Patent Publication Number: US-9421752-B2

Title: Numbering and imprinting machine and printing press utilizing the same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a numbering and imprinting machine for performing numbering printing on a sheet and to a printing press utilizing the same. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     As a conventional numbering and imprinting machine for performing numbering printing on a sheet, for example, there is one configured to print a first number on an outer surface (one surface) of a sheet by means of a numbering cylinder of a first numbering printing unit while a sheet is held on an impression cylinder of the first numbering printing unit, then to transfer the sheet via a transfer cylinder to an impression cylinder of a second numbering printing unit and support the sheet on the impression cylinder, and to print a second number on the outer surface (one surface) of the sheet by means of a numbering cylinder of the second numbering printing unit, such that the numbering and imprinting machine can print two numbers on the one surface of the sheet (see for example Patent Literature 1). 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         {Patent Literature 1} Japanese Patent application Publication No. 2000-062134 
         {Patent Literature 2} Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-216369 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, the conventional numbering and imprinting machine as described above is capable of printing two numbers on one surface of a sheet by passing the sheet therethrough once, but is incapable of printing numbers on both of one surface and the other surface of tire sheet by passing the sheet therethrough once. For this reason, when numbers are to be printed on one surface and the other surface of the sheet, it is necessary to first print a number on one surface of a sheet in the numbering printing press, and to then pass the sheet again through the numbering printing press to print a number on the other surface of the sheet. This is not only troublesome but may also lead to deterioration in registration accuracy between a number printed on one surface and a number printed on the other surface. 
     In view of the aforementioned problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a numbering and imprinting machine capable of easily printing numbers on both of one surface and another surface of a sheet with high accuracy and a printing press utilizing the same. 
     Solution to Problem 
     To solve the aforementioned problem, a first aspect of the present invention provides a numbering and imprinting machine for printing numbers on a sheet, comprising: a numbering printing unit for one surface including an impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface configured to hold and transport the sheet, and a numbering cylinder for one surface disposed to be movable into contact with and away from the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface, and configured to perform numbering printing on a surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface while the sheet is held on the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface; a first numbering printing unit for the other surface including a first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface disposed in contact with the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface of the numbering printing unit for one surface at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface with the numbering cylinder for one surface in a sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface and to hold and transport the sheet, and a first numbering cylinder for the other surface disposed to be movable into contact with and away from the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface. and configured to perform numbering printing on a surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface while the sheet is held on the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface; a drying unit for numbering printing for one surface including a drying cylinder for numbering printing for one surface disposed in contact with the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface of the first numbering printing unit for the other surface at a position downstream of a contact positron of the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface with the first numbering cylinder for the other surface in the sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface and to hold and transport the sheet, and drying means for numbering printing for one surface for drying a number printed on the surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder for numbering printing for one surface while the sheet is held on the drying cylinder for numbering printing for one surface; and a second numbering printing unit for the other surface including a second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface disposed in contact with the drying cylinder for numbering printing for one surface of the drying unit for numbering printing for one surface at a position downstream of a position where the drying means for numbering printing for one surface performs the drying, in the sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the drying cylinder for numbering printing for one surface and to hold and transport the sheet, and a second numbering cylinder for the other surface disposed to be movable into contact with and away from the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface, and configured to perform numbering printing on the surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface while the sheet is held on the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface. 
     In addition, a second aspect of the present invention provides the numbering and imprinting machine according to the first aspect, further comprising: an intermediate transport cylinder for numbering printing disposed in contact with the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface of the second numbering printing unit for the other surface at a position downstream of a contact position of the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface with the second numbering cylinder for the other surface in the sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface and to hold and transport the sheet; and a drying unit for numbering printing for the other surface including a drying cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface disposed in contact with the intermediate transport cylinder for numbering printing, and configured to receive the sheet from the intermediate transport cylinder for numbering printing arid to hold and transport the sheet, and drying means for numbering printing for the other surface for drying a number printed on the surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface while the sheet is held on the drying cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface. 
     In addition, a third aspect of the present invention provides a printing press comprising: the numbering and imprinting machine according to the first or second aspect; and an offset printing machine disposed at a position upstream, of the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface of the numbering printing unit for one surface of the numbering and imprinting machine in she sheet transport direction, and configured to perform offset printing on the sheet. 
     In addition, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides the printing press according to the third aspect, in which the offset printing machine includes: an offset printing u a it for one surface including a n impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface configured to hold and transport the sheet, a blanket cylinder for one surface disposed in contact with the impress ion cylinder for offset printing for one surface, and a plate cylinder for one surface disposed in contact with the blanket cylinder for one surface; a first offset printing unit for the other surface including a first impression cylinder fox offset printing for the other surface disposed in contact with the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface of the offset printing unit for one surface at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface with the blanket cylinder for one surface in the sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface and to hold and transport the sheet, a first blanket cylinder for the other surface disposed in contact with the first impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface, and a first plate cylinder for the other surface disposed in contact with the first blanket cylinder for the other surface; a drying unit for offset printing for one surface including a drying cylinder for offset printing for one surface disposed in contact with the first impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface of the first offset printing unit for the other surface at a position downstream of a contact position of the first impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface with the first blanket cylinder for the other surface in the sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the first impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface and to hold and transport the sheet, and drying means fox offset printing for one surface for drying an ink transferred on the surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder for offset printing for one surface while the sheet is held on the drying cylinder for offset printing for one surface; and a drying unit for offset printing for the ether surface including a drying cylinder for offset printing for the other surface disposed in contact with the drying cylinder for offset printing for one surface of the drying unit for offset printing for one surface at a position downstream of a position where the drying means for offset printing for one surface performs the drying, in the sheet transport direction, and configured to receive the sheet from the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface and to hold and transport the sheet, and drying means for offset printing for the other surface for drying an ink transferred on the surface of the sheet on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder for offset printing for the other surface while the sheet is held on the drying cylinder for offset printing for the other surface. 
     In addition, a fifth aspect of the present invention provides the printing press according to the fourth aspect, in which the offset printing machine includes a second offset printing unit for the other surface including a second impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface disposed in contact with the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface of the offset printing unit for one surface at a position upstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface with the blanket cylinder for one surface in the sheet transport direction and downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface with the first impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface of the first offset printing unit for the other surface in she sheet transport direction, and configured to hold the sheet and transport the sheet to the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface, a second blanket cylinder for the other surface disposed in contact with the second impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface at a position upstream of a contact position of the second impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface with the impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface in the sheet transport direction, and a second plate cylinder for the other surface disposed in contact with the second blanket cylinder for the other surface. 
     In addition, a sixth aspect of the present invention provides the printing press according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the drying cylinder for offset printing for the other surface of the drying unit for offset printing for the otter surface of the offset printing machine is in contact with the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface of the numbering printing unit for one surface of the numbering and imprinting machine at a position upstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface with the numbering cylinder for one surface in the sheet transport direction and downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface with the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface of the first numbering printing unit for the other surface in the sheet transport direction. 
     Moreover, a seventh aspect of the present invention provides a numbering printing method using the numbering and imprinting machine according to the first or second aspect, comprising: performing numbering printing on one surface of a sheet by means of the numbering printing unit for one surface but not performing numbering printing on the other surface of the sheet by means of the first numbering printing unit for the other surface, by moving the numbering cylinder for one surface of the numbering printing unit for one surface and the second numbering cylinder for the other surface of the second numbering printing unit for the other surface into contact with the impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface and the second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface, respectively, and by moving the first numbering cylinder for the other surface of the first numbering printing unit for the other surface away from the first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface; drying the number on the one surface of the sheet by means of the drying unit for numbering printing for one surface; and thereafter performing numbering printing on the other surface of the sheet by means of the second numbering printing unit for the other surface, thereby performing numbering printing of one number on the one surface of the sheet and numbering printing of one number on the other surface of the sheet. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The numbering and imprinting machine according to the present invention and the printing press utilizing the same are not only capable of performing numbering printing of two numbers on one surface (the other surface) of a sheet by passing the sheet therethrough only once, but also capable of performing numbering printing of one number on both surfaces (one surface and the other surface) of a sheet by passing the sheet therethrough only once. Accordingly, it is possible to significantly reduce deterioration in the registration accuracy between the numbering printing on one surface and the numbering printing on the other surface, and thus to easily perform numbering printing on both surfaces of a sheet with high accuracy. 
     Moreover, since the transfer of the sheet is performed by only the cylinders, it is possible to largely reduce deterioration in the registration accuracy during the transfer of the sheet, and thus to greatly suppress deterioration in the accuracy of numbering printing. 
     In addition, according to the numbering printing method of the present invention, when numbering printing is to be performed on both surfaces of a sheet, numbering printing is performed on one surface of the sheet by the numbering printing unit for one surface but numbering printing is not performed on the other surface of the sheet by the first numbering printing unit for the other surface, and after the number on the one surface of the sheet is dried by the drying unit for numbering printing for one surface, numbering printing is performed on the other s or face of the sheet by the second numbering printing unit for the other surface. Accordingly it is possible to prevent smear and the like from occurring even when numbers are printed on one surface and the other surface of the sheet at the same position in a direction perpendicular to the sheet face. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  shows an overall schematic configuration diagram of a main embodiment of a printing press in which a numbering and imprinting machine according to the present invention is combined with an offset printing machine. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Although embodiments of a numbering and imprinting machine according to the present invention and a printing press utilizing the same will be described on the basis of the drawing, the present invention is not limited only to the following embodiments described on the basis of the drawing. 
     &lt;Main Embodiment&gt; 
     A main embodiment of a printing press in which a numbering and imprinting machine according to the present invention is combined with an offset printing machine will be described on the basis of  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a sheet feeding device  110 , which is sheet feeding means for feeding a paper sheet  1 , which is a sheet, is presided with a sheet feeding tray  111  on which the paper sheets  1  to be fed are stacked. A base end-side of a feeder board  112  configured to feed the paper sheets  1  on the sheet feeding tray  111  one by one is connected to the sheet feeding device  110 . A transfer cylinder  114  configured to hold a leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  and transport the paper sheet  1  is disposed on a front end-side of the feeder board  112 . A swing arm shaft pregripper  113  configured to pass the paper sheets  1  on the feeder board  112  one by one to the transfer cylinder  114  is disposed between the front end-side of the feeder board  112  and the transfer cylinder  114 . 
     A double-size impression cylinder  121 , which is a second impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface, having two gripping devices  121   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the transfer cylinder  114 . Each of the gripping devices  121   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A blanket cylinder  122 , which is a second blanket cylinder for the other surface, having a rubber blanket wound around a peripheral surface thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  121 . 
     A plate cylinder  123 , which is a second plate cylinder for the other surface, having a printing plate wound around a peripheral surface thereof, is in contact with the blanket cylinder  122 . An ink supply device (not shown), which is second ink supply means for offset printing for the other surface for supplying ink to the plate cylinder  123 , is disposed around the plate cylinder  123 . In the embodiment, the impression cylinder  121 , the blanket cylinder  122 , the plate cylinder  123 , the ink supply device, and the like as described above constitute a second offset printing unit for the other surface. 
     A double-size impression cylinder  124 , which is an impression cylinder for offset printing for one surface, having two gripping devices  124   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  121  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  121  with the blanket cylinder  122  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  121  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the transfer cylinder  114  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). Each of the gripping devices  124   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A blanket cylinder  125 , which is a blanket cylinder for one surface, having a rubber blanket wound around a peripheral surface thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  124 . 
     A plate cylinder  126 , which is a plate cylinder for one surface, having a printing plate wound around a peripheral surface thereof, is in contact with the blanket cylinder  125 . An ink supply device (not shown), which is ink supply means for offset printing for one surface, for supplying ink to the plate cylinder  126 , is disposed around the plate cylinder  126 . In the embodiment, the impression cylinder  124 , the blanket cylinder  125 , the plate cylinder  126 , the ink supply device, and the like as described above constitute an offset printing unit for one surface. 
     A double-size impression cylinder  127 , which is a first impression cylinder for offset printing for the other surface, having two gripping devices  127   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  124  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  124  with the blanket cylinder  125  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  124  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the impression cylinder  121  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). Each of the gripping devices  127   a  has a gripper configured to detachable grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A blanket cylinder  128 , which is a first blanket cylinder for the other surface, having a rubber blanket wound around a peripheral surface thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  127 . 
     A plate cylinder  129 , which is a first plate cylinder for the other surface, having a printing plate wound around a peripheral surface thereof, is in contact with the blanket cylinder  128 . An ink supply device (not shown), which is first ink supply means for offset printing for the other surface for supplying ink to the plate cylinder  129 , is disposed around the place cylinder  129 . In the embodiment, the impression cylinder  127 , the blanket cylinder  128 , the plate cylinder  129 , the ink supply device, and the like as described above constitute a first offset printing unit for the other surface. 
     A double-size drying cylinder  131 , which is a drying cylinder for offset printing for one surface, having two gripping devices  131   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  127  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  127  with the blanket cylinder  128  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  127  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the impression cylinder  124  in the rotation correction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). Each of the gripping devices  131   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . 
     A double-size drying cylinder  132 , which is a drying cylinder for offset printing for the other surface, having two gripping devices  132   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the drying cylinder  131 . Each of the gripping devices  132   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . 
     A double-size impression cylinder  141 , which is an impression cylinder for numbering printing for one surface, having two gripping devices  141   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the drying cylinder  132 . Each of the gripping devices  141   a  has a gripper configured to detachable grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A numbering cylinder  142 , which is a numbering cylinder for one surface, is in contact with the impression cylinder  141 . The numbering cylinder  142  is configured to perform numbering printing on a surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the impression cylinder  141  while the paper sheet  1  is held on the impression cylinder  141 . 
     A sheet guide, which is not shown (see, for example, Patent Literature 2 described above), is disposed on the impression cylinder  141  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  141  with the drying cylinder  132  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  141  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the numbering cylinder  142  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The sheet guide is configured to press and stabilize the paper sheet  1  against an outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder  141  while the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  141 . In the embodiment, the impression cylinder  141 , the numbering cylinder  142 , the sheet guide, and the like as described above constitute a numbering printing unit for one surface. 
     A double-size impression cylinder  143 , which is a first impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface, having two gripping devices  143   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  14   1  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  141  with the numbering cylinder  142  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  141  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the drying cylinder  132  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). Each of the gripping devices  143   a  has a gripper configured so detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A numbering cylinder  144 , which is a first numbering cylinder for the other surface, is in contact with the impression cylinder  143 . The numbering cylinder  144  is configured to perform numbering printing on a surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the impression cylinder  143  while the paper sheet  1  is held on the impression cylinder  143 . 
     A sheet guide, which is not shown (see, for example, Patent Literature 2 described above), is disposed on the impression cylinder  143  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  143  with the impression cylinder  141  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  143  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the numbering cylinder  144  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The sheet guide is configured to press and stabilize the paper sheet  1  against an outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder  143  while the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  143 . In the embodiment, the impression cylinder  143 , the numbering cylinder  144 , the sheet guide, and the like as described above constitute a first numbering printing unit for the other surface. 
     A double-size drying cylinder  151 , which is a drying cylinder for numbering printing for one surface, having two gripping devices  151   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  143  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  143  with the numbering cylinder  144  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  143  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the impression cylinder  141  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). Each of the gripping devices  151   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . 
     A double-size impression cylinder  145 , which is a second impression cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface, having two gripping devices  145   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the drying cylinder  151 . Each of the gripping devices  145   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A numbering cylinder  146 , which is a second numbering cylinder for the other surface, is in contact with the impression cylinder  145 . The numbering cylinder  146  is configured to perform numbering printing on a surface of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the impression cylinder  145  while the paper sheet  1  is held on the impression cylinder  145 . 
     A sheet guide, which is not shown (see, for example, Patent Literature 2 described above), is disposed on the impression cylinder  145  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  145  with the drying cylinder  151  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  145  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the numbering cylinder  146  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The sheet guide is configured to press and stabilize the paper sheet  1  against an outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder  145  while the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  145 . In the embodiment, the impression cylinder  145 , the numbering cylinder  146 , the sheet guide, and the like as described above constitute a second numbering printing unit for the other surface. 
     A double-size transfer cylinder  161 , which is an intermediate transport cylinder for numbering printing, having two gripping devices  161   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the impression cylinder  145  at a position downstream of a contact position of the impression cylinder  145  with the numbering cylinder  146  in a rotation direction of the impression cylinder  145  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the drying cylinder  151  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). Each of the gripping devices  161   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A double-size drying cylinder  152 , which is a drying cylinder for numbering printing for the other surface, having two gripping devices  152   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the transfer cylinder  161 . Each of the gripping devices  152   a  has a gripper configured to detachable grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . 
     A double-size transfer cylinder  162 , which is a transport cylinder, having two gripping devices  162   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the drying cylinder  152 . Each of the gripping devices  162   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet 1. A double-size transfer cylinder  163 , which is a transport cylinder, having two gripping devices  163   a  arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction thereof, is in contact with the transfer cylinder  162 . Each of the gripping devices  162   a  has a gripper configured to detachably grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . 
     Moreover, drying devices  133 , which are drying means for offset printing for one surface, are disposed around the drying cylinder  131  at positions downstream of a contact position of the drying cylinder  131  with, the impression cylinder  127  in a rotation direction of the drying cylinder  131  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the drying cylinder  132  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The drying devices  133  are configured to dry (cure) the ink transferred onto the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder  131  by using heat (ultraviolet (UV) ray) while the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  131 . In the embodiment, the drying cylinder  131 , the drying devices  133 , and the like as described above constitute a drying unit for offset printing for one surface. 
     Drying devices  134 , which are drying means for offset printing for the other surface, are disposed around the drying cylinder  132  at positions downstream of a contact position of the drying cylinder  132  with the drying cylinder  131  in a rotation direction of the drying cylinder  132  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the impression cylinder  141  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The drying devices  134  are configured to dry (cure) the ink transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder  132  by using heat (ultraviolet (UV) ray) while the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  132 . In the embodiment, the drying cylinder  132 , the drying devices  134 , and the like as described above constitute a drying unit for offset printing for the other surface. 
     Drying devices  153 , which are drying means for numbering printing for one surface, are disposed around the drying cylinder  151  at positions downstream of a contact position of the drying cylinder  151  with the impression cylinder  142  in a rotation direction of the drying cylinder  151  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the impression cylinder  113  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The drying devices  153  are configured to dry a number printed on tins surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder  151  while the paper sheet  1 , is held and transported on the drying cylinder  151 . In the embodiment, the drying cylinder  151 , the drying devices  153 , and the like as described above constitute a drying unit for numbering printing for one surface. 
     Drying devices  154 , which are drying means for numbering printing for the other surface, are disposed around the drying cylinder  152  at positions downstream of a contact position of the drying cylinder  152  with the transfer cylinder  161  in a rotation direction of the drying cylinder  152  (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ) and upstream of a contact position thereof with the transfer cylinder  162  in the rotation direction thereof (transport direction of the paper sheet  1 ). The drying devices  154  are configured to dry a number printed on the surface ( the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on an outer side in a radial direction of the drying cylinder  152  while the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  152 . In the embodiment, the drying cylinder  152 , the drying devices  154 , and the like as described above constitute a drying unit for numbering printing for the other surface. 
     A delivery cylinder  181  of a delivery device  180 , which is sheet discharging means for discharging the printed paper sheet  1 , is in contact with the transfer cylinder  163 . A sprocket, which is not shown, is coaxially provided to the delivery cylinder  181 . An endless delivery chain  184  is wound around the sprocket. The delivery chain  184  is wound around a sprocket  183  disposed away from the aforementioned sprocket. The delivery chain  134  is thus capable of traveling between these sprockets in accordance with rotations of the sprockets. 
     A plurality of gripper bars  185  are attached to the delivery chain  184  at predetermined intervals in a longitudinal direction of the delivery chain  184 . Each of the gripper bars  185  includes a gripping device having a gripper configured to detachable grip and hold the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1 . A plurality of delivery trays  186 A and  186 B for piling the printed paper sheets  1  are disposed below the delivery chain  184  along a traveling direction of the delivery chain  184 . 
     Moreover, each of the blanket cylinders  122 ,  125 , and  128  is supported to be movable into contact with and away from the corresponding impression cylinder  121 ,  124 , or  127  and the corresponding plate cylinder  123 ,  125 , or  129 . Each of the numbering cylinders  142 ,  144 , and  146  is supported to be movable into contact with and away from the corresponding impression cylinder  141 ,  143 , or  145 . 
     In the embodiment as described above, the offset printing unit for one surface, the first offset printing unit for the other surface, the second offset printing unit for the other surface, the drying unit for offset printing for one surface, the drying unit for offset printing for the other surface, and the like constitute the offset printing machine; the numbering printing unit for one surface, the first numbering printing unit for the other surface, the second numbering printing unit for the other surface, the drying unit for numbering printing for one surface, the drying unit for numbering printing for the other surface, one transfer cylinder  161 , and the like constitute the numbering and imprinting machine; and the offset printing machine, the numbering and imprinting machine, the sheet feeding device  110 , the delivery device  180 , the transfer cylinders  162  and  163 , and the like constitute the printing press  100 . 
     Next, an operation of the printing press  100  according to the embodiment will be described. 
     For example, when offset printing of two types (two colors) and numbering printing of two numbers are performed on only one surface of the paper sheet  1 , the blanket cylinders  122  and  128  of the first and second offset printing units for the other surface are positioned such that the blanket cylinders  122  and  128  are moved into contact with the impression cylinders  121  and  127  and the plate cylinders  123  and  129  while the blanket cylinder  125  of the offset printing unit for one surface is positioned such that the blanket cylinder  125  is moved away from the impression cylinder  124  and the plate cylinder  126 . Moreover, the numbering cylinders  144  and  146  of the first and second numbering printing units for the other surface are positioned such that the numbering cylinders  144  and  146  are moved into contact with the impression cylinders  143  and  145  while the numbering cylinder  142  of the numbering printing unit for one surface is positioned such that the numbering cylinder  142  is moved away from the impression cylinder  141 . In addition, only the drying devices  134  and  154  of the drying unit for offset printing for the other surface and the drying unit for numbering printing for the other surface are actuated while the drying devices  133  and  153  of the drying unit for offset printing for one surface and the drying unit for numbering printing for one surface are not actuated. 
     Then, when the sheet feeding device  110  and the like are actuated to feed the paper sheets  1  on the sheet feeding tray  111  one by one onto the feeder board  112 , and the swing arm shaft pregripper  113  transfers the papers sheets  1  one by one to the transfer cylinder  114 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  thus transferred to the transfer cylinder  114  is then gripped by the gripping device  121   a  of the impression cylinder  121 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  121 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  121  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  121  with the blanket cylinder  122 . The ink (of the first color) supplied from the ink supply device onto the printing plate of the plate cylinder  123  and transferred onto the blanket cylinder  122  is thus transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  121 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  124   a  of the impression cylinder  124 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  124 . 
     Since the blanket cylinder  125  is away from the impression cylinder  124 , the paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  124  is transported as it is with no ink being transferred to the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  124 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  127   a  of the impression cylinder  127 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  127 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  127  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  127  with the blanket cylinder  128 . The ink (of the second color) supplied from the ink supply device onto the printing plate of the plate cylinder  129  and transferred onto the blanket cylinder  128  is thus transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  121 , The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  131   a  of the drying cylinder  131 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  131 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the drying cylinder  131  is transported, and the leading end-side thereof is then gripped by the gripping device  132   a  of the drying cylinder  132 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  132 . 
     When the paper sheet  1  is held on the drying cylinder  132 , the ink transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the drying cylinder  132  is dried by the drying devices  134 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  141   a  of the impression cylinder  141 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  141 . 
     Since the numbering cylinder  142  is away from the impression cylinder  141 , the paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  141  is transported as it is with no numbering printing being performed on the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  141 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  143   a  of the impression cylinder  143 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  143 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  143  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  143  with the numbering cylinder  144 , so that the number (first number) of the numbering cylinder  144  is printed on the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  143  while the paper sheet  1  is pressed against the impression cylinder  143  by the sheet guide. At this time, since the inks (of the first and second colors) offset-printed on the paper sheet  1  have been dried by the drying devices  134 , the inks do not adhere to the sheet guide. 
     After the numbering printing is performed on the paper sheet  1  on the impression cylinder  143 , the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  151   a  of the drying cylinder  151 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  151 . The paper sheet  1  held on the drying cylinder  151  is transported, and the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  145   a  of the impression cylinder  145 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  145 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  145  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  145  with the numbering cylinder  146 , so that the number (the second number) of the numbering cylinder  146  is printed on the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  145  while the paper sheet  1  is pressed against the impression cylinder  145  by the sheet guide. At this time, since the inks (of the first and second colors) offset-printed on the paper sheet  1  have been dried by the drying devices  134 , the inks do not adhere to the sheet guide. 
     After the numbering printing is performed on the paper sheet  1  on the impression cylinder  145 , the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  161   a  of the transfer cylinder  161 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the transfer cylinder  161 . The paper sheet  1  held on the transfer cylinder  161  is transported, and the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  152   a  of the drying cylinder  152 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  152 . 
     When the paper sheet  1  is held on the drying cylinder  152 , the numbers (first and second numbers) printed on the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the drying cylinder  152  are dried by the drying devices  154 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  162   a  of the transfer cylinder  162 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the transfer cylinder  162 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the transfer cylinder  162  is transported, and the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  163   a  of the transfer cylinder  163 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the transfer cylinder  163 . 
     The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  held on the transfer cylinder  163  is then gripped by the gripper bar  185  of the delivery chain  184  through the delivery cylinder  181  of the delivery device  180 . The paper sheet  1  is then transported in accordance with the traveling of the delivery chain  184 , and discharged and piled on the delivery tray  186 A or  186 B. 
     As a result, offset printing of two types (two colors) and numbering printing of two numbers are performed on only one surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1 . 
     On the other hand, when offset printing of one type (one color) and numbering printing of one number are performed on each of both surfaces of the paper sheet  1 , the blanket cylinders  122  and  125  of the offset printing unit for one surface and the second offset printing unit for the other surface are positioned such that the blanket cylinders  122  and  125  are moved into contact with the impression cylinders  121  and  124  and the plate cylinders  123  and  126  while the blanket cylinder  128  of the first offset printing an it for the other surface is positioned such chat the blanket cylinder  128  is moved away from the impression cylinder  127  and the plate cylinder  129 . Moreover, the numbering cylinders  142  and  126  of she numbering printing unit for one surface and the second numbering printing unit for the other surface are positioned such that the numbering cylinders  142  and  146  are moved into contact with the impression cylinders  141  and  145  while the numbering cylinder  144  of the first numbering printing unit for the other surface is positioned such that the numbering cylinder  144  is moved away from the impression cylinder  143 , In addition, the drying devices  133 ,  134 ,  153 , and  154  of all the drying units are actuated. 
     Then, in the same manner as described above, the sheet feeding device  110  and the like are actuated to feed the paper sheets  1  on the sheet feeding tray  111  one by one onto the feeder board  112 , and the swing arm shaft pregripper  113  transfers the paper sheets  1  one by one to the transfer cylinder  114 . The paper sheet  1  is then transferred to the impression cylinder  121  through the transfer cylinder  114 . In the same manner as described above, the paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  121  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  121  with the blanket cylinder  122 . The ink (for the other surface) supplied from the ink supply device onto the printing plate of the plate cylinder  123  and transferred onto the blanket cylinder  122  is thus transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  121 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  124   a  of the impression cylinder  124 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  124 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  124  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  124  with the blanket cylinder  125 . The ink (for one surface) supplied from the ink supply device onto the printing plate of the plate cylinder  126  and transferred onto the blanket cylinder  125  is thus transferred onto the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  124 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  127   a  of the impression cylinder  127 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression, cylinder  127 . 
     Since the blanket cylinder  128  is away from the impression cylinder  127 , the paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  127  is transported as it is with no ink being transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  127 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  131   a  of the drying cylinder  131 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  131 . 
     When the paper sheet  1  is held on the drying cylinder  131 , the ink (for one surface) transferred onto the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the drying cylinder  131  is dried by the drying devices  133 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  132   a  of the drying cylinder  132 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on she drying cylinder  132 . 
     When the paper sheet  1  is held on the drying cylinder  132 , the ink (for the other surface) transferred onto the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the drying cylinder  132  is dried by the drying devices  134 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  141   a  of the impression cylinder  141 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  141 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  141  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  141  with the numbering cylinder  142 , so that the number (for one surface) of the numbering cylinder  142  is printed on the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  141  while the paper sheet  1  is pressed against the impression cylinder  141  by the sheet guide. At this time, since the ink (for one surface) offset-printed on the paper sheet  1  has been dried by the drying devices  133 , the ink does not adhere to the sheet aside. 
     After the numbering printing is performed on the paper sheet  1  on the impression cylinder  141 , the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  143   a  of the impression cylinder  143 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  143 . Since the numbering cylinder  144  is away from the impression cylinder  143 , the paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  143  is transported as it is with no numbering printing being performed on the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  143 . 
     When the paper sheet  1  is held on the impression cylinder  143 , the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  151   a  of the drying cylinder  151 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  151 . When the paper sheet  1  is held on the drying cylinder  151 , the number (for one surface) printed on the surface (one surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the drying cylinder  151  is dried by the drying devices  153 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping device  145   a  of the impression cylinder  145 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the impression cylinder  145 . 
     The paper sheet  1  held on the impression cylinder  145  passes through the contact position of the impression cylinder  145  with the numbering cylinder  146 , so that the number (for the other surface) of the numbering cylinder  146  is printed on the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the impression cylinder  145  while the paper sheet  1  is pressed against the impression cylinder  143  by the sheet guide. At this time, since the ink (for the other surface) offset-printed on the paper sheet  1  has been dried by the drying devices  134 , the ink does not adhere to the sheet guide. 
     After the numbering printing is performed on the paper sheet  1  on the impression cylinder  145 , the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  161   a  of the transfer cylinder  161 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the transfer cylinder  161 . The paper sheet  1  held on the transfer cylinder  161  is transported, and the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  152   a  of the drying cylinder  152 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the drying cylinder  152 . 
     When the paper sheet  1  is held on the drying cylinder  152 , the number (for the other surface) printed on the surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  on the outer side in the radial direction of the drying cylinder  152  is dried by the drying devices  154 . The leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripping devices  162   a  of the transfer cylinder  162 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the transfer cylinder  162 . 
     In the same manner as described above, the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  held on the transfer cylinder  162  is then gripped by the gripping devices  163   a  of the transfer cylinder  163 , so that the paper sheet  1  is held and transported on the transfer cylinder  163 , and the leading end-side of the paper sheet  1  is then gripped by the gripper bar  185  of the delivery chain  184  through the delivery cylinder  181  of the delivery device  180 . The paper sheet  1  is then transported in accordance with the traveling of the delivery chain  184 , and discharged and piled on the delivery tray  186 A or  186 B. 
     As a result, offset printing of one type (one color) and numbering printing of one number are performed on both surfaces (the one surface and the other surface) of the paper sheet  1 . 
     Accordingly, the printing press  100  according to the embodiment is not only capable of performing offset printing of two types (two colors) and numbering printing of two numbers on one surface (the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  by passing the paper sheet  1  therethrough only once, but also capable of performing offset printing of one type (one color) and numbering printing of one number on both surfaces (one surface and the other surface) of the paper sheet  1  by passing the paper sheet  1  therethrough only once. It is thus possible to significantly reduce the deterioration in registration accuracy between offset printing and numbering printing on one surface and offset printing and numbering printing on the other surface. 
     Therefore, According to the printing press  100  of the embodiment, it is possible not only to perform offset printing and numbering printing on only one surface of the paper sheet  1 , but also to perform offset printing and numbering printing on both surfaces of the paper sheet  1  with high accuracy, 
     In addition, it is possible to select offset printing of one color or two on one surface of the paper sheet  1 , numbering printing of one number or two on one surface of the paper sheet  1 , offset printing on both surfaces of the paper sheet  1 , or numbering printing on both surfaces of the paper sheet  1 , as desired. Therefore, printing with various specifications can be performed by passing the paper sheet  1  through the printing press only once. 
     In addition, since the transfer of the paper sheet  1  between the sheet feeding device  110  end the delivery device  180  is performed by only the cylinders, it is possible to largely reduce deterioration in the registration accuracy during the transfer of the paper sheet  1 , and thus to greatly suppress deterioration in the accuracy of offset printing and numbering printing. 
     In addition, when numbering printing is performed on both surfaces of the paper sheet  1 , numbering printing is first performed on one surface of the paper sheet  1  by the numbering printing unit for one surface. The number on the one surface of the paper sheet  1  is then dried by the drying unit for numbering printing for one surface while numbering printing is not performed on the other surface of the paper sheet  1  by the first numbering printing unit for the other surface. Thereafter, numbering printing is performed on the other surface of the paper sheet  1  by the second numbering printing unit for the other surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent smear and the like from occurring even when numbers are printed on one surface and the other surface of the paper sheet  1  at the same position in a direction perpendicular to the sheet face. 
     &lt;Other Embodiments&gt; 
     In the above-described embodiment, offset printing of one type (one color) is performed on both surfaces of the paper sheet  1  by the offset printing unit for one surface and the second offset printing unit for the other surface. However, in another embodiment, offset printing can be performed on both surfaces of the paper sheet  1  by the offset printing unit for one surface and the first offset printing unit for the other surface, for example. 
     In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the printing press in which the numbering and imprinting machine is combined with the offset printing machine is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, but can achieve the same operations and effects as those of the above-described embodiment even in the case of a numbering and imprinting machine combined with no offset printing machine. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The numbering and imprinting machine according to the present invention and the printing press utilizing the same can easily perform numbering printing on both surfaces of a sheet with high accuracy, and thus can be utilized very beneficially in the printing industry and the like. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       1  PAPER SHEET 
       100  PRINTING PRESS 
       110  SHEET FEEDING DEVICE 
       111  SHEET FEEDING TRAY 
       112  FEEDER BOARD 
       113  SWING ARM SHAFT PREGRIPPER 
       114  TRANSFER CYLINDER 
       121 ,  124 ,  127  IMPRESSION CYLINDER 
       121   a ,  124 ,  127   a  GPIPPING DEVICE 
       122 ,  125 ,  128  BLANKET CYLINDER 
       123 ,  126 ,  129  PLATE CYLINDER 
       131 ,  132  DRYING CYLINDER 
       133 ,  134  DRYING DEVICE 
       141 ,  143 ,  145  IMPRESSION CYLINDER 
       141   a ,  143   a ,  145   a  GRIPPING DEVICE 
       142 ,  144 ,  146  NUMBERING CYLINDER 
       151 ,  152  DRYING CYLINDER 
       153 ,  154  DRYING DEVICE 
       161  to  163  TRANSFER CYLINDER 
       161   a  TO  163   a  GRIPPING DEVICE 
       180  DELIVERY DEVICE 
       181  DELIVERY CYLINDER 
       183  SPROCKET 
       184  DELIVERY CHAIN 
       185  GRIPPER BAR 
       186 A,  186 B DELIVERY TRAY