Printing press with a device for conveying the printing material and with a camera

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing press having a device (10) for conveying a printing material (3) and having a camera (40), wherein the camera is arranged on a frame (20) and detects at least one section (4) of the printing material, characterized in that the frame (20) is configured to be able to oscillate about a horizontal axis (21) and the frame is able to oscillate together with the camera (40). The invention enables an unproblematic examination of the printing material in the printing press in an advantageous manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a printing press having a device for conveying a printing material and having a camera.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of graphic industry technology and there in particular to the field of indirect lithography as offset printing disclosed on a flat substrate, that is to say to the field of applying a printing fluid such as offset ink, lacquer or primer as an image on a page-shaped, web-shaped, foil-shaped or label-shaped printing material preferably consisting of paper, card, paperboard, plastic, metal or composite material. BACKGROUND

[0003] EP 1582350 A1 discloses a housing having an LED light source, a mirror and a CCD camera for checking the printing. The device can be installed "in-line" in a printing press.

[0004] US 8810810 B2 discloses a printing press having a printing mechanism and a footboard for an operator between the printing mechanisms. Above the footboard, which is far away, a camera for checking the printing is provided.

[0005] WO 2007077592 A1 discloses blown air when using a device for checking the printing. SUMMARY

[0006] It is the task of the invention to provide an improvement over the prior art, which in particular makes it possible to check the printing material without problems in the printing press.

[0007] According to the invention, the task is solved by the printing press of the preferred technical solution of the invention.

[0008] Advantageous and therefore preferred refinements of the invention result from the alternative technical solutions as well as the description and the figures.

[0009] The printing press of the invention has a device for conveying a printing material and has a camera, wherein the camera is arranged on a frame and detects at least one section of the printing material, characterized in that the frame is configured to be able to oscillate about a horizontal axis and the frame is able to oscillate with the camera.

[0010] Advantageous refinements and effects of the invention

[0011] The invention makes it possible to check the printing material in the printing machine in an advantageous manner without any problems. By virtue of the resulting swivelability of the frame and the camera arranged on the frame, the operator can swivel the camera out of its working position and into an easily accessible position, for example a maintenance position, in a simple manner, for example for maintenance, cleaning or replacement purposes. In addition to the camera, other components for the check can also be arranged on the frame in an advantageous manner and can be swiveled with the frame.

[0012] A further advantage is achieved in that the frame can be adjusted, in particular fine-adjusted, with all components in a simple manner. The check quality can thereby be improved.

[0013] In the present application, the check is also to be understood as a color measurement (or ink measurement).

[0014] Embodiments of the invention

[0015] Preferred embodiments (for short: embodiments) of the invention are described below.

[0016] An embodiment of the invention can be characterized in that the camera is configured as a CMOS camera or as a CCD camera.

[0017] An embodiment of the invention can be characterized in that at least one light source is arranged on the frame and the frame can be swiveled with the camera and the light source. A particular advantage is that the camera and the light source always maintain an exact orientation with respect to one another by virtue of being arranged together on the frame and that a high-quality check can thus always be achieved. A further particular advantage is that, after the frame has been swiveled into the (working) position, all components arranged on the frame are exactly in their respective arranged (working) position.

[0018] A further embodiment can be characterized in that the light source comprises a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs can be arranged fixedly in position or positionally, in particular movably.

[0019] An embodiment can be characterized in that at least one mirror is arranged on the frame and the frame can be swiveled with the camera, the light source and the mirror. A particular advantage is that the camera, the light source and the mirror always maintain an exact orientation with respect to one another by virtue of being arranged together on the frame and that a high-quality check can thus always be achieved. A further particular advantage is that, after the frame has been swiveled into the (working) position, all components arranged on the frame are exactly in their respective arranged (working) position.

[0020] A feature of one development can be that at least one air blowing device is arranged on the frame and the frame is able to oscillate with the camera and the air blowing device. A particular advantage is that the camera and the air blowing device (and if present the light source and the mirror) always maintain an exact orientation with respect to each other (by arranging them together on the frame) and thus a high quality inspection can always be achieved. Another particular advantage is that after the frame has been oscillated into the (working) position, all components arranged on the frame are exactly in their respective arranged (working) position.

[0021] A feature of a further development can be that the air blowing device is configured as an air blowing bar.

[0022] A feature of one development can be that the air blowing device directs blowing air at the printing material for pressing the printing material onto the device for transporting the printing material and for stabilizing. Thereby the inspection quality can be significantly improved.

[0023] A feature of one development can be that the air blowing device directs blowing air at the camera and / or the light source for cleaning the camera or the light source, for example from paper dust or powder.

[0024] A feature of one development can be that the frame is arranged underneath a foot pedal for an operator of the printing press.

[0025] A feature of a further development can be that the foot pedal is arranged between two printing mechanisms of the printing press.

[0026] A feature of a further development can be that the foot pedal is configured to be able to oscillate about a horizontal axis.

[0027] A feature of a further development can be that the frame and the foot pedal are able to oscillate separately.

[0028] A feature of a further development can be that the frame comprises a connection for cooling water.

[0029] A feature of a further development can be that the connection comprises a quick coupling.

[0030] A feature of a further development can be that the frame is arranged between two printing mechanisms of the printing press in the area of a turning mechanism (or flipping mechanism).

[0031] A feature of a further development can be that the frame is arranged in the area after the last printing mechanism of the printing press and before the paper collector.

[0032] A feature of one development can be that the frame is able to be removed from the printing press with the camera, the light source, the mirror and the air blowing device.

[0033] A feature of one development can be that the camera is directed to the printing material such that the inspection of the printed image on the printing material and / or the color measurement is performed in line, that is to say while the camera is running.

[0034] A feature of a further development can be that the printing press is a sheet-fed offset printing press.

[0035] A feature of a further development can be that the printing press is an inkjet printer.

[0036] The features and feature combinations disclosed in the above paragraphs of the technical field, the invention and the developments, and in the following detailed description of embodiments, in arbitrary combination with each other, constitute further advantageous developments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the preferred embodiments and developments of the invention. Features corresponding to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 and 2 show:

[0039] The printing press comprises a pedal 5 for an operator. The pedal is arranged between the printing units or between the printing unit 2 and the delivery 60. The pedal can be swung about a horizontal axis 6. For this purpose, a swing bearing 7 is provided. The pedal can comprise a drive 8 for automatic swinging. The pedal can be swung upward from the horizontal, for example for maintenance purposes, or into the vertical.

[0040] The printing press comprises a frame 20. The frame is arranged below the pedal 5. The frame can be swung about a horizontal axis 21. For this purpose, a swing bearing 22 is provided. The frame can comprise a drive 23 for automatic swinging. The drive can be a linear motor. Instead of the shown drive, a rotary drive can be provided on the axis 21. Instead of the shown drive, a gas pressure spring can be provided. The frame can be swung upward: from the horizontal orientation into the vertical orientation. The swing range can be about 90° to about 180°.

[0041] Preferably, first the pedal 5 and then the frame 20 are swung upward. The pedal is preferably swung upward by hand, the frame is preferably swung upward automatically by means of the drive. But it can also be provided that the pedal and the frame are swung upward simultaneously. For example, the frame can be coupled to the pedal.

[0042] A camera 40 is arranged on the frame 20. This camera is preferably a CMOS camera, alternatively a CCD camera. It is also possible to arrange two or more cameras, preferably transversely to the machine direction.

[0043] Furthermore, a light source 41 is preferably arranged on the frame 20, which light source generates light 41a and which light is directed at the printing material 3 or at least one section 4 of the printing material. The light is preferably shot as a light band onto the printing material. The light source can comprise one or more LEDs, for example a row of LEDs (or LED array). It is also possible to arrange two or more light sources, preferably transversely to the machine direction.

[0044] Furthermore, at least one mirror 43 is preferably arranged on the frame 20. It is possible to arrange a plurality of mirrors. In the example shown, a plurality of mirrors are combined into one mirror box 43 (a housing with mirrors arranged inside). The light 41a is mirror-reflected from the printing material 3 to this camera (or these cameras) by the mirror (or these plurality of mirrors).

[0045] Furthermore, a blower device 44 is preferably arranged on the frame 20. The blower device preferably comprises a blower strip 45 for generating blower air 45a, for example a tube with a plurality of holes for blowing out air transversely to the machine direction. The blown-out air is preferably directed at the printing material 3. The blower device can be configured to be swingable, so that the blower air can also be directed at the camera and / or the mirror (for cleaning purposes). Alternatively, at least one further blower device can be arranged for cleaning purposes.

[0046] Since the frame 20 can be swung (see double arrow: swinging movement 70), the components arranged on the frame (camera 40 and preferably light source 41, mirror 43 and / or blower device 44) can also be swung, in particular and advantageously can be swung together with the frame. All components arranged on the frame can be swung together and simultaneously from the working position (inspection position) for example to a maintenance position by the swinging of the frame. The swinging (or sinking into the working position) can be limited by one or more stops, against which the frame is supported in operation. Additionally, one or more dampers can be arranged.

[0047] A locking device 24 can preferably be arranged for ensuring that the frame is positioned accurately reproducibly and stably in the working position. The locking device can actively press the frame into the working position, whereby a defined end position is obtained and whereby (even in the case of possible vibrations) the frame is not caused to lift up disturbingly. For this purpose, the locking device preferably has a cylinder 24, which operates a lifter 24a, which presses a pin 24b of the frame 20 against a machine-side stop 24c. In theThe locking device in the closed position and in the open position is shown in Figure 2

[0048] On the frame 20 there can also be provided a connection for cooling water, preferably one or more quick couplings. The connection can here be arranged directly on the frame or indirectly on a component arranged on the frame, preferably on the camera or the light source.

[0049] Furthermore, Figure 1 It is shown that the light of the light source 41 reaches the section 4 of the printing material 3 as a light band and from there through the mirror box 43 to the camera 40.

[0050] Furthermore, Figure 1 It is shown that the frame comprises (in a direction transverse to the machine direction: that is, perpendicular to the drawing plane of the drawing) two essentially identical side portions 20a, which are preferably multiply perforated (the front side portion on the operating side BS of the machine is in the drawing concealed behind the rear side portion on the drive side AS of the machine). Furthermore, the frame comprises an equally essentially identical middle portion 20b (the front side portion is in the drawing concealed behind the middle portion between AS and BS). These side portions and the middle portion located between them are preferably connected to one another by a plurality of bars. One of these bars 20c or its end portion is shown by way of example (the axis of the bar is perpendicular to the drawing plane of the drawing). Thereby, the frame has a compact construction and a light weight. This makes the swinging easy. Between the side portions and the middle portion there can be arranged mirror boxes 43 and cameras 40, respectively: thereby in total two mirror boxes and two cameras.

[0051] Furthermore, Figure 1 It is shown that quick couplings 51 can be provided as connections 50 for cooling water; they are easy to access due to the open structure of the frame.

[0052] Figure 2 A printing press 1 for processing sheets is shown by way of example, which has two printing mechanisms 2 following one another. The first of the two printing mechanisms 2 comprises (as a device 10 for conveying the printing material 3) a cylinder 11.

[0053] Figure 2 A printing press 1 for processing sheets is likewise shown by way of example, which has a (final) printing mechanism 2 and a sheet stacker 60. The printing mechanism 2 in turn comprises (as a device 10 for conveying the printing material 3) a cylinder 11.

[0054] List of reference signs

[0055] 1 printing press

[0056] 2 printing mechanism

[0057] 3 printing material

[0058] 4 section of the printing material

[0059] 5 treadle

[0060] 6 horizontal axis

[0061] 7 oscillating bearing

[0062] 8 drive

[0063] 10 device

[0064] 11 drum

[0065] 20 frame

[0066] 20a side portion

[0067] 20b middle portion

[0068] 20c stem

[0069] 21 horizontal axis

[0070] 22 oscillating bearing

[0071] 23 drive

[0072] 24 locking device

[0073] 40 camera, in particular CMOS- or CCD camera

[0074] 41 light source

[0075] 41a light

[0076] 42 LED

[0077] 43 mirror box with mirror

[0078] 44 blowing device

[0079] 45 blowing bar

[0080] 45a blowing air

[0081] 50 connection for cooling water

[0082] 51 quick coupling

[0083] 60 paper receiver

[0084] 70 oscillating or swinging movement

Claims

1. Printing press having a device (10) for conveying a printing material (3) and having a camera (40) and at least one light source (41), wherein the camera (40) and the light source (41) are arranged on a frame (20) which is configured to be able to oscillate with the camera (40) and the light source (41) about a horizontal axis (21) and has a working position, wherein the camera (40) detects at least one section (4) of the printing material, wherein A locking device (24) is provided, which positions the frame (20) in the working position, wherein the frame comprises a connection (50) for cooling water.

2. The printing press of claim 1, wherein, The connection (50) for cooling water is arranged directly on the frame (20) or indirectly on a component provided on the frame; and / or the locking device (24) actively presses the frame (20) into the working position.

3. The printing press of claim 2, wherein, At least one mirror (43) is provided on the frame (20) and the frame can be swung together with the camera (40), the light source (41) and the mirror.

4. The printing press of claim 3, wherein, At least one air blowing device (44) is provided on the frame (20) and the frame can be swung together with the camera (40) and the air blowing device (44).

5. The printing press of claim 4, wherein, The air blowing device (44) directs blowing air (45a) at the printing material (3) for pressing the printing material onto the device (10) for transporting the printing material.

6. The printing press of claim 4, wherein, The air blowing device (44) directs blowing air (45a) at the camera (40) and / or the light source (41) for cleaning the camera or the light source.

7. The printing press of claim 4, wherein, The frame (20) is arranged underneath a footboard (5) for an operator of the printing press (1).

8. The printing press of claim 7, wherein, The frame (20) and the footboard (5) can be swung individually.

9. The printing press according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, characterized in that The frame (20) can be removed from the printing press (1) together with the camera (40), the light source (41), the mirror (43) and the air blowing device (44).

10. The printing press according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The camera (40) is directed at the printing material (3) such that the inspection of the printed image on the printing material and / or the color measurement is carried out in compliance with the operating conditions.

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