Device for cleaning ink trays

Abstract

 The invention relates to a device for cleaning an ink tray. The device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a collecting means (5) for collecting ink from the ink tray (6) and a positioning holder (3,4) for positioning the ink tray (6)above said collecting means (5). Preferably, the positioning holder (3,4) is swivable between at least two positions, such that in a first position an outflow end (15) of the ink tray (6) is directed relatively away from the collecting means (5) and in a second position the outflow end (15) is directed towards the collecting means (5), for having the ink flow out of said ink tray (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a device is known in the art. This known device is comprised of a container that is used for cleaning ink trays (also known as "rakelbak" in Dutch). The contents of ink trays as used with printing machines, among others offset printers, is emptied into these containers. The ink trays need to be held by hand so as to be able to empty the contents into said container.

[0003] Such a container is suitable for containing remaining amounts of ink from ink trays. When the container is filled sufficiently, it is disposed of and replaced by another, empty container.

[0004] The ink that originates from ink trays can be collected in these containers. A disadvantage however, is that the ink trays are not completely clean after they have been emptied in said container, and as a consequence the environment may be contaminated upon further handling of said ink trays.

[0005] Furthermore, the single use of these known containers has as a disadvantage that the ink tray's knife, also identified as raking knife, which is used for removing any remaining amount of ink from the printing machine's screen roller, can only be removed from the ink tray with danger and difficulty.

[0006] The invention aims at providing an improved device of the kind as mentioned in the preamble.

[0007] The invention especially aims at providing a device of the kind mentioned in the preamble that enables an improved handling of the ink trays.

[0008] The invention furthermore aims at providing an improved device for safely removing a raking knife from an ink tray and for safely disposing of said knifes.

[0009] So as to obtain at least one of the aforementioned objects, the invention provides according to a first embodiment a device comprising the features of claim 1. This device provides the advantage that when cleaning the ink tray, the tray does not have to be held by hand; the positioning holder carries the ink tray. Furthermore the device according to the invention provides the advantage that the ink is directly collected in the collecting means, because the ink tray is positioned above said collecting means.

[0010] It has also shown that the device according to the invention decreases the risk of accidents. Because the ink tray is carried by the positioning holder, the user may use both hands for removing the raking knife from the ink tray. This additional advantage means a great progress in the art.

[0011] It is preferred that said positioning holder is swivable between at least two positions, such that in a first position an outflow end of the ink tray is directed relatively away from the collecting means and in a second position the outflow end is directed towards the collecting means, for having the ink flow out of said ink tray. Due to said swivelling means, the ink tray can be positioned upright, meaning that the outflow end being directed upwardly, in said positioning holder (which in that case is in a first position) and subsequently be swivelled (into said second position) such that the ink will flow out of said ink tray and into said collecting means.

[0012] Preferably, the device according to the invention comprises a worktop having a collecting means and wherein the positioning holder is provided near said collecting means, such that in said second position the outflow end of the ink tray is directed towards the collecting means, for having the ink flow into said collecting means. Providing such worktop eases handling by the person emptying the ink tray, because further cleaning aids, like cleaning agents, gloves and other protective equipment, a collecting means for ink trays to be cleaned and cleaned ink trays, as well as a collecting means for used and new raking knifes, can be stored on said worktop.

[0013] Ink trays as used in printing machines and the like are generally provided with projections for a secure guidance of said ink trays in the printing machine. A correct positioning of the ink trays with respect to the ink roller is ensured by such provision. So as to be able to correctly and securely position the ink tray within the positioning holder, it is preferred that said positioning holder comprises a recess for cooperative combination with a projection provided on the ink tray.

[0014] More in particular, said positioning holder may comprise a clamping mechanism for substantially clamping said ink tray in said positioning holder. Such clamping mechanism may additionally be provided with recesses, or it may be provided instead of said recesses.

[0015] A very simple device is obtained when said collecting means comprises an aperture in said worktop. In that case, said positioning holder may be provided near said aperture, such that the ink from said ink tray is guided into said aperture.

[0016] It is especially preferred that the device according to the invention is embodied for positioning a container below said aperture for collecting the ink originating from the ink trays. After the container is filled sufficiently, it may be replaced by another, empty container. In such way, operations may be performed mainly continuously.

[0017] It is especially preferred that the device comprises two positioning holders for holding an ink tray at two positions. Especially when the ink tray is kept at both ends, a stable positioning of said ink tray is obtained. Both removal of said ink from said ink tray and removal of the raking knife may be performed safely and easily.

[0018] So as to be able to perform a complete cleaning of ink trays, it is preferred that said positioning holder is embodied for disconnecting a raking knife from said ink tray.

[0019] It is preferred that said device further comprises a collection center for storing raking knifes. For example, this may be an aperture in the worktop, provided with a container for used raking knifes. These knifes generally have a length of about 50 cm; as a consequence the length of the container should be at least about 50 cm as well. The container may extend vertically below the worktop, the raking knifes being placed vertically inside said container in their longitudinal direction. The container may be a resistant metal tube, at a first, open end thereof being outlined with the aperture in said worktop. The other end thereof being closed off. Preferably, the container comprises a liner, for example made from carton or a like cheap disposable material, in which the knifes may be stored. The liner and the knifes can be disposed off together.

[0020] The device according to the invention preferably comprises a position location for a container for collecting ink. Said position location may be situated below said worktop and embodied for positioning below said worktop's aperture.

[0021] It is especially preferred that said device comprises a funnel to be positioned detachably within said aperture for guiding ink from an ink tray into said collecting means.

[0022] The funnel to be used in a device according to the invention may comprise contiguous walls extending within said aperture and comprising a coupling means for cooperation with a connecting provision provided on said worktop. The ink originating from said ink tray will be guided into the container by means of the funnel's walls, such that pollution of the environment is prevented. Preferably, the funnel is made from a cheap, disposable material, for example carton.

[0023] The device according to the invention can furthermore be used for easing the user's operations. More in particular, said worktop may comprise a connecting provision for cooperation with a coupling means provided on said funnel, wherein said coupling means preferably is embodied as a strip of material and said connecting provision comprises a recess for receiving said strip of material. As such, the funnel can be coupled easily and securely to the worktop, whereas removing said funnel may be performed quickly as well. The coupling means may be positioned close to the side edge of the worktop's aperture, such that when removing the funnel from the worktop it can be placed in the container and disposed off with said ink.

[0024] The device according to the invention preferably comprises at least one of: a holder for cleaning agents; a holder for raking knifes; a holder for gloves.

[0025] Hereafter, the invention will be further elucidated with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows in:

Fig. 1 a device according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a positioning holder holding an ink tray in two positions,

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a positioning holder without ink tray in two positions,

Fig. 6 a front view of a worktop with an ink tray in a first position,

Fig. 7 a front view of a worktop with an ink tray in a second position,

Fig. 8 a detail of Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 a sectional view of a funnel, and

Fig. 10 a spatula to be used when cleaning an ink tray with the device according to the present invention.

[0026] In the figures of the drawing, the same parts have been identified by the same reference numerals. However, for ease of understanding the drawing, not all parts that are required for a practical embodiment of the device according to the invention have been shown.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the device 1 comprises a worktop 2 with two positioning holders 3, 4. The positioning holders 3, 4 each are positioned at a side of the collecting means 5, which is embodied as an aperture 5. The positioning holders 3, 4 together carry an ink tray 6 to be cleaned. The device is positioned on swivel wheels 7, for easily repositioning same on the ground.

[0028] The device 1 further comprises a back panel 8, manufactured from a perforated sheet. Perforations 9 enable one to detachably connect holders 10 thereto. Holders 10 may serve for positioning cleaning agents, protective clothing like gloves and the like. Also, ink trays to be cleaned may be positioned on holders. The worktop 2 may serve as a shelf for holding objects that are used for the cleaning operation of the ink trays.

[0029] The device 1 further comprises a positioning surface 11 for positioning a container (not shown). Said container may be positioned such that its filling opening is placed below the worktop's aperture 5, such that ink from the ink tray is captured in said container.

[0030] The device 1 further comprises a shelf 12 for cleaned ink trays 13.

[0031] The worktop further comprises an aperture 14 in which a holder can be positioned for collecting used raking knifes (not shown in Fig. 1). Raking knifes are removed from the ink trays when cleaning same.

[0032] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a back view of the positioning holders 3, 4 wherein an ink tray 6 is positioned therein in a first and second position, respectively. In Fig. 2, said positioning holders 3, 4 and the ink tray 6 positioned therein are in a swivelled position with respect to the view shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the positioning holders 3, 4 also in both positions, respectively, but without the ink tray 6. Furthermore, in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 part of the worktop 2 and the collecting means 5 are shown.

[0033] In the first position, the ink tray's 6 outflow end 15 is directed upwardly. The term "upwardly" means the direction away from the ground. Gravitational force is directed in the opposite direction, i.e. downwardly. When the outflow end is directed upwardly, the ink in the ink tray 6 to be cleaned will not leave said ink tray.

[0034] In the second position, the outflow end 15 is directed at least partly downwardly, such that the ink may flow out of said ink tray 6 and will be collected through said collecting means 5 in the container (not shown).

[0035] The positioning holders 3, 4 each comprise a base part 16, 17 that is positioned rigidly with respect to the worktop 2, as well as a swivel part 18, 19 that is connected rotatably or swivably to said base part 16, 17. Each swivel part 18, 19 comprises slots 20, 21 for receiving projections 22, 23 that are provided on the ink tray 6 to be cleaned.

[0036] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show the worktop 2 with positioning holders 3, 4 and an ink tray 6 to be cleaned positioned in said holders 3, 4. In Fig. 6, the outflow end 15 of said ink tray 6 is directed upwardly, whereas in Fig. 7 the outflow end of said ink tray 6 is directed downwardly such that ink may leave said ink tray 6 and flow into the collecting means 5. Below the collecting means 5 a container (not shown) may be placed in which the ink is collected. Also, it follows clearly from these figures, that a retaining edge 24 is provided along said worktop 2, so as to prevent any spilled material to reach the ground but which can be collected in said container (not shown) through said aperture 5.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of an ink tray to be cleaned, held by said positioning holders 3, 4, wherein the outflow end 15, positioned above aperture 5, is directed downwardly.

[0038] Fig. 9 shows a funnel 25 that can be placed in aperture 5 of worktop 2. So as to be able to connect said funnel 25 to the worktop 2, said worktop 2 is provided with a connecting means 26 near aperture 5 and funnel 25 comprises a coupling means 27; in the embodiment shown said coupling means 27 are embodied as a strip of material 27. The connecting means 26 are embodied as a slot 26 in which the strip of material 27 can be received. Because said strip 27 is bent, it will not easily leave said slot 26. The funnel is embodied such that it continuously and all around fills the side edge of the aperture, so as to provide an adequate protection against ink from the ink tray 6.

[0039] Finally, Fig. 10 shows a spatula 28 for removing last remnants of ink from the ink tray 6. The use of such a spatula 28 is made possible by the positioning holders 3, 4, which hold the ink tray 6 stably. This provides a further improvement and facilitation of the cleaning of the ink trays 6 that was not conceivable thus far. Said spatula 28 has a rounded shape 29 that matches the ink tray's 6 inner shape. The handle 30 eases handling of the spatula 28 by a user. Said spatula 28 can easily be hung on said eyelet 31. For example, a hanging hook 10 may be provided on said back panel 8.

[0040] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and shown in the drawing. The invention is limited only by the claims.

[0041] The invention also relates to every combination of single measures that have been described herein independently.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning an ink tray, characterized in that the device comprises a collecting means for collecting ink from the ink tray and a positioning holder for positioning the ink tray above said collecting means.

2. A device according to claim 1, said positioning holder being swivable between at least two positions, such that in a first position an outflow end of the ink tray is directed relatively away from the collecting means and in a second position the outflow end is directed towards the collecting means, for having the ink flow out of said ink tray.

3. A device according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 2, comprising a worktop having a collecting means and wherein the positioning holder is provided near said collecting means, such that in said second position the outflow end of the ink tray is directed towards the collecting means, for having the ink flow into said collecting means.

4. A device according to any of claim 1 or 2, said positioning holder comprising a recess for cooperative combination with a projection provided on the ink tray.

5. A device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, said positioning holder comprising a clamping mechanism for substantially clamping said ink tray in said positioning holder.

6. A device according to claim 3 - 5, said collecting means comprising an aperture in said worktop.

7. A device according to any of claims 5 and 6, said device being embodied for positioning a container below said aperture for collecting the ink originating from the ink trays.

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two positioning holders for holding an ink tray at two positions.

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, said positioning holder being embodied for disconnecting a raking knife from said ink tray.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, said device further comprising a collection center for storing raking knifes.

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims 6 - 10, said device comprising a position location for a container for collecting ink, said position location being situated below said worktop and embodied for positioning below said worktop's aperture.

12. A device according to any of claims 6 - 11, said device comprising a funnel to be positioned detachably within said aperture for guiding ink from an ink tray into said collecting means.

13. A funnel to be used in a device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising contiguous walls extending within said aperture and comprising a coupling means for cooperation with a connecting provision provided on said worktop.

14. A device according to any of claims 1-12, said worktop comprising a connecting provision for cooperation with a coupling means provided on a funnel according to claim 13, wherein said coupling means preferably is embodied as a strip of material and said connecting provision comprises a recess for receiving said strip of material.

15. A device according to any of the preceding claims, said device comprising at least one of: a holder for cleaning means; a holder for raking knifes; a holder for gloves.

Drawing