EP2011652A2 - Device for supplying washing fluids to printing presses - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (4) has a wash fluid applying device applying wash fluid, and a wash fluid supplying device supplying wash fluid to the wash fluid applying device. The wash fluid supplying device has a wash fluid reservoir arranged between a wash fluid dosing device and a wash fluid inlet (61). The reservoir is supplied with the wash fluid via the wash fluid inlet. An inlet side of the dosing device is supplied with the wash fluid via the reservoir. The wash fluid applying device is supplied with the wash fluid via an outlet side of the dosing device. An independent claim is also included for a printing machine.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a printing machine which has at least one printing unit with at least one pressure roller and a washing device, and such a washing device for cleaning a pressure roller of a printing unit of a printing machine.

Background of the invention and prior art

There exist in the prior art printing machines in which automated devices are used for surface cleaning of printing rollers. Such devices are e.g. designed on the basis of a cloth or a cleaning roller. The washing process works such that a washing liquid, e.g. is applied by a spray tube on the cleaning element and then the cleaning element is brought into contact with the pressure roller.

Due to the pollution occurring, a cleaning effect is usually achieved with the aid of a solvent-containing washing liquid.

Many of the solvents used are rather volatile and therefore evaporate under normal conditions. In this case, resulting solvent mixtures for the operating staff of printing presses can be harmful to health. In addition, a solvent-based air mixture can be a source of danger due to the associated risk of explosion. The use of solvents is especially critical in printing machines, which have a hot air dryer with which the printed web is dried. In such printing machines must be ensured that the solvent concentration is kept at least in the hot air dryer below a certain value.

The use of solvents can therefore be done only in compliance with certain standards and requires suitable machinery and devices in the handling of solvents. Such a standard is e.g. the EN 1539.

In the printing industry, devices for metering and providing washing liquids are known, in which a supply pump, which is in each case connected to the corresponding spraying device in the washing apparatus, is placed in a device cabinet, which is installed centrally in front of the entire printing press. Another printing press is out of the EP 1 719 621 known. In this document, a central pump is described, which supplies a plurality of spray devices with cleaning liquid, wherein the spray device are controlled by individual valves, which are mounted in front of the spray devices.

task

It is an object of the invention to provide a printing machine with a washing device and such a washing device, wherein the washing device can be supplied in a controlled and economical manner with a washing fluid, whereby compliance with the safety regulations is ensured and wherein the washing device is inexpensive to manufacture.

Solution of the task

The object is achieved by the devices and the method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a washing apparatus for cleaning a printing roll of a printing unit of a printing press, comprising a washing fluid application device for applying a washing fluid and a washing fluid supply device for supplying the washing fluid application device with the washing fluid, the washing fluid supply device comprising a washing fluid inlet, a washing fluid reservoir and a washing fluid dose direction having an inlet side and wherein the wash fluid reservoir is arranged between the wash fluid metering device and the wash fluid inlet, wherein the wash fluid reservoir is supplied with the wash fluid via the wash fluid inlet, wherein the input side Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is supplied via the Waschfluidreservoir with the wash fluid, and wherein the Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung over the output side of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung can be supplied with the washing fluid.

The washing fluid reservoir is preferably configured such that a decoupling of the washing fluid metering device from the pressure with which the washing fluid can be acted upon in the washing fluid inlet can be effected by the washing fluid reservoir. In this case, the washing fluid reservoir and the washing fluid inlet are designed such that a sufficient amount of washing fluid can be provided in the washing fluid reservoir on the one hand in order to ensure a supply of the washing fluid metering device during operation. On the other hand, the washing fluid reservoir is preferably designed such that the washing fluid in the washing fluid reservoir can be limited to a pressure level or can be provided with a pressure level that is lower than an excess pressure of the washing fluid metering device. Excessive pressure in this sense refers to the pressure at the inlet side of the washing fluid metering device would have to be in order to lead to an exit of washing fluid from the Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung without activity of Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung. The preferred pressure level is therefore less than the pressure required to overcome the flow resistance of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung at a standstill. When using displacement pumps as Waschfluiddosiervorrichtungen with valves in the working space of the pump, the Überfilussdruck eg substantially correspond to the opening pressure of the exhaust valve. The described pressure decoupling in the region of the washing fluid reservoir therefore prevents an uncontrolled outflow of washing fluid.

Also preferred is an embodiment of the washing device, in which a storage reservoir is further provided, from which the washing fluid inlet is fed and wherein the storage memory is arranged at a height level above the Waschfluidreservoir, such that the washing fluid supply can be effected by gravity.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to a washing device in which a storage reservoir and a washing fluid pump are further provided, and wherein the washing fluid inlet can be fed from the storage reservoir by means of the washing fluid pump. Preferably, the storage reservoir is provided at a level below the Waschfluidreservoirs, so that the pumping power to overcome the difference in height is required. This contributes to the leakage protection, since in the described level difference, a conveying means such as a pump for conveying the washing fluid against gravity is required.

Preferably, such a washing apparatus has a configuration in which the washing fluid reservoir is formed as a container communicable with the atmosphere outside the washing fluid reservoir into which the washing fluid inlet opens, the washing fluid inlet being provided with a fluid inlet valve which depends on a washing fluid level of the washing fluid in the wash fluid Washing fluid reservoir is regulated such that the washing fluid level in the washing fluid reservoir in a preferred filling area is einpegelbar.

A preferred volume of the wash fluid reservoir is from 0.2 l to 5 l, more preferably between 0.5 l and 2 l. The filling area is preferably between a level of 1/3 and a level of 2/3 of the container volume. The washing fluid inlet is preferably fed from the storage reservoir, the feed being e.g. caused by a height level difference and / or wherein the washing fluid inlet takes place via a pump feed from the storage reservoir. In this case, in a printing press with a plurality of printing units, preferably a plurality of washing fluid reservoirs can be fed from a storage reservoir with washing fluid. Furthermore, a plurality of washing devices of a printing unit from a washing fluid reservoir can be supplied with washing fluid. The communication of the wash fluid reservoir with the atmosphere outside of the container may, for example, be effected via a hole in a container cover of the container so that the pressure inside the wash fluid reservoir corresponds to the ambient pressure. This preferred design has the advantage that air pockets trapped in the washing fluid are separated and that the washing fluid of the downstream washing fluid metering device is depressurized on its inlet side. Another preferred design is via a preferably spring-loaded valve, which opens when exceeding a limit pressure in the container interior. Additionally or alternatively, an overflow line can be provided, via which the washing fluid can be discharged in a controlled manner when a limit pressure and / or a limit level of the washing fluid level is exceeded.

Furthermore, such a washing device is preferred, in which a fill level sensor is provided, by means of which a wash fluid level in the wash fluid reservoir can be detected. It is preferred if a plurality of fill level sensors are provided, by means of which, in particular, a drop below a minimum level and / or an exceedance of a maximum level in the wash fluid reservoir can be detected. Furthermore, an alarm device is preferably provided which is designed such that an alarm can be output via it as a function of the detection of a limit level.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to such a washing device, in which the fluid inlet valve is designed as a self-regulating float valve.

Further preferred is a design of a washing device in which the fluid inlet valve is designed as an electronically controllable valve.

Furthermore, such a washing device preferably has a design in which the fluid inlet valve can be actuated based on the level detected by the fill level sensor.

Also preferred is an embodiment of the washing device, in which the pump feed can be controlled based on the level detected by the fill level sensor. Particularly advantageous is a combination of level-based pump control and level-based valve control, since in this way a redundant leakage protection is provided. This is especially the case when the storage reservoir is provided at a level below the washing fluid reservoir.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to such a washing device in which the washing fluid reservoir is formed as a pipe section of the washing fluid inlet, wherein between the washing fluid reservoir and the washing fluid inlet a pressure regulating device is provided, through which the fluid flow is controllable in dependence on a washing fluid pressure in the washing fluid reservoir, the wash fluid pressure in the wash fluid reservoir is adjustable to a preferred pressure level below the overflow pressure. Such a pressure control device is preferably designed as a mechanical pressure reducer. Also conceivable is an electronically controllable pressure control device, which can be controlled based on pressure values of a pressure sensor and / or a fill level sensor. In that regard, the statements made above for valves and / or pump feeds, which can be controlled via one or more fill level sensors, apply accordingly. A trained as a pipe section Waschfluidreservoir has Further preferred is a vent valve and / or a vent valve, so that the line system can be vented in this embodiment, so that, for example, air bubbles can be eliminated from the washing fluid.

Also preferred is an embodiment of the washing device, wherein the output side of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is connected via a Waschfluidausgangsleitung with the Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung and wherein the Waschfluidausgangsleitung has a line length, which is preferably less than 3 m, more preferably less than 1 m and more preferably less than 0.5 m is.

A washing fluid application device in the sense of the invention preferably has a tube which has a number of nozzles distributed over the length of the tube, wherein the nozzles are preferably designed as flat jet nozzles. In another variant, the nozzles can be designed as simple holes. About the Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung washing fluid, for example, by leaking, dripping, spraying, spraying or otherwise on a corresponding body of the washing device z. As a washing brush or a wash cloth or be applied directly to the roller to be cleaned. In this case, the washing fluid output line is preferably arranged between the washing fluid application device and the outlet side of the washing fluid metering device. In the case of a multi-part design, the "cable length" in this sense is taken to be the cable length of the "washing fluid output line" component. In one-piece design with the washing fluid application device, the conduit length is considered to be the distance between a pressure-side outlet of the washing fluid metering device and the first nozzle of the washing fluid application device. As a result of the described, location-oriented attachment of the assemblies washing device or washer fluid application device and Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung and due to the resulting short conduction paths, the laying geometry is advantageous for a plurality of washing devices largely exactly the same definition. Preferably, the washing fluid reservoir is disposed close to the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung. Furthermore, it is preferred if the individual Waschfluiddosiervorrichtungen in Ratio to the one or more Waschfluidreservoirs are arranged so that they have to overcome about the same suction resistance. Accordingly, it is preferred if wash fluid input lines, which are arranged on the input side of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtungen between the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtungen and the respective Waschfluidreservoir have the same line lengths and / or have the same cross section and / or wherein the height level difference between the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtungen and the respective Waschfluidreservoir substantially comparable are. If this is not possible for technical reasons, it is preferable, for example, to compensate for differences in the height level in the input-side lines, for example by providing throttles or similar measures. As a result, a fast, uniform and reliable reaction speed of the system can be achieved. Furthermore, this preferred embodiment has the advantage that the laying of long fluid lines to each of the individual applicators can be saved, which can lead to significant cost savings. Furthermore, it has surprisingly been found that the fluid ejection at the nozzles of the washing fluid application device is uncontrollably delayed by an elastic cross-sectional change and thus volume change of the previously usual, long lines and, for example, a spray pattern of a spray device to be achieved is impaired. This negative effect is avoided by the preferred design. By providing a separate Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung per Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung further small, light metering pumps can be provided. Due to the small size of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung and the associated weight of the moving parts of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung, as well as because of the short line paths to be moved to small volumes of washing fluid short reaction times and high frequencies can be achieved. By high spraying of a designed as a spraying device Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung a uniform washing fluid application is advantageously achieved.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to a washing device, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is a metering pump, preferably a positive displacement pump. Suitable positive displacement pumps include diaphragm pumps, rotary piston pumps, rotary lobe pumps, rotary vane pumps, rotary lobe pumps, gear pumps, eccentric screw pumps, piston pumps, axial piston pumps, reciprocating pumps, swash plate pumps, tumble pumps, peristaltic pumps, screw pumps (also called screw pumps, helical piston pump or screw compressor), sine pumps, toothed belt pumps or other positive displacement pumps. Instead of a positive displacement pump and a flow pump can be used.

Preferably, such a washing device has a design in which the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is designed such that the washing fluid is conveyed in working cycles, wherein per stroke a defined reproducible delivery volume of 0.5 ml to 20 ml, preferably from 1 ml to 10 ml and more preferably from 2 ml to 5 ml can be conveyed. Defined reproducible in this sense means that the volume deviation between the individual working strokes is preferably below 5%, more preferably below 3%, even more preferably below 1%.

Also preferred is such a washing device in which the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is designed such that the washing fluid is conveyed in working cycles, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung with a clock frequency of at least 3 Hz, more preferably of at least 5 Hz, more preferably of at least 10 Hz is operable. The specified minimum operating ranges are to be understood so that the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung should be operable in this clock range. Depending on the operating state, the actual timing may also be below or above the specified ranges.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to such a washing device, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung has a clock control unit which cooperates with the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung such that the washing fluid is conveyed in working cycles, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung with respect to the Number of executed work cycles is controllable. It is particularly preferred if in such a washing device a Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is used, which promotes a defined reproducible delivery volume per stroke as described above, so that the total or funded over a certain period of total delivery volume can be determined by multiplying the work cycles generated with the delivery volume per clock is. In this way, the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung based on the clock control variable, with which it is driven, at the same time be used as volume flow meter.

Further preferred is a design of a washing device in which the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung has a clock control unit which cooperates with the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung such that the washing fluid is conveyed in power strokes, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung with respect to the working time, while the washing fluid is conveyed controllable.

Furthermore, such a washing device preferably has a design in which the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung comprises a clock control unit which cooperates with the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung such that the washing fluid is conveyed in power strokes, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung with respect to the clock frequency at which the washing fluid is conveyed controllable ,

Also preferred is an embodiment of the washing apparatus, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung further comprises one or more clock sensors, which are designed and arranged such that by means of the one or more of the clocks the number of working cycles of Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung and / or the frequency of the working cycles of Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung and / or the operating time of the washing fluid metering device is detectable. Particular preference is given; if a Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung is used in such a washing device, which promotes a defined reproducible delivery volume per stroke, so that the total or funded over a certain period of time total delivery volume can be determined by multiplying the completed cycles with the delivery volume per clock. In such a Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung the clock sensors are particularly easy to design. For example, the number of revolutions of a driving shaft of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung can be tapped via the clock sensor. Due to the working strokes per revolution of the shaft, the total number of working strokes and thus the conveyed total delivery volume can be determined. From this example is apparent; in that the term clock sensor comprises any type of sensor which is suitable for determining clock-related variables of the washing fluid metering device.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to such a washing device in which the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung via the clock control unit in response to one or more of the detected variables clock number, clock frequency and operating time is adjustable. Such a regulation therefore takes into account, over the operating time, a feedback between the desired washing fluid output and the actually achieved wash fluid output.

Preferably, such a washing device has a design, wherein the washing device further comprises a monitoring unit which is designed such that the clock control variables cycle number, clock frequency and / or operating time and / or the independently detected clock sensor values cycle number, clock frequency and / or operating time can be monitored independently and an alarm is generated when either the clock control value or the clock sensor values exceed or fall below a certain value. It is preferred if both one or more clock control variables are taken into account by the monitoring unit as well as one or more detected clock sensor quantities. It is also conceivable to provide a plurality of separate monitoring units and / or to intervene instead of or in addition to the issuance of an alarm to control the timing and / or regulation of the washing fluid metering device, e.g. to generate an emergency stop.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a printing machine with at least one pressure roller and a washing device described above. usual Printing machines are eg offset printing machines (eg sheet-fed offset printing machines or web offset printing machines), flexographic printing machines, gravure printing machines or other printing machines. These printing machines can have one or more printing units (eg several printing towers for different colors). The printing units may each have one or more rollers to be cleaned, eg inking rollers, guide rollers, impression cylinders and blanket cylinders or other rollers). As a rule, a washing device is provided for each of the rollers to be cleaned. Each washing device is provided with a washing fluid applicator for each washing fluid to be used. Preferably, the washing devices can be supplied with a plurality of different washing fluids, for each of which different washing fluid supply devices are provided.

Also preferred is an embodiment of the printing press, wherein at least one washing fluid reservoir is provided per pressure unit and washing fluid, via which a plurality of washing devices can be supplied with washing fluid.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to a printing machine in which the printing press has at least one central washing fluid inlet per washing fluid, from which a plurality of washing fluid reservoirs can be fed with washing fluid.

Preferably, such a printing press has a design in which the printing press has at least one central storage reservoir per washing fluid, from which a plurality of washing fluid reservoirs can be fed with washing fluid.

Also preferred is such a printing machine, which further comprises a dryer for drying a printed substrate, wherein the Waschfluideintrag is determined in the substrate on the basis of the clock control variables and / or detected clock sensor sizes.

A further advantageous embodiment relates to such a printing machine, wherein the detergent entry in a central control, and / or Monitoring unit under consideration of washing device-related weighting factors can be determined. Such washing device-related weighting factors can be determined, for example, based on the arrangement of the respective washing device in the printing machine and can enter into a calculation algorithm of one of the described control, regulation and / or monitoring units as a variable or fixed factor. For example, the factors can be determined as part of a calibration or calibration of a printing press. The idea is based on the idea that the washing fluid output of different washing devices can contribute to a washing fluid entry into the printing material in different ways and therefore has a different relevance with regard to the operational reliability of the system. For example, a wash fluid ejection in one of the washers that does not or hardly contributes to a wash fluid entry into the substrate is of no or little importance, at least with respect to a washer fluid concentration in the dryer.

In the following, individual particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example. Some of the described embodiments have features that are not necessarily required to practice the present invention, but are generally considered preferred. Thus, embodiments are also considered to be covered by the teaching of the invention, which does not have all the features of the embodiments described below. Similarly, it is conceivable to selectively combine features described with respect to different embodiments.

Short description of the drawing

Fig. 1

shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a printing machine according to the invention.

Fig. 2

shows a part of the schematic representation FIG. 1 in an enlarged view.

Detailed description of the drawing

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of the same, preferred embodiment of a printing press 1 according to the invention. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Certain parts of the printing machine 1, which in FIG. 1 are shown too small in the enlarged view in FIG. 2 shown closer.

Because in FIG. 2 only a part of it FIG. 1 is shown, it is not necessary to distinguish between the two figures in the context of the following description in the rule.

The illustrated preferred printing machine 1 has a plurality of printing units 2, of which two printing units 2 are shown. In the illustrated printing units 2, four printing rollers 3 are symbolically provided, each having a washing device 4. By an arrow, the in FIG. 1 shows from each of the printing units 2 substantially vertically upwards, the direction of passage of a printing material, such as a paper web is shown schematically.

The printing rollers 3 to be cleaned are cleaned in the illustrated preferred printing machine 1 essentially automatically via the washing devices 4. In this case, a washing fluid is applied to cleaning elements in the washing device 4 via washing fluid application devices 5. In the illustrated Embodiment, the cleaning elements are designed as rotatably mounted washing brushes. Also conceivable are washing devices, which are each provided with a cloth as a cleaning element, wherein the cleaning fluid is applied to the cloth, which is weiterergetaktet during the cleaning process.

In the illustrated embodiments, two such Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtungen 5 are provided per washing device 4, of which only one is designated by the reference numeral 5. A design of the printing machine 1 with washing devices 4, which in each case have two or more washing fluid application devices 5, has the advantage that different washing fluids can be used for cleaning. As such cleaning fluids are various solvents, which can be used alternatively or cumulatively, as well as water question. Also conceivable are other cleaning fluids. For example, For example, one of the illustrated wash fluid application devices may be operated with solvent and / or a solvent / water mixture, whereas the other wash fluid application device is operated with water with or without cleaning additives.

How out FIG. 1 it can be seen, the two fluid application devices are each supplied by different Waschfluidnetze. Only the inlet of the washing fluid application device 5 is shown in more detail in the drawing. The supply of the respective other washing fluid application device of the washing devices 4 is shown only schematically by a broken line, which is connected by a faucet also shown schematically (left in the picture), which stands for any type of fluid supply.

The inlet of the washing fluid application device 5, which is shown in more detail in the drawing, comprises a washing fluid supply device 6. This washing fluid supply device 6 is connected to a storage 7, which preferably supplies the entire printing machine 1 with a specific washing fluid at a central location. For this purpose, a washing fluid pump 8 is provided, which the washing fluid from the storage reservoir 7 in a Waschfluidzulauf 61, which can be realized for example by a common pipe.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the wash fluid inlet 61 per wash fluid can be realized by a single tubing, which sequentially supplies the wash reservoirs 62 with wash fluid sequentially and / or through branches branching from the central tubing to individual wash reservoirs 62. For this purpose, e.g. a flow pump or a positive displacement pump are used as the washing fluid pump 8. Preferably, a flow pump, e.g. a centrifugal pump, used, since this has the advantage that it can provide a pressure in operation, without having to produce a constant flow rate. This can e.g. be advantageous if the inflow to the individual Waschfluidreservoirs 62 is controlled by fluid inlet valves 622, wherein it is advantageous if even with closed fluid inlet valves 622, the washing fluid is present at a corresponding pressure.

The fluid inlet valve 622 may be e.g. be performed as a floating valve, which mechanically actuated via a float allows an inflow of washing fluid into the washing fluid reservoir 62 when the level falls in the Waschfluidreservoir below a certain level. Conversely, the valve may block the influx of wash fluid when the wash fluid reservoir is filled above a certain level. In this case, the reservoir preferably has a size between half a liter and two liters. Based on this size, it is considered advantageous if the fluid inlet valve is fully opened when the level in the washing fluid reservoir 62 drops below one third of the container volume. It is also preferred if the inlet valve 622 is completely closed when the level in the wash fluid reservoir 62 rises above two-thirds. Furthermore, it is preferred if the inlet valve can assume different opening states between these areas, which preferably depend proportionally on the fill level.

As can be seen in the schematic illustration, the wash fluid reservoir 62 is preferably designed as a substantially closed container. This has the advantage that no or only a small exchange of evaporated solvent with the atmosphere outside of the washing fluid reservoir 62 is possible. However, it is preferred if the wash fluid reservoir 62 has a vent 621. The vent may be formed as a simple hole so that the interior of the wash fluid reservoir 62 can communicate freely with the environment outside of the wash fluid reservoir 62. This has the advantage that different Waschfluidreservoirs having such an inlet opening in each case have the same pressure in the interior. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the Waschfluidreservoirs 62 are provided with eg spring-loaded valves, which release the vent only at certain pressure differences between the container interior and the container exterior. This embodiment has the advantage that, for example, different pressure levels can be set in the various containers on the basis of different spring-loaded vent valves if required. Another conceivable embodiment can be realized by a float valve in which a valve is closed by the buoyancy of a float when the level exceeds a certain level. Such an embodiment, which may also be provided in addition to a spring-loaded valve, has the advantage of preventing overflow of wash fluid from the wash fluid reservoir 62, thus providing redundant overflow protection in addition to the fluid inlet valve 622.

According to a further preferred embodiment, such fluid inlet valves 622 and / or the vent 621 of the wash fluid reservoirs 62 can be executed by electronically actuatable and / or actuatable valves. Preferably, such electronic valves are driven based on a level signal provided by a level sensor 623. According to a preferred embodiment, two or more fill level sensors are provided in a wash fluid reservoir 62, which can selectively detect certain different fill level levels and / or information about the respective fill level in the wash fluid reservoir 62 over a larger one Provide level range continuously.

A preferred wash fluid supply device 6 further preferably has a wash fluid input line 63 arranged such that a wash fluid metering device 64 can transport the wash fluid in the wash fluid reservoir 62 to the wash fluid applicator 5. Such a wash fluid input line 63 can preferably be realized by a tube which is connected to the wash fluid reservoir 62 in such a way that the wash fluid can preferably be removed from the lower region of the wash fluid reservoir 62 so that the wash fluid application device 5 also has a wash fluid reservoir 62 with a wash fluid at a low fill level can be supplied.

The Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung 64 preferably has a positive displacement pump, which promotes per displacement clock over several cycles reproducible a substantially defined amount of liquid. For example, in a piston pump with a non-adjustable piston, the volume to be delivered is defined by the product of piston cross section and piston stroke. If e.g. a piston pump with adjustable, variable piston stroke is used as Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung 64, the term "defined reproducible volume" in the sense of the volume, which is promoted at a set value to a certain piston stroke of the pump.

Preferably, such a Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung 64 has a control unit which is designed such that the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung 64 in relation to number of work cycles (ie a piston pump number of displacement cycles), clock frequency (ie work cycles per unit time) and delivery time is controllable. In this manner, a preferred wash fluid doser 64 can be controlled for the absolute amount of wash fluid delivered per unit time, total absolute delivery, and / or time-dependent fluid flow. Assuming that the controlled quantities are actually reacted by the washing fluid metering device 64, such a washing fluid metering device 64 can also be used be used solely as a volume meter or volumetric flow meter due to the control.

In order to ensure the measured result redundantly with regard to the volumes and / or volume flows to be measured, a clock sensor or a plurality of clock sensors and / or a monitoring unit 9 is preferably provided, which detected and / or based the actually executed work cycles and / or clock frequency and / or operating time calculate corresponding measured values on the detected values. The detected values of the clock sensors may also be used to directly control the wash fluid metering device 64.

The pumped washing fluid is preferably conveyed to the washing fluid application device 5 via a wash fluid outlet line, which in the preferred embodiment is connected to the pressure side of the wash fluid metering device designed as a positive displacement pump. Such a clocked promoted washing fluid is preferably applied in individual sprays on the cleaning element, which is designed in the figures as a brush roller.

In this case, the washing fluid outlet line 65 is preferably designed as a connecting tube which connects the washing fluid metering device 64 and the washing fluid application device 5 to one another. Such a connecting tube and the washing fluid application device 5 are preferably designed as two separate elements. It is also conceivable that both elements consist of one part, e.g. from a tube, are made.

The washing fluid application device 5 can be designed, for example, as a spray tube, wherein one or more spray nozzles are provided on the spray tube. Such spray nozzles may be formed, for example, as simple holes in the spray tube or as flat jet nozzles, which allow a fine atomization of the washing fluid.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wash fluid output line 65 has a particularly short line length. This has the advantage that only a small amount of fluid, which is located in the wash fluid output line 65, must be accelerated or delayed with each power stroke by the individual sprays. By virtue of this configuration, therefore, a connected washing fluid application device 5 can be clocked at high frequency. This effect is additionally promoted by the fact that preferably one separate washing fluid metering device 64 is provided per washing fluid application device 5. By virtue of this preferred design, such a washing fluid metering device 64 can also have a small overall size, so that the moving parts of such a small washing fluid metering device 64 also promote a high clock frequency.

The conduit length of the wash fluid exit conduit 65 is preferably less than 3 m, more preferably less than 1 m, and most preferably less than half a meter. The washing fluid metering device 64 is preferably designed to allow a rate of bursts of at least 3 Hz, more preferably at least 5 Hz, and most preferably at least 10 Hz.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the monitoring unit 9 described above is designed such that it can also process the detected sensor signals of the fill level sensors 623. In this case, such a monitoring unit 9 may preferably be designed so that the level in the Waschfluidreservoir.62 is controllable due to the detected level signals. Alternatively or additionally, an alarm signal can be output via such a monitoring unit 9 if the fill level in the wash fluid reservoir 62 drops below or above a certain level or rises. It is also conceivable that an alarm is output if the amount of fluid which exceeds a predetermined limit value is conveyed via the washing fluid metering device 64. Alternatively, different monitoring units can be provided for different control, regulation and / or monitoring operations.

Particularly preferably, a monitoring unit 9 is designed in such a way that when calculating the control variables and / or the limit values which lead to the output of an alarm, the detected clock signals which were detected at different washing fluid metering devices 64 have a different value in the calculation incorporated. In this preferred embodiment, the fact is taken into account that the washing fluid ejection of different washing devices 4 in a printing unit 2 or in a printing machine 1 does not equally lead to a washing fluid entry onto the printing material. For example, For example, individual pressure rollers 3 can be in direct contact with the printing material while other printing rollers are arranged at a distance from the printing material. Since, in particular, the entry of washing fluid onto the printing substrate, ie the amount of washing fluid which comes into contact with the printing material and is transported further by it, is safety relevant, the differently evaluated fluid output of different washing devices can lead to a more realistic assessment of the actual detergent introduced. This is particularly advantageous when the substrate, e.g. a printed paper web, e.g. is passed through a hot air dryer at the end of a printing press.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

press

2

printing unit

3

platen

4

washer

5

Washing fluid applicator

6

Wash fluid delivery device

61

Wash fluid inlet

62

Washing fluid reservoir

621

vent

622

Fluid inlet valve

623

Fill level sensor

63

Washing fluid input line

64

Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung

65

Washing fluid output line

7

storage reservoir

8th

Washing fluid pump

9

monitoring unit

Claims (15)

A washing device (4) for cleaning a pressure roller (3) of a printing unit (2) of a printing press (1), the washing device (4) comprising a washing fluid application device (5) for applying a washing fluid and a washing fluid supply device (6) for supplying the washing fluid application device (5) having the washing fluid,
the washing fluid supply device (6) having a washing fluid inlet (61), a washing fluid reservoir (62) and a washing fluid metering device (64) having an inlet side and an outlet side,
wherein the wash fluid reservoir (62) is disposed between the wash fluid metering device (64) and the wash fluid inlet (61), the wash fluid reservoir (62) being supplied with the wash fluid via the wash fluid inlet (61), the inlet side of the wash fluid metering device (64) being above the wash fluid reservoir (62) can be supplied with the washing fluid, and wherein the Waschfluidauftragsvorrichtung (5) via the output side of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) is supplied with the washing fluid. A washing device (4) according to claim 1, further comprising a supply reservoir (7) from which the washing fluid inlet (61) can be fed, and wherein the storage reservoir (7) is arranged at a height above the washing fluid reservoir (62), such that the In the washing device (4) according to claim 1, a storage reservoir (7) and a washing fluid pump (8) are provided, and wherein the washing fluid inlet (61) by means of the washing fluid pump (8) from the storage reservoir (7 ) is fed. A washing apparatus (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing fluid reservoir (62) is formed as a container communicable with the atmosphere outside the washing fluid reservoir (62) into which the Washing fluid inlet (61) opens, wherein the Waschfluidzulauf (61) is provided with a fluid inlet valve (622) which is controllable in dependence on a Waschfluidniveau of the washing fluid in the Waschfluidreservoir (62) such that the Waschfluidniveau in the Waschfluidreservoir (62) in a In addition, a fill level sensor (623) may be provided by means of which a wash fluid level in the wash fluid reservoir (62) is detectable, and / or wherein the fluid inlet valve (622) may be configured as a self-regulating float valve and / or as an electronically controllable valve , The washing apparatus (4) of claim 3, wherein the fluid inlet valve (622) is controllable based on the level detected by the level sensor (623). The washing device (4) of claim 3, wherein the pumping power is controllable based on the level detected by the level sensor (623). Washing device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the washing fluid reservoir (62) is formed as a pipe section of the washing fluid inlet (61), wherein between the washing fluid reservoir (62) and the washing fluid inlet (61) is provided a pressure regulating device, through which the fluid flow depending on a wash fluid pressure in the wash fluid reservoir (62) is controllable such that the wash fluid pressure in the wash fluid reservoir (62) is adjustable to a preferred pressure level below the overflow pressure. A washing apparatus (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exit side of the washing fluid metering device (64) is connected to the wash fluid application device (5) via a wash fluid exit line (65) and wherein the wash fluid exit line (65) has a conduit length which is preferably less than 3 meters more preferred less than 1 m, and more preferably less than 0.5 m. Washing device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) is a metering pump, preferably a positive displacement pump and / or
wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) is designed such that the washing fluid is conveyed in working cycles, wherein per stroke a reproducible reproducible delivery volume of 0.5 ml to 20 ml, preferably from 1 ml to 10 ml and more preferably between 2 ml and 5 ml is eligible and / or
wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) is designed such that the washing fluid is conveyed in working cycles, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) is operable at a clock frequency of at least 3 Hz, more preferably of at least 5 Hz, more preferably of at least 10 Hz and / or
wherein the scrubbing fluid metering device (64) comprises a timing controller cooperating with the scrubbing fluid metering device (64) such that the scrubbing fluid is conveyable in power strokes, the scrubbing fluid metering device (64) being related to the number of power strokes performed and / or to the working time while the wash fluid is being delivered and / or is controllable with respect to the clock rate at which wash fluid is delivered. Washing device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) further comprises one or more clock sensors, which are designed and arranged such that by means of the one or more of the clock sensors, the number of working cycles of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) and / or the frequency the working cycles of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) and / or the operating time of the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) is detectable and / or
wherein the Waschfluiddosiervorrichtung (64) via the clock control unit in response to one or more of the detected variables clock number, clock frequency and operating time is controllable, and / or the washing device (4) further comprises a monitoring unit (9) which is designed such that the clock control variables clock number , Clock frequency and / or operating time and / or the independently detected clock sensor values clock number, clock frequency and / or operating time can be monitored independently and an alarm can be generated when either the clock control variable or the clock sensor values exceeds or falls below a certain value. Printing machine (1) which has at least one printing unit (2) with at least one printing roller (3) and a washing device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 9. Printing machine (1) according to claim 10, wherein the printing machine (1) per printing unit (2) and washing fluid have at least one washing fluid reservoir (62) via which a plurality of washing devices (4) can be supplied with washing fluid. Printing machine (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the printing press (1) has at least one central washing fluid inlet (61) per washing fluid, from which a plurality of washing fluid reservoirs (62) can be fed with washing fluid. Printing machine (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the printing press (1) has at least one central storage reservoir (7) per washing fluid, from which a plurality of washing fluid reservoirs (62) can be fed with washing fluid. Printing machine (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, which has a dryer for drying a printed substrate, wherein the washing fluid is detected in the substrate on the basis of the clock control variables and / or detected clock sensor sizes, is. Printing machine (1) according to claim 14, wherein the detergent entry in a central control, regulation and / or monitoring unit (9) can be determined taking into account washing device-related weighting factors.

Images