EP2366547B1 - Device and method for transferring images from an area containing colour particles to a three dimensional object - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for transmitting images according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for transmitting images according to the preamble of claim 10.

The known devices for transferring images of a surface carrying ink particles onto a three-dimensional object usually have a so-called tampon and a support surface on which the three-dimensional object can be placed. When transferring the image onto the three-dimensional object, the tampon is adjustable or movable, at least in one direction, which is essentially orthogonal to the support surface. The tampon usually consists of a rotationally symmetrical body with a convex outer contour. The tampon is often made of a silicone material and is highly elastic. The images to be transferred may be in the form of transient images, pastel-colored dye layers such as those used in direct printing, or as multilayer toner layers.

Such a device is in EP 0 140 165 A2 disclosed.

The images to be transferred are applied to a two-dimensional surface. The two-dimensional surface may, for example, be a film. For example, the images may be applied to the two-dimensional surface by a digital printer. The images are formed by color particles that specially processed for the purpose of processing in digital printers. The most color particles, preferably ceramic color bodies, are wetted with organic and inorganic substances in order to be able to transport them by electric fields and to ensure adhesion in the separated state between them. Such processed color particles are called toner. For example, these toners are first applied by a digital printer to the two-dimensional surface, which may be a conductive foil. To produce a color spectrum, several layers of different "toner colors" are usually printed on top of each other. But it is also possible that only one layer is applied.

The images applied to the color particle bearing two-dimensional surface images are then taken through the tampon. During recording, the tampon is pressed onto the image in a direction substantially orthogonal to the two-dimensional surface carrying the colorant particles. When capturing the image from the two-dimensional surface, the tip of the tampon initially touches the image. Subsequently, the outer contour is then applied to the image surface with deformation of the tampon. The tampon material makes a kind of "rolling movement" in the area of the contact line. Due to the contact between the image and the tampon, the image is taken from the tampon. Heated tampons can also be used for better adhesion. The tampon lifted from the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles is then moved in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface until the tampon is above the three-dimensional object. Subsequently, the tampon is lowered in the direction of the support surface and thus in the direction of the three-dimensional object. Then the tampon first touches the three-dimensional object with the tip. Subsequently, the tampon is further lowered and the elastic tampon is applied to the three-dimensional object under deformation, whereby the image is transferred to the three-dimensional object.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that the tampon material has only limited elasticity. This results in areas or locations of the three-dimensional object can not be achieved with the tampon in strongly three-dimensionally shaped objects and thus the image is not completely on the three-dimensional object can be transmitted. At the same time air is often trapped, so that even in these areas, the image can not be completely transferred to the three-dimensional object. Strongly three-dimensionally shaped objects in which these problems occur are, for example, relief articles or flagstones, in which the transitions from the bottom to the steep vessel and then to the flag are often formed with small radii of curvature.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an apparatus and a method in which the transfer of images on three-dimensional objects, in particular reliefed articles or three-dimensional objects with small Schmiegungsradien is improved.

To achieve this object are in the features of claims 1 and 10th

The invention advantageously provides that when transferring the image onto the three-dimensional object between the tampon and the three-dimensional object placed on the support surface, an elastic membrane clamped in a clamping ring is arranged, the tampon and the clamping ring of the membrane both together and relative to each other in a direction which is substantially orthogonal to the support surface, are movable.

This has the advantage that in the case of three-dimensional objects which have small osculation radii or which have underlying relief areas, the image to be transferred can be transferred to all and thus also to the difficultly accessible areas of the three-dimensional object. This is particularly possible because both the tampon is adjustable together with the clamping ring of the membrane and the tampon relative to the clamping ring of the membrane and these movements can also be superimposed. As a result, the image recorded by the membrane can be transmitted to all areas of the three-dimensional object, even those areas which are difficult to access.

A movement in one direction, which is substantially orthogonal to the support surface, takes place with each movement in the direction of the support surface or in the opposite direction. Also, a movement obliquely to the support surface has a proportion of movement in a direction which is substantially orthogonal to the support surface, on.

An adjustability of the tampon and the clamping ring of the membrane relative to each other means that both the tampon with respect to the clamping ring of the membrane and the clamping ring of the membrane can be adjusted with respect to the tampon.

The membrane is stretched by the tampon during transfer of the image on the three-dimensional object in the direction of the object resting on the support surface.

Also, the membrane can pick up the image to be transferred from the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles and transfer it to the three-dimensional object.

When using slim tampons, it is possible to provide an elevation in the center of the membrane on the side facing the tampon, which lodges in a recess located at the tampon tip. This results in a positive connection between the membrane and tampon, whereby the membrane is held centric during the transfer process.

When transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object, the tampon can at least partially press the membrane against the three-dimensional object. This has the advantage that the membrane does not slip during the transfer in relation to the three-dimensional object and thus allows a better or more accurate image transfer.

At least the tampon, the membrane and the clamping ring of the membrane may form a transfer head, the transfer head being adjustable relative to the support surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the support surface.

The transfer head may be adjustable relative to the support surface in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface.

The surface of the clamped, but not compressed membrane preferably runs substantially parallel to the support surface.

The space surrounding the tampon is closed to the support surface by the membrane, this space between tampon and membrane can be sealed from the environment. The sealed space can be acted upon by negative pressure or with overpressure.

The fact that the space between the tampon and membrane can be sealed from the environment and can be subjected to negative pressure or overpressure, poorly accessible areas of a three-dimensional object can be achieved with tight Schmiegungsradien.

The space between the membrane and the three-dimensional object placed on the support surface may additionally or alternatively be sealable. The sealed space between the membrane and the three-dimensional object placed on the support surface may be subjected to negative pressure.

This also has the advantage that poorly accessible areas of a three-dimensional object can be achieved. Vacuum or vacuum in the space between the three-dimensional object and the membrane also has the advantage that no air pockets occur.

• Aufnehmen eines aus Farbpartikeln bestehendes Bildes von einer die Farbpartikel tragenden zweidimensionalen Fläche mit einer Membran, wobei bei der Aufnahme des Bildes ein Tampon auf die Membran einwirkt,
• Positionieren der Membran gemeinsam mit dem Tampon über einem dreidimensionalen Gegenstand,
• gemeinsames Absenken der Membran und des Tampons, und
• Übertragen des Bildes von der Membran auf den auf einer Auflagefläche platzierten dreidimensionalen Gegenstand unter Einwirkung des Tampons auf die Membran.

The invention advantageously provides a method of transferring images from a two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles to a three-dimensional object, preferably a ceramic flatware article, comprising the steps of:

• Picking up an image consisting of color particles from a two-dimensional surface bearing the color particles with a membrane, a tampon acting on the membrane when the image is taken,
• Positioning the membrane together with the tampon over a three-dimensional object,
• jointly lowering the membrane and the tampon, and
• Transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object placed on a support surface under the action of the tampon on the membrane.

When taking the picture, the membrane can be pressed against the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles at least partially by means of a tampon.

The membrane and the tampon can be adjusted together and / or relative to one another, wherein during the transfer, the membrane is pressed by the tampon at least partially against the three-dimensional object.

When transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object, the tampon and the membrane can be adjusted together and / or relative to one another so that the membrane can contact all areas of the three-dimensional object to which the image to be transferred is to be transferred.

When transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object, the space between the membrane and the tampon can be subjected to overpressure or underpressure.

When transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object, the space between the three-dimensional object and the membrane can be subjected to negative pressure.

When taking an image of the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles with a membrane, the membrane held by a clamping ring is first lowered until the clamping ring contacts the edge of the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles. Subsequently, the tampon is moved with respect to the membrane in such a way that the tampon at least partially presses the membrane against the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles.

When taking an image of the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles with a membrane, the tampon is preferably displaced with respect to the membrane in such a way that the membrane is pushed by the tampon in the direction of the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles. Subsequently, the membrane and tampon are lowered together in the direction of the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles, so that the membrane can touch the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles and take the image, the membrane being pressed by the tampon at least partially against the two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles ,

When transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object, the membrane is first partially pressed by the tampon against the three-dimensional object and thereby fixed on the object. Subsequently, the space between the membrane and the pad for transferring the image from the membrane to the three-dimensional object is pressurized. After transfer, the space between membrane and three-dimensional object is subjected to negative pressure and then the membrane is lifted together with the tampon from the three-dimensional object.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Figur 1

eine erste Vorrichtung zum Übertragen von Bildern auf einen dreidimensionalen Gegenstand,

Figur 2

zeigt die Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 in Schnittdarstellung,

Figur 3

zeigt die Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 und 2 bei der Aufnahme eines Bildes von einer mit Farbpartikel versehenen Fläche,

Figur 4

zeigt die Vorrichtung aus Figur 3 in Schnittdarstellung,

Figur 5

zeigt ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel zum Übertragen eines Bildes auf einen dreidimensionalen Gegenstand,

Figur 6

zeigt die Vorrichtung aus Figur 5 in Schnittdarstellung,

Figur 7

zeigt ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel zum Übertragen eines Bildes auf einen dreidimensionalen Gegenstand,

Figur 8

zeigt die Vorrichtung aus Figur 7 in Schnittdarstellung, und

Figuren 9 und 10

zeigen eine dreidimensionale Ansicht des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels.

They show schematically:

FIG. 1

a first device for transferring images to a three-dimensional object,

FIG. 2

shows the device FIG. 1 in section,

FIG. 3

shows the device FIGS. 1 and 2 when taking an image of a surface provided with color particles,

FIG. 4

shows the device FIG. 3 in section,

FIG. 5

shows a second embodiment for transferring an image to a three-dimensional object,

FIG. 6

shows the device FIG. 5 in section,

FIG. 7

shows a third embodiment for transferring an image to a three-dimensional object,

FIG. 8

shows the device FIG. 7 in section, and

FIGS. 9 and 10

show a three-dimensional view of the third embodiment.

The Figures 1 and 2 show a first device for transferring images from a two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles to a three-dimensional object. The two-dimensional surface carrying the color particles is hereinafter referred to as the two-dimensional color particle surface. Figures 1 and 2 show the device in the transfer of the image on the three-dimensional object 18. The three-dimensional object 18 is preferably a ceramic flatware article. In the Figures 1 and 2 For example, a round, flat flag plate is shown. A flag plate has a bottom 32, a kettle 34 and a flag 36. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1 ,

The device has a vertically movable pad 2. The tampon 2 is preferably rotationally symmetrical and consists of a highly elastic material. The material may be, for example, silicone material. The tampon 2 also preferably has a convex or spherical outer contour.

The tampon 2 is movably attached to a mounting plate 12. When transferring the image onto the three-dimensional object 18, an elastic membrane 4 is arranged between the tampon 2 and the three-dimensional object 18 arranged on the support surface 20. The membrane 4 is arranged below the tampon 2. The membrane 4 is clamped in a clamping ring 6.

In the unloaded state, the membrane 4 is preferably parallel to the support surface 20. The clamping ring 6 has a lower clamping ring 6a and an upper clamping ring 6b, wherein the membrane 4 is clamped between these two clamping rings 6a, 6b.

The tampon 2 and the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 can be moved both together and relative to each other in the direction of the support surface 20 as well as in the opposite direction. In FIG. 2 a position is shown in which the tampon 2, the membrane 4 is pushed in the direction of the support surface 20 and the tampon 2, the membrane 4 at least partially presses against the three-dimensional object 18.

Before transferring the image to the three-dimensional object 18, the tampon 2 is moved or moved so far in relation to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in a direction orthogonal to the support surface 20 and toward the support surface 20 that the membrane 4 moves in the Center area to the tampon contours applies. Then, the tampon 2 and the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 and thus the membrane 4 are lowered in the direction of the support surface 20 out. At least the tampon 2, the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 and the membrane 4 form a so-called transfer head 3. In the following, when the tampon 2, the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 with the membrane 4 are moved together or moved, summarized in a shortening, that the transfer head 3 is moved or moved.

When lowering the transfer head 3, the center of the membrane 4 first reaches the center of the three-dimensional object 18. Alternatively, the transfer head 3 can be lowered first and then the tampon 2 is lowered with respect to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4.

Upon further lowering of the transfer head 3, the tampon 2 is deformed. In this case, the membrane 4 continues to apply to the three-dimensional object 18 designed as a flag plate. In FIG. 2 It can be seen that if the transfer head 3 were simply lowered further, the part of the flag plate between the bowl 34 and the flag 36 could not be contacted with the membrane 4 and thus the image would not be transferred to this area could. To prevent this, the tampon 2 is displaced or moved in a direction orthogonal to the support surface 20 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in the direction of the support surface 20. As a result, the membrane 4 settles by the deformation of the tampon 2 to the edge between the vessel 34 and flag 36, so that this area can be printed.

After the membrane 4 has completely covered the bowl 34 of the flag plate, the tampon 2 are simultaneously moved relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in a direction opposite the support surface 20 and the membrane 4 is lowered by lowering the transfer head 3 via the flag 36 and the Floor 32 of the plate pulled. This has the advantage that each part of the flag 36 of the flag plate can be completed. The transfer head 3 and the tampon 2 are adjusted with respect to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in such a way that the tampon 2 at least partially presses the membrane 4 on the plate during the entire transfer of the image on the plate. Thus, there is no relative movement between the membrane 4 and the surface of the three-dimensional object 18, wherein the avoidance of a relative movement is the prerequisite for a perfect image transfer.

Before the image can be transferred from the membrane 4 to the three-dimensional object 18, the membrane 4 must first take the image. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device just before the image is taken of a two-dimensional color particle surface 10. FIG. 4 is the sectional view of FIG. 3 , The image has been printed on a color particle surface 10. The color particle surface 10 may be a film or preferably wax paper. The color particle surface 10 is z. B. arranged on a conveyor belt 8.

The color particle surface 10 and the conveyor belt 8 are preferably arranged parallel and spatially next to or near the support surface 20. Both the tampon 2 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 and the transfer head 3 are adjustable or movable in a direction which is substantially orthogonal to the two-dimensional ink particle surface 10. The color particle surface 10 and the support surface 20 are preferably arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the transfer head 3 from a first position above the three-dimensional object 18 to a second position above the two-dimensional color particle surface 10 and thus the image and can be moved back, wherein this direction of travel is preferably parallel to the support surface 20 and parallel to the two-dimensional color particle surface 10.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device just prior to taking the image of the two-dimensional color particle surface 10. As in FIG. 4 1, the tampon 2 is initially extended in the direction of the two-dimensional color particle surface 10 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 and slightly pushes the membrane 4 in the direction of the image surface. When lowering the transfer head 3, the membrane 4 first touches the image in the center and then places by further lowering the transfer head 3 and / or the tampon 2 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 to the image and takes the image completely.

• Der Tampon 2 und die Membran 4 sind vor Aufnahme des Bildes derart zueinander angeordnet, dass sich der Tampon 2 und die Membran 4 nicht berühren.
• Dann wird der Transferkopf 3 abgesenkt, bis der Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 die zweidimensionale Farbpartikelfläche 10 am Rand berührt. Dann wird der Tampon 2 relativ zu der Membran 4 in Richtung der zweidimensionalen Farbpartikelfläche 10 verstellt und der Tampon 2 drückt die Membran 4 an das Bild an.

Another way to capture the image, but not shown, is as follows:

• The tampon 2 and the membrane 4 are arranged such that the tampon 2 and the membrane 4 do not touch before the image is taken.
• Then, the transfer head 3 is lowered until the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 contacts the two-dimensional ink particle surface 10 at the edge. Then, the tampon 2 is displaced relative to the membrane 4 in the direction of the two-dimensional color particle surface 10, and the tampon 2 presses the membrane 4 against the image.

In both cases, the membrane 4 takes over the image of the two-dimensional color particle surface 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the tampon 2 as for example FIG. 4 can be seen, a recess 50 which cooperates with a corresponding elevation 52 of the membrane 4. The recess 50 and the elevation 52 in the membrane 4 allow a largely positive connection between the membrane 4 and the tampon 2, whereby the membrane is held centrally during the transfer process. Even if the recess 50 and the elevation 52 can be seen in all cross-sectional drawings, it is understood that the transfer process can also take place without these elements 50, 52.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further embodiment. FIG. 6 is the sectional view of the device FIG. 5 , This embodiment is the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 to 4 very similar. However, there is the difference that the space between the membrane 4 and tampon 2 can be hermetically sealed or gas-tight. For this purpose, a corrugated pipe seal 16 is used. This corrugated pipe seal 16 enables the tightness of the space between tampon 2 and membrane 4 while ensuring the relative movement between the tampon 2 and the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 and thus the membrane 4th

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show the device just before the image is transferred to the three-dimensional object. In FIG. 6 It can be seen that the tampon 2 is adjusted relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 such that the membrane 4 is not pushed through the tampon 2. The space 22 between the membrane 4 and tampon 2 is hermetically sealed. For a corrugated tube 16 is used. The corrugated pipe 16 is airtightly connected to the mounting plate 12 of the tampon 2. Further, the corrugated pipe 16 is airtightly connected to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4. The space 22 between the membrane and pad 2 can be pressurized with compressed air or vacuum or vacuum. The corrugated tube 16 allows the tampon 2 and the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 to be movable relative to one another in a direction orthogonal to the support surface 20. Any other seal could also be used, as long as the space between the membrane 4 and the tampon 2 can be sealed and the tampon 2 and the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 are movable relative to one another in a direction orthogonal to the support surface 20.

• der Raum 22 wird mit Innendruck beaufschlagt, wodurch die Membran 4 in Richtung zur Auflagefläche 20 gedrückt wird,
• der Transferkopf 3 wird in Richtung der Auflagefläche 20 verfahren, und
• der Tampon 2 wird relativ zu dem Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 in Richtung Auflagefläche 20 bewegt.

In order to transfer the image to the three-dimensional object 18 to be decorated, for example a deep flag plate, the tampon 2 is moved in the direction of and orthogonal to the support surface 20 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4, the membrane being moved in the direction of the support surface. The transfer head 3 is then moved in the direction and substantially orthogonal to the support surface 20. The membrane 4 touches with its center the center of Three-dimensional object 18 and is easily pressed by means of the tampon 2 to the three-dimensional object 18 and thus fixed relative to the three-dimensional object 18. Subsequently, the following steps are carried out simultaneously or successively:

• the space 22 is subjected to internal pressure, whereby the membrane 4 is pressed in the direction of the support surface 20,
• the transfer head 3 is moved in the direction of the support surface 20, and
• the tampon 2 is moved relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in the direction of the support surface 20.

The membrane 4 is applied by the internal pressure in the space 22 to the vessel 34 of the three-dimensional object 18, wherein the tampon 2 fixes the membrane in the central region to the three-dimensional object 18. The flag 36 of the plate is, as already described in the previous embodiment, decorated by moving the tampon 2 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 up and / or method of the transfer head 3 down.

Here, the shot of the image from the two-dimensional color particle surface 10 is not shown. This is done exactly as described in the previous embodiment. When taking the image, preferably no overpressure is applied in the space 22. There may alternatively be an overpressure in the space 22 when recording.

FIGS. 7 to 10 show a further embodiment that the embodiment of the FIGS. 5 and 6 is very similar. In the embodiment of the FIGS. 7 and 8 is the upper space 22 as well as in the embodiment of the FIGS. 5 and 6 airtight or gas-tight sealable. FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional view of the embodiment. In FIG. 9 are the pressure and vacuum ports 38, 40, 42 and 44 of the spaces 22 and 30 can be seen.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the FIGS. 7 and 8 the lower space 30 during the transfer of the image on the three-dimensional object 18 between the three-dimensional object 18 and membrane 4 airtight or gas-tight sealable. The space 30 is also sealed by a corrugated pipe 28. The corrugated tube 28 is connected in a gastight manner with a mounting plate 26 and the other with the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4. It could also be used here any other seal, provided that the space between the three-dimensional object 18 and membrane 4 can be sealed and both the tampon 2 with respect to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 and the transfer head 3 in a direction orthogonal to the support surface 20 can be moved. The three-dimensional object 18 is placed on the support surface 20, wherein the support surface 20 is arranged on a base 33. The base 33 is connected to a mounting plate 26.

The corrugated tube 28 allows the tampon 2 and in relation to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane and the transfer head 3 to continue to be movable. The space 30 can be subjected to negative pressure or vacuum.

• Nachdem die Membran 4 das Bild aufgenommen hat und der Transferkopf 3 derart positioniert ist, dass er sich oberhalb des dreidimensionalen Gegenstandes 18 befindet, wird der Raum 30 zwischen dem dreidimensionalen Gegenstand 18 und der Membran 4 abgedichtet. Zum Abdichten wird das Wellrohr 28 mit dem Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 verbunden. Außerdem wird der Raum 22 zwischen Membran 4 und Tampon 2 luftdicht abgedichtet.
• Anschließend oder vorher wird der Tampon 2 in Relation zu dem Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 derart verfahren, dass die Membran 4 in Bezug auf den Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 in Richtung des dreidimensionalen Gegenstands 18 durchgedrückt wird.
• Nachdem die Räume 22 und 30 abgedichtet worden sind, werden der abgedichtete Raum 30 sowie der abgedichtete Raum 22 zeitgleich mit Vakuum beaufschlagt. Dadurch, dass beide Räume 22 und 30 gleichzeitig mit Vakuum beaufschlagt werden, bleibt die Membran 4 weiterhin, in der durch den Tampon bewirkten Position.
• Anschließend wird der Transferkopf 3 in Richtung auf den dreidimensionalen Gegenstandes 18 verfahren, wobei die Membran 4 an das Zentrum des dreidimensionalen Gegenstandes 18 andrückt wird.
• Anschließend wird der Unterdruck im Raum 22 reduziert, was dazu führt, dass sich die Membran 4 in Richtung des dreidimensionalen Gegenstandes 18 aufgrund der Druckdifferenz ausdehnt. Falls der Kessel des Fahnentellers noch nicht vollständig ausgefüllt ist, kann zusätzlich der Tampon 2 relativ zum Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 nach unten verfahren werden, wodurch sich die Membran 4 unter Einwirkung des deformierten Tampons an den Kessel 34 anlegt. Die Fahne 36 des Tellers wird, wie bereits bei dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel beschrieben, durch Verfahren des Tampons 2 relativ zum Einspannring 6 der Membran 4 nach oben und/oder Verfahren des Transferkopfes 3 nach unten dekoriert.

The transfer of the image to the three-dimensional object comprises the following steps:

• After the membrane 4 has taken the image and the transfer head 3 is positioned to be above the three-dimensional object 18, the space 30 between the three-dimensional object 18 and the membrane 4 is sealed. For sealing, the corrugated tube 28 is connected to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4. In addition, the space 22 between the membrane 4 and tampon 2 is sealed airtight.
• Subsequently or before, the tampon 2 is moved in relation to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in such a way that the membrane 4 is pressed in relation to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 in the direction of the three-dimensional object 18.
• After the spaces 22 and 30 have been sealed, the sealed space 30 and the sealed space 22 are simultaneously subjected to vacuum. The fact that both chambers 22 and 30 are simultaneously subjected to a vacuum, the membrane 4 remains in the position caused by the tampon.
• Subsequently, the transfer head 3 is moved in the direction of the three-dimensional object 18, wherein the membrane 4 is pressed against the center of the three-dimensional object 18.
• Subsequently, the negative pressure in the space 22 is reduced, which causes the membrane 4 in the direction of the three-dimensional object 18 expands due to the pressure difference. If the kettle of the flag plate is not completely filled, the pad 2 can be additionally moved relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 down, causing the membrane 4 applies to the boiler 34 under the action of the deformed tampon. The flag 36 of the plate is, as already described in the first embodiment, decorated by moving the tampon 2 relative to the clamping ring 6 of the membrane 4 up and / or method of the transfer head 3 down.

Claims (15)

1. Device for transferring images formed by color particles from a two-dimensional surface (10) carrying the color particles onto a three-dimensional object (18), preferably a flatware article, comprising

   - a support surface (20) on which the three-dimensional object (18) may be positioned,

   - a pad adjustable at least in a direction substantially orthogonal to the support surface (20),

   characterized in
   that for the transfer of the image onto the three-dimensional object (18), an elastic membrane (4) clamped in a clamping ring (6) is arranged between the pad (2) and the three-dimensional object (18) placed on the support surface (20), the pad (2) and the clamping ring (6) of the membrane (4) being displaceable both together and relative to each other in a direction that substantially extends orthogonally to the support surface (20).
2. Device of claim 1, characterized in that, upon transferring the image from the membrane (4) onto the three-dimensional object (18), the pad (2) presses the membrane (4) at least partly against the three-dimensional object (18).
3. Device of one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the pad (2), the membrane (4) and the clamping ring (6) of the membrane (4) form a transfer head (3), the transfer head (3) being adjustable with respect to the support surface (20) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the support surface (20).
4. Device of claim 3, characterized in that the transfer head (3) is adjustable relative to the support surface (20) in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface (20).
5. Device of one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the space (22) surrounding the pad (2) is closed off to the support surface (20) by the membrane (4), said space (22) between the pad (2) and the membrane (4) being adapted to be sealed from the environment, preferably by means of a bellows (16).
6. Device of claim 5, characterized in that the sealed space (22) can be subjected to a vacuum.
7. Device of claim 5, characterized in that the sealed space (22) can be subjected to overpressure.
8. Device of one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the space (30) between the membrane (4) and the three-dimensional object (18) placed on the support surface (20) is adapted to be sealed.
9. Device of claim 8, characterized in that the sealed space (30) between the membrane (4) and the three-dimensional object (18) placed on the support surface (20) can be subjected to a vacuum.
10. Method for transferring images from a two-dimensional surface (10) carrying the color particles onto a three-dimensional object (18), preferably a flatware article, the method comprising the following steps:

    - receiving, by means of a membrane (4), an image formed by color particles from a two-dimensional surface (10) carrying the color particles, wherein a pad (2) acts on the membrane (4) as the image is received,

    - positioning the membrane (4), together with the pad (2), above a three-dimensional object (18),

    - lowering the membrane (4) and the pad (2) together, and

    - transferring the image from the membrane (4) on the three-dimensional object (18) placed on a support surface (20), with the pad (2) acting on the membrane (4).
11. Method of claim 10, characterized in that, when receiving the image, the membrane (4) is pressed at least partly against the two-dimensional surface (10) carrying the color particles, using a pad (2), and/or, during the transfer onto the three-dimensional object, the membrane (4) and the pad (2) are adjusted together and/or relative to each other, and wherein the pad (2) presses the membrane (4) at least partly against the three-dimensional object (18).
12. Method of one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that, during the transfer of the image from the membrane (4) onto the three-dimensional object (18), the pad (2) and the membrane (4) are adjusted together and/or relative to each other such that the membrane (4) can contact all parts of the three-dimensional object (18) onto which the image to be transferred is to be transferred.
13. Method of one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, during the transfer of the image from the membrane (4) onto the three-dimensional object (18), the space (22) between the membrane (4) and the pad (2) is subjected to overpressure or vacuum.
14. Method of one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that, during the transfer of the image from the membrane (4) onto the three-dimensional object (18), the space (30) between the three-dimensional object (18) and the membrane (4) is subjected to vacuum.
15. Method of one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that, during the transfer of the image from the membrane (4) onto the three-dimensional object (18), the pad (2) first presses the membrane (4) partly against the three-dimensional object (18) and fixes the same on the object, whereupon the space (22) between the membrane (4) and the pad (2) is subjected to overpressure in order to transfer the image from the membrane (4) to the three-dimensional object , wherein, after the transfer, the space between the membrane (4) and the three-dimensional object (18) is subjected to vacuum and the membrane (4), together with the pad (2), is thereafter lifted from the three-dimensional object.

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