EP3686012A1 - Rotary printing device, printing unit for a rotary printing device and method for operating a rotary printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary printing device (10) which comprises at least one printing unit structure (20) which has at least one printing cylinder (30) for printing on a printing medium (12). The rotary printing device (10) further comprises at least one movement device (50) which is set up to move the at least one printing unit assembly (20) relative to a device component (14) of the rotary printing device (10) and against at least one when the rotary printing device (10) is in operation ) to move the transverse force (F_Q) acting on the at least one printing cylinder (30) in the direction of a desired position (P_S) of the at least one printing unit structure (20). The movement device (50) comprises at least one linear motor (60) which has motor components (62, 64) for moving the at least one printing unit assembly (20) in the direction of the desired position (P_S), of which a first motor component (62) with the at least one Coupled printing unit structure and is linearly movable relative to a second motor component (64). Further aspects of the invention relate to a printing unit structure (20) and a method for operating a rotary printing device (10).

Description

The invention relates to a rotary printing device according to the preamble of claim 1. Further aspects of the invention relate to a printing unit structure for a rotary printing device and a method for operating a rotary printing device.

In order to correct errors that occur during printing and production of a printing medium using a rotary printing device, which include, for example, so-called register deviations, forces acting on a printing cylinder, which can result from a so-called squeegee stroke, material inequalities of the printing medium or, for example, unevenness of an impression roller, are so-called Side register control of the rotary printing device balanced.

From the US 4709634 A a side and circumferential register mechanism for a printing press is known which has cooperating elongate actuators which are rotatably driven by remote controlled motors to adjust the position of a plate cylinder laterally and circumferentially by thrust bearings which support the ends of the controls adjacent the end of the plate cylinder. One of the actuating means is long straight shaft, which has an external thread on its outer surface. The shaft is used to carry out a lateral position register.

The DE 103 52 619 A1 describes a web-fed rotary printing press for printing on one or more webs. A side register control / regulation aligns a print image overall in its axial position. A forme cylinder or a printing form located on the forme cylinder is moved axially relative to the web by means of an adjusting means.

The invention has for its object to provide a rotary printing device, a printing unit structure and a method of the type mentioned by which an improved compensation of errors occurring during operation of the rotary printing device is made possible.

This object is achieved by a rotary printing device with the features of claim 1, by a printing unit structure with the features of claim 11 and by a method with the features of claim 12. Advantageous developments of the invention are given by the subclaims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a rotary printing device. The rotary printing device comprises at least one printing unit structure which has at least one printing cylinder for printing on a printing medium. Furthermore, the rotary printing device comprises at least one movement device which is set up to move the at least one printing unit structure relative to a device component of the rotary printing device and counter to at least one transverse force acting on the at least one printing cylinder during operation of the rotary printing device in the direction of a desired position of the at least one printing unit structure . The rotary printing device can also be referred to as a rotary printing press. The printing medium can be guided along the printing cylinder for printing, wherein ink applied to the printing cylinder can be transferred to the printing medium. The furnishing component can be designed, for example, as a machine stand of the rotary printing device. When the rotary printing device is in operation, in addition to printing on the printing medium, ink can also be stripped from the at least one printing cylinder using a doctor blade of the rotary printing device or the printing unit structure, and the printing medium can be glued, for example to a further printing medium. The lateral force can act on the at least one printing cylinder during printing, when the ink is stripped off and when the printing medium is glued. The lateral force or at least a lateral force component of the lateral force can act in the direction of a cylinder central axis of the printing cylinder.

In addition to the at least one printing cylinder, the printing unit assembly can comprise at least one fixing component, which can be designed for coupling to the movement device in order to displace the printing unit assembly, that is to say the at least one printing cylinder, together with the fixing component. The fixing component can be designed in various ways and can also be connected in one piece to the pressure cylinder. It is conceivable here to design the fixing component as a coupling area arranged on the at least one printing cylinder, on which the movement device can act, that is to say, for example, can exert a force to move the at least one printing unit structure. The fixing component can also be designed, for example, as a cylinder shaft on which the pressure cylinder can be received and on which the movement device can engage. The fixing component and the movement device can be designed with one another for force-transmitting coupling.

According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one movement device comprises at least one linear motor which has motor components for moving the at least one printing unit assembly in the direction of the desired position, of which a first motor component is held on the at least one printing unit assembly and can be moved linearly relative to a second motor component . Moving the at least one printing unit assembly in the direction of the desired position with the aid of the at least one linear motor is advantageous, since the linear motor is particularly fast on the Lateral force can be reacted so that, for example, register errors can be counteracted particularly quickly. The register deviations can also be called register errors. The linear motor enables particularly fast movement speeds of the printing unit structure to be achieved, and thus particularly fast movement of the printing unit structure in the direction of the desired position. By means of the at least one linear motor, in particular a compensation force counteracting the transverse force can be exerted on the printing unit structure so quickly that the transverse force can be compensated for before it leads to register deviations. The use of the at least one linear motor thus makes it possible overall to better compensate for errors which occur during operation of the rotary printing device and to which register errors are to be counted. One of the motor components can be designed as a rotor of the at least one linear motor and another of the motor components as a stator of the at least one linear motor. For example, the first motor component can be designed as a rotor and the second motor component as a stator. Alternatively, the first motor component can be designed as a stator and the second motor component as a rotor. The rotor of the linear motor can topologically correspond to a stator of a rotating electric motor and the stator topologically to a rotor of the rotating electric motor. In particular, the first motor component can be moved exclusively linearly relative to the second motor component. In other words, the first motor component for moving the at least one printing unit assembly in the direction of the desired position can only be moved linearly and without rotation relative to the second motor component. This advantageously enables a torque-free operation of the at least one linear motor when the at least one printing unit assembly is moved in the direction of the desired position, which means that no torque support of the linear motor is required. The second motor component can preferably be held stationary relative to the first motor component, as a result of which the at least one printing unit structure can be moved in a particularly precise and needs-based manner in a simple manner. In order to keep the second motor component stationary, the second motor component can, for example, on a frame or on the equipment component of the Rotary printing device to be fixed. The device component can be designed, for example, as a machine stand of the rotary printing device. The frame can be assigned to the rotary printing device. In other words, the rotary printing device can comprise the frame.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the rotary printing device comprises at least one control device which is set up to control the linear motor in the event of a deviation of the at least one printing unit structure from the desired position, in order thereby to bring about a relative movement between the motor components and thereby the at least one printing unit structure in the direction of the Target position to move. This is advantageous since the control device, by actuating the linear motor, can bring about a particularly rapid movement of the at least one printing unit structure if there is a deviation from the desired position. The control device can generally be designed as a register control system. By means of the at least one linear motor controlled and regulated by means of the regulating device, the possible deviation, which is oriented along a cylinder central axis of the printing cylinder and caused by the transverse force, which can also be referred to as a lateral offset, can be counteracted particularly effectively. The deviation (the lateral offset) can not only be compensated for after it has arisen, but can also be effectively limited due to a particularly high movement speed that can be achieved by means of the at least one linear motor, even during its formation.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the rotary printing device comprises at least one displacement sensor, which is set up to detect the deviation from the desired position and which is coupled to the control device in a signal-transmitting manner. This is advantageous since the at least one displacement sensor enables a particularly simple and precise detection of the deviation when it occurs. The displacement sensor can, for example, be fixed on the device component. The displacement sensor can preferably be designed as a non-contact displacement sensor, which enables wear-free measurement of the deviation using the displacement sensor.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the first motor component and the second motor component for moving the printing unit assembly in the direction of the desired position are arranged in a contactless manner. This is advantageous since the contactless arrangement of the two motor components with respect to one another prevents mechanical friction from occurring between the motor components, so that the printing unit structure can be moved with particularly little friction and therefore with little effort. The expression that the first motor component and the second motor component for moving the printing unit assembly in the direction of the desired position are arranged in a contactless manner, is to be understood here to mean that the first motor component and the second motor component move during the movement of the printing unit assembly (using the at least one linear motor in the direction of the target position). The first motor component and the second motor component can preferably overlap without contact in order to move the printing unit structure, so that not only can the occurrence of mechanical friction be avoided, but the motor components can also be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner relative to one another.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit assembly is designed as a printing unit carriage and has respective rollers and / or wheels for supporting a weight of the at least one printing unit assembly on a contact surface. This is advantageous because the rollers or wheels enable a particularly low-friction movement of the printing unit structure designed as a printing unit carriage. The rollers or wheels enable a particularly effortless movement of the printing unit assembly from standstill, with particularly low static friction to be overcome. This enables a particularly high acceleration of the printing unit structure designed as a printing unit carriage by means of the at least one linear motor. The movement of the printing unit assembly in the direction of the desired position can be carried out correspondingly quickly using the motor components of the linear motor. The footprint can be assigned to respective rails on which the rollers or wheels can roll. The rails can be the Rotary printing device can be assigned. Such rails enable a particularly low-friction movement of the printing unit structure designed as a printing unit carriage.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit structure, which is designed as a printing unit carriage, is free of service brakes acting on the respective rollers and / or wheels for decelerating the printing unit structure. This is advantageous, since service brakes different from the at least one linear motor can thus be completely dispensed with, since the printing unit structure designed as a printing unit carriage can be both accelerated and decelerated using the at least one linear motor. By eliminating service brakes, weight can be saved on the printing unit assembly.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit structure comprises at least one drive motor for driving the at least one printing cylinder. This is advantageous since the printing unit structure can thereby be used particularly flexibly, and drive devices for driving the printing cylinder which are separate from the printing unit structure can be dispensed with.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit structure comprises at least one clutch, via which the at least one drive motor can be coupled to the at least one printing cylinder in a torque-transmitting manner. This is advantageous since the coupling allows coupling, which enables torque transmission between the drive motor and the pressure cylinder, and disengagement, in which the torque transmission between the drive motor and the pressure cylinder is interrupted.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit structure comprises at least one impression roller, by means of which the printing medium can be pressed onto the at least one printing cylinder when it is printed using the at least one printing cylinder. This is advantageous because of this jamming of the pressure medium between the impression cylinder and the printing cylinder is made possible by the printing unit structure. The printing medium can be printed under its guidance or implementation between the impression cylinder and the printing cylinder during operation of the rotary printing device.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit structure comprises at least one ink tray for providing ink for the at least one printing cylinder. This is advantageous since the printing unit structure can thereby be used in a particularly flexible manner, wherein ink containers separate from the printing unit structure for supplying the printing cylinder can be omitted.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a printing unit structure for a rotary printing device according to the first aspect of the invention. According to the invention, the printing unit structure comprises a fixing component for fixing one of the motor components of the linear motor of the at least one movement device. The fixing component can preferably be designed to produce and release a connection between this motor component and the printing unit structure or the at least one printing cylinder without tools. For example, a clamping connection can be made and released as a tool-less connection using the fixing component. The fixing component can therefore be designed to clamp the motor component.

The features presented in connection with the rotary printing device according to the first aspect of the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the printing unit structure according to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a rotary printing device, in which at least one printing unit structure of the rotary printing device having at least one printing cylinder is used for printing on a printing medium, and in which at least one movement device of the rotary printing device is used to relative to the at least one printing unit structure a furnishing component of the Rotary printing device and against at least one, in the operation of the rotary printing device acting on the at least one printing cylinder transverse force in the direction of a desired position of the at least one printing unit structure. According to the invention, the at least one printing unit assembly is moved in the direction of the desired position by motor components of at least one linear motor of the at least one movement device, a first motor component of the motor components being held on the at least one printing unit assembly and being moved linearly relative to a second motor component of the motor components. The second motor component can be held stationary during the movement of the at least one printing unit structure. To move the at least one printing unit assembly, the first motor component can then be moved relative to the stationary second motor component. The method advantageously enables improved compensation for errors occurring during the operation of the rotary printing device.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one printing unit structure is moved in the direction of the desired position depending on a relative offset between the at least one printing unit structure and at least one additional printing unit structure upstream or downstream of the at least one printing unit structure when printing on the printing medium. This is advantageous since it effectively reacts to the relative offset between the at least one printing unit structure and the additional printing unit structure, and errors (for example register errors) can thereby be avoided or at least reduced. The target position of the at least one printing unit structure can be determined as a function of the relative offset using a control device of the rotary printing device. The target position can generally correspond to that position of the at least one printing unit structure in which the errors can be avoided or at least minimized. In the context of the disclosure, the term “upstream” is to be understood to mean that the additional printing unit structure can be used for processing, that is to say for printing on, the printing medium when the rotary printing device is operated before the at least one printing unit structure. In the context of the disclosure, the term “downstream” is to be understood as that when the rotary printing device is operated, the additional printing unit structure can be used for processing, that is to say for printing, the printing medium after the at least one printing unit structure.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one printing unit structure is dependent on the relative displacement between the at least one printing unit structure and the additional printing unit structure upstream of the at least one printing unit structure and as a function of a further relative offset between the at least one printing unit structure and one, the at least one Downstream of the printing unit assembly, another additional printing unit assembly is moved in the direction of the desired position. This is advantageous because, based on the movement of the at least one printing unit structure, any errors which would occur due to the relative offset and additionally or alternatively due to the further relative offset can be compensated for or at least minimized.

The features presented in connection with the rotary printing device according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention and the printing unit structure according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the method according to the invention according to the third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

Further features of the invention result from the claims, the exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the exemplary embodiments can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Rotationsdruckanlage;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Rotationsdruckeinrichtung, welche einen Druckwerkaufbau umfasst, an welchem eine erste Motorkomponente eines Linearmotors einer Bewegungsvorrichtung der Rotationsdruckeinrichtung festgelegt ist, wobei eine zweite Motorkomponente des Linearmotors gegenüber der ersten Motorkomponente ortsfest festgelegt ist, und wobei die erste Motorkomponente und die zweite Motorkomponente voneinander entkoppelt sind; und

Fig. 3

eine weitere schematische Darstellung der Rotationsdruckeinrichtung, wobei die erste Motorkomponente und die zweite Motorkomponente miteinander kraftübertragend gekoppelt sind, wodurch eine lineare Relativbewegung zwischen der ersten Motorkomponente und der zweiten Motorkomponente ermöglicht ist um den Druckwerkaufbau in Richtung einer Sollposition zu bewegen.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a rotary printing system known from the prior art;

Fig. 2

is a schematic representation of a rotary printing device, which comprises a printing unit structure, on which a first motor component of a linear motor of a movement device of the rotary printing device is fixed, wherein a second motor component of the linear motor is fixed in relation to the first motor component, and wherein the first motor component and the second motor component are decoupled from one another are; and

Fig. 3

a further schematic representation of the rotary printing device, the first motor component and the second motor component being coupled to one another in a force-transmitting manner, as a result of which a linear relative movement between the first motor component and the second motor component is made possible in order to move the printing unit assembly in the direction of a desired position.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a schematic representation of a rotary printing system 100 known from the prior art. The rotary printing system 100 comprises a printing unit carriage 112 which has a plurality of rollers 132, 134. The printing unit carriage 112 can roll on a running rail 136 of the rotary printing system 100 using the rollers 132, 134 and can be moved linearly and relative to a machine stand 124 of the rotary printing system 100.

The printing unit carriage 112 comprises an ink tray 114, a printing cylinder 116 and a impression roller 118. In addition, the printing unit carriage 112 comprises a drive motor 122 for driving the printing cylinder 116 and a clutch 120 for coupling and decoupling a torque transmission between the drive motor 122 and the printing cylinder 116 as required.

The rotary printing system 100 further comprises a servo motor 126 and a pneumatic cylinder 128, which enables a mechanical coupling between the printing unit carriage 112 and the machine stand 124 via a clamping device 130 of the rotary printing system 100.

The printing unit carriage 112 can be guided by an operator via the running rail 136 to the machine stand 124 of the rotary printing system 100, which can also be referred to as a printing unit, wherein the running rollers 132, 134 can roll on the running rail 136. The clamping device 130 can be activated, for example, at the push of a button and enables the printing unit carriage 112 to be clamped with the pneumatic cylinder 128, as a result of which the printing unit carriage 112 can then be held on the machine stand 124 via the pneumatic cylinder 128. By means of the pneumatic cylinder 128, a tensile force (not shown) acting in the direction of the machine stand 124 can be exerted on the printing unit carriage 112.

When the rotary printing system 100 is operated, the servomotor 126 can be controlled in a regulating operation by means of a regulating device 140, as a result of which the servomotor can move the printing unit carriage 112 away from the machine stand 124, that is to say to the left in the plane of the drawing or in the opposite direction, as indicated by a double arrow , which illustrates a movement direction 138 of the printing unit carriage 112 which can be predetermined by the servo motor 126. In normal operation, a tensile force and additionally or alternatively a pushing force act on the pneumatic cylinder 128, depending on the direction in which the servo motor 126 shifts the printing unit carriage 112 in accordance with the direction of movement 138.

Problems can occur in particular if, due to mechanical defects or heavy contamination, for example the running rail 136, the tensile force or pushing force is not sufficient to move the printing unit carriage 112 without play. In this case, it can happen that the servo motor 126, for example, can move the printing unit carriage 112 away from the machine stand 124 and thus to the left, but one using the pneumatic cylinder 128 applied pneumatic force is not sufficient to pull the printing unit carriage 112 in normal operation in the opposite direction, that is to say in the direction of the machine stand 124. Increasing the pressurization of the pneumatic cylinder 128 with compressed air can result in increased wear of a servo gear unit of the servo motor 126 in the control mode. In addition, the servo motor 126 may no longer suffice to cause the printing unit carriage 112 to move against the pneumatic force generated by the pneumatic cylinder 128.

Because of these problems, there can be dead times in normal operation, which can have a negative effect on the printing performance and quality of a printing register of the rotary printing system 100. These dead times are also difficult to interpret by the operator.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 each show schematic representations of an exemplary variant of a rotary printing device 10, by means of which the problems mentioned can be at least largely solved. The rotary printing device 10 can therefore provide improved compensation for errors which occur during the operation of the rotary printing device 10.

The rotary printing device 10 comprises a printing unit structure 20, which in the present case has a printing cylinder 30 for printing on a printing medium 12. The print medium 12 is only in the present case Fig. 3 indicated schematically and can be designed, for example, as a paper web or as a cardboard web.

The rotary printing device 10 can generally also be designed as a rotary printing press and can be referred to as such. For example, the rotary printing device 10 can be designed as an intaglio printing machine.

The rotary printing device 10 also includes a movement device 50. The movement device 50 is designed and set up to move the printing unit assembly 20 relative to a device component 14 of the rotary printing device 10 and against one, when the Rotating printing device 10 to move the transverse force F_Q acting on the at least one printing cylinder 30 in the direction of a desired position P_S of the printing unit assembly 20. The shear force F_Q and the target position P_S are exemplary in Fig. 3 shown.

The printing unit assembly 20 comprises at least one drive motor 40 for driving the printing cylinder 30, as well as a clutch 42, via which the drive motor 40 can be coupled to the printing cylinder 30 in a torque-transmitting manner.

The printing unit assembly 20 also includes a impression roller 32, by means of which the printing medium 12 can be adapted to the at least one printing cylinder 30 when it is printed using the printing cylinder 30. An ink tray 26 of the printing unit assembly 20 serves at least to provide ink for the printing cylinder 30.

The printing unit assembly 20 can, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown, for example, be designed as a printing unit carriage and have respective rollers 22, 24 and, in addition or as an alternative to the rollers 22, 24, respective wheels (not shown here) for supporting a weight force F_G of the printing unit assembly 20 on a contact surface S_A. The contact surface S_A can be assigned to respective mutually parallel rails S on which the rollers 22, 24 can roll. The rails S can be assigned to the rotary printing device 10.

The printing unit assembly 20 designed as a printing unit carriage can be completely free of service brakes acting on the respective rollers 22, 24 or wheels thereof, in order to decelerate the printing unit assembly 20, as in FIG Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown. Instead of using such service brakes, the printing unit assembly 20 can be decelerated and accelerated exclusively via the movement device 50.

The movement device 50 comprises a linear motor 60 which, in order to move the printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S, according to a double arrow, linear relative movement R, serves. The linear motor 60 alone can be used to decelerate and accelerate the printing unit assembly 20, for example, relative to the device component 14.

In the present case, the linear motor 60 has two motor components 62, 64, of which a first motor component 62 is held on the printing unit structure and can be moved linearly relative to a second motor component 64, which is held stationary with respect to the first motor component 62. The first motor component 62 can only be moved linearly and therefore rotation-free and rotation-free relative to the second motor component 64, as a result of which the linear motor 60 enables the printing unit assembly 20 to be moved particularly precisely and directly. The second motor component 64 can be held stationary on the device component 14, which is designed here as a machine stand, which is not shown further here. Alternatively, the second motor component 64 can be held stationary on a frame 16, as in FIG Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown. The rotary printing device 10 can comprise the frame 16.

The first motor component 62 and the second motor component 64 are arranged in a contactless manner for moving the printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S.

The printing unit assembly 20 comprises a fixing component 44 for fixing one of the motor components 62, 64 of the linear motor 60 of the movement device 50. In the present case, the fixing component 44 is designed to fix and hold the first motor component 62 on the printing unit assembly 20. The fixing component 44 can be fixed to a housing 21 of the printing unit assembly 20, for example. The rollers 22, 24 can also be rotatably mounted on the housing 21. In addition, the ink pan 26, the drive motor 40 and the clutch 42 can also be mounted on the housing 21.

In order to enable regular operation of the linear motor 60 when the rotary printing device 10 is operating, the rotary printing device comprises 10 a control device 80. The control device 80 can generally be designed as a register control system of the rotary printing device 10.

The control device 80 is set up and designed to operate the linear motor 60 at a position in Fig. 3 indicated deviation A of the printing unit assembly 20 from the target position P_S, in order to thereby cause the relative movement R between the printing unit assembly 20 and the device component 14 (and the frame 16) and simultaneously between the motor components 62, 64 and thereby the at least one printing unit assembly 20 in the direction to move the target position P_S. The target position P_S corresponds to that position of the printing unit assembly 20 in which the printing medium 12 can be printed with as few errors as possible, ideally error-free, so that, for example, register errors or register errors, in particular page register errors, can be at least largely avoided or even excluded.

For reasons of clarity, the deviation A of the (entire) printing unit assembly 20 is only illustrated in the area of a printing cylinder shaft 34 by means of a broken line at one end of the printing cylinder shaft 34. The result is in Fig. 3 Indicated deviation A as an example from a shift of the printing unit assembly 20 in the drawing plane to the left. The printing cylinder 30 can be rotatably supported, for example, on the ink pan 26 via the printing cylinder shaft 34, wherein the printing cylinder shaft 34 can, for example, be supported and rotatably supported on respective bearings (not shown further here). These bearings can, for example, be integrated in the ink pan 26.

The rotary printing device 10 includes a contactlessly operating displacement sensor 90 for performing the control operation using the control device 80, which is designed and set up to detect the deviation A from the target position P_S and which is coupled to the control device 80 in a signal-transmitting manner. A position feedback of the printing unit assembly 20 can thus take place via the displacement sensor 90 and thus it can be detected on the basis of the displacement sensor 90 whether the deviation A of the printing unit assembly 20 from its target position P_S occurs during operation of the rotary printing device 10. Furthermore, can a deviation amount of the deviation A can be detected precisely on the basis of the displacement sensor 90. The deviation amount can correspond, for example, to a value of 100 μm or less, for example 50 μm or 25 μm. Depending on the amount of deviation A, the control device 80 can control the linear motor 60, so that the motor component 62 and, with this motor component 62, the printing unit assembly 20 corresponding to the relative movement R relative to the frame 16 and to the device component 14 and to the second motor component 64 in the direction of the desired position P_S can be moved.

In addition to measuring the deviation A using the displacement sensor 90 and the resulting movement of the printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S, a controlled operation of the rotary printing device 10 also includes a result of the movement by the control device 80, the result in real time already during the Move, that is, the adjustment of the printing unit assembly 20 is taken into account by the control device 80 and has a direct influence on a control quality that can be achieved by means of the control device 80.

In a method for operating the rotary printing device 10, the printing unit structure 20 having the printing cylinder 30 is used for printing on the printing medium 12. In addition, the movement device 50 is used to move the printing unit assembly 20 relative to the device component 14 and counter to the transverse force F_Q acting on the printing cylinder 30 during operation of the rotary printing unit 10 in the direction of the desired position P_S of the printing unit assembly 20. The printing unit assembly 20 is moved in the direction of the desired position P_S by the motor components 62, 64 of the linear motor 60 of the movement device 50, the first motor component 62 of the motor components 62, 64 being held on the printing unit assembly 20 and relative to the second motor component 64 of the motor components 62, 64 is moved and the second motor component 64 is held stationary with respect to the first motor component 62.

Before the rotary printing device 10 is operated, the printing unit assembly 20 (here: printing unit carriage) can be pushed by an operator in the direction of the device component 14, the first motor component 62 which is fixed to the housing 21 by means of the fixing component 44 and which can also be referred to as an actuator, can be introduced without contact into the second motor component 64, which can also be referred to as a stator. The second motor component 64 can then be energized and, as a result, a magnetic force can be exerted on the first motor component 62 by the second motor component 64. The magnetic force fixes the printing unit assembly 20 in the present case on the frame 16. In addition, a current positioning of the printing unit assembly 20 can be measured via the displacement sensor 90 and transmitted to the control device 80. Based on the detected current positioning of the printing group assembly 20, the control device 80 controls the linear motor 60 in such a way that it moves the printing group assembly 20 into a predetermined center position. In control mode (register control mode), the printing unit assembly 20 is moved as required by the linear motor 60 within the framework of the relative movement R, with defined thrust or tensile forces for moving the printing unit assembly 20 being able to be exerted at any time using the linear motor 60. If larger amounts of force of these shear forces or tensile forces are required as a result of mechanical defects or due to contamination, a current amount required for determining the linear motor 60 can first be continuously increased in order to meet the need for the larger amounts of force while maintaining the control quality. If a predefined load limit of the linear motor 60 is exceeded, a warning can be issued using the control device 80 and a necessary maintenance can be indicated. If this warning is not reacted to within a predetermined reaction time, the rotary printing device 10 can be switched off automatically. In contrast to the rotary printing system 100 known from the prior art, the use of the linear motor 60 in conjunction with the control device 80 at no time leads to a situation in which the printing unit assembly 20 and thus the printing cylinder 30 without a defined one by the linear motor 60 exerted pushing or pulling forces as well as without electronic monitoring. The controller 80 can be any Receive time feedback from the linear motor 60 about its current load status and whether the control quality satisfies the given parameters. As soon as the deviation A occurs, it can be reported to the operator via the control device 80. For this purpose, the control device 80 can comprise a display, for example. The displacement sensor 90 enables a high-resolution displacement measurement and the linear motor 60 a highly dynamic movement of the printing unit assembly 20, it being possible to react to the lateral force F_Q almost in real time without losing a control quality in register control.

The printing unit assembly 20 can generally be moved in the direction of the desired position P_S depending on a relative offset V between the printing unit assembly 20 and an additional printing unit assembly 70 connected upstream or downstream of the printing unit assembly 20 when printing on the printing medium 12. This can be done by controlling the linear motor 60 by the control device 80. For the sake of clarity, the additional printing unit structure 70 is only shown in FIG Fig. 3 and presented in a highly abstract way. The additional printing unit assembly 70 can comprise an additional printing cylinder 72 and an additional impression roller 74. The additional printing unit assembly 70 can be constructed overall analogously to the printing unit assembly 20, that is to say also have additional printing unit assembly components not shown here, such as an additional ink tray, an additional drive motor and an additional clutch, to name just a few examples. In addition, it can be provided that the additional printing unit assembly 70 can be moved by an additional linear motor, also not shown and controlled in a controlled manner by the control device 80.

In the present case, the additional printing unit assembly 70 is connected upstream of the printing unit assembly 20, so that the printing medium 12 is printed by the additional printing unit assembly 70 prior to the printing of the printing medium 12 by the printing unit assembly 20. The control device 80 can generally be set up to also shift the printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S as a function of the relative offset V. By means of the linear motor 60, which is controlled and regulated using the control device 80 a particularly high control accuracy can be achieved. In the method for operating the rotary printing device 10, this enables a so-called pilot control of the lateral movement of the printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S, which is parallel to the cylinder central axis 31. If, for example, an abrupt, lateral deviation in the form of the relative offset V of the additional printing unit assembly 70 occurs in the running printing process of the rotary printing device 10, this can be corrected immediately by the control device 80 (here: register control system) in that the additional linear motor counteracts the relative offset V. , ie the additional printing unit assembly 70 is moved in such a way that the relative offset V is reduced. After a certain process time, a print medium sub-area of the print medium 12 incorrectly printed by the additional printing cylinder 72 due to the relative offset V arrives at the printing unit assembly 20, wherein the control device 80 can be set up in such a way that the control device 80 controls the printing unit assembly 20 as a function of that Relative offset V can move in the direction of the target position P_S. As a result, the printing unit assembly 20 or the printing cylinder 30 can be moved into the target position P_S by means of the linear motor 60 controlled by the control device 80, so that in the case of a further printing unit assembly downstream of the printing unit assembly 20, a further relative offset may occur, however, may have a smaller amount than the relative offset V. A conceivable value for the relative offset V corresponds, for example, to an amount of 0.5 mm. Such "pilot control" of the printing unit assembly 20 is made possible in particular due to the small bearing clearances and the particularly high control speed which can be achieved by the linear motor 60 controlled by the control device 80.

The linear motor 60, which is controlled in a controlled manner with the aid of the control device 80, can be used, for example, to adjust the deviation A with a deviation amount of 50 μm or even 25 μm, that is to say the printing unit assembly 20 or the printing cylinder 30 are accordingly moved into the desired position P_S if the deviation A causes this Deviation amount has. Typical errors for which register deviations (in the direction of the cylinder central axis 31 and thus in the transverse direction of the printing medium 12) can thus have a register deviation amount of 100 .mu.m should be adjusted during operation of the rotary printing device 10 by exact repositioning, that is to say by exact movement of the printing unit assembly 20 and of the printing cylinder 30 in the direction of the desired position P_S.

Using the linear motor 60, the occurrence of the deviation A can be reacted so quickly and with high precision that a wide variety of force amounts of the lateral force F_Q can be counteracted by means of the linear motor 60.

The rotary printing device 10 can generally be used for squeegee printing. The printing medium 12 can therefore be printed by doctor blade printing using the rotary printing device 10. When the rotary printing device 10 is operated, in particular in doctor blade gravure printing, different forces act on the rotary printing device 10, which is why the register is subject to constant fluctuations when printing on the printing medium 12 in its transverse direction, i.e. parallel to the cylinder central axis 31, for example caused by the deviation A. These fluctuations or the deviation A must be compensated for as early as possible. The deviation A can be caused, for example, by an oscillating movement of a squeegee (not shown) associated with the printing unit structure 20, the deviation A depending on the squeegee stroke of the squeegee and the printing speed being set to be different. For example, a thin film of solvents and pigments can be present between the squeegee and the printing cylinder 30 at those points on the printing cylinder 30 where no ink is to be applied, which film can act like a sliding film. So that the squeegee does not permissibly drag over the pressure cylinder 30, the squeegee is moved back and forth in an oscillating manner parallel to the cylinder central axis 31, as a result of which the lateral force F_Q (oscillating) can occur. Due to the film of solvents and pigments acting as a sliding film, there may be a slight drift of the printing medium 12, for example as a material web, relative to the printing cylinder 30, this drift only being noticeable in the subsequent, further printing unit structure. The greater the drift between the printing cylinder 30 and the printing medium 12, the greater the further relative offset of the downstream, further printing unit structure. Of the downstream, further printing unit structure can also be referred to as a subsequent printing unit.

Furthermore, the transverse force F_Q can also occur, for example, as a result of a spontaneous adhesion of a further pressure medium to the pressure medium 12 (adhesion of a new material web to the previous material web). When gluing, deviation A or the occurrence of the relative offset V occurs particularly frequently. Although the deviation A or the relative offset V occurring due to the gluing can be corrected immediately by a so-called web edge controller when the rotary printing device 10 is running in, it can, however, be corrected by a combination of a greater than the thickness of the print medium 12 adhesive thickness of an adhesive created during gluing between the other (new) print medium and the print medium 12 and the deviation A or the relative offset V and their respective correction to an at least brief lifting of the impression 32 and / or the additional pressurizer 74 come. During this lifting, the printing medium 12 may shift relative to the printing cylinder 30, as a result of which the printing medium 12 can exert the lateral force F_Q with a considerable amount of force, for example on the printing cylinder 30.

The occurrence of the lateral force F_Q can be counteracted within a very short reaction time by the rotary pressure device 10, in particular by the linear motor 60 controlled in a controlled manner by means of the control device 80, the printing unit assembly 20 or the printing cylinder 30 being able to be adjusted with high precision using the linear motor 60.

By means of the control device 80, which is embodied here as a register control system, the corresponding registers can be controlled autonomously with each cylinder revolution of the printing cylinder 30, the additional printing cylinder 72 and further printing cylinders of the rotary printing device 10. If fluctuations occur, such as temperature changes or voltage changes in the pressure medium 12, there may also be register deviations in the longitudinal direction of the pressure medium and thus perpendicular to the cylinder center axis 31 come. With these register deviations on the printing cylinder 30, the control device 80 can transmit control signals to the drive motor 40 and thereby correct the register deviations by accelerating or decelerating a rotational speed of the printing cylinder 30 predetermined by the drive motor 40. If there is a deviation A in the lateral direction, the movement of the printing unit assembly 20 or the printing cylinder 30 can be corrected by controlling the linear motor 60 by means of the control device 80.

In general, the movement of the at least one printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S can only be carried out by exerting force by means of the linear motor 60 of the rotary printing device 10. Accordingly, the movement of the at least one printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S can only be carried out by exerting force by means of the linear motor 60 of the rotary printing device 10. To move the at least one printing unit assembly 20, the at least one printing unit assembly 20 can be accelerated and decelerated (braked) solely by the application of force by means of the linear motor 60.

Accelerating and decelerating the at least one printing unit assembly 20 in the direction of the desired position P_S is made possible, in particular, by omitting acceleration components and deceleration components that differ from the at least one linear motor 60. This means that moving can be carried out with little effort, quickly, highly dynamically and precisely. The acceleration components that can be dispensed with include, for example, spindle drives or other electric motors. A service brake is one of the deceleration components that can be dispensed with. By using the linear motor 60, it is thus possible to dispense with any brakes and holding elements for decelerating the printing unit assembly 20, which can save weight. The movement of the printing unit assembly 20, any bearing corrections and a compensation of the lateral force F_Q that occurs can only be carried out by means of the linear motor 60. The linear motor 60 not only allows a very high accuracy of up to 0.1 µm when moving the printing unit assembly 20, but also an extremely high reaction speed can also be achieved in order to react to errors that occur.

If the first motor component 62 (here: actuator) is introduced into the second motor component 64 (here: stator) without contact, an annular gap can be formed between the first motor component 62 and the second motor component 64. The annular gap can have a gap width of, for example, 1 mm. This enables a wear-free relative movement of the first motor component 62 relative to the second motor component 64.

Based on measurement data from the contactlessly operating displacement sensor 90 in the present case, which can be designed as a magnetic displacement sensor and by means of which a position detection of the printing unit assembly 20 with a resolution of less than 5 μm is made possible, the control device 80 can perform the linear motor 60 with high precision based on the measurement data Control generated control signals of the control device 80.

By actuating the linear motor 60 on the basis of the control signals of the control device 80 (here: register control system), the linear motor 60 can be operated in a highly dynamic manner and react to the lateral force F_Q that occurs. Overall, the printing unit assembly 20 can also be adjusted and held at a distance of less than 10 μm from the desired position P_S using the linear motor 60 controlled by the control device 80 when the rotary printing device is operated. The shear force F_Q acting on the printing cylinder 30 or the printing unit assembly 20 can briefly move the printing cylinder 30 or the printing unit assembly 20 out of its desired position P_S, however, the deviation A occurring in the process from the desired position P_S can be compensated for immediately by the linear motor 60 or Getting corrected. The linear motor 60, which is controlled by means of the control device 80, can compensate the deviation A even at a sudden occurrence, for example as a result of the pressure medium 12 being stuck on, at a high speed, for example from 0.6 mm / s to 1 mm / s, and almost without overshoot become.

Claims (13)

Rotary printing device (10), comprising - At least one printing unit structure (20) which has at least one printing cylinder (30) for printing on a printing medium (12), and - at least one movement device (50), which is set up to move the at least one printing unit assembly (20) relative to a device component (14) of the rotary printing device (10) and against at least one, when the rotary printing device (10) is operated, onto the at least one printing cylinder ( 30) to move the transverse force (F_Q) in the direction of a desired position (P_S) of the at least one printing unit structure (20), characterized in that
the at least one movement device (50) comprises at least one linear motor (60) which has motor components (62, 64) for moving the at least one printing unit assembly (20) in the direction of the desired position (P_S), a first motor component (62) of which with the at least one printing unit assembly is coupled and is linearly movable relative to a second motor component (64). Rotary printing device (10) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the rotary printing device (10) comprises at least one control device (80) which is set up to control the linear motor (60) in the event of a deviation (A) of the at least one printing unit assembly (20) from the desired position (P_S), in order to thereby cause a relative movement between the To effect motor components (62, 64) and to move the at least one printing unit assembly (20) in the direction of the desired position (P_S). Rotary printing device (10) according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the rotary pressure device (10) comprises at least one displacement sensor (90) which is set up to detect the deviation from the target position (P_S) and which is coupled to the control device (80) in a signal-transmitting manner. Rotary printing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first motor component (62) and the second motor component (64) for moving the printing unit assembly (20) in the direction of the desired position (P_S) are arranged in a contactless manner. Rotary printing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit assembly (20) is designed as a printing unit carriage and has respective rollers (22, 24) and / or wheels for supporting a weight (F_G) of the at least one printing unit assembly (20) on a contact surface (S_A). Rotary printing device (10) according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit assembly (20) designed as a printing unit carriage is free of service brakes acting on the respective rollers (22, 24) and / or wheels for decelerating the printing unit assembly (20). Rotary printing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit assembly (20) comprises at least one drive motor (40) for driving the at least one printing cylinder (30). Rotary printing device (10) according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit structure (20) comprises at least one clutch (42) via which the at least one drive motor (40) torque can be coupled to the at least one pressure cylinder (30). Rotary printing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit assembly (20) comprises at least one impression roller (32), by means of which the printing medium (12) can be pressed against the at least one printing cylinder (30) when it is printed using the at least one printing cylinder (30). Rotary printing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit structure (20) comprises at least one ink tray (26) for providing ink for the at least one printing cylinder (30). Printing unit structure (20) for a rotary printing device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that
the printing unit assembly (20) comprises a fixing component (44) for fixing one of the motor components (62, 64) of the linear motor (60) of the at least one movement device (50). Method for operating a rotary printing device (10), in which at least one printing unit structure (20), having at least one printing cylinder (30), of the rotary printing device (10) is used for printing on a printing medium (12), and in which at least one movement device (50) Rotary printing device (10) is used to move the at least one printing unit structure (20) relative to a device component (14) of the rotary printing device (10) and counter to at least one shear force (10) acting on the at least one printing cylinder (30) during operation of the rotary printing device (10). F_Q) in To move in the direction of a target position (P_S) of the at least one printing unit structure (20),
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit assembly (20) is moved in the direction of the desired position (P_S) by motor components (62, 64) of at least one linear motor (60) of the at least one movement device (50), a first motor component (62) of the motor components (62, 64 ) is coupled to the at least one printing unit assembly (20) and is moved linearly relative to a second motor component (64) of the motor components (62, 64). Method according to claim 12,
characterized in that
the at least one printing unit assembly (20) as a function of a relative offset (V) between the at least one printing unit assembly (20) and at least one additional printing unit assembly (70) connected upstream or downstream of the at least one printing unit assembly (20) when printing on the printing medium (12) the rotary printing device (10) is moved in the direction of the desired position (P_S).

Images