JP2002539966A - Embossing equipment for flat materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The embossing rolls (1, 4) of embossing devices (14) that are used for processing two-dimensionally expanded material, especially in the packaging industry, can be exchangeably configured if they are mounted in suitable exchanger units (2). An exchanger unit can be configured, for example, as a tube (2) with terminal locating surfaces (8, 9). The stand (13) of an embossing device (14) has corresponding seats (11, 12) that are adapted to the respective exchanger unit (2) with high precision. The embossing roll (1, 4) that is received in an exchanger unit (2) is thus in its working position once it is inserted and the locating surfaces (8, 9) of the fixing elements are received by the pertaining seats (11, 12) and no further adjustment needs to be carried out. Especially the driven embossing roll (1) of such an embossing device (14) can be exchanged with substantially less effort, which makes it possible to quickly perform maintenance work and rearrange the production.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an embossing device preferably used for packaging tobacco products, especially for flat materials in the form of strips or bands, as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] This type of embossing apparatus is used in the packaging industry for the purpose of embossing simultaneously when, for example, a seal or design is stamped on a packaging material. In this context, the term embossing refers to the formation of fine patterns on the millimeter and sub-millimeter scale on the surface. This type of sheet packaging material is used, for example, for packaging tobacco products (cigarettes), food, chocolate, chewing gum, and the like. An embossing device for this purpose is described in EP-A-0686782 by the same applicant as the present application.

[0003] Conditions such as high operating speeds (eg 1.8 m / s), fine and absolutely regular patterns for such embossing devices, and error-free embossing over long continuous operating times. Requires high precision in the structure and installation of the embossing machine. Therefore, in the prior art embodiment, the entire so-called embossing head, ie the mount supporting the embossing roll and including the adjusting device, is mounted on the embossing machine, in particular as an external element. These embossing heads weigh more than 50 kg in certain instances.

However, regular maintenance of the embossing head is required because the rolls undergo a computable wear. In particular, the rolls must be changed from time to time.
However, changes to different surface structures, different seals or different shapes, for example, require a roll change. With prior art embossing heads, this involves removing the entire embossing head, transporting it to the work area to perform the required work, re-attaching the embossing head, and possibly the additional steps involved. Includes time-consuming re-adjustment for significant misalignment. Such an operation takes several hours and, due to its heavy weight, requires at least two persons or additional lifting equipment to remove the embossing head and re-attach it to the packaging machine.

For quick replacement, it is advantageous to have a second embossing head. However, on the one hand, this solution is a very expensive investment and, on the other hand, does not eliminate the need to precisely adjust the newly installed embossing head to the material feed in the packaging machine. .

US Pat. No. 5,590,557 discloses a roll stand for a pair of rolls located in a cassette to facilitate roll change. The cassette includes a spindle to allow precise mutual adjustment of the rolls, which spindle is problematic for installations of this kind, but not important in current equipment.

[0007] With this background of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an embossing device of the type described above, which allows easy replacement of embossing rolls without requiring pre-adjustment.

[0008] The device is set forth in claim 1. Other claims indicate preferred embodiments.

The present invention is based on the discovery that it is not absolutely necessary to support the embossing roll directly on the mount of the embossing device. The driven embossing roll is connected to a driven unit of the packaging machine and must be precisely adjusted with respect to the feeding direction of the embossed material.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the respective drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show that a driven embossing roll 1 has a generally cylindrical sleeve 2.
1 shows a first embodiment of the invention supported rotatably at. The sleeve 2 includes a cutout 3 traversing the work surface of the embossing roll 1 so that the mating roll 4 can be actuated with respect to the embossing roll 1 (see FIG. 2).

The driven first embossing roll 1 is rotatably supported in the sleeve 2 precisely by a rotary bearing 6. Both ends of the sleeve are mounting surfaces 8, 9 respectively
And these mounting surfaces are provided in the opening 11 of the mount 13 of the embossing device 14.
, 12 exactly. Thus, the sleeve 2 is introduced into the mount 13 in the direction of the arrow 15 until the plate 16 hits the mount 13 and at the same time the driven part 21 is correctly positioned in the radial direction by the driven embossing roll 1. By screwing the fixing screw 18 into the sleeve 2, the sleeve 2 is fixed at a predetermined optimum rotation position, and is held, for example, so as not to swing and drop. The shaft 21 of the external drive unit 20 shown in FIG.

When the sleeve 2 is inserted, the drive end 22 is connected to the driven end of the embossing roll 1. This connection can be made in various ways known to those skilled in the art and depending on the local situation, for example by means of a driver or toothing. This connection operation requires rotating the embossing roll 1 into position, which either acts on the embossing roll 1 through the cutout 3 or the second shaft end 24 of the driven embossing roll 1. In this example, the shaft end 24 is designed to be accessible, for example, through the plate 16.

As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the mating roll 4 can be removed upwards (arrow 26) after disengagement from the usual holding device, this disengagement also being referred to, for example, above. According to the applicant's European patent, the embossing rolls can be moved apart. The structure of the holding device for the mating rolls 4 is therefore not shown anymore and need not be described in further detail.

In contrast to the schematic representation of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows that the mating surface 8 has a smaller diameter than the embossing roll 1 so that the embossing roll 1 can be pulled out of the mount 13. For this reason, it is clearly shown that by releasing the tensioning device, the combined rolls 4 can be sufficiently lifted away from the embossing rolls 1.
As this embodiment shows, this allows only the embossing roll to be exchanged without having to remove the mount with all additional equipment such as drives.
Further, the mount can be realized as a fixing member of the packaging machine. The easy interchangeability of parts (embossing rolls, bearings) which are mainly subject to wear allows ecologically favorable maintenance since fewer parts are required.

Due to the simplicity of the exchange, semi-automatic or fully automatic exchange of the embossing roll can be achieved by a corresponding application, for example by replacing the fixing screw with a pin or the like. Also in this connection, means can be provided for monitoring the wear of the embossing roll with a corresponding sensor, either on the product or directly on the embossing roll. A sensor or any other measuring device can also read the code provided on the embossing roll, which allows automatic identification of the inserted embossing roll. One possibility for automatic wear control is to create a polished smooth area surrounding one end of the roll.
The relative position of the surface of the measurement area with respect to the mount can be detected with high accuracy by, for example, an optical sensor. The sensor arrays required for this are known per se. For example, wear of the surface of an embossing roll with an embossing pattern formed in pyramids ranging from micrometers to several millimeters causes the embossing roll to move relative to the mount, thereby generating a corresponding signal of the sensor. You. With a normal embossing roll, if the surface is totally worn,
The movement of the roll is, for example, 150 μm. If the signal exceeds a certain threshold, i.e. if the wear reaches a certain limit, by means of a corresponding signal issued for the operator or by the operation of a semi-automatic or fully automatic changing system, the embossing roll is A replacement is required.

[0018] The European patent application mentioned at the beginning or EP-A-92591 of the same applicant
According to 1, the mating rolls rotate freely and, as disclosed in the cited reference, cause self-synchronization if they are axially aligned and pivoted.

By modifying the sleeve 2 in that way to apply the mating rolls in addition to the driven rolls, it is further possible to precisely synchronize the two embossing rolls at their relative rotational position. Become. In this case, it is not necessary to divide the frame, but the frame may be composed of a plurality of independent parts, one of which accommodates the driven roll like a sleeve and the second part is the mating roll To accommodate. Preferably, the members of the frame are fixed to each other only when the frame is assembled and the roll is inserted into the corresponding seat of the mount 13. This example is described below in the ninth embodiment (FIGS. 12 and 13).

It is also conceivable to use the structure of the invention involving a multi-roll system, as described, for example, in the earlier unpublished Swiss patent application 1999 09929/99 (see FIG. 16). A multiple roll system is an apparatus in which multiple, especially three or more, rolls have been used in the embossing and / or transfer process.

The illustrative embodiments described below represent a singular alternative.

In FIG. 3, the mount 13 basically comprises a square seat 30, from which a sleeve with a square mating surface 31 corresponding to the seat is inserted and removed from above.

FIG. 4 shows that both the driven embossing roll 1 and the mating roll 4 are housed in sleeves 2, 35, respectively. In this example, the driven embossing roll 1
The rolls 4 mating so that they can be pressed against the surface of the cutout 36 are eccentrically arranged in the sleeve 35 so as to protrude considerably from the front surface of the cutout 36.

This movement towards the driven embossing roll 1 is ensured by a holding device or retainer 39 movable in the slot 38. The retainer 39 is connected to a regulating and contact pressure applying device (not shown) according to the prior art.

The necessary alignment with respect to the rotational position of the sleeves 2, 35
End plate 16 which is sufficiently close to operate in a permissive position
, 40. By way of example, this is achieved by the fact that they each include a straight section 41.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment essentially the same as the embodiment of FIG. 3 as far as the driven embossing roll 1 is concerned. However, in this example, the mating rolls 4 are also supported by the U-shaped holder 42. The holder 42 is inserted into a recess 43 provided with a guide rail 44 at the bottom, respectively, which guide rail is received in a groove (not shown) provided at the bottom of the end member 46 when the holder is inserted. . These grooves are precisely adjusted with respect to the rails 44, so that precise axial positioning of the mating rolls is achieved. The holder 42 with the mating rolls 4 is movable along the rails 44 towards the driven embossing roll 1. This movement, as well as the defined contact pressure on the first embossing roll 1, is again provided by the prior art regulating and contact pressure application device. Therefore, the illustration is omitted.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the embossing roll 1 and the mating roll 4 are housed in one exchangeable frame 48. The bottom of the exchangeable frame 48 has a T-shaped groove 4
9 and this groove allows to be inserted and mounted laterally on rail 50 in the direction of arrow 51. During this insertion process, the exemplary pressing member 52 of the adjustment and contact pressure application device for the embossing device 14 has been retracted and advanced as soon as the replaceable frame 48 has been inserted, toward the operating position. A predetermined contact pressure of the second mating roll 4 against the first embossing roll 1 is provided. Since the operating position of the pressing member 52 is fixed, no new adjustment is necessary for this, and it is sufficient to move the adjusting device from the rest position allowing insertion into the predetermined operating position.

FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, but with the exchangeable frame 48 and the rail so that the exchangeable frame 48 with the embossing rolls 1, 4 can be inserted into the mount 13 from above according to the arrow 53. Reference numeral 50 denotes the designed embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment in which the central part of the sleeve 2 is omitted, ie the embossing roll 1 is accessible all around its circumference. Both sides of the embossing roll 1 are provided with mounting portions 55 (driving side), 56, and the mounting portions 55, 56 accommodate the bearings 6 of the embossing roll 1, and each have a mounting surface 8
, 9 are included. In its installation, this embodiment is the same as the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 with regard to the insertion process. However, in this case, the rim 58 of the plate 16
Screw 57 inserted into the mount 13 in the axial direction of the embossing roll 1
Is preferably fixed.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment in which the drive-side bearing 60 is disposed within the mount 13 and receives the journal 62. A position (preferably approximately centered) for replacement and storage, so that the end 22 of the embossing roll 1 including the inner conical surface can be slid onto the conical journal 62 and complementarily connected. In order to hold the embossing roll 1, the end 61 here only comprises an annular support 65 for the embossing roll 1. The end 22 of the embossing roll can take the form of a shaft as shown, or be integral with the roll body.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are similar to FIG. 1 and FIG.
, 4 include gear rims 70, 71, respectively. In the operating state (
13), the gear rims engage each other and the embossing rolls 1, 4 are actively synchronized.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a rotation knob similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, which allows the embossing roll 1 to be rotated into position for coupling to the shaft end 22 by, for example, coarse tooth engagement. FIG. This rotary knob is connected to the shaft end 7 of the embossing roll 1 by means of a free rotating wheel or a resistance clutch 75.
6 so that the rotation knob 24 is not forcibly rotated during operation.

FIG. 16 shows that the driven embossing rolls 1 are individually arranged on the mount 13,
Two mating rolls 4, 4A are arranged on a sleeve 77, which shows an alternative embodiment comprising the mounting surface 8 and the end plate 40 described above. Such an arrangement of two or more interlocking rolls can be used, for example, in so-called shadow embossing or double-sided embossing techniques, the two interlocking rolls being arranged according to a defined mutual alignment.

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the embossing device can be arranged in any spatial orientation. Also, the illustrated alternatives can be combined with one another, especially with respect to the connection of the embossing rolls and the manual rotation by means of a rotary knob.

Each side or end plate of the cassette part of the mount 13 or of the mounting parts 55, 56 may include synchronization means such as, for example, gears or belt drives to synchronize the rotation of the embossing roll. it can. Therefore, it is possible to synchronize some or all of the embossing rolls 1 and 4 with the corresponding gears, and the gear members are connected only during the process of inserting the embossing rolls 1 and 4 into the mount 13.

One or several of the following modifications are possible. A rotationally symmetric replacement unit, ie sleeve 2 or mounting part 55,5
6 and corresponding seats of the mount 13 are provided with rotational fixing members, such as mating tongues and grooves, or radial, e.g. A shape different from the symmetric shape can be provided. A holding means is provided which directly engages the end of the embossing roll, whereby the end of the embossing roll acts as a shaft and a separate shaft can be omitted. The embossing roll is generally driven, preferably by a motor or other drive. However, instead of being connected to the drive of the packaging machine, they can for example be driven by a dedicated motor, which is preferably synchronized with the motor of the machine to be connected, in particular the packaging machine. -Magnetic fixing means for the exchange unit. -Insertion of the replacement unit by a combination of radial and axial movement of the replacement unit, e.g. after insertion from above until the embossing rolls are aligned with the driven journal, then the axial direction for sliding on the journal; Move. The use of one or several replacement units only for the mating roll 4;

Many other advantages can be seen from the foregoing description. In the prior art, the mating rolls are connected to the corresponding adjusting and / or contact pressure applicator by means of relatively easily handleable screws, so that the replacement itself was not already complicated in the prior art embossing heads. However, when changing the embossing emblem, both embossing rolls are adapted to each other in operation, and if only one of the two rolls is replaced, turbulence and increased wear may occur, so both rolls may be used. They had to be replaced and the benefits obtained were limited. Also, each pair of embossing rolls can be retained for another embossing operation without requiring unbearable investment.

In the state where the driven embossing roll is held by the mount as in the related art, even if only the mating roll is provided with the holding means, the exchange of the conventionally supported mating roll is not driven. Since it is actually easier than replacing the embossing roll, it is improved in terms of ease of maintenance, but nevertheless it is a time-consuming work,
This is substantially simplified by the present invention. In this regard, the present invention gains additional importance due to the recent trend to use several mating rolls. This basically means that the wear on the mating roll or rolls, especially on the surface provided with the embossing pattern, can be limited.

The embossing device of the present invention is disclosed in EP-A-925 911 of the same previously unpublished applicant, in which each tooth of one roll interlocks between four adjacent teeth of a roll. Both the idle embossing roll engaging with the active roll and the active synchronous roll engaging the corresponding recess of the mating roll with each tooth of one roll, and if there are more than two rolls This description shows that it is suitable for the hybrid system.

The described embodiments of the invention as a whole, further provide one or several of the following advantages. 1) The embossing head with the rapid change system of the present invention is fixedly attached to the backing material, ie forms its fixed part. 2) I can work alone. This is because the invention results in a considerable weight reduction of the parts which have to be dealt with in case of refurbishment or maintenance, in particular essentially only the embossing roll itself. Therefore, a reduction in manufacturing cost also occurs. 3) Acquisition costs are also reduced. This is because if a new embossing is required for an existing embossing head, only the corresponding embossing roll of the quick change system has to be obtained. 4) The maintenance and assembly / disassembly of the embossing roll is considerably simplified. 5) Maintenance technology is more ecologically good because fewer mechanical parts are required.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a partial view of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the first embodiment in a partially sectioned removable embossing roll.

FIG. 3 shows a partial view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a partial view of a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a partial view of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a partial view of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a partial view of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a partial view of a seventh embodiment with an uncoupled holding means for the embossing roll.

FIG. 9 shows a view similar to FIG. 2 of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an eighth embodiment in which a bearing of an embossing roll is provided on a mount.

FIG. 11 shows a top view similar to FIG. 2 of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a ninth embodiment in which the embossing rolls are synchronized in the exchange unit.

FIG. 13 shows a top view similar to FIG. 2 of the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a tenth embodiment having a rotation knob for rotating an embossing roll.

FIG. 15 shows a top view similar to FIG. 2 of the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a sleeve containing two mating rolls.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR , HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW F term (reference) 3E075 AA24 BA01 DE23 GA05 3E078 AA02 BB51 BC01 DD09 3J103 AA02 AA61 BA43 CA62 FA17 FA26 GA12

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. At least two embossing rolls (1, 4) arranged parallel to one another in a mount (13) and capable of being aligned in a defined mutual contact position, ie a first driven roll. An embossing device for flat material, in particular in the form of a strip or band, comprising (1) and a mating roll (4), wherein at least one of the embossing rolls (1,4,4A) has a change unit (2). 2, 35; 42; 48; 55, 56; 77), the exchange unit includes retaining means (8, 9; 31; 49), and the mount is a receiving seat (11, 12; 30; 50), and the shape of the receiving seat is basically a complement of the holding means, whereby the replacement unit is brought into position in the mount by inserting the holding means into the relevant receiving seat. An embossing device that can be inserted. 2. An exchange unit (2; 2, 35; 42; 48; 55, 56; 7)
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one embossing roll (1, 4, 4A) contained in 7) is a rotatably driven first roll (1). 3. The exchange unit (35) wherein at least one mating roll (4) is provided.
42; 48), wherein the first roll (1) concerned, in particular, is arranged in its own exchange unit or in a common exchange unit (48) with one or more second rolls. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is one or more second rolls (4, 4A). 4. An exchange unit (2; 2, 35; 42; 48; 55, 56; 7).
7) at least one roll (1, 4) is provided with an inter-operating means (24).
) Wherein the interworking means is capable of rotating the roll to a certain rotational position, in particular to a position where the roll can be connected to a drive (20) inserted in the mount (13). The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. A fixing means (18; 57), preferably a clamp, a fixing screw,
And / or other non-mechanical fixing means are further provided, the actuation of the fixing means fixing the holding means (8, 8; 31; 49) in a predetermined position in the mount (13) so as to adjust the operation. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that removal and reinsertion can be performed without breaking. 6. In order to form an undivided frame, a single roll is preferably used.
1; 4; 4A) or interchangeable frames (48; 2,42) or sleeves (2; 35; 77) containing multiple rolls (1,4,4A). The device of claim 1, wherein the device is coupled. 7. The exchangeable frame (48) surrounds the first roll (1) and the mating roll (4) so that these roll sets can be removed and reinserted as a unit. Item 7. An apparatus according to Item 6. 8. The first roll (1) and the associated roll (high or plural) (4, 4A) are actively connected by synchronization means (70, 71) arranged in the exchange unit, Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of the rolls with respect to each other in the activated state and preferably when removed from the mount is determined by means of 9. A roll (1, 4, 4A) with a wall (11, 12) inserted therein.
) Are arranged axially or radially with respect to the holding means (8, 9; 31; 49).
), And / or the mount (13) includes a guide (50);
The holding means of the corresponding exchange unit (2; 2, 35; 42; 48; 55, 56; 77) is essentially complementary, so that removal and reinsertion of the exchange unit with respect to the mount (13) is basic. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, which can be carried out parallel or perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolls or by a continuation of their movement. 10. The holding means (8, 9) includes rotational fixing means, and the receiving seat for the holding means on the mount (13) includes complementary fixing means, whereby the holding means is fixed to the mount. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device can be inserted into the receiving seat only at a predetermined rotational position. 11. A predetermined wear threshold is exceeded in connection with a measuring means which makes it possible to measure the wear of at least one embossing roll, in particular, preferably in connection with the replacement of the embossing roll (1, 4, 4A). In order to be able to generate a signal at the time of occurrence, a sensor is provided which can determine the position of the mating rolls (4, 4A), so that automatic exchange can be performed based on a command of the sensor. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: 12. A holding means (1) for holding one embossing roll (1, 4, 4A).
8, 9; 55, 56), preferably a replacement unit (2; 2, 3).
5; 42; 48; 55, 56; 77).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that all of the holding means (1, 4, 4A) comprise bearings (6) for rotatably supporting the embossing roll. 13. A holding means (1) for holding one embossing roll (1, 4, 4A).
61), in particular one holding means provided at the connection between the first driven embossing roll (1) and the drive part (21) is provided by an embossing roll (
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one stop is in the form of a stop or a rest, and a rotary bearing for its operation is arranged on said mount.
An apparatus as described in. 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the exchange unit (77) contains at least two embossing rolls (4, 4A). 15. The driven embossing rolls (1) are individually mounted (13).
Embossing rolls (4, 4A) placed in the replacement unit
The device according to claim 14, wherein the device is driven. 16. A packaging machine comprising the device according to claim 1. 17. The packaging machine according to claim 16, wherein the mount (13) of the embossing device (14) is permanently connected to the packaging machine. 18. A roll, particularly in the form of a strip or band, preferably on one side, passed between at least one first roll (1) and one or more second rolls (4, 4A). Apparatus according to claim 1 for embossing a superficial structure on a flat material coated with metal, in particular aluminum, more preferably a fibrous material, in particular comprising a support made of paper, or a claim. Item 18. An application of the packaging machine according to Item 17. 19. Application of the device according to claim 15, for shading or double-sided embossing in packages of tobacco products.