Device for providing sheet-format substrate sections and processing web-format substrate

Abstract

Examples include a device for providing sheet-format substrate sections from a web-format substrate. The device includes a roll unwinder for inlet-side feeding of the web-format substrate. Two application devices act on the same first side of the web substrate, and are formed by coating units for supplying, to the same first side of the web substrate, a varnish that forms a barrier layer. A drying device is provided between a cross-cutting device and an upstream first coating unit and/or the drying device is provided in the substrate path between the two coating units and the cross-cutting device. The web-format substrate can be cut into sheet-format substrate sections and, at the outlet, the substrate sections can be provided for subsequent processing or output to a delivery unit.

Claims

1. A device for providing sheet-format substrate sections (S), comprising a roll unwinder (01) for inlet-side feeding of a web-format substrate(S) (S); at least one application device (02) for applying a fluid to a first side of the web-format substrate(S); a drying device (03; 03; 03) for accelerating a drying and/or curing process, downstream from the at least one application device (02; 02); and a cross-cutting device (04), by which the web-format substrate(S) can be cut into sheet-format substrate sections (S) and at an outlet of which these substrate sections (S) can be provided for subsequent processing or output to a delivery unit, wherein, for formation of a barrier layer in a manner of a coating that prevents adjacent gaseous, liquid, or pasty media from entering or penetrating the substrate material, two application devices (02; 02) acting on a same first side and formed by varnishing units (02; 02) that apply, to the same first side of the web-format substrate (S), varnish for forming the barrier layer as the coating that prevents adjacent gaseous, liquid, or pasty media from entering or penetrating the substrate material, wherein the varnishing units (02; 02) are provided in the substrate path of the web-format substrate(S) between the roll unwinder (01) and the cross-cutting device (04), and a drying device (03; 03; 03) is provided between the cross-cutting device (04) and the, viewed upstream, first-coating varnishing unit (02; 02), and a drying device (03; 03; 03) is provided in the substrate path between the two varnishing units (02; 02).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that only the varnishing units (02; 02) acting on the first side are provided as application devices (02; 02) in the substrate path between the roll unwinder (01) and the cross-cutting device (04).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the varnishing units (02; 02) are formed by flexographic varnishing units (02; 02).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the varnishing units (02; 02) acting on the first side of the substrate(S) are each equipped to apply varnish to the substrate(S) on at least a surface forming multiple-ups over a full surface or a large surface area in one operation, that is, in such a way that an application is carried out at least on an entire or at least 80% of the surface of the substrate(S) which is taken up by the multiple-up or multiple-ups provided on the substrate sections (S), and/or that the application devices (02; 02) acting upon the first side of the substrate(S) are formed by varnishing units (02; 02), a varnishing forme of which is provided on a respective forme cylinder (24), on a printing width and printing length corresponding to the multiple-up or multiple-ups, has a print motif for full-surface printing, based on a surface area of the multiple-up or multiple-ups, or a print motif having a print-free surface area of less than 20%, based on the surface area of the multiple-up or multiple-ups.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the varnishing units (02; 02) are arranged in the substrate path in such a way, and the substrate path configuration between the varnishing units (02; 02) and the downstream last varnishing unit (02; 02) to the cross-cutting device (04) are designed in such a way, that the substrate (S; S) acted upon by the varnishing units (02; 02) on the first side leaves the cross-cutting device (04) with the first side pointing downwardly.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the varnishing units (02; 02) acting upon the first side of the substrate(S) are arranged in the substrate path in such a way that the respective varnishing unit (02; 02), at the site of the application, is situated beneath the substrate path or on the side of the substrate path which faces away from the device for the inlet-side feeding (01) and/or that the varnishing units (02; 02) apply the varnish to the underside of the substrate(S) guided on the substrate path, that is, to the first side of the two substrate sides which points downwardly.

7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the varnishing units (02; 02) acting upon the first side of the substrate(S) are arranged in the substrate path in such a way that the respective varnishing unit (02; 02), at the site of the application, is situated above the substrate path or at the substrate path on a side of the substrate path which faces the device for the inlet-side feeding (01) and/or that the varnishing units (02; 02) print an upper side of the substrate(S) guided on the substrate path, that is, the side of the two substrate sides which points upwardly, and/or that a strand turning device (26) for reversing the web-format substrate (S) is provided in the substrate path between the downstream last varnishing unit (02; 02) and the cross-cutting device (04), by which the side of the web-format substrate (S) entering on the inlet-side as the upper side is turned downwardly and, vice versa, the previously lower side is turned upwardly.

8. A machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate(S), comprising a first machine part which comprises a roll unwinder (01) for inlet-side feeding of the web-format substrate(S), at least one application device (02) for applying a fluid to a first side of the web-format substrate(S) and a cross-cutting device (04) for cutting the web-format substrate(S) into sheet-format substrate sections (S), and comprising a second machine part, which immediately follows the first machine part and includes a substrate path leading the substrate sections (S) through the second machine part, at which the substrate sections (S) emerging from the cross-cutting device (04) are transferred inline and which, on an outlet side, leads into a delivery device (06) in which substrate sections (S) treated and/or processed in the machine can be received; the machine, in the substrate path of the first machine part between the cross-cutting device (04) and, viewed upstream, the only or first application device (02; 02), comprising a drying device (03; 03; 03) for accelerating the drying and/or curing process; in the first machine part, for formation of a barrier layer in a manner of a coating that prevents adjacent gaseous, liquid, or pasty media from entering or penetrating the substrate material, two application devices (02; 02) acting on the same first side and formed by varnishing units (02; 02) that apply, to the same first side of the web-format substrate (S), varnish for forming the barrier layer as the coating that prevents adjacent gaseous, liquid, or pasty media from entering or penetrating the substrate material, the varnishing units (02; 02) being provided in the substrate path of the web-format substrate (S) between the roll unwinder (01) and the cross-cutting device (04), and a drying device (03; 03; 03) being provided between the cross-cutting device (04) and the, viewed upstream, first varnishing unit (02; 02) and a drying device (03; 03; 03) being provided in the substrate path between the two varnishing units (02; 02); and, in the substrate path between the cross-cutting device (04) and the delivery device (06), one or a plurality of sheet printing mechanisms (08; 09) being provided, by which a print image can be printed on the substrate sections (S) on a second side thereof, located opposite the first side.

9. The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the varnishing units (02; 02) acting on the first side of the substrate(S) are equipped to apply the fluid to the substrate(S) on at least a surface forming multiple-ups over a full surface or a large surface area in one operation, that is, in such a way that an application is carried out at least on the entire or at least 80% of the surface of the substrate(S) which is taken up by the multiple-up or multiple-ups provided on the substrate sections (S).

10. The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that an application mechanism (02; 02) operating according to a flexographic printing method or according to a screen printing method is provided as the varnishing unit (02; 02) in the substrate path of the first machine part.

11. The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the substrate path between the cross-cutting device (04) and the delivery device (06), one or a plurality of sheet coating units (09) are provided, by which varnish can be applied to the substrate sections (S) on the second side thereof, located opposite the first side.

12. The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the first machine part for providing the sheet-format substrate sections (S) is configured so that the varnishing units (02; 02) acting upon the first side of the substrate(S) are arranged in the substrate path in such a way that a respective varnishing unit (02; 02), at a site of application, is situated above the substrate path or at the substrate path on a side of the substrate path which faces a device for inlet-side feeding (01) and/or that the varnishing units (02; 02) print an upper side of the substrate(S) guided on the substrate path, that is, the side of the two substrate sides which points upwardly, and/or that a strand turning device (26) for reversing the web-format substrate(S) is provided in the substrate path between the downstream last coating unit (02; 02) and the cross-cutting device (04), by which the side of the web-format substrate(S) entering on the inlet-side as the upper side is turned downwardly and the previously lower side is turned upwardly.

13. The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one varnishing unit (02; 02) cooperating with the web-format substrate (S) in the substrate path and at least one downstream drying device (03) accelerating the drying and/or curing process can each be removed from and introduced again into the substrate path leading through the machine and/or machine alignment individually as modules or together in one module, and that a movement path including means enabling the movement are provided, via which or by means of which the varnishing unit (02) and/or the drying device (03) accelerating the drying and/or curing process can be moved laterally out of the machine alignment as a respective or joint unit (02; 03; 02, 03), and/or that a movement path including means enabling the movement are provided, via which or by means of which the device (01) for the inlet-side feeding and the cross-cutting device (04) can be brought into a relative position in which these are more closely adjacent to one another after any varnishing unit (02; 02) and any drying device (03; 03; 03) accelerating the drying and/or curing process has been removed from the substrate path and/or the machine alignment.

14. A method for treating and/or processing web-format substrate(S), wherein the web-format substrate(S) is unwound from a substrate roll (11) storing the substrate(S) and provided with a barrier layer that prevents adjacent gaseous, liquid, or pasty medium from entering or penetrating the substrate material on a first side, which in a product later forms a rear or inner side, in that a varnish forming the barrier layer is applied multiple times onto the first side of the web-format substrate(S), which in the product later forms the rear or inner side, over a full surface or at least a large surface area, that is, on an entire or at least 80% of a multiple-up surface of the substrate(S), by way of a plurality of application devices (02; 02) formed by varnishing units (02; 02), in a total layer thickness of at least 5 m; the web-format substrate(S) to which the varnish has been applied, downstream from each varnishing unit (02; 02), is at least superficially dried and/or cured by at least one drying device (03; 03; 03) accelerating the drying and/or curing process, at least in a region of varnish application; the web-format substrate(S) to which the varnish has been applied, including the at least superficially dried and/or cured varnish, is cut into substrate sections (S) by a cross-cutting device (04); and and the substrate sections (S) are combined downstream in a delivery device (06) to form one or a plurality of piles (13).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the substrate sections (S) leave the cross-cutting device (04) with the first side, to which the varnish has been applied, pointing downwardly, and/or are transported by a conveying device (12) from the cross-cutter (04) downstream into a sheet-treating and/or sheet-processing part, where the substrate sections (S) are printed once or multiple times and/or coated once or multiple times inline on the side thereof pointing upwardly and/or located opposite the first side and/or are stacked with the first side pointing downwardly in the delivery device (06).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in greater detail below. The drawings show:

(2) FIG. 1 a machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate in a first embodiment having a horizontal web path at the application nip;

(3) FIG. 2 a machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate in a second embodiment comprising two application devices and having a horizontal web path at the respective application nip;

(4) FIG. 3 a machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate in a third embodiment comprising two application devices and having a vertical web path at the respective application nip;

(5) FIG. 4 a machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate in a fourth embodiment comprising sheet printing mechanisms arranged downstream inline;

(6) FIG. 5 a machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate in a fourth embodiment comprising sheet printing mechanisms arranged downstream inline; and

(7) FIG. 6 an enlarged illustration of an application mechanism operating according to the flexographic printing process, comprising an anilox roller and a chamber doctor blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) A device for providing sheet-format substrate sections or a machine for treating and/or processing web-format substrate S, for example a substrate web S, comprises, on the inlet side, a device 01 for the inlet-side feeding of the web-format substrate S to be unwound, for example, from a substrate roll 11, for example a so-called roll unwinder 01. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, this roll unwinder is configured as a reel changer 01 for the flying, that is, uninterrupted, roll change (for example, shown by way of example in FIG. 3 as an advantageous refinement for all described variant embodiments of the machine).

(9) By way of the device or machine, the inlet-side web-format substrate S can be treated and/or processed so as to yield a product that is present on the outlet side as a sheet-format substrate S, in particular as an intermediate product of an end product to be produced from the sheet-format substrate S by subsequent processing.

(10) Downstream in the substrate path of the still web-format substrate S, the device or machine comprises at least one substrate-processing device in the form of an application device 02; 02, in particular an application mechanism 02; 02, for finishing a first side of the web-format substrate S or supplying a fluid thereto. In the process, in particular prior to the cutting operation, an in particular large-surface-area or even full-surface fluid application is carried out inline, that is, the application of a fluid, for example, in the manner of a liquid or pasty substance or substance mixture or of a fluidized powder. The application device 02; 02 is preferably designed in the manner of a printing mechanism or in particular of a coating unit 02; 02.

(11) The printing mechanism or coating unit 02; 02 is preferably implemented in the design of a flexographic, gravure or screen printing mechanism, in particular preferably in the manner of a flexographic printing mechanism or coating unit, hereafter also summarized as a flexographic mechanism for short. Such mechanisms are, for example, shown by way of example in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 as a particularly preferred refinement for all variant embodiments of the machine. FIG. 2 depicts, by way of example, a flexographic mechanism in the manner of an open system, and FIG. 3 as well as FIG. 5 depict, by way of example, a flexographic mechanism in the manner of a closed system shown in an enlarged illustration, for example, in FIG. 6, wherein, however, the open flexographic mechanisms shown in Fig. can be replaced by closed systems shown by way of example in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 and, vice versa, the closed systems from FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 can be replaced by such from FIG. 2.

(12) FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, likewise by way of example, alternatively show the application device 02; 02 for all described variant embodiments of the machine with a configuration of the application mechanism 02; 02 in the manner of a gravure printing mechanism. A separate illustration of the advantageous alternative as a screen-printing mechanism which can likewise be applied to all variant embodiments was dispensed with here. Generally, the application device 02; 02, however, could also be implemented as an offset printing mechanism or as an application device 02; 02 suitable in another manner as long as a minimum thickness of the fluid application of, for example, at least 5 m, in particular at least 8 m is ensured. For this case as well, an application device 02; 02 operating according to a non-impact method or in a plateless manner is conceivable if, for example, enhanced variability in the position of spots on the substrate S; S which are not to be coated, for example because these are to be provided with glue afterwards, is to be made possible. Even though, in the case of multiple application devices 02; 02, generally different types can be combined with one another, preferably application devices 02; 02 of the same type are preferred.

(13) By way of the preferred design of the application mechanism 02; 02, in particular coating unit 02; 02, in the design of a letterpress, gravure- or screen-printing mechanism, a comparatively thick fluid layer can be applied. This applies in particular to the design in the manner of a letterpress printing mechanism, in particular flexographic mechanism, or most particularly preferably an application mechanism 02; 02 operating according to the screen-printing method, wherein, in particular in the case of the latter, a required high fluid thickness can possibly already be applied by a one-time application. The application mechanism 02; 02 preferably designed in the manner of a letterpress mechanism, in particular flexographic mechanism, comprises an application cylinder 24, for example a forme cylinder 24, in particular a varnishing cylinder 24, which carries a letterpress forme, for example of a so-called varnishing forme or varnishing plate, around the circumference. The application cylinder 24, in particular varnishing cylinder 24, cooperates via a substrate web S to be acted upon with a further cylinder 28, for example an impression cylinder 28, and forms an application nip therewith. The application or varnishing cylinder 24 receives the fluid, in particular the varnish, via one or more rollers 29. In one embodiment of the flexographic mechanism, for example also referred to as an open design, the application or varnishing cylinder 24 receives the fluid, for example, directly or indirectly via an intermediate roller, which is not shown here, for example a chromium roller, from a dipping roller which is immersed into a fluid reservoir, for example an ink fountain. In an embodiment that is preferred here, for example also referred to as a closed design, the application or varnishing cylinder 24 receives the fluid via an anilox roller 29 which, in turn, cooperates upstream with a doctor blade 31, in particular a chamber doctor blade 31 (see FIG. 6, for example). So as to collect potentially excess or egressing fluid, a collecting receptacle 32 can be provided beneath the chamber doctor blade. The application and impression cylinders 24; 28 can be set against one another over the substrate web S by an actuator 33 positioning the application cylinder 24 and/or by an actuator 34 positioning the impression cylinder 28.

(14) So as to provide large-surface-area barrier layers or visual effects, the application device 02; 02 or a printing forme or in particular varnishing forme received on the forme cylinder 24, for example in contrast to printing mechanisms for printing finely structured image motifs or alphanumerical symbols, is in particular equipped to supply the fluid to at least one surface of the substrate S over the full surface or large surface area in such a way that an application takes place at least on the entire or at least 80% of the surface of the substrate S which is taken up by the multiple-up or multiple-ups to be obtained from the substrate S; S or corresponds to at least 80% of this surface. The entire surface is relevant, for example, when the multiple-ups on the relevant side are to be completely protected, that is without interruption, or to be provided with the effect. An application with omissions can be particularly advantageous when, such as in package printing, multiple-ups for the production of three-dimensional hollow bodies are to be glued in the region of splices after a folding operation.

(15) So as to achieve an above-described full-surface or large-surface-area fluid application, the application device 02; 02 is formed, for example, by a printing mechanism or coating unit 02; 02, the printing or varnishing forme of which provided on, for example, a forme cylinder 24 cooperating indirectly or directly with the substrate S, S, on the printing width and printing length corresponding to the multiple-up or multiple-ups has a print motif (that is, the distribution of the printing surface regions) for full-surface printing or application, based on the surface area of the multiple-up or multiple-ups, or a print motif having a print-free surface area of less than 20%, based on the surface area of the multiple-up or multiple-ups. Based on and due to the frequently existing similarity between printing mechanisms and coating units, for the sake of simplicity the distribution of the surface regions to which the fluid is to be supplied in the case of the print motif shall also be understood to apply when the application device 02; 02 is designed as a coating unit 02; 02.

(16) For example, a water-based varnish which is, for example, approved for the food industry, or a plastic material that is still liquid, such as polyurethanes or casting resins, is provided as the fluid for the surface finishing operation or the treatment. As an alternative to a varnish or plastic material resting on the substrate, for example, in the manner of a coating, however, in another embodiment or for a different use a fluid that has at least partially penetrated into the substrate S; S, for example in the manner of an impregnating agent, can be provided as the fluid.

(17) Viewed with respect to a transport direction T of the substrate S; S, downstream from the only or last application device 02; 02, in particular in the substrate path of the web-format substrate S, a device 04 for cutting the substrate web S into substrate sections S, for example a cross-cutting device 04 or a so-called cutting mechanism 04, is provided in the substrate path, by which the web-format substrate S, to which the fluid has been supplied and which preferably has been at least superficially cured, is cut into sheet-format substrate sections S. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-cutting device 04 is equipped to sever substrate sections S having different desired section lengths. It is possible for multiple application devices 02; 02, for example of a different type or preferably of the same type, carrying out an application to the same substrate side, to be provided in the substrate path of the web-format substrate S or in the substrate path arranged upstream from the cross-cutting device 04 (for example, shown, by way of example, in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 as an advantageous refinement for all described variant embodiments of the machine for the case of two application devices 02; 02 of the same type, here, by way of example, in the form of flexographic mechanisms, that is, flexographic printing mechanisms or in particular flexographic coating units).

(18) The substrate S; S is formed, for example, by cellulose-based or cellulose-containing material composed of one layer or multiple layers, for example by paper, cardboard or paperboard.

(19) An embodiment of the machine in which the machine, between the device 01 for the inlet-side feeding of the web-format substrate S and the cross-cutting device 04, comprises at least one device 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process, for example at least one drying device 03; 03, is most particularly advantageous. At least one such device 03; 03 is preferably arranged on the side of the substrate path that faces the first side, that is, the side to which the fluid was previously supplied upstream by the or an above-described application device 02; 02, in particular during the treatment and/or processing step provided directly upstream or directly upstream in the substrate transport path. With this, the surface finishing application, in particular the barrier layer, is fixed even prior to succeeding mechanical stress, and, for example, is at least superficially dried and/or cured. In an advantageous refinement, multiple such drying devices 03; 03; 03 can be arranged downstream from the or the same application device 02; 02 in the substrate path on the freshly acted-upon first side of the substrate S (for example shown, by way of example, as a refinement for all described variant embodiments of the machine in FIG. 1, on the right side of FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4 for two devices, and on the left side of FIG. 2, in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 5 by way of example even for three devices 03; 03; 03 adjoining the same application device 02; 02 and accelerating the drying and/or curing process, for example drying devices 03; 03; 03).

(20) In addition to one or multiple above-described devices 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process, at least one further device accelerating the drying and/or curing process, which, however, is not shown here, in particular at least one drying device, can be provided in the substrate path on the second side of the substrate S, which is still in the web format, located opposite the side to which the fluid has been freshly supplied.

(21) The latter is of particular advantage not just, but especially in connection with a refinement of the machine, which is not shown and in which at least one further application device (not shown), in particular for the large-surface-area or full-surface application of fluid, is arranged in the substrate path upstream from the cross-cutting device 04 on the side of the substrate path located on the second side of the substrate S, that is, on the side that is located opposite the first side of the substrate S that has been acted upon at least once or multiple times by one or more application devices 02; 02. Supplying the second side of the substrate S in this way can serve surface finishing purposes, for example, either forming a fluid barrier also on this side or, for example, forming a large-surface-area or full-surface background color.

(22) The or at least one, multiple or all of the above-described drying devices 03; 03; 03 can advantageously be operated in a contactless manner, that is, without contact with the substrate S, and preferably be configured as dryer elements operating in a radiation-based manner, for example IR-based or UV radiation-based manner, with one or more corresponding radiation sources 19 or, as an alternative, operating in a hot air-based manner. One or more such drying devices 03; 03; 03, which are possibly not separated from one another by an application device 02; 02 in the substrate path, can be accommodated in a unit referred to as a dryer, for example radiation or hot air dryer, or can be combined, if multiple such drying devices 03; 03; 03 are present.

(23) On the outlet side of the cross-cutting device 04, the substrate sections S, which have been surface-finished at least on one side or, for example, to which fluid has been supplied once or multiple times, and which preferably have been dried or cured at least superficially, are fed indirectly or directly via one or more suitable conveying devices 12; 18 to a delivery device 06, for example a pile delivery 06, in the form of a sheet-format substrate S, or substrate sheet S for short, in which sheet-format substrate sections S obtained in the machine by treatment and/or processing are delivered, in particular combined into piles 13.

(24) If substrate sheets S delivered as intermediate products are subsequently processed in a separate machine, for example a standalone machine, or if the other, second side of the substrate S; S, for example what is later the product outer side, is subsequently processed inline in the same web-treating and/or web-processing machine, for example printed and/or coated once or multiple times, an embodiment of the machine or the arrangement of the at least one application device 02; 02 and configuration of the substrate path in which the substrate S; S leaves the cross-cutting device 04 with the acted-upon or surface-finished first side pointing downwardly, that is, with the side pointing downwardly to which the fluid was supplied or which was surface-finished by the one or more application devices 02; 02 and/or which in the product later, for example the cavity-forming product, forms the inner side, is particularly advantageous. With this, after the cross-cutting operation, the substrate sheets S are present in the form of substrate sections S, which can be stacked with the first side thereof, which has been surface-finished or protected by a barrier layer, pointing downwardly and, in a later work step in another machine or advantageously directly thereafter, can be processed inline once or multiple times, for example be printed and/or coated on the upper side thereof, with the first side pointing downwardly.

(25) For this purpose, in a first advantageous embodiment, the application device 02 or application devices 02; 02 acting upon the first side can be arranged in the substrate path in such a way that the relevant application device 02; 02, in particular with a predominantly horizontal substrate path progression at the application nip, is situated with the application cylinder 24 at the substrate path beneath the substrate path or, in particular with a predominantly vertical substrate path progression at the application nip, is situated at the substrate path on the side facing away from the device for the inlet-side feeding 01, and/or that it prints the underside of the substrate S guided on the substrate path, that is, the side of the substrate S pointing downwardly in the region of the application nip and/or the side facing away from the device for the inlet-side feeding 01. The downwardly pointing side or underside, however, does not have to extend parallel to the horizontal, but can also extend at an incline with respect to the same.

(26) In an alternative advantageous embodiment, in which the application device 02 or application devices 02; 02 acting upon the first side is or are arranged in the substrate path in such a way that the fluid-applying application mechanism of the relevant application device 02; 02, in particular with a predominantly horizontal substrate path progression at the application nip, that is, inclined <45 with respect to the horizontal, is located at the substrate path over the substrate path or, in particular with a predominantly vertical substrate path progression at the application nip, that is, inclined >45 with respect to the horizontal, is located at the substrate path on the side of the substrate path facing the device for the inlet-side feeding 01 and/or that it prints the upper side of the substrate S guided on the substrate path. Here as well, the upwardly pointing side or upper side does not have to extend parallel to the horizontal, but can also extend at an incline with respect to the same. In a preferred refinement, it is possible, not just but preferably in conjunction with this alternative embodiment, that a strand turning device 26, for example comprising two turner bars extending in particular so as to intersect one another at a right angle, is provided in the substrate path between the only, or downstream last, application device 02; 02 and the cross-cutting device 04. Such a device turns the, for example first, side of a substrate web S entering on the inlet-side as the upper side downwardly and, vice versa, turns the previously lower side, for example second side, upwardly. As an alternative, for the purpose of the turning process, a sheet turning device, for example a turning drum, can be provided in the substrate path between the cross-cutting device 04 and the delivery device 06, in particular upstream from a first printing mechanism or coating unit 07; 08; 09 (not shown in the figures here).

(27) The above-mentioned position of the application device 02; 02 shall be the position of the fluid-conducting or fluid-applying parts of this application device 02; 02, for example, the above-described forme cylinder 24, including means supplying fluid thereto, or a non-impact printing device in the case of a platelessly operating application device 02; 02. This applies regardless of whether a counterbearing, such as an impression cylinder or a supporting guide or even a fluid-conducting cylinder of a further printing mechanism or coating unit, for example supplying the same or another fluid to the second side, is provided on the opposite side of the substrate path.

(28) After the cross-cutting operation, the substrate sheets S, which in particular have been surface-finished and/or coated in the above-described manner, are fed via one or more above-described conveying devices 12; 18 to the delivery device 06 or, in an alternative embodiment of the machine, are fed initially via at least one first conveying device 12 to one or more further application devices 07; 08; 09, for example one or more printing mechanisms 07; 08, in particular sheet printing mechanisms 07; 08, and/or one or more coating units 09, in particular sheet coating units 09, for further processing the then sheet-format substrate S, in particular on the second side thereof. The transport of the substrate sheets S preferably takes place via a series of transport and impression cylinders by way of a successive sheet transfer from cylinder to cylinder through the one or more further application devices 07; 08; 09, and possibly between the same. In an embodiment of the machine comprising one or more printing mechanisms 07; 08 arranged downstream from the cross-cutting device 04, the machine can also be referred to as a printing machine, in particular a sheet printing machine, which comprises a surface finishing stretch arranged upstream from the at least one printing mechanism 07; 08, comprising at least one above-described application device 02; 02 and at least one above-described device 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process.

(29) A first conveying device 12 directly following the cross-cutting device 04 is preferably designed as a belt table 12, in particular as a suction belt feed table 12, via which the substrate sheets S, for the case of further processing, the first or only printing mechanism or printing unit 07; 09 following the sheet feeder in the substrate path and, for the case that no subsequent processing is to be carried out inline, transfer unit provided directly the delivery device 06, or via a possibly provided transfer unit effectuating the transfer, to a second conveying device 18 encompassed by the delivery device 06, for example to a revolving chain gripper system 18. The conveyor device 12 is preferably, for example additionally, designed to condense the entering substrate sections S to form an imbricated stream, in particular for the first case described (that is, with further processing) by underlapping the respective substrate section S at the trailing end thereof with the leading end of the respective succeeding substrate section S and/or, for the second case (that is, direct feeding into the delivery device 06), by imbricating the respective substrate section S at the trailing end thereof with the leading end of the respective succeeding substrate section S.

(30) In an advantageous refinement, a substrate diverter 17, which is shown by way of example in FIG. 1, for example, and is also shown and denoted for the remaining embodiments, is provided in the substrate path downstream from the cross-cutting device 04 and upstream from the delivery device 06 or from a first or only printing mechanism or coating unit 07; 09 possibly following in the substrate path, by which, for example, scrap sheets judged as defective can be channeled out of the further substrate path.

(31) Not only, but in particular in conjunction with a reel changer 01 designed for a flying reel change, in an advantageous embodiment a so-called web storage space 27, for example a substrate path that can be varied in the loop length of multiple web loops, can be provided between the device 01 for the inlet-side feeding and the only, or downstream first, application device 02; 02 (for example, shown by way of example in FIG. 3 as an advantageous refinement for all described variant embodiments of the machine).

(32) In a particularly advantageous configuration of an above-described machine, in particular an inline machine or a combination machine, comprising both a machine part supplying fluid, in particular varnish, to the first side of the substrate web S once, or preferably multiple times, for example in the manner of a web-fed coating machine, in particular web-fed printing or coating machine, and a machine part situated downstream from the cross-cutting device 04, printing the substrate sheets S on the second side once, or preferably multiple times, for the example in the manner of a sheet-fed printing machine, two application mechanisms 02; 02 are provided in the substrate path downstream from the roll unwinder 01, which is preferably designed for a flying change, and upstream from the cross-cutting device 04, which are designed in the manner of flexographic mechanisms, in particular flexographic coating units, and carry out an application to the same web side, each application mechanism comprising at least one drying device 03; 03; 03 arranged directly downstream. As is shown by way of example, for example, in FIG. 5, these can be located, within the above meaning, on the side facing the device for the inlet-side feeding 01 or upper side, that is, on the side of the substrate S pointing upwardly in the region of the application nip, or, in an advantageous embodiment, which however is not shown separately here, on the underside, that is, on the side of the substrate S pointing downwardly in the region of the application nip and/or on the side facing away from the device for the inlet-side feeding 01. The flexographic mechanisms are preferably designed, for example in a closed manner, with the fluid supply taking place via an anilox roller 29 and a chamber doctor blade 31. For the advantageous case of an inline machine, one or preferably more printing mechanisms 07; 08 follow the cross-cutting device 04 downstream. It is also possible for more than two such application mechanisms 02; 02 to be provided. The application in the manner of a flexographic printing method usually enables high printing speeds, wherein in the case of two or more such application mechanisms 02; 02 better area coverage can also be achieved, in particular for the case of an application mechanism 02; 02 comprising an anilox roller 29.

(33) In a modification of this particularly advantageous configuration of an above-described machine, in particular an inline machine, a single application mechanism 02 operating according to the screen printing method can be provided in the substrate path of the substrate web S, instead of two or more application mechanisms 02; 02 that operate according to a flexographic printing method and carry out an application to the same web side and that each comprise at least one succeeding drying device 03; 03; 03. By way of the screen-printing method, a higher film thickness of the fluid forming the barrier layer can be applied in one operation.

(34) In a most particularly advantageous refinement, the first application device 02 cooperating with the substrate web S and preferably the device 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process can each be selectively introduced into the substrate path leading through the machine as a respective unit 02; 02; 03; 03; 03 or as a joint unit 02, 03; 02; 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03, forming a surface-finishing unit 02, 03; 02; 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03, for carrying out a first operating mode for forming a first operating configuration, and can be removed therefrom again for carrying out a second operating mode for forming a second operating configuration. The respective or joint unit 02; 02; 03; 03; 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03 is designed in the manner of a module so as to be connectible at the upstream and downstream sides thereof to a previously prepared interface of the device 01; 04 adjoining upstream or downstream in the respective operating mode via a previously prepared interface without major installation effort.

(35) The selective introduction or removal of such individual or combined units 02; 02; 03; 03; 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03 can also be applied to above-described refinements, which comprise more than one application device 02; 02 and/or more than one device 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process. The units 02; 02; 03; 03 03 can each be selectively introducible and removable individually or in the form of groups, in each case with an application device 02; 02 and one or more devices 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process assigned thereafter to this application device 02; 02, or overall as a surface-finishing unit 02, 03; 02; 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; and the alike.

(36) For this purpose, an upstream last web guide element 21 of the cross-cutting device 04 and a last, viewed upstream, web guide element 22 of the only or first application device 02 are preferably located in each case at a height, preferably the same height, so that the web-format substrate S can be fed from a downstream last web guide element 23 of the roll unwinder 01, if the application device 02 is or the application devices 02; 02 are present, and the device 03 or devices 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process, unimpeded to the upstream last web guide element 22 of the cross-cutting device 04 and, if present, unimpeded to the upstream last web guide element 22 of the only or, viewed upstream, last application device 02. In addition or instead, if a mechanical drive coupling exists between the at least one application device 02 and a drive system comprising the cross-cutting device 04, a mechanical interface toward the drive system can be prepared and, if a mechanical drive that is independent of the cross-cutting device 04 exists, an interface can be prepared to a line connection leading to an electronic master axis, for example a bus system.

(37) For the removal and introduction of the joint or respective unit 02; 03; 02, 03, preferably a movement path including means enabling the movement, comprising, for example a rail system 16 and rolling elements at the unit 02; 02; 03; 03; 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03, 02, 03, 03 and so forth are provided, via which or by means of which the application device(s) 02; 02 and/or the device(s) 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process can in each case be moved laterally out of the machine alignment as a respective, as a grouped or as a joint unit 02; 02; 03; 03; 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03; 02, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03; 02, 03, 03, 03, 02, 03, 03 and so forth.

(38) In addition, a movement path comprising means enabling the movement, comprising, for example, a rail system 14 and rolling elements arranged at the cross-cutting device 04 and/or preferably at the roll unwinder 01, can be provided, via which or by means of which, if the or all application devices 02; 02 and the or all drying devices 03; 03; 03 or dryers are present, the roll unwinder 01 and the cross-cutting device 04 can be brought into a relative position in which these are more closely adjacent to one another, in particular by way of which the roll unwinder 01 can be moved further toward the cross-cutting device 04.

(39) When treating and/or processing web-format substrate S, initially web-format substrate S is unwound from a substrate roll 11 storing the substrate, an above-described fluid is supplied once or multiple times to a first side of the web-format substrate S by at least one above-described application device 02; 02, the substrate S to which fluid has been supplied, after a respective application, is at least superficially dried and/or cured by at least one device 03; 03; 03 accelerating the drying and/or curing process, and the substrate S to which fluid has been supplied and which includes the at least superficially dried and/or cured fluid is cut into substrate sections S by a cross-cutting device 04. Downstream from the delivery device 06, the substrate sections S are combined to form one or more piles 13.

(40) In an advantageous refinement, the substrate sections S are printed once or multiple times and/or coated once or multiple times inline on the second side, located opposite the first side, downstream from the cross-cutting operation and prior to being combined to form piles.

(41) For a change in the operating mode, it may be advantageous for the changeover of the machine when the or all application devices 02; 02 and the drying device or devices 03; 03; 03 are removed laterally from the machine alignment and from the substrate path and, for example after the application device 02 or application devices 02; 02 and the drying devices 03 or the drying devices 03; 03; 03 have been removed, the cross-cutting device 04 and the roll unwinder 01 are brought into a relative position in which these are more closely adjacent to one another.

(42) 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.