Flexographic Printing Machine Sliding Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexographic printing machines require increased framing size and complex constructions due to the need for screw movements and motor transmissions, which complicate the process of inserting and removing sleeves from ink and plate-holding rollers.
Innovation Solution
The use of upper and lower worm screws, actuated independently, allows for the movement of sliding supports between rest and work positions without the screws moving with the supports, enabling sleeves to be inserted or removed through fixed openings in the side frame, simplifying the construction and reducing the required framing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screws are arranged to move together with the sliding supports to clear openings for sleeve insertion, then sleeve insertion and removal is enabled, but the framing size must be increased and the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The screw movement function is segmented from the sliding support movement. The sliding supports move rollers between work and rest positions, while the screws independently move only during sleeve insertion/removal operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring the other to move, simplifying the overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the screws move with the sliding supports to clear openings (as in prior art), the invention inverts the approach: the sliding supports move to clear the openings while the screws remain stationary. This inversion eliminates the need for complex motor transmissions mounted on moving supports and simplifies the framing structure.
2Ease of operation
If the screws move together with the sliding supports, then sleeve insertion space is created, but the motors and transmissions must be mounted on the sliding supports increasing construction complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The motor transmission system is extracted from the sliding supports and mounted stationary on the frame. The sliding supports are taken out of the screw movement mechanism, allowing them to move independently without carrying heavy motors and transmissions. This extraction simplifies both the manufacturing and maintenance of the printing machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional arrangement by having the sliding supports move instead of the screws moving with the supports. This allows motors to be mounted stationary on the frame rather than on the moving sliding supports, greatly simplifying the construction and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the framing is enlarged to accommodate screw movements, then sleeve insertion and removal is possible, but the overall machine size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enlarging the framing to accommodate moving screws, the invention inverts the approach: the framing remains compact with stationary screws, and the sliding supports move to create the necessary clearance for sleeve insertion and removal. This maintains a compact machine footprint while enabling easy sleeve changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexographic printing machine including at least one printing unit with an ink roller mounted at one end to a first sliding support and a plate-holding roller mounted at one end to a second sliding support, and at least one guide member for guiding the movements of the supports in directions parallel to an imaginary line which perpendicularly intersects the axes of the ink and plate-holding rollers. In addition, first upper and lower screws are provided parallel to said line above and below the axes of the ink and plate-holding rollers in order to move the first support, and second upper and lower screws are provided parallel to the line above and below the axes of the ink and plate-holding rollers in order to move the second support.