Doctor blade device of a printing machine and method for the use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for using a doctor blade device (100) of a printing machine. By means of an adjusting device (18), a doctor blade chamber body (1) that has a recess, which extends like a channel along a longitudinal axis and is open in the adjustment direction (A) and closed axially with respect to the longitudinal axis, is adjusted, in an adjustment direction (A), onto an ink transfer roller (2) which rotates / can be rotated during a printing process. The ink transfer roller (2) at least partially closes a gap which is open towards the recess (4) and which extends between at least two doctor blades (8) arranged like a roof. When adjusted, the doctor blades (8) abut the ink transfer roller (2) and are elastically deformed against the adjustment direction (A) to produce a restoring force. The invention also relates to a doctor blade device (100) which can be used in the aforementioned method.

Description

[0001] Windmöller & Hölscher SE & Co. KG

[0002] Münsterstraße 50

[0003] 49525 Lengerich / Westphalia

[0004] Our reference number: 9468 WO - JK

[0005] Doctor blade device of a printing press and a method for its use

[0006] The invention relates to a method for using a doctor blade device of a printing press. The method is particularly suitable for using a doctor blade device of a rotary printing press. The method provides that a doctor blade chamber body is positioned against a rotating or rotatable ink transfer roller during a printing process by means of an positioning device, pointing in a positioning direction. The doctor blade chamber body has a recess extending along a longitudinal axis in a channel-like manner, open in the positioning direction, and closed axially with respect to the longitudinal axis. When the doctor blade chamber body is positioned against the ink transfer roller, the ink transfer roller at least partially closes a gap open towards the recess, which extends between at least two doctor blades arranged like a roof on each of an edge section of the recess extending along the longitudinal axis.Furthermore, the method provides that when the doctor blade chamber body is positioned against the ink transfer roller, the doctor blades contact the ink transfer roller and are elastically deformed in the opposite direction of positioning. This elastic deformation of the doctor blades generates a restoring force.

[0007] The invention further relates to a doctor blade device such as can be used in the aforementioned method. Printing ink is supplied to ink transfer rollers by means of such doctor blade devices. For this purpose, it is provided, in a manner known per se, that the printing ink is guided in the trough-like recess of the doctor blade chamber body, and in particular, pumped circulating through the trough-like recess in an ink circuit. Depending on the printing press or printing process, the ink transfer rollers may be designed as anilox rollers in flexographic printing or as plate cylinders in gravure printing. The respective ink transfer rollers have cells on their circumferential or outer surface.With the doctor blade body positioned against the ink transfer roller, the cells are repeatedly rotated past the recess. The ink is applied to the areas within the recess's influence zone by the surface of the ink transfer roller, causing the ink to collect in the cells. Depending on the printing process and press, the ink-filled cells are then transferred from the ink-influence zone to further ink transfer rollers or to the substrate during a further rotation. This ink transfer and release process is repeated with each revolution.

[0008] For the effective delivery of printing ink, it is known that the doctor blade assembly and the ink transfer roller together form a closed system. In the position of the doctor blade chamber body against the ink transfer roller, the doctor blade chamber body extends, in particular, completely over an axial extent of a section of the ink transfer roller's outer surface that is to be wetted with printing ink. The at least two doctor blades can be distinguished in a known manner into a working doctor blade and a closing doctor blade, wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction of the ink transfer roller, the doctor blades seal the trough-like recess, which in particular carries the printing ink, against the surroundings. The doctor blades are often simply referred to as "squeegees." To ensure that the interior of the doctor blade chamber body or the recess is also sealed against the surroundings at its ends, walls can be provided at the axial ends of the recess.To increase the tightness of these end-facing walls, seals are usually placed on the walls.

[0009] These doctor blade devices have proven very effective in the past. However, the doctor blades are consumable items, as they wear down due to contact with the rotating ink transfer roller. With worn or damaged doctor blades, the problem regularly arises that the groove-like recess no longer seals adequately against the surface of the ink transfer roller. This leads to leaks, with ink escaping uncontrollably from the recess, and also to insufficient ink removal before it reaches the ink transfer roller. This negatively impacts ink transfer and / or print quality. If such a wear limit is reached during the printing process and / or goes unnoticed, it can result in a high reject rate of substandard products, increased ink consumption, and, in particular, increased cleaning efforts.

[0010] One way to approximate a wear limit is to move the positioning device in the positioning direction, for example, using a clamping device or a drive unit. This allows for the measurement of the adjustment path by which the doctor blade chamber body is moved in the positioning direction. While this obvious solution is simple and cost-effective, the accuracy of this method for determining the wear limit is not always sufficient. In particular, when the doctor blade chamber body has been moved a maximum distance in the positioning direction, the user is led to believe that the wear limit has been reached. However, due to their elastic deformation potential, the doctor blades often still have considerable wear potential, which cannot be detected by path measurement. Therefore, premature replacement of the doctor blades is often the consequence of path measurement.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for using a doctor blade device and / or a doctor blade device which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular enabling an improved determination of the doctor blade wear, preferably making better use of the wear potential of the doctor blades.

[0011] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Possible embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to the invention, it is provided that, by means of at least one measuring sensor of the adjusting device, an adjusting parameter which can be influenced by the restoring force of the doctor blades is detected at least once and transmitted as a measuring signal to a computer unit of the doctor blade device, wherein the computer unit calculates doctor blade wear based on the measuring signal, which is caused in particular by abrasion of the doctor blades on the rotating ink transfer roller.

[0013] In their elastically deformed state, the doctor blades provide a restoring force in the direction of application. Because the doctor blades are supported by the ink transfer roller, the restoring force also acts on the doctor blade chamber body or the application device in the opposite direction to the application direction.

[0014] The invention is based on the finding that doctor blade wear can be reliably determined by at least indirectly observing the restoring force of the doctor blades. The doctor blades, or rather the restoring force caused by elastic deformation of the doctor blades during setup, behave approximately like a spring and depends on the spring deflection. Wear and tear on the doctor blades reduces their effective length and thus also the amount of elastic deformation, which approximately corresponds to a spring deflection. Consequently, the restoring force decreases with increasing wear. This wear can be detected at least indirectly via at least one setup parameter that is influenced by the restoring force.

[0015] Basically, a simple implementation variant consists of the computer unit comparing the calculated doctor blade wear with at least one minimum target value stored in a memory and outputting a wear signal at least when the calculated doctor blade wear falls below the minimum target value.

[0016] Advantageously, it can be provided that at least one measuring sensor is formed in or on a drive unit of the adjusting device, wherein an adjusting parameter, in particular an adjusting force and / or an adjusting pressure and / or a drive voltage, is simultaneously a detectable drive parameter.

[0017] For example, the drive unit may include a force sensor that detects the actuation force used to position the doctor blade chamber against the ink transfer roller. This actuation force counteracts the restoring force of the doctor blades. As the doctor blades wear, the restoring force acting on the force sensor decreases, and the computer unit calculates the doctor blade wear based on this measured force reduction.

[0018] It is also possible for the drive unit to be designed as an electric motor. Preferably, the measuring sensor, or at least one of the measuring sensors, is a voltage sensor by means of which a drive voltage, with which the doctor blade chamber body is positioned against the ink transfer roller, is detected as a drive parameter or positioning parameter. The restoring force decreases due to wear of the doctor blades, which can be detected via the drive voltage at the electric motor. The computer unit can advantageously be designed such that it calculates the doctor blade wear based on the detected drive voltages or the respective measurement signals.Alternatively or additionally, for the electric motor as a drive device, it can be advantageous, particularly depending on the type of electric motor, if the measuring sensor, or at least one of the measuring sensors, is designed in such a way that a starting motor current or a starting motor torque is recorded / recordable as a drive parameter or as a starting parameter. The computer unit can then be configured, analogously to the configuration described for the drive voltage, to calculate or be able to calculate the doctor blade wear, at least based on the starting motor torques and / or the starting motor currents or the respective resulting measurement signals.

[0019] Preferably, the measuring sensor, or at least one of the measuring sensors of the adjusting device, is designed as a pressure sensor. For example, the pressure sensor can detect an adjusting pressure, in particular a drive pressure of a hydraulic or pneumatic drive of the adjusting device for adjusting the doctor blade chamber body to the ink transfer roller, as an adjusting parameter and transmit it as a measurement signal to the computer unit. Wear of the doctor blade reduces the restoring force, which can be detected via the adjusting pressure or drive pressure as a drive parameter or adjusting parameter, respectively. The computer unit can advantageously be designed such that it calculates, or can calculate, the doctor blade wear based on the detected adjusting pressure or the respective measurement signals.

[0020] In combination with an end stop, it has proven advantageous for at least one of the measuring sensors to be designed as a force sensor and arranged on the end stop. Optionally, this allows the contact surface of a bearing element, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body, to act on the force sensor when the doctor blade chamber body reaches its maximum adjustment in the direction of application. In particular, the bearing element is formed integrally with the doctor blade chamber body or, expediently, is designed as a bearing element of the adjustment device, which is preferably connected to the doctor blade chamber body by force-fit, positive-fit, or material-fit connection. The force sensor is preferably designed and configured to detect a test force with which the contact surface presses against the force sensor or the end stop as an adjustment parameter and transmit it as a measurement signal to the computer unit.

[0021] In particular, it can be provided that the doctor blade wear is checked at the beginning of or before a printing process, or when the doctor blade chamber body is engaged with the ink transfer roller. Specifically, an engagement parameter is determined at an initial time using the measuring sensor and the computer unit. Advantageously, the computer unit can be designed to output information about remaining usability, especially with regard to the respective planned print job, to a user.

[0022] Advantageously, it can be provided that the setting parameter is repeatedly recorded, particularly at regular intervals or continuously. Based on the resulting measurement signals, the doctor blade wear can advantageously be calculated also repeatedly, particularly at regular intervals or continuously. This allows the current doctor blade wear to be checked regularly or in real time. This embodiment enables a user to detect doctor blade wear early and, if necessary, to take precautions or prepare for repairs.

[0023] According to a further developed embodiment of the invention, the maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body in the adjustment direction is limited by a mechanical end stop. The end stop can advantageously be designed as an element of the adjustment device. In particular, in a maximally adjusted state of the doctor blade chamber body, a contact surface, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body, rests against the end stop. Preferably, one embodiment provides that the doctor blade chamber body is moved towards the ink transfer roller according to the maximum adjustment. In particular, the contact surface of the bearing element, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body, is pressed against the end stop or the force-measuring sensor formed on the end stop with a specific force.Due to the contact between the doctor blades and the ink transfer roller, the doctor blades deform elastically against the direction of application when engaged, such that the force sensor detects a test force which results from the difference between the engagement force and the restoring force of the doctor blades. Advantageously, the engagement force can be specified as a drive parameter or other engagement parameter and / or determined using an additional measuring sensor. In particular, this design utilizes the effect that the extent of elastic deformation of the doctor blades, and thus also the restoring force, decreases due to wear during the inking or printing process. Since the engagement force is therefore reduced, or...Since the decreasing restoring force counteracts the increasing wear of the doctor blade, the doctor blade wear can be calculated based on an increase in the test force, which is registered by repeatedly recording the test force in the computer unit.

[0024] The method can also alternatively or additionally provide that the doctor blade chamber body is first brought into contact with the ink transfer roller in such a way that contact is established between the doctor blades and the ink transfer roller, whereby the doctor blades deform elastically against the direction of application such that a sufficient seal is preferably achieved for the printing process. In particular, the doctor blade chamber body is not adjusted to its maximum position in the direction of application, so that there is advantageously a gap between the contact surface and the end stop. The doctor blade wear then occurs in a known manner during the printing process due to the contact of the doctor blades with the ink transfer roller.Preferably, the drive unit is controlled by the computer unit based on repeatedly recorded positioning parameters such that the doctor blade chamber body is advanced in the positioning direction depending on the doctor blade wear. Advantageously, this variant offers a way to position the doctor blades against the ink transfer roller with low pressure sufficient for a tight seal, thus minimizing wear. By advancing the doctor blade chamber body in the positioning direction via the drive unit, sufficient sealing is ensured even in the event of doctor blade chamber wear. In particular, to maintain sufficient pressure with which the doctor blades are pressed against the ink transfer roller, it can be provided that a drive parameter is recorded as a positioning parameter, especially in addition to other positioning parameters.

[0025] The aforementioned design variant is particularly suitable in combination with the use of an electric motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic drive as a drive device.

[0026] It can also be provided that the doctor blade chamber body is initially advanced by means of the drive unit, e.g., in the manner described above, depending on the doctor blade wear, until the contact surface of the bearing element, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body, abuts the end stop or the force measuring sensor optionally integrated into the end stop. Subsequently, a specific approach force is set and / or a constant approach force is maintained by means of the drive unit, so that by measuring the test force, which results from the difference between the approach force and the restoring force, as described above, the doctor blade wear, in particular a maximum wear limit, can be calculated by the computer unit.

[0027] In practice, it has proven advantageous for process planning and design if at least one characteristic wear curve is created using the computer unit based on the measurement signals of the repeatedly recorded adjustment parameters, and the characteristic wear curve, which includes specific operating parameters such as a doctor blade type and / or a seal type used, is stored in a memory.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be advantageous for the computer unit, particularly for the detection of other process errors or defects that lead to altered squeegee wear, e.g., a defective drive unit, to compare the generated characteristic wear curve with at least one characteristic wear curve already present in the memory that includes the same or equivalent operating parameters.

[0029] Optionally, the computing unit can also be configured to supplement at least one characteristic wear curve already present in memory with the created characteristic wear curve, which includes the same or equivalent operating parameters.

[0030] Advantageously, the computing unit can be designed to provide the user with information about remaining usability, particularly with regard to the specific planned print job, before a printing process begins. The output can include, for example, a statement as to whether the planned print job is feasible based on the existing doctor blade wear, or whether and / or when the doctor blades need to be replaced during or after the print job. For this purpose, it may be advantageous to check the doctor blade wear before the start of the printing process by positioning the doctor blade chamber against the ink transfer roller. For the reliability of the calculated information, it has proven beneficial if the computing unit can access and consider characteristic wear curves during the calculation.

[0031] Similarly, the user can utilize the current doctor blade wear and / or the characteristic wear curves, checked before the printing process, to create a print job adapted to the current doctor blade wear and / or a calculated, predicted doctor blade wear. Preferably, the planning and creation of the respective print job is computer-aided, for example, via the computer unit itself.

[0032] Preferably, the computer unit has at least one display device, wherein the wear signal can expediently be output or is output via the display device. Alternatively or additionally, the squeegee blade wear can also be displayed via the display device, updated periodically, in real time, or on demand by a user.

[0033] Advantageous method variants further provide that the computer unit calculates a remaining service life, in particular based on the operating parameters detected by the at least one measuring sensor and preferably on the characteristic wear curve(s). Preferably, the remaining service life is calculated as time, for example in hours or minutes, or as a pressure distance, for example in meters or inches, and is preferably displayed via the display device, in particular periodically updated or in real time or on demand by a user.

[0034] In particular, the retrieval of data, especially regarding squeegee wear or remaining service life, is carried out by the user via an input device connected to the computer unit.

[0035] In accordance with the foregoing, it may be provided that, for the computer-aided creation and planning of the print job using the computer unit, the computer unit displays the relevant information via the display device and receives relevant information, in particular from a user, via an input device.

[0036] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by means of a doctor blade device according to the invention for a printing press, in particular a rotary printing press. This doctor blade device is preferably suitable for use in at least one of the embodiments of the method described above.

[0037] This doctor blade device comprises a doctor blade chamber body that can be adjusted to the ink transfer roller by means of the adjusting device, the doctor blade chamber body having a groove-like recess. The recess extends along the longitudinal axis, is open in the adjustment direction, and closed axially to the longitudinal axis.

[0038] Furthermore, the doctor blade assembly features at least two blades arranged like a roof on each of the edge sections of the recess extending along its longitudinal axis, for contact with the ink transfer roller. The gap opening into the recess extends between the blades. To ensure a tight seal against the ink transfer roller, the blades are elastically deformable in the direction opposite to the direction of contact. In a known manner, the elastic deformation of the blades generates a restoring force.

[0039] According to the invention, the adjusting device includes at least one measuring sensor connected to the computer unit for detecting the adjusting parameter, which is influenced by the restoring force of the doctor blade. As described above, the computer unit is designed such that doctor blade wear can be calculated using the detected adjusting parameter.

[0040] It goes without saying that, according to optional variants, the doctor blade device can have all features relating to the doctor blade device, either individually or in combination. In particular, the measuring sensor, or at least one of the measuring sensors of the adjusting device, is designed as a force sensor or pressure sensor.

[0041] In particular, a test force can be detected as an adjustment parameter using the force sensor and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit. Preferably, the adjustment pressure, especially the drive pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic drive of the adjustment device for adjusting the doctor blade chamber body to the ink transfer roller during adjustment, can be detected as an adjustment parameter using the pressure sensor and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit.

[0042] It is also within the scope of the invention that the doctor blade device, in an optional variant, has an electric drive, or that the drive unit is designed as an electric motor and the at least one measuring sensor is designed as a voltage measuring sensor for detecting an application voltage. Alternatively or additionally, particularly depending on the type of electric motor, the measuring sensor, or at least one of the measuring sensors, can also be designed in such a way that the application motor current or the application motor torque is detected / detectable as a drive parameter or as an application parameter.

[0043] Advantageously, the positioning direction may be provided with guide means that block the adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body in and / or against the positioning direction. The guide means may also stabilize the adjustment movement itself. For example, the guide means may include a threaded drive that translates a rotational movement provided by a crank or motor drive into a substantially linear thrust movement for adjusting the doctor blade chamber body in and / or against the positioning direction. The guide means may also include the mechanical end stop and the bearing element with the contact surface, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body. The end stop and the contact surface are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body in the positioning direction is limited by a contact of the contact surface against the end stop.

[0044] Further optional guide means can include, in particular, a rail system by means of which the doctor blade chamber body can be linearly adjusted in and / or against the direction of application. Similar to the end stop, a guide means can be designed as a mechanical front stop, which limits the maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body against the direction of application. For this purpose, according to an optional variant, it is advantageously provided that at least one support element, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body, has a stop surface, wherein the front stop and the stop surface are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that the stop surface rests against the front stop, limiting the maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body against the direction of application.For operational safety, it may be advantageous, for example, if the adjusting device is designed in such a way that the doctor blade chamber body can only be removed in a certain position, whereby the maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body may expediently be provided for this position in the direction of adjustment.

[0045] As with the bearing element, the support element on which the stop surface is formed can be designed as a support element of the doctor blade chamber body, preferably formed integrally with the doctor blade chamber body. Alternatively, the support element can also be designed as a support element of the adjusting device and is preferably connected to the doctor blade chamber body by force-fit and / or form-fit or by material bonding. It is within the scope of the invention that the support element and the bearing element are formed integrally, in particular integrally, as a single, unified element.

[0046] Advantageously, the measuring sensor, or at least one of the measuring sensors, can be designed as a force sensor. It is expedient to arrange the force sensor at the end stop in such a way that a test force acting on the force sensor or the end stop from the contact surface can be detected as an adjustment parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit. This variant enables, in particular, a method that allows for a very precise determination / calculation of the doctor blade wear. The method and the advantages resulting from this design and the associated procedure have already been explained above. Depending on the optional method implementations, the computer unit can be connected to, or be connectable with, at least one display device, which is specifically designed and configured to display a wear signal and / or doctor blade wear to a user.

[0047] Depending on the scope of information to be displayed, as well as user preferences and / or working environments, the display device may include an acoustic, tactile, and / or visual indicator. An acoustic indicator could be, for example, a siren or a loudspeaker, where the information to be displayed, such as the wear indicator, could be indicated by a warning tone. It is also conceivable that the information could be displayed to the user via a loudspeaker as spoken output. A tactile indicator could, for example, include a vibration alert from a smartphone. A visual indicator could be, in particular, a lamp or a screen. The information to be displayed visually, such as the wear indicator, could, for example, be shown by a warning light. A screen could, in particular, display more detailed information, such as the remaining service life.

[0048] The computer unit is preferably connected to, or connectable to, an input device. The computer unit can capture user input via the input device. For example, the input device allows the user to retrieve information from the computer unit, particularly regarding doctor blade wear or remaining service life. The computer unit and the input device can also be designed, and in particular integrated into, the printing press in such a way that, for the computer-aided creation and planning of the print job, the computer unit displays the relevant information via the display device and receives relevant information, particularly from the user, via the input device.In practice, combination devices have proven particularly advantageous, especially those that expediently include more than one display or input device, or at least one display and at least one input device. For example, such a combination device could be configured with a screen as the first display device and a loudspeaker as the second. Similarly, a form of combination device could be provided in which the display device itself incorporates the input device for capturing and transmitting user input to the computer unit; in particular, the display device could be designed as a touch-sensitive screen.

[0049] Other combination devices that have at least one display device and at least one input device include, in particular, smartphones, tablets or personal computers, especially laptops.

[0050] Advantageously, the at least one display device, in particular at least one acoustic, visual, or tactile display, and / or the at least one input device, and / or at least one combination device, can be connected to the computer unit via a network connection. Preferably, a particularly secure wired connection is provided. Particularly advantageous flexibility can also be provided by a wireless connection, especially for location-independent connectivity. Alternatively, a connection between the respective display device and / or the respective input device and / or the respective combination device and the computer unit can also be provided by a direct radio connection, for example, a Bluetooth connection.

[0051] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the figures. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Within the scope of the entire disclosure, features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the device according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0052] The individual figures show:

[0053] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a doctor blade chamber body attached to an ink transfer roller, Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a doctor blade device attached to an ink transfer roller, Fig. 3 is a detailed view of area D in Fig. 2 in different states of wear and

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of another squeegee device attached to a color transfer roller.

[0055] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0056] For the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features, but that each individual partial feature of the exemplary embodiment(s) is also significant for the subject matter of the invention independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith and also in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, a doctor blade chamber body 1 of a doctor blade device 100 and an ink transfer roller 2. Such doctor blade devices 100 are found in particular in printing presses, especially rotary printing presses. Such printing presses are known to those skilled in the art, which is why a detailed illustration is omitted.

[0058] In the example shown, the ink transfer roller 2 is designed as an anilox roller in a manner not shown in detail. The doctor blade chamber body 1 can advantageously be made up of several parts. It is provided that the doctor blade chamber body 1 has a groove-like recess 4 extending along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the doctor blade chamber body 1 runs parallel to a central or rotational axis of the ink transfer roller 2. As can be seen from Fig. 1, this groove-like recess 4 is open in a direction A. The direction A is indicated by the arrow A, where the direction A specifically denotes a direction towards the ink transfer roller 2, against which the doctor blade chamber body 1 is to be positioned.

[0059] The recess 4 of the doctor blade chamber body 1 is closed axially to its longitudinal axis. For this purpose, walls (not shown) may be advantageously provided on the end face. It may be advantageous for the walls to include seals arranged in the direction of application A, which, in an applied state, bear against a surface 6 of the ink transfer roller 2 and thereby increase the seal.

[0060] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the doctor blade device 100, or doctor blade chamber body 1, provides at least two roof-like arranged doctor blades 8, which are sometimes simply referred to as "squeegees," for contact with the ink transfer roller 2. The two doctor blades 8 are each arranged on an edge section 10 of the recess 4 extending along the longitudinal axis. As shown in Fig. 1, a gap 12, open to the recess 4, extends between the at least two doctor blades 8 and, in the engaged state, connects the outer surface 6 of the ink transfer roller 2 with the recess 4. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the doctor blade chamber body 1 can be provided with a flat underside 14 and two edge sides 16 adjoining the flat underside 14 at an angle.The edge sections 10 of the recess 4 are preferably designed as inclined surfaces rising towards the recess 4, so that when the squeegee blades 8 are applied in a manner that is essentially flat, the roof-like arrangement is advantageously achieved.

[0061] Preferably, the edge sections comprise 10 bearing surfaces for the doctor blades 8. In particular, the doctor blades 8 are adjustable to the ink transfer roller 2 such that the groove-like recess 4, which points in the adjustment direction A when in the adjusted state, is limited at least by the ink transfer roller 2 and the doctor blades 8 in such a way that the recess 4 can be filled with printing ink and the printing ink can be rotatably picked up by the ink transfer roller 2 without the printing ink escaping uncontrollably. An adjustment device 18 is provided for adjusting the doctor blade chamber body 1 to the ink transfer roller 2, which is shown by way of example in Figures 2 and 4.

[0062] To ensure proper positioning of the doctor blades 8 against the outer surface 6 of the ink transfer roller 2, the doctor blades 8 are designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of application A. In an elastically deformed state, the doctor blades 8 provide a restoring force 30 in the direction of application A. Because the doctor blades 8 are supported against the ink transfer roller 30, the restoring force 30 acts on the doctor blade chamber body 1 or the positioning device 18 in the direction opposite to the direction of application A.

[0063] Clamping rails 20 are preferably used to fix the doctor blades 8 to the edge sections 10, in particular the bearing surfaces. The clamping rails 20 are preferably subjected to clamping forces directed towards the doctor blade chamber body 1. By way of example, at least a portion of the clamping forces is provided by means of screw connections. As shown in Fig. 1 using the example of a screw 22, the screws 22 can be provided that they pass through through-holes, preferably elongated holes, in the clamping rail 20 and are screwed to the doctor blade chamber body 1. An enlarged diameter clamping section of a screw head generates at least a portion of the respective clamping force at correspondingly designed edge regions of the through-holes, which may expediently have a smaller diameter than the clamping section.Alternative, not shown, methods for fixing the doctor blades 8 to the edge sections 10 may also be provided. For example, it is within the scope of the invention that the respective doctor blade 8 is clamped to the doctor blade chamber body 1 by means of an aluminum clamping rail, in particular without screws.

[0064] Additionally, clamping shafts 24 can be used, which are arranged axially to the longitudinal axis below the clamping rails 20 in corresponding clamping grooves 26 in the doctor blade chamber body 1. The clamping shafts 24 are not rotationally symmetrical or eccentric in cross-section, so that a clamping force pointing in the direction of application A can be applied to a lower surface 14 of the clamping rail 20 facing the clamping shaft 24 by rotating the clamping shaft 24. Clamping can advantageously be achieved between the clamping section of the screw head and the clamping shaft 24 via the clamping rail 20.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment, the clamping shaft 24 is arranged further away from the recess 4 than the respective screw(s) 22. This results in the corresponding points of application of the clamping shaft 24 and the clamping section of the screw 22 being spaced apart, so that the clamping rail 20 acts like a lever, the force of which can be used to fix the doctor blades 8. Advantageously, the lower clamping rail 20 in Fig. 1 shows such a configuration.

[0066] For maintenance and repair, the doctor blades 8 are advantageously arranged to be replaceable on the doctor blade chamber body 1. For this purpose, it is expedient to bring the clamping rail 20, as shown with reference to the upper clamping rail 20 in Fig. 1, into a released position. The released position can advantageously be achieved by reducing the force acting on the underside 14 of the clamping rail 20, which originates from the clamping shaft 24, by rotating the clamping shaft 24.

[0067] The doctor blade device 100 is used by positioning the doctor blade chamber body 1, with the positioning device 18 shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the positioning direction A against the ink transfer roller 2. During the printing process, the ink transfer roller 2 rotates, see arrow R. However, the method according to the invention is not limited to the ink transfer roller 2 being in rotation during the positioning of the doctor blade chamber body 1.

[0068] The doctor blade chamber body 1 is positioned, particularly in a state shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, such that the ink transfer roller 2 at least partially closes the gap 12 between the doctor blades 8, which is open to the recess 4, and the doctor blades 8 bear against the ink transfer roller 2. During positioning, the doctor blades 8 are elastically deformed in the direction opposite to the positioning direction A. Figure 3 shows examples of different elastic deformations depending on the degree of doctor blade wear or different wear states.

[0069] According to the invention, the adjusting device 18 has at least one measuring sensor 32 connected to a computer unit 28 for detecting an adjusting parameter that can be influenced by the elastic restoring force 30 of the doctor blades 8. The respective measuring sensor(s) 32 and the computer unit 28 are shown schematically in Figures 2 and 4. According to the invention, the computer unit 28 is designed such that doctor blade wear can be calculated using the detected adjusting parameter.

[0070] The method according to the invention provides that the adjustment parameter, which can be influenced by the restoring force 30 of the doctor blades 8, is detected at least once by means of the at least one measuring sensor 32 of the adjusting device 18 and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28 of the doctor blade device 100. The computer unit 28 then calculates the doctor blade wear based on the measurement signal.

[0071] In the sense of the invention, the doctor blade wear relates in particular to doctor blade wear of the doctor blades 8, which is caused by abrasion of the doctor blades 8 on the rotating ink transfer roller 2.

[0072] It is within the scope of the doctor blade device 100 that two or more measuring sensors 32 can be provided, each of which can detect an adjustment parameter and transmit it as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28, or detect and transmit it to the computer unit 28. At least one of the detected / detectable adjustment parameters is at least indirectly dependent on the restoring force 30 of the doctor blades 8. An advantageous variant of the doctor blade device 100 with two measuring sensors 32 is shown by way of example in Fig. 4.

[0073] In particular, the method provides that at least one setting parameter is repeatedly recorded and the doctor blade wear is repeatedly calculated based on the resulting measurement signals. The repeated recordings of the respective setting parameters and / or calculations can expediently be performed at regular intervals. Alternatively, the respective repeated recordings of the setting parameter and / or calculations can be performed at irregular intervals, particularly with a frequency that increases depending on the doctor blade wear. The latter option is especially advantageous in order to adjust the accuracy of the doctor blade wear determination as needed, so that the doctor blades 8 can be used with as little risk as possible up to their maximum wear limit.Alternatively, the at least one measuring sensor 32 and the computer unit 28 can be designed and configured such that the setting parameter is continuously recorded and the doctor blade wear is continuously calculated. Advantageously, a combination of periodic and / or irregular recording of the setting parameter and calculation of the doctor blade wear, and continuous recording of the setting parameter and calculation of the doctor blade wear, can also be provided. For example, a combination can be designed such that the respective recurring recording of the setting parameter or...The respective calculation is initially carried out at regular intervals up to a first wear limit of the doctor blades 8, and from the first wear limit of the doctor blades 8 up to a second wear limit of the doctor blades 8 is carried out at irregular intervals, in particular with a frequency that increases depending on the doctor blade wear, and after the second wear limit of the doctor blades 8 up to the maximum wear, the recording of the setting parameter and the calculation of the doctor blade wear is carried out continuously.

[0074] Advantageously, a particular variant of the doctor blade device 100 provides that the measuring sensor 32, or at least one of the measuring sensors 32 of the adjusting device 18, is designed as a force measuring sensor 34. The exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 4 each have such a force measuring sensor 34. Preferably, the force measuring sensor 34 is configured and designed such that a test force 36 can be detected as an adjusting parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28, or is detected and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28.

[0075] Preferably, the adjusting device 18 has a mechanical end stop 38. The exemplary advantageous embodiments further provide that the measuring sensor 32, or at least one of the measuring sensors 32, which is preferably designed as a force measuring sensor 34, is arranged at the end stop 38. It is also expediently provided that a bearing element, which is immovable relative to the doctor blade chamber body 1, has a contact surface 40. Figures 2 and 4 show that, in a preferred embodiment, the bearing element is designed as an element of the adjusting device 18 and is connected to the doctor blade chamber body 1. Preferably, the bearing element can also be integrated into a drive unit of the adjusting device 18 as part of the adjusting device 18. Expediently, the bearing element can also be formed directly on the doctor blade chamber body 1 or be an element of the doctor blade chamber body 1 itself.

[0076] The end stop 38 and the contact surface 40 are preferably designed to correspond to each other in such a way that a maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body 1 in the direction of application A is limited by means of a contact of the contact surface 40 against the end stop 38, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0077] The measuring sensor 32, preferably the force measuring sensor 34, is arranged on the end stop 38 in such a way that a test force 36 acting from the contact surface 40 on the force measuring sensor 34 or the end stop 38 can be detected as an adjustment parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28.

[0078] Accordingly, a special method for using the doctor blade device 100 provides that, upon reaching the maximum adjustment, the contact surface 40 of the bearing element, which is immovable relative to the doctor blade chamber body 1, acts on the force measuring sensor 34 and the force measuring sensor 34 detects a test force 36, with which the contact surface 40 presses against the force measuring sensor 34 or the end stop 38, as an adjustment parameter and transmits it as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28.

[0079] An advantageous embodiment of the method is based in particular on the fact that the doctor blade chamber body 1 is brought towards the ink transfer roller 2 according to its maximum adjustment and the contact surface 40 of the bearing element, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body 1, is pressed against the end stop 38 or the force measuring sensor 34 formed on the end stop 38 with a specific actuating force 42. This condition is present, for example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Due to the contact between the doctor blades 8 and the ink transfer roller 2, the doctor blades 8 deform elastically against the actuating direction A such that the force measuring sensor 34 detects a test force 36, which results from the difference between the actuating force 42 and the restoring force 30 of the doctor blades 8. The advantageous effect is now illustrated with reference to Fig. 3. Due to the wear of the doctor blades during the inking or...During the printing process, the extent of elastic deformation of the doctor blade 8 decreases, and consequently, so does the restoring force 30. Figure 3 illustrates four different states 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d with varying degrees of deformation, with doctor blade wear increasing from left to right. Figure 3 also shows the restoring force 30 relative to the test force 36 for each state in a diagram. The test force 36 is measured by the force sensor 34 in the end stop 38 (see Figure 2). The Y-axis of the diagram represents the magnitude of the respective test force 36 or restoring force 30, and the X-axis represents the doctor blade wear.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows on the far left a first wear state 3a with less wear compared to the subsequent wear states 3b, 3c, 3d. As can be seen in the diagram, the restoring force 30 is relatively high, so that the test force 36, which results from the difference between the setting force 42 and the restoring force 30, is lowest in the first wear state 3a.

[0081] The doctor blades 8 already exhibit higher wear in the second wear state 3b than in the first wear state 3a. Simultaneously, the elastic deformation and thus the restoring force 30 has decreased. The remaining application force 42 is therefore only met by a reduced restoring force 30. The force sensor 34 thus detects an increase in the test force 36.

[0082] A third wear state, 3c, represents a more advanced stage of doctor blade wear compared to the second wear state, 3b. Analogous to the transition from the first wear state, 3a, to the second wear state, 3b, the transition from the second to the third wear state, 3c, also results in a reduction of the elastic deformation and thus the restoring force 30 of the doctor blades 8. Consequently, the setting parameter, measured by the force sensor 34 as the test force 36, also increases here.

[0083] Finally, Fig. 3 shows a final or fourth wear state 3d in which the doctor blade wear has progressed to such an extent that the doctor blade 8 exhibits almost no elastic deformation. The restoring force 30 of the doctor blade 8 decreases to a minimum, whereas the actuating force 42, with which the actuating device 18 acts on the end stop 38 or the force measuring sensor 34, is maintained, in particular, at a constant level. The test force 36 accordingly approaches a maximum.

[0084] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the squeegee blade wear can thus be calculated on the basis of an increase in the test force 36 registered by repeated recordings of the test force 36 in the computer unit 28.

[0085] To simplify the embodiment, the contact force 42 was assumed to be constant in the preceding embodiment. Specific embodiments may provide for this force to be variable, in which case the computer unit 28 is designed and configured such that the variance of the contact force 42 can be taken into account, or is taken into account, when calculating doctor blade wear.

[0086] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the adjusting device 18 includes a drive unit. In practice, electric motors and / or hydraulic or pneumatic drives have proven to be particularly advantageous. The adjusting device 18, preferably the respective drive unit, can expediently have a measuring sensor 32 by means of which an adjusting force 42 can be detected or calculated, at least indirectly.

[0087] A particular embodiment of the invention, especially in conjunction with a drive unit, provides that the measuring sensor 32, or at least one of the measuring sensors 32, is arranged in the drive unit. Preferably, the respective measuring sensor 32 is designed and configured such that a drive parameter, in particular the actuating force 42, an actuating pressure, or an actuating voltage, can be detected as an actuating parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28, or, when using the doctor blade device 100, the respective drive parameter is detected as an actuating parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit 28. This embodiment of the doctor blade device 100 can be advantageously used in the method described with Fig. 3 to determine the actuating force 42, at least indirectly.

[0088] Furthermore, recording the drive parameters as adjustment parameters enables the doctor blade device 100 to be used in an advantageous manner, particularly illustrated by Fig. 4, such that the doctor blade chamber body 1 is first brought close to the ink transfer roller 2 in such a way that contact is established between the doctor blades 8 and the ink transfer roller 2. This state is shown by way of example in Fig. 4. The doctor blades 8 are in contact with the outer surface 6 of the ink transfer roller 2, with a gap between the contact surface 40 of the bearing element and the end stop 38 of the adjustment device 18.

[0089] In a known manner, the doctor blades 8 deform elastically against the direction of application A and thereby generate the restoring force 30. Due to the contact of the doctor blades 8 with the ink transfer roller 2, the doctor blade wear occurs during the printing process, as is known.

[0090] Preferably, it is provided that, based on the repeatedly recorded positioning parameters, which are preferably recorded as drive parameters by the at least one optional measuring sensor 32 in the drive unit, the drive unit is controlled by the computer unit 28 in such a way that the doctor blade chamber body 1 is guided in the positioning direction A depending on the doctor blade wear.

[0091] A particular embodiment of this advantageous application is illustrated by the diagram shown in Fig. 4, where the adjustment parameter in the form of the drive parameter is plotted on the Y-axis and an adjustment path 44 is plotted on the X-axis, by which the doctor blade chamber body 1 can be moved in the adjustment direction A, in particular up to the end stop 38. In particular, the measuring sensor 32 is designed as a force measuring sensor 34' and measures an adjustment force 42 as a drive or adjustment parameter, wherein the adjustment force 42 is at least indirectly dependent on the restoring force 30 or counteracts the restoring force 30. By repeatedly measuring the adjustment force 42, the computer unit 28 can detect a wear-related decrease in the restoring force 30 that counteracts the adjustment force 42 and control the drive device accordingly.This variant makes it possible to adjust the pressure with which the doctor blades 8 bear against the ink transfer roller 2 and, in particular, to keep it constant over an operating period. Preferably, the pressure is adjustable such that the pressure with which the doctor blades 8 bear against the ink transfer roller 2 is sufficiently high to ensure adequate sealing against the groove-like recess 4, and sufficiently low to avoid excessive wear of the doctor blades 8.

[0092] According to the diagram in Fig. 4, in a first phase 4a the doctor blades 8 are positioned against the ink transfer roller 2. It can be seen that when the doctor blades 8 are positioned against the ink transfer roller 2, the positioning force 42 increases according to the restoring force 30 and assumes a preset level.

[0093] The second phase 4b of the diagram shown in Fig. 4 represents only the operational phase. As previously stated, during operation, the contact of the doctor blades 8 with the rotating ink transfer roller 2 leads to abrasion or doctor blade wear. One consequence of this doctor blade wear is a reduction in the restoring force 30, which is repeatedly detected by the force sensor 34' and transmitted as measurement signals to the computer unit 28. The computer unit 28 then controls the drive mechanism such that the doctor blade chamber body 1 is advanced in the direction of travel A until the actuating force 42 rises again to the preset level. This results, as shown as the second phase 4b in the diagram according to Fig. 4, in an approximately constant effect of the actuating force 42 over the adjustment range 44.

[0094] A third phase 4c of the diagram according to Fig. 4 begins, by way of example, after the doctor blade chamber body 1 has been adjusted according to its maximum adjustment range in the direction of application A and, in particular, the contact surface 40 rests against the end stop 38. Advantageously, a second measuring sensor 32, designed as a force measuring sensor 34, can now be formed in the end stop 38. In particular, in the third phase 4c, the doctor blade wear can now be determined according to the method described in Figs. 2 and 3 by measuring the test force 36. The third phase 4c of the diagram therefore has a dotted line 46, which represents the course of the test force 36, which is measured by means of a second measuring sensor 32, designed as a force measuring sensor 34, arranged in the end stop 38. According to Fig.

[0095] As stated in sections 2 and 3, the test force 36 results from the difference between the setting force 42 and the restoring force 30 of the doctor blades 8. Due to doctor blade wear during the inking or printing process, the degree of elastic deformation of the doctor blades 8 decreases, and thus also the restoring force 30. Therefore, doctor blade wear is calculated based on an increase in the test force 36, which is registered / calculated by means of repeated measurements of the test force 36 in the computer unit 28.

[0096] It can be advantageous for the computer unit 28 to generate at least one characteristic wear curve based on the measurement signals of the repeatedly acquired operating parameters. This characteristic wear curve also includes, in particular, specific operating parameters such as a doctor blade type and / or a seal type used. In practice, it has proven particularly advantageous for fault analysis and process optimization that, according to a specific variant of the use of the doctor blade device 100, the characteristic wear curve is stored in a memory (not shown).Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the characteristic wear curve is compared with at least one characteristic wear curve already present in memory, which includes the same or equivalent operating parameters, and / or that at least one characteristic wear curve already present in memory, which includes the same or equivalent operating parameters, is supplemented with the generated characteristic wear curve. A particular embodiment provides that the computer unit 28 outputs a wear signal at least when the calculated doctor blade wear falls below a minimum target value. Alternatively, it can be provided that the minimum target value is stored in a memory, in particular in the same memory as the characteristic wear curves. The computer unit 28 then compares the calculated doctor blade wear with at least one minimum target value stored in the memory.

[0097] Optional versions of the invention provide that the computer unit 28 is connected / connectable to at least one display device 48. This display device 48 can be designed and configured to show the wear signal and / or the doctor blade wear to a user. Advantageously, the display device 48 is preferably shown as a screen in Figures 2 and 4. However, it is within the scope of the invention that the display device 48 can also be designed as other acoustic, visual, or tactile displays. For example, the acoustic display can be designed as a loudspeaker. An example of an alternative visual display can be a light, which, compared to a screen as shown in Figures 2 and 4, can display less information, but offers advantages over a screen in terms of cost, reliability, and repairability.Tactile displays can also be used as an alternative or supplement to other display devices, depending on the application. Tactile displays, especially vibration alarms, have also proven advantageous in limited visibility conditions and / or noisy working environments and / or in cases of limited perceptual abilities in relation to the user's vision and / or hearing.

[0098] The display device 48, for example a screen, can in particular be designed and configured in such a way that it can display other information in addition to the wear signal, for example it can be provided that the characteristic wear curve, the doctor blade wear and / or maintenance instructions can also be displayed via the display device 48.

[0099] An advantageous application is based on the fact that the computer unit 28 displays the wear signal and / or the doctor blade wear and / or other information relating to the doctor blade device 100 and / or the printing press periodically updated or in real time or on demand by a user via at least one of the display devices 48.

[0100] The additional information can also include a remaining service life, which is provided by the computer unit 28 calculating the remaining service life, in particular as time or distance, based on the recorded operating parameters and displaying it via the display device 48, in particular updating periodically or in real time or on demand by a user. The calculation of the remaining service life is preferably based on historical comparative data, in particular taking into account at least one characteristic wear curve stored in memory, which includes the same or equivalent operating parameters with respect to the current printing process or the planned printing process.

[0101] According to an exemplary embodiment not shown, a particular embodiment provides that the computing unit 28 is connected / connectable to an input device for capturing user input. Advantageously, user input can be captured by means of the input device and forwarded to the computing unit. For example, the squeegee device 100, in particular the adjustment device 18, and especially preferably the drive device, can be adjusted by means of the input device. By way of example, the pressure with which the squeegee blades 8 bear against the ink transfer roller 2 can be adjusted via the input device. According to an advantageous embodiment, the user can also select, set, and / or retrieve the information that is displayed via the display device 48 by means of the input device. In practice, the use of at least one combination solution has proven advantageous.Combination devices have proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0102] One variant of the combination devices, for example, has a first display device 48 and at least one further display device 48. For example, the first display device 48 can be configured as a screen and the at least one further display device 48 as a loudspeaker.

[0103] Another variant of combination devices, for example, has a primary input device and at least one secondary input device. An example of such a combination device could include a keyboard and a mouse, or a microphone for voice input.

[0104] It is also advantageous to provide a combination device which has at least one display device 48 and at least one input device. Such combination devices enable particularly versatile use and offer a high degree of flexibility. Such combination devices can be implemented in the form of touch-sensitive screens, smartphones, tablets, etc.

[0105] Of course, a combination device can also be designed or its functions limited in such a way that only a portion of its possible display and / or input device(s) is used. For example, a smartphone as a combination device can be designed or configured solely as a display device 48 or solely as an input device. A smartphone as a combination device can also be designed solely for outputting information via a display and for capturing user input via a keyboard, disregarding the smartphone's speaker as a possible display device 48 and / or a touch-sensitive input option of the smartphone's display and / or a smartphone's microphone as an input device. The connecting line in Figures 2 and 4 between the display device 48 and the computing unit 28 serves only to illustrate the connection / connectability in general.It is within the scope of the invention that the connection between the computer unit 28 and the at least one display device 48 and / or the at least one input device and / or the at least one combination device can be made in a suitable manner, either wired and / or wirelessly.

[0106] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also encompasses all embodiments that have the same effect within the meaning of the invention. The embodiments are not limited to the combination of all features; rather, each individual partial feature can also have inventive relevance independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the combination of features defined in the independent claims, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all disclosed individual features. Consequently, each individual feature of the respective independent claims can be omitted and / or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. Reference numeral list 1: Doctor blade chamber body

[0107] 2 Color transfer roller

[0108] 4 Exclusion

[0109] 6 Surface area

[0110] 8 squeegee blades

[0111] 10 Marginal section

[0112] 12 columns

[0113] 14 Underside

[0114] 16 Marginal page

[0115] 18 Adjustment device

[0116] 20 clamping rail

[0117] 22 screw

[0118] 24 clamping shaft

[0119] 26 clamping groove

[0120] 28 computer units

[0121] 30 Restoring force

[0122] 32 measuring sensor

[0123] 34 Force measuring sensor - test force

[0124] 34' Force sensor - actuation force

[0125] 36 Test force

[0126] 38 End stop

[0127] 40 contact area

[0128] 42 tensioning force

[0129] 44 Adjustment range

[0130] 46 Test force curve

[0131] 48 Display device

[0132] 3a First state of wear

[0133] 3b Second wear condition

[0134] 3c Third wear condition

[0135] 3d Fourth wear state

[0136] 4a First Phase

[0137] 4b Second Phase 4c Third Phase

[0138] A Direction of attack R Rotation

[0139] 100 squeegee device

Claims

Windmöller & Hölscher SE & Co. KG Münsterstraße 50 49525 Lengerich / Westphalia Our reference number: 9468 WO - JK Doctor blade device of a printing press and a method for its use Claims 1. Method for using a doctor blade device (100) of a printing press, in particular a rotary printing press, wherein a doctor blade chamber body (1) with a recess (4) extending in a channel-like manner along a longitudinal axis, open in the positioning direction (A) and closed axially to the longitudinal axis, is positioned in a positioning direction (A) against a rotating / rotatable ink transfer roller (2) during a printing process by means of an adjusting device (18) such that the ink transfer roller (2) at least partially closes a gap (12) open towards the recess (4), which extends between at least two doctor blades (8) arranged in a roof-like manner on each of an edge section (10) extending along the longitudinal axis of the recess (4), wherein the doctor blades (8) bear against the ink transfer roller (2) when adjusted and are elastically deformed in the direction of adjustment (A) while generating a restoring force (30). characterized by the fact that by means of at least one measuring sensor (32) of the adjusting device (18) an adjusting parameter which can be influenced by the restoring force (30) of the doctor blades (8) is detected at least once and transmitted as a measuring signal to a computer unit (28) of the doctor blade device (100), wherein the computer unit (28) calculates doctor blade wear based on the measuring signal, which is caused in particular by abrasion of the doctor blades (8) on the rotating ink transfer roller (2).

2. Method according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that The setting parameter is repeatedly recorded, especially at regular intervals, or continuously, and the doctor blade wear is repeatedly calculated from the resulting measurement signals, especially at regular intervals, or continuously.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that a maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body (1 ) in the direction of application (A) is limited by means of a mechanical end stop, wherein at least one of the measuring sensors (32) is designed as a force measuring sensor (34) and is arranged on the end stop (38), so that when the maximum adjustment is reached a contact surface (40) of a bearing element which is immovable relative to the doctor blade chamber body (1) acts on the force measuring sensor (34) and the force measuring sensor (34) detects a test force (36) with which the contact surface (40) presses against the force measuring sensor (34) or the end stop (38) as an adjustment parameter and transmits it as a measurement signal to the computer unit (28).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that The doctor blade chamber body (1) is moved towards the ink transfer roller (2) according to its maximum adjustment, and the contact surface (40) of the bearing element, which is fixed relative to the doctor blade chamber body (1), is pressed against the end stop (38) or against the force measuring sensor (34) formed on the end stop (38) with a specific actuating force (42), whereby the doctor blades (8) deform elastically against the actuating direction (A) due to the contact between the doctor blades (8) and the ink transfer roller (2), wherein the force measuring sensor (34) detects a test force (36) which results from a difference between the actuating force (42) and the restoring force (30) of the doctor blades (8), wherein the extent of the elastic deformation of the doctor blades (8) and thus also the restoring force (30) is affected by the wear of the doctor blades during the inking orThe printing process is reduced, so that the doctor blade wear is calculated based on an increase in the test force (36) which is registered by repeated measurements of the test force (36) in the computer unit (28).

5. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that First, the doctor blade chamber body (1) is brought into contact with the ink transfer roller (2) in such a way that contact is established between the doctor blades (8) and the ink transfer roller (2), whereby the doctor blades (8) deform elastically against the direction of approach (A), whereby, due to the contact of the doctor blades (8) on the ink transfer roller (2), doctor blade wear occurs during the printing process. - wherein, based on the repeatedly recorded positioning parameters, a drive device is controlled by the computer unit (28) in such a way that the doctor blade chamber body (1) is advanced in the positioning direction (A) depending on the doctor blade wear.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that The measuring sensor (32) or at least one of the measuring sensors (32) is arranged in the drive device, in particular in an electric motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic drive, the actuating device (18) and detects a drive parameter, in particular an actuating force (42) or an actuating pressure or an actuating voltage or an actuating motor current or an actuating motor torque, as an actuating parameter and transmits it as a measuring signal to the computer unit (28).

7. Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by the fact that The computer unit (28) creates at least one characteristic wear curve with specific operating parameters such as a doctor blade type used and / or a seal type used from the measurement signals of the repeatedly recorded setting parameters and stores this characteristic wear curve in a memory and / or compares it with at least one characteristic wear curve already present in the memory with the same or equivalent operating parameters and / or supplements at least one characteristic wear curve already present in the memory with the same or equivalent operating parameters.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the computing unit (28) compares the calculated doctor blade wear with at least one minimum target value stored in a memory and outputs a wear signal at least when the calculated doctor blade wear falls below the minimum target value.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that The computer unit (28) displays the wear signal and / or the doctor blade wear and / or other information relating to the doctor blade device (100) and / or the printing press periodically updated or in real time or on demand by a user via at least one display device (48).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that The computer unit (28) calculates a remaining service life, in particular as time or distance, based on the recorded operating parameters and displays it via the display device (48), in particular periodically updating or in real time or on request by a user.

11. Squeegee device (100) of a printing press, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing press is preferably a rotary printing press: - a doctor blade chamber body (1) which can be adjusted to a color transfer roller (2) by means of an adjustment device (18), wherein the doctor blade chamber body (1) has a recess (4) extending in a channel-like manner along a longitudinal axis, pointing in the adjustment direction (A), which is open and closed axially to the longitudinal axis, - at least two doctor blades (8) are arranged in a roof-like manner on each of an edge section (10) of the recess (4) extending along the longitudinal axis for contact with the ink transfer roller (2), wherein a gap (12) open towards the recess (4) extends between the doctor blades (8), wherein the doctor blades (8) are designed to be elastically deformable pointing against the direction of application (A) while generating a restoring force (30), characterized by the fact that the adjusting device (18) has at least one measuring sensor (32) connected to a computer unit (28) for detecting an adjusting parameter which can be influenced by the restoring force (30) of the doctor blades (8), wherein the computer unit (28) is designed in such a way that doctor blade wear can be calculated using the detected adjusting parameter.

12. Squeegee device (100) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that The measuring sensor (32) or at least one of the measuring sensors (32) of the adjusting device (18) is designed as a force measuring sensor (34), wherein a test force (36) can be detected as an adjusting parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit (28).

13. Squeegee device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the fact that the adjusting device (18) has a mechanical end stop (38) and a bearing element with a contact surface (40) that is immovable relative to the doctor blade chamber body (1), wherein the end stop (38) and the contact surface (40) are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that a maximum adjustment of the doctor blade chamber body (1) in the adjusting direction (A) is limited by a contact of the contact surface (40) against the end stop (38).

14. Squeegee device (100) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that a measuring sensor (32) or at least one of the measuring sensors (32), preferably a force measuring sensor (34), is arranged on the end stop (38) in such a way that a test force (36) acting from the contact surface (40) on the force measuring sensor (34) or the end stop (38) can be detected as an adjustment parameter and transmitted as a measurement signal to the computer unit (28).

15. Squeegee device (100) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The adjusting device (18) for adjusting the doctor blade chamber body (1) in and against the adjustment direction (A) has a drive device which is preferably controllable by the computer unit (28), wherein the drive device is preferably designed as an electric motor or as a hydraulic or pneumatic drive.

16. Squeegee device (100) according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that that the measuring sensor (32) or at least one of the measuring sensors (32) is arranged in the drive device, in particular the electric motor or the hydraulic or pneumatic drive, the adjusting device (18) and is designed and configured so that a drive parameter, in particular an adjusting force (42) or an adjusting pressure or an adjusting voltage or an adjusting motor current or an adjusting motor torque, can be detected as an adjusting parameter and transmitted as a measuring signal to the computer unit (28).

17. Squeegee device (100) according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the computer unit (28) is connected / connectable to at least one display device (48) which is designed and configured to indicate a wear signal and / or the squeegee wear to a user.

18. Squeegee device (100) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the display device (48) is designed as an acoustic display, in particular as a loudspeaker, or as a visual display, in particular as a lamp or screen, or as a tactile display, for example as a vibration alarm.

19. Squeegee device (100) according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that the computer unit (28) is connected / connectable to an input device for capturing and forwarding user input to the computer unit (28), in particular that a combination device comprising the display device (48) and the input device is connected / connectable to the computer unit (28), preferably that the combination device is designed as a touch-sensitive screen, smartphone, tablet, personal computer, in particular a laptop.

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