Printing control device, printing control method, and printer

Abstract

To provide a printing control device and a printing control method in which adjustment work of printing density is simplified in paper splicing, and an increase of defective paper is restricted.SOLUTION: When a signal is inputted relating to a splicing operation for performing splicing of an existing rolled paper web and a new rolled paper web, at least either decrease processing of an ink supply amount or increase processing of a dampening water supply amount is implemented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing control device and method, and a printing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A newspaper offset web press includes a paper feeder, a printing device, a web path device, and a folder. The printing device has multiple printing units, each of which prints on a corresponding web. Each printing unit includes an ink supply source, an ink supply device that supplies ink using multiple rollers, a plate cylinder on which a printing plate is mounted, and a blanket cylinder that transfers the ink (image) to the web.

[0003] The printing unit has a blanket cylinder, a plate cylinder, an ink supply device, and a dampening water supply device. The ink supply device has an ink fountain roller, ink keys (or a digital ink pump) that form an ink fountain, an ink transfer roller, an ink distribution roller, an ink reciprocating roller, and an ink form roller. The printing unit sets the ink supply amount by, for example, adjusting the opening of the ink keys (or the rotation speed of the digital ink pump) according to the print density of the web surface to be printed. An example of such an ink supply device is described in Patent Document 1 below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6110001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Rolls of paper are stored in a paper storage room, and rolls of a specified size are transported from the storage room to the printing press for use during printing. Newspaper printing presses require consistent and uniform moisture distribution for stable printing and tension control of the running paper. To ensure this, the temperature and humidity of the storage room are maintained at constant levels. However, because paper rolls typically absorb moisture, slight changes in temperature and humidity can cause the moisture content of the outer periphery of rolls stored in the storage room for long periods of time to change. Furthermore, rolls are susceptible to permeation not only by moisture but also by ink (oil). Therefore, a decrease in moisture content can impede ink penetration into the web, resulting in increased print density (ink density) on the web surface. Conversely, an increase in moisture content can facilitate ink penetration into the web, resulting in decreased print density on the web surface.

[0006] When the remaining amount of paper in use decreases, it can be replaced with a new paper roll, allowing continuous printing. At this time, a splice is performed between the current paper roll (web) and the new paper roll (web). In other words, the web supplied to the printing unit is a web unwound from the new web midway through printing. As a result, the moisture content of the web and the ink penetration state into the web can change during printing, affecting print density and requiring adjustments to the amount of ink and dampening water supplied.

[0007] In particular, when a roll of paper is stored in a paper storage facility, moisture evaporates from the outer periphery, reducing the moisture content, making it difficult for ink to penetrate the web, which can result in high print density on the web surface. When splicing is performed between a roll of paper (web) in use and a new roll of paper (web), the web supplied to the printing unit is a web that has been unwound from the new roll along the way. As a result, the moisture content of the web decreases during printing, making it difficult for ink to penetrate, resulting in high print density on the web surface, which can result in defective paper.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a print control device, method, and printing machine that simplify the work of adjusting print density when splicing paper and suppress the increase in defective paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the printing control device disclosed herein performs at least one of a process of reducing the amount of ink supplied and a process of increasing the amount of dampening water supplied when a signal related to a paper splicing operation for splicing the web of the current paper roll and the web of the new paper roll is input.

[0010] In addition, the printing control method disclosed herein performs at least one of a process of reducing the ink supply amount and a process of increasing the dampening water supply amount when a signal related to a paper splicing operation for splicing the current paper roll web and the new paper roll web is input.

[0011] The printing press of the present disclosure also includes an ink supply device that supplies ink, a plate cylinder from which ink is supplied from the ink supply device to a printing plate attached to the outer periphery, a blanket cylinder that transfers the ink image received from the plate cylinder to a web, and the printing control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the print control device and method and printing machine of the present disclosure, it is possible to simplify the adjustment work of print density when splicing paper, and to suppress an increase in defective paper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a newspaper offset web printing press according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing unit in a newspaper offset web printing press. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the roller arrangement in the printing unit. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the print control device of this embodiment. [Figure 5-1] FIG. 5-1 is a flowchart showing the ink supply amount control method. [Figure 5-2] FIG. 5-2 is a flowchart showing a dampening water supply amount control method. [Figure 6-1] FIG. 6-1 is a time chart showing the ink supply amount control method. [Figure 6-2] FIG. 6-2 is a time chart showing a dampening water supply amount control method. [Figure 7-1] FIG. 7-1 is a flowchart illustrating a first modified example of the ink supply rate control method. [Figure 7-2] FIG. 7-2 is a flowchart illustrating a first modified example of the dampening water supply amount control method. [Figure 8-1] FIG. 8-1 is a time chart showing a first modified example of the ink supply rate control method. [Figure 8-2] FIG. 8-2 is a time chart showing a first modified example of the dampening water supply amount control method. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a time chart showing a second modified example of the ink supply rate control method. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first ink correction amount table. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the second ink correction amount table. [Figure 12-1] FIG. 12-1 is a flowchart illustrating a learning control method for the ink correction amount. [Figure 12-2] FIG. 12-2 is a flowchart showing a learning control method for the dampening water correction amount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present disclosure also includes configurations that combine the embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range.

[0015] <Newspaper offset web printing press> 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a newspaper offset web press according to this embodiment. The newspaper offset web press according to this embodiment is a 4x1 web press in which the size of the plate cylinder of the printing device is set to 4 page widths x 1 page circumference, but it may also be a 4x2 web press in which the size of the plate cylinder is set to 4 page widths x 2 page circumferences.

[0016] 1, the printing press of this embodiment is a newspaper offset web printing press P. The newspaper offset web printing press P includes a paper feeder R, an infeed device I, a printing device U, a web path device D, and a folder F.

[0017] The paper feed device R has a plurality of paper feed units R1 to R5 (five in this embodiment). The in-feed device I has a plurality of in-feed units I1 to I5 (five in this embodiment). The printing device U has a plurality of printing units U1 to U5 (five in this embodiment). The web path device D has one web path unit D1. The folding machine F has one folding unit F1.

[0018] In the paper feeder R, the paper feed units R1 to R5 have substantially the same configuration and each have a holding arm that holds three rolls of web (printing medium) W. By rotating the holding arm, the roll can be rotated to the paper feed position. In the in-feed device I, the in-feed units I1 to I5 have substantially the same configuration and adjust the tension of the web W fed into each printing unit U1 to U5 of the printing device U, thereby stably maintaining the tension of the web W traveling through the printing device U at an appropriate value. The tension of the web W from the paper feeder R to the in-feed device I is controlled by a brake device (not shown) provided in the paper feed units R1 to R5.

[0019] In the printing device U, printing units U1 to U5 are multi-color printing units capable of double-sided four-color printing. However, each printing unit U1 to U5 can be divided into upper and lower printing units U11 to U52 capable of double-sided two-color printing. The printing units U11 to U52 have almost the same configuration and include ink supply devices, plate cylinders, blanket cylinders, etc.

[0020] In the web path device D, a web path unit D1 is provided for the printing units U1 to U5. The web path unit D1 has a slitter that cuts the web W in the vertical direction (the transport direction of the web W) at the center of its width (longitudinal cutting), a turn bar that sets a transport path for the vertically cut web W, and a compensator that adjusts the position of a pattern in the vertical direction of the web W. Each web W that has been printed in the printing units U1 to U5 is cut vertically by the slitter in the web path unit D1, has its transport path changed by the turn bar, and has its pattern position adjusted by the compensator before being superimposed in a predetermined order.

[0021] In the folding machine F, the folding unit F1 vertically folds the webs W introduced from the web path unit D1, in which multiple webs W are stacked, cuts them horizontally to a predetermined length, folds them horizontally to form folded sheets, and discharges them as newspapers.

[0022] <Printing unit> 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printing units in a newspaper web offset printing press. In the following, only printing unit U1 will be described, but the other printing units U2 to U5 have almost the same configuration.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the printing unit U1 is an H-shaped tower unit that enables four-color printing. The printing unit U1 transports the web W vertically from bottom to top. The printing unit U1 is configured with four stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 arranged from bottom to top, corresponding to black, blue, red, and yellow. Each stack 21, 22, 23, and 24 has a roller arrangement that is symmetrical on the left and right.

[0024] The stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged such that the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b are in contact with each other on the left and right sides of the transport path of the web W. The blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b are in contact with the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b. The stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are provided with ink supply devices 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b for the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b. In addition, the stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are provided with dampening water supply devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, 64a, and 64b for the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b.

[0025] <stack> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the roller arrangement in the printing unit.

[0026] 3, the stack 24 is disposed on the most downstream side in the transport direction of the web W (the uppermost side of the stack 24), and is capable of printing, for example, yellow ink. With respect to the transport path of the web W that runs vertically upward, the stack 24 has a front surface printing unit on the left side in FIG. 3 that performs front surface printing, and a back surface printing unit on the right side in FIG. 3 that performs back surface printing.

[0027] The stack 24 includes blanket cylinders 34a and 34b, plate cylinders 44a and 44b, ink supply units 54a and 54b, and dampening solution supply units 64a and 64b.

[0028] The ink supply units 54a and 54b are composed of ink fountain rollers 71a and 71b, ink keys 72a and 72b constituting ink fountains, ink transfer rollers 73a and 73b, ink distribution rollers 74a and 74b, ink reciprocating rollers 75a and 75b, ink distribution rollers 76a and 76b, ink reciprocating rollers 77a and 77b, and two ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a and 79b. Note that a digital ink pump may be provided as the ink supply source instead of the ink keys 72a and 72b. The dampening water supply units 64a and 64b are composed of water rider rollers 81a and 81b, water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b, water dampening rollers 83a and 83b, and spray nozzles 84a and 84b. The configuration, arrangement, number, etc. of the various rollers are not limited to those described above and may be changed as necessary.

[0029] The ink supply devices 54a, 54b are ink fountain-type devices, each configured with multiple ink keys 72a, 72b arranged widthwise for a single ink fountain roller 71a, 71b. The ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b and the ink keys 72a, 72b store ink with a predetermined fluidity (viscosity). Opening the ink keys 72a, 72b dispenses a predetermined amount of ink. The ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b have smooth surfaces, and ink films are formed only in the gaps between the ink keys, retaining ink of a predetermined thickness. In this case, operating any one of the multiple ink keys 72a, 72b supplies ink only to a predetermined area in the axial direction of the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b. Multiple ink keys 72a, 72b are arranged widthwise, and the ink opening is individually adjusted by an opening / closing device (not shown). In the case of a digital ink pump, ink discharge mechanisms divided into multiple sections in the width direction are also incorporated, and the operation and discharge volume of each ink discharge mechanism are individually controlled to supply ink only to specified areas in the axial direction of the ink source rollers 71a and 71b.

[0030] The ink transfer rollers 73a, 73b receive the ink from the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b. The ink distribution rollers 74a, 74b distribute the ink transferred from the ink transfer rollers 73a, 73b. The ink reciprocating rollers 75a, 75b spread the ink distributed by the ink distribution rollers 74a, 74b in the width direction. The ink distribution rollers 76a, 76b distribute the ink transferred from the ink reciprocating rollers 75a, 75b. The ink reciprocating rollers 77a, 77b spread the ink distributed by the ink distribution rollers 76a, 76b in the width direction. The ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b receive the ink spread in the width direction by the ink reciprocating rollers 77a, 77b and supply it to the plate cylinders 44a, 44b.

[0031] Water rider rollers 81a, 81b knead the dampening water passed between the rollers. Water reciprocating rollers 82a, 82b spread the dampening water passed between adjacent rollers in the width direction. Water spreader rollers 83a, 83b receive the dampening water spread in the width direction by water reciprocating rollers 82a, 82b and supply it to plate cylinders 44a, 44b.

[0032] The plate cylinders 44a and 44b are metal rollers around which a printing plate (not shown) is wound. After dampening solution from the dampening rollers 83a and 83b is delivered to the non-image areas of the printing plate, the plate cylinders 44a and 44b deliver ink from the ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, and 79b to the image areas of the printing plate. The blanket cylinders 34a and 34b are rubber rollers around which a blanket (rubber) (not shown) is wound, and they transfer the ink delivered from the plate cylinders 44a and 44b to the web W.

[0033] Therefore, when the ink keys 72a, 72b are set to a predetermined opening and the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b rotate at a predetermined speed, a regulated amount of ink is supplied to the ink transfer rollers 73a, 73b through the ink fountain rollers 71a, 71b. The opening of the ink keys 72a, 72b is set according to the coverage ratio of the image on the printing plate. In the case of a digital ink pump, the amount of ink protrusion is set according to the coverage ratio of the image on the printing plate. The ink supplied to the ink transfer rollers 73a, 73b is then supplied to the ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b via the ink distribution rollers 74a, 74b, ink reciprocating rollers 75a, 75b, ink distribution rollers 76a, 76b, and ink reciprocating rollers 77a, 77b. On the other hand, the water rider rollers 81a and 81b supply dampening water to the dampening rollers 83a and 83b via the water reciprocating rollers 82a and 82b.

[0034] The dampening rollers 83a and 83b transfer dampening solution only to the non-image areas of the printing plates on the plate cylinders 44a and 44b. The ink form rollers 78a, 78b, 79a, and 79b transfer ink only to the image areas of the printing plates on the plate cylinders 44a and 44b. As the plate cylinders 44a and 44b rotate, the ink on the image areas of the printing plates is transferred to the blanket cylinders 34a and 34b. When the web W passes through the nip between the blanket cylinders 34a and 34b, the ink (image) on each blanket cylinder 34a and 34b is transferred to the front and back of the web W by the printing pressure, thereby performing double-sided printing on the web W.

[0035] <Print control device> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the print control device of this embodiment.

[0036] The print control device 100 is connected to an operation unit 101, a display unit 102, a storage unit 103, ink supply devices 54a and 54b, and dampening water supply devices 64a and 64b. A paper splicing signal is input to the print control device 100.

[0037] When a signal related to a splicing operation for splicing the web W of the current paper roll with the web W of a new paper roll is input, the print control device 100 performs a process to decrease the amount of ink supplied. Furthermore, when a signal related to a splicing operation for splicing the web W of the current paper roll with the web W of a new paper roll is input, the print control device 100 performs a process to increase the amount of dampening water supplied. In this case, the print control device 100 performs at least one of a process to decrease the amount of ink supplied and a process to increase the amount of dampening water supplied. However, the print control device 100 may perform both a process to decrease the amount of ink supplied and a process to increase the amount of dampening water supplied.

[0038] Specifically, when a signal related to the paper splicing operation is input, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply amount by a fixed amount over a preset first predetermined period. Furthermore, when a signal related to the paper splicing operation is input, the print control device 100 increases the dampening water supply amount by a fixed amount over a preset first predetermined period. The first predetermined period is preferably set according to the number of copies to be printed. The first predetermined period is the elapsed time from the time of paper splicing. However, the first predetermined period during which the ink supply amount is reduced by a fixed amount is the time until the print density reaches the optimum value through the control of reducing the ink supply amount, and the first predetermined period during which the dampening water supply amount is increased by a fixed amount is the time until the print density reaches the optimum value through the control of increasing the dampening water supply amount, and it is preferable that these two periods be set separately.

[0039] When a first predetermined period has elapsed since the print control device 100 reduced the ink supply rate, the print control device 100 increases the ink supply rate for a preset second predetermined period. Furthermore, when a first predetermined period has elapsed since the print control device 100 increased the dampening water supply rate, the print control device 100 reduces the dampening water supply rate for a preset second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is preferably set according to the number of copies to be printed. The second predetermined period for increasing the ink supply rate by a fixed amount and the second predetermined period for decreasing the dampening water supply rate by a fixed amount are the times required for the moisture content of the web W of the new web to become equal to the moisture content of the web W of the current web before splicing, and although these periods are the same, they may also be set separately. The amount by which the ink supply rate is reduced over the first predetermined period is equal to the amount by which the ink supply rate is increased over the second predetermined period.Furthermore, the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is increased over the first predetermined period is equal to the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is reduced over the second predetermined period.

[0040] When increasing or decreasing the ink supply amount, the print control device 100 adjusts the opening degree of the ink keys 72a and 72b (see FIG. 3) of the ink supply devices 54a and 54b, the rotation speed of the ink fountain rollers 71a and 71b, or the ink protrusion amount of the digital ink pump. Also, when increasing or decreasing the dampening water supply amount, the print control device 100 adjusts the dampening water supply amount of the spray nozzles 84a and 84b of the dampening water supply devices 64a and 64b.

[0041] The signal related to the paper splicing operation is a command signal for executing the paper splicing, a detection signal for detecting the paper splicing operation, or a command signal output at a time a predetermined period prior to the time when the paper splicing is to be executed.

[0042] The amount by which the ink supply rate is decreased and the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is increased over the first predetermined period are set based on preset web data for the current web and the new web, and the amount by which the ink supply rate is increased and the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is decreased over the second predetermined period are set based on preset web data for the current web and the new web.

[0043] The roll data includes the roll manufacturer, paper type, and roll diameter. The roll data is learned and corrected according to the corrected ink supply rate. The amount by which the ink supply rate is reduced over a first predetermined period is set based on preset ink data. The amount by which the ink supply rate is increased and the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is reduced over a second predetermined period are set based on preset ink data.

[0044] The print control device 100 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage unit using a RAM as a working area.

[0045] The operation unit 101 can be operated by an operator. When the operator operates the operation unit 101, various command signals can be input to the print control device 100. The operation unit 101 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch-type display.

[0046] The display unit 102 displays the processing contents of the print control device 100. The display unit 102 is, for example, a monitor.

[0047] The storage unit 103 stores a program for the processing details of the print control device 100. The storage unit 103 also stores control data, which will be described later.

[0048] <Printing control method> First, a printing control method for controlling the ink supply amount will be described. Figure 5-1 is a flowchart showing the ink supply amount control method, and Figure 6-1 is a time chart showing the ink supply amount control method.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5-1, in step S11, the print control device 100 determines whether a splice signal has been input. Here, the splice signal is a signal related to the splicing operation, such as a command signal for executing splicing or a detection signal for detecting the splice operation, but it may also be another signal. When the control device (not shown) that controls the printing unit U1 (see FIG. 2) receives the current paper roll diameter and determines that the current paper roll diameter has decreased and splicing is necessary, it outputs a splice command signal to the paper feed unit R1 (see FIG. 2). When the paper feed unit R1 receives the splice command signal and performs splicing, a detector detects the splice portion and outputs a splice detection signal. The print control device 100 determines whether the splice command signal or the splice detection signal has been input. If the print control device 100 determines that the splice signal has not been input (No), it exits this routine without doing anything.

[0050] On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the splice signal has been input (Yes), then in step S12, the print control device 100 determines whether a predetermined arrival time has elapsed since the splice signal was input. The arrival time is the time it takes for the spliced ​​portion spliced ​​in the paper feed unit R1, i.e., the new web W of paper roll, to reach the printing unit U1, and is set based on the transport length of the web W from the paper feed unit R1 to the printing unit U1 and the transport speed of the web W. Note that the arrival time may also be the number of copies to be printed. Here, if the print control device 100 determines that the predetermined arrival time has not elapsed since the splice signal was input (No), it maintains this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the predetermined arrival time has elapsed since the splice signal was input (Yes), then in step S13, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply amount.

[0051] That is, when the remaining amount of the current paper roll in use in the paper feed unit R1 decreases, it is replaced with a new paper roll. At this time, because the new paper roll has been stored for a predetermined period of time, the moisture on the outer periphery has evaporated, and the moisture content on the outer periphery is lower than the moisture content on the inner periphery. As a result, the moisture content of the web W of the current paper roll in use differs from that of the new spliced ​​paper roll. When the printing unit U1 prints on the web W, a change in the moisture content of the web W results in a change in print density. In other words, if the moisture content of the web W decreases, the print density becomes higher (darker), requiring adjustment of the ink supply amount, which results in the generation of waste paper during that time.

[0052] Therefore, after splicing the current web W of the paper roll with the new web W of the paper roll, when the new web W of the paper roll arrives at the printing unit U1, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply rate. In this case, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply rate by a fixed amount. Then, in step S14, the print control device 100 determines whether a first predetermined period has elapsed since the ink supply rate was reduced. The ink supply devices 54a and 54b reduce the ink supply rate by adjusting the opening of the ink keys 72a and 72b (see FIG. 3), the rotation speed of the ink fountain rollers 71a and 71b, and the ink protrusion amount of the digital ink pump. The first predetermined period is the elapsed time from the splicing. The first predetermined period is the time until the print density reaches an optimal value through ink supply rate reduction control, and is preferably calculated in advance through, for example, experiments. The first predetermined period may also be the number of copies to be printed.

[0053] Here, if the print control device 100 determines that the first predetermined period has not elapsed since the paper splicing (No), it continues this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the first predetermined period has elapsed since the paper splicing (Yes), it increases the ink supply amount in step S15. The increase in the ink supply amount is linear control, which increases the ink amount linearly, but it may also be step control, which increases the ink amount in stages, or function control, which increases the ink amount in a curved manner.

[0054] After the current web is replaced with a new web, as the web W of the new web is consumed, the new web switches from the outer periphery to the inner periphery, causing the moisture content of the web W to increase. When the moisture content of the web W of the new web reaches a predetermined value, the print control device 100 increases the ink supply rate to restore the ink supply rate to the amount before splicing. In this case, the print control device 100 gradually increases the ink supply rate. Then, in step S16, the print control device 100 determines whether a second predetermined period has elapsed since the ink supply rate was increased during splicing. The second predetermined period is the time it takes for the moisture content of the web W of the new web to become equal to the moisture content of the web W of the current web before splicing. It is preferable to calculate this second predetermined period in advance through experiments, etc. The second predetermined period may be the elapsed time from splicing or the number of copies printed.

[0055] If the print control device 100 determines that the second predetermined period has not elapsed since the ink supply rate was increased (No), it continues this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the second predetermined period has elapsed since the ink supply rate was increased (Yes), it stops increasing the ink supply rate in step S17.

[0056] 4 and 6-1, when splicing is performed at time t1, the print density of the web W by the printing unit U1 increases at time t2, when the arrival time T1 has elapsed. That is, because the moisture content of the web W of the new web roll is lower than the moisture content of the web W of the current web roll, when the web W of the new web roll after splicing reaches the printing unit U1, the print density of the web W increases. Meanwhile, at time t2, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply amount by a fixed amount.

[0057] Then, at time t3, when time T2 has elapsed until the adjusted (reduced) ink supply rate reaches the web W, the print density of the web W by the printing unit U1 gradually decreases, and the print density returns to the optimal density before splicing. Then, at time t4, when a first predetermined period T3 has elapsed since splicing, the print control device 100 gradually increases the ink supply rate. Then, at time t5, when a second predetermined period T4 has elapsed, the print control device 100 stops increasing the ink supply rate. Note that during the second predetermined period T4, the web W of the new web roll is consumed and the web W on the inner periphery is used, so the moisture content of the web W of the new web roll returns to the moisture content of the web W of the current web roll.

[0058] Next, a printing control method for controlling the dampening water supply amount will be described. Fig. 5-2 is a flowchart showing the dampening water supply amount control method, and Fig. 6-2 is a time chart showing the dampening water supply amount control method.

[0059] 4 and 5-2, in step S11, the print control device 100 determines whether or not a splicing signal has been input. If the print control device 100 determines that a splicing signal has not been input (No), it exits this routine without doing anything.

[0060] On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the splicing signal has been input (Yes), then in step S12 the print control device 100 determines whether a predetermined, predetermined time has elapsed since the splicing signal was input. Here, if the print control device 100 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the splicing signal was input (No), it maintains this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the splicing signal was input (Yes), then in step S13 the print control device 100 increases the amount of dampening water supplied. In this case, the print control device 100 increases the amount of dampening water supplied by a fixed amount.

[0061] In step S14, the print control device 100 determines whether a first predetermined period has elapsed since the dampening water supply rate was increased. The dampening water supply devices 64a, 64b increase the dampening water supply rate by adjusting the dampening water supply rate of the spray nozzles 84a, 84b. The first predetermined period is the time it takes for the print density to reach an optimal value as a result of the dampening water supply rate increase control, and is preferably calculated in advance, for example, by experiment.

[0062] Here, if the print control device 100 determines that the first predetermined period has not elapsed since the paper splicing (No), it continues this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the first predetermined period has elapsed since the paper splicing (Yes), it reduces the amount of dampening water supplied in step S15. The rate at which the amount of dampening water supplied is reduced is linear control, in which the amount of dampening water is reduced linearly, but it may also be step control, in which the amount of dampening water is reduced in stages, or function control, in which the amount of dampening water is reduced in a curved manner.

[0063] After the current web is switched to a new web, as the web W of the new web is consumed, the new web switches from the outer periphery of the web W to the inner periphery of the web W, and the moisture content of the web W increases. When the moisture content of the web W of the new web increases to a predetermined value, the print control device 100 reduces the amount of dampening water supplied and returns it to the amount before splicing. In this case, the print control device 100 gradually reduces the amount of dampening water supplied. Then, in step S16, the print control device 100 determines whether a second predetermined period has elapsed since the amount of dampening water supplied during splicing was reduced.

[0064] If the print control device 100 determines that the second predetermined period has not elapsed since the dampening water supply rate was reduced (No), the print control device 100 continues this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the second predetermined period has elapsed since the dampening water supply rate was reduced (Yes), the print control device 100 stops reducing the dampening water supply rate in step S17.

[0065] 4 and 6-2, when splicing is performed at time t1, the print density of the web W by the printing unit U1 increases at time t2, when the arrival time T1 has elapsed. That is, because the moisture content of the web W of the new web roll is lower than the moisture content of the web W of the current web roll, when the web W of the new web roll after splicing reaches the printing unit U1, the print density of the web W increases. Meanwhile, at time t2, the print control device 100 increases the amount of dampening water supplied by a fixed amount.

[0066] Then, at time t3, when time T2 has passed since the adjusted (increased) amount of dampening water supplied reaches the web W, the print density of the web W produced by the printing unit U1 gradually decreases, and the print density returns to the optimal density before splicing. Then, at time t4, when a first predetermined period T3 has passed since splicing, the print control device 100 gradually reduces the amount of dampening water supplied. Then, at time t5, when a second predetermined period T4 has passed, the print control device 100 stops reducing the amount of dampening water supplied. Note that during the second predetermined period T4, the web W of the new web roll is consumed, and the web W on the inner periphery is used, so the moisture content of the web W of the new web roll returns to the moisture content of the web W of the current web roll.

[0067] <First Modification of Printing Control Method> First, a printing control method for controlling the ink supply rate will be described. Fig. 7-1 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the ink supply rate control method, and Fig. 8-1 is a time chart showing the first modified example of the ink supply rate control method.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7-1, in step S10, the print control device 100 determines whether a pre-splicing signal has been input. The pre-splicing signal is a signal related to the splicing operation and is a command signal output a predetermined period prior to the time when splicing is to be performed. The paper feed unit R1 detects or estimates the winding diameter of the current paper roll, which is input to the control device of the printing unit U1. Therefore, the control device can estimate the time when splicing will occur and output a pre-splicing signal a predetermined period TO prior to the time when splicing will be performed. The predetermined period TO is the time it takes for the adjusted (reduced) ink supply rate to reach the web W. If the print control device 100 determines that a pre-splicing signal has not been input (No), it exits this routine without taking any action.

[0069] On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the pre-splicing signal has been input (Yes), it reduces the ink supply amount in step S13. That is, since it is estimated that the moisture content of the web W will decrease during splicing and the print density will increase, the ink supply amount is reduced before splicing. After that, the processing from step S14 onwards is the same as in the embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] 4 and 8-1, at time t0, a predetermined period T0 before the time t1 at which splicing is performed, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply amount by a fixed amount. Then, at time t2 when splicing is performed and the arrival time T1 has passed, the ink supply amount reduction process is reflected, and the print density of the web W by the printing unit U1 is prevented from becoming too high.

[0071] Then, at time t4, when the first predetermined period T3 has elapsed since splicing, the print control device 100 gradually increases the amount of ink supplied. After that, at time t5, when the second predetermined period T4 has elapsed, the print control device 100 stops increasing the amount of ink supplied.

[0072] Next, a printing control method for controlling the dampening water supply amount will be described. Fig. 7-2 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the dampening water supply amount control method, and Fig. 8-2 is a time chart showing the first modified example of the dampening water supply amount control method.

[0073] 4 and 7-2, in step S10, the print control device 100 determines whether or not a pre-splicing signal has been input. If the print control device 100 determines that a pre-splicing signal has not been input (No), it exits this routine without doing anything.

[0074] On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the pre-splicing signal has been input (Yes), it increases the amount of dampening water supplied in step S13. That is, since it is estimated that the moisture content of the web W will decrease and the print density will increase during splicing, the amount of dampening water supplied before splicing is increased. Thereafter, the processing from step S14 onwards is the same as in the embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] 4 and 8-2, at time t0, a predetermined period T0 before the time t1 at which splicing is performed, the print control device 100 increases the amount of dampening water supplied by a fixed amount. Then, at time t2 when splicing is performed and the arrival time T1 has passed, the process of increasing the amount of dampening water supplied is reflected, and the print density of the web W by the printing unit U1 is prevented from increasing.

[0076] Then, at time t4, when the first predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the splicing, the print control device 100 gradually reduces the amount of dampening water supplied. After that, at time t5, when the second predetermined period T4 has elapsed, the print control device 100 stops reducing the amount of dampening water supplied.

[0077] <Second Modification of Printing Control Method> FIG. 9 is a time chart showing a second modified example of the printing control method.

[0078] In the second modified example, a print density adjustment device is provided in the printing unit U1. The print density adjustment device is disposed on the exit side of the web W in the printing unit U1. The print density adjustment device has a density sensor. The density sensor is, for example, a camera, and photographs the image printed on the web W. The control device of the printing unit U1 sets the density of a reference print image based on the printing information and outputs the result to the print density adjustment device. The print density adjustment device compares the density of the reference print image on the web W with the density of the actual print image on the web W photographed by the camera. The print density adjustment device outputs a print density correction signal corresponding to the deviation between the density of the reference print image and the density of the actual print image. The print density correction signal includes a print density correction amount for reducing the deviation between the density of the reference print image and the density of the actual print image. The print density adjustment device outputs the print density correction signal to ink supply devices 54a and 54b. The ink supply devices 54a and 54b adjust the ink supply amount based on the print density correction signal from the print density adjustment device, and automatically correct the deviation in print density of the web W.

[0079] 4 and 9, at time t0, the print control device 100 reduces the ink supply amount by a fixed amount. At this time, the print control device 100 turns the print density adjustment device from ON to OFF, stopping the processing of the print density adjustment device. Then, at time t1, paper splicing is performed, and at time t2, when the arrival time T1 has passed, the process of reducing the ink supply amount is reflected, preventing the print density of the web W by the printing unit U1 from increasing.

[0080] Also, at time t2, the print control device 100 turns the print density adjustment device from OFF to ON, causes the print density adjustment device to execute processing, and thereafter automatically corrects the print density in accordance with the density deviation.

[0081] <Ink correction amount table> Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the first ink correction amount table, and Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the second ink correction amount table. Note that the parenthesized values ​​in Fig. 10 are the first dampening water correction amount table, and the parenthesized values ​​in Fig. 11 are the second dampening water correction amount table.

[0082] In the ink supply amount control (printing control) by the print control device 100 described above, the ink correction amount (amount of decrease in ink supply), arrival time (time when ink supply decreases), first predetermined time (time when ink supply increases) t4, second predetermined time (time when ink supply returns to normal) t5, etc. are set in advance as a table and stored as control data in the storage unit 103. Also, in the dampening water supply amount control (printing control) by the print control device 100, the dampening water correction amount (amount of increase in dampening water supply), arrival time (time when dampening water supply increases), first predetermined time (time when dampening water supply decreases) t4, second predetermined time (time when dampening water supply returns to normal) t5, etc. are set in advance as a table and stored as control data in the storage unit 103.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, the first ink correction amount table contains reference values ​​for the amount of decrease in ink supply (amount of increase in dampening water supply), the timing of decrease in ink supply (timing of increase in dampening water supply), the timing of increase in ink supply (timing of decrease in dampening water supply), and the current timing of return of ink supply (current timing of return of dampening water supply). The amount of decrease in ink supply is the rate of decrease. The timing of decrease in ink supply is the time until the adjusted (reduced) ink supply amount reaches the web W and is converted into the number of copies to be printed. The timing of increase in ink supply is the time from the time of paper splicing and is converted into the number of copies to be printed. The current timing of return of ink supply is the time from the time of paper splicing and is converted into the number of copies to be printed. The same applies to dampening water supply control.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the second ink correction amount table contains reference values ​​for the amount of ink supply decrease (amount of dampening water supply increase), the timing of ink supply decrease (timing of dampening water supply increase), the timing of ink supply increase (timing of dampening water supply decrease), and the current timing of ink supply recovery (current timing of dampening water supply recovery) relative to the web data. The web data includes the manufacturer and paper type, but other items may be added. The amount of ink supply decrease is the rate of decrease. The timing of ink supply decrease is the time going back from the time of splicing and is converted into the number of copies printed. The timing of ink supply increase is the time from the time of splicing and is converted into the number of copies printed. The current timing of ink supply recovery is the time from the time of splicing and is converted into the number of copies printed. The same applies to dampening water supply control.

[0085] In the printing unit U1, an ink correction amount table (damping water correction amount table) is set for each of the stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24. In addition, an ink correction amount table (damping water correction amount table) is set for each of the printing units U1 to U5.

[0086] <Learning control of ink correction amount> FIG. 12-1 is a flowchart illustrating a learning control method for the ink correction amount.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12-1, in step S21, the print control device 100 determines whether or not paper splicing has been performed. Specifically, the print control device 100 determines whether or not a paper splicing signal has been input. Here, if the print control device 100 determines that paper splicing has not been performed (No), it does nothing. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that paper splicing has been performed, it proceeds to step S22. When paper splicing is performed, the print control device 100 executes a process to reduce the ink supply amount, and in step S22, the print control device 100 determines whether or not the operator has adjusted the density (adjusted the ink supply amount) at this time.

[0088] If the print control device 100 determines that the operator has not adjusted the density (No), it proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the operator has adjusted the density (Yes), it stores the density adjustment value in the storage unit 103 as the amount of ink supply reduction in step S23.

[0089] In step S24, the print control device 100 determines whether a preset first number of copies (e.g., 1,000 copies) have been printed after splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the first number of copies have not been printed after splicing (No), it returns to step S22. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the first number of copies have been printed after splicing (Yes), it determines in step S25 whether a preset second number of copies (e.g., 2,000 copies) have been printed after splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the second number of copies have not been printed after splicing (No), it continues this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the second number of copies have been printed after splicing (Yes), it proceeds to step S26.

[0090] When the second number of copies is printed after splicing, the print control device 100 executes a process to increase the ink supply amount, and at step S26, the print control device 100 determines whether or not the operator has adjusted the density (adjusted the ink supply amount). If the print control device 100 determines that the operator has not adjusted the density (No), it proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the operator has adjusted the density (Yes), then at step S27, it stores the density adjustment time in the memory unit 103 as the time to increase the ink supply (first predetermined time t4).

[0091] In step S28, the print control device 100 determines whether a preset third number of copies (e.g., 5,000 copies) have been printed after splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the third number of copies have not been printed after splicing (No), it returns to step S26. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the third number of copies have been printed after splicing (Yes), it proceeds to step S29.

[0092] In step S29, the print control device 100 determines whether the ink supply rate increase process has been stopped. If the print control device 100 determines that the ink supply rate increase process has been stopped (Yes), it proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the ink supply rate increase process has not been stopped (No), it proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the print control device 100 determines whether the ink supply rate has returned to the ink supply rate before splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the ink supply rate has not returned to the ink supply rate before splicing (No), it returns to step S29. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the ink supply rate has returned to the ink supply rate before splicing (Yes), it proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the density adjustment time is stored in the memory unit 103 as the ink supply return time (second predetermined time t5).

[0093] In the learning control of the ink correction amount described above, during printing work, adjustment values ​​for the ink supply decrease amount, the ink supply increase time, and the current ink supply return time are stored in the storage unit 103. In the learning control, when a predetermined number of stored adjustment values ​​for the ink supply decrease amount, the ink supply increase time, and the ink supply return time are stored, the average value is calculated and updated, for example.

[0094] <Learning control of dampening water correction amount> FIG. 12-2 is a flowchart showing a learning control method for the dampening water correction amount.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12-2, in step S21, the print control device 100 determines whether or not paper splicing has been performed. Here, if the print control device 100 determines that paper splicing has not been performed (No), it does nothing. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that paper splicing has been performed, it proceeds to step S22. When paper splicing is performed, the print control device 100 executes a process to increase the amount of dampening water supplied, and in step S22, the print control device 100 determines whether or not the operator has adjusted the concentration (adjusted the amount of dampening water supplied) at this time.

[0096] If the print control device 100 determines that the operator has not adjusted the density (No), it proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the operator has adjusted the density (Yes), it stores the density adjustment value in the memory unit 103 as an increase in the amount of dampening water supplied in step S23.

[0097] In step S24, the print control device 100 determines whether a preset first number of copies (e.g., 1,000 copies) have been printed after splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the first number of copies have not been printed after splicing (No), it returns to step S22. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the first number of copies have been printed after splicing (Yes), it determines in step S25 whether a preset second number of copies (e.g., 2,000 copies) have been printed after splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the second number of copies have not been printed after splicing (No), it continues this state. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the second number of copies have been printed after splicing (Yes), it proceeds to step S26.

[0098] When the second number of copies is printed after splicing, the print control device 100 executes a process to reduce the amount of dampening water supplied. At step S26, the print control device 100 determines whether or not the operator has adjusted the concentration (adjusted the amount of dampening water supplied). If the print control device 100 determines that the operator has not adjusted the concentration (No), it proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the operator has adjusted the concentration (Yes), it stores the concentration adjustment time in the memory unit 103 as the time to reduce the dampening water supply (first predetermined time t4) at step S27.

[0099] In step S28, the print control device 100 determines whether a preset third number of copies (e.g., 5,000 copies) have been printed after splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the third number of copies have not been printed after splicing (No), it returns to step S26. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the third number of copies have been printed after splicing (Yes), it proceeds to step S29.

[0100] In step S29, the print control device 100 determines whether the dampening water supply rate reduction process has been stopped. If the print control device 100 determines that the dampening water supply rate reduction process has been stopped (Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the dampening water supply rate reduction process has not been stopped (No), the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the print control device 100 determines whether the dampening water supply rate has returned to the dampening water supply rate before splicing. If the print control device 100 determines that the dampening water supply rate has not returned to the dampening water supply rate before splicing (No), the process returns to step S29. On the other hand, if the print control device 100 determines that the dampening water supply rate has returned to the dampening water supply rate before splicing (Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the concentration adjustment time is stored in the memory unit 103 as the dampening water supply return time (second predetermined time t5).

[0101] In the learning control of the dampening water correction amount described above, during printing, the adjustment values ​​for the dampening water supply increase amount, the dampening water supply decrease time, and the current dampening water supply return time are stored in the memory unit 103. In the learning control, when a predetermined number of stored adjustment values ​​for the dampening water supply increase amount, the dampening water supply decrease time, and the current dampening water supply return time have been stored, the average value is calculated and updated, for example.

[0102] The ink correction amount table (damping water correction amount table) described above need not be set only in accordance with web data, but may also be set in accordance with, for example, ink data (manufacturer data, etc.), the usage time and degree of deterioration of the rollers that make up the ink supply devices 54a, 54b, etc. Furthermore, learning control may also be performed using the ink adjustment amount by an operator, the dampening water adjustment amount, the ink adjustment amount by a print density adjustment device, the usage time and degree of deterioration of the rollers that make up the ink supply devices 54a, 54b and the dampening water supply devices 64a, 64b, etc.

[0103] [Effects of this embodiment] When a signal is input regarding a paper splicing operation to splice the web W of the current paper roll and the web W of the new paper roll, the printing control device of the first aspect performs at least one of a process to reduce the ink supply amount and a process to increase the dampening water supply amount.

[0104] According to the printing control device of the first aspect, when the web W to be printed is switched from the current web W of the paper roll to the new web W of the paper roll, the moisture content of the web W decreases and the print density increases, but at this time, by performing at least one of a process to reduce the ink supply amount and a process to increase the dampening water supply amount, fluctuations in print density are suppressed. As a result, it is possible to simplify the adjustment of print density during paper splicing and to suppress an increase in defective paper.

[0105] A print control device according to a second aspect is the print control device according to the first aspect, and further reduces the ink supply amount by a fixed amount over a first predetermined period when a signal related to a paper splicing operation is input, thereby suppressing fluctuations in print density over the first predetermined period.

[0106] A print control device according to a third aspect is the print control device according to the first or second aspect, and further increases the amount of dampening water supplied by a fixed amount over a first predetermined period when a signal related to a paper splicing operation is input, thereby suppressing fluctuations in print density over the first predetermined period.

[0107] A print control device according to a fourth aspect is the print control device according to the second or third aspect, and further, the first predetermined period is set according to the number of copies to be printed, thereby simplifying management of the first predetermined period.

[0108] A print control device according to a fifth aspect is the print control device according to the second or fourth aspect, and further increases the ink supply amount for a preset second predetermined period after the first predetermined period has elapsed. As a result, when the web W is consumed and the web W on the inner periphery of the new roll begins to be used, the moisture content of the web W increases, and by increasing the ink supply amount at this time, fluctuations in print density can be suppressed.

[0109] A print control device according to a sixth aspect is the print control device according to the third or fourth aspect, and further reduces the amount of dampening water supplied for a preset second predetermined period after the first predetermined period has elapsed. As a result, when the web W is consumed and the web W on the inner periphery of the new roll begins to be used, the moisture content of the web W increases, and by reducing the amount of dampening water supplied at this time, fluctuations in print density can be suppressed.

[0110] A print control device according to a seventh aspect is the print control device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, and further, the second predetermined period is set according to the number of copies to be printed, thereby simplifying management of the second predetermined period.

[0111] A print control device according to an eighth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, further comprising: a first predetermined period in which the ink supply amount is reduced by the same amount as a second predetermined period in which the ink supply amount is increased by the same amount, thereby restoring the ink supply amount after splicing to the amount before splicing.

[0112] A print control device according to a ninth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, and further, the amount by which the dampening water supply amount is increased over the first predetermined period is the same as the amount by which the dampening water supply amount is decreased over the second predetermined period. This makes it possible to return the dampening water supply amount after splicing to the amount before splicing.

[0113] A print control device according to a tenth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further, the signal related to the paper splicing operation is a command signal for executing the paper splicing or a detection signal for detecting the paper splicing operation, thereby simplifying print control.

[0114] A print control device according to an eleventh aspect is a print control device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further, the signal related to the splicing operation is a command signal output at a time a predetermined period prior to the time when splicing is performed. As a result, the ink supply amount is reduced before splicing, and the ink supply amount adjusted (reduced) during splicing reaches the web W, adjusting the print density, and making it possible to appropriately suppress fluctuations in print density.

[0115] A print control device according to a twelfth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the second to eleventh aspects, and further includes a setting of the amount by which the ink supply rate is reduced over the first predetermined period based on preset web data for the current web and the new web, thereby setting the amount by which the ink supply rate is reduced in accordance with the web data, and enabling the ink supply rate to be adjusted with high precision.

[0116] A print control device according to a thirteenth aspect is a print control device according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects, and further includes a setting of the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is increased over the first predetermined period based on preset web data for the current web and the new web, thereby setting the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is increased in accordance with the web data, and enabling the dampening water supply rate to be adjusted with high precision.

[0117] A print control device according to a fourteenth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the second to thirteenth aspects, and further includes a setting of an increase in the ink supply rate over a second predetermined period based on preset web data for the current web and the new web, thereby setting the increase in the ink supply rate in accordance with the web data, and enabling the ink supply rate to be adjusted with high precision.

[0118] A print control device according to a fifteenth aspect is a print control device according to any one of the second to fourteenth aspects, and further includes a setting of the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is reduced over a second predetermined period based on preset web data for the current web and the new web, thereby setting the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is reduced in accordance with the web data, thereby enabling the dampening water supply rate to be adjusted with high precision.

[0119] A print control device according to a sixteenth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, and further, the roll data includes the roll manufacturer and paper type. This allows the ink supply amount to be adjusted with high precision by using roll data according to the roll manufacturer and paper type.

[0120] A print control device according to a seventeenth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, and further, the paper roll data includes a roll diameter. This allows the ink supply rate to be adjusted with high precision by using paper roll data according to the roll diameter of the paper roll.

[0121] The print control device according to an eighteenth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, and further, the amount by which the ink supply rate is reduced is corrected by learning according to the deviation between the ink supply rate before splicing and the ink supply rate after concentration adjustment, thereby enabling the ink supply rate to be adjusted with high precision.

[0122] A print control device according to a 19th aspect is the print control device according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, and further, the amount by which the dampening water supply rate is increased is corrected by learning according to the difference between the dampening water supply rate before splicing and the dampening water supply rate after concentration adjustment. This makes it possible to adjust the dampening water supply rate with high precision.

[0123] A print control device according to a twentieth aspect is the print control device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, further comprising: a reduction amount of the ink supply amount over the first predetermined period set based on preset ink data, thereby enabling the ink supply amount to be adjusted with high precision.

[0124] A print control device according to a 21st aspect is the print control device according to any one of the 5th to 20th aspects, further comprising: a second predetermined period of time in which the ink supply amount is increased by a predetermined amount based on ink data, thereby enabling the ink supply amount to be adjusted with high precision.

[0125] A printing control method according to a 22nd aspect performs at least one of a process of reducing the ink supply amount and a process of increasing the dampening water supply amount when a signal related to a paper splicing operation for splicing a current web W of a paper roll and a new web W of a paper roll is input. As a result, when the web W to be printed is switched from the current web W of a paper roll to the new web W of a paper roll, at least one of a process of reducing the ink supply amount and a process of increasing the dampening water supply amount is performed, thereby suppressing fluctuations in print density. As a result, it is possible to simplify the work of adjusting print density during paper splicing and suppress an increase in defective paper.

[0126] A printing press according to a 23rd aspect includes an ink supply device 51b that supplies ink, a plate cylinder 41b to which ink is supplied from the ink supply device 51b to a printing plate attached to the outer periphery, a blanket cylinder 31b that transfers the ink image received from the plate cylinder 41b onto a web W, and a print control device 10. This simplifies the adjustment of print density during paper splicing and prevents an increase in the amount of defective paper.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the newspaper offset rotary press P is used as the printing press, but it may also be used as a commercial offset rotary press or an offset sheet-fed press. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 21, 22, 23, 24 stacks 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b Blanket body 41a,41b,42a,42b,43a,43b,44a,44b Plate cylinder 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b Ink supply device 61a,61b,62a,62b,63a,63b,64a,64b Dampening water supply device 71a, 71b Ink source roller 72a, 72b Ink key 73a, 73b Ink delivery roller 74a, 74b Ink distribution roller 75a, 75b Ink reciprocating roller 76a, 76b Ink distribution roller 77a, 77b Ink reciprocating roller 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b Ink form roller 81a, 81b Water rider roller 82a, 82b Water reciprocating roller 83a, 83b Swimsuit Roller 84a, 84b spray nozzle 100 Printing control device 101 Operation section 102 Display section 103 Storage section P Newspaper offset rotary printing press (printing press) R Paper feeder R1~R5 Paper feed units I Infeed device I1~I5 Infeed units U Printing device U1~U5, U11~U52 Printing units D Web Pass Device D1 Web Pass Unit F folding machine F1 folding unit

Claims

1. When a signal relating to a paper splicing operation for splicing the current paper roll web and the new paper roll web is input, at least one of a process for reducing the ink supply amount and a process for increasing the dampening water supply amount is performed. Print control device.

2. When a signal relating to the paper splicing operation is input, the ink supply amount is reduced by a fixed amount over a first predetermined period. The print control device according to claim 1 .

3. When a signal relating to the paper splicing operation is input, the amount of dampening water supplied is increased by a fixed amount over a first predetermined period. The print control device according to claim 1 .

4. The first predetermined period is set according to the number of copies to be printed.

4. The print control device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. After the first predetermined period has elapsed, the ink supply amount is increased for a second predetermined period. The print control device according to claim 2 .

6. After the first predetermined period has elapsed, the amount of dampening water supplied is reduced for a second predetermined period. The print control device according to claim 3 .

7. The second predetermined period is set according to the number of copies to be printed.

7. The print control device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. the amount by which the ink supply amount is decreased over the first predetermined period is equal to the amount by which the ink supply amount is increased over the second predetermined period; The print control device according to claim 5 .

9. an increase amount by which the dampening water supply amount is increased over the first predetermined period and an decrease amount by which the dampening water supply amount is decreased over the second predetermined period are equal to each other; The print control device according to claim 6 .

10. The signal related to the paper splicing operation is a command signal for executing paper splicing or a detection signal for detecting the paper splicing operation. The print control device according to claim 1 .

11. The signal related to the paper splicing operation is a command signal output at a time preceding the time when the paper splicing is to be performed by a predetermined period of time. The print control device according to claim 1 .

12. the amount by which the ink supply rate is reduced over the first predetermined period is set based on preset roll data of the current roll and the new roll; The print control device according to claim 2 .

13. the amount by which the dampening water supply amount is increased over the first predetermined period is set based on preset roll data of the current roll and the new roll; The print control device according to claim 3 .

14. an increment by which the ink supply rate is increased over the second predetermined period is set based on preset roll data of the current roll and the new roll; The print control device according to claim 5 .

15. the amount by which the dampening water supply amount is reduced over the second predetermined period is set based on preset roll data of the current roll and the new roll; The print control device according to claim 6 .

16. The roll data includes a manufacturer and a paper type of the roll. The print control device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. The roll data includes a roll diameter. The print control device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

18. The amount by which the ink supply amount is reduced is corrected by learning according to the deviation between the ink supply amount before splicing and the ink supply amount after concentration adjustment. The print control device according to claim 1 .

19. The amount by which the dampening water supply amount is increased is corrected by learning according to the deviation between the dampening water supply amount before splicing and the dampening water supply amount after concentration adjustment. The print control device according to claim 1 .

20. The amount by which the ink supply amount is reduced is set based on preset ink data. The print control device according to claim 1 .

21. The amount by which the ink supply amount is increased is set based on preset ink data. The print control device according to claim 5 .

22. When a signal relating to a paper splicing operation for splicing the current paper roll web and the new paper roll web is input, at least one of a process for reducing the ink supply amount and a process for increasing the dampening water supply amount is performed. Printing control method.

23. an ink supply device that supplies ink; a plate cylinder through which ink is supplied from the ink supply device to a printing plate attached to an outer periphery thereof; a blanket cylinder for transferring the ink image received from the plate cylinder to a web; The print control device according to claim 1 ; A printing press comprising:

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