EP2722186A1 - Inkjet printing machine with calibration device - Google Patents

Inkjet printing machine with calibration device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2722186A1
EP2722186A1 EP13189510.4A EP13189510A EP2722186A1 EP 2722186 A1 EP2722186 A1 EP 2722186A1 EP 13189510 A EP13189510 A EP 13189510A EP 2722186 A1 EP2722186 A1 EP 2722186A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
mandrel
printed
bezel
station
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13189510.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Tronçon
Rui Monteiro
Jean-Louis Dubuit
Didier Trolio
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Machines Dubuit SAS
Original Assignee
Machines Dubuit SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Machines Dubuit SAS filed Critical Machines Dubuit SAS
Publication of EP2722186A1 publication Critical patent/EP2722186A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • 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
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B41J3/40733—Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles
    • 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
    • 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
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing

Definitions

  • Requirement EP 2,244,251 discloses an ink jet printing machine whose printing station comprises a single chuck for supporting an object to be printed, in particular a tube. Several printing units are arranged around the mandrel to ensure an impression of the object in polychrome. Means for transferring an object to be printed are arranged between a conveyor and the printing station. In particular, they ensure the transfer of the object to be printed from the transport conveyor to the mandrel.
  • This calibration bezel works satisfactorily to prevent the introduction of non-compliant objects on the mandrel, but this same bezel can cause scratches of the object previously printed during removal of the object while the ink does not. is not dry yet. Such risks of scratching are very present, especially when there are air blowing means from the mandrel on the inner surface of the object to facilitate its unloading after printing. Indeed, these means of blowing air lead to a slight increase in the diameter of the object, which promotes the contact of the object and the calibration bezel during removal of the tube.
  • the invention aims to overcome this disadvantage of possible scratches on the surface of the object after printing.
  • the invention relates to a printing machine of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the calibration bezel comprises movable elements movable between a constricted position of the bezel in which the central opening is small and a unobstructed position of the telescope in which the central opening is large, and means for moving movable members movable between the tightened and loosened positions so that the calibration bezel is in the clamped position when an object is transferred, by the transfer means, transport means at the printing station at least until the central opening is crossed by one end of the object and in the loosened position when an object is transferred, by the transfer means, means of transport at the printing station.
  • the printing machine 1 is represented on the figures 1 and 2 . It comprises a frame 2 carrying means of transport 4 objects 6 to print.
  • the objects 6 to be printed have substantially revolution forms, such as substantially cylindrical tubes or containers.
  • the transport means 4 are formed by an endless conveyor 8, carrying a plurality of fingers 10 for receiving an object to be printed, separated from each other by a distance d defining the pitch of the transport means.
  • the conveyor 8 is for example formed by a belt closed on itself, such as a transport chain, arranged around drive means 12, such as toothed wheels, arranged so that the conveyor has a substantially rectangular shape.
  • the drive means 12 are rotatably mounted on the frame 2 and at least one of the drive means 12 is rotated by a motor (not shown) so as to circulate the belt 8 in a plane of circulation. P, in which extends the entire conveyor 8, on the drive means 12.
  • the branch 14 of the belt running on the upper drive means 12, said upper branch 14, is the part of the belt which carries them.
  • the upper branch 14 extends substantially horizontally and moves in a substantially vertical plane.
  • the conveying plane P of the conveyor 8 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane in which the upper branch circulates, as shown in FIG. figure 3 .
  • Such inclination makes it possible to constantly subject the objects 6 carried by the fingers 10 to a force which plates them against the fingers 10 in order to ensure a good retention of the objects 6 on the fingers.
  • the arrow F represents the direction of travel of the upper branch 14 of the conveyor 8.
  • the fingers 10 are formed by thin rods having a length sufficient to receive the objects 6 and hold them freely.
  • the fingers 10 extend from the conveyor 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the circulation plane P of the conveyor 8 towards the outside of the frame 2.
  • the means of transport 4 described above are for example known from the document US-7,540,232 .
  • the objects 6 to be printed are arranged on the fingers 10 one after the other at a loading station (not shown) disposed upstream of the upper branch 14 relative to the direction of travel F. Also in known manner, the printed objects 6 are removed from the fingers 10 at an unloading station (not shown) disposed downstream of the upper branch 14 relative to the direction of scrolling F.
  • the loading and unloading of objects can be done by any appropriate means, known to those skilled in the art and not described in detail here.
  • the upper branch 14 circulates opposite at least one printing station 16 disposed between the loading station and the unloading station.
  • the printing station 16 comprises a plate 18 fixed to the frame 2 and extending substantially in the plane of movement of the upper branch 14, that is to say substantially vertically.
  • the printing station comprises four printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 mounted next to each other on the plate 18 around a mandrel 28 mounted to rotate on the frame 2, with respect to the plate 18.
  • the four printing units allow the printing of photographic images because each unit is fed by a different color ink, namely the three primary colors (yellow, cyan and magenta) and a black ink to compose a four-color process. These inks can print any type of image on objects 6.
  • the mandrel 28 is suitable for carrying the objects 6 to be printed and has an axis of revolution AA around which the mandrel 28 is rotatable, driven by a motor 30 ( figure 3 ) whose drive shaft is in direct contact with the axis of the mandrel 28, that is to say that the motor drive shaft 30 extends along the axis AA.
  • the rotational speed of the mandrel 28 is therefore constant and is easily adjustable since it is equal to the speed of rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 30.
  • the axis AA of the mandrel 28, substantially perpendicular to the plane of circulation of the upper branch 14 and therefore perpendicular to the plate 18, is fixed relative to the plate 18. That is to say that the mandrel 28 is not movable in translation in the vertical flow plane of the upper branch 14 of the conveyor 8 and that the axis of rotation AA of the mandrel 28 is fixed relative to the printing station 16.
  • the mandrel 28 is equipped with bores forming air intake nozzles emerging on the outer surface of the mandrel. These nozzles are connected to a source of air under pressure. This air source is controlled to provide an air supply of the nozzles after printing and immediately before and during the unloading of an object of the mandrel, to facilitate its extraction.
  • the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are ink jet devices comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged to project ink onto a printing area of the objects 6 to be printed in a known manner. Such printing units being known, they will not be described in detail here. The skilled person may for example refer to the document EP-1 918 100 .
  • the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are arranged on an arc whose center coincides with the axis AA of the mandrel 28 so that the nozzles extend substantially parallel to the axis AA of the mandrel 28. and are opposite the printing area of the object 6 carried by the mandrel 28, for example at a distance substantially between 1 mm and 3 mm from the area to be printed.
  • the plate 18 is provided with a pair of positioning rails 32, 34 per printing unit, said rails extending radially about the axis AA of the mandrel 28 to allow adjustment of the distance of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 with respect to the axis AA.
  • the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are each mounted on a pair of rails 32, 34, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 as a function of the diameter of the objects 6 to be printed by moving the printing units on their respective rails 32, 34.
  • the displacement of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 on the rails 32, 34 can be done by means of a single motor connected to the units by appropriate means (not shown).
  • the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are arranged in a range of 180 ° around the object 6 to be printed. In this range, the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are distributed evenly at an angle of 60 ° to each other.
  • the four printing units could be spread over a range greater than 180 ° or that more than four printing units could be provided over a range greater than 180 °.
  • the axis of the mandrel 28 being fixed relative to the printing station, it is not necessary to provide a clearance space for moving the mandrel 28 in the vertical flow plane of the upper branch 14.
  • the printing station could be arranged so that printing or drying units surround the entire circumference of the mandrel 28. This allows for example to increase the print rate by increasing the number of printing units arranged around the mandrel 28.
  • the printing station 16 further comprises a superficial drying unit 35 of the ink projected onto the object 6 to be printed.
  • This unit 35 is for example formed by one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a support arranged on the same circular arc as the printing units and arranged opposite the printing zone of the object 6 to be printed. .
  • the drying unit is able to freeze the ink printed on the object 6 fitted on the mandrel 28.
  • One or two additional printing units may also be provided on the same circular arc as the other printing units so to varnish the printing area after printing it by means of one of the additional printing units and / or to print a white background (for example on a colored object 6) before printing other colors forming the four-color process, by means of the other additional printing units.
  • the mandrel 28 is further movable in translation along its axis AA in order to make it possible to expose a wider printing zone, or several printing zones, to the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26, as represented on the figures 4 and 5 .
  • the assembly formed by the mandrel 28 and its drive motor 30 is mounted on rails 38 ( figure 3 ) extending substantially parallel to the axis AA and the displacement in translation is actuated by a motor 40 connected to the mandrel assembly 28 / motor 30 by appropriate means.
  • objects 6 having a printing area of height greater than the height of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 can be printed by moving the mandrel 28 in translation relative to these units, as represented by the figures 4 and 5 in which the mandrel 28 adopts two different positions.
  • a control unit (not shown) is able to receive information the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28, the position of the mandrel 28 in translation and is connected to each printing unit 20, 22, 24, 26 to control their release.
  • the control unit is also able to receive data representative of the pattern to be printed on the objects, data representative of the diameter of the objects to be printed.
  • the control unit is able to control the triggering of the ink projection of each printing unit 20, 22, 24, 26 as a function of the position of the mandrel 28, and therefore of the object disposed on the mandrel 28. as well as the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28 during printing.
  • the control of the printing units is known per se, and is for example described in the document EP-1 918 100 . It should be noted, however, that this control is simplified by the printing machine of the present invention. Indeed, the motor 30 being in direct contact with the axis of rotation of the mandrel 28, there is no difference between the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28 and that of the drive shaft of the motor 30. it is therefore not necessary to adapt the speed of rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 30 to obtain a peripheral speed of the mandrel 28 constant.
  • the printing machine 1 comprises transfer means 42 of an object 6 to print transport means 4 to the printing station 16, that is to say from a finger 10 to the mandrel 28.
  • These transfer means 42 comprise a shaft 44 extending according to a BB axis substantially parallel to the axis AA of the mandrel 28 and movable in translation along this axis BB ( figure 3 ).
  • the shaft 44 comprises, at its end opposite the frame 2, an arm 46, rotatable about the axis BB and provided, at at least one of its ends with gripping means 48 able to grip an object 6
  • the arm 46 is thus rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to the vertical circulation plane of the upper branch 14 of the conveyor 8 and can approach more or less from this plane by the translation of the shaft 44 along the axis BB .
  • the gripping means 48 are for example formed by a gripper, whose jaws have a shape substantially complementary to the objects 6. These jaws are movable between an open position, in which they can be placed around an object 6, and a position closed, in which they enclose an object 6 without deforming it.
  • the transfer means 42 are therefore able to grip an object 6 on a finger 10, by moving the arm 46 in rotation so as to place the gripping means 48 opposite an object 6 carried by a finger 10 and by moving the shaft 44 in translation so as to place the gripping means 48 in the open position around the object 6 and then passing the gripping means in the closed position.
  • the transfer means 42 are also able to place the object 6 gripped on the mandrel 28, by moving the shaft 44 in translation so as to make the object 6 come out of the finger 10 and by moving the arm 46 in rotation so that to place the gripping means 48 carrying the object facing the mandrel, then moving the shaft 44 in translation again so as to bring the object 6 onto the mandrel 28 and by passing the gripping means 48 in position open to release the object 6 held by the mandrel 28. It is understood that the transfer means 42 are also able to take an object 6 printed mandrel 28 and place the object 6 on a finger 10, by movements inverses.
  • the actuation in translation of the shaft 44 is by a motor 50 and the actuation in rotation of the arm 46 by a motor 52 ( figure 3 ).
  • the free end portion 64 of the mandrel 28, facing the transfer means 42 has a truncated conical shape of revolution, whose small base forms the free end of the mandrel and whose large base has a diameter equal to the diameter of the remainder of the mandrel 28.
  • Such a shape of the free end portion 64 of the mandrel facilitates the loading of an object 6 on the mandrel 28 by forming centering means of the object 6 on the mandrel 28.
  • the wall of the free end 64 of the mandrel can guide the object 6 on the mandrel 28 if the gripping means 48 are not quite centered on the axis AA of the mandrel 28 during the loading of the object 6 on the mandrel 28.
  • the displacement in translation along the axis AA of the mandrel 28 also facilitates the loading of an object 6 by making the mandrel 28 movable between a position loading, shown on the figures 6 and 7 , and a printing position, represented on the figure 8 .
  • the mandrel 28 In the loading position, the mandrel 28 is moved in translation towards the gripping means 48, so that its end portion 64 is spaced apart from the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26, and in the printing position, the mandrel 28 is returned to the plate 18 so that the end portion 64 and the printing area of the object 6 extend opposite the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26.
  • the translation stroke of the printing means transfer 42 allowing the loading of an object 6 on the mandrel 28, is thus reduced and the loading is facilitated because the end portion 64 of the mandrel 28 is in an open space when the mandrel 28 is in its loading position, this which limits the risk that the object 6 strikes an element surrounding the mandrel 28 during the displacement of the transfer means 42.
  • the arm 46 carries a clamp at each of its ends and is rotatably mounted on the shaft 44 at its center.
  • the transfer means 42 are able to grip an object 6 to be printed on a finger 10 and simultaneously an object 6 printed on the mandrel 28 and to deposit the object 6 to be printed on the mandrel 28 and simultaneously the printed object 6 on the finger 10.
  • the mandrel 28 is discharged from a printed object and is loaded with an object to be printed.
  • the printing machine 1 comprises a calibrating bezel 66 visible on a larger scale on the figures 9 and 10 .
  • This telescope is interposed between the transfer means 42 and the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 on the axis AA of rotation of the mandrel 28.
  • the bezel 66 is integral with the frame 2 and comprises a central opening 68 of section variable delimited by a ring 202 formed of moving sectors.
  • the ring 202 has a reduced diameter internally when the moving sectors are tightened and an enlarged diameter when they are loosened.
  • the telescope calibration 66 is then respectively in the constricted and loosened position.
  • the central opening 68 is of annular shape substantially complementary to that of the objects to be printed 6 and axis AA. That is, the central opening 68 is centered on the axis AA between the mandrel 28 and the gripping means 48 so that an object to be printed 6 must pass through the central opening 68 during its loading on the mandrel 28 by the transfer means 42.
  • the central opening 68 has a diameter greater than that of the mandrel 28 but less than the sum of the nominal external diameter of an object 6 mounted on the mandrel and 1.5 mm. That is, when the object 6 has a constant nominal outside diameter, there is a clearance substantially equal to one times the thickness of the wall of an object 6 between the edge of the central opening 68 and the object to be printed 6 when it passes through the calibration bezel 66.
  • the telescope 66 is mounted on the frame 2 by means of a slide, which makes it movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis A-A relative to the frame 2.
  • the ring 202 is carried by a mobile assembly 204, a plate 205 is movable relative to a frame 206 rigidly fixed to the frame of the machine.
  • the moving equipment is guided in translation relative to the frame 206 by means of two slides 208 ensuring a displacement in translation along the axis A-A of the ring 202.
  • the moving element is urged by an elastic means towards a rest position away from the mandrel 28 and is displaceable towards the mandrel 28 against the action of the elastic means under the action of the contact of an object introduced along the axis AA on the mandrel 28 whose diameter is greater than that of the central opening.
  • a contactor is interposed between the mobile assembly 204 and the frame 206 to detect the displacement in translation and to control the stopping of the loading of the machine with the object under consideration.
  • the ring 202 comprises two flanges 210A, 210B each delimiting a semicircular-shaped footprint 212A, 212B constituting a sector of the ring. These flanges are slidably mounted in the same plane with respect to the plate 205 of the moving element 204. This plane extends perpendicularly to the insertion axis A-A of the tube.
  • the two flanges are each mounted on a slide 220 visible on the figure 6 . As illustrated on the figure 11 , the two flanges are biased towards each other by means of springs 222A, 222B interposed between the flanges and a stop pin 224A, 224B integral with the plate 205 of the moving element 204.
  • Stops 226A, 226B visible on the figure 12 , are provided on each of the flanges 210A, 210B to immobilize in position the two flanges repulsed under the action of the springs 222A, 222B.
  • the stops 226A, 226B are adapted to cooperate with a median pad 228 integral with the plate 205.
  • An actuator 240 is provided to move the two flanges 210A, 210B between a constricted position in which the central opening 68 is small and a loosened position in which the central opening 68 is large.
  • the actuator 240 comprises a slide 242 slidably mounted relative to the frame 206 via a ball pad 244 mounted on a slide 246 provided at the end of a bracket arm 250 of the frame 206.
  • the slide 242 is displaceable in translation along the slide 246 under the action of a screw-nut arrangement, a nut 260 being integral with the slide and engaged around a screw 262 disposed in the direction of movement of the slide.
  • This screw is driven by an electric motor 266 mounted at the top of the stem arm 250.
  • the slider 242 is equipped with a wedge 270 having two converging cam surfaces 272A, 272B adapted to cooperate with rollers 274A, 274B provided at the upper ends of the flanges 210A, 210B.
  • the control of the motor 266 is slaved to the control of the machine so that the bezel 68 switches between its tight position and its loosened position according to the loading and unloading phases of an object 6 on the mandrel 28.
  • the motor 266 is controlled to bring the bezel 68 into its tight position prior to loading an object onto the mandrel 6 from the transfer means.
  • the wedge 270 is spaced from the rollers 274A, 274B, thus releasing the two flanges 210A, 210B which are pushed back under the action of the springs 222A, 222B towards each other and come to rest on the shoe 228 via stops 226A, 226B.
  • the motor 226 is controlled to bring the telescope into its loosened position in which the two flanges 210A, 210B are spaced apart from each other against the action of the springs 22A, 22B.
  • the motor 226 moves the wedge 270 towards the axis AA.
  • the rollers resting on the cam surfaces 272A, 272B causes a translational movement of the two flanges against the springs 222A, 222B.
  • the position of the stops 226A, 226B, the shape of the cams 272A, 272B, as well as the shape of the indentations delimited by the flanges 210A, 210B are adapted so that in the constricted position of the bezel, the diameter of the central opening 68 , i.e. the maximum distance separating the cavities, is substantially equal to the nominal outside diameter of the tube increased by one time the distance separating the or each printing unit from the outside surface of the tube during printing . This distance is between 0.6 and 1 mm and often equal to 0.8 mm. In the loose position, the diameter of the central opening is at least 4 mm greater than the nominal diameter of the object to be printed.
  • the position of the calibration bezel 66 relative to the frame 2 is such that the central opening 68 extends around the end portion 64 of the mandrel 28 when the latter is in the loading position, as shown in FIGS. figures 6 and 7 .
  • the telescope 66 thus extends upstream of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 relative to the direction of loading of an object 6 on the mandrel 28.
  • the calibration bezel 66 is in the constricted position.
  • the object 6 is already engaged on the mandrel 28 and centered by its end portion 64 as it passes through the central opening 68 of the calibration bezel 66, which improves the guidance of the object 6 towards this opening 68 and facilitates its passage through the opening 68 despite the small clearance between the object 6 and the edge of the opening 68.
  • the object to be printed 6 is deformed and has a diameter greater than the nominal diameter that it should have, it can not pass through the central opening 68 of the calibration bezel 66 when the bezel 66 is in position tightened. Indeed, in this case, the object 6 is stopped by the edge of the central opening 68. Thus, if a deformed object 6 strikes the telescope 66, the latter moves in translation towards the frame and actuates the arranged contactor to stop the motor 50 actuating the translational movement of the transfer means 42.
  • the loading of the deformed object 6 is stopped immediately and this object 6 can not come to damage the nozzles of the printing units 20, 22, 24 26 because the telescope 66 extends upstream thereof relative to the loading direction of the objects 6 and the diameter of its central opening 68 is smaller than the sum of the diameter of the object 6 and 0.75 mm, knowing that the distance between the lower edge of a nozzle and the object 6 of nominal diameter is about 0.8 mm, that is to say that there is a space of at least 0, 1 mm between an object 6 passed by the bezel 66 and the nozzles of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26.
  • the bezel 66 therefore allows of ensure that only objects 6 having the required shape and diameter will be printed by the printing station 16.
  • the two flanges are spaced from the crossing of the central opening 68 by the front end of the object, avoiding any subsequent contact between the object and the bezel and promoting the engagement of the object on the mandrel, especially if a flow of air is blown from the mandrel nozzles to promote the sliding of the object on the mandrel since in this case, the object may undergo radial deformation.
  • the two flanges When unloading an object, the two flanges are spaced under the action of the motor 226 so that the calibration bezel 66 is brought into its loosened position and then has a central opening 68 of larger size.
  • the printed object can then be transferred through the telescope without risk of striking it, even if under the action of the air leaving the nozzles arranged on the surface of the mandrel, the diameter of the object could slightly increase.
  • the spacing of the two flanges of the telescope avoids any unfortunate contact between the telescope and the object being transferred.
  • the printing machine 1 comprises locking means 54. the position of an object 6 around a receiving finger 10 disposed opposite the transfer means 44.
  • These locking means 54 are formed of a locking member 56 provided with at least one blocking surface 58 and mounted movable in translation in the vertical plane relative to the frame 2 between a locking position and a retracted position.
  • the locking position the locking surface 58 is applied against an object 6 carried by a finger 10 opposite the transfer means 44 so as to immobilize this object 6 around the finger 10 and in the retracted position, the element of blocking 58 is removed from the conveyor 8. It should be noted that in the blocking position, the object 6 is no longer in contact with the finger 10, the object 6 being lifted from this finger by the blocking surface 58.
  • the blocking surface 58 is arranged not to damage the printing area of the object 6, which could create defects in the printing of the object.
  • the blocking surface 58 has for example a shape substantially complementary to a portion of the object 6 to be printed and is coated with a fabric or other protective material or has received a specific surface treatment to not damage the print area of the object.
  • the locking element 56 comprises one or more blocking surfaces arranged to be applied against the object 6 outside the area to be printed, for example above and / or below this zone. to be printed.
  • the locking means 54 furthermore comprise suction means (not shown) of the object 6 carried by the receiving finger, said means suction means being arranged to immobilize said object 6 on the locking surface 58 in the locking position.
  • the locking means 54 are placed in the retracted position after the removal of an object 6 to be printed on the finger 10 so as not to come into contact with a printed object 6 which will be placed on said finger 10 and thus not to damage the area 6.
  • a printed object 6 is placed on the receiving finger 10 from which an object to be printed has been taken during the transfer of this object to print from the finger 10 to the mandrel 28.
  • a pretreatment station 60 of the surface of the objects 6 to be printed is provided upstream of the printing station 16, between the loading station and the printing station 16 facing the fingers 10.
  • This preprocessing station 60 is arranged to perform a treatment of the area to print objects 6 before printing. This treatment is intended to allow a better adhesion of the ink on the area to be printed.
  • a drying station 62 of the surface of the printed objects 6 is provided downstream of the printing station 16, between the printing station 16 and the unloading station facing the fingers 10. This station is formed, for example by means of polymerization in the heart of the printing in order to finally freeze the ink on the surface of the printed objects.
  • the printing machine described above includes a single printing station 16. To increase the print rate, it is planned to add more print stations.
  • the printing machine comprises two printing stations 16 arranged next to each other and according to the embodiment shown in FIG. figure 6 , the printing machine 1 comprises four printing stations 16 arranged next to each other.
  • Each printing station 16 comprises its own corresponding single mandrel 28 on which the printing units of said station only print the objects carried by this mandrel 28.
  • At each printing station 16 also corresponds transfer means 42, means of printing. block 54 and a drying station 62.
  • a pretreatment station 60 of the surface is, in turn, adapted to operate with two printing stations 16.
  • the printing machine 1 comprises two pretreatment stations 60 for four printing stations 16.
  • the objects to be printed 6 are first loaded on the conveyor 8 at the loading station, the objects being arranged one after the other on adjacent receiving fingers 10. The objects 6 then circulate on the upper branch 14 and advance in the direction F and pass in front of the pretreatment station 60 where they undergo a surface treatment for their subsequent printing.
  • the printing machine comprises a single printing station
  • the printing machine marks a stop.
  • the locking means 54 pass into the locking position and the mandrel 28 moves into the loading position.
  • the transfer means 42 take the object 6 from the conveyor and place it on the mandrel 28 through the calibration bezel 66.
  • the mandrel 28 then returns to its printing position. If a printed object was disposed on the mandrel 28, this object is taken at the same time and is placed on the finger that has just been released.
  • the blocking means 54 return to their retracted position during this transfer of the objects so as not to come into contact with the printed object.
  • the conveyor 8 begins to circulate again so as to bring the next finger next to the transfer means 42 and repeat the transfer described above.
  • the object 6 placed on the mandrel 28 is printed by exposing it to the ink jets of the different printing units 20, 22, 24, 26.
  • the printing units are triggered synchronously with the rotation of the printing unit.
  • mandrel 28 in known manner by means of the control unit as a function of the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28, the position of the object on the mandrel, the pattern to be printed and the diameter of the object to be printed.
  • the mandrel 28 is moved in translation during the printing process so that the entire print area is printed.
  • the printing process comprises the rotation of the mandrel 28 in order to print a first printing zone opposite the printing units ( figure 4 ), the translation of the mandrel 28 in order to place a second printing zone opposite the printing units ( figure 5 ), then printing the second print area.
  • the object In addition to the printing of the four colors forming the four-color process, the object possibly undergoes varnishing and / or printing of a white background (by example for colored objects) and / or partial drying if the corresponding units are active on the printing station. It should be noted that the print rate is very important, because of the number of printing units, the simplicity of the setting of the single mandrel printing station 16 and that the printing is done very precisely because the axis AA of the chuck 18 is fixed and the position of the object 6 does not vary and is known at all times.
  • the machine advances two steps, that is to say twice the distance d between two fingers, before marking a stop so that an object becomes is next to the transfer means 42 of the two printing stations 16.
  • the machine 1 marks a stop and the transfer of objects is performed.
  • the printing machine advances again two steps, to place two new objects next to the transfer means 42. It is referred to an indexing of two steps of the conveyor 8.
  • the pitch that is to say the distance d, is for example substantially equal to 150 mm (6 inches).
  • the printing machine 1 comprises four printing stations 16, as shown in FIG. figure 13 , the printing machine 1 is indexed twice by two steps during the printing cycle of an object, each printing station 16 printing an object on four loops opposite its transfer means 42.
  • the pitch is for example substantially equal to 75 mm (3 inches).
  • the stations print four objects simultaneously.
  • the indexing is always two steps and there are two indexing (that is to say two stops of the conveyor 8) per printing cycle, so that the first two printing stations with respect to the direction F print the objects carried by one finger on two (even fingers), that is to say that an object situated between two even fingers is left on his finger (odd finger) and the two last printing stations print the objects carried by the odd fingers. This results in optimized operation of the machine at four printing stations.
  • the print rate can thus be easily increased by simply adding printing stations along the conveyor 8, the architecture of the printing machine being simple enough not to complicate the assembly too much. of these positions. Such a rate could not be increased so simply in the prior art because of the mode of transport of the objects to be printed on a plurality of chucks mounted on a turntable.
  • the printed objects pass next to the drying station 62 where said objects undergo a core polymerization to definitively freeze the printing.
  • the objects are then unloaded at the unloading station.
  • the machine described above thus makes it possible to obtain a very precise printing with a high resolution without requiring a complex adjustment of the printing station 16. Indeed, after an initial calibration for triggering the ink jets synchronized with the rotation of the mandrel 28, it is no longer necessary to make other settings of the printing station during printing, as long as the objects to be printed are identical to each other. In addition, the print speed can easily be increased.
  • the machine can protect the print units of a defective object that can damage them by rubbing against the ink jet nozzles through the calibration bezel.

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Abstract

The machine has a calibration window (66) comprising flanges (210A, 210B) moving between tightened and loosened positions of the window in which central opening (68) is in small and large sizes. An actuator displaces the flanges between the positions, so that the window is in the tight position when an object is transferred, by a transfer unit, from a transport unit to a print station until an end of the object crosses the opening and in the loosened position when the object is transferred from transport unit to the print station.

Description

La présente invention concerne une machine à imprimer des objets ayant sensiblement des formes de révolution, ladite machine comprenant :

  • des moyens de transport des objets à imprimer entre au moins un poste de chargement des objets sur lesdits moyens de transport et un poste de déchargement desdits objets desdits moyens de transport,
  • au moins un poste d'impression disposé entre le poste de chargement et le poste de déchargement, ledit poste d'impression comprenant au moins une unité d'impression agencée pour projeter de l'encre sur les objets à imprimer de sorte à imprimer lesdits objets, la ou chaque unité d'impression projetant une encre d'une couleur différente de sorte à composer une polychromie, le poste d'impression comprenant un mandrin correspondant de maintien d'un objet à imprimer, ledit mandrin correspondant étant mobile en rotation autour de son axe de sorte que la ou chaque unité d'impression projette de l'encre sur l'objet maintenu par ledit mandrin correspondant,
  • des moyens de transfert d'un objet à imprimer des moyens de transport au poste d'impression et du poste d'impression aux moyens de transport, et
  • une lunette de calibrage comprenant une ouverture centrale coaxiale à l'axe de rotation du mandrin, ladite lunette étant agencée entre les moyens de transfert et les unités d'impression de sorte qu'un objet à imprimer passe par l'ouverture centrale avant d'être imprimé par le poste d'impression.
The present invention relates to a machine for printing objects having substantially revolution forms, said machine comprising:
  • means for transporting the objects to be printed between at least one loading station for objects on said transport means and an unloading station for said objects of said transport means,
  • at least one printing station arranged between the loading station and the unloading station, said printing station comprising at least one printing unit arranged to project ink on the objects to be printed so as to print said objects , the or each printing unit projecting an ink of a different color so as to compose a polychrome, the printing station comprising a corresponding mandrel for holding an object to be printed, said corresponding mandrel being able to rotate around its axis so that the or each printing unit projects ink onto the object held by said corresponding mandrel,
  • means for transferring an object to be printed from the transport means to the printing station and the printing station to the means of transport, and
  • a calibrating bezel comprising a central opening coaxial with the axis of rotation of the mandrel, said bezel being arranged between the transfer means and the printing units so that an object to be printed passes through the central opening before to be printed by the printing station.

La demande EP 2 244 251 décrit une machine à imprimer à jet d'encre dont le poste d'impression comporte un unique mandrin de support d'un objet à imprimer, notamment un tube. Plusieurs unités d'impression sont disposées autour du mandrin pour assurer une impression de l'objet en polychromie. Des moyens de transfert d'un objet à imprimer sont disposés entre un convoyeur et le poste d'impression. Ils assurent notamment le transfert de l'objet à imprimer du convoyeur de transport vers le mandrin.Requirement EP 2,244,251 discloses an ink jet printing machine whose printing station comprises a single chuck for supporting an object to be printed, in particular a tube. Several printing units are arranged around the mandrel to ensure an impression of the object in polychrome. Means for transferring an object to be printed are arranged between a conveyor and the printing station. In particular, they ensure the transfer of the object to be printed from the transport conveyor to the mandrel.

Pour éviter la mise en place sur le mandrin d'un objet dont les dimensions sont inadaptées, il est prévu à l'avant du mandrin, du côté du chargement, une lunette de calibrage interdisant la mise en place d'un objet de diamètre excessif.To avoid placing on the mandrel of an object whose dimensions are unsuitable, there is provided at the front of the mandrel, the loading side, a calibrating bezel prohibiting the introduction of an object of excessive diameter .

Cette lunette de calibrage fonctionne de manière satisfaisante pour éviter l'introduction d'objets non conformes sur le mandrin, mais cette même lunette peut provoquer des rayures de l'objet préalablement imprimé lors du retrait de l'objet alors que l'encre n'est pas encore sèche. De tels risques de rayures sont très présents, notamment lorsqu'il existe des moyens de soufflage d'air depuis le mandrin sur la surface intérieure de l'objet pour faciliter son déchargement après impression. En effet, ces moyens de soufflage d'air conduisent à une légère augmentation du diamètre de l'objet, ce qui favorise la mise en contact de l'objet et de la lunette de calibrage lors du retrait du tube.This calibration bezel works satisfactorily to prevent the introduction of non-compliant objects on the mandrel, but this same bezel can cause scratches of the object previously printed during removal of the object while the ink does not. is not dry yet. Such risks of scratching are very present, especially when there are air blowing means from the mandrel on the inner surface of the object to facilitate its unloading after printing. Indeed, these means of blowing air lead to a slight increase in the diameter of the object, which promotes the contact of the object and the calibration bezel during removal of the tube.

L'invention a pour but de pallier cet inconvénient d'éventuelles rayures sur la surface de l'objet après impression.The invention aims to overcome this disadvantage of possible scratches on the surface of the object after printing.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une machine à imprimer du type précité, caractérisée en ce que la lunette de calibrage comporte des éléments mobiles déplaçables entre une position resserrée de la lunette dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale est de petite taille et une position desserrée de la lunette dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale est de grande taille, et des moyens de déplacement des éléments mobiles déplaçables entre les positions serrée et desserrée pour que la lunette de calibrage soit dans la position serrée lorsqu'un objet est transféré, par les moyens de transfert, des moyens de transport au poste d'impression au moins jusqu'au franchissement de l'ouverture centrale par une extrémité de l'objet et dans la position desserrée lorsqu'un objet est transféré, par les moyens de transfert, des moyens de transport au poste d'impression.To this end, the invention relates to a printing machine of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the calibration bezel comprises movable elements movable between a constricted position of the bezel in which the central opening is small and a unobstructed position of the telescope in which the central opening is large, and means for moving movable members movable between the tightened and loosened positions so that the calibration bezel is in the clamped position when an object is transferred, by the transfer means, transport means at the printing station at least until the central opening is crossed by one end of the object and in the loosened position when an object is transferred, by the transfer means, means of transport at the printing station.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de la machine d'impression, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale en position resserrée de la lunette de calibrage, est supérieur au diamètre du mandrin et agencé pour qu'il y ait un espace d'au moins 0,1 mm entre un objet passé par l'ouverture centrale de la lunette et la ou chaque unité d'impression lorsque la lunette de calibrage est en position resserrée ;
  • la lunette est déplaçable et est agencée pour actionner un contacteur, agencé pour arrêter les moyens de transfert lorsqu'il est actionné, si un objet à imprimer présentant un diamètre supérieur au diamètre de l'ouverture centrale, prélevé par les moyens de transfert, déplace ladite lunette ;
  • le mandrin est mobile en translation le long de son axe entre une position d'impression, dans laquelle la partie extrême libre du mandrin se trouve en regard des unités d'impression et une position de chargement, dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale de la lunette entoure la partie extrême libre du mandrin ;
  • les moyens de transfert comprennent au moins un bras mobile portant des moyens de préhension d'un objet à imprimer, ledit bras et lesdits moyens de préhension étant agencés pour prélever un objet sur les moyens de transport et pour déposer ledit objet sur le mandrin et pour prélever l'objet imprimé dudit mandrin et pour déposer ledit objet imprimé sur les moyens de transport au travers de la lunette de calibrage ;
  • dans la position resserrée de la lunette de calibrage, le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale est sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur de l'objet augmenté d'une fois la distance séparant la ou chaque unité d'impression de la surface extérieure de l'objet ;
  • les moyens de déplacement comportent un moteur et un coulisseau mu par le moteur, lequel coulisseau comporte au moins une surface de came propre à coopérer avec au moins une surface de came complémentaire prévue sur au moins un élément mobile pour assurer le déplacement de l'élément mobile dans au moins un sens sous l'action du déplacement du coulisseau ;
  • les éléments mobiles comportent au moins deux secteurs de couronne, qui délimitent intérieurement sensiblement un cercle en position resserrée, lesquels secteurs de couronne sont déplaçables en translation les uns par rapport aux autres suivant au moins un rayon du cercle ; et
  • les moyens de déplacement comportent au moins un moyen élastique de rappel du ou de chaque élément mobile vers l'une des positions serrée et desserrée.
According to other characteristics of the printing machine, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:
  • the diameter of the central opening in the narrowed position of the calibrating bezel is greater than the diameter of the mandrel and arranged so that there is a space of at least 0.1 mm between an object passed through the central opening of the bezel and the or each printing unit when the calibration bezel is in the constricted position;
  • the bezel is movable and is arranged to actuate a switch, arranged to stop the transfer means when actuated, if an object to be printed having a diameter greater than the diameter of the central opening, taken by the transfer means, moves said bezel;
  • the mandrel is movable in translation along its axis between a printing position, in which the free end portion of the mandrel is opposite printing units and a loading position, in which the central opening of the bezel surrounds the free end portion of the mandrel;
  • the transfer means comprise at least one movable arm carrying means for gripping an object to be printed, said arm and said gripping means being arranged to take an object on the transport means and to deposit said object on the mandrel and for withdrawing the printed object from said mandrel and depositing said printed object on the transport means through the calibration bezel;
  • in the narrowed position of the calibration bezel, the diameter of the central opening is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the object increased by one time the distance separating the or each printing unit from the outer surface of the object ;
  • the displacement means comprise a motor and a slider moved by the motor, which slider comprises at least one cam surface adapted to cooperate with at least one complementary cam surface provided on at least one movable element to ensure the displacement of the element mobile in at least one direction under the action of the movement of the slider;
  • the movable elements comprise at least two crown sectors, which substantially delimit internally a circle in a constricted position, which crown sectors are displaceable in translation with respect to each other along at least one radius of the circle; and
  • the displacement means comprise at least one resilient means for returning the or each movable element towards one of the tight and loose positions.

D'autres aspects et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui suit, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une représentation schématique en perspective d'une machine à imprimer selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la machine comprenant un seul poste d'impression,
  • la figure 2 est une représentation schématique en perspective de la machine à imprimer de la figure 1 vue sous une autre orientation,
  • la figure 3 est une représentation schématique de côté de la machine à imprimer de la figure 1,
  • les figures 4 et 5 sont des représentations schématiques de dessus d'un mandrin portant un objet à imprimer et d'une unité d'impression, l'objet étant placé dans deux positions différentes,
  • les figures 6, 7 et 8 sont des représentations schématiques en coupe d'une partie d'un poste d'impression selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention au cours du chargement d'un objet à imprimer sur un mandrin (figures 6 et 7) et de l'impression de ce mandrin (figure 8), l'objet étant représenté vu de dessus,
  • la figure 9 est une vue en perspective de détail d'une lunette de calibrage de la machine des figures précédents,
  • la figure 10 est une vue de face de la lunette de calibrage de la figure 9,
  • les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues partielles en coupe de la lunette de la figure 9 prise suivant les plans XI-XI et XII-XII respectivement,
  • la figure 13 est une représentation schématique de face d'une machine à imprimer comprenant quatre postes d'impression.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of a printing machine according to an embodiment of the invention, the machine comprising a single printing station,
  • the figure 2 is a schematic representation in perspective of the printing machine of the figure 1 seen in another direction,
  • the figure 3 is a schematic side view of the printing machine of the figure 1 ,
  • the figures 4 and 5 are schematic top representations of a mandrel carrying an object to be printed and a printing unit, the object being placed in two different positions,
  • the figures 6 , 7 and 8 are schematic representations in section of a part of a printing station according to an embodiment of the invention during the loading of an object to be printed on a mandrel ( figures 6 and 7 ) and the printing of this mandrel ( figure 8 ), the object being shown seen from above,
  • the figure 9 is a perspective view of a detail of a calibration bezel of the machine of the preceding figures,
  • the figure 10 is a front view of the calibration bezel of the figure 9 ,
  • the Figures 11 and 12 are partial sectional views of the bezel of the figure 9 taken according to plans XI-XI and XII-XII respectively,
  • the figure 13 is a schematic front view of a printing machine comprising four printing stations.

La machine à imprimer 1 selon l'invention est représentée sur les figures 1 et 2. Elle comprend un bâti 2 portant des moyens de transport 4 d'objets 6 à imprimer. Les objets 6 à imprimer présentent sensiblement des formes de révolution, tels que des tubes ou récipients sensiblement cylindriques.The printing machine 1 according to the invention is represented on the figures 1 and 2 . It comprises a frame 2 carrying means of transport 4 objects 6 to print. The objects 6 to be printed have substantially revolution forms, such as substantially cylindrical tubes or containers.

Les moyens de transport 4 sont formés par un convoyeur sans fin 8, portant une pluralité de doigts 10 de réception d'un objet à imprimer, séparés les uns des autres d'une distance d définissant le pas des moyens de transport. Le convoyeur 8 est par exemple formé par une courroie fermée sur elle-même, telle qu'une chaîne de transport, disposée autour de moyens d'entraînement 12, tels que des roues dentées, agencés pour que le convoyeur ait une forme sensiblement rectangulaire. Les moyens d'entraînement 12 sont montés en rotation sur le bâti 2 et au moins l'un des moyens d'entraînement 12 est entraîné en rotation par un moteur (non représenté) de sorte à faire circuler la courroie 8 dans un plan de circulation P, dans lequel s'étend tout le convoyeur 8, sur les moyens d'entraînement 12. La branche 14 de la courroie circulant sur les moyens d'entraînement 12 supérieurs, dite branche supérieure 14, est la partie de la courroie qui porte les objets 6 à imprimer et les déplace entre les différents postes de la machine à imprimer 1 comme cela sera décrit ultérieurement. La branche supérieure 14 s'étend sensiblement horizontalement et se déplace dans un plan sensiblement vertical. Le plan P de circulation du convoyeur 8 est incliné par rapport au plan vertical dans lequel circule la branche supérieure, comme représenté sur la figure 3. Une telle inclinaison permet de soumettre de façon constante les objets 6 portés par les doigts 10 à une force qui les plaque contre les doigts 10 afin d'assurer un bon maintien des objets 6 sur les doigts. Sur les figures, on a représenté par la flèche F le sens de défilement de la branche supérieure 14 du convoyeur 8.The transport means 4 are formed by an endless conveyor 8, carrying a plurality of fingers 10 for receiving an object to be printed, separated from each other by a distance d defining the pitch of the transport means. The conveyor 8 is for example formed by a belt closed on itself, such as a transport chain, arranged around drive means 12, such as toothed wheels, arranged so that the conveyor has a substantially rectangular shape. The drive means 12 are rotatably mounted on the frame 2 and at least one of the drive means 12 is rotated by a motor (not shown) so as to circulate the belt 8 in a plane of circulation. P, in which extends the entire conveyor 8, on the drive means 12. The branch 14 of the belt running on the upper drive means 12, said upper branch 14, is the part of the belt which carries them. objects 6 to be printed and moves between the different positions of the printing machine 1 as will be described later. The upper branch 14 extends substantially horizontally and moves in a substantially vertical plane. The conveying plane P of the conveyor 8 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane in which the upper branch circulates, as shown in FIG. figure 3 . Such inclination makes it possible to constantly subject the objects 6 carried by the fingers 10 to a force which plates them against the fingers 10 in order to ensure a good retention of the objects 6 on the fingers. In the figures, the arrow F represents the direction of travel of the upper branch 14 of the conveyor 8.

Les doigts 10 sont formés par des tiges fines présentant une longueur suffisante pour recevoir les objets 6 et les retenir de façon libre. Les doigts 10 s'étendent à partir du convoyeur 8 selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan de circulation P du convoyeur 8 vers l'extérieur du bâti 2.The fingers 10 are formed by thin rods having a length sufficient to receive the objects 6 and hold them freely. The fingers 10 extend from the conveyor 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the circulation plane P of the conveyor 8 towards the outside of the frame 2.

Les moyens de transport 4 décrits ci-dessus sont par exemple connus du document US-7 540 232 .The means of transport 4 described above are for example known from the document US-7,540,232 .

De façon connue, les objets 6 à imprimer sont disposés sur les doigts 10 les uns à la suite des autres à un poste de chargement (non représenté) disposée en amont de la branche supérieure 14 par rapport à la direction de défilement F. Egalement de façon connue, les objets 6 imprimés sont retirés des doigts 10 à un poste de déchargement (non représenté) disposé en aval de la branche supérieure 14 par rapport à la direction de défilement F. Le chargement et le déchargement des objets peuvent se faire par tous moyens appropriés, connus de l'homme du métier et non décrits en détail ici.In known manner, the objects 6 to be printed are arranged on the fingers 10 one after the other at a loading station (not shown) disposed upstream of the upper branch 14 relative to the direction of travel F. Also in known manner, the printed objects 6 are removed from the fingers 10 at an unloading station (not shown) disposed downstream of the upper branch 14 relative to the direction of scrolling F. The loading and unloading of objects can be done by any appropriate means, known to those skilled in the art and not described in detail here.

La branche supérieure 14 circule en regard d'au moins un poste d'impression 16 disposé entre le poste de chargement et le poste de déchargement.The upper branch 14 circulates opposite at least one printing station 16 disposed between the loading station and the unloading station.

Le poste d'impression 16 comprend une platine 18 fixée sur le bâti 2 et s'étendant sensiblement dans le plan de circulation de la branche supérieure 14, c'est-à-dire sensiblement verticalement. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures, le poste d'impression comprend quatre unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 montées les unes à côté des autres sur la platine 18 autour d'un mandrin 28 monté mobile en rotation sur le bâti 2, par rapport à la platine 18. Les quatre unités d'impression permettent l'impression d'images photographiques car chaque unité est alimentée par une encre de couleur différente, à savoir les trois couleurs primaires (jaune, cyan et magenta) et une encre noire afin de composer une quadrichromie. Ces encres permettent donc d'imprimer tout type d'image sur les objets 6.The printing station 16 comprises a plate 18 fixed to the frame 2 and extending substantially in the plane of movement of the upper branch 14, that is to say substantially vertically. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the printing station comprises four printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 mounted next to each other on the plate 18 around a mandrel 28 mounted to rotate on the frame 2, with respect to the plate 18. The four printing units allow the printing of photographic images because each unit is fed by a different color ink, namely the three primary colors (yellow, cyan and magenta) and a black ink to compose a four-color process. These inks can print any type of image on objects 6.

Le mandrin 28 est propre à porter les objets 6 à imprimer et présente un axe de révolution A-A autour duquel le mandrin 28 est mobile en rotation, entraîné par un moteur 30 (figure 3) dont l'arbre d'entraînement est en prise direct avec l'axe du mandrin 28, c'est-à-dire que l'arbre d'entraînement du moteur 30 s'étend selon l'axe A-A. La vitesse de rotation du mandrin 28 est donc constante et est facilement ajustable puisqu'elle est égale à la vitesse de rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement du moteur 30. L'axe A-A du mandrin 28, sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan de circulation de la branche supérieure 14 et donc perpendiculaire à la platine 18, est fixe par rapport à la platine 18. C'est-à-dire que le mandrin 28 n'est pas mobile en translation dans le plan de circulation vertical de la branche supérieure 14 du convoyeur 8 et que l'axe de rotation A-A du mandrin 28 est fixe par rapport au poste d'impression 16.The mandrel 28 is suitable for carrying the objects 6 to be printed and has an axis of revolution AA around which the mandrel 28 is rotatable, driven by a motor 30 ( figure 3 ) whose drive shaft is in direct contact with the axis of the mandrel 28, that is to say that the motor drive shaft 30 extends along the axis AA. The rotational speed of the mandrel 28 is therefore constant and is easily adjustable since it is equal to the speed of rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 30. The axis AA of the mandrel 28, substantially perpendicular to the plane of circulation of the upper branch 14 and therefore perpendicular to the plate 18, is fixed relative to the plate 18. That is to say that the mandrel 28 is not movable in translation in the vertical flow plane of the upper branch 14 of the conveyor 8 and that the axis of rotation AA of the mandrel 28 is fixed relative to the printing station 16.

Avantageusement, le mandrin 28 est équipé de perçages formant des buses d'arrivée d'air émergeant à la surface extérieure du mandrin. Ces buses sont reliées à une source d'air sous pression. Cette source d'air est commandée pour assurer une alimentation en air des buses après l'impression et immédiatement avant et pendant le déchargement d'un objet du mandrin, afin de faciliter son extraction.Advantageously, the mandrel 28 is equipped with bores forming air intake nozzles emerging on the outer surface of the mandrel. These nozzles are connected to a source of air under pressure. This air source is controlled to provide an air supply of the nozzles after printing and immediately before and during the unloading of an object of the mandrel, to facilitate its extraction.

Les unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sont des dispositifs à jet d'encre comprenant une pluralité de buses agencées pour projeter de l'encre sur une zone d'impression des objets 6 à imprimer de façon connue. De telles unités d'impression étant connues, elles ne seront pas décrites en détail ici. L'homme du métier pourra par exemple se référer au document EP-1 918 100 .The printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are ink jet devices comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged to project ink onto a printing area of the objects 6 to be printed in a known manner. Such printing units being known, they will not be described in detail here. The skilled person may for example refer to the document EP-1 918 100 .

Les unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sont disposées sur un arc de cercle dont le centre est confondu avec l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 de sorte que les buses s'étendent sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 et se trouvent en regard de la zone à imprimer de l'objet 6 porté par le mandrin 28, par exemple à une distance sensiblement comprise entre 1 mm et 3 mm de la zone à imprimer. La platine 18 est munie d'une paire de rails de positionnement 32, 34 par unité d'impression, lesdits rails s'étendant radialement autour de l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 afin de permettre le réglage de la distance des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 par rapport à l'axe A-A. Les unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sont montées chacune sur une paire de rails 32, 34, ce qui permet de régler la position des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 en fonction du diamètre des objets 6 à imprimer en déplaçant les unités d'impression sur leurs rails 32, 34 respectifs. Le déplacement des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sur les rails 32, 34 peut se faire au moyen d'un seul moteur relié aux unités par des moyens appropriés (non représentés).The printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are arranged on an arc whose center coincides with the axis AA of the mandrel 28 so that the nozzles extend substantially parallel to the axis AA of the mandrel 28. and are opposite the printing area of the object 6 carried by the mandrel 28, for example at a distance substantially between 1 mm and 3 mm from the area to be printed. The plate 18 is provided with a pair of positioning rails 32, 34 per printing unit, said rails extending radially about the axis AA of the mandrel 28 to allow adjustment of the distance of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 with respect to the axis AA. The printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are each mounted on a pair of rails 32, 34, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 as a function of the diameter of the objects 6 to be printed by moving the printing units on their respective rails 32, 34. The displacement of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 on the rails 32, 34 can be done by means of a single motor connected to the units by appropriate means (not shown).

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures, les unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sont disposées sur une plage de 180° autour de l'objet 6 à imprimer. Sur cette plage, les unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sont réparties régulièrement de manière à former un angle de 60° les unes par rapport aux autres.According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are arranged in a range of 180 ° around the object 6 to be printed. In this range, the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 are distributed evenly at an angle of 60 ° to each other.

Il est cependant entendu que les quatre unités d'impression pourraient être réparties sur une plage supérieure à 180° ou que plus de quatre unités d'impression pourraient être prévues sur une plage supérieure à 180°. En effet, l'axe du mandrin 28 étant fixe par rapport au poste d'impression, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir un espace de dégagement permettant de déplacer le mandrin 28 dans le plan de circulation vertical de la branche supérieure 14. Ainsi, le poste d'impression pourrait être aménagé pour que des unités d'impression ou de séchage entourent toute la circonférence du mandrin 28. Ceci permet par exemple d'augmenter la cadence d'impression en augmentant le nombre d'unités d'impression disposées autour du mandrin 28.However, it is understood that the four printing units could be spread over a range greater than 180 ° or that more than four printing units could be provided over a range greater than 180 °. Indeed, the axis of the mandrel 28 being fixed relative to the printing station, it is not necessary to provide a clearance space for moving the mandrel 28 in the vertical flow plane of the upper branch 14. Thus , the printing station could be arranged so that printing or drying units surround the entire circumference of the mandrel 28. This allows for example to increase the print rate by increasing the number of printing units arranged around the mandrel 28.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le poste d'impression 16 comprend en outre une unité de séchage superficiel 35 de l'encre projetée sur l'objet 6 à imprimer. Cette unité 35 est par exemple formée par une ou plusieurs diodes électroluminescentes (LED) montées sur un support agencé sur le même arc de cercle que les unités d'impression et disposées en regard de la zone d'impression de l'objet 6 à imprimer. L'unité de séchage est propre à figer l'encre imprimée sur l'objet 6 emmanché sur le mandrin 28.According to one embodiment, the printing station 16 further comprises a superficial drying unit 35 of the ink projected onto the object 6 to be printed. This unit 35 is for example formed by one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a support arranged on the same circular arc as the printing units and arranged opposite the printing zone of the object 6 to be printed. . The drying unit is able to freeze the ink printed on the object 6 fitted on the mandrel 28.

Une ou deux unités d'impression supplémentaires (non représentées) peuvent également être prévues sur le même arc de cercle que les autres unités d'impression afin de vernir la zone d'impression après l'impression de celle-ci au moyen d'une des unités d'impression supplémentaires et/ou afin d'imprimer un fond blanc (par exemple sur un objet 6 de couleur) avant l'impression des autres couleurs formant la quadrichromie, au moyen de l'autre des unités d'impression supplémentaires.One or two additional printing units (not shown) may also be provided on the same circular arc as the other printing units so to varnish the printing area after printing it by means of one of the additional printing units and / or to print a white background (for example on a colored object 6) before printing other colors forming the four-color process, by means of the other additional printing units.

Le mandrin 28 est en outre mobile en translation le long de son axe A-A afin de permettre d'exposer une zone d'impression plus large, ou plusieurs zones d'impression, aux unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26, comme représenté sur les figures 4 et 5. Comme l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 est fixe par rapport à la platine 18, il est particulièrement simple de rendre le mandrin 28 mobile en translation. Pour ce faire, l'ensemble formé par le mandrin 28 et son moteur d'entraînement 30 est monté sur des rails 38 (figure 3) s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe A-A et le déplacement en translation est actionné par un moteur 40 raccordé à l'ensemble mandrin 28/ moteur 30 par des moyens appropriés. Ainsi, des objets 6 présentant une zone d'impression de hauteur supérieure à la hauteur des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 peuvent être imprimés en déplaçant le mandrin 28 en translation par rapport à ces unités, comme représenté par les figures 4 et 5 dans lesquelles le mandrin 28 adopte deux positions différentes.The mandrel 28 is further movable in translation along its axis AA in order to make it possible to expose a wider printing zone, or several printing zones, to the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26, as represented on the figures 4 and 5 . As the axis AA of the mandrel 28 is fixed relative to the plate 18, it is particularly simple to make the mandrel 28 movable in translation. To do this, the assembly formed by the mandrel 28 and its drive motor 30 is mounted on rails 38 ( figure 3 ) extending substantially parallel to the axis AA and the displacement in translation is actuated by a motor 40 connected to the mandrel assembly 28 / motor 30 by appropriate means. Thus, objects 6 having a printing area of height greater than the height of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 can be printed by moving the mandrel 28 in translation relative to these units, as represented by the figures 4 and 5 in which the mandrel 28 adopts two different positions.

Le déclenchement des jets d'encre de chaque unité d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 se fait de façon synchronisée avec la rotation du mandrin 28. Pour ce faire, une unité de pilotage (non représenté) est apte à recevoir des informations sur la vitesse de rotation du mandrin 28, sur la position du mandrin 28 en translation et est reliée à chaque unité d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 pour commander leur déclenchement. L'unité de pilotage est en outre apte à recevoir des données représentatives du motif à imprimer sur les objets, des données représentatives du diamètre des objets à imprimer. L'unité de pilotage est propre à commander le déclenchement de la projection d'encre de chaque unité d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 en fonction de la position du mandrin 28, et donc de l'objet disposé sur le mandrin 28, ainsi que de la vitesse de rotation du mandrin 28 au cours de l'impression. Le pilotage des unités d'impression est connu en soi, et est par exemple décrit dans le document EP-1 918 100 . Il convient cependant de noter que ce pilotage est simplifié grâce à la machine à imprimer de la présente invention. En effet, le moteur 30 étant en prise directe avec l'axe de rotation du mandrin 28, il n'y a pas de différence entre la vitesse de rotation du mandrin 28 et celle de l'arbre d'entraînement du moteur 30. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire d'adapter la vitesse de rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement du moteur 30 pour obtenir une vitesse périphérique du mandrin 28 constante.The firing of the ink jets of each printing unit 20, 22, 24, 26 is done synchronously with the rotation of the mandrel 28. To do this, a control unit (not shown) is able to receive information the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28, the position of the mandrel 28 in translation and is connected to each printing unit 20, 22, 24, 26 to control their release. The control unit is also able to receive data representative of the pattern to be printed on the objects, data representative of the diameter of the objects to be printed. The control unit is able to control the triggering of the ink projection of each printing unit 20, 22, 24, 26 as a function of the position of the mandrel 28, and therefore of the object disposed on the mandrel 28. as well as the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28 during printing. The control of the printing units is known per se, and is for example described in the document EP-1 918 100 . It should be noted, however, that this control is simplified by the printing machine of the present invention. Indeed, the motor 30 being in direct contact with the axis of rotation of the mandrel 28, there is no difference between the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28 and that of the drive shaft of the motor 30. it is therefore not necessary to adapt the speed of rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 30 to obtain a peripheral speed of the mandrel 28 constant.

La machine à imprimer 1 comprend des moyens de transfert 42 d'un objet 6 à imprimer des moyens de transport 4 au poste d'impression 16, c'est-à-dire d'un doigt 10 au mandrin 28. Ces moyens de transfert 42 comprennent un arbre 44 s'étendant selon un axe B-B sensiblement parallèle à l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 et mobile en translation selon cet axe B-B (figure 3). L'arbre 44 comprend, à son extrémité opposée au bâti 2, un bras 46, mobile en rotation autour de l'axe B-B et pourvu, à au moins l'une de ses extrémités de moyens de préhension 48 aptes à saisir un objet 6. Le bras 46 est donc mobile en rotation dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan de circulation vertical de la branche supérieure 14 du convoyeur 8 et peut se rapprocher plus ou moins de ce plan par la translation de l'arbre 44 selon l'axe B-B. Les moyens de préhension 48 sont par exemple formés par une pince, dont les mors présentent une forme sensiblement complémentaire des objets 6. Ces mors sont mobiles entre une position ouverte, dans laquelle ils peuvent se placer autour d'un objet 6, et une position fermée, dans laquelle ils enserrent un objet 6 sans déformer celui-ci. Les moyens de transfert 42 sont donc aptes à saisir un objet 6 sur un doigt 10, en déplaçant le bras 46 en rotation de sorte à placer les moyens de préhension 48 en regard d'un objet 6 porté par un doigt 10 et en déplaçant l'arbre 44 en translation de sorte à placer les moyens de préhension 48 en position ouverte atour de l'objet 6 puis en faisant passer les moyens de préhension en position fermée. Les moyens de transfert 42 sont également aptes à placer l'objet 6 saisi sur le mandrin 28, en déplaçant l'arbre 44 en translation de sorte à faire sortir l'objet 6 du doigt 10 et en déplaçant le bras 46 en rotation de sorte à placer les moyens de préhension 48 portant l'objet en regard du mandrin, puis en déplaçant à nouveau l'arbre 44 en translation de sorte à amener l'objet 6 sur le mandrin 28 et en faisant passer les moyens de préhension 48 en position ouverte de sorte à lâcher l'objet 6 maintenu par le mandrin 28. Il est entendu que les moyens de transfert 42 sont également aptes à prélever un objet 6 imprimé du mandrin 28 et de placer cet objet 6 sur un doigt 10, par des mouvements inverses. L'actionnement en translation de l'arbre 44 se fait par un moteur 50 et l'actionnement en rotation du bras 46 par un moteur 52 (figure 3).The printing machine 1 comprises transfer means 42 of an object 6 to print transport means 4 to the printing station 16, that is to say from a finger 10 to the mandrel 28. These transfer means 42 comprise a shaft 44 extending according to a BB axis substantially parallel to the axis AA of the mandrel 28 and movable in translation along this axis BB ( figure 3 ). The shaft 44 comprises, at its end opposite the frame 2, an arm 46, rotatable about the axis BB and provided, at at least one of its ends with gripping means 48 able to grip an object 6 The arm 46 is thus rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to the vertical circulation plane of the upper branch 14 of the conveyor 8 and can approach more or less from this plane by the translation of the shaft 44 along the axis BB . The gripping means 48 are for example formed by a gripper, whose jaws have a shape substantially complementary to the objects 6. These jaws are movable between an open position, in which they can be placed around an object 6, and a position closed, in which they enclose an object 6 without deforming it. The transfer means 42 are therefore able to grip an object 6 on a finger 10, by moving the arm 46 in rotation so as to place the gripping means 48 opposite an object 6 carried by a finger 10 and by moving the shaft 44 in translation so as to place the gripping means 48 in the open position around the object 6 and then passing the gripping means in the closed position. The transfer means 42 are also able to place the object 6 gripped on the mandrel 28, by moving the shaft 44 in translation so as to make the object 6 come out of the finger 10 and by moving the arm 46 in rotation so that to place the gripping means 48 carrying the object facing the mandrel, then moving the shaft 44 in translation again so as to bring the object 6 onto the mandrel 28 and by passing the gripping means 48 in position open to release the object 6 held by the mandrel 28. It is understood that the transfer means 42 are also able to take an object 6 printed mandrel 28 and place the object 6 on a finger 10, by movements inverses. The actuation in translation of the shaft 44 is by a motor 50 and the actuation in rotation of the arm 46 by a motor 52 ( figure 3 ).

Comme représenté sur les figures 6, 7 et 8, la partie extrême libre 64 du mandrin 28, en regard des moyens de transfert 42, présente une forme de cône tronqué de révolution, dont la petite base forme l'extrémité libre du mandrin et dont la grande base présente un diamètre égal au diamètre du reste du mandrin 28. Une telle forme de la partie extrême libre 64 du mandrin permet de faciliter le chargement d'un objet 6 sur le mandrin 28 en formant des moyens de centrage de l'objet 6 sur le mandrin 28. En effet, la paroi de l'extrémité libre 64 du mandrin permet de guider l'objet 6 sur le mandrin 28 si les moyens de préhension 48 ne sont pas tout à fait centrés sur l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 lors du chargement de l'objet 6 sur le mandrin 28.As shown on figures 6 , 7 and 8 , the free end portion 64 of the mandrel 28, facing the transfer means 42, has a truncated conical shape of revolution, whose small base forms the free end of the mandrel and whose large base has a diameter equal to the diameter of the remainder of the mandrel 28. Such a shape of the free end portion 64 of the mandrel facilitates the loading of an object 6 on the mandrel 28 by forming centering means of the object 6 on the mandrel 28. Indeed, the wall of the free end 64 of the mandrel can guide the object 6 on the mandrel 28 if the gripping means 48 are not quite centered on the axis AA of the mandrel 28 during the loading of the object 6 on the mandrel 28.

Le déplacement en translation selon l'axe A-A du mandrin 28 permet également de faciliter le chargement d'un objet 6 en rendant le mandrin 28 mobile entre une position de chargement, représentée sur les figures 6 et 7, et une position d'impression, représentée sur la figure 8. En position de chargement, le mandrin 28 est déplacé en translation vers les moyens de préhension 48, de sorte que sa partie extrême 64 est écartée des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26, et en position d'impression, le mandrin 28 est ramené vers la platine 18 de sorte que la partie extrême 64 et la zone d'impression de l'objet 6 s'étendent en regard des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26. La course en translation des moyens de transfert 42, permettant le chargement d'un objet 6 sur le mandrin 28, est ainsi réduite et le chargement est facilité car la partie extrême 64 du mandrin 28 se trouve dans un espace dégagé lorsque le mandrin 28 est dans sa position de chargement, ce qui limite le risque que l'objet 6 heurte un élément entourant le mandrin 28 lors du déplacement des moyens de transfert 42.The displacement in translation along the axis AA of the mandrel 28 also facilitates the loading of an object 6 by making the mandrel 28 movable between a position loading, shown on the figures 6 and 7 , and a printing position, represented on the figure 8 . In the loading position, the mandrel 28 is moved in translation towards the gripping means 48, so that its end portion 64 is spaced apart from the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26, and in the printing position, the mandrel 28 is returned to the plate 18 so that the end portion 64 and the printing area of the object 6 extend opposite the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26. The translation stroke of the printing means transfer 42, allowing the loading of an object 6 on the mandrel 28, is thus reduced and the loading is facilitated because the end portion 64 of the mandrel 28 is in an open space when the mandrel 28 is in its loading position, this which limits the risk that the object 6 strikes an element surrounding the mandrel 28 during the displacement of the transfer means 42.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures, le bras 46 porte une pince à chacune de ses extrémités et est monté en rotation sur l'arbre 44 en son centre. Ainsi, les moyens de transfert 42 sont aptes à saisir un objet 6 à imprimer sur un doigt 10 et simultanément un objet 6 imprimé sur le mandrin 28 et à déposer l'objet 6 à imprimer sur le mandrin 28 et simultanément l'objet 6 imprimé sur le doigt 10. Ainsi, par les mêmes opérations, on décharge le mandrin 28 d'un objet imprimé et on le charge d'un objet à imprimer.According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the arm 46 carries a clamp at each of its ends and is rotatably mounted on the shaft 44 at its center. Thus, the transfer means 42 are able to grip an object 6 to be printed on a finger 10 and simultaneously an object 6 printed on the mandrel 28 and to deposit the object 6 to be printed on the mandrel 28 and simultaneously the printed object 6 on the finger 10. Thus, by the same operations, the mandrel 28 is discharged from a printed object and is loaded with an object to be printed.

Il est possible que certains objets 6 soient déformés ou endommagés avant leur impression, par exemple lors de leur stockage. Cette déformation peut entraîner une augmentation locale du diamètre de l'objet par rapport au diamètre nominal des objets à imprimer, par exemple si celui-ci a été écrasé. La déformation peut également entraîner un « froissement » de l'objet lors de son introduction sur le mandrin 28, si la paroi de l'objet 6 vient en appui contre le mandrin par exemple, ce qui augmente également le diamètre nominal de l'objet 6. Une telle augmentation du diamètre de l'objet 6 peut endommager de manière irrémédiable les buses des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 car l'objet 6 frotte contre celles-ci lors de sa rotation avec le mandrin 28. Pour éviter un tel risque, la machine à imprimer 1 est agencée pour empêcher le chargement d'un objet 6 déformé sur le mandrin 28.It is possible that some objects 6 are deformed or damaged before printing, for example during storage. This deformation can cause a local increase in the diameter of the object relative to the nominal diameter of the objects to be printed, for example if it has been overwritten. The deformation can also cause a "wrinkling" of the object during its introduction on the mandrel 28, if the wall of the object 6 bears against the mandrel for example, which also increases the nominal diameter of the object 6. Such an increase in the diameter of the object 6 can irreparably damage the nozzles of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 because the object 6 rubs against these during its rotation with the mandrel 28. To avoid such a risk, the printing machine 1 is arranged to prevent the loading of an object 6 deformed on the mandrel 28.

A cet effet, la machine à imprimer 1 comprend une lunette de calibrage 66 visible à plus grande échelle sur les figures 9 et 10. Cette lunette est interposée entre les moyens de transfert 42 et les unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 sur l'axe A-A de rotation du mandrin 28. La lunette 66 est solidaire du bâti 2 et comprend une ouverture centrale 68 de section variable délimitée par une couronne 202 formée de secteurs mobiles.For this purpose, the printing machine 1 comprises a calibrating bezel 66 visible on a larger scale on the figures 9 and 10 . This telescope is interposed between the transfer means 42 and the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 on the axis AA of rotation of the mandrel 28. The bezel 66 is integral with the frame 2 and comprises a central opening 68 of section variable delimited by a ring 202 formed of moving sectors.

La couronne 202 présente intérieurement un diamètre réduit lorsque les secteurs mobiles sont resserrés et un diamètre élargi lorsqu'ils sont desserrés. La lunette de calibrage 66 est alors respectivement en position resserrée et desserrée. Lorsque la couronne est en position resserrée, comme décrit ultérieurement, l'ouverture centrale 68 est de forme annulaire sensiblement complémentaire de celle des objets à imprimer 6 et d'axe A-A. C'est-à-dire que l'ouverture centrale 68 est centrée sur l'axe A-A entre le mandrin 28 et les moyens de préhension 48 de sorte qu'un objet à imprimer 6 doit passer par l'ouverture centrale 68 lors de son chargement sur le mandrin 28 par les moyens de transfert 42.The ring 202 has a reduced diameter internally when the moving sectors are tightened and an enlarged diameter when they are loosened. The telescope calibration 66 is then respectively in the constricted and loosened position. When the ring is in the tightened position, as described later, the central opening 68 is of annular shape substantially complementary to that of the objects to be printed 6 and axis AA. That is, the central opening 68 is centered on the axis AA between the mandrel 28 and the gripping means 48 so that an object to be printed 6 must pass through the central opening 68 during its loading on the mandrel 28 by the transfer means 42.

En position resserrée de la lunette, l'ouverture centrale 68 présente un diamètre supérieur à celui du mandrin 28 mais inférieur à la somme du diamètre externe nominal d'un objet 6 monté sur le mandrin et 1,5 mm. C'est-à-dire que lorsque l'objet 6 présente bien un diamètre extérieur nominal constant, il existe un jeu sensiblement égal à une fois l'épaisseur de la paroi d'un objet 6 entre le bord de l'ouverture centrale 68 et l'objet à imprimer 6 lorsque celui-ci passe par la lunette de calibrage 66.In the constricted position of the bezel, the central opening 68 has a diameter greater than that of the mandrel 28 but less than the sum of the nominal external diameter of an object 6 mounted on the mandrel and 1.5 mm. That is, when the object 6 has a constant nominal outside diameter, there is a clearance substantially equal to one times the thickness of the wall of an object 6 between the edge of the central opening 68 and the object to be printed 6 when it passes through the calibration bezel 66.

La lunette 66 est montée sur le bâti 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un coulisseau, ce qui la rend mobile en translation selon un axe parallèle à l'axe A-A par rapport au bâti 2.The telescope 66 is mounted on the frame 2 by means of a slide, which makes it movable in translation along an axis parallel to the axis A-A relative to the frame 2.

A cet effet, la couronne 202 est portée par un équipage mobile 204, dont une platine 205 est mobile par rapport à un châssis 206 fixé rigidement au bâti de la machine.For this purpose, the ring 202 is carried by a mobile assembly 204, a plate 205 is movable relative to a frame 206 rigidly fixed to the frame of the machine.

L'équipage mobile est guidé en translation par rapport au bâti 206 par l'intermédiaire de deux coulisses 208 assurant un déplacement en translation suivant l'axe A-A de la couronne 202.The moving equipment is guided in translation relative to the frame 206 by means of two slides 208 ensuring a displacement in translation along the axis A-A of the ring 202.

L'équipage mobile est sollicité par un moyen élastique vers une position de repos à l'écart du mandrin 28 et est déplaçable vers le mandrin 28 à l'encontre de l'action des moyens élastiques sous l'action du contact d'un objet introduit suivant l'axe A-A sur le mandrin 28 dont le diamètre est supérieur à celui de l'ouverture centrale.The moving element is urged by an elastic means towards a rest position away from the mandrel 28 and is displaceable towards the mandrel 28 against the action of the elastic means under the action of the contact of an object introduced along the axis AA on the mandrel 28 whose diameter is greater than that of the central opening.

Un contacteur est interposé entre l'équipage mobile 204 et le châssis 206 pour détecter le déplacement en translation et commander l'arrêt du chargement de la machine avec l'objet considéré.A contactor is interposed between the mobile assembly 204 and the frame 206 to detect the displacement in translation and to control the stopping of the loading of the machine with the object under consideration.

La couronne 202 comporte deux flasques 210A, 210B délimitant chacun une empreinte en forme de demi-cercle 212A, 212B constituant un secteur de la couronne. Ces flasques sont montés coulissant dans un même plan par rapport à la platine 205 de l'équipage mobile 204. Ce plan s'étend perpendiculairement à l'axe A-A d'insertion du tube.The ring 202 comprises two flanges 210A, 210B each delimiting a semicircular-shaped footprint 212A, 212B constituting a sector of the ring. These flanges are slidably mounted in the same plane with respect to the plate 205 of the moving element 204. This plane extends perpendicularly to the insertion axis A-A of the tube.

Les deux flasques sont montés chacun sur une glissière 220 visible sur la figure 6. Comme illustré sur la figure 11, les deux flasques sont sollicités l'un vers l'autre par l'intermédiaire de ressorts 222A, 222B interposés entre les flasques et un plot d'arrêt 224A, 224B solidaire de la platine 205 de l'équipage mobile 204.The two flanges are each mounted on a slide 220 visible on the figure 6 . As illustrated on the figure 11 , the two flanges are biased towards each other by means of springs 222A, 222B interposed between the flanges and a stop pin 224A, 224B integral with the plate 205 of the moving element 204.

Des butées 226A, 226B, visibles sur la figure 12, sont prévues sur chacun des flasques 210A, 210B pour immobiliser en position les deux flasques repoussés sous l'action des ressorts 222A, 222B. Les butées 226A, 226B sont propres à coopérer avec un patin médian 228 solidaire de la platine 205.Stops 226A, 226B, visible on the figure 12 , are provided on each of the flanges 210A, 210B to immobilize in position the two flanges repulsed under the action of the springs 222A, 222B. The stops 226A, 226B are adapted to cooperate with a median pad 228 integral with the plate 205.

Lorsque les deux flasques sont ainsi dans leur position définie par les butées 226A, 226B en appui sur le patin, la lunette est en position resserrée.When the two flanges are thus in their position defined by the abutments 226A, 226B resting on the pad, the bezel is in the tightened position.

Un actionneur 240 est prévu pour déplacer les deux flasques 210A, 210B entre une position resserrée dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale 68 est de petite taille et une position desserrée dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale 68 est de grande taille.An actuator 240 is provided to move the two flanges 210A, 210B between a constricted position in which the central opening 68 is small and a loosened position in which the central opening 68 is large.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 9, l'actionneur 240 comporte un coulisseau 242 monté déplaçable à coulissement par rapport au châssis 206 par l'intermédiaire d'un patin à billes 244 monté sur une glissière 246 prévue à l'extrémité d'un bras de potence 250 du châssis 206. Le coulisseau 242 est déplaçable en translation le long de la glissière 246 sous l'action d'un agencement vis-écrou, un écrou 260 étant solidaire du coulisseau et engagé autour d'une vis 262 disposée suivant la direction de déplacement du coulisseau. Cette vis est entraînée par un moteur électrique 266 monté en tête du bras de potence 250.In the embodiment illustrated on the figure 9 , the actuator 240 comprises a slide 242 slidably mounted relative to the frame 206 via a ball pad 244 mounted on a slide 246 provided at the end of a bracket arm 250 of the frame 206. The slide 242 is displaceable in translation along the slide 246 under the action of a screw-nut arrangement, a nut 260 being integral with the slide and engaged around a screw 262 disposed in the direction of movement of the slide. This screw is driven by an electric motor 266 mounted at the top of the stem arm 250.

A son extrémité, le coulisseau 242 est équipé d'un coin 270 présentant deux surfaces de came convergentes 272A, 272B propres à coopérer avec des galets 274A, 274B prévus aux extrémités supérieures des flasques 210A, 210B.At its end, the slider 242 is equipped with a wedge 270 having two converging cam surfaces 272A, 272B adapted to cooperate with rollers 274A, 274B provided at the upper ends of the flanges 210A, 210B.

La commande du moteur 266 est asservie à la commande de la machine de manière à ce que la lunette 68 commute entre sa position serrée et sa position desserrée en fonction des phases de chargement et de déchargement d'un objet 6 sur le mandrin 28.The control of the motor 266 is slaved to the control of the machine so that the bezel 68 switches between its tight position and its loosened position according to the loading and unloading phases of an object 6 on the mandrel 28.

Ainsi, le moteur 266 est commandé de manière à amener la lunette 68 dans sa position serrée avant le chargement d'un objet sur le mandrin 6 à partir des moyens de transfert. A cet effet, le coin 270 est écarté des galets 274A, 274B, libérant ainsi les deux flasques 210A, 210B qui sont repoussés sous l'action des ressorts 222A, 222B l'un vers l'autre et viennent s'appuyer sur le patin 228 par l'intermédiaire des butées 226A, 226B.Thus, the motor 266 is controlled to bring the bezel 68 into its tight position prior to loading an object onto the mandrel 6 from the transfer means. For this purpose, the wedge 270 is spaced from the rollers 274A, 274B, thus releasing the two flanges 210A, 210B which are pushed back under the action of the springs 222A, 222B towards each other and come to rest on the shoe 228 via stops 226A, 226B.

En revanche, lorsqu'un objet doit être retiré du mandrin 28 après impression, le moteur 226 est commandé pour amener la lunette dans sa position desserrée dans laquelle les deux flasques 210A, 210B sont écartés l'un de l'autre à l'encontre de l'action des ressorts 22A, 22B.On the other hand, when an object has to be removed from the mandrel 28 after printing, the motor 226 is controlled to bring the telescope into its loosened position in which the two flanges 210A, 210B are spaced apart from each other against the action of the springs 22A, 22B.

A cet effet, le moteur 226 déplace le coin 270 vers l'axe A-A. Les galets en appui sur les surfaces de came 272A, 272B, provoque un déplacement en translation des deux flasques à l'encontre des ressorts 222A, 222B.For this purpose, the motor 226 moves the wedge 270 towards the axis AA. The rollers resting on the cam surfaces 272A, 272B causes a translational movement of the two flanges against the springs 222A, 222B.

La position des butées 226A, 226B, la forme des cames 272A, 272B, ainsi que la forme des empreintes délimitées par les flasques 210A, 210B sont adaptées de sorte que dans la position resserrée de la lunette, le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale 68, c'est-à-dire la distance maximale séparant les empreintes, est sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur nominal du tube augmenté d'une fois la distance séparant la ou chaque unité d'impression de la surface extérieure du tube lors de l'impression. Cette distance est comprise entre 0,6 et 1 mm et souvent égale à 0,8 mm. En position desserrée, le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale est supérieur d'au moins 4 mm par rapport au diamètre nominal de l'objet à imprimer.The position of the stops 226A, 226B, the shape of the cams 272A, 272B, as well as the shape of the indentations delimited by the flanges 210A, 210B are adapted so that in the constricted position of the bezel, the diameter of the central opening 68 , i.e. the maximum distance separating the cavities, is substantially equal to the nominal outside diameter of the tube increased by one time the distance separating the or each printing unit from the outside surface of the tube during printing . This distance is between 0.6 and 1 mm and often equal to 0.8 mm. In the loose position, the diameter of the central opening is at least 4 mm greater than the nominal diameter of the object to be printed.

On conçoit qu'avec un tel agencement, lors du chargement d'un objet à imprimer sur le mandrin 28, la lunette est en position resserrée et définit alors une ouverture de petite taille.It is conceivable that with such an arrangement, when loading an object to be printed on the mandrel 28, the bezel is in the constricted position and then defines a small opening.

La position de la lunette de calibrage 66 par rapport au bâti 2 est telle que l'ouverture centrale 68 s'étend autour de la partie extrême 64 du mandrin 28 lorsque celui-ci est en position de chargement, comme représenté sur les figures 6 et 7. La lunette 66 s'étend donc en amont des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 par rapport à la direction de chargement d'un objet 6 sur le mandrin 28. Lors du chargement d'un objet 6 sur le mandrin, la lunette de calibrage 66 est en position resserrée. L'objet 6 est déjà engagé sur le mandrin 28 et centré par sa partie extrême 64 lorsqu'il passe par l'ouverture centrale 68 de la lunette de calibrage 66, ce qui améliore le guidage de l'objet 6 vers cette ouverture 68 et facilite son passage par l'ouverture 68 malgré le faible jeu entre l'objet 6 et le bord de l'ouverture 68.The position of the calibration bezel 66 relative to the frame 2 is such that the central opening 68 extends around the end portion 64 of the mandrel 28 when the latter is in the loading position, as shown in FIGS. figures 6 and 7 . The telescope 66 thus extends upstream of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26 relative to the direction of loading of an object 6 on the mandrel 28. When loading an object 6 on the mandrel, the calibration bezel 66 is in the constricted position. The object 6 is already engaged on the mandrel 28 and centered by its end portion 64 as it passes through the central opening 68 of the calibration bezel 66, which improves the guidance of the object 6 towards this opening 68 and facilitates its passage through the opening 68 despite the small clearance between the object 6 and the edge of the opening 68.

On comprend que si l'objet à imprimer 6 est déformé et présente un diamètre supérieur au diamètre nominal qu'il devrait avoir, il ne peut pas passer par l'ouverture centrale 68 de la lunette de calibrage 66 lorsque la lunette 66 est en position resserrée. En effet, dans ce cas, l'objet 6 est arrêté par le bord de l'ouverture centrale 68. Ainsi, si un objet 6 déformé heurte la lunette 66, celle-ci se déplace en translation vers le bâti et actionne le contacteur agencé pour arrêter le moteur 50 actionnant le déplacement en translation des moyens de transfert 42. Ainsi, le chargement de l'objet 6 déformé est immédiatement arrêté et cet objet 6 ne peut pas venir endommager les buses des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26 puisque la lunette 66 s'étend en amont de celles-ci par rapport à la direction de chargement des objets 6 et que le diamètre de son ouverture centrale 68 est inférieur à la somme du diamètre de l'objet 6 et 0,75 mm, sachant que la distance entre la bord inférieur d'une buse et l'objet 6 de diamètre nominal est d'environ 0,8 mm, c'est-à-dire qu'il existe un espace d'au moins 0,1 mm entre un objet 6 passé par la lunette 66 et les buses des unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26. La lunette 66 permet donc de s'assurer que seuls des objets 6 ayant la forme et le diamètre requis seront imprimés par le poste d'impression 16.It is understood that if the object to be printed 6 is deformed and has a diameter greater than the nominal diameter that it should have, it can not pass through the central opening 68 of the calibration bezel 66 when the bezel 66 is in position tightened. Indeed, in this case, the object 6 is stopped by the edge of the central opening 68. Thus, if a deformed object 6 strikes the telescope 66, the latter moves in translation towards the frame and actuates the arranged contactor to stop the motor 50 actuating the translational movement of the transfer means 42. Thus, the loading of the deformed object 6 is stopped immediately and this object 6 can not come to damage the nozzles of the printing units 20, 22, 24 26 because the telescope 66 extends upstream thereof relative to the loading direction of the objects 6 and the diameter of its central opening 68 is smaller than the sum of the diameter of the object 6 and 0.75 mm, knowing that the distance between the lower edge of a nozzle and the object 6 of nominal diameter is about 0.8 mm, that is to say that there is a space of at least 0, 1 mm between an object 6 passed by the bezel 66 and the nozzles of the printing units 20, 22, 24, 26. The bezel 66 therefore allows of ensure that only objects 6 having the required shape and diameter will be printed by the printing station 16.

Avantageusement, les deux flasques sont écartés dès le franchissement de l'ouverture centrale 68 par l'extrémité avant de l'objet, évitant tout contact ultérieur entre l'objet et la lunette et favorisant l'engagement de l'objet sur le mandrin, surtout si un flux d'air est soufflé depuis les buses du mandrin pour favoriser le coulissement de l'objet sur le mandrin puisque dans ce cas, l'objet risque de subir une déformation radiale.Advantageously, the two flanges are spaced from the crossing of the central opening 68 by the front end of the object, avoiding any subsequent contact between the object and the bezel and promoting the engagement of the object on the mandrel, especially if a flow of air is blown from the mandrel nozzles to promote the sliding of the object on the mandrel since in this case, the object may undergo radial deformation.

Lors du déchargement d'un objet, les deux flasques sont écartés sous l'action du moteur 226 de sorte que la lunette de calibrage 66 est amenée dans sa position desserrée et présente alors une ouverture centrale 68 de plus grande taille. L'objet imprimé peut alors être transféré au travers de la lunette sans risque de heurter celle-ci, même si sous l'action de l'air sortant des buses aménagées à la surface du mandrin, le diamètre de l'objet a pu légèrement augmenter. L'écartement des deux flasques de la lunette évite tout contact malencontreux entre la lunette et l'objet en cours de transfert.When unloading an object, the two flanges are spaced under the action of the motor 226 so that the calibration bezel 66 is brought into its loosened position and then has a central opening 68 of larger size. The printed object can then be transferred through the telescope without risk of striking it, even if under the action of the air leaving the nozzles arranged on the surface of the mandrel, the diameter of the object could slightly increase. The spacing of the two flanges of the telescope avoids any unfortunate contact between the telescope and the object being transferred.

Les objets 6 étant placés de façon libre sur les doigts 10, il convient de les positionner autour des doigts 10 par rapport aux moyens de préhension 48 du dispositif de transfert 42. Pour ce faire, la machine à imprimer 1 comprend des moyens de blocage 54 de la position d'un objet 6 autour d'un doigt de réception 10 disposés en regard des moyens de transfert 44. Ces moyens de blocage 54 sont formés d'un élément de blocage 56 pourvu d'au moins une surface de blocage 58 et monté mobile en translation dans le plan vertical par rapport au bâti 2 entre une position de blocage et une position escamotée. Dans la position de blocage, la surface de blocage 58 est appliquée contre un objet 6 porté par un doigt 10 en regard des moyens de transfert 44 de sorte à immobiliser cet objet 6 autour du doigt 10 et dans la position escamotée, l'élément de blocage 58 est éloigné du convoyeur 8. Il convient de noter que dans la position de blocage, l'objet 6 n'est plus en contact avec le doigt 10, l'objet 6 étant soulevé de ce doigt par la surface de blocage 58.Since the objects 6 are placed freely on the fingers 10, they should be positioned around the fingers 10 relative to the gripping means 48 of the transfer device 42. To do this, the printing machine 1 comprises locking means 54. the position of an object 6 around a receiving finger 10 disposed opposite the transfer means 44. These locking means 54 are formed of a locking member 56 provided with at least one blocking surface 58 and mounted movable in translation in the vertical plane relative to the frame 2 between a locking position and a retracted position. In the locking position, the locking surface 58 is applied against an object 6 carried by a finger 10 opposite the transfer means 44 so as to immobilize this object 6 around the finger 10 and in the retracted position, the element of blocking 58 is removed from the conveyor 8. It should be noted that in the blocking position, the object 6 is no longer in contact with the finger 10, the object 6 being lifted from this finger by the blocking surface 58.

La surface de blocage 58 est agencée pour ne pas détériorer la zone d'impression de l'objet 6, ce qui pourrait créer des défauts dans l'impression de l'objet. Pour ce faire, la surface de blocage 58 présente par exemple une forme sensiblement complémentaire d'une partie de l'objet 6 à imprimer et est revêtue par un tissu ou un autre matériau de protection ou encore a reçu un traitement de surface spécifique pour ne pas endommager la zone d'impression de l'objet. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'élément de blocage 56 comprend une ou plusieurs surfaces de blocage agencées pour être appliquées contre l'objet 6 en dehors de la zone à imprimer, par exemple au-dessus et/ou en dessous de cette zone à imprimer.The blocking surface 58 is arranged not to damage the printing area of the object 6, which could create defects in the printing of the object. To do this, the blocking surface 58 has for example a shape substantially complementary to a portion of the object 6 to be printed and is coated with a fabric or other protective material or has received a specific surface treatment to not damage the print area of the object. According to another embodiment, the locking element 56 comprises one or more blocking surfaces arranged to be applied against the object 6 outside the area to be printed, for example above and / or below this zone. to be printed.

Afin d'assurer le blocage de la position de l'objet 6 autour du doigt 10, les moyens de blocage 54 comprennent en outre des moyens d'aspiration (non représenté) de l'objet 6 porté par le doigt de réception, lesdits moyens d'aspiration étant agencés pour immobiliser ledit objet 6 sur la surface de blocage 58 en position de blocage.In order to ensure the blocking of the position of the object 6 around the finger 10, the locking means 54 furthermore comprise suction means (not shown) of the object 6 carried by the receiving finger, said means suction means being arranged to immobilize said object 6 on the locking surface 58 in the locking position.

Les moyens de blocage 54 sont placés en position escamotée après le prélèvement d'un objet 6 à imprimer sur le doigt 10 afin de ne pas entrer en contact avec un objet 6 imprimé qui sera placé sur ledit doigt 10 et ainsi ne pas endommager la zone imprimée de cet objet 6. En effet, comme décrit précédemment, un objet 6 imprimé est placé sur le doigt de réception 10 duquel un objet à imprimer à été prélevé lors du transfert de cet objet à imprimer du doigt 10 au mandrin 28.The locking means 54 are placed in the retracted position after the removal of an object 6 to be printed on the finger 10 so as not to come into contact with a printed object 6 which will be placed on said finger 10 and thus not to damage the area 6. In effect, as described above, a printed object 6 is placed on the receiving finger 10 from which an object to be printed has been taken during the transfer of this object to print from the finger 10 to the mandrel 28.

Un poste de prétraitement 60 de la surface des objets 6 à imprimer est prévu en amont du poste d'impression 16, entre le poste de chargement et le poste d'impression 16 en regard des doigts 10. Ce poste de prétraitement 60 est agencé pour réaliser un traitement de la zone à imprimer des objets 6 avant leur impression. Ce traitement a pour but de permettre une meilleure adhésion de l'encre sur la zone à imprimer.A pretreatment station 60 of the surface of the objects 6 to be printed is provided upstream of the printing station 16, between the loading station and the printing station 16 facing the fingers 10. This preprocessing station 60 is arranged to perform a treatment of the area to print objects 6 before printing. This treatment is intended to allow a better adhesion of the ink on the area to be printed.

En outre, un poste de séchage 62 de la surface des objets 6 imprimés est prévu en aval du poste d'impression 16, entre le poste d'impression 16 et le poste de déchargement en regard des doigts 10. Ce poste est par exemple formé par des moyens de polymérisation à coeur de l'impression afin de figer définitivement l'encre sur la surface des objets imprimés.In addition, a drying station 62 of the surface of the printed objects 6 is provided downstream of the printing station 16, between the printing station 16 and the unloading station facing the fingers 10. This station is formed, for example by means of polymerization in the heart of the printing in order to finally freeze the ink on the surface of the printed objects.

La machine à imprimer décrite ci-dessus comprend un poste d'impression 16 unique. Pour augmenter la cadence d'impression, on prévoit d'ajouter plus de postes d'impression. Ainsi, selon un mode de réalisation non représenté, la machine à imprimer comprend deux postes d'impression 16 disposés l'un à côté de l'autre et selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 6, la machine à imprimer 1 comprend quatre postes d'impression 16 disposés les uns à côtés des autres. Chaque poste d'impression 16 comprend son propre mandrin 28 unique correspondant sur lequel les unités d'impression dudit poste impriment uniquement les objets portés par ce mandrin 28. A chaque poste d'impression 16 correspond également des moyens de transfert 42, des moyens de blocage 54 et un poste de séchage 62. Un poste de prétraitement 60 de la surface est, quant à lui, adapté pour fonctionner avec deux postes d'impression 16. Ainsi, selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 6, la machine à imprimer 1 comprend deux postes de prétraitement 60 pour quatre postes d'impression 16.The printing machine described above includes a single printing station 16. To increase the print rate, it is planned to add more print stations. Thus, according to an embodiment not shown, the printing machine comprises two printing stations 16 arranged next to each other and according to the embodiment shown in FIG. figure 6 , the printing machine 1 comprises four printing stations 16 arranged next to each other. Each printing station 16 comprises its own corresponding single mandrel 28 on which the printing units of said station only print the objects carried by this mandrel 28. At each printing station 16 also corresponds transfer means 42, means of printing. block 54 and a drying station 62. A pretreatment station 60 of the surface is, in turn, adapted to operate with two printing stations 16. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. figure 6 , the printing machine 1 comprises two pretreatment stations 60 for four printing stations 16.

Le fonctionnement de la machine à imprimer 1 et le procédé d'impression des objets vont maintenant être décrits.The operation of the printing machine 1 and the method of printing the objects will now be described.

Les objets à imprimer 6 sont d'abord chargés sur le convoyeur 8 au poste de chargement, les objets étant disposés les uns à la suite des autres sur des doigts de réception 10 adjacents. Les objets 6 circulent alors sur la branche supérieure 14 et avancent selon la direction F et passent devant le poste de prétraitement 60 où ils subissent un traitement de surface en vue de leur impression ultérieure.The objects to be printed 6 are first loaded on the conveyor 8 at the loading station, the objects being arranged one after the other on adjacent receiving fingers 10. The objects 6 then circulate on the upper branch 14 and advance in the direction F and pass in front of the pretreatment station 60 where they undergo a surface treatment for their subsequent printing.

Selon le mode de réalisation dans lequel la machine à imprimer comprend un unique poste d'impression, lorsqu'un objet 6 à imprimer arrive en regard des moyens de transfert 42, la machine d'impression marque un arrêt. Les moyens de blocage 54 passent en position de blocage et le mandrin 28 passe en position de chargement. Les moyens de transfert 42 prélèvent l'objet 6 du convoyeur et le placent sur le mandrin 28 en passant par la lunette de calibrage 66. Le mandrin 28 retourne ensuite dans sa position d'impression. Si un objet imprimé était disposé sur le mandrin 28, cet objet est prélevé dans le même temps et est placé sur le doigt qui vient d'être libéré. Les moyens de blocage 54 repassent dans leur position escamotée pendant ce transfert des objets afin de ne pas entrer en contact avec l'objet imprimé. Le convoyeur 8 recommence à circuler de sorte à amener le doigt suivant en regard des moyens de transfert 42 et recommencer le transfert décrit ci-dessus.According to the embodiment in which the printing machine comprises a single printing station, when an object 6 to be printed arrives opposite the transfer means 42, the printing machine marks a stop. The locking means 54 pass into the locking position and the mandrel 28 moves into the loading position. The transfer means 42 take the object 6 from the conveyor and place it on the mandrel 28 through the calibration bezel 66. The mandrel 28 then returns to its printing position. If a printed object was disposed on the mandrel 28, this object is taken at the same time and is placed on the finger that has just been released. The blocking means 54 return to their retracted position during this transfer of the objects so as not to come into contact with the printed object. The conveyor 8 begins to circulate again so as to bring the next finger next to the transfer means 42 and repeat the transfer described above.

Si un objet déformé est prélevé du convoyeur, celui-ci heurte la lunette 66 lorsque les moyens de transfert 42 le placent sur le mandrin 28, ce qui entraîne la coupure du mouvement des moyens de transfert. Un opérateur peut alors retirer l'objet 6 défectueux et relancer la machine à imprimer, les moyens de transfert prélevant l'objet suivant sur le convoyeur.If a deformed object is taken from the conveyor, the latter hits the bezel 66 when the transfer means 42 place it on the mandrel 28, which causes the movement of the transfer means to be cut off. An operator can then remove the defective object 6 and restart the printing machine, the transfer means taking the next object on the conveyor.

L'objet 6 placé sur le mandrin 28 est imprimé en l'exposant aux jets d'encre des différentes unités d'impression 20, 22, 24, 26. Le déclenchement des unités d'impression se fait de façon synchronisée avec la rotation du mandrin 28, de façon connue au moyen de l'unité de pilotage en fonction de la vitesse de rotation du mandrin 28, de la position de l'objet sur le mandrin, du motif à imprimer et du diamètre de l'objet à imprimer.The object 6 placed on the mandrel 28 is printed by exposing it to the ink jets of the different printing units 20, 22, 24, 26. The printing units are triggered synchronously with the rotation of the printing unit. mandrel 28, in known manner by means of the control unit as a function of the speed of rotation of the mandrel 28, the position of the object on the mandrel, the pattern to be printed and the diameter of the object to be printed.

Si la zone à imprimer est plus grande que la hauteur des unités d'impression, le mandrin 28 est déplacé en translation au cours du processus d'impression pour que toute la zone d'impression soit imprimée. Pour ce faire, le processus d'impression comprend la rotation du mandrin 28 afin d'imprimer une première zone d'impression en regard des unités d'impression (figure 4), la translation du mandrin 28 afin de placer une deuxième zone d'impression en regard des unités d'impression (figure 5), puis l'impression de la deuxième zone d'impression.If the area to be printed is larger than the height of the printing units, the mandrel 28 is moved in translation during the printing process so that the entire print area is printed. For this purpose, the printing process comprises the rotation of the mandrel 28 in order to print a first printing zone opposite the printing units ( figure 4 ), the translation of the mandrel 28 in order to place a second printing zone opposite the printing units ( figure 5 ), then printing the second print area.

En complément de l'impression des quatre couleurs formant la quadrichromie, l'objet subit éventuellement un vernissage et/ou une impression d'un fond blanc (par exemple pour des objets colorés) et/ou un séchage partiel si les unités correspondantes sont actives sur le poste d'impression. Il convient de noter que la cadence d'impression est très importante, du fait du nombre d'unités d'impression, de la simplicité du réglage du poste d'impression 16 à mandrin unique et que l'impression se fait de façon très précise car l'axe A-A du mandrin 18 est fixe et que la position de l'objet 6 ne varie donc pas et est connue à tout instant. On notera en particulier que, comme l'axe du mandrin est fixe, il est facile d'ajouter une unité d'impression autour du mandrin 28, en répartissant les unités d'impression sur une plage supérieure à 180°, pour ajouter d'autre possibilités comme le vernissage et/ou l'impression d'un fond blanc et/ou pour augmenter la cadence d'impression.In addition to the printing of the four colors forming the four-color process, the object possibly undergoes varnishing and / or printing of a white background (by example for colored objects) and / or partial drying if the corresponding units are active on the printing station. It should be noted that the print rate is very important, because of the number of printing units, the simplicity of the setting of the single mandrel printing station 16 and that the printing is done very precisely because the axis AA of the chuck 18 is fixed and the position of the object 6 does not vary and is known at all times. It will be noted in particular that, since the axis of the mandrel is fixed, it is easy to add a printing unit around the mandrel 28, by distributing the printing units over a range greater than 180 °, to add other possibilities such as varnishing and / or printing a white background and / or to increase the print rate.

Lorsque la machine d'impression 1 comprend deux postes d'impression 16, la machine avance de deux pas, c'est-à-dire de deux fois la distance d séparant deux doigts, avant de marquer un arrêt afin qu'un objet se trouve en regard des moyens de transfert 42 des deux postes d'impression 16. La machine 1 marque un arrêt et le transfert des objets est effectué. Durant, l'impression de ces objets, la machine d'impression avance de nouveau de deux pas, afin de placer deux nouveaux objets en regard des moyens de transfert 42. On parle d'une indexation de deux pas du convoyeur 8. Lorsque la machine d'impression 1 comprend deux postes d'impression 16, le pas, c'est-à-dire la distance d, est par exemple sensiblement égal à 150 mm (6 pouces).When the printing machine 1 comprises two printing stations 16, the machine advances two steps, that is to say twice the distance d between two fingers, before marking a stop so that an object becomes is next to the transfer means 42 of the two printing stations 16. The machine 1 marks a stop and the transfer of objects is performed. During the printing of these objects, the printing machine advances again two steps, to place two new objects next to the transfer means 42. It is referred to an indexing of two steps of the conveyor 8. When the printing machine 1 comprises two printing stations 16, the pitch, that is to say the distance d, is for example substantially equal to 150 mm (6 inches).

Lorsque la machine d'impression 1 comprend quatre postes d'impression 16, comme représenté sur la figure 13, la machine d'impression 1 s'indexe deux fois de deux pas durant le cycle d'impression d'un objet, chaque poste d'impression 16 imprimant un objet sur quatre passants en regard de ses moyens de transfert 42. Lorsque la machine d'impression 1 comprend quatre postes d'impression 16, le pas est par exemple sensiblement égal à 75 mm (3 pouces). Pour une machine 1 à quatre postes d'impression, pendant un cycle d'impression, les postes impriment quatre objets simultanément. L'indexation est toujours de deux pas et il y a deux indexations (c'est-à-dire deux arrêts du convoyeur 8) par cycle d'impression, de sorte que les deux premiers postes d'impression par rapport à la direction F impriment les objets portés par un doigt sur deux (doigts pairs), c'est-à-dire qu'un objet situé entre deux doigts pairs est laissé sur son doigt (doigt impair) et les deux derniers postes d'impression impriment les objets portés par les doigts impairs. On obtient ainsi un fonctionnement optimisé de la machine à quatre postes d'impression.When the printing machine 1 comprises four printing stations 16, as shown in FIG. figure 13 , the printing machine 1 is indexed twice by two steps during the printing cycle of an object, each printing station 16 printing an object on four loops opposite its transfer means 42. When the machine printing 1 comprises four print stations 16, the pitch is for example substantially equal to 75 mm (3 inches). For a machine 1 to four printing stations, during a printing cycle, the stations print four objects simultaneously. The indexing is always two steps and there are two indexing (that is to say two stops of the conveyor 8) per printing cycle, so that the first two printing stations with respect to the direction F print the objects carried by one finger on two (even fingers), that is to say that an object situated between two even fingers is left on his finger (odd finger) and the two last printing stations print the objects carried by the odd fingers. This results in optimized operation of the machine at four printing stations.

La cadence d'impression peut ainsi être facilement augmentée en ajoutant simplement des postes d'impression le long du convoyeur 8, l'architecture de la machine à imprimer étant suffisamment simple pour ne pas compliquer outre mesure le montage de ces postes. Une telle cadence ne pouvait pas être augmentée de façon aussi simple dans l'art antérieur du fait du mode de transport des objets à imprimer sur une pluralité de mandrins montés sur un plateau rotatif.The print rate can thus be easily increased by simply adding printing stations along the conveyor 8, the architecture of the printing machine being simple enough not to complicate the assembly too much. of these positions. Such a rate could not be increased so simply in the prior art because of the mode of transport of the objects to be printed on a plurality of chucks mounted on a turntable.

En sortie du poste d'impression, les objets imprimés passent en regard du poste de séchage 62 où lesdits objets subissent une polymérisation à coeur pour figer définitivement l'impression.At the output of the printing station, the printed objects pass next to the drying station 62 where said objects undergo a core polymerization to definitively freeze the printing.

Les objets sont ensuite déchargés au poste de déchargement.The objects are then unloaded at the unloading station.

La machine décrite ci-dessus permet donc d'obtenir une impression très précise avec une grande résolution sans nécessiter de réglage complexe du poste d'impression 16. En effet, après un étalonnage initial pour le déclenchement des jets d'encre synchronisé à la rotation du mandrin 28, il n'est plus nécessaire d'effectuer d'autres réglages du poste d'impression au cours des impressions, tant que les objets à imprimer sont identiques les uns aux autres. De plus la cadence d'impression peut être facilement augmentée.The machine described above thus makes it possible to obtain a very precise printing with a high resolution without requiring a complex adjustment of the printing station 16. Indeed, after an initial calibration for triggering the ink jets synchronized with the rotation of the mandrel 28, it is no longer necessary to make other settings of the printing station during printing, as long as the objects to be printed are identical to each other. In addition, the print speed can easily be increased.

En outre, la machine permet de protéger les unités d'impression d'un objet défectueux susceptible d'endommager celles-ci en frottant contre les buses de jet d'encre grâce à la lunette de calibrage.In addition, the machine can protect the print units of a defective object that can damage them by rubbing against the ink jet nozzles through the calibration bezel.

Claims (9)

Machine à imprimer (1) des objets (6) ayant sensiblement des formes de révolution, la machine comprenant : - des moyens de transport (4) des objets (6) à imprimer entre au moins un poste de chargement des objets sur lesdits moyens de transport (4) et un poste de déchargement desdits objets desdits moyens de transport (4), - au moins un poste d'impression (16) disposé entre le poste de chargement et le poste de déchargement, ledit poste d'impression (16) comprenant au moins une unité d'impression (20, 22, 24, 26) agencée pour projeter de l'encre sur les objets (6) à imprimer de sorte à imprimer lesdits objets (6), la ou chaque unité d'impression projetant une encre d'une couleur différente de sorte à composer une polychromie, le poste d'impression (16) comprenant un mandrin (28) correspondant de maintien d'un objet (6) à imprimer, ledit mandrin (28) correspondant étant mobile en rotation autour de son axe (A-A) de sorte que la ou chaque unité d'impression (20, 22, 24, 26) projette de l'encre sur l'objet (6) maintenu par ledit mandrin (28) correspondant, - des moyens de transfert (42) d'un objet (6) à imprimer des moyens de transport (4) au poste d'impression (16) et du poste d'impression (16) aux moyens de transport (4), et - une lunette de calibrage (66) comprenant une ouverture centrale (68) coaxiale à l'axe de rotation (A-A) du mandrin (28), ladite lunette (66) étant agencée entre les moyens de transfert (42) et les unités d'impression (20, 22, 24, 26) de sorte qu'un objet à imprimer (6) passe par l'ouverture centrale (68) avant d'être imprimé par le poste d'impression (16),
caractérisée en ce que la lunette de calibrage (66) comporte des éléments mobiles (210A, 210B) déplaçables entre une position resserrée de la lunette dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale (68) est de petite taille et une position desserrée de la lunette dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale (68) est de grande taille, et en ce qu'elle comporte des moyens (240) de déplacement des éléments mobiles (210A, 210B) déplaçables entre les positions serrée et desserrée pour que la lunette de calibrage (66) soit dans la position serrée lorsqu'un objet (6) est transféré, par les moyens de transfert (42), des moyens de transport (4) au poste d'impression (16) au moins jusqu'au franchissement de l'ouverture centrale (68) par une extrémité de l'objet et dans la position desserrée lorsqu'un objet (6) est transféré, par les moyens de transfert (42), des moyens de transport (4) au poste d'impression (16). Printing machine (1) objects (6) having substantially revolution forms, the machine comprising: means (4) for conveying objects (6) to be printed between at least one loading station for objects on said transport means (4) and an unloading station for said objects of said transport means (4), at least one printing station (16) arranged between the loading station and the unloading station, said printing station (16) comprising at least one printing unit (20, 22, 24, 26) arranged for projecting ink onto the objects (6) to be printed so as to print said objects (6), the or each printing unit projecting an ink of a different color so as to compose a polychrome, the printing station (16) comprising a corresponding mandrel (28) for holding an object (6) to be printed, said corresponding mandrel (28) being rotatable about its axis (AA) so that the or each printing unit ( 20, 22, 24, 26) projects ink onto the object (6) held by said corresponding mandrel (28), - transfer means (42) for an object (6) to print transport means (4) at the printing station (16) and the printing station (16) to the transport means (4), and - a calibration bezel (66) comprising a central opening (68) coaxial with the axis of rotation (AA) of the mandrel (28), said bezel (66) being arranged between the transfer means (42) and the d printing (20, 22, 24, 26) so that an object to be printed (6) passes through the central opening (68) before being printed by the printing station (16),
characterized in that the calibration bezel (66) has movable members (210A, 210B) movable between a constricted position of the bezel in which the central opening (68) is small and a loosened position of the bezel in which the central opening (68) is large, and in that it comprises means (240) for moving the movable elements (210A, 210B) movable between the tightened and loosened positions so that the calibration bezel (66) in the tightened position when an object (6) is transferred, by the transfer means (42), transport means (4) to the printing station (16) at least until crossing the central opening (68) at one end of the object and in the loosened position when an object (6) is transferred, by the transfer means (42), transport means (4) to the printing station (16). Machine à imprimer selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale (68) en position resserrée de la lunette de calibrage (66), est supérieur au diamètre du mandrin (28) et agencé pour qu'il y ait un espace d'au moins 0,1 mm entre un objet (6) passé par l'ouverture centrale (68) de la lunette (66) et la ou chaque unité d'impression (20, 22, 24, 26) lorsque la lunette de calibrage (66) est en position resserrée.Printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the central opening (68) in the constricted position of the calibrating bezel (66) is greater than the diameter of the mandrel (28) and arranged so that there have a space of at least 0.1 mm between an object (6) passed through the central aperture (68) of the telescope (66) and the or each printing unit (20, 22, 24, 26) when the calibration bezel (66) is in a tight position. Machine à imprimer selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que la lunette (66) est déplaçable et est agencée pour actionner un contacteur, agencé pour arrêter les moyens de transfert (42) lorsqu'il est actionné, si un objet à imprimer présentant un diamètre supérieur au diamètre de l'ouverture centrale (68), prélevé par les moyens de transfert, déplace ladite lunette (66).Printing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bezel (66) is displaceable and is arranged to actuate a switch, arranged to stop the transfer means (42) when actuated, if an object to be printed having a diameter greater than the diameter of the central opening (68), taken by the transfer means, moves said bezel (66). Machine à imprimer selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le mandrin (28) est mobile en translation le long de son axe (A-A) entre une position d'impression, dans laquelle la partie extrême (64) libre du mandrin (28) se trouve en regard des unités d'impression (20, 22, 24, 26) et une position de chargement, dans laquelle l'ouverture centrale (68) de la lunette (66) entoure la partie extrême libre (64) du mandrin (28).Printing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrel (28) is movable in translation along its axis (AA) between a printing position, in which the end portion (64) is free. mandrel (28) is located opposite the printing units (20, 22, 24, 26) and a loading position, in which the central opening (68) of the bezel (66) surrounds the free end portion (64). ) of the mandrel (28). Machine à imprimer selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de transfert (42) comprennent au moins un bras (46) mobile portant des moyens de préhension (48) d'un objet (6) à imprimer, ledit bras (46) et lesdits moyens de préhension (48) étant agencés pour prélever un objet (6) sur les moyens de transport (4) et pour déposer ledit objet (6) sur le mandrin (28) et pour prélever l'objet (6) imprimé dudit mandrin (28) et pour déposer ledit objet (6) imprimé sur les moyens de transport (4) au travers de la lunette de calibrage (66).Printing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer means (42) comprise at least one movable arm (46) carrying gripping means (48) for an object (6) to be printed, said arm (46) and said gripping means (48) being arranged to take an object (6) on the transport means (4) and to deposit said object (6) on the mandrel (28) and to take the object (6) printed said mandrel (28) and for depositing said object (6) printed on the transport means (4) through the calibration bezel (66). Machine à imprimer selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que dans la position resserrée de la lunette de calibrage (66), le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale (68) est sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur de l'objet augmenté d'une fois la distance séparant la ou chaque unité d'impression (20, 22, 24, 26) de la surface extérieure de l'objet (6).Printing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the constricted position of the sizing bezel (66), the diameter of the central opening (68) is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the augmented object by one time the distance separating the or each printing unit (20, 22, 24, 26) from the outer surface of the object (6). Machine à imprimer selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de déplacement (240) comportent un moteur (266) et un coulisseau (242) mu par le moteur (266), lequel coulisseau (242) comporte au moins une surface de came (272A, 272B) propre à coopérer avec au moins une surface de came (274A, 274B) complémentaire prévue sur au moins un élément mobile (210A, 210B) pour assurer le déplacement de l'élément mobile (210A, 210B) dans au moins un sens sous l'action du déplacement du coulisseau (242).Printing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement means (240) comprise a motor (266) and a slide (242) driven by the motor (266), which slide (242) comprises at least one minus a cam surface (272A, 272B) adapted to cooperate with at least one complementary cam surface (274A, 274B) provided on at least one movable member (210A, 210B) for moving the movable member (210A, 210B) in at least one direction under the action of the movement of the slider (242). Machine à imprimer selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les éléments mobiles (210A, 210B) comportent au moins deux secteurs de couronne (212A, 212B), qui délimitent intérieurement sensiblement un cercle en position resserrée, lesquels secteurs de couronne (212A, 212B) sont déplaçables en translation les uns par rapport aux autres suivant au moins un rayon du cercle.Printing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable elements (210A, 210B) comprise at least two crown sectors (212A, 212B) which substantially delimit a circle in the constricted position, which ring sectors (212A, 212B) are translatable relative to each other along at least one radius of the circle. Machine à imprimer selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de déplacement (240) comportent au moins un moyen élastique (222A, 222B) de rappel du ou de chaque élément mobile (210A, 210B) vers l'une des positions serrée et desserrée.Printing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement means (240) comprise at least one resilient means (222A, 222B) for biasing the or each movable member (210A, 210B) towards the one of the positions tight and loose.
EP13189510.4A 2012-10-22 2013-10-21 Inkjet printing machine with calibration device Withdrawn EP2722186A1 (en)

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