Method for automatically changing a sleeve of a printing tool

Abstract

A method for automatic replacement of a sleeve (18a) of a printing tool (18) installed in a printing machine, in particular a flexographic printing machine, by means of a printing tool handling unit comprising a coupling interface is provided. In one step of the method, the printing tool handling unit temporarily connects with its coupling interface to a coupling interface located at an end of a shaft (60) of the printing tool (18). In a further step, the printing tool handling unit transports the printing tool (18) to a separation unit (78) comprising at least one clamping device (80) and places the printing tool (18) in the clamping device (80) of the separation unit (78). The printing tool (18), in particular the sleeve (18a) of the printing tool (18), is clamped by the clamping device (80) and the shaft (60) is separated from the sleeve (18a) by the printing tool handling unit by pulling the shaft (60) out of the sleeve (18a) while the sleeve (18a) is clamped in the clamping device (80).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for automatically replacing a sleeve of a printing tool mounted in a printing assembly, in particular a flexographic printing machine having at least two printing tools. BACKGROUND

[0002] Printing assemblies and printing tools as described above are well known in the art. In this context, a printing tool is to be understood as a part of a printing machine which participates in the printing process realized by the printing machine. In particular, printing cylinders, anilox rolls, doctor blade beams, impression cylinders, guide rolls and pressure rolls are considered to be printing tools. Furthermore, all rolls and shafts used for guiding and supporting a substrate within a printing machine are printing tools in the above definition. All these printing tools have in common that they need to be replaced on a regular basis. This can be due to a change of the printing job, wear or cleaning requirements.

[0003] In known printing assemblies, the printing tools are manually replaced. The respective printing machine has to be stopped when a replacement needs to be performed.

[0004] For selected printing tools, such as printing cylinders, it is suggested to use an automatic handling device as an alternative to manual replacement. These handling devices are tailor-made for the printing tool to be replaced. Typically, such handling devices comprise a transport shaft and are configured to pull a sleeve and / or adapter of the printing tool to be replaced onto the transport shaft. The shaft on which the sleeve and / or adapter is operated within the printing machine stays within the printing machine. These handling devices are typically expensive, as they need to be adapted to handle sleeves and / or adapters which are mostly fragile or at least easily damaged. Furthermore, they need to be adapted to the specific printing cylinder to be replaced, which requires some engineering effort. Due to the transport shaft, the handling device itself is rather bulky and expensive. Furthermore, the time during which the printing machine has to be stopped can only be reduced by a certain fraction, as the remaining tools still need to be replaced manually. SUMMARY

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a technical solution for replacing a sleeve and / or adapter of a printing tool of a printing machine which is able to further reduce the time required to perform the replacement step. Furthermore, the solution should be simple, reliable and cost-efficient.

[0006] The problem is solved by a method for automatically exchanging a sleeve of a printing tool installed in a printing machine, in particular a flexographic printing machine, by means of a printing tool handling unit comprising a coupling interface. In one step of the method, the printing tool handling unit temporarily couples with its coupling interface to the coupling interface located at the end of the shaft of the printing tool. In a further step, the printing tool handling unit transports the printing tool to a separation unit comprising at least one clamping device and places the printing tool in the clamping device of the separation unit. The printing tool, in particular the sleeve of the printing tool, is clamped by the clamping device. In a further step of the method, the printing tool handling unit separates the shaft from the sleeve by pulling the shaft out of the sleeve while the sleeve is clamped in the clamping device.

[0007] According to the method of the application, the advantage is achieved that the exchange of the sleeve takes place in a fully automated manner. In particular, the removal of the printing tool from the printing machine and the separation of the sleeve from the rest of the printing tool can take place without having to put the printing tool down in turn and without having to separate the printing tool from the printing tool handling unit. Thus, the exchange of the sleeve takes place in a very fast and simple manner.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the printing tool is removed from the printing machine by moving the printing tool along its rotational axis. Thus, different printing tools can be removed from the printing machine independently of one another. For example, a printing tool surrounded by more printing tools can be removed by the printing tool handling unit without having to remove any other printing tools. Furthermore, by moving the printing tool along its rotational axis, the printing tool has to be accessible only from one side.

[0009] By pulling the shaft out of the sleeve along the rotational axis of the printing tool, the shaft can be separated from the sleeve. Thus, the separation of the sleeve from the printing tool is achieved by a linear movement. Such a movement is very easy to program in the control unit of the printing tool handling unit.

[0010] When the coupling interface of the printing tool handling unit is connected to the coupling interface of the printing tool, the coupling interface of the printing tool handling unit is preferably moved concentrically to the coupling interface of the printing tool. Thus, when connecting the coupling interface of the printing tool handling unit to the coupling interface of the printing tool, the printing tool handling unit, in particular the end effector of the printing tool handling unit, is moved along a linear path. This also helps to reduce the programming effort for the movements of the printing tool handling unit.

[0011] According to one embodiment, an adapter is inserted between the shaft and the sleeve of the printing tool, the adapter is separated from the sleeve together with the shaft and then the assembly comprising the adapter and the shaft is moved by the printing tool handling unit into a further clamping device, in which the adapter is clamped and the shaft is removed from the adapter. The adapter serves to support the sleeve, respectively, to bypass the distance between the shaft and the sleeve, so that the sleeve can be kept thin. By separating the adapter from the shaft in the further clamping device, the printing tool is completely disassembled in an automated manner.

[0012] After separating the adapter and the shaft, the shaft is preferably moved into another clamping device and clamped therein. Thus, the shaft can be stored in a simple manner.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the shaft is separated from the printing tool handling unit after clamping the shaft in the clamping device. The printing tool handling unit can then be used to remove another printing tool from the printing press.

[0014] Preferably, the printing tool handling unit is connected to the coupling interface of the shaft at all times during the removal of the printing tool from the printing press until the shaft is stored.

[0015] The clamping device comprises, for example, at least two clamping jaws, wherein the printing tool is surrounded by the clamping jaws when the printing tool is inserted in the separation unit, wherein the clamping jaws are moved in radial direction towards the printing tool so as to clamp the sleeve of the printing tool. By such a clamping device, the necessary clamping force can be exerted on the sleeve in order to be able to remove the shaft from the sleeve. In particular, the clamping force must be large enough to avoid that the sleeve slips out of the clamping device together with the shaft.

[0016] By providing a plurality of clamping jaws distributed circumferentially around the sleeve, the clamping force can be distributed evenly.

[0017] The further clamping device for clamping the adapter and the shaft can be designed in the same way.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the separation of the sleeve and / or the adapter from the shaft is performed in a fully automated manner by the printing tool handling unit. In other words, the separation of the sleeve and / or the adapter from the shaft does not require any manual activity of a user. Thus, the separation of the sleeve and / or the adapter from the shaft is very fast and easy.

[0019] When a new printing tool is placed into the printing press, the above-mentioned method steps are performed in reverse order. Thus, the setup time of the printing press can be significantly reduced.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the shaft of the printing tool is supported in the printing machine on both sides, wherein the support of the printing tool on one side is removed in order to access the printing tool by the printing tool handling unit. By the removable support, the printing tool is reliably supported in the printing machine during operation of the printing machine. By removing the support on one side, good accessibility of the printing tool is achieved.

[0021] The exemplary printing assembly of the above type comprises a printing tool handling unit which is configured to automatically detach the printing tool from the printing machine and to automatically insert the printing tool into the printing machine according to the method of the application described above. The printing tool handling unit comprises a coupling interface, each of the at least two printing tools comprises a complementary coupling interface, so that the printing tool handling unit can be at least temporarily connected to each of the at least two printing tools by the respective coupling interfaces. Herein, taking the printing tool out of the printing machine means to unmount the printing tool from the printing machine. Inserting the printing tool into the printing machine is the same as loading the printing tool into the printing machine. Furthermore, the interfaces of the printing tools are essentially identical. The printing tool handling unit is thus configured to handle all printing tools, wherein the printing tool handling unit preferably handles one printing tool at a time. Thus, the exchange of the printing tool is performed in a fully automated manner. Therefore, the exchange process can be completed in a relatively short time. At the same time, only one printing tool handling unit is required, since it is able to interact with all printing tools. Thus, the printing tool handling unit is universal. The printing assembly is therefore simple in construction and cost-effective.

[0022] The coupling interfaces provided on the printing tool handling unit and on the printing tools can be standardized. This means that the coupling interfaces provided on the printing tools of different printing machines can be essentially identical. Thus, the coupling interfaces of the respective printing tool handling units can also be essentially identical. Therefore, such a printing tool handling unit can be used in different printing assemblies comprising different printing machines. Such a configuration further reduces the costs of the printing assembly, since in particular the interfaces and the printing tool handling unit only need to be developed once.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the printing tool handling unit comprises an end effector, wherein the coupling interface is mounted or provided on the end effector. The end effector and the coupling interface mounted thereon or provided thereat can thus be provided as a module for connecting different handling devices for use together. Thus, the printing tool handling unit can be produced and operated at a relatively low cost.

[0024] Preferably, the end effector is mounted or arranged at an end of an arm, in particular a robotic arm. A printing tool handling unit having such an arm is able to cover a relatively large range of motion. Thus, the printing tool handling unit can interact with printing tools arranged at different positions within a printing press. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the arm is a robotic arm, thus the printing tool handling unit comprises an industrial robot. Thus, in addition to the coupling interface, the printing tool handling unit can rely on standard equipment.

[0025] The printing tool comprises a coupling interface for at least temporarily connecting the printing tool to the printing tool handling unit. Such a printing tool can be easily and reliably removed from the respective printing press by the printing tool handling unit. Of course, such a printing tool can also be easily and reliably inserted onto the respective printing press by the printing tool handling unit. In other words, the printing tool can be easily and reliably exchanged. If the printing tool handling unit is operated in an automated manner, this can be done in a very short time. Thus, the operating time of a printing press equipped with such a printing tool is prolonged.

[0026] According to one variant, the printing tool is a roller assembly comprising a shaft, wherein the coupling interface is located at one end of the shaft. Thus, the printing tool can be operated in a stable and reliable manner. Furthermore, the risk of damaging the sleeve and / or adapter of the printing tool is also reduced. This is particularly true in comparison to known printing tools, wherein the sleeve and / or adapter are clamped when performing the exchange step.

[0027] Alternatively, the printing tool is formed as a beam, wherein the coupling interface is located at one end of the beam. Thus, the beam-shaped printing tool can also be exchanged in a simple and reliable manner. Of course, if the printing tool handling unit is able to operate automatically, the exchange process is performed fully automatically.

[0028] In all of the above alternatives, the coupling interface can comprise a conical or frustoconical contact surface. Such a contact surface design is simple, thus it can also be produced in a cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the contact surface allows connecting the printing tool and the printing tool handling unit in a very precise manner. Thus, the printing tool can be operated very precisely. Furthermore, the conical or frustoconical contact surface can easily support larger forces, such that heavier printing tools can be moved.

[0029] In this context, the contact surface of the coupling interface arranged on the printing tool handling unit can be an inner surface of an opening, and the contact surface of the corresponding coupling interface arranged on the printing tool can be an outer surface. Of course, it is also possible to design the contact surface of the coupling interface arranged on the printing tool handling unit as an outer surface and the contact surface of the coupling interface arranged on the printing tool as an inner surface of an opening. In both alternatives, the contact surface designed as an outer surface can be arranged on a hollow portion of the printing tool or the printing tool handling unit, respectively.

[0030] Advantageously, the coupling interface is formed integrally with the end of the shaft or the end of the beam. Thus, the coupling interface is inseparably connected to the respective shaft or beam. Furthermore, assembly work associated with the coupling interface is eliminated. Overall, such a shaft or beam can be produced in an efficient manner.

[0031] The coupling interface can also be formed on an interface part which is mounted on the shaft or on the beam. In this alternative, the interface part is produced independently of the respective shaft or beam and is subsequently mounted thereon. This alternative is advantageous if the printing tool is to be retrofitted with the coupling interface. Another advantage is that it can be easier to produce a printing tool without a coupling interface and to produce such an interface part than to produce a printing tool with a coupling interface formed integrally therewith.

[0032] In an embodiment, the coupling interface comprises a securing device for at least temporarily securing the printing tool on the printing tool handling unit. Preferably, the securing device is separate from the contact surface. This ensures that the contact surface of the coupling interface arranged on the printing tool cannot be separated from the contact surface of the coupling interface arranged on the printing tool handling unit in an undesired manner. Thus, the printing tool can be handled in a reliable and safe manner.

[0033] For example, the securing device comprises at least one securing claw or a securing ring which can be engaged by the securing claw. In this context, the securing claw can be selectively moved into a release position or a securing position. This is preferably done in a fully automated manner. Thus, the printing tool and the printing tool handling unit can be selectively and automatically secured to each other. Thus, the printing tool can be operated by the printing tool handling unit in a reliable and safe manner. In a preferred variant, at least one securing claw is arranged on the printing tool handling unit and a corresponding securing ring is arranged on the printing tool. However, an alternative solution is also possible.

[0034] It is possible that the printing tool comprises coupling interfaces at both ends, in particular wherein the coupling interfaces at both ends are essentially identical. Thus, the arrangement of the printing tool within the printing press is independent of the positioning of the printing tool handling unit.

[0035] In an alternative, the coupling interface is a combined coupling and driving interface configured to be connected to a driving unit to drive the printing tool. Thus, the coupling interface is used to temporarily connect the printing tool to the printing tool handling unit in order to insert it into the printing press or to take it out of the printing press. When the printing tool is located inside the printing press, the coupling interface is connected to the driving unit. This connection can rely on a frictional connection.

[0036] The coupling interface can also be a combined coupling and support interface configured to be used to support the printing tool in the printing press. The support interface can also be designated as a bearing interface. In particular, the printing tool can be rotationally supported inside the printing press.

[0037] The printing tool can be a printing cylinder, an anilox roll, a blade beam, an impression cylinder, a guide roll or a pressure roll. The blade beam is optionally equipped with an ink chamber. All these printing tools need to be regularly replaced due to process limitations, wear and / or the need for cleaning. This replacement can be performed automatically in a relatively short time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The application will now be explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the attached drawings. In the drawings,

[0039] - Figure 1 a printing assembly according to the application is schematically shown, comprising a printing press with a printing tool according to the application, wherein the printing press is in an operational state,

[0040] - Figure 2 a printing assembly according to the application is schematically shown, Figure 1 wherein the printing press is in a state of repair,

[0041] - figure 3 schematically shows in a top view Figure 2 the printing press of

[0042] - figure 4 shows in a partial cross-sectional view Figure 1 a detail IV of an end effector of a printing tool handling unit of the printing assembly of

[0043] - Figure 5 a detail of the printing tool of the printing press of figure 3 is shown,

[0044] - Figure 6 a detail of one of the printing tools of the printing press of Figure 1 is shown connected to Figure 2 the printing tool handling unit of the printing assembly of

[0045] - Figure 7 a detail VII of two of the printing tools of the printing press of figure 3 is shown,

[0046] - Figure 8Details VIII of two of the printing tools of the printing machine of Figure 3 are shown, and

[0047] - Figures 9 to 18 The process of extraction of the printing tools of the printing machine of Figure 3 from the printing machine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 The printing assembly 10 is shown.

[0049] It comprises a printing machine 12, which in the example shown in the figures is a flexographic printing machine.

[0050] The printing machine 12 comprises a doctor blade beam 14 equipped with an ink chamber, an anilox roller 16, a printing cylinder 18 and a central impression cylinder 20.

[0051] In addition, the printing machine 12 comprises a guide roller 22 and a pressure roller 24.

[0052] The doctor blade beam 14, the anilox roller 16, the printing cylinder 18, the guide roller 22, the pressure roller 24 are printing tools.

[0053] These printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 are used to print ink on a substrate 26.

[0054] To this end, the substrate 26 moves around the guide roller 22 and the central impression cylinder 20, the pressure roller 24 pressing it against the central impression cylinder 20. The direction of travel and the corresponding direction of rotation of the substrate 26 are indicated with arrows.

[0055] As already explained before, the doctor blade beam 14 comprises an ink chamber. The ink provided therein is applied to the anilox roller 16, from which it is transferred to a printing plate mounted on the printing cylinder 18. The printing plate comprises a negative of the pattern to be printed on the substrate 26.

[0056] In addition, for these printing tools, the direction of rotation is indicated with arrows.

[0057] The printing assembly 10 further comprises a printing tool handling unit 28 configured for the automatic extraction of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 from the printing machine 12 and for the automatic insertion of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 into the printing machine 12.

[0058] In the example shown, the printing tool handling unit 28 comprises an industrial robot 30 having a mechanical arm 32.

[0059] A end effector 34 is mounted at the end of the mechanical arm 32.

[0060] The end effector 34 comprises a coupling interface 36 (see Fig. 4) which is configured for at least temporarily connecting one of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 to the printing tool handling unit 28.

[0061] The coupling interface 36 comprises a contact surface 38 which corresponds to the shell surface section of a truncated cone.

[0062] In the example shown, the contact surface 38 is part of the inner surface of an opening 40 provided on the end effector 34.

[0063] The coupling interface 36 further comprises a securing device 42 which comprises two securing jaws 43.

[0064] The securing device 42 is configured for at least temporarily securing one of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 on the printing tool handling unit 28.

[0065] For this purpose, a drive rod 44 is provided on the end effector 34 which interacts with the securing jaws 43.

[0066] The drive rod 44 is movable in the direction 44a.

[0067] The drive rod 44 can thus be arranged in a securing position. In this position, the securing jaws 43 are held in the respective securing position (see Fig. 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0068] Alternatively, the drive rod 44 can be moved into a release position. In the schematic representation of Fig. 4, this position is moved to the left as indicated by the dashed line.

[0069] In this position, the securing jaws 43 are also in the respective release position. Compared to the representation in Fig. 4, the left end of the upper securing jaw 43 is slightly moved downwards and the left end of the lower securing jaw 43 is slightly moved upwards.

[0070] Further details regarding the coupling interface 36 will be explained in the following in connection with the exchange process of one of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24.

[0071] Each of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 comprises a coupling interface 46 for at least temporarily connecting the respective printing tool 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 to the printing tool handling unit 28 (see Figure 5 ).

[0072] The coupling interface 46 is complementary to the coupling interface 36.

[0073] The coupling interface 46 thus also comprises a contact surface 48 which is of a truncated cone shape.

[0074] The contact surface 48 is an outer surface.

[0075] Furthermore, each of the coupling interfaces 46 is provided with a fixture 50 for temporarily fixing the respective printing tool 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 to the printing tool handling unit 28.

[0076] In the example shown, the fixture 50 comprises a fixing ring 51 (see Figure 5 ) which can be engaged by the fixing claws 43. Figure 6 ).

[0077] As far as the guide roller 22 and the pressure roller 24 are concerned, the coupling interfaces 46 are provided on an interface member 52 which is mounted at a respective end of the shafts 54, 56 of the guide roller 22 and the pressure roller 24, respectively (see Figs. 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0078] The anilox roller 16 and the print cylinder 18 are roller assemblies having shafts 58, 60, respectively. The coupling interfaces 46 are located at the ends of the respective shafts 58, 60 and are integrally formed therewith.

[0079] The anilox roller 16 and the print cylinder 18 comprise coupling interfaces 46 at both ends of the respective shafts 58, 60. The coupling interfaces at both ends of the shafts 58, 60 are substantially identical.

[0080] In the example shown in the figures, the shafts 58, 60 of the anilox roller 16 and the print cylinder 18 are connected with respective drive units 62, 64 (see Fig. 3). Thus, the shafts 58, 60 can be denoted as drive shafts.

[0081] In more detail, each of the drive units 62, 64 comprises an output shaft 66, 68.

[0082] The output shafts 66, 68 are connected to the respective shafts 58, 60 via the coupling interfaces 46 (see Figure 7 ). For this purpose, respective coupling interfaces 70 are provided on the output shafts 66, 68. The coupling interfaces 46, 70 are connectable by means of a friction fit.

[0083] Thus, the coupling interfaces 46 are combined coupling and drive interfaces.

[0084] It is noted that the coupling interfaces 46, 70 are only schematically represented in Figure 7 . In fact, the coupling interfaces 46 are designed as shown in Figure 5 , and the coupling interfaces 70 are designed in accordance with Fig. 4. In this context, the fixtures 42, 50 are optional.

[0085] At the respective end opposite the drive units 62, 64, the anilox roller 16 and the print cylinder 18 are supported in a frame 72 of the printing press 12.

[0086] To do so, the support shaft 74 is rotationally held in the frame 72, while the shafts 58, 60 are connected to the support shaft 74 by coupling interfaces 46 (see Figure 8 ).

[0087] The support shaft 74 has a corresponding coupling interface 76.

[0088] Likewise, the coupling interfaces 46, 76 are only schematically represented in Figure 8 . In fact, the coupling interface 46 is designed as shown in Figure 5 , and the coupling interface 76 is designed according to Fig. 4. In this context, the fixtures 42, 50 are optional.

[0089] Thus, the coupling interface 46 of the anilox roll 16 and the print cylinder 18 is a combined coupling and support interface.

[0090] The doctor blade beam 14 comprises only one coupling interface 46 at the end of the beam (see Figs. 3 and Figure 5 ). This coupling interface 46 is also integrally formed with the doctor blade beam 14.

[0091] The removal process of the printing tools will be explained next with reference to Figures 9 to 18 .

[0092] First, the printing machine 12 needs to be stopped. This means that its running state is terminated.

[0093] It is to be noted that the printing machine 12 shown in the figures comprises only one printing station represented by its basic components, i.e. the doctor blade beam 14, the anilox roll 16 and the print cylinder 18. In a printing machine comprising more than one printing station, it is sufficient to stop only the relevant printing station to remove the corresponding doctor blade beam, anilox roll or print cylinder.

[0094] If the guide roll 22 or the pressure roll 24 is to be removed from the printing machine 12, usually the entire printing machine 12 is stopped.

[0095] Thereafter, the printing machine 12 is moved to its service state (see Figure 2 , 3 and 9).

[0096] This means that all printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 are moved to positions spaced apart from each other.

[0097] In case the guide roll 22 or the pressure roll 24 has to be removed from the printing machine 12, the substrate 26 is removed from the printing machine 12.

[0098] Subsequently, the support of the respective printing tool 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 is removed on one side to allow access to the printing tool 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 by the printing tool handling unit, more precisely by the end effector. In particular, the portion of the frame 72 carrying the support shaft 74 is removed from the rest of the frame 72 in order to make the printing cylinder 18 and the anilox roll 16 accessible by the printing tool handling unit 28 (see arrows in Figure 9

[0099] In this case of the printing press 12, each of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24 is accessible by the end effector 34. This is shown in Figure 10 , where the end effectors 34a to 34e are positioned adjacent to each of the printing tools 14, 16, 18, 22, 24. It is understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. The printing assembly 10 comprises one printing tool handling unit 28 having only one end effector 34.

[0100] The removal of the printing cylinder 18 will be explained in detail below. In this context, the printing cylinder 18 can be regarded as an exemplary printing tool. However, the removal of the printing tools 14, 16, 22, 24 can be done in a similar manner.

[0101] First, the printing tool handling unit 28 is temporarily connected to the coupling interface 46 located at the end of the shaft 60 of the printing tool 18 by means of its coupling interface 36. More precisely, the printing cylinder 18 is connected to the end effector 34 by means of the coupling interfaces 36, 46. At the same time, the printing cylinder 18 is fixed on the end effector 34 by means of the fixation means 50, 42.

[0102] When connected to the coupling interface 46 of the printing tool 18, the coupling interface 36 of the printing tool handling unit 28 is moved concentrically to the coupling interface 36 of the printing tool 18.

[0103] In detail, the contact surface 38 of the end effector 34 is brought close to the contact surface 48 of the printing cylinder 18, while the fixation claw 43 is held in the release position by the drive rod 44.

[0104] Then, the fixation claw 43 is driven by means of the drive rod 44 such that the fixation claw 43 is moved to the respective fixation position (see Figure 6 ).

[0105] In this way, the contact surfaces 38, 48 become abutting.

[0106] Thereafter, the printing cylinder 18 is taken out of the printing press 12 along its rotational axis. At the same time, the coupling interface 46 provided on the shaft 60 and the coupling interface 70 provided on the output shaft 68 of the drive unit 64 are decoupled.​

[0107] The printing cylinder 18 can now be moved by the printing tool handling unit 28 to a storage unit, and a different printing cylinder can be inserted into the printing press 12.

[0108] In the example shown, the printing cylinder 18 is moved to a separation unit 78.

[0109] The separation unit 78 comprises a clamping device 80.

[0110] The printing tool handling unit 28 places the printing cylinder 18 in the clamping device 80 clamping the sleeve 18a of the printing cylinder 18 (see arrow in Figure 13 ).

[0111] In this case, the shaft 60 and the adapter 18b of the printing cylinder 18 inserted between the shaft 60 and the sleeve 18a can be separated from the sleeve 18a by pulling them out of the sleeve 18a along the rotational axis of the printing cylinder (see arrow in Figure 14 ).

[0112] If the adapter 18b should also be separated from the shaft 60, the assembly comprising the adapter 18b and the shaft 60 can be moved to a further clamping device 82, in which the adapter 18b is to be clamped (see arrow in Figure 15 ).

[0113] The shaft 60 can thus be removed from the adapter 18b by pulling it out of the adapter 18b along the rotational axis of the printing cylinder 18 (see arrow in Figure 16 ).

[0114] The shaft 60 can then be moved to a further clamping device 84 and clamped therein (see arrow in Figure 17 ).

[0115] The fixing means 42, 50 and the coupling interfaces 36, 46 can now be disconnected, so that the shaft 60 can be separated from the end effector 34 (see arrow in Figure 18 ).

[0116] As a result of this procedure, the assembly of the printing cylinder 18, i.e. the sleeve 18a, the adapter 18b and the shaft 60, is stored separately, so that they can be automatically reassembled when required.

[0117] The printing tool handling unit 28 is free to handle other printing tools.

[0118] The above-described procedure is preferably performed in a fully automatic manner.

[0119] It can be understood that the above-described procedure can be applied in a similar manner to the insertion of a printing tool into the printing press 12.

Claims

1. A method for automatically changing the sleeve (18a) of a printing tool (16, 18, 22, 24) mounted on a printing press (12) by means of a printing tool processing unit (28) including a coupling interface (36), said printing tool (16, 18, 22, 24) comprising a shaft (54, 56, 58, 60), a sleeve (18a), and an adapter (18b) between the shaft (54, 56, 58, 60) and the sleeve (18a) of the printing tool, said method comprising the steps of: - The printing tool processing unit (28) is temporarily connected to the coupling interface (46) located at the end of the shaft (54, 56, 58, 60) of the printing tool (16, 18, 22, 24) using its coupling interface (36). - The printing tool handling unit (28) transports the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) to the separation unit (78) which includes at least one clamping device (80, 82, 84), and places the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) in the clamping device (80) of the separation unit (78). - Clamping device (80) clamps the sleeve (18a) of the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24), and - The printing tool processing unit (28) separates the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) from the sleeve (18a) by pulling the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) out of the sleeve (18a) while the sleeve (18a) is clamped in the clamping device (80). The removal of printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) from the printing press (12) and the separation of the sleeve (18a) from the rest of the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) occur without separating the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) from the printing tool processing unit (28).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) are removed from the printing press (12) by moving the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) along their axis of rotation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft (54, 56, 58, 60) is separated from the sleeve (18a) by pulling the shaft out of the sleeve (18a) along the axis of rotation of the printing tool (16, 18, 22, 24).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the coupling interface (36) of the printing tool processing unit (28) is connected to the coupling interface (46) of the printing tool (16, 18, 22, 24), the coupling interface (36) of the printing tool processing unit (28) moves concentrically to the coupling interface (46) of the printing tool (16, 18, 22, 24).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter (18b) is separated from the sleeve (18a) together with the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60), and then the assembly including the adapter (18b) and the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) is moved by the printing tool processing unit to another clamping device (82), in which the adapter (18b) is clamped and the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) are removed from the adapter (18b).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein after separating the adapter (18b) and the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60), the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) are moved to another clamping device (84) and clamped therein.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein after the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) are clamped in the clamping device (84), the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) are separated from the printing tool processing unit (28).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping device comprises at least two jaws, wherein the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) are surrounded by the jaws when the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) are inserted into the separating unit (78), and wherein the jaws move radially toward the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) to clamp the sleeve (18a) of the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separation of the sleeve (18a) and / or adapter (18b) from the shaft (54, 56, 58, 60) is performed in a fully automatic manner by a printing tool processing unit (28).

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shafts (54, 56, 58, 60) of the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) are supported on both sides in the printing press (12), wherein the support of the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) is removed on one side so as to allow access to the printing tools (16, 18, 22, 24) by the printing tool processing unit (28).

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing press (12) is a flexographic printing press.

Images