Sheet Processing Machine Acceleration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet processing machines face challenges in reliably and precisely accelerating sheets to high processing speeds, especially when handling thick or corrugated cardboard sheets, which can lead to deformation and affect print quality and register accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing machine with a modular design featuring independently controlled modules, including non-impact coating and drying units, and a suction transport system that maintains a flat transport path with a minimum radius of curvature, allowing for precise acceleration and processing of thick sheets while preventing deformation through intermediate drying and automatic print head positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional transport systems are used to accelerate sheets to high processing speeds, then productivity increases, but sheets (especially thick or corrugated cardboard) deform and machining precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsheet alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is divided into multiple independent acceleration zones (first acceleration means and second acceleration means) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows different parts of the sheet transport path to have different acceleration characteristics, enabling high-speed processing while maintaining sheet flatness and alignment precision through localized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If acceleration means are used to increase sheet speed, then productivity improves, but the complexity of the transport system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet processing speedVSAvoidtransport system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second acceleration means are merged into a coordinated system with unified control. The control unit integrates the operation of multiple acceleration zones, combining their functions to achieve high-speed sheet transport while managing system complexity through centralized coordination rather than independent control of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If sheets are accelerated to high speeds for efficient processing, then productivity increases, but register accuracy deteriorates due to sheet deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidregister accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet is pre-accelerated by the first acceleration means before entering the printing zone, and then further accelerated by the second acceleration means. This preliminary acceleration sequence allows the sheet to reach optimal speed before processing, reducing deformation during the critical printing operation and maintaining register accuracy while preserving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 machine achieves high machining precision and print quality by ensuring accurate sheet alignment and processing speed, reducing deformation and damage to print heads, and enabling the handling of thick sheets with minimal deformation, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing repair costs.

Implementation Method 1

A method for operating a processing machine (01), in particular a sheet-fed processing machine (01), with at least one sheet (02) being transported by means of a suction transport means (800)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3571054B1Method for operating a sheet-processing machine, and sheet-processing machine
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3571054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3571054B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3571054B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a sheet-processing machine and to a method for operating a sheet-processing machine, wherein sheets from a stack (104) are separated and accelerated by means of a primary acceleration means to a first speed (v1) and then accelerated by means of a secondary acceleration means (119) to a second speed (v2) and then processed by means of a processing module at a processing speed, the first speed (v1) being at least 20% lower than the processing speed. A drive of the primary acceleration means and a drive of the secondary acceleration means (119) and a drive of the processing module each have dedicated different drive control systems which are each connected by circuitry to a machine controller of the sheet-processing machine.