Printing units for printing on a substrate according to an intaglio printing method and method for operating a printing unit operating according to an intaglio printing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing unit (500) for printing on a substrate according to an intaglio printing method, having a form cylinder (503) which, together with an impression cylinder (501), forms a printing point (502), said form cylinder (503) comprising an image-forming pattern of first recesses on its circumference, and an inking unit (508) for inking the pattern of recesses provided on the form cylinder (503), wherein the inking unit (508) comprises a first inking unit cylinder, the circumferential surface of which can be supplied with printing ink by an inking device (511), a second inking unit cylinder interacting downstream with the first inking unit cylinder, a third inking unit cylinder interacting downstream with the second inking unit cylinder, and a fourth inking unit cylinder interacting downstream with the third inking unit cylinder, which fourth inking unit cylinder in turn interacts downstream with the form cylinder (503). The first inking unit cylinder has, on its circumferential surface, a pattern of recesses serving to receive ink and / or an ink transfer form taking the form of a sleeve. The invention further relates to a method for operating a printing unit (500) operating according to an intaglio printing method.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Printing works for printing on substrates using an intaglio printing process, as well as methods for operating a printing work operating according to an intaglio printing process.

[0003] The invention relates to printing works for printing on substrates using an intaglio printing process and to a method for operating a printing work operating using an intaglio printing process according to the preamble of claim 1 or 3 or 20.

[0004] EP 2 909 033 B1 discloses an intaglio printing press with a printing unit in which a plate cylinder designed as a gravure cylinder is inked indirectly via an ink collection cylinder. This cylinder receives the printing ink via several stencil rollers, which in turn are inked by inking rollers. In one embodiment, the inking is carried out by two inking rollers, which receive the ink via a ductor roller interacting with an ink fountain. In another embodiment, there is no ink collection cylinder, but an additional ink transfer roller is provided between the ductor roller and the stencil roller.

[0005] WO 2005 / 077656 A1 discloses an inking system for an intaglio printing press, wherein in one embodiment the inking of the gravure printing plate is carried out directly by a stencil roller, which in turn is inked by a selective inking cylinder. The latter is sprayed with printing ink on its circumferential surface by a spray device, and the excess ink is removed by a wiper roller before contact with the stencil roller. In the other embodiments, the inking of the gravure printing plate is carried out indirectly via a transfer or collecting cylinder, which is inked by one or more stencil rollers, which in turn are inked by a selective inking cylinder. The latter is sprayed with printing ink on its circumferential surface by a spray device or a ductor roller interacting with an ink fountain, and the excess ink is again removed by a wiper roller before contact with the stencil roller.

[0006] CN 101544098 B relates to a ductor roller, an ink transfer device, and an ink transfer system of a gravure printing press. The ink is transferred from an ink reservoir via a ductor roller, which has an engraving on its circumference corresponding to the engraving on the gravure cylinder, to a flexible ink roller and from there to the gravure cylinder. When the ink is applied to the ductor roller, its outer surface makes contact with a hook-shaped scraper to remove the ink from the unengraved areas.

[0007] WO 2020 / 161057 A1 discloses a printing unit for printing on substrates using an intaglio printing process, wherein an inking unit inks a selective cylinder comprising recesses on its circumference, which have engravings on the form cylinder, excess ink is scraped off, and the ink pattern is transferred to the form cylinder via a stencil roller and an ink collection cylinder. In an advantageous embodiment, the selective cylinder is designed with a cylinder base body which carries a sleeve on its circumference that has the recesses. In an advantageous embodiment, the selective cylinder is hydraulically adjustable in its circumference effective for carrying the sleeve.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the bearing means are removable or preferably pivotable for changing the sleeve.

[0009] US Patent 4,604,951 A discloses an intaglio printing press comprising a plate cylinder carrying a printing plate, an inking roller in rolling contact with the plate cylinder and having a structure of ink-transferring protrusions on its circumference, and an inking unit comprising a ductor roller in rolling contact with the inking roller. The ductor roller has substantially the same circumference as the inking roller and has indentations of varying depths on its outer circumference that correspond to the indentations on the printing plate. During printing, a distance of 0.03 to 0.05 mm is set between the ductor roller and the inking knife.

[0010] US 9,302,461 B2 discloses an intaglio printing unit in which a form cylinder is inked via an ink collection cylinder, which receives its ink via a stencil cylinder and an application roller from a metering system with a ductor and ink box.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of creating printing units for printing on substrates using an intaglio printing process, as well as a method for operating a printing unit that works using an intaglio printing process.

[0012] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 or 3 or 20.

[0013] The advantages achievable with the invention consist in particular of enabling more economical operation with regard to ink consumption in at least one advantageous configuration and / or creating greater variability in the application and operation of the printing unit. Furthermore, good accessibility to the components requiring extensive setup, such as the inking units and / or to the first inking cylinders to be inked by the latter, is ensured.

[0014] A particularly preferred embodiment of a printing unit for printing on substrates using an intaglio printing process comprises a form cylinder that forms a printing point with a counter-pressure cylinder and which includes an image-forming pattern of first depressions on its circumference, as well as an inking unit for inking the pattern of depressions provided on the form cylinder, wherein the inking unit comprises a first inking cylinder whose outer surface can be supplied with printing ink by an inking device, a second inking cylinder that interacts downstream with the first inking cylinder, a third inking cylinder that interacts downstream with the second inking cylinder, and a fourth inking cylinder that interacts downstream with the third inking cylinder and which in turn interacts downstream with the form cylinder.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first inking cylinder has a pattern of indentations on its outer surface for receiving ink, wherein the inking device – particularly in at least one operating situation – comprises a doctor blade designed and / or effective removal device which is in contact with the outer surface of the first inking cylinder during operation in order to remove printing ink received on the outer surface from the outer surface surrounding the indentations, and / or the first inking cylinder comprises a cylinder base and an ink transfer form designed in the form of a sleeve, i.e. a circumferentially closed sleeve, which is detachably attached to the cylinder base in the operating state and has the outer surface to be acted upon on its circumference, i.e. its cylindrical outer circumferential surface.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the effective outer circumference of the first inking cylinder, which interacts with the inking unit, is in an integer ratio of 1 : n to the effective outer circumference of the forming cylinder, where neN < 4 (in words: n is a natural number less than or equal to four). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the effective outer circumference of the second and / or third inking cylinder is also in an integer ratio.

[0017] 1 : m (me N < 4) or 1 : I (I e N < 4) to the effective outer circumference of the mold cylinder.

[0018] In contrast to conventional inking units, in which, for example, ductor rollers do not have an integer ratio to the repeat length, for instance to avoid stenciling, the integer ratio in this case makes it possible to enable the configurations and operating modes of the inking and printing unit described below.

[0019] Not only, but especially in conjunction with a sleeve, the printing unit is configured or configurable in a first operating situation with a first version of the first inking cylinder, which has a uniform or regular structure of indentations or even a flat surface on its outer surface. In another or second operating situation with a second version, the printing unit has a different or second version of the first inking cylinder, which has an irregular structure on its outer surface with indentations corresponding to individual indentations on the form cylinder.

[0020] Preferably, the printing unit is configured to be, or become, optionally configured with the first inking cylinder in either the first or second version.

[0021] The first configuration, in which a doctor blade, instead of a conventional inkwell with ink meters adjustable to the smooth surface of the printing cylinder, moves across a cell structure, now allows for its replacement with a cylinder that, instead of a regular structure, has an irregular one with depressions corresponding to individual recesses on the cylinder. In the second version with a flat surface, the retaining element can, for example, be designed or used in the form of an ink meter – e.g., a single-piece or axially multi-part – and form a metering gap with the cylinder's outer surface for dispensing the ink quantity.

[0022] For example, in operational situations where a large number of copies of the same subject need to be printed, a correspondingly engraved inking cylinder can be used, while for smaller print runs, the less elaborate inking cylinder with a uniform cell structure or possibly a flat surface is used.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the printing unit is designed as a multi-color printing unit with several color passes, each with an inking device, a first, a second and a third inking cylinder, which are arranged successively with their third inking cylinder on the circumference of the same fourth inking cylinder, cooperating with it.

[0024] Not only, but particularly advantageously in conjunction with a multicolor printing unit, a plurality of unconnected, ink-transferring protrusions, separated from one another by recessed areas or regions, are provided at least on the circumference of the third inking cylinder. In a further advantageous embodiment, such protrusions are provided instead, or advantageously also, on the second inking cylinder.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the first inking cylinder, the recesses serving for ink reception are provided on the circumference of an ink transfer form which is detachably attached to a cylinder base body in an operational manner, in particular on the circumference of an ink transfer form designed in the manner of a sleeve, which is fundamentally independent of, but advantageously combined with, one or more of the above aspects.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder body is designed with a variable effective circumference in at least one longitudinal section accommodating the sleeve, particularly segmented in the region of its outer circumference, and has several individual circumferential segments arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction. These segments extend axially and are mounted at variable radial distances from the cylinder axis on a one- or multi-part inner cylinder body. Advantageously, several or each of the circumferential segments can be moved between a setup state, in which the respective circumferential segment is positioned closer to the cylinder axis, and a working position, in which the respective circumferential segment is positioned closer to the cylinder axis, via one or more axially spaced actuating means.

[0027] Fundamentally independent of, but preferably in conjunction with, one or more of the above aspects, in particular with the design as a sleeve and / or the design with a segmented cylinder base, the cylinder base of the first inking unit cylinder is operationally supported at both end faces by respective cylinder journals of the cylinder base via a radial bearing in side walls, wherein an opening can be produced in a first of the side walls facing the end face of the first inking unit cylinder, through which a sleeve can be inserted for removal and / or insertion, while the cylinder base on the other side is still floating, i.e., only supported on the end face opposite the opening.In particular, on one of the two end faces, the radial bearing receiving the cylinder journal is supported by a bearing ring in the side wall which can be removed for setup purposes and which, after removal, reveals an annular opening between the radial bearing and the side wall.

[0028] The aforementioned advantageous designs and further trainings can each be used individually, but also – provided that no contradictory or conflicting items are involved – individually or in combination.

[0029] Further design variants, further developments and details can be found individually or in combination in the following description and the subclaims.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a printing press, in particular a gravure printing press;

[0032] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a printing unit, in particular a multicolor printing unit, from Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows an inking unit of a printing unit;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a configuration with i) a forming cylinder having a pattern of depressions, ii) a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of depressions on the third inking cylinder designed as a stencil cylinder, iii) a flat, unstructured ink transfer surface on the second inking cylinder designed as a transfer cylinder, and iv) a first inking cylinder having a uniform or regular cell structure;

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a printing unit configuration with i) a form cylinder having a pattern of depressions, ii) a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of depressions on the third inking cylinder designed as a stencil cylinder, iii) a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of depressions on the second inking cylinder designed as a stencil cylinder, and iv) a first inking cylinder having a uniform or regular cell structure;

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a printing unit configuration with i) a form cylinder having a pattern of depressions, ii) a third inking cylinder designed as a stencil cylinder having a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of depressions, iii) a second inking cylinder designed as a stencil cylinder having a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of depressions, and iv) a first inking cylinder having a pattern of depressions on its circumference corresponding to first depressions on the form cylinder;

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a printing unit configuration with i) a pattern of depressions on the form cylinder, ii) a third inking cylinder designed as a stencil cylinder, having a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of depressions, iii) a second inking cylinder having a pattern of raised areas on its circumference corresponding to individual depressions or groups of depressions on the form cylinder, iv) a first inking cylinder having a pattern of depressions on its circumference corresponding to first depressions on the form cylinder;

[0038] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a printing unit configuration with i) a pattern of depressions on the form cylinder, ii) a third inking cylinder having a pattern of raised areas on its circumference corresponding to individual depressions or groups of depressions on the form cylinder, iii) a third inking cylinder, designed as a stencil cylinder, having a pattern of raised areas corresponding to areas of first depressions, and iv) a first inking cylinder having a pattern of depressions on its circumference corresponding to first depressions on the form cylinder; Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the inking unit from Fig. 3, which interacts with the first inking cylinder;

[0039] Fig. 10 is a perspective sectional view of the dyeing device from Fig. 9;

[0040] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the first inking cylinder according to a first embodiment or configuration with a uniform or regular cell structure;

[0041] Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the first inking cylinder according to a second design or configuration with recesses corresponding to individual engravings on the form cylinder;

[0042] Fig. 13 shows an exemplary representation of a first design or configuration for the second or third inking cylinder with a flat surface;

[0043] Fig. 14 shows an exemplary representation of a second design or configuration for the second or third inking cylinder with raised areas;

[0044] Fig. 15 shows an exemplary representation of a first design or configuration for the second or third inking cylinder with raised sections;

[0045] Fig. 16 a) a perspective view of a sleeve and b) a cross-sectional view through the layer structure of an ink transfer form of the first inking cylinder;

[0046] Fig. 17 shows a segmented cylindrical base body of the first inking unit cylinder a) in perspective and b) in sectional view; Fig. 18 shows a longitudinal section through the segmented cylindrical base body from Fig. 17;

[0047] Fig. 19 shows an end-face mounting of the first inking unit cylinder in a radial bearing supported by a removable clamping ring a) in the working state and b) in the setup state.

[0048] A printing press, in particular a security printing press, comprises at least one printing unit 500, through which substrate S can be printed at least according to a gravure printing process, in particular in steel engraving or intaglio printing, for example a substrate feed 100, through which the substrate S to be printed can be supplied to the printing press on the inlet side, a first conveying section 200, through which the substrate S - possibly via one or more further processing units - can be supplied to the at least one printing unit 500, a product intake 400, through which the at least simply printed substrate S' can be grouped into packages, and a second conveying section 300, through which the substrate S' - possibly via one or more further processing units - can be supplied to the product intake 400.

[0049] The printing press is designed, for example, as a sheet-fed printing press, in particular as a sheet-fed printing press using an intaglio or steel engraving printing process. The steel engraving or intaglio printing process is a gravure printing process that is preferably used for the industrial production of banknotes, security documents, or security elements. In this process, high pressure is exerted on the substrate S at the printing point, such that, in addition to applying ink to the substrate S, a relief-like deformation of the surface occurs in the areas to be inked.

[0050] The printing press, preferably operating according to the steel engraving or intaglio printing process, preferably comprises, as a sheet-fed printing press, upstream of the printing unit 500 operating according to a gravure printing process, in particular an intaglio printing process, the substrate feed 100, preferably designed as a sheet feeder 100, by means of which the substrate S to be printed, in the form of in particular stacked substrate sheets S, e.g. printing material sheets S, in particular security sheets S, is provided or at least can be provided at the inlet side of the printing press.

[0051] Furthermore, it comprises a sheet feeder 201 encompassed by the first conveying section 200, by means of which substrate sheets S provided at the sheet feeder 100 are fed, for example, via linear conveying means 202 and / or one or more transfer cylinders 203, to the printing unit 500 of the printing press in a sequence, i.e., individually one after the other. Preferably, a vibrating gripper system is provided to transfer the substrate sheets S to the first transfer cylinder 203.

[0052] Downstream of the - e.g., the only or last - printing unit 500, the printing machine further has, e.g., a transport device 301 encompassed by the second conveyor 300, to which substrate sheets S' printed in the printing unit 500 are transferred and transported by this device to a subsequent processing unit or to the product receiving unit 400, designed here as a delivery unit 400, in particular a stack delivery unit 400, e.g., a multi-stack delivery unit, or at least can be transported and deposited there or at least can be deposited there.

[0053] In a first embodiment, as shown, the transport device 301 is designed, for example, as a transport system comprising a circulating transport means, e.g., a conveyor belt or chain system, in particular a chain gripper system, to which the substrate sheets S' printed at least by the printing unit 500 are or can be transferred directly or via at least one or more intermediate cylinders, e.g., those included by the second conveying section 300. In an alternative embodiment, not shown here, the transport device 301 comprises one or more transfer cylinders, from which the substrate sheets S' are or can be transferred, e.g., to a transport device belonging to the delivery unit 400, e.g., to a transport system comprising a circulating transport means.

[0054] The stacking unit 400 has substrate sheets S' in the transport direction T; S' comprises several stacks, e.g., at least three stacks or stacking spaces 401 arranged one behind the other. An undesignated inspection system, e.g., optical, preferably camera-based, can be arranged in the area of ​​the transport device 301 or on the transport path of the stacking unit 400, by means of which the quality of the printed substrate sheets S' is checked or at least can be checked. The substrate sheets S' are checked, in particular, for defects in comparison with a predetermined template. Depending on this inspection result, the substrate sheets S' are then placed on a specific stack of the multi-stack delivery unit, namely, in the case of a defective substrate sheet S', on one of the stacks, the one defined as the waste stack.

[0055] In the case of a web-processing printing press, the printed images for a specific print length are not printed onto substrate sections S; S' formed by substrate sheets S; S', but rather onto consecutive substrate sections S; S' on the substrate web. If printing is seamless, i.e., without an intervening trim, the repeat lengths defined by the printing unit 500, i.e., a repeating sequence during unwinding, coincide with the possible print length, i.e., the maximum length of a printed image or subject. The web-shaped printed substrate S' is wound downstream, for example, into a product roll or cut into substrate sheets S' and stacked.

[0056] Basically, at least one, which works according to a gravure printing process, can be used.

[0057] Printing unit 500 in the first and / or second conveyor section 200; 300 one or more further printing units, operating according to the same or different printing process, may be located upstream or downstream.

[0058] The printing unit 500, operating according to the gravure printing process, in particular steel engraving or intaglio printing, hereinafter also referred to as gravure printing unit 500, in particular gravure printing unit 500 or intaglio printing unit 500, comprises at least one printing unit cylinder 501, also effective and / or designated as an impression cylinder 501, and a printing unit cylinder 503, in particular an intaglio printing cylinder 503, which forms a printing point 502 with the impression cylinder 501, and which forms a printing area 502. The impression cylinder 501 and the impression cylinder 503 are preferably positioned against each other under high pressure or can at least be positioned against each other. In the embodiment as a sheet-shaped substrate S; processing printing press S', the impression cylinder 501 preferably comprises one or more, e.g., B. p (with pe N, in words: p from the set of natural numbers), preferably p = k, axially extending cylindrical channels with a holding means each, e.g.a gripper bar by which the arc-shaped substrate S is held and, resting on the counter-pressure cylinder 501, can be conveyed through the pressure point 502.

[0059] The printing cylinder 503 carries on its circumference one or more, in particular k (with ke ∈ N), printing forms 504 with a pattern of ink-receiving recesses 514 underlying the printed image, e.g., subject, hereinafter also referred to as "engravings" 514, regardless of their production, unless explicitly specified (see, e.g., schematically Fig. 4 i), Fig. 5 i), Fig. 6 i), Fig. 7 i), and Fig. 8 i). Where no explicit distinction is made, the term printing form 504, in particular intaglio printing form 504, refers either to the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder itself, encompassing the recesses 514 or engravings 514 of a printing length, or, preferably, to a printing form 504 detachably or arrangably on the printing cylinder 503, encompassing the recesses 514 or engravings 514 on the outside. B. as printing plate 504 or possibly as printing form sleeve.

[0060] Preferably, the form cylinder 503 is designed to be "multiple sizes", e.g. k-size (with ke N , 1 < k < 5, in particular k < 3), e.g. triple size, and has on its circumference the subjects of m, e.g. k = 3, to be printed in succession, in particular it is designed to receive m, e.g. k = 3, printing forms 504 in succession and / or to print m, e.g. k = 3, to be printed in succession, in particular to receive and / or print several e.g. k = 3, substrate sheets S per revolution.In the preferred case of a sheet-fed printing press, or sheet-fed printing press for short, the repeat length, relative to the printing unit 500 and determined by the printing cylinder 503, comprises the circumferential width of a holding and / or clamping channel 551 provided for sheet-fed printing and the length of the circumferential section between the trailing end of a holding and / or clamping channel 551 and the leading end of the same holding and / or clamping channel 551 in the case of single circumferential printing, or the next holding and / or clamping channel 551 in the case of multiple circumferential printing. The latter can, if the entire undisturbed circumferential section is utilized, correspond to the printing length, i.e., the image or effective printing form length, or it can encompass it.

[0061] The engravings 514 are preferably provided in an outer metal layer of the printing form 504, which, for example, is coated with a hard metallic material, such as chromium, after the engravings 514 have been made. The level of the unengraved surface of the printing cylinder 503 at its outer circumference, i.e., of the directly engraved cylinder body or the printing form 504 provided on it, determines the effective outer diameter D503 of the printing cylinder 503 for printing operation. It is defined by the length and number k of printing lengths on the circumference and, in the case of substrate sheets S to be printed, by the width of the k holding and / or clamping channels 551. Preferably, the printing unit 500 or the printing machine is designed to print the substrate S, in particular the substrate sheet S, by one or more printing images or printing forms 504, each with multiple print areas, i.e., multiple print areas Nj per printing image or printing form 504.The overall printed image to be applied to a printing length or by a printing form 504 and / or the image assigned to a substrate sheet S; S' or substrate section S; S' is preferably formed by the printed images of a plurality of labels Nj, e.g., banknotes Nj, to be printed matrix-like onto the substrate S in several columns side by side and in several rows one after the other. Accordingly, the engraving pattern of a printing form 504 assigned to the printing length is formed by a corresponding plurality of patterns of recesses 514 arranged matrix-like in columns and rows – in particular, patterns identical in motif – e.g., engravings 514 relating to the same motif. In principle, a number of first rows or columns with a plurality of first patterns of recesses 514 could also be used, e.g.,Banknotes of a first currency and / or value, and a number of second rows or columns with a plurality of second patterns of indentations 514, second use Nj, e.g., banknotes of a second currency on a printing length or printing form 504. Preferably, however, at least with regard to the printed image to be produced by the engravings 514, the same patterns of indentations 514 are provided for all use Nj across the entire printing length and printing width of a repeating length. In the case of a multi-sized form cylinder 503, the same patterns of indentations 514 are preferably provided for the use Nj of all repeating lengths. Here and in the following, printing width is understood to mean the total width provided and / or required for printing the use Nj to be printed side by side, and printing length is understood to mean the total printed image or design length provided and / or required for printing the use Nj to be printed consecutively in a repeating length.

[0062] In the preferred case of a plurality of substrate sections S; S' printed in columns and rows, the same image motifs are printed on at least a plurality of these sections, preferably on all sections Ni. Such an image motif can be a spatially isolated printed area with complete image information, such as portraits, cultural sites, everyday objects, landscapes, or similar. Alternatively, the image motif can also be represented by alphanumeric information or by a regular or irregular pattern – e.g., without any actual representational meaning. An image motif can also be a combination of the above characteristics. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the intaglio or...Intaglio printing, the image motif to be printed may be a security feature or part of one, which is characterized, for example, by a particularly high resolution with regard to color and / or color density of lines or printed elements applied in gravure or intaglio printing, especially raised ones.

[0063] Several such image motifs, spatially separated from one another, can be provided for each unit Nj. ​​Such spatially separated image motifs of the same unit Nj can, for example, be printed using different colors in a version of the printing unit 500 as a multicolor printing unit 500.

[0064] To remove excess ink from the colored mold cylinder 503 or its circumference, a removal device 506, e.g., a wiping device 506 with a wiping cylinder 507, is positioned against the mold cylinder 503 or can at least be positioned in such a way. The wiping cylinder 507 is coated on its outer surface, e.g., with a plastic.

[0065] The printing cylinder 503, or a printing form 504 provided thereon, can be inked in one color or, preferably, in multiple colors by an inking unit 508 via an inking section 532, i.e., a series of several inking unit cylinders 512, 516, 519 acting in pairs. A further inking unit cylinder 531 can be provided between the respective inking section 532 and the printing cylinder 503. Such an inking unit 508 can be mounted, either as a whole or in sections, so as to be movable away from a printing unit part 509, which preferably is fixed in space and comprises the printing cylinders 501, 503 forming the printing area 502, and / or can even be designed to be divisible.

[0066] The inking unit 508, or the inking section 532 it encompasses, comprises—considering the ink transport direction within the inking unit 508 at its upstream end—an inking unit 511, supplied or capable of being supplied with printing ink, for example, by an ink supply system 517, through which a first inking cylinder 512, e.g., ink driver 512, can be inked. A second inking cylinder 516, which interacts with it downstream, can be inked by the first inking cylinder 512 within the inking unit 508.

[0067] In the following, the term "effective width" shall be understood to mean a width on the outer surface of the respective inking cylinders 512; 516; 519; 531 corresponding to the printing width, and the term "effective circumference" shall be understood to mean the circumferential section corresponding to a printing length. Accordingly, the term "effective circumferential area" of an inking cylinder 512; 516; 519; 531 shall be understood to mean that area on the outer surface which results from the effective width, i.e., the width required for inking across the entire printing width, and the effective circumference, i.e., the length of the circumferential section required for inking a printing length.

[0068] The first inking cylinder 512 preferably has a hard surface in the area of ​​its outer surface 518 - at least in the area of ​​its effective circumferential surface - e.g. a layer 541 made of metal or preferably of a ceramic material.

[0069] In a first embodiment or configuration of the first inking cylinder 512, the inking cylinder 512 has, in the area of ​​its outer surface 518 intended for ink transfer, e.g., over the entire outer surface 518 or, in particular, at least in a outer surface area corresponding to the printing length and printing width on the form cylinder 503, a uniform or regular structure of depressions 505 extending over the entire outer surface 518 or the outer surface area, e.g., a uniform or regular cell structure with a plurality of cells 505. Outside the outer surface area relevant for printing, e.g., in the area of ​​a lateral overhang and / or in a circumferential section which is in rolling motion with a holding and / or clamping channel 548; 549; 552; 551 of one or more downstream inking or printing cylinders 516; 519; 531 ; 503 coincides, the lateral surface can be flat, i.e. without depressions 505.

[0070] The cells 505 can, for example, all have the same size, i.e., area and depth, and all be arranged in a regular pattern – e.g., in axially inclined rows and circumferentially or inclined columns. However, cells 505 of different sizes can also be arranged in respective, non-coincident patterns uniformly distributed over the lateral surface or at least the effective circumferential surface or lateral surface areas. The structure extending over the entire lateral surface 518 or at least the area of ​​the effective circumferential surface or lateral surface areas is to be considered uniform or regular insofar as a uniform or several interwoven cell pattern repeats itself in such a way that a pattern is formed over an area of, for example, 1 cm². 2The specific cell area is the same across the entire area under consideration, i.e., at least across the entire effective circumferential area. In this embodiment or configuration of the first inking cylinder 512, the inking cylinder 512 transports a uniform amount of printing ink, macroscopically speaking, at least in the area of ​​the lateral surface 518 exhibiting the uniform or regular cell structure.

[0071] Such a first inking cylinder 512 or such a surface 518 in a first embodiment or configuration is hereinafter also referred to as the first inking cylinder 512 or surface 518 with a uniform or regular cell structure as defined above and represents, for example, a so-called anilox roller. A section of a surface 518 having such a structure with schematically indicated cells 505 is shown, for example, schematically in Fig. 4 iv) and Fig. 5 iv), and a first inking cylinder 512 having such a uniform or regular cell structure on its surface 518 with schematically indicated cells 505 is shown, for example, by way of example in Fig. 11.

[0072] In one embodiment of the first inking cylinder 512 with a uniform surface structure, at least the area of ​​its surface effective for ink transfer has a flat surface, i.e., without any ink-receiving depressions. A retaining element 556, described below, then acts, for example, as an ink meter, forming a metering gap with the surface of the first inking cylinder. An actuator 561, also described in more detail below, for the retaining element 556—which is either a single component or, preferably, axially multi-part—is then preferably positioned relative to it, i.e., adjustable at a defined distance from the surface. The aforementioned recesses 505, which are partly shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, are used for the embodiment with a uniform or regular structure.The 5 schematically represented configurations for the first, second and third inking unit cylinders 516; 519 are equally applicable to the design variant of the first inking unit cylinder 512 with a flat surface.

[0073] In a second embodiment or configuration, which is particularly advantageous with regard to ink consumption, the inking cylinder 512 has an irregular structure of recesses 513 on its outer surface 518, especially within the area of ​​its effective circumferential surface. In particular, it has recesses 513 that correspond to individual recesses 514 on the forming cylinder 503 – e.g., with respect to their shape (see, e.g., Fig. 6 iv), Fig. 7 iv), or Fig. 8 iv). Individual recesses 513 on the first inking cylinder 512 that correspond to recesses 514 on the forming cylinder 503 are recesses 513 that, when rolled over all the intervening inking cylinders 516, 519, and 531, lie only on a single recess 514 on the forming cylinder 503. The corresponding shape can, for example, be correlated via a mapping using a fixed mathematical relationship.

[0074] The wording that in this version or configuration individual recesses 513 corresponding to individual recesses 514 on the mold cylinder 503 are provided is intended to express that at least a majority of such recesses 513 are to be provided in a 1:1 relationship, but not necessarily all recesses 513 have to be in such a 1:1 relationship to corresponding recesses 514 on the mold cylinder 503.

[0075] The recesses 513 encompassed in the area of ​​the outer surface 518 of the second version or operating situation or configuration of the printing unit 500 or the first inking cylinder 512, which correspond at least in part to engravings 514 on the printing cylinder 503 or its printing form 504, are hereby referred to as "engravings" 513, unless explicitly specified, regardless of their production. These corresponding engravings 513 do not have to have exactly the same dimensions and depth as the corresponding engravings 514, but are related to each other, for example, with respect to shape and / or depth, in a defined way, for example, via a mathematical relationship as described above, which is derived, for example, from established or to be established rules. A larger width b513 is preferred for engravings 513 on the inking cylinder 512, e.g.Line thickness b513, and / or a greater depth is provided than for the corresponding engravings 514 on the form cylinder 503 or the printing form 504 encompassed or supported by it. In the following, the inking cylinder 512 comprising the engravings 513 will, unless explicitly specified, be referred to as the “color engraving cylinder” 512, and, due to the selective ink application, also as the selective cylinder 512, irrespective of the production of the recesses 513.

[0076] Furthermore, the term "individual linear indentations 513" is to be understood as corresponding to individual, particularly line-like, engravings 514 on the forming cylinder 503, or to engravings 513 on the color engraving cylinder 512. It is also intended to include corresponding, in particular line-like, indentations 513 on the first color engraving cylinder 512, which, due to their greater length, are interrupted, for example, by one or more support ribs 515, which are only indicated by way of example in Fig. 6 iv), Fig. 7 iv), and Fig. 8 iv). In other words, a corresponding engraving 514 on the forming cylinder 503 is assigned a sectionally corresponding engraving 513 on the first inking cylinder 512, which is interrupted only by one or more support ribs 515.Such a corresponding recess 513, interrupted by support ribs 515, is formed by several sections continuing over one or more support ribs 515, all of which are assigned to the same recess 513 on the mold cylinder 503 and, if the support ribs 515 are conceptually removed, correspond in their shape again to that of the respective recess 514 on the mold cylinder 503. A recess 514 corresponding to a single recess 514 on the mold cylinder 504 is thus intended to comprise both a single continuous linear recess 513 and a linear recess 513 interrupted in sections by support ribs 515.

[0077] Here and in the following, the term "linear" is not to be equated with the term "straight-line", but is intended to include not only straight lines but also curved or otherwise non-linear lines.

[0078] In contrast to the first version or configuration with a uniform or regular cell structure, the color engraving cylinder 512 in this second version or configuration has an irregular structure, particularly linear, i.e., engravings 513 that are larger than the width b513, e.g., at least twice as long. The engravings 513 or depressions 513 of the first inking cylinder 512 in the second version or configuration are, for example, depressions 513 with a depth of, for example, up to a maximum of 0.3 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.2 mm relative to unengraved surface areas, and / or with a width b513 of, for example, at least 40 pm and / or at most 400 pm.

[0079] A first inking cylinder 512, or such a surface 518 in a second embodiment or configuration, is hereinafter also referred to as a first inking cylinder 512 or surface 518 with recesses 513 or engravings 513 corresponding to the engravings 514 on the forming cylinder 503 in the above sense. A section of a surface 518 having such recesses 513 is shown schematically, for example, in Fig. 6 iv), Fig. 7 iv), and Fig. 8 iv). A first inking cylinder 512 having such corresponding recesses 513 on its surface 518 is shown, for example, by way of example, in Fig. 12.

[0080] The outer diameter D512 of the color engraving cylinder 512, effective for the unwinding action with the second inking cylinder 516 during operation, is defined in the first and second embodiments or configurations by the areas of the undisturbed, i.e., unengraved, cylindrical surface 518. It is preferably in the ratio 1 : n to the outer diameter D503 of the printing cylinder 503, with ne N < 4, in particular n = 1, 2, or preferably 3. In a preferred embodiment of the printing unit 500, the first inking cylinder 512 has a circumference that corresponds only to a repeat length on the printing cylinder 503, i.e., a printing length plus the width of the retaining and / or clamping channel 551, if provided, on the printing cylinder 503.

[0081] The second inking cylinder 516, provided downstream of the first inking cylinder 512 and to be inked by the latter, preferably has a non-metallic, e.g. at least slightly elastic and / or compressible layer 541, e.g. made of a plastic or a rubber, in the area of ​​the circumferential effective surface of its outer surface 527.

[0082] In particular, the first inking cylinder 512 is made of a harder material in the area of ​​its outer surface, especially in the area of ​​its effective circumferential surface, than the second inking cylinder 516. Conversely, that the second inking cylinder 516 consists of a softer and / or more compliant, i.e., more elastic and / or compressible, material in the area of ​​its surface than the first inking cylinder 512.

[0083] In a first embodiment or configuration, the outer surface 527 of the second inking cylinder 516 can have a flat, unstructured surface, either entirely or at least over the entire area of ​​the circumferential effective surface for ink transfer (see, for example, Fig. 4 iii)). In such an embodiment or configuration, the second inking cylinder 516 acts as a transfer cylinder with a flat ink transfer surface and can—depending on the upstream inking—accept printing ink over the entire area of ​​its circumferential effective surface. The outer surface 527, or circumferential effective surface, can be formed by the outer surface of a layer 542 designed as a rubber layer.

[0084] In an advantageous second embodiment or configuration, however, a plurality of unconnected protrusions 528; 529; 529', separated from one another by recessed areas or regions, are provided for ink transfer on the circumference of the second inking cylinder 516 – at least within the circumferential effective area (see, for example, Fig. 5 iii), Fig. 6 iii), Fig. 7 iii) or Fig. 8 iii)). In this embodiment, at least one such protrusion 528; 529; 529' is provided on the second inking cylinder 516 for each unit Nj. ​​This allows areas of possible ink transfer, including upstream back transfer, to be limited and / or mixing with another printing ink to be avoided.Such elevations 528; 529; 529' in particular occupy a smaller area compared to a unit Nj and are provided, for example, in the same number and / or design on the surface 527 of the second inking cylinder 516 for each unit Nj to be printed within a printing length and width.

[0085] In a first embodiment or configuration variant, these raised areas 528 can, for example, be formed by larger raised areas 528, each of which is assigned to a whole group of recesses 514 present on the mold cylinder 503 in an area 523 and underlying, for example, a monochrome motif (see, for example, Fig. 5 iii), Fig. 6 iii) or Fig. 8 iii)). For example, one such more extensive raised area 528 can be provided for each benefit Nj per motif.

[0086] In a second, preferred embodiment or configuration variant, the projections 529; 529' on the outer surface 527 of the second inking cylinder 516 are formed by smaller sub-areas 529; 529' compared to the extent of the respective motif, which, for example, each correspond only to a portion of the recesses 514 on the printing cylinder 503 underlying the ink separation of a monochrome or multi-colored motif. Preferably, several such projections 529; 529' are provided on the second inking cylinder 516 for each printable area Nj, in particular for each image motif to be printed. Depending on the engraving density on the printing cylinder 503, these correspond, for example, either individually as raised ridges 529 with only one, e.g., line-like, recess 514 on the printing cylinder 503, or are – for example – B. in the form of fused bridges 529 - as raised sections 529' of a plurality of adjacent depressions 514 assigned.In this second design variant or configuration variant of the second design or configuration, several such unconnected raised areas 529; 529' are provided on the outer surface 527 of the second inking cylinder 516 for each print area per motif. This allows, on the one hand, better prevention of unwanted ink transfer and, on the other hand, a multi-colored design for a motif, whereby recesses 514 can be inked with a first color via one inking pass 532 and adjacent recesses 514 of the same motif can be inked with a second color via another inking pass 532.

[0087] Regardless of the variant described above, in this second embodiment, the second inking cylinder 516 interacts with the first inking cylinder 512 on the one hand and / or with the outer surface 521 of a downstream, e.g., third, inking cylinder 519 only in the area of ​​its projections 528; 529; 529'. The projections 528; 529; 529', intended for ink transport, define a surrounding cylinder surface that constitutes the effective outer diameter D516 of the second inking cylinder 516 for printing. Due to the protruding pattern of projections 528; 529; 529', the second inking cylinder 516 in this second embodiment is referred to here and subsequently as the stencil cylinder 516 or color relief cylinder 516.

[0088] The outer diameter D516 of the second inking unit cylinder 516, which is effective for the unwinding in operation, is given in the first version or configuration by the undisturbed outer surface 527 and in the second version or configuration by the cylinder outer surface enclosing the outwardly directed surfaces of the raised areas 528 or sub-areas 529; 529'. It is preferably in the ratio 1 : m to the outer diameter D503 of the printing cylinder 503, with me N < 4, in particular m = 1, 2 or preferably 3. In a preferred embodiment of the printing unit 500, the outer diameter D516 of the second inking cylinder 516 corresponds to the outer diameter D512 of the first inking cylinder 512, i.e. m = n, and / or has a circumference that corresponds only to a repeat length on the printing cylinder 503, i.e. a printing length plus the width of the retaining and / or clamping channel 551 optionally provided on the printing cylinder 503.

[0089] The third inking cylinder 519, which follows downstream of the second inking cylinder 516 and is to be inked by it, preferably also has a non-metallic, e.g. at least slightly elastic and / or compressible layer 542, e.g. made of a plastic or a rubber, in the area of ​​the circumferential effective surface of its outer surface 521, which interacts with the second and / or a further downstream, e.g. fourth, inking cylinder 516; 531 or directly with the forming cylinder 503 for the purpose of ink transfer.

[0090] In principle, the surface of the cladding 521 in a first version or configuration can have a flat, unstructured surface overall or at least in the entire area of ​​the circumferential effective surface for the color transfer.

[0091] In a preferred second embodiment or configuration, however, a plurality of unconnected elevations 522; 524; 524' separated from one another by deeper areas or regions are provided for the ink transfer on the circumference of the third inking cylinder 519 - at least within the circumferential working area (see e.g.

[0092] Fig. 4 ii), Fig. 5 ii), Fig. 6 ii), Fig. 7 ii) or Fig. 8 ii)). For each unit Nj, at least one such raised area 522; 524; 524' is provided on the third inking cylinder 519 in this embodiment. This allows areas of potential ink transfer, including upstream back transfer, to be limited and / or mixing with another printing ink to be avoided. These areas occupy a smaller surface area than a unit Nj and are provided, for example, in the same number and / or configuration on the outer surface 521 of the third inking cylinder 519 for each unit Nj to be printed in a given print length and width.

[0093] In a first embodiment or configuration variant, these elevations 522 can, for example, be formed by larger raised areas 522, each of which is assigned to a whole group of indentations 514 present on the printing cylinder 503 in an area 523 and underlying, for example, a monochrome motif (see, for example, Fig. 4 ii), Fig. 5 ii), Fig. 6 ii), Fig. 7 ii)). For example, one such extended elevation 522 can be provided for each inset Nj per motif. In a second, preferred embodiment or configuration variant, the elevations 524; 524' on the outer surface 521 of the third inking cylinder 519 are formed by smaller sub-areas 524; 524' compared to the extent of the motif to be printed, which are... B. are assigned only to a part of the recesses 514 on the form cylinder 503 that form the basis of the color extraction of a monochrome or multi-colored motif.Preferably, for each printable unit Ni, and in particular for each image motif to be printed per unit Ni, several such raised sections 524; 524' are provided on the third inking cylinder 519. These correspond, for example, depending on the engraving density on the printing cylinder 503, either individually as raised ridges 524 with only one, e.g., line-like, indentation 514 on the printing cylinder 503, or—e.g., in the manner of ridges 524 fused together to form a unit—are assigned as raised sections 524' to a plurality of adjacent indentations 514. In this second embodiment or configuration variant of the second embodiment or configuration, several such unconnected raised sections 524; 524' are thus provided on the outer surface 521 of the third inking cylinder 519 for each printable unit Nj per motif.This allows, on the one hand, better avoidance of unwanted color transfer and, on the other hand, a multi-colored design for a motif, whereby via one color train 532 recesses 514 can be colored with a first color and via another color train adjacent recesses 514 of the same motif with a second color.

[0094] Regardless of the above variant, in this second embodiment or configuration, the third inking cylinder 519 interacts with the second inking cylinder 516 only in the area of ​​its projections 522; 524; 524' on the one hand, and – in a first embodiment of the printing unit 500 – with the outer surface of the form cylinder 503, or – in a preferred second embodiment of the printing unit 500 – with the outer surface of a downstream, e.g., fourth, inking cylinder 531. The projections 522; 524; 524', intended for ink transport, define with their surface an enveloping cylinder surface, which represents the effective outer diameter D516 of the second inking cylinder 516 for printing. The third inking cylinder 519, which in the second embodiment has the projections 522; 524; 524', is characterized by the protruding pattern of projections 522; 524; 524' here and subsequently also referred to as stencil cylinder 519 or color relief cylinder 519.

[0095] The outer diameter D519 of the third inking cylinder 519, effective for unwinding during operation, is defined in the first embodiment or configuration by the undisturbed cylindrical surface 521 and in the second embodiment or configuration by the cylindrical cylindrical surface enclosing the outwardly facing surfaces of the raised areas 522 or partial areas 524; 524'. It is preferably in the ratio 1 : I to the outer diameter D503 of the form cylinder 503, with I e N < 4, in particular 1 = 1, 2 or preferably 3. In a preferred embodiment of the printing unit 500, the outer diameter D519 of the third inking cylinder 519 corresponds to the outer diameter D512 of the first and / or the outer diameter D516 of the second inking cylinder 512. 516, i.e. I = n and / or I = m, and / or has a circumference that corresponds only to a repeat length on the mold cylinder 503, i.e. a printing length plus the width of any retaining and / or clamping channel 551 provided on the mold cylinder 503.

[0096] The raised areas 528; 522 on the second and / or third inking cylinder 516; 519 in the first embodiment of the second embodiment or configuration are, in particular, planar areas projecting from a base plane. These areas, when rolled over the inking cylinders 519; 531 that may be intervening, extend onto the forming cylinder 503, each over a plurality, in particular a plurality with at least ten, of recesses 514 – e.g., of the same image motif. On the respective stencil cylinder 516; 519, the grid of the units Nj contains at least a number of such raised areas 528; 522 corresponding to the number of units Nj.

[0097] The raised sub-areas 529; 529'; 524; 524' on the second and / or third inking cylinder 516; 519 in the second variant of the second version or configuration are, in particular, individual elevations 529; 529'; 524; 524' projecting from a base plane, which correspond to individual engravings 514 or groups of engravings 514 on the printing cylinder 503. Several raised sub-areas 529; 529'; 524; 524' are provided for each printing unit Nj, and in particular, several raised sub-areas 529; 529'; 524; 524' are provided for each printing motif of each printing unit Nj. ​​The raised sub-areas 529; 529'; 524; 524' are located, for example, on the printing cylinder 503. B. regarding shape and size with individual engravings 514 or groups of engravings 514 on the form cylinder 503 in a defined relation to the shape and size of the corresponding engraving 514 or group of engravings 514, which is obtained, for example, on the basis of established or to be established regularities. In this way, for example,Depending on the line density on the form cylinder 503 and an excess for the individual bars 529; 524, either individual bars 529; 524 or raised sections 529'; 524' made of fused bars 529; 524 are formed. For individual raised sections 529; 524 on the color relief cylinder 516; 519, an excess is preferably provided, e.g., a greater width b524 than the width b514 or line thickness b514 of corresponding engravings 514 or groups of engravings 514 on the form cylinder 503.

[0098] An example of a second or third inking unit cylinder 516; 519 having a flat, unstructured surface on its lateral surface 527; 521 is shown, for example, in Fig. 13.

[0099] An example of a second or third inking cylinder 516; 519 having raised areas 528; 522 is shown, for example, in Fig. 14.

[0100] An example of a second or third inking cylinder 516; 519 having raised partial areas 529; 529'; 524; 524' on its circumference is shown, for example, in Fig. 15.

[0101] An inking unit 532 of the printing unit 500 can be configured with inking cylinders 512; 516; 519 in one of the configurations shown above in Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6; Fig. 7, Fig. 8 or in a modified configuration not shown here, but also advantageous, in which the second inking cylinder 516 is also designed in a second version, i.e. with projections 528; 529; 529'.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the printing unit 500 or the first inking cylinder 512, the first inking cylinder 512 is optionally configurable in either the first or second embodiment and / or arranged in the printing unit 500, and / or the second and / or third inking cylinders 516; 519 are optionally configurable in either the first or second embodiment and / or arranged in the printing unit 500. The latter can be either the first or second embodiment variant of the second embodiment.

[0103] In a first operating situation or configuration, for example, the first inking cylinder 512 is designed in its first version with a uniform surface, i.e., with a uniform or regular cell structure – e.g., in the area of ​​its entire effective circumferential surface or at least in the areas of its outer surface 518 effective for ink transfer – or possibly with a flat surface, and in a second operating situation or configuration in its second version, i.e., with recesses 513 corresponding to individual recesses 514 on the form cylinder 503. For this purpose, the inking cylinder 512 can, in principle, be mounted in a way that allows for operational interchangeability, i.e., it can be replaced without extensive disassembly of the printing unit 500, or – as explained below – an ink transfer form 536 carrying the relevant recesses 505; 513 can be detachably or interchangeably attached to a cylinder base 533 remaining in the printing unit 500.In principle, regardless of the configurability of the first inking cylinder 512, but preferably in addition to this, the second inking cylinder 516 can also be configured in either its first or second version. The second inking cylinder 516 can, in a first version or configuration for the relevant operating situation, optionally be configured in the first version, i.e., with a flat top or outer surface 527, and in a second version for the relevant operating situation or configuration, be configured in the second version, i.e., with protrusions 528; 529; 529' on its circumference.

[0104] In principle, the third inking cylinder 519 can be provided or configured in the first version, i.e., with a flat top or outer surface 521. For any of the above configurations or versions and their variants for the first and / or the second inking cylinder 512; 516, however, the third inking cylinder 519 is, in a preferred configuration of the printing unit 500 or the inking unit 532, designed in the second version, i.e., with raised areas 522; 524; 524', e.g., raised areas 522 or partial areas 524; 524', on the circumference.

[0105] In principle, the printing unit 500 can have only one inking unit 532 with inking device 511, a first, a second and a third inking cylinder 512; 516; 519. Preferably, however, several, e.g. at least or exactly four, such inking units 532, each with an inking device 511, a first, second and a third inking cylinder 512; 516; 519, are provided.

[0106] In a first embodiment of the printing unit 500, the inking unit 532 or units 532 can be arranged, for example, directly interacting with the plate cylinder 503 via their respective third inking cylinder 519 for the purpose of inking the plate cylinder 503. In a preferred embodiment of the printing unit 500, however, the third inking cylinder 519 of the respective inking unit 532 interacts downstream with a further, e.g., fourth, inking cylinder 531, e.g., an ink transfer cylinder 531, which in turn interacts downstream with the circumference of the plate cylinder 503 for inking. In the preferred case where several, e.g., at least or exactly four, of the aforementioned inking units 532 are provided and arranged to interact with the fourth inking cylinder 531, the latter is also referred to as the ink collection cylinder 531.On its circumference, the colors for the color separations of the printed image to be printed, in particular intaglio printing image, are successively collected and the engraving structure on the circumference of the form cylinder 503, in particular of the at least one printing form 504, in the nip between the fourth inking unit cylinder 531 and the form cylinder 503 is colored in multiple colors in one go.

[0107] The fourth, or ink transfer cylinder 531, has – at least in the area of ​​its ink-transferring surface or surface areas – a non-metallic, e.g., elastic and / or compressible layer. In an advantageous embodiment, it carries one or more rubber blanket lifts, the ends of which are fastened in clamping and / or tensioning channels 552, or a rubber blanket sleeve, i.e., an endless rubber blanket sleeve.

[0108] The outer diameter D531 of the ink collection cylinder 531, which is effective for the unwinding action with the third inking cylinder 519 and / or the form cylinder 503, is preferably in the ratio 1:0 to the outer diameter D503 of the form cylinder 503, with oe N < 3, particularly preferably o = 1. In a preferred embodiment of the printing unit 500, the fourth inking cylinder 531 has a circumference corresponding to three repeat lengths and / or that of the form cylinder 503. In a preferred embodiment or configuration of the printing unit 500, the effective outer circumferences of the first, second, third, and fourth inking cylinders 512, 516, 519, and 531 are in the ratio 1:1:1:3 to each other.

[0109] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the printing unit 500, its frame 525, 545, 555 is designed to be divisible in one or more parts. The frame 525, 545, 555 comprises sub-frames 525; 545; 555, each with one or a group of printing and / or inking cylinders 501; 503; 512; 516; 519; 531, which are designed or arranged to be spaced at varying distances in a radial direction, particularly a horizontal direction. Preferably, the printing cylinders 501; 503, i.e., the impression cylinder and the form cylinder 501; 503, are arranged in a first sub-frame 525, which is arranged in a stationary position in the system, and the inking cylinders 512; 516; 519; 531 in at least one second subframe 545, which is radially, in particular horizontally, movable relative to the first subframe 525; 555.In an advantageous embodiment, the fourth inking cylinder 531 and at least the third inking cylinders 519 of all inking passes 532 are provided in a second subframe 545, which is radially, and in particular horizontally, movable relative to the first subframe 525, while, for example, the remaining inking cylinders 516, 519, 531 not supported by the second subframe 545 are mounted on a third subframe 555, which is radially, and in particular horizontally, movable away from the second subframe 545. In a preferred arrangement with, for example, four inking passes 532, the fourth inking cylinder 531, all third inking cylinders 519, and the first and second inking cylinders 512, 516 of the lowest inking pass 532 are mounted in the second subframe 545, while the first and second inking cylinders 512, 516 are mounted in the third subframe 555. 516 of the remaining color trains are stored in 532.In an advantageous embodiment, the third sub-frame 555 is mounted on a section of the second sub-frame 545 so that it can be moved in a horizontal direction, so that it moves along with the second sub-frame 545 when it moves, but can be moved onto and off the second sub-frame itself.

[0110] The inking and inking-transfer surface 518 of the first inking cylinder 512 can—regardless of whether, in the first embodiment or configuration, the surface 518 has a uniform or regular cell structure, or whether, in the second embodiment or configuration, engravings 513 corresponding to engravings 514 on the forming cylinder 503 are provided in the area of ​​the surface 518—be formed in a first embodiment by the surface of a cylinder body itself, which has the cells 505 or engravings 513 on its surface. In an advantageous embodiment, a layer 534, for example, a hard metal or ceramic layer 534 applied to the surface of a cylinder body 533, can be provided on a cylinder base body 533 of the inking cylinder 512, which has the cells 505 or engravings 513.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment of the color engraving cylinder 512, a color transfer form 536, as already mentioned above, is provided on the cylinder base body 533 of the color engraving cylinder 512. This form is detachably attached and / or arranged on the circumference of the aforementioned cylinder base body 533 and has, on its outer surface, the recesses 505 and 513, e.g., cups 505 or engravings 513, of the color engraving cylinder 512. This color transfer form 536 comprises the aforementioned layer 534 and, in a first embodiment, is formed by the aforementioned layer 534 itself, which has, on its outer surface, the lateral surface 518 of the color engraving cylinder 512 that forms or has the contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, however, the color transfer form 536 is multilayered and comprises at least one carrier layer 537. B. a metal sheet 537 or preferably CFRP layer 537, i.e. a carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and - if applicable.via one or more further intermediate layers – the outer surface 518 of the color engraving cylinder 512 forming or having the contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, an intermediate layer 535, e.g., an adhesion promoter layer 535 (e.g., Fig. 16b)), is located between the layer 534, which bears the recesses 505; 513 on the outer surface 518, and the carrier layer 537. The outer layer 534, which has the recesses 505; 513, is preferably made of a ceramic material, e.g., a chromium oxide ceramic (Ch₂C>3), and / or has, e.g., in the non-engraved area, a thickness of 100 to 200 pm, in particular 140 to 180 pm. The intermediate layer 535 – if provided – is preferably formed as an aluminum layer 535 and / or has, e.g., a chromium oxide ceramic (Ch₂C>3). B. a strength of 300 to 400 pm, especially of 320 to 360 pm.

[0112] The color transfer form 536 can basically be designed as a finite elevator, which is or will be fastened with its ends in appropriately provided holding and / or tensioning channels, which are not shown here.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment of the color engraving cylinder 512 or the color transfer form 536 encompassed by it, the latter—regardless of whether it is single-layered or, preferably, multi-layered—is designed as a circumferentially endless sleeve, e.g., as a so-called sleeve 536 (see, e.g., Fig. 16 a)). This sleeve 536 is hollow inside and can be slid over the cylinder base body 533 from one end face and fixed to it—e.g., by positive locking or friction—against axial and / or radial relative movement. The layer structure is as described above, wherein, for example, the carrier layer 537 is formed by a tube 537, e.g., a metal or CFRP tube 537, and / or has a wall thickness of 2.0 to 3.0 mm, in particular 2.3 to 2.8 mm.

[0114] In the embodiment of the ink transfer form 536 as a sleeve 536, a preferred embodiment provides a register system (not shown) for the second embodiment of the first inking cylinder 512 with an irregular pattern of depressions 513, as well as for the first embodiment of the first inking cylinder 512 with a uniform or regular cell structure, which, however, is interrupted by a circumferential section with a flat surface 518 as described above. This register system ensures a defined position of the sleeve in the circumferential direction on the cylinder base body 533 by means of positive-locking stop means. Such a register system can, for example, be formed by a register mark which, when correctly positioned relative to the cylinder, engages in a corresponding recess in the sleeve 536.

[0115] The raised areas 528; 522 or elevations 529, 529'; 524; 524' of the second and / or the third inking unit cylinder 516; 519 can also be provided in one embodiment on the surface of an ink transfer form 538; 539, which is detachably arranged or can be arranged in the form of a circumferentially closed ink transfer sleeve, e.g., a so-called sleeve, on a cylinder base body 546; 547 that is rotatably mounted or mountable in the inking unit 508. However, in an embodiment shown here, which is advantageous, for example, with regard to its already established use, an ink transfer form 538; 539 in the form of a finite elevator is preferably provided, which is or is fastened with a leading and a trailing end in correspondingly provided retaining and / or clamping channels 548; 549.

[0116] Regardless of whether it is a sleeve or a finite elevator, the ink transfer form 538; 539 of the second and / or third inking cylinder 516; 519 can be formed in a single layer by a non-metallic, optionally at least slightly elastic and / or compressible layer 541; 542, or preferably in multiple layers with at least one - e.g., metallic - carrier layer 543; 544 (e.g., indicated by way of example in Fig. 13) and - optionally via one or more further intermediate layers - the outer surface 527; 521 of the respective inking cylinder 516; 519 forming or having the contact surface, in particular a non-metallic layer 541; 542, e.g., made of rubber or plastic.

[0117] The inking unit 511 comprises an ink box 553 with an ink reservoir 554, which is bounded on the side facing the inking cylinder 512 by the outer surface 518 of the first inking cylinder 512 and in which printing ink 517 stored during operation (indicated in Fig. 9 as a circulating ink roller in the ink reservoir 554) is in contact with the outer surface 518 of the first inking cylinder 512 for inking. The inking unit 511, in particular the ink box 553, further comprises a retention element 556, and in the case of a outer surface 518 having depressions 505; 513, a retention element 556. B. a doctor blade 556, which is in operational contact with the outer surface 518 of the first inking cylinder 512 in order to remove printing ink 517 from the outer surface 518, in particular from the outer surface 518 surrounding the recesses 505; 513 of the first or second version or configuration, or to retain it in the ink storage area 554.The doctor blade 556 can be spatially spaced downstream of the ink storage chamber 554 in the direction of rotation D of the first inking cylinder 512, or, preferably, it can limit the ink storage chamber 554 in a lower area towards the outer surface 518 of the first inking cylinder 512, which, in particular, rotates downwards with its outer surface 518 during operation in the contact area with the ink storage chamber 554.

[0118] Such a paint box 553 comprising the squeegee 556 can be designed - as is preferred here - in the form of a squeegee paint box open at the top or - alternatively - in the form of a chamber squeegee closed at the bottom and top.

[0119] The doctor blade 556 – which, in particular, rests against or is positioned against the cylindrical surface 518 during operation – can, in principle, be designed in multiple parts or segmented via radial cuts in the axial direction of the first inking cylinder 512. Preferably, however, it is designed as a single piece with a continuous doctor blade edge 557 over its effective length, in particular over at least a length corresponding to the printing width. The ink box 553 is preferably ink-zoneless, i.e., not designed with ink blades that can be positioned individually at a distance from the cylindrical surface, but with a doctor blade 556 – preferably extending axially across the printing width – which is positioned against the cylindrical surface 518 during operation. In particular, the inking unit 511 thus has the doctor blade 556 configured such that, viewed in the direction of rotation D, the printing ink 517 previously picked up by contact with the cylindrical surface 518 is retained or removed, even in the area outside the recesses 505; 513.is removed again. As a result, viewed in the direction of rotation D, printing ink 517 is only carried to a significant extent in the recesses 505 and 513 behind the doctor blade 557. The removal or retention of printing ink 517 is also understood to mean the case where, despite doctoring under contact, traces of printing ink 517 may still remain on unengraved areas of the surface.

[0120] The squeegee 556 is, for example, designed with a thickness of 0.7 to 1.3 mm, in particular 0.9 to 1.1 mm, at least in a section adjoining the squeegee edge 557, and / or is arranged in the inking device 511 or the ink box 553 such that it forms an acute angle with the tangent at the point of contact on the side facing the ink storage area 554, at least in a front section adjoining the squeegee edge 557.

[0121] Preferably, the inking device 511 also includes an axially adjustable ink distribution device 558, which is, for example, movable on a crossbeam in the axial direction, and by which printing ink 517 already present in the ink preparation chamber 554 can be axially distributed and / or printing ink 517 to be supplied can be distributed in the axial direction. The axially adjustable ink distribution device 558 can, for example, comprise one or more distribution fingers on an arm extending into the ink preparation chamber 554 and / or – preferably – an outlet of an ink supply line. Alternatively or additionally, the inking device 511 can include, for example, a non-contact sensor 559, such as a level sensor 559, by which a fill level in the ink preparation chamber 554 can be monitored.

[0122] The inking device 511 preferably comprises an actuator 561 by which the retaining element 556, in particular the doctor blade 556 itself or the ink box 553 carrying the doctor blade 556, can be positioned against and / or removed from the outer surface 518 with the doctor blade edge 557. This actuator 561 can be of any design, but is preferably configured as a cylinder-piston system 561 actuated by a pressure medium. In a preferred embodiment, the doctor blade 556 or the ink box 553 carrying the doctor blade 556 can be axially movable, in particular by means of a drive element not shown, and can be alternately moved back and forth, within the inking device 511.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the inking unit 511, viewed in the direction of rotation D, comprises a removal device 562 on the circumferential section between the doctor blade 556 and the nip between the first and second inking cylinders 512; 516. This removal device allows any printing ink 517 that may accumulate on the downstream edge of the retaining element 556 (viewed in the direction of rotation D) and is subsequently carried along as a clump on the outer surface 518 to be removed from the outer surface 518 before it enters the nip point with the second inking cylinder 519. Preferably, the removal device 562 with its removal tool 563 is not in contact with the outer surface 518, but forms a gap with it. In principle, such a removal device 562 or the removal tool 563 can be, for example,The take-up blade is inclined against the direction of rotation and terminates a short distance in front of the cylindrical surface 518. Preferably, however, the take-up device 562 comprises a rotating roller 563, e.g., a take-up roller 563, as the take-up tool 563. This roller is spaced apart from the cylindrical surface 518 of the inking cylinder 512 and / or rotates in the opposite or, preferably, the same direction of rotation D as the first inking cylinder 512. That is, the opposing cylindrical surfaces move tangentially in the gap in the same or, preferably, opposite direction. The taken-up printing ink 517 can be removed from the take-up tool 563, which is designed in the form of a take-up roller 563, for example, by a doctor blade 564 that is attached to or can be attached to the roller 563.The removed printing ink can be collected in a container 566 below, regardless of the type of removal tool 563 that interacts with the first inking cylinder 512.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, at least the ink box 553, but in particular the entire inking unit 511 together with the first inking cylinder 512, is mounted so as to be movable relative to the second inking cylinder 516, for example to adjust the gap or the contact force between the first and second inking cylinders 512 and 516. For this purpose, for example, a frame wall 567 supporting the ink box 553, but in particular the aforementioned components of the inking unit 511, is part of a side wall 584 supporting the first inking cylinder 512 (see, for example, Fig. 19) or is at least rigidly connected to such a side wall. The latter is preferably located in the frame 525, 545, 555 of the printing unit 500, for example.a second or third subframe 545; 555, which supports all or at least part of the first and second inking cylinders 512; 516, along a positioning movement with at least one radial directional component relative to the first inking cylinder 512 at the axial distance to the second inking cylinder 516. Thus, even when the first inking cylinder 512 moves relative to the second inking cylinder 516, the position and / or pressure of the doctor blade 556 remains unchanged.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the first inking cylinder 512, it is temperature-controlled and features, for example, a temperature-controlled fluid line 568 through which temperature-controlled fluid can be supplied to the end face of the inking cylinder 512 – e.g., via a rotary feedthrough – and a fluid line 569 through which the fluid can be discharged. The amount of ink guided in the recesses 505 and 513 can be varied or controlled within certain limits by means of the temperature control. In another embodiment, the fluid line 568 also allows the first inking cylinder 512, in conjunction with the first ink transfer element 536 (designed as a sleeve 536), to be cooled below operating and / or ambient temperature, for example, in order to reduce the cylinder diameter D512 and thus enable the sleeve 536 to be replaced.

[0126] Not only, but particularly advantageously in conjunction with the embodiment of the first color transfer form 536 as a sleeve 536, the cylindrical base body 533 is segmented in the region of its outer circumference and has several, e.g., at least eight, here in particular twelve, individual circumferential segments 571 extending axially in the direction, e.g., in a strip-like manner (e.g., Fig. 17). The circumferential segments 571 together form the outer circumference of the cylindrical base body 533, which supports the sleeve 536 during operation. The circumferential segments 571 are now radially movably attached, either directly or indirectly, to a one- or multi-part inner cylinder body 572, e.g., directly or indirectly to an internal cylinder shaft 572, such that in a first state, e.g., in the operating state, their outer surface is at a greater radial distance from the axis of rotation than in a second state. B.a setup state in which a sleeve 536 can be fitted or removed. A particular advantage of this fastening arrangement is one in which the circumferential segments 571 are spring-loaded inwards and can be displaced radially outwards against the spring force by means of an actuating device. For example, the circumferential segments 571 are each held by radially extending guide pins firmly connected to the inner cylinder body 572. These guide pins extend through radial bores in the circumferential segments 571 into external blind holes 573, e.g., blind holes 573 that are larger than the aforementioned bores. In these blind holes, they are spring-loaded outwards against the bottom of the respective blind hole 573 by means of an end stop 574. For example, screws screwed to the inner cylinder body 572 are provided as pins. Their shanks extend through the bores into the blind holes 573, and their respective screw heads 574 are held in place by a compression spring.B. a disc spring or a disc spring pack, support against the bottom of the relevant access hole 573.

[0127] However, the above arrangement can be designed in reverse with elements acting in reverse such that the spring-loaded state is the working state clamping the sleeve 536, and the state caused by actuation against the spring force is the setup state.

[0128] In principle, it may be sufficient if several of the circumferential segments 571 can be displaced between a setup state in which the respective circumferential segment 571 is positioned closer to the cylinder axis and a working position in which the respective circumferential segment 571 is positioned closer to the cylinder axis via one or more axially spaced actuating means 576. Preferably, however, each of the circumferential segments 571 arranged one behind the other can be displaced in this way.

[0129] As an actuating means 576 for switching between the two states, any suitable means, such as eccentrics or gear drives, can be provided by which the circumferential elements 571 can be moved into the other state, in particular the operating state, against the spring preload. In a preferred embodiment, a wedge drive 576 is provided between the inner cylinder body 572 and the respective circumferential segment 571, with a wedge 579 that interacts with a surface fixed inside the cylinder on one side and with a surface fixed on the circumferential segment on the other. At least one of the two surfaces interacting with the effective surfaces of the wedge 579 as a wedge drive 576 can have a surface that rotates opposite to the inclined wedge surface (e.g., Fig. 18). The wedge 579 or wedge drive 576 can, in principle, be actuated by a motor-driven or hand-operated drive.In a preferred embodiment, however, the wedge 579 is moved back and forth between the working state and the setup state by means of pressurized fluid, e.g., hydraulically. For example, to establish the working state, a first pressure chamber 577 provided on one side of the wedge 579 is pressurized with pressurized fluid, e.g., hydraulic oil, and to establish the setup state, another pressure chamber 578 provided on the opposite side of the wedge 579 is pressurized.

[0130] Each circumferential segment 571 has several, e.g. three or at least three, such actuating means 576 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0131] In the respective circumferential segments 571, axially running supply and return lines 581 ; 582 can be provided for temperature control, which continue the above fluid lines 568; 569 and are connected to the latter in operation.

[0132] In conjunction with the design or configuration of the first inking cylinder 512 with ink transfer form 536 configured as a sleeve 536, in a preferred embodiment the sleeve 536 is to be changed while the cylinder base body 533 is mounted and / or remains in the printing unit 500, i.e., removed from the latter and mounted onto it. For this purpose, a radial bearing 585 receiving a cylinder journal 583 is mounted or supported on one of the two end faces of the first inking cylinder 512 in a side wall 584 via a removable bearing ring 586, e.g., a clamping ring 586 (see, e.g., Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 a)). The clamping ring 586 surrounding the radial bearing 585 in the assembled state is arranged radially in axial alignment with the position of a sleeve 536 extended on the cylinder base body 533 in the side wall 584 and has a thickness d586 in the radial direction which is greater than the total wall thickness d536 of the sleeve 536.For example, after loosening the retaining ring 586 from the fastening means fixing it in the bearing assembly or in or on the side wall 584, e.g., fastening screws, the retaining ring 586 can be pulled off, e.g., manually using a handle 587, in an axial direction outwards, and in particular completely removed from the side wall 584 supporting the radial bearing 585 or from the frame or sub-frame 555 supporting the first inking cylinder 512 (e.g., Fig. 19 b)). This then exposes an annular opening through which the sleeve 536 can be loaded or unloaded. A cylinder journal 588 located on the opposite end face remains fixedly mounted in its radial bearing 589 in the associated side wall 584. As a result, the first inking unit cylinder 512 is suspended on one side during sleeve replacement or sleeve assembly or disassembly, and supported on both sides during operation.

[0133] The side wall 584, which receives the respective radial bearing 585 – possibly via the clamping ring 586 – can in principle be part of the frame 525, 545, 555 of the printing unit 500 or one of the aforementioned sub-frames 545; 555. As already mentioned above, the latter can be adjustable in the frame 525, 545, 555 of the printing unit 500, e.g., a second or third sub-frame 545; 555 supporting all or at least part of the first and second inking cylinders 512; 516, along an adjustment movement with at least one radial directional component relative to the first inking cylinder 512 at the axial distance to the second inking cylinder 516. For example, the side walls 584 are mounted via linear guides 591 along a direction of movement with a radial component in the direction of the second inking roller 516 in the relevant frame of the printing unit 500 or sub-frame 545; 555 of the inking unit 508.

[0134] Reference symbol list

[0135] 100 substrate feed, arch feeder

[0136] 200 conveyor section, first

[0137] 201 archery range

[0138] 202 grants

[0139] 203 transfer cylinders

[0140] 300 conveyor section, second

[0141] 301 Transport equipment

[0142] 400 Product receiving, display, stacking

[0143] 401 Stacking room

[0144] 500 printing unit, gravure printing unit, intaglio printing unit, multicolor printing unit

[0145] 501 Printing cylinder, counter-pressure cylinder

[0146] 502 Pressure point

[0147] 503 Printing cylinder, form cylinder, intaglio printing cylinder

[0148] 504 Printing form, intaglio printing form, printing plate

[0149] 505 depression, cup

[0150] 506 Removal device, wiping device

[0151] 507 wiper cylinder

[0152] 508 Dye Works

[0153] 509 Printing mechanism part

[0154] 510

[0155] 511 Dyeing unit

[0156] 512 Inking cylinder, first, inking cylinder, inking cylinder, selective cylinder, indentation, engraving (512)

[0157] Indentation, engraving (503)

[0158] Support bridge

[0159] Inkwork cylinder, second, color relief cylinder, stencil cylinder

[0160] Printing ink

[0161] Surface area (512)

[0162] Inkwork cylinder, third, color relief cylinder, stencil cylinder

[0163] Surface area (519)

[0164] elevation, area, elevated (519)

[0165] Area, engraved (504)

[0166] Elevation, section, bridge (519) ' Elevation, section, part, raised (519)

[0167] Partial frame, first

[0168] Surface area (516)

[0169] elevation, area, elevated (516)

[0170] Elevation, section, bridge (516) ' Elevation, section, part, raised (519)

[0171] inking cylinder, fourth, ink transfer cylinder, ink collection cylinder

[0172] color

[0173] Cylinder base

[0174] layer, carbide or ceramic layer

[0175] Intermediate layer, adhesion promoter layer, aluminum layer

[0176] Color transfer form, sleeve

[0177] Carrier layer, metal sheet, CFRP layer, tube, metal or CFRP tube

[0178] Color transfer form

[0179] Color transfer form layer (516)

[0180] Layer (519)

[0181] carrier layer

[0182] carrier layer

[0183] Partial frame, second

[0184] Cylinder base

[0185] Cylinder base

[0186] Holding and / or clamping channel (516)

[0187] Holding and / or clamping channel (519)

[0188] Holding and / or clamping channel (503)

[0189] Holding and / or clamping channel (531)

[0190] paint box

[0191] Color sample room

[0192] Partial frame, third

[0193] Retaining material, squeegee

[0194] squeegee edge

[0195] Color distribution system

[0196] Sensor, level sensor

[0197] Actuator, cylinder-piston system

[0198] Acceptance device

[0199] Removal tool, roller, removal roller

[0200] Squeegee

[0201] container

[0202] Frame wall

[0203] Fluid line

[0204] Fluid line 70 71 Circumferential segment 72 Cylinder inner body, cylinder shaft 73 Blind hole, blind bore 74 Stop, screw head 75 76 Actuating means, wedge drive

[0205] 577 Pressure chamber

[0206] 578 Pressure chamber

[0207] 579 Wedge

[0208] 580

[0209] 581 Supply line

[0210] 582 Return line

[0211] 583 cylinder pins

[0212] 584 Side wall

[0213] 585 Radial bearings

[0214] 586 Bearing ring, clamping ring

[0215] 587 Handle

[0216] 588 cylinder pins

[0217] 589 radial bearings

[0218] 590

[0219] 591 Linear guide b513 Width, line thickness b514 Width, line thickness b524 Width d536 Wall thickness d586 Thickness D503 Outer diameter

[0220] D512 Outer diameter

[0221] D519 Outer diameter

[0222] D516 Outer diameter

[0223] D531 Outer diameter

[0224] D Operating direction of rotation

[0225] S Substrate, substrate sheet, printing material sheet, security sheet,

[0226] Substrate section

[0227] S' Substrate, printed, substrate sheet, substrate section

[0228] T Transport direction

Claims

Claims 1. Printing unit (500) for printing on substrate (S) using an intaglio printing process, comprising a form cylinder (503) forming a printing point (502) with a counter-pressure cylinder (502), which includes on its circumference an image-forming pattern of first depressions (514), and an inking unit (508) for inking the pattern of depressions (514) provided on the form cylinder (503), wherein the inking unit (508) comprises a first inking unit cylinder (512), the outer surface (518) of which is inked with printing ink by an inking device (511). (517) is capable of being actuated, a second inking cylinder (516) cooperating downstream with the first inking cylinder (512), a third inking cylinder (519) cooperating downstream with the second inking cylinder (516), and a fourth inking cylinder (531) cooperating downstream with the third inking cylinder (519), which in turn cooperates downstream with the forming cylinder (503), characterized in that the first inking cylinder (512) on its outer surface (518) has a pattern of indentations (505; 513) serving as ink receiving areas, and that the inking device (511) comprises a removal device (556) acting and / or designed as a doctor blade (556), which is in operational contact with the outer surface (518) of the first inking cylinder (512) in order to remove printing ink (517) received on the outer surface (518) from the outer surface (518) surrounding the indentations (505; 513).

2. Printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recesses (505; 513) serving for ink reception are provided on the circumference of an ink transfer form (536) designed as a sleeve (536), which is detachably attached to a cylindrical base body (533) in the operational operating state.

3. Printing unit (500) for printing on substrate (S) using an intaglio printing process, comprising a form cylinder (503) forming a printing point (502) with a counter-pressure cylinder (501), which includes an image-forming pattern of first depressions (514) on its circumference, and an inking unit (508) for inking the pattern of depressions (514) provided on the form cylinder (503), wherein the inking unit (508) comprises a first inking cylinder (512), the outer surface (518) of which can be supplied with printing ink (517) by an inking device (511), and a second inking cylinder (516) interacting downstream with the first inking cylinder (512), which interacts via a third inking cylinder (519) with an ink collection cylinder (531), which in turn interacts downstream with the form cylinder (503), characterized in thatthat the first inking cylinder (512) comprises a cylinder base body (533) and an ink transfer form (536) designed in the form of a sleeve (536), which is detachably attached to the cylinder base body (533) in the operational operating state and has the surface (518) to be acted upon on its circumference.

4. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the first inking cylinder (512) has an irregular structure on its surface (518) to be acted upon, with recesses (513) corresponding to individual recesses (514) on the form cylinder (503).

5. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the first inking cylinder (512) has on its outer surface (518) a uniform or regular structure of depressions (505) or an unstructured flat surface.

6. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the printing unit (500) is optionally equipped with a first inking cylinder (512) in a is configurable or configured in a first or second version, wherein in a first operating situation of the printing unit (500) the first inking unit cylinder (512) in the first version has a uniform or regular structure of depressions (505) or a flat surface on its outer surface (518) and in a second operating situation in the second version an irregular structure with depressions (513) corresponding to individual depressions (514) on the form cylinder (503).

7. Printing unit according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the inking device (511) comprises a retention means (556) which, in the case of recesses (505; 514) on the first inking cylinder (512), is operationally in contact with the outer surface (518) of the first inking cylinder (512) as a doctor blade (556) in order to remove printing ink taken up on the outer surface from the outer surface (518) surrounding the recesses (505; 513) and / or, in the case of a flat surface, forms a metering gap with the outer surface of the first inking cylinder (512) as an ink meter.

8. Printing unit according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the cylinder base body (572) of the first inking unit cylinder (512) is operationally mounted at both end faces with respective cylinder journals (583; 588) of the cylinder base body (572) via a radial bearing (585; 589) in side walls (584), wherein an opening can be produced in a first of the side walls facing the end face of the first inking unit cylinder (512), through which a sleeve (536) can be passed for removal and / or insertion, while the cylinder base body (572) is still floating on the other side, i.e., only mounted on the end face opposite the opening.

9. Printing mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the radial bearing (585) receiving the cylinder pin (583) in the first side wall during operation is a bearing ring (586) which can be removed for setup purposes is supported in the side wall (584) and, after removal, reveals an annular opening between the radial bearing (585) and the side wall (584).

10. Printing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the bearing ring (586) designed in the form of a clamping ring (586) is detachably fastened in the bearing assembly or in or on the side wall (584) by fastening screws and / or includes a handle (587) for manual removal.

11. Printing device according to claim 2 or 3 or according to one of claims 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 in conjunction with claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cylinder base body (533) is designed to have a variable effective diameter in at least one longitudinal section receiving the sleeve (536).

12. Printing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the cylinder base body (533) is segmented in the area of ​​its outer circumference and has several individual circumferential segments (571) mounted one after the other in the circumferential direction, extending in the axial direction and variably at radial distances to the cylinder axis on a one- or multi-part cylinder inner body (572).

13. Printing unit according to claim 12, characterized in that several or each of the circumferential segments (571) can be displaced between a setup state in which the circumferential segment (571) in question is positioned closer to the cylinder axis and a working position in which the circumferential segment (571) in question is positioned closer to the cylinder axis by means of one or more axially spaced actuating means (576).

14. Printed matter according to claim 13, characterized in that the Circumferential segments (571) are each held by radially extending guide pins firmly connected to the inner cylinder body (572) and / or spring-loaded inwards or outwards in the direction of the cylinder axis, and can be displaced outwards or inwards against the spring force by means of actuating means.

15. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that a plurality of non-connected ink-transferring elevations (528; 529; 529'; 522; 524; 524') are provided on the circumference of the second and / or third inking cylinder (516; 519) separated from one another by lower-lying places or areas.

16. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that a plurality of non-connected ink-transferring elevations (529; 529'; 524; 524') are provided on the circumference of the second and / or third inking cylinder (516; 519), separated from one another by recessed areas or regions and corresponding to individual depressions (514) on the form cylinder (503).

17. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the first inking cylinder (512) consists of a harder material than the second inking cylinder (516) in at least one area of ​​its outer surface (518) to be inked by the inking device (511) and / or that the first inking cylinder (512) has a hard metal or ceramic layer (534) in at least the area of ​​its outer surface (518) to be inked by the inking device (511) and / or the second inking cylinder (516) has a non-metallic layer (541) and / or a layer (541) of a plastic or rubber at least in the area of ​​its outer surface (527) serving in ink transfer.

18. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the effective outer circumference of the first inking cylinder (512) is in an integer ratio 1 : n and / or the effective outer circumference of the second inking cylinder (516) is in an integer ratio 1 : m and / or the effective outer circumference of the third inking cylinder (519) is in an integer ratio 1 : I to the effective outer circumference of the form cylinder (503), wherein n, m, I e N < 4.

19. Printing unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, characterized in that the printing unit (500) is designed as a multicolor printing unit (500) with at least or exactly four inking units (532) each with an inking device (511), a first, a second and a third inking cylinder (512; 516; 519), which are arranged one behind the other with their third inking cylinder (519) on the circumference of the same fourth inking cylinder (531) in a cooperating manner.

20. Method for operating a printing unit (500) operating according to an intaglio printing process, which has a form cylinder (503) forming a printing point (502) with a counter-pressure cylinder (501) and which includes an image-forming pattern of first depressions (514) on its circumference, with an inking unit (508) for inking the pattern of depressions (514) provided on the form cylinder (503), wherein the inking unit (508) comprises a first inking cylinder (512) whose outer surface (518) is supplied with printing ink (517) by an inking device (511), a second inking cylinder (516) cooperating downstream with the first inking cylinder (512), a third inking cylinder (519) cooperating downstream with the second inking cylinder (516), and a third inking cylinder (519) cooperating downstream with the third inking cylinder (519). cooperating fourth inking cylinder (531), which in turn interacts downstream with the form cylinder (503), characterized in that in at least one operating situation and / or configuration of the printing unit (500) the inking device (551) during a rotation of the first inking roller (512) first applies printing ink (517) to a circumferential surface (518) of the first inking cylinder (512) comprising recesses (505; 513), but before reaching the point of interaction with the second inking roller. (516) printing ink (517) taken up on the outer surface (527) is removed from the outer surface (518) surrounding the recesses (505; 513) by a removal device (556) which is in contact with the outer surface (518) of the first inking cylinder (512) and is designed and / or effective as a doctor blade (556).

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that in a first operating situation and / or configuration the printing unit (500) is operated with a first embodiment of the inking cylinder (512) which has a uniform and / or regular structure of depressions (505) or an unstructured flat surface on its outer surface (518), and in a second operating situation and / or configuration with a second embodiment of the inking cylinder (512) which has an irregular structure on its outer surface (518) with depressions (513) corresponding to individual depressions (514) on the form cylinder (503).

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the printing ink (517) from the first inking cylinder (512) to ink-transferring elevations (528; 529; 529') on the circumference of the second inking cylinder (516) separated by lower-lying areas or regions and / or from the second inking cylinder (516) to ink-transferring elevations (522; 524; 524') of the third inking cylinder (519) is transferred.

Images