JP3474970B2 - Gravure engraving system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gravure engraving system, and more particularly to a system for automatically supplying / discharging a gravure cylinder to an engraving machine for engraving a gravure cylinder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gravure engraving machine is an apparatus for forming concave points (cells) on a cylinder surface (circumferential surface) of a cylindrical gravure cylinder by using a diamond cutting tool called a stylus while rotating the gravure cylinder. The basic configuration of the gravure engraving machine is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-134953, which is a prior application of the applicant of the present application.

[0003]

Conventionally, the gravure cylinder is mounted on the gravure engraving machine by lifting the gravure cylinder with a crane or by hand. Further, the work of removing the engraved gravure cylinder from the gravure engraving machine has also been performed while lifting the gravure cylinder with a crane or by hand.

Therefore, even when engraving a plurality of gravure cylinders continuously, it is necessary to manually attach and eject the gravure cylinders to and from the gravure engraving machine. Therefore, it is a main object of the present invention to provide a gravure engraving system capable of continuously engraving a plurality of gravure cylinders without human intervention.

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A gravure engraving system for engraving the peripheral surface of a gravure cylinder, for supporting both shaft ends of the engraving gravure cylinder and engraving the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder while rotating the gravure cylinder at a predetermined speed. An engraving machine, a stock device for stocking a plurality of gravure cylinders, and a transport device for transporting the gravure cylinders between the engraving machine and the stock device,
The transport device should have at least one support for the gravure cylinder.
Also the two arm parts and the direction of raising and lowering the gravure cylinder
Vertical drive means for vertically moving the arm part
And a gravure cylinder between the stock device and the engraving machine.
The arm part is moved horizontally for transport between
Between the horizontal driving means and the two arm portions
At least one arm to
In the plane, move it in the direction orthogonal to the horizontal transport direction.
And an orthogonal driving unit that is provided .

With such a construction, a predetermined gravure cylinder is selected from among the gravure cylinders stocked in the stock device, and is transferred to the engraving machine by the transfer device. When the conveyed gravure cylinder is automatically set in the engraving machine, the gravure cylinder is engraved. After that, the engraved gravure cylinder,
It is again transported by the transport device and stocked in the stock device. Therefore, engraving on the gravure cylinder can be continuously and automatically performed.

[0007]

Further, since the transport device has at least two arm portions supporting the gravure cylinder, during transportation of the gravure cylinder can be carried out stably conveying the different gravure cylinder diameter. Further, by moving the arm portion up and down, the gravure cylinder can be smoothly delivered between the stock device and the transfer device and the gravure cylinder can be delivered between the transfer device and the engraving machine.

Further, since at least one of the arm portions can be moved in the horizontal plane in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal conveying direction, the distance between the two arm portions is optimal for conveying and holding the arm portion in accordance with the axial length of the gravure cylinder. Can be at intervals. Claim
2 the described invention, the engraving system according to claim 1, wherein the stock portion includes a plurality of mounting table axis of the gravure cylinder is placed on the cylinder as extending substantially horizontally, the plurality of table And a holding mechanism for holding in a rotary manner.

With the above structure, a plurality of gravure cylinders can be efficiently stocked. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gravure engraving system according to the second aspect, the mounting table includes at least two holding portions that support a part of the peripheral surface of the mounted gravure cylinder to support the gravure cylinder. Also, in the mounting table, a space is formed in which the arm portion can enter below the gravure cylinder supported by the holding portion, and at least one of the holding portions is formed.
One is characterized in that it is movable in the horizontal direction on the mounting table.

In the above-mentioned configuration, since there is a space into which the arm portion can enter below the gravure cylinder mounted on the mounting table in the stock device, the holding portion is provided by the arm portion according to claim 2. Since at least one of them is movable in the horizontal direction on the mounting table, gravure cylinders with different axial lengths can be easily and reliably taken out from the mounting table, and the gravure cylinder can be stored on the mounting table. Is also easy and reliable.

The invention according to claim 4 is a gravure cylinder.
Is a gravure engraving system that engraves the
Support both shaft ends of the gravure cylinder
While rotating the cylinder at a predetermined speed, gravure
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of the car and multiple gravure machines.
A stocking device for stocking a cylinder, and
Transport gravure cylinders between engraving machine and stock equipment
And a carrying device for carrying out, the engraving machine has a pair of cone portions for sandwiching and supporting both axial end portions of the gravure cylinder, and one cone portion is provided at the axial end portion of the gravure cylinder. An engaging cone and a cone driving means for moving the cone in a direction in which the cone can move toward and away from the other cone portion, and the other cone portion is a cone engaging with the shaft end portion of the gravure cylinder. And a pushing means for pushing the gravure cylinder engaged with the cone in a direction to remove the gravure cylinder from the cone.

According to the above configuration, the configuration of the cone portion of the engraving machine can be simplified. That is, the driving means for sandwiching the gravure cylinder may be provided only in one of the pair of cone portions, and the configuration is simple. Since the other cone portion is provided with the pushing means, the gravure cylinder can be reliably removed from this cone portion.

The invention according to claim 5 is a gravure cylinder.
Is a gravure engraving system that engraves the
Support both shaft ends of the gravure cylinder
While rotating the cylinder at a predetermined speed, gravure
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of the car and multiple gravure machines.
A stocking device for stocking a cylinder, and
Transport gravure cylinders between engraving machine and stock equipment
And a carrying device for carrying out, the carrying device is arranged between the stock device and the engraving machine, and
The transfer device is provided with a guide member that guides the transfer device from a position between the engraving machine and the stock device to a position where the transfer device is retracted. It is characterized in that it can be moved between a carrying state and a retracted state between the stock device and the engraving machine.

According to the above-mentioned structure, when the transport device is retracted from between the stock device and the engraving machine, the stock device, the transport device and the engraving machine are not adjacent to each other. It is easy to perform maintenance on other devices. Further, since there is a space in front of the engraving machine, the gravure cylinder can be manually set in the engraving machine as in the conventional case.

The invention according to claim 6 is a gravure cylinder.
Is a gravure engraving system that engraves the
Support both shaft ends of the gravure cylinder
While rotating the cylinder at a predetermined speed, gravure
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of the car and multiple gravure machines.
A stocking device for stocking a cylinder, and
Transport gravure cylinders between engraving machine and stock equipment
A plurality of engraving machines are arranged in series, and a guide member is provided in parallel to the plurality of engraving machines arranged in series, and the conveying device is the guide. The gravure cylinder is movably provided along the member so as to face a predetermined engraving device and the gravure cylinder can be conveyed to and from the engraving device.

With the above arrangement, a plurality of engraving machines can be automatically operated and productivity can be improved. Further, the carrier device and the stock device can be shared. The invention according to claim 7 is a gravure carving for engraving the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder.
Carving system, both of the engraving gravure cylinder
Support the shaft end and rotate the gravure cylinder at a specified speed.
While engraving, for engraving the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder
For stocking engraving machines and multiple gravure cylinders
Between stock equipment and the engraving machine and stock equipment
And a transfer device for transferring the gravure cylinder.
A plurality of the stocking devices are arranged in series, the stocking device arranged in series is provided with a guide member in parallel, and the conveying device is movable along the guide member. By facing the stock device, the gravure cylinder can be transported between the stock device and the stock device.

In the above-mentioned structure, the automatic operation can be performed for a long time by providing a plurality of stock devices. Also, 1
Efficient because the next gravure cylinder can be stored in another stock device or the engraved gravure cylinder can be taken out from another stock device while the transport device takes out the gravure cylinder from one stock device. Work is possible.

[0019]

Overall Configuration FIG 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION is a right side view of the engraving system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the engraving system. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gravure engraving system includes a stocker 1, a transfer device 2 and an engraving machine 3 each having an outer shape formed by a unique frame, which are arranged in close proximity to each other. . In addition, in the description of this specification, a state in which the system is viewed from the side of the stocker 1 with the stocker 1 facing forward will be described as a front side. Configuration of Engraving Machine 3 The engraving machine 3 is a machine for engraving the gravure cylinder S. The engraving machine 3 includes a bed 4, and a first cone portion 5 and a second cone portion 6 are provided on the bed 4. The first cone portion 5 includes a fixed cone 7 rotatably provided on the bed 4 and a drive device 8 for rotating the fixed cone 7. The second cone portion 6 is movable in the left-right direction on the bed 4 when viewed from the front side.
The second cone portion 6 includes a movable cone 9 that is rotatably supported and is movable in the left-right direction, and a moving device 10 that moves the movable cone 9.

The both ends of the gravure cylinder S are sandwiched and supported by the fixed cone 7 and the movable cone 9, and are rotated as the fixed cone 7 rotates. The engraving head 11 is moved from the right side to the left side at a predetermined pitch or a predetermined speed in FIG. 2, and sequentially forms concave points (cells) on the circumferential surface of the rotated gravure cylinder S. Engraving machine 3
Is equipped with an inspection camera 12 for confirming the state of cells formed in the gravure cylinder S. Configuration of Stocker 1 The stocker 1 has, for example, a frame 16 made of iron and has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The stocker 1 holds a plurality of mounting tables 17 for mounting the gravure cylinder S in a rotary manner. For that purpose, the stocker 1 is provided with chain gears 18 and 19 on the right side and the left side, respectively, when viewed from the front side, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, a chain 20 is stretched over the chain gears 18 and 19 arranged on the upper and lower sides on the right side. Similarly, the chain gears 18 and 19 provided on the left side also include the chain 2
0 is passed over. For example, the chain gear 19 on the lower right side and the chain gear 19 on the lower left side are
As shown in FIG.

Further, referring to FIG. 2, the stocker 1 is provided with a motor 22 as a drive source at its left end, for example. The rotational force of the motor 22 is
Is transmitted to the gear 24 connected to the left end of the shaft 21 via. Therefore, when the motor 22 rotates, the gear 24 rotates and the shaft 21 rotates. Therefore, the left and right lower chain gears 19 attached to the shaft 21 rotate in synchronization. The rotation of the lower left and right chain gears 19 causes the chain 20 to be looped around the upper and lower chain gears 18 and 19 provided on the left and right respectively.

Each of the right and left chains 20 is provided with a plurality of hanging pins 25 at predetermined intervals in the length direction thereof. Each hanging pin 25 projects to the opposite chain side. And the right chain 20
A plurality of suspension pins 25 provided on the left side chain 20
The plurality of suspension pins 25 provided in the above are arranged at the same position in the horizontal direction.

The plurality of mounting bases 17 are respectively swingably suspended by the suspension pins 25 of the right chain 20 and the suspension pins 25 of the left chain 20. Configuration of Mounting Table 17 FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration example of the mounting table 17. The mounting table 17 includes a horizontally elongated strip-shaped pallet 30 and two suspension plates 31 attached to both ends of the pallet 30 and extending upward. A locking hole 32 is formed at the upper end of each suspension plate 31. By inserting the above-mentioned suspension pin 25 into the locking hole 32, the mounting table 17 is suspended by the chain 20 so as to be swingable.

A fixed holding portion 33 is provided at the right end of the pallet 30 when viewed from the front side, for example. On the left side of the fixed holding unit 33, a movable holding unit 34 that is movable along the pallet 30 in the length direction of the pallet 30 is provided. The fixed holding portion 33 includes a leg 35 having a lower end fixed to the pallet 30 and a support base 36 attached to an upper end of the leg 35. The upper surface of the support base 36 is a substantially V-shaped support surface 37 in which the central portion is depressed downward in the side surface shape. The right end portion of the gravure cylinder S is placed on the support surface 37 as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line. The support base 36 is further provided at its right end with a restriction plate 38 for restricting the position of the right end portion of the gravure cylinder S to be supported.

The movable holding portion 34 includes a leg 39 and a support base 40 attached to the upper portion of the leg 39. Support base 40
Similarly to the support base 36, the side surface has a substantially V-shaped support surface 41 with a depressed central portion. Then, the left end of the gravure cylinder S is placed on the support surface 41.
In the movable holding unit 34, the lower surface of the leg 39 is attached to the upper surface of the pallet 30 so as to be movable left and right along the upper surface. That is, the guide groove 42 extending in the length direction of the pallet 30 is formed on the upper surface of the pallet 30. A small protrusion (not shown) that engages with the guide groove 42 is provided at the lower end of the leg 39. Due to the engagement of the guide groove 42 and the small protrusion, the movable holding portion 34 is moved to the pallet 30.
It slides left and right on the pallet 30 without coming off.

Further, the movable holding portion 34 has a lever 43.
Is provided. The lever 43 is for switching the movable holding unit 34 between a fixed state and a movable state. For example, when the lever 43 is in the state shown in the drawing, the lever 43
The fitting portion (not shown) presses the guide groove 42 of the pallet 30 and fixes the movable holding portion 34 so as not to move. On the other hand, when the lever 43 is rotated, the pressing of the fitting portion (not shown) is released, and the movable holding portion 34 can move left and right on the pallet 30. During use, the distance between the fixed holding portion 33 and the movable holding portion 34 is set to match the axial length of the gravure cylinder S.

In this embodiment, considering usability,
A scale 44 is attached to the front end surface of the pallet 30. Further, the movable holding unit 34 is provided with a support needle 45. The distance between the fixed holding portion 33 and the movable holding portion 34 is represented by the scale of the scale 44 on which the support needle 45 points. As shown in FIG.
When both ends of the gravure cylinder S are supported by the fixed holding portion 33 and the movable holding portion 34, the gravure cylinder S
Is a state in which its axial direction extends substantially horizontally (that is, the gravure cylinder S is laid sideways). In this state, below the gravure cylinder S, there is a space 46 into which an arm portion described later can enter. Therefore, the legs 35 and 39 are set to have a predetermined height. Configuration of Conveying Device 2 Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveying device 2 is arranged between the stocker 1 and the engraving machine 3, conveys the gravure cylinder S from the stocker 1 to the engraving machine 3, Also,
The gravure cylinder S that has been engraved by the engraving machine 3 is conveyed to the stocker 1.

The carrying device 2 is provided with a frame 50 forming the skeleton thereof, and a right arm portion 51 and a left arm portion 52 attached to the frame 50. The right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 are movable in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) when viewed from above and below and from the front of the system, respectively. Further, the left arm portion 52 is movable with respect to the frame 50 in the left-right direction in FIG. Configuration of Arm Units 51 and 52 Next, the configuration of the arm units in the transfer device 2 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the transfer device 2. The two-dot chain line shown in relation to the right arm part 51 and the left arm part 52 represents the range of movement in the horizontal transfer direction during the gravure cylinder transfer. ing. FIG. 5 shows an arrow V- in FIG.
It is a side view of the left arm part 52 seen in the V direction. Further, FIG. 6 is a front view of the left arm portion 52. With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the left arm portion 52 includes a first arm 53, a second arm 54, and a support block 55. First
The arm 53 moves the moving frame 57 by the connecting member 56.
Is attached to. The moving frame 57 is the carrier device 2.
The frame 50, which is the entire skeleton, can be moved to the left and right in FIG. Therefore, when the moving frame 57 moves left and right in FIG. 4, the left arm portion 52 also moves left and right.

On the other hand, in the case of the right arm portion 51, the first arm is attached to the frame 50 by the connecting member 58. This point is different between the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52. The right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 are provided with support blocks 55L and 55S, respectively. The support blocks 55L and 55S are for mounting a gravure cylinder, and the gravure cylinder is supported by these support blocks 55L and 55S,
Be transported.

Both support blocks 55L and 55S are
As a common configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the side surface has a substantially V-shaped mounting surface 91 with a central recessed downward.
Then, the gravure cylinder S is mounted on the mounting surface 91. On the other hand, the support block 55L and the support block 55S
The difference in the configuration from is the width of the mounting surface 91. That is, in the support block 55L, the width of the mounting surface is L,
The width of the mounting surface of the support block 55S is S. The widths of the mounting surfaces of the both have a relationship of L> S. The reason why the width of the mounting surface 91 is different is as follows.

[0032] Normally, the gravure cylinder S, as shown in FIG. 7A, is supported by two support blocks of the support block 55S of the right arm portion 5 1 of the support block 55L and the left arm portion 52. However, when the axial length of the gravure cylinder S is short, etc., the two support blocks 55L, 5L
Supporting with 5S may be difficult. For example, when the axial length of the gravure cylinder S is short, in the mounting table 17 shown in FIG.
The gravure cylinder S is held in a state where the distance between the gravure cylinder S and the No. 4 is narrowed. Therefore, the width of the space 46 below the held gravure cylinder S is narrow. In such a case, it may be difficult to insert the two arm portions 51 and 52 into the narrow space 46 at the same time.

Therefore, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 7B, only the support block 55L of the right arm portion 51 is used,
The central portion of the gravure cylinder having a short axial length is held by one support block 55L and can be conveyed. Except for the above differences, the following configuration is the same for the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52, and the left arm portion 52 will be described as an example in the following description.

Referring mainly to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second
The arm 54 is slidably connected to the first arm 53 on the first arm 53 in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction when the entire system is viewed from the front side, left-right direction in FIG. 5). That is, the first arm 53 and the second arm 54 are slidably connected to each other via the slide guide 59. Further, the support block 55 includes the second arm 5
The second arm 54 is connected to the second arm 54 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction along the upper surface of 4. Specifically, the second arm 54 and the support block 55 are connected via a slide guide 60. Therefore, when the first arm 53 fixed by the connecting member 56 is used as a reference, the second arm 54 can slide on the first arm 53, and the second arm 5 can be moved.
The support block 55 is slidable on the surface 4. For the sake of clarity, in FIG. 6, the entire second arm 54 is hatched, and the slide guides 59, 6 are provided.
0 is also hatched differently.

Mainly referring to FIG. 5, the second arm 54
The support block 55 is driven by a common motor (single motor) 61 and a chain 62.
Therefore, the following mechanism is provided. Gears 63 and 64 are rotatably provided at both front and rear ends of the first arm 53. A motor 61 is attached to the lower side of the substantially central portion of the first arm 53, and a drive gear 65 rotated by the motor 61 is provided. Furthermore, the first arm 5
3, a tension adjusting gear 66 is provided near the drive gear 65. The second arm 54 is also provided with gears 67 and 68 rotatably at both front and rear ends thereof.

The chain 62 is shown by a one-dot chain line for short, and one end of the chain 62 is connected to a mounting piece 69 provided on the support block 55. And the chain 62 is the second
The gear 67 provided on the arm 54 is engaged with the first gear
It is applied to a gear 64 provided on the arm 53, then applied to a drive gear 65, the tension of the gear is adjusted by a tension adjusting gear 66, and the gear 6 of the first arm 53 is further adjusted.
3, the second arm 54 is hung around the gear 68, and the other end is connected to a mounting piece 69 provided on the support block 55. That is, the chain 62 is stretched across the boundary between the first arm 53 and the second arm 54,
As a whole, it is hung in a figure eight shape.

Further, in order to regulate the operation of the second arm 54, pin units 72 and 73 are provided on the front and rear portions of the first arm 53, respectively. Further, engaging holes 74 and 75 corresponding to the pinion unit are formed in the front part and the rear part of the second arm 54, respectively. The pin unit 72 includes a pin 76 that can project above the arm 53, an air cylinder 77 that switches between protruding and non-projecting of the pin 76, and a link 78 that transmits the operation of the air cylinder 77 to the pin 76. .. Similarly, the pin unit 73 also includes a pin 79 capable of protruding above the arm 53, an air cylinder 80, and a link 81.

Further, the support block 55 is provided with a pin unit for restricting the operation of the support block 55 on the second arm 54, and the second arm 5 has a hole for receiving the pin.
4 is formed. This configuration is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, the pin unit 8 included in the support block 55
2 includes a pin 8 that can project laterally from the support block 55.
3, an air cylinder 84 for driving the pin 83,
And a link 85 for transmitting the movement of the air cylinder 84 to the pin 83. When the support block 55 is in a predetermined position, the engagement hole 86 formed in the second arm 54 faces the position facing the pin 83. When the air cylinder 84 is driven in this state, the pin 83 enters the engaging hole 86, and the support block 55 is fixed so as not to move with respect to the second arm 54.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view summarizing the characteristic configuration of the above-mentioned arm portion. The right arm 51 also
The left arm portion 52 has the same characteristic configuration. Therefore, in the following description, the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52
Not to say, simply as an arm part, its structural features are simply repeated. As shown in FIG. 9A, the arm part has three
It is divided into two blocks. The first arm 53 and the first
The second arm 54 slides on the arm 53, and the support block 55 slides on the second arm 54. And the second
The arm 54 and the support block 55 are driven by a common motor and chain. Therefore, the mechanism shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C is provided.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the first arm 53 and the second arm 54 are provided with gears 63 to 68, and the chain 62 is spanned in a figure eight shape. Chain 62
Both ends of are attached to mounting pieces 69 provided on the support block 55. The chain 62 is moved by a drive gear 65 driven by the motor 61. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, three pins 76, 79, 83 are provided. The pins 76 and 79 are provided to the front and rear of the first arm 53, and the pin 83 is provided to the support block 55. Further, the second arm 54 is formed with engagement holes 74, 75, 86, 87 capable of receiving the pins 76, 79, 83. Operation of Arms 51, 52 in Forward and Backward Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the operation of the arm having the above configuration will be described.

First, a case where the support block 55 is moved from the center to the rear (right side in FIG. 10) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10A, the pin 83 does not protrude from the support block 55, and the first arm 5
The pin 76 on the front side of No. 3 is projected and is inserted into the front engagement hole 74 of the second arm 54. Motor 6 in this state
Turn 1 counterclockwise. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B,
Only the support block 55 moves by being pulled by the movement of the chain 62. At this time, the second arm 54 has the pin 76.
It is fixed at and does not move.

Next, referring to FIG. 10C, it is detected that the support block 55 has reached the rear end (the right end in the drawing) on the second arm 54. This detection can be performed by, for example, providing a microswitch at the rear end of the second arm 54 and using it. Alternatively, the motor 61
In the case of a step motor or a motor with an encoder, it can be performed by detecting the number of rotation pulses of the motor.

When this detection is performed, the support block 55
Pin 83 is inserted into the rear side engagement hole 86 of the second arm 54, and the support block 55 is fixed to the rear end portion of the second arm 54. On the other hand, the pin 76 on the front side of the first arm 53 is retracted to make the second arm 54 movable. In this state, the motor 61 is rotated clockwise. Then, referring to FIG. 10D, the chain 62x between the mounting piece 69 of the support block 55 and the drive gear 65 becomes shorter and shorter, and the second arm 54 slides rearward. Second arm 54
When the first arm 53 is used as a reference, the support block 55 moves rearward due to the rearward movement of the.

The movement of the second arm 54 to the rear end can be detected by the number of pulses applied to the switch and the motor 61, as in the case of the support block 55 described above. Note that an example of the switch is shown in FIG. 6 and is designated by reference numeral 70. Next, referring to FIG. 11, the support block 55 is moved from the rear end side (right end in FIG. 11) to the front end side (FIG. 1).
The case of moving to the left end in 1 will be described.

First, the pin 83 of the support block 55 is retracted to make the support block 55 movable with respect to the second arm 54. On the other hand, the pin 79 on the rear side of the first arm 53
To protrude into the front engagement hole 74 of the second arm 52 to fix the second arm 54. In this state,
As shown in B, the motor 61 is rotated clockwise.
Then, the chain 6 between the mounting piece 69 and the drive gear 65 is
2x becomes shorter and shorter, and the support block 55 moves forward on the second arm 54.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the support block 55
Whether or not the front end of the second arm 54 is detected by a sensor such as a microswitch or the number of rotation pulses of the motor. Then, in this state, the pin 83 of the support block 55
To protrude into the front engagement hole 87 of the second arm 54 to fix the support block 55. On the other hand, the first arm 5
The third pin 79 is retracted to make the second arm 54 movable with respect to the first arm 53.

In this state, the motor 61 is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 11D. Then, the mounting piece 69
The chain 62y between the drive gear 65 and the drive gear 65 becomes shorter and shorter, and the second arm 54 moves forward on the first arm 53. With the above-described configuration, the arm portion is compact and has a long transport length. Further, by using the chain and the pin, the second arm 54 and the support block 55 can be driven by one motor (for example, a pulse motor).

The right arm part 51 and the left arm part 52 are designed to be driven independently. That is, each of the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 is provided with a driving motor. Then, when the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 are simultaneously operated in synchronization, the same pulse is input to each drive motor.

However, considering that there is a possibility that a difference in the movements of the right arm 51 and the left arm 52 may occur due to some load change, the difference between the movements of the two arms may be detected by a sensor or the like. It is preferable to detect it. It is preferable that the sensor output is used to correct the movement of the two or to stop the movement of the both.

The right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 are
When the entire system is viewed from the front side, it operates not only in the front-back direction but also in the vertical direction as described above.
Because, when taking out the gravure cylinder S from the mounting table 17, when mounting the gravure cylinder S on the mounting table 17, when setting the gravure cylinder S on the engraving machine 3 and when retracting so as not to disturb after setting. This is because the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 need to move vertically.

Further, as described above, the left arm portion 52 is movable in the left-right direction when the entire system is viewed from the front side, and the interval with the right arm portion 51 is adjusted to the axial length of the gravure cylinder S. , It is designed so that the interval can be set to be suitable for holding. Therefore, in the following, the right arm portion 51
A mechanism for moving the left arm 52 up and down and for moving the left arm 52 left and right will be described. Vertical and Horizontal Operations of Arms 51 and 52 and Mechanism FIG. 12 is a schematic mechanism diagram for explaining a drive mechanism for vertical movement and horizontal movement of the arms 51 and 52 in the transport device 2. Referring to FIG. 12, right arm unit 5
1, the left arm portion 52 includes ball screws 113 and 1 including screw shafts 111 and 112 arranged in the vertical direction, respectively.
14 is fitted. Therefore, the screw shafts 111, 112
When is rotated, the ball screw 113 and the ball screw 1
The right arm portion 51 and the ball screw 1 fitted in 13
14 and the left arm part 5 fitted to the ball screw 114
2 moves up or down along the screw shafts 111 and 112, respectively. Bevel gears 115 and 116 are attached to the lower ends of the screw shafts 111 and 112, respectively.

On the other hand, a spline shaft 117 extending in the horizontal direction is arranged at the lower part of the transport device 2. Bevel gears 118 and 119 that engage with the above-described bevel gears 115 and 116 are fitted on the spline shaft 117. Of these, the bevel gear 118 on the right side is fixed so as not to be displaced in the left-right direction with respect to the spline shaft 117. On the other hand,
The bevel gear 119 on the left side is attached so as to be movable left and right along the spline shaft 117. Further, an L-shaped gear 120 is attached to one end of the spline shaft 117, and a motor 121 is connected via the L-shaped gear 120.

With such a structure, the motor 121
When is rotated, its rotational force is given to the spline shaft 117 via the L-shaped gear 120, and the spline shaft 117 rotates. When the spline shaft 117 rotates, the bevel gear 1
18 also rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the bevel gear 115, and the screw shaft 111 rotates. When the screw shaft 111 rotates, the ball screw 113 moves up or down along the screw shaft 111. At the same time, the right arm portion 51 fitted to the ball screw 113 also moves up or down. Right arm 5
1 is moved up or down depending on the screw shaft 1
11, the rotation direction of the motor 121 for rotating the spline shaft 117 may be switched.

When the spline shaft 117 rotates, the left bevel gear 119 also rotates. Bevel gear 119
Rotation of the screw shaft 1 is transmitted to the meshing bevel gear 116,
12 rotates. When the screw shaft 112 rotates, the ball screw 114 moves up or down. And the ball screw 11
The left arm part 52 fitted in 4 also moves up or down as the ball screw 114 moves.

The screw shafts 111 and 112 are rotated by bevel gears 118 and 119 attached to a common spline shaft 117. Therefore, if the number of gears and the screw pitch of both are made equal, the right arm part 51 and the left arm part 5
The two can be moved at the same time by equal amounts in the up or down direction. In order to smoothly move the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 in the vertical direction,
As will be described later, a linear guide (not shown in FIG. 12) that guides the vertical movement of the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 is arranged parallel to the screw shafts 111 and 112.

Next, a drive mechanism for moving the left arm portion 52 left and right will be described. Left arm 52
Are attached to the moving frame 57 as described above. The moving frame 57 has a shaft 12 extending in the vertical direction.
2 is provided. At the upper and lower ends of the shaft 122,
The pinion 123 is attached to each. On the other hand, above and below the frame of the carrier device 2, the pinion 1
A rack 124 that meshes with 23 is fixed. The racks 124 provided above and below are arranged so as to extend in the horizontal direction. Further, the shaft 122 has a gear 1
25 is fitted in the gear 125.
The driving force from 6 is given.

On the other hand, the spline shaft 117 is provided with a nut 127 movable along the spline shaft 117, and the nut 127 is connected to the bevel gear 119. When the nut 127 is moved left and right along the spline shaft 117, the bevel gear 119 is also moved left and right by the movement of the nut 127. The nut 127 is connected to the moving frame 57.

With the above-mentioned structure, the motor 12
When 6 rotates, the rotational force causes the gear 125 to rotate, causing the shaft 122 to rotate. When the shaft 122 rotates, the pinions 123 provided on the upper and lower ends thereof mesh with the rack 124 and move along the rack 124. Rack 12
4 is fixedly provided, and the moving frame 57 including the pinion 123 is movable left and right. Therefore,
The rotation of the pinion 123 moves the entire moving frame 57 to the right or left. When the moving frame 57 moves, the screw shaft 112 and the bevel gear 116 included in the moving frame 57 also move. At the same time, the nut 127 and the bevel gear 119 connected to the moving frame 57 also move along the spline shaft 117. Therefore, the bevel gear 116 and the bevel gear 119 can move to the right or left while meshing with each other.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, an upper linear guide extending in the horizontal direction and an upper linear guide extending in the horizontal direction are provided in order to smooth the horizontal movement of the moving frame 57. The lower linear guide is arranged. FIG. 13 shows an arrangement relationship of an actual drive mechanism for vertically moving the arm portion described above. In addition, in FIG.
The actual positional relationship of the drive mechanism of the left arm portion 52 is shown. Further, FIG. 15 is a right side view of the transport device 2, showing a layout of the vertical movement mechanism and the horizontal movement mechanism described above.

13 to 15, reference numeral 128 indicates a vertical linear guide. The upper and lower linear guides 128 are provided with two front and rear for the right arm 51 and two front and rear for the left arm 52, for a total of four. 129 is an upper linear guide, and 130 is a lower linear guide. These upper linear guide 129 and lower linear guide 13
As described above, 0 is for smoothly moving the moving frame 57 in the left-right direction. 13 to 1
Since the other components denoted by the reference numeral 5 are already described, FIGS. 13 to 15 only show the actual shape and arrangement, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Cylinder delivery between the transport device 2 and the engraving machine 3 FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing a procedure of how to deliver the gravure cylinder S between the transport device 2 and the engraving machine 3. First, as shown in FIG. 16A, the gravure cylinder S held by the arm portions 51 and 52 of the transfer device 2 is transferred to a predetermined position of the engraving machine 3. In this state, the fixed cone 7 and the movable cone 9 face the shaft end faces of the gravure cylinder S, respectively.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the movable cone 9 is moved to the right and brought into contact with the left end face of the gravure cylinder S, and in that state, the movable cone 9 is moved to the right to move the gravure cylinder S. Is pushed rightward to engage the right end face with the fixed cone 7. As a result, the gravure cylinder S is supported by sandwiching both shaft ends by the cones 7 and 9. Then, in this state, the fixed cone 7 is rotated to rotate the gravure cylinder S,
The peripheral surface of the cylinder S is engraved. In this embodiment, the movable cone 9 is rotatably held and is configured to rotate following the rotation of the gravure cylinder S. However, the movable cone 9 does not follow rotation, and the fixed cone 7 does not rotate. It may be configured to rotate in synchronization with.

When the engraving is finished, the rotation of the fixed cone 7 is stopped, and as shown in FIG.
Thus, the gravure cylinder S is held. Next, the movable cone 9 is moved to the left and removed from the left end surface of the gravure cylinder S. Then, as shown in FIG. 16D, in order to remove the gravure cylinder S from the fixed cone 7, the right end surface of the gravure cylinder S is pushed leftward by the pushing device 140. As a result, the right end surface of the gravure cylinder S is disengaged from the fixed cone 7. At this time, the arm portions 51, 5
Since 2 does not move, the gravure cylinder S held by the arm portions 51 and 52 slides on the arm portions 51 and 52 to the left. Characteristic Configuration of Engraving Machine 3 Next, a specific configuration of the extrusion device 14 will be described.

FIG. 17 is a partial front view of the engraving machine 3,
It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st cone part (fixed cone part) 5 and its periphery. Further, FIG. 18 is a left side view of the longitudinal section of the engraving machine 3, and is a diagram showing a configuration centered on the first cone portion 5. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the first cone portion 5 includes a drive device 8 including a motor, a gear mechanism, and the like, and a fixed cone 7 rotated by the drive device 8. Further, an air cylinder 141 fixed to the drive device 8 or a frame associated with the drive device 8 is provided. The air cylinder 141 is provided with a rod 142 that slides in the left-right direction, and a pushing piece 143 is provided at the left end of the rod 142.
Is fixed. The pushing device 140 is configured to include the air cylinder 141, the rod 142, and the pushing piece 143.

The fixed cone 7 includes a cone-shaped body whose top is cut off at a plane orthogonal to the axis, and the peripheral surface of this cone-shaped body engages with the shaft end surface of the gravure cylinder S. The gravure cylinders that are engaged with the fixed cone 7 range in diameter from those larger than the maximum diameter of the fixed cone 7 to those smaller than the maximum diameter of the fixed cone 7. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the gravure cylinder S having the smallest diameter is engaged with the fixed cone 7 by a chain double-dashed line.

The extruded piece 143 is arranged so as to extend downward from the rod 142 in a direction orthogonal to the rod 142. The extruded piece 143 moves as the rod 142 slides.
By being moved to the left, the right end surface of the gravure cylinder is pushed to remove the gravure cylinder from the fixed cone 7. When the diameter of the gravure cylinder is larger than the maximum diameter of the fixed cone 7, the right end surface of the gravure cylinder can be pushed if the lower end of the pushing piece 143 that slides to the left does not interfere with the fixed cone 7. However, as shown in FIG. 17, when pushing the right end surface of the gravure cylinder S having a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the fixed cone 7 with the extruding piece 143, the extruding piece 143 is fixed at a position where it does not interfere with the fixing cone 7. It does not interfere with the gravure cylinder S having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cone 7, and the right end surface of the cylinder S cannot be pushed. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in, the lower end of the extruded piece 143 extends downward to a position where it interferes with the fixed cone 7. In such a case, the extruded piece 143 is moved to the left to move the gravure cylinder S
When trying to push the right end face of the above, the fixed cone 7 interferes and the pushing piece 143 cannot move to the left.

Therefore, in the fixed cone 7, as shown in FIG. 18, a part of the peripheral surface thereof is axially cut out to form a cutout groove 144. The cone 7 is stopped with the notch groove 144 positioned right above. Then, the extruded piece 143 can move leftward through the notch groove 144 formed in the cone 7, and even the gravure cylinder S having the smallest diameter can push the right end surface thereof.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 11 denotes an engraving head, which is a diamond vide 15 called a stylus.
0 is abutted intermittently on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder S, and cells are formed on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder S. Further, reference numeral 12 is an inspection camera for confirming the formation state of cells formed on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder S. Description of Various Sensors Next, sensors provided in the gravure engraving system according to this embodiment, particularly sensors for detecting data regarding the gravure cylinder S will be described.

First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stocker 1 is provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not the gravure cylinder S is mounted on the mounting table 17. This sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and two sets are provided. That is, the sensor 100 for detecting the presence or absence of the gravure cylinder S on the mounting table 17a stopped at a position where it can be taken out by the transfer device 2 and the gravure cylinder on the predetermined mounting table 17b stopped on the side opposite to the transfer device 2. A sensor 101 for detecting the presence or absence of S is provided.

The sensor 100 includes an element pair of a light projecting element 102 and a light receiving element 103, which are fixed to the frame 16 of the stocker 1. And mounting table 17
When a is at a predetermined position, that is, when the gravure cylinder S mounted on the mounting table 17a is stopped at a position where it can be taken out by the arm portions 51 and 52 of the transport device 2, the light projecting element 102 is provided.
The gravure cylinder S mounted on the mounting table 17a exists on the optical path from the light receiving element 103 to the light receiving element 103.
Therefore, if the light receiving element 103 receives the light from the light projecting element 102, the gravure cylinder S is not mounted on the mounting table 17a, and if not, it is mounted.

The configuration of the sensor 101 is similar. Also,
The stocker 1 is provided with a passage sensor 104 for detecting the diameter of the gravure cylinder S. The passage sensor 104 includes the stocker 1 to the arm unit 5 of the transport device 2.
1, 52, or arm 51,
Gravure cylinder S returned to stocker 1 by 52
It is a sensor for detecting the diameter of.

The passage sensor 104 is mounted, for example, on the side of the frame 16 of the stocker 1 facing the carrier device 2, and the light emitting element 105 provided above the frame 16 and the light receiving element provided below the frame 16. 10
6 and. When the gravure cylinder S held by the arm portions 51 and 52 moves between the stocker 1 and the transfer device 2, the light emitting element 105 is moved by the gravure cylinder S.
The optical path from to the light receiving element 106 is blocked. Arm part 5
If the moving speed in the front-back direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) by 1, 52 is constant, the time during which the optical path from the light-emitting element 105 to the light-receiving element 106 is blocked is determined by the gravure cylinder S.
Proportional to the diameter of. Therefore, the diameter of the gravure cylinder S can be calculated by measuring the switching time of the output of the passage sensor 104.

Next, the sensors provided on the arm will be described. Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8,
The support block 55 is equipped with two sensors.
One is a sensor that detects whether or not the gravure cylinder S is mounted on the support block 55. The other is a sensor for detecting whether or not the left arm portion 52 including the support block 55 moves to the right in FIG. 4 and the left arm portion 52 contacts the end surface of the gravure cylinder S.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a concave groove 92 is formed in the front-rear direction at the center of the mounting surface 91 of the support block 55.
Are formed. The mounting surface 9 is placed in the groove 92.
A pair of a light projecting sensor 93 and a light receiving sensor 94 is provided so as not to project from 1. When the gravure cylinder S is mounted on the support block 55, the light provided from the light projecting sensor 93 to the light receiving sensor 94 is blocked by the gravure cylinder S, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the presence or absence of the gravure cylinder S can be detected depending on whether or not the light receiving sensor 94 receives the light from the light projecting sensor 93.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, an actuator 95 is provided at the right end of the support block 55 in the left arm 52 so as to project rightward from the support block 55. The actuator 95 is an actuator having a predetermined length in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. The actuator 95 swings around a fulcrum 96 when an object contacts the lower end of the actuator 95. Due to this swing, the light blocking plate 97 provided integrally with the actuator 95 blocks light between the sensors 98.

The sensor for detecting the gravure cylinder S has been described above. However, in addition to this, for example, a microsensor or the like for detecting whether or not the operation of the arm portions 51, 52 is performed correctly is provided as necessary. However, since a detailed description of these sensors is not particularly related to the features of the invention, the description thereof will be omitted. Overall System Configuration FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of this system, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the stocker 1, the transport device 2 and the engraving machine 3 and the movable configuration of the transport device 2. .
As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 2 described above, the stocker 1, the conveying device 2 and the engraving machine 3 are arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side. Therefore, if it is left as it is, it is difficult to maintain the transport device 2 and the engraving machine 3, and the gravure cylinder cannot be manually set in the engraving machine 3.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the entire conveying device 2 is slidable to the left. Therefore, two rails 151 are laid under the transport device 2. The transport device 2 can move on the rail 151 in the left-right direction. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the right side surface of the transport device 2, and shows the portion related to the rail. As shown in FIG. 20, the two rails 151 are laid on a base plate 153 arranged on the floor surface 152.
Then, from the frame 50 of the carrier device 2, the legs 15 are moved downward.
4 is protruding, and the lower end of the leg 154 is the rail 15
1 is slidably engaged.

Further, when the transport device 2 is moved to the transport position shown by the solid line in FIG. 19 or moved to the retracted position shown by the broken line, the locking for fixing the transport device 2 at that position. One piece 155 for each base plate 15
It is fixed at 3. On the other hand, the frame 50 of the carrier device 2
Is provided with a pin 156 protruding downward from the frame 50. Further, the pin 15 is connected to the pin 15
A pedal 157 for moving the 6 up and down is provided. The pedal 157 is always urged by a spring 158 so that its operating portion is located above. This results in pedal 157
The pin 156 connected to is normally projected below the frame 50.

When the carrying device 2 is moved along the rail 151 and the carrying device 2 reaches a predetermined carrying position or a retracted position, the pin 156 engages with the locking piece 155. Therefore, the transport device 2 is fixed so as not to move at the transport position or the retracted position. When moving the carrier device 2, it is sufficient to push the carrier device 2 to the left with the pedal 157 lowered and the pin 156 removed from the locking piece 155.

It should be noted that it is preferable that the transfer device 2 movable left and right along the rail 151 is provided with shock absorbers 159 composed of rubber pads or the like at both ends in the moving direction. Shock absorber 15
9 is because, when the transport device 2 is moved in the left-right direction, the impact is applied to the transport device 2 by colliding with a stop piece, a wall or the like at each of the left and right ends thereof. Overall System Configuration Example of Another System FIG. 21 shows a system configuration example according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 21A, a plurality of stockers 1a,
1b, a plan view of a gravure engraving system in which a single transport device 2 and a plurality of engraving machines 3a, 3b are arranged is shown.

A rail 151 is laid under the carrier device 2, and the carrier device 2 is movable left and right along the rail 151. Then, when the transport device 2 is stopped between the stocker 1a and the engraving machine 3a, for example, the gravure cylinder can be delivered to and from the stocker 1a, and the gravure cylinder can be delivered to and from the engraving machine 3a. It is possible. Similarly, the transport device 2 is the stocker 1
In the state where it is stopped between b and the engraving machine 3b, the gravure cylinder can be delivered to and from the stocker 1b,
Moreover, the gravure cylinder can be delivered to and from the engraving machine 3b. Therefore, for example, it is possible to stop the transport device 2 at a position facing the stocker 1a, take out the gravure cylinder stocked in the stocker 1a, and then set the gravure cylinder in the engraving machine 3a. Alternatively, while the carrier device 2 holds the gravure cylinder taken out from the stocker 1a, the carrier device 2
Can be moved along the rail 151 and stopped at a position facing the engraving machine 3b, and then the held gravure cylinder can be set on the engraving machine 3b.

As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
It is possible to transfer the gravure cylinder between the plurality of stockers and the plurality of engraving machines by one transfer device 2. FIG. 21B shows an example of a moving mechanism for moving the carrier device 2 along the rail 151. FIG. 21B
As shown in, the screw shaft 160 is arranged parallel to the rail 151. A ball screw 161 is fitted on the screw shaft 160, and the exterior body of the ball screw 161 is fixed to the carrier device 2. Then, the screw shaft 160 is rotated by a driving device such as a motor 162, for example. By doing so, the transport device 2 can be smoothly moved left and right, and the amount of movement can be controlled by the rotation of the motor 162.

In the above-mentioned system, an example in which a plurality of stockers 1 and a plurality of engraving machines 3 are provided has been described. However, for example, the stocker 1 may be one, and the gravure cylinder may be transferred from one stocker to the plurality of engraving machines 3 by the common transfer device 2. The number of stockers 1 and engraving machines 3 installed can be appropriately changed according to the requirements of a factory or the like that employs this gravure engraving machine system. Operation of System Next, the operation during operation of the gravure engraving system according to the embodiment of the present invention and the control operation of the apparatus in that case will be described in detail.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gravure engraving system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The control circuit includes a data input section 170 and a data output section 171. Data input section 170
Is a device for inputting image data, character data, and the like, and includes a keyboard, a display, a scanner, a mouse, and the like. The data output unit 171 is a device for processing and arranging the data input from the data input unit 170 and creating data for gravure engraving. The data output unit 171 is connected to the stocker 1 and the operation unit 173 of the transport device 2 via the bus 172. Operation part 17
An automatic driving program is stored in 3, and the automatic driving program is started in accordance with the data given from the data output unit 171, and the stocker 1 and the carrying device 2 are driven based on the program. Furthermore, the data output unit 171 is connected to the engraving machine 3 via the bus 17 2. The engraving machine 3 executes a predetermined engraving process based on the engraving data provided from the data output unit 171.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing work processing in the gravure engraving system according to this embodiment.
In addition, the data necessary for the work is previously stored in the data input unit 170.
Is input, and processed and arranged by the data output unit 171. Therefore, when the work is started, the operation content is read in the operation unit 173 via the bus 172 (step S1). When the work content is read, one of the work contents designated in advance is read. The work content includes, for example, the number of the mounting table 17 (see FIG. 1) containing the gravure cylinder to be used, the file name of the data to be engraved, the number of engraved lines, and the cell shape (elongate, compressed, ...) Are the engraving conditions, etc.

After the loading of the work contents is completed, first,
The axial length of the gravure cylinder used is measured (step S2). This measurement processing is performed by moving the left arm unit 52 (see FIG. 4), and the method will be described later in detail. Next, the gravure cylinder is taken out (step S3). That is, the gravure cylinder is transferred from the stocker 1 to the transfer device 2 and transferred. In this case, the diameter of the gravure cylinder is measured as described above (step S9).

Next, the gravure cylinder is given from the conveying device 2 to the engraving machine 3 and attached to a predetermined position of the engraving machine 3 (step S4). Then, the engraving machine 3 engraves the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder in a predetermined manner (step S5). Then, the gravure cylinder is removed from the engraving machine 3 and is conveyed by the conveying device 2 (step S6). Then, the engraved gravure cylinder is moved again from the carrier device 2 to the empty mounting table 17 of the stocker 1 (step S7).

Then, the operation unit 173 determines whether or not there is the next engraving (step S8), and if there is the next engraving, the work from step S1 is repeated. If there is no next engraving, this ends the work process. Figure 24 shows
It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process which measures the axial length of the gravure cylinder performed by step S2 of FIG.

In the cylinder axis length measuring process, first, the mounting table 17 of the stocker 1 is positioned (step S21). That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the mounting table 17a on which the gravure cylinder S to be used is mounted is positioned so as to come to a predetermined take-out position (position indicated by A in FIG. 1). Next, the arm parts 51 and 52
Is moved up and down and stopped at a measurable position (step S22). The measurable position in the vertical direction is a position at which the actuator 95 provided in the left arm portion 52 shown in FIG. 6 can contact the end surface of the gravure cylinder S on the mounting table 17a shown in FIG. . The diameter of the gravure cylinder S on the mounting table 17a differs depending on the type. Therefore, even if the gravure cylinder S having a small diameter is mounted, the measurement position in the height direction is based on the position of the mounting table 17a so that the actuator 95 can come into contact therewith. Can be decided

At this time, the arm portion is at the origin position in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The origin position refers to a state in which the arm portion is not slid in the front-rear direction and is in the state shown in FIG. 10A, and the left arm portion 52 is in the leftmost position as shown in FIG. . Next, the left arm portion 52 is slid in the stocker 1 direction (forward) as shown in FIG. 4 (step S23).
As described above, the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52
Each is equipped with a motor for horizontal movement. Therefore, the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 are
Individual movements are possible for horizontal slides. In step S23, only the left arm 52 is horizontally slid in the stocker 1 direction. as a result,
The left arm portion 52 is in the state shown in FIG. 11D. In this state, the center of the support block 55 is preset so as to correspond to the center of the left end surface of the gravure cylinder S mounted on the mounting table 17a of the stocker 1 shown in FIG.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the left arm portion 52 is horizontally moved rightward (step S24). When the left arm part 52 continues to move to the right in FIG. 14, the actuator 95 (see FIG. 6) provided in the left arm part 52 eventually causes the gravure cylinder mounted on the mounting table 17a (see FIG. 1). It comes into contact with the left end surface of S and is displaced. Then, the sensor 98 shown in FIG. 8 is turned on (step S25). When the sensor 98 is turned on, the movement of the left arm portion 52 in the horizontal right direction is stopped, and the axial length of the gravure cylinder is calculated (step S26).

The axial length of the gravure cylinder is obtained as follows. The left arm portion 52 starts moving from the left end to the right in FIG. 4, for example, and stops when it comes into contact with the left end surface of the gravure cylinder. The amount of movement of the left arm portion 52 can be known by, for example, measuring the number of pulses given to the motor to move the left arm portion 52. On the other hand, in the stocker 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the gravure cylinder S is mounted so that the right end surface thereof contacts the regulation plate 38. In other words, the gravure cylinder S is arranged so that its right end is along a predetermined position. Therefore, the length of the gravure cylinder S can be calculated by subtracting the moved length of the left arm part 52 from the length from the predetermined position to the left end position of the left arm part 52.

Alternatively, as another method, the absolute value of the left arm portion 52 in the stopped state may be read by a linear scale or the like to obtain the axial length of the gravure cylinder. Then, the left arm 52 is slightly moved to the left to a position where the actuator 95 (see FIG. 6) is not in contact with the left end surface of the gravure cylinder (step S2).
7).

Then, the left arm part 52 is slid in the front-rear direction while keeping its position in the left-right direction, and the second arm 54 is returned to the origin position in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 10A) (step S28). FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the gravure cylinder take-out process shown in step S3 of FIG.

In the gravure cylinder take-out process, first, it is judged whether or not the axial length of the gravure cylinder measured in step S2 of FIG. 23 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S30). As described above, this determination is performed by holding the gravure cylinder by the two arm portions of the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 (so-called holding by both hands) or by holding the gravure cylinder only by the right arm portion 51 ( This is to decide whether to hold it in one hand.

When the axial length of the gravure cylinder is larger than the predetermined value, the two arm portions 51 and 52 convey the gravure cylinder in a so-called double-handed mode (steps S31 to S35). In this operation, first, the left arm portion 52 is moved to the right by a predetermined amount in FIG. 2, for example. When the axial length of the gravure cylinder has been measured, the left arm portion 52 is located slightly left of the left end surface of the gravure cylinder when viewed in the left-right direction from the front side. Therefore, the left arm part 52 is moved rightward to a position where the gravure cylinder can be held. This moving amount is adjusted based on the calculated axial length of the gravure cylinder.

Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved downward by a predetermined amount. This movement is simultaneously performed in conjunction with each other, as described with reference to FIGS. Then, the arm portions 51 and 52 are stopped at the extraction preparation position corresponding to the space 46 (see FIG. 3) of the mounting table 17 on which the gravure cylinder S to be extracted is mounted. Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are slid horizontally in the front stocker 1 direction (step S33). As a result, the support blocks 55L and 55S (see FIG. 4) of the arm portions 51 and 52 are in the space 46.
(See FIG. 3) It is located below the gravure cylinder S that should enter and take out.

Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved upward, and the gravure cylinder S is supported by the support blocks 55L and 55S (step S34). This take-out position corresponds to the fixed holding portion 33 and the movable holding portion 34 in FIG.
Is slightly above the position where the gravure cylinder S is held. Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are slid backward and returned to the origin (step S35).

When returning to the origin in step S35, the diameter of the gravure cylinder S is measured (step S
9). The method of this measurement will be described later. On the other hand, when the axial length of the gravure cylinder is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the so-called one-handed holding mode is performed. The operation in this mode is
Except that the left arm 52 does not move in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, the operation is exactly the same as the operation in the two-handed holding mode. Further, the right arm portion 51 and the left arm portion 52 move in the vertical direction as described above.
Since the two motors are interlocked with each other, the left arm portion 52 can be moved in the vertical direction even in the one-handed mode.

Regarding the operation in the one-handed mode, specifically, the operation corresponding to step S31 is omitted and S32 is omitted.
The operation of S36, the operation of S33, the operation of S34, the operation of S38, and the operation of S39 are performed. After that, the cylinder diameter is measured as in the two-handed mode (step S9). FIG. 26
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the measurement processing of the diameter of the gravure cylinder shown in step S9 of FIGS. 23 and 25.

The diameter of the gravure cylinder is determined by using the passage sensor 104 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this process, it is first determined whether or not the passage sensor 104 (see FIG. 1) is turned on (step S).
91). As shown in FIG. 1, the passage sensor 104 has an optical path from the light emitting element 105 to the light receiving element 106.
When this optical path is blocked, the passage sensor 104 is turned on.
As shown in FIG. 2, the movement of the arms 51 and 52 in the front-rear direction does not obstruct the optical path of the passage sensor 104. However, when the gravure cylinder is mounted on the arm portions 51 and 52, the movement of the mounted gravure cylinder in the front-back direction blocks the optical path of the passage sensor 104.

Therefore, when it is determined that the passage sensor 104 is turned on (YES in step S91), time measurement is started (step S92), and thereafter, the gravure cylinder moves and does not obstruct the optical path of the passage sensor 104. When it is determined that 104 is off (Y in step S93)
(ES) and the time measurement is ended (step S94). Then, the diameter of the gravure cylinder is calculated based on the measured time (step S95). This calculation can be obtained, for example, from “measurement time” × “transport speed in the front-rear direction”.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a cylinder mounting process for setting the gravure cylinder shown in step S4 of FIG. 23 on the engraving machine 3. In the cylinder mounting process, the arms 51 and 52 are normally moved downward to a predetermined mounting preparation position (step S4).
1). Here, the attachment preparation position means the gravure cylinder S held by the arm portions 51 and 52 as shown in FIG. 16A.
Is not the height position where the central axis line of the cone coincides with the center lines of the cones 7 and 9, but the height position where the gravure cylinder S is located below that. After the arm parts 51 and 52 are lowered to the attachment preparation position, the arm parts 51 and 52 are slid backward and moved to the engraving machine position shown in FIG. 10D (step S42). In this operation, only the right arm 51 is driven in the one-handed mode.

Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved upward in accordance with the diameter of the gravure cylinder being held, and as shown in FIG. 16A, the central axis of the gravure cylinder S being held is a cone. It is moved to the mounting position that coincides with the central axis of 7, 9 (step S43). Then, after that, the movable cone 9 is moved to the right as shown in FIG. 16A, and both shaft ends of the gravure cylinder S are sandwiched and sandwiched by the fixed cone 7 and the movable cone 9 as shown in FIG. 16B (step S44).

Thereafter, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved downward to the attachment preparation position (step S45),
Then, it is slid forward in the horizontal direction and returned to the original position (step S46). In the cylinder mounting process, the mounting preparation position described in steps S41 and S45 is provided for the following reason.

One is to make one path through which the gravure cylinder passes during the gravure cylinder transfer between the transfer device 2 and the engraving machine 3. This is because it is preferable in terms of safety structure, such as reducing the number of conveyance detection sensors. Another reason is that when the gravure cylinder is removed from the engraving machine 3, it may be dangerous if the gravure cylinder is caught in the cone and moved in the take-out direction (horizontal front direction). Therefore, when removing the gravure cylinder, it is safer to lower the gravure cylinder first, and therefore a mounting preparation position is provided. Whether or not the gravure cylinder is caught on the cone during removal can be reliably detected by using, for example, a sensor.Therefore, when such a configuration is adopted, the installation preparation position should not be provided. It is also possible to do so.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the gravure cylinder removal process of step S6 in FIG. Also in this process, the process differs depending on whether or not the axial length of the gravure cylinder measured in step S2 of FIG. 23 is a predetermined length. That is, if the axial length of the gravure cylinder is not less than the predetermined length, both-hands holding process using the arm portions 51 and 52, and if the axial length of the gravure cylinder is not more than the predetermined length, one-hand holding process using only the arm portion 51. Is done.

More specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the axial length of the gravure cylinder to be removed is less than or equal to a predetermined length (step S60). If the axial length is not less than the predetermined length, the left arm portion 52 is moved in the lateral direction (for example, the lateral direction in FIG. 16C) to a position where it can be held according to the axial length of the gravure cylinder (step S61). Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved in the vertical direction to the attachment preparation position (step S62).

Next, the arms 51 and 52 are horizontally slid backward and forward to the engraving machine position (step S63). After that, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved upward to a mounting position that can hold the gravure cylinder S that matches the diameter of the gravure cylinder (step S
64). Next, as shown in FIG. 16C, the movable cone 9 is retracted to the left (step S65).

Next, as shown in FIG. 16D, the extrusion device 1
The gravure cylinder S is removed from the fixed cone 7 by 40 (step S66). After that, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved downward to the attachment preparation position (step S6).
7). Then, the arm portions 51, 52 are horizontally slid forward in the front-rear direction and returned to the original position (step S6).
8).

In the one-handed mode, the left arm 52
Is not moved horizontally and horizontally,
Other operations are the same. That is, step S61
Is not performed, only steps S62 to S68
The operation up to is the same. However, in steps S63 'and S68', only the right arm portion 51 is operated and the left arm portion 52 is not operated.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing details of the gravure cylinder storage processing shown in step S7 of FIG. In the storage process of the gravure cylinder, first, the mounting table 17 in the stocker 1 (see FIG. 1) is positioned. That is, in FIG. 1, the chain 20 is circulated, and an empty mounting table (the gravure cylinder to be stored is engraved) at a position (the position where the mounting table 17a is located in FIG. 1) that can be taken in and out by the transfer device 2. The mounting table that was mounted on (1) is positioned (step S71).

Next, the arm portions 51, 52 are moved in the vertical direction so that the height of the arm portions 51, 52 is at the take-out position (step S72). And arm 5
1, 52 are slid forward in the front-rear direction and moved to the stocker 1 side (step S73). In step S73, in the so-called one-handed mode,
The left arm portion 52 is not driven, but only the right arm portion 51 is driven.

Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved downward and lowered to the attachment preparation position (step S74).
As a result, the gravure cylinder supported by the arm portions 51 and 52 is replaced by the holding portions 33 and 34 of the mounting table 17 (see FIG. 3). And arm parts 51, 52
Is slid rearward in the front-rear direction and returned to the origin position (step S75). In addition, also in this S75,
In the so-called one-handed mode, only the right arm portion 51 is driven. This is because the left arm portion 52 has not moved in step S73 and remains at the origin position.

Next, the arm portions 51 and 52 are moved up and down and returned to the original position. Note that the vertical origin position may be any position, and the process in step S76 may be omitted. Next, the left arm unit 52 is moved leftward (for example, leftward in FIG. 4) and moved to the leftmost position which is the origin (step S77).

[0115]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of gravure cylinders can be sequentially mounted and discharged to the engraving machine automatically, the engraving machine can be continuously and automatically operated. Of et al., Supplied to support the gravure cylinder,
Since a carrying operation such as discharging can be performed, gravure cylinders having different diameters can be carried stably. Furthermore, since at least one of the arm portions can be moved in the horizontal plane in the direction orthogonal to the horizontal transport direction, the distance between the two arm portions can be set to a distance suitable for carrying and holding, depending on the axial length of the gravure cylinder.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to efficiently stock a large number of gravure cylinders. In the invention according to claim 3 , further, gravure cylinders having different axial lengths can be stably stocked, and the gravure cylinders can be mounted so as to be supported from below. Therefore, it is possible to make the configuration optimal for the operation of the arm portion provided in the system according to the second aspect.

In the invention according to claim 4 , the driving means for sandwiching the gravure cylinder need only be provided in one cone portion, and the pushing means is provided in the other portion. And the cylinder can be easily removed from the cone portion. According to the invention of claim 5 , further, the maintenance of the engraving machine, the conveying device and the stock device is easy. Further, it is also possible to manually set the gravure cylinder on the engraving machine as in the conventional case.

In the invention according to claim 6 , a plurality of engraving machines can be automatically operated, and productivity can be improved. Also,
It is possible to share the carrier device and the stock device. Claim 7
Further, in the above-described invention, since a plurality of stock devices can be installed side by side, automatic operation can be performed for a longer time. Further, even if one of the stock devices is accessing, it is possible to set the next cylinder in the other stock device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a right side view of a gravure engraving system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a gravure engraving system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration example of a mounting table.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the transfer device.

5 is a side view of the left arm portion as viewed in the direction of arrow VV in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a left arm portion.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view for explaining a so-called two-handed state in which a gravure cylinder is held by two arm portions, a right arm portion and a left arm portion, and a so-called one-handed state in which a gravure cylinder is held only by the right arm portion. Is.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a relationship between a pin unit provided in a support block and an engagement hole.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view summarizing a characteristic configuration of an arm unit.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view for explaining the operation of the arm section.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view for explaining the operation of the arm section.

FIG. 12 is a schematic mechanism diagram for explaining a drive mechanism for vertically moving and horizontally moving an arm portion in the transfer device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship of an actual drive mechanism for vertically moving an arm portion.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship of an actual drive mechanism of a left arm section.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the transfer device, showing the positional relationship between the vertical movement mechanism and the horizontal movement mechanism of the arm unit.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing a procedure of a method of delivering a gravure cylinder between the carrying device and the engraving machine.

FIG. 17 is a partial front view of the engraving machine, showing the configuration of the first cone portion and its surroundings.

FIG. 18 is a left side view of the vertical cross section of the engraving machine, showing the configuration centered on the first cone portion.

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of a gravure engraving system according to an embodiment of the present invention, for explaining a positional relationship between a stocker, a transfer device, and an engraving machine, and a movable configuration of the transfer device. It is a figure.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a right side view of the transfer device, showing a part relating to a rail.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a system configuration example according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a control-related circuit in the system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an outline of work processing of the system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the details of the axial length measurement process of the gravure cylinder shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the gravure cylinder removal process shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing details of a diameter measuring process of the gravure cylinder shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the gravure cylinder attachment process shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the gravure cylinder removal process shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of a storage process of the gravure cylinder shown in FIG. 23.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Stocker 2 Conveyor 3 engraving machine 5 1st cone part (fixed cone part) 6 Second cone part (movable cone part) 7 fixed cone 8 drive 9 movable cones 10 Mobile devices 17 table 18,19 Chain gear 20 chains 33 Fixed holding part 34 Movable holding part 46 space 51 Right arm part 52 Left arm 53 First Arm 54 Second Arm 55 Support block 151 rail

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tadashi Suto One of 465 Kuze Tsukiyama-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City Daisuke Nippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., Kuze Plant (72) Inventor Yoshikazu Matsuno 465 Kuse Tsukiyama-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto Address 1 Dai Nippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., within the Kuze Plant (56) Reference US Patent 5424846 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41C 1/04 B41C 1/045 B41C 1/18

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A gravure engraving system for engraving the peripheral surface of a gravure cylinder, which supports both axial ends of the engraving gravure cylinder and rotates the gravure cylinder at a predetermined speed while engraving the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder. An engraving machine for engraving on, a stock device for stocking a plurality of gravure cylinders, and a transport device for transporting the gravure cylinders between the engraving machine and the stock device, the transport device Has a small number for supporting the gravure cylinder
At least two arm parts and the arm parts are moved up and down in the direction of raising and lowering the gravure cylinder.
Vertical drive means for moving, and a gravure cylinder between the stock device and the engraving machine
Move the arm part horizontally for transport
In order to change the distance between the horizontal driving means and the two arm portions,
At least one of the arms should be
Orthogonal drive means for moving in a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction,
A gravure engraving system characterized by being equipped . 2. The gravure engraving system according to claim 1 , wherein the stock section mounts the gravure cylinders in a substantially horizontal direction such that the axes of the gravure cylinders extend in a substantially horizontal direction, and the plurality of mounting tables. A holding mechanism for holding the mounting table of the rotary type,
A gravure engraving system characterized by comprising. 3. The gravure engraving system according to claim 2 , wherein the mounting table supports at least a part of a peripheral surface of the mounted gravure cylinder to support the gravure cylinder.
The holding table includes a holding section, and a space is formed on the mounting table so that the arm section can enter below the gravure cylinder supported by the holding section. At least one of the holding sections is on the mounting table. The gravure engraving system is characterized in that it can be moved horizontally in. 4. A gravure cylinder is engraved on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder.
A via engraving system that supports both shaft ends of a gravure cylinder for engraving.
While rotating the via cylinder at a predetermined speed,
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of Linda and a stock for stocking multiple gravure cylinders
A gravure cylinder between the machine and the engraving machine and the stock machine.
And a carrying device for carrying, wherein the engraving machine has a pair of cone portions for sandwiching and supporting both shaft end portions of the gravure cylinder, and one cone portion is a shaft end portion of the gravure cylinder. And a cone drive means for moving the cone in a direction in which the cone can move toward and away from the other cone portion, and the other cone portion engages with the shaft end portion of the gravure cylinder. And a gravure engraving system that pushes out a gravure cylinder engaged with the cone in a direction to remove the gravure cylinder from the cone. 5. A gravure cylinder is engraved on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder.
A via engraving system that supports both shaft ends of a gravure cylinder for engraving.
While rotating the via cylinder at a predetermined speed,
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of Linda and a stock for stocking multiple gravure cylinders
A gravure cylinder between the machine and the engraving machine and the stock machine.
And a carrying device for carrying the carrying device, wherein the carrying device is disposed between the stock device and the engraving machine, and the carrying device includes the carrying device from between the engraving machine and the stock device. It is equipped with a guide member that guides it to the retracted position, and the transport device is located between the stock device and the engraving machine to transport the gravure cylinder, and is retracted from between the stock device and the engraving machine. A gravure engraving system characterized by being movable to different states. 6. A gravure cylinder is engraved on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder.
A via engraving system that supports both shaft ends of a gravure cylinder for engraving.
While rotating the via cylinder at a predetermined speed,
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of Linda and a stock for stocking multiple gravure cylinders
A gravure cylinder between the machine and the engraving machine and the stock machine.
And a transport device for transporting, the plurality of engraving machines are arranged in series, a guide member is provided in parallel to the plurality of engraving machines arranged in series, the transport device, A gravure engraving system, wherein the gravure engraving system is provided so as to be movable along a guide member, and can face a predetermined engraving device to convey a gravure cylinder to and from the engraving machine. 7. A gravure cylinder is engraved on the peripheral surface of the gravure cylinder.
A via engraving system that supports both shaft ends of a gravure cylinder for engraving.
While rotating the via cylinder at a predetermined speed,
An engraving machine for engraving the surface of Linda and a stock for stocking multiple gravure cylinders
A gravure cylinder between the machine and the engraving machine and the stock machine.
A carrying device for carrying, and a plurality of the stock devices are arranged in series, a guide member is provided in parallel to the stock devices arranged in series, the carrying device along the guide member. A gravure engraving system, wherein the gravure engraving system is movable and is capable of conveying a gravure cylinder between the stock apparatus and a predetermined stock apparatus.