EP0350404A1 - Variable-size multicolour web offset printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous bands with or without "Caroll" type perforations characterized by the fact of using the general operating principle of multicolored offset presses of the "continuous" or "sheet by sheet" type . The majority of the means used are common to the two types of presses and work in combination with their main organs to allow them to possibly retain their original functions to which are added those of the invention. In the first form of the invention similar to presses of the "continuous" type, the means used to carry out the invention are mainly characterized by the fact that the pressure exerted on the blanket cylinder 5 is released at the end of the format and at at least one printing cycle out of two by the action of the hydraulic cylinder 43A to allow the continuous strip 3 and 3A, not driven during the cycle where the pressure is released, to be able to be positioned correctly before the next printing cycle. This operating mode also allows the use of printing groups 7C1 and 7C2 and 7D1 and 7D2, the means for distributing the ink and the inking of the plate 10 are reduced compared to a conventional group, since the plate 10 benefits from double inking by printing. This same advantage also applies to the 7E accent color group. In the second form of the invention where the pressure exerted on the blanket cylinder is also released at the end of the format using the same type of hydraulic cylinders 43A controlled using the same electronic means 48 and 49 as those used in the first form of the invention. The means preferably used to carry out the invention in its two forms are adaptable to existing multi-color offset presses as well as to single-color presses which are mechanically assembled together and whose speeds are synchronized to form multi-color assemblies.

Description

The present invention relates to the production of multicolored offset printing presses, of essentially variable format, intended for printing continuous webs from reels or sheets pre-folded in folding screens and perforated "Caroll" type.

Currently, continuous printing is carried out on very large printing units, well suited by their high rates to high print runs, but whose means of implementation are long and disproportionate to the printing of short or medium runs. In addition, the accelerated development of microcomputing, as well as the lowering of its production costs, means that many medium-sized companies are becoming computerized. This has created new needs for continuous printing of short and medium runs, which traditional printers, most of which are equipped with sheet feed presses, cannot meet.

Manufacturers of offset presses, aware of this new market, are starting to manufacture in relatively small series, equipment better suited to this demand. However, their lack of versatility, added to the fact that their prices, compared to similar sheet-by-sheet material, are considerably multiplied by three, making their amortization difficult at the current stage of development of this new process. In addition, these presses are only designed to print forms or labels intended for data processing and cannot process prints in continuous web not provided with "Caroll" perforation, because their systems of traction of the web and marking of the margin are related to the holes in these perforations.

However, in the field of printing from a non-perforated strip of short or medium runs, such as for example labels, a large market exists which completely escapes the traditional printer having only sheet-fed offset presses .

On the other hand, these small presses only have one color printing unit allowing only one color to be processed per pass. or are optionally provided with an additional inking head providing an additional color during this same passage. This additional color, obtained on the same blanket as that fitted to the basic printing unit of the press, does not necessarily make it possible to obtain a superposition of colors without risk of migration of the inks between them after a short run, even when using inks of different viscosities and taking all kinds of binding precautions for the user. For a professional printer, these complementary inking heads depositing their own color on a single blanket, inked in another color by the inking group of the press, are very useful for prints that do not require a perfect juxtaposition of colors. . However, the majority of continuous work currently requires at least 2 or 3 colors, some of which are superimposed, requiring the use of a blanket per color to be sure of obtaining flawless work without complications. These problems are the same for continuous printers who also do not have one or more color presses allowing them to change, at will and in a few minutes, format according to the different types of successive printed matter to be processed. Professional continuous printers are currently equipped with multicolored Figure 1 presses avoiding the risks of migration of inks of different colors between them, because each printing group has its own blanket. The rates are of the order of 30 to 50,000 copies per hour. They work schematically as follows:
a paper reel 1 Figure 1 feeds the press 2 with a strip of paper 3 which passes successively through an automatic device 4 for lateral guidance and for keeping in line then between the blanket 5 and pressure 6 cylinders of the different groups of printing 7. At the end of printing, the paper strip 3 is then pulled by a pressure roller 8 and rewound using the reel holder 9 or treated using known devices, adaptable according to needs and which allow to obtain, for example, perforations of the "Caroll" type, then longitudinal and transverse perforations and then a folding in screen. Depending on the press and its destination, cutting devices are installed at the press outlet to transform the strip into sheets. These machines are very effective for large runs but in the case of short and medium runs (of the order of 1,000 to 20,000 copies) successive in variable formats the following shortcomings:
- too long and tedious setting time generally requiring several hours in the case of format change
- serious restriction of format limitation.

This is mainly due to their operating principle. Indeed, these presses working continuously without stopping between each printing cycle, the development of the printing cylinders blanket door 5, pressure 6 and plate holder 10 determines the printing length and therefore the format which requires, at each change of print not falling in the same format or divisible from it, to change these cylinders and the gear train controlling them. The printer, apart from the constraint of being obliged to own and change by press a certain number of cylinders of variable diameters, is in any case very limited in the formats of printed matter to offer to his customers.

Continuous printing press manufacturers aware of this problem tend to provide users with variable format continuous presses. In this presentation, the printing units 7 are interchangeable, which saves part of the time between each setting comprising a change of format, but this solution, costly for the printer, has repercussions on the price of the printed material and n 'is only a palliative seriously limiting the number of possible formats.

Recently, a three-color continuous press, in essentially variable format, which only processes forms from pre-folded "Caroll" strips, provides a start to the solution to this problem.

• a) ses trois couleurs sont obtenues à partir d'un blanchet unique,
• b) elle n'est conçue que pour le traitement de formulaires à partir de bandes "Caroll".

However, it has two serious drawbacks:

• a) its three colors are obtained from a single blanket,
• b) it is only designed for processing forms from "Caroll" bands.

Furthermore, its basic design does not make it possible to produce sets at production costs allowing wide distribution.

The present invention as characterized in its various claims takes into account the insufficiency of the state of the art and provides a set of means allowing the production of ranges of multicolored and versatile offset presses, in essentially variable format, in very short times, of the order of a few minutes, making it possible to process either printed matter from reels or in "Caroll" strip by changing the removable supply and reception modules.

To allow a good understanding of the invention, the basic principles and characteristics adopted, as well as all the possibilities offered by the presses which are the subject of the invention resulting therefrom, are described generally below with reference to the appended drawings.

The basic principles, characteristics and possibilities of the invention are mainly defined as follows:
- In one form of the invention, the presses obtained have a general printing and operating mode akin to offset presses of the "continuous" type, one or more colors Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and also use, in superposition of colors, one blanket per color. Like the "continuous" presses and according to their destination, the presses according to the invention may or may not receive and retain the same basic functions to which are added those provided by the invention.

Their mode of supply from the reel as well as the devices for guiding and lateral positioning of the strip are practically similar. They can also use all the accessories usually used with this type of press such as, for example, those used to produce "Caroll" screens from the printed web or from cutting devices.

The printing units can be the same and make it possible, for example, to simultaneously print double-sided printing in "blanket against blanket" printing.
- In another form of the invention, the presses obtained have a general printing and operating mode similar to multicolored offset presses of the "sheet-by-sheet" type Figures 10, 11, 12 and can also, as in the first form of the invention, depending on their destination, possibly retaining their basic functions, to which are added those provided by the invention.

The main features of the invention in these two forms are as follows:
- The pressure, exerted between the blanket cylinders 5 Figure 2 and pressure 6 printing and driving the strip of paper 3, is released and returned during the printing cycle, to allow obtaining prints of any format within the printing limits of the press. This clutch and disengagement of the pressure is adjustable over the 360 ° of the circumference of the cylinders.
- The paper strip 3 is repositioned during the time when the pressure is released before the next printing.
- Guide means 4 Figure 12 and 13D, 19 and 14D Figure 11 position the strip between each printing module, working in combination with the devices controlling the clutch and pressure disengagement.
- These means for guiding and positioning the strip of paper are controlled from electronic devices that support a strip with or without a "Caroll" perforation.
- In a preferred embodiment of the invention and in its first form from a "continuous" type press, printing is obtained every other printing cycle. The pressure is released at the end of the format and the strip of paper which is therefore not trained is repositioned. This procedure also offers the advantage of using very light printing units and therefore much less expensive because the printing plate 10 Figure 3, in this configuration, is inked twice by printing.
- Starting from this design and according to the different possible versions, with the aim of lower cost, the printing unit will preferably be built from a configu basic ration allowing to receive all or part of the elements necessary for the different versions Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9.
- This printing group includes a small removable group 7E Figures 6 and 9 providing an extra color to the single blanket 5. This small complementary group also benefits, per printing cycle, from two inking cycles and can be , therefore, very light compared to a normal group.
- The different supply modules 13 and reception 14 Figure 11 and 11 and 12 and 12 Figure 12 of these presses are preferably removable and interchangeable with each other.
- These presses can, for larger prints and from the same elements, work in pure continuous mode, to operate much faster, but in this case are equipped with printing units 7B1 and 7B2 Figure 7, the diameter of the cylinders d 'impression corresponds to that of the format to be processed or to a divisible thereof.
- These presses can also process "continuous alternate" prints. This printing mode is mainly used in continuous forms with "Caroll" strip and allows you to obtain the printing of a form followed by a number of unprinted ones. These unprinted forms are in turn, in successive passages printed with different prints from each other.

In the second form of the invention, the result obtained is substantially the same with regard to multicolored continuous prints in essentially variable formats. However the presses cannot, by their design using a "hollow" of cylinder Figure 10, print pure continuous. On the other hand, they can advantageously be fed in "sheet by sheet" Figure 10 or continuous strip Figure 11 from a reel or Figure 12 from "screens" provided with "Caroll" holes.
- All of the means used to carry out the invention can also be brought to existing presses to give them versatility of use.
- Without departing from the scope of the present invention, single-color presses of the "continuous" or "sheet by sheet" type can be mechanically coupled and receive all of the means characterized by the invention. By way of an indicative and non-limiting example is described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a set of configurations and possibilities offered by the presses, shown to illustrate the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically represents a press capable of operating either in "continuous" pure or continuous in essentially variable formats with a declutching and repositioning of the strip by printing cycle. It is equipped with an interchangeable feed module 11 provided with a guiding device 4 and reception 12. It either has printing groups 7B1 and 7B2 shown in more detail in FIG. 7, these groups allow printing in " continuous "pure (one inking of the printing plate per printing cycle) or 7C1 and 7C2 Figure 8 or 7D1 and 7D2 Figure 9 for variable formats.

Figure 3 shows schematically this same press working only "continuously" in essentially variable formats (one print for two inking cycles of the printing plate). It is fitted with feeding and receiving modules 13 designed for processing printed matter from "Caroll" strips. It includes printing groups 7C1 and 7C2, shown in more detail in Figure 8, lightened where all the grinding cylinders, distribution rollers and touchers, shown in black in Figures 6 and 7, have not been installed, because this printing unit inks the plate 10 twice by printing and therefore gives an excellent quality of inking.

Figure 4 schematically represents a press consisting of two printing groups 7D1 and 7D2 Figure 9 provided with a small group for 7E spot color to work continuously in essentially variable formats. This same press can also be equipped with the printing group 7A1 and 7A2 Figure 6 or 7B1 and 7B2 Figure 7 to also print in pure "continuous". The supply 11 and reception 12 modules complete this assembly.

Figure 5 shows schematically a "continuous" press with essentially variable formats, consisting of two printing groups 7D1 and 7D2 Figure 9 equipped with feeding 13 and receiving modules 14 to treat strips with "Caroll" perforations.

Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 schematically represent, in their different versions, the printing unit equipping these "continuous" presses.

FIG. 10 schematically represents a conventional four-color "sheet-by-sheet" press, equipped with a supply 15 and reception 16 in sheets. It should be noted that all of the blanket 5, pressure 6 and plate 10 cylinders are of a much larger diameter (about 180 millimeters instead of 120 millimeters) than those of the continuous presses Figure 1 and include hollow called "cylinder hollow", to allow the pressure cylinder 6 to be provided with grippers for gripping the sheet to be printed.

In this version of the invention the strip is positioned, towed and guided using the same means as those described in detail below concerning the "continuous" type presses. The pressure of the blanket cylinder 5 is also released at the end of the format.

FIG. 11 schematically represents the same "sheet-by-sheet" press equipped with two feeding 11 and receiving 12 modules making it possible to process continuous prints in essentially variable formats from a strip of paper 3 delivered from the reel 1. A loop of voltage 20 makes it possible to adjust the register and format between each printing group. The remarketing drum 18 retracts the web back between each printing cycle. The printed marker detector 17 delivers a signal to 1 control electronics.

FIG. 12 schematically represents the same "sheet-by-sheet" press equipped with two feeding 13 and reception 14 modules making it possible to process continuous prints in essentially variable format from perforated "Caroll" strips. All of the same elements such as remargeage drum 18, spiked tractors 19, margin loop 20 and feed module 13 and 11 and reception 14 and 12 equip this press in the same manner as those of the "continuous" type. .

It is obvious that from the concepts and means of the invention, multiple combinations are possible. For example the version illustrated in Figure 3, relating to a format continuous press essentially variable, can be, on request, slightly modified to further process these same pure continuous printing using substantially the same means as those used in Figure 2.

An exemplary embodiment of a variable format continuous printing press is shown in Figures 13 to 18. This press consists of an assembly of printing modules 2A and 2B Figure 13, additional depending on the number of heads d inking required. The association of the feeding module 13 Figure 13 and the receiving module 14 makes it possible to print the strip 3A pre-folded in a screen and perforated with "Caroll" holes. A quick exchange by the feeding modules 11 Figure 14 and receiving 12 easily transforms the press and allows to print the web 3 in the form of a reel. The printing units 7C1 and 7C2 Figure 13 are adjustable in position on their module so that the length of tape to be printed between each pressure cylinder 6 corresponds to an integer number of format in order to obtain the register. A preferred mode of construction of the printing modules 2A is shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17. A frame 21 Figure 16 is produced either by mechanical welding, or in foundry from cast steel or cast aluminum. The brackets 21B include height-adjustable fixing devices to the ground, so that the leveling of the machine can be correctly obtained. The threaded pads 22 screwing or unscrewing according to the desired height are held permanently in place by the sealing rods 23 associated with the washers 24 and nuts 25. At the angles of the frame 21 and the spacers 21A, are brought the supports 26 on which the balusters 27 fixed by the nuts 28 are fixed. These balusters 27 are screwed into the guide bars 29 on which slide the split rings 30 mounted in the bearings 31 supporting the flanges 32 of the printing module. The flanges 32 in which the plate cylinder 10 and the pressure cylinder 6 revolve are assembled by a set of spacers, of which only the spacer 33 is shown for a better understanding of the drawing. The through shaft 34 rotates in the rings 35 fitted into the bosses 31A produced on two of the bearings 31. On this shaft 34 are keyed the gears 36 and the crank flywheel 37.

The operation of this crank rotates the gears 36 which, engaged in the racks 38 fixed on the frame 21, ensure the displacement and the positioning of the entire printing module. The plate cylinder 10 and the pressure cylinder 6 rotate in the fixed bearings 10A and 6A without any movement other than their rotational movement. On the other hand, the blanket cylinder 5 rotates at one end of the connecting rods 39 Figure 17 each comprising a slide 39A Figure 15 resting on the eccentrics adjustable in rotation 40. At the other end of the connecting rods 39 Figure 17 are forcibly engaged the axes 41 pivoting at one end of the bent levers 42 articulated on the fixed axes 43. At the other end of the bent levers 42 are hung the hydraulic cylinders 43A single acting, the head of the piston rod of which pivots on the axes 44 and the body on the fixed axes 45. The cylinders 43A being single acting, the return after the pressurization of the oil circuit is ensured by the springs 46. The control of the cylinders 43A is carried out by a conventional hydraulic power unit 47 Figure 13 comprising pump, accumulator, pressure limiter, flow limiters, electro-distribution valves and all necessary means, only the assembly being shown here for clarity of the drawing. The control of this hydraulic unit is carried out from the electronic cabinet 48 associated with the control console 49 on which are grouped all the access to the settings essential for the proper functioning of the printing press, that is to say choice of format, printing rate, activation of the wetting and inking groups, pressurization of the blanket cylinder, launch of the strip to be printed and choice of the printing mode. The hydraulic action due to the cylinders 43A FIG. 15, associated with the levers 42, connecting rods 39 and eccentrics 40, causes the displacement of the blanket cylinder 5 towards the plate cylinder 10 and the pressure cylinder 6. The plate cylinder 10 and the blanket cylinder 5 have roller tracks 10B and 5B Figure 17 commonly called "cords" which thus ensure their operation at a fixed and very precise center distance during cycles printing. On the other hand, the distance between the blanket cylinders 5 FIG. 15 and the pressure cylinder 6 is obtained thanks to the combined actions of the slides 39A, the levers 39 and the adjustable eccentrics 40. The action of the eccentrics 40, including the traditional adjustment means have not been shown for a better understanding of the drawing, brings the blanket cylinder 5 closer to or apart from the pressure cylinder 6 thanks to the thrust of the jacks 43A. The desired variable center distance is thus obtained, as a function of the thickness of the strip to be printed and the pressure to be applied in order to obtain a good transfer of the ink deposited on the blanket, without lack or excessive creep.

Each printing cylinder has a gear ensuring its rotation: the gear 10C Figure 16 of the plate cylinder 10 meshes with the gear 5C of the blanket cylinder 5, the gear 5C meshes with the gear 6C of the cylinder of pressure 6 and the gear 6C meshes with the cylindrical section of the double gear 50 rotating on the fixed axis 51 fixed on the flange 32 of the mobile printing unit. The bevel section of the double gear 50 is rotated by 1 bevel gear 52 rotating in the bearing 53 Figure 16, fixed on the cross-member 33. The hub of the bevel gear 52 has a grooved bore through which the shaft passes fluted 54 set in motion by the geared motor unit 55 Figure 13 which immobilizes it in translation. This gives the drive for each printing unit, regardless of its position on the guide bars 29 Figure 15.

The geared motor unit 55 Figure 13, the hydraulic unit 47, the control console 49 are installed in the basic module 2A which has the remargeage drum 18 driven against the direction of travel of the strip 3A by the gear 6C of the pressure cylinder 6 via the gear 56, the toothed pulleys 57 and 58 and the toothed belt 59. The pressure rollers 60 moderately pinch the strip to be printed 3A by means of the levers 61 articulated on the axis 62 and of the spring pressure 63. The rollers 64 rotating at the ends of the lever 65 rocking around the axis 66 make it possible to adjust, with precision, the damper by operating the micrometric adjustment screw 67, the displacement of which varies the positioning of the strip to be printed 3A with respect to the pressure cylinders 6. This movement of the strip takes place locally and only between the two rollers 64 without make registry changes to the following other printing groups. Only the printing unit 7C1 of the basic module has, in the various versions of the invention, the remargeage drum 18 which serves to tighten the perforated strip or not with "Caroll" holes. The other printing units are equipped with pin-type tractors 19 which can entrain a strip of paper perforated with "Caroll" holes. The stepping motor 68 controlled by the electronic cabinet 48 ensures the rotation of the tractors 19 by means of the toothed pulleys 69 and 70 and the toothed belt 71.

The following description explains the overall operation of the Figure 13 press, fitted with modules 13 and 14 allowing continuous printing of "screen to screen" from a perforated strip of "Caroll" holes.

The feed module 13 delivers the perforated strip 3A from the package 1A placed on the plate 13A. The spreader bars 13B slightly tension the strip 3A which enters the printing modules 7C1 by circulating on the slide 13C and the guide slides 13D. At the outlet of the last printing unit 7C2, the strip 3A is oriented towards the tractors 14D of the slide 14C. The stepper motor 14E ensures the rotation of the tractors 14D by the set of pulleys and toothed belts. The printed strip 3A is pushed between the lateral guide bars 14F on the stack 9 of folded paper, resting on the movable plate 14B whose vertical movement is controlled, in its downward movement, by the level detector 14G which maintains the top stack 9A at constant distance from the guide bars 14F, thus achieving regular folding of the strip 3A. This strip being put in place, it is essential to position it as a function of the fold and relative to the printing cylinder 6 of the first printing group 7C1, so as to adjust the register of this first printing. This function is obtained simply by moving the strip in acting on the simultaneous manual control of the stepping motors 68 and 14E of the tractors 19 and 14D located on the control console 49. The movement of the printing unit 7C2 on the guide bars 29 adjusts the positioning of the fold for the printing in registration of the second color. Recall that there must be an integer number of formats between the two printing groups, a slight correction of the register of a group being obtained by a slight tilting of the levers 65 actuated by the adjusting screw 67, without action on the margin of other printing groups. This precise adjustment of the margin of each group is obtained on the fly, during printing. The strip being put in place, correctly tensioned and positioned, it is necessary to display on the control console 49 the value of the variables corresponding to the work to be performed. This control desk 49 is associated with the electronic cabinet 48 of known design, the various actions of which are developed later on for a good understanding of the operation of the printing press.

By pressing the start button 49A Figure 18 controlling the general power up, the whole machine is powered and in particular the control panel 49 Figure 13, the electrical and electronic cabinet 48, the hydraulic unit 47 and the reception module 14 which controls the descent of the stack 9A. Pressing the "Cylinders" button 49B Figure 18 activates the geared motor unit 55 Figure 13 which rotates all the cylinders of the printing press to allow, at first, to prepare the wetting groups and d 'inking, as on any conventional offset printing press. The "Wetting" button 49C Figure 18 being pressed, the wetting touchers descend on the plate of the plate cylinder 10 Figure 13. The touching ink rollers do the same if the "Inking" button 49D Figure 18 is in turn pressed. Pressing these same buttons again cancels 1 previously ordered action.

The display of the format to be printed in inches on the 49P electronic displays is obtained by pressing the 49E buttons; display in fractions of inches, sixth or eighth, on the 49N displays by pressing the 49F buttons. The number of prints to be obtained is programmed using the 49G buttons and appears on the 49M displays. At each print, a unit will be counted down and the return to zero will stop the machine at the end of the desired print run. Pressing one of the "Margin" buttons 49H, will move the strip to be printed in the desired direction, quickly if the pressure is maintained, step by step if the button is pressed by brief pulses, in order to correctly position the print to obtain its register, as previously explained. The machine being ready to print (inking, wetting, perforated strip in position), the format displayed as well as the value of the print to be produced, pressing the "Printing" button 49I will start the printing cycles. The splined shaft 54 Figure 13 which drives all the press cylinders allows, thanks to the good ratios of the gears used, to rotate at the same speed as that of the pressure cylinders 6, blanket holder 5 and plate holder 10. The toothed pulley 72, wedged on the splined shaft 54 drives the pulse generator 75 at the same speed via the toothed pulley 73 and the toothed belt 74. This pulse generator has two ways: the first way controls the stepper motors steps which drive the tractors by pulling the strip to be printed at the same linear speed as the circumferential speed from the printing cylinders; the second way generates only one pulse per revolution used to start the stepper motors of the strip tractors and to activate the hydraulic cylinders 43A Figure 15 to move the blanket cylinder 5 bringing it to its position printing, ie pressing on the eccentrics 40 and "cords against cords" with the plate cylinder 10. The pressurization at the end of the printing cycle and the stopping of the stepper motors of the tractors of the band are controlled by the computer of the electronic cabinet 48 Figure 13 when its "format" counters go to zero. Obviously, the starting pulse, supplied at each turn by the pulse generator 75, is generated at a very precise position in the printing cycle, so that there is simultaneity between the starting of the strip to be printed 3A, the pressurization and entrainment by the action of the blanket cylinder 5 against the pressure cylinder 6. It should be noted that the action of the margin drum 18 rotating against the direction of travel of the strip to be printed, stretches it permanently without excessive stress thanks to the combined action of the pressure rollers 60 and the springs 63. The electronic "Start" signal, controlling the starting of the stepper motors and spiked tractors 19 and 14D, is adjusted so that the belt is pulled about half an inch before it is driven at the same speed by the printing cylinders so as to avoid response times which are different depending on the means used in combination (hydraulic, mechanical and electronic) do not lead to imprecision of the register, stretching of the holes or untimely tape breaks. This procedure neutralizes the inertia of the belt when starting spiked tractors 19 and 14D and allows it to reach its real speed before being pinched and driven by the printing cylinders which ensures high repeatability of the register from one impression to another and therefore a constant register from color to color throughout the entire print run. In order to obtain a full-size printout of the printout and taking into account the response time of the clutch release devices for the pressure of the printing cylinders, as soon as the belt drive is released by the press, the tractors pins 19 and 14D are immediately driven in reverse by about an inch, so as to roll back and position the strip 3A before the next printing cycle. To do this, the electronic computer has been programmed to command from the displayed format a front and rear pulling movement of an additional inch. This value of one inch is not absolute and has been determined experimentally because in fact, whatever the operating rate of the press, the release of the pressure is obtained in less than half an inch. The margin drum 18 accompanies the printing web 3A in its recoil movement and keeps it taut before the start of the next printing cycle.

• a) affichage de 12 inches sur le pupitre de commande 49
• b) pression sur le bouton "Cylindres" 49B qui met en action l'ensemble des fonctions de la presse
• c) pression sur le bouton "Impression" 49I qui autorise le cycle d'impression
• d) impulsion "Start" du générateur d'impulsions 75 Figure 11
  - début de traction de la bande 3A à l'aide des tracteurs à picots 19 et 14D dont le déplacement total sera de douze plus un inch soit treize inches et simultanément début du mouvement des vérins hydrauliques 43A Figure 17
  - mise en pression effective des cylindres d'impression dont le faible décalage de démarrage dans le temps a permis à la bande 3A de prendre sa vitesse en consommant environ un demi inch de son déplacement global
  - impression effective sur une longueur de douze inches
  - signal de fin de format qui déclenche la mise hors pression des cylindres
  - durant la mise hors pression la bande avance au maximum d'un demi inch supplémentaire
  - arrêt de la bande à imprimer 3A Figure 13
  - recul de la bande à imprimer 3A d'un inch par la seule action des tracteurs à picots 19 et 14D
  - arrêt de la bande positionnée et tendue par le tambour de marge 18 en attente du prochain "Start" du générateur d'impulsions 75 qui relance le cycle d'impression suivant.

The set of functions can therefore be summarized as follows by taking the example of a 12 inch format, the press being ready to print:

• a) 12 inch display on the control panel 49
• b) press the "Cylinders" button 49B which activates all of the press functions
• c) pressing the "Printing" button 49I which authorizes the printing cycle
• d) pulse "Start" of the pulse generator 75 Figure 11
  - start of traction of the strip 3A using pin tractors 19 and 14D whose total displacement will be twelve plus one inch or thirteen inches and simultaneously start of the movement of the hydraulic cylinders 43A Figure 17
  - effective pressurization of the printing cylinders, the small start-up offset over time has enabled the 3A strip to pick up its speed by consuming about half an inch of its overall displacement
  - effective printing over a length of twelve inches
  - end of format signal which triggers the pressurization of the cylinders
  - during the pressurization the strip advances at most by an additional half inch
  - stop of the printing tape 3A Figure 13
  - shrinkage of the printing strip 3A by one inch by the sole action of the pimpled tractors 19 and 14D
  - Stop of the band positioned and stretched by the margin drum 18 awaiting the next "Start" of the pulse generator 75 which restarts the next printing cycle.

Figure 14 shows the same variable format printing press in continuous roll-to-roll printing configuration. The feed module 11 delivers the printing web 3 wound on the reel 1, the drive of which is provided by a geared motor, not shown here for the clarity of the drawing, and the speed of rotation of which is controlled by the loop of control obtained with the roller 1A supported by the levers 1B. The roller 1C comprises flanges 1D adjustable in spacing along the width of the strip 3 ensuring it a pre alignment before winding on the drying rollers 1E. Then the strip 3 enters the guide module 4, the roller 4A orientable in the horizontal plane is controlled by the optical strip edge reader 4B and the usual associated control means, not shown here as known. At the outlet of the last printing unit 7C2, via the remarking drum 18 and its pressure rollers 60, the margin rollers 64 positioned by the adjusting screw 67, the printed strip passes through the line reader 17 before entering the rewinder module 12. The printing strip 3 passes over the tractor cylinder 12A driven by the stepping motor 12B, the pulleys and the toothed belt 12C, 12D and 12E. The electronic cabinet 48 and the control console 49 control this assembly, controlled by the pulse generator 75. The pressure rollers 8 fixed to one end of the levers 8A pivoting on the bearings 8B by means of the shaft 8C, very strongly press the strip 3 thanks to the action of the tightening screw 8D thus ensuring excellent training. The printed strip 3 thus treated is wound on the reel 9 set in motion by a geared motor not shown for clarity of the drawing but whose action is known in continuous printing from reel to reel and whose speed of rotation is controlled by the loop roller 12F equipped with the flanges 12G rotating at one end of the levers 12H. As in the example explained above and illustrated in Figure 14, the strip 3 is put in place and the press is prepared for printing. No format is to be displayed on the control panel 49 Figure 18. The displays 49M indicate the value of the print to be made and the "Continuous-Continuous" button 49L was pressed to replace the end of format signal with the signal of the line reader 17 Figure 14. After pressing the "Print" button 49I Figure 18 on the control panel 49, the "Start" pulse of the pulse generator 75 Figure 14 starts the stepper motor 12B and the cylinders 43A Figure 17 bring the blanket cylinder 5 in abutment with the pressure cylinder 6. Simultaneously, the press prints in addition to the printed line of reference which will be detected when it passes through the reader 17. As soon as this reading is read landmark, the orders are given to the cylinders 43A to pressurize the press and to the stepping motor 12B to stop pulling half an inch further, then to move the strip 3 back by an inch while waiting for the next "Start" of the pulse generator 75. During the retraction of the strip 3, the margin drum 18 accompanies it while keeping it taut, pinched on the tractor cylinder 12A stopped. The compensating roller 4C rotating at one end of the levers 4D articulated on the axis 4E pulls the strip to be printed 3 thanks to the action of the spring 4F by absorbing the length of strip provided by its recoil movement and by the supply reel 1 which continues to rotate and the speed of which is controlled by the loop roller 1A. In the same way, the winding reel 9 is speed controlled by the loop roller 12F which integrates the on and off movements of the strip 3.

To allow printing in traditional continuous printing, it is essential that the diameters of the cylinders of the printing groups correspond to the format to be printed or to a divisible of this format, therefore, if necessary, to install the corresponding printing groups to this format by sliding them on their guide bars 29 Figure 15 by engaging them at the end of the disassembled receiving module side to allow this operation. The strip 3 is put in place as in the reel-to-reel configuration Figure 14 and the press prepared for printing. No format is displayed on the control panel 49 Figure 18. The displays 49M indicate the number of prints to be made and the "Continuous-Continuous" button 49L is pressed. After pressing the "Print" button 49I Figure 18 on the control panel 49 the "Start" pulse of the pulse generator 75 Figure 14 starts the stepper motor 12B and the jacks 43A Figure 17 bring the cylinder blanket holder 5 in contact with the pressure cylinder 6. No "end of format" pulse being delivered by the electronics, the jacks are kept in pressure and the stepping motor pulls the web to be printed 3 until what the print counter or a stop commanded by a new press on the button 49I Figure 18 stops the press.

Obviously the stepper motors can be replaced by any other type of motor such as for example direct current motor coupled to an electronic pulse generator.

The mode of operation in detail of presses of the "sheet by sheet" type as well as the means for disengaging the pressure at the end of format from hydraulic cylinders 43A being the same as those explained and shown in continuous printing mode are not intentionally neither shown nor explained since it does not add anything to the understanding of the invention.

It is also obvious that to illustrate the operation of the invention, an example has been taken of the operation of these presses using printing by two printing cycles and double inking by printing, but in fact, the speeds of rotation of the cylinders being relatively slow compared to that of "Continuous-Continuous" presses, it would be possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to produce a printing on three printing cycles and three inking of the plate by impression.

Claims (15)

1 - Multicolored offset printing presses with essentially variable format for printing of continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations characterized by the fact of using the general operating principle of multicolored offset presses of the "continuous" or "sheet type"leaf". The majority of the means used are common to the two types of presses and work in combination with their main organs to allow them to possibly retain their original functions to which are added those of the invention.
In the first form of the invention akin to "continuous" type presses, the means used to carry out the invention are mainly characterized by the fact that the pressure exerted on the blanket cylinder 5 is released at the end of the format and at at least one printing cycle out of two by the action of the hydraulic cylinder 43A to allow the continuous strip 3 and 3A, not driven during the cycle where the pressure is released, to be able to be positioned correctly before the next printing cycle. This operating mode also allows the use of printing groups 7C1, 7C2, 7D1 and 7D2 whose means for distributing the ink and inking the plate 10 are reduced compared to a conventional group, since the plate 10 benefits d double inking by printing. This same advantage also applies to the 7E accent color group. The drive and positioning means of the strip 3 and 3A such as spiked tractors 19, 14D and pinch rollers 8 are driven by stepping motors 68, 12B and 14E controlled by electronic control 48 and 49. In the second form of the invention using all or part of the means used in the printing mode of multicolored sheet-by-sheet presses the strip 3 and 3A is positioned between each printing cycle immediately after the release of the pressure from the blanket cylinder 5 at the end of the format using the same types of hydraulic cylinders 43A as those used in continuous printing. The vast majority of means working in combination with those of the press to allow the guidance and positioning of the strip are of the same nature as those used in the first form of the invention. 2 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous bands with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure of the blanket cylinder 5 is released at the end of the format to be printed by the action of the hydraulic cylinder 43A. 3 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the printing units 7A1, 7A2, 7B1, 7B2, 7C1 , 7C2 and 7D1 and 7D2 slide on the guide bars 29 to allow the register of the band 3 and 3A to be adjusted from group to group. 4 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the printing units 7A1, 7A2, 7B1, 7B2, 7C1 , 7C2 and 7Dl and 7D2 can be transformed as required. 5 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the printing units 7C1, 7C2, 7D1 and 7D2 include means of ink distribution and plate inking very reduced compared to traditional groups. 6 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the printing units 7C1, 7C2, 7D1 and 7D2 ink twice the printing plate 10 per printing. 7 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the printing units 7A1, 7A2, 7B1, 7B2, 7C1 , 7C2, 7D1 and 7D2 comprise a sub-group 7E whose means for distributing the ink and for inking the plate 10E are very reduced compared to a conventional device of the same type. 8 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the printing units 7A1, 7A2, 7B1, 7B2, 7C1 , 7C2, 7D1 and 7D2 have a printing subgroup 7E which inks the plate 10E twice by printing. 9 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing cylinders are provided with "cylinder recesses" and clamps allowing "sheet-by-sheet" printing. 10 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the supply modules 13 and 11 and reception 14 and 12 are interchangeable and adaptable indifferently to presses of the "continuous" or "sheet by sheet" type. 11 - Multicolored offset printing presses with an essentially variable format for printing in continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact of using electronic servo means 48 and 49 allowing the printing of the strip 3 and 3A with or without "Caroll" perforations. 12 - Multicolored offset printing presses in an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the combined action of the electronics 48 and 49 and the jacks 43 A allows continuous alternating printing. 13 - Multicolored offset printing presses in an essentially variable format for printing continuous bands with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 12, characterized in that from printing groups 7B1 and 7B2 or 7A1 and 7A2 provided with printing cylinders whose developed corresponds to the format to be treated or to a divisible of this format, they print in traditional "continuous". 14 - Multicolored offset printing presses in an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the means used for their production are adaptable to existing multicolored offset presses . 15 - Multicolored offset printing presses in an essentially variable format for printing continuous strips with or without "Caroll" type perforations according to claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the means used for their production can be incorporated into single-color presses assembled mechanically between them and whose speeds are synchronized to form multicolored sets.

Images