JPH0349752B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printing machine for web such as paper, and more particularly to a web printing machine capable of sequentially and continuously printing a series of different print contents. .

[Conventional technology]

When relatively short printing runs (ie, printing operations) are performed in succession, it is desirable to change from one run to the next without downtime and with minimal web loss.

As for the printing machine itself, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3139025
There is a description in the issue. The direct printing apparatus shown in this patent sequentially operates a series of rotary presses positioned along the web path to perform different print runs. While the first printing unit is printing on the web, the second printing unit is preparing for the next run;
After reaching the predetermined number of prints, the first printing unit is deactivated, the second printing unit starts printing, and no paper is lost during the shift from the first printing unit to the second printing unit. Does not occur. US Patent No.
The printing press described in No. 3,467,007 is automated and combined with a control device so that each printing unit is controlled as desired by the operator.

[Problems to be solved]

However, in the above-mentioned printing machine, the first
When moving to a second printing unit run after one printing unit has completed its run, first wait for the printing unit that is printing to stop, then wait for the waiting printing unit to start up and become ready to print. Printing started after that. For this reason, the first
There was wasted time between the end of the first printing unit's run and the start of the second printing unit's run, resulting in poor printing efficiency. Particularly when consecutive runs are considered, there is a problem in that this wasted time is accumulated and the printing efficiency is significantly reduced.

Furthermore, when preparing a waiting printing unit for the next run, the printing unit is completely disconnected from the power source and during preparation,
The operator must manually rotate each part of the printing unit as necessary to change the ink and plate cylinders, which is not only very inconvenient but also requires a lot of effort on large printing machines. It was necessary, and the work efficiency was poor.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances,
To provide a web printing machine capable of improving printing efficiency by eliminating wasted time required for transferring a printing unit to another printing unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a web printing machine that can facilitate preparation work performed on printing units that are on standby for the next printing run and improve work efficiency.

[Means of explaining the problem]

The web printing machine according to the invention has a plurality of printing units, a web sending device, a folding machine and other devices such as cooling rolls. In particular, the web printing machine is a rubber-to-rubber offset lithographic printing machine. In the present invention, the web passes through a printing mode unit and a non-printing mode unit. A unit in non-printing mode prepares for the next job while other units print.

The function of the control system is to operate the plate cylinders and dampening and inking units of each unit at appropriate times to minimize web material loss. That is, when one print job is stopped, the next print job starts. An operator can control the control device to operate not only one unit but also the required number of units for a given control task.

According to the invention, a respective motor is provided in association with each printing unit of the web printing machine. These motors have a large capacity and are capable of driving the entire printing machine, including the printing unit and the auxiliary unit. A common drive shaft is extended into the printing press, and a clutch is inserted between it and the motor of each unit. Engagement of the clutch drivingly couples the drive motors of a particular printing unit to the common drive shaft. Release of the clutch allows the printing unit to be driven separately from the other units to facilitate preparatory work and to accelerate at a predetermined speed prior to engagement of the clutch when the unit is placed in print mode.

The web printing press according to the invention is particularly suitable for a series of short runs of different printed products, with changeover operations minimizing time and web consumption between one run and the next. While one printing unit is printing the web, a second printing unit is being primed and the web is continuously moving through both units.

The new printing press drive according to the invention includes a main drive shaft and a clutch interposed between the drive shaft and a free rotating shaft gear. The gears are driven by power transmission shafts connected to the motors of the respective printing units.

The web offset lithographic printing machine according to the invention includes a printing device for offset printing in each printing unit and has two plate cylinders and two blanket cylinders, the blanket cylinders forming an S-shaped trajectory for the web. Print on both sides of the web. Means are provided for selectively placing the printing unit in a non-printing position while simultaneously varying the path of the web through the blanket cylinder. This prevents web flutter and prevents the web passing between spaced blanket cylinders from contacting the blanket cylinder surface. The lever arm support moving rolls contact the upper and lower surfaces of the web on the upstream and downstream sides of the blanket cylinders, respectively, and change the posture of the web while passing through the nip, that is, between the blanket cylinders. The moving roll has a surface speed approximately equal to the web speed when it contacts the web.

〔Example〕

Embodiments and drawings illustrating the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a web offset printing press according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 shows the common main drive shaft for driving the printing press and the respective motors and clutches for each printing unit and auxiliary unit.

The outline of the illustrated offset printing machine according to the invention includes: a web supply reel; a joining unit for joining the front end of a new roll to the rear end of the web roll;
It includes a plurality of printing units that can selectively contact one or both sides of the web, a web drying unit, a cooling unit with cooling rolls, and a folding unit. Depending on the specific offset printing needs of the web, some of the printing units and auxiliary units are deactivated. The auxiliary unit is conventional equipment and is well known in construction and operation.
In a series of printing units, one printing unit is in a printing mode or active position and the next printing unit is in a non-printing mode or non-active position and ready for the next print. Even when the printing unit is inactive, the web passes continuously through the printing unit at printing speed.

A common drive shaft passing parallel to the web offset printing press is carried in the required bearings and provides a power transmission point for each of the printing units. The motor associated with each printing unit not only drives that printing unit, but also other auxiliary units powered by the common drive shaft. The clutch system provides proper timing of each unit as well as coupling and disengagement between the drive shaft and each printing unit.

The motors of at least one printing unit are always coupled in driving relation to a common drive shaft.

The respective offset printing units themselves are of known construction. For example, the inking device dampening device and the like that are combined with the plate cylinder are well known and will not be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows the entire web offset printing machine. From left to right in the direction of web movement,
There is a web supply device 10 at . In the illustrated apparatus, two webs 12, 14 are fed into an infeed unit 16. supply rolls 18, 20 are in operation;
The supply rolls 22, 24 are waiting for the next bonding and actuation. Supply reels and splicing equipment are well known and any equipment can be used.

Web 12 then enters printing unit 26 of FIG. Printing unit 26 is in an inactive mode;
The web 12 passes between blanket cylinders 28 and 30. The cylinders 28, 30 are moved to the inactive position by a deactivating device, as will be explained in more detail below. The web 12 is also slightly moved by the moving rolls 32, 34 in a direction close to perpendicular to the plane passing through the axes of the blanket cylinders 28, 30. The moving rolls 32, 34 shorten the unsupported span of the web. This prevents flutter and contact with the rubber cylinders 28 and 30. Plate cylinder 36,
38 rotates while keeping contact with the rubber cylinders 28 and 30 as usual. A conventional inking device and dampening device (not shown) are combined with the plate cylinder.

After leaving printing unit 26, web 12 then enters printing unit 40. Printing unit 40 may also have the same construction as printing unit 26. The illustrated printing unit 40 is in operation and prints a web 12.
makes the well-known S-type contact with the blanket cylinders 42,44. The moving rolls 46, 48 do not contact the web 12, and the web 12 passes through an S-shaped path to the blanket cylinder 42,
Receive printing from 44.

After leaving printing unit 40, web 12 passes through turning rolls 50, 52, control rolls 54, 56, bypassing printing units 58, 60, and enters drying unit 62. Web 14 passes through infeed unit 16, control roll 64, deflection rolls 66, 68, and enters printing unit 58.

Printing unit 58 is in an inactive mode and blanket cylinders 70, 72 are spaced apart from web 14. Transfer rolls 74, 76 move web 14 away from the plate cylinder in the same manner as described above for printing unit 58.
Printing unit 60, into which web 14 enters next, is in print mode, similar to the relationship between web 12 and printing unit 40. The rubber cylinders 78 and 80 are the web 1
Print on 4. The web leaving printing unit 60 enters drying unit 82.

Web 12, 1 exiting drying unit 62, 82
4 enters the cooling roll unit 84. The drying unit and chill roll unit are of well known construction and operation. The printed, dried and cooled webs 12, 14 enter a folding unit 86, where sheets cut from the webs 12, 14 are marked with fold lines. Folding units 86 are also well known.

Printing units 26, 40, 58, and 60 are preferably of similar construction and operation. In the state of use shown in FIG. 1, printing units 26, 58 are inactive and undergoing preparatory work. web 12,
14 each pass through the printing unit without contacting the blanket cylinder. The printing units 40, 60 form a first set of printing units and are in print mode;
A predetermined number of prints are in progress forming a run. Near the end of the run, a controlled sequence of operations is initiated to activate the second set of printing units 26, 58 and deactivate the first set of printing units 40,60. During the next run of the second printing unit set, the first printing set prepares for a third run. Thus, there is no need to stop the entire printing press when changing from one run to the next.

FIG. 2 shows a common drive shaft 90 that extends along the auxiliary units, such as infeed unit 16, chill roll unit 84, and folding unit 86. Drive power for these auxiliary units is supplied from respective power take-off units. Power for operating the feed unit 16 is supplied from a common drive shaft 90 via a power take-off unit 92. The power take-off unit 92, for example, is provided with a clutch for selectively coupling and disengaging the auxiliary unit.

Similarly, power is supplied to other auxiliary units, such as the cooling roll unit 84 and the folding unit 86, via power take-off units 94 and 96. Clutches for selective disengagement of auxiliary units 84, 86 are inserted as required.

As previously mentioned, the drive motor associated with each printing unit has a large drive power and is capable of operating the entire printing press, including a set of printing units and any necessary auxiliary units. Printing unit 26 is associated with a drive motor 98, drive path 100, and clutch 102, details of which are shown in FIG. Drive motor 9
The drive force at 8 drives the printing unit 26, the feed unit 16, the chill roll unit 84, and the folding unit 86 to remove the web 12 from the supply roll 20 and allow it to pass through the printing machine. Furthermore,
During the preparation period, the printing unit 26 can be driven independently of the common drive shaft 90. Similarly, the printing units 40, 58, 60 each have a separate drive motor 10.
4, 106, 108, drive path 110, 112,
114, each printing unit 40, 58,
60 and the clutches 116, 11
8 and 120 to be selectively coupled to a common drive shaft 90.

The common drive shaft 90 is rotatably supported by a frame member and bearings as described below. The common drive shaft 90 can be a single shaft or a series of shafts connected by a universal joint.

Clutches 102, 116, 118, and 120 are toothed clutches of known construction. A clutch of this type is described in US Pat. No. 3,706,916.

A power transmission unit between each printing unit and the main drive shaft transmits the power from the drive motor associated with the respective printing unit to the main drive shaft that drives the entire printing press or transfers the power from the drive motor associated with the respective printing unit to the main drive shaft that drives the entire printing press. Switch whether or not to transmit the information. The clutch device allows the inactive printing units to be driven in rotation by their respective motors when they are released from the main drive shaft during the run-up period.

FIG. 3 shows the extension of common drive shaft 90 between opposing frame members 130, 132 of either printing unit. The common drive shaft 90 connects frame members 130 and 1 via roller bearings 134 and 136.
Supported by 32. Conventional retainers and seals are used for each bearing. Drive shaft section 1
A split transaxle 138 is provided consisting of an input shaft section 142 and an input shaft section 142, the axes 144, 146 of each section being coplanar with and extending perpendicular to the axis 148 of the common drive shaft 90. Bevel gears 154, 156 at ends 150, 152 of shaft sections 140, 142.
are fixed by keys 158 and 160. The drive shaft section 140 is supported by roller bearings 164 in a bracket 162 mounted to the frame. Section 142 on the input shaft has roller bearing 1
68 to frame member 166 . Bevel gear 154 is attached to drive shaft section 140 by nut 170 and locking gear 172
Rotation is stopped with . The roller bearing 168 is attached to the frame member 166 with a nut spring 178 and a retainer 1.
Installed by 80.

A tapered hub 184 is attached to the outer end 182 of the input shaft section 142 by a key 186. A pulley 188 with a tapered inner surface is fixed to the hub 184 with bolts 190. Pulley 188 is driven by a drive motor shown in FIG. 2 via a belt 192 or series of V-belts. As mentioned above, the drive motor is capable of driving the entire offset printing press.

For power transmission between the bevel gears 154 and 156, a bevel gear 194 that freely rotates on the surface of the common drive shaft 90 is engaged with the bevel gears 154 and 156. With this configuration, the drive power of the drive motor is directly transmitted to the printing unit.

A clutch 196 is used to transfer motor drive power to the common drive shaft 90. This clutch is described in US Pat. No. 3,760,916. clutch 1
96 consists of three parts, a first part keyed to the common drive shaft 90, a second part 195 fixed to the bevel gear 194, and a third part axially movable to connect the first and second parts. Selectively lock parts. Fluid pressure, such as pneumatic pressure, moves the third section into the engaged position, and power from the motor drives the printing unit via bevel gears 156, 194, 154 and is transmitted via clutch 196 to the main drive shaft. In the coupled position, it drives the printing unit associated with the motor as well as other units coupled to the common drive shaft 90. Upon release of the fluid pressure, the return spring 198 places the clutch plate 200 in the released position and releases the bevel gear 194 from the drive shaft, allowing the gear 194 to rotate relative to the common drive shaft 90.

Clutch 196 is a clutch that is capable of keeping in place the relative phase of each printing unit in the printing unit set and the relative phase between the printing unit set and each auxiliary unit of the printing press. Clutch plates 200 and 202 have protruding gear teeth that lock together to form a driving connection, which occurs when the three driving balls enter corresponding grooves in clutch plate 200. The ball and groove positions are determined so that the driving connection occurs at a particular angular position between the clutch plates 200, 202. clutch 1
96 is secured to common drive shaft 90 by key 204.

When installing the clutch 196, bevel gear 1
A second portion 195 fixed to 94 by a bolt 197 has bearings 199, 2 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.
01 on the frame parts 191, 193. As a result, the second portion 195 and the bevel gear 194 are coaxial with the common drive shaft 90 and are rotatably supported apart from the main drive shaft. Although this is different from U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,916, this structure causes a rotational coupling due to seizure or the like between the bearing of the second portion 195 or bevel gear 194 and the common drive shaft 90, resulting in printing. This prevents the unit from rotating and causing danger to workers.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the printing unit. The printing unit includes an inking device having inking rollers 205 and 206, and a dampening device 207,
208 is provided. These devices are well known and will not be described in detail. A feature of the web offset printing press according to the invention is a printing unit deactivation device, which deactivates the printing unit while the web is passing through the printing unit in order to carry out preparatory work for the next run. It has a device for free passage of the web. As mentioned above, the printing unit is of the offset type, with two
It has two web-contact blanket cylinders, each acting as an impression cylinder to simultaneously print both sides of a web, such as paper.
In this case, the web follows a well-known S-shaped path when passing between the two blanket cylinders. The advantages of passing an S-shaped path, the web feeding device for this purpose, and the arrangement of the blanket cylinders are well known. The device according to the invention provides a web path entering the nip of the blanket cylinder between an S-shaped path for printing and a path substantially perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the blanket cylinders spaced apart from each other in the inactive position. change. Changes in the web path are effected by controlled movements of the moving rolls. The transfer roll contacts the web in a first position to cause it to follow an inactive path, while under printing conditions it moves to a second position to cause it to follow an S-shaped path away from the web. In order to prevent damage to the web during the process of the moving roll contacting the web, a device is provided to drive the roll before contacting the web.

4 and 5 will be explained in detail. The printing unit shown in the figure is in a printing state, and the upper and lower blanket cylinders 210, 2
12 press each other. The web 214 enters the nip 216 of the blanket cylinder at an angle other than 90° from a plane containing the axes 218, 220 of the blanket cylinders 210,212. The path between the inlet and outlet of the web 214 to the blanket cylinders 210, 212 forms the aforementioned S-shape. The direction in which the web exits the nip 216 is above and parallel to the direction in which it enters.

The rubber cylinders 210, 212 have eccentric members 222, 2
24, the eccentric members 222, 224 are rotatably supported on the frame of the printing unit about axes 218, 220; It is rotatably supported. By rotating the eccentric members 222 and 224, the rubber cylinder axis 21
To change the relative position of 8,220, an arm attached to the eccentric member is moved by a linkage attached to the outside of the frame. That is, the eccentric member 224
A first eccentric arm 228 , which is fixed to the U-link 230 , is pivotally connected to the U-link 230 by a pin 232 . U link 230
The other end is an extendable and retractable arm 234 of a hydraulic cylinder 236. Adjustable stop 23 on arm 234
8 to adjust the stroke of the arm 234.

A second eccentric arm 240 diametrically opposite to the first eccentric arm 228 is connected to the link member 2 by a pin 242.
44 U-link 246. Link member 2
The second U-link 248 at the other end of 44 is connected to the pin 250
is pivotally connected to the eccentric arm 252 of the eccentric member 222. By adjusting the length of the link member 244, the rubber cylinder 2
10,212 in the non-operating position.

The length A of the eccentric arm 252 is made longer than the length B of the second arm 240. That is, the angular change b caused by the movement of the second eccentric arm 240 and pin 242 by, for example, 0.375 inches (approximately 9.5 mm) at a distance B from the eccentric center 227 is the same as that of the eccentric arm 252 at a distance A from the eccentric center 226. is larger than the angular change a caused by the dimensional movement. The eccentric member 222 therefore makes small angular changes.

The known device, when spacing the blanket cylinders, spaced both blanket cylinders from each other by the same dimension from the printing nip 216. In the device of the invention, the upper blanket cylinder is located at the front, i.e. to the right in FIG.
move in a direction approaching the surface of However, at the same time, the lower blanket cylinder 212 moves forward, ie, to the right in FIG. 4, away from the plane of the nip 216 a greater distance than the upper blanket cylinder. For this reason,
Both rubber cylinders 210 and 212 are spaced apart from each other, and the axis 21
The intermediate point of 8,220 moves toward the lower right in the figure from the position in the print mode.

The above-mentioned spacing device simultaneously operates the rubber cylinders 210, 212.
are also separated from the respective plate cylinders 254, 256.
This point is completely different from known spacing devices.

As mentioned above, in print mode, the web
It passes through nip 216 by a shaped path. Since the web is in continuous operation in this offset printing machine, the path of the web 214 must be changed when the upper blanket cylinder 210 performs the separation movement. Furthermore, in order to allow the web to pass through a relatively narrow gap between the two cylinders without contacting the cylinders when they are separated, it is necessary to support the web over a relatively short span to prevent contact due to flutter of the web.
In order to protect the printed web surface and prevent it from being stained or damaged by contact with a stopped and separated blanket cylinder, guide rollers 260, 262 are moved along the web path 2.
Nip 2 is provided at Nip 14 to change the web path.
16 is used as a guide to freely pass through, and the span between the supporting parts of the web is shortened to reduce the flutter size of the web. When the web passes between the blanket cylinders 210 and 212 separated from each other, it is effective to pass the web in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane passing through the center of the blanket cylinders.

In order to perform the above-mentioned web control, a guide roller 260 for controlling the web feed side and a guide roller 262 for controlling the web exit side are provided. Guide roller 26
0 supports the web and is mounted on one end 264 of a roller control arm 266. Other end 268 of control arm 266
is fixed to the shaft 270. The shaft 270 extends between the front and rear frame portions and is rotatably supported by the frame. The actuating arm 272 is connected to the shaft 2 on the outside of the frame member.
70 and the free end 274 is pivoted to a clevis 276 by a pin 278. A clevis 276 is secured to the free end of an extending arm 280 of a hydraulically actuated cylinder 282. Cylinder 282 is attached to the frame of the printing unit by pins 284 or the like. If the extension arm 280 is protruded from the hydraulic cylinder 282 by fluid pressure, e.g. pneumatic pressure, the roller control arm 26
The guide roller 260 supported at 6 moves from the solid line position to the dotted line position in FIG. In the dotted position, the guide roller 260 does not contact the web.

To limit the travel of roller control arm 266,
first adjustable stop 2 in the direction of contacting the web;
86, install a second adjustable stop 287 in the direction away from the web.

Similarly, the exit web guide roller 262 is rotatably supported on the free end 288 of a roller control arm 290. A roller control arm 290 is rotatably supported on a pin 292 fixed to a frame member 291 shown in FIG. Roller control arm 290 is pivotally connected to clevis 296 by pin 294. A clevis 296 is secured to the end of the actuated extendable arm 298 of the hydraulic cylinder 300. An adjustable stop 295 is attached to the roller control arm 290 to limit the travel of the guide roller 262 in the web contacting direction.

Protective shroud 3 on guide rollers 260, 262
02,304 will be provided.

When the blanket cylinders of the printing unit are separated and placed in the non-operating position, when the guide rollers 260, 262 contact the web in order to change the attitude of the web entering the nip, the surface velocity of the guide rollers 260, 262 is It should be approximately equal to the speed. If the relative velocity is high at the time of contact, the web may break.

Guide rollers 260, 262 are driven by friction rollers 306, 308 to maintain face velocity. Support fittings 31 at the ends of the rubber cylinders 210, 212
The friction rollers 306, 308 are driven in contact by 0,312. Friction rollers 306 and 308 are arms 3
Studs 311, 313 attached to 14,316
It is supported on a bearing. The other ends of arms 314 and 316 are attached to stands 318 and 320 at respective split ends 322 and 324 and secured by set screws 325. The clamping devices at the ends 322 and 324 allow the rollers 306 and 308 to be secured to the support fitting 31.
Adjust the contact strength to 0,312.

At the printing position shown in FIG.
60, 262 contact the rubber surfaces 326, 328 and are driven at approximately the same speed as the web before contacting the web. Just before the cylinders 210, 212 are moved apart from each other for the inoperative position, the guide rollers 260, 262 move in the direction of the solid line position, away from the rubber surfaces 326, 328, and into contact with the web.
Since the surface speed of the guide rollers 260, 262 is approximately equal to the web speed, the contact is made smoothly. Because the roller control arms 266, 290 move quickly, there is no problem with slowing down the guide rollers between leaving the rubber surfaces 326, 328 and contacting the web.

The control circuit will be explained.

A control circuit for controlling a plurality of printing units is shown in FIG. Printing units 26, 40, 58,
60 includes printing function control circuits 330, 331,
332 and 333 are provided to control the printing function of each unit. The printing functions include a water tank motor, a water applicator roller, an ink applicator roller, an ink ductor roller, and a print activation/deactivation device. Furthermore, each printing unit has a separate unit motor control circuit 334, 3.
35, 336, and 337 are provided to control the motors associated with each unit. The print function control circuit and unit motor control circuit are coupled together by an automatic switching control circuit 338. Automatic switching control circuit 338 automatically switches operation from one printing unit or set of printing units to another while the printing press is operating at printing speed. For example, when the first and third units 26, 58 are activated and near the end of a run, the automatic switching control circuit 338 is activated to automatically drive the second and fourth units 40, 60 to print speed. , then moves the print function associated with the unit to the print state. After this unit 40,60
is connected to the drive shaft for a predetermined phase rotation, the rubber cylinders of the units 26 and 58 are separated, the clutch is released, and the control is stopped.

A sequencer circuit or sequencer 3 is included in the automatic changeover controller 338 to change one or more printing units from a printing mode to an inactive mode.
39 for supplying print function commands and motor control commands to the control circuits of the respective units. This command causes the motor and print functions of the active unit to perform the required sequence of operations. Depending on the unit selection signal provided by mode selection circuit 340, each unit's control circuit responds to or ignores both commands.

Printing unit 26 operates in an opposite mode to unit 40, and unit 58 operates in an opposite mode to unit 60, by circuitry to be described below.
The operator selects the operating mode by operating the required switching device attached to each unit. Each unit is provided with an "operation selector" switch. In order to switch to the opposite operating mode, it is necessary to switch the operation selector switch of the unit to be switched. That is, if units 26 and 58 were to operate in the opposite mode from units 40 and 60, all four unit operation selector switches would need to be operated. The operator first applies the clutches of the units 26 and 58 to the common drive shaft 9.
Bind to 0. All signals from the clutch and operation changeover switch of each unit are sent to the mode selection circuit 3.
40, a mode selection circuit 340 knows which mode of operation the operator has selected. The operator presets the run length on a manually settable counter associated with sequencer 339.

The press motor control circuit 341 is then operated to place the press in a continuous run condition. Once the printing press reaches a predetermined speed, the first run begins. The sequencer 339 counts the number of sheets printed, and continuously compares the run length set by the operator in the sequencer 339 with the number of sheets. When a run is near the end, sequencer 339 automatically selects the next print unit 4.
The printing functions of 0 and 60 are started in sequence. At the end of the run, printing units 40, 60 begin printing and previously activated units 26, 58 are placed in an inactive mode.

When the automatic switching is completed, the mode selection circuit 340 receives a signal from the sequencer 339 and knows that the operating mode of the printing press has been switched. As the end of the print unit 40, 60 run approaches, a signal from the sequencer 339 causes the mode selection circuit 3 to
40 changes the mode selection signal and unit 2
6 and 58 to start the operation of the printing unit 4.
Controls the printing function control circuits 0 and 60 to stop the operation of the unit.

FIG. 7 shows details of sequencer 339. It has two manually settable counters 342 and 343. Counters 342 and 343 have, for example, five-digit manual wheel switches and supply binary coded decimal signals (BCD) to gate circuit 344. The gate circuit 344 is supplied from one side of the counter and the BCD
Signals are selectively passed depending on the state of gated flip-flop 346. The selected counter is preset with a number indicating the length of the current run. In the embodiment described above, a set of alternating printing units is coupled into print mode at a predetermined point just before the end of the currently active run. At this time, double printing of the number of sheets occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of prints in a given run by the number of double prints that occur at the end of the run. Addition circuit 34 that performs this addition
8 adds a signal supplied from a reference circuit, which will be described later, to the output of the gate circuit. The summed signal provided by the summing circuit indicates the total number of prints required for the current run.

BCD up counter 350 determines the number of good prints the press has produced in the current run. For this purpose, the number of pulses generated by a sensor associated with the folding device of the printing press is counted. The signal PP generated by the folder sensor is provided to a NAND gate 352.
NAND gate 352 is a second NAND gate 354
The signal PP is supplied to the one-shot circuit 353 when the output of the circuit is at a logic high level. When the quality of printing currently in progress is poor, the operator operates a manual switch 356 to cut off the signal going from the folding device sensor to the addition counter 350. switch 35
6 is separated from the sequencer circuit by an optical isolator 357. switch 35
6 is closed, the output of the optical repeater 357 is high, and the output is passed through the NAND gate 354 to the NAND gate 3.
52 is deactivated.

A second input to NAND gate 354 is provided by the sequencer circuit itself and bypasses manual switch 356 when a certain point of automatic switching operation is reached.
When this point is reached, up counter 350 increments the number of prints corresponding to the web advance until the automatic switching operation process is completed.

The output of the up counter 350 is output from the readout circuit 35.
8 to visually display to the employee the number of good prints produced by the current run. The output of up counter 350 is fed to subtraction circuit 360 which subtracts the number of prints already made from the total production number of the current run provided by adder circuit 348. The output of subtraction circuit 360 indicates the number remaining to print in the current run. This signal is supplied to a comparator circuit 362 to provide a reference circuit 36.
Compare with the reference number A supplied in 4. This standard number A
indicates the position where automatic switching operation starts. That is, if the remaining number to be printed matches the number supplied by the reference number circuit 364, the output POSTA of the comparator 362 goes to a high logic level and the automatic switching operation begins.

The down counter control circuit 366 is a comparator 362
and the count output provided by one-shot circuit 353. The down counter control circuit 366 connects the down counter 368 to the reference number circuit 36.
The reference number A having a value of 4 is supplied at an appropriate time. Additionally, down counter control circuit 366 allows or blocks the passage of count pulses provided by one shot 353 to down counter 368. The pulse input to the down counter 368 decrements the count in the down counter 368 by one.

In its simplest form, down counter control circuit 366 directly outputs the count pulse to down counter 3 when the output of comparator 362 goes to a high logic level.
68 count input, and when a reset pulse occurs, the reset signal is directly sent to the down counter 3.
68 load terminal to reload the down counter with the reference number A. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the down counter control circuit with an operator-operated switch to cut off the supply of various count signals to the down counter circuit 368 under various conditions. Down counter control circuit 366 is shown in general form.

When driven by down counter control circuit 366, down counter 368 subtracts from reference number A at the same rate as it counts the number of good prints delivered by the printing press. down counter 368
Comparators 370-384 compare the numbers outputted from the reference numbers with successively smaller reference numbers. As the subtraction progresses, comparator 3
The output of 70-384 will now indicate that the reduced number and the reference number match. This comparator 370
-respective reference number circuits 3 supplying reference numbers to 384;
The numbers B-H of 86-400 and the number A of the reference number circuit 364 can be manual switches like the counts 342 and 343. Comparator 384 has no reference number input but compares it to the number zero.

Comparators 370-384 only determine that the number of remaining prints matches the respective reference number, and down counter 368 continuously outputs one-shot circuit 353.
Because it is subtracted by the count signal supplied by
The output of each comparator is a single pulse occurring at selected times during the run, the pulse duration being the count pulse interval provided by the one shot circuit 353.
Since the reference numbers B-H are successively smaller numbers, the comparator output pulses EQUB-EQUH occur sequentially when the current run is near the end. This output is provided to the press functions and unit motor controls to produce the desired sequential operation at the appropriate time between automatic switching operations.

Comparators 374 and 380 have a second output
There are POSTD and POSTG, down counter 36
8 indicates that the supplied number is smaller than the respective reference number. This output goes to a high logic level when the down counter reaches its respective reference number and remains high until the down counter is reset and becomes greater than the reference number.

The second output POSTD of comparator 374 is provided to NAND gate 354 via inverter 402 . This signal shuts off manual switch 356.
Therefore, after the count number supplied by the down counter 358 decreases and reaches the reference number D, even if defective printing occurs, the automatic switching operation is performed completely regardless of the occurrence of defective printing, and the operator's operation of the switch 356 does not depend on the count number D. Does not affect reduction.

The second output POSTG of comparator 380 is provided to a motor control circuit, which will be discussed below.

When the output count number of down counter 368 becomes 0, the output of comparator 384 becomes a high logic level. This output triggers the counter selection circuit 404 to generate a reset pulse and reset the up counter 35.
0 and down counter control circuit 366
Then, the down counter 368 is reset. Additionally, this output is connected to a gate controlled flip-flop 34.
6 to supply another preset counter
Gate 344 allows the BCD signal to pass.

The counter selection circuit 404 is, for example, a combination of a one-shot circuit and a gate circuit, and the trigger input to the one-shot circuit responds to three different signals. As mentioned above, the counter selection circuit 4
04 is the output of the comparator 384 when the down count is 0.
A reset pulse is generated when this indicates that the current printing run has ended. Additionally, a reset pulse is generated when manual operation of the initial counter selection switch 406 triggers the one shot circuit. Pressing switch 406 generates a reset pulse that causes gated flip-flop 346 to toggle its output state. This operation allows the operator to change the counter to which the sequencer circuit first responds to counter 3.
The required counter can be either one of 42 and 343.

Counter selection switch 404 is also responsive to a reset signal that occurs when power is first applied to the press. This signal causes up counter 3
50. Reset down counter 368. This characteristic is necessary because if the down counter 368 were to initially indicate a value corresponding to any reference number, this could cause the corresponding printing press function to malfunction. This signal RESET
BUS is generated by the circuit of FIG. 8 and will be described later.

As mentioned above, when the count of down counter 368 reaches zero and the current run is complete, all sequences required to activate another unit have been completed. At this time, the unit that has finished its work releases the clutch, brakes, and stops. The output of downcount 0 then signals counter selection circuit 404 to generate a reset pulse, preparing the sequencer to automatically switch over the previous unit when a new run is completed.

As previously discussed, the outputs of comparators 370-382 are provided to print function control circuitry associated with each unit. The respective printing function control circuits are shown in FIG. An example in which the circuit is combined with the printing unit 26 will be described, but the circuits of other units are similar.

The outputs EQUC-EQUG of comparators 372-380 are connected to respective print function control flip-flops 450-4.
58. flipflop 450-4
58 controls the printing functions of printing unit 26.
Flip-flop 450 is actuator circuit 4
A control signal is provided to 60 to control the operation of the aquarium motor of unit 26. flip flop 452
provides a control signal to actuator circuit 462 to control the dampening roller. flipflop 4
54 supplies a control signal to an actuator circuit 464 that controls the inking roller. Flip-flop 456 provides control signals to ink fountain control actuator 466. Flip-flop 458 connects plate cylinder actuator 46 of unit 26.
A control signal is supplied to 8.

Each flip-flop responds to or ignores the sequencer signal depending on the value of a unit select signal U1X commonly applied to each flip-flop.
A comparator inhibit signal COMPINH is commonly supplied to each flip-flop to momentarily disable them to prevent malfunctions of the print function flip-flops that may occur during transitions in the signals output from the sequencer comparators. Since a transient signal is generated along with the count pulse supplied by the one-shot circuit 353 in FIG. 7, the second output of the one-shot circuit is used as a comparator inhibit signal.

To reset all the flip-flops at the same time, use the reset signal generated when the printing press is first powered up, or use the signal U1AUTO OFF generated when unit 26 is terminated.

Details of flip-flop 452 are shown in FIG. Other flip-flops 450, 454-45
8 is almost the same. Flip-flop 452 has cross-coupled NAND gates 470 and 472 and operates as a set-reset flip-flop. This flip-flop is set when the output of the other NAND gate 474 goes to a low logic level. When all three inputs of NAND gate 474 are high, the output is low. The inputs of the NAND gate 474 are the comparator output EQUD of the sequencer circuit, the unit selection signal U1X,
Comparator inhibit signal COMPINH. signal
Flip-flop 452 will not respond to signal EQUD unless both COMPINH and U1X are at a high logic level. The unit selection signal U1X will be described later when explaining the mode selection circuit in FIG. If another unit is currently in operation and you want to automatically put unit 26 into print mode, then U1X
The signal becomes high level. The comparison inhibit signal is at a high logic level and is at a low level only in the middle of the count signal generated by the one shot circuit 353.

When the count number of the down counter 368 decreases and matches the reference number D supplied by the reference number circuit 392, the output EQUD of the comparator 374 becomes a high logic level. The comparator inhibit signal goes low for a short time and then goes back high. At this time, signal U
If 1X is high, all three inputs of NAND gate 474 will be at a high logic level, and NAND gate 47
The output of 0 is a high logic level. nand gate 4
The output of 72 will be a low logic level. This signal is inverted by an inverter 476 to activate the applicator roller associated with unit 1.

Flip-flop 452 is NAND gate 472
Two other inputs RESET BUS or U1AUTO
The set state is maintained until one side of OFF becomes low level, and the swim roller continues to operate. U1
The AUTO OFF signal is generated at NAND gate 478 at the end of a sequence that activates another unit 40. At this time, both signal U2X and signal EQUH are at high level. That is, Nand Gate 478
one input is generated by the U2X selection signal produced by the mode selection circuit of FIG.
It is fed from a one shot circuit 480 which is triggered by the EQUH output of the sequencer circuit shown.

Upon completion of a print run of one unit or set of units, it is necessary to start operation of the other two units. It is necessary to stop the motor of the unit being terminated and to signal the mode selection circuitry that the press is operating in the new mode. It is the U1ASTP signal output from one-shot circuit 482 that stops the motor of the unit that is terminating operation. A signal EQUH1 informing the mode selection circuit of a change in mode is output from the second one shot circuit 482 at the end of the pulse output from the one shot circuit 480.

Master reset circuit 486 is shown in FIG.
This circuit is one set for the entire control circuit, and is shown together with the automatic printing press control circuit of the unit 26, but is actually combined with the sequencer circuit shown in FIG. As mentioned above, the purpose of this reset circuit is to
All flip-flops in the control circuit are reset to their selected state when the printing press is first powered. For this purpose, Nand Gate 490
An RC circuit consisting of a resistor 492 and a capacitor 494 is used. When power is first applied, the voltage across capacitor 494 is significantly low, one input of NAND gate 490 is also at a low logic level, and the output of NAND gate 490 is at a high logic level. This signal is inverted by inverter 496 to provide a reset signal to the reset bus. Shortly after power is applied, the voltage across capacitor 494 will be at a high level. Both inputs of NAND gate 490 are now high, the output is low, and the signal on the reset bus remains high.

FIG. 9 shows one half of the mode selection circuit that provides the unit selection signals. The illustrated circuit provides unit selection signals to two units 26, 40 in alternating operation. The second circuit is similar to the circuit of FIG. 9 and supplies signals to the other two units 58,60. Only the mode selection circuit shown in FIG. 9 will be explained.

Two D-type flip-flops 500 and 502 are provided to monitor the status of units 26 and 40, respectively. The output signals produced by flip-flops 500, 502 determine which units are connected to the common drive shaft 9 of the printing press.
0 and which units are responsive to the print function and motor control commands provided by the sequencer. The reset input establishes the state of these flip-flops when the press is first started. When switching automatically to units 26, 40 during a print run, the signal EQUHI provided by one-shot circuit 484 (FIG. 8) is applied to the flip-flop's clock input to move the flip-flop from one state to another. change, thereby indicating a change from one mode to the next.

From the Q output of flip-flop 500, a signal U
1C is output to indicate whether the clutch of unit 26 is connected to the press. The output of flip-flop 502 provides signal U2C, which also indicates the clutch status of unit 40.

The initial state of flip-flops 500, 502 is determined by four signals output from the unit's clutch control circuit shown in FIG.
If the clutch engagement command for the corresponding unit is at a level that does not instruct the clutch to engage, two of the four signals, U1CENG and U2CENG, are at a high logic level. That is, when both signals are at a high logic level, indicating that there is no command for both units to couple to the press drive shaft, the output of NAND gate 504 will be at a low logic level, and NAND gate 504 will cause flip-flop 502 to is set, and flip-flop 500 is reset by NAND gate 508. When flip-flop 500 is in reset, Q output U1C is a low logic level, indicating that unit 26 is not clutched to the drive shaft. Since flip-flop 502 is set by NAND gate 506, output U2C is at a low logic level, indicating that unit 40 is also not coupled to the press drive shaft.

The other two signals that define the initial conditions for flip-flops 500, 502 are signals U1MCHENG and U1MCHENG.
2MCHENG, supplied by a switch mechanically associated with each unit's clutch, indicating whether the clutch is coupled to the press drive shaft. As discussed below with respect to FIG. 11, the signal U1CENG or U2
CENG must shift to a low logic level.
Thus, the output of NAND gate 504 returns to a high level and the reset signal is removed from NAND gates 502 and 500.

If the mechanical coupling signal U1MCHENG goes to a high logic level, indicating that the clutch of the printing unit 26 is coupled to the press drive shaft, and the printing press is not in continuous operation mode, the NAND gate 510
The output of moves to a low logic level. This causes one-shot circuit 512 to output a pulse and immediately set flip-flop 500. If the switch actuators 514 and 516 of both units were closed, the optical repeater 518 would be at a high logic level and the output of the one shot 512 would be routed through the NAND gates 520 and 506 to the flip-flop 502.
Set. Thus, both flip-flops become set conditions. For this reason, flip-flop 5
The Q output of 00 is at a high logic level and unit 2
6 indicates that the clutch is connected to the printing press. However, the level of flip-flop 502 remains at a low logic level, indicating that unit 40 is not clutched to the drive shaft.

Similarly, NAND gate 522 produces a low logic level signal when the press is not in continuous mode and unit 40 is clutched in place of unit 26. This low level signal causes one-shot circuit 524 to pulse, and NAND gates 526 and 508 cause flip-flop 50 to be pulsed.
0 and directly resets flip-flop 502. The Q output of flip-flop 500 remains at a low logic level and flip-flop 502
The Q output of unit 4 is shifted to a high logic level.
0 indicates that it is connected to the press drive shaft.

In this way, the initial conditions for flip-flops 500 and 502 are determined. When the press is in continuous operation, the CR input to inverter 527 will be at a high logic level. Thus, the output of inverter 527 becomes low level, deactivating NAND gates 510 and 522, and causing mechanical coupling signals U1MCHENG and U2.
Prevents MCHENG from changing the current status of flip-flops 500 and 502.

The signals generated by flip-flops 500 and 502 are used to generate unit switching activation signals U1X and U2X.
shall be. For this purpose, Nand Gate 528, 530
will be established. Each NAND gate 528, 530 produces a high logic level signal when the other unit is clutched into the press and the transfer actuation switches 514, 516 are activated together. The output of optical repeater 518 is provided to the inputs of NAND gates 528 and 530.
The input of NAND gate 528 is flip-flop 5
The other input of NAND gate 530 is the Q output of flip-flop 500. When unit 26 is not clutched to the press drive shaft, the U1C signal is at a low logic level. Since the Q output of flip-flop 500 is high, the output of NAND gate 530 is low and the output of inverter 532 is high. Output U
1X goes high, allowing the print function control circuit of unit 26 to respond to print function commands provided by sequencer 339. Similarly, the output of NAND gate 528 is inverted by inverter 534, and the printing function control circuit of unit 40 is activated when unit 26 is coupled to a printing press and an operator presses changeover actuation switches 514, 516 to perform the changeover actuation. , in response to print function commands provided by the sequencer.

As has been made clear above, when the printing press is operated alternately, only one of the unit clutch signals U1C, U2C and only one of the unit switching activation signals U1X, U2X are at a high level.
At the end of the switching operation from one unit to the next, the output of comparator 382 shown in FIG.
EQUH becomes high level, triggering the one-shot circuits 480 and 484 shown in FIG. 8, and the one-shot circuit 484 outputs a pulse output EQUHI. This signal is sent to the mode control circuit shown in FIG. 9 and applied to the clock inputs of flip-flops 500 and 502. This flip flop 50
0 and 502 are D type, and each D input is supplied with a Q output. This results in the flip-flop toggling between set and reset when a series of clock pulses is applied to the clock input. The pulse applied to the EQUHI input thus flips flip-flops 500 and 502 to opposite modes,
Unit 26 with the clutch released and braked to a stop
receives the unit switching activation signal U1X at a high level, and the clutch instruction signal U1C is at a low level.
Therefore, at the end of a new printing run, this unit is activated by the sequencer output signal.

The motor control circuit shown in FIG. 10 automatically brings the printing unit to operating speed and clutches the unit to the drive shaft at the appropriate moment. For clarity of explanation, only the motor control circuit 334 associated with the printing unit 26 will be described.

The automatic starting circuit 540 includes the comparator 37 shown in FIG.
It responds with an output EQUB of 0. NAND gate 542 of circuit 540 automatically starts the unit motor at the required time in response to comparator 370 output EQUB. The other two inputs of NAND gate 542 disable NAND gate 542's response to the EQUB signal under certain conditions.

A control switch for each printing unit is associated with each printing function. The on-off switch position provides manual activation control of the printing function. 3rd switch position
In AUTO, each switch responds to an automatic control circuit to control the activation of its respective printing function.
To prepare the printing unit for automatic startup, set each switch associated with the unit to the AUTO position.
Therefore, each switch, such as the illustrated switch 54
The 4,546 poles are connected in series to produce a high logic level on NAND gate 548 when all switches are in the AUTO position. The second input of NAND gate 548 is supplied from the unit's ink distribution guard and provides a high level to NAND gate 548 when the guard is correctly placed. The third input to NAND gate 548 is unit select signal U1X, previously discussed, which goes high only when the press is operating in an alternating mode and unit 26 is selected and receives a start command from the sequencer. When all three inputs are high, NAND gate 548 shifts low and the output of inverter 550 goes high. For this reason, the NAND gate 542 supplies the sequencer with
Can respond to EQUB signals. The third input COMPINH of the NAND gate 542 is connected to the NAND gate 5 when a transient signal is instantaneously input to the NAND gate 542 to prevent the automatic start circuit from malfunctioning, as described for printing function control.
42 is prohibited from operating.

When comparator 370, shown in FIG. If the requirements are met,
The output of NAND gate 542 shifts low. This starts the motor of unit 26. This low level is R/S flip-flop F/
Set FJ. Nand Gate 552,554
Flip-flop F/FJ is formed by cross-coupling. The output of NAND gate 552 shifts high, triggering one shot 556.
A warning buzzer 558 sounds between pulses output from the one-shot circuit 556. At the end of this pulse, a second one-shot 560 is triggered, resetting flip-flop F/FJ and setting second flip-flop F/FK. Flip-flop F/FK is formed by cross-coupling NAND gates 562 and 564. The output U1ASTART of flip-flop F/FK is provided to control decode circuitry 566.

The output of the inverter 550 is the NAND gate 542
It is also supplied to the reset inputs of flip-flops F/FJ and F/FK to disable them and enable the flip-flops when the unit select signal goes high and other requirements are met.

Control decode circuitry 566 provides inching and lagging signals to each of the four unit motor control circuits to control motor operation. These signals are provided by the manual operating controls, unit controller 568, console controller 570, and the automatic start circuit signals U1ASTART-U4 for each unit.
Powered by ASTART. In addition, the switching actuation signal generated in mode selection circuit 330 is also provided to the control decode circuitry. Depending on the press operating mode, the inching and slowing signals are provided by automatic or manual control. To perform this function, control decode circuitry 566 is provided with a series of Boolean algebraic elements to logically combine the mode select signal and the manual auto signal to produce a jog delay signal for each unit.

For the purpose of this description, the control decoding circuitry includes:
A jog signal and a slow signal are provided to each unit motor control circuit when the autostart signal for the printing units indicates the start of autostart. That is, when the output of the NAND gate 564 of flip-flop F/FK goes low, the control decode circuitry 566 provides a signal to the jog retard input of the motor control circuit 572 of unit 26 to activate the continuous run relay of control circuit 572. Activate the motor 573 of the unit 26 to make it a continuous run condition. Here, a low level continuous run signal CR(1) is generated and resets the flip-flop F/FK. This removes the unit 26 autostart signal from the control decode circuitry and removes the jog retard signal from the unit 26 motor control circuit. Since the continuous run relay of the unit is a self-holding relay, the unit 26 receives the automatic stop signal U(1).
Continues continuous operation until ASTOP is received.

The unit motor control circuits of the four units are provided with conventional SCR bridge circuitry, and the conduction angles of the SCRs are determined to provide control power to the unit motors. As in conventional devices, the value of power supplied to the motor by motor control circuit 572 is controlled in accordance with the reference voltage value generated by the reference signal. In the illustrated example, a master reference circuit 574 provides a voltage signal VI to the unit performing the print mode. Master reference circuit 574 includes a conventional motor operated potentiometer MOP which is operated by an operator to determine press speed. In addition, each unit is provided with a separate unit reference circuit 576, shown in FIG. 10, to control the operation of units that are not clutched to the printing press. Time reference circuits 575 and 577 define the time conditions for signals supplied to motor control circuit 572.

The continuous run signal provided by motor control circuit 572 is provided to NAND gate 580 via inverter 578. Unit selection signal U(1)X is at a high level, and the output of inverter 578 is set to unit 26.
When informing the continuous run conditions of Nand Gate 5
The output of NAND gate 582 shifts to a low logic level and the output of NAND gate 582 shifts to a high level. This activates relay 584 which activates double pole double throw switch 586 of the unit reference circuit. In the illustrated inactive mode, this switch 586 supplies the output of the unit reference circuit to a voltage divider 587 to produce a low voltage value signal corresponding to the slow or inching speed of the press. Activation of relay 584 moves switch 586 to the second position and the signal on unit reference circuit 576 is applied to unit proportional potentiometer 5.
88 and is a known percentage of the master reference signal VI provided by master reference circuit 574.
Therefore, when the unit motor 573 starts operating, the unit motor 573 is accelerated to a slightly lower contact speed close to the speed of the printing press. The unit is now clutched to the printing press.

A clutch control circuit 590 is provided with a signal that determines the precise time to actuate the clutch of each unit. Clutch control circuit 590 is connected to motor 573
and press 592 speed signals US, PS and unit position and press position signals UP, PP to generate a clutch energize signal at the appropriate time. Electrical control clutch 594 responsively controls unit motor 57.
3 is clutched to the printing press 592. At this time, clutch circuit 592 operates double pole single throw switch 596, disconnecting unit reference circuit 576 from unit motor control circuit 572 and connecting it to the master reference circuit. After this, the unit's motor is connected to the master reference circuit's motor operating potentiometer MOP.
controlled by.

FIG. 11 shows the clutch control circuit for unit 26. Tachometer 600 of unit 26 and press tachometer 602 generate voltage signals proportional to unit speed and press speed. The voltage signals US and PS are compared by a comparator 604 which goes to a high logic level when the unit speed is within the desired range of values for the printing press speed. NAND gate 606 receives the comparator output signal and the signals POSTA and POSTG of FIG. 7 as inputs, and will not gate unless the output of comparator 604 occurs within the selected time frame. Inverter 608 inverts the POSTG signal to make the output signal substantially equal to the PREG signal. That is, it is at a high logic level until the sequencer's decreasing count reaches the reference number G. The output of NAND gate 606 is inverted by inverter 609, and the output of comparator 6
04 shifts to a high level when it indicates that the unit speed has reached the desired speed range. This signal is provided to another NAND gate 610.

Other input position signals to NAND gate 610 are plate cylinder 612 and folding cylinder 614 of unit 26.
It is derived from Since the drive shaft rotates twice as fast as the folding cylinder, there are two possible clutch positions between the printing unit and the printing press. Therefore, a position sensor senses the relative position between the unit and the folding machine in order to effect the connection only in the correct position of the second position. For this purpose, a type 616 attached to the plate cylinder of the unit is sensed by a sensor 618. Additionally, the folder cylinder 614 is provided with a long angular range tab 620 and a sensor 622.

Sensors 618, 622 generate high level signal outputs when a tab passes nearby and generate low level signals at other times. The outputs of both sensors feed into a NAND gate 610. The output of folder sensor 622 produces press count signal PP, which is applied to NAND gate 352 in FIG. nand gate 61
0 is further supplied with a unit 26 selection signal U1X. The output of NAND gate 610 is normally at a high level, and when the unit's speed, indicated as the output of inverter 609, the unit position, indicated as the output of sensors 618, 622, and the unit select signal are all high, i.e., the unit is If it is at the required speed and relative position, the NAND gate 610
The output of NAND gate 62 is shifted to low level.
The flip-flop F/FL formed by 4,626 cross-links is activated. flipflop F/
The output of FL is output from NAND gate 626,
Shifts low when NAND gate 610 shifts low. That is, inverter 628
The output of is high and activates unit clutch circuit 594. The output of inverter 628 is used as signal U1CENG in the mode selection circuit shown in FIG. Mechanical coupling signal U1MCHENG from clutch circuit 594 is used in the mode selection circuit of FIG.

There are two types of automatic supply signals for resetting the flip-flop F/FL. first signal
RSTBUS is supplied from master reset circuit 486 shown in FIG. Second signal U1AUTO
OFF is supplied from NAND gate 478 in FIG. 8 and causes the clutch to release at the end of a print unit 26 run.

A separate input on flip-flop F/FL allows manual control of the clutch. Manually actuated clutch-on switch 630 and clutch-off switch 632 are isolated from the logic circuitry by optical repeaters 634 and 636. switch 630,632
If one of the NAND gates 638 and 64 is operated, the output of the repeater will shift from a low level to a high level.
A zero output shifts to a low level when other conditions are met. The first requirement is the printing press low speed limit circuit 6
42 and is at a high level when the press speed is low enough that manual coupling of the printing unit to the press does not pose a hazard. Nandgate 644, which provides the second requirement, verifies that no operating mode is defined that prohibits manual operation. That is, when the automatic transfer activation switch between units 26, 40 is depressed and in the automatic activation mode, and one clutch is engaged, a signal is generated to inhibit clutch engagement of the other unit. NAND gate 644 receives the signal U2C to which the clutch of unit 40 is connected;
Automatic switching activation signal U1X, U2X between both units
When this occurs, the manual coupling signal of unit 26 is cut off. Therefore, manual engagement of the clutch of unit 26 is possible only when unit 40 is not engaged and there is no active switching operation between units 26 and 40.

The present invention can be modified in various ways, and the embodiments and drawings are illustrative for convenience of explanation and are not intended to limit the invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, when a printing unit in a standby state is activated, it is possible to start up the printing unit in advance and make it ready for printing. The time required becomes extremely short. That is, after the end of a run of one printing unit, the next printing unit can be started immediately without waiting time, and as a result, no wasted time occurs when making changes, thereby improving printing efficiency. Especially when performing short runs in succession, printing efficiency can be dramatically improved compared to the conventional method.

Additionally, in the present invention, each printing unit is provided with an individual drive motor, so that each printing unit can operate independently, so that when preparing for the next print run, the operator is free to Each printing unit can be driven individually to replace ink and plate cylinders, making preparation work extremely easy and improving work efficiency.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a side view of a web offset printing press according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the drive system of the printing press of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the drive shaft of Fig. 2 and the drive motor of each unit. Expanded cross-sectional view showing the coupling mechanism of 4th
The figures show the printing unit and non-actuating devices of the printing press of figure 1, figure 5 is a partial end view taken along line 5--5 of figure 4, and figures 6 to 11 show the automatic switching of the printing unit. It is a control circuit diagram for operation control. 10... Web supply device, 12, 14... Web,
16... Feeding unit, 18, 20, 22, 24
...Web supply roll, 26, 40, 58, 60...
Printing unit, 28, 30, 42, 44, 78,
80, 210, 212...Rubber cylinder, 32, 34, 4
6, 48, 74, 76...Movement roll, 36, 3
8,254,256...plate cylinder, 50,52,66,
68... Turning roll, 54, 56, 64... Control roll, 62, 82... Drying unit, 84... Cooling roll unit, 86... Folding unit, 90... Common drive shaft, 92, 94, 96... Power take-off unit,
98, 104, 106, 108... Drive motor, 1
02,116,118,120,196...clutch, 140,142...shaft section, 154,1
56,194...Bevel gear, 216...Nip, 2
22, 224...Eccentric member, 228, 240, 25
2... Eccentric arm, 236, 282, 300... Fluid pressure cylinder, 260, 262... Guide roller, 266,
290...Roller control arm, 330, 331, 33
2,333...printing function control circuit, 334,33
5,336,337...Unit motor control circuit,
338... automatic switching control circuit, 339... sequencer, 340... mode selection circuit, 341... printing press motor control circuit, 486... master reset circuit,
540...Autostart circuit, 566...Control decode circuitry, 574...Master reference circuit, 576...Unit reference circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of printing units 26, 40, 58, 60 switchable between printing mode and non-printing mode.
, drive motors 98, 104, 106, 108 provided individually for each printing unit, and a common drive shaft 9 provided through the plurality of printing units.
0 and at least one connected to this common drive shaft.
auxiliary units 16, 84, 86, and clutch devices 102, 116, 118, 129 provided corresponding to each of the printing units and connecting the drive motors individually to the common drive shaft, the drive motor of the printing unit in print mode is connected to the common drive shaft by the corresponding clutch device, whereby the printing unit in print mode and the auxiliary unit are driven synchronously; While the web passing through the printing unit is being printed, the drive motor of the printing unit in the non-printing mode is disconnected from the common drive shaft by the corresponding clutch device, whereby the printing unit is in the non-printing mode. In a web printing machine that allows the web to freely pass through a printing unit and drive each printing unit individually, the number of sheets printed by the printing unit in the print mode is counted and the number of sheets is up to the set number. a sequence circuit 339 that instructs to start a printing unit in a non-printing mode and to disconnect a clutch device of a printing unit in a printing mode from the common drive shaft according to the number of remaining prints; and a reference voltage that defines a printing speed. a master reference circuit 574 for output; and a reference voltage provided in each of the printing units that defines a low speed in a non-printing mode and a connection speed slightly lower than the printing speed when transitioning from a non-printing mode to a printing mode. a unit reference circuit 576 that outputs a motor speed of each printing unit, a motor speed detection means 600 that detects the speed of a drive motor of each of the printing units, and a synchronization detection means that detects synchronization between the drive motor of each of the printing units and the auxiliary unit. 61
2,614,616,618,620,622
provided in each of the printing units to drive the drive motor at the low speed defined by the unit reference circuit when the printing units are individually driven in a non-printing mode;
When transitioning from non-print mode to print mode,
The drive motor is driven at the connection speed in response to a start instruction from the sequence circuit, and the drive motor is driven at the print speed defined by the master reference circuit at the same time as the non-printing mode is transferred to the print mode. Driving motor control circuit 572
and, provided in each of the printing units, the drive motor is driven at the connection speed based on the detection result of the motor speed detection means and the detection result of the synchronization detection means, and the drive motor is synchronized with the auxiliary unit. and a clutch control circuit 590 that drives the clutch device to connect the drive motor to the common drive shaft when the clutch is engaged, and disconnects the drive motor from the common drive shaft in response to a disconnection instruction from the sequence circuit. A web printing machine featuring 2. In the web printing machine according to claim 1, each printing unit is provided upstream and downstream of a pair of printing blanket cylinders, and changes the passage path of the web when passing through the printing units. It has two guide rollers 260 and 262, which are separated from the web in the printing mode and in contact with the web in the non-printing mode to direct the passage of the web to a plane passing through the axes of the pair of blanket cylinders. Further, each printing unit includes means 3 for accelerating the surface speed of the guide roller to a speed equal to the moving speed of the web when the guide roller contacts the web.
06,308. 3. In the web printing machine according to claim 2, the means for accelerating the guide roller comprises:
A web printing machine comprising friction rollers 306 and 308 that rotate together with a plate cylinder, and in a printing mode, the guide roller contacts the friction roller and is driven by friction.