Printed matter and method for producing printed matter

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a printed matter in which the boundary of a printed image comprising a plurality of printed image regions is not conspicuous, and a method for manufacturing the printed matter. This printed matter is formed by pressing a printing surface of a printing pad and transferring ink placed on the printing surface. The printed matter is provided with: a substrate; and a printed image region formed by placing ink on the surface of the substrate, the printed image region including two adjacent printed image regions and having a peripheral edge facing the other one of the two printed image regions, the peripheral edge being configured in a curved shape having unevenness and being disposed within the range of the other one of the two printed image regions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed article having printing performed on the surface of a substrate and a method for producing the printed article. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known method for printing on the surface of a printed object using a printing pad, wherein one pattern to be printed is divided into a plurality of small patterns, and ink corresponding to the small patterns is transferred from an original plate to a corresponding printed area using a printing pad, thereby forming one pattern through a plurality of printing steps (for example, see Patent Document 1). This makes it possible to print on a printed object having a complex shape.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-000736 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, if the pattern to be printed is divided into multiple printing image areas (small patterns) for printing as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a gap will appear at the boundary between two adjacent printing image areas or the two printed images will overlap, resulting in the problem that the boundary is more obvious than other parts.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a printed matter and a method for producing the printed matter in which a boundary line between a printed image composed of a plurality of printed image areas is not noticeable.

[0009] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0010] The printed matter of the present invention is a printed matter formed by pressing the printing surface of a printing pad and transferring the ink carried on the printing surface, wherein the printed matter comprises: a substrate; and a printed image area formed by carrying the ink on the surface of the substrate, wherein the printed image area includes two printed image areas arranged adjacent to each other, and comprises a peripheral edge facing the other of the two printed image areas, wherein the peripheral edge is configured as a curved line with projections and depressions and is arranged within the range of the other of the two printed image areas.

[0011] The method for manufacturing a printed matter of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a printed matter by pressing a printing surface of a printing pad against a surface of a substrate, transferring ink carried on the printing surface, and forming at least two printing image areas arranged adjacent to each other on the surface of the substrate, wherein the two printing image areas respectively have a peripheral edge facing the other side, and the peripheral edge is configured as a curved shape with projections and depressions. The method for manufacturing a printed matter includes: a step of pressing the printing surface against a printing original plate carrying the ink, and transferring the ink on the printing original plate to the printing surface; a step of moving the printing pad with the ink transferred on the printing surface to the top of the substrate; and a pressing step of deforming the printing surface to follow the surface of the substrate and pressing it to form one of the two printing image areas, the transferring step, the moving step, and the pressing step are performed each time each of the two printing image areas is formed, and the pressing step is performed in a manner such that the peripheral edge is arranged within the range of the other of the two printing image areas.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, when two printing image areas are formed on the surface of the substrate, the peripheries of the two printing image areas are in contact with each other, or the peripheries are arranged in the other printing image area. The peripheries are curved with concave and convex shapes, so even if there is a boundary line in the image to be printed, the boundary line is not easy to be obvious. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the printed matter 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an example of the connection area 75 in the print image area 71 of the printed matter 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 2 A graph showing the relationship between the distance from the peripheral edge 74 in the connection area 75 and the density of the dots of the ink 41 .

[0017] Figure 4 It is schematically indicated Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the total value of the ink amount when the connection area 75 a and the connection area 75 b overlap each other.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an example of a printed image of the printed matter 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an example of a printed image of the printed matter 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the print image area 71 of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the print image area 71 of the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a side view showing an example of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the printing pad 10 included in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a flow of a method for producing a printed matter using the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.12 This is the flow of the operation of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 This is a modified example of the printing pad 10 used in the printing device 100 of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Implementation Method 1

[0028] Hereinafter, the printed matter and the method for manufacturing the printed matter of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on the same parts in each figure, and a part of the description is omitted. In addition, each figure is drawn schematically, and the present invention is not limited to the shapes shown in the figure.

[0029] <Printed Material 70>

[0030] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a printed material 70 according to Embodiment 1. The printed material 70 is a printed material having a plurality of printed image areas 71 applied to at least one surface 70a of a base 76 such as a resin molded product. The printed image areas 71 of the printed material 70 form, for example, a predetermined pattern, design, color, etc. In addition, the printed image areas 71 may be applied to a resin molded product such as a cover of a lighting device such as a taillight or headlight of an automobile to suppress transmitted light. In addition, Figure 1 The shape of the printed matter 70 shown is an example, and the shapes of the surfaces 70a and 70b can be changed as appropriate.

[0031] Figure 1The two-dot chain line shown in FIG. 7 shows a plurality of printed image areas 71. The two-dot chain line is separated from the surface 70a of the substrate 76 of the printed matter 70, but the plurality of printed image areas 71 are actually areas on the surface 70a where the ink 41 is arranged. As an example, Figure 1 The printed material 70 has four printed image areas 71 arranged on the surface 70a. The peripheries 74A and 74B of two adjacent printed image areas 71A and 71B are arranged within the range of the other printed image area 71A or 71B. That is, in two adjacent printed image areas 71A and 71B, the periphery 74A and the periphery 74B are in contact with each other, or a part of the area including the periphery 74A or 74B overlaps with each other. The area including the end of the periphery 74A in the printed image area 71A is called the connection area 75A. Similarly, the area including the end of the periphery 74B in the printed image area 71B is called the connection area 75B. The peripheries 74A and 74B are sometimes collectively referred to as the periphery 74. In addition, the connection areas 75A and 75B are sometimes collectively referred to as the connection area 75.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an example of the connection area 75 in the print image area 71 of the printed material 70 of Embodiment 1. The connection area 75 is configured such that the amount of ink per unit area gradually increases from the peripheral edge 74 toward the center of the print image area 71 .

[0033] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 2 The relationship between the distance from the peripheral edge 74 in the connection area 75 and the density of the dots of the ink 41 is shown in FIG. The connection area 75 is configured such that the amount of ink gradually increases from the peripheral edge 74 toward the center of the printed image area 71. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the ink amount in the central portion of the print image region 71 is set to 100%, and the ink amount in the peripheral edge 74 is set to 0%. Figure 3 The solid lines (a) to (f) in FIG. 7 represent the density of the ink 41 in the connection area 75A of one of the two adjacent print image areas 71A. Figure 3 The dashed lines (g) to (l) in FIG. 8 represent the density of the ink 41 in the connection region 75B of the other printed image region 71B.

[0034] The two adjacent printed image areas 71A and 71B are configured such that the inclination of the dot density of the ink 41 in the connecting area 75 is, for example, a combination of a solid line (a) and a dashed line (g). That is, the printed image areas 71A and 71B are configured such that the change in the dot density of the ink 41 with respect to the distance from the peripheral edge 74 of the connecting area 75 is substantially the same. By overlapping the two connecting areas 75, the difference between the density of the dots of the ink 41 in the connecting area 75 and the central part of the printed image area 71 is small, so that the boundary L between the two printed image areas 71 is not easily noticeable. At this time, the printed image areas 71A and 71B are ideally printed so as to overlap with the same width as the connecting area 75.

[0035] also, Figure 3 The graph of the change in dot density of the ink 41 in the connection area 75 shown in FIG. 1 shows the ratio of the ink amount when the ink amount in the center is set to 100%, but the image applied to the printed image area 71 is not limited to the above. Figure 2 The image applied to the printed image area 71 may also be a multi-color and uneven pattern such as a wood grain pattern, a painting, or a photograph. In the case where an uneven pattern is applied to the printed image area 71, Figure 3 The ratio [%] of the ink amount shown is a ratio of the ink amount relative to the original image, assuming that the connection area 75 is printed with the same ink amount as the central portion as 100%. That is, in Embodiment 1, the connection area 75 of each of the two adjacent printed image areas 71 is configured so that the image gradually becomes lighter toward the peripheral edge 74 than the original image.

[0036] Figure 4 It is schematically indicated Figure 3 75a and 75b overlap. For example, when the connection area 75a represented by the solid line (f) overlaps the connection area 75b represented by the single-point dashed line (l), the total ink amount of the connection area 75 is substantially uniform as a whole, as shown by the thick solid line (x). In addition, for example, when the connection area 75a represented by the solid line (a) overlaps the connection area 75b represented by the single-point dashed line (g), the total ink amount of the connection area 75 is also substantially uniform as a whole, as shown by the thick solid line (x).

[0037] In reality, the adjacent printed image areas 71 may have errors in their placement. Therefore, the connecting area 75 may not be as Figure 3 The solid line (x) shows that the dot density of ink 41 is completely uniform.

[0038] Figure 4The solid line (fs) shown shows the change in the dot density of the ink 41 in the connection area 75 relative to the distance from the peripheral edge 74 when the printed image area 71 on one side is printed offset from the original position. As an example, the solid line (fs) shows a state where the printed image area 71 on one side is offset by 5 mm compared to the original ideal position. In other words, it shows a situation where the two connection areas 75 are originally intended to overlap by 60 mm but overlap by 55 mm. At this time, the connection area 75A represented by the solid line (fs) and the connection area 75B represented by the single-point dashed line (l) overlap each other, forming the dot density distribution of the ink 41 represented by the dotted line (z), resulting in an area with a low dot density of about 8% at most.

[0039] in addition, Figure 4 The solid line (as) shown shows the change in the dot density of the ink 41 in the connection area 75 relative to the distance from the peripheral edge 74 when the printed image area 71 on one side is printed offset from the original position. As an example, the solid line (as) shows a state where the printed image area 71 on one side is offset by 5 mm compared to the original ideal position. In other words, it shows a situation where the two connection areas 75 are overlapped by 5 mm when they were originally intended to overlap by 10 mm. At this time, the connection area 75A represented by the solid line (as) and the connection area 75B represented by the single-point dashed line (g) overlap each other, forming the dot density distribution of the ink 41 represented by the dotted line (y), and a region with a low dot density of about 50% is generated at most.

[0040] right Figure 4 Comparing the case of the solid line (fs) and the case of the solid line (as) shown in FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the connection area 75 is preferably set as wide as possible, and the change in the dot density of the ink 41 is gentle. Figure 4 The solid line (fs) shown in FIG. 4A is used to set the connection area 75 relatively large, and the overlapping area of ​​the two adjacent printing image areas 71 is formed large, so that the change in the dot density of the ink 41 near the boundary L between the two printing image areas 71 can be suppressed to be small. Figure 1 In the printed material 70 produced by combining a plurality of printed image areas 71 through a plurality of printing steps, the quality of the printed image is also improved.

[0041] As an example, Figure 1 The printed matter 70 shown is configured such that the width of one printed image area 71 is about 500 mm and the connection area 75 is about 30 mm. This is because the range of the maximum printed image area 71 is determined by the size of the printing device 100, the printing pad 10 or the size of the printing original plate 50.

[0042] Figure 5This is an example of a printed image of the printed matter 70 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 The printed image shown has a first region 72 having a relatively large amount of ink 41 per unit area and a second region 73 having a relatively small amount of ink 41. The amount of ink 41 per unit area in the first region 72 is larger than that in the second region 73. In addition, a plurality of first regions 72 are arranged, each surrounded by a second region 73. Figure 5 The printed image shown is composed of two printed image areas 71A and 71B, and the boundary L between the two printed image areas 71A and 71B is arranged to avoid the first areas 72A and 72B. In other words, the peripheral edge 74 of the printed image area 71 is arranged in the second area 73. In addition, the area with a relatively small amount of ink 41 in the printed image area 71A is called the second area 73A, and the area with a relatively small amount of ink 41 in the printed image area 71B is called the second area 73B.

[0043] Figure 6 This is an example of a printed image of the printed matter 70 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 The printed image shown is a wood grain pattern, which is a striped pattern in which first areas 72 of relatively dark colors and second areas 73 of relatively light colors extend in the vertical direction of the figure and are alternately arranged. Figure 6 The printed image shown is composed of two printed image areas 71A and 71B, and the boundary L between the two printed image areas 71A and 71B is arranged in the first area 72. In other words, the peripheries 74 of the two printed image areas 71 are respectively arranged in the first area 72. Moreover, the peripheries 74A and 74B of the two printed image areas 71A and 71B are respectively configured as curved lines with projections and depressions, and are arranged within the range of the other of the two printed image areas 71A and 71B. The boundary L is arranged along the striped pattern, and therefore, is arranged in the dark first area 72, making it less noticeable. In addition, by making the connecting area 75 including the peripheries 74 of the printed image areas 71A and 71B as shown in FIG. Figure 2 In the configuration shown, the dot density of the ink 41 is gradually increased toward the center portion, so that the boundary L becomes less noticeable.

[0044] In addition, the boundary L between the printed image areas 71A and 71B may be provided in the second area 73 of a relatively light color. In short, the boundary L is provided in either the first area 72 or the second area 73, and is arranged along one of the dark color area and the light color area of ​​the striped pattern, so that it can be made less noticeable.

[0045] (Detailed Structure of Print Image Area 71)

[0046] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the print image area 71 of the first embodiment. Figure 7It is a schematic cross-sectional view when the ink 41 is arranged in a dotted pattern on one surface 70 a of the printed matter 70 . Figure 8 It is a bird's-eye view Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a diagram of a printed image area 71. The printed image area 71 is formed by placing ink 41 on one surface 70a of the printed matter 70. The area on one surface 70a of the printed matter 70 where the ink 41 is placed is referred to as the printed image area 71. The surface 70a where the printed image area 71 is arranged includes a first portion 42 which is a surface where the ink 41 is arranged and a second portion 43 which is a surface where the ink 41 is not arranged.

[0047] The print image area 71 may include a plurality of print image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c having different arrangement densities of the first portions 42 on which the ink 41 is placed. Figure 7 In the leftmost printing image area 71a shown, the ink 41 is arranged at intervals w1 in the cross section. In addition, in the printing image area 71b arranged on the right side of the printing image area 71a, the ink 41 is arranged at intervals w2. In addition, in the printing image area 71c arranged on the right side of the printing image area 71b, the ink 41 is arranged at intervals w3. The intervals at which the ink 41 is arranged in each of the printing image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c are different, and are set to w1<w2<w3. In addition, the printing image area 71 is not limited to the method of distributing the dots of the ink 41 as in the printing image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c, and the ink 41 may be arranged in the entire area of ​​a predetermined area. The arrangement density of the ink 41 in the plurality of printing image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c is different. In addition, in each of the plurality of printing image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c, the ink 41 is arranged at a substantially uniform density. That is, in each of the plurality of printed image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c, no matter which part of the area having a certain predetermined area is observed, the area where the ink 41 is arranged is the same. The non-printing area is an area where the ink 41 is not arranged, in other words, an area where the arrangement density of the ink 41 is 0.

[0048] In each of the printing image regions 71a, 71b, and 71c, the ink 41 (first portion) is arranged in the x direction and the y direction, and the number of inks 41 per unit area, that is, the density of arrangement, is different in each of the printing image regions 71a, 71b, and 71c. Figure 8As shown, the configuration density of the ink 41 in the print image area 71a is higher than the configuration density of the ink 41 in the print image area 71b and the print image area 71c. In addition, the configuration density of the ink 41 in the print image area 71b is higher than the configuration density of the ink 41 in the print image area 71c. When a part of a certain print image area 71 is referred to as a first print area, the print image area 71 in which the configuration density of the ink 41 is lower than that of the first print area is sometimes referred to as a second print area. In other words, the printed matter 70 of the first embodiment has a print image area 71, and the print image area 71 sometimes includes a plurality of print image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c in which the configuration density of the ink 41 is different. The plurality of print image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c include a first print area in which the configuration density of the first portion 42 is higher than that of the second print area. In addition, in other words, the density of the second portion 43 of the second print area where the ink 41 is not carried is higher than that of the first print area.

[0049] The printed matter 70 of the first embodiment has a plurality of printed image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c having different arrangement densities of ink 41, for example, Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , with respect to the dot density of the ink 41, the connection area 75 including the periphery 74 may be composed of a plurality of printed image areas 71a, 71b, and 71c having different arrangement densities of the ink 41. Furthermore, when the printed material 70 forms a plurality of printed image areas 71, the plurality of printed image areas 71 may be formed by a plurality of printing steps, and the second printed areas having a low arrangement density of the ink 41 may be overlapped and printed. For example, Figure 1In the printed matter 70 shown, the printed matter is printed so that the printed image region 71b, which is a part of the printed image region 71A on one side, overlaps with the printed image region 71c, which is a part of the printed image region 71B on the other side, and the printed matter is printed so that the printed image region 71c, which is a part of the printed image region 71A on one side, overlaps with the printed image region 71b, which is a part of the printed image region 71B on the other side. By overlapping the printed image regions 71b and 71c having different arrangement densities of the ink 41 in this way, the arrangement density of the ink 41 is uniform as a whole in the overall image formed by combining the two printed image regions 71. That is, the printed image region 71 described here is used when the printed image region 71 formed on the printed matter 70 is formed by a plurality of printing steps, that is, when the printing range is large, when the surface shape of the printed matter 70 is complex, etc. Thus, a gap is not generated between adjacent printed image regions 71, and the printed image region 71 can be formed uniformly as a whole. That is, by overlapping the print image areas 71b and 71c where the arrangement density of the ink 41 is low, it is possible to absorb the deviation in the printing position of each print image area 71 caused by performing a plurality of printing steps, and the print image area 71 can be formed uniformly as a whole.

[0050] Two adjacent printing image areas 71 among the plurality of printing image areas 71 each have, for example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the case of the configuration structure of the ink 41 shown in the figure, the non-overlapping printed image area 71a is referred to as the first printed area, and the overlapping printed image areas 71b and 71c in the above description are referred to as the second printed area. That is, the two adjacent printed image areas 71 have a second printed area with a low configuration density of the ink 41, such as the printed image areas 71b and 71c, at the peripheral portion of each printed image area 71, and by overlapping each second printed area with each other, the boundary between the two printed image areas 71 can be printed less obviously. The second printed area can be composed of a plurality of printed image areas with different configuration densities of the ink 41, such as the printed image areas 71b and 71c, or can be composed of more printed image areas. In addition, the second printed area is not limited to the second printed area. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Although the arrangement density of the ink 41 is changed stepwise as shown, the arrangement density of the ink 41 may be continuously reduced from the central portion toward the peripheral edge of the print image region 71 .

[0051] In addition, in Figure 1In the case where the visible surface of the substrate 76 of the printed material 70 shown in the figure has a three-dimensional surface structure, the overlapping portion of the second printing areas of the two adjacent printing areas as described above is preferably arranged at a location where the ink 41 can be transferred from the printing pad 10 as accurately as possible. Therefore, the overlapping portion of the second printing areas is preferably arranged to include a portion of the three-dimensional surface structure having a tangent perpendicular to the pressing direction in a cross section parallel to the pressing direction of the printing pad 10. Figure 1 For example, when the printed image areas 71A and 71B are overlapped, the central connection area 75 is most preferred. However, although the tangent line H of the surface where the connection area 75 is arranged is preferably perpendicular to the pressing direction of the printing pad 10, in practice, the connection area 75 may be arranged as long as the tangent line H forms an angle of 0° to 30° with respect to the surface perpendicular to the pressing direction. In other words, Figure 1 If the angle of the tangent line H of the portion where the connecting area 75 is arranged relative to the surface perpendicular to the pressing direction is large, the base 76 can be arranged obliquely so that the tangent line H is substantially perpendicular to the pressing direction of the printing pad.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the ink 41 is shown as a dot that is rectangular when viewed from above, but this is a schematic representation, and in fact, it is sometimes formed into a circular or nearly circular shape when viewed from above. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In FIG. 4 , the ink 41 is also shown as a rectangle, but this is also a schematic representation, and actually it can also be a shape with a circular arc, such as a droplet placed on a surface having water-repellent properties.

[0053] In addition, the arrangement density of the ink 41 in each printing image area 71a, 71b and 71c is uniform in each printing image area 71a, 71b and 71c, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement density of the ink 41 may be uniform as the ink 41 increases from the printing image area 71a to the printing image area 71c. Figure 8 The pattern changes continuously in a manner that it gradually decreases from left to right.

[0054] <Printing device 100>

[0055] Fig. 9 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of a printing device 100 according to Embodiment 1. The printing device 100 includes a printing pad 10 that is linearly movable in the vertical direction. The printing pad 10 is moved vertically by a vertical direction moving device 11 included in the printing device 100, and the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printed surface of the printed material 70. In Embodiment 1, the printed surface is the surface 70a. In addition, the printing device 100 includes a horizontal direction moving device 12. The horizontal direction moving device 12 moves the printing pad 10 and the vertical direction moving device 11 in the horizontal direction.

[0056] The printing pad 10 is moved above the printed matter 70 by the horizontal moving device 12, and also moves above the cleaning device 60, the activating device 61, the air blowing device 62 or the printing plate 50. The printing pad 10 is moved up and down by the vertical moving device 11, and the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printed matter 70, the cleaning device 60, the activating device 61 or the printing plate 50. Fig. 9 In the figure, the printing device 100 includes, from the left side, a printing table 87 on which a printed material 70 is placed, a surface treatment table 86 equipped with a cleaning device 60, and a printing plate table 85. The surface treatment table 86 includes an activation device 61 and an air blowing device 62. The printing plate table 85 is equipped with a printing plate 50. However, in the printing device 100, these tables can be freely arranged and can be appropriately changed according to the situation of the operator and the place where the printing device 100 is installed. In addition, the cleaning device 60, the activation device 61, the air blowing device 62, and the air blowers 66 and 66A of the printing device 100 may not be installed in the printing device 100.

[0057] <Printing pad 10>

[0058] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the printing pad 10 included in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig.10 A cross section through the top 6 of the printing pad 10 and perpendicular to the plane 13 to which the substrate 5 is fixed is shown. Fig.10 As shown, the base material 5 of the printing pad 10 includes an inner layer 1 and an outer layer 2 covering the surface of the inner layer 1 . Fig.10 The printing pad 10 shown is, for example, roughly hemispherical in shape. The shape of the printing pad 10 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a cannonball shape, a shape having a curved surface formed by rotating a parabola around its axis of symmetry, a shape obtained by cutting a portion of an ellipsoid, a shape in which a cross section of a cannonball shape or a semicircular shape is continuously extended on a straight line, and the shape can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the printed matter 70, etc. The printing pad 10 has a top 6 that first contacts the printed matter 70 or the printing original plate 50, and the top 6 is composed of dots or lines. Thus, when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printed matter 70 or the printing original plate 50, air is not entrained between the printing surface 4 and the printed matter 70 or the printing original plate 50. Thus, the printed image applied to the printed matter 70 can be prevented from being missing. In the first embodiment, a predetermined range centered on the top 6 on the surface of the printing pad 10 becomes the printing surface 4 from which ink is transferred from the printing original plate 50 to the printed matter 70.

[0059] exist Figure 1 , a case where the printing pad 10 forms one printed image area 71 on the printed material 70 by one printing process is shown, and the printing process is performed four times when the printed material 70 is manufactured.

[0060] <Base material 5>

[0061] The substrate 5 is formed by molding silicone rubber, for example. The substrate 5 has elasticity (flexibility) and is mixed with silicone oil for easy deformation. In embodiment 1, the substrate 5 is roughly hemispherical, but the shape can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the printed matter 70. The substrate 5 is deformed when the printing pad 10 is pressed on the printing original plate 50, and the ink 41 carried on the carrying surface 51 of the printing original plate 50 is transferred to the printing surface 4. The ink 41 carried on the carrying surface 51 of the printing original plate 50 is arranged corresponding to the image to be printed on the printed matter 70, forming a printed pattern corresponding to the image. In addition, the material of the substrate 5 is not limited as long as it can transfer the ink 41 to the printed surface when the printing pad 10 is pressed on the printed surface.

[0062] For example, the substrate 5 may be formed of two materials having different hardnesses. In this case, for example, the material of the outer layer 2 constituting the portion close to the printing surface 4 is set to a range of 5 to 20 points in Asker C hardness. Furthermore, the material constituting the inner layer 1 located on the inner side of the outer layer 2 is set to a range of 20 to 40 points in Asker C hardness. The inner layer 1 is located on the side to which the force that presses the printing surface 4 against the printed surface is applied during printing, and is located closer to the supporting member 7 than the outer layer 2. The supporting member 7 is a portion that is connected to the up-and-down moving device 11 and transmits the force from the up-and-down moving device 11 to the printing pad 10. In the Fig.10 In the figure, the upper portion of the substrate 5 is set to an Asker C hardness of 20 to 40 points, and the lower portion of the substrate 5 (the side where the top 6 is located) is set to an Asker C hardness in the range of 5 to 20 points. In order to allow the printing pad 10 to deform and follow the printed surface, it is preferred to set the hardness of the printing pad 10 to be low. Therefore, in the printing pad 10, the hardness of the portion pressed on the printing surface 4 side of the printed matter 70 is set lower than that of the upper portion. With such a structure, it is easy to maintain the overall shape of the printing pad 10. At the same time, there is an advantage that the outer layer 2 directly pressed on the printed surface can be easily deformed into the three-dimensional shape possessed by the printed surface. However, the hardness of each portion of the substrate 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned hardness.

[0063] <Cleaning device 60>

[0064] like Fig. 9 As shown, a surface treatment station 86 is arranged next to a printing station 87 of the printing device 100. A cleaning device 60 is provided on the surface treatment station 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 to remove the ink 41, stains, dust, etc. remaining after printing.

[0065] <Activation device 61>

[0066] The activation device 61 includes a storage tank for storing liquid and an absorption unit for absorbing and holding the liquid. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 adheres to the liquid held by the absorption unit by pressing on the surface of the absorption unit. The printing pad 10 makes it easy to transfer the ink 41 placed on the printing original plate 50 to the printing surface 4 by allowing water or a solvent to adhere to or penetrate into the substrate 5. The liquid is appropriately selected according to the properties of the components contained in the ink 41, and has the property of softening the harder ink 41. The ink 41 is a mixture of a synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin or a polyurethane resin, and water, a diluent, xylene, or toluene, and it is preferred to select a material with a high affinity with the solvent contained in the ink 41. However, the liquid used for the activation device 61 is not limited to the above-mentioned materials.

[0067] The absorption unit of the activation device 61 is constituted by, for example, stacking sheet-like absorption materials. The absorption material is, for example, made of paper, but is not limited to paper. As long as it is an absorption material that absorbs liquid, it can also be made of other materials such as cloth and resin. For example, the absorption unit can also be constituted by stacking paper on a sponge-like resin. The surface of the absorption unit pressed by the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 may sometimes be attached with stains such as ink 41 remaining on the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, or the surface of the absorption unit may be scraped and the paper constituting the absorption unit may be broken. Therefore, the paper located at the top layer of the absorption unit is configured to be able to be peeled off and removed from the top layer of the absorption unit and the stacked sheets can be removed one by one, or the upper layer can be mechanically replaced. However, the method of replacing the paper located at the top layer is not limited to this method. The absorption unit is configured to freely remove or replace the paper constituting the top layer, and the surface is always kept clean and permeated with liquid. Therefore, the printing surface can be activated by pressing the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10.

[0068] <Air blowing device 62>

[0069] The air blowing device 62 adjusts the water or solvent attached to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 by the activation device 61 to an appropriate amount. The air blowing device 62 blows air toward the printing surface 4 to remove excess water or solvent from the printing surface 4. In addition, the form and number of the air blowing devices 62 and the direction in which the air is blown are not limited.

[0070] <Printing plate table 85>

[0071] The printing plate stage 85 carries the printing plate 50 on the upper surface and is provided with an ink loading device 63 for loading ink onto the printing plate 50. The ink loading device 63, for example, includes a roller 64 for holding ink, and the roller 64 rolls on the printing plate 50 to load the ink onto the printing plate 50. In addition, the ink loading device 63 may also be an inkjet head that is movably arranged in the horizontal direction. In this case, the head loads the ink onto the surface of the printing plate 50 by the inkjet method, and is configured to be movable along a moving track. In addition, the ink loading device 63 is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and other methods may also be adopted.

[0072] <Method for producing printed matter using printing apparatus 100>

[0073] Fig.11 This is a flow chart of a method for producing a printed matter using the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 and Fig.11 A method for producing a printed matter using the printing device 100 will be described. Fig. 9 As shown, the printing device 100 includes a control device 20. The control device 20 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and includes a computing device 20a and a storage device 20b. The functions of the control device 20 are performed by the computing device 20a and the storage device 20b (see Fig. 9 ) to achieve it.

[0074] The storage device 20b is a ROM in which programs and data are stored in advance, a RAM for temporarily storing data when a program is executed, or the like. In addition, as the storage device 20b, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programable ROM) and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programable ROM) can be used. In addition, as the storage device 20b, for example, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (Mini Disc) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can also be used. The storage device 20b can store information obtained from the temperature sensor 68 and the like, and information processed in the computing device 20a.

[0075] The arithmetic unit 20a performs various processes for executing the functions of the control unit 20. For example, the arithmetic unit 20a compares the information of the room temperature from a temperature sensor or the like with the temperature threshold value pre-stored in the storage unit 20b to determine whether the room temperature is higher than the threshold value. When the room temperature is higher than the threshold value, the control unit 20 performs control to suppress the output of the heater of the blower 66 to a specified value. Alternatively, when the room temperature is higher than the threshold value, the control unit 20 may perform control to shorten the operation time of the blower 66. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may perform control such as restricting the time for the printing pad 10 to stop in front of the blower 66 and air to be blown.

[0076] (Printing original plate manufacturing process OP1)

[0077] As Fig.11 shown, in the method for manufacturing a printed matter, first, a printing original plate manufacturing process OP1 of forming a printing image on the placement surface 51 of the printing original plate 50 is performed. As Fig. 9 shown, the printing original plate 50 has a flat plate shape and is placed on the printing original plate table 85. In Embodiment 1, the printing original plate 50 is a thin flat plate made of aluminum alloy. For example, the resin layer on the surface is composed of a layer that repels ink and a layer that holds ink, and the printing image is formed by the distribution of the portions exposed by the layer that holds ink. The ink placement device 63 may also be configured to be movable horizontally at least above the printing original plate 50 by a feeding device (not shown). Alternatively, the printing original plate 50 may be configured to be movable relative to the ink placement device 63. As Figure 1 shown, even in the case of offset printing on a printed matter 70 having a curved surface, the printing original plate manufacturing process OP1 has the same structure. In addition, in printing using the inkjet method, a sheet called a "pattern receiving sheet" that has good holding properties and affinity for UV ink can also be used. In addition, by providing irregularities on the sheet, the ink holding properties and affinity can be improved. The surface of the printing original plate 50 is processed to a specified surface roughness. The inkjet printing device 100 obtains a printing image by ejecting fine ink droplets from the nozzles of the head serving as the ink placement device 63 and blowing them onto the printing original plate 50. In addition to inks of, for example, four colors of red, blue, yellow, and black, the head also has a storage portion for storing intermediate color inks having four intermediate colors and nozzles for ejecting the intermediate color inks. The head may also arrange the dot patterns of five different colors including at least the intermediate color inks on the surface of the printing original plate 50.

[0078] (Ink drying process OP2)

[0079] After the printing plate production process OP1 is completed, the ink drying process OP2 is performed. The ink drying process OP2 is a process performed when printing is performed using an inkjet method. In addition, the ink drying process OP2 can be omitted, and a drying process for the ink 41 transferred to the surface of the printing pad 10 can be provided between the transfer process OP3 and the pressing process OP4 instead of the ink drying process OP2. Immediately after the printing plate production process OP1 is completed, the ink 41 on the printing plate 50 is in a state of low viscosity. If the viscosity of the ink 41 on the printing plate 50 is low, when the printing pad 10 is pressed onto the ink 41 on the printing plate 50, the ink 41 is crushed and cannot be transferred with high precision. In addition, the precision of the printed image is reduced due to the bleeding of the ink 41. Therefore, in the ink drying process OP2, the solvent contained in the ink 41 is evaporated to increase the viscosity of the ink 41.

[0080] In the ink drying process OP2, the solvent in the ink 41 is evaporated by blowing air or heating the ink 41 on the printing plate 50. Alternatively, for example, the printing plate 50 may be placed on the printing plate table 85 and allowed to dry naturally for a predetermined time. The solvent is more volatile than other components in the ink 41. By blowing air or the like, the solvent is evaporated from the ink 41, and the proportion of components other than the solvent in the ink 41 is increased, thereby increasing the viscosity of the ink. When the ink drying process OP2 is completed, the viscosity of the ink 41 is adjusted to, for example, 3Pa·s to 1000Pa·s. The time for drying the ink is preferably consistent with the time required for the transfer process OP3 and the pressing process OP4 of the subsequent processes. With such a configuration, a large number of printed materials 70 can be printed continuously and efficiently.

[0081] In addition, when the printing plate making process OP1 is switched to the ink drying process OP2, the printing plate 50 may be moved from the printing plate stage 85, or the printing plate 50 may be kept on the printing plate stage 85. When the printing plate 50 is moved from the printing plate stage 85, another printing plate 50 can be immediately placed on the printing plate stage 85 to start the printing plate making process OP1, thereby having the advantage of being able to shorten the cycle time of the entire offset printing process.

[0082] The drying of the ink 41 on the printing plate 50 can also be carried out, for example, by providing a blower and a heater next to the ink carrier 63 and using the blower to blow air that has passed through the heater onto the printing plate 50. The heater provided together with the blower is set to a temperature that is lower than the boiling point of the solvent contained in the ink 41 and as high as possible. The solvent contained in the ink 41 is selected as a solvent that is semi-dried in the ink drying process OP2. For example, the solvent is selected as a solvent with a flash point of 40°C or more and a boiling point of 120°C or more. At this time, the temperature of the heater is set to, for example, 100°C. In addition, if the solvent has a high solubility, the ink carrier 63 may sometimes be damaged, and therefore, a solvent with a low solubility is preferably used. However, the ink 41 used in the printing device 100 is not limited to the above-mentioned ink.

[0083] (Transfer process OP3)

[0084] In the transfer step OP3, when printing is performed using a printing pad 10 having a curved surface such as a parabolic shape, the printing pad 10 is pressed from the vertex to the printing original plate 50 to transfer the print image. As described above, after the transfer step OP3, an ink drying step OP6 for drying the ink 41 transferred to the printing pad 10 may be performed. The ink drying step OP6 corresponds to the drying step S3 described in the operation of the printing device 100 described later.

[0085] (Pressing process OP4)

[0086] In the pressing process OP4, the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printed matter 70. The ink 41 attached to the surface of the printing pad 10 is transferred to the surface of the printed matter 70. When printing is performed using the printing pad 10, even if the surface of the printed matter 70 has a curved surface, printing can be performed following the shape. In addition, before the pressing process OP4 is performed, the base 76 is positioned on the printing table 87. The positioning of the base 76 is performed using a clamp 89. When the pressing process is performed multiple times on the printed matter 70, the posture of the printed matter 70 can be changed each time by changing the clamp 89, so that the printing pad 10 can be adjusted to be pressed on the surface of the base 76 at a desired position and angle.

[0087] (Fixing process OP5)

[0088] In the fixing process OP5, the ink 41 transferred to the surface of the printed matter 70 in the pressing process OP4 is fixed. When UV ink is used as the ink 41, ultraviolet rays may be irradiated to the surface of the printed matter 70 by an ultraviolet irradiation device (not shown) to cure the ink 41. Alternatively, electron beams may be irradiated instead of ultraviolet rays. When the shape of the printed matter 70 has a curved surface, it is preferable to use an ultraviolet irradiation device 80 that can irradiate ultraviolet rays along the surface composed of the curved surface.

[0089] In the fixing process OP5, the method of curing the ink 41 by ultraviolet rays or electron beam irradiation is not limited. For example, the ink 41 may be cured by heating with a heater or by drying with air supply. In addition, the ink 41 may be cured by natural drying.

[0090] <Operation of Printing Device 100 >

[0091] Fig.12 This is the operation flow of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig.11 In the method for manufacturing a printed matter shown in FIG. Fig.12 The process shown is performed.

[0092] (Start process)

[0093] The starting process is a process performed just after the printing device 100 is started. After the printing pad 10 starts to produce printed materials, the surface is sometimes not activated. Therefore, a process of appropriately activating the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is performed. First, after the printing device 100 is started, the printing device 100 moves the printing pad 10 to the top of the activation device 61 and descends toward the activation device 61. After the printing surface 4 is pressed against the absorption unit of the activation device 61 so that a specified range including the printing surface 4 contacts the absorption unit, the printing pad 10 rises. This is called an activation process (SP1). As a result, liquids such as water or solvents that have penetrated into the absorption unit of the activation device 61 adhere to or penetrate into the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. In addition, the printing pad 10 has concave-convex portions formed on the surface, which penetrate into the absorption unit. This process is called the first starting process.

[0094] After the first step is completed, it is determined whether the amount of liquid attached to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is appropriate (SP2). When the amount of liquid attached to the printing surface 4 is not appropriate (in the case of No in SP2), the printing device 100 performs an air blowing step (SP3). In the air blowing step, the air blowing device 62 blows air to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 to remove excess liquid attached to the printing surface 4. In addition, the case where the amount of liquid attached to the printing surface 4 is not appropriate means that the liquid is excessively attached to the printing surface 4. The above steps are referred to as starting the second step.

[0095] After the start of the second step, it is determined whether the amount of liquid attached to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is appropriate (SP4). If there is still excess water or solvent attached to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 (if it is No in SP4), the printing device 100 performs an absorption step (SP5). In the absorption step, the printing device 100 presses the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 against the cleaning device 60. In this way, the excess liquid attached to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is removed. The above steps are referred to as the start of the third step.

[0096] In addition, when an appropriate amount of water or solvent adheres to or penetrates into the printing pad 10, one or both of the blowing step (SP3) and the absorbing step (SP5) may be omitted. In addition, the order of the blowing step and the absorbing step may be changed. Furthermore, the blowing step (SP3) and the absorbing step (SP5) of the starting step may be performed multiple times.

[0097] (Repeated process)

[0098] After the initial process is completed and the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is properly activated, the process proceeds to the repetitive process. The repetitive process includes an ink placing process (S1), an ink transfer process (S2), a drying process (S3), a pressing process (S4), a cleaning process (S5), an activation process (S6), an air blowing process (S8), and an absorption process (S10). Fig. 9 As shown, the printing device 100 performs the processes in the order of the ink loading process (S1), the ink transfer process (S2), the drying process (S3), the pressing process (S4), the cleaning process (S5), the activation process (S6), the blowing process (S8) and the absorption process (S10). However, the repeated processes are not limited to this order. For example, after the ink loading process (S1) and the ink transfer process (S2) are completed, the printing device 100 performs the drying process (S3) to the absorption process (S9). On the other hand, the printing device 100 may also perform the next ink loading process (S1) in parallel during the implementation of the drying process (S3) to the absorption process (S9).

[0099] The ink loading step (S1) corresponds to Fig.11 The printing plate production step OP1 of the method for producing printed matter shown in FIG. Fig.11The transfer step OP3 of the method for manufacturing the printed matter shown in the figure. Before the pressing step (S4), air may be blown to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 to perform a drying step (S3) for increasing the viscosity of the ink 41 on the printing surface 4. The drying step (S3) is performed by using the air blower 66 of the printing table 87 to blow air to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. In addition, the drying step (S3) may also be performed by using the air blower 66A on the surface treatment table 86. The drying step (S3) may or may not be performed depending on the viscosity of the ink 41 on the printing original plate 50. The pressing step (S4) is equivalent to Fig.11 In the printing device 100 of the first embodiment, the step of moving the printing pad 10 to the upper side of the substrate 76 is included between the ink transfer step (S2) and the pressing step (S4). The step including the ink transfer step (S2), the step of moving the printing pad 10 to the upper side of the substrate 76, and the pressing step (S4) is sometimes referred to as a printing step.

[0100] Each time the pressing step (S4) is performed in the repetitive process, one printing image area 71 is completed. Figure 1 In the case of the printed material 70 shown, the pressing step ( S4 ) is performed four times while changing the position of the printing pad 10 .

[0101] (Cleaning process)

[0102] In the cleaning step (S5), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 after the ink 41 is transferred to the printed surface is pressed against the flat cleaning surface of the cleaning device 60. The ink 41 remaining on the printing pad 10 is attached to the cleaning surface. The cleaning surface is made of paper or adhesive tape, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] (Activation process, air blowing process, absorption process)

[0104] The activation step (S6) is a step having the same content as the activation step (SP1) in the start step. The air blowing step (S8) is a step having the same content as the air blowing step (SP3) in the start step. The absorption step (S10) is also a step having the same content as the absorption step (SP5) in the start step. The air blowing step (S8) and the absorption step (S10) are performed according to the amount of liquid such as water or solvent attached to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. One of them may be omitted, or at least one of them may be performed multiple times. The air blowing step (S8) and the absorption step (S10) are performed according to the activation state of the printing surface 4 after the state of the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is confirmed before each step. If the state of the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is confirmed in the confirmation steps (S7 and S9) and the activation state of the printing surface 4 is appropriate, it is determined in the repeated judgment step (S11) whether to perform printing again. If printing is performed again (if it is yes in S11), the steps from the ink loading step (S1) are repeated again. When printing is not repeated (in the case of No in S11 ), the production of the printed matter is terminated.

[0105] As described above, the printing device 100 performs the start process at startup and then repeats the process to print a large number of printed materials 70. If the printing pad 10 is in an activated state, the above-mentioned start process (SP1 to SP5) may be omitted.

[0106] Fig.13 This is a modified example of the printing pad 10 used in the printing device 100 of embodiment 1. The printing pad 10 of embodiment 1 may also include a protective coating layer 3 covering the surface of the substrate 5. The protective coating layer 3 constitutes the outer printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The protective coating layer 3 is formed by, for example, pasting a 0.5 mm silicone rubber sheet to the surface of the outer layer 2. The protective coating layer 3 prevents the silicone oil contained in the soft silicone rubber inside from seeping out to the printing surface 4. In addition, the outer surface of the protective coating layer 3 constitutes the printing surface 4, which is repeatedly pressed against the printing original plate 50 and the printed surface, so durability against scratches and wear is required. Therefore, the protective coating layer 3 uses a material with a higher hardness than the outer layer 2, and is thinner so that the printing surface 4 follows the printed surface when the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printed surface. In embodiment 1, the thickness of the protective coating layer 3 is configured to be thin within a possible range, for example, it can be configured in a range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The material of the protective film layer 3 is not limited to silicone rubber, and any material can be selected as long as it follows the deformation of the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 2. In addition, the protective film layer 3 preferably has sufficient elasticity so that the protective film layer 3 can be attached along the surface of the substrate 5 in the process of attaching the protective film layer 3 to the substrate 5. In addition, the printing pad 10 can also be formed into a multi-layer structure. For example, Fig.13The inner layer 1 or the outer layer 2 of the printing pad 10 shown is further formed into a multilayer structure using materials having different hardnesses.

[0107] The protective film layer 3 is adhered to the surface of the substrate 5, but in the event of damage such as scratches or wear, it can be peeled off from the surface of the substrate 5 and replaced with a new protective film layer. The protective film layer 3 is cheaper than the substrate 5, and the substrate 5 inside can be used as it is by replacing it. Therefore, the expensive substrate 5 can be reused repeatedly by updating the protective film layer 3, and the state of the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 can be maintained in a state suitable for printing. Furthermore, the printing device 100 of embodiment 1 can suppress the cost required for printing. In addition, in Fig.10 In the embodiment, the substrate 5 is composed of the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 2, but it may be composed of only the inner layer 1. In other words, the protective film layer 3 may be provided on the substrate 5 composed of only the inner layer 1. However, when replacing the protective film layer 3 attached to the substrate 5, the substrate 5 may be damaged or the surface of the substrate 5 may be hardened and deteriorated due to the peeling operation of the protective film layer 3. Therefore, if Fig.13 As shown, the substrate 5 is preferably composed of multiple layers.

[0108] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the structures of the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, the combination of constituent elements is not limited to the combination in the embodiments, and can be appropriately changed. In addition, it should be added that the scope of various changes, applications, and utilizations made by the so-called technicians in this field as needed is also included in the gist (technical scope) of the present invention.

[0109] Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1 inner layer, 2 outer layer, 3 protective coating layer, 4 printing surface, 5 substrate, 6 top, 7 supporting member, 10 printing pad, 11 vertical direction moving device, 12 horizontal direction moving device, 13 plane, 20 control device, 20a computing device, 20b storage device, 41 ink, 42 ​​first part, 43 second part, 50 printing original plate, 51 loading surface, 60 cleaning device, 61 activation device, 62 air blowing device, 63 ink loading device, 64 roller, 66 air blower, 66A air blower, 68 temperature sensor, 70 printed matter, 70a surface, 70b surface, 71 printing image area, 7 1A printing image area, 71B printing image area, 71a printing image area, 71b printing image area, 71c printing image area, 72 first area, 72A first area, 72B first area, 73 second area, 73A second area, 73B second area, 74 periphery, 74A periphery, 74B periphery, 75 connecting area, 75A connecting area, 75B connecting area, 75a connecting area, 75b connecting area, 76 substrate, 80 ultraviolet irradiation device, 85 printing original plate stage, 86 surface treatment stage, 87 printing stage, 100 printing device, H tangent line, L junction.

Claims

1. A printed matter, the printed matter being formed by pressing a printing surface of a printing pad and transferring ink placed on the printing surface, wherein: The printed matter has: a substrate; and A printing image area formed by placing the ink on the surface of the substrate, The printed image area includes two printed image areas arranged adjacent to each other and has a peripheral edge facing the other of the two printed image areas. The peripheral edge is configured in a curved shape having projections and depressions, and is disposed within the range of the other of the two print image regions.

2. The printed matter according to claim 1, wherein The two printed image areas respectively include a first area and a second area having different configuration structures of the ink, The first area has a larger amount of ink than the second area, and is surrounded by the second area. The peripheral edge is arranged to avoid the first area.

3. The printed matter according to claim 1, wherein The two printed image areas respectively include a first area and a second area having different configuration structures of the ink, The two printed image areas are striped patterns in which the first area and the second area are alternately arranged. The peripheral edge is arranged in either the first region or the second region.

4. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The two printed image areas each have a connection area of ​​a predetermined width along the periphery. In the connection area, the dot density of the ink per unit area gradually increases from the peripheral edge toward the center of each of the two printed image areas.

5. The printed matter according to claim 4, wherein: The two print image areas are arranged so that the connection area overlaps with each other.

6. A method for producing a printed matter, wherein a printing surface of a printing pad is pressed against a surface of a substrate, ink placed on the printing surface is transferred, and at least two adjacent printed image areas are formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein: The two printed image areas each have a peripheral edge facing the other side, The peripheral edge is formed into a curved shape with concave and convex shapes, The method for producing the printed matter comprises: The step of pressing the printing surface against a printing plate carrying the ink to transfer the ink on the printing plate to the printing surface; a step of moving the printing pad to which the ink has been transferred on the printing surface to above the substrate; and a pressing step of deforming the printing surface so as to follow the surface of the substrate and pressing the printing surface to form one of the two printing image areas, The transfer step, the moving step, and the pressing step are performed each time each of the two print image areas is formed. The pressing step is performed so that the peripheral edge is arranged within the other of the two print image areas.

Images