DE102014001970A1 - Assembly of a sheet or web-shaped substrate processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly of a sheet or web-shaped substrate processing machine comprises a functional polymer (6) - a so-called smart polymer - for modifying a property of a component of the assembly. The assembly may for example be a roller (25). The component of the assembly may be a roll cover (26). The property that is changed may be, for example, a diameter.

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly of an arcuate or web-shaped substrate processing machine. These machines include printing machines and finishing machines. With finishing machines, the printed sheets or printed webs are further processed after printing.

In EP 2 045 078 A2 is a printing machine with a printing plate and a roller described. Under the printing form, a polymeric cellular electret film is arranged. With an electric drive, the roller is adjusted to the printing plate until the output of the electret foil voltage equivalent or a characteristic derived therefrom corresponds to a predetermined desired value.

A well-known flat-bed punch, which is used for punching, breaking, embossing and depositing sheets of paper, cardboard and the like, is for example from the DE 30 44 083 A1 known. The two tables are equipped with cutting and scoring tools or corresponding counter tools with which punched out of the cyclically guided between the table surface sheets the benefits and at the same time pressed the necessary for clean folding grooves. In the subsequent breakout the waste is removed by machine tools. Depending on the equipment of the machine finally the punched benefits can be separated in a designated Nutzentrenneinrichtung. In order to obtain high quality products, the pressure in the sheet punching and embossing machine must be adjustable according to the sheet to be processed.

Like in the DE 30 44 083 C3 described, this is done by moving wedge-shaped steel plates. These steel plates are located between eccentric shafts and the driven upper table. By moving the wedge-shaped steel plates, the distance between the moving upper table and fixed lower table, and thus the punching force, is changed.

The various devices for adjusting the punching force according to the prior art have in common that the punching force can only be set globally, d. H. based on the entire surface of the crucible. Due to the design, however, an uneven punching force distribution over the surface of the crucible is present in all stamping and embossing machines according to the prior art. The punching force is introduced via individual force introduction points and thus does not affect the entire crucible surface. Depending on the rigidity of the crucible, there is a deformation of upper and lower table, which in turn results in an uneven punching pressure distribution over the surface of the crucible. Also height differences of the punching or Rillmesser, as well as the wear of the knife cause an uneven punching pressure distribution. The unequal punching pressure in turn causes an unclean cutting of the cutting blade of the punching tool or an insufficient pronounced creasing of the creasing blade of the stamping tool. In the prior art, this problem is solved by the punching blades are individually highlighted. Depending on the deviation from the nominal punching force, the punching knives on the back of the tool are glued behind with paper or plastic strips of various thicknesses. This so-called trimming is very time-consuming and must be done at machine standstill. Depending on the number of punching blades and the shape to be punched, trimming can take several hours. The high set-up time results in low machine productivity.

The present invention has for its object to provide a versatile assembly.

This object is achieved by an assembly having the features of claim 1. The assembly according to the invention of a sheet or web-shaped printing material processing machine comprises a functional polymer - a so-called smart polymer - for changing a property of a component of the assembly. The functional polymer is also referred to in the English as Functional Polymer or Smart Polymer or stimuli-responsive polymer. The assembly according to the invention can be used in many ways, for example in printing presses or in further processing machines, for example punching or embossing machines.

In the subclaims advantageous developments of the assembly according to the invention are mentioned.

In a development, the component modifiable by the functional polymer is at least one of the following properties: the elastic hardness of the component, the compressibility of the component, the resilience of the component, the friction coefficient of the component, the thickness of the component or the diameter of the component.

In another development, the component is a printing press cylinder, a printing press roll, a printing press cylinder barrel, a printing press roll cover, a coating film guide roll, a substrate punch or a substrate embossing tool.

In a further development, the functional polymer is a magnetically active polymer, an electrically active polymer or a dielectric elastomer.

In a further development, the component has a plurality of zones in which the functional polymer is located, and the zones can be controlled individually.

In a further development, the zones are formed as ring segments or field elements. The ring segments are arranged in axial alignment with each other and can be controlled such that there is a roll crown or a cylinder crown. The field elements together form a mosaic pattern and can be controlled such that the mosaic pattern corresponds to a print image to be printed on the substrate.

In a further development, the assembly comprises a roller with a roller core, actuators and a rubber cover. The actuators are annular (so-called ring actuators) and arranged on the roller core. The rubber cover can be made of a rubber-elastic plastic and is arranged on the ring actuators. The ring actuators each include an inner electrode, an outer electrode and an elastic dielectric (dielectric elastomer). The dielectric is arranged in the radial direction between the inner electrode and the outer electrode.

In a further development, the assembly also comprises a roller with a roller core, actuators and a rubber cover. The actuators are here also ring actuators and arranged on the roll core. The rubber cover can also be made of a rubber-elastic plastic and is arranged on the ring actuators. In this development, the ring actuators each comprise two outer electrodes and an elastic dielectric, which is arranged in the axial direction between the two electrodes. The actuators with the dielectric elastomer are referred to in English as "dielectric elastomer actuators" (DEA).

There are further developments possible.

The component may be a blanket for offset printing. With the functional polymer, the hardness of the elastic cover layer of the blanket can be varied. The setting of the hardness can be done depending on the printing material, which is printed with the blanket. Different blanket hardnesses can be set for different substrate materials. This results in the advantage that it is no longer necessary to use multiple different blankets for the different substrates, but only one and the same universal blanket. Thus, the blanket stock and the designated storage space can be minimized. An additional advantage is the elimination of set-up times that would otherwise be required for the change of blankets between the print jobs with different substrates. The hardness of the blanket can be varied by applying a field to the functional polymer. In this case, the field can be varied in terms of its strength and / or frequency and applied pulsed. It can be applied with different pulse shapes and duty cycles (pulse-pause ratios) to set the desired elastic hardness of the component. The field is applied to the functional polymer at the location of the desired property change; this is the pressure gap in the case of the blanket. When using an electroactive polymer (EAP) as a functional polymer, the field is an electric field. When using a magneto-active polymer (MAP), the field is a magnetic field. Different substrates require in the nip different surface pressures between blanket and substrate and different contact strip widths - this is meant the flattening of the blanket in the nip. With the functional polymer, the elastic hardness of the blanket and above the surface pressure and the contact strip width can be changed, for a given contact pressure of the contact pressure of the blanket to the substrate. With the functional polymer can be changed at a given "theoretical body penetration" (delivery of the blanket cylinder with the blanket to the impression cylinder with the printing material and the resulting Eindrücktiefe) the elastic hardness of the blanket and above the surface pressure. The functional polymer can be used not only to change the contact strip width and surface pressure between the blanket and the substrate, but also between the blanket and the cleaning roller. If the blanket is not on the blanket cylinder (offset cylinder), but on an inking roller (eg an anilox printing unit), the contact strip width and / or surface pressure in the nip between inking roller and printing forme cylinder can be determined by the activation of the functional polymer with the field / or be set between the inking roller and anilox roller.

To change the property of the component - here the elastic hardness of the blanket - by means of the functional polymer formed as EAP, there are two basic possibilities. Either the electrical voltage is applied directly to the functional polymer by means of electrodes, for. B., if this is a dielectric polymer. Or the functional polymer is contactlessly exposed to an external electric field, which is a so-called internal distortion induced by alignment or permanent dipoles in the functional polymer (EAP material) causes. In the variant with electrodes, these can be formed as integrated surface electrodes, which contact the elastic EAP layer. The respective surface electrode can be structured and extend over the entire surface of the EAP layer or only over parts of this surface. It is also possible for a plurality of surface electrodes, which can be contacted separately, to be arranged on one or both sides of the EAP layer. However, the elastic EAP layer can also be contacted by the electrodes on the end faces of the blanket. There is either a local electrode contact or an electrode contact over the entire length of the blanket or over the entire circumference of the cylinder or roller, on which the blanket is located, possible. The local electrode contact may be a solid contact or a sliding contact. If the uppermost layer of the blanket is formed by the EAP layer, it can be contacted on its upper side by a body which is in mechanical contact with this upper side and sufficiently electrically conductive, the so-called counterpart, and integrated on its underside by a rubber blanket Surface electrode to be contacted. Also in the variant with the electrode contact on the end faces, a plurality of contactable electrodes can be arranged separately.

In the case of the MAP layer, this can be contacted without contact with the magnetic field, which penetrates the MAP layer. Soft magnetic material may be disposed on either side of the MAP layer, either in close proximity to the MAP layer or in contact with the MAP layer. The soft magnetic material acts according to the pole shoe principle as an amplifier of the magnetic field. In a further variant, a permanent magnetic layer and a coil through which the electric current flows are used. The permanent magnetic layer is on one side and the coil is on the other side of the cylinder gap, z. B. nip, or nip arranged. By the two sides of the gap, the two sides spaced apart in the radial direction are meant. For example, the permanent magnetic layer on the side of the blanket cylinder and the coil on the side of the impression cylinder, which forms the pressure nip together with the blanket cylinder. Another possibility is the arrangement of a coil pair, which includes the cylinder gap or nip. The coil pair preferably forms a Helmholtz coil for generating a homogeneous magnetic field. If the two cylinders or rollers, which together form the gap in the region of which the elastic hardness is to be changed, have an identical diameter, a considerable magnetic field can be generated with a single coil for activating the MAP material. For the two same diameter cylinders or rollers, it may be z. B. to the inking roller and the anilox roller or it may be z. B. to the blanket cylinder and the plate cylinder or can it be such. B. to the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder act. The arrangement variants explained in connection with the use of the EAP material - in this case for the arrangement of the electrodes and for the contacting - also apply in a figurative sense to the use of the MAP material. The electrically conductive electrode material used when using the EAP material must be replaced with soft magnetic material when using the MAP material. For example, at the two opposite sides of the MAP layer can be introduced into these soft magnetic particles in high concentration.

However, as in the case of the blanket, the part of the machine whose characteristic is changed with the functional polymer forming cylinder cylinder elevator or press roller cover need not necessarily form the ink transferring peripheral surface of the assembly - here the cylinder or roller - but may as well a pad or mat disposed on the cylinder or roller under the cylinder elevator or roller cover forming the ink-transferring circumferential surface. For example, the functional polymer may be part of a blanket pad which is placed under a blanket. In the case of the pad, this contains the functional polymer, z. As the EAP material or the MAP material, and is changed with this the elastic hardness of the pad. This results in the advantage that the subject to wear outer cylinder winding or roller cover is separate from the underlying pad and can be replaced when reaching the wear limit, without having to replace the pad and thus the functional polymer. For example, when replacing a worn blanket with a new blanket, the functional polymer blanket placed under the worn blanket on the cylinder may remain on the cylinder. By using one and the same functional polymer backing for many blankets without functional polymer, the cost of replacement parts and operating costs are reduced.

A further development relates to the change in the compressibility of the component by controlling the functional polymer with which the component is equipped. Also in this development, it may be in the component to the aforementioned transfer blanket or blanket. This blanket may comprise a compression layer of a foamed polymer, wherein the foamed polymer is a foamed functional polymer. The foamed functional polymer may be a foamed EAP or a foamed MAP. By using the EAP material or the MAP material in the blanket, the compression layer of the blanket can be changed in its compressibility and can be varied at a given contact pressure the Eindrückiefe or at a given Eindrücktiefe the contact pressure can be varied. The compression layer containing the foamed functional polymer may be part of a base under the cylinder or roll cover which, in this case, need not contain a functional polymer compression layer. By the support that component is formed whose compressibility is variable by means of the functional polymer. For example, a blanket may have a compression layer without functional polymer, and the underlay placed under this blanket on the cylinder may have a compression layer with foamed functional polymer. The explanations given in connection with the variation of the elastic hardness of the possibilities of the formation of contact surfaces and electrodes as well as the application and variation of the electric and magnetic fields for the control of the functional polymer also apply in a figurative sense to the variation of the compressibility. An embodiment of the variation of the compressibility can, for. B. be given as an electrophotographic machine working in training of the substrate processing machine. Such an electrophotographically operating machine has a transfer cylinder which receives the printed image in a first transfer nip and delivers it to the printing substrate in a second transfer nip. The transfer of the printed image in the first transfer nip onto the transfer cylinder takes place under the assistance of an electric field. The transfer cylinder may be covered with a transfer blanket or blanket having a functional polymer compression layer or disposed on a substrate having the functional polymer compression layer. In the first transfer nip a high compressibility of the blanket is required to compensate for tolerances and to minimize surface pressure. In the second transfer gap, on the other hand, a low compressibility is required to achieve a high surface pressure. By a corresponding activation of the functional polymer, the compressibility of the compression layer at the two transfer gaps can be adjusted independently of each other. In this case, the design of the functional polymer as MAP has the advantage that the magnetic field used to drive the MAP in the second transfer nip does not adversely affect the electric field, which in the first transfer nip supports the transfer of the print image to the transfer cylinder. In principle, however, the formation of the functional polymer as an EAP is also possible in the described case of the electrophotographic machine. It can be ensured by certain measures that the required in the first transfer nip for transmitting the printed image electric field is not weakened by the required in the second transfer gap for activating the EAP of the compression layer electric field. The measures may include structured integrated surface electrodes above and / or below the compression layer. Another measure, in which integrated electrodes are not required, consists in a parallel with the electric field in the first transfer gap orientation of the electric field in the second transfer nip.

A further development relates to the variation of the resilience of serving as a cylinder lift or roll cover blanket or transfer blanket. The resilience is a measure of how quickly the material of the component - here the blanket - after pressing or flattening of the material in the cylinder or nip, z. B. in the nip, when returning from the gap springs back again. For the variation of the resilience MAP is particularly suitable as a functional polymer. By varying the strength of the magnetic field applied to the MAP, the loss modulus of the MAP can be varied. Changing the loss module will change the time it takes for the MAP or the rubber blanket to return to its original shape after pressing the MAP in the cylinder or nip. As a result, the course of the surface pressure in the outlet region of the cylinder or roller gap is varied.

In a further development, the thickness of the component is that property which can be varied by means of the functional polymer. By using an electrically active polymer (EAP) and / or a magnetically active polymer (MAP), the thickness of a layer can be varied by applying an electric and / or magnetic field at the location of the desired property change. For example, an elastic and / or compressible layer of a transfer blanket can be changed in its thickness by using the EAP and / or MAP material and thus the contact strip width and surface pressure of the transfer blanket with another body, for. As the substrate or a cleaning roller to be changed for a given contact pressure or the surface pressure at a given theoretical body penetration (delivery, Eindrücktiefe) are changed. However, the functional polymer can be used not only as an adjusting device for stepless adjustment of the thickness, but also as a switching device for switching the component in two switching states. The two switching states can be the pressure setting and the print off when the Transfertuch on a printing gap forming cylinder, z. B. the blanket cylinder is located. The pressure setting and the print shutdown can be switched via the variable thickness of the transfer fabric or a base arranged under it. An example of the use of the functional polymer of the transfer blanket or the functional polymer of the pad for stepless adjustment is the adjustment of the printing allowance. When setting the Druckbeistellung a distance between the transfer cylinder and a cooperating impression cylinder in dependence on the thickness of the printing material, for. B. the paper sheet thickness set. The change in thickness of the transfer cloth or the pad can either only locally, z. B. in the transfer nip or nip, or over the entire circumference of the transfer cylinder simultaneously. Another application of the change in thickness caused by the functional polymer is the generation of variable local electric fields, e.g. By an array of electrodes, or local magnetic fields, e.g. B. by an array of coils, in a gap which extends transversely to the printing direction. There may be individual small areas of the transfer fabric for contact with a counterpart, z. As an inking roller or the substrate, are brought to produce in this way individual pressure points or a printed image of a homogeneous ink layer out. Another application is the compensation of unevenness of the counterpart or transfer blank across the printing direction. In general, concentricity errors or other unevenness in the printing direction can be compensated for. B. to the distance of a surface to a non-touching write head, z. As an inkjet array or an LED array to keep constant by a scheme. With regard to the possible embodiments of the active materials (functional polymers) used for the change in thickness, their possible contacting and the fields applied thereto, reference is made to the explanations already given in connection with the variation of the elastic hardness and the compressibility, which in a figurative sense also applies to the variation the thickness apply.

A further development includes the variation of the coefficient of friction of a surface of the component by means of the functional polymer. The application of electrical and / or magnetic fields to layers of the EAP and / or MAP material can be used to vary the coefficient of friction of the layer surface. This variation can be done depending on the material of the layer surface by changing the elastic hardness and / or the surface roughness. For example, the top layer of a transfer blanket can be varied in its coefficient of friction by using the EAP and / or MAP material and by applying an electric and / or magnetic field to the material. A concrete application example is the following: The surface of a transfer fabric should have the highest possible coefficient of friction for the friction occurring via friction rotary drive employed on the transfer blanket, for the interaction with a cleaning element, however, the lowest possible coefficient of friction. By means of the functional polymer of the transfer fabric, its surface can be switched with regard to its coefficient of friction, optionally with a high coefficient of friction for the rollers and a low coefficient of friction for the cleaning element.

The component, whose property is changed by the functional polymer and in which the functional polymer is contained, may not only be the transfer blanket or blanket, but may instead be a printing form or printing plate and may also be a base under such a printing form. It is also possible that it is the component to a pad under the substrate, z. B. to a counter-pressure cylinder-cylinder lift.

Other structurally and functionally advantageous developments will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 - 4 : different variants for changing the elastic hardness of a transfer fabric with functional polymer,

5 - 7 : different variants for changing the compressibility of a transfer fabric with functional polymer,

8th - 11 : different variants for changing the thickness of a transfer fabric with functional polymer,

12a + b: a functional polymer mosaic-like adjustable underlay for a transfer fabric,

13 : a functional polymer segmentally adjustable underlay for a transfer fabric,

14a + b: a fountain roller zone-adjustable with functional polymer,

15a C: a ring actuator with radially opposed electrodes,

16a -C: one with ring actuators according to 15a -C equipped roller, the ring actuators being passive,

17a -C: the roller off 16a -C, where the ring actuators are activated,

18a -C: another roller with ring actuators according to 15a c,

19a C: a ring actuator with axially opposed electrodes,

20a + b: a roller with ring actuators according to 19a -C, where the ring actuators are passive,

21a -C: the roller off 20a + b, where the ring actuators are activated,

22 a web guide roll with a simple crowning effected by a functional polymer

23 a web guide roll having a multiple crown caused by a functional polymer

24 a web guide roll having a conical shape caused by a functional polymer

25 a punching station,

26 : an upper tool of the punching station off 25 and

27 : a punching knife of the punching station off 25 ,

In the 1 to 27 are mutually corresponding elements and components designated by the same reference numerals.

1 shows a transfer cylinder 1 a printing press for offset printing. The transfer cylinder 1 has a transfer cloth on the circumference 2 on. The printing machine can also be referred to as a substrate processing machine and the transfer cylinder 1 forms an assembly of this printing material processing machine. The transfer cloth 2 forms a component of the module. The transfer cloth 2 comprises a carrier layer 4 , z. B. cotton fabric, a first electrode 5 , a functional polymer 6 and a second electrode 7 , The functional polymer 6 is an electro-active polymer (EAP) and between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 7 arranged. The first electrode 5 , the second electrode 7 and the functional polymer 6 each form a layer. The transfer cloth 2 is designed as a composite or laminate. With the first electrode 5 is a counterpart 3 in contact. The counterpart 3 is a cylinder or a roller that is on the transfer cloth 2 rolls. To the elastic hardness of the functional polymer 6 and thus of the transfer fabric 2 Change is an electrical voltage between the electrodes 5 . 7 created. For applying the electrical voltage, a clamping device of the transfer cylinder 1 be used, with which the transfer cloth 2 is held at its leading edge or trailing edge and tensioned. It is possible that the carrier layer 4 is electrically conductive and that the transfer cylinder 1 grounded or has a defined potential. In this case, the functional polymer 6 not necessarily the top layer of the transfer fabric 2 form.

Alternatively it can be provided that the first electrode 5 dropped and the surface of the counterpart 3 is electrically conductive. The electrical voltage can in this case between the counterpart 3 and the second electrode 7 be created. Also in this alternative embodiment, the carrier layer 4 be electrically conductive and the transfer cylinder 1 be grounded or have a defined potential.

2 shows an embodiment which is different from that in 1 only different in that the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 7 have been omitted. The electrodes can be omitted, because in the embodiment according to 2 the presence of an electric field is sufficient to the functional polymer 6 to activate, and not, as in the embodiment according to 1 , an electrical voltage to the functional polymer 6 needs to be created. In the embodiment according to 2 the electric field is generated by applying an electric voltage between the transfer cylinder 1 or the carrier layer 4 on the one hand and the counterpart 3 on the other hand generated. This requires the surface of the counterpart 3 not necessarily be electrically conductive.

In a drawing not shown modification of the embodiment in 2 Although this is the first electrode in this case 5 omitted, but the second electrode 7 available. Here is the surface of the counterpart 3 electrically conductive and becomes an electrical voltage between the counterpart 3 and the second electrode 7 (see 1 ). As a result, the electric field is generated, through which the functional polymer 6 is activated. Again, the carrier layer 4 be formed conductive and the transfer cylinder 1 be grounded or have a defined potential.

3 shows an embodiment in which the functional polymer 6 is a magnetically active polymer (MAP) which is activated by a magnetic field. Instead of the electrodes, the transfer fabric has 2 a first layer 8th and a second layer 9 on, between which the functional polymer 6 forming layer is arranged. The first shift 8th is a soft magnetic layer and the second layer 9 is a soft magnetic or permanent magnetic layer. The layers 8th . 9 are not mandatory, but advantageous for amplifying the magnetic field. The functional polymer 6 activating magnetic field can by one or more current-carrying coils 11 . 12 . 13 be generated. Exemplary are positions for these coils 11 . 12 . 13 illustrated by drawings. The first coil 11 and the second coil 12 can be inside or outside the counterpart 3 are located. The third coil 13 is inside the transfer cylinder 1 , If the assembly is not the transfer cylinder 1 but a pinch roller, the third coil can 13 be arranged outside the assembly.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use a permanent magnet 10 in combination with one or more current-carrying coils for generating the functional polymer 6 to use activating magnetic field. The permanent magnet may be formed by a permanent magnetic layer.

4 shows an embodiment, which differs from the in 3 shown by the presence of a pad 14 between the transfer cylinder 1 and the transfer cloth 2 different. The underlay 14 forms a functional polymer layer, here a MAP layer, which alternatively or in addition to the functional polymer 6 is available.

In a graphically not shown modification of the in 1 illustrated embodiment is also in this the pad 14 alternatively or in addition to the functional polymer 6 present, wherein the functional polymer of the pad 14 forms an EAP layer. Is the pad 14 in the modification of the embodiment in 1 in addition to the functional polymer 6 available, then the underlay 14 with the same tension as the functional polymer 6 or with a different voltage than the functional polymer 6 be charged.

5 shows an embodiment in which the functional polymer 6 a foamed EAP layer is. The transfer cloth 2 includes a cover layer 15 that of the counterpart 3 is contacted and on the first electrode 5 is arranged. By applying the electrical voltage between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 7 becomes the functional polymer 6 activated and, since the latter is a foamed EAP layer, the compressibility of the transfer fabric 2 varied. With respect to the application of the electrical voltage applies in the embodiment according to 5 the same as in the embodiment according to 1 , In particular, in the embodiment according to 5 the clamping device for holding the transfer fabric 2 be provided with an electrical contact, via which the electrical voltage on the transfer cloth 2 is transmitted.

If the transfer cloth at different circumferential locations of the transfer cylinder 1 each should have a different compressibility, by means of the functional polymer 6 is to be set, is for at least one of the two electrodes 5 . 7 separated into a plurality of strips, which are arranged sequentially along the cylinder circumference. The separate strips are at the front of the transfer cylinder 1 applied via a sliding contact with the electrical voltage. By segmenting the electrode or electrodes in the strip-shaped segments they can be subjected to mutually different voltages, so that the correspondingly different compressibilities of the transfer fabric 2 along the circumference of the transfer cylinder 1 resulting from it.

6 shows an embodiment which is different from that in 5 only by the elimination of the electrodes 5 . 7 different. The functional polymer 6 is activated by an electric field and it is not necessary to apply an electrical voltage to the functional polymer 6 to apply. As in the embodiment according to 2 is also in the embodiment according to 6 the electrical voltage between the transfer cylinder 1 or the carrier layer 4 on the one hand and the counterpart 3 on the other hand, this electrical voltage generates the electric field through which the functional polymer 6 is activated. The surface of the counterpart 3 does not have, as already with regard to 2 said to be electrically conductive.

7 shows an embodiment which is different from that in 3 distinguished only in two points, namely by the presence of the topcoat 15 and by the nature of the functional polymer 6 as a foamed MAP layer. The rubber-elastic cover layer 15 corresponds to the top layer 15 of the embodiment according to 5 and is on the soft magnetic first layer 8th arranged. The counterpart 3 rolls on the top layer 15 from. By applying the functional polymer 6 with the magnetic field becomes the compressibility of the transfer cloth 2 deliberately varied.

8th shows an embodiment in which the structural design of the transfer cylinder 1 , the transfer fabric 2 and the counterpart 3 and applying the electrical voltage to the transfer blanket 2 or its functional polymer 6 the embodiment in 1 correspond. The electrical voltage activation of the functional polymer 6 causes a change in thickness 16 of the transfer fabric 2 in relation to the transfer cylinder 1 radial direction. This is the only difference of the embodiment 8th in relation to that in 1 ,

9 shows an embodiment which is different from that in 2 only differs in that by the application of the functional polymer 6 with the electric field, a change in thickness 16 of the transfer fabric 2 should be set.

10 shows an embodiment which is different from that in 3 only differs in that by the taking place by means of the magnetic field activation of the functional polymer 6 a change in thickness 16 of the transfer fabric 2 is effected. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to 10 according to that 3 , Are along the circumference of the transfer cylinder 1 several counterparts 3 arranged, which differ from each other thicknesses of the transfer fabric 2 may require the thickness change 16 in each of the column, which is the counterpart 3 with the transfer cloth 2 make up, have another dimension. The thickness of the transfer fabric 2 can therefore be changed locally in the respective gap and adjusted individually from gap to gap.

11 shows an example in which with an array of microelectrodes or from micro-coils, the thickness of the transfer blanket 2 is varied. The array extends along its length parallel to the axis of rotation of the transfer cylinder 1 , If according to a variant, the array 17 a coil array is the functional polymer 6 a MAP layer and is the one on top of the functional polymer 6 arranged first layer 8th a soft magnetic layer and that between the carrier layer 4 and the functional polymer 6 arranged second layer 9 a soft magnetic layer or a permanent magnetic layer. If according to a second variant, the array 17 An electrode array is the functional polymer 6 an EAP layer and forms the top of the functional polymer 6 layer arranged a first electrode 5 and forms the between the carrier layer 4 and the functional polymer 6 layer arranged a second electrode 7 , In the transfer cylinder 1 can be integrated instead of the coil 13 also an array of coils 13 be. With the in 11 illustrated arrangement can be generated and transmitted from a homogeneous ink layer out individual pressure points. This is the thickness of the transfer fabric 2 transverse to the printing direction of the printing press, that is parallel to the direction of rotation of the transfer cylinder 1 , varies. There is a punctual change in thickness 16 of the transfer fabric 2 ,

As shown, alternatively, a permanent magnet 10 or a permanent magnetic layer in combination with an array. In the presence of multiple counterparts 3 that with the transfer cylinder 1 together form a gap, is a different from gap to gap adjustment of the thickness of the transfer fabric 2 possible.

12a shows a transfer cylinder 1 whose axis of rotation in the plane of the drawing 12a is located, in contrast to the axis of rotation of the transfer cylinder 1 in 1 which perpendicular to the plane of the drawing 1 is oriented. On the peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder 1 there is a pad 14 that the transfer cloth 2 wearing. The underlay 14 comprises a carrier layer 4 and thereon a layer of functional polymer 6 , The layer of the functional polymer 6 is in zones 18 each of which forms a functional polymer actuator. The functional polymer 6 is an electroactive polymer (EAP), especially a dielectric elastomer. Every zone 18 is a separate electrode 7 associated with the electrodes 7 in matrix arrangement in the carrier layer 4 are embedded. Some of the zones 18 are due to an electrical voltage at their electrodes 7 activated and form active zones when printing 19 , The active zones 19 are in relation to the transfer cylinder 1 radial direction expands and lift in their area the transfer cloth 2 something on, so this within this range with the substrate 20 comes into contact. Outside the area of the active zone 19 is the transfer cloth 2 with the substrate 20 not in contact.

12b shows the pad 14 in the plan view, wherein for better visibility, the transfer cloth 2 and the substrate 20 not shown. It can be seen that the zones 18 are honeycomb and together a mosaic pattern 21 form. The underlay 14 will be together with the transfer cloth on top 2 used to print a picture 22 on the substrate 20 to print, z. B. a spot varnish. The printed image 22 is in 12b as an imaginary print image 22 shown. Those zones 18 in the area of the printed image 22 lie or overlap with it, form the active zones 19 , This is the mosaic pattern 21 switched to a state in which it is connected to the print image to be printed 22 corresponds.

13 shows that the transfer cylinder 1 Part of an offset printing unit is. The offset printing unit also includes a printing plate cylinder 23 and an impression cylinder 24 , The transfer cylinder 1 has on its circumference the pad 14 with the functional polymer 6 on. On the pad 14 is the transfer cloth 2 spanning the color from the printing formezlinder 23 on the substrate 20 transfers, the case of the impression cylinder 24 is transported. The underlay 14 has zones 18 . 19.1 . 19.2 and 19.3 on, which have the form of ring segments. By appropriate control of the functional polymer 6 The individual zones are differently adjusted. The axially outer zones 19.3 are most radially contracted. The adjoining zones 19.2 are a little less radially contracted. The middle zones 18 are not activated and therefore not contracted. The between the zones 19.2 and the middle zones 18 lying zones 19.1 are less than the zones 19.2 contracted. As a result, the effective diameter of the transfer cylinder increases 1 from the two ends to the center and has the transfer cylinder 1 a spherical or barrel-shaped figure. Due to the zonal control of the base 14 is a zonal adjustment of the transfer fabric 2 to the format width of the substrate 20 possible. Due to the zonal radial adjustment of the base 14 and with that of the transfertuchs 2 the latter can be adapted to different print formats. This is advantageous as a countermeasure against so-called color buildup and against framing.

14a shows a roller 25 , which is part of the dampening unit of the aforementioned offset printing press. The roller 25 is a fountain roller and draws from a graphically not shown water fountain the dampening solution, which from the dampening unit on the printing form cylinder 23 (see. 13 ) is applied. The roller 25 has a rubber-elastic roll cover 26 and a body 27 , Between the roll cover 26 and the body 27 is the functional polymer 6 arranged in a series of juxtaposed actuators 30 is divided. Each of the actors 30 is designed as a ring-shaped dielectric-elastomer actuator (DEA). Every actor 30 determines a zone 18 respectively. 19 the roller 25 , Between each actor 30 and the adjacent actuator 30 is an electrical insulation 28 arranged. Numeral "29" is a wiring or an electrical terminal 29 denotes, with which each actor 30 is provided. The connections 29 allow every actor 30 to energize independently of the other actuators to the respective actuator 30 to activate. The actors 10 are individually controlled by the applied electrical voltage such that the actuators 30 contract more or less radially. In 14a is not one of the actors 30 subjected to electrical voltage and are therefore also the lying at the roll ends actuators 30 not contracted, so by those actuators 30 certain zones 18 are not activated. 14b shows the roller 25 out 14a in a contrast changed switching position, in which only the roller ends near actuators 30 are subjected to electrical voltage and are therefore contracted. By contracting the axially external actuators 30 are those through these actors 30 certain zones active zones 19 , The between the active zones 19 at the one end of the roll and the active zones 19 Zones lying on the other end of the roll are not active zones and the actuators are arranged in the non-active zones 30 are not subjected to electrical voltage. In 14b It can be seen that by the contraction of the actuators 10 in the corresponding zones 19 the outer diameter of the roll cover 26 reduces, causing the roller 25 gets a spherical shape. The spherical shape is advantageous in terms of a positive influence on the fountain solution.

In the 15a to 15c is an actor 30 shown, which is designed as a ring actuator. 15a shows the actor 30 in a section AA in 15b corresponding cross section. 15c shows the detail B in an enlarged view 15a , The actor 30 has an outer, first electrode 5 and an inner, second electrode 7 , Between the two electrodes 5 . 7 is the functional polymer 6 , The actor 30 is designed as an EAP actuator, wherein the functional polymer 6 is a dielectric elastomer. The dielectric elastomer may, for. As silicone, which is well suited due to its elasticity. The first electrode 5 consists of flexible material, eg. As an electrically conductive foil, and can the contraction of the functional polymer 6 Follow to the desired diameter change of the actuator 30 to achieve. The second electrode 7 can be made of thin sheet metal. On each of the two flat sides of the actuator 30 an annular disc is arranged, which is electrically insulating, to an unwanted voltage transfer from the actuator 30 to avoid an adjoining actuator. The annular disc is made of a rubber-elastic material and forms the insulation 28 , The functional polymer 6 does not fill the entire annular gap, which of the two electrodes 5 . 7 and the two isolations 28 is included. In the functional polymer 6 are recesses 31 introduced into which in the activation of the actuator 30 displaced material of the functional polymer 6 Can "drain" so that this material does not hinder the contraction. The recesses 31 are formed as annular grooves, which have a semicircular cross-section. The recesses 31 form one with the axis of rotation of the actuator 30 parallel constriction of the cross-section of the functional polymer 6 , The axis of rotation of the actuator 30 is identical to the axis of rotation of the roller or cylinder, which or which with the actuator 30 Is provided. Alternatively or in addition to the recesses 31 may be an education of the functional polymer 6 be provided from a material with pores, wherein upon contraction the displaced material can flow into the pores. In the second electrode 7 is the connection 29 provided for the power supply. By applying the electrical voltage, the first electrode moves 5 radially to the second electrode 7 to and displaces the first electrode 5 while the intermediate functional polymer 6 , Alternative to the connection 29 supply lines are possible on the surface of the main body of the roller or the cylinder, for. B. Tracks. Because of the Rotation of the roller or the cylinder is the power supply via slip rings.

In the 16a to 16c is a roller 25 shown with a variety of actuators 30 according to the 15a to 15c Is provided. Both 16a to 16c it is a more detailed representation of the roller 25 from the 14a and b. 16a is a cross-sectional view according to the section line CC in 16b , The detail D off 16a is in 16c shown enlarged. The roll core or basic body 27 the roller 25 is designed as a hollow cylinder. At the two roll ends is in each case a group of actuators 30 arranged, in the example shown, each group three actuators 30 includes. Between the two Aktorengruppen are in the in the 16a to 16c example shown no further actuators. The actors 30 So are only in the edge sections of the roller 25 , Alternatively, the actors could 30 However, be arranged over the entire length of the roller. The in the 16a to 16c illustrated roller 25 can not only act as a fountain roller, but also as a metering roller or transfer roller of the dampening unit. For the adjustable roller 25 Thus arise a variety of applications that extend beyond the dampening and z. B. may also apply to the application as an inking roller. In the axial edge areas of the main body has 27 tapered heels on which the annular actuators 30 are pushed precisely. In the non-activated state, the actuators have 30 each the same outer diameter as the main body 27 so that's through the actors 30 formed peripheral surface flush with the through the body 27 formed peripheral surface is. On these peripheral surfaces of the body 27 and the actors 30 sits the roll cover 26 , The wall thickness of the roll cover 26 - The so-called reference thickness - is over the entire length of the roll cover 26 equal. For example, the roll cover 26 prefabricated and then on the main body 27 with the actors 30 be put over. The roll cover 26 can be prefabricated as a tube or sleeve. To secure the roll cover 26 on the body 27 An adhesive layer can be used in between. The trained as a tube or sleeve roll cover 26 can under elastic, radial expansion on the body 27 and the actors 30 be postponed, and sitting on it in the assembled state by shrink fit. This results in a radial bias of the roll cover 26 , as a result of which the roll cover 26 with contraction of the actuators 30 Follow this in the radial direction without slackening. The roll cover 26 is due to the actuators 30 even tight when switched to a reduced diameter. The connections 29 the actors 30 are formed as leads of wire and through the interior of the hollow roller 25 led to the outside. In the field of each actor 30 is in the body 27 a radial transverse bore 32 introduced, through which the respective electrical supply line (connection 29 ) to the functional polymer 6 of the actor 30 is guided.

The roller 25 which in the 16a to 16c without activated actuators 30 is shown in the 17a to 17c shown with activated actuators. 17a corresponds with 16a and 17b corresponds with 16b , 17c shows the detail F 17a in an enlarged view. At each end of the roller, the axially external actuator and the central actuator is subjected to electrical voltage and thus contracted. The two axially internal actuators are not subjected to electrical voltage and thus passive. 17c shows that the roll cover 26 to the actors 30 snugly. Because an activated actuator is in an active zone 19 who is next to a passive actor in an unactivated zone 18 is unable to fully contract, a virtually stepless transition is achieved. The middle actuator provides a smooth transition of the peripheral surface formed by the actuators of the axially inner actuator in the passive zone 18 to the axially external actuator in the active zone 19 , Due to the tapered in the illustrated switching state ends of the roller 25 has this quasi a crown. This makes it possible over the contact strip width of the roller 25 to influence the dampening solution guide depending on the print image to be printed or the format width. The between the tapered roller end and the non-tapered middle part of the roller 25 resulting radius difference 33 can z. B. be 1.5 mm.

The 18a to 18c show a modification of the in the 16a to 17c illustrated roller 25 , In 18a is a cross section of the roller 25 according to the cutting course GG in 18b shown. 18b shows the side view of the roller 25 out 18a , In 18c the detail H is off 18a shown. The modification is that the actuators 30 from the 15a to 15c are arranged not only in the axial edge regions of the roller, as in the 16a to 17c but form a row over the entire axial roller length, in which the actuators 30 abut each other. By appropriate control of the actuators 30 may be the generatrix of the roller 25 be given a virtually arbitrary profile. In particular, it is also possible by the activation and contraction of one or more actuators 30 a constriction 34 the roller 25 adjust.

The 19a to 19c show an actor 30 for the diameter adjustment of a roller. Here is 19a a representation according to the Intersection II in 19b and is 19c an enlarged view of the detail K from 19a , In contrast to the actuator 30 of the 15a to 15c in which the electrodes are arranged on the outer and inner circumference of the functional polymer, here are the electrodes 5 . 7 on the lateral plane surfaces of the annular functional polymer 6 arranged. The electrodes 5 . 7 are used in annular grooves in the side surfaces of the functional polymer 6 are introduced, and are formed as annular discs. The side walls of the respective annular groove are formed by projections of the functional polymer 6 educated. At these projections and the flush electrode is the electrical insulation 28 which is also formed as an annular disc. The functional polymer 6 is a dielectric elastomer. By applying a voltage to the two electrodes 5 . 7 These attract due to the electrostatic pressure and move towards each other. This is the functional polymer 6 displaced from the space between the electrodes and deviates in the radial direction. As a result, the outer diameter of the actuator changes 30 he is gaining weight.

20a and 20b show a roller 25 that with actuators 30 according to the 19a to 19c Is provided. The roller 25 may be a metering or transfer roller of a dampening unit and has a hollow cylindrical body 27 , The main body 27 is provided with a paragraph on which sit the actuators. In the illustrated passive state of the actuators they are with the outer circumference of the body 27 flush. Above the main body 27 and the actors 30 is the rubber-elastic roller cover 26 arranged, which has the same strength everywhere in this example. The roll cover 26 can be tubular or sleeve-shaped. Supply lines for applying the electrical voltage to the actuators 30 are not shown for reasons of clarity.

In the 21a to 21c is the roller 25 from the 20a and 20b shown in a switching position in which some of the actuators 30 are activated, leaving the end of the roller 25 thickened. This shows 21a a cross section according to the cutting path MM in 21b and shows 21c the detail N off 21a in an enlarged view. By applying voltage, the three are relative 21a left actuators 30 activated. The other two, right-hand actors 30 are not subjected to electrical voltage and therefore not activated. In the activated actuators, the functional polymer deviates due to the contraction 6 radially outward. Since the actuators fit exactly on the roller body 27 sitting, displaced by the axial movement of the electrodes volume of the functional polymer can escape only radially outward. As a result, the outer diameter of the activated actuators is larger and they urge the roller cover 26 also radially outward. The outer diameter of the roller 25 thus increases in the area of the activated actuators, this is the roller end area. The roll beads produced by the activated actuators at the two roll ends (only one is shown in the drawing) can be used to influence the dampening solution guide over the contact strip width. The roll bead is not abruptly, but gradually in the range of the other roll reference, as in this example, the activated actuator, which is located next to a passive actuator, can not fully contract.

In 22 an embodiment is shown, which illustrates that the roller described above 25 Not only in inking and dampening can be used, but also as a guide roller for a web of coating film 35 can be used. By equipping the roller 25 over its entire effective length with the actuators 30 and their corresponding control can be a portable camber of the roller 25 be generated. This crowning 36 may depend on the position of the web of the coating film 35 to be changed. Here, the crowning 36 at one with respect to the roller 25 axially eccentric position of the web are set accordingly off-center, so that the crowning 36 and the web are centered to each other.

23 shows that in the web guide roller and a plurality of crowns can be adjusted distributed over its axial length. That is advantageous when the roller 25 several material webs should lead next to each other. Each of the crowns 36 is aligned with one of the material webs.

24 shows that the guide roller from the 22 and 23 is set cone-shaped. The actors 30 are driven accordingly. The taper of the roller 25 can be varied from cylindrical to slightly conical or infinitely variable. As a result, a non-parallelism of deflection rollers can be compensated. In addition, via sensors, the position of the web of the coating film 35 be monitored and depending on the signals of these sensors, the actuators 30 the roller 25 be controlled, so that over the change of the conical slope a web edge control is realized.

In the in the 22 to 24 shown material web of coating film 35 it is preferably a cold foil web, by means of which sheet-shaped printing material is coated in an offset printing press.

In the 25 to 27 a punching and / or embossing tool for a flat bed punching and / or embossing machine is shown, wherein the tool allows a simplified dressing. There is at least one integrated in the tool, having a plurality of zones layer of an electroactive polymer, in particular a dielectric elastomer. On both sides of the layer of the electroactive polymer, a plurality of individually controllable electrodes is applied, for applying a voltage. By targeted application of different voltages in the different zones, the topography of the layer can be adjusted so as to effect trimming of the punching and / or stamping tool. The polymer layer can be integrated in the upper tool and / or in the lower tool. In the case of integration into the lower tool, it appears to be advantageous to carry out the polymer layer as a plate extending over the surface of the lower tool. In the case of integration into the upper tool, the polymer layer may be embodied either flat and integrated into a closing frame, designed as a top insert or designed as a cover plate. In an alternative embodiment, the polymer layer is designed as a band in a back of the knife. In other words, the back of the knife has a multilayer structure, wherein at least one layer is constructed as a layer of an electroactive polymer.

In detail is in 25 the punching station 1002 a Flachbettstanz- and / or embossing machine shown in more detail. Between the upper crucible 1010 Also referred to as upper table, and the lower crucible 1009 , also known as under table, becomes a paper sheet 1006 in the sheet transport direction B through the punching station 1002 moved through. During the punching process is the bow 1006 in peace. The punching station 1002 has a punching tool 1020 , which is formed from an upper tool with a polymer plate 1021 with dielectric elastomers with a wooden support plate attached thereto 1022 which the punching knife 1023 receives. The punching tool 1020 can be held by a frame, not shown in the drawing, a so-called frame. An optional intermediate plate 1025 is in 25 between the carrier plate 1022 and the polymer plate 2021 arranged to the polymer plate 1021 To protect against excessive forces of the knife trailing edges. With the opposite crucible 1009 is a counter-punching plate 1024 connected, which forms a lower tool. This can have a punched grooved plate (about 1 mm).

26 shows the outer dimensions of the upper tool of a punching tool 1020 or a lower tool 1024 , The total area of upper tool 1020 or lower tool 1024 is through a grid 1051 in a variety of zones or sub-areas 1053 divided up. The representation is intended to subdivide into subareas 1053 purely schematically represent. In practice, the subdivision will be many times smaller, so that very small sub-areas are formed. In the resulting partial areas 1053 each electrodes are arranged, which allow application of different voltages. The electrodes can be controlled by a bus system.

In 27 is a punching knife 1023 represented, in which a band 1021 is taken from an electroactive polymer. Electrodes for applying a voltage are not shown for the sake of clarity.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

transfer cylinder

2

transfer cloth

3

counterpart

4

backing

5

Electrode (first)

6

functional polymer

7

Electrode (second)

8th

First shift

9

Second shift

10

permanent magnet

11

First coil

12

Second coil

13

Third coil

14

document

15

topcoat

16

thickness change

17

array

18

Zone

19-19.3

Active zone

20

substrate

21

mosaic pattern

22

print image

23

Plate cylinder

24

Impression cylinder

25

roller

26

roll cover

27

body

28

isolation

29

connection

30

actuator

31

recess

32

drilling

33

radius difference

34

constriction

35

coating film

36

crown

1002

punching station

1006

bow

1009

under table

1010

overtable

1020

punching tool

1021

dielectric elastomer

1022

Wood-supporting plate

1023

Tool (punching knife, knives, etc.)

1024

Against Tanzplatte

1025

Protective plate, z. B. plastic

1026

knife edge

1027

blunt edge

1051

grid

1052

Grid node

1053

subarea

B

Sheet transport direction

Z

infeed

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2045078 A2 [0002]
• DE 3044083 A1 [0003]
• DE 3044083 C3 [0004]

Claims (10)

Assembly of a sheet-fed or web-shaped printing machine, comprising a functional polymer ( 6 ) - a so-called smart polymer - for changing a property of a component of the assembly. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the property is the elastic hardness, the compressibility, the resilience, the friction coefficient, the thickness or the diameter of the component. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component is a printing press cylinder ( 1 ), a printing press roller ( 25 ), a printing machine cylinder elevator ( 2 ), a printing press roller cover ( 26 ), a coating film guide roll, a printing substrate punching tool ( 1023 ) or a printing substrate embossing tool. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional polymer ( 6 ) is a magnetically active polymer, an electrically active polymer or a dielectric elastomer. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the component has multiple zones ( 18 . 19 ), in which the functional polymer ( 6 ), and the zones are individually controllable. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the zones ( 18 . 19 ) Are ring segments which are arranged in axial alignment with one another, or are field elements which together form a mosaic pattern ( 21 ) form. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the ring segments are controlled such that there is a roll crown or cylinder crown. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the field elements are driven such that the mosaic pattern ( 21 ) with a print image to be printed on the substrate ( 22 ) corresponds. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises a roller ( 25 ) with a roll core ( 27 ), thereon annular actuators ( 30 ) - so-called ring actuators - and on a rubber cover ( 26 ), the ring actuators ( 30 ) each have an inner electrode ( 7 ), an outer electrode ( 5 ) and a dielectric elastomer ( 6 ), which radially between the two electrodes ( 5 . 7 ) is arranged. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises a roller ( 25 ) with a roll core ( 27 ), thereon annular actuators ( 30 ) - so-called ring actuators - and on a rubber cover ( 26 ), the ring actuators ( 30 ) two outer electrodes ( 5 . 7 ) and a dielectric elastomer ( 6 ) axially between the two electrodes ( 5 . 7 ) is arranged.

Images