Spindle with Parallel Thread Sections for Backlash-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick adjustment devices for printing unit components in flexographic printing units are cumbersome, require excessive space and construction costs, lack universality, and are sensitive to external influences, with additional operating, power transmission, and coupling elements needed for precise adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A spindle with parallel thread sections of different pitches, combined with selectively fixable nuts, allows for a space-saving, backlash-free, and resilient adjustment system that enables both quick and fine adjustments using trapezoidal or ball-rolling threads, with force-limited actuators and slotted nuts to eliminate play and maintain precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional quick adjustment elements are added to enable rapid format changes, then adjustment speed is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines quick adjustment and fine adjustment functions into a single integrated spindle-nut mechanism. The spindle has two parallel thread sections with different pitches, and the nut can selectively engage with either section, eliminating the need for separate quick-adjustment and fine-adjustment devices. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining both adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle-nut mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables both quick adjustment (when engaging with the larger-pitch thread section) and fine adjustment (when engaging with the smaller-pitch thread section). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity and space requirements.
2Productivity
If a large spindle diameter is used to achieve quick adjustment with large pitch, then adjustment speed is improved, but device space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is segmented into two parallel thread sections with different pitches. The larger-pitch section enables quick adjustment with coarser movements, while the smaller-pitch section enables fine adjustment with finer movements. This segmentation allows the spindle to provide both quick and fine adjustment capabilities without requiring a single large-diameter spindle, thereby reducing the overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the spindle have different local qualities - specifically, different pitch values. The larger-pitch section is used when quick adjustment is needed, while the smaller-pitch section is used when fine adjustment is needed. This local differentiation in thread pitch allows the spindle to provide both adjustment types without requiring a uniformly large diameter throughout.
3Measurement precision
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used to achieve precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but wear and backlash occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient connection between the nuts and the printing unit components provides automatic compensation for wear and backlash. The spring elements continuously apply force to maintain engagement between the thread sections and eliminate play, ensuring that positioning precision is maintained over time without requiring manual adjustment or intervention. The system self-corrects for wear through the resilient connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and robust adjustment mechanism that ensures precise positioning of printing unit components, minimizing wear and thermal expansion effects, enabling rapid format changes and precise pressure settings with low friction loss.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle (10) has at least two parallel thread sections (11, 12) with different pitches
Implementation Method 2
with high resilience at the same time is preferably carried out using typical motion threads such as trapezoidal or ball-rolling spindles
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to the fast movement of printing press components with integrated fine adjustment, in particular in flexographic printing presses, characterised in that the distances in particular between the printing press components impression roller (43), printing roller (44), and anilox roller (45) are determined by means of spindles (10) that have at least two aligned threaded sections of slightly different pitch comprising a pitch part A (11) and a pitch part B (12) in which at least one nut A (20) and nut B (21) having a corresponding pitch engage, wherein at least one of the nuts (20, 21) is integrated into the base parts comprising basic frame (40), carriage (41) or bearing block (42) and fixed either on the spindle (10) or in the bearing seat.