WO2020141322A1 - Support de rouleau - Google Patents

Support de rouleau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020141322A1
WO2020141322A1 PCT/GB2020/050004 GB2020050004W WO2020141322A1 WO 2020141322 A1 WO2020141322 A1 WO 2020141322A1 GB 2020050004 W GB2020050004 W GB 2020050004W WO 2020141322 A1 WO2020141322 A1 WO 2020141322A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
spindles
roller
support member
printing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/050004
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ben CLEMENTS
Trevor CLEMENTS
Chris Thompson
Original Assignee
Emerson & Renwick Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Emerson & Renwick Ltd filed Critical Emerson & Renwick Ltd
Priority to GB2109717.5A priority Critical patent/GB2594644A/en
Publication of WO2020141322A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020141322A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F13/00—Common details of rotary presses or machines
    • B41F13/08—Cylinders
    • B41F13/24—Cylinder-tripping devices; Cylinder-impression adjustments
    • B41F13/34—Cylinder lifting or adjusting devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F13/00—Common details of rotary presses or machines
    • B41F13/08—Cylinders
    • B41F13/20—Supports for bearings or supports for forme, offset, or impression cylinders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F13/00—Common details of rotary presses or machines
    • B41F13/08—Cylinders
    • B41F13/24—Cylinder-tripping devices; Cylinder-impression adjustments
    • B41F13/34—Cylinder lifting or adjusting devices
    • B41F13/38—Cylinder lifting or adjusting devices electrically or magnetically operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F13/00—Common details of rotary presses or machines
    • B41F13/08—Cylinders
    • B41F13/24—Cylinder-tripping devices; Cylinder-impression adjustments
    • B41F13/34—Cylinder lifting or adjusting devices
    • B41F13/40—Cylinder lifting or adjusting devices fluid-pressure operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F5/00—Rotary letterpress machines
    • B41F5/24—Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F9/00—Rotary intaglio printing presses
    • B41F9/06—Details
    • B41F9/18—Auxiliary devices for exchanging forme cylinders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO PRINTING, LINING MACHINES, TYPEWRITERS, AND TO STAMPS
    • B41P2213/00—Arrangements for actuating or driving printing presses; Auxiliary devices or processes
    • B41P2213/80—Means enabling or facilitating exchange of cylinders
    • B41P2213/804—Means enabling or facilitating exchange of cylinders radially
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO PRINTING, LINING MACHINES, TYPEWRITERS, AND TO STAMPS
    • B41P2217/00—Printing machines of special types or for particular purposes
    • B41P2217/10—Printing machines of special types or for particular purposes characterised by their constructional features
    • B41P2217/13—Machines with double or multiple printing units for "flying" printing plates exchange

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a roller support system for a printing machine, a printing machine comprising a roller support system, and to a method of supporting a plurality of rollers in a printing machine.
  • an image is typically printed onto a substrate using an image roller.
  • an outer surface of the image roller is wrapped with a plate or sleeve having a physical impression of the image that is desired to be printed onto the substrate. It is often necessary to change the image that is being printed, for example once a particular printing job has been completed. In order to do so, the printing press must be stopped and the image roller removed so that the plate or sleeve can be replaced with a new plate or sleeve carrying the next image.
  • one image roller is required per printing colour of the final image.
  • a full colour printing press may comprise seven or more different colours of ink.
  • a roller support system for a printing machine comprising: a plurality of spindles, each spindle defining a spindle axis and being configured to support a roller for rotation about each spindle axis, and a support member supporting the plurality of spindles, wherein the support member is configured to rotate about a support axis so as to selectively position a first one of the plurality of spindles in a printing position and a second one of the plurality of spindles in a non-printing position. Because the roller support system comprises a plurality of spindles, at least one of the spindles can be used for printing whilst the other spindle is not being used for printing.
  • the non-printing spindle can be loaded with a roller having the next image that is desired to be printed.
  • the support member is rotated so as to move the printing spindle (i.e. the first spindle) out of the printing position to a non-printing position and to move the non-printing spindle (i.e. the second spindle) to the printing position.
  • Roller changeover between consecutive printing jobs is therefore straightforward and quick, since the roller for the next printing job can be pre-loaded onto the non-printing spindle before the initial printing job has stopped.
  • the roller support system therefore saves time and money between printing operations. Furthermore, because roller changeover occurs primarily due to rotation, roller changeover is mechanically simple to control and there are fewer moving parts compared to alternative systems.
  • any roller supported by the non-printing spindle will not contact the substrate being printed and may be spaced apart from the impression roller and/or any other rollers of the printing machine. Because the roller of the non-printing spindle does not engage the substrate or the impression roller, replacement of the non-printing roller is easier. The time taken to change the image being printed by the printing machine is therefore reduced, thus saving costs. Furthermore, because the time taken to change the image is reduced, the amount of substrate that is potentially wasted is also reduced thus saving further costs. In some instances it may be possible to replace the non-printing roller whilst the printing machine is still running, thus reducing machine downtime even further (although in such instances it is recommended that appropriate safety equipment is used by the operator).
  • the operator can plan ahead for a roller changeover that is expected to occur at a future time, and can place the next image roller in position on the non-printing spindle so that it is ready to go when the current printing job has finished.
  • the changeover process can therefore be automated such that roller changeover can occur even without the presence of the operator.
  • the time between printing jobs can be reduced such that the printing machine can run almost continuously. This effect is enhanced when more than two spindles are used, as three or more printing jobs can be run in succession without the need for the operator to physically interact with the printing machine.
  • printing position it is meant any position in which a roller supported by the spindle may be used to transfer an image onto a substrate. Typically, this will be when the spindle causes the roller to engage a substrate between an outer surface of the roller and the impression roller.
  • non-printing position it is meant any position of the spindle in which the roller is not used to transfer an image onto the substrate.
  • selective position is intended to encompass any movement or change to the configuration of the support member in which the spindle that is in the printing position can be moved out of the printing position and replaced with another, different, spindle. However, any such movement must comprise at least some rotation of the support member about the support axis.
  • the support member and/or the spindles may also, but not necessarily, undergo translational movement when changing the spindle that is in the printing position.
  • the term “connecting” is intended to encompass both direct connection and indirect connection.
  • the spindles may be mounted directly to the support member, or may be mounted to the support member via one or more intermediate components, including for example, bearings, tracks, rails, fixtures etc.
  • the term“support axis” is intended to encompass an axis generally parallel to the spindle axes. The support axis may be positioned at the centrepoint of the plurality of spindles.
  • the support member is configured to rotate about a support axis so as to selectively position a first one of the plurality of spindles in a printing position and a second one of the plurality of spindles in a non-printing position” is intended to encompass that the support member is rotatable about the support axis between: (i) a first configuration in which a first spindle is in a printing position and a second spindle is in a non-printing position, and (ii) a second configuration in which the first spindle is in the non-printing position and the second spindle is in the printing position.
  • the support member may further be configured so that the spindles to rotate about the support axis simultaneously.
  • the spindles exhibit a first degree of rotation about their spindle axes and a second degree of rotation about the support axis.
  • the support member may also be supported for translational movement so the support axis is displaceable.
  • the support member could be supported by a mechanism which causes the spindles to rotate about the support axis at the same time that the support axis undergoes translational movement.
  • a mechanism may comprise one or more cams, rails, rotational or linear actuators or the like.
  • the spindles may be mounted to the support member such that angular movement of the spindles relative to one another about the support axis is substantially prevented. Because movement of the spindles relative to one another is prevented, the spindles rotate in unison about the support axis and therefore the angular positions of all of the spindles can be predicted with greater accuracy by a control unit. However, in such embodiments the spindles may still be free to move radially inwards and outwards from the support axis.
  • the spindles may be mounted to the support member such that movement of the spindles in the radial direction relative to the support axis is substantially prevented. Movement of the spindles in the radial direction relative to the support axis may be prevented.
  • the spindles are therefore positioned at a constant distance from the support axis regardless of their angular position. As such, the positions of the spindles can be accurately predicted by a control unit, and hence control over the changeover operation is simplified. Where both the angular position of the spindles and the radial positions of the spindles are constrained, no relative movement between the spindles is permitted and therefore it is easier to predict the position of the spindles when the support member is rotated. This ensures that the spindles reach the correct printing position.
  • the first and second spindles may be positioned diametrically opposite one another relative to the support axis. Because the two spindles are diametrically opposite one another, the region of clear space between the spindles is maximised. This provides a greater region within which the operator can work when replacing the roller of the spindle in the non-printing position, and thus improves the ease of use and the safety of the roller support system and the printing machine.
  • the support member may be configured such that every 180 ° of rotation of the support member about the support axis selects which one of the first and second spindles is in the printing position and which one of the first and second spindles is in the non- printing position.
  • the support member may be configured to rotate through 180 ° to select which one of the first and second spindles is in the printing position and which one of the first and second spindles is in the non-printing position.
  • the roller support system may comprise any number of spindles, spaced equidistantly apart from one another relative to the support axis.
  • the roller support system may comprise two spindles, spaced around 180 ° apart from one another relative to the support axis, or three spindles spaced around 120 ° apart from one another relative to the support axis.
  • the support member may comprise a plate to which the spindles are mounted.
  • the term“plate” is intended to encompass a generally planar sheet of material having a relatively narrow thickness in relation to its width and/or length.
  • the angular position of the spindles must be accurately controlled to so that the image printed by the roller is in the correct position on the substrate.
  • the plate forms a stable and strong base for the spindles, and helps to prevent the spindles from moving out of position such that the position of the spindles and rollers can be more accurately controlled.
  • the use of a plate makes it easy to modify the support member so as to change the number of spindles. For example, a third spindle could be fitted to the support member to provide extra capacity but without the need to replace the support member itself. Because the spindles are mounted to the same base, movement of the spindles relative to one another is prevented and therefore positioning of the spindles is more accurate.
  • the plate may be generally cylindrical. Because the plate is generally cylindrical, any loads experienced by the plate are evenly distributed throughout the material of the plate. That is to say, a cylinder is the optimum plate shape for distributing loads. By evenly distributing any load, the support member is stiffer and less likely to flex in a manner which might move the spindle out of position. As such, when the support member is cylindrical, the shape of the support member helps to improve control and accuracy over the spindle and roller positions, improving print registration and quality.
  • Each spindle may have an associated roller drive unit, the drive units being supported by the plate.
  • the drive units may comprise a drive motor and an encoder, and may be mounted to the plate via a bracket. Because the drive units are supported by the plate and the plate provides a stiff and stable base, the drive units are better able to control the rotational positions of the rollers and spindles.
  • the printing machine may define a printing zone, wherein the spindles extend into the printing zone so as to support the rollers for rotation within the printing zone, and wherein the support member is positioned outside of the printing zone. That is to say, the support member does not extend into the printing zone.
  • the only components of the roller support system that extend into the printing zone are the spindles and the rollers. This provides a greater area of clear space within which the operator can work when it is necessary to change the rollers of the plurality of spindles. The increased region of clear space makes it easier and safer for the operator to replace the rollers.
  • the roller support system may further comprise a movable support frame, wherein the support member is supported for rotation about the support axis by the support frame, the support frame being mounted to the printing machine so that the orientation of the support frame is rotationally frozen relative to the printing machine.
  • the support frame is movable, the support frame is able to move the support member, the spindles and the rollers towards or away from the other components of the printing machine (which many include, for example, an impression roller, an anilox roller, a substrate etc.).
  • the spindles and rollers can be moved to a position in which the spindles and rollers will not accidentally contact the other components of the printing machine when the support member is rotated about the support axis.
  • the support frame provides a first degree of articulation between the support frame and the support member (so as to control the angular position of the support member), and a second degree of articulation between the printing machine and the support frame (so as to control the translational position of the support member).
  • the roller support system may further comprise a support member drive unit configured to cause rotation of the support member relative to the support frame.
  • the support member drive unit is therefore able to control the angular position of the spindles about the support axis to determine which spindle is in the printing position.
  • the support member drive unit may comprise a drive motor and/or encoder.
  • the support member drive unit may comprise a pinion wheel and the support member comprises an annular gear in engagement with the pinion wheel.
  • toothed connections such as gears avoid slipping which may make determining the precise angular position of the support member more difficult.
  • the annular gear and pinion eliminate the possibility of slip and therefore provide improved control over the angular position of the support member.
  • the support frame may be displaceable relative to the printing machine within a plane normal to the support axis.
  • the rollers and spindles can be lifted away from the other components of the printing machine so that they do not accidentally engage or otherwise interfere with the other components when the support member is rotated.
  • the spindles and rollers remain generally parallel to the other components of the printing machine, and in particular with any ink fountains, anilox and/or impression rollers. By keeping the spindles and rollers generally parallel to the other components it is easier to ensure that the spindles and rollers return to the correct position after every changeover operation.
  • the support frame may be supported for linear movement relative to the printing machine.
  • the support frame may be mounted to a side wall of the printing machine by a linear support means.
  • the linear support means may comprise rails, sliders, or slots or the like.
  • the linear movement may be substantially vertical (i.e. opposite to the action of gravity).
  • the roller support system may further comprise an actuator configured to cause movement of the support frame relative to the printing machine.
  • the actuator may permit the support frame, support member, spindles and rollers to be moved away from the other components of the printing machine automatically so that the support member can rotate.
  • the support member may support the plurality of spindles for radial movement relative to the support axis. That is to say, the spindles may be movable both rotationally around the support axis and linearly towards or away from the support axis. Because the spindles can be moved radially relative to the support axis, the spindles are able to retract in the radial direction so that they avoid accidentally engaging the other components of the printing machine when the support member is rotated.
  • the spindles may be supported for movement in the radial direction by slots or rails or the like.
  • a printing machine comprising the roller support system of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the printing machine may be, for example, a flexographic printing machine or a gravure printing machine.
  • a method of supporting a plurality of rollers in a printing machine comprising: providing a first spindle defining a first spindle axis and a second spindle defining a second spindle axis, providing a support member supporting the first and second spindles, supporting a first roller for rotation about the first spindle axis using the first spindle and a second roller for rotation about the second spindle axis using the second spindle, and rotating the support member about the support axis so as to selectively position the first spindle in a printing position and the second spindle in a non-printing position.
  • the printing machine may comprise a roller support system according to the first aspect of the invention, such that the first and second spindles and the support member may be part of the roller support system according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • additional components of movement other than rotation may be employed to change which of the first and second spindles is in the printing position and which is in the non-printing position.
  • at least one of the components of movement required to select which of the first and second spindles is in the printing position and which is in the non-printing position is rotational movement about the support axis.
  • the step of “rotating” is intended to encompass rotating the support member about the support axis between: (i) a first configuration in which the first spindle is in a printing position and the second spindle is in a non-printing position, and (ii) a second configuration in which the first spindle is in the non-printing position and the second spindle is in the printing position.
  • the method may further comprise displacing the support member relative to the printing machine.
  • the displacement may comprise linear movement, for example vertical movement.
  • the method may further comprise displacing the first and/or second spindles in a radial direction relative to the support axis.
  • the method may further comprise displacing one or more other rollers or components of the printing machine, for example an anilox roller, impression roller or an ink fountain.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a portion of a printing machine comprising a roller support system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the printing machine of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 3A to 3D are sequential first to fourth steps of a method of changing a roller of a printing machine in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 4A to 4D are sequential first to fourth steps of a method of changing a roller of a printing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a portion of a flexographic printing machine 2 comprising an ink fountain 4, an anilox roller 5, a first image roller 6, a second image roller 8, an impression roller 10, and a printable substrate 12.
  • the printing machine 2 further comprises a side wall 38 which separates a printing zone 11 from a non-printing zone 13.
  • the printing zone 11 is the portion of the printing machine 2 in which the printing process is conducted.
  • the ink fountain 4, anilox roller 5, image rollers 6, 8, impression roller 10 and the substrate 12 are positioned in the printing zone 11.
  • the first and second image rollers 6, 8 have upon their surfaces respective image plates or sleeves containing a physical impression of the image desired to be printed.
  • rotation of the anilox roller 5 transfers ink from the ink fountain 4 to the anilox roller 5.
  • the surface of the anilox roller 5 comprises a large number of equally-sized microscopic cells which receive a metered dose of ink from the ink fountain 4. As the anilox roller 5 rotates, it transfers the ink to the image plate or sleeve of the first image roller 6. The first image roller 6 is rotated and presses the substrate 12 against the impression roller 10 so as to transfer the image to the substrate 12. For full colour printing, the above process is repeated for each different colour of ink required, which may comprise seven or more colours.
  • the substrate 12 is fed continuously through the printing machine 2 as a web, and is typically collected on a spool at the end of the printing machine 2 or may be fed to a further processing apparatus such as a die cutter.
  • the printing machine 2 comprises a roller support system 14 which supports the first and second image rollers 6, 8.
  • the roller support system 14 comprises a first spindle 16, a second spindle 18, a support member 20, a first drive unit 28 and a second drive unit 30.
  • the roller support system 14 is generally positioned in the non-printing zone 13, however the first and second spindles 16, 18 extend from the non-printing zone 13 to the printing zone 11 through a circular aperture 15 formed in the side wall 38.
  • the first spindle 16 supports the first image roller 6 for rotation about a first spindle axis 17 and the second spindle 18 supports the second image roller 8 for rotation about a second spindle axis 19.
  • the spindles 16, 18 comprise bearings which permit an outer surface of the spindle 16, 18 to rotate whilst an inner part of the spindle remains stationary.
  • the support member 20 is a generally cylindrical plate, and the first and second spindles 16, 18 are mounted to the support member 20 on diametrically opposite sides of a support axis 36 and at an equal distance from the support axis 36.
  • the support member 20 may have any construction that is suitable for supporting the first and second spindles 16, 18, such as for example a frame-like construction or a plate having a non-cylindrical shape.
  • the first and second drive units 28, 30 are mounted to the support member 20 by brackets 29 on the opposite side of the support member 20 to the first and second image rollers 6, 8.
  • the support member 20 comprises apertures (not shown) through which the first and second spindles 16, 18 are passed so that the first drive unit 28 is connected to the first spindle 16 and the second drive unit 30 is connected to the second spindle 18.
  • the first drive unit 28 is therefore operable to drive the first spindle 16 and the second drive unit 30 is operable to drive the second spindle 18.
  • the first and second drive units 28, 30 are directly connected to the first and second spindles 16, 18 without any intermediate transmission components such as drive belts, gears, clutches or the like.
  • the first and second drive units 28, 30 may comprise a drive motor of any suitable motor type, such as for example AC or DC electric motors.
  • the drive units 28, 30 preferably also comprise encoders so that that precise rotational position of the image rollers 6, 8 and spindles 16, 18 about the spindles axes 17, 19 are known.
  • the drive units 28, 30 are electrically connected to and controlled by a control unit (not shown).
  • the roller support system 14 further comprises a gear wheel 22, four bearing units 24, a support frame 26, a third drive unit 40 and a linear actuator 44.
  • the gear wheel 22 is attached to the support member 20 via fasteners so as to rotationally freeze the support member 20 relative to the gear wheel 22.
  • the gear wheel 22 is generally annular in shape, and defines a smooth radially inner surface 32 and an outer surface comprising a plurality of teeth 34.
  • Each bearing unit 24 comprises at least one bearing wheel 25 which engages the inner surface 32 of the gear wheel 22 so as to support the gear wheel 22 and the support member 20 for rotation about the support axis 36.
  • any suitable means may be used in addition to or in place of the bearing units 24 to support the support member 20 for rotation.
  • the support member 20 may comprise an axle extending parallel to the support axis 36 that is supported for rotation by bearings.
  • the bearing units 24 and the third drive unit 40 are attached to the support frame 26.
  • the third drive unit 40 is connected to a pinion wheel 42 which meshes with the teeth 34 of the gear wheel 22 so that the third drive unit 40 drives rotation of the support plate 20 about the support axis 36.
  • the third drive unit 40 preferably comprises a servo or stepper motor; however the third drive unit 40 may comprise any suitable motor type and/or additional position encoders.
  • the third drive 40 unit is also electrically connected to and controlled by the control unit.
  • the support frame 26 is attached by rails to the side wall 38 of the printing machine 2 such that the support frame 26 is movable in the vertical direction.
  • the linear actuator 44 is fixedly attached to the side wall 38 and comprises an extension rod 46 connected to the support frame 26 so that the linear actuator 44 can raise or lower the position of the support frame 26.
  • the linear actuator 44 is pneumatically powered, however in alternative embodiments the linear actuator 44 may be powered by any suitable means, for example a lead screw driven by an electric motor or the like.
  • the first image roller 6 engages the anilox roller 5 and the substrate 12 against the impression roller 10.
  • the first image roller 6 is said to be in a printing position as it is supplied with ink and is able to transfer an image onto the substrate 12.
  • the second image roller 8 is said to be in a non-printing position as it is not in contact with the substrate 12 or a source of ink, and therefore does not act to print an image onto the substrate.
  • the linear actuator 44 When it is desired to change the image being printed, the linear actuator 44 is extended to move the support frame 26 vertically upwards. Movement of the support plate 26 carries the support member 20, the first and second spindles 16, 18 and hence the first and second image rollers 6, 8 vertically upwards as shown by arrow 46 in Figure 3B.
  • the third drive unit 40 is activated so as to cause the support member 20 to rotate about the support axis 36.
  • the support member 20 carries the first and second spindles 16, 18 and hence the first and second image rollers 6, 8 so that the first and second spindles 16, 18 are rotated through 180 ° relative to the support axis 36 as shown by the arrow 48 in Figure 3C.
  • the support frame 26 is displaced far enough upwards that the first and second image rollers 6, 8 are free to rotate about the support axis 36 without accidentally engaging the anilox roller 5 or the impression roller 10 (or indeed any other rollers that may be present in the printing machine).
  • the second image roller 18 is in the position previously occupied by the first image roller 6 and the first image roller 6 is in the position previously occupied by the second image roller 8.
  • the linear actuator 44 is then retracted so as to cause the support frame 26 to move vertically downwards so that the second image roller 8 is brought into contact with both the anilox roller 5 and the impression roller 10, as shown by the arrow 50 in Figure 3D.
  • the second image roller 8 is now in the printing position and the printing operation can resume with a new image.
  • the first image roller 6 is in the non-printing position, and can be removed so that may be replaced with another image roller carrying the next image that is desired to be printed by the printing machine 2.
  • the support member 20 may be driven so that it only rotates in one direction during each subsequent changeover sequence.
  • the support member 20 and the support frame 26 may comprise mechanical stops configured to limit rotational movement of the support member 20 so that the printing position of the first and second spindles 16, 18 can be controlled with greater accuracy.
  • the direction of rotation of the support member 20 may be reversed for each subsequent changeover sequence (i.e. so that the support member 20 is driven in the opposite direction to that shown by arrow 48 in Figure 3C).
  • the first image roller 6 is being used for printing, such that the first image roller 6 and/or first spindle 16 are said to be in a printing position.
  • the first spindle 16 is supported at its longitudinally opposite ends by cups 21 (only one of which is visible in Figure 1).
  • the cups 21 are formed as flat plates having a shallow, generally u-shaped concavity on an upper surface which receives the first or second spindles 16, 18.
  • the radius of curvature of the cups 21 is generally larger than the radius of the spindles 16, 18, such that when the spindles 16, 18 are received within the cups 21 the cups 21 act to self centre the spindles 16, 18 to the correct position without inhibiting insertion or removal of the spindles 16, 18 from the cups.
  • the cups 21 aid alignment of the spindles 16, 18 to the correct printing position.
  • clamps may be used with or without the cups 21 to hold the spindles 16, 18 in the correct printing position.
  • the first image roller 6 By moving the support member 20 in a vertically upwards direction, the first image roller 6 is able to disengage both the anilox roller 5 and the impression roller 10 at the same time so that the first and second spindles 16, 18 can rotate about the support axis 36.
  • the anilox roller 5 and/or the impression roller 10 may be moved in a plane normal to the support axis 36 so as to bring the anilox roller 5 and/or the impression roller 10 out of contact from the first image roller 6 along any suitable path (for example linear, arcuate etc.).
  • the support member 20 may also be movable in the plane normal to the support axis 36 (for example, in the horizontal direction) so as to move the first image roller out of contact from the anilox roller 5 and/or the impression roller 10.
  • the anilox roller 5 and/or the impression roller 10 are displaceable, it may be possible to rotate the support member 20 in situ, without adjusting the elevation of the support member 20 or the radial distance of the spindles 16, 18 relative to the support axis. Because the first and second spindles 16, 18 are on diametrically opposite sides of the support axis 36, the first and second spindles 16, 18 are spaced at the maximum distance apart from one another.
  • the spacing between the first and second spindles 16, 18 provides clear space around the non-printing spindle for an operator to work within when replacing the non-printing roller.
  • the support member 20 is a plate that is supported by an annular gear 22, there is no axle extending along the support axis 36 and into the printing zone 11 which may get in the way of the operator when replacing the non printing roller. That is to say, the printing zone 11 is substantially free of obstacles which may complicate replacement of the image rollers 6, 8. Consequently, it is easier for the operator to replace the image roller 6, 8, and therefore the overall downtime for roller changeover will be reduced.
  • the clear space reduces the chance of possible contact between the operator and/or the image roller and other components of the printing machine 2 and therefore the safety of the roller support system 14 is improved. Provided that appropriate safety equipment is used, in some situations it may be possible to replace the image roller on the non-printing spindle whilst the printing machine 2 is in operation (i.e. whilst it is running).
  • roller support system 14 has been described with two spindles 16, 18 spaced diametrically opposite each other relative to the support axis 36, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the spindles 16, 18 may be placed at any suitable angular position in relation to the support axis (i.e. such that they are not 180 ° apart relative to the support axis 36). Furthermore, the roller support system may comprise more than two spindles, for example three or more spindles. The spindles may be equally spaced about the support axis 36, or may be spaced at irregular angular positions. It will be appreciated that when more spindles are present, a greater number of image changeover operations can be completed without the input of human operators.
  • the roller support system 14 may define different types of non-printing positions.
  • a first non-printing position may be used for physically changing the image roller of a first spindle and a second non-printing position may be used to perform inspection of an already loaded image roller before it is used for printing. Such inspection could be carried out automatically, for example using cameras. This may occur whilst a third spindle is in the printing position and the printing machine 2 is running.
  • the support member 20 is a cylindrical plate, the support member 20 is better able to distribute loads and is therefore relatively stiff.
  • the support member 20 is provided with a generally cylindrical central portion 23 of increased thickness so as to further increase the stiffness of the support member 20. It will be appreciated that the thicker the support member 20 the stiffer the support member 20 will be.
  • the brackets 29 holding the drive units 28, 30 for each spindle 16, 18 are mounted to the central portion 23 because it is thicker and provides increased stiffness. Because the support member 20 is stiff, the spindles 16, 18 are less likely to flex or otherwise move out of position in response to external forces. This means that the rotational and axial positions of the image rollers 6, 8 relative to the spindle axes 17, 19 can be better controlled. This improves the registration of the printed image on the substrate 12 (i.e. ensures that the image is printed in the correct position).
  • both spindles 16, 18 share the same base. By mounting the spindles 16, 18 to the same base, there are fewer mechanical interfaces between the spindles 16, 18 which could introduce tolerances that may cause misalignment of the spindles 16, 18 relative to one another. As such, positioning of the spindles 16, 18 is more accurate. Furthermore, because the support member 20 is a plate, the support member 20 acts to prevent angular and radial movement of the spindles 16, 18 relative to one another about the support axis 36.
  • the linear actuator 44 may also control the clamping force exerted by the first and/or second image rollers 6, 8 on the substrate 12 and impression roller 10.
  • the clamping force exerted by the linear actuator 44 must be sufficient to cause the ink from the image roller 6, 8 currently being used to the substrate 12. If the clamping force is too high or too low, image quality will be affected.
  • the printing press 2 comprises a control unit that is able to adjust the clamping force exerted by the linear actuator 44 during operation of the printing machine 2.
  • a plurality of linear actuators 44 may be provided so as to distribute the load between the linear actuators.
  • a first linear actuator may be provided that is configured to provide an upwards force that is approximately equal to (or just below) the weight of the roller support system 14 due to gravity and so that the roller support system 14 is almost“weightless”.
  • a second linear actuator may be also provided that is configured to urge the roller support system 14 downwards, so as to provide the correct amount of clamping force between the roller 6, 8 in the printing position and the impression roller 10. This type of arrangement makes it easier to make adjustments to the clamping force, as the clamping force and the weight of the roller support system 14 are handled by different actuators.
  • the movement of the linear actuator 44 may be limited so that it does not provide a clamping force between the first and/or second image rollers 6, 8 on the substrate 12 and impression roller 10, and the clamping force may be controlled by other means of any suitable type, such as for example by clamping the spindles 16, 18 to the cups 21.
  • gear wheel 22 and pinion 42 ensures that the rotation of the support member 20 about the support axis 36 can be controlled with good accuracy.
  • the present embodiment uses a gear wheel 22 and pinion 42 to cause the support member 20 to rotate, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments any suitable means may be used for causing rotation of the support member 20.
  • the support member 20 may be directly driven by an electrical motor, such as a servo motor.
  • any suitable means may be used to cause the support member 20 to rotate about the support axis 36.
  • a chain and sprocket, belt and pulley, contact roller, or worm gear arrangement or the like may be used.
  • the spindles 16, 18 are positioned at the same radial distance relative to the support axis 36 (i.e. such that they lie on the same pitch circle).
  • the support member 20 may be configured to permit the radial spacing of the spindles 16, 18 relative to the support axis 36 to be adjusted either separately or simultaneously.
  • the support member 20 may define a pair of radially extending channels and the spindles 16, 18 may be supported for slidable movement within each channel. Movement of the spindles 16, 18 along the channels may be controlled by linear actuators, such as for example by using a lead screw.
  • the spindles 16, 18 may be supported by rails or the like.
  • the first and second spindles 16, 18 are translated so that they are positioned radially inwards of the anilox roller 5 and the impression roller 10, as shown by the arrows 50 in Figure 4B.
  • the support member 20 is rotated about the support axis 36 as shown by the arrow 52 in Figure 4C, such that the first and second image rollers 6, 8 have swapped positions.
  • the first and second spindles 16, 18 are moved radially outwards relative to the support axis 36 so that the second image roller 8 engages the anilox roller 5, the substrate 12 and the impression roller 10.
  • any of the above described optional features of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3D may be applied to the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4D.
  • the anilox roller 5 and/or the impression roller 10 and/or the support member 20 may be horizontally displaceable relative to one another.
  • any suitable mechanism for rotating the support member 20 may be used.
  • a system of cams could be used to cause the support member 20 to simultaneously rotate about the support axis 36 and move the support axis 36 in a plane generally parallel to the side wall 38 of the printing machine (i.e. normal to the support axis 36).
  • printing machine has been described as a flexographic printing machine, it will be appreciated that the printing machine 2 may be any printing machine that uses a roller to transfer an image onto a substrate, such as for example gravure printing or the like.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de support de rouleau (14) pour une machine à imprimer, comprenant : une pluralité de broches (16, 18), chaque broche définissant un axe de broche (17, 19) et étant conçue pour supporter un rouleau (6, 8) en vue d'une rotation autour de chaque axe de broche, et un élément de support (20) supportant la pluralité de broches, l'élément de support étant conçu pour tourner autour d'un axe de support (36) de manière à positionner sélectivement une première broche de la pluralité de broches dans une position d'impression et une seconde broche de la pluralité de broches dans une position de non-impression.
PCT/GB2020/050004 2019-01-04 2020-01-03 Support de rouleau WO2020141322A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2109717.5A GB2594644A (en) 2019-01-04 2020-01-03 Roller support

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1900129.6 2019-01-04
GB1900129.6A GB2580366A (en) 2019-01-04 2019-01-04 Roller support

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020141322A1 true WO2020141322A1 (fr) 2020-07-09

Family

ID=69147728

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2020/050004 WO2020141322A1 (fr) 2019-01-04 2020-01-03 Support de rouleau

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2580366A (fr)
WO (1) WO2020141322A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1382352A (en) * 1971-08-09 1975-01-29 Windmoeller & Hoelscher Convertible printing mechanism
DE202014008836U1 (de) * 2014-11-07 2014-12-08 David Rosas Wolf Vorrichtung zum automatischen Zylinderwechsel eines rotations- Stanz- oder Druckwerkes
US20160101616A1 (en) * 2013-06-18 2016-04-14 Bobst Firenze S.R.L. Device and method for replacing the printing rollers of a printing unit, particulary for in-line flexograhpic rotary machines
EP3137300B1 (fr) * 2014-04-29 2017-12-06 Bobst Firenze S.r.l. Procédé et dispositif permettant de remplacer le cylindre d'impression d'une unité d'impression d'une machine d'impression

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2642580C3 (de) * 1976-09-22 1979-03-15 Mathias Baeuerle Gmbh, 7742 St Georgen Farbwerk einer Klein-Rotationsdruckmaschine
DE3222717A1 (de) * 1982-06-18 1983-12-22 Windmöller & Hölscher, 4540 Lengerich Vorrichtung zum wechseln der formzylinder in einer tiefdruckrotationsmaschine
US7188565B2 (en) * 2005-06-03 2007-03-13 Sunrise Pacific Co., Ltd. Flexography ink roller unit

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1382352A (en) * 1971-08-09 1975-01-29 Windmoeller & Hoelscher Convertible printing mechanism
US20160101616A1 (en) * 2013-06-18 2016-04-14 Bobst Firenze S.R.L. Device and method for replacing the printing rollers of a printing unit, particulary for in-line flexograhpic rotary machines
EP3137300B1 (fr) * 2014-04-29 2017-12-06 Bobst Firenze S.r.l. Procédé et dispositif permettant de remplacer le cylindre d'impression d'une unité d'impression d'une machine d'impression
DE202014008836U1 (de) * 2014-11-07 2014-12-08 David Rosas Wolf Vorrichtung zum automatischen Zylinderwechsel eines rotations- Stanz- oder Druckwerkes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2580366A (en) 2020-07-22
GB2594644A (en) 2021-11-03
GB202109717D0 (en) 2021-08-18

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