EP0990534B1 - Stamp unit - Google Patents
Stamp unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0990534B1 EP0990534B1 EP99306543A EP99306543A EP0990534B1 EP 0990534 B1 EP0990534 B1 EP 0990534B1 EP 99306543 A EP99306543 A EP 99306543A EP 99306543 A EP99306543 A EP 99306543A EP 0990534 B1 EP0990534 B1 EP 0990534B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- stamp
- layer
- heat
- holder
- unit according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41K—STAMPS; STAMPING OR NUMBERING APPARATUS OR DEVICES
- B41K1/00—Portable hand-operated devices without means for supporting or locating the articles to be stamped, i.e. hand stamps; Inking devices or other accessories therefor
- B41K1/02—Portable hand-operated devices without means for supporting or locating the articles to be stamped, i.e. hand stamps; Inking devices or other accessories therefor with one or more flat stamping surfaces having fixed images
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41D—APPARATUS FOR THE MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES FOR STEREOTYPE PRINTING; SHAPING ELASTIC OR DEFORMABLE MATERIAL TO FORM PRINTING SURFACES
- B41D7/00—Shaping elastic or deformable material, e.g. rubber, plastics material, to form printing surfaces
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a stamp unit provided with a holder which is vertically and slidably disposed in a skirt member and retains a stamp material at the lower side and a grip member which is disposed above the holder and moves it downward, and more particularly to a stamp unit which can improve stamping durability of the stamp material retained at the lower side of the holder against a stamping sheet such as a paper.
- the present invention relates to a stamp unit having a stamp material made of porous material with an effective stamping surface capable of stamping and a holder retaining the stamp material at the lower side, and more particularly to a stamp unit which can surely prevent ink leakage from a circumference portion around the effective stamping surface included in a surface of the stamp material exposed from the lower side of the holder.
- stamp unit of various types has been proposed.
- One type of the stamp unit is disclosed in Japanese patent application No. Hei 10-52574 which was filed by the present applicant.
- This stamp unit comprises a grip, a holder, and a skirt member.
- the holder is connected with the grip so that the holder is vertically movable within the skirt member, and a stamp forming material is disposed at a lower side of the holder.
- the stamp forming material has a two-layered configuration comprised of an upper layer made of porous hard resin and a lower layer made of porous soft resin in which optical energy absorbing material, such as carbon black, etc., is dispersed.
- optical energy absorbing material such as carbon black, etc.
- the holder with the stamp forming material is set to a predetermined position in the stamp manufacturing device so that the positive manuscript and the lower layer of the stamp forming material are mutually opposed while a transparent acrylic plate exists between the positive manuscript and the stamp forming material.
- the lower layer of the stamp forming material is depressed to the transparent acrylic plate.
- the lower layer of the stamp forming material is irradiated with the light through the positive manuscript.
- the part of the lower layer irradiated with light at sites corresponding to the transparent portion of the manuscript is then fused due to heating effect of the optical absorbing material of the lower layer, and solidified.
- the irradiated part is sealed and becomes ink-impermeable.
- the part of the lower layer corresponding to the characters and the like on the manuscript is not fused-solidified and remains as it is, thus a stamp plate having a stamping surface on a lower face thereof is formed.
- a stamping surface In the stamping surface, a sealed portion(non-stamping portion) and a non-sealed portion(stamping portion) with a desirable pattern are mixed.
- the effective stamping surface of the stamp plate is constructed from the above surface in which the stamping portion and the non-stamping portion are mixed.
- the effective stamping surface corresponds to a flat surface except for the circumference portion along the holder within the surface of the stamp plate.
- an ink pack filled with ink can be set in the storage part of the holder, the storage part having a bottom plane on which uneven portions are formed in lattice.
- the grip is depressed downward, the ink pack is put between a plate member arranged at the lower end of the grip and the bottom plane of the storage part, thereby the ink pack is broken and opened.
- the ink flowed out of the opened ink pack is stored in the upper layer and the lower layer of the stamp plate. The ink oozes only from the non-sealed portion on the lower layer of the stamp plate and does not ooze from the sealed portion.
- the skirt member of the stamp unit is positioned on a desirable position of the stamping sheet and the grip is depressed downward. Then, the holder moves downward in the skirt member and the stamping surface of the stamp plate is pressed onto the stamping sheet. Thereby, the ink oozes onto the stamping sheet from the non-sealed portion existing in the effective stamping surface of the stamp plate and stamping of characters and the like is conducted onto the stamping sheet.
- stamping it is necessary that the ink does not ooze from the exposed portion except for the effective stamping surface.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has an object to overcome the above problems and to provide a stamp unit in which a stamp material can be surely retained to a holder and stamping durability can be improved by firmly sealing a circumference portion of the stamp material if stamping is repeated.
- a stamp unit including a skirt member, a holder member slidably retained in the skirt member, the holder member having an upper end and a lower end, a stamp material retained at the lower end of the holder member, the stamp material including ink therein and having an effective stamp surface for stamping by ink, and a grip member connected to the upper end of the holder member for moving the holder member, wherein a portion of the stamp material except for the effective stamp surface is sealed by sealing process so that ink included in the stamp material does not leak from the portion.
- the stamp unit of the present invention since the portion of the stamp material except for the effective stamp surface is sealed by sealing process, it can prevent ink included in the stamp material from leaking from the stamp material. Thus, even if stamping operation is repeated in many times, ink leakage can be avoided, therefore stamping durability can be improved without occurrence of unnecessary stamping around the effective stamp surface.
- the sealing process is conducted on a circumference portion of the stamp material around the effective stamp surface.
- the sealing process may be done on the circumference portion by a heat-press process by a heat-press jig or by applying a sealant to the circumference portion. Taking one of the heat-press process and the sealant process, it can surely prevent ink included in the stamp material from leaking from the circumference portion of the stamp material.
- Fig. 1 is a whole perspective view of a stamp unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the stamp unit before an ink pack is opened
- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the stamp unit right after the ink pack is opened
- a stamp unit 1 is mainly constituted of a skirt member 2 for supporting the whole stamp unit 1 during a stamping operation, a holder 4 which is disposed slidably in a vertical direction within the skirt member 2 and holds a stamp material 3 at the lower side by a heat-press process (mentioned hereinafter), a grip member 5 which is joined with the holder 4 such that the holder 4 is moved down during stamping thereby to press the stamp material 3 against a stamping sheet not shown, and a cap member 60 for covering and protecting the stamp material 3 retained at the lower side of the holder 4.
- a storage 22 formed in the holder 4 is constructed so as to receive an ink pack 6.
- the ink pack 6 is formed of a pack made of film material, filled up with ink.
- ink is packed so that ink quantity is substantially equal to ink quantity which the stamp material 3 can store therein.
- a cardboard 37 is arranged between the ink pack 6 and the bottom face of the grip member 5.
- a selected one from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, etc. or two kinds sheet-like materials bonded together is used.
- Fig. 4 is a side view of a skirt member
- Fig. 5 is an end face view of the skirt member
- Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the skirt member.
- the skirt member 2 has an open cavity 10 which is substantially rectangular in a top view, an upper skirt portion 13 provided with an interior wall 11 defining the open cavity 10 in which the holder 4 is slidably inserted and an exterior wall 12 formed in the outside of and integrally with the interior wall 11, and a lower skirt portion 15 provided with an exterior wall 14 formed with the bottom portion slightly widened continuously from the exterior walls 12.
- a spring stopper 17 On each end surface (right and left end faces in Fig. 4) of the upper skirt portion 13, there is formed a spring stopper 17 in an upper side of the interior wall 11.
- This spring stopper 17 serves to stop one end of a torsion spring 16 (see Fig. 5) whereby the holder 4 is always urged upward in the cavity 10.
- a semicircular positioning projection 18 is formed (see Fig. 5).
- a coiled portion of the spring 16 is mounted around the projection 18 thereby to position the coiled portion.
- a vertical slot 19 is formed in the interior wall 11 in the center. This slot 19 has an open lower end such that a sloped projection 35, which will be mentioned later, formed on either end surface of the holder 4 (see Fig.
- the vertical slot 19 serves to vertically guide the sloped projection 35 of the holder 4 in moving downward for stamping.
- a spring limit member 9 is formed as shown in Fig. 5. The spring limit member 9 limits the torsion spring 16 so as not to move in a direction that the spring 16 separates from the end surface of the holder 4 and acts to prevent that engagement between the torsion spring 16 and the lower end of the sloped projection 35 is released.
- the lower skirt portion 15 is to be put on a stamping sheet during the stamping operation, then supporting the entire stamp unit 1 on the printing sheet.
- the exterior wall 14 forming the lower skirt portion 15 has projections 20 formed on the lower corners respectively. With the support projections 20, the lower end of the exterior wall 14 of the lower skirt portion 15 is retained away from the stamping sheet.
- the exterior wall 14 is formed with an downward-arrow-shaped raised portion 21 located in each center of four surfaces of the wall 14 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. This raised portion 21 indicates a stamping direction.
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the holder 4
- Fig. 8 is a side view of the holder 4
- Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the holder 4
- Fig. 10 is a plan view of the holder 4
- Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the holder 4.
- the holder 4 is constituted of an upper holder portion 30 and a lower holder portion 31, which are formed integrally and corresponding to the upper and lower skirt portions 13 and 15 respectively.
- the upper holder portion 30 has a peripheral wall 32 formed from an angular cylindrical body having a substantially rectangular cross section.
- Each of the grooves 33 is engaged with a rib groove 54 (mentioned later) of the grip member 5, such that the holder 4 is integrally connected with the grip member 5.
- the restrictive projections 34 come into contact with the upper end of the exterior wall 12 of the upper skirt portion 13 as the holder 4 is moved down for the stamping operation, and then serve to restrict the downward motion of the holder 4.
- a wedge-shaped projection 35 formed sloping downward from the wall 32 to the outside is provided on either side surface (right and left side surfaces in Fig. 8) of the wall 32 of the upper holder portion 30.
- This sloped projection 35 is slidably inserted in the vertical slot 19 of the upper skirt portion 13 as the holder 4 is inserted into the skirt member 2 from its lower opening.
- One end of the torsion spring 16 traverses the slot 19 and is stopped in contact with the lower end of the projection 35 inserted in the slot 19, as shown in Fig. 5.
- Such the structure enables the vertical sliding of the holder 4 within the skirt member 2 by cooperation between the sloped projections 35 and the vertical slots 19.
- Another end of the torsion spring 16 is fixedly inserted in the spring stopper 17 of the upper skirt portion 13 while the opposite end of the spring 16 is stopped by the projection 35 as mentioned above, so that the holder 4 is always urged upward in the skirt member 2.
- cutting rib 25 to break and open the ink pack 6 are formed so as to slightly project upward from the bottom face 23.
- ink supply elongated hole 26s are formed on the interior wall surface of the front and rear walls of the wall 32 as shown in Figs. 7.
- Each of the ink supply hole 26 is elongated from the upper end of the holder 4 to bottom surfaces of support posts 27 (see Fig. 11).
- This supply hole 26 is used for auxiliary supply of ink in case that the ink supplied from the ink pack 6 and included in the stamp material 3 is decreased. At this time, the ink is poured to the stamp material 3 through the ink supply hole 26 when the grip member 5 has been detached from the holder 4.
- each support post 27 is elongated to a position that the lower end of the support post 27 is slightly retracted upward from the lower end of the lower holder portion 31 and contacts with the upper surface of the stamp material 3 retained by the holder 4.
- the lower end surfaces of the support posts 27 substantially constructs one surface.
- the lower holder portion 31 is integrally formed with the upper holder portion 30 and has a peripheral wall 38 with dimensions larger than the wall 32.
- the holder 4 is formed of ABS resin, polyolefine resin such as polyacetal copolymer, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc., PC resin, and the like.
- the cutting rib 25 presses the ink pack 6 against the cardboard 37 as the grip member 5 is pressed down, such that the part of the ink pack 6 caught between the cutting ribs 25 and the cardboard 37 is broken and opened. To ensure the opening of the ink pack 6, the cutting ribs 25 is formed having sharp-pointed corners.
- the ink supply hole 24 guides the ink flowed out of the ink pack 6 opened by the cutting ribs 25 downward, thereby the ink is absorbed into the stamp material 3.
- a wedge-shaped slant recess 43 slanting inward, is provided at a substantial center position on each outer surface of the front and rear walls (long walls) of the peripheral wall 38 constructing the lower holder portion 31.
- On both sides of the slant recess 43 one or two detection recesses 44 are formed.
- the slant recess 43 serves to set the holder 4 to a predetermined stamp making position in the stamp manufacturing device.
- the slant recess 43 has both sides which are slanted to the inside of the holder 4, even if the positional relation between the positioning member of positioning mechanism in the stamp manufacturing device and the holder 4 is slightly deviated, the holder 4 is caused to move such that the positioning member properly mates with the center position of the slant recess 43 due to the cam effect generated between the positioning member of the positioning mechanism and the slant recess 43 of the holder 4.
- the holder 4 is then set to a predetermined stamp making position in 'the stamp manufacturing device.
- the number of the detection recesses 44 and their positions may be changed according to the size of the holder 4.
- the detection recesses 44 are used for specifying the type (size) of the holder 4 in cooperation with groove sensors such as microswitches disposed in the positioning mechanism of the stamp manufacturing device.
- a pair of lugs 45 serving as a stopper are formed at lower positions of the front and rear walls (long walls) of the peripheral wall 38, as shown in Fig. 8, a pair of lugs 45 serving as a stopper are formed.
- the lugs 45 can be fitted in stopper recesses 62 of a cap 60 which will be mentioned later to attach the cap 60 to a lower end of the lower holder portion 31. Accordingly, the stamp surface of the stamp material 3 held at the lower end of the peripheral wall 38 is covered and protected by the cap 60.
- Fig. 12 is a side view of the grip member 5
- Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the grip member 5
- Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of the grip member 5 taken in a shorter width direction.
- the grip member 5 is provided, on its upper surface, with a labeling portion 50 to which a label and the like for indicating the content of the stamp surface formed on the material 3 is attached.
- a press portion 51 from the lower surface of the upper wall, the press portion 50 being inserted in the peripheral wall 32 of the upper holder portion 30 of the holder 4.
- the press portion 51 presses the ink pack 6 disposed in the holder 4 through the cardboard 37.
- the press portion 50 serves to depress the ink pack 6 arranged in the holder 4 through the cardboard 37.
- the press portion 51 of which the bottom is viewed in Fig. 13, has a substantially rectangular shape with four concave portions 52 disposed at the positions opposite to each other on both walls of the press portion 51.
- Each of the concave portions 52 is to allow the wall defining the ink supply hole 26 disposed on one wall surface of the peripheral wall 32 to be inserted when the press portion 51 of the grip member 5 is inserted in the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 4.
- the reason that two pairs of the concave portions 52 are formed is to prevent the wall defining the ink supply hole 26 from becoming obstacle no matter how the press portion 51 of the grip member 5 is inserted in the peripheral wall 32.
- a rib groove 54 is integrally formed on a lower side of the rib 53.
- the rib groove 54 is to be fitted in the groove 33 formed on the peripheral wall 32 in the external upper part thereof, thereby integrally connecting the holder 4 to the grip member 5.
- a cutout 55 is formed as shown in Fig. 3.
- the cutout 55 contacts with the upper end of the short side of the interior wall 11 which forms the rectangle open cavity 10 in the skirt member 2 when the holder 4 is moved downward in the skirt member 2 to an extent capable of stamping operation by the stamp material 3.
- the cutout 55 serves to restrict movement of the holder 4 within an enough range for stamping operation.
- Fig. 15 is a side view of the cap member
- Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the cap member.
- the cap member 60 has an open box-like shape and is provided, at center positions on both outer side walls, with holding parts 61 which can be held by user's fingers for attachment or detachment of the cap 60 to or from the holder 4.
- On the both inwall side surfaces of the cap 60 there are provided a pair of stopper recesses 62 with which the pair of the stopper lugs 45 formed on the peripheral wall 38 are to be engaged.
- the cap member 60 By the engagement between the stopper recesses 62 of the cap 60 and the stopper lugs 45 of the peripheral wall 38, the cap member 60 is attached to the peripheral wall 38 of the holder 4. Therefore, the stamp surface of the stamp material 3 held inside the peripheral wall 38 of the holder 4 is covered and protected by the 'cap member 60.
- the stamp material 3 retained at the lower end of the holder 4 has, for example, a three-layered construction structured from; an upper layer 71 with 3 mm thickness made of porous hard resin such as vinylformal resin having pore ratio of about 90 %; an intermediate layer 72 with 2 mm thickness made of porous hard resin same as that of the upper layer 71; and a lower layer 73 made of porous soft resin, in which optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black is dispersed, such as urethane resin having pore ratio of about 65 %.
- the intermediate layer 72 and the lower layer 73 are mutually adhered by adhesive applied between both layers, and the upper layer 71 and the intermediate layer 72 are mutually free without adhesive.
- the lower layer 73 has pores therein with a mean diameter which is larger than 10 ⁇ m and smaller than 50 ⁇ m, the mean diameter being preferably within a range of 20 ⁇ 10 ⁇ m.
- the ink included in the lower layer 73 has viscosity which is in a range of 300 to 2000 cps, preferably in a range of 500 to 1500 cps.
- a plurality of circular through holes 74 with 1 mm ⁇ 2 mm diameter are formed, That is, supposed that both the upper layer 71 and the intermediate layer 72 construct one porous hard resin layer, it concludes that there are formed in the porous hard resin layer recesses which does not reach to the lower layer 73.
- the through holes 74 are formed in the upper layer 71 in the stamp material 3 having the three-layered construction, the ink supplied from the ink supply hole 24 and spread over the upper layer 71 rapidly reaches to the intermediate layer 72 through the through holes 74. Further, the ink reaching to the intermediate layer 72 is gradually absorbed therein and reaches to the lower layer 73.
- the stamp unit 1 of the first embodiment it can reduce the time necessary the ink to reach to the lower layer 73 after the ink pack 6 is opened (that is, this time means a time necessary to start stamping operation after the ink pack 6 is opened) can be remarkably reduced while increasing ink quantity stored in the stamp material 3 to an extent that stamping operation can conduct.
- the circumference of the lower layer 73 in the stamp material 3 and the lower end of the holder 4 are deformed by a heat-press process, thereby the circumference of the lower layer 73 is made in a slant surface and the lower end of the holder 4 is smashed by press so as to hang the circumference of the lower layer 73. Further, the circumference of the slant surface of the lower layer 73 in the stamp material 3 is sealed due to that pores in the circumference of the slant surface are sealed by heat or resin, thus ink does not leak therefrom. Therefore, the stamp surface is formed on the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 except for the circumference thereof.
- Fig. 17 is a process view which schematically shows a heat-press process between the holder 4 and the stamp material 3 and a melting process of a slant surface of the stamp material 3
- Fig. 18 is a schematic view which shows an assembling state of the holder 4 and the stamp material 3 in the heat-press process
- Fig. 19 is a perspective view which shows the melting process of the slant surface of the stamp material 3 after the heat-press process.
- a heat-press jig 76 is formed in a cylindrical form with rectangle according to a plan view thereof and controlled by a heat control device not shown.
- heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 to deform the stamp material 3 is set in a range of 200°C to 240°C.
- the heat-press jig 76 has a heat-press area 77 according to its form as shown in Fig. 18.
- a protect film 78 is constructed from a transparent resin film which is formed of resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN( polyethylene naphthalate), polyamide. Thin layer of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed on the entire surface or partial surface corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76 in the protect film 78, by conducting surface treatment of silicon resin or fluoro resin.
- the melting point of resin component forming the protect film 78 is prepared to a temperature which is lower than the heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 and higher than the melting point of resin component included in the holder 4 and the stamp material 3.
- a heat-press portion 79 is formed corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76.
- the heat-press portion 79 is divided into two heat-press portions 79a, 79b.
- the outer heat-press portion 79a corresponds to a welding portion where the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 and the inner side of lower end 4a of the holder 4 are mutually welded, and the inner heat-press portion 79b corresponds to a width of the lower end 4a in the holder 4 after welded.
- the protect film 78 has a holding portion 80 outside of the heat-press portion 79.
- the stamp material 3 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down, thus the lower layer 73, the intermediate layer 72 and the upper layer 71 are shown in this order from the upper side.
- the lower layer 73 is made of porous soft resin, in which optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black is dispersed, such as urethane resin having pore ratio of about 65 %
- the intermediate layer 72 and the upper layer 71 are made of porous hard resin such as vinylformal resin having pore ratio of about 90 %.
- the holder 4 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down different from a case of stamping operation and the lower holder portion 31 is arranged upward, thus the lower end 4a is arranged upward.
- the upper layer 71 is pressed into an inner space 4b surrounded by the lower end 4a until the upper layer 71 contacts with the support posts 27.
- a spherical slant surface 71a formed on a circumference edge of the upper layer 71 directs for the support posts 27, that is, for the side from which ink is supplied.
- the intermediate layer 72 is pressed into the inner space 4b until the intermediate layer 72 contacts with the upper layer 71.
- a spherical slant surface 72a formed on a circumference edge of the intermediate layer 72 directs for the lower layer 73 so as to oppose each other.
- the circumference of the lower layer 73 is formed into a plate-like flat form and adhered to the intermediate layer 72 through adhesive applied on the intermediate layer 72 with dot form.
- the lower end 4a of the holder 4 is made thinner than the end 38a of the peripheral wall 38 formed in the lower holder portion 31. But, the side of the inner space 4b is continuously formed therethrough.
- the thickness of the lower end 4a is set so as to become equal to the thickness of the end 38a when the lower end 4a is heat-pressed and deformed.
- the heat-press process hereinafter.
- the upper layer 71, the intermediate layer 72 and the lower layer 73 forming the stamp material 3 are arranged in the inner space 4b of the holder 4, as shown in Fig. 17(A).
- the lower layer 73 is entirely projected and exposed from the lower end 4a of the holder 4.
- the spherical slant surface 72a of the intermediate layer 72 opposes to the lower layer 73 and a space 81 is formed therebetween.
- This space 81 is used for a space in which the circumference of the lower layer 73 flows when the circumference of the lower layer 73 is deformed by the heat-press process.
- the protect film 78 is put on so as to cover the stamp surface on the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3. Retaining this state, the heat-press jig 76 heated to the predetermined temperature is moved downward and retained to a pressing state for a predetermined time (1 to 5 seconds, preferably 3 seconds). Thereby, the circumference of the lower layer 73 flows into the space 81 and the lower end 4a of the holder 4 is deformed as shown in Fig. 17(B).
- the wall of the inner space 4b of the holder 4 is formed straightly, the lower end 4a can be easily deformed toward the inner space 4b.
- the lower end 4a encroaches into the deformed circumference of the lower layer 73 and forms a hook-like wedge 82, as shown in Fig. 17(B).
- This wedge 82 serves to hook the circumference of the lower layer 73 while holding the contact state between the lower end 4a and the circumference of the lower layer 73 so as to seal.
- the portion of the lower layer 73 opposite to the wedge 82 of the lower end 4a is deformed so as to adhere to the end 38a of the peripheral wall 38.
- a slant surface 83 of the circumference of the stamp material 3 is formed, based on that the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the circumference of the lower layer 73 are deformed.
- the heat-press jig 76 is constructed so as to have a spherical slant surface 76a at the inner side thereof, corresponding to the inner heat-press portion 79b of the protect film 78. Since the protect film 78 exists between the lower layer 73 and the heat-press jig 76 when heat-press process is conducted, the slant surface 83 of the circumference in the stamp material 3 becomes a smooth slant surface without difference in level.
- the protect film 78 is welded to a flat portion of the deformed lower end 4a in the holder 4, in a condition that the protect film 78 can be peeled off.
- the stamp material 3, the holder 4 and the protect film 78 are heat-pressed by the heat-press jig 76 at the same time.
- the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 are mutually hooked by the wedge 82 while holding the contact state between the lower end 4a and the circumference of the lower layer 73 so as to seal, therefore it can surely seal the lower layer 73 and the lower end 4a. As a result, it can prevent that ink leaks between the stamp material 3 and the holder 4.
- it is effective to; 1 ⁇ make the lower end 4a thin and form the inner side thereof straight; 2 ⁇ form spherical slant surface 72a in the circumference of the intermediate layer 72; and 3 ⁇ form the support posts 27 to support the circumference of the stamp material 3.
- the lower end 4a of the holder 4 Since the lower end 4a of the holder 4 is deformed so as to have the wedge 82 which hooks the circumference of the lower layer 73, it can retain the seal state between the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the circumference of the lower layer 73, even after many stamping operations are repeated. Therefore, seal ability between the holder 4 and the stamp material 3 can be remarkably improved.
- the stamp material 3 and the protect film 78 includes resin component and the melting point of the resin component included in the protect film 78 is set higher than the resin component included in both the holder 4 and the stamp material 3, the resin component of the protect film 78 is not firmly heat-pressed to the lower end 4a of the holder 4 due to high melting point.
- the protect film 78 can be easily peeled off from the holder 4 when stamping operation is conducted.
- the resin layer formed of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed, therefore it can prevent the protect film 78 from firmly adhering to the heat-press jig 76 while heat-press process.
- the resin layer of silicon resin or fluoro resin effectively acts when heat-press process is conducted at a temperature near to the melting point of the protect film 78.
- the protect film 78 is constructed from a transparent resin film.
- a mask 84 made of aluminium foil or silver foil is put on the protect film 78.
- This mask 84 has a size capable of covering the area for making the stamp surface and exposing the area corresponding to the slant surface 83 of the stamp material 3 (shown by dot line in Fig. 19).
- a transparent glass plate 85 is put on the mask 84 and is pressed by a press device not shown. Thereafter, a light emission tube 86 such as xenon tube is driven to emit light.
- the mask 84 does not exist in an area corresponding to the slant surface 83 formed in the lower layer 73, light emitted from the light emission tube 86 is irradiated to the slant surface 83.
- the optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black dispersed in the lower layer 73 absorbs light from the light emission tube 86 and is heated.
- resin component in the lower layer 73 is melted and then solidified, thereby continuous pores existing in the lower layer 73 are smashed.
- the slant surface 83 of the stamp material 3 is melted and solidified and it can prevent ink from leaking from the slant surface 83.
- the mask 84 is made thin, there will be no difference in level in a boundary portion of the melted and solidified portion and the other portion on the lower layer 73, even if the light emission tube 86 is driven to emit light in a condition where the stamp material 3 is deformed by pressing the glass plate 85 thereto, thereafter the stamp material 3 is expanded in the original state.
- the process to melt and solidify the circumference of stamp material 3 may be done before the heat-press process that the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the circumference of the stamp material 3 are heat-pressed.
- a flat heat-press jig is contacted to the circumference of the lower layer 73, thereby the circumference of the lower layer 73 is melted and solidified and the continuous pores existing in the circumference of the lower layer 73 are smashed.
- the heat-press process is conducted on the lower layer 73 as shown in Figs. 17 (A), 17 (B).
- the process for melting and solidifying can be done by the heat-press jig different from the method shown in Fig. 17 (C).
- the heat-press jig having a form according to the slant surface 83 of the circumference in the stamp material 3 is pressed to the slant surface 83, thereby the circumference of the lower layer 73 can be melted and solidified and the continuous pores in the circumference can be smashed.
- the process for melting and solidifying is done according to the method using the mask and the light emission tube shown in Fig. 17 (C).
- the process for producing the stamp unit 1 mentioned above is as follows. At first, to make a stamp surface in the underside of the stamp material 3, the holder 4 is set to the predetermined position in the holder storage part of the stamp manufacturing device (not shown). Based on the cam effect between the slant surfaces of the slant recess 43 of the lower holder portion 31 and the positioning projection arranged in the positioning mechanism, the holder 4 is allowed to be positioned at a predetermined stamp making position. In this position, the size of the holder 4 is detected in cooperation with the detection recesses 44 and the recess sensors arranged in the positioning mechanism.
- the stamp manufacturing device a part of rolled-up transparent film is drawn out and fed from the roll, and characters and figures are printed on the film through the thermal head and the thermal ribbon, thereby a positive manuscript is formed.
- This positive manuscript is fed onto a transparent acrylic plate.
- the holder 4 is set to a predetermined stamp making position such that the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 is opposite to the manuscript while existing the transparent acrylic plate between the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 and the positive manuscript.
- the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 is irradiated with the light through the positive manuscript.
- the procedure to assemble the stamp unit 1 will be described hereinafter after the stamp surface is formed on the stamp material 3.
- the holder 4 Upon completion of the stamp surface making of the stamp material 3, the holder 4 is inserted in the open cavity 10 of the skirt member 2 under the condition that, on each side surface of the upper skirt portion 13, the coiled portion of the spring 16 is previously positioned around the positioning projection 18 while the one end of the spring 16 is fixedly inserted in the stopper 17.
- the sloped projection 35 formed on each side surface of the peripheral wall 32 of the upper holder portion 30 of the holder 4 inserted from the lower open end of the skirt member 2 is allowed to slide upward in the vertical slot 19.
- the holder 4 is slidably retained in the skirt member 2 while being urged upward by inserting the holder 4 within the skirt member 2 from the lower side thereof.
- the skirt member 2 has the open cavity 10 surrounded by the interior wall 11 having a substantially rectangular shape.
- the outer short sides in the rectangular open cavity 10 constructs a pair of first wall part 11a.
- the outer short sides in the rectangular peripheral wall 32 of the holder 4 constructs a pair of second wall part 32a.
- the positioning projection 18 retains the coiled part 16a of the torsion spring 16 in a cantilever manner so that the coiled part 16a does not deviate from the projection 18.
- the spring stopper 17 engages one end 16b of the torsion spring 16. Between the first wall part 11a and the exterior wall 12, a engaging part 12a is formed, the engaging part 12a having a slope same as that of the sloped projection 35 and determining the upper position of the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16.
- the spring limit member 9 is constructed from a guide rail 9a which is projected toward the first wall part 11a from the exterior wall 12, the spring limit member 9 restricting an intermediate part between the coiled part 16a and the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 so as not to move and deviate outward.
- the guide rail 9a is formed along the vertical slot 19 with a predetermined distance therebetween.
- the upper end of the guide rail 9a is formed in a connecting part 9b which is continuously connected to the first wall part 11a.
- the connecting part 9b may be opened at its upper end.
- the spring limit member 9 is formed on the first wall part 11a between the interior wall 11 and the exterior wall 12, the spring limit member 9 may be formed in a hook shape which projects from the first wall part 11a and stops the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16.
- the sloped projection 35 which is formed on the second wall part 32a, acts as a limit member against the other end 16c.
- the sloped projection 35 is formed in a wedge shape slanted outward and downward. As shown in Fig. 20, when the holder 4 is inserted in the skirt member 2 from the lower part thereof, a slant portion 35a of the sloped projection 35 pushes the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 outward. At this time, the intermediate part between the other end 16c and the coiled part 16a is restricted by the guide rail 9a of the spring limit member 9.
- the torsion springs 16 are arranged on both the short sides where the skirt member 2 and the holder 4 opposes with each other. More two torsion springs 16 may be arranged on both the long sides where the skirt member 2 and the holder 4 opposes with each other, in addition to the short sides.
- the torsion spring 16 may be arranged on one of the short side and the long side. In this case, number of members can be reduced, and the space for the ink pack 6 can be enlarged because of small space for the torsion spring 16 and number of stamping operation can be increased because of increase of ink quantity stored in the space. Further, though it is preferable to use the torsion spring 16, a rod-like spring may be utilized.
- Fig. 21 shows by stages a state that the holder 4 is inserted in the skirt member 2 from the lower part thereof after the stamp surface is formed on the lower side of the stamp material 3 retained in the holder 4.
- Fig. 21 (A) shows a state of inserting in early stage
- Fig. 21 (B) shows a state of inserting in substantially final stage
- Fig. 21 (C) shows a state that inserting of the holder 4 in the skirt member 2 is completed.
- the front views corresponds to a partially sectional view representing such that the wall of the holder 4 can be seen
- the upper view corresponds to a sectional plan view representing end parts of both the holder 4 and the skirt member 2
- the right view corresponds to a longitudinally sectional view representing only the left side of the holder 4 and the skirt member 2.
- Fig. 21 (A) the holder 4 is inserted in the open cavity 10 of the skirt member 2 from the lower part, the skirt member 2 being set in a state that the coiled part 16a of the torsion spring 16 is positioned by the positioning projection 18 on each of both sides of the upper skirt portion 13 and the one end 16b of the torsion spring 16 is engaged in the spring stopper 17.
- the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 is positioned at the side of the first wall part 11a and separated from the spring limit member 9.
- the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 is in a state right before being pressed outward by the slope of the sloped projection 35.
- the sloped projection 35 which is formed on both side of the peripheral wall 32 of the upper holder portion 30 in the holder 4, is slid upward in the vertical slot 19 from the open end thereof, as shown in Fig. 21 (B).
- the part between the intermediate part and the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 is deformed outward as mentioned.
- the intermediate part is restricted by the spring limit member 9 so as not be come off.
- the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 is in a state that the other end 16c runs along the slant portion 35a of the sloped projection 35 and positions at the top of the sloped projection 35.
- the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 is engaged in the lower end of the sloped projection .35 at the time that the sloped projection 35 goes over the other end 16c according to the wedge shape of the projection 35.
- the holder 4 is urged upward in the skirt member 2 by urging force of the torsion spring 16 and is slidable in the up and down direction against to urging force.
- the holder 4 can be easily inserted in the skirt member 2, thereby the holder 4 can be slidably retained in the skirt member 2.
- the coiled part 16a of the torsion spring 16 is prevented from being come off from the positioning projection 18 by the guide rail 9a of the spring limit member 9, thus it is not necessary to carefully insert the holder 4 in the skirt member 2 so that the torsion spring 16 does not come off.
- the torsion spring 16 can be compactly arranged between the first wall part 11a of the skirt member 2 and the spring stopper 17 based on that the coiled part 16a is retained by the positioning projection 18 which is formed on the first wall part 11a of the skirt member 2. Further, the coiled part 16a of the torsion spring 16 retained to the positioning projection 18 in cantilever shape can be restricted so as not come off from the positioning projection 18 by the spring limit member 9.
- the spring limit member 9 is formed along the vertical slot 19 formed on the first wall part 11a in the skirt member 2, the part between the intermediate part and the other end 16c of the torsion spring 16 is restricted by the spring limit member 9 when the sloped projection 35 presses and moves the other end 16c outward while inserting of the holder 4 in the skirt member 2. Therefore, the holder 4 can be rapidly inserted in the skirt member 2 and it can judge that insertion of the holder 4 in the skirt member 2 is completed by hearing a sound occurring when the other end 16c is engaged in the lower end 35b of the sloped projection 35.
- the ink pack 6 is set in the storage 22 and the cardboard 37 is arranged on the ink pack 6. Thereafter, the grip member 5 is attached to the holder 4 such that the press portion 51 is inserted in the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 4.
- This assembled state is shown in Fig. 2.
- the grip 5 in the state that the press portion 51 is inserted in the peripheral wall 32 is further pressed down, the ink pack 6 in the holder 4 is sandwiched and pressed between the cardboard 37 and the cutting rib 25. At this time, due to the action of the cardboard 37, the pressing force substantially uniformly exerts on the ink pack 6.
- the ink pack 6 is then broken at the portion contacting the cutting rib 25 and opened at the substantial center portion corresponding to the position of the cutting rib 25.
- the ink flowing out from the ink pack 6 can be dispersed uniformly around the rib 25.
- the cardboard 37 having the ink absorption ability absorbs the ink escaping from the opened ink pack 6 to the upper side when the ink pack 6 in the holder 4 is opened by the down movement of the grip member 5, thereby to prevent the leakage of the ink to the outside of the stamp unit 1. This state is shown in Fig. 3.
- the space provided between the peripheral wall 32 and the cutting rib 25 becomes an ink storing portion for the ink escaping from the opened ink pack 6 as shown in Fig. 3, the ink is prevented from leaking to the outside of the holder 4 even if the ink escapes all at once from the ink pack 6 opened with the cutting rib 25.
- the ink escaping from the ink pack 6 is guided downward through the ink supply hole 24 formed around the cutting rib 25, and then temporarily stored above the stamp material 3 as shown in Fig. 3. However, the ink is rapidly saturated into the stamp material 3 due to the action of the through holes 74 formed in the upper layer 71. Since the ink supply hole 24 is disposed around the cutting rib 25 and the support posts 27 each of which is mutually separated are formed under the ink supply hole 24, the ink escaping from the ink pack 6 is dispersed uniformly over the entire bottom of the holder 4, resulting in the uniform saturation of the stamp material 3 with ink.
- the cutout 54 formed in the lower side of each of the ribs 53 of the grip member 5 is engaged with the groove 33 formed on the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 4, so that the holder 4 is integrally connected to the grip member 5.
- the stamping operation is performed to stamp characters and the like corresponding to the stamp surface formed on the stamp material 3 saturated with ink as above. If stamping operation is repeated in many times, it can prevent the ink from leaking from the circumference of the stamp material 3 since the circumference of the stamp material 3 is perfectly sealed as shown in Fig. 17.
- the following operation is carried out; the grip member 5 is detached from the holder 4, and the cardboard 37 and the ink pack 6 with no ink are taken out from the holder 4, and the ink-filled new pack 6 is inserted in the holder 4 and the grip member 5 is attached again to the holder 4 as mentioned above.
- the stamp operation is enabled again.
- the ink supply may be performed through the ink supply hole 26 formed on an inwall surface of the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 4 in order to enable the stamping operation again.
- stamp unit of the second embodiment has substantially the same structure as that of the stamp unit 1 of the first embodiment, explanation of the second embodiment will be done using the same numerals in the first embodiment.
- the circumference of the lower layer 73 in the stamp material 3 and the lower end of the holder 4 are deformed by heat-press process, thereby the circumference of the lower layer 73 is made in a slant surface and the lower end of the holder 4 is sealed by press so as to hook the circumference of the lower layer 73.
- the circumference of the slant surface of the lower layer 73 in the stamp material 3 is sealed due to that pores in the circumference of the slant surface are sealed by sealant 90, thus ink does not leak therefrom. Therefore, the stamp surface which functions as an effective stamp area 91 is formed on the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 except for the circumference thereof on which the sealant 90 is applied.
- Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the holder 4 holding the stamp material 3 at its lower end
- Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the stamp material 3 in a state that the sealant 90 is applied to the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 before the heat-press process
- Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view showing the heat-press process between the holder 4 and the stamp material 3.
- Fig. 22 only the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 is exposed from the lower end 4a of the holder 4, the lower end 4a being pressed and deformed.
- the circumference of the lower layer 73 along the lower end 4a is formed in the slant surface 83 so as to slightly project from the lower end 4a.
- the sealant 90 is applied to the slant surface 83.
- the flat area on the lower layer 73 surrounded by the sealant 90 becomes the effective stamp area 91.
- the effective stamp area 91 it is formed the stamp surface in which both the sealed portion (non-stamping portion) and the non-sealed portion (stamping portion) exist in a mixed state.
- the effective stamp areas 91 may apply the sealant 90 to a portion corresponding to a dividing line. Further, it may apply the sealant 90 to a circumference covered by the holder 4 in the lower layer 73. In short, it may be enough that the sealant 90 is applied to the entire surface of the stamp material 3 exposed from the holder 4 except for the effective stamp area 91.
- the sealant 90 material is used for the sealant 90 material with the following characteristics. First, such material must be adhered to continuous porous soft resin material forming the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3, for instance, elastomer resin consisting of urethane resin being preferable for the lower layer 73. Second, material for the sealant 90 must have chemical resistance so as not to be destroyed by ink. Third, material for the sealant 90 must have viscosity and fluidity before being hardened so as to be able to saturate in pores formed in the porous soft resin for the lower layer 73, the pores having sizes in a range of 20 ⁇ 10 ⁇ m.
- material for the sealant 90 since the heat-press is done in a state that the sealant 90 is applied to the lower layer 73, material for the sealant 90 must have heat resistance so as not to be degenerated for the heat-press process at a temperature of 200°C to 240°C in a short time. Concretely, material for the sealant 90 must have heat resistance of more than 180°C in a short time. Fifth, since the sealant 90 is elastically heat-pressed and deformed so that the circumference of the lower layer 73 is formed in the slant surface 83, the sealant 90 also must have rubber elasticity. Rubber elasticity must be preferably retained in a wide range of -55°C to +200°C.
- the sealant 90 As material for the sealant 90 which satisfies the above characteristics, it is utilizable silicon rubber.
- silicon rubbers it is conceivable liquid silicon rubber which is hardened in rubber state by condensation reaction at room temperature and further hardened while reacting with humidity in atmosphere.
- the sealant 90 is applied to the circumference of one side of the lower layer 73 and hardened. It is preferable that the application thickness of the sealant 90 is in a range of 1.0 ⁇ m to 200 ⁇ m, more preferably in a range of 30 ⁇ m to 80 ⁇ m. If the application thickness of the sealant 90 is thin, the sealant 90 is apt to easily break by external force. However, if the application thickness of the sealant 90 exceeds a predetermined thickness, the sealant 90 concludes to have proper strength, thus becomes hard to break by external force. Further, if the thickness of sealant 90 is thinner than the predetermined thickness, the projection extent of the sealant 90 from the effective stamp area 91 does not hinder for stamp operation.
- liquid silicon rubber is used for the sealant 90
- liquid silicon rubber is saturated in continuous pores with usual diameter of 20 ⁇ 10 ⁇ m existing in the lower layer 73 and hardened in saturated state in pores. Therefore, the sealant 90 is not only adhered to the surface of the lower layer 73, but also entered into the lower layer 73. As a result, based on covering on and entering into the lower layer 73, the sealant 90 is firmly applied to the lower layer 73 and is not easily peeled off.
- the sealant 90 may be also applied to the side surface of circumference in the lower layer 73.
- Heat-press process which is done in a state that the sealant 90 is applied to the circumference of the stamp material 3 by using the heat-press jig 76 while the protect film 78 exists on the lower layer 73, is conducted by the same process as in the first embodiment.
- the heat-press jig 76 is formed in a cylindrical form with rectangle according to a plan view thereof and controlled by a heat control device not shown.
- heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 to deform the stamp material 3 is set in a range of 200°C to 240°C.
- the heat-press jig 76 has a heat-press area 77 according to its form as shown in Fig. 18.
- a protect film 78 is constructed from a transparent resin film which is formed of resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN( polyethylene naphthalate), polyamide. Thin layer of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed on the entire surface or partial surface corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76 in the protect film 78, by conducting surface treatment of silicon resin or fluoro resin.
- the melting point of resin component forming the protect film 78 is prepared to a temperature which is lower than the heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 and higher than the melting point of resin component included in the holder 4 and the stamp material 3.
- a heat-press portion 79 is formed corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76.
- the heat-press portion 79 is divided into two heat-press portions 79a, 79b.
- the outer heat-press portion 79a corresponds to a welding portion where the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 and the inner side of lower end 4a of the holder 4 are mutually welded, and the inner heat-press portion 79b corresponds to a width of the lower end 4a in the holder 4 after welded.
- the protect film 78 has a holding portion 80 outside of the heat-press portion 79.
- the stamp material 3 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down, thus the lower layer 73, the intermediate layer 72 and the upper layer 71 are shown in this order from the upper side.
- the lower layer 73 is made of porous soft resin, in which optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black is dispersed, such as urethane resin having pore ratio of about 65 % and the sealant 90 is applied to the circumference of the lower layer 73
- the intermediate layer 72 and the upper layer 71 are made of porous hard resin with 3 mm thickness such as vinylformal resin having pore ratio of about 90 %.
- the holder 4 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down different from a case of stamping operation and the lower holder portion 31 is arranged upward, thus the lower end 4a is arranged upward.
- the upper layer 71 is pressed into an inner space 4b surrounded by the lower end 4a until the upper layer 71 contacts with the support posts 27.
- a spherical slant surface 71a forming circumference edge of the upper layer 71 directs for the support posts 27, that is, for the side from which ink is supplied.
- the intermediate layer 72 is pressed into the inner space 4b until the intermediate layer 72 contacts with the upper layer 71.
- a spherical slant surface 72a forming circumference edge of the intermediate layer 72 directs for the lower layer 73 so as to oppose each other.
- the circumference of the lower layer 73 is formed into a plate-like flat form and adhered to the intermediate layer 72 through adhesive applied on the intermediate layer 72 with dot form.
- the lower end 4a of the holder 4 is made thinner than the end 38a of the peripheral wall 38 formed in the lower holder portion 31. But, the side of the inner space 4b is continuously formed therethrough.
- the thickness of the lower end 4a is set so as to become equal to the thickness of the end 38a when the lower end 4a is heat-pressed and deformed.
- the heat-press process hereinafter.
- the upper layer 71, the intermediate layer 72 and the lower layer 73 forming the stamp material 3 are arranged in the inner space 4b of the holder 4, as shown in Fig. 24 (A).
- the lower layer 73 is entirely projected and exposed from the lower end 4a of the holder 4.
- the spherical slant surface 72a of the intermediate layer 72 opposes to the lower layer 73 and a space 81 is formed therebetween.
- This space 81 is used for a space in which the circumference of the lower layer 73 is flowed when the circumference of the lower layer 73 is deformed by the heat-press process.
- the protect film 78 is put on so as to cover the stamp surface on the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3. Retaining this state, the heat-press jig 76 heated to a predetermined temperature is moved downward and retained a pressing state for a predetermined time (0.4 to 5 seconds, preferably 2 seconds). Thereby, the circumference of the lower layer 73 is flowed into the space 81 and the lower end 4a of the holder 4 is deformed as shown in Fig. 24 (B).
- the wall of the inner space 4b of the holder 4 is formed straightly, the lower end 4a can be easily deformed toward the inner space 4b.
- the lower end 4a encroaches into the deformed circumference of the lower layer 73 and forms a hook-like wedge 82, as shown in Fig. 24 (B).
- This wedge 82 serves to hook the circumference of the lower layer 73 to which the sealant 90 is applied while holding the contact state between the lower end 4a and the circumference of the lower layer 73 so as to seal.
- the portion of the lower layer 73 opposite to the wedge 82 of the lower end 4a is deformed so as to adhere to the end 38a of the peripheral wall 38.
- a slant surface 83 with the sealant 90 of the circumference of the stamp material 3 is formed, based on that the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the circumference of the lower layer 73 are deformed.
- the heat-press jig 76 is constructed so as to have a spherical slant surface 76a at the inner side thereof, corresponding to the inner heat-press portion 79b of the protect film 78. Since the protect film 78 exists between the lower layer 73 and the heat-press jig 76 when heat-press process is conducted, the slant surface 83 of the circumference in the stamp material 3 becomes a smooth slant surface without difference in level.
- the protect film 78 is welded to a flat portion of the deformed lower end 4a in the holder 4, in a condition that the protect film 78 can be peeled off.
- the stamp material 3, the holder 4 and the protect film 78 are heat-pressed by the heat-press jig 76 at the same time.
- the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 are mutually hooked by the wedge 82 while holding the contact state between the lower end 4a and the circumference of the lower layer 73 so as to seal, therefore it can surely seal the lower layer 73 and the lower end 4a. As a result, it can prevent ink from leaking between the stamp material 3 and the holder 4.
- the lower end 4a of the holder 4 Since the lower end 4a of the holder 4 is deformed so as to have the wedge 82 which hooks the circumference of the lower layer 73 with the sealant 90, it can retain the seal state between the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the circumference of the lower layer 73, even after many stamping operations are repeated. Therefore, seal ability between the holder 4 and the stamp material 3 can be remarkably improved.
- process to form the stamp surface on the stamp material 3 is basically as same as the process in the first embodiment. Different point is as follows. That is, when the stamp surface is formed on the stamp material 3, the sealant 90 is applied to the circumference of the lower layer of the stamp material 3. At this time, since the sealant 90 is made black, the sealant 90 is heated when the xenon tube in the stamp making device is driven to emit light while opposing the stamp material 3a and the positive manuscript in the state that the acrylic plate exists between the stamp material 3 and the positive manuscript. Based on this heating of the sealant 90, both the lower layer 73 of the stamp material 3 and the sealant 90 are more firmly adhered. Further, if the sealant 90 is made transparent, the portion of the lower layer 73 corresponding to the sealant 90 is heated. Thus, based on this heating of the lower layer 73, both the lower layer 73 and the sealant 90 are more firmly adhered.
- the stamp unit 1 of the first embodiment is preferably described as the stamp unit in which the stamp surface of the stamp material 3 is formed by setting the holder with the stamp material in the stamp making device, the invention is not limited to this type of the stamp unit. It is important that the invention can be applied to the stamp unit in which the holder is slidably retained in the skirt member by inserting the holder in the skirt member from the lower side thereof based on the resilient member arranged in the skirt member to urge the holder upward in the skirt member, and the grip member is connected to the upper side of the holder, thereby the stamp unit is assembled.
- the stamp unit is constructed from the stamp material 103 and the holder 104.
- the stamp material 103 has a two-layered construction in which the porous soft resin layer 173 and the porous hard resin layer 171 are formed.
- the sealant 185 is applied to both the circumference and circumferential side of the porous soft resin layer 173. Both the porous soft resin layer 173 and the porous hard resin layer 171 are inserted in the inner space of the holder 104, thus stamp unit is constructed. In such structure, since thickness of the sealant 185 is thin, it is not necessary to make the circumference of the porous soft resin layer 173 in a slant surface.
- the stamp unit of the second embodiment may be modified as shown in Fig. 26. That is, the stamp material 203 is formed of the porous hard resin and has stamping portions projected from the bending portion 204a of the holder 204. The sealant 285 is applied to the circumference of the stamp material 203 and the stamp material 203 is held with the sealant 285 by the bending portion 204a.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacture Or Reproduction Of Printing Formes (AREA)
- Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a stamp unit provided with a holder which is vertically and slidably disposed in a skirt member and retains a stamp material at the lower side and a grip member which is disposed above the holder and moves it downward, and more particularly to a stamp unit which can improve stamping durability of the stamp material retained at the lower side of the holder against a stamping sheet such as a paper.
- Further, the present invention relates to a stamp unit having a stamp material made of porous material with an effective stamping surface capable of stamping and a holder retaining the stamp material at the lower side, and more particularly to a stamp unit which can surely prevent ink leakage from a circumference portion around the effective stamping surface included in a surface of the stamp material exposed from the lower side of the holder.
- Conventionally, the stamp unit of various types has been proposed. One type of the stamp unit is disclosed in Japanese patent application No. Hei 10-52574 which was filed by the present applicant. This stamp unit comprises a grip, a holder, and a skirt member. The holder is connected with the grip so that the holder is vertically movable within the skirt member, and a stamp forming material is disposed at a lower side of the holder.
- In the stamp unit, the stamp forming material has a two-layered configuration comprised of an upper layer made of porous hard resin and a lower layer made of porous soft resin in which optical energy absorbing material, such as carbon black, etc., is dispersed. To produce a stamp plate from this stamp forming material by means of a stamp manufacturing device, at first, while a part of rolled-up transparent film is drawn out and fed from the roll, characters and figures are printed on the film through a thermal ink ribbon by a thermal head, thereby a positive manuscript is formed. Subsequently, the holder with the stamp forming material is set to a predetermined position in the stamp manufacturing device so that the positive manuscript and the lower layer of the stamp forming material are mutually opposed while a transparent acrylic plate exists between the positive manuscript and the stamp forming material. In this state, the lower layer of the stamp forming material is depressed to the transparent acrylic plate. In such the state, when a xenon tube disposed below the transparent acrylic plate is driven to emit light, the lower layer of the stamp forming material is irradiated with the light through the positive manuscript. The part of the lower layer irradiated with light at sites corresponding to the transparent portion of the manuscript is then fused due to heating effect of the optical absorbing material of the lower layer, and solidified. Thereby, the irradiated part is sealed and becomes ink-impermeable. On the other hand, the part of the lower layer corresponding to the characters and the like on the manuscript is not fused-solidified and remains as it is, thus a stamp plate having a stamping surface on a lower face thereof is formed. In the stamping surface, a sealed portion(non-stamping portion) and a non-sealed portion(stamping portion) with a desirable pattern are mixed. The effective stamping surface of the stamp plate is constructed from the above surface in which the stamping portion and the non-stamping portion are mixed. Usually, in the stamp plate, the effective stamping surface corresponds to a flat surface except for the circumference portion along the holder within the surface of the stamp plate.
- Further, in the above stamp unit, an ink pack filled with ink can be set in the storage part of the holder, the storage part having a bottom plane on which uneven portions are formed in lattice. When the grip is depressed downward, the ink pack is put between a plate member arranged at the lower end of the grip and the bottom plane of the storage part, thereby the ink pack is broken and opened. The ink flowed out of the opened ink pack is stored in the upper layer and the lower layer of the stamp plate. The ink oozes only from the non-sealed portion on the lower layer of the stamp plate and does not ooze from the sealed portion.
- To print characters and the like with the stamp unit, the skirt member of the stamp unit is positioned on a desirable position of the stamping sheet and the grip is depressed downward. Then, the holder moves downward in the skirt member and the stamping surface of the stamp plate is pressed onto the stamping sheet. Thereby, the ink oozes onto the stamping sheet from the non-sealed portion existing in the effective stamping surface of the stamp plate and stamping of characters and the like is conducted onto the stamping sheet. When stamping, it is necessary that the ink does not ooze from the exposed portion except for the effective stamping surface.
- However, in the above stamp unit, it is conceivable that stamping operations for several ten thousands are conducted. Therefore, in case that the stamp plate is insufficiently retained to the holder, the ink is apt to ooze from a gap between the holder and the stamp plate and the stamp plate comes off the holder in a more extreme case.
- And if the stamp plate is strongly depressed when stamping, the ink oozes from the circumference portion of the stamp plate, as a result, it concludes that undesirable stamping is conducted.
- The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has an object to overcome the above problems and to provide a stamp unit in which a stamp material can be surely retained to a holder and stamping durability can be improved by firmly sealing a circumference portion of the stamp material if stamping is repeated.
- Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a stamp unit through which it can surely prevent ink from oozing from a portion except for an effective stamping surface of the porous stamp material exposed from the holder, concretely from circumference portion of the effective stamp surface between the holder and the stamp material.
- Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description.which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- To achieve the purpose of the invention, there is provided a stamp unit including a skirt member, a holder member slidably retained in the skirt member, the holder member having an upper end and a lower end, a stamp material retained at the lower end of the holder member, the stamp material including ink therein and having an effective stamp surface for stamping by ink, and a grip member connected to the upper end of the holder member for moving the holder member,
wherein a portion of the stamp material except for the effective stamp surface is sealed by sealing process so that ink included in the stamp material does not leak from the portion. - According to the stamp unit of the present invention, since the portion of the stamp material except for the effective stamp surface is sealed by sealing process, it can prevent ink included in the stamp material from leaking from the stamp material. Thus, even if stamping operation is repeated in many times, ink leakage can be avoided, therefore stamping durability can be improved without occurrence of unnecessary stamping around the effective stamp surface.
- Here, it is preferable that the sealing process is conducted on a circumference portion of the stamp material around the effective stamp surface.
- The sealing process may be done on the circumference portion by a heat-press process by a heat-press jig or by applying a sealant to the circumference portion. Taking one of the heat-press process and the sealant process, it can surely prevent ink included in the stamp material from leaking from the circumference portion of the stamp material.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
- In the drawings,
- Fig. 1 is a whole perspective view of a stamp unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the stamp unit before an ink pack is opened;
- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the stamp unit right after the ink pack is opened;
- Fig. 4 is a side view of a skirt member;
- Fig. 5 is an end face view of the skirt member;
- Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the skirt member;
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a holder;
- Fig. 8 is a side view of the holder;
- Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the holder;
- Fig. 10 is a plan view of the holder;
- Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the holder;
- Fig. 12 is a side view of a grip member;
- Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the grip member;
- Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of the grip member;
- Fig. 15 is a side view of a cap member;
- Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the cap member;
- Fig. 17 is a process view which schematically shows a heat-press process between the holder and the stamp material and a melting process of an inclined surface of the stamp material;
- Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view which shows an assembling state of the holder and the stamp material in the heat-press process;
- Fig. 19 is a perspective view which shows the melting process of the inclined surface of the stamp plate after the heat-press process;
- Fig. 20 is a partially enlarged perspective view to explain a state that the holder is inserted in the skirt member from a lower part of the skirt member;
- Fig. 21 is a cross sectional views which shows by stages a state that the holder is inserted in the skirt member from the lower part of the skirt member;
- Fig. 22 is a perspective view which shows an application state of a sealant to a lower layer of the stamp material before the heat-press process, in the stamp unit of the second embodiment according to the present invention;
- Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the stamp material which shows a state that the sealant is applied to the stamp material before the heat-press process;
- Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view which shows the heat-press process between the holder and stamp material;
- Fig. 25 is a schematic cross sectional view of the main part of the stamp unit according to a modification of the second embodiment; and
- Fig. 26 is a schematic cross sectional view of the main part of the stamp unit according to another modification of the second embodiment.
-
- A detailed description of preferred embodiments of a stamp unit embodying the present invention will now be given referring to the accompanying drawings. At first, the structure of the stamp unit in the first embodiment is explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Here, Fig. 1 is a whole perspective view of a stamp unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the stamp unit before an ink pack is opened, and Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the stamp unit right after the ink pack is opened
- As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a stamp unit 1 is mainly constituted of a
skirt member 2 for supporting the whole stamp unit 1 during a stamping operation, aholder 4 which is disposed slidably in a vertical direction within theskirt member 2 and holds astamp material 3 at the lower side by a heat-press process (mentioned hereinafter), agrip member 5 which is joined with theholder 4 such that theholder 4 is moved down during stamping thereby to press thestamp material 3 against a stamping sheet not shown, and acap member 60 for covering and protecting thestamp material 3 retained at the lower side of theholder 4. - A
storage 22 formed in theholder 4 is constructed so as to receive anink pack 6. Theink pack 6 is formed of a pack made of film material, filled up with ink. In theink pack 6, ink is packed so that ink quantity is substantially equal to ink quantity which thestamp material 3 can store therein. Acardboard 37 is arranged between theink pack 6 and the bottom face of thegrip member 5. Here, for the film material of theink pack 6, a selected one from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, etc. or two kinds sheet-like materials bonded together is used. - Successively, the
skirt member 2 is explained with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a side view of a skirt member, Fig. 5 is an end face view of the skirt member, and Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the skirt member. In those drawings, theskirt member 2 has anopen cavity 10 which is substantially rectangular in a top view, anupper skirt portion 13 provided with aninterior wall 11 defining theopen cavity 10 in which theholder 4 is slidably inserted and anexterior wall 12 formed in the outside of and integrally with theinterior wall 11, and alower skirt portion 15 provided with anexterior wall 14 formed with the bottom portion slightly widened continuously from theexterior walls 12. - On each end surface (right and left end faces in Fig. 4) of the
upper skirt portion 13, there is formed aspring stopper 17 in an upper side of theinterior wall 11. Thisspring stopper 17 serves to stop one end of a torsion spring 16 (see Fig. 5) whereby theholder 4 is always urged upward in thecavity 10. Obliquely below thespring stopper 17, asemicircular positioning projection 18 is formed (see Fig. 5). A coiled portion of thespring 16 is mounted around theprojection 18 thereby to position the coiled portion. Avertical slot 19 is formed in theinterior wall 11 in the center. Thisslot 19 has an open lower end such that a slopedprojection 35, which will be mentioned later, formed on either end surface of the holder 4 (see Fig. 7) is inserted in theslot 19 and slidable in a vertical direction. Thevertical slot 19 serves to vertically guide the slopedprojection 35 of theholder 4 in moving downward for stamping. Between thevertical slot 19 and thepositioning projection 18, aspring limit member 9 is formed as shown in Fig. 5. Thespring limit member 9 limits thetorsion spring 16 so as not to move in a direction that thespring 16 separates from the end surface of theholder 4 and acts to prevent that engagement between thetorsion spring 16 and the lower end of the slopedprojection 35 is released. - The
lower skirt portion 15 is to be put on a stamping sheet during the stamping operation, then supporting the entire stamp unit 1 on the printing sheet. Theexterior wall 14 forming thelower skirt portion 15 hasprojections 20 formed on the lower corners respectively. With thesupport projections 20, the lower end of theexterior wall 14 of thelower skirt portion 15 is retained away from the stamping sheet. It is to be noted that theexterior wall 14 is formed with an downward-arrow-shaped raisedportion 21 located in each center of four surfaces of thewall 14 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. This raisedportion 21 indicates a stamping direction. - Next, description is made on the
holder 4 with reference to Figs. 7 to 11. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of theholder 4, Fig. 8 is a side view of theholder 4, Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of theholder 4, Fig. 10 is a plan view of theholder 4, and Fig. 11 is a bottom view of theholder 4. - In those drawings, the
holder 4 is constituted of anupper holder portion 30 and alower holder portion 31, which are formed integrally and corresponding to the upper andlower skirt portions upper holder portion 30 has aperipheral wall 32 formed from an angular cylindrical body having a substantially rectangular cross section. On the upper side of front and rear wall portions (only one of them is shown in Fig. 8) of thecylindrical wall 32, there are formed threegrooves 33 arranged horizontally and wedge-shapedrestrictive projections 34 which slope downward from the outer surface of thewall 32 to the outside and is disposed both sides of thecenter groove 33. Each of thegrooves 33 is engaged with a rib groove 54 (mentioned later) of thegrip member 5, such that theholder 4 is integrally connected with thegrip member 5. Therestrictive projections 34 come into contact with the upper end of theexterior wall 12 of theupper skirt portion 13 as theholder 4 is moved down for the stamping operation, and then serve to restrict the downward motion of theholder 4. - A wedge-shaped
projection 35 formed sloping downward from thewall 32 to the outside is provided on either side surface (right and left side surfaces in Fig. 8) of thewall 32 of theupper holder portion 30. Thissloped projection 35 is slidably inserted in thevertical slot 19 of theupper skirt portion 13 as theholder 4 is inserted into theskirt member 2 from its lower opening. One end of thetorsion spring 16 traverses theslot 19 and is stopped in contact with the lower end of theprojection 35 inserted in theslot 19, as shown in Fig. 5. Such the structure enables the vertical sliding of theholder 4 within theskirt member 2 by cooperation between thesloped projections 35 and thevertical slots 19. Another end of thetorsion spring 16 is fixedly inserted in thespring stopper 17 of theupper skirt portion 13 while the opposite end of thespring 16 is stopped by theprojection 35 as mentioned above, so that theholder 4 is always urged upward in theskirt member 2. - A
bottom face 23 of thestorage 22, thestorage 22 having a form corresponding to a substantial rectangular parallelopiped shape surrounded by thecylindrical wall 32 of theupper holder portion 30 in theholder 4, has a flat plane, and anink supply hole 24 communicating with thelower holder portion 31 is formed in the center position of thebottom face 23. In theink supply hole 24, cuttingrib 25 to break and open theink pack 6 are formed so as to slightly project upward from thebottom face 23. - Four ink supply elongated hole 26s are formed on the interior wall surface of the front and rear walls of the
wall 32 as shown in Figs. 7. Each of theink supply hole 26 is elongated from the upper end of theholder 4 to bottom surfaces of support posts 27 (see Fig. 11). Thissupply hole 26 is used for auxiliary supply of ink in case that the ink supplied from theink pack 6 and included in thestamp material 3 is decreased. At this time, the ink is poured to thestamp material 3 through theink supply hole 26 when thegrip member 5 has been detached from theholder 4. - As shown in Fig. 11, many columnar support posts 27 with height of several millimeters are arranged in lattice on the
lower holder portion 31 of theholder 4. Eachsupport post 27 is elongated to a position that the lower end of thesupport post 27 is slightly retracted upward from the lower end of thelower holder portion 31 and contacts with the upper surface of thestamp material 3 retained by theholder 4. The lower end surfaces of the support posts 27 substantially constructs one surface. Thelower holder portion 31 is integrally formed with theupper holder portion 30 and has aperipheral wall 38 with dimensions larger than thewall 32. Theholder 4 is formed of ABS resin, polyolefine resin such as polyacetal copolymer, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc., PC resin, and the like. - The cutting
rib 25 presses theink pack 6 against thecardboard 37 as thegrip member 5 is pressed down, such that the part of theink pack 6 caught between the cuttingribs 25 and thecardboard 37 is broken and opened. To ensure the opening of theink pack 6, the cuttingribs 25 is formed having sharp-pointed corners. Theink supply hole 24 guides the ink flowed out of theink pack 6 opened by the cuttingribs 25 downward, thereby the ink is absorbed into thestamp material 3. - A wedge-shaped
slant recess 43, slanting inward, is provided at a substantial center position on each outer surface of the front and rear walls (long walls) of theperipheral wall 38 constructing thelower holder portion 31. On both sides of theslant recess 43, one or twodetection recesses 44 are formed. When a stamp surface is formed on thestamp material 3 by means of the stamp manufacturing device which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-249983, theslant recess 43 serves to set theholder 4 to a predetermined stamp making position in the stamp manufacturing device. - since the
slant recess 43 has both sides which are slanted to the inside of theholder 4, even if the positional relation between the positioning member of positioning mechanism in the stamp manufacturing device and theholder 4 is slightly deviated, theholder 4 is caused to move such that the positioning member properly mates with the center position of theslant recess 43 due to the cam effect generated between the positioning member of the positioning mechanism and theslant recess 43 of theholder 4. Theholder 4 is then set to a predetermined stamp making position in 'the stamp manufacturing device. The number of the detection recesses 44 and their positions may be changed according to the size of theholder 4. The detection recesses 44 are used for specifying the type (size) of theholder 4 in cooperation with groove sensors such as microswitches disposed in the positioning mechanism of the stamp manufacturing device. - It is configured such that the positions of the
slant recess 43 and thedetection recess 44 formed on one wall surface of theperipheral wall 38 are in rotational symmetry with respect to the positions of theslant recess 43 and thedetection recess 44 formed on another wall surface. This makes it possible to perform a stamp making process for thestamp material 3 even when theholder 4 is set by reversing the front and rear walls to the predetermined stamp making position in the positioning mechanism of the stamp manufacturing device. - At lower positions of the front and rear walls (long walls) of the
peripheral wall 38, as shown in Fig. 8, a pair oflugs 45 serving as a stopper are formed. Thelugs 45 can be fitted in stopper recesses 62 of acap 60 which will be mentioned later to attach thecap 60 to a lower end of thelower holder portion 31. Accordingly, the stamp surface of thestamp material 3 held at the lower end of theperipheral wall 38 is covered and protected by thecap 60. - Next, the
grip member 5 is described with reference to Fig. 12 to Fig. 14. Fig. 12 is a side view of thegrip member 5, Fig. 13 is a bottom view of thegrip member 5, and Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of thegrip member 5 taken in a shorter width direction. - In those drawings, the
grip member 5 is provided, on its upper surface, with alabeling portion 50 to which a label and the like for indicating the content of the stamp surface formed on thematerial 3 is attached. Inside of thegrip member 5, as shown in Figs. 2, 13 and14, there is provided apress portion 51 from the lower surface of the upper wall, thepress portion 50 being inserted in theperipheral wall 32 of theupper holder portion 30 of theholder 4. Thepress portion 51 presses theink pack 6 disposed in theholder 4 through thecardboard 37. Thepress portion 50 serves to depress theink pack 6 arranged in theholder 4 through thecardboard 37. - The
press portion 51, of which the bottom is viewed in Fig. 13, has a substantially rectangular shape with fourconcave portions 52 disposed at the positions opposite to each other on both walls of thepress portion 51. Each of theconcave portions 52 is to allow the wall defining theink supply hole 26 disposed on one wall surface of theperipheral wall 32 to be inserted when thepress portion 51 of thegrip member 5 is inserted in theperipheral wall 32 of theholder 4. The reason that two pairs of theconcave portions 52 are formed is to prevent the wall defining theink supply hole 26 from becoming obstacle no matter how thepress portion 51 of thegrip member 5 is inserted in theperipheral wall 32. On the inner wall surface of thegrip member 5, there are provided a plurality of ribs 53 (twelve ribs in Fig. 13) disposed extending in a vertical direction as shown in Fig. 14. In each of theribs 53 disposed on the inner long side of the rectangle formed by thepress portion 51, arib groove 54 is integrally formed on a lower side of therib 53. Therib groove 54 is to be fitted in thegroove 33 formed on theperipheral wall 32 in the external upper part thereof, thereby integrally connecting theholder 4 to thegrip member 5. In each of theribs 53 disposed on the inner short side of the rectangle formed by thepress portion 51, acutout 55 is formed as shown in Fig. 3. Thecutout 55 contacts with the upper end of the short side of theinterior wall 11 which forms the rectangleopen cavity 10 in theskirt member 2 when theholder 4 is moved downward in theskirt member 2 to an extent capable of stamping operation by thestamp material 3. Thus, thecutout 55 serves to restrict movement of theholder 4 within an enough range for stamping operation. - Next, description is made on a cap member to be attached to the lower end of the
lower holder portion 31 of theholder 4, referring to Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 15 is a side view of the cap member and Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the cap member. Thecap member 60 has an open box-like shape and is provided, at center positions on both outer side walls, with holdingparts 61 which can be held by user's fingers for attachment or detachment of thecap 60 to or from theholder 4. On the both inwall side surfaces of thecap 60, there are provided a pair of stopper recesses 62 with which the pair of the stopper lugs 45 formed on theperipheral wall 38 are to be engaged. By the engagement between the stopper recesses 62 of thecap 60 and the stopper lugs 45 of theperipheral wall 38, thecap member 60 is attached to theperipheral wall 38 of theholder 4. Therefore, the stamp surface of thestamp material 3 held inside theperipheral wall 38 of theholder 4 is covered and protected by the 'cap member 60. - In Figs. 1 to 3, the
stamp material 3 retained at the lower end of theholder 4 has, for example, a three-layered construction structured from; anupper layer 71 with 3 mm thickness made of porous hard resin such as vinylformal resin having pore ratio of about 90 %; anintermediate layer 72 with 2 mm thickness made of porous hard resin same as that of theupper layer 71; and alower layer 73 made of porous soft resin, in which optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black is dispersed, such as urethane resin having pore ratio of about 65 %. Theintermediate layer 72 and thelower layer 73 are mutually adhered by adhesive applied between both layers, and theupper layer 71 and theintermediate layer 72 are mutually free without adhesive. - Here, the
lower layer 73 has pores therein with a mean diameter which is larger than 10µm and smaller than 50µm, the mean diameter being preferably within a range of 20±10µm. And the ink included in thelower layer 73 has viscosity which is in a range of 300 to 2000 cps, preferably in a range of 500 to 1500 cps. - In the
upper layer 71, a plurality of circular throughholes 74 with 1 mm∼2 mm diameter are formed, That is, supposed that both theupper layer 71 and theintermediate layer 72 construct one porous hard resin layer, it concludes that there are formed in the porous hard resin layer recesses which does not reach to thelower layer 73. Thus, since the throughholes 74 are formed in theupper layer 71 in thestamp material 3 having the three-layered construction, the ink supplied from theink supply hole 24 and spread over theupper layer 71 rapidly reaches to theintermediate layer 72 through the through holes 74. Further, the ink reaching to theintermediate layer 72 is gradually absorbed therein and reaches to thelower layer 73. Therefore, even if thestamp material 3 has the three-layered construction and the total thickness of the porous hard resin layer is large, a time necessary for the ink to reach to the lower layer made of porous soft resin is substantially as same as a comparably short time in a case that thestamp material 3 has two-layered construction and the total thickness of the porous hard resin layer is small. Therefore, according to the stamp unit 1 of the first embodiment, it can reduce the time necessary the ink to reach to thelower layer 73 after theink pack 6 is opened (that is, this time means a time necessary to start stamping operation after theink pack 6 is opened) can be remarkably reduced while increasing ink quantity stored in thestamp material 3 to an extent that stamping operation can conduct. - In Fig. 2, the circumference of the
lower layer 73 in thestamp material 3 and the lower end of theholder 4 are deformed by a heat-press process, thereby the circumference of thelower layer 73 is made in a slant surface and the lower end of theholder 4 is smashed by press so as to hang the circumference of thelower layer 73. Further, the circumference of the slant surface of thelower layer 73 in thestamp material 3 is sealed due to that pores in the circumference of the slant surface are sealed by heat or resin, thus ink does not leak therefrom. Therefore, the stamp surface is formed on thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 except for the circumference thereof. - Referring to Figs. 17 to 19, it will be described in detail the heat-press process between the circumference of the
lower layer 73 and the lower end of theholder 4. Fig. 17 is a process view which schematically shows a heat-press process between theholder 4 and thestamp material 3 and a melting process of a slant surface of thestamp material 3, Fig. 18 is a schematic view which shows an assembling state of theholder 4 and thestamp material 3 in the heat-press process, and Fig. 19 is a perspective view which shows the melting process of the slant surface of thestamp material 3 after the heat-press process. - In Fig. 17, a heat-
press jig 76 is formed in a cylindrical form with rectangle according to a plan view thereof and controlled by a heat control device not shown. Here, heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 to deform thestamp material 3 is set in a range of 200°C to 240°C. The heat-press jig 76 has a heat-press area 77 according to its form as shown in Fig. 18. - A
protect film 78 is constructed from a transparent resin film which is formed of resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN( polyethylene naphthalate), polyamide. Thin layer of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed on the entire surface or partial surface corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76 in theprotect film 78, by conducting surface treatment of silicon resin or fluoro resin. The melting point of resin component forming theprotect film 78 is prepared to a temperature which is lower than the heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 and higher than the melting point of resin component included in theholder 4 and thestamp material 3. On theprotect film 78, a heat-press portion 79 is formed corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76. The heat-press portion 79 is divided into two heat-press portions 79a, 79b. The outer heat-press portion 79a corresponds to a welding portion where thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 and the inner side oflower end 4a of theholder 4 are mutually welded, and the inner heat-press portion 79b corresponds to a width of thelower end 4a in theholder 4 after welded. Further, theprotect film 78 has a holdingportion 80 outside of the heat-press portion 79. - In Fig. 17, the
stamp material 3 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down, thus thelower layer 73, theintermediate layer 72 and theupper layer 71 are shown in this order from the upper side. As mentioned above, thelower layer 73 is made of porous soft resin, in which optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black is dispersed, such as urethane resin having pore ratio of about 65 %, theintermediate layer 72 and theupper layer 71 are made of porous hard resin such as vinylformal resin having pore ratio of about 90 %. Further, likely to thestamp material 3, theholder 4 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down different from a case of stamping operation and thelower holder portion 31 is arranged upward, thus thelower end 4a is arranged upward. Theupper layer 71 is pressed into aninner space 4b surrounded by thelower end 4a until theupper layer 71 contacts with the support posts 27. Aspherical slant surface 71a formed on a circumference edge of theupper layer 71 directs for the support posts 27, that is, for the side from which ink is supplied. Further, theintermediate layer 72 is pressed into theinner space 4b until theintermediate layer 72 contacts with theupper layer 71. Aspherical slant surface 72a formed on a circumference edge of theintermediate layer 72 directs for thelower layer 73 so as to oppose each other. The circumference of thelower layer 73 is formed into a plate-like flat form and adhered to theintermediate layer 72 through adhesive applied on theintermediate layer 72 with dot form. - The
lower end 4a of theholder 4 is made thinner than theend 38a of theperipheral wall 38 formed in thelower holder portion 31. But, the side of theinner space 4b is continuously formed therethrough. The thickness of thelower end 4a is set so as to become equal to the thickness of theend 38a when thelower end 4a is heat-pressed and deformed. - It will be described the heat-press process hereinafter. To conduct the heat-press process between the
lower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thestamp material 3, at first, theupper layer 71, theintermediate layer 72 and thelower layer 73 forming thestamp material 3 are arranged in theinner space 4b of theholder 4, as shown in Fig. 17(A). At this time, thelower layer 73 is entirely projected and exposed from thelower end 4a of theholder 4. There may be no problem if thelower layer 73 is partially inserted in theinner space 4b of theholder 4. In this state, thespherical slant surface 72a of theintermediate layer 72 opposes to thelower layer 73 and aspace 81 is formed therebetween. Thisspace 81 is used for a space in which the circumference of thelower layer 73 flows when the circumference of thelower layer 73 is deformed by the heat-press process. - Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 17(B), the
protect film 78 is put on so as to cover the stamp surface on thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3. Retaining this state, the heat-press jig 76 heated to the predetermined temperature is moved downward and retained to a pressing state for a predetermined time (1 to 5 seconds, preferably 3 seconds). Thereby, the circumference of thelower layer 73 flows into thespace 81 and thelower end 4a of theholder 4 is deformed as shown in Fig. 17(B). Here, since the wall of theinner space 4b of theholder 4 is formed straightly, thelower end 4a can be easily deformed toward theinner space 4b. Therefore, thelower end 4a encroaches into the deformed circumference of thelower layer 73 and forms a hook-like wedge 82, as shown in Fig. 17(B). Thiswedge 82 serves to hook the circumference of thelower layer 73 while holding the contact state between thelower end 4a and the circumference of thelower layer 73 so as to seal. The portion of thelower layer 73 opposite to thewedge 82 of thelower end 4a is deformed so as to adhere to theend 38a of theperipheral wall 38. - By the heat-press process, a
slant surface 83 of the circumference of thestamp material 3 is formed, based on that thelower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thelower layer 73 are deformed. To accomplish this, the heat-press jig 76 is constructed so as to have aspherical slant surface 76a at the inner side thereof, corresponding to the inner heat-press portion 79b of theprotect film 78. Since theprotect film 78 exists between thelower layer 73 and the heat-press jig 76 when heat-press process is conducted, theslant surface 83 of the circumference in thestamp material 3 becomes a smooth slant surface without difference in level. At the same time, theprotect film 78 is welded to a flat portion of the deformedlower end 4a in theholder 4, in a condition that theprotect film 78 can be peeled off. As mentioned, thestamp material 3, theholder 4 and theprotect film 78 are heat-pressed by the heat-press jig 76 at the same time. - As explained above, the
lower end 4a of theholder 4 and thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 are mutually hooked by thewedge 82 while holding the contact state between thelower end 4a and the circumference of thelower layer 73 so as to seal, therefore it can surely seal thelower layer 73 and thelower end 4a. As a result, it can prevent that ink leaks between thestamp material 3 and theholder 4. In order to efficiently conduct the heat-press process, it is effective to; 1 ○make thelower end 4a thin and form the inner side thereof straight; 2 ○formspherical slant surface 72a in the circumference of theintermediate layer 72; and 3 ○form the support posts 27 to support the circumference of thestamp material 3. - Since the
lower end 4a of theholder 4 is deformed so as to have thewedge 82 which hooks the circumference of thelower layer 73, it can retain the seal state between thelower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thelower layer 73, even after many stamping operations are repeated. Therefore, seal ability between theholder 4 and thestamp material 3 can be remarkably improved. - Here, since the
holder 4, thestamp material 3 and theprotect film 78 includes resin component and the melting point of the resin component included in theprotect film 78 is set higher than the resin component included in both theholder 4 and thestamp material 3, the resin component of theprotect film 78 is not firmly heat-pressed to thelower end 4a of theholder 4 due to high melting point. Thus, theprotect film 78 can be easily peeled off from theholder 4 when stamping operation is conducted. Further, on the surface of theprotect film 78 opposing to the heat-press jig 76, the resin layer formed of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed, therefore it can prevent theprotect film 78 from firmly adhering to the heat-press jig 76 while heat-press process. In particular, the resin layer of silicon resin or fluoro resin effectively acts when heat-press process is conducted at a temperature near to the melting point of theprotect film 78. - Subsequently, a process to selectively melt and solidify the
slant surface 83 of thestamp material 3 is done by emitting light from light emission tube. At this time, theprotect film 78 is constructed from a transparent resin film. As shown in Fig. 19, at first, amask 84 made of aluminium foil or silver foil is put on theprotect film 78. Thismask 84 has a size capable of covering the area for making the stamp surface and exposing the area corresponding to theslant surface 83 of the stamp material 3 (shown by dot line in Fig. 19). Further, atransparent glass plate 85 is put on themask 84 and is pressed by a press device not shown. Thereafter, alight emission tube 86 such as xenon tube is driven to emit light. Here, since themask 84 does not exist in an area corresponding to theslant surface 83 formed in thelower layer 73, light emitted from thelight emission tube 86 is irradiated to theslant surface 83. According to this, the optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black dispersed in thelower layer 73 absorbs light from thelight emission tube 86 and is heated. Thus, resin component in thelower layer 73 is melted and then solidified, thereby continuous pores existing in thelower layer 73 are smashed. As a result, theslant surface 83 of thestamp material 3 is melted and solidified and it can prevent ink from leaking from theslant surface 83. In case that themask 84 is made thin, there will be no difference in level in a boundary portion of the melted and solidified portion and the other portion on thelower layer 73, even if thelight emission tube 86 is driven to emit light in a condition where thestamp material 3 is deformed by pressing theglass plate 85 thereto, thereafter thestamp material 3 is expanded in the original state. - By the way, since an image printed on the positive manuscript is heated when the stamp surface is formed on the
stamp material 3, there is fear that the positive manuscript adheres to the protectfilm 78. However, the resin layer formed of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed on the surface of theprotect film 78, therefore theprotect film 78 does not adhere to the positive manuscript. Further, since holdingportion 80, which is held when theprotect film 78 is peeled off fromlower end 4a of theholder 4, is formed with theprotect film 78 outside of the heat-press portion 79, theprotect film 78 can be easily and simply peeled off from theholder 4. - The process to melt and solidify the circumference of
stamp material 3 may be done before the heat-press process that thelower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thestamp material 3 are heat-pressed. In this case, at first, a flat heat-press jig is contacted to the circumference of thelower layer 73, thereby the circumference of thelower layer 73 is melted and solidified and the continuous pores existing in the circumference of thelower layer 73 are smashed. Thereafter, the heat-press process is conducted on thelower layer 73 as shown in Figs. 17 (A), 17 (B). At this time, since the circumference of thelower layer 73 is already hardened, it may occur that the circumference of thelower layer 73 is hard to deform in the heat-press process showing in Fig. 17 (A), 17 (B). Therefore, it will be preferable that the process for melting and solidifying is conducted after the heat-press process as shown in Figs. 17 (C). - Further, the process for melting and solidifying can be done by the heat-press jig different from the method shown in Fig. 17 (C). In this case, the heat-press jig having a form according to the
slant surface 83 of the circumference in thestamp material 3 is pressed to theslant surface 83, thereby the circumference of thelower layer 73 can be melted and solidified and the continuous pores in the circumference can be smashed. But, in this case, since difference in level between the pressed portion and non-pressed portion will occur when the heat-press jig is pressed to thelower layer 73, it is preferable that the process for melting and solidifying is done according to the method using the mask and the light emission tube shown in Fig. 17 (C). - The process for producing the stamp unit 1 mentioned above is as follows. At first, to make a stamp surface in the underside of the
stamp material 3, theholder 4 is set to the predetermined position in the holder storage part of the stamp manufacturing device (not shown). Based on the cam effect between the slant surfaces of theslant recess 43 of thelower holder portion 31 and the positioning projection arranged in the positioning mechanism, theholder 4 is allowed to be positioned at a predetermined stamp making position. In this position, the size of theholder 4 is detected in cooperation with the detection recesses 44 and the recess sensors arranged in the positioning mechanism. - In the stamp manufacturing device, a part of rolled-up transparent film is drawn out and fed from the roll, and characters and figures are printed on the film through the thermal head and the thermal ribbon, thereby a positive manuscript is formed. This positive manuscript is fed onto a transparent acrylic plate. At this time, the
holder 4 is set to a predetermined stamp making position such that thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 is opposite to the manuscript while existing the transparent acrylic plate between thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 and the positive manuscript. In this state, when a xenon tube disposed below the transparent acrylic plate is driven to emit light, thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 is irradiated with the light through the positive manuscript. As a result, only the part of the lower layer irradiated with light at sites corresponding to the transparent portion of the manuscript is fused due to heating effect of the optical absorbing substance in the lower layer, and solidified. On the other hand, the part of thelower layer 73 corresponding to the characters and the like on the manuscript is not fused-solidified and remains as it is, thus forming a stamp surface on the underside of thestamp material 3. - Next, the procedure to assemble the stamp unit 1 will be described hereinafter after the stamp surface is formed on the
stamp material 3. Upon completion of the stamp surface making of thestamp material 3, theholder 4 is inserted in theopen cavity 10 of theskirt member 2 under the condition that, on each side surface of theupper skirt portion 13, the coiled portion of thespring 16 is previously positioned around thepositioning projection 18 while the one end of thespring 16 is fixedly inserted in thestopper 17. The slopedprojection 35 formed on each side surface of theperipheral wall 32 of theupper holder portion 30 of theholder 4 inserted from the lower open end of theskirt member 2 is allowed to slide upward in thevertical slot 19. When the slopedprojection 35 goes over the other end of thetorsion spring 16 according to the wedge shape of theprojection 35, the end of thetorsion spring 16 is stopped in contact with the lower end of theprojection 35. Theholder 4 in this position is urged upward in theskirt member 2 by the urging force of thetorsion spring 16, while theholder 4 is also slidable downward against the urging force of thespring 16. - Here, with reference to Figs. 20, 21, it will be explained in detail the construction that the
holder 4 is slidably retained in theskirt member 2 while being urged upward by inserting theholder 4 within theskirt member 2 from the lower side thereof. - As mentioned above, the
skirt member 2 has theopen cavity 10 surrounded by theinterior wall 11 having a substantially rectangular shape. The outer short sides in the rectangularopen cavity 10 constructs a pair offirst wall part 11a. And the outer short sides in the rectangularperipheral wall 32 of theholder 4 constructs a pair ofsecond wall part 32a. - On the
first wall part 11a of theskirt member 2, there are provided with thespring stopper 17, thesemicircular positioning projection 18, thespring limit member 9 to limit thetorsion spring 16 and thevertical slot 19. Thepositioning projection 18 retains thecoiled part 16a of thetorsion spring 16 in a cantilever manner so that thecoiled part 16a does not deviate from theprojection 18. Thespring stopper 17 engages oneend 16b of thetorsion spring 16. Between thefirst wall part 11a and theexterior wall 12, a engaging part 12a is formed, the engaging part 12a having a slope same as that of the slopedprojection 35 and determining the upper position of theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16. By using the engaging part 12a, theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 can be previously attached to theskirt member 2 while being urged upward. Thevertical slot 19 having an opened lower end guides the slopedprojection 35 in up and down direction. Thespring limit member 9 is constructed from aguide rail 9a which is projected toward thefirst wall part 11a from theexterior wall 12, thespring limit member 9 restricting an intermediate part between thecoiled part 16a and theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 so as not to move and deviate outward. Theguide rail 9a is formed along thevertical slot 19 with a predetermined distance therebetween. The upper end of theguide rail 9a is formed in a connectingpart 9b which is continuously connected to thefirst wall part 11a. Here, the connectingpart 9b may be opened at its upper end. Further, though thespring limit member 9 is formed on thefirst wall part 11a between theinterior wall 11 and theexterior wall 12, thespring limit member 9 may be formed in a hook shape which projects from thefirst wall part 11a and stops theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16. - The sloped
projection 35, which is formed on thesecond wall part 32a, acts as a limit member against theother end 16c. The slopedprojection 35 is formed in a wedge shape slanted outward and downward. As shown in Fig. 20, when theholder 4 is inserted in theskirt member 2 from the lower part thereof, aslant portion 35a of the slopedprojection 35 pushes theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 outward. At this time, the intermediate part between theother end 16c and thecoiled part 16a is restricted by theguide rail 9a of thespring limit member 9. Therefore, a part between theother end 16c and the intermediate part deforms outward because the intermediate part is restricted by theguide rail 9a of thespring limit member 9, and thecoiled part 16a is pressed inward. When theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 goes over the slopedprojection 35, theother end 16c is guided by the slope of the engaging part 12a. Thus, theother end 16c is positioned the inner side of thefirst wall part 11a and engaged with thelower end 35b of the slopedprojection 35. At this time, theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 entirely urges theholder 4 upward through the slopedprojection 35 and slidably retains theholder 4 in the direction of up and down in theskirt member 2. The upper limit position of theholder 4 in theskirt member 2 is determined due to that astep part 31a of theholder 4 contacts with a lower side of astep part 14a of theskirt member 2 as shown in Fig. 1. - The torsion springs 16 are arranged on both the short sides where the
skirt member 2 and theholder 4 opposes with each other. More two torsion springs 16 may be arranged on both the long sides where theskirt member 2 and theholder 4 opposes with each other, in addition to the short sides. - In a case that length difference between the short side and the long side of the
open cavity 10 is small, that is, theopen cavity 10 is formed in a substantial square shape with short length, thetorsion spring 16 may be arranged on one of the short side and the long side. In this case, number of members can be reduced, and the space for theink pack 6 can be enlarged because of small space for thetorsion spring 16 and number of stamping operation can be increased because of increase of ink quantity stored in the space. Further, though it is preferable to use thetorsion spring 16, a rod-like spring may be utilized. - Fig. 21 shows by stages a state that the
holder 4 is inserted in theskirt member 2 from the lower part thereof after the stamp surface is formed on the lower side of thestamp material 3 retained in theholder 4. Especially, Fig. 21 (A) shows a state of inserting in early stage, Fig. 21 (B) shows a state of inserting in substantially final stage and Fig. 21 (C) shows a state that inserting of theholder 4 in theskirt member 2 is completed. In Figs.21 (A), (B) and (C), the front views corresponds to a partially sectional view representing such that the wall of theholder 4 can be seen, and the upper view corresponds to a sectional plan view representing end parts of both theholder 4 and theskirt member 2 and the right view corresponds to a longitudinally sectional view representing only the left side of theholder 4 and theskirt member 2. - In Fig. 21 (A), the
holder 4 is inserted in theopen cavity 10 of theskirt member 2 from the lower part, theskirt member 2 being set in a state that thecoiled part 16a of thetorsion spring 16 is positioned by thepositioning projection 18 on each of both sides of theupper skirt portion 13 and the oneend 16b of thetorsion spring 16 is engaged in thespring stopper 17. As shown in the upper view, theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 is positioned at the side of thefirst wall part 11a and separated from thespring limit member 9. Further, as shown in the right view, theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 is in a state right before being pressed outward by the slope of the slopedprojection 35. - When the
holder 4 is further inserted from the state shown in Fig. 21 (A), the slopedprojection 35, which is formed on both side of theperipheral wall 32 of theupper holder portion 30 in theholder 4, is slid upward in thevertical slot 19 from the open end thereof, as shown in Fig. 21 (B). At this time, the part between the intermediate part and theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 is deformed outward as mentioned. However, it can understandable that the intermediate part is restricted by thespring limit member 9 so as not be come off. As shown in the right view, theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 is in a state that theother end 16c runs along theslant portion 35a of the slopedprojection 35 and positions at the top of the slopedprojection 35. - As shown in Fig. 21 (C), the
other end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 is engaged in the lower end of the sloped projection .35 at the time that the slopedprojection 35 goes over theother end 16c according to the wedge shape of theprojection 35. In this state, theholder 4 is urged upward in theskirt member 2 by urging force of thetorsion spring 16 and is slidable in the up and down direction against to urging force. - As explained in detail, the
holder 4 can be easily inserted in theskirt member 2, thereby theholder 4 can be slidably retained in theskirt member 2. When inserting of theholder 4 in theskirt member 2, it is prevented thecoiled part 16a of thetorsion spring 16 from being come off from thepositioning projection 18 by theguide rail 9a of thespring limit member 9, thus it is not necessary to carefully insert theholder 4 in theskirt member 2 so that thetorsion spring 16 does not come off. Since the arranging space necessary for thetorsion spring 16 with thecoiled part 16a is small, thetorsion spring 16 can be compactly arranged between thefirst wall part 11a of theskirt member 2 and thespring stopper 17 based on that thecoiled part 16a is retained by thepositioning projection 18 which is formed on thefirst wall part 11a of theskirt member 2. Further, thecoiled part 16a of thetorsion spring 16 retained to thepositioning projection 18 in cantilever shape can be restricted so as not come off from thepositioning projection 18 by thespring limit member 9. Since thespring limit member 9 is formed along thevertical slot 19 formed on thefirst wall part 11a in theskirt member 2, the part between the intermediate part and theother end 16c of thetorsion spring 16 is restricted by thespring limit member 9 when the slopedprojection 35 presses and moves theother end 16c outward while inserting of theholder 4 in theskirt member 2. Therefore, theholder 4 can be rapidly inserted in theskirt member 2 and it can judge that insertion of theholder 4 in theskirt member 2 is completed by hearing a sound occurring when theother end 16c is engaged in thelower end 35b of the slopedprojection 35. - After assembly of the
holder 4 to theskirt member 2 as mentioned above, theink pack 6 is set in thestorage 22 and thecardboard 37 is arranged on theink pack 6. Thereafter, thegrip member 5 is attached to theholder 4 such that thepress portion 51 is inserted in theperipheral wall 32 of theholder 4. This assembled state is shown in Fig. 2. When thegrip 5 in the state that thepress portion 51 is inserted in theperipheral wall 32 is further pressed down, theink pack 6 in theholder 4 is sandwiched and pressed between thecardboard 37 and the cuttingrib 25. At this time, due to the action of thecardboard 37, the pressing force substantially uniformly exerts on theink pack 6. Theink pack 6 is then broken at the portion contacting the cuttingrib 25 and opened at the substantial center portion corresponding to the position of the cuttingrib 25. The ink flowing out from theink pack 6 can be dispersed uniformly around therib 25. Thecardboard 37 having the ink absorption ability absorbs the ink escaping from the openedink pack 6 to the upper side when theink pack 6 in theholder 4 is opened by the down movement of thegrip member 5, thereby to prevent the leakage of the ink to the outside of the stamp unit 1. This state is shown in Fig. 3. - Because the space provided between the
peripheral wall 32 and the cuttingrib 25 becomes an ink storing portion for the ink escaping from the openedink pack 6 as shown in Fig. 3, the ink is prevented from leaking to the outside of theholder 4 even if the ink escapes all at once from theink pack 6 opened with the cuttingrib 25. - The ink escaping from the
ink pack 6 is guided downward through theink supply hole 24 formed around the cuttingrib 25, and then temporarily stored above thestamp material 3 as shown in Fig. 3. However, the ink is rapidly saturated into thestamp material 3 due to the action of the throughholes 74 formed in theupper layer 71. Since theink supply hole 24 is disposed around the cuttingrib 25 and the support posts 27 each of which is mutually separated are formed under theink supply hole 24, the ink escaping from theink pack 6 is dispersed uniformly over the entire bottom of theholder 4, resulting in the uniform saturation of thestamp material 3 with ink. - when the
ink pack 6 is opened by the downward movement of thegrip member 5 in the above-mentioned manner, thecutout 54 formed in the lower side of each of theribs 53 of thegrip member 5 is engaged with thegroove 33 formed on theperipheral wall 32 of theholder 4, so that theholder 4 is integrally connected to thegrip member 5. As thegrip member 5 and theholder 4 are integrally moved, therefore, the stamping operation is performed to stamp characters and the like corresponding to the stamp surface formed on thestamp material 3 saturated with ink as above. If stamping operation is repeated in many times, it can prevent the ink from leaking from the circumference of thestamp material 3 since the circumference of thestamp material 3 is perfectly sealed as shown in Fig. 17. - In case that the ink saturated in the
stamp material 3 decreases, disabling stamping with proper ink thickness, the following operation is carried out; thegrip member 5 is detached from theholder 4, and thecardboard 37 and theink pack 6 with no ink are taken out from theholder 4, and the ink-fillednew pack 6 is inserted in theholder 4 and thegrip member 5 is attached again to theholder 4 as mentioned above. Thus, the stamp operation is enabled again. Without taking out theink pack 6 and thecardboard 37, alternatively, the ink supply may be performed through theink supply hole 26 formed on an inwall surface of theperipheral wall 32 of theholder 4 in order to enable the stamping operation again. - Next, a stamp unit according to the second embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 22 to 24. Here, since the stamp unit of the second embodiment has substantially the same structure as that of the stamp unit 1 of the first embodiment, explanation of the second embodiment will be done using the same numerals in the first embodiment.
- As shown in Fig. 2, similarly to the first embodiment, the circumference of the
lower layer 73 in thestamp material 3 and the lower end of theholder 4 are deformed by heat-press process, thereby the circumference of thelower layer 73 is made in a slant surface and the lower end of theholder 4 is sealed by press so as to hook the circumference of thelower layer 73. Further, the circumference of the slant surface of thelower layer 73 in thestamp material 3 is sealed due to that pores in the circumference of the slant surface are sealed bysealant 90, thus ink does not leak therefrom. Therefore, the stamp surface which functions as aneffective stamp area 91 is formed on thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 except for the circumference thereof on which thesealant 90 is applied. - Referring to Figs. 22 to 24, it will be described in detail heat-press process between the circumference of the
lower layer 73 on which thesealant 90 is applied and the lower end of theholder 4. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of theholder 4 holding thestamp material 3 at its lower end, Fig. 23 is a perspective view of thestamp material 3 in a state that thesealant 90 is applied to thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 before the heat-press process, and Fig. 24 is a cross sectional view showing the heat-press process between theholder 4 and thestamp material 3. - In Fig. 22, only the
lower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 is exposed from thelower end 4a of theholder 4, thelower end 4a being pressed and deformed. The circumference of thelower layer 73 along thelower end 4a is formed in theslant surface 83 so as to slightly project from thelower end 4a. Thesealant 90 is applied to theslant surface 83. The flat area on thelower layer 73 surrounded by thesealant 90 becomes theeffective stamp area 91. In theeffective stamp area 91, it is formed the stamp surface in which both the sealed portion (non-stamping portion) and the non-sealed portion (stamping portion) exist in a mixed state. Here, in a case that theeffective stamp areas 91 exist on the central position of the flatlower layer 73 in a divided state, it may apply thesealant 90 to a portion corresponding to a dividing line. Further, it may apply thesealant 90 to a circumference covered by theholder 4 in thelower layer 73. In short, it may be enough that thesealant 90 is applied to the entire surface of thestamp material 3 exposed from theholder 4 except for theeffective stamp area 91. - It is used for the
sealant 90 material with the following characteristics. First, such material must be adhered to continuous porous soft resin material forming thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3, for instance, elastomer resin consisting of urethane resin being preferable for thelower layer 73. Second, material for thesealant 90 must have chemical resistance so as not to be destroyed by ink. Third, material for thesealant 90 must have viscosity and fluidity before being hardened so as to be able to saturate in pores formed in the porous soft resin for thelower layer 73, the pores having sizes in a range of 20±10 µm. Fourth, since the heat-press is done in a state that thesealant 90 is applied to thelower layer 73, material for thesealant 90 must have heat resistance so as not to be degenerated for the heat-press process at a temperature of 200°C to 240°C in a short time. Concretely, material for thesealant 90 must have heat resistance of more than 180°C in a short time. Fifth, since thesealant 90 is elastically heat-pressed and deformed so that the circumference of thelower layer 73 is formed in theslant surface 83, thesealant 90 also must have rubber elasticity. Rubber elasticity must be preferably retained in a wide range of -55°C to +200°C. As material for thesealant 90 which satisfies the above characteristics, it is utilizable silicon rubber. Among silicon rubbers, it is conceivable liquid silicon rubber which is hardened in rubber state by condensation reaction at room temperature and further hardened while reacting with humidity in atmosphere. - As shown in Fig. 23, at first, the
sealant 90 is applied to the circumference of one side of thelower layer 73 and hardened. It is preferable that the application thickness of thesealant 90 is in a range of 1.0µm to 200µm, more preferably in a range of 30µm to 80µm. If the application thickness of thesealant 90 is thin, thesealant 90 is apt to easily break by external force. However, if the application thickness of thesealant 90 exceeds a predetermined thickness, thesealant 90 concludes to have proper strength, thus becomes hard to break by external force. Further, if the thickness ofsealant 90 is thinner than the predetermined thickness, the projection extent of thesealant 90 from theeffective stamp area 91 does not hinder for stamp operation. And if liquid silicon rubber is used for thesealant 90, liquid silicon rubber is saturated in continuous pores with usual diameter of 20 ±10µm existing in thelower layer 73 and hardened in saturated state in pores. Therefore, thesealant 90 is not only adhered to the surface of thelower layer 73, but also entered into thelower layer 73. As a result, based on covering on and entering into thelower layer 73, thesealant 90 is firmly applied to thelower layer 73 and is not easily peeled off. Thesealant 90 may be also applied to the side surface of circumference in thelower layer 73. - Heat-press process, which is done in a state that the
sealant 90 is applied to the circumference of thestamp material 3 by using the heat-press jig 76 while theprotect film 78 exists on thelower layer 73, is conducted by the same process as in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18 explaining the first embodiment, the heat-press jig 76 is formed in a cylindrical form with rectangle according to a plan view thereof and controlled by a heat control device not shown. Here, heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 to deform thestamp material 3 is set in a range of 200°C to 240°C. The heat-press jig 76 has a heat-press area 77 according to its form as shown in Fig. 18. - A
protect film 78 is constructed from a transparent resin film which is formed of resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN( polyethylene naphthalate), polyamide. Thin layer of silicon resin or fluoro resin is formed on the entire surface or partial surface corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76 in theprotect film 78, by conducting surface treatment of silicon resin or fluoro resin. The melting point of resin component forming theprotect film 78 is prepared to a temperature which is lower than the heat temperature of the heat-press jig 76 and higher than the melting point of resin component included in theholder 4 and thestamp material 3. On theprotect film 78, a heat-press portion 79 is formed corresponding to the heat-press area 77 of the heat-press jig 76. The heat-press portion 79 is divided into two heat-press portions 79a, 79b. The outer heat-press portion 79a corresponds to a welding portion where thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 and the inner side oflower end 4a of theholder 4 are mutually welded, and the inner heat-press portion 79b corresponds to a width of thelower end 4a in theholder 4 after welded. Further, theprotect film 78 has a holdingportion 80 outside of the heat-press portion 79. - In Fig. 24, the
stamp material 3 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down, thus thelower layer 73, theintermediate layer 72 and theupper layer 71 are shown in this order from the upper side. As mentioned above, thelower layer 73 is made of porous soft resin, in which optical energy absorbing substance such as carbon black is dispersed, such as urethane resin having pore ratio of about 65 % and thesealant 90 is applied to the circumference of thelower layer 73, theintermediate layer 72 and theupper layer 71 are made of porous hard resin with 3 mm thickness such as vinylformal resin having pore ratio of about 90 %. Further, likely to thestamp material 3, theholder 4 is shown in a reverse relation of up and down different from a case of stamping operation and thelower holder portion 31 is arranged upward, thus thelower end 4a is arranged upward. Theupper layer 71 is pressed into aninner space 4b surrounded by thelower end 4a until theupper layer 71 contacts with the support posts 27. Aspherical slant surface 71a forming circumference edge of theupper layer 71 directs for the support posts 27, that is, for the side from which ink is supplied. Further, theintermediate layer 72 is pressed into theinner space 4b until theintermediate layer 72 contacts with theupper layer 71. Aspherical slant surface 72a forming circumference edge of theintermediate layer 72 directs for thelower layer 73 so as to oppose each other. The circumference of thelower layer 73 is formed into a plate-like flat form and adhered to theintermediate layer 72 through adhesive applied on theintermediate layer 72 with dot form. - The
lower end 4a of theholder 4 is made thinner than theend 38a of theperipheral wall 38 formed in thelower holder portion 31. But, the side of theinner space 4b is continuously formed therethrough. The thickness of thelower end 4a is set so as to become equal to the thickness of theend 38a when thelower end 4a is heat-pressed and deformed. - It will be described the heat-press process hereinafter. To conduct the heat-press process between the
lower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thestamp material 3, at first, theupper layer 71, theintermediate layer 72 and thelower layer 73 forming thestamp material 3 are arranged in theinner space 4b of theholder 4, as shown in Fig. 24 (A). At this time, thelower layer 73 is entirely projected and exposed from thelower end 4a of theholder 4. There may be no problem if thelower layer 73 is partially inserted in theinner space 4b of theholder 4. In this state, thespherical slant surface 72a of theintermediate layer 72 opposes to thelower layer 73 and aspace 81 is formed therebetween. Thisspace 81 is used for a space in which the circumference of thelower layer 73 is flowed when the circumference of thelower layer 73 is deformed by the heat-press process. - Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 24 (B), the
protect film 78 is put on so as to cover the stamp surface on thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3. Retaining this state, the heat-press jig 76 heated to a predetermined temperature is moved downward and retained a pressing state for a predetermined time (0.4 to 5 seconds, preferably 2 seconds). Thereby, the circumference of thelower layer 73 is flowed into thespace 81 and thelower end 4a of theholder 4 is deformed as shown in Fig. 24 (B). Here, since the wall of theinner space 4b of theholder 4 is formed straightly, thelower end 4a can be easily deformed toward theinner space 4b. Therefore, thelower end 4a encroaches into the deformed circumference of thelower layer 73 and forms a hook-like wedge 82, as shown in Fig. 24 (B). Thiswedge 82 serves to hook the circumference of thelower layer 73 to which thesealant 90 is applied while holding the contact state between thelower end 4a and the circumference of thelower layer 73 so as to seal. The portion of thelower layer 73 opposite to thewedge 82 of thelower end 4a is deformed so as to adhere to theend 38a of theperipheral wall 38. - By the heat-press process, a
slant surface 83 with thesealant 90 of the circumference of thestamp material 3 is formed, based on that thelower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thelower layer 73 are deformed. To accomplish this, the heat-press jig 76 is constructed so as to have aspherical slant surface 76a at the inner side thereof, corresponding to the inner heat-press portion 79b of theprotect film 78. Since theprotect film 78 exists between thelower layer 73 and the heat-press jig 76 when heat-press process is conducted, theslant surface 83 of the circumference in thestamp material 3 becomes a smooth slant surface without difference in level. At the same time, theprotect film 78 is welded to a flat portion of the deformedlower end 4a in theholder 4, in a condition that theprotect film 78 can be peeled off. As mentioned, thestamp material 3, theholder 4 and theprotect film 78 are heat-pressed by the heat-press jig 76 at the same time. As explained above, thelower end 4a of theholder 4 and thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 are mutually hooked by thewedge 82 while holding the contact state between thelower end 4a and the circumference of thelower layer 73 so as to seal, therefore it can surely seal thelower layer 73 and thelower end 4a. As a result, it can prevent ink from leaking between thestamp material 3 and theholder 4. In order to efficiently conduct the heat-press process, it is effective to; 1 ○make thelower end 4a thin and form the inner side thereof straight; 2 ○formspherical slant surface 72a in the circumference of theintermediate layer 72; and 3 ○form the support posts 27 to support the circumference of thestamp material 3. - Since the
lower end 4a of theholder 4 is deformed so as to have thewedge 82 which hooks the circumference of thelower layer 73 with thesealant 90, it can retain the seal state between thelower end 4a of theholder 4 and the circumference of thelower layer 73, even after many stamping operations are repeated. Therefore, seal ability between theholder 4 and thestamp material 3 can be remarkably improved. - In the second embodiment, process to form the stamp surface on the
stamp material 3 is basically as same as the process in the first embodiment. Different point is as follows. That is, when the stamp surface is formed on thestamp material 3, thesealant 90 is applied to the circumference of the lower layer of thestamp material 3. At this time, since thesealant 90 is made black, thesealant 90 is heated when the xenon tube in the stamp making device is driven to emit light while opposing the stamp material 3a and the positive manuscript in the state that the acrylic plate exists between thestamp material 3 and the positive manuscript. Based on this heating of thesealant 90, both thelower layer 73 of thestamp material 3 and thesealant 90 are more firmly adhered. Further, if thesealant 90 is made transparent, the portion of thelower layer 73 corresponding to thesealant 90 is heated. Thus, based on this heating of thelower layer 73, both thelower layer 73 and thesealant 90 are more firmly adhered. - And in the second embodiment, assembling procedure of the stamp unit 1 is as same as the procedure in the first embodiment, thus explanation of the procedure will be omitted.
- The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiment chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents.
- For instance, though the stamp unit 1 of the first embodiment is preferably described as the stamp unit in which the stamp surface of the
stamp material 3 is formed by setting the holder with the stamp material in the stamp making device, the invention is not limited to this type of the stamp unit. It is important that the invention can be applied to the stamp unit in which the holder is slidably retained in the skirt member by inserting the holder in the skirt member from the lower side thereof based on the resilient member arranged in the skirt member to urge the holder upward in the skirt member, and the grip member is connected to the upper side of the holder, thereby the stamp unit is assembled. - Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 25, the second embodiment may be modified. That is, the stamp unit is constructed from the
stamp material 103 and theholder 104. Thestamp material 103 has a two-layered construction in which the poroussoft resin layer 173 and the poroushard resin layer 171 are formed. Further, as shown in Fig. 25, thesealant 185 is applied to both the circumference and circumferential side of the poroussoft resin layer 173. Both the poroussoft resin layer 173 and the poroushard resin layer 171 are inserted in the inner space of theholder 104, thus stamp unit is constructed. In such structure, since thickness of thesealant 185 is thin, it is not necessary to make the circumference of the poroussoft resin layer 173 in a slant surface. - Further, the stamp unit of the second embodiment may be modified as shown in Fig. 26. That is, the
stamp material 203 is formed of the porous hard resin and has stamping portions projected from the bendingportion 204a of theholder 204. Thesealant 285 is applied to the circumference of thestamp material 203 and thestamp material 203 is held with thesealant 285 by the bendingportion 204a.
Claims (31)
- A stamp unit (1) including a skirt member (2), a holder member (4) slidably retained in the skirt member, the holder member having an upper end and a lower end, a stamp material (3) retained at the lower end of the holder member, the stamp material including ink therein and having an effective stamp surface for stamping by ink, and a grip member (5) connected to the upper end of the holder member for moving the holder member,
characterised in that a portion of the stamp material surface which does not contain the effective stamp surface is sealed by sealing process so that ink included in the stamp material does not leak from the portion. - The stamp unit according to claim 1, wherein the stamp material has a circumference portion around the effective stamp surface and the circumference portion is sealed by sealing process.
- The stamp unit according to claim 2, wherein the sealing process is conducted by a heat-press process.
- The stamp unit according to claim 2, wherein the sealing process is conducted by applying a sealant to the circumference portion.
- The stamp unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the stamp material has at least two-layered construction which is constructed from a first layer formed of porous hard resin and a second layer formed of porous soft resin, the effective stamp surface being formed on the second layer.
- The stamp unit according to claim 5, wherein the first layer has porous construction with a pore ratio of about 90%.
- The stamp unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first layer is formed of vinylformal resin.
- The stamp unit according to claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein the second layer has porous construction with a pore ratio of about 65%.
- The stamp unit according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second layer is formed of urethane resin.
- The stamp unit according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the second layer includes optical energy absorbing substance dispersed therein.
- The stamp unit according to claim 10, wherein the optical energy absorbing substance is carbon black.
- The stamp unit according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the first layer is constructed from an upper layer and a lower layer, the upper layer having a plurality of through holes which reach to the lower layer.
- The stamp unit according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein each of the first layer and the second layer has a circumference portion and the heat-press process is conducted by a heat-press jig with a rectangular cylindrical shape having a heat-press area corresponding to each circumference portion of the first layer and the second layer.
- The stamp unit according to claim 13, wherein the heat-press jig is thermally controlled to a predetermined temperature.
- The stamp unit according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined temperature lies in a range of 200°C to 240°C.
- The stamp unit according to claim 13, 14 or 15 further comprising a protect film made of a transparent resin film adhered to the second layer and the lower end of the holder member by the heat-press process of the heat-process jig.
- The stamp unit according to claim 16, wherein the transparent resin film is formed of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate or polyamide.
- The stamp unit according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a resin layer applied to at least a surface of the protect resin corresponding to the heat-press area of the heat-press jig.
- The stamp unit according to claim 18, wherein the resin layer is formed of silicon resin or fuluoro resin.
- The stamp unit according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein a melting point of resin component in the protect film is lower than a heat temperature of the heat-press jig and higher than a melting point of resin component in both the holder member and the stamp material.
- The stamp unit according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the protect film has a holding portion to peel off the protect film from the second layer and the lower end of the holder member.
- The stamp unit according to claim 5, or any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the lower end of the holder member has a predetermined thickness and a thinner portion which is partially made thin to have a thickness thinner than the predetermined thickness, so that the thinner portion is deformed within the predetermined thickness when heat-pressed by the heat-press jig.
- The stamp unit according to claim 22, wherein the first layer has a circumference portion which is formed in a spherical slant surface and the second layer has a circumference portion corresponding to the circumference portion of the stamp material.
- The stamp unit according to claim 23, wherein a space is formed between the spherical slant surface of the second layer and the circumference portion of the first layer.
- The stamp unit according to claim 24, wherein the circumference portion of the second layer flows into the space when the second layer is deformed by the heat-press process of the heat-press jig.
- The stamp unit according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the thinner portion is deformed so as to form a wedge portion which hooks the circumference portion of the second layer when heat-pressed by the heat-press jig.
- The stamp unit according to claim 13, wherein the heat-press jig has a spherical slant surface on the heat-press area and the circumference portions of the first layer and the second layer is made into a spherical slant surface corresponding to the spherical slant surface of the heat-press jig.
- A stamp unit including a stamp support member with a lower end and a stamp material which is retained at the lower end of the stamp support member, the stamp material having an effective stamp surface for stamping by ink included therein,
characterised in that a portion of the stamp material surface which does not contain the effective stamp surface is sealed by sealing process so that ink included in the stamp material does not leak from the portion. - The stamp unit according to claim 28, wherein the stamp material has a circumference portion around the effective stamp surface and the circumference portion is sealed by sealing process.
- The stamp unit according to claim 29, wherein the sealing process is conducted by a heat-press process.
- The stamp unit according to claim 29, wherein the sealing process is conducted by applying a sealant to the circumference portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP26302498A JP3817928B2 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 1998-09-17 | Stamp unit for light irradiation plate making and its plate making method |
JP26302498 | 1998-09-17 | ||
JP26440698 | 1998-09-18 | ||
JP26440698A JP4003312B2 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1998-09-18 | Stamp unit |
JP26764798 | 1998-09-22 | ||
JP26764798A JP4168493B2 (en) | 1998-09-22 | 1998-09-22 | Stamp unit |
JP27239698 | 1998-09-28 | ||
JP27239698A JP3829498B2 (en) | 1998-09-28 | 1998-09-28 | Stamp unit |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0990534A1 EP0990534A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
EP0990534B1 true EP0990534B1 (en) | 2003-07-09 |
Family
ID=27478639
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99306543A Expired - Lifetime EP0990534B1 (en) | 1998-09-17 | 1999-08-19 | Stamp unit |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0990534B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE244643T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69909391T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2199528T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2001068374A1 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2001-09-20 | Boguslaw Malczynski | Two layered microporous stamp material for a pre-inked stamp |
AT509375A1 (en) | 2010-01-27 | 2011-08-15 | Colop Stempelerzeugung Skopek | COLOR STORAGE UNIT FOR HAND STAMP |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5623095Y2 (en) * | 1972-06-26 | 1981-05-29 | ||
JPH09254513A (en) * | 1996-03-26 | 1997-09-30 | Brother Ind Ltd | Device for manufacturing printing form |
-
1999
- 1999-08-19 AT AT99306543T patent/ATE244643T1/en active
- 1999-08-19 ES ES99306543T patent/ES2199528T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-19 EP EP99306543A patent/EP0990534B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-19 DE DE69909391T patent/DE69909391T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE244643T1 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
EP0990534A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
ES2199528T3 (en) | 2004-02-16 |
DE69909391D1 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
DE69909391T2 (en) | 2004-04-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR100295536B1 (en) | Stamp unit consisting of heat-sensitive plate base | |
US6112662A (en) | Stamp unit | |
US6892637B2 (en) | Self-inking stamp with ink cartridge barrier | |
US6460456B1 (en) | Stamp making apparatus and attachment thereof | |
US7096785B2 (en) | Self-inking stamp with ink cartridge barrier | |
EP0990534B1 (en) | Stamp unit | |
US6164202A (en) | Stamp unit | |
EP1066976B1 (en) | Stamp member and stamp unit using the stamp member | |
JP3829498B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP4238947B2 (en) | Stamp making device | |
EP0719653B1 (en) | Stamp cartridge for use in a stamp unit | |
JP3829495B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP4168493B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP3750337B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP3823519B2 (en) | Stamp unit and method of manufacturing stamp unit | |
JP3832080B2 (en) | Stamp making device | |
JP3832145B2 (en) | stamp | |
JP3829456B2 (en) | Stamp unit and ink supply method to stamp unit | |
JP4211402B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP3832146B2 (en) | stamp | |
JP3858474B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP3887935B2 (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP2002283695A (en) | Stamp unit and stamp pad | |
JP2000094819A (en) | Stamp unit | |
JP3292435B2 (en) | Stamp cartridge |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid | ||
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8566 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20000929 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
GRAH | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA |
|
GRAH | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20030709 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20030709 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 69909391 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20030814 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030819 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030819 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20030819 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20031009 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20031009 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20031009 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: NV Representative=s name: PATENTANWAELTE FELDMANN & PARTNER AG |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20031209 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2199528 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20040414 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20180718 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20180716 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20180813 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20180903 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Payment date: 20180726 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: BE Payment date: 20180817 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20180726 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20180725 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R071 Ref document number: 69909391 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: PE20 Expiry date: 20190818 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MK Effective date: 20190819 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK07 Ref document number: 244643 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190819 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION Effective date: 20190818 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20201202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION Effective date: 20190820 |