US3738265A

US3738265A - Multicolor intaglio printing machine with pivotable gate support for inking units

Info

Publication number: US3738265A
Application number: US00210064A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Saueressig
Original assignee: SAURESSIG KG GEB
Current assignee: SAURESSIG KG GEB
Priority date: 1969-03-29
Filing date: 1971-12-20
Publication date: 1973-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 1990-06-12
Also published as: JPS5545385B1; FR2040038A5; DE1916359B2; DE1916359A1; GB1245204A; US3783780A

Abstract

An intaglio print machine for multicolor operation has a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio rolls and back up rolls rotatably supported on the machine frame and a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on the frame with a multiplicity of inking units supported thereon in vertical spaced alignment and cooperating with the intaglio rolls. Each of the inking units includes an ink trough, an ink roll rotatable in the ink trough for coating the intaglio roll, a doctor member pivotally mounted and extending upwardly into surface contact with the lower portion of its intaglio roll inwardly of the axis of rotation and pneumatic means for pivoting the doctor member downwardly to permit passage by the intaglio roll upon pivoting of the gate member. The height of the free edge of the doctor member may be vertically adjusted and the pressure holding the doctor member against the intaglio roll may be pneumatically adjusted. Desirably, a second doctor member is employed in contact with the upper surface of the intaglio roll and the inking unit includes means for adjusting the pressure of the free edge of the second doctor member against the intaglio roll. The intaglio rolls are of cylindrical configuration and supported upon the frame by novel cone assemblies and by novel expandable bushings.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Saueressig [4 1 June 12, 1973 MULTICOLOR INTAGLIO PRlNTING 505,679 1/1953 Belgium 101/351 MACI-HNE WITH PIVOTABLE GATE 429,517 5/1935 Great Britain 101/351 SUPPORT FOR INKING UNITS Inventor:

Filed:

Appl. No.: 210,064

Johann Heinrich Saueressig, Wuellen/Ahaus, Germany Assignee: Gebr. Sauressig KG,

Ahaus/Wuellen, Germany Dec. 20, 1971 Related US. Application Data Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 23,564, March 30,

1970, abandoned.

Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 29, 1969 Germany P 19 16 358.8

US. Cl. 101/152, 101/157, 101/209,

Int. Cl. B411 9/02, B41f 9/10 Field of Search 101/152, 180, 181,

lOl/182, 183, 184, 185, 247, 206-209, 349-352, 153-157, 169

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS ll/l935 France 101/181 Primary Examiner-J. Reed Fisher Attorney-Peter L. Costas [57] ABSTRACT An intaglio print machine for multicolor operation has a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio rolls and back up rolls rotatably supported on the machine frame and a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on the frame with a multiplicity of inking units supported thereon in vertical spaced alignment and cooperating with the intaglio rolls. Each of the inking units includes an ink trough, an ink roll rotatable in the ink trough for coating the intaglio roll, a doctor member pivotally mounted and extending upwardly into surface contact with the lower portion of its intaglio roll inwardly of the axis of rotation and pneumatic means for pivoting the doctor member downwardly to permit passage by the intaglio roll upon pivoting of the gate member. The height of the free edge of the doctor member may be vertically adjusted and the pressure holding the doctor member against the intaglio roll may be pneumatically adjusted. Desirably, a second doctor member is employed in contact with the upper surface of the intaglio roll and the inking unit includes means for adjusting the pressure of the free edge of the second doctor member against the intaglio roll. The intaglio rolls are of cylindrical configuration and supported upon the frame by novel cone assemblies and by novel expandable bushings.

31 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures MULTICOLOR INTAGLIO PRINTING MACHINE WITI-I PIVOTABLE GATE SUPPORT FOR INKING UNITS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No. 23,564 filed Mar. 30, 1970, now abandoned, entitled COLOR INTAGLIO PRINT- ING MACHINE, MORE PARTICULARLY FOR PRINTING TEXTILES which is based upon an application filed in the Federal Republic of Germany on Mar. 29, 1969, Ser. No. P l9 16 359.8.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of intaglio print machines have been designed and sold for many applications. The most commonly employed form of such machines utilizes a large backing cylinder about the circumference of which are disposed the engraved or intaglio rolls. However, it has also been proposed to utilize print machines employing pairs of intaglio and back up rolls disposed in horizontal or in vertical alignment, depending upon the desired path of the material being printed therethrough.

It is necessary to supply ink or color to the intaglio rolls and various techniques have been proposed therefor. Most conventionally, an inking roll or furnishing roll rotates through a reservoir of the ink or color and transfers that ink or color to the intaglio roll by circumferential surface contact at a nip therebetween. One of the principal problems in utilizing this technique of inking the intaglio roll is the avoidance of excessive deposition upon the surface of the intaglio roll, and another problem resides in the removal from the intaglio roll of residual ink or color which may be picked up from the cloth being printed. Attempting to change colors in one or more of the intaglio roll stations generally involves disassembly of the parts for cleaning with considerable down time on the machine. Moreover, adjustment of the pressure and position of the several doctor members often requires considerable skill and tedious manipulation.

Most usually, the intaglio rolls are relatively massive structures in order to survive the stresses and pressures placed thereon. Consequently, they are generally expensive, difficult to handle, and require relatively massive drive units with attendant problems in torque, inertia and the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel intaglio print machine for multicolor printing of fabrics and the like wherein the inking units may be readily removed from contact with the intaglio rolls.

It is also an object to provide such a print machine in which the doctor members may be readily adjusted pneumatically to control the pressure at the point of contact with the intaglio-rolls.

Another object is to provide such a print machine in which the inking assemblies may be readily disassembled for facile cleaning, replacement and adjustment.

A further object is to provide such a print machine in which relatively light weight intaglio rolls of substantially cylindrical configuration are supported firmly and driven synchronously.

Still another object is to provide such a print machine employing simple and effective means for applying an adhesion promoter between the support blanket and the fabric being printed.

A still further object is to provide a facile and speedy method for disengaging inking assemblies from their associated intaglio rolls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be readily attained in an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing which comprises a machine frame, a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on the frame and having vertical post members at the opposite ends thereof, and a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio and back up rolls. The pairs of rolls are rotatably supported on the frame in vertically spaced alignment with the intaglio roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent the gate member and the axes of the rolls of each pair lying in a horizontal plane.

Supported on the gate member is a multiplicity of inking units disposed in vertically spaced alignment and each cooperating with one of the intaglio rolls. Each inking unit includes an ink trough removeably supported on the gate member and an inking roll rotatably supported on the gate member with the lower portion of its circumferential surface disposed within the ink trough for coating with ink within the trough as it rotates therethrough during operation of the machine. The inking roll is in circumferential contact with its associated intaglio roll to transfer ink thereto during operation of the machine. A main doctor member is pivotally mounted on the gate member and extends upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the lower circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll inwardly of the axis of rotation thereof. The inking unit also includes means for pivoting the free edge of the main doctor member downwardly and inwardly of the axis of rotation of its associated intaglio roll to a position below that roll in order to permit pivoting of the gate member and movement of the inking units outwardly from the intaglio rolls.

The trough has projecting elements on the sides thereof which slideably seat in generally horizontally extending slots opening at the outer surface of the gate member. In the preferred embodiment, the slots are generally S-shaped and a pair of horizontally spaced projecting elements are provided on each side of the trough; the trough may thus slide outwardly in the slots while the gate member is in its closed position and pivot first upwardly and then downwardly to empty the trough.

The doctor member is pivotally mounted upon an inwardly extending leg of generally L-shaped member which in turn is pivotally mounted adjacent its apex on the gate member below the axis of rotation and the associated intaglio roll. With this assembly, the inwardly extending leg passes below the associated intaglio roll and the doctor member extends upwardly and inwardly from the end thereof into surface contact with the intaglio roll.

The machine desirably includes adjusting means on the gate member which means acts upon the other leg of the L-shaped member to effect adjustable pivoting thereof about its pivotal axis so that the free edge of the main doctor member may be moved generally vertically relative to the associated intaglio roll. To effect pivoting of the doctor member in the L-shaped member, the inking unit includes an endless belt extending about the pivot of the doctor member on the inwardly extending leg of the L-shaped member and about a point spaced outwardly therefrom; means operates on the belt to bias the free edge of the doctor member against the intaglio roll. The means for pivoting the free edge of the main doctor member preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder and this cylinder may be operable not only to effect pivoting into position against the surface of the intaglio roll and downwardly into an inoperable position for withdrawal of the inking unit from the intaglio roll, but also to control the pressure at the point of intersection between the free edge of the doctor member and the intaglio roll.

In its preferred aspect, the machine includes a second doctor member spaced upwardly from the trough and extending upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the upper circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll outwardly of the axis of rotation thereof. The inking unit also includes means for adjusting the second doctor member relative to the intaglio roll, most conveniently provided by pivotal mounting thereof on the gate member so that adjusting means may pivot the doctor member and adjust the pressure at the point of surface contact with the intaglio roll.

The inking unit also will desirably include adjustable means for moving the axis of the inking roll inwardly and outwardly relative to the axis of its associated intaglio roll, thereby varying the pressure at the point of circumferential contact therebetween. The intaglio rolls are driven in synchronization and desirably the machine includes drive means for rotating each of the intaglio rolls relative to the other intaglio rolls in order to effect individual adjustment of pitch marks thereon.

The intaglio rolls themselves are most desirably fabricated as relatively thin cylindrical shells. These cylindrical shells are supported by cone elements inserted into the opposite ends thereof and pneumatic means are included for effecting axial adjustment of the intaglio rolls relative to the machine frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an intaglio print machine embodying the present invention with portions of the components of the individual inking units omitted for purposes of clarity of illustration; 7

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary vertical sectional view through the machine showing the intaglio rolls and back up rolls spaced apart in the inoperative position thereof and to an enlarged scale from that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the print machine showing various internal components in phantom line and the back up rolls in operative engagement with the intaglio rolls;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top view of the print machine with portions of the components in section and broken away for clarity of illustration and with the gate partially illustrated in phantom line in a partially pivoted position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view to an enlarged scale of the machine at the gate assembly showing completely only one of the inking units;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view to an enlarged scale of the" ink trough and its support and adjusting assembly;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view to an enlarged scale of the machine showing the support and operating mechanism for the main doctor member and with the doctor member shown in its pivoted position in phantomline;

FIG. 8 is a similar view showing the support and adjusting mechanism for the top or second doctor mem ber with the inking roll shown in phantom line;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of the machine to an enlarged scale showing the mounting and drive means for the intaglio roll and with the roll in section for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged sectional view of the intaglio roll and mandrel member mounting means therefor;

FIG. 11 isa fragmentary front elevational view to an enlarged scale of the gate member with portions of the components broken away for clarity of illustration; and

FIG. 12 is an end view of a bushing assembly for mounting the intaglio rolls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Turning now in detail to FIGS. 1 and 3 of the attached drawings, the intaglio print machine embodying the present invention and illustrated therein has a machine frame generally designated by the numeral 10 and a gate member pivotally mounted on one face thereof and generally designated by the numeral 12. A control panel console 14 is disposed to one side of the machine frame 10 and is separate therefrom. Fabric being printed by the machine is designated by the numeral 16 with the direction of movement being upwardly through the print rolls of the machine.

The machine frame 10 has

side portions

18, 20 which are provided with generally vertically extending apertures 22 therein, a top extension 24 extending from the face opposite that having the gate 12 mounted thereon and a bottom extension 26 extending from the same face. The gate 12 is generally comprised of the vertical side posts 28, 30, top cross member 32 and the bottom cross member 34. As best seen in FIG. 1, the post 28 is pivotally mounted on the frame side position 18 by heavy duty hinges 36, and the post 30 is held in position against the frame side portion 20 by the latches 38 which are mechanically operated by the latch control mechanism 40.

As best seen in F IGS. 24, the print machine includes a multiplicity of pairs of engraved or intaglio rolls generally designated by the numeral 42 and backup rolls generally designated by the numeral 44, the rolls of each pair being disposed with their axes in a generally horizontal plane and the several pairs of rolls being disposed in a generally vertical stack. The backup rolls 44 are mounted for horizontal movement on the frame 10 relative to the intaglio rolls 42 by mounting the shaft supports 46 in slide blocks 48 which are seated slidably in slide supports 50 on the

side portions

18, 20 of the frame 10. Connected to the slide blocks 48 are piston rods 52 which are reciprocable within the pneumatic cylinders 54 mounted on the

side portions

18, 20 to effect movement of the backup rolls 44 either toward or away from the intaglio rolls 42, and these cylinders 54 may also be used to control the pressure at the nip between the rolls.

In FIG. 3, the backup rolls 44 are shown in the operative position and, in FIG. 2, they are shown in the retracted o'r inoperative position. When moved into the operative position shown in FIG. 3, the fabric 16 is moved against the surface of the intaglio rolls 42 in the nip between the cooperating rolls so as to effect printing thereof. Conversely, when the backup rolls are moved into the inoperative position shown in FIG. 2, the position of the vertically aligned idler rolls 56, 58 below and above the vertical stack of the pairs of cooperating rolls permits the fabric 12 to fall away from the surface of the intaglio rolls 42 into a position between the now spaced rolls 42, 44 so as to effect substantially immediate discontinuance of printing with resultant avoidance of spoilage of material. The cylinders 54 are individually operable to permit testing of registry and color at each of the several pairs of cooperating rolls.

The mounting and drive arrangement for the intaglio rolls 42 is shown in FIGS. 9 and with the shaft mounting mandrels only diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 9. The intaglio roll 42 is generally comprised of a relatively thin walled cylindrical shell 60 having press fit within its

ends bushings

62, 64 having

circumferential collars

66, 68 which abut the end surfaces of the shell 60. The

bushings

62, 64 have axially extending generally frustoconical recesses or bores 70, 72 which are of greatest diameter at the outer ends thereof.

Seated in the bushing 62 is a rolling mandrel generally designated by the numeral 74 and carried by the shaft 76 which in turn is supported by the pneumatic cylinder 78 on the frame side portion 18 so that it may be moved inwardly and outwardly relative to the opposite side portion 20. As seen in FIG. 10, the mandrel 74 has a generally frustoconical inner end portion 80 and a circumferential collar 82 about its outer end; the angle of taper of the end portion 80 is substantially the same as that of the recess 70 in the bushing 62 so as to provide full circumferential press fit contact therebetween when the mandrel 74 is moved against the roll 44 by the pneumatic cylinder 78.

The mandrel 74 has a stepped bore 84 providing a series of

steps

86, 88, 90, and 92 of decreasing diameter inwardly thereof; seated in and closing the inner end of the bore 84 is a lubrication nipple 94. The end portion of the shaft 76 is provided with a circumferential collar 96 outwardly from the mandrel 74 and is configured to provide a series of

steps

98, 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 of decreasing diameter toward the end thereof seated in the mandrel 74. A needle roller bearing 110 provides bearing surfaces between the shaft step 106 and mandrel step 90 and is held in position by the locking ring 112 seated in a circumferential groove 114 in the shaft step 108. An annular contact roller bearing 116 provides bearing surfaces between the shaft step 104 and mandrel step 88 and is dimensioned so as to be wedged against the outer shoulder of the step 104 by the roller bearing 1 10. A ball bearing assembly 118 provides bearing surfaces between the shaft step 102 and mandrel step 86 and is held against the outer shoulder of the step 102 by the locking ring 120 seated in the circumferential groove 122 at the inner end of the step 102. A sealing cover generally designated by the numeral 124 is mounted on the outer end of the mandrel 74 and has an axially extending lip 126 extending inwardly of the bore 84 and bearing against the outer end of the ball bearing assembly 118. The sealing cover is secured to the mandrel 74 by the fasteners 128 and an annular packing ring 130 is disposed between it and the step 100 of the mandrel.

Seated in the bushing 64 is a fixed mandrel 132 which is integrally formed on the end of the shaft 134 and which has a generally frustoconical configuration with an angle of taper substantially equal to that of the recess 72 in the bushing 64 so as to provide a firm press fit when it is forced thereinto by movement of the mandrel 74 into the opposite bushing 62 by the pneumatic cylinder 78. To prevent any relative rotation therebetween, keyways are milled into the cooperating surfaces of the mandrel 132 and bushing 64 and a key 136 is firmly seated therein. The shaft 134 is seated in bearings 138 in the side portion 20 of the frame 10 and is driven synchronously with the shafts 134 of the other intaglio rolls 42 by conventional drive mechanism generally indicated by the numeral 140;

hand wheels

142, 144 permit manual adjustment of the shaft 134 and thereby the intaglio roll 42 to effect axial and circumferential registry.

Cooperating with each intaglio roll 42 is an inking unit carried upon the side posts 28, 30 of the gate 12 and comprised of a trough assembly generally designated by the numeral 148, a main doctor member assembly generally designated by the numeral 150, an inking roll assembly generally designated by the numeral 152 and an upper doctor member assembly generally designated by the numeral 154.

As best seen in FIGS. 4-6 and 11, the trough assembly includes a pan-shaped member or trough 156 of generally rectangular configuration having angle brackets 157 at the sides thereof each of which has thereon a pair of horizontally outwardly projecting pins 158 seated in the horizontally extending generally S- shaped slots 160 in the inner legs 161 of the channelshaped supports 162 mounted on the gate posts 28, 30. The sides of the trough 156 adjacent the inner end have generally circumferential recesses formed in the top surface thereof for a purpose to be explained hereinafter. As will be appreciated, the generally S-shaped configuration of the slots 160 and the cooperating dimen 4 sioning between the pins 158 and the base portion of the slots 160 ensure stable seating of the trough 156 within the supports 162. However, the trough 156 may be emptied while the gate 12 is in its closed position by lifting the outer end thereof so as to elevate the outer pins 158 to the level of the upper portion of the S- shaped slots 160, sliding the trough 156 outwardly until the inner pins 158 abut the generally vertical shoulders of the slots 160, and then pivoting the outer end of the trough downwardly to empty the contents thereof and effect cleaning. In this pivoted position, the inner pins 158 will retain the trough 156 within the supports 162.

Mounted on the horizontal portion of the angle brackets 157 of the trough 156 are fixed blocks 204 and slide blocks 206. Lead screws 208 have their shanks trapped in the fixed blocks 204 and threadably engaged in the slide blocks 206 so as to effect sliding movement of the slide blocks 206 along the upper surface of the brackets 157 inwardly and outwardly relative to the intaglio roll 42.

The slide blocks 206 have recesses in the upper surface thereof in which are mounted arcuate bearings 210. Rotatably seated within the bearings 210 is the shaft 212 of the inking roll 214 of the inking roll assembly 152. Thus it can be seen that movement of the lead screw 208 will move the axis of the inking roll 214 relative to the axis of the intaglio roll 42 to control the pressure at the nip therebetween. Moreover, the trough assembly 148 and inking roll assembly 152 thus comprise a unit for simple disassembly from the gate 12 for cleaning when required.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the mounting and operating elements for the main doctor member assembly 150 are therein illustrated. Bell crank or L-shaped members 164 are disposed at each side of the gate 12 and pivoted adjacent their apices upon the outer legs of the channel support 162 on the side posts 28, 30 of the gate 12 by pivot pins 166, and the longer legs 168 extend inwardly of the machine below the intaglio roll 42. The shorter legs 170 extend upwardly and have a generally vertically extending slot 172 opening at the upper end thereof in which are captured the horizontally projecting studs 174 on the slide blocks 176. Threadably engaged with the slide blocks are lead screws 178 which are rotatably seated in the mounting block 180 and rotatable by the hand wheel 182 so that the slide blocks 176 may be moved inwardly and outwardly relative to the intaglio roll 42, thereby pivoting the inner end of the longer legs 168 upwardly and downwardly relative to the intaglio roll 42 to effect manual adjustment thereof.

Mounted in arcuate slots in the upper surface of the inner or free ends of the longer legs 168 of the bell cranks 164 are stub shafts 186 on the doctor blade support bar 184. Removably engaged in the support bar 184 is a relatively thin doctor blade 188 with a substantially knife-like configuration at its free edge bearing against the inner circumferential surface of the intaglio roll 42.

As seen in FIG. 3, the stub shaft 186 has an extension 212 on the left side as viewed therein which has a collared coupling 216 thereon slidably engaged in a yoke on the pivot arm 217 mounted on and oscillated by the vertical shaft 219. The motor 221 on the top of the gate 12 oscillates the shaft 219 through-a cam and crankshaft to oscillate the doctor blades 188 across the rolls 42 and minimize wear.

Mounted on the stub shafts 186 outwardly of the bell cranks 164 are pulleys 190 in which are seated one end of the endless wire cables 192. The other end of the endless cables extends about pulley elements 194 supported upon the pneumatic cylinders 196 mounted on the web portions of the channel supports 162. Reciprocably driven by the cylinders 196 are the piston rods 198 having collars 200 adjacent the free end thereof. As seen in FIG. 7, the endless wire cables 192 are secured to the collars 200 so that movement of the cables may be effected by reciprocation of the piston rods 198 within the cylinders 196. The endless wire cables 192 include tension spring portions 202 so that the piston rods 198 may effect pivoting of the doctor blade 188 from the position shown in full line in FIG. 7 to that shown in phantom line and then retract still further through expansion of the spring. Thus, when the piston rods 198 are moved to the left as shown in FIG. 7, they will act upon the endless cables 192 to pivot the doctor blade 188 into surface contact with the intaglio roll 42. Retraction of the piston rods 198'will act upon the endless cables 192 to pivot the doctor blade 188 downwardly from the intaglio roll 42 to the piston shown in dotted line in FIG. 7 so that the blade 188 may be moved thereby upon pivoting of the gate 12 into its open position. It will be appreciated that the pressure exerted by the doctor blade 188 against the surface of the intaglio roll 42 may be adjusted through adjustment of the length of the stroke of the piston rod 198 and the pressure in the cylinder 196. This permits precision adjustment of the position of, and force exerted by, the

doctor blade 188 against the intaglio roll 42 by a trained operator and subsequent repositioning of the elements will be effected automatically into the predetermined conditions, thus eliminating the need for highly trained operators after initial setup.

Turning now to FIG. 8, the upper doctor member assembly 154 is therein illustrated. Mounted on the outer legs of the channel supports 162 are horizontal blocks 220 upon which are fixedly mounted bearing blocks 222 and slide blocks 224. Lead screws 226 are trapped in the bearingblocks 222 and threadably engaged within the slide blocks 224 so as to effect sliding movement thereof along the surface of the horizontal blocks 220 upon rotation. Pivotably seated in upwardly and inwardly extending arcuate recesses 227 in the slide blocks 224 are stub shafts 228 at the ends of the doctor blade support bar 230 in which is removeably retained a thin doctor blade member 232 extending upwardly and inwardly into contact with the upper and outer circumferential surface of the intaglio roll 42. At both ends, the doctor blade support bar 230 has depending ears 234 in which are threadably engaged adjusting screws 236 which bear at their inner ends against the fixed plates 238 on the channel support members 162. Accordingly, rotation of the adjusting screws 236 will pivot the doctor blade support support bar 230 and thereby the doctor bl'ade member 232 in the slide blocks 224. Rotation of the lead screws 226 will move the slide blocks 224 and thereby the doctor blade member 232 relative to the intaglio roll 42 so as to effect variation in the contact pressure therebetween.

The doctor blade support bar 230 also carries a trough member 240 having a drain aperture 242 at one end thereof. In this manner, ink scraped from the intaglio roll 42 by the upper doctor blade member 232 will travel downwardly therealong and into the trough member 240 so as to avoid contamination of the ink in the trough 156 of the inking unit.

Compressed air for the operation of the cylinders of the gate 12 is supplied through the flexible conduit 260 to afitting in the gate 12 and thence to the several cylinders through flexible conduits 262. The air pressure in the cylinders and other pressure information may be readily ascertained for purpose of adjustment by suitable gauges and control instrumentation 264 (only partially shown) on the side portions of the frame 10 and on the control console 14.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the fabric 16 being printed is shown entering the machine at Point A and leaving at Point B. Backing grey 270 from a suitable source enters at Point C and leaves at Point D. The endless rubber blanket 272 passes through a cleaning station generally designated by the numeral 274 after it passes through the printing stations. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backing grey 270 is coated with an adhesion promoter by the roller coating station generally designated by the numeral 276 and disposed at a location remote from the first printing station. The applicator roll 278 is coated by the feed roll 280 which rotates through a reservoir 282. Various other idler rolls 284 are shown in phantom but the only driven rolls in the machine are the intaglio rolls 42 so that synchronization thereof will not be adversely affected and there will be no relative slippage.

Since the intaglio rolls 42 are relatively thin shelled cylindrical members with

bushings

62, 64 at the ends thereof, they are relatively lightweight and may be handled readily. As best seen in FIGS. and 12, the

bushings

62 and 64 are fabricated from three or more arcuate segments defining a circular circumferential configuration and, frustoconical interior cavity. The several segments 62 a, b, c and 64 a, b, c are held together by annular garter springs 65, 67 which will normally hold their axial edges together and prevent inadvertent disassembly. When inserted into the ends of a roll 42 of slightly larger internal or nonuniform diameter, the circumferential surface will be expanded by the

conical mandrels

74, 132 to fit snugly against that surface. This affords significant advantages in accommodating minor deviations and ensures a firm fit.

As seen in FIG. 12, the several segments 64 a, b,-c mating with the fixed mandrel 132 each have keyways milled in their frustoconical surfaces which seat keys 136 seated in cooperating keyways in the mandrel portion 132 and held therein by the fasteners 69. In this manner, the expanded segments will not slip relative to the mandrel or to each other. Similar key. and keyway construction is employed with respect to the bushing 62.

It is especially significant to note how readily colors may be changed at any of the several inking units without complete disassembly of the machine. If so desired, the gate 12 may be pivoted into its open position to permit cleaning of the intaglio rolls 42 where the color is being changed. Alternatively, where a similar color is being employed, the trough assembly 148 may be slid outwardly and pivoted downwardly to empty it and clean it and also to remove and clean the inking roll 214.

When it is desired to clean the machine or to change the intaglio rolls 42, the operator presses the control for the pneumatic cylinders 54 to withdraw the backup rolls 44 from contact with the rubber blanket 272, backing grey 270 and fabric 16, at the nip with the intaglio rolls 42. He then presses the control for the pneumatic cylinders 196, pivoting the doctor blade 118 downwardly to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 7. He may then open the gate 12 by operating the latch control mechanism 40 to open the latches 38. This permits pivoting of the gate 12 on its hinges 36, the free end thereof being supported upon a wheel 41 which preferably moves within a track (not shown) in the floor. As previously indicated, the trough assembly 148 and inking roll assembly 152 may be readily removed for cleaning and the

doctor blade members

188 and 232 are also readily accessible for cleaning-. With the gate 12 in the open position, the intaglio rolls are readily accessible for cleaning by the operator's assistant. When the necessary changes have been made, particularly if only cleaning and changing color are required, the trough assembly 148 and inking roll assembly 152 may be reintroduced into position and the gate 12 closed. Since the registry of the various members has not been affected, the printing operation may be begun almost immediately.

Color may be supplied to the various trough assemblies 148 by an air pumping system (not shown) which automatically controls the level within the troughs 156. Whenever, desired, one of the inking units may be taken out of operation while leaving the remaining units in operation simply ,by retracting the backup roll 44 for that particular inking unit.

Of particular significance is the doctor blade arrangement of the present invention. As a result of the disposition of the blades, and of their mounting, the doctor blades can be prepared on doctor grinding machines to a very high degree of accuracy since the pressure of the blade against the intaglio rolls 42 is controlled accurately by a piston operated by air pressure indicated upon a gauge. The friction of the doctor blades against the intaglio rolls may thereby be reduced to extend significantly the life of the engraving upon the intaglio rolls.

If so desired, the machine may be double sided to permit printing on either face, pivotable gates being employed in each instance in order to obtain the advantages of the present invention.

Conveniently, accessory mechanism includes a carrier for moving several intaglio rolls into position simultaneously to effect mounting thereof. Since the pressures at roll nip and at doctor blade nip are provided by the pneumatic cylinders, these may be controlled precisely and repeatably. The apparatus permits operation both with and without backing grey and is selfcontained with respect to cleaning mechanism for the rubber blanket.

Thus it can be seen that the present invention provides a novel and highly effective print machine affording significant economies in operation and in downtime. It is highly versatile and permits rapid change of colors and removal from printing of one or more colors with resultant variation of pattern. The pressure at the roll nip and main doctor blade may be varied pneumatically and accurately. The inking unit may be cleaned and then replaced in operation in the previously established conditions. Lightweight rolls may be employed and held firmly. lts highly effective construction minimizes Wear on operating components and facilitates operation by relatively untrained operators.

Having thus described the invention, I Claim:

1. In an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing, the combination comprising:

a. a machine frame;

b. a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on said frame with vertical post members at the opposite ends thereof;

c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio and back up rolls rotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, the intaglio roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gate member and the rolls of each pair having their axes lying in a horizontal plane; and

d. a multiplicity of inking units supported on said gate member in vertically spaced alignment and each cooperating with one of said intaglio rolls, each inking unit including:

1. an ink trough removably supported on said gate member;

2. an inking roll rotatably supported on said gate member and having the lower portion of its circumferential surface disposed within said ink trough for coating with ink disposed therein as it rotates therethrough during operation of said machine, said inking roll being in circumferential surface contact with its associated intaglio roll to transfer ink thereto during operation of the machine;

3. a main doctor member pivotally mounted on said gate member and extending upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the lower circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll inwardly of the axis of rotation thereof; and

4. means for pivoting the free edge of said main doctor member downwardly and inwardly of the axis of rotation of its associated intaglio roll to a position below said roll to permit pivoting of said gate member and thereby movement of said inking units outwardly from said intaglio rolls.

2. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said trough has bearings on the sides thereof and said inking roll has pivot elements to the ends thereof seated in said bearings to provide the rotatable support thereof.

3. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said trough has projecting elements on the sides thereof and said vertical posts have support portions with generally horizontally extending slots opening at the outer surface of said gate member, said projecting elements upon said troughs being slideably seated in said slots.

4. The print machine of claim 3 wherein each of said troughs has a pair of horizontally spaced projecting elements and wherein said slots are generally S-shaped, said trough being slideable outwardly in said slots while said vertical gate member is in its closed position against said frame, the outer end of said trough being pivotable about the inner of said projecting elements first upwardly and then downwardly to permit emptying of said trough with said gate member in said closed position.

5. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said inking unit includes a generally L-shaped member pivotally mounted adjacent its apex on said gate member below the axis of rotation of its associated intaglio roll, one leg of said member extending inwardly of said machine below its associated intaglio roll, said doctor member being mounted upon said inwardly extending leg to thereby provide said pivotal mounting thereof.

6. The print machine of claim 5 wherein said inking unit includes adjusting means on said gate member acting upon the other leg of said L-shaped member to effect adjustable pivoting thereof about its axis whereby the free edge of said main doctor member may be moved generally vertically relative to its associated intaglio roll. a

7. The print machine of claim 6 wherein said doctor member is pivotally mounted on said inwardly extending leg of said L-shaped member.

8. The print machine of claim 7 wherein said inking unit includes an endless belt extending about the pivot of said doctor member on said leg to a point spaced outwardly therefrom and means operating on said belt to bias the free edge of said doctor member against said intaglio roll.

9. The print machine of claim 8 wherein said endless belt has its outer end disposed about the pivot for said L-shaped member.

10. The print machine of claim 8 wherein said endless belt has its outer end disposed about a pivot element on said frame outwardly of said pivot for said L- shaped member. 5

l l. The print machine of claim- 1 wherein said means for pivoting the free edge of said main doctor member includes a pneumatic cylinder.

12. The print machine of claim 1 1 wherein said pneumatic cylinder is operable to apply controlledand adjustable pressure upon said doctor member and thereby control pressure at the point of intersection between said free edge of said doctor member and said intaglio roll;

13. .The print machine of claim 12 wherein said inking unit includes a generally L-shaped member pivotally mounted adjacent its apex on said gate member below the axis of rotation of its associated intaglio roll, one leg of said member extending inwardly of said machine below its associated intaglio roll, said doctor member being mounted upon said inwardly extending leg to thereby provide said pivotal mounting thereof, said pneumatic cylinder operating upon said doctor member at its pivotal mounting upon said L-shaped member. 2

14. The print machine of claim 13 wherein said inking unit includes an endless belt extending about the pivot of said doctor member on said leg and to a point spaced outwardly therefrom, said pneumatic cylinder acting upon said belt to effect pivoting of said doctor member and to apply adjustable pressure at the point of contact with said intaglio roll.

15. The print machine of claim 14 wherein said inking unit includes adjusting means on said gate member acting upon the other leg of said L-shaped member to effect adjustable pivoting thereof about its axis whereby the free edge of said main doctor member may be moved generally vertically relative to its associated intaglio roll.

16. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said inking unit includes a second doctor member spaced upwardly from said trough and extending upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the upper circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll outwardly of the axis of rotation thereof, and means for adjusting said second doctor member relative to said intaglio roll.

17. The print machine of claim 16 wherein said second doctor member is pivotally mounted on said gate member and said means for adjusting includes means for pivoting said second doctor member and means for adjusting the pressure at the point of surface contact with said intaglio roll.

18. The print machine of claim 2 wherein said inking unit includes adjustable means for moving the axis of saidinking roll inwardly and outwardly relative to its associated intaglio roll.

19. The print machine of claim 18 wherein said inking roll bearings are in slideable mounts and said adjusting means effects horizontal sliding movement thereof.

20. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said gate member includes means for reciprocating said main doctor member horizontally across the surface of its associated intaglio roll.

21. The print machine of claim 16 wherein said gate member includes means for oscillating said main and second doctor members horizontally across the surface of their associated intaglio rolls.

22. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said gate member includes means for rotating said inking rolls in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of said intaglio rolls.

23. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said intaglio rolls are comprised of relatively thin walled, generally cylindrical members; split bushing members inserted in the ends thereof, said split bushing members being comprised of at least three arcuate segments having circumferential surface portions cooperating to define a generally circular circumferential configuration and the inner surfaces of which are configured to define a generally frustoconical cavity, and resilient means holding said segments in generally circular circumferential disposition and permitting expansion to increase the diameter of the circular cross section; mandrel members having generally frustoconical circumferential portions engaged within said generally frustoconical cavities of said bushing members, said mandrel members expanding the segments of said bushing members into firm press fitting engagement with the inner surface of said roll shell; and means engaging said bushing and mandrel members to prevent relative rotation.

24. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said intaglio rolls are each comprised of a generally cylindrical roll shell; bushing members engaged in each end thereof having a cavity therein of generally frustoconical configuration of greatest diameter at the outer ends thereof; mandrel members having generally frustoconical portions engaged within said frustoconical cavities of said bushing members, the bushing and mandrel members of said rolls having cooperating keyways in their opposing surfaces and keys seated therein to prevent relative rotation; a pair of shaft elements mounted on said machine frame, one of said shaft elements being fixedly engaged with its associated mandrel member and the other of said shaft elements being seated within an elongated outwardly opening cavity in its associated mandrel member, said cavity having series of surface portions cooperating with surface portions on the end portion of said shaft element disposed therein tov provide a plurality of seats; and a plurality of bearing elements disposed on said seats between said shaft element and said mandrel member said bearing elements including elements providing for compensation of relative thrust between said shaft elements and said mandrel member.

25. The print machine of claim 1 wherein there is included a coating assembly at a point spaced from the first of said inking units, said coating assembly including a reservoir member, a rotatably mounted pickup member at least partially disposed within said reservoir member for rotation through fluid contained therein, a rotatably mounted coating member in circumferential surface contact with said pickup member; and a backup member rotatably mounted adjacent said coating member and cooperating therewith to define a nip through which associated backing grey passes during operation of the machine.

26. In an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing, the combination comprising:

a. a machine frame;

1. an ink trough removably supported on said gate member;

2. an inking roll rotatably supported on said gate member and having the lower portion of its circumferential surface disposed within said ink trough for coating with ink disposed therein as it rotates therethrough during operation of said machine said inking roll being in circumferential surface contact with its associated intaglio roll to transfer ink thereto during operation of the machine;

3. a main doctor member pivotally mounted on said gate member and extending upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the lower circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll inwardly of the axis of rotation thereof;

4. a second doctor member spaced upwardly from said trough and extending upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the upper circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll outwardly of the axis of rotation thereof; and

5. means for adjusting said doctor members relative to said intaglio roll.

27. The print machine of claim 26 wherein said second doctor member is pivotally mounted on said gate member and said means for adjusting includes means for pivoting said second doctor member and means for adjusting the pressure at the point of surface contact with said intaglio roll.

28. In an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing, the combination comprising:

a. a machine frame;

c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio rolls and back up rolls rotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, the intaglio roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gate member and the rolls of each pair having their axes lying in a horizontal plane; and

1. a ink trough having projecting elements on the sides thereof, said vertical posts having support portions with generally horizontally extending S-shaped slots opening at the outer surface of said gate member and in which said projecting elements are slidably seated, said trough being slidable outwardly in said slots while said vertical gatemember is in its closed position against said frame, the outer end of said trough being pivotable about the inner of said projecting elements first upwardly and then downwardly to permit emptying of said trough with said gate member in said closed position; and

2. an inking roll rotatably supported on said gate member and having the lower portion of its circumferential surface disposed within said ink trough for coating with ink disposed therein as it rotates therethrough during operation of said machine, said inking roll being in circumferential surface contact with its associated intaglio roll to transfer ink thereto during operation of the machine.

29. The print machine of claim 28 wherein said trough has bearings on the sides thereof and said inking associated intaglio roll.

31. The print machine of claim 30 wherein said inking roll bearings are in slidable mounts and said adjusting means effects horizontal sliding movement thereof.

' r 4: in

Claims

1. In an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing, the combination comprising: a. a machine frame; b. a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on said frame with vertical post members at the opposite ends thereof; c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio and back up rolls rotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, the intaglio roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gate member and the rolls of each pair having their axes lying in a horizontal plane; and d. a multiplicity of inking units supported on said gate member in vertically spaced alignment and each cooperating with one of said intaglio rolls, each inking unit including: 1. an ink trough removably supported on said gate member; 2. an inking roll rotatably supported on said gate member and having the lower portion of its circumferential surface disposed within said ink trough for coating with ink disposed therein as it rotates therethrough during operation of said machine, said inking roll being in circumferential surface contact with its associated intaglio roll to transfer ink thereto during operation of the machinE; 3. a main doctor member pivotally mounted on said gate member and extending upwardly and inwardly into surface contact with the lower circumferential surface of its associated intaglio roll inwardly of the axis of rotation thereof; and 4. means for pivoting the free edge of said main doctor member downwardly and inwardly of the axis of rotation of its associated intaglio roll to a position below said roll to permit pivoting of said gate member and thereby movement of said inking units outwardly from said intaglio rolls.

5. means for adjusting said doctor members relative to said intaglio roll.

6. The print machine of claim 5 wherein said inking unit includes adjusting means on said gate member acting upon the other leg of said L-shaped member to effect adjustable pivoting thereof about its axis whereby the free edge of said main doctor member may be moved generally vertically relative to its associated intaglio roll.

10. The print machine of claim 8 wherein said endless belt has its outer end disposed about a pivot element on said frame outwardly of said pivot for said L-shaped member.

11. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said means for pivoting the free edge of said main doctor member includes a pneumatic cylinder.

12. The print machine of claim 11 wherein said pneumatic cylinder is operable to apply controlled and adjustable pressure upon said doctor member and thereby control pressure at the point of intersection between said free edge of said doctor member and said intaglio roll.

13. The print machine of claim 12 wherein said inking unit includes a generally L-shaped member pivotally mounted adjacent its apex on said gate member below the axis of rotation of its associated intaglio roll, one leg of said member extending inwardly of said machine below its associated intaglio roll, said doctor member being mounted upon said inwardly extending leg to thereby provide said pivotal mounting thereof, said pneumatic cylinder operating upon said doctor member at its pivotal mounting upon said L-shaped member. 14. The print machine of claim 13 wherein said inking unit includes an endless belt extending about the pivot of said doctor member on said leg and to a point spaced outwardly therefrom, said pneumatic cylinder acting upon said belt to effect pivoting of said doctor member and to apply adjustable pressure at the point of contact with said intaglio roll.

18. The print machine of claim 2 wherein said inking unit includes adjustable means for moving the axis of said inking roll inwardly and outwardly relative to its associated intaglio roll.

24. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said intaglio rolls are each comprised of a generally cylindrical roll shell; bushing members engaged in each end thereof having a cavity therein of generally frustoconical configuration of greatest diameter at the outer ends thereof; mandrel members having generally frustoconical portions engaged within said frustoconical cavities of said bushing members, the bushing and mandrel members of said rolls having cooperating keyways in their opposing surfaces and keys seated therein to prevent relative rotation; a pair of shaft elements mounted on said machine frame, one of said shaft elements being fixedly engaged with its associated mandrel member and the other of said shaft elements being seatEd within an elongated outwardly opening cavity in its associated mandrel member, said cavity having series of surface portions cooperating with surface portions on the end portion of said shaft element disposed therein to provide a plurality of seats; and a plurality of bearing elements disposed on said seats between said shaft element and said mandrel member said bearing elements including elements providing for compensation of relative thrust between said shaft elements and said mandrel member.

26. In an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing, the combination comprising: a. a machine frame; b. a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on said frame with vertical post members at the opposite ends thereof; c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio and back up rolls rotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, the intaglio roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gate member and the rolls of each pair having their axes lying in a horizontal plane; and d. a multiplicity of inking units supported on said gate member in vertically spaced alignment and each cooperating with one of said intaglio rolls, each inking unit including:

28. In an intaglio print machine for multicolor printing, the combination comprising: a. a machine frame; b. a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on said frame with vertical post members at the opposite ends thereof; c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating intaglio rolls and back up rolls rotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, the intaglio roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gate member and the rolls of each pair having their axes lying in a horizontal plane; and d. a multiplicity of inking units supported on said gate member in vertically spaced alignment and each cooperating with one of said intaglio rolls, each inking unit including:

29. The print machine of claim 28 wherein said trough has bearings on the sides thereof and said inking roll has pivot elements to the ends thereof seated in said bearings to provide the rotatable support thereof.

30. The print machine of claim 29 wherein said inking unit includes adjustable means for moving the axis of said inking roll inwardly and outwardly relative to its associated intaglio roll.