EP1147012A1 - A method and device at a spraying ramp for a printing press - Google Patents

A method and device at a spraying ramp for a printing press

Info

Publication number
EP1147012A1
EP1147012A1 EP99963747A EP99963747A EP1147012A1 EP 1147012 A1 EP1147012 A1 EP 1147012A1 EP 99963747 A EP99963747 A EP 99963747A EP 99963747 A EP99963747 A EP 99963747A EP 1147012 A1 EP1147012 A1 EP 1147012A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spray
valves
ramp
microcontroller
fountain solution
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP99963747A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1147012B1 (en
Inventor
Birger Hansson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Baldwin Jimek AB
Original Assignee
Baldwin Jimek AB
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Baldwin Jimek AB filed Critical Baldwin Jimek AB
Publication of EP1147012A1 publication Critical patent/EP1147012A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1147012B1 publication Critical patent/EP1147012B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F7/00—Rotary lithographic machines
    • B41F7/20—Details
    • B41F7/24—Damping devices
    • B41F7/30—Damping devices using spraying elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F33/00—Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
    • B41F33/0054—Devices for controlling dampening

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and device for controlling the spraying of fountain solution in a printing press by means of electrically controlled spray valves in a spray ramp.
  • a spray dampening device in the form of a spray ramp provided with electrically controlled spray valves is used in a printing press for spraying fountain solution on a rotating roller for transfer to a printing plate.
  • the spray ramp with its valves may be delivered from one source, whereas the control means for the valves may be delivered from another source and combined with the spray ramp at the mounting in a printing press. This means that certain factors of importance for the spray result may not be taken into account .
  • This feedback can be used for diagnosis, for correction and/or for alarm. It provides an important possibility for preventive maintenance and can minimize the number of undesired stops.
  • the physical properties of the fountain solution fed to the valves can be sensed and supplied to a microcontroller having individual output conduits to the valves and a communication receiver with on/off information, so that an integrated spray process is created.
  • Fig 1 is a general representation of a first embodiment of the invention at a spray ramp
  • Fig 2 corresponds to Fig 1 but shows a second embodiment of the invention
  • Fig 3 is an illustration of a sensor portion to be used at the invention
  • Fig 4 graphically illustrates a current signal, a movement of a spray valve plunger induced hereby, and a spray flow profile created by said movement, respectively.
  • a spray ramp 1 for a printing press is shown in Figs 1 and 2.
  • the design and function of such a spray ramp is well known in the art, and the ramp is not described in detail herein.
  • Spray valves 2 in the ramp 1 are fed with so called fountain solution through a pipe 3, and the spraying of the fountain solution through the valves is governed by a solenoid controlled plunger in each valve.
  • Each solenoid is electrically operated through a conduit 4.
  • the current for operating the solenoid may have the appearance of line a) in Fig 4, i.e. a square wave (slightly modified - not shown - with triggering spikes at the ends) , where the pulses for opening the valve may have a typical duration of 5 ms and the zero current periods may have a typical duration of 8 ms .
  • the resulting movements of the valve plunger may have the appearance of line b) in Fig 4, and the spray flow profile from the valves 2 may then be as illustrated by line c) in Fig 4.
  • the normal spray flow profile is thus a series of spray pulses with very short duration, which provides the desired spray result on the roller of the printing press where the ramp is mounted.
  • Each valve 2 is individually controlled, as indicated by the presence in Fig 1 of four conduits 4.
  • the individual current signal through the conduit 4 is created in a microcontroller 5 having a voltage supply 6 (for example 24 V) and a communication receiver 7 with on/off information for externally activating the microprocessor-based controller 5.
  • a voltage supply 6 for example 24 V
  • a communication receiver 7 with on/off information for externally activating the microprocessor-based controller 5.
  • the microcontroller 5 has a sensor portion 5 " (also depicted in Fig 3), in which there are sensors 8, 9, 10 for sensing the temperature, pressure, and flow, respectively, of the fountain solution in the pipe 3. These values are internally fed into the microprocessor of the controller 5 as important control parameters for providing appropriate spray flow profiles for the valves for accomplishing the desired spraying (evenness, distribution, amount, and so on) on the roller in the printing press.
  • Each microcontroller 5 can in a practical case have eight output conduits 4. Two ramps 1 with four valves 2 each or one ramp with eight valves may thus be controlled.
  • the sensor portion 5' may be arranged in the ramp 1.
  • the sensors 8, 9, 10 are in this case externally connected to the controller 5.
  • the entire microcontroller with its sensor portion may be arranged inside the ramp 1 in close proximity to the valves 2.
  • the fountain solution pipe 3, the voltage supply 6, and the communication receiver 7 extend into the ramp 1.
  • the current to the solenoid may for example be measured over a resistor and fed back to the microcontroller 5. If this measured profile differs too much from a preset profile window, it may be taken as an indication of a malfunction.
  • the current profile may be used for diagnosing the function of each valve, so that measures may be taken in time to prevent undesired stops. Alternatively, individual corrections of the current may be made for restoring the function of a valve. Also, an alarm may be triggered at a current profile falling outside given limits. In other words, the working cycle for a valve may be analysed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rotary Presses (AREA)
  • Inking, Control Or Cleaning Of Printing Machines (AREA)
  • Spray Control Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

In a method for controlling the spraying of fountain solution in a printing press by means of electrically controlled spray valves (2) in a spray ramp (1), the current profile - at the supply of electric pulses to the solenoid of each valve (2) - from the solenoid is fed back to a valve controlling microcontroller (5) for providing an indication of the functionality of the valve.

Description

A METHOD AND DEVICE AT A SPRAYING RAMP FOR A PRINTING PRESS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling the spraying of fountain solution in a printing press by means of electrically controlled spray valves in a spray ramp.
Background of the Invention
As is well known in the art, a spray dampening device in the form of a spray ramp provided with electrically controlled spray valves is used in a printing press for spraying fountain solution on a rotating roller for transfer to a printing plate.
The spray ramp with its valves may be delivered from one source, whereas the control means for the valves may be delivered from another source and combined with the spray ramp at the mounting in a printing press. This means that certain factors of importance for the spray result may not be taken into account .
It may be more advantageous for the customer to buy from a single source an integrated spray process, including the spray ramp with its valves, with an internal feedback of parameters or properties of importance for the spray result, so that the spraying is fully controlled. The Invention
This may according to the invention be attained in that at the supply of electric pulses to the solenoid of each valve the current profile from the solenoid is fed back to a valve controlling microcontroller for providing an indication of the functionality of the valve. This feedback can be used for diagnosis, for correction and/or for alarm. It provides an important possibility for preventive maintenance and can minimize the number of undesired stops. Also, the physical properties of the fountain solution fed to the valves can be sensed and supplied to a microcontroller having individual output conduits to the valves and a communication receiver with on/off information, so that an integrated spray process is created.
Normally, the temperature, pressure, and flow of the fountain solution are sensed, as these properties are most influential for the spray result. Brief Description of the Drawing
The invention will be described in further detail below under reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Fig 1 is a general representation of a first embodiment of the invention at a spray ramp, Fig 2 corresponds to Fig 1 but shows a second embodiment of the invention, Fig 3 is an illustration of a sensor portion to be used at the invention, and Fig 4 graphically illustrates a current signal, a movement of a spray valve plunger induced hereby, and a spray flow profile created by said movement, respectively.
Detailed Description of Embodiments
A spray ramp 1 for a printing press is shown in Figs 1 and 2. The design and function of such a spray ramp is well known in the art, and the ramp is not described in detail herein. Spray valves 2 in the ramp 1 are fed with so called fountain solution through a pipe 3, and the spraying of the fountain solution through the valves is governed by a solenoid controlled plunger in each valve.
Each solenoid is electrically operated through a conduit 4. The current for operating the solenoid may have the appearance of line a) in Fig 4, i.e. a square wave (slightly modified - not shown - with triggering spikes at the ends) , where the pulses for opening the valve may have a typical duration of 5 ms and the zero current periods may have a typical duration of 8 ms . The resulting movements of the valve plunger may have the appearance of line b) in Fig 4, and the spray flow profile from the valves 2 may then be as illustrated by line c) in Fig 4. The normal spray flow profile is thus a series of spray pulses with very short duration, which provides the desired spray result on the roller of the printing press where the ramp is mounted. Each valve 2 is individually controlled, as indicated by the presence in Fig 1 of four conduits 4.
The individual current signal through the conduit 4 is created in a microcontroller 5 having a voltage supply 6 (for example 24 V) and a communication receiver 7 with on/off information for externally activating the microprocessor-based controller 5.
The microcontroller 5 has a sensor portion 5 " (also depicted in Fig 3), in which there are sensors 8, 9, 10 for sensing the temperature, pressure, and flow, respectively, of the fountain solution in the pipe 3. These values are internally fed into the microprocessor of the controller 5 as important control parameters for providing appropriate spray flow profiles for the valves for accomplishing the desired spraying (evenness, distribution, amount, and so on) on the roller in the printing press.
Each microcontroller 5 can in a practical case have eight output conduits 4. Two ramps 1 with four valves 2 each or one ramp with eight valves may thus be controlled. As a modification of the embodiment shown in Fig 1, the sensor portion 5' may be arranged in the ramp 1. The sensors 8, 9, 10 are in this case externally connected to the controller 5. In a second embodiment according to Fig 2, which may be preferred if a self-contained ramp unit is desired, the entire microcontroller with its sensor portion may be arranged inside the ramp 1 in close proximity to the valves 2. Here, the fountain solution pipe 3, the voltage supply 6, and the communication receiver 7 extend into the ramp 1. An important feature of the microcontroller 5 is the possibility to obtain a feedback regarding the functionality of the plunger in relation to its solenoid in each valve in response to the supplied current profile. The current to the solenoid may for example be measured over a resistor and fed back to the microcontroller 5. If this measured profile differs too much from a preset profile window, it may be taken as an indication of a malfunction. The current profile may be used for diagnosing the function of each valve, so that measures may be taken in time to prevent undesired stops. Alternatively, individual corrections of the current may be made for restoring the function of a valve. Also, an alarm may be triggered at a current profile falling outside given limits. In other words, the working cycle for a valve may be analysed.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the spraying of fountain solution in a printing press by means of electrically controlled spray valves (2) in a spray ramp (1) , c h a r- a c t e r i z e d in that physical properties of the fountain solution fed to the valves (2) are sensed and supplied to a microcontroller (5) having individual output conduits (4) to the valves and a communication receiver (7) with on/off information, so that an integrated spray process is created.
2. A method according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e ri z e d in that the temperature, pressure, and flow of the fountain solution are sensed.
3. A method according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r- i z e d in that the current profile from the solenoid of each valve (2) is fed back to the microcontroller (5) for providing an indication of the functionality of the valve.
4. A device for controlling the spraying of fountain solution in a printing press by means of electrically controlled spray valves (2) in a spray ramp (1) , c h a ra c t e r i z e d by a microcontroller (5) having individual output conduits (4) to the valves (2) and a communication receiver (7) with on/off information and by means (5', 8, 9, 10) for sensing physical properties of the fountain solution fed to the valves and supplying them to the microcontroller.
5. A device according to claim 4, c h a r a c t e ri z e d in that said means is a sensor portion (5') , through which the fountain solution is supplied and which is provided with sensors (8, 9, 10) for temperature, pressure, and flow.
6. A device according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e ri z e d in that the sensor portion (5') is arranged in conjunction with the microcontroller (5) .
7. A device according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e ri z e d in that the sensor portion (5') is arranged in the spray ramp (1) .
8. A device according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e r- i z e d in that both the microcontroller (5) and the sensor portion (5') are arranged in the ramp (1) .
EP99963747A 1998-12-02 1999-11-24 A method and device at a spraying ramp for a printing press Expired - Lifetime EP1147012B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9804187 1998-12-02
SE9804187A SE515263C2 (en) 1998-12-02 1998-12-02 Method and apparatus for controlling the spraying of moisture in a printing press
PCT/SE1999/002172 WO2000032397A1 (en) 1998-12-02 1999-11-24 A method and device at a spraying ramp for a printing press

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1147012A1 true EP1147012A1 (en) 2001-10-24
EP1147012B1 EP1147012B1 (en) 2006-01-18

Family

ID=20413535

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99963747A Expired - Lifetime EP1147012B1 (en) 1998-12-02 1999-11-24 A method and device at a spraying ramp for a printing press

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1147012B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002531289A (en)
AU (1) AU751026B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69929541T2 (en)
SE (1) SE515263C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000032397A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1558936A4 (en) * 2002-09-20 2008-11-19 Technotrans America Inc Amperage control for valves
DE10322320B4 (en) * 2003-05-17 2007-03-15 Technotrans Ag Valve arrangement for spray dampening of printing machines
GB0417586D0 (en) * 2004-08-06 2004-09-08 Goss Graphic Systems Ltd Dampening control for a printing press
US20080229945A1 (en) * 2007-03-24 2008-09-25 Niemiro Michael A Spray dampening valve having associated electronic adjustment and correction data
DE102008031234B4 (en) * 2008-07-02 2011-08-25 technotrans AG, 48336 A spray fluid applicator for applying a fluid and a method for detecting a flow disturbance

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4469024A (en) * 1982-10-18 1984-09-04 Press Machinery Corporation Fluid dispensing apparatus such as spray dampener for printing press and method of dispensing
US4708058A (en) * 1985-10-10 1987-11-24 Smith Rpm Corporation Water pulse spray dampening system and method for printing presses
US5038681A (en) * 1988-01-19 1991-08-13 Jimek International Ab Control method and apparatus for spray dampener
CA1313388C (en) * 1988-01-19 1993-02-02 Jimek A.B. Spray dampener valve assembly and control system
US4899653A (en) * 1988-05-09 1990-02-13 Rockwell International Corporation Microprocessor-based press dampening control
SE465764B (en) * 1990-03-06 1991-10-28 Nils Reinhold Berntsson SYSTEM FOR APPLICATION OF LIQUIDS ON ROLLS IN A OFFSETROTATION PRESSURE PRESSURE
SE506715C2 (en) * 1993-10-11 1998-02-02 Grafiskt Team Ab When wetting and cleaning rollers, use an offset rotation printing press
JPH0866643A (en) * 1994-08-29 1996-03-12 Koike Seisakusho:Kk Liquid injection detection means

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0032397A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE515263C2 (en) 2001-07-09
SE9804187D0 (en) 1998-12-02
AU751026B2 (en) 2002-08-08
DE69929541D1 (en) 2006-04-06
EP1147012B1 (en) 2006-01-18
DE69929541T2 (en) 2006-07-20
WO2000032397A1 (en) 2000-06-08
AU2012000A (en) 2000-06-19
JP2002531289A (en) 2002-09-24
SE9804187L (en) 2000-06-03

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