CYLINDER CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract: A device for cleaning a cylinder of a printing press having a one-piece, rigid frame (10), a fabric supply roll (50) and a take-up shaft (20). The fabric supply roll (50) and the take-up shaft (20) are removably mounted onto the frame (10). The take-up shaft (20) includes an axial groove (24) and a mounted rod (74) for securing the cleaning fabric (52) from the supply roll (50) to the take-up roll (20).

Description: CYLINDER CLEANING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for cleaning a cylinder of a printing press and more particularly, to novel supply and take-up shafts suited for small printing presses. 2. Description of Related Art One of the more difficult and time consuming tasks in the operation to clean a cylinder used in a printing press is the need to periodically remove and replace the cleaning fabric used in cleaning the cylinder. In an cylinder cleaner in which a supply of cleaning fabric is supplied to a cleaning fabric take-up roll, the cleaning fabric is drawn off a supply roll and secured to the take-up shaft by means of a plurality of nails or screws. The supply shaft containing the cleaning fabric is then installed onto two support members bolted to the main frame of the printing press. In order to install or remove the supply roll and take-up roll from the support members, an operator first inserts the supply roll onto the suppoπ members and then attaches the cleaning fabric to the take-up roll by physically hammering or screwing the cleaning fabric to the take-up roll. This is accomplished by drawing out some of the cleaning fabric from the supply roll, attaching the cleaning fabric to the take-up roll and then rolling up the excess cleaning fabric onto the take-up roll, and then connecting the take-up roll to the support members. Alternatively, the cleaning fabric is attached to the take-up shaft before the supply roll is attached to the support members. In order to remove the cleaning fabric from the take-up shaft, the cleaning fabric must be physically taken off the take-up shaft which can ruin the take- up shaft or rip the cleaning fabric. Since space is limited, especially in small printing presses. the ability to hammer or screw the cleaning fabric to the take-up shaft is problematic. Therefore, a need exists for a cleaning fabric take-up shaft that easily secures the cleaning fabric to the take-up shaft without the need to physically hammer or screw the fabric to the take-up shaft. Additionally, the used cleaning fabric is typically removed from the cleaning device by unwinding the used fabric from the take-up shaft, which is permanently secured to the support frame. Therefore, a need exists for an efficient system for securing the supply roll and take-up shaft onto the printing press frame. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves these and other needs as apparent from the following description. One embodiment of the present invention was developed to maximize production time by reducing press down time during which the operators of a printing press insert and remove cleaning fabric supply roll and used cleaning fabric of a cylinder cleaner. One embodiment of the present invention features a cylinder cleaning device including a rigid one piece frame. Generally described, the rigid one piece frame supports a cleaning fabric supply roll, a cleaning fabric take-up shaft, and an inflatable bladder assembly. The take-up shaft includes a hingeably mounted rod and an axial groove for securing the cleaning fabric from the supply roll to the take-up roll. Both the supply roll and the take-up shaft are removably attached to the one piece frame. In another embodiment of the present invention, the take-up shaft includes two pronged members for mechanically locking or pinching the cleaning fabric to the take-up shaft. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a spring loaded securing mechanism for loading the supply shaft. - j - Another embodiment of the present invention includes a securing mechanism for preventing the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the assembled embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 3 is another side perspective view, partly sectional, of the assembled embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective of a portion of the embodiment of Figures 1-3. Figure 5 is an exploded view of a take up shaft retaining mechanism according to one embodiment. Figures 6a and 6b are top sectional and side perspective views, respectively, of a take up shaft retaining mechanism according to an alternate embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a two pronged take-up shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Both the structure and operation of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. Turning first to Figure 1. a cylinder cleaning device 100 is shown. In general, the cleaning device 100 includes a frame 10 for holding a cleaning fabric take- up shaft 20, a cleaning fabric supply shaft 30. and an inflatable bladder assembly 40, for pressing cleaning fabric against the cylinder to be cleaned. It is to be understood that any mechanism other than the inflatable bladder 40, such as a blade, may be used to contact the cleaning fabric with the cylinder to be cleaned. More specifically, the frame 10 is removably attachable to a printing press frame (not shown). The frame 10 defines a rigid cartridge housing containing the cleaning fabric take-up shaft 20 and the cleaning fabric supply shaft 30. The rigid cartridge housing includes two side members 16 and a brace member 18. The side members 16 include a first pair of sockets 12 for receiving the take-up shaft 20 and a second pair of sockets 14 for receiving the supply shaft 30. The brace member 18 connects the two side members 16. enabling the cleaning fabric take-up shaft 20 and the cleaning fabric supply shaft 30 to be attached to the frame 10 prior to insertion into the printing press frame. The rigid cartridge housing also supports the inflatable bladder assembly 40. Thus, the frame 10 supporting the cleaning fabric take-up shaft 20, the cleaning fabric supply shaft 30 and the inflatable bladder assembly 40 is inserted and removed from the printing press frame as a complete unit. The frame 10 is constructed using one sheet of material, i.e. aluminum or steel, although in alternate embodiments, the frame 10 includes other metals, alloys or composites generally known in the art, molded plastic, or the like. The take-up shaft 20 is used for the winding of cleaning fabric after it has been used to clean the cylinder. The shaft 20 includes a hingeably mounted rod 22 and an axial groove 24. As illustrated, the rod 22 aligns with the groove 24 so that the rod 22 may be inserted in the groove 24. Preferably, a magnet is imbedded into the groove 24 to secure the rod 22 in place, although other securing means, such as a latch or adhesive, may be used. The take-up shaft 20 also includes a rectangular extension 26, which preferably includes an extension of the groove 24. The extension 26 is engageable with a cleaning cloth advancement mechanism 28. which serves to rotate the take-up shaft 20. In general, the cleaning fabric advancement mechanism 28 includes a one-way clutch and an advancement arm. which can be actuated by any number of means, such as a hydraulic piston or motor. The cleaning cloth advancement mechanism 28 may be any of the known advancement mechanisms, such as that described U.S. Patent No: 5,176.080. herein incorporated by reference, or in U.S. Patent No: 5.450,792. herein incorporated by reference. In an alternate embodiment, a take-up shaft 90 is used for the winding of cleaning fabric after it has been used to clean the cylinder. As illustrated in Figure 7, the shaft 90 includes a support member 92 and two pronged members 94. The two pronged members 94 protrude from the support member 92 and extend parallel to each other. The take-up shaft 90 also includes a securing mechanism 80. The securing mechanism 80 for the take-up shafts will be described in greater detail below. The supply shaft 30 includes one or more projections 32 extending from the circumference therefrom. In the present embodiment, the projections 32 are in the form of three wheels spaced along the axis of the supply shaft 30. The circumference of each wheel 32 extends beyond that of the supply shaft 30. Although the wheels 32 are in axial alignment in the present embodiment, it is to be understood that each wheel 32 may be spaced at different points on the circumference of the supply shaft 30. Additionally, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, fewer or more than three wheels 32 may be used. In still further alternate embodiments, the projections include one or more ridges extending part of or the entire length of the shaft 30. Cooperating with the supply shaft 30 is a spring loaded securing mechanism 36, 38. This mechanism will be described in greater detail with reference to Figure 4. Also cooperating with the supply shaft 30 is a series of nylon-tipped screws 34. When the supply shaft 30 is inserted into the opening 14 in the frame 10, the nylon- tipped screws 34 are tightened around the shaft 30. thereby supplying a braking force. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such a braking force prevents bunching of cleaning fabric. The assembled device 100 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. As illustrated, a cleaning fabric supply roll 50 can be inserted on the supply shaft 30. In general, the supply roll 50 comprises cleaning fabric 52 wound on a cardboard core 54. The procedure for inserting the supply roll 50 on the supply shaft 30 will be described in greater detail below. In an alternate embodiment, the supply shaft 30 and the core of the supply roll 50 interlock in a key arrangement. For example, in one embodiment, the shaft 30 includes a ridge, and the core include a mating groove. A close-up of a socket 14 will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figure 4. As shown, the securing mechanisms 36, 38 are secured together with mechanism 38 extending through the socket 14. Furthermore, the securing member 38 includes a cupped or hollow surface for receiving the end of the supply shaft 30. Additionally, a U-shaped support 60 is secured to the interior surface of the frame 10 when the securing mechanism 36 is drawn away from the frame 10. mechanism 38 is partially drawn out of the socket 14. As discussed in greater detail below, when the mechanism 36 is released, a spring (not shown) draws the mechanism 38 back into the socket 14 and the mechanism 36 back towards the frame 10. Figure 5 illustrates a mechanism for securing the take up shaft in place according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, an extension, here formed as a wedge, 70 is rotatably secured to the end of the take up shaft 20 by means of a screw 72 or rivet. The securing mechanism also includes a rod 74 having a groove 76 cut therein. The rod 74 is secured to either the frame end or the press frame (not shown) in a position such that when the take up shaft 20 is inserted into the frame 10, the wedge 70 may be rotated and engaged with the groove 76. Engagement of the wedge 70 with the groove 76 prevents the shaft 20 from withdrawing axially through the frame 10. An alternative mechanism for securing the take up shaft in place will now be described with reference to Figures 6 A and 6B. The take up shaft securing mechanism 80 comprises a rotatable sleeve 82 attached to the end of the take up shaft 20. As shown, the sleeve has a diameter greater than the socket 12. Furthermore, the sleeve 82 includes a threaded portion on its interior surface which may engage external threads on the socket 12. An extension of the take up shaft 20. which is narrower than the shaft 20 itself, extends through a hole in the center of the sleeve 82. The securing mechanism 80 further includes a knob 88 fixabiy secured to the extension of the take up shaft which passes through the sleeve 82. As such, the knob 88 secures the sleeve 82 to the take up shaft 20 while allowing the sleeve 82 to rotate on the extension. In operation, a cleaning fabric supply roll 50 is inserted axially onto the supply shaft 30. Such insertion is relatively easy, as the wheels 32 exert a relatively low friction force against the cardboard core 54 of the supply roll 50. Additionally, it has been found that the wheels 32 deform the relatively soft cardboard core 54. Once the cleaning cloth supply roll 50 is inserted on the supply shaft 30, the supply shaft 30 is inserted into the frame 10. This is performed by inserting one end into the socket 14 not having the securing mechanism 36. 38. The other end of the supply shaft 30 is secured into place by first drawing the securing mechanism 36, 38 away from the supply shaft 30 and frame 10. The supply shaft 30 is then rested on the U-shaped support 60. With the supply shaft 30 in position, the securing mechanism 36, 38 is then released and drawn back towards the supply shaft 30 by the spring. The hollow, cupped end of the mechanism 38 thus engages the end of the supply shaft 30, thereby securing it in place. It should be noted that the U-shaped support 60 provides the added benefit of limiting axial movement of the supply roll 50 by abutting the cardboard core 54. The take up shaft 20 must also be secured to the frame 10. To secure the shaft 20 to the frame 10, the take up shaft 20 is inserted through the sockets 12 until the sleeve 82 abuts the socket 12. By rotating the sleeve 82. the threaded section 84 of the sleeve engages the threaded section of the socket 86, thereby drawing the take up shaft further through the sockets 12 and into an operational position. It should be noted that engagement of the sleeve 82 with the socket 12 secures the take up shaft 20 in place, while allowing rotation of the shaft 20 through either actuation of the advancement mechanism 28 or manual rotation of the knob 88. With the take up shaft secured in place, the cleaning fabric 52 can be wound through the device 100 and secured to the take up shaft 20. To wind the cleaning fabric 52 through the device 100. it is drawn off of the supply roll 50. threaded around the pad 40, and secured to the take up shaft 20. It should be noted that when drawing the cleaning fabric 52 from the roll 50, the roll 50 and supply shaft 30 rotate together. This occurs because the wheels 32. although having little frictional force axially, have edges that engage the cardboard core 54 and provide a relatively greater radial or angular frictional force. Thus, the cardboard core 54 cannot rotate without also rotating the supply shaft 30. Securing the cleaning fabric 52 to the take up shaft 20 involves first lifting the rod 22 from the groove 24. The cleaning fabric 52 is then inserted underneath the rod 22, between the rod 22 and take up shaft 20. The rod 22 is then reinserted into the groove 24, thereby securing the cleaning fabric 52 between the rod 22 and take up shaft 20. The magnet helps retain the rod 22 in the groove. Next, the cleaning cloth 52 is prevented from being drawn out of the groove 24 by rotating the take up shaft 20 approximately one revolution. Such revolution may be performed manually by either grasping the take up shaft 20 or rotating the knob 88. When the supply roll 50 is expended and the used cleaning fabric 52 is completely wound on the take up shaft 20, the present invention allows easy removable of the used cloth 52. First, the take up shaft 20 is unsecured from the device. This is done by either rotating the wedge 70. shown in Figure 5, out of engagement with the rod 74, or unscrewing the sleeve 82. shown in Figure 6a. from the threaded socket 12. Second, the take up shaft 20 is simply drawn out of the socket 12 a few inches. By drawing the take up shaft 20 out of the frame 10. the used fabric 52 is automatically forced off of the take-up shaft 20 by the force exerted on the fabric 52 by the frame 10 and/or socket 12. With the take-up shaft 20 drawn out of the frame 10 a few inches, the used fabric 52 is freed from the end of the take-up shaft 20 opposite the securing mechanism. Third, the press operator simply pulls the expended cloth 52 off the take- up shaft 20 in an axial direction. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such removal of the used cleaning fabric 52 represents an improvement over the prior art because no time is taken for the unwinding of the used cleaning fabric. In an alternate embodiment using the take-up shaft 90. the cleaning fabric drawn off the supply roll 30 is inserted between the two pronged members 94 protruding from the support member 92 of the take-up shaft 90. The two pronged members 94 retain the cleaning fabric by mechanically locking or pinching the cleaning fabric between the members 94. The take-up shaft is then rotated approximately one revolution to prevent the cleaning cloth from being pulled out of the space between the pronged members 94. Such revolution may be performed manually by either grasping the take-up roll 90 or rotating the knob 88. The take up shaft 90 is secured to the frame in the same manner as described above for the take-up shaft 20. Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather it is intended that the scope of the invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus comprising: a supply of fabric, said fabric having a leading portion; and a take-up shaft for receiving the fabric, said take-up shaft having an axial groove and a rod. wherein the leading portion of the fabric is secured between the mounted rod and the axial groove. 2. The apparatus of claim 1. wherein the rod is inserted into the axial groove. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the take-up shaft is removably mounted on a frame by a securing mechanism for preventing the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. 4. The apparatus of claim 3. wherein the securing mechanism includes a wedge rotatably secured to an end of the take-up shaft, the securing mechanism further includes a rod inserted into the frame, wherein engagement of the wedge and the rod prevents the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. 5. An apparatus comprising: a supply of fabric, said fabric having a leading portion; and a take-up shaft for receiving the fabric, said take-up roll having a plurality of pronged members, wherein the plurality of pronged members mechanically hold the leading portion of the fabric to the take-up roll. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the take-up roll has two pronged members. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the take-up shaft is removably mounted on said frame by a securing mechanism for preventing the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the securing mechanism includes a wedge rotatably secured to an end of the take-up shaft, the securing mechanism further includes a rod inserted into the frame, wherein engagement of the wedge and the rod prevents the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. 9. An apparatus comprising: a fabric, said fabric having a leading portion: a fabric supply roll; a take-up shaft for receiving the fabric from the supply roll; a guiding member which guides the fabric from the fabric supply roll past a cylinder or belt to be cleaned to the take-up shaft; and a one-piece, rigid frame supporting the fabric supply roll and the take-up shaft. 10. The apparatus of claim 9. wherein one end of the fabric supply roll is secured to the frame by a spring loaded securing mechanism. 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the guiding member is an inflatable bladder assembly. 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the take-up shaft includes a plurality of pronged members for mechanically holding the leading portion of the fabric to the take- up roll. 13. The apparatus of claim 9. wherein the take-up shaft has an axial groove and a rod, wherein the leading portion of the fabric is secured between the rod and the axial groove. 14. The apparatus of claim 9. wherein the cleaning fabric supply roll is secured to the frame by a spring loaded securing mechanism. 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the take-up shaft is secured to the frame by a rotatable sleeve attaching to an end of the take-up shaft. 16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the take-up shaft is secured to the frame by a securing mechanism for preventing the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. 17. The device of claim 16. wherein the securing mechanism includes a wedge rotatably secured to an end of the take-up shaft, the securing mechanism further includes a rod inserted into the frame, wherein engagement of the wedge and the rod prevents the take-up shaft from withdrawing axially through the frame. 18. A method comprising: mounting a supply roll of fabric and a take-up shaft onto a frame; supplying fabric from the supply roll to the take-up shaft; securing the fabric from the supply roll onto the take-up shaft; and removing the take-up shaft from the frame when the entire supply of fabric is on the take-up shaft. 19. The method of claim 18. wherein the take-up shaft includes two pronged members, and wherein a leading portion of the fabric is mechanically held by the two pronged members of the take-up shaft. 20. An apparatus comprising: means for removably mounting a supply roll of fabric and a take-up shaft onto a frame; means for supplying fabric from the supply roll to the take-up shaft; means for securing a leading portion of the fabric from the supply roll onto the take-up shaft; and means for removing the take-up shaft from the frame when the entire supply of fabric is on the take-up shaft.

Inventors: BEN-PORAT AVI, FREEBAIRN JAMES, MARGANSKI EDWARD, MARGANSKI JOHN, MARSELLI DANIEL, BEN-PORAT, AVI, FREEBAIRN, JAMES, MARGANSKI, EDWARD, MARGANSKI, JOHN, MARSELLI, DANIEL
Applicants: BALDWIN GRAPHIC SYSTEM INC, BALDWIN GRAPHIC SYSTEMS, INC.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: B41F35
IPC codes: B08B1, B41F35