GB2462084A - Self levelling ink control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A self levelling ink control device that will deliver a pre-determined amount of ink into any ink tray and will continue to feed the ink into the ink tray as it is used during the printing process. The process relies on the ink being held within an air-tight reservoir 1 and then feeding down a feed pipe 4 into an ink tray. An air gap is created between the feed pipe and the ink level within the ink tray during the printing process. This gap is then filled with ink feeding down from the reservoir into the ink tray. The device allows an accurate amount of ink to be delivered to the ink tray and therefore avoids the overfilling of the ink tray and the spillages that then occur. The level of ink is controllable and adjustable by means of an adjustment screw 3 which allows the printing presses to run at higher speeds.

Description

Description. (i

Self levelling ink control.

This invention relates to a device for controlling the level of inks.

When inks are poured into an ink tray on a flexographic or gravure type printing press, it is difficult to control the level of this ink when the printing press is running. As the printing press runs at speed the ink will be churned by rotating rollers. This rotation will have the effect of throwing the ink out of the ink trays and this can cause the printed image to be spoiled. It will also contaminate components within the print head and cause damage to them.

At present the ink level is controlled by pumping the ink from an ink container into the ink trays, it is then returned to ink container via an overflow pipe.

This invention will do away with expensive pump systems and will also keep the ink at the optimum level for the printing press. This will allow the printing press to run at speed, without the ink being thrown out of the ink try.

Figure 1, shows the set-up of the unit and the 5 components which make it up.

1. An air-tight ink reservoir.

2. The adjustable bracket.

3. The height adjuster screw.

4. The feed pipe.

5. The flow valve.

Figure 2, shows the air-tight container.

Figure 3, shows the flow valve and the feed pipe, these would be tailor made to suit different printing presses.

Figure 4, shows the bracket and adjusting screw, these would be tailor made to suit different printing presses.

The ink is poured into the air-tight reservoir; it will flow down the feed pipe when the flow valve is open. The ink will flow out into the ink tray and will stop flowing when it reaches the same level as the end of the feed pipe. The height of feed pipe can be adjusted by raising or lowering the bracket via the height adjuster screw. This in turn determines the level of the ink in the ink tray.

As the ink in the ink tray is used up during the printing process, it will create an air gap between the end of the feed pipe and the level of ink in the ink tray. Once this gap is created, the ink from the reservoir will feed down into the ink tray, maintaining the level of ink in the ink tray.

Should the reservoir need topping up during the printing process, the flow valve on the feed pipe is lifted and closed. This will allow the printer to remove the air-tight lid from the reservoir and re-fill it with ink. Once this has been done and the reservoir re-sealed, the flow valve is lowered on the feed pipe and the ink flow can continue. c)

Claims (4)

1. Claims.1. A self levelling ink control device that will maintain a constant level of ink within an ink tray.
2. 2. A self levelling ink control device that can be set to a pre-determined height and in doing so set the correct level of ink within an ink tray.
3. 3. A self levelling ink control device that will allow a printing press to run at a higher speed without ink spillage.
4. 4. A self levelling ink control device that will allow the printer/operator to control the ink level within an ink tray and to fill the ink tray with ease