WO2013148926A1 - Procédé et système d'impression au tampon avec godet à encre pré-rempli amovible - Google Patents

Procédé et système d'impression au tampon avec godet à encre pré-rempli amovible Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013148926A1
WO2013148926A1 PCT/US2013/034233 US2013034233W WO2013148926A1 WO 2013148926 A1 WO2013148926 A1 WO 2013148926A1 US 2013034233 W US2013034233 W US 2013034233W WO 2013148926 A1 WO2013148926 A1 WO 2013148926A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ink
doctor
doctor blade
cup
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/034233
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Samuel Peterson
Christopher Schaafsma
Sigi Knappik
Christopher Williamson
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/434,402 external-priority patent/US8955433B2/en
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc. filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Publication of WO2013148926A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013148926A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F17/00—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
    • B41F17/001—Pad printing apparatus or machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F31/00—Inking arrangements or devices
    • B41F31/02—Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices
    • B41F31/04—Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices with duct-blades or like metering devices

Definitions

  • the presently described inventive subject matter relates generally to printing, such as pad printing.
  • Pad printing can be used to apply an image to a product.
  • Pad printing may be used in applications for applying images to rounded (e.g., three dimensional) products, such as syringes and sporting equipment.
  • Pad printing is also effective on uneven surfaces, such as the dimpled surface of a golf ball.
  • Some known pad printing systems use a deformable pad that receives ink, transferred as an image, from a flat cliche plate.
  • the plate has an engraving or etching of the image formed in the plate.
  • the etching of the cliche plate results in recesses in a surface of the cliche plate for receiving or containing ink.
  • the ink is transferred from a liquid supply assembly to the cliche plate where the ink fills the etched recesses.
  • the deformable pad is then pressed onto the plate and ink within the etched recesses is picked up by the pad.
  • the image is then transferred to the print surface by pressing the deformable pad onto the print surface.
  • an inverted cup that contains a quantity of printing ink may be used to apply additional ink to the cliche plate.
  • the cup and cliche plate are translated relative to each other such that a coating of ink is deposited from the cup onto the cliche plate as the portion of the cliche plate bearing the etched image or indicia travels adjacent (e.g., below) the inverted cup.
  • a doctor blade is fitted to the cup to traverse along the cliche plate and wipe excess ink from the cliche plate.
  • doctor blade leaves behind the ink that fills the recesses in the etched area of the cliche plate while removing other ink from areas that do not form part of the image (e.g., the ink disposed outside of the etched recesses on the cliche plate) and where the ink may tend to buildup if not removed.
  • ink is poured from a shipping container, in which the ink was purchased, into a mixing container for mixing of the ink with a quantity of a thinner.
  • the ink is transferred from the mixing container to the ink cup of the pad printing system and the mixing container is discarded.
  • the ink cup is cleaned and refilled. Cleaning of the cup can be costly in terms of the time, labor, and materials required to perform the operation. Additionally, cleaning the cup can involve the handling of potentially noxious substances.
  • the ink that remains in the mixing container is lost, since the remaining ink may be discarded along with the mixing container. Ink also may be potentially lost when the ink is transferred from the mixing container to the cup due to the risk of spillage.
  • the ink that is contained within the doctor blade may be insufficient to completely cover the recesses in the etched area.
  • the ink that is moved over the etched area by the doctor blade may not flow into all of the recesses.
  • not all of the recesses may receive ink and at least a portion of the image to be formed by the recesses may not be formed on the object that receives the ink.
  • One embodiment of the inventive subject matter described herein provides a method for operating a pad printing system.
  • the method includes receiving a removable pre- filled ink cup on a doctor assembly, orienting the removable pre-filled ink filled cup on the doctor assembly, and dispensing ink from the oriented removable pre-filled ink cup.
  • a system for operating a pad printing system includes means for receiving a removable pre-filled ink cup on a doctor assembly, means for orienting the removable pre-filled ink cup on the doctor assembly, and means for dispensing ink from the oriented removable pre-filled ink cup.
  • a pad printing system including a doctor assembly that includes a removable pre-filled ink cup receiving portion. The receiving portion provides orientation of removable pre-filled ink cups.
  • another aspect of the inventive subject matter described herein provides a removable pre-filled ink cup for a pad printing system.
  • the ink cup includes an ink retention portion pre-filled with ink and a doctor assembly orientation portion formed on an outer portion of the retention portion.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup is configured to deposit ink on a cliche device via a doctor assembly that is mated with the doctor assembly orientation portion.
  • another doctor assembly for a pad printing system includes a body and a doctor blade.
  • the body has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that defines a passageway through the body.
  • the inner surface is configured to engage a removable pre-filled ink cup to secure the ink cup to the body.
  • the inner surface also is configured to direct ink from the ink cup through the passageway toward an ink- receiving surface of a cliche device of the pad printing system.
  • the doctor blade is configured to be coupled with the body and to engage the cliche device.
  • the doctor blade is configured to wipe at least some of the ink along the cliche device as at least one of the body or the cliche device laterally moves relative to another of the at least one of the body or the cliche device.
  • the doctor blade is configured to be coupled with the body such that the doctor blade is laterally spaced apart from the inner surface of the body.
  • a doctor assembly for a pad printing system has a body that includes an inner surface and a lower surface.
  • the inner surface is configured to engage a removable pre-filled ink cup to secure the ink cup.
  • the inner surface includes an interior wall and defines a passageway that directs ink from the ink cup toward an ink- receiving surface of a cliche device of the pad printing system.
  • the lower surface intersects the inner surface.
  • the lower surface is configured to couple with a doctor blade that engages the ink-receiving surface of the cliche device and wipes at least some of the ink from the ink cup along the ink-receiving surface of the cliche device as the doctor assembly laterally moves along the ink-receiving surface of the cliche device.
  • the interior wall of the inner surface is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the lower surface.
  • another doctor assembly for a pad printing system is provided.
  • the doctor assembly includes a body and a doctor blade.
  • the body has a lower surface and an inner surface that intersects the lower surface.
  • the inner surface defines a passageway through the body and is configured to engage a removable pre-filled ink cup to secure the ink cup to the body.
  • the inner surface is configured to direct ink from the ink cup through the passageway toward an ink-receiving surface of a cliche device of the pad printing system.
  • the doctor blade is configured to be coupled with the lower surface of the body and to engage the cliche device.
  • the doctor blade, the inner surface of the body, the ink cup, and a portion of the ink-receiving surface of the cliche device that is bounded by the doctor blade define an ink retaining volume of the body.
  • the ink retaining volume holds at least some of the ink from the ink cup when the ink cup is coupled with the inner surface of the body and the doctor blade engages the ink-receiving surface.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method for pad printing with a removable pre-filled ink cup
  • Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representative of one example of a pre-filled ink cup for a pad printing system
  • Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representative of one example of a doctor assembly for a pad printing system
  • Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representative of one example of a system for pad printing with removable pre-filled ink cup;
  • Figure 5 is a top view of another example of a doctor assembly;
  • Figure 6 is a side view of the doctor assembly shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the doctor assembly along line 7-7 shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 is a top view of another example of a doctor assembly
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the doctor assembly shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the doctor assembly along line 10-10 shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart of one example of a method 100 for pad printing with a removable pre-filled ink cup, in accordance with the invention at 100.
  • a volume of a thinner is received in a removable pre-filled ink cup.
  • An example removable pre-filled ink cup may be cylindrical in shape and include a volume of ink with an additional space, within the cup, that is reserved for the addition of the thinner.
  • the removable pre- filled ink cup can be manufactured of steel, a rigid plastic, or another material.
  • the material chosen may need to be able to withstand the stresses applied to the cup in a pad printing system, such as contact with a cup stop device that limits lateral movement (e.g., movement of the cup in a direction or plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to an ink-receiving surface of a cliche device).
  • a cup stop device that limits lateral movement (e.g., movement of the cup in a direction or plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to an ink-receiving surface of a cliche device).
  • substantially parallel it is meant that the direction or plane of movement of the cup may not be exactly parallel to the ink-receiving surface, but may be within manufacturing tolerances of a pad printing system that includes the cliche device (e.g., within a few degrees).
  • the thinner is mixed with the ink in the removable pre-filled ink cup.
  • the thinner adjusts the ink to a desired viscosity for use in the pad printing system.
  • the thinner may be mixed with the ink prior to loading the ink into the cup.
  • the manufacturer, vendor, or other provider of the removable pre-filled ink cup may provide the cup with the ink and thinner pre-loaded into the cup before being received by a user of the cup. The user of the cup may then use the cup in connection with the pad printing system (as described below) without adding thinner or other components to the ink.
  • the pre-filled ink cup may be filled with the ink and thinner by the manufacturer, vendor, or other provider, and the user of the ink cup may add more or different thinner, ink, or other substances to the cup to change the viscosity, color, adhesion characteristics, or other characteristics of the ink to be used in the pad printing system.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup is received on a doctor assembly of the pad printing system.
  • the doctor assembly holds the ink cup in the pad printing system and is configured to allow the removable pre-filled ink cup to be attached and detached as needed.
  • the user may more easily remove ink cups that are depleted or substantially depleted from ink (e.g., any remaining amount of ink in the depleted ink cup is insufficient to fill the etched recesses on the cliche plate) from the doctor assembly and couple another removable, pre- filled ink cup to the doctor assembly for additional printing.
  • the ink cups may be disposable so that the user can simply swap out depleted ink cups for new or filled ink cups without having to clean out the depleted ink cup before loading more ink into the ink cup.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup is oriented on the doctor assembly.
  • doctor assembly aligns the removable pre-filled ink cup in the pad printing system.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup is oriented on the doctor assembly, printing can commence or continue.
  • the ink is dispensed from the oriented removable pre-filled ink cup and, at 160, the dispensed ink is received onto a cliche device (e.g., the cliche plate) of the pad printing system.
  • a cliche device e.g., the cliche plate
  • the dispensed ink on the cliche device is then transferred to a deformable printing pad for application to a print object (e.g., an object on which an image formed by the ink is to be printed).
  • a print object e.g., an object on which an image formed by the ink is to be printed.
  • the ink cup may be decoupled from the doctor assembly.
  • the ink cup may be decoupled from the doctor assembly.
  • the ink cup may be decoupled from the doctor assembly.
  • the ink cup is decoupled from the doctor assembly. Upon removal, the removed ink cup may be discarded.
  • flow of the method 100 may return to 130, where another removable, pre-filled ink cup is coupled with the doctor assembly, as described above.
  • the method 100 may proceed in a loop- wise manner such that depleted ink cups may be removed from the doctor assembly and replaced with other ink cups (e.g., having more and/or different ink). Excess ink can be cleaned from the doctor assembly and/or cliche device before a replacement removable pre-filled ink cup is oriented on the doctor assembly. Alternatively, the replacement ink cup may be coupled with doctor assembly without cleaning the doctor assembly and/or cliche device.
  • flow of the method 100 may return to 110, where thinner is received in a replacement ink cup.
  • the method 100 may return to 110 where additional and/or different thinner, ink, or other components may be added to a replacement ink cup prior to coupling the replacement ink cup to the doctor assembly.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of one example of a pre-filled ink cup 205 for a pad printing system.
  • the pre-filled ink cup 205 is a removable pre-filled ink cup and includes a body 200 that extends between opposite ends that include a closed end 204 and an open or dispensing end 202.
  • the body 200 is cylindrical, although other shapes may be used.
  • the body 200 may have a height dimension 206 that is measured from one end 202 or 204 to the other end 204 or 202.
  • the body 200 also may have a width dimension 208.
  • a cylindrical shaped body 200 may have the width dimension 208 that represents the outer diameter of the cylinder formed by the body 200.
  • a differently shaped body 200 may have another width dimension 208.
  • the body 200 includes an ink retention portion 210 and a coupling portion
  • the ink retention portion 210 extends from the closed end 204 of the body 200 to the coupling portion 214 and the coupling portion 214 extends from the ink retention portion 210 to the opposite open or dispensing end 202 of the body 200.
  • the ink retention portion 210 and the coupling portion 214 may be separated by one or more other portions of the body 200.
  • the ink retention portion 210 can be pre-filled with a quantity of ink and/or thinner (not shown in Figure 2).
  • the ink is supplied along with the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 and the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 can be disposed once the ink is depleted, as described above.
  • the closed end 204 may be a closed such that the ink retention portion 210 forms a cup that holds the ink within the cup 205 when the closed end 204 is oriented downward and the open or dispensing end 202 is oriented upward (e.g., relative to the direction of force of gravity).
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 includes an opening 212 at the open or dispensing end 202 for addition of a thinner and/or to permit the flow of ink from the cup 205 and onto the cliche device in the pad printing system.
  • the opening 212 extends across the entire width dimension 208 of the open end 202.
  • the opening 212 may extend over only a portion of the width dimension 208 of the open end 202.
  • the diameter of the opening 212 may be smaller than the width dimension 208 of the open end 202.
  • the coupling portion 214 (alternatively referred to as a doctor assembly orientation portion) is disposed at or substantially adjacent to the opening 212.
  • the coupling portion 214 can extend from the opening 212 or the open end 202 toward the ink retention portion 210.
  • the coupling portion 214 is a threaded section 216 of an outer surface 218 of the body 200 of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205. The coupling portion 214 enables insertion and removal of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 in the pad printing system.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 can be constructed of a material appropriate for the pad printing system, taking into consideration various factors, such as ease of manufacture, cost of manufacture, compatibility with the ink and associated thinners, opportunity for recycling, weight, structural stability, and the like.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 is constructed of a metal, such as steel or aluminum.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 is constructed of a plastic, such as one or more thermoset polymers.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of one example of a doctor assembly 305 for a pad printing system.
  • the doctor assembly 305 includes an orientation unit or body 310.
  • the body 310 is shown in the shape of a circular ring, but alternatively may have one or more other shapes.
  • the body 310 extends between a lower end or surface 322 and an opposite upper end or surface 324 (also referred to as a coupling surface).
  • the body 310 has a height dimension 326 that is measured from one end 314 or 324 to the other end 324 or 322.
  • the body 310 also extends between an inner surface 322 and an opposite outer surface 330.
  • the outer surface 330 defines an outer perimeter of the body 310 and the inner surface 322 defines an inner perimeter of the body 310.
  • a thickness dimension 332 of the body 310 may be measured from one surface 322 or 324 to the other surface 324 or 322.
  • the body 310 also may have a width dimension 328.
  • a ring shaped body 310 may have the width dimension 328 that represents the outer diameter of the ring formed by the body 310.
  • a differently shaped body 310 may have another width dimension 310.
  • the body 310 shown in Figure 3 extends around and defines a passageway 334 through the body 310 from one surface 322 or 324 to the opposite surface 324 or 322.
  • a doctor blade 312 is coupled to the body 310 of the doctor assembly 305.
  • the doctor blade 312 is an annular blade that is joined to the lower end or surface 314 of the body 310.
  • the doctor blade 312 may be coupled to the body 310 between the upper end or surface 324 and the lower end or surface 314.
  • the doctor blade 312 may be joined to the body 310 along at least a portion, or all, of the outer perimeter of the ring formed by the body 310.
  • the upper end or surface 324 includes at least one connection point 316 for connecting the doctor assembly 305 to the pad printing system.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 includes the doctor blade 312 affixed adjacent or proximate to the opening 212 at the end 202 of the cup 205 (shown in Figure 2).
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205, with the doctor blade 312 comprises or forms the doctor assembly 305.
  • the doctor assembly 305 may not be used or provided with the cup 205 and the blade coupled to the cup 205 replacing the doctor assembly 305.
  • the doctor assembly 305 includes a cup receiving portion 318, such as threads
  • the receiving portion 318 is configured for receiving the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 shown in Figure 2 on the doctor assembly 305.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 305 may be coupled and oriented with the doctor assembly 305 by engaging the coupling portion 214 (e.g., the threaded section 216 of the outer surface 218 of the body 200 of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205, as shown in Figure 2) with the cup receiving portion 318 of the doctor assembly 305 (e.g., the threads 322 on the inner surface 320).
  • the coupling portion 214 enables insertion and removal of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 from the doctor assembly 305 in the pad printing system.
  • the coupling portion 214 of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 and the receiving portion 318 of the doctor assembly 305 include corresponding interlocking components for orienting the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 on the doctor assembly 305.
  • the cup 205 may be connected to the doctor assembly 305 by inserting the open or dispensing end 202 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205 into the passageway 334 of the doctor assembly 305 through the upper surface 324.
  • the cup 205 and/or the doctor assembly 305 may be rotated relative to the other such that the threaded section 216 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205 engages and secures the cup 205 to the threads 322 of the cup receiving portion 318 of the doctor assembly 305.
  • the cup 205 and/or doctor assembly 305 may be rotated relative to the other in an opposite direction to disconnect the threaded section 216 of the cup 205 from the threads 322 of the cup receiving portion 318 of the doctor assembly 305.
  • corresponding clamping portions are included for orienting the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 on the doctor assembly 305.
  • a device, assembly, or system that does not use threads may be used to connect the cup 205 to the doctor assembly 305.
  • a device, assembly, or system that does not use threads may be used to connect the cup 205 to the doctor assembly 305.
  • one or more keying features, pins-and-slots, tongues- and-grooves, or other components may be used to connect the cup 205 to the doctor assembly 305.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a schematic representation of one example of a pad printing system 405 for pad printing with pre-filled ink cups.
  • the pad printing system 405 includes a cliche device 410, a printing pad 412, and a mounting unit 414.
  • the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 is received by the receiving portion 318 of doctor assembly 305 in an inverted position.
  • the dispensing or open end 202 of the cup 205 may be inserted into the doctor assembly 305 so that the ink in the cup 205 flows out of the cup 205 (e.g., the ink retention portion 210 shown in Figure 2) and into the passageway 334 (shown in Figure 3) of the doctor assembly 305.
  • the opening 212 at the end 202 of the cup 205 may be substantially adjacent to the cliche device 410, such as by being no more than 0.3 inches or 7.62 millimeters from the cliche device 410, when the cup 205 is coupled with the doctor assembly 305.
  • the opening 212 at the end 202 of the cup 205 may be a smaller or larger distance from the cliche device 410.
  • the coupling portion 214 of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 may correspond to the receiving portion 318 on the doctor assembly 305 so that the two corresponding portions are aligned and the threaded portion 216 of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 engages the threads 322 on the inside surface 320 of the body 310 of the doctor assembly 305.
  • the engagement between the coupling portion 214 and the receiving portion 318 can provide orientation of the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 on the doctor assembly 305 within the pad printing system 405.
  • the engagement between the portions 214, 318 can cause the opening 212 at the end 202 of the cup 205 to be a designated distance, or no more than a designated distance, from the cliche device 410. Controlling or limiting this distance can allow for the system 405 to control how much ink is dispensed and/or how rapidly ink is dispensed from the cup 205 onto an ink-receiving surface 416 of the cliche device 410.
  • the ink in the cup 205 fills or at least partially fills a volume that is defined (e.g., bounded) by the inner surface 322 (shown in Figure 3) and/or the blade 312 of the doctor assembly 305, the cup 205, and the portion of the cliche device 410 disposed within (e.g., bounded by) the perimeter defined by an interface between the blade 312 and the cliche device 410.
  • the blade 312 may keep the ink from the cup 205 within this volume except for the ink that is disposed within etched image-forming recesses 406 of the cliche device 410.
  • the mounting unit 414 includes a structure that is suitable for mounting the doctor assembly 305, with the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 oriented thereon, in the pad printing system 405.
  • the mounting unit 414 can be integrated with a push rod, a suspension system, a hold down unit, or other structure within the pad printing system 405 to hold down the doctor assembly 305 onto the cliche device 410 such that the blade 312 of the doctor assembly 305 engages the cliche device 410.
  • ink flows by gravity from the removable pre-filled ink cup 205 onto cliche device 410 through the passageway 334 (shown in Figure 3) of the doctor assembly 305.
  • the doctor blade 312 can provide a seal between the doctor assembly 305 and the cliche device 410.
  • the doctor blade 312 wipes or scrapes excess ink from cliche device 410 (e.g., ink that is not disposed within the image-forming recesses 406 on the cliche device 410) as the doctor assembly 305 and/or the cliche device 410 are translated relative to the other along opposite lateral directions 402, 404 along the cliche device 410.
  • the ink remaining on the cliche device 410 (e.g., within the image-forming recesses 406 in the cliche device 410) after the doctor blade 312 moves over the image-forming recesses 406 is transferred to the printing pad 412 by pressing the printing pad 412 against the inked cliche device 410 along a downward direction 408 at or around the image-forming recesses 406.
  • Ink in the image-forming recesses 406 is transferred to the printing pad 412.
  • the printing pad 412 with the transferred ink is separated from the cliche device 410 along an upward or separation direction 412 for subsequent transfer of the ink to a print object.
  • the print object may be moved below the printing pad 412 or the printing pad 412 may be moved to a position over the print object, and the pad 412 and/or object may move toward the other to apply the transferred ink to the print object.
  • Figure 5 is a top view of another example of a doctor assembly 500.
  • Figure 6 is a side view of the doctor assembly 500 shown in Figure 5.
  • the doctor assembly 500 may be used in connection with the pad printing system 405 shown in Figure 4.
  • the doctor assembly 405 (shown in Figure 4) may represent the doctor assembly 500.
  • the doctor assembly 500 may have a body 502.
  • the body 502 may be a circular shaped ring, or may have another shape, such as a polygon shaped ring or other shape.
  • the body 502 can be formed from a single component.
  • the body 502 may be formed as a single, unitary body.
  • the body 502 can be formed from two or more parts.
  • the body 502 extends along a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction with respect to the cliche device 410 shown in Figure 4) from a lower end or surface 600 (shown in Figure 6) to an opposite upper end or surface 504.
  • the ends or surfaces 504, 600 may be separated by a height dimension 602 along the first direction.
  • the body 502 also extends between an inner surface 506 (shown in Figure 5) and an opposite outer surface 508.
  • the outer surface 508 defines an outer perimeter of the body 502 and the inner surface 506 defines an inner perimeter of the body 502.
  • a thickness dimension 510 (shown in Figure 5) of the body 502 may be measured from one surface 506 or 508 to the other surface 508 or 506.
  • the body 502 also may have a width dimension 512.
  • a ring shaped body 502 may have a width dimension 512 that represents the outer diameter of the ring formed by the body 502.
  • the body 502 extends around and defines a passageway 514 (shown in Figure 5) through the body 502 from one surface 504 or 600 to the opposite surface 600 or 504.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the doctor assembly 500 along line 7-7 shown in Figure 5.
  • the inner surface 506 of the doctor assembly 500 in the passageway 514 can include threads 700 to couple with a corresponding or complementary threaded portion 216 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205 (shown in Figure 2).
  • the open end 202 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205 is loaded into the passageway 514 through the upper surface 504 of the doctor assembly 500 so that the threaded portion 216 of the cup 205 can engage the threads 700 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the engagement between the threaded portion 216 of the cup 205 and the threads 700 of the doctor assembly 500 may seal the cup 205 to the doctor assembly 500.
  • the engagement between the cup 205 and the doctor assembly 500 may cause the ink inside the cup 205 to be dispensed out of the cup and into the passageway 514 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the 500 faces the ink-receiving surface 416 (shown in Figure 4) of the cliche device 410 (shown in Figure 4) and includes a channel 702 that extends into the lower surface 600.
  • the channel 702 is shaped to receive a doctor blade 704, such as an annular doctor blade 704.
  • the channel 702 may extend around a perimeter of the passageway 514 at the lower surface 600 of the doctor assembly 500 so that the doctor blade 704 at least partially encircles the passageway 514 at the lower surface 600.
  • the channel 702 and/or doctor blade 704 may extend around only a portion (and less than all) of the perimeter of the passageway 514 at the lower surface 600.
  • an ink retaining volume may be defined within the passageway 514 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the ink retaining volume represents a chamber or volume within the doctor assembly 500 in which ink from the cup 205 is held as the doctor assembly 500 and/or cliche device 410 move relative to the other, as described above.
  • the ink retaining volume is bounded by the doctor blade 704, the portion of the cliche device 410 that is disposed within the doctor blade 704 when the doctor blade 704 engages the cliche device 410, the interior surface 506 of the doctor assembly 500, and the cup 205 when the cup 205 is secured to the doctor assembly 500.
  • the doctor blade 704 is laterally spaced apart from the passageway 514 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the doctor blade 704 may be located outside of (e.g., at a larger diameter dimension) than the inner surface 506 of the doctor assembly 500 that defines the passageway 514.
  • the doctor blade 704 shown in Figure 7 is laterally spaced apart from and located outside of the ink retaining volume of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the doctor blade 704 may define an outer boundary of the ink retaining volume.
  • the doctor blade 704 is laterally disposed outside of the coupling portion 216 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205 (shown in Figure 2) when the cup 205 is joined with the doctor assembly 500.
  • the doctor blade 704 may have a diameter or width dimension 706 that is larger than the diameter dimension 208 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205.
  • the inner surface 506 of the doctor assembly 500 that includes the threads 700 is smaller (e.g., has a smaller diameter) than the diameter of the doctor blade 704 such that the doctor blade 704 is laterally disposed outside of the inner surface 506 of the doctor assembly 500 and the coupling portion 216 of the cup 205.
  • the inner surface 506 of the doctor assembly 500 can include an angled interior wall 712.
  • the interior wall 712 extends from a coupling section 710 of the inner surface 506 that includes the threads 700 to the lower surface 600 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the interior wall 712 may be formed as a portion of a cone that extends from the section of the inner surface 506 that includes the threads 700 to the lower surface 600 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the cone formed by the interior wall 712 may have a first diameter dimension 716.
  • the interior wall 712 may have a larger, second diameter dimension 718.
  • the interior wall 712 may be formed in another shape.
  • the interior wall 712 may be formed as a pyramid or other shape having angled walls.
  • the interior wall 712 intersects the lower surface 600 such that the interior wall 712 is disposed at an angle 714 with respect to the lower surface 600.
  • the interior wall 712 may be oriented at the angle 714 with respect to a two dimensional plane in which the lower surface 600 is disposed.
  • the wall 712 can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the lower surface 600.
  • the wall 712 may be oriented at an obtuse angle or at a perpendicular angle.
  • the interior wall 712 may be provided in order to cause the ink in the ink retaining volume of the doctor assembly 500 to be spread out over the image-forming recesses 406 (shown in Figure 4) of the cliche device 410 (shown in Figure 4) when the doctor assembly 500 moves over the etched recesses 406.
  • the doctor assembly 500 and/or cliche device 410 (shown in Figure 4) repeatedly move relative to the other in order to deposit the ink into the etched recesses 406 (shown in Figure 4) of the cliche device 410, the ink in the ink retaining volume can decrease. As the amount of ink in the ink retaining volume decreases, additional ink from the cup 205 (shown in Figure 2) may flow into the ink retaining volume. Eventually, enough ink may be dispensed and printed onto the print object that the ink may not completely fill the ink retaining volume between the cliche device 410 and the dispensing end 202 (shown in Figure 2) of the cup 205.
  • the ink in the ink retaining volume of the doctor assembly 500 may laterally flow back-and-forth.
  • a first lateral direction 708 e.g., along or parallel to the ink-receiving surface 416 of the cliche device 410
  • some of the ink may be pushed up against the portion of the interior wall 712 labeled 712B in Figure 7.
  • the doctor assembly 500 moves in an opposite second lateral direction 714, some of the ink may be pushed up against the portion of the interior wall 712 labeled 712A in Figure 7.
  • the ink that is pushed by the interior wall portion 712B may flow (e.g., as a wave) in the ink retaining volume toward an opposite portion of the interior wall 712 that is labeled 712A in Figure 7.
  • the doctor assembly 500 may stop and be positioned over the image-forming recesses 406 (shown in Figure 4) for a sufficient time period that the pushed ink moves over and covers (e.g., extends over all of the recesses 406) that are beneath the ink retaining volume of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the wave of ink that is pushed or created by movement of the interior wall portion 712B may have sufficient energy to cause the ink to fill all of the recesses 406 that are located within a boundary defined by an interface between the doctor blade 704 and the ink-receiving surface 416 of the cliche device 410.
  • the ink may fill the recesses 406 such that the entire image associated with the recesses 406 can be formed on the pad 412 (shown in Figure 4) and then onto the print object.
  • Figure 8 is a top view of another example of a doctor assembly 800.
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the doctor assembly 800 shown in Figure 8.
  • the doctor assembly 800 may be similar to the doctor assembly 500 shown in Figure 5.
  • the doctor assembly 800 may be used in connection with the pad printing system 405 shown in Figure 4.
  • the doctor assembly 405 (shown in Figure 4) may represent the doctor assembly 800.
  • the doctor assembly 800 may have similar features and components as the doctor assembly 500 described above, such as a ring-shaped body, opposite upper and lower ends or surfaces, opposite inner and outer surfaces, and the like.
  • the doctor assembly 800 may have a smaller width dimension 802 than the width dimension 512 (shown in Figure 5) of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the width dimension 802 of the doctor assembly 800 may be 70% or smaller than the width dimension 512 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the width dimension 802 may be a larger or smaller percentage or fraction of the width dimension 512 of the doctor assembly 500.
  • the width dimension 802 of the doctor assembly 800 is 4.330 inches or 109.98 millimeters and the width dimension 512 of the doctor assembly 500 is 2.992 inches or 76.00 millimeters.
  • the width dimension 802 and/or the width dimension 512 may have another size.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of one example of the doctor assembly
  • the doctor assembly 800 may include a doctor blade 1000 that is similar to the doctor blade 704 (shown in Figure 7).
  • One difference between the doctor blade 1000 and the doctor blade 704 may be that the doctor blade 1000 may be smaller (e.g., have a smaller diameter) than the doctor blade 704.
  • an inner surface 1002 of the doctor assembly 800 can include an interior wall 1004 that is similar to the interior wall 712 (shown in Figure 7) of the doctor assembly 500.
  • One difference between the interior walls 712, 1004 may be the angles at which the interior walls 712, 1006 are disposed.
  • the interior wall 1006 may be oriented at a larger angle 1006 from a lower surface 1008 of the doctor assembly 800 relative to the angle 714 (shown in Figure 7) of the interior wall 712 in the doctor assembly 500.
  • the angle 1006 of the interior wall 1004 is at least four times larger than the angle 714 of the interior wall 712.
  • the angle 1006 may be 56 degrees while the angle 714 may be 13 degrees.
  • one or more of the angles 714, 1006 and/or the ratios of the angles 714, 1006 may be different or have another value.
  • the interior walls 712, 1004 of the differently sized doctor assemblies 500, 800 may be oriented at different angles 714, 1006 so that the ink in the ink retaining volume of the doctor assemblies 500, 800 is moved to cover the recesses 406 (shown in Figure 4) on the cliche device 410 (shown in Figure 4) when the recesses 406 are disposed within the doctor blades 704, 1000 (e.g., in an area of the ink-receiving surface 416 of the cliche device 410 that is bounded by an interface between the doctor blade 704, 1000 and the ink-receiving surface 416 of the cliche device 410).
  • the angle 1006 of the wall 1004 in the smaller doctor assembly 800 may be a larger angle or have a greater pitch than the angle 714 of the wall 712 in the larger doctor assembly 500 (e.g., the doctor assembly having a larger diameter or width dimension). Decreasing the angle of the wall 1004 in the smaller doctor assembly 800 may cause the ink in the ink retaining portion to not flow or move (e.g., as a wave) within the ink retaining portion to cover an entire group of recesses 406 that correspond to an image when the group of recesses 406 are disposed within (e.g., bounded by) the doctor blade 1000.
  • Such a decreased angle may cause the wall 1004 to not transfer sufficient energy to the wave of ink that is formed by the doctor assembly 800 moving laterally relative to the cliche device 410 so that at least some of the recesses 406 do not receive sufficient ink to transfer the image represented by the recesses to the printing pad 412 (shown in Figure 4).
  • the 500 may cause the ink in the ink retaining portion to not flow or move within the ink retaining portion to cover an entire group of recesses 406 that correspond to the image when the group of recesses 406 are disposed within the doctor blade 704. Increasing the angle may cause the wall 712 to not transfer sufficient energy to the wave of ink that is formed by the doctor assembly 500 moving laterally relative to the cliche device 410 so that at least some of the recesses 406 do not receive sufficient ink to transfer the image represented by the recesses to the printing pad 412 (shown in Figure 4).
  • the 500, 800 may be based on the diameters or width dimensions of the doctor blades 704, 1000.
  • the angle 714, 1006 may be a function of the diameters or width dimensions of the doctor blades 704, 1000.
  • the angle 714, 1006 may be inversely related to the diameters or width dimensions of the doctor blades 704, 1000. For example, as the diameter or width dimension of a doctor blade decreases (e.g., the doctor blade 1000 relative to the doctor blade 704), the angle 714, 1006 of the walls 712, 1005 may increase to ensure that the ink in the ink retaining volume of the doctor assembly 500, 800 covers the recesses 406 (shown in Figure 4).
  • the angle 714, 1006 of the walls 712, 1005 may decrease.
  • the doctor blades 704, 1000 are disposed in the channels 702, 1010 of the doctor assemblies 500, 800.
  • the angle 714, 1006 of the walls 712, 1004 may change based on the location and/or size of the channels 702, 1010.
  • the angle 714, 1006 of the walls 712, 1004 may decrease.
  • the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.
  • the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other.
  • many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope. While relative dimensions described herein are intended to define the parameters of the inventive subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are example embodiments.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble égalisateur (305) pour système d'impression au tampon (405), comprenant un corps (310) et une racle (312). Le corps (310) présente une surface extérieure (330) et une surface intérieure opposée (322) qui définit un passage (334) à travers le corps (310). La surface intérieure (322) interagit avec un godet à encre (205) pré-rempli amovible pour fixer le godet à encre (205) au corps (310). La surface intérieure (322) dirige l'encre provenant du godet à encre (205) à travers le passage (334) en direction d'une surface réceptrice d'encre d'un dispositif de cliché (410). La racle (312) est couplée au corps (310) et interagit avec le dispositif de cliché (410). La racle (312) essuie l'encre le long du dispositif de cliché (410) tandis que le corps (310) se déplace latéralement par rapport au dispositif de cliché (410). La racle (312) est couplée au corps (310) de sorte qu'elle est latéralement espacée de la surface intérieure (322) du corps (310).
PCT/US2013/034233 2012-03-29 2013-03-28 Procédé et système d'impression au tampon avec godet à encre pré-rempli amovible WO2013148926A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/434,402 2012-03-29
US13/434,402 US8955433B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2012-03-29 Method and system for pad printing with removable pre-filled ink cup

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013148926A1 true WO2013148926A1 (fr) 2013-10-03

Family

ID=48096294

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2013/034233 WO2013148926A1 (fr) 2012-03-29 2013-03-28 Procédé et système d'impression au tampon avec godet à encre pré-rempli amovible

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013148926A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0736380A1 (fr) * 1995-04-05 1996-10-09 Printing International Réservoir d'encre avec une racle
EP1033246A1 (fr) * 1999-03-01 2000-09-06 ITW Morlock GmbH Dispositif d'encrage pour une presse à tampon de transfert.
WO2008067171A1 (fr) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Procédé et système pour impression au tampon doté d'un godet à encre prérempli amovible

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0736380A1 (fr) * 1995-04-05 1996-10-09 Printing International Réservoir d'encre avec une racle
EP1033246A1 (fr) * 1999-03-01 2000-09-06 ITW Morlock GmbH Dispositif d'encrage pour une presse à tampon de transfert.
WO2008067171A1 (fr) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Procédé et système pour impression au tampon doté d'un godet à encre prérempli amovible

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8955433B2 (en) Method and system for pad printing with removable pre-filled ink cup
EP2160252B1 (fr) Évent autorégulateur pour cuve d'alimentation en peinture
US20140318279A1 (en) Syringe, syringe family and metering device
US20120234432A1 (en) Bottle filling device
US6238399B1 (en) Filling transfer apparatus for bone cement
US9579685B2 (en) Coupler for decorating bag
EP1780012B1 (fr) Alimentation d'encre pour impression au tampon
EP2452818B1 (fr) Réservoir d'encre
CN102413730A (zh) 带有涂敷器的容器
EP1132146A2 (fr) Piston pour seringue pneumatique
EP1902971A1 (fr) Appareil et dispositif distributeur de liquide
WO2013148926A1 (fr) Procédé et système d'impression au tampon avec godet à encre pré-rempli amovible
US9486298B2 (en) Cartridge for dispensing a dental substance and method of assembling the cartridge
CA2665383C (fr) Procede et systeme pour impression au tampon dote d'un godet a encre prerempli amovible
CA2675215C (fr) Cadre de garniture d'encre pour impression au tampon et decoration
US20020152903A1 (en) Apparatus and method for a generic ink cup
US9381769B2 (en) Paint storage and dispensing kit
JP2016107994A (ja) 液体用充填ノズル
US20030098321A1 (en) Measured liquid dispenser
CA2631852C (fr) Insert de gobelet jetable pour impression au tampon et decoration
EP1120354A9 (fr) Emballage comprenant un système de fermeture pour récipient a liquide, un système de remplissage, et procédé pour la recharge
US20210094065A1 (en) System, Device, and Method for Removing Paint from Mixing Paddles
US20110070014A1 (en) Applicator for Paint and Other Liquids
EP2969569B1 (fr) Insert de tasse jetable pour tampographie et décoration
CA2685828A1 (fr) Support pour contenir et distribuer un fluide

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13716631

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13716631

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1