US1372064A - Apparatus for curving printing-plates - Google Patents

Apparatus for curving printing-plates Download PDF

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US1372064A
US1372064A US286945A US28694519A US1372064A US 1372064 A US1372064 A US 1372064A US 286945 A US286945 A US 286945A US 28694519 A US28694519 A US 28694519A US 1372064 A US1372064 A US 1372064A
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mold
sections
printing plate
printing
curved
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US286945A
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Leslie W Claybourn
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41D—APPARATUS FOR THE MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES FOR STEREOTYPE PRINTING; SHAPING ELASTIC OR DEFORMABLE MATERIAL TO FORM PRINTING SURFACES
    • B41D5/00—Working, treating, or handling stereotype plates

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  • My invention relates to apparatus for curving printing plates, and is especially useful for curving printing plates to be used in relations where it is desirable that the spacings between the printing lines of the printing plate when curved shall be the same as said spacings when said plate was in the flat, and is especially useful for curving printing plates employed in multi-color printing, in
  • y present invention is an improvement on the apparatus shown, described and claimed in my application for patent on improvements in a )paratus for curving printing plates, filed arch 9th, 1917, Serial No. 153,731.
  • My invention consists in providing a plurality of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, with means for moving said moldsections whereby simultaneous movements of the same are insured; further, in novel means for connecting a flexible band-about said mold-sections; further, in novel means for connecting the mold-sections so as to revolve together; further, in novel means for rolling the connected mold-sections;
  • novel related means for simultaneously and equidistantly revolving the mold-sections toward and from each other and for rolling the mold-sections together; further, in novel means for gaging the printing plate and for pressing the printing plate during heating thereof; further, in novel opcrating means for said pressing means and positioning means; and,-further, in novel relations of parts for cooling the mold-see tions.
  • Figure 1 is a front elevation of my im- Specification of Letters Patent.
  • Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of my improved device, partly broken away, taken on the line 66 of Fig. 5, showing the mold-sections in plate-contacting relation in the curving operation.
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view of the mold-sections
  • Fig. 8 is a central vertical cross-section of my improved device, taken on the line 88 of Fig. 5, showing the presser and gaging means in depressed positions.
  • Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail, showing the connecting means for the moldsections and the hinging means for the flex- Fig. 1 3 is a central longitudinal'section of' the bent plate as the same is received off the bending molds, taken on a line corresponding to the line 11-11 of Fig. 10, the backing of the plate being provided with cross ribs.
  • Fig. 14 is a sectional detail of the trunnion connections of one of the mold-sections, taken on the line 1411 of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 15 is an axial section of the operating means, taken on the line 15-15 of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 16 is an axial section of the clutching means, taken on the line 16-16 of Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the clutch collar.
  • Fig. 18 is a detail in cross-section, taken formed by the said method and by the apparatus herein shown, described and claimed, is more fully shown and described and is claimed in my co-pending application, Serial .No. 153,732, filed March 9, 1917; and the heating means herein shown and described, are more fully shown and described and are claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 153,753, filed March 9, 1917.
  • the printing plate to be curved is exemplified at 21. It is first formed flat, as shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12. It is provided with a printing surface 22. It may be formed in any ordinary or usual manner and be, for instance, an electroplate; in which case it comprises a printing shell 23 of electro-deposited metal, having a higher fusing point, and a backing 24 of metal or material having a lower fusing point, the shell and backing being rigidly connected, all as more fully shown, described and claimed in'my aforesaid applications. Printing plates con- 'structed in-other manner, as by stereotyping, or other methods, may also be curved by my improved apparatus.
  • the margins of the printing plate are preferably provided with bearers 25, 26, separated from the printing surface by grooves 27, 28, the bearers 25 being exemplified as at the ends of the printing plate, representing its top and bottom when secured to the platecylinder in the printing press, the bearers 26 being exemplified as the side bearers.
  • the bearers are useful for receiving the edge thrusts and the margin portions of the surface-contacts in the curving of the printing plate for protecting the printing surface.
  • the rear face of-the backing of the printing plate may be provided with recurrent depressions 29, forming ribs 30.
  • depressions and ribs are shown in Fig. 12, as extending lengthwise of the curvature of the printing plate, and in Fig. 13 as extending crosswise of said curvature.
  • My improved apparatus includes a table 31.
  • a flexible band 32 is arranged to be supported on the table.
  • This flexible band may be a band" of cold rolled steel.
  • the printing plate is arranged to be supported by the flexible band, and, if desired, a cushioning layer 33, which may be a sheet.
  • papeigmay be interposed between the print- '1ng,plate' and't-he flexible band.
  • the printflexible band, the printing surface being presented to the cushioning layer, when said cushioning layer is employed.
  • a pluripart mold is employed, about which the printing plate is curved, the printing plate being located in a printing plate space In), between the flexible band 32 and said mold. while subjecting the printing plate to the bending or curvin operation.
  • the moldsections are exemplified at 37, 38.
  • the ends of the band are articulated by hinges 41, 42, to opposite ones of the moldseetlons, at least one of the hinges being releasable.
  • the hinges 41 are located between the '38, and butts 45 extending from a cross-strip 46 to which the other end of the flexible band is rigidly secured.
  • a cross-strip 47 has slidable connections with the cross-strip 46, as by means of headed bolts 48, received through slots 49 in the cross-strip 47, and threaded into the crossstrip 46. (See Figs. 7 and 9.)
  • Pintles 50 are secured to the cross-strip 47. and are arranged to slide in holes in the butts 45 and into holes in the butts 44, when the mold-sections are in separated relation, the holes in the respective butts being brought into registry with each other when the mold-sections arein such separated relation.
  • a cross-strip 51 fixed to the mold-section 38, has the butts 44 fixed thereto.
  • a cross-strip 52 fixed to the mold-section 37, has the butts 53 of the hinges 41 fixed thereto, the other butts thereof being fixed to the cross-strip 43.
  • a handle 55 is fixed to the cross-strip 47, for moving the latter, and operating the pintles 50 to connect or disconnect the hinge-parts of hinges 42.
  • the mold-sections are provided with arefaces 61, which, when the mold-sections are brought together, are continuations of one another for forming a composite mold having a bending face formed as a sector of a cylinder as hereinbefore described.
  • the curving of the printing plate is effected progressively along the curvature in lines parallel with the axis of the curvature equi-distantly from the median line of the plate parallel with said axis. Excess pressure upon the plate perpendicular to its printing surface is also preferably avoided.
  • the respectlve mold-sections are provided with gearese gear-segments being at the respective ends of the respec* tive mold-sections.
  • the gear-segments mesh with toothed racks 64, 65, on the machine frame 66.
  • the coactions between the gear-segments and the toothed racks insure maintamance of parallelism between the mold-sections during movements of the latter; insure that the proper distance be-. tween the hinges 41, 42, as well as proper relative movements between flexible band and the mold-sections, are maintained; and insure proper spacing between the flexible band and the arc-faces of the mold-sections,
  • this latter spacing being preferably approximately the thickness of the printing plate plus the cushioning layer 33, when the cushioning layer is employed.
  • Bearers 68, 69 are provided for the moldsectlons, the bearers 68 being shown on the moldsections and the bearers 69 at the respective edges of the table, the bearers havin the purpose of insuring the proper height of the printing plate space 36 between the arc faces of the mold-sections and the flexible band, aided by the coaction between the gear-segments and toothed racks.
  • pins 71 on the respective moldsections are arranged to be received in holes 72 on the opposite mold-sections.
  • Latches 73 are secured to a rod 74, rockable on one of the mold-sections.
  • the latches are arranged to be received over lugs 75 on the other moldsection.
  • the latches are normally resili ently urged into range with the lugs by means of springs 76, in order to automatically lock the mold-sections together when moved to full extent toward one another.
  • the closing of the mold-sections may be aided by handles'77, 78, fixed to the respective mold-sections, as on the cross-strips 52, 51.
  • a handle 79 is secured to the cross-rod 74 for releasing the latches when it is'desired to separate Figs. 7 and 9.')
  • Novel means are provided for moving the mold-sections simultaneously and equidistantly toward and from each other, and for rolling the mold-sections together when the same have been connected. -This is accomplished in the present exemplification by providing the respective mold-sections with trunnions 84, 85, the axes of which are cointhe mold-sections. (See cident when the mold-sections are in connected relation. The trunnions are respectively located on extensions 86, 87, on the respective mold-sections received in recesses 88, 89, in the opposite mold-sections. (See Fi s 1, 2, a, 4, 5, 6 and 14.)
  • the left-hand mold-section is provided with the extension 86 and the right-hand mold-section is provided with the extension 87, these extensions being at opposite ends of the respective mold-sections.
  • the right-hand mold-section is provided with the recess 88, at the same end of the'pair of mold-sections at which the extension 86 is located.
  • the left-hand mold-section is provided with the recess 89 at the same end of the pair of mold-sections at which the extension 87 is located.
  • the extension 86 is received in the recess 88, and the extension 87 is received in the recess 89, with the axes of rotation of the trunnions 84, 85, on the respective extensions 86, 87, (see also Figs. 1 and 2), coincident with each other, such a relation being shown in Fig. 4, in which the axis of rotation of the trunnion 84 at one .end of the pair of moldsections is coincident with the axis of rotation of the trunnion 85 at the other end of the pair of mold-sections, these trunnions being located in the bearings 92, 94. (See Fi s. 7 and 14.)
  • slide 91 has the bearing 92 for the trunnion 84 extending from the mold-sectlon 37, and a slide 93 is provided with the bearing 94 for the trunnion 85 extending from the mold-section 38.
  • the slides respectively coact with guides 96, 97.
  • the slide 91 is provided with rollers 98, coacting with guide 96, and the sllde 93 1s provided with rollers 99 coacting with guide 97.
  • the relations of the guides, slides and trunnions is preferably such that the axes of the trunnions and of the rollers at the respective sides of the machine are. located at the angles of a triangle so that tilting of the slides is avoided.
  • a flexible connection 101 exemplified as a sprocket-chain connects with the sl de 91
  • a flexible connection 102 exemplified as a sprocket-chain connects with the slide 93.
  • the sprocket-chain" 101 is received loopwise about sprocket-wheels 105, 106, and the sprocket-chain 102 is received loopwlse about the sprocket-wheels 107, 108.
  • the sprocketwheels 106, 108 are loose on a shaft 110 journaled in bearings 111 on the frame.
  • the sprocket-wheel 105 is fixed to a shaft 114 journaled in bearings 115, 116, on the frame.
  • the sprocket-wheel 107 is arranged to be fixed to or to be loose on a shaft 117, journaled in bearings 118,119, on the frame.
  • arranged to be fixed to the shaft 114, as by sprocket-wheels is sufficient to insure the means of a set-screw 128, threaded in the threaded bore of a lug 129 on the hub 127 and received in a socket 130 in the hub of the sprocket-wheel 105, for causing the handle, the sprocket-wheel 105, the shaft 114, and the bevel-gear 121 to be rocked together.
  • the sprocket-wheel 107 is arranged to be selectively fixed to the shaft 117, or to be released therefrom, by a clutch 134, ar-' ranged to be operated by a fork 135, on a lever 136, pivoted to theframe at 137, and having a] cross-rod 138 articulated therewith at 139, the cross-rod being provided With'a handle 140 for operating the clutch, the cross-rod being provided with suitable notches 141, arranged to be selectively received about a'stirrup 142, to place the clutch 134 in connected or disconnected relation with the sprocket-wheel 107. (See Figs. 2, 3, 5, 16 and 17'.)
  • the clutch isshown as ,a tooth-clutch comprising a collar 145 having spline connection 146- with the shaft 117, and having but one tooth 147 arranged to be received in the one coacting notch 148 in the sprocket wheel 107, to insure that the connectedrelation of the'shaft 117 with the sprocket-wheel 107 shall be at the point to insure proper relative movements between the mold-see tions. As shown, a part revolution of the maximum desired revolutions of the separated or connected mold-sections.
  • a collar 149 holds sprocket wheel 107 in place.
  • the clutch 134 is released, whereby the sprocketwheel 107 is loose on its shaft.
  • the sprocket-wheels 106, 108, 107, are therefore idle sprocket-wheels during such relation.
  • the movement of the operating handle is communicated to the sprocket-wheel 105, for operating the sprocket-chain 101, whereby the slide 91 having connection with said sprocket-chain is operated, the movement of the slide being communicated to the connected mold-sections for rolling the connected mold-sections above the table, parallelism of the mold-sections during the rolling motion being maintained by reason of the gear-c0nnecti0ns between the segmentgears of the mold-sections and the toothed 'to prevent movement of the mold-sections toward each other while the gaging means or pressing means are in operative positions.
  • I provide a locking pin 151 pivoted to a hand-lever 152 and located in a hole 153 of the frame.
  • the lever is pivoted at 154 to a lug of the frame.
  • the pin is arranged to be pushed, into a hole 155 in the sprocket-wheel to prevent movement of the slides, the hole 155 being so positioned as to lock the mold-sections in separated relation.
  • the heel 156 of the lever is arranged to strike the frame to hold the pin in the hole 153. (See Figs. 1, 3 and 19.)
  • the printing plate is preferably heated prior to being bent, to render the backing readily flowable'under pressure, the heating being preferably to such a degree and throughout such period of time as will effect a spongy condition of the backing material, that is, a heat condition in the backing material which is near its point of fusion:
  • the table 31 is represented as partially immersed in a bath 161, in a melting pot 162, the table being supported and positioned in the pot in suit able manner as on suitable blocks 163.
  • lugs 160 I which, when cold, is a solid, and having a fusing point somewhat similar to the fusing point of the backing material of the printing plate, and is rendered fluid by the heat to which the melting pot is subjected, all. as more fully shown and described in my aforesaid applications.
  • the heat is transmitted to the printing plate through the table 31, the flexible band 32, and the cushioning layer 33, if the latter be employed.
  • the printing plate is preferably subjected to pressure during application of heat, in such manner as to bear the plate upon the heat-transmitting part uniformly throughout its extent to insure uniform distribution of heat throughout the plate.
  • presserfeet 170 extend from slide-blocks 171, adjustable lengthwise of arms 172, and held in adjusted positions by set-screws 173,
  • the arms are adjustable laterally by being pro vided with bearings 174, adjustable lengthwlse of a rock-shaft 175, and bearings 167 1 adjustable lengthwise of a rod 168 fixed to to release the latches.
  • the rockshaft is journaled in bearings 176 on brackets 177 extending from the frame of the ma chine.
  • the bearings 174 are fixed to the rock-shaft in adjusted positions by means of v set-bolts 178.
  • the rock-shaft 175 and rod 168 are parallel, and the bearings 174 and 167 on the respective arms 172 are received about said rockshaft and rod to .maintain the arms 172 parallel with each other.
  • the arms and resser-feet are positioned so that preferably the majority of the resser-feet rest upon the rear faces of the printing plate opposite the bearers 25, 26, when pressing the rinting plate.
  • Tii down positionby' e arms are held in being provided with latches 179, arranged to engage the latching edge 180 of a rockerbar 181, rockable in bearings 182 on the frame, and operated by a handle 183 thereon (See Figs. 1, 4, 5 and 20.)
  • the latches are in the form of levers pivoted on pins 184 on the arms, and are spring-pressed by means of s ring 185 to engage the rocker-bar.
  • a spring 186 normally holds the latching edge 180 of the rocker-bar in latching relation.
  • Lugs 187, 188 normally hold the latches and rockerbar in latching relation.
  • additional presser elements being preferably of greater area than the area of the presscr-feet 170 in order to con-. tacta greater area of the backing to limit indentation by the presser elements when the backing is in heated condition.
  • The'latter pressers may, for. instance, be
  • presser-shoes 190 at the lower ends of a threaded bore 198 in which the threaded portion 199 of the stem is received.
  • a screw 189 received in a slot in stem 191 prevents turning of the, stem..
  • the adjustment is provided to exert more or less pressure by the shoes relative to the pressure exerted by the feet.
  • the additional presser elements of greater area are intended to be employed to exert pressure upon the inner portions of the backing of the printing plate, that is, with in the lines of the bearers 25, 26, supplementing such of the presser-feet 170 as may be located to press upon the backing within the lines of said bearers.
  • the arms 172 are provided with rearward extensions 201 having counterweights 202 thereon for normally retracting the arms out of the paths of the mold-sections.
  • the retraction may be cushioned by a spring 203 extending between an arm 204 secured to the rock-shaft 175 and the frame, the spring be ing located abouta rod 200 articulated with said arm, between a collar 208 on said rod and a bearing 209 on the frame through which said rod slides.
  • the printing plate is. desirably so pos1- tioned with relation to the bending elements that contact between the bending elements and the respective end edges of the printing plate will be simultaneously eflected along lines parallel with the axis of curvature of the printing plate when curved, which axis perpendicular to the edges 206.
  • gages 210 are provided, the gages being adjustable. toward the front and rear on arms 211 and held in adjusted the arms 211 being adjustable laterally by having their b'earings 213 adjustable lengthpositions by set-screws 212,
  • One of the arms 172 is provided with a latch 220, pivoted thereto on a pivot 221, in such relation to the rod 214 that, when the arms 172 are depressed, the latch will automatically be received about the rod 214, so as to cause the gages 210 to rise with the arms 172.
  • the arms 172 are depressed, and release of the latch 220 effected,- for instance, by means of a pullrod 222, having articulation with the latch at 22.3, and supported in eyes 224 on one of the arms.
  • the arms 172 being allowed to rise, the gages remain in position on the bending band for the gaging .operation.
  • a collar 225 and spring 228 position the pull-rod.
  • the back of the printing plate is provided with a mark 226, which coincides with the median line of the printing plate.
  • the bending band is provided with a centering mark 227, with which the mark 226 .is brought into registry. (See Fig. 5.)
  • the gages 210 having been adjusted and lowered into gaging relation with the printing plate, the s1de edge of the printing plate is guided against the gages, whereby the axis of the printing plate, when curved, is brought into parallelism with the axes of the mold-sections.
  • the presser means are then caused to descend to bear upon the plate. This is accomplished in the present exemplification by providing rock-shaft 175 with an arm 231.
  • a link 232 is articulated with the arm at 233 and with a bell-crank lever 234 at-235. .
  • bell-crank lever is pivoted on a stud-shaft 236 extending from the frame.
  • a treadlelever 237 in the form of a bell-crank, is pivoted to the frame on a stud-shaft 238, and is provided with a treadle-arm 239.
  • a link 242 is articulated at 243 with the bell-crank lever 234 and at 244 with the tre'adle-lever.
  • the arm 231 When the treadle-lever is depressed, the arm 231 is caused to descend, thereby causing the arms 172 to descend, for the pressing relation of the pressers thereon, with the printing plate, the latches 179 engagingthe rocker-bar 181.
  • the hand-lever 183 When the printing plate has been properly heated, the hand-lever 183 is operated for rocking the rocker-bar 181 and releasing, the latches 179, where- 4 upon the counterwerilghts cause the arms 172 to rise, carrying th'them the gages 210 and the parts on which the same are mounted.
  • the first contact betweenmold-sections and the printing plate is. made simultaneously with the opposite ends of the printing plate, as indicated in Fig. 6, such contact with said ends pinching said ends .between the mold-sections and the flexible band sufiiciently to maintain the ends of the printing plate at its printing surface against separation, forming limiting means for preventing separation between the ends of said plate, the movement of the mold-sections toward each other continuing until the flexible band'and the printing plate thereon are curved about and upon the mold-sections, the inner faces of the mold-sections meeting, and the mold-sections being secured together by the latches 73 for forming a unitary mold, for instance, as exemplified in Figs.
  • the cooling. is exemplified as accomplished by means of a body 247 j of fluid, for instance, water, in each of the mold-sections, which are formed hollow for the purpose, the water 'beingfed. into the mold-sections by inlet-pipes 248, with which hose 249 connect by means of couplings 250, the water being received from the moldsections by outlet-pipes 253.
  • Outlet hose 254 connect with the outlet-pipes by couplings 255.
  • the flow may be regulated by suitable valves not shown, whereby the temperature of the fluid in the mold-sections ma. be regulated.
  • the upper portions of the mold-sections are provided with recesses 261,262, intermediate of their ends, in which the respective inlet and outlet pipes and hose are received, the hose extending upwardly and provided with sufficient slack portions so that the inner ends of the hose will readily follow the movements back'and' forth of the mold-sections and of the connected molds.
  • the hoses are arranged to lie acr0ss cross-strips 51 and 52, so as toaid in guiding the ends thereof and prevent the kinking of the hose,
  • the heated backing element is preferably in a compressible condition at the time of bending, being, for instance, spongy, due to the heat application, that is, readily fiowable under pressure with relation to the printing shell.
  • the printing shell retains its dimensions during the curving operation, so that the printing surface of the completed curved printing plate is the same as the printing surface before the curving.
  • the spacings between printed lines are maintained, so that a printed impression taken from the plate after being curved is the same as a printed impression taken from the printing surface when in the flat, differently expressed, the printing surface of the curved printing plate laid out in plane is of the same dimensions as the printing surface when fiat. A stretching of the printing surface during curving is avoided.
  • the material of the backing accommodates itself to the curvature, the molecules thereof undergoing rearrangement due to of the heating and curving action in the present exemplification, resulting in a curved printing plate in which the metal is not buckled or strained, so that the inner face of the curved printing plate lies snugly throughout its area against the peripheries of the plate-cylinder, without hollow spots thereunder.
  • the ends of the plate are perpendicular to the plane of its printing face.
  • these ends are radial to the sector of thr; cylinder formed by the plate.
  • the bearers 25, 26, are trimmed from the plate, for instance, in the line of the grooves 27, 28, between said bearers and the printing surface.
  • the ends of the plate are then provided with suitable attaching faces for securing the plate to the platecylinder, as more fully shown and described in my aforesaid applications.
  • the bearers 69 are shown as located on the front and rear walls of the machine frame.
  • the table is shown adjustable with relation to the bearers 69 to insure continued parallelism between the supporting surface of the table and the'bearers, and proper distance between the supporting surface of the table and the curved surface of the mold-sections.
  • adjusting bolts 266 are adjustable in cross-braces 267 of the machine frame, and held in adjusted positions by jam-nuts 268. (See Figs. 6 and 8.)
  • the melting pot is supported on these adjusting bolts, the table being supported on the blocks 163 in the melting pot.
  • the trunnions 84, 85 may be held endwise in the bearings 92, 94. This is accomplished (see Fig. 11) by having one end of the re spective bearings bear against an end-face 270 on the respective mold-sections, adisk 271 fixed to the trunnion by a bolt 272 bearing against the other end of the bearing. This aids in the positioning and correct movement of the mold-sections.
  • the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, bending means arranged to be received about said mold-sections, and a plurality of stationarily positioned operating means for said moldsections, said plurality of operating means arranged to move in opposite directions or in similar directions, whereby to selectively move said mold-sections in opposite directions or unitedly.
  • a machine for curving printing plates including a mold composed of a plurality of sections having curvedperipheries and arranged for contacting opposite ends of a plate to be curved, means whereby to cause simultaneous revolutions equidistantly of said sections toward one an0ther,. and means for wrapping said printing plate about the mold-sections.
  • a flexible band arranged to receive a printing plate to be bent thereon, mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable. of being curved, connections connecting said mold-sections and said band, th re being a printing-plate space between said band and said mold-sections located between said connections, and means having connection with said respective mold-sections whereby to cause simultaneous revolving movement of said mold-sections toward one another, whereby the band with the printing plate to be curved is bent about said mold-sections.
  • a flexible band a pair of mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout, between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, and means having connections with both said moldsections whereby to cause said moldsections to simultaneously revolvingly move toward each other and said band to be wrapped progressively from both sides of its middle in equal proportions toward its middle about said mold-sections.
  • a machine for curving printing plates the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, a slide for each of said mold-sections, said mold-sections having journal connections with said slides, means for simultaneously moving said slides in opposite directions for causing simultaneous revolutions of said mold-sections in opposite directions, and means for causing said slides to move in similar directions for unitedly rolling said mold-sections.
  • a flexible band having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the band the printing plate to be curved is arranged to be received, and geared means having connections with said mold-sections causing simultaneous revolving movements of said mold-sections in opposite directions, whereby said band is wrapped progressively simultaneously from both sides of its middle toward its middle about said mold-sections, said last-named means including means for unitedly rolling said band and mold-sections.
  • the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections coacting with said band hear: ing means for said mold-sections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and said mold-sections, slides coacting with said respective mold-sections for rolling the same, means for moving said slides in opposite directions for simultaneously rolling said mold-sections in opposite directions, means for connecting said mold-sections to roll together, and means for causing said slides to move in unison with said eonnected mold-sections to unitedly roll the latter.
  • mold-sections having curved surfaces between which and said band the plate to be curved is arranged to be received, means whereby to revolvingly move said sections toward each other to place said mold-sections in connected relations, said connected mold-sections having a recess between them, means for cooling said respective mold-sections comprising cooling means having connections in said recess with said respective mold-sections, said cooling means comprisin said recess with said respective mold-secthe same, sprocket-chains tions.
  • a machine for curving printing plates the combinationof a plurality of mold-sections having curved surfaces, a flexible band having articulations at its respective ends with said respective mold-sections, said articulations comprising hinges including butts respectively on one of said moldsections and said flexible band, a slide, hinge-pintle's on said slide, and means for moving said slide lengthwise of the axis of said mold-section for connecting said butts respectively on said mold-section and said flexible band.
  • a flexible band having connections with said respective mold sections between which and said mold-sections the printing plate to be curved is received, and means for pressing the printing plate toward said band comprising arms, presser-means adjustable thereon, a
  • rock-shaft a rod spaced from and parallel with said rockshaft and rockable therewith, said respective arms provided with bearings about said rock-shaft and said rod, sald bearings slidable lengthwise of said rock-shaft and rod whereby to laterally adjust said arms, and means for clamping said arms in adjusted positions.
  • mold-section's arranged to be separated for the reception above said flexible band of the printing plate to be curved, adjustable gaging means for positioning the printing plate to be curved in the space between said separated mold-sections, pressing said printing plate in said space, and means between said presser-means and said gaging means to selectively connect the same for combined movement or for movement of one of said means independent of the other of said means.
  • a flexible band arranged to receive the printing plate to be curved, normally separated mold-sections with which said flexible band has connections, said flexible band arranged for bending a printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, movable gaging means between said mold-sectionsfor gaging the position of the printing plate to be curved with relation to said flexible band and separated movable presser-means arranged to press the printing plate to be curved toward said flexible band, means whereby said presser-means are moved out of the paths of said mold-sections, means for connecting said movable gaging means PIGSSQF-IHGEIDS for and said movable presser-means for causing said gaging means and said presser-means to move together, means for releasing said lastnamed connection, and means having combined connections with said mold-sections whereby said mold-sections are caused to approach each other for wrapping said flexible band and printing plate "to be curved about said mold-sections.
  • a flexible band arranged to receive the printing plate to be curved, normally separated mold-sections with which said flexible band has connections, said flexible band arranged for bending a printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, movable gaging means] for gaging the position of the printin plate to be curved with relation to sai flexible band and separated mold-sections, movable and means to automatically raise said conpresser-means arranged to press said printnected presser-means and gaging means out ing plate to be curved toward said flexible of said space. band. means between said gaging means and In testimony whereof, I have hereunto 5 said presser means to selectively connect signed my name in the presence of two sub- 1 the same for combined movement or for scribing witnesses.

Description

L. W. CLAYBOURN.
APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES. APPLICATION FILED APR.2, I919.
1,3723064. Patented Mar. 22, 1921.
7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.
L. W. CLAYBOURN- I APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES.
APPLICATION FILED APR,211919| 1,372,064. Patented Mar. 22, 1921.
7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.
//2 vm far.- W if L. W. CLAYBOURN.
APPARATUS FOR. CURVING PRINTING PLATES.
APPLICATION FILED APR-2,1919. T
7SHEETSSHEET 6.
Patented Mar.
L. W. CLAYBOURN.
APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES.
APPLICATION FILED APR.2, 1919.
1,372,064; Pfitented Mar. 22,1921.
7 SHEETSSHEET 7- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
LESLIE W. CIJAYBOURN, F MENASHA, WISCONSIN.
APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING-PLATES.
To all whom it may concern:
Be it known that I, LESLIE W. CLAYBOURN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Menasha, in the county of l/Vinnebago and State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Curving Printing-Plates, of which the following is a specification.
My invention relates to apparatus for curving printing plates, and is especially useful for curving printing plates to be used in relations where it is desirable that the spacings between the printing lines of the printing plate when curved shall be the same as said spacings when said plate was in the flat, and is especially useful for curving printing plates employed in multi-color printing, in
' which a plurality of plates is employed for printing different colors, the impressions of which are intended to register with each other, and is also applicable in other rela-- tions where maintenance of relations of printing lines during curving of the printin late is to be effected.
y present invention is an improvement on the apparatus shown, described and claimed in my application for patent on improvements in a )paratus for curving printing plates, filed arch 9th, 1917, Serial No. 153,731. I
- My invention consists in providing a plurality of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, with means for moving said moldsections whereby simultaneous movements of the same are insured; further, in novel means for connecting a flexible band-about said mold-sections; further, in novel means for connecting the mold-sections so as to revolve together; further, in novel means for rolling the connected mold-sections;
further, in novel related means for simultaneously and equidistantly revolving the mold-sections toward and from each other and for rolling the mold-sections together; further, in novel means for gaging the printing plate and for pressing the printing plate during heating thereof; further, in novel opcrating means for said pressing means and positioning means; and,-further, in novel relations of parts for cooling the mold-see tions.
The invention will be further understood from the following description and claims, and from the drawings, in which latter: 7
Figure 1 is a front elevation of my im- Specification of Letters Patent.
in connected relation.
Patented Mar. 22, 1921.
Application filed April 2, 1919. Serial No. 286,945.
vice, showing the mold-sections in separated relation and the presser and gaging means raised and partly broken away.
Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of my improved device, partly broken away, taken on the line 66 of Fig. 5, showing the mold-sections in plate-contacting relation in the curving operation.
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the mold-sections Fig. 8 is a central vertical cross-section of my improved device, taken on the line 88 of Fig. 5, showing the presser and gaging means in depressed positions.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail, showing the connecting means for the moldsections and the hinging means for the flex- Fig. 1 3 is a central longitudinal'section of' the bent plate as the same is received off the bending molds, taken on a line corresponding to the line 11-11 of Fig. 10, the backing of the plate being provided with cross ribs. I
Fig. 14 is a sectional detail of the trunnion connections of one of the mold-sections, taken on the line 1411 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 15 is an axial section of the operating means, taken on the line 15-15 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 16 is an axial section of the clutching means, taken on the line 16-16 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the clutch collar.
Fig. 18 is a detail in cross-section, taken formed by the said method and by the apparatus herein shown, described and claimed, is more fully shown and described and is claimed in my co-pending application, Serial .No. 153,732, filed March 9, 1917; and the heating means herein shown and described, are more fully shown and described and are claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 153,753, filed March 9, 1917.
The printing plate to be curved is exemplified at 21. It is first formed flat, as shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12. It is provided with a printing surface 22. It may be formed in any ordinary or usual manner and be, for instance, an electroplate; in which case it comprises a printing shell 23 of electro-deposited metal, having a higher fusing point, and a backing 24 of metal or material having a lower fusing point, the shell and backing being rigidly connected, all as more fully shown, described and claimed in'my aforesaid applications. Printing plates con- 'structed in-other manner, as by stereotyping, or other methods, may also be curved by my improved apparatus.
The margins of the printing plate are preferably provided with bearers 25, 26, separated from the printing surface by grooves 27, 28, the bearers 25 being exemplified as at the ends of the printing plate, representing its top and bottom when secured to the platecylinder in the printing press, the bearers 26 being exemplified as the side bearers. The bearers are useful for receiving the edge thrusts and the margin portions of the surface-contacts in the curving of the printing plate for protecting the printing surface.
If desired, the rear face of-the backing of the printing plate may be provided with recurrent depressions 29, forming ribs 30. The
depressions and ribs are shown in Fig. 12, as extending lengthwise of the curvature of the printing plate, and in Fig. 13 as extending crosswise of said curvature.
My improved apparatus includes a table 31. A flexible band 32 is arranged to be supported on the table. This flexible band may be a band" of cold rolled steel.. The printing plate is arranged to be supported by the flexible band, and, if desired, a cushioning layer 33, which may be a sheet. of
papeigmay be interposed between the print- '1ng,plate' and't-he flexible band. The printflexible band, the printing surface being presented to the cushioning layer, when said cushioning layer is employed.
It is the intention to curve the printing plate on a sector of a cylinder to conform substantially to the usual plate-cylinders to which curved printin plates are arranged to be attached by suitable well-known attaching means, allowance being made for finishing the inner surface of the curred printing plate, as by shaving the same. so that the inner surface of the finished curved printing plate will conform to the curvature and diameter of the plate-cylinder of the printing press on which the curved printing plate is to be secured.
In the present exemplification, a pluripart mold is employed, about which the printing plate is curved, the printing plate being located in a printing plate space In), between the flexible band 32 and said mold. while subjecting the printing plate to the bending or curvin operation. The moldsections are exemplified at 37, 38.
The ends of the band are articulated by hinges 41, 42, to opposite ones of the moldseetlons, at least one of the hinges being releasable.
The hinges 41 are located between the '38, and butts 45 extending from a cross-strip 46 to which the other end of the flexible band is rigidly secured. A cross-strip 47 has slidable connections with the cross-strip 46, as by means of headed bolts 48, received through slots 49 in the cross-strip 47, and threaded into the crossstrip 46. (See Figs. 7 and 9.)
Pintles 50 are secured to the cross-strip 47. and are arranged to slide in holes in the butts 45 and into holes in the butts 44, when the mold-sections are in separated relation, the holes in the respective butts being brought into registry with each other when the mold-sections arein such separated relation. A cross-strip 51, fixed to the mold-section 38, has the butts 44 fixed thereto. A cross-strip 52, fixed to the mold-section 37, has the butts 53 of the hinges 41 fixed thereto, the other butts thereof being fixed to the cross-strip 43.
A handle 55 is fixed to the cross-strip 47, for moving the latter, and operating the pintles 50 to connect or disconnect the hinge-parts of hinges 42.
The mold-sections are provided with arefaces 61, which, when the mold-sections are brought together, are continuations of one another for forming a composite mold having a bending face formed as a sector of a cylinder as hereinbefore described.
segments 62, 63, th
The curving of the printing plate is effected progressively along the curvature in lines parallel with the axis of the curvature equi-distantly from the median line of the plate parallel with said axis. Excess pressure upon the plate perpendicular to its printing surface is also preferably avoided.
For eflecting these purposes,
the respectlve mold-sections are provided with gearese gear-segments being at the respective ends of the respec* tive mold-sections. The gear-segments mesh with toothed racks 64, 65, on the machine frame 66. The coactions between the gear-segments and the toothed racks insure maintamance of parallelism between the mold-sections during movements of the latter; insure that the proper distance be-. tween the hinges 41, 42, as well as proper relative movements between flexible band and the mold-sections, are maintained; and insure proper spacing between the flexible band and the arc-faces of the mold-sections,
this latter spacing being preferably approximately the thickness of the printing plate plus the cushioning layer 33, when the cushioning layer is employed.
Bearers 68, 69, are provided for the moldsectlons, the bearers 68 being shown on the moldsections and the bearers 69 at the respective edges of the table, the bearers havin the purpose of insuring the proper height of the printing plate space 36 between the arc faces of the mold-sections and the flexible band, aided by the coaction between the gear-segments and toothed racks.
In order to maintain the mold-sections in proper relative positions when connected, pins 71 on the respective moldsections are arranged to be received in holes 72 on the opposite mold-sections. Latches 73 are secured to a rod 74, rockable on one of the mold-sections. The latches are arranged to be received over lugs 75 on the other moldsection. The latches are normally resili ently urged into range with the lugs by means of springs 76, in order to automatically lock the mold-sections together when moved to full extent toward one another. The closing of the mold-sections may be aided by handles'77, 78, fixed to the respective mold-sections, as on the cross-strips 52, 51. A handle 79 is secured to the cross-rod 74 for releasing the latches when it is'desired to separate Figs. 7 and 9.')
Novel means are provided for moving the mold-sections simultaneously and equidistantly toward and from each other, and for rolling the mold-sections together when the same have been connected. -This is accomplished in the present exemplification by providing the respective mold-sections with trunnions 84, 85, the axes of which are cointhe mold-sections. (See cident when the mold-sections are in connected relation. The trunnions are respectively located on extensions 86, 87, on the respective mold-sections received in recesses 88, 89, in the opposite mold-sections. (See Fi s 1, 2, a, 4, 5, 6 and 14.)
l xplaining the present exemplification more particularly, and referring to Fig. 5, whlch illustrates the mold-sections in separated relation, the left-hand mold-section is provided with the extension 86 and the right-hand mold-section is provided with the extension 87, these extensions being at opposite ends of the respective mold-sections. The right-hand mold-section is provided with the recess 88, at the same end of the'pair of mold-sections at which the extension 86 is located. The left-hand mold-section is provided with the recess 89 at the same end of the pair of mold-sections at which the extension 87 is located. When now the mold-sections are connected, the extension 86 is received in the recess 88, and the extension 87 is received in the recess 89, with the axes of rotation of the trunnions 84, 85, on the respective extensions 86, 87, (see also Figs. 1 and 2), coincident with each other, such a relation being shown in Fig. 4, in which the axis of rotation of the trunnion 84 at one .end of the pair of moldsections is coincident with the axis of rotation of the trunnion 85 at the other end of the pair of mold-sections, these trunnions being located in the bearings 92, 94. (See Fi s. 7 and 14.)
slide 91 has the bearing 92 for the trunnion 84 extending from the mold-sectlon 37, and a slide 93 is provided with the bearing 94 for the trunnion 85 extending from the mold-section 38. The slides respectively coact with guides 96, 97. The slide 91 is provided with rollers 98, coacting with guide 96, and the sllde 93 1s provided with rollers 99 coacting with guide 97. The relations of the guides, slides and trunnions is preferably such that the axes of the trunnions and of the rollers at the respective sides of the machine are. located at the angles of a triangle so that tilting of the slides is avoided.
A flexible connection 101, exemplified as a sprocket-chain connects with the sl de 91, and a flexible connection 102, exemplified as a sprocket-chain, connects with the slide 93.
The sprocket-chain" 101 is received loopwise about sprocket- wheels 105, 106, and the sprocket-chain 102 is received loopwlse about the sprocket- wheels 107, 108. The sprocketwheels 106, 108, are loose on a shaft 110 journaled in bearings 111 on the frame. The sprocket-wheel 105 is fixed to a shaft 114 journaled in bearings 115, 116, on the frame. The sprocket-wheel 107 is arranged to be fixed to or to be loose on a shaft 117, journaled in bearings 118,119, on the frame.
. arranged to be fixed to the shaft 114, as by sprocket-wheels is sufficient to insure the means of a set-screw 128, threaded in the threaded bore of a lug 129 on the hub 127 and received in a socket 130 in the hub of the sprocket-wheel 105, for causing the handle, the sprocket-wheel 105, the shaft 114, and the bevel-gear 121 to be rocked together.
The sprocket-wheel 107 is arranged to be selectively fixed to the shaft 117, or to be released therefrom, by a clutch 134, ar-' ranged to be operated by a fork 135, on a lever 136, pivoted to theframe at 137, and having a] cross-rod 138 articulated therewith at 139, the cross-rod being provided With'a handle 140 for operating the clutch, the cross-rod being provided with suitable notches 141, arranged to be selectively received about a'stirrup 142, to place the clutch 134 in connected or disconnected relation with the sprocket-wheel 107. (See Figs. 2, 3, 5, 16 and 17'.)
The clutch isshown as ,a tooth-clutch comprising a collar 145 having spline connection 146- with the shaft 117, and having but one tooth 147 arranged to be received in the one coacting notch 148 in the sprocket wheel 107, to insure that the connectedrelation of the'shaft 117 with the sprocket-wheel 107 shall be at the point to insure proper relative movements between the mold-see tions. As shown, a part revolution of the maximum desired revolutions of the separated or connected mold-sections. The
tooth is arranged to be received in the notch at the point of connected relation of the mold-sections. A collar 149 holds sprocket wheel 107 in place.
When thesprocket-wheel 107 is secured to its shaft 117, and the operating handle 126 is operated, reverse rotations are imparted to the sprocket-wheels105, 107, by
means of the cross-shafts 114, "117 through the mediuin of the bevel- gears 121, 123, 122, thereby moving the sprocket-chains in opposite directions, and causing movements of the respective slides 91, 9.3, in opposite directions, forrolling the mold-sections '37,
38, in opposite directions simultaneously and equidistantly. When the operating handle is moved in one direction, the moldsections are caused to approach each other, and.when the operating handle is moved in the opposite direction the mold-sections are caused to move away from each other.
When the mold-sections are movedtoward each other until they are'brought into connected relation, and it is desired to roll the connected mold-sections above the table, the clutch 134 is released, whereby the sprocketwheel 107 is loose on its shaft. The sprocket- wheels 106, 108, 107, are therefore idle sprocket-wheels during such relation.
The movement of the operating handle is communicated to the sprocket-wheel 105, for operating the sprocket-chain 101, whereby the slide 91 having connection with said sprocket-chain is operated, the movement of the slide being communicated to the connected mold-sections for rolling the connected mold-sections above the table, parallelism of the mold-sections during the rolling motion being maintained by reason of the gear-c0nnecti0ns between the segmentgears of the mold-sections and the toothed 'to prevent movement of the mold-sections toward each other while the gaging means or pressing means are in operative positions. For this purpose I provide a locking pin 151 pivoted to a hand-lever 152 and located in a hole 153 of the frame. The lever is pivoted at 154 to a lug of the frame. The pin is arranged to be pushed, into a hole 155 in the sprocket-wheel to prevent movement of the slides, the hole 155 being so positioned as to lock the mold-sections in separated relation. The heel 156 of the lever is arranged to strike the frame to hold the pin in the hole 153. (See Figs. 1, 3 and 19.)
The printing plate is preferably heated prior to being bent, to render the backing readily flowable'under pressure, the heating being preferably to such a degree and throughout such period of time as will effect a spongy condition of the backing material, that is, a heat condition in the backing material which is near its point of fusion:
This may be accomplished in the bending machine, for which purpose the table 31 is represented as partially immersed in a bath 161, in a melting pot 162, the table being supported and positioned in the pot in suit able manner as on suitable blocks 163. The
pot is positioned by lugs 160 I which, when cold, is a solid, and having a fusing point somewhat similar to the fusing point of the backing material of the printing plate, and is rendered fluid by the heat to which the melting pot is subjected, all. as more fully shown and described in my aforesaid applications. The heat is transmitted to the printing plate through the table 31, the flexible band 32, and the cushioning layer 33, if the latter be employed.
The printing plate is preferably subjected to pressure during application of heat, in such manner as to bear the plate upon the heat-transmitting part uniformly throughout its extent to insure uniform distribution of heat throughout the plate. Thus presserfeet 170 extend from slide-blocks 171, adjustable lengthwise of arms 172, and held in adjusted positions by set-screws 173, The arms are adjustable laterally by being pro vided with bearings 174, adjustable lengthwlse of a rock-shaft 175, and bearings 167 1 adjustable lengthwise of a rod 168 fixed to to release the latches.
arms 169 fixed to the rock-shaft. The rockshaft is journaled in bearings 176 on brackets 177 extending from the frame of the ma chine. The bearings 174 are fixed to the rock-shaft in adjusted positions by means of v set-bolts 178. The rock-shaft 175 and rod 168 are parallel, and the bearings 174 and 167 on the respective arms 172 are received about said rockshaft and rod to .maintain the arms 172 parallel with each other. The arms and resser-feet are positioned so that preferably the majority of the resser-feet rest upon the rear faces of the printing plate opposite the bearers 25, 26, when pressing the rinting plate. Tii down positionby' e arms are held in being provided with latches 179, arranged to engage the latching edge 180 of a rockerbar 181, rockable in bearings 182 on the frame, and operated by a handle 183 thereon (See Figs. 1, 4, 5 and 20.) The latches are in the form of levers pivoted on pins 184 on the arms, and are spring-pressed by means of s ring 185 to engage the rocker-bar. A spring 186 normally holds the latching edge 180 of the rocker-bar in latching relation. Lugs 187, 188, normally hold the latches and rockerbar in latching relation.
When a plate of large area is operated on it is advisable to provide additional presser elements, said additional presser elements being preferably of greater area than the area of the presscr-feet 170 in order to con-. tacta greater area of the backing to limit indentation by the presser elements when the backing is in heated condition.
The'latter pressers may, for. instance, be
presser-shoes 190, at the lower ends of a threaded bore 198 in which the threaded portion 199 of the stem is received. A screw 189 received in a slot in stem 191 prevents turning of the, stem.. The adjustment is provided to exert more or less pressure by the shoes relative to the pressure exerted by the feet. The additional presser elements of greater area are intended to be employed to exert pressure upon the inner portions of the backing of the printing plate, that is, with in the lines of the bearers 25, 26, supplementing such of the presser-feet 170 as may be located to press upon the backing within the lines of said bearers.
The arms 172 are provided with rearward extensions 201 having counterweights 202 thereon for normally retracting the arms out of the paths of the mold-sections. The retractionmay be cushioned by a spring 203 extending between an arm 204 secured to the rock-shaft 175 and the frame, the spring be ing located abouta rod 200 articulated with said arm, between a collar 208 on said rod and a bearing 209 on the frame through which said rod slides.
The printing plate is. desirably so pos1- tioned with relation to the bending elements that contact between the bending elements and the respective end edges of the printing plate will be simultaneously eflected along lines parallel with the axis of curvature of the printing plate when curved, which axis perpendicular to the edges 206.
In order to position. the printing plate representing the top and the equidistantly from the respective mold-sections and in the middle of the table, gages 210 are provided, the gages being adjustable. toward the front and rear on arms 211 and held in adjusted the arms 211 being adjustable laterally by having their b'earings 213 adjustable lengthpositions by set-screws 212,
wise of a rod 214 and fixed in adjusted positions by set-screws 215. The rod 214 is fixed to arms 216 having bearings 217 about the rock-shaft 17 5.
One of the arms 172 is provided with a latch 220, pivoted thereto on a pivot 221, in such relation to the rod 214 that, when the arms 172 are depressed, the latch will automatically be received about the rod 214, so as to cause the gages 210 to rise with the arms 172. (See Figs. 2 and 8.) If it is desired to place gages 210 in gaging position, the arms 172 are depressed, and release of the latch 220 effected,- for instance, by means of a pullrod 222, having articulation with the latch at 22.3, and supported in eyes 224 on one of the arms. The arms 172 being allowed to rise, the gages remain in position on the bending band for the gaging .operation. A collar 225 and spring 228 position the pull-rod.
The back of the printing plate is provided with a mark 226, which coincides with the median line of the printing plate. The bending band is provided with a centering mark 227, with which the mark 226 .is brought into registry. (See Fig. 5.) The gages 210 having been adjusted and lowered into gaging relation with the printing plate, the s1de edge of the printing plate is guided against the gages, whereby the axis of the printing plate, when curved, is brought into parallelism with the axes of the mold-sections.
The presser means are then caused to descend to bear upon the plate. This is accomplished in the present exemplification by providing rock-shaft 175 with an arm 231. A link 232 is articulated with the arm at 233 and with a bell-crank lever 234 at-235. .The
bell-crank lever is pivoted on a stud-shaft 236 extending from the frame. A treadlelever 237, in the form ofa bell-crank, is pivoted to the frame on a stud-shaft 238, and is provided with a treadle-arm 239. A link 242 is articulated at 243 with the bell-crank lever 234 and at 244 with the tre'adle-lever.
When the treadle-lever is depressed, the arm 231 is caused to descend, thereby causing the arms 172 to descend, for the pressing relation of the pressers thereon, with the printing plate, the latches 179 engagingthe rocker-bar 181. When the printing plate has been properly heated, the hand-lever 183 is operated for rocking the rocker-bar 181 and releasing, the latches 179, where- 4 upon the counterwerilghts cause the arms 172 to rise, carrying th'them the gages 210 and the parts on which the same are mounted.
Approach between the mold-sections now being caused in manner hereinbefore described, the first contact betweenmold-sections and the printing plate is. made simultaneously with the opposite ends of the printing plate, as indicated in Fig. 6, such contact with said ends pinching said ends .between the mold-sections and the flexible band sufiiciently to maintain the ends of the printing plate at its printing surface against separation, forming limiting means for preventing separation between the ends of said plate, the movement of the mold-sections toward each other continuing until the flexible band'and the printing plate thereon are curved about and upon the mold-sections, the inner faces of the mold-sections meeting, and the mold-sections being secured together by the latches 73 for forming a unitary mold, for instance, as exemplified in Figs. 3, 4 and 7. This movement of the printing'pla-te being formed to the action of a cooling agency, applied at the inner face of the curved printing plate and actingthence outwardly, so as to set the inner or back portion of the-printing plate in advance of the portion nearer the outer or printing surface. The cooling. is exemplified as accomplished by means of a body 247 j of fluid, for instance, water, in each of the mold-sections, which are formed hollow for the purpose, the water 'beingfed. into the mold-sections by inlet-pipes 248, with which hose 249 connect by means of couplings 250, the water being received from the moldsections by outlet-pipes 253. Outlet hose 254 connect with the outlet-pipes by couplings 255. The flow may be regulated by suitable valves not shown, whereby the temperature of the fluid in the mold-sections ma. be regulated.
he mold-sections are provided with coacting contact-faces 258, 259, which coact;
with'each other when the mold-sections are in connected relation. The upper portions of the mold-sections are provided with recesses 261,262, intermediate of their ends, in which the respective inlet and outlet pipes and hose are received, the hose extending upwardly and provided with sufficient slack portions so that the inner ends of the hose will readily follow the movements back'and' forth of the mold-sections and of the connected molds. The hoses are arranged to lie acr0ss cross-strips 51 and 52, so as toaid in guiding the ends thereof and prevent the kinking of the hose,
the character In the present exemplification of the method, the heated backing element is preferably in a compressible condition at the time of bending, being, for instance, spongy, due to the heat application, that is, readily fiowable under pressure with relation to the printing shell. The printing shell retains its dimensions during the curving operation, so that the printing surface of the completed curved printing plate is the same as the printing surface before the curving. The spacings between printed lines are maintained, so that a printed impression taken from the plate after being curved is the same as a printed impression taken from the printing surface when in the flat, differently expressed, the printing surface of the curved printing plate laid out in plane is of the same dimensions as the printing surface when fiat. A stretching of the printing surface during curving is avoided.
The material of the backing accommodates itself to the curvature, the molecules thereof undergoing rearrangement due to of the heating and curving action in the present exemplification, resulting in a curved printing plate in which the metal is not buckled or strained, so that the inner face of the curved printing plate lies snugly throughout its area against the peripheries of the plate-cylinder, without hollow spots thereunder.
Thus referring to Fig. 10, the ends of the plate are perpendicular to the plane of its printing face. When the plate has been curved, these ends are radial to the sector of thr; cylinder formed by the plate. (See Fig. 13
When the curving of the printing plate has been accomplished, the bearers 25, 26, are trimmed from the plate, for instance, in the line of the grooves 27, 28, between said bearers and the printing surface. The ends of the plate are then provided with suitable attaching faces for securing the plate to the platecylinder, as more fully shown and described in my aforesaid applications.
The bearers 69 are shown as located on the front and rear walls of the machine frame. The table is shown adjustable with relation to the bearers 69 to insure continued parallelism between the supporting surface of the table and the'bearers, and proper distance between the supporting surface of the table and the curved surface of the mold-sections. Thus adjusting bolts 266 are adjustable in cross-braces 267 of the machine frame, and held in adjusted positions by jam-nuts 268. (See Figs. 6 and 8.) The melting pot is supported on these adjusting bolts, the table being supported on the blocks 163 in the melting pot.
The trunnions 84, 85, may be held endwise in the bearings 92, 94. This is accomplished (see Fig. 11) by having one end of the re spective bearings bear against an end-face 270 on the respective mold-sections, adisk 271 fixed to the trunnion by a bolt 272 bearing against the other end of the bearing. This aids in the positioning and correct movement of the mold-sections.
Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:
1. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, bending means arranged to be received about said moldsections, operating means removed from said mold-sections, and driving connections between said operating means and said mold-sections to selectively move said mold-- sections in opposite directions or unitedly.
2. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, bending means arranged to be received about said mold-sections, and a plurality of stationarily positioned operating means for said moldsections, said plurality of operating means arranged to move in opposite directions or in similar directions, whereby to selectively move said mold-sections in opposite directions or unitedly.
3. In a machine for curving printing plates. the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, bending means arranged to be received about said mold-sections, operating means for said mold-sections, connecting means connecting with said respective mold-sections, and means selectively connecting one or more of said connecting means with said operating means.
4. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, bending means arranged to be received about said mold-sections, flexible connections respectively connecting with said respective moldsections, and operating means selectivelyv driving said flexible connections in opposite directions or causing movement thereof in similar directions.
5. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of means including a mold composed of a plurality of sections having curvedperipheries and arranged for contacting opposite ends of a plate to be curved, means whereby to cause simultaneous revolutions equidistantly of said sections toward one an0ther,. and means for wrapping said printing plate about the mold-sections.
'6. In an apparatus for curving printing plates,-the combination of a flexible band arranged to receive a printing plate to be bent thereon, mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable. of being curved, connections connecting said mold-sections and said band, th re being a printing-plate space between said band and said mold-sections located between said connections, and means having connection with said respective mold-sections whereby to cause simultaneous revolving movement of said mold-sections toward one another, whereby the band with the printing plate to be curved is bent about said mold-sections.
7. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, a pair of mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout, between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, and means having connections with both said moldsections whereby to cause said moldsections to simultaneously revolvingly move toward each other and said band to be wrapped progressively from both sides of its middle in equal proportions toward its middle about said mold-sections.
8. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, a slide for each of said mold-sections, said mold-sections having journal connections with said slides, means for simultaneously moving said slides in opposite directions for causing simultaneous revolutions of said mold-sections in opposite directions, and means for causing said slides to move in similar directions for unitedly rolling said mold-sections.
9. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the band the printing plate to be curved is arranged to be received, and geared means having connections with said mold-sections causing simultaneous revolving movements of said mold-sections in opposite directions, whereby said band is wrapped progressively simultaneously from both sides of its middle toward its middle about said mold-sections, said last-named means including means for unitedly rolling said band and mold-sections.
10. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections coacting with said band, hear: ing means for said mold-sections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and said mold-sections, slides coacting with said respective mold-sections for rolling the same, means for moving said slides in opposite directions for simultaneously rolling said mold-sections in opposite directions, means for connecting said mold-sections to roll together, and means for causing said slides to move in unison with said eonnected mold-sections to unitedly roll the latter.
11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections coacting with said band, bearing means for said mold-sections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and said mold-sections, slides coacting with said respective mold-sections for rolling the same, means for moving said slides in opposite directions for simultaneously rolling said mold-sections in opposite directions, means for connecting said mold-sections to roll together, means for causing said slides to move in unison with said connected mold-sections to unitedly roll the latter, and means to maintain said mold-sections parallel.
12. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, gearsegments on said mold-sections, toothed racks with which said gear-segments coact, slides for said respective mold-sections slidable lengthwise of said racks, means for simultaneously moving said slides in opposite directions to roll said mold-sections toward one another to connect the same, and connecting means between said mold-sections, said mold-section rolling means comprising means to roll said connected mold-sections.
13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a pair of coacting mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout, a pair of slides coacting with said respective mold-sections, a flexible connection coacting with each of said slides, means for simultaneously moving said flexible connections in opposite directions for simultaneously rcvolving said mold-sections in opposite directions, and power shifting means whereby to cause said mold-sections to revolve together in united relation.
14. In a machine for curving printing plates, the'combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having curved surfaces between which and said band the plate to be curved is arranged to be received, means whereby to frevolvingly move said sections toward each other to place said mold-sections in connected relations, said connected mold-sections having a recess between them, and means for cooling said respective moldsections comprising cooling means having connections in said recess with said respective mold-sections.
15. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band,
mold-sections having curved surfaces between which and said band the plate to be curved is arranged to be received, means whereby to revolvingly move said sections toward each other to place said mold-sections in connected relations, said connected mold-sections having a recess between them, means for cooling said respective mold-sections comprising cooling means having connections in said recess with said respective mold-sections, said cooling means comprisin said recess with said respective mold-secthe same, sprocket-chains tions.
17. In amachine for curving printing plates, the combinationof a plurality of mold-sections having curved surfaces, a flexible band having articulations at its respective ends with said respective mold-sections, said articulations comprising hinges including butts respectively on one of said moldsections and said flexible band, a slide, hinge-pintle's on said slide, and means for moving said slide lengthwise of the axis of said mold-section for connecting said butts respectively on said mold-section and said flexible band.
18. In an apparatus for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections coacting with said band, said mold-sections havin surfaces capable of having a printing p ate curved thereabout by means of said band, gear-segments on said mold-sections, coacting toothed racks therefor, a slide for each of said mold-sections having articulation therewith to roll connecting with said respective slides, means for driving said sprocket chains including sprocket wheels including drivin sprocket-wheels, shafts for the latter, and a clutch, means for rotating said shafts in opposite directions where by to roll said mold-sections in opposite directions, connecting means for connecting said moldsections, and means having connection with said clutch to release the same whereby to roll said connected mold-sections in unison.
19. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of mold-sections arranged to be separated for the reception of m old-sections,
the rinting plate to be curved, a flexible band having connections with said respective mold sections between which and said mold-sections the printing plate to be curved is received, and means for pressing the printing plate toward said band comprising arms, presser-means adjustable thereon, a
rock-shaft, a rod spaced from and parallel with said rockshaft and rockable therewith, said respective arms provided with bearings about said rock-shaft and said rod, sald bearings slidable lengthwise of said rock-shaft and rod whereby to laterally adjust said arms, and means for clamping said arms in adjusted positions.
20. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band,
mold-section's arranged to be separated for the reception above said flexible band of the printing plate to be curved, adjustable gaging means for positioning the printing plate to be curved in the space between said separated mold-sections, pressing said printing plate in said space, and means between said presser-means and said gaging means to selectively connect the same for combined movement or for movement of one of said means independent of the other of said means.
21. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band arranged to receive the printing plate to be curved, normally separated mold-sections with which said flexible band has connections, said flexible band arranged for bending a printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, movable gaging means between said mold-sectionsfor gaging the position of the printing plate to be curved with relation to said flexible band and separated movable presser-means arranged to press the printing plate to be curved toward said flexible band, means whereby said presser-means are moved out of the paths of said mold-sections, means for connecting said movable gaging means PIGSSQF-IHGEIDS for and said movable presser-means for causing said gaging means and said presser-means to move together, means for releasing said lastnamed connection, and means having combined connections with said mold-sections whereby said mold-sections are caused to approach each other for wrapping said flexible band and printing plate "to be curved about said mold-sections.
22. In a machine for cuiwing printing plates, the combination of a flexible band arranged to receive the printing plate to be curved, normally separated mold-sections with which said flexible band has connections, said flexible band arranged for bending a printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, movable gaging means] for gaging the position of the printin plate to be curved with relation to sai flexible band and separated mold-sections, movable and means to automatically raise said conpresser-means arranged to press said printnected presser-means and gaging means out ing plate to be curved toward said flexible of said space. band. means between said gaging means and In testimony whereof, I have hereunto 5 said presser means to selectively connect signed my name in the presence of two sub- 1 the same for combined movement or for scribing witnesses.
movement of one of said means independent LESLIE (LA YBOURN. of the other of said means, treadle means to \Vitnesses: move said gaging means and presser means FRANK L. BRQEREN,
10 into the space between the mold-sections, B. W. HEISLER.
US286945A 1919-04-02 1919-04-02 Apparatus for curving printing-plates Expired - Lifetime US1372064A (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6644085B1 (en) * 2001-03-14 2003-11-11 Halm Industries Co., Inc. Printing plate bender apparatus

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6644085B1 (en) * 2001-03-14 2003-11-11 Halm Industries Co., Inc. Printing plate bender apparatus

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