Multi-purpose coating module, multi-purpose coating device, and working method for multi-purpose coating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose coating module (1), a multi-purpose coating device (2), and a method of operation for the multi-purpose coating device (2). The multi-purpose coating module (1) for printing on a substrate (6) or a transfer product (7) includes a printing unit (8) and a multi-functional element (9), wherein a printing gap (10) is constructed between the printing unit (8) and the multi-functional element (9), and wherein the multi-functional element (9) has a first multi-functional roller (91) and / or at least a second multi-functional roller (92) and / or a printing table (13), and wherein the printing unit (8) is constructed in such a way that it can print in two running directions in the printing gap (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-purpose application module, a multi-purpose application device, and a method of operation for the multi-purpose application device. Prior Technology

[0002] The substrate can be decorated using digital printing and subsequent application of a transfer layer in a specialized printing and / or finishing apparatus. Here, inkjet printing allows for the direct application of adhesive to the substrate in a specially designed printing apparatus. Alternatively, inkjet printing can be used to apply adhesive to the transfer product in another specially designed printing apparatus. Subsequently, in both cases, the transfer product is bonded to the substrate, so that the transfer layer to be applied adheres to the substrate with the aid of the adhesive, and can then be separated from the carrier layer of the transfer product.

[0003] WO 2016 / 150681 A1, for example, discloses a method and an application apparatus for applying a transfer coating to a substrate, wherein a free radical curable adhesive is applied to a section of the transfer coating by means of an inkjet printhead.

[0004] The main drawback of the above methods is that applying the adhesive to either the transfer product or the substrate requires specialized printing and / or finishing equipment, or currently only such specialized equipment is known. Accordingly, depending on whether the adhesive is to be printed onto the substrate or the transfer product, specialized machinery is required, increasing machine complexity and cost, and also implying a lack of flexibility. This is particularly true due to the different print quality and / or applications in these two cases. Direct printing onto the substrate typically involves the extension and / or absorption of the adhesive into the substrate, while printing onto the transfer product usually means additional costs in aligning the transfer product relative to the substrate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved printing and / or finishing apparatus and an improved (operating) method for the printing and / or finishing apparatus, thereby preferably avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective is a multi-purpose coating module for printing on substrates or transfer products, comprising a printing unit and a multi-functional element, wherein a printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, wherein the multi-functional element has a first multi-functional roller and / or at least a second multi-functional roller and / or a printing table, and wherein the printing unit is constructed in a manner that enables printing in two running directions within the printing gap.

[0007] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives also lies in a multi-purpose coating device, comprising, in particular, the multi-purpose coating module and cold transfer unit of the present invention as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the cold transfer unit comprises a pressure roller and a counter-pressure roller.

[0008] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives also lies in a (operating) method for a multi-purpose coating apparatus, a preferred multi-purpose coating apparatus of the present invention, and more preferably a multi-purpose coating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 34, wherein, according to a first variant i), a substrate is guided along a multi-functional element to a printing gap constructed between a printing unit and the multi-functional element for printing on the substrate, and further guided to a pressure roller and a pressure roller, thereby pressing a transfer product onto the substrate; or according to a second variant ii), the transfer product is guided along the multi-functional element to the printing gap constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element for printing on the transfer product, and further guided to the pressure roller and the pressure roller, thereby pressing the transfer product onto the substrate; and in variants i) and ii), the substrate and / or the transfer product are guided in opposite directions of operation, particularly in the multi-purpose coating module.

[0009] Through the multi-purpose coating module, the multi-purpose coating apparatus, and the (operating) method of the multi-purpose coating apparatus of the present invention, two variations can be implemented using the same machine, particularly the same printing and / or finishing apparatus: printing onto a substrate and printing onto a transfer product. This enables flexible use, allowing for targeted utilization of the advantages of prints applied, particularly in the form of an adhesive, to either the substrate or the transfer product, without the need for two separate machines. Accordingly, printing onto a substrate or a transfer product can be achieved simply by applying the multi-purpose coating module of the present invention to a finishing machine, because the multi-purpose coating module of the present invention enables printing along two opposite directions of operation. In other words, by utilizing the multi-purpose coating module of the present invention to change the paths of the substrate and the transfer product on the machine, two variations can be achieved. This reduces machine complexity and cost while increasing flexibility, allowing for the selection of suitable variations for the corresponding applications and thereby obtaining optimal results.

[0010] "Rotarily rotatable in two opposite directions of rotation" means that the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller can rotate in two directions, i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise. The first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller specifically have axes that realize the two directions of rotation. Preferably, the axis of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller is the longitudinal axis of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller, and extends transversely to the feed direction of the substrate and the transferred product.

[0011] "Two directions of travel" here refers to the fact that the directions of travel of the substrate and the transfer product are different or opposite, particularly within the area of ​​the printing gap. Furthermore, it is preferable to guide the substrate or the transfer product so that the substrate to be printed and the transfer product to be printed move in opposite directions. Accordingly, for example, the substrate can be printed in a left-to-right direction of travel, and the transfer product in a right-to-left direction of travel, or vice versa.

[0012] "Transfer product" refers to a transfer membrane comprising a carrier layer and a transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer is separable from the carrier layer.

[0013] Furthermore, the transfer membrane preferably includes a separation layer, which is particularly disposed between the carrier layer and the particularly separable transfer layer.

[0014] Preferably, the separation layer has a thickness between 0.01 and 10 µm, more preferably between 0.1 and 5 µm, and / or is composed of wax, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cellulose derivatives and / or poly(organo)siloxanes.

[0015] Preferably, the transfer layer adopts a single-layer or multi-layer construction scheme. Accordingly, the transfer layer may have a decorative coating, wherein the decorative coating has one or more layers selected from: opaque layer, translucent layer, transparent layer, colored paint layer, replica paint layer, metal layer, and metal oxide layer.

[0016] Here, the transfer layer can in particular have a thickness between 1 and 10 µm.

[0017] The transfer layer may also have a single material or combination of materials selected from the following: polyester, polyolefin, polyethylene, polyimide (PI), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and particularly have a layer thickness between 5 and 50 µm, preferably between 7 and 23 µm.

[0018] The "substrate" is preferably a single-layer or multi-layer plastic substrate, a single-layer or multi-layer paper substrate, or a multi-layer hybrid substrate having one or more paper coatings and one or more plastic coatings. The substrate may also include cotton fibers, wood fibers, pulp fibers, fabric fibers and / or plastic fibers.

[0019] Alternatively, a multi-purpose coating module for printing on substrates or transfer products can be provided, wherein the multi-purpose coating module includes a printing unit and a multi-functional element, wherein a printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, wherein the multi-functional element has a first multi-functional roller and / or at least a second multi-functional roller and / or a printing table, and wherein the multi-purpose coating module realizes two operating directions, printing on the substrate is realized in a first direction and printing on the transfer product is realized in a second direction, wherein the first operating direction and the second operating direction are particularly opposite.

[0020] In other words, a multi-purpose coating module for printing on a substrate or a transfer product can be provided, wherein the multi-purpose coating module includes a printing unit and a multi-functional element, wherein a printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, wherein the multi-functional element is adapted to guide the substrate or the transfer product, such that when the substrate is guided on the multi-functional element in the printing gap, printing is performed on the substrate, particularly along a first running direction, and when the transfer product is guided on the multi-functional element in the printing gap, printing is performed on the transfer product, particularly along a second running direction opposite to the first running direction.

[0021] Therefore, printing can be performed on the substrate or transfer product according to the two running directions.

[0022] Furthermore, a method of operation for a multi-purpose coating apparatus, particularly any of claims 21-34, may also be provided, wherein the multi-purpose coating apparatus comprises a multi-purpose coating module having a printing unit and a multi-functional element, and a cold transfer unit having a pressure roller and a counter-pressure roller, wherein a printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, wherein, according to a first variant i), a substrate is guided along the multi-functional element to the printing gap for printing on the substrate, and further guided to the counter-pressure roller and the pressure roller, thereby pressing a transfer product onto the substrate, or wherein, according to a second variant ii), the transfer product is guided along the multi-functional element to the printing gap for printing on the transfer product, and further guided to the counter-pressure roller and the pressure roller, thereby pressing the transfer product onto the substrate, and, in variants i) and ii), the substrate and / or the transfer product are guided in opposite directions of operation, particularly in the multi-purpose coating module.

[0023] Furthermore, a method of operation for a multi-purpose coating apparatus can also be provided, wherein the multi-purpose coating apparatus includes a multi-purpose coating module having a printing unit and a multi-functional element, and a cold transfer unit having a pressure roller and a counter-pressure roller, wherein a printing gap is established between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, wherein, according to the third variant iii), a substrate is guided along the multi-functional element to the printing gap for printing on the substrate, and further guided to the counter-pressure roller and the pressure roller. The third variant iii) is preferably characterized in that no transferred product is clamped, and the pressure roller is open. In other words, in this method of operation, according to the third variant iii), only the substrate is printed.

[0024] Preferably, the multi-purpose coating module and / or the multi-purpose coating device and / or the method of operation for the multi-purpose coating device are used to apply a transfer layer of the transfer product onto a substrate. Furthermore, preferably, the multi-purpose coating module and / or the multi-purpose coating device and / or the method of operation for the multi-purpose coating device are used to print on the substrate.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the multi-purpose coating apparatus is a multi-purpose coating apparatus for applying a transfer layer of a transfer product onto a substrate. Also preferably, the multi-purpose coating apparatus performs this operation by any of the (operating) methods described in claims 35 to 44.

[0026] Furthermore, preferably, the multi-purpose coating device can be a multi-purpose coating device for printing on substrates.

[0027] Alternatively, the following approach may be adopted: the (operating) method for the multi-purpose application device is a method or working procedure, which specifically includes three (operating) variations or workflows for operating the multi-purpose application device or for implementing the multi-purpose application device. Preferably, the three (operating) variations or workflows are the first variation i), the second variation ii), and the third variation iii).

[0028] Furthermore, the multi-purpose coating module of the present invention can be used, in particular, to print on substrates or transfer products using UV-curable inks.

[0029] Accordingly, the printing on the substrate or transfer product is preferably done with a UV-curable ink, wherein the UV-curable ink is particularly used as an adhesive. The UV-curable ink can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The UV-curable ink can be colorless or colored with dyes and / or pigments. The color of the dyes and / or pigments can be visible in visible light and / or under UV light and / or under IR light.

[0030] Furthermore, a printing system can be envisioned, wherein the printing system includes a multi-purpose coating module according to a preferred invention, the multi-purpose coating module being more preferably used for printing on a substrate or transfer product and including a printing unit and a multi-functional element, wherein, particularly, a printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, and wherein the printing system further includes the substrate and / or the transfer product. Preferably, the printing unit is constructed in a manner capable of printing in two operating directions within the printing gap.

[0031] Furthermore, a system can be envisioned, comprising a preferred multi-purpose coating module according to the invention, more preferably for printing on a substrate or transfer product and comprising a printing unit and a multi-functional element, wherein, particularly, a printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the multi-functional element, and wherein the system further comprises a cold transfer unit comprising a pressure roller and a counter-pressure roller, and wherein the system further comprises the substrate and / or the transfer product. Preferably, the printing unit is constructed in a manner capable of printing in two running directions within the printing gap.

[0032] Preferably, as described above and further explained below, the substrate or the transfer product is guided in or within the printing system. In other words, all features disclosed in conjunction with the multi-purpose coating module, the multi-purpose coating device, or the method of operation for the multi-purpose coating device also apply to and / or the printing system, and are thus considered as disclosed in the printing system and / or the system.

[0033] Further advantageous technical solutions of the present invention are described in the appendix.

[0034] Preferably, the printing gap is constructed between the periphery of the multifunctional element and the printing unit. Specifically, the printing gap is constructed between the printing unit and the surface opposite to the printing unit. The surface opposite to the printing unit can be, for example, the first multifunctional roller and / or the printing table and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller. Preferably, the printing gap can also be constructed between the printing unit and the surface of the substrate and / or the surface of the transferred product. Here, in particular, the substrate and / or the transferred product are tensioned along the two second multifunctional rollers and / or along the first multifunctional roller and the second multifunctional roller on the side opposite to the printing unit, so that the substrate and / or the transferred product form the surface opposite to the printing unit.

[0035] Accordingly, preferably, the printing gap, particularly the distance between the substrate or transfer product guided on the periphery of the first multifunctional roller and the printing unit, has a size between 0.1 and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm, and particularly between 0.5 and 1 mm.

[0036] Preferably, the ink is ejected from the printing unit in a manner perpendicular to, i.e., upright to, the surface of the multifunctional element, particularly perpendicular to the surface of the first multifunctional roller and / or perpendicular to the flat printing surface and / or perpendicular to the flat surface of the printing table. For this purpose, it is particularly preferable that the surface of the printing unit including the "nozzle" is parallel to or substantially parallel to the surface of the multifunctional element opposite to the printing unit, or to a tangent on the surface of the multifunctional element (particularly the first multifunctional roller and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller and / or the printing table).

[0037] The surface opposite the printing unit is preferably horizontally positioned, and in particular, it should be constructed as flat as possible, i.e., with only minor or no camber in one or more reverse directions. Regarding the surface of the first multi-function roller, the surface should be cylindrically cambered in only one direction, and this camber should be minimized, for example, through the largest possible surface area of ​​the first multi-function roller. Through digital or electronic pre-distortion or pre-compensation of the digital printed data, any undesirable printed image distortion that may exist on the cambered surface can be at least partially compensated, thereby producing a printed image with the least possible distortion on the cambered surface.

[0038] Furthermore, preferably, the multi-purpose coating module also has two winding rollers for containing and transferring products.

[0039] For example, the following scheme can be adopted: the first of the two winding rollers is driven clockwise; and / or the second of the two winding rollers is driven counterclockwise.

[0040] However, both the first of the two winding rollers and the second of the two winding rollers can be driven clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0041] In other words, the two winding rollers can also have the same or opposite rotation directions.

[0042] Accordingly, preferably, the transfer product is unwound from the first of the two winding rollers and wound onto the second of the two winding rollers, wherein the first and second winding rollers have the same or opposite rotational directions. More preferably, the transfer product is unwound from the first of the two winding rollers and wound onto the second of the two winding rollers, wherein the first winding roller is driven counterclockwise and / or the second winding roller is driven clockwise.

[0043] Accordingly, in variants i) and ii), the first of the two winding rollers can be driven or rotated clockwise; and / or the second of the two winding rollers can be driven or rotated counterclockwise.

[0044] The position and driving direction of the winding roller also depend on the running direction of the substrate and / or the transfer product. Since the running direction of the substrate in the printing gap is opposite to that of the transfer product, and since the transfer layer on the transfer product needs to be printed, and since this transfer layer is wound inside the transfer product roll and needs to face the printing unit in the printing gap, there are many variables affecting the rotation direction of the first winding roller, especially the unwinding roller. The rotation direction of the second winding roller, especially the take-up roller, is independent of the above factors and can, in principle, rotate in two directions, achieving the function of winding the carrier layer in both cases.

[0045] This provides, in particular, a transfer product, and after at least one section of the transfer layer is applied to the substrate, the carrier layer separated from the transfer layer is rewound.

[0046] The multi-purpose coating module may further include a tensioning system for tensioning the transferred product, wherein the tensioning system has one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination: a tension roller, a controlled tension roller, a measuring roller, and a friction shaft. This enables the transport of the transferred product under tension.

[0047] Preferably, the first multifunctional roller combined with a second multifunctional roller, and / or the first multifunctional roller combined with two second multifunctional rollers, and / or the two second multifunctional rollers are configured such that the substrate or the transfer product can be guided through the first multifunctional roller and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller and thereby form a flat printing surface, particularly in a manner that allows the substrate and / or the transfer product to form a flat printing surface.

[0048] Alternatively, the following approach may be adopted: the flat printing surface is arranged perpendicular to the printing unit and / or forms a surface with a size between 250 and 1,000,000 mm2, preferably between 1,000 and 200,000 mm2.

[0049] Preferably, the printing table is configured such that the substrate or the transfer product can be guided through the printing table.

[0050] This results in a flat printing surface, which enables precise and high-quality printing results.

[0051] Preferably, the printing table forms a flat surface, particularly between 250 and 1,000,000 mm², and more preferably between 1,000 and 200,000 mm². The printing table may also have a length between 5 and 500 mm, particularly between 10 and 100 mm, along the feed direction of the substrate and / or the transferred product, and / or a width between 50 and 2,000 mm, particularly between 100 and 1,000 mm, transverse to the feed direction of the substrate and / or the transferred product.

[0052] Furthermore, preferably, the printing table is positioned perpendicular to the printing unit. Alternatively, the printing table or the flat printing surface can be positioned such that ink is ejected from the printing unit perpendicular to the printing table or the flat printing surface.

[0053] Preferably, the distance between the printing unit and the printing table and / or the flat printing surface, especially between the printing unit and the flat printing surface of the substrate or the transfer product, is between 0.1 and 5 mm, and more preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0054] The printing table may also have an air outlet for generating an air cushion, particularly between the printing table and the substrate or transfer product. This allows for exceptionally uniform movement of the substrate or transfer product within the table's range, further enhancing printing accuracy and quality. It also prevents scratches on the back of the substrate.

[0055] Ideally, UV-curable inks can be printed using this printing unit.

[0056] Furthermore, preferably, the multi-purpose coating module also has at least one UV pre-curing light source, particularly one UV pre-curing light source provided on each side of the printing unit along the two operating directions. Alternatively, the at least one UV pre-curing light source can also be reinstalled, particularly replaced, on each side of the printing unit, particularly along the two operating directions. This allows for the fixation of the printed material, particularly the UV-curable ink, immediately following printing on the substrate or transfer product, especially since UV light can be applied in both operating directions.

[0057] In other words, the at least one UV pre-curing light source is positioned downstream of the multifunctional element in the corresponding direction of operation, so that it can be fixed in place immediately following the printing process.

[0058] The at least one UV precured light source is preferably a UV-LED, which in particular produces light from a wavelength range between 100 and 420 nm, more preferably between 280 and 405 nm, more preferably between 280 and 380 nm, and more preferably between 365 and 380 nm.

[0059] More preferably, the distance between the UV pre-cured light source and the printed substrate or transfer product is between 1 and 50 mm, and more preferably between 3 and 20 mm.

[0060] Preferably, the distance between the UV pre-curing light source and the printing unit or printing table is between 10 and 500 mm, more preferably between 30 and 100 mm. This allows the UV pre-curing light source to be positioned as close as possible to the printing unit while still shielding the printing unit from UV radiation.

[0061] Preferably, the at least one UV pre-curing light source produces an irradiance between 0 and 10 W / cm², more preferably between 0.5 and 7.5 W / cm², and even more preferably between 2 and 5 W / cm². This ensures adequate fixation of the printed material, thereby achieving high print quality. The precisely selected irradiance intensity depends particularly on the speed of the moving substrate and / or the moving transfer product, specifically on the printed object, so as to deliver approximately the same energy to the material at different speeds.

[0062] Preferably, the first multifunctional roller has a diameter between 5 and 100 cm, particularly between 10 and 50 cm.

[0063] Furthermore, preferably, the at least one second multifunctional roller has a diameter between 1 and 20 cm, particularly between 3 and 10 cm.

[0064] The surface of the first multifunctional roller and / or the surface of at least one second multifunctional roller preferably have a surface structure produced by a surface finishing method. The surface structure can be produced in a convex and / or concave shape by one or more surface finishing methods, which are individually or in combination selected from: irradiation, blasting, turning, dyeing, roughening, grooving, grinding, and trenching.

[0065] Preferably, the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller has an anti-slip coating and / or a traction coating with a thickness particularly between 30 and 3,000 µm, more preferably between 50 and 100 µm. Accordingly, for example, a rubber coating can be used as an anti-slip coating. The anti-slip coating can be implemented through a structured form of added texture, and / or by applying another material layer, particularly a rubber coating used to improve the "grip" or adhesion of the transferred product and / or substrate located on the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller.

[0066] This enables reliable transport of the substrate or the transferred product on the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller, particularly preventing slippage of the transport width, especially the substrate or the transferred product.

[0067] Preferably, the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller are driven by being at least partially wrapped around the substrate and / or the transfer product, wherein constant drive is achieved or ensured, in particular, based on the surface roughness or anti-slip coating of the multi-functional roller and the resulting gripping surface of the multi-functional roller.

[0068] Accordingly, the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller are preferably at least partially wound around the substrate or the transfer product, particularly for stable transport during printing intervals.

[0069] More preferably, the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller includes an encoder for detecting and / or controlling the rotational speed of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller and / or the printing operation. This specifically achieves precise synchronization of the rotational speed of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller with respect to the printing unit, thereby enabling precise overprinting.

[0070] Overlapping or overlapping, or precise overlapping or overlapping accuracy, or overlapping precision or overlapping accuracy, refers to the positional accuracy of two or more layers relative to each other. Overlapping accuracy should vary within a predetermined tolerance and should be as low as possible. The overlapping accuracy between several elements and / or layers is also an important feature for improving process stability. Precise positioning can be achieved, in particular, by using sensor-based, preferably optically detectable, overlapping or overlapping marks. These overlapping or overlapping marks can be specific, individual elements, regions, or layers, or they can be part of the element, region, or layer to be positioned.

[0071] Accordingly, in the first variant i), the substrate may include at least one element and / or at least one layer, with the printed material, as an additional layer, positioned on the substrate in a manner of overlay relative to this at least one element and / or at least one layer. Preferably, prior to the printing operation, the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate or the transfer product is detected by optically detectable overlay marks or matching marks. In this way, by detecting the rotational speed of the multi-functional roller, it is possible to determine when the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate or the transfer product arrives at the printing unit, and the printed material is positioned on the substrate in a manner of overlay relative to it.

[0072] The multi-purpose coating module specifically includes at least one detection unit that detects the position of at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate and / or the transfer product, particularly by means of a matching mark or overlay mark. The detection unit is connected to a controller that controls the printing unit based on the position data measured by the detection unit, so as to print onto the substrate and / or the transfer product in an overlay manner relative to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer.

[0073] Alternatively, in the second variant ii), the substrate comprises at least one element and / or at least one layer, wherein a print applied to the transfer product is positioned relative to this element. The at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate may completely, partially, or completely not overlap with the print. Preferably, the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate is detected by optically detectable alignment marks or overlay marks, and the initiation of the printing operation is controlled such that, after transport to the pressure gap between the pressure roller and the pressure roller, the print is pressed onto the transfer product in an overlay manner relative to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate.

[0074] However, the following approach can also be adopted: In the first variant i), the substrate includes at least one element and / or at least one layer, and the printed material, as an additional layer, is positioned in a way that overlays the at least one element and / or at least one layer. Preferably, before printing, the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate is detected by optically detectable overlay marks. In this way, by detecting the rotational speed of the multi-functional roller, it is possible to determine when the element or layer on the substrate arrives at the printing unit and position the printed material in a way that overlays the element or layer.

[0075] Alternatively, the at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product can be pressed together in the pressure gap between the counter pressure roller and the applying pressure roller in a manner that overlaps with the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate and / or the printed material. For this purpose, preferably, the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer is detected on both the substrate and the transfer product by optically detectable matching marks or overlay marks corresponding to the transfer product and the substrate, and is positioned by stretching the transfer product. After the transfer product is transported to the pressure gap between the counter pressure roller and the applying pressure roller, the at least one element or at least one layer on the transfer product is pressed together in a manner that overlaps with the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate. This achieves overlay between the at least one element or at least one layer on the substrate, the printed material, and the transfer product.

[0076] In particular, the following scheme is adopted: the cold pressing unit includes at least one detection unit that detects the position of at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate and / or the transfer product, in particular by means of matching marks or overlay marks, and is positioned by stretching the transfer product, so that after the transfer product is transported to the pressure gap, the pressure roller presses the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product in a manner that is overlay relative to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate.

[0077] Alternatively, the following approach can be adopted: In the second variation ii), the substrate includes at least one element and / or at least one layer, and in the pressure gap between the pressure roller and the pressure roller, at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product is pressed together in a manner that overlaps with the at least one element or at least one layer on the substrate. Therefore, it is preferable to position the printed material in a manner that overlaps with the at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product. Preferably, the position of the at least one element and / or at least one layer is detected on both the substrate and the transfer product by optically detectable matching marks or overlay marks corresponding to the transfer product and the substrate, and positioning is achieved by stretching the transfer product. The at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate may completely, partially, or completely not overlap with the at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product. This achieves overlay between the at least one element or the at least one layer located on the substrate, the print, and the transfer product.

[0078] To achieve accurate positioning of the substrate and the transfer product relative to each other, preferably, at least one detection unit of the multi-purpose coating module and at least one detection unit of the cold pressing unit are connected to a common controller, which controls the rotation speed of the roller and / or the printing unit according to the detected overlay mark or position mark, so that the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate are positioned in an overlay manner relative to the print on the transfer product.

[0079] Preferably, in the first variant i), after the film is unfolded, a tensioning system is used to stretch the transfer product, thereby positioning the at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product relative to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate.

[0080] The multi-purpose coating apparatus may also include a transfer product transport system with a tensioning system for controlled material transport. The transfer product transport system stretches the transfer product via the tensioning system to control the precise alignment of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product with the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate within the pressure gap. Preferably, the transfer product transport system includes at least one driven roller that affects the transport speed of the transfer product, and includes a detection unit, particularly an optical sensor, for detecting the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product via optically detectable alignment marks or overlay marks applied to the transfer product. This driven roller may have one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination: a roller including opposing pressure rollers, a roller including at least one or more segmented pressure rollers, and a vacuum roller.

[0081] Preferably, the multi-purpose coating apparatus has a transfer product transport system for achieving controlled material transport, wherein the transfer product transport system stretches the transfer product by a driven vacuum roller to control the precise positioning of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product and the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate in the pressure gap, wherein the transfer product is disposed on the vacuum roller with its unprinted side so that the stretching of the transfer product occurs without contacting the printed side of the transfer product.

[0082] As an alternative, the stretching of the transfer product can also be achieved by at least one driver located on the multifunctional roller, wherein the stretching of the transfer product in the area between the multifunctional roller and the pressure gap is affected by the transfer product transport speed on the multifunctional roller relative to the substrate transport speed in the pressure gap between the pressure roller and the pressure roller, and thereby the positioning of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product is controlled relative to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate.

[0083] The printing unit may contain at least one inkjet printhead.

[0084] Preferably, the printing unit is a UV inkjet printing bar or includes a UV inkjet printing bar, particularly having one or more inkjet printheads.

[0085] Preferably, the UV inkjet printing bar has a printing width between 50 and 2,000 mm, particularly between 100 and 1,000 mm, transverse to the feed direction of the substrate and / or the transfer product.

[0086] Here, the UV inkjet printing bar and / or the one or more inkjet printheads can have a resolution between 300 and 1200 npi (nozzles per inch). This resolution is viewed transversely in the feed direction of the transferred product and / or substrate, and is particularly determined by the construction. The UV inkjet printing bar and / or the one or more inkjet printheads can also have a resolution between 300 and 2400 npi (dots per inch). This resolution is viewed along the feed direction of the transferred product and / or substrate, and is particularly electronically controllable or modifiable, preferably for changing the amount of ink applied.

[0087] Furthermore, the UV inkjet printing bar and / or the one or more inkjet printheads can have a maximum printing speed of 300 m / min, preferably 200 m / min.

[0088] Preferably, the printing unit and / or the UV inkjet printing bar has at least two rows of printheads.

[0089] Furthermore, preferably, the printing unit has at least two ink receiving devices for receiving at least two different inks.

[0090] This allows for the direct supply of optimal inks, both for printing on substrates and for printing on transfer products, thereby enabling automatic ink switching even when using a single printing unit.

[0091] Preferably, a cleaning operation is incorporated during ink switching to remove any residue of the first ink from the ink delivery system and the printing table before the second ink is introduced. This is particularly advantageous because the substrate and transfer product typically possess other physical properties, such as suction capacity or surface characteristics, allowing the most suitable ink to be used directly without refilling the printing unit.

[0092] Preferably, the printing unit is configured by a digital program so that it can print along the two operating directions.

[0093] In other words, the printing unit is preferably configured by a digital program so that it can print according to both variant i) and variant ii).

[0094] As an alternative or supplementary solution, the printing unit can be implemented such that it can be mechanically rotated 180° around a normal perpendicular to or parallel to the direction of operation and / or a normal parallel to the printing surface.

[0095] Preferably, the multi-purpose application module also has one or more steering pulleys and / or one or more guide pulleys.

[0096] Preferably, the substrate or the transfer product can be guided by the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller; and / or the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller is adapted to guide the substrate or the transfer product.

[0097] Accordingly, during the printing interval, the substrate guided on the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller or the transfer product guided on the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller can be printed by the printing unit along the two preferred opposite running directions, wherein more preferably, during the guiding process of the substrate and the transfer product, the rotation directions of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller are opposite.

[0098] Alternatively, the following approach can be adopted: during the rotation of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller along the first rotation direction, the substrate guided on the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller can be printed in the printing gap, particularly along the first running direction; or, during the rotation of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller along the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the transfer product guided on the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller can be printed in the printing gap, particularly along the second running direction opposite to the first direction.

[0099] Accordingly, preferably, according to the first variant i), the substrate can be guided to the printing gap (or guided toward the printing gap) along the multifunctional roller, particularly during rotation in the first rotation direction, for printing on the substrate; or, according to the second variant ii), the transfer product can be guided to the printing gap (or guided toward the printing gap) along the multifunctional roller, particularly during rotation in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, for printing on the transfer product, wherein preferably, the substrate or the transfer product can be printed in the same printing gap.

[0100] Preferably, the multi-purpose coating module has a modifiable substrate path and / or transfer product path.

[0101] Preferably, both variants i) and ii) can be selected or implemented in the same multi-purpose application device, or both can be implemented by the same multi-purpose application device.

[0102] Therefore, the multi-purpose coating module can be used to print on the substrate during the printing gap, and also to print on the transfer product.

[0103] Preferably, the substrate or the transfer product is printed in the same printing unit in the same printing interval, wherein, in particular, the substrate or the transfer product is guided on the same first multi-functional roller and / or at least one second multi-functional roller.

[0104] In other words, it is preferable to print the substrate or the transfer product in the same multi-purpose coating module, wherein the running direction and / or running path of the substrate and / or transfer product are particularly different or opposite.

[0105] Accordingly, it is preferable to print the substrate or the transfer product in the same multi-purpose coating module, wherein the running direction of the substrate and the running direction or transport direction of the transfer product are different, especially opposite.

[0106] Furthermore, it is also preferable to print the substrate or the transfer product in the same printing interval; and / or to press the transfer product onto the substrate with the same pair of pressure rollers and the same pressure roller.

[0107] The following describes, in particular, a preferred technical solution for this multi-purpose application device:

[0108] Preferably, the pressure roller is equipped with a coating made of rubber or polysilicon with a hardness between 25 and 100 Shore-A, more preferably between 50 and 90 Shore-A. More preferably, the coating has a thickness between 1 and 20 mm, particularly between 1 and 5 mm.

[0109] In addition, the pressure rollers can be coated with hard chrome.

[0110] Preferably, the surface of the pressure rollers is made of a material with an abrasion resistance between 40 and 80 Rockwell C, particularly between 60 and 70 Rockwell C.

[0111] The pressure rollers can also be cooled.

[0112] Furthermore, preferably, the pressure roller has a diameter between 1 and 50 cm, particularly between 5 and 20 cm. Furthermore, preferably, the pair of pressure rollers has a diameter between 5 and 70 cm, particularly between 10 and 50 cm.

[0113] It is preferable to drive the pair of pressure rollers and / or the pressure roller.

[0114] Preferably, the cold transfer unit further includes at least one UV final curing light source, wherein the UV final curing light source is preferably positioned after the pressure roller along the running direction of the substrate and / or the transferred product. This achieves a strong bond between the transfer layer and the substrate before the carrier layer is removed from the transfer layer.

[0115] Here, the at least one UV final curing light source can be positioned, particularly, between 5 and 20 cm, and especially between 5 and 10 cm, after or downstream of the pressure roller and / or the counter-pressure roller, along the conveying direction of the substrate and / or the transferred product.

[0116] Preferably, the cold transfer unit further includes a separation roller or separation blade, specifically for separating the carrier layer from the transfer layer of the transfer product.

[0117] Preferably, particularly along the conveying direction of the substrate and / or the transferred product, the separating roller or the separating blade system is positioned 5 to 50 cm, particularly 5 to 20 cm, after or downstream of the at least one UV final curing light source.

[0118] Preferably, the separating roller has a diameter between 0.5 and 10 cm.

[0119] In addition, the cold transfer unit may also include at least one additional UV final curing light source, wherein the additional UV final curing light source is positioned, in particular, after or downstream of the separating roller or the separating blade, along the running direction of the substrate.

[0120] Preferably, the at least one additional UV final curing light source is positioned, particularly along the substrate conveying direction, 5 to 50 cm downstream of the separating roller or the separating blade, and particularly 5 to 20 cm downstream.

[0121] The at least one UV final curing light source and / or the at least one additional UV final curing light source is preferably a UV-LED, which in particular generates light from a wavelength range between 100 and 420 nm, more preferably between 280 and 405 nm, more preferably between 280 and 380 nm, and more preferably between 365 and 380 nm.

[0122] Preferably, the at least one UV final curing light source and / or the at least one additional UV final curing light source produce an irradiance between 5 and 50 W / cm², more preferably between 15 and 25 W / cm². This precisely selected irradiance intensity depends particularly on the speed of the moving substrate and / or the moving transfer product, specifically on the printed material, so as to deliver approximately the same energy to the material at different speeds.

[0123] Preferably, one or more components, particularly for adjusting the entry angle α of the transfer product into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller and the counter-pressure roller, can pivot about the counter-pressure roller, the components being selected from the group consisting of: pressure roller, at least one UV final curing light source, separation roller or separation blade, and at least one additional UV final curing light source.

[0124] Preferably, the guide angle α is composed of two sides, wherein the first side is a half-straight line whose starting point is the center of the pressure gap and the half-straight line is tangent to the counter-pressure roller or the pressure roller, and the second side is a half-straight line whose starting point is the first contact point between the transferred product and / or substrate and the surface of the counter-pressure roller or the pressure roller and the half-straight line is tangent to the counter-pressure roller or the pressure roller.

[0125] Preferably, the pressure gap is a gap that represents the minimum distance between the circumferential surface of the pressure roller and the circumferential surface of the pressure roller.

[0126] The inlet angle α is preferably at least 5°, and more preferably at least 10°. This minimum value is particularly important when the diameter of the roller is between 5 and 50 cm.

[0127] Preferably, the cold transfer unit can be displaced relative to the multi-purpose coating module, particularly for adjusting the entry angle α of the transferred product into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller and the counter-pressure roller.

[0128] Preferably, one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a pressure roller, at least one UV final curing light source, a separation roller or separation blade, and at least one additional UV final curing light source, can be pivoted (particularly about the counter pressure roller) so that the corresponding entry angle α of the transfer product and / or substrate into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller and the counter pressure roller can be adjusted for the first variant i) and the second variant ii), particularly to follow the minimum value of the entry angle α.

[0129] Furthermore, preferably, the cold transfer unit can be displaced relative to the multi-purpose coating module, so that the corresponding entry angle α of the transfer product and / or substrate into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller and the counter-pressure roller can be adjusted for the first variant i) and the second variant ii), particularly to follow the minimum value of the entry angle α.

[0130] This allows for flexible adjustment of the infeed angle α, particularly depending on variant i) or ii). Specifically, the infeed angle α can be adjusted or rotated between the first variant i) and the second variant ii). This allows the substrate to be guided by the pressure roller before the pressure roller, while the transferred product is conveyed to the pressure gap via the pressure roller. This, in particular, achieves high-quality printing results.

[0131] Furthermore, preferably, an adapter is provided between the multi-purpose application module and the cold transfer unit, which in particular enables the multi-purpose application device to be mechanically and stably fixed on the cold transfer unit.

[0132] Preferably, the cold transfer unit or the multi-purpose application device also has one or more steering pulleys and / or one or more guide pulleys.

[0133] This cold transfer unit can also be configured as an expansion module. In particular, this allows for the application of multi-purpose coating devices in processing machinery such as flexographic printing presses, which incorporate existing printing devices that implement the functions of the cold transfer unit (here, flexographic printing devices), specifically including pressure rollers and UV final curing light sources.

[0134] Preferably, the pressure roller and / or the pair of pressure rollers are driven, particularly in a manner that causes the pair of pressure rollers to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0135] For example, the pressure rollers can rotate clockwise. In this case, the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller also rotate clockwise for printing on the substrate, while the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller rotate counterclockwise for printing on the transfer product.

[0136] The first of the two winding rollers, the unfolding roller, rotates counterclockwise to unfold the transfer product, and the second, the winding roller, rotates clockwise to wind up the transfer product or at least the carrier layer of the transfer product. Alternatively, all rotation directions may be reversed as appropriate.

[0137] Furthermore, there can be one or several transfer product rolls on the winding roller. Several transfer product rolls are preferred, especially when a single, trajectory-like coating is desired on the substrate. Each transfer product roll can correspond one-to-one with a coating trajectory on the substrate. Each transfer product roll can be spaced apart from adjacent transfer product rolls. Transfer product rolls constructed in different ways, particularly those with different colors, elements, or layers, can also be used. In other words, for the first variant i), this means guiding a substrate along a multifunctional element to a printing gap constructed between the printing unit and the multifunctional element for printing on the substrate, and further guiding it to a pressure roller and a pressure application roller, thereby pressing several transfer products onto the substrate. Here, "several" refers to at least two transfer products.

[0138] According to the second variant ii), this preferably means that several transfer products are guided along the multifunctional element to the printing gap constructed between the printing unit and the multifunctional element for printing on the several transfer products, and further guided to the pair of pressure rollers and the pressure roller, thereby pressing the several transfer products onto the substrate. Here, "several" also means at least two transfer products.

[0139] The following mainly describes a better technical solution for the (operating) method of the multi-purpose application device:

[0140] Furthermore, preferably, the (operating) method for the multi-purpose application device further includes the following steps: The substrate or the transfer product is printed by means of a printing unit, particularly by means of the same printing unit, in the printing gap, particularly in the same printing gap.

[0141] Preferably, the multifunctional element has a first multifunctional roller and / or at least a second multifunctional roller and / or a printing table.

[0142] The first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller can also be rotatably arranged in two opposite rotational directions, wherein, in particular, they can be preferably printed by the printing unit in the printing gap along two running directions given by the two opposite rotational directions.

[0143] Furthermore, preferably, during the printing gap, the printing unit can print along two opposite rotational directions of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller, or more preferably two running directions given by the first and second rotational directions.

[0144] Preferably, the substrate or the transfer product is printed on the side of the substrate or the transfer product that is away from the surface of the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller and / or the printing table.

[0145] Preferably, in the first variant i), the first multifunctional roller and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller is rotated along a first rotation direction, and in the second variant ii), the first multifunctional roller and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller is rotated along a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0146] Preferably, in the first variant i), the pair of pressure rollers are rotated in a rotational direction corresponding to the running direction of the substrate in the multifunctional element, and in the second variant ii), the pair of pressure rollers are rotated in a rotational direction opposite to the running direction of the transferred product in the multifunctional element.

[0147] Accordingly, the following schemes can be adopted: In the first variant i), the operating direction of the multifunctional element extends to the right, specifically by rotating the first multifunctional roller and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller clockwise; and in variant ii), the operating direction of the multifunctional element extends to the left, specifically by rotating the first multifunctional roller and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller counterclockwise. Alternatively, in the first variant i), the pair of pressure rollers can also be rotated clockwise, and in the second variant ii), the pair of pressure rollers can also be rotated clockwise. All given rotation directions can also be reversed.

[0148] Alternatively, the following schemes can be adopted: In variant i), the substrate is guided along the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller and / or the printing table to the printing gap for printing on the substrate, and further guided to the pressure gap formed by the counter pressure roller and the pressure roller, wherein the transfer product is guided from the first of the two winding rollers to the pressure gap formed by the counter pressure roller and the pressure roller; and / or in variant ii), the transfer product is guided from the first of the two winding rollers along the first multi-functional roller and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller and / or the printing table to the printing gap for printing on the transfer product, wherein the substrate is guided along the counter pressure roller to the pressure gap formed by the counter pressure roller and the pressure roller.

[0149] The features, effects, and advantages described in connection with the multi-purpose coating module also apply similarly to the multi-purpose coating apparatus, the (operating) method for the multi-purpose coating apparatus, the application of the multi-purpose coating module, the printing system, and the system, and are thus considered to be disclosed together. Conversely: the features, effects, and advantages described in connection with the multi-purpose coating apparatus, the (operating) method for the multi-purpose coating apparatus, the application of the multi-purpose coating module, the printing system, and the system also apply to the multi-purpose coating module and are considered to be disclosed together. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0150] The embodiments of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale. [Figure 1a] Schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose coating module. [Figure 1b] A partial schematic top view of Figure 1a. [Figure 1c] Schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose application device. [Figures 2a-2c] Schematic cross-sectional views of the multi-purpose application module and the system. [Figure 3] Schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose coating module and cold transfer unit. [Figure 4] Schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose application device. [Figures 5a-5b] Schematic cross-sectional views of the system. [Figures 6a-6b] Schematic cross-sectional views of the system. [Figures 7a-7b] Schematic cross-sectional views of the system. [Figures 8a-8f] Schematic cross-sectional views of the multifunctional components of this multi-purpose coating module. [Figures 9a-9b] Schematic cross-sectional views of the system. Implementation

[0151] Figure 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose application module 1.

[0152] As shown in Figure 1a, the multi-purpose coating module 1 includes a printing unit 8 and a multi-functional element 9, wherein a printing gap 10 is formed between the printing unit 8 and the multi-functional element 9. The multi-functional element 9 includes a first multi-functional roller 91.

[0153] In order to achieve both printing on the substrate 6 and printing on the transfer product 7 by means of the multi-purpose coating module 1, the first multi-functional roller 91 is rotatably arranged in two opposite rotational directions. In addition, the printing unit 8 is constructed in such a way that printing can be performed in the printing gap 10 in two running directions given by the two opposite rotational directions.

[0154] That is, as shown in Figure 1a, the multi-purpose coating module 1 for printing on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 realizes two operating directions, which are given by two opposite rotation directions of the first multi-functional roller 91. The multi-purpose coating module realizes printing on the substrate 6 along the first operating direction of the two operating directions and printing on the transfer product 7 along the second operating direction of the two operating directions.

[0155] Therefore, printing can be performed on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 according to the rotation direction of the first multi-functional roller 91 or the second running direction.

[0156] As shown in Figure 1a, the printing gap is preferably positioned between the periphery of the first multi-functional roller 91 and the printing unit 8. Furthermore, the printing unit 8 is preferably positioned perpendicular to the first multi-functional roller 91.

[0157] Preferably, the printing gap 10, particularly the distance between the periphery of the first multifunctional roller 91 and the bottom side of the printing unit 8, has a size between 0.1 and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm, and particularly between 0.5 and 1 mm.

[0158] The first multifunctional roller 91, as shown in Figure 1a, has a diameter, for example, between 5 and 100 cm, particularly between 10 and 50 cm.

[0159] The surface of the first multi-functional roller 91 and / or the surface of the at least one second multi-functional roller 92 may have a surface structure produced by a surface processing method or be coated with an anti-slip coating, in particular imparting grip to the surface so that the first multi-functional roller 91 and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller 92 can be driven by the medium to be printed, i.e., in particular the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. The thickness of the anti-slip coating is preferably between 30 and 3,000 µm, more preferably between 50 and 100 µm. A rubber coating is used, for example, as the anti-slip coating. Preferably, the first multi-functional roller 91 further includes an encoder for detecting and / or controlling the rotational speed of the first multi-functional roller 91 and / or for controlling the printing operation. This, in particular, achieves precise synchronization of the rotational speed of the first multi-functional roller 91, especially with respect to the printing speed of the printing unit 8, thereby achieving precise overprinting.

[0160] Overlapping, or precise alignment, or alignment accuracy, refers to the positional accuracy of two or more layers relative to each other. The alignment accuracy should be within a predetermined tolerance and should be as low as possible. The alignment accuracy between several elements and / or layers is also an important feature for improving process stability. Precise positioning can be achieved, in particular, by using sensor-based, preferably optically detectable, alignment marks or overlapping marks. These alignment marks or overlapping marks can be specific, individual elements, regions, or layers, or they can be part of the element, region, or layer to be positioned.

[0161] As shown in Figure 1a, printing unit 8 is preferably a UV inkjet printing bar.

[0162] Preferably, the UV inkjet printing bar has a printing width between 50 and 2,000 mm, and more preferably between 100 and 1,000 mm, transverse to the feed direction of the substrate 6 and / or the transferred product 7.

[0163] The printing unit 8 can also be an inkjet printhead or include an inkjet printhead.

[0164] Here, the UV inkjet printing bar and / or the inkjet printhead can have a resolution between 300 and 1,200 npi (nozzles per inch). The UV inkjet printing bar and / or the inkjet printhead can also have a resolution between 300 and 2,400 npi (dots per inch).

[0165] In addition, the UV inkjet printing bar and / or the inkjet printhead can have a maximum printing speed of 300 m / min, preferably 200 m / min.

[0166] Preferably, the printing unit 8 and / or the UV inkjet printing bar have at least two rows of printheads. Furthermore, preferably, the printing unit 8 has at least two ink receiving devices for receiving at least two different inks.

[0167] Preferably, the printing unit 8 is configured by means of a digital program in a manner that enables printing along the two running directions.

[0168] As shown in Figure 1a, the multi-purpose coating module 1 may also have one or more steering pulleys and / or one or more guide pulleys. For example, the multi-purpose coating module 1 shown in Figure 1a has a steering pulley 15 for turning the substrate 6.

[0169] As can be seen from Figure 1a, the multi-purpose coating module 1 preferably has two winding rollers 12a and 12b for accommodating and transferring the product 7.

[0170] Here, the two winding rollers 12a and 12b can have the same or opposite rotation directions. Accordingly, for example, the first winding roller 12b can be driven clockwise; and / or the second winding roller 12a can be driven counterclockwise. However, it is also possible that both the first winding roller 12a and the second winding roller 12b are driven clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, for example, the first winding roller 12b can be driven clockwise; and / or the second winding roller 12a can be driven counterclockwise.

[0171] Figure 1b is a partial schematic top view of Figure 1a.

[0172] As shown in the top view, the printing unit 8 is preferably arranged perpendicular to the surface of the first multi-functional roller 91. A printing gap 10 is provided between the periphery of the first multi-functional roller 91 and the printing unit 8, through which the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is guided on the first multi-functional roller 91 as shown in Figure 1b, so that printing can be performed by the printing unit. Preferably, the first multi-functional roller 91 is at least partially wound with the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7, particularly for achieving stable transport within the printing gap 10.

[0173] Figure 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose application device 2.

[0174] The multi-purpose coating device 2 includes, for example, a multi-purpose coating module 1 constructed as shown in Figure 1a and a cold transfer unit 5, wherein the cold transfer unit 5 includes a pressure roller 17 and a counter-pressure roller 18.

[0175] It is preferable to drive the pressure roller 18 and / or the pressure roller 17. Here, the pressure roller 18 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0176] The pressure roller 17 may have a diameter, for example, between 1 and 50 cm, particularly between 5 and 20 cm. Preferably, the pressure roller 17 is equipped with a coating made of rubber or polysilicon with a hardness between 25 and 100 Shore-A, more preferably between 50 and 90 Shore-A. More preferably, the coating has a thickness between 1 and 20 mm, particularly between 1 and 5 mm.

[0177] The surface of the pressure roller 18 is preferably made of a material having an abrasion resistance strength between 40 and 80 Rockwell C, particularly between 60 and 70 Rockwell C, and can have a diameter between 5 and 70 cm, particularly between 10 and 50 cm. Furthermore, the pressure roller 18 can be coated with hard chrome. Additionally, the pressure roller 18 can be cooled.

[0178] As shown in Figure 1c, the cold transfer unit 5 may further include a UV final curing light source 19a, wherein preferably, the UV final curing light source 19a is disposed particularly after the pressure roller 17 and / or the counter-pressure roller 18 in the direction of travel of the substrate 6 and / or the transfer product 7. Here, the UV final curing light source 19a may be disposed particularly along the conveying direction of the substrate 6 and / or the transfer product 7 at a position between 5 and 20 cm, particularly between 5 and 10 cm, after or downstream of the pressure roller 17 and / or the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0179] The cold transfer unit 5 preferably includes a separation roller 20, as shown in Figure 1c, specifically for separating the transfer layer of the carrier layer from the transfer product 7. Here, particularly along the conveying direction of the substrate 6 and / or the transfer product 7, the separation roller 20 is preferably positioned 5 to 50 cm downstream of the UV final curing light source 19a, particularly between 5 and 20 cm. Also preferably, the separation roller 20 for removing the carrier layer has a diameter between 0.5 and 10 cm. Alternatively, a separation blade can be used to separate the transfer layer of the carrier layer from the transfer product 7.

[0180] The UV final curing light source 19a is preferably a UV-LED, which in particular generates light from a wavelength range between 100 and 420 nm, more preferably between 280 and 405 nm, even more preferably between 280 and 380 nm, and even more preferably between 365 and 380 nm. Preferably, the UV final curing light source 19a generates an irradiance between 5 and 50 W / cm², more preferably between 15 and 25 W / cm².

[0181] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 1c, the cold transfer unit 5 may also have one or more steering or guiding pulleys 15.

[0182] Figures 2a-2c are schematic cross-sectional views of the multi-purpose application module 1 and the system 4.

[0183] The multi-purpose coating module 1 shown in Figure 2a corresponds to the multi-purpose coating module 1 shown in Figure 1a, and is used here to illustrate how the multi-purpose coating module 1 is used in conjunction with the cold transfer unit 5 in the following Figures 2b and 2c to apply the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6. Therefore, the multi-purpose coating module 1 shown in Figure 2a is a component of the multi-purpose coating device 2 shown in Figures 2b and 2c, or a component of the system 4 shown in Figures 2b and 2c, which, particularly in Figures 2b and 2c, has different substrate paths and transfer product paths.

[0184] As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the system 4 or the multi-purpose coating device 2 is used to apply the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6, wherein the multi-purpose coating module 1 included in the system 4 or the multi-purpose coating device 2 is used to print on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7, in particular, by means of UV-curable ink.

[0185] System 4, as shown in Figure 2b, includes the multi-purpose coating device 2 already shown in Figure 1c, and further includes a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. In the variant shown in Figure 2b, the substrate 6 is first guided along the pressure roller 18 via a guide pulley 15 in the cold transfer unit 5, and from there guided to the first multi-functional roller 91 via another guide pulley 15. The substrate 6 winds around the first multi-functional roller 91, thereby driving it. The substrate 6 is conveyed to the printing gap 10 via the first multi-functional roller 91, where it is printed by the printing unit 8.

[0186] Here, the substrate 6 is printed using UV-curable ink, specifically as an adhesive. Printing can be done on the entire surface or only partially, i.e., in sections. Preferably, the printing is done in the form of a pattern or design.

[0187] Here, a region or zone refers to a defined surface of a layer or cladding that is occupied when viewed perpendicularly to the plane formed by the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0188] Subsequently, by merging the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7, the substrate 6 is conveyed to the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18. Then, the UV-curable ink is cured by the UV final curing light source 19a through the transfer product 7, so that the transfer product 7 and the substrate 6 are bonded together in the printed area. The transfer product 7 is then peeled back from the substrate 6, leaving only the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 in the pre-printed area. This separation is performed by the separation roller 20. Then, as shown in Figure 2b, the substrate 6 is guided from the cold transfer unit by the guide pulley 15.

[0189] The path of the transfer product 7, as shown in Figure 2b, extends from the winding roller 12a to the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18. At this pressure gap, the transfer product 7 is merged with the substrate 6 as described above, and the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 is at least partially transferred to the substrate 6. After the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 are separated at the separating roller 20, as also described above, the transfer product 7 is conveyed to the winding roller 12b via the guide pulley 15, and the transfer product 7 is rewound onto the winding roller.

[0190] Therefore, in the variant shown in Figure 2b, the first multi-function roller 91 rotates clockwise, for example, and printing is performed along the substrate 6 in the direction of travel given by the first multi-function roller 91.

[0191] Accordingly, according to the variant shown in Figure 2b, the substrate 6 is guided along the first multifunctional roller 91 to the printing gap 10 constructed between the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91 serving as a multifunctional element 9, so as to print on the substrate 6, and then the substrate is further guided to the pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6.

[0192] System 4, as shown in Figure 2c, corresponds to the system shown in Figure 2b, except that the substrate path and the transfer product path are changed. Therefore, system 4, as shown in Figure 2c, also includes the multi-purpose coating device 2 shown in Figure 1c, and further includes a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. However, in the variant shown in Figure 2c, the transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a by a first multi-functional roller 91. As shown in Figure 2c, the transfer product 7 winds around the first multi-functional roller 91, thereby driving it. The transfer product 7 is conveyed to the printing gap 10 via the first multi-functional roller 91, where it is printed by the printing unit 8.

[0193] The transfer product 7 is also printed here using UV-curable inks, particularly those used as adhesives. This printing can be done on the entire surface or only partially, i.e., in sections. Preferably, it is also printed in the form of patterns or designs.

[0194] Subsequently, by combining the transfer product 7 with the substrate 6, the transfer product 7 is conveyed to the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0195] In the variant shown in Figure 2c, the substrate 6 is conveyed to the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the pressure roller 18 via the guide pulley 15 and the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0196] Here, the transfer product 7 is connected to the substrate 6 in a manner similar to the variant described in Figure 2b, and therefore refer to the above description. The further paths of the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 also correspond to the paths described in conjunction with Figure 2b, and therefore refer to the above description for this purpose as well.

[0197] Therefore, in the variant shown in Figure 2c, the first multi-function roller 91 rotates counterclockwise, for example, and printing is performed along the direction of travel of the transfer product 7 given by the first multi-function roller 91.

[0198] Accordingly, according to the variant shown in Figure 2c, the transfer product 7 is guided along the first multifunctional roller 91 to the printing gap 10 constructed between the printing unit 8 and the first printing roller 91 serving as a multifunctional element 9 to print the transfer product 7, and the transfer product is further guided to the pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6.

[0199] As shown in Figures 2b and 2c, the first multifunctional roller 91 rotates in the opposite direction of rotation in the variants of Figures 2b and 2c.

[0200] Preferably, the printing unit 8 is configured by a digital program so that it can print along the two directions of operation. In other words, the printing unit 8 is preferably configured by a digital program so that it can print according to both the variant shown in Figure 2a and the variant shown in Figure 2b.

[0201] That is, Figures 2b and 2c illustrate a (working) method for the multi-purpose coating apparatus 2, wherein the multi-purpose coating apparatus 2 includes a multi-purpose coating module 1 having a printing unit 8 and a first multi-functional roller 91 acting as a multi-functional element 9, and a cold transfer unit 5 having a pressure roller 17 and a counter-pressure roller 18, wherein a printing gap 10 is constructed between the printing unit 8 and the first multi-functional roller 91, wherein, according to the first variant i), the substrate 6 is guided along the first multi-functional roller 91 to the printing gap 10 for printing on the substrate 6, and further guided to the counter-pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6, or wherein, according to the second variant ii), the transfer product 7 is guided along the first multi-functional roller 91 to the printing gap 10 for printing on the transfer product 7, and further guided to the counter-pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6, and wherein, in variants i) and ii), the first multi-functional roller 91 rotates in opposite directions of rotation.

[0202] That is, as shown in Figures 2b and 2c, the two variant schemes i) and ii) can be selected and / or implemented or implemented by the same multi-purpose coating device 2, wherein, in particular, this is achieved through the multi-purpose coating module 1, which includes a first multi-functional roller 91 rotatably arranged in two opposite rotational directions, and whose printing unit 8 is constructed in a manner that enables printing in the printing gap 10 in a running direction given by the two opposite rotational directions.

[0203] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose coating module 1 and the cold transfer unit 5.

[0204] The multi-purpose coating module 1 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the multi-functional module shown in Figure 1a; therefore, the technical solution of this multi-purpose coating module is described above. The cold transfer unit 5 also corresponds to the cold transfer unit 5 shown in Figure 1c, except that this cold transfer unit 5 is constructed as an extension module 22. This allows the multi-purpose coating module 1 to be applied, in particular, to processing machinery such as flexographic printing presses that include existing printing apparatuses (here, flexographic printing apparatuses) that implement the functions of cold transfer units. Regarding other designs of the cold transfer unit 5, see the description above, for example, in conjunction with Figure 1c.

[0205] Here, an adapter can also be provided between the multi-purpose application module 1 and the cold transfer unit 5, which in particular enables the mechanically stable fixation of the multi-purpose application device 1 on the cold transfer unit 5.

[0206] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose application device 2.

[0207] The multi-purpose coating apparatus 2 shown in Figure 4 includes a printing unit 8 and a multi-functional element 9, wherein a printing gap 10 is formed between the printing unit 8 and the multi-functional element 9. In this design variant, the multi-functional element includes a first multi-functional roller 91 and a printing table 13 disposed above the first multi-functional roller. Therefore, it is preferable to form the printing gap 10 between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13.

[0208] In order to achieve both printing on the substrate 6 and printing on the transfer product 7 by means of the multi-purpose coating device 2, the first multi-functional roller 91 is rotatably arranged in two opposite rotational directions. In addition, the printing unit 8 is constructed in such a way that printing can be performed in the printing gap 10 in two running directions given by the two opposite rotational directions.

[0209] Regarding other designs of the printing unit 8 and the first multi-functional roller 91, see the description above, for example, in conjunction with Figure 1a.

[0210] The multi-purpose coating device 2 shown in Figure 4 further includes winding rollers 12a and 12b, the technical solution of which is also described above.

[0211] As shown in Figure 4, the multi-purpose application device 2 may also have one or more tensioning systems 16 for tensioning the transferred product 7, wherein the tensioning system 16 is selected individually or in combination. The tensioning system may have one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination: tension roller, controlled tension roller, measuring roller, and friction shaft.

[0212] As shown in Figure 4, the printing table 13 is configured to guide the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 through the printing table 13.

[0213] Preferably, the printing table 13 has a flat surface, particularly between 250 and 1,000,000 mm², and more preferably between 1,000 and 200,000 mm². Furthermore, it is preferable that the printing table 13 is disposed perpendicular to the printing unit 8. Ink ejection from the printing unit 8 can also occur perpendicular to the flat surface of the printing table. Additionally, the printing table may have a length between 5 and 500 mm, particularly between 10 and 100 mm, along the feed direction of the substrate 6 and / or the transfer product 7, and / or a width between 50 and 2,000 mm, particularly between 100 and 1,000 mm, transverse to the feed direction of the substrate 6 and / or the transfer product 7. Also preferably, the distance between the flat printing surface of the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 guided by the printing table 13 and the printing unit 8 is between 0.1 and 5 mm, and more preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0214] The printing table 13 may also have an air outlet for generating an air cushion, particularly an air cushion located between the printing table 13 and the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0215] As described above, it is preferable to print UV-curable ink using printing unit 8.

[0216] Preferably, the multi-purpose coating device 2 further includes at least one UV pre-curing light source 14, particularly one UV pre-curing light source 14 on each side of the printing unit 8 along the two operating directions. Alternatively, the at least one UV pre-curing light source 14 can be arranged in a manner that allows for reinstallation along the two operating directions, particularly for replacement on each side of the printing unit 8. The UV pre-curing light source 14 can fix the UV-curable ink, thereby preventing the UV-curable ink from extending into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18 during further transport of the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0217] As shown in Figure 4, the multi-purpose coating device 2 has two UV pre-curing light sources 14 located on each side of the printing unit 8.

[0218] The at least one UV precured light source 14 is preferably a UV-LED, which in particular produces light from a wavelength range between 100 and 420 nm, more preferably between 280 and 405 nm, more preferably between 280 and 380 nm, and more preferably between 365 and 380 nm.

[0219] More preferably, the distance between the UV pre-cured light source 14 and, in particular, the printed substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is between 1 and 50 mm, and more preferably between 3 and 20 mm.

[0220] Preferably, the distance between the UV pre-curing light source 14 and the printing unit 8 or the printing table 13 is between 10 and 500 mm, and more preferably between 30 and 100 mm.

[0221] Preferably, the at least one UV precured light source 14 produces an irradiance between 0 and 10 W / cm², more preferably between 0.5 and 7.5 W / cm², and even more preferably between 2 and 5 W / cm².

[0222] The multi-purpose coating device 2 shown in Figure 4 also includes a pressure roller 17, a counter-pressure roller 18, a separation roller 20, and a UV final curing light source 19a, the technical solutions of which are described above. The multi-purpose coating device 2 shown in Figure 4 also includes a steering or guiding pulley 15, which is used to guide the substrate 6 or transfer the product 7 through the multi-purpose coating device 2.

[0223] The multi-purpose coating apparatus shown in Figure 4 includes an additional UV final curing light source 19b. This additional UV final curing light source 19b is positioned, specifically, after the separating roller 20, along the transport direction of the substrate 6. Accordingly, the additional UV final curing light source 19b is positioned, specifically, 5 to 50 cm downstream of the separating roller 20, particularly between 5 and 20 cm, along the transport direction of the substrate 6. For other designs of this additional UV final curing light source 19b, please refer here to the description above, for example, in conjunction with the UV final curing light source 19a.

[0224] As shown by dashed lines in Figures 5a-5b and 6a-6b thereafter, the multi-purpose coating apparatus 2 shown in Figure 4 also includes a multi-purpose coating module 1 and a cold transfer unit 5. The multi-purpose coating module 1 includes at least a printing unit 8, along with an associated printing gap 10, and a multi-functional element 9. The cold transfer unit 5 includes at least a pressure roller 17 and a counter-pressure roller 18. Furthermore, the multi-functional element 9, as shown in Figure 4, includes a first multi-functional roller 9 and a printing table 13 disposed above the first multi-functional roller. Accordingly, an associated printing gap 10 is constructed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13.

[0225] Figures 5a-5b are schematic cross-sectional views of system 4. In addition to the multi-purpose coating device 2, system 4 also includes a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. The substrate path and transfer product path differ between the variant of system 4 shown in Figure 5a and the variant of system 4 shown in Figure 5b. Therefore, figures 5a-5b are also schematic cross-sectional views of the multi-purpose coating device 2, which specifically includes the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7. Accordingly, the (operating) method of the multi-purpose coating device 2, covering the variant shown in figures 5a-5b, is also shown in figures 5a-5b.

[0226] According to a variant of the (operating) method for the multi-purpose coating apparatus as shown in Figure 5a, the substrate 6 is guided along the multi-functional element 9 to the printing gap 10 constructed between the printing unit 8 and the multi-functional element 9 for printing on the substrate 6. The multi-functional element 9 includes a first multi-functional roller 91 and a printing table 13 disposed above the first multi-functional roller. Therefore, the printing gap 10 is constructed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. The substrate 6 is further guided to the pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6. According to a variant of the (operating) method for the multi-purpose coating apparatus 2 as shown in Figure 5b, the transfer product 7 is guided along the multi-functional element 9 to the printing gap 10 constructed between the printing unit 8 and the multi-functional element 9 for printing on the transfer product 7. The multi-functional element 9 includes a first multi-functional roller 91 and a printing table 13 disposed above the first multi-functional roller. Therefore, the printing gap 10 is constructed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. The transfer product 7 is further guided to the pressure roller 18 and the application roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6. In the variant of the (operating) method for the multi-purpose coating device 2 shown in Figures 5a-5b, the first multi-purpose roller 91 rotates in opposite directions.

[0227] Accordingly, in the variant shown in Figure 5a, the substrate 6 is first guided a short distance along the counter-pressure roller 18 via the guide pulley 15 to the first multi-functional roller 91. Then, the substrate 6 is guided from the first multi-functional roller 91 through the printing table 13, where a printing operation is performed by the printing unit 8 in the printing gap 10 constructed between the printing table 13 or the multi-functional element 9 and the printing unit 8. Here, UV-curable ink is preferably used as the printing material. The substrate 6 is then guided back from the printing table 13 to the first multi-functional roller 91, which is partially wound around the substrate 6, thus enabling the substrate 6 to drive the first multi-functional roller 91. After the printing operation in the printing gap 10, the printed material is fixed by a UV pre-curing light source 14. Therefore, the UV pre-curing light source 14 is located downstream of the printed material. Subsequently, the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 are pressed together in the pressure gap formed between the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18. For this purpose, the transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a to the pressure gap via the tensioning system 16 and the guide pulley 15. Here, the tensioning system 16 ensures that the transfer product 7 is transported under tension. As shown in Figure 5a, the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 now simultaneously pass through a common path located on the pressure roller 18. Along this common path, the print is cured by the UV final curing light source 19a in a manner that passes through the transfer product 7. Through this curing, the transfer product 7, or the transfer layer of the transfer product 7, is connected to the substrate 6 in the area where the print (i.e., in particular, a UV-curable ink) has been applied. Then, as shown in Figure 5a, the transfer product 7 is separated from the substrate 6 again by the separating roller 20, wherein the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 remains in the pre-printed area on the substrate 6. Subsequently, the transfer product 7 is wound onto the winding roller 12b via the guide pulley 15 and the tensioning system 16. The substrate 6, which is at least partially decorated with the transfer layer 7, is extracted from the system 4 or the multi-purpose coating device 2 via the steering pulley 15.

[0228] As shown in the variant of Figure 5b, the substrate 6 is guided to the pressure roller 18 via the guide pulley 15, which is at least partially surrounded by the substrate 6. On the pressure roller 18, the substrate 6 is guided to the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the pressure roller 18. The transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a to the first multi-functional roller 91 via the tensioning system 16 and the guide pulley 15. Subsequently, the transfer product 7 is guided from the first multi-functional roller 91 via the printing table 13, where the printing operation is performed by the printing unit 8 in the printing gap constructed between the printing table 13 or the multi-functional element 9 and the printing unit 8. Here, UV-curable ink is preferably used as the printing material. The transfer product 7 is guided back from the printing table 13 to the first multi-functional roller 91, which is partially wound with the transfer product 7, so that the transfer product 7 can drive the first multi-functional roller 91. After the printing operation in the printing gap 10, the printed material is fixed by the UV pre-curing light source 14. Therefore, the UV pre-curing light source 14 is located downstream of the printed material. That is, the UV pre-curing light source 14 shown in Figures 5a-5b is a reinstallable UV pre-curing light source 14, which can be installed on each side of the printing unit 8, depending on whether the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 needs to be printed. Subsequently, the transfer product 7 and the substrate 6 are pressed together in the pressure gap formed between the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18. As shown in Figure 5b, the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 now pass simultaneously along a common path located on the counter-pressure roller 18. Along this common path, the printed material is cured by the UV final curing light source 19a in a manner that passes through the transfer product 7. Through this curing, the transfer product 7 or the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 is bonded to the substrate 6 in the area where the printed material (i.e., in particular, UV-curable ink) has been applied. Then, as shown in Figure 5b, the transfer product 7 is separated from the substrate 6 again by the separating roller 20, wherein the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 remains in the pre-printed area on the substrate 6. The transfer product 7 is then wound onto the winding roller 12b via the guide pulley 15 and the tensioning system 16. The substrate 6, now at least partially decorated with the transfer layer, is then discharged from the system 4 or the multi-purpose coating device 2 via the guide pulley 15.

[0229] The technical solutions for the components or assemblies shown in Figures 5a-5b are described above, for example, in conjunction with Figure 4.

[0230] Corresponding to the system 4, which includes a multi-purpose coating device 2 comprising a multi-purpose coating module 1 and a cold transfer unit 5, and further includes a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7, the printing system 3 shown in Figures 5a-5b is the multi-purpose coating module 1 as shown in Figures 5a-5b, which further includes a substrate 6 and / or a transfer product 7.

[0231] That is, as shown in Figures 5a-5b, the first multi-functional roller 91 can guide the substrate 6 or transfer the product 7. In this way, the printing unit 8 can print on the substrate 6 guided on the first multi-functional roller 91 or the transferred product 7 guided on the first multi-functional roller 91 in two opposite running directions in the printing gap 10, wherein the rotation directions of the first multi-functional roller 91 are particularly opposite during the guiding of the substrate 6 and the transfer of the product 7.

[0232] As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, variations as shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b are implemented using the same multi-purpose coating device 2 or the same system 4, wherein, as mentioned above, the substrate path and the transfer product path within the multi-purpose coating device 2 are particularly different. Accordingly, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is printed in the same multi-purpose coating module 1, wherein the substrate running direction and the transfer product running direction or transport direction are different, particularly opposite.

[0233] Furthermore, in the variant shown in Figure 5a, the first multi-functional roller 91 rotates clockwise, while in the variant shown in Figure 5b, the first multi-functional roller 91 rotates counterclockwise. As shown in Figures 5a-5b, the pressure roller 18 rotates clockwise in both variants.

[0234] As can be seen from the above description, the same machine is used here to print the substrate 6 according to the variant shown in Figure 5a and then combine it with the transfer product 7, while according to the variant shown in Figure 5b, the transfer product 7 is printed and then combined with the substrate 6.

[0235] Figures 6a-6b are schematic cross-sectional views of system 4.

[0236] System 4, as shown in Figures 6a-6b, corresponds to the system shown in Figures 5a-5b, except that it includes one or more components selected from the group consisting of: pressure roller 17, at least one UV final curing light source 19a, separation roller 20, and optionally at least one additional UV final curing light source 19b, which can pivot about the counter-pressure roller 18, particularly for adjusting the entry angle α of the transfer product 7 into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0237] As shown in Figures 6a-6b, and as indicated by the arrows, compared to the pressure roller 17, UV final curing light source 19a, and separation roller 20 shown in Figure 6a, the pressure roller 17, UV final curing light source 19a, and separation roller 20 shown in Figure 6b are pivoted such that in the two variants shown in Figures 6a-6b, the entry angle α into the pressure gap can follow a minimum value.

[0238] Figures 7a-7b are schematic cross-sectional views of system 4.

[0239] System 4, as shown in Figures 7a-7b, corresponds to the system shown in Figures 5a-5b. The difference is that the cold transfer unit 5 can use the displacement of the coating module 1 more often, especially to adjust the entry angle α of the transfer product 7 into the pressure gap formed by the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0240] As shown in Figures 7a-7b, and as indicated by the arrows, the cold transfer unit 5 shown in Figure 7b is displaced such that in the two variants shown in Figures 7a-7b, the inlet angle α for entering the pressure gap can both follow the minimum value.

[0241] Figures 8a-8f illustratively illustrate different embodiments of the multifunctional element 9 of the multi-purpose coating module 1. In each figure, a printing unit 8 is additionally provided above the multifunctional element 9 to illustrate the positioning of the multifunctional element 9 relative to the printing unit 8.

[0242] In Figure 8a, the multifunctional element 9 comprises only the first multifunctional roller 91. Therefore, a printing gap is established between the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91. Preferably, the first multifunctional roller 91 is at least partially wound around the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7, thereby driving the multifunctional roller 91 through the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. Preferably, the ink of the printing unit 8 is ejected perpendicular to the periphery of the first multifunctional roller 91. In this embodiment, the first multifunctional roller 91 preferably has the largest possible diameter to minimize the curvature in the printing area. This ensures high print quality. As shown in Figure 8a, the first multifunctional roller 91 is rotatably mounted, thus allowing rotation in two opposite directions. As mentioned above, the direction of rotation depends on whether printing is being performed on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0243] In Figure 8b, the multifunctional element 9 includes a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 disposed above the first multifunctional roller. Therefore, a printing gap is established between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. As in the technical solution according to Figure 8a, the first multifunctional roller 91 is at least partially wound around a substrate 6 or a transfer product 7, thereby driving the first multifunctional roller 91 through the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. As shown in Figure 8b, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is guided by the printing table 13. In this case, the printing table 13 preferably forms a flat surface, which serves as the printing surface. By printing onto a flat surface, printing quality and printing accuracy are ensured.

[0244] In Figure 8c, the multifunctional element 9 only includes the printing table 13. Therefore, in the technical solution shown in Figure 8c, a printing gap 10 is also constructed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. The substrate 6 or the product 7 is guided through the printing table 13. In a preferred embodiment, the printing table 13 itself may have pulleys and / or rollers, which are particularly integrated into the printing table 13, thereby improving the operating characteristics of the substrate 6 or the product 7.

[0245] In Figure 8d, the multifunctional element 9 includes a first multifunctional roller 91 and two second multifunctional rollers 92. The substrate 6 or transfer product 7 at least partially winds around the first multifunctional roller 91, thereby driving the first multifunctional roller 91. After a first contact point between the substrate 6 or transfer product 7 and the first multifunctional roller, the substrate 6 or transfer product 7 is guided onto the first second multifunctional roller 92 and then re-exported onto the first multifunctional roller 91 via the second second multifunctional roller 92. That is, the substrate 6 or transfer product 7 is tensioned between the two second multifunctional rollers 92 to form a flat printing surface. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8d, the printing gap 10 is constructed between the printing unit 8 and the flat printing surface, or between the printing unit and the two second multifunctional rollers 92. Tensing the substrate 6 or transfer product 7 into a flat printing surface by means of the second multifunctional rollers also helps to achieve higher printing quality and printing accuracy. Preferably, the first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional roller 92 are rotatably arranged in two opposite directions of rotation. As mentioned earlier, the direction of rotation depends on whether the printing is applied to the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0246] In Figure 8e, the multifunctional element 9 includes two second multifunctional rollers 92. The substrate 6 or transfer product 7 is at least partially wound around the two second multifunctional rollers 92, thereby driving it. As shown in Figure 8d, in the embodiment according to Figure 8e, the substrate 6 or transfer product 7 is also tensioned into a flat printing surface between the two second multifunctional rollers 92. This achieves higher print quality and printing accuracy. Preferably, the second multifunctional rollers 92 are rotatably arranged in two opposite directions of rotation, depending on whether printing is being performed on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0247] In Figure 8f, the multifunctional element 9 includes a first multifunctional roller 91 and a second multifunctional roller 92. Both the first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional roller 92 are at least partially wound around the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 and are driven by the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. In the technical solution shown in Figure 8f, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is clamped by the first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional roller 92 to form a flat printing surface. Preferably, this flat printing surface is arranged perpendicular to the printing unit 8 or perpendicular to the ink ejection of the printing unit 8. Preferably, the first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional roller 92 are rotatably arranged in two opposite rotational directions, depending on whether printing is being performed on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0248] Figures 9a-9b are schematic cross-sectional views of system 4. The system shown in Figures 9a-9b generally corresponds to the system shown in Figures 6a-6b, but the difference is that the transfer product 7 is conveyed toward the pressure gap constructed between the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18 by the transfer product transport system 24.

[0249] Figures 9a-9b are also schematic cross-sectional views of a multi-purpose coating apparatus 2, which in particular includes a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. Accordingly, the (operating) method of the multi-purpose coating apparatus 2 is also shown in Figures 9a-9b, which covers variations as shown in Figures 9a-9b.

[0250] Since the only difference is the transport path of the transferred product 7 shown in Figures 9a-9b and the transport path of the transferred product 7 shown in Figures 6a-6b, only these changed transport paths will be described to avoid repetition. The transport path of the substrate 6 is the same as in Figures 6a-6b. The layout of the remaining components of the multi-purpose coating device 2 and the remaining components of the system 4 is also the same as in Figures 6a-6b.

[0251] Accordingly, in a variant of the (operating) method as shown in Figure 9a, the transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a through the tensioning system 16 along the multifunctional element 9 to the printing gap 10 constructed between the printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9 for printing. In this variant, the multifunctional element 9 includes a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 disposed above the first multifunctional roller. The transfer product 7 is further guided by the transfer product transport system 24 to the pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, thereby pressing the transfer product 7 onto the substrate 6. The transfer product 7 is then separated from the substrate 6 by the separating roller 20, wherein the transfer layer remains in the pre-printed area on the substrate 6. Subsequently, the transfer product 7 is wound onto the winding roller 12b through the guide pulley 15 and the tensioning system 16.

[0252] Since the transfer product transport system 24 is located upstream of the pressure roller 18, the transfer product 7 can be set relative to the substrate 6 using the transfer product transport system 24. The functional principle of the transfer product transport system 24 will be described below with reference to Figure 9b.

[0253] In a variant of the (operating) method as shown in Figure 9b, the transfer product 7 is conveyed from the winding roller 12a to the pressure roller 18 via the tensioning system 16 by the transfer product transport system 24, where the transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6 by the pressure roller 17. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9a, the transfer product 7 is separated from the substrate 6 again by the separating roller 20, wherein the transfer layer of the transfer product 7 remains in the pre-printed area on the substrate 6. Then, the transfer product 7 is wound onto the winding roller 12b via the guide pulley 15 and the tensioning system 16.

[0254] Material transport can be precisely controlled via the transfer product transport device 24 located after the tensioning system 16. Preferably, the transfer product transport system 24 controls the positioning of at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product 7 and at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate 6 in a precise fitting manner by stretching the transfer product 7. Preferably, the at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product 7 and / or the substrate 6 is applied during the manufacturing process of the transfer product 7 or the substrate 6. Furthermore, optically detectable matching marks or fitting marks are applied to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product 7 or the substrate 6. These matching marks or fitting marks can be detected by a detection unit located in the transfer product transport system 24, thereby determining the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product 7. Using this information, the rollers driven in the transfer product transport system 24 are accelerated or decelerated, causing a local change in the transport speed of the transfer product 7 relative to the overall transport speed of the transfer product 7. The transfer product 7 can be stretched to a certain extent; therefore, by adjusting the local transport speed of the transfer product 7, it can be applied to the substrate 6 or the printed material on the substrate 6 and / or at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate 6 in a precise overlay manner. The driven rollers may have one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination: a roller including opposing pressure rollers, a roller including at least one or more segmented pressure rollers, or a vacuum roller.

[0255] The transfer product transport system 24 may also have a tensioning system, which further influences the stretching of the transfer product 7. Therefore, the transport speed of the transfer product 7 upstream of the transfer product transport system 24 can differ from its transport speed downstream of the transfer product transport system 24. Thus, the stretching of the transfer product 7 achieves the fitting and positioning of the transfer product 7.

[0256] 1: Multi-purpose application module 2: Multi-purpose application device 3: Printing System 4: System 5: Cold Transfer Unit 6: Substrate 7: Transfer of Products 8: Printing Unit 9: Multifunctional components 91: First multi-functional roller 92: Second multi-functional roller 10: Printing gap 12a, 12b: Winding rollers 13: Printing table 14: UV pre-curing light source 15: Steering pulleys and / or guide pulleys 16: Tensioning System 17: Pressure roller 18: For the pressure roller 19a, 19b: UV final curing light source 20: Separating roller or separating blade 21: Incision 22: Expansion Module 23: Processing machinery 24: Product Transfer Transportation System α: Introduction angle

Claims

1. A multi-purpose coating module (1) for printing on a substrate (6) or a transfer product (7), comprising a printing unit (8) and a multi-functional element (9), wherein a printing gap (10) is provided between the printing unit (8) and the multi-functional element (9); characterized in that: The multifunctional element (9) has a first multifunctional roller (91) and / or at least a second multifunctional roller (92) and / or a printing table (13), and the printing unit (8) prints in the printing gap (10) along two running directions. During the rotation of the first multifunctional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller (92) along a first rotation direction, the substrate (6) guided on the first multifunctional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller (92) is printed in the printing gap (10); or, during the rotation of the first multifunctional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller (92) along a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the transfer product (7) guided on the first multifunctional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multifunctional roller (92) is printed in the printing gap (10).

2. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The multi-purpose coating module (1) also has two winding rollers (12a, 12b) for accommodating the transfer product (7).

3. As in request item 1 or 2, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The multi-purpose coating module (1) also has a tensioning system (16) for tensioning the transfer product (7), the tensioning system (16) having one or more of the following elements, individually or in combination selected from: tension roller, controlled tension roller, measuring roller, friction shaft.

4. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) are rotatably arranged in two opposite directions of rotation.

5. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The combination of the first multi-functional roller (91) and a second multi-functional roller (92), and / or the combination of the first multi-functional roller (91) and two second multi-functional rollers (92), and / or the two second multi-functional rollers (92) are configured such that the substrate (6) or the transfer product (7) can be guided through the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92), thereby forming a flat printing surface.

6. As in request item 5, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The flat printing surface is set perpendicular to the printing unit (8) and / or forms a surface with a size between 250 and 1,000,000 mm2.

7. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The printing table (13) is configured to allow the substrate (6) or the transfer product (7) to be guided through the printing table (13).

8. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The printing table (13) forms a flat surface; and / or the printing table (13) is positioned perpendicular to the printing unit (8).

9. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The printing table (13) has an air outlet for generating an air cushion.

10. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The multi-purpose coating module (1) also has at least one UV pre-curing light source (14).

11. As in request item 10, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The at least one UV pre-cured light source (14) produces an irradiance between 0 and 10 W / cm2.

12. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The surface of the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the surface of the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) has a surface structure produced by a surface processing method; and / or the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) have an anti-slip coating and / or a traction coating.

13. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The printing unit (8) is a UV inkjet printing bar or includes the UV inkjet printing bar; and / or the printing unit (8) includes at least one inkjet printhead.

14. As in request item 13, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The printing unit (8) and / or the UV inkjet printing bar have at least two rows of printing heads; and / or the printing unit (8) has at least two ink receiving devices for receiving at least two different inks.

15. As in request item 6, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The ink ejection from the printing unit (8) is performed perpendicular to, i.e., upright on the surface of the multifunctional element (9).

16. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The substrate (6) or the transfer product (7) is guided by the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92); and / or the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) are used to guide the substrate (6) or the transfer product (7).

17. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, In the printing gap (10), the substrate (6) guided on the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) or the transfer product (7) guided on the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) is printed by the printing unit (8) along the two running directions.

18. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The printing of the substrate (6) or the transfer product (7) is carried out in the same printing unit (8) in the same printing gap (10).

19. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The multi-purpose coating module (1) has a variable substrate path and / or transfer product path.

20. As in request item 1, the multi-use application module (1), wherein, The multi-purpose coating module (1) includes at least one detection unit that detects the position of at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate (6) and / or the transfer product (7). The detection unit is connected to a controller that controls the printing unit (8) based on the position data measured by the detection unit, so that the printing on the substrate (6) and / or the transfer product (7) is aligned with the at least one element and / or the at least one layer.

21. A multi-purpose coating device (2) comprising a multi-purpose coating module (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 and a cold transfer unit (5) comprising a pressure roller (17) and a pair of pressure rollers (18).

22. The multi-purpose application device (2) as requested in item 21, wherein, The pressure roller (17) is provided with a rubber or polysiloxane coating with a hardness between 25 and 100 Shore-A.

23. The multi-purpose covering device (2) as requested in item 21 or 22, wherein, The cold transfer unit (5) further includes at least one UV final curing light source (19a).

24. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The cold transfer unit (5) further includes a separation roller (20) or a separation blade.

25. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The cold transfer unit (5) also includes at least one additional UV final curing light source (19b).

26. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 23, wherein, One or more components selected from the following group: the pressure roller (17) and the at least one UV final curing light source (19a) can pivot about the pair of pressure rollers (18); or the cold transfer unit (5) can be displaced relative to the multi-purpose coating module (1).

27. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The separating roller (20) or the separating blade can pivot around the pair of pressure rollers (18).

28. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 25, wherein, The at least one additional UV final curing light source (19b) can pivot around the pair of pressure rollers (18).

29. The multi-purpose covering device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The pressure roller (17) and / or the pair of pressure rollers (18) are driven.

30. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The cold pressing unit (5) is designed as an expansion module (22), which can be embedded in a processing machine (23).

31. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The cold pressing unit (5) includes at least one detection unit that detects the position of at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate (6) and / or the transfer product (7) and positions it by stretching the transfer product (7) so that after the transfer product (7) is transported to the pressure gap, the pressure roller (17) presses at least one element and / or at least one layer on the transfer product (7) to align with the at least one element and / or at least one layer on the substrate (6).

32. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The multi-purpose coating device (2) has a transfer product transport system (24) with a tensioning system for controlled material transport. The transfer product transport system (24) stretches the transfer product (7) by means of the tensioning system to control the precise positioning of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product (7) and the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate (6) in the pressure gap.

33. The multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The multi-purpose coating device (2) has a transfer product transport system (24) for controlled material transport, which stretches the transfer product (7) by means of a driven vacuum roller to control the precise positioning of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product (7) and the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the substrate (6) in the pressure gap.

34. The multi-purpose application device (2) as requested in item 32 or 33, wherein, The transfer product transport system (24) includes at least one driven roller that affects the transport speed of the transfer product (7) and a detection unit for detecting the position of the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product (7) by means of an optically detectable matching mark or overlay mark applied to the transfer product (7).

35. A method of operation for a multi-purpose application device (2) as claimed in any of claims 22 to 34, characterized in that: According to a first variant i), the substrate (6) is guided along the multifunctional element (9) to the printing gap (10), which is located between the printing unit (8) and the multifunctional element (9), for printing on the substrate (6), and the substrate (6) is also guided to the pressure rollers (18) and the pressure rollers (17), thereby pressing the transfer product (7) onto the substrate (6); or according to a second variant ii), the transfer product (7) is guided along the multifunctional element (9) to the printing gap (10), which is located between the printing unit (8) and the multifunctional element (9), for printing on the transfer product (7), and the transfer product (7) is also guided to the pressure rollers (18) and the pressure rollers (17), thereby pressing the transfer product (7) onto the substrate (6); and in variants i) and ii), the substrate (6) and the transfer product (7) are guided in opposite directions of travel.

36. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, In the first variant i), the pair of pressure rollers (18) are rotated in a rotational direction corresponding to the running direction of the substrate (6) in the multifunctional element (9); or in the second variant ii), the pair of pressure rollers (18) are rotated in a rotational direction opposite to the running direction of the transfer product (7) in the multifunctional element (9).

37. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, The first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) are rotatably arranged in two opposite directions of rotation.

38. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, The transferred product (7) is unwound from the first of the two winding rollers (12a, 12b) (12a) and wound onto the second of the two winding rollers (12a, 12b) (12b).

39. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, Printing is performed on the side of the substrate (6) or the transfer product (7) that is away from the first multi-functional roller (91) and / or the at least one second multi-functional roller (92) and / or the printing table (13).

40. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, The transfer product (7) is pressed onto the substrate (6) using the same pair of pressure rollers (18) and the same pressure roller (17).

41. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, In the first variant i), the substrate (6) includes at least one element and / or at least one layer, such that a print as an additional layer is positioned on the substrate (6) in such a way as to align the at least one element and / or the at least one layer.

42. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, In the second variant ii), the substrate (6) includes at least one element and / or at least one layer, and a print applied to the transfer product (7) is positioned relative to the at least one element and / or the at least one layer.

43. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, In the first variant i), the substrate (6) includes at least one element and / or at least one layer, and the print is positioned as an additional layer in such a way as to align the at least one element and / or at least one layer.

44. The working method as described in request item 35, wherein, In the pressure gap between the pair of pressure rollers (18) and the pressure roller (17), the at least one element and / or the at least one layer on the transfer product (7) are pressed together to align the at least one element and / or the at least one layer and / or the print on the substrate (6).

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