Device for adjusting an operating parameter of ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press as well as method therefor

Abstract

A device for setting at least one operating parameter of ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press having an inking system which has a doctor blade device with a doctor blade chamber containing the ink for the printing process, and an ink reservoir from which ink can be supplied to the doctor blade chamber, includes a supply system which allows ink to be supplied inside the inking system. The supply system can be switched to a setting mode (I) or to a production mode (II), the operating parameter being automatically set in the setting mode (I) and no ink being supplied to the doctor blade chamber, and the supply system supplying ink to the doctor blade chamber in the production mode (II).

Claims

1. A device for adjusting an operating parameter of an ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press, comprising: a color system, which includes a doctor device with a doctor chamber in which the ink is contained for the printing process, an ink container from which the ink is conveyed into the doctor chamber, and a conveyance system, which allows conveyance of the ink within the color system, the conveyance system including a primary supply line and a primary drainage line, a flow pump in the primary supply line and a return flow pump in the primary drainage line, a bypass line connecting the primary supply line to the primary drainage line, the bypass line being arranged between the flow pump and the doctor chamber, and between the doctor chamber and the return flow pump, and an ink tempering element arranged in the primary drainage line, the conveyance system providing an adjustment circuit for an adjustment mode (I) and a production circuit for a production mode (II), and being configured for switching into the adjustment mode (I) and the production mode (II), with, in the adjustment mode (I), the conveyance of the ink into the doctor chamber being prevented via use of the bypass line and an automatic adjustment of the operating parameter being performed, in the production mode (II), the conveyance system conveying the ink into the doctor chamber, the color system including a monitoring element to monitor the operating parameter in the adjustment mode (I) and in the production mode (II), with the monitoring element being arranged in the primary supply line, and measuring and/or determining a viscosity of the ink and/or a temperature of the ink, and the conveyance system including a supply station via which an operating modifier is introduced into the adjustment circuit in order to adjust and/or change the operating parameter.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein in the production mode (II), the bypass line is blocked and in the adjustment mode (I), the bypass line is opened.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring element is at least one of an ultrasound sensor and a temperature sensor.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the operating modifier is a solvent.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of valves, including a first valve positioned in the primary supply line between the bypass line and the doctor chamber, a second valve positioned in the bypass line, and a third valve positioned in the primary drainage line between the doctor chamber and the bypass line.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ink tempering element is a heat exchanger.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the heat exchanger includes a water supply line and a water return line.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the water supply line and the primary drainage line are configured to provide for countercurrent flow of water from the water supply line and ink from the primary drainage line.

9. A method of adjusting an operating parameter of an ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press having a color system, which includes a doctor device with a doctor chamber in which the ink is contained for the printing process, an ink reservoir, from which the ink is conveyed into the doctor chamber, and a conveyance system for conveying the ink within the color system, the conveyance system including a primary supply line and a primary drainage line, a flow pump in the primary supply line and a return flow pump in the primary drainage line, a bypass line connecting the primary supply line to the primary drainage line, the bypass line being arranged between the flow pump and the doctor chamber, and between the doctor chamber and the return flow pump, and an ink tempering element arranged in the primary drainage line, the conveyance system providing an adjustment circuit for an adjustment mode (I) and a production circuit for a production mode (II), and being configured for switching into the adjustment mode (I) and the production mode (II), with, in the adjustment mode (I), the conveyance of the ink into the doctor chamber being prevented via use of the bypass line and an automatic adjustment of the operating parameter being performed, and in the production mode (II), the conveyance system conveying the ink into the doctor chamber, the color system including a monitoring element to monitor the operating parameter in the adjustment mode (I) and in the production mode (II), with the monitoring element being arranged in the primary supply line, and the conveyance system including an operating modifier supply station, said method comprising the steps of: switching the conveyance system from the production mode (II) to the adjustment mode (I), and from the adjustment mode (I) to the production mode (II), including, in the adjustment mode (I), based on the automatic adjustment of the operating parameter, blocking via use of the bypass line, an influx of the ink into the doctor chamber, and in the production mode (II), conveying the ink into the doctor chamber; monitoring the operating parameter with the monitoring element that measures and/or determines a viscosity of the ink and/or a temperature of the ink, with the monitoring being performed in the adjustment mode (I) and in the production mode (II); and introducing an operating modifier into the adjustment circuit in order to adjust and/or change the monitored operating parameter.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the production circuit and the adjustment circuit are operable separately from each other.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the operating parameter is the viscosity of the ink, which is adjusted in the adjustment mode (I).

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the operating modifier is introduced into the adjustment circuit when a target value of the operating parameter is not detected by the monitoring element.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the operating modifier is supplied to the primary drainage line, and a mixing of the operating modifier with the ink is performed in the ink reservoir.

14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of introducing a cleaning solution for cleaning the color system into the conveyance system via a cleaning device.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of switching the conveyance system is effected with a plurality of valves, including a first valve positioned in the primary supply line between the bypass line and the doctor chamber, a second valve positioned in the bypass line, and a third valve positioned in the primary drainage line between the doctor chamber and the bypass line.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Additional advantages and details are discernible from the following description, in which an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be individually essential for the invention or in any arbitrary combination. It shows:

(2) FIG. 1 a device for adjusting at least one operating parameter of ink for a printing process of a rotary printing press, in which a doctor device with its doctor chamber is inked, and

(3) FIG. 2 the device according to FIG. 1, with a conveyance of the ink into the doctor chamber being blocked.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(4) Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

(5) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a potential exemplary embodiment of a color system 10, which is arranged in a rotary printing press 1. Here, the color system 10 is primarily provided for the purpose to supply the doctor device 11 with the respective ink 2 during the printing process of the rotary printing press 1. The doctor device 11 comprises here a doctor chamber 12, in which the respective quantity of ink is provided by the color system 10. Ink 2 is transferred by an appropriate embodiment of the doctor device 11 from the doctor chamber 12 to an appropriate printing unit, ensuring the printing operation of the rotary printing press 1.

(6) In order to provide the ink 2 during the normal printing process the color system comprises an ink reservoir 13, in which the ink 2 is contained. Additionally, a conveyance system 20 is located between the doctor device 11 and the ink reservoir 13, which is a component of the color system 10. The conveyance system 20 comprises various pumps 31, 41, lines 30, 40, as well as valves, so that a circuit develops for the ink 2 from the ink reservoir 13 to the doctor device 11 and back to the ink reservoir 13. During the printing process according to FIG. 1 the ink 2 flows through the primary supply line 30, with the flow pump 31 being activated, and the ink 2 flows through the supply line 33, 34. Here the primary supply line 30 comprises two valves 35, 36, with both valves 35, 36 being open.

(7) As discernible from the two figures, the conveyance system 20 comprises a bypass line 21 with a valve 25, with the bypass line 21 connecting the primary supply line 30 to the primary drainage line 40. According to FIG. 1 the valve 25 is closed, so that a circulation of the ink 2 occurs only via the doctor chamber 12. During the printing processes of the rotary printing press 1 the return flow pump 41 is also activated, so that the drainage line 43 represents the suction side of the return flow pump 41 and the drainage line 44 represents the pressure side of the return flow pump 41. Additionally the primary drainage line 40 comprises two valves 45, 46, which are open during the printing process according to FIG. 1.

(8) The conveyance system 20 is embodied such that the conveyance system 20 can be switched to an adjustment mode I and a production mode II. The adjustment mode I is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 shows the production mode II. In the production mode I the conveyance system 20 generates a production circuit, which leads from the ink reservoir 13 through the primary supply line 30, through the doctor chamber 12, and through the primary drainage line 40, back to the ink reservoir 13. An adjustment circuit develops in the adjustment mode I for the ink 2, namely the ink 2 is conveyed by the conveyance system from the ink reservoir 13 through the primary supply line 30, through the bypass line 21, through the primary drainage line 40, back into the ink reservoir 13. In the adjustment mode II the valve 25 is open, while the valves 45, 35 are closed. The valves 46, 36 are both open in the adjustment mode II as well as in the production mode I, so that an open circuit is ensured for the ink 2.

(9) In order to allow executing a pre-conditioning of the printing ink for the printing process of the rotary printing press 1, first an adjustment occurs of at least one operating parameter of the printing ink 2, in order to ensure a high quality printing process in the production mode of the conveyance system 20. In particular it has shown that the operating parameter viscosity is of major importance. The color system 10 comprises monitoring means 22, 24 with the monitoring means 24 monitoring the viscosity of the ink. However the monitoring means 22 can (also) determine and/or monitor the temperature of the ink 2. In the present exemplary embodiment both monitoring means 22, 24 are arranged in the primary supply line 30. The monitoring means 24 can also be arranged downstream the flow pump 31 but upstream in reference to the bypass line 21. In the present exemplary embodiment the monitoring means 24 is an ultrasound sensor. However, the monitoring means 22 is embodied as a temperature sensor. The monitoring means 22, 24 may also be combined in an assembly. In the adjustment mode I according to FIG. 2 the operating parameter, particularly the viscosity, is being adjusted until the target viscosity is reached. The influencing of the viscosity occurs here by the supply station 90 adding operating means. The supply station 90 comprises lines 91, 92, 93, with the line 92 showing a valve 94 and the line 93 a valve 95. When now operating means is supplied via the supply station 90 into the conveyance system, particularly solvent, the valve 94 is in the open position (which is explicitly not shown). The valve 95 remains in the closed position. Simultaneously the valve 46 of the primary drainage line 40 is in its closed position. This way it is intended for the solvent to be conveyed directly to the ink reservoir 13. Here, mixing occurs, for example by a mixer or an agitator. While the ink 2 continues to be conveyed in the adjustment circuit the monitoring means 24 checks the viscosity of the ink 2. The viscosity of the ink 2 can also be influenced by an additional adjustment of the temperature using the ink tempering 23. Only when the target viscosity has been reached, the conveyance system 20 is switched from the adjustment mode I into the production mode II, which is shown in FIG. 1. Here the valve 25 is closed so that ink 2 cannot flow through the bypass line 21. Simultaneously the valves 35, 45 are open, so that the ink can flow in the production circuit.

(10) In the production mode II, further monitoring occurs of the viscosity of the ink 2, namely via the monitoring means 24, 22. If now in the production mode II the operating parameter was not in compliance with the target parameter, an appropriate introduction of the solvent occurs by the supply station 90 into the conveyance system 20, allowing the respective influencing of the viscosity. Here, the bypass line 21 remains blocked.

(11) Additionally the conveyance system 20 comprises a cleaning device 70, which allows a cleaning solution to flow into the conveyance system 20 for cleaning the color system 10. The cleaning device 70 comprises a line 71 with a valve 72, which is closed according to FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally the device according to the invention shows the option to pump the ink 2 out of the conveyance system 20 after the printing process, with the line 61 with a valve 64 being provided for this purpose, arranged at the primary drainage line 40. When now the ink 2 shall be removed from the color system 10 the valve 64 is opened, with simultaneously the valve 46 according to FIG. 1 being closed. The bypass line 21 remains closed. The ink 2 can be pumped out of the color system 10 by at least one pump 31, 41, with the line 61 being guided into a container, not shown in greater detail, in order to fill this container with ink 2. Thereafter it is possible to convey the cleaning solution from the container 70 into the conveyance system 20, with here it being necessary to open the valve 72. Thus the conveyance system 20 and/or the color system 10 can be washed completely with the cleaning solution, with it here being necessary to open and/or close the respective valves inside the conveyance system 20 so that all essential lines can be washed with the cleaning solution. The ink reservoir 13 can serve as a collection vessel for the cleaning solution enriched with ink residue. After the cleaning process, by opening the valve 82 and closing the valve 46, the soiled cleaning solution can be pumped out of the ink reservoir 13 into a refuse container 80. Advantageously, the valve 35 and the valve 45 should be closed during the process of pumping out, so that via the open valve 25 the cleaning solution enriched with the ink reaches the refuse container 80.

(12) The exemplary embodiment shown may comprise a control and/or regulation unit, not shown in greater detail, which automatically activates the switch of the conveyance system 20 into its adjustment mode and/or its production mode II and/or activates the cleaning of the conveyance system 20 by the cleaning solution or the process of pumping out the soiled cleaning solution. It is also possible that manually the adjustment mode I, the production mode II, the cleaning process, or the process of pumping out is activated and/or deactivated.

(13) In the present exemplary embodiment the ink tempering 23 represents a heat exchanger, comprising a water supply line 26 and a water return line 27. The ink flow in the primary drainage line 40 is aligned opposite in reference to the water flow of the heat exchanger 23.

(14) The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be recognized by one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

(15) TABLE-US-00001 List of reference characters 1 Rotary printing press 2 Ink 10 Color system 11 Doctor device 12 Doctor chamber 13 Ink reservoir 20 Conveyance system 21 Bypass line 22 Monitoring means, temperature sensor 23 Ink tempering, heat exchanger 24 Viscosity meter, monitoring means 25 Valve 26 Water supply line 27 Water return line 30 Primary supply line 31 Flow pump 33 Supply line 34 Supply line 35 Valve 36 Valve 40 Primary drainage line 41 Return flow pump 43 Drainage line 44 Drainage line 45 Valve 46 valve 61 Line 64 Valve 70 Container for cleaning solution 71 Solvent supply line 72 Valve 80 Refuse container 81 Supply line 82 Valve 90 Supply station 91 Line 92 Line 93 Line 94 Valve 95 Valve I Adjustment mode II Production mode