EP1531993B1 - Device for mounting a printing plate onto a plate cylinder of a printing press - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mounting a printing plate onto a plate cylinder of a printing press. Said device comprises at least one printing plate magazine with an opening for providing a printing plate that is to be mounted onto the plate cylinder in a mounting direction. The invention is characterised in that the printing plate has a specified length and that a guide element is provided in the opening, said element engaging with at least one side of the printing plate running parallel to its length, in order to align the printing plate with its length parallel to the mounting direction. Another embodiment of the device provides a friction body that can be engaged against the printing plate.

Description

The invention relates to a device for mounting a printing form on a forme cylinder of a printing press according to the preamble of claim 1.

By the DE 39 40 795 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for automatically feeding a printing plate to a plate cylinder or discharging from a plate cylinder of a rotary printing machine is known. The method of automatically feeding a printing plate to a plate cylinder of a rotary printing press, the plate cylinder including means for clamping and clamping the printing plate, provides that the printing plate is placed in a storage chamber of a printing plate feeding device that rotates the plate cylinder to a printing plate feeding position and the printing plate is fed by means of a number of transport rollers of a clamping device of the plate cylinder. The method of automatically discharging a printing plate from a plate cylinder of a rotary printing press, the plate cylinder including means for releasing and releasing the printing plate is characterized in that the plate cylinder rotates forward to a printing plate release position that a clamping flap for detecting a printing plate end is opened the plate cylinder is rotated backwards so that a clamping flap for detecting a printing plate beginning opened and that the printing plate is fed by means of a number of transport rollers of a storage chamber of Druckplattenzuführ- or -abführvorrichtung. The device for carrying out the aforementioned method has at least one transport roller designed as a drive roller and a transport roller designed as a pressure roller, wherein the pressure roller can be adjusted to the drive roller. In addition, various actuating means, a pivotally mounted pressure roller for pressing the pressure plate on the plate cylinder and ejection finger may be provided, wherein the ejection fingers may have tips which are pivotally mounted in the periphery of the plate cylinder. Also, the storage chamber of Druckplattenzuführ- or -abführvorrichtung be pivotally mounted about a hinge.

The DE 39 40 796 A1 describes a device for automatically changing a printing plate on a plate cylinder of a rotary printing press, the plate cylinder including means for clamping and clamping the printing plate, wherein the printing plate changing device has at least two storage chambers, so that a plate cylinder dissolved pressure plate can be guided by means of transport rollers in a storage chamber while a printing plate stored in the other storage chamber is fed by means of transport rollers to a clamping device of the plate cylinder.

The EP 1 084 837 A1 describes a device for holding and conveying a printing forme. In this case, the device has translational conveying devices which convey a printing forme to be mounted on a forme cylinder or a printing forme to be removed from a forme cylinder. While the device is tilted from a rest position to its operating position for changing a printing form about an axis of rotation, a hook pivots only due to its own weight in the space in which the printing plate is mounted and secures the printing forme at its trailing beveled end from accidental falling out this room.

The EP 0 734 859 A1 describes a device for changing printing forms, wherein a printing form loading unit for changing printing forms from a vertical rest position pivots on a designed as a gripper holding member. For mounting the holding element engages a provided in the printing form loading unit new printing form and performs with the gripped printing form by means of an actuated lifting cylinder pivotal movement. Thus, by the pivotal movement of the retaining element the rectilinearly mounted in a printing form feed tray printing form raised in its front region, the leading end of the printing plate depends down. The gripped by the holding element, curved printing forme is pivoted with its leading end from the holding member against a forme cylinder that a trained at the leading end of the printing form suspension leg can dive into a formed on the forme channel with a diameter of the forme cylinder relatively large opening width.

By the DE 43 32 803 C2 a device for automatically feeding printing plates to the plate cylinder of a printing machine is known, formed as a pivotable lever mating parts cooperate with mounted on both opposite sides of the printing plate punching and bring the pressure plate before mounting on the plate cylinder by centering in front of the plate cylinder in a register-ready starting position in which, during the feeding of the printing plate to the plate cylinder, the fitting parts remain attached to the printing plate.

By the JP 05 000 503 A and AA are known a device for longitudinal alignment of a printing plate during its mounting on a forme cylinder, wherein along the longitudinal side of the printing form arranged compression springs press the printing form to be mounted against a stationary stop to the printing plate, wherein the compression springs curved in the mounting direction of the printing plate, on the Compressive shape have fitting end. The permanent concern of the compression springs on the printing form restricts their freedom of movement considerably, in particular, due to the curved end movement of the printing forme contrary to their mounting direction is not possible, at least they entail the risk of entanglement. Moreover, compression springs have no constant contact force as soon as printing plates of different widths are used, because as a result of Hooke's law, the contact force of compression springs depends on their travel.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for mounting a printing forme on a forme cylinder of a printing press.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

The advantage achievable with the invention is in particular that elevators can be changed quickly and reliably on a cylinder, especially during ongoing production of the printing press.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Aufzugs;

Fig. 2

eine vereinfachte Schnittdarstellung einer Haltevorrichtung für einen auf einem Zylinder zu montierenden Aufzug;

Fig. 3

tangential an einen Zylinder herangeführte Aufzüge, auf die bei ihrer Montage eine Radialkraft wirkt;

Fig. 4

elastisch vorgespannte Aufzüge bei ihrer Montage auf einem Zylinder;

Fig. 5

eine 4-Zylinder-Druckmaschine mit waagerechter Papierführung und mit Druckformmagazinen;

Fig. 6

ein Druckformmagazin mit einer Fördereinrichtung für eine gebrauchte Druckform;

Fig. 7

ein Druckformmagazin mit einem Schrägaufzug zum Fördern einer neuen Druckform;

Fig. 8

eine Vorrichtung in einem Druckformmagazin zum Ausrichten einer neuen Druckform bezüglich eines Formzylinders;

Fig. 9

eine mit ihrem vorlaufenden Ende auf einem Formzylinder aufstehende Druckform während ihrer Montage;

Fig. 10

ein Druckformmagazin mit einer neuen, mit ihrer Druckseite auf einer Auflage aufliegenden Druckform;

Fig. 11 1

ein Druckformmagazin mit einer Fördereinrichtung für eine gebrauchte Druckform.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of an elevator;

Fig. 2

a simplified sectional view of a holding device for a cylinder to be mounted on a lift;

Fig. 3

Elevators brought tangentially to a cylinder, to which a radial force acts during their assembly;

Fig. 4

elastically preloaded lifts when mounted on a cylinder;

Fig. 5

a 4-cylinder printing machine with horizontal paper guide and with printing forme magazines;

Fig. 6

a printing forme magazine with a conveyor for a used printing forme;

Fig. 7

a printing forme magazine with an inclined elevator for conveying a new printing form;

Fig. 8

a device in a printing forme magazine for aligning a new printing forme with respect to a forme cylinder;

Fig. 9

a with its leading end on a forme cylinder upstanding printing plate during its assembly;

Fig. 10

a printing forme magazine with a new, with its pressure side resting on a support printing form;

Fig. 11 1

a printing forme magazine with a conveyor for a used printing forme.

An elevator 01 ( Fig. 1 ), the z. B. is configured as a plate-shaped printing plate 01 or as a support plate carrying a blanket, has a substantially rectangular surface with a length L and a width B, wherein the length L z. B. measured values between 400 mm and 1300 mm and the width B z. B. can take measurements between 280 mm and 1500 mm. The surface has a support side, which is referred to below bearing surface 02, with which the elevator 01 rests in the assembled state on a lateral surface 07 of a cylinder 06 ( Fig. 2 ). The back of the support surface 02 is a work surface which, in the case that the elevator 01 is formed as a printing forme 01, is provided with a printed image or at least can be provided with a printed image. The elevator 01 has two opposite ends 03; 04 preferably each with angled Einhänbringeln 13; 14, wherein the ends 03; 04 limit the bearing surface 02 and wherein the suspension legs 13; 14 each preferably extend entirely or at least partially across the width B of the elevator 01. The bearing surface 02 of the elevator 01 is flexible at least along the length L and adaptable to the curvature of the cylinder 06 when the elevator 01 is mounted on a lateral surface 07 of a cylinder 06 of a printing press ( Fig. 2 ). In the assembled state of the printing form, the length L of the support surface 02 thus extends in the direction of the circumference of the cylinder 06, whereas the width B of the support surface 02 extends in the axial direction of the cylinder 06. In practice, in particular, the measure of the width B varies within certain, predetermined tolerance limits, since the original width B of the elevator 01 is reduced by a trimming on at least one of the longitudinal sides of the elevator 01 in order, for. B. to adjust the position of a printed image on the work surface of the elevator 01 to a certain distance to at least one of the longitudinal sides of the elevator 01. The tolerance limits are z. B. in the range of fractions of a millimeter to a few millimeters. Thus, the width B of one elevator 01 may differ from other similar lifts 01 used on the same cylinder 06 within the allowable tolerance limits.

Like in the Fig. 2 shown, the suspension legs 13; 14 of the elevator 01 fixed by means of a holding device, wherein the holding device is arranged in a channel 08, wherein the channel 08 usually extends in the axial direction to the cylinder 06. A rectified with the production direction P of the cylinder 06 end 03 of the elevator 01 is referred to as the leading end 03, whereas the opposite end 04 is the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01. At least the ends 03; 04 of the elevator 01 with the suspension legs 13 formed thereon; 14 consist of a rigid, z. B. metallic material, eg. B. of an aluminum alloy. Usually is the material thickness D of the elevator 01 ( Fig. 1 ) or the material thickness D at least from the Einhänbringeln 13; 14 a few tenths of a millimeter, z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.3 mm. Thus, the elevator 01 as a whole or at least at its ends 03; 04 of a dimensionally stable material, so that the ends 03; 04 are permanently deformable by a bend against a material-specific resistance.

At least at one end 03; 04 of the elevator 01 ( Fig. 1 ), but preferably at both ends 03; 04 are along a bending edge 11; 12 each a folded suspension leg 13; 14 formed, wherein the suspension legs 13; 14 in a narrow, in particular slot-shaped opening 09 of the channel 08 of the cylinder 06 ( Fig. 2 ) are insertable and fastened there by means of a holding device. For example, based on the length L of the non-curved, flat bearing surface 02 of the uninstalled elevator 01 at the end 03 a suspension leg 13 at the bending edge 11 by an opening angle α1 or at the end 04 a suspension leg 14 at the bending edge 12 by an opening angle β1 folded ( Fig. 1 ), wherein the opening angle α1; β1 usually lie between 30 ° and 140 °. If the opening angle α1 is assigned to the leading end 03 of the elevator 01, it is preferably executed at an acute angle, in particular it is 45 °. The opening angle β1 at the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01 is often preferably greater than 80 ° or obtuse-angled, in particular it is 85 ° or 135 °. The bent suspension leg 13 at the leading end 03 has a length I13, which z. B. in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, in particular between 4 mm and 15 mm. The folded suspension leg 14 at the trailing end 04 has a length I14, the z. B. 4 mm to 30 mm, in particular between 8 mm and 12 mm, with the shorter length measure is preferred to simplify removal of the suspension legs 13 as possible; 14 to ensure from the opening 09 of the channel 08.

The Fig. 2 shows in a simplified sectional view of a cylinder 06 with a lateral surface 07 and a channel 08, to the lateral surface 07 a narrow, slit-shaped opening 09 having a slot width S, wherein the slot width S is less than 5 mm and preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. The opening 09 has a front edge 16 and a rear edge 17 in the production direction P of the cylinder 06. Between the extending from the front edge 16 to the channel 08 toward wall 18 and an imaginary, resting on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 on the opening 09 tangent T1 an acute opening angle α2 is formed, which is between 30 ° and 50 °, preferably 45 ° is. The bent suspension leg 13 at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 is thus preferably positively connected to this front edge 16 of the opening 09, because the opening angle α1 at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 is preferably adapted to the opening angle α2. In the same way, it behaves at the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01. Between the extending from the rear edge 17 to the channel 08 toward wall 19 and an imaginary resting on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 on the opening 09 tangent T1 is an opening angle β2, which is either between 80 ° and 95 °, preferably 90 °, or between 120 ° and 150 °, preferably 135 °. The bent suspension leg 14 at the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01 is thus preferably positively clamped at this rear edge 17 of the opening 09, because the opening angle β1 at the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01 is at least approximately adapted to the opening angle β2.

In the channel 08 are z. B. at least one preferably pivotally mounted holding means 21 and a preferably biased spring element 22 is arranged, wherein the spring element 22, the holding means 21 z. B. presses against the folded suspension leg 14 at the trailing end 04, which is hooked to the opening 09 at its rear edge 17, whereby the suspension leg 14 held at the trailing end 04 at the extending from the rear edge 17 to the channel 08 toward wall 19 becomes. In order to release the pressure exerted by the holding means 21, an adjusting means 23 is provided in the channel 08 provided, which pivots the holding means 21 against the force of the spring element 22 during its actuation. The holding device therefore consists essentially of the holding means 21, the spring element 22 and the adjusting means 23rd

The cylinder 06 described by way of example may be such that a plurality of, preferably similar elevators 01 can be arranged on its lateral surface 07. If the cylinder 06 is designed as a forme cylinder, it can in its axial direction side by side z. B. with six plate-shaped printing plates 01 be assignable. It can also be provided that more than one elevator 01 can be attached to the cylinder 06 in the direction of its circumference. So z. B. two axially extending to the cylinder 06 channels 08 may be provided with associated openings 09, which are arranged offset by 180 ° to each other on the circumference of the cylinder 06. In this assignment of the cylinder 06 with two along its circumference successively arranged elevators 01, the leading end 03 of the one elevator 01 is fixed in the one channel 08, whereas the trailing end 04 of the same elevator 01 is fixed in the other channel 08. For the or the other arranged on this cylinder 06 lifts 01 applies accordingly. Also, in the axial direction of the cylinder 06 juxtaposed elevators 01 may be arranged offset from each other, for. B. individually or in groups, each by half a length L of the elevator 01, which, however, requires that more channels 08 are associated with openings 09 or at least with portions of the same in the cylinder 06, along the circumference of the cylinder 06 to the above two Channels 08 and openings 09 z. B. are arranged offset by 90 °.

The following describes a method for mounting a flexible elevator 01 on a cylinder 06 of a printing press, the elevator 01 having a leading end 03 and a trailing end 04 relative to the production direction P of the cylinder 06 ( Fig. 3 ). At least at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01, a suspension leg 13 is formed, wherein this suspension leg 13 to the extended Length L of the elevator 01 is bent at an opening angle α1 of at most 90 °, preferably 45 °. In the cylinder 06 at least one preferably slot-shaped opening 09 are provided with a first edge 16 in the production direction P of the cylinder 06 and a second edge 17, wherein the edges 16; 17 in the axial direction of the cylinder 06 preferably parallel to each other. The method is characterized in that the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 preferably by means of a preferably acting on the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01 thrust cylinder 06 preferably tangentially fed in the production direction P and the suspension leg 13 at the leading end 03 behind the second edge 17 of the opening 09 is made to the cylinder 06, so that the formed at the leading end 03 suspension leg 13 at a rotation of the cylinder 06 in the production direction P due to an acting at least on the leading end 03, directed to the cylinder 06 radial force FR in the opening 09 engages and hooked at the first edge 16 by a local there preferably positive engagement. The thrust 01 promoting thrust is advantageously a force acting in the plane of the elevator 01 in the mounting direction M force.

In the event that the elevator 01 with its hooked leg 13 formed on the leading end 03 rests on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06, the radial force FR can be the weight force FG of the elevator 01 acting on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06. In this case, it is advantageous to bring the elevator 01 horizontally, preferably straight in its straight length L or at least without a bend directed to the cylinder 06, to the upper half of the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 and the suspension leg 13 at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 a contact point 27 on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 set up ( Fig. 3 ). As soon as the suspension leg 13 and the opening 09 of the cylinder 06 facing each other by a distance a09 between the opening 09 and the contact point 27 is repealed, ie by a directed in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 06 relative movement between the opening 09 and the contact point 27 to Zero is reduced, the suspension leg 13 at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 falls quite predominantly, ie with a share of over 70% of the sum of all forces acting on the suspension arm 13, due to its acting on the leading end 03 weight force FG reliable in the opening 09th the cylinder 06, without that it needs a the elasticity of the elevator 01 utilizing bias of the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 or other tools such as a rolling element.

In addition to the use of the weight FG of the elevator 01 or, alternatively, the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 can be elastically pretensioned ( Fig. 4 ), so that formed at the leading end 03 suspension leg 13 as a result of a directed to the cylinder 06 return torque MR springs into the opening 09, as soon as the opening 09 of the cylinder 06 and the contact line 27 of Einhänlegeels 13 with the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 as a result Relative movement between the elevator 01 and the cylinder 06, which takes place in particular by the rotation of the cylinder 06 in the direction of production P, directly opposite.

The return torque MR results from the fact that the elevator 01 consists of an elastically deformable material and thus immanently has an elastically resilient property, this property is used insofar as the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 when approaching the cylinder 06 z. B. over a preferably axially extending to the cylinder 06, spaced from the cylinder 06 arranged edge 26 of a support member 24 and is bent there such that at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 a bending stress with a cylinder 06 directed spring force builds up (dashed line of the elevator 01 in Fig. 4 ). At least until the guided over the edge 26 of the support member 24 leading end 03 of the elevator 01 rests on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06, the elevator 01 is fed with its trailing end 04 from a fixed to the cylinder 06 spatial direction. The elevator 01 is therefore during the assembly process by the contact line 27 of its attached to the leading end 03 Einhänlegeels 13 with the Outer surface 07 of the cylinder 06 and stabilized by its support on the edge 26 of the support member 24 and by a positional fixing 28 of the trailing end 04. The support member 24 may, for. B. be a rolling element 24, the z. B. to the cylinder 06 is adjustable. In this case, the support element 24 is preferably arranged close to the cylinder 06. However, in addition to the support element 24, another rolling element 47 or 62 (FIG. Fig. 6 or 9 ) may be provided, will be discussed later, wherein the support member 24 may then be arranged elsewhere and need not be engageable with the cylinder 06. The task of the support member 24 can then z. B. to generate in the elevator 01 a bending stress.

The leading end 03 of the elevator 01 can also be brought so against the cylinder 06, that this end 03 after its contact with the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 at an acute angle γ with an imaginary, in a contact point 29 on the lateral surface 07 of the Cylinder 06 lying second tangent T2 of the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 turns away (representation of the elevator 01 in Fig. 4 with a solid line). The thus performed bending of the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 should, however, only be so strong that the suspension leg 13 attached there still rests securely against the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06. To support the safe concern of Einhänlegeels 13 on the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06 can, for. B. the support member 24 are employed on the elevator 01, whereby the elevator 01 is held with its leading end 03 close to the lateral surface 07 of the cylinder 06.

During a relative movement between the cylinder 06 and the elevator 01, preferably during the rotation of the cylinder 06 in its production direction P, but also just as well during a suitable movement of the elevator 01, z. B. counter to the direction of production P of the cylinder 06, hooked hooks hooked hook 13 at the leading end 03 of the elevator 01 at the first edge 16 of the opening 09 a. One on The rolling element 24 employed by the cylinder 06 can assist the mounting of the elevator 01 on the cylinder 06, in that the rolling element 24 rolls up the elevator 01 onto the cylinder 06. At the trailing end 04 of the elevator 01 is z. B. a suspension leg 14, wherein this suspension leg 14 is pressed by the rolling element 24 in the course of rolling up of the elevator 01 on the cylinder 06 in the opening 09 of the cylinder 06.

An apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method will now be using the example of a commercial web offset printing machine with z. B. a standing rubber-against-rubber printing in 4-cylinder design with horizontal guidance of a printing material 46, preferably a paper web 46 are explained ( Fig. 5 ). In this example, therefore, in the printing unit, a first, below the paper web 46 arranged pair of successive rolling cylinders 31; 32 consisting of a forme cylinder 31 and a blanket cylinder 32 and a second, above the paper web 46 arranged pair of successive rolling cylinders 33; 34 consisting of a forme cylinder 33 and a blanket cylinder 34 is provided, wherein the paper web 46 between the two mutually employed blanket cylinders 32; 34 is passed. In the printing machine are preferably more, z. B. five or six pressure points for different inks provided. In the following, for the sake of simplicity and without restricting the invention, it is assumed that at least the forme cylinders 31; 33 are the same in their dimensions and in their construction.

The forme cylinder 31 can be assigned a printing forme 36 and the forme cylinder 33 for a printing forme 37, the printing forme 36; 37 z. B. a circumference of the forme cylinder 31; 33 corresponding length L and one of the length of the respective bale of the forme cylinder 31; 33 corresponding width B have. In this case, the printing plates 36; 37 based on their width B z. B. side by side four or six printed pages and based on their length L one behind the other two printed pages, thus having a total of eight or twelve printed pages. As already in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown, the printing plates 36; 37 at its on the length L-related end-side ends bent suspension legs 13; 14, with which the printing plates 36; 37 on the respective form cylinder 31; 33 are fixed by the suspension legs 13; 14 in a in the lateral surface of the forme cylinder 31; 33 introduced, in the axial direction to the forme cylinder 31; 33 extending slot-shaped opening 09 introduced and there optionally with a in the forme cylinder 31; 33 are preferably held in a channel holding device. At the leading end 03 of the printing plate 36; 37 is the opening angle α1 between the folded suspension leg 13 and the extended length L of the printing plate 36; 37 preferably 45 °. At the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 36; 37 is the opening angle β1 between the folded suspension leg 14 and the extended length L of the printing plate 36; 37 preferably 90 °. The slot width S in the form of cylinder 31; 33 introduced opening 09 is preferably 1 mm to 3 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the printing machine is provided that on the forme cylinders 31; 33 a change of one or more printing plates 36; 37 can be made remotely controlled by running paper web 46 from one of the printing press associated control station. In particular, one of a certain ink, z. B. black associated printing form 36; 37 interchangeable without having to stop the printing process as a whole. To solve this problem z. B. for the forme cylinder 31, a first, arranged below the paper web 46 printing forme magazine 38 and for the forme cylinder 33, a second, above the paper web 46 arranged printing plate magazine 39 is provided, each printing forme magazine 38; 39 each at least one slot 41; 42 for receiving one of the respective forme cylinder 31; 33 abzunehmenden, used printing plate 36; 37 and at least one shaft 43; 44 for receiving a on the respective form cylinder 31; 33 to be mounted, new printing plate 36; 37 has. While that the respective form cylinder 31; 33 associated printing form magazine 38; 39 z. B. by a pivoting movement of the respective form cylinder 31; 33 for changing a printing plate 36; 37 are employed z. B. the first forme cylinder 31 and the second forme cylinder 33 of their respective operatively connected blanket cylinder 32; 34 turned off. However, alternatively or in addition to the forming cylinders 31; 33, the blanket cylinder 32; 34 be parked from the paper web 46. In any case, when changing one or more printing plates 36; 37, the relevant forme cylinder 31; 33 decoupled from the paper web 46, while in the printing unit, the other pair of cylinders 32; 34 can remain in production.

In the printing form magazines 38; 39 are the shafts 41; 43 and 42, respectively; 44 for receiving a used or new printing plate 36; 37 each advantageously arranged parallel to each other, ie they are usually stacked on top of each other. It can be z. B. a partition 84 in the respective printing forme magazine 38; 39 the shafts 41; 43 and 42, respectively; 44 separate from each other ( Fig. 5 ). To ensure good access to the shafts 41 even when the paper web 46 is running; 43 and 42, respectively; 44 to enable, for. B. for removing a used printing plate 36; 37 from the shafts 41; 42 or to provide a new printing plate 36; 37 in the shafts 43; 44, these shafts 41; 43 and 42, respectively; 44 with respect to the running direction of the paper web 46 from a paper web 46 parallel to the side of the printing forme magazines 38; 39 accessible. The printing form magazines 38; 39 each extend preferably over the length of the bale of the forme cylinder 31; 33, but at least over the width B of the printing plate 36; 37, and in their respective shafts 41; 43 and 42, respectively; 44, a printing plate 36; 37 preferably completely, that is to record their length L after. The shafts 41; 43 and 42, respectively; 44 are preferably in a housing, wherein the housing has an opening o38; o39, parallel to the bale of the respective forme cylinder 31; 33 alignable and by a printing plate 36; 37, the forme cylinder 31; 33 can be fed or from this into the slot 41; 43 is insertable. For this purpose, the openings o38; o39 the printing form magazines 38; 39 with respect to the respective opening 09 in the form of cylinders 31; 33 at a much smaller distance a38; a39 to the forme cylinder 31; 33 introduced as the length L of the printing plates 36; 37 is. Are advantageous Distances a38; a39 between 2% and at most 50% of the length L of the printing plates 36; 37, in particular short distances a38; a39 to 10% of the length L. It is advantageous to arrange at least the printing forme magazine 39 arranged above the paper web 46 so that it can move from a rest position preferably above the printing unit to the forme cylinder 33 into a working position z. B. approached or can be pivoted. Due to the movable arrangement of the printing forme magazines 38; 39 results in better accessibility to the printing z. B. to carry out the work required there, z. B. Maintenance work.

A movably arranged printing form magazine 38; 39 is in its working position in front of a forme cylinder 31; 33 at its distance a38; a39 and its orientation to the forme cylinder 31; 33 fixed by a lock 83 ( Fig. 5 ). The lock 83 may, for. B. done by a taper bolt 83, the z. B. with respect to the forme cylinder 31; 33 is stationary and in an opening in the housing of the printing forme magazine 38; 39 engages and a to the forme cylinder 31; 33 z. B. pivoted-up printing plate magazine 38; 39 with its openings o38; o39 with respect to the bale of the forme cylinder 31; 33 centered. The taper bolt 83 is preferably designed such that during its engagement in the housing of the printing forme magazine 38; 39 does not occur a self-locking effect, but its bevel only for positioning the printing forme magazine 38; 39 is used. It is advantageous, the forme cylinder 31; 33 page register moderate in a predefined position relative to the printing plate magazine 38; 39 to bring him to z. B. with respect to the page register to zero, before there is an exchange of a printing plate 36; 37 between the forme cylinder 31; 33 and the printing form magazine 38; 39 is coming. Alternatively to the setting of the forme cylinder 31; 33 can also be the printing form magazine 38; 39 laterally relative to the forme cylinder 31; 33 are brought into a predefined position, so that the exchange of a printing plate 36; 37 between the printing form magazine 38; 39 and the forme cylinder 31; 33 can be targeted and without lateral displacement. The printing form magazine 38; 39 can z. B. thereby in a predefined position laterally relative to the forme cylinder 31; 33 are brought by the printing form magazine 38; 39 laterally is made free of play, which can be done by the printing forme magazine 38; 39 preferably at least one to the forme cylinder 31; 33 directed front portion in an axially to the forme cylinder 31; 33 extending gap is introduced, wherein the gap to the frame of the printing press has fixed side boundaries.

Without limiting the invention to this, it is assumed below that the second, above the paper web 46 arranged, engageable with the forme cylinder 33 printing forme magazine 39 two parallel superimposed shafts 42; 44, namely a lower shaft 42 for receiving a printing plate 37 to be removed and an upper shaft 44 for providing a new printing plate 37. Both shafts 42; 44 are spaced only slightly from each other in the printing forme magazine 39. It is preferably provided that the printing plate 37, which is located in the one slot 42, from a located in the other slot 44 printing plate 37 of the same printing forme magazine 39 z. B. 30 to 40 mm apart, preferably less, whereby a very flat construction of the printing forme magazine 39 is achieved, which is very advantageous.

To remove a used printing forme 37, the printing forme magazine 39 is pivoted in front of the forme cylinder 33 and fixed in such a way that at least the entrance area of the shaft 42 for receiving the printing form to be removed 37 is preferably directed tangentially onto the jacket surface of the forme cylinder 33. The forme cylinder 33 is rotated until an imaginary tangent T1 resting on the slot-shaped opening 09 of the forme cylinder 33 is either aligned with the shaft 42 for receiving the ablated printing forme 37 or runs at least parallel to this shaft 42. As long as no means of the printing forme magazine 39 on the printing plate 37 engage pushing or pulling, only the rotating forme cylinder 33 promotes the abzunehmende printing form 37 in the printing forme magazine 39. The entire process of removing a used printing plate 37 from the forme cylinder 33 can advantageously by an electrical control be controlled, preferably from be remotely controlled associated with the printing press control room.

Preferably, at the beginning of the process for removing a used printing plate 37 from the forme cylinder 33 or at least as soon as the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 has reached the opening o39 of the printing forme magazine 39, in particular when the blanket cylinder 34 is turned off from the forme cylinder 33, in the production direction P of FIG Shaping cylinder 33 spaced from its opening 09 preferably a rolling element 47, which z. B. may consist of several juxtaposed in the axial direction of rollers, employed on the forme cylinder 33, so that the printing plate 37 is pressed not far from its trailing end 04 to the forme cylinder 33. The holding device in the forme cylinder 33 releases the trailing end 04 of the printing forme 37 and this end 04 springs out of the opening 09 due to the elasticity of the printing forme 37. The leading end 03 of the printing plate 37 is at this time still preferably positive fit on the front in the direction of production P of the forme cylinder 16 edge 16 of the opening 09 at.

Next, the forme cylinder 33 rotates counter to its direction of production P, until the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 is inserted into the slot 42 for receiving the ablated printing plate 37 and there positively locked on a holding element 48, preferably by a full-surface concerns of the folded Einhängebelt 14 am Retaining element 48, wherein the holding element 48 z. B. is designed as a pawl 48 ( Fig. 6 ). The holding element 48, ie the pawl 48 thus hooks on the folded suspension leg 14 at the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 a. The holding member 48 is connected to a first, the shaft 42 for receiving the abzunehmenden printing forme 37 associated conveyor 49, preferably arranged parallel to the shaft 42, z. B. pneumatic linear drive, and pulls a hooked form 37 into the shaft 42 into it.

In a preferred embodiment, the first conveyor 49 has a carriage 51 on, on which the holding element 48 z. B. is pivotally mounted by a hinge ( Fig. 6 ). The forme cylinder 33 pushes during its rotation counter to its direction of production P the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 in the slot 42 for receiving the abzunehmenden printing forme 37, wherein the bent at this end 04 suspension leg 14 against a z. B. integrally formed on the carriage 51 or attached stop 52 abuts. The stop 52 is positioned in the shaft 42 such that the leading end 03 of the printing forme 37 is pushed out of the opening 09 in the forme cylinder 33 by the impact of the trailing end 04 of the printing forme 37 on the stop 52. The stop 52 is thus initially arranged at a distance from the opening 09 in the forme cylinder 33 that a printing forme 37 to be removed from the forme cylinder 33, shortly before its length L is completely removed from the forme cylinder 33, with its suspension leg 14 at the trailing end 04 at abuts the stopper 52 and the at the front edge 16 of the opening 09 preferably by a positive engagement and not held by a retaining means 21 suspension leg 13 at the leading end 03 by a transmitted pulse and without the use of elasticity of the leading end 03 from the opening 09 triggers. The positive fit of Einhänlegeels 13 is thus terminated by a short along the length L of the printing plate 37 acting jerk.

It can be provided that the holding element 48 is latched at the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 with the impact on the stop 52. The holding element 48 may, for. B. wedge-shaped and directed with the wedge tip to the opening of the shaft 42, so that the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 during the conveying movement through the forme cylinder 33, the holding member 48 against a force acting on the printing plate 37 force, z. B. the weight of the support member 48 or standing with the holding member 48 in operative connection spring force, first raises until the folded suspension leg 14 engages the trailing end 04 behind the support member 48, after which the support member 48 lowers back to its original position. It can be provided that the impact of the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 with the Stop 52 triggers a control signal with which the carriage 51 of the first conveyor 49 is set in motion to fully promote the printing plate 37 in the slot 42. Thereafter, the used printing plate 37 can be removed laterally from the shaft 42. The removal can be facilitated by the fact that preferably in the printing forme magazine 39 an ejector 86 is provided which conveys the used printing plate 37 at least as far laterally from the shaft 42 that the printing plate 37 is tangible, so that no grip in the shaft 42 is required.

In the meantime, the rolling element 47 employed against the forme cylinder 33 has again been turned off the forme cylinder 33, preferably immediately before the leading end 03 of the printing forme 37 is pushed out of the opening 09 in the forme cylinder 33. The rolling element 47 was engaged in such a force-fitting manner on the forme cylinder 33 that it assisted the conveying of the printing forme 37 during the rotation of the forme cylinder 33. The carriage 51 of the first conveyor 49 may, for. B. be guided in laterally mounted rails or in ball bushings. It is advantageous to arrange an articulated, preferably pivotable baffle 53 in front of the opening of the printing forme magazine 39 which can be directed onto the forme cylinder 33, close to the forme cylinder 33 ( Fig. 5 ), with which a released from the opening 09 in the forme cylinder 33 trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 is directed to the shaft 42 for receiving the abzunehmenden printing forme 37 is passed. In particular, an erroneous access to the shaft 44 is obstructed with the guide plate 53 for a printing plate 37 to be removed from the forme cylinder 33, in which a new printing plate 37 can be provided.

In preparation for mounting a new printing plate 37 on the forme cylinder 33, the printing forme 37 to be mounted is preferably inserted into the upper shaft 44 of the printing forme magazine 39 by a side which is easily accessible during the printing process. Thereafter, the assembly of the new printing forme 37 on the forme cylinder 33, which must be free for this printing forme 37, ie, unoccupied, set in motion by an electrical control associated with the printing press, preferably a control station become. Preferably triggered by a remote control signal from the control station, a second, the upper shaft 44 for providing the new printing plate 37 associated conveyor 54 is set in motion to advance the new printing plate 37 from the shaft 44 of the printing forme magazine 39 in the direction of the forme cylinder 33 ( Fig. 7 ). The second conveyor 54 may, for. B. be a pneumatic linear drive, which is in particular for a hanging in the shaft 44 arranged printing plate 37, as it is in the above the paper web 46 arranged printing forme magazine 39 is the case, advantageously designed as an inclined elevator, which means that the second conveyor 54 a Carriage 56 z. B. having a groove 57 into which the bent suspension leg 14 engages the trailing end 04 of the new printing plate 37 preferably when inserting this printing plate 37 in the slot 44 of the printing forme magazine 39, wherein the carriage 56 when pushing out the printing plate 37 from the shaft 44, however, is not moved parallel to the printing forme 37, but moves farther and farther away from the printing forme 37, so that the folded suspension lug 14 is released at the trailing end 04 of the new printing forme 37 from the groove 57, while the carriage 56 ejects the printing forme 37 the shaft 44 carried out. Thus, the second conveyor 54 with its conveying direction to the printing plate 37 form an opening angle of less than 30 °, preferably from 15 ° to 20 °. This selected opening angle is then fixed during conveying and not changeable. The conveying of the printing forme 37 can be assisted by a stop 58 formed on or attached to the carriage 56, the stop 58 acting in a sliding manner against the suspension leg 14 of the trailing end 04 of the new printing forme 37.

By the second conveyor 54, the new printing plate 37 is preferably pushed tangentially with its leading end 03 against the forme cylinder 33 until the bent at this leading end 03 suspension leg rests on the lateral surface of the forme cylinder 33. During the conveyance out of the printing plate 37 from the shaft 44 in its mounting direction M, the printing plate 37 by a slider 59th or by at least one laterally arranged in the shaft 44, articulated, in particular pivotable lever 59 against a the slider 59 or lever 59 arranged opposite, in the shaft 44 fixed, one or more parts, undeformable, lateral stop 61 out, so that the printing forme 37th is aligned defined in its mounting direction M and thus also in the axial direction to the forme cylinder 33 ( Fig. 8 ). It can be provided in the shaft 44 and a plurality of slides 59 59 lever, which may be particularly advantageous for printing plates 37 of great length L. Also, the forme cylinder 33 is advantageously brought seitenregistermäßig in a predefined position by z. B. is zeroed with respect to the page register before the new printing plate 37 is applied to it. The pivot axis of the lever 59 is preferably arranged perpendicular to the support surface 02 of the printing plate 37. The at least one lever 59 preferably engages intermittently on the side of the printing plate 37, wherein the employment of the lever 59 is preferably effected by a pneumatically actuated actuating means against the force of a spring. The lever 59 is advantageously impulsively deflected during its employment, so that it gives the printing forme 37 only a momentarily acting thrust, but that the printing plate 37 otherwise z. B. in their mounting direction M can be moved freely. Since the lever 59 acts only briefly on the printing plate 37, the printing plate 37 can also be conveyed back into the shaft 44, if necessary, without the lever 59 would hinder movement of the printing plate 37 against its mounting direction M. The slider 59 or lever 59 is preferably activated for the purpose of aligning the printing plate 37 when the printing plate 37 is conveyed out of the shaft 44. If a further stop 63 is provided in the mounting direction M of the printing plate 37, the lever 59 can then press the printing plate 37 laterally and align in the axial direction to the forme cylinder 33, while the printing plate 37 is present at the further stop 63. With a preferably by a pneumatically actuated adjusting means laterally against a printing plate 37 with a within certain tolerance limits variable width B deflected lever 59 regardless of the actual width dimension of the printing plate 37 is always the the same amount of force is applied to the printing forme 37.

Even before the leading end 03 of the printing forme 37 reaches the forme cylinder 33, a rolling element 62 is set against the forme cylinder 33 and a stop 63 is brought close to the forme cylinder 33 ( Fig. 9 ). The rolling element 62 may consist of a plurality of rollers arranged side by side in the axial direction. The stop 63, which may also consist of several juxtaposed in the axial direction of segments, is arranged in the mounting direction M of the printing plate 37 in front of the rolling element 62 or adjacent to the rolling element 62. The abutment 63 has a bevel 64 facing the forme cylinder 33, whose notional rectilinear extension intersects the lateral surface at an intersection point C. At the point of intersection C, an imaginary third tangent T3 rests on the lateral surface of the forme cylinder 33, with which the bevel 64 or its fictitious extension forms an acute angle δ, which is opened in the direction of the printing forme 37 brought up to the forme cylinder 33. The stop 63 may, for. B. may be formed as a wedge, which is fixedly connected to a support for the rolling element 62. The leading end 03 of the brought to the forme cylinder 33 new printing plate 37 abuts the bevels 64 of the stopper 63, whereby the printing plate 37 is aligned with the forme cylinder 33. The previously described alignment of the printing forme 37 with the levers 59 can also take place at the end of the conveying out of the printing forme 37 out of the shaft 44, when the leading end 03 of the printing forme 37 is already in contact with the stop 63.

The leading end 03 of the brought up to the forme cylinder 33 new printing plate 37 is supplied to the lateral surface of the forme cylinder 33 that the beveled at the leading end 03 suspension leg 13 pressed on the outer surface of the forme cylinder 33. The opening angle α1 between the folded suspension leg 13 and the extended length L of the printing plate 37 can be slightly reduced by the pressure exerted by the stop 63 on the leading end 03 of the printing plate 37 in the direction of the forme cylinder 33 pressure. Since the with the Opening angle α1 of preferably 45 ° bent suspension legs 13 at the leading end 03 a length 113 in the range of z. B. 4 mm to 11 mm, in particular 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably 6 mm, the leading end 03 of the printing forme 37 is close to the lateral surface of the forme cylinder 33 and close to one on the forme cylinder 33 in Aufaufspunkt the Einhängewelt 13th resting fourth tangent T4. The distance a37 is z. B. 2.5 mm to 6 mm. The rolling element 62 attached to the forme cylinder 33 in conjunction with the abutment 63 has a radius r62 which is chosen to be somewhat larger than the dimension of the distance a37. The radius r62 is z. B. in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably at 10 mm.

To mount the printing forme 37, the forme cylinder 33 is rotated to such an extent that the folded-in leg 03 of the printing forme 37 can be set up in the production direction P of the forme cylinder 33 at a distance a09 behind the rear edge 16 of the opening 09 on the lateral surface of the forme cylinder 33 , wherein the distance a09 is less than a curve piece of the length of a quarter, in particular one-eighth of the circumference of the cylinder 06. Preferably, the distance a09 is significantly smaller than the length of the circumference of the rolling element 62. A preferred embodiment provides that the am leading end 03 folded support legs 13 of the printing forme 37 is placed at a distance a09 of 5 mm to 10 mm behind the opening 09.

While the forme cylinder 33 continues to rotate in its production direction P, the suspension leg 13 of the printing forme 37 bent at the leading end 03 hooks into the opening 09 of the forme cylinder 33, supported by a force FR directed radially to the forme cylinder 33. The radially directed to the forme cylinder 33 force FR correlates with the pressure with which the leading end 03 of the printing plate 37 is pressed against the forme cylinder 33. The pressure results from the pressure exerted by the stop 63 contact pressure and can be enhanced by the weight FG of the printing plate 37 or in that the leading end 03 of the printing plate 37 with a direction of action is resiliently biased against the forme cylinder 33.

Notwithstanding the described embodiment for the arranged above the paper web 46 printing forme magazine 39 is located in the below the paper web 46 printing plate magazine 38, the printing plate 36 in the shaft 43 to provide the new printing plate 36 at least partially, preferably between 30% and 50% of their length L. on a run 66 on ( Fig. 10 ), wherein the printing plate 36 is preferably held by its own weight preferably frictionally on the support 66. Thus, it is not necessary to use for holding the printing plate 36 on the support 66 foreign energy, for. B. by a vacuum-loaded sucker, which fixes the printing plate 36 on the support 66. The support 66 is movable by a third conveyor 67, which may be configured as a pneumatic linear drive and with the aid of which the new printing plate 36 with its leading end 03 against gravity rising preferably can be pushed tangentially to the forme cylinder 31. For this purpose, the suspension leg 14 is located at the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 36, preferably in turn to a stop 58, which may be attached to the support 66 or molded. When the printing forme 36 is conveyed against the forme cylinder 31 against the force of gravity, a means corresponding to the stop 63 is dispensed with. The third conveying device 67, like the second conveying device 54, is therefore preferably designed as a translatory conveying device which executes a travel.

In the printing form magazine 39 arranged above the paper web 46, the suspension legs 13; 14 of the printing plate 37 upwards and the printing plate 37 can be arranged hanging in the shaft 44 by the attached at the trailing end 04 of the printing plate 37 suspension leg 14 on the carriage 56 of the second conveyor 54 is held ( Fig. 7 ), while arranged in the below the paper web 46 printing forme magazine 38, the suspension legs 13; 14 of the printing forme 36 downwards, ie towards the support 66 for the printing forme 36 ( Fig. 10 ).

In the printing forme magazine 38 arranged underneath the paper web 46, a fourth conveying device 68 with a holding element 69 mounted in an articulated manner, in particular pivotally mounted, can be accommodated in the chute 41 for receiving a printing forme 36 to be removed from the forme cylinder 31 in accordance with the described exemplary embodiment for the printing forme magazine 39 arranged above the paper web 46. be provided in particular a pawl, so that the holding member 69 on the suspension leg 14 of the trailing end 04 a used printing plate 36, which is unwound by the rotation of the forme cylinder 31 and pushed into the shaft 41, and hooks by the movement of the fourth conveyor 68 preferably completely into the slot 41 ( Fig. 11 ).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

Elevator, printing form

02

Bearing surface (01)

03

End, leading (01)

04

End, trailing (01)

05

-

06

cylinder

07

Lateral surface (06)

08

channel

09

Opening (08)

10

-

11

Bending edge (13)

12

Bending edge (14)

13

suspension leg

14

suspension leg

15

-

16

Edge, front, first (09)

17

Edge, rear, second (09)

18

wall

19

wall

20

-

21

holding means

22

spring element

23

actuating means

24

supporting; rolling

25

-

26

edge

27

Touch line, contact point

28

position fixing

29

point of contact

30

-

31

Cylinder, forme cylinder, first

32

Cylinder, blanket cylinder, first

33

Cylinder, forme cylinder, second

34

Cylinder, blanket cylinder, second

35

-

36

printing form

37

printing form

38

Printing forme magazine

39

Printing forme magazine

40

-

41

shaft

42

shaft

43

shaft

44

Shaft closed

45

-

46

Substrate, paper web

47

rolling

48

Holding member; pawl

49

Conveyor, first

50

-

51

carriage

52

attack

53

baffle

54

Conveyor, second

55

-

56

carriage

57

groove

58

attack

59

slide; lever

60

-

61

attack

62

rolling

63

attack

64

Slope of the stop (63)

65

-

66

edition

67

Conveyor, third

68

Conveyor, fourth

69

Holding member; pawl

70

-

71

-

72

-

73

-

74

-

75

-

76

-

77

-

78

-

79

-

80

-

81

-

82

-

83

detent; bowling pins

84

partition wall

85

-

86

ejector

FR

radial force

FG

weight force

MR

Restoring moment

B

width

C

intersection

D

material thickness

L

length

M

mounting direction

P

production direction

S

slot width

T1

Tangent, first

T2

Tangent, second

T3

Tangent, third

T4

Tangent, fourth

I13

length

I14

length

a09

distance

a37

distance

a38

distance

a39

distance

o38

opening

o39

opening

r62

radius

α1

opening angle

α2

opening angle

β1

opening angle

β2

opening angle

γ

opening angle

δ

angle

Claims (13)

1. Device for mounting a printing plate (36; 37) on a forme cylinder (31; 33) of a printing machine, with a shaft (43; 44) for preparing printing plates (36; 37) to be mounted on the forme cylinder (31; 33), wherein printing plates (36; 37) prepared in the shaft (43; 44) have a different width (B) at least within particular boundaries of tolerance, wherein every printing plate (36; 37) has two sides in its mounting direction (M) with a length (L), wherein at least one slide (59) gripping onto one side of the printing plate (36; 37) parallel to the length (L) is provided, characterised in that, on the other side of the printing plate (36; 37) parallel to the length, at least one fixed (relative to the shaft) catch (61) is provided, wherein a pneumatically-operated placer moves the slide (59) and the moved slide (59) pushes the printing plate (36; 37) to be mounted against the catch (61).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) intermittently grips onto the particular printing plate (36; 37) to be mounted.
3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) pushes printing plates (36; 37) of varying widths (B) to be mounted essentially uniformly with the same force against the catch (61).
4. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) and the catch (61) are arranged in the shaft (43; 44).
5. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the shaft (43; 44) is arranged in a printing plate magazine (38; 39).
6. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) and the catch (61) align the printing plate (36; 37) side register-wise in the axial direction to the forme cylinder (31; 33).
7. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) pushes the printing plate (36; 37) laterally against the catch (61), before the printing plate (36; 37) is conveyed in the mounting direction (M) out of the shaft (43; 44).
8. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) is stopped by the printing plate (36; 37), while the printing plate (36; 37) is conveyed in the mounting direction (M) out of the shaft (43; 44).
9. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that a further catch (63) is provided in the mounting direction (M) of the printing plate (36; 37), wherein the slide (59) ejects the printing plate (36; 37) laterally, while the printing plate (36; 37) is present on the further catch (63).
10. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (59) is made up of a mounted lever (59).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the lever (59) can be rotated about an axis arranged perpendicular to a work surface (02) of the printing plate (36; 37).
12. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the placer moves the slide (59) in pulses.
13. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the placer moves slider (59) against the force of a spring.

Images