FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[ 0001 ] The present invention generally relates to cleaning of a printing press . In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic cleaning unit for the printing press .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[ 0002 ] A printing press includes a plate cylinder to receive ink for printing and a blanket roller to print one or more images using the received ink onto the running web of paper . The running web of paper passes through a plurality of rollers before the cutting and delivery process . During the printing cycle , the ink get s collected and deposited on the one or more rollers in the printing pres s . Therefore, to maintain the quality of the printing cycle the plurality of rollers of the printing press are cleaned regularly .

[ 0003 ] Currently, the cleaning of the plurality of rollers in the printing press is performed manually . During the conventional cleaning process , a cleaning solution is sprayed on one or more of the plate cylinder and the blanket roller . Further, the plate cylinder and the blanket roller are manually cleaned using a brush or a cleaning cloth . Additionally, the cleaning solution that is sprayed on the plate cylinder and the blanket roller pas ses to the remaining rollers in the printing press due to the surface contact between the plurality of rollers to clean the plurality of rollers . However, this conventional process of cleaning the printing press is time-consuming, provides low quality and non-uniform cleaning and requires additional manpower for operating the printing pres s .

[ 0004 ] The refore , there is a need for an automatic cleaning unit for a printing press to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional proces s of cleaning the printing press .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0005 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, a printing pres s having a cleaning unit is disclosed . The printing pres s includes a plate cylinder to receive ink for printing and a blanket roller placed parallel to and below the plate cylinder, the blanket roller is configured to trans fer one or more images on a running web of paper . Further, the printing press includes a cleaning unit placed parallel and in front of the blanket rollers . The cleaning unit includes a plurality of spray noz zles to spray a cleaning solution on at least one of the blanket rollers . The cleaning unit also includes a brush roller to brush at least one of the blanket rollers to automatically clean the printing pres s .

[ 0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the printing press further includes a control box coupled to the cleaning unit to control the operation of the plurality of spray nozzles and the brush roller to automatically clean the printing press .

[ 0007 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control box is configured to alternatively move the brush roller to clean the blanket rollers . Further, the control box is configured to automatically turn ON and turn OFF the plurality of spray nozzles to spray the cleaning solution on the blanket rollers . Furthermore , the control box is configured to perform a cleaning cycle periodically, the period includes at least one of end of the day, start of the day, end of printing cycle , start of printing cycle and after a pre-defined time interval .

[ 0008 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control box is configured to control the concentration of the cleaning solution sprayed via the one or more spray nozzles .

[ 0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the printing press further includes a train of rollers in contact with the blanket roller and configured to receive cleaning solution from the blanket roller via the running web of paper to automatically clean the train of rollers . The printing press also includes one or more doctor blades coupled to the train of rollers to remove excess ink from one or more rollers of the train of rollers . Further, the cleaning unit is configured to clean the printing press in 15 minutes .

[ 0010 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the printing press further includes a tray to collect residual cleaning solution during the cleaning cycle .

[ 0011 ] The invention provides a printing pres s having a cleaning unit for automatically cleaning the printing press . The cleaning unit alternatively sprays the cleaning solution on the blanket roller . Further, the cleaning unit alternatively brushes the blanket roller . Therefore, the cleaning unit automatically cleans the blanket roller of the printing pres s . Additionally, the cleaning solution passes from the blanket roller to the train of roller, thereby cleaning all the rollers of the printing press.

[0012] The cleaning unit provides a high-quality cleaning of the printing press. Further, the cleaning unit provides fast and uniform cleaning of the printing press. Therefore, the cleaning unit reduces the time gap between two printing cycles and also reduces the manpower required for operating the printing press.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is described by way of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein :

[0014] Figure 1 (a) illustrates a printing press with an automatic cleaning unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Figure 1(b) illustrates the printing press without the cleaning unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] Figure 1 (c) illustrates the automatic cleaning unit in the printing press in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a doctor blade coupled to an ink oscillator roller in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 3(a) illustrates a front perspective view of the nozzle cassette in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [ 0019] Figure 3 (b) illustrates a back perspective view of the noz zle cas sette in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[ 0020 ] Figure 4 (a ) illustrates a control box coupled to the cleaning unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[ 0021 ] Figure 4 (b ) illustrates an internal structure of the control box coupled to the cleaning unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[ 0022 ] Figure 4 ( c ) illustrates the display unit of the cleaning system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[ 0023 ] Figure 4 (d) illustrates the liquid line circuit of the connection between the nozzle cas sette and the control box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[ 0024 ] Figure 5 a tray of the cleaning unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[ 0025 ] The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention . Exemplary embodiment s are provided only for illustrative purposes and various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art . The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiment s and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . Also , the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiment s and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For the purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0026] The present invention would now be discussed in the context of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .

[0027] Figure 1(a) illustrates a printing press 100 with an automatic cleaning unit 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1(b) illustrates the printing press 100 without the cleaning unit 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 (c) illustrates the cleaning unit 106 in the printing press 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity, Figures 1 (a) , 1(b) and 1 (c) may be explained together.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the printing press 100 may include one or more plate cylinders 102, one or more blanket rollers 104 and a cleaning unit 106. The plate cylinder 102 may be understood as a roller having a thin printing plate around it. Further, the plate cylinder 102 may be configured to receive ink for printing on a running web of paper.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the running web of paper may be configured to run along the plate cylinder 102 , the blanket roller 104 and a train of rollers for printing, cutting and delivery of the printed papers . The train of rollers may be understood as a plurality of rollers in contact with one other . Specifically, the train of rollers may, without any limitation, include an ink roller train 108 and a dampening roller train 110 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the ink roller train 108 may include an ink fountain 118 , an ink fountain roller 120 , a film roller 122 , one or more ink transfer rollers 124 , one or more ink oscillator rollers 126, one or more ink former rollers 128 and a roller wash-up device 130 , as shown in Figure 1 (b ) . Further, the dampening roller train 110 may include a damper oscillator roller 132 , a rotor beam 134 , a dampening trans fer roller 136 , a dampening former roller 138 and a manual drive 140 , as shown in Figure 1 (b ) . Further, the printing pres s 100 may also include one or more catch troughs 142 to receive the ink from the one or more rollers .

[ 0030 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact between the plurality of rollers may be a direct contact with the surface of each roller touching the surface of the succeeding roller . In another embodiment of the present invention, the contact between the plurality of rollers may be an indirect contact via the running web of papers .

[ 0031 ] Figure 2 illustrates a doctor blade 112 coupled to the ink oscillator roller 126 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more doctor blades 112 may be coupled to the train of rollers to remove exces s ink from one or more rollers of the train of rollers. The doctor blades 112 may be understood as one or more doctor blades known in the art for removing excess ink. The one or more doctor blades 112 may be coupled to the catch trough 142 such as, a dirt collection tray.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the blanket roller 104 may be placed parallel to the plate cylinder 102. Further, the blanket roller 104 may be placed below the plate cylinder 102. The blanket roller 104 may be configured to transfer one or more images on the running web of paper for printing. The one or more images may correspond to the digital data to be printed on papers and may include textual data, graphic data or a combination thereof.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit 106 may be placed parallel to the plate cylinder 102 and the blanket roller 104. Further, the cleaning unit 106 may include one or more nozzle cassettes 114 and one or more brush rollers 116.

[0034] Figure 3(a) illustrates a front view of the nozzle cassette 114 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3(a) illustrates a back view of the nozzle cassette 114 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For the sake of brevity Figures 3(a) and 3 (b) have been explained together.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle cassette 114 may include a plurality of spray nozzles 144 arranged over a first plate and a second plate. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of spray nozzles 144 may be arranged over the first plate to spray a cleaning solution on the blanket roller 104 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of spray noz zles 144 may be arranged over the second plate to spray the cleaning solution on the blanket roller 104 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle cas sette 114 may include 8 noz zles configured to uniformly dispense liquid on the length of the blanket roller 104 in two couples and total 32 nozzles for one print unit . Further, each noz zle may be independently controlled by an electrically operated solenoid valve to dispense intermittent liquid as per the pre-defined time controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC ) .

[ 0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the brush roller 116 may be understood as a roller with a plurality of bristles over the curved surface of the roller . The brush roller 116 may be configured to move in ON and OFF positions to make surface contact with the curved surface of the two blanket rollers 104 simultaneously . Upon rotation of the brush roller 116 , the bristles of the brush roller 116 may be configured to rub against the curved surface of both the blanket rollers 104 to clean the surfaces .

[ 0037 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the brush roller 116 may be a friction driven brush roller 116 with pneumatically On-Of f function . Thus , no friction may be applied on the blanket roller 104 and the blanket roller 104 may be saved from any damage . In an embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the brush roller 116 may operate for a pre-defined time and its operation cycle may be programmed in the PLC independently. In an embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle cassette 114 and the one or more brush rollers 116 may be removed from the cleaning unit 106 for cleaning and replacement.

[0038] Figure 4 (a) illustrates a control box 402 coupled to the cleaning unit 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 (b) illustrates an internal structure of the control box 402 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 (c) illustrates the display unit of the cleaning unit 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 (d) illustrates the liquid line circuit of the connection between the cleaning unit 106 and the control box 402. For the sake of brevity, Figures 4 (a) , 4 (b) , 4 (c) and 4 (d) have been explained together.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit 106 may be coupled to a control box 402 to control the operation of the plurality of spray nozzles 144 and the brush roller 116 via a control panel 404. The control box 402 may include one or more storage tanks having one or more cleaning liquids. In an embodiment of the present invention, the storage tank may be a stainless steel pressure tank with an auto refilling system and compressed air may be used to pressurize the tank. Specifically, the one or more storage tanks may without any limitation include, a water tank 406, a blanket wash tank 408 and a UV wash tank 410, as shown in Figure 4 (b) .

[0040] Controlling the operation of the plurality of spray nozzles 144 and the brush roller 116 may facilitate automatic cleaning of the printing press 100. Further, the control box 402 may be configured to spray the cleaning solution via the plurality of spray noz zles 144 alternatively on the blanket rollers 104 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the control box 402 may also be configured to control the concentration of the cleaning solution sprayed via the plurality spray noz zles 144 . It may be understood that a dif ferent concentration of cleaning solution may be sprayed during every cycle based on the requirement for efficient cleaning of the printing pres s 100 .

[ 0041 ] Further, the control box 402 may be configured to turn ON the brush roller 116 for cleaning the blanket roller 104 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the brush roller 116 may be coupled to a controller for the ON and OFF movement of the brush roller 116 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may utilize one or more apparatus and techniques for movement of the brush roller 116 . Further, the control box 402 may be coupled to controller for controlling the movement of the brush roller 116 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the control box 402 may be configured to control the operation of the plurality of spray nozzles 144 and the brush roller 116 synchronously for optimum cleaning of the plate cylinder 102 and the blanket roller 104 .

[ 0042 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control box 402 may include a control panel 404 having one or more knobs for controlling the operation of the cleaning unit 106 .

[ 0043 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control box 402 may include a display unit 422 to display the one or more parameters as sociated with the cleaning unit 106, as shown in Figure 4 ( d) . The display unit 422 may be understood as an electrical control panel with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human-Machine Interface (HMI ) for operation control of the cleaning unit 106 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 412 may be configured to display current status of cycle operation, recoding the number of cycle actuated, a tank level indicator 414 , selection of a Non-UV cleaning operation 416 and a UV cleaning operation 418 . Additionally, the one or more parameters may include a wash time for upper unit 420 and a wash time for lower unit 422 .

[ 0044 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more spray noz zles 144 of the noz zle cas sette 114 may be coupled to the one or more storage tanks via a liquid line circuit , as shown in Figure 4 (d) . The one or more storage tanks may be coupled to the one or more pressure reducing valves (PRV) 424 to control the line pressure as per the requirement s . Further, the one or more storage tanks may be coupled to the one or more angle valves 426 to control ingress of liquid in each line . In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more Net Realizable Valves may be used for the isolation of liquid in each line .

[ 0045 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution sprayed on the blanket roller 104 may flow to the train of rollers . In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution may flow via the surface contact between the train of rollers . In another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution may flow via the running web of paper . Further, the cleaning solution may automatically clean the train of rollers during the cleaning cycle .

[ 0046] Figure 5 a tray of the cleaning unit 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit 106 may also include a tray 502 configured to receive the residual cleaning solution . The residual cleaning solution may be understood as the cleaning solution that may be received from the one or more rollers after the cleaning . The residual cleaning solution may include the cleaned ink from the one or more rollers .

[ 0047 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit 106 may be configured to operate for 15 minutes during each cycle to completely clean the printing pres s 100 . Further, the cleaning unit 106 may be configured to perform the cleaning cycle periodically . In an embodiment of the present invention, the period may correspond to end of the day, start of the day, start of printing cycle , end of printing cycle , once during a pre-defined time interval or a combination thereof .

[ 0048 ] In operation, the print units may run together at 6000 rotations per hour ( rph) in impression ON of blanket and plate cylinder 102 . Further, the inker and dampening roller may be turned ON with the plate cylinder 102 .

[ 0049] Further, for cleaning the blanket roller 104 , the control box 402 may control the operation of the plurality of spray nozzles 144 to spray the cleaning solution on the blanket roller 104 . Further, the control box 402 may move the brush roller 116 to make surface contact with the blanket roller 104 . Further, the brush roller 116 may rotate to brush the blanket roller 104 via the plurality of bristles . Thereby, cleaning the blanket roller 104 .

[ 0050 ] Furthermore , the cleaning solution may flow from the plate cylinder 102 or the blanket roller 104 towards the train of rollers for automatically cleaning the train of rollers . The cleaning solution may form a uniform layer on the train of rollers . Further, the doctor blade 112 may wipe the ink dirt from the ink oscillator roller 126 . Thereby, automatically cleaning the printing pres s 100 .

[ 0051 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning process may continue as per the cleaning cycle time . Further, after the cleaning process ends and the cycle liquid and brush roller stops , the print couple may continue running for a certain time for drying the train of rollers . In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning process may last 15 minutes . Further, the refilling process may be automatically initiated after the cleaning cycle is finished to prepare for a new cycle .

[ 0052 ] Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages .

[ 0053 ] The invention provides a printing press 100 having a cleaning unit 106 for automatically cleaning the printing press 100 . The cleaning unit 106 alternatively sprays the cleaning solution on the blanket roller 104 . Further, the cleaning unit 106 alternatively brushes the blanket roller 104 . Therefore , the cleaning unit 106 automatically cleans the blanket roller 104 of the printing pres s 100 . Additionally, the cleaning solution passes from the blanket roller 104 to the train of roller, thereby cleaning all the rollers of the printing pres s 100 .

[ 0054 ] The cleaning unit 106 provides a high-quality cleaning of the printing press 100 . Further, the cleaning unit 106 provides fast and uniform cleaning of the printing press 100 . Therefore , the cleaning unit 106 reduces the time gap between two printing cycles and also reduces the manpower required for operating the printing press 100 .

[ 0055 ] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or of fending the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .