EP3693169A1 - Device and method for assembling and sorting a printing substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for assembling and sorting a printing substrate (1), the printing substrate (1) being a web material which can be displaced along a web path. A print image checking device (20) is provided, which is arranged on one side of a print substrate (1) printed with a print image, the print image checking device (20) using an image recording device (21) to capture an image of the print image on the print substrate (1 ) records in order to compare the print image on the print substrate (1) with comparison data. The print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) is determined as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, there is a match between the print image and the Comparison data is determined. The print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) is determined to be an incorrect print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, there is no correspondence between the print image and the comparison data is determined. A print sheet (29, 30) is separated by means of a finishing device (23), the separated print sheet being guided to a first transport path (26a) by means of a document switch (25) when the print image on the print sheet (29) is determined to be a correct print image and on a second transport path (26b) if the print image on the print sheet (30) is determined to be an incorrect print image.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate.

background

When printing a material in a printing device or a printing system, the material can be provided as a continuous material on a roll. Alternatively, provision can be made for individual sheets to be fed to the printing device one after the other in order to print the sheets individually. When printing on continuous material, the continuous material can be separated after printing in order to obtain individual printed sheets.

The document DE 10 2016 102 565 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for producing a singulated sheet for a printing device. In the method, various sheet materials are provided as continuous material in magazine or buffer devices, with a transport path to a material switch, in which the transport paths converge, being located downstream of the magazine devices on the output side. Transport devices are provided which are each assigned to one of the transport paths and are set up to transport the various sheet materials from the magazine device at least to the material switch. Control signals are received in the transport devices which determine a material selection corresponding to a print job for a selected one of the sheet materials. The transport devices are controlled according to the control signals in such a way that the selected sheet material is transported to the material switch and in the material switch passes from the transport path into a feed path into which the transport paths open. The selected sheet material is transported by means of the transport devices via the feed path from the material switch to a separating device. In the separating device, a separated sheet is produced for subsequent printing in that the separated sheet is separated from the selected sheet material.

In the document DE 10 2016 102 566 A1 describes a method and a device for printing an isolated sheet.

The document DE 43 21 177 A1 discloses a device for image inspection and color measurement on at least one printed product, which in a printing machine with at least one Printing unit was created. The device consists of at least one image acquisition device, which supplies image data of the printed product, and of a computing device, the computing device on the one hand determining all image data of the print product for the purpose of an image inspection and on the other hand determining a measured variable for a color assessment from the image data of at least one measuring point (pixel) of the printed product .

The document DE 10 2012 105 338 A1 relates to a method for controlling a digital printing system for printing an endless recording medium. The printing system has a control device with which errors can automatically be detected. After an error has been detected, an error routine specific to the respective error is started. In at least one of the error routines, the conveyance of the recording medium is continued and, at the same time, an error correction routine is carried out with which an attempt is made to correct the error. It is then checked whether the error correction was successful, and depending on the test result, the printing process is continued, the error correction routine is repeated or the printing system is stopped.

In the document US 6,520,080 B1 describes a system and a method for detecting and diverting web sections with transitions of an endless web material.

The document DE 10 2010 060 408 A1 discloses an arrangement for regulating the web tension of a printing substrate web in a printing device.

To print a continuous material, the continuous material has to be transported through the printing device or the printing system, the transport movement being coordinated with the printing process and transport through the entire printing device or the entire printing system having to be ensured under suitable conditions. The continuous material is then to be assembled. The endless material is therefore to be separated, for example by cutting out sheets from the endless material. In order to ensure the desired quality, the respective print image can be checked in order to sort out defective copies.

Summary

The object of the invention is to specify a device and a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate, in which an efficient and effective automated assembling and sorting out of bad parts is provided.

To achieve this, a device and a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate according to independent claims 1 and 10 are created. Refinements are the subject of dependent subclaims.

According to one aspect, an apparatus for assembling and sorting a print substrate is provided. The device comprises a print image checking device which is arranged on one side of a print substrate printed with a print image. The print substrate is a web material which is displaceable along a web path. The printed image checking device has an image recording device and is set up to record an image of the printed image on the printing substrate by means of the image recording device, to compare the printed image on the printing substrate with comparison data, the comparison of the printed image with the comparison data comparing the recorded image Image of the print image with comparison image data comprises determining the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data, there is a match between the print image and the comparison data is determined, and to determine the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as an incorrect print image if no correspondence is found between the print image and the comparison data based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data. The device for assembling and sorting a printing substrate furthermore has a assembling device which is arranged along the web path after the printing image checking device and is set up to separate a printing sheet from the printing substrate, and a document switch which is arranged to apply the printing sheet to one of one guide first transport route and a second transport route. Here, the document switch is set up to guide the print sheet onto the first transport path if the print image on the print sheet is determined to be a correct print image, and to guide the print sheet onto the second transport path if the print image on the print sheet is an incorrect print image is determined.

According to a further aspect, a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate is provided. The method includes providing a print image checking device having an image pickup device on one side of a print substrate printed with a print image, the print substrate being a web material which is displaceable along a web path; the provision of a finishing device which is arranged along the web path after the printed image checking device; the provision of a document switch which is configured to guide a printing sheet onto one of a first transport path and a second transport path; capturing an image of the print image on the print substrate by means of the image capturing device; comparing, by means of the print image checking device, the print image on the print substrate with comparison data, wherein the comparison of the print image with the comparison data comprises comparing the recorded image of the print image with comparison image data; the determination of the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data, a correspondence between the print image and the comparison data is determined; determining the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as an incorrect print image if no correspondence is found between the print image and the comparison data based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data; separating a print sheet from the print substrate by means of the assembly device; directing the printing sheet onto the first transport path when the printing image on the printing sheet is determined to be a correct printing image; and directing the printing sheet onto the second transport path if the printing image on the printing sheet is determined to be an incorrect printing image.

The web material can be a film material. The film material can be a plastic film material, for example made of polycarbonate (PC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sheet material can be a thin sheet material. The thin sheet material can have a material thickness of 100 µm or less. For example, the sheet material can have a thickness of 75 µm. The web material can be provided with a width which corresponds to a desired width of the print image, possibly plus any necessary side margins. For example, the web material can be provided with a width of 300 mm to 600 mm. A storage device can be provided from which the web material is fed to a printing process. For example, a supply roll can be provided on which the web material is rolled up and from which the web material is pulled during operation.

A scrap container can be provided, which is arranged at the end of the second transport path and is set up to receive the printed sheet directed onto the second transport path, in which the print image on the printed sheet is determined to be an incorrect print image. Alternatively or additionally, a receiving container can be provided, which is arranged at the end of the first transport path and is set up to receive the printed sheet guided onto the first transport path, in which the print image on the printed sheet is determined as a correct print image. For example, a sheet deposit can be provided in which printed sheets with the correct print image are deposited.

As a further alternative or in addition, a further processing feed device can be provided at the end of the first transport path, which is set up to feed the print sheet guided onto the first transport path, in which the print image on the print sheet is determined as a correct print image, for further processing. For example, the further processing feed device can feed the printed sheet to a further printing device or a connecting device which connects the printed sheet to further printed sheets or other materials, for example to form an identification document.

The receiving container and / or the further processing feed device can be arranged above the reject container. A print sheet in which the print image on the print sheet is determined to be an incorrect print image can fall into the reject container at the end of the second transport path, while a print sheet in which the print image on the print sheet is determined to be a correct print image controls this Receiving container and / or the further processing feed device is supplied. In this way, careful handling of printed sheets can be ensured, in which the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be a correct printed image.

A waste device can be provided which is arranged along the second transport path and set up to destroy the printed sheet directed onto the second transport path, in which the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be an incorrect print image. As a result, reuse of the made-up sheet with a print image which was determined to be an incorrect print image can be excluded. Alternatively or additionally, sensitive data can be made unrecognizable. Destroying it can mean that the printed image can no longer be recognized on the printed sheet.

For example, the waste device can comprise a cutting device which cuts the finished sheet with a print image which has been determined to be an incorrect print image. The cutting device can cut the sheet into strips. Parameters of the cutting device can be adjustable. For example, a strip width of the cut strips can be adjustable.

Alternatively, the waste device can be set up to mechanically destroy the printed sheet other than by cutting it, for example by tearing and / or scratching it, and / or to destroy it by another mechanism, for example thermally, for example by burning it.

The destroyed printed sheet can be fed to the reject bin. For this purpose, the second transport route can lead into the reject container. The destroyed sheet, for example the strips into which the sheet was cut, can be collected in the reject bin.

A match between the print image and the comparison data can be established if the print image matches the comparison data within defined tolerances. For example, a degree of correspondence between the print image and the comparison data can be determined, and a correspondence between the print image and the comparison data can be determined if the degree of correspondence exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

For comparing the recorded image of the print image with the comparison image data, it can be provided to extract reference data from the recorded image of the print image and to compare the reference data, which can for example specify a plurality of reference values, with comparison image data, which target values for the reference data. A correspondence between the recorded image of the print image and the comparison image data can be determined if a comparison of the reference data with the comparison image data results in a correspondence for a portion of the reference data which is above a predetermined threshold value. For each comparison of a reference value A match can be determined with a corresponding setpoint value if the values match within predetermined limits.

The comparison data can correspond to a print job for the sheet to be separated. It can thus be checked whether the print image on the print substrate corresponds to an associated print job.

A sheet to be separated can contain partial print images in several sections of the sheet to be separated. Each of the partial print images can be printed on the print substrate in accordance with an associated partial print order. Sections of the print image can each be compared with corresponding partial comparison data, for example a partial print job, in order to compare the print image with the comparison data.

A marking device can be provided, which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device and in front of the finishing device and is set up to provide at least sections of the print substrate for which the print image was determined to be an incorrect print image with a marking which indicates the Marks sections as sections with an incorrect print image. For example, a note can be printed on the print image, which indicates that the print image is an incorrect print image. Alternatively or additionally, a partial print image can be marked as an incorrect partial print image if no correspondence is found between the partial print image and the partial comparison data based on a comparison of the partial print image with partial comparison data.

A correspondence between the print image and the comparison data can be established if a correspondence between the partial print image and corresponding partial comparison data is established for a predetermined minimum number of partial print images. In this case, partial print images for which no correspondence between the partial print image and the corresponding partial comparison data has been established can be provided with a marking and the document switch can guide the printed sheet onto the first transport path. If a match between the partial print image and corresponding partial comparison data is not determined for the predetermined minimum number of partial print images, a mismatch between the print image and the comparison data can be established and the document switch can transfer the print sheet to the guide the second transport route.

A first tensioning device can be arranged along the web path after the print image checking device and in front of the finishing device and can be configured to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate. For example, the first tensioning device can be a tensioning roller, which is at least partially wrapped by the printing substrate and which can be moved by means of a drive device along a direction of movement running transversely to an axis of rotation of the tensioning roller, such that the tensioning roller can move in a first direction along the drive direction lengthens the web path in order to increase the mechanical web tension of the printing substrate and a movement of the tension roller in a second direction opposite the first direction along the drive direction shortens the web path in order to reduce the mechanical web tension of the printing substrate. In particular, a tensioning pulley can be a so-called dancer.

A feed device can be provided which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device and in front of the packaging device and is set up to displace the print substrate along the web path. For example, the feed device can comprise drive rollers. The feed device can comprise two drive rollers which are arranged on opposite sides of the print substrate and are set up to transmit a movement of the drive rollers to the print substrate. For example, the drive rollers can hold the print substrate between the drive rollers by clamping and thus transmit a movement of the drive rollers to the print substrate. The drive rollers can be driven in order to bring about an advancing movement of the printing substrate. The feed device can additionally be set up as a tensioning device to set a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate. A tension of the printing substrate along the web path in front of the feed device can thus be adjustable.

A distance along the web path between the printed image checking device and the finishing device can be known. It can thus be possible to coordinate the operation of the finishing device and / or the document switch with the operation of the print image checking device. For example, the routing of the printed sheet onto the first or the second transport path through the document switch for a printed sheet separated by means of the finishing device can be carried out according to a determination by means of the print image checking device of the print image on the print sheet still to be separated as a correct print image or incorrect print image.

One or more control devices can be provided which control the operation of the device for assembling and sorting a print substrate. For example, a test control device of the print image test device can compare the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data. A confection control device of the confectioning device can control the separation of the print sheet from the print substrate. A switch control device of the document switch can control the guiding of the printed sheet onto the first or the second transport path through the document switch. A combined control device can comprise the test control device, the assembly control device and / or the switch control device.

The print image checking device can have a scanning device and can be set up to acquire print image scanning data by means of the scanning device by mechanically scanning the print image. Comparing the print image with comparison data can include comparing the print image scan data with comparison scan data. The configurations explained in connection with the image recording device and the recorded image of the print image can be provided accordingly in connection with the scanning device and the print image scanning data. In particular, the configurations explained in connection with the comparison of the recorded image of the print image with the comparison image data in connection with the comparison of the print image scan data with the comparison scan data can apply accordingly.

The print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate can be determined as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison image data, a correspondence between the print image and the comparison image data is determined and additionally based on the comparison of the Print image scan data with comparison scan data a match between the print image scan data and the comparison scan data is determined. The print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate can be determined as an incorrect print image if no correspondence is found between the print image and the comparison image data based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison image data or based on the comparison the print image scan data with Comparison scan data, no match is found between the print image scan data and the comparison scan data.

Alternatively or additionally, a weighting between the comparison of the recorded image of the print image with comparison image data and the comparison of the print image scan data with the comparison scan data can be provided for the comparison of the print image with the comparison data. For example, when determining a degree of correspondence between the print image and the comparison data, a degree of correspondence between the captured image of the print image and the comparison image data can have a stronger influence than a degree of correspondence between the print image scan data and the comparison -Sampling data.

If, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data, no correspondence is found between the print image and the comparison data and / or no correspondence between the partial print image based on a comparison of a partial print image with corresponding partial comparison data and the partial comparison data is determined, a renewed printing of the print image and / or the partial print image can be initiated. For example, a corresponding print job and / or a corresponding partial print job can be triggered, which causes the print image and / or the partial print image to be reprinted.

• ein Druckkopfshuttle mit wenigstens einem Druckkopf, der eingerichtet ist, zum Erzeugen eines Druckbildes ein Druckmittel auf das Drucksubstrat aufzubringen, wobei das Druckkopfshuttle auf einer ersten Seite des Drucksubstrats angeordnet ist;
• ein Drucktisch, der dem Druckkopfshuttle gegenüber auf einer zweiten Seite des Drucksubstrats angeordnet ist, mit einer Halteeinrichtung, die eingerichtet ist, das Drucksubstrat zu halten, derart, dass zum Bedrucken eine Relativbewegung zwischen dem Drucktisch und dem Drucksubstrat verhindert ist;
• eine erste Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs vor dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, erste Messdaten zu erzeugen, welche eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der ersten Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung angeben;
• eine zweite Spannvorrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs vor dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats einzustellen;
• eine zweite Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs nach dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, zweite Messdaten zu erzeugen, welche eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der zweiten Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung angeben;
• eine dritte Spannvorrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs nach dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats einzustellen; und
• eine Bahnspannungs-Steuervorrichtung, die eingerichtet ist, die ersten Messdaten zu empfangen, anhand der ersten Messdaten erste Steuerdaten zu erzeugen und die zweite Spannvorrichtung entsprechend den ersten Steuerdaten anzusteuern, derart, dass die zweite Spannvorrichtung eine erste vorgegebene Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der zweiten Spannvorrichtung bewirkt, und die zweiten Messdaten zu empfangen, anhand der zweiten Messdaten zweite Steuerdaten zu erzeugen und die dritte Spannvorrichtung entsprechend den zweiten Steuerdaten anzusteuern, derart, dass die dritte Spannvorrichtung eine zweite vorgegebene Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der dritten Spannvorrichtung bewirkt.

The following can also be provided for the device for assembling and sorting a print substrate:

• a printhead shuttle with at least one printhead which is configured to apply a printing medium to the printing substrate in order to generate a printing image, the printhead shuttle being arranged on a first side of the printing substrate;
• a printing table which is arranged opposite the print head shuttle on a second side of the printing substrate, with a holding device which is configured to hold the printing substrate in such a way that a relative movement between the printing table and the printing substrate is prevented for printing;
• a first web tension measuring device which is arranged along the web path in front of the printing table and is set up to generate first measurement data which indicate a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate on the first web tension measuring device;
• a second tensioning device which is arranged along the web path in front of the printing table and is set up to adjust a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate;
• a second web tension measuring device, which is arranged along the web path after the printing table and is set up to generate second measurement data which indicate a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate on the second web tension measuring device;
• a third tensioning device which is arranged along the web path after the printing table and is set up to adjust a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate; and
• a web tension control device which is set up to receive the first measurement data, to generate first control data on the basis of the first measurement data and to control the second tensioning device in accordance with the first control data such that the second tensioning device causes a first predetermined web tension of the printing substrate on the second tensioning device , and to receive the second measurement data, to generate second control data based on the second measurement data and to control the third tensioning device in accordance with the second control data, in such a way that the third tensioning device causes a second predetermined web tension of the printing substrate on the third tensioning device.

By arranging the print head shuttle on a side of the web material opposite the print table, the print substrate can be printed in particular by means of the print head shuttle while it rests on the print table and is held by the holding device.

The control device can be configured to keep the web tension of the print substrate constant along the web path in front of the printing table and to keep the web tension of the printing substrate constant along the web path behind the printing table during a printing process. Constant printing conditions can thus be ensured, in which the web tension in front of the printing table and the web tension behind the printing table remain constant.

The control device can be set up to repeatedly receive first and second measurement data and to generate first and second control data during a printing process. For example, the control device can be set up to include first and second measurement data receive a specified frequency and generate first and second control data, respectively. This allows a first and a second control loop to be provided, the first control loop regulating the web tension in front of the printing table by repeatedly receiving first measurement data and generating first control data as a function thereof in order to set the web tension in front of the printing table, and the second control loop the Controls the web tension behind the printing table by repeatedly receiving second measurement data and generating second control data as a function thereof in order to set the web tension behind the printing table.

The configurations explained in connection with the second and the third clamping device can be provided accordingly for the first clamping device. In particular, a web tension measuring device assigned to the first tensioning device can be provided.

The holding device can be set up to hold the print substrate during a feed movement of the print substrate in such a way that a relative movement between the printing table and the print substrate is prevented during the feed movement.

The printing table can be set up to carry out a feed movement while the holding device holds the print substrate in such a way that the feed movement is transmitted to the print substrate. As a result, the printing table can bring about a feed movement of the printing substrate along the web path. As an alternative or in addition, one or more feed devices can be provided which cause the print substrate to be fed along the web path. For example, the printing table can bring about a feed movement of the print substrate along the web path, with one or more additional feed devices supporting the feed movement of the print substrate.

The configurations explained in connection with the device for assembling and sorting a printing substrate can be provided accordingly in the method for assembling and sorting a printing substrate.

Description of exemplary embodiments

Fig. 1

eine schematische Übersicht einer Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken eines Drucksubstrats;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Übersicht einer Anordnung eines Drucktischs und eines Druck-kopfshuttles in einer Druckvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Übersicht weiterer Ausgestaltungsoptionen einer Druckvorrichtung; und

Fig. 4

eine schematische Übersicht einer weiteren Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken eines Drucksubstrats.

In the following, further exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Here show:

Fig. 1

a schematic overview of a printing device for printing on a print substrate;

Fig. 2

a schematic overview of an arrangement of a printing table and a print head shuttle in a printing device;

Fig. 3

a schematic overview of further configuration options of a printing device; and

Fig. 4

a schematic overview of a further printing device for printing on a print substrate.

The Fig.1 shows a printing device for printing on a printing substrate. The printing substrate is a web material 1 on a roll 2, which serves as a storage device for the web material 1. The web material 1 can be a plastic film. In one example, the web material 1 is a polycarbonate film with a thickness of 75 μm and a width of 600 mm. In a further example, the web material can consist of another material, for example PVC, have a greater or lesser thickness, for example 100 μm, and / or have a smaller or greater width, for example 300 mm.

The web material is moved by means of a printing table 3 in a feed direction 4 through the printing device. For this purpose, the printing table 3 can be moved in the feed direction 4 and against the feed direction 4. The printing table 3 is designed as a coherent unit or it moves at least as a unit in order to support a uniform advance of the web material 1 over the width of the web material 1. The printing table 3 has a holding device by means of which the web material 1 is held. While the web material 1 is held on the printing table 3 by means of the holding device, the printing table moves in the feed direction 4 from a rear position to a front position and thus pulls the web material 1 from the roll 2 in the feed direction 4 through the printing device. The holding device then releases the web material 1 so that it is released from the printing table 3. The printing table 3 then moves against the feed direction 4 past the web material 1 from the front to the rear position and then forms contact again with the web material 1 by means of the holding device, whereupon the movement of the printing table 3 in the feed direction 4 is repeated. A discontinuous advancement of the web material 1 through the printing device is thus provided.

In further refinements, additional drive mechanisms can be provided which support the movement of the web material 1 provided by means of the printing table 3. For example, driven rollers, over which the web material 1 runs and which support the web material 1, can be arranged along a path of the web material 1 in front of and / or behind the printing table 3. In particular, a supporting drive mechanism can be arranged along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3 in order to support a movement of the web material 1 away from the printing table 3.

A printing head shuttle 5 is arranged on a side of the web material 1 opposite the printing table 3. The print head shuttle 5 is arranged opposite the printing table 3 with respect to the web material 1 in such a way that the web material 1 runs between the printing table 3 and the print head shuttle 5 so that it can be printed by means of the print head shuttle 5 while it is resting on the printing table 3 and by the holding device is held. The printing table 3 moves the web material past the print head shuttle 5 in the feed direction 4. During the movement of the web material, the print head shuttle 5 prints the web material 1.

During the movement through the printing device, the web material 1 runs over several deflection rollers 6, by means of which the web material 1 is deflected within the printing device. The web material also runs over web tension measuring rollers 7, by means of which a web tension of the web material 1 is measured. Like in the Fig. 1 As shown, a first web tension measuring roller 7a is arranged along the web path of the web material 1 in front of the printing table. The first web tension measuring roller 7a thus measures the web tension of the web material 1 in front of the printing table 3. By holding the web material 1 by means of the holding device on the printing table 3, a web tension of the web material 1 can occur along the web path of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3, which depends on the Web tension in front of the printing table 3 is independent. For this reason, a second web tension measuring roller 7b is arranged along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table. The second web tension measuring roller 7b thus measures the web tension of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3. The web tension of the web material 1 causes a respective force on the axes of the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b. The respective force on the axis of the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b is measured by means of a respective sensor device 8a, 8b of the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b. The respective sensor device 8a, 8b of the first 7a and the second 7b web tension measuring roller is generated first and second measurement data which indicate the respective web tension of the web material 1 on the first web tension measuring roller 7a or on the second web tension measuring roller 7b.

Furthermore, the web material runs over so-called dancers 9. These are rollers which are movably arranged in order to set a tension of the web material 1. Like in the Fig. 1 A first dancer 9a can be seen along the path of the web material 1 in front of the printing table. The first dancer 9a is movable up and down in the example shown, a downward movement of the first dancer 9a leading to an increase in the tension of the web material 1 and an upward movement of the first dancer 9a to a reduction in the tension of the web material 1 leads. The web tension of the web material 1 in front of the printing table 3 can thus be adjusted by means of the first dancer 9a.

A second dancer 9b is arranged along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table. In the example shown, the second dancer 9b can also be moved up and down, with a downward movement of the second dancer 9b increasing the tension of the web material 1 and an upward movement of the second dancer 9b reducing the tension of the web material 1 leads. Thus, the web tension of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3 can be adjusted by means of the second dancer 9b, which is independent of the web tension in front of the printing table 3 at least while the web material 1 is being held by the holding device on the printing table 3.

A control device 10 is connected to the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b and the dancers 9a, 9b (not shown) and is set up to receive the first and the second measurement data from the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b. In the control device 10, the first measurement data are compared with a first predetermined web tension. The first predetermined web tension indicates a desired web tension of the web material 1 along the web path of the web material 1 in front of the printing table. The control device 10 generates first control data corresponding to the comparison result, which are transmitted to the first dancer 9a and lead to a movement of the first dancer 9a. For example, the first control data indicate a small downward movement of the first dancer 9a if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the first web tension measuring roller 7a deviates by a small difference downwards from the first predetermined web tension and the first control data give a larger one Movement of the first dancer 9a upwards if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the first web tension measuring roller 7a deviates by a greater difference upwards from the first predetermined web tension.

The control device 10 is further set up to compare the second measurement data with a second predetermined web tension. The second predetermined web tension indicates a desired web tension of the web material 1 along the web path of the web material 1 behind the printing table. The control device 10 generates second control data corresponding to the comparison result, which are transmitted to the second dancer 9b and lead to a movement of the second dancer 9b. As explained above with regard to the first dancer 9a, for example, the second control data indicate a small downward movement of the second dancer 9b if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the second web tension measuring roller 7b is a small difference downwards from the second predetermined Web tension deviates and the second control data indicate a greater upward movement of the second dancer 9b if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the second web tension measuring roller 7b deviates upwards by a greater difference from the second predetermined web tension.

The web tension in front of and behind the printing table 3 can be continuously monitored by repeatedly receiving first and second measurement data and generating corresponding first and second control data. In this way, regulation of the web tension in the printing device can be provided along the path of the web material 1 both in front of and behind the printing table 3. For example, the first and second predetermined web tension can be the same and the web tension of the web material 1 both in front of and behind the printing table 3 can be regulated in such a way that the same web tension of the web material 1 is achieved within a predetermined permissible deviation in front of and behind the printing table 3.

The Fig. 2 shows an arrangement of a printing table 3 in a printing device on which a web material 1 is arranged. The web material 1 is moved during a movement of the printing table 3 in a feed direction 4 (from the drawing plane of the Fig. 2 out) held on the printing table 3 by means of a holding device, so that the web material 1 is moved along the feed direction 4 through the printing device. In the representation of the Fig. 2 the holding device is provided with a vacuum device 11. The vacuum device 11 generates a negative pressure. Here, the vacuum device 11 is via channels 12 connected to a support surface 13 of the printing table 3 with the environment. The web material 1 rests on the support surface 13 of the printing table 3. To hold the web material 1, the vacuum device 11 generates a negative pressure during the movement of the printing table 3 in the feed direction 4, so that the web material is sucked into the support surface 13 via the channels 12 and thus held on the printing table 3.

In order to ensure that the web material 1 is held uniformly on the support surface 13, openings in the channels 12 are distributed over the entire support surface 13. In the example of the Fig. 2 For this purpose, the bearing surface 13 consists of a porous material with a defined porosity, which is connected to the vacuum device 11. The porosity of the material of the bearing surface 13 provides undefined channels 12 which, due to the defined porosity, lead to a uniform suction and holding of the web material 1 on the bearing surface 13. In alternative configurations, the channels 12 can be provided, for example, with a defined grid of bores, for example micro-bores, in order to ensure that the web material 1 is evenly sucked in and held on the support surface 13. Apart from the openings of the channels 12 in the support surface 13 or the porosity of the material, the support surface 13 of the printing table 3 is designed as a cohesive surface. Interruptions in the support surface 13 can be provided. However, it is advantageous if the printing table 13 forms a unit and thus the support surface 13 is also moved as a coherent unit.

As a further alternative, the holding device cannot be provided as a vacuum device 11. For example, the holding device can be provided by means of one or more grippers which grip the web material 1 and hold it on the support surface 13 of the printing table 3.

During the movement of the web material 1 on the printing table 3 past the print head shuttle 5, the print head shuttle 5 prints the web material 1 with a printing medium. For this purpose, the print head shuttle has one or more print heads 14. In the representation of the Fig. 2 the print head shuttle 5 has two print heads 14a, 14b. A printhead 14 can comprise a nozzle or a nozzle row with a plurality of juxtaposed nozzles. The pressure medium can be ejected in droplets through the nozzles. For example, one print head 14 can be used for each desired color or material to be applied.

The print heads 14 are selectively activated in order to selectively apply printing medium to the web material 1 and thus generate a desired print image on the web material. Here, the print head shuttle 5 moves back and forth transversely to the feed direction 4 of the web material 1, so that the print heads 14 move over the web material 1. The movement of the printing table 3 along the feed direction 4 thus results in a relative movement of the web material 1 to the print heads 14 in a first printing direction and the movement of the print head shuttle 5 transversely to the feed direction 4 causes a relative movement of the web material 1 to the print heads 14 in a second Provided printing direction which runs transversely to the first printing direction. By selectively controlling the movement of the printing table 3, the movement of the print head shuttle 5 and the ejection of the printing medium from the print heads 14, a desired print image is thus applied to the web material 1.

Depending on the web material 1 used and the printing medium used, it can be advantageous to bring the web material 1 to a certain temperature for printing. For this purpose, the printing table 3 according to FIG Fig. 2 a heater 15. By means of the heating device 15, the supporting surface 13 of the printing table 3 is brought to a predetermined temperature. As a result, the web material 1 arranged on the support surface 13 is heated to a printing temperature for printing.

The print head shuttle 5 also has a smoothing device. In the representations of the Figures 1 and 2 the smoothing device is a brush 16 which extends along a longitudinal direction which runs parallel to the feed direction 4. The brush 16 as a functional part of the smoothing device is thus elongated in the longitudinal direction, parallel to the feed direction. So it has a greater extent in the longitudinal direction than in other directions. The smoothing device can thus have a smoothing effect when moving across the web material 1 transversely to the feed direction 4. The brush 16 is as in FIG Fig. 2 shown, based on the direction of movement of the print head shuttle 5 arranged laterally on the print head shuttle 5. The brush 16 is movable up and down relative to the print head shuttle 5 between a first and a second position. In the first position, the brush 16 comes into contact with the support surface 13 so that when the module 5 moves transversely to the feed direction 4, the brush 16 sweeps over the web material 1 arranged on the support surface 13 of the printing table 3. In the second position, the brush 16 is arranged above the printing table 3 in such a way that the brush 16 touches neither the printing table 3 nor the web material 1 when the printing head shuttle 5 moves.

During a printing process, while the printing table 3 is in the rear position, a connection between the web material 1 and the support surface 13 is formed by means of the vacuum device 11. According to the Fig. 2 The brush 16 arranged on the left side of the print head shuttle 5 is brought into the first position while the print head shuttle 5 is in a first module position in which the print head shuttle 5 and the brush 16 are arranged to the right of the printing table 3. During a subsequent first movement of the print head shuttle 5 over the printing table 3 and the web material 1, the brush 16 brushes over the web material 1 and thus smooths wrinkles and / or bubbles in the web material 1 during the formation of the contact between the support surface 13 and the web material 1 and / or during the heating of the web material 1 by means of the heating device 15.

After the brush 16 has been moved over the entire width of the web material 1, the brush 16 is brought into the second position. During subsequent movements of the printing head shuttle 5, during the movement of the printing table 3 from the rear to the front position, the brush 16 does not come into contact with the web material 1. After the web material 1 has been released from the printing table 3 and the printing table 3 has moved from the front to the rear position, a connection is again established between the web material 1 and the support surface 13 and the brush 16 is moved into the first position. Thus, after each contact is made with the support surface 13 of the printing table 3, the web material is smoothed by the brush 16 during the first subsequent movement of the print head shuttle 5 over the web material 1.

The brush 16 has a length which corresponds at least to the length of the support surface 13 of the printing table 3. Here, as in the Fig. 1 recognizable, the length of the brush 16 can be greater than a length of the print head shuttle 5, which can be shorter than the length of the support surface 13. This ensures that the web material 1 is smoothed by the brush 16 over the entire length on which there is contact is made to the support surface 13 of the printing table.

A capping station 17, which prevents the print heads 14 from drying out, can optionally be provided. When the printing device is not in use, the print head shuttle 5 is moved into a position in which the print heads 14 are shielded from the environment by the capping station 17 and thus the print heads 14 are dried out by evaporation is prevented by solvent of the pressure medium. Furthermore, a pressure medium container 18 can optionally be provided for cleaning and / or preparing the print heads 14 for a printing process. The print head shuttle can be moved into a position in which the print heads 14 are located above the pressure medium container 18. Subsequently, pressure medium can be ejected from the print heads 14 into the pressure medium container 18 in order to free the print heads 14 from impurities and / or pressure medium residues and / or to remove air from transport paths of the pressure medium in the print heads 14.

Like in the Fig. 1 drying devices 19a, 19b are shown along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3 and in the area of the second web tension measuring roller 7b and the second dancer 9b. The printing medium is dried on the web material 1 by means of the drying devices 19a, 19b. For example, the drying devices 19a, 19b can be hot air blowers and / or UV radiators. Different drying devices 19a, 19b can be provided.

The Fig. 3 shows further configuration options of a printing device. This can, for example, the printing device from the Fig. 1 be. Alternatively, the design options according to the Fig. 3 in a different printing device than the printing device according to FIG Fig. 1 be provided. A printed image testing device 20 is arranged along the path of movement of the web material 1 behind the second dancer 9b and the drying devices 19a, 19b. The printed image checking device 20 has an image recording device 21 which is set up to record an image of the printed image on the web material 1. In the print image checking device 20, the recorded image of the print image on the web material 1 is compared with comparison image data, which can be, for example, print job data of a print job for printing the print image. If, on the basis of the comparison of the print image on the web material 1 with the comparison image data, a match is found between the print image and the comparison image data, the print image is determined to be a correct print image. If no correspondence is found between the print image and the comparison image data based on the comparison of the print image on the web material 1 with the comparison image data, the print image is determined to be an incorrect print image.

A correspondence between the print image and the comparison image data is established when the recorded image of the print image on the web material 1 corresponds to the comparison image data within predetermined limits. Corresponds to the recorded picture of the print image on the web material 1 does not match the comparison image data within the predetermined limits, no correspondence is found between the print image and the comparison image data. The comparison of the recorded image with the comparison image data can be, for example, a pixel comparison and / or a comparison of characteristic values of the recorded image, for example a contrast value.

To support the movement of the web material 1, a roller drive 22 is arranged along the movement path of the web material 1 behind the testing device 21. A further dancer 9c for controlling the web tension of the web material 1 is arranged behind the roller drive 22. The further dancer 9c can, for example, be controlled by the control device 10 in accordance with the second sensor data. Alternatively, a further web tension measuring roller can be provided which generates third measurement data by means of which the control device 10 controls the further dancer 9c.

Arranged along the path of movement of the web material 1 behind the testing device 21 and the further dancer 9c is a finishing device 23 which is set up to make the web material 1 into individual sheets. For example, the web material 1 can be fed to the assembly device 23 and cut to a predetermined sheet size by means of a cutting device 24 of the assembly device 23 in order to assemble the web material 1 into individual sheets. The individual sheets are then directed in a document switch 25 onto different transport paths 26a, 26b. A transport path 26a leads into a document container 27. Another transport path 26b leads into a reject container 28. Sheets that carry a print image that has been determined to be the correct print image are designated as document sheets 29 and are routed from the document switch 25 to the transport path 26a, the leads into the document container 27. Sheets that carry a print image that has been determined to be an incorrect print image are designated as waste sheets 30 and are routed by the document switch 25 to the transport path 26 b, which leads into the reject bin 28. In this way, print sheets which have errors in the print image can be sorted out. The print image of a waste sheet 30 can then be reprinted.

Optionally, a bad marking device 31 can be provided, which is arranged along the path of movement of the web material 1 behind the testing device 21 and in front of the assembly device 23. The bad marking device 31 is set up on a print image which was determined to be an incorrect print image with a marking which identifies the print image as an incorrect print image. For example, the bad marking device 31 can include a print head for this purpose.

It can be provided that the print image comprises several individual print images. In this case, each individual print image can be determined as a correct individual print image or incorrect individual print image and the bad marking device 31 can be set up to provide each individual print image determined as an incorrect individual print image with a marking, which identifies the individual print image as an incorrect individual print image. In this case, the document switch 25 can be omitted and all the separated sheets can be fed to the document container 27 via the transport path 26a.

Alternatively, the document switch 25 can be provided and set up to transfer printed sheets with a print image that includes a number of individual print images identified as incorrect individual print images that exceeds a predetermined maximum number of incorrect individual print images via the transport path 26b To feed reject container 28 and to feed other sheets via transport path 26a to document container 27.

The Fig. 4 shows another printing device for printing on a printing substrate. In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 if the printing device has two dancers 9a, 9b, but no third dancer. In this design example, a roll unwind module 40 comprises the roll 2, the first web tension measuring roll 7a with the sensor device 8a, the first dancer 9a and the associated deflection rollers 6. According to the embodiment shown, a printing module 41 comprises the printing table 3, the print head shuttle 5 and the brush 16. A drying module 42 comprises the second web tension measuring roller 7b with the sensor device 8b, the second dancer 9b, the drying devices 19a, 19b and the associated deflection rollers 6. An image processing module 43 comprises the print image checking device with the image recording device 21 and optionally the bad marking device 31 Drying module 42 and the image processing module 43 can be combined to form a drying and image processing module. According to the Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, a packaging module 44 includes the roller drive 22, the packaging device 23 with the cutting device 24, the document switch 25, the transport paths 26a, 26b, the document container 27 and the reject container 28.

The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawing can be of importance both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the various designs.

Reference list

1

Railway material

2

role

3

Printing table

4th

Feed direction

5

Print head shuttle

6

Pulleys

7a, 7b

Web tension measuring roller

8a, 8b

Sensor device

9a, 9b, 9c

dancer

10

Control device

11

Vacuum device

12th

channels

13th

Contact surface

14a, 14b

Print heads

15

Heating device

16

brush

17th

Capping station

18th

Pressure medium tank

19a, 19b

Drying device

20th

Testing device

21st

Image capture device

22nd

Roller drive

23

Assembly device

24

Cutting device

25

Document switch

26a, 26b

Transport routes

27

Document tray

28

Reject bin

29

Document sheet

30th

Waste sheets

31

Bad marking device

40

Roll unwind module

41

Print module

42

Drying module

43

Image processing module

44

Assembly module

Claims (10)

Device for assembling and sorting a printing substrate (1), with - A print image checking device (20), which is arranged on one side of a print substrate (1) printed with a print image, the print substrate (1) being a web material which can be displaced along a web path, with an image recording device (21), wherein the print image checking device (20) is set up, - to record an image of the print image on the print substrate (1) by means of the image recording device (21), - to compare the print image on the print substrate (1) with comparison data, the comparison of the print image with the comparison data comprising the comparison of the recorded image of the print image with comparison image data, - To determine the print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, there is a correspondence between the print image and the Comparative data is noted, and - To determine the print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) as an incorrect print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, there is no correspondence between the print image and the comparison data is determined; - a packaging device (23) which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device (20) and is set up to separate a print sheet (29, 30) from the print substrate (1); and - A document switch (25) which is set up to guide the printed sheet (29, 30) onto one of a first transport path (26a) and a second transport path (26b); in which - The document switch (25) is set up to guide the print sheet (29) onto the first transport path (26a) when the print image on the print sheet (29) is determined to be a correct print image, and - The document switch is set up to guide the print sheet (30) onto the second transport path (26b) if the print image on the print sheet (30) is determined to be an incorrect print image. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the web material is a film material. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a reject container (28) which is arranged at the end of the second transport path (26b) and is set up to receive the printed sheet (30) guided onto the second transport path (26b), in which the printed image on the printed sheet (30) is determined to be an incorrect print image. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a waste device which is arranged along the second transport path (26b) and is set up to destroy the printed sheet (30) guided onto the second transport path (26b), in which the printed image on the printed sheet ( 30) is determined to be an incorrect print image. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a marking device (31) which is arranged and set up along the web path after the print image checking device (20) and in front of the finishing device (23), at least sections of the print substrate (1) for which the print image was determined to be an incorrect print image with a marking which identifies the sections as sections with an incorrect print image. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a first tensioning device (9c) which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device (20) and in front of the finishing device (23) and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1) . Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a feed device (22) which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device (20) and in front of the packaging device (23) and is set up to displace the print substrate (1) along the web path . Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print image checking device (20) has a scanning device and is set up to acquire print image scan data by mechanically scanning the print image by means of the scanning device, wherein the comparison of the print image with comparison data comprises the comparison of the print image scan data with comparison scan data. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by : - A print head shuttle (5) with at least one print head (14a, 14b), which is set up to apply a printing medium to the print substrate (1) in order to generate a print image, the print head shuttle (5) being arranged on a first side of the print substrate (1) is; - A printing table (3), which is arranged opposite the print head shuttle (5) on a second side of the print substrate (1), with a holding device (11, 12) which is set up to hold the print substrate (1) such that a relative movement between the printing table (3) and the printing substrate (1) is prevented for printing; - a first web tension measuring device (8a) which is arranged along the web path in front of the printing table (3) and is set up to generate first measurement data which indicate a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate (1) on the first web tension measuring device (7a); - A second tensioning device (9a) which is arranged along the web path in front of the printing table (3) and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate (1); - A second web tension measuring device (7b) which is arranged along the web path after the printing table (3) and is set up to generate second measurement data which indicate a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate (1) on the second web tension measuring device (7b); - A third tensioning device (9b) which is arranged along the web path after the printing table (3) and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate (1); and - A web tension control device (10) which is set up - To receive the first measurement data, to generate first control data on the basis of the first measurement data and to control the second clamping device (9a) according to the first control data, in such a way that the second clamping device (9a) has a first causes a predetermined web tension of the printing substrate (1) on the second tensioning device (9a); and - To receive the second measurement data, to generate second control data based on the second measurement data and to control the third tensioning device (9b) in accordance with the second control data, in such a way that the third tensioning device (9b) applies a second predetermined web tension of the printing substrate (1) to the third tensioning device (9b) causes. A method for assembling and sorting a printing substrate (1), comprising: - Provision of a print image checking device (20) with an image recording device (21) on one side of a print substrate (1) printed with a print image, the print substrate (1) being a web material which is displaceable along a web path; - providing a finishing device (23) which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device (20); - providing a document switch (25) which is set up to guide a printed sheet (29, 30) onto one of a first transport path (26a) and a second transport path (26b); - Recording an image of the print image on the printing substrate (1) by means of the image recording device (21); - comparing, by means of the print image checking device (20), the print image on the print substrate (1) with comparison data, the comparison of the print image with the comparison data comprising the comparison of the recorded image of the print image with comparison image data, - Determination of the print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, there is a correspondence between the print image and the comparison -Data is determined; - Determination of the print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) as an incorrect print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, there is no correspondence between the print image and the comparison data is established; - Separation of a printed sheet (29, 30) from the printing substrate by means of the assembly device (23); - Guiding the print sheet (29) onto the first transport path (26a) when the print image on the print sheet (1) is determined to be a correct print image; and - Directing the printed sheet (29) onto the second transport path (26b) when the printed image on the printed sheet (1) is determined to be an incorrect print image.

Images