EP1541350A1 - Modular rotary sheet printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The module has interfaces for control communication. A memory unit includes information concerning properties of the module, and configured with read and write access. A transmitting and receiving unit (16) is configured for communication with a higher-order control system of the machine, and connected to the memory unit. A power supply interface includes mains power sockets mounted to the module.

Description

The present invention relates to a module for a machine for processing sheet-shaped substrates, eg. B. a sheet-fed rotary printing machine.

Such a sheet-fed rotary printing machine is known from EP 1 147 893 A2 and consists of a sheet feeder, a sheet delivery and several in between arranged substantially identically constructed base modules, which the individual Represent printing units of the sheet-fed rotary printing press. The printing units are in the EP 1 147 893 A2 referred to as basic modules, which is a so-called Multifunction module can be added. The multifunction module is in between arranged in the sheet running direction last base module and the boom, this Multifunctional module is provided for receiving various additional devices. Such ancillary equipment may include dryers, powderers, punching equipment etc. be. To drive the individual base modules and to control the same are the Disclosure document no instructions. In particular, it does not show which settings for the configuration after assembling the individual Base modules are due to a sheet-fed rotary printing press.

From EP 0 747 790 B1, a copying machine is known which has a modular structure. The Copier has a computer (CPU), which is capable of individual Recognize components of the copier. The system is capable of doing his Adjust operating software depending on the detected components and dependent to provide corresponding functionalities. The system follows this so-called "plug and play" concept, so that the user only the components in plug in the copier, but the configuration of the copier automatically he follows. The individual modules have a description of their abilities and Functions that can be transferred to the central CPU of the copier. This allows the CPU after plugging the individual modules into the copier recognize which components have been added or removed.

While in the EP 1 147 893 A2 on the configuration and commissioning of a nothing is predicated on a modular sheet-fed rotary printing press, it keeps track of that Modular copying machine according to EP 0 747 790 B1 a central approach. The Recognition of the individual modules takes place in the copier alone on the central Computer (CPU), while the individual modules do not communicate with each other can. The copier is therefore only modular in the sense of additionally insertable To name components. The actual copier with its duplicating unit and The central control computer (CPU) is not changeable, only attachments are supplemented. However, such a central approach is found in the configuration of Modular sheet-fed rotary printing presses as insufficient, since there is no central immutable unity, because in principle every printing unit or any other modular unit occupy any position in the machine.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, modules for a Sheet-fed rotary printing machine to create, which is an automatic startup and Configuration of a sheet-fed rotary printing press consisting of such modules allow.

The object is achieved by claim 1. Further advantageous Embodiments of the invention are the dependent claims and the drawings remove.

Compared to the prior art, the modules according to the invention are distinguished by a readable and writable storage unit from, which also with a Communication device is connected. The communication device serves to exchange data with a higher-level machine control, or with others Modules to make a direct exchange of information. Thanks to the storage unit and the communication device can thus each module according to its position in the sheet-fed rotary printing press can be configured accordingly, also the Both units also take over the control of the individual printing unit module. you can thereby arbitrarily extend or shorten a sheet-fed rotary printing press, in the simply new modules docked on existing modules or in between be switched or removed. The modules currently available can be transferred via exchange the communication device about their capabilities or depending on the Position of the individual module make the appropriate settings in the module, to obtain a functional sheet-fed rotary printing press.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Communication device is suitable for the configuration of the machine with other modules to exchange data. The communication device in the individual Modules are not just used in the operation of the press to control the individual Modules necessary, but especially advantageous when it comes to commissioning and Configuration of the machine goes. In this case, the communication device to do so be used directly to transfer data to other modules for commissioning and also to receive, so that the machine consisting of several modules can automatically configure. In particular, the positions of the individual can Print engine modules are communicated accordingly, bringing a manual input The individual printing unit positions can be omitted by service personnel. Furthermore The modules can communicate with each other independently of a higher-level controller during the normal printing operation, so the exact angle To ensure synchronization of the individual printing modules.

It is further provided that the module at least one standardized Transport interface has. To make several modules functional Sheet-fed rotary printing press or other sheet-processing machine such as e.g. Being able to put together a modular folding machine, it is required that a trouble-free transfer of the sheets to be processed by a Module to the next module is possible. So that the modules can be used flexibly, must this transfer of single sheet to an adjacent module easily be possible. This is a standardized transport interface, which z. B. from a Bow transfer cylinder may exist, the gripper for receiving sheets so are arranged that when connecting to an adjacent module no collision with whose grippers can occur during the sheet transfer. Of course, also the Format widths of the cylinders of adjacent modules match. This standardized Of course, handover concerns not only print engine modules, but also investors, interpreters, Lackwerke, dryers and further processing modules, which just the same have standardized transport interface. These modules can thus be used in any Sequence can be built one behind the other and over the existing standardized Transport interface transferred arcuate substrates to adjacent modules. The Transport interface can be both for sheet recording and sheet transfer serve, but it can also be two separate interfaces for sheet recording and Bow transfer be present. These transport interfaces are preferably as Sheet transfer drums formed, which form the bow of a printing module receive and hand over to another module. It can also be more than two Transport interfaces per module be present, so that on a module more than two Modules can be docked to e.g. to be able to produce a Y configuration. This configuration uses two interfaces on the module to bow taken, which issued via a third interface to another module become.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the module has at least one interface to the Having power supply. Preferably, this interface is standardized, so that the power supply between different modules easily accomplished can be. If the power supply is electrical, then each module has electrical connectors, via which the individual modules connected to each other can be. The electrical connection can be via an electrical line be produced, which connects the individual modules, or the Connectors on the modules are constructed so that the modules directly into each other can be plugged. But also a contactless power transmission between individual modules is easily possible, since the modules completely or at least with stand very close together. A non-contact power supply is inductively or capacitively realized.

Advantageously, it is provided that the module has its own drive motor. This drive motor can be an electric motor, but it can also be hydraulic or pneumatic drive units are used. If the module has its own Drive motor has, so the module requires only connections to the power supply and to control the module. The individual modules do not have to over Drive clutches are interconnected to z. B. a closed Gear train as in conventional sheet-fed printing machines between the individual Manufacture printing module. By its own drive motor in each module has a sheet-fed rotary printing machine composed of these modules automatically via individual drives. This provides maximum flexibility in the Assembling the modules given. Because the sheet-shaped substrates through the Modules existing machine must be transported in register, can by means of the own drive motors also any register deviations are corrected, if the motors are controlled accordingly. In addition, the drive motors used to facilitate the commissioning of the modular machine, in the drive motors drive the respective module in such a position that the Machine is ready to register accurate pressure immediately.

Additionally or alternatively to the embodiment with its own drive motor can be provided that the module has at least one drive interface. Under a drive interface is hereinafter understood to mean a device via which Drive torques between individual modules can be transmitted. In this manner And way, it is possible to modules also with each other mechanically on the drive side synchronize. In addition, modules can be used which are not have their own drive motors and instead of neighboring modules with are driven. It is even conceivable that in a modular design Machine only a module with its own drive motor must be present, which then drives all other modules without their own drive motor via drive interfaces.

Advantageously, it is provided that the drive interface with a clutch provided shaft end is. Modules which have a drive interface, can thus be mechanically interconnected by means of a clutch, wherein instead a purely positive coupling and a non-positive, e.g. a electromagnetic clutch is used. It is particularly advantageous if the Clutch works automatically, d. H. as soon as a module connects to another module with a Drive interface is docked, close the clutches. Another Possibility is that the clutches close only when the machine is configured. This is controlled by electric, hydraulic or pneumatic Couplings via the control unit in the module possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an automatic Detection and configuration function is present. Once the individual modules can exchange data via their communication device automatically run a recognition and configuration program, which the individual modules to each other and according to the respective position in assigns appropriate functions to the machine. In addition, such a recognition and configuration program, of course, at the behest of the Service staff can be started by pressing a button. In any case, that must be Service personnel do not make the configuration independently, because this work is removed from the modular machine. After the implementation of the automatic recognition and configuration program is then the machine for Operation released.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the module has a connection for connection to a Data bus system has. As a data bus comes z. B. a CAN bus in question, via which the individual modules can communicate with each other. The CAN bus can then too Serve as a control bus, via which between the individual modules and a higher-level master computer speed or angle setpoints for the drives of the individual Modules can be specified. By means of the bus system can also be the exact System time can be transferred to the synchronization of each module ensure each other. At the same time, data can be transmitted via the data bus system be exchanged between adjacent printing units to actual value differences to balance between them or to minimize vibrations. neighboring Printing units can thus deviations separately from a parent Machine control including the current actual values of the neighboring module compensate.

Advantageously, it is also provided that the module is a connection for transport of paint or dampening solution. Especially when dampening solution, which in all Inking of the individual modules is needed, it makes sense a centralized supply to enable all modules. For this purpose, the individual modules Line connections through which the dampening solution passes from one printing unit to the next can be transported. So it is sufficient if a printing module to a Dampening solution supply is connected because of this Druckwerksmodul from the Dampening solution can be transported to the other printing units.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Module has a wireless transmitting and receiving unit. If the individual modules equipped with wireless transmitter and receiver units, the galvanic Links to data transfer to a minimum z. B. in security relevant Areas are reduced or they can be eliminated altogether. The data will be then between the individual modules only wirelessly transmitted, so that a complex Wiring the individual printing units with each other is unnecessary. The wireless Transmitting and receiving unit can be executed in a variety of techniques which can also be combined with each other. One way is z. B. in it, all modules with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology equip, so one enable wireless communication of the modules with each other. Also every other kind of radio data transmission is suitable in principle if it meets the requirements of a sufficiently high data transfer rate is sufficient. If over the wireless connection too time-critical commands for controlling the modules, e.g. synchronization commands be transmitted, then the radio must also the requirements regarding Fulfill real-time transmission. In this case, the transmitting and receiving unit and a Satellite Navigation Device (GPS). As a modification of this solution can only a satellite navigation device will be present if on a conventional wiring is used. The satellite navigation device is used to determine the position of the individual modules, so the configuration of the entire machine through the enable higher-level machine control.

In addition, it is provided that the module is connected to a pneumatic or Hydraulic system has. In addition to the possibility of each module with electric drives To provide also pneumatic or hydraulic drives can be used. There usually some actuators on printing unit modules, e.g. during printing plate change, must be pneumatically actuated, these actuators must be supplied with compressed air. To For this purpose, the modules have connections for a pneumatic or hydraulic system to provide compressed air or hydraulic oil to the individual modules can. This makes it possible to supply several modules from a single source where not every module can have its own pneumatic or Hydraulic pressure generation system needed.

It is also of great advantage that the module at least one has a secure connection for a communication line. With the Operation and during configuration no errors due to incorrect wiring of Control lines, it makes sense, at least the connections for the Communication lines with non-interchangeable e.g. differently shaped To provide connections. This is the connection between the individual modules protected against incorrect wiring, since every connection to a module only with the matching connection can be connected to another module. For the Service personnel, the construction of a press of several modules is facilitated, if the electrical connections are carried out interchangeable, because then Misconnections between the individual modules can be prevented. A Damage to the machine due to incorrect wiring is thus excluded.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to several figures and explained.

Fig. 1: eine aus drei Modulen aufgebaute Druckmaschine,

Fig. 2: einen Schaltplan einer modularen Druckmaschine und

Fig. 3: ein Verfahren zur Konfiguration einer modularen Druckmaschine.

Show it:

1: a constructed from three modules printing press,

Fig. 2: a circuit diagram of a modular printing machine and

3 shows a method for configuring a modular printing machine.

In Fig. 1, a modular printing machine 1 is shown, which consists of three Printing 2, the modules consists. The modules 2 shown in Fig. 1 are in this Case constructed similar, but this is not essential. The important thing is that the modules 2 have inter-compatible interfaces. Each modular Printing unit 2 has an inking unit 3, which each have a plate cylinder 6 with Pressurized ink. The plate cylinder 6 is connected to a blanket cylinder 5 in Operative connection, which one resting on a transport cylinder 4 printed sheet-shaped substrate. Thus, each printing unit 2 is a self-sufficient module, which, if necessary, also function as a single monochrome printing press 1 would. Furthermore, the modules 2 each have an electric drive motor 7, which either all cylinders and other rotating components of a module. 2 drives or is supported by electrical auxiliary equipment. These auxiliary engines can z. B. drive the inking unit 3 separately. Finally, the printing units 2 in Fig. 1 a number of terminals 8, via which the printing units 2, e.g. With electrical energy can be supplied. Furthermore, connection options for supplying compressed air from a pneumatic system or from hydraulic oil Hydraulic system may be present, which pneumatic or hydraulic actuators in supply the printing units 2. Each print engine module 2 also has a Printing computer 11, which all electric drives 7 of the respective Print engine 2 controls. The printing engine computer 11 is also to the druckwerksinteme Bus and supply system 9 connected so that it with adjacent printing units 2 or a higher-level control computer can communicate. The connections 8 have corresponding data interfaces, with which the various Printing units 2 can be coupled to each other via the bus system 9.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, there is also one in each printing unit 2 Transmitting and receiving unit 16 present, which to the printing computer 11th is connected. This transmitting and receiving unit 16 operates wirelessly and also serves for networking the individual modules 2 with each other and with higher-level computers. In this case, it makes sense that in the transmitting and receiving unit 16 also a Satellite navigation receiver (GPS) is integrated to the position of each 2 and thus to be able to determine the order of the individual printing units 2. The location information with respect to the individual modules 2, in particular in the automatic configuration and commissioning of machine 1. Alternatively, the differences in the transit times of the signals over the wireless Wireless connection between the individual modules 2 used for position detection be, since depending on the distance between the modules 2 a different running time available is. By means of logical linking of the transit times determined between the modules 2, can then be based on the overall configuration of the modules 2 Printing press 1 are closed.

About the bus and supply system 9, the individual printing units 2 their Speed or angle setpoints, or there are control commands over the Bus system 9 transmitted, which in the printing computer computers 11 of the respective modules 2 in corresponding setpoints are converted. Furthermore, the bus system 9 contains a separate line, by means of which the exact system time (clock) to the individual modules. 2 is transmitted. By means of this system time, the synchronization of the movement of the electric drives 7 all modules 2 allows for a virtual master axis, what the Avoidance of vibrations in long machines 1 with many z. B. 16 modules 2 leads. About the bus system 9, the individual printing units also with each other data exchange, for. B. angle differences between adjacent printing units separately from to be able to control other commands. Furthermore, at least in critical Modules 2 integrated in the bus system 9 so-called security channels, which is an error Reliable detection on these channels. Safety channels transmit data parallel on at least two channels, so that the transmitted data on deviations can be checked. If such an error occurs, the affected module becomes 2 either from his own printing computer 11 or the parent host 10 controlled in a safe state such. shut down. In addition, a can Alarm be triggered.

2 shows a circuit diagram in the overview of a modular printing machine 1, which consists of four modules 2. Thus, the circuit diagram in Fig. 2 shows four Printing computer 11, which each other by means of a bus and supply system. 9 and the terminals 8 are connected via data lines 12. These data lines 12 between the print engine computers are optional. Must be present In contrast, the data lines 13 between the printing engine computer 11 and a parent control computer 10. Because the tail computer 10 coordinates over the Bus system 9, the movement of the individual modules 2. The print engine computer 11 control while the individual drive motors 7 by means of an associated input and output unit 15. In addition to the drive motors 7 shown in Fig. 2, other components can 14 are controlled by the print engine computers 11. These further components 14 are z. As auxiliary drives for the inking unit 3, actuators for opening the gripper on the Transport cylinder 4, washing systems on the cylinders or other adjusting members. Of the Central control computer 10 can be accommodated in a separate control station, he but can also be permanently installed on a specific module 2 or interchangeable be implemented pluggable, so that you can put it on any module 2. Of the Host computer 10 is responsible for the overall states of machine 1, i. H. he starts the Machine 1, he initiates the printing operations, he controls the printing speed and sets the machine 1 stops in an emergency stop. The exact regulation of moving parts in However, the individual modules 2 happens locally in the printing computer computers 11.

When a printing machine 1 is to be put into operation, the host computer 10 asks First, the individual modules 2 from. The stored in the printing computer 11 data About the properties of the associated module 2 are doing to the host computer 10th so that it can determine the configuration of the printing press 1. Such Data include z. For example, the type and properties of the modules 2. By querying the Data, the host computer 10 calculates the overall configuration and provides e.g. the number of Printing units / modules 2 fixed. This can be very different. So can the Printing press 1 on a day according to FIG. 1 consist of three printing units 2 and on next day from four printing units 2 as in Fig. 2. Since the printing press 1 at start each determines the current configuration, the printing press 1 operates on the one Day automatically as a three-color machine and the other day as a four-color machine. In addition to the mentioned in Figures 1 and 2 printing units 2, the modules 2 can also Feeder, boom, coating units, dryer modules or post-processing units such as Punching, etc. Certain printing units 2 can also be designed differently than Other printing 2, so z. B. a printing unit with a DI imaging unit (Plattenbebilderung in the printing unit) be equipped. The case for the illustration necessary data can then be transmitted via the bus system 9, if this as High-speed bus system is designed. This high-speed bus system allows the Digital data from the prepress stage directly to the DI imaging unit in the Printing unit 2 are transmitted.

In Fig. 3, the configuration process in the commissioning of a modular Printing machine 1 shown in three modules 2 with three printing unit computer 11, which are placed in series one behind the other. Furthermore, e.g. through the exchange-proof Ensure connections in connection with correspondingly short electrical lines, that the modules are correctly connected to each other and in particular no modules the wiring can be skipped. When numbering process is on each printing computer 11 a binary number compared to the input at the output order 1 increased. In this way, the printing units 2 are consecutive consecutively numbered so that they can be uniquely identified by the host computer 10 and the host computer 10, the position of the respective printing unit 2 is known.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

press

2

printing unit

3

inking

4

transport cylinder

5

Blanket cylinder

6

plate cylinder

7

drive motor

8th

connections

9

Bus and supply system

10

master computer

11

Printing calculator

12

Data line between print engine computer

13

Data line between printing unit computer and host computer

14

Additional component

15

Input / output unit

16

Transmit / receive unit

Claims (16)

Module (2) for a machine (1) for processing sheet-shaped substrates with interfaces (8, 16) for control communication, with a readable and writable memory unit (11) containing the characteristics of the module (2), and a communication device (9, 16), which for communication with further modules (2) and / or a superordinate control (10) of the machine (1) serves and is in operative connection with the storage unit (11). Module (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the communication device (9, 16) is suitable for exchanging data for configuring the machine (1) with further modules (2). Module (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the module (2) has at least one standardized transport interface (8). Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) has at least one interface (8) for the power supply. Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) has its own drive motor (7). Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) has at least one drive interface (8). Module (2) according to claim 6,
characterized in that the drive interface (8) is a shaft end provided with a coupling. Module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that an automatic recognition and configuration function is provided. Module (2) according to one of claims 4 to 8,
characterized in that are attached as power interface (8) on the module power sockets. Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) has a connection (8) for connection to a data bus system (9). Module (2) according to any preceding claim,
characterized in that the module (2) has a connection (8) for transporting paint or fountain solution. Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) comprises a wireless transmitting and receiving unit (16). Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) comprises a satellite navigation unit (16). Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) has a connection (8) to a pneumatic or hydraulic system. Module (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the module (2) has at least one non-interchangeable connection (8) for a communication line (9). Printing machine (1) with at least two modules (2) according to one of the preceding Claims.

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