Roller Changer for Rotary Printing Press Flying Roll Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current roll changers for web-fed rotary printing presses are limited in their ability to perform automatic roll changes, especially when the press is in operation, and require additional mechanisms for stationary operation, which increases non-production times and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A roll changer with at least two support arms and a control device that allows for automatic flying and non-flying roll changes by positioning the support arms, rotating the rolls, and using a joining and cutting unit to attach and sever the web, enabling roll changes during ramp-up to printing speed without the need for creep operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the roll changer is designed for stationary operation only, then the structure becomes simpler, but the non-production time increases due to required press stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll changer structureVSAvoidnon-production time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The roll changer is designed with dynamic capabilities to operate during press motion. The support arms can rotate rolls at variable speeds, and the joining device can operate while the web is moving, allowing roll changes during ramp-up without requiring complete press stoppage, thus reducing non-production time while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If additional mechanisms are added for flying roll change capability, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll change efficiencyVSAvoidroll changer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms are designed with dual functionality: they can hold and rotate rolls during press operation, and also position and secure rolls during stationary operation. The rotary drives on support arms enable both flying roll changes during ramp-up and traditional stationary roll changes, providing multi-functionality that improves productivity without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each operation mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If the roll changer operates during ramp-up to printing speed, then the non-production time reduces, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-production timeVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor web speed, roll position, and joining device status. This feedback enables precise coordination of roll rotation speeds and joining operations during ramp-up, allowing the system to manage the increased control complexity through real-time adjustments and automated coordination of multiple moving components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution reduces non-production times and simplifies the roll changer design by allowing roll changes during normal operation, eliminating the need for additional stationary operation mechanisms and enabling efficient web material supply without stopping the press.

Implementation Method 1

the joining point of the web of the loading roller is attached to the web of the working roller by means of the joining device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2133297B1Roller changer for a roller printing press and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 MANROLAND GOSS WEB SYST GMBH
  • EP2133297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2133297B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2133297B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves providing a drawer roller on a support arm (10) of a roll changer (1) for bringing the rotary printing press from an operating speed to standstill, so that a web (3a) comes to the standstill. The web is located on a working roller (3) which is arranged on another support arm (20) of the roll changer. A joining device (30) of the roll changer is provided on a joint position (FP) on the web of the working roller.