DE102005061029C5 - Machine unit of a multiple machine units having printing machine with at least one component with an address - Google Patents

Abstract

Printing machine with a plurality of machine units (18), each having at least one component with an address, wherein the at least one component of the respective machine unit (18) is connectable to a communication system common to the plurality of machine units (18), the address of the component of the respective machine unit (18) in which for the plurality of machine units (18) common communication system is unique, characterized in that at identical machine units (18) whose respective corresponding components each have the same address, each of these machine units (18) is associated with an address converter wherein each address translator a valid in the for the several machine units (18) common communication system address of at least one arranged in the respective machine unit (18) component based on a stored in him freely programmable table in a only within di The machine unit (18) converts the valid address and wherein each machine unit (18) with address converter is designed as a printing unit (11) or as a folding apparatus (81).

Description

The The invention relates to a machine unit of a plurality of machine units having printing machine with at least one component with a Address according to the generic term of claim 1.

By the DE 42 14 394 A1 a drive device for a rotary printing machine is known, comprising at least one printing unit with a number of individually driven cylinders, their drives and drive controllers, wherein different cylinders each interact in a pressure point group; one or more separately driven folders, the groups of print groups being associated with the or one of the folders; a higher-level control with an operating and data processing unit which is connected to the pressure point groups via at least one bus; wherein the folder is data technically connected to the pressure point groups and provides a position reference to them; wherein the drives and drive controllers of the printing group are connected via a drive bus each with a drive control, which performs the fine adjustment of the drives and their positioning in relation to the folder and each other; wherein the drive controls of the printing groups are interconnected with each other and with the operating and data processing unit via a data bus.

The DE 101 40 861 A1 relates to a system for transmitting data to a first data network having first means for transmitting data in at least a first transmission cycle, the first transmission cycle being divided into a first real-time critical data transmission area and a second non-real-time data transmission area, and with a second data network having second means for transmitting data in at least a second transmission cycle, wherein the second transmission cycle is subdivided into a third region for transmission of real-time critical data and into a fourth region for transmission of non-real-time critical data, and with a coupling unit for transmission of real-time critical data of the first area in the third area, wherein the coupling unit z. B. is designed as a router.

By the DE 102 51 573 A1 an arrangement for rapid image data transmission in printing machines and a corresponding method is known, wherein memory units are connected by means of a bus system with both a trained as a data manager computer for intermediate buffering of an image data received from a RIP (raster image processor) and with the imaging unit for imaging, each Bebilderungseinheit each communicates with one of the storage units and reads the image data directly from the respective storage unit.

By the DE 100 01 211 A1 a method for generating raster data for imaging units of a printing machine is known in which raw image data into a plurality of sub-images, each corresponding to a printing ink decomposed, the partial images output to a plurality of raster processors according to the number of colors to be printed and the partial images by the Raster processors to raster data for the output to each one of the imaging units are processed simultaneously.

By the EP 1 559 549 A1 a multiple-cylinder printing press is known with a control unit, wherein the control unit arranged in the printing machine is connected via a LAN to a RIP (raster image processor), wherein the control unit generates RIP-generated print data of a plurality of print jobs at predetermined time intervals or at certain times is downloaded via the LAN in a memory of the control unit, wherein the individual print jobs are selectable on a connected to the control unit display device.

By the DE 103 53 870 A1 a system for digital imaging is known, wherein arranged in a printing machine, associated with a printing unit image processing unit comprises a raster image processor (RIP) and a data buffer, wherein the image processing unit is connected to a prepress interface through which image data can get into the image processing unit.

By the US 2003/0048467 A1 For example, an imaging system known to a local area network, e.g. A LAN, or to a public network, e.g. As the Internet is connected.

By the EP 0 997 850 A1 is known, a raster image processor (RIP) z. In an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Of the Invention is based on the object, a machine unit of a several machine units having printing machine with at least one Component with an address to create, with the machine unit already before incorporation into a multiple machine units einbindendes Communication system in terms of communication skills the addressable component is independently testable and where a high disposability with regard to this machine unit.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1 solved.

The particular advantages of the invention are that the machine unit is self-sufficient and in terms of the addresses of their Components are manufactured neutral. It is not a special effort required to already in the production of individual machine units the multiple machine units having printing machine the final addresses to manage the individual components of each machine unit in which the press is involved with all its machine units Communication system can be obtained.

By the integration of imaging devices with decentralized raster processors in the communication system, a screening process is faster and needs-based executable. The decision which print image at which print image location which Form cylinder is formed, can until shortly before the execution of the Reset print job because there is no rigid assignment of certain image data to a specific print image location of a particular forme cylinder. Because each raster image processor rasterizes only a selected portion of the image data, the rasterization process is faster to execute than with a central one Raster image processor that performs the screening process for all parts the image data executes. The result is a flexible production of the printed product with an optional assignment z. B. of color separations to the Form cylinders of the printing machine allows, so a high disposability in terms the machine units involved in the manufacturing process, especially in complex printing machines with multiple sections each is very advantageous with several machine units.

The Raster data for generates each color separation of a page of the printed product to be produced become decentralized in the immediate vicinity of the imaging device generated; you can each stored in a file in a storage device become. This eliminates time-consuming error-prone loading processes of large amounts of data the pre-press to the imaging device in or at least at the printing press. Due to the decentralized screening, the Raster data from long ago not so extensive and thus over a network z. B. for generated electronic communication easier transportable image data there, where she needs become. By caching the raster data may also be a Demolition of the transfer extensive data stream during of the imaging process and the rasterization process of Bebilderungsprozess be decoupled. Decentralized raster image processors have the advantage that they parallel the screening process, d. H. perform at the same time can, which is central to pre-press compared to just one held raster image processor means a time advantage. The rasterization process can thus result in faster and in particular under consideration a layout information relating to the print image location on the forme cylinder or occupancy information needs to be carried out as needed.

moreover It is advantageous to provide that one associated with a forme cylinder Imaging device at least one print image or printing form imaged while another form cylinder of the same printing machine with at least a print image or printing form on one of this printing press executed, ongoing printing process is involved, which is beneficial to those using this printing press achievable utilization and thus productivity. The concept of decentralized image data processing thus has the advantage that each Machine unit of the printing press with its printing units and forms a self-sufficient unit for their various control devices, the image data of a page to be produced received from the prepress independent process and evaluate.

One Communication system, the different networks with each other connected, in particular a network for transmission of image data to at least one imaging device having a Network for control and / or monitoring a printing press and / or a network for communication from pre-press data, improved by greater transparency the processes of communication between everyone at the manufacturing of a printed company involved in a company and helps to a considerable extent To save costs, otherwise for a multiple provision of Signal lines and / or transmission links as well their interfaces would arise.

Further Advantages can be taken from the following detailed description.

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and are in Following closer described.

It demonstrate:

1 an image data management system having central image data management in a star topology;

2 an image data management system having central image data management in a line or ring topology;

3 an image data management system having central image data management in a binar topology;

4 an image data management system with local image data management in a star topology;

5 an image data management system having a central file server in a star topology;

6 an example of drive management in a printing machine;

7 an example of a folding machine that can be integrated in the control network.

The 1 to 3 each show an image data management system each with a central image data management, but with a different topology of an image data transmitting network. Allen in the 1 to 5 shown image data management systems have in common that in a computer 01 an upstream of the actual printing process prepress image data 02 each to a preferably in several, z. B. in four different printing colors to be printed page, wherein the page to be printed text, graphics and / or at least one image may have and the image data 02 thus contain information on the content, color and design of the page to be printed. The image data 02 A page of a printed product to be printed are combined in a file processable with methods of electronic data processing or in a telegram which can be transmitted via a transmission link. The prepress is accordingly a work area in which a page of a printed product to be printed is optionally assembled and prepared, but at least provided for the subsequent printing process.

As a rule, a printed product to be produced with the printing press consists of a plurality of printed pages, so that printed pages are printed in a downstream processing device, for example, a printer. B. in one of the printing machine associated folding apparatus, collected in accordance with a pre-defined in the prepress specification and summarized to the desired printed product. The amount of image data corresponding to each of the pages to be printed 02 is usually summarized in a single file, this file z. B. may well be several, in two or even three digits lying MB (megabytes). It is common nowadays, such image data 02 z. Example in the form of a pixel-based TIFF file (Tagged Image File Format), in the form of a contour data coded postscript file or in the form of a file in a pixel and contour data structures combining pdf format (portable document formst) for transmission to at least one in the editing process downstream computer ( 03 ) to provide. Each of the pages to be printed can z. B. have a resolution of about 1200 dpi to 2400 dpi, so that results for each of the pages to be printed pages of the printed product, a file in the order of 1 GBit and more or significantly more than 100 MB. For a four-color printed page, the amount of data is then in the range of 400 MB and more. For a complete newspaper with several, z. B. 48 and more pages then results in a data volume in the range of several GB, their transmission over a network high demands on this image data 02 transmits network.

Such a computer downstream in the processing process 03 can z. B. a raster image processor 03 (RIP), if necessary, the image data 02 from the prepress z. B. in a pixel-oriented data format, ie a bitmap format converts, wherein the raster image processor 03 (RIP) by arithmetic operations from the image data 02 raster data 04 generated. It can be provided that from the image data 02 - either before the raster image processor 03 (RIP) or in the raster image processor 03 (RIP) - before converting it to raster data 04 color separations associated with the printing inks - also called color separations - are produced, each color separation producing a printed image to be printed, the printing images of different color separations belonging to a page being printed on a printing material, e.g. B. a web or a sheet, which is produced in the printing process side. In four-color printing, the color separations C, M, Y and K associated with the four inks cyan, magenta, yellow and black are common. The raster image processor 03 (RIP) generates the raster data associated with each color separation for each of the inks 04 , wherein the respective raster data belonging to one of the color separations 04 specify each of the respective color separation with a printing unit of a printing press on the substrate to be printed halftone dot at least in its size and location. This grid point specification enlarges the file of the amount of image data associated with the printed product page to be printed 02 in a considerable extent. Instead of referring to the specification of the position and size of the raster point on the arrangement of the raster point on the substrate, the specification of the raster point can also on its arrangement relative to a form cylinder involved in the printing process 12 refer to the printing of a printing press, ie the specification indicates where the grid point z. B. taking into account the angular position of the forme cylinder 12 is to be arranged with respect to the lateral surface. This raster points are associated with their respective specification of a particular print image location in the printing press.

It is beneficial to use the raster image processor 03 (RIP) for each of the color separations associated with a page to be created 04 preferably each in a file in a storage device 06 to save and there to retrieve ready to call. In the storage device 06 can the raster data 04 whole color separations or part of at least one color separation. The caching of raster data 04 has the advantage that a demolition of the extensive data stream to be transmitted during the imaging process can be avoided. The computer 01 the prepress, the raster image processor 03 (RIP) and / or the storage device 06 can advantageously each with a network 07 for the particular electronic communication of data to be processed in the prepress, the image data associated with a page of the printed product to be printed 02 z. B. with the in this network 07 integrated calculator 01 the prepress with at least one usual in office communication program, eg. As for word processing or graphic editing, are editable. Likewise, preferably is a computer 08 for the control and / or monitoring of the printing process exporting printing press to this prepress assigned network 07 connected, the calculator 08 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press preferably also with a network 09 connected to the control and / or monitoring of the printing press, being over the network 09 For controlling and / or monitoring of the printing press all required machine operations can be coordinated, with these machine operations z. As the control of the drives of the printing press and thus the angular position of the form cylinder 12 , an on or off of the form cylinder 12 on with the respective form cylinders 12 cooperating transfer cylinder, a control of the form cylinder 12 relative to a printing material cutting and / or folding device or a control of a printing process in the transport of the printing material influencing means may include. The network 09 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press will be used later in conjunction with the 6 explained in more detail.

The computer 08 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press is z. B. as a press belonging to the control room 08 trained or at least in a press belonging to the control room 08 integrated ( 1 to 5 ). Through the data technology connection of the computer 08 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press to the computer 01 the prepress, the raster image processor 03 (RIP) and / or the storage device 06 may be the raster data generated for each of the color separations associated with a page to be produced 04 associated with a printing location associated with a print image location within the printing press, because the computer 08 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press has data z. B. for occupancy of the printing press belonging to the form cylinder 12 with in each case at least one printing form, wherein the printing form has at least one printed image point with a printed image to be formed at this printed image point, and via the printing process, wherein the data relating to the printing process contains information in particular with regard to the sequence of color separations associated with a page to be produced with respect to the transport direction include the printing material through the printing press. The data for the occupancy of belonging to the printing press form cylinder 12 each with at least one printing form z. B. contained in an electronically held occupancy plan.

In most cases spatially separated from an area attributable to the pre-press, in which at least the computer 01 the prepress is arranged, there is a the actual printing process attributable area, which is designed in particular as a machine room, in which at least one printing process exporting printing machine is set up. The printing machine is preferably as a in the transport direction of the printing material successively belonging to a page to be printed images in several, z. B. formed in at least four different printing colors printing press. The printing machine is z. B. as a sheet-fed rotary printing press or as a web-fed rotary printing machine.

In the preferred embodiment, the printing press is designed as an offset web-fed rotary printing press, in particular as a newsprint printing press, wherein each print side of the print product is preferably associated with a print form, wherein the print engine of this print engine prints print images in a conventional wet offset printing process or in a dry offset printing process using no dampening printed by this printing press substrate prints, the substrate as a web, z. B. as a paper web is formed. The printing machine preferably prints on both sides of the material web during its passage through the printing machine, with corresponding print images corresponding in each case in the transport direction of the material web successively with the individual color separations of a page to be produced to be printed.

Alternatively, the printing machine z. Example, be designed as a printing in a gravure printing press, wherein for the production of printed products of different sizes, in particular different length, forme cylinder 12 with different diameters in the printing press are interchangeable. Depending on the used forme cylinder 12 are then more involved in the printing process facilities to the by the respective circumference of the forme cylinder 12 adjust certain product length, z. B. is a cutting cylinder or a folding cylinder in a printing unit downstream folding in its respective angular position relative to the angular position of the forme cylinder 12 adjust accordingly. In this case, one is the illustration of the forme cylinder 12 exporting imaging device 13 to make such that with her at least in the circumferential direction of the forme cylinder 12 a variable-length imaging can be performed.

A further alternative embodiment of the printing press can provide that the printing process is pressure-formless, that is, executed without the use of an objectively formed printing form by printing on a printed image spot on a z. B. formed as a drum image carrier corresponding to the screen dots to be printed latent, z. B. electrostatic image is formed. A further embodiment of a printing press that carries out the printing process without printing form can consist in that the imaging device 13 Printing ink from a z. B. transmits cylindrically shaped ink carrier using the light hydraulic effect pixel by pixel on a substrate. Thus, a direct or an indirect printing method can be used.

The exemplarily selected printing press is in the 1 to 5 shown in a very simplified manner and shows only schematically z. B. two stacked to a back pressure tower printing units 11 , z. B. H-pressure units 11 where each H printing unit 11 each has a bridge printing unit and a U-printing unit, each bridge printing unit and each U-printing unit each consisting of two pairs of cylinders each consisting of a forme cylinder 12 and a transfer cylinder (not shown), wherein the transfer cylinders of different cylinder pairs belonging to the same bridge or U printing unit are set against each other, the web (not shown) vertically passing each eight-pressure tower between the counteracting transfer cylinders. But it can also be provided, in particular in newspaper printing customary printing unit arrangements, z. B. a satellite arrangement, in particular a 9-satellite arrangement, wherein the centrally arranged, the four transfer cylinders common printing cylinder preferably has its own, the drive of the transfer cylinder and / or respectively associated form cylinder 12 independent, with another drive not in positive or mechanical connection standing drive. In the 1 to 5 are for reasons of clarity, only the form cylinder 12 each bridge or U-pressure unit or 9-satellite arrangement shown.

Every form cylinder 12 the printing machine has in the preferred embodiment in its axial direction next to each other, for. B. four or six print image locations (not shown), with these print image locations z. B. on representational, each on one of the form cylinder 12 arranged printing forms are located, preferably on each printing plate in each case exactly one of these print image locations, wherein in the circumferential direction of the forme cylinder 12 each also several, z. B. two print image or printing forms can be arranged. So the printing machine z. B. formed as a so-called 6/2 printing press preferably for the newspaper printing, ie, each with six print image locations in the axial direction and two print image locations in the circumferential direction of each forme cylinder 12 , At least a part of the printing machine provided in the printing machine or arranged printing forms can, for. B. by a thermal, ablatives Bebilderungsverfahren described, preferably be rewritable trained. In particular, the printing plates can each be designed as process-free or process-free printing plates which do not require a chemical or "wet" development. At each print image location, a print image corresponding to one of the color separations can be formed from one of the pages to be produced, ie each of these print image locations has a print image corresponding to one of the pages to be produced, ie at each print machine selected as a function of the print product to be produced in this print machine Print image is by means of at least one imaging device 13 a printed image corresponding to the halftone dots to be printed is formed. Preferably, all of the printing image locations or arranged printing plates provided in the printing machine are inline, ie imageable within the printing machine, ie with at least one imaging device arranged within the printing machine 13 Foreseeable with their respective print image.

Preferably, each form cylinder 12 so many imaging devices 13 assigned, like this form cylinder 12 has in its axial direction side by side print image locations. Especially in newspaper printing forms each imaging device 13 on one on a forme cylinder 12 at ordered printing form preferably a print image in each case at exactly one belonging to this printing form print image location. At least one of the form cylinder arranged in the printing press 12 can in its axial direction z. B. have several consecutive, preferably equal width sections, wherein in each section on the forme cylinder 12 at least one printing form can be arranged or at least one printed image point is provided. It can also be provided that in each section of the forme cylinder 12 in the circumferential direction a plurality of print image areas can be imaged or printed forms can be arranged. In every section of the forme cylinder 12 In the circumferential direction, preferably two printed image areas are imaged or two printing forms are arranged. Different sections of the same forme cylinder 12 is preferably in each case an imaging device 13 assigned, in particular, can also each section of the forme cylinder 12 an own imaging device 13 be assigned. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the same imaging device 13 all printed image or printing forms of the same forme cylinder 12 imaged in a sequential or parallel workflow. If the printing press at least two forme cylinder 12 at least one of each of the imaging devices 13 has imageable print image or printing form, it is advantageous to provide that one of these form cylinder 12 associated imaging device 13 the at least one print image or printing form imaged, while the other form cylinder 12 is involved with its running at least one print image or printing form on an executed by the printing press, ongoing printing process.

The imaging device 13 is a physical, a print image generating interface and can each z. Example, a single laser system or a laser array consisting of several lasers or another at the print image point or on the printing plate, a printed image generating system, wherein the printed image generated on the printing form or on the printing form indirectly z. B. is transferred by an offset printing process or a gravure printing process on the substrate. The imaging device 13 but also z. B. be designed as an inkjet system, so that the printed image without a transmitting medium, eg. B. a transfer cylinder, directly and directly generated on the substrate.

Each imaging device 13 also has an imaging device 13 controlling control device 14 on, with this control device 14 also arranged in the printing machine and preferably in the structural unit of the imaging device 13 is integrated. Alternatively, the imaging device 13 and her control device 14 be designed as spatially and functionally closely interconnected modules. The imaging device 13 and her control device 14 are thus preferably coupled directly to each other, wherein the imaging device 13 the from their control device 14 preferably bit-by-bit halftone dot information physically converted into the print image to be formed. The control device 14 each imaging device 13 is each to a data line 16 connected, the data lines 16 all z. B. in the same bridge, U or H printing unit 11 or in the same printing tower arranged control devices 14 of printing devices arranged in the printing machine 13 according to the 1 and 3 to 5 z. B. with at least one function of a data manager performing computer 17 are connected. The data lines 16 can be wired z. B. each may be formed as a fiber optic cable, as a coaxial cable or as a twisted pair cable or wirelessly as a radio transmission link. The trained as a data manager computer 17 is preferably in close proximity to the printing tower and its printing units 11 arranged so that the printing tower or at least its printing units 11 each together with their form cylinders 12 associated imaging devices 13 , their control devices 14 and the trained as a data manager computer 17 one in the 1 . 3 to 5 each indicated by a dotted outline machine unit 18 form. The computer that performs the function of a data manager 17 can z. B. implemented in an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and thus be designed as a specialized on the function of data mapping circuit (data switch).

Preferably as part of the machine unit 18 can a z. B. in each case an H-pressure unit 11 assigned logic unit 21 be provided, on the one hand with the relevant H-pressure unit 11 arranged control devices 14 and on the other hand with the network 09 connected to the control and / or monitoring of the printing press, wherein the logic unit 21 each for correct sequential control within each H printing unit 11 provides. Also preferably as part of the machine unit 18 is a drive control device 22 provided the drive and thus the rotation of each printing unit 11 arranged form cylinder 12 and transfer cylinder controls and possibly also monitored. The drive control device 22 can be one with an angular position of one of the forme cylinder 12 corresponding signal to the control device 14 the this form cylinder 12 pictorial imaging device 13 lead to z. B. one in the circumferential direction of the printing block to be imaged carrying forme cylinder 12 directed imaging speed the imaging device 13 with a rotational speed of this forme cylinder 12 to couple, so the rotational speed of the forme cylinder 12 at the imaging speed of the imaging device 13 is adapted, with the angular position of a forme cylinder 12 corresponding signal z. B. with a preferably high-resolution encoder or another rotation of the forme cylinder 12 detecting means (not shown) is obtained. That to the control device 14 the one of the form cylinder 12 associated imaging device 13 to be conducted signal can, for. Over the network 09 transferred to the control and / or monitoring of the printing press and from the respective one H-pressure unit 11 associated logic unit 21 received and from there to the relevant control device 14 to coordinate the imaging process depending on other operations in the printing unit 11 be forwarded, the other the Bebierungsvorgang affecting processes z. As the leadership of the printing material during its transport through the printing press, an operating position of the forme cylinder to be imaged 12 in terms of his employment or placement of one with this form cylinder 12 cooperating transfer cylinder, a cutting cylinder or a folding cylinder in one of the printing unit 11 Subordinate folder, a transverse fold, a longitudinal fold, a third fold or a cutter can affect. All of the above-exemplified, the substrate printing or processing facilities have an impact on the arrangement of the zebierungsvorgang z. B. on a printing plate or directly on the forme cylinder 12 to be formed print image. Alternatively or additionally, the rotation of the forme cylinder 12 detecting encoder also output signal directly to the control device 14 the this form cylinder 12 imaging imaging device 13 lead, one in the circumferential direction of this forme cylinder 12 directed imaging speed of the imaging device 13 with a rotational speed of this forme cylinder 12 to couple, so the rotational speed of the forme cylinder 12 at the imaging speed of the imaging device 13 is adjusted. This direct feed of the output signal of the encoder to the control device 14 the imaging device 13 has the advantage that the output signal of the encoder of the control device 14 is provided virtually instantaneously over a short path, because a loop through the drive control device 22 eliminated.

Every machine unit 18 can preferably with at least one other machine unit 18 forming a section of the printing press, each section comprising a section control device 23 may be associated with each section control device 23 z. B. the assignment of the respective imaged print image locations and higher-level operating modes of the machine unit 18 controls or regulates. Every form cylinder 12 and / or transfer cylinders of the printing machine, the machine unit 18 or at least the printing unit 11 preferably each has its own, at least to other form cylinders 12 or transfer cylinders of the printing machine, this machine unit 18 or at least this printing unit 11 not in positive or mechanical drive connection standing drive, z. B. a angular position controlled electric motor, so that each of these form cylinder 12 or transfer cylinder independent of the other form cylinders 12 or transfer cylinders of the printing machine, this machine unit 18 or at least this printing unit 11 is rotatable. It is advantageously an operating state of the printing press, the machine unit 18 or at least the printing unit 11 provided in which one of the forme cylinder 12 from an imaging device associated therewith 13 is imaged while another form cylinder 12 the printing press, this machine unit 18 or at least this printing unit 11 simultaneously prints or transfers ink. Furthermore, it can be provided that the print image locations of all forme cylinders 12 same machine unit 18 or at least the same printing unit 11 the printing press are simultaneously imaged, while the print image of the form cylinder 12 another machine unit 18 or at least another printing unit 11 print or transfer ink to this press at the same time.

The trained as a data manager, preferably in or on a machine unit 18 arranged computers 17 is in turn connected to a network 19 for preferably electronic communication of at least image data 02 , according to the in the 1 to 3 also illustrated examples for the communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 , connected, wherein the image data belonging to a page to be printed 02 and / or the raster data belonging to at least one of the color separations of a page to be printed 04 preferably each summarized in a corresponding file, wherein z. B. at least the computer 01 the prepress stage ( 5 ) and / or the storage device 06 ( 1 to 3 ) also to the network 19 for the communication of at least image data 02 are connected.

The network 07 for preferably electronic communication of data to be processed in the prepress, the network 09 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press and / or the network 19 for electronic communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 can be physically wired, z. For example because it may be formed as a fiber optic cable, a coaxial cable or a twisted pair cable, or wirelessly as a radio transmission link. The networks 07 ; 09 ; 19 can each z. B. in a known under the name Ethernet networking technology, also called Industrial Ethernet, be formed, for. For example, as Fast Ethernet with a data transfer rate of 100 MB / s, as Gigabit Ethernet with a data transfer rate of 1,000 MB / s or as 10 Gigabit Ethernet with a data transfer rate of 10,000 MB / s, for the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 due to the high data volumes to be transported, preferably the higher data transmission rates are selected. Ethernet is largely standardized in the IEEE 802.3 standard, although details of the design of an Ethernet-based network can be found in this standard. An education of at least a part of at least one of the networks 07 ; 09 ; 19 with wireless links based z. IEEE 802.11 (Wireless LAN), because such a network supports the Ethernet frame format and works with Ethernet. The networks 07 ; 09 ; 19 are preferably each z. B. organized according to the TCP / IP protocol.

In the preferred embodiment it is provided that at least two of the three described networks 07 ; 09 ; 19 , preferably even all three described networks 07 ; 09 ; 19 , are united into a single network, so that all data required for operating the printing press and for imaging the print image points of their forme cylinder are transported via a common network. A communication system, which in a common network all necessary for the production of a printed network functions - starting from the prepress on the execution of the print job with the printing press to the collection associated with the print job related statistical data - has the not inconsiderable economic Advantage that physical signal lines and / or transmission links can be shared, whereby the installation effort to form the required network functionality is significantly reduced. Incidentally, in a cross-sectoral communication system incorporating at least one printing press, the manufacturing process of a printed product of transparent and monitoring personnel becomes more controllable.

In the embodiments according to the 1 to 3 generated z. B. a single central raster image processor 03 (RIP) raster data 04 for each of the color separations belonging to a page to be produced and stores this raster data 04 preferably in a storage device serving as a data buffer 06 , Alternatively, the raster image processor 03 (RIP) the raster data 04 also directly without caching to at least one of the trained as a data manager computer 17 forward, so the raster data 04 synchronously with the imaging to one of the control devices 14 one of each one of the form cylinder 12 associated imaging devices 13 reach. The raster data 04 are thus each over the network 19 for electronic communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 to every computer designed as a data manager 17 forwarded from which computer 17 from the raster data 04 to the respective control device 14 one of each one of the form cylinder 12 associated imaging devices 13 be directed. The needs-based allocation of raster data 04 to the right imaging device 13 takes place for. B. including an instruction from the computer 08 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press, as this calculator 08 in particular by communication with the computer 01 in the pre-press about data z. B. for occupancy of the printing press belonging to the form cylinder 12 with at least one respective printing plate having at least one printing form and having the printing process, in particular with regard to the order of belonging to a page to be produced ink separations with respect to the transport direction of the printing material by the printing press, and this occupancy information or arrangement information in the form of a signal z. B. to the respective control device 14 from one of the imaging devices 13 passes. That from the computer 08 For the control and / or monitoring of the printing press provided signal is thus a control signal for selectively assigning the raster data 04 to one of the imaging devices 13 ,

In conjunction with the in the raster image processor 03 (RIP) performed screening process or within the control devices 14 of which each one of each of the imaging devices 13 is assigned, the image data 02 and / or the raster data 04 to local, z. B. adapted the print image location or to be imaged printing form geometry conditions. Also, if necessary, on the image data 02 and / or raster data 04 Corrections are made, with z. B. corrected a pillow and / or keystone distortion and / or a spread and / or scaling can be made to adjust. Likewise, a correction of the fan-out effect can take place. This adjustment and / or correction of the image data made in the sense of a calibration 02 and / or raster data 04 may alternatively or additionally provide that the control device 14 from the raster image processor 03 (RIP) determined grid points as a function of one at the print image point or on the picture the ink to be applied to the printing form and / or calibrated by a printing substrate to be printed with the printing image location or by the printing form to be imaged and / or that the control device 14 from the raster image processor 03 (RIP) determined grid points in response to a signal of an arranged in the printing press, monitoring the printing process inspection system (not shown) calibrated, the inspection system in particular has a directed to the printed image with the printing substrate camera system and a Bildauswertesystem.

In the in the 2 shown embodiment, which refers to the same type of printing machine with the same control functions, as in connection with the 1 is described in contrast to the one in the 1 illustrated embodiment of the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 realized a line or ring topology, wherein the connection of the control devices 14 each one of the imaging devices 13 are assigned a simple redundancy to increase the reliability is provided. In this in the 2 shown embodiment, in which the function of a data manager performing computer 17 is omitted, so z. B. sent from the pre-press files or telegrams with image data 02 and / or raster data 04 directly and directly to the respective control device 14 the imaging devices 13 be introduced is the compact laying of the data lines 16 advantageous, however, this advantage is paid for by a distribution of the transferable bandwidth.

In the in the 3 shown embodiment, which refers to the same type of printing machine with the same machine unit 18 and / or the same control functions as those associated with the 1 is described in contrast to the one in the 1 illustrated embodiment of the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 implements a double-topology, meaning that all control devices 14 each one of the imaging devices 13 are assigned, each preferably both to a first performing the function of a data manager computer 17 and to another, in particular second, the function of a data manager performing computer 17 are connected, the first and the z. B. second respectively performing the function of a data manager computer 17 each with the network 19 for electronic communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 are connected. However, the double-star topology is also without the use of each performing the function of a data manager computers 17 realizable. By the multiple, z. B. dual connection of the control devices 14 each one of the imaging devices 13 are assigned to the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 also the reliability is increased, because each of these control devices 14 preferably each with two each performing the function of a data manager computers 17 communicates. In addition, there is the particular advantage that by a multiple connection of the control devices 14 to the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 the available bandwidth of the control devices 14 to be transmitted image data 02 and / or raster data 04 is enlarged. So can at a z. B. dual connection of the control devices 14 to the network 19 for electronic communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 the bandwidth for this image data to be transmitted 02 and / or raster data 04 be doubled. With an n-fold connection, this bandwidth can be multiplied accordingly, where n is a whole natural number. The from the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 preferably by means of each of the function of a data manager performing computer 17 tapped and / or distributed image data 02 and / or raster data 04 can with a synchronous or preferably an asynchronous protocol the respective competent control devices 14 be assigned. For a specific control device 14 provided image data 02 and / or raster data 04 are composed of the incoming there at different times and / or via different transmission paths data packets, if this image data 02 and / or raster data 04 the control device 14 were not supplied contiguously.

In the in the 4 shown embodiment, which refers to the same type of printing machine with the same control functions, as in connection with the 1 described in the calculator 01 the pre-press image data 02 each to a preferably in several, z. B. summarized in four different colors to print page and in the form of a file or a telegram over the network 19 for the communication of at least image data 02 z. B. to at least one function of a data manager performing computer 17 directed. The network 19 for the electronic communication of at least image data 02 transported accordingly files with the full information about the preferably produced in four-color printing pages of a printed product, these files z. B. may also have a TIFF format or JPEG format. Each of these files or telegrams sent from prepress can also be used without the use of a data manager function exercising computer 17 directly to the respective control device 14 the imaging devices 13 be sent.

In the in the 4 illustrated embodiment directs the function of a data manager performing computer 17 each over the network 19 for the electronic communication of at least image data 02 transported file with the complete information about a page of the control device to be produced 14 including imaging device 13 to, depending on one from the computer 08 for the control and / or monitoring of the printing machine provided occupancy information or arrangement information will perform the imaging of the print image location for the subsequent printing of the print image. The image data belonging to the pages 02 are therefore the computer performing the function of a data manager 17 on the basis of the at least one print image location arrangement information concerned or on the basis of the at least one printing form occupancy information sent to the responsible within the printing machine with respect to the substrate print image location. In doing so, the computer performing the function of a data manager can do so 17 made assignment, various factors acting on the processing of the printing material or from the intended processing of the printing material resulting influences, eg. B. influences of transport devices on the substrate as well as z. As the number of web strands of the substrate, influences by the folder or the number of pages of the printed product to be produced. The assignment of everyone over the network 19 for the communication of at least image data 02 transported file, which contains a complete information about one of the pages of the printed product to be produced, to the respective control device 14 from one of the imaging devices 13 takes place for. For example, based on data collected over the network 19 for the communication of at least image data 02 already transported the file from the computer 01 have been added to the pre-press, or this is an assignment of the pages to the individual print image place performing data z. B. in the function of a data manager performing computer 17 or in the respective control device 14 from one of the imaging devices 13 with each incoming there, over the network 19 for the communication of at least image data 02 Linked to transported files. Thus control of the computer 01 the prepress provided data with the arrangement information or the occupancy information either directly or via the computer 08 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press, the computer performing the function of a data manager 17 or the control device 14 from one of the imaging devices 13 in the sense of selective further processing of the file which contains complete information about one of the pages of the printed product to be produced.

For example, a file addressed with respect to a print image location arrives at the complete information about a page to be produced by the computer performing the function of a data manager 17 via data lines 16 first to one each with a control device 14 an imaging device 13 related, at least designed as a data interface interface 26 , where the interface 26 preferably via a memory, in particular a vibration-resistant memory, for. B. has a semiconductor memory, in which at least one at the interface 26 provided with the full information about a page to be cached. the interface 26 may also be designed as a hardware interface with at least one of the data lines 16 physically connected. From the interface 26 Any file received there will be with the complete information about a page to be produced, if necessary after a temporary storage with the one to the interface 26 belonging control device 14 an imaging device 13 related decentral raster image processor 03 (RIP), which consists of the image data contained in the file 02 separated and rasterized the relevant for the relevant print image point color separation, after which the imaging device 13 based on the previously in the decentralized raster image processor 03 (RIP) generated raster data 04 those on the form cylinder 12 arranged printing form or the print image on the form cylinder 12 imaged with a printed image.

It is beneficial to use a decentralized raster image processor 03 (RIP) generated raster data 04 z. B. in the with the respective interface 26 cache memory to decouple the rasterization process from the imaging process. However, this memory can also only buffer a data stream required for the imaging, ie data entering the memory is only recorded there for a short time during a current imaging process and is then passed on again as needed to the next device requiring this data.

The decentralized raster image processors held in connection with each print image location 03 (RIP) are z. B. implemented in an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), that is firmly implemented. Alternatively, the decentralized raster image processors 03 (RIP), as well as the interface 26 and / or the control device 14 , also software technically, ie in the form of a program executing the corresponding functions, and be executed on a suitable computer. As any decentralized raster image processor 03 (RIP) only for a single one of the z. For example, if four separations need to perform the screening process, the performance of this decentralized raster image processor may be poor 03 (RIP) compared to a raster image processor stored centrally in prepress 03 (RIP) be designed smaller.

That in conjunction with the 4 The concept of local image data processing described has the advantage that the machine unit 18 with their printing units 11 and its various control devices form an autonomous entity, the image data received from the prepress 02 can independently process and evaluate a page to be produced. The area of the prepress and the area to be assigned to the actual printing process, which is designed in particular as a machine room, can be spatially widely separated from one another. The network 19 for the communication of at least image data 02 can also be a public, z. B. worldwide operating network, z. As the Internet or other suitable for communicating electronic data network over which network the files with the full information about a page to be produced z. B. encrypted by a publisher, the respective pages of a printed product to be produced with their respective image data 02 and / or raster data 04 has been sent to a remote printing company. The assignment of the individual color separations to specific print image locations then preferably takes place only in the responsible machine unit 18 , It can also be provided that the calculator 01 the pre-press or at least the computer performing the function of a data manager 17 each file with the complete information about a page to be produced in the "broadcasting" principle simultaneously to z. B. all in the relevant machine unit 18 arranged arranged print image locations, but only that interface 26 from the z. B. via data lines 16 transported files in each case selects the right for them, ie the image information intended for them, wherein the image information intended for them results from which image information is assigned depending on the arrangement information or occupancy information that print image location, with this interface 26 corresponds. At least on each in or on the printing press arranged control device 14 from one of the imaging devices 13 can thus z. B. from a computer 01 pre-press broadcast data and / or files from the transporting network 19 in particular due to a combination with additional information, ie, for example, the arrangement information or occupancy information, selectively tapped, ie filtered out, and further processing, in particular rasterization in a raster image processor 03 (RIP). It will thus be at the interface 26 every raster image processor 03 each file with image data 02 to all the print images of the page of the printed product provides, however, selectively only those image data 02 from this file further processed, which are needed to form the print image at the respective print image location.

Also for that in connection with the 4 described concept of local image data processing are different, z. B. in conjunction with the 1 to 3 described network topologies such. As a ring topology, star topology or Doppelsterntopologie possible. Another advantage of decentralized raster image processor 03 (RIP) is that they can perform in parallel, ie at the same time the screening process, which compared to a centrally held in the prepress screen image processor 03 (RIP) means a time advantage. The screening process can thus be carried out faster.

That in the 5 illustrated embodiment is based on the in the 4 illustrated embodiment. It is also in the machine unit 18 preferably in association with each print image location in each case a decentralized raster image processor 03 (RIP). Unlike the one in the 4 illustrated embodiment is a central file server 24 provided with the computer 01 in pre-press and / or with the control room 08 and the image data provided from the pre-press area 02 stores a preferably multicolored produced side of a printed product. To the respective one imaging device 13 controlling control devices 14 is z. B. from the computer 01 the prepress sent only information for the identification and availability of one of the pages of the printed product to be produced. Upon receipt of this information for identification and availability of one of the pages to be produced, the one imaging device fetches 13 controlling control device 14 the file to the relevant page from the central file server 24 , z. B. in a suitable file exchange FTP method (File Transfer Protocol). Each in the central file server 24 Unscast stored file contains complete information about the full page of the printed product to be produced. The screening process is as in the basis of the 4 explained embodiment using decentralized raster image processors 03 (RIP), whereby only the color separation required at the relevant print image location is selected from the file and then rasterized. The central file server 24 is z. B. over a Leased line with the relevant machine unit 18 connected. The concept of a central file server 24 has the advantage that each file with the complete information on the side of the printed product to be produced can be selectively requested or retrieved selectively, that is to say in particular on the basis of the arrangement information concerning at least one print image location or occupancy information relating to the at least one print form.

In all in conjunction with the 1 to 5 described embodiments, it is possible to transfer the image data 02 , Raster data 04 or to decouple the files with the complete information about the page of a printed product to be produced by a buffer from the imaging process.

6 shows an example of a detailed design of the network 09 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press, in particular for controlling drives in the printing press, wherein the printing press z. B. several, here three printing towers 51 which in turn each have a plurality of printing units 53 , here double printing units 53 , exhibit. The printing works 53 a printing tower 51 form together with their respective drive units 58 or control units 58 with their respective associated drive motor M a group 68 , in particular a pressure point group 68 , which have a subordinate drive control 67 this group 68 with a signal line 59 connected is. An arithmetic unit 63 , z. B. a parent drive control 63 can also be subgroups 52 of printing works 53 , z. B. printing units 52 or other divisions with associated drive units 58 or control units 58 manage. With the signal line 59 are also further, preferably in each case a separate subordinate drive control 67 comprising units, e.g. B. one or more vanes 57 and / or one or more folders 56 connected. The signal line 59 is here advantageous in a ring topology, in particular as a double ring, executed and has one or more of the in connection with the 1 to 5 mentioned properties. In particular, the form cylinders 12 the printing units 52 in each case at least one imaging device 13 and a control device 14 Assigned as previously using the 1 to 5 have been described, wherein in the 6 the respective imaging device 13 and control device 14 are not shown for the sake of clarity. The control device 14 of each imaging device 13 is in the previously in conjunction with the 1 to 5 way described in each case via at least one data line 16 with the transport of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 provided network 19 connected, wherein it can be provided that laid in the printing machine lines for transport in connection with different networks 07 ; 09 ; 19 mentioned data and files are used.

According to the example of 6 are the drive units 58 or control units 58 each associated with drive motors M, which in each case via at least one signal line 59 directly or indirectly with each other and with a computing and data processing unit 61 , z. B. a calculator 61 , are connected. The computing and data processing unit 61 may additionally have an operating unit or with a control unit 60 , z. B. a control room 60 , keep in touch. The drive units 58 or control units 58 can in principle (not shown) directly in a ring, bus or other network structure or - as shown - in a tree structure by signal lines 62 with the signal line 59 be connected.

The at least one signal line 59 carries signals of a Leitachsposition Φ, which by a higher-level drive control 63 is given. The signal line 59 puts together with the arithmetic unit 63 the so-called virtual master axis 59 . 63 (Electronic wave) for the units connected to it, at which the units are oriented in their position or position. This Leitachsposition Φ is to the drive unit 58 or control unit 58 as a default (reference variable) passed.

The computing and data processing unit 61 in particular provides a specification for the desired production speed to the higher-level drive control 63 and thus stands on the higher-level drive control 63 , the signal line 59 (Cross-communication) and the signal lines 62 with the drive units 58 or control units 58 in connection.

Each of the drive units 58 or control units 58 is a specific offset ΔΦ _i , z. B. an angular offset ΔΦ _i, predetermined, which fixes a permanent but variable shift with respect to the master axis position Φ. This offset ΔΦ. _i is z. B. directly on the drive unit 58 or control unit 58 and / or via the computing and data processing unit 61 input and / or for specific operating situations, in particular specific web guides in a memory in the computing and data processing unit 61 filed and retrievable. Is the signal line 59 correspondingly, for example, as a broadband network, preferably as a real-time fieldbus, preferably as a standardized, e.g. B. under the name SERCOS known fieldbus executed, so the information about the respective predetermined and fixed offset ΔΦ _i and the "rotating" Leitachsposition Φ optionally on the common Si gnalleitung 59 respectively. The signal line 59 can also be additionally each with a tax system 74 be connected, which, for example, the different of the drive motors M actuators and drives of the printing units 52 or printing units 53 or folders 56 , z. B. ink supply, positioning movements of rollers and / or cylinders, dampening, positions, etc. controls and / or regulates.

The fieldbus known under the name SERCOS is standardized in the international standard IEC 61491. Details of the configuration of a SERCOS fieldbus can be found in this standard. In contrast to office communication applications, a fieldbus is an industrial communication system for networking a large number of field devices, with field devices being able to be designed as sensors, actuators or drives, and the data transmission security being based on the transmission paths, which are at least partially quite long, up to a few hundred meters between the decentralized ones arranged field devices despite the harsh environment in an industrial environment with their z. As wide temperature range, diverse pollution and intense electromagnetic interference is guaranteed. Different fieldbus systems with different properties have become established on the market, but basic characteristics of fieldbus systems are for example: B. standardized in the international standard IEC 61158. The SERCOS fieldbus is particularly suitable for networking drives, in particular position-controlled drives. A third-generation SERCOS fieldbus, called SERCOS III, utilizes the mechanisms of an Ethernet communication system and is real-time capable, ie the signal processing speed required to communicate field devices in a SERCOS network is at least as fast as the signal generating or controlling operations , z. B. the rotation of the forme cylinder 12 in the printing press. Another commonly used fieldbus is known as PROFIBUS, with characteristics of this fieldbus being specified in particular in the international standard IEC 61784 in conjunction with the international standard DIN EN 61158-2. In the configuration as PROFINET are designed for the PROFIBUS field devices z. B. by means of a proxy or proxy server, ie a mediating in traffic utility, or a special, also the traffic between field devices mediating I / O controller connected to an Ethernet communication system, a proxy data preferably for both directions of communication between field devices z. B. each in a valid in the respective communication direction, standardized format brings. Thus, the different networks ( 07 ; 09 ; 19 ) preferably each have at least one in the traffic between the networks ( 07 ; 09 ; 19 ) switching center interconnected, said switch can be configured as a proxy or controller.

The respective offset ΔΦ. _i with respect to the Leitachsposition Φ z. B. before the start of production of the control room 60 or from the computing and data processing unit 61 to the drive units 58 or control units 58 transferred and stored there. In an advantageous embodiment, the offset ΔΦ _i during operation or production of the printing press on the drive unit 58 or control unit 58 itself, but especially about the computing and data processing unit 61 variable.

The offset values ΔΦ. _i for the various drive units 58 or control units 58 can in a variant also in the parent drive control 63 get saved. In this case, each drive unit receives 58 or control unit 58 over the signal lines 59 ; 62 (or in series: only 59 ) as a specification, the sum of the rotating Leitachsposition Φ and the specific, stored offset value ΔΦ _{i of} the respective drive unit 58 or control unit 58 ,

So follow all drive units 58 or control units 58 , For example, the drive units 58 or control units 58 the first two z. B. as printing towers 51 executed units and the drive unit 58 or control unit 58 as a folder 56 executed unit each of the rotating Leitachsposition Φ from the parent drive control 63 each having a fixed offset value ΔΦ _i relative to the absolute position of the Leitachsposition Φ.

In the embodiment according to the 6 is the signal line 59 with several, here two, higher-level drive controls 63 connected to each other signals of a respective Leitachsposition Φa; Φb a master axis in the signal line 59 can feed. This is advantageous, for example, if the printing press or its printing towers 51 and / or printing units 52 and / or printing units 53 and the associated folders 56 as well as guide elements 57 several, separately or jointly operable sections 71 ; 72 should be assignable. However, there may be productions and web guides in 6 exceeded by a dashed line indicated section separation and from printing units 53 the one, in printing units 53 the other and / or the folder 56 the other section 71 ; 72 be guided. The individual printing towers 51 are for example different folders 56 assignable. Also within a printing tower 51 are subgroups, e.g. B. printing units 53 , ver different tracks of the printing material with different web guides assignable, which on a common or even on different folders 56 can be performed. The sections 71 ; 72 are logically not to be understood as rigid units, but as cooperating machine units 18 , In this embodiment form the two, higher-level drive controls 63 each a section control device 23 as previously associated with the 1 . 4 and 5 has been described.

The higher-level drive controls 63 get their specifications regarding starting point and production speeds of the respective section 71 ; 72 and / or web guide from a respective associated computing and data processing unit 61 , which in turn with at least one control room 60 are connected. In an advantageous embodiment, the two arithmetic and data processing units 61 via a signal line 64 with each other and with another signal line 73 connected, which several, here two, control panels 60 connects with each other. The three signal lines 59 ; 64 ; 73 thus form different levels of the network 09 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press. In an advantageous embodiment, at least over the signal line 73 , but possibly also via the signal line 64 , also in the network 19 for communication of image data 02 and / or raster data 04 transported to transporting files, preferably the control panels 60 and / or the computing and data processing units 61 the respective ones on the signal lines 64 ; 73 to manage data to be transported and / or files in terms of their respective required data flow and feed it to their respective destination or in a z. B. as a file server 24 keep trained storage available. The entire network 09 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press is preferably formed in all its different control levels Ethernet-based, z. As a SERCOS III field bus or as a PROFINET fieldbus.

For the individual drive units 58 or control units 58 relevant offset values ΔΦ _i are used by the computing and data processing unit for the relevant production 61 or the computing and data processing units 61 over the signal line 64 the respective drive units 58 or control units 58 associated subordinate drive controls 67 fed and preferably stored there and with the Leitachsposition Φa; Φb processed to the Leitachspositionen Φ _i . Are subgroups 52 , z. B. printing units 52 , a group 68 , z. B. a printing tower 51 , assigned to two different paths, so processes the subordinate drive control 67 in each case for the relevant drive unit 58 or control unit 58 associated Leitachsposition Φa; Φb the leading axis, depending on the affiliation of the relevant print image to the one or the other web, with the predetermined for this web guide offset value ΔΦ _i .

The transmission to the subordinate drive controls 67 In this example, however, this is not done directly but via a tax system 74 , which of the respective group 68 or its own subordinate drive control 67 comprising unit (eg folding apparatus 56 ) assigned. The tax system 74 is with the signal line 64 (or with the computing and data processing unit 61 ) either for example via own signal lines 75 connected or line sections of the signal lines 75 are part of the network 64 executed signal line 64 , The tax system 74 controls and / or regulates, for example, the different of the drive motors M actuators and drives of the printing units 52 or print groups 68 or printing units 53 or folders 56 , z. B. ink supply, positioning movements of. Rollers and / or cylinders, dampening unit, positions etc. The control system 74 has one or more (in particular programmable) control units 76 on. This control unit 76 is via a signal line 77 with the subordinate drive control 67 connected. In case of several control units 76 these are through the signal line 77 also interconnected.

The tax system 74 or its control unit (s) 76 is / are in an advantageous embodiment by couplers, not shown, for. B. each designed as an interface card network coupler, z. B. by a proxy, detachable with the signal line 64 connected. This is the group 68 in principle operable by itself, the control of the drive units 58 or control units 58 over the strand of the subordinate drive control 67 with the signal line 62 and the control of the other functions of the group 68 across the strand of the tax system 74 he follows. Setpoints as well as actual values and deviations can be switched on or off via the coupler. The subordinate drive control 67 assumes in this case the specification of a Leitachsposition Φ. For this reason and for reasons of redundancy, it is advantageous if all subordinate drive controls 67 are formed with the possibility of generating and specifying a Leitachsposition Φ.

The offset values ΔΦ _i become in the embodiment 6 thus from the signal line 64 about the respective tax system 74 the relevant subordinate drive control 67 fed. In this case, the offset values ΔΦ _{i can} alternatively be transmitted from there to the drive units 58 or control units 58 given and stored and processed there.

According to the embodiment 6 can be the parent drive control 63 omitted if z. B. one or more groups 68 or one of its own subordinate drive control 67 comprising units (eg folding apparatus 56 ) a subordinate drive control 67 having. The virtual master axis or Leitachsposition Φ is then z. B. from one of the drive controls 67 predetermined.

For the circulation of one not yet to the individual drive units 58 or control units 58 adapted master axis and the angular position information (offset values ΔΦ _i , register deviations) can separate signal lines 59 respectively. 64 ; 75 ; 77 be provided. So on the one hand, the basic orientation of the individual drive units 58 or control units 58 by transmitting and / or changing the offset values ΔΦ _i as well as a correction of the angular position required during production with regard to the regulation of a longitudinal register via the separate signal line 64 ; 75 ; 77 to the subordinate drive controls 67 (or the drive units 58 or control units 58 yourself). In the case of register control, for example, a corresponding control value via the signal line 77 for controlling 67 guided and in the determination of the specific target angular position for the individual drive unit 58 or control unit 58 from the Leitachsposition Φ; .phi.a; Φb and offset ΔΦ _i formed superimposed setpoint. This procedure results in an increased data flow via the signal line leading the master axis 59 avoided. It does not have many different, on the respective drive units 58 or control units 58 already adapted data packets through this signal line 59 be guided. This would have related to the single drive unit 58 or control unit 58 a significantly reduced possible signal rate result. The subordinate drive controls 67 manage only a very limited number of drive units 58 or control units 58 so that the data in the signal lines 62 are handled accordingly. However, this is not comparable to the number of all, an entire section 71 ; 72 assigned drive units 58 or control units 58 ,

For all described embodiments, at least one Leitachsposition Φ; .phi.a; Φb by at least one drive control 63 ; 67 specified on which or at which the drive units 58 or control units 58 Orient the different mechanically independently driven units in their position. Each of these drive units 58 or control units 58 is a specific offset value ΔΦ _i can be assigned, which in each case relative to the master axis position Φ set position; .phi.a; Φb expresses the assigned leading axis. For example, for a given production all mechanically independent drive units 58 or control units 58 the printing towers 51 (or printing units 52 or printing units 53 ) and the associated drive unit 58 or control unit 58 of the folder 56 and optionally conducting elements 57 each associated with specific offset values ΔΦ _i with respect to the relevant for the production of the leading axis.

These offset values ΔΦ _i are based essentially on purely geometric conditions. On the one hand, they depend on the selected web guide, ie on the web path between the individual units. On the other hand, they can choose from a random or selected zero position of the individual drive unit 58 or control unit 58 depend. The latter is omitted for the individual drive unit 58 or control unit 58 if their defined zero position coincides with the zero position of the master axis.

7 shows in a simplified representation by way of example a folding apparatus 81 the printing press. Preferably several strands 82 designed as a material web, previously printed in the printing substrate run each of a z. B. motor driven Zugwalzenpaar 83 pulled into the folder 81 a, wherein z. B. several strand bundles 85 on a pair of rollers 84 be merged. The merged and superimposed strands 82 of the printing material become one with a z. B. four times cutting cylinder 86 cooperating z. B. 7-fold transport cylinder 87 transported. The cutting cylinder 86 has at its periphery in the axial direction extending, preferably equidistantly offset cutting blade 88 on, with the at the periphery of the transport cylinder 87 trained cutting gaps 89 interact. Each transverse to the transport direction of the strands 82 cut copy of the printed product is on the lateral surface of the transport cylinder 87 by a holding device arranged on its circumference 91 , z. B. spiked bar 91 , held.

At the transport cylinder 87 are also seven folding blades 92 attached, each when reaching a gap 93 (depending on the collection or normal operation, each or several times) between the transport cylinder 87 and a folding jaw cylinder downstream of this in the transport direction of the printing material 94 be extended to the at the transport cylinder 87 transported copies of the printed product to the jaw cylinder 94 to hand over and fold. For this purpose, the jaw cylinder 94 evenly spaced in the circumferential direction z. B. as many jaws (not shown) on how the number of folding blades 92 and / or the holding devices 91 on the transport cylinder 87 , in particular seven. The folded copies of the printed product are from the fold fold cylinder 94 to a paddle wheel 96 pass and from this to a delivery device 97 , z. B. a conveyor belt 97 , designed. Preferably within the folder 81 a device for forming a third fold, ie a second longitudinal fold, may be provided (not shown).

The folder 81 that's like a printing unit 11 also a machine unit 18 the printing press is preferably also in the network 09 involved in the control and / or monitoring of the printing press, z. B. according to the detailed representation of 6 , As a result, at least one, but preferably each, of the imaging devices provided in the printing press 13 in conjunction with their respective control device 14 depending on that in the folder 81 controlled to be produced folding product. In particular, at least one print image location to be imaged can be dependent on a cut register of the folding apparatus 81 to be controlled.

As already in connection with the 6 mentioned, a printing machine, for. B. a large printing press for the newspaper printing, a variety of machine units 18 , ie in particular several, z. B. over 50 printing units 11 and also several, z. B. four and more folders 81 , which have z. B. in two or more independently operable sections 71 ; 72 are organized. Each of these machine units 18 is usually manufactured as a single module independent of the other provided for the printing press modules, sometimes even at different production sites. The individual modules are then arranged only at the operating location of the printing press, ie after delivery from the manufacturer to the customer, in the configuration intended for this printing press and networked with each other by connecting to a communication system, wherein the communication system several networks assigned to different task areas 07 ; 09 ; 19 have and z. B. from a network 09 for controlling and / or monitoring the printing press and / or from a network 19 for transmitting at least image data 02 to at least one imaging device 13 and / or from a network 07 to communicate to be processed in the prepress data to be processed. The communication system is preferably designed as an Ethernet network.

In which the printing press with its various machine units 18 Each communication device receives each field device, ie each drive, each sensor and each actuator, as well as each computer 01 ; 08 or control room 08 , every storage device 06 , every control device 14 , each drive control device, each section control device 23 , every file server 24 , every interface 26 etc., a separate address, based on the respective component in the communication system is clearly identifiable and accessible.

It is advantageous to have a machine unit 18 with all their belonging, interconnected components independent of those addresses that manufacture the respective components in which the printing press with all its machine units 18 including communication system during assembly or commissioning of the printing press. On the other hand, already in the manufacture of each machine unit 18 their individual components are each assigned an address, so after completion of each machine unit 18 whose functionality is testable.

To redirect the already in the production of each machine unit 18 their individual components respectively assigned address during assembly or commissioning of a variety of machine units 18 To avoid having printing machine is proposed, the individual components of each machine unit 18 to assign an arbitrarily selected address in the manufacture, whereby the to the components of the same machine unit 18 assigned addresses differ from each other so that each component of a machine unit 18 clearly identifiable and accessible. For identical machine units 18 their respective corresponding components can each be assigned the same address. Moreover, it is proposed every machine unit 18 associate an address translator, wherein the address translator one in which the printing machine with all its machine units 18 Including communication system valid address, the z. As in the installation or commissioning of the printing press of a particular component of a particular machine unit 18 the printing machine is assigned, in a in the production of the respective machine unit 18 converts to their individual components assigned address. Thus, each component is in one of the machine units 18 the printing press in which the printing press with all its machine units 18 including a unique address on the basis of the respective component in the communication system is clearly identifiable and responsive, however, the respective machine units 18 the printing press without knowledge of their later respective arrangement in the multiple machine units 18 individually checked to their respective function, because each machine unit to be tested 18 even without their involvement in the printing machine with all its machine units 18 incorporating communication system in terms of their interconnected Kom components is verifiable. The address converter can z. B. be formed as a router, based on a stored in him table in which the printing press with all its machine units 18 Including communication system valid address in one in the respective machine unit 18 internally valid address implements. The table of the address converter is preferably freely programmable.

The address converter can z. B. in the function of a data manager performing computer 17 and / or in one for proper sequencing within a printing unit 11 providing logical unit 21 and / or in a driving the in a printing unit 11 arranged form cylinder 12 and transfer cylinder controlling and optionally monitoring drive control device 22 and / or in a section control device 23 be integrated, where the function of a data manager performing computer 17 with the network 19 for transmitting at least image data 02 and the logic unit 21 and / or the drive control device 22 and / or the section control device 23 each with the network 09 connected to the control and / or monitoring of the printing press, wherein the section control device 23 z. B. higher-level modes of each section 71 ; 72 assigned machine units 18 controls or regulates.

As a result, each machine unit 18 self-sufficient and neutral in terms of the addresses of their components. Also, no special effort is required to already in the production of the individual machine units 18 the several machine units 18 printing machine to manage the final addresses representing the individual components of the respective machine units 18 in which the printing press with all its machine units 18 incorporating communication system.

It is advantageous to the address converter of at least one imaging device 13 having machine unit 18 z. B. an arrangement information relating to at least one print image location or occupancy information relating to at least one printing form z. B. from a computer 01 the pre-press or from a press associated control room 08 zuzuleiten, so that the address translation z. B. for those in the machine unit 18 arranged imaging device 13 is only executed when the addressed imaging device 13 to become active. The address converter can thus be extended to a filter by combining several signals containing different information.

01

computer

02

image data

03

Computer, Raster Image Processor

04

raster data

05

06

storage device

07

network in prepress

08

Computer, control station

09

network for controlling the printing press

10

11

Printing unit H-type printing unit

12

form cylinder

13

The imaging

14

control device

15

16

data line

17

computer

18

machine unit

19

network for image data and / or raster data

20

21

logic unit

22

Drive control device

23

Section control device

24

File server

25

26

interface

27 until 50

51

printing tower

52

Subgroup, printing unit

53

Printing, Double printing

54

55

56

folding

57

vane

58

Drive unit, control unit

59

Signal line, connection

60

Operating unit, control station

61

Rake- and data processing unit, computer

62

Signal line, Network, bus

63

Processing unit, Drive control, superior

64

Signal line, network

65

66

67

Traction control, subordinate

68

Group, Bruises group

69

70

71

section

72

section

73

signal line

74

control system

75

signal line

76

control unit

77

signal line

78

79

80

81

folding

82

strand

83

pair of drawing rollers

84

roller pair

85

strand bundle

86

cutting cylinder

87

transport cylinder

88

cutting blade

89

cutting gap

90

Holder, spur

91

folding blade

92

gap

93

jaw cylinder

94

95

paddle wheel

96

Display device, conveyor belt

Φ

Master axis

.phi.a

Master axis

.phi.b

Master axis

M

drive motor

Claims (11)

Printing machine with several machine units ( 18 ), each having at least one component with an address, wherein the at least one component of the respective machine unit ( 18 ) to one for the several machine units ( 18 ) common communication system can be connected, wherein the address of the component of the respective machine unit ( 18 ) in which for the several machine units ( 18 ) common communication system, characterized in that in identical machine units ( 18 ), whose corresponding respective components are each assigned the same address, each of these machine units ( 18 ) is associated with an address converter, each address converter in a for the multiple machine units ( 18 ) common communication system valid address of the at least one in the respective machine unit ( 18 ) arranged component based on a stored in him freely programmable table in a only within this machine unit ( 18 ) and that each machine unit ( 18 ) with address translator as a printing unit ( 11 ) or as a folder ( 81 ) is trained. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the address converter is designed as a router. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing unit ( 11 ) formed machine unit ( 18 ) at least one forme cylinder ( 12 ), a transfer cylinder and / or a pressure cylinder, wherein at least one of these cylinders independently of at least one other of these cylinders each by means of a drive unit ( 58 ), each drive unit ( 58 ) is designed as a self-addressable component. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing unit ( 11 ) formed machine unit ( 18 ) with regard to their cylinders as an H-printing unit ( 11 ) is trained. Printing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the printing unit ( 11 ) formed machine unit ( 18 ) is configured with respect to its cylinders as a 9-satellite arrangement. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one independently addressable component as an at least one forme cylinder ( 12 ) associated with imaging device ( 13 ) is trained. Printing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the imaging device ( 13 ) data-technically with at least one computer performing the function of a data manager ( 17 ) connected is. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the address converter in a function of a data manager performing computer ( 17 ) and / or in one for a correct sequence control within a printing unit ( 11 ) logical unit ( 21 ) and / or in a drive of the in a printing unit ( 11 ) arranged form cylinder ( 12 ) and transfer cylinder at least controlling drive control device ( 22 ) and / or in a section control device ( 23 ) is integrated. Printing machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that a computer that performs the function of a data manager ( 17 ) to the network ( 19 ) for transmitting at least image data ( 02 ) connected. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a logic unit ( 21 ) and / or a drive control device ( 22 ) and / or a section control device ( 23 ) each to a network ( 09 ) are connected to control and / or monitoring of the printing press. Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that that the communication system is formed as an Ethernet network is.