GB872461A - Improvements in or relating to multi-colour rotary proof-presses - Google Patents

Abstract

872,461. Printing machines. SMITH, J. H. W., and BALDWIN, D. T. R. May 7, 1958 [May 10, 1957], No. 14949/57. Class 100(2) A multi-colour rotary proof press is provided with a plurality of inking mechanisms, one for each colour, mounted on a turret which is rotatable to move each inking mechanism selectively from an inking station, in which an appropriately coloured ink is fed to the inking mechanism, to a printing station in which the ink is applied to the plate on the plate cylinder. As shown the turret 1 carries three inking mechanisms and is rotatable about a shaft which is eccentrically and rotatably mounted in the machine frame 2. Rotation of the turret is effected by turning a handwheel 6, the motion being transmitted to the turret through a worm 3 and worm wheel 4. A handle 27 is formed integrally with a sector-shaped member 28 secured to the turret shaft; turning of the handle rotates the shaft and thereby moves the turret laterally, a clamping pin 31 co-operating with a slot 29 in the member 28 to secure the shaft in any given position. Each inking mechanism comprises a drum 9 to which ink may be applied by a pallette knife or other means, an axially reciprocating roller 11 which serves to spread the ink thereon, and two forme rollers 23 which transfer the ink from the drum 9 to the plate on the plate cylinder 22. The roller 11 is reciprocated by a rocking arm 12 coupled at one end 13 to the roller 11 and having at its other end a cam follower co-operating with a face cam 16 secured to a gear 17. The gear 17 is rigid with the drum 9 and is driven by another gear 18 mounted on the turret for co-operation with either a gear 21 mounted on the plate cylinder 22 which is driven by a motor 26 or with a gear 19 driven by a motor 20. When the handle 27 has been operated to move the turret clear of the plate cylinder 22 the turret can be rotated so as to bring the gear 18 of any of the inking mechanisms into engagement with the gear 19 at which position the drum 9 is inked. The turret is then rotated so as to bring the inked mechanism to a position adjacent to the plate cylinder and the handle 27 is again operated so as to bring the gears 18, 21 into mesh and the rollers 23 into contact with the plate, an adjustable stop 32 being provided for the handle so that the correct position of en-. gagement may be quickly found. A spring-loaded plunger 7 on the frame 2 engages a hole 8 in the turret to lock the turret. The plate cylinder co-operates with an impression cylinder 24. In a modification the turret shaft is not mounted eccentrically and a flat is provided on the plate cylinder between the ends of the plate so as to allow the turret to be rotated.