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Title:
PROCESS AND MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MATCHING AT LEAST TWO SUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL SURFACES, ENGAGING EACH OTHER, PARTICULARLY FOR MECHANICAL EMBOSS ENGRAVING, AND ENGRAVED PLATES OBTAINED WITH SUCH PROCESS AND MEANS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1990/006856
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
According process for automatically matching at least two substantially cylindrical surfaces, engaging each other, particularly for mechanical emboss engraving, the freedom ranges, of a conventional machine, are mechanized and subjected to an electronic control, providing a hardware structure, available to materialize software which, each time, may interpret the drawing being executed, and controlling the starting repetitive and final steps, automatically complying with spacing and timing, the operator's action being needed only for the loading of the roll (4) to be worked and of the inherent knurling tool (3) and for the starting positioning and starting of the cycle, as well as, for removal of unfinished roll (4) for the corrosion steps and of course for final unloading.

Inventors:
DELLA TORRE RENATO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/EP1988/001150
Publication Date:
June 28, 1990
Filing Date:
December 13, 1988
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TORRE RENATO DELLA (IT)
International Classes:
B21H7/00; B21H7/14; B23P9/02; B23Q27/00; B44B5/00; B44B5/02; G05B19/18; (IPC1-7): B23P9/02; B23Q27/00; B44B5/00; G05B19/18
Foreign References:
FR2288627A11976-05-21
FR723251A1932-04-06
GB2002694A1979-02-28
DE29403C
US3827334A1974-08-06
DE218759C
DE760320C1953-10-05
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. Process for automatically matching at least two substantially cylindrical surfaces, engaging each other, particularly for mechanical emboss engraving, whereby the freedom ranges, of the manually operable tool machine are complied, characterized in that they are mechanized and subjected to electronic control, by providing an hardware structure, available to materialize the software which, each time, can understand the design being engraved, and control the starting, repetitive and final steps, complying with spaces and times, in automatic attitude, the operator's action being needed only for il loading of the roll (4) to be worked and of inherent knurling tool (3) and for the starting positioning and starting of the cycle, as well as, for removal of unfinished roll (4) for the corrosion steps and of course for final unloading.
2. Process, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the knurling tool, provided with four freedom ranges, is subjected to a press for radial approaching and moving of roll (4) to be worked, to turn it around its axis, is subjected to the action of a d.c. motor, being controlled by an encoder, the signals of which may be referred to as correct present settings of roll (4) to be worked, even relatively to position, at least longitudinal, of knurling tool (3).
3. Process, as claimed in claims 1 e 2, characterized in that the same controls four freedom ranges and the fastening condition, without turning of knurling tool (3).
4. Process, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the longitudinal movement of carriage (93), whereon the knurling tool carrier device (1) is installed, is driven by a conventional screw and/or bar (95) of the tool machine, which is, dissociated from the rest and subjected to a d.c. motor (6), being controlled by an encoder (6') with respect to the roll (4); while, some limit switches may be installed at the ends (4', 4") of the roll (4) to be worked.
5. Process, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that its second freedom range comprises a movement, substantially radial, substantially vertical, of approaching and removal, of knurling tool (3) from the rol (4) to be worked, wherein such freedom range includes a base place, t be determined once manually by a screw adjusting, to determine th position chiefly centripetal and the angular excursion, provided by first class lever suspension, wherein the power is provided by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinderpiston unit (20), subjected to hydraulic station (21), adapted to be driven, by an electrovalve controlled by signals coming from computerized electronic system(7) this freedom range, too, being limited by a limit switch(123).
6. Process, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the thir freedom range comprises rotation of knurling tool (3), around its axis which is substantially idle being induced by the roll (4) to be worke (named Y axis) which engages it and may thus be considered contextua and contemporary but assisted by a braking or fastening device (8) temporary, in the time interval between detaching and reapproaching in accordance with the second freedom range, associated to each placing in accordance with the first freedom range.
7. Process, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the secon movement, instead of a manual driver device, which was removed, a alternative, fluidinamic motor(20), fed by a newly established hydrauli station(21), wherein the electrovalve system (22, 22') and circuit (22" 22"') associated thereto and controlling such movement, involves th duplication of members and controls (23, 23') such that the approachin pressure, is provided with two different intensities: adjustably lower a the beginning and upon a certain time set on a timer (23"), a ful pressure, which is adjustable too, once and for a certain time.
8. Process, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the thir movement includes the substitution of asynchrone threephase moto with a permanent magnet d.c. motor (5), wherein being the same moto indirect driver of a roll gripping chuck (91), such driving being provide through a belt transmission (50") and some gears, the encoder (50) associated to this movement, monitoring the real movements of roll (4) to be worked, being engaged by cylindrical surface (91'), of leading dis (91), including a driving doglike (91"), substantially without clearance both with respect to hub (4'"), of roll (4), to be worked and thus with th same roll, both with respect to leading disc (91).
9. Process, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in tha reincountering on different angular reciprocal position dictated b longitudinal and angular pitches of the drawing, that knurling tool (3) i going to provide (drawing with worm or angular repetitivity) i provided in absence of movement of the roll to be worked an corresponding absolute immobility of knurling tool (3).
10. Process, as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the en pivots (3*, 3") of knurling tool (3), are longer than conventional ones, i order that they extend outward from supports (33', 33") in order to b engaged by a pair of brake shoes (34, 34'), driven by alternativ fluidinamic motors (35), controlled electrovalve (22, 23) and fed by th same hydraulic station (21), providing the pressure for the secon movement, wherein in the second case, the absolute immobility o knurling tool (3), obtained in the same manner, is made to correspon with an angular movement (p), controlled by encoder (50), while, durin engaging and disengaging there is a small gap of idleness, of roll 4 s that an almost spontaneous small adjusting of the angular position i provided, such as to favour engagement and disengagement o projections while, following an archuated stroke, the knurling tool (3 goes to and from the tangency or engagement condition.
11. Process, as claimed in preceding claims, characterized in that a automatic lubricating system (13) is included, at least to provid lubricant to the pivots (3' and 3"), of knurling tool (3).wherein suc system is automatic and mixed, i.e. by soaking, and with force injections, by intervals of time.
12. Process, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fourth movemen includes conventionally a screw (30'), driving a kinematic device (31) comprising a reaction spring 30", characterized in that it wa mechanized, providing the screw (30') with a member (36), driven, by desmodronic transmission, driven by a complementary member (36'), driven by a permanent magnet d.c.motor (36"), power supplied through wire (36"') wherein encoder (37), powered by corresponding cable (37') is axially coupled to the screw (30'), with a pair of angular limit switch (38, 38'), connected with cables (38" and 38"') also placed on the screw (30') and wherein the screw pitch is such as to maintain the excursion within an angle inferior to 360°.
13. Means for automatically matching at least two substantiall cylindrical surfaces, engaging each other, particularly for mechanica emboss engraving, adapted to realize the process, as claimed in claim from 1 to 12, characterized in that they comprise at least a numeric control, substantially including a central unit (70), provided with microprocessor (71), EPROM memories (72), RAM memories (72') mathematic, coprocessor (72), serial interface (74), an analogic outpu (75), an input/output port (76), a digital output (76').
14. Means, as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the centra unit (70) is connected with nine modules viz: an input control modul (77), an output control module (77'), a keyboard module (77"), an positioning module (78), a Xcounting module (178), an Y positionin module (78') a Ycounting module (178'), a Z positioning module(78"), Z counting module (178"), as well as power supply (79), wherein th numerical control includes (in 101) the machine input, (in 102x, 102 102z) the on/off and reference, (in 103) the miscellaneous output an (in 104x, 104y, 104z) the input for positional transducer encoder type.
15. Means, as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that between th on/off (102x, 102y 102z) and respective input (104x, 104y, 104z) f positional transducer (6', 50, 37), motors (6, 5, 36") driver, tachomete and encoders (6', 50 and 37) are provided.
16. Means, as claimed in claim 15, characterized in th microprocessor (71) is of Z 80 or 6502 or cdp 1802 type, the EPRO memories (72) are of the 27512 type or of the 27256 type, the RA memories (72') are static, of 6264 type, with back battery, th mathematics coprocessor (72), is of AMD 9511 type, serial interfac (74) is of RS232 C type.
17. Means, as claimed in claims from 13 to 17, characterized in th they control three axes, displacement range is +/ 9999,99 m accelerations are programmable, circular interpolation on plane, line interpolation on all axes, programming support with parametri instructions, reference point machine cycle.
18. Means, as claimed in claim 17, characterized in t programming is absolute and/or incremental and with host compu (DNC mode) and teach in; programmable functions are as follo miscellaneous functions (M), preparatory functions (G), feed function for axes, spindle function (S), nesting subroutine, nesting loop functio and reference point translation thereof; complete security diagnos continuous checking; autotest with variable polling; machine transdu with continuous diagnostic; manually operable in two ways w continuous and adjustable of all the axes and by programmable sin steps .
19. Means, as claimed in claims from 13 to 18, characterized in t the interface includes thirty two testable input, thirty two 24V, 100 m output + 24V, 1,2A, output; output stages are of open collector type w TR BD677 type or MJ 3001 type; working is tested by external gau (reading in BCD code).
20. Means, as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that the mem (72) is of 64 Kbyte, expandable up to 256 Kbyte and RAM memory (7 is of 18 Kbyte expandable up to 50 Kbyte.
21. Means, as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that cont console comprises: a 270 LED display, to display the digits of x, y, z ax of program block numbers, of the instructions given; display (271) shifting; keyboard (272) with keys 0 to 9, keys + and as well as ke for switching the function selector, as well as the delete key and st and stop keys; feed rate override (273) from 10% to 100%; mo selector (274).
Description:
PROCESS AND MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MATCHING AT LEA TWO SUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL SURFACES, ENGAGING EACH OTHE PARTICULARLY FOR MECHANICAL EMBOSS ENGRAVING, AND ENGRAV PLATES OBTAINED WITH SUCH PROCESS AND MEANS

The present invention relates to a process and automatic contr means for matching at least two substantially cylindrical surface engaging each other, at least one of which, particularly for mechanic emboss engraving, particularly of rolls, for embossing of sheet materia and the like. Furthermore the present invention relates also to t mechanical engraved plates obtained with such process and means a possibly, with the help of chemical corrosion.

At the present state of the art, processes and means for matchi control of two surfaces, engaging each other, particularly for mechanic emboss engraving, though being time consuming and repetitive, th are handmade, due to the difficulties encountered to automatize the These, being difficult to obtain, are provided on relatively expensi machines, by highly skilled and specialized operators, with a very scar utilization both of labour and machinery, due to the long and prevaili wait which, nevertheless require the steady operator's presence a checking. Despite this, , the engraved products, obtained with su process and means, are very expensive and have poor precisio depending from the operator's ability and expertness and a consequently inconstant. The productivity was limited to regular wo time and possible night turns were forbidden to women and/or we overcharged with additional inherent charges. And such recourse w inevitable each time that the time of provision exceeded the delive times, also in consideration that it was impossible to devote more th one machine to the same piece to be worked. The stressing character this work, also in consideration with the responsibility connecte therewith was very high, since it could happen that an almost worth finished roll, could be damaged by a small inattention, without havin the possibility to remedy in due time. Even from labour accident poi of view, as far security system could be studied, the need to put o hands in very risky places was present and thus real.

In particular, the operator, as said, has the task to approach, wit pressure, the active surface of a knurling embossing tool, to a passiv

surface, generally cylindrical, to be mechanically engraved or emboss . Generally the size ratio, between one or more tools and the roll to engraved is from 2 to 10 with reference to diameter and from 10 1000 referring to the whole roll length. Thus there is the need, in t course of each longitudinal working, to displace, at least longitudinally, corresponding number of times, the knurling tool, each time checki the correct matching, reference being made to suitable marke However, when the drawing longitudinal repetition pitch exceeds cm, since a substantially double knurling tool length is needed, when necessary pressure, for embossing provision, substantially exceeds machine power, the barrel-like shape of the knurling tool is increas and the same knurling tool is used, fractionarily, by sections thereof, this case 4-5 cm each time, by varying, axes inclination of same knurl tool. For this reason the machine is provided with a third freedom ran so said Z axis, in order that adjusting of this parameter may be provid In case that, the drawing repetitivity to be provided has a worm tre in occasion of each matching also an angular excursion with respect the roll to be worked which, being made manually, was provided knurling tool, around its longitudinal axis . Thus, the operations to made manually, in each working step, are from a minimum of two t maximum of four. This requirement was a further obstacle automation since, substantially, each drawing requires a suita working cycle, which must be precisely complied.

The invention, as claimed, is intended to remedy these drawbac The inventor, with ingenious perception has conceived process means for automatically matching at least two, engaging each ot surfaces, that of knurling tool and that of roll to be engrav particularly for mechanical emboss engraving, whereby the freed ranges, of the manually operable tool machine are mechanized subjected to electronic control, by providing an hardware structu available to materialize the software which, each time, can underst the design to be engraved, and control the starting, repetitive and fi steps, complying with spaces and times, in automatic attitude, operator's action being needed only for loading of roll to be worked of inherent knurling tool and for starting positioning and starting of cycle, as well as, for removal of unfinished roll for the corrosion st and of course, for final unloading.

In particular, the machine substantially maintained t conventional structure, such as of a lathe-like machine, wherein the t comprises a knurling tool, having four freedom ranges, including th substantially radial, which, is subjected to a press for radi approaching. In accordance with the present invention, moving of roll be worked, to turn it around its axis, is subjected to the action of a d. motor, being controlled by an encoder, the signals of which may referred to as correct present settings of roll to be worked, ev relatively to position, at least longitudinal, of knurling tool. The four freedom ranges, as well as the fastening condition, witho turning of knurling tool, are characterized as follow. Longitudin movement of carriage, whereon the knurling tool carrier device installed, is by a conventional screw and/or bar of the tool machin which is, dissociated from the rest and subjected to a d.c. motor, bei controlled by an encoder with respect to the roll; while, some li switches may be installed at the ends of the roll to be worked.

The second freedom range comprises a movement, substantial radial, substantially vertical, of approaching and removal, of knurli tool from the roll to be worked. Such freedom range includes a ba place, to be determined once manually, by a screw adjusting, determine the position chiefly centripetal and the angular excursio provided by a first class lever suspension, wherein the power provided by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder-piston unit, subjected a hydraulic station, adapted to be driven, by an electrovalve, controll by signals coming from computerized electronic system. This freedo range too, is limited by a limit switch.

The third freedom range comprises rotation of knurling tool, arou its axis, which is substantially idle, being induced by the roll to worked, (named Y axis) which engages it and may thus be consider contextual and contemporary but assisted by a braking or fasteni device, temporary, in the time interval between detaching a reapproaching, in accordance with the second freedom range, associat to each placing, in accordance with the first freedom range.

The fourth freedom range is comprised by angular excursi (named Z axis) of axis, of knurling tool, about a fixed fulcrum a substantial rolling of generatrixs of tangency, may take place by drivi a system, known in itself, including a second class lever, which has, power, a screw loading a spring and as resistance a substantially bridg

like support, carrying knurling tool. Vertical positioning, of knurling to is provided by excursion of a piston within the fluidinamic cylinde providing the operating pressure. Of course, this freedom range, is use only when the pitch or ratio, of the drawing to be engraved, is superi to 4-5 cm, with corresponding length of knurling tool superior to 8 c having a barrel-like shape. Possible use of this freedom range, is neede during movements regarding the third freedom range.

Control of these four freedom ranges, conventionally was mad manually, at least on driving and/or starting and/or adjusting and/ stopping; according to the present invention, is provided by suitabl means, already described in part, to solve their specific problems. I particular, regarding the first movement: the lead screw is driven by permanent magnet motor, powered by a d.c. cable, subjected to a tel reverser, not shown, placed within electric panel; in axial relationship coupled with an encoder whose input and output terminals, a connected to electric and electronic panel, to be described in t following. As said, the excursion range of carriage is limited by two lim switches, also electrically connected, by wires, to said electric panel, be described hereafter. Referring now to the second movement, instead of a manual driv device, which was removed, an alternative, fluidinamic motor, fed by hydraulic station, also in accordance with the present invention w applied. The electrovalve system and circuit associated thereto a controlling such movement, involves the duplication of members a controls, such that the approaching pressure is provided with tw different intensities: adjustable and lower, at the beginning and upon certain time, set on a timer, a full pressure, which is adjustable too, on and for a certain time.

The hydraulic station drives also .another device, to be describ hereafter, substantially with reference to third movement.

The third movement includes the substitution of asynchrόne thre phase motor with a permanent magnet d.c. motor. The same motor bei indirect driver of a roll gripping chuck; such driving being provid through a belt transmission and some gears, the encoder, associated this movement, monitoring the real movements of roll, to be worke being engaged by cylindrical surface, of leading disc, including a drivi dog-like means, substantially without clearance, both with respect

hub, of roll, to be worked and thus with the same roll, as well as wi respect to the leading disc

This third movement is of decisive importance, not only in itself, b since it provides rotation of knurling tool, whose pivots are id mounted on its supports, however in a conventional manner.

Such movement is desmodronic; in fact it is provided by knurli tool, which may be defined as toothed, which, presently, as soon as the roll a complementary relief is formed, a proper meshing established, which makes unnecessary the provision of a reference ma on drivers and transmission members, placed upstream of encode engaged by driver disc and on the disc itself.

In order to re-establish this meshing, between knurling tool and r 4, after each, longitudinal movement of knurling tool, in either case when the two members providing the coupling, have to rencounter the same reciprocal angular position (drawing having line repetitivity), both in case that rencounter happens to be on reciproc different angular positions, dictated by longitudinal pitch P and angular pitch p of drawing, that knurling tool is providing (drawing wi worm or angular repetitivity). In the first case, to a substantial absen of movement of roll to be worked, corresponds the absolute immobili of knurling tool . According to a preferred embodiment of the prese invention, the end pivots knurling tool, are longer than convention ones, in order that they extend outward from supports, in order to engaged by a pair of brake shoes, driven by alternative fluidinam motors, controlled electrovalves and fed by the same hydraulic statio providing the pressure for the second movement. In the second case, t absolute immobility of knurling tool, obtained in the same manner, made to correspond with an angular movement, controlled by encode while, during engaging and disengaging there is a small gap of idlenes of roll. An almost spontaneous small adjusting of the angular positio such to favour engaging and disengaging of projections while, followin an archuated stroke, the knurling tool goes freely to and from th tangency or engagement condition.

As a result of semiautomatic operation of the system in operator absence, even for very long periods such as 120 hours and more, a automatic lubricating system is provided, at least to lubricate the pivo of knurling tool; wherein such system is automatic and mixed, i.e. b soaking, and with forced injections, by intervals of time.

Referring now to the fourth movement, it includes conventionally screw, driving a kinematic device, comprising a reaction spring, it wa mechanized, providing the screw with a member, driven, by desmodronic transmission, driven by a complementary member, drive by a permanent magnet d.c.motor, power supplied through wire wherein an encoder, powered by corresponding cable is axially couple to the screw, with a pair of angular limit switches, connected wit cables, also placed on the screw and wherein the screw pitch is such t maintain the excursion within an angle inferior to 360° In order to explain in a better manner the features of the presen invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which sho one possible embodiment thereof in schematic manner and merely b way of explanation.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a machine, in accordanc with the present invention, wherein the substantially conventiona parts, are shown in phantom lines, while the parts, according to th present invention, are shown in solid lines and in a relatively simplifie and/or symbolic fashion. The input and output signals and powe circuit are all connected with an electric and electronic panel containe in a separate shelf body.

Figure 2 is a flow chart, of electric and electronic panel. Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view, of the most important part of the operating machine, in the attitude wherein a roll is bein engraved. A number of same parts are sectioned or broken t evidentiate other parts concealed thereby.

Figure 4 is a, substantially symbolic, front view of the caricature positions, assumed by the knurling tool, whose barrel-like shape i exaggerated, with regard to a roll being engraved, wherein on the le side thereof, are drawn in lines broken in differentiated fashion, th projection of three successive position and their effects provided by th knurling tool, simply rolling, in tangency contact, on. the roll. Instead, i the right side thereof, it is supposed that the knurling tool was alread fed, by more angular and longitudinal pitches, and that it is in the fin rolling step. Of course, the drawing is of the kind wherein, both th barrel-like shape - which, in practice, is included in a range between z and z4, and 0,6 mm, of radius difference - and rolling, as well longitudinal and angular feeding, are necessary.

Referring now to the figures of the drawings, a machine f mechanical provision of engraving rolls includes, conventionally, a lath like structure, including a frame 9, with guides 9', two boxes 9", a he 90 having a disc 91, driven by motor 5, a pair of . steady rests supports 92, 92', a carriage 93, with an apron 94 and a screw 95, operative engraving unit, as well as a tool, including the knurling tool having four freedom ranges, the substantially radial of which, f approaching, is subjected to the action of a press 2.

According to the present invention, driving of disc or faceplate 91 roll 4, to be worked, to turn it around its axis, is complied by a d. motor 5, powered by cable 5', being controlled by an encoder 50, who signals, received through one or more wires 50', may be referred present correct positions, of roll 4 being worked, even relatively position, at least longitudinal, of knurling tool 3. The four convention freedom ranges, and the condition, in accordance with the prese invention, of knurling tool braking or fastening, is characterized follow. Longitudinal movement of carriage 93, on which the operati knurling tool unit 1 is mounted, is driven by a conventional screw 95 tool machine, which is nevertheless, dissociated from the rest a driven by motor 6, powered by d.c. cable 61", being controlled by encoder 6'. To its signals transmitted, through one or more wires 61', c be referred the correct present positions, of knurling tool 3, with respe to roll 4; whereas, limit switches 60, 60', connected to the electric pane respectively 60" e 60'", may be placed at the ends 4', 4" of roll 4 to worked. The second freedom range, of knurling tool 3, comprises substantially radial, substantially vertical movement, for approachin and driving away it from the piece 4 substantially radial, substantiall vertical, being worked. Such freedom range includes a base position, t be determined manually, only once, an adjusting by a screw 2', know in itself, of press 2, to determine the utmost centripetal position, angular excursion, driven by a first class lever suspension, known i itself, wherein the power, according to the present invention, comprise a fluidinamic or hydraulic cylinder-piston unit 20, connected with hydraulic station 21, controlling it through a pair of electrovalves 2 22', in turn controlled by input signals coming through wires 22", 22"' from electronic computerized circuit 7. Even this freedom range i limited by a limit switch 123, connected with wire 123'. The thir freedom range includes rotation of knurling tool 3, duly provided,

both ends, with projecting hubs 3' e 3", - to be spoken hereafter, aroun its axis, which is substantially idle, whereby induced by rotation of rol 4 to be worked (named Y axis), engaging it and therefore may b considered, contextual and contemporary but, according to an essentia feature of the present invention, is assisted by a temporary braking o fastening device 8, covering the time gap between removal an engagement in compliance with the second freedom range, which ar consequent to each positioning, according to the first freedom range. Th fourth freedom range is comprised by angular excursion (named Z axis of axis 3', 3", of knurling tool, about a fixed fulcrum 30 and substantia rolling of generatrixs (03) Zl, z2, z3, z4, of tangency, may take place b driving a system, known in itself, including a second class lever, whic has, as power, a screw 30' loading a spring 30" and as resistance substantially bridge-like support 31, carrying knurling tool 3. Vertica positioning, of knurling tool 3 is provided by excursion of piston 20' within the fluidinamic cylinder 20, providing the operating pressure. O course, this freedom range, is used only when the pitch or ratio, of th drawing to be engraved, is superior to 4-5 cm, with correspondin length of knurling tool 3 superior to 8 cm, having a barrel-like shape 03 Possible use of this freedom range, is needed during movement regarding the third freedom range. Control of these four freedom range conventionally was made manually, at least on driving and/or startin and/or adjusting and/or stopping; according to the present invention, i provided by suitable means, already described in part, to solve the specific problems. In particular, regarding the first movement: the lea screw 95 is driven by a permanent magnet motor 6, powered by a d. cable 61", subjected to a tele-reverser, not shown, placed within electri panel 7; in axial relationship is coupled with an encoder 6' whose inp and output terminal 61', is connected to electric and electronic panel to be described in the following. As said, the excursion range of carriag

93 is limited by two limit switches 60, 60', also electrically connecte by wires 60" and 60"', to said electric panel 7, to be described hereafter

Referring now to second movement, instead of a manual devic driver, not shown, which has been removed, an alternative fludinami motor 20, fed by an hydraulic station 21, it too newly provided. A pa of electrovalves 22, 22' and circuits 22", 22"', connected thereto an controlling such movement, include a duplicate of members, not show and of drivers 23, 23', controlled by electrovalve 24, fed by wire 2

whereby the approaching pressure is provided with two differe intensities: adjustably lower at the beginning and upon a certain ti set on a timer 23" powered 23"', a full pressure, which is adjustable to once and for a certain time. On the other hand, the hydraulic station drives also another device, to be described hereafter, substantially wi reference to the third movement.

The third movement, includes the substitution of a convention asynchrone three-phase motor, not shown, with a permanent magn d.c. motor 5. The same indirectly drives, a roll gripping chuck 91; su driving is provided through a belt transmission 50" and some gears, n shown; encoder 50, associated to this movement, monitors the re movements of roll 4, to be worked; in fact it is engaged by cylindric surface 91', of leading disc 91, including a driving dog-like 91 substantially without clearance, both with respect to the hub 4"', of r 4, to be worked and thus of the same roll, and with regard to leadi disc 91. This third movement is very important, not only in itself, b since it determines the rotation of knurling tool 3; this, is provided wi pivots 3', 3" idly mounted on respective supports 33', 33", conventional manner. Such movement is desmodronic, in fact it provided by knurling tool 3, which may be defined as toothed, whic presently, as soon as on the roll 4 a complementary relief is formed, proper meshing is established, which makes unnecessary provision of reference mark on driver and transmission member, upstream encoder 50, engaged by driver disc 91 and on the disc itself. In order re-establish this meshing, between knurling tool 3 and roll 4, after eac longitudinal movement of knurling tool 3, in either cases: when the t members 3 and 4, providing the coupling, have to rencounter in t same reciprocal angular position (drawing having linear repetitivity both in case that rencounter happens to be on reciprocal differe angular positions, dictated by longitudinal pitch P and by angular pitc p of drawing that, knurling tool 3 is providing (drawing with worm angular repetitivity) (figure 4). In the first case, a substantial absence movement of roll 4 to be worked, corresponds to absolute immobility knurling tool 3. According to a preferred embodiment of the prese invention, the end pivots 3', 3" knurling tool 3, are longer tha conventional ones, in order that they extend outward from supports 33 33", in order to be engaged by a pair of brake shoes 34, 34', driven b alternative fluidinamic motors 35, controlled electrovalve 22, 23 and fe

by the same hydraulic station 21, providing the pressure for the secon movement. In the second case, the absolute immobility of knurling too 3, obtained in the same manner, is made to correspond with an angula movement p, controlled by encoder 50, while, during engaging an disengaging there is a small gap of idleness, of roll 4. An almos spontaneous small adjusting of the angular position, such to favour th meshing engagement and disengagement of projections while, followin an archuated stroke, the knurling tool 3 goes to and from the tangenc or engagement condition. As a result of semiautomatic operation of th system in operator's absence even for very long periods such as 12 hours and more, an automatic lubricating system 13 is needed at least t provide lubricant to the pivots 3' and 3", of knurling tool 3. Such syste is automatic and mixed, i.e. by soaking, and with forced injections, b intervals of time. Referring now to the fourth movement which, conventionally, i provided by the screw 30', driving a kinematic device 31, including reaction spring 30", it was mechanized, providing the screw 30' with member 36, driven, by a desmodronic transmission, driven by complementary member 36', driven by a permanent magnet d.c.moto 36", supplied through wire 36"' wherein encoder 37, powered b corresponding cable 37' corresponding is axially coupled to the scre 30', with a pair of angular limit switch 38, 38', connected with cables 38 and 38'" also placed on the screw 30' and wherein the screw pitch i such to maintain the excursion within an angle inferior to 360°. From what described heretofore the system operation should b evident, however a rough explanation will be given also with referenc to two embodiments. More particularly in example I a roll including drawing of the kind not employing ail the resources of the system Wherea example II, expressely referring to Figure 4, thoroughly use al the system resources. In an appendix of example II, is roughl described, also the program which is suitably provided and that opportunely simplified may be used to program also example I. EXAMPLE I Having to engrave a roll 4, for special paper embossing, sized 50 mm in diameter and 4500 mm long; the blank was duly provided an the machine was prepared, in a substantially conventional way. In fact roll 4 was provided, lathed, stabilized and ground. After havin prepared its keying means to driving dog 91", spacer rings and en

bearing 492, 492', which adequate the diameter, of cylindrical halves supports 92, 92', to the diameter of hub of roll 4 to be engraved, w mounted on the machine, between the driving dog 91" and supports 9 92'. Referring now to the machine arrangement, carriage 93, carryi the engraving operative unit 1, is conventionally placed at the end 4' roll 4. On the same unit, is mounted the knurling tool 3, in convention manner . However, instead of conventional assembling, in order comply with supporting of knurling tool 3, instead of suitable brack not shown, which may be put on or removed, braking shoes 34, a provided, which are temporarily released and removed, in a way to explained later on. Again, in conventional manner, the position knurling tool 3 is set, checking the montage, possibly correcting it, wi a suitable adjusting screw, symbolically included by nonius 00. At th stage, according to the present invention, the hydraulic station 21, started, providing a lower pressure, at least in cylinder 20, at least reach about 3 atmosphere. Thus roll 4, is caused to rotate and pressu is gradually increased, to reach about 10, 12 atmospheres. When t operator realizes that everything is correct the program, for automat prosecution of engraving, along the whole roll 4 or along part of i substantially without further operator's intervention exception made f final unloading of roll or possibly an intermediate stage ready provide a corrosion step, is started. The program, for a determined roll is drawn, once and for ever, and may be used to provide a sing engraving from end to end. Having to repeat the engraving, intervention of operator, to return carriage 93, including the engravin operative unit 1, at the end 4' of roll 4, substantially in startin condition, checking and adjusting the matching between the knurlin tool 3 and the already engraved track, as well as with progra repetition.

.EXAMPLE II

Having to engrave a roll 4, for paper-cloth embossing, sized 450 m in diameter and 2700 mm long, the blank was duly provided, a described in example I. Reference is now made to the drawing to b engraved. In accordance with example I, the repetition of the . drawin was to be made in a mere linear fashion; thus only one placing o carriage 93, involving use of only two axes X and Y. Whereas, in th drawing of this example II, the knurling tool 3 has a length, dictated b

drawing pitch, such to include control of Z axis, necessary for using the knurling tool 3 along the whole length. Moreover, the drawing nature dictate that, against each longitudinal placing of knurling tool, a angular excursion on Y axes is provided. The machine arrangement, repeats that of example I, up to the stage wherein roll 4 is caused to rotate and pressure is gradually increased, to reach about 10, 12 atmospheres. It is to be realized that, according to normal experience o operator, through manual excursion of the whole Z axis field fro . position 1 to position 4 of figure 4, everything is correct. However, before starting program for automatic prosecution of engraving, i

contrariety with what happened with example I, the knurling tool 3 is placed in position 1 of figure 4. Thus, as in example I, the progra which obviously is different therefrom, for execution and repetition o cycle is started. The program will be such to control the X, Y, Z axes wherein control of Y axis involves the additional function roll re positioning with an angular excursion corresponding with drawing, alon the whole length of roll 4 or on one part thereof, substantially withou further intervention by operator, exception made for final unloading o roll or possibly an intermediate stage ready to provide a corrosion step As in example I, the program, for a determined roll 4, is drawn once an for ever and may be used to provide a single engraving from end to end Having to repeat the engraving, an intervention of operator, to retur carriage 93, including the engraving operative unit 1, at the end 4 * o roll 4, substantially in starting condition, checking and adjusting th matching between the knurling tool 3 and the already engraved track as well as with program repetition.

For automatic running of drafted programs, a numerical control i used; it is shown in the chart of Figure 2, substantially comprising central unit 70, including a microprocessor 71, EPROM memories 72 RAM memories 72', mathematic co-processor 72, serial interface 74, a analogic output 75, an input/output port 76, a digital output 76'. Th central unit 70 is connected with nine modules viz: an input contro module 77, an output control module 77', a console module 77", an positioning module 78, a X-counting module 178, an Y positionin module 78' a Y-counting module 178', a Z positioning module 78", a counting module 178", as well as power supply 79, wherein th numerical control includes, in 101 the machine input, in 102x, 102y 102z the on/off and reference, in 103 the miscellaneous output and i

104x, 104y, 104z the input for positional transducer encoder type. gli on/off 102x, 102y, 102z and respective input 104x, 104y, 104z, position transducers 6', 50, 37, are connected: motor 6, 5, 36", driver, shown, tachometer, and encoder 6', 50 and 37. Between the on/off 10 102y 102z and respective input 104x, 104y, 104z for positio transducer 6', 50, 37, motors 6, 5, 36" driver, tachometer, and encod 6', 50 and 37, are provided.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the pres invention, microprocessor 71 is of Z 80 or 6502 or cdp 1802 type, t EPROM memories 72 are of the 27512 type or of the 27256 type, t RAM memories 72' are static, of 6264 type, with back battery, t mathematics co-processor 72, is of AMD 9511 type, serial interface 74 of RS232 C type.

Numerical control has substantially the following characteristics. controls three axes, displacement range is +/- 9999,99 mm, acceleratio are programmable, circular interpolation on plane, linear interpolati on all axes, programming support with parametric instructio reference point machine cycle; programming is absolute and incremental and with host computer, DNC mode and teach programmable functions are as follow: miscellaneous functions ( preparatory functions (G), feed function (F) for axes, spindle function ( nesting subroutine, nesting loop functions and reference po translation thereof; complete security diagnostic continuous checki auto-test with variable polling ; machine transducer with continuo diagnostic; manually operable in two ways with continuous a adjustable of all the axes and by programmable single steps . T interface includes thirty two testable input, thirty two 24V, 100 m output + 24V, 1,2A, output; output stages are of open collector type wi TR BD677 type or MJ 3001 type; working is tested by external gaug (reading in BCD code). Referring now to memories: memory (72) is of

Kbyte, expandable up to 256 Kbyte and RAM memory (72') is of Kbyte expandable up to 50 Kbyte

The control console comprises: a 270 LED display, to display t digits of x, y, z axes; of program block numbers, of the instructio given; display (271) by shifting; Keyboard (272) with keys 0 to 9, keys and - as well as keys for switching the function selector, as well as t delete key and keys start and stop; feed rate override (273) from 10%

100%; mode selector (274) of the operation modes with the followi positions: a) manual; b) loading working program; c) checking or correction of working program; d) position auto-teaching; e) parameter loading; f) automatic; g) semiautomatic; (single block) h) absolute JOG; i) incremental JOG;

Programs drafted taking into account these particulars.

APPENDIX

The program for engraving of roll 4, with the drawing of example shown in Figure 4 is the following:

1)M24; 2)@tl; 3)M21; 4)@t2; 5)M23; 6)G91; 7)Zzl-z4; 8)@t3; 9)M8 10@t4; 11)M22; 12)@t5; 13)M82; 14)@t6; 15)M81; 16)M84; 17)G9 18)Zz4-zl; 19)G91; 20)XP; 21)G62; 22)M25; 23)Yp; 24)M85; 25)@t 26)JnP-l); 27)M99. In such program M is the mansion and precisely: 21= unbraking knurling tool 3; 22= back rotation of roll 4; 23= forward rotation of r 4; 24= approaching of knurling tool 3 to roll 4; 25= p angular ba rotation; 81= braking of knurling tool 3; 82= stopping of roll 4; 8 stopping of roll 4; 84= detaching of knurling tool 3; 85= stopping of ro 99= end of the cycle. @ indicates the waiting time, of tn duratio wherein n is from 1 to 7. X indicates the movement of carriage 93 by distance P. Y indicates the angular excursion of roll 4 by p angle. indicates the extent of angular excursion that knurling tool 3 has make in the time t3+t4+t5. G indicates the axes commutation and displacement of p, P, zl-z4, z4-zl extent, and precisely: 62= on Y ax 91, respectively, on X axis and on Z axis. J indicates the number return to the program origin 1) before passing to instructions M99.