Method and assembly aid for assembling a hollow cylinder onto or from a further cylinder - Patents.com

Abstract

A method is proposed for assembling a hollow cylinder (100) onto a further cylinder or for removing the hollow cylinder (100) from a further cylinder, the hollow cylinder (100) comprising a cylinder body in which openings for creating an air cushion are arranged in a first part (110) of a shell (102), a second part (120) of the shell (102) is designed to be gas impermeable or has openings for creating an air cushion that are reduced in amount and / or size compared to the first part (110), the openings in the first part of the shell are connected to at least one gas supply that is connected to at least one gas inlet inside the cylinder body, and the further cylinder has openings on the shell through which gas can be supplied via an internal gas supply. For assembly, the method comprises the steps of providing a hollow cylinder (100), applying a seal to the first part (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) so as to prevent or at least reduce the escape of gas from the first part (110) of the shell (102), providing a further cylinder, applying gas to the further cylinder so that the gas escapes through an opening, and pressing the hollow cylinder (100) against the further cylinder. A further object of the invention is an assembly aid (400) and an arrangement comprising a hollow cylinder (100) and such an assembly aid (400).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a method for assembling a hollow cylinder onto a further cylinder and a method for removing a hollow cylinder from the further cylinder, the hollow cylinder comprising a cylinder body designed such that openings for creating an air cushion are arranged in a first part of the shell and a second part of the shell is gas impermeable, the openings of the first part of the shell are connected to at least one gas supply connected to at least one gas inlet inside the cylinder body, the further cylinder has openings on the shell, gas can be supplied through the openings via an internal gas supply, the method for assembling, in which a hollow cylinder and a further cylinder are provided and the hollow cylinder is pressed onto the further cylinder, the method for removing, in which an arrangement is provided in which the hollow cylinder is positioned on the further cylinder and the hollow cylinder is withdrawn. [Background technology]

[0002] Flexography is a high-pressure method of transferring low-viscosity printing ink from a high point on a printing die to a substrate. The distinguishing feature of flexography is the ability to print on a multitude of substrates (paper, card, film) using a flexible printing die. Along with offset and gravure printing, flexography is one of the main printing methods used in the packaging industry.

[0003] In flexographic printing presses, a distinction is made between multi-cylinder and central-cylinder presses. In the case of central-cylinder presses, the individual printing units are arranged around a central cylinder through which the substrate web passes. In the case of multi-cylinder presses, the individual printing units are arranged one behind the other. A printing unit consists of a plate cylinder, an anilox roll for inking the printing form and an ink fountain which transfers the printing ink to the anilox roll. In the simplest case, the plate cylinder consists of a steel roll on which the flexographic printing form is glued.

[0004] The main advantage of flexographic printing compared to other printing methods is its variability of formats. By using steel cylinders as plate cylinders of different diameters, different formats can be printed. Those skilled in the art refer to what is known as the repeat length. The repeat length corresponds to the printing length of one revolution of the plate cylinder. Replacing a heavy steel cylinder is certainly time-consuming. Therefore, flexographic printing machines are now offered that allow the repeat length to be adjusted more easily using adapter sleeves. The adapter sleeve is pressed onto the steel cylinder. Standard adapter sleeves have a wall thickness ranging from 7 mm to 300 mm. The printing sleeve, on which the printing die is usually placed, is then pressed onto the adapter sleeve. Today, adapters and printing sleeves are also commonly called sleeves. The sleeves are made of plastic. They are significantly lighter than comparable steel cylinders and therefore much easier to replace on the printing machine.

[0005] A sleeve is typically constructed as follows (from inside to outside): On top of the thin layer of GFRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) material there is a thin compressible layer, which is also covered by a second thin layer of GFRP material. This composite layer allows the sleeve to be expanded by compressed air and is henceforth called the GFRP base sleeve. The thickness of the GFRP base sleeve is usually between 1mm and 4mm. A polyurethane foam layer with a thickness of a few mm to a few cm is applied to the GFRP base sleeve. This layer is used to build up the layer thickness or to achieve the required repeat length. Then, usually, a further thin GFRP layer or a thin top layer is placed on top of the polyurethane foam layer to ensure the mechanical and chemical stability of the sleeve.

[0006] To ensure that the adapter sleeve can be easily pressed on, the plate cylinder has a vent hole to allow the compressed air to escape. As a result of the compressed air, an air cushion is built up, which expands the inner diameter of the adapter sleeve and guides it on the plate cylinder. When the air supply is stopped, the adapter sleeve is clamped on the plate cylinder and fixed there firmly.

[0007] A cylinder with a partially gas-permeable surface, comprising a cylinder body, is known from the following patent application WO 2005 / 023363. A first part of the shell of the cylinder body is designed to be porous and gas-permeable, and a second part of the shell of the cylinder body is designed to be gas-impermeable. The porous and gas-permeable first part of the shell is connected to at least one gas supply, the first part of the shell constituting at least 0.1% and not more than 50% of the total shell. Furthermore, a method for producing an arrangement in which a hollow cylinder is arranged on a cylinder is described. In this method, gas is applied to the cylinder so that an air cushion is formed, and the hollow cylinder is pressed against the cylinder. Once the hollow cylinder is arranged on the cylinder, the gas supply is terminated again.

[0008] The adapter sleeve also has an air duct system so that the printing sleeve can be put over the adapter sleeve. Adapter sleeves to which compressed air is fed directly from the plate cylinder are known from the prior art. This type of arrangement is called a bridge system. The adapter sleeve has an air duct that runs from the inside of the adapter sleeve to the outside of the adapter sleeve so that the compressed air escaping from the plate cylinder can also create an air cushion on the adapter sleeve.

[0009] An adapter sleeve based on a bridge system is known from US Pat. No. 5,399,633. The adapter sleeve comprises a hollow cylinder tube that can be put onto a printing cylinder. The adapter sleeve has ducts that run radially from the inside to the outside and reach openings in the surface.

[0010] The disadvantage of this arrangement is that the air cushion between the adapter sleeve and the plate cylinder based on the bridge system is weakened by the escape of compressed air through the openings and ducts in the adapter sleeve, which makes it difficult to press and remove this type of adapter sleeve onto and from the plate cylinder.

[0011] Adapter sleeves with a separate air connection on one of the front sides of the adapter sleeve (Airo system) are also known from the prior art. In the Airo system, compressed air enters the front side of the adapter sleeve and is delivered to the adapter surface by an air duct or compressed air hose. However, this requires a separate compressed air connection in addition to the compressed air connection of the plate cylinder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3243660 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 1263592 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a method and apparatus that facilitates fitting an adapter sleeve onto a plate cylinder, particularly one based on a bridge system.

[0014] Disclosure of the Invention A method is proposed for assembling a hollow cylinder to a further cylinder or for removing a hollow cylinder from a further cylinder, the hollow cylinder comprising a cylinder body, in which openings for creating an air cushion are arranged in a first part of the shell, the second part of the shell is designed to be gas impermeable or has a reduced amount and / or size of openings for creating an air cushion compared to the first part, the openings of the first part of the shell are connected to at least one gas supply connected to at least one gas inlet inside the cylinder body, the further cylinder has openings on the shell, through which gas can be supplied via an internal gas supply.

[0015] In the case of assembly, the method comprises a first step a) in which a hollow cylinder is provided. In a subsequent step b) of the method, a seal is applied to a first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder so as to prevent or at least reduce the escape of gas from the first part of the shell. In a subsequent step c) a further cylinder is provided and in a next step d) gas is applied to the further cylinder so that gas escapes through an opening in the further cylinder. In a next step e) the hollow cylinder is pressed against the further cylinder. Optionally, in a next step f) the seal can be removed from the hollow cylinder.

[0016] If a printing form such as a printing sleeve is then to be assembled, it is preferred to remove the seal, then cover with the printing form or printing sleeve and apply gas again to the further cylinder. Once the printing form or printing sleeve has been assembled, the application of gas can be stopped. On the other hand, if it is not intended that the printing form or printing sleeve is to be directly assembled to the further cylinder, the application of gas can be stopped, in which case the seal remains on the hollow cylinder as a form of protection.

[0017] In the case of removal, the method comprises a first step g) in which an arrangement is provided in which the hollow cylinder is positioned on the further cylinder. In a subsequent step h), a seal is applied to the first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder so as to prevent or at least reduce the escape of gas from the first part of the shell. In a subsequent step i), gas is applied to the further cylinder so as to allow the gas to escape through an opening, and in a next step j), the hollow cylinder is then removed from the further cylinder. After this, the seal can remain on the hollow cylinder or can be removed from the hollow cylinder again in an optional additional step k). Finally, the supply of gas to the further cylinder can be stopped.

[0018] If the seal remains on the hollow cylinder, it is preferably used as a protective cover to prevent the ingress of contaminants such as dust into the opening of the shell. This is particularly advantageous for long-term storage of the hollow cylinder. Furthermore, the seal is used as a form of protection against mechanical influences, preventing damage.

[0019] The hollow cylinder comprises a cylinder body, which is preferably substantially the same as the body of an adapter sleeve known from the prior art. The cylinder body comprises a tubular form or a hollow circular cylinder form, which preferably comprises, from the inside to the outside, an expandable base sleeve, a foam layer and a top layer. In particular, the base sleeve, the foam layer and the top layer are substantially the same as those of the adapter sleeves of the prior art. Polyurethane foam is preferably used for the foam layer. The first part of the shell is provided with openings for creating an air cushion, and the second part of the shell of the cylinder body is designed to be gas-tight or has a reduced amount and / or size of openings for creating an air cushion compared to the first part.

[0020] At least one gas inlet of the hollow cylinder is designed, for example, as an opening, which is located over the opening of the further cylinder when the hollow cylinder is placed over the further cylinder. The gas supply can comprise ducts and / or tubes arranged in the cylinder body of the hollow cylinder to connect the at least one gas inlet to the opening of the shell. The at least one gas inlet is connected, for example, by means of radially designed grooves, to an air duct of the gas supply of the hollow cylinder, so that the gas supplied via the further cylinder reaches the first part of the shell.

[0021] The hollow cylinder is preferably designed as an adapter sleeve based on a bridge system. The further cylinder is preferably a plate cylinder.

[0022] When the hollow cylinder is pressed against the further cylinder according to step e) or removed according to step j), the gas escaping from the opening of the further cylinder forms an air cushion, which makes it easier for the hollow cylinder to slide over the further cylinder and preferably also expands the hollow cylinder. By providing a seal at the opening of the hollow cylinder, less air escapes when the hollow cylinder is put over the further cylinder, thus preventing this air cushion from being weakened.

[0023] The shell of the further cylinder is also preferably divided into a first part and a second part, with the openings being located in the first part of the shell and the second part of the shell being designed to be gas impermeable or have a reduced amount and / or size of openings for creating an air cushion compared to the first part.

[0024] If the further cylinder and / or the second part of the hollow cylinder is not designed to be completely gas-tight, the second part preferably has at most 5 openings with a diameter of at most 2 mm. These are the openings through which air also flows. These openings are likewise preferably connected to the gas supply of the second part. In the case of longer adapters or long further cylinders, the air in the front is not enough to maintain the air cushion up to the end of the adapter / cylinder.

[0025] The openings in the shell of the further cylinder and / or the openings in the shell of the hollow cylinder are preferably designed as vents or as porous sections which are connected to a gas supply. If the second part also has openings, these are preferably designed as vents, although designs with individual porous sections could also be envisaged.

[0026] To design a portion of the shell as porous and gas permeable, either finely porous materials or materials with a high ratio of openings per surface area can be used, such materials can have sieve-like, screen-like, lamella-like, or slot-shaped openings.

[0027] A material with a high ratio of openings is one with a diameter of 500 mm or less. 2 This is understood to mean a material with at least one opening per 200 mm surface area. Materials with a high ratio of openings are preferably 2 The diameter of the openings ranges from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm and the number of openings is greater than 8, preferably greater than 10, particularly preferably greater than 12. The openings can be distributed evenly or unevenly around the circumference and can be arranged in one or more rows.

[0028] The outer surface of the material with a high ratio of openings forming the porous part of the shell has, for example, a ratio of openings per surface area in the range of 0.3% to 90%. The surface of the porous part of the shell preferably has a ratio of openings per surface area between 10% and 90%. A ratio of openings per surface area in the range of 15% to 80% is particularly preferred, and a ratio of openings per surface area in the range of 20% to 60% is even more particularly preferred. For example, the ratio of openings per surface area is in the range of 0.3% to 50%. The openings are designed as continuous or branched openings or ducts and are connected to a gas supply. The diameter of the openings or the width of the ducts or slots is in the range of 100 μm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 500 μm to 2 mm. The gas is in particular air, which is supplied to the cylinder in the form of compressed air.

[0029] Finely porous materials are understood to mean materials in which the pores make up 1% to 50%, particularly preferably 5% to 40%, and even more preferably 10% to 30% of the volume of the material. The percentage figures are based on the proportion of pores in the total volume of the porous material. The size of the pores ranges from 1 μm to 500 μm, preferably 2 μm to 300 μm, preferably 5 μm to 100 μm, and even more preferably 10 μm to 50 μm. The pores are preferably distributed uniformly throughout the volume of the finely porous material. Examples of such materials include foam materials with open cells or sintered porous materials.

[0030] Permeability is determined, for example, according to ISO 4022:1987, where the pressure drop after flow through the porous material is measured at a specified filter surface area at a specified volumetric flow rate at constant pressure and temperature, with the flow coefficient α being specified for laminar flow and β being specified for turbulent flow. -12 m 2 α values ​​above 0.01×10 -7 The porous material particularly preferably has a β value of 0.05×10 -12 m 2 α values ​​above 0.1×10 -7and a β value greater than m.

[0031] The first part of the shell containing the opening is preferably divided into a single section or into several sections. The section containing the opening is preferably designed as a circumferential ring or the section containing the opening comprises several partial sections which are designed and arranged in the form of a circumferential broken ring. The width of the ring is preferably in the range of 1 cm to 20 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, at least one section having an opening may be provided in the form of an axially extending strip.

[0033] Any gas may be used as the gas applied to the further cylinder according to step d) or step i) of the method, but preferably compressed air is used. In some circumstances, an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen, argon, helium, CO) may be used to avoid fire or explosion or to prevent or reduce undesired reactions (such as oxidation) of the product or components. 2 It may be wise to use a gas supply such as a refrigerant gas (such as a refrigerant pump) or a gas supply pipe (such as a refrigerant pump). The gas is mainly used under pressure to be able to create an adequate gas cushion, the pressure varying from 1 bar to 30 bar, preferably 4 bar to 8 bar, depending on the application.

[0034] When applying the seal according to step b) or step h) of this method, it is preferred to bring the gas impermeable material into intimate contact with the first part of the shell. In this process, the gas impermeable material is preferably applied to the first part of the shell such that it is completely covered.

[0035] The gas-impermeable material is preferably flexible. The gas-impermeable material is particularly preferably provided in the form of a film.

[0036] The film is preferably a plastic film or a metal foil. Suitable plastic films are made of plastics selected from the group of, for example, polyolefins, poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyimides, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyesters and polycarbonates (PC). Suitable polyolefins include, in particular, high- and low-density polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Suitable polyesters include, in particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Suitable metal foils include, for example, aluminum foil, spring steel and nickel strip.

[0037] Additionally, the gas impermeable material can be an elastomeric film that can be made from, for example, natural rubber (NR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene (SBS, SIS), rubber, polychloroprene (CR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, or combinations thereof.

[0038] The film may also be a composite or mixture of two or more of the aforementioned plastics and may be reinforced with fibrous materials made from glass, carbon, or metal.

[0039] The gas-impermeable material is preferably bonded to the first part of the shell by gluing. This is particularly preferably achieved by using an adhesive film which adheres to the surface of the further cylinder without the use of adhesive. For example, an adhesive film comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or polyurethane may be used. In addition to adhesive bonding, hook-and-loop fasteners may also be used to fasten the film and / or strip.

[0040] Furthermore, it is also possible to use adhesive-coated films, in particular plastic films, as gas-impermeable materials, for which standard adhesive strips, including the aforementioned plastics, are particularly suitable.

[0041] The flexible material is preferably designed in the form of a strip and is wound around the hollow cylinder in step b) or in step h) so that at least a first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder is covered. In particular, plastic films or elastomeric films made from the aforementioned plastics can be used in the form of strips of material. The film can optionally be fixed in place by adhesive and / or hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0042] Flexible materials designed in the form of strips preferably have a width in the range from 10 mm to 250 mm, particularly preferably in the range from 20 mm to 150 mm, even more particularly preferably in the range from 25 mm to 75 mm.

[0043] Alternatively, the flexible gas-impermeable material is preferably designed in the form of a tube and is placed in step b) or in step h) onto at least the first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder, thereby covering at least the first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder. In particular, tubular plastic or elastomeric films made from the aforementioned plastics can be used. Here, elastomeric or shrinkable plastic tubes are particularly preferred.

[0044] The inner diameter selected for the tubular flexible material, especially in the case of an elastomeric tube, is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the further cylinder, so that the tube stretches when placed over the further cylinder and adheres well to the further cylinder, for example an inner diameter of 1 to 5 mm smaller than the outer diameter is selected.

[0045] Alternatively, particularly for shrinkable plastic tubes, the inner diameter of the tubular flexible material is preferably selected to be the same size as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the further cylinder, for example 1 mm to 5 mm larger than the outer diameter. Examples of suitable plastic materials for shrinkable plastic tubes include low density polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0046] If a shrinkable plastic tube is used, this is preferably pressed against the shell of the hollow cylinder in a first partial step and then shrink-fitted in a second partial step, for example by introducing heat.

[0047] The assembly aid is preferably pressed onto at least a first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder in step b) or in step h) of the method, the assembly aid being designed in the form of a sleeve and comprising a gas-tight sleeve body, the sleeve body having an inner diameter which is at most 5%, preferably at most 3%, particularly preferably at most 0.2% smaller than the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder, equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder, the assembly aid preferably having a mechanical stop which limits the distance over which the assembly aid can be pressed onto the further cylinder. If the inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder, it is preferred to select an inner diameter which is at most 5%, particularly preferably at most 3%, particularly preferably at most 1% larger.

[0048] The mechanical stop can be designed either as a stop arranged on the inside of the sleeve body or as a stop arranged on the outside of the sleeve body: in both cases, the mechanical stop can be designed as an edge that protrudes beyond the inner diameter of the sleeve body towards the center of the sleeve body, thus mechanically limiting the distance over which the assembly aid can be pressed against the further cylinder.

[0049] The mechanical stop can be designed, for example, as a ring or one or more ring segments that are connected to the inside of the sleeve body and thus designed as an internal stop, or can be fixed to the front surface of the sleeve body and thus designed as an external stop.

[0050] Furthermore, the mechanical stop can be designed as a disk which completely or partially seals the front face of the sleeve body, again mechanically limiting the distance the assembly aid can be pressed against the further cylinder. If the disk only forms a partial seal, for example, the disk has at least one opening.

[0051] The sleeve body of the assembly aid preferably has at least one sealing ring on its inside, which seals the assembly aid against the shell of the hollow cylinder. Unlike a mechanical stop, the seal does not prevent the assembly aid from being pressed against a further cylinder.

[0052] In addition to the first part of the shell of the hollow cylinder, the sleeve body preferably also covers at least a part of the second part of the shell of the hollow cylinder, the covered part of the second part of the shell being preferably 1 to 10,000 times larger, particularly preferably 5 to 5000 times larger, even more particularly preferably 10 to 1000 times larger than the first part of the shell.

[0053] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly aid arranged for use in one of the methods described herein.

[0054] Therefore, an assembly aid is proposed for use in one of the methods described herein for assembling a hollow cylinder onto a further cylinder or for removing a hollow cylinder from a further cylinder, which is designed in the form of a sleeve and comprises a gas-tight sleeve body, which has an inner diameter that is at most 5%, preferably at most 3%, particularly preferably at most 0.2% smaller or larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder, and which also comprises at least one mechanical stop that limits the distance over which the assembly aid can be pressed against the further cylinder.

[0055] The mechanical stop can be designed either as a stop arranged on the inside of the shell body or as a stop arranged on the outside of the sleeve body. In both cases, the mechanical stop can be designed as an edge that protrudes beyond the inner diameter of the sleeve body towards the center of the sleeve body, thus mechanically limiting the distance over which the assembly aid can be pressed against the further cylinder. The mechanical stop can be designed, for example, as a pin that passes through the entire sleeve body or part of it, the pin being in the form of a screw, pin, plate or rivet.

[0056] The mechanical stop can be designed, for example, as a ring or one or more ring segments that are connected to the inside of the sleeve body and thus designed as an internal stop, or can be fixed to the front surface of the sleeve body and thus designed as an external stop.

[0057] Furthermore, the mechanical stop can be designed as a disk which completely or partially seals the front face of the sleeve body, again mechanically limiting the distance the assembly aid can be pressed against the further cylinder.

[0058] The mechanical stop can be made from an inflexible solid material or alternatively from an elastically flexible material. The mechanical stop is preferably made from an elastic material. If an elastically flexible material is used, the stop can firstly cushion the installation. Secondly, a stop made from such an elastic material can be easily fixed to the sleeve body, for example by adhesive. For this purpose, the material from which the stop is made can be provided in the form of a strip, which can then be cut to size and glued to the sleeve body from the inside. Examples of materials suitable for the elastic material for the mechanical stop include in particular elastomers such as natural rubber (NR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polychloroprene (CR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or combinations thereof. Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is particularly preferred.

[0059] The sleeve body preferably has at least one sealing ring on the inside, which seals the assembly aid against the shell of the hollow cylinder. Unlike a mechanical stop, the seal does not prevent the assembly aid from being pressed against a further cylinder.

[0060] Examples of materials suitable for the sealing ring include elastomers such as natural rubber (NR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polychloroprene (CR), styrene-butadiene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene (SBS, SIS) rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, or combinations thereof.

[0061] The sleeve body of the assembly aid is preferably designed to be open at one end and closed at the other end, with a mechanical stop at the closed end which completely or partially covers the corresponding front surface.

[0062] The sleeve body preferably has at least two sealing rings on the inside, arranged to form a seal against the shell of the hollow cylinder. The provision of two sealing rings can also be combined, for example, with a mechanical stop, in particular with a closed end of the sleeve body.

[0063] The sleeve body of the assembly aid comprises at least one gas impermeable base layer made from a flexible or rigid material.

[0064] The material of the base layer is preferably selected from plastics, polymer composites, fiber reinforced plastics, metals, or a combination of at least two of these materials.

[0065] The sleeve body also preferably comprises a compressible layer, which may be a base layer, an intermediate layer, and / or an outer layer. The compressible layer is preferably the outer layer.

[0066] The material of the compressible layer is preferably selected from the group of resilient solid materials, resilient foams, hollow ball filled materials, or combinations of these materials.

[0067] The elastic material may be selected from, for example, natural rubber, vulcanized rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, polyurethane, polyether block amide, silicone rubber, or a combination thereof. An example of a suitable vulcanized rubber is polyester urethane rubber. The elastic foam may be selected from, for example, the group of polyurethane foam, polyester urethane foam, epoxide foam, silicone foam, or some combination of these foams.

[0068] The compressible layer preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 30 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, even more preferably in the range of 0.7 mm to 5 mm, and most preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0069] The proposed assembly aid is preferably used for pressing and / or removing a hollow cylinder, preferably designed as an adapter sleeve, onto and / or from a further cylinder, which is preferably designed as a plate cylinder.

[0070] A further object of the invention is to provide an arrangement comprising an assembly aid according to the invention arranged on a hollow cylinder.

[0071] The proposed arrangement comprises a hollow cylinder and one of the assembly aids described herein, the hollow cylinder comprising a cylinder body in which openings for creating an air cushion are arranged in a first part of the shell, the second part of the shell being designed to be gas impermeable or having a reduced amount and / or size of openings for creating an air cushion compared to the first part, the openings in the first part of the shell being connected to at least one gas supply connected to at least one gas inlet inside the cylinder body, the assembly aid being arranged on the hollow cylinder such that it completely covers at least the first part of the shell and seals the openings in the first part of the shell.

[0072] The hollow cylinder is preferably an adapter cylinder and the further cylinder is preferably a plate cylinder.

[0073] Working Example: To determine the pull force required to remove a hollow cylinder, designated as an adapter, an arrangement was made with an adapter and a cylinder. The adapter was pressed against the cylinder. A hollow cylinder with an inner diameter of 86.06 mm and an outer diameter of 114.708 mm, a gas supply and an opening were provided through the adapter. The hollow cylinder had a surface area of ​​3600 mm to create an air cushion. 2 The hollow cylinder had an opening in its outer shell, which was designed as a porous region with a porosity of 18%. The hollow cylinder was connected by force fitting to a Spider8 force transducer (Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH). The hollow cylinder was attached to a carbon cylinder (outer diameter 86.06 mm) with an opening for gas supply and for creating an air cushion. The carbon cylinder had an opening designed as a porous region, which was 2700 mm 2and a porosity of 18%. Once the arrangement was assembled, the pull-out force required to remove the adapter from the carbon cylinder was measured. An air cushion was created to facilitate the removal of said adapter. To create the air cushion, compressed air was applied to the carbon cylinder at a pressure of 6.5 bar and a flow rate of 720 l / min. To amplify the measurement signal of the force transducer, the latter was connected to an HBM Spider8 measurement amplifier (Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH) and the amplified signal is read by a computer and catmanEasy 3.2.3.40 software (Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH). The maximum force during removal of the adapter was determined and the average value was calculated from five measurements.

[0074] All tests were carried out without assembly aids and with a range of different assembly aids. As assembly aids Rotec-Tape (Rotec) adhesive tape, shrink film and hollow cylinders were used. The hollow cylinder with an inner layer of glass-fiber reinforced polyester 1 mm thick, a compressible layer of polyurethane foam 3 mm thick, a glass-fiber reinforced polyester layer 2 mm thick and an outer layer made of filled polyurethane foam 7 mm thick has an inner diameter of 114.708 mm, an outer diameter of 124 mm and a length of 5 cm. An internal stop made of elastic material and extending around the entire circumference on one side was provided. Nitrile butadiene rubber was used as elastic material. The mechanical stop is 2 mm high and 5 mm wide. The maximum required pull-out force per assembly aid was determined as described above. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076] Table 1 shows that the use of an assembly aid can reduce the extraction force and / or the amount of air required. Additionally, the assembly aid provides protection of the opening against contaminants and mechanical damage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0077] The diagram shows: [Figure 1a] A hollow cylinder being pressed against a further cylinder using an assembly aid. [Figure 1b] A hollow cylinder being pressed against a further cylinder using an assembly aid. [Figure 1c] A hollow cylinder being pressed against a further cylinder using an assembly aid. [Figure 1d] A hollow cylinder being pressed against a further cylinder using an assembly aid. [Figure 1e] A hollow cylinder being pressed into a further cylinder using an assembly aid. [Diagram 2] The opening of a hollow cylinder sealed using a flexible material such as a web. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly auxiliary tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly auxiliary tool according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly auxiliary tool according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly auxiliary tool according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] 1a to 1e show schematic diagrams of the pressing of a hollow cylinder 100 onto a cylinder 200. FIG.

[0079] Fig. 1a shows a hollow cylinder 100 with a shell 102 with a first part 110 and a second part 120. The first part 110 of the shell 102 contains an opening for creating an air cushion, while the second part 120 is designed to be gas impermeable. The hollow cylinder 100 is for example an adapter sleeve that is pressed onto a plate cylinder.

[0080] When such a hollow cylinder 100 is pressed against the plate cylinder, an air cushion is formed by the gas escaping through the openings in the plate cylinder, which makes it easier for the hollow cylinder 100 to slide over the plate cylinder, and preferably also expands the hollow cylinder 100 in the process. However, when the gas partially escapes through the openings in the first portion 110 of the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100, this air cushion weakens, making it more difficult to press the hollow cylinder against the plate cylinder.

[0081] To avoid or at least reduce the escape of gas from the first portion 110 of the shell 102 during assembly, an assembly aid 400 is provided.

[0082] The assembly aid 400 is designed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a as a sleeve body 402 which is open at one end (see FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6).

[0083] The arrow shown in FIG. 1 a indicates the direction in which the assembly aid 400 is pressed against the hollow cylinder 100 .

[0084] The hollow cylinder 100 is shown in Fig. 1b with an assembly aid 400 placed in it. The assembly aid 400 is pressed against the hollow cylinder 100 as far as mechanically possible, the closed end of the sleeve body 402 of the assembly aid 400 acting as a mechanical stop, preventing the assembly aid from being pushed further into the hollow cylinder.

[0085] In this position, the assembly aid 400 creates a seal at the opening of the first part 110 of the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100 so that less air escapes when the hollow cylinder 100 is put over the further cylinder 200 (see FIG. 1c). This prevents the air cushion between the hollow cylinder 100 and the further cylinder 200 from being weakened or this effect is at least reduced.

[0086] Fig. 1c shows a further cylinder 200, designed for example as a plate cylinder, which has an opening 210 on its shell 202, which in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1c is arranged in the form of a circumferential ring close to one of the ends of the further cylinder 200.

[0087] As indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1c, the arrangement already described with reference to Fig. 1b comprising the hollow cylinder 100 and the assembly aid 400 is pressed against the further cylinder 200 and a gas, such as compressed air, is applied to the further cylinder 200. As a result of the application of compressed air, air escapes through the opening 210 and an air cushion is formed, making it easier to press the arrangement comprising the hollow cylinder 100 and the assembly aid 400. The assembly aid 400 prevents the compressed air from immediately escaping again through the first part 110 of the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100.

[0088] FIG. 1 d shows the arrangement with the hollow cylinder 100 and the assembly aid 400 fully pressed against the further cylinder 200 .

[0089] Fig. 1e shows the assembly aid 400 being removed from the hollow cylinder 200. As indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1e, the assembly 400 is again removed in the opposite direction. The application of compressed air to the further cylinder 200 can be stopped before or after the removal of the assembly aid 400. Alternatively, to complete the assembly of the printing mould or printing sleeve, compressed air continues to be applied to the further cylinder 200 first, with the air escaping from the first part 110 of the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100 creating an air cushion which assists in the assembly of the printing mould or printing sleeve.

[0090] The hollow cylinder 100 can be removed from the further cylinder 200 by performing the above steps in reverse order.

[0091] FIG. 2 shows the opening of the hollow cylinder 100 in the first portion 110 of the shell 102 using a web of flexible material 300 .

[0092] The web-like flexible material 300 can be used instead of the assembly aid 400 to carry out the steps sketched in Fig. 1a to 1e. For this purpose, the web-like flexible material 300 is wound around the first part 110 of the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2. The web-like flexible material 300 is gas-impermeable and is designed, for example, as a plastic film. This plastic film can in particular be designed as an adhesive film, which adheres to the shell 102 without the use of adhesive. Alternatively, the plastic film can be designed as an adhesive tape, which mainly comprises a plastic film coated with adhesive.

[0093] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an assembly aid 400. In a first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the assembly aid 400 comprises a sleeve body 402 shaped like a hollow cylinder. The sleeve body 402 comprises at least a base layer 404, although in further embodiments, variations can have additional layers, such as compressible layers.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the sleeve body 402 is closed at one end by a disk-shaped end face 408. The end face 408 constitutes a mechanical stop that limits the distance that the assembly aid 400 can be pressed against the hollow cylinder 100 (see Fig. 1a).

[0095] A circumferential seal ring 406 is disposed inside the sleeve body 402 at the other end. When the assembly aid 400 is pressed against the hollow cylinder 100, this seal ring 406 forms a seal against the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100, so that a sealed space is created between the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100 and the sleeve body 402 of the assembly aid 400. Thus, gas escaping from the first portion 110 of the shell 102 of the hollow cylinder 100 is trapped, preventing the gas from escaping or at least reducing the amount of gas escaping.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a cross section of a second embodiment of an assembly aid 400. In contrast to the first embodiment described in relation to figure 3, this embodiment has an open end. Stops 407a, 407b are also shown which can be used independently of one another. The inserted end-to-end stop 407a is designed in the form of a pin which passes through the sleeve body. The inserted stop 407b is designed in the form of a pin which is integrated into the sleeve body.

[0097] Depending on the application, different embodiment variants of the mechanical stops can be combined or all stops can be designed uniformly.

[0098] Figure 5 shows a cross section of a third embodiment of an assembly aid 400. In contrast to the first embodiment described in relation to Figure 3, two sealing rings 406 are arranged at a distance from each other inside the sleeve body 402 of the assembly aid 400. The distance between the two sealing rings 406 and their arrangement should be selected such that the first part 110 of the shell 102 is located between the two sealing rings 406 when the assembly aid 400 is fully pressed against the hollow cylinder 100 (see Figure 1a).

[0099] The stop 407c arranged on the inside of the sleeve body 402 is arranged to ensure correct alignment of the assembly aid 400. The stop 407c is preferably annular or comprises a broken ring of several ring segments. The stop 407c is made of a flexible material, for example natural rubber, and is fixed to the sleeve body 402 from the inside.

[0100] Figure 6 shows a cross section of a fourth embodiment of the assembly aid 400. The fourth embodiment of the assembly aid 400 differs from the third embodiment described in relation to Figure 5 in the arrangement of the stop 407d. The stop 407d is fixed to the front surface of the sleeve body 402 from the outside, for example by adhesive. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100 Hollow Cylinder 102 Shell of a hollow cylinder 110 Part 1 120 Impermeable second part 200 more cylinders 202 Further Cylinder Shells 210 Opening 300 Flexible Materials 400 Assembly aids 402 Sleeve body 404 Base Layer 406 Seal Ring 407a Internal stop as end-to-end pin 407b Internal stop as inserted pin 407c Internal stops as rings or ring segments 407d External stops as rings or ring segments 408 End face

Claims

1. A method for assembling a hollow cylinder (100) onto a further cylinder (200), said hollow cylinder (100) comprising a cylinder body with a plurality of openings for creating an air cushion arranged in a first part (110) of a shell (102), said second part (120) of said shell (102) being designed to be gas impermeable or having a plurality of openings for creating an air cushion, the plurality of openings being of a reduced amount and / or size compared to said first part (110), said openings of said first part of the shell being connected to at least one gas supply connected to at least one gas inlet inside said cylinder body, said further cylinder (200) having openings (210) on its shell, gas can be supplied through said openings (210) of said further cylinder (200) via an internal gas supply, The method for assembling comprises: a) providing said hollow cylinder (100); b) applying a seal to the first portion (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) so as to prevent or reduce the escape of gas from the first portion (110) of the shell (102); c) providing said further cylinder (200); d) applying gas to the further cylinder (200) such that the gas escapes from the opening (210) of the further cylinder (200); e) pressing said hollow cylinder (100) against said further cylinder (200); f) optionally removing said seal; A method comprising:

2. A method for detaching a hollow cylinder (100) from a further cylinder (200), said hollow cylinder (100) comprising a cylinder body in which a number of openings for creating an air cushion are arranged in a first part (110) of a shell (102), a second part (120) of said shell (102) is designed to be gas impermeable or has a number of openings for creating an air cushion, the number of openings being reduced in amount and / or size compared to said first part (110), said openings of said first part of the shell are connected to at least one gas supply connected to at least one gas inlet inside said cylinder body, said further cylinder (200) having openings (210) on its shell, gas can be supplied through said openings (210) of said further cylinder (200) via an internal gas supply, The method for removing comprises: g) providing an arrangement in which the hollow cylinder (100) is positioned on the further cylinder (200); h) applying a seal to the first portion (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) so as to prevent or reduce the escape of gas from the first portion (110) of the shell (102); i) applying gas to the further cylinder (200) such that the gas escapes from the opening (210) of the further cylinder (200); j) detaching said hollow cylinder (100) from said further cylinder (200); A method comprising:

3. the seal is part of an assembly aid (400) which is pressed onto at least the first part (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) in step b) or in step h), the assembly aid (400) being designed in the form of a sleeve and having a gas-tight sleeve body (402); The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the sleeve having two open ends; The method according to claim 3.

5. the assembly aid comprises at least one mechanical stop limiting the distance the assembly aid (400) can be pressed against the further cylinder (200), the at least one mechanical stop comprising one of the following: a stop designed in the form of a pin, a stop designed as an annular ring, or a plurality of stops designed as a plurality of ring segments; The method according to claim 4.

6. said sleeve being closed at one end by a disc-shaped end surface constituting at least one mechanical stop limiting the distance to which said assembly aid (400) can be pressed against said further cylinder (200); The method according to claim 3.

7. The sleeve body (402) has an inner diameter that is at most 5% smaller than the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder (100), equal to the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder (100), or at most 5% larger than the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder (100).

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. the sleeve body (402) has at least a seal ring (406) on its inside, the seal ring (406) sealing the assembly aid (400) against the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100); The method according to claim 7.

9. The shell of the sleeve body (402) covers at least a portion of the second portion (120) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder in addition to the first portion (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. the openings (210) of the further cylinder (200) and / or the openings of the first part (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) are designed as ventilation holes or porous areas.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. when a seal is applied according to step b) or step h) of the method, a gas impermeable material (300) is brought into intimate contact with the first portion (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100); The method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the gas impermeable material (300) completely covers the first portion (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100); The method of claim 11.

13. the gas impermeable material (300) is flexible; 13. The method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. the gas impermeable material (300) is adhered to the first portion (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) by adhesion; The method of claim 13.

15. said flexible material (300) is designed in the form of a web and is wound around said hollow cylinder (100) in step b) or in step h) so that at least said first part (110) of said shell (102) of said hollow cylinder (100) is covered, and is optionally fixed in place by adhesive and / or hook-and-loop fasteners; 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. said flexible gas-impermeable material (300) is designed in a tubular form and is placed over at least said first part (110) of said shell (102) of said hollow cylinder (100) in step b) or in step h); The method of claim 13.

17. An assembly aid (400) for use in a method for assembling a hollow cylinder (100) onto a further cylinder (200) or for removing it from said further cylinder (200), said assembly aid (400) being designed in the form of a sleeve and having a gas-tight sleeve body (402) having an inner diameter which is at most 5% smaller than the outer diameter of said hollow cylinder (100), equal to the outer diameter of said hollow cylinder (100) or at most 5% larger than the outer diameter of said hollow cylinder (100) and at least one mechanical stop (407a, 407b, 408) limiting the distance to which said assembly aid (400) can be pressed against said further cylinder (200). Assembly aid (400).

18. the sleeve having two open ends; 18. An assembly aid according to claim 17.

19. The at least one mechanical stop may comprise one of a stop designed in the form of a pin, a stop designed as an annular ring or a plurality of ring segments.

19. An assembly aid according to claim 17 or 18.

20. the sleeve is closed at one end by a disk-shaped end surface constituting the at least one mechanical stop; 18. An assembly aid according to claim 17.

21. The stop is made of a resilient material. Assembly aid (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

22. the sleeve has a sleeve body (402) with at least one sealing ring (406) thereon, the sealing ring (406) sealing the assembly aid (400) against the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100); Assembly aid (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

23. The sleeve has a sleeve body (402) with at least two seal rings (406) therein arranged to form a seal against the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100). Assembly aid (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

24. The sleeve has a sleeve body (402) with at least one gas impermeable base layer made of a flexible or rigid material. Assembly aid (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

25. the material of the base layer is selected from plastic, a polymer composite, a fiber-reinforced plastic, glass, metal, or a combination of at least two of these materials; 25. An assembly aid (400) according to claim 24.

26. The sleeve comprises a sleeve body (402) comprising a compressible layer; Assembly aid (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 25.

27. An arrangement comprising the hollow cylinder (100) and the assembly aid (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the hollow cylinder (100) comprises a cylinder body in which openings for creating an air cushion are arranged in a first part (110) of a shell (102), and the second part (120) of the shell (102) is designed to be gas-tight or has a reduced amount and / or size of openings for creating an air cushion compared to the first part (110), the opening of the first part (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) is connected to at least one gas supply connected to at least one gas inlet inside the cylinder body, and the assembly aid (400) is placed on the hollow cylinder (100) such that the hollow cylinder completely covers at least the first part (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100) and seals the opening of the first part (110) of the shell (102) of the hollow cylinder (100). Placement.

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