Printing machine with a unit comprising at least one rotating body and a cleaning device, and method for operating a printing machine with a unit

Abstract

Printing press with a unit (1) having at least one rotating body (11) and a cleaning device (14), wherein the cleaning device (14) has an interchangeable collection container (15) which is movable between a position attached to the rotating body (11) and a position removed from the rotating body (11), wherein the cleaning device (14) has a sensor (23) and wherein the sensor (23) is arranged and designed such that it monitors the presence of the collection container (15) and the fill level of the collection container (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printing press with a unit comprising at least one rotating body and a cleaning device, and to a method for operating a printing press with a unit.

[0002] Numerous prior art documents describe sensors for determining the fill level in ink reservoirs of printing presses. Such sensors can be arranged above the reservoir and can be designed as distance sensors or ultrasonic sensors. For example, DE 10 2014 013 226 A1 discloses the use of a fill level sensor positioned above the ink reservoir, directed towards the ink supply, to measure the fill level in the ink reservoir caused by the ink supply. The fill level sensor measures the distance between itself and the ink surface (ink level) and is a non-contact sensor, e.g., an ultrasonic sensor.

[0003] From DE 100 50 657 A1, a method for regulating the level of a liquid in a tank with a dipping roller arranged in the tank is known in a printing or coating machine, wherein the liquid is drawn upwards out of the tank. For cleaning, the tank can be pulled out of the machine below a pipe. A drop below a minimum level and a rise above a maximum level of the liquid in the tank are detected by an ultrasonic sensor arranged above the tank.

[0004] From DE 10 2007 044 216 A1, a coating unit of a printing press is known, wherein a collection tray is provided below a chambered doctor blade associated with an anilox roller. A sensor for detecting the level of the liquid in the collection tray is provided with the tray.

[0005] From DE 20 2008 008 264 U1, a coating system for a printing press coating unit is known, wherein a level sensor is provided in the area of ​​a first coating collection tray located outside the side frame, which as such generates an indicative signal with regard to the level of any coating collected in the first coating collection tray. It is also possible to generate signals via the level sensor, or at least via the signal line associated with it, that indicate whether a drop line is connected to the first collection tray element and whether the coating supply system as a whole is in a proper configuration state.

[0006] From DE 10 2007 025 982 A1, a cleaning device for printing presses with a conveying spiral is known, wherein the cleaning device for cleaning cylinders in printing presses comprises a cleaning roller and a doctor blade, and wherein a crossbeam provides a collection chamber for contaminants scraped off the cleaning roller by the doctor blade. A rotatably driven conveying spiral is arranged in the collection chamber such that, by rotating the conveying spiral, the collected contaminants can be conveyed to an outlet opening. A connected sludge pump can have a sensor on the pressure side of the pump, by which the flow of sludge to be conveyed can be controlled or regulated. Further sensors can be arranged in the trough, and the sludge flow can be controlled or regulated based on the signals from these sensors and / or the sensors on the pressure side of the pump.

[0007] From EP 2 520 431 B1, a method for cleaning inking units in offset printing presses is known, wherein the ink boxes in the inking units are movably mounted relative to the ductor rollers. Sensors can determine the position of the ink boxes, so that a washing process for one inking unit can be started after the ink box has been emptied, before the other ink boxes have been emptied. The condition of the ink collection trays is not considered.

[0008] DE 699 09 357 T2 discloses a printing press for corrugated board sheets and a method for cleaning the machine's ink hopper, wherein waste cleaning fluid used to clean an anilox roller partially flows into the ink reservoir. The level of the waste cleaning fluid is detected by a liquid level detector.

[0009] EP 0 605 074 A1 discloses a device for cleaning ink rollers in a printing press, wherein luminance detection means are provided for detecting changes in the luminance of the outer surface of the delivery roller. The washing process can be terminated when a constant luminance signal is detected by the detection means for a predetermined period.

[0010] DE 603 ​​15 572 T2 shows a gravure printing machine with a recovery box for recovering ink.

[0011] DE 10 2005 022 954 B4 discloses a method and a device for emptying ink from the ink box of an inking unit of a printing press, wherein a collection container or tray can be removed from a functional position below an ink driver in the inking unit. A sensor determines whether the collection tray is in its functional position.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of creating an alternative printing press with a unit comprising at least one rotating body and a cleaning device, or an alternative method for operating a printing press with a unit. In particular, in addition to checking whether a collection container is present, its fill level is to be monitored.

[0013] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a device with the features of the independent device claim and a method with the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0014] The invention has the advantage that an alternative printing machine with a unit comprising at least one rotating body and a cleaning device, or an alternative method for operating a printing machine with a unit, is provided.

[0015] Further development can advantageously prevent the collection container from overflowing, especially during a cleaning process, or from becoming too full for the user. This effectively prevents both washing without a collection container and overfilling. If required, the same sensor can be used to display the fill level. This simplifies operation and increases user comfort.

[0016] This means that the respective collection containers, especially squeegee trays or paint collection trays, can no longer overflow, as monitoring the fill level prevents washing or a washing process from being started.

[0017] Furthermore, it is possible to display the fill level, which is a significant increase in convenience for the operator.

[0018] A sensor, especially an ultrasonic sensor, is particularly advantageous for detecting both the presence of a collection container, especially a squeegee tray or paint tray, and its fill level.

[0019] It is particularly preferred to direct a sensor, especially an ultrasonic sensor, downwards onto the bottom of the container. The bottom of the container is preferably located at a defined distance. With regard to the sensor signal, both a lower and an upper switching threshold are preferably learned. If there is no collection container, the sensor, especially the ultrasonic sensor, exceeds the lower switching threshold, and the machine control prevents the washing program from starting. If the maximum fill level is reached or exceeded, starting the washing program is also preferably prevented.

[0020] A sensor, particularly an ultrasonic sensor, can be used both as a switch and as an analog encoder. As a switch, it can replace sensors that only detect the presence of the collection containers for cleaning fluids. If the maximum fill level of the collection container is reached or exceeded, the output signal is identical to the absence of the container. Washing is therefore not possible. If a sensor, particularly an ultrasonic sensor, is used as an analog encoder, the fill level can also be displayed to the operator, for example, in percent (%), liters (L), or millimeters (mm).

[0021] The invention will now be explained by way of example. The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate the following: Fig. 1: Sheet-processing machine with printing units including inking and dampening systems; Fig. 2: Ink and dampening system of a printing unit with cleaning device; Fig. 3: Enlarged view of the collection container of the cleaning device from the previous figure; Fig. 4: Perspective view of a roller of the inking unit with the doctor blade tray in place; Fig. 5: Cross-section of the doctor blade tray with associated sensor.

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 shows, for example, a section of a sheet-fed printing machine, such as a sheet-fed printing press, in particular a sheet-fed offset rotary printing press, preferably in a modular or in-line configuration. The machine contains one or more units, which may be configured, for example, as setup, printing, coating, drying, and / or finishing units. At least one of the machine's units is a printing unit 1 equipped with an inking unit or an inking and dampening unit 2. Furthermore, the machine may include a feeder for sheet insertion and a delivery unit for exiting the processed sheets. A perfecting device may also be arranged between two units of the machine, enabling the sheets to be turned over for printing on both sides.

[0023] The machine includes, in particular, continuously driven sheet feed systems that guide the sheets to be processed through the machine or transfer them between units. Between the sheet feed systems, the sheets are transferred, for example, by gripper engagement at the leading edge. The continuously driven sheet feed systems can, for example, be rotating sheet guide cylinders such as printing, transfer, and / or printing cylinders. The sheet feed systems or rotating bodies in the printing unit(s) 1 can, for example, be driven by a drive gear train, in particular a continuous drive gear train. The sheet guide cylinders or the corresponding rotating bodies of the printing unit(s) 1 each have meshing gears that form the drive gear train. The drive gear train is driven by at least one main drive motor.Further drives can also be connected to the drive train in a motor or generator configuration.

[0024] One or more units, in particular printing units 1, of the machine can each contain, for example, a printing cylinder 3, wherein such a printing cylinder 3 has, in particular, an at least approximately full-surface surface for carrying the sheets. The sheets can be transferred between the printing cylinders 3, for example, by transfer drums 4 or transfer drums. The printing cylinders 3 and the transfer drums 4 can preferably be double-sized. A double-sized cylinder can, in particular, accommodate two sheets of maximum format around its circumference. The double-sized printing cylinders 3 and transfer drums 4 preferably each have gripper systems 5 for clamping the leading edges of the sheets. These gripper systems 5, which are arranged, in particular, diametrically opposite each other in gripper channels, clamp and thus hold the sheet to be processed on the printing cylinder 3 or on the transfer drum 4.

[0025] The machine, shown only in part, contains, for example, at least three printing units 1, which apply printing ink to the sheets during a printing process by means of an inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2. An inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 of a printing unit 1 contains, in particular, rotating bodies, such as rollers and cylinders, that can be brought into surface contact with one another or remain stationary. In particular, the printing units 1 of a sheet-fed printing machine each contain a transfer cylinder or rubber cylinder 6 and a form cylinder or plate cylinder 7. A rubber cylinder 6 of a printing unit 1 interacts with a printing cylinder 3, forming a printing gap with it. For example, the rubber cylinders 6 and the plate cylinders 7 can be single-sized, with single-sized cylinders being able to accommodate approximately one sheet of maximum format around its circumference. Alternatively, the sheet guide cylinders or...The rotating bodies of the printing units 1 may also have different sizes or arrangements.

[0026] In the printing process, an inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 of a printing unit 1 applies the appropriate printing ink to a printing plate stretched on the respective plate cylinder 7. A plate cylinder 7 is inked by at least one, but preferably several, rollers of the associated inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 during its rotation. As the plate cylinder 7 rolls along the rubber cylinder 6, the printing ink is transferred in the correct orientation onto the rubber cylinder 6, which is covered with a rubber blanket. In the printing gap to the printing cylinder 3, the printing ink is transferred in the correct orientation from the rubber cylinder 6 to the sheet to be printed, which is fed by the printing cylinder 3 by means of a gripper system 5. For example, no dampening unit is required when using dry offset printing.One, several, or all rollers of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 can, for example, be coupled to the drive train during the printing process and thus driven by the main drive motor. Outside the printing process, one, several, or all rollers of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 can be disconnected from the drive train or main drive motor and / or connected to an additional drive of the printing unit 1.

[0027] The plate cylinder 7 and the rubber cylinder 6 of a respective printing unit 1 preferably each have a cylinder journal on both sides, by means of which they are rotatably and, if necessary, adjustably mounted in the frame of the respective printing unit 1. Both the plate cylinder 7 and the rubber cylinder 6 preferably each have friction rings (not shown) arranged on both sides. The plate cylinder friction rings are in contact with the rubber cylinder friction rings during the printing process and roll against each other under pressure. The plate cylinder 7 can be driven either by the drive gear train, in particular via a gear from the drive gear train, or by a separate drive, for example, a plate cylinder direct drive. A rotor of a plate cylinder direct drive can, for example, be mounted in alignment with the shaft of the plate cylinder 7 or drive the plate cylinder 7 independently of the other cylinders or rollers of the printing unit 1.The drive can take place during the printing process and / or outside of the printing process, for example in a washing process.

[0028] The Fig. Figure 2 shows, for example, an inking and dampening unit 2 of a printing unit 1. The inking and dampening unit 2 here includes, for example, an ink box 8 with an ink chamber formed by the ink box 8 and a ductor roller 9. The printing ink in the ink chamber is preferably transferred from the ductor roller 9 to subsequent ink transfer rollers 10 or change rollers 11 via zone-adjustable ink slits. The ink transfer rollers 10 or change rollers 11 distribute the printing ink in the inking unit before it is transferred to the printing plate by ink application rollers 12 positioned on the plate cylinder 7 (not shown). Dampening unit rollers 13 can be operatively connected to a first ink application roller 12, for example, via a preferably switchable bridge roller.

[0029] In at least one unit, in particular printing unit 1, of the machine, a cleaning device 14 is arranged, which has a removable or replaceable collection container that is movable between a position attached to a rotating body of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 and a position removed from the rotating body of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2. In particular, the cleaning device 14 has a doctor blade tray 15 which can be attached to a rotating body, here in particular a change roller 11, by means of a doctor blade, in particular a lip 16. The collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15 or ink collection tray, can be assigned, for example, to a holder 20 on each side, in a manner that is particularly interchangeable. Each holder 20 is assigned, for example, a lever arm 17 for repositioning.For example, an actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder 18, is provided for each lever arm 17, which acts on the respective lever arm 17 to displace it. The lever arms 17, and thus the supports 20 for the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, are pivotable about a pivot axis. In particular, no mechanical connection is provided between the two supports 20. A connection is only effected by an inserted collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15.

[0030] When the supports 20 and thus the inserted collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, are moved together, the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, is brought into contact with the outer surface of the rotating body, in particular the change roller 11. In the position applied to the rotating body, in particular the change roller 11, the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, thus contacts the outer surface of the rotating body, in particular the change roller 11. During rotation of the rotating body, in particular the change roller 11, washing liquid or residual ink can be directed from the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, into the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15. The change roller 11 can also perform both axial and rotational movements when the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, is in the applied position.

[0031] The cleaning device 14 preferably further comprises an application device or spraying device, for example a spray bar 21, for applying liquid, in particular cleaning fluid. The application device or spraying device, in particular spray bar 21, can, for example, wet one or more surfaces of rotating bodies in the printing unit 1 or inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 with a suitable liquid or different liquids. For example, a spraying device can have at least one spray nozzle or be designed as a spray bar 21 with a plurality of nozzle openings for applying cleaning fluid to the rollers of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2. During a washing process, the inking rollers 12 can be disengaged from the plate cylinder 7 of the printing unit 1.

[0032] For example, the spraying device, in particular a spray bar 21, may be arranged below the ductor roller 9, for example on a crossbeam. The spray bar 21 may have spray nozzles which direct downward spray jets, for example, onto a cylindrical surface of a rotating body of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2, or into a roller gap between rotating bodies of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2. In the illustrated inking and dampening unit 2 of the printing unit 1, the spray nozzles of the spray bar 21 are directed, for example, onto an ink transfer roller 10 arranged below the spray bar 21.

[0033] During a printing process, no washing or cleaning fluid may enter the inking unit or the inking and dampening unit 2. Therefore, for example, a spray tray 22 can be inserted into the spray or drip area of ​​the application unit or spraying unit, in particular the spray bar 21. For example, the spray tray 22 can be inserted below the spray bar 21 for a printing process or similar operation. For a washing or cleaning process, the spray tray 22 is removed, for example, moved out of the spray area. In the printing process shown here, however, the spray tray 22 is located precisely within the spray or drip area of ​​the spray bar 21, and the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, is in the position set by the rotating body, in particular the changeover roller 11.

[0034] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, an enlarged view, in the position where the rotating body, in particular the changing roller 11, is in a standstill, the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, of the doctor blade tray 15 is at least minimally spaced from the outer surface of the rotating body, in particular the changing roller 11. The displacement of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, between the engaged position and the standstill position can, for example, also be stepless.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a rotating body, in particular the changer roller 11, with a stationary collection container, in particular a doctor blade tray 15. The doctor blade tray 15 is held by supports 20 provided on both sides, into which the doctor blade tray 15 has been, for example, inserted or hooked. The supports 20 are movably mounted here to allow the doctor blade tray 15 to be moved between the position engaged with the rotating body, in particular the changer roller 11, and the position disengaged from the rotating body, in particular the changer roller 11. For example, the movement of the supports 20 with the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, can be effected via the lever arms 17 up to stop means, for example, up to the stops 19 assigned to each of the lever arms 17. In particular, the stops 19 can be adjustable orThe lever arms 17 must be adjustable, allowing the contact force of the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, against the cylindrical surface of the rotating body, in particular the changing roller 11, to be varied or adjusted. In the illustrated position of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, spaced apart from the rotating body, in particular the changing roller 11, the lever arms 17 are held at a distance from the stops 19. This keeps the doctor blade, in particular the lip 16, at a distance from the cylindrical surface of the rotating body, in particular the changing roller 11.

[0036] A sensor, preferably designed as a distance sensor, is assigned to the cleaning device 14, in particular to one of the holders 20. The sensor is preferably arranged above the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, and can, for example, be fixedly or detachably attached to a holder 20 on one side. The sensor field of the sensor is preferably directed downwards or towards the bottom or contents of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15. The sensor is particularly preferably designed as an ultrasonic sensor 23, which emits sound waves 24 in the direction of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15. The sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23, is connected to a control device, preferably the machine control, which includes an evaluation unit for the sensor signals. The sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23, is arranged and designed as follows:evaluated that this monitors the presence of the collection container, in particular the squeegee tray 15, and a fill level of the collection container, in particular squeegee tray 15.

[0037] The Fig.Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the doctor blade tray 15 with an associated sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor 23. The sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23, is arranged, for example, on a lateral mounting or bracket 20 of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, above the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15. The sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23, is arranged such that it has a downward-facing sensor field and also detects the position of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15. The ultrasonic sensor 23 emits sound waves 24 such that these at least reach the correct installation position of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15.By suitable evaluation of the sensor signals, the sensor, in particular ultrasonic sensor 23, can preferably detect with a single measurement both the presence of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, and the fill level of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15.

[0038] The sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor 23, is preferably connected to the machine control system, which influences a washing program depending on the measurement result of the sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23. A cleaning process using the cleaning device 14 is started by the machine control system only if the sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23, detects a correctly inserted collection container, in particular a squeegee tray 15, and the fill level does not exceed a maximum value, which can be defined. Preferably, the maximum value is determined such that the collection container, in particular the squeegee tray 15, can still hold the medium to be collected, in particular cleaning fluid or expected paint residue, from a complete washing program.

[0039] In its distance sensor configuration, the sensor detects the presence of the collection container, particularly the doctor blade tray 15, and its fill level by means of a preferably single distance measurement. The sensor can also be used to monitor the fill level of the collection container, particularly the doctor blade tray 15, by means of further measurements during the washing process. An ultrasonic sensor 23 can be evaluated by comparing its sensor signal, determined by the sound waves 24, with threshold values. For example, exceeding a lower switching threshold 25 can indicate the absence of a collection container, particularly a doctor blade tray 15. The lower switching threshold 25 can, for example, correspond to a fill level of 0% in the doctor blade tray 15, i.e., an empty tray 15.

[0040] If the level falls below an upper switching threshold 26, an overfilled collection container, in particular a full doctor blade tray 15, can be detected. The upper switching threshold 26 can be programmable or adjustable, for example, and allows for the complete absorption of the cleaning fluid for an upcoming cleaning or washing program. The upper switching threshold 26 can also depend on the specified, determined, or specifically stored upcoming cleaning program. For example, it can depend on the number of rollers to be washed, the intended cleaning duration, the determined cleaning fluid requirement, or the degree of soiling of the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2.

[0041] If the lower switching threshold 25 is exceeded or the upper switching threshold 26 is not reached, the machine control system will not start a washing program or will issue a warning message. If the upper switching threshold 26 is detected to be undershot during the washing program, the washing process can be shortened, or the supply of cleaning fluid can be restricted or suspended. The upper switching threshold 26 can also be adjusted depending on the progress of the washing process. A sensor signal between the lower switching threshold 25 and the upper switching threshold 26 indicates to the machine control system that a washing program can be started. The washing process can be enabled after appropriate sensor evaluation.

[0042] The sensor, in particular ultrasonic sensor 23, can be used both as a digital switch and as an analog transmitter. In this configuration, the sensor, in particular ultrasonic sensor 23, always detects, in addition to the presence of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, whether the fill level of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, is sufficient. If the maximum fill level is reached or exceeded, the output signal can be identical to that of the absence of the collection container and thus prevent washing. If the ultrasonic sensor 23 is used as an analog transmitter, the fill level of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, can also be output to the operator in %, L or mm.

[0043] Regarding its operation: Between printing processes or for a color change, a washing process may be necessary, such as inking unit washing, plate washing, or washing the dampening unit or dampening roller. A washing program in the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2, for example, might include washing the ductor roller 8 or the dampening rollers 13, etc. The rollers must be included in or excluded from the washing process using the machine control system, preferably by the operator. This can be done, for example, via a selection menu, ideally at the control station.

[0044] Before a washing program is started at the inking unit or inking and dampening unit 2 of one or more printing units 1, a measurement process is initiated by the respective sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor 23, in a printing unit 1. During this process, the sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23, directs a measuring beam from above onto the bottom of the collection container, in particular the doctor blade tray 15, the bottom of which is located at a defined distance from the sensor, in particular the ultrasonic sensor 23. The lower switching threshold 25 and the upper switching threshold 26 are preferably learnable or already learned in the evaluation unit and / or the sensor or ultrasonic sensor 23.

[0045] If no collection container, in particular no doctor blade tray 15 or ink collection tray, is present, the lower switching threshold 25 is exceeded. Starting the washing program is not possible in the specific unit, in particular printing unit 1, or at the machine itself. Specifically, the machine control prevents a start and preferably issues a warning message.

[0046] If the upper switching threshold 26 is undershot, this means that the maximum fill level has been reached or exceeded. This prevents the washing program from starting in the respective unit or in all units, especially printing unit 1. Specifically, the machine control prevents a start and preferably issues a warning message. This warning message can specify the reason why the washing program failed to start or the specific unit, especially printing unit 1.

[0047] A sensor signal lying between the lower switching threshold 25 and the upper switching threshold 26 is within the preferably programmable operating range and triggers the machine control to start the intended washing program. The start can occur individually in each unit, particularly printing unit 1, or a simultaneous start can be initiated after evaluating all relevant sensors, particularly ultrasonic sensors 23, in the units, particularly printing unit 1. List of reference symbols used 1 printed work 2. Coloring or coloring and dampening unit 3 pressure cylinders 4 Transfer drum 5 gripper systems 6 rubber cylinders 7 plate cylinders 8 paint boxes 9 Ductor roller 10 color transfer rollers 11 changing rollers 12 ink application rollers 13 dampening rollers 14 Cleaning equipment 15 squeegee tray 16 Lippe 17 Lever arm 18 pneumatic cylinders 19 attacks 20 brackets 21 spray bar 22 Spray tray 23 Ultrasonic sensor 24 sound waves 25 lower switching threshold 26 upper switching threshold

Claims

Printing press with a unit (1) having at least one rotating body (11) and a cleaning device (14), wherein the cleaning device (14) has an interchangeable collection container (15) which is displaceably mounted between a position attached to the rotating body (11) and a position removed from the rotating body (11), wherein the cleaning device (14) has a sensor (23) and wherein the sensor (23) is arranged and designed in such a way that it monitors the presence of the collection container (15) and a fill level of the collection container (15). Printing press according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (23) has a downwardly directed sensor field (24) and / or detects the position of the collection container (15). Printing press according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (23) detects both the presence of the collection container (15) and the fill level of the collection container (15) with a single measurement. Printing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sensor (23) is connected to a control device or the machine control and the latter influences a washing program depending on the measurement result of the sensor (23). Printing machine according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the collection container (15) is designed as an ink collection tray or as a doctor blade tray (15) with a doctor blade (16) that can be adjusted on the rotating body (11). Printing press according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the collection container (15) is mounted on both sides via receptacles (20) so as to be removable and both receptacles (20) are movable by means of a displacement device (17) of at least one actuating element (18). Printing machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the sensor (23) is arranged on a lateral receptacle (20) of the collection container (15) above the collection container (15). Printing machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the sensor (23) is an ultrasonic sensor (23) whose sound waves (24) strike the bottom of the collection container (15). Method for operating a printing press with a unit (1), wherein at least one rotating body (11) can be cleaned by a cleaning device (14) in the unit (1), wherein a collection container (15) for cleaning the rotating body (11) must be used in the unit (1), wherein the cleaning device (14) interacts with a sensor (23) and wherein the presence of the collection container (15) and the fill level of the collection container (15) are monitored by the sensor (23). Method according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning process is only started using the cleaning device (14) if the sensor (23) detects a collection container (15) that is correctly inserted and whose fill level does not exceed a value (26) that can be specified. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a maximum value (26) is determined, in particular as a definable value (26), such that a medium to be collected from a complete washing program can still be received by the collection container (15). Method according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the sensor (23) is a distance sensor that detects the presence of the collection container (15) and its fill level by means of a preferably single distance measurement. Method according to claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein a control device with an evaluation unit is connected to the sensor (23) and an evaluation of the sensor signals is carried out depending on a stored washing program. Method according to claim 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the sensor signal of the sensor (23) is compared with a lower switching threshold (25) and an upper switching threshold (26) and a start of a washing program is prevented if the lower switching threshold (25) is exceeded or if the upper switching threshold (26) is not reached. Method according to claim 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the sensor signal of the sensor (23) is compared with a lower switching threshold (25) and a programmable upper switching threshold (26) and a washing program is started when the sensor value lies between the lower switching threshold (25) and the upper switching threshold (26).

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