EP0739729A2 - Printer ink exchange apparatus - Google Patents
Printer ink exchange apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0739729A2 EP0739729A2 EP96104806A EP96104806A EP0739729A2 EP 0739729 A2 EP0739729 A2 EP 0739729A2 EP 96104806 A EP96104806 A EP 96104806A EP 96104806 A EP96104806 A EP 96104806A EP 0739729 A2 EP0739729 A2 EP 0739729A2
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- waste liquid
- circulation
- supply mechanism
- wash liquid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
- B41F35/00—Cleaning arrangements or devices
- B41F35/04—Cleaning arrangements or devices for inking rollers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
- B41F31/00—Inking arrangements or devices
- B41F31/02—Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO PRINTING, LINING MACHINES, TYPEWRITERS, AND TO STAMPS
- B41P2235/00—Cleaning
- B41P2235/30—Recovering used solvents or residues
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41P—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO PRINTING, LINING MACHINES, TYPEWRITERS, AND TO STAMPS
- B41P2235/00—Cleaning
- B41P2235/30—Recovering used solvents or residues
- B41P2235/31—Recovering used solvents or residues by filtering
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ink exchange apparatus for use in a flexographic printer etc. in which an ink exchange at the time of a color change accompanying with an order change is automatically made.
- a usual ink exchange apparatus used in a flexographic printer as shown in Fig. 4(a), comprises an ink circulation and supply mechanism for circulating ink between one of ink tanks and a printing unit and supplying the ink to the printing unit; an ink tank exchange mechanism for connecting a joint portion to the ink tank of said ink circulation and supply mechanism selectively to one of the ink tanks; and a wash liquid supply mechanism for supplying a wash liquid to said ink circulation and supply mechanism at the time of washing of said ink circulation and supply mechanism.
- Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view of the ink exchange apparatus
- Fig. 4(b) is a side view of the printing unit consisting of inking rolls (an anilox roll and a rubber roll), a printing cylinder and an impression roll
- Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of said ink exchange apparatus.
- the printing unit of a flexographic printer is constructed as shown in Figs. 4(a), (b). That is, numeral 28 designates the printing cylinder having a printing die 29 fitted around its outer circumferential face, numeral 30 designates an impression roll disposed opposingly to said printing cylinder 28, numeral 1 designates the anilox roll (inking roll) and numeral 2 designates the rubber roll (inking roll), all of which compose the printing unit.
- Numeral 3 designates a flexographic ink and said flexographic ink 3 is supplied into a nip portion P between the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2 from the ink tank 4a (or ink tank 4b) through an ink pump 7 and an ink supply pipe 8.
- the ink 3 supplied into the nip portion P is doctored by the rubber roll 2 and is transferred uniformly onto the outer circumferential face of the anilox roll 1 and is further transferred onto the printing die 29 by a contact of the surface of the anilox roll 1 and the printing die 29 fitted around the outer circumferential face of the printing cylinder 28.
- a sheet 31, such as a corrugated board sheet, to be printed passes between the printing cylinder 28 and the impression roll 30 and comes in contact with the printing die 29, thus a desired printing is made on the sheet 31.
- the ink 3a within the ink tank 4a is supplied into said nip portion P, and an excess ink 3a overflows from both ends of said nip portion P, flows down into end pans (ink reservoirs) 15a, 15b and returns to the ink tank 4a through return pipes (discharge pipes) 10a, 10b.
- the ink 3a circulates in said ink circulation and supply mechanism while printing is made, and after a desired printing is finished, an order change (ink color change and printing die exchange) becomes necessary.
- Numerals 11a, 11b designate ink supply ports of the ink tanks 4a, 4b
- numerals 5, 5 designate covers of the ink tanks on which said ink supply ports 11a, 11b are provided
- numeral 12 designates a joint provided at the lower end portion of the ink supply pipe 8, and said joint 12 is fitted detachably to either one of the ink supply ports 11a, 11b.
- Numeral 13 designates a filter provided in the middle of the ink supply pipe 8
- numeral 7 designates an ink pump provided on the upper side of said filter 13 in the middle of said ink supply pipe 8
- numeral 14 designates an ink funneling device provided at the upper end portion of the ink supply pipe 8, and said ink funneling device is disposed immediately above the nip portion between the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2.
- Numerals 15a, 15b designate end pans disposed immediately below both end portions of the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2
- numerals 10a, 10b designate return pipes (discharge pipes) elongating from said end pans 15a, 15b
- numeral 10 designates a return pipe (discharge pipe) connecting to said return pipes 10a, 10b, and the lower end portion of said return pipe 10 connects to either one of return ports 6a, 6b of the ink tanks 4a, 4b.
- Numeral 16 designates a wash liquid pipe, and said wash liquid pipe 16 connects to the ink supply pipe 8 via a solenoid valve 18 and a T-type joint 17.
- Numeral 20 designates a joint elevating cylinder
- numeral 21 designates a bucket driving cylinder
- numeral 22 designates a holder driving cylinder
- numeral 23 designates a holder
- numeral 25 designates a waste liquid bucket
- numeral 32 designates a bracket connecting the joint 12 and the return pipe 10.
- the joint 12 and the return pipe (discharge pipe) 10 are connected each other by the bracket 12 and are movable together in any direction of front and rear, right and left or up and down.
- FIG. 5 shows a flow chart at the time of an ink exchange, wherein Fig. 5(A) shows a state of ink circulation and supply (state of ink supply start), Fig. 5(b) shows a state of ink recovery and Fig. 5(c) shows a state of ink washing by a wash liquid.
- the ink circulation in the ink circulation passage is stopped, and as shown in Fig. 5(b), the ink is recovered into the ink tank 4a for a certain time by a timer setting.
- the bracket 32 connecting the joint 12 and the recovery pipe (discharge pipe) 10 is elevated and is moved back, and as shown in Fig. 5(c), the joint 12 and the lower end portion of the return pipe 10 are moved to a position aside the ink tank 4a, that is, a predetermined position above the waste liquid bucket 25, and are stopped.
- the solenoid valve 18 is opened, wash liquid is automatically supplied toward the ink funneling device 14 through the ink supply pipe 8 of the ink circulation and supply passage from the wash liquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the insides of the ink supply pipe 8 and the ink funneling device 14 are washed, and further the ink of the nip portion between the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2, the ink in the end pans 15a, 15b and the ink in the return pipes 10a, 10b, 10 are washed off.
- the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2 are making idle running and the firstly used ink sticked on the outer circumferential faces of both rolls 1, 2 and on the insides of both roll shaft end portions and the end pans 15a, 15b are washed off.
- the wash liquid is automatically supplied to the direction of the ink tank 4a through the ink supply pipe 8 from the wash liquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the ink of the insides of the ink supply pipe 8, the ink pump 7, the filter 13 and the joint 12 is also washed off.
- the bracket 32 by moving the bracket 32, the joint 12 is moved to the ink supply port 11b of the ink tank 4b in which ink for the next new order is contained, and the end portion of the return pipe 10 is moved to the return port 6b of the ink tank 4b, respectively, the movement of the bracket 32 is stopped, then the bracket 32 is let down, and the joint 12 is moved to the ink supply port 11b as shown in Fig. 4(a) and is automatically connected thereto. Likewise, the end portion of the return pipe 10 is connected to the return port 6b.
- the ink pump 7 is started, ink for the next new order is circulated in the ink circulation and supply passage and a printing by use of the ink of the new order is carried out.
- the ink pump 7 upon finishing of a printing by use of ink of the previous order, the ink pump 7 is stopped, the circulating ink is recovered into the presently used ink tank (of the previous order), then the connection of the lower end portion of the ink circulation passage (the lower end portions of the ink supply pipe 8 and the return pipe 10) and the ink tank 4a is released, the lower end portion of the ink circulation passage is moved above the waste liquid bucket 25 by the ink tank exchange mechanism, the wash liquid supply mechanism is worked, the ink circulation passage is washed by the wash liquid, the turbid wash liquid after used for washing is discharged into the waste liquid bucket 25, then supply of the wash liquid is stopped and the turbid wash liquid is recovered for a certain time by a natural discharge. Then, the lower end portion of the ink circulation passage is connected to the ink tank 4b of the next new order and a printing by use of ink of the new order is commenced.
- a printer ink exchange apparatus comprising a plurality of ink tanks; an ink circulation and supply mechanism for circulating ink between one of said ink tanks and a printing unit and supplying the ink to the printing unit; an ink tank exchange mechanism for connecting a joint portion to the ink tank of said ink circulation and supply mechanism selectively to one of the ink tanks; a wash liquid supply mechanism for supplying a wash liquid to said ink circulation and supply mechanism at the time of washing of said ink circulation and supply mechanism; and a waste liquid recovery unit for recovering a waste liquid after said ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed by the wash liquid, said ink circulation and supply mechanism comprises a waste liquid discharge line for discharging said waste liquid to said waste liquid recovery unit.
- said waste liquid discharge line comprises a selector valve provided at the end portion of a return pipe to the ink tank of said ink circulation and supply mechanism for switching a passage of liquid to the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit and to the direction of said ink tank; and a waste liquid discharge pipe elongating from said selector valve to said waste liquid recovery unit.
- the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, wash liquid is supplied to the ink circulation and supply mechanism, same as in the conventional ink exchange apparatus, the ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed and the waste liquid (wash liquid after used for washing) is recovered into the waste recovery unit, then the ink tank in which ink for a new order is contained and the ink supply pipe of the ink circulation and supply mechanism are connected together, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the waste liquid recovery unit, ink is supplied for a certain time, and together with said ink, the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is forcibly discharged into the waste liquid recovery unit.
- the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, the ink for a new order is circulated in the ink circulation and supply mechanism and the ink is supplied to the printing unit.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of said ink exchange apparatus and Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing functions (operation status) of said ink exchange apparatus.
- numeral 1 designates an anilox roll
- numeral 2 designates a rubber roll
- numeral 3 designates a flexographic ink
- numerals 4a, 4b designate ink tanks
- numerals 5 designate covers of said ink tanks 4a, 4b
- numerals 6a, 6b designate return ports provided on said covers 5
- numeral 7 designates an ink pump
- numeral 8 designates an ink supply pipe
- numeral 10 designates a return pipe (discharge pipe)
- numerals 11a, 11b designates supply ports provided on said covers 5
- numeral 12 designates a joint
- numeral 13 designates a filter
- numeral 14 designates an ink funneling device
- numerals 15a, 15b designate end pans
- numeral 16 designates a wash liquid pipe
- numeral 17 designates a T-type joint
- numeral 18 designates a solenoid valve
- numeral 20 designates a joint
- numeral 21 designates a bucket driving
- the ink pump is first stopped and, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the ink in the ink circulation and supply passage is recovered into the ink tank 4a.
- the three-way valve 26 is switched to the direction of the ink tank 4a.
- the solenoid valve 18 is opened, wash liquid is automatically supplied toward the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2 from the wash liquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the inside of the ink supply pipe 8 and the inside of the ink funneling device 14 are washed. Further, the ink in the roll nip portion, the ink in the end pans 15a, 15b and the ink in the return pipes 10a, 10b, 10 are washed off.
- the anilox roll 1 and the rubber roll 2 are making idle running and the firstly used ink sticked on the outer circumferential faces of both rolls 1, 2 and on the insides of both roll shaft end portions and end pans 15a, 15b are washed off.
- the wash liquid is also automatically supplied toward the ink tank 4a from the wash liquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the ink of the inside of the ink supply pipe 8 and the ink of the insides of the ink pump 7, the filter 13 and the joint 12 are washed off.
- Supply and stop of the wash liquid are controlled by a time adjustable timer etc., and upon a signal given after a certain time passes, the solenoid valve 18 is closed, the supply of wash liquid is stopped and the next process is commenced.
- the holder 23 Upon finish of the wash liquid recovery, as shown in Fig. 2(d), the holder 23 is advanced by the bucket driving cylinder 21, and the joint 12 on the side of the ink supply pipe 8 of the ink circulation and supply passage is let down by the joint elevating cylinder 20 so as to approach to the supply port 11b of the ink tank 4b of the next new order and is connected thereto automatically.
- the three-way valve (electromagnetic valve) 26 is switched to the direction of the waste liquid bucket (waste liquid recovery unit) 25. Then, the ink supplied by the ink pump 7 pushes out forcibly for a certain time, and is diluted itself by, the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) in the ink circulation and supply passage, so that the waste liquid is discharged through the waste liquid discharge pipe 27 into the waste liquid bucket (waste liquid recovery unit) 25 provided on the outside of the ink tanks.
- said forcible discharge time is controlled by a timer setting made on experiences with feedback of a sensor detected signal of the color of the returning waste liquid, or by judgement of an operator seeing the color.
- the three-way valve 26 is switched to the direction of the ink tank 4b, the returning ink 3b is recovered into the ink tank 4b, and the ink 3b in the ink tank 4b is circulated in the ink circulation and supply mechanism and is supplied to the printing unit.
- the ink exchange time is greatly shortened. And as the diluted ink is not returned to the ink tank, a lowering of the ink viscosity is prevented.
- the three-way valve 26 is used as a selector valve, but not limited to the three-way valve, a two-way valve 33 shown in Fig. 3 may be used.
- a two-way valve 33 is provided below the discharge pipe 10.
- Fig. 3(b) shows a printing unit in which ink or water returning from the return pipe 10 is once stored in an ink reservoir 35 and then is sucked up by a discharge pump 34, and in this case also, a two-way valve 33 is provided at the ink reservoir 35.
- the discharge pump 34 is stopped and the two-way valve 33 is opened, thereby the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is prevented from mixing in the ink tank 4b of the new order. In such way, the two-way valve 33 may be used.
- the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, wash liquid is supplied to the ink circulation and supply mechanism, same as in the conventional ink exchange apparatus, the ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed and the waste liquid (wash liquid after used for washing) is recovered into the waste recovery unit, then the ink tank in which ink for a new order is contained and the ink supply pipe of the ink circulation and supply mechanism are connected together, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the waste liquid recovery unit, ink is supplied for a certain time, and together with said ink, the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is forcibly discharged into the waste liquid recovery unit.
- the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, the ink for a new order is circulated in the ink circulation and supply mechanism and the ink is supplied to the printing unit.
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- Inking, Control Or Cleaning Of Printing Machines (AREA)
- Ink Jet (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an ink exchange apparatus for use in a flexographic printer etc. in which an ink exchange at the time of a color change accompanying with an order change is automatically made.
- An ink exchange apparatus used in a flexographic printer in the prior art is described with reference to Figs. 4(a), (b) and 5. A usual ink exchange apparatus used in a flexographic printer, as shown in Fig. 4(a), comprises an ink circulation and supply mechanism for circulating ink between one of ink tanks and a printing unit and supplying the ink to the printing unit; an ink tank exchange mechanism for connecting a joint portion to the ink tank of said ink circulation and supply mechanism selectively to one of the ink tanks; and a wash liquid supply mechanism for supplying a wash liquid to said ink circulation and supply mechanism at the time of washing of said ink circulation and supply mechanism.
- Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view of the ink exchange apparatus, Fig. 4(b) is a side view of the printing unit consisting of inking rolls (an anilox roll and a rubber roll), a printing cylinder and an impression roll, and Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of said ink exchange apparatus.
- The printing unit of a flexographic printer is constructed as shown in Figs. 4(a), (b). That is,
numeral 28 designates the printing cylinder having a printing die 29 fitted around its outer circumferential face,numeral 30 designates an impression roll disposed opposingly to saidprinting cylinder 28,numeral 1 designates the anilox roll (inking roll) andnumeral 2 designates the rubber roll (inking roll), all of which compose the printing unit. - Numeral 3 designates a flexographic ink and said
flexographic ink 3 is supplied into a nip portion P between theanilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2 from theink tank 4a (orink tank 4b) through anink pump 7 and anink supply pipe 8. - And the
ink 3 supplied into the nip portion P is doctored by therubber roll 2 and is transferred uniformly onto the outer circumferential face of theanilox roll 1 and is further transferred onto theprinting die 29 by a contact of the surface of theanilox roll 1 and theprinting die 29 fitted around the outer circumferential face of theprinting cylinder 28. - On the other hand, a
sheet 31, such as a corrugated board sheet, to be printed passes between theprinting cylinder 28 and theimpression roll 30 and comes in contact with theprinting die 29, thus a desired printing is made on thesheet 31. - While the printing is being made, the ink 3a within the
ink tank 4a is supplied into said nip portion P, and an excess ink 3a overflows from both ends of said nip portion P, flows down into end pans (ink reservoirs) 15a, 15b and returns to theink tank 4a through return pipes (discharge pipes) 10a, 10b. - Thus, the ink 3a circulates in said ink circulation and supply mechanism while printing is made, and after a desired printing is finished, an order change (ink color change and printing die exchange) becomes necessary.
- Said ink circulation and supply mechanism is further described concretely. Numerals 11a, 11b designate ink supply ports of the
ink tanks numerals numeral 12 designates a joint provided at the lower end portion of theink supply pipe 8, and saidjoint 12 is fitted detachably to either one of the ink supply ports 11a, 11b. -
Numeral 13 designates a filter provided in the middle of theink supply pipe 8,numeral 7 designates an ink pump provided on the upper side of saidfilter 13 in the middle of saidink supply pipe 8 andnumeral 14 designates an ink funneling device provided at the upper end portion of theink supply pipe 8, and said ink funneling device is disposed immediately above the nip portion between theanilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2. -
Numerals anilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2,numerals 10a, 10b designate return pipes (discharge pipes) elongating from saidend pans numeral 10 designates a return pipe (discharge pipe) connecting to saidreturn pipes 10a, 10b, and the lower end portion of saidreturn pipe 10 connects to either one ofreturn ports ink tanks - Next, said wash liquid supply mechanism is described concretely. Numeral 16 designates a wash liquid pipe, and said wash
liquid pipe 16 connects to theink supply pipe 8 via asolenoid valve 18 and a T-type joint 17. - Next, said ink tank exchange mechanism is described concretely. Numeral 20 designates a joint elevating cylinder,
numeral 21 designates a bucket driving cylinder,numeral 22 designates a holder driving cylinder,numeral 23 designates a holder,numeral 25 designates a waste liquid bucket andnumeral 32 designates a bracket connecting thejoint 12 and thereturn pipe 10. - The operation of the ink exchange apparatus at the time of an order change is as follows:
- As shown in Fig. 4(a), the
joint 12 and the return pipe (discharge pipe) 10 are connected each other by thebracket 12 and are movable together in any direction of front and rear, right and left or up and down. - In Fig. 5, (a), (b), (c) and (d) show a flow chart at the time of an ink exchange, wherein Fig. 5(A) shows a state of ink circulation and supply (state of ink supply start), Fig. 5(b) shows a state of ink recovery and Fig. 5(c) shows a state of ink washing by a wash liquid.
- First, by stopping the
ink pump 7, the ink circulation in the ink circulation passage is stopped, and as shown in Fig. 5(b), the ink is recovered into theink tank 4a for a certain time by a timer setting. - Next, by a recovery finish signal, the
bracket 32 connecting thejoint 12 and the recovery pipe (discharge pipe) 10 is elevated and is moved back, and as shown in Fig. 5(c), thejoint 12 and the lower end portion of thereturn pipe 10 are moved to a position aside theink tank 4a, that is, a predetermined position above thewaste liquid bucket 25, and are stopped. - In this state, the
solenoid valve 18 is opened, wash liquid is automatically supplied toward theink funneling device 14 through theink supply pipe 8 of the ink circulation and supply passage from the washliquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the insides of theink supply pipe 8 and theink funneling device 14 are washed, and further the ink of the nip portion between theanilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2, the ink in theend pans return pipes - In the meantime, the
anilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2 are making idle running and the firstly used ink sticked on the outer circumferential faces of bothrolls end pans - At the same time, the wash liquid is automatically supplied to the direction of the
ink tank 4a through theink supply pipe 8 from the washliquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the ink of the insides of theink supply pipe 8, theink pump 7, thefilter 13 and thejoint 12 is also washed off. - With the operation as above, all the wash liquid is discharged into the
waste liquid bucket 25 from thereturn pipes ink supply pipe 8 via theopening port joint 12. Supply of the wash liquid is controlled by a time adjustable timer etc., and with a signal given after a certain time passes, thesolenoid valve 18 is closed and the supply of wash liquid is stopped. Even after the supply of wash liquid is stopped, each device is kept stopped in that state, recovery of the wash liquid is continued for a certain time, then by a signal from the timer of the recovery finish, the next operation is carried out. - That is, by moving the
bracket 32, thejoint 12 is moved to the ink supply port 11b of theink tank 4b in which ink for the next new order is contained, and the end portion of thereturn pipe 10 is moved to thereturn port 6b of theink tank 4b, respectively, the movement of thebracket 32 is stopped, then thebracket 32 is let down, and thejoint 12 is moved to the ink supply port 11b as shown in Fig. 4(a) and is automatically connected thereto. Likewise, the end portion of thereturn pipe 10 is connected to thereturn port 6b. - In this state, the
ink pump 7 is started, ink for the next new order is circulated in the ink circulation and supply passage and a printing by use of the ink of the new order is carried out. - In the ink exchange apparatus used in the flexographic printer in the prior art, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, upon finishing of a printing by use of ink of the previous order, the
ink pump 7 is stopped, the circulating ink is recovered into the presently used ink tank (of the previous order), then the connection of the lower end portion of the ink circulation passage (the lower end portions of theink supply pipe 8 and the return pipe 10) and theink tank 4a is released, the lower end portion of the ink circulation passage is moved above thewaste liquid bucket 25 by the ink tank exchange mechanism, the wash liquid supply mechanism is worked, the ink circulation passage is washed by the wash liquid, the turbid wash liquid after used for washing is discharged into thewaste liquid bucket 25, then supply of the wash liquid is stopped and the turbid wash liquid is recovered for a certain time by a natural discharge. Then, the lower end portion of the ink circulation passage is connected to theink tank 4b of the next new order and a printing by use of ink of the new order is commenced. - This means that after the supply of wash liquid is stopped, a natural discharge is carried out until the turbid wash liquid is recovered. For this reason, a considerable time is required for the recovery of wash liquid of the roll nip portion or the circulation passage. In actual cases where a preference is put on a productivity, however, a next printing (supply of ink) is reopened before the liquid recovery is completely made, and in such case, upon commencement of ink circulation, the residual wash liquid in the roll nip portion or in the circulation passage returns into the ink tank, the ink there is diluted so that the viscosity of ink is lowered or the ink of a new order is discolored by mixing of the residual ink of the previous order, hence there is such a problem that a printing quality is lowered or the ink of a new order becomes unusable.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an ink exchange apparatus for use in a flexographic printer etc. which can ① greatly shorten a wash liquid recovery time, ② dissolve a dilution by the residual wash liquid in the ink circulation and supply passage so that a lowering of the ink viscosity (density) can be prevented and ③ dissolve a mixing of the ink of the previous order remaining in the ink circulation and supply passage so that the ink of a new order is prevented from becoming turbid, and, as a result, can enhance the productivity and the printing quality.
- In order to attain the above-mentioned object, in a printer ink exchange apparatus according to the present invention comprising a plurality of ink tanks; an ink circulation and supply mechanism for circulating ink between one of said ink tanks and a printing unit and supplying the ink to the printing unit; an ink tank exchange mechanism for connecting a joint portion to the ink tank of said ink circulation and supply mechanism selectively to one of the ink tanks; a wash liquid supply mechanism for supplying a wash liquid to said ink circulation and supply mechanism at the time of washing of said ink circulation and supply mechanism; and a waste liquid recovery unit for recovering a waste liquid after said ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed by the wash liquid, said ink circulation and supply mechanism comprises a waste liquid discharge line for discharging said waste liquid to said waste liquid recovery unit. (Claim 1)
- In said printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in
Claim 1, said waste liquid discharge line comprises a selector valve provided at the end portion of a return pipe to the ink tank of said ink circulation and supply mechanism for switching a passage of liquid to the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit and to the direction of said ink tank; and a waste liquid discharge pipe elongating from said selector valve to said waste liquid recovery unit. (Claim 2) - In said printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in
Claim 2, a three-way valve is used as said selector valve. (Claim 3) - In said printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in
Claim 2, out of liquid passages composing said waste liquid discharge line, either one of that in the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit and that in the direction of said ink tank is made a preferential passage, and a two-way valve provided at said preferential passage is used as said selector valve. (Claim 4) - In said printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in
Claim 2, out of liquid passages composing said waste liquid discharge line, that in the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit and that in the direction of said ink tank are separated each other at an ink reservoir, either one of them is made a passage for suction by a discharge pump, the other is made a passage for natural flow, and a two-way valve provided at said the other passage is used as said selector valve. (Claim 5) - In the printer ink exchange apparatus according to the present invention constructed as described above, at the time of washing, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, wash liquid is supplied to the ink circulation and supply mechanism, same as in the conventional ink exchange apparatus, the ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed and the waste liquid (wash liquid after used for washing) is recovered into the waste recovery unit, then the ink tank in which ink for a new order is contained and the ink supply pipe of the ink circulation and supply mechanism are connected together, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the waste liquid recovery unit, ink is supplied for a certain time, and together with said ink, the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is forcibly discharged into the waste liquid recovery unit. In this state, when a certain time passes, or when the color of returning liquid comes to a certain deepness, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, the ink for a new order is circulated in the ink circulation and supply mechanism and the ink is supplied to the printing unit.
- In the accompanying drawings:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one preferred embodiment of a printer ink exchange apparatus according to the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a flow chart, wherein Fig. 2(a) shows a state of ink circulation and supply, Fig. 2(b) shows a state of ink recovery, Fig. 2(c) shows a state of ink washing by use of wash liquid and Fig. 2(d) shows a state of ink supply start.
- Fig. 3(a) is a side view showing a case where a two-way valve is provided in the middle of the return pipe and Fig. 3(b) is a side view showing a case where a two-way valve is provided at an ink reservoir.
- Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view showing an ink exchange apparatus used in a flexographic printer in the prior art and Fig. 4(b) is a side view showing the printing unit.
- Fig. 5 is a flow chart, wherein Fig. 5(a) shows a state of ink circulation and supply, Fig. 5(b) shows a state of ink recovery, Fig. 5(c) shows a state of ink washing by use of wash liquid and Fig. 5(d) shows a state of ink supply start.
- A printer ink exchange apparatus according to the present invention is described based on one preferred embodiment applied to a flexographic printer as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of said ink exchange apparatus and Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing functions (operation status) of said ink exchange apparatus.
- In Figs. 1 and 2,
numeral 1 designates an anilox roll,numeral 2 designates a rubber roll,numeral 3 designates a flexographic ink,numerals numerals said ink tanks numerals covers numeral 7 designates an ink pump,numeral 8 designates an ink supply pipe,numeral 10 designates a return pipe (discharge pipe), numerals 11a, 11b designates supply ports provided on saidcovers numeral 12 designates a joint,numeral 13 designates a filter,numeral 14 designates an ink funneling device,numerals numeral 16 designates a wash liquid pipe,numeral 17 designates a T-type joint,numeral 18 designates a solenoid valve,numeral 20 designates ajoint numeral 21 designates a bucket driving cylinder,numeral 22 designates a holder driving cylinder,numeral 23 designates a holder,numeral 25 designates a waste liquid bucket (waste liquid recovery unit),numeral 26 designates a three-way valve (selector valve) andnumeral 27 designates a waste liquid discharge pipe. - Incidentally, the construction and the function of a printing unit in the flexographic printer are same as those in the conventional ones.
- Next, operation of the ink exchange apparatus in the flexographic printer is described concretely.
- When a printing of certain order is finished and an ink exchange is made for another order, the
ink pump 7 is stopped, a starting button of a control circuit (not shown in the figure) of the ink tank exchange mechanism is switched on and the ink exchange work is started. - That is, from a state of Fig. 2(a), the ink pump is first stopped and, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the ink in the ink circulation and supply passage is recovered into the
ink tank 4a. At this time, the three-way valve 26 is switched to the direction of theink tank 4a. - When a certain time set by a timer passes from said state and ink recovery is finished, then upon a recovery finish signal, as shown in Fig. 2(c), the
ink supply pipe 8 and the joint 12 fitted at its lower end portion are elevated by the joint elevatingcylinder 20, and then theholder 23 is moved back by theholder driving cylinder 22, and the joint 12 of theink supply pipe 8 and the lower end portion of the return pipe (discharge pipe) 10 are moved above the waste liquid bucket (waste liquid recovery unit) 25. - In this state, the
solenoid valve 18 is opened, wash liquid is automatically supplied toward theanilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2 from thewash liquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the inside of theink supply pipe 8 and the inside of theink funneling device 14 are washed. Further, the ink in the roll nip portion, the ink in the end pans 15a, 15b and the ink in thereturn pipes - At this time, the
anilox roll 1 and therubber roll 2 are making idle running and the firstly used ink sticked on the outer circumferential faces of bothrolls pans - On the other hand, the wash liquid is also automatically supplied toward the
ink tank 4a from thewash liquid pipe 16 via the T-type joint 17, and the ink of the inside of theink supply pipe 8 and the ink of the insides of theink pump 7, thefilter 13 and the joint 12 are washed off. - With the work as above, all the wash liquid is discharged from the lower end portion of the
return pipe 10 and the joint 12 of theink supply pipe 8. - Supply and stop of the wash liquid are controlled by a time adjustable timer etc., and upon a signal given after a certain time passes, the
solenoid valve 18 is closed, the supply of wash liquid is stopped and the next process is commenced. - That is, upon the supply of wash liquid being stopped, recovery of the wash liquid is carried out for a certain time. Then, the
holder driving cylinder 22 is worked, and the joint 12 of theink supply pipe 8 and the lower end portion of thereturn pipe 10, both supported movably in the upward and downward directions by theholder 23, are transferred to the right in Fig. 1 and stopped so that the joint 12 positions correspondingly to the supply port 11b of theink tank 4b in which a new ink for the next order is previously contained and the lower end portion of thereturn pipe 10 positions correspondingly to thereturn port 6b. - Upon finish of the wash liquid recovery, as shown in Fig. 2(d), the
holder 23 is advanced by thebucket driving cylinder 21, and the joint 12 on the side of theink supply pipe 8 of the ink circulation and supply passage is let down by the joint elevatingcylinder 20 so as to approach to the supply port 11b of theink tank 4b of the next new order and is connected thereto automatically. - And the three-way valve (electromagnetic valve) 26 is switched to the direction of the waste liquid bucket (waste liquid recovery unit) 25. Then, the ink supplied by the
ink pump 7 pushes out forcibly for a certain time, and is diluted itself by, the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) in the ink circulation and supply passage, so that the waste liquid is discharged through the wasteliquid discharge pipe 27 into the waste liquid bucket (waste liquid recovery unit) 25 provided on the outside of the ink tanks. - Incidentally, said forcible discharge time is controlled by a timer setting made on experiences with feedback of a sensor detected signal of the color of the returning waste liquid, or by judgement of an operator seeing the color.
- After said forcible discharge time passes, the three-
way valve 26 is switched to the direction of theink tank 4b, the returningink 3b is recovered into theink tank 4b, and theink 3b in theink tank 4b is circulated in the ink circulation and supply mechanism and is supplied to the printing unit. - Thus, as the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is forcibly discharged by the ink for a new order, the ink exchange time is greatly shortened. And as the diluted ink is not returned to the ink tank, a lowering of the ink viscosity is prevented.
- Incidentally, in said preferred embodiment, the three-
way valve 26 is used as a selector valve, but not limited to the three-way valve, a two-way valve 33 shown in Fig. 3 may be used. - That is, in Fig. 3(a) which corresponds to Fig. 2(d), a two-
way valve 33 is provided below thedischarge pipe 10. Fig. 3(b) shows a printing unit in which ink or water returning from thereturn pipe 10 is once stored in anink reservoir 35 and then is sucked up by adischarge pump 34, and in this case also, a two-way valve 33 is provided at theink reservoir 35. In this example, thedischarge pump 34 is stopped and the two-way valve 33 is opened, thereby the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is prevented from mixing in theink tank 4b of the new order. In such way, the two-way valve 33 may be used. - In the printer ink exchange apparatus according to the present invention as described above, at the time of washing, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, wash liquid is supplied to the ink circulation and supply mechanism, same as in the conventional ink exchange apparatus, the ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed and the waste liquid (wash liquid after used for washing) is recovered into the waste recovery unit, then the ink tank in which ink for a new order is contained and the ink supply pipe of the ink circulation and supply mechanism are connected together, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the waste liquid recovery unit, ink is supplied for a certain time, and together with said ink, the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) is forcibly discharged into the waste liquid recovery unit. In this state, when a certain time passes, or when the color of returning liquid comes to a certain deepness, the selector valve is switched to the direction of the ink tank, the ink for a new order is circulated in the ink circulation and supply mechanism and the ink is supplied to the printing unit. Thereby, ① the wash liquid recovery time can be greatly shortened, ② a dilution by the residual waste liquid (residual wash liquid) in the ink circulation and supply passage can be dissolved so that a lowering of the ink viscosity (density) can be prevented, ③ a mixing of the ink of the previous order remaining in the ink circulation and supply passage can be dissolved so that the ink for a new order is prevented from becoming turbid, and as a result, the productivity and the printing quality can be enhanced. The foregoing invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of such embodiments exist. Such variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.
Claims (5)
- A printer ink exchange apparatus comprising a plurality of ink tanks (4a, 4b); an ink circulation and supply mechanism for circulating ink (3) between one of said ink tanks (4a, 4b) and a printing unit and supplying the ink (3) to the printing unit; an ink tank exchange mechanism for connecting a joint portion to the ink tank (4) of said ink circulation and supply mechanism selectively to one of the ink tanks (4a, 4b); a wash liquid supply mechanism for supplying a wash liquid to said ink circulation and supply mechanism at the time of washing of said ink circulation and supply mechanism; and a waste liquid recovery unit (25) for recovering a waste liquid after said ink circulation and supply mechanism is washed by the wash liquid, characterized in that said ink circulation and supply mechanism comprises a waste liquid discharge line for discharging said waste liquid to said waste liquid recovery unit (25).
- A printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said waste liquid discharge line comprises a selector valve (26) provided at the end portion of a return pipe (10) to the ink tank (4) of said ink circulation and supply mechanism for switching a passage of liquid to the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit and to the direction of said ink tank (4); and a waste liquid discharge pipe (27) elongating from said selector valve (26) to said waste liquid recovery unit (25).
- A printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that a three-way valve (26) is used as said selector valve (26).
- A printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that, out of liquid passages composing said waste liquid discharge line, either one of that in the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit (25) and that in the direction of said ink tank (4) is made a preferential passage, and a two-way valve (33) provided at said preferential passage is used as said selector valve (26).
- A printer ink exchange apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that, out of liquid passages composing said waste liquid discharge line, that in the direction of said waste liquid recovery unit (25) and that in the direction of said ink tank (4) are separated each other at an ink reservoir (35), either one of them is made a passage for suction by a discharge pump (34), the other is made a passage for natural flow, and a two-way valve (33) provided at said the other passage is used as said selector valve (26).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP104079/95 | 1995-04-27 | ||
JP10407995 | 1995-04-27 | ||
JP10407995A JP3592788B2 (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1995-04-27 | How to change ink in flexographic printing press |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0739729A2 true EP0739729A2 (en) | 1996-10-30 |
EP0739729A3 EP0739729A3 (en) | 1998-03-11 |
EP0739729B1 EP0739729B1 (en) | 2001-07-25 |
Family
ID=14371146
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19960104806 Expired - Lifetime EP0739729B1 (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1996-03-26 | Printer ink exchange apparatus |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0739729B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3592788B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU678932B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69614027T2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2763536A1 (en) * | 1997-05-21 | 1998-11-27 | Roland Man Druckmasch | INK UNIT COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR FILLING INKERS WITH PRINTING INK |
EP0924074A1 (en) * | 1997-12-20 | 1999-06-23 | MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG | Device for metering a coating fluid for print carriers in a printing press |
WO1999065683A1 (en) * | 1998-06-16 | 1999-12-23 | Koenig & Bauer Ag | Method and device for supplying ink |
EP2138307A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2009-12-30 | Gaviplas, S.L. | Ink re-use system for printing machines |
CN106079886A (en) * | 2016-06-05 | 2016-11-09 | 镇江立昌智能装备有限公司 | Closed to device for ink |
US11446922B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2022-09-20 | Bobst Firenze S.R.L. | Inking system with embedded colour correction |
CN115257152A (en) * | 2022-07-18 | 2022-11-01 | 安徽富禾包装科技股份有限公司 | Ink circulating device of gravure press |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4758207B2 (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2011-08-24 | 東北リコー株式会社 | Stencil printing machine |
CN108312692B (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2019-06-04 | 重庆华康印务有限公司 | A kind of printing equipment |
CN109203670B (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2020-10-27 | 安徽金辉印务有限公司 | Automatic ink adding device for printing machine |
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US3025793A (en) * | 1958-05-07 | 1962-03-20 | Miehle Goss Dexter Inc | Method and apparatus for changing inks in printing press fountains |
US3800702A (en) * | 1972-12-07 | 1974-04-02 | S & S Corrugated Paper Mach | Inking apparatus having automatic wash-up means |
US4526102A (en) * | 1983-10-31 | 1985-07-02 | Molins Machine Company, Inc. | Ink circulation and wash up system for a press |
EP0338403A2 (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1989-10-25 | Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Printing apparatus |
GB2267061A (en) * | 1992-03-17 | 1993-11-24 | John Marozzi | Ink and solvent management in a flexographic printing system |
-
1995
- 1995-04-27 JP JP10407995A patent/JP3592788B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-03-26 EP EP19960104806 patent/EP0739729B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-03-26 DE DE1996614027 patent/DE69614027T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-03-29 AU AU50418/96A patent/AU678932B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3025793A (en) * | 1958-05-07 | 1962-03-20 | Miehle Goss Dexter Inc | Method and apparatus for changing inks in printing press fountains |
US3800702A (en) * | 1972-12-07 | 1974-04-02 | S & S Corrugated Paper Mach | Inking apparatus having automatic wash-up means |
US4526102A (en) * | 1983-10-31 | 1985-07-02 | Molins Machine Company, Inc. | Ink circulation and wash up system for a press |
EP0338403A2 (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1989-10-25 | Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Printing apparatus |
GB2267061A (en) * | 1992-03-17 | 1993-11-24 | John Marozzi | Ink and solvent management in a flexographic printing system |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2763536A1 (en) * | 1997-05-21 | 1998-11-27 | Roland Man Druckmasch | INK UNIT COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR FILLING INKERS WITH PRINTING INK |
EP0924074A1 (en) * | 1997-12-20 | 1999-06-23 | MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG | Device for metering a coating fluid for print carriers in a printing press |
WO1999065683A1 (en) * | 1998-06-16 | 1999-12-23 | Koenig & Bauer Ag | Method and device for supplying ink |
US6561099B1 (en) | 1998-06-16 | 2003-05-13 | Koenig & Bauer Ag | Inking method and apparatus |
EP2138307A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2009-12-30 | Gaviplas, S.L. | Ink re-use system for printing machines |
ES2342526A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2010-07-07 | Gaviplas, S.L | Ink re-use system for printing machines |
CN106079886A (en) * | 2016-06-05 | 2016-11-09 | 镇江立昌智能装备有限公司 | Closed to device for ink |
US11446922B2 (en) | 2017-09-22 | 2022-09-20 | Bobst Firenze S.R.L. | Inking system with embedded colour correction |
CN115257152A (en) * | 2022-07-18 | 2022-11-01 | 安徽富禾包装科技股份有限公司 | Ink circulating device of gravure press |
CN115257152B (en) * | 2022-07-18 | 2024-05-31 | 安徽富禾包装科技股份有限公司 | Printing ink circulating device of intaglio printing press |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP3592788B2 (en) | 2004-11-24 |
DE69614027T2 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
JPH08295010A (en) | 1996-11-12 |
AU5041896A (en) | 1997-01-02 |
EP0739729B1 (en) | 2001-07-25 |
AU678932B2 (en) | 1997-06-12 |
EP0739729A3 (en) | 1998-03-11 |
DE69614027D1 (en) | 2001-08-30 |
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