TW201927579A - Printing apparatus, transfer roller - Google Patents

Abstract

In a state in which a blanket 431 has been brought into contact with an engraved plate P in order for ink to be received from the engraved plate P onto the blanket 431, the blanket 431 protrudes from a restriction disc 437 toward the engraved plate P to form a gap d between the restriction disc 437 and the engraved plate P. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent interference between the engraved plate P and the restriction disc 437 when ink is received from the engraved plate P onto the blanket 431.

Description

Printing device and transfer roller

The present invention relates to an offset printing technology using a transfer roller.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-198996 describes a printing apparatus using a transfer pad formed of a silicone rubber or the like. This printing device presses a transfer pad to which a transfer object having a predetermined pattern is attached in advance against a transfer object, thereby printing the transfer object on the transfer object. Further, the printing device is provided with a restriction member adjacent to the transfer pad, and the restriction member is used to limit the deformation of the transfer pad that has been pressed against the transfer target to the outside, thereby making the transfer pad Adheres evenly to the object to be transferred.

Incidentally, in the lithography using a transfer roller in place of a transfer pad, the application of the above-mentioned technique may be considered. That is, by providing a restricting member facing the blanket in the axial direction with respect to the blanket, the restricting member is used to restrict the deformation of the felt in the axial direction, so that the felt can evenly adhere to the printing target.物 (Transferred body).

However, in lithography using a transfer roller, it is necessary to bring the felt of the transfer roller into contact with the plate to receive ink from the plate to the felt. At this point, there will be restrictions Concerns that the component interferes with the plate and the plate or limit component is damaged.

The present invention has been developed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to suppress the deformation of the felt in the axial direction when printing is performed using a transfer roller provided with a restriction member, and the restriction member is used to restrict the deformation of the felt in the axial direction. Interference between the plate and the restricting member when the plate is received to the felt.

The printing device of the present invention includes a stage and a transfer roller; the stage supports a plate on which a pattern has been formed; the transfer roller has a felt on an outer peripheral surface, and is rotated while the felt has contacted the plate. The relative movement of the plate, thereby receiving the ink from the plate to the felt; the transfer roller has a restricting member on the end face of the felt, and the deformation of the felt in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted by the restricting member, and the end face of the felt is orthogonal to The surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer roller; in a state where the felt has contacted the plate, the felt system protrudes more toward the plate than the restricting member and forms a gap between the restricting member and the plate.

The transfer roller of the present invention includes a shaft core, a felt, and a restricting member. The felt is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft core. The restricting member is disposed on an end surface of the felt to restrict the deformation of the felt in the direction of the rotation axis. The end face of the aforementioned felt is orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft core; while the felt is in contact with the plate, it is rotated while moving relative to the plate, thereby receiving ink from the plate to the felt; In this case, the felt system protrudes in the direction of the plate more than the restriction member to form a gap between the restriction member and the plate.

In the present invention (printing apparatus and transfer roller) configured as described above, in a state where the felt is in contact with the plate in order to receive ink from the plate to the felt, the felt protrudes in the direction of the plate more than the restricting member and is on the restricting member. Form a gap with the plate. Therefore, when the ink is received from the plate to the felt, it is possible to suppress the plate from interfering with the restricting member. Disturbed situation.

The printing device may be configured such that the felt system has a cylindrical shape with a first radius R1, the restriction member system has a disc shape with a second radius R2 shorter than the first radius R1, and the felt system and the restriction member system are arranged On coaxial. In such a configuration, the felt system has a first radius R1 that is longer than the second radius R2 of the restriction member. Therefore, in a state where the felt touches the plate in order to receive ink from the plate to the felt, the felt system is more prominent than the restricting member, and a gap can be formed between the restricting member and the plate. As a result, when the ink is received from the plate to the felt, it becomes possible to suppress the interference between the plate and the restriction member.

Incidentally, to surely receive the ink from the plate to the felt, it is effective to press the felt against the plate. However, the pressing of the plate is accompanied by the elastic contraction of the felt, and as a result, there is a concern that the restricting member may interfere with the plate. Therefore, the printing device may be configured such that, in a state where the felt has contacted the plate, the distance L between the rotation axis of the transfer roller and the plate is shorter than the first radius R1, and the second radius R2 is smaller than the distance L. short. With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably receive the ink from the plate to the felt by pressing the felt against the plate only for the difference between the first radius R1 and the distance L. Furthermore, since the second radius R2 is shorter than the distance L, it is also possible to suppress interference between the plate and the restriction member when the ink is received from the plate to the felt.

Incidentally, in order to transfer the ink from the felt to the printing target, the printing target is pressed into the felt system. At this time, the elastic deformation of the felt caused by the press-in of the printing object is restricted by the restricting member, so that the printing object can be uniformly adhered to the felt. However, it is envisaged that after the felt is separated from the object to be printed, the felt remains elastically deformed. Stumbled without recovery. Therefore, the printing device may be configured such that the restricting member is provided separately from the felt in the direction of the rotation axis. In such a configuration, after the felt is separated from the object to be printed, the shape of the felt can be reliably restored.

In addition, if the interval between the felt and the restricting member is too wide, there is a concern that deformation of the felt cannot be fully restricted by the restricting member, and the adhesion between the object to be printed and the felt is reduced. Therefore, the printing device may be configured such that the interval between the restricting member and the felt in the direction of the rotation axis can be changed. With such a configuration, the interval between the felt and the restricting member can be appropriately changed within a range that does not impair the restriction on the deformation of the felt by the restricting member.

Further, the printing device may be configured such that the transfer roller system further includes a spacer for defining a space between the restriction member and the felt, and the restriction member and the felt can be changed by changing the thickness of the spacer. Interval. With such a configuration, the interval between the regulating member and the felt can be changed by a simple operation such as changing the thickness of the spacer.

The printing device may be configured such that the restricting members are arranged on both sides of the end face of the felt. In such a configuration, the restriction members on both sides of the felt can suppress the interference between the plate and the restriction member when the ink is received from the plate to the felt. Furthermore, when the ink is transferred from the felt to the printing object, the deformation of the felt can be restricted from both sides, and the felt can be reliably adhered to the printing object.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a case where printing is performed using a transfer roller provided with a restricting member and the restricting member is used to restrict the deformation of the felt in the axial direction, it is possible to enable the ink to be received from the plate to the felt. Suppressing the version and restricting the interference of components becomes feasible.

1‧‧‧Printing Device

2‧‧‧ abutment

10‧‧‧version table unit (set)

11‧‧‧ support

12‧‧‧ plate

20‧‧‧ version alignment unit

21‧‧‧ pillar member

22, 63, 66‧‧‧ beam members

24‧‧‧ First Alignment Camera

25‧‧‧Second Edition Alignment Camera

26, 27‧‧‧Position adjustment mechanism

30, 50‧‧‧ ink filling unit

40‧‧‧roller unit

41‧‧‧Lifting mechanism

42‧‧‧Elevating table

43‧‧‧transfer roller

60‧‧‧Workpiece alignment unit

61, 62‧‧‧ support

64‧‧‧First Workpiece Alignment Camera

65, 68, 71‧‧‧ position adjustment mechanism

67‧‧‧Second workpiece alignment camera

70‧‧‧Workbench unit

72‧‧‧Workbench

73‧‧‧ Calibration Department

80‧‧‧ delivery unit

81‧‧‧ linear guide

82‧‧‧Linear moving drive

83, 84‧‧‧ delivery platform

90‧‧‧control unit

431‧‧‧ felt

432‧‧‧through hole

433‧‧‧face

435‧‧‧shaft

437‧‧‧Restricted circular plate (restricted member)

438‧‧‧Gasket (spacer)

731, 732‧‧‧ reference mask (correction member)

C‧‧‧imaginary centerline (rotation axis)

d‧‧‧ clearance

L‧‧‧ Distance

P‧‧‧ Gravure (Version)

Pa‧‧‧ pattern area

Pb‧‧‧blank area

r‧‧‧radius difference

R1‧‧‧ Radius of Felt

R2‧‧‧Limits the radius of the circular plate

W‧‧‧ Workpiece

X‧‧‧direction (axis direction, rotation axis direction)

X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z θ 1, θ 2‧‧‧ directions

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a flow of processing in a printing operation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a transfer roller used in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the transfer roller of FIG. 3 in an exploded state.

FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing the transfer roller of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing the transfer roller of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a modified example of the transfer roller.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. This printing device 1 forms a pattern on the surface of a work piece having a three-dimensional shape using the principle of gravure printing. More specifically, the intaglio plate is formed with a concave portion corresponding to a pattern on the surface of a flat plate-shaped substrate, and the printing apparatus 1 fills the intaglio plate with ink, and transfers the ink to a workpiece via a transfer roller, thereby transferring The pattern formed by the ink is formed on the surface of the workpiece.

As a main configuration, the printing apparatus 1 includes: a base 2; a platen unit 10; a plate alignment unit 20; an ink filling unit 30 and 50; a roller unit 40; and a work piece alignment unit. 60) work piece stage unit 70; transport unit 80 for moving the platen unit 10 and the work stage unit 70; and a control unit 90.

In this printing apparatus 1, the control unit 90 controls each part of the printing apparatus 1 to perform a filling process, a receiving process, and a transfer process by following a program that has been installed in advance. This filling process is provided opposite to The concave portion of the flat plate-shaped intaglio plate P is filled with ink. This receiving step is to cause the roller unit 40 to receive the ink of the intaglio plate P. The transfer step is to transfer the received ink to a three-dimensional workpiece W. Thereby, the pattern prescribed | regulated by the recessed part of the intaglio plate P is printed on the workpiece | work W. In addition, the intaglio plate P has a pattern area Pa and a surrounding margin area Pb surrounding the pattern area Pa. The pattern area Pa is provided with a recessed portion as a pattern, while the margin area Pb has a flat shape.

In FIGS. 1 and each diagram described later, in order to clarify the arrangement relationship of each part of the device, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is appropriately shown. Specifically, the XY plane is a horizontal plane, and the long-side direction of the printing apparatus 1 in the horizontal direction is a "Y direction". A direction toward the platen unit 10 among the transportation directions Y of the transportation unit 80 is referred to as "Y1", and a direction toward the work stage unit 70 is referred to as "Y2". The horizontal direction orthogonal to the Y direction is referred to as the "X direction". The direction toward the front of the device in the X direction is referred to as "X1" and the direction toward the back of the device is referred to as "X2". The vertical direction is further referred to as the "Z direction".

The abutment 2 is provided so as to extend in the Y direction as shown in FIG. 1. A pair of linear guides 81 and 81, a linear movement driving unit 82, and a linear scale (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the base 2 so as to extend in the Y direction. The section 82 is a linear motor or the like disposed between the linear movement guides 81. also, Two transport tables 83 and 84 are provided on the linear movement guide 81 and the linear movement driving section 82, and are linearly moved in the Y direction by the linear movement driving section 82. The platen unit 10 is mounted on one of the two transfer stages 83 and 84, and the work stage unit 70 is mounted on the other transfer stage 84. Thereby, the platen unit 10 and the work table unit 70 are independent from each other and can move back and forth in the Y direction.

The platen unit 10 has a support table 11 and a platen 12. The support table 11 is arranged on the upper surface of the conveying table 83. The platen 12 is installed on the upper surface of the support table 11 and above the support table 11. The surface remains intaglio P. The linear movement driving unit 82 can move the conveyance table 83 in the Y direction in response to an operation command from the control unit 90, thereby being able to convey the intaglio plate P held by the platen 12 in the Y direction.

On the other hand, the work table unit 70 includes a position adjustment mechanism 71, a work table 72, and a correction section 73. The position adjustment mechanism 71 is disposed on the upper surface of the transport table 84, and the work table 72 is attached to the position adjustment mechanism. The upper surface of 71 holds the workpiece W on the upper surface of the position adjustment mechanism 71. The correction unit 73 is composed of two reference masks (correction members) 731 and 732. The position adjustment mechanism 71 has a function of driving the work table 72 to the transport table 84 in the X direction and the θ 1 direction (the direction of rotation around the vertical axis). The linear movement driving unit 82 moves the transport table 84 in the Y direction in response to an operation instruction from the control unit 90, and the position adjustment mechanism 71 moves the workpiece table 72 in the X direction and rotates in the θ 1 direction in response to the operation instruction from the control unit 90. Thereby, the workpiece W held by the workpiece table 72 can be positioned in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ 1 direction.

A roller unit 40 is arranged at a substantially central portion in the Y direction on the upper surface of the base 2. In this roller unit 40, a table 42 that can be raised and lowered in the Z direction via a lifting mechanism 41 is provided at both ends in the X direction of the central portion. The pair of elevating tables 42 is provided outside the X direction in a moving space (hereinafter referred to as a "table moving space") of the platen unit 10 and the work table unit 70. This prevents interference between the platen unit 10 and the work table unit 70.

The transfer roller 43 is disposed so as to bridge the lifting table 42 in one of the mutually separated arrangements. The transfer roller 43 is provided with a felt having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the X direction. When a rotation driving motor (not shown) is driven in response to an operation command from the control unit 90, the transfer roller 43 rotates about the rotation direction θ2 of the rotation axis. In addition, when a lift command from the control unit 90 is given to a lift motor (not shown) of the lift mechanism 41, the lift motor raises and lowers the transfer roller 43 together with the lift table 42 in response to the lift command. Thereby, the position of the transfer roller 43 in the Z direction is adjusted with high accuracy.

In addition, the ink filling units 30 and 50 are arranged adjacent to the Y1 direction side and the Y2 direction side of the roller unit 40, respectively. After the ink filling units 30 and 50 supply ink from the dispenser to the intaglio plate P, the doctor blade slides on the intaglio plate P, thereby filling the concave portion of the intaglio plate P with ink. These ink filling units 30 and 50 have different uses. In other words, the ink filling unit 30 fills the gravure P with ink printed on the workpiece W, and the ink filling unit 50 fills the gravure P with dry ink for preventing the gravure P from drying.

A plate alignment unit 20 is arranged on the Y1 direction side of the ink filling unit 30. In this plate alignment unit 20, four column members 21 are provided on the base 2, and beam members 22 are provided so that the tops of the column members 21 are connected to each other. Furthermore, the first version alignment camera 24 and the second version alignment camera 25 are attached to the beam member 22 via the position adjustment mechanisms 26 and 27, respectively.

The position adjustment mechanism 26 has a function of driving the first version alignment camera 24 against the beam member 22 in the X and Z directions. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 26 moves the first plate alignment camera 24 in the X direction and the Z direction in response to an operation instruction from the control unit 90, and thereby can capture a portion of the intaglio plate P held on the platen 12 with high accuracy.

The position adjustment mechanism 27 has a function of driving the second version alignment camera 25 against the beam member 22 in the X direction and the Z direction on the X2 direction side of the first version alignment camera 24. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 27 moves the second version of the alignment camera 25 in the X direction and the Z direction in response to an operation instruction from the control unit 90, so that it is possible to accurately capture an area different from the area shot by the first version of the alignment camera 24. Surface area of gravure P. In addition, the images captured by the first and second version alignment cameras 24 and 25 are transmitted to the control unit 90, respectively.

A work alignment unit 60 is arranged on the Y2 direction side of the ink filling unit 50. In the workpiece alignment unit 60, support portions 61 and 62 that are respectively movable in the Y direction on the upper surface of the base 2 are disposed away from the table moving space of the workpiece table unit 70 toward the X2 direction side. The first work piece alignment camera 64 is mounted so as to be movable in the X direction and the Z direction with respect to the beam member 63 of the one support portion 61. Again, second The work alignment camera 67 is mounted so as to be movable in the X direction and the Z direction with respect to the beam member 66 of the other support portion 62.

Further, a position adjustment mechanism 65 is provided for moving the first workpiece alignment camera 64 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 65 moves the first workpiece alignment camera 64 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction in response to an operation instruction from the control unit 90, thereby being able to accurately photograph a part of the workpiece W held on the workpiece table 72. .

Further, a position adjustment mechanism 68 is provided to move the second workpiece alignment camera 67 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 68 moves the second workpiece alignment camera 67 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction in response to an operation instruction from the control unit 90, thereby being able to accurately capture the image captured by the first workpiece alignment camera 64. The parts of the workpiece W having different positions. In addition, the images captured by the first workpiece alignment camera 64 and the second workpiece alignment camera 67 are transmitted to the control unit 90.

In this way, the first and second version alignment cameras 24 and 25 photograph the intaglio P placed on the platen 12. More specifically, these first and second edition alignment cameras 24 and 25 photograph an alignment mark provided on the end surface of the intaglio P or the intaglio P in advance. The control unit 90 locks the position of the intaglio plate P on the platen 12 based on the image thus captured. The first work alignment camera 64 and the second work alignment camera 67 capture the work W placed on the work table 72. The control unit 90 locks the position of the work W on the work table 72 based on the captured image.

Further, the control unit 90 calculates the positional relationship between the intaglio plate P and the workpiece W. The deviation between the system and a predetermined relationship predetermined in advance, and the position adjustment mechanism 71 moves the workpiece stage 72 in the X direction and the θ 1 direction according to the calculation result, thereby correcting the position deviation of the gravure P and the workpiece W. Thereby, in the printing operation described later, the transfer position of the ink on the work W when the ink is transferred from the intaglio P to the work W via the transfer roller 43 can be made appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in a printing operation. This processing is implemented by the control unit 90 executing a control program prepared in advance, and controlling each part of the device to perform a predetermined operation.

When the gravure P and the work W are carried into the printing apparatus 1 and are set on the platen 12 and the work table 72 (step S101), the alignment processing for adjusting the relative position of the gravure P and the work W is performed (step S102). . Next, each part of the printing apparatus 1 is positioned at a predetermined initial position, and the printing apparatus 1 shifts to a reception start state (step S103).

When the preparation for printing is thus prepared, the "filling step" in which the ink filling unit 30 fills the gravure P with ink is executed (step S104). When the filling process is completed, the platen 12 moves to the printing start position (step S105). Thereby, the end part of the Y2 direction side of the gravure P is located in the position just below the transfer roller 43, or it is located slightly to the Y1 direction side from the position just below the transfer roller 43.

From this state, the "acceptance process" which transfers the ink filled in the gravure P to the transfer roller 43 (more specifically, the felt which comprises the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller 43) is performed (step S106). Specifically, the transfer roller 43 is lowered and the platen 12 is moved in the Y2 direction, whereby the felt on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller 43 comes into contact with the intaglio plate P. Next, the platen 12 is moved in the Y2 direction at a fixed speed and the transfer roller 43 is rotated in the rotation direction θ 2 in synchronization with the movement of the platen 12. The ink filled in the concave portion of the pattern area Pa of the intaglio plate P is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller 43. Thereby, the transfer roller 43 receives ink.

For the pattern area Pa after the ink is transferred to the transfer roller 43 through the position immediately below the transfer roller 43, the ink filling unit 50 is used to perform dummy filling of new ink (step S107). Thereby, the drying and fastening of the ink in the pattern area Pa is prevented, and printing using the intaglio plate P can be repeatedly performed.

When the acceptance process is completed, the transfer roller 43 is temporarily raised (step S108). Next, the platen 12 moves in the Y1 direction and retracts from the position below the transfer roller 43, and the work table 72 moves to the printing start position (step S109). Thereby, the Y2 direction side end portion of the work W held by the work table 72 is positioned directly below the transfer roller 43 or slightly to the Y1 direction side from the position directly below the transfer roller 43.

From this state, a “transfer process” is executed in which the ink carried by the transfer roller 43 is transferred to the workpiece W to transfer a pattern (step S110). Specifically, the transfer roller 43 rotates at a fixed speed in the arrow direction θ 2 in a state in which it contacts the workpiece W, and the workpiece table 72 moves in the Y2 direction at a fixed speed in synchronization with the rotation of the transfer roller 43, thereby being The ink carried on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller 43 is transferred to the work W. Thereby, the ink is transferred to the work W. Next, when the transfer process is completed, the transfer roller 43 rises and separates from the workpiece W (step S111), and each part of the apparatus shifts to the printing end state (step S112).

Next, the configuration of the transfer roller 43 used in the printing operation performed by the printing apparatus 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a transfer roller used in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the transfer roller of FIG. 3 in disassembly, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are The side view of the transfer roller of FIG. 3 is shown typically. 3 to 5 show a state where the transfer roller 43 is not in contact with other members (gravure P and workpiece W). On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows a state where the gravure P is in contact with the transfer roller 43 in the receiving process. . In addition, in these drawings and the drawings of the transfer roller mentioned below, a part of the structure is exaggerated in order to clarify the characteristics of the transfer roller.

The transfer roller 43 is provided with a felt 431 of an elastic member made of, for example, silicone rubber on the outer peripheral surface, and is supported by the roller unit 40 so as to be rotatable about a virtual centerline C parallel to the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the felt 431 has a cylindrical shape centered on an imaginary center line C. An insertion hole 432 is formed in the felt 431 and penetrates in the X direction. The insertion hole 432 has a cylindrical shape centered on the virtual center line C. Such a felt 431 has ring-shaped end faces 433 at both ends in the X direction, and each end face 433 is orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the transfer roller 43 (that is, the X direction in which the virtual centerline C extends).

The transfer roller 43 is formed of a metal such as aluminum and has a solid or hollow shaft core 435. The shaft core 435 has a cylindrical shape having the same diameter and the same length as the insertion hole 432 of the felt 431 and is inserted into the insertion hole 432. Further, a restriction disc 437 is fastened to both ends of the shaft core 435 by a screw or the like. The restriction disc 437 is arranged coaxially with the felt 431 and has a disc shape (cylindrical shape) centered on the imaginary center line C. Each of the restricting circular plates 437 has a longer diameter than the insertion hole 432 of the felt 431, and the restricting circular plates 437 face / contact with the two end surfaces 433 of the felt 431 from the X direction (axial direction), respectively. This is arranged on the coaxial felt 431, the shaft core 435, and the limiting disc 437. It rotates integrally around the imaginary center line C.

Each restricting circular plate 437 performs the following functions: restricting the deformation of the felt 431 in the X direction. That is, in the transfer step of step S110, in order to elastically deform the felt 431 along the three-dimensional shape of the work W, the work W is pressed against the felt 431. In addition, the felt 431 may be pressed against the work W in the opposite direction to the example here, so that the felt 431 may be configured to follow the three-dimensional shape of the work W. At this time, the end face 433 of the felt 431 has a stress acting outward. Therefore, the restricting circular plate 437 supports the end surface 433 of the felt 431 against such a stress, thereby preventing the end surface 433 from being deformed to the outside, and achieving close adhesion between the workpiece W and the felt 431.

As shown in FIG. 5, the felt 431 and the restricting circular plate 437 are arranged so that their center lines (imaginary center line C) coincide with each other (that is, coaxially). The radius R1 of the felt 431 is longer than the radius R2 of the restricting circular plate 437, and the felt 431 protrudes laterally by a radius difference r (= R1-R2) from the two restricting circular plates 437.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, these radii R1 and R2 are set such that the protrusion of the felt 431 from the restricting circular plate 437 is maintained in the receiving process. That is, in order to surely transfer (receive) the ink from the intaglio plate P to the felt 431 in the receiving step, the felt 431 is pressed against the intaglio plate P and elastically contracts in a portion in contact with the intaglio plate P. Therefore, in the acceptance process, the distance L between the imaginary centerline C and the intaglio plate P becomes shorter than the radius R1 of the felt 431. Here, the distance L can be obtained as the distance between the blank area Pb of the gravure P and the imaginary center line C.

On the other hand, since the radius R2 of the restriction disc 437 is shorter than the distance L, the felt 431 is also smaller than the two restriction discs 437 in the receiving process. It protrudes toward the intaglio plate P, and forms a gap d (= L-R2) between each of the restriction discs 437 and the intaglio plate P. In the receiving process, in the X direction, the pattern area Pa of the intaglio plate P is an area located between one of the end faces 433 and the other end face 433 of the felt 431, and the outer peripheral surface of each restricting disc 437 is in the intaglio plate P. The blank area Pb is opposed to each other across the gap d. The positional relationship between the pattern area Pa of the intaglio plate P and the felt 431 is not limited to the example here. For example, in the X direction, the two end surfaces 433 of the felt 431 may be configured between the two ends of the pattern region Pa of the intaglio P, in other words, the felt 431 may be configured within the pattern region Pa.

In the embodiment described above, in a state where the felt 431 contacts the intaglio P in order to receive the ink from the intaglio P to the felt 431, the felt 431 protrudes toward the intaglio P more than the restricting disc 437, and the restricting disc 437 and A gap d is formed between the intaglio plates P. Therefore, when the ink is received from the intaglio plate P to the felt 431, it is possible to suppress the interference between the intaglio plate P and the restriction disc 437. In particular, when the thickness of the felt 431 is increased in order to make the felt 431 follow the three-dimensional shape of the work W, the felt 431 tends to be elastically deformed greatly when it contacts the gravure P in order to receive ink, which tends to cause restrictions The interference between the circular plate 437 and the gravure P. Therefore, the embodiment described above is particularly suitable for the printing apparatus 1 using the thick felt 431.

The felt 431 has a cylindrical shape with a radius R1, and the restriction disk 437 has a circular plate shape with a radius R2 shorter than the radius R1. In addition, the felt 431 and the restriction disc 437 are arranged coaxially (in other words, the center lines of the two are aligned with each other). In such a configuration, in a state where the felt 431 touches the intaglio P in order to receive ink from the intaglio P to the felt 431, the felt 431 has a restricted circle ratio. The plate 437 is more prominent, and a gap d can be formed between the restriction circular plate 437 and the intaglio plate P. As a result, when the ink is received from the intaglio P to the felt 431, it is possible to suppress the interference between the intaglio P and the restriction disc 437.

Incidentally, to reliably receive the ink from the gravure P to the felt 431, it is effective to press the felt 431 against the gravure P. However, as the gravure P is pressed, the felt 431 elastically contracts, and as a result, there is a concern that the disc 437 will interfere with the gravure P. In contrast, in a state where the felt 431 is in contact with the intaglio plate P, the distance L between the imaginary centerline C (rotation centerline) of the felt 431 and the intaglio plate P is shorter than the radius R1, and the radius R2 is shorter than the distance L. In such a configuration, the felt 431 is pressed only against the difference between the radius R1 and the distance L against the gravure P, and the ink can be reliably received from the gravure P to the felt 431. Furthermore, since the radius R2 of the restriction plate 437 is shorter than the distance L, it is also possible to suppress interference between the intaglio plate P and the restriction plate 437 when the ink is received from the intaglio plate P to the felt 431.

The restriction disc 437 configured as described above is arranged on both end faces 433 of the felt 431. Therefore, when receiving ink from the intaglio plate P to the felt 431, it is possible to suppress interference between the intaglio plate P and the restriction plate 437 with respect to each of the restriction disks 437 on both sides of the felt 431. Furthermore, when the ink is transferred from the felt 431 to the work W, the deformation of the felt 431 can be restricted from both sides, and the felt 431 can be reliably adhered to the work W.

In the embodiment described above, the printing device 1 corresponds to an example of the "printing device" of the present invention, the platen 12 corresponds to an example of the "table" of the present invention, and the gravure P corresponds to an example of the "plate" of the present invention. The transfer roller 43 corresponds to an example of the "transfer roller" of the present invention, and the felt 431 corresponds to the present invention. An example of the "felt", the restricting circular plate 437 corresponds to an example of the "restricting member" of the present invention, the gap d corresponds to an example of the "clearance" of the present invention, and the X direction corresponds to the "axis direction" and "rotation" of the present invention As an example of the "axis direction", the imaginary center line C corresponds to an example of the "rotation axis" of the present invention.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes other than the above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the transfer roller 43 may be configured as shown in FIG. 7. Here, FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a modified example of the transfer roller. FIG. 7 shows a state where the other members (the intaglio plate P and the workpiece W) do not contact the transfer roller 43. It should be noted here that the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment are mainly described, and common reference numerals are given to common parts, and appropriate explanations are omitted. However, as a matter of course, the same effect can be achieved by having a configuration common to the above-mentioned embodiment.

In this modification, a washer (spacer) 438 is disposed between the end surface 433 of the felt 431 and the restriction circular plate 437. The shaft core 435 (FIG. 4) is longer in the X direction than the felt 431 and protrudes from both ends of the felt 431. The spacer 438 is externally fitted to the shaft core 435 protruding from the felt 431. The spacer 438 has a diameter shorter than that of the restricting circular plate 437, and is sandwiched by the end surface 433 of the felt 431 and the restricting circular plate 437 to contact them. In this way, the end surface 433 of the felt 431 and the restriction disc 437 are separated by the spacer 438. At this time, the interval between the end surface 433 of the felt 431 and the restriction disc 437 can be changed by changing the thickness of the spacer 438.

The reason for setting such an interval is as follows. That is, in order to transfer ink from the felt 431 to the work W, the work W is pressed into the felt 431. At this time, the restriction disc 437 is used to restrict the elastic deformation of the felt 431 in response to the pressing of the workpiece W, so that the felt 431 can be uniformly adhered to the workpiece W. However, it is assumed that after the felt 431 is separated from the workpiece W, the felt 431 is still elastically deformed and is caught by the restriction disc 437 without being restored. Therefore, in the modification of FIG. 7, the restriction disk 437 is provided separately from the felt 431 in the X direction. In such a modification, the shape of the felt 431 can be reliably restored after the felt 431 is separated from the workpiece W.

In addition, if the distance between the felt 431 and the restriction disc 437 is too wide, there is a concern that the deformation of the felt 431 cannot be sufficiently restricted by the restriction disc 437 and the adhesion between the work W and the felt 431 is reduced. In contrast, the interval in the X direction between the restriction disc 437 and the felt 431 is configured to be variable. Therefore, the interval between the felt 431 and the restriction disc 437 can be appropriately changed within a range where the deformation of the felt 431 by the non-destructive restriction disc 437 is limited.

Specifically, the transfer roller 43 is provided with a spacer 438 (spacer) for regulating the distance between the circular plate 437 and the felt 431. In addition, by changing the thickness of the spacer 438, the distance between the restriction disc 437 and the felt 431 can be changed. With such a configuration, the thickness of the spacer 438 can be changed, that is, the interval between the restriction disc 437 and the felt 431 can be changed by a simple operation such as replacing the spacer 438.

In addition, modifications other than the modification of FIG. 7 may be appropriately applied. For example, the method of fixing the restricting circular plate 437 to the shaft core 435 is not limited to tightening, but may be followed by welding. The material and the like of the felt 431 may be changed.

In addition, the specific shape of the workpiece W is not specifically mentioned in the above. However, the above-mentioned printing apparatus 1 is capable of performing work W, For example, a wine bottle or the like performs printing. When the body of the wine bottle is printed, the entire length of the wine bottle may be longer than the felt 431. In other words, if the body of the wine bottle converges on the inside of the felt 431, even if the bottleneck of the wine bottle protrudes from the felt 431 to the outside, the interference between the restriction disc 437 and the wine bottle can be avoided.

It is needless to say that the specific configuration of each part of the printing apparatus 1 can be appropriately changed. For example, the number of ink filling units 30 and 50 is not limited to two, and a single ink filling unit 30 may be provided.

The present invention is applicable to all lithographic techniques.

Claims (8)

A printing device includes: a table for supporting a plate having a pattern formed thereon; and a transfer roller having a felt on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and relatively moving toward the plate while being rotated while the felt has contacted the plate, In this way, ink is received from the plate to the felt; the transfer roller has a restricting member on the end face of the felt, and the deformation of the felt in the direction of the rotation axis is restricted by the restricting member, and the end face of the felt is A surface orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the transfer roller; in a state where the felt has contacted the plate, the felt is protruded in a direction of the plate more than the restriction member and is formed between the restriction member and the plate gap. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the felt is a cylindrical shape having a first radius (R1), and the restricting member is a circle having a second radius (R2) shorter than the first radius (R1). In a plate shape, the felt and the restriction member are arranged coaxially. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein in a state where the felt has contacted the plate, a distance (L) between the rotation axis of the transfer roller and the plate is greater than the first radius (R1) The second radius (R2) is shorter than the distance (L). The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is provided separately from the felt in the direction of the rotation axis. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein an interval between the restricting member and the felt toward the rotation axis direction is variable. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein the transfer roller further includes a spacer for defining a distance between the restriction member and the felt, and the restriction member can be changed by changing a thickness of the spacer. Space from the aforementioned felt. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the restricting members are disposed on both sides of the end face of the felt, respectively. A transfer roller includes: a shaft core; a felt provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft core; and a restricting member provided on an end surface of the felt to limit deformation of the felt in a direction of the rotation axis. The end surface of the felt is orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft core; while the felt is in contact with the plate, it is rotated while moving relative to the plate, thereby receiving ink from the plate to the felt; In a state in which the felt is in contact with the plate, the felt is projected in a direction of the plate more than the restriction member, and a gap is formed between the restriction member and the plate.