Printing unit with moveable printing cylinders

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing unit (1) comprising at least one side wall (2) with an outer surface (3) and an inner surface (4), a stationary forming cylinder (5), a transfer cylinder (6) mounted in a movable position, wherein the transfer cylinder (6) is mounted in a position that can be changed in its spatial position by means of a first linear guide (10) attached to the at least one side wall (2), and a counter-pressure cylinder (7) mounted in a movable position, wherein the counter-pressure cylinder (7) is mounted in a position that can be changed in its spatial position by means of a second linear guide (11) attached to the at least one side wall (2). It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution in which correspondingly large adjustment ranges can be achieved with a low overall height of the printing units (1).The problem is solved by a printing unit (1) in which the first linear guide (10) is arranged on the outside (3) of the at least one side wall (2) and in which the second linear guide (11) is arranged on the inside (4) of the at least one side wall (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printing unit comprising at least one side wall, each with an outer side and an inner side, a stationary forme cylinder, a movably mounted transfer cylinder, wherein the transfer cylinder is variably mounted in its spatial position by means of a first linear guide fastened to the at least one side wall, a movably mounted impression cylinder, wherein the impression cylinder is variably mounted in its spatial position by means of a second linear guide fastened to the at least one side wall.

[0002] Printing units are known from the prior art in which at least one printing cylinder is arranged in a movable manner within the printing unit. Such printing units are referred to as format-variable printing units and are often designed in such a way that sleeves with different outer diameters can be mounted on the at least one forme cylinder and the at least one transfer cylinder, enabling different printing lengths due to the different effective cylinder diameters.

[0003] Printing unit configurations are known from the prior art in which either the transfer cylinder and / or the impression cylinder are arranged in a variable position by means of at least one pivotably mounted lever.

[0004] Thus, EP 1 101 611 A1 discloses a printing unit configuration in which a transfer cylinder is mounted in a pivotably mounted lever and in which the impression cylinder is mounted on a rocker, wherein both the lever and the rocker are arranged on the same side of the side walls.

[0005] DE 100 08 225 A1 discloses a format-variable printing unit in which the printing cylinders are mounted on linear guides and in which the side wall has an opening so that all linear guides are mounted on the front side of the side wall opening.

[0006] DE 198 05 898 A1 discloses a format-variable printing unit in which the printing cylinders are linearly adjustable in their position relative to one another and in which the linear guides are arranged on the inside of the side wall.

[0007] However, these designs have the disadvantage that, on the one hand, one side of the side wall is installed very tightly and, in addition, the adjustment paths of the corresponding printing cylinders are limited or that correspondingly large adjustment paths require a very large amount of space and, consequently, a large installation height of the printing units.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution in which correspondingly large adjustment paths can be realized with a low overall height of the printing units.

[0009] The object is achieved by a printing unit according to claim 1. The object is achieved by a device in which the first linear guide is arranged on the outside of the at least one side wall and in which the second linear guide is arranged on the inside of the at least one side wall.

[0010] Such a printing unit has the advantage that it allows large maximum cylinder diameters and thus large adjustment ranges to be realized with a relatively low overall height of the side walls and thus of the printing units.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the printing unit comprises two side walls for supporting the forme cylinder, transfer cylinder and impression cylinder on both sides, with a first linear guide being attached to the outside of each side wall and a second linear guide being attached to the inside.

[0012] Such a design has the advantage that it enables a space-saving printing unit configuration even when all printing cylinders are mounted on both sides.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first linear guide and the second linear guide comprise a drive means for linearly adjusting the transfer cylinder and impression cylinder. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the adjustment of the impression cylinders can be motorized and, if necessary, completely automated.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the drive means is designed as a spindle, which offers the advantage of a very space-saving and finely adjustable adjustment option.

[0015] Preferred developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description. Various embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail, without being limited thereto, with reference to the drawings. Herein: Fig. 1A basic structure of an exemplary printing unit Fig. 2A printing unit in section with two first linear guides and two second linear guides Fig. 3A printing unit in three-dimensional view with first linear guides and second linear guides Fig. 4A printing unit in three-dimensional view with first linear guides and second linear guides

[0016] Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of an exemplary printing unit 1. This comprises a plurality of printing cylinders arranged essentially one above the other, namely a forme cylinder 5, a transfer cylinder 6 and an impression cylinder 7, wherein the printing material web 9 runs between the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7.

[0017] If the printing unit 1 is configured as an offset printing unit for single-sided printing of the substrate web 9, the upper printing cylinder, which is in contact with the forme rollers arranged above, is designed as a plate cylinder, whereas the middle printing cylinder is designed as a transfer cylinder 6, also referred to as a blanket cylinder. The lowest printing cylinder 2 shown in an offset printing unit is designed as an impression cylinder 7.

[0018] If the section length is to be changed in so-called format-variable printing units 1, the diameters and thus the circumferences of the forme cylinder 5 and the transfer cylinder 6 are exchanged. Fig. 1In the example shown, the diameters of the forme cylinder 5 and the transfer cylinder 6 would be changed by exchanging the sleeves 8 attached to the forme cylinder 5 and the transfer cylinder 6. Due to the closed outer surface of such sleeves 8, these sleeves 8 can only be removed from the front of the forme cylinder 5 or the transfer cylinder 6. Due to the variable diameters of the forme cylinder 5 and the transfer cylinder 6, the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7, for example, are mounted so as to be accordingly adjustable, whereby it is fundamentally also possible to mount the forme cylinder 5 so as to be accordingly adjustable. The adjustment of, for example, the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 can be achieved, for example, by the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 being adjustably mounted in or on levers.

[0019] In the Fig. 1In the example shown, the transfer cylinder 6 is in a Fig. 1 not shown first linear guide 10 and the counter-pressure cylinder 7 is in a Fig. 1 second linear guide 11 (not shown), which is Fig. 1 expressed by the two straight arrows.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the printing cylinders of the printing unit 1 located between the side walls 2, although for the sake of better understanding, apart from the forme cylinder 5, the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7, no further rollers such as inking unit, dampening unit, etc. are shown.

[0021] Thus, the printing unit 1 comprises a first side wall 2-1 and a second side wall 2-2, wherein the first side wall 2-1 has a first opening 16-1 and the second side wall 2-2 has a second opening 16-2. The first opening 16-1 extends beyond the forme cylinder 5 in order to Fig. 2not shown sleeve 8 of the forme cylinder 5 in the axial extension of the forme cylinder 5. The bearing housing of the forme cylinder 5 on the side of the first side wall 2-1, which is set aside for this purpose, is in Fig. 2 not shown.

[0022] The transfer cylinder 6 is arranged below the forme cylinder 5, in which Fig. 2 The transfer cylinder 6 is also shown in such a way that the corresponding sleeve 8 is not mounted on the transfer cylinder 6 and that the transfer cylinder 6 is ready for the sleeve 8 to be pulled on. This can be seen from the fact that the first bearing block 13-1 including the bearing 14 has been withdrawn from the bearing journal 17 of the transfer cylinder 6 in the longitudinal direction of the transfer cylinder 6 and is positioned along the first linear guide 10 in the direction of the impression cylinder 7. In this state, the transfer cylinder 6 is held exclusively by the bearing 14 on the side of the second side wall 2-2.

[0023] The first bearing block 13-1 for supporting the transfer cylinder 6 on the side of the first side wall 2-1 is connected to a first sliding block 15-1 for adjustment or forms a structural unit with it, the first sliding block 15-1 is guided in the first linear guide 10, wherein the first linear guide 10 is arranged on the outer side 3 of the first side wall 2-1.

[0024] The outer side 3 of a side wall 2 is the side of a side wall 2 facing away from the printing cylinders, such as the forme cylinder 5, transfer cylinder 6, or impression cylinder 7, whereas the inner side 4 is the side of a side wall 2 facing towards the printing cylinders, such as the forme cylinder 5, transfer cylinder 6, or impression cylinder 7. Such a definition of the outer side 3 as the side facing away from the printing cylinders and the inner side 4 as the side of a side wall 2 facing the printing cylinders is therefore also valid for printing units 1 with only one side wall 2 and floating mounting of the printing cylinders.

[0025] Since, depending on the thickness of the sleeve 8 arranged on the forme cylinder 5 and depending on the thickness of the sleeve 8 arranged on the transfer cylinder 6, the transfer cylinder 6 must be adjusted in or against the direction of the forme cylinder 5 in order to come into contact with it, the transfer cylinder 6 must also be mounted so as to be adjustable as a whole.

[0026] For this purpose, the second bearing block 13-2 on the side of the second side wall 2-2 is connected to a second sliding block 15-2 or the second bearing block 13-2 itself forms the second sliding block 15-2, wherein the second sliding block 15-2 is mounted in a first linear guide 10 which is arranged on the outer side 3 of the second side wall 2-2. This arrangement makes it possible for both the transfer cylinder 6 mounted on one side only and the transfer cylinder 6 mounted on both sides to be spatially adjustable relative to the forme cylinder 5, and wherein the forme cylinder 5 is guided in two first linear guides 10, wherein the two first linear guides 10 are arranged on the outer sides 3 of the two side walls 2.

[0027] Since the impression cylinder 7 also has to be adjusted towards or against the transfer cylinder 6, but does not need to be changed in its diameter, the impression cylinder 7 is mounted on the side of the first side wall 2-1 in a third bearing block 13-3 and on the side of the second side wall 2-2 in a fourth bearing block 13-4.

[0028] The third bearing block 13-3 is either connected to the third sliding block 15-3 or the third bearing block 13-3 forms the third sliding block 15-3, wherein the third sliding block 15-3 is guided in a second linear guide 11 which is arranged on the inner side 4 of the first side wall 2-1.

[0029] The fourth bearing block 13-4 is either connected to the fourth sliding block 15-4 or the fourth bearing block 13-4 forms the fourth sliding block 15-4, wherein the fourth sliding block 15-4 is guided in a second linear guide 11 which is arranged on the inner side 4 of the second side wall 2-2.

[0030] This arrangement makes it possible for the impression cylinder 7, which is mounted on both sides, to be spatially adjustable relative to the transfer cylinder 6, and for the impression cylinder 7 to be guided in two second linear guides 11, the two second linear guides 11 being arranged on the inner sides 4 of the two side walls 2.

[0031] With regard to the at least one first linear guide 10 and / or the at least one second linear guide 11, it should be noted that these can comprise only one linear guide or several linear guides per printing cylinder and / or per side wall 2, since this is a purely structural design which depends, for example, on the rigidity and the structural type of the respective linear guide. Although, in particular, in the Figures 3 and 4 Mostly designs with two guides are shown in the drawing, the present invention is also possible with one guide or more than two guides per first linear guide 10 and / or second linear guide 11.

[0032] Although not shown in the drawing, in the case of very small web widths it is also possible to equip the printing unit 1 with only one side wall 2, so that the forme cylinder 5, the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 are only mounted on one side, so that, for example, these cylinders are mounted in the second side wall 2-2.

[0033] For this case, which is not shown in the drawing, the present solution can also be applied in that the transfer cylinder 6 is guided in at least one first linear guide 10, wherein the at least one first linear guide 10 is arranged on the outer side 3 of the second side wall 2-2 and in that the impression cylinder 7 is guided in at least one second linear guide 11, wherein the at least one second linear guide 11 is arranged on the inner side 4 of the second side wall 2-2.

[0034] Fig. 3For the sake of better understanding, shows a three-dimensional view of the components of the printing unit 1 that are essential for the present invention, wherein in this view the outside 3 of the first side wall 2-1 is viewed. Fig. 3 shows the printing unit 1 comprising a first side wall 2-1 and a second side wall 2-2, wherein the first side wall 2-1 has a first opening 16-1 through which sleeves 8 can be pushed onto the forme cylinder 5 and onto the transfer cylinder 6.

[0035] Between the first side wall 2-1 and the second side wall 2-2, the forme cylinder 5, the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 are arranged from top to bottom. Fig. 3shows a state in which the first bearing block 13-1 is still arranged on the cylinder journal 17 of the transfer cylinder 6, so that in this state the transfer cylinder 6 is mounted on both sides, but it is therefore not possible to remove a sleeve 8 from the transfer cylinder 6 or to slide it onto it.

[0036] To prevent sliding or pulling down a Fig. 3 sleeves 8 (not shown), it is necessary to displace the first bearing block 13-1 in the longitudinal direction of the transfer cylinder 6 from Fig. 3 to pull or disengage the non-visible bearing pin 17 in order to then move the first bearing block 13-1, which is connected to the first sliding block 15-1 or forms a structural unit with it, along the two first linear guides 10, which are arranged on the outer side 3 of the first side wall 2-1, in the direction of the impression cylinder 7.

[0037] It is also possible to move the transfer cylinder 6 as a whole if it is supported on both sides. For this purpose, the first bearing block 13-1 remains on the bearing journal 17, so that the transfer cylinder 6 is supported on both sides. Since the first bearing block 13-1 is connected to the first sliding block 15-1 or forms a structural unit with it and the Fig. 3 invisible second bearing block 13-2 with the Fig. 3 not visible second sliding block 15-2 is connected or forms a structural unit with it, and since both the first sliding block 15-1 is guided in the first linear guide 10 arranged on the outer side 3 of the first side wall 2-1 and the second sliding block 15-2 is guided in the first linear guide 10 arranged on the outer side 3 of the second side wall 2-2, which, however, is in Fig. 3is not visible, the transfer cylinder 6 can be adjusted linearly in the extension of the first linear guides 10 both in the direction of the forme cylinder 5 and in the direction of the impression cylinder 7.

[0038] In Fig. 3 It is further apparent that the counter-pressure cylinder 7 is mounted in a fourth bearing block 13-4, which is connected to a fourth sliding block 15-4 or forms a structural unit with it, wherein the fourth sliding block 15-4 is guided in two second linear guides 11, which are arranged on the inner side 4 of the second side wall 2-2.

[0039] Although in Fig. 3Not visible, the impression cylinder 7 is mounted in a third bearing block 13-3, which is connected to a third sliding block 15-3 or forms a structural unit with it, wherein the third sliding block 15-3 is guided in two second linear guides 11, which are arranged on the inner side 4 of the first side wall 2-1. This makes it possible to adjust the impression cylinder 7 in the direction of the second linear guides 11 in order to be able to position the impression cylinder 7 against the transfer cylinder 6, which has an adjustable diameter.

[0040] Fig. 4 For the sake of better understanding, shows a three-dimensional view of the components of the printing unit 1 that are essential for the present invention, wherein in this view the outside 3 of the second side wall 2-2 is viewed. Fig. 4shows the printing unit 1 comprising a first side wall 2-1 and a second side wall 2-2, wherein the first side wall 2-1 has a first opening 16-1 through which sleeves 8 can be pushed onto the forme cylinder 5 and onto the transfer cylinder 6.

[0041] Between the first side wall 2-1 and the second side wall 2-2, the forme cylinder 5, the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 are arranged from top to bottom. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the first bearing block 13-1 is still arranged on the cylinder pin 17 of the transfer cylinder 6, so that in this state the transfer cylinder 6 is mounted on both sides, but it is therefore not possible to remove a sleeve 8 from the transfer cylinder 6 or to slide it onto it.

[0042] To prevent sliding or pulling down a Fig. 4sleeves 8 (not shown), it is necessary to displace the first bearing block 13-1 in the longitudinal direction of the transfer cylinder 6 from Fig. 4 to pull or disengage the non-visible bearing pin 17 in order to then move the first bearing block 13-1, which is connected to the first sliding block 15-1 or forms a structural unit with it, along the two first linear guides 10, which are arranged on the outer side 3 of the first side wall 2-1, in the direction of the impression cylinder 7.

[0043] It is also possible to move the transfer cylinder 6 as a whole if it is supported on both sides. For this purpose, the first bearing block 13-1 remains on the bearing journal 17, so that the transfer cylinder 6 is supported on both sides. Since the first bearing block 13-1 is connected to the Fig. 4 not visible first sliding block 15-1 or forms a structural unit with it and which is Fig. 4visible second bearing block 13-2 with the Fig. 4 visible second sliding block 15-2 or forms a structural unit with it, and since both the first sliding block 15-1 in the first linear guide 10 arranged on the outer side 3 of the first side wall 2-1, which, however, Fig. 4 is not visible, and the second sliding block 15-2 is guided in the first linear guide 10 arranged on the outer side 3 of the second side wall 2-2, the transfer cylinder 6 can be adjusted linearly in the extension of the first linear guides 10 both in the direction of the forme cylinder 5 and in the direction of the impression cylinder 7.

[0044] In Fig. 4It is further apparent that the counter-pressure cylinder 7 is mounted in a third bearing block 13-3, which is connected to a third sliding block 15-3 or forms a structural unit with it, wherein the third sliding block 15-3 is guided in two second linear guides 11, which are arranged on the inner side 4 of the first side wall 2-1.

[0045] Although in Fig. 4 Not visible, the impression cylinder 7 is mounted in a fourth bearing block 13-4, which is connected to a fourth sliding block 15-4 or forms a structural unit with it, wherein the fourth sliding block 15-4 is guided in two second linear guides 11, which are arranged on the inner side 4 of the first side wall 2-1. This makes it possible to adjust the impression cylinder 7 in the direction of the second linear guides 11 in order to position the impression cylinder 7 against the transfer cylinder 6, which has an adjustable diameter.

[0046] Through the Figures 2 to 4 In the configuration shown, in which the first linear guides 10 for the transfer cylinder 6 are arranged on the outer side 3 of the two side walls 2 and in which the second linear guides 11 for the impression cylinder 7 are arranged on the inner sides 4 of the two side walls 2, it is possible to reduce the overall height.

[0047] Although in the Figures 2 to 4 not shown, it is also possible that the at least one first linear guide 10 and the at least one second linear guide 11 comprise a drive means 12 for the linear adjustment of the transfer cylinder 6 and / or the impression cylinder 7, so that the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 can be adjusted by motor without additional components.

[0048] Such a drive means 12 can, for example, be a driven or drivable spindle, such as a threaded spindle or a recirculating ball screw, integrated into the first linear guide 10 and / or the second linear guide 11, which is operatively connected to the associated sliding blocks 15 or bearing blocks 13. Alternatively, it is also possible to integrate a corresponding drive motor and / or the required sensor technology.

[0049] Regarding the interpretation of the provisions in the Figures 2 to 4illustrated printing units 1, it should be borne in mind that the design of the distances as well as the design of the size of the openings 16 as well as the design of the length of the at least one first linear guide 10 and the at least one second linear guide 11 is carried out to such an extent that the transfer cylinder 6 and the impression cylinder 7 are adjustable to such an extent that sleeves 8 with the intended minimum outer diameter as well as sleeves 8 with the intended maximum outer diameter can be pulled onto the transfer cylinder 6 in order to be able to change the cylinder diameter and consequently also the cylinder circumference accordingly.

[0050] Although in the Figures 2 to 4 not shown and explained in more detail, the forme cylinder 5 and / or the sleeve 8 placed thereon can be designed as a plate cylinder for receiving at least one offset printing plate or a plate sleeve. List of reference symbols

[0051] 1Printing unit 2Side wall 3Outside 4Inside 5Form cylinder 6Transfer cylinder 7Impression cylinder 8Sleeve 9Printing material web 10First linear guide 11Second linear guide 12Drive mechanism 13Bearing block 14Bearing 15Sliding block 16Breakthrough

Claims

1. Printing unit (1) comprising at least one side wall (2) each having an outer side (3) and an inner side (4), a stationary forme cylinder (5), a movably mounted transfer cylinder (6), wherein the transfer cylinder (6) is variably mounted in its spatial position by means of a first linear guide (10) fastened to the at least one side wall (2), a movably mounted impression cylinder (7), wherein the impression cylinder (7) is variably mounted in its spatial position by means of a second linear guide (11) fastened to the at least one side wall (2), characterized in that the first linear guide (10) is arranged on the outer side (3) of the at least one side wall (2) and that the second linear guide (11) is arranged on the inner side (4) of the at least one side wall (2).

2. Printing unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe printing unit (1) comprises two side walls (2) for supporting the forme cylinder (5), transfer cylinder (6) and impression cylinder (7) on both sides, wherein a first linear guide (10) is attached to the outer side (3) of each side wall (2) and a second linear guide (11) is attached to the inner side (4).

3. Printing unit (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first linear guide (10) and the second linear guide (11) comprise a drive means (12) for the linear adjustment of the transfer cylinder (6) and the counter-pressure cylinder (7).

4. Printing unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive means (12) is a spindle.

5. Printing unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transfer cylinder (6) is adjustable to such an extent that a sleeve (8) can be pulled onto the transfer cylinder (6) to change the cylinder circumference.

6. Printing unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe forme cylinder (5) is designed as a plate cylinder for receiving at least one offset printing plate or a plate sleeve.

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