EP3693169B1 - Device and method for assembling and sorting a printing substrate - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for preparing and sorting a print substrate.

background

When printing a material in a printing device or a printing system, the material can be provided as a continuous material on a roll. Alternatively, it can be provided that individual sheets are fed to the printing device one after the other in order to print the sheets individually. When printing continuous material, the continuous material can be separated after printing in order to obtain individual printed sheets.

The document DE 10 2016 102 565 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for producing a singulated sheet for a printing device. In the method, various sheet materials are made available as continuous material in magazine or buffer devices, with a transport path to a material switch, in which the transport paths converge, being arranged downstream of the magazine devices on the output side. Transport devices are provided which are each assigned to one of the transport paths and set up to transport the different sheet materials from the magazine device at least to the material switch. Control signals are received in the transport devices which determine a material selection corresponding to a print job for a selected one of the sheet materials. The transport devices are controlled according to the control signals in such a way that the selected sheet material is transported to the material switch and, in the material switch, moves from the transport path into a feed path into which the transport paths open. The selected sheet material is transported by means of the transport devices via the feed path from the material diverter to a separating device. A single sheet for subsequent printing is produced in the separating device by separating the single sheet from the selected sheet material.

In the document DE 10 2016 102 566 A1 describes a method and a device for printing a single sheet.

The document DE 43 21 177 A1 discloses a device for image inspection and color measurement on at least one printed product in a printing machine with at least one print was created. The device consists of at least one image acquisition device, which supplies image data from the printed product, and a computing device, the computing device determining all image data of the printed product for the purpose of an image inspection on the one hand, and determining a measured variable for a color assessment from the image data of at least one measuring point (pixel) of the printed product on the other .

The document DE 10 2012 105 338 A1 relates to a method for controlling a digital printing system for printing on a continuous recording medium. The printing system has a control device with which errors can be detected automatically. After an error has been detected, an error routine specific to the respective error is started. With at least one of the error routines, the conveyance of the recording medium is continued and at the same time an error correction routine is executed, with which an attempt is made to correct the error. A check is then carried out to determine whether the error correction was successful and, depending on the result of the check, the printing process is continued, the error correction routine is repeated or the printing system is stopped.

The document EP 3 064 327 A1 relates to a method for register correction of a flatbed punching and/or embossing machine, measuring the register of a respective print and/or punching and/or embossing and/or creasing image on a web-shaped substrate to determine a register deviation and a correction path to compensate for the Register deviation occurs. For this purpose, a shortened or overly long sheet is produced using a cross cutter, which can then be ejected.

In the document US 6,520,080 B1 describes a system and method for detecting and diverting web sections with transitions of a continuous web material.

The document DE 10 2010 060 408 A1 discloses an arrangement for controlling the web tension of a printing material web in a printing device.

To print a continuous material, the continuous material must be transported through the printing device or the printing system, with the transport movement being coordinated with the printing process and transport having to be ensured under suitable conditions through the entire printing device or the entire printing system. The endless material must then be assembled. The continuous material is therefore to be separated, for example by cutting sheets out of the continuous material. In order to ensure the desired quality, the respective print image can be checked in order to sort out defective copies.

summary

The object of the invention is to specify a device and a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate, in which efficient and effective automated assembling and sorting out of bad parts is provided.

A device and a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate according to independent claims 1 and 9 are provided for the solution. Configurations are the subject of dependent subclaims.

According to one aspect, a device for assembling and sorting a print substrate is created. The device comprises a print image checking device which is arranged on one side of a print substrate printed with a print image. The print substrate is a web material that is translatable along a web path. The print image checking device has an image recording device and is set up to use the image recording device to record an image of the print image on the print substrate, to compare the print image on the print substrate with comparison data, wherein the comparison of the print image with the comparison data involves comparing the recorded Image of the print image with comparison image data includes determining the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as a correct print image if, based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data, there is a match between the print image and the comparison data is determined, and to determine the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as an incorrect print image if no agreement between the print image and the comparison data is determined on the basis of the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data. The device for preparing and sorting a print substrate also has a preparation device which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device and is set up to separate a print sheet from the print substrate, and a document switch which is set up to separate the print sheet onto one of a to direct the first transport route and a second transport route. In this case, the document switch is set up to direct the printed sheet onto the first transport path if the print image on the printed sheet is determined to be a correct printed image, and to direct the printed sheet to the second transport path if the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be an incorrect printed image is determined. According to a further aspect, a method for assembling and sorting a print substrate is created. The method includes providing a print inspection device having an image capture device on one side of a print substrate printed with a print image, the print substrate being a web material that is translatable along a web path; the provision of a converting device which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device; the provision of a document switch, which is set up to guide a printed sheet onto one of a first transport path and a second transport path; capturing an image of the print image on the print substrate using the image capturing device; comparing, by means of the print image checking device, the print image on the print substrate with comparison data, the comparison of the print image with the comparison data comprising comparing the recorded image of the print image with comparison image data; determining the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as a correct print image if a match between the print image and the comparison data is established on the basis of the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data; determining the print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate as an incorrect print image if no match between the print image and the comparison data is established on the basis of the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data; the separation of a printed sheet from the printing substrate by means of the finishing device; guiding the print sheet onto the first transport path when the print image on the print sheet is determined to be a correct print image; and directing the print sheet onto the second transport path when the print image on the print sheet is determined to be an incorrect print image.

The web material can be a foil material. The foil material can be a plastic foil material, for example made of polycarbonate (PC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The web material can be a thin web material. The thin web material can have a material thickness of 100 μm or less. For example, the web material may have a thickness of 75 µm. The web material can be provided with a width which corresponds to a desired width of the printed image, possibly plus the necessary side margins. For example, the web material can be provided with a width of 300 mm to 600 mm. A storage device can be provided, from which the web material is fed to a printing process. For example, a supply roll can be provided on which the web material is rolled up and from which the web material is drawn during operation.

A scrap container can be provided, which is arranged at the end of the second transport path and set up to receive the printed sheet guided onto the second transport path, in which case the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be an incorrect printed image. Alternatively or additionally, a receiving container can be provided, which is arranged at the end of the first transport path and set up to receive the printed sheet guided onto the first transport path, in which case the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be a correct printed image. For example, a sheet deposit can be provided in which printed sheets with the correct printed image are stored.

As a further alternative or in addition, a further processing feed device can be provided at the end of the first transport path, which is set up to feed the printed sheet guided onto the first transport path, in which the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be a correct printed image, to further processing. For example, the further processing feeder can feed the signature to a further printing device or to a connecting device which connects the signature to further signatures or other materials, for example to form an identification document.

The receiving container and/or the further processing feed device can be arranged above the reject container. A print sheet for which the print image on the print sheet is determined to be an incorrect print image can fall into the waste bin at the end of the second transport path, while a print sheet for which the print image on the print sheet is determined to be a correct print image is checked by the Receptacle and / or the further processing feed device is supplied. In this way, gentle treatment of printed sheets can be ensured in which the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be a correct printed image.

A waste device can be provided, which is arranged along the second transport path and set up to destroy the printed sheet guided onto the second transport path, in which case the printed image on the printed sheet is determined to be an incorrect printed image. As a result, reuse of the made-up sheet with a print image that was determined to be an incorrect print image can be ruled out. Alternatively or additionally, sensitive data can be made unrecognizable. Destroying it can mean that the printed image can no longer be recognized on the printed sheet.

For example, the waste device can comprise a cutting device which cuts the made-up sheet with a print image which was determined to be an incorrect print image. The cutter can cut the sheet into strips. Parameters of the cutting device can be adjustable. For example, a strip width of the cut strips can be adjustable.

Alternatively, the waste device can be set up to destroy the printed sheet mechanically and/or by another mechanism, for example thermally, for example by burning, other than by cutting it up, for example by tearing and/or scratching.

The destroyed printed sheet can be fed to the waste bin. For this purpose, the second transport path can lead to the scrap container. The destroyed sheet, for example the strips into which the sheet was cut, can be collected in the waste bin.

A match between the print image and the comparison data can be established if the print image matches the comparison data within specified tolerances. For example, a degree of match between the print image and the comparison data can be determined, and a match between the print image and the comparison data determined when the degree of match exceeds a predetermined threshold.

To compare the recorded image of the print image with the comparison image data, reference data can be extracted from the recorded image of the print image and the reference data, which can specify a large number of reference values, for example, can be compared with comparison image data, which target values specify for the reference data. A match between the recorded image of the print image and the comparison image data can be determined if a comparison of the reference data with the comparison image data results in a match for a portion of the reference data that is above a predetermined threshold value. For each comparison of a reference value a match can be determined with a corresponding target value if the values match within predetermined limits.

The comparison data can correspond to a print job for the sheet to be separated. It can thus be checked whether the print image on the print substrate corresponds to an associated print job.

A sheet to be separated can contain partial print images in several sections of the sheet to be separated. Each of the partial print images can be printed on the print substrate in accordance with an associated partial print order. Sections of the print image can each be compared with corresponding partial comparison data, for example a partial print job, in order to compare the print image with the comparison data.

A marking device can be provided, which is arranged along the web path after the print image checking device and before the finishing device and is set up to provide at least sections of the print substrate for which the print image was determined to be an incorrect print image with a mark which Marked sections as sections with incorrect print format. For example, the print image can be printed with an indication that the print image is an incorrect print image. Alternatively or additionally, a partial print image can be marked as an incorrect partial print image if no match is found between the partial print image and the partial comparison data based on a comparison of the partial print image with partial comparison data.

A match between the print image and the comparison data can be established if a match between the print image part and corresponding comparison data part is established for a predetermined minimum number of part print images. In this case, partial print images for which no agreement has been established between the partial print image and the corresponding partial comparison data can be provided with a marking and the document switch can guide the printed sheet onto the first transport path. If a match between the partial print image and corresponding partial comparison data is not determined for the predetermined minimum number of partial print images, a mismatch between the print image and the comparison data can be determined and the document switch can place the print sheet on the conduct a second transport route.

According to the invention, a first tensioning device is arranged along the web path after the printed image checking device and before the finishing device and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate. For example, the first tensioning device can be a tensioning roller, which is at least partially wrapped around by the printing substrate and which can be moved by means of a drive device along a direction of movement running transversely to an axis of rotation of the tensioning roller, such that a movement of the tensioning roller in a first direction along the drive direction lengthens the web path to increase web tension of the print substrate; and movement of the idler roller in a second direction, opposite the first direction, along the drive direction shortens web travel to decrease web tension of the print substrate. In particular, a tensioning roller can be a so-called dancer.

A feed device can be provided, which is arranged along the web path after the printed image checking device and before the finishing device and is set up to displace the print substrate along the web path. For example, the feed means may include drive rollers. The feed device can comprise two drive rollers which are arranged on opposite sides of the print substrate and are configured to transmit a movement of the drive rollers to the print substrate. For example, the drive rollers can hold the print substrate between the drive rollers by clamping and thus transfer a movement of the drive rollers to the print substrate. The drive rollers can be driven to effect a feed movement of the print substrate. The feed device can additionally be set up to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate as a tensioning device. Thus, a tension of the print substrate can be adjustable along the web path in front of the feed device.

A distance along the web path between the print inspection device and the converting device can be known. In this way, the operation of the assembly device and/or the document switch can be coordinated with the operation of the printed image testing device. For example, the printed sheet can be guided to the first or the second transport path by the document switch for a printed sheet that has been separated by means of the assembly device according to a determination by the printed image checking device of the printed image on the printed sheet that is still to be separated as a correct printed image or an incorrect printed image .

One or more control devices can be provided, which control the operation of the device for assembling and sorting a print substrate. For example, a test control device of the print image test device can compare the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data. A finishing control device of the finishing device can control the separation of the printed sheet from the printing substrate. A switch control device of the document switch can control the routing of the printed sheet onto the first or the second transport path through the document switch. A combined control device can include the test control device, the confection control device and/or the switch control device.

The print image checking device can have a scanning device and be set up to use the scanning device to mechanically scan the print image to capture print image scanning data. Comparing the print image to comparison data may include comparing the print image scan data to comparison scan data. The configurations explained in connection with the image recording device and the recorded image of the printed image can be provided correspondingly in connection with the scanning device and the printed image scanning data. In particular, the configurations explained in connection with the comparison of the recorded image of the print image with the comparison image data can correspondingly apply in connection with the comparison of the print image scan data with the comparison scan data.

The print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate can be determined as a correct print image if a match between the print image and the comparison image data is determined based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison image data and additionally on the basis of the comparison of the Print image scan data with comparison scan data a match between the print image scan data and the comparison scan data is determined. The print image for a sheet to be separated from the print substrate can be determined as an incorrect print image if no match is found between the print image and the comparison image data based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison image data or on the basis of the comparison of the print image scan data Comparison scan data no match between the print image scan data and the comparison scan data is found.

Alternatively or additionally, for comparing the print image with the comparison data, a weighting between the comparison of the recorded image of the print image with comparison image data and the comparison of the print image scan data with the comparison scan data can be provided. For example, in determining a degree of correspondence between the print image and the comparison data, a degree of correspondence between the captured image of the print image and the comparison image data may have a stronger impact than a degree of correspondence between the print image scan data and the comparison -sampling data.

If no match is found between the print image and the comparison data based on the comparison of the print image on the print substrate with the comparison data and/or no match between the partial print image based on a comparison of a partial print image with corresponding partial comparison data and the partial comparison data is determined, a renewed printing of the print image and/or the partial print image can be initiated. For example, a corresponding print order and/or a corresponding partial print order can be triggered, which causes the print image and/or the partial print image to be printed again.

• ein Druckkopfshuttle mit wenigstens einem Druckkopf, der eingerichtet ist, zum Erzeugen eines Druckbildes ein Druckmittel auf das Drucksubstrat aufzubringen, wobei das Druckkopfshuttle auf einer ersten Seite des Drucksubstrats angeordnet ist;
• ein Drucktisch, der dem Druckkopfshuttle gegenüber auf einer zweiten Seite des Drucksubstrats angeordnet ist, mit einer Halteeinrichtung, die eingerichtet ist, das Drucksubstrat zu halten, derart, dass zum Bedrucken eine Relativbewegung zwischen dem Drucktisch und dem Drucksubstrat verhindert ist;
• eine erste Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs vor dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, erste Messdaten zu erzeugen, welche eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der ersten Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung angeben;
• eine zweite Spannvorrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs vor dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats einzustellen;
• eine zweite Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs nach dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, zweite Messdaten zu erzeugen, welche eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der zweiten Bahnspannungsmesseinrichtung angeben;
• eine dritte Spannvorrichtung, welche entlang des Bahnwegs nach dem Drucktisch angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, eine mechanische Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats einzustellen; und
• eine Bahnspannungs-Steuervorrichtung, die eingerichtet ist, die ersten Messdaten zu empfangen, anhand der ersten Messdaten erste Steuerdaten zu erzeugen und die zweite Spannvorrichtung entsprechend den ersten Steuerdaten anzusteuern, derart, dass die zweite Spannvorrichtung eine erste vorgegebene Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der zweiten Spannvorrichtung bewirkt, und die zweiten Messdaten zu empfangen, anhand der zweiten Messdaten zweite Steuerdaten zu erzeugen und die dritte Spannvorrichtung entsprechend den zweiten Steuerdaten anzusteuern, derart, dass die dritte Spannvorrichtung eine zweite vorgegebene Bahnspannung des Drucksubstrats an der dritten Spannvorrichtung bewirkt.

The following can also be provided for the device for assembling and sorting a print substrate:

• a print head shuttle with at least one print head, which is set up to apply a printing medium to the print substrate in order to generate a print image, the print head shuttle being arranged on a first side of the print substrate;
• a print table, which is arranged opposite the print head shuttle on a second side of the print substrate, with a holding device which is set up to hold the print substrate in such a way that a relative movement between the print table and the print substrate is prevented for printing;
• a first web tension measuring device which is arranged along the web path in front of the printing table and is set up to generate first measurement data which indicate a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate at the first web tension measuring device;
• a second tensioning device, which is arranged along the web path in front of the printing table and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate;
• a second web tension measuring device, which is arranged along the web path after the printing table and is set up to generate second measurement data, which indicate a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate at the second web tension measuring device;
• a third tensioning device, which is arranged along the web path after the printing table and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the printing substrate; and
• a web tension control device that is set up to receive the first measurement data, to generate first control data on the basis of the first measurement data, and to control the second tensioning device in accordance with the first control data, such that the second tensioning device effects a first specified web tension of the printing substrate on the second tensioning device , and to receive the second measurement data, to generate second control data based on the second measurement data and to control the third tensioning device according to the second control data, such that the third tensioning device effects a second specified web tension of the printing substrate on the third tensioning device.

By arranging the print head shuttle on a side of the web material opposite the printing table, the print substrate can be printed in particular by means of the print head shuttle while it rests on the printing table and is held by the holding device.

The control device can be set up to keep the web tension of the print substrate constant along the web path in front of the printing table and to keep the web tension of the print substrate constant along the web path behind the printing table during a printing process. In this way, constant printing conditions can be ensured, in which the web tension in front of the printing table and the web tension behind the printing table remain constant.

The control device can be set up to repeatedly receive first and second measurement data during a printing process and to generate first and second control data. For example, the control device can be set up to include first and second measurement data a fixed frequency and to generate first and second control data, respectively. In this way, a first and a second control circuit can be provided, with the first control circuit controlling the web tension in front of the printing table by repeatedly receiving first measurement data and generating first control data as a function thereof in order to set the web tension in front of the printing table, and with the second control circuit controlling the Regulates web tension behind the printing table by repeatedly receiving second measurement data and generating second control data as a function thereof in order to adjust the web tension behind the printing table.

The configurations explained in connection with the second and the third clamping device can be provided correspondingly in the first clamping device. In particular, a web tension measuring device assigned to the first tensioning device can be provided.

The holding device can be set up to hold the print substrate during a feed movement of the print substrate in such a way that a relative movement between the printing table and the print substrate is prevented during the feed movement.

The printing table can be set up to carry out a feed movement while the holding device holds the print substrate in such a way that the feed movement is transmitted to the print substrate. As a result, the printing table can bring about a feed movement of the printing substrate along the web path. Alternatively or additionally, one or more feed devices can be provided, which cause the print substrate to be fed along the web path. For example, the printing table can effect a feed movement of the print substrate along the web path, with one or more additional feed devices supporting the feed movement of the print substrate.

The configurations explained in connection with the device for assembling and sorting a print substrate can be provided accordingly in the method for assembling and sorting a print substrate.

Description of exemplary embodiments

Fig. 1

eine schematische Übersicht einer Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken eines Drucksubstrats;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Übersicht einer Anordnung eines Drucktischs und eines Drucckopfshuttles in einer Druckvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Übersicht weiterer Ausgestaltungsoptionen einer Druckvorrichtung; und

Fig. 4

eine schematische Übersicht einer weiteren Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken eines Drucksubstrats.

Further exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. Here show:

1

a schematic overview of a printing device for printing a print substrate;

2

a schematic overview of an arrangement of a printing table and a print head shuttle in a printing device;

3

a schematic overview of further configuration options of a printing device; and

4

a schematic overview of a further printing device for printing a printing substrate.

the Fig.1 shows a printing device for printing a printing substrate. The print substrate is a web material 1 on a roll 2 which serves as a storage device for the web material 1 . The web material 1 can be a plastic film. In one example, the web material 1 is a polycarbonate film with a thickness of 75 μm and a width of 600 mm. In a further example, the web material can consist of a different material, for example PVC, have a greater or smaller thickness, for example 100 μm, and/or have a smaller or larger width, for example 300 mm.

The web material is moved in a feed direction 4 through the printing device by means of a printing table 3 . For this purpose, the printing table 3 can be moved in the feed direction 4 and counter to the feed direction 4 . The printing table 3 is designed as a coherent unit or at least moves as a unit in order to support a feed of the web material 1 that is uniform over the width of the web material 1 . The printing table 3 has a holding device by means of which the web material 1 is held. While the web material 1 is held on the printing table 3 by the holding device, the printing table moves in the feed direction 4 from a rear position to a front position and thus pulls the web material 1 from the roll 2 in the feed direction 4 through the printing device. The holding device then releases the web material 1 so that it is detached from the printing table 3 . The printing table 3 then moves against the feed direction 4 past the web material 1 from the front to the rear position and then makes contact with the web material 1 again by means of the holding device, whereupon the movement of the printing table 3 in the feed direction 4 is repeated. A discontinuous advancement of the web material 1 through the printing device is thus provided.

In further configurations, additional drive mechanisms can be provided, which support the movement of the web material 1 provided by means of the printing table 3 . For example, driven rollers, over which the web material 1 runs and which move the web material 1 in a supporting manner, can be arranged in front of and/or behind the printing table 3 along a path of the web material 1 . In particular, an assisting drive mechanism may be arranged along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3 to assist movement of the web material 1 away from the printing table 3 .

A print head shuttle 5 is arranged on a side of the web material 1 opposite the printing table 3 . The print head shuttle 5 is arranged opposite the printing table 3 with respect to the web material 1 in such a way that the web material 1 runs between the printing table 3 and the print head shuttle 5, so that it can be printed by means of the print head shuttle 5 while it is lying on the printing table 3 and from the holding device is held. The printing table 3 moves the web material past the print head shuttle 5 in the feed direction 4 . During the movement of the web material, the print head shuttle 5 prints the web material 1.

During the movement through the printing device, the web material 1 runs over a plurality of deflection rollers 6, by means of which the web material 1 is deflected within the printing device. The web material also runs over web tension measuring rollers 7, by means of which a web tension of the web material 1 is measured. Like in the 1 shown, a first web tension measuring roller 7a is arranged along the web path of the web material 1 in front of the printing table. The first web tension measuring roller 7a thus measures the web tension of the web material 1 in front of the printing table 3. By holding the web material 1 by means of the holding device on the printing table 3, a web tension of the web material 1 can occur along the web path of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3, which from the Web tension before the printing table 3 is independent. For this reason, a second web tension measuring roller 7b is arranged along the web path of the web material 1 behind the printing table. The second web tension measuring roller 7b thus measures the web tension of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3. The web tension of the web material 1 causes a respective force on the axes of the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b. The respective force on the axis of the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b is measured by means of a respective sensor device 8a, 8b of the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b. The respective sensor device 8a, 8b of the first 7a and the second 7b web tension measuring roller generates first or second measurement data, which indicate the respective web tension of the web material 1 at the first web tension measuring roller 7a or at the second web tension measuring roller 7b.

Furthermore, the web material runs over so-called dancers 9. These are rollers which are movably arranged in order to adjust the tension of the web material 1. Like in the 1 a first dancer 9a can be seen along the path of the web material 1 in front of the printing table. In the example shown, the first dancer 9a can be moved up and down, with a downward movement of the first dancer 9a leading to an increase in the tension of the web material 1 and an upward movement of the first dancer 9a leading to a reduction in the tension of the web material 1 leads. The web tension of the web material 1 in front of the printing table 3 can thus be adjusted by means of the first dancer 9a.

A second dancer 9b is arranged along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table. The second dancer 9b can also be moved up and down in the example shown, with a downward movement of the second dancer 9b leading to an increase in the tension of the web material 1 and an upward movement of the second dancer 9b leading to a reduction in the tension of the web material 1 leads. The web tension of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3 can thus be adjusted by means of the second dancer 9b, which is independent of the web tension in front of the printing table 3 at least while the web material 1 is being held by the holding device on the printing table 3.

A control device 10 is connected to the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b and the dancers 9a, 9b (not shown) and is set up to receive the first and the second measurement data from the web tension measuring rollers 7a, 7b. In the control device 10, the first measurement data are compared with a first predetermined web tension. The first specified web tension specifies a desired web tension of the web material 1 along the web path of the web material 1 in front of the printing table. The control device 10 generates first control data corresponding to the comparison result, which are transmitted to the first dancer 9a and lead to a movement of the first dancer 9a. For example, the first control data indicate a small downward movement of the first dancer 9a if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the first web tension measuring roller 7a deviates downwards by a small difference from the first specified web tension and the first control data indicates a larger one movement of first dancer 9a upwards if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the first web tension measuring roller 7a deviates by a greater difference upwards from the first predetermined web tension.

The control device 10 is also set up to compare the second measurement data with a second specified web tension. The second predetermined web tension specifies a desired web tension of the web material 1 along the web path of the web material 1 behind the printing table. The control device 10 generates second control data corresponding to the comparison result, which are transmitted to the second dancer 9b and lead to a movement of the second dancer 9b. For example, as explained above with regard to the first dancer 9a, the second control data indicates a small movement of the second dancer 9b downwards if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the second web tension measuring roller 7b has fallen by a small difference downwards from the second predetermined one Web tension deviates and the second control data indicate a greater upward movement of the second dancer 9b if the comparison shows that the web tension of the web material on the second web tension measuring roller 7b deviates upwards by a greater difference from the second predetermined web tension.

The web tensions upstream and downstream of the printing table 3 can be continuously monitored by repeatedly receiving first and second measurement data and generating corresponding first and second control data. As a result, the web tension in the printing device can be regulated along the web path of the web material 1 both in front of and behind the printing table 3 . For example, the first and the second specified web tension can be the same and the web tension of the web material 1 can be regulated both in front of and behind the printing table 3 in such a way that the same web tension of the web material 1 is achieved in front of and behind the printing table 3 within a predetermined permissible deviation.

the 2 shows an arrangement of a printing table 3 in a printing device, on which a web material 1 is arranged. The web material 1 is fed during a movement of the printing table 3 in a feed direction 4 (from the plane of the drawing in Fig 2 held out) by means of a holding device on the printing table 3, so that the web material 1 is moved along the feed direction 4 through the printing device. In the representation of 2 the holding device is provided with a vacuum device 11 . The vacuum device 11 generates a negative pressure. Here, the vacuum device 11 via channels 12 connected to a support surface 13 of the printing table 3 with the environment. The web material 1 lies on the support surface 13 of the printing table 3 . To hold the web material 1, the vacuum device 11 generates a negative pressure during the movement of the printing table 3 in the feed direction 4, so that the web material is sucked onto the support surface 13 via the channels 12 and is thus held on the printing table 3.

In order to ensure that the web material 1 is held evenly on the support surface 13 , openings in the channels 12 are distributed over the entire support surface 13 . In the example of 2 For this purpose, the bearing surface 13 consists of a porous material with a defined porosity, which is connected to the vacuum device 11 . The porosity of the material of the bearing surface 13 provides undefined channels 12 which, due to the defined porosity, result in the web material 1 being sucked in and held uniformly on the bearing surface 13 . In alternative configurations, the channels 12 can be provided, for example, with a defined grid of bores, for example micro-bores, in order to ensure that the web material 1 is sucked in and held uniformly on the support surface 13 . Apart from the openings of the channels 12 in the support surface 13 or the porosity of the material, the support surface 13 of the printing table 3 is designed as a continuous surface. Interruptions in the bearing surface 13 can be provided. However, it is advantageous if the printing table 13 forms a unit and thus the supporting surface 13 is also moved as a coherent unit.

As a further alternative, the holding device may not be provided as a vacuum device 11 . For example, the holding device can be provided by means of one or more grippers, which grip the web material 1 and hold it on the support surface 13 of the printing table 3.

During the movement of the web material 1 on the printing table 3 past the print head shuttle 5, the print head shuttle 5 prints the web material 1 with a printing medium. The print head shuttle has one or more print heads 14 for this purpose. In the representation of 2 the print head shuttle 5 has two print heads 14a, 14b. A print head 14 can comprise a nozzle or a row of nozzles with a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row. The pressure medium can be ejected dropwise through the nozzles. For example, one print head 14 can be used for each desired color or material to be applied.

The print heads 14 are selectively controlled in order to selectively apply printing medium to the web material 1 and thus to generate a desired print image on the web material. In this case, the print head shuttle 5 moves back and forth transversely to the feed direction 4 of the web material 1 , so that the print heads 14 move over the web material 1 . The movement of the printing table 3 along the feed direction 4 thus results in a relative movement of the web material 1 to the print heads 14 in a first printing direction, and the movement of the print head shuttle 5 transversely to the feed direction 4 results in a relative movement of the web material 1 to the print heads 14 in a second Printing direction provided, which is transverse to the first printing direction. By selectively controlling the movement of the printing table 3, the movement of the print head shuttle 5 and the ejection of the printing medium from the print heads 14, a desired print image is thus applied to the web material 1.

Depending on the web material 1 used and the printing medium used, it can be advantageous to bring the web material 1 to a specific temperature for printing. For this purpose, the printing table 3 according to the 2 a heater 15 on. The support surface 13 of the printing table 3 is brought to a predetermined temperature by means of the heating device 15 . As a result, the web material 1 arranged on the support surface 13 is heated to a printing temperature for printing.

The print head shuttle 5 also has a smoothing device. In the representations of Figures 1 and 2 the smoothing device is a brush 16 which extends along a longitudinal direction which runs parallel to the feed direction 4 . The brush 16 as a functional part of the smoothing device is thus elongated in the longitudinal direction, parallel to the feed direction. It therefore has a greater extent in the longitudinal direction than in other directions. The smoothing device can thus have a smoothing effect transversely to the feed direction 4 when moving over the web material 1 . The brush 16 is as in the 2 shown, based on the direction of movement of the print head shuttle 5 arranged laterally on the print head shuttle 5. The brush 16 is movable up and down relative to the printhead shuttle 5 between first and second positions. In the first position, the brush 16 comes into contact with the support surface 13 so that the brush 16 sweeps across the web material 1 arranged on the support surface 13 of the printing table 3 when the module 5 moves transversely to the feed direction 4 . In the second position, the brush 16 is arranged above the printing table 3 in such a way that the brush 16 does not touch either the printing table 3 or the web material 1 when the print head shuttle 5 moves.

During a printing process, while the printing table 3 is in the rear position, a connection is formed between the web material 1 and the support surface 13 by means of the vacuum device 11 . The according to 2 While the printhead shuttle 5 is in a first module position in which the printhead shuttle 5 and the brush 16 are arranged to the right of the printing table 3, the brush 16 arranged on the left side of the printhead shuttle 5 is brought into the first position. During a subsequent first movement of the print head shuttle 5 over the printing table 3 and the web material 1, the brush 16 sweeps over the web material 1 and thus smoothes out wrinkles and/or bubbles that have formed in the web material 1 during the formation of contact between the bearing surface 13 and the web material 1 and/or during the heating of the web material 1 by means of the heating device 15.

After the brush 16 has been moved across the entire width of the web material 1, the brush 16 is brought to the second position. During subsequent movements of the print head shuttle 5, during the movement of the printing table 3 from the rear to the front position, the brush 16 does not come into contact with the web material 1. After detaching the web material 1 from the printing table 3 and moving the printing table 3 from the front to the rear position, a connection is formed again between the web material 1 and the support surface 13 and the brush 16 is moved to the first position. Thus, during the first subsequent movement of the print head shuttle 5 over the web material 1, the web material is smoothed by the brush 16 after each contact is made with the bearing surface 13 of the printing table 3. FIG.

The length of the brush 16 corresponds at least to the length of the support surface 13 of the printing table 3 . Here, as in the 1 recognizable, the length of the brush 16 can be greater than a length of the print head shuttle 5, which can be shorter than the length of the contact surface 13. This ensures that the web material 1 is smoothed by the brush 16 over the entire length on which a contact is made to the support surface 13 of the printing table.

Optionally, a capping station 17 can be provided, which prevents the print heads 14 from drying out. When the printing device is not in use, the print head shuttle 5 is moved into a position in which the print heads 14 are shielded from the environment by the capping station 17 and the print heads 14 are thus dried out by evaporation is prevented from solvent of the pressure medium. Furthermore, a pressure medium tank 18 can optionally be provided for cleaning and/or preparing the print heads 14 for a printing process. The printhead shuttle can be moved to a position in which the printheads 14 are located above the fluid container 18. Pressure medium can then be ejected from the print heads 14 into the pressure medium containers 18 in order to free the print heads 14 of contamination and/or residual pressure medium and/or to remove air from the pressure medium transport paths in the print heads 14 .

Like in the 1 drying devices 19a, 19b are shown along the path of the web material 1 behind the printing table 3 and in the area of the second web tension measuring roller 7b and the second dancer 9b. The printing medium on the web material 1 is dried by means of the drying devices 19a, 19b. For example, the drying devices 19a, 19b can be hot air blowers and/or UV radiators. Different drying devices 19a, 19b can be provided.

the 3 shows further configuration options of a printing device. This can, for example, the printing device from the 1 being. Alternatively, the design options according to the 3 in a printing device other than the printing device according to 1 be provided. A printed image testing device 20 is arranged along the movement path of the web material 1 behind the second dancer 9b and the drying devices 19a, 19b. The print image checking device 20 has an image recording device 21 which is set up to record an image of the print image on the web material 1 . In the print image checking device 20, the recorded image of the print image on the web material 1 is compared with comparison image data, which can be, for example, print job data of a print job for printing the print image. If a match between the print image and the comparison image data is determined on the basis of the comparison of the print image on the web material 1 with the comparison image data, the print image is determined as a correct print image. If, based on the comparison of the print image on the web material 1 with the comparison image data, no match is established between the print image and the comparison image data, the print image is determined as an incorrect print image.

A match between the print image and the comparison image data is established when the recorded image of the print image on the web material 1 corresponds to the comparison image data within predetermined limits. Corresponds to the captured image of the print image on the web material 1 does not match the comparison image data within the predetermined limits, no correspondence between the print image and the comparison image data is determined. The comparison of the recorded image with the comparison image data can be, for example, a pixel comparison and/or a comparison of characteristic values of the recorded image, for example a contrast value.

A roller drive 22 is arranged behind the testing device 21 to support the movement of the web material 1 along the movement path of the web material 1 . A further dancer 9c for controlling the web tension of the web material 1 is arranged behind the roller drive 22 . The additional dancer 9c can, for example, be controlled by the control device 10 in accordance with the second sensor data. Alternatively, a further web tension measuring roller can be provided, which generates third measurement data, by means of which the control device 10 controls the further dancer 9c.

Along the path of movement of the web material 1 behind the testing device 21 and the additional dancer 9c, there is a finishing device 23 which is set up to finish the web material 1 into individual sheets. For example, the web material 1 can be fed to the assembly device 23 and cut to a predetermined sheet size by means of a cutting device 24 of the assembly device 23 in order to assemble the web material 1 into individual sheets. The individual sheets are then directed in a document switch 25 to different transport paths 26a, 26b. A transport path 26a leads into a document container 27. Another transport path 26b leads into a reject container 28. Sheets that carry a print image that has been determined as the correct print image are determined as document sheets 29 and are guided by the document switch 25 onto the transport path 26a, the leads into the document container 27. Sheets that carry a print image that was determined to be an incorrect print image are determined as waste sheets 30 and are guided by the document switch 25 onto the transport path 26b, which leads into the waste container 28. In this way, it is possible to sort out printed sheets which have errors in the printed image. The printed image of a waste sheet 30 can then be printed again.

Optionally, a bad marking device 31 can be provided, which is arranged along the movement path of the web material 1 behind the testing device 21 and in front of the finishing device 23 . The bad marking device 31 is set up to provide a print image, which was determined as an incorrect print image, with a marking which characterizes the print image as an incorrect print image. For example, the bad marking device 31 can include a print head for this purpose.

Provision can be made for the print image to include a plurality of individual print images. In this case, each individual print image can be determined as a correct individual print image or an incorrect individual print image, and the bad marking device 31 can be set up to provide each individual print image determined as an incorrect individual print image with a mark, which identifies the individual print image as an incorrect individual print image. In this case, the document switch 25 can be omitted and all the individual sheets can be fed to the document container 27 via the transport path 26a.

Alternatively, the document switch 25 can be provided and set up to transport printed sheets with a print image that includes a number of individual print images marked as incorrect individual print images that exceeds a predetermined maximum number of incorrect individual print images via the transport path 26b feed reject bin 28 and feed other sheets to the document bin 27 via the transport path 26a.

the 4 shows a further printing device for printing a printing substrate. In the configuration according to 4 the printing device has two dancers 9a, 9b, but no third dancer. In this exemplary embodiment, a roll unwinding module 40 includes the roll 2, the first web tension measuring roller 7a with the sensor device 8a, the first dancer 9a and the associated deflection rollers 6. According to the embodiment shown, a printing module 41 includes the printing table 3, the print head shuttle 5 and the brush 16. A drying module 42 includes the second web tension measuring roller 7b with the sensor device 8b, the second dancer 9b, the drying devices 19a, 19b and the associated deflection rollers 6. An image processing module 43 includes the print image checking device with the image recording device 21 and optionally the bad marking device 31 Drying module 42 and the image processing module 43 can be combined to form a drying and image processing module. According to the in the 4 In the embodiment shown, a finishing module 44 comprises the roller drive 22, the finishing device 23 with the cutting device 24, the document switch 25, the transport paths 26a, 26b, the document container 27 and the scrap container 28.

Reference List

1

web material

2

role

3

printing table

4

feed direction

5

printhead shuttle

6

pulleys

7a, 7b

web tension measuring roller

8a, 8b

sensor device

9a, 9b, 9c

dancer

10

control device

11

vacuum device

12

channels

13

bearing surface

14a, 14b

printheads

15

heating device

16

brush

17

capping station

18

pressure fluid tank

19a, 19b

drying device

20

testing device

21

image pickup device

22

roller drive

23

packaging facility

24

cutting device

25

document switch

26a, 26b

transport routes

27

document container

28

reject bin

29

document sheet

30

waste sheet

31

Bad marking device

40

roll unwind module

41

pressure module

42

drying module

43

image processing module

44

assembly module

Claims (9)

1. A device for assembling and sorting a print substrate (1), having

   - a printed-image testing device (20), which is arranged on one side of a print substrate (1) which is printed with a printed image, the print substrate (1) being a web material, which can be displaced along a web path, having an image recording device (21), the printed-image testing device (20) being set up

   - to record an image of the printed image on the print substrate (1) by means of the image recording device (21),

   - to compare the printed image on the print substrate (1) with comparison data, the comparison of the printed image with the comparison data comprising the comparison of the recorded image of the printed image with comparison image data,

   - to determine the printed image as a correct printed image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) if a match is determined between the printed image and the comparison data on the basis of the comparison of the printed image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data, and

   - to determine the printed image as a incorrect printed image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) if no match is determined between the printed image and the comparison data on the basis of the comparison of the printed image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data;

   - an assembly device (23), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printed-image testing device (20) and is set up to separate a printed sheet (29, 30) from the print substrate (1);

   - a first tensioning device (9c), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printed-image testing device (20) and upstream of the assembly device (23) and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1); and

   - a document diverter (25), which is set up to direct the printed sheet (29, 30) onto one of a first transport path (26a) and a second transport path (26b);

   - the document diverter (25) being set up to direct the printed sheet (29) onto the first transport path (26a) if the printed image on the printed sheet (29) is determined as a correct printed image, and

   - the document diverter being set up to direct the printed sheet (30) onto the second transport path (26b) if the printed image on the printed sheet (30) is determined as an incorrect printed image.
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device is set up for a web material, which is a film material.
3. The device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a reject bin (28), which is arranged at the end of the second transport path (26b) and is set up to accommodate the printed sheet (30) directed onto the second transport path (26b), wherein the printed image on the printed sheet (30) is determined as an incorrect printed image.
4. The device according to least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a maculature device, which is arranged along the second transport path (26b) and is set up to destroy the printed sheet (30) directed onto the second transport path (26b), wherein the printed image on the printed sheet (30) is determined as an incorrect printed image.
5. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a marking device (31), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printed-image testing device (20) and upstream of the assembly device (23) and is set up to provide at least sections of the print substrate (1), for which the printed image was determined as an incorrect printed image, with a mark which labels the sections as sections with an incorrect printed image.
6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a feeding device (22), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printed-image testing device (20) and upstream of the assembly device (23) and is set up to displace the print substrate (1) along the web path.
7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printed-image testing device (20) has a scanning device and is set up to detect printed-image scanning data by mechanically scanning the printed image by means of the scanning device, wherein the comparison of the printed image with comparison data comprises the comparison of the printed-image scanning data with comparison scanning data.
8. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by:

   - a print head shuttle (5) having at least one print head (14a, 14b), which is set up to apply a printing compound onto the print substrate (1) to generate a printed image, wherein the print head shuttle (5) is arranged on a first side of the print substrate (1);

   - a printing table (3), which is arranged opposite the print head shuttle (5) on a second side of the print substrate (1), having a holding device (11, 12), which is set up to hold the print substrate (1) in such a manner that for printing, a relative movement between the printing table (3) and the print substrate (1) is prevented;

   - a first web-tension measuring device (7a), which is arranged along the web path upstream of the printing table (3) and is set up to generate first measurement data, which indicate a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1) at the first web-tension measuring device (7a);

   - a second tensioning device (9a), which is arranged along the web path upstream of the printing table (3) and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1);

   - a second web-tension measuring device (7b), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printing table (3) and is set up to generate second measurement data, which indicate a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1) at the second web-tension measuring device (7b);

   - a third tensioning device (9b), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printing table (3) and is set up to set a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1); and

   - a web-tension control device (10), which is set up

   - to receive the first measurement data, to generate first control data on the basis of the first measurement data and to control the second tensioning device (9a) according to the first control data in such a manner that the second tensioning device (9a) effects a first predetermined web tension of the print substrate (1) at the second tensioning device (9a); and

   - to receive the second measurement data, to generate second control data on the basis of the second measurement data and to control the third tensioning device (9b) according to the second control data in such a manner that the third tensioning device (9b) effects a second predetermined web tension of the print substrate (1) at the third tensioning device (9b).
9. A method for assembling and sorting a print substrate (1), comprising:

   - providing a printed-image testing device (20) having an image recording device (21) on one side of a print substrate (1) printed with a printed image, the print substrate (1) being a web material, which can be displaced along a web path;

   - providing an assembly device (23), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printed-image testing device (20);

   - providing a first tensioning device (9c), which is arranged along the web path downstream of the printed-image testing device (20) and upstream of the assembly device (23);

   - providing a document diverter (25), which is set up to direct a printed sheet (29, 30) onto one of a first transport path (26a) and a second transport path (26b);

   - setting a mechanical web tension of the print substrate (1) by means of the first tensioning device (9c);

   - recording an image of the printed image on the print substrate (1) by means of the image recording device (21);

   - comparing the printed image on the print substrate (1) with comparison data by means of the printed-image testing device (20), the comparison of the printed image with the comparison data comprising the comparison of the recorded image of the printed image with comparison image data,

   - determining the printed image as a correct printed image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) if a match is determined between the printed image and the comparison data on the basis of the comparison of the printed image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data;

   - determining the printed image as an incorrect printed image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the print substrate (1) if no match is determined between the printed image and the comparison data on the basis of the comparison of the printed image on the print substrate (1) with the comparison data;

   - separating a printed sheet (29, 30) from the print substrate by means of the assembly device (23);

   - directing the printed sheet (29) onto the first transport path (26a) if the printed image on the printed sheet (1) is determined as a correct printed image; and

   - directing the printed sheet (29) onto the second transport path (26b) if the printed image on the printed sheet (1) is determined as an incorrect printed image.

Images