EP1156384B1 - Method and apparatus for adjusting registration in a colour printer and colour printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves referencing image formations (11,11') on image cylinders (2,2') w.r.t. print substrates (15) to achieve a register match with sub-color images (7,7'...) when printing. Position referencing of the image formations on the image cylinders w.r.t. the print substrates is performed independently of time, at least for a defined region of all sub-color images. Independent claims are also included for an apparatus for setting the register, and for a multicolor printing machine.

Description

The invention relates to a method for register setting on a multi-color printing machine with color printing units associated with different ink colors, means for generating images, in particular of electrostatic latent images on the image cylinders, a support for printing substrates and image transfer points for the transfer of partial color images of the color printing on the Printing substrates, wherein an association of the image forming on the image cylinders to achieve a register match of the partial color images is made during printing.

The invention further relates to a device for register setting according to the method described above on a multi-color printing machine with color printing associated with color printing units with image cylinders, means for generating images, in particular of electrostatic latent images on the image cylinders, a support for printing substrates and image transfer points for the transfer of Partial color images of the color printing units on printing substrates, position detecting sensors, and at least one adjusting means for associating the positions of the image forming sites on the image cylinders with the printing substrates to achieve registration of the partial color images during printing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a suitably equipped multi-color printing machine.

The printing of color representations, in particular color images, takes place in that several partial color images are printed one above the other. These are usually the Colors yellow, magenta and cyan as well as black. If necessary, special colors are added. By overprinting these colors, all color compositions can be achieved. The quality of the prints depends essentially on the register-containing overprinting of the partial color images. In conventional, non-automated printing processes, the printing forms are corrected by means of trial prints and with register marks printed with them, until an exact overprinting, that is to say a registration of the print, is achieved.

In digital printing methods, the image cylinders are each described by means of an image-forming device with pixels, for example, by generating electrostatic charges and providing them with adhering color pigments. Thereafter, the color pigments are transferred to a printing substrate. In digital printing methods, registration can be achieved by controlling the image forming devices accordingly. Since the imaging is new for each print, it is not necessary to make a one-time adjustment as in the conventional printing methods, but it is possible to provide a preset and a control which makes corrections for each individual print. Of course, this not only applies to the application of electrostatic latent images but also all other printing processes in which pixels are applied by means of a digital control.

For an electrostatic printing method of the type mentioned was therefore from the US 5,287,162 it is proposed to print register marks preferably on the support for the printing substrates and to detect them by a device. The times are determined which the register marks need from the generation by the image generation devices up to a detection point. These times are then used to determine the times at which the imaging devices on the individual image cylinders perform their imaging to achieve registration after transferring the images to a print substrate.

Since achieving agreement on the imaging of the image cylinders at speed differences with respect to the surfaces of the image cylinders leads to inaccuracies, the US 5,287,162 proposed to include calibration tables with times associated with different angular positions of the image cylinders to eliminate, with the aid of these calibration values, regularly occurring fluctuations - most often due to ovality of the cylinders - and thus make the corrections for each individual pressure.

The GB-A-2226736 discloses a printing machine having a plurality of timed printing units.
However, since the registerability required for high print qualities requires extremely high precision, such time-adjusted calibration tables are insufficient. Irregularities which can not be reflected in differences of time periods, which rotational angles of the image cylinders can be assigned, can not be taken into account. Just for the latter does not help a proposal of US 5,287,162 To recreate the calibration tables over and over again, since only a long-term and slow drift of the values, but no short-term, non-angular positions of the image cylinder assignable differences can be considered.

A typical example of such irregularities which are not reflected in differences in time periods are fluctuations in the speed of the drive system, since the assignment thereof to certain rotation angles of the image cylinders or other cylinders is not possible because these fluctuations are not synchronous with the angular positions of the image cylinders or other cylinder. Regulation by a calibration table of the type proposed with time values associated with the rotation angles of the image cylinders would thus produce errors rather than eliminate errors. For example, it has been found in investigations that the poles of the drive electric motors occur as the cause of frequency-like speed fluctuations of the drive, which due to the different transmission paths also have no simultaneous occurrence on all image cylinders and therefore lead to time-position differences on the individual image cylinders. These frequency-like fluctuations are sufficient to cause errors in the register setting.

Such errors can already occur at the beginning of the image or make themselves noticeable in the image quality as an error in subregions of images, for example as a tab-shaped register inaccuracies. Since such frequency-like fluctuations of the drive system overlap with other errors, such as the ovality of image cylinders, it is no longer possible with reasonable effort to create calibration tables for correction. These could no longer be based on the angular positions of the image cylinders or other cylinders for one revolution or for a manageable sequence of revolutions, but - as far as this is possible due to the complexity - it would have to take a course of calibration values over complex machine constellations until the occurrence of a repetition situation be determined. However, such a generation of correction values over longer periods of time is counteracted by the fact that there are also other causes of error, such as irregularities in the guidance of the wearer and, above all, long-term changes, such as temperature changes, changes in mechanical stresses in the machine, changes in the type of paper, the amount of toner etc. Such a "colorful mix" of errors that change in the short term and behave synchronously with the angular positions of cylinders, with errors that also change in the short term but out of sync with the angular positions and long-term asynchronous changes, is capable of achieving high precision a correction with the help of the proposed Eichtabellen with time values contrary.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a method, a device and a printing machine of the type mentioned in such a way that a high precision of the register setting with reasonable effort, in particular as possible without waste printing, can be achieved. It should be possible both a quick and accurate as possible preset as well as a constant fast correction of the register setting.

The object is achieved with respect to the method according to claim 1 according to the invention in that a time-independent position assignment of the image generations on the image cylinders to the printing substrates of at least one defined area of all partial color images.

With regard to the device according to claim 60, the object is achieved in that the sensors are designed to detect the positions of image and substrate-carrying elements and that at least one adjustment means is designed such that they with respect to the positions of the image forming on the image cylinders to the printing substrates assigns at least one defined area of the partial color images time independent.

Likewise, a multi-color printing machine is proposed with such a device.

The invention is based on the observation that a presetting and / or regulation of a register, in which detected times are related to each other, leads to an increase in the complexity of error overlays, as to the actual register error causes still errors by the determination of positions by times to be added. This addition of a further cause of the error is problematic for countermeasures because the latter errors are short-term errors and behave asynchronously with the angular positions of the image cylinders.

The invention is further based on the finding that, if one instead of times the positions directly related to each other, the non-synchronous with angular positions of cylinders behaving error to a large extent no longer occur, as they are from the time-position assignment originate. So they do not influence a setting of the register then, if one makes a direct mutual assignment of positions to the control or regulation basis. Such immediate position assignments may for example be designed such that one Distances or paths or angles assigns each other. By the measure according to the invention, the frequency-like fluctuations of the drive system or similar sources of error have no influence on the register setting, since the positions are detected directly and not on the detour over times.

By means of the invention, it is achieved that the remaining short-term fluctuations are repeated essentially synchronously with the angular positions of the image cylinders or other cylinders with respect to one revolution or a short sequence of revolutions. It is thus also possible to create calibration tables for the image production in each Fardruckwerk, which are valid for a certain duration. Long-term changes can then be taken into account during printing by renewing recurring calibration tables, which are based on the detection of positions. Such a renewal of calibration tables corrects a slow drift. The calibration tables can be created almost without errors by the measure according to the invention, since the short-term errors which are asynchronous with the angular positions of the image cylinders are largely avoided and no longer influence the setting of the registers based on position assignment. Of course, but the invention is not limited to Eichtabellen. Eichtabellen are only one embodiment, but these are useful by the invention only for a precision adjustment.

By the invention it is possible to detect and eliminate almost all sources of error of image or drucksubstatübertragenden elements, since the short-term errors are largely reduced to the errors occurring in synchronism with angular positions and in relation to a repetition per revolution longer-term error of the latter disconnect. It does not matter whether the remaining errors are due to diameter errors or imbalances of image cylinders or other cylinders transmitting the images. It can also be transmission errors due to the behavior of elastic material such as cylinder jackets, by different contact forces or differences in mechanical stresses of carriers for printing substrates or the delivery of a counter-pressure roller, which serves for image transfer to a substrate, detect and eliminate, since these errors are the angular positions of the respective image or substrate-carrying components in a synchronous manner assignable and therefore correctable by each Eichtabellen to be created.

There are two possibilities for determining the correction values for the image generation: It is possible to provide a calibration table per image cylinder which contains one cycle until a repetition occurs. Such a cycle may be one revolution or a succession of revolutions. However, it would also be conceivable to create for other image or substrate transmitting elements with respect to all positions until repetition of the same calibration tables to compute the imaging of the image cylinder by a calculation from the values of all calibration tables with an elimination of any differences in their effect on each other Make positions. By constantly determining the positions during the printing, even slow drifts, for example due to temperature differences and stresses in the machine, can be detected and eliminated. Of course, errors can be detected and eliminated, which occur due to changes in the printing substrate used, changes in the images or the toner or by other influences.

The position assignment according to the invention is possible with or without calibration table in various ways. For example, angular positions or even paths of surfaces of image and substrate-carrying elements can be assigned to one another. A combination of angular positions and paths is possible. In this case, one of the elements is expediently taken as a reference. An embodiment of the method therefore proposes that, for the partial color images, the at least one defined area is respectively generated on the image cylinders at predetermined positions of the carrier. Another proposal consists in assigning at least one defined area of the partial color images of the other color printing units to at least one defined area of the partial color image of a reference printing unit and then assigning it to a position of the carrier.

With regard to the device, there is a suggestion that the at least one adjusting device is designed such that it causes the generation of at least one defined area of all the partial color images on the respective image cylinders to predetermined positions of the carrier. Depending on the above-mentioned selected method, the adjustment device may also have another appropriate training.

For the position assignments of the carrier provides a proposal that the angular positions of the drive roller of the wearer are used. Also for the position assignments of the image cylinder whose angular positions can be used. Another possibility is to use the paths of the surface of the carrier for the position assignments of the carrier. Accordingly, the paths of the surfaces of the image cylinder can be used for the position assignments of the image cylinder.

With regard to the device is proposed for the use of the angular positions as a position assignment, that at least one sensor is designed as an angle position sensor, wherein a sensor is proposed for each element whose angular positions are to be detected. Furthermore, at least one adjustment device must be designed for the assignment of angular positions. In addition, at least one sensor for detecting a concentricity error can be provided, as well as at least one adjustment device which determines positions from angular positions and concentricity errors. The purpose is that it depends on the actually covered paths of the defined areas of the partial color images and run-out errors cause the angular positions are not an exact measure for it. A corresponding correction can be made by the proposed detection of the concentricity errors, said errors are avoided and still the relatively simple position detection and assignment by the angular positions is possible.

For a position determination by paths, it is proposed that at least one sensor is designed to detect paths, wherein a sensor is proposed for each element whose paths are to be detected. In this case, an embodiment may consist in that sensors are designed for the detection of path markings and the latter are attached to the corresponding surfaces. Then at least one adjustment device must continue to be designed for the assignment of paths.

For machines which additionally have image transfer cylinders which are arranged between the image cylinders and the carrier, it is proposed that the positions of image transfer cylinders are also included in the position allocations. For the position assignments of the image transfer cylinder whose angular positions can be used or it is possible that the paths of the surfaces of the image transfer cylinder of the position assignment serve the same. With regard to the device, at least one sensor must then be provided in each case for detecting the positions of the image transfer cylinders, and these positions must be transmitted to at least one setting device for calculating the assignment. As a sensor, both an angular position sensor, optionally combined with a sensor for detecting a concentricity error, can be used here, or it is possible for a sensor to be provided for detecting paths.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the mutually associated defined regions of the partial color images are the image beginnings. To make this assignment, at least one adjusting device is designed such that it specifies the positions of the carrier in which the beginning of the imaging of the image cylinder takes place.

In order to achieve an exact registration of the images over all image areas, it is provided that the mutually associated defined areas are the areas of the partial color images into which the image areas are subdivided. The areas of the partial color images may be single or a number of pixel lines of the Trade partial color pictures. In the former case, an assignment of the pixel lines of the partial color images takes place, in the latter case an assignment of the number of pixel lines in order to achieve register matching. An expedient for the assignment of angular positions embodiment provides that the number of pixel lines of a range results from the assignment to predetermined angular intervals of the image cylinder. However, in addition to the positions in the direction of movement, the lateral position of the regions can also be determined and adjusted. Preferably, errors relating to the lateral extent of the regions are also determined and corrected.

To make these adjustments and corrections, at least one adjusting device is designed with respect to the method such that it specifies the positions of the carrier in which the imaging of the image cylinder takes place with the regions into which the image surface is subdivided. In this case, the areas may be strips which extend across the image area transversely to the direction of movement. For a lateral adjustment, however, these strips can also be divided again transversely, or a lateral adjustment is made which relates directly to the distances of the pixels.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the positions are determined by means of register marks. Such determination of positions can be made both prior to pressure being made to make the adjustment and during pressure to make corrections to the values. The register marks preferably have arranged in the transport direction, in a predetermined manner spaced elements, wherein the distances are detected. Such register marks are printed by each color printing unit, whereby individual elements printed by the individual color printing units can form rows or a plurality of spaced-apart elements can be successively printed by individual color printing units. The register marks may be formed continuously or in groups, which in turn may have defined distances between them. As a result, the positions mentioned can be determined and assigned. Should the Positions are determined before printing, it is useful to print the register marks directly on the carrier and remove after determining the position. During printing, it is convenient if the register marks are printed in the space of the carrier not covered by printing substrates. However, it is also possible to print the register marks on paper, this can be a handsheet or it is possible to use image free edges of the printing substrates. With regard to the device, at least one sensor for detecting register marks may be provided. This is expediently designed such that it detects the distances of the spaced apart in a predetermined manner elements of the register marks.

After acquiring the data for all color printing units, the deviations of the actual values from the set values for the image beginnings from the deviations of the actual values from the set values for the remaining areas into which the image areas are subdivided expediently by means of an appropriately programmed computing device by an analysis of the determined positions , separated. The values are then given to image-start adjustment means and to adjustment means for the defined regions of the part-color images. These adjustment devices are provided with machine-specific denominations, designed to take into account correction values for the determination of the positions on the image cylinders before the start of printing. If this is a machine in which the image cylinder directly transfer the image to the substrates, so the path from the image forming stations to the image transfer points of the image cylinder is decisive. In the case of a machine having image transfer cylinders, the path from the image transfer point between the image cylinder and the image transfer cylinder to the image transfer point is added to the substrate. Furthermore, the adjusting devices can be designed such that they take account of correction values for the positions after the start of printing.

Preferably, after determining the positions for the image beginnings on the individual image cylinders, these positions are defined for the image formation of the others Determined areas on the individual image cylinders following the former and used in this order for control or regulation. In this way, first the register for the position of the beginning of the partial color images and then the position for individual image areas is set.

Advantageously, a noise, ie very short-term fluctuations (to avoid a rule instability) are eliminated for the evaluation of the detected values. Also, the remaining variations in the detected position values, which are assignable in magnitude and repetition of a repeatable position of a cylinder, are separated from longer term variations. The variations in the detected position values, which are assignable in magnitude and repetition to a repeatable position of an image cylinder, are included in at least one calibration table for that image cylinder and used for error compensating control of the positions of the image forming sites to produce the images of the respective image cylinders. The calibration tables are expediently created both for the image beginnings of the partial color images and for the defined regions of the partial color images.

Also for other image or substrate-transmitting elements, deviations of the actual positions from the desired values that can be assigned to their repeatable positions in one movement cycle can be detected and included in the calculation of the image generation sites for the purpose of eliminating these deviations. For example, in the case of correspondingly designed machines, these are the image transfer cylinders. Also for such image or substrate transmitting elements, calibration tables can be created to then include all the calibration tables in the calculation of the positions of the imaging sites. Longer-term fluctuations attributable to non-repeatable positions of a cycle of motion are accounted for by continuous renewal of the calibration tables. The calibration tables are corrected before each print job, but it is also possible to continuously correct them during printing. Regarding the device, such calibration tables can be stored in corresponding files for the Control of the adjustment facilities are available. Such files are initially present as machine-specific denominations and are taken into account by adjustment means already prior to printing as correction values for the positions of the image generations on the image cylinders. Likewise, such correction values for the positions on the image transfer cylinders may be taken into account, the latter correction values also being implemented via a correction of the image generations on the image cylinders for the purpose of register registration. Thereafter, printing takes place, it being advantageous to first print register marks and measure their position before the print job is carried out in order to take into account the correction values thus determined for determining the positions of the image generations. Thereafter, register marks can also be printed when processing a print job in order to record changes and make further corrections.

Boundary conditions that affect the register should be taken into account as soon as possible by correcting the position values. For good print quality and avoidance of waste, it is therefore desirable to include such changes as early as possible in the calculation of the position values. For this reason, it is proposed that longer-term errors of the determined position values, which can not be assigned by repeating a repeatable position of an image- or substrate-carrying element, be taken into account by detecting and including their influencing variables in the correction for the register control. This detection and inclusion of the influencing variables in the correction expediently takes place on the basis of stored empirical values. For this purpose, the adjustment means are designed such that they take account of correction values for the determination of the positions before the start of printing, the detectable influencing variables can be assigned and are available as at least one selectable file with empirical values. The selection of such a file can be done via an input device, so be activated by a manual input, or it is also possible that the selection by an adjustment means due at least a measurement of at least one influencing variable takes place, ie the inclusion of a file for correction by a measurement of the influencing variable is activated. Furthermore, an influencing variable can be measured with respect to its effect on the register and a correction of the image formation can take place in accordance with these deviations.

There are many such factors that are related to print jobs or environmental influences, which are known or measurable. An example of this is the temperature at certain points of the printing press. To take this into account, it is proposed that at least one temperature sensor is arranged in the printing machine and the measured temperatures are used as the basis for a correction. Also, mechanical stresses on certain machine parts of the printing press can be of influence for the registration. Therefore, it is proposed that this influence quantity be detected by the arrangement of at least one voltage sensor and that the measured values be made the basis for a correction.

Another influencing factor is the type of paper, in this case the empirical values for the respective paper type are filed and with the supply of a new type of paper the corresponding file is used. Also, the toner profile of the image to be printed is of influence, whereby the consideration is possible in that the color printing machine is equipped with a device for measuring a toner profile or this previously measured and the control is entered. Expediently, empirical values for different toner profiles are then available.

Since there may be a displacement of a substrate on the support during printing, it is possible to detect them as well and to correct the imaging to compensate for such a shift. With regard to the device, it is proposed that a sensor for detecting a displacement of a substrate is provided on the carrier and the adjusting devices are formed in this way are that the positions of the images are corrected to compensate for this shift.

Further empirical values can be available for different image widths or for different paper widths in order to carry out the corresponding corrections. It is also possible that empirical values for changes in the substrate dimensions after one-sided imaging are taken into account so that the image size of the reprinting corresponds to the image size of the recto printing. As a result, changes in the dimensions of the substrate can be taken into account by softening it during printing, by applying ink or by fixing the colors by fusing. Empirical values can also take account of the after-effect of the condition preceding a change. Such an aftereffect occurs, for example, in a paper type change when the image cylinder is already imaged with the image for the new type of paper, while the previous image is still printed on the previous type of paper.

In addition to the above corrections, however, others are also conceivable. Thus, it can be provided that fluctuations in the position values, which with respect to their repetition can not be assigned to the angular position of an image cylinder, but occur regularly recurring, are recorded in separate calibration tables and used for error-compensating control of the device for generating the images on the respective image cylinder. Example values can be used to correct for variations in the position values that are attributable to their repetition of the position of the carrier for the printing substrates according to the position of the carrier, this correction being added to the corrections of the position values attributable to the position of the image cylinders and for the position the generation of the partial color images on the image cylinders. Of course, fluctuations in the position values can also be avoided by eliminating their causes.

For example, it may be provided with respect to the carrier that the periodically occurring irregularities are previously detected and set in the calculation or it is also possible that the circumference of the drive roller of the carrier in relation to the distance of the image transfer points of the color printing units is dimensioned such that the Repeat the assignment of the angular positions of the drive roller to the image cylinders. This can be realized in that the scope of the drive roller of the carrier in the distance of the image transfer points of the color printing units can be inserted. It can be half or preferably integer insertable. Such a development is particularly useful when the drive roller on the carrier and possibly on the image transfer cylinder drives the image cylinder, since irregularities by a non-circularity of the drive roller then act on all color printers simultaneously and can no longer affect the registry setting. The said embodiment is also useful when the paths of the carrier are detected by means of a Winkelstellungsgebers the drive roller, because the not detected by the angular position sensor speed differences of the carrier by non-circularities of the drive roller no longer need to be detected, since their influence in the said manner already is off.

Often a completely exact determination of the position values due to the acquired data is not possible. For example, measurements usually have a certain variance, they can have differences across the image width, or there are short-term fluctuations due to vibrations. For such cases, it is proposed that the correction is set to a middle range within a tolerable range of detected travel values. For example, an average value can be set at different position values transversely to the transport direction. In this case, it is possible for the calculated deviations to be weighted for calculating the mean value, for example a quadratic weighting is proposed. Other weights are of course possible, they are made in such a way that the influence of the deviations on the image quality is at a minimum. Expediently, the values lying in the middle range of the color printing units to the mid-range value of a reference printing unit.

With regard to the calculation of the positions of the image cylinders in which the images are produced, it is proposed that the arrival of a printing substrate be detected and then the positions for the respective beginning of the imaging of the image cylinders as positions, e.g. B. can be determined as paths of the carrier from a detection point for printing substrates. These calculations are first made on the basis of the pre-determined and entered values, with subsequent corrections being made by at least one device detecting corrections of the positions due to the detection of the positions during printing and transmitting these to the adjustment means for execution.

Since an analysis of the determined values can be carried out in the manner already proposed in such a way that the position differences for the image beginnings are separated from the position differences for the remaining regions into which the image surfaces are subdivided, it is proposed with respect to the device for register setting that at least one Device for determining the corrections for the image beginnings with the sensor for detecting the positions of the carrier and with the sensor for detecting the register marks is connected. In this way, the means for determining the corrections obtains the data on the deviations of the positions of the register marks from the pre-calculated positions and thereby can calculate and cause the corrections.

Furthermore, it is proposed that a device for determining the corrections for the areas of the partial color images, in which the image areas are subdivided, is connected to the sensor for detecting the positions of the carrier and to the sensor for detecting the register marks. In this way, also for the areas of the partial color images, in which the image areas are divided, the differences of precalculated positions to the detected by the register marks positions detected and the corrections are calculated.

The starting signal for the image beginnings is associated with the start of the remaining areas in which the image areas are divided by a device for emitting start signals for the image beginnings simultaneously start signals to means for assigning the areas in which the image area is divided, where this device is connected to the sensor for detecting the positions of the image cylinder and assigns to these positions the regions in which the image surface is subdivided.

In order to have enough time to calculate the positions required for an accurate registration, it is further proposed that a sensor for detecting a printing substrate supplied to the printing press be disposed on the path of the printing substrates to the printing machine and connected to the adjusting means. wherein the calculation of the mutual association of the positions of the image forming sites is started when a printing substrate is detected. Since this sensor can not detect its leading edge accurately enough on the path of the printing substrates to the printing machine, it is further proposed that a sensor for accurately detecting the leading edges of printing substrates on the support and connected to devices that calculates the paths that the printing substrate From this sensor travels to the positions of the beginning of the respective imaging, and then to cause the beginning of the imaging positionally correct. Of course, however, a sensor which is arranged on the carrier, take over both functions, if a sufficient distance is available.

Of course, the register setting device may be arranged to perform all of the aforementioned methods, and vice versa.

Also, the multi-color printing machine proposed according to the invention may have all of the device features described above and may be designed so that it can operate according to all the above-described method features.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Funktion einer Mehrfarbendruckmaschine,

Fig. 2

den prinzipiellen Aufbau einer Registereinstellungsvorrichtung der Mehrfarbendruckmaschine,

Fig. 3a

Registerabweichungen bei einer Maschine, die aufgrund einer Zeitmessung eingestellt wurde,

Fig. 3b

Registerabweichungen bei einer Maschine, die nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Prinzip eingestellt wurde,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Mehrfarbendruckmaschine mit vier Farbdruckwerken,

Fig. 5

eine Registermarke für eine Positionsmessung,

Fig. 6.

eine Prinzipskizze für eine Registermarkenerfassung und

Fig. 7

ein Beispiel einer zeitunabhängigen Positionszuordnung.

The invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. Show it

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the function of a multi-color printing machine according to the invention,

Fig. 2

the basic structure of a register setting device of the multi-color printing machine,

Fig. 3a

Register deviations in a machine that has been adjusted due to a time measurement,

Fig. 3b

Register deviations in a machine that has been set according to the principle of the invention,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a multi-color printing machine with four color printing units,

Fig. 5

a register mark for a position measurement,

Fig. 6.

a schematic diagram for a register mark detection and

Fig. 7

an example of a time-independent position assignment.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the inventive function of a multi-color printing machine 1. Multi-color printing machines 1 usually have four Color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''', as shown in Fig. 4 is shown. In the presentation of Fig. 1 only two color printing units 6 and 6 'have been drawn, since this is sufficient for the explanation of the function according to the invention. The presentation must be supplemented mentally to the effect that normally four or sometimes more color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''' in the manner described register matching must be brought.

Each of the illustrated color printing units 6, 6 ',..., Has an image cylinder 2, 2',..., To which a device 3, 3 ',... Is assigned for generating images. These are typically digital imaging, electrostatic latent images, or direct or other digital imaging such as ink-jet. Multi-color printing machines 1 can be designed such that the transfer of the images from the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... takes place directly on printing substrates 15. The illustrated multicolor printing machine 1, however, additionally has image transfer cylinders 13, 13 ',..., The images being transferred from the image cylinders 2, 2',... To image transfer points 53, 53 ', ... to the image transfer cylinders 13, 13', ... be transmitted. The image transfer cylinders 13, 13 ',... Then finally transfer the images to the printing substrates 15 at image transfer points 5, 5', 5 ", 5" '.

The printing substrates 15 are transported by a carrier 4 in the direction of the arrow 33. In doing so, they successively pass through the image transfer points 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5''' at each image transfer point 5, 5 ', 5", 5''' of a color printing unit 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" Partial color image 7, 7 ', ... transferred to the printing substrate 15. The problem to be solved by register settings is that the partial color images 7, 7', ... must be printed extremely precisely on each other in order to achieve a high print quality electrostatic or similar digital printing processes, the images on the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... by means of means 3, 3', ... newly generated for each individual pressure, transmitted and then by a device 61, 61 ', ... Such a device 61, 61 ', ... is in the Fig. 2 and 4 located.

For better clarity, not all components of the machine were drawn in all figures, the representations of Fig. 1 . 2 and 4 however, illustrate an embodiment and are to be combined to make a machine representation for the sake of completeness.

Since the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... can be imaged on freely selectable image production sites 11, 11',..., A register adjustment in printing machines using digital printing processes takes place in that the image production sites 11, 11 ', individual color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6' '' are selected in such a way that registration is achieved in the transfer of the images to the printing substrates 15. In the prior art, for this purpose, times were needed that required a printing substrate, These times were matched with the times it takes to form a picture from its generation to transfer to the print substrate, so a print substrate is detected and the time of imaging is calculated for each color printer in such a way that thereby the registration of all partial color images is achieved.

The invention now provides for register matching of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... That the positions of the production 11, 11',... Of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... To each other and to the positions 25, 25 ', ... of a printing substrate 15 are made coincident. In this case, all positions 11, 11 ', ..., 8, 8', ..., 9, 9 ', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14 ', ..., 22 , 22 ', ..., 25, 25', ... defined as paths or as angular positions and for the calculation of the positions of the generation 11, 11 ', ... of the partial color images 7, 7', ... are used ,

For example, it is possible that the paths 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9',... Of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... Of the image production sites 11, 11',. 3 ', ... for generating images up to the image transfer points 5, 5', 5 ", 5 '''with the Because of 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22 ', ... of a printing substrate 15 on the support 4 are made to coincide. The paths 12, 12 ',..., 14, 14',..., 22, 22 ',..., Lay the printing substrate 15 with the carrier 4 from a detection point 23 to the image transfer points 5, 5', 5 ", 5 '''of the printing units 6, 6', 6", 6 '''back.

Such an assignment can be done in a similar manner by using the angular positions 8, 8 ', ..., the image cylinder and the angular positions 9, 9', ..., the image transfer cylinder 13, 13 ', .... The paths 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ... of the carrier 4 can as angular positions 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ... of the drive roller 52 of the carrier 4 detected and used for the settings. In order to characterize the above-mentioned and other types of positional determinations, the following is used for positions 11, 11 ', ..., 8, 8', ..., 9, 9 ', ..., 12, 12', .. ., 14, 14 ', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25 ', ... spoken.

To achieve register accuracy, firstly the image beginnings 10 of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... Are matched, and secondly also defined regions 10', 10 ",..., 10 ^{n of} the partial color images 7, 7 ',. The latter serves to obtain the register accuracy achieved at the image beginnings 10 over the entire printed image.

The position allocation according to the invention begins with a sensor 23 which serves as a detection point 23 for the leading edge 24 of a printing substrate 15. In this case, however, it is possible to advance the computation process for the assignment of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... Of the individual color printing units 6, 6', 6 ", 6 '' by a sensor 44 for detecting a printing substrate 15 already before the Carrier 4 is arranged to capture printing substrates 15, which are fed to the printing machine 1, already on their way to the printing machine 1 and the calculation process for the assignment of the partial color images 7, 7 ', ... set in motion.

The register setting device calculates, from the detection point 23, the positions 25, 25 ',..., For example, as paths 22, 22',... That the printing substrate 15 has to cover on the carrier 4. These positions 25, 25 ', ... are defined by the fact that, when they are reached by a printing substrate 15, the imaging of the image cylinders 2, 2',. ... begins. The positions 25 and 25 'are, so to speak, the positions of the path equality of the front edge 24 of a printing substrate 15 with the front edge 10 of the partial color images 7, 7', ... to the image transfer points 5, 5 ', 5 "and 5''' - or of angle equality expressed in the above angles.Of course, normally, as in Fig. 4 is drawn, at least 4 color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''' are brought into this position match Fig. 1 represents a simplification.

Now that the positions 25, 25 ', ... reached the beginning of the imaging, the beginning of the image 10 must cover the same distance as the leading edge 24 of the printing substrate 15. However, it has now been disregarded that the printing substrate optionally has a pressure-free edge , which of course would have to be included. If, starting from the positions 25, 25 ', ... a printing substrate 15 travels the paths or angles 14, 14', ... (for example of the drive roller 52), then the partial color images 7, 7 ', ... on the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... the paths or angles 8, 8', ... back. Then the image transfer 53, 53 ', ... to the image transfer cylinder 13, 13', ... instead. The further paths or angles 9, 9 ',... Of the partial color images 7, 7',... Onto the image transfer cylinder 13, 13 ',... Then correspond to the paths or angles 12, 12',... Of the printing substrate 15 on the support 4. In this way, at the arrival of the print substrate 15 at the respective image transfer points 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5''' respectively the corresponding partial color image 7, 7 'not" just in time "but position identical" delivered This gives the printing substrate in its transport direction 33 at the color printing unit 6, the first partial color image 7 and then at the second printing unit 6 ', the second partial color image 7', etc. In the Fig. 1 Therefore, the right-hand print substrate 15 does not carry a partial color image, the middle print substrate 15, the partial color image 7 of the color printing unit 6 and the left print substrate 15 both partial color images 7 and 7 '. The pressure is The transport of the printing substrates 15 takes place here by means of the carrier 4, which is designed as a belt running on rollers 52 and 52 ' 52 and the other roller is a guide roller 52 '. For transferring the partial color images 7, 7', ... onto the printing substrates 15, impression cylinders 20 are attached to the image transfer points 5, 5 ', 5 ", 5'". These are used to transfer the electrically charged color particles in printing processes with electrostatic latent images on the printing substrates 15. They are in Fig. 1 and 2 However, their position can not be indicated Fig. 4 be removed.

In the Fig. 1 are still the directions of rotation 16, 16 ', ... the image cylinder 2, 2', ... and the directions of rotation 60, 60 ', ... the image transfer cylinder 13, 13', ... located. The conveying direction of the carrier 4 results from the arrow 33.

The Fig. 2 shows the basic structure of a register setting device for performing the inventive adjustment of the positions 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22nd , 22 ', ..., 25, 25', .... In order to be able to assign positions to one another, it is first necessary to detect all elements which assume positions relevant to the image or substrate transport. This is first the support 4 for the printing substrates 15. Its positions can be determined by a sensor 27, as. Angle position sensor is designed to be detected. Alternatively, however, a sensor 32 may be arranged on the carrier 4, which detects path markings of the carrier 4. A detection of register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' by a sensor 29 can also be used to detect the position, in order to detect the positions of the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... in each case a sensor designed as an angle position sensor serves 26, 26 ', ... and for position detection of the image transfer cylinders 13, 13', ... also designed as angular position sensors sensors 28, 28 ', .... However, could also on the cylinders 2, 2', ..., 13, 13 ', ... sensors 26, 26', ..., which detect the path through path markings Fig. 4 by arrangement of such sensors 26, 26 ', ... indicated.

The carrier 4 is preceded by a conveyor belt 45 for feeding printing substrates 15 to the printing machine 1. If a printing substrate 15 passes the sensor 44, the calculation of the assignments of the positions 8, 8 ',..., 9, 9',... , 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14',, 22, 22 ', ..., 25, 25', ... started. If the front edge 24 of the printing substrate 15 then hits the sensor 23, the calculations are ready and devices 46, 46 ', ... are activated which detect the travel of the paths 22 and 22' and then the start signals 48 and 48 'for the image beginnings 10 and start signals 49 and 49' for the regions 10 ', 10',..., 10 ^{n of} the partial color images 7, 7 '. In order to detect the paths 22, 22 ',... Or the attainment of the positions 25, 25',..., In order to be able to give the start signals 48, 48 ',..., 49, 49', , The devices 46, 46 ', ... are connected to all position-detecting sensors. These are the sensors 26, 26 ', ... for detecting the positions of the image cylinders 2, 2', ..., the sensor 27 for detecting the positions of the carrier 4 and the sensors 28, 28 ', ... for detection The positions of the image transfer cylinders 13, 13 ', .... Furthermore, the means 46, 46', ... for calculating the positions 25, 25 ', ... with adjusting means 30, 30', ... connected, which the positions 12, 12 ', ... and 14, 14', ... for the image beginnings 10 calculate. The start signals 48, 48 ',... For the image beginnings 10 and the start signals 49, 49',... For the regions 10 ', 10 ", 10'",..., 10 ^{n of} the partial color images 7, 7 ', ..., in which the image surface is divided, are given when the leading edge 24, or the future image beginning of the printing substrate 15, the positions 25, 25', ... of the beginning of the imaging of the image cylinder 2, 2 ',. .. have been achieved in this regard Fig. 1 directed.

Since the start signals 49, 49 ',... For the regions 10', 10 ",..., 10 ^{n must} be assigned exactly to the positions of the image cylinders 2, 2 ',..., There is a connection 50, 50'. , ... of the devices 47, 47 ', ... to the sensors 26, 26', ... for detecting the positions of the image cylinders 2, 2 ', .... The connections 51, 51', ... The devices 46, 46 ',... to the devices 47, 47',... serve to start the regions 10 ', 10 ",..., 10 ⁿ simultaneously with the image beginnings 10. The facilities 47, 47 ', ... serve the assignment of the areas 10 ', 10 ", ..., 10" of the partial color images 7, 7', ... to the positions of the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ....

For the calculation of positions 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22 ', ..., 25, 25 ',... Of the defined regions 10, 10', 10 ",..., 10 ⁿ are used for adjusting devices 30, 30 ',..., 31, 31', .... In this case, the adjusting devices 30 serve , 30 ', ... for the calculations of the paths 8, 8', ..., 9, 9 ', ... of the image beginnings 10 and the adjustment devices 31, 31', ... for the calculations of the paths 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9', ... of the regions 10 ', 10 ", ..., 10 ^{n of} the partial color images 7, 7', .... The adjustment devices 30, 30 ', ... , 31, 31 ', ... are formed and networked so that they can obtain all the information required for the calculations of the positions and thus can give such commands to the means 3, 3', ... for generating the images that the Image generating points 11, 11 ', ... with respect to their respective position, the vote of the positions 8, 8', ..., 9, 9 ', ... with the positions 12, 12', ..., 14, 14th ', ... correspond. This adjustment takes place both before the printing on a printing substrate 15 by machine-specific denominations with a correction by the printing and the registration of register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17"', as well as during the printing of printing substrates 15, whereby also here Register marks 17, 17 ', 17'',17''' can be detected. In this way corrections of the presettings between each individual illustration are possible. After the transfer of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... Of the image cylinders 2, 2',... Onto the image transfer cylinders 13, 13 ',..., The image remains are returned by means 61, 61', the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... removed. Likewise, the image transfer cylinders 13, 13 ', ... are associated with such devices 62, 62', ... for removing the image residues.

A first adjustment of the positions for the image generation 11, 11 ',... Is carried out by the adjustment devices 30, 30',..., 31, 31 ',... All relevant data 8, 8',. ., 9, 9 ', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14 ', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25 ', .... In order to make this data available, it is not necessary to print on a substrate 15, even printing is not necessary at all since the detection and assignment of the positions, for example the paths or angles 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9', ... and 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22 ' , ..., 25, 25 ', ... is sufficient.

First, the adjustment means 30, 30 ', ... have machine-specific nominal values 34, 34', ... of the positions 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9',... Of the image beginnings 10. The adjustment means 31, 31 ', ... also have machine-specific denominations 35, 35',... With respect to the positions 8, 8 ', ..., 9, 9', ... of the areas 10 ', 10 ",. 10, 10 ^{n of} the partial color images 7, 7 ', .... These machine-specific denominations 35, 35', ... are constantly corrected to obtain a high accuracy, for the first time before a printing operation is carried out Adjusting means 30, 30 ', ..., 31, 31'; ... correction values 36, 36 ', ... via the positions 8, 8',... On the image cylinders 2, 2 ', the sensors 26, 26 ', ... for detecting the positions of the image cylinders 2, 2', ... Furthermore, the adjustment means 30, 30 ', ..., 31, 31', ... receive correction values 37, 37 ', ... for the positions 9, 9', ... of the Bildübertragungszylin 13, 13 ', .... These correction values 37, 37', ... originate from the sensors 28, 28 ',... for detecting the angular positions or the paths of the surfaces of the image transfer cylinders 13, 13',. As machine-specific nominal values, the distances 64 between the color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6'" and the position of the sensor 23 can also be entered. Corrections thereof may be required due to various influences, for example due to measured temperatures or due to mechanical stresses in the printing machine 1.

However, since other circumstances influence the calculation of the paths, the adjustment devices 30, 30 ',..., 31, 31',... Are supplied with further correction values 38, 38 ',. These correction values 38, 38 ',... Can be empirical values for paper types, for toner application, image widths, paper widths, the fact that printing is carried out in reverse, temperature, stresses in machine parts, the displacement of a printing substrate 15 on the support 4 and so on , In this regard, reference is made to the above description. These correction values 38, 38 ', ... are available as empirical values ready. They may be given to the adjusting means 30, 30 ', ..., 31, 31', ... by an input device, not shown, or it is possible to adjust them on the basis of a measurement, for example a temperature or a voltage, to the adjusting means 30, 30 ', ..., 31, 31', ... to transmit.

Both the machine-specific nominal values 34, 34 ', ..., 35, 35',... And the correction values 38, 38 ',... Can be available as calibration tables. The machine-specific nominal values 34, 34 ',..., 35, 35',... Are assigned to the angular positions, preferably the image cylinders 2, 2 ',. However, other assignments already described above are possible, then several calibration tables must be included in the calculation of the imaging stations 11, 11 ', ... on the image cylinders 2, 2',.... Tables of other values are then assigned, for example, to different temperatures or different voltages. In addition, these Eichtabellen angular positions of the image cylinder 2, 2 ', ... be assigned. The correction values 38, 38 ',... Stored as empirical values are stored as files 39, 39',.

Due to trial operation or during printing it is possible to consider further corrections as feedback. These further corrections can be determined, for example, by register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' printed on the carrier 4 by the color printing units 6, 6 ', 6", 6'"and by a sensor 29 for detecting the register marks 17, 17 ', 17'',17''' are detected. These register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' are essential in that they are also associated with the carrier 4 by their positions and have, for example, regularly spaced elements 18. A number of spaced elements 18 can be printed in this process successively one element 18 each of a color printing unit 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''' is printed. However, it is also possible that color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''' successively print a plurality of spaced-apart elements 18. If the register marks 17, 17 ', 17", 17''' are not printed as continuous bands, then also the distances between the individual register mark groups are detected. The register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17 '''can be printed directly on the support 4, as long as there are no printing substrates 15 on it, they can be printed on the not covered by printing substrates 15 locations of the support 4, on sample sheets or on non-image areas of the printing substrates 15, z. B. on the edges.

The measured values of the sensor 29 are transmitted to devices 40, 40 ',... For determining the corrections 42, 42',... For the image beginnings 10, wherein these devices 40, 40 ',... The corrections 42, 42'. , ... to the adjustment devices 30, 30 ', .... In a similar manner, the values from the sensor 29 for detecting the register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' at devices 41, 41 ', ... to determine the corrections 43, 43', ... for areas 10th ', 10'', ..., 10 ^{n of} the partial color images 7, 7', .... These devices 41, 41 ', ... also supply the corrections 43, 43', , 31 ', ..., so that there the positions for the defined areas 10', 10 ", ..., 10 ⁿ are corrected on the basis of this feedback.

Of course, the presentation of the Fig. 2 for the sake of clarity, only two printing units 6, 6 'have been limited, in fact four printing units 6, 6', 6 ", 6"'are present as a rule. Correspondingly longer then of course the carrier 4 must be configured. Also, the conveyor belt 45 for feeding a printing substrate 15 to the printing press 1 is shown shortened, the path 21 of a printing substrate from the sensor 44 to the sensor 23 is substantially longer, during which the calculation process for the positions 8, 8 ', ..., 9 , 9 ', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14 ', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25 ', .... Since there are normally four printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''', the elements described above which are associated with the illustrated printing units 6 and 6 'are also present four times, or a computer is provided which contains all the elements.

The Fig. 3a shows register deviations in a machine that has been set due to a time measurement. The deviations 55 from the nominal value 54 of a register are plotted when measuring points are detected along a path 56 in the transport direction 33. As can be seen, the measurement points 57 show vibration-like deviations from the nominal value 54, which is shown as a zero line.

Fig. 3b shows register deviations in a printing machine 1, which has been set according to the principle of the invention. Due to the register setting made there by positions, a setting with much smaller deviations is achieved. Again, the deviations 55 are applied from the setpoint 54 against the path 56 of measuring points along the transport direction 33. The oscillatory deviations as in the time control do not occur here, even if the causer, for example, the poles of the electric motor of a prime mover, still exists. The reason is that such oscillations are due to the assignment of positions at times and therefore can not influence a control.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a multi-color printing machine 1 with four color printing units, 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''' .This is the normal structure of a multi-color printing machine 1, but there may be even more printing units.The reference numerals are identical to those already described in the remarks to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has already been discussed on all the components of the machine shown. The illustrated as an embodiment printing machine has the four color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''', each of the elements gem. Fig. 1 and 2 assigned.

In addition, here is the distance 64 between two color printing units 6, 6 'or 6', 6 "or 6", 6 '''located. Such a distance 64 is expediently dimensioned such that an out-of-roundness of the drive roller 52 at all printing units 6, 6 ', 6'',6''' comes simultaneously to influence. This uniform influence avoids an effect of this error. For this purpose, the circumference of the drive roller 52 may correspond to the distance 64, it may also be a fraction of this distance 64 or a whole multiple. From the machine dimensioning an identity of the circumference with the distance 64 or a whole multiple might come into question.

Fig. 5 shows register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' which are particularly useful for position detections.These register marks 17, 17 ', 17", 17''' have spaced-apart elements 18. They represent, so to speak, a scale which defines positions as a path or, for example, as an angular interval and thus makes the position of the partial color images 7, 7 ', 7 ", 7'" relative to one another and to the printing substrate 15 detectable.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram for a register mark detection. Of the color printing units 6, 6 ', 6 ", 6''' - shown symbolically only one - each register mark 17, 17 ', 17", 17''' is printed. These are detected with respect to their position by a sensor 29 for detecting register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' For this purpose, a reference line 66 is defined in the register control, which is assigned to a substrate 15 on the carrier 4. Reaches these Reference line 66 with the substrate 15 a certain position in front of the register sensor 29, this is activated to measure the distances of the register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17''' to this reference line 66. In this case, the respective distance 65 of the reference line 66 to the detection point 23 for the front edge 24 of a printing substrate 15 and the determined distances of the register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17'" to this reference line 66 can be detected, for example, as paths. Preferably, however, it is proposed to associate the angular positions of the drive roller 52 of the carrier 4, these angular positions being detected by a sensor 27 designed as an angular position sensor The data are transferred in the manner shown above to devices 40, 40 ', ..., 41, 41'. , ... for determining corrections for imaging 11, 11 ', ....

Fig. 7 shows an example of a time-independent position assignment. In the illustration, the angular positions 68 of the image cylinders and the image transfer cylinders are plotted against the positions 69 of the substrate 4 for printing substrates. However, only the angular position 70 of an image cylinder 2 was and the angular position 71 of an image transfer cylinder 13 is drawn. The angular positions of the further image cylinder 2 ', etc., would have to be plotted by means of curves which are shifted with respect to the curves 70 and 71. This was omitted for clarity. The illustration shows that an angular position of an image cylinder 2 and an angular position of an image transfer cylinder 13 are associated with each position 69 of the substrate 4 for printing substrates 15. Thus, a time-independent position assignment is made in this way in order to start certain processes in the correct positions.

The first preparation for printing is initiated at the position 72, which is the position of detecting a printing substrate 15 by a sensor 44 which registers the feeding of the printing substrate 15 to the multi-color printing machine 1. From this point in time, the calculation of the image generation 11, 11 ',... Of the partial color images 7, 7',... Takes place, the relative assignments being calculated. In a position 73, the printing substrate 15 is detected by the sensor 23 and thus determines its exact position on the support 4, whereby an exact assignment of the image forms 11, 11 ', ... of the partial color images 7, 7', ... to the carrier 4 is possible. Between position 72 and position 73, the printing substrate travels the path 21. With the detection of the printing substrate at the position 73, the travel or angular position of the drive roller 52 is calculated to determine the position 25. This is the position of the carrier 4 at which the beginning of image formation 11 of a partial color image 7 on the image cylinder 2 begins. After a path 14 of the carrier 4 takes place in the position 74, the beginning of the transfer of the partial color image 7 from the image cylinder 2 on the image transfer cylinder 13. After a further path 12 of the carrier 4, this reaches the position 75 for the beginning of the transfer of the partial color image 7 of the image transfer cylinder 13 on a substrate 15. In this case, the paths 14 and 12 of the carrier 4 angular positions 8 of the image cylinder and angular positions 9 of the image transfer cylinder 13 are assigned. It is essential that the image generation and thus the transmissions of the partial color images 7, 7 ', ... are determined by these positional associations. In the same way as the beginning of the picture 10 of the partial color image 7, the position assignments of the defined regions 10, 10 ', 10 ", ..., 10 ^{n of} all partial color images 7, 7', ... made.

However, the position assignments according to the invention do not mean that the path lengths on the cylinders 2, 2 ', ..., 13, 13', ... and the carrier 4 are the same, since in the transmissions of the partial color images 7, 7 ',. .., for example, from an image cylinder 2, 2 ', ..., on an image transfer cylinder 13, 13', ... comes to an overdrive. This means that by the rubber property of the cylinder jackets no weggleiches rolling takes place, but the surface of the image transfer cylinder 13, 13 ', ... moves faster, as would be the case when rolling apart ideal cylinder. Furthermore, there is a slip, which also leads to the fact that no exact path length assignment is possible. Such phenomena, which cause differences in the path lengths, must be taken into account in assigning positions, for example, angular positions 68 of the image cylinders 2, 2 ', ... and the image transfer cylinders 13, 13', ... to positions 69 of the carrier 4 to determine the correct position 25 for the imaging 11, 11 ', .... If paths are related to each other, corrections for path differences, for example due to overdrive, slippage and similar phenomena must also be taken into account.

It is expedient if the basic assignments are entered as machine-specific parameters, which are then checked and corrected continuously before and during printing. These corrections can be used to compensate for overdrive, slippage and similar changes caused by different toner application or many other causes. If these values vary across the width of the printing substrate, it is expedient for these allocations to be based on the average values.

The illustrated embodiment is merely illustrative of the invention and at the same time constitutes an advantageous embodiment. The method described in the introduction and the device of the invention can, of course, be based on a variety of applications Be realized in a machine. Not only alternatives to the position detection that have been mentioned are possible, but also the concrete acquisition and processing of the data can of course be done in different ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Multicolor printing machine

2, 2 ', ...

image cylinder

3, 3 ', ...

Means for generating images, such as electrostatic latent images

4

Support for printing substrates

5, 5 ', 5' ', 5' ''

Image Transfer Agents

6, 6 ', 6' ', 6' ''

Color printing

7, 7 ', ...

Color separations

8, 8 ', ...

Positions (eg as paths or angular positions) of defined areas of the partial color images on the image cylinders

9, 9 ', ...

Positions (eg as paths or angular positions) of defined areas of the partial color images on the image transfer cylinders

10, 10 ', 10 ", ..., 10 ⁿ

defined areas of the part color images

10

Image beginnings / beginning of the artwork

10 ', 10 ", ..., 10 ⁿ

Regions of the part color images into which the image area is divided

11, 11 ', ...

image formations

12, 12 ', ...

Positions (eg as paths or angular positions of the drive roller) on the carrier corresponding to the positions 9, 9 ', ...

13, 13 ', ...

Image transfer cylinder

14, 14 ', ...

Positions (eg as paths or angular positions of the drive roller) on the carrier corresponding to the positions 8, 8 ', ...

15

printing substrates

16, 16 ', ...

Direction of rotation of the image cylinder

17, 17 ', 17' ', 17' ''

Register marks (different color printing units)

18

regularly spaced elements of the register marks

19

Distances of the regularly spaced elements

20

Impression cylinder

21

Path of the printing substrate, during which the positions 12, 12 ', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22 ', ... are calculated

22, 22 ', ...

Positions (paths or angular positions of the drive roller) of the carrier from a detection point for a substrate to the beginning of the imaging

23

Sensor: Detection point for printing substrates (leading edge)

24

Leading edge of a print substrate

25, 25 ', ...

Positions of the carrier where the beginning of an imaging or imaging with one of the areas of the partial color images takes place on a picture cylinder.

26, 26 ', ...

Sensors for detecting the positions of the image cylinders (eg angular position transmitters)

27

Sensor for detecting the carrier (eg angle position transmitter)

28, 28 ', ...

Sensors for detecting the positions of the image transfer cylinders (eg angular position sensors)

29

Sensor for registering the register marks

30, 30 ', ...

Adjustment devices for image beginnings

31, 31 ', ...

Adjustments for defined areas of the part color images

32

Sensor for detecting path markings on the carrier

33

Arrow: Transport direction of the printing substrates

34, 34 ', ...

Machine-specific nominal values of the positions of the image beginnings

35, 35 ', ...

machine-specific denominations of the positions of the areas of the part color images into which the image area is subdivided

36, 36 ', ...

Correction values for the positions on the image cylinders

37, 37 ', ...

Correction values for the positions on the image transfer cylinders

38, 38 ', ...

Correction values as empirical values

39, 39 ', ...

file

40, 40 ', ...

Facilities for determining the corrections for the image beginnings

41, 41 ', ...

Means for determining the corrections for areas of the part color images into which the image area is divided.

42, 42 ', ...

Corrections for the image beginnings

43, 43 ', ...

Corrections for areas of the part color images into which the image area is divided.

44

Sensor for detecting a printing substrate, which is supplied to the printing press

45

Conveyor belt for feeding a printing substrate to the printing press

46, 46 ', ...

Means for calculating the positions 25, 25 ', ..., z. B. in the form of ways 22, 22 ', ... or corresponding angular positions of the drive roller of the carrier

47, 47 ', ...

Means for assigning the areas of the partial color images, in which the image area is divided, to the positions of the image cylinder

48, 48 ', ...

Start signals for the image beginnings

49, 49 ', ...

Start signals for the areas of the partial color images into which the image area is subdivided

50, 50 ', ...

Connections of the sensors 26, 26 ', ... with the devices 47, 47', ...

51, 51 ', ...

Connections of the devices 46, 46 ', ... and 47, 47', ...

52

Drive roller of the carrier tape (carrier 4)

52 '

Guide roller of the carrier tape

53, 53 ', ...

Image transfer points Image cylinder - image transfer cylinder

54

Setpoint (straight line)

55

Deviations from the nominal value

56

Path of the measuring points along the transport direction

57

Measuring points at time control

58

Measuring points in position control

59

Direction of rotation of the impression cylinder

60, 60 ', ...

Rotation directions of the image transfer cylinders

61, 61 ', ...

Facilities for removing the imaging of the image cylinder

62, 62 ', ...

Means for removing the imaging of the image transfer cylinder

63

Device for removing register marks printed on the carrier

64

Distance between two color printing units

65

current distance of the reference line 66 from the detection point 23

66

reference line

67,67 '67 ", 67"'

Distances from register marks 17, 17 ', 17 ", 17"' of the partial color images 7, 7 ',... Consisting of one element 18 in each case from reference line 66

68

Angular positions of the image cylinder and the image transfer cylinder

69

Positions of the carrier for printing substrates

70

Angular positions of a picture cylinder

71

Angular positions of an image transfer cylinder

72

Position of detection of a printing substrate by the sensor 44

73

Position of detecting a printing substrate by the sensor 23

74

Position for starting the transfer of the partial color image 7 from the image cylinder 2 to the image transfer cylinder 13

75

Position for beginning the transfer of the partial color image 7 from the image transfer cylinder 2 to a printing substrate 15

Claims (96)

1. Method for adjusting the register on a multi-color printing machine (1) comprising several color printing units (6, 6', 6", 6"') associated with different printing inks, comprising image cylinders (2, 2', ...), devices (3, 3', ...) for the generation of images, in particular of electrostatic latent images on said image cylinders (2, 2', ...), comprising a support (4) for printing substrates (15), and comprising image transfer sites (5, 5', 5", 5"') for the transfer of color separation images (7, 7', ...) from the color printing units (6, 6', 6", 6"') to the printing substrates (15), with an allocation of the positions of the image generations (11, 11', ...) on the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) to the printing substrates (15) being performed in order to achieve a registered alignment of the color separation images (7, 7', ...) during the printing operation, characterized in that

   - the positions of image-carrying and substrate-carrying elements (2, 2', ..., 4, 13, 13', ...) are detected, and that,

   - for a time-independent position allocation of at least one defined area (10, 10',10", ..., 10ⁿ) of all color separation images (7, 7', ...), the detected positions of the substrate-carrying elements are taken into consideration.
2. Method as in Claim 1, characterized in that, for the color separation images (7, 7', ...), respectively the at least one defined area (10, 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) on the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) is generated at pre-specified positions (25, 25', ...) of the support (4).
3. Method as in Claim 1, characterized in that at least one respectively defined area (10, 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) of the color separation images (7', ...) of the other color printing units (6', 6", 6"') is allocated to at least one defined area (10, 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ⁾ of the color separation image (7) of a reference color printing unit (6), and that an allocation to a position (25, 26', ...) of the support (4) takes place.
4. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 3, wherein a position allocation of the support (4) is performed, and wherein, for the position allocations (25, 25', ...) of the support (4), the angular positions of a drive roller (52) of the support (4) are taken into consideration.
5. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 4, wherein a position allocation of the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) is performed, and whereby, for the position allocation of the image cylinders, their angular positions (8, 8', ...) are taken into consideration.
6. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 3 or 4, wherein a position allocation of the support is performed, and wherein, for the position arrangements (25, 25', ...) of the support, paths (12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ...) of the surface of the support (4) are taken into consideration.
7. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 4 or 6, wherein a position allocation of the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) is performed, and wherein, for the position arrangements of the image cylinders (2, 2', ...), paths (8, 8', ...) of the surfaces of the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) are taken into consideration.
8. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 7, characterized in that the position allocations also include the positions (9, 9', ...) of the image transfer cylinders (13, 13', ...).
9. Method as in Claim 8, characterized in that, for the position allocations of the image transfer cylinders (13, 13', ...), their angular positions (9, 9', ...) are taken into consideration.
10. Method as in claim 8, characterized in that, for the position allocations of the image transfer cylinders (13, 13', ...), paths (9, 9', ...) of the surfaces of the image transfer cylinders (13, 13', ...) are taken into consideration.
11. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 10, characterized in that the defined areas of the color separation images (7, 7', ...) allocated to each other are the image starts (10).
12. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 11, characterized in that the defined areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) allocated to each other are the areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) of the color separation images (7, 7', ...) into which the image areas are divided.
13. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 12, characterized in that the areas (10,10', 10'',.... 10ⁿ⁾ are the image dot lines of the color separation images (7, 7', ...).
14. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 12, characterized in that the areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) are each a number of image dot lines of the color separation images (7, 7',...).
15. Method as in Claim 14, characterized in that the number of image dot lines results from the allocation to fixed angular intervals of the image cylinders (2, 2', ...).
16. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 15, characterized in that also the lateral position of the areas (10, 10' 10", ..., 10ⁿ⁾ is determined and adjusted.
17. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 16, characterized in that also the errors related to the lateral expansion of the areas (10, 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) are determined and corrected.
18. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 17, characterized in that the positions (8,8', ...,9,9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 25, 25', ...) are determined and adjusted to each other prior to processing a print job.
19. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 18, characterized in that the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...) are continuously detected and adjusted to each other while a print job is being processed.
20. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 19, characterized in that the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...) are determined by means of register marks (17, 17').
21. Method as in Claim 20, characterized in that the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17"') have elements (18) arranged in transport direction (14), said elements being spaced apart in a pre-specified manner.
22. Method as in Claim 21, characterized in that distances (19) of the regularly spaced apart elements (18) are detected.
23. Method as in one of the Claims 20 through 22, characterized in that the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17''') are printed on the support (4) and again removed after the determination of the position.
24. Method as in Claim 23, characterized in that the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17"') are printed in the space of the support (4) that is not covered by printing substrates (15).
25. Method as in Claim 24, characterized in that the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17"') are printed on paper.
26. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 25, characterized in that, by analyzing the determined positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...), the deviations of the actual values from the set values for the image starts (10) are separated from the deviations of the actual values for the remaining areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ), into which the image areas are divided.
27. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 26, characterized in that, following the determination of the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 25, 25', ...) for the image starts (10) on the individual image cylinders (2, 2', ...), said positions being determined for the image generation of the other defined areas (10, 10', ..., 10ⁿ) on the individual image cylinders (2, 2', ...) following the determination of the former and, in this sequence, are taken into consideration for the control or for the regulation of the image generations (11, 11', ...).
28. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 27, characterized in that, for the detected values, fluctuations occurring very briefly are eliminated in order to avoid control instability for analysis.
29. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 28, characterized in that the fluctuations of the determined position values which can be allocated regarding their order of size and repetition to a repeatable position of a cylinder (2, 2', ..., 13, 13', ...), are separated from longer-term fluctuations.
30. Method as in Claim 29, characterized in that the fluctuations of the determined position values (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 15, 25', ...) which can be allocated regarding their order of size and repetition to a repeatable position of an image cylinder (2, 2', ...), are recorded in at least one calibration table for this image cylinder (2, 2', ...) and are taken into consideration for the error-compensating control of the positions of the image generation (11, 11', ...).
31. Method as in Claim 30, characterized in that the calibration tables are generated for the image starts (10) of the color separation images (7, 7', ...).
32. Method as in Claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the calibration tables for the other defined areas (10, 10'', ..., 10ⁿ) of the color separation images (7, 7', ...) are generated.
33. Method as in one of the Claims 29 through 32, characterized in that, also for at least one additional image-transferring or substrate-transferring element (13, 13', ..., 4, 20, 52, 52') deviations of the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 25, 25', ...) from the set values, said deviations can be allocated to repeatable positions in one cycle of movement of said element, are detected and are included in the computation of the positions of the image generation locations (11, 11', ...).
34. Method as in Claim 33, characterized in that, also for this at least one element (13, 13', ..., 4, 20, 52, 52'), at least one calibration table is generated, and that all the calibration tables are included in the computation of the positions of the image generation locations (11, 11', ...).
35. Method as in one of the Claims 30 through 34, characterized in that the longer-term fluctuations of the determined position values are taken into consideration by renewing the calibration tables.
36. Method as in one of the claims 1 through 35, characterized in that the longer-term errors of the determined positions values, said errors not being allocatable by their repetition to a repeatable position of an image-transferring or substrate-transferring element (2, 2,', ..., 13, 13', ..., 4, 20, 52, 52'), are taken into consideration in the correction of the register control due to the inclusion of their causal influence parameters.
37. Method as in Claim 36, characterized in that the inclusion of the influence parameters in the correction occurs based on filed experiential values.
38. Method as in Claim 37, characterized in that the inclusion of the influence parameters is activated by manual input.
39. Method as in Claim 37, characterized in that the inclusion of the influence parameters is activated by measuring said parameters.
40. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 39, characterized in that the influence parameters of the errors of the determined position values are measured with respect to their effects on the register, and that a correction of the image generations (11, 11', ...) occurs in accordance with these deviations.
41. Method as in one of the Claims 39 or 40, characterized in that a detection of the temperature at select sites of the printing machine (1) is the basis for a correction.
42. Method as in one of the Claims 39 through 41, characterized in that the detection of tensions at select machine components of the printing machine (1) is the basis for a correction.
43. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 42, characterized in that experiential values for various types of paper are available for a correction at the time the paper type is changed.
44. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 43, characterized in that experiential values for different toner profiles are available for a correction.
45. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 44, characterized in that a shift of a substrate (15) on the support (4) is detected, and the positions of the image generations (11, 11', ...) are corrected to compensate for said shift.
46. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 45, characterized in that experiential values for various image widths are available for a correction.
47. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 46, characterized in that experiential values for various paper widths are available for a correction.
48. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 47, characterized in that experiential values for changes of the substrate dimensions following simplex-printing of a substrate (15) are taken into consideration so as to have the image size of the verso print correspond to the image size of the recto print.
49. Method as in one of the Claims 37 through 48, characterized in that, considering the experiential values, the subsequently effective influence of the condition preceding a change is taken into consideration.
50. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 49, characterized in that fluctuations of the position values, which cannot be allocated to the angular position of an image cylinder (2, 2', ...) in view of their repetition but do occur repeatedly, are recorded in separate calibration tables and are taken into consideration for the error-compensating control of the devices (3, 3', ...) for the generation of images on the respective image cylinders (2, 2', ...).
51. Method as in Claim 50, characterized in that fluctuations of the position values, which can be, considering their repetition, allocated to a position of the support (4) for the printing substrates (15), are corrected in accordance with the positions of the support (4), said correction being added to the corrections of the position values to be allocated to the position of the image cylinder (2, 2', ...).
52. Method as in one of the Claims 50 or 51, characterized in that fluctuations of the position values are avoided by eliminating the causes of said fluctuations.
53. Method as in Claim 52, characterized in that the circumference of the drive roller (52) of the support (4) relative to the distance (64) of the image transfer sites (5, 5', 5", 5"') of the color printing units (6, 6', 6", 6"') has a size such that the allocation of the angular positions of the drive roller (52) to the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) will repeat.
54. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 51, characterized in that, considering position values detected within a tolerable bandwidth, the correction is adjusted to a mean range.
55. Method as in Claim 54, characterized in that, considering different position values transverse to the transport direction (33), a mean value is adjusted.
56. Method as in one of the Claims 54 or 55, characterized in that, for the computation of the mean range, the determined deviations are weighted.
57. Method as in Claim 56, characterized in that quadratic weighting is used.
58. Method as in one of the Claims 54 through 57, characterized in that values of the color printing units (6', 6", 6"') in the mean range are brought to coincide with the values of a reference printing unit (6) in the mean range.
59. Method as in one of the Claims 1 through 58, characterized in that the arrival of a printing substrate (15) is detected, and that the positions (25, 25') of each start of imaging of the image cylinder (2, 2', ...) are detected as the positions (22, 22', ...) of the support (4), starting with the detection site (23) for printing substrates (15).
60. Device for adjusting the register in accordance with a method as in one of the Claims 1 through 59 on a multi-color printing machine (1) comprising several color printing units (6, 6', 6", 6"') associated with different printing inks, comprising image cylinders (2, 2', ...), devices (3, 3', ...) for the generation of images, in particular of electrostatic latent images on said image cylinders (2, 2', ...), comprising a support (4) for printing substrates (15), and comprising image transfer sites (5, 5', 5", 5"') for the transfer of color separation images (7, 7', ...) from the color printing units (6, 6', 6", 6"') to the printing substrates (15), comprising sensors (23, 26, 26', ..., 27, 28, 28', ..., 29) for position detection, and comprising at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) for allocating the positions of the image generation locations (11, 11', ...) on the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) to the printing substrates (15) in order to achieve a registered alignment of the color separation images (7, 7', ...) during the printing operation, characterized in that the sensors (23, 26, 26', ..., 27, 28, 28", ..., 29) are configured for the detection of the positions of image-carrying and substrate-carrying elements (2, 2', ..., 4, 13, 13', ...), and that at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) is configured in such a manner that it allocates the positions of the image generations (11, 11', ...) on the image cylinders (2, 2', ...) to the printing substrates (15) in view of at least one defined area (10, 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) of all color separation images (7, 7', ...) in a time-independent manner.
61. Device as in Claim 60, characterized in that the at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) is configured in such a manner that it initiates the generation (11, 11', ...) of at least one defined area (10, 10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) of all color separation images (7, 7', ...) on the respective image cylinders (2, 2', ...) at pre-specified positions (25, 25', ...) of the support (4).
62. Device as in Claim 60 or 61, characterized in that at least one sensor (26, 26', ..., 27, 28, 28') is configured as an angle sensor.
63. Device as in Claims 60, 61 or 62, characterized in that at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) is configured for the allocation of angular positions.
64. Device as in Claim 63, characterized in that at least one sensor for the detection of a concentricity error is provided, and that at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) determines the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ...) based on the angular positions and on the concentricity errors.
65. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 64, characterized in that at least one sensor (25, 26', ..., 27, 32) is configured for the detection of paths (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ...).
66. Device as in Claim 65, characterized in that sensors (26, 26', ..., 27, 28, 28', ..., 32) are configured for the detection of path marks, said path marks being applied to the appropriate surfaces.
67. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 66, characterized in that at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31, ...) is configured for the allocation of paths (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ...).
68. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 67, characterized in that at least one sensor (28, 28', ...), respectively, is provided for the detection of the positions of the image transfer cylinders (13, 13', ...), said positions being output to the at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) for the computation of the image generations (11, 11', ...).
69. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 68, characterized in that at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ...) is configured in such a manner that it pre-specifies the positions (25, 25', ...) of the support (4), the start (10) of imaging of the image cylinders (2, 2, ', ...) occurring at said positions.
70. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 69, characterized in that at least one adjustment device (31, 32', ...) is configured in such a manner that it pre-specifies the positions (25, 25', ...) of the support (4), the imaging of the imaging cylinders (2, 2') with the areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) into which the image area is divided occurring at said positions.
71. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 70, characterized in that at least one sensor (29) is provided for the detection of register marks (17,17', 17", 17"').
72. Device as in Claim 71, characterized in that the at least one sensor (29) is configured for the detection of distances (19) of elements (18) of the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17"'), said elements being at pre-specified distances.
73. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 72, characterized in that the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are provided with machine-specific rated values (34, 34', ..., 35, 35', ...) of the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...).
74. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 73, characterized in that the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are configured in such a manner that they, prior to the printing start, take into consideration correction values (36, 36', ...) for the positions (8, 8', ...) of the image generations (11, 11', ...) on the image cylinders (2, 2', ...).
75. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 74, characterized in that the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are configured in such a manner that they, prior to the printing start, take into consideration the correction values (37, 37', ...) for the positions (9, 9', ...) on the image transfer cylinders (13, 13', ...).
76. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 75, characterized in that the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are configured in such a manner that they, after the printing start, take into consideration correction values (36, 36', ..., 37, 37', ..., 38, 38', ...) for the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...).
77. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 76, characterized in that the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are configured in such a manner that they, prior to the printing start, take into consideration correction values (38, 38', ...) for the determination of the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...), which values can be allocated to detectable influence parameters and are available as at least one selectable file (39, 39', ...) with experiential values.
78. Device as in Claim 77, characterized in that the selection of at least one file (39, 39', ...) occurs via an input device.
79. Device as in Claim 77, characterized in that the selection of at least one file (39, 39', ...) occurs via at least one adjustment device (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) based on at least one measurement of at least one influence parameter.
80. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 79, characterized in that the sensors (23, 26, 26', ..., 27, 28, 28', ..., 29, 32) and the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are configured in such a manner that the effects of the influence parameters on the register are measured, and that an imaging correction occurs in accordance with said deviations.
81. Device as in one of the Claims 77 through 80, characterized in that the influence parameter is at least one temperature in the printing machine (1).
82. Device in accordance with Claim 81, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor is arranged in the printing machine (1).
83. Device as in one of the Claims 77 through 82, characterized in that the influence parameter is at least one mechanical tension in the printing machine (1).
84. Device as in Claim 83, characterized in that at least one tension sensor is arranged in the printing machine (1).
85. Device as in one of the Claims 77 through 84, characterized in that the influence parameter is the paper type.
86. Device as in one of the Claims 77 through 85, characterized in that the influence parameter is the toner profile.
87. Device as in Claim 86, characterized in that said device is equipped with a device for the measurement of a toner profile.
88. Device as in one of the Claims 77 through 87, characterized in that a sensor for the detection of a shift of a substrate (15) on the support (4) is provided, and that the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) are configured in such a manner that the positions of the image generations (11, 11', ...) are corrected to compensate for said shift.
89. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 88, characterized in that the circumference of the drive roller (52) of the support (4) can be inserted as an integral number in the distance (64) of the image transfer sites (5, 5', 5", 5''') of the color printing units (6, 6', 6", 6"').
90. Device as in one of the Claims 60 through 89, characterized in that at least one device (40, 40', ..., 41, 41', ...) determines, based on the detection of the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...) during the printing operation, any necessary corrections (42, 42', ..., 43, 43', ...) of the positions (8, 8', ..., 9, 9', ..., 12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 22', ..., 25, 25', ...) outputting them to the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...) for implementation.
91. Device as in Claim 90, characterized in that at least one device (40, 40', ...) for the determination of the corrections (42, 42', ...) for the image starts (10) is connected to the sensor (27) for the detection of the positions (12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ..., 22, 2', ..., 25, 25', ...) of the support (4) and connected to the sensor (29) for the detection of the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17"').
92. Device as in Claim 90 or 91, characterized in that at least one device (41, 41', ...) for the determination of the corrections (43, 43', ...) for areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ) of the color separation images (7, 7', ...), into which the image areas are divided, are connected to the sensor (27 and/or 32) for the detection of the positions (12, 12', ..., 14, 14', ...) of the support (4) and connected to the sensor (29) for the detection of the register marks (17, 17', 17", 17"').
93. Device as in Claim 92, characterized in that the devices (46, 46', ...) for the output of starting signals (48, 48', ...) for the image starts (10), at the same time, send starting signals to a device (47, 47', ...) for the allocation of areas (10', 10", ..., 10"), into which the image area is divided, said devices (47, 47', ...) being connected to sensors (26, 26', ...) for the detection of the positions of the image cylinders (2, 2', ...), and allocating to these positions the areas (10', 10", ..., 10ⁿ), into which the image area is divided.
94. Device as in one of the Claims 60 to 93, characterized in that a sensor (44) for the detection of a printing substrate (15), said substrate being fed to the printing machine (1), is arranged on the path of the printing substrates (15) to the printing machine (1) and is connected to the adjustment devices (30, 30', ..., 31, 31', ...), whereby the computation of the allocation of the positions of the image generation locations (11, 11', ...) to the printing substrate (15) is started when a printing substrate (15) is detected.
95. Device as in Claim 93, characterized in that a sensor (23) for the accurate detection of the leading edges (24) of the printing substrates (15) is arranged on the support (4) and is connected to a device (46, 46', ...), said device computing the paths or angular positions (22, 22', ...) which have been traveled by the printing substrate from the sensor (23) to the positions (25, 25', ...) of the start of the respective imaging process, thereby initiating the start of said imaging process in said positions.
96. Multi-color printing machine (1) with a device as in Claims 60 through 95 for adjusting the register in accordance with a method as in one of the Claims 1 through 59.

Images