JP7664193B2 - Printing control device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a print control device that adjusts and controls web register, a printing machine equipped with a print control device, and a print control method.

A newspaper offset rotary printing press comprises a paper feeder, a printing device, a web path device, and a folder. The printing device is a tower type in which multiple printing units are arranged vertically so that four-color printing can be performed. In a tower type printing device, printing is performed continuously in each printing unit while the web is transported from bottom to top. Since the printing device performs four-color printing, it is necessary to make registration adjustments to adjust the overlapping position accuracy of each color and the printing position accuracy of the front and back.

Registration adjustments include adjustments in the direction the web is transported (vertical register adjustments) and adjustments in the width direction of the web (horizontal register adjustments). The printing device is provided with a camera above where the printed web is discharged, which photographs the front and back of the web. The camera photographs the four color register marks printed on the web, and the register adjustment device performs vertical and circumferential register adjustments and horizontal register adjustments based on the amount of misalignment of the four color register marks. As an adjustment in the width direction of the web, misregistration occurs due to the stretching of the web in the width direction. As this register adjustment, fan-out adjustments are performed. Note that one example of a device that performs fan-out adjustments is the fan-out suppression control device described in Patent Document 1 below.

JP 2021-062560 A

For example, when fan-out adjustment is performed by the fan-out suppression control device, a preset value is set as the adjustment amount. The fan-out suppression control device sets a preset value as the pressure amount of the pressing member that presses the web, and performs fine adjustment by changing the preset value based on the amount of deviation of the four-color registration marks printed on the web after printing. In the printing device, when a pair of rotating blanket cylinders clamps and transports the web, the image (ink) on the blanket cylinder is transferred to the web. Since a predetermined nip width is set for the pair of blanket cylinders, the blanket cylinder and the web are in a pressed state. Then, the surface of the blanket cylinder deteriorates with long-term use. The deterioration of the blanket surface affects the pressure amount of the pressing member. Therefore, there is a problem that the difference between the preset value input for fan-out adjustment and the actual adjustment value becomes large, the time required to perform fan-out adjustment becomes long, and paper waste increases, resulting in increased printing costs.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a print control device, printing machine, and print control method that shortens the register adjustment time, thereby reducing paper waste and lowering printing costs.

To achieve the above object, the print control device disclosed herein includes a register adjustment device that adjusts misregistration in the transport direction or width direction of the web, a register adjustment value calculation unit that calculates an adjustment value for the misregistration in accordance with changes in the blanket over time, and a register control device that controls the register adjustment device based on the adjustment value calculated by the register adjustment value calculation unit.

The printing machine disclosed herein is provided with the print control device in a printing machine in which multiple printing units are arranged at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction and the web is transported vertically upward.

The printing control method disclosed herein also includes a step of calculating an adjustment value for misregistration in response to changes in the blanket over time, and a step of adjusting the misregistration in the web transport direction or width direction based on the adjustment value.

The print control device, printing machine, and print control method disclosed herein can reduce waste paper and printing costs by shortening the registration adjustment time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a newspaper offset rotary printing press. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printing unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first register adjustment device. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the second register adjustment device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the change in the adjustment value with respect to the amount of wear of the blanket. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in the adjustment value each time the blanket is replaced. FIG. 8 is a table for explaining a method of calculating a preset value for an adjustment value. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a first modified example of a method for calculating a preset value for an adjustment value. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a second modified example of the method of calculating a preset value for an adjustment value when the initial value is different. FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a third modified example of the method of calculating a preset value for an adjustment value when the initial value is different. FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating a method of estimating the blanket replacement time based on the adjustment value. FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a modified example of the method of estimating the blanket replacement time based on the adjustment value. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the print control method of this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a time chart for explaining the print control method of this embodiment.

Below, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present disclosure also includes configurations that combine the various embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that a person skilled in the art would easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range.

<Newspaper offset web printing press>
1 is a schematic diagram showing a newspaper offset rotary press. The newspaper offset rotary press of this embodiment is a 4×1 rotary press in which the size of the plate cylinder of the printing device is set to 4 page widths×1 page circumference, but may be a 4×2 rotary press in which the size of the plate cylinder is set to 4 page widths×2 page circumference.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing press of this embodiment is a newspaper offset rotary press P. The newspaper offset rotary press (hereinafter referred to as the printing press) P includes a paper feeder R, an infeed device I, a printing device U, a web path device D, and a folder F.

The paper feed device R has multiple (five in this embodiment) paper feed units R1 to R5. The in-feed device I has multiple (five in this embodiment) in-feed units I1 to I5. The printing device U has multiple (five in this embodiment) printing units U1 to U5. The web path device D has one web path unit D1. The folding machine F has one folding unit F1.

In the paper feed device R, the paper feed units R1 to R5 have a similar configuration and have a holding arm that holds three rolls of web (print medium) W wound in a roll shape. The rolls can be rotated to the paper feed position by rotating the holding arm. In the in-feed device I, the in-feed units I1 to I5 have a similar configuration and adjust the tension of the web W fed to each printing unit U1 to U5 of the printing device U to stably maintain the tension of the web W running through the printing device U at an appropriate value. The tension of the web W from the paper feed device R to the in-feed device I is controlled by a brake device provided in the paper feed units R1 to R5.

In the printing device U, printing units U1 to U5 are multi-color printing units capable of double-sided four-color printing. However, each printing unit U1 to U5 can be divided into upper and lower printing units U11 to U52 capable of double-sided two-color printing. Printing units U11 to U52 are configured almost the same and have ink supply devices, plate cylinders, blanket cylinders, etc.

In the web path device D, the web path unit D1 is provided for the printing units U1 to U5. The web path unit D1 has a slitter that cuts the web W in the vertical direction (the transport direction of the web W) at the center of its width, a turn bar that sets the transport path of the vertically cut web W, and a compensator that adjusts the position of the pattern in the vertical direction of the web W. Each web W that has been printed in the printing units U1 to U5 is cut vertically by the slitter in the web path unit D1, the transport path is changed by the turn bar, and the pattern position is adjusted by the compensator before being superimposed in a specified order.

In the folding machine F, the folding unit F1 folds the web W, which is introduced from the web path unit D1 as a stack of multiple webs W, vertically, cuts it horizontally to a specified length, and folds it horizontally to form a folded sheet, which is then discharged as a newspaper.

<Printing unit>
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing unit in a newspaper offset web printing press.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printing unit U1 is an H-shaped tower unit that enables four-color printing. The printing unit U1 is configured with four stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 arranged along the transport direction of the web W (the vertical direction in FIG. 2, from bottom to top), one for black, one for blue, one for red, and one for yellow, and the stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged in a symmetrical roller arrangement. Note that the printing unit is not limited to an H-shaped tower unit.

Stacks 21, 22, 23, 24 are in contact with blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, facing each other on the left and right sides, sandwiching the transport path of the web W. Blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b are in contact with plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b. Stacks 21, 22, 23, 24 are provided with ink supply devices 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b for plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b. In addition, stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 are provided with dampening devices 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, 64a, and 64b for plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b.

The printing unit U1 is provided with a register mark detection device 70, a first register adjustment device 71, and a second register adjustment device 72. The register mark detection device 70 has, for example, CCD cameras 81 and 82. The CCD cameras 81 and 82 are arranged facing the front and back surfaces of the web W. The CCD cameras 81 and 82 photograph the register marks printed on the front and back surfaces of the web W. The first register adjustment device 71 performs register adjustment (vertical register adjustment) in the transport direction of the web W based on the detection result of the register mark detection device 70. The second register adjustment device 72 performs register adjustment (fan-out adjustment) in the width direction of the web W based on the detection result of the register mark detection device 70. The first register adjustment device 71 is arranged in the stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24. The second register adjustment device 72 is arranged between the stacks 22 and 23. The second register adjustment device 72 may be disposed between stacks 21 and 22 or between stacks 23 and 24. Although not shown, a third register adjustment device is provided that adjusts the register in the left-right direction of the web W (left-right register adjustment) based on the detection results of the register mark detection device 70.

<First register adjustment device>
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first register adjustment device.

As shown in Figure 3, the printing unit U1 has four stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24. The stacks 21, 22, 23, and 24 each have a blanket cylinder 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b, and a plate cylinder 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b. The blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b, and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b can be driven and rotated independently by drive motors 91, 92, 93, and 94, respectively. The drive motors 91, 92, 93, and 94 drive and rotate the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b to transport the web W held by the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b.

The first register adjustment device 71 has drive motors 91, 92, 93, 94, top-bottom register motors 95, 96, 97, 98, and a first register control device 99. The first register control device 99 performs top-bottom register adjustment by controlling the drive motors 91, 92, 93, 94 and the top-bottom register motors 95, 96, 97, 98 based on the positions of the register marks on the front and back sides of the web W photographed by the CCD cameras 81, 82. The register marks are, for example, cross marks printed in each non-printing area on the front and back sides of the web W. The register marks are provided for each printing color (four colors in this embodiment). If the four color register marks are misaligned in the transport direction of the web W, top-bottom register adjustment is required.

The first register control device 99 determines that a top-bottom register adjustment is necessary when the four-color register marks captured by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 deviate from the top-bottom reference position in the conveying direction by more than a preset top-bottom reference length. The first register control device 99 then independently drives and controls the drive motors 91, 92, 93, and 94 and the top-bottom register motors 95, 96, 97, and 98 so that the four-color register marks and the top-bottom reference position are less than the top-bottom reference length. In other words, the first register control device 99 adjusts the rotation phases of the drive motors 91, 92, 93, and 94 individually to individually adjust the circumferential phases of each blanket cylinder 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b. In addition, the first register control device 99 adjusts the rotational phases of the top-bottom register motors 95, 96, 97, and 98 individually to adjust the circumferential phases of the plate cylinders 41b, 42b, 43b, and 44b individually. By adjusting the circumferential phases of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b and the plate cylinders 41b, 42b, 43b, and 44, the top-bottom positions of the four-color register marks are adjusted.

<Second register adjustment device>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the second register adjustment device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second register adjustment device 72 is a so-called fan-out adjustment device. The second register adjustment device 72 has a plurality of pressure rollers (pressing members) 101 (eight in this embodiment), a moving device 102, and a second register control device 103. The second register control device 103 performs fan-out adjustment by controlling the moving device 102 based on the positions of the register marks on the front and back of the web W photographed by the CCD cameras 81 and 82. If the four color register marks are misaligned in the width direction of the web W, fan-out adjustment is required.

The multiple pressure rollers 101 are arranged on one side (e.g., the front side) of the web W. The multiple pressure rollers 101 are supported by a support plate 104 at predetermined intervals (preferably equal intervals) in the width direction of the web W. The support plate 104 is arranged horizontally along the width direction of the web W on one side of the web W. The support plate 104 is arranged at a distance from the one side of the web W. The multiple pressure rollers 101 are supported by the support plate 104 so as to be freely rotatable with a rotation axis along the width direction of the web W.

The moving device 102 can press the web W by moving the multiple pressure rollers 101 in the thickness direction of the web W. The moving devices 102 are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the web W. The moving devices 102 can drive and rotate the screw shaft 105 in forward and reverse directions. The screw shaft 105 is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the web W. The screw shaft 105 is screwed into the support member 106. The support member 106 is connected to the longitudinal end of the support plate 104.

When each moving device 102 is driven and the screw shaft 105 is rotated in the forward direction, each support member 106 moves forward. Then, the support plate 104 connected to each support member 106 moves forward, and the multiple pressure rollers 101 move in a direction to approach and press the web W. On the other hand, when each moving device 102 is driven and the screw shaft 105 is rotated in the reverse direction, each support member 106 moves backward. Then, the support plate 104 connected to each support member 106 moves backward, and the multiple pressure rollers 101 move in a direction to move away from the web W and release the pressure.

The second register control device 103 determines that fan-out adjustment is necessary if the four-color register marks photographed by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 are shifted from the left-right reference position in the width direction by more than a preset left-right reference length. The second register control device 103 then drives and controls the movement device 102 so that the four-color register marks and the left-right reference position are less than the left-right reference length. That is, the second register control device 103 moves the multiple pressure rollers 101 by the movement device 102 in a direction approaching the web W, and presses the web W from one side. Then, the portions of the web W pressed by the pressure rollers 101 protrude to the other side, forming a wavy shape, and the widthwise length is corrected in the direction of shortening, thereby adjusting the widthwise position of the four-color register marks.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing unit U1 is provided with a third register adjustment device 73. The third register adjustment device 73 has left and right register motors 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, and 118, and a third register control device 119. The third register control device 119 controls the left and right register motors 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, and 118 based on the positions of the register marks on the front and back of the web W photographed by the CCD cameras 81 and 82, thereby moving the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b in the width direction to adjust the left and right register.

The control devices as the register control devices 99, 103, and 119 are controllers, and are realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the storage unit using the RAM as a working area. The three register control devices 99, 103, and 119 may be configured as a single control device.

When printing is performed by the printing unit U1, not only ink is transferred to the front and back surfaces of the web W, but also dampening water is transferred to the web W. The web W then absorbs the dampening water, and printing pressure is applied by the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b. Furthermore, tension acts on the web W in the transport direction. As a result, the web W stretches in the width direction and transport direction, causing misregistration due to top-bottom misregistration and fan-out. As described above, the first register adjustment device 71 corrects top-bottom misregistration, and the second register adjustment device 72 corrects misregistration due to fan-out.

However, misregistration due to top-bottom registration and fan-out is not caused only by the above-mentioned factors. The blanket cylinder is configured by wrapping a rubber blanket around the outer periphery of the cylinder body. A pair of blanket cylinders facing each other with the web W sandwiched between them are in a pressed state because a predetermined nip width is set. Therefore, the surface of the blanket wears and gradually becomes thinner with long-term use, and the surface deteriorates. When the blanket wears and becomes thinner, the outer diameter of the blanket cylinder becomes smaller than before the blanket wear, and the nip width becomes smaller. Then, the blanket cylinder decreases the feed amount of the web W per rotation, and the transport speed of the web W decreases. The folding machine has a drive roller that transports the web W independently of the printing device, and when the transport speed of the web W in the printing device decreases compared to the transport speed of the web W in the folding machine, the tension of the web W increases. Then, the web W stretches in the transport direction (top-bottom direction), and top-bottom registration occurs. When the web W stretches in the conveying direction (top-bottom direction), its width becomes shorter in relative terms. This causes the fan-out, or the stretch in the width direction, to be less than expected, and the second register adjustment device 72 may not adjust the register properly, and the misregistration caused by the fan-out may not be corrected.

In this embodiment, a print control device is provided that can quickly adjust misregistration of the web W or misregistration due to fan-out, even if the blanket is worn.

<Print Control Device>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print control device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the print control device 200 includes a first register adjustment device 71, a second register adjustment device 72, a register adjustment value calculation unit 201, a first register control device 99, and a second register control device 103.

The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 is connected to the CCD cameras 81 and 82 of the register mark detection device 70, and the images captured by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 are input as still images. The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 is connected to the first register control device 99 and the second register control device 103, the first register control device 99 is connected to the first register adjustment device 71, and the second register control device 103 is connected to the second register adjustment device 72.

The first register adjustment device 71 adjusts the top-bottom misregistration of the web W after printing. The second register adjustment device 72 adjusts the misregistration due to fan-out of the web W after printing. The first register control device 99 controls the first register adjustment device 71 based on the detection results of the register mark detection device 70 (CCD cameras 81, 82). The second register control device 103 controls the second register adjustment device 72 based on the detection results of the register mark detection device 70 (CCD cameras 81, 82).

The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates a misregister adjustment value according to the change over time of the blanket attached to the blanket cylinder. Specifically, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates a next register adjustment preset value based on a plurality of past adjustment values adjusted according to the change over time of the blanket. That is, the next register adjustment preset value is calculated by learning based on a plurality of past adjustment values. Here, the misregister adjustment value (register adjustment preset value) includes a first adjustment value (first register adjustment preset value) for adjusting the misregister in the top-bottom direction and a second adjustment value (second register adjustment preset value) for adjusting the misregister in the width direction. In the following description, the adjustment value (register adjustment preset value) is the first adjustment value (first register adjustment preset value) or the second adjustment value (second register adjustment preset value).

The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 is also connected to an operation unit 202, a display unit 203, and a memory unit 204. The operation unit 202 can be operated by an operator to input various data to the register adjustment value calculation unit 201. The operation unit 202 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch-type display. The display unit 203 can display the processing contents of the register adjustment value calculation unit 201. The display unit 203 is, for example, a touch-type display, monitor, or printer.

The memory unit 204 stores various programs executed by the register adjustment value calculation unit 201. The various programs include a program that calculates a misregister adjustment value according to the change over time of the blanket attached to the blanket cylinder. The memory unit 204 also stores past adjustment values acquired according to the change over time of the blanket and the next adjustment value calculated according to the change over time of the blanket. When performing register adjustment, the adjustment value differs depending on the type and width of the web W. Therefore, the memory unit 204 stores past adjustment values and next adjustment values for each type and width of the web W. Note that the adjustment value when performing register adjustment differs depending on the ink amount, dampening water amount, and coverage rate of the web W. Therefore, the memory unit 204 may store past adjustment values and next adjustment values for each ink amount, dampening water amount, and coverage rate of the web W.

The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 is a control device. The control device as the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory unit 204 using the RAM as a working area.

The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 has a data acquisition unit 210, a first register initial value calculation unit 211, a second register initial value calculation unit 212, a first register preset value calculation unit 213, and a second register preset value calculation unit 214.

The data acquisition unit 210 acquires a first adjustment value after top-bottom register adjustment from the first register control device 99, and acquires a second adjustment value after fan-out adjustment from the second register control device 103. In this case, the data acquisition unit 210 acquires a plurality of past first adjustment values and second adjustment values after register adjustment. The data acquisition unit 210 also acquires blanket replacement information.

The first register initial value calculation unit 211 calculates a first initial value to be used for the next top-bottom register based on a plurality of past first adjustment values acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. The second register initial value calculation unit 212 calculates a second initial value to be used for the next fan-out adjustment based on a plurality of past second adjustment values acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. As will be described later, the first initial value and the second initial value are set as preset values for register adjustment when a blanket that has just been replaced and has no wear is used. In this case, since the data acquisition unit 210 has acquired past blanket replacement information, the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value acquired immediately after the blanket was replaced can be calculated as the first initial value and the second initial value from the blanket replacement information and a plurality of past first adjustment values and second adjustment values.

The first register preset value calculation unit 213 calculates a first preset value to be used for the next top-bottom register based on multiple past first adjustment values acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. The second register preset value calculation unit 214 calculates a second preset value to be used for the next fan-out adjustment based on multiple past second adjustment values acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. As will be described later, the first and second preset values are set as preset values for register adjustment when using a blanket that has worn down and become thin over time since replacement, rather than immediately after replacement.

As shown in FIG. 1, when printing is performed with a printing press P, the paper feeder R, in-feed device I, printing device U, web path device D, and folder F are operated. Then, in the printing device U, after the web W is threaded, the blanket cylinder and other components are rotated at a slow speed to adjust the tension of the web W. Next, the rotation of the blanket cylinder and other components is accelerated, and at a predetermined adjustment speed, the paper surface of the web W is inspected, and the amount of dampening water supplied and the amount of ink supplied are adjusted. Then, once the various adjustments are completed, the rotation of the blanket cylinder and other components is accelerated again, and printing is performed at the predetermined cruising speed.

In a series of operations of the printing press P, the top-bottom and width-direction register adjustments of the web W are performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the blanket cylinder and the like rotate at a slow operating speed, and the tension of the web W is adjusted. The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 receives a first initial value or a first preset value as a preset value for the first register adjustment, and a second initial value or a second preset value as a preset value for the second register adjustment. The first register adjustment device 71 then moves the blanket cylinder and the plate cylinder individually to a predetermined rotation phase based on the preset value for the first register adjustment. The second register adjustment device 72 then moves multiple pressure rollers to predetermined positions based on the preset value for the second register adjustment. Then, at a predetermined printing speed on the blanket cylinder or the like, the web W is inspected, the amount of dampening water supplied is adjusted, and the amount of ink supplied is adjusted, while the first register adjustment device 71 adjusts the top-bottom misregistration of the web W, and the second register adjustment device 72 adjusts the misregistration due to fan-out of the web W.

That is, the first register control device 99 uses the first initial value or first preset value input from the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 as a reference and controls the first register adjustment device 71 based on the images captured by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 to correct the misregister. The second register control device 103 uses the second initial value or second preset value input from the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 as a reference and controls the second register adjustment device 72 based on the images captured by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 to correct the misregister due to fan-out. Note that the second register adjustment device 72 may be manually controlled by an operator after visually checking the misregister due to fan-out, rather than being controlled based on the images captured by the CCD cameras 81 and 82.

When the blanket attached to the blanket cylinder is used frequently, it wears and becomes thin, the transport speed of the web W decreases, and the top-bottom misregistration of the web W occurs. Also, fan-out adjustment may not be performed properly. For this reason, when using a blanket that has just been replaced and has no wear, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 adopts an initial value as the register adjustment preset value. On the other hand, when using a blanket that has worn and become thin over time since being replaced, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 adopts a preset value as the register adjustment preset value.

Figure 6 is a graph showing the change in adjustment value relative to the amount of blanket wear.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fan-out adjustment by the second register control device 103 reduces the pressure of the pressure roller against the web W as the blanket wears. When the web W stretches in the transport direction (top-bottom direction), its length in the width direction (left-right direction) becomes relatively shorter, and the fan-out that occurs, i.e., the stretch in the width direction, becomes less than expected. Therefore, the second register control device 103 reduces the pressure of the pressure roller, thereby reducing the amount of pressure on the web. The calculation of the preset value for the second register adjustment is the same as the calculation of the preset value for the first register adjustment.

<Calculation of initial value>
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in register adjustment value for each blanket change.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, immediately after the blanket is replaced, the initial register value calculation units 211 and 212 use a previously set initial value as the preset value for the next register adjustment. In this case, it is preferable that the initial register value calculation units 211 and 212 use the average value of multiple past initial values as the preset value for the next register adjustment when the blanket is replaced. That is, after the blanket is replaced, the blanket wears and becomes thinner, so the adjustment value during the register adjustment gradually increases. Then, since the blanket is replaced at times T1, T2, T3, and T4, the adjustment value during the register adjustment at these times decreases. Therefore, for example, the average value of the initial values at times T1, T2, and T3 is used as the initial value at time T4.

<Calculation of preset value>
FIG. 8 is a table for explaining a method of calculating a preset value for an adjustment value.

As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the register preset value calculation units 213 and 214 calculate the next preset value based on the past adjustment value after the blanket is replaced, and use the calculated preset value as the preset value for register adjustment. Specifically, the register preset value calculation unit 213 sets the average value of multiple past adjustment values as the preset value for the next register adjustment.

After the blanket was replaced on 3/7/2021, register adjustments were performed several times. Here, for example, for the next adjustment value on 3/15/2021, the average of the past five adjustment values, including the adjustment value on 3/15/2021 (0.49), is used as the preset value (0.49). Note that the number of past adjustment values used as the average value is not limited to five. Past adjustment values may vary depending on the proficiency of the operator, and this variation can be eliminated by using the average of multiple past adjustment values as the adjustment value (preset value) to be used next time.

<First Modification of Calculation of Preset Value>
FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a first modified example of a method for calculating a preset value for an adjustment value.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the register preset value calculation units 213 and 214 estimate the degree of change in the past adjustment value according to the frequency of use of the blanket, and calculate the next preset value based on the estimated degree of change in the adjustment value. Specifically, the register preset value calculation units 213 and 214 calculate the degree of change in the adjustment value from when a new blanket is attached until it is replaced, and calculate the next preset value based on the average value of the calculated degree of change in the adjustment value. The degree of change includes an approximation formula set using data on the frequency of use of the blanket and the adjustment value acquired in the past. Using this approximation formula, an adjustment value corresponding to the frequency of use of a specific blanket can be calculated. Any known method can be applied as a method for setting the approximation formula.

That is, the degree of change A1, A2, and A3 of the adjustment value from when a new blanket is attached until it is replaced is calculated. The degree of change A1, A2, and A3 of the multiple adjustment values are averaged to calculate the average degree of change Aa of the adjustment value. Then, the average degree of change Aa of the adjustment value is used to calculate a preset value according to the time since the new blanket was attached.

<Second Modification of Calculation of Preset Value>
FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a second modification of the method of calculating preset values for the register adjustment values when the initial values are different.

As shown in Figures 5 and 10, when the deviation Ad between the previous initial value 1 and the current initial value 2 exceeds a preset initial judgment value, the registration preset value calculation units 213, 214 estimate the degree of change in the adjustment value between the previous initial value 1 and the previous final adjustment value, and calculate the next preset value based on the degree of change between the current initial value and the estimated adjustment value.

In other words, the adjustment value changes from initial value 1 between the previous blanket change and the current blanket change. Then, when initial value 2 after the current blanket change is input, the previous initial value 1 and the current initial value 2 will differ. For example, the current initial value 2 may become larger due to fluctuations in the fastening force of the blanket against the blanket cylinder. In this case, although initial value 2 will become larger this time, the amount of change in the adjustment value over time should be roughly the same as the previous time. Therefore, for the previous initial value 1, the amount of change from the initial value over time, that is, the rate of change as the degree of change, is calculated. Then, for the current initial value 2, the calculated rate of change is used to calculate the next preset value.

<Third modified example of calculation of preset value>
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a third modified example of a method for calculating preset values for register adjustment values when the initial values are different.

As shown in Figures 5 and 11, when the deviation Ad between the previous initial value 1 and the current initial value 2 exceeds a preset initial judgment value, the registration preset value calculation units 213 and 214 estimate the degree of change in the adjustment value between the current initial value 2 and the previous final adjustment value, and calculate the next preset value based on the estimated degree of change in the adjustment value.

That is, between the previous blanket replacement and the current blanket replacement, the adjustment value changes from initial value 1 to the maximum value. Then, when initial value 2 after the current blanket replacement is input, the deviation Ad from the previous initial value 1 may exceed the initial judgment value and become large. For example, the current initial value 2 may become large due to fluctuations in the fastening force of the blanket against the blanket cylinder. In this case, although initial value 2 becomes large this time, the maximum adjustment value should be approximately the same as the previous final adjustment value (maximum value). Therefore, the degree of change in the adjustment value between the current initial value 2 and the previous final adjustment value (maximum value) is estimated.

Specifically, the previous initial value 1 is +20, the previous final adjustment value (maximum value) is +100, and the current initial value is +50. The degree of change in the previous adjustment value is a curve that changes between the initial value 1 (+20) and the final adjustment value (+100). On the other hand, the degree of change in the current adjustment value is a curve that changes between the initial value 2 (+50) and the final adjustment value (+100). The curve representing the degree of change in the current adjustment value is calculated using the following formula.

Amount of change from initial value 2 × (final adjustment value – initial value 2) /
(Final adjustment value - Initial value 1) + Initial value 2
= Change from initial value 2 × (100 - 50) / (100 - 20) + 50

Note that the present embodiment and the first modified example are methods for calculating preset values when the initial values are the same, and the second and third modified examples are methods for calculating preset values when the initial values are different. It is sufficient to appropriately select which calculation method to use when the initial values are the same and when the initial values are different.

The curve showing the degree of change in the current adjustment value is not limited to being calculated using the above formula, but may be calculated using machine learning (AI) such as deep learning, for example.

<Estimation of blanket replacement time>
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating a method of estimating the blanket replacement time based on the register adjustment value.

5 and 12, the print control device 200 has a blanket replacement time determination unit 205. The replacement time determination unit 205 is connected to the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 and to the display unit 203. The register adjustment value calculation unit 201 receives the first and second adjustment values, and calculates the degree of change in the adjustment values (first and second adjustment values) after a new blanket is attached, and stores the degree of change in the adjustment values after a new blanket is attached in the memory unit 204. The replacement time determination unit 205 compares the degree of change in the adjustment value input from the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 with a preset threshold value (adjustment determination value) to determine when to replace the blanket. In other words, when the adjustment value exceeds the threshold value (adjustment determination value), the replacement time determination unit 205 determines that it is time to replace the blanket, and displays a warning on the display unit 203 to encourage the user to replace the bracket.

Note that the method for estimating the time to replace the blanket is not limited to the method described above. Figure 13 is a graph that illustrates a modified example of the method for estimating the time to replace the blanket based on the register adjustment value.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 13, the replacement time determination unit 205 calculates a basic degree of change in the adjustment value (dotted line in Fig. 13) based on the degree of change in the multiple adjustment values input from the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 (for example, by averaging). The replacement time determination unit 205 compares the degree of change in the adjustment value input from the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 with the basic degree of change in the adjustment value to determine when it is time to replace the blanket. That is, when the reference change amount Ac1 from the initial value 1 in the degree of change in the adjustment value exceeds the reference change amount Ac0 from the initial value 0 in the basic degree of change in the adjustment value, the replacement time determination unit 205 determines that it is time to replace the blanket and displays a warning on the display unit 203 to encourage bracket replacement.

In the above embodiment, the calculation of the first register adjustment preset value in the top-bottom register adjustment has been described, but the calculation of the second register adjustment preset value in the fan-out adjustment can be similarly applied. Also, in the above embodiment, the estimation of the blanket replacement time based on the register adjustment value in the top-bottom register adjustment has been described, but the calculation of the second register adjustment preset value in the fan-out adjustment can be similarly applied.

<Printing control method>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the print control method of this embodiment.

The print control method of this embodiment includes a process of acquiring misregistration adjustment values in accordance with changes in the blanket over time, a process of calculating the next adjustment value based on the multiple adjustment values acquired in accordance with changes in the blanket over time, and a process of performing a register adjustment based on the calculated adjustment value.

As shown in Figures 5 and 14, when printing preparation begins, the printing unit U1 is in a cylinder-off state in which the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b are separated, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b are disengaged from the front and back of the web W.

After the web W is threaded through the printing press 10, in step S11, the printing control device 200 controls the drive motors 91, 92, 93, and 94 to rotate the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b, and starts the operation of the printing press P. In step S12, the printing control device 200 determines whether the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b has reached a predetermined slow-motion speed V1 (for example, a range of rotational speeds from 7 rpm to 10 rpm).

When the print control device 200 determines that the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b has not reached the slow operation speed V1 (No), it increases the speed of the printing press P. On the other hand, when the print control device 200 determines that the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b has reached the slow operation speed V1 (Yes), in step S13, it maintains the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b at the slow operation speed V1.

In step S14, the print control device 200 determines whether or not the blanket was replaced before the start of operation. If the blanket was replaced, the print control device 200 receives blanket replacement information. If the print control device 200 determines that the blanket was replaced in advance (Yes), it inputs a first initial value as a preset value for the first register adjustment for top-bottom register adjustment in step S15, and inputs a second initial value as a preset value for the second register adjustment for fan-out adjustment in step S16. On the other hand, if the print control device 200 determines that the blanket was not replaced in advance (No), it inputs a first preset value as a preset value for the first register adjustment for top-bottom register adjustment in step S17, and inputs a second preset value as a preset value for the second register adjustment for fan-out adjustment in step S18. When a first register adjustment preset value is input, blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b and plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b are moved individually to a predetermined rotational phase based on the input preset value. Also, when a second register adjustment preset value is input, multiple pressure rollers 101 are moved to a predetermined position based on the input preset value.

When the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, and the pressure roller 101 are adjusted using the first and second register adjustment preset values input for register adjustment, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the print control device 200 controls the drive motors 91, 92, 93, 94 to control the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b to accelerate operation. During acceleration operation, the printing control device 200 executes the cylinder insertion process for the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b, and operates the dampening device and the ink supply device.

In step S20, the print control device 200 determines whether the rotational speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b have reached a predetermined adjustment speed V2 (for example, a range of rotation speeds from 100 rpm to 250 rpm). If the print control device 200 determines that the rotational speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b have not reached the adjustment speed V2 (No), it maintains this state. On the other hand, when the print control device 200 determines that the rotation speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b have reached the adjustment speed V2 (Yes), in step S21, the print control device 200 maintains the rotation speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b at the adjustment speed V2.

Then, in step S22, the print control device 200 inspects the web W while maintaining the rotation speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b at the adjustment speed V2. That is, the print control device 200 checks whether the image on the web W is in an appropriate state, and adjusts the amount of dampening water supplied and the amount of ink supplied, if necessary, in step S23.

Next, in step S24, the print control device 200 controls the first register control device 99 as the first register adjustment, and performs a top-bottom register adjustment by the first register adjustment device 71. Then, in step S25, the print control device 200 controls the second register control device 103 as the second register adjustment, and performs a fan-out adjustment by the second register adjustment device 72. At this time, the first register control device 99 performs a top-bottom register adjustment by the first register adjustment device 71 so that the positions of the register marks of the web W photographed by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 match, based on a first initial value or a first preset value input in advance. Also, the second register control device 103 performs a fan-out adjustment by the second register adjustment device 72 so that the positions of the register marks of the web W photographed by the CCD cameras 81 and 82 match, based on a second initial value or a second preset value input in advance.

When the top-bottom register adjustment and fan-out adjustment are completed, in step S26, the print control device 200 acquires the first adjustment value after adjustment by the first register adjustment device 71. Then, in step S27, the print control device 200 acquires the second adjustment value after adjustment by the second register adjustment device 72.

In step S28, the print control device 200 controls the drive motors 91, 92, 93, and 94 to accelerate the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b. Then, in step S29, the print control device 200 determines whether the rotational speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b have reached a predetermined cruising speed V3 (for example, in the range of 500 rpm to 750 rpm).

When the print control device 200 determines that the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b has not reached the cruise speed V3 (No), it maintains this state. On the other hand, when the print control device 200 determines that the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b has reached the cruise speed V3 (Yes), in step S30, it maintains the rotational speed of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b at the cruise speed V3. Then, the printing press P prints the specified number of copies.

In step S31, the print control device 200 determines whether the printing press P has printed the specified number of copies. Here, if the print control device 200 determines that the printing press P has not printed the specified number of copies (No), it continues printing. On the other hand, if the print control device 200 determines that the printing press P has printed the specified number of copies (Yes), it decelerates operation in step S32, and stops operation of the printing press P in step S33.

In the above explanation, the print control device 200 acquires the first and second adjustment values at a predetermined adjustment speed V2 after the top-bottom register adjustment and fan-out adjustment are completed, but the timing of acquiring the first and second adjustment values is not limited to this timing. The print control device 200 continues to perform register adjustment even after the top-bottom register adjustment and fan-out adjustment are completed. Therefore, the adjustment values may be acquired while operating at a predetermined cruising speed V3 or after the printing press P has stopped operating.

<Chronological explanation of print control method>
FIG. 15 is a time chart for explaining the print control method of this embodiment.

As shown in Figures 5 and 15, after the web W is threaded, at time t1, the print control device 200 starts the operation of the printing press P, and at time t2, the rotational speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b reach a predetermined slow-motion speed V1.

Between time t2 and time t3, the print control device 200 inputs a first initial value or a first preset value as a first register adjustment preset value for top-bottom register adjustment, and inputs a second initial value or a second preset value as a second register adjustment preset for fan-out adjustment. Similarly, between time t2 and time t3, the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b are moved individually to their predetermined rotation phases based on the input preset values. Also, the multiple pressure rollers 101 are moved to their predetermined positions based on the input preset values. At time t4, the printing control device 200 accelerates the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b and the plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b. At time t5, the rotational speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b reach the predetermined adjustment speed V2. Then, while the rotational speeds of the blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, and 34b are maintained at the adjustment speed V2, inspection of the web W is performed.

Next, the first register adjustment device 71 performs a circumferential register adjustment, and the second register adjustment device 72 performs a fan-out adjustment. Then, when the circumferential register adjustment and the fan-out adjustment are completed, at time t6, the first adjustment value after adjustment by the first register adjustment device 71 is obtained, and the second adjustment value after adjustment by the second register adjustment device 72 is obtained.

At time t7, blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b and plate cylinders 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b are accelerated. At time t8, the rotational speeds of blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b reach a predetermined cruise speed V3. Then, printing is performed with the rotational speeds of blanket cylinders 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b maintained at cruise speed V3. At time t9, when printing press P has printed a predetermined number of copies, printing press P is decelerated, and at time t10, operation of printing press P is stopped.

[Effects of this embodiment]
The printing control device of the first aspect includes register adjustment devices 71, 72 that adjust misregistration in the transport direction or width direction of the web W, a register adjustment value calculation unit 201 that calculates an adjustment value for the misregistration in accordance with changes in the blanket over time, and register control devices 99, 103 that control the register adjustment devices 71, 72 based on the adjustment value calculated by the register adjustment value calculation unit 201.

According to the printing control device according to the first aspect, the registration adjustment is started using the misregistration adjustment value according to the change over time of the blanket. The surface of the blanket wears and gradually becomes thinner due to long-term use, and the transport speed of the web W fluctuates. Then, the tension between the printing device and the folding machine fluctuates, and the length of the web W in the transport direction (vertical direction) changes. In addition, when the web W stretches in the transport direction (vertical direction), the length in the width direction becomes relatively shorter. For this reason, the fan-out that occurs, that is, the extension of the web W in the width direction, becomes smaller than expected, and the second register adjustment device 72 may not perform the register adjustment properly, and the misregistration due to the fan-out may not be corrected. Therefore, when the registration adjustment is started, the adjustment value according to the change over time of the blanket is used, so that the registration adjustment can be performed in a short time. Therefore, by shortening the registration adjustment time, the amount of wasted paper can be reduced, and the printing cost can be reduced.

The print control device according to the second aspect is provided with a first register adjustment device 71 that adjusts misregistration in the transport direction of the web W, and a second register adjustment device 72 that adjusts misregistration in the width direction of the web W. This makes it possible to adjust circumferential misregistration and misregistration due to fan-out with high accuracy in a short time.

The print control device according to the third aspect has a data acquisition unit 210 that acquires multiple past adjustment values after register adjustment in response to changes in the blanket over time. This makes it possible to appropriately acquire multiple past adjustment values in response to changes in the blanket over time.

In the print control device according to the fourth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates a preset value for the next register adjustment based on multiple past adjustment values acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. This makes it possible to properly calculate an adjustment value for misregister based on multiple past adjustment values according to changes in the blanket over time. Past adjustment values may vary depending on factors such as the skill level of the operator, and by using multiple past adjustment values, this variation can be eliminated, making it possible to calculate a stable preset value for register adjustment.

In the print control device according to the fifth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates the preset value for the next register adjustment based on the past adjustment value after the blanket change acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. This prevents the mixing of adjustment values that fluctuate due to blanket change, and makes it possible to calculate the preset value for the next register adjustment with high accuracy.

In the print control device according to the sixth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 sets the average value of multiple past adjustment values as the preset value for the next register adjustment. This makes it possible to calculate an appropriate adjustment value.

In the print control device according to the seventh aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates the degree of change in the past adjustment value according to the frequency of use of the blanket, and calculates the preset value for the next register adjustment based on the calculated degree of change in the adjustment value. This makes it possible to calculate the preset value for register adjustment taking into account wear on the blanket.

In the print control device according to the eighth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates the degree of change in the adjustment value from when a new blanket is attached until it is replaced, and calculates the next register adjustment preset value based on the average value of the calculated degree of change in the adjustment value. This makes it possible to calculate a stable register adjustment preset value.

In the print control device according to the ninth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 sets the preset value for the next register adjustment to a previously set initial value when setting the preset value for register adjustment immediately after the blanket is replaced. This allows for appropriate preset values for register adjustment to be calculated, taking into account fluctuations in the adjustment value due to blanket replacement.

In the print control device according to the tenth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 sets the average value of multiple past initial values as the next register adjustment preset value when setting the register adjustment preset value immediately after the blanket is replaced. This makes it possible to calculate an appropriate register adjustment preset value.

In the print control device according to the eleventh aspect, when the deviation between the previous initial value and the current initial value exceeds a preset initial judgment value, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates the degree of change in the adjustment value between the previous initial value and the previous final adjustment value, and calculates the next register adjustment preset value based on the degree of change between the current initial value and the calculated adjustment value. This makes it possible to calculate an appropriate register adjustment preset value.

In the print control device according to the twelfth aspect, when the deviation between the previous initial value and the current initial value exceeds a preset initial judgment value, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates the degree of change in the adjustment value between the current initial value and the previous final adjustment value, and calculates the next register adjustment preset value based on the calculated degree of change in the adjustment value. This makes it possible to calculate an appropriate register adjustment preset value.

In the print control device according to the thirteenth aspect, the register adjustment value calculation unit 201 calculates the degree of change in the adjustment value after a new blanket is attached, and has a replacement timing determination unit 205 that compares the calculated degree of change in the adjustment value with a preset adjustment determination value to determine when to replace the blanket. This makes it possible to eliminate register adjustment problems caused by blanket wear by appropriately determining when to replace the blanket.

The print control device according to the fourteenth aspect has a storage unit 204 that stores a number of past adjustment values corresponding to the change over time of the blanket, and a next adjustment value calculated according to the change over time of the blanket. This allows the next adjustment value to be used quickly.

In the printing press according to the fifteenth aspect, a printing control device 200 is provided in a printing press P in which a plurality of printing units U1 to U5 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the vertical direction and the web W is transported vertically upward. As a result, when starting register adjustment, the print control device 200 can perform register adjustment in a short time by using an adjustment value according to the change over time of the blanket. Therefore, by shortening the register adjustment time, it is possible to reduce paper waste and lower printing costs.

The printing control method according to the sixteenth aspect includes a step of calculating an adjustment value for misregistration according to the change over time of the blanket, and a step of adjusting the misregistration in the transport direction or width direction of the web based on the adjustment value. The surface of the blanket wears and gradually becomes thinner with long-term use, causing the transport speed of the web W to fluctuate. This causes the tension between the printing device and the folding machine to fluctuate, and the length of the web W in the transport direction (vertical direction) changes. In addition, when the web W stretches in the transport direction (vertical direction), the length in the width direction becomes relatively shorter. For this reason, the fan-out that occurs, that is, the extension of the web W in the width direction, becomes smaller than expected, and the second register adjustment device 72 may not perform the register adjustment properly, and the misregistration due to the fan-out may not be corrected. Therefore, when the register adjustment is started, the adjustment value according to the change over time of the blanket is used, so that the register adjustment can be performed in a short time. Therefore, by shortening the register adjustment time, the amount of wasted paper can be reduced, and the printing cost can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the adjustment value is calculated based on the time since the new blanket was installed, but this is not limited to this method. For example, the adjustment value may be calculated based on the cumulative number of rotations of the blanket cylinder.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first register adjustment device 71 performs top-bottom register adjustment and the second register adjustment device 72 performs fan-out adjustment in response to changes in the blanket over time, but this is not limited to the above. The third register adjustment device 73 may also perform left-right register adjustment in response to changes in the blanket over time.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a register adjustment device, a register adjustment value calculation unit, and a register control device are provided, and the register is automatically adjusted, but some or all of this may be performed manually by an operator.

In the above embodiment, the print control device was described as being applied to a newspaper offset web press, but it can also be applied to other presses.

21, 22, 23, 24 stack 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b blanket cylinder 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b plate cylinder 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b ink supply unit 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, 64a, 64b dampening unit 70 register mark detection unit 71 first register adjustment unit 72 second register adjustment unit 73 third register adjustment unit 81, 82 CCD camera 91, 92, 93, 94 drive motor 95, 96, 97, 98 top-bottom register motor 99 first register control unit 101 Pressing roller (pressing member)
102 Movement device 103 Second register control device 104 Support plate 105 Screw shaft 106 Support member 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 Left and right register motors 200 Print control device 201 Register adjustment value calculation unit 202 Operation unit 203 Display unit 204 Memory unit 205 Replacement time determination unit 210 Data acquisition unit 211 First register initial value calculation unit 212 Second register initial value calculation unit 213 First register preset value calculation unit 214 Second register preset value calculation unit P Newspaper offset web printing press (printing press)
R Paper feeder R1-R5 Paper feed unit I Infeed device I1-I5 Infeed unit U Printing device U1-U5, U11-U52 Printing unit D Web path device D1 Web path unit F Folding machine F1 Folding unit W Web

Claims (3)

a register adjustment device for adjusting misregistration in the web transport direction or width direction;
a register adjustment value calculation unit that calculates an adjustment value for misregister according to a change in the blanket over time;
a register control device that controls the register adjustment device based on the adjustment value calculated by the register adjustment value calculation unit;
Equipped with
a data acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of past adjustment values after register adjustment in response to a change over time of the blanket;
Print control device. a register adjustment device for adjusting misregistration in the web transport direction or width direction;
a register adjustment value calculation unit that calculates an adjustment value for misregister according to a change in the blanket over time;
a register control device that controls the register adjustment device based on the adjustment value calculated by the register adjustment value calculation unit;
Equipped with
the register adjustment value calculation unit sets a previously set initial value as a next register adjustment preset value in setting the register adjustment preset value immediately after the blanket is replaced,
Print control device. a register adjustment device for adjusting misregistration in the web transport direction or width direction;
a register adjustment value calculation unit that calculates an adjustment value for misregister according to a change in the blanket over time;
a register control device that controls the register adjustment device based on the adjustment value calculated by the register adjustment value calculation unit;
Equipped with
a storage unit that stores a plurality of past adjustment values corresponding to the change over time of the blanket and a next adjustment value calculated according to the change over time of the blanket;
Print control device.

Images