EP0453973B1 - Offset printing machine for variable repeat distance with automatic loading and unloading of cylinders - Google Patents

Offset printing machine for variable repeat distance with automatic loading and unloading of cylinders Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0453973B1
EP0453973B1 EP91106279A EP91106279A EP0453973B1 EP 0453973 B1 EP0453973 B1 EP 0453973B1 EP 91106279 A EP91106279 A EP 91106279A EP 91106279 A EP91106279 A EP 91106279A EP 0453973 B1 EP0453973 B1 EP 0453973B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
cylinders
cylinder
machine according
shaft
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EP91106279A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0453973A1 (en
Inventor
Edouard Borel
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Bobst Mex SA
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Bobst SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F13/00—Common details of rotary presses or machines
    • B41F13/44—Arrangements to accommodate interchangeable cylinders of different sizes to enable machine to print on areas of different sizes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F31/00—Inking arrangements or devices
    • B41F31/30—Arrangements for tripping, lifting, adjusting, or removing inking rollers; Supports, bearings, or forks therefor
    • B41F31/302—Devices for tripping inking devices as a whole

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to variable format web offset printing.
  • each printed format can contain one or more printing patterns, each corresponding to future packaging.
  • a print could correspond to a cylinder circumference or a print format (minus the dead zone used for fixing the sheets and blankets); on the other hand, in the case of liquid boxes, it will take several printing patterns to go around the cylinder.
  • the object of the present invention is to minimize the manpower and the time necessary for the unloading-loading of the printing cylinders during a format change in an offset printing machine.
  • the offset printing machine represented in FIG. 2 therefore comprises, in a manner similar to FIG. 1 described above, an upper PP plate cylinder, an intermediate PB blanket cylinder, a lower CC counter cylinder, a unit inking E with its inkwell E1 and its rollers E2-E4, a wetting unit M with its tank M1 and its rollers M2-M4, a washing module L (not shown in FIG. 1) of the cylinder PB.
  • the machine comprises a fixed lower part or frame Ba and a vertically movable upper part, called the CE inking cassette.
  • the two cylinders PP and CC are mounted for rotation on the first end of a rocking lever 8, respectively 8 ', the second end of which is mounted for rotation along a horizontal axis 81, 81' with fixed prestressed bearings on the Ba frame.
  • the cylinder PB is mounted fixed at each of its ends on the frame Ba. In this way, it is possible, depending on the angular position of the tilting levers 8, 8 ′, to put in the working position PP and CC cylinders of different diameters in relation to the length of the format to be printed.
  • the cylinders PP, PB and CC shown in solid lines correspond to the maximum format, and those in broken lines to the minimum format.
  • the inking unit E and the wetting unit M with their elements E1-E4, respectively M1-M4, are mounted directly on the inking cassette CE.
  • the distributing rollers E3 or M3 those shown in thick lines are strolls.
  • All touch rollers E4 or M4 are mounted on tilting levers. From FIG. 2, it is also possible to see that, thanks to the vertical mobility of the cassette CE and to the touching rollers E4 or M bascul mounted on tilting levers, the inking units E and mooring M can always be that is to say whatever the size of the cylinders PP, PB and CC within the framework of the maximum and minimum formats provided, occupy a position which allows them to fulfill their function of inking, or wetting.
  • the washing module L it is horizontally movable to be adapted to the format of the cylinder PB.
  • FIG. 3 shows the instant when the cassette CE is at the maximum high point so that, even in the case of the maximum format of the cylinders PB and PP (here the cylinder CC has no influence), the cylinder PP is completely free from the touch rollers E4 and M4. Given, as will be seen later, that the purpose of this clearance is to make it easier to change the cylinders, it has been found that in the highest position of the CE cassette, a distance of at least 50 cm should be provided between the PP cylinder and the nearest E4 or M4 touch roller.
  • FIG. 4 four printing groups G1-G4, each of which corresponds to a color of the offset printing, are traversed by the strip F in the right-left direction, it being understood that the other left-right direction can also be expected.
  • the first group G1 is intended to print the back of the strip F and the three following groups G2-G4 the front.
  • guide rollers R2 for driving the strip F, which arrives from the right, over and behind the group G1 which it then crosses in the left-right direction. so that its front is printed by the cylinder PB.
  • rollers R3 then deflect 180 ° downwards the strip F which leaves the first group G1, to orient it again in the right-left direction so as to bring it through the base of the first group G1, in the direction of the guide rollers R4 provided on the second group G2. Rollers R4 are arranged so as to bring the strip F to the level and in the direction of the cylinder PB of group G2. Then, the band F horizontally crosses the three groups G2-G4. At the exit from the machine, rollers R5 guide the strip F to a next working machine, for example for cutting the strip into sheets.
  • the offset machine can also be provided with a drying station S either at the exit of the strip F of the first group G1 to dry the back, or at the exit of the last group G4 to dry the front, or still between groups, for partial drying.
  • each printing unit G1-G4 On each side of the strip F and on the frame Ba of each printing unit G1-G4 are provided vertical guides 2 intended to support and guide the arms of a loading-unloading system of the cylinders PP, PB, CC.
  • a free space is provided for the installation of a carriage 3 on which the three replacement printing cylinders PP ', PB' and CC 'can be placed, that is to say say for a new job, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the carriage 3 has the function of transporting, from a storage location, the three reserve cylinders PP ', PB', CC ' and to place them perpendicular to the strip and near the PP, PB and CC cylinders already present.
  • the carriage 3 (FIG. 7) consists of a base 31 of length approximately equal to that of the printing cylinders and of a vertical upright 32 connected to one end of the base 31.
  • the base 31 is equipped four swivel wheels 33 to allow autonomous movement of the carriage 3.
  • Grooves 34 for movement of the carriage 3 by pallet truck are also provided in the base 31.
  • the carriage 3 comprises three vertically spaced horizontal supports 35a, 35b, 35c intended for each carry one of the three cylinders PP, PB and CC.
  • Each horizontal support 35a-35c has at each of its ends a support bar 36 provided with a circular notch 36a open upwards and in which a free end of the central shaft 14 of a cylinder can take place.
  • PP, PB, or CC printing Towards its top, the carriage 3 is provided with a frame 37 intended to facilitate its manual handling.
  • the vertical arrangement of the horizontal supports 35a-35c is such that the printing tape F can, along a horizontal path, pass between the lower support 35a and the intermediate support 35b and arrive between the two cylinders PB and CC.
  • a free space is provided between the lower support 35a and the base 31, for the passage of the strip F in the case, for example, of the group G1 of FIG. 4.
  • downstream of each group G1-G4 can be set up a carriage 3 by displacement of the latter perpendicular to the direction of travel of the strip F.
  • FIG. 7 being given that it is not necessary to provide a band passage F between the two upper 35c and intermediate 35b supports, the free ends of the latter two are connected to each other, for reasons of rigidity, by a vertical cross-member 38.
  • FIG. 5 are shown the second and third printing groups G2, respectively G3 during the back printing of the strip F. It is now described the loading-unloading of the printing cylinders PP, PB and CC of the second group G2, it being understood that that to the other groups G1, G3 and G4 is identical to it.
  • each spare cylinder PP', PB', CC' in front take the place of the corresponding one on the G2 group, and vice-versa.
  • vertical guides 2 fixed on the side walls of the frame Ba of group G2.
  • a mobile support 25 provided with a horizontal axis around which the first end of an arm 26 can pivot.
  • the vertical movement of the support 25 is ensured by means of a ball screw 23 whose the upper and lower ends are mounted in free rotation, by means of bearings 22a, respectively 22c, on the frame Ba of group G2.
  • the lower ends of the two ball screws 23 are interconnected by transmission means (not shown) and driven simultaneously by the same motor N1.
  • the ball screw 23 is engaged with a corresponding nut 25a provided in the mobile support 25, so as to move the latter by rotation of the ball screw 23. In this way, a simultaneous and identical displacement and positioning are obtained for the two movable supports 25.
  • each arm 26 The pivoting of each arm 26 around the horizontal axis of the corresponding support 25 is obtained by means of a spline shaft 24 whose upper and lower ends are also mounted in free rotation, by means of the bearings 22a, respectively 22c, on the frame Ba of the group G2.
  • the lower ends of the two splined shafts 24 are connected together by transmission means (not shown) in order to be able to drive them in rotation, simultaneously and at the same speed, by means of a single motor N2.
  • transmission means not shown
  • known means are provided for transforming the rotation of the splined shaft 24 into a tilting movement of the arm 26 around the horizontal axis mentioned above.
  • the free end of each arm 26 is provided with telescopic clamps 26a with control by pneumatic cylinders for opening and closing of clamps.
  • each clamp 26a The purpose of each clamp 26a is to grip the corresponding free end of the central axis of one of the three printing cylinders PP, PB and CC.
  • a fixed auxiliary horizontal support 21, directed downstream, is mounted, by a first end, on the frame Ba of the group G2 near the upper end of each guide 2, the free end also being provided with a semi-circular notch 21a open upwards.
  • each clamp 26a can be engaged with a part released from the central shaft 14 of the cylinders PP, PB and CC; means must even be provided for releasing this central shaft 14 with respect to its rotation bearing mounted on the frame Ba of the group, these means possibly being roughly similar to those already used to date to allow a change format of such cylinders.
  • the fact that the cylinders PP and CC are mounted in the group G2 on tilting levers 8, respectively 8 ′ also makes it possible to keep them sufficiently distant from the fixed cylinder PB (even in the case of a large format ) to make unloading-loading easier.
  • sequences will be chosen automatically by checking the presence of the elements when the carriage has been inserted. This control will be done by read heads, proximity switches or similar means.
  • FIGS 8 to 10 show an embodiment of the tilting arm 26 and its control means. Here too, only one side will be described, it being understood that the other side is identical to it.
  • the mobile support 25 is mounted movable vertically along and outside a right angle corner of the frame Ba of the group G2.
  • the mobile support 25, seen from above, has the shape of a block at a right angle conforming, but without coming into contact, the corner of the frame Ba.
  • the mobile support 25 is provided with a guide groove 51 engaged with a corresponding vertical rail 50 fixed, using screws 52, on the downstream face of the frame Ba.
  • the vertical movement of the support 25 is therefore ensured, as mentioned above, using the ball screw 23 engaged with the corresponding nut 25a (see FIG. 10).
  • One end of the arm 26 is fixed on a horizontal axis 80 oriented perpendicular to the lateral face of the frame Ba and mounted in rotation, by means of bearings 81, on the mobile support 25.
  • the arm 26, the thickness of which must be reduced to minimum so that it can be easily introduced into the narrow space located between the end of the cylinder PP, PB or CC and the rocket 100 which supports it in the group G2, consists of a first and second plate 61, respectively 62, identical and kept parallel and at a distance from one another by means of a third intermediate plate 60.
  • the common fixing of the three plates 60-62, so as to form a solid assembly in the form of an arm 26, can be produced by any known means, for example by welding. Locking in rotation of the arm 26 on the axis 80 is obtained using a known system with cone and compression screw 84 which make it possible to produce a friction coupling.
  • the intermediate plate 60 is shorter than the other two plates 61, 62 so as to leave between each free end of the latter a free space which can be occupied by two upper and lower movable clamps 26a.
  • the two clamps 26a which have an exactly identical construction method but symmetrical with one another (see FIG. 9), also have an exactly simultaneous operation, even if, in FIG. 9, the lower clamp 26a, to facilitate understanding, is shown with its end 60a emerging from the free end of the two plates 61, 62, that is to say of the arm 26, and in engagement, by means of a semi-circular notch 60g open upwards, with the central shaft 14 of one of the cylinders.
  • Each clamp 26a is in the form of a plate of thickness slightly less than that of the intermediate plate 60 so as to be able to slide freely between the two other plates 61, 62.
  • Each clamp 26a therefore consists of the front part 60a with a notch 60g, a rear part 60c and a central part 60e.
  • On the central part 60e are fixed two guide studs 60f, 60h intended to come into engagement with grooves corresponding 61a, 62a, respectively 61c, 62c, of the two plates 61, 62.
  • the shape and the arrangement of the clamp 26a, of the grooves 61a, 62a and 61c, 62c and of the studs 60f and 60h are such that, when the clamp 26a is moved, by means of a jack V1 whose output rod is in engagement with the rear part 60c of the clamp 26a, towards the front, the notch 60g comes into engagement with the lower (or upper) half of the 'shaft 14.
  • the arm 26 is so designed that its free end, that is to say that of the two plates 61, 62, comes in the immediate vicinity of the shaft 14 without however being able, whatever or the state of its tilting, come into contact with this shaft 14.
  • a movable locking pin 90 closable by a spring 91 and openable by a pneumatic cylinder V2 mounted on the first plate 61, is engaged with a corresponding orifice 60m of the clamp 26a.
  • the rocket 100 engaged in the printing unit G2 with the end of the shaft 14, is axially displaced so as to release the latter relative to the group G2 and thus allow the weight of the cylinder PP, PB or CC to rest directly on the arm 26.
  • the supply of pneumatic fluid to the cylinders V1 comprises a ring with rotating seals 70 concentric with the axis 80.
  • the fixed ring 70 is pierced with numerous orifices 71 connected, on the one hand, to a pneumatic fluid supply conduit C1 and, on the other hand, to conduits 64 drilled inside the first (rotating) plate 61.
  • the conduits 64 which emerge on a free edge of the plate 61, are then connected by appropriate conduits C2 to the four pneumatic cylinders V1, V2.
  • the crown 70 is mounted on a cover 74 concentric with the axis 80 and fixed to the mobile support 25 by screws 75. As can be seen in FIG.
  • the cover 74 also has the function, in association with a circlip 86 in succession. , a first bearing 81, a washer 87, a toothed crown 88 (described below), a stop crown 82, a second bearing 81 (mounted in the cover 74) ensuring the axial fixing of the axis 80 to inside the movable support 25.
  • the crown 70 is pressed against the arm 26 only when the latter is stopped, because it is only there that the jacks must be actuated. When the arm turns, all pressures are cut, which prevents wear on the seals of crown 70.
  • the means for driving the axis 80 in rotation comprise a first pinion 10 (see FIG. 10) fixed on the nut 25c and in engagement with a second pinion 11 mounted locked in rotation on an axis 12.
  • a first pinion 10 (see FIG. 10) fixed on the nut 25c and in engagement with a second pinion 11 mounted locked in rotation on an axis 12.
  • an endless screw 44 is fixed in engagement with the corresponding toothed crown 88 mounted linked in rotation, using pins 82a in engagement with the stop 82, on the axis 80.
  • the arm 26 may consist of a single plate in which is made a free space for the clamps 26a.
  • the pneumatic supply of the jacks can be made directly by flexible pipes, that is to say without the use of the rotating crown with tight seals.
  • the clamps 26a can be controlled electrically, etc.
  • the arrangement shown by way of example has the advantage of being self-locking in the event of a pneumatic pressure rupture or in the event of an electrical failure. In addition, it was created as compact as possible.
  • Figures 11 and 11A to 11D show an exemplary embodiment of the rocket 100 supporting each cylinder PP, PB, CC in a group G1-G4.
  • the rocket 100 consists of a crown 101 provided with pairs of connecting rods 102, 103 hinged together, each pair being distributed angularly around the axis of the shaft 14 of a cylinder PP, PB, CC.
  • the assembly constituted by the crown 101 and the connecting rods 102, 103 is movable between a first position (shown in the upper half of FIG. 11) in which a hook-shaped part 102a of a connecting rod 102 is engaged with a corresponding groove 14a of the shaft 14, and a second position (shown in the lower half of FIG.
  • FIGS. 11A to 11D show the different positions of the connecting rods 102, 103 as a function of that of the crown 101.
  • the parts conical 401a, 14b establish a radial connection, and the hooks 102a and groove 14a an axial connection of the shaft 14 relative to the cylinder 400.
  • a peculiarity is that the thrust which connects the conical ends 401a, 14b is not introduced on the shaft 401 directly, but first on a special socket 411, then a spacer 412, a socket 410, and from there only on the shaft 401 by means of the shoulder 401b.
  • the thrust maintained has the effect of causing a concentric radial swelling of the sockets 410, 411 thereby eliminating the radial clearance required for axial sliding.
  • the end of the cylinder 400 subjected to a possible radial expansion, will be stiffened by the crown 101.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rotary Presses (AREA)
  • Supply, Installation And Extraction Of Printed Sheets Or Plates (AREA)
  • Discharge By Other Means (AREA)
  • Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
  • Delivering By Means Of Belts And Rollers (AREA)

Abstract

An offset printing machine is disclosed wherein printing cylinders used for a new run are carried by a carriage into a vicinity of a printing unit of the machine. The printing unit is provided with two lateral movable arms which automatically and successively transfer every printing cylinder from the printing unit onto the carriage and inversely, the new cylinders from the carriage onto the printing unit.

Description

La présente invention a trait à l'impression offset en bande à format variable.The present invention relates to variable format web offset printing.

La figure 1 du dessin annexé représente un schéma simplifié du fonctionnement d'une machine d'impression offset comprenant :

  • un cylindre PP portant une plaque métallique P sur laquelle est gravé le cliché à imprimer;
  • un cylindre PB portant une plaque en caoutchouc nommée blanchet B et destinée à reporter sous forme d'une couche d'encre l'image du cliché sur une portion correspondante, nommée par la suite bande F, de carton ou similaire qui défile;
  • un contre-cylindre CC destiné à presser la bande F en direction du cylindre PB;
  • une unité d'encrage E comprenant un encrier à lames réglables E₁, un rouleau barboteur E₂, des rouleaux distributeurs E₃ et des rouleaux toucheurs E₄;
  • une unité de mouillage M (à eau ou alcool) comprenant un bac M₁, un rouleau barboteur M₂, des rouleaux distributeurs M₃ et des rouleaux toucheurs M₄.
FIG. 1 of the appended drawing represents a simplified diagram of the operation of an offset printing machine comprising:
  • a cylinder PP carrying a metal plate P on which the plate to be printed is engraved;
  • a cylinder PB carrying a rubber plate called a blanket B and intended to transfer in the form of a layer of ink the image of the photograph onto a corresponding portion, hereinafter called strip F, of cardboard or the like which scrolls;
  • a counter-cylinder CC intended to press the strip F in the direction of the cylinder PB;
  • an inking unit E comprising an inkwell with adjustable blades E₁, a bubbling roller E₂, distributing rollers E₃ and touching rollers E₄;
  • a wetting unit M (with water or alcohol) comprising a tank M₁, a bubbling roller M₂, distributor rollers M₃ and touching rollers M₄.

Pour exploiter au maximum les capacités de production de la machine offset, il est connu que les trois cylindres PP, PB et CC doivent tous avoir un périmètre identique qui correspond à la longueur du format à imprimer.
Il est à noter qu'en particulier dans le cas de l'avance de la bande F, chaque format imprimé peut contenir un ou plusieurs motifs d'impression, correspondant chacun à un futur emballage. Par exemple, dans le cas de grands cartons à lessive, une impression pourra correspondre à une circonférence de cylindre ou un format d'impression (moins la zone morte servant à la fixation des plaques et blanchets); par contre, dans le cas de boîtes à liquide, il faudra plusieurs motifs d'impression pour faire le tour du cylindre. Toutefois, cette différence n'entre pas en jeu au niveau de l'impression, mais seulement, par la suite où, dans le cas de l'emballage, le format est découpé en plusieurs parties, dite poses, chacune comportant un seul motif et destinée à former un exemplaire d'emballage. En conséquence, pour chaque nouvelle série de travail, où la longueur du format est différente de la précédente, les trois rouleaux PP, PB et CC doivent être échangés. Etant donné qu'une machine d'impression peut comporter jusqu'à dix groupes de cylindres PP, PB et CC, à savoir un groupe pour chaque couleur, il s'ensuit que jusqu'à 30 cylindres sont à échanger pour chaque nouveau travail. Une façon connue de procéder est de monter les trois cylindres par travail et groupe dans une cassette (voir par exemple le document FR-A-2443930) comportant bâtis rigides, engrenages de haute qualité, traverses, paliers, réglages d'entre-axe et les trois cylindres PP, PB, CC (pour ne nommer que l'essentiel). Il faut donc changer de cassette dans chaque groupe lorsque le format varie.To make the most of the production capacity of the offset machine, it is known that the three cylinders PP, PB and CC must all have an identical perimeter which corresponds to the length of the format to be printed.
It should be noted that in particular in the case of the advance of the strip F, each printed format can contain one or more printing patterns, each corresponding to future packaging. For example, in the case of large laundry cartons, a print could correspond to a cylinder circumference or a print format (minus the dead zone used for fixing the sheets and blankets); on the other hand, in the case of liquid boxes, it will take several printing patterns to go around the cylinder. However, this difference does not come into play at the printing level, but only, thereafter where, in the case of packaging, the format is cut into several parts, called poses, each comprising a single pattern and intended to form a copy of packaging. Consequently, for each new working series, where the format length is different from the previous one, the three rolls PP, PB and CC must be replaced. Since a printing machine can have up to ten groups of PP, PB and CC cylinders, i.e. one group for each color, it follows that up to 30 cylinders are to be exchanged for each new job. One known way of proceeding is to mount the three cylinders by work and group in a cassette (see for example the document FR-A-2443930) comprising rigid frames, high quality gears, crosspieces, bearings, center-to-center adjustments and the three cylinders PP, PB, CC (to name only the essentials). It is therefore necessary to change the cassette in each group when the format varies.

Les désavantages sont les suivants :

  • prix élevé au changement de travail;
  • délai conséquent pour planifier un nouveau travail (taillage d'engrenages, trempe, rectification);
  • temps mort élevé au changement de travail;
  • beaucoup d'argent gelé dans les stocks.
The disadvantages are:
  • high price at job change;
  • consequent time to plan a new job (gear cutting, hardening, grinding);
  • high downtime at change of job;
  • a lot of money frozen in stocks.

En conséquence, la présente invention a pour but de réduire au minimum la main d'oeuvre et le temps nécessaire au déchargement-chargement des cylindres d'impression lors d'un changement de format dans une machine d'impression offset.Consequently, the object of the present invention is to minimize the manpower and the time necessary for the unloading-loading of the printing cylinders during a format change in an offset printing machine.

Ce but est atteint grâce à une machine selon la revendication 1.This object is achieved by a machine according to claim 1.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront du mode de réalisation décrit par la suite en référence au dessin annexé dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente, comme déjà mentionné plus haut, le schéma de fonctionnement d'une machine offset selon l'art antérieur;
  • les figures 2 et 3 représentent chacune une vue schématique de côté d'un groupe imprimeur d'une machine offset selon l'invention;

   la figure 4 est une vue schématique de côté d'une machine offset à quatre groupes imprimeurs;
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique d'une partie d'une machine d'impression offset munie d'un système de chargement-déchargement des cylindres d'impression;
  • la figure 6 est un schéma fonctionnel représentant les étapes successives de travail du chargeur-déchargeur selon la figure 5;
  • la figure 7 est une vue simplifiée d'un chariot de chargement-déchargement des cylindres d'impression;
  • la figure 8 est une vue partielle de dessus en coupe selon E - E de la figure 9 d'un groupe d'impression muni d'un dispositif de déchargement-chargement des cylindres d'impression;
  • la figure 9 est une vue selon C de la figure 8;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon A - A de la figure 8; et
  • les figures 11 et 11A à 11D sont une vue en coupe du montage des extrémités du cylindre d'impression dans une machine offset.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the embodiment described below with reference to the appended drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 shows, as already mentioned above, the operating diagram of an offset machine according to the prior art;
  • Figures 2 and 3 each show a schematic side view of a printing unit of an offset machine according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an offset machine with four printing groups;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a part of an offset printing machine provided with a loading-unloading system of the printing cylinders;
  • Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the successive stages of work of the loader-unloader according to Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a simplified view of a loading-unloading carriage of the printing cylinders;
  • Figure 8 is a partial top view in section along E - E of Figure 9 of a printing unit provided with an unloading-loading device for printing cylinders;
  • Figure 9 is a view along C of Figure 8;
  • Figure 10 is a sectional view along A - A of Figure 8; and
  • Figures 11 and 11A to 11D are a sectional view of the mounting of the ends of the printing cylinder in an offset machine.

La machine d'impression offset représentée à la figure 2 comprend donc, de manière similaire à la figure 1 décrite plus haut, un cylindre porte-plaque PP supérieur, un cylindre porte-blanchet PB intermédiaire, un contre-cylindre CC inférieur, une unité d'encrage E avec son encrier E₁ et ses rouleaux E₂-E₄, une unité de mouillage M avec son bac M₁ et ses rouleaux M₂-M₄, un module de lavage L (non représenté dans la figure 1) du cylindre PB.The offset printing machine represented in FIG. 2 therefore comprises, in a manner similar to FIG. 1 described above, an upper PP plate cylinder, an intermediate PB blanket cylinder, a lower CC counter cylinder, a unit inking E with its inkwell E₁ and its rollers E₂-E₄, a wetting unit M with its tank M₁ and its rollers M₂-M₄, a washing module L (not shown in FIG. 1) of the cylinder PB.

La machine comprend une partie inférieure ou bâti Ba fixe et une partie supérieure mobile verticalement, nommée cassette d'encrage CE. A chacune de leurs extrémités, les deux cylindres PP et CC sont montés en rotation sur la première extrémité d'un levier basculant 8, respectivement 8' dont la seconde extrémité est montée en rotation selon un axe horizontal 81, 81' à roulements précontraints fixé sur le bâti Ba. Par contre, le cylindre PB est monté fixe à chacune de ses extrémités sur le bâti Ba. De la sorte, il est possible, suivant la position angulaire des leviers basculants 8, 8', de mettre en position de travail des cylindres PP et CC de différents diamètres en relation avec la longueur du format à imprimer. Dans la figure 2, les cylindres PP, PB et CC représentés en traits continus correspondent au format maximal, et ceux en traits discontinus au format minimal.The machine comprises a fixed lower part or frame Ba and a vertically movable upper part, called the CE inking cassette. At each of their ends, the two cylinders PP and CC are mounted for rotation on the first end of a rocking lever 8, respectively 8 ', the second end of which is mounted for rotation along a horizontal axis 81, 81' with fixed prestressed bearings on the Ba frame. On the other hand, the cylinder PB is mounted fixed at each of its ends on the frame Ba. In this way, it is possible, depending on the angular position of the tilting levers 8, 8 ′, to put in the working position PP and CC cylinders of different diameters in relation to the length of the format to be printed. In FIG. 2, the cylinders PP, PB and CC shown in solid lines correspond to the maximum format, and those in broken lines to the minimum format.

L'unité d'encrage E et l'unité de mouillage M avec leur éléments E₁-E₄, respectivement M₁-M₄, sont montés directement sur la cassette d'encrage CE. Parmi les rouleaux distributeurs E₃ ou M₃, ceux représentés en traits épais sont des balades. Tous les rouleaux toucheurs E₄ ou M₄ sont montés sur des leviers basculants. De la figure 2, il est aussi possible de voir que, grâce à la mobilité verticale de la cassette CE et aux rouleaux toucheurs E₄ ou M₄ montés sur leviers basculants, les unités d'encrage E et de mouillage M peuvent toujours, c'est-à-dire quelle que soit la dimension des cylindres PP, PB et CC dans le cadre des formats maximal et minimal prévus, occuper une position qui leur permette de remplir leur fonction d'encrage, ou mouillage. Quant au module de lavage L, il est horizontalement déplaçable pour être adapté au format du cylindre PB.The inking unit E and the wetting unit M with their elements E₁-E₄, respectively M₁-M₄, are mounted directly on the inking cassette CE. Among the distributing rollers E₃ or M₃, those shown in thick lines are strolls. All touch rollers E₄ or M₄ are mounted on tilting levers. From FIG. 2, it is also possible to see that, thanks to the vertical mobility of the cassette CE and to the touching rollers E₄ or M bascul mounted on tilting levers, the inking units E and mooring M can always be that is to say whatever the size of the cylinders PP, PB and CC within the framework of the maximum and minimum formats provided, occupy a position which allows them to fulfill their function of inking, or wetting. As for the washing module L, it is horizontally movable to be adapted to the format of the cylinder PB.

La figure 3 montre l'instant où la cassette CE est au point maximum haut de façon à ce que, même dans le cas du format maximal des cylindres PB et PP (ici le cylindre CC n'a pas d'influence), le cylindre PP soit complètement dégagé des rouleaux toucheurs E₄ et M₄. Etant donné, comme on le verra par la suite, que le but de ce dégagement est de rendre plus aisé le changement des cylindres, il s'est avéré que dans la position la plus élevée de la cassette CE, une distance d'au moins 50 cm devait être prévue entre le cylindre PP et le rouleau toucheur E₄ ou M₄ le plus proche.FIG. 3 shows the instant when the cassette CE is at the maximum high point so that, even in the case of the maximum format of the cylinders PB and PP (here the cylinder CC has no influence), the cylinder PP is completely free from the touch rollers E₄ and M₄. Given, as will be seen later, that the purpose of this clearance is to make it easier to change the cylinders, it has been found that in the highest position of the CE cassette, a distance of at least 50 cm should be provided between the PP cylinder and the nearest E₄ or M₄ touch roller.

Dans la figure 4, quatre groupes imprimeurs G₁-G₄, dont chacun correspond à une couleur de l'impression offset, sont parcourus par la bande F dans le sens droite-gauche, étant entendu que l'autre sens gauche-droite peut aussi être prévu. Le premier groupe G₁ est prévu pour imprimer le verso de la bande F et les trois groupes suivants G₂-G₄ le recto. Dans ce but, autour du premier groupe G₁ sont prévus des rouleaux de guidage R₂ pour conduire la bande F, qui arrive de la droite, par-dessus et à l'arrière du groupe G₁ qu'elle traverse ensuite dans le sens gauche-droite de manière que son recto soit imprimé par le cylindre PB. D'autres rouleaux de guidage R₃ dévient ensuite de 180° vers le bas la bande F qui sort du premier groupe G₁, pour l'orienter à nouveau dans le sens droite-gauche de façon à l'amener, au travers de la base du premier groupe G₁, en direction des rouleaux de guidage R₄ prévus sur le deuxième groupe G₂. Des rouleaux R₄ sont disposés de manière à amener la bande F au niveau et en direction du cylindre PB du groupe G₂. Ensuite, la bande F traverse horizontalement les trois groupes G₂-G₄. A la sortie de la machine, des rouleaux R₅ guident la bande F vers une machine suivante de travail, par exemple de découpage de la bande en feuilles. Il est à remarquer que la machine offset peut aussi être munie d'une station de séchage S soit à la sortie de la bande F du premier groupe G₁ pour sécher le verso, soit à la sortie du dernier groupe G₄ pour sécher le recto, soit encore entre les groupes, pour un séchage partiel.In FIG. 4, four printing groups G₁-G₄, each of which corresponds to a color of the offset printing, are traversed by the strip F in the right-left direction, it being understood that the other left-right direction can also be expected. The first group G₁ is intended to print the back of the strip F and the three following groups G₂-G₄ the front. For this purpose, around the first group G₁ are provided guide rollers R₂ for driving the strip F, which arrives from the right, over and behind the group G₁ which it then crosses in the left-right direction. so that its front is printed by the cylinder PB. Other guide rollers R₃ then deflect 180 ° downwards the strip F which leaves the first group G₁, to orient it again in the right-left direction so as to bring it through the base of the first group G₁, in the direction of the guide rollers R₄ provided on the second group G₂. Rollers R₄ are arranged so as to bring the strip F to the level and in the direction of the cylinder PB of group G₂. Then, the band F horizontally crosses the three groups G₂-G₄. At the exit from the machine, rollers R₅ guide the strip F to a next working machine, for example for cutting the strip into sheets. It should be noted that the offset machine can also be provided with a drying station S either at the exit of the strip F of the first group G₁ to dry the back, or at the exit of the last group G₄ to dry the front, or still between groups, for partial drying.

De chaque côté de la bande F et sur le bâti Ba de chaque groupe imprimeur G₁-G₄ sont prévus des guidages verticaux 2 destinés à supporter et à guider les bras d'un système de chargement-déchargement des cylindres PP, PB, CC.On each side of the strip F and on the frame Ba of each printing unit G₁-G₄ are provided vertical guides 2 intended to support and guide the arms of a loading-unloading system of the cylinders PP, PB, CC.

A proximité de chaque groupe G₁-G₄ est aménagé un espace libre pour la mise en place d'un chariot 3 sur lequel peuvent être disposés les trois cylindres d'impression PP', PB' et CC' de rechange, c'est-à-dire pour un nouveau travail, comme cela est représenté dans la figure 4. En d'autres termes, le chariot 3 a pour fonction de transporter, depuis un lieu de stockage, les trois cylindres de réserve PP', PB', CC' et de venir les placer perpendiculairement à la bande et à proximité des cylindres PP, PB et CC déjà présents. Dans ce but, le chariot 3 (figure 7) est constitué d'une base 31 de longueur environ égale à celle des cylindres d'impression et d'un montant vertical 32 relié à une extrémité de la base 31. La base 31 est équipée de quatre roues pivotables 33 pour autoriser un déplacement autonome du chariot 3. Des rainures 34 pour un déplacement du chariot 3 par transpalette sont aussi prévues dans la base 31. Le chariot 3 comprend trois supports horizontaux 35a, 35b, 35c verticalement espacés et destinés à porter chacun un des trois cylindres PP, PB et CC. Chaque support horizontal 35a-35c possède à chacune de ses extrémités une barre d'appui 36 muni d'une encoche circulaire 36a ouverte vers le haut et dans laquelle peut prendre place une extrémité libre de l'arbre central 14 d'un cylindre d'impression PP, PB, ou CC. Vers son sommet, le chariot 3 est muni d'un cadre 37 destiné à faciliter sa manutention manuelle. La disposition verticale des supports horizontaux 35a-35c est telle que la bande à imprimer F puisse, selon un chemin horizontal, passer entre le support inférieur 35a et le support intermédiaire 35b et arriver entre les deux cylindres PB et CC. De même, entre le support inférieur 35a et la base 31, est prévu un espace libre pour le passage de la bande F dans le cas, par exemple, du groupe G₁ de la figure 4. Ainsi donc, comme cela ressort de la figure 7, alors même que la bande défile, c'est-à-dire que la machine offset est en production, à l'aval de chaque groupe G₁-G₄ peut être mis en place un chariot 3 par déplacement de ce dernier perpendiculairement au sens de défilement de la bande F. Il est à noter que, dans la figure 7, étant donné qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir de passage de bande F entre les deux supports supérieur 35c et intermédiaire 35b, les extrémités libres de ces deux derniers sont reliées entre elles, pour des raisons de rigidité, par une traverse verticale 38.Near each G₁-G₄ group, a free space is provided for the installation of a carriage 3 on which the three replacement printing cylinders PP ', PB' and CC 'can be placed, that is to say say for a new job, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the carriage 3 has the function of transporting, from a storage location, the three reserve cylinders PP ', PB', CC ' and to place them perpendicular to the strip and near the PP, PB and CC cylinders already present. For this purpose, the carriage 3 (FIG. 7) consists of a base 31 of length approximately equal to that of the printing cylinders and of a vertical upright 32 connected to one end of the base 31. The base 31 is equipped four swivel wheels 33 to allow autonomous movement of the carriage 3. Grooves 34 for movement of the carriage 3 by pallet truck are also provided in the base 31. The carriage 3 comprises three vertically spaced horizontal supports 35a, 35b, 35c intended for each carry one of the three cylinders PP, PB and CC. Each horizontal support 35a-35c has at each of its ends a support bar 36 provided with a circular notch 36a open upwards and in which a free end of the central shaft 14 of a cylinder can take place. PP, PB, or CC printing. Towards its top, the carriage 3 is provided with a frame 37 intended to facilitate its manual handling. The vertical arrangement of the horizontal supports 35a-35c is such that the printing tape F can, along a horizontal path, pass between the lower support 35a and the intermediate support 35b and arrive between the two cylinders PB and CC. Likewise, between the lower support 35a and the base 31, a free space is provided. for the passage of the strip F in the case, for example, of the group G₁ of FIG. 4. Thus therefore, as is apparent from FIG. 7, even as the strip scrolls, that is to say that the machine offset is in production, downstream of each group G₁-G₄ can be set up a carriage 3 by displacement of the latter perpendicular to the direction of travel of the strip F. It should be noted that, in FIG. 7, being given that it is not necessary to provide a band passage F between the two upper 35c and intermediate 35b supports, the free ends of the latter two are connected to each other, for reasons of rigidity, by a vertical cross-member 38.

Dans la figure 5 sont représentés le deuxième et troisième groupe imprimeur G₂, respectivement G₃ lors de l'impression verso de la bande F. Il est maintenant décrit le chargement-déchargement des cylindres d'impression PP, PB et CC du deuxième groupe G₂, étant entendu que celui aux autres groupes G₁, G₃ et G₄ lui est identique.In FIG. 5 are shown the second and third printing groups G₂, respectively G₃ during the back printing of the strip F. It is now described the loading-unloading of the printing cylinders PP, PB and CC of the second group G₂, it being understood that that to the other groups G₁, G₃ and G₄ is identical to it.

Dans la figure 5, les cylindres de rechange PP', PB' et CC' sont donc disposés dans le même ordre que ceux PP, PB et CC présents sur le groupe G₂, chaque cylindre de rechange PP', PB', CC' devant prendre la place de celui correspondant sur le groupe G₂, et vice-versa. Dans ce but, comme mentionné plus haut, de chaque côté de la bande F sont prévus des guides verticaux 2 fixés sur les parois latérales du bâti Ba du groupe G₂. Le long de chaque guide 2, peut coulisser un support mobile 25 muni d'un axe horizontal autour duquel peut pivoter la première extrémité d'un bras 26. Le déplacement vertical du support 25 est assuré au moyen d'une vis à billes 23 dont les extrémités supérieure et inférieure sont montées en rotation libre, au moyen de paliers 22a, respectivement 22c, sur le bâti Ba du groupe G₂. Les extrémités inférieures des deux vis à billes 23 sont reliées entre elles par des moyens de transmission (non représentés) et entraînées simultanément par le même moteur N₁. La vis à billes 23 est en prise avec un écrou correspondant 25a prévu dans le support mobile 25, de manière à déplacer ce dernier par rotation de la vis à billes 23. De cette manière, sont obtenus un déplacement et un positionnement simultanés et identiques pour les deux supports mobiles 25. Le pivotement de chaque bras 26 autour de l'axe horizontal du support 25 correspondant est obtenu au moyen d'un arbre à cannelures 24 dont les extrémités supérieure et inférieure sont aussi montées en rotation libre, au moyen des paliers 22a, respectivement 22c, sur le bâti Ba du groupe G₂. De même, les extrémités inférieures des deux arbres cannelés 24 sont reliés entre elles par des moyens de transmission (non représentés) pour pouvoir les entraîner en rotation, simultanément et à la même vitesse, au moyen d'un unique moteur N₂. A l'intérieur du support mobile 25, des moyens connus (non représentés) sont prévus pour transformer la rotation de l'arbre cannelé 24 en un mouvement de basculement du bras 26 autour de l'axe horizontal mentionné plus haut. L'extrémité libre de chaque bras 26 est munie de pinces télescopiques 26a avec commande par vérins pneumatiques d'ouverture et de fermeture de pinces.In FIG. 5, the spare cylinders PP ', PB' and CC 'are therefore arranged in the same order as those PP, PB and CC present on the group G₂, each spare cylinder PP', PB ', CC' in front take the place of the corresponding one on the G₂ group, and vice-versa. For this purpose, as mentioned above, on each side of the strip F are provided vertical guides 2 fixed on the side walls of the frame Ba of group G₂. Along each guide 2, can slide a mobile support 25 provided with a horizontal axis around which the first end of an arm 26 can pivot. The vertical movement of the support 25 is ensured by means of a ball screw 23 whose the upper and lower ends are mounted in free rotation, by means of bearings 22a, respectively 22c, on the frame Ba of group G₂. The lower ends of the two ball screws 23 are interconnected by transmission means (not shown) and driven simultaneously by the same motor N₁. The ball screw 23 is engaged with a corresponding nut 25a provided in the mobile support 25, so as to move the latter by rotation of the ball screw 23. In this way, a simultaneous and identical displacement and positioning are obtained for the two movable supports 25. The pivoting of each arm 26 around the horizontal axis of the corresponding support 25 is obtained by means of a spline shaft 24 whose upper and lower ends are also mounted in free rotation, by means of the bearings 22a, respectively 22c, on the frame Ba of the group G₂. Likewise, the lower ends of the two splined shafts 24 are connected together by transmission means (not shown) in order to be able to drive them in rotation, simultaneously and at the same speed, by means of a single motor N₂. Inside the mobile support 25, known means (not shown) are provided for transforming the rotation of the splined shaft 24 into a tilting movement of the arm 26 around the horizontal axis mentioned above. The free end of each arm 26 is provided with telescopic clamps 26a with control by pneumatic cylinders for opening and closing of clamps.

Chaque pince 26a a pour but de saisir l'extrémité libre correspondante de l'axe central d'un des trois cylindres d'impression PP, PB et CC. Un support horizontal auxiliaire fixe 21, dirigé vers l'aval, est monté, par une première extrémité, sur le bâti Ba du groupe G₂ à proximité de l'extrémité supérieure de chaque guide 2, l'extrémité libre étant aussi munie d'une encoche semi-circulaire 21a ouverte vers le haut.The purpose of each clamp 26a is to grip the corresponding free end of the central axis of one of the three printing cylinders PP, PB and CC. A fixed auxiliary horizontal support 21, directed downstream, is mounted, by a first end, on the frame Ba of the group G₂ near the upper end of each guide 2, the free end also being provided with a semi-circular notch 21a open upwards.

L'opération de déchargement-chargement, c'est-à-dire le remplacement, par exemple des cylindres PP, PB et CC à petit format présents sur le groupe G₂ (représentés en blanc dans les figures 5 et 6) par des cylindres PP', PB' et CC' à grand format (représentés en noir dans les figures 5 et 6) se trouvant sur le chariot' 3, s'effectue de la façon suivante (la description étant faite pour un seul côté puisque l'autre côté lui est identique). L'extrémité libre du bras 26 est amenée, par déplacement du support mobile 25 et basculement du bras 26, à proximité de l'arbre central 14 du cylindre PP, de manière à pouvoir ensuite mettre sa pince 26a en prise avec cet arbre 14. Une fois que l'arbre 14 du cylindre PP a été saisi par la pince 26a, celle-ci est fermée (par les vérins pneumatiques mentionnés plus haut) puis, par déplacement du support 25 vers le haut et par basculement aussi vers le haut du bras 26, le cylindre PP est amené dans une position telle que son arbre central 14 puisse prendre appui dans l'encoche 21a du support auxiliaire 21. A cet instant, la pince 26a est libérée de l'arbre central 14 du cylindre PP pour être amenée, par déplacement vers le bas du support mobile 25 et basculement du bras 26, à proximité de l'arbre central du nouveau cylindre PP' à grand format porté par le chariot 3. Le bras 26 peut donc, à cet instant, saisir le cylindre PP' et le mettre à sa place sur le groupe G₂. La suite du déchargement-chargement au moyen du bras 26 peut être résumée comme suit :

  • déchargement du cylindre PB par son transfert sur la barre d'appui 36 du support supérieur 35c du chariot 3 (voir aussi figure 7);
  • chargement ou mise en place du cylindre PB' sur le groupe G₂;
  • déchargement du cylindre CC par son transfert dans une position intermédiaire d'attente (représentée en traits discontinus dans la figure 5; à ce sujet, même si ces moyens ne sont pas représentés, il est aisé de voir que des éléments (21',21'a), munis d'encoches similaires à celles 21a du support auxiliaire fixe 21, peuvent être prévus sur le bâti Ba du groupe G₂ pour maintenir le cylindre CC dans sa position d'attente);
  • chargement ou mise en place du cylindre CC' sur le groupe G₂;
  • transfert du cylindre CC, à partir de la position d'attente, sur la barre d'appui 36 du support inférieur 35a du chariot 3;
  • transfert du cylindre PB, à partir de la barre d'appui 36 du support supérieur 35c, sur la barre d'appui 36 du support intermédiaire 35b;
  • transfert du cylindre PP, à partir du support auxiliaire fixe 21 du groupe G₂, sur la barre d'appui 36 du support supérieur 35c du chariot 3.
The unloading-loading operation, i.e. the replacement, for example of the small format PP, PB and CC cylinders present on the group G₂ (shown in white in FIGS. 5 and 6) by PP cylinders ', PB' and CC 'large format (shown in black in Figures 5 and 6) located on the carriage' 3, is carried out as follows (the description being made for only one side since the other side is the same). The free end of the arm 26 is brought, by displacement of the movable support 25 and tilting of the arm 26, near the central shaft 14 of the PP cylinder, so that its clamp 26a can then be engaged with this shaft 14. Once the shaft 14 of the cylinder PP has been gripped by the clamp 26a, the latter is closed (by the pneumatic cylinders mentioned above) then, by displacement of the support 25 upwards and by tilting also upwards of the arm 26, the cylinder PP is brought into a position such that its central shaft 14 can bear in the notch 21a of the auxiliary support 21. At this instant, the clamp 26a is released from the central shaft 14 of the cylinder PP to be brought, by displacement downwards of the movable support 25 and tilting of the arm 26, near the central shaft of the new large-format PP 'cylinder carried by the carriage 3. The arm 26 can therefore, at this instant, grasp the PP 'cylinder and put it in its place on the group G₂. The continuation of the unloading-loading by means of the arm 26 can be summarized as follows:
  • unloading of the cylinder PB by its transfer to the support bar 36 of the upper support 35c of the carriage 3 (see also FIG. 7);
  • loading or placing the cylinder PB 'on the group G₂;
  • unloading of the cylinder CC by its transfer to an intermediate waiting position (shown in broken lines in FIG. 5; on this subject, even if these means are not shown, it is easy to see that elements (21 ′, 21 'a), provided with notches similar to those 21a of the fixed auxiliary support 21, can be provided on the frame Ba of the group G₂ to keep the cylinder CC in its standby position);
  • loading or placing the cylinder CC 'on the group G₂;
  • transfer of the cylinder CC, from the standby position, onto the support bar 36 of the lower support 35a of the carriage 3;
  • transfer of the cylinder PB, from the support bar 36 of the upper support 35c, onto the support bar 36 of the intermediate support 35b;
  • transfer of the cylinder PP, from the fixed auxiliary support 21 of the group G₂, onto the support bar 36 of the upper support 35c of the carriage 3.

Par un choix judicieux de la courbe décrivant dans l'espace le chemin de chargement ou déchargement des cylindres PP, PB, CC, PP', PB' et CC', il est possible de limiter au minimum le temps nécessaire à une opération de déchargement-chargement. De même, l'ordre des séquences des déplacements de cylindres n'est donné ci-dessus qu'à titre d'exemple; ainsi il est possible de monter le support auxiliaire fixe 21 directement sur l'extrémité supérieure du chariot 3 et de commencer par mettre le cylindre CC en position d'attente, puis le cylindre CC' sur le groupe G₂, ensuite le cylindre CC sur la barre d'appui 36 du support inférieur 35a, etc.By a judicious choice of the curve describing in space the path of loading or unloading of cylinders PP, PB, CC, PP ', PB' and CC ', it is possible to minimize the time necessary for an unloading operation -loading. Likewise, the order of the cylinder displacement sequences is not given above as an example; thus it is possible to mount the fixed auxiliary support 21 directly on the upper end of the carriage 3 and to start by putting the cylinder CC in the waiting position, then the cylinder CC ′ on the group G₂, then the cylinder CC on the support bar 36 of the lower support 35a, etc.

Le mode de montage des cylindres PP, PB et CC sur le groupe G₂ doit, bien sûr, être tel que chaque pince 26a puisse être mise en prise avec une partie dégagée de l'arbre central 14 des cylindres PP, PB et CC; des moyens doivent même être prévus pour une libération de cet arbre central 14 par rapport à son palier de rotation monté sur le bâti Ba du groupe, ces moyens pouvant être à peu près similaires à ceux déjà utilisés jusqu'à ce jour pour permettre un changement de format de tels cylindres. De plus, le fait que les cylindres PP et CC soient montés dans le groupe G₂ sur des leviers basculants 8, respectivement 8', permet aussi de les maintenir suffisamment éloignés par rapport au cylindre fixe PB (même dans le cas d'un grand format) pour rendre plus aisé leur déchargement-chargement.The method of mounting the cylinders PP, PB and CC on the group G₂ must, of course, be such that each clamp 26a can be engaged with a part released from the central shaft 14 of the cylinders PP, PB and CC; means must even be provided for releasing this central shaft 14 with respect to its rotation bearing mounted on the frame Ba of the group, these means possibly being roughly similar to those already used to date to allow a change format of such cylinders. In addition, the fact that the cylinders PP and CC are mounted in the group G₂ on tilting levers 8, respectively 8 ′, also makes it possible to keep them sufficiently distant from the fixed cylinder PB (even in the case of a large format ) to make unloading-loading easier.

Il est clair que toutes les opérations successives de déchargement-chargement sont entièrement commandées électroniquement par un contrôle programmé à l'avance des deux moteurs N₁ et N₂, et que chaque mouvement est surveillé et quittancé afin de libérer le suivant, garantissant ainsi la sécurité.It is clear that all the successive unloading-loading operations are entirely electronically controlled by a pre-programmed control of the two motors N₁ and N₂, and that each movement is monitored and released in order to release the next one, thus guaranteeing safety.

De la figure 6, il ressort aussi qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de maintenir la machine offset à l'arrêt jusqu'à l'accomplissement de toutes les phases successives du déchargement-chargement. Dans le cas de l'impression verso, une fois que les trois cylindres PP', PB' et CC' à nouveau format sont sur le groupe, ce dernier peut commencer à tourner.From FIG. 6, it also appears that it is not necessary to keep the offset machine at a standstill until the completion of all the successive phases of unloading-loading. In the case of printing on the back, once the three cylinders PP ', PB' and CC 'in new format are on the group, the latter can start to rotate.

Il est clair aussi que des séquences partielles seront prévues, environ 10 en tout, telles qu'échange du cylindre PP seulement, échange du cylindre PB seulement, échange des cylindres PP et PB, etc.It is also clear that partial sequences will be provided, approximately 10 in all, such as exchange of the cylinder PP only, exchange of the cylinder PB only, exchange of the cylinders PP and PB, etc.

Ces séquences seront choisies automatiquement par contrôle de présence des éléments ' lorsque le chariot a été introduit. Ce contrôle se fera par des têtes de lecture, switchs de proximité ou moyen similaire.These sequences will be chosen automatically by checking the presence of the elements when the carriage has been inserted. This control will be done by read heads, proximity switches or similar means.

Les figures 8 à 10 montrent un mode de réalisation du bras basculant 26 et de ses moyens de commande. Ici aussi, un seul côté sera décrit, étant entendu que l'autre lui est identique.Figures 8 to 10 show an embodiment of the tilting arm 26 and its control means. Here too, only one side will be described, it being understood that the other side is identical to it.

Le support mobile 25 est monté déplaçable verticalement le long et à l'extérieur d'un coin à angle droit du bâti Ba du groupe G₂. Dans ce but, le support mobile 25, vu de dessus, a la forme d'un bloc à angle droit épousant, mais sans entrer en contact, le coin du bâti Ba. Le support mobile 25 est muni d'une rainure de guidage 51 en prise avec un rail vertical correspondant 50 fixé, à l'aide de vis 52, sur la face en aval du bâti Ba. Le déplacement vertical du support 25 est donc assuré, comme mentionné plus haut, à l'aide de la vis à billes 23 en prise avec l'écrou correspondant 25a (voir figure 10). Une extrémité du bras 26 est fixé sur un axe horizontal 80 orienté perpendiculairement à la face latérale du bâti Ba et monté en rotation, au moyens de roulements 81, sur le support mobile 25. Le bras 26, dont l'épaisseur doit être réduite au minimum pour qu'il puisse être aisément introduit dans l'espace étroit situé entre le bout du cylindre PP, PB ou CC et la fusée 100 qui le supporte dans le groupe G₂, est constitué d'une première et deuxième plaque 61, respectivement 62, identiques et maintenues parallèlement et à distance l'une par rapport à l'autre au moyen d'une troisième plaque intermédiaire 60. La fixation commune des trois plaques 60-62, de manière à former un ensemble solide sous forme de bras 26, peut être réalisée par tous moyens connus, par exemple par soudage. Le blocage en rotation du bras 26 sur l'axe 80 est obtenu à l'aide d'un système connu a cône et vis 84 de compression qui permettent de réaliser un accouplement par friction.The mobile support 25 is mounted movable vertically along and outside a right angle corner of the frame Ba of the group G₂. For this purpose, the mobile support 25, seen from above, has the shape of a block at a right angle conforming, but without coming into contact, the corner of the frame Ba. The mobile support 25 is provided with a guide groove 51 engaged with a corresponding vertical rail 50 fixed, using screws 52, on the downstream face of the frame Ba. The vertical movement of the support 25 is therefore ensured, as mentioned above, using the ball screw 23 engaged with the corresponding nut 25a (see FIG. 10). One end of the arm 26 is fixed on a horizontal axis 80 oriented perpendicular to the lateral face of the frame Ba and mounted in rotation, by means of bearings 81, on the mobile support 25. The arm 26, the thickness of which must be reduced to minimum so that it can be easily introduced into the narrow space located between the end of the cylinder PP, PB or CC and the rocket 100 which supports it in the group G₂, consists of a first and second plate 61, respectively 62, identical and kept parallel and at a distance from one another by means of a third intermediate plate 60. The common fixing of the three plates 60-62, so as to form a solid assembly in the form of an arm 26, can be produced by any known means, for example by welding. Locking in rotation of the arm 26 on the axis 80 is obtained using a known system with cone and compression screw 84 which make it possible to produce a friction coupling.

La plaque intermédiaire 60 est plus courte que les deux autres plaques 61, 62 de manière à laisser entre chaque extrémité libre de ces dernières un espace libre qui peut être occupé par deux pinces mobiles supérieure et inférieure 26a. Les deux pinces 26a, qui ont un mode de construction exactement identique mais symétrique l'une par rapport à l'autre (voir figure 9), ont aussi un fonctionnement exactement simultané, même si, dans la figure 9, la pince inférieure 26a, pour faciliter la compréhension, est montrée avec son extrémité 60a émergeant hors de l'extrémité libre des deux plaques 61, 62, c'est-à-dire du bras 26, et en prise, au moyen d'une encoche semi-circulaire 60g ouverte vers le haut, avec l'arbre central 14 d'un des cylindres. Chaque pince 26a se présente sous la forme d'une plaque d'épaisseur légèrement inférieure à celle de la plaque intermédiaire 60 de manière à pouvoir librement coulisser entre les deux autres plaques 61, 62. Chaque pince 26a est donc constituée de la partie avant 60a avec une encoche 60g, d'une partie arrière 60c et d'une partie centrale 60e. Sur la partie centrale 60e sont fixés deux goujons de guidage 60f, 60h destinés à venir en prise avec des rainures correspondantes 61a, 62a, respectivement 61c, 62c, des deux plaques 61, 62. La forme et la disposition de la pince 26a, des rainures 61a, 62a et 61c, 62c et des goujons 60f et 60h sont telles que, lorsque la pince 26a est déplacée, au moyen d'un vérin V₁ dont la tige de sortie est en prise avec la partie arrière 60c de la pince 26a, vers l'avant, l'encoche 60g vienne en prise avec la moitié inférieure (ou supérieure) de l'arbre 14. Il est à remarquer que le bras 26 est ainsi conçu que son extrémité libre, c'est-à-dire celle des deux plaques 61, 62, vienne à proximité immédiate de l'arbre 14 sans toutefois pouvoir, quel que soit l'état de son basculement, entrer en contact avec cet arbre 14. Une fois l'encoche 60g en prise avec l'arbre 14, un goujon mobile de verrouillage 90, fermable par un ressort 91 et ouvrable par un vérin pneumatique V₂ monté sur la première plaque 61, est mis en prise avec un orifice correspondant 60m de la pince 26a. A cet instant, dans le cas, par exemple, où il s'agit du déchargement, la fusée 100, en prise dans le groupe d'impression G₂ avec le bout de l'arbre 14, est axialement déplacée de manière à libérer ce dernier par rapport au groupe G₂ et ainsi laisser reposer le poids du cylindre PP, PB ou CC directement sur le bras 26.The intermediate plate 60 is shorter than the other two plates 61, 62 so as to leave between each free end of the latter a free space which can be occupied by two upper and lower movable clamps 26a. The two clamps 26a, which have an exactly identical construction method but symmetrical with one another (see FIG. 9), also have an exactly simultaneous operation, even if, in FIG. 9, the lower clamp 26a, to facilitate understanding, is shown with its end 60a emerging from the free end of the two plates 61, 62, that is to say of the arm 26, and in engagement, by means of a semi-circular notch 60g open upwards, with the central shaft 14 of one of the cylinders. Each clamp 26a is in the form of a plate of thickness slightly less than that of the intermediate plate 60 so as to be able to slide freely between the two other plates 61, 62. Each clamp 26a therefore consists of the front part 60a with a notch 60g, a rear part 60c and a central part 60e. On the central part 60e are fixed two guide studs 60f, 60h intended to come into engagement with grooves corresponding 61a, 62a, respectively 61c, 62c, of the two plates 61, 62. The shape and the arrangement of the clamp 26a, of the grooves 61a, 62a and 61c, 62c and of the studs 60f and 60h are such that, when the clamp 26a is moved, by means of a jack V₁ whose output rod is in engagement with the rear part 60c of the clamp 26a, towards the front, the notch 60g comes into engagement with the lower (or upper) half of the 'shaft 14. It should be noted that the arm 26 is so designed that its free end, that is to say that of the two plates 61, 62, comes in the immediate vicinity of the shaft 14 without however being able, whatever or the state of its tilting, come into contact with this shaft 14. Once the notch 60g engages with the shaft 14, a movable locking pin 90, closable by a spring 91 and openable by a pneumatic cylinder V₂ mounted on the first plate 61, is engaged with a corresponding orifice 60m of the clamp 26a. At this instant, in the case, for example, where it involves unloading, the rocket 100, engaged in the printing unit G₂ with the end of the shaft 14, is axially displaced so as to release the latter relative to the group G₂ and thus allow the weight of the cylinder PP, PB or CC to rest directly on the arm 26.

Pour que le bras 26 puisse exécuter une rotation non limitée, l'alimentation en fluide pneumatique des vérins V₁ comprend une couronne à joints d'étanchéité tournants 70 concentrique à l'axe 80. La couronne fixe 70 est percée de nombreux orifices 71 reliés, d'une part, à un conduit d'alimentation en fluide pneumatique C₁ et, d'autre part, à des conduits 64 percés à l'intérieur de la première plaque (tournante) 61. Les conduits 64, qui émergent sur un bord libre de la plaque 61, sont ensuite reliés par des conduits appropriés C₂ aux quatre vérins pneumatiques V₁, V₂. La couronne 70 est montée sur un couvercle 74 concentrique à l'axe 80 et fixé au support mobile 25 par des vis 75. Comme cela est visible dans la figure 8, le couvercle 74 a aussi pour fonction, en association avec successivement un circlips 86, un premier roulement 81, une rondelle 87, une couronne dentée 88 (décrite par la suite), une couronne-butée 82, un second roulement 81 (monté dans le couvercle 74) d'assurer la fixation axiale de l'axe 80 à l'intérieur du support mobile 25. La couronne 70 n'est pressée contre le bras 26 que lorsque celui-ci est arrêté, car c'est là seulement que des vérins doivent être actionnés. Quand le bras tourne, toutes les pressions sont coupées, ce qui permet d'éviter l'usure des joints d'étanchéité de la couronne 70.So that the arm 26 can execute an unlimited rotation, the supply of pneumatic fluid to the cylinders V₁ comprises a ring with rotating seals 70 concentric with the axis 80. The fixed ring 70 is pierced with numerous orifices 71 connected, on the one hand, to a pneumatic fluid supply conduit C₁ and, on the other hand, to conduits 64 drilled inside the first (rotating) plate 61. The conduits 64, which emerge on a free edge of the plate 61, are then connected by appropriate conduits C₂ to the four pneumatic cylinders V₁, V₂. The crown 70 is mounted on a cover 74 concentric with the axis 80 and fixed to the mobile support 25 by screws 75. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the cover 74 also has the function, in association with a circlip 86 in succession. , a first bearing 81, a washer 87, a toothed crown 88 (described below), a stop crown 82, a second bearing 81 (mounted in the cover 74) ensuring the axial fixing of the axis 80 to inside the movable support 25. The crown 70 is pressed against the arm 26 only when the latter is stopped, because it is only there that the jacks must be actuated. When the arm turns, all pressures are cut, which prevents wear on the seals of crown 70.

Les moyens pour entraîner en rotation l'axe 80 comprennent un premier pignon 10 (voir figure 10) fixé sur l'écrou 25c et en prise avec un deuxième pignon 11 monté bloqué en rotation sur un axe 12. Sur cet axe rotatif 12, dont les extrémités sont montés en rotation à l'aide de roulements 13a, 13b à l'intérieur du support mobile 25, est fixée une vis sans fin 44 en prise avec la couronne à denture correspondante 88 montée liée en rotation, à l'aide de goupilles 82a en prise avec la butée 82, sur l'axe 80.The means for driving the axis 80 in rotation comprise a first pinion 10 (see FIG. 10) fixed on the nut 25c and in engagement with a second pinion 11 mounted locked in rotation on an axis 12. On this rotary axis 12, of which the ends are mounted in rotation by means of bearings 13a, 13b inside the movable support 25, an endless screw 44 is fixed in engagement with the corresponding toothed crown 88 mounted linked in rotation, using pins 82a in engagement with the stop 82, on the axis 80.

Il est évident que le mode de réalisation du bras 26 décrit ci-dessus est donné uniquement à titre d'exemple, étant entendu que de nombreuses variantes sont envisageables. Ainsi, le bras 26 peut être constitué d'une seule plaque dans laquelle est réalisé un espace libre pour les pinces 26a. Dans le cas où il n'est pas prévu de faire exécuter un tour complet au bras 26, l'alimentation pneumatique des vérins peut être faite directement par des tuyaux souples, c'est-à-dire sans l'usage de la couronne tournante à joints étanches. La commande des pinces 26a peut être faite électriquement, etc.....It is obvious that the embodiment of the arm 26 described above is given only by way of example, it being understood that many variants are possible. Thus, the arm 26 may consist of a single plate in which is made a free space for the clamps 26a. In the event that it is not planned to have a full turn performed arm 26, the pneumatic supply of the jacks can be made directly by flexible pipes, that is to say without the use of the rotating crown with tight seals. The clamps 26a can be controlled electrically, etc.

A noter que l'arrangement montré à titre d'exemple a l'avantage d'être autobloquant en cas de rupture de pression pneumatique ou en cas de panne électrique. En plus, il a été créé le plus compact possible.Note that the arrangement shown by way of example has the advantage of being self-locking in the event of a pneumatic pressure rupture or in the event of an electrical failure. In addition, it was created as compact as possible.

Les figures 11 et 11A à 11D montrent un exemple de réalisation de la fusée 100 supportant chaque cylindre PP, PB, CC dans un groupe G₁-G₄. La fusée 100 est constituée d'une couronne 101 munie de paires de bielles 102, 103 articulées entre elles, chaque paire étant répartie angulairement autour de l'axe de l'arbre 14 d'un cylindre PP, PB, CC. L'ensemble constitué par la couronne 101 et les bielles 102, 103 est déplaçable entre une première position (représentée dans la moitié supérieure de la figure 11) dans laquelle une partie sous forme de crochet 102a d'une bielle 102 est en prise avec une rainure correspondante 14a de l'arbre 14, et une seconde position (représentée dans la moitié inférieure de la figure 11) dans laquelle les bielles 102, 103 sont suffisamment éloignées par rapport à l'arbre 14 pour autoriser un enlèvement du cylindre PP, PB, CC comme décrit plus haut. Pour réaliser le déplacement des bielles 102, 103, l'une 103 est articulée à la couronne 101, l'autre 102 à un cylindre 400 monté en rotation dans le bâti Ba de la machine. L'axe du cylindre 400 est confondu avec celui de l'arbre 14. A l'intérieur du cylindre 400 est monté un arbre 401 déplaçable à l'aide d'un vérin (situé du côté de l'extrémité non visible du cylindre 400) entre les deux positions représentées dans la figure 11, c'est-à-dire entre une première position dans laquelle une extrémité conique 401a émerge hors du cylindre 400 et est en prise avec une partie conique correspondante 14b de l'arbre 14 et une seconde position dans laquelle cette même extrémité conique 401a est totalement escamotée à l'intérieur du cylindre 400. La couronne 101, montée concentrique et coulissante par rapport au cylindre 400, est fixée, par des vis 105, à un goujon traversant 402 en prise avec l'arbre intérieur 401 de manière à déplacer simultanément cet arbre 401 et la couronne 101. Les figures 11A à 11D montrent les différentes positions des bielles 102, 103 en fonction de celle de la couronne 101. En résumé, il est possible de dire que les parties coniques 401a, 14b établissent une liaison radiale, et les crochets 102a et rainure 14a une liaison axiale de l'arbre 14 par rapport au cylindre 400.Figures 11 and 11A to 11D show an exemplary embodiment of the rocket 100 supporting each cylinder PP, PB, CC in a group G₁-G₄. The rocket 100 consists of a crown 101 provided with pairs of connecting rods 102, 103 hinged together, each pair being distributed angularly around the axis of the shaft 14 of a cylinder PP, PB, CC. The assembly constituted by the crown 101 and the connecting rods 102, 103 is movable between a first position (shown in the upper half of FIG. 11) in which a hook-shaped part 102a of a connecting rod 102 is engaged with a corresponding groove 14a of the shaft 14, and a second position (shown in the lower half of FIG. 11) in which the connecting rods 102, 103 are sufficiently distant from the shaft 14 to allow removal of the cylinder PP, PB , CC as described above. To carry out the displacement of the connecting rods 102, 103, one 103 is articulated to the crown 101, the other 102 to a cylinder 400 rotatably mounted in the frame Ba of the machine. The axis of the cylinder 400 coincides with that of the shaft 14. Inside the cylinder 400 is mounted a shaft 401 displaceable by means of a jack (located on the side of the non-visible end of the cylinder 400 ) Between the two positions represented in FIG. 11, that is to say between a first position in which a conical end 401a emerges from the cylinder 400 and is engaged with a corresponding conical part 14b of the shaft 14 and a second position in which this same conical end 401a is completely retracted inside the cylinder 400. The crown 101, mounted concentric and sliding with respect to the cylinder 400, is fixed, by screws 105, to a through stud 402 in engagement with the inner shaft 401 so as to simultaneously move this shaft 401 and the crown 101. FIGS. 11A to 11D show the different positions of the connecting rods 102, 103 as a function of that of the crown 101. In summary, it is possible to say that the parts conical 401a, 14b establish a radial connection, and the hooks 102a and groove 14a an axial connection of the shaft 14 relative to the cylinder 400.

Une particularité est que la poussée qui met en liaison les extrémités coniques 401a, 14b n'est pas introduite sur l'arbre 401 directement, mais d'abord sur une douille spéciale 411, puis une entretoise 412, une douille 410, et de là seulement sur l'arbre 401 par le biais de l'épaulement 401b. Lorsque l'extrémité conique 401a est stoppée dans son avance par l'extrémité 14b appartenant au cylindre 14 retenu par les crochets et le cylindre 400, la poussée maintenue a pour effet de provoquer un enflement radial concentrique des douilles 410, 411 supprimant de ce fait le jeu radial nécessaire au coulissement axial. Le bout du cylindre 400 soumis à une éventuelle dilatation radiale, sera rigidifié par la couronne 101.A peculiarity is that the thrust which connects the conical ends 401a, 14b is not introduced on the shaft 401 directly, but first on a special socket 411, then a spacer 412, a socket 410, and from there only on the shaft 401 by means of the shoulder 401b. When the conical end 401a is stopped in its advance by the end 14b belonging to the cylinder 14 retained by the hooks and the cylinder 400, the thrust maintained has the effect of causing a concentric radial swelling of the sockets 410, 411 thereby eliminating the radial clearance required for axial sliding. The end of the cylinder 400 subjected to a possible radial expansion, will be stiffened by the crown 101.

En état monté, tout fait donc corps sans jeu. A l'inverse, quant une traction est appliquée directement à l'arbre 401, les douilles 410, 411 reprennent leur forme initiale recréant ainsi le petit jeu radial entre les pieces 400/411 et 400/410.In the assembled state, everything therefore forms a body without play. Conversely, when a traction is applied directly to the shaft 401, the sockets 410, 411 resume their initial shape, thus recreating the small radial play between the parts 400/411 and 400/410.

Claims (15)

  1. Web-fed offset printing machine for variable operating sizes, with at least one printing unit (G₁ - G₄) including:
    - a fixed lower frame (Ba) allowing to fit the printing plate cylinder (PP) and the blanket cylinder (PB) as well as the impression cylinder (CC) the diameter of which varies with the printing size, the three cylinders (PP, PB, CC) being arranged along an essentially vertical line and a sequence in which the plate cylinder (PP) is in top position,
    - an upper movable part or cassette (CE) including an inking station (E) with an ink well (E₁), dipping rollers (E₂) distributing rollers (E₃) as well as inking rollers (E₄) and, if necessary, a moistening unit (M) with a basin (M₁) as well as dipping rollers (M₂), distributing rollers (M₃) and moistening rollers (M₄), and if necessary, a unit for washing the blanket cylinder (PB) fitted on the said frame (Ba),
    - the cassette (CE) being shiftable between an initial lower position in which the inking and moistening rollers (E₄, M₄) can get in contact with the plate cylinder (PP) in the event of the said minimum size, and a second, upper, position in which the inking and moistening rollers (E₄, M₄) are sufficiently set-off from the plate cylinder (PP) to enable loading and unloading of the impression cylinders (PP, PB, CC) in the event of the said maximum size, and
    - movable means (26a) fitted on either side of the frame (Ba) being destined to engage with both ends of the central shaft (14) of the cylinders (PP, PB, CC) operating on the printing unit (G₁ - G₄) in order to unload them on supporting bars (36) situated in the downstream vicinity of the corresponding printing unit (G₁ - G₄) whereas the movable means (26a) are also foreseen, similarly to unloading, for engaging with each end of the central shaft of the cylinders (PP', PB', CC') of a new printing size fitted on the supporting bars (36), the latter being also situated in the downstream vicinity of the said unit (G₁ - G₄) in order to have them loaded on the latter, command and shifting of the movable means (26a) being fully controlled by micro-processor.
  2. Machine according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that:
    - the said movable means consist of opening and closing telescopic grippers (26a) situated at the free end of at least one tilting arm (26) whose other end pivots according to a horizontal axle (80) on a movable support (25) essentially vertically along guides (2) foreseen on the frame (Ba),
    - the said supporting bars (36) situated in the vicinity of the printing unit (G₁ - G₄) are fitted on an independently shiftable carriage (3) so that with the carriage (3) essentially shifted perpendicularly to the travelling direction of the web (F), the cylinders of a new printing size (PP', PB', CC') can be moved up to the vicinity of, and about at, the level of the position of the cylinders (PP, PB, CC) contained in the printing unit (G₁ -G₄) in such a way that, owing to appropriate tilting and shifting of the arm (26), respectively of the movable support (25), the grippers (26a) may be able to unload the cylinders (PP, PB, CC) operating on the printing unit (G₁ - G₄) and to load the cylinders (PP', PB', CC') of a new size.
  3. Machine according to claim 2, characterised by the fact that:
    - the vertical shift of every movable support (25) is obtained by means of a vertical ball-bearing supported screw (23) with a corresponding nut (25a) of the movable support (25), the rotation of the two ball-bearing supported screws (23) situated on each side of the frame (Ba) being achieved by means of a single motor (N₁) with a view to effectuating simultaneous and identical shifting and positioning of the two corresponding movable supports (25),
    - the tilting of each arm (26) is obtained by means of a vertical shaft (24) with grooves or similar engaged in corresponding means (25c) to be added on the movable support (25) in order to transform the rotation motion of the grooved shaft (24) into a tilting motion of the arm (26) around the said horizontal axle, the rotary drive of the two grooved shafts (24) on each side of the frame (Ba) being achieved by means of a single motor (N₂) with a view to effectuating simultaneous and identical shifting and positioning of the two corresponding arms (26).
  4. Machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterised by the carriage (3) comprising:
    - a horizontal base (31) with a length approximately equal to the one of the printing cylinders (PP, PB, CC), provided with pivotable wheels (33) and/or grooves (34) for shifting by means of a pallet transporter,
    - a vertical stay (32) fitted at an end of the base (31),
    - at least three horizontal supports (35a, 35b, 35c) vertically spaced parallelly to the base (31), fitted by one of their ends on the vertical stay (32) and provided at each end with a supporting bar (36) having an upward recess (36a) serving as a seat for the corresponding end of the central shaft of a printing cylinder (PP, PB, CC) in such a way that, owing to a shift of the carriage (3) perpendicularly to the travelling direction of the web (F), the blanket cylinder (PB'), the plate cylinder (PP') and the impression cylinder (CC') will, in the said proximity area of the printing unit (G₁ - G₄), occupy a position situated above or else underneath the web (F).
  5. Machine according to claim 4, characterised by:
    - a single movable means (26a) being foreseen on either side of the frame (Ba),
    - auxiliary supports (21, 21a or 21', 21'a) being foreseen either on the frame (Ba) of the printing unit or else on the carriage (3), the said shift of the movable means (26a) being effectuated so that it may successively load and unload the printing cylinders (PP, PB, CC, PP', PB', CC') making use, if necessary, of the auxiliary supports (21, 21a or 21', 21'a) as an intermediary waiting area for one of the printing cylinders.
  6. Machine according to claim 4, characterised by the carriage (3) being added so as to allow the web passage between the base (31) and the impression cylinder (CC) in the event of face-and-back printing.
  7. Machine according to claim 5, characterised by the fact that an upper auxiliary support (21, 21a) is situated above, and the lower one (21', 21'a) underneath, the printing cylinders, the printing plate and impression cylinders (PP, PP' and CC, CC' respectively) being kept, during the loading and unloading operation, in a waiting position on the upper auxiliary support (21, 21a) respectively on the lower support (21', 21'a) if there is no free space on the carriage (3) or else on the unit (G₁ - G₄).
  8. Machine according to one of the aforesaid claims, characterised by the fact that the blanket cylinder (PB) is a fixed item and that the plate and impression cylinders (PP and CC respectively) are fitted with each end on a first end of a tilting lever (8, respectively 8') whereas the other end is able to rotate around a horizontal axle (81, 81' respectively) itself fitted on the frame (Ba).
  9. Machine according to one of the aforesaid claims, whose printing units (G₁ - G₄) are designed for simultaneous loading and unloading.
  10. Machine according to one of the claims 2 to 7, characterised by the fact that the arm (26) has at least one plate (60, 61, 62) of which one end pivots around the axle (80) whereas the free end is provided with two grippers (26a) able to occupy a first position in which, with the arm (26) tilting, they are unable to get in contact with the central shaft (14) of the printing cylinders (PP, PB, CC), and a second position in which they can get engaged with this very shaft (14).
  11. Machine according to claim 10, characterised by the fact that the two grippers (26a) are of identical execution, though symmetrically arranged one with regard to the other, each being provided with guiding means (60f, 60h) engaged with corresponding means (61a, 62a and 61c, 62c respectively) belonging to the arm (26) and ensuring during the passing over from the so-called first to the second position, either the guiding, or the opening or else the closing of the two grippers (26a), means (90) being provided for locking the grippers (26a) in position with regard to the arm (26) when they are connected to the central shaft (14).
  12. Machine according to claim 11, characterised by the movement and the locking of the grippers (26a) being achieved by means of pneumatic jacks (V₁, V₂ respectively).
  13. Machine according to claim 12, characterised by the fact that a rotary seal (70) concentric to the pivoting axle (80) ensures the distribution of the pneumatic fluid among the conduits (71) foreseen in the rotary, fixed, seal (70) and the conduits (64) foreseen in the pivoting arm (26) and connected to the pneumatic jacks (V₁, V₂).
  14. Machine according to one of the claims 2 to 13, characterised by the fact that the means for converting the rotation of the shaft (24) with grooves or similar into a rotary motion of the axle (80) include a first toothed pinion (10) fitted on the nut (25c) and connected to a second toothed pinion (11) rotating jointly with a rotary axle (12) itself provided with a drive worm pinion (44) connected to a toothed rim (88) rotating with the axle (80).
  15. Machine according to one of the aforesaid claims, provided with retractable means destined to act as a rotary support for each end of a central shaft (14) of a printing cylinder (PP, PB, CC), characterised by the fact that the said retractable means comprise:
    - a rotary cylinder (400) fitted on the frame (Ba) of the machine,
    - a shaft (401) shiftable within the cylinder (400) between a first position in which one of its ends (401a) protrudes from the cylinder (400) and is radially connected with a corresponding part (14b) of the shaft (14), and a second position in which the said end (401a) is disengaged from the central shaft (14) owing to axial shifting, and
    - means (102a) shiftable jointly with the inner shaft (401) between a first position in which they are axially connected with corresponding means (14a) foreseen on the central shaft (14), and a second position in which they are disengaged from the said shaft (14), a device for radial backlash compensation having the shape of two bushings (411, 410) undergoing concentric dilatation under the effect of an axial thrust, thus compensating the radial backlash in a reversible way.
EP91106279A 1990-04-25 1991-04-19 Offset printing machine for variable repeat distance with automatic loading and unloading of cylinders Expired - Lifetime EP0453973B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1402/90A CH682896A5 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 offset printing machine with variable format with automatic unloading-loading printing cylinders.
CH1402/90 1990-04-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0453973A1 EP0453973A1 (en) 1991-10-30
EP0453973B1 true EP0453973B1 (en) 1994-05-18

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91106279A Expired - Lifetime EP0453973B1 (en) 1990-04-25 1991-04-19 Offset printing machine for variable repeat distance with automatic loading and unloading of cylinders

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US5142978A (en)
EP (1) EP0453973B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2711185B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE105776T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2041145C (en)
CH (1) CH682896A5 (en)
DE (1) DE69102010T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0453973T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2054391T3 (en)

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DE69217464T2 (en) * 1991-11-08 1997-08-14 Gradco Japan Ltd Offset printing machine
DE4303872C2 (en) * 1992-04-24 1995-08-10 Roland Man Druckmasch Printing machine with a forme cylinder and process for preparing the forme cylinder
DK172546B1 (en) * 1993-02-03 1998-12-21 Kammann Maschf Werner Replacement parts with interchangeable parts as well as device and method for replacing parts in such a printing plant
FR2701425B1 (en) * 1993-02-12 1995-05-12 Cuir Jean Pierre Printing machine comprising at least one double displacement cylinder.
US5878666A (en) * 1993-08-20 1999-03-09 Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag. Printing machine with at least one interchangeable cylinder
DE4328058A1 (en) * 1993-08-20 1995-02-23 Roland Man Druckmasch Printing machine with at least one exchangeable cylinder, in particular an exchangeable forme cylinder, or with an exchangeable printing form
DE4413807C1 (en) * 1994-04-20 1995-09-14 Windmoeller & Hoelscher Device for changing the cylinders on a printing press
US6230620B1 (en) 1997-05-05 2001-05-15 Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft Bearing for a rotary press cylinder
US6038972A (en) * 1998-12-29 2000-03-21 Paper Converting Machine Company Quick change system for a press
DE19962425B4 (en) * 1999-12-22 2004-01-29 Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag Device for changing a rotationally symmetrical component
ES2252239T3 (en) * 2000-07-22 2006-05-16 KOENIG & BAUER AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT PRINTING UNIT OF AN OFFSET PRINTING MACHINE WITH SEPARABLE FRAME MODULES.
AU2002213796A1 (en) * 2000-09-20 2002-04-02 Koenig And Bauer Aktiengesellschaft Printing unit
DE10112522C2 (en) * 2001-03-15 2003-10-09 Windmoeller & Hoelscher Exchange station for sleeves of printing machines
DE10257282A1 (en) * 2002-12-07 2004-06-24 Koenig & Bauer Ag Process for the flying change of printing plates in sheet-fed offset rotary printing machines
US6918338B2 (en) * 2003-01-30 2005-07-19 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printing system
FR2852554A1 (en) * 2003-03-18 2004-09-24 Martin Sa Flexographic printing machines cylinder loading and exchanging procedure, involves bringing cylinder from storing/reserve station to work position and replacing cylinder to storing/reserve station, using transport device and robot
DE602004028553D1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2010-09-23 Miyakoshi Printing Mach Rotary press
US7089858B2 (en) 2003-08-04 2006-08-15 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Rotary press
DE102004037253B4 (en) 2004-07-31 2013-09-05 Windmöller & Hölscher Kg Sleevewechselsystem
JP4608635B2 (en) * 2004-12-10 2011-01-12 三菱重工印刷紙工機械株式会社 Printer
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DE102006034661A1 (en) * 2006-07-24 2008-01-31 Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag press
JP5023385B2 (en) * 2007-05-02 2012-09-12 ボブスト ソシエテ アノニム Method for assembling, disassembling, function converting method and conveying device for printing apparatus for printing press
DE102007043841A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Manroland Ag Printing unit of a web-fed rotary printing machine
JP2009184201A (en) * 2008-02-05 2009-08-20 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Printing method by offset printing machine and offset printing machine
DE102008025995B4 (en) 2008-05-29 2012-12-06 Windmöller & Hölscher Kg Device for detecting a color-leading cylinder of a printing machine
DE102009028198A1 (en) * 2009-08-04 2011-02-17 Kba-Metronic Aktiengesellschaft Cylinder changing device for rotational offset printing machine, has swinging arm including opening that is removably formed from swiveling axis for synchronously accommodating of cylinder pins of different cylinders
DE102011083151B4 (en) 2011-09-21 2017-08-17 Koenig & Bauer Ag Rotary printing machine and a method for exchanging at least a first cylinder of a rotary printing machine
KR101400746B1 (en) 2013-07-24 2014-05-29 한국지질자원연구원 Method for collecting sample using multiple packers, and apparatus thereof
DE102014108524A1 (en) * 2014-06-17 2015-12-17 Manroland Web Systems Gmbh Printing unit for a rotary printing press
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EP4008560A1 (en) * 2020-12-03 2022-06-08 Monti Antonio S.P.A. Apparatus for continuous sublimation thermal printing and/or reactivation

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2711185B2 (en) 1998-02-10
DE69102010D1 (en) 1994-06-23
CA2041145A1 (en) 1991-10-26
DE69102010T2 (en) 1994-09-15
CA2041145C (en) 1994-07-26
ATE105776T1 (en) 1994-06-15
JPH0577391A (en) 1993-03-30
CH682896A5 (en) 1993-12-15
DK0453973T3 (en) 1994-09-05
EP0453973A1 (en) 1991-10-30
ES2054391T3 (en) 1994-08-01
US5142978A (en) 1992-09-01

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