EP2941350B1 - Printing module for printing from negatives onto plate elements, and conversion machine including such a printing module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing module for producing prints from plates on plate elements displaced by a transport system. In addition, the present invention relates to a processing machine comprising at least one such printing module.

The present invention is applicable to the field of plate element processing, such as cardboard sheets, to form packaging boxes. In particular, the present invention can be applied to processing machines, especially machines that combine printing, cutting and folding-gluing.

The term plate element refers to a generally flat product composed of at least one material, such as paper, cardboard or polymer, adapted to receive a printing layer and to form packaging containers. The term plate element thus denotes sheets of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, laminated corrugated cardboard, cardboard sheets, flexible plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bioriented polypropylene (BOPP) ).

The document EP 0'686'503 discloses a flexographic or flexographic printing module, for making prints from pictures on cardboard sheets moved by a transport system. The printing module comprises a forme cylinder which is rotatably mounted about a cylinder axis. The forme cylinder is adapted to carry first an earlier snapshot, then a later snapshot. In use, the forme cylinder is coated with ink to be deposited on the cardboard sheets. The transport system transports the sheets of cardboard into the printing module, and each sheet of cardboard is pressed against the ink-coated cylinder.

State of the art

The prior and subsequent terms are relative terms that refer to a chronological sequence during the production phase. Thus, when the print module is in use, the platen cylinder first carries an earlier snapshot for printing, and then the platen cylinder carries a subsequent snapshot to make the subsequent prints. This later snapshot then becomes an earlier snapshot when it is carried by the platen cylinder, because another later snapshot will be used next.

To change the print pattern on the cardboard sheets, replace the previous snapshot, which is wound on the platen roller and defines the previous print pattern, with a later snapshot that defines a print pattern. subsequent impression and different. For this purpose, an operator must successively mount on the printing module, remove the previous image, get off the printing module, put the previous photograph next to the transformation machine, take the later snapshot, go back on the module print and position the subsequent snapshot. Sometimes a second operator is mobilized to assist the first operator.

The prior and subsequent images have large dimensions, and are typically in the form of rectangles of sides often greater than 1 m, or even 2 m. These shots are flexible enough heavy material. These pictures are therefore difficult to handle by an operator.

Thus, the duration of replacing an earlier snapshot in the print module is relatively long. This replacement time is a significant fraction of the downtime of the processing machine. However, a long downtime reduces the production volume and the profitability of the machine, particularly for processing machines producing many small series, for which the pictures are frequently replaced. Conversely, mobilizing two operators to perform a snapshot replacement increases the cost of production as these replacements are frequent.

The document EP 1084841 A1 discloses a print module for producing prints from printing plate, comprising at least one plate cylinder and a printing plate guide device. The guiding device comprises a first support for a new printing plate and a second support for an unloaded printing plate.

Presentation of the invention

• un support primaire, adapté pour supporter le cliché ultérieur,
  dans une configuration d'attente, durant une impression à partir du cliché antérieur, et durant le déroulement du cliché antérieur, et
  dans une configuration d'engagement, durant l'enroulement du cliché ultérieur sur le cylindre porte-cliché, une portion du cliché ultérieur étant fixée au cylindre porte-cliché; et
• un support secondaire, adapté pour supporter le cliché antérieur déroulé du cylindre porte-cliché, où le support primaire comprend en outre au moins:
  • un organe primaire d'accrochage, pour accrocher le cliché ultérieur dans la configuration d'attente, et où le support secondaire comprend en outre un organe secondaire d'accrochage pour accrocher le cliché antérieur.
    Le module d'impression est caractérisé en ce que le support primaire comprend en outre au moins:
    • un mécanisme primaire d'accrochage, pour accrocher le cliché ultérieur dans la configuration d'engagement.

The present invention aims to solve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a printing module, for producing prints from plates on plate elements displaced by a transport system, according to claim 1. The printing module comprises at least one rotary cylinder mounted rotatable and adapted to carry at least one prior image and then at least one subsequent snapshot. The print module includes:

• a primary support, adapted to support the subsequent snapshot,
  in a standby configuration, during an impression from the previous snapshot, and during the course of the previous snapshot, and
  in an engagement configuration, during the winding of the subsequent image on the forme cylinder, a portion of the subsequent image being attached to the forme cylinder; and
• a secondary support, adapted to support the previous uncoiled image of the forme cylinder, wherein the primary support further comprises at least:
  • a primary hooking member, for hanging the subsequent snapshot in the standby configuration, and wherein the secondary support further comprises a secondary hooking member for hanging the previous snapshot.
    The printing module is characterized in that the primary support further comprises at least:
    • a primary hooking mechanism, to hang the later snapshot in the engagement configuration.

Thus, such a printing module allows an operator to pose alone a large image. The number of necessary operators is minimized to replace a previous snapshot and decrease the replacement time of an earlier snapshot. This is particularly interesting for processing machines producing many small series, for which the pictures are frequently replaced.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the primary attachment member adapted to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with at least one integral hook of the subsequent photograph. Thus, such a primary fastening member allows the operator to hang very quickly the subsequent snapshot to the primary support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the primary attachment member is formed by a ruler extending substantially parallel to the cylinder axis, the ruler having an L-shaped section pointing upwards when the module of printing is in use. Thus, such a rule allows for the primary fastening member with a low weight and cost. Alternatively to this embodiment, the primary attachment member may be formed by a pinch member, magnets, electromagnets, by suction or by an electrostatic force, etc.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the secondary support comprises a secondary attachment member adapted to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with at least one hook integral with the prior photograph. Thus, such a secondary fastening member allows the operator to hang very quickly the previous image to the secondary support. Advantageously in this embodiment, the secondary organ is formed by a ruler having an L-shaped section pointing upwards when the print module is in use. Thus, such a rule allows for the primary fastening member with a low weight and cost.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the primary attachment mechanism is movable between a subsequent snapshot engagement configuration and a stall configuration of the subsequent snapshot. The primary hooking mechanism comprises a hinge for pivoting about a pivot direction substantially parallel to the forme cylinder; and an elastic return member arranged to recall the primary mechanism of attachment of the stall configuration to the engagement configuration, after winding the subsequent image on the forme cylinder.

In other words, it is the rotation of the forme cylinder that pulls the subsequent image, so the automatic catch of the primary mechanism of attachment, because the tensile force exerted by the forme cylinder is greater than the force of the elastic return member. After winding the subsequent image on the forme cylinder, the elastic return member brings the primary attachment mechanism in the waiting configuration, in which the operator can hang a new snapshot later.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the elastic return member is formed by a helical torsion spring. Thus, such a helical torsion spring makes it possible to produce the elastic return member with a low weight and cost.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the primary support comprises a primary panel adapted to support the subsequent image substantially in a primary plane inclined at a primary angle of between 5 degrees and 30 degrees relative to a vertical direction. Thus, such a primary support is compact in the transport direction of the plate elements, which reduces the size of the printing module.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the primary support is arranged so that, in stand-by configuration, the lower portion of the subsequent image is located at a distance of less than 50 mm, preferably less than 30 mm from the door cylinder. -cliche. Thus, such a primary support makes it possible to place the subsequent image very close to the forme cylinder, which minimizes the time required for the displacement between the standby configuration and the engagement configuration.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the secondary support comprises a secondary panel adapted to support the previous photograph, the secondary panel extending substantially parallel to the primary panel, the distance between the secondary panel and the primary panel, measured perpendicular to the sign primary, being less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, the secondary panel being arranged to protrude above the primary panel when the print module is in use. Thus, the entire primary support and the secondary support is particularly compact in the direction of transport of the plate elements. In addition, exceeding the secondary panel allows the operator to easily attach the previous snapshot.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide means further comprise guides arranged to allow a slide of the subsequent photograph in the direction of the forme cylinder, the portion of the subsequent photograph attached to the forme cylinder in the configuration of FIG. commitment being the lower portion of the subsequent snapshot. Thus, such guide means can precisely position the subsequent shot for winding on the forme cylinder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the guides comprise a primary plate arranged substantially parallel to the primary panel so as to define with the primary panel a passage gap adapted for the passage of the subsequent picture. Thus, such a primary plate forms low cost and compact guide means.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the forme cylinder further comprises a locking device adapted to lock the subsequent image in engagement configuration on the forme cylinder, the locking device being preferably adapted to exercise a pneumatic action on the subsequent snapshot, the printing module further comprising a control device configured to allow an operator successively to disable the locking device so as to unroll the previous snapshot and then activate the locking device so as to to fix the posterior cliché on the forme cylinder.

In other words, after unlocking, the forme cylinder is freewheeling, and the operator can finish unrolling the previous image by pulling it out of the forme cylinder. Thus, such a locking device and such a control device facilitate the replacement of an earlier snapshot by the operator, which reduces the replacement time of an earlier snapshot. In practice, the control device may comprise a switch button on which the operator presses to deactivate the locking device, thus to unlock the previous picture. Thus, such a locking device makes it possible to quickly attach or detach the previous image or the subsequent image on or off the forme cylinder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the printing module further comprises a safety cover arranged movably between a safety position, in which the safety cover covers the forme cylinder, and an engagement position, in which the safety cover at least partially discovers the forme cylinder. Thus, such a safety cover ensures the safety of operators during production, that is to say when the cylinder plate is rotated. Then, the safety cover is retracted to allow the operator to access the cylinder plate holder, so replace the previous snapshot.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the security cover is effected automatically after a remote removal of the printing module from the transport system. In practice, the printing module, with the forme cylinder, can be raised above the transport system, for example by a cam and geared motor mechanism.

Moreover, the subject of the present invention is a processing machine such as a printing machine, for transforming elements into plates, the transformation machine comprising a transport system, the transformation machine being characterized in that it comprises at least one printing module according to the invention. Thus, such a processing machine can be controlled by a single operator despite large shots. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to minimize the number of operators necessary to replace an earlier snapshot and to reduce the duration of replacement of an earlier snapshot. This is particularly interesting for processing machines producing many small series, for which the pictures are frequently replaced.

The embodiments mentioned above may be taken individually or in any technically permissible combination.

Brief description of the drawings

• la Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'une machine de transformation conforme à l'invention, comprenant deux modules d'impression conforme à l'invention;
• la Figure 2 est une vue agrandie du détail II à la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la partie de la machine de la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 4 est une coupe suivant le plan IV à la Figure 3;
• la Figure 5 est une vue agrandie du détail V à la Figure 4, illustrant l'un des modules d'impression de la figure 1;
• les Figures 6 à 8 sont des vues agrandies des détails VI à VIII à la Figure 2;
• la Figure 9 est une coupe suivant le plan IX à la Figure 8, illustrant une partie du module d'impression de la Figure 5, avec le cliché ultérieur en configuration d'engagement;
• la Figure 10 est une vue similaire à la Figure 9, illustrant une partie du module d'impression de la Figure 5 dans une position subséquente à la configuration d'engagement;
• la Figure 11 est une vue en perspective du cylindre porte-cliché appartenant au module d'impression de la Figure 5; et
• les Figures 12 à 17 sont des vues en perspective du module d'impression de la Figure 5 montrant les différentes étapes de sortie et de déroulement d'un cliché antérieur et d'engagement et d'enroulement d'un cliché ultérieur.

The present invention will be well understood and its advantages will also emerge in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a conversion machine according to the invention, comprising two printing modules according to the invention;
• the Figure 2 is an enlarged view of detail II to the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 3 is a perspective view of the machine part of the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 4 is a section along plane IV at the Figure 3 ;
• the Figure 5 is an enlarged view of detail V to the Figure 4 , illustrating one of the printing modules of the figure 1 ;
• the Figures 6 to 8 are enlarged views of details VI through VIII at Figure 2 ;
• the Figure 9 is a section along the plane IX to the Figure 8 , illustrating part of the print module of the Figure 5 , with the subsequent snapshot in commitment configuration;
• the Figure 10 is a view similar to the Figure 9 , illustrating part of the print module of the Figure 5 in a position subsequent to the engagement pattern;
• the Figure 11 is a perspective view of the forme cylinder belonging to the printing module of the Figure 5 ; and
• the Figures 12 to 17 are perspective views of the print module of the Figure 5 showing the different steps of exit and unwinding of an earlier snapshot and of engaging and winding up a later snapshot.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The Figs. 1 to 11 illustrate a part of a processing machine 1 of type printing machine, folding and gluing, for transforming elements into plates. In this case, the plate elements may be cardboard sheets.

The transformation machine 1 comprises a transport system 2 and two printing modules 3 and 4, visible to the Figs. 1 , 3 and 4 . The print modules 3 and 4 are flexo printing modules. The printing modules 3 and 4 are intended to produce prints from flexible images on unrepresented cardboard sheets.

These sheets of cardboard are moved by the transport system 2 in a so-called direction of thrust or longitudinal direction X. For this purpose, the transport system 2 comprises a conveyor belt and drive members of the conveyor belt.

Since the print modules 3 and 4 are similar, only the print module 4 is described below. The printing module 4 comprises a forme cylinder 6 rotatably mounted about a cylinder axis Y6. When the forme cylinder 6 is in use, the cylinder axis Y6 is parallel to a transverse direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

As shown in the sequence illustrated in Figs. 12 to 17 , the forme cylinder 6 is adapted to carry first at least one so-called prior 11 and then at least one cliché dit later 12, as is shown in particular by the comparison of Figs. 13 and 16 .

The forme cylinder 6 is adapted to carry prior 11 and subsequent 12 shots of about 1.5 m wide. The forme cylinder 6 has a width L6 of about 2.2 m measured along the cylinder axis Y6. In production, the forme cylinder 6 rotates to transfer the ink to each sheet of cardboard to be printed. In the example of Figs. 1 to 17 , the forme cylinder 6 comprises a single roll.

The printing module 4 also comprises a gateway P arranged to allow an operator O to manipulate the previous 11 and later 12 snapshots and to drive the printing module 4.

The printing module 4 further comprises a primary support 22 which is adapted to support the subsequent image 12 before winding the subsequent image 12 onto the forme cylinder 6 ( Figs. 12 to 15 ). In addition, the printing module 4 comprises a secondary support 41 which is adapted to support the previous plate 11 after having unrolled the previous plate 11 of the plate cylinder 6 (FIG. Figs. 15 to 17 ).

The primary support 22 is adapted to support the subsequent snapshot 12 in a so-called waiting configuration ( Figs. 12, 13, and 14 ), during all or part of the duration of an impression from the previous snapshot 11, and during the course of the previous snapshot 11. The primary support 22 is adapted to support the subsequent snapshot 12 in a so-called engagement configuration ( Fig. 15 ), during the winding of the subsequent plate 12 on the plate cylinder 6, and in which a portion of the subsequent plate 12 is fixed to the plate cylinder 6.

As shown by Figs. 2 and 7 , the primary support 22 comprises a primary hooking member 24 for hanging the subsequent picture 12 in the waiting configuration. The primary hooking member 24 is adapted to cooperate by complementary shapes with a hook 12.1 integral with the subsequent plate 12. The hook 12.1, visible at Figs. 9 and 10 , is arranged on the upper edge of the subsequent plate 12.

The primary attachment member 24 serves to hang the subsequent image 12 so as to suspend it in the standby configuration. Thus, the primary fastening member 24 allows the operator O to hang very quickly the subsequent image 12 to the primary support 22.

The primary attachment member 24 is here formed by a rule which extends substantially parallel to the cylinder axis Y6. This rule has an L-shaped section pointing upwards when the print module 4 is in use ( Figs. 12 to 17 ).

Similarly, the secondary support 41 comprises a secondary fastening member 44 which is adapted to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with at least one hook secured to the prior snapshot 11. The secondary attachment member 44 allows the operator O d hang very quickly the previous picture 11 to the secondary support 41.

As shown by Figs. 2 and 6 , the secondary attachment member 44 is here formed by a ruler having an L-section pointing upwards when the print module 4 is in use.

In the example of Figs. 1 to 17 , the primary support 22 also comprises a primary hooking mechanism 31 for hanging the subsequent image 12 in the engagement configuration. The primary attachment mechanism 31 is movable between a subsequent snapshot engagement configuration 12 and a snap-off configuration of the subsequent snapshot 12.

The primary hooking mechanism 31 is articulated and comprises a hinge for pivoting about a pivot direction Y31 substantially parallel to the forme cylinder 6, ie substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y. As shown in FIG. Fig.8 , the primary attachment mechanism 31 is here formed by a rule with a hook pointing upwards when the print module 4 is in use.

In addition, the articulated primary attachment mechanism 31 here comprises an elastic return member 32 arranged to recall the same primary attachment mechanism 31 from the stall configuration to the engagement configuration (FIG. Fig. 15 ) after winding the subsequent plate 12 on the forme cylinder 6. The resilient return member 32 is here formed by a helical torsion spring.

The hinge Y31 rotates the primary hooking mechanism 31 between a position corresponding to the engagement configuration ( Fig.9 ) and a release position of the subsequent snapshot 12 ( Fig. 10 ), in which the hook rule of the primary attachment mechanism 31 no longer retains the subsequent plate 12. After release of the subsequent plate 12, the elastic return member 32 returns the primary locking mechanism 31 in the engagement configuration .

Furthermore, the primary support 22 comprises a primary panel 28 which is adapted to support the subsequent image 12 substantially in a primary plane P28. As shown in Fig.5 , the primary plane P28 is inclined by a primary angle A28 between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, preferably about 10 degrees, relative to a vertical direction Z. Thus, the subsequent plate 12 can slide on the primary panel 28 after having been unhooked from the primary fastening member 24.

As shown in Fig. 14 , the primary support 22 is arranged so that, in standby configuration, the lower portion 12.2 of the subsequent plate 12 is located at a distance of 0 mm from the plate cylinder 6. In other words, the lower portion 12.2 is aligned with the plate cylinder 6. Thus, the primary support 22 makes it possible to place the subsequent plate 12 close to the plate cylinder 6, which minimizes the time required for the subsequent plate 12 to move between the standby configuration ( Fig. 14 ) and the commitment configuration ( Fig. 15 ). To minimize the installation time of the subsequent plate 12, the plate cylinder 6 is stopped in an angular position substantially coinciding with the location of the lower portion 12.2 of the subsequent plate 12. In this angular position, the plate cylinder 6 is ready to directly receive the later snapshot 12.

The secondary support 41 comprises a secondary panel 48 which is adapted to support the previous plate 11. The secondary panel 48 extends substantially parallel to the primary panel 28. The distance 48.28 between the secondary panel 48 and the primary panel 28, measured perpendicular to the primary panel 28, is here about 30 mm. In addition, as shown in Fig. 5 , the secondary panel 48 is arranged to protrude above the primary panel 28, when the print module 4 is in use.

Thus, the whole of the primary support 22 and the secondary support 41 is particularly compact in the direction of transport X of the cardboard sheets. In addition, the passing of the secondary panel 48 allows the operator O to easily attach the previous photograph 11.

In the example of Figs. 1 to 17 , the primary panel 28 and the secondary panel 48 are composed of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Thus, the primary panel and the secondary panel can be strong and transparent, which facilitates the visualization, thus the positioning of the subsequent picture 12 by the operator O.

The primary support 22 further comprises guide means with guides arranged to allow a slide of the subsequent image 12 towards the forme cylinder 6. The subsequent image 12 is fixed by its lower portion 12.2 to the forme cylinder configuration commitment ( Fig. 15 ). The coincidence of the lower portion 12.2 and the forme cylinder 6 makes it possible to position the subsequent image 12 very precisely with a view to its winding ( Fig. 16 ) on the forme cylinder 6.

As shown in Fig. 5 these guides here comprise a primary plate 29 which is arranged substantially parallel to the primary panel 28 so as to define with the primary panel 28 a passage gap 28.29 which is adapted for the passage of the subsequent plate 12. When the subsequent plate 12 slides towards the plate cylinder 6, the subsequent plate 12 passes through the clearance gap 28.29 .

In the example of Figs. 1 to 17 , the displacement of the later snapshot 12 between the waiting configuration ( Fig. 14 ) and the commitment configuration ( Fig. 15 ) is relatively long. Alternatively, the guide means may be arranged to guide the subsequent image 12 in a very short displacement; in this alternative, the standby configuration and the commitment configuration are close or even confused.

Advantageously in this variant, the guide means are adapted to guide the subsequent image 12 following a movement going only in the sense of the waiting configuration ( Fig. 14 ) to the engagement configuration 16. Thus, the guide means are relatively simple because they are not provided for the return travel of the commitment configuration to the standby configuration.

The platen-6 cylinder further comprises a locking device 60 adapted to lock the later snapshot 12 in the engagement configuration ( Fig. 15 ) on the forme cylinder 6. The locking device 60 is described in detail in the document EP 0'686'503 . In this case, the locking device 60 exerts a pneumatic action on the subsequent plate 12.

As shown by Figs. 2 and 5 , the printing module 4 further comprises a control device 70 which is configured to enable the operator O successively to deactivate the locking device 60, so as to unroll the previous plate 11 and then activate the locking device 60, so as to fix the subsequent photograph 12 on the forme cylinder 6.

Thus, after unlocking, the plate cylinder 6 is freewheeling, and the operator O can finish unrolling the previous plate 11 by pulling it out of the plate cylinder 6. The control device 70 here comprises a button switch on which the operator O presses to deactivate the locking device 60, so to unlock the previous snapshot 11.

The printing module 4 further comprises a safety cover 80 which is arranged movable between a safety position ( Fig. 12 or 17 ), in which the safety cover 80 covers the forme cylinder 6, and an engagement position ( Figs. 13 to 16 ), in which the safety cover 80 discovers the forme cylinder 6.

The safety cover 80 guarantees the safety of the operators during production, that is to say when the forme cylinder 6 is rotating.

Then, the safety cover 6 is retracted to allow the operator O to access the forme cylinder 6 in order to replace the previous photograph 11.

The safety cover 80 can be moved automatically after the printing module 4 has moved away from the transport system 2. In practice, the printing module 4 can be raised with the forme cylinder 6. above the transport system 2 by a cam and geared motor mechanism.

In use, the processing machine 1 is initially in the production phase, during which the transport system 2 brings the sheets of cardboard into the printing module 4 in contact with the ink-coated forme cylinder 6. In this production phase, the printing module 4 is in a low position, with the plate cylinder 6 at the level of the transport system 2.

• Pendant la phase de production, en temps masqué, l'opérateur O grimpe sur la passerelle P avec le cliché ultérieur 12. Le capot de sécurité 80 est fermé.
• L'opérateur O installe le cliché ultérieur 12 en configuration d'attente (Fig. 12), en accrochant le cliché ultérieur 12 à l'organe primaire d'accrochage 24.
• L'opérateur O interrompt la production et commande la montée du module d'impression 4, vers une position surélevée par rapport au système de transport 2. L'ouverture du capot de sécurité 80 est commandée automatiquement, par exemple asservie à la montée du module d'impression 4 (Fig. 13).
• L'opérateur O désactive, par le dispositif de commande 70, le dispositif de verrouillage 60 de façon à détacher le cliché antérieur 11 du cylindre porte-cliché 6.
• L'opérateur O déroule le cliché antérieur 11, puis l'étend sur le panneau secondaire 48 et l'accroche à l'organe secondaire d'accrochage 44 (Fig. 14).
• L'opérateur O déplace le cliché ultérieur 12 depuis sa configuration d'attente jusqu'à sa configuration d'engagement (Fig. 15). À cet effet, l'opérateur O décroche le cliché ultérieur 12 de l'organe primaire d'accrochage 24, puis l'accroche au mécanisme primaire d'accrochage 31.
• L'opérateur O place la portion inférieure 12.2 du cliché ultérieur 12 sur le cylindre porte-cliché 6. Le poids du cliché ultérieur 12 est supporté par le panneau primaire 28.
• L'opérateur O active, par le dispositif de commande 70, le dispositif de verrouillage 60 pour fixer le cliché ultérieur 12 au cylindre porte-cliché 6, de façon à permettre l'enroulement du cliché ultérieur 12 sur le cylindre porte-cliché 6. Pendant que le cliché ultérieur 12 s'enroule sur le cylindre porte-cliché 6, la partie supérieure du cliché ultérieur 12 glisse le long du panneau primaire 28.
• L'opérateur O commande, par le dispositif de commande 70, la rotation du cylindre porte-cliché 6, ce qui achève d'enrouler le cliché ultérieur 12 sur le cylindre porte-cliché 6. La rotation du cylindre porte-cliché 6 exerce une traction T6 (Figs. 9 et 10) sur le cliché ultérieur 12, ce qui décroche automatiquement le cliché ultérieur 12 du mécanisme primaire d'accrochage 31, car la traction T6 est supérieure au couple exercé par l'organe élastique de rappel 32.
• L'opérateur O active, par le dispositif de commande 70, le dispositif de verrouillage 60 pour fixer la portion supérieure du cliché ultérieur 12 au cylindre porte-cliché 6 (Fig. 16). Après enroulement du cliché ultérieur 12 sur le cylindre porte-cliché 6, l'organe élastique de rappel 32 ramène le mécanisme primaire d'accrochage 31 en configuration d'attente (Fig. 8), dans laquelle l'opérateur O pourra accrocher un nouveau cliché ultérieur 12.
• L'opérateur O commande la descente du module d'impression 4 en position de production, dans laquelle le cylindre porte-cliché 6 est au niveau du système de transport 2. La fermeture du capot de sécurité 80 est commandée automatiquement, par exemple asservie à la descente du module d'impression 4 (Fig. 17).

To change the print patterns, the operator O must replace the previous snapshot 11 with the subsequent snapshot 12, following the steps:

• During the production phase, in masked time, the operator O climbs on the gateway P with the subsequent snapshot 12. The safety cover 80 is closed.
• The operator O installs the later snapshot 12 in the standby configuration ( Fig. 12 ), by hanging the subsequent plate 12 to the primary fastening member 24.
• The operator O interrupts the production and controls the rise of the print module 4, to a raised position relative to the transport system 2. The opening of the safety cover 80 is automatically controlled, for example slaved to the rise of the module printing 4 ( Fig. 13 ).
• The operator O deactivates, by the control device 70, the locking device 60 so as to detach the previous plate 11 of the forme cylinder 6.
• The operator O unrolls the previous photograph 11, then extends it on the secondary panel 48 and hooks it on the secondary fastener 44 ( Fig. 14 ).
• The operator O moves the subsequent snapshot 12 from its standby configuration to its commitment configuration ( Fig. 15 ). For this purpose, the operator O picks up the subsequent image 12 of the primary fastening member 24, then hooks it to the primary fastening mechanism 31.
• The operator O places the lower portion 12.2 of the subsequent plate 12 on the plate cylinder 6. The weight of the subsequent plate 12 is supported by the primary panel 28.
• The operator O activates, by the control device 70, the locking device 60 to fix the subsequent image 12 to the forme cylinder 6, so as to allow the subsequent plate 12 to be wound on the plate cylinder 6. While the subsequent plate 12 is wound on the plate cylinder 6, the upper part of the subsequent plate 12 slides along the primary panel 28.
• The operator O controls, by the control device 70, the rotation of the forme cylinder 6, which completes winding the subsequent image 12 on the forme cylinder 6. The rotation of the forme cylinder 6 exerts a T6 traction ( Figs. 9 and 10 ) on the subsequent plate 12, which automatically picks up the subsequent plate 12 of the primary fastening mechanism 31, since the traction T6 is greater than the torque exerted by the elastic return member 32.
• The operator O activates, by the control device 70, the locking device 60 to fix the upper portion of the subsequent plate 12 to the plate cylinder 6 ( Fig. 16 ). After winding up the subsequent plate 12 onto the plate cylinder 6, the elastic return member 32 returns the primary fastening mechanism 31 in the waiting configuration ( Fig. 8 ), in which the operator O will be able to hang a new later snapshot 12.
• The operator O controls the descent of the printing module 4 in the production position, in which the plate cylinder 6 is at the level of the transport system 2. The closure of the safety cover 80 is automatically controlled, for example slaved to the descent of the printing module 4 ( Fig. 17 ).

The converting machine 1 can again produce, to print the pattern of the subsequent shot 12 on the next sheets of cardboard.

The printing module 4 thus allows the operator O to go out alone a large front plate 11 and to pose alone a subsequent large image 12.

Claims (12)

1. Printing module (3,4) for producing prints from negatives (11,12) onto plate elements that are moved by a transport system (2), which comprises at least one rotatably mounted, negative-holding cylinder (6) suitable for supporting, firstly, at least one front negative (11) then at least one rear negative (12), and which includes:

   - A main carrier (22), suitable for supporting the rear negative (12) in a stand-by configuration during the printing from the front negative (11) and while the front negative (11) is unwinding, and in an insertion configuration, while the rear negative (12) is winding onto the negative-holding cylinder (6), one portion of the rear negative (12) being attached to the negative-holding cylinder (6);

   - A secondary carrier (41), suitable for supporting the front negative (11) that has unwound from the negative-holding cylinder (6);

   or
   the main carrier (22) further includes at least:
   one main hooking member (24), for hooking the rear negative (12) in the stand-by configuration, and where the secondary carrier (41) equally comprises a secondary hooking member (44) for hooking the front negative (11), which is characterised by the fact that the main carrier (22) also includes at least:
   A main hooking mechanism (31) for hooking the rear negative (12) in the insertion configuration.
2. Module based on Claim 1, whereby the main hooking member (24) is designed to cooperate by their complementary forms with at least one hook (12.1) that is bound to the rear negative (12).
3. Module based on Claim 2, whereby the main hooking member (24) is composed of a rule that extends substantially in parallel to the cylinder axis (Y6), with the rule forming an L-shaped section that points upwards when the printing module (3, 4) is in operation.
4. Module based on a previous claim, whereby the main hooking mechanism (31) moves between an insertion configuration of the rear negative (12) and a disengagement configuration of the rear negative (12).
5. Module based on Claim 4, whereby the main hooking mechanism (31) is composed of:

   A mobile joint that will rotate in a rotational direction that is substantially parallel to the negative-holding cylinder (6); and

   An elastic return member (32) fitted in a manner to restore the main hooking mechanism (31) from the disengagement configuration to the insertion configuration after the rear negative (12) has been wound on the negative-holding cylinder (6).
6. Module based on a previous claim, whereby the main carrier (22) comprises a main panel (28) designed to hold the rear negative (12) substantially in a main plane (P28) inclined at a main angle (A28) ranging from 5° to 30° in relation to a vertical direction (Z).
7. Module based on Claim 6, whereby the secondary carrier (41) comprises a secondary panel (48) designed to hold the front negative (11), which extends substantially parallel to the main panel (28) and is fitted such that it overlaps above the main panel (28).
8. Module based on a previous claim, whereby the main carrier (22) comprises guiding devices with guides fitted in a manner that allows the rear negative (12) to glide towards the negative-holding cylinder (6), with the portion of the rear negative (12) attached to the negative-holding cylinder (6) in insertion configuration, which is the lower portion (12.2) of the rear negative (12).
9. Module based on Claim 8, whereby the guides are composed of a main plate (29) fitted in a manner that is substantially parallel to the main panel (28), such that together with the main panel (28), they form a suitable gap (28.29) for the rear negative (12) to pass through.
10. Module based on a previous claim, whereby the negative-holding cylinder (6) comprises an interlocking device (60) designed to lock the rear negative (12) in insertion configuration on the negative-holding cylinder (6), with the printing module (3, 4) containing a control mechanism (70) designed to allow an operator (O) to successively deactivate the interlocking device (60), thereby unwinding the front negative (11), and activating the interlocking device (60) to attach the rear negative (12) to the negative-holding cylinder (6).
11. Module based on a previous claim, which also includes a safety cap (80) fitted such that its moves between a safety position whereby the safety cap (80) covers the negative-holding cylinder (6) and an insertion position whereby the safety cap (80) uncovers the negative-holding cylinder (6), at least slightly.
12. Plate elements conversion machine comprising at least one transport system (2), which is characterised by the fact that it contains at least one printing module (3, 4) according to a previous claim.

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