setting of the rollers

Abstract

Method and device for setting up a suction roll, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - image recording and / or video recording of the exterior of the roll and transmission of the recording to a computing unit; - acquisition of actual values of the position of the sealing strip and / or of the gauge limiter and / or of other non-visible components by means of the computing unit by image analysis of the image recording and / or video recording of the exterior of the roll and / or by acquisition of values from embedded sensors; - presentation of the acquired actual values by superimposition of the position of the non-visible components on the image recording and / or video recording on a display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting suction rollers, particularly suction rollers used in machines for manufacturing or processing paper webs or other fiber webs. Background Technology

[0002] Suction rolls are perforated rolls with negative pressure applied to certain areas of their surface to retain moisture or deflect the paper web. These areas are called "suction zones." The suction zones of a suction roll are separated by a sealing strip located below the outer shell. A water-lubricated film forms between the sealing strip and the roll shell, sealing the suction zone. Suction press rolls are a special type of suction roll. These suction rolls, together with mating elements (usually a pair of rolls), form a press zone for pressing and dewatering the fibrous paper web.

[0003] Such suction rollers, as well as adjustable sealing strips and specification limiters, are described, for example, in documents DE 102009 000 371 or EP2707544 B1.

[0004] The position of the sealing strip, and consequently the positioning of the area on the roll housing where negative pressure is applied, is crucial, for example, in suction press rolls, to achieve optimal dewatering of the paper web. Incorrect positioning of the suction box can result in a 1% to 2% lower dryness of the fiber web compared to optimal positioning, which translates to a significant loss of press efficiency.

[0005] Currently, the setup of the suction box is done manually and estimated visually during machine operation.

[0006] • Using the markings (marks indicating the position of the sealing strip), the operator rotates the suction box until the position is roughly correct (the sealing strip and the mesh cannot be directly compared);

[0007] • Identify the dehydration spray applied to the compression zone;

[0008] • Estimate the curvature of the tensioned netting;

[0009] • Differentiate the dryness of the pressing section (if present). If the screen and rollers are separated...

[0010] ○Early occurrence→Although dehydration spray is visible in the pressure zone, excess air and low dryness are still expected in the rollers;

[0011] ○ Occurs later → Dehydration spraying in the pressurized area is not visible and rewetting is more obvious.

[0012] The suction zone is limited not only in the tangential direction by a sealing strip but also in the axial direction (relative to the transverse direction of the paper web). This limitation of the suction zone is ensured by a specification limiter. Since different types of paper are typically produced on paper machines, the width of the paper web varies slightly, for example, due to differences in shrinkage properties in different products. Therefore, the specification limiter must be frequently adjusted for optimal operation of the suction roll.

[0013] For this setup, the suction zone (compared to the paper web) cannot be too narrow to avoid "edgeflipping," which prevents the paper web from lifting or folding. However, the suction zone also cannot be wider than the paper web to avoid excess air, which significantly increases energy consumption.

[0014] Traditionally, the setting of the specification limiter is performed by the operator via a frame (a threaded rod, usually marked with dimensions) that indicates the depth of the specification limiter. Because this display does not allow for a direct comparison between the paper web and the position of the specification limiter, the setting relies heavily on the operator's experience. Here, the operator should pay attention to, for example, the web web jitter, which indicates that the specification limiter is too far into the web and therefore there is no longer a vacuum at the edges.

[0015] Regarding size limiters, more modern optical solutions are known according to document EP2707544 B1, which enable the identification of size limiters on the paper web. These solutions require intervention in the rollers and the installation of electrical components to generate a light source. Furthermore, this system is not suitable for all paper / felt combinations. Some combinations are "thick" enough that the beam of light is not visible. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The objective of this invention is to improve upon the deficiencies of existing technologies.

[0017] A more particular objective of the present invention is to achieve reliable and reproducible positioning of the sealing strip and / or specification limiter within the suction roller.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to facilitate operators in making optimal adjustments to the suction roller.

[0019] These tasks are completely solved by the following methods for adjusting suction rollers, especially suction rollers for machines that manufacture or process fiber webs, and the following equipment for adjusting suction rollers, especially suction rollers for machines that manufacture or process fiber webs.

[0020] To address this task, a method is proposed for adjusting suction rollers, particularly suction rollers for machines manufacturing or processing fiber webs, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0021] The external surface of the roller is recorded with images and / or videos, and the recorded images and / or videos are transmitted to the computing unit.

[0022] -The actual position of the sealing strip and / or specification limiter and / or other invisible components can be determined by image analysis of the external image and / or video recordings of the roller and / or by acquiring values ​​from the embedded sensors using a computing unit;

[0023] -The actual values ​​are presented by overlaying the positions of invisible components on the display screen with image and / or video recordings.

[0024] By utilizing this direct optical presentation of the built-in components (which would otherwise be invisible from the outside), operators can now very easily perform optimal adjustments to the rollers.

[0025] Furthermore, when the method is re-executed after, for example, a change in the positioning of the sealing strip, the operator can immediately see the results of the adjustment.

[0026] Although it is clear to those skilled in the art, it should be mentioned here for completeness that "method for adjusting suction rollers" is also understood within the scope of this application as a method in which the known actual values ​​are presented by superimposing the positions of invisible components on the display screen with image and / or video recordings, without any changes or adjustments, because these components are, for example, already accurately in place.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0028] Therefore, it is advantageous for the method to additionally include the following steps:

[0029] - Provide target values ​​for the location of sealing strips and / or specification limiters and / or other invisible components.

[0030] - Compare the actual value and the target value using a computing unit.

[0031] - The target is displayed on the screen, showing the actual comparison results.

[0032] Additionally, the method may be configured to include the following steps:

[0033] -Based on the target-actual comparison results, recommendations are made for adjusting the suction rollers;

[0034] - Display the suggestion on the screen.

[0035] In terms of equipment, this task is accomplished by an apparatus for adjusting suction rollers, particularly for suction rollers of machines used in manufacturing or processing fiber webs. This apparatus includes a camera for recording image and / or video data, a computing unit, and a display screen, wherein the camera is connected to the computing unit, enabling the camera to transmit image and / or video data to the computing unit. According to the invention, this apparatus is configured to perform a method according to one aspect of the invention.

[0036] The proposed approach includes aspects of so-called augmented reality (AR).

[0037] In the reality-virtual continuum (originating from Paul Milgram et al., 1994), augmented reality (AR) and augmented virtuality are part of what is known as mixed reality. While experts rarely use the term augmented virtuality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and rarely, enhanced reality are often used synonymously. Compared to virtual reality, where the user is completely immersed in the virtual world, augmented reality presents additional information in the foreground. For visual modes, this leads to higher requirements for localization (tracking) and calibration.

[0038] AR systems (ARS) are understood as systems of technological components needed to build augmented reality applications: cameras, trackers, supporting software, etc.

[0039] Most of the literature uses the augmented reality terminology proposed by Azuma. http: / / www.cs.unc.edu / ~azuma / ARpresence.pdf ):

[0040] - Virtual reality and reality are combined (partially superimposed) on each other.

[0041] - Real-time interaction.

[0042] - Real and virtual objects are linked to each other in a three-dimensional way.

[0043] Source: Wikipedia https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Erweiterte_Realit%C3% A4t )

[0044] Currently, the setup of the suction box is a task based on the experience of paper mill workers. In this setup, paper dryness is affected by 1% to 2%. Since there is no system that can display a direct comparison between the separation of the wire mesh and the position of the sealing strip, paper mill workers must indirectly find the correct setup by combining visual observation (e.g., dewatering spray in the press section). In this invention, paper mill workers should be able to identify the position of the sealing strip and directly compare it with the positioning of the wire mesh. Ideally, the position of the sealing strip is projected virtually onto the felt, i.e., on a display screen, for example, via an application.

[0045] In addition to adjusting the suction box, one embodiment of the invention can also determine the positioning of the suction roll's specification limiter relative to the paper web. Therefore, the system can also be used to adjust these components without introducing an additional system within the roll. This is particularly advantageous for operators who cannot benefit from optical systems such as those in EP2707544 B1 due to insufficient light intensity.

[0046] To provide operators with maximum support during setup and significantly simplify the process, the application can also provide real-time data from the PLC / QCS, such as paper web moisture content, moisture distribution, press load, and vacuum level. This direct feedback from real-time data aims to make it easier for operators to find the correct setup by combining it with the application.

[0047] Similarly, settings can be configured, for example, for specific machine operating conditions or for each roller's storage. These "positioning stores" allow operators to make changes and easily re-establish the original position without problems. This is a significant added value, especially for troubleshooting.

[0048] The main focus of this solution is to identify the boundaries of the suction zone on the suction roller through constructive intervention (AR projection) so that these boundaries can be optimally adjusted within the machine. Portable computers (such as mobile phones, tablets, or AR goggles) can be used as the interface for paperwork workers, identifying specific unique points or possible markings on the roller through image recognition (which serve as input for the application). The solution comprises two functions.

[0049] The main focus is to virtually project the invisible components of the suction roller onto the external environment so that accurate and direct positioning can be determined without having to make assumptions or inferences about these positions (which are always inaccurate):

[0050] 1. "Suction box positioning" - for example, based on markings made on the suction box. AR tools project markings (e.g., colored lines) onto the roll shell / wire stretcher / paper web, thereby identifying area "A" (the separation of the roll wire stretcher) and allowing the suction box to be positioned. (The projection is typically implemented here as a virtual projection, i.e., as an illustration of an element projected onto an interface such as a mobile phone display or similar.) - As a support, an "Ampel System" can be implemented in the AR application to determine the optimal positioning.

[0051] 2. "Edge Deckle Positioning" - Typically based on the display of the threaded rod of the roll's specification limiter, AR applications project the markings onto the roll shell / wire / paper web. This tool allows paperworkers to visually adjust the specification limiter in conjunction with the paper web.

[0052] With the help of a small computer (such as a smartphone, tablet, or AR glasses) equipped with a camera and screen, invisible parts can be virtually projected onto the suction roller. The detailed intermediate steps are listed below:

[0053] An embodiment of one aspect of the present invention may be, for example, the following method:

[0054] 1. Use a computer or camera to record images / videos of the rollers.

[0055] • Here, the exterior of the roller is recorded as an image / video;

[0056] The computer could be a mobile phone, tablet, or AR glasses;

[0057] 2. Determine the location (actual value) of sealing strips, size limiters, and / or other invisible components.

[0058] This step can be performed through (real-time) image recognition (e.g., recognizing (multiple) marks on the rollers) and / or embedded sensors;

[0059] 3. Enter the reference value and / or target value for the roller.

[0060] • Reference values ​​for the learned parameters can be downloaded from the database (improving application usability through support for ID tags) and / or filled in by the user;

[0061] 4. Compare the positions of invisible components with the ideal state by combining actual and target values; this can be done either with a delay or in real time.

[0062] 5. Combining the obtained actual values ​​(step 2) and reference values ​​(step 3), overlay the image / video recordings with the positions of the invisible components. This can be done either with a delay or in real time.

[0063] 6. A display with target-to-actual comparison (e.g., using a traffic light system) can be shown to support the user when setting up the suction box / specification limiter;

[0064] 7. (Optional): The operator adjusts the rollers (sealing strips or specification limiters); this can be done either in real time while simultaneously observing the AR image and probing toward the desired state, or delayed by reviewing the current state, then making changes and re-reviewing the state.

[0065] 8. (Optional): Repeat steps 1-6;

[0066] 9. (Optional): Repeat steps 1-8 until the operator is satisfied with the target-actual comparison.

[0067] The special advantages of these solutions are:

[0068] - The ability to directly compare the positions of the mesh and the sealing strip is novel for the adjustment of the suction box;

[0069] - No intervention is required in the suction box, which improves the robustness of the solution and reduces maintenance costs; similarly, no potentially faulty systems are installed inside the rollers.

[0070] - By using a "traffic light system" in the display of AR applications, it is possible for inexperienced users to perform setup independently.

[0071] - The storage of positioning helps paper mill workers quickly set the ideal positioning for various operating conditions or rollers.

[0072] Real-time data from PLS or QCS supports operators in finding the ideal setup during commissioning.

[0073] The setup of the suction box and specification limiter will be significantly faster, simpler, and more reliable.

[0074] The following describes other feasible variations. These variations can be applied individually or in combination.

[0075] Variant 1:

[0076] The application's two functions are observed separately (adjustment of the suction box and setting of the specification limiter). The display consists of projected colored lines showing the position of the sealing strip and / or specification limiter. Input to the application is combined with image processing to identify markings on the rollers and the depth of the threaded rod of the specification limiter.

[0077] Variant 2:

[0078] In addition to using image recognition as input for applications, instruments (such as mobile phones, tablets, and AR glasses) can also rely on sensors mounted on rollers. For example:

[0079] - "Suction box positioning"

[0080] ○ The relative angle of the suction box relative to the assembly positioning is identified by using, for example, an encoder;

[0081] ○ The absolute angle of the suction box is identified by using, for example, an accelerometer;

[0082] - "Edge deckle positioning" - uses an encoder mounted on the threaded rod to identify the position of the specification limiter.

[0083] Variant 3:

[0084] Users have the possibility to see projections of sealing strips or specification limitsers through AR applications. Alternative presentation methods can be used instead of simple positioning lines, such as:

[0085] - Project a surface representing the entire suction area onto the suction box, along with the specification limiter and the sealing strip of the limit suction area;

[0086] - Project the CAD model of the suction box to see all the internal components and enable direct comparison. Attached Figure Description

[0087] The invention is further illustrated below with reference to the schematic diagrams. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0088] Figure 1 A possible diagram showing the actual values ​​obtained;

[0089] Figure 2a , 2b 2c shows an alternative diagram of the actual value that is shown or known. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Figure 1A computing unit 2 with a display screen 3 is shown, which is applicable, for example, to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, recorded images or videos of the suction roller 1 are transmitted to the computing unit 2. The computing unit 2 can determine the position of invisible internal components (e.g., sealing strips or specification limiters) by performing image analysis on the recorded images and / or video recordings of the roller's exterior and / or by acquiring values ​​from embedded sensors. Thus, for example, the threaded rods, typically marked with dimensions, used for adjusting specification limiters can be identified and evaluated on the image, allowing the positioning of the specification limiters to be determined. Similarly, optical marks can be provided on the roller's cover, thereby enabling the positioning of these sealing strips to be determined by image analysis.

[0091] Furthermore, it is possible for the computing unit to be connected to another database that stores information about the relevant suction rollers. Identification of the suction rollers can be achieved, for example, using ID tags. These ID tags can either be optically identified directly from recorded images or videos. Alternatively, or additionally, other tags, such as RFID tags, can be used. Generally, the advantage is that these tags can also be directly read by computing units, such as mobile phones or tablets.

[0092] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates, in a simplified manner, how the positioning of the two sealing strips (represented by dashed lines) and the images or videos recorded by the suction roller 1 are superimposed on the display screen 3 of the computing unit 2.

[0093] Figure 2a , 2b Figures 2 and 2c illustrate alternative accessories to the suction roller in the image. Therefore, for example, it is possible to... Figure 2a The screen displays both the sealing strip and the size limiter. Figure 2b The illustration shows the suction area formed by the sealing strip and the specification limiter.

[0094] Figure 2c This is intended to indicate that a wider range of information can also be displayed on display screen 3. On this screen, data from the CAD system, relevant details of the internal structure of the suction roller, and an image of the roller are overlaid. In principle, various types of information can be displayed here at specific locations to facilitate operator adjustments.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the suction roller (1), wherein, The method includes the following steps: - Record images and / or videos of the outside of the roller and transmit the recordings to the computing unit; - The actual position of the sealing strip and / or specification limiter and / or other invisible components is determined by the computing unit (2) through image analysis of image recordings and / or video recordings of the outside of the roller and / or by acquiring values ​​from the embedded sensors; - The actual values ​​are presented by overlaying the positions of invisible parts with image and / or video recordings on the display screen (3); - A target-actual comparison result obtained by comparing the known actual value with the target value of the position of the sealing strip and / or the specification limiter and / or other invisible components provides a recommendation for adjusting the suction roller (1).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: - Provide target values ​​for the positions of the sealing strip and / or the specification limiter and / or other invisible components; - The actual value and the target value are compared using the calculation unit (2); - The target-actual comparison results are displayed on the display screen (3).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - The suggestion is displayed on the display screen (3).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The suction roller (1) is a suction roller used in a machine for manufacturing or processing fiber webs.

5. A device for adjusting the suction roller (1), said device comprising a camera for recording image and / or video recording, a computing unit, and a display screen (3), wherein, The camera is connected to the computing unit, enabling the camera to transmit image recordings and / or video recordings to the computing unit, characterized in that the device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The suction roller (1) is a suction roller used in a machine for manufacturing or processing fiber webs.

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