Patent Application
20050005796
The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-182366 filed on Jun. 26, 2003, including specification, claims, drawings and summary, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for plate changing in a plate cylinder of a printing press.
2. Description of the Related Art
For a web rotary press or the like, in which a plurality of printing units are arranged, various proposals have been made for an automatic plate changer which automatically mounts aprinting plate (hereinafter referred to simply as a plate) at a predetermined position of a plate cylinder of each of the plural printing units, and automatically removes the plate from the plate cylinder.
For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 2704558) describes a method for plate changing in a printing press having a plurality of printing units different from each other in the rotation phase of each plate cylinder, whereby even during a plate removal in one of the printing units, a plate removal operation is performed in the other printing units, thus shortening the plate changing time.
If an error occurs during the plate removal (or plate supply) operation by the automatic plate changer, the plate being removed is engaged into the plate cylinder or ink form rollers and damages a blanket or the roller, unless the plate changing procedure is promptly stopped.
Thus, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1999-170486) describes a feature in which a sensor is provided for detecting an abnormality in the plate being removed during plate removal, and when the abnormality in the plate removal is detected by the sensor, a printing press is shut down.
In the method for plate changing described in Patent Document 1, however, the rotation phase of the plate cylinder is different among the printing units, as stated above. Therefore, in the printing units showing no abnormality in the plate removal when an abnormality in the plate removal was detected in the other printing unit, theremaybe cases where the plate is being removed with its end portion being detached from the plate cylinder, or the plate remains substantially unremoved with its end portion being held by the plate cylinder.
If, in this state, the plate cylinder is rotated in a normal or reverse direction to eliminate the plate of the printing unit showing the abnormality in the plate removal, the plate cylinders of all printing units are rotated normally or reversely in an interlocked manner. As a result, damage is caused to the printing plate of other printing unit where no abnormality in the plate removal was detected during detection of the plate removal abnormality. To remove the damaged printing plate, many man-hours and much time are required. Similar problems are posed when an abnormality in the plate being supplied occurs during a plate supply operation for automatically mounting printing plates on the plate cylinders.
The present invention has been accomplished to solve the above problems. Its object is to provide a method and an apparatus for plate changing in a printing press having a plurality of printing units, the method and the apparatus being constituted such that during a plate removal or plate supply operation for an error unit where an abnormality in the plate removal or plate supply was detected, a plate removal or supply operation for the other normal units can be controlled properly in accordance with the progress status of plate changing of the normal units, whereby the plate removal or supply can be carried out reliably in a short time.
To attain the above object, there is provided, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for plate changing in a printing press, for rotating all plate cylinders of a plurality of printing units by a drive device, and performing at least one of removal of printing plates from the plate cylinders and supply of printing plates to the plate cylinders by plate changing means provided in correspondence with the plate cylinders, comprising:
According to the above-described first aspect of the invention, in the normal unit other than the error unit in which an abnormality in plate changing is detected, at least one of the drive device or the plate changing means is controlled according to the progress status of the plate changing of this normal unit. This prevents damage to the printing plate of the normal unit due to normal or reverse rotation of the plate cylinder in return work for the plate changing. Hence, a return work in case of the plate changing abnormality can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
In a second aspect of the invention, the return step may have a first return step of controlling at least one of the drive device and the plate changing means of the normal unit in accordance with the status of progress of the plate changing in the normal unit at a position when the drive device has been stopped by the stop step, and the first return step may be executed before start of the error elimination step.
According to the second aspect of the invention, the printing plate of the normal unit in a specific progress status of the plate changing can be handled (can be brought into a state free from damage due to normal or reverse rotation of the plate cylinder) before the error elimination step. Thus, damage to the printing plate of the normal unit immediately after start of the error elimination step can be prevented. Hence, a return work in case of the plate changing abnormality can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
In a third aspect of the invention, the error elimination step may have a drive step of driving the drive device to rotate the plate cylinder, and the return step may have a second return step of controlling at least one of the drive device and the plate changing means of the normal unit in accordance with a status of the normal unit when the plate cylinder of the normal unit is in a predetermined phase during the drive step.
According to the third aspect of the invention, the printing plate of the normal unit located in a specific phase can be handled during the error elimination step. Thus, damage to the printing plate of the normal unit in the error elimination step can be prevented. Hence, a return work in case of the plate changing abnormality can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
In a fourth aspect of the invention, the first return step may include:
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the plate changing means in the normal unit before start and after completion of changing of the printing plate for the plate cylinder and during the operation of the plate changing means is controlled before the error elimination step. Thus, the printing plate of the normal unit can be handled automatically. Furthermore, if there is the normal unit in which the end portion of the printing plate is being removed or mounted, driving of the drive device at least in the direction of the plate removal is prohibited. Thus, damage to the printing plate in the normal unit can be prevented, a return work for the plate changing can be performed easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened. Besides, execution of the error elimination step before handling of the normal unit can be prevented.
In a fifth aspect of the invention, the second return step may include:
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, during the error elimination step, driving of the drive device at least in the direction of the plate removal is prohibited, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to removal or mounting of the end portion of the printing plate. Thus, before the error elimination step is resumed, the printing plate of the normal unit can be dealt with. Thus, damage to the printing plate of the normal unit can be prevented, a return work for the plate changing can be performed easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened. Besides, the operator can be prevented from making the mistake of resuming the error elimination step before dealing with the printing plate of the normal unit.
In a sixth aspect of the invention, the plate cylinder may include plate holding means movable between a holding position, at which the plate holding means holds an end portion of the printing plate, and a release position at which the plate holding means releases holding of the end portion of the printing plate,
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when a plate removal abnormality is detected during the plate removal step and the drive device stops, control is exercised on the plate changing means in the normal unit before start and after completion of removal of the printing plate from the plate cylinder and during the operating state of the plate changing means. Thus, the printing plate of the normal unit can be dealt with automatically. Furthermore, if there is the normal unit in which the end portion of the printing plate is being removed, driving of the drive device at least in the direction of plate removal is prohibited. Thus, damage to the printing plate can be prevented in the normal unit which is immediately after start of the error elimination step. Also, the operator can be prevented from accidentally performing the error elimination step before dealing with the printing plate of the normal unit. During the error elimination step, moreover, driving of the drive device at least in the direction of the plate removal is prohibited, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to the removal of the end portion of the printing plate. Thus, before the error elimination step is resumed, the printing plate of the normal unit can be dealt with. Thus, damage to the printing plate of the normal unit can be prevented, a return work for the plate changing can be performed easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened. Besides, the operator can be prevented from making the mistake of resuming the error elimination step before dealing with the printing plate of the normal unit.
In a seventh aspect of the invention, the plate cylinder may include plate holding means movable between a holding position, at which the plate holding means holds an end portion of the printing plate, and a release position at which the plate holdingmeans releases holding of the end portion of the printing plate, the plate changing means may include:
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when a plate supply abnormality is detected during the plate supply step and the drive device stops, control is exercised on the plate changing means in the normal unit before start and after completion of supply of the printing plate to the plate cylinder and during the operating state of the plate changing means. Thus, the printing plate of the normal unit can be dealt with automatically. Furthermore, if there is the normal unit in which the end portion of the printing plate is being mounted, driving of the drive device at least in the direction of plate removal is prohibited. Thus, damage to the printing plate can be prevented in the normal unit which is immediately after start of the error elimination step. Also, the operator can be prevented from accidentally performing the error elimination step before dealing with the printing plate of the normal unit. During the error elimination step, moreover, driving of the drive device at least in the direction of the plate removal is prohibited, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to mounting or removal of the end portion of the printing plate. Thus, before the error elimination step is resumed, the printing plate of the normal unit can be dealt with. Thus, damage to the printing plate of the normal unit can be prevented, a return work for plate changing can be performed easily in a short time, andburden on the operator can be lightened. Besides, the operator can be prevented from making the mistake of resuming the error elimination step before dealing with the printing plate of the normal unit.
In an eighth aspect of the invention, the second return step may include:
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, during the error elimination step, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to removal of the end portion of the printing plate, the end portion of the printing plate can be removed automatically to separate the end portion of the printing plate from the plate cylinder, and the inability of the drive device to be driven at least in the direction of plate removal can be automatically released. Thus, the operator can resume the error elimination step without reciprocating between the error unit and the normal unit, can prevent damage to the printing plate of the normal unit, and can do a return work for plate changing easily in a short time. Also, burden on the operator can be lightened.
The method in a ninth aspect of the invention may further comprise a second drive step of driving the drive device after the error elimination step to rotate the plate cylinder, and
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, if there is the normal unit remaining untreated after the error elimination step, it is possible to treat the printing plate of the normal unit which is located in a specific phase when the plate cylinder is rotated normally or reversely to handle the printing plate of the untreated normal unit. Thus, a return work for plate changing can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
In a tenth aspect of the invention, each of the printing units may be provided with a manual operation switch,
According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the return mode of the return mode unit can be automatically released according to the progress status of plate changing of the normal unit. Thus, a return work for plate changing can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
In an eleventh aspect of the invention, a plate changing switch for starting plate changing may be provided, and
According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, after a plate changing abnormality is detected and the drive device is stopped, a plate changing which has been suspended can be easily resumed by operating the plate changing switch.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for plate changing in a printing press, comprising:
According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the same effects as by the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the control device may either prohibit driving of the drive device at least in a plate removal direction, or control the plate changing means of the normal unit, in accordance with the status of progress of plate changing in the normal unit when the drive device is stopped.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the same effects as by the second aspect of the invention can be obtained.
The apparatus in a fourteenth aspect of the invention may further comprise phase detection means for detecting a phase of the plate cylinder, and the control device may stop the drive device when the phase detected by the phase detection means becomes a predetermined phase during driving of the drive device performed after stoppage of the drive device.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the same effects as by the third aspect of the invention can be obtained.
In a fifteenth aspect of the invention,
According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the same effects as by the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained.
In a sixteenth aspect of the invention,
According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the same effects as by the seventh aspect of the invention can be obtained.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are explanation drawings of various operating positions during plate removal;
FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c) are explanation drawings of various operating positions during plate removal;
FIGS. 12(a) to 12(d) are explanation drawings of various operating positions during plate supply;
FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c) are explanation drawings of various operating positions during plate supply;
FIGS. 14(a) to 14(d) are explanation drawings of action areas, except for those of error units, during an error in plate removal;
FIGS. 15(a) to 15(e) are explanation drawings of action areas, except for those of the error units, during the error in plate removal;
FIGS. 16(a) to 16(d) are explanation drawings of action areas, except for those of error units, during an error in plate supply;
FIGS. 17(a) to 17(c) are explanation drawings of action areas, except for those of the error units, during the error in plate supply;
A method and an apparatus for plate changing in a printing press according to the present invention will now be described in detail by an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, which in no way limit the invention.
As shown in
An automatic plate changer (plate changing means) is annexed to each of the upper printing unit and the lower printing unit of each of the sets mentioned above. The automatic plate changers in the upper printing unit and the lower printing unit are of nearly the same basic construction. Moreover, various constructions can be applied for them. Thus, only the automatic plate changer of the upper printing unit will be taken as an example, and explained briefly.
As shown in
For a plate supply, the loader 6 is rotated counterclockwise to the illustrated state by an actuator (not shown). Then, the new plate hooking member 7, with which the trailing edge of the new plate W1 is engaged, is moved obliquely downwardly from an ascent limit by a new plate moving actuator (new plate moving means) 28, such as a rodless cylinder, whereby the new plate W1 is supplied to the plate cylinder 3. Then, the new plate W1 is wrapped around the circumferential surface of the plate cylinder 3 while being pulled out of the loader 6 by rotation of the plate cylinder 3. The state of new plate supply at this time is detected by a pair of light projecting/receiving plate supply sensors (new plate detecting means) 9 provided in the loader 6 near a descent limit of the new plate hooking member 7. That is, when the plate supply is carried out normally, the new plate W1 is wrapped around the circumferential surface of the plate cylinder 3 while being pulled out of the loader 6 by rotation of the plate cylinder 3. Thus, the trailing edge of the new plate W1 does not shut off the plate supply sensors 9 at a predetermined time. However, if the leading edge of the new plate W1 is not inserted, or is incompletely inserted, into a gap 26 of the plate cylinder 3, for example, the amount of movement of the new plate W1 by rotation of the plate cylinder 3 is so small that the plate supply sensors 9 remain shut off without passage of the trailing edge of the new plate W1 through the plate supply sensors 9 at the predetermined time. In short, when the plate supply sensors 9 remain shut off without passage of the new plate W1 through the plate supply sensors 9 at the predetermined time, it is determined that an abnormality in plate supply has occurred.
For a plate removal, on the other hand, with the loader 6 being located at the same position as mentioned above, the removal plate hooking member 8, with which the trailing edge of the removal plate W2 is engaged, is moved obliquely upwardly from the descent limit by a removal plate accommodation actuator (removal plate accommodating means) 29, such as a rodless cylinder, whereby the removal plate W2 is accommodated into the loader 6.
Between the right and left frames 1, a stationary plate guide 13 is provided via a bracket 12, and a moving plate guide 10 is supported so as to be swingable between an advance position (shown in
Between the right and left frames 1 and below the moving plate guide 10, a plate press roller 20 is supported so as to be swingable between an advance position (see a double-dotted chain line in
In
The various actuators 14, 17, 21 . . . are driven and controlled by a CPU 35 as a control device, such as a microcomputer, which also controls a main unit motor 34 as the aforementioned drive device for imparting interlocked rotations to all of the plate cylinders 3 of the respective printing units, as shown in
That is, the various actuators, such as the plate dismounting actuator 17, plate press roller actuator 21, new plate moving actuator 28, removal plate accommodation actuator 29, plate removal cam actuator 31, and plate supply cam actuator 33, which are provided in each of the printing units for the first color to the Nth color, are connected to the CPU 35 by a bus-line BUS via an input-output device 36a. The main unit motor 34, on the other hand, is connected to the CPU 35 by the bus-line BUS via a motor driver 37 and an input-output device 36b. A rotary encoder 38 is annexed to the main unit motor 34, and its rotational speed signals are inputted into a plate changing counter 39 andamain unit phase detecting counter 40, and then connected to the CPU 35 by the bus-line BUS via the input-output device 36b.
A plate changing button (switch) 41 and an error mode release button (switch) 42, which are provided in an operating panel (not shown), are connected to the CPU 35 by the bus-line BUS via an input-output device 36c. A fixedmemory 43 and an alterable memory 44 are connected to the CPU 35 by the bus-line BUS, together with a plate removal start position memory 45, a plate supply start position memory 46, and a memory 47 for various operating positions.
Furthermore, detection signals of the plate supply sensor 9, plate tail sensor 11, and dismounting sensor 17a, which are provided in each of the printing units for the first color to the Nth color, are connected to the CPU 35 by the bus-line BUS via an input-output device 36d. Also, a manual operation button (switch) 48 for releasing drive locking of the main unit motor 34, an inching button (switch) 49 for driving the main unit motor 34 in the normal-rotation direction by becoming ON only when pushed, and a reverse inching button (switch) 50 for driving the main unit motor 34 in the reverse-rotation direction by becoming ON only when pushed are similarly provided as drive device driving means in each of the printing units for the first color to the Nth color, and they are connected to the CPU 35 by the bus-line BUS via an input-output device 36e. Upon normal rotation of the main unit motor 34, the plate cylinder 3 is rotated clockwise (in the direction of plate supply) in
In the aforementioned CPU 35, as shown in
In the illustrated example, nine operating positions, i.e., θa, θi,1, θi,2, θi,3, θi,4, θi,5, θi,6, θi,7, and θb, are set for plate removal. Of these positions, θi,6 is a manual dismounting position (manual removal position) which is a dismounting position at the time of an error mode to be described later, and θb is the position of termination of plate removal. As shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) and 11(a) to 11(c), θa is a plate removal start position; θi,1 is a plate removal cam operating position where the plate press roller actuator 21 (see
The flow of a plate removal will be explained. In starting the plate removal, the printing press is located at the plate removal start position θa (
Then, the plate cylinder 3 is rotated in the direction of the plateremoval (counterclockwise in
When the plate cylinder 3 continues to rotate further, the plate removal cam follower 30a contacts the plate removal cam 30 at the plate removal cam contact start position θi,2 (
As the plate cylinder 3 continues rotation further, the trailing edge of the removal plate W2 advances into spacing between the stationary plate guide 13 and the moving plate guide 10, as shown in
As the plate cylinder 3 continues rotating further, the removal plate W2 is removed from the plate cylinder 3 and entered into the loader 6 shown in
A predetermined time after the plate dismounting actuator 17 becomes ON at the automatic dismounting position θi,5, the dismounting sensor 17a checks for an error in plate removal. That is, when plate removal is occurring normally, the plate dismounting actuator 17 is contracted maximally, and this maximum contraction is detected by the dismounting sensor 17a (
The plate cylinder 3 continues to rotate further, and the plate cylinder 3 rotates to the plate accommodation position θi,7 (11(c)). At this time, the plate dismounting actuator 17 becomes OFF, whereby the plate dismounting guide 16 is turned from the removal holding position to the holding release position. The removal plate accommodation actuator, which has been put in the ON state, becomes OFF, whereupon the removal plate hooking member 8 is moved from the position of the double-dotted chain lines to the position of the solid lines in
When the plate cylinder 3 continues rotation further and comes to the plate removal termination position θb, the printing press stops, and a plate supply action is started.
As described earlier, when plate removal is performed normally, the plate cylinder 3 begins to rotate in the direction of plate removal from the plate removal start position θa, and does not stop until plate removal is completed. Thus, amake-ready time required for plate removal can be shortened, and productivity can be increased.
In
Eight operating positions, i.e., θb, θi,7, θi,5, θi,3, θi,2, θi,8, θi,1, and θa, are set for plate supply. Of these positions, θa is a plate supply termination position. As shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(d) and 13(a) to 13(c), θb is a plate supply start position where the plate press roller actuator 21 (see
The flow of plate supply will now be described. In starting plate supply, the printing press is brought to the plate supply start position θb (
Then, the plate cylinder 3 is rotated in the direction of plate supply (clockwise in
As theplate cylinder 3 continues rotation further, the new plate W1 is wrapped around the circumferential surface of the plate cylinder 3 and pulled out of the loader 6 in accordance with the rotation of the plate cylinder 3. When the plate cylinder 3 comes to the plate supply detection position θi,5 (
When the plate cylinder 3 continues to be rotated further, the trailing edge of the new plate W1 is inserted into the gap 26 of the plate cylinder 3 by the plate press roller 20. At the plate supply cam operating position θi,3 (
When the plate cylinder 3 is rotated still further, the plate supply cam follower 32a contacts the plate supply cam 32 at the plate supply cam contact start position θi,2 (
When the plate cylinder 3 continues rotation further and reaches the plate press roller retreat position θi,1 (
When the plate cylinder 3 continues rotation further, reaching the plate supply termination position θa, the printing press stops, and a plate changing action is started.
As described above, while plate supply is taking place normally, the plate cylinder 3 begins rotation in the plate supply direction from the plate supply start position θb, and does not stop until plate supply is completed. Thus, a make-ready time taken for plate supply can be shortened, and productivity can be increased.
In
If an abnormality in the plate changing (a plate removal error or a plate supply error) has occurred in a certain printing unit during the plate changing, the aforementioned CPU 35 controls at least one of the aforementioned main unit motor 34 and automatic plate changer in normal units other than the error unit in accordance with the progress status of the plate changing of the normal units.
That is, if a plate tail detection error at the plate tail detection position θi,4 or an automatic dismounting error at the automatic dismounting position θi,5 happens in a certain printing unit during plate removal, as shown in
The above-mentioned area A (θa-θi,1) represents a state where plate removal is not started at all (
Area D (θi,3-θi,5) represents a state existent from the plate removal cam contact termination position until the automatic dismounting position (
Area F (θi,6-θi,7) represents a state existent from the manual dismounting position until the plate accommodation position (
In the event of an error happening during the plate removal, measures taken for the normal units belonging to the areas other than area D are completed before the printing press is rotated to eliminate the error of the error unit. For the normal unit belonging to area D, the necessary measure is taken during elimination of the error in the error unit or after handling of the error unit.
If a plate supply detection error at the plate supply detection position θi,5 occurs in a certain printing unit at the time of plate supply, as shown in
The above-mentioned area G (θb-θi,7) represents a state present before the leading end portion of the new plate W1 is inserted into the gap 26 of the plate cylinder 3 (
Area I (θi,7-θi,5) represents a state where the plate press roller 20 is in contact with the plate cylinder, and the leading edge of the new plate W1 is on the way to mounting on the plate cylinder 3 (
Area D (θi,5-θi,3) represents a state existent from the plate supply detection position until actuation of the plate supply cam 32 (
Area K (θi,8-θi,1) represents a state existent from the termination of contact of the plate supply cam follower 32a with the plate supply cam 32 until the OFF state of the plate press roller 20 and the plate supply cam 32 (
In the event of an error happening during the plate supply, measures taken for the normal units belonging to the areas other than area D are completed before the printing press is rotated to eliminate the error in the error unit. For the normal unit belonging to area D, the necessary measure is taken during elimination of the error in the error unit or after dealing with of the error unit.
The plate changing apparatus of the present invention is configured as described above. Next, control actions on plate changing work will be described in detail using flow charts in FIGS. 18 to 34.
Ordinary plate removal steps are as shown in
In the plate changing, the start position for plate changing (θa, θb) is controlled based on the current position read from the main unit phase detection counter 40, but other positions are controlled based on the current position read from the plate changing counter. This is because the plate changing requires the main unit to be rotated 360 degrees or more. In detail, the main unit phase detection counter 40 is used not only for plate changing, but also for control of other devices. Thus, when the main unit makes one turn (360-degree rotation), the current position from the main unit phase detection counter 40 is reset. This makes this counter unsuitable for detecting the current position for the plate changing. Hence, the counter for the plate changing is also provided so as to be able to detect a phase of 360 degrees or more.
Then, in step P9, the next operating position and the target unit No. are read from the operating position memory 47. Then, in step P10, the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 (plate removal phase detection step). Then, it is determined in step P11 whether the current position loaded from the plate changing counter 39 is the next operating position. If NO, the program returns to step P10. If YES, it is determined in step P12 whether the next operating position is the plate removal completion position (θb). If YES, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P13, and the program proceeds to the plate supply step in
If the answer is NO in step P16, it is determined in step P18 whether the next operating position is the automatic dismounting position (θi,5). If YES, in step P19, the plate removal cam actuator 31 and the plate press roller actuator 21 are turned off and the plate dismounting actuator 17 is turned on in the target unit, and counting of the timer is started (removal holding means operating step). After the timer is found in step P20 to have measured a predetermined time, time measurement of the timer is stopped in step P21. Then, it is determined in step P22 whether the dismounting sensor 17a of the target unit has become ON (abnormality detection step, second plate removal detection step). IfYES, the programreturns to step P9. IfNO, theprogram goes to the first return step of
In short, while the printing press is being rotated reversely, it is read which unit's operating position is reached (step P9), and a comparison with the current position is always made (step P11). When that operating position is reached, plate removal treatment according to the operating position (steps P13, P15, P17, P19, P23, P24) is performed.
An ordinary plate supply step is performed as shown in
Then, in step P32, the next operating position and the target unit No. are read from the operating position memory 47, whereafter the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P33 (plate supply phase detection step). In step P34, it is determined whether the current position from the plate changing counter 39 is the next operating position. If NO, the program returns to step P33. If YES, it is determined in step P35 whether the next operating position is the plate supply completion position (θa). If YES, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P36 to terminate the plate changing work. If NO, it is determined in step P39 whether the next operating position is the plate supply detection position (θi,5). If YES, it is determined in step P40 whether the plate supply sensor 9 of the target unit is ON (abnormality detection step, plate supply detection step). If YES, the program returns to step P32. If the answer is negative in step P40, the program shifts to the first return step of FIGS. 31 to 34.
If the answer is negative in step P39, it is determined in step P41 whether the next operating position is the plate supply cam operating position (θi,3). If YES, the plate supply cam actuator 33 of the target unit is turned on in step P42 (plate supply switching means operating step), and the program returns to step P32. If NO, the next operating position is the plate press roller retreat position (θi,1). Thus, in step P43, the plate supply cam actuator 33 and the plate press roller actuator 21 of the target unit are turned off (plate press roller retreat step), and the program returns to step P32.
In short, while the printing press is being rotated normally, it is read which unit's operating position is reached next (step P32), and a comparison with the current position is always made (step P34). When that operating position is reached, plate supply treatment according to the operating position (steps P36, P38, P40, P42, P43, etc.) is performed.
If a plate removal error is found in the aforementioned steps P17 and P22 to have occurred, the first return step shown in
Then, the target unit is set to be the error unit in step P48, and the units other than the target unit are set to be return mode units in step P49 (mode setting step). Then, the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P50, and the return mode unit Nos. and the positions of the respective areas of the return mode units are read in step P51. Then, it is determined in step P52 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area A or area G. If there is such return mode unit, the return mode of the target return mode unit is automatically released in step P53 (first automatic return mode release step), and the program shifts to step P54. If there is no such return mode unit, it is determined in step P54 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area B.
If such return mode unit is found to be present in step P54, the plate press roller actuator 21 and the plate removal cam actuator 31 of the target return mode unit are turned off in step P55 (first control step). In step P56, the return mode of the target return mode unit is automatically released in step P56 (first automatic return mode release step), and the program goes to step P57. If there is no such return mode unit, it is determined in step P57 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area F.
If there is found to be such return mode unit in step P57, the plate dismounting actuator 17 of the target return mode unit is turned off in step P58, and the removal plate accommodation actuator 29 of the target return mode unit is turned off in step P59 (first control step). In step P60, the return mode of the target return mode unit is automatically released (first automatic return mode release step). Then, the program goes to step P61. If there is such return mode unit in step P57, it is determined in step P61 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area C or area E.
If there is no such return mode unit in step P61, the program goes to the error elimination step shown in
As a result, it becomes possible to rotate the main unit motor 34 normally and reversely by operating the inching button (switch) 49 and the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit.
Then, in step 67, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program goes to step P71. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is rotated normally in step P68. Then, if the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is found to be OFF in step P69, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P70, and the program returns to step P67. That is, if the main unit comes to a position where a measure can be taken, the main unit is stopped, and the measure is taken.
Then, in step P71, it is determined whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program proceeds to step P75. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is rotated reversely in step P72. If the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is found to be OFF in step P73, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P74, and the program returns to step P67. That is, if the main unit comes to a position where a measure can be taken, the main unit is stopped, and the measure is taken.
Then, in step P75, it is determined whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P67. If YES, it is determined in step P76 whether the manual operation buttons (switches) 48 of all the target return mode units are OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P67. If YES, the program goes to the error elimination step shown in
If, in step P61, there is no returnmode unit having the current position in area C or area E, or if, in step P76, the manual operation buttons (switches) 48 of all the target return mode units are OFF, the error elimination step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
In step P77, it is determined whether the return mode unit is present or absent. If there is no return mode unit, the program proceeds to the error elimination step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
If the answer is YES in step P79, namely, if the manual operation button 48 of the error unit is ON, it is possible to rotate the main unit motor 34 normally or reversely by operating the inching button (switch) 49 or reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the error unit. In step P81, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the error unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is rotated normally in step P82, and the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P83 (phase detection step). Then, in step P84, it is determined whether the current position is the operating position (θi,3) of the target return mode unit. If YES, the program proceeds to the second return step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
If the answer is negative in step P81, it is determined in step P87 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P88, and the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P89 (phase detection step). Then, in step P90, a determination is made as to whether the current position is the manual dismounting position (θi,6) of the target return mode unit. If YES, the program proceeds to the second return step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
If the answer is negative in step P87, step 93 is executed to determine whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program returns to step P81. If YES, the ON state of the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the error unit is automatically released in step P94. The program proceeds to a flow (common to plate supply and plate removal), as shown in
That is, the operator depresses the inching button (switch) 49 or the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the error unit to rotate the main unit motor 34 normally or reversely. If, during this normal or reverse rotation, the return mode unit rotates normally, arriving at the operating position (θi,3), or rotates reversely, arriving at the manual dismounting position (θi,6), a measure is taken for this target return mode unit. Once removal of the printing plate of the error unit is completed, the manual operation button for the return mode unit, for which the measure has not been completed, is turned on to take the measure for this return mode unit. By operating the manual operation button, the ON state of the manual operation button of the error unit is released.
If, in the aforementioned step P84, the current position is the operating position (θi,3) of the target return mode unit, the second return step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
As a result, it is possible to rotate the main unit motor 34 normally or reversely by operating the inching button (switch) 49 or the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the error unit of the target return mode unit.
Then, in step P101, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P102. If the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P103, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P104, and the program returns to step P101. In other words, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated only while the inching button (switch) 49 is being depressed. Ifthe answer is negative in step P101, it is determined in step P105 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P106. If the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P107, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P108, and the program returns to step P101. In other words, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated only while the reverse inching button (switch) 50 is being depressed. If the answer is negative in step P105, it is determined in step P109 whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P101. If YES, the program shifts to the error elimination step shown in
If, in the aforementioned step P90, the current position is the manual dismounting position of the target return mode unit, the second return step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
After the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P110, the main unit motor 34 is locked in step P111 (second drive lock step). Then, in step P112, the plate press roller actuator 21 and the plate removal cam actuator 31 of the target return mode unit are turned off, the plate dismounting actuator 17 is turned on, and time measurement of the timer is started (automatic removal holding step).
If the timer has measured a predetermined time in step P113, time measurement of the timer is stopped in step P114. Then, in step P115, a determination is made of whether the dismounting sensor 17a of the target return mode unit is ON (removal confirmation step). If YES, the return mode of the target return mode unit is automatically released in step P116 (second automatic return mode release step), and locking of the main unit motor 34 is released in step P117 (second lock release step). In this manner, a measure for the return mode unit is taken automatically, and the return mode and the locking of the main unit motor 34 are released automatically. That is, the operator can resume the measure for the error unit, without moving from the error unit to the return mode unit. Then, the program shifts to the error elimination step shown in
If the answer is negative in step P115, namely, if dismounting by the plate dismounting guide 16 is not performed normally, a determination is made in step P118 as to whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is ON. If YES, the ON state of the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the error unit is automatically released in step P119. Then, the return mode of the target return mode unit is released in step P120 (second manual return mode release step), and locking of the main unit motor 34 is released in step P121 (second lock release step).
Then, in step P122, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step 123. Then, if the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P124, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P125, and the program returns to step P122. That is, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated while the inching button (switch) 49 is being depressed.
If the answer is negative in step P122, it is determined in step P126 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P127. If the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P128, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P129, and the program returns to step P122. That is, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated while the reverse inching button (switch) 50 is being depressed.
If the answer is negative in step P126, it is determined in step P130 whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P122. If YES, the program shifts to the error elimination step shown in
If there is no return mode unit in the aforementioned step P77, the error elimination step (common to plate supply and plate removal) shown in
In step P131, it is determined whether the error mode release button (switch) 42 is ON. If YES, the error mode is released in step P132 to terminate a measure for the error unit. That is, if the measure for the error unit is taken without rotating the plate cylinder 3, the error mode release button (switch) 42 is turned on to release the error mode, thereby terminating the measure. If the answer is negative in step P131, a determination is made in step P133 as to whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the error unit is ON. If NO, the program returns to step P131. If YES, it is determined in step P134 whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the error unit is ON.
If the answer is affirmative in step P134, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P135. If the inching button (switch) 49 of the error unit is OFF in step P136, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P137, and the program returns to step P134. That is, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated while the inching button (switch) 49 is being depressed. If the answer is negative in step P134, it is determined in step P138 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the error unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P139. Ifthe reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the error unit is OFF in step P140, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P141, and the program returns to step P134. That is, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated while the reverse inching button (switch) 50 is being depressed. If the answer is negative in step P138, it is determined in step P142 whether the error mode release button (switch) 42 is ON. If NO, the program returns to step P134. If YES, the error mode is released in step P143 to terminate dealing with the error unit.
In the above-described manner, the operator rotates the plate cylinder 3 according to the status of the error to take the measure (removal of the printing plate). Upon termination of the measure for the error unit, the error mode release button (switch) 42 is turned on to release the error mode, bringing the program to end. Once the error mode is released, work for removing the printing plate, and work for switching from the operating state of the plate changing means to its nonoperating state are done, beginning in the printing unit having the trailing edge of the plate bound with the tape T in the first return step, and the printing unit having the printing plate held by the plate dismounting guide 16 in the first return step. Each of the works is performed by a manual operation for each unit. For the printing units in which plate removal work or plate supply work has not been started in the first return step (plate removal: areas A, B, plate supply: area H), plate changing is performed automatically or manually. As a means of releasing the error mode, the error mode release button (switch) 42 need not be provided. Instead, the error mode may be released by operating the plate changing button 41, a plate removal button (not shown) for starting plate removal, or a plate supply button (not shown) for starting plate supply.
When the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is ON in the aforementioned step P80, and when the ON state of the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the error unit is released in the aforementioned step P94, a measure (common to plate supply and plate removal), as shown in
In step P144, the return mode of the target return mode unit is released. Then, in step P145, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the return mode release unit, which has been released from the return mode, is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P146, and the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P147. Then, in step P148, it is determined whether the current position is the operating position (θi,3) of the return mode unit. If YES, a measure (common to plate supply and plate removal), as shown in
If the answer is negative in step P145, it is determined in step P151 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the return mode release unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P152, and the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P153. Then, in step P154, it is determined whether the current position is the manual dismounting position (θi,6) of the return mode unit. If YES, ameasure (common to plate supply and plate removal), as shown in
If the answer is negative in step P151, it is determined in step P157 whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the return mode release unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P145. If YES, it is determined in step P158 whether there is the return mode unit. If the return mode unit exists, the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is rendered ON in step P159, and the program returns to step P144. If the return mode unit is absent, the error mode release button (switch) 42 is rendered ON in step P160 to terminate the measure for the return mode unit after the error elimination step. In this manner, after processing for one return mode unit is completed, the manual operation button (switch) 48 of this return mode unit is turned off to release the return mode. This procedure is continued until there is no return mode unit set in the return mode. If other return mode unit is located at the operating position during rotation of the plate cylinder 3 for handling of the return mode unit, processing is performed for the other return mode unit.
If the current position is the operating position of the target return mode unit in the aforementioned step P148, ameasure (common to plate supply and plate removal), as shown in
Then, in step P166, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the different return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P167. If the inching button (switch) 49 of the different return mode unit is OFF in step P168, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P169, and the program returns to step P166. That is, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated while the inching button (switch) 49 is being depressed. If the answer is negative in step P166, it is determined in step P170 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the different return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P171. If the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the different return mode unit is OFF in step P172, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P173, and the program returns to step P166. That is, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated while the reverse inching button (switch) 50 is being depressed. If the answer is negative in step P170, it is determined in step P174 whether themanual operation button (switch) 48 of the different return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P166. If YES, the program returns to processing for the different return mode unit after the error elimination step shown in
If, in the aforementioned step P154, the current position is the manual dismounting position of the target return mode unit, a measure (common to plate supply and plate removal), as shown in
If the timer has measured a predetermined time in step P178, measurement of time by the timer is stopped in step P179. Then, in step P180, it is determined whether the dismounting sensor 17a of the different return mode unit is ON. If YES, the return mode of the different return mode unit is automatically released in step P181, and locking of the main unit motor 34 is released in step P182. Then, the program returns to the measure for the return mode unit after the error elimination step shown in
If the answer is negative in step P180, namely, if dismounting by the plate dismounting guide 16 fails to be performed normally, step 183 is executed to determine whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the different return mode unit is ON. If YES, the return mode of the different return mode unit is released in step 184, and locking of the main unit motor 34 is released in step P185.
Then, in step P186, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the different return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P187. Then, if the inching button (switch) 49 of the different return mode unit is OFF in step P188, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P189, and the program returns to step P186. That is, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated only while the inching button (switch) 49 is being depressed.
If the answer is negative in step P186, it is determined in step P190 whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the different return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P191. Then, if the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the different return mode unit is OFF in step P192, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P193, and the program returns to step P186. That is, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated only while the reverse inching button (switch) 50 is being depressed.
If the answer is negative in step P190, a determination is made in step 194 as to whether the manual operation button of the different return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P186. If YES, the program returns to the measure for the return mode unit after the error elimination step shown in
If the plate supply error is observed in the aforementioned step P40, the first return step shown in FIGS. 31 to 34 is executed. First of all, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P195 (stop step). Then, in step P196, it is determined whether the plate changing button 41 is ON. If YES, the program returns to step P31 (plate changing resumption step). If NO, it is determined in step P197 whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target unit is ON. If NO, the program returns to step P196. If YES, the unit is set in the error mode in step P198. That is, if the operator observes the status of the printing unit, where the error has occurred, and judges the error unremovable without the rotation of the plate cylinder 3, then the operator turns on the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the printing unit showing the occurrence of the error. If the error is corrected and a normal state is restored without the rotation of the plate cylinder 3, the plate changing button 41 is rendered ON to resume plate supply which has been suspended.
Then, the target unit is set to be the error unit in step P199, and the units other than the target unit are set to be return mode units in step P200 (mode setting step). Then, the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P201, and the return mode unit Nos. and the positions of the respective areas of the return mode units are read in step P202. Then, it is determined in step P203 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area G or area A. If there is such return mode unit, the return mode of the target return mode unit is released in step P204 (first automatic return mode release step), and the program shifts to step P205.
If there is no such return mode unit, it is determined in step P236 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area G. If such return mode unit is present in step P236, the plate press roller actuator 21 and the new plate moving actuator 28 of the target returnmode unit are turned off in step P237 (first control step). In step P238, the return mode of the target return mode unit is automatically released in step P238 (first automatic return mode release step), and the program goes to step P205. If there is no such return mode unit, it is determined in step P205 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area K.
If there is such return mode unit in step P205, the plate press roller actuator 21 and the plate supply cam actuator 33 of the target return mode unit are turned off in step P206 (first control step), whereupon the return mode of the target return mode unit is automatically released in step P207 (first automatic return mode release step). Then, the program proceeds to step P208. If there is no such return mode unit in step P205, it is determined in step P208 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area I.
If there is such return mode unit in step P208, rotation of the main unit motor 34 in the reverse direction is locked (first drive lock step) in step P209 (see
The reason why rotation in the reverse direction of the main unit motor 34 is locked in step P209 to permit its rotation in the normal direction is as follows: The return mode unit belonging to area J is in a state where the leading edge of the new plate W1 is being inserted into the gap 26 of the plate cylinder 3. Therefore, if the plate cylinder 3 is rotated at this stage, the leading edge of the new plate W1 may be bent, and the new plate W1 may become unusable. Depending on the status of insertion of the leading edge of the printing plate of the return mode unit belonging to area J, however, normal rotation of the plate cylinder 3 in this state may cause damage to the printing plate. In this case, a measure may have to be taken to rotate the plate cylinder 3 reversely to correct the status of insertion of the printing plate, and then rotate the plate cylinder 3 normally to move it into area D; or it may be necessary to rotate the plate cylinder 3 reversely, and then extract the leading edge of the plate from the plate cylinder 3. The operator must select a corrective measure suitable for the circumstances.
If the answer is affirmative in step P214, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P217, and locking of the main unit motor 34 is automatically released in step P218 (first lock release step). Then, the program proceeds to step P235. That is, the leading edge of the plate is mounted on theplate cylinder 3 by normal rotation, whereby the target return mode unit belonging to area I is shifted to area D.
If the answer is negative in step P211, it is determined in step P219 whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program returns to step P211. If YES, namely, if the operator judges it necessary to rotate the plate cylinder 3 reversely, the return mode of the target return mode unit is released in step P220 (first manual return mode release step), and locking of the main unit motor 34 is released in step P221 (first lock release step).
Then, in step P222, it is determined whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program proceeds to step P226. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is rotated reversely in step P223. Then, if the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P224, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P225. That is, when the unit has come to a position where a measure can be taken, the main unit is stopped, and the measure taken. That is, the status of insertion of the printing plate is corrected, or the leading edge of the printing plate is extracted from the plate cylinder 3. If the leading edge of the printing plate is extracted from the plate cylinder 3, the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is turned off in step P234 to be described later.
Then, in step P226, a determination is made as to whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is ON. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P227, and the current position is read from the plate changing counter 39 in step P228. Then, in step P229, it is determined whether the current position is the next operating position (θi,5) of the target return mode unit. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P230, and locking of the main unit motor 34 is automatically released in step P231 (firs lock release step). Then, the programgoes to step P235. That is, the leading edge of the plate is mounted on the plate cylinder 3 by normal rotation, whereby the target return mode unit belonging to area I is shifted to area D. If NO in step P229, it is determined in step P232 whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P228. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P233, and the program returns to step P222.
If the answer is NO in step P226, it is determined instep P234 whether themanual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P222. If YES, the program proceeds to step P235. In this manner, the operator observes the status of the target return mode unit and, if judging that normal rotation causes the leading edge of the plate to be mounted on the plate cylinder 3, the operator turns on the inching button (switch) 49 (step P211) to move the target return mode unit belonging to area I into area D. Then, the operator turns off the manual operation button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit. If the operator judges reverse rotation necessary, the operator turns on the manual operation button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit (step P219) to release locking of rotation in the reverse direction of the main unit motor 34 (step P221). Then, the main unit motor 34 is rotated reversely (step P223) to correct the printing plate into an appropriate state. Then, the inching button (switch) 49 is turned on (step P226) to move the target return mode unit belonging to area I into area D. Then, the manual operation button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is turned off. In extracting the leading edge of the plate from the plate cylinder 3, the steps taken are to turn on the manual operation button (switch) 49 of the return mode unit (step P219), release the locking of rotation in the reverse direction of the main unit motor 34 (step P221), rotate the main unit motor 34 reversely (step P223) to extract the leading edge of the plate, and turn off the manual operation button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit.
If there is no relevant return mode unit in step P208, it is determined in step P235 whether there is the return mode unit whose current position is in area J. If there is no such return mode unit, the program returns to step P77. If there is such return mode unit, the main unit motor 34 is locked in step P236 (first drive lock step). Then, the manual operation button (switch) 48 of all target return mode units is turned on in step P237. Then, the return mode of the target return mode unit is released in step P238 (first manual return mode release step), and locking of the main unit motor 34 is released in step P239.
Then, in step 240, it is determined whether the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program goes to step P244. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is normally rotated in step P241. If the inching button (switch) 49 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P242, the main unit motor 34 is stopped in step P243, and the program returns to step P240. That is, when the unit comes to a position where a measure can be taken, the main unit is stopped, and the measure taken.
Then, in step 244, it is determined whether the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is ON. If NO, the program goes to step P248. If YES, the main unit motor 34 is reversely rotated in step P245. If the reverse inching button (switch) 50 of the target return mode unit is OFF in step P246, the mainunit motor 34 is stopped in step P247, and the program returns to step P240. That is, when the unit comes to a position where a measure can be taken, the main unit is stopped, and the measure taken.
Then, in step P248, it is determined whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of the target return mode unit is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P240. If YES, it is determined in step P249 whether the manual operation button (switch) 48 of all the target return mode units is OFF. If NO, the program returns to step P240. If YES, the program returns to step P77. At this point in time, only the return mode unit in area D is in the return mode, and the return mode of the other return mode units is released.
In the present embodiment, as described above, when a plate removal error is detected during the plate removal step and the main unit motor 34 stops, control is exercised on the automatic plate changer in the normal unit before start and after completion of removal of the removal plate W2 from the plate cylinder 3 and during the operating state of the automatic plate changer. Thus, the removal plate W2 of this normal unit can be dealt with automatically. Furthermore, if there is the normal unit in which the end portion of the removal plate W2 is being removed, driving of the main unit motor 34 is locked. Thus, damage to the removal plate W2 can be prevented in the normal unit which is immediately after start of the error elimination step. Also, the operator can be prevented from accidentally performing the error elimination step before dealing with the removal plate W2 of the normal unit. During the error elimination step, moreover, driving of the main unit motor 34 is locked, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to removal of the end portion of the removal plate W2. Thus, before the error elimination step is resumed, the removal plate W2 of the normal unit can be dealt with. Thus, damage to the removal plate W2 of the normal unit can be prevented, return work for plate changing can be performed easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened. Besides, the operator can be prevented from making the mistake of resuming the error elimination step before dealing with the removal plate W2 of the normal unit.
When a plate supply error is detected during the plate supply step and the main unit motor 34 stops, control is exercised on the automatic plate changer in the normal unit before mounting of the leading end portion of the new plate W1 and after mounting of the new plate W1 on the plate cylinder 3 and during the operating state of the automatic plate changer. Thus, the new plate W1 of this normal unit can be dealt with automatically. Furthermore, if there is the normal unit in which the leading end portion of the new plate W1 is being mounted, driving of the main unit motor 34 at least in the direction of removal of the printing plate is prohibited. Thus, damage to the new plate W1 immediately after handling of the new plate in the normal unit can be prevented. Also, the operator can be prevented from mistakenly performing the error elimination step before handling of the new plate W1 of the normal unit. During the error elimination step, moreover, driving of the main unit motor 34 is locked, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to supply of the end portion of the new plate W1. Thus, before the error elimination step is resumed, the new plate W1 of the normal unit can be handled. Thus, damage to the new plate W1 of the normal unit can be prevented, return work for the plate changing can be performed easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened. Besides, the operator can be prevented frommaking the mistake of resuming the error elimination step before handling the new plate W1 of the normal unit.
Furthermore, during the error elimination step, when the normal unit is located in a phase related to removal of the end portion of printing plate, the end portion of the printing plate can be removed automatically to separate the end portion of the printing plate from the plate cylinder 3, and the inability of the main unit motor 34 to be driven at least in the direction of plate removal can be automatically released. Thus, the operator can resume the error elimination step without reciprocating between the error unit and the normal unit, can prevent damage to the printing plate of the normal unit, and can do return work for the plate changing easily in a short time. Also, burden on the operator can be lightened.
If there is the normal unit remaining untreated after the error elimination step, it is possible to treat the printing plate of other normal unit which is located in a specific phase when the plate cylinder 3 is rotated normally or reversely to handle the printing plate of the untreated normal unit. Thus, return work for the plate changing can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
Besides, the return mode of the return mode unit can be automatically released according to the progress status of plate changing of the normal unit. Thus, return work for the plate changing can be done easily in a short time, and burden on the operator can be lightened.
The present invention also has the advantage that after a plate changing error is detected and the main unit motor 34 is stopped, the plate changing which has been suspended can be easily resumed by operating the plate changing button 41.
While the present invention has been described by the above embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereby, but may be varied or modified in many other ways. For example, the phase of the main unit motor 34 detected by the rotary encoder 38 is controlled as the phase of the plate cylinder of each printing unit, when the detected plate changing is performed or a plate changing error is handled. However, a rotary encoder can be provided in each printing unit, and control can be exercised based on the output from each rotary encoder. In the above embodiment, moreover, means for removing the printing plate from the plate cylinder and means for supplying the printing plate to the plate cylinder are shown as the plate changing means. However, these means are not restrictive, and the present invention may be applied to means for performing at least one of removal of the printing plate and supply of the printing plate. Such variations or modifications are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such variations and modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-182366 | Jun 2003 | JP | national |
