JPH0664149A - Ink controller in printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To easily attach an ink control device to a conventional printing apparatus and to accurately and simply control the density of ink. CONSTITUTION: The ink control device 20 connected to an ink blade equipped with a plurality of regulation keys to control the regulation values of the regulation keys is used along with a printing apparatus equipped with a plurality of ink rollers, at least two ink fountains 14a, 14b and at least one ink blade arranged in adjacent relation to one of the ink rollers and a system unit 12 controlling the whole operation of the ink control device 20 is provided. An operation panel 24 inputting the indication controlling the regulation values of the regulation keys, a servo power unit 26 controlling the regulation values of the regulation keys and a plurality of servo moduli one of which operates one regulation key to regulate the same are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing device, and more particularly to an ink control device for the printing device.

Printing devices are well known to those skilled in the art.
Printing devices generally include a plurality of ink rollers, at least one ink fountain, and at least one ink blade disposed proximate to one of the ink rollers. The ink blade is a member that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction, and its length in the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the axis of the ink roller. One edge of the ink blade is arranged adjacent to the ink roller but not in contact therewith, and a gap is provided between the edge of the ink blade and the ink roller. This spacing can be varied by adjusting the position of the ink blade with respect to the ink roller. The distance between the ink blade and the ink roller is proportional to the amount of ink adhering to the ink roller, and this distance generally determines the density of ink printed on a medium which is paper.

Since the density of the ink may not be uniform over one piece to be printed, the spacing between the ink blade and the ink roller must naturally be different at various positions along the length of the ink roller. The spacing at each location is typically adjusted by a manual adjuster mounted on the ink blade. Each of these adjusting devices changes the ink density of a portion of the print strip, commonly referred to as a zone. Conventional adjustment devices are commonly referred to as keys. Examples of conventional printers and ink conditioners are Crum U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,524 and Murray et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,509.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,664 to Krum et al. And U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,748 to Schlum.

However, the above-mentioned conventional device has some drawbacks. The most serious drawback is that the ink adjusting device is manual, which makes the adjusting operation complicated and time-consuming. Printing devices typically have at least 12 ink conditioners, and if the fountain is large,
It is equipped with 36 ink control devices. Ink adjustment and readjustment work must be carried out by the operator through trial and error. Further, even if a good printing result is obtained once, the desired result may not always be reproduced in the next printing step in the adjusted state.

Prior art techniques that alleviate some of the above-mentioned drawbacks include:
It is disclosed in Manberra, US Pat. No. 4,390,958.
However, this device also has drawbacks in various respects. For example,
Since this apparatus uses an electro-optical mechanism for detecting and analyzing the density of ink, an additional step of transferring a printed image to photographic film is required. Another drawback of the above technique disclosed by Manberra is that it is not a retrofit device. Printing machines are generally expensive, and customers rarely purchase new printing machines with novel features and technologies. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for retrofit devices that improve the operation of conventional printing machines. An example of such a retrofit device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,213,390 to Lieber et al. However, the above retrofit device has drawbacks such as the use of a bearing device for driving the ink blade. A significant drawback of using a bearing device is that the bearing device and the key that abuts the ink blade must be mounted directly and accurately. Since the keys are correctly aligned on the ink blades, each bearing device and thus the entire adjusting device must be correctly attached to the keys. These mounting restrictions make the adjuster incompatible, which creates replacement and maintenance problems. Furthermore, this retrofit device uses one or more wires from the adjusting device to the central position, and a large number of wires, commonly referred to as wire harnesses, are difficult to handle, especially when installing and removing the retrofit device. Is. A drawback of the Rebert retrofit device is that it is not compatible with various printing devices.

This incompatibility is due to the fact that the sizes of the printing devices are not uniform, and in particular, the number of keys of each device, that is, the number of adjusting devices is not uniform. An ideal retrofit device must be able to accommodate all conventional printing devices, regardless of the size of the printing device or the number of keys. In this sense, the Manberra and Liebert retrofit devices cannot be easily used on all conventional printing devices. For example, the Manberra device requires a fixed ratio between the sensing element and the number of keys. For the above reasons, the two types of retrofit devices described above must be modified to be used with a particular type of printing device, and therefore the retrofit device is used with respect to a particular type of printing device. Be restricted.

In view of the prior art, the main object of the present invention is that it is easily attached to all conventional printing devices of any type, in particular to conventional printing devices regardless of the ratio of the number of keys to the number of zones. An object is to provide an attachable ink control device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and rapid communication technique, in particular an ink control device which utilizes a bus for communication with a regulating device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink control device which does not require modification or alteration of the conventional printing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink control device which utilizes a simple feedback technique to detect the movement of the adjusting key.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink control device capable of storing or recalling a job.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink control device which does not damage the printing device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ink control device that can be scaled up and down as a module so as to match the dimensions of conventional printing devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink control device which can be easily attached to and detached from a conventional printing device.

In order to achieve the above and other objects, the present invention provides a plurality of ink rollers, at least one ink fountain, and a plurality of ink adjustment keys which are arranged in proximity to one of the ink rollers. An ink control device for use in a printing device having at least one ink blade with. The ink control device that controls the adjustment of the adjustment key is a system unit that controls the entire operation of the ink control device, an operation panel that inputs commands that adjust and control the adjustment key, and a servo power that controls the adjustment of the adjustment key. A unit and a plurality of servo modules, each servo module activating one of the adjusting keys to adjust the adjusting key.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be understood by considering the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a conventional offset type printer (12).
Is shown as a schematic diagram. In the drawing, the printing device (12) comprises two ink fountains (14a), (14b). Each ink fountain (14a), (14b)
Is of conventional design and has at least one ink blade (16) and at least one ink roller (18), as best shown in FIG. Each ink fountain
(14a) and (14b) are used for producing a specific color ink. The ink blade (16) is a member that extends substantially in the vertical direction, and its length in the vertical direction is parallel to the axis of the ink roller (18). One edge (17) of the ink blade (16)
Is arranged adjacent to the ink roller (18) but not in contact therewith, and the edge (17) of the ink blade and the ink roller (1
8) A gap G is formed between them. The distance G is the distance between the ink roller (18) and the ink blade (16).
The position of can be adjusted and changed. The distance between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18) is proportional to the amount of ink adhering to the ink roller (18), and the amount of ink determines the density of the ink transferred to the printing surface such as paper. For example, if the gap G between the edge (17) of the ink blade and the ink roller (18) is reduced, the amount of ink captured by the ink roller (18) is reduced and the ink density on the printing surface is reduced. .

To adjust the ink density on the printing piece,
The spacing G between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18) is adjusted to obtain different spacing at any discrete location along the length of the ink roller (18). In the prior art, this was accomplished by adjusting the ink blade (16) at any of the discrete positions mentioned above. Adjusters were mounted for each of these separate locations on the ink blade (16). The above-mentioned conventional adjusting device is a manual mechanism and generally requires at least 12 for each small ink fountain and 36 for each large ink fountain. The adjustment work of the entire device was time consuming and inaccurate. The reason for the long time is that the operator has to adjust and readjust most, if not all, of the above adjusting devices by trial and error. Also, the reason why the adjustment work is inaccurate is that the operator adjusts the above-mentioned adjusting device based on his past experience in order to obtain the shading of the printing color. Furthermore, the adjustment work that has been completed once may not be repeatedly applicable to the next printing process.

In order to reduce the above and other drawbacks, an ink control device (20) is disclosed in FIG. Ink control device (20)
Are substantially conventional printing device (12) attachments. An example of a conventional printing machine is a Bestec 40 type printing machine manufactured by Akiyama Printing Machinery Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan. Ink controller (20) is a system unit (22)
And operation panel (24) and multiple servo power units
(26) and each servo power unit controls a plurality of servo modules (28). Each servo module (28) has an ink blade, as best shown in FIG.
It is a mechanism for adjusting a gap G between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18) at an arbitrary position on the (16). Each servo module (28) is mounted in position on the ink blade (16). The above-mentioned predetermined position is the position of the key (190) which comes into contact with the ink blade (16) as shown in FIG. Activating the servo module (28) increases or decreases the synthetic print area of the printed surface, commonly referred to as the ink zone. As described below, the number of ink zones is determined by the key (19
It is not always necessary to match the number of 0), that is, the number of servo modules (28).

An outline of the entire operation of the ink control device (20) is shown in FIG. The system unit (22) includes a central processing unit CPU (30), a disk controller (32), a control panel monitor (34), and a normal power supply (36). Operation board
(24) is a system / control unit (40), an input / output control unit (42), a zone control unit (44), and a display unit (4).
6) Including and. Each servo power unit (26) includes a servo central processing and communication device (50) and a conventional power supply (52). As will be described later, the ink control device (20) uses distributed processing, and the operation of the sub units such as the servo power unit (26) does not rely entirely on the CPU (30) and is mainly It is performed under the control of the internal processing unit.

In operating the apparatus, first, a template on which an image is to be printed or an etched plate (60) is placed on a rack (62) in the form of an image rack. The plate (60) is etched by a usual method. Put the operation panel (24) into the
By arranging it at the bottom of 2), the plate (60) or printed matter can be easily observed together with various displays on the display device (46). The operator first zeros the zone controller (44) and initializes the servo module (28). The zone controller (44) comprises a plurality of switches (64), each switch selecting an ink density to be transferred onto a zone of the print. In essence, the servo module (28) allows the ink blade (16) to be located at different locations on the ink blade (16).
Since the distance G between the ink roller 18 and the ink roller 18 is controlled, the ink density selected will eventually affect the operation of the servo module 28.

The ink density selected is displayed on the display device.
(46) It can be confirmed by displaying both numerical values and figures on the screen. The system control (40) then converts this information into an appropriate signal for transmission by the input / output controller (42).

The CPU (30) of the system unit (22) is
After receiving the zone density information from the operation panel (24), various functions are executed. First, the CPU (30) is the disk controller (3
The zone density information is stored in a storage device (not shown) via 2). Next, the CPU (30) issues a command to the servo power unit (26). The control panel monitor (34) controls information transfer between the system unit (22) and the control panel (24).

The command transmitted from the system unit (22) to the servo power unit (26) is received by the servo processing / communication device (50), and then the servo processing / communication device (50).
Is converted into an appropriate signal such as a pulse for the servo module (28). These signals actuate the internal motors of the servo module (28) to widen or narrow the gap G between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18).

The ink controller 20 can include up to four servo power units, but the preferred embodiment utilizes only one servo power unit 26. In addition, each servo power unit (2
6) controls 6 groups, ie 6 rows of servo modules (28). Each servo module row can have 22 to 40 servo modules.

In order to explain the details of the ink control device (20), each sub-unit will be sequentially described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system unit (22)
Has a CPU (30), a disk controller (32), an operation panel monitor (34), and a power supply (36). In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 30, disk controller 32, and power supply 36 each utilize conventional devices and will not be described in detail herein. In reality, in the preferred embodiment, these components utilize the appropriate subunits of an IBM compatible personal computer. For example, the CPU 30 of the preferred embodiment is an 8088 microprocessor manufactured by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California.

As best shown in FIG. 7, a control panel monitoring device
(34) is a supervisory processor (70), a programmable read only memory (EPROM) (71), a random access memory (RAM) (72), a supervisory buffer / transceiver (74), Bidirectional data transceiver (78), address buffer (80), address decoder (82), operation / stop controller (84), and reset generator device
(86) and

More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the monitoring processor 70 is a Motorola 6802 microprocessor from Phoenix, Arizona. The monitor processor 70 includes 16 address outputs, 8 data outputs, 1 reset input, and 1 stop input. The EPROM (71) and RAM (72) each have eight data lines and have fourteen and thirteen address inputs, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the EPROM (71) is a conventional 8-bit,
It utilizes a 128K storage device, and the RAM 72 also uses a conventional 8-bit, 64K storage device. The monitoring buffer / transceiver (74) includes an address line and a data line for communicating with the operation monitoring device (34) as well as an address line and a data line for communicating with the operation panel (24). In the preferred embodiment, supervisory buffer / transceiver (74)
Is a 74LS244 and 74LS manufactured by Signetic, Inc. of Sunnyvale, California.
I am using a 245 transceiver.

The data transceiver (78) receives and transmits 8-bit data information between the operation panel monitor (34) and the CPU (microprocessor of the system unit) (30). The address buffer (80) stores the address information in C
It is provided for transmission from the PU (30) to the control panel monitoring device (34). Both the data receiver (78) and the address buffer (80) include a control port which communicates with the address encoder (82). It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the data transceiver (78)
And the address buffer (80) are each 74LS24
It utilizes a Type 5 transceiver and a 74LS244 type buffer. The address decoder (82) generates three kinds of signals, which are the stop / operation (HALT / RUN) signals of the operation / stop control device (84) and the restoration (RESET) of the reset generator device (86). Generate a signal. In the preferred embodiment, the address decoder 82 utilizes a Signetic 74LS138 type decoder / demultiplexer. The operation / stop control device (84) and the reset generator device (86) utilize a conventional 74LS74D type flip-flop manufactured by Signetic.

As shown in FIG. 7, the system unit (2
2) includes a plurality of ACIA (Asynchronous Communication Interface Adapters) (76A to 76D), and facilitates communication between the system unit (22) and the servo power unit (26) by the above ACIA. You can ACIA (7
6A to 76D) is the servo power from the CPU (30).
Transmits information to the unit (26). Each ACIA contains four address lines and eight data lines for communication with the CPU 30. In addition, each ACIA is a CPU
The parallel data generated by (30) can be converted into serial data and transmitted to the servo power unit (26).
In the preferred embodiment, ACIA uses SCN2661 manufactured by Signetic.

The continuous output SO of ACIA is the conventional RS2.
It is transmitted via the 32 type communication line. Utilizing the RS232 serial digital communication line makes the attachments of the printing device 12 orderly and simple. For example, the RS232 communication line generally uses a cable having a very small diameter made up of five electric wires. On the other hand, the conventional retrofit accessory device has a different communication method and uses a large amount of wires, so that it is troublesome to handle.

The operation of the system unit will be described below. First, the monitoring processor (70) reads the contents of the EPROM (71), erases the RAM (72), and removes the operation panel monitoring device (3).
4) Initialize. The EPROM (71) is in accordance with conventional usage and contains preselected information such as necessary instructions regarding the operation of the monitoring processor (70). Next, CPU (30)
Transmits command information via 12 address lines, and the operation / stop control device (84) outputs a stop (HALT) signal to disable or use the monitoring processing device (70) for a short time. Prohibit. The address information is first received by the address decoder (82), and the address decoder generates control signals such as operation (RUN) and stop (HALT) for the operation / stop controller (84). Next CPU
(30) transmits address information and data information to the RAM (72) via the address buffer (80) and the data transceiver (78), respectively. These pieces of information are information relating to various conditions of the operation panel (24) such as set values of the servo module (28) and display information of the display device (46). When the operation panel monitoring device (34) is accidentally disabled due to various reasons, the CPU (30) generates address information and the reset generator device (86) restores (RESE).
T) signal is generated to reset the operation panel monitoring device (70). Similarly, the address information is first restored by the address decoder (82), and then the control signal is transmitted to the reset generator device (86).

The monitoring processing unit (70) transmits address information and data information to the operation panel (24) via the monitoring buffer / transceiver (74). The operation of the operation panel (24) will be described below. As best shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring processor (7
Each operation of the control panel (24) detected by
The operation of (64) is recorded in the RAM (72). In the usual manner, the CPU 30 periodically disables the monitor processor 70 and scans the recorded information inside the RAM 72. The response recorded in the RAM 72 such as the operation of the switch 64 causes the CPU 30 to modify the data stored in the RAM 72. This corrected data includes the operation command when the monitoring processor 70 is restored. One of the commands is to activate the electronic sound beeper (122), as will be described later, and this electronic sound indicates that the switch (64) has been pressed to inform the operator.

When the CPU (30) detects the response recorded in the RAM (72), the CPU (30) issues a command to the servo power unit (26). These directives
Normally, the gap G between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18)
It involves the operation of the servo module (28) to adjust the. Also, these commands are transmitted from the parallel system to the serial system via the ACIA (76A to 76D) and then transmitted to the servo power unit (26). Servo power unit (26)
And the operation of the servo module (28) is described below. Although four ACIAs are shown in the drawing, in the preferred embodiment, one ACIA is used to communicate with one servo power unit (26).

The commands and information issued from the system unit (22) include interpolation of zone information, servo linearity table, and the like. More specifically, the interpolation work is performed by controlling the control amount of each servo module (28) or each adjustment key (19
0) to the control panel (24) switch (6) for each position of the servo module (28) or adjustment key (190).
This is a technique that is determined in consideration of one of the operation results in 4). Each switch (64) affects one ink zone because the number of switches (64) matches the number of ink zones in the print. Generally, the conventional ink blade (16) has a longitudinal length of 51 cm (20 inches) to 198 cm (7 inches).
Up to 8 inches). For example, 71 cm (28
If there are 24 adjustment keys on an inch ink blade, the distance between the adjustment keys will be about 3 cm (1.16 inches). However, the ink control unit (20) has 22 switches (64) which affect the 22 ink zones. Further, each switch (64) increases or decreases the ink density of each corresponding ink zone. In a 15 cm (28 inch) type printer, the distance between switches 64 or ink zones is about 3.2 cm (1.279 inches). Therefore, there is no one-to-one correspondence between each ink zone and each adjustment key. In order to alleviate the lack of correspondence, the settings of the 22 switches (64) on the control panel (24) are set so that 22 ink zones appear on the printing surface via 24 adjustment keys. Must be set to. That is, the ink density of each ink zone is the same as the ink density selected on the corresponding switch (64), that is, the set value. Interpolation of zone information and the like is performed by a conventional computer calculation technique. Due to this interpolation capability, the ink control device (20) can be easily retrofitted to all conventional printing devices regardless of the size of the device or the number of adjustment keys. Although the ink controller 20 includes interpolation capability, it is still effective when interpolation is not required, such as when the number of adjustment keys is equal to the number of ink zones.

Regarding the linearity of the servo,
The inherent non-linear results generated by module 28 must be corrected in the system unit 22 memory lookup table, as described below.

Control Panel As best shown in FIG. 3, the control panel (24) includes a system control unit (40), an input / output control unit (42), a zone control unit (44), and a display unit. (46) and are contained.

More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 8, the signal from the operation panel monitoring device (34) is first received by the input / output control device (42) as described above. The I / O controller (42) is a bidirectional data transceiver (90),
It has an address latch (94) and communicates with the control panel monitor (34). In the preferred embodiment, a data transceiver
(90) and address latch (94) are 7 made by Signetic.
It uses a 4LS245 type transceiver and a 74LS273 type latch, respectively.

The system control device (40)
Is an address decoder (100), a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (102), a switch array (104),
It contains a column latch (106) and a row latch (108). In particular, the address decoder (100) has five inputs through which it communicates with the five address lines of the address latch (94) and the 72 address inputs. In the preferred embodiment, the address decoder 100 utilizes a Signetic 74LS154 type decoder.

The switch array (104) uses a 7 × 8 array in the preferred embodiment, which includes pushbuttons that display numbers and commands, such as input buttons (E).
NTER), Delete (DELETE), Copy (COP)
Y), save (SAVE), start (BEGIN), reproduction (RECALL), etc. The LED (102) is arranged corresponding to a specific button among the above push buttons. In the preferred embodiment, 31 LEDs are provided. When the LED is activated, execution of a command such as copy (COPY) is displayed. The LED 102 communicates with the address decoder 100 and the four address lines as well as the eight data lines of the data transceiver 90.

A column latch (106) and a row latch (108) are also provided for operating the switch array (104). The column latches 106) and row latches (108) communicate with the eight columns and seven rows of the switch array (104), respectively.
In addition, the column latch (106) and row latch (108) each contain eight lines and an address line of the data transceiver (90).
Communicates with one address line of the decoder (100). In the preferred embodiment, the column latches (106) and row latches (108) are
It uses a 74LS374 type latch and a 74LS244 type latch made by Signetic, respectively.

As mentioned above, the display device 46 contains a plurality of displays for displaying alphanumeric characters and images. Further, a portion of the display device (46) that is closely related to each subunit of the operation panel (24) will be described later at an appropriate place for each subunit. For example, the function of LED (102) was described above in connection with the operation of switch array (104). Further, the system control device (40) has a plurality of 7-segments and related displays such as LED displays (110A to 110D). Display (110A) and (110B)
Respectively communicate with the two address lines of the address decoder (100) and the data line of the data transceiver (90). On the other hand, the displays (110C) and (110D) respectively communicate with one address line of the address decoder (100) and the data line of the data transceiver (90). LED displays (110A-110D) are registered (REGISTRATION), total ink amount (SWEE)
P), the function of dampening water (WATER) is displayed.

"Registration" is a printing term, and it is an operation of completely matching the printing positions of the respective printing plates and, in the case of multicolor printing, correctly printing two or more colors on the same paper surface. Conventional multi-color printing presses generally process 6 colors because 6 colors are processed.
Have one ink fountain and use one color plate for each ink fountain. For example, if there are contours in the image lines, all printing colors must be contained within the contours, and each color must be printed correctly. If registration is omitted,
The contour of the color image is not uniform, and the printing position of each color plate is not correct. "Total ink amount" is also a printing term, and refers to the total amount of ink adhered to each plate surface, that is, the density of each color transferred to each color plate. "Dampening water" is also a printing term, and means that water is applied to the plate surface before inking so that ink does not adhere to the non-image areas of the plate surface. In general, the special features described above must be adjusted for each printing process. Switch 64 is a rocker type switch in the preferred embodiment, although other types of switches such as light pen devices can be used.

Further, the zone controller (44) is
Decoder (112) and multiple up / down switches (64A-64D)
, A plurality of LEDs (116A to 116D), a plurality of 7-segments, and an LED display (118A to 118D). The primary function of the zone controller (44) is to allow selection of servo module (28) settings. This set value indicates the width of the gap G between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18). In the preferred embodiment, a 100% setting indicates a maximum gap G of about 0.3 mm (0.012 inches) and a 0% setting indicates a minimum value of about 0 mm (0.000 inches). As best shown in FIG. 8, the zone controller 44 has four display devices per group. For example, four up / down switches (64), four groups of LEDs (116), and four displays (118). Therefore, only one group will be described below. Since the zone control device (44) is modularized, you can add or reduce the ink control device (20) with the switch (64).
Can be easily performed by increasing or decreasing in units of four.

The address decoder (112) also has eight inputs which are in communication with the address latch (94) and eight outputs. In the preferred embodiment, the address decoder (112) is a 74LS1 manufactured by Signetic.
A 38 type decoder is used. Up and down (up /
Of the down switches (64A-64D), each down switch communicates with one address line of the address decoder (112). Similarly, the up switch communicates with one address line of the address decoder (112).

The LED (116) and the display (118) are provided for image display of the vertical selection of the switch (64). Each group of LEDs (116A-116D) is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 11, 11 LEDs are arranged vertically and linearly. Also, each group of LEDs (116A-116D) contains 10 LEDs, each of which represents a 10% increment of the expected maximum value. Each group of LEDs communicates with one address line of the address decoder (112) and the data line of the data transceiver (90). As will be described later, each servo module (28) can set its own reference point, and this reference point is stored in the servo power unit (26). Also, each linear array of LEDs 116 represents a range of 0% to 100% of the gap G. 100% is the maximum planned value.

LED display (118A-118D)
Each communicates with one address line of the address decoder (112) and the data line of the data transceiver (90). The LED displays (118A-118D) are the main means for the operator to set the numerical values for each zone.

Further. As shown in FIG. 8, the remaining displays in the display device (46) are address decoders.
(120), electronic beeper (122), display controller (124), and alphanumeric display (128). The address decoder (120) consists of four address latches (94).
It communicates with a book address line and includes three output lines. One of these output lines is a beeper (1
22), but the other two are display controllers
Communicate with (124). In the preferred embodiment, the address decoder (120) is a 74L manufactured by Signetic.
It uses the S138 decoder. The display controller (124) receives address information from the address decoder (120) and the data information from the data transceiver (90), and outputs 20 display signals for the display (128). . In the preferred embodiment, the display controller 124 utilizes 10938 and 10939 type LSI chips manufactured by Rockwell International, Inc. of El Segmund, CA. Also, the display 128 in the preferred embodiment utilizes a 20.times.2 character dot matrix alphanumeric display manufactured by Norisaki Co., Ltd. of Japan.

Explaining the operation procedure, the address information from the operation panel monitoring device (34) of the system unit (22) is as follows:
First, the up / down switch 64 and the switch array 104 are addressed to see if one or more of the switches have been selected. If the switch (64A) is selected, for example to increase the setpoint, this information is transmitted to the control panel monitor (34) via the data transceiver (90). Also, this information is
First, it is stored in the RAM (72). The CPU (30) can select a new value on the switch (64A) during the periodic scanning of the RAM (72). The monitoring processor (70) is a switch
Scan the buttons of the array (104) approximately every 250 milliseconds to address latches (94) and data transceivers (90).
To activate the electronic beeper (122) by transmitting a command via. The electronic beeper (122) can be activated approximately every 250 milliseconds after each scan of the switch array (104), but this speed is sufficient for the operator to hear the electronic tone for each selection of the switch (64). Is. The operation of the linear array LED (116A) and the display (118A) is performed after the decoding of the address decoder (112). If the increment is 10% of the previous value
In the above case, the next LED in the linear array is activated. At the same time, the display (118A) also increases the numerical display for each forward step.

Also, if the switch array (104) button has been selected, this information will be returned in the normal way to the column latch (1
It is transferred to the control panel monitoring device (34) via 06) and the row latch (108). The supervisory processor (70) then sends a command through the address latch (94) and the data transceiver (90) to cause the LED (10
2) Activate the corresponding LED in. Also, when one of the three functions of "registration", "total ink amount" and "fountain solution" is selected, the corresponding display (110A-110D) is activated to display the selected value. Commands to the system controller (40) are decoded by the address decoder (100).

At the same time, the forward steps selected by the switch array (104) are sent to the RAM (72) as described above. The CPU (30) detects the above-mentioned forward step during the periodic scanning and directs the movement of the servo module (28) as described below.

When the CPU (30) transmits a response from the operator and requests an instruction from the operator, an appropriate message is displayed on the alphanumeric display (1) via the monitoring processing unit (70).
It is displayed in 28). Electronic beeper (122) and display
The command to (128) is decoded by the address decoder.

Servo Power Unit Each of the four servo power units (26) includes a servo processing / communication device (50) and a normal power supply (52). As shown in FIG. 9, the servo processing / communication device (50) includes a servo power processing device (130), a random access storage device (RAM) (132), and a read storage device (ROM) (134).
Dedicated read storage device (DROM) (136) and decoder
(138), a bidirectional data transceiver (140), an address buffer device (142), a system unit communication ACIA (144), a decoding logic device (146), and a servo module ACIA (148). , Level converter (149A), (1
49B).

In the preferred embodiment, the servo power processor 130 is a Motorola 6802 microprocessor. The servo power processor 130 includes 16 address outputs, 8 data outputs, 1 reset input, and 1 clock input. In the preferred embodiment, RAM 132 and ROM 134 utilize conventional 8-bit, 64K storage devices, respectively. Also,
In the preferred embodiment, DROM 136 is a conventional 8-bit, 16K storage device. In addition, decoder (138)
Uses a 74LS42 decoder manufactured by Signetics Co., Ltd., and transfers information from the servo processing / communication device (50) to one column of the seven-column servo module (28). In the preferred embodiment, only six rows of servo modules (28) are used and the remaining one row is composed of special features such as "registration", "fountain solution" and "total ink volume".

In addition to the processing functions described above, the servo power processor 130 also controls a phenomenon commonly referred to as "coasting." The coasting of the servo module (28) means that the servo module cannot be accurately stopped in the deactivated position, that is, the position where the power is turned off, due to the inherent characteristics of the servo. For example, the servo of the system unit (22) command
When the module (28) rotates 4 times, the servo module (2
8) coasts past the point where the power was cut off. Therefore the coasting distance or number for each movement of the servo module is recorded in the servo power processor (130),
Will be offset on the next move. That is, it is a dynamic procedure in which the coasting digit is detected and then corrected. For example, due to factors such as aging, the coasting distance of the servo module (28) may be different when newly manufactured and after long-term use, but the dynamic procedure described above ensures that the latest coasting number is used for correction. The quantity is given and thus an accurate printed image is obtained.

It should be noted that the data transceiver 140 and address buffer 142 are in the preferred embodiment a 74LS245 transceiver and a 74LS24 transceiver manufactured by Cygnex.
4 buffers are used each. Decoding logic 146 also utilizes a 74LS42 decoder in the preferred embodiment to transfer the enable signal to one column of the seven column servo module 28. Decryption logic (1
The output of 46) is 5V to 1 with the conventional level converter (149A).
After boosting to 5V, the configuration (CONFI
G) As a signal, it is transmitted to the one row of servo modules (28). Also, the functions of the system unit ACIA (144) and the servo module ACIA (148) are
Similar to the counterpart in unit (22). The system unit ACIA (144) and the servo module AC
IA (148) are all SCN26 manufactured by Signetic
I am using 61. System unit ACIA (14
4) sends the information from the system unit (22) to RS23
It can be received via two communication lines. In addition, the servo module ACIA (148) uses the information from the servo power unit (26) for a plurality of servo modules (28).
And receive information from the servo module (28). The information given to the servo module includes the target value for movement, and the information received from the servo module includes the verification signal indicating whether or not the target value has been achieved and the actually measured value for movement. I'm out. The output of the servo module ACIA (148) is first boosted by a conventional level converter (149B).

By adopting the digital communication, the ink control device (20) can be made compact as described above and can be modularized. Ink control device (20)
Is designed for use with all conventional printers, the number of servo modules (28) and the size of the control panel (24) can easily be increased or decreased. In contrast, conventional attachments (accessories) use parallel analog communication, so wiring and connectors must be added when increasing capacity, which requires remodeling work. However, the ink control device (20) that uses serial communication such as a bus (bus) is easy to install and remove, and does not take much time to remodel. It also eliminates the need for heavy and cumbersome cables.

In operation, when the servo power unit (26) is activated, preselected operation information in the DROM (136) is output to the RAM (132). The system unit ACIA (144) converts the serial information received from the system unit (22) via the RS232 communication line into parallel information. Information such as address and data is R
It is transmitted to the AM (132) and the ROM (134). A ROM (134) used in a conventional manner stores preselected information, such as instructions needed to operate the servo power processor (130). The data transmitted from the system unit (22) usually includes movement information of the servo module (28) as described above. Next, the servo power processor (130) is connected to the corresponding servo module (28).
Output the command to. At the same time, the servo power processing device (130) sends a signal to the decoder (138) to
One row in the servo module (28) receives the command. Therefore, only one row of servo modules 28 will receive and execute a command at a time.

The first information sent from the servo power processor (130) through the decoder (138) is the constituent signal. The configuration signal is basically a default signal and assigns a unique identifier (generally a number) to each servo module (28). Each identified servo module (28)
Respectively receive and execute preselected information.
As will be described below, these configuration signals are first decoded by the decoding logic (146) and then boosted by the level translator (149A) for transfer to the particular example servo module (28), and then It is transmitted to the servo module (28) via the configuration CONFIG line.

Next, the servo power processing unit (130) controls the output of information such as a movement command to the servo module (28). These movement commands are calculated in consideration of the coasting number of each servo module (28) and the position of each servo module after the previous movement. The address information and the data information are transferred from the RAM (132) to the address buffer (14
2) and the data transceiver (140) respectively. These parallel signals are converted into serial signals by the servo module ACIA (148) and boosted by the level converter (149B) before the servo communication COMM.
It is transferred to the servo module (28) via the line. On the contrary, the verification signal is the servo module.
It is sent from (28) to the servo module ACIA (148) via the communication COMM line, converted to parallel by ACIA (148), and then transferred to the servo power processing unit (130) for additional processing. . For this additional processing, the status of the servo module (28) (indicated by the verification signal) is sent to the system unit (22) via the system unit ACIA (144).
Including work to transfer to. In addition, the verification signal contains a coasting number for each servo module 28, which is taken into account when determining the subsequent movement of each servo module 28.

Although the servo power unit 26 is shown in the preferred embodiment as an independent sub-unit of the ink controller 20, the various functions of the servo power unit 26 are shown. It is known to those skilled in the art to design a system unit (22) that includes an omission of such a stand-alone servo power unit (26). In addition, the servo power unit (26)
Communicate individually with the module (28), i.e. each servo
A design is also possible in which the module (28) is connected to the servo power unit (26) by wiring.

Servo Module The servo module (28) is a servo control unit (see FIG. 1).
0) (150) and servo drive unit (see Fig. 11)
(152). More specifically, the servo control unit (15
0) is the power switch device (154), the servo module processing device (156), the servo configuration enable device (158),
Servo communication controller (160) and transmission controller (162)
And output data transmission device (164) and input data entry device
(166), a pair of level conversion devices (168A) and (168B), and a servo motor driver device (170). It also has a normal Hall effect detector (171) (see FIGS. 11 and 19). In addition, servo module processing device (156)
Is a Motorola 6805 in the preferred embodiment.
Type microprocessor is used. The power switch device (154) also supplies a plurality of voltages. The servo configuration usable device (158) and the input data entry device (166) are comparators (comparison circuits). In addition, the servo motor
Devices Q1-Q4 of the driver device (170) are normal power drivers.

As a procedure of operation, the servo power unit (26) first sends an enable signal to a particular servo module (28) to cause this servo module (28) to receive information. The enable signal described above, designated as the configuration signal or CONFIG IN signal in the preferred embodiment, is received by the servo configuration enable device (158). The servo-configurable device (158) utilizes a comparator in the preferred embodiment to transfer to the servo module processor (156) when the above information is above 5V. The servo communication controller (160) is also a switch of each servo module (28) in the preferred embodiment, and when the servo power unit (26) activates all the servo modules (28). , Is initialized to the open state. When the comparator (158) of the first servo module (28) passes the configuration CONFIGIN signal, the servo module processor (156) will
Record the identifier (eg the number “1”) contained in the FIG IN signal. The servo module processor 156 is then configured in the preferred embodiment to be -CONFIG.
It outputs a signal designated as PASS, which opens and closes switch 160. Since the switch (160) is closed in this way, the subsequent CONFIG IN signal is the CONFIG signal.
Servo module already identified as OUT signal
(28) Pass through without change. Therefore, the subsequent servo module (28) is identified by the same procedure as above.

The ink controller (20) is designed to deactivate the servo module (28) when the servo module (28) has completed the commanded movement. Power switch (154) is used to activate and deactivate servo module (28). Deactivating servo module 28 between each command move is preferred primarily for the following reasons. That is, this is to reduce power consumption and to reduce the possibility that data noise will occur due to electrical noise in the CONFIG circuit. Therefore, the configuration of the servo module (28) is
This is done before the servo power unit (26) issues a move command each time. Also, the CONFIG IN signal and the CONFIG signal
Although described as a completely separate communication path from the OUT signal, in the preferred embodiment they are communicated via the same communication path.

Once enabled, the servo module processor (156) can receive additional information from the servo power unit (26) via the communications COMM line. This additional information instructs the servo drive unit (152) to operate and changes the gap G between the ink blade (16) and the ink roller (18). Servo module processor (15
If 6) contains this additional information, it will be controlled by the Input Data Entry Device (166). In the preferred embodiment, an input data entry device (166) in which a comparator is used is 5V.
The digital information is transmitted by using the reference voltage of.

The servo module processor (156) is CO
Servo power unit (26) with information via MM line
COMMM OU in the preferred embodiment when forwarding to
Outputs the signal designated as T. The output data transmission device (164) is provided for transmitting this output information. In the preferred embodiment, this output data transmission device (164)
In the preferred embodiment, which includes a plurality of conventional transistors (Q7-Q10), the transmission signal designated as -XMIT ON / OFF is output from the servo module processor (156). This transmission signal causes the transmission control device (162) to activate the transistor (Q10) of the output data transmission device (164). The output information to the servo power unit (26) includes detection signals such as the status (coasting number) of the servo module (28) and the position of the servo module (28) after the movement.

While the servo module processor (156) is controlling the operation of the servo drive unit (152), a positive or negative digital control signal is generated to determine the direction of rotation of the motor. This positive / negative digital control signal is first amplified by a pair of conventional level converters (168A) and (168B), respectively. If a positive digital control signal is generated by the servo module processor (156), the level converter.
(168A) starts and the servo motor driver device (17
The transistor (Q1) of 0) is started. The current is then applied to the positive rotation side of the motor drive (MOT in the preferred embodiment).
OR (+) DRIVE). The return current from the motor drive unit is MOTOR (-) DRIV
Return via the E line to the servo motor driver device (1
Pass the active function (Q4) of 70). Further, if the servo module processing unit (156) generates a negative control signal, the current flows through the servo motor driver unit (170) in the path opposite to the above, and the motor also rotates in the reverse direction. . The movement of the servo drive unit (152) depends on the Hall effect detector (1
71). The signal to this detector is
In the preferred embodiment it is called MAG PULSE. Therefore, the behavior of the servo drive unit (152) is five communication paths, namely, MOTOR (+) DRIVE and MOTO.
R (-) DRIVE, -MAG PULSE, CON
It is controlled by the command signal transmitted to FIG IN / CONFIG OUT and COMM.

As shown in FIG. 11, the servo drive unit (1
52) is a Hall effect detector (171) and a conventional sorter device
(172), a motor shaft (173), a multi-pole magnet (174) attached to the motor shaft (173), a first stage gear device (176), a first drive shaft (177), Second gear device (1
78), the second drive shaft (180), and the first coupling device (18
2), the multi-turn / stop device (184) and the adjustment device (18
6) and a second coupling device (188). The second coupling device (188) is attached to the adjustment key (190) of the conventional printing device (12). Second coupling device (18
The 8) is designed to accept the adjustment keys (190) on all conventional printing devices. Further, since the second coupling device (188) can be easily put on the adjustment key (190) by a device using ordinary bolts and nuts, maintenance of the ink control device (20) is simplified.

The configuration and design of the first coupling device (182) and the second coupling device (188) are the same as those of the ink control device.
Installation and operation of (20) is simplified. The second coupling device 188 includes two rearwardly extending members 188A and 188B, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the first coupling device (182) has two radially extending slots.
Includes (182A) and (182B). Since the depth of the slots (182A) and (182B) is larger than the height of the members (188A) and (188B), the members (188A) and (188B) slide inside the slots (182A) and (182B), respectively. . As best shown in FIG. 16, the first coupling device (182) also includes a member (188A).
It is mounted in the normal way so that it slides perpendicular to the direction of sliding of (188B). The first coupling device (182) and the second coupling device (188) may be in contact with each other even when the servo module (28) is not axially aligned with the existing adjustment key (190). , Assembled,
Can be mounted on the adjustment key (190). Therefore, the ink controller (20) can be easily installed because no accurate alignment is required for the adjustment key (190) existing in the servo module. In addition, the conventional printing device (12)
No special modification is required to receive the ink control device (20).

The second stage gear device (178), as best shown in FIG. 12, includes an internal gear (spur gear) (178A) and an external gear (1).
78B) is included. The external gear (178B) is composed of a non-exposed gear (178C) and an exposed gear (178D). First-stage gear device (17
Since 6) and the second stage gear device (178) are substantially the same except for a small difference as described later, only the second stage gear device (178) will be described. The spur gear (178A) is formed so that the outer diameter of the teeth is smaller than the outer diameter of the teeth of the non-exposed gear (178C). The spur gear (178A) and the non-exposed gear (178C) both have an odd number of teeth, which in the preferred embodiment are 27 and 29, respectively. The reason why such a unique gear configuration is adopted is that the difference in the number of teeth between the spur gear and the non-exposed gear is 12 or more in the standard gear device. This gearing is made possible by the special tooth profile of the first stage gearing 178 and the second stage gearing 178, i.e. the tooth thickness is relatively thick relative to only the teeth. With such a gear configuration and tooth profile, two purposes can be achieved. First, the gear reduction at each stage is greater than that of the conventional one.
Next, since the number of meshing teeth of the gear increases, the allowable torque load increases as compared with the conventional gear device. In addition, this unique gear configuration allows low cost injection molded thermoplastic gears to be utilized while maintaining torque and durability.

Further, the gear ratio of the first stage and the second stage is 14.5: 1. Since the outer diameter of the spur gear (178A) teeth is smaller than the outer diameter of the non-exposed gear (178C), the spur gear (178A)
Eccentrically rotates when driven by the motor shaft (173) and the first drive shaft (177), respectively. The eccentric lobe is expressed by the following equation.

[0073]

The spur gear (178A) is a vertical slot-shaped opening.
(179B) is also included (see FIGS. 11 to 13). 13,
As best shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 14, the first stage gear device (176) also includes a spur gear (176A) and a non-exposed gear (176A).
C) and external gear (176B) including exposed gear (176D) and opening (179A)
Including and From each opening, adjuster (186) shaft (19
2) is stretched. As the motor shaft (173) and first drive shaft (177) rotate, the openings (179A), (179B) slide up and down with respect to the shaft (192). The deceleration of the entire gear system is such that every 210.25 revolutions of the motor shaft (173) and the first drive shaft (177) causes the second drive shaft (180) to rotate 1
It rotates 4.5 times and the non-exposed gear (178C) rotates only once. When the gear configuration is formed in this way,
Compared to the conventional adjustment device, the servo module (28) is much smaller, the rotation torque is larger, and the adjustment key (19
The resultant force from (0) to the ink blade (16) is also increased. In order to produce a torque equivalent to this gear configuration, conventional devices either utilize more expensive planetary gears or use conventional spur gears that occupy more space than servo modules (28). . In addition, the servo module (2
8) produces a high torque even when the second gear unit (178) is made of a plastic material.

Combined output rotation of the servo module (28),
That is, although the output rotation of the first coupling device (182) is non-linear, the system unit (22) performs a normal correction operation. A search table is stored in the memory of the system unit (22), and the servo module (28) is considered in consideration of the non-linear characteristics of the first stage gear unit (176) and the second stage gear unit (178). The optimum rotation speed is transmitted.

In addition, the first stage gear unit (176) and the second stage gear unit (176)
A step gear (178) facilitates calibration of the servo module (28). As shown in FIGS. 11, 17 and 18, one calibration gear (194) is provided. The exposed gear (178D) and the calibration gear (194) include notches (196A) and (196B), respectively. The multi-turn stop device (184) also includes a calibration arm (184A), a braking arm (184B), and a calibration cam (184B).
Including C) and. When performing calibration, the signal sent from the system unit processing unit (30) causes the second stage gear unit (178) to rotate, and the two notches (196A) and (196B) are respectively calibrated to the calibration arm (184A). ) And the calibration arm (184C)
(184B) is brought into contact with the braking extension section (198) of the first stage gear unit (176) (see FIGS. 14, 17, and 18). The position where the rotation of the first stage gear unit (176) and the second stage gear unit (178) has stopped is designated as the reference point by the system unit processing unit (30). In the preferred embodiment, the number of teeth on the calibration gear (194) is a prime number of 11, and the number of teeth on the exposed gear (178D) is 23.
Is a prime number of. The probability that the notch (196A) and calibration arm (184A) match and the notch (196B) and calibration cam (184C) match at the same time is only once for every 11 revolutions of the exposed gear (178D). , Thus increasing the adjustable range of the adjustment key (190).

As described above, the above-mentioned reference point is generally called the zero level, and is the starting point of all forward positions of the switch (64). This calibration procedure is performed by the operator but is necessary to reconfirm the reference point after restarting the servo module (28). Also, the servo module
The braking function of (28) is the multiple turn capability, that is, the control extension unit when the motor (172) is switched to the reverse rotation.
It has the function that the stopping action by (198) does not work. In addition, because the controlled extension (198) is located on the first stage gearing (176), two advantages are obtained. One is that the braking action works at a low torque position, so the braking arm (184
B) damage can be prevented. Another point is that the machine crossing in the first stage is larger than that in the second stage, so the position crossing is also large.
Although a two-step reduction gear is shown as the preferred embodiment, it is known to those skilled in the art to utilize a multi-step reduction gear to obtain the combined torque.

The multi-turn stop device (184) and the braking extension (198) are provided with a safety function for preventing the risk of entering the ink blade (16) without the control key (190) being controlled, that is, a fail function. Additional safety function. Since the conventional ink adjusting device does not use such a fail-safe technique, the conventional printing device, particularly the manually adjusted printing device, is easily damaged. Ink control device (20)
The fail-safe mechanism of the
Maintain and extend the useful life of 6) and ink roller (18).

When the servo module fails, the manual gear (199) can be pulled by pulling the adjusting device (186) by hand.
Engages the exposed gear (176D) and allows the adjustment key (190) to be adjusted manually. A Hall effect detector (171) is used to measure the rotation of the motor shaft (173). As best shown in FIG. 19, the Hall effect detector (171) has a rotating magnetic field (1
The multiple magnetic poles of 74) can be detected and a corresponding number of pulses can be generated for each revolution of the motor shaft (173). The servo module processing unit (156) calculates these pulses and rotates the motor (172) by the required number of pulses according to the command of the servo power unit (26). Therefore, the Hall effect detector (171) is
When detecting the movement of 8), it will function as a simple feed back mechanism. In contrast, prior art ink conditioners use generally complex sensing mechanisms, including potentiometers, to detect the actual position of the ink blades (16). Furthermore, by detecting the rotation speed of the servo module (28), the servo power unit
The coasting number of each servo module is transmitted to (26).

In the preferred embodiment, the Hall effect detector (1
71) is used to verify that the rotation speed of the motor (172) matches the command value of the servo power unit (26), but this feed back control is performed by other feed back devices. Can also be carried out. A conventional absolute position encoder, such as the HEDS-6000 optical encoder manufactured by Hulett Packard in Palo Alto, Calif., Is used, although a potentiometer may be used.

Since the electronic device and the mechanical element of each servo module (28) are packaged in a single package, the servo module (28) is compatible and the ink control device (20) can be modularized. became. This compatibility of servo modules has made maintenance and replacement work quick and easy. The external dimensions of the servo module (28) are approximately 2.5 cm (0.985 inches) wide and 5.5 cm (23/23 cm) high.
16 inches) and about 8.8 cm (3 1/2 inches) long.

Operation of Ink Control Device As shown best in FIG. 20, operation of the ink control device (20) is initiated by an operator. During the start-up phase, the system unit CPU 30 sends an appropriate signal to each sub-unit to start all sub-units. Next, the operator sets each switch (64) of the zero point control device (44) to the zero point, and
Calibrate the module. The operator selects the system unit (2
2) To print the image data that has already been stored inside,
Reproduction of the switch array (104) of the control panel (24) (RECA
LL) button to search for the corresponding job number. In this case, stored information such as the target value of the servo module (28) is retrieved from the disk memory and transferred to the operation panel (24). It is arbitrary whether the operator modifies the set values before transferring them to the servo module (28). Except in the case of retrieving the stored information in this way, the worker must select the optimum set value of each servo module (28) on the operation panel (24).

When a new job is started, a new job number is assigned, and the operator pushes one button of the switch array (104) at this point to operate the servos in six rows.
Select a particular row in module (28). Each row of servo modules (28) is mounted on a separate ink fountain (14), one for each ink color. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, multiple bank switches (103) are used.

In the stage of the preparation (SET-UP) mode, since only the system unit (22) and the operation panel (24) are operating, the operator has the servo power unit (26) and the servo module. Without starting (28), switch (10
With each button of 4), register (REGISTRAT
ION), total ink amount (SWEEP), dampening water (WAT)
Special function buttons such as ER) can be selected. Generally, since the printing plate (60) is arranged on the pedestal (62), the operator can easily observe the image line on the plate surface to be printed. Next, the operator sets an appropriate value on the operation panel (24) for the ink zone of each plate. Next, the operator presses the switch (64) for each image area of the printing plate on the operation panel (24) to select the optimum set value. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if the operator moves the switch (64A) forward, 7
The segment is displayed on the LED display (118A) and the data is sent to the RAM (72) of the operation panel monitoring unit (34). On the other hand, the CPU (30) detects the stored data inside the RAM (72) during the periodic scanning of the RAM (72). The CPU (30) then activates the electronic beeper (122) by the monitoring processor (70) and modifies the stored data so that the operation of the switch (64A) can be acoustically confirmed. switch
Every 10 steps of (64A), LED (1
One LED in 16A) is additionally activated. Therefore, the LED (116A) of the linear array displays the set value as an image.

If the operator wants to advance the entire group of switches (64), all "ALL" switches shown in FIG.
By selecting (65), the same value can be advanced for each image area. It is also possible to operate the percent switch to advance each set value in the image area by an arbitrary percentage. For example, the drawing area No. 1 is set to 50 and No. 2 is set to 30.
When set to, if the ink density of the percent switch is increased by 10%, the setting value of image area No. 1 will be 55 and No. 2
Goes to 33. On the other hand, if you select a value on the ALL switch (65) (for example, 10), the image area No. 1 will be 60
o.2 goes to 40.

Similarly, a special function, registration (REG
Optimal values for ISTRATION), total ink amount (SWEEP) and fountain solution (WATER) can also be selected. The numerical value for this special function can be selected by the corresponding button of the switch array (104) as described above, but in another embodiment shown in FIG.
The lower switches (111A), (111C), (111D) are used. The functions and operations of the switches (111A), (111C), (111D) are the same as those of the switch (94).

Next, when the printing plate (60) is mounted on the ink fountain (14) and the operator presses the RUN (RUN) mode switch, the set value of the servo module (28) and the RAM ( 72) The set value of the special function stored inside is transmitted from the CPU (30) to the servo power unit (26). The movement information for the servo module (28) is created in consideration of the nonlinearity of the servo module output. As described above, the set values for the image area and the special function are first transferred from the operation panel (24) to the RAM (72) of the operation panel monitoring device (34). This setting value is C
Detected by periodic scan of PU (30), searched and corrected, then
Transfer to servo power unit (26).

In the servo power unit 26, the decoder 136 first decodes the information and transfers it to the appropriate servo module 28 column. As mentioned above,
Module 28 is first configured and then information is transferred to these servo modules. The servo module processor (156) then energizes the motor (172) to indicate the proper travel value. The operator confirms the proof on the pedestal (62) and then corrects the set value. Each verification servo
It contains the post-movement position of the module (28) and the coasting value.These positions and values are the servo power processor (13
0) Stored internally. Also Servo Module (28)
Will be deactivated unless the operator finds it necessary to modify the setpoint.

When the operator corrects the set value, first, a new numerical value is set on the operation panel (24). This information is transferred from the system unit (22) to the servo power processor (130), and then the servo power processor (130) considers the number of coasts and the current position of each servo module (28). The actual required movement amount is calculated.

When the printing quality is good, press the lock button of the switch array (104),
Save the entire setting of the control panel (24). Also, switch
The entire set value can be saved for next use by pressing the SAVE button on the array 104. Further, the copy "Copy" function makes it possible to copy the set values between the servo modules. Alternatively, it is possible to exchange the setting values between the respective module rows to obtain a different ink fountain (print color) density. The operator can select and correct the numerical value of the next printing step while the first step is flowing after the setting of the image area is completed for the printing apparatus.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made from the objects of the present invention and the appended claims. For example, each servo power unit in the 7th row
Other accessories such as a plate scanner, scanning densitometer, and office machine can be added to (26). It is also possible to connect the ink control device (20) to an independent segmented ink blade (16). Furthermore, the procedure of changing the design of the ink control device (20) to configure the servo module (28) before receiving each command can be omitted. For example, for identification of each servo module, conventional hard-wired jumper switches can be used to eliminate the configuration step of assigning a particular identifier. With this method, the decoding procedure becomes unnecessary as the identifier is abolished. The system unit (22) can use a variety of conventional communication techniques if desired.

The ink control device (20) can be easily attached to the conventional printing device (12), and can be easily removed and attached to another printing device. The ease of attachment / detachment is effective when the printer is discarded after it has reached the end of its useful life and the ink controller is attached to a newly purchased printer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an ink control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the servo module of the present invention coupled to an ink fountain.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the ink control device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an operation panel of the present invention.

5 is a partially enlarged view of the operation panel of FIG.

6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the servo module of FIG. 2. FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a portion of the system unit of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the operation panel of FIG.

9 is a block diagram of the servo power unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

10 is a simplified diagram of a servo controller unit of the servo module of FIG.

11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a servo drive unit of the servo module of FIG.

12 is an enlarged view of a gear device of the servo drive unit of FIG.

13 is an enlarged view of a gear device of the servo drive unit of FIG.

14 is an enlarged view of a gear device of the servo drive unit of FIG.

15 is an enlarged view of a gear device of the servo drive unit of FIG.

16 is an end view of the servo drive unit of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged side view showing components of the servo drive unit shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 that perform calibration work and control work.

18 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the component of FIG.

19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the Hall effect detector of FIG. 11 and a rotary magnet of the servo drive unit.

FIG. 20 is a process system diagram showing the operation of the ink control device of FIG. 3.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Printing device 14a, 14b Ink fountain 16 Ink blade 18 Ink roller 20 Ink control device 22 System unit 24 Operation panel 26 Servo power unit 28 Servo module

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor James Earl Francy, Sky View Terrace, Los Gatos, California 23535

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. At least one ink for distributing ink to an associated ink roller and an ink blade disposed adjacent to the ink roller and forming a gap between the ink roller and the ink blade. An ink control device for use with a printing device having a fountain, wherein the ink blade comprises a plurality of adjustment keys, the adjustment keys being associated with each other to adjust the gap at different positions along a longitudinal direction of the ink blade. Accordingly, in the ink control device in which the printing device prints a composite print including a plurality of printing zones, (a) a plurality of servo modules connected to the adjustment keys in a one-to-one correspondence, A plurality of servo modules, each servo module actuating the adjustment key corresponding to the servo module; and (b) the servo module. An operation panel for giving an ink density value for controlling the operation of (b), and (c) a signal is supplied to the servo module in response to the ink density value received from the operation panel, whereby the individual adjustment keys are transmitted to the communication ink density value. (D) a device for monitoring the adjustment value of the adjustment key and determining whether or not each adjustment key is adjusted to a value corresponding to the communication ink density value, e) After each adjustment of the adjustment key, record the difference between the actual adjustment value of the individual adjustment key and the value corresponding to the communication ink density value, and also supply the latest signal to the servo module. And an apparatus for compensating the difference based on a subsequent adjustment value.