JP7594875B2 - Nip monitoring device for printing section and offset rotary printing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a nip monitoring device for a printing section that monitors the nips in each rubber roller arranged in the printing section, and an offset rotary printing press equipped with a printing section.

For example, a newspaper offset rotary printing press is composed of a paper feeder, an infeed device, a printing device, a web path device, and a folder. The printing device has an ink supply device, a plate cylinder, and a blanket cylinder. The ink supply device has an ink supply source and multiple ink rollers. Ink from the ink supply source is supplied to the printing plate on the plate cylinder via the multiple ink rollers, the ink adhering to the printing plate is transferred to the blanket cylinder, and the ink on the blanket cylinder is transferred to the web as a pattern.

The ink rollers are made of rubber rollers. To transfer the correct amount of ink between the ink rollers, it is necessary to adjust the nip between the ink rollers to an appropriate value. An example of such a printing device for a newspaper offset rotary press is described in Patent Document 1 below.

Patent No. 6012500

When used for a long period of time, rubber rollers used as ink rollers deform and deteriorate due to wear caused by ink and paper dust, heat generation, and deterioration of the rubber caused by solvents. When the rubber roller deforms, the outer diameter becomes smaller and the nip between the rollers decreases. At this time, it is necessary to adjust the nip between the rollers to an appropriate value. Conventionally, the nip between the rollers was mainly adjusted when regular maintenance was performed. However, the deformation of the rubber roller varies depending on the frequency of use of the printing device. Therefore, if the nip between the rollers is adjusted regularly, it may happen that nip adjustment is performed on a printing device that does not yet require nip adjustment, or that nip adjustment is not performed on a printing device that already requires nip adjustment. To prevent such a situation, the interval between regular maintenance is shortened. As a result, there is a problem that the number of workers required to perform regular maintenance increases, and work costs rise.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a nip monitoring device for a printing section and an offset web printing press that improve the work efficiency of nip adjustment work between ink rollers.

To achieve the above object, the printing unit nip monitoring device of the present disclosure includes an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is disposed in the ink supply path from the ink supply source to the plate cylinder and blanket cylinder, an alarm control unit that outputs a nip adjustment alarm that prompts the user to perform nip adjustment work due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation, and a display device that displays the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit.

The offset rotary printing press of the present disclosure also includes a paper feeder that supplies a web, an in-feed device that adjusts the tension of the web supplied from the paper feeder, a printing device that prints on the web supplied from the in-feed device, a folder that folds the web printed by the printing device vertically, cuts it horizontally, and then folds it horizontally to form a folded sheet, and a nip monitoring device for the printing section.

The printing section nip monitoring device and offset rotary printing press disclosed herein can improve the work efficiency of nip adjustment work between ink rollers.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a control block of a newspaper web offset printing press according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a control block of the nip monitoring device of the printing unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the types of webs. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first modified printing unit nip monitoring method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a second modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a third modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a fourth modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a fifth modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a sixth modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a seventh modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to an eighth modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a ninth modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a tenth modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to an eleventh modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a twelfth modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to a thirteenth modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a newspaper offset web printing press according to this embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing unit in a newspaper offset web printing press. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the roller arrangement in a printing unit.

Below, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present disclosure also includes configurations that combine the various embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that a person skilled in the art would easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range.

[Newspaper offset rotary printing press]
18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a newspaper offset rotary press according to the present embodiment. The newspaper offset rotary press according to the present embodiment is a 4×1 rotary press in which the size of the plate cylinder of the printing device is set to 4 page widths×1 page circumference, but may be a 4×2 rotary press in which the size of the plate cylinder is set to 4 page widths×2 page circumferences.

The printing press of this embodiment is a newspaper offset rotary printing press 10, as shown in FIG. 18. The newspaper offset rotary printing press 10 includes a paper feeder R, an infeed device I, a printing device U, a web path device D, and a folder F.

The paper feed device R has multiple (seven in this embodiment) paper feed units R1 to R7. The in-feed device I has multiple (seven in this embodiment) in-feed units I1 to I7. The printing device U has multiple (six in this embodiment) printing units U1 to U6. The web path device D has multiple (two in this embodiment) web path units D1 and D2. The folding machine F has multiple (two in this embodiment) folding units F1 and F2.

In the paper feed device R, the paper feed units R1 to R7 have a similar configuration and have a holding arm that holds three rolls of web (print medium) W wound in a roll shape. The rolls can be rotated to the paper feed position by rotating the holding arm. In the in-feed device I, the in-feed units I1 to I7 have a similar configuration and adjust the tension of the web W fed to each printing unit U1 to U6 of the printing device U to stably maintain the tension of the web W running through the printing device U at an appropriate value. The tension of the web W from the paper feed device R to the in-feed device I is controlled by a brake device (not shown) provided in the paper feed units R1 to R7.

In the printing device U, printing units U1 to U6 are multi-color printing units capable of double-sided four-color printing. However, each printing unit U1 to U6 can be divided into upper and lower parts to form printing units U11 to U62 capable of double-sided two-color printing. Printing units U11 to U62 are configured in roughly the same way, and have ink supply devices, plate cylinders, blanket cylinders, etc.

In the web path device D, the web path unit D1 is provided for the printing units U1 to U3, and the web path unit D2 is provided for the printing units U4 to U6. The web path units D1 and D2 have almost the same configuration and include a slitter that cuts the web W in the vertical direction (the transport direction of the web W) at the center of its width, a turn bar that sets the transport path of the vertically cut web W, and a compensator that adjusts the position of the image on the web W in the vertical direction.

Each web W printed in printing units U1 to U3 is cut vertically by a slitter in web path unit D1, the transport path is changed by a turn bar, the pattern position is adjusted by a compensator, and the webs are overlapped in a specified order. Also, each web W printed in printing units U4 to U6 is cut vertically by a slitter in web path unit D2, the transport path is changed by a turn bar, the pattern position is adjusted by a compensator, and the webs are overlapped in a specified order. Also, there is a pattern in which each web W printed in printing units U4 to U6 passes through web path unit D1 and enters on top of each web W printed in printing units U1 to U3.

In the folding machine F, two folding units F1 and F2 are arranged on the operation side and the drive side. When multiple webs W1 are introduced from the web path unit D1 in a stacked state, the folding unit F1 folds the webs W1 vertically, cuts them horizontally to a predetermined length, folds them horizontally to form a folded note, and discharges them as a newspaper. When multiple webs W2 are introduced from the web path unit D2 in a stacked state, the folding unit F2 folds the webs W2 vertically, cuts them horizontally to a predetermined length, folds them horizontally to form a folded note, and discharges them as a newspaper. In this embodiment, two folding units F1 and F2 are provided, but it is also possible to use one folding unit F1 to stack the webs W1 and W2, fold them vertically, cut them horizontally to a predetermined length, fold them horizontally to form a folded note, and discharge them as a newspaper without providing the folding unit F2.

[Printing unit]
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing unit in a newspaper offset web printing press.

As shown in Figure 19, the printing unit U1 is an H-shaped tower unit that enables four-color printing. The printing unit U1 is configured with four stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 arranged along the transport direction of the web W (from bottom to top in Figure 19), one for black, one for blue, one for red, and one for yellow, and the stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in a symmetrical roller arrangement.

Stacks 21, 22, 23, 24 are in contact with blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, facing each other on the left and right sides, sandwiching the transport path of the web W. Blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b are in contact with plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b. Stacks 21, 22, 23, 24 are provided with ink supply devices 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b for plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b. In addition, stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are provided with dampening devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, 64a, and 64b for plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b.

The other printing units U2 to U6 have a similar configuration.

[stack]
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the roller arrangement in a printing unit.

As shown in FIG. 20, stack 24 is disposed at the downstream end of the transport direction of web W and is capable of printing yellow ink. With respect to the transport path of web W that runs vertically upward, stack 24 has a front printing unit on the left side that performs front printing and a back printing unit on the right side that performs back printing.

The stack 24 has blanket cylinders 34a and 34b, plate cylinders 44a and 44b, ink supply devices 54a and 54b, and dampening devices 64a and 64b. The ink supply devices 54a and 54b are composed of ink source rollers 71a and 71b, ink keys 72a and 72b that constitute the ink fountain, ink transfer rollers 73a and 73b, ink distribution rollers 74a and 74b, ink reciprocating rollers 75a and 75b, ink distribution rollers 76a and 76b, ink reciprocating rollers 77a and 77b, and two ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a and 79b. Note that an ink pump may be provided as an ink supply source instead of the ink keys 72a and 72b. The dampening devices 64a and 64b are composed of water rider rollers 81a and 81b, water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b, water dampening rollers 83a and 83b, and spray nozzles 84a and 84b. The configuration, arrangement, and number of the various rollers are not limited to those described above and may be changed as necessary.

The ink supply devices 54a and 54b are ink fountain type devices, and are configured by arranging multiple ink keys 72a and 72b along the width direction for one ink fountain roller 71a and 71b. The ink fountain rollers 71a and 71b and the ink keys 72a and 72b can store ink with a preset predetermined fluidity (viscosity), and can deliver a predetermined amount of ink by opening the ink keys 72a and 72b. The ink fountain rollers 71a and 71b have a smooth surface, and an ink film is formed only in the gap between the ink keys, allowing ink of a predetermined thickness to be retained. In this case, by operating any of the multiple ink keys 72a and 72b, ink can be supplied only to a predetermined area in the axial direction of the ink fountain rollers 71a and 71b. In addition, multiple ink keys 72a and 72b (32 in this embodiment) are arranged in the width direction, and the ink opening can be individually adjusted by an opening/closing device (not shown). In addition, in the case of an ink pump (not shown), the ink pump incorporates ink discharge mechanisms divided into multiple parts in the width direction, and by individually controlling the operation and discharge amount of each ink discharge mechanism, ink can be supplied only to a specific area in the axial direction of the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b, just like the ink keys 72a, 72b.

The ink transfer rollers 73a and 73b receive the ink from the ink source rollers 71a and 71b. The ink distribution rollers 74a and 74b distribute the ink transferred from the ink transfer rollers 73a and 73b. The ink reciprocating rollers 75a and 75b spread the ink distributed by the ink distribution rollers 74a and 74b in the width direction. The ink distribution rollers 76a and 76b distribute the ink transferred from the ink reciprocating rollers 75a and 75b. The ink reciprocating rollers 77a and 77b spread the ink distributed by the ink distribution rollers 76a and 76b in the width direction. The ink application rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, and 79b receive the ink distributed in the width direction by the ink reciprocating rollers 77a and 77b and supply it to the plate cylinders 44a and 44b.

The water rider rollers 81a and 81b mix the dampening water that is passed between the rollers. The water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b spread the dampening water that is passed between adjacent rollers in the width direction. The water spreader rollers 83a and 83b receive the dampening water that has been spread in the width direction by the water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b and supply it to the plate cylinders 44a and 44b.

The plate cylinders 44a and 44b are metal rollers around which a printing plate (not shown) is wound. After dampening water from the dampening rollers 83a and 83b is delivered to the non-printing areas of the printing plate, the ink from the ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a and 79b is delivered to the printing areas of the printing plate. The blanket cylinders 34a and 34b are rubber rollers around which a blanket (rubber) (not shown) is wound, and which transfer the ink delivered from the plate cylinders 44a and 44b to the web W.

Therefore, when the ink keys 72a, 72b are set to a predetermined opening and the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b rotate at a predetermined speed, a regulated amount of ink is supplied to the ink transfer rollers 73a, 73b through the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b. In this case, the opening of the ink keys 72a, 72b is set according to the coverage of the image on the printing plate. In the case of an ink pump, the amount of ink protrusion is set according to the coverage of the image on the printing plate. The ink supplied to the ink transfer rollers 73a, 73b is supplied to the ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b via the ink distribution rollers 74a, 74b, the ink reciprocating rollers 75a, 75b, the ink distribution rollers 76a, 76b, and the ink reciprocating rollers 77a, 77b. Meanwhile, the water rider rollers 81a and 81b supply dampening water to the dampening rollers 83a and 83b via the water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b.

The dampening rollers 83a and 83b transfer dampening water only to the non-printing areas of the printing plates on the plate cylinders 44a and 44b. The ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a and 79b transfer ink only to the printing areas of the printing plates on the plate cylinders 44a and 44b. As the plate cylinders 44a and 44b rotate, the ink on the printing areas of the printing plates is transferred to the blanket cylinders 34a and 34b. When the web W passes through the nip between the blanket cylinders 34a and 34b, the ink (image) on each blanket cylinder 34a and 34b is transferred to the front and back of the web W by the printing pressure, and double-sided printing is performed on the web W.

The ink supply devices 54a and 54b have ink source rollers 71a and 71b, ink delivery rollers 73a and 73b, ink distribution rollers 74a and 74b, ink reciprocating rollers 75a and 75b, ink distribution rollers 76a and 76b, ink reciprocating rollers 77a and 77b, and ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a and 79b. The ink distribution rollers 74a, 74b, 76a and 76b and ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a and 79b are rubber rollers. The dampening devices 64a and 64b have water rider rollers 81a and 81b, water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b, water form rollers 83a and 83b, and spray nozzles 84a and 84b. The water rider rollers 81a, 81b and the dampening rollers 83a, 83b are rubber rollers. When rubber rollers are used for a long period of time, they deform and deteriorate due to wear caused by ink and paper dust, heat generation, and deterioration of the rubber caused by solvents. When the rubber rollers deform, the outer diameter becomes smaller and the nip between the rollers decreases, making it necessary to adjust the nip. Here, the nip is the circumferential contact width between the rollers when they are in contact with each other at a specified pressure.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a nip monitoring device for the printing unit is provided that monitors the nips between rubber rollers such as ink distribution rollers 74a, 74b, 76a, 76b, ink application rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b, water rider rollers 81a, 81b, and water application rollers 83a, 83b and other rollers, and notifies the operator when it is time to adjust the nips and replace the rubber rollers.

[Control block of newspaper offset rotary printing press]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a control block of a newspaper web offset printing press according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the newspaper offset rotary printing press 10 includes a paper feeder R, an infeed device I, a printing device U, a web path device D, and a folding machine F. The newspaper offset rotary printing press 10 can be controlled by a printing press control unit 110. The printing press control unit 110 includes a paper feed control unit 111, an infeed control unit 112, a printing control unit 113, a web path control unit 114, and a folding machine control unit 115. The paper feed control unit 111, the infeed control unit 112, the printing control unit 113, the web path control unit 114, and the folding machine control unit 115 can respectively control the paper feeder R, the infeed device I, the printing device U, the web path device D, and the folding machine F. The printing press control unit 110 is connected to a nip monitoring device 100.

[Printing section nip monitoring device]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a control block of the nip monitoring device of the printing unit according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the nip monitoring device 100 monitors the timing of nip adjustment and rubber roller replacement for each roller of stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 that make up printing units U1 to U6 as a printing section. The nip monitoring device 100 includes an alarm control unit 101, an alarm memory unit 102, a monitor (display device) 103, and a speaker (display device) 104.

The alarm control unit 101 receives input from the printing press control unit 110 of the number of operating days, cylinder loading time, number of times that the C and D rolls are used, number of times that the ink clutch is engaged, motor torque, amount of change in the ink supply amount, amount of change in the dampening supply amount, and number of times that a paper surface abnormality is detected.

The number of operating days is the total number of operating days of the newspaper offset rotary printing press 10 from the time the nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or from the time the rollers of the printing device U were replaced to the present. The number of operating days may be the total operating time. The number of operating days is input from the printing press control unit 110 to the alarm control unit 101. The cylinder time is the total cylinder time from the time the nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or from the time the rollers of the printing device U were replaced to the present. The cylinder time is input from the printing control unit 113 to the alarm control unit 101. When printing is performed using the printing device U, the cylinder is cylinder-in operation is performed after paper threading and paper pasting, and printing is started. Then, when printing is completed, copper removal is performed and ink cleaning is performed as necessary. The cylinder time is the time from the cylinder-in operation to the copper removal operation. The cylinder-in operation is a process in which the blanket cylinder is moved to bring the outer peripheral surface into contact with the front and back of the web and into contact with the plate cylinder. The cylinder throwing operation involves moving the blanket cylinder to separate its outer periphery from the front and back of the web and to separate it from and contact with the plate cylinder.

The number of times that the C and D rolls have been used is the number of times that the paper feed device R has used the C and D rolls since the nip adjustment of each roller of the printing device U was performed or the rollers of the printing device U were replaced. The number of times that the C and D rolls have been used is input from the paper feed control unit 111 to the alarm control unit 101. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the type of web. As shown in FIG. 3, the plate cylinder 41a can be fitted with four printing plates in the width direction, and four pages can be printed at a time. A roll of paper on which a web W of the same width is wound around a four-page-wide plate cylinder 41a is called roll A. A roll of paper on which a web W of three pages is wound around a four-page-wide plate cylinder is called roll C. A roll of paper on which a web W of two pages is wound around a four-page-wide plate cylinder is called roll D. In addition, the paper rolls of rolls C and D may be conveyed shifted to one side (operation side) or the other side (drive side) in the width direction relative to the four-page-wide plate cylinder.

Returning to FIG. 2, the number of times the ink clutch is engaged is the total number of stacks (ink supply devices) that have been used since the nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or since the rollers of the printing device U were replaced until now. The number of times the ink clutch is engaged is input from the printing control unit 113 to the alarm control unit 101. The printing units U1 to U6 generally have four stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24. However, when the printing unit U1 prints black and white newspapers, it uses only stack 21 and does not use stacks 22, 23, and 24. An ink clutch is provided in the driving force transmission path between the driving motor and the ink supply device. At this time, only the ink clutch of stack 21 is engaged, and the ink clutches of stacks 22, 23, and 24 are not engaged but are in a disconnected state. In this case, since only the ink clutch of stack 21 is engaged, the number of times the ink clutch is engaged is one. The number of times the ink clutch is engaged is the total number of times the ink clutch is engaged during the above-mentioned period.

The motor torque is the current torque of the drive motor that drives each roller, including the rubber roller, of the printing device U. The motor torque is input from the print control unit 113 to the alarm control unit 101. For example, the printing unit U1 is composed of four stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24. The stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are capable of double-sided printing and have one or two drive motors for driving and rotating each roller, etc., via two plate cylinders. The motor torque is the torque of each drive motor and is a detection value. The motor torque can be detected not only during printing operation, but also during maintenance such as roller cleaning and ink winding operation, and during preparation work in general operation of the rotary press. The motor torque may change depending on the number of copies printed, the temperature of the lubricating oil and the frame, etc.

The change in ink supply amount is the total change in ink supply amount from the time when nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or from the time when each roller of the printing device U was replaced to the present. The change in ink supply amount is input from the print control unit 113 to the alarm control unit 101. A preset value of the ink supply amount (e.g., key opening) is set in the printing device U at the start of printing. During printing, the operator adjusts the ink supply amount according to the printing status. Therefore, the ink supply amount (preset value) at the start of printing differs from the ink supply amount at the end of printing. The change in ink supply amount is the total change (difference) in the ink supply amount between the start of printing and the end of printing.

The amount of change in dampening supply amount is the total amount of change in dampening supply amount from the time when nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or from the time when each roller of the printing device U was replaced to the present. The amount of change in dampening supply amount is input from the print control unit 113 to the alarm control unit 101. A preset value of the dampening supply amount is set in the printing device U at the start of printing. During printing, the operator adjusts the dampening supply amount according to the printing status. Therefore, the dampening supply amount at the start of printing differs from the dampening supply amount at the end of printing. The amount of change in dampening supply amount is the total amount of change (difference) in the dampening supply amount between the start of printing and the end of printing.

The number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected is the total number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected since the nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or since each roller of the printing device U was replaced. The number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected is input from the printing press control unit 110 to the alarm control unit 101. Although not shown, the newspaper offset rotary printing press 10 is provided with a paper surface inspection device. The paper surface inspection device detects abnormalities in the printing state of the web W after printing. Abnormalities in the printing state include, for example, density abnormalities and stains on the paper surface or margins.

The alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm due to deformation (wear, deterioration, etc.) of the rubber roller in the printing device U based on the number of operating days of the newspaper offset web printing press 10. That is, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether nip adjustment of the printing device U is necessary as deformation of the rubber roller in the printing device U progresses due to long-term use, and outputs a nip adjustment alarm if it judges that nip adjustment is necessary. The alarm control unit 101 also judges whether replacement of the rubber roller in the printing device U is necessary, and outputs a roller replacement alarm if it judges that replacement of the rubber roller is necessary. When the alarm control unit 101 judges that nip adjustment or replacement of the rubber roller is necessary, it displays a nip adjustment alarm and a roller replacement alarm on the monitor 103 to indicate that nip adjustment or roller replacement is necessary, and issues a nip adjustment alarm or a roller replacement alarm from the speaker 104 to indicate that nip adjustment or roller replacement is necessary.

The alarm memory unit 102 stores various judgment values used to determine whether to output a nip adjustment alarm or a roller replacement alarm.

[How to output part replacement alarm]
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for monitoring the nip of a printing unit according to the present embodiment.

In the nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, in step S11, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether printing work is being performed by the newspaper offset rotary press 10. If it is determined that printing work is not being performed (No), the routine is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing work is being performed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of operating days exceeds a preset number of days determination value. Here, the number of operating days is the total number of operating days of the newspaper offset rotary press 10 since the nip adjustment of each roller of the printing device U was performed or since the rollers of the printing device U were replaced until the present. The number of days determination value is the number of operating days for which nip adjustment is required due to deformation of the rollers, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, etc. Then, the number of days determination value is stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

In addition, the number of operating days of the newspaper offset web printing press 10 may be replaced by the cylinder time of the printing device U. That is, in step S12, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the cylinder time exceeds a preset time judgment value. Here, the cylinder time is the total cylinder time of the printing device U from the time nip adjustment is performed on each roller of the printing device U or from the time each roller of the printing device U is replaced until the present time. The time judgment value is the cylinder time at which nip adjustment is required due to deformation of the roller, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, etc. The time judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

If it is determined here that the number of operating days (time at the drum) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine exits without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of operating days (time at the drum) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the process moves to step S13.

In step S13, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of times that rolls C and D have been used exceeds a preset number of times judgment value. Here, the number of times that rolls C and D have been used is the number of times that rolls C and D have been used by the paper feed device R since nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or since each roller of the printing device U was replaced up to the present. The number of times judgment value is the number of times that rolls C and D have been used beforehand, at which nip adjustment is required due to deformation of the rollers, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, etc. The number of times judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

When the printing device U prints on a web W of roll C or roll D, a printing plate with an image area is attached to three or two sides of the plate cylinder, and a printing plate with only a non-image area is attached to the remaining one or two sides, or no printing plate is attached. The ink supply device then supplies ink and dampening water only to the area of the printing plate with the image area, and does not supply ink or dampening water to other areas. As a result, the ink already adhering to the rubber roller in some areas where ink and dampening water are not supplied dries, and deterioration progresses in some areas of the rubber roller. In other words, when printing is performed using a web W of roll C or roll D, the rubber roller is more susceptible to deterioration, so nip adjustments and roller replacements are required more frequently than when printing is performed using a web W of roll A.

If it is determined here that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller is not large and it is not yet time to perform nip adjustment, and the routine is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller has become large and it is already time to perform nip adjustment, and in step S14, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. Then, in step S15, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S16, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds a preset alarm count judgment value. Here, the alarm count value is the number of times that a nip adjustment alarm has been output. The alarm count judgment value is the number of alarms that require replacement due to deformation of the roller, and is set in advance through experiments, simulations, etc. The alarm count judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), it is presumed that it is not yet time to replace the rollers, and that the nip adjustment alarm has been output, so that the operator has performed nip adjustment, and in step S17, the accumulated number of operating days and the number of times rolls C and D have been used are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that it is already time to replace the rubber rollers, and in step S18, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the above explanation, the alarm control unit 101 outputs the nip adjustment alarm and the roller replacement time alarm based on the number of operating days, the cylinder insertion time, and the number of times the C and D rolls have been used, but this configuration is not limited to this. Figures 5 to 17 are flowcharts showing a method for monitoring the nip of the printing unit in a modified example of this embodiment.

In the first variant of the nip monitoring method, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, steps S21 and S22 are similar to steps S11 and S12 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S23, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of ink clutch engagements exceeds a preset engagement number judgment value. Here, the ink clutch engagement number is the total number of stacks used since nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U, or since each roller of the printing device U was replaced up to the present. The engagement number judgment value is the number of ink clutch engagements that require nip adjustment due to roller deformation, and is set in advance through experiments, simulations, etc. The engagement number judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

The number of times the ink clutch is engaged is the total number of stacks used, and is the number of times the rubber roller is used in the printing device U. As the number of times the ink clutch is engaged increases, that is, as the number of times the rubber roller is used increases, the frequency of nip adjustment and roller replacement increases.

If it is determined that the number of ink clutch engagements does not exceed the engagement number judgment value (No), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller is not large and that it is not yet time to perform nip adjustment, and the routine exits without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of ink clutch engagements exceeds the engagement number judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller has become large and that it is already time to perform nip adjustment, and in step S24, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. Then, in step S25, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S26, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S27, the accumulated number of operating days and the number of times the ink clutch has been engaged are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S28, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the second variant of the nip monitoring method, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, steps S31 and S32 are similar to steps S11 and S12 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S33, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the current motor torque is lower than a preset torque judgment value. Here, the motor torque is the current torque detection value of the drive motor of the printing device U. The torque judgment value is the motor torque that has decreased to the point where nip adjustment is required due to roller deformation, and is set in advance through experiments, simulations, etc. The torque judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

The drive motor drives and rotates each roller of the ink supply device via the plate cylinder. When the nip between the rollers weakens, the torque with which the drive motor drives and rotates each roller of the ink supply device at a specified speed via the plate cylinder weakens. Therefore, when the torque of the drive motor weakens, nip adjustments and roller replacements become more frequent.

If it is determined that the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value (No), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller is not large and that it is not yet time to perform nip adjustment, and the routine exits without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the motor torque is lower than the torque count judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller has increased and that it is already time to perform nip adjustment, and in step S34, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. Then, in step S35, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S36, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), the accumulated number of operating days is reset in step S37. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), in step S38, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the third variant of the nip monitoring method, as shown in Figures 2 and 7, steps S41 and S42 are similar to steps S11 and S12 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S43, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the change in the ink supply amount exceeds a preset ink supply amount judgment value. Here, the change in the ink supply amount is the total change in the ink supply amount since the nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U, or since the rollers of the printing device U were replaced up to the present time. The ink supply amount judgment value is the change in the ink supply amount that has decreased to the point where nip adjustment is required due to deformation of the roller, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, etc. The ink supply amount judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

When the nip between the rollers weakens, the specified amount of ink cannot be supplied, so the operator increases the amount of ink supplied from the ink fountain roller. As a result, when the amount of ink supplied from the ink fountain roller increases, the frequency of nip adjustment and roller replacement increases.

If it is determined here that the change in the ink supply amount does not exceed the ink supply amount judgment value (No), it is presumed that the degree of wear of the deformation of the rubber roller is not large and it is not yet time to perform nip adjustment, and the routine exits without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the change in the ink supply amount exceeds the ink supply amount judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller has become large and it is already time to perform nip adjustment, and in step S44, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. Then, in step S45, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S46, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S47 the accumulated number of operating days and the amount of change in ink supply are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S48 the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the fourth variant of the nip monitoring method, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, steps S51 and S52 are similar to steps S11 and S12 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S53, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the dampening supply amount change amount exceeds a preset dampening supply amount judgment value. Here, the dampening supply amount change amount is the total amount of change in dampening supply amount since nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U or since each roller of the printing device U was replaced up to the present time. The dampening supply amount judgment value is the amount of change in dampening supply amount that has decreased to the point where nip adjustment is required due to deformation of the roller, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, etc. The dampening supply amount judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

When the nip between the rollers decreases, the specified amount of dampening cannot be supplied, so the operator increases the amount of dampening supplied from the spray nozzle. As a result, an increase in the amount of dampening supplied from the spray nozzle increases the frequency of nip adjustments and roller replacements.

If it is determined here that the amount of change in dampening supply does not exceed the dampening supply judgment value (No), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller is not large and that it is not yet time to perform nip adjustment, and the routine exits without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of change in dampening supply exceeds the dampening supply judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller has increased and that it is already time to perform nip adjustment, and in step S54, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. Then, in step S55, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S56, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), the accumulated number of operating days and the amount of dampening supply change are reset in step S57. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value in step S58.

In the fifth variant of the nip monitoring method, as shown in Figures 2 and 9, steps S61 and S62 are similar to steps S11 and S12 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S63, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected exceeds a preset abnormality detection count judgment value. Here, the number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected is the total number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected since the nip adjustment was performed on each roller of the printing device U, or since the rollers of the printing device U were replaced up to the present time. The number of times that an abnormality has been detected is the number of times that an abnormality has been detected that has decreased to the point where nip adjustment is required due to deformation of the roller, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, etc. The abnormality detection count judgment value is then stored in the alarm memory unit 102.

When the nip between the rollers weakens, surface abnormalities on the web W after printing are more likely to occur, which increases the frequency of nip adjustments and roller replacements.

If it is determined here that the number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected does not exceed the abnormality detection count judgment value (No), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller is not large and that it is not yet time to perform nip adjustment, and the routine exits without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected exceeds the abnormality detection count judgment value (Yes), it is presumed that the degree of deformation of the rubber roller has become large and that it is already time to perform nip adjustment, and in step S64, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. Then, in step S65, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S66, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), the accumulated number of operating days and the number of paper surface abnormality detections are reset in step S57. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value in step S68.

The sixth to twelfth variants of the nip monitoring method described below are combinations of this embodiment and the first to fifth variants, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In the sixth modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, in step S71, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S73.

In step S73, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of uses of the C and D rolls exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is judged here that the number of uses of the C and D rolls does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the routine ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the number of uses of the C and D rolls exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S74. In step S74, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of ink clutch engagements exceeds the number of engagement judgment value. If it is judged here that the number of ink clutch engagements does not exceed the number of engagement judgment value (No), the routine ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the number of ink clutch engagements exceeds the number of engagement judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S75. Then, in step S76, the alarm counter is incremented by 1.

In step S77, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S78, the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the number of times the ink clutch has been engaged are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S79, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the seventh modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11, in step S81, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S83.

In step S83, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the routine ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S84. In step S84, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the current motor torque is lower than the torque judgment value. If it is determined that the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value (No), the routine ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the motor torque is lower than the torque number judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S85. Then, in step S86, the alarm counter is incremented by 1.

In step S87, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S88 the accumulated number of operating days and the number of uses of rolls C and D are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S89 the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the eighth modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 12, in step S91, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S92. In step S92, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S93.

In step S93, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is judged here that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the routine ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S94. In step S94, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the ink supply amount change amount exceeds the ink supply amount judgment value. If it is judged here that the ink supply amount change amount does not exceed the ink supply amount judgment value (No), the routine ends without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the ink supply amount change amount exceeds the ink supply amount judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S95. Then, in step S96, the alarm counter is incremented by 1.

In step S97, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S98 the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the amount of change in ink supply are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S99 the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the ninth modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 13, in step S101, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing work is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing work is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing work is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is judged here that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the dampening supply amount change amount exceeds the dampening supply amount judgment value. If it is judged here that the dampening supply amount change amount does not exceed the dampening supply amount judgment value (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the dampening supply amount change amount exceeds the dampening supply amount judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S105. Then, in step S106, the alarm counter is incremented by 1.

In step S107, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S108 the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the amount of change in dampening supply are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S109 the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the tenth modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 14, in step S111, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is judged here that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of times of paper surface abnormality detection exceeds the number of abnormality detection judgment value. If it is judged here that the number of times of paper surface abnormality detection does not exceed the number of abnormality detection judgment value (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged here that the number of times of paper surface abnormality detection exceeds the number of abnormality detection judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S115. Then, in step S116, the alarm counter is incremented by 1.

In step S117, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S118, the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S119, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the eleventh modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 15, in step S121, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing work is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing work is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing work is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S122. In step S122, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the current motor torque is lower than the torque judgment value. If it is determined that the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value (No), the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if it is determined that the motor torque is lower than the torque number judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S126.

In addition, in step S125, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the ink supply amount change amount exceeds the ink supply amount judgment value. Here, if it is determined that the ink supply amount change amount does not exceed the ink supply amount judgment value (No), the routine is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ink supply amount change amount exceeds the ink supply amount judgment value (Yes), in step S126, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. That is, even if the number of uses of the C and D rolls does not exceed the number of uses judgment value or the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value, if the ink supply amount change amount exceeds the ink supply amount judgment value, the nip adjustment alarm is output. Then, in step S127, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S128, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S129, the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the amount of change in ink supply are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S130, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the 12th modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 16, in step S131, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S132. In step S132, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S134. In step S134, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the current motor torque is lower than the torque judgment value. If it is determined that the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value (No), the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if it is determined that the motor torque is lower than the torque number judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S136.

In step S135, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the dampening supply amount change amount exceeds the dampening supply amount judgment value. If it is determined that the dampening supply amount change amount does not exceed the dampening supply amount judgment value (No), the routine is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dampening supply amount change amount exceeds the dampening supply amount judgment value (Yes), in step S136, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. That is, even if the number of uses of the C and D rolls does not exceed the number of uses judgment value or the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value, if the dampening supply amount change amount exceeds the dampening supply amount judgment value, the nip adjustment alarm is output. Then, in step S137, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S138, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S139, the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the amount of change in dampening supply are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S140, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

In the thirteenth modified nip monitoring method, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 17, in step S141, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether printing is being performed by the newspaper offset web printing press 10. If it is judged that printing is not being performed (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that printing is being performed (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the alarm control unit 101 judges whether the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value). If it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) does not exceed the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (No), the routine is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of operating days (time in the cylinder) exceeds the number of days judgment value (time judgment value) (Yes), the routine proceeds to step S143.

In step S143, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value. If it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D does not exceed the number of uses judgment value (No), the process proceeds to step S145. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of uses of rolls C and D exceeds the number of uses judgment value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S144. In step S144, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the current motor torque is lower than the torque judgment value. If it is determined that the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value (No), the process proceeds to step S145. On the other hand, if it is determined that the motor torque is lower than the torque number judgment value (Yes), the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm in step S146.

In addition, in step S145, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the number of times that a paper surface abnormality is detected exceeds the abnormality detection count judgment value. If it is determined that the number of times that a paper surface abnormality is detected does not exceed the abnormality detection count judgment value (No), the routine is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of times that a paper surface abnormality is detected exceeds the abnormality detection count judgment value (Yes), in step S146, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm. That is, even if the number of times that the C and D rolls have been used does not exceed the number of times that the rolls have been used, or the motor torque is not lower than the torque judgment value, the nip adjustment alarm is output if the number of times that a paper surface abnormality is detected exceeds the abnormality detection count judgment value. Then, in step S147, 1 is added to the alarm counter.

In step S148, the alarm control unit 101 determines whether the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value. If it is determined that the alarm count value does not exceed the alarm count judgment value (No), then in step S149, the accumulated number of operating days, the number of uses of rolls C and D, and the number of times that a paper surface abnormality has been detected are reset. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alarm count value exceeds the alarm count judgment value (Yes), then in step S150, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm and resets the alarm count value.

[Effects of this embodiment]
The nip monitoring device for a printing unit in the first embodiment comprises an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is arranged in an ink supply path from an ink supply source to a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder, an alarm control unit 101 that outputs a nip adjustment alarm that prompts the execution of nip adjustment work due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation, and a monitor 103 and a speaker 104 as display devices that display the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit 101.

The printing unit nip monitoring device according to the first aspect outputs a nip adjustment alarm to prompt the implementation of nip adjustment work due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press has been in operation. For example, if the rubber roller becomes deformed due to wear and tear after long-term use, the nip between the rollers decreases, making nip adjustment necessary. Therefore, by estimating the amount of deformation (amount of wear) of the rubber roller from the number of days the printing press has been in operation, it is possible to estimate the time for nip adjustment with high accuracy, and it is possible to accurately estimate the time for nip adjustment and output an alarm. As a result, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of nip adjustment work between ink rollers.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the second aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the number of operating days exceeds a preset number of days determination value. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the nip adjustment time from the deformation of the rubber roller, and to output an alarm by accurately estimating the nip adjustment time.

The nip monitoring device for the printing unit according to the third aspect regards the number of operating days as the time when the plate cylinder and blanket cylinder come into contact with each other, and the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the time when the plate cylinder comes into contact with the blanket cylinder exceeds a preset time judgment value. This makes it possible to estimate the nip adjustment time with high accuracy by determining whether to output the nip adjustment alarm based on the time when the plate cylinder comes into contact with the blanket cylinder.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the fourth aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the number of times printing is performed using a web W whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder exceeds a preset number of uses determination value. As a result, when printing is performed using a web W whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder, some areas of the rubber roller to which ink is not supplied are prone to deterioration, so by determining whether to output a nip adjustment alarm based on the number of uses of such a web W, the time for nip adjustment can be estimated with high accuracy.

In the nip monitoring device for the printing unit according to the fifth aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the number of times the ink supply device is connected exceeds a preset connection number judgment value. As a result, some ink supply devices are not used depending on the printing form, and therefore, by making a judgment as to whether to output a nip adjustment alarm based on the number of times the ink supply device is connected, the time for nip adjustment can be estimated with high accuracy.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the sixth aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the torque of the motor driving the rubber roller falls below a preset torque judgment value. As a result, when the rubber roller is deformed due to wear or the like and its outer diameter becomes smaller, the torque of the motor driving and rotating the rubber roller decreases. Therefore, by making a judgment to output a nip adjustment alarm based on the motor torque, the time for nip adjustment can be estimated with high accuracy.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the seventh aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the amount of change in the amount of ink supplied by the ink supply device between the start and end of printing exceeds a preset ink supply amount judgment value. As a result, when the nip decreases, the amount of ink supply needs to be increased, and therefore, by making a judgment as to whether to output the nip adjustment alarm based on the amount of change in the amount of ink supply, the time for nip adjustment can be estimated with high accuracy.

The nip monitoring device for the printing unit according to the eighth aspect is provided with a dampening device that supplies dampening water to the plate cylinder, and the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the amount of change in the amount of dampening water supplied by the dampening device between the start and end of printing exceeds a preset dampening water supply amount judgment value. As a result, when the nip decreases, it is necessary to increase the amount of dampening water supplied, and therefore the timing for nip adjustment can be estimated with high accuracy by making a judgment to output a nip adjustment alarm based on the amount of change in the amount of dampening water supplied.

The nip monitoring device for the printing unit according to the ninth aspect is provided with a paper surface inspection device that inspects the printing state of the web W after printing, and the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the number of times that the paper surface inspection device detects abnormalities exceeds a preset abnormality detection count judgment value. As an increase in the number of times that abnormalities are detected on the paper surface is often caused by deformation due to wear of the rubber roller, the timing of nip adjustment can be estimated with high accuracy by making a judgment to output a nip adjustment alarm based on the number of times that abnormalities are detected on the paper surface.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the tenth aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the amount of change in the amount of ink supplied by the ink supply device between the start and end of printing exceeds a preset ink supply amount judgment value, even if the number of times printing is performed using a web W whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder does not exceed a preset number of uses judgment value, and even if the torque of the motor driving the rubber roller does not fall below a preset torque judgment value. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the time for nip adjustment and output an alarm.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the eleventh aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the amount of change in the amount of dampening solution supplied by the dampening device between the start and end of printing exceeds a preset dampening solution supply amount judgment value, even if the number of times printing is performed using a web W whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder does not exceed a preset number of uses judgment value, and even if the torque of the motor driving the rubber roller does not fall below a preset torque judgment value. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the time for nip adjustment and output an alarm.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the twelfth aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm when the number of times that the paper surface abnormality is detected by the paper surface inspection device exceeds a preset abnormality detection count judgment value, even if the number of times that printing is performed using a web W whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder does not exceed a preset number of use judgment value, and even if the torque of the motor that drives the rubber roller does not become lower than a preset torque judgment value. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the time for nip adjustment and output an alarm.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the thirteenth aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a nip adjustment alarm that notifies the user when it is time to adjust the nip, and a roller replacement alarm that notifies the user when it is time to replace the rubber roller. This allows the user to adjust the nip using the nip adjustment alarm to prevent a decrease in print quality, and allows the user to smoothly replace the rubber roller using the roller replacement alarm.

In the printing unit nip monitoring device according to the 14th aspect, the alarm control unit 101 outputs a roller replacement alarm when the number of times the nip adjustment alarm is output exceeds a preset alarm count determination value. This allows the nip adjustment alarm and roller replacement alarm to be output at appropriate times.

The offset rotary printing press according to the fifteenth aspect includes a paper feeder R that supplies a web W, an in-feed device I that adjusts the tension of the web W supplied from the paper feeder R, a printing device U that prints on the web W supplied from the in-feed device I, a folding machine F that folds the web W printed by the printing device U vertically, cuts it horizontally, and then folds it horizontally to form a folded sheet, and a nip monitoring device 100. This makes it possible to estimate the amount of deformation (amount of wear) of the rubber roller from the number of days the printing press has been in operation, thereby making it possible to estimate the time for nip adjustment with high accuracy, and to accurately estimate the time for nip adjustment and output an alarm. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of nip adjustment work between ink rollers.

In the above embodiment, the offset rotary press is described as being applied to a newspaper offset rotary press 10, but the present invention is not limited to this type of press. For example, the present invention may be applied to a commercial offset rotary press, etc.

R Paper feed device R1 to R7 Paper feed unit I Infeed device I1 to I7 Infeed unit U Printing device U1 to U6, U11 to U62 Printing unit D Web path device D1, D2 Web path unit F Folding machine F1, F2 Folding unit 10 Newspaper offset rotary printing press (offset rotary printing press)
21, 22, 23, 24 stack 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b blanket cylinder 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b plate cylinder 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b ink supply device 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, 64a, 64b dampening device 71a, 71b ink fountain roller 72a, 72b ink key (ink supply source)
73a, 73b Ink delivery rollers 74a, 74b Ink distribution rollers (rubber rollers)
75a, 75b Ink reciprocating rollers 76a, 76b Ink distribution rollers (rubber rollers)
77a, 77b Ink reciprocating rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b Ink form rollers (rubber rollers)
81a, 81b Water rider roller 82a, 82b Water reciprocating roller 83a, 83b Water dampening roller 84a, 84b Spray nozzle 100 Nip monitoring device 101 Alarm control unit 102 Alarm memory unit 103 Monitor (display device)
104 Speaker (display device)
110 Printing machine control unit 111 Paper feed control unit 112 Infeed control unit 113 Printing control unit 114 Web path control unit 115 Folding machine control unit W Web

Claims (14)

an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is disposed on an ink supply path from an ink supply source to a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder;
an alarm control unit that outputs a nip adjustment alarm to prompt the user to perform a nip adjustment operation due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation;
a display device that displays the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit; and
Equipped with
the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the number of times printing is performed using a web whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder exceeds a preset number of use determination value.
A nip monitoring device for the printing section. an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is disposed on an ink supply path from an ink supply source to a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder;
an alarm control unit that outputs a nip adjustment alarm to prompt the user to perform a nip adjustment operation due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation;
a display device that displays the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit; and
Equipped with
the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when a change in the amount of ink supplied by the ink supply device between the start and end of printing exceeds a preset ink supply amount judgment value, even if the number of times printing is performed using a web whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder does not exceed a preset number of uses judgment value and the torque of the motor driving the rubber roller does not become lower than a preset torque judgment value.
A nip monitoring device for the printing section. an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is disposed on an ink supply path from an ink supply source to a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder;
an alarm control unit that outputs a nip adjustment alarm to prompt the user to perform a nip adjustment operation due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation;
a display device that displays the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit; and
Equipped with
the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the amount of change in the amount of dampening agent supplied by the dampening device between the start and end of printing exceeds a predetermined amount of dampening agent supplied, even if the number of times printing is performed using a web whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder does not exceed a predetermined number of uses judgment value and the torque of the motor driving the rubber roller does not become lower than a predetermined torque judgment value.
A nip monitoring device for the printing section. an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is disposed on an ink supply path from an ink supply source to a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder;
an alarm control unit that outputs a nip adjustment alarm to prompt the user to perform a nip adjustment operation due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation;
a display device that displays the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit; and
Equipped with
the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the number of times printing is performed using a web whose width is shorter than the width of the plate cylinder does not exceed a preset number of uses judgment value and the torque of the motor driving the rubber roller does not become lower than a preset torque judgment value, when the number of times a paper surface abnormality is detected by the paper surface inspection device exceeds a preset number of abnormality detection judgment value.
A nip monitoring device for the printing section. an ink supply device in which a rubber roller is disposed on an ink supply path from an ink supply source to a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder;
an alarm control unit that outputs a nip adjustment alarm to prompt the user to perform a nip adjustment operation due to deformation of the rubber roller based on the number of days the printing press is in operation;
a display device that displays the nip adjustment alarm output by the alarm control unit; and
Equipped with
the alarm control unit outputs a nip adjustment alarm for notifying the user that it is time to adjust the nip, and a roller replacement alarm for notifying the user that it is time to replace the rubber roller.
A nip monitoring device for the printing section. the alarm control unit outputs the roller replacement alarm when the number of times the nip adjustment alarm is output exceeds a preset alarm number determination value.
6. The printing section nip monitoring apparatus of claim 5 . the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the number of operating days exceeds a preset day number determination value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . the number of operating days is a cylinder-insertion time during which the plate cylinder and the blanket cylinder are in contact with each other, and the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the cylinder-insertion time exceeds a preset time judgment value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the number of times the ink supply device is connected exceeds a preset connection number determination value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the torque of the motor that drives the rubber roller becomes lower than a preset torque determination value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when a change in the amount of ink supplied by the ink supply device between the start of printing and the end of printing exceeds a preset ink supply amount judgment value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . a dampening device that supplies dampening water to the plate cylinder is provided, and the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when a change in a dampening water supply amount by the dampening device between a start of printing and an end of printing exceeds a preset dampening water supply amount judgment value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . a paper surface inspection device that inspects the printing state of the web after printing is provided, and the alarm control unit outputs the nip adjustment alarm when the number of times that the paper surface inspection device detects abnormalities exceeds a preset abnormality detection number judgment value.
The printing unit nip monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . a feeder for feeding the web;
an in-feed device for adjusting the tension of the web supplied from the paper feed device;
a printing device that prints on the web supplied from the in-feed device;
a folding machine that vertically folds the web printed by the printing device, cuts it horizontally, and then folds it horizontally to form a folded sheet;
The nip monitoring device for a printing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
An offset rotary printing press.

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