EP2424730A1

EP2424730A1 - Print finishing machine

Info

Publication number: EP2424730A1
Application number: EP10719909A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc Steuer
Original assignee: SPM Steuer GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: SPM Steuer GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2009-04-28
Filing date: 2010-04-22
Publication date: 2012-03-07
Also published as: DE102009020753A1; WO2010124808A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a print finishing machine (100) having a sheet feeding system for feeding sheets of flat material along a sheet feeding route between a sheet feeding device and a sheet delivery device, and having at least one work station arranged along the sheet feeding route for executing a processing step of a print finishing method. The sheet feeding system is arranged in a basic machine (150), which in the area of at least one interface (155) along the sheet feeding route has first coupling structures (158) for detachably coupling an exchangeable finishing module (160, 160') to the basic machine. The basic machine has at least one dedicated exchangeable finishing module (160, 160'), which can be attached to the basic machine, which has second coupling structures (168) corresponding to the first coupling structures. A finishing module is provided with an application-specific work element, which in an operational mode of the print finishing machine defines a working gap using a counter-pressure element, for performing a processing step of a print finishing machine process on a sheet of flat material being processed through the working gap.

Description

Description Print finishing machine

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a printing finishing machine with a sheet conveying system for conveying sheets of flat material along a sheet conveying path between a sheet feeder and a sheet delivery, and at least one along the sheet conveying path arranged workstation for performing a processing step of a printing process.

Description of the Related Art

Nowadays, printed products are often further processed with the aid of print finishing processes in order to give the printed products particular optical and / or haptic properties. To the e.g. In the advertising industry and in the area of product packaging, heavily used post-press processes for print finishing include, among others, stamping foil printing by means of hot stamping, cold foil transfer, also called cold stamping, relief embossing, film lamination and the coating of print products. Also by punching or steel engraving printed products can be finished. Special effects can often be achieved by the combination of several print finishing processes, for example, by subsequently structuring a print product that has been partially metallized by hot embossing by relief embossing in three dimensions.

The selection of the appropriate print finishing process or a suitable combination of several print finishing processes depends on the desired properties of the end product. Often goes It is about attracting attention with the refined products or transporting brand messages such as luxury, elegance and value. Security applications may also be applied, such as holograms or other copy protection on securities, bills or other printed matter. In addition, the print finishing can also be used, for example, to improve the wear resistance of printed products.

As varied as the different print finishing processes are the requirements with regard to the quantities to be processed in a process. For example, while the cigarette industry produces millions of paperboard canvases using the same print finishing process, print finishing companies are often faced with the task of offering high quality print finishing for both large and medium and smaller runs at competitive prices. Among other things, the entrepreneurial task consists of adapting the equipment of the machine park to current and future order volumes and different print finishing processes so that on the one hand all requested print finishing technologies can be offered and on the other hand a sufficient utilization of the own machines is ensured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to provide a printing finishing machine that allows both small, as well as medium or large companies in the print finishing industry economic production of finished printed products with high quality. To achieve this object, the invention provides a printing finishing machine having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The wording of all claims is incorporated herein by reference.

The printing finishing machine has a sheet conveying system for conveying sheet-like printing material from paper, cardboard, plastic or other flat material along a sheet conveying path between a sheet feeder and a sheet delivery. The printing finishing machine further has at least one work station arranged on the sheet conveying path for carrying out a processing step of a printing finishing method. The printing finishing machine is characterized in that the sheet conveying system is arranged in a base machine, that the base machine in the region of at least one interface along the sheet conveying path first coupling structures for releasably coupling a replaceable finishing module to the base machine and that the base machine at least one replaceable attachable to the base machine Associated with the first coupling structures corresponding second coupling structures.

An interchangeable finishing module is a factory assembled assembly with a plurality of cooperating components, which are combined in the finishing module into a functional unit and can be coupled in package to the base machine to form a workstation or detached from this without major disassembly effort. The finishing module, which is finished with the aid of the corresponding coupling structures on the base machine, together with the associated elements of the basic machine forms a work station. The basic machine provides at least one standardized interface for different print finishing technologies while most or all components specific to the particular print finishing process are accommodated in the finishing module. In particular, an application-specific working element is accommodated in the finishing module, which in the ready-assembled state of the printing finishing machine with a counter-pressure element delimits a working gap for performing a processing step of a printing finishing process on a printing material sheet running through the working gap.

The coupling structures to base machine and finishing module are preferably designed such that the cultivation of a finishing module to the base machine does not have to be made by the manufacturer of the print finishing machine, but can be made locally at the end user by the operator of the print finishing machine or locally provided staff. As a result, it is possible for the end user of the print finishing machine himself to be able to determine on-site that print finishing technique which is to be carried out with the aid of the print finishing machine for a short or longer period of time. If an order has been completed, the printing finishing machine can be converted without intervention of the manufacturer on site by replacing a finishing module designed for a particular finishing technique with a finishing module for the new technique designed for a different finishing technique. For companies that offer print finishing in contract production, this results in a maximum of flexibility, so that a wide variety of jobs can be processed using one and the same basic machine, in each case in combination with a finishing module or with several suitably selected finishing modules.

In preferred embodiments, the application-specific working element in at least one finishing module is a working cylinder which has a cylinder core and a cylinder core which can be fastened to the cylinder core, has exchangeable tool carrier sleeve. When using such, also referred to as a tool cylinder working cylinder is a great increase in flexibility is possible because this work tools, such as embossed motifs or the like, are interchangeable attached to the working element. When using interchangeable tool carrier sleeves, which can also be referred to simply as tool sleeves, it is possible to quickly use or exchange embossing units or other pressure-finishing tools provided thereon as a group. The tool carrier sleeve carries the tools provided for the respective process, which are often referred to as clichés in printing presses and embossing machines usually as embossing tool. On an interchangeable tool sleeve, the respective desired tools for a subsequent process can already be attached preparatory to the desired positions, so that with the replacement of a tool sleeve a whole group of tools taken as a whole and replaced by other tools and / or tools with a different arrangement can. By using tool cylinders with interchangeable tool sleeves, it is thus possible to reduce set-up times and thus keep machine downtimes when changing between different processes or during maintenance work short.

Some embodiments are characterized in that on the drive side of the tool cylinder, a first bearing arrangement is provided for the flying mounting of the tool cylinder. As a result, on the side of the tool cylinder facing away from the drive, it is possible to dispense with devices which stabilize or fix the tool cylinder with regard to the alignment of the axis of rotation of the working cylinder during the replacement or replacement of a tool sleeve. The first bearing arrangement is designed for this purpose so that all forces acting on the working cylinder during the sleeve change can be absorbed by the first bearing assembly. The drive-remote end of the tool cylinder is thus freely accessible for a sleeve change, whereby the sleeve replacement is facilitated and relatively quickly and easily possible.

Tool cylinders are usually stored twice, so in two radial bearings. As a rule, these bearings engage bearing journals which lie on the drive side and on the side of the tool cylinder facing away from the drive, so that the working area of the tool cylinder provided with the tool sleeve lies between the radial bearings and thus acts on the load between the bearings. In contrast, in the first bearing arrangement for flying support of the tool cylinder, the point of application of the load is located outside the radial bearings, which are arranged on the same side of the working area, namely on the drive side.

The first bearing arrangement, which serves for the flying mounting of the tool cylinder, is preferably arranged on a bearing element which is movably supported relative to the support structure of the finishing module such that a movement of the bearing element causes a change in distance between the tool cylinder and the counter-pressure element. The bearing element is preferably linearly displaceable, in particular mounted vertically displaceable. But it can also be a pivotable bearing element which is rotatably mounted on the machine frame.

In some embodiments, the tool cylinder by means of a first adjustment by moving the cylinder axis between a working position and a change position movable, wherein in the working position, a distance between the tool cylinder and the counter-pressure element to form the working gap is dimensioned and wherein in the change position, a distance between the Plant- cylinder and the counter-pressure element corresponds to a multiple of the distance at the working position. An adjustment between the working position and the change position is preferably at least 1%, in particular at least 5% of an outer diameter of the tool cylinder. The adjustment is thus significantly greater than adjustment paths, which are provided in facilities for setting the correct pressure gap dimensions. When the tool cylinder is moved to the change position, a sleeve change can be performed quickly and without the risk of damaging the back pressure element.

The first adjusting device can act on the movably mounted bearing element, which is provided for the flying mounting of the tool cylinder.

In some embodiments, at least one refining module is configured as a film embossing module with a film transporting device for transporting at least one film web through the working nip. When using this finishing module, a print finishing process can thus contain a film embossing step, in particular by means of hot embossing. In particular, the finishing module with replaceable tool sleeve is a foil embossing module. However, an application specific work item may be e.g. also be set up for a printing step.

In general, different print finishing techniques can be used alone or in various combinations. In particular, a finishing module can be selected from the following group: a film embossing module with a film transporting device for transporting at least one film web through the working gap; a Lackiermodul for applying a lacquer layer on the sheet; a relief embossing module for embossing the sheet; a punching module for perforating the sheet; a printing module for printing the sheet with a substance adhered to the sheet, the substance preferably being an adhesive; a numbering module; a strip generation module for applying stripes to the sheet; a quality assurance module; and / or an ultraviolet drying module.

In most print finishing processes, especially in foil embossing, it is important for the achievement of good results to accurately adjust the working gap formed between the working element and the counterpressure element through which the sheet material to be refined is passed, in order to achieve the necessary for the print finishing process Operating conditions prevail in the working gap. For example, when embossing foils, a sufficient embossing pressure must be generated in order to ensure a permanently durable and damage-free embossing. The working gap should be optimally adjusted under all possible operating conditions, for hot stamping, for example, under the influence of the heating of a stamping cylinder. For this purpose, it is provided in embodiments of finishing modules that the finishing module has an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the working element relative to a support structure of the finishing element. If the working element is a working cylinder rotatable about a rotation axis, a part of the adjusting device can be designed such that a displacement of the axis of rotation in the direction of the transfer element or away from it is possible. Suitable adjusting devices for adjusting the printing gap or working gap in an embossing or printing device are described for example in EP 1 579 990 B1 and can be used.

In embodiments which have a tool cylinder as working element, in particular a tool cylinder mounted on one side (flying) with an exchangeable tool sleeve, such an adjustment device be constructed by means of roller assemblies. In particular, a first roller assembly may be provided with support rollers for the tool cylinder, wherein the first roller assembly on the drive side of the tool cylinder and on the opposite side of the tool cylinder each having a pair of support rollers, which in the working position of the tool cylinder on the one hand on a race of the tool cylinder and on the other hand supported on a surface of rotation of the counter-pressure element, wherein preferably an axial distance between the support rollers of a pair of support rollers by means of a second adjusting device is adjustable. There may be provided a controllable pressing means for generating an acting in the direction of the counter-pressure element adjustable pressure on the tool cylinder during operation, wherein the pressing means may comprise, for example, a second hydraulic cylinder. The pressing device may comprise a second roller assembly having at least one pressure roller on the drive side of the tool cylinder and on the opposite side of the tool cylinder for generating a pressure acting in the direction of the counter-pressure element on the tool cylinder, wherein the second roller assembly preferably on the drive side and on the each having two pressure rollers opposite side of the tool cylinder.

A finishing module may have an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the working element transversely to the sheet conveying path relative to the carrier structure of the finishing module. If the working element is a working cylinder which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, the adjusting device can effect a displacement of the working cylinder parallel to the axis of rotation. As a result, it is possible in a simple manner to avoid any possible side registration errors due to non-exact transverse positioning of the working element after the replacement of a finishing module. The application-specific working element, for example a tool-carrying cylinder of an embossing device, can be fixed, ie removable only with a larger disassembly effort, mounted in the finishing module. For example, a rolling bearing of a working cylinder can be firmly installed in a support structure of the finishing module. In other variants it is provided that the application-specific working element is replaceably mounted in the finishing module. This makes it possible to retrofit the workstation without decoupling the finishing module from the base machine in order, for example, to carry out an adaptation of the configuration of the workstation from one processing job to the next within the same print finishing technique. For example, after replacing the work item, other motifs and / or other layers of motifs may be used.

A basic machine can have a single interface for coupling different finishing modules. As a result, compared with conventional machines, a higher degree of flexibility has already been created, since the same basic machine can be used by substitution of finishing modules for different print finishing methods.

For example, a single-stage print finishing machine may be configured as a stamping foil machine by designing the finishing module as a stamping foil module. Alternatively, it may also be a pure varnishing machine, if the finishing module is configured as a varnishing module. If the finishing module is configured as a relief embossing module, then the printed product can be structured in a relief-like manner by relief embossing without further application of materials. These are just a few of many other single-head variants.

A further significant increase in flexibility results in those embodiments in which the base machine at least two Interfaces along the sheet conveying path first coupling structures for releasably coupling each of a replaceable finishing module has. Preferably, the first coupling structures of all interfaces provided on the basic machine are constructed essentially identically as standardized interfaces, so that different finishing modules can be coupled essentially in the same way at each interface.

If, for example, two interfaces arranged one behind the other in the material flow direction are provided, then a two-stage print finishing process can be run with it. Two-stage print finishing processes are known per se. For example, cold embossing is a two-stage print finishing process in which, in a first stage, an adhesive layer is applied to the surface of the printed matter at the locations provided for the film support for the transfer layer of an embossing film to be applied in the second stage, and in the second stage Film is taken at the points on the substrate to which the adhesive was transferred in the first stage (see, for example, DE 692 07 751 T2 corresponding to EP 0 569 520 B1 or EP 0 578 706 B1).

A major advantage of the use of interchangeable finishing modules is that with several successively arranged interfaces, the order of the processing steps carried out successively on the printing material sheet in a single pass can be freely selected. For example, a base machine having two interfaces may be configured for a cold stamping process by configuring an upstream first finishing module for targeted application of the adhesive while a downstream second finishing module is configured for film application. However, it is then also possible to convert the same basic machine for other processes by, for example, adding a refining process to the first workstation. is used, which is configured for embossing foil printing by means of hot stamping and that thereafter in a second finishing module relief embossing or painting or punching or perforating the product already processed by hot embossing takes place. It is understood that only a few of numerous possible combinations of two processing methods can be mentioned here.

A further increase in the variety of possible applications results in embodiments in which the base machine has first coupling structures for coupling a replaceable finishing module at three or more interfaces along the sheet conveying path, e.g. three, four, five, six, seven or eight or more interfaces. Such embodiments can be used both for single-stage processes, as well as for two-stage, three-stage or higher-level print finishing processes by the appropriate interfaces are equipped with appropriate finishing modules or remain unpopulated.

In a three-stage process, the first finishing module in the sheet conveying direction can be designed, for example, to apply a color coat or to coat the printing substrate, the subsequent second finishing module can be configured as a film embossing module and a subsequent third finishing module for carrying out a stamping process or for embossing or for painting or drying the be configured in previous procedural steps. A last working station in the material passage direction can also be designed as a control station in order, for example, to carry out a quality control optically with the aid of a camera or another optical sensor and / or with other sensors.

The provision of a basic machine with one or more standardized interfaces along a sheet conveying path also makes it possible, if necessary, to attach a printing unit to one of the interfaces. which can be equipped, for example, for a dry offset process with an anilox roller, an applicator roller, a plate roller and an interface-side blanket cylinder. The printing unit can be attached, for example, to the first interface directly following the sheet feeder, so that the printing finishing machine can also be used as a combined printing and finishing machine. In this case, unprinted output sheets can be fed from the sheet feeder, which can then be printed by a single machine, as well as subsequently refined. A printing unit can, for example, also be followed by a foil embossing station in order to overprint embossed motifs.

An easily detachable or producible connection between the base machine and a finishing module is achieved in preferred embodiments in that the first coupling structures and the second coupling structures have corresponding form-fitting elements for producing a position-fitting positive connection between a carrier structure of the base machine and a carrier structure of a finishing module. For example, pins or the like may be provided on the carrier frame of a finishing module, which engage in a form-fitting manner in corresponding holes or recesses on the machine frame of the base machine in order to ensure a positionally correct arrangement of the finishing module on the base machine.

The corresponding interlocking elements, which may be designed to be complementary to each other in the manner of male and female, preferably have mutually corresponding oblique surfaces which enable the finishing module to slip or slide into the correct position when being joined to the base machine with the aid of the inclined surfaces, even if the parts to be joined in the final phase of the assembly should not be positioned completely in the correct position relative to one another. The corresponding positive-locking elements can, for example, have conical, frusto-conical or pyramidal shaped projections which engage in complementary recesses on the other component (machine frame of the base machine or finishing module).

In some embodiments, the first coupling structures and the second coupling structures have corresponding elements of a locking device, which makes it possible to lock the correctly aligned elements (finishing module and base machine) in the correct position with each other. Manually actuable locking devices are possible. There are also automated locking devices possible to allow quick locking or unlocking. Locking devices with pneumatically actuated locking elements can often be particularly easily adapted to the other control of the print finishing machine and controlled by them. Alternatively, hydraulic locking devices or electromechanically actuable locking devices are possible.

If the first coupling structures and the second coupling structures comprise corresponding elements of a tensioning device, which makes it possible to brace the more or less correctly aligned modules (finishing module and base machine) against each other under the effect of a tension force, then it can be ensured that the forces used to form the Workstation leading compound does not loosen even in prolonged operation with possibly changing load. Although the tensioning device can be configured such that the finishing module is braced with the aid of the tensioning device with a clamping force acting in the direction of the base machine, in preferred embodiments it is provided that the tensioning device is configured such that it is stretched in the direction of an increase in distance between Base machine and Refining module works. In such embodiments, first the finishing module can be placed on the base machine in the correct position. Then suitable locking elements can be attached, for example, on the one hand on the machine frame of the base machine and on the other hand engage the finishing module form-fitting to lock the elements together. Then, when the clamping devices are actuated, which acts in the direction of an increase in distance between the elements to be joined together, the coupling elements get under tension and there is a biased connection between the base machine and finishing module, which during operation of the device even with varying compressive stress can not relax automatically.

The division of the cooperating elements between the base machine and the finishing module is made in preferred embodiments such that the base machine has a transfer element of the sheet conveying system in an interface region and a finishing module has an application-specific working element in the region of the interface-side second coupling structures, wherein the coupling structures on the base machine and the Finishing module are designed so that is formed by the coupling of the finishing module to the base machine between the transfer element and the working element, a working gap for performing a processing step of a print finishing process on a running through the working gap printing material. In this variant, all provided for the sheet transfer facilities are summarized in the base machine, while the finishing modules carry only the application-specific components. The transfer element serves as a counterpressure element. Alternatively, it is also possible for a finishing module to have an application-specific working element in the area of the interface-side second coupling structures and an exchangeable transfer element designed to cooperate with transfer elements of the base machine, wherein a working gap for performing a replaceable transfer element and the working element remains between the replaceable transfer element (remaining on the finishing module) Processing step of a print finishing process is formed on a running through the working gap printing material sheet. In this case, the elements delimiting the working gap can be exchanged together with the finishing module. Sometimes in this variant, the adjustment of the working gap is easier than in variants in which the separation between the base machine and finishing module passes through the working gap.

To achieve high machining performance, it is provided in some embodiments that the transfer element is a rotating transfer cylinder, whereby a fast sheet transport is possible. Furthermore, it can be provided that the working element cooperating with the transfer element is a rotatingly mounted working cylinder. If both the transfer element and the working element are mounted substantially cylindrical or rotating, the printing material sheets can be finished in round-round technology.

It is also possible that, for example, the working element is designed as a linearly oscillating plate-shaped working element, which cooperates with a cylindrical transfer element, whereby print finishing in round-flat technique is possible.

If appropriate, the transfer element can be designed as a plate-shaped element which can be raised and lowered in a linear manner, so that in conjunction with a nem plate-shaped working element printing refinement in flat-flat technology can be performed.

If the working element provided on the finishing module is to perform a working movement during the print finishing process, an active drive is required for this purpose. Although it is possible to couple the drive element, for example via gears, to a driven element of the base machine, for example the transfer element, in preferred variants it is provided that the finishing module has a drive for a working element attached to the finishing module, this drive being independent of the drive system the sheet conveying system is controllable. In this case, a mechanical coupling between the working element and the transfer element can be dispensed with, thereby facilitating, above all, the coupling of a finishing element to the base machine. The synchronization of the working movements of the transfer element and the working element in the operation of the device can e.g. done by appropriate control signals by electrical means. The drive can e.g. a servomotor or a linear motor and possibly also a transmission, e.g. an electric transmission.

The print finishing machine may be associated with a crane assembly to facilitate removal of a finishing module from the base machine or placement of finishing modules on the base machine. A base member of the crane device may be fixedly mounted to the base machine. Alternatively, building-fixed or mobile crane equipment or lifting equipment can be used, if they are available.

The invention also relates to a basic machine for constructing a printing finishing machine, which has at least one work station arranged along a sheet conveying path for carrying out a printing press Processing step of a print finishing process has. The base machine has a sheet conveying system for conveying sheets of sheet along a sheet conveying path between a sheet feeder and a sheet delivery. The base machine further has first coupling structures in the region of at least one interface along the sheet conveying path for the detachable coupling of a replaceable finishing module equipped with second coupling structures corresponding to the first coupling structures to the base machine.

The invention also relates to corresponding finishing modules which are specially constructed for coupling to such a base machine. In particular, the invention relates to a finishing module for constructing a printing finishing machine, which has at least one arranged along a sheet conveying path workstation for performing a processing step of a print finishing process, wherein the finishing module forms a workstation together with elements of a Bogenfördersystem base machine containing the Druckermedelungsma-, the basic machine Area has at least one interface along the sheet conveying path first coupling structures for releasably coupling a replaceable finishing module to the base machine and the finishing module is equipped with corresponding to the first coupling structures second coupling structures and wherein the finishing module has an application-specific working element in the operating condition of the print finishing machine with a counter-pressure element Work gap for performing a Bearbeitungssc hrittes a Druckveredelungsprozesses on a running through the working gap sheet of flat material limited.

Advantageous embodiments of basic machines and finishing modules are described above and below in connection with various variants of so configurable print finishing machines described.

The foregoing and other features will become apparent from the claims and from the description and drawings, wherein the individual features each alone or more in the form of sub-combinations in embodiments of the invention and in other fields be realized and advantageous and protectable Can represent versions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a single-stage print finishing machine in the assembled state (Figure 1A) and in the state decoupled finishing module (Figure 1 B).

FIG. 2 shows details of a stamping plant in the area of the interface between the basic machine and the finishing module; FIG.

3 shows an embodiment of a two-stage printing finishing machine for film embossing with subsequent relief embossing;

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a two-stage

Print finishing machine for hot foil stamping with subsequent varnishing;

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a three-stage press-finishing machine for cold stamping (two stages) with subsequent painting; Fig. 6 shows a schematic plan view of parts of a three-stage working pressure finishing machine with axially adjustable working cylinder an embossing module;

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a printing finishing machine whose base machine has eight interfaces for attaching finishing modules; and

8 shows a detail of another embodiment of a modular multistage print finishing machine.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic, oblique perspective view of

Embossing unit of a work station in the manner of a foil embossing machine according to an embodiment;

10 shows a sectional view through a vertical sectional plane containing the axes of rotation of the tool cylinder and impression cylinder;

11 shows in FIGS. 11A and 11 B axial views of the embossing unit with the tool cylinder in working position; and

12 shows in FIGS. 12A and 12B axial views of the embossing unit with the tool cylinder in changing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in FIG. 1A a schematic side view of an embodiment of a print finishing machine 100 which is set up for a one-step hot embossing process and therefore also as a hot embossing process. Device can be designated. The hot embossing device is designed as a round-round machine or embossing rotary machine and set up for embossing sheet-like printing material made of paper, cardboard, plastic and / or another flexible sheet material by means of hot stamping. The hot stamping machine has an embossing unit 105, which comprises a stamping cylinder 110 rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation 111 and an impression cylinder 120 arranged underneath, which is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation 121 running parallel to the axis of rotation of the stamping cylinder. Between the embossing cylinder 110 and the counter-pressure cylinder 120, a working gap or embossing gap 115 is formed at least in phases.

As can be clearly seen in Fig. 2, the outer periphery of the embossing cylinder is formed by a replaceable tool sleeve 112, on the outside of which heatable embossing tools 113 are mounted, which can be heated to temperatures above 100 ⁰ C by means of an integrated heater.

The material to be embossed, already provided with a printed material sheets are held on a supply stack shown on the right or staple stack 132 with the side to be embossed and are supplied to the impression cylinder 120 during operation of the embossing device via an inclined feed table 133 in a flaky arrangement via an intermediate transfer drum. Around the circumference of the impression cylinder are gripper systems which are adapted to grasp each leading edge of a sheet and to pull on the surface of the uniformly rotating impression cylinder. Prior to the gripping process, the substrate sheet is aligned, eg with respect to the leading edge or to certain image layers. The printing material sheet 131, which is suspended by its front edge on the circumference of the impression cylinder, is guided through the embossing gap 115 from right to left in the direction of rotation shown. during a stamping interval in a later described manner. After the embossing interval, the embossed material sheet is transferred to the delivery system 135 shown on the left, which reaches up to the circumference of the counter-pressure cylinder and comprises a gripper system and bands or chains which convey the finished material sheets in succession to a storage stack, not shown.

In the embodiment, a simple large impression cylinder is shown. In other embodiments, a double-sized impression cylinder may be provided.

When passing through the embossing gap (in the figure from right to left), the surface of the sheet of material to be printed has a speed which, depending on the material thickness of the printed sheet, substantially corresponds to the peripheral speed of the lateral surface of the continuously rotating impression cylinder.

During operation of the embossing device, at least one embossing film web 145 is moved through the embossing gap 115 by means of a film transporting device 140 with a changing web speed which can be precisely predetermined by activation of active control devices of the film transporting device. The very thin embossing foil web, whose typical thickness can be for example in the range between 10 .mu.m and 20 .mu.m, usually consists of a relatively tough carrier film made of plastic, on the front side of which a layer system with a thermally activatable separating layer, the actual embossing layer (for example color layer or Metal layer or hologram or image or the like) and a heat-activatable hot-melt adhesive layer is applied, which forms the front of the embossing foil wall facing the printing material. The film transport device 140, which can also be referred to as a film factory, allows the embossing film 145 to lead outside the embossing interval slower than the material layer to be embossed, accelerate to material layer speed before the embossing interval and then decelerate again and against the main transport direction in a retraction phase withdraw. By means of this discontinuous film web movement with retraction phases it can be achieved that the transferred embossing units or ink layer areas can be arranged directly successively on the embossing film web, even if the embossing locations are much further apart on the printing material, whereby the film consumption can be minimized. During the embossing interval, the embossing unit is transferred to the material layer to be embossed under the influence of pressure and temperature. Devices for film acceleration and thus feasible methods are known for example from EP 0 718 099 B1 and are therefore not described here in detail.

A peculiarity of the print finishing machine is that the sheet conveying systems of the sheet conveying system are arranged in a base machine 150, while the application-specific elements required for the particular printing finishing process (here hot stamping), in particular the film transporting device 140 and the embossing cylinder 110, are in one of the basic machine separate finishing module 160 are housed, which with relatively few steps at the installation of the base machine, for example in a print finishing operation, replace and optionally replaced by a differently structured finishing module 160 '(see Fig. 1B). For this purpose, the finishing module has a separate from the frame 152 of the base machine and detachable support structure with side walls 162, in which, for example, the embossing cylinder and the elements of the film transport device are stored. Furthermore, the base machine 150 has in the region of an interface 155 along the Sheet transfer path first coupling structures 158 for releasably coupling the replaceable finishing module to the base machine, and the finishing module 160 has second coupling structures 168 corresponding to the first coupling structures that cooperate with the first coupling structures to provide a stable state for the ready-to-mount state (FIG To ensure fixation of the finishing module on the base machine and on the other hand to allow a quick and easy replacement of a finishing module (Fig. 1 B). A crane system 170 attached to the base machine, which is shown only in FIG. 1B for reasons of clarity, thereby supports the operator in the correct positioning of a finishing module for connecting the coupling structures or when removing a finishing module.

In the embodiment, the side walls 152 belonging to the machine frame of the base machine have recesses on their upper side facing the finishing module, in which corresponding projections on the undersides of the side walls 162 of the support structure of the finishing module form-fit engage in order to allow a positionally correct fixing of the finishing module to the base machine. With the help of pneumatically actuated locking elements, the attached finishing module is then automatically locked to the base machine.

The separation between the base machine and finishing module takes place in the embodiment in the region of the working gap (embossing gap), ie between the impression cylinder 120, which is a transfer element of the sheet conveying system, and the embossing cylinder 110, ie the application-specific working element of the finishing machine on which the embossing tools sit. To ensure that after a connection of the finishing module with the base machine of the embossing gap has the dimensions provided for the application, means for variable adjustment of the working gap are provided, which allow to change the position of the working element (embossing cylinder) of the finishing module relative to its support structure , Suitable devices for this purpose are described, for example, in EP 1 579 990 B1.

Fig. 2 shows essential elements of an embodiment which is particularly adapted to the interchangeability of the finishing module. The means for adjusting the working gap comprises at each axial side of the working gap a pair of races 181, 182, the mutual distance is adjustable. The bearing element of the first race shown on the right 181 is fixedly or immovably mounted on the side wall 162 of the finishing module, but can be stored transversely movable in other variants. The position of the bearing for the second race 182 shown on the left, however, is adjustable in the direction of a line connecting the axes of rotation of the races. The peripheral surfaces of the races roll on the one hand on the outer circumference of the impression cylinder outside the intended for the transport of the material sheets inner region and on the other hand on a rotatable about the axis of rotation 111 of the working cylinder raceway 185 which is rotatably mounted relative to the embossing cylinder and during operation of the device opposite to this turns. The outer diameter of this race 185 is less than the inner diameter of the tool holder 112 carrying the embossing tools, so that a replacement of the tool sleeve by pulling in the axial direction is possible.

For a replacement of the entire interchangeable embossing cylinder 110 this can be lifted upwards from the races and then removed from the finishing module. The rotation of the embossing cylinder is effected by a housed in the finishing module, separate servo motor 114 whose working movement is synchronized via electrical control signals with the working movement of the impression cylinder to ensure at least phased a speed-matched synchronization of embossing cylinder and impression cylinder. However, the drive of the impression cylinder separate drive of the embossing cylinder also opens up correction options during printing. For example, the working cylinder can be controlled such that the peripheral speed of the working cylinder can deviate from the peripheral speed of the impression cylinder for a short time. A momentary delay or acceleration relative to the movement of the impression cylinder can be used to ensure the maintenance of a perimeter register. In this way, the registration can be improved during the engagement of the embossing tools and / or between the individual tool interventions.

The embossing cylinder or its race 185 is permanently acted upon in the Prägespalteinstellung and during operation of the embossing device with a force acting in the direction of the impression cylinder force F, so that any bearing clearance on the embossing cylinder from the arrangement "pushed out" and the embossing tools with the for the In one embodiment, the embossing cylinder may, for example, be mounted on a rocker which is loaded by a force element, for example a hydraulic cylinder, in the direction of the other cylinder Emergency, eg when entering a section of material that is too thick, can be opened without damage, thus providing an overload protection. A workstation having such a finishing module configured as a film embossing module thus provides four levels of flexibility in setting up a press finishing process. In a first step, individual embossing tools or tool groups on the tool carrying sleeve can be exchanged, removed or added. The second stage involves a simple tube replacement of the tool carrier sleeve 112 in order to adapt the workstation to other motifs and / or other motifs without replacing the finishing module or the working cylinder. A third stage of the flexibility is achieved in that the working cylinder 110 as a whole, ie including the tool carrier sleeve and cylinder core, can be replaced without removal of the entire finishing module from these by another working cylinder. Finally, the fourth level of flexibility involves replacing the entire refining module with another refining module.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the base machine 150 has only a single interface, so that a press finishing machine can be constructed with a single workstation. As indicated in FIG. 1 B, instead of the finishing module 160 set up for the foil embossing, another finishing module 160 'may also be coupled, for example a finishing module for a painting operation. Alternatively, the machine may be e.g. by means of appropriate modules, also as a blind embossing machine or for numbering or for the production of strips (for example hologram strips) or as a quality assurance device equipped with a camera system or other sensors for a good / bad selection.

In the embodiment of a print finishing machine 300 shown schematically in FIG. 3, elements that are identical or similar in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, increased by 200. In the printing Finishing machine 300, the base machine 350 has two successive in the transport direction of the sheet conveying system interfaces 355, 356, each having first coupling structures for mounting a replaceable finishing module. A finishing module 360 for embossing foil printing by means of hot embossing is arranged at the first interface 355 directly following the sheet feeder, while at the subsequent second interface 356 a finishing module 370 for embossing is coupled to the printing material which has already been refined by hot stamping. As a result, it is possible, for example, to structure the printing substrate three-dimensionally in the region of the motifs applied by means of hot embossing and / or outside thereof by producing raised and / or lowered regions.

The structure of the first workstation (hot stamping) essentially corresponds to the previously described construction of the single-head variant of FIG. 1. The printing material sheet guided through the embossing gap on the circumference of the impression cylinder 320 is transferred after hot embossing to a further transfer cylinder 321, the latter of which is for transport relevant circumferential dimensions correspond to those of the impression cylinder. This passes the sheets to a subsequent double-large transfer cylinder 322, which is followed by another double-sized transfer cylinder 323, which transfers the sheet to a subsequent single-sized transfer cylinder of the second workstation, from where the sheet via another simple-sized transfer cylinder for Scope of the impression cylinder 355 of the relief embossing workstation is passed. The intermediate module 325 of the base machine equipped with the double-large transfer cylinders 322, 323 is a standardized transfer module to which two successive groups of transfer elements can be connected to the work stations for sheet transfer. The embossing module 370 for the relief embossing has a single working cylinder 310, on the circumference of which the relief embossing tools (raised dies and / or recessed dies) are interchangeably mounted. The complementary designed counter-pressure elements (dies / male) are mounted replaceably on the circumference of the impression cylinder 355. The working cylinder 310 for the embossing embossment is replaceable, so that optionally without decoupling of the finishing module of the base machine 370, the second workstation for embossing embossing on different embossing units and / or different positions of embossing is convertible. The structure of the finishing module 370 in terms of its own drive for the power cylinder and with respect to the pressure gap adjustment means may be similar or identical to the construction described in connection with FIG.

A basic machine equipped with two standardized interfaces for coupling interchangeable finishing modules can be converted without much effort to carry out other two-stage print finishing processes. FIG. 4 shows by way of example a print finishing machine 400 which is based on the base machine 360 shown in FIG. As in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 3, a finishing module 360 designed for hot embossing is coupled to the first interface. The second workstation is set up for a painting step in which a finishing module 470 is coupled in the form of a painting unit. The painting module can be configured, for example, for surface painting, spot painting or special painting.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown a print finishing machine 500 adapted for a three-stage print finishing process. It has a base machine 550, the three standardized interfaces 555, 556, 557 with respective first coupling structures for releasable coupling of Provides enhancement modules. Transfer modules 525, 526, each having two cooperating double-large transfer cylinders, which quickly overcome the conveying path between successive workstations, are arranged between the assemblies belonging to the respective workstations of the base machine. The transfer modules lying between the first and the second workstation and the second and the third workstation are constructed essentially identically, as a result of which the construction of more complex multi-stage print finishing machines can be realized relatively inexpensively.

By selecting the type of finishing modules and the selected sequence, the printing finishing machine 500 is set up for a cold stamping process with subsequent painting. Cold stamping or cold foil stamping is a two-stage process for transferring an image-wise coating of a film onto a printing substrate. In the first stage, an adhesive layer (primer) is applied to the surface of the printing material at the locations provided for the film support, which is then pressed under pressure in a subsequent film embossing process to the transfer layer of an embossing film to be applied in the second stage and the thereby contained Color layer decreases according to the shape of the applied adhesive, so that the coating adheres to the splices and creates an image.

The first finishing module 550 in the sheet transport direction accordingly serves the application of adhesive and is constructed similarly to a printing unit, with the difference that the printed substance is an adhesive. A finishing module 560 for foil stamping is coupled to the second workstation. The finishing module may be similar or identical in construction to the finishing module for hot stamping described in connection with FIG. 1, but in the case of cold stamping the heating device is not used for the stamping tools becomes. It may also be provided a special film factory without heating. After image-wise coatings have been applied by cold stamping in the first two workstations, a lacquering of the already two-stage pre-finished printed products is carried out in the third workstation. The corresponding painting module 570 may essentially correspond in construction and function to the painting module 470 from FIG. 4, for which reason reference is made to the description there. Instead of the painting module 570 may be provided in another embodiment, for example, a module for the blind embossing or a module for the relief embossing.

Another three-head variant is adapted to successively perform a hot embossing step, a relief embossing step and a painting step.

In connection with FIG. 6, an advantageous property of some embodiments of finishing modules is explained, which contributes to an increase in the quality of the finished products. The schematic Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a section of a printing finishing machine 600 with three in the conveying direction 620 successive workstations, for the workstations only the respective attached in the respective finishing modules, application-specific working cylinder 610A, 610B and 610C are shown. In this case, the middle working cylinder 610B is the embossing cylinder of a foil embossing module with embossing tools mounted thereon. An integrated servomotor M forms the independent rotary drive of the working cylinder to rotate it about its axis of rotation 611 B. The drive M further has means to move the cylinder as a whole parallel to the axis of rotation (double arrow), in order to adjust the transverse position of the working cylinder relative to the side walls 652A, 652B, so the support structure of the finishing module (shown in phantom) , In this way, an exact page registration tion to be applied by embossing foil embossing units with respect to the already existing on the print image to be ensured.

The third working cylinder 610C in the direction of passage is also driven by an integrated servomotor M, which in addition to an independent control of the rotational speed also permits a displacement of said working cylinder in the transverse direction along the axis of rotation 611C. For machines with more than three workstations, all workstations following the first workstation can have such a page register setting capability. This variant of the page registration is of course also possible with differently configured print finishing machines. The integrated servomotor can be designed, for example, as a hollow shaft motor with an axially adjustable hollow shaft.

The use of drives that allow in addition to the rotational drive of a working cylinder and an axial adjustment of the working cylinder parallel to its axis of rotation, regardless of the other features of the present embodiments can be used to advantage in other printing finishing machines, especially in such print finishing machines, a fixed predetermined structure have not been assembled from a basic machine and one or more finishing modules. In particular, the use of such motors for page registration in printing processes of all kinds represents an independent invention idea.

FIG. 7 shows, by way of example, a printing finishing machine 700 whose base machine 750 has a total of eight standardized interfaces in the sheet conveying direction for the attachment of suitable finishing modules. At the third interface 753 following the sheet feeder, a film embossing module 760 is coupled. At the upstream interfaces and at the downstream Switched interfaces can now optionally be coupled with special modules for other print finishing processes in order to enable a multi-stage print finishing process with up to eight, possibly different processing stages. There are also combinations without foil stamping possible. FIG. 7 essentially serves as an example of the high flexibility that can be achieved by the new machine concept in the construction of printing finishing machines. Of course, the number of interfaces is not limited to eight. Rather, a base machine can also provide more than eight interfaces, for example nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more interfaces, which is simplified in particular by a modular construction of the basic machine. In addition to the enhancement modules described herein, enhancement modules can also be used for numbering, for applying hologram strips, for producing perforations by punching, and for other finishing processes. Especially in connection with painting modules also finishing modules can be used, which allow drying of the applied paint layer by means of ultraviolet rays (UV dryer). Finally, a finishing module can also be configured as a quality assurance module in order, for example, with the aid of a camera or other optical or tactile sensors to carry out a fault analysis on the finished finished products in order to discharge any misprints from the material flow.

With reference to the embodiment in Fig. 8 further details on the modular structure of a printing finishing machine and for releasable coupling between the base machine and a finishing module will be explained. The drawing figure shows a section of a multi-stage print finishing machine 800 with two standardized interfaces 855, 856 connected in series, each of which provides first coupling structures for detachable coupling of a finishing module. The basic machine has a modular structure and has for each interface a basic module 851, 852, each upstream and downstream of a counter-pressure cylinder 820 mounted on the base module has double-sized transfer cylinders 821, 822 and 823, respectively. Successive base modules are bolted in the area of an interface 853 to form a stable unit. In the region of the interface, the sheet material is transferred between the upstream transfer cylinder 822 of a preceding workstation and a subsequent transfer cylinder 823 of the subsequent workstation.

At the interface 855 of the base module 851 shown on the right for the purpose of coupling a finishing module, a finishing module 860 in the form of a two-part foil embossing module 860 is fastened. The finishing module 860 consists essentially of an embossing module 860A to be coupled directly to the base machine and a film transporting module 860B, which can be detachably fastened to the top side of the embossing module 860A in the region of an interface 865.

In the embossing module 860A, similar to the embodiment according to FIG. 2, a replaceable working cylinder 810 is rotatably mounted with an exchangeable tool carrier sleeve 812. The running rings 881, 882 of the device for adjusting the working gap formed between the working cylinder 810 and the counter-pressure cylinder 820 are also mounted in the embossing module. In the film transport module 860B, the devices not shown in detail for transporting the stamping foil are housed by the working gap. At its top there are eyebolts into which the transport hooks of a lifting device can engage.

The embossing module 860A or the entire film embossing module 860 can be easily detached from the base machine by an operator at the construction site of the base machine without a great deal of disassembly effort Base machine to be attached. For this purpose, the base machine 850 has first coupling structures in the region of its interfaces 855, 856 for the detachable coupling of a replaceable finishing module to the base machine, and the finishing module has correspondingly configured second coupling structures which correspond to the first coupling structures in order to create a stable connection between the base machine and the finishing module , The first coupling structures 858 assigned to the basic machine include receiving cavities 871 tapering downwards and tapering downwards, which are respectively arranged on the upper side of the side wall of the base module in the area in front of and behind the impression cylinder 820. In addition to the receiving opening there is a threaded hole accessible from the outside for a retaining bolt 876 of a locking device 870.

Corresponding second coupling structures 868 are located in the region of the underside of the finishing module. These comprise a downwardly tapering, frusto-conical foot element 872 whose oblique lateral surfaces are adapted to the oblique wall surfaces of the receiving opening 871 such that between the lower end side of the foot element and the bottom surface Receiving opening 871 remains a narrow gap when the foot member is seated in the receiving opening. The foot member is supported by a rotatably mounted on the underside of the embossing module tensioning screw 873, wherein the distance between the foot member and the support structure of the embossing module can be changed by turning the clamping screw. On the side of the support structure are two threaded holes for receiving retaining bolts 877, 878 of the locking device 870. The locking device further comprises a substantially triangular-shaped retaining plate 880 with three through holes for the retaining bolts 876, 877, 878th If a finishing module is to be attached to a dedicated interface of the base machine by means of these coupling devices, the procedure may be as follows. First, the height-adjustable foot members 871 are brought closer to the finishing module by corresponding rotation of the tightening screws 873 in a retracted position. Subsequently, the finishing module is placed by means of a crane device from above to the region of the interface that the frusto-conical foot elements are inserted into the designated frusto-conical receiving openings. If the finishing module is not exactly positioned yet, the corresponding beveled surfaces ensure that the finishing module slides into the correct position when it is set down and sits there in the correct position. Then, the holding plate 880 is attached from the outside and the retaining bolts 876, 877, 878 are through the provided in the holding plate through holes in their respective provided threaded bores on the side wall of the base module (retaining bolt 876) or on the side wall of the finishing module (retaining bolts 877, 878) screwed. The lateral screwing in can usually be done easily by hand, since the entire connection is not yet under tension. The retaining bolts can be tightened manually if necessary with little force. By attaching the holding plate, the base machine and the finishing module are locked together.

Subsequently, the clamping screw 873 is rotated with the aid of a torque wrench so that the distance between foot element 872 and finishing module wants to increase (see double arrow). This movement, which is directed toward an increase in distance, is limited by the locking device, since the retaining plate now comes under tension between the upper bolts 878, 879 and the lower bolt 876. This counteracts the compressive stress generated by the clamping screw. After tightening the clamping device with suitable torque is a prestressed solid connection between the base machine and finishing module manufactured, the bias is maintained by the occurring static friction forces in the clamping device automatically and can be loosened again only by loosening the clamping screw. The biased connection remains virtually unlimited in operation, even if when using the machine in the region of the working gap sometimes considerable and temporally changing pressures occur. After production of the prestressed form-fitting connection between the base machine and the finishing module, the working gap between impression cylinder 820 and working cylinder 810 for the desired finishing process is then set. A corresponding, biased positive connection is also made in the upstream of the working gap arranged coupling structures, where in the example, an elongated retaining plate 881 is used with two bolt holes.

The release of the detachable connections is essentially in the reverse order of the steps.

If the finishing module has a modular structure, the coupling structures in the region of the interface 865 between the individual modules of the finishing module can be connected to one another and released from one another by means of corresponding coupling elements.

The bias voltage in the region of the coupling structures is set manually in this embodiment by means of passive clamping elements. It is also possible to provide automatically operable clamping devices that can be actuated, for example, hydraulically or pneumatically. 9 shows a diagrammatic, oblique perspective view with essential components of an embossing unit of a work station of the type of a film embossing machine, which is equipped with a printing processing machine equipped with a plurality of workstations. The workstation is designed in the manner of a hot embossing rotary machine for hot embossing in round-round technology. The application-specific working element for this technique is a tool cylinder 900, which is rotatably mounted between side cheeks 911, 912 of the support structure of a finishing module 960 set up as a foil embossing module. The film transport means are not shown for reasons of clarity. As a counter-pressure element is a horizontal axis of rotation 1001 below the tool cylinder axially parallel with this arranged impression cylinder 1000 which is rotatably supported by means of suitable bearings in the side walls 1111, 1112 a base machine. The releasable coupling of the side cheeks of finishing module and base machine can be done by means of coupling structures, as already described above.

The side panel 911 of the finishing module shown on the left is located on the operator side of the machine, from which i.a. the tool sleeve change can be made. The rear side wall 912 is located on the drive side, on which the measures provided for the drive of the tool cylinder and the impression cylinder devices are arranged.

The tool cylinder 900 is constructed in several parts and comprises, as essential components, a rotatably mounted cylinder core 910 and a replaceable tool sleeve 920, which is provided with a longitudinal slot 921 in a non-positive manner and can be clamped on the lateral surface of the cylinder core to provide a sufficient change in diameter during clamping or release from the cylinder core to enable. The equipped on its outer surface with interchangeable embossing tools 922 Tool sleeve is shown in Fig. 9 not present in their operating the Folienpräge- machine working position, but in a partially withdrawn from the cylinder core sleeve exchange position, which can be taken when replacing or replacing the tool sleeve.

During operation of the foil embossing machine, the tool cylinder 900 and the impression cylinder 1000 limit a working gap in the region of their closest approach, which is also referred to here as an embossing gap 940. The material to be embossed would be guided by the counter-pressure cylinder through the embossing gap, the material layer over a certain peripheral portion of the largely cylindrical outer surface of the impression cylinder and is held in the correct position. The embossing takes place from the outside of the material layer facing away from the counter-pressure cylinder with the aid of embossing tools 922, which are exchangeably mounted on the outer circumference of the tool cylinder 900. Between the embossing tool and the material layer, the embossing film web, not shown, which is fed from a likewise not shown foil factory of the foil embossing machine the embossing gap and removed after use runs.

The tool cylinder is shown in Fig. 9 in two different positions. During operation of the machine, the tool sleeve 920 is in the fully pushed onto the central portion of the cylinder core 910 working position and the tool cylinder assumes the working position shown in dashed lines in the vicinity of the impression cylinder. This includes the position of the cylinder axis marked 901. In the change position represented by solid lines, the tool cylinder is lifted away from the impression cylinder in such an upward direction that the tool cylinder passes through a circular passage 913 in the side wall 911 parallel to the rotation axis 901 the tool cylinder can be deducted or postponed. This includes the position of the cylinder axis marked with 901 '.

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view through a vertical sectional plane containing the axes of rotation of the tool cylinder and impression cylinder. In the left part of the figure, the drive side is shown in the working position of the tool cylinder, the right part of the figure shows the raised sleeve exchange position on the side facing away from the drives operator side of the machine.

The impression cylinder 1000 has at its two axial ends stepped cylindrical bearing pins 1005, 1006, which extend into the region of bearing openings in the side walls 1011 and 1012 of the base machine and are rotatably mounted within the side walls by means of radial bearings. On the drive side at the outer end of the journal 1005, a drive gear 1010 is rotatably mounted, via which the impression cylinder is rotated by means of a suitable drive in operation.

The tool cylinder 900 or the associated cylinder core 910 has only on its drive side to a reaching through the side cheek 912 bearing pin 930, while on the opposite side of the operator only a relatively short truncated cone 931 is formed with stepped cylindrical outer contour whose axial length is so small that the user-side end face of the trunnion stump lies at a distance in front of the inside of the front side cheek 911. A central pivot bearing of the user-side end of the cylinder core in the side wall 911 is thereby not possible and not provided.

On the drive side of the tool cylinder, a first bearing assembly 940 for flying support of the tool cylinder 900 and its cylinder core 910 is arranged. The first bearing assembly 940 The inner roller bearing 941 is seated relatively close to the sleeve-supporting central portion of the cylinder core approximately in the area of the inner side of the drive-side side cheek 912 on the journal 930. The outer roller bearing 942 is located at great axial distance from inner rolling bearing in the region of the outer end of the bearing journal 930, wherein the axial distance of the rolling bearing 941, 942 is significantly larger than the largest diameter of the associated journal 930, in particular at least twice as large, in the example more than three times as large. Between the roller bearings 941, 942, a drive gear 932 is mounted on the bearing pin 930 outside of the working area enclosed by the side cheeks 911, 912, over which the tool cylinder can be rotated. For driving the tool cylinder is a separate from the drive of the impression cylinder drive, for example in the form of a servo motor, is provided.

The outer rings of the rolling bearings 941, 942 are fitted in a separate from the side wall 912 bearing element 950, which is guided linearly movable relative to the side cheek 912 in the vertical direction. The bearing element 950 is seated with its middle section in the region of a vertically relatively large passage 914 of the side cheek 912 and is approximately 10% narrower in the vertical direction is this passage, so that a limited vertical movement of the bearing element within the passage by several centimeters is possible.

Above the passage, a flat vertical bearing track 961 is formed on the outside of the side cheek in a recess. Below the passage, a further flat bearing track 962 is formed on the inside of the side cheek. The bearing tracks are parts of a linear guide arrangement, which is provided to support the bearing the tool cylinder bearing element 950 on or in the side cheek tilt-proof and linearly movable and at a Vertikalbewe- to lead. At the top of the bearing element 950 for this purpose a bearing roller 963 is fixed, which is provided for unrolling on the upper flat bearing track 961. On the underside of the bearing element 950, a further bearing roller 964 is rotatably mounted, which is provided for unrolling on the lower flat bearing track 963. Corresponding bearing arrangements are present at four places on both sides of the cylinder axis. With the aid of the upper bearing group 961, 963 and the lower bearing group 962, 964 a vertical displacement of the cantilevered tool cylinder 900 relative to the machine frame is possible, wherein the weight of the freely suspended on the operator side tool cylinder causes a tilting moment on the bearing element 950, which is absorbed by the upper and lower bearing group and ensures that the bearing rollers are each reliably pressed onto the associated flat bearing tracks.

In other embodiments, the bearing element is guided in the manner of a carriage on or in linear sliding guides.

For the vertical adjustment of the tool cylinder between the working position shown on the left in FIG. 10 and the sleeve changing position shown on the right in FIG. 10, a hydraulically operating first adjusting device is provided which is controlled via the control of the embossing or printing machine and engages the bearing element 950. In the embodiment, the first adjusting device comprises a first hydraulic cylinder 970, which is arranged above the bearing element 950 in a cross member 915 of the machine frame connecting the side cheeks 911, 912. The vertical displacement of the tool cylinder between working position and change position is in the exemplary embodiment about 10% of the outer diameter of the tool cylinder. This adjustment is reliably possible with the help of the first hydraulic cylinder within a very short time. During operation of the embossing machine considerable pressures can occur in the working gap, which can lead to intolerable tilting moments in a only one-sided tool cylinder, on the one hand adversely affect the quality of the running in the working gap embossing process and on the other hand can burden the machine as a whole unfavorable. For the pivotal mounting of the tool cylinder during operation of the embossing machine special facilities are provided, which will now be explained in more detail in connection with FIGS. 10 to 12. 11 shows an axial view of the embossing mechanism with the tool cylinder in the working position and in FIG. 11B a partial view of the operator-side accessible passage 913 of the user-side side cheek. FIG. 12 shows in FIGS. 12A and 12B the corresponding views in a configuration in which the tool cylinder is in the sleeve change position or change position raised by the impression cylinder.

On the drive-side journal 930 and on the opposite truncated cone 931 of the cylinder core and the tool cylinder rings 972, 973 are mounted immediately adjacent to the cylindrical central portion, which can be freely rotated by means of rolling elements relative to the cylinder core about the cylinder axis 901. The diameter of the cylindrical outer surface of the races is slightly smaller than the diameter of the central portion of the cylinder core, which makes it possible, inter alia, postpone the tool sleeve on the drive-facing race 973 on the central portion of the cylinder core and withdraw from this (see Fig .. 10 right ).

These races 972, 973 cooperate in the working position of the tool cylinder with support rollers 981, 982, 983 of a first roller assembly 980, which serves the tool cylinder during operation of the embossing work at its two ends on Gegendruckzylin- to store the opposite to this rotatable and at the same time support the impression cylinder. As shown in Fig. 10, the support rollers can run in the region of the inner end of the bearing pins 1005 and 1006 of the impression cylinder on cylindrical surfaces of revolution. It is also possible that the support rollers run directly on the circumference of the cylindrical central portion of the impression cylinder, as shown in Fig. 11A. Each pair of support rollers is provided on the drive side and on the operator side. The connecting lines of the centers of the support rollers 981, 982 of a pair form in the example with the centers or the axes of rotation of the tool cylinder and the impression cylinder an isosceles double triangle, so that there is a stable mutual storage of the cylinder with parallel cylindrical axes. In any case, the support rollers are based in the working position of the tool cylinder on the one hand on a race of the tool cylinder and on the other hand on a surface of rotation of the counter-pressure element and thereby stabilize the relative position of the tool cylinder relative to the impression cylinder at both axial ends.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the center distance A of the support rollers 981, 982 of a pair of support rollers is adjustable by means of a second adjustment device 985, which can operate, for example, electromechanically or hydraulically. Because the support rollers are variable with respect to each other, the radial distance between the tool cylinder and the impression cylinder or its center distance B can be adjusted. An important purpose of this adjustability is an adjustable pressure pressure and the possibility of rapid pressure shutdown at overpressure in the working gap to prevent damage, for example, when double sheets or foreign bodies run through the working gap. In the example, the support rollers are dimensioned so that a distance change of 2 mm between the support rollers corresponds to a pressure change of approx. 0.5 mm. The pressure distance, ie the height or width of the working gap is thus precisely adjustable by means of the second adjusting device over an adjustment range in the order of a few tenths of a millimeter.

A pressing device 990 arranged above the tool cylinder axis 901 makes it possible for the tool cylinder to act with a precisely adjustable pressure on the flat material guided through the working gap. The pressing device 990 is designed to exert an adjustable pressure acting on the tool cylinder during operation in the direction of the counter-pressure element 1000. The pressing device 990 comprises a second roller arrangement which comprises on the drive side and on the opposite side of the tool cylinder in each case two pressure rollers 991, 992 and 993, which are pressed from above with adjustable pressure force on the races 972, 973 of the tool cylinder. The pressure rollers of a pair each act non-positively on the race of the tool cylinder and are connected by a web 994, attack at the center in the direction of the bisector of the pressure rollers to the cylinder center controllable forces. These pressure forces are generated on the intake side and on the output side respectively by a second hydraulic cylinder 996 or 997, which in the example of FIG. 10 is arranged in the upper cross member 915 connecting the side cheeks.

Fig. 11A shows the upper pressure rollers 991, 992 in a pressure position that exists when the tool cylinder is in the working position. As shown in Fig. 12A, the pressure rollers can be lifted by means of the second hydraulic cylinder over a large displacement upwards from the races of the tool cylinder. The stroke can be several centimeters and is in the example case in the range of about 80 mm. This lifted position is approached especially when a sleeve change is to be performed, what then also the tool cylinder by vertical displacement of the La- gerelementes 950 is brought upwards from its working position to the change position. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11 shows the embossing mill in the operative configuration, in which the tool cylinder assumes its lower working position in the vicinity of the counter-pressure cylinder, so that an embossing gap 940 is formed. The tool cylinder is supported in this configuration via the support rollers 981, 982, 983 directly on the counter-pressure element or on the races 972, 973. The pressing device 990 sets the pressure force provided for the process from above. This results in a rigid composite of tool cylinder and impression cylinder, with any bearing clearance is pushed out of the assembly. The pressing force can be adjusted by means of the second hydraulic cylinder 996, 997. As can be seen from FIG. 11B, the working position of the tool cylinder can be recognized by the fact that it is offset downwards in relation to the circular passage 913 in the side wall, ie, it is seated eccentrically to the passage. During operation of the stamping plant, the first hydraulic cylinder 970, which serves to raise and lower the bearing element 950 and the tool cylinder mounted in a cantilevered manner, is depressurized.

If a sleeve change or maintenance is to be performed on the tool cylinder, it is lifted from the working position into its change position (compare FIG. 12). For this purpose, first the second hydraulic cylinder 996, 997 switched to train, so that the tool cylinder pressure relieved and the pressure rollers 991, 992, 993 are lifted upwards. The tool cylinder is then only on its weight on the lower support rollers. Then, the first hydraulic cylinder 270 is activated, which raises the bearing element 950 and the tool cylinder cantilevered therein from the working position up into the change position. In the change position, the tool cylinder substantially coaxial with the passage 913 in the operator-side side rail 911. The inside diameter of the passage is significantly greater than the outside diameter of the tool-carrying tool sleeve, so that the tool sleeve now pulls out of contact without the front side cheek 911 through the passage or can be pushed (see Fig. 9). Since the outer diameter of the drive-facing race 973 is smaller than the sleeve inner diameter, the tool sleeve 920 can be deducted or pushed without touching the race.

The demand for a controllable pressure processing is achieved by a programmable servo drive as a slave depending on the pressure cylinder (machine drive master). This enables independent operation of each other, e.g. when setting up, replacing or even temperature distribution in the embossing cylinder, which can then continue when the machine is stationary. The tool cylinder can be raised by the necessary amount, which is made possible by the flying bearing on the drive side. It can be lifted if the pressure rollers acting from above are turned off by their hydraulics.

A significant advantage of the arrangement proposed here over conventional solutions lies in the compressive rigidity of the overall arrangement during operation, so that in the pressure zone essentially no elasticities caused by bearing play occur. In addition, the Druckabwicklungswege are programmable, so that if necessary, a non-uniform circumferential speed of the tool cylinder can be generated, for example, to extend or shorten the printing length. The pressure strength is adjustable. Due to the considerable ease of the sleeve change a quick changeover to other printing methods is possible. The features described in connection with Figures 9 to 12 with respect to the flying storage of the tool cylinder and the sleeve replacement can be used independently of the other features of the claimed invention in non-modular embossing or printing machines without interchangeable finishing modules with advantage. For this example, the tool cylinder and the counter-pressure element may be mounted in the same, undivided side cheeks of a machine frame.

Claims

claims

A printing finishing machine comprising a sheet conveying system for conveying sheets of sheet along a sheet conveying path between a sheet feeder and a sheet delivery, and at least one work station arranged along the sheet conveying path for performing a processing step of a printing process, characterized in that the sheet conveying system is arranged in a base machine, the base machine has at least one interface along the sheet conveying path first coupling structures for detachably coupling a replaceable finishing module to the base machine and that the base machine is associated with at least one attachable to the base machine attachable finishing module having corresponding to the first coupling structures second coupling structures, wherein a Refining module has an application-specific working element, which in the operating state of Druckveredelungsmasch limited with a counter-pressure element a working gap for performing a processing step of a print finishing process on a running through the working gap sheet of flat material.

2. The printing finishing machine according to claim 1, wherein the application-specific working element in at least one finishing module is a tool cylinder having a cylinder core (910) and an attachable tool carrier sleeve (112, 920) attachable to the cylinder core.

3. A printing processing machine according to claim 2, wherein on a drive side of the tool cylinder, a first bearing assembly (940). for flying mounting of the tool cylinder (900) is arranged, wherein the first

ADJUSTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Bearing assembly (940) preferably an inner roller bearing (941) and an outer roller bearing (942) sitting on a bearing pin (930) of the cylinder core, wherein the inner roller bearing close to a central portion of the cylinder core and the outer roller bearing with axial distance from the inner Roller bearing in the region of the outer end of the journal (930) sits, in particular, an axial distance between the rolling bearings (941, 942) is greater than the largest diameter of the journal (930).

4. print finishing machine according to claim 3, wherein the first bearing assembly (940) on a bearing element (950) is arranged, which is mounted so movable relative to a support structure of the finishing module, that a movement of the bearing element, a change in distance between the tool cylinder (900) and the counter-pressure element (1000) causes, wherein the bearing element (950) is preferably linearly displaceable, in particular mounted vertically displaceable. and / or wherein the bearing element (950) is mounted tilt-proof on a side cheek (912) of the finishing module, preferably by means of a Geradführungs- arrangement, which arranged on the outside of the side cheek (912) upper bearing group (961, 963) and one on the Having inside the side cheek arranged lower bearing group (962, 964).

5. print finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one finishing module, in particular a finishing module with a tool cylinder with interchangeable tool carrier sleeve (112, 920), as Folienprägemodul with a Folientransporteinrich device for transport at least one film web through the working gap is set up.

6. A finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the application-specific working element is a working cylinder, in particular

ADJUSTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP special is a tool cylinder with interchangeable tool sleeve, which is movable by means of a first adjustment with displacement of the cylinder axis (901) between a working position and a change position, wherein in the working position, a distance between the working cylinder and the counter-pressure element to form the working gap (940) is dimensioned and wherein in the change position, a distance between the working cylinder and the counter-pressure element corresponds to a multiple of the distance at the working position, wherein preferably an adjustment between the working position and the change position is at least 1%, preferably at least 5% of an outer diameter of the working cylinder

7. A finishing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the finishing module (160) comprises adjusting means for adjusting the attitude of the working member relative to a carrying structure (162) of the finishing module, preferably wherein the working member is a jack (110) rotatable about an axis of rotation, and a part of the adjusting device for a displacement of the axis of rotation (111) in the direction of the counter-pressure element (120) or constructed thereof.

8. print finishing machine according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by a first roller assembly (980) with support rollers (981, 982, 983) for the tool cylinder, wherein the first roller assembly on the drive side of the tool cylinder and on the opposite side of the tool cylinder depending on a A pair of support rollers which are supported in the working position of the tool cylinder on the one hand on a race (972, 973) of the tool cylinder and on the other hand on a surface of rotation of the counter-pressure element, wherein preferably an axial distance between the support rollers (981, 982) of a pair of support rollers by means a second adjusting device (985) is adjustable.

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9. Druckveredelungsmaschine according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by a controllable pressing means (990) for generating a in the direction of the counter-pressure element (1000) acting adjustable pressure on the tool cylinder (900) during operation, wherein the pressing device preferably a second hydraulic cylinder ( 996).

10. Druckveredelungsmaschine according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by a second roller assembly having on the drive side of the tool cylinder and on the opposite side of the tool cylinder in each case at least one pressure roller (991, 992, 993) for generating a force acting in the direction of the counter-pressure element has on the tool cylinder, wherein the second roller assembly preferably on the drive side and on the opposite side of the tool cylinder each having two pressure rollers.

11. Print finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a finishing module has an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the working element (610 B, 610 C) transversely to the sheet conveying path relative to the carrier structure of the finishing module, wherein preferably the working element is a rotatably mounted about a rotation axis working cylinder and the adjusting device is arranged for a displacement of the working cylinder parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein preferably a rotary drive (M) of the working cylinder (610B ₁ 610C) has means for displacing the working cylinder parallel to its axis of rotation (611B ₁ 611C).

12. print finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base machine (150) along the sheet conveying path two or more interfaces (355, 356), in particular three or more interfaces with first coupling structures for releasably coupling each one

ADJUSTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP has replaceable finishing module, wherein preferably the first coupling structures of all interfaces are constructed as standardized interfaces substantially identical.

13. The printing finishing machine according to claim 1, wherein the base machine has a transfer element of the sheet conveying system in the region of the first coupling structures of an interface, and a finishing module in the region of the interface side second coupling structures (168) has the application-specific working element (110), wherein the coupling structures on the base machine and the finishing module are configured such that by coupling the finishing module to the base machine between the transfer element (120) and the working element (110) of the working gap ( 115) is formed, so that the transfer element serves as a counter-pressure element.

14. A printing finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling structures (158, 858) and the second coupling structures (168, 868) have corresponding form-fitting elements (871, 872) for producing a position-fitting positive connection between a support structure of the base machine and a support structure of a finishing module , wherein preferably corresponding form-fitting elements (871, 872) have corresponding inclined surfaces, which are designed so that the finishing module slides on assembly with the base machine by means of the inclined surfaces in a positionally correct position, with corresponding form-fitting elements have in particular conical, frusto-conical or pyramid-shaped projections, which engage in complementary recesses (871) on the other component.

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15. A finishing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling structures (158, 858) and the second coupling structures (168, 868) have corresponding elements of a locking device (870) arranged to position correctly aligned elements of the finishing module (860). and the base machine (850) to lock together.

A printing finishing machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling structures (858) and the second coupling structures (868) comprise corresponding elements of a tensioning device adapted to substantially align the substantially aligned elements (finishing module and base machine) to produce a tensioning force to clamp against each other, wherein the clamping device is preferably configured so that it acts in the tensioned state in the direction of an increase in distance between the base machine (850) and finishing module (860).

17. A printing finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer element is a rotatably mounted transfer cylinder (120, 820), wherein preferably a cooperating with the transfer element working element is a rotatingly mounted working cylinder (110, 810).

18. A finishing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the finishing module (160) has a drive (M) for a working element (110) attached to the finishing module (160), said drive being controllable independently of the drive system of the sheet conveying system.

19. A press finishing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a finishing module (860) comprises a plurality of releasably bonded together.

ADJUSTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP a submodule (860A, 860B), wherein an interface-side first sub-module includes the application-specific working element (810).

20. A finishing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the print finishing machine is associated with a crane means (170) for lifting a finishing module (160) from the base machine (150) and / or for placing a finishing module on the base machine, preferably a base member of the crane means is mounted on the base machine.

21. A base machine for constructing a printing finishing machine, which has at least one work station arranged along a sheet conveying path for carrying out a processing step of a pressure finishing method, the base machine comprising a sheet conveying system for conveying sheets of flat material along a sheet conveying path between a sheet feeder and a sheet delivery. summarizes and wherein the base machine in the region of at least one interface (155) along the sheet conveying path first coupling structures (158) for releasably coupling a with the first coupling structures corresponding second coupling structures (168) equipped, interchangeable finishing module (160) has to the base machine.

22. A base machine according to claim 21, wherein the base machine has, in the region of the first coupling structures (158) of an interface, a transfer element (120) of the sheet conveying system, which is provided together with an application-specific working element (110) attached to a finishing module (160). after coupling of the finishing module to the base machine between the transfer element of the base machine and the working element of the finishing module, a working gap (115) for carrying out a processing step

ADJUSTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP To form a print finishing process on a running through the working gap printing material sheet, wherein the base machine is preferably designed to build a print finishing machine according to one of claims 1 to 20.

23. Finishing module for constructing a printing finishing machine, which has at least one arranged along a sheet conveying path workstation for performing a processing step of a print finishing process, wherein the finishing module (160, 860, 960) together with elements of a Bogenfördersystem containing base machine (150, 850) of the print finishing machine a Workstation forms, wherein the base machine in the region of at least one interface along the sheet conveying path first coupling structures (168, 868) for releasably coupling the replaceable finishing module to the base machine and the finishing module (160, 860) with the first coupling structures corresponding second coupling structures (168, 868) and wherein the finishing module has an application-specific working element which, in the operating state of the printing finishing machine with a counter-pressure element, has a working gap a processing step of a print finishing process at a running through the working gap sheet of flat material limited.

24. Finishing module according to claim 23, wherein the application-specific working element is a tool cylinder having a cylinder core (910) and an attachable on the cylinder core, replaceable tool carrier sleeve (112, 920).

25. Finishing module according to one of claims 23 or 24, which is configured as a film pre-module with a film transport device for transporting at least one film web through the working gap.

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26. A finishing module according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the finishing module in the region of the interface-side second coupling structures, the application-specific working element (110, 810), wherein the coupling structures on the base machine and the finishing module are configured by the coupling of the finishing module the base machine is formed between a transfer element (120, 820) of the base machine and the working element of the finishing module of the working nip (115) for carrying out a processing step of a print finishing process on a printing material sheet running through the working nip.

27. The finishing module according to claim 23, 24, 25 or 26, wherein the finishing module is designed to construct a print finishing machine according to one of claims 1 to 20.

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