PRINTED SHEET INSPECTION SYSTEM AND SHEET-FED PRINTING PRESS COMPRISING THE SAME

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a printed sheet inspection system. The invention is applicable in particular as an in-line inspection system in a sheet-fed printing press, especially in a sheet-fed intaglio printing press.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sheet inspection systems are known as such in the art, in particular for the purpose of carrying out in-line inspection on sheet-fed intaglio printing presses. Sheet-fed intaglio printing presses and sheet inspection systems therefor are for instance disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 03/070465 A1, WO 2007/060615 A1, WO 2011/077348 A1, WO 2011/077350 A1, WO 2011/077351 A1, WO 2011/161656 A1, European Patent Publications Nos. EP 0 527 453 A1, EP 1 190 855 A1, EP 1 231 057 A1, EP 1 808 391 A1, EP 2 230 202 A2, EP 2 586 612 A1, EP 2 687 839 A2 and Japanese Patent Publications Nos. JP 2012-061602 A, JP 2015-105846 A.

[0003] The known solutions typically make use of so-called CCD (Charge Couple Device) image sensors which are located at a distance from the printed sheet to be inspected. In some instances (see e.g. EP 0 527 453 A1, EP 1 190 855 A1, EP 1 231 057 A1, EP 1 808 391 A1, WO 03/070465 A1, WO 2007/060615 A1, WO 2011/077348 A1, WO 2011/077350 A1, WO 2011/077351 A1), the inspection system includes a CCD array sensor and is configured to take a snapshot of the entire surface of the printed sheet or of different portions of the printed sheet. In other instances (see e.g. EP 2 230 202 A2, EP 2 586 612 A1, EP 2 687 839 A2, JP 2012-061602 A, JP 2015-105846 A, WO 2011/161656 A1), the inspection system includes a CCD line sensor and is configured to scan the printed sheet as it moves past the sensor so as to acquire an image of the full printed sheet.

[0004] The printed sheet to be inspected is typically supported during the image acquisition process against a reference surface, which can be flat or curved depending on the application. In some instances, this is achieved by drawing the printed sheet against the reference surface by suction of the opposite side of the printed sheet, which requires a suitable suction system located along the transport path of the printed sheets (see e.g. EP 0 527 453 A1, EP 1 190 855 A1, EP 1 231 057 A1, EP 1 808 391 A1, EP 2 230 202 A2, WO 03/070465 A1, WO 2011/161656 A1). Alternatively, or in addition to the above measures, air nozzles and/or air blades may be provided in order to blow air against the printed surface of the printed sheet to be inspected to press it against the reference surface (see e.g. EP 2 230 202 A2, EP 2 586 612 A1, WO 2011/161656 A1).

[0005] Suction of the opposite side of the printed sheet is not, however, always possible, especially when inspection is being carried out while the printed sheet to be inspected is still being transported by an impression cylinder of a printing group of the sheet-fed printing press, away from the printing nip (see e.g. EP 2 586 612 A1, EP 2 687 839 A2, JP 2012-061602 A, JP 2015-105846 A). In that case, air nozzles and/or air blades are typically contemplated in an attempt to press the sheet to be inspected against the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder (see also e.g. International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2005/108082 A1 and European Patent Publication No. EP 1 958 772 A2).

[0006] Air nozzles and air blades are typically supplied with compressed air and are positioned to blow air directly against the sheet surface and locally generate air pressure to maintain the sheet against the circumferential surface of the cylinder transporting the sheet, which circumferential surface acts as reference surface. Air nozzles and air blades have a fundamental problem in that they generate highly turbulent airflow and typically require multiple nozzles or air blades, which need to be positioned individually, with a specific adjustment of the airflow. These solutions therefore become unnecessarily complex and difficult to adjust in practice.

[0007] German Patent Publication No. DE 10 2008 051 582 A1 discloses a printed sheet inspection system for a printing press of the type comprising a blowing unit coupled to a sheet-guiding element located downstream of a printing nip of a printing group of the printing press and configured to additionally fulfil the function of an air blade. More precisely, the sheet-guiding element is configured to exhibit a series of blowing apertures located on a leading edge of the sheet-guiding element, which blowing apertures are designed to generate a corresponding series of air jets that are directed towards the printing nip.

[0008] US Patent Publication No. US 2006/0078168 A1 discloses a printed sheet inspection system for a printing press of the type comprising a blowing unit coupled to an air injection seat located downstream of a printing nip of a printing group of the printing press. The air injection seat bears a plurality of air nozzles that are distributed transversely to a transport direction of the printed sheets to blow air directly against the circumference of the transport cylinder transporting the printed sheet to be inspected.

[0009] German Patent Publication No. DE 10 2010 003 046 A1 discloses a printed sheet inspection system for a printing press of the type comprising a sheet-guiding element located downstream of a printing nip of a printing group of the printing press. The sheet-guiding element exhibits a planar sheet-guiding surface that extends parallel to a tangent of the circumference of the impression cylinder that transports the printed sheet to be inspected. The sheet-guiding surface is provided with a plurality of blowing apertures that are designed to generate a corresponding plurality of air jets that are directed towards the impression cylinder, perpendicularly to the planar sheet-guiding surface.

[0010] German Patent Publication No. DE 10 2017 208 515 A1 discloses a printed sheet inspection system for a printing press of the type comprising an air blowing box located downstream of a printing nip of a printing group of the printing press, which air blowing box is configured to exhibit a plurality of blowing apertures. The blowing apertures are designed to generate a corresponding plurality of air jets that are directed towards the impression cylinder transporting the printed sheet to be inspected.

[0011] So-called contact image sensors (CIS) are also known in the art and are typically used in flatbed scanners. They usually consist of a linear array of image detectors covered by individual focussing lenses and flanked by LEDs for illumination purposes. They are located almost in direct contact with the object to be imagined. CIS devices are much smaller than CCD sensors and use much less power.

[0012] The focal length of CIS devices (which may be of the order of 10 to 60 mm) is substantially shorter than that of CCD devices, hence the reason why they need to be located close to the surface of the object to be imaged. At first sight, this constitutes a limitation with respect to the use of CIS devices as imaging devices for inspecting printed sheets in sheet-fed printing presses. Indeed, the very short focal length of CIS devices necessarily imposes very stringent requirements as regards transport and guidance of the printed sheets past the imaging device to avoid mechanical interference between the printed sheets and the imaging system, which could cause print quality issues.

[0013] From a practical point of view, and as far as the inspection of printed material is concerned, CIS devices have therefore mainly been used in web-fed printing presses, as transport and guidance of the printed web is far easier to control.

[0014] This being said, it has already been suggested in the art to use CIS devices for the purpose of inspecting printed sheets in sheet-fed printing presses. International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2006/046249 A1 for instance discloses such a solution. To the best of the Applicant's knowledge, such solution has not been successfully put into practice, however, presumably because the printed sheets are allowed to move and flap as they pass through and leave the printing nip of the printing group, which would inevitably cause print quality issues. Indeed, no particular measure is disclosed in International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2006/046249 A1 that would prevent the printed sheets from touching the frame or other components of the inspection system, which sits very close to the transport path of the printed sheets. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the printed sheets also have a tendency to stick to the surface of the printing cylinder that transfers ink to the surface of the sheets, be it a plate cylinder that transfers ink directly to the surface of the sheets or a blanket cylinder that collects ink from one or more upstream-located plate cylinders before transfer thereof to the surface of the sheets.

[0015] There is therefore a need for an improved solution that remedies the above-noted shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A general aim of the invention is to provide an improved sheet inspection system.

[0017] More specifically, an aim of the present invention is to provide such a sheet inspection system that ensures that the printed sheets to be inspected are properly supported against the circumferential surface of the cylinder transporting the printed sheets past the imaging unit.

[0018] Yet another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution which prevents the occurrence of print quality issues on the printed sheets being inspected.

[0019] A further aim of the invention is to provide such a solution which makes it possible to use contact image sensors as the image sensor of the imaging unit.

[0020] Still another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution that is less complex than the known solutions and that is easier to operate and maintain.

[0021] These aims are achieved thanks to the solutions defined in the claims.

[0022] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a sheet inspection system according to claim 1, namely a sheet inspection system configured to inspect printed sheets being transported by a transport cylinder of a sheet-fed printing press, which printed sheet inspection system comprises an imaging unit located proximate to a circumferential surface of the transport cylinder, which imaging unit is configured to acquire an image of a printed surface of the printed sheet as the printed sheet moves past the imaging unit under the action of the transport cylinder. According to the invention, the sheet inspection system further comprises a blowing unit coupled to an air diffuser, which air diffuser is positioned proximate to the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder and extends along a portion of the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder, the blowing unit and air diffuser being configured to produce an air pressure zone and form an air cushion zone, which air cushion zone includes first and second lateral air cushion areas laterally containing the air pressure zone, which air pressure zone and air cushion zone press the printed sheet against the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder. According to the invention, a lower side of the air diffuser, which is positioned proximate to the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder, is provided with a diffuser opening that extends both in the lateral and circumferential directions, which diffuser opening faces the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder, and the air pressure zone and air cushion zone coincide with a shape and position of the diffuser opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the diffuser opening may exhibit a substantially rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the diffuser opening may exhibit a substantially trapezoidal or triangular shape decreasing in width in the lateral direction towards a leading edge of the air diffuser. In yet another embodiment, the diffuser opening exhibits a comb shape with a plurality of parallel teeth extending in a direction opposite to a transport direction of the printed sheets.

[0024] Preferably, a maximum width of the diffuser opening, transversely to a transport path of the printed sheets, is of the order of 800 mm.

[0025] Advantageously, the air diffuser may further be provided with two lateral surfaces extending in the circumferential direction, on either side of the diffuser opening, each lateral surface contributing to the formation of a corresponding one of the lateral air cushion areas which laterally contain the air pressure zone, a width of each lateral surface being comparatively larger than a gap between the lower side of the air diffuser and the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder.

[0026] A gap between a lower side of the air diffuser and the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder may especially be of less than 5 mm, which favours production of the air pressure zone and formation of the air cushion zone.

[0027] In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the imaging unit is located inside an inner space of the air diffuser. In particular, the imaging unit may be located in an inlet section of the air diffuser. In this latter context, the imaging unit may be located in the inlet section of the air diffuser so as to cause a breakpoint of the airflow upstream of a trailing edge zone of the air diffuser and downstream of the imaging unit with respect to a transport direction of the printed sheets.

[0028] In the aforementioned context, a deflection plate may be provided in the inlet section of the air diffuser, upstream of the imaging unit, to guide airflow around the imaging unit and/or an airflow conditioner may be provided in the inlet section of the air diffuser, next to the imaging unit, to condition airflow around the imaging unit.

[0029] By way of preference, the imaging unit comprises a contact image sensor (CIS), the focal length of which may be of less than 100 mm, in particular of the order of 60 mm or less. Other types of image sensors, including CCD image sensors, could still be contemplated, however.

[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the air diffuser comprises an arc-shaped leading end section that extends from an inlet section of the air diffuser along the portion of the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder.

[0031] Furthermore, the air diffuser may be configured such as to produce a high-velocity air jet exiting a leading edge of the air diffuser in a direction opposite to a transport direction of the printed sheets.

[0032] By way of preference, the air diffuser is configured such that airflow velocity of the air exiting edges of the air diffuser is greater than airflow velocity inside the air diffuser, pressure inside the air diffuser being greater than ambient pressure.

[0033] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the air diffuser is configured to subject the printed sheet to both a shear force, having a main component extending in a direction opposite to a direction of transport of the printed sheet, and a pressure force, perpendicular to the printed surface of the printed sheet. In this context, the air diffuser is further configured to cause the production of a divergent airflow exhibiting both lateral and circumferential components leading to flattening/stretching of the printed sheet from a centre of the printed sheet towards the sides and the trailing end of the printed sheet.

[0034] Advantageously, the air diffuser may comprise an adjustable blade located at a trailing end of the air diffuser to adjust a gap between a trailing edge of the air diffuser and the printed surface of the printed sheet exiting the air diffuser. Additionally or alternatively, a trailing end of the air diffuser may be shaped to exhibit a inclined surface extending away from a circumference of the transport cylinder.

[0035] The blowing unit may especially be a high-pressure centrifugal fan. Furthermore, the blowing unit is preferably provided with a fine filter.

[0036] Also claimed is a sheet-fed printing press comprising a printing group including at least an impression cylinder and a printing cylinder cooperating with the impression cylinder to form a printing nip therebetween, wherein the sheet-fed printing press further comprises a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with the invention to carry out in-line inspection of the printed sheets that are printed on the sheet-fed printing press. In this case, the impression cylinder acts as the transport cylinder of the printed sheet inspection system, and the imaging unit and the air diffuser are located downstream of the printing nip with respect to a transport direction of the printed sheets.

[0037] By way of preference, the sheet-fed printing press is an intaglio printing press comprising an intaglio plate cylinder acting as the printing cylinder.

[0038] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and illustrated by the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which printed sheet inspection system is shown in association with an impression cylinder and a printing cylinder of a printing group of an intaglio printing press;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 1 as viewed from a different viewing angle, which printed sheet inspection system is shown in association with the impression cylinder;

Figure 4 is another schematic perspective view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 1 as viewed from an opposite direction compared to Figure 3, with the impression cylinder removed;

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an air diffuser of the sheet inspection system of Figure 1;

Figure 5A is an enlarged view of a trailing end section of the air diffuser of Figure 5;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of airflow exiting the opening of the air diffuser of Figures 1 to 5A;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a view facing the opening of the air diffuser of Figure 7;

Figure 8A is a view of a cross-section of the air diffuser of Figures 7 and 8 taken along cross-sectional plane A-A identified in Figure 7;

Figure 8B is a view of a cross-section of the air diffuser of Figures 7 and 8 taken along cross-sectional plane B-B identified in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a view of the cross-section of Figure 8B showing a further refinement of the invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a view facing the opening of the air diffuser of Figure 10;

Figure 11A is a view of a cross-section of the air diffuser of Figures 10 and 11 taken along cross-sectional plane C-C identified in Figure 11;

Figure 11B is a view of a cross-section of the air diffuser of Figures 10 and 11 taken along cross-sectional plane D-D identified in Figure 11;

Figure 11C is an enlarged view of a trailing end section of the air diffuser of Figure 11;

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of airflow exiting the opening of the air diffuser of Figures 10 to 11C;

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 13 as viewed from a different viewing angle, which printed sheet inspection system is shown in association with the impression cylinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The present invention will be described in relation to various illustrative embodiments.

[0041] As described herein, when two or more parts or components are described as being connected, secured or coupled to one another, they can be so connected, secured or coupled directly to each other or through one or more intermediary parts.

[0042] The invention will be described in relation to various embodiments of a printed sheet inspection system, as depicted in the appended Figures. These embodiments are disclosed in the particular context of an integration into a sheet-fed intaglio printing press as commonly used for the production of security documents, such as banknotes. It should however be appreciated that the printed sheet inspection system of the invention could be used in connection with and be integrated into any other type of sheet-fed printing press, including but not limited to offset printing presses, silk-screen printing presses, and letterpress printing presses.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which printed sheet inspection system is shown in association with an impression cylinder 6 and an intaglio plate cylinder 8 of a printing group of an intaglio printing press. Other components of the intaglio printing press have been omitted for the sake of simplicity, but it should be appreciated that the intaglio printing press typically further comprises an inking system designed to ink the intaglio printing plates that are carried by the intaglio plate cylinder, a wiping system designed to wipe excess ink from the surface of the intaglio printing plates, a sheet feeder system to supply printed sheets to the impression cylinder 6, as well as a sheet delivery system to transport the printed sheets away from the impression cylinder 6. These other components are not of direct relevance for the invention and do not need to be described here. As far as the configuration of the intaglio printing press is concerned, reference can be made to the various patent publications mentioned in the preamble hereof.

[0044] As is typical in the art, the impression cylinder 6 is provided with a set of sheet grippers 7 that are designed to hold the printed sheets 1 by a leading edge thereof, as schematically shown in Figure 1. These sheet grippers are located in corresponding cylinder pits that are distributed about the circumference of the impression cylinder. Cylinder pits are likewise provided on the intaglio plate cylinder 8 to house plate clamping systems (not shown) to clamp the leading and trailing ends of the intaglio printing plates (not shown).

[0045] In the context of the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that the impression cylinder 6 acts as transport cylinder to transport the printed sheets 1 past an imaging unit 4 (not shown in Figure 1 but visible in Figures 2 and 5) of the printed sheet inspection system. The intaglio plate cylinder 8 here acts as printing cylinder transferring ink to one surface of the printed sheets 1, namely the lower side thereof, which surface is to be inspected by the printed sheet inspection system. The printed sheets 1 are printed at the printing nip formed between the impression cylinder 6 and the intaglio plate cylinder 8 (see also Figure 2).

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 1, also showing the aforementioned impression cylinder 6 and intaglio plate cylinder 8. In the illustrated example, it is readily apparent that the impression cylinder 6 and intaglio plate cylinder 8 are both three-segment cylinders, each comprising three cylinder pits that are distributed evenly about the circumference of the cylinder. Also visible in Figure 2 are three sets of sheet grippers 7 located in the cylinder pits of the impression cylinder 6, each designed to hold a printed sheet by a leading edge.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 1 as viewed from a different viewing angle, which printed sheet inspection system is shown in association with the impression cylinder 6. The intaglio plate cylinder 8 has been omitted in this view to more clearly illustrate the invention. Figure 4 is another schematic perspective view of the printed sheet inspection system of Figure 1 as viewed from an opposite direction compared to Figure 3, with the impression cylinder 6 removed.

[0048] Key components of the printed sheet inspection system are shown in Figures 1 to 4, including the imaging unit 4 that is located proximate to a circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, which imaging unit 4 is configured to acquire an image of the printed surface of the printed sheet 1 as the printed sheet 1 moves past the imaging unit 4 under the action of the impression cylinder 6 (the impression cylinder 6 rotating in the clockwise direction in Figure 2 during printing operations).

[0049] The printed sheet inspection system further comprises a blowing unit 5 that is coupled to an air diffuser 2, which air diffuser 2 is positioned proximate to the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6 and extends along a portion of the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, downstream of the printing nip formed by the impression cylinder 6 and the intaglio plate cylinder 8. The blowing unit 5 and air diffuser 2 are configured to produce an air pressure zone and form an air cushion zone, which air cushion zone includes first and second lateral air cushion areas laterally containing the air pressure zone, which pressure zone and air cushion zone press the printed sheet 1 against the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, a lower side of the air diffuser 2, which is positioned proximate to the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, is provided with a diffuser opening 20 that extends both in the lateral and circumferential directions, which diffuser opening 20 faces the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6. The diffuser opening 20 is here designed as a substantially rectangular opening. As schematically illustrated, an air pressure zone Z7 and an air cushion zone Z6, including first and second lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b laterally containing the air pressure zone Z7, are thus created, which coincide with a shape and position of the, here substantially rectangular, diffuser opening 20. In that respect, a width of the diffuser opening 20, transversely to the transport path of the printed sheet 1, substantially corresponds to a maximum width of the printed sheet 1. A width of the order of 800 mm especially comes under consideration.

[0051] By way of preference, a gap between the lower side of the air diffuser 2 and the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6 is selected not to exceed a few millimetres, and may in particular be less than 5 mm. A gap of the order of 2 to 3 mm especially comes under consideration. This ensures that the air pressure zone Z7 and air cushion zone Z6 can suitably be produced and maintained.

[0052] In the illustrated, preferred embodiment, the imaging unit 4 is located inside an inner space of the air diffuser 2, as this is clearly visible in Figure 2, which constitutes a key advantage in that the imaging unit 4 is basically sealed from the environment by the air diffuser 2 and the airflow circulating therein. This further contributes to cooling the imaging unit 4. In other embodiments, the imaging unit 4 could however be located outside of the air diffuser 2 so as not to sit in the airflow produced by the air diffuser 2. In that respect, the air diffuser could especially be provided with a sealed window portion configured to allow the imaging unit to look at a portion of the printed sheet located within the air pressure zone created by the air diffuser.

[0053] Referring to the illustrated embodiment, the imaging unit 4 is advantageously located in an inlet section (Z1 in Figure 5) of the air diffuser 2. As this will be appreciated hereafter, this particular location of the imaging unit 4 is contemplated to cause a breakpoint of the airflow upstream of a trailing edge zone of the air diffuser 2 (see Figure 5).

[0054] By way of preference, the imaging unit 4 comprises a contact image sensor (CIS), and is therefore positioned in close proximity to the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6. In that regard, the focal length of the contact image sensor (CIS) is preferably of less than 100 mm, even more preferably of the order of 60 mm or less. A focal length as low as 10 mm could for instance be contemplated in the context of the present invention. This considerably reduces overall dimensions of the printed sheet inspection system as compared to the known solutions making use of CCD image sensor devices.

[0055] Advantageously, the imaging unit 4 could be supported inside the air diffuser 2 in such a way as to allow adjustment of the position of the imaging unit 4 with respect to the circumference of the impression cylinder 6, thereby allowing to carry out adjustment of the focus of the imaging unit 4 with respect to the printed sheets 1 to be inspected. A motorized adjustment system especially comes under consideration.

[0056] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the air diffuser 2 advantageously comprises an arc-shaped leading end section 2a that extends from the inlet section of the air diffuser 2, where the imaging unit 4 is preferably located, along the portion of the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, towards the printing nip. More specifically, the air diffuser 2 is configured in such a way as to cause acceleration of the airflow in the leading end section 2a of the air diffuser 2. In that respect, the arc-shaped leading end section 2a is especially designed in such a way that a thickness of the inner chamber thereof (as measured along a normal to the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6) gradually reduces as one moves towards a leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2, which prevents formation of turbulent airflow. Furthermore, the air diffuser 2 is here configured such that airflow velocity of the air exiting edges of the air diffuser 2 is greater than airflow velocity inside the air diffuser, pressure inside the air diffuser 2 being greater than ambient pressure.

[0057] The aforementioned blowing unit 5 is here a high-pressure centrifugal fan. Other solutions could be contemplated to provide the air diffuser 2 with a suitable air supply, but a high-pressure centrifugal fan is a particularly advantageous and compact solution. Indeed, as shown in the Figures, the high-pressure centrifugal fan, acting as blowing unit 5, can simply be connected to a rear end of the air diffuser 2, at the inlet section, via a suitable conduit 5A. In that respect, cables and connections to the imaging unit 4 could conveniently be routed via the conduit 5A connecting the blowing unit 5 to the air diffuser 2.

[0058] Advantageously, airflow produced by the blowing unit 5 is adjustable.

[0059] Furthermore, the blowing unit 5 is preferably provided with a fine filter to ensure a higher air purity and prevent ambient dust from being projected against the freshly-printed side of the printed sheet 1. In the context of the illustrated embodiment, the provision of a fine filter will further protect the imaging unit 4 from dust projection and contamination coming from the printed sheets and from the printing press environment.

[0060] Thanks to the aforementioned air diffuser 2, a defined air pressure zone Z7 is thus created over the relevant portion of the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, and therefore over the relevant portion of the printed sheets 1 being transported through the gap between the air diffuser 2 and the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, which causes the printed sheet 1 to be pressed against the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6. Furthermore, an air cushion zone Z6, including first and second lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b laterally containing the air pressure zone Z7, is formed along the sides of the air diffuser 2. This air cushion zone Z6 maintains the air pressure zone Z7 within the limits of the printed sheet 1 to be inspected, thereby ensuring that air pressure is only applied where it needs to.

[0061] By way of preference, a suitable air cushion zone Z6 is created on both lateral sides of the air diffuser 2 by the provision of two lateral surfaces 21a, 21b extending in the circumferential direction, on either side of the diffuser opening 20 (as for instance shown in Figure 4), each lateral surface 21a, 21b contributing to the formation of a corresponding one of the air cushion areas which laterally contain the air pressure zone Z7. The width of each lateral surface 21a, 21b (which by way of illustration can be of the order of 140 mm) is comparatively larger than the gap between the said lateral surfaces 21a, 21b and the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6 (which by way of illustration can be of the order of 2 to 3 mm).

[0062] One will appreciate that air is allowed to flow from the air pressure zone Z7 via the side edges 2C and leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2, with airflow components extending both in the lateral and circumferential directions away from the air diffuser 2 as schematically illustrated in Figure 6. This inherently leads to a flattening of the printed sheet 1 lying under the air diffuser 2 against the circumference of the impression cylinder 6. This divergent airflow, exhibiting both lateral and circumferential components, is also favourable in that it helps ensuring an adequate flattening and stretching of the printed sheet 1 lying under the air diffuser 2, even for small-format sheets, as the flattening/stretching effect occurs from the centre of the printed sheet 1 towards the sides and the trailing end of the sheet. This further prevents air from going underneath the printed sheet 1, which could otherwise lead to separation from the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6.

[0063] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the air diffuser 2 of the sheet inspection system of Figure 1. Figure 5 in particular shows that the imaging unit 4 is located in the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2, closer to a lower wall of the inlet section Z1, to force part of the inlet airflow above the imaging unit 4 and to cause a breakpoint of the airflow at Z2, upstream of a trailing edge zone Z5 of the air diffuser 2 and downstream of the imaging unit 4. As a consequence, a small part of the air flux flows out at Z5, and the other part of the air flux passes in front of the imaging unit 4. The location Z2 where the breakpoint occurs is preferably such as to be close to the trailing edge zone Z5 in order to minimize interference with the trailing edge of the printed sheet 1 upon leaving the air diffuser 2. The external geometry of the imaging unit 4, which sits in the passage of the air, could be optimized to improve airflow in the inlet section Z1, around the imaging unit 4, and downstream thereof.

[0064] Air is introduced at the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2, at low speed V1, under the action of the blowing unit 5. As already mentioned, the configuration of the air diffuser 2 is such that airflow velocity V2 in the arc-shaped leading end section 2a of the air diffuser 2 (zone Z3) is greater than airflow velocity V1 at the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2. Furthermore, the configuration of the air diffuser 2 is such that a high-velocity air jet is produced at Z4, exiting the leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2 in a direction opposite to a transport direction of the printed sheet 1. This prevents the printed sheet 1 from coming off the impression cylinder 6 prior to entering the gap between the air diffuser 2 and the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6. The velocity V3 of the air jet produced at Z4, as well as of the air flowing off the sides of the air diffuser 2, is higher than the airflow velocity V2 in zone Z3, making the pressure inside the air diffuser 2 higher than ambient pressure, contributing to the formation of the air pressure zone Z7 and air cushion zone Z6.

[0065] The system is designed so that the airflow velocities V2 and V3 are much higher (10 times or more) than the transport velocity VR of the printed sheets 1 induced by rotation of the impression cylinder 6. By way of illustration, the air diffuser 2 can be designed to achieve airflow velocities V2 and V3 of the order of 10-15 m/s and more than 30 m/s, respectively.

[0066] The aforementioned measures contribute to producing a pressure force P1, perpendicular to the surface of the printed sheet 1, which presses the printed sheet 1 against the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 6, as well as a shear force S1, created by the air friction on the sheet surface, which shear force S1 has a main component extending in a direction opposite to the direction of transport of the printed sheet 1. Preferably, the ratio S1/P1, which is equivalent to a friction coefficient, is selected to be less than 2%, which is much lower than the friction coefficient between the printed sheet 1 and the impression cylinder 6.

[0067] Figure 5A is an enlarged view of a trailing end section of the air diffuser 2 shown in Figure 5. It illustrates a further refinement of the invention, namely the additional provision of an adjustable blade 3 located at the trailing end of the air diffuser 2 to adjust a gap between the trailing edge 2B of the air diffuser 2 and the printed surface of the printed sheet 1 exiting the air diffuser 2. This blade 3 can be adjusted to make the gap at the trailing edge 2B as small as possible to reduce the flow of air coming off the trailing end of the air diffuser 2. This will help preventing the printed sheet 1 exiting the air diffuser 2 from being pushed away.

[0068] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. A main difference of this second embodiment compared to the first embodiment discussed above resides in the configuration of the air diffuser, designated by reference 2*, and the shape of the diffuser opening 20* which is substantially trapezoidal as further shown in Figures 8 and 8A. More specifically, the diffuser opening 20* exhibits a substantially trapezoidal shape decreasing in width in the lateral direction (transversely to the transport direction of the printed sheets 1) towards the leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2*. In other words, the width of the diffuser opening 20* is the smallest at the leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2* and increases as one moves towards the location of the imaging unit 4. A further difference resides in the configuration and shape of the lateral surfaces 21a*, 21b* of the air diffuser 2* extending on either side of the diffuser opening 20*, which lateral surfaces 21a*, 21b* contribute to the formation of the lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b forming the air cushion zone Z6.

[0069] An advantage of this solution resides in that it can cope with and suitably handle a larger variety of sheet formats, especially smaller sheet formats. The trapezoidal shape of the diffuser opening 20* and resulting gradual reduction of the width thereof towards the leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2* further contributes to a gradual increase of the airflow produced by the air diffuser 2*, preventing the formation of turbulent airflow, which could cause potentially undesired lifting of the printed sheet 1.

[0070] Figures 7 and 8 further show a pair of conduits 5A* joined at an upstream end, which pair of conduits 5A* is coupled to an associated blowing unit (not shown). According to this second embodiment, air is supplied to the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2* at two separate inlet locations.

[0071] The cross-sectional view of Figure 8B shows a further refinement of the invention, namely the provision of a deflection plate 25 in the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2*, upstream of the imaging unit 4. This deflection plate 25 is helpful in guiding airflow around the imaging unit 4, which imaging unit 4 is likewise positioned closer to a lower wall of the inlet section Z1.

[0072] The cross-sectional view of Figure 9 shows yet another refinement of the invention, namely the provision of an airflow conditioner 200 in the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2*, next to the imaging unit 4. This airflow conditioner 200, which can for instance take the shape of a grid placed in the path of the airflow, is helpful is conditioning airflow around the imaging unit 4 and thereby improving airflow homogeneity.

[0073] The aforementioned deflection plate 25 and/or airflow conditioner 200 can also be used in the context of the aforementioned first embodiment or other embodiments of the invention that are further discussed below.

[0074] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. A main difference of this third embodiment compared to the first embodiment discussed above likewise resides in the configuration of the air diffuser, designated by reference 2**, and the shape of the diffuser opening 20** which is substantially trapezoidal as further shown in Figures 11 and 11A. More specifically, the diffuser opening 20** likewise exhibits a substantially trapezoidal shape decreasing in width in the lateral direction (transversely to the transport direction of the printed sheets 1) towards the leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2**. In other words, the width of the diffuser opening 20** is once again the smallest at the leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2** and increases as one moves towards the location of the imaging unit 4. A further difference likewise resides in the configuration and shape of the lateral surfaces 21a**, 21b** of the air diffuser 2** extending on either side of the diffuser opening 20**, which lateral surfaces 21a**, 21b** contribute to the formation of the lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b forming the air cushion zone Z6.

[0075] A difference with respect to the second embodiment discussed with reference to Figures 7 to 9 resides in a more gradual transition of the diffuser opening 20** at the leading edge 2A, which is similarly meant to reduce airflow turbulence. An advantage of this solution once again resides in that it can cope with and suitably handle a larger variety of sheet formats, while further reducing airflow turbulence.

[0076] Figures 10 and 11 further show a pair of conduits 5A**, which pair of conduits 5A** is coupled to an associated blowing unit (not shown). According to this third embodiment, and much like the second embodiment, air is supplied to the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2** at two separate inlet locations.

[0077] The cross-sectional view of Figure 11B again shows the provision of a deflection plate 25 in the inlet section Z1 of the air diffuser 2**, upstream of the imaging unit 4, to guide airflow around the imaging unit 4, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 8A and 9.

[0078] The enlarged view of Figure 11C shows yet another refinement of the invention, namely a particular configuration of the trailing end of the air diffuser 2**. As shown in Figure 11C, the trailing end of the air diffuser 2** is shaped to exhibit an inclined surface 20B extending away from a circumference of the transport (impression) cylinder 6. This particular configuration is advantageous in reducing turbulence of air exiting the trailing end of the air diffuser 2**. This particular refinement is also combinable with the other embodiments discussed herein.

[0079] Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of the airflow exiting the opening 20** of the air diffuser 2** of Figures 10 to 11C. Figure 12 highlights that air is allowed to flow from the air pressure zone Z7 via the side edges 2C and leading edge 2A of the air diffuser 2**, with airflow components likewise extending both in the lateral and circumferential directions away from the air diffuser 2** as schematically illustrated. This divergent airflow once again inherently leads to a flattening and stretching of the printed sheet 1 lying under the air diffuser 2** against the circumference of the impression cylinder 6, and this for a larger variety of sheet formats, with the flattening/stretching effect likewise occurring from the centre of the printed sheet 1 towards the sides and the trailing end of the sheet, but in a more progressive manner thanks to the trapezoidal shape of the diffuser opening 20**.

[0080] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A main difference of this fourth embodiment compared to the first to third embodiments discussed above resides in the configuration of the air diffuser, designated by reference 2***, and the shape of the diffuser opening 20***. More specifically, the diffuser opening 20*** here exhibits a comb shape with a plurality of parallel teeth extending in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the printed sheets 1. In the illustrated example, six such teeth are provided, but the air diffuser 2*** could be provided with any suitable number of teeth. This fourth embodiment is of interest for use especially in connection with transport cylinders of small diameter.

[0081] Various modifications and/or improvements may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, the invention is not only applicable as an in-line inspection system in an intaglio printing press, but could possibly be used in other types of printing presses.

[0082] Furthermore, while a contact image sensor (CIS) is preferably contemplated to be used for the purpose of acquiring an image of the printed sheet to be inspected, other types of image sensors could be used. For instance, CCD image sensors could still be contemplated, provided a position of the imaging unit is adjusted accordingly.

[0083] Moreover, the imaging unit does not necessarily need to be located in the path of the airflow. The imaging unit could for instance be located outside of the inner chamber of the air diffuser. In that respect, the air diffuser could for instance be provided with a sealed window portion configured to allow the imaging unit to look at a portion of the printed sheet located within the air pressure zone created by the air diffuser.

[0084] In addition, the substantially trapezoidal shape of the diffuser openings shown in Figures 7, 8, 8A, 10, 11 and 11A could in an extreme case be modified into a substantially triangular shape with a width of the diffuser opening reducing to substantially zero at the leading end of the air diffuser.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS USED THEREIN

[0085] 

1

printed sheet (e.g. sheet carrying printing security imprints)

2

air diffuser (first embodiment)

2*

air diffuser (second embodiment)

2**

air diffuser (third embodiment)

2***

air diffuser (fourth embodiment)

2a

arc-shaped leading end section of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

2A

leading edge of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

2B

trailing edge of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

2C

side edges of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

3

adjustable blade at trailing end of air diffuser 2

4

imaging unit, e.g. contact image sensor (CIS)

5

blowing unit, e.g. high-pressure centrifugal fan

5A

conduit coupling blowing unit 5 to air diffuser 2

5A*

conduit coupling blowing unit (not shown) to air diffuser 2*

5A**

conduit coupling blowing unit (not shown) to air diffuser 2**

5A***

conduit coupling blowing unit (not shown) to air diffuser 2***

6

transport cylinder (e.g. impression cylinder of intaglio printing press)

7

sheet grippers designed to hold leading edge of printed sheet 1

8

printing cylinder (e.g. intaglio plate cylinder of intaglio printing press)

20

diffuser opening of air diffuser 2

20*

diffuser opening of air diffuser 2*

20**

diffuser opening of air diffuser 2**

20***

diffuser opening of air diffuser 2***

20B

inclined surface at trailing end of air diffuser 2*, 2**, resp. 2*** extending away from a circumference of transport cylinder 6

21a, 21b

lateral surfaces of air diffuser 2 extending in the circumferential direction, on either side of the diffuser opening 20, and contributing to the formation of the lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b

21a*, 21b*

lateral surfaces of air diffuser 2* extending in the circumferential direction, on either side of the diffuser opening 20*, and contributing to the formation of the lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b

21a**, 21b**

lateral surfaces of air diffuser 2** extending in the circumferential direction, on either side of the diffuser opening 20**, and contributing to the formation of the lateral air cushion areas Z6a, Z6b

25

deflection plate placed in inlet section Z1 of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***, upstream of imaging unit 4, to guide airflow around imaging unit 4

200

airflow conditioner placed in inlet section Z1 of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***, next to imaging unit 4, to condition airflow around imaging unit 4

P1

pressure force produced by air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2*** (perpendicularly to surface of printed sheet 1)

S1

shear force produced by air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2*** (tangentially to surface of printed sheet)

V1

airflow velocity at inlet section Z1

V2

airflow velocity in middle zone Z3

V3

airflow velocity at leading edge zone Z4

VR

rotational speed of transport cylinder 6 / transport velocity of printed sheet 1

Z1

inlet section of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

Z2

breakpoint zone of inlet airflow close to trailing edge zone Z5

Z3

middle zone of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2*** (upstream of the position of the imaging unit 4)

Z4

leading edge zone of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2*** (entry zone of printed sheet 1)

Z5

trailing edge zone of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2*** (exit zone of printed sheet 1)

Z6

air cushion zone along sides of air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

Z6a, Z6b

first and second lateral air cushion areas forming air cushion Z6 and laterally contain air pressure zone Z7

Z7

air pressure zone created by air diffuser 2, 2*, 2**, resp. 2***

Claims

1. A printed sheet inspection system configured to inspect printed sheets (1) being transported by a transport cylinder (6) of a sheet-fed printing press, which printed sheet inspection system comprises an imaging unit (4) located proximate to a circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6), which imaging unit (4) is configured to acquire an image of a printed surface of the printed sheet (1) as the printed sheet (1) moves past the imaging unit (4) under the action of the transport cylinder (6), wherein the sheet inspection system further comprises a blowing unit (5) coupled to an air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), which air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) is positioned proximate to the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6) and extends along a portion of the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6),

characterized in that the blowing unit (5) and air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) are configured to produce an air pressure zone (Z7) and form an air cushion zone (Z6), which air cushion zone (Z6) includes first and second lateral air cushion areas (Z6a, Z6b) laterally containing the air pressure zone (Z7), which air pressure zone (Z7) and air cushion zone (Z6) press the printed sheet (1) against the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6),

and in that a lower side of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), which is positioned proximate to the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6), is provided with a diffuser opening (20; 20*; 20**; 20***) that extends both in the lateral and circumferential directions, which diffuser opening (20; 20*; 20**; 20***) faces the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6), wherein the air pressure zone (Z7) and air cushion zone (Z6) coincide with a shape and position of the diffuser opening (20; 20*; 20**; 20***).

2. The printed sheet inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser opening (20) exhibits a substantially rectangular shape,

or wherein the diffuser opening (20*; 20**) exhibits a substantially trapezoidal or triangular shape decreasing in width in the lateral direction towards a leading edge (2A) of the air diffuser (2*; 2**),

or wherein the diffuser opening (20***) exhibits a comb shape with a plurality of parallel teeth extending in a direction opposite to a transport direction of the printed sheets (1).

3. The printed sheet inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a maximum width of the diffuser opening (20; 20*; 20**; 20***), transversely to a transport path of the printed sheets (1), is of the order of 800 mm.

4. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**) is further provided with two lateral surfaces (21a, 21b; 21a*, 21b*; 21a**, 21b**) extending in the circumferential direction, on either side of the diffuser opening (20; 20*; 20**), each lateral surface (21a, 21b; 21a*, 21b*; 21a**, 21b**) contributing to the formation of a corresponding one of the lateral air cushion areas (Z6a, Z6b) which laterally contain the air pressure zone (Z7),
and wherein a width of each lateral surface (21a, 21b) is comparatively larger than a gap between the lower side of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**) and the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6).

5. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gap between a lower side of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) and the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6) is of less than 5 mm.

6. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the imaging unit (4) is located inside an inner space of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***).

7. The printed sheet inspection system according to claim 6, wherein the imaging unit (4) is located in an inlet section (Z1) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***),
and wherein the imaging unit (4) is preferably located in the inlet section (Z1) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) so as to cause a breakpoint of the airflow upstream of a trailing edge zone (Z5) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) and downstream of the imaging unit (4) with respect to a transport direction of the printed sheets (1).

8. The printed sheet inspection system according to claim 7, wherein a deflection plate (25) is provided in the inlet section (Z1) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), upstream of the imaging unit (4), to guide airflow around the imaging unit (4),
and/or wherein an airflow conditioner (200) is provided in the inlet section (Z1) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), next to the imaging unit (4), to condition airflow around the imaging unit (4).

9. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the imaging unit (4) comprises a contact image sensor (CIS),
and wherein a focal length of the contact image sensor (CIS) is preferably of less than 100 mm, in particular of the order of 60 mm or less.

10. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) comprises an arc-shaped leading end section (2a) that extends from an inlet section (Z1) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) along the portion of the circumferential surface of the transport cylinder (6).

11. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) is configured such as to produce a high-velocity air jet exiting a leading edge (2A) of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) in a direction opposite to a transport direction of the printed sheets (1),
and/or wherein the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) is configured such that airflow velocity (V3) of the air exiting edges of the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) is greater than airflow velocity (V2) inside the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), pressure inside the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) being greater than ambient pressure.

12. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) is configured to subject the printed sheet (1) to both a shear force (S1), having a main component extending in a direction opposite to a direction of transport of the printed sheet (1), and a pressure force (P1), perpendicular to the printed surface of the printed sheet (1),
and wherein the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) is further configured to cause the production of a divergent airflow exhibiting both lateral and circumferential components having the effect of flattening and stretching the printed sheet (1) from a centre of the printed sheet (1) towards the sides and the trailing end of the printed sheet (1).

13. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air diffuser (2) comprises an adjustable blade (3) located at a trailing end of the air diffuser (2) to adjust a gap between a trailing edge (2B) of the air diffuser (2) and the printed surface of the printed sheet (1) exiting the air diffuser (2),
and/or wherein a trailing end of the air diffuser (2*; 2**; 2***) is shaped to exhibit an inclined surface (20B) extending away from a circumference of the transport cylinder (6).

14. The printed sheet inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blowing unit (5) is a high-pressure centrifugal fan, and/or
wherein the blowing unit (5) is provided with a fine filter.

15. A sheet-fed printing press comprising a printing group including at least an impression cylinder (6) and a printing cylinder (8) cooperating with the impression cylinder (6) to form a printing nip therebetween, characterized in that the sheet-fed printing press further comprises a printed sheet inspection system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims to carry out in-line inspection of the printed sheets (1) that are printed on the sheet-fed printing press,

wherein the impression cylinder (6) acts as the transport cylinder of the printed sheet inspection system,

wherein the imaging unit (4) and the air diffuser (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) are located downstream of the printing nip with respect to a transport direction of the printed sheets (1),

and wherein the sheet-fed printing press is preferably an intaglio printing press comprising an intaglio plate cylinder acting as the printing cylinder (8).

Ansprüche

1. Ein Druckbogeninspektionssystem, das dafür ausgelegt ist, Druckbogen (1) zu inspizieren, die von einem Transportzylinder (6) einer Bogendruckmaschine transportiert werden, welches Druckbogeninspektionssystem eine Bildgebungseinheit (4) umfasst, die in der Nähe einer Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) angeordnet ist, welche Bildgebungseinheit (4) dafür ausgelegt ist, ein Bild einer bedruckten Oberfläche des Druckbogens (1) zu erfassen, wenn sich der Druckbogen (1) unter der Wirkung des Transportzylinders (6) an der Bildgebungseinheit (4) vorbeibewegt, wobei das Bogeninspektionssystem ferner eine Gebläseeinheit (5) umfasst, die mit einem Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) gekoppelt ist, wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) in der Nähe der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) angeordnet ist und sich entlang eines Abschnitts der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) erstreckt,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Gebläseeinheit (5) und der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) dafür ausgelegt sind, eine Luftdruckzone (Z7) zu erzeugen und eine Luftpolsterzone (Z6) zu bilden, wobei die Luftpolsterzone (Z6) erste und zweite seitliche Luftpolsterbereiche (Z6a, Z6b) beinhaltet, die die Luftdruckzone (Z7) seitlich enthalten, wobei die Luftdruckzone (Z7) und die Luftpolsterzone (Z6) den Druckbogen (1) gegen die Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) drücken,

und dass eine Unterseite des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), die nahe der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) angeordnet ist, mit einer sich sowohl in der Seiten- als auch der Umfangsrichtung erstreckenden Diffusoröffnung (20; 20*; 20**; 20***) bereitgestellt ist, wobei die Diffusoröffnung (20; 20*; 20**; 20***) der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) zugewandt ist, wobei die Luftdruckzone (Z7) und die Luftpolsterzone (Z6) mit einer Form und einer Position der Diffusoröffnung (20; 20*; 20**; 20***) übereinstimmen.

2. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Diffusoröffnung (20) eine im Wesentlichen rechteckige Form aufweist,

oder wobei die Diffusoröffnung (20*; 20**) eine im Wesentlichen trapezförmige oder dreieckige Form aufweist, die in der seitlichen Richtung zu einer Vorderkante (2A) des Luftdiffusors (2*; 2**) hin an Breite abnimmt,

oder wobei die Diffusoröffnung (20***) eine Kammform mit einer Vielzahl von parallelen Zähnen aufweist, die sich in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt zu einer Transportrichtung der Druckbogen (1) erstrecken.

3. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei eine maximale Breite der Diffusoröffnung (20; 20*; 20**; 20***), quer zu einem Transportweg der Druckbogen (1), in der Größenordnung von 800 mm liegt.

4. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**) ferner mit zwei Seitenflächen (21a, 21b; 21a*, 21b*; 21a**, 21b**) bereitgestellt ist, die sich in der Umfangsrichtung auf beiden Seiten der Diffusoröffnung (20; 20*; 20**) erstrecken, wobei jede Seitenfläche (21a, 21b; 21a*, 21b*; 21a**, 21b**) zur Bildung eines entsprechenden der seitlichen Luftpolsterbereiche (Z6a, Z6b) beiträgt, die die Luftdruckzone (Z7) seitlich enthalten,
und wobei eine Breite jeder Seitenfläche (21a, 21b) vergleichsweise größer ist als ein Spalt zwischen der Unterseite des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**) und der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6).

5. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein Spalt zwischen einer Unterseite des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) und der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) weniger als 5 mm beträgt.

6. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Bildgebungseinheit (4) innerhalb eines Innenraums des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) angeordnet ist.

7. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Bildgebungseinheit (4) in einem Einlassabschnitt (Z1) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**, 2***) angeordnet ist
und wobei die Bildgebungseinheit (4) vorzugsweise im Einlassabschnitt (Z1) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) angeordnet ist, um so einen Unterbrechungspunkt des Luftstroms stromaufwärts einer Hinterkantenzone (Z5) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) und stromabwärts der Bildgebungseinheit (4) in Bezug auf eine Transportrichtung der Druckbogen (1) zu verursachen.

8. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach Anspruch 7, wobei eine Ablenkplatte (25) im Einlassabschnitt (Z1) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) stromaufwärts der Bildgebungseinheit (4) bereitgestellt ist, zu dem Zweck, den Luftstrom um die Bildgebungseinheit (4) zu leiten,
und/oder wobei ein Luftstromkonditionierer (200) im Einlassabschnitt (Z1) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) neben der Bildgebungseinheit (4) bereitgestellt ist, zu dem Zweck, den Luftstrom um die Bildgebungseinheit (4) herum zu konditionieren.

9. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Bildgebungseinheit (4) einen Contact Image Sensor (CIS) umfasst,
und wobei eine Brennweite des Contact Image Sensors (CIS) vorzugsweise weniger als 100 mm, insbesondere in der Größenordnung von 60 mm oder weniger beträgt.

10. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) einen bogenförmigen vorderen Endabschnitt (2a) umfasst, der sich von einem Einlassabschnitt (Z1) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) entlang des Abschnitts der Umfangsfläche des Transportzylinders (6) erstreckt.

11. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) so ausgelegt ist, dass er einen Hochgeschwindigkeitsluftstrahl erzeugt, der aus einer Vorderkante (2A) des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt zu einer Transportrichtung der Druckbogen (1) austritt,
und/oder wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) so ausgelegt ist, dass die Luftströmungsgeschwindigkeit (V3) der aus den Kanten des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) austretenden Luft größer ist als die Luftströmungsgeschwindigkeit (V2) innerhalb des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***), wobei der Druck innerhalb des Luftdiffusors (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) größer ist als der Umgebungsdruck.

12. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) so ausgelegt ist, dass er den Druckbogen (1) sowohl einer Scherkraft (S1) mit einer Hauptkomponente, die sich in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt zu einer Transportrichtung des Druckbogens (1) erstreckt, als auch einer Druckkraft (P1) senkrecht zur bedruckten Oberfläche des Druckbogens (1) aussetzt,
und wobei der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) ferner dafür ausgelegt ist, die Erzeugung eines divergenten Luftstroms zu bewirken, der sowohl seitliche als auch Umfangskomponenten aufweist, die bewirken, dass der Druckbogen (1) von einer Mitte des Druckbogens (1) zu den Seiten und dem hinteren Ende des Druckbogens (1) abgeflacht und gestreckt wird.

13. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Luftdiffusor (2) eine einstellbare Klinge (3) umfasst, die an einem hinteren Ende des Luftdiffusors (2) angeordnet ist, zu dem Zweck, einen Spalt zwischen einer hinteren Kante (2B) des Luftdiffusors (2) und der bedruckten Oberfläche des Druckbogens (1) beim Austritt aus dem Luftdiffusor (2) einzustellen,
und/oder wobei ein hinteres Ende des Luftdiffusors (2*; 2**; 2***) so geformt ist, dass es eine schräge Fläche (20B) aufweist, die sich von einem Umfang des Transportzylinders (6) weg erstreckt.

14. Das Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Gebläseeinheit (5) ein Hochdruckzentrifugalgebläse ist, und/oder
wobei die Gebläseeinheit (5) mit einem Feinfilter bereitgestellt ist.

15. Eine Bogendruckmaschine mit einer Druckgruppe, die mindestens einen Gegendruckzylinder (6) und einen Druckzylinder (8) beinhaltet, der mit dem Gegendruckzylinder (6) zusammenwirkt und dazwischen einen Druckspalt bildet, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bogendruckmaschine ferner ein Druckbogeninspektionssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche umfasst, zu dem Zweck, eine In-line Inspektion der Druckbogen (1) durchzuführen, die auf der Bogendruckmaschine gedruckt werden,

wobei der Gegendruckzylinder (6) als der Transportzylinder des Druckbogeninspektionssystems wirkt,

wobei die Bildgebungseinheit (4) und der Luftdiffusor (2; 2*; 2**; 2***) in Bezug auf eine Transportrichtung der Druckbogen (1) stromabwärts des Druckspalts angeordnet sind,

und wobei die Bogendruckmaschine vorzugsweise eine Stichtiefdruckmaschine ist, die einen als Druckzylinder (8) wirkenden Stichtiefdruckplattenzylinder umfasst.

Revendications

1. Un système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées configuré afin d'inspecter des feuilles imprimées (1) en cours de transport par un cylindre de transport (6) d'une presse d'impression à la feuille, lequel système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées comporte une unité d'acquisition d'image (4) située à proximité d'une surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6), laquelle unité d'acquisition d'image (4) est configurée afin d'acquérir une image d'une surface imprimée de la feuille imprimée (1) tandis que la feuille imprimée (1) défile devant l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) sous l'action du cylindre de transport (6), dans lequel le système d'inspection de feuilles comporte en outre une unité de soufflage (5) couplée à un diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***), lequel diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) est positionné à proximité de la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6) et s'étend le long d'une portion de la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6),

caractérisé en ce que l'unité de soufflage (5) et le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**; 2***) sont configurés afin de produire une zone de pression d'air (Z7) et former une zone de coussin d'air (Z6), laquelle zone de coussin d'air (Z6) comprend des première et seconde zones latérales de coussin d'air (Z6a, Z6b) confinant latéralement la zone de pression d'air (Z7), lesquelles zone de pression d'air (Z7) et zone de coussin d'air (Z6) plaquent la feuille imprimée (1) contre la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6),

et en ce qu'un côté inférieur du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***), qui est positionné à proximité de la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6), est pourvu d'une ouverture de diffuseur (20 ; 20* ; 20** ; 20***) qui s'étend à la fois dans les directions latérale et circonférentielle, laquelle ouverture de diffuseur (20 ; 20* ; 20** ; 20***) fait face à la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6), dans lequel la zone de pression d'air (Z7) et la zone de coussin d'air (Z6) coïncident avec une forme et une position de l'ouverture de diffuseur (20 ; 20* ; 20** ; 20***).

2. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'ouverture de diffuseur (20) présente une forme sensiblement rectangulaire,

ou dans lequel l'ouverture de diffuseur (20* ; 20**) présente une forme sensiblement trapézoïdale ou triangulaire diminuant en largeur dans la direction latérale vers un bord frontal (2A) du diffuseur d'air (2* ; 2**),

ou dans lequel l'ouverture de diffuseur (20***) présente une forme en peigne dotée d'une pluralité de dents parallèles s'étendant dans une direction opposée à une direction de transport des feuilles imprimées (1).

3. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel une largeur maximum de l'ouverture de diffuseur (20 ; 20* ; 20** ; 20***), transversalement à un trajet de transport des feuilles imprimées (1), est de l'ordre de 800 mm.

4. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**) est pourvu en outre de deux surfaces latérales (21a, 21b ; 21a*, 21b* ; 21a**, 21b**) s'étendant dans la direction circonférentielle, de part et d'autre de l'ouverture de diffuseur (20 ; 20* ; 20***), chaque surface latérale (21a, 21b ; 21a*, 21b* ; 21a**, 21b**) contribuant à la formation d'une zone correspondante parmi les zones latérales de coussin d'air (Z6a, Z6b) qui confinent latéralement la zone de pression d'air (Z7),
et dans lequel une largeur de chaque surface latérale (21a, 21b) est comparativement plus grande qu'un écart entre le côté inférieur du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**) et la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6).

5. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un écart entre un côté inférieur du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**; 2***) et la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6) est de moins de 5 mm.

6. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) est située à l'intérieur d'un espace interne du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***).

7. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon la revendication 6, dans lequel l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) est située dans une section d'entrée (Z1) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***),
et dans lequel l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) est de préférence située dans la section d'entrée (Z1) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**; 2***) de façon à causer un point de rupture de l'écoulement d'air en amont d'une zone de bord arrière (Z5) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**; 2***) et en aval de l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) par rapport à une direction de transport des feuilles imprimées (1).

8. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon la revendication 7, dans lequel une plaque de déviation (25) est placée dans la section d'entrée (Z1) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***), en amont de l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4), afin de guider l'écoulement d'air autour de l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4),
et/ou dans lequel un conditionneur d'écoulement d'air (200) est placé dans la section d'entrée (Z1) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2*; 2**; 2***), à côté de l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4), afin de conditionner l'écoulement d'air autour de l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4).

9. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) comporte un capteur d'image à contact (CIS),
et dans lequel une longueur focale du capteur d'image à contact (CIS) est de préférence de moins de 100 mm, en particulier de l'ordre de 60 mm ou moins.

10. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) comporte une section d'extrémité frontale (2a) en forme d'arc qui s'étend à partir d'une section d'entrée (Z1) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) le long de la portion de la surface circonférentielle du cylindre de transport (6).

11. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) est configuré de façon à produire un jet d'air à haute vélocité quittant un bord frontal (2A) du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) dans une direction opposée à une direction de transport des feuilles imprimées (1),
et/ou dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) est configuré de telle façon qu'une vitesse d'écoulement d'air (V3) de l'air quittant des bords du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) soit supérieure à une vitesse d'écoulement d'air (V2) à l'intérieur du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***), la pression à l'intérieur du diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) étant supérieure à la pression ambiante.

12. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) est configuré afin de soumettre la feuille imprimée (1) à la fois à une force de cisaillement (SI), ayant une composante principale s'étendant dans une direction opposée à une direction de transport de la feuille imprimée (1), et à une force de pression (P1), perpendiculaire à la surface imprimée de la feuille imprimée (1),
et dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) est en outre configuré afin de causer la production d'un écoulement d'air divergent présentant à la fois des composantes latérale et circonférentielle qui ont pour effet d'aplanir et d'étirer la feuille imprimée (1) d'un centre de la feuille imprimée (1) vers les côtés et l'extrémité arrière de la feuille imprimée (1).

13. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le diffuseur d'air (2) comporte une lame réglable (3) située à une extrémité arrière du diffuseur d'air (2) afin de régler un écart entre un bord arrière (2B) du diffuseur d'air (2) et la surface imprimée de la feuille imprimée (1) quittant le diffuseur d'air (2),
et/ou dans lequel une extrémité arrière du diffuseur d'air (2* ; 2** ; 2***) est mise en forme afin de présenter une surface inclinée (20B) s'étendant à l'écart d'une circonférence du cylindre de transport (6) .

14. Le système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'unité de soufflage (5) est un ventilateur centrifuge à haute pression,
et/ou dans lequel l'unité de soufflage (5) est pourvue d'un filtre à particules fines.

15. Une presse d'impression à la feuille comportant un groupe d'impression incluant au moins un cylindre d'impression (6) et un cylindre imprimeur (8) coopérant avec le cylindre d'impression (6) afin de former une fente d'impression entre eux, caractérisée en ce que la presse d'impression à la feuille comporte en outre un système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes afin de réaliser une inspection en ligne des feuilles imprimées (1) qui sont imprimées sur la presse d'impression à la feuille,

dans lequel le cylindre d'impression (6) agit comme le cylindre de transport du système d'inspection de feuilles imprimées,

dans lequel l'unité d'acquisition d'image (4) et le diffuseur d'air (2 ; 2* ; 2** ; 2***) sont situés en aval de la fente d'impression par rapport à une direction de transport des feuilles imprimées (1),

et dans lequel la presse d'impression à la feuille est de préférence une presse d'impression taille-douce comportant un cylindre porte-plaque taille-douce agissant comme le cylindre imprimeur (8).

Drawing