Stamping device for generally flat articles

A stamping device, in particular for stamping green sheets, comprising:

• a die holder device, which is connected to a drive mechanism that reciprocates the die holder device in order to execute a stamping motion;
• a plurality of dies, which are retained axially movably relative to the die holder device, the dies each having a first end for engagement with a work piece and a second end;
• a controllable coupling device, which is mounted on the die holder device and is arranged to couple the dies axially fixedly to the die holder device, the coupling device having coupling elements, each coupling element for coupling one of the dies to the die holder device, wherein each coupling element is supported on the die holder device both for movement with the die holder device during reciprocation of the die holder device, and for movement relative to the die holder device and in the axial direction of the associated die to couple and uncouple the associated die;
• a control unit, which is disposed remote from the die holder device and has outputs for actuating the coupling device, with which the dies are activatable and deactivatable;
• and,
• a flexible mechanical connecting means, which is disposed between the control unit outputs and the coupling device in order to connect them mechanically to one another, with the coupling elements being connected to and moveable by the connecting means.