Ink Temperature Adjustment System and Ink Temperature Adjustment Method

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink temperature adjustment system and an ink temperature adjustment method, which can manage the temperature of ink supplied to a printer at a low cost. The ink temperature adjustment system comprises: an ink tank (3) for storing ink supplied to a printer (1); a heat exchange tank (4) for performing heat exchange with the ink; a detour pipe (53) for conveying temperature-adjusted circulating water to the heat exchange tank; a water temperature control mechanism (5) for controlling the circulating water to a specified temperature; a return pipe (54) for returning the circulating water from the heat exchange tank to the water temperature control mechanism; a pump (55) for circulating the circulating water; an ink bypass pipe (6) for passing the ink through the heat exchange tank; and an ink temperature management mechanism (2) for managing the temperature of the ink. The heat exchange tank has a capacity capable of storing circulating water, and the ink bypass pipe is formed with a heat exchange area, and the heat exchange area is immersed in the circulating water stored in the heat exchange tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for adjusting the temperature of ink supplied to a printing press, and particularly to an ink temperature adjustment system and an ink temperature adjustment method for supplying ink adjusted to a required temperature range to a printing press. Background Art

[0002] The temperature of the ink to be supplied to a printing press sometimes varies depending on different installation environments of the printing press (such as different countries or regions), and in addition, even in the same location, it may change due to seasons or climate. When the ink temperature changes, its viscosity also changes. When the ink viscosity changes, the amount adhering to the printed material changes, so the ink supplied to the printing press is required to have a specified viscosity. Therefore, a viscosity controller is used to adjust the viscosity of the ink supplied to the printing press (refer to Patent Document 1). The viscosity controller identifies the ink viscosity as the ink concentration and reduces the viscosity by dilution when the viscosity is high.

[0003] However, when the ink temperature is fixed, the concentration adjustment can be achieved through the viscosity management, but when the ink temperature changes significantly, the concentration may not be manageable only by the viscosity management. Therefore, a technique of directly installing a heat exchanger in the ink tank has been proposed in the past (refer to Patent Document 2). In addition, when continuous printing is performed, the temperature of the roller (plate cylinder) rises, and consequently, the ink temperature also rises. To suppress this situation, a technique of cooling the roller (plate cylinder) has been proposed (refer to Patent Documents 3 and 4).

[0004] [Prior Art Documents]

[0005] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-13227

[0007] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-62734

[0008] [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-104894

[0009] [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-7851 Summary of the Invention

[0010] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0011] In the patent document 2, the ink is cooled when the printing press is running and heated when it stops running. However, since the heat exchanger is directly set in the ink tank, an explosion-proof device must be set (explosion-proof treatment must be implemented). On the other hand, in patent documents 3 and 4, the roller (plate roller) is cooled, but it is not considered that factors such as the location of the printing press, the temperature or the weather will cause the temperature of the supplied ink to be different. That is, for example, the temperature in the factory may exceed 30°C in summer, and the temperature in the factory may be lower than 20°C in winter. The environment is different, and the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank is certainly not fixed. In Japan, regional differences will lead to different ink temperatures, and different countries abroad will also cause different ink temperatures due to different environments.

[0012] Furthermore, even if the viscosity of the ink to be supplied to the printer can be adjusted by the viscosity controller, the concentration of the ink adjusted to the same viscosity will become uneven when the temperature of the supplied ink (stored in the ink tank) is different. Therefore, even if the ink is heated or cooled to adjust the ink temperature, an explosion-proof device is required when heat exchange is performed directly in the ink tank (or indirectly in the vicinity), which inevitably leads to an increase in the cost of the device for heating or cooling.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned various circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink temperature adjustment system and an ink temperature adjustment method capable of managing the temperature of ink supplied to a printing press at low cost.

[0014] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0015] Therefore, the present invention, which relates to an ink temperature adjustment system, is an ink temperature adjustment system for adjusting the temperature of ink supplied to a printing press, and is characterized in that it comprises: an ink tank for storing ink supplied to the printing press; a heat exchange tank for performing heat exchange with the ink; a detent pipe for conveying circulating water whose temperature has been adjusted to the heat exchange tank; a water temperature control mechanism for controlling the circulating water to be supplied to the heat exchange tank to a specified temperature; a return pipe for returning the circulating water from the heat exchange tank to the water temperature control mechanism; a pump for circulating the circulating water through the detent pipe and the return pipe; an ink detent pipe for passing the ink through the heat exchange tank in the middle of a supply path from the ink tank to the printing press; and an ink temperature management mechanism for managing the temperature of the ink supplied from the ink tank to the printing press; the heat exchange tank has a capacity capable of storing circulating water, and the ink detent pipe is formed with a heat exchange area, and the heat exchange area is immersed in the circulating water stored in the heat exchange tank.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the heat exchange tank is supplied with temperature-adjusted circulating water. The ink stored in the ink tank passes through the heat exchange area of the ink bypass pipe in the middle of the supply path from the ink tank to the printing press, and thus heat exchange is carried out in the heat exchange tank. The heat exchange at this time is carried out between the hot water or cold water supplied to the heat exchange tank and the ink. When raising the ink temperature, heat can be supplied from the hot water in the heat exchange tank to the ink. When lowering the ink temperature, the heat of the ink can be absorbed. The circulating water stored in the heat exchange tank is adjusted in water temperature by the water temperature control mechanism and circulates continuously. Therefore, the estimated temperature decreases or increases due to heat exchange, and the temperature-adjusted circulating water is continuously supplied. With such a configuration, it is possible to use the temperature-managed circulating water at a location far from the ink tank to adjust the ink temperature, so there is no need to install an explosion-proof device in this heat exchange tank.

[0017] In this case, if the ink temperature management mechanism is set as a viscosity controller for managing the ink viscosity, the pump provided in the viscosity controller can be used for circulating the ink. In addition, by arranging the heat exchange tank between the viscosity controller and the printing press, the temperature of the ink about to be supplied to the printing press can be adjusted. In this case, the temperature of the ink finally supplied to the printing press has undergone heat exchange through the heat exchange tank, and the temperature managed by the viscosity controller (ink temperature management mechanism) is managed as the temperature assuming heat exchange.

[0018] In the invention with the above configuration, the water temperature control mechanism may include: a water temperature adjustment tank for storing an appropriate amount of water; and a heating part or a cooling part for supplying heat to or absorbing heat from the circulating water stored in the water temperature adjustment tank.

[0019] In such a configuration, heat supply or heat absorption is carried out using the heating part or the cooling part in the water temperature adjustment tank capable of storing a specified amount of water in the water temperature control mechanism, so that heating or cooling can be carried out at a location appropriately far from the printing press (ink tank). The heating part can use a heater. In addition, the cooling part can use a water cooler, but it is not limited to these, and general heat exchangers for heating / cooling can be used.

[0020] Moreover, in the invention with each of the above configurations, the water temperature control mechanism is arranged in a non-explosion-proof area, appropriately branches to form the forward pipe and the return pipe, and can circulate the circulating water between the forward pipe and the return pipe and a plurality of the heat exchange tanks arranged in the explosion-proof area. The heat exchange tank can carry out heat exchange with the ink to be supplied through the heat exchange area of the ink bypass pipe individually arranged near each printing press.

[0021] In such a configuration, circulating water whose water temperature is adjusted by one water temperature control mechanism is supplied to a plurality of heat exchange tanks, and in a general printing process in which a plurality of printing presses are operating simultaneously, the temperature of the ink supplied to each printing press can be adjusted simultaneously. When supplying ink to each printing press, each ink temperature management mechanism performs management, so that ink at a specified temperature can be supplied to each printing press. In particular, since the water temperature control mechanism is provided in a non-explosion-proof area, there is no need to provide an explosion-proof structure for the water temperature control mechanism, thus reducing the device cost. Therefore, when it is necessary to raise the ink temperature, it is allowed to use an electric heater and other heating mechanisms, and as a cooling device, it is also allowed to use a device of the type using a gas combustion engine or the like.

[0022] On the other hand, in the invention related to the ink temperature adjustment method, an ink temperature adjustment system having the above-described configuration is used, which is characterized by including the following steps: supplying circulating water to a plurality of the heat exchange tanks provided in an explosion-proof area, the water temperature of the circulating water being preset by the water temperature control mechanism provided in a non-explosion-proof area; and, in the middle of the supply path from the ink tank to the printing press, moving the ink in the ink bypass pipe; by moving the ink in the ink bypass pipe, heat exchange is performed between the circulating water and the ink in the heat exchange tank.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the temperature of the ink can be adjusted by supplying the circulating water whose temperature has been adjusted in a non-explosion-proof area to the heat exchange tank. Since the water temperature control mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the circulating water is provided in a non-explosion-proof area, there is no need to provide an explosion-proof device or the like, so that the ink temperature can be adjusted by using a low-cost device. In addition, it is only necessary to circulate the ink along the ink bypass pipe, and it can correspond to a plurality of printing presses, so that the ink temperature can be managed at low cost. Furthermore, the ink temperature can be managed by using a viscosity controller or the like, and if existing devices are also used, the ink temperature can be managed at a lower cost. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 It is a schematic explanatory view showing an embodiment of the ink temperature adjustment system.

[0025] Figure 2 It is an explanatory view showing the state when adjusting the temperature of the ink supplied to a plurality of printing presses.

[0026] Figure 3 It is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the ink temperature management mechanism and the water temperature control mechanism.

[0027] Figure 4 It is an explanatory view showing the control flow performed by the ink temperature management mechanism.

[0028] Figure 5 It is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of the heat exchange tank.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the ink bypass tube. Specific Embodiment

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0031] <Basic Structure of Ink Temperature Adjustment System>

[0032] First, Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the ink temperature adjustment system. When supplying ink to a printing press (such as a gravure printing press) 1, the ink is passed through a viscosity controller 2 so that it is supplied at an appropriate viscosity. The viscosity controller 2 includes a main body 21 and a solvent tank 22, and a diaphragm pump 23 is provided in the main body 21. The diaphragm pump 23 is driven by compressed air, and the compressed air is adjusted to a specified pressure by a regulator and supplied to the diaphragm pump 23. The diaphragm pump 23 sucks an appropriate amount of ink from the ink tank 3 and detects the viscosity according to the operating condition of the pump, and the operating valve 24 appropriately mixes the diluting solvent in the solvent tank 22. The ink adjusted to a suitable viscosity by appropriately mixing the diluting solvent is supplied to the printing press 1.

[0033] The ink supplied to the printing press continuously flows into the ink tray 10 and is temporarily stored, and then is supplied to the first roller 11 as a plate cylinder. The second roller 12 as an impression cylinder faces the first roller, and the sheet-like printing object A is passed between the first roller 11 and the second roller 12, so that the ink in the ink tray 10 can be printed on the printing object A. In this configuration, the remaining ink in the ink supplied to the ink tray 20 is discharged from the ink tray 10 and returned to the ink tank 3, and then is sucked into the viscosity controller 2 again.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the ink is adjusted during the process of supplying the ink stored in the ink tank 3 to the ink tray 10. In order to perform temperature adjustment, a heat exchange tank 4 and a water temperature control unit (water temperature adjustment mechanism) 5 for adjusting the water temperature of the circulating water are provided. The heat exchange tank 4 is used for transporting the circulating water and returning the circulating water. A part of the ink bypass tube 6 is arranged inside the heat exchange tank 4. The ink bypass part 6 is provided at any position on the path from the ink tank 3 to the ink tray 10. In this embodiment, the ink bypass part 6 is provided between the viscosity controller 2 and the printing press 1 (ink tray 10). Accordingly, the heat exchange tank 4 is provided between the printing press 1 and the viscosity controller 2. And, the circulating water adjusted in temperature by the water temperature adjustment unit 5 is supplied to the heat exchange tank 4 so that heat exchange occurs between the circulating water and the ink passing through the inside of the heat exchange tank 4. In addition, in addition to using distilled water as the circulating water, ethylene glycol having a heat storage effect or the like can also be used as the circulating water.

[0035] The ink detour tube 6 has a supply area 61 for supplying ink to the inside of the heat exchange tank 4, and a discharge area 62 for discharging ink to the ink disc 10. In addition, a heat exchange area 63 is formed, and heat exchange is performed by immersing the heat exchange area 63 in circulating water inside the heat exchange tank 4. The supply area 61 is continuous with the discharge pipe 25 for discharging ink from the viscosity controller 2 or serves as the discharge pipe 25, and the discharge area 62 forms an opening near the ink disc 10. In addition, the ink flows in the ink detour tube 6 under the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 23 of the viscosity controller 2, and the ink can be continuously flowed under the action of the pump 23. In addition, when the remaining ink of the ink disc 10 overflows from the ink disc 10, it naturally flows down and returns to the ink tank 3.

[0036] Generally speaking, the water temperature control unit 5 includes a water temperature adjustment tank 51 and a heat exchanger 52, and the heat exchanger 52 is used to adjust the temperature of the circulating water stored in the water temperature adjustment tank 51. The heat exchanger 52 can be switched to be used when heating (heating up) to increase the temperature of the circulating water and when cooling to reduce the temperature. In addition, in addition to the structure of using the heat exchanger 52 to switch between cold and hot, it can also be constructed to include two parts: a component that circulates a cooling catalyst and a heater part for heating. The structure of the water temperature adjustment tank 51 and the heat exchanger 52 is not particularly limited, as long as the circulating water of the specified temperature can be circulated. Therefore, when supplying circulating water for cooling, for example, the cooling water in the cooler (cooling water circulation device) for the printing machine can also be used, and the temperature of the extracted groundwater can also be adjusted and circulated. On the other hand, when heating the circulating water, it is not necessary to heat it to a high temperature, so for example, a water heater commonly used as a mold temperature adjustment device can also be used.

[0037] In summary, the water temperature control unit 5 always adjusts the circulating water stored in the water temperature adjustment tank 51 to a specified temperature. And, when the circulating water in the water temperature adjustment tank 51 is at a specified temperature (a temperature within a specified range), circulation is allowed. The circulating water reaching the specified temperature (a temperature within a specified range) is supplied to the heat exchange tank 4 via the outgoing pipe 53. In addition, at the same time, the circulating water stored in the heat exchange tank 4 is returned via the return pipe 54. The heat exchange tank 4 is composed of a closed container, so by supplying circulating water of a specified flow rate, an equal amount of circulating water will be returned. Therefore, a circulation pump 55 is provided on the outgoing pipe 53 side.

[0038] The outgoing pipe 53 and the returning pipe 54 may be branched, and the branched pipes are also connected to a heat exchange tank 4 of the same type as shown in the figure and are used to manage the temperature of ink to be supplied to the same type of printer 1.

[0039] In addition, the ink tank 3 is built into the viscosity controller 2 or disposed near the viscosity controller 2, and the heat exchange tank 4 is disposed near the ink tank 3. Moreover, these components and the printing press 1 are respectively disposed in the explosion-proof area X, while the water temperature control unit 5 is disposed in the non-explosion-proof area Y.

[0040] The so-called "explosion-proof area" refers to an area where it is necessary to make the equipment used, etc. explosion-proof (explosion-proof treatment) in order to prevent a fire in an area where flammable liquids such as ink are used. In addition, the so-called "non-explosion-proof area" refers to an area where there is no need for explosion-proof treatment because it is far from or isolated from the place where flammable liquids are used.

[0041] Therefore, as described above, when the water temperature control unit 5 is disposed in the non-explosion-proof area Y and the circulated water supplied therefrom is supplied to the explosion-proof area X, the heat exchange tank 4 will not become a cause of fire. Thus, the heat exchange tank 4 can be disposed in the explosion-proof area X. As a result, near each individual printing press, the temperature of the ink can be adjusted in the explosion-proof area X.

[0042] <Circulation path of circulated water / ink>

[0043] Here, the circulation paths of various liquids when adjusting the temperature of the ink supplied to a plurality of printing presses will be described. Figure 2 An example shows the case where one water temperature control unit 5 adjusts the temperature of the ink used by three printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C. In addition, the figure shows the arrangement states of the respective devices, and appropriately shows the sizes (scales) of the respective devices.

[0044] One water temperature control unit 5 is disposed in the non-explosion-proof area Y as described above. The outlet pipe 53 branches out and supplies circulated water to the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C disposed near the respective printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C. Moreover, similarly, the return pipe 54 branches out, and the return pipe 54 is connected to the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C, and the circulated water returns from the respective heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C. Since the circulated water pre-adjusted to a set specified temperature is stored in the water temperature control unit 5, the temperature of the circulated water supplied to the respective heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C is fixed and continuously circulates, so that the temperature of the circulated water passing through the inside of the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C can be maintained within the range estimated on the premise of heat exchange.

[0045] On the other hand, the inks stored in the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C are respectively sucked by the viscosity controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C that function as ink temperature management mechanisms, and after being supplied to the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C (ink trays 10A, 10B, and 10C) via the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C, the remaining ink returns to the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C again. Therefore, the ink supplied to each of the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C passes through the interiors of the individual heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C. The ink passes through the interiors of the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C, is heated (or cooled) through heat exchange, and is supplied to the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C (ink trays 10A, 10B, and 10C). In addition, the ink that returns to the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C is mixed with other ink in the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C. If the ink stored in the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C has been properly temperature-adjusted through the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C, the temperature will not change (rise or fall significantly) inside the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C.

[0046] However, there are cases where: when starting the printing press, the temperatures of the inks stored in the ink tanks 3A, 3B, and 3C are not within the specified range, and in a state where the temperature deviates from the printable temperature, even if the temperature is adjusted once using the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C, it is not suitable to supply to the printing press. Therefore, temperature sensors are provided in each of the viscosity controllers (ink temperature management mechanisms) 2A, 2B, and 2C, and it is determined whether to operate the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C based on the temperatures of the inks sucked by the viscosity controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C. That is, before the temperature of the ink sucked by the viscosity controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C reaches the specified temperature (a temperature within the range of the estimated temperature after passing through the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C), the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C are not operated and only the ink circulation is repeated.

[0047] And when the temperatures of the inks sucked by the viscosity controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C reach an appropriate state, the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C are operated, and the ink is circulated via the heat exchange tanks 4A, 4B, and 4C while always managing the ink temperature. In addition, the viscosity controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C start ink viscosity management when operating the printing presses 1A, 1B, and 1C, and when the suction temperature is in an appropriate state but the viscosity is not appropriate, the viscosity is adjusted by mixing a dilution solvent.

[0048] <Control Structure>

[0049] As described above, the ink and the circulating water are circulated as needed to adjust the temperature of the ink to be supplied to the printing press 1. Here, the configuration of the control using the ink temperature management unit (ink temperature management mechanism) and the water temperature control unit (water temperature control mechanism) will be described. Figure 3Illustrate the control unit of two devices (two mechanisms).

[0050] As Figure 3 shown, in this embodiment, an example of using the viscosity controller 2 as the ink temperature control unit (ink temperature control mechanism) is illustrated, indicating that it is managed by the control unit 21 provided in the viscosity controller 2. Specifically, the ink temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 that detects the ink temperature is used as the input value, and the control unit 21 determines whether heat exchange is required to adjust the temperature. The temperature sensor 22 measures the temperature of the ink sucked from the ink tank 3, and the measurement is performed at a stage before the viscosity controller 2 adjusts the viscosity or at a stage through the inside of the diaphragm pump. The control signal of this control unit 21 is output to the controller 56 of the water temperature control unit 5 via the output interface 23, and is also output as an operation signal for the printing machine 1. Through the control of this control unit 21, the operation / stop of the water temperature control unit 5 can be manipulated, and at the same time, the operation / stop of the printing machine 1 can also be manipulated.

[0051] In addition, the ink temperature management unit (viscosity controller) 2 is provided with a display unit 24, so that the ink temperature and the heat exchange state can be displayed on a display panel or the like. In this case, it can be configured to manually perform operations related to the working state (operation / stop) of the printing machine 1, and the manager visually confirms the ink temperature displayed on the display unit and operates the printing machine 1 based on the judgment of the manager. In addition, when an input unit 25 is also provided, the temperature of the ink to be managed can be set / changed according to the types of the printing machine and the ink. In any case, when the heat exchange tank 4 is provided between the viscosity controller 2 and the ink tray 10, the temperature is adjusted after the ink temperature is measured by the viscosity controller 2, so that the temperature is set to the temperature adjusted amount that estimates the heat exchange.

[0052] The water temperature control unit 5 is provided with a controller 56, which takes the signal output from the ink temperature management unit 2 as the input, and can control the start, stop, and set temperature of the circulating water. In addition, a temperature sensor is provided in the water temperature adjustment tank 51 of the water temperature control unit 5, and the controller 56 uses the temperature of the circulating water detected by this temperature sensor as the input value to manage the operating condition of the heat exchanger 52. Therefore, the control signal is output to the heat exchanger 52 via the output interface 57. In addition, when the temperature of the circulating water stored in the water temperature adjustment tank 51 reaches an appropriate range, the circulation pump 55 operates and starts to supply the circulating water to the heat exchange tank 4. At this time, when multiple printing machines 1 (viscosity controllers 2) are individually managed for the ink temperature by one water temperature control unit 5, it can also be configured that, in addition to the circulation pump 55, electromagnetic valves (not shown) are provided for each outlet pipe 53 connected to the plurality of heat exchange tanks 4, and each electromagnetic valve is operated according to the information input from each ink temperature management unit 2.

[0053] In this way, based on the information output by the ink temperature management unit 2, the operating state of the heat exchanger 52 is managed, and the necessary amount of circulating water is supplied to the heat exchange tank 4 under necessary conditions. In addition, by providing a display unit 58 on the water temperature control unit 5, the operating state, set temperature, temperature of the circulating water, etc. can be displayed. Furthermore, by providing an input unit 59, operations such as start / stop and set temperature can also be input manually. When operating through the input unit 59, it is not necessary to output a signal from the ink temperature management unit 2 to the controller 56. That is, the temperature of the ink can also be confirmed through the display unit 24 of the ink temperature management unit 2, and the operating condition of the water temperature control unit 5 can be input according to the temperature to conduct management. Furthermore, when it is obvious that the ink temperature needs to be adjusted, the entire ink temperature adjustment system (including the water temperature control unit 5) can be made to operate from the beginning. In this case, the water temperature control unit 5 can only control the temperature of the circulating water, but when the circulating water has obviously been preset to the required temperature and the ink temperature is appropriate, the temperature of the circulating water can also be set manually.

[0054] <Working mode (ink temperature adjustment method)>

[0055] Next, the working mode when the ink temperature adjustment system of the above-described embodiment operates will be described. In addition, the condition for the entire ink temperature adjustment system to operate is that the temperature of the ink to be supplied to the printing press 1 is not within the specified range, and whether the ink temperature is within the specified range is judged by the control unit 21 of the ink temperature management unit (viscosity controller) 2. However, in an environment where it is obvious that the ink temperature needs to be adjusted, the entire system can be made to operate from the beginning. Moreover, the appropriate range of the temperature of the ink supplied to the printing press 1 is estimated to be approximately 24°C to 26°C. In summer, when the ink temperature exceeds 26°C, heat exchange is performed using cooling water, and in winter, when the ink temperature is lower than 24°C, heat exchange is performed using hot water.

[0056] First, under the condition that the entire ink temperature adjustment system should operate, the circulating water is pre-controlled to the set temperature, and the circulating water with the adjusted water temperature is supplied to the heat exchange tank 4. The set temperature here varies according to the degree of deviation of the ink temperature from the specified range. For example, when the ink temperature is around 20°C, the circulating water is set to around 28°C, and when the ink temperature is 10°C, the circulating water is set to 30°C. In addition, when the ink temperature is 30°C, the circulating water is set to around 22°C, and when the ink temperature is 35°C or higher, the circulating water is set to around 10°C.

[0057] In either case, when the ink temperature adjustment system is operating, it sucks the ink from the ink tank 3 through the ink temperature management mechanism (viscosity controller 2) and measures the temperature of the ink. When the measured ink temperature deviates from the specified range, the water temperature control mechanism (water temperature control section) 5 operates and the entire ink temperature adjustment system operates. However, when it is obvious that the ink temperature should be adjusted, the water temperature control mechanism (water temperature control section) 5 operates from the start. Through the operation of the water temperature control mechanism (water temperature control section) 5, the circulating water with a preset temperature is supplied to the heat exchange tank 4. And, by moving the ink in the ink bypass pipe 6 (heat exchange area 63) arranged in the heat exchange tank 4, heat exchange occurs between the ink and the circulating water in the heat exchange area 63 of the ink bypass pipe 6. The ink whose temperature has been changed by the heat exchange is supplied to the ink tray 10 of the printing machine 1, and then the remaining ink is returned to the ink tank 3.

[0058] When the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank 3 (the measured value of the ink temperature of the ink temperature management mechanism (viscosity controller 2)) reaches within the specified range, the printing machine 1 becomes in an operable state. This supply start is judged by the control section 21 of the ink temperature management section 2, and the printing machine 1 is started by outputting an instruction signal to the printing machine 1 or by the operator visually confirming. During the supply of ink to the printing machine 1, the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank is also measured to judge whether the printing machine 1 can operate. When the temperature of the ink is maintained within the specified range, the operation of the printing machine 1 is temporarily stopped (stopped by manual input). At this time, when the temperature of the ink changes and approaches the lower limit value or the upper limit value, the ink temperature adjustment system can continue to operate to adjust the temperature of the circulating water. This adjustment of the temperature of the circulating water can control the rise and fall of the water temperature by the water temperature control section 5 according to the measured value of the ink temperature of the ink temperature management mechanism (viscosity controller 2), or can adjust the set temperature by manual input. In addition, when the ink temperature changes significantly, the water temperature control section 5 can also operate intermittently (repeatedly run / stop).

[0059] <Control method>

[0060] Here, the control method of the control section 21 of the ink temperature management section (viscosity controller) 2 will be described. In addition, since the water temperature control of the water temperature control section 5 is performed by the on / off operation of the heat exchanger 52, the on / off operation of the circulation pump 55, and the set temperature input, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0061] Figure 4Represents the control flow of the control unit 21. As shown in this figure, after starting the control, first, the viscosity controller 2 is made to operate, and the diaphragm pump (ink circulation pump) 23 set inside it is made to operate (S101). At the same time, the water temperature control unit 5 is made to operate (S102). If the pump 23 of the viscosity controller 2 operates, the ink stored in the ink tank 3 can be sucked, so in this state, the ink temperature (information of the temperature sensor) is read (S103), and it is judged whether the ink temperature is within the specified range (S104). The judgment at this time sometimes uses the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the ink temperature as the judgment reference for this range, and it is also possible to judge whether the limit value of either one (for example, only the upper limit value or only the lower limit value) is exceeded.

[0062] This is because it is common sense that the upper limit value is the limit value in summer and the lower limit value is the limit value in winter. In addition, regarding the installation location, when installed in a high-temperature area such as the south, only the upper limit value will cause problems. On the other hand, when installed in a cold area such as the north, only the lower limit value will cause problems. Using the upper limit value and the lower limit value as the judgment reference can handle these problems. In addition, the set temperature can also be set to a single value (for example, 25 °C), and the upper and lower temperatures (for example, ±1 °C) can be set as the specified range. Also, when the heat exchange tank 4 is installed between the viscosity controller 2 and the ink tray 10, the ink supplied to the ink tray 10 is (after heat exchange) ink with a temperature different from the information of the temperature sensor. Therefore, the specified range is set in advance as the estimated range after heat exchange.

[0063] As described above, when the judgment result of the ink temperature is that the ink temperature is outside the specified range, it waits until the ink temperature reaches within the specified range. During this waiting period, the water temperature control unit 5 keeps operating, so the ink is heat-exchanged in the heat exchange tank 4, and the ink temperature gradually changes. And during this period, the information of the temperature sensor is appropriately read (S103), and it is judged whether the ink temperature is within the specified range (104). This operation is repeated until the ink temperature reaches within the specified range, and the state where the printing machine 1 does not operate (such as the operation to make it not operate) is maintained.

[0064] In addition, when starting the control or after repeating the above cycle, when it is judged that the ink temperature is within the specified range (S104), a signal for starting operation is output to the printing machine 1 (S105). Also, when the printing machine 1 is manually operated, it is operated according to the information displayed on the display unit of the viscosity controller 2. The printing machine 1 operates normally in the operating state, makes the water temperature control unit 5 operate (adjust the ink temperature), and continuously supplies the ink with adjusted temperature to the printing machine 1.

[0065] During the normal operation as described above, when the printing press 1 finishes printing or when conditions for ending the operation occur, such as when it must stop due to an accident, a stop signal for the operation is output (or an operation is performed). Therefore, it is determined whether such a signal is input (S106). When the operation stop condition is satisfied, the printing press 1 stops and the control of the system also ends. Before inputting such a signal, the measured ink temperature (information from the temperature sensor) is input (S107), and the range of this temperature is determined (S108).

[0066] The specified temperature in this determination here can be a narrower range (a temperature range narrower than the current value) than the specified temperature during operation stop. The reason is that even if the ink temperature is temporarily appropriate, the ink temperature will change later. Therefore, the ink temperature should be appropriately maintained before deviating from the temperature suitable for printing. For example, it may change due to the surrounding temperature environment. In particular, when the printing press 1 operates, the temperature of the ink is affected by the rollers 11 and 12 and may change, and there may also be a temperature change when mixing with the diluting solvent. Also, in order to maintain continuous operation without the printing press 1 stopping due to the ink temperature deviating from the specified range, it is preferably managed within a range narrower than the limit value.

[0067] In addition, when narrowing the range of the ink temperature during continuous operation (S108), it can further be determined whether it is within the limit value range of the ink temperature (S109). At this time, in the determination within the narrow range (S108), when it is determined that it deviates from this range, the water temperature control unit 5 can be instructed to change the water temperature (not shown), and the printing press 1 can be controlled to continue operating. However, when it is determined that it deviates from the limit value in the determination of the limit value (S109), the printing press 1 can be stopped (S110), and it can be controlled to be in the standby period (S103, S104) until the ink temperature reaches within the specified range again.

[0068] In this way, by appropriately confirming the state of the ink temperature and controlling the operation of the printing press 1, the ink temperature used in the printing press 1 is adjusted to within the specified range. The above processing flow manages the ink temperature for one printing press 1. When managing the ink temperatures of multiple printing presses 1 through one water temperature control unit 5, each viscosity controller 2 is used to manage the ink temperature and make each printing press 1 operate / stop. In addition, the above processing steps are managed by software, and the (S) shown in the figure respectively represent processing steps.

[0069] <Composition of the Heat Exchange Tank>

[0070] As described above, by supplying circulating water to the heat exchange tank 4 and performing heat exchange between the circulating water and the ink inside the heat exchange tank 4, the temperature of the ink can be raised or lowered. An example of the composition of the heat exchange tank 4 used here is given.

[0071] If a proper amount of circulating water with adjusted temperature is stored in the heat exchange tank 4 and the ink bypass pipe 6 can pass through it, heat exchange can be performed between the two via the ink bypass pipe 6. The heat exchange efficiency will be different depending on the amount of ink passing through the heat exchange tank 4. Therefore, for example, by making the part of the heat exchange tank 4 immersed in the circulating water (heat exchange area 63) meander, a large amount of ink can pass through the inside of the circulating water.

[0072] therefore, Figure 5 The heat exchange tank 4 is shown as an example. Figure 5 In the figure, (a) is the front view, (b) is the plan view, (c) is the left side view, and (d) is the right side view. Figure 5 As shown, for example, the heat exchange tank 4 may be formed into a cubic box shape, and the heat exchange region 63 of the ink bypass tube 6 may be formed into a spiral shape.

[0073] On the heat exchange tank 4, an upper port 41 and a lower port 42 are separately arranged at two positions (upper and lower) on the diagonal line of the rectangular side. When one of them is used as a supply port, the other is a discharge port. The supply port and the discharge port are respectively connected to the outgoing pipe 53 and the return pipe 54, so that circulating water can be supplied and discharged. It can be determined in advance which of the upper port 41 and the lower port 42 is the supply port or the discharge port, and it will not be changed afterwards, but it can also be changed according to which of the circulating hot water or cooling water is circulated. For example, when cooling water is supplied in summer, the upper port 41 is set as the supply port, and cooling water is supplied from the upper side to the circulating water stored in the heat exchange tank 4 to generate convection as a whole. In addition, when hot water is supplied in winter, the lower port 42 is set as the supply port, and hot water is supplied from the lower side to the internal circulating water to increase the temperature and generate convection.

[0074] On the other hand, the heat exchange area 63 of the ink detour tube 6, which is continuous with the supply area 61 and the discharge area 62, is arranged inside the heat exchange tank 4, and the heat exchange area 63 is spirally winding, thereby increasing the length of the tube immersed in the circulating water. In addition, the heat exchange area 63 is in a supported state inside the heat exchange tank 4 (the supporting part is omitted in the figure), and the spiral tube is arranged in a state of being appropriately spaced from the bottom surface, the upper surface and the side surface to increase the surface in contact with the circulating water.

[0075] Here, Figure 6 Only the heat exchange area 63 is shown. Figure 6 In the figure, (a) is the front view, (b) is the right side view, and (c) is the plan view. Figure 6 As shown, the heat exchange area 63 is not a simple spiral shape, but a loop shape when viewed from above, that is, a substantially elliptical shape composed of a straight portion and an arc portion. By setting it to such a shape, an appropriate opening area can be formed inside the spiral (loop) and a passage for circulating water can be ensured inside the heat exchange tank 4.

[0076] As described above, when the heat exchange tank 4 is a rectangular parallelepiped, it appears as a rectangle (rectangle) when viewed from above, and the tank as a whole is divided into a short-side side wall surface and a long-side side wall surface. Therefore, a straight portion is arranged along the long-side side wall surface, and an arc-shaped portion is arranged near the short-side side wall surface. When adopting such a configuration, the storage capacity of the heat exchange tank 4 is not increased, so the circulation speed of the circulating water can be increased, the circulating water after temperature adjustment can flow in appropriately, and the heat exchange area 63 can effectively utilize the interior of the heat exchange tank 4, thereby increasing the surface area in contact with the circulating water.

[0077] In addition, the multi-stage loop lines (tubes) that overlap vertically in the helically formed heat exchange area 63 approach each other, and there is a gap formed in the vertical direction, and it is in a state where the circulating water can flow in. Thus, the circulating water passing through the inside of the loop line and the circulating water passing through the outside of the loop line can be replaced with each other, and at this time, areas in contact with the circulating water can be ensured both above and below the loop line (tube).

[0078] <Modification Example>

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention are as described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, various changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, regarding the heat exchange tank 5, a rectangular parallelepiped shape is illustrated, but the tank is not limited to the above shape, and it can also be cylindrical or cubic. In addition, as the heating mechanism, a gas heater or an electric heater or the like can also be used for the heat exchanger 52 used in the water temperature control unit 5.

[0080] Furthermore, the heat exchange area 63 of the ink bypass pipe 6 can also be changed to a form other than the form of the above-described embodiment, as long as the circulating water can move smoothly and the contact area can be increased. In addition, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency, copper and other materials with excellent heat conductivity can be used as the material of the pipe.

[0081] In addition, regarding the control in the embodiment, a software control method is illustrated, but when using the ink temperature adjustment system having the above-described configuration, various operations may also be performed manually. At this time, various environments such as temperature / humidity in various installation locations of the printing machine 1 can also be considered, and the water temperature of the circulating water can be controlled according to the perception.

[0082] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0083] 1 Printing machine

[0084] 2 Viscosity controller (ink temperature management unit, ink temperature management mechanism)

[0085] 3 Ink tank

[0086] 4 Heat exchange tank

[0087] 5 Water temperature control unit (water temperature control mechanism)

[0088] 6 Ink bypass tube

[0089] 10 Ink tray

[0090] 11 Printing roller (plate cylinder)

[0091] 12 Printing roller (impression cylinder)

[0092] 21 Control unit

[0093] 22 Temperature sensor

[0094] 23 Output interface

[0095] 24 Display unit

[0096] 25 Input unit

[0097] 41 Upper port of the heat exchange tank

[0098] 42 Lower port of the heat exchange tank

[0099] 51 Water temperature adjustment tank

[0100] 52 Heat exchanger

[0101] 53 Outlet pipe

[0102] 54 Return pipe

[0103] 55 Pump

[0104] 56 Controller

[0105] 57 Output interface

[0106] 58 Display unit

[0107] 59 Input unit

[0108] 61 Supply area of the ink bypass tube

[0109] 62 Discharge area of the ink bypass tube

[0110] 63 Heat exchange area of the ink bypass tube

[0111] A Object to be printed

[0112] X Explosion-proof area

[0113] Y Non-explosion-proof area.

Claims

1. An ink temperature adjustment system for adjusting the temperature of ink supplied to a printing press, characterized in that, Comprising: An ink tank for storing ink supplied to a printing press; A heat exchange tank for performing heat exchange with the ink; An outlet pipe for delivering temperature-adjusted circulating water to the heat exchange tank; A water temperature control mechanism for controlling the circulating water to be supplied to the heat exchange tank to a specified temperature; A return pipe for returning the circulating water from the heat exchange tank to the water temperature control mechanism; A pump for circulating the circulating water through the outlet pipe and the return pipe; An ink bypass pipe for allowing the ink to pass through the heat exchange tank in the middle of the supply path from the ink tank to the printing press; and An ink temperature management mechanism for managing the temperature of the ink supplied from the ink tank to the printing press; The heat exchange tank has a capacity capable of storing circulating water, The ink bypass pipe is formed with a heat exchange area that is immersed in the circulating water stored in the heat exchange tank; The heat exchange area of the ink bypass pipe is meanderingly arranged in the heat exchange tank and immersed in the circulating water with a specified length; The ink temperature management mechanism is provided as a viscosity controller for managing the ink viscosity; The water temperature control mechanism is provided in a non-explosion-proof area; The ink tank, the viscosity controller, and the heat exchange tank are provided in an explosion-proof area; The outlet pipe and the return pipe are appropriately branched to circulate the circulating water between the outlet pipe and the return pipe and a plurality of the heat exchange tanks provided in the explosion-proof area. The heat exchange tanks are located near a plurality of printing presses and are individually provided for each printing press, and perform heat exchange with the ink moving in the heat exchange area via the heat exchange area of the ink bypass pipe.

2. The ink temperature adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange tank is provided between the viscosity controller and the printing press.

3. The ink temperature adjustment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The water temperature control mechanism includes: a water temperature adjustment tank for storing an appropriate amount of water; and a heating unit or a cooling unit for supplying heat to the circulating water stored in the water temperature adjustment tank or absorbing heat from the circulating water stored in the water temperature adjustment tank.

4. The ink temperature adjustment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the appropriate range of the temperature of the ink supplied to the printing press is 24°C to 26°C; And / or, a solenoid valve is provided for each outlet pipe connected to a plurality of heat exchange tanks.

5. An ink temperature adjustment method for adjusting the temperature of ink supplied to a printing press using the ink temperature adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Supplying circulating water to a plurality of the heat exchange tanks provided in the explosion-proof area, the water temperature of the circulating water being preset by the water temperature control mechanism provided in the non-explosion-proof area; And Moving the ink in the ink bypass pipe in the middle of the supply path from the ink tank to the printing press; By moving the ink in the ink bypass pipe, heat exchange is performed between the circulating water and the ink in the heat exchange tank.

Images