EP2566695B1 - Method for setting and device for determining an optimal operating distance between at least two cylinders of a printing unit involved in the printing process - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of claim 23. With such devices and methods, the distance between at least two cylinders involved in the printing process of a printing unit is set.
This is necessary in various printing processes prior to recording the actual printing operation. So should the DE 44 27 967 B4 attributable to the offset printing process. In this document, it is proposed to pass a paper strip between two ink-transporting cylinders. Subsequently, the width of the area provided with paint in this way is measured. In particular, if the area is too small, the employment between the respective rollers is increased.
Of particular interest is the optimization of employment in the field of flexographic printing, since relatively thick, very flexible printing plates are used, which - in particular together with their substructure - have large thickness tolerances. In this context, the EP 1 249 346 B1 Among other things, to observe the printed image of the printing press on the substrate during the adjustment of the rollers with optical sensors. On the basis of the measured values, a control device determines the optimized relative position of the rollers involved in the printing process and adjusts them. Since according to this teaching, the measurement of the - still faulty - print image on the substrate is the basis for the adjustment of the printing roller position, waste is inevitably generated during the adjustment of the roller position.

This circumstance is from the EP 1 916 102 A1 criticized. As a remedy, this document proposes to measure the diameter of format cylinders. Due to the measurement results obtained on the format cylinder, a control device determines the optimized relative position of the format cylinder to the other cylinders involved in the printing process. Based on these values, the control device of the printing press adjusts the position of the format cylinder in the printing press. In this way should be printed wastepaper.

However, this teaching disregards that in addition to the pure dimensions of the printing form, variables such as their modulus of elasticity or the color-splitting behavior of the color printed in each case also influence the printing result.
Another document which deals with the optimization of the color transfer of rolls involved in the printing process in the offset printing process is the DE 102 11 870 A1 , which suggests that rollers that transfer color in the printing process, at standstill (no rotation about the main axis of symmetry) to each other. If the color transport direction of the first of the two rollers is colored at the moment of the mutual adjustment, a color strip is formed on the second roller. This color band becomes clearer when the two rollers touch each other for a while at a standstill.
This color strip can be measured inter alia with a CCD camera after the second roller has been rotated by an angle from the contact position to a position in which the resulting color strip can be viewed.
The width of the color strip is a measure of the pressure between the rollers, so that at a certain width of the right pressure can be assumed. If the strip has a right-angled shape (same width), the main axes of symmetry of the two rolls run parallel.
In addition, just the color strip, which consists of dried ink, reduce the print quality at the start of printing and thus lead to the accumulation of waste again.

The aforementioned method for optimizing the printing cylinder positions after the DE 102 11 870 A1 also involves a great deal of time, since the cylinders must be stopped as mentioned for a certain period of time, so that the color stripe is pronounced on the second cylinder.

The present invention is based on the latter document. Its task is to remedy the aforementioned disadvantages of the same.
The object is solved by the characterizing features of claims 1 and 23. The change in the color film may consist of a decrease in the color transported by the cylinder in question. However, even without such a decrease in color, it may happen that the surface of the color film changes as a result of a contact pressure. Further details of the phenomena mentioned are discussed above all in the present description.

In the method according to the invention, it is further provided to examine the ink film in rotating cylinders. Here, the cylinders can rotate continuously. It is advantageous to carry out at least one continuous rotation (360 ° about the main axis of symmetry), at least two or more such rotations. In a part of the method according to the invention, the cylinders rotate during the entire measurement or keystroke.

Interestingly, it is also possible to measure a contact between downstream color-transporting cylinders on an upstream cylinder, without a printing process takes place, that is, without the substrate finally removes the color.

Especially in this context, however, it is advantageous to carry out the measurement and adjustment of the working distance within a few revolutions (for example 1, 2 or 3), since otherwise saturation effects are manifested in the region of the scanning surface.

A basic idea of the present invention is therefore to detect the change of the color film on a color-transferring cylinder. In this case, the measurement is performed on at least one cylinder, which in the color transport direction (23) is preceded by the second color-receiving cylinder (7) during the printing process.
In other words, it is measured on a cylinder upstream of the nip in the color transporting direction, the nip being limited by the two cylinders whose pitch is being adjusted. It can therefore be measured on the first cylinder that limits the gap. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to measure on a cylinder which is further upstream in the color transport direction.

In the manner described, it is also possible to base the finding of the optimized relative positions of the rolls under realistic conditions on the transfer of color, without necessarily resulting in waste.
Thus, in the case of flexographic printing presses, the position between the anilox roll and the format cylinder can be optimized on the basis of the observation of the anilox roll without waste being produced. An employment of the well-positioned roll stack anilox roller / form cylinder against the impression cylinder can then be made under the production of waste paper. Experiments have shown that in the latter case it is also possible to determine the contact between the format cylinder and the printing material on the anilox roller: Here, color streaks, which have formed due to the lack of ink removal on the printing material, disappear.
It should be added that the relative position of the two cylinders which are already set against each other - in this case the anilox roller and the format cylinder - should advantageously not change during the adjustment to the impression cylinder.
At this point, it is expressly mentioned once again that an impression cylinder which carries printing material on its surface, so that the printing material is transferred in the printing operation color, in the sense of this document is a color-receiving cylinder.

As a rule, the setting of the roll spacing will be made on the basis of the measured values on the basis of a control device set up for this purpose. For this purpose, the control devices will usually be charged with a corresponding computer program. Ever is It is advantageous to carry out or support all methods according to the invention in this way in a computer-implemented manner.

Even with the presence of only two rolls, the method is advantageous. Thus, in gravure printing machines, for example, the color decrease of the gravure cylinder - so the printing plate cylinder - are measured. The impression roller or general impression cylinder is in this case involved in the printing process, but does not participate in the color transport to the substrate or in the printing nip.
Thus, the process has its advantages in two rolls as well as in a color transport over several cylinders and a measurement of the ink film on one of the front rollers. As mentioned, the covering of the surface of the roller with color also changes in the last-mentioned case, when the rollers in the color transporting direction are turned against the following roller or the printing material and ink is actually transported onto the printing material.
As already mentioned, it is advantageous to observe the color film of an anilox roller used, for example, in flexographic printing. This will lose color especially when more cylinders are employed.
But also smooth rolls are used in various printing processes for coloring other rollers involved in the printing process.
It should be added at this point that the terms roller and cylinder in this document are used interchangeably or equivalently.
When determining the optimized relative position of the at least two rollers, the question is how strong the change of the area coverage on the roller must be in order for the control device to have first indications for an optimized roller distance and to end the measuring run. In this context, "measuring travel" is understood to mean the phase of the approach of the rollers, in which measured values are obtained which are used to determine a first optimized relative position.
One possibility is to end the measuring run as soon as a change in the color film on the roller being measured appears. Of course, the amount of paint being transferred at this time is of the sensitivity of the measuring system. In general, however, should be found in this way a Anstellsituation known to the printer as a "Kissprint". Here is a first light touch between the rollers.
At this point, for example, the further measurement of the color transfer can be terminated. However, a further approach can be carried out - if necessary - by the control device. Thus, an adjustment of the cylinders relative to each other by an empirically or computationally determined offset value - ie a further approximation of the cylinders by a distance amount - after reaching this "kiss-print point" or here a first optimized relative position - be brought about by the control device. In this way, then an optimized working distance between the cylinders in question, which is just not usually given when reaching a KissPrintpunktes, can be achieved.
An essential alternative to this procedure is to continue the approach of the cylinder with simultaneous evaluation - "the measurement run" - until a primary threshold or tolerance value - in this case the color decrease - is reached. This primary threshold value can be chosen so that when the primary threshold value is exceeded, the optimized working distance between the cylinders has already been reached, so that no further measures are required in this regard. Accordingly, the adjustment of the relative position of the rollers would be terminated at the end of the measuring run and the optimized working distance would coincide with the first optimized relative position. However, this can also be achieved. Threshold for the color decrease on the cylinder on which is measured, a further approximation of the cylinder by an amount of distance ("offset value") are additionally brought about.
Another way to determine an optimized Druckbeistellsituation is to follow the course of color reduction as a function of relative roll position. Then, if a characteristic course of this function occurs, it is possible, based on experience and calculations, to assume that the optimized relative pressure position of the cylinders has been reached. Thus, the achievement of the optimized printing position of the cylinder is often early on, since the color transfer after Reaching this position barely increases, but on further approach of the rollers enters a saturation region. Due to these facts, the function in question often has inflection points or relative maxima in the area of the optimized printing position. Characteristic points of this kind can be used by the control device to determine the optimized printing position. Often, an optimized relative print position is a "secondary threshold" (ie, a further amount of color decrease) or an "offset value" (ie, a certain amount of travel) away from such a characteristic point. If the course of the function is recorded far enough to calculate the position of such points, the test drive can also be ended here.
Process steps such as recording the function change of the color film / relative roller position, ending the test drive, finding one or more characteristic points of this function, switching on a threshold value and / or offset value can be carried out computer-implemented by the control device. Of course, this also applies to the other methods presented in this document.
From the above, it can be seen that the offset values and the secondary threshold values can be used in connection with all presented methods which determine the duration of the measuring run. The sign of the offset values ("more or less provision") or the secondary threshold values (more or less color transfer) can be positive or negative.

It is advantageous to limit the area of the cylinder or roller on which the measurements are made to the area in which ink can be taken off. In general, therefore, the maximum measuring range of the sensor device will be based on the maximum pressure range (often equal to or slightly larger). One way to realize this is to use a line scan camera that can map the maximum print width. This camera is suspended in a working position in which it can cover the printing area of the machine to the cylinder in question. It makes sense to divide the entire measuring range of the sensor system into subareas. Already the sensor system itself can be modular - z. B. from photodiodes. In this case, the modules of the sensor system will already provide partial images of the entire measuring range, which then no longer needs to be decomposed by a computer unit into subareas.
In addition to the decomposition of the entire possible contact area between two cylinders in different subregions, however, also the measurement of the change of the color film in a subset of subregions comes into question. Thus, under certain conditions, a measurement in a square centimeter-sized partial area may suffice. With newer sensors, subareas with an area in the square millimeter range are conceivable. Since pressure rollers are mounted at their two front ends, however, it is advantageous to carry out measurements in the region of each of the two end faces in order to obtain measured values for each of the two sides. Especially in areas of printing technology, where large tolerances for printing plates and rolls have to be considered - as in packaging printing - several measurements are advantageous.
If measurements are carried out in several subregions, it will be advantageous to use the methods outlined above for determining the optimized relative printing position of the cylinders involved in the subregions. The optimized Anstellsituation should advantageously be considered achieved when the conditions of the respective method are achieved in a subset of the sub-areas.
As sensor devices come as mentioned optical sensors such as cameras in question. The term "optical sensors and cameras" is used in this context, even if non-visible electromagnetic radiation can be recorded.
If electromagnetic radiation is measured, the spectral light intensity is an advantageous measured variable (light intensity per spectral range per area). In this case, it is advantageous to provide a special radiation source which radiates suitable radiation onto the roller. The sensors then measure the remitted radiation. When mounting the radiation source and sensor, the laws of reflection are generally to be observed (which is shown inter alia in the figures).

A device for determining an optimized working distance between two cylinders involved in the printing process may be a printing unit of special equipment or it may be an external drawing from the perspective of the printing press with corresponding additional features. These devices have in common that recordings in which the printing cylinder are rotatably mounted and against each other are available, are present. In addition, the preparation of the printing plate cylinder on the printing, in other words its equipment with the printing plate, can be carried out in an external stretching unit. For this purpose, such a bar may additionally be provided with device features inherent to so-called stands, which are typically used for the armor of flexographic printing format cylinders. Such a device is used for example in the US 5,132,911 B described. More recently, in the field of flexographic pre-press, stretching devices have become known in which a format cylinder is also rotatably mounted. However, this cylinder is provided with a smooth yet completely unprocessed rubber-like cliché, which is processed by a laser ablation unit such that forms the desired printing form. A device according to the invention can also be equipped with such a laser ablation unit or another engraving unit for processing the cliché. Such a unit will be in the WO 9713641 shown.
If the invention is realized in an external unit, then it is not even necessary to actually set the finally held for optimal relative distance between the cylinders involved in the external unit. Rather, it is then necessary to pass on the determined data to the actual printing press, which then also sets these values. For this information transfer, all known communication possibilities between the devices as well as storage in the relevant cylinders (eg RFID with possibility of reading out in the printing press) come into question. The device components which are regular in an inking unit, but which are usually absent in an external tray, include a coloring device. For the purposes of an external stage, such a coloring device may be rudimentary. It can also be loaded with a special test color. Such a text color may be similar Color split properties but have different optical properties ("easier to measure") than the actual color.
In particular, when using largely dielectric inks, the quality of the color film on a roller - in the drawing unit or in the inking unit - can also be determined by capacitive sensors. In this case, it is easy to see that the thickness of the ink film on the surface of the measured roll influences the capacitive measurement. However, an uneven structure of a color film should also play a role here.
In an inking unit according to the invention, the development of the ink film on the roller can also be observed during the printing operation. In this way, dynamic changes in the pressure conditions can be detected with respect to the printing operation. It can be responded to these changes in the current printing operation (eg by other adjustment of the rollers or by changing the viscosity of the ink).
At this point it should be emphasized once again that the change in the color film on the at least one color-transporting cylinder can be carried out with the roller rotating. The measurement can take place while the cylinders - or the cylinders whose relative position is being optimized - are set against each other in the vicinity of their kissprint point and, if necessary, during a measuring run to find an optimized printing position. Moving the rollers apart to perform the measurement is usually unnecessary.
In the following objective description sensors are shown, which are mounted in a working or measuring position to a color-transporting roller. With optical sensors - cameras - radiation sources are often provided. It has been shown that measurements on the ink-transporting rolls, which are possible with the sensors shown, also allow other variables or phenomena relevant to the printing process to be measured or determined. These are explained below in relation to the observation of a flexographic printing plate roller:

Evaluation of the negative image

It has surprisingly been found that a negative image of the print motif which can be easily recognized by suitable sensors is displayed on the anilox roller. This can be compared with the target image of the print image, which is often known from pre-press, which is often available in electronic form (eg pdf). In this way, errors can be detected before they - also occur under waste accumulation.

coloring monitoring

The quality of the coloring of the anilox roller - which is usually carried out by a doctoring chamber - can be monitored before or during the printing process. This is very important because it still happens that there is little or no color on the roller, which of course negatively affects the printed image. However, dry-running rolls of all kinds can also cause inflammations and explosions in printing presses, so that the recognition of the dry roll can be used for "explosion protection" (eg pressure drop or warning signal).

Ghosting or squeegee strips or vibrations

Paint deposits, which can lead to so-called ghosting, or squeegee strips, which can come about by an over-hired and / or vibrating doctor blade on the surface of the anilox roller can be detected with the sensors. As a remedy against the ghosting you can clean the anilox roller. During printing you can add more solvent. As a countermeasure, the doctor blade offers an adjustment of the doctor blade. Strips on the anilox roller can also be caused by vibrations in the inking unit. Such vibrations often lead to very regular thickness variations of the ink film on the roller.

Dynamic measurement

It has already been mentioned above that changes of the ink film on a ink-transporting roller can also be measured during the printing operation. With such changes can then again due to the Measurements of the sensor system to optimize the roll position. Measures of this type are advantageous because just change the parameters due to dynamic changes in the printing operation. Therefore, as a rule, delivery continues as the printing speed increases.

Registers or pre-registers

On the basis of significant points in the above-mentioned negative image of the printed image on the anilox roller or using specially provided for this purpose register marks, which are also imaged in the negative image, can also register or Vorregisterung the print image-carrying cylinder - in flexographic printing of the format cylinder - to the print image-carrying cylinder at least be made of another inking unit. For this purpose, the significant point or the mark on the surface of the anilox roller is detected at a time and the angular position of the anilox roller at this time z. B. recorded with a rotary encoder. A significant point or mark on the surface of the anilox roll of the further inking unit must then be brought into a suitable relative angular position. This circumstance would also be checked with an optical sensor and a rotary encoder. This method would, for example, enable a scratch-free pre-register.

The above methods can be advantageously combined with the methods for adjusting the relative position of the at least two rollers involved in the printing process. Both types of methods have surprising advantages when performed by measurements on cylinders having uneven surfaces, such as anilox rolls, form cylinders, or form cylinders.
Smooth rollers generally result in lower signal-to-noise ratios.

Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the claims.

Fig. 1

Eine Funktionsskizze einer ersten Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine

Fig. 2

Eine Funktionsskizze einer zweiten Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine

Fig. 3

Eine Funktionsskizze einer dritten Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine

Fig. 4

Eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Farbwerks 5 der dritten Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine

Fig. 5

Eine Funktionsskizze einer vierten Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine

Fig. 6

Einen ersten Ausschnitt aus Figur 8

Fig. 7

Einen zweiten Ausschnitt aus Figur 8

Fig. 8

Eine Skizze einer Rasterwalze und eines Sensorsystems

Fig. 9

Eine zweite Ansicht des Sensorsystems aus Figur 8

Fig. 10

Eine Veranschaulichung eines ersten Messverfahrens

Fig. 11

Eine Veranschaulichung eines zweiten Messverfahrens

Fig. 12

Eine Veranschaulichung einiger Begriffe

Fig. 13

Eine Veranschaulichung eines dritten Messverfahrens

Fig. 14

Eine Veranschaulichung eines vierten Messverfahrens

Fig. 15

Eine Rasterwalze und eine Kamera

Fig. 16

Eine weitere Rasterwalze und eine Kamera

Fig. 17

Eine Vergrößerung der Oberfläche einer Rasterwalze 7 in der Schnittdarstellung

Fig. 18

Die Schnittdarstellung aus Figur 17 mit leeren Näpfchen 30

Fig. 19

Eine weitere Vergrößerung der Oberfläche einer Rasterwalze 7 in der Schnittdarstellung

Fig. 20

Die Schnittdarstellung aus Figur 19 mit leeren Näpfchen 30

Fig. 21

Eine Skizze einer Rasterwalze 7, die von einer beweglichen Kamera abgetastet wird

Fig. 22

Die Skizze aus Figur 21, wobei ein Formatzylinder an die Rasterwalze angestellt ist

Fig. 23

Der Verlauf der Intensität von der Rasterwalze remittieren Lichts als Funktion des Walzendrehwinkels ϕ

The individual figures show:

Fig. 1

A functional sketch of a first central cylinder flexographic printing press

Fig. 2

A functional sketch of a second central cylinder flexographic printing press

Fig. 3

A functional sketch of a third central cylinder flexographic printing press

Fig. 4

A schematic sectional view of the inking unit 5 of the third Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine

Fig. 5

A functional sketch of a fourth central cylinder flexographic printing press

Fig. 6

A first excerpt FIG. 8

Fig. 7

A second cutout FIG. 8

Fig. 8

A sketch of an anilox roller and a sensor system

Fig. 9

A second view of the sensor system FIG. 8

Fig. 10

An illustration of a first measuring method

Fig. 11

An illustration of a second measurement method

Fig. 12

An illustration of some terms

Fig. 13

An illustration of a third measurement method

Fig. 14

An illustration of a fourth measurement method

Fig. 15

An anilox roller and a camera

Fig. 16

Another anilox roller and a camera

Fig. 17

An enlargement of the surface of an anilox roller 7 in the sectional view

Fig. 18

The sectional view from FIG. 17 with empty cups 30

Fig. 19

A further enlargement of the surface of an anilox roller 7 in the sectional view

Fig. 20

The sectional view from FIG. 19 with empty cups 30

Fig. 21

A sketch of an anilox roller 7, which is scanned by a mobile camera

Fig. 22

The sketch off FIG. 21 , wherein a format cylinder is employed to the anilox roller

Fig. 23

The course of the intensity of the anilox roller remit light as a function of the roller rotation angle φ

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a Zentralzylinderflexodruckmaschine 15, in which the printing units or inking units 2, 3, 4 and 5 are arranged around the central impression cylinder 1 around. The inking units 2, 3 and 4 are shown only with dashed lines, since a closer look at the inking unit 5 is sufficient at this point.
Here, the squeegee chamber 6 transfers ink to the surface of the anilox roller 7. This 7 transports the ink by its rotation further to the format cylinder 8. The format cylinder 8 carries the raised plate 11, the color of the surface of the anilox roller 7 decreases. On the surface of the anilox roller 7, a zone is therefore formed in the contact region 10 between the plate 11 of the format cylinder 8 and the anilox roller 7, in which color loss occurs. This loss of color applies to a printing machine 15, as in FIG. 1 is shown to measure before the contact area 10 again reaches the doctoring chamber 6 by the rotation of the anilox roller 7. In addition, more accurate measurements may require measuring the color loss per unit area. Since this is to be done quickly and during a scanning, the measurement is carried out according to the invention with rotating roller. 7
The plate 11 transfers the ink to the printing material 9, which is transported on the peripheral surface of the impression cylinder 1. At the bottom of the FIG. 1 already the print image 16 can be seen on the substrate. In FIG. 2 is one too FIG. 1 to see largely identical sketch, in which the same reference numerals also designate the same features. However, the line camera 17, whose width corresponds to the maximum printing width, has been added. The camera is modular. It consists of the modules 18 in which photodiodes can accommodate portions of the anilox roller 7. In the sketched working situation of the printing press 15, only the middle modules 18 of the camera 17 are activated. Already these modules are capable of completely or partially scanning the contact area 10 of the surface of the anilox roller 7 with the cliché 11 when this area 10 moves past the camera 17 as a result of the rotation of the anilox roller 7.
As a rule, the line scan camera 17 will already be equipped with its own radiation sources, which radiate radiation onto the contact area 10. FIG. 3 again shows a basically the same design printing machine 15. In addition to the direction of rotation 14 of the anilox roller 7 mounted in front of the doctoring chamber 6, already in FIG. 2 shown camera 17 is in the direction of rotation 14 of the anilox roller 7 of the doctoring chamber 6 downstream camera 19 to see. With this camera, the quality of the coloring of the anilox roller 7 can be controlled by the doctor chamber 6.
Such a structure is also in the sectional view of the inking unit 5 in FIG. 4 to see. Here, the format cylinder 8 has been shown with two clichés 11. It is shown that the anilox roller 7 in the contact region 10 has no undisturbed ink film 22, as in its remaining peripheral surface, more. In the sectional view of the doctoring chamber 6 also her color reservoir 20 and her doctor blade 21 can be seen. The arrow 23 symbolizes the transport direction of the color.

• Hierbei wird der Arbeitsabstand zwischen einer ersten Gruppe von am Druckprozess beteiligten Zylindern 1,7,8 eingestellt, wobei die erste Gruppe eine erste Anzahl N von Zylindern aufweist und die erste Anzahl zumindest drei beträgt,
  wobei der Arbeitsabstand zwischen einer zweiten Gruppe von am Druckprozess beteiligten Zylindern 7,8 aufgrund von Messwerten eingestellt wird, die die Veränderung des Farbfilms auf zumindest einem der zwei Zylinder betreffen, wobei die zweite Gruppe eine Teilmenge der ersten Gruppe ist, die zweite Gruppe eine zweite Anzahl M von Zylindern aufweist und die zweite Anzahl M zumindest zwei beträgt,
  und wobei der Arbeitsabstand zwischen einer dritten Gruppe von am Druckprozess beteiligten Zylindern 1,8 aufgrund von Messwerten eingestellt wird, die auf andere Weise gewonnen werden als die Messwerte für die Einstellung des Arbeitsabstandes zwischen den Zylindern der zweiten Gruppe von am Druckprozess beteiligten Zylindern, wobei die dritte Gruppe eine Teilmenge der ersten Gruppe ist, die dritte Gruppe eine dritte Anzahl O von Zylindern aufweist und die dritte Anzahl O zumindest zwei beträgt.

Based on FIG. 4 can be a further advantageous embodiment of the method represent:

• Here, the working distance is set between a first group of cylinders involved in the printing process 1,7,8, wherein the first group has a first number N of cylinders and the first number is at least three,
  wherein the working distance between a second group of cylinders 7, 8 involved in the printing process is set on the basis of measured values concerning the change of the color film on at least one of the two cylinders, the second group being a subset of the first group, the second group being a second group Number M of cylinders and the second number M is at least two,
  and wherein the working distance between a third group of cylinders 1, 8 involved in the printing process is set on the basis of measured values obtained in a different way than the measured values for the adjustment of the working distance between the cylinders of the second group of cylinders involved in the printing process; third group is a subset of the first group, the third group has a third number O of cylinders and the third number O is at least two.

In the in FIG. 4 It is advantageous to form the second group from the format cylinder 8 and the anilox roller 7. If these two cylinders are turned against each other as they rotate, no waste is still generated.
The third group can then be formed from the impression cylinder 9 and the format cylinder 8. With these two cylinders, setting the optimized print position can be done in a different way to save waste.
Such another method for setting an optimized printing position is in the still unpublished German patent application with the application number 10 2009 025 053 disclosed. In this document it is stated that a rotating cylinder involved in the printing process is turned against another cylinder. There is a velocity gradient between the surfaces of the cylinders, so that the drive of at least one of the two cylinders expends additional torque.

In the teaching of the German patent application with the application number 10 2009 025 053 It is particularly important how the drives of the printing machine should be designed to perceive the torque change. In addition, the way how the cylinders in the German patent application with the application number 10 2009 025 053 against each other are of great importance.

The teaching of the German patent application with the application number 10 2009 025 053 allows the adjustment of the printing position - among other things in impression cylinder 9 and format cylinder 8 - at extremely low printing speed or even at standstill of the impression cylinder 9. Thus can also be printed makulaturarm or even free by the combination of these methods.

FIG. 5 again shows the printing press 15 in a similar manner as the FIGS. 1 to 3 , However, this time instead of the line camera 17 in the inking unit 5, the movable camera 24 is shown. It is movable along a rail, not shown, in the axial direction of the anilox roller 7. This is shown by the arrows 25.
In the FIG. 5 The camera shown can cover at one time only portions of the interface 10 between the cylinders 7 and 8. It would also be possible to provide a plurality of such movable cameras 24 or to attach one or more cameras, which can cover only smaller portions of the area, stationary.
It has been shown that even such cameras are completely sufficient in certain applications. As cameras with a small field of view (on the order of a square millimeter area), sensors such as reflection sensors or light scanners, which are already being used as register sensors in series printing machines, come into question. These sensors have optical fibers (typically glass fiber based) that both direct light to the viewing area and derive the light returned from the roll surface (usually after being collected by a lens or the like) for measurement. Thanks to the light guides, both the radiation source and the analysis unit are in a roughly installed position at a distance from the measuring point. The mentioned sensors are to be acquired as highly integrated (among others mechanically loadable and relatively insensitive to chemical influences) components. Thanks to the light guides, it is also possible to adjust the positions of the light emitting and emitting components (transmitter and receiver) and the roller surface so that a large part of the remitted light falls back into the receiver and is fed to the measurement (usually with photodiodes). The generation of light is usually carried out with LEDs. Often this produces light which is matched in its color to the color of the roller being examined. This measure is helpful for all radiation sources in connection with the teaching presented here. The FIG. 9 shows once again composed of the modules 18 line scan 17, which in the direction of rotation of the anilox roller 7 in FIG. 2 the doctor chamber 6 is upstream. The orientation in the z direction also corresponds to the symbol of the line scan camera 17 (dashed rectangle) in FIG FIG. 8 , In FIG. 8 the modules 18 of the line camera are shown as diode modules, which are connected to the line system 26 with each other. In FIG. 8 the orientation of the line camera 17 to the anilox roller 7 can be seen. Two portions of the camera 27 and 28, which are detected by a respective camera module 18, are highlighted by dashed circles. The portion 27 is located at an end edge of the anilox roller 7 and is provided with an unimpaired ink film 22 during operation of the printing press. The portion 28 belongs to the touch area 10. The consequences of these circumstances are in the FIGS. 6 and 7 shown, the magnifications of the portion 28 ( FIG. 6 ) and 27 ( FIG. 7 ). In the portion 27, the wells 30 of the anilox roller 7 are filled with color 29. The color extends to the webs between the cups, since the surface of the anilox roller 7 is indeed doctored off only by the doctor blades 21 of the anilox roller 7. As a result, a good reflectance of the anilox rolls results in the partial region 27, which is largely determined by the relatively smooth ink film on the anilox roll surface. In subsection 28 this is not the case. Here, the wells 30 are largely emptied, the webs barely wetted by 29 color. The incident radiation, which usually comes from an additional radiation source, not shown, offers a rough surface, the irregular, but especially weaker and diffuse reflected. The difference in the reflectance between the subregions 27 and 28 is therefore significant, resulting in a good signal-to-noise ratio when measured with suitable sensors.
Already in the previous figures has been dispensed with the representation of an external deck, since it must have the same mechanical function components as the sketched inking or printing machines. It has also been dispensed with the representation of control units, lines and interfaces. Nevertheless, it is expressly pointed out that the described methods can be carried out computer-implemented. Often the control unit of the printing press and / or the control unit of an external deck to be equipped with the corresponding software and hardware components. In the presence of an external deck, the work can also be shared between the respective control units of the deck and the printing press.
In the FIGS. 10 to 14 Once again, various measuring methods, which were already acknowledged in the introductory description, are explained by means of examples. Even in these examples, it is advantageous to set up any control units to automatically perform these procedures. The question underlying this method is: In which change of the area coverage on the at least one ink-transporting roller is an optimized working distance of the at least two rollers involved in the printing process considered to be reached? For this reason, due to the brevity offered, it is first examined only what possibilities arise with an increasing employment of the rolls and the associated change in the surface structure of the ink film and / or a color decrease.
By the FIGS. 10 to 14 illustrates how the intensity of the changes from a camera 17, 24 as a function of the working distance. When optimizing the working distance between the rolls, they are usually approximated - with largely parallel roll axes. Here, the distance of the rollers changes in their radial direction r. In the figures below, there is an increase in the value x for this approach in the radial direction, since the block of one roller is moved in the direction of the other roller. Of course, the relative position of the two rollers can also be changed in other ways.
This in FIG. 10 The exemplary embodiment shown is based on a measurement of the light remitted by the ink-transporting roller or on the measurement of the intensity I of this light. At the beginning of the measurement run, symbolized by the bracket 32, where the light intensity values which result as a function of the approach of the rolls (the roll spacing decreases from left to right as one roll is turned to the other in the x-direction) are measured, the light intensity does not change. There is still no contact. Upon reaching a very early kissprint point 31 begins a color transfer, which can be measured from the point 37 of the sensor system, since the decrease in the light intensity I is already greater than that here Measuring tolerance 35 of the sensor system. At this point, the measuring travel ends 32, that is, one takes in this example the relative position reached at point 37 as the first optimized relative position of the two rollers. Depending on the overall system parameters (sensitivity of the sensor system, type of printing process, color, etc.), an optimized working distance 38 can already be achieved here. As a rule, however, more will have to be done to achieve an acceptable optimized working distance 38. Here, this is done by an additional approach of the rollers by an offset value 34 - ie a distance amount x - is brought about. The size of this leg may be based on calculations or empirics.
Achieving the optimized working distance 38 can be verified by measurements, which often is not necessary.
Also in FIG. 11 and the remaining figures, the approach of the two rollers due to the employment of a roller in the x-direction against the other against the remitted light intensity I is applied. Also in FIG. 11 the light intensity initially remains at its maximum 42, since no color transfer takes place. Again at point 31 the color transfer begins. However, the measuring run 32 does not end at the moment in which the drop in the light intensity exceeds a detection threshold 35, but at the moment in which the drop in the light intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold value 33. From the point 31 until reaching this threshold, the rollers have indeed already approximated by the Anstellbetrag 39, but - in the present embodiment, the employment is again increased by an offset value 34 ("further delivered"), until reaching an optimized working position 38 of the two rolls is assumed.
In FIG. 12 For example, the terms Offset 34, Threshold 33 and Adjustment Amount 39 can be explained once again as Threshold 33: Offset 34 is an approximation of the rolls by a distance amount. This can be controlled by the machine control and, if necessary, measured by position sensors such as encoders in spindle motors. If a threshold value 33 (at light intensity l) is set, the distance between the rollers (by changing x) is changed until the threshold value is reached. This results in an adjustment amount 39 to the threshold value 33.

• Wie bereits in den Figuren 10 und 11 gezeigt, befindet sich die Lichtintensität zunächst auf einem Maximum 42. Nach dem Verlassen dieses Maximums (dies beginnt im Punkt 31, wie bereits gezeigt) nimmt der Graph 45 oft einen sehr charakteristischen Verlauf 46 an, bis er sein Minimum 43 erreicht. Innerhalb dieses Bereiches lassen sich charakteristische Punkte 44 ermitteln (wie Wendepunkte oder lokale Maxima), von denen sich Aussagen zu der Lage einer optimierten Arbeitsposition der beiden Walzen machen lassen. So ist in Figur 13 eine Situation dargestellt, in der die Messfahrt bis zum Erreichen einer optimierten Druckposition durchgeführt wird. Bei Erreichen des Punktes 38 kann die Steuereinrichtung den weiteren Kurvenbereich berechnen oder abschätzen. Sie hält keine weitere Anstellung für nötig und beendet sowohl die Messfahrt als auch den Anstellvorgang. Oft wird es sogar möglich sein, bei diesem Verfahren (Optimierung der Relativen Walzenposition aufgrund der Auswertung des charakteristischen Verlaufs der Funktion 45) die Messfahrt sehr früh zu beenden und die optimierte Walzenposition durch einen Offset 34 zu erreichen.

In Figur 14 ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel gezeigt, bei dem die Messfahrt 32 andauert, bis das Minimum 41 erreicht wird. Dann werden die Walzen um einen errechneten Wert 47 weiter beabstandet, um den optimierten Arbeitsabstand 38 einzustellen.
In Bezug auf die Figuren 10 bis 14 wurde als Messwert ausschließlich von der Lichtintensität I gesprochen. Wie eingangs erwähnt können jedoch auch andere Messgrößen diese Rolle einnehmen. In Zusammenhang mit der Erfindung ist es von Vorteil, wenn mit dem angewandten Messverfahren die Flächendeckung pro Flächeneinheit bei laufender - also sich drehender - Walze gemessen werden kann.
Die in den Figuren gezeigten Verläufe der Graphen 45 können sich in Teilbereichen der Fläche oder aber in der gesamten Fläche einstellen. Daher ist es möglich, mit den dargestellten Verfahren die Veränderung der Farbschicht in Teilbereichen der Berührungsfläche 10 oder in der ganzen Berührungsfläche 10 zu beobachten.In the FIGS. 13 and 14 the course of the light intensity is shown as a function of the approach over a wider area:

• As already in the FIGS. 10 and 11 The light intensity is initially at a maximum 42. After leaving this maximum (this begins at point 31, as already shown), graph 45 often assumes a very characteristic course 46 until it reaches its minimum 43. Within this range, characteristic points 44 can be determined (such as turning points or local maxima) from which statements can be made about the position of an optimized working position of the two rolls. So is in FIG. 13 a situation is shown in which the test drive is carried out until an optimized printing position is reached. When the point 38 is reached, the control device can calculate or estimate the further curve range. She considers no further employment necessary and terminates both the measuring drive and the setting process. Often it will even be possible, in this method (optimization of the relative roll position based on the evaluation of the characteristic curve of the function 45) to end the measuring run very early and to achieve the optimized roll position by means of an offset 34.

In FIG. 14 an embodiment is shown in which the measurement travel 32 lasts until the minimum 41 is reached. Then, the rollers are further spaced by a calculated value 47 to set the optimized working distance 38.
Regarding the FIGS. 10 to 14 was spoken as measured value exclusively by the light intensity I. As mentioned above, however, other variables can take on this role. In connection with the invention, it is advantageous if, with the measuring method used, the area coverage per unit area can be measured while the roller is running, that is to say rotating.
The curves of the graphs 45 shown in the figures can be set in partial areas of the area or else in the entire area. Therefore, it is possible to observe the change of the ink layer in portions of the contact surface 10 or in the entire contact surface 10 with the illustrated methods.

• einen ersten Kontakt zwischen Zylindern 1,7,8 zu erkennen,
• die Güte des Kontaktes zu erkennen,
• Teilbereiche 27,28 des Berührungsbereichs 10 zu untersuchen,
• den gesamten Berührungsbereich in solche Teilbereiche zu zerlegen.

FIG. 15 shows an anilox roller 7, the surface of which is irradiated by a radiation source 48 with incident radiation 49. The radiation is remitted from the surface of the anilox roller 7. The remitted radiation 50 is more diffuse than the incident radiation 49. The anilox roller 7, the radiation source 48 and the camera 24 are positioned relative to each other such that a majority of the remitted radiation falls into the camera 24. As a rule, this circumstance is ensured by the relationship of angle of incidence (to the relevant roll surface) equal to the angle of reflection.
While the picture plane of the FIG. 15 is spanned by the axial (z) and radial coordinates (r) of the roller 7, the image plane of the FIG. 16 spanned by the circumferential (φ) and radial (r) coordinates. The anilox roller 7 in FIG. 16 So is opposite the anilox roller in FIG. 15 turned by 90 degrees. The radiation source 48 and the camera 24 are positioned differently to the anilox roller. The FIGS. 17 and 18 show an enlargement of a section of the surface of an anilox roller 7 FIG. 17 the cups 30 of the anilox roller surface are filled to the edge with color 29. In FIG. 18 the cups are largely emptied of color 29. The course of the remitted radiation 50 illustrated in the FIGS. 17 and 18 the consequences of this circumstance: In FIG. 17 the remission is less diffuse than in FIG. 18 , so in FIG. 17 more light in the camera 24 upstream collecting lens 51 and thus in the camera 24 falls. It should also be mentioned that the light sources 48 in the FIGS. 17 and 18 Lenses 51 are assigned.
Also the FIGS. 19 and 20 also show enlarged sections of the anilox roll surface, wherein the FIG. 19 cups 29 filled with color 29 show, while the cups in FIG. 20 are largely emptied. The broader course of the radiation intensity lobe in FIG. 20 clarifies the consequences:
The remitted from the anilox roller 7 light 50 is in FIG. 20 more scattered than in FIG. 19 , so in FIG. 20 less light intensity - or fewer photons - arrive in the condenser lens 51. This drop in intensity makes it clear that an adjustment of the anilox roller 7 to another roller, such as a format cylinder, has taken place.
Especially in the face of FIGS. 16 to 20 , which represent the surface of anilox rollers in a sectional view, can be shown that it belongs to the Changing the remission behavior of the surface of a color-transporting roller 7 does not necessarily require an ink transfer and thus a decrease in color on the roll surface. Rather, in particular in color-transporting rollers with an uneven surface - such as anilox rollers, plate rollers or cylinders but also form cylinders - be assumed that even the change in the surface structure due to a first contact between rollers leads to a detectable change in the surface of the ink film on the roller. Such a change of the surface can exist, for example, in a "desaturation" of the same - ie in an increase in their "roughness" - that is, actually unevenness. Even with such a result, there is a greater scattering of the remitted radiation, so that a first contact between rollers involved in the printing process 1,7,8 can be detected.
Moreover, such a first contact between the rollers may also cause ink to be displaced from the surface of the roller into cups 30, spaces between raised portions of the print image, or other lower areas of the roller surface without transfer of ink to another cylinder. usually called color fission - takes place. Even in the case described last, the reflection behavior of the roll surface can change significantly. Thus, the color disappears from the higher areas of the roll surface, so that they are no longer covered by a smooth layer of paint. The generally irregular raised elements of the roll surface (webs often webs between the wells 30 in the case of anilox rollers, pressure sensitive areas in the case of format cylinders 8) prevent a uniform direct reflection and thus contribute to producing more diffuse or non-directionally reflected light in the incident radiation 50.
In addition to the color decrease and the change in the surface structure, of course, an increase in color as a result of contact between rollers involved in the printing process can be measured. This may be the case, for example, when the increase in color is measured on a format cylinder 8 against which an already engraved anilox roll is placed. For the qualitative changes - for example, as a result of employment measured acceptance of the intensity I of the remitted light 50 - then applies in relation to the FIGS. 10 to 14 Said, wherein the intensity increases as a result of the approach of the rollers and does not decrease. If the color-transferring cylinder 8 colored in this way is in turn attached to a further cylinder 1 which has not yet been inked and / or to the printing material 9 (see, for example, FIG FIG. 4 ), so again is a change of the color film and therefore - if the light intensity I of the reflected light 50 is the measured variable - a decrease in the light intensity 50 to recognize (Comparisons FIGS. 10 to 14 ). The color increase, the color decrease and the change of the structure of the color surface fall under the generic term change of the color film.
Among other things, it is therefore possible with the methods shown

• to detect a first contact between cylinders 1,7,8,
• to recognize the goodness of the contact
• Examine subregions 27, 28 of touch region 10,
• to break the entire contact area into such subregions.

The observation can be done with rotating rollers. In this case, the emergence of waste can be avoided. The completeness and / or uniformity of the color transfer can be examined. It is advantageous to carry out the mentioned and subsequent methods with devices which are set up to carry them out, for example by programming a control device.
The measurement of the change in the color film can be measured while the rollers are still set against each other.
The FIG. 21 is similar in this respect FIG. 5 is shown as an anilox roller 7, which is scanned by a movable camera. In FIG. 21 However, it is indicated that the camera 24 scans the roller at a time, since this is already colored with a color film 22 at the places that can ever roll with the format cylinder 8 - as the second cylinder to which the anilox roller transfers color. However, an employment of the anilox roller 7 and the format cylinder 8 against each other has not yet taken place, so that the camera scans an uninfluenced ink film 22 in the region of its scanning regions 53 which follow one another in the direction of rotation .phi. This happens with rotating anilox roller 7, so that the camera 24 has a reference curve R (FIG. FIG. 23 ) records. This reference curve R indicates here the course of the intensity I of the light remitted by the anilox roller as a function of the angle of rotation φ of the roller 7. It is advantageous if the color film 22 is complete, that is, it corresponds to the color film 22 in the printing operation.
In FIG. 22 is already a first job (which has led to a contact) between the anilox roller 7 and the format cylinder 8 takes place and in the contact region 10 between the plate 22 and the anilox surface is a color loss can be seen.
This loss of color in the contact area 10 leads to a significant change in the measured values compared to the pre-employment measured reference curve R, which is represented by the dotted Tastmesskurve TM in FIG. 23 is shown.
It is advantageous to stop the further adjustment of the cylinders 7, 8 (optimum setting of the relative roller position achieved) if the difference between the tactile measurement values TM and the reference values R in an angular position φ of the roller (can be recorded with a rotary encoder) a certain Value (eg tolerance values T1 or T2 exceeds). In such a case, the curve TM overcomes the dashed curves G1 or G2. The course of the difference between reference values R and tactile values TM can also be used as the basis for setting the relative roll positions. Example: The difference TM-R - each in a certain angular position φ ₁ is derived after φ.
If the derivative exceeds a certain discharge limit K, the optimized roll position has been reached: $$\mathrm{d}\left[\mathrm{TM}\left({\mathrm{\phi }}_{\mathrm{1}}\right)-\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="R\; \phi "\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R\; </figure-callout>}\left({\mathrm{\phi }}_{}\right)\left({\mathrm{}}_{\mathrm{1}}\right)\right]/\mathrm{d\phi }>\mathrm{K}$$

In FIG. 23 the ordinate is denoted by -I. This measure takes into account the fact that as a result of the color removal and / or the degradation of the color film in the contact region 10, a significant decrease in the intensity of the remitted light occurs, at least in a specific spectral range.

Often it is advantageous if the sensors 17, 19, 24 shown in the figures are swung out of the area of the inking unit after the roller has been scanned. In this case, the sensitive sensors are no longer polluted in the further printing operation. In the pivoted position, a cleaning can take place, which can be carried out for example by a dedicated cleaning device. In this position, a recalibration of the sensor can be made. In the case of color changes in the inking unit, the spectral sensitivity ranges of the sensors can be adjusted by filters and / or by applying a different countervoltage to the semiconductor diodes. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 Central impression cylinder 2 Printing / inking 3 Printing / inking 4 Printing / inking 5 Printing / inking 6 blade chamber 7 anilox roller 8th format cylinder 9 substrate 10 contact area 11 cliche 12 Arrow in the direction of rotation of the impression cylinder 13 Arrow in the direction of rotation of the format cylinder 14 Arrow in the direction of rotation of the anilox roller 15 press 16 print image 17 Line scan camera in front of the squeegee chamber 18 Modules of the line scan camera / laser diodes 19 Line scan camera after the doctor blade chamber 20 Ink reservoir of doctor chamber 6 21 doctor blade 22 Undisturbed color film 23 Arrow symbolizing the transport direction of the ink in the inking unit 24 Mobile camera 25 Arrow movement directions of the camera 26 Line system of the line scan camera 17 27 First part of the anilox roll surface 28 Second subarea of the anilox roller surface 29 colour 30 wells 31 Early kissprint point 32 Curly brace "Test drive" 33 Curly bracket "Threshold" 34 Arrow "Offset" 35 Detection threshold / measurement tolerance 36 Adjustment error when reaching the detection threshold / measuring tolerance 37 Line (x-value) 38 Optimized working distance 39 Adjustment amount to threshold 33 40 Line (x-value) 41 Line (x value, "Curve detected") 42 Maximum I 43 Minimum I 44 Characteristic point 45 Graph / function x against I 46 Course of function 45 between minimum 42 and maximum 43 47 Calculated value (x) 48 Radiation source / lighting unit 49 Incident radiation 50 Remitted radiation 51 lens 52 Radiation intensity lobe 53 scanning φ Angle of rotation, variable in rotation directionφ φ ₁ Certain angular position of the anilox roller 7 z Axial direction of the rollers Cylinders 7, 1, 8 x Adjustment direction of one roller to the other (reduction of their distance) I Light or radiation intensity TM Tastmesswerte / readings T1 / T2 tolerances R / G1 / G2 limit K dissipation limit

Claims (25)

1. Method for setting an optimized working spacing between at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) of a printing unit (5), which printing unit (5) comprises at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8),

   - the said cylinders (1, 7, 8) transporting ink in an ink transport direction (23) during the printing process,

   - the spacing being set in the method between the at least two cylinders, of which a first cylinder (7) transfers ink during the printing process and a second cylinder (8) receives ink from the first cylinder (7) during the printing process,

   - the optimized working spacing between the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) being set on the basis of the measured values of a sensor apparatus (17, 24),

   - the sensor apparatus (17, 24) recording the change in the ink film, which change occurs on at least one cylinder (7, 8) which participates in the transport of ink (29) to the printing material (9),

   - and the change in the ink film (22) on the cylinder (7), which change is recorded by the sensor apparatus (17, 24), consisting in the decrease of the ink or in the change in the surface of the ink film as a consequence of a contact pressure,
   characterized

   - in that the at least one cylinder (7, 8), on which the change in the ink film is recorded, is a cylinder which is positioned in the ink transport direction (23) in front of the second cylinder (8) which receives ink during the printing process,

   - and in that the change in the ink film (22) on the at least one cylinder (7, 8) is performed while the cylinders are rotating.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the change of the ink film on the first cylinder (7) which transfers ink to the second ink-receiving cylinder is recorded.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the change in the ink film on a cylinder (7) which is positioned in the ink transport direction (23) in front of the first cylinder (7) which transfers ink to the second ink-receiving cylinder (8) is recorded.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacing between more than two cylinders (1, 7, 8) of a printing unit (5) is set on the basis of the recording of the ink film (22) on one cylinder (7).
5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in each case two cylinders (1, 7, 8) are successively set against one another, and in that, during this setting-on operation, the change in the ink film (22) on the one cylinder (7) is recorded and is used as the basis for setting the spacing.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that part of the surface of the at least one cylinder (7) which can transfer ink is first of all inked completely, before the setting operation of the at least two cylinders (7, 8) against one another is performed.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor apparatus records the change in the ink film (22) which occurs on a printing-plate cylinder (8) and/or a smooth or engraved roll (7).
8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spacing of at least three cylinders (1, 7, 8) which participate in the printing process is set, at least two cylinders (7, 8) of the at least three cylinders (1, 7, 8) participating in the transport of ink (29) to the printing material (9), and in that the sensor apparatus measures the change in the ink film which occurs at least on that one of the at least two cylinders (7, 8) participating in the ink transport which is further away from the printing material (9).
9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that all the cylinders (1, 7, 8) of an inking unit (5) which participate in the printing process are set against one another during the measurements.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the context of a first measurement run (32), the sensor apparatus (17, 24) records the change in the ink film, while the spacing between cylinders (1, 7, 8) which participate in the printing process is changed, and in that a control apparatus ends the first measurement run (32) when a starting change in the ink film is to be assumed on the basis of the measured values or when the change in the ink film exceeds a primary threshold value (33).
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the context of a first measurement run (32), the sensor apparatus (17, 24) records the change in the ink film, while the spacing between cylinders (1, 7, 8) which participate in the printing process is changed, and in that a control apparatus ends the measurement run (32) when a defined characteristic profile of the measured values is set.
12. Method according to either of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the relative position of the cylinders (1, 7, 8) which is set at the end of the first measurement run (32) is changed in order to set the optimized working spacing, by the relative position being changed by a certain distance (34), and/or by the relative position being changed until a change in the ink film by a certain amount (33) is set, which is tracked using renewed measurements.
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor apparatus (17, 24) records the change in the ink film (22) which occurs in the contact region (10) of the surface of the at least one cylinder (7, 8) which makes contact with the following cylinder (1, 7, B) or printing material (9) in printing operation.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor apparatus (17, 24), divides the area (10), in which it records the change in the ink film, into part regions (27, 28) and/or records part regions (27, 28) of the said area (10).
15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor apparatus (17, 24) surveys the area (10), in which it records the change in the ink film (22), by recording the intensity (I) of the light which is remitted by the said area (10).
16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the change in the ink film which is recorded by the sensor apparatus consists in an increase in ink and/or decrease in ink and/or a change in the surface of the ink film.
17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working spacing is set between a first group of cylinders (1, 7, 8) which participate in the printing process, the first group having a first number (N) of cylinders and the first number being at least three, the working spacing between a second group of cylinders (1, 7, 8) which participate in the printing process being set on the basis of measured values which relate to the change in the ink film on at least one of the two cylinders, the second group being a subset of the first group, the second group having a second number (M) of cylinders and the second number (M) being at least two, and the working spacing between a third group of cylinders (1, 7, 8) which participate in the printing process being set on the basis of measured values which are obtained in a different way than the measured values for the setting of the working spacing between the cylinders of the second group of cylinders which participate in the printing process, the third group being a subset of the first group, the third group having a third number (O) of cylinders and the third number (O) being at least two.
18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor apparatus (17, 24) first of all scans at least constituent parts of the area (10) of the cylinder, on which the change in the ink film is recorded, before the at least two cylinders are set against one another.
19. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor apparatus (17, 24) first of all scans at least constituent parts of the area (10) of the cylinder (7), on which the change in the ink film is recorded, before the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) are set against one another and after at least constituent parts of the area (10) of the cylinder, on which the change in the ink film (22) is recorded, have been inked.
20. Method according to either of the two preceding claims, characterized

    - in that the sensor apparatus (17, 24) first of all determines reference values (R), by scanning at least constituent parts of the area (10) of the cylinder (7), on which the change in the ink film (22) is recorded, as a function of the angular position (f) of the said cylinder (7) before the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) are set against one another,

    - in that the said reference values (R) are compared with sensing measured values (TM) which are obtained in an identical angular position (f) after or during the setting operation of the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) against one another,

    - and in that the optimized working spacing between the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) is set on the basis of this comparison.
21. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, during the setting of the optimized working spacing of the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8), the difference between the reference values (R) and the sensing measured values (TM) which are recorded in each case in an angular position (f) of the cylinder (8), the surface of which is scanned, is taken into consideration.
22. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the profile of the difference between the reference values (R) and the sensing measured values (TM) as a function of the relative position of the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) is taken into consideration during the setting of the optimized working spacing of the at least two cylinders (7, 8), the differential values in in each case one angular position (f) of the cylinder (8), the surface of which is scanned, being used as the basis for the setting.
23. Apparatus (5) for determining an optimized working spacing between at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) of a printing unit (5) which participate in the printing process,

    - which apparatus (5) comprises seats, in which the cylinders (1, 7, 8) are mounted rotatably and can be set against one another,

    - which apparatus (5) comprises a control apparatus which is set in such a way that the optimized working spacing between the at least two cylinders (1, 7, 8) can be determined by way of the said control apparatus on the basis of the measured values of a sensor apparatus (17, 24),

    - and which apparatus (5) comprises an inking apparatus (6) which inks the first cylinder (7) in the direction (23) of the ink transport between the cylinders (7, 8) which are set against one another,

    - the sensor apparatus (17, 24) being attached to the first cylinder (7) in a working position and being capable of recording measured values which characterize the change in the ink film which appears on the first cylinder (7), characterized in that the measured values can be recorded by way of the sensor apparatus, while the cylinders are rotating.
24. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized by an optical sensor apparatus (17, 24).
25. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized by an illumination apparatus which is in a working position with respect to the first cylinder (7) and the sensor apparatus (17, 19, 24).

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