EA017485B1 - Printing machine and method for printing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing machine comprising a base frame (11), at least two processing stations (30), at least one of which is a digital printing station, and a plurality of print object supports (20) that can be moved relative to the processing stations. It is envisaged that the base frame has a plurality of accommodating regions for accommodating the processing stations, that the accommodating regions have at least one first connecting device for detachably fastening a processing station and for connection for data and/or power transmission, and that the processing stations are configured modularly, each having a joining region that has at least one second connecting device corresponding with the first connecting device.

Description

The invention relates to a device for printing with a main frame, at least two working sections, at least one of which is a digital printing unit, as well as with several holders of printed materials (i.e. media on which printing should be carried out ), movable relative to the working sections, according to the restrictive part of paragraph 1 of the claims.

In addition, the invention relates to a method of printing on materials according to the restrictive part of paragraph 13 of the claims.

The level of technology

Devices for printing of the above type are used, in particular, for printing on textiles, as well as on other materials, such as leather, leather substitutes, carpets and other flat materials. Devices for printing in most cases have a carousel design and include several printing units, which are located around the central base. A certain number of holders of printed materials strengthened for rotation around the axis of the machine. For printing on a material, for example, on a T-shirt, it is pulled over the holder of the printed materials, which is then moved from one printing unit to another to apply various inks. Devices for printing of this type are also called rotary printing presses.

With the aim of increasing the versatility of such a device for printing, it is already known to provide for screen printing sections one or more additional digital printing sections so that the print can be changed or flexibly adapted to different requirements.

A device for printing of this type is known from patent document EP 1764217 A1. In such a printing device, several holders of sealed materials are mounted around a turntable in the shape of a star. Several screen printing sections and at least one digital printing unit are also located in the shape of a star, with the screen printing sections mounted on a clamping disk, while the digital printing unit is installed directly on the floor.

Another printing device is known from EP 1726444 A1. The device for printing is made in the form of a carousel design for printing with a multitude of beam-like consoles for receiving printed objects and with the corresponding number of working sections. At least one working section is provided with a support system for a color digital plotter mounted for movement in the radial direction.

Known analog printing devices are intended in particular for printing identical patterns on large batches of objects. Due to the replacement of printed templates, it is possible to change or adjust the print, however, a significant change in the pattern requires reconfiguring the device for printing, which is associated with significant time and cost.

The method corresponding to the field of technology, is known from patent document EP 1905604 A1.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The basis of the invention is the task to offer a particularly versatile device for printing and printing method.

The task according to the invention is solved by a printing device with features of claim 1 of the claims and a method with features of claim 13 of the claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

A device for printing according to the invention is characterized in that the main frame has several receiving zones for accommodating working sections therein, that the receiving zones have at least one first connecting device for detachably mounting the working section and / or for connecting power supply and / or transmitting information and that the working sections are made in the form of modules with a interface zone located on each of them, which has at least one other connecting device communicating with the first connecting device.

The main idea of the invention is that the working sections are made in the form of modules that are connected to different parts of the device for printing. Therefore, the working sections are also called working modules. For universal connection of the working modules, the main frame of the printing device is equipped with a variety of connecting and / or docking devices. Each working module is equipped with a corresponding second connecting and / or docking device, combined with the first connecting and / or docking device.

Thanks to the modular principle, the device for printing is easily and quickly adjusted to a new printing task and reorganized or reconstructed accordingly. Reconstruction consists, for example, in the replacement, addition or removal of individual modules, as well as in changing the order of rotation of the modules. According to the invention, it is preferable to connect any working section to any receiving zone.

In this case, the connecting devices are preferably arranged in such a way that the working sections are mechanically firmly connected to the main frame, but can be detached.

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In addition, it is preferable to connect the working sections to the central power supply and / or control unit. For easier and quicker installation of the working sections in the receiving areas, it is particularly preferable to, along with the establishment of a mechanical connection, to establish a connection at the same time for power supply and / or information transfer.

The device for printing is especially versatile in use due to the fact that the receiving zones and / or the junction zones are the same. In particular, this means that each of the first connecting devices and each of the second connecting devices has the same design. In one embodiment of the invention, both the receiving zones and the interface zones and / or their connecting devices are made the same. However, it makes sense also the case when only receiving zones and / or first connecting devices have the same design, and the mating zones and / or second connecting devices have different designs. The first connecting devices in this case preferably have several different first connectors, with at least one first connector corresponding to at least one second connector of a second connecting device. For example, connectors for various types of modules, for example, analog or digital, can be provided on the first connecting devices.

According to the invention, at least one digital working section is provided, and it is preferably a printing unit. For further expansion of the field of application of the device for printing and graphic printing capabilities, a particularly preferred option is that in which at least one working section is a pre-treatment section, a cooling section, a drying section, a priming section and / or an adhesive application section. A pretreatment section, for example, is provided for applying a primer or for heat treatment. It may also be necessary to apply glue or adhesive in order to apply fibers, flakes or other layers in the subsequent section. In the cooling section, preferably located after the priming section or printing section, the applied primer or ink is quickly dried by lowering the temperature, so that a printed image is then applied to the material to be printed or it is further processed. It is also possible to have a section for impregnation.

The most preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the holders (carriers) of the printed materials move with circulation, and linearly in the area of the working sections. Such a printing device is also called a linear printing device. In accordance with the linear movement of the holders of the printed materials, the working sections are also arranged linearly, i.e. one row after another. Linear placement allows the sections to be arranged relatively tightly relative to each other, which in a device for printing carousel is not quite feasible in view of geometric conditions. At the same time, the design of the device for printing is more compact and economical from the point of view of the occupied space and, in particular, requires less installation space than the known devices for printing. Another advantage of the linear printing device is that all the working sections arranged one behind the other are accessible on the one hand, which considerably increases the ease of maintenance, in particular with regard to the replacement of working modules. It is also possible to make the frame in such a way that it expands to any size due to the addition of additional segments and allows you to lengthen the printed line.

Based on the linear movement of holders of sealed materials, the printing device also works in continuous mode, i.e., with uniform movement of holders of sealed materials, without causing distortion of the pattern caused, for example, by circular movement of holders of sealed materials. Continuous operation improves the performance of the device as a whole.

A particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention takes place when the holders of the materials to be printed are folding. Holders of printed materials, which have a substantially flat, even surface, are deflectable, in particular, from their substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position. As a result, the area occupied by holders of sealed materials is significantly reduced. According to the invention, it is particularly preferable, in particular, to allow the holders of the printed materials to move in a vertically folded position in at least one zone of the printing apparatus, in particular, in the reverse zone.

The preferred option for improving the printing apparatus is to provide a drying channel through which the holders of the printed materials move. The drying channel can serve, for example, for the final drying of the printed materials after the last printing section. The drying channel is preferably arranged in such a way that there is space for several holders of the printed materials at the same time. In order to still maintain the machine in a compact form, it is possible to carry out such a design of the drying channel that the holders of the printed materials move in the drying channel along the path in the form of a meander, horizontally or vertically. The preferred embodiment occurs when

- 2 017485 holders of sealed materials are held through the drying channel as in paternoster. This design is especially compact.

Most preferably, the advancement of the holders of the printed materials in the drying channel with a speed independent of the speed of advancement of the holders of the printed materials in at least one working section. If the rate of advancement in the drying channel is regulated, then it can also serve as a buffer store. Thus, the delay in the working section preceding the drying channel is compensated in the drying channel in such a way that this delay does not affect the section following the drying channel, for example, the section for issuing printed materials.

Another preferred improvement of the invention is that a parking section is provided for holders of sealed materials. The parking section also serves as a buffer storage section. In the parking section is intermediate storage holders of printed materials. In principle, the parking section can be provided anywhere. More preferably, the location of the parking section is still in the reverse direction of the printing device, where the holders of the printed materials are transported in the opposite direction to the movement in the working sections. In this backtracking area, the holders of the printed materials are moved, in particular from the last working section back to the first working section. In the area of reverse travel, a loading area and a discharge area are also provided, where holders of the printed materials are completed with a printed material, or the printed materials are removed from the holders of the printed materials.

In principle, arbitrary placement of holders of sealed materials in the parking section. The possibility of horizontal or vertical stacking of holders of sealed materials in the parking section is preferable. As a result, the area occupied by the holders of the printed materials is small, and the device of the parking section is compact. For stacking holders of sealed materials in piles of their stack directly on top of each other or next to each other. However, the most practical parking section is distinguished by the fact that it has a shop receiver with compartments for holders of printed materials. It is possible to execute compartments moved in a horizontal or vertical direction. The receiver is also performed in the form of a revolving structure or in the form of a paternoster, i.e. receiver with circulating compartments.

In addition, according to the invention, it is preferable to move the holders of the printed materials after the unloading zone, where the printed materials are removed from the holders of the printed materials, to the parking section and to bring them to the loading area to re-place the printed materials on them. The parking section allows you to provide a large number of holders of printed materials, the number of which, in particular, may be greater than the number of working sections and / or receiving areas.

Thanks to the parking area for holders of sealed materials located between the unloading area and the loading area, for example, differences in speed during unloading or picking are aligned, so that the parking section serves as a buffer.

Further, it is preferable to have a transport mechanism provided for advancing the holders of the sealing materials through the working sections and securing at least one holder of the sealing materials to the transporting mechanism with the possibility of removal. In principle, it is possible to have a continuous circulation conveyor, for example, a chain conveyor that moves the holders of the printed materials horizontally along the entire perimeter. But it is still preferable to carry out the transporting mechanism with the possibility of placing the holders of the printed materials on the transporting mechanism in front of the first working section, their linear movement by the transporting mechanism and removal from the transporting mechanism after the last working section. It is possible to place several such linear conveyors, such as a roller conveyor, on the corners so that the entire transport mechanism as a whole is nevertheless located around the entire perimeter.

Holders of printed materials preferably made with the possibility of their fixation on the transport mechanism. For fixing on the transport mechanism and / or holders of the materials to be sealed, it is possible to use fixing elements, such as pins, grooves, protrusions or other means for snapping. In a preferred embodiment, it is possible to mount the holders of the printed materials on the transporting mechanism and fix them in many positions, in particular, also at different distances from each other. The transporting mechanism is performed, for example, in the form of a chain running along the perimeter on which the holders of the printed materials are hung. It is also permissible to use a conveyor belt according to the type of conveyor belt on which the holders of the printed materials are installed. Finally, a roller conveyor with many rollers and a guide for holders of printed materials is also possible. In this case, the holders of the printed materials lie with their lower side to the conveyor. But a free carrier is also possible on the side.

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A further expansion of the versatility of the device for printing according to the invention is achieved due to the fact that the main frame has in its plan an approximately rectangular shape and consists of segments. Segments, which can also be called frame modules, allow the device to be adapted for printing in size. Each segment of the main frame preferably has at least one receiving area for the working section. The approximately rectangular shape of the main frame gives advantages in terms of footprint.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that the material to be sealed is placed on the holder of the materials to be sealed, the holder of the materials to be sealed is moved linearly through several working sections, at least one of which is a digital printing unit, the material to be printed is removed from the holder of the materials to be sealed, the holder of the materials to be printed is placed in parking section for temporary storage and removed from the parking section for re-loading of the printed material. The movement of the holder of the sealed materials can be continuous or periodic.

The method according to the invention differs in particular in that the number of holders of the material being printed is variable. This increases the versatility of the device for printing, since, for example, it is already possible, before the printing process, to load a large number of holders of printed material and to contain them in a prepared form. This increases the degree of use of the device.

A brief commentary on the figures of the drawings

The invention is further described on the basis of the preferred embodiment, which is schematically represented in the accompanying drawings; The drawings show:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a printing apparatus according to the invention; and FIG. 2 shows a view of the first coupling device of the receiving zone for transmitting information and energy supply of the working section.

The implementation of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a considerably simplified view of the device 10 for printing according to the invention. The printing device 10 has a plurality of holders 20 of the material to be printed, which can also be referred to as pallets. The holders 20 of the printed material are substantially flat and have a flat surface. For putting on textiles, for example, T-shirts, the holders 20 of the printed material are arranged in the form of a console. Further, the device 10 for printing has many working sections 30, which are located one behind the other in line. Working sections 30 are made in the form of working modules, which are arranged and fixed in various places of the device 10 for printing. Moreover, on the main frame 11 of the device 10 for printing there are many receiving zones 12, preferably of the same design, to which the working sections 30 are connected.

Depending on the task, different working sections are required. In the depicted embodiment, pretreatment section 31 is included in the first receiving zone 12, for example, for chemical treatment, such as stain removal, or for heat treatment. In the second receiving zone, a cooling section 32 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, a primer section 33 is further provided, with which, for example, white primer is applied to the material to be printed. The primer section 33 may be, for example, a digital printing unit with one or more print heads. Behind the priming section 33, the following cooling section 32 is provided. To apply the printed pattern itself to the next receiving zone 12, at least one digital printing unit 34 is connected. It preferably has at least four print heads for four-color printing. Each printhead uses one of the four standard primary colors Suap (cyan blue), MadeSha (magenta), Ve11o \ y (yellow) and Keu (key color, black) (the so-called color model SMUK). The print heads of the printing units 34 move linearly, in particular perpendicular to the direction of movement of the holders 20 of the printed materials. In particular, based on the linear movement of the holders of the printed material, it is also possible to arrange one or several printing dies extending across the entire width of the printed material with a plurality of stationary nozzles. Installing the print plate allows the simplest way to move the holders of the printed materials along the work sections continuously, i.e. not in start-stop mode. Alternatively, several digital printing units 34 can also be provided, one after the other, each of which causes one color or already pre-mixed colors, the so-called colors of 8ROT.

For the promotion of holders 20 sealed materials through the working section 30 provides a transporting mechanism 40, also called a pallet conveyor. In the depicted embodiment, the transport mechanism 40 is designed so that the holders 20 of the printed materials move linearly. The conveying mechanism 40 extends from the area before the first working section 30 and to the section after the last working section 30. To accurately position the holders 20 of the printed materials on the conveying mechanism 40, the holders 20 of the printed materials are fixed on the conveying mechanism 40.

Further, in the device 10 for printing are located the discharge zone 50, the parking section 60 and the zone 70

- 4 017485 downloads. In the discharge zone, the printed materials are removed from the holders of 20 printed materials. The parking section 60 serves as an intermediate storage area for holders of sealed materials 20, and moreover, the most compact arrangement of holders of sealed materials 20 is provided. In the depicted embodiment, the holders 20 of printed materials are located in the vertical direction. The parking section 60 also serves as a buffer between unloading and loading zones.

The printing process is described below. First, the printed material is placed on the holder 20 of the printed materials in the loading zone 70. Then the holder 20 of the printed materials together with the printed material located on it is mounted on the transporting mechanism 40 and fixed there. After passing through the working sections 30, the holder 20 of the printed materials is removed from the transport mechanism 40 and transferred to the unloading zone 50, where the printed material is removed from the holder 20 of the printed materials. Finally, the holder 20 of the sealing materials is placed in the parking section 60. To reload the holder 20 of the sealing materials, it is removed from the parking section 60 and again brought to the loading area 70.

FIG. 2 shows the connecting device 13 of the receiving zone in a rather simplified form.

12. A digital connector 14 is provided for connecting the digital operating section 30. An analog connector 16 has been prepared for connecting the analog operating section, for example the adhesive application section. In addition, a docking device 18 is provided for mechanically fixing the working section 30, which communicates with the corresponding docking device in the working section 30.

In general, thanks to the printing device according to the invention, higher versatility is achieved, both in terms of the dimensions of the machine and in terms of the sections intended for it. It is possible to choose the configuration of the device for printing according to the invention at the request of the client, taking into account technologically determined sequence - for example, pre-treatment, such as pre-priming, drying, drawing a picture in digital or / and analog way, drying, cooling, applying an adhesive layer, flocking. On the basis of modularity, over time, it is possible to improve the device for printing from a model with a minimal configuration to a complex professional equipment.

Claims (13)

CLAIM 1. A device for printing with the main frame (11), at least two working sections (30), of which at least one is a digital printing section, with several holders (20) of printed materials moving relative to the working sections (30), characterized in that the main frame (11) has several receiving zones (12) for accommodating working sections (30), that receiving areas (12) have at least one first connecting device (13) for detachable mounting of the working section (30 ) and to connect the power supply and / or before Information that the working sections (30) are made modular and equipped with interface zones that have at least one second connecting device corresponding to the first connecting device (13). 2. A device for printing according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving zones (12) and / or the interface zones are made the same. 3. A device for printing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one working section (30) is a pre-treatment section (31), a cooling section (32), a drying section, a priming section (33) and / or section for applying adhesive. 4. Device for printing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holders (20) of the printed materials are made with the possibility of circulation, and in the area of the working sections (30) - with the possibility of linear movement. 5. A device for printing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the holders (20) of the printed materials are folding. 6. A device for printing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a drying channel is provided in which the holders (20) of the printed materials are moved. 7. A device for printing according to claim 6, characterized in that the speed of advancement of holders (20) of the printed materials in the drying channel does not depend on the speed of advancement of holders (20) of the printed materials in at least one working section (30). 8. A device for printing according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a parking section (60) is provided for holders (20) of printed materials. 9. A device for printing according to claim 8, characterized in that the holders (20) of the printed materials - 5 017485 lov made with the possibility of horizontal or vertical stacking placement in the parking section (60). 10. A device for printing according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the holders (20) of the printed materials are arranged to move them after the discharge zone (50), where the printed materials are removed from the holders (20) of the printed materials, to the parking section ( 60) and supplying them to the loading zone (70) for re-placing the materials to be sealed on them. 11. Device for printing according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a transport mechanism (40) is provided for advancing holders (20) of the printed materials through working sections (30) and securing at least one holder (20) of the printed materials on the transport mechanism (40) with the possibility of removal. 12. A device for printing according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the main frame (11) has in plan approximately a rectangular shape and consists of segments. 13. A method of printing using a printing device, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the material to be printed is placed on the holder (20) of the materials to be sealed, the holder (20) of the materials to be printed is moved linearly through several working sections (30), which at least one is a digital printing unit, and the printed material is removed from the holder (20) of the printed materials, and the holder (20) of the printed materials is placed in the parking section (60) for temporary storage and removed from the parking section (60) for reloading the printed material.