EP1613480B1 - Method and system for printing a plurality of supports - Google Patents

Method and system for printing a plurality of supports Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1613480B1
EP1613480B1 EP04742309A EP04742309A EP1613480B1 EP 1613480 B1 EP1613480 B1 EP 1613480B1 EP 04742309 A EP04742309 A EP 04742309A EP 04742309 A EP04742309 A EP 04742309A EP 1613480 B1 EP1613480 B1 EP 1613480B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
substrates
substrate
rack
support
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
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EP04742309A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1613480A1 (en
Inventor
Régis THIENARD
Alain Thomas
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Inov-Media
Inov Media
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Inov-Media
Inov Media
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Publication of EP1613480A1 publication Critical patent/EP1613480A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/54—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
    • B41J3/543—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements with multiple inkjet print heads

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of methods and systems for printing media. It relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a multi-rack printing system.
  • the prior art already knows the European patent EP 973646 relating to a media printing apparatus having a laser print block for fast black-and-white printing and a plurality of ink-jet printing blocks for color printing.
  • the inkjet printing blocks are arranged horizontally and parallel and the apparatus includes a horizontal distribution system, as well as a horizontal recovery system.
  • the European patent EP 767740 is directed to a multi-media digital document printing system comprising a plurality of digital printer modules.
  • each module has its own feed station, for a continuous supply of print media in printing medium.
  • Each station further comprises means for cutting the support after printing.
  • a media carrier means of the endless belt type is further provided for the recovery of printed and cut media.
  • the present invention intends to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to produce a compact industrial machine that makes it possible to produce inkjet prints on media brought to the printing level by means of an automation and recovered afterwards. printing using an automatism.
  • This machine will thus be able to combine many advantages of offset and large format inkjet plotters.
  • the printing is performed in a plurality of adjacent racks oriented substantially vertically and the support is fed, support by support, from the top of the machine.
  • the support falls vertically into a rack in which it can be printed recto or recto-verso, along an axis or two.
  • Media recovery after printing is done from the bottom of the rack.
  • the invention relates to a printing method for printing a plurality of media using a device having a plurality of printing units, and a dispensing system for distribution of media in printing units and a recovery system for recovery of printed media after passing each of said media in a printing unit, characterized in that said distribution system distributes said media in the printing units through the upper end of the printing units and in that said recovery system recovering said printed media after passing each of said media in a printing unit through the lower end of the printing units.
  • the printing will be performed in the modules on substantially vertical supports.
  • the direction of passage of media in the machine is from right to left, but can also be from left to right.
  • the supply of different printing will be done manually, for example using a pallet truck or with a trolley with wheels, or automatically.
  • the present invention also relates to a printing system for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a modular type printing machine for printing media, that is to say say having at least one margin, at least one dispensing system, at least one rack, at least one collector mat and at least one recipe (7).
  • this printing system will comprise a plurality of printing modules 3, for example from two to five, each printing module 3 comprising at least four print racks.
  • Each rack will include an inkjet print engine.
  • the printing machine will include a printing rack located between the margin and the recipe and / or between the dispensing system and the collecting belt.
  • the rack may include a shutter, possibly automatic, able to open to receive support from the distribution system.
  • a print rack is used to print the media, the latter sliding to the socket of the support by wheels which cause the support to the print engine, then are located (tamed), that is to say that each medium is referenced right or left depending on whether the printing of said medium is front or back.
  • each rack there is a large-format inkjet print engine that provides printing.
  • the casters take up the support and eject it on the collecting belt.
  • the rear of the aforesaid machine may comprise at least one access to compressors of said machine, at least one access to the safes and automatism and / or at least one access to the collecting belt.
  • the rear part of the above machine will also include at least one access to ink tanks present in said machine so as to be able to recharge or replace them.
  • the front part of the machine may comprise at least one access to the dispensing device of said machine, at least one access to a computer safe, at least one access to the racks equipping said machine and / or at least one access to the ink tanks.
  • the supports will be made of paper, such as, for example, coated supports, Vergé supports, Offset supports or special supports, or consist of opaque plastics, such as polyester, "Teslin” (trademark) or polycarbonate, or any other media compatible with print engines.
  • the printing machine will comprise a plurality of bars each comprising a plurality of clamps capable of closing or opening to ensure the grip or release of each support.
  • the printing machine may comprise at least one bracket intended to guide each support towards the aforesaid clamps or the aforesaid margin table.
  • the printing machine will comprise an adjustable flow blower device, ie at least one blower located at a height at the front of the stack of supports and a blower located at a height at the rear of the pile of supports; the front and rear wind tunnels being independently adjustable.
  • an adjustable flow blower device ie at least one blower located at a height at the front of the stack of supports and a blower located at a height at the rear of the pile of supports; the front and rear wind tunnels being independently adjustable.
  • the printing machine will comprise a suction ramp located at the support head, perpendicular to the direction of passage of the supports.
  • the printing machine will comprise at least one top margin table rotatable to guide the release of each support.
  • the printing machine will also comprise a suction box, coupled to the aforesaid suction ramp, controlling the sending of the supports to the aforesaid clamps or the aforesaid margin table.
  • clamp bars will be spaced from each other by a distance of between 50 centimeters and 150 centimeters, preferably about 90 centimeters.
  • the dispensing system comprises at least one chain whose tension is provided by a tensor disposed on each side of the printing machine.
  • the rack will include a print engine mounted on a rail with a removable clip which makes the inkjet engine removable.
  • the conveyor belt will transport each support output rack to the recipe with a referencing of said support.
  • the system may include a color control device, for example an artificial vision camera, cooperating with the aforesaid rack to possibly correct the polychrome printed media by the rack.
  • a color control device for example an artificial vision camera
  • the polychrome correction will be performed by comparing a reference pattern with a pattern on each printed medium.
  • the invention provides a particular path of the media to be printed in the printing system, and more specifically that each support is introduced from the top of the modules to be recovered at the bottom.
  • the interest of the system is thus dual: take advantage of gravity to manage the introduction of each support in a module and its extraction and make an impression while the support is substantially vertical, to save space.
  • the pallet truck is used for large formats (weight).
  • the system according to the invention is used with compatible carriages for the margin 1 and the recipe 7. They are equipped with four swivel castors and lockable.
  • a handling handle should be provided on the big and small side. On these handles, there is provided a simple device, hookable or snap-on, to operate the carriage in a standing position, of the type for example articulated rod.
  • the supports are centered with respect to the machine axis (tolerance of positioning by the operator ⁇ 10 mm).
  • markers of different formats and centering should be provided on the margin platform 1 and trolleys.
  • Margin 1 is here equipped with an automatic upgrade in real time to maintain the top of the support always at the same altitude.
  • the positioning accuracy is about 2 mm.
  • the rapid rise and fall of the margin platform 1 may be accessible to the operator in "manual movements" mode.
  • the horizontality of the plateau is verified to within 1 mm.
  • the manual movements of the tray will be accessible at the end of printing and during a printing interruption.
  • the brackets are used to guide the support to the gripper socket.
  • the side brackets are manually adjustable to adjust, possibly automatically, to different formats. They are retractable or liftable for the end of stack.
  • the side brackets here have a height of approximately 15 cm. They are at the top of the pile and back.
  • the altitude, or the height, of the brackets is constant, ie 5 cm above the stack and 10 cm below the top level of the stack.
  • the side brackets are made of stainless metal.
  • An adjustable flow blower device is provided at the rear and front of the support stack at the high level; the setting may be different between front and back. This independent device still helps to take off the supports from each other. The device prepares the passage of the supports.
  • the suction cups must have sufficient suction to lift off and maintain a support of 72 x 102 cm format, weighing approximately 350 g / m 2 .
  • the suction ramp is located at the support head, slightly behind, about 8 to 10 cm. It is perpendicular to the direction of passage of the support. Its function is to lift the first support support on the top of the stack, and to bring it to the grip of pliers, via a system of acceleration by wheels. It has 10 suckers distributed on a support and according to the different formats of support. Depending on the formats used, some suction cups, those of the ends, are in the "vacuum". Suction cups can close and open to fit the media format.
  • the back and forth suction ramp is synchronous with the suction box and the gripper.
  • the clamps are ten on each bar with intervals taking into account the different formats.
  • Each clamp must have a clamping of about 350 g minimum.
  • the clamp bars open and close according to the grip or release of the support.
  • the clip bars are perpendicular to the chains.
  • the set of clamp bars is fixed on the chain trains arranged on the upper part and on each side of the machine.
  • Each rack 5 calls a support, the clamps open by default above a rack 5 located at the end of the machine, this receptacle thus retrieves media that could not be distributed on the media do not return to the margin 1.
  • Each clamp has a return spring. In case of breakage of this spring, the clamp will remain free so as not to impede the operation of the machine.
  • the clamps are able to open manually when stopping or interrupting printing.
  • each clamp bar is distant from the previous of about 90 centimeters.
  • the chain train has a constant tension.
  • a tensor ensures the tension of the chain. This tensor is provided for each chain on each side of the machine. This device is located at the end and recipe side 7, so the natural lengthening of the chain is compensated. Guides are arranged on the taut strand of the chain to prevent vibration and counteract reactions due to the clamp openings. The feedrate and the speed of the chain are synchronous with the suction ramp and the suction box.
  • the distribution system 4 will ideally be fully streamlined. This fairing will be removable to allow the extraction of jammed media. The opening of this fairing causes a shutdown of the distribution system 4.
  • the speed of the system must be at least 0.7 m / s to guarantee the supply of 20 racks 5.
  • the distribution 4 and the synchronous systems will be idle during printing, ie a slow speed when the distribution 4 does not need to distribute media. They will be stopped at the end of each series. Manual movements forward and backward will be available to clear support during a print interruption.
  • the rack 5 is closed on the top by a flap that opens to receive a support from the distribution system 4.
  • the opening and closing of the above must be very fast, plus there must be lights to let through the clamps.
  • the opening system must be automated.
  • the clean speed and the inertia of the support allow it to go down in the rack 5.
  • the support must be supported until the bottom of the rack 5.
  • Each support is ejected on the collecting belt 6 after printing.
  • An adjustable pressure on wheels holds each support during certain phases.
  • the print engine 2 is mounted on a rail for quick change or intervention.
  • the (re) positioning of this motor inside the rack 5 is an accuracy of 0.1 mm amplitude to be in adequacy with the margin table rectification system 1.
  • An engine attachment system is designed to allow another completely different engine or to replace a defective motor, but of similar size, to easily adapt.
  • a collecting belt 6 transports the media at the rack outlet 5 to the recipe 7 with a referencing of the support.
  • the speed of the belt 6 is comparable to that of the distribution 4.
  • the carpet 6 will be started as soon as a support comes out of a rack 5 and will be stopped as soon as there is more support to transport.
  • Recipe 7 operates in a similar way to margin 1. It receives the printed media from all racks 5 through the collector mat 6. Recipe 7 must be equipped with a real-time automatic upgrade to keep the top of the media always at the same altitude as media is stacked. The positioning accuracy is about 2 mm.
  • a jogging system rectifies the supports as and when they arrive and to position them centered relative to the axis of the machine.
  • the addition of a blower at the end of the recipe 7 can be envisaged to simplify the recycling.
  • the jogging of the support head pushes the support towards squaring grids.
  • the rapid rise and fall of the recipe platform 7 must be accessible to the operator in "manual movements" mode.
  • the unloading of the recipe 7 is done in the same way and by the same means as the loading of the margin 1.
  • the system according to the invention is equipped with a color control device using an artificial vision camera that corrects the chromium of the media printed by the printing rack.
  • the medium is identified by a printed rack number 5 and reads a multi-color pattern by making a comparison with a reference pattern, the color correction is done through the color card of the print engine 2 of the rack 5 analysis.
  • the machine is supplied with ink by means of barrels with a capacity of approximately 35 liters per color. These drums are integrated into the printing machine and exchangeable easily by a single operator
  • the level of these drums must be controlled by a low level threshold triggering an alert message, for example displayable on a display screen and / or sound type.
  • a keying on each drum must be able to prevent any confusion in the connection of the drums.
  • the ink distributed in the small tanks is located in the printing racks 5 which will redistribute in the heads of the print engines 2.
  • the latter part is integrated and delivered with the print engines 2.
  • the supply of drums to small tanks can be provided fully automatic.

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Counters In Electrophotography And Two-Sided Copying (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)
  • Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)
  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
  • Pile Receivers (AREA)
  • Dot-Matrix Printers And Others (AREA)

Abstract

The process involves providing a distribution system (4) and a recovery system. Substrates that are to be printed in a printing module (3) are distributed into the upper end of the printing module of the distribution system. The printed substrates are recovered by the recovery module at the lower end of the printing module, after the document has passed through the printing module. An independent claim is also included for a printing system implementing a substrate printing process.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des procédés et systèmes pour l'impression de supports. Elle concerne en particulier, mais non exclusivement, un système d'impression multi-rack.The present invention relates to the field of methods and systems for printing media. It relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a multi-rack printing system.

L'art antérieur connaît déjà le brevet européen EP 973646 portant sur un appareil d'impression de supports présentant un bloc d'impression laser pour l'impression rapide en noir et blanc et plusieurs blocs d'impression jet d'encre pour l'impression en couleur. Les blocs d'impression jet d'encre sont disposés horizontalement et parallèlement et l'appareil comporte un système de distribution horizontale, ainsi qu'un système de récupération horizontale.The prior art already knows the European patent EP 973646 relating to a media printing apparatus having a laser print block for fast black-and-white printing and a plurality of ink-jet printing blocks for color printing. The inkjet printing blocks are arranged horizontally and parallel and the apparatus includes a horizontal distribution system, as well as a horizontal recovery system.

Le brevet européen EP 767740 porte sur un système d'impression numérique de documents à supports multiples comprenant une pluralité de modules d'imprimante numérique. Dans ce système, chaque module comporte son propre poste d'alimentation, pour une alimentation en continu des moyens d'impression en support d'impression. Chaque poste comporte en outre de moyens permettant de couper le support après l'impression. Un moyen transporteur de supports, du type bande sans fin est en outre prévu pour la récupération des supports imprimés et découpés.The European patent EP 767740 is directed to a multi-media digital document printing system comprising a plurality of digital printer modules. In this system, each module has its own feed station, for a continuous supply of print media in printing medium. Each station further comprises means for cutting the support after printing. A media carrier means of the endless belt type is further provided for the recovery of printed and cut media.

Les systèmes de l'art antérieur présentent les inconvénients d'avoir une mise en route longue et fastidieuse (copie de plaques offset, encriers à régler, passe de papiers pour le réglage des couleurs...). Par ailleurs, les systèmes de l'art antérieur nécessitent un personnel très qualifié dans différentes spécialisations. En outre, ces systèmes ne peuvent travailler que dans un seul format, nécessitent une surveillance et des réglages constants, gâchent du papier et génère une pollution chimique importante (encres, chimie...). Enfin, ces systèmes sont particulièrement coûteux pour une efficacité, tant en termes de qualité d'impression que de rapidité d'exécution, relativement faible.The systems of the prior art have the drawbacks of having a long and tedious start (copy of offset plates, inksticks to adjust, password papers for color adjustment ...). By Moreover, the systems of the prior art require highly qualified personnel in different specializations. In addition, these systems can only work in one format, require constant monitoring and adjustments, waste paper and generate significant chemical pollution (inks, chemistry ...). Finally, these systems are particularly expensive for efficiency, both in terms of print quality and speed of execution, relatively low.

La présente invention entend remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur en proposant de réaliser une machine industrielle compacte permettant de réaliser des impressions jet d'encre sur des supports amenés au niveau de l'impression à l'aide d'un automatisme et récupérés après l'impression à l'aide d'un automatisme. Cette machine pourra ainsi cumuler de nombreux avantages de l'offset et des traceurs jet d'encre grand format.
Plus précisément, dans la présente invention, l'impression est opérée dans une pluralité de racks adjacents orientés sensiblement verticalement et l'amenée du support est réalisée, support par support, par le haut de la machine. Grâce à un système de guidage, le support tombe par gravité verticalement dans un rack dans lequel il peut subir une impression recto ou recto-verso, selon un axe ou deux. La récupération du support après impression est réalisée par le bas du rack.The present invention intends to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to produce a compact industrial machine that makes it possible to produce inkjet prints on media brought to the printing level by means of an automation and recovered afterwards. printing using an automatism. This machine will thus be able to combine many advantages of offset and large format inkjet plotters.
More specifically, in the present invention, the printing is performed in a plurality of adjacent racks oriented substantially vertically and the support is fed, support by support, from the top of the machine. By means of a guiding system, the support falls vertically into a rack in which it can be printed recto or recto-verso, along an axis or two. Media recovery after printing is done from the bottom of the rack.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un procédé d'impression pour l'impression d'une pluralité de supports à l'aide d'un dispositif comportant une pluralité d'unités d'impression, ainsi qu'un système de distribution pour la distribution des supports dans les unités d'impression et un système de récupération pour la récupération des supports imprimés après passage de chacun desdits supports dans une unité d'impression, caractérisé en ce que ledit système de distribution distribue lesdits supports dans les unités d'impression par l'extrémité supérieure des unités d'impression et en ce que ledit système de récupération récupère lesdits supports imprimés après passage de chacun desdits supports dans une unité d'impression par l'extrémité inférieure des unités d'impression.For this purpose, the invention relates to a printing method for printing a plurality of media using a device having a plurality of printing units, and a dispensing system for distribution of media in printing units and a recovery system for recovery of printed media after passing each of said media in a printing unit, characterized in that said distribution system distributes said media in the printing units through the upper end of the printing units and in that said recovery system recovering said printed media after passing each of said media in a printing unit through the lower end of the printing units.

Avantageusement, l'impression sera réalisée dans les modules sur des supports sensiblement verticaux.Advantageously, the printing will be performed in the modules on substantially vertical supports.

Le sens de passage des supports dans la machine est de droite à gauche, mais pourra également être de gauche à droite.The direction of passage of media in the machine is from right to left, but can also be from left to right.

De préférence, l'alimentation des différentes d'impression s'effectuera soit manuellement, par exemple à l'aide d'un transpalette ou grâce à un chariot à roulettes, soit automatiquement.Preferably, the supply of different printing will be done manually, for example using a pallet truck or with a trolley with wheels, or automatically.

La présente invention se rapporte également à un système d'impression pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une machine d'impression de type modulaire pour l'impression de supports, c'est-à-dire comportant au moins une marge, au moins un système de distribution, au moins un rack, au moins un tapis collecteur et au moins une recette (7).The present invention also relates to a printing system for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a modular type printing machine for printing media, that is to say say having at least one margin, at least one dispensing system, at least one rack, at least one collector mat and at least one recipe (7).

De préférence, ce système d'impression comprendra une pluralité de modules d'impression 3, par exemple de deux à cinq, chaque module d'impression 3 comprenant au moins quatre racks d'impression. Chacun des racks comprendra un moteur d'impression jet d'encre.Preferably, this printing system will comprise a plurality of printing modules 3, for example from two to five, each printing module 3 comprising at least four print racks. Each rack will include an inkjet print engine.

Avantageusement, la machine d'impression comprendra un rack d'impression situé entre la marge et la recette et/ou entre le système de distribution et le tapis collecteur. Par ailleurs, le rack pourra comprendre un volet, éventuellement automatique, apte à s'ouvrir pour recevoir un support venant du système de distribution.Advantageously, the printing machine will include a printing rack located between the margin and the recipe and / or between the dispensing system and the collecting belt. Furthermore, the rack may include a shutter, possibly automatic, able to open to receive support from the distribution system.

Un rack d'impression sert à imprimer les supports, ces derniers glissant jusqu'à la prise du support par des roulettes qui entraînent le support jusqu'au moteur d'impression, puis sont repérés (taqués), c'est-à-dire que chaque support a une mise en référence droite ou gauche selon que l'impression dudit support est recto ou verso. Dans chaque rack, il y a un moteur d'impression de type jet d'encre grand format qui assure l'impression.A print rack is used to print the media, the latter sliding to the socket of the support by wheels which cause the support to the print engine, then are located (tamed), that is to say that each medium is referenced right or left depending on whether the printing of said medium is front or back. In each rack, there is a large-format inkjet print engine that provides printing.

Une fois l'impression terminée, les roulettes reprennent le support et l'éjectent sur le tapis collecteur.Once the printing is complete, the casters take up the support and eject it on the collecting belt.

Selon un aspect avantageux de l'invention, l'arrière de la susdite machine pourra comprendre au moins un accès à des compresseurs de ladite machine, au moins un accès aux coffres électriques et automatisme et/ou au moins un accès au tapis collecteur.According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the rear of the aforesaid machine may comprise at least one access to compressors of said machine, at least one access to the safes and automatism and / or at least one access to the collecting belt.

Selon une possibilité offerte par l'invention, la partie arrière de la susdite machine comprendra en outre au moins un accès à des réservoirs d'encre présents dans ladite machine de manière à pouvoir les recharger ou les remplacer.According to a possibility offered by the invention, the rear part of the above machine will also include at least one access to ink tanks present in said machine so as to be able to recharge or replace them.

De la même manière, la partie avant de la machine pourra comprendre au moins un accès au dispositif de distribution de ladite machine, au moins un accès à un coffre informatique, au moins un accès aux racks équipant ladite machine et/ou au moins un accès aux réservoirs d'encre.In the same way, the front part of the machine may comprise at least one access to the dispensing device of said machine, at least one access to a computer safe, at least one access to the racks equipping said machine and / or at least one access to the ink tanks.

Selon deux variantes du système d'impression selon l'invention, les supports seront en papier, tels que par exemple des supports couchés, des supports Vergé, des supports Offset ou des supports spéciaux, ou consistent en des plastiques opaques, tels que polyester, du « Teslin » (marque déposée) ou du polycarbonate, ou tout autres supports compatibles avec des moteurs d'impression.According to two variants of the printing system according to the invention, the supports will be made of paper, such as, for example, coated supports, Vergé supports, Offset supports or special supports, or consist of opaque plastics, such as polyester, "Teslin" (trademark) or polycarbonate, or any other media compatible with print engines.

Avantageusement, la machine d'impression comprendra une pluralité de barres comportant chacune une pluralité de pinces aptes à se fermer ou à s'ouvrir pour assurer la prise ou le lâcher de chaque support. Par ailleurs, la machine d'impression pourra comprendre au moins une équerre destinée à guider chaque support vers les susdites pinces ou la susdite table de marge.Advantageously, the printing machine will comprise a plurality of bars each comprising a plurality of clamps capable of closing or opening to ensure the grip or release of each support. In addition, the printing machine may comprise at least one bracket intended to guide each support towards the aforesaid clamps or the aforesaid margin table.

Avantageusement, la machine d'impression comprendra un dispositif de soufflerie à débit réglable, soit au moins une soufflerie située en hauteur à l'avant de la pile de supports et une soufflerie située en hauteur à l'arrière de la pile de supports ; les souffleries avant et arrière étant réglables de manière indépendante.Advantageously, the printing machine will comprise an adjustable flow blower device, ie at least one blower located at a height at the front of the stack of supports and a blower located at a height at the rear of the pile of supports; the front and rear wind tunnels being independently adjustable.

Avantageusement, la machine d'impression comprendra une rampe de succion située en tête de support, perpendiculairement au sens de passage des supports.Advantageously, the printing machine will comprise a suction ramp located at the support head, perpendicular to the direction of passage of the supports.

Selon une possibilité offerte par l'invention, la machine d'impression comprendra au moins une table de marge supérieure mobile en rotation pour guider le lâcher de chaque support.According to a possibility offered by the invention, the printing machine will comprise at least one top margin table rotatable to guide the release of each support.

Selon un aspect avantageux de l'invention, la machine d'impression comprendra également une boîte de succion, couplée à la susdite rampe de succion, commandant l'envoi des supports vers les susdites pinces ou la susdite table de marge.According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the printing machine will also comprise a suction box, coupled to the aforesaid suction ramp, controlling the sending of the supports to the aforesaid clamps or the aforesaid margin table.

Avantageusement, les barres de pinces seront distantes les unes des autres d'une distance comprise entre 50 centimètres et 150 centimètres, de préférence d'environ 90 centimètres.Advantageously, the clamp bars will be spaced from each other by a distance of between 50 centimeters and 150 centimeters, preferably about 90 centimeters.

Selon un aspect avantageux de l'invention, le système de distribution comprend au moins une chaîne dont la tension est assurée par un tenseur disposé de chaque côté de la machine d'impression.According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the dispensing system comprises at least one chain whose tension is provided by a tensor disposed on each side of the printing machine.

Avantageusement, le rack comprendra un moteur d'impression monté sur un rail muni d'une attache amovible ce qui rend le moteur jet d'encre amovible.Advantageously, the rack will include a print engine mounted on a rail with a removable clip which makes the inkjet engine removable.

De préférence, le tapis collecteur transportera chaque support en sortie de rack vers la recette avec une mise en référence dudit support.Preferably, the conveyor belt will transport each support output rack to the recipe with a referencing of said support.

Selon une possibilité offerte par l'invention, le système pourra comprendre un dispositif de contrôle des couleurs, par exemple une caméra de vision artificielle, coopérant avec le susdit rack afin de corriger éventuellement la polychromie des supports imprimés par le rack. Ainsi, la correction de polychromie s'effectuera en comparant une mire de référence avec une mire présente sur chaque support imprimé.According to a possibility offered by the invention, the system may include a color control device, for example an artificial vision camera, cooperating with the aforesaid rack to possibly correct the polychrome printed media by the rack. Thus, the polychrome correction will be performed by comparing a reference pattern with a pattern on each printed medium.

Grâce à ces particularités, l'invention propose un cheminement particulier des supports à imprimer dans le système d'impression, et plus précisément que chaque support soit introduit par le haut des modules pour être récupéré en bas. L'intérêt du système est ainsi double : profiter de la gravité pour gérer l'introduction de chaque support dans un module et son extraction et réaliser une impression alors que le support est sensiblement vertical, pour gagner de la place.Thanks to these features, the invention provides a particular path of the media to be printed in the printing system, and more specifically that each support is introduced from the top of the modules to be recovered at the bottom. The interest of the system is thus dual: take advantage of gravity to manage the introduction of each support in a module and its extraction and make an impression while the support is substantially vertical, to save space.

On comprendra mieux l'invention à l'aide de la description, faite ci-après à titre purement explicatif, d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention, en référence aux figures annexées :

  • la figure 1 illustre une vue partielle en coupe d'un système pour l'impression avec distribution à chaînes ;
  • la figure 2 illustre une vue partielle en coupe d'un système pour l'impression avec distribution avec tapis.
The invention will be better understood from the following description, given purely for explanatory purposes, of one embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures:
  • Figure 1 illustrates a partial sectional view of a system for printing with chain distribution;
  • Figure 2 illustrates a partial sectional view of a system for printing with carpet dispensing.

Le chargement du support peut s'effectuer de trois manières, non représentées sur les figures :

  1. 1 - manuellement, c'est-à-dire directement dans la marge 1, pour les petits formats ;
  2. 2 - à l'aide d'un transpalette directement accessible sur la plate-forme de marge 1, le support ayant été préparé, ou retaqué, sur un poste de préparation indépendant ;
  3. 3 - sur l'un des chariots à roulettes, par exemple de dimensions 55 x 70 cm, et ne pourront accueillir un support d'une taille maximum de 50 x 65 cm.
Une rampe de chargement doit être prévue. Cette rampe de faible inclinaison permet de monter sans difficulté des transpalettes ou des chariots pleins.The loading of the support can be carried out in three ways, not shown in the figures:
  1. 1 - manually, that is to say directly in margin 1, for small formats;
  2. 2 - using a pallet truck directly accessible on the margin platform 1, the support having been prepared, or retacked, on an independent preparation station;
  3. 3 - on one of the trolleys with wheels, for example of dimensions 55 x 70 cm, and can accommodate a support of a maximum size of 50 x 65 cm.
A loading ramp must be provided. This low incline ramp makes it easy to mount pallet trucks or full trucks.

La capacité maximale est de 5000 supports de 350 g soit :

  • un maximum de 1225 kg de support, le poids du plateau et de la palette étant à ajouter ;
  • une hauteur maximale de support de 1100 mm.
The maximum capacity is 5000 supports of 350 g:
  • a maximum of 1225 kg of support, the weight of the tray and pallet being added;
  • a maximum support height of 1100 mm.

Le transpalette est utilisé pour les grands formats (poids). Le système selon l'invention s'utilise avec des chariots compatibles pour la marge 1 et la recette 7. Ils sont équipés de quatre roulettes orientables et verrouillables. Une poignée de manipulation doit être prévue sur le grand et le petit côté.
Sur ces poignées, il est prévu un dispositif simple, crochetable ou encliquetable, permettant de manoeuvrer le chariot en position debout, du type par exemple canne articulée.The pallet truck is used for large formats (weight). The system according to the invention is used with compatible carriages for the margin 1 and the recipe 7. They are equipped with four swivel castors and lockable. A handling handle should be provided on the big and small side.
On these handles, there is provided a simple device, hookable or snap-on, to operate the carriage in a standing position, of the type for example articulated rod.

La marge 1 a deux fonctions principales :

  1. 1 - Le taquage de la tête de support le long de la grille d'équerrage et avant la prise de pince. Cette opération s'effectue au chargement du support de la marge 1.
  2. 2 - l'alimentation support à support des supports dans la machine.
Margin 1 has two main functions:
  1. 1 - The jogging of the support head along the squaring grid and before gripping. This operation is performed when the media of margin 1 is loaded.
  2. 2 - the support feed supports media in the machine.

Dans le sens perpendiculaire au défilement, les supports sont centrés par rapport à l'axe machine (tolérance de positionnement par l'opérateur ±10 mm). À cet effet, des repères des différents formats et centrage devront être prévus sur la plate-forme de marge 1 et chariots.In the direction perpendicular to the scroll, the supports are centered with respect to the machine axis (tolerance of positioning by the operator ± 10 mm). For this purpose, markers of different formats and centering should be provided on the margin platform 1 and trolleys.

La marge 1 est ici équipée d'une mise à niveau automatique en temps réel afin de maintenir le dessus du support toujours à la même altitude. La précision de positionnement est d'environ 2 mm. La montée et descente rapide de la plate-forme de marge 1 peuvent être accessible à l'opérateur en mode « mouvements manuels ».Margin 1 is here equipped with an automatic upgrade in real time to maintain the top of the support always at the same altitude. The positioning accuracy is about 2 mm. The rapid rise and fall of the margin platform 1 may be accessible to the operator in "manual movements" mode.

L'horizontalité du plateau est vérifiée à sensiblement 1 mm près.The horizontality of the plateau is verified to within 1 mm.

Les mouvements manuels du plateau seront les suivants :

  • descente rapide du plateau jusqu'au seuil bas à la vitesse approximative de 50 mm/s, puis en phase d'approche à une vitesse plus faible permettant de limiter les chocs et attente à cette position,
  • montée rapide du plateau jusqu'à ce que le haut de la palette arrive au niveau de la boîte et de la rampe de succion à la vitesse approximative de 100 mm/s, puis en phase d'approche à une vitesse plus faible et maintien du haut de la palette à ce niveau.
The manual movements of the board will be as follows:
  • rapid descent of the plateau to the low threshold at the approximate speed of 50 mm / s, then in approach phase at a lower speed to limit shocks and waiting at this position,
  • rapid rise of the plateau until the top of the pallet reaches the level of the box and the suction ramp at an approximate speed of 100 mm / s, then in the approach phase at a lower speed and maintaining the top of the palette at this level.

Les mouvements manuels du plateau seront accessibles à la fin de l'impression et lors d'une interruption d'impression.The manual movements of the tray will be accessible at the end of printing and during a printing interruption.

Les équerres servent à guider le support vers la prise de pince.
Les équerres latérales sont réglables manuellement pour venir s'ajuster, éventuellement de manière automatique, aux différents formats. Elles sont rétractables ou relevables pour la fin de pile. Les équerres latérales ont ici une hauteur d'approximativement 15 cm. Elles se situent au niveau dessus de la pile et en arrière. L'altitude, ou la hauteur, des équerres est constante, soit 5 cm au-dessus de la pile et 10 cm au-dessous du niveau supérieur de la pile. Les équerres latérales sont en métal inoxydable.The brackets are used to guide the support to the gripper socket.
The side brackets are manually adjustable to adjust, possibly automatically, to different formats. They are retractable or liftable for the end of stack. The side brackets here have a height of approximately 15 cm. They are at the top of the pile and back. The altitude, or the height, of the brackets is constant, ie 5 cm above the stack and 10 cm below the top level of the stack. The side brackets are made of stainless metal.

Un dispositif de soufflerie à débit réglable est prévu à l'arrière et à l'avant de la pile support au niveau haut ; le réglage pouvant être différent entre l'avant et l'arrière. Ce dispositif indépendant contribue encore à décoller les supports les uns des autres. Le dispositif prépare le passage des supports.An adjustable flow blower device is provided at the rear and front of the support stack at the high level; the setting may be different between front and back. This independent device still helps to take off the supports from each other. The device prepares the passage of the supports.

La boîte de succion commande l'envoi des supports vers les pinces. Elle est couplée à la rampe de succion située en tête de support. La boîte de succion peut s'ajuster pour tous les formats :

  • avant/arrière : de 29,7 à 72 cm
  • droite/gauche de 10 à 20 cm d'envergure.
La boîte de succion est fixe lors de son travail ; une plate-forme située sous la boîte effectue un mouvement de va-et-vient, soit entre approximativement 8 et 10 cm.The suction box controls the sending of the supports to the clamps. It is coupled to the suction ramp located at the support head. The suction box can be adjusted for all formats:
  • forward / backward: from 29.7 to 72 cm
  • right / left 10 to 20 cm wingspan.
The suction box is fixed during his work; a platform located under the box moves back and forth between approximately 8 and 10 cm.

Cette plate-forme dispose de 3 sucettes disposées en triangle (2 à l'avant, 1 à l'arrière).
Les deux sucettes (ventouses) situées à l'avant sont montées sur un système d'écartement réglable.
À l'arrière de la boîte, un patin-souffleur descend sur le second support au moment où les sucettes soulèvent la première. Ce patin à trois actions :

  • Il contribue à décoller les supports des unes des autres sur le haut de la pile,
  • Il souffle de l'air entre le 1er support et le deuxième support dans le tunnel créé,
  • Il maintient le deuxième support sur la pile.
This platform has 3 lollipops arranged in a triangle (2 at the front, 1 at the back).
The two lollipops (suction cups) located at the front are mounted on an adjustable spacing system.
At the back of the box, a skate-blower goes down on the second support when the lollipops raise the first. This skate with three actions:
  • It helps to take off the supports from each other on the top of the pile,
  • It blows air between the carrier 1 and the second support in the established tunnel,
  • It keeps the second support on the stack.

Un élément de réglage de débit d'air est également prévu dans le système. Les ventouses doivent avoir une aspiration suffisante pour décoller et maintenir un support d'un format 72 x 102 cm, présentant un poids d'environ 350 g/m2.An air flow control element is also provided in the system. The suction cups must have sufficient suction to lift off and maintain a support of 72 x 102 cm format, weighing approximately 350 g / m 2 .

La rampe de succion est située en tête de support, légèrement en arrière, soit environ à 8 - 10 cm. Elle est perpendiculaire au sens de passage du support. Sa fonction consiste à soulever le premier support de support sur le dessus de la pile, et à l'amener jusqu'à la prise de pinces, via un système d'accélération par roulettes. Elle dispose de 10 ventouses réparties sur un support et selon les différents formats de support. Suivant les formats utilisés, certaines ventouses, celles des extrémités, se trouvent dans le « vide ». Les ventouses peuvent se fermer et s'ouvrir pour s'adapter au format du support.The suction ramp is located at the support head, slightly behind, about 8 to 10 cm. It is perpendicular to the direction of passage of the support. Its function is to lift the first support support on the top of the stack, and to bring it to the grip of pliers, via a system of acceleration by wheels. It has 10 suckers distributed on a support and according to the different formats of support. Depending on the formats used, some suction cups, those of the ends, are in the "vacuum". Suction cups can close and open to fit the media format.

Bien entendu, le va-et-vient de la rampe de succion est synchrone avec la boîte de succion et la prise de pince.Of course, the back and forth suction ramp is synchronous with the suction box and the gripper.

Dans l'exemple choisi pour illustrer l'invention, Les pinces sont au nombre de dix sur chaque barre avec des intervalles prenant en compte les différents formats.In the example chosen to illustrate the invention, the clamps are ten on each bar with intervals taking into account the different formats.

Chaque pince doit avoir un serrage d'environ 350 g minimum. Les barres de pinces s'ouvrent et se ferment suivant la prise ou le lâcher du support. Les barres de pinces sont perpendiculaires aux chaînes. L'ensemble de barres de pinces est fixé sur les trains de chaîne disposés sur la partie haute et de chaque côté de la machine. Chaque rack 5 appelle un support, les pinces s'ouvrent par défaut au-dessus d'un rack 5 situé en bout de machine, ce réceptacle récupère ainsi les supports qui n'ont pas pu être distribués sur les supports ne reviennent pas à la marge 1.Each clamp must have a clamping of about 350 g minimum. The clamp bars open and close according to the grip or release of the support. The clip bars are perpendicular to the chains. The set of clamp bars is fixed on the chain trains arranged on the upper part and on each side of the machine. Each rack 5 calls a support, the clamps open by default above a rack 5 located at the end of the machine, this receptacle thus retrieves media that could not be distributed on the media do not return to the margin 1.

Les pinces sont montées par ensemble de 2 barres :

  • 1 barre où sont fixées les pinces,
  • 1 barre de déclenchement d'ouverture et de fermeture des pinces. Cette barre dispose à son extrémité d'une came qui ouvre et ferme les pinces simultanément. Les pinces sont fermées par défaut.
The clamps are mounted in sets of 2 bars:
  • 1 bar where the clamps are fixed,
  • 1 trigger bar for opening and closing the clamps. This bar has at its end a cam that opens and closes the clamps simultaneously. Clamps are closed by default.

Chaque pince dispose d'un ressort de rappel. En cas de rupture de ce ressort, la pince restera libre pour ne pas entraver le fonctionnement de la machine.Each clamp has a return spring. In case of breakage of this spring, the clamp will remain free so as not to impede the operation of the machine.

Les pinces sont aptes à s'ouvrir manuellement lors de l'arrêt ou de l'interruption de l'impression.The clamps are able to open manually when stopping or interrupting printing.

Dans l'exemple choisi pour illustrer l'invention, chaque barre de pinces est distante de la précédente d'environ 90 centimètres.In the example chosen to illustrate the invention, each clamp bar is distant from the previous of about 90 centimeters.

Le train de chaîne a une tension constante. Un tenseur assure la tension de la chaîne. Ce tenseur est prévu pour chaque chaîne de chaque côté de la machine. Ce dispositif se situe à l'extrémité et côté recette 7, ainsi l'allongement naturel de la chaîne est compensé.
Des guides sont disposés sur le brin tendu de la chaîne pour éviter les vibrations et contrer les réactions dues aux ouvertures de pince. L'avance et la vitesse de la chaîne sont synchrones avec la rampe de succion et la boîte de succion.The chain train has a constant tension. A tensor ensures the tension of the chain. This tensor is provided for each chain on each side of the machine. This device is located at the end and recipe side 7, so the natural lengthening of the chain is compensated.
Guides are arranged on the taut strand of the chain to prevent vibration and counteract reactions due to the clamp openings. The feedrate and the speed of the chain are synchronous with the suction ramp and the suction box.

Le système de distribution 4 sera idéalement entièrement caréné. Ce carénage sera amovible afin de permettre l'extraction de supports coincés. L'ouverture de ce carénage entraîne un arrêt du système de distribution 4. La vitesse du système doit être au minimum de 0,7 m/s pour garantir l'approvisionnement de 20 racks 5.
La distribution 4 et les systèmes synchrones seront mis au ralenti lors de l'impression, soit une mise en vitesse lente lorsque la distribution 4 n'a pas besoin de distribuer de supports. Ils seront arrêtés à la fin de chaque série.
Des mouvements manuels avant et arrière seront disponibles pour pouvoir dégager un support lors d'une interruption d'impression.The distribution system 4 will ideally be fully streamlined. This fairing will be removable to allow the extraction of jammed media. The opening of this fairing causes a shutdown of the distribution system 4. The speed of the system must be at least 0.7 m / s to guarantee the supply of 20 racks 5.
The distribution 4 and the synchronous systems will be idle during printing, ie a slow speed when the distribution 4 does not need to distribute media. They will be stopped at the end of each series.
Manual movements forward and backward will be available to clear support during a print interruption.

Le rack d'impression 5 est la partie située entre la marge 1 et la recette 7 ou entre la distribution 4 et le tapis collecteur 6.
Le rack d'impression 5 a plusieurs fonctions :

  • - 1 - Il reçoit le support prêt à être imprimé ;
  • - 2 - Taque, ou rectifie, le support en tête ;
  • - 3 - Taque, ou rectifie, le support sur un côté, gauche ou droit ;
  • - 4 - Imprime le support ;
  • - 5 - Ejecte le support imprimé.
The print rack 5 is the part located between the margin 1 and the recipe 7 or between the distribution 4 and the collecting belt 6.
The print rack 5 has several functions:
  • - 1 - It receives the support ready to be printed;
  • - 2 - Taque, or rectify, the support in mind;
  • - 3 - Taque, or rectify, the support on one side, left or right;
  • - 4 - Prints the media;
  • - 5 - Ejects the printed medium.

Le rack 5 est fermé sur le haut par un volet qui s'ouvre pour recevoir un support venant du système de distribution 4. L'ouverture et la fermeture du susdit doivent est très rapides, de plus il doit y avoir des lumières pour laisser passer les pinces. Le système d'ouverture doit être automatisé. La vitesse propre et l'inertie du support lui permettent de descendre dans le rack 5. Le support doit être pris en charge jusqu'au bas du rack 5.The rack 5 is closed on the top by a flap that opens to receive a support from the distribution system 4. The opening and closing of the above must be very fast, plus there must be lights to let through the clamps. The opening system must be automated. The clean speed and the inertia of the support allow it to go down in the rack 5. The support must be supported until the bottom of the rack 5.

Chaque support est éjecté sur le tapis collecteur 6 après l'impression. Une pression réglable sur des roulettes tient chaque support lors de certaines phases.Each support is ejected on the collecting belt 6 after printing. An adjustable pressure on wheels holds each support during certain phases.

Le moteur d'impression 2 est monté sur rail pour un changement ou une intervention rapide. Le (re)positionnement de ce moteur à l'intérieur du rack 5 est d'une précision de 0,1 mm d'amplitude pour être en adéquation avec le système de rectification des tables de marge 1.The print engine 2 is mounted on a rail for quick change or intervention. The (re) positioning of this motor inside the rack 5 is an accuracy of 0.1 mm amplitude to be in adequacy with the margin table rectification system 1.

Un système d'attache du moteur est conçu de manière à permettre à un autre moteur totalement différent ou en remplacement d'un moteur défectueux, mais d'encombrement similaire, de s'adapter facilement.An engine attachment system is designed to allow another completely different engine or to replace a defective motor, but of similar size, to easily adapt.

Un tapis collecteur 6 transporte les supports en sortie de rack 5 vers la recette 7 avec une mise en référence du support.A collecting belt 6 transports the media at the rack outlet 5 to the recipe 7 with a referencing of the support.

La vitesse du tapis 6 est comparable à celle de la distribution 4. Le tapis 6 sera mis en marche dès qu'un support sort d'un rack 5 et sera arrêté dès qu'il n'y a plus de support à transporter.The speed of the belt 6 is comparable to that of the distribution 4. The carpet 6 will be started as soon as a support comes out of a rack 5 and will be stopped as soon as there is more support to transport.

La recette 7 fonctionne de façon similaire à la marge 1. Elle reçoit les supports imprimés de tous les racks 5 par le biais du tapis collecteur 6.
La recette 7 doit être équipée d'une mise à niveau automatique en temps réel afin de maintenir le dessus du support toujours à la même altitude au fur et à mesure de l'empilage des supports. La précision de positionnement est d'environ 2 mm.Recipe 7 operates in a similar way to margin 1. It receives the printed media from all racks 5 through the collector mat 6.
Recipe 7 must be equipped with a real-time automatic upgrade to keep the top of the media always at the same altitude as media is stacked. The positioning accuracy is about 2 mm.

Un système de taquage, latéral et longitudinal, rectifie les supports au fur et à mesure de leur arrivée et de façon à les positionner centré par rapport à l'axe de la machine.A jogging system, lateral and longitudinal, rectifies the supports as and when they arrive and to position them centered relative to the axis of the machine.

L'ajout d'une soufflerie au bout de la recette 7 peut être envisagé pour simplifier le retaquage. Le taquage de la tête du support repousse le support vers des grilles d'équerrage. La montée et descente rapide de la plate-forme de recette 7 doit être accessible à l'opérateur en mode « mouvements manuels ». Le déchargement de la recette 7 se fait de la même façon et par les mêmes moyens que le chargement de la marge 1.The addition of a blower at the end of the recipe 7 can be envisaged to simplify the recycling. The jogging of the support head pushes the support towards squaring grids. The rapid rise and fall of the recipe platform 7 must be accessible to the operator in "manual movements" mode. The unloading of the recipe 7 is done in the same way and by the same means as the loading of the margin 1.

En bout de recette 7, le système selon l'invention est équipé d'un dispositif de contrôle des couleurs utilisant une caméra de vision artificielle corrigeant la chromie des supports imprimés par le rack 5 d'impression. Ainsi, le support est identifié par un numéro de rack 5 imprimé et lit une mire multi-couleurs en faisant une comparaison avec une mire référence, la correction colorimétrique se fait par le biais de la carte couleur du moteur d'impression 2 du rack 5 analysé.At the end of the recipe 7, the system according to the invention is equipped with a color control device using an artificial vision camera that corrects the chromium of the media printed by the printing rack. Thus, the medium is identified by a printed rack number 5 and reads a multi-color pattern by making a comparison with a reference pattern, the color correction is done through the color card of the print engine 2 of the rack 5 analysis.

L'alimentation de la machine en encre se fait par le biais de fûts d'une capacité de environ 35 Litres par couleur. Ces fûts sont intégrés à la machine d'impression et échangeables facilement par un seul opérateurThe machine is supplied with ink by means of barrels with a capacity of approximately 35 liters per color. These drums are integrated into the printing machine and exchangeable easily by a single operator

Le niveau de ces fûts doit être contrôlé par un seuil niveau bas déclenchant un message d'alerte, par exemple affichable sur un écran de visualisation et/ou de type sonore.The level of these drums must be controlled by a low level threshold triggering an alert message, for example displayable on a display screen and / or sound type.

Un détrompeur sur chaque fût doit pouvoir interdire toute confusion dans la connexion des fûts.A keying on each drum must be able to prevent any confusion in the connection of the drums.

L'encre distribuée dans les petits réservoirs est située dans les racks d'impression 5 qui redistribueront dans les têtes des moteurs d'impression 2. Cette dernière partie est intégrée et livrée avec les moteurs d'impression 2. L'approvisionnement des fûts vers les petits réservoirs peut être prévu entièrement automatique.The ink distributed in the small tanks is located in the printing racks 5 which will redistribute in the heads of the print engines 2. The latter part is integrated and delivered with the print engines 2. The supply of drums to small tanks can be provided fully automatic.

L'invention est décrite dans ce qui précède à titre d'exemple. Il est entendu que l'homme du métier est à même de réaliser différentes variantes de l'invention qui sont définies dans les revendications.The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that one skilled in the art is able to realize different variants of the invention which are defined in the claims.

Claims (19)

  1. A printing method for the printing of a plurality of substrates using a device including a plurality of printing units as well as a distribution system (4) for distributing substrates to the printing units and a collection system for collecting the printed substrates after the passage of each of said substrates in a printing unit, characterized in that said distribution system (4) distributes said substrates to the printing units through the top end of the printing units and in that said collection system collects said printed substrates after the passage of each of said substrates in a printed unit through the lower end of the printing units.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said printing is carried out in modules (3) on to substantially vertical substrates.
  3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply to the different printing units is carried out either manually, for instance using a pallet truck or a caster wagon, or automatically.
  4. A printing system for implementing the method according to anyone of the preceding claims, including a printing machine of the modular type for printing substrates, i.e. including at least one feed board (1), at least one distribution system (4), at least one rack (5), at least one collecting belt (6) and at least one delivery (7).
  5. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a plurality of printing modules (3), for instance two to five; each module (3) including at least four printing racks (5).
  6. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that each of the racks (5) includes an inkjet printing motor (2).
  7. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rear part of the above mentioned machine further includes at least one access to ink containers existing in said machine so that they can be refilled or replaced.
  8. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that said substrates are made of paper, such as for instance coated substrates, laid substrates, Offset substrates or special substrates, or are made of opaque plastic material, such as polyester, "Teslin"® or polycarbonate, or any other substrate which is compatible with printing motors (2).
  9. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the printing machine includes a plurality of bars, each including a plurality of clips capable of closing or opening, to perform the gripping or the release of each substrate.
  10. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the printing machine includes at least an upper feed board (1) which is movable in rotation to guide the release of each substrate.
  11. A printing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the printing machine includes at least one angle intended to guide each substrate towards the above mentioned clips.
  12. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the printing machine includes an adjustable duty blower system, that is at least one blower system located up high, in front of the substrate stack and a blower system located up high behind the substrate stack; the front and rear blower systems being independently adjustable.
  13. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the printing machine includes a suction ramp located at the leading edge of the substrate, perpendicularly to the substrate passage direction.
  14. A printing system according to claims 9, 10, 12 and 13, characterized in that the printing machine also comprises a suction box coupled to the above mentioned suction ramp, controlling the sending of substrates towards the above mentioned clips or the above mentioned feed board (1).
  15. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the printing machine includes a rack (5) located between the feed board (1) and the delivery (7) and / or between the distribution system (4) and the collecting belt (6).
  16. A printing system according to claim 15, characterized in that the printing rack (5) includes a possibly automatic flap, capable of opening to receive a substrate from the distribution system (4).
  17. A printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the rack (5) includes a motor mounted on a rail fitted with a removable fastener.
  18. A printing system according to claim 15, characterized in that the collecting belt (6) transports each substrate at the rack outlet (5) towards the delivery (7), with said substrate being referenced.
  19. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a colour control device, for instance an artificial vision camera, cooperating with the above mentioned rack (5) so as to correct the color print of the substrates printed by the rack (5), if need be.
EP04742309A 2003-04-15 2004-03-22 Method and system for printing a plurality of supports Expired - Lifetime EP1613480B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0304721A FR2853853B1 (en) 2003-04-15 2003-04-15 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRINTING A PLURALITY OF MEDIA
PCT/FR2004/000697 WO2004094153A1 (en) 2003-04-15 2004-03-22 Method and system for printing a plurality of supports

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1613480A1 EP1613480A1 (en) 2006-01-11
EP1613480B1 true EP1613480B1 (en) 2007-11-07

Family

ID=33041889

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04742309A Expired - Lifetime EP1613480B1 (en) 2003-04-15 2004-03-22 Method and system for printing a plurality of supports

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20060060100A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1613480B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE377512T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004009903T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2297440T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2853853B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004094153A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11618217B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2023-04-04 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating three-dimensional objects
US11673314B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2023-06-13 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating three-dimensional objects
US11679560B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2023-06-20 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating a three-dimensional object

Families Citing this family (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6368987B2 (en) * 2013-03-29 2018-08-08 ブラザー工業株式会社 Recording device
CN105939836B (en) 2014-01-16 2018-05-01 惠普发展公司，有限责任合伙企业 Building material profile
EP3018081B1 (en) 2014-11-06 2017-08-02 Hewlett-Packard Industrial Printing Ltd. Pallet conveyors for printers

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US4197797A (en) * 1977-10-21 1980-04-15 Burroughs Corporation Modular high speed printing system
US6125758A (en) * 1992-03-13 2000-10-03 K.K. Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho Method for varying the piling-order and/or turning webs upside down in a rotary press
US5348407A (en) * 1992-05-19 1994-09-20 Hewlett-Packard Company Snap-on control panel
US5784077A (en) * 1995-04-12 1998-07-21 Eastman Kodak Company Digital printing using plural cooperative modular printing devices
EP0767740B1 (en) 1995-04-12 1999-12-22 Eastman Kodak Company Modular digital printing
DE19624395A1 (en) * 1996-06-19 1998-01-02 Roland Man Druckmasch Web rotary printing machine
DE19714951C2 (en) * 1997-04-10 1999-04-15 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Printing press
US6206363B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2001-03-27 Multifeeder Technology, Inc. Catch tray attachment for sheet feeding machine
JP3747840B2 (en) * 2001-11-21 2006-02-22 ソニー株式会社 printer
US6973286B2 (en) * 2004-01-21 2005-12-06 Xerox Corporation High print rate merging and finishing system for parallel printing

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11618217B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2023-04-04 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating three-dimensional objects
US11673314B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2023-06-13 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating three-dimensional objects
US11679560B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2023-06-20 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating a three-dimensional object

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2853853A1 (en) 2004-10-22
WO2004094153A1 (en) 2004-11-04
DE602004009903T2 (en) 2008-09-25
US20060060100A1 (en) 2006-03-23
EP1613480A1 (en) 2006-01-11
ES2297440T3 (en) 2008-05-01
DE602004009903D1 (en) 2007-12-20
ATE377512T1 (en) 2007-11-15
FR2853853B1 (en) 2005-07-15

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