EP1721742B1 - Embossing calender - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a stamping calender according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an embossing calender is from a publication entitled " Embossing and finishing with sleeve systems "in the journal Deutscher Drucker, No. 33 of 14 October 2004, pages 26 and 27 and from DE 101 02 269 A1 known. The embossing calender has two processing rollers arranged one above the other on a holder, each of which has a conical carrier roller which has a conical steel core which is coated on its lateral surface with an elastomer layer. On the support roller, a respective embossing sleeve is arranged, which has a matching to the support roller conical inner peripheral surface and a cylindrical, an embossing profile having outer peripheral surface. The embossing sleeves are frictionally fixed on the support roller. The holder has two plate-shaped, approximately at right angles to the axes of rotation of the processing rollers arranged holding parts, which are arranged at a fixed distance from each other and are interconnected by connecting elements. Between the holding parts, the processing rollers are arranged. On both sides of the processing roller pivot bearing parts are provided on the holding parts, on which the processing rollers are rotatably mounted. The pivot bearing parts are used in Wandungsdurchbrüche the holding parts. Each processing roller is driven by its own drive motor, which is controlled by a machine control. The drive motors are arranged on one of the two holding parts laterally next to the processing rollers and are synchronized via rotary encoders. The pivot bearing parts provided on the opposite other holding part are screwed to the holding part and can be disassembled from it for exchanging the stamping sleeves. The pivot bearing parts are removed from the ends of the processing rollers. The measures provided in the holding part Wandungsdurchbrüche are dimensioned such that the embossing sleeves can be withdrawn after disassembly of the pivot bearing parts by means of a puller through the Wandungsdurchbrüche axially from the Trögerwolzen and replaced by appropriate exchange stamped sleeves. Thereafter, the pivot bearing parts are mounted again on the holding part.

The embossing calender known from a publication entitled Embossing and finishing with sleeve systems is further equipped with a measuring device with the aid of which the position of markings affixed to the surface of the embossing sleeves relative to the holder is measured. The markings are engraved in the production of the embossing sleeves together with the embossing profiling in the surface of the embossing sleeves. After the embossing sleeves have been changed, a machine control of the embossing calender is switched to a reference mode. The measuring device detects the position of the markings and transmits them to the machine control, which automatically adjusts the radial and axial position of the stamped sleeves for the start of production by means of corresponding servo motors. However, it is disadvantageous that measurement inaccuracies can occur during the measurement, which can lead to the axial and / or radial position of the stamped sleeves deviating from a desired position to be set. This can lead to inaccuracies when embossing the material web. Another disadvantage is that for changing the embossing sleeves, the pivot bearing parts must be removed from the holder. The replacement of the embossing sleeves is therefore associated with a relatively large amount of time and effort. This is especially unfavorable because the embossing calender is usually arranged together with a number of other work stations in a production line, which must be shut down to replace the embossing sleeves.

Out WO 99/29509 A1 Furthermore, a pressure roller for flexographic or gravure printing is known, which is rotatably mounted on a holder about an axis of rotation. The pressure roller has a carrier roller, which is arranged on a holder and is rotatably mounted by means of bearings about a rotation axis relative to the holder. On the support roller, a pressure sleeve is releasably fixed by means of negative pressure. After removal of the negative pressure, the pressure sleeve can be withdrawn in the axial direction of the support roller and replaced by a corresponding spare part. One of the bearings is removable for this purpose from the operating position.

It is therefore an object to provide a stamping calender of the type mentioned, which allows a simple and quick replacement of at least one Pröhülse

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1

In an advantageous manner, the at least one embossing sleeve can thereby be exchanged without disassembling a rotary bearing part by pulling off the relevant holding part together with the rotary bearing parts arranged thereon from the ends of the machining rollers and then swiveling it to the side. The processing rollers are still kept in position by the other holding part. Thereafter, the at least one embossing sleeve can be axially withdrawn from the support roller and a corresponding replacement embossing sleeve can be attached to the support roller. Then, the holding part is pivoted again in front of the end faces of the processing rollers and pushed together with the rotary bearing parts axially on the ends of the processing rollers. The carrier part located in the working or production position can be easily removed from the ends of the processing rollers with the aid of the sliding guide and brought into the service position. The pivot axis preferably extends in the vertical direction and is arranged laterally on the support part, so that it can be pivoted in the service position similar to a door between the closed and the open position. After replacing the at least one embossing sleeve, the support member is pivoted back into the closed position and pushed by means of the sliding guide with the rotary bearing parts on the ends of the processing rollers.

It is advantageous if at least two of the processing rollers each have a carrier roller and an embossing sleeve detachably connected to the carrier roller, if the one embossing sleeve has a positive mold on its outer circumferential surface and the other embossing sleeve has on its outer lateral surface a negative mold which fits the positive mold and cooperates therewith has, if in each case a drive motor is provided for each support roller, which is preferably arranged in each case on the side facing away from the second pivot bearing part opposite side of the processing rollers. The drive motors are preferably connected directly to their respective associated processing roller and arranged in a straight extension laterally next to the respective processing roller. The drive motors can be positioned independently by means of a corresponding machine control to adjust the rotational position of the embossing sleeves.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the embossing calender has an adjusting device for adjusting the axial spacing of the machining rollers,
wherein the adjusting device on the second pivot bearing part has at least one linear guide on which a carriage is mounted transversely to the axes of rotation displaceable, with the linear guide a first Drehlagertell for a first Bearbeltungswalze and the carriage a second pivot bearing part for a second processing roller is connected, and wherein the carriage is in driving connection with a preferably arranged on the second pivot bearing part servomotor. On the carrier part, which is arranged on the side facing away from the pivot bearing of the processing rollers, then a further linear guide may be provided which is adjustable synchronously with the aid of a second servo motor to the first mentioned linear guide. With the help of the servomotors, the gap width of the embossing gap formed between the processing rollers can be changed and the center distance of the axes of rotation can be adapted to embossing sleeves with different outside diameters.

Conveniently, at least one processing roller is arranged displaceably in the axial direction on the holder, wherein an actuator is provided for adjusting the axial position, and wherein the actuator is arranged on the holding part, which faces away from the second pivot bearing part opposite Side of the processing rollers is provided. The embossing sleeves can then be moved relative to one another in the axial direction in a simple manner in order to position in the embossing gap the positive shape of one embossing sleeve in a predetermined position on the negative mold of the other provisional sleeve.

It is advantageous if the second pivot bearing part is frame-shaped, when the carriage between opposing frame parts of the second pivot bearing part is arranged, and if the linear guide preferably on the mutually facing inner sides of the frame parts guide tracks, between which the carriage is slidably mounted. The pivotable second pivot bearing part then has a compact and rigid construction

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support roller has an outer circumferential wall which is radially adjustable relative to the axis of rotation and has a pressure chamber located behind it, wherein the outer circumferential wall can be pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the embossing sleeve by the pressure chamber being pressurized on the carrier roller by fixing the pressure sleeve. The Prögehülse can be fixed in a simple manner in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction on the support roller. The outer peripheral wall is preferably made of a material elastically deformable by the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber. The outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral surface of the embossing sleeve are preferably cylindrical, wherein the outer diameter of the support roller is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the embossing sleeve when the internal pressure of the pressure chamber coincides with the ambient pressure. The embossing sleeve can then be withdrawn manually in a pressure-free pressure chamber without the use of a tool from the support roller and pushed onto it.

In an expedient embodiment of the invention, the pressure chamber is filled with a hydraulic fluid, wherein an adjustable displacement element for the hydraulic fluid is adjacent to the pressure chamber, and wherein an actuating point for the displacement element is provided on one end face of the carrier roller. In this case, the displacement element may be a displaceable in a cylindrical portion of the pressure chamber hydraulic piston. The actuating point is preferably arranged on the end face of the processing roller, which faces in the closed position of the pivot bearing, so that the actuating point is easily accessible when in the open position located pivot bearing.

In a cost-effective embodiment of the invention, the displacement element for generating a hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber by means of a directly or indirectly screwed with the support roller self-locking threaded spindle into and out of the pressure chamber is movable.

It is advantageous if the actuation point cooperates with an abutment point facing it, provided on the second pivot bearing part, that the Verdröngungselement is displaced at least partially in the pressure chamber in befindlichem in working position sliding guide and in the closed position located pivot bearing through the abutment point from a rest position. The displacement element is thus actuated by the displacement of the carrier between the service position and the working position, which allows an even easier and faster change of the embossing sleeve (s).

It is particularly advantageous if the abutment point (s) is provided on at least one pressure transducer arranged on the second pivot bearing part, which in the closed position of the pivot bearing parts is preferably hydraulically connected to the displacement element and can be moved away from it. While the holding parts are moved from the service to the working position, the pressure transmitter can be depressurized, so that the holding parts can be easily adjusted. After the holding parts have been positioned in the working position and locked against each other, the at least one pressure transducer for fixing the stamped sleeves on the support rollers can be pressurized. As a pressure transducer hydraulic working piston are preferably provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the embossing calender has a measuring, display and / or monitoring device for the hydraulic pressure, with which the pressure transducer is acted upon. It is even possible, the hydraulic pressure of the pressure transducer and thus indirectly also the hydraulic pressure in the pressure chambers of the support rollers during embossing online too monitor and compare with a predetermined setpoint range. If the measured pressure is outside the setpoint range, production can be stopped or production stopped.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a reference stop on the support roller and on the embossing sleeve a matching counter-stop is provided with which the embossing sleeve is positioned against the reference stop so that they are arranged in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction in a predetermined position relative to the support roller is. After replacing the embossing sleeve so the new embossing sleeve is arranged in a precisely defined position on the support roller, so that the embossing rollers can be adjusted in a simple manner.

It is advantageous if the holder is mounted displaceably on a base part and can be positioned by means of at least one positioning drive parallel and / or transversely to the axes of rotation of the processing rollers relative to the base part. The processing rollers can then be displaced in total relative to the material web in order to position the pattern to be impressed into the material web relative to the material web and in particular to a printing applied thereto.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one embossing sleeve on a machine-readable coding, in which at least one of the embossing sleeve associated characteristic is stored, wherein on the holder a reading device for reading the characteristic (s) is arranged, and wherein the reading device with a Machine control is connected to the positioning of the axes of rotation relative to the holder and / or adjusting the rotational position of the embossing sleeves in dependence on the at least one characteristic with at least one drive motor, the servo motor, the actuator and / or the positioning drive is in control connection. With the help of the machine control system, the position of the axes of rotation (angular position and axial position of the test sleeves, distance of the axes of rotation or gap width of the embossing gap) can then be automatically adapted to the new embossing sleeve (s) after a change of one or both embossing sleeves. The changeover time can be reduced even further, so that the embossing calender and the production line into which the the embossing calender is installed, can be used better for the production. The machine-readable coding may in particular include information about the diameter and the geometry of the surface profiling of the embossing sleeve and / or other machine parameters to be set in the embossing sleeve. The parameters stored in the machine-readable coding can be determined with great precision during the production of the test tube. Since the embossing sleeve is arranged after mounting on the support roller due to the reference stop in a precisely defined axial and rotational position on the support roller, eliminates a complex measurement of the position of the embossing sleeve. Thus, measuring errors which can lead to a mispositioning of the embossing sleeve are avoided from the outset on the embossing calender. With the help of machine-readable coding, therefore, the machine consisting of the holder, the support rollers, the drive motors and the machine control can be adapted in a simple manner to different stamped sleeves. In this case, it is possible, in particular, to temporarily mount another set of embossing sleeves on the machine, for example for producing another embossing pattern, and to automatically change the machine parameters (eg embossing gap, axial position). Then, if necessary, the original embossing sleeves can be mounted again,
whereby the machine parameters adjust again exactly to the original values. The machine therefore allows for easy adaptation to different, repetitive production orders during production. The machine-readable coding may comprise an optical bar code and / or a sequence of magnetic poles arranged in a magnetizable layer.

It is advantageous if the machine-readable coding is stored in a data memory connected to a transmitting and / or receiving element, and if the arrangement formed at least from the transmitting and / or receiving element and the data memory is preferably embedded in the lateral surface of the embossing sleeve, in particular a location that is not in embossing engagement with the web. In this case, the arrangement formed from the data memory and the transmitting and / or receiving element can have very compact dimensions. With the help of the transmitting and / or receiving element, the parameters for the embossing sleeve can be read without contact from the data memory and optionally programmed into this. For this purpose, the reading device may have a transmitting and / or receiving device, which with the transmitting and / or receiving element of the embossing sleeve cooperates to form a wireless transmission path. If appropriate, it is even possible to store additional information in the data memory which allows the machine control system to carry out a plausibility check of the parameters read from the data memory. As data storage, a non-volatile data memory is preferably provided, for example an EEPROM. In the embossing sleeve, a battery can also be integrated as a power supply for the data memory and the transmitting and / or receiving element.

In an expedient embodiment of the invention, the embossing calender has a device for detecting the operating time of the at least one embossing sleeve, wherein in the data memory at least one of the operating duration of the embossing sleeve dependent characteristic is stored, and wherein the means for detecting the operating time for changing the characteristic in Dependence of the detected operating time is connected to a writing device for the data memory. Advantageously, this makes it possible to store in the embossing sleeve their total operating time, even if the embossing sleeve is installed in several embossing calenders. In the machine control, the stored operating time characteristic value can then be compared with a limit value assigned to the wear limit of the embossing sleeve in order to cause the embossing sleeve to be replaced when the intended maximum operating time is exceeded.
The machine controller may have an operating duration indicator.

It is advantageous if the at least one embossing sleeve has a device connected to the data memory and the transmitting and / or receiving element for generating electrical energy from a rotational movement of the embossing sleeve and / or an electromagnetic field to which the embossing sleeve is exposed. The electrical energy required for operating the data memory and the transmitting and / or receiving element is thereby generated in the embossing sleeve, so that a complex power supply via sliding contacts provided on the embossing sleeve or replacement of a battery provided as a power supply can be dispensed with. The device for generating the electrical energy may have an inductance, such as, for example, a receiver coil, which is preferably printed on a printed circuit board or printed circuit foil and which is arranged in a variable magnetic field is that is generated at the holder by means of a transmitting coil. The transmitting and / or receiving element can operate on the principle of RFID technology (Radio Frequency IDentification).

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht auf die Vorderseite einer einen Prägekalander aufweisenden Prägestation, wobei eine erste Prägehülse des Prägekalanders auf einer Trägerwalze montiert und eine zweite Prägehülse in Vormontage-Stellung angeordnet ist,

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht auf die Rückseite der Prägestation,

Fig. 3

einen Teillängsschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Trägerwalze,

Fig.4

einen Teillängsschnitt durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Trägerwalze,

Fig. 5

einen Teillängsschnitt durch eine Prägehülse, in die ein Transponder eingebaut ist,

Fig. 6

ein Blockdiagramm einer Einrichtung zur berührungslosen Übertragung von Daten zwischen einer Maschinensteuerung und einem in eine Prägehülse integrierten Datenspeicher.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a view of the front of a embossing calender embossing station, wherein a first embossing sleeve of the embossing calender mounted on a support roller and a second embossing sleeve is arranged in pre-assembly position,

Fig. 2

a view of the back of the embossing station,

Fig. 3

a partial longitudinal section through a first embodiment of a support roller,

Figure 4

a partial longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a support roller,

Fig. 5

a partial longitudinal section through an embossing sleeve, in which a transponder is installed,

Fig. 6

a block diagram of a device for non-contact transmission of data between a machine controller and a built-in a embossing sleeve data memory.

An embossing station has an in Fig. 1 and 2 as a whole designated 1 embossing calender for embossing a sheet-like material web, such as a paper web or a plastic film. The embossing calender has two processing rollers 2a, 2b, which are rotatably mounted on a holder 4 about mutually parallel axes of rotation 3. Each of the processing rollers 2a, 2b has a carrier roller 5a, 5b and a stamping sleeve 6a, 6b arranged thereon. The embossing sleeves 6a, 6b are provided with profilings which are engraved in the outer circumferential surfaces of the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b and not shown in detail in the drawing are. The profiling of one embossing sleeve 6a, 6b is a positive shape of a pattern to be impressed into the material web, and the profiling of the other embossing sleeve 6b, 6a is a negative mold that fits the positive shape. Between the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b, an embossing gap is formed, in which the pattern is transferred to the material web.

The embossing sleeves 6a, 6b are detachably connectable to the support rollers 5a, 5b and can be pulled off the support rollers 5a, 5b in the axial direction and can be pushed onto them. In Fig. 1 a first embossing sleeve 6a is mounted on a first support roller 5a and a second embossing sleeve 6b is arranged in a pre-assembly position in a straight extension of a second support roller 5b assigned to it, onto which the second embossing sleeve 6b can be axially pushed.

The holder 4 has on both sides of the processing rollers 2a, 2b holding parts 7, 8, on which pivot bearing parts 9a, 9b for the processing rollers 2a, 2b are arranged. The pivot bearing parts 9a, 9b have rolling bearings, which have an outer and an inner bearing ring. The inner bearing ring is arranged in the position of use in each case on a bearing journal 10, which is provided on the support roller 5a, 5b.

A first holding part 7 is fixedly connected to a bottom part 11, which is arranged approximately horizontally with its main extension plane and extends transversely to the first holding part 7. The bottom part 11 rests on a plate-shaped base part 12, which is attached to a foundation, such as a base. anchored to the floor of a factory building.

A second holding part 8 is arranged on the opposite side of the first holding part 7, 5a, 5b and also extends transversely to the main extension plane of the bottom part 11. Between the second holding part 8 and the bottom part 11, a sliding guide is arranged, via which the second holding part 8 is slidably mounted parallel to the axes of rotation 3 between a working position and a service position relative to the first holding part 7. In the working position, the pivot bearing parts 9a, 9b attached to the inner and outer roller bearing rings arranged thereon on the bearing pin 12 of the support rollers and in the in Fig. 2 shown service position deducted from these. The sliding guide has a plurality of laterally disposed on the second support part, laterally spaced pillars 13, on each of which a connected to the bottom part 11 slide member is slidably mounted.

The second holding part 8 has a pivot bearing, the two about an approximately vertical direction and laterally spaced from the support rollers 6a, 5b pivot axis from a closed position into an in Fig. 1 shown open position relative to each other pivotable pivot bearing parts 14, 15 has. A first, frame-shaped pivot bearing part 14 is connected to the sliding guide and a second pivot bearing part 15, which has approximately the shape of a door or flap, serves for fastening the rotary bearing shaft 9a, 9b.

With the help of a locking device, the sliding guide in the working position and the pivot bearing in the closed position can be locked. The locking device has on the first pivot bearing part 14 several on the second pivot bearing part 15 and away from this wegverschiebbar mounted latch 16 which engage in the locking position in each case in an associated opening 17 of the second pivot bearing 15. The latch 16 are connected together by a handle.

In Fig. 3 and 4 It can be seen that the support rollers 5a, 5b each have a hollow cylindrical metallic core 18, which is covered with a cylindrical, consisting of an elastic material outer peripheral wall 19. Between the core 18 and the outer peripheral wall 19, a pressure chamber 20 is arranged, which is filled with a hydraulic fluid. Adjoining the pressure chamber 20 is a displacement element 21, which is designed as a reciprocating piston, which is displaceably mounted in a provided in the bearing pin 10 cylindrical bore in the pressure chamber 20.

At an in Fig. 3 shown first embodiment, the displacement element 21 is in driving connection with a self-locking threaded spindle 22, the spindle nut 23 is supported against the bearing pin 10. The threaded spindle 22 has at its free end serving as an actuating point 24 tool approach, which is arranged in an opening of the journal 10, which is accessible for adjusting the threaded spindle 22 from the end face of the support roller 5a, 5b ago. At the opposite other end of the threaded spindle 22 an abutment point is provided, which comes to the displacement element 21 to the plant.

To replace the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b, the locking position is first unlocked, then the second pivot bearing part 15, together with the two arranged thereon pivot bearing parts 9a, 9b using the sliding guide of, the bearing pin 10 of the support rollers 5a, 5b deducted. In this case, the pivot bearing parts 9a, 9b remain on the second pivot bearing part 15. Thereafter, the second pivot bearing part 15 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position to the side, so that the end faces of the support rollers 5a, 5b are freely accessible. The carrier rollers 5a, 5b are then still held by the first Nelltell 7. Then, the threaded spindles 22 are unscrewed slightly out of the trunnions 10, in order subsequently to axially pull the preboats 5a, 5b away from the support rollers 5a, 5b and to mount corresponding replacement embossing sleeves 6a, 6b on the support rollers 5a, 5b.

At an in Fig. 4 shown second embodiment, the abutment point is arranged on a arranged on the second pivot bearing part 15 pressure transducer 40, which is designed as a hydraulic working piston which is displaceable in an inlet and outlet ports 41 for a hydraulic fluid having working cylinder 42. The pressure transmitter 40 is in the closed position of the pivot bearing parts on the side facing away from the pressure chamber 20 front side of the displacement element 21 and is wegverschiebbar of this. Between the pressure transducer 40 and the displacement element 21, a pivot bearing 43 is provided, via which the displacement element 21 is supported against the pressure transducer 40. The pivot bearing 43 has a rolling bearing.

The outer peripheral wall 19 is adjustable in the radial direction by pressurizing the pressure chamber 20 and can be pressed against the cylindrical inner lateral surface of the embossing sleeve 5a, 5b. As a result, the embossing sleeve 6a, 6b can be fixed in a simple manner on the support roller 5a, 5b in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction.

To replace the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b, the pressure transmitter 40 is first depressurized and then the locking position unlocked. Then it will be the second pivot bearing part 15 with the aid of the sliding guide of the bearing pin 10 of the support rollers 5a, 5b deducted. Thereafter, the second pivot bearing part 15 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position to the side, so that the end faces of the support rollers 5a, 5b are freely accessible. Then the embossing sleeves 5a, 5b are withdrawn axially from the support rollers 5a, 5b and corresponding replacement embossing sleeves 6a, 6b are mounted.

On the support rollers 5a, 5b, a reference stop 39 is provided in each case, against which the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b are positioned during assembly with a counter-stop arranged thereon. As a result, the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b are positioned in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction in each case in a defined position on the carrier rollers 5a, 5b. In this position, the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b are fixed by screwing the threaded spindles 22 into the bearing pins 10.

Subsequently, the second pivot bearing part is pivoted back into the closed position and then pushed with the rotary bearing parts 9 a, 9 b on the bearing pin 10. In this position, the second carrier part is locked by means of the locking device.

For each support roller 5a, 5b, a drive motor 25a, 25b is respectively provided, which is provided on the side facing away from the pivot bearing parts 14, 15 opposite the processing rollers 14, 15. In Fig. 2 It can be seen that the drive motors 25a, 25b are arranged in a straight extension of the support rollers 5a, 5b and drive them directly. The drive motors 25a, 25b are connected to a machine controller 37 which controls the positioning of the rotational movement of the carrier rollers 5a, 5b. In this case, the support rollers 5a, 5b can be controlled independently of each other to align the engraved in the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b pattern in the correct rotational position to each other.

The first carrier roller 5a is arranged displaceably in the axial direction on the holder and adjustable by means of an actuator 26 with respect to its axial position relative to the second carrier roller 5b. In addition, the embossing calender 1 has an adjusting device for adjusting the center distance of the support rollers 5a, 5b and thus the embossing gap on the adjustment on the second pivot bearing part 15 has a linear guide on which a first carriage 28 transverse to the Rotary axes 3 is slidably mounted. The second pivot bearing part 15 is frame-shaped and has on the inner sides of opposing frame parts in each case one guide track 27. Between the guide tracks 27 of the first carriage 28 is arranged. On the first carriage 28, the pivot bearing part 9a is provided for the second support roller 5b. The rotary bearing part 9a for the first support roller 5a is arranged directly on the second pivot bearing part 15. In Fig.1 it can be seen that the carriage 28 is in drive connection with a servomotor 29, which is arranged on the second pivot bearing part 15.

At the second pivot bearing part 15 facing away from the opposite end of the second support roller 5b, a second carriage 30 is provided, which is displaceable relative to the first support member by means of a second, not shown in the drawing servomotor.

The entire holder with the support rollers 5a, 5b arranged thereon can also be displaced parallel to the axes of rotation 3 on the plate-shaped base part 12 by means of a positioning drive 31. As a result, the pattern to be impressed into the material web can be positioned transversely to the longitudinal extent of the material web.

In Fig. 5 It can be seen that in the outer circumferential surface of each embossing sleeve 6a, 6b, in each case at a location which is not in embossing engagement with the material web, a depression is arranged, into which an electronic circuit 32 is embedded. The circuit 32 is enclosed by a solidified, electrically insulating potting compound 33 which adheres to the circuit 32 and the embossing sleeve 6a, 6b.

In Fig. 6 it can be seen that the circuit 32 has a data memory 34 in which characteristics for the embossing sleeve 6a, 6b are stored. In addition, the circuit 32 comprises a transmitting and receiving element 35 which is in wireless communication with a stationary on the holder arranged reading and writing device 36. The transmitting and receiving element 35 and the data memory 34 are connected to an integrated into the embossing sleeve 6a, 6b electrical power supply 38, which may for example have a battery connected.

The reading and writing device 35 is connected to the transmission of the stored in the data memory 34 characteristics on the machine control 37. After each change of the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b, the characteristics are read from the data memory 34 and transmitted to the machine control 37. This then controls the drive motors 25a, 25b, the servomotors 29, the actuator 26 and the positioning drive 31 as a function of the parameters and thus automatically adapts the embossing calender 1 to the operating conditions changed by the change of the embossing sleeves 6a, 6b. The machine control system 37 also checks whether the characteristics of the first embossing sleeve 6a match the characteristics of the second embossing sleeve 6b. If it is found that the embossing calender 1 is equipped with mating sleeves 6a, 6b which are not mating with each other, the control of the drive motors 25a, 25b and the servomotors 29 is blocked and, if necessary, an error message is displayed.

The machine controller 37 has a device (not shown in detail in the drawing) for detecting the operating time of the stamped sleeves 6a, 6b. The detected operating times are added to an operating time value stored in the data memory 34, and then the result of the addition is stored in the data memory 34 as a new operating time value.

The data memory 34 may also be preset with a maximum operating time value. In this case, the acquired operating times are subtracted from the operating time value and then stored in the data memory 34 as a new operating time value. The wear limit of the embossing sleeve 6a, 6b is reached when the stored operating time value is zero or less than zero.

Claims (17)

1. Embossing calender (1) for embossing a flat material web, having at least two processing rolls (2a, 2b) which are mounted on a holder (4) such that they can be rotated about rotational axes (3) which run parallel to one another, an embossing nip being formed between the processing rolls, at least one of the processing rolls having a carrier roll (5a, 5b) and an embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) which is arranged thereon and has a profiling on its outer circumferential face, it being possible for the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) to be connected releasably to the carrier roll (5a, 5b), to be pulled off from the carrier roll (5a, 5b) in the axial direction and to be pushed onto the latter, the holder (4) having holding parts (7, 8) on both sides of the processing rolls, on which holding parts (7, 8) rotary bearing parts (9a, 9b) for the processing rolls are arranged, it being possible for at least the rotary bearing parts (9a, 9b) of a holding part (7, 8) to be pushed axially onto the processing rolls and to be pulled off from the latter, characterized in that the holding parts (7, 8) are connected to one another such that they can be displaced relative to one another in the direction of the rotational axes (3) via a sliding guide between a working position and a service position, in that at least one of the holding parts (7, 8) has a pivoting bearing which has at least two pivoting bearing parts (14, 15) which can be pivoted relative to one another from a closed position into an open position about a pivot axis which runs transversely with respect to the rotational axes (3) and is spaced apart laterally from the latter, in that a first pivoting bearing part (14) is connected to the sliding guide and a second pivoting bearing part (15) is connected to the rotary bearing parts (9a, 9b), and in that the sliding guide can be locked at least in the working position and the pivoting bearing can be locked at least in the closed position.
2. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least two of the processing rolls in each case have a carrier roll (5a, 5b) and an embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) which is arranged thereon and can be connected releasably to the carrier roll, in that one embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) has a positive form on its outer circumferential face and the other embossing sleeve (6b, 6a) has a negative form on its outer circumferential face, which negative form matches the positive form and interacts with it, in that in each case one drive motor (25a, 25b) is provided for each carrier roll (5a, 5b), which drive motor (25a, 25b) is preferably arranged in each case on that side of the processing rolls which lies opposite so as to be remote from the second pivoting bearing part (15).
3. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has an adjusting device for adjusting the axial spacing of the processing rolls, in that the adjusting device has at least one linear guide on the second pivoting bearing part (15), on which at least one linear guide a slide (28) is mounted such that it can be displaced transversely with respect to the rotational axes (3), in that a first rotary bearing part (9a) for a first processing roll is connected to the linear guide and a second rotary bearing part (9b) for a second processing roll (2b) is connected to the slide (29), and in that the slide (29) is drive-connected to an actuating motor (29) which is preferably arranged on the second pivoting bearing part (15).
4. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one processing roll is arranged on the holder (4) such that it can be displaced in the axial direction, in that an actuating drive (26) is provided for adjusting the axial position, and in that the actuating drive (26) is arranged on the holding part (7) which is provided on that side of the processing rolls which lies opposite so as to be remote from the second pivoting bearing part (15).
5. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second pivoting bearing part (15) is of frame-shaped configuration, in that the slide (29) is arranged between frame parts of the pivoting bearing part (15) which lie opposite one another, and in that the linear guide preferably has guide tracks (27) on the inner sides, which face one another, of the frame parts, between which guide tracks (27) the slide is mounted displaceably.
6. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the carrier roll (5a, 5b) has an outer circumferential wall (19) which can be adjusted radially with respect to the rotational axis (3) and has a pressure chamber (20) which is situated behind it, and in that the outer circumferential wall (19) can be pressed against the inner circumferential face of the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) by pressure loading of the pressure chamber (20), in order to fix the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) onto the carrier roll (5a, 5b).
7. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the pressure chamber (20) is filled with a hydraulic fluid, in that an adjustable displacement element (21) for the hydraulic fluid adjoins the pressure chamber (20), and in that an actuating location (24) for the displacement element (21) is provided on an end side of the carrier roll (5a, 5b).
8. Embossing calender (1) according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that, in order to generate a hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber (20), the displacement element (21) can be moved into the pressure chamber (20) and out of it again by means of a self-locking threaded spindle (22) which is screwed directly or indirectly to the carrier roll (5a, 5b).
9. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the actuating location (24) interacts with an abutment point which faces it and is provided on the second pivoting bearing part (15), in such a way that, when the sliding guide is situated in the working position and the pivoting bearing is situated in the closed position, the displacement element (21) is displaced by the abutment point out of a rest position at least partially into the pressure chamber (20).
10. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the abutment point/points is/are provided on at least one pressure sensor (40) which is arranged on the second pivoting bearing part (15) and, in the closed position of the pivoting bearing parts (14, 15), can be adjusted preferably hydraulically towards the displacement element (21) and away from the latter.
11. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that it has a measuring, display and/or monitoring device for the hydraulic pressure, with which the pressure sensor (40) is loaded.
12. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a reference stop (39) is provided on the carrier roll (5a, 5b) and a mating stop which matches it is provided on the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b), by way of which mating stop the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) can be positioned against the reference stop (39) in such a way that it is arranged in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction in a predefined position relative to the carrier roll (5a, 5b).
13. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (4) is mounted displaceably on a base part (12) and can be positioned relative to the base part (12) parallel and/or transversely with respect to the rotational axes (3) of the processing rolls with the aid of at least one positioning drive (31).
14. Embossing calender (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) has a machine-readable code, in which at least one parameter which is assigned to the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) is stored, in that a reading device for reading the parameter/parameters is arranged on the holder (4), and in that the reading device is connected to a machine controller (37) which is control-connected to at least one drive motor (25a, 25b), the actuating motor (29), the actuating drive (26) and/or the positioning drive (31) in order to position the rotational axes (3) relative to the holder (4) and/or in order to set the rotational position of the embossing sleeves (6a, 6b) as a function of the at least one parameter.
15. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the machine-readable code is stored in a data storage medium (34) which is connected to a transmitting and/or receiving element (35), and in that the arrangement which is formed at least from the transmitting and/or receiving element (35) and the data storage medium (34) is preferably recessed into the circumferential face of the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b), in particular at a location which is not in embossing engagement with the material web.
16. Embossing calender (1) according to Claim 15, characterized in that it has a device for detecting the completed service life of the at least one embossing sleeve (6a, 6b), in that at least one variable which is a function of the completed service life of the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) is stored in the data storage medium (34), and in that the device for detecting the completed service life is connected to a writing device for the data storage medium (34) in order to change the variable as a function of the detected completed service life.
17. Embossing calender (1) according to either of Claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the at least one embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) has a device for generating electrical power from a rotational movement of the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) and/or an electromagnetic field, to which the embossing sleeve (6a, 6b) is exposed, which device is connected to the data storage medium (34) and the transmitting and/or receiving element (35).

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