Printing device and method of manufacturing a printed matter

Abstract

A printing device of the present application is provided with a printing pad having a printing surface that deforms in accordance with the shape of the surface to be printed of a print, a printing master table on which a printing master is placed, the printing master having a placement surface on which ink is placed, a printing table for placing a print, and a blower that blows air toward the printing surface of the printing pad. The printing pad is configured to be movable between the printing master table and the printing table, and is configured to be movable up and down with respect to the printing master table or the printing table. The blower is configured to blow air toward the printing surface of the printing pad in a state in which ink is transferred to the printing surface above the placement surface of the printing master.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus and a method for manufacturing printed matter, and in particular, to a printing apparatus and a method for manufacturing printed matter by moving a printing pad in a linear manner to press a printing surface onto a printing surface for printing. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, offset printing involves pressing the printing surface of a printing pad onto a printing plate, transferring ink, corresponding to the printed pattern, from the printing plate onto the printing pad. Then, the printing surface of the ink-laden printing pad is pressed onto the surface to be printed, transferring the ink to the surface and thus printing the pattern onto it.

[0003] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printing pad is pressed against a printing master having ink-repellent and ink-receptive regions. The pressed printing pad is configured such that ink held in the ink-receptive regions is transferred to the printing pad, and the printing surface of the printing pad absorbs the solvent in the ink while moderately repelling the ink. The printing master is engraved with fine dotted patterns, holding ink in the recesses. The printing pad is pressed against the printing master, and the ink held in the recesses is transferred to the printing pad. Then, the ink is transferred from the printing pad to the printed material.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 166114 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing pad that transfers ink placed on a printing master onto the printing surface of the printing pad, and then transfers the ink transferred to the printing surface of the printing pad onto the printed material. The surface to be printed, which is the surface of the printed material, sometimes has unevenness. For example, during the pressing of the printing pad against the printing surface, which is inclined relative to the pressing direction of the printing pad, the printing surface of the printing pad is prone to displacement along the direction of the printing surface. That is, the printing surface of the printing pad sometimes moves in a sliding manner on the printing surface during the pressing process. In this case, the following problem exists: the ink deforms or moves along the direction of the printing surface due to the displacement of the printing surface, resulting in multiple dots formed by the ink not being transferred to the intended position, and the accuracy of the printed image decreasing.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve the problems mentioned above, and provides a printing apparatus and a method for manufacturing printed matter that suppress the decrease in accuracy of printed images formed on the printing surface.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing pad, a printing plate table, a printing table, and a blower. The printing pad has a printing surface that deforms to follow the shape of the printing surface of the printed material. The printing plate table holds a printing plate, which has a mounting surface for holding ink. The printing table holds the printed material. The blower supplies air toward the printing surface of the printing pad. The printing pad is configured to move between the printing plate table and the printing table, and is configured to move up and down relative to the printing plate table or the printing table. The blower supplies air toward the printing surface of the printing pad in a state where the ink on the mounting surface of the printing plate has been transferred to the printing surface.

[0012] The method for manufacturing printed matter of the present invention uses a printing pad that deforms to follow the shape of the printing surface. In this method, ink is placed on the mounting surface of a printing master, the printing surface of the printing pad is pressed against the mounting surface on which the ink is placed, and air is blown onto the printing surface on which the ink is transferred using a blower. The air-blown printing surface is then pressed onto the printing surface.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] By employing this invention, it is possible to suppress ink deformation and movement when the printing surface shifts along the printing surface after the ink comes into contact with the printing surface. Furthermore, by supplying air to harden the ink on the printing surface of the printing pad, deformation of the ink after being transferred to the printing surface is suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an example of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the printing pad 10 provided in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 of the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 being pressed onto the printed matter 70.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 of the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 being pressed onto the printed matter 70.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing plate 50 used in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the area surrounding the printing table 87 of the printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a variation of the blower 66 of the printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an example of a functional block diagram of the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing printed matter 70 using the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the contact area between the printing surface 4 and the printed surfaces 71, 72 and 73.

[0025] Figure 11 It is transferred to Figure 10 A magnified image of the ink on the 73-sided printed surface, with ink size 40f or 40g.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the method for manufacturing printed matter 70 by printing apparatus 100 of embodiment 2, in which the printing pad 10 receives ink 40 from printing master 50 and is pressed onto the printed matter 70.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a variation of the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the printing pad 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the printing pad 10 of Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Implementation method 1.

[0031] The printing apparatus and method for manufacturing printed matter according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below do not limit the present invention. Also, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts, and some descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic depictions, and the present invention is not limited to the shapes shown. Additionally, in this specification, the term "elastic body" or "elasticity" is not limited to the case where the load applied to the elastic body and the amount of deformation caused by the load are in a linear relationship. It includes the case where the applied load and the amount of deformation caused by the load are not in a linear relationship, and the body returns to its original shape immediately upon removal of the applied load or after a predetermined time.

[0032] Printing apparatus 100

[0033] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an example of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The printing apparatus 100 transfers ink placed on the printing plate 50 to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, and further transfers the ink transferred to the printing surface 4 to the printing surface 71 of the printed matter 70. The printing surface 71 sometimes has an uneven shape. When the printing surface 71 has a surface that is inclined relative to the pressing direction of the printing pad 10, the printing apparatus 100 can also print on the inclined surface.

[0034] The printing apparatus 100 includes a printing pad 10 capable of moving linearly in the vertical direction. The printing pad 10 is moved vertically using a vertical movement device 11, pressing the printing surface 4 onto the printing surface 71 of the printing material 70 to transfer ink from the printing surface 4 to the printing surface 71. The printing apparatus 100 also includes a horizontal movement device 12. The horizontal movement device 12 moves both the printing pad 10 and the vertical movement device 11 horizontally. The horizontal movement device 12 moves the printing pad 10 above the printing material 70, the cleaning device 60, the activation device 61, the air blower 62, or the printing plate 50. The vertical movement device 11 moves the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 vertically, pressing the printing surface 4 onto the printing material 70, the cleaning device 60, the activation device 61, or the printing plate 50. Figure 1 In the printing apparatus 100, from left to right, there are: a printing table 87 for placing the printed matter 70; a surface treatment table 86 equipped with a cleaning device 60, an activation device 61, and a blower device 62; and a printing plate table 85 for holding the printing plate 50. It should be noted that these tables in the printing apparatus 100 can be freely configured and appropriately changed according to the operator or the location where the printing apparatus 100 is located. Furthermore, the various devices in the printing apparatus 100 are provided as needed, and sometimes they are not provided at all.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a blower 66 is provided on the printing table 87. The blower 66 blows air toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 may also include either the blower 66 or the blowing device 62, functioning as either the blower 66 or the blowing device 62.

[0036] 10 printing pads

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the printing pad 10 provided in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1The cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 shows a section passing through the vertex 6 of the printing pad 10 and perpendicular to the plane 13 of the support member 7 to which the substrate 5 is fixed. The printing pad 10 is, for example, approximately hemispherical in shape. The shape of the printing pad 10 is not limited to this; for example, it can be a cannonball shape, a shape having a curved surface formed by rotating a parabola about its axis of symmetry, a part obtained by cutting an ellipse, or a shape obtained by continuously extending the cross-section of the cannonball shape or the semicircular shape in a straight line, etc., and the shape can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the printed matter 70, etc. The printing pad 10 has a top that first contacts the printed matter 70 or the printing plate 50, and the top is composed of dots or lines. Thus, when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printed matter 70 or the printing plate 50, air is prevented from getting between the printing surface 4 and the printed matter 70, or between the printing surface 4 and the printing plate 50. By preventing air from entering, it is possible to suppress the transfer of ink 40 from the printing master 50 to the printing pad 10 and the detachment of the printed image applied to the printed matter 70. In Embodiment 1, a defined area centered on vertex 6 on the surface of the printing pad 10 becomes the printing surface 4 for transferring ink 40 from the printing master 50 to the printed matter 70. It should be noted that the printing surface 4 may also be configured not to include vertex 6.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the substrate 5 of the printing pad 10 includes an inner layer 1 and an outer layer 2, the outer layer 2 being configured to cover the surface of the inner layer 1. Furthermore, the printing pad 10 is not limited to... Figure 2 The form shown can also be a single-layer structure made of a single material. In addition, the printing pad 10 can be not only a double-layer structure, but also a multi-layer structure, or it can be composed of multiple components.

[0039] Substrate 5

[0040] For example, silicone is molded to form substrate 5. Substrate 5 is elastic (flexible) and is mixed with silicone oil for easy deformation. In embodiment 1, substrate 5 is approximately hemispherical, but its shape can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the printed material 70, etc. Substrate 5 deforms when printing pad 10 is pressed against printing plate 50, and ink 40 (see reference) placed on the mounting surface 51 of printing plate 50 is transferred to the substrate. Figure 3 The ink 40 placed on the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50 is arranged to correspond with the image printed on the printed material 70 to form a printed pattern.

[0041] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 provided in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 when it is pressed onto the printing material 70. For example, the substrate 5 may also be formed of two materials with different hardnesses. In this case, for example, the material of the outer layer 2 constituting the portion near the printing surface 4 is set to a range of 0 to 20 points according to the ASKER (Japanese company name) C-type hardness tester. Furthermore, the material of the inner layer 1 constituting the inner side of the outer layer 2 has an ASKER C-type hardness set to 10 to 40 points. That is, the ASKER C-type hardness of the inner layer 1 is preferably higher than that of the outer layer 2.

[0042] The inner layer 1 is located on the side where a force is applied during printing to press the printing surface 4 against the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73, and is positioned closer to the connected support member 7 than the outer layer 2. The support member 7 is connected to the vertical movement device 11 and is the part that transmits the force from the vertical movement device 11 to the printing pad 10. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In this design, the upper portion of the substrate 5 has an ASKER C-type hardness set to 10-40 points, while the lower portion (the portion near vertex 6) has an ASKER C-type hardness set to 0-20 points. Furthermore, regarding the size of the printing pad 10, it is preferable to ensure that the printing surface 4 is at least 1.5 times the size of the printed surface of the printable material 70. This results in a smaller deformation rate (the ratio of deformation to the size of the printing pad 10) when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printable material 70, thus suppressing slippage of the printing pad 10 relative to the printed surface of the printing surface 4. Additionally, reducing the hardness of the printing pad 10 also suppresses slippage of the printing pad 10 relative to the printed surface of the printing surface 4.

[0043] Since the printing pad 10 deforms to follow the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73, the hardness of the printing pad 10 is preferably set to be low (soft). Therefore, the hardness of the portion pressed against the printing surface 4 of the printed material 70 can be set to be lower than that of the inner layer 1. With this configuration, the printing surface 4 can easily follow the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73 using a soft layer, and the relatively hard inner layer 1 can easily maintain the overall shape of the printing pad 10. Furthermore, the outer layer 2, which is directly pressed against the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73, has the advantage that it can easily deform to follow not only the printed surface 71, but also the curved printed surface 72 and the printed surface 73, which is inclined relative to the direction of movement of the printing pad 10. It should be noted that the hardness of each part of the substrate 5 is not limited to the hardness described above.

[0044] Cleaning device 60

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, a surface treatment table 86 is arranged next to the printing table 87 of the printing apparatus 100. A cleaning device 60 is provided on the surface treatment table 86. The cleaning device 60 includes, for example, paper or adhesive tape. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the surface of the paper or adhesive tape, thereby removing ink 40, dirt, or dust that remain after printing.

[0046] Activation device 61

[0047] The activation device 61 includes a storage tank for storing liquid and an absorption unit for absorbing and retaining the liquid. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the surface of the absorption unit, thereby causing the liquid retained by the absorption unit to adhere to the printing surface 4. The printing pad 10 allows water or solvent to adhere to or penetrate the substrate 5, thereby facilitating the transfer of ink 40 placed on the printing plate 50 onto the printing surface 4. The liquid is appropriately selected based on its properties with the ink 40, and the liquid has the property of softening harder ink 40. The ink 40 is formed by adding pigments or dyes to water or solvent. The liquid used in the activation device 61 is preferably a synthetic resin such as acrylic resin or polyurethane resin, or a mixture of water, diluent, xylene or toluene, etc., and it is preferable to select a liquid with a high affinity for the solvent contained in the ink 40. It should be noted that the liquid used in the activation device 61 is not limited to the above-mentioned liquids.

[0048] For example, the absorption unit of the activation device 61 is constructed by stacking thin sheet-like absorbent materials. The absorbent material is, for example, made of paper, but is not limited to paper; it can be made of other materials such as cloth or resin, as long as it absorbs liquid. For example, the absorption unit can also be constructed by stacking paper on a sponge-like resin. Regarding the surface of the absorption unit pressed by the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, sometimes dirt such as ink 40 remaining on the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 adheres to the surface, or the surface of the absorption unit is scraped off, causing the paper constituting the absorption unit to break. Therefore, the paper at the top of the absorption unit is configured such that it can be peeled off from the top of the absorption unit, thereby removing the stacked sheets of paper one by one, or the top layer can be mechanically replaced. It should be noted that the method of replacing the top layer of paper is not limited to this. The absorption unit is configured such that the paper constituting the top layer can be easily removed or replaced, the surface is always kept clean, and liquid is permeated. Therefore, when the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed onto the surface of the absorption unit, the printing surface can be activated. Furthermore, the absorption unit of the activation device 61 is not limited to a stacked structure, but can also be composed of a single component.

[0049] Blower 62

[0050] The blower device 62 adjusts the amount of water or solvent adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 using the activation device 61 to an appropriate level. The blower device 62 blows air toward the printing surface 4, which is pressed against the activation device 61 and before the transfer ink, removing excess water or solvent from the printing surface 4. Furthermore, the form, number, and direction of the blowing air of the blower device 62 are not limited. Additionally, the blower device 62 may be omitted as long as the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 at the activation device 61 can be controlled to an appropriate level.

[0051] Original printed version 50

[0052] The printing plate 50 is placed on the printing plate table 85, and ink 40 is placed on the mounting surface 51. The ink 40 is transferred to the printing surface 4 by pressing the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 onto the mounting surface 51.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing plate 50 used in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 The printing master 50 shown is an intaglio plate. The printing master 50 is flat and includes a support 53 and a surface layer 52 formed on the support 53. The surface layer 52 is formed of a material with ink-repellent properties on the mounting surface 51 side pressed by at least the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. For example, a portion of the surface layer 52 is removed by laser, thereby removing the portion formed of the ink-repellent material. That is, for example, the surface layer 52 is removed by laser to form a recess 54 opening into the mounting surface 51. The bottom 55 of the recess 54 exposes the support 53, which is formed of an ink-attractive material. In Embodiment 1, the surface layer 52 is an ink-repellent layer with ink-repellent properties that make it difficult for ink 40 to adhere. Conversely, the support 53 is an ink-attractive layer with ink-attractive properties that make it easy for ink 40 to adhere. In Embodiment 1, the surface layer 52 is formed, for example, of silicone or silicone resin. Silicone and silicone resin are ink-repellent and chemically stable, and are therefore preferably used as the surface layer 52 of the printing master 50. It should be noted that surface layer 52 is not limited to silicone and silicone resin; any material with ink-repellent properties can be used, and other materials can also be used.

[0054] exist Figure 5In this invention, both the surface layer 52 and the support 53 are formed as a single layer, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The surface layer 52 can be formed as a single layer using a material with ink-repellent properties that can be destroyed, for example, by a laser. Alternatively, the ink-repellent layer can be formed on the side pressed by the printing pad 10, and a recording layer can be formed on the support 53 side. For example, the recording layer absorbs the laser and converts it into heat, reducing the adhesive strength between the recording layer and the ink-repellent layer, thereby allowing the ink-repellent layer to be removed from the printing plate 50. Alternatively, the recording layer can absorb the laser and convert it into heat, causing it to be destroyed by the heat, thus reducing the bonding force between the support 53 and the surface layer 52, allowing the ink-repellent surface layer 52 to be removed from the printing plate 50. When the surface layer 52 is composed of an ink-repellent layer and a recording layer, the ink-repellent layer is formed of silicone or silicone resin, and the recording layer is formed of a heat-sensitive or photosensitive material.

[0055] The support 53 can be formed, for example, from a single metal plate, such as aluminum, used to maintain the shape of the printing plate 50. Alternatively, the surface of the metal plate can have an ink-repellent layer formed of an ink-repellent material. Furthermore, the support 53 can be surface-treated to roughen its surface using methods such as etching the metal plate. Additionally, a pretreatment layer can be formed on the surface of the support 53 to improve adhesion to the surface layer 52.

[0056] A recess 54 is formed by removing the surface layer 52 of the printing master 50. Ink 40 is supplied to the mounting surface 51 using the ink placement device 63, and the ink 40 is placed inside the recess 54. At this time, the remaining portion of the surface layer 52 forms an ink-repellent region 57, where no ink 40 adheres. The recess 54 forms an ink-receptive region 58, where ink 40 is placed. That is, the mounting surface 51 has an ink-repellent region 57 and an ink-receptive region 58, and the ink placement device 63 places ink 40 only onto the ink-receptive region 58.

[0057] In Embodiment 1, the thickness h1 of the surface layer 52 is, for example, 3 μm or less. When the recess 54 is formed by removing the surface layer 52, the width w1 of the opening 56 of the recess 54 is larger than the width w2 of the recess 54 along the direction of the mounting surface 51 of the bottom 55. However, by setting the thickness h1 of the surface layer 52 to 3 μm or less, the difference between the width w2 of the bottom 55 of the recess 54 and the width w1 of the opening 56 is reduced. As a result, the internal volume of the recess 54 is reduced. In addition, by setting the thickness h1 of the surface layer 52 to 3 μm or less, it is easier to supply energy to the laser-sensitive layer when forming the recess 54 using a laser. Furthermore, the laser can form the shape of the bottom 55 of the recess 54 of the printing master 50 with good precision, and the width w2 can be made smaller. The width w2 of the bottom 55 of the recess 54 is formed to be 20 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or less. In addition, in embodiment 1, printing is performed by gravure printing, but it can also be performed by letterpress printing.

[0058] Ink carrier device 63

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the ink placement device 63 includes an ink holding portion 64, which is a roller with a material for holding ink on its surface. The ink holding portion 64 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 65. The ink placement device 63 brings the ink holding portion 64 into contact with the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50 and rotates the ink holding portion 64 on the mounting surface 51, thereby placing the ink 40 on the ink-receptive region 58 of the mounting surface 51. The ink placement device 63 is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown, which includes a roller, can be made to allow the ink holding part 64 to contact the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50. For example, it can also be a structure in which the ink holding part 64 moves vertically relative to the mounting surface 51.

[0060] The printing plate 50 has an ink-repellent region 57 and an ink-receptive region 58. The ink-repellent region 57 repels ink, so even if the ink-receptive region 58 is fine, the ink placement device 63 can still place ink in the ink-receptive region 58. In addition, since the ink-repellent region 57 repels excess ink, the ink placement device 63 may not need to have a doctor blade to remove excess ink after it has been placed.

[0061] Furthermore, when printing a color image on the surface of the printed matter 70, multiple monochrome printing plates 50 are sometimes used. In this case, the printing apparatus 100 may also include multiple ink placement devices 63. Alternatively, multiple printing apparatuses 100 may be used to print one printed matter 70. In this case, each of the multiple printing apparatuses 100 corresponds to each of the multiple monochrome printing plates 50.

[0062] Blower 66

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the printing table 87 of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The printing apparatus 100 includes a blower 66, which supplies air to the printing surface 4 when the ink 40 is transferred onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. In Embodiment 1, the blower 66 is arranged around the area where the printable material 70 is placed on the printing table 87. The blower 66 blows air onto the printing surface 4, which is covered with ink 40 and pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. By blowing air towards the printing surface 4 with the blower 66, the liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 by the activation device 61 and the solvent absorbed into the ink 40 also evaporate. As a result, the affinity between the ink 40 and the printing surface 4 decreases. In addition, the viscosity of the ink 40 increases. That is, the ink 40 is hardened by the air supply provided by the blower 66.

[0064] In embodiment 1, the air outlet 66a of the blower 66 is positioned toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 before it comes into contact with the printed material 70. Preferably, the blower 66 is provided at multiple locations such that air reaches the printing surface 4. Additionally, the blower 66 may have an internal heater 67 to adjust the temperature of the air supplied to the printing surface 4. A temperature sensor 68 (see reference...) can also be used... Figure 8 The temperature of the air supplied to the printing surface 4 is detected, and the output of the heater 67 is adjusted accordingly, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air supplied to the printing surface 4. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 68 can detect the room temperature of the environment in which the printing apparatus 100 is placed, and adjust the output of the heater 67 based on the room temperature. For example, one end of the cylindrical housing of the blower 66 serves as an air outlet 66a, and a fan and heater 67 are installed inside the other end of the housing, with an air intake 66b for introducing air.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a variation of the blower 66 in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1. The blower 66 is not limited to... Figure 6 The hair dryer shown can also be in the form of an air outlet 66a, for example, by having a number of holes on a flat plate. Figure 7 The blower 66 shown can also be mounted on the printing table 87 or other components. The printing pad 10, on which ink 40 is transferred, is controlled such that before being pressed onto the printing material 70, the printing surface 4 is moved in front of the air inlet 66a of the blower 66, so that air from the blower 66 blows onto the printing surface 4. Figure 7 In the blower 66, the area S of the air outlet 66a is preferably set to be larger than the width of the printing surface 4. For example, Figure 7 The blower 66 shown is configured such that air is supplied from the intake port 66b and air heated by the heater 67 disposed inside is blown out from the air outlet 66a.

[0066] Method for manufacturing printed matter by printing apparatus 100

[0067] Figure 8 This is an example of a functional block diagram of the printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. Next, a method for manufacturing printed matter using the printing apparatus 100 will be described. Figure 1 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 includes a control device 20. The control device 20 is, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a processing unit 20a and a storage device 20b. Using the processing unit 20a and the storage device 20b (see reference...) Figure 1 This enables the control device 20 to perform its functions. Figure 8 The functional modules shown.

[0068] Storage device 20b may be a ROM (Read-Only Memory) pre-stored with programs and data, or RAM (Random Access Memory) used for temporary data storage during program execution. Alternatively, storage device 20b may use non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). Furthermore, storage device 20b may also use removable recording media such as magnetic disks, floppy disks, optical disks, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (Mini Discs), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). Storage device 20b can store information obtained from the temperature sensor 68, etc., and information processed by the arithmetic unit 20a.

[0069] The arithmetic unit 20a performs various processes to execute the functions of the control unit 20. For example, the arithmetic unit 20a compares room temperature information from the temperature sensor 68 with a temperature threshold pre-stored in the storage device 20b to determine whether the room temperature is higher than the threshold. If the room temperature is higher than the threshold, the control unit 20 controls the output of the heater 67 to be suppressed to a predetermined value. Alternatively, if the room temperature is higher than the threshold, the control unit 20 controls the operation time of the blower 66 to be shortened. Alternatively, the control unit 20 controls the time that the printing pad 10 remains in front of the blower 66 and is exposed to air, etc.

[0070] Figure 9This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing printed matter 70 using the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1. The printing apparatus 100 includes a start-up process performed when the printing apparatus 100 is started or restarted, and a repetitive process for manufacturing multiple printed matters 70. The start-up process may be omitted depending on the state of the printing pad 10.

[0071] Start of process

[0072] The start-up process is, for example, performed immediately after the printing apparatus 100 is started. The surface of the printing pad 10 may not activate immediately after the production of the printed material 70 begins; therefore, a process is performed to properly activate the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The printing pad 10 is made of a relatively hard material such as silicone, which makes it difficult for ink 40 to adhere; therefore, even when directly pressed onto the printing plate 50, the ink 40 may not transfer as desired. Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 activates the printing surface 4 as needed during the start-up process.

[0073] First, after the printing apparatus 100 is started, it moves the printing pad 10 above the activation apparatus 61 and lowers it toward the activation apparatus 61. After the printing surface 4 is pressed against the absorption unit of the activation apparatus 61, thus including a predetermined area of ​​the printing surface 4 in contact with the absorption unit, the printing pad 10 rises. This is called the activation process (SP1). Here, liquids such as water or solvents that have penetrated into the absorption unit of the activation apparatus 61 adhere to or penetrate the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. Furthermore, the printing surface 4 has minute irregularities on its surface, which helps retain the liquid when it adheres from the absorption unit. Preferably, the irregularities of the printing surface 4 have a height difference of 2 to 5 μm. The pad control unit 21 of the control device 20 controls the vertical movement device 11 and the horizontal movement device 12. This controls the position of the printing pad 10, its movement toward the activation apparatus 61 from its initial position, and the pressing action. The activation unit 24 controls or instructs the user to maintain the amount of liquid contained in the absorption unit of the activation apparatus 61 at a predetermined level. In addition, the activation unit 24 controls or notifies the user when the absorption unit is aging, so as to renew the absorption unit.

[0074] After the activation process (SP1) is completed, it is determined whether the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is appropriate (SP2). If the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 is inappropriate (in the case of "No" in SP2), the printing apparatus 100 performs a blowing process (SP3). In the blowing process, the blowing device 62 blows air onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 to remove excess liquid adhering to the printing surface 4. Inappropriate liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 refers to a situation where excessive liquid adheres to the printing surface 4. The blowing unit 23 of the control device 20 controls the operation of the blowing device 62. When the printing pad 10 has just moved to the position where the air supplied from the blowing device 62 blows, the blowing unit 23 drives the blowing device 62 to perform the blowing process.

[0075] After the blowing process (SP3) is completed, it is determined whether the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is appropriate (SP4). If there is still excess water or solvent adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 (if SP4 is "No"), the printing apparatus 100 performs an absorption process (SP5). In the absorption process, the printing apparatus 100 presses the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 against the cleaning device 60. As a result, the excess liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is removed.

[0076] Furthermore, if an appropriate amount of water or solvent adheres to or seeps into the printing pad 10 (if "Yes" is indicated in SP2 or SP4), one or both of the blowing process (SP3) and the absorption process (SP5) can be omitted. Additionally, the order in which the blowing and absorption processes are performed can be changed. Furthermore, the blowing and absorption processes can be performed multiple times. The operator can also visually determine whether the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 is appropriate. If the operator determines that there is excess liquid adhering to the printing surface 4, the operator can instruct the absorption process, and the pad control unit 21 of the control device 20 moves the printing pad 10 in a manner that advances towards at least one of the blowing and absorption processes.

[0077] Repeated processes

[0078] After the initial process is completed and the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is properly activated, the repetitive process begins. The repetitive process includes an ink placement process (S1), an ink transfer process (S2), an air supply process (S3), a printing process (S4), a cleaning process (S5), an activation process (S6), a blowing process (S8), and an absorption process (S10). Figure 9As shown, the printing apparatus 100 proceeds through the processes in the following order: ink placement (S1), ink transfer (S2), air supply (S3), printing (S4), cleaning (S5), activation (S6), blowing (S8), and absorption (S10). It should be noted that the repeated processes are not limited to this order. For example, after the ink placement (S1) and ink transfer (S2) processes are completed, the printing apparatus 100 performs the air supply (S3) to absorption (S10) processes. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 may perform the next ink placement (S1) process in parallel during the air supply (S3) to absorption (S10) process.

[0079] In each printing step (S4), a printed image is formed on the surface of the printed material 70. The printed material 70 is not limited to one; multiple materials can be printed simultaneously. In the case of printing multiple materials simultaneously, multiple printing pads 10 can be provided in the printing apparatus 100.

[0080] Ink loading process

[0081] The ink placement process (S1) is a process in which ink 40 is placed on the printing plate 50 using the ink placement device 63. The ink placement device 63 brings the ink holding part 64 into contact with the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50, and the ink holding part 64 rolls on the mounting surface 51. The ink 40 absorbed by the ink holding part 64 is only placed in the ink-receptive region 58 provided on the mounting surface 51. The ink holding part 64, which has absorbed ink 40, also comes into contact with the ink-repellent region 57. However, the ink-repellent region 57 does not hold ink 40 because it repels ink 40. It is preferable to set the ink 40 to be relatively hard so that it is repelled by the ink-repellent region 57. For example, it is preferable to set the viscosity of the ink 40 to be in the range of 700 to 1200 p (poise). The ink placement part 25 of the control device 20 controls the operation of the ink placement device 63 to place the ink 40 on the printing plate 50 before the printing pad 10 is pressed onto the printing plate 50.

[0082] Ink transfer process

[0083] In the ink transfer process (S2), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the mounting surface 51 of the printing master plate 50. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 comes into contact with the ink 40 placed on the ink-receptive area 58 of the printing master plate 50. Then, the printing pad 10 moves upward, and the printing surface 4 is removed from the mounting surface 51 of the printing master plate 50. The ink 40 that was in contact with the printing surface 4 moves to the printing surface 4 as is. The ink 40 is positioned on the printing surface 4 corresponding to the ink-receptive area 58 placed on the mounting surface 51 of the printing master plate 50. The pressing of the printing pad 10 against the printing master plate 50 is also controlled by the pad control unit 21.

[0084] The activation process (SP1 or S6) allows water or solvent to adhere to or penetrate the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, thereby facilitating the adhesion of ink 40 to the printing surface 4. In particular, to obtain a high-precision printed image, it is necessary to reduce the size of each drop of ink 40 transferred to the printing surface 4, and the spacing between adjacent ink drops 40 also needs to be narrowed. Therefore, it is preferable to use ink 40 with high viscosity. Specifically, as described above, the viscosity of the ink 40 is preferably configured to be in the range of 700P to 1200P. Using the printing apparatus 100, the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is activated by the activation device 61, making it easy for the ink 40 to adhere even if its viscosity is high.

[0085] Air supply process

[0086] In the air supply process (S3), the printing pad 10 moves to a position where the air supplied by the blower 66 blows onto the printing surface 4. When the printing pad 10 has just moved to the designated position, the blower 66 begins operation, blowing air onto the printing surface 4. After a designated time has elapsed while air is being blown onto the printing surface 4, the air supply unit 22 of the control device 20 can control the operation of the blower 66 to stop, or it can control the movement of the stationary printing pad 10. The air blown from the blower 66 is controlled, for example, to be between 40 and 80°C.

[0087] Additionally, during the air supply process (S3), the duration of air blowing onto the printing pad 10 can be controlled based on the ambient temperature. The air supply unit 22 receives room temperature information from the temperature sensor 28 and controls the operation of the blower 66 to blow air for a duration set according to the room temperature. For example, when the room temperature is high, the blowing time can be shortened.

[0088] Furthermore, the air supply unit 22 can also adjust the duration of air blowing based on information from the temperature control unit 26, which controls the output of the heater 67 built into the blower 66. Specifically, the air supply unit 22 controls the amount of air blown from the blower 66 based on temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 68. Preferably, the viscosity of the ink 40 on the printing surface 4 is adjusted to, for example, a range of 900P or higher and 1100P or lower by blowing air. It should be noted that the viscosity of the ink is not limited to the range described above.

[0089] Printing process

[0090] In the printing process (S4), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, which is coated with ink 40, is pressed against the printing material 70. The printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 can perform printing on a flat surface, but it can also perform printing on other surfaces. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4Printing is performed on the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the various printed materials 70 shown. The printing surface 71 of the printed material 70 is flat. However, the printing surface 72 is curved, and the printing surface 73, although flat, is composed of a surface inclined relative to the direction of movement of the printing pad 10. In the printing process (S4), the printing pad 10 is pressed towards the printing table 87 so that the printing surface 4 with ink 40 adhering to it comes into close contact with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. The ink 40 adhering to the printing surface 4 is transferred through contact with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. The movement of the printing pad 10 in the printing process is also controlled by the pad control unit 21.

[0091] The printed material 70 is positioned and fixed on the printing table 87. This determines the positional relationship between the printing pad 10 and the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, enabling printing to be performed with high precision on the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73.

[0092] Cleaning procedures

[0093] In the cleaning process (S5), the ink 40 is transferred to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 after being pressed onto the flat cleaning surface of the cleaning device 60 onto the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. This causes any ink 40 remaining on the printing pad 10 to adhere to the cleaning surface. The cleaning surface is made of paper or adhesive tape, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0094] Activation process, air blowing process and absorption process

[0095] The activation process (S6) is the same as the activation process (SP1) in the starting process. The blowing process (S8) is the same as the blowing process (SP3) in the starting process. The absorption process (S10) is also the same as the absorption process (SP5) in the starting process. The blowing process (S8) and the absorption process (S10) are performed according to the amount of liquid such as water or solvent adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. One of them may be omitted, or at least one may be performed multiple times. Before each of the blowing process (S8) and the absorption process (S10), the state of the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is checked (S7 and S9). Then, according to the activation state of the printing surface 4, the blowing process (S8) and the absorption process (S10) are performed.

[0096] If, in S7 or S9, it is determined that the state of the printing surface 4 is suitable for the transfer ink 40 and the next printed item 70 is to be printed, the process returns to S1. If the manufacturing of the printed item 70 is to be completed, the process ends (S11). As described above, the printing apparatus 100 performs a start-up process when it is started, and then performs repeated processes to print a plurality of printed items 70.

[0097] When the printing master 50 is composed of multiple monochrome printing masters 50, printing can be performed using multiple printing devices 100 corresponding to each of the multiple monochrome printing masters 50. For example, one printing device 100, equipped with a monochrome printing master 50, prints the printed matter 70 using only magenta ink. Then, in the other printing devices 100 equipped with monochrome printing masters 50, the printed matter 70 is printed using only cyan ink. This operation is repeated with multiple monochrome printing masters 50 to perform printing.

[0098] When the printing apparatus 100 is equipped with multiple printing plate stands 85 and multiple ink placement devices 63 corresponding to multiple monochrome printing plates 50, the printing apparatus 100 repeatedly performs at least the ink placement process, the ink transfer process, and the printing process on one printed object 70 the same number of times as the number of monochrome printing plates 50. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 may also repeatedly perform at least one of the cleaning process, the activation process, the blowing process, and the absorption process the same number of times as the number of monochrome printing plates 50.

[0099] Effects of Implementation Method 1

[0100] The printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a printing pad 10, a printing plate table 85, a printing table 87, and a blower 66. The printing pad 10 has a printing surface 4 that deforms to follow the shape of the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the printed material 70. The printing plate table 85 holds a printing plate 50, which has an ink-repellent region 57 that does not accept ink 40 and an ink-receptive region 58 that accepts ink 40 on its mounting surface 51. The printing table 87 holds the printed material 70, and the blower 66 supplies air toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The printing pad 10 is configured to move between the printing plate table 85 and the printing table 87, and is also configured to move vertically relative to either the printing plate table 85 or the printing table 87. Furthermore, the blower 66 delivers air to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 in the state where the ink 40 on the mounting surface 51 of the printing original 50 has been transferred to the printing surface 4.

[0101] With the configuration described above, the printing apparatus 100 can evaporate the liquid adhering to or penetrating the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 just before transferring the ink 40 onto the printing material 70. As a result, the printing surface 4, which is in a state where the ink 40 is more easily adhered during the activation process due to the adhering liquid such as water or solvent, is suppressed in its affinity with the ink 40 just before being pressed onto the printing material 70. Furthermore, the ink 40 also hardens. Therefore, even if slippage occurs between the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 and the printing surface 4, the ink 40 remains hard and less prone to damage, becoming less susceptible to deformation due to slippage, thus suppressing deformation or movement after adhering to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. Slippage refers to the offset of the printing surface 4 along the directions of the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 while the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73.

[0102] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the contact area between the printing surface 4 and the printed surfaces 71, 72 and 73. Figure 11 It is transferred to Figure 10 An enlarged image of the ink applied to the printed surface 73, using 40f or 40g ink. Additionally, in Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates the various parts of the printing pad 10 and the variations of the inks 40a to 40g, but does not limit the construction, material, or structure of the printing pad 100 or the printing apparatus 100. Figure 11 In the diagram on the left, the ink 40 is shown with the printing pad 10 pressed against the printed material 70. Figure 11 The diagram on the right shows the state where ink 40f or 40g has been transferred onto the surface of the printed matter 70. In Embodiment 1, the printing apparatus 100 sometimes transfers ink 40 onto surfaces that are curved, such as the printing surfaces 72 and 73, or that are inclined relative to the moving direction of the printing pad 10. Ink 40a to 40g transferred from the printing master 50 is placed on the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. Ink 40a to 40d are transferred onto the printing surface 71, which is perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing pad 10. Ink 40e is transferred onto the curved printing surface 72. Ink 40f and 40g are transferred onto the printing surface 73, which is inclined relative to the surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing pad 10. Furthermore, the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the printed matter 70 are examples; the printed matter 70 may also have other irregular shapes.

[0103] The printing pad 10 is deformed so that the printing surface 4 also follows the uneven printing surfaces 72 and 73. At this time, the printing surface 4 is slightly displaced in the direction along the printing surfaces 72 and 73. Therefore, as... Figure 11As shown, inks 40f and 40g, which are in contact with both the printing surface 4 and the printed surface 73, are transferred while sliding along the direction of the printed surface 73, corresponding to the strain ε1 of the printing surface 4. When the printing surface 4 and the printed surface 73 are separated by a distance L1, ink 40f is in contact with the printed surface 73. During the period when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printed material 70 and crushed, the printing surface 4 continues to deform. Therefore, from the time inks 40f and 40g come into contact with the printed surface 73 until the printing pad 10 is completely deformed, inks 40f and 40g deform between the printing surface 4 and the printed surface 73, so that inks 40f and 40g, initially with a width d1, become with a width d2 and are transferred to the printed surface 73. At this time, according to the strain ε1 from the time inks 40f and 40g come into contact with the printed surface 73 until the deformation of the printing pad 10 ends, inks 40f and 40g become d2 = d1·ε1. Here, ε1>1. Furthermore, if the deformation of the printing pad 10 is large, any of the inks 40a to 40f could occur. Figure 11 The inks shown are variations of 40f and 40g. Additionally, in the following description, inks 40a to 40f are sometimes collectively referred to as ink 40.

[0104] In embodiment 1, by blowing air onto the surface of the printing surface 4, the ink 40 is hardened, thereby reducing the affinity between the printing surface 4 and the ink 40. Therefore, in Figure 11 In the left-hand diagram, even if the printing surface 4 deforms by sliding along the direction of the printed surface 73, the ink 40, being hardened, is less susceptible to damage and slippage due to the deformation of the printing surface 4. Therefore, Figure 11 The d2 shown in the right-hand figure is suppressed to a smaller value. That is, even with the strain ε1 of the printing pad 10, printing performed using the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1, Figure 11 The difference between d1 and d2 is also suppressed to a small value. Additionally, in Figure 11 In the diagram on the right, the shape of ink 40 is deformed into a triangle, but since the ink 40 hardens before being transferred to the printing surface 73 when printing is performed by the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1, the deformation of ink 40 is also suppressed.

[0105] In other words, printed materials 70 Figure 3As shown, the printing pad 10 has printing surfaces 72 and 73 that are inclined relative to the direction of pressing the printing pad 10. The printing surface 4 is also pressed against the printing surfaces 72 and 73 to transfer ink 40. At this time, the printing pad 10 deforms along the printing surfaces 72 and 73 and is pressed to the point of close contact with the printing surfaces 72 and 73 and the upper surface of the printing table 87. The printing pad 10 is made of a deformable material, such as silicone. When the printed object 70 has a large or complex shape, the deformation of the printing pad 10 is greater when pressed against the printed object 70 compared to when it is pressed against the printing plate 50, sometimes resulting in stretching or compression on the printing surface 4. As a result, slippage occurs between the printing surfaces 71, 72, or 73 and the printing surface 4.

[0106] Furthermore, after the activation process, the liquid adheres to or penetrates the printing surface 4, making the printing surface 4 have a high affinity for the ink 40. Therefore, the printing surface 4 becomes a state in which the ink 40 can easily adhere to the printing plate 50.

[0107] When the printing surface 4 is pressed onto the printed material 70 in a state where the ink 40 readily adheres to the printing surface 4 as described above, the ink 40 adheres to the printed surfaces 71, 72, or 73, and the ink 40 also tends to adhere more readily to the printing surface 4. Therefore, when the ink 40 comes into contact with both the printing surface 4 and the printed material 70, the printing surface 4 causes the ink 40 adhering to the printed material 70 to deform or move. In particular, the printed surfaces 72 and 73, which are more prone to slippage between the printing surface 4 and the surface of the printed material 70, sometimes... Figure 11 As explained, the transferred ink 40 is deformed in the direction along the surface of the printed matter 70. Alternatively, the printing surface 4 may sometimes cause the ink 40 to move relative to the position where it initially contacts the surface of the printed matter 70. As a result, in cases where the ink 40 is not arranged in the intended position and shape on the surface of the printed matter 70, the accuracy of the printed image may sometimes decrease.

[0108] However, as explained above, in the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1, air is blown onto the printing surface 4 before pressing it onto the printing material 70, thereby hardening the ink 40 so that it is not easily crushed or slipped, thus reducing the affinity between the printing surface 4 and the ink 40. Therefore, when the printing surface 4 is pressed onto the printing material 70, the ink 40 easily separates from the printing surface 4, and even if slippage occurs between the printing surface 4 and the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73, the ink 40 is prevented from being deformed or moved by the movement caused by the slippage of the printing surface 4. In other words, the ink 40 is hardened, not easily crushed, and not easily slipped, so even if the printing surface 4 slips when it comes into contact with the printed surfaces 71, 72, or 73, the ink 40 remains at the attached position. The ink 40 hardens and has a lower affinity with the printing surface 4. Therefore, when the ink 40 adheres to the printing surface 71, 72 or 73, even if the printing surface 4 moves due to slippage, the ink 40 is prevented from moving relative to the position where it is attached due to slippage on the surface of the printing surface 4.

[0109] Furthermore, when air is blown onto the printing surface 4, the water or solvent that has seeped into the ink 40 evaporates, and the viscosity of the ink 40 increases. In other words, the ink 40 becomes relatively hard while adhering to the printing surface 4. As a result, when transferring from the printing surface 4 to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, the ink 40 becomes relatively hard, thus preventing the ink 40 from deforming due to slippage on the printing surface 4.

[0110] As described above, by employing the printing apparatus 100, deformation and movement of the ink 40 can be suppressed when the printing surface 4 is displaced along the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 after the ink 40 comes into contact with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As explained, when the ink 40 is smaller, the deformation and movement of the ink 40 are more suppressed. Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 can perform printing with higher precision by using the printing plate 50 described above and the air supply provided by the blower 66.

[0111] Implementation method 2.

[0112] In Embodiment 2, the movement control of the printing pad 10 of the printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1 is changed. The printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 2 will be described with a focus on the changes relative to Embodiment 1. For each part of the printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 2, components having the same function as in Embodiment 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals used in the description of Embodiment 1.

[0113] Figure 12This is a flowchart illustrating the method for manufacturing printed material 70 using the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 2, specifically the process before the printing pad 10 receives ink 40 from the printing master 50 and is pressed onto the printed material 70. After being pressed onto the printing master 50, the printing pad 10 moves toward the printing table 87 on which the printed material 70 is placed and is pressed onto the printed material 70. During this process, air from blowers 66 and 66A is blown onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, and then the printing surface 4 is pressed onto the printed material 70. Figure 10 The text describes the details of the control process related to the movement of the printing pad 10 at that time.

[0114] Ink transfer process

[0115] In the ink transfer process (S2), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the mounting surface 51 of the printing master plate 50. Then, the printing pad 10 is lifted upwards from the printing master plate 50 (S2-2). Next, the printing pad 10 moves from the printing master plate table 85 upwards towards the printing table 87 (S2-3). The above processes are essentially the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0116] Printing process

[0117] The printing pad 10, which has moved above the printing table 87, moves toward the printed material 70 placed on the printing table 87 at a first speed. The first speed (S2-4) is set with the aim of minimizing the time spent in the printing process. The pad control unit 21 controls the speed of the printing pad 10 according to the specifications of the printing pad 10, such as its size and hardness.

[0118] The printing pad 10, moving at a first speed, stops at a predetermined position separated from the printed material 70 (S2-5). This process involves stopping the printing pad 10 so that air from the blower 66 can be blown onto the printing surface 4 in preparation for the subsequent air supply process (S3), and also suppressing vibrations caused by the printing pad 10, made of a soft material, moving at the first speed. The pad control unit 21 controls the time for stopping the printing pad 10 based on information such as the size and hardness of the printing pad 10, the setting of the first speed, and printing conditions.

[0119] After the printing pad 10 stops or at the same time as the printing pad 10 stops, the blower 66 blows air onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 (S3). This process is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0120] Next, the printing pad 10 moves at a second speed (S3-2). Immediately after the air supply is completed, the pad control unit 21 moves the printing pad 10 toward the printing table 87 on which the printed material 70 is placed. The second speed is set slower than the first speed. Alternatively, the pad control unit 21 can control the printing pad 10 to gradually increase its speed until it reaches the second speed. Furthermore, the pad control unit 21 can, for example, control the acceleration sensor 69 (see reference 69) that detects vibrations of the printing pad 10. Figure 8 The signal indicates that the movement of the printing pad 10 begins when the acceleration generated by the vibration just falls below a specified value. Alternatively, the movement of the printing pad 10 can also be initiated according to the operator's instructions.

[0121] The printing pad 10, moving at a second speed, is pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the printing material 70. The pad control unit 21 can press the printing pad 10 against the printing material 70 while maintaining the second speed, or it can reduce the speed to a slower one.

[0122] By employing the above-described process, the printing apparatus 100 includes a pad control unit 21. This pad control unit 21, when moving the printing pad 10 toward the printable material 70 placed on the printing table 87, can control the printing pad to at least two states: a moving state at a first speed and a stopped state. The stopped state occurs at least before the printing pad 10 comes into contact with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the stopped state, the printing pad 10 moves toward the printing pad 10. As a result, the printing pad 10 stops during the airflow process provided by the blower 66, vibration is suppressed, and therefore, the deterioration of the printed image accuracy when transferring ink 40 to the printable material 70 is suppressed.

[0123] Furthermore, the printing pad 10 is controlled to move at a second speed, slower than the first speed, just before being pressed onto the printing material 70. This second speed movement suppresses vibration of the printing pad 10, thereby preventing deterioration of the printed image's accuracy. Additionally, the printing pad 10 deforms at a relatively slow speed, thus suppressing abrupt deformation of the printing surface 4.

[0124] In addition, during the stop time used to suppress the vibration of the printing pad 10, air is supplied by the blower 66, thus suppressing the deformation and movement of the ink 40 and reducing the printing time.

[0125] Variation of movement control for printing pad 10

[0126] exist Figure 12 In this process, the blower 66 delivers air either after the printing pad 10 stops or at the same time as the printing pad 10 stops, but it can also deliver air before the printing pad 10 stops. That is to say, in Figure 12 In the illustrated process, step S3 can also occur just before steps S2-3 or S2-4 begin. The blower 66 can start supplying air either before the printing pad 10 reaches above the printing table 87, or simultaneously with or immediately after the printing pad 10 reaches above the printing table 87. By supplying air while the pad is moving, the stopping time of the printing pad 10 can be eliminated, thus shortening the printing time.

[0127] In addition, Figure 12 In the process shown, stopping the printing pad 10 in steps S2-5 can also be omitted. In this case, the first speed and the second speed can be the same, and the blower 66 blows air onto the printing surface 4 for part or all of the time the printing pad 10 is moving.

[0128] Figure 13 This is a variation of the printing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 2. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 may also include a blower 66A, which supplies air to the printing surface 4 during the movement of the printing pad 10 from the printing master table 85 to the printing table 87. The blower 66A may also be installed independently of the printing master table 85, the surface treatment table 86, and the printing table 87. Alternatively, the blower 66A may be configured to move together with the printing pad 10. In this case, air can be supplied to the printing surface 4 during the movement from the printing master table 85 to the printing table 87, helping to shorten the printing time.

[0129] Modified example of printing pad 10

[0130] Figure 14This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the printing pad 10 of Embodiment 1. The printing pad 10 of Embodiment 1 may also have a protective coating layer 3 covering the surface of the substrate 5. The protective coating layer 3 forms the outer printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. For example, a 0.5mm silicone sheet is adhered to the surface of the outer layer 2 to form the protective coating layer 3. The protective coating layer 3 prevents the silicone oil contained in the soft silicone inside from seeping into the printing surface 4. In addition, since the outer surface of the protective coating layer 3 forms the printing surface 4, it is repeatedly pressed against the printing plate 50 and the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73, so it needs to be durable against scratches and wear. Therefore, the protective coating layer 3 uses a material with higher hardness than the outer layer 2, and is thinner so that it follows the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73 when the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printed surfaces 71, 72, and 73. In Embodiment 1, the thickness of the protective coating layer 3 is preferably made thin, for example, within the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable to have sufficient elasticity so that the protective coating layer 3 can be adhered along the surface of the substrate 5 during the process of applying it to the substrate 5. Additionally, the printing pad 10 can also be formed as a multi-layer structure. For example, materials with different hardness can also be used to further... Figure 14 The inner layer 1 or outer layer 2 of the printing pad 10 shown is formed as a multi-layer structure.

[0131] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 13 In this case, the protective coating layer 3 covers the entire surface area of ​​the outer layer 2 of the printing pad 10, but it can also be configured to cover only a portion of it. That is, the protective coating layer 3 can also be provided only in the area of ​​the printing surface 4 where printing is required.

[0132] The protective coating layer 3 is adhered to the surface of the substrate 5. In the event of scratches or wear, the protective coating layer 3 can be peeled off from the surface of the substrate 5 and replaced with a new protective coating layer. The protective coating layer 3 is cheaper than the substrate 5, and by replacing it, the internal substrate 5 can be reused intact. Therefore, by updating the protective coating layer 3, the expensive substrate 5 can be reused repeatedly, and the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 can be kept in a state suitable for printing. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 can reduce printing costs. In addition, in Figure 14In this design, the substrate 5 consists of an inner layer 1 and an outer layer 2, but it can also consist of only the inner layer 1. That is, a protective coating layer 3 can be provided on a substrate 5 formed of only one inner layer 1. It should be noted that if both the substrate 5 and the protective coating layer 3 are scratched, when replacing the protective coating layer 3 due to scratches, the peeling process may damage the substrate 5 or cause its surface to harden or deteriorate. Therefore, it is preferable that the substrate 5 is composed of multiple layers.

[0133] Embodiments 1 and 2 have been described above. Each embodiment is an example, and the embodiments and their variations can be combined with each other and with other known technologies. In addition, a part of the structure can be omitted or changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0134] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0135] 1. Inner layer; 2. Outer layer; 3. Protective coating layer; 4. Printing surface; 5. Substrate; 6. Vertex; 7. Supporting component; 10. Printing pad; 11. Vertical movement device; 12. Horizontal movement device; 13. Plane; 20. Control device; 20a. Calculation device; 20b. Storage device; 21. Pad control unit; 22. Air supply unit; 23. Blower unit; 24. Activation unit; 25. Ink carrier unit; 26. Temperature control unit; 28. Temperature sensor; 40. Ink; 40a. Ink; 40b. Ink; 40c. Ink; 40d. Ink; 40e. Ink; 40f. Ink; 40g. Ink; 50. Printing plate; 51. Carrying surface; 5 2. Surface layer; 53. Support body; 54. Recess; 55. Bottom; 56. Opening; 57. Ink-repellent area; 58. Ink-receptive area; 59. Side surface; 60. Cleaning device; 61. Activation device; 62. Blower; 63. Ink carrier; 64. Ink holder; 65. Rotating shaft; 66. Blower; 66A. Blower; 66a. Air outlet; 66b. Inlet; 67. Heater; 68. Temperature sensor; 69. Accelerometer; 70. Printed material; 71. Printed surface; 72. Printed surface; 73. Printed surface; 85. Printing plate table; 86. Surface treatment table; 87. Printing table; 100. Printing apparatus.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, wherein, The printing apparatus includes a printing pad, a printing plate table, a printing table, and a blower. The printing pad has a printing surface that deforms to follow the shape of the printed surface of the material. The printing plate table holds the printing plate, and the printing plate has a mounting surface for ink supply. The printing table is used to hold the printed material. The blower delivers air toward the printing surface of the printing pad. The printing pad is configured to move between the printing plate table and the printing table, and is also configured to move up and down relative to the printing plate table or the printing table. The blower delivers air toward the printing surface of the printing pad, where the ink has been transferred onto the printing surface of the printing original. The printing apparatus includes a control device for controlling the movement of the printing pad. The control device includes a pad control unit that, when moving the printing pad toward the printed matter placed on the printing table, controls the printing pad to at least two states: a moving state at a first speed and a stopped state, with the stopped state occurring at least before the printing pad comes into contact with the printed surface.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The blower is disposed on the printing table and delivers air toward the printing surface of the printing pad before it comes into contact with the printed matter placed on the printing table.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The blower is positioned between the printing table and the printing plate table.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control device has an air supply section that enables the blower to operate. When the pad control unit sets the printing pad to the stop state, the air supply unit causes the blower to operate to supply air.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The pad control unit is configured to control the printing pad to move at a second speed. The second speed is slower than the first speed. After the blower is activated by the air supply section, it moves at the second speed.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mounting surface of the printing plate has an ink-repellent region that does not receive the ink and an ink-receptive region that receives the ink.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The temperature of the air blown by the blower is 40℃~80℃.

8. A printing apparatus, wherein, The printing apparatus includes a printing pad, a printing plate table, a printing table, and a blower. The printing pad has a printing surface that deforms to follow the shape of the printed surface of the material. The printing plate table holds the printing plate, and the printing plate has a mounting surface for ink supply. The printing table is used to hold the printed material. The blower delivers air toward the printing surface of the printing pad. The printing pad is configured to move between the printing plate table and the printing table, and is also configured to move up and down relative to the printing plate table or the printing table. The blower delivers air toward the printing surface of the printing pad, where the ink has been transferred onto the printing surface of the printing original. The printing apparatus includes a control device for controlling the movement of the printing pad. The control device includes a pad control unit that, when moving the printing pad toward the printable surface placed on the printing table, controls the printing pad to at least two states: a movement state at a first speed and a movement state at a second speed. After moving at the first speed and before the printing pad comes into contact with the printable surface, the control unit changes the movement to the second speed. The second speed is slower than the first speed.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The blower is disposed on the printing table and delivers air toward the printing surface of the printing pad before it comes into contact with the printed matter placed on the printing table.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The blower is positioned between the printing table and the printing plate table.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The control device has an air supply section that enables the blower to operate. When the pad control unit moves the printing pad at the second speed, the air supply unit causes the blower to supply air.

12. A method for manufacturing printed matter, using a printing pad that deforms to follow the shape of the surface to be printed, wherein, Place the ink onto the mounting surface of the printing plate. Press the printing surface of the printing pad onto the mounting surface on which the ink is placed. Air is blown onto the printing surface on which the ink has been transferred using a blower. The printed surface, after being blown with air, is pressed against the surface to be printed. The printing pad stops before contacting the surface to be printed.

13. The method for manufacturing printed matter according to claim 12, wherein, The blower operates at least during the period when the printing pad is stopped.

14. The method for manufacturing printed matter according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, After being pressed onto the mounting surface, the printing pad moves upward toward the surface to be printed, descends toward the surface to be printed at a first speed, stops before contacting the surface to be printed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since stopping, descends toward the surface to be printed at a second speed. The second speed is slower than the first speed.

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