated individually and independently of one another. More preferably, the drive control systems and/or drive controllers of the individual units100;300;600;700;900;1000are linked and/or can be linked in terms of circuitry, in particular by means of at least one BUS system, to one another and/or to a machine control system of the processing machine01, in such a way that coordinated open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the drives of several or all units100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01is and/or can be carried out. Accordingly, the individual units100;300;600;700;900;1000and/or in particular modules100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01can be and/or are operated preferably electronically synchronized with one another, at least with respect to the drives thereof, in particular by means of at least one virtual and/or electronic master axis. For this purpose, the virtual and/or electronic master axis is preferably specified, for example by a higher-level machine control system of the processing machine01. As an alternative or in addition, the individual units100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01are and/or can be mechanically synchronized with one another, for example, at least with respect to the drives thereof. Preferably, however, the individual units100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01are mechanically decoupled from one another, at least with respect to the drives thereof.

The spatial area provided for the transport of substrate02, which the substrate02, if present, at least temporarily occupies, is the transport path. The transport path is preferably defined by at least one device for guiding the substrate02in an operating state of the processing machine01. Unless described otherwise, each of the units100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01is preferably characterized in that the section of a transport path provided for a transport of sheets02, which is defined by the respective unit100;300;600;700;900;1000, is at least substantially flat, and more preferably completely flat. A substantially flat section of the transport path provided for the transport of sheets02in this context shall be understood to mean a section that has a minimum radius of curvature of at least two meters, more preferably at least five meters, and still more preferably at least ten meters, and still more preferably at least fifty meters. A completely flat section has an infinitely large radius of curvature and is thus likewise substantially flat and therefore likewise has a minimum radius of curvature of at least two meters. Unless described otherwise, each of the units100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01is preferably characterized in that the section of the transport path provided for the transport of sheets02, which is defined by the respective unit100;300;600;700;900;1000, extends at least substantially horizontally, and more preferably exclusively horizontally. This transport path preferably extends in a direction T, in particular in the transport direction T. A substantially horizontal transport path provided for the transport of sheets02means in particular that, within the entire region of the particular unit100;300;600;700;900;1000, the provided transport path only has one or more directions that deviate by no more than 30° (thirty degrees), preferably no more than 15° (fifteen degrees), and more preferably no more than 5° (five degrees) from at least one horizontal direction. The transport path provided for the transport of sheets02preferably begins at the point where the sheets02are removed from a feeder pile104.

The direction T of the transport path, in particular the transport direction T, is in particular the direction T in which the sheets02are transported at the point at which the direction T is measured. The transport direction T provided in particular for the transport of sheets02is preferably the direction T that is preferably oriented at least substantially, and more preferably entirely, horizontally and/or that preferably points from a first unit100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01to a last unit100;300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01, in particular from a sheet feeder unit100or a substrate feed device100on the one hand to a delivery unit1000or a substrate output device1000on the other hand, and/or that preferably points in a direction in which the sheets02are transported, apart from vertical movements or vertical components of movements, in particular from a first point of contact with a unit300;600;700;900;1000of the processing machine01that is arranged downstream from the substrate feed device100or a first point of contact with the processing machine01to a last point of contact with the processing machine01. Regardless of whether the infeed device300is an independent unit300or module300or is a component of the substrate feed device100, the transport direction T is preferably the direction T in which a horizontal component of a direction points which is oriented from the infeed device300to the substrate output device1000.

A direction A, preferably the transverse direction A, is preferably a direction A that is oriented orthogonally to the transport direction T of the sheets02and/or orthogonally to the intended transport path of the sheets02through the at least one application unit600and/or through the at least one shaping unit900and/or through the at least one sheet delivery unit1000. The transverse direction A is preferably a horizontally oriented direction A. A longitudinal axis of the at least one plate cylinder616is preferably oriented parallel to the transverse direction A. The transverse direction A is preferably an axial direction.

A working width of the processing machine01and/or of the at least one application unit600and/or of the at least one shaping unit900and/or of the at least one sheet delivery unit1000is preferably a dimension that extends preferably orthogonally to the provided transport path of the sheets02through the at least one application unit600and/or the at least one shaping unit900and/or the at least one sheet delivery unit1000, more preferably in the transverse direction A. The working width of the processing machine01preferably corresponds to a maximum width that a sheet02may have in order to still be processable by the processing machine01, that is, in particular a maximum sheet width that can be processed by the processing machine01. The width of a sheet02shall, in particular, be understood to mean the dimension thereof in the transverse direction A. This is preferably independent of whether this width of the sheet02is greater than or smaller than a horizontal dimension of the sheet02orthogonal thereto, which more preferably represents the length of this sheet02in the transport direction T. The working width of the processing machine01preferably corresponds to the working width of the at least one application unit600and/or of the at least one shaping unit900and/or of the at least one sheet delivery unit1000. The working width of the processing machine01, in particular sheet processing machine01, is preferably at least 100 cm (one hundred centimeters), more preferably at least 150 cm (one hundred and fifty centimeters), still more preferably at least 160 cm (one hundred and sixty centimeters), still more preferably at least 200 cm (two hundred centimeters), and still more preferably at least 250 cm (two hundred and fifty centimeters).

A vertical direction V preferably denotes a direction that is preferably directed from a ground perpendicularly upwardly. The vertical direction V is preferably arranged parallel to the normal vector of a plane spanned by the transport direction T and the transverse direction A. The height of components is preferably in the vertical direction V. For example, in the region of the shaping device900, the vertical direction V is preferably oriented so as to point from the print substrate02arranged in a processing point910toward a plate cylinder901of the shaping device900.

A direction X preferably denotes the direction along the lateral extension of the substrate02. In the case of a substrate02that is arranged in the processing machine01, the direction X is preferably oriented parallel to the transverse direction A, that is, an axial direction. The direction X preferably points from a first side edge of the substrate02to a second side edge of the substrate02which is located opposite the first side edge. A direction Y preferably denotes the direction along the longitudinal extension of the substrate02. In the case of a substrate02that is arranged in the processing machine01, the direction Y is preferably oriented parallel to the transport direction T, that is, preferably points in the direction of the transport path. The direction Y preferably points from a trailing edge04of the substrate02to the leading edge03thereof. The leading edge03is preferably the edge03of the substrate02which, along the transport path in the processing machine01, is the first edge of the substrate02to come in contact with the particular units100;300;600;700;900;1000, and in particular with the processing points621;910.

The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one substrate feed device100, which more preferably is designed as a unit100, in particular a substrate feed unit100, and/or as a module100, in particular a substrate feed module100. In particular in the case of a sheet processing machine01, the at least one substrate feed device100is preferably designed as a sheet feeder100and/or sheet feeder unit100and/or sheet feeder module100. Preferably, the at least one substrate feed device100is the first unit100of the processing machine01, in particular in the transport direction T. The substrate feed device100is preferably designed so as to feed substrate02, preferably sheets02, to succeeding processing units600;900. The substrate feed device100preferably separates the substrates02so that the substrates02are transported consecutively, preferably spaced apart from one another, through the processing machine01. The at least one substrate feed device100preferably comprises at least one acceleration means, preferably at least one primary acceleration means and/or at least one secondary acceleration means, for accelerating the substrate02to the processing speed. The at least one substrate feed device100preferably comprises at least one front stop and/or at least one lateral stop and/or at least one rear stop, which preferably aligns the at least one substrate02. For example, at least one stop is fixed or movable, toward the substrate02and/or away from the substrate02. Preferably, the at least one substrate02is aligned in the at least one substrate feed device100by means of the at least one fixed or movable stop. For example, the processing machine01comprises at least one unit designed as a conditioning device, in particular a conditioning unit, which is more preferably designed as a module, in particular as a conditioning module. Such a conditioning device is, for example, designed as a pre-processing device, in particular as a pre-processing device for applying primer, or as a post-processing device, in particular as a post-processing device for applying varnish. The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one unit designed as a pre-processing device, in particular a pre-processing unit, which more preferably is designed as a module, in particular as a pre-processing module, and represents a conditioning device. The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one post-processing device.

The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one unit300, preferably an infeed device300, which is more preferably designed as an infeed unit300and/or infeed module300. Alternatively, the at least one infeed device300is designed as a component of the substrate feed device100or of another unit. The substrate feed device100preferably comprises the infeed unit300. The infeed unit300preferably comprises the at least one feeder pile104. The feeder pile104preferably comprises a multiplicity of sheets02, which are preferably present at least temporarily in a stacked manner in a storage area166.

For example, the processing machine01comprises at least one unit, preferably at least two, more preferably at least four, more preferably at least six, for example eight, units600, for example the application unit600, which is preferably designed as a module600, in particular an application module600. The at least one application unit600is preferably arranged and/or designed based on the function and/or application method. The at least one application unit600is preferably used to apply at least one respective application fluid or coating agent over the entire surface area and/or at least a portion of the surface area of the sheets02. One example of an application unit600is a printing unit600or printing module600, which is used in particular for applying printing ink and/or ink onto substrate02, in particular sheets02. In particular, the at least one application unit600is designed to apply application fluid, preferably printing ink and/or ink, for example over the entire surface area and/or a portion of the surface area of the sheets02. Above and below, an optionally provided priming unit and/or an optional varnishing unit may also be considered to be such an application unit600or printing unit600. The at least one application unit600preferably comprises the at least one application mechanism614. At least one first application unit600in the transport direction T is preferably designed as a priming unit. At least one last application unit600in the transport direction T is preferably designed as a varnishing unit. Preferably, at least one, preferably at least four, application units600, which are preferably arranged downstream from the priming unit and/or which are arranged upstream from the varnishing unit, are designed as a printing unit600.

Independently, in particular, of the function of the application fluid that can be applied by the application units600, these units can preferably be distinguished in terms of the application method thereof. One example of an application unit600is a forme-based application unit600, which comprises, in particular, at least one fixed, physical, and preferably exchangeable printing forme for the application of printing fluid. Forme-based application units600preferably operate according to a planographic printing process, in particular an offset planographic printing process, and/or according to a gravure printing process, and/or according to a letterpress printing process, in particular preferably according to a flexographic printing process. The corresponding application unit600is preferably a flexographic application unit600or flexographic printing unit600, in particular a flexographic application module600or flexographic printing module600. In another preferred embodiment, the at least one application unit600is designed as an offset printing unit600. A preferred embodiment of the application mechanism614is intended to provide application fluid from beneath onto, for example to print, substrate02, in particular sheets02and/or print substrate02. In this preferred embodiment of the application mechanism614, the plate cylinder616is preferably arranged beneath the impression cylinder617. In an alternative embodiment, the sheets02are printed from above. The printing unit600is then preferably designed in a mirror-inverted order and has design adaptations. The sheets02are preferably die-cut on the opposite side of the print image. This is why printing from beneath is the preferred embodiment.

The at least one application unit600, preferably each application unit600, preferably comprises at least one drive. The at least one application unit600, preferably each application unit600, preferably comprises at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600. The at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600, preferably of the plate cylinder616of the application unit600, is preferably designed so as to accelerate and/or decelerate in each case the plate cylinder616of the processing unit600, preferably the plate cylinder616of the application unit600, in the circumferential direction. In addition or as an alternative, the at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600, preferably of the plate cylinder616of the application unit600, is in each case designed to adapt a processing length of the processing unit600, preferably a processing length of the plate cylinder616, by accelerating and/or decelerating the plate cylinder616in the circumferential direction. The at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600preferably in each case accelerates and/or decelerates the plate cylinder616of the processing unit600in the circumferential direction. In addition or as an alternative, the at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600in each case preferably adapts a processing length of the processing unit600by accelerating and/or decelerating the plate cylinder616in the circumferential direction. The at least one plate cylinder616can preferably be accelerated and/or decelerated in the circumferential direction by means of the at least one drive, preferably a dedicated drive.

Preferably, the at least one plate cylinder616comprises at least one drive, preferably a dedicated drive, more preferably a closed loop position-controlled electric motor, for axially adjusting the plate cylinder616. The at least one processing unit600, which is preferably designed as an application unit600, preferably comprises at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600. The at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616of the processing unit600is preferably designed so as to adjust in each case the plate cylinder616of the processing unit600axially, preferably in the transverse direction A. The at least one plate cylinder616is preferably axially adjustable. The at least one plate cylinder616of the at least one application unit600is preferably axially adjusted by means of the at least one drive for axially adjusting the plate cylinder616. The axial adjustment is preferably carried out while the processing machine01is being set up for a new processing order. More preferably, the axial adjustment is carried out additionally or alternatively during the processing operation of substrate02. For example, the axial adjustment is controlled manually by an operator. Preferably, as an alternative, the at least one drive of the plate cylinder616, preferably at least the axial adjustment, is controlled by the at least one inspection device726;728;916, preferably by the color register monitoring system728.

The processing machine01, for example, comprises at least one unit designed as a drying device, in particular a drying unit, which is more preferably designed as a module, in particular as a drying module. As an alternative or in addition, at least one drying device506and/or at least one after-drying device, for example, is a component of at least one unit100;300;600;700;900;1000preferably designed as a module100;300;600;700;900;1000. For example, at least one application unit600comprises at least one drying device506and/or comprises at least one unit700designed as a transport device700and/or at least one unit designed as a transport unit700.

The processing machine01comprises at least one transport device700, which is designed as a unit700, in particular the transport unit700, and/or as a module700, in particular as a transport module700. The transport device700is also referred to as a transport means700. In addition, or as an alternative, the processing machine01preferably comprises transport devices700, for example as components of other units and/or modules. The at least one transport device700preferably comprises at least one drive, preferably a dedicated drive. The at least one transport unit700comprises the at least one transport element701. The at least one transport unit700comprises a plurality of transport elements701, which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. For example, the transport unit700comprises at least one dedicated drive MEfor axially adjusting at least one transport element701and/or at least one main drive M, for example at least one main drive M for driving, in the circumferential direction, preferably for rotationally, in particular rotatively, driving at least one transport element701.

The processing machine01comprises at least one shaping device900, which is designed as a unit900, in particular as a shaping unit900or die-cutting unit900, and/or as a module900, in particular as a shaping module900or die-cutting module900and/or as a die-cutting device900. A shaping unit900is one embodiment of a processing unit900. The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one shaping unit900designed as a die-cutting unit900. The at least one shaping device900is preferably designed as a rotary die-cutting device900and/or preferably comprises at least one shaping mechanism914or die-cutting mechanism914, more preferably a rotary die cutting mechanism. A shaping device900shall also be understood to mean an embossing device and/or a creasing device. A perforating device is preferably likewise a form of a die-cutting device900. Preferably, the at least one substrate02, in particular sheet02, is die-cut and/or creased and/or embossed and/or perforated in the at least one, preferably succeeding, processing unit900, which is preferably designed as a shaping unit900. The at least one die-cutting unit900preferably in each case comprises the at least one shaping mechanism914preferably designed as a die-cutting mechanism914. The shaping mechanism914designed as a die-cutting mechanism914preferably comprises at least one plate cylinder901designed as a die-cutting cylinder901. The plate cylinder901of the shaping unit900preferably comprises at least one drive assigned thereto, preferably a dedicated drive, and more preferably a closed loop position-controlled electric motor. The at least one shaping unit900, preferably the processing unit900following the application unit600, preferably comprises at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder901of the processing unit900. The at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900, preferably of the plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900, is preferably designed so as to accelerate and/or decelerate in each case the plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900, preferably the plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900, in the circumferential direction. In addition or as an alternative, the at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900, preferably of the plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900, is in each case designed to adapt a processing length of the processing unit600;900, preferably a processing length of the plate cylinder616;901, by accelerating and/or decelerating the plate cylinder616;901in the circumferential direction. The at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder901of the processing unit900preferably in each case accelerates and/or decelerates the plate cylinder901of the processing unit900in the circumferential direction. In addition or as an alternative, the at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder901of the processing unit900in each case preferably adapts a processing length of the processing unit900by accelerating and/or decelerating the plate cylinder901in the circumferential direction. The at least one plate cylinder901can preferably be accelerated and/or decelerated in the circumferential direction by means of the at least one drive, preferably a dedicated drive.

Preferably, the at least one plate cylinder901comprises at least one drive, preferably a dedicated drive, more preferably a closed loop position-controlled electric motor, for axially adjusting the plate cylinder901. The at least one, preferably succeeding, processing unit900, which is preferably designed as a die-cutting unit900, preferably comprises at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder901of the processing unit900. The at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder901of the processing unit900is preferably designed so as to adjust in each case the plate cylinder901of the processing unit900axially, preferably in the transverse direction A. The at least one plate cylinder901is preferably axially adjustable. The at least one plate cylinder901of the at least one shaping unit900is preferably axially adjusted by means of the at least one drive for axially adjusting the plate cylinder901. The axial adjustment is preferably carried out while the processing machine01is being set up for a new processing order. More preferably, the axial adjustment is carried out additionally or alternatively during the processing operation of substrate02. For example, the axial adjustment is controlled manually by an operator. For example, as an alternative, the axial adjustment is controlled by the at least one inspection device726;728;916, preferably by the die-cutting monitoring system916.

The at least one shaping unit900, preferably the at least one succeeding processing unit900, preferably comprises at least one drive of at least one anvil cylinder902of the processing unit900. The at least one drive of the anvil cylinder902of the processing unit900is preferably designed to adapt a processing length of the processing unit900by accelerating and/or decelerating the anvil cylinder902in the circumferential direction. The at least one drive of the anvil cylinder902of the processing unit900preferably adapts a processing length of the processing unit900by accelerating and/or decelerating the anvil cylinder902in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the at least one plate cylinder901of the shaping device900is arranged in the vertical direction V above the at least one anvil cylinder902. Advantageously, gravity is used in the processing operation to support the force application.

The sheet processing machine01is preferably characterized in that the at least one separation device903for removing at least one scrap piece from at least one sheet02is arranged after the at least one shaping point910along the transport path provided for the transport of sheets02. The separation device903is preferably designed to entirely remove scrap pieces from the particular sheet02. The at least one separation device903is thus used, in particular, to separate offcut pieces, in particular of the former portions of the sheet02that were already entirely or partially detached from the sheet02and are to be removed from the sheet02, from multiple-ups, in particular those portions of the sheet02that are to continue to be treated as sheets02and, if necessary, to be further processed. The at least one separation device903is designed as a separation unit903and/or as a separation module903, for example. As an alternative, the at least one separation device903is a component of another unit900or module900, in particular of the at least one shaping unit900or shaping module900.

The at least one separation device903preferably comprises at least one transport means904designed as a separation transport means904, in particular for transporting sheets02. The at least one separation transport means904is preferably used to transport respective sheets02along the transport path provided for the transport of sheets02and/or in the direction of transport T while scrap pieces are removed from the respective sheets02. The scrap pieces are preferably transported in a respective direction that has at least one component which is oriented orthogonally to the transport direction T, preferably counter to a vertical direction V, for example vertically downwardly. Preferably, at least the force of gravity is also utilized to remove such scrap pieces from the particular sheet02. In this way, it is preferably only necessary to apply a force that severs the respective scrap piece from the respective sheet02, and the respective scrap piece is then carried away by gravity in a direction that has at least one component which is oriented orthogonally to the transport direction T, preferably downwardly.

The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one unit1000designed as a substrate output device1000, in particular a delivery1000, in particular a sheet delivery1000, in particular a delivery unit1000, which is more preferably designed as a module1000, in particular as a delivery module1000. The at least one substrate output device1000is preferably arranged in the transport direction T after the at least one shaping unit900, more preferably after the at least one separation device903, and more preferably subsequent to the at least one transport means906. The substrate output device1000preferably comprises at least one delivery pile carrier48and at least one diverted delivery51. The substrate output device1000designed as a delivery1000preferably comprises at least one sheet diverter49, which can preferably be controlled by closed loop and/or open loop and which is designed to guide sheets02either to the delivery pile carrier48or the diverted delivery51. Preferably the products, preferably products that can be further processed into end products, are deposited onto the at least one delivery pile carrier48. Preferably, at least one sample sheet and/or sheet including wasted paper is deposited in the at least one diverted delivery51. For example, the at least one sheet diverter49controls the transport path so that the processed sheet02is either deposited onto the delivery pile carrier48or in the diverted delivery51.

The processing machine01, for example, comprises at least one unit designed as a post-press processing device, in particular a post-press processing unit, which is more preferably designed as a module, in particular as a post-press processing module. The post-press processing unit is preferably arranged after the at least one shaping device900in the transport direction T. For example, the post-press processing unit is arranged after the at least one sheet delivery1000in the transport direction T. For example, the at least one post-press processing device is designed in each case as a gluing device and/or folding device.

The processing machine01preferably comprises transport means700;904;906at one or more points. The at least one transport unit700is preferably a transport means700.

The at least one transport means700;904;906is preferably designed so as to move substrate02, preferably sheets02, more preferably individual sheets02, preferably along the transport path through the processing machine01. Preferably, in each case at least one transport means700, preferably at least one suction transport means700, is arranged at least between two consecutive processing units600;900. The at least one transport means700;904;906preferably comprises at least one transport element701. Preferably, the at least one transport unit700designed as a transport means700comprises at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, more preferably at least five, transport elements701. For example, the at least one transport unit700designed as a transport means700comprises no more than twenty, preferably no more than twelve, more preferably no more than eleven, transport elements701. Preferably, the at least one transport element701is in contact with the substrate02, at least if present. The at least one transport element701is preferably designed so as to move the substrate02.

At least one of these transport means700;906is preferably designed as a suction transport means700;906, in particular as a suction belt and/or as a suction box belt and/or as a roller suction system and/or as a suction roller. The at least one transport unit700is preferably designed as a suction transport means700. Such suction transport means700;906are preferably used to move substrate02forward in a controlled manner and/or to enable movements while the substrate02is held against at least one counterpressure surface of the corresponding suction transport means700;906. A relative vacuum is preferably used in the process to pull and/or to press the substrate02, preferably the sheet02, against at least one transport surface702. A transporting movement of the substrates02is preferably produced by a corresponding, in particular revolving, movement of the at least one transport surface702. As an alternative or in addition, the substrate02is held in the path thereof, for example along the transport path provided for the transport of substrate02, by the at least one suction transport means700;906, and a transporting movement of the substrate02is produced in the process by a force that is predefined by another transport means700;904;906situated upstream and/or downstream, for example. The vacuum is in particular a vacuum relative to an ambient pressure, in particular relative to an atmospheric pressure. The suction transport means700;906shall thus preferably be understood to mean a device that has at least one counterpressure surface, which more preferably is designed as a sliding surface and/or in particular as a movable transport surface702, and which is at least partially movable, for example, at least in the transport direction T.

The respective suction transport means700;906furthermore preferably comprises at least one vacuum chamber, which more preferably is connected to at least one vacuum source by means of a suction line. The vacuum source comprises a fan, for example. The at least one vacuum chamber has at least one suction opening703, which is used to apply suction to the substrate02. Depending on the embodiment of the suction transport means700;906and the size of the substrate02, the substrates02are drawn by suction into a position in which they close the at least one suction opening703or are merely drawn by suction against a transport surface702in such a way that ambient air can still travel past the substrate02and into the suction opening703. The transport surface702has one or more intake openings, for example. The intake openings are preferably used to pass a vacuum from the suction opening703of the vacuum chamber to the transport surface702, in particular without pressure losses or with very low pressure losses. As an alternative or in addition, the suction opening703acts on the substrate02to be transported in such a way that the same is drawn by suction against the transport surface702, preferably without the transport surface702having any intake openings. At least one deflection means is provided, for example, which directly or indirectly ensures a revolving movement of the at least one transport surface702. The at least one deflection means and/or the transport surface702preferably are self-propelled and/or can be self-propelled, in particular to ensure a movement of the substrate02in the transport direction T. Alternatively, the transport surface702allows substrate02to slide along the transport surface702.

A first embodiment of a suction transport means700;906is a suction belt. A suction belt shall be understood to mean a device that comprises at least one flexible transport belt, the surface of which serves as a transport surface702. The at least one transport belt is preferably deflected by deflection means designed as deflection rollers and/or deflecting cylinders and/or is preferably self-contained, in particular such that continuous circulation is enabled. The at least one transport belt preferably has a multiplicity of intake openings. The at least one transport belt preferably covers the at least one suction opening703of the at least one vacuum chamber over at least a portion of its circulation path. More preferably, the vacuum chamber is then only connected to a surrounding environment and/or to substrate02by way of the intake openings of the at least one transport belt. Support means are preferably provided, which prevent the at least one transport belt from being pulled too far or at all into the vacuum chamber and/or which ensure that the transport surface702assumes a desired shape, for example such that it forms a flat surface, at least in the region in which the intake openings are connected to the vacuum chamber. A revolving movement of the at least one transport belt then results in a forward movement of the transport surface702, with the substrate02being held securely on the transport surface702precisely in the region where it is situated opposite the suction opening703that is covered by the at least one transport belt, with the exception of the intake openings.

A second, preferred, embodiment of the transport means700;906, preferably of a suction transport means700;906, is a roller suction system. A roller suction system shall be understood to mean a device in which the at least one transport surface702is formed of at least sections of lateral surfaces of a multiplicity of transport elements701, preferably of a multiplicity of transport rollers and/or transport cylinders. Thus, each of the transport elements701, in particular the transport rollers and/or transport cylinders, forms a part of the transport surface702that is closed, for example, and/or that circulates as a result of rotation. The roller suction system preferably has a multiplicity of suction openings703. These suction openings703are preferably arranged at least between adjacent transport elements701, in particular transport rollers and/or transport cylinders. At least one covering mask is provided, for example, which preferably represents a boundary of the vacuum chamber. The covering mask preferably has the multiplicity of suction openings703. The covering mask preferably forms a substantially flat surface. The transport elements701, in particular the transport rollers and/or transport cylinders are preferably arranged so as to be intersected by this flat surface and more preferably so as to protrude only slightly, for example only a few millimeters, beyond this flat surface, in particular in a direction facing away from the vacuum chamber. The suction openings703then preferably have a frame-like design, with each opening surrounding at least one of the transport rollers and/or transport cylinders. A rotating movement in the circumferential direction preferably describes a revolving, preferably rotative movement. A revolving, preferably rotative, movement of the transport rollers and/or transport cylinders then results in a forward movement of the corresponding parts of the transport surface702. In the process, substrate02, preferably a sheet02, is preferably held securely on the transport surface702exactly in the region where it is situated opposite the suction openings703. Preferably, a line-shaped contact region of the substrate02with the at least one transport roller or transport cylinder is present in the region of the transport surface702. The driving forces are preferably transferred from the at least one transport element701to the substrate02by friction fit. The transport unit700is preferably in each case designed as at least the one suction transport means700comprising the at least one roller suction system. For example, a suction transport means700comprises at least two roller suction systems, which are preferably each designed as individually driven roller suction systems. The roller suction system is preferably also referred to as a suction box. The movement of the at least one transport element701in the circumferential direction or in the transport direction T preferably describes a movement of a point on the lateral surface of the transport element701about the axis of rotation thereof, wherein a substrate02, if present, is preferably moved by this movement in the transport direction T.

A third embodiment of a suction transport means700;906is a suction box belt. A suction box belt shall be understood to mean a device that comprises a plurality of in particular circulating suction boxes, each of which has an outer surface that serves as a transport surface702.

A fourth embodiment of a suction transport means700;906is at least one suction roller. A suction roller shall be understood to mean a roller which has a lateral surface that serves as a transport surface702and has a multiplicity of intake openings, and which has at least one vacuum chamber in the interior thereof, which is connected to at least one vacuum source, for example by means of a suction line.

A fifth embodiment of a suction transport means700;906is at least one sliding suction device. The sliding suction device is preferably designed as a passive transport means and is used, in particular, to establish boundary conditions with respect to a position of a respective substrate02, without causing the substrate02itself to move. The respective sliding suction device preferably includes at least one sliding surface and at least one vacuum chamber and at least one suction opening. The at least one sliding surface then serves as a counterpressure surface and serves as a transport surface702. In the case of the sliding suction device, the transport surface702designed as a sliding surface is preferably not moved. The sliding surface serves as a counterpressure surface against which the corresponding substrates02are pressed. The substrates02can nevertheless be moved along the sliding surface, in particular to the extent that they are acted upon otherwise by a force that is at least also oriented parallel to the sliding surface. A region between two driven suction transport means700;906can be bridged by means of a sliding suction device, for example.

It is possible for different embodiments of suction transport means700;906to be combined. These suction transport means can, for example, comprise at least one shared vacuum source and/or at least one shared vacuum chamber and/or at least and/or can cooperate as a suction transport means700;906and/or can be arranged one behind the other and/or side by side. Each such combination is then preferably to be assigned to at least two of the embodiments of suction transport means700;906.

Regardless of the embodiment of the particular suction transport means700;906, at least two configurations of the particular suction transport means700;906as described below are possible.

In a first, preferred arrangement, a section of the transport path provided for the transport of substrate02which is defined by the transport unit700, and preferably the particular suction transport means700;906, is situated beneath the, preferably movable, transport surface702of the transport unit700. The transport surface702is preferably used as a counterpressure surface and, for example, can be moved, at least partially, at least in the transport direction T. For example, the suction openings703or intake openings of the suction transport means700;906, at least while these are connected to the at least one vacuum chamber, are preferably at least also or only point downwardly and/or the suctioning action thereof is preferably at least also or only directed upwardly. The substrates02are then transported, preferably in a hanging state, by the suction transport means700;906.

In a second arrangement, a section of the transport path provided for the transport of substrate02which is defined by the transport unit700, and preferably the particular suction transport means700;906, is situated above the, in particular movable, transport surface702. The transport surface702is preferably used as a counterpressure surface and, for example, can be moved, at least partially, at least in the transport direction T. For example, the suction openings703or intake openings of the suction transport means700;906, at least while these are connected to the at least one vacuum chamber, are preferably at least also or only point upwardly and/or the suctioning action thereof is preferably at least also or only directed downwardly. The substrates02are then transported, preferably lying flat, by the suction transport means700;906.

At least one transport unit700of the processing machine01is arranged before at least one succeeding processing unit600;900of the processing machine01in the transport direction T of substrate02. In this way, in each case at least one transport unit700is preferably arranged upstream from a processing unit600;900, preferably at least the at least one application unit600and/or the at least one shaping unit900. Preferably, at least one processing unit600;900is arranged after a first transport unit700in the transport direction T. Preferably, at least one transport unit700is arranged upstream from the first processing unit600;900in the transport direction T, in particular from a first application unit600. The at least one application unit600, including the at least one application mechanism614designed as a printing mechanism614, is preferably arranged after the first transport unit700in the transport direction. The at least one application unit600is preferably designed so as to apply at least one print image onto the substrate02. The at least one print image is preferably visible, for example colored. For example, in addition or as an alternative, at least one application unit600transfers at least one colorless print image, for example a varnish application, onto the at least one substrate02. The at least one application unit600preferably in each case comprises the at least one printing unit614including the plate cylinder616. The plate cylinder616preferably comprises a drive assigned thereto, preferably at least one dedicated drive, preferably at least one closed loop position-controlled electric motor. Preferably, the at least one application unit600comprises at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616of the at least one application unit600and/or at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the at least one application unit600. The at least one application unit600is preferably embodied as a flexographic application unit600or as an offset printing unit600. The processing machine01preferably comprises at least four application units600, in particular flexographic application units600. For example, the processing machine01comprises at least six, for example eight and/or no more than ten, application units600, wherein the individual application units600preferably at least partially differ in the printing fluid they process and/or a print image element they apply onto the print substrate02. Preferably, at least one respective transport means700is arranged in each case between two application units600. In other words, at least one transport unit700is preferably arranged in each case between two consecutive processing machines600;900. The at least one printing mechanism614is preferably designed as a flexographic printing unit, which is in particular designed according to the principle of the flexographic printing method for applying printing fluid onto the sheet02. In a preferred embodiment, the application mechanism614comprises the at least one plate cylinder616, at least one impression cylinder617, more preferably additionally at least one anilox roller618and at least one ink fountain619. The ink fountain619preferably includes the printing fluid and is designed to dispense the printing fluid to the anilox roller618. The anilox roller618is designed to transfer the printing fluid to at least one printing forme of the plate cylinder616for printing a print substrate02. The plate cylinder616and the impression cylinder617preferably define a processing point621of the application mechanism614.

The processing point621, which is designed as a press nip621and through which sheets02can preferably pass through the printing mechanism614, is preferably defined by an outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616and an outer cylindrical surface of the impression cylinder617. The press nip621is preferably the region in which the particular plate cylinder616on the one hand and the particular impression cylinder617on the other hand are closest to one another.

In a preferred embodiment of the processing machine01, the printing mechanism614in each case comprises the at least one plate cylinder616. The plate cylinder616comprises at least the one printing forme and at least one mount626for the at least one printing forme. The mount626of the printing forme is designed as a clamping device, for example. Along a circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616, the mount626of the printing forme is preferably designed as a non-printing region of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616. In the circumferential direction of the plate cylinder616, the non-printing region of the plate cylinder616preferably has a length that is preferably at least 3%, preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 8%, of the circumferential length of the plate cylinder616. The length of the non-printing region is preferably defined by the length in the circumferential direction of the printing region of the plate cylinder616, in particular the length of the at least one printing forme in the circumferential direction of the plate cylinder616. In a preferred embodiment, the non-printing region corresponds to a cylinder channel of the at least one plate cylinder616. Preferably, the at least one impression cylinder617comprises at least one mount627.

In the non-printing region of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616, preferably no printing fluid is transferred from the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616onto sheets02during a printing operation of the processing machine01. Printing fluid is preferably only transferred from the plate cylinder616onto sheets02within the region of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616which includes the at least one printing forme. The region of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616which includes the at least one printing forme is preferably designed as the printing region of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616. Preferably the at least one printing forme, more preferably exactly one printing forme, and the at least one non-printing region, preferably exactly one non-printing region, are arranged one behind the other along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder616. In the direction of rotation of the plate cylinder616, the mount626is preferably arranged before the printing region of the plate cylinder616, more preferably a rear edge of the non-printing region of the plate cylinder616is arranged before the printing region of the plate cylinder616in the direction of rotation of the plate cylinder616. A forward edge of the printing region of the plate cylinder616is preferably identical to the rear edge of the non-printing region of the plate cylinder616.

For example, at least one first application unit600, in the transport direction T, is designed as a priming mechanism and/or at least one last application unit600, in the transport direction T, is designed as a varnishing mechanism.

In the transport direction T of substrate02, at least one further processing unit600;900follows the at least one processing unit600that is designed as an application unit600. Preferably, at least one second application unit600follows, and preferably at least four further application units600follow, a first application unit600. The at least one shaping device900, preferably the at least one die-cutting unit900, follows the at least one application unit600, preferably the last application unit600of the application units600. The at least one succeeding processing unit600;900is thus preferably designed as an application unit600, preferably comprising a flexographic printing unit, or as a die-cutting unit900, preferably comprising a rotary die-cutting mechanism.

The at least one shaping device900including the at least one shaping mechanism914is arranged after the at least one application unit600, preferably after the last application unit600, in the transport direction T. The at least one shaping device900is preferably designed as a die-cutting device900and/or as a rotary die-cutting device900. For example, exactly one shaping device900, in particular die-cutting device900and/or rotary die-cutting device900, is provided. The at least one shaping device900preferably comprises at least one, and more preferably exactly one, processing point910preferably designed as a shaping point910, which is formed by at least one, and more preferably exactly one plate cylinder901, in particular designed as a die cylinder901, on the one hand, and at least one counterpressure cylinder902, preferably an anvil cylinder902, on the other hand. The shaping point910is preferably the region in which the particular plate cylinder901on the one hand and the particular counterpressure cylinder902on the other hand are closest to one another. The at least one shaping point910is preferably designed as at least one die-cutting point910.

During die-cutting, the die-cutting cylinder901is preferably arranged in the die-cutting position. During a job change, the die-cutting cylinder901preferably remains in the die-cutting position thereof, or the die-cutting cylinder901is transferred into a backed-away position, preferably in the vertical direction V. During operation of the processing machine01, at least one tool of the die-cutting cylinder901, preferably the cutting blade thereof, in the die-cutting position preferably comes in contact with the die-cutting blanket of the anvil cylinder902. This position of the anvil cylinder902is referred to as the die-cutting or working position of the anvil cylinder902. During operation of the machine01, the die-cutting cylinder901and the anvil cylinder902are arranged in the die-cutting position. Preferably, the anvil cylinder902comprises at least one drive, for example at least one servo drive. The anvil cylinder902is preferably arranged so as to be transferable from the die-cutting position into a backed-away position by means of the servo drive. In a preferred embodiment, the anvil cylinder902can be predominantly adjusted in the vertical direction V on a linear guide953. The backed-away position is a position in which the anvil cylinder902is moved out of contact with the die-cutting cylinder901. The anvil cylinder902thus preferably essentially remains in the die-cutting position thereof. The anvil cylinder902is preferably only backed away so far that the anvil cylinder902makes no contact. The servo drive preferably only backs the anvil cylinder902away between 15 and 30 cm. The servo drive preferably has a travel length of no more than 50 cm, and more preferably 30 cm. The die-cutting cylinder901and/or the anvil cylinder902preferably undergo maintenance, in particular the tool thereof is changed, when the anvil cylinder902is arranged in the backed-away position.

The shaping device900, in particular the shaping mechanism914, preferably comprises the at least one tool, and more preferably the at least one plate cylinder901comprises the at least one tool. In a preferred embodiment, the tool of the shaping device900, in particular of the shaping mechanism914, preferably the tool of the plate cylinder901, is at least temporarily in direct contact with the counterpressure cylinder902, in particular in the region of the shaping point910. The at least one plate cylinder901is preferably designed as a die-cutting cylinder901. The at least one tool of the plate cylinder901is preferably designed as a shaping tool, in particular die-cutting tool. The at least one plate cylinder901designed as a die-cutting cylinder901preferably comprises the at least one die-cutting tool, which preferably comprises at least one blade, and more preferably perpendicularly arranged blades. The blades are preferably discontinuously arranged and differ depending on the die-cutting job. The at least one counterpressure cylinder902designed as an anvil cylinder902preferably comprises a cover or die-cutting blanket. The die-cutting blanket is preferably made of a plastic material and/or rubber and has slightly elastic properties. The die-cutting blanket is preferably made of a plastic material such as polyurethane or the like. The die-cutting blanket, for example, can be easily pushed in and at least partially return to its shape.

The at least one plate cylinder901preferably has a tool length of the at least one tool thereof by way of which the at least one substrate02is processed. The plate length or tool length is between 450 mm and 1600 mm, for example. The at least one plate cylinder901designed, in particular, as a die-cutting cylinder901preferably comprises the at least one tool designed as a shaping tool, preferably as a die-cutting tool. The at least one tool preferably comprises at least one working surface. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one shaping tool is mounted on a mounting plate. A plate cylinder901of a shaping unit900preferably has several holes and/or bore holes, at which the mounting plate and/or the shaping tool can be directly mounted and/or preferably are mounted. The working surface of the shaping tool is preferably defined as a surface having a position that extends in the radial direction through the tool forms extending furthest to the outside. The shaping tool preferably comprises several processing elements, preferably die-cutting elements. Such die-cutting elements can, for example, be designed as cutting dies. A height of the die-cutting elements is preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm. Furthermore, the working surface preferably has a dimension in the circumferential direction. The working surface preferably extends in the circumferential direction of the plate901from a tool start to a tool end. The tool start is preferably defined by the start of elevations of processing elements and/or die-cutting elements and/or tool parts, in particular cutting dies, which are provided for processing a substrate02. A working surface preferably represents between 30% and 90% of the outer cylindrical surface of the plate cylinder901. Covering shall in particular be understood to mean the projection of the working surface directly onto the outer cylindrical surface in the radial direction. The working surface can preferably be subdivided into several sections having lengths in the circumferential direction. The working surface of the shaping tool preferably comprises several sections having working lengths for processing sections arranged one behind the other on a substrate02. The number of sections depends on the number of processing sections of the job or the sections on a sheet02. Accordingly, a section length of the working surface is assigned to each processing length of a section. The at least one plate cylinder901preferably has an inner radius between 175 mm and 300 mm. The radius, in particular the radius including the die-cutting elements, is preferably between 190 mm and 350 mm. A circumference of the plate cylinder901of the die-cutting mechanism914, for example, also or alternatively of the plate cylinder616of the printing unit614, is preferably 1600 mm±10%.

The surface of the at least one tool preferably has a curved design. Preferably, the at least one tool, which is preferably designed as a die-cutting tool, has a shell-like design, preferably a half-shell design. The inside diameter of the at least one tool is preferably adapted to the diameter of the surface of the at least one plate cylinder901so that the at least one plate cylinder901can preferably be fitted with the at least one tool. Preferably, at least two, for example at least three, tools are then arranged on the at least one die-cutting cylinder901, in particular one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the die-cutting cylinder901. Preferably, the at least two half-shell shaped tools have the same length in the circumferential direction. Preferably, all positions of the at least one die-cutting cylinder901which are intended for tools are fitted with a tool while substrate02is being processed.

The processing machine01preferably comprises several sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916. These are preferably used to detect the substrate02, preferably the arrival thereof and/or the substrate02itself, at certain points of the machine. Preferably, the at least one sensor164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916, and preferably all sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916, can be displayed on at least one monitor and/or the function thereof can be monitored via the at least one monitor and/or the at least one sensor164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916is controlled via at least one control console of the processing machine01. At least one sensor164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916preferably has at least a data connection to at least one control unit. At least one sensor164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916is designed so as to ascertain data. Depending on the configuration of the sensor164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916, the data are, for example, image data, data establishing a relationship between a print image and an edge of the substrate02, data regarding the positioning of the substrate02, data regarding a positioning of at least one component of the processing machine01and/or data regarding a speed of at least one component of the processing machine01. The ascertained data are preferably transmitted to at least one control unit and/or preferably saved therein. The ascertained data are preferably evaluated in the at least one control unit. At least one component of the processing machine01, for example at least one transport element701and/or at least one plate cylinder616;901, is preferably activated or controlled based on the ascertained data.

Preferably, preferably depending on the function and/or position, preferably at least one sensor704;726;728;916of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916is designed as an image acquisition device, preferably as a camera, more preferably as a color camera, more preferably as a line scan camera, more preferably as at least one CMOS sensor and/or at least one CCD sensor. A sensor704;726;728;916designed as an image acquisition device preferably inspects the processing result of the substrate02and/or at least one section of the substrate02. The sensor704;726;728;916designed as an image acquisition device is preferably an inspection device704;726;728;916for inspecting the substrate02. Preferably, at least one lighting unit727, for example a line scan lighting unit or a ring lighting unit, is assigned to the at least one sensor704;726;728;916designed as an image acquisition device. Preferably, a sensor704;726;728;916designed as an image acquisition device records at least one image of the substrate02, preferably at least one image of the part of the substrate02that is located in the detection zone of the sensor704;726;728;916during the detection. Preferably, the sensor704;726;728;916designed as an image acquisition device sends a signal upon recognizing the passing substrate02, preferably in the form of an image, to the at least one control unit of the processing machine01. The control unit preferably evaluates the at least one signal, preferably the at least one image, and/or controls a component of the processing machine01based on the received signal. Preferably, the at least one transport unit700and/or preferably at least one transport element701of the at least one transport unit700is controlled by open loop and/or closed loop by way of at least one signal of the signals. The cylinders of the application units600and/or the cylinders of the shaping unit900are preferably controlled by open loop and/or closed loop by way of the signals. The processing machine01preferably comprises at least one sheet diverter49and/or at least one diverted delivery51for channeling substrate02out of the processing machine01. If there are deviations in the print quality and/or the die-cutting quality, for example, the sheet diverter49is controlled by means of at least one signal of the sensors726,728,916, and the substrate02deviating from the target state thereof is deflected in the transport path and preferably transported in this way into the diverted delivery51.

The at least one application unit600is preferably designed so as to apply at least one print image onto the substrate02. Preferably, at least one sensor726of the sensors726;728;916which are preferably designed as an image acquisition device is designed as a printed image monitoring system726. Preferably, the substrate02, preferably the at least one print image of the substrate02, which more preferably was applied prior to inspection onto the substrate02by at least one application unit600, is inspected by the image acquisition device designed as a printed image monitoring system726. The printed image monitoring system726preferably inspects the substrate02, preferably each passing substrate02, for defects of the substrate02per se and/or for defects in the processing of the particular substrate02and/or for defects of the at least one print image of the particular substrate02. Defects of the substrate02per se are, for example, surface deformations, such as holes or buckling of the surface, and/or the basic color of the substrate02, for example the color of the substrate02without further fluid application during the processing operation in the processing machine01. Defects of the print image encompass, in particular, missing and/or additional image-producing elements of at least one print image element and, additionally or alternatively, the color of the print image, in particular the ink quality, and/or of the respective print image elements and, additionally or alternatively, spatters of printing fluid, for example in undesirable locations.

The at least one inspection device726designed as a printed image monitoring system726is preferably arranged after the at least one application unit600, preferably after the last application unit600, and more preferably additionally before the at least one shaping unit900. Preferably, the at least one printed image monitoring system726is connected, preferably in terms of the control, to the at least one sheet diverter49for channeling out substrate02and/or to at least one infeed of the substrate feed device100and/or to at least one marking device by means of the at least one control unit. If the deviation within a tolerance range of the controlled substrate02, preferably at least the print image thereof, from a reference is minor, the operation of the processing machine01preferably continues. If a series defect exists, that is, a defect that occurs on several substrates02in a row, with respect to a deviation of the controlled substrate02, preferably at least the print image thereof, from a reference, the infeed for feeding new substrates02to be processed into the processing machine01is preferably stopped. The substrate02is preferably either deposited on a delivery pile carrier48or channeled out onto an alternative transport path by means of at least one sheet diverter49, based on the detection of the substrate02by the at least one printed image monitoring system726. When the substrate02meets the target value, and in particular does not show any deviation from the target value within tolerance limits, the substrate02is preferably deposited onto the delivery pile carrier48. Preferably, when the inspected substrate02deviates from the reference thereof, for example due to a defect of the substrate02per se and/or due to a defect in the processing operation and/or due to a defect of the print image, the substrate02is preferably channeled out, preferably by means of the control system of the at least one sheet diverter49. For example, this substrate02is guided onto an alternative transport path and is preferably deposited onto a deposit pile in the diverted delivery51. For example, in addition or as an alternative, the at least one printed image monitoring system726is connected to the at least one marking device, which is preferably arranged along the transport path after the printed image monitoring system726, by means of the at least one control unit. If the inspected substrate02deviates from the reference thereof, the marking device preferably marks the substrate02, for example at least one multiple-up copy of the substrate02deviating from the reference thereof. This preferably allows the substrate02, preferably at least the multiple-up, to be separated later from further substrates02that correspond to the reference. The substrate02is thus preferably either deposited on a delivery pile carrier48or channeled out onto an alternative transport path by means of at least one sheet diverter49based on the detection of the substrate02by the at least one printed image monitoring system726, and/or an infeed of a substrate feed device100is stopped and/or a marking device marks the substrate02.

Preferably, in addition or as an alternative, at least one sensor728of the sensors726;728;916, preferably designed as an image acquisition device, is designed as a color register monitoring system728. The at least one inspection device728designed as a color register monitoring system728is preferably arranged after the at least one application unit600, preferably after the last application unit, and more preferably additionally before the at least one shaping unit900. The at least one color register monitoring system728preferably inspects register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24and/or at least one image-producing element of the substrate02for checking the color register and/or the perfecting register. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one color register monitoring system728inspects the register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, preferably for checking the color register and/or the perfecting register. For example, as an alternative or in addition to at least one register mark16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, the at least one color register monitoring system728inspects at least one image-producing element of the substrate02, for example at least one partial region of a print image which preferably differs from the surrounding area thereof in terms of the color and/or contrast, preferably for checking the color register and/or the perfecting register. Above and below, the term register mark16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24shall be understood to mean a mark for checking the register and/or the color register. Preferably, at least one register mark16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, preferably in each case at least two register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, more preferably in each case exactly two register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, are applied to at least one relevant sheet02for each application unit600and/or for each application mechanism614, for example a first register mark16;17;18;19and a second register mark21;22;23;24per application mechanism614. In accordance with DIN 16500-2, a register, for example in multicolor printing, exists when individual print image elements and/or image-producing elements and/or color segments are combined in precise alignment to form a single print image The register is also referred to as a color register. Circumferential registers, lateral registers and diagonal registers are preferably color registers with respect to certain spatial directions.

The register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, for example additionally or alternatively also the at least one image-producing element, are preferably compared to a reference. The reference is, for example, the target position thereof, referred to as a reference position06;07;08;09;11;12;13;14. Preferably, initially the at least one, for example two, register marks16;21, for example additionally or alternatively also the at least one image-producing element, of a first color, this being the color for register marks, are compared to the target position06;11thereof. The color for register marks preferably corresponds to the application unit600having the greatest fluid application onto the substrate02during the present processing operation. The color for register marks is preferably a color rich in contrast, for example black or brown or blue. Preferably, the plate cylinder of the color for register marks is set up manually. The position of the color for register marks, preferably the definition of the target position thereof, is preferably aligned relative to the leading edge03of the substrate, for example additionally or alternatively relative to the processing of the at least one shaping unit900. The further register marks17;18;19;21;22;23;24, preferably additionally or alternatively also the at least one image-producing element, are preferably evaluated with respect to the position thereof relative to this at least one register mark16;21, that is, the register mark of the color for register marks. Preferably, the application units600are aligned with respect to one another, preferably the application units600are aligned with respect to the application unit600of the color for register marks, by means of the inspection of the register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24, for example additionally or alternatively also the at least one image-producing element. Preferably, a plurality of substrates02are evaluated by means of the color register monitoring system728, and the measurement results thereof are averaged. The application units600are preferably aligned based on the averaged measurement results, preferably for the succeeding substrates02that are to be processed.

The at least one color register monitoring system728is preferably connected to at least one drive by means of at least one control unit. Preferably, the at least one color register monitoring system728is connected by means of the at least one control unit to at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616of the at least one application unit600and/or to at least one adjusting device of the position of at least one printing forme of the plate cylinder616and/or to at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616of the at least one application unit600. Preferably, the at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder616of the at least one application unit600positions the plate cylinder616in the transverse direction A. Preferably, the at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616moves the plate cylinder in the circumferential direction, preferably in a rotating motion. Depending on the inspection by the at least one color register monitoring system728, the at least one drive of at least one application unit600for axially positioning the plate cylinder616and/or at least one adjusting device of the position of at least one printing forme of the plate cylinder616and/or at least one drive moving the plate cylinder616in the circumferential direction is preferably activated by means of the at least one control unit.

A circumferential register preferably describes the alignment of the substrate02in the transport direction T. The circumferential register is preferably determined via the position of the register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24in the transport direction T, preferably along the direction Y from the trailing edge04to the leading edge03of the substrate02, in particular by a distance ay in the direction Y, preferably by the color register monitoring system728. In the event of a deviation of the circumferential register, a position in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder616creating the deviation is preferably rotated relative to the master axis value thereof. In this way, a new position of the plate cylinder616is preferably assigned to the master axis value. A lateral register preferably describes the alignment of the substrate02in the transverse direction A. The lateral register is preferably determined via the position of the register marks16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24in the transverse direction A, preferably along the direction X from a side edge of the substrate02to the other side edge, in particular by a distance ax in the direction X, preferably by the color register monitoring system728. Preferably, at least one, preferably each, plate cylinder616comprises at least one drive for laterally adjusting the plate cylinder616. In the event of a deviation of the lateral register, the plate cylinder616creating the deviation is preferably axially adjusted relative to the plate cylinder616of the color for register marks. Preferably, the at least one drive adjusts the plate cylinder616axially, that is, in the transverse direction A, when a deviation of the lateral register of the relevant plate cylinder616is present. A diagonal register preferably describes a skewed position of the substrate02. The diagonal register is preferably determined via the position of the forward register marks16;17;18;19relative to the position of the rear register marks21;22;23;24of the same color, in particular by a displacement angle w, preferably by the color register monitoring system728. In the event of a deviation of the diagonal register, the printing forme of the plate cylinder616which created the deviation is preferably aligned. The alignment of the printing forme is preferably carried out by means of a displacement of the trailing edge relative to the leading edge of the printing forme, for example by lifting the printing forme off the plate cylinder616by means of blower air. Preferably, the color register monitoring system728additionally or alternatively inspects a printing length12of the substrate02, preferably via the position and/or the distance of the forward register marks16;17;18;19relative to the position and/or the distance of the rear register marks21;22;23;24of the respective same application mechanism, preferably of the same color. The printing length of each color is preferably determined with respect to the printing length of the color for register marks. This actual printed printing length12is preferably compared to a reference length11, the target distance of the register marks defined by the distance of the register marks of the color for register marks with respect to one another. In the event of a deviation of the processing length, preferably the printing length12, that is, the time period at which the substrate02is being processed in the processing point621of the application unit600, the plate cylinder616creating the deviation is preferably accelerated and/or decelerated while being in contact with a substrate02to be processed. The plate cylinder616preferably comprises at least one dedicated drive for this purpose, for adjusting the speed. Preferably, the print image generated by way of the particular plate cylinder616is thus stretched or compressed, and in particular adapted to the print image of the color for register marks. The printing length12is preferably corrected over the entire substrate02. For example, in the case of a shortened actual value of the printing length12compared to the target value of the printing length11, the speed of the plate cylinder601is increased, and the cylinder is operated at an increased speed compared to the master axis.

Over the revolution or the cycle of the plate cylinder601, a gap arises in the region of the cylinder channel. Due to the changed speed, the phase position with respect to the master axis changes. However, the print image has to be applied with precision in the case of a plate cylinder601, which is why the arrival time of the substrate02has to match precisely again. Accordingly, the plate cylinder616has to be decelerated and accelerated again in the gap so as to correct the phase position. In a preferred embodiment, the printing length12can also be adapted in sections.

Preferably, in addition or as an alternative, the at least one color register monitoring system728is connected, preferably in terms of the control, to the at least one dedicated drive MEand/or to the at least one main drive M by means of at least one control unit. Depending on the inspection by the at least one color register monitoring system728, preferably the at least one dedicated drive MEfor axially adjusting the at least one transport element701and/or the at least one main drive M for accelerating or for decelerating the at least one transport element701in the transport direction T are activated. For example, adjustment values for the axial adjustment of the at least one transport element701, preferably of the axially adjustable transport elements701, are defined by means of the at least one color register monitoring system728and are adopted for at least two, preferably at least ten, for example at least twenty, substrates02. Preferably, these defined adjustment values form a basic adjustment, which are preferably added up for each substrate02with individual adjustment values, the individual adjustment values preferably being determined based on the individual recognition of the individual substrates02by the at least one sensor704assigned to the transport unit700, and in particular to the at least one transport element701, in particular by the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment.

For example, the printed image monitoring system726and the color register monitoring system728are a joint image acquisition device, for example, as an alternative, they are separate image acquisition devices. The printed image monitoring system726and/or the color register monitoring system728are preferably arranged after the last application unit600and before the at least one shaping unit900. Preferably, no further alignment of the substrate02is carried out between the last application unit600and the printed image monitoring system726or the color register monitoring system728.

Preferably, in addition or as an alternative, at least one sensor916of the sensors726;728;916preferably designed as an image acquisition device is designed as a die-cut pattern monitoring system916. The at least one inspection device916designed as a die-cutting monitoring system916is preferably arranged after the at least one downstream processing unit900designed as a die-cutting unit900. Preferably, the at least one die-cut pattern monitoring system916is arranged along the transport path after the at least one shaping unit900, preferably after the last processing unit600;900of the processing machine01. The at least one die-cut pattern monitoring system916is preferably arranged before the delivery unit1000. Preferably, the at least one die-cut pattern monitoring system916inspects the substrate02with respect to die-cut scraps or waste pieces and/or with respect to the die-cut contour and/or with respect to the position of the at least one print image relative to the position of the at least one die-cut pattern and/or with respect to the position of the at least one die-cut relative to the edges of the substrate02and/or with respect to the wear of the die-cutting tool and/or with respect to the wear of a cylinder cover of the anvil cylinder902and/or with respect to a change in the die-cutting length. The die-cutting examples used here can preferably be equally applied to creasing and/or embossing and/or further processing types of the shaping unit900corresponding to the particular configuration.

The at least one die-cutting monitoring system916is preferably connected, preferably in terms of the control, to the at least one sheet diverter49for channeling out substrate02and/or to at least one infeed of the substrate feed device100and/or to at least one output device creating a quality report and/or to at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900and/or to at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900and/or to at least one drive of the at least one anvil cylinder902of the die-cutting unit900and/or to the at least one dedicated drive MEand/or to the at least one main drive M by means of at least one control unit. The at least one die-cutting monitoring system916preferably controls at least one sheet diverter49for channeling out substrate02and/or at least one infeed of the substrate feed device100and/or at least one output device creating a quality report and/or the at least one drive for axially adjusting the at least one plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900and/or at least one drive in the circumferential direction of the at least one plate cylinder901of the die-cutting unit900and/or at least one drive of the at least one counterpressure cylinder902of the die-cutting unit900and/or the at least one dedicated drive MEof the transport unit700for substrate alignment and/or the at least one main drive M of the transport unit700for substrate alignment by means of at least one control unit, based on the detection of the substrate02. Preferably in the case of a lateral offset of the plate cylinder901relative to the target position thereof, the plate cylinder901is preferably laterally adjusted so as to reach the target position. For the axial adjustment of the plate cylinder901of the shaping unit900, the plate cylinder901preferably comprises at least one dedicated drive, and preferably a closed loop position-controlled electric motor. For example, the axial adjustment of the plate cylinder910of the shaping unit900is preferably carried out during the adjustment of the processing machine01after a job change. For example, in addition or as an alternative, the axial adjustment of the plate cylinder901is preferably in each case carried out for substrates02that follow the inspected substrate02. This is done, for example, after a mean value has been created of the adjustment by the inspection of at least two, for example at least ten, substrates02.

Preferably, a processing length, preferably the die-cutting length, that is, the time period at which the substrate02is being processed in the processing point910of the shaping unit900, is adjusted by the relative speed of the anvil cylinder902with respect to the plate cylinder901. Preferably, in the event of a deviation of the die-cutting length from the target length, the anvil cylinder902, for example alternatively or additionally the plate cylinder901, is accelerated and/or decelerated while in contact with at least one substrate02. The anvil cylinder902preferably comprises a dedicated drive for this purpose, for adjusting the speed in the circumferential direction. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the plate cylinder901comprises a dedicated drive for adjusting the speed in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the die-cutting length is in each case adjusted for the substrates02that follow the inspected substrate02. For setting the start of the processing operation of a substrate02in the processing point910, the substrate02to be processed is preferably accelerated or decelerated by the transport unit700arranged upstream from the processing point910, preferably so that the arrival time of the region of the substrate02to be processed coincides with the arrival time of the tool at the processing point910. The start of the processing operation of a substrate02in the processing point910of the shaping device900is preferably set based on the detection of the substrate02, preferably of the leading edge03thereof, by the at least one sensor922for recognizing the leading edge03.

Preferably, preferably depending on the function and/or position, at least one sensor164;622;704;722;922of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916is designed as a light sensor, preferably comprising at least one photocell, for example as a photoelectric sensor and/or as a sensor for contrast recognition and/or as a transmitted light sensor.

Preferably, a sensor164;622;704;722;922that is preferably designed as a light sensor recognizes a substrate02passing along the transport path of the sensor164;622;704;722;922, preferably an edge03;04, in particular a leading edge03and/or trailing edge04, of the substrate02and/or at least one image-producing element of the substrate02, preferably a printing mark and/or register mark16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24and/or an element of a print image which can be distinguished from the surrounding area thereof. For example, the substrate02is recognized as a result of the difference in contrast with respect to the surrounding area of the object to be recognized, for example the edge03;04or the image-producing element with respect to the surface of the substrate02surrounding the object. Preferably, the sheet arrival is recognized. Preferably, the sensor164;622;704;722;922designed as a light sensor sends a signal to a control unit of the processing machine01upon recognizing the passing substrate02, in particular the object to be recognized.

At least one sensor704of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916is designed as a sensor704for substrate alignment. This sensor is preferably designed as a light sensor, and in particular as a sensor for contrast recognition. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment recognizes at least one image-producing element, preferably a printing mark and/or register mark16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24and/or an element of a print image of the substrate02which can be distinguished from the surrounding area thereof. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment detects an image-producing element of the substrate02. The at least one transport unit700for substrate alignment preferably comprises at least one sensor704for substrate alignment.

At least one sensor164, which is preferably designed as a light sensor, preferably a sensor164of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916, is preferably arranged in the substrate feed device100. For example, the infeed device300comprises the at least one sensor164designed as a light sensor. Preferably, the at least one sensor164of the substrate feed device100which is preferably designed as a light sensor recognizes a passing substrate02, preferably the leading edge03thereof and/or the trailing edge02thereof. Preferably, the time at which the substrate02is recognized is determined. The at least one sensor164of the substrate feed device100is preferably connected to at least one infeed of the substrate feed device100and/or to at least one drive of the processing machine01. The at least one sensor164of the substrate feed device100preferably stops at least one infeed of the substrate feed device100and/or at least one drive of the processing machine01based on the detection of a substrate02. If the deviation, preferably within a tolerance range, of the time of recognition from a reference value is minor, the substrate02is preferably guided to the processing units600;900of the processing machine01. In the event of a deviation, preferably outside a tolerance range, of the time of recognition from a reference value, the infeed of the substrate feed device100is preferably stopped and/or the processing of substrate02by the processing machine01is stopped.

For example, additionally or alternatively, is the sensor164of the substrate feed device100, which is preferably designed as a light sensor, based on the transport direction T is arranged after at least one primary acceleration means, which pulls a substrate02from a pile from the storage area166thereof and/or accelerates the substrate02to a processing speed of the processing units600;900, and/or after at least one front stop, which preferably delimits the storage area166, and/or before at least one secondary acceleration means, which preferably adapts the real transport speed of the substrate02by acceleration or deceleration to the processing speed of the processing units600;900, and/or in a region of the at least one secondary acceleration means. The at least one sensor164is preferably designed so as to control by closed loop and/or controls by closed loop a drive of the at least one acceleration means, preferably at least the secondary acceleration means, based on the detection of the substrate02, in order to adapt the substrate02to the processing speed of the processing units600;900. Preferably, the real arrival time of the substrate02is determined from the detection of the substrate02, preferably of the edge03;04thereof and/or of at least one image-producing element, such as a printing mark, by the at least one sensor164. The real arrival time is preferably compared to a reference, for example the target arrival time based on the machine cycle. Corresponding to the comparison, the at least one secondary acceleration means is preferably controlled by closed loop, preferably accelerated or decelerated, in order to adapt the substrate02to the processing speed.

At least one sensor722, which is preferably designed as a light sensor, for recognizing a substrate02passing the sensor722, preferably for recognizing the leading edge03of the substrate02, preferably a sensor722of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916, is preferably assigned to the at least one inspection device726;728;916, preferably arranged upstream along the transport path, and more preferably arranged upstream without further units or devices being interposed. For example, at least one sensor722is assigned to the printed image monitoring system726and/or the color register monitoring system728, preferably at least one sensor722for both systems. For example, at least one sensor722is assigned to the die-cutting monitoring system916. The at least one inspection device726;728;916is preferably controllable by closed loop and/or open loop by the at least one signal of the at least one sensor722and/or is controlled thereby. The time for triggering at least one recording by the at least one inspection device726;728;916is preferably controllable by closed loop and/or open loop by the at least one signal of the at least one sensor722and/or is triggered thereby.

In each case at least one sensor622;922, which is preferably designed as a light sensor, for example a photoelectric sensor, preferably a sensor622;922of the sensors164;622;704;722;726;728;922;916, is preferably assigned to a respective processing unit600;900, preferably application unit600or shaping unit900, and preferably arranged before the processing point621;910thereof. Preferably, at least one sensor622;922for recognizing a leading edge03of a substrate02is in each case arranged before each processing unit600;900of the processing machine01. This at least one sensor622;922is preferably designed to supply data for setting a start of the processing operation of a substrate02in a succeeding processing point621;910.

This at least one sensor622;922is more preferably in each case connected to at least one main drive M of a transport unit700arranged before, preferably immediately before, the particular processing unit600;900by means of at least one control unit. Based on the detection of the leading edge03of the substrate02by means of the at least one sensor622;922, at least one main drive M of a transport unit700arranged before the particular processing unit600;900preferably accelerates and/or decelerates the at least one transport element701of this at least one transport unit700. The arrival time of the substrate02at the processing point621;910of the particular processing unit600;900is thus preferably individually matched to the arrival time of the tool processing the substrate02at the processing point621;910, preferably for each processing unit600;900of the processing machine01, by way of an acceleration and/or a deceleration of the substrate02.

The at least one sensor622;922is preferably designed to recognize the leading edge03of the substrate02passing the sensor622;922. The at least one sensor622;922for recognizing the leading edge03of the substrate02is preferably arranged at least before a last transport element701in the transport direction T, more preferably before the last two transport elements701, more preferably the last three transport elements701, more preferably the last four transport elements701, of the at least one transport unit700before the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900. For example, two sensors622;922are arranged parallel to one another, along the transport path, before the processing unit600;900, and preferably before the processing point621;910thereof. Preferably, the at least one sensor622;922that is preferably designed as a light sensor is arranged at the transport unit700arranged upstream from the processing point621;910, preferably without further units100;300;600;700;900;1000being interposed. The particular sensor622;922is preferably arranged in such a way that at least a portion of the transport device700, in particular at least a portion of the relevant transport means700, is arranged between the particular sensor622;922and the relevant processing point621;909of the relevant unit600;900. In a preferred embodiment of the transport device700, the transport means700is designed as an upper suction transport means700, in particular as the at least one roller suction system. Preferably, at least one transport roller and/or at least one transport cylinder, more preferably additionally no more than three transport rollers and/or three transport cylinders, of the upper suction transport means700are then arranged between the particular sensor622;922and the processing point621;909of the relevant unit600;900, based on the transport direction T. The sensor622;922is in each case preferably arranged at the same coordinate, based on the transverse direction A. The sensors622;922are preferably in each case arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, preferably aligned with one another. An arrangement of the sensors622;922in the transport direction T, in each case aligned with one another, preferably ensures that the same position of the leading edge03of the particular sheet02can be detected by the particular sensors622;922.

The at least one sensor622;922for recognizing the leading edge03of the substrate02is preferably connected, preferably in terms of the control, to the at least one main drive M, preferably to at least one main drive M of the at least one transport unit700for substrate alignment, by means of at least one control unit. In the event of a correction of the color register in the transport direction T and/or in the event of a correction of the die-cutting register in the transport direction T, the arrival time of the at least one substrate02at the processing point621;910of the processing unit600;900assigned to the sensor622;922is preferably adjusted relative to the arrival time of a starting region of a region of the plate cylinder616;901of the processing unit600;900processing the substrate02by means of the main drive M. Preferably, the at least one main drive M, corresponding to the detection of the substrate02, preferably based on the detection of the leading edge03of the substrate02, by means of the at least one sensor622;922accelerates and/or decelerates the at least one transport element701, preferably at least the last transport element701of the transport unit700, which is preferably the last transport element701before the processing point621;910along the transport path, more preferably the last two transport elements701, more preferably the last three transport elements701, more preferably the last four transport elements701, more preferably all transport elements701of the transport unit700. The arrival time of a region of the substrate02to be processed at the processing point621;910is thus preferably set relative to the arrival time of the region of the plate cylinder616;901processing the substrate02, these preferably being matched to one another. As a result of the closed-loop control by means of the at least one sensor622;922assigned to the particular processing unit600;900, the arrival time at the processing point621;910, preferably the position of the leading edge03of the substrate02, in particular the assigned master axis value, preferably coincides with the arrival time, preferably with the position of the forward edge of the region of the plate cylinder616;901to be printed, in particular the assigned master axis value.

At least one transport unit700of the processing machine01which is arranged before at least one processing unit600;900of the processing machine01in the transport direction T of substrate02preferably feeds the substrate02to the succeeding processing unit600;900. At least one transport unit700is arranged between the at least one processing unit600that is designed as an application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900. Hereafter, it preferably applies that these processing units600;900are arranged one behind the other, without further processing units600;900being interposed, along the transport path. For example, in the case that the succeeding processing unit900is designed as a shaping unit900, preferably as a die-cutting unit900, preferably at least two, for example four or five, transport units700are arranged, preferably immediately following one another, along the transport path between the processing unit600;900designed as an application unit600and that designed as a shaping unit900, preferably as a die-cutting unit900.

The at least one transport unit700for aligning substrate02is arranged before at least one succeeding processing unit600;900, before at least one shaping unit900that is more preferably designed as a die-cutting unit900. Preferably, the at least one transport unit700for aligning substrate02is, in particular, the at least two, or more preferably the at least three, transport units700for aligning substrate02are preferably part of an alignment section750. The alignment section750is preferably arranged before at least one processing unit600;900of the processing machine01. Preferably, the at least one alignment section750comprises the at least one transport unit700for substrate alignment, preferably at least two transport units700arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, preferably following one another, and more preferably at least three transport units700arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. At least one transport unit700is formed between the processing unit600designed as an application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900, the processing unit900designed as a shaping unit900, for aligning substrate02.

A section of the transport path provided for a transport of substrate02, which is defined by the at least one transport unit700, preferably at least the at least one transport unit700for substrate alignment, is preferably located beneath the transport surface702of the transport unit700. The at least one transport unit700for substrate alignment preferably transports the at least one substrate02in a hanging state. In other words, the transport elements701of the at least one transport unit700are preferably located in the vertical direction V above the transport path of substrate02. The transport path along the at least one transport unit700for substrate alignment is preferably exclusively arranged beneath the transport elements701.

The at least one transport unit700for aligning substrate02is preferably arranged downstream from at least one transport unit700which comprises the at least one printed image monitoring system726and/or the at least one color register monitoring system728. Preferably, first the color register and/or the printed image of the substrate02are monitored, and thereafter the substrate02is aligned along the transport path between the processing unit600preferably designed as an application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900, preferably shaping unit900.

The at least one transport unit700, which is in particular arranged between the processing unit600designed as an application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900, which is more preferably designed to align substrate02, comprises the at least one transport element701. The at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, comprises a plurality of transport elements701. A plurality preferably describes a number greater than one, that is, at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, more preferably at least five. The at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, thus comprises at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, more preferably at least five, transport elements701. For example, the at least one transport unit700comprises no more than twenty, preferably no more than twelve, preferably no more than eleven, transport elements701. The transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T and/or spaced apart from one another in the transport direction T. The at least one transport unit700, which is preferably arranged between the processing unit600designed as an application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900, which is more preferably designed to align substrate02, is preferably designed as a suction transport means700, preferably a roller suction system. In other words, the at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate and which is arranged upstream from the at least one processing unit600;900, is thus preferably designed as a suction box. The at least one substrate02is preferably held in each case in a force-fit manner, preferably by suction air, during the transport thereof by the transport unit700. The particular substrate02is preferably in each case imparted the transport speed thereof by transport elements701engaging thereon, preferably transport rollers or transport cylinders, of the transport unit700. Preferably, the at least one transport element701forms, preferably all transport elements701that can be groupwise axially adjusted together form a transport section. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one transport unit700comprises at least two transport sections arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T.

The at least one transport element701is preferably in each case designed as an axis including at least one transport roller or transport cylinder. In other words, the at least one transport element701preferably comprises at least one transport roller or transport cylinder. In this way, the transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701are preferably in each case designed as an axis including at least one transport roller or transport cylinder. The axis of the at least one transport roller or transport cylinder is preferably axially oriented, that is, directed in the transverse direction A. For example, the axis includes only one transport roller, which preferably shall also be understood to encompass cylinders. For example, as an alternative, the at least one transport element701is designed as at least one belt, preferably at least one suction belt. In a preferred embodiment, several transport rollers or transport cylinders, for example at least three, preferably at least four, are arranged along the axis, that is, in the transverse direction A. These are in each case spaced apart from one another, for example.

The at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, preferably comprises at least one main drive M. Preferably, each transport unit700, which is designed to align substrate02, comprises at least one main drive M. The at least one main drive M is preferably designed so as to generate the rotative, preferably revolving, movement of the at least one transport element701. A rotative movement is preferably a movement rotating about a longitudinal axis. The rotative movement preferably describes the movement of the transport element701in the circumferential direction or in the transport direction T, that is, in particular, the rotation about the axis of rotation thereof. The at least one control unit is preferably provided, which activates or controls by closed loop the at least one main drive M. The at least one main drive M is preferably designed as a linear drive and/or an electric motor, preferably closed loop position-controlled. The at least one main drive M is preferably designed so as to generate a movement of the at least one transport element701, which moves the at least one substrate02in the transport direction T. The substrate02is preferably moved in the transport direction T by means of a rotative movement, generated by the at least one main drive M, of the at least one transport element701. Preferably, the at least one transport section is, more preferably all transport sections of the transport unit700are, connected to the at least one main drive M. As a result, the at least two transport elements701of the transport unit700are preferably connected to the at least one main drive M. Being connected to a drive preferably describes being drivable and/or driven by this drive. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of transport elements701of the transport unit700are coupled to the at least one main drive M and/or are driven in the circumferential direction by way of the at least one main drive M. In other words, the main drive M thus generates the rotative movement of the at least one transport element701, preferably all transport elements701, of the plurality of transport elements701. The plurality of transport elements701are preferably connected to one another via at least one gear train, preferably by means of at least one gear mechanism, preferably having straight teeth. The at least one main drive M is preferably designed so as to drive the gear train. Preferably, at least one gear wheel of a gear train is in each case arranged at the at least one transport element701, in particular at the axis comprising the at least one transport roller or transport cylinder arranged thereon. The straight teeth preferably enable an axial adjustment of the gear wheels, thus advantageously an axial adjustment of the transport elements701arranged at the gear wheels, relative to one another. All transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701are thus preferably coupled to the main drive M. All transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701are preferably driven at the same speed in the transport direction T by the at least one main drive M. As a result, the at least two transport elements701arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T are preferably driven by the at least one main drive M, preferably at the same speed.

At least at least one transport element701of the at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, is axially adjustable. At least two transport elements701of the at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, are preferably axially adjustable. The at least one transport element701, preferably the at least one axis comprising the at least one transport roller or transport cylinder arranged thereon, is axially adjustable. Axially adjustable preferably describes a change in position along the transverse direction A. In other words, axially adjustable preferably describes the change in position in the transverse direction A relative to a tool of a succeeding processing unit600;900. In the process, the transport element701is transferred along the transverse direction A from a first position into a second position having a different coordinate in the transverse direction A. In the process, the entire transport element701is preferably transferred along the transverse direction A from a first position into a second position having a different coordinate in the transverse direction A. The at least one transport element701, in particular the at least one transport element701of the plurality of transport elements701, is axially adjusted based on the detection of at least one image-producing element. The plurality of transport elements701are preferably individually axially adjustable or groupwise axially adjustable. In other words, it applies to the plurality of transport elements701that these are individually or groupwise axially adjustable or adjusted. As a result, preferably both a first transport element701of the plurality of transport elements701and the at least one further transport element701of the plurality of transport elements701, that is, the at least two transport elements701, are axially adjustable, wherein these are either groupwise axially adjustable together or individually axially adjustable. Individually preferably describes that each transport element701of the plurality of transport elements701is axially adjustable, preferably independently of further transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701. Groupwise preferably describes that at least two, preferably at least three, for example four, transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701are axially adjustable together, that is, preferably with a simultaneous movement and/or by the same axial distance, preferably independently of further transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701. The groupwise adjustable transport elements701are preferably arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T and/or so as to be adjacent to one another, preferably without transport elements701that can be adjusted independently thereof being interposed.

The at least one transport element701preferably comprises a dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment. The at least one transport element701of the plurality of transport elements701thus preferably comprises a dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment. The at least one dedicated drive MEis preferably designed as a linear drive and/or an electric motor, preferably closed loop position-controlled. Preferably, the at least one dedicated drive MEis designed so as to adjust the at least one transport element701in the axial direction, preferably in or counter to the transverse direction A and/or orthogonally to the transport direction T in the plane of the transport path and/or in the direction of the working width. The at least one control unit is preferably provided, which activates or controls by closed loop the at least one dedicated drive ME. The axial adjustment is preferably carried out independently of the position and/or the adjustment of further transport elements701. In the case of the groupwise adjustment of the plurality of transport elements701, the groupwise adjustable transport elements701, which can be adjusted together, preferably comprise at least one dedicated drive ME, that is, preferably a shared dedicated drive ME. The at least one transport section is preferably connected to the at least one dedicated drive ME. Preferably, each transport section comprises a dedicated drive MEof its own. In other words, the at least two transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701, which do not belong to a joint group, preferably in each case comprise a dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment. The at least two transport elements701are thus preferably axially adjustable and/or are axially adjusted individually by at least one respective dedicated drive MEor groupwise by at least one dedicated drive ME. As a result, preferably at least one transport element701, preferably at least one transport section, of the transport unit700comprises at least two drives, these being the main drive M and the dedicated drive ME.

The at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, preferably comprises the at least one transport element701, for example also a first number of transport elements701that can be groupwise adjusted together, and at least one further transport element701arranged thereafter and/or therebefore in the transport direction T, for example also a second number of transport elements701that can be groupwise adjusted together. Each of these preferably comprises a dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment. In other words, at least one further transport element701is arranged after the at least one axially adjustable transport element701and/or at least one further transport element701is arranged before the at least one axially adjustable transport element701, which each comprise a dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment. These transport elements701are thus preferably each axially adjustable. These at least two transport elements701thus preferably each comprise a dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment. The at least one transport unit700preferably comprises the at least one transport element701and the at least one further transport element701arranged thereafter and/or therebefore in the transport direction T, which are each axially adjusted by means of a dedicated drive ME. The dedicated MEof the at least one transport element701, for example also of the first number of transport elements701that can be groupwise adjusted together, preferably adjusts the at least one transport element701, for example also the first number of transport elements701that can be groupwise adjusted together, by a first component in the axial direction, preferably in or counter to the transverse direction A. The dedicated drive MEof the at least one further transport element701, for example also of the second number of transport elements701that can be groupwise adjusted together, preferably adjusts this element by a second component in the axial direction, preferably in or counter to the transverse direction A. The two adjustments are preferably independent of one another. As a result, the first component and the second component thus differ from one another, for example, or are identical to one another, preferably depending on the requirement.

The processing machine01comprises the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment. The at least one transport element701, for example the groupwise adjustable transport elements701, of the at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, is axially adjustable based on the detection of at least one image-producing element of the substrate02by the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment. As a result, the at least one transport element701of the plurality of transport elements701is axially adjustable, or is axially adjusted, based on the detection of at least one image-producing element of a substrate02by the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment. The at least one transport element701is, in particular the at least two transport elements701, more preferably the transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701, are axially adjusted based on the detection of at least one image-producing element of the substrate02. More preferably, the plurality of transport elements701are individually axially adjusted or groupwise axially adjusted. Preferably, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, which is preferably connected to the at least one transport element701, comprises at least one photocell. Preferably, at least two sensors704for substrate alignment are arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction A, which preferably each recognize the substrate02. The two sensors704are preferably arranged parallel to one another along the transport direction T. Preferably, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is designed as a light sensor, preferably as a sensor704for contrast recognition. For example, as an alternative, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is designed as a camera. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment preferably has at least one detection zone, which preferably covers a region of the transport path of substrate02. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment preferably recognizes a substrate02passing the sensor704for substrate alignment along the transport path.

Preferably, at least one sensor622recognizing a leading edge03of the substrate02, for example a photoelectric sensor, is arranged upstream from the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, which preferably provides the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment with a signal that the substrate02is entering the detection zone of the sensor704for substrate alignment.

The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment detects the at least one image-producing element of the substrate02, and more preferably the at least one printing mark. For example, in addition or as an alternative to the at least one image-producing element, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment preferably detects an edge03;04, in particular leading edge03and/or trailing edge04of the substrate02and/or register mark16;17;18;19;21;22;23;24and/or an element of a print image that can be distinguished from the surrounding area thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate02, preferably the at least one image-producing element, more preferably the at least one printing mark, is recognized as a result of the difference in contrast with respect to the surrounding area of the object to be recognized, and in particular with respect to the surface of the substrate02surrounding the image-producing element.

The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is preferably arranged between the at least one application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900, preferably the die-cutting unit900. Preferably, in addition or as an alternative, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, preferably for the detection of at least one image-producing element of the substrate02, is assigned to, and preferably arranged at, the at least one transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, based on which the at least one transport element701is axially adjusted and/or is axially adjustable, is preferably arranged between the at least one application unit600and the at least one succeeding processing unit600;900. For example, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is arranged after at least one first transport element701, which is preferably axially adjustable, of the transport unit700. In other words, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is, for example, arranged after at least one first transport element701of the transport unit700. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is preferably arranged in the transport direction T before at least 75%, preferably before at least 80%, more preferably before at least 85%, of the transport elements701of the transport unit700, which is preferably designed to align substrate02, and preferably immediately therebefore, in particular without further transport means700being interposed.

Preferably, the at least one image-producing element, which the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment detects, based on which the at least one transport element701can be axially adjusted, is a printing mark. The detection of an image-producing element preferably allows the position of the substrate02in the transport direction T to be detected, preferably by way of the detection time. The at least one printing mark is preferably an element that is printed or can be printed by at least one application unit600. For example, the substrate02already includes the at least one image-producing element when fed into the processing machine01, for example, as an alternative, the at least one image-producing element is printed by at least one application unit600of the processing machine01, preferably by the first application unit600of the processing machine01along the transport path. The substrate02preferably includes at least two, for example four, image-producing elements, preferably at least two printing marks, on the surface thereof. By using at least two image-producing elements, preferably by the detection thereof by means of the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, the accuracy of the detection is preferably increased and/or the detection of a skewed position of the substrate02is made possible. The at least two image-producing elements are preferably arranged so as to be spaced apart axially, that is, in the transverse direction A, and/or in the direction X from one another. Preferably, the at least one image-producing element, preferably in each case the at least two image-producing elements, are arranged on the substrate02so as to be arranged in the at least one detection zone when passing a detection zone of the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment. Preferably, the substrate02, preferably the sheet02, includes the at least one image-producing element in the region of the leading edge03, that is, spaced a shorter distance apart from the leading edge03than from the trailing edge04, and/or preferably outside a region of the substrate02which forms an end product. The at least one image-producing element preferably has a varying length in the direction Y, that is, in the transport direction T, along the direction X, that is, preferably in the transverse direction A. The at least one image-producing element preferably includes a forward edge in the direction y, which corresponds to a line parallel to the direction X. Proceeding from the forward edge, the at least one image-producing element, preferably at a first position, preferably along the direction X, has a first length in the direction Y toward the trailing edge04of the substrate02. At a second position along the direction X, the at least one image-producing element, preferably in the direction Y toward the trailing edge04of the substrate02, has a second length, which differs from the first length of the first position, for example is longer or shorter. For example, the at least one image-producing element is trapezoidal or triangular. The at least two image-producing elements, which are preferably arranged parallel to one another in the direction X, are preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to one another. Preferably, the at least one image-producing element is, preferably in each case the at least two image-producing elements are arranged on the substrate02so as to be arranged in the at least one detection zone when passing a detection zone of the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, preferably based on which the at least one transport element701can be axially adjusted.

Preferably, the at least one image-producing element, preferably the at least one printing mark, is recognized by the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment. For example, the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment recognizes a difference in contrast that is present as soon as the at least one image-producing element enters the detection zone. The difference in contrast is likewise preferably recognized when the at least one image-producing element leaves the detection zone. Preferably, the duration of the detection of the at least one image-producing element in the detection zone is determined. Preferably, the arrival time of the substrate02, and thus preferably the position in the transport direction T, is determined by the initial detection of the at least one image-producing element in the detection zone. As a result of the duration of the detection of the at least one image-producing element in the detection zone, preferably the axial position of the substrate02, that is, a lateral offset of the substrate02relative to a target position, is determined. As a result of a detection of the at least two image-producing elements, which are preferably spaced apart from one another in the direction X, preferably a skewed position of the substrate02is determined. Preferably, the forward edge of the image-producing elements, and preferably the difference in contrast that occurs during the initial detection of the at least two image-producing elements in the at least one detection zone, is used for this purpose. Preferably, the at least two sensors704for substrate alignment are used for this purpose, which each detect one of the at least two image-producing elements. For example, as an alternative, the detection zone of the one sensor704for substrate alignment is designed so as to be able to detect both image-producing elements.

The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment is preferably connected, preferably in terms of the control, to the at least one dedicated drive MEby means of at least one control unit. The at least one sensor704for substrate alignment preferably controls by open loop and/or closed loop the at least one dedicated drive MEfor the axial adjustment of the at least one transport element701, and preferably the at least two dedicated drives MEfor the axial adjustment of the at least two transport elements701. The at least one transport element701, for example also the groupwise adjustable number of transport elements701, is axially adjusted based on the detection of the at least one image-producing element of the substrate02, preferably so as to align the substrate02during the transport thereof.

Preferably when a lateral offset of the substrate02, that is, a deviation from the target position in the transverse direction A, is established by the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, which is preferably connected to the at least one transport element701, the at least one transport element701is moved counter to the lateral offset, preferably in or counter to the transverse direction A. At least one transport element701of the at least one transport unit700is preferably axially adjusted until the lateral offset of the substrate02has been compensated for, that is, the actual position thereof corresponds to the target position. Preferably, for compensating for a lateral offset, the substrate02, preferably the sheet02, is transported in the transport direction T until both the leading edge03and the trailing edge02can be moved by transport elements701of this transport unit700, preferably when no other transport elements701of further transport units700are contact with the substrate02. In the process, preferably at least the transport elements701that are in contact with the substrate02are preferably arranged in a starting position. The at least one transport element701is, and preferably all transport elements701of the transport unit700that are in contact with the substrate02are, axially adjusted, preferably by means of the at least one dedicated drive ME, more preferably in each case by means of the dedicated drive MEassigned to the particular transport element701. As a result, preferably all transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements of the at least one transport unit700are axially adjusted when these, at the same time, are in contact with the substrate02. For example, the transport elements701are adjusted groupwise or individually, in each case those transport elements701that are in contact with the substrate02. In this way, the plurality of transport elements701are preferably individually axially adjusted based on the detection of the at least one image-producing element of the substrate02, or the plurality of transport elements701are groupwise axially adjusted based on the detection of the at least one image-producing element of the substrate02. All transport elements701that are being axially adjusted are adjusted in the same direction, that is, in or counter to the transverse direction A. The adjustment, for example, is carried out incrementally or continuously, in particular as long as contact exists between the transport element701and the substrate02. Preferably, the at least one transport element701is axially adjusted and/or is maximally adjustable by no more than 25 mm (twenty-five millimeters), preferably by no more than 15 mm (fifteen millimeters), more preferably by no more than 10 mm (ten millimeters), more preferably by no more than 5 mm (five millimeters), more preferably by no more than 2.5 mm (two point five millimeters). Since the substrate02is simultaneously moved in the transport direction T, preferably by means of the revolving movement preferably generated by the at least one main drive M, a further transport element701makes contact with the substrate02, while a first transport element701, in the transport direction T, of the transport unit700is no longer in contact with the substrate02. The transport element701that has now made contact is preferably likewise axially adjusted starting with the contact with the substrate02. The transport element701that is no longer in contact is preferably axially adjusted in the opposite direction so as to return into the starting position. As a result, each further transport element701coming in contact is preferably axially adjusted, while each transport element701ending the contact is axially adjusted in the opposite direction into the starting position thereof. The substrate02preferably reaches the target position at least before the last transport element701of the transport unit700. In particular, the substrate02is thus axially aligned by the axial adjustment of the at least one transport element701, preferably of the transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701.

When a skewed position of the substrate02is established by the sensor704for substrate alignment, which is preferably connected to the at least one dedicated drive MEof the transport element701, the skewed position of the substrate02is preferably compensated for by axially adjusting the at least one transport element701. Preferably, for compensating for the skewed position, the substrate02, preferably the sheet02, is transported in the transport direction T until both the leading edge03and the trailing edge02can be moved by transport elements701of this transport unit700, preferably when no other transport elements701of further transport units700are contact with the substrate02. In the process, preferably at least the transport elements701that are in contact with the substrate02are preferably arranged in a starting position. Preferably, a turning point of the substrate02is stored in the machine control system, preferably in the control unit controlling the at least one dedicated drive ME, for example calculated from the length and/or width of the substrate02. The turning point is preferably the point about which the substrate02has to be turned to compensate for the skewed position. At least one transport element701, which in the transport direction T is arranged before, that is, downstream from, the turning point, is preferably axially adjusted in or counter to the transverse direction A, preferably by means of the dedicated drive MEthereof. At least one transport element701, which in the transport direction T is arranged after, that is, upstream from, the turning point, is preferably axially adjusted in the opposite direction with respect to the transport element701before the turning point, preferably by means of the dedicated drive MEthereof. The transport element701, which corresponds to the position of the turning point, is preferably not axially adjusted, but remains in the axial position thereof assumed at this time. For example, the transport elements701are adjusted groupwise or individually, in each case those transport elements701that are in contact with the substrate02. The adjustment, for example, is carried out incrementally or continuously, in particular as long as contact exists between the particular transport element701and the substrate02. Preferably, the at least one transport element701is axially adjusted by no more than 15 mm (fifteen millimeters), preferably by no more than 10 mm (ten millimeters), more preferably by no more than 5 mm (five millimeters), more preferably by no more than 2.5 mm (two point five millimeters). Since the substrate02is simultaneously moved in the transport direction T, preferably by means of the revolving movement preferably generated by the at least one main drive M, a further transport element701makes contact with the substrate02, while a first transport element701, in the transport direction T, of the transport unit700is no longer in contact with the substrate02. In addition, the turning point is moved in the transport direction T due to the movement of the substrate in the transport direction T. The transport element701that has now made contact is preferably likewise axially adjusted starting with the contact with the substrate02, corresponding to the direction in which the transport elements701are adjusted before the turning point. The transport element701which now has the position of the turning point remains in the position thereof, while the transport element701that no longer has the turning point is likewise axially adjusted, corresponding to the direction of the transport elements701behind the turning point. The transport element701that is no longer arranged in contact with the substrate02is preferably axially adjusted so as to return into the starting position. As a result, each further transport element701coming in contact is preferably axially adjusted, while each transport element701ending the contact is axially adjusted into the starting position thereof. The substrate02preferably reaches the target position at least before the last transport element701of the transport unit700. In particular, the substrate02is thus preferably aligned with respect to the skewed position thereof by the axial adjustment of the at least one transport element701, preferably of the transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701.

In the event of a deviation of the substrate02from the target position in the transport direction T, established by the sensor704for substrate alignment, the substrate02is preferably aligned in the transport direction T. Preferably, in addition to the detection of the actual position in the transport direction T by the sensor704for substrate alignment, which is preferably connected to the at least one dedicated drive MEof the transport element701, the substrate02that is preferably aligned with respect to a lateral offset and/or with respect to a skewed position is detected, while being transported by means of the at least one transport unit700, by the at least one sensor622;922assigned to the succeeding processing unit600;900, preferably by recognition of the leading edge03. The arrival time is preferably determined by means of the initial detection of the leading edge03in the at least one detection zone of the at least one sensor622;922and is compared to the target time thereof, that is, the target position of the substrate02at this time. In the event of a deviation, the at least one main drive M is preferably activated. The at least one main drive M preferably accelerates or decelerates the at least one transport element701, preferably at least the transport elements701that are in contact with the substrate02, more preferably all transport elements701of the transport unit700, in accordance with the comparison. The substrate02is thus preferably accelerated or decelerated in the transport direction T and is thus transferred into the target position. In particular, the substrate02is thus aligned in the circumferential direction, that is, in the transport direction T, preferably by an acceleration and/or a deceleration of the transport elements701of the plurality of transport elements701. The last transport element701of the transport unit700preferably only comprises the main drive M, that is, does not comprise a dedicated drive ME. Preferably, the accuracy of the alignment of the substrate02, in particular in the transport direction T, is increased by the two-stage alignment, that is, first the alignment with respect to lateral offset and/or a skewed position, and thereafter the alignment with respect to the transport direction T.

The alignment of the substrate02when laterally offset and the alignment of the substrate02when in a skewed position are preferably carried out simultaneously. For example, the alignment in the transport direction T is carried out simultaneously with the alignment of the substrate02when laterally offset and/or simultaneously with the alignment of the substrate02when in a skewed position. For a simultaneous adjustment, the adjustment values by means of the at least one dedicated drive MEare preferably superimposed. For example, as an alternative, the alignment in the transport direction T is carried out subsequent to the alignment of the substrate02when laterally offset and/or subsequent to the alignment of the substrate02when in a skewed position.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two, for example two, transport units700are arranged consecutively between the two processing units600;900, preferably between the at least one application unit600and the at least one die-cutting unit900, which are both preferably designed so as to cooperate with one another for aligning substrate02. These preferably align the substrate02in terms of the position thereof. The transport units700preferably each comprise at least one main drive M. The transport units are thus preferably each driven by means of at least one main drive M. Preferably, these at least two transport units700each comprise at least one transport element701, preferably each comprise at least two transport elements701. The transport elements701preferably each comprise a dedicated drive ME. The first transport unit700of the two transport units700preferably comprises the at least one sensor704for substrate alignment, based on which the at least one transport element701of the first transport unit700, and preferably additionally at least one transport element701of the second transport unit700, are axially adjusted and/or adjustable. As a result, preferably at least one transport element701of the first transport unit700of the at least two transport units700is axially adjustable, and at least one transport element701of a second transport unit700of the at least two transport units700is axially adjustable. The second transport unit700preferably comprises at least one further sensor704for substrate alignment, which preferably checks an alignment of the substrate02that was carried out. Preferably, the last transport unit700, which is arranged upstream from the die-cutting unit900, comprises the at least one sensor922assigned to the die-cutting unit, preferably for recognizing the leading edge03of substrate02. This last transport unit700is, for example, the second transport unit700for aligning substrate02.

For example, at least one further sensor704for substrate alignment is, for example two sensors704for substrate alignment arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction A are, arranged along the transport path after the at least one first sensor704for substrate alignment, and before the succeeding processing unit600;900, preferably die-cutting unit900. This at least one further sensor704for substrate alignment preferably checks the alignment of the substrate02as a result of the at least one first sensor704for substrate alignment. In this way, series defects in the alignment, that is, defects occurring in multiple substrates02, can preferably be taken into consideration in the first sensor704for substrate alignment, preferably by superimposition with the further adjustment values. For example, at least one sensor622for recognizing the leading edge03of the substrate is arranged upstream from this at least one further sensor704for substrate alignment, preferably for triggering the signal that the substrate02is entering the detection zone of the at least one further sensor704for substrate alignment.

Although the disclosure herein has been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described in the examples. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed merely as example forms of implementing the claims.