Transfer printing device and transfer printing process

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of printing, and discloses a transfer printing device and a transfer printing technology.The transfer printing device comprises a base body which is an elastic piece and has a horizontal to-be-printed state and a transfer printing state which deforms under the action of external force; the jet printing assembly and the base body are arranged in a spaced mode, and the jet printing assembly is suitable for moving relative to the base body under the action of external force and spraying patterns to one side of the base body; and the force application structure is arranged on the side, away from the jet printing assembly, of the base part body, and the force application structure is suitable for moving towards the base part body under the action of external force so that the base part body can be in a transfer printing state and can be attached to the printing face of the printing stock. By means of the arrangement, the problems that in the prior art, the transfer printing technology is low in applicability, high in cost, complex in procedure and prone to errors are effectively solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the printing technical field, specifically relates to a pad printing device and a pad printing process. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, for daily-use ceramic, such as cup, bowl and the like, the surface printing process generally adopts pad printing process. The pad printing process needs to set a certain depth of pattern on the substrate first, make a concave plate, then fill the pattern with ink, use the curved pad printing head made of silica gel material to dip the ink on the concave plate to the surface of the pad printing head, and press the pad printing head to the surface of the object needed to print the pattern or text on the curved surface.

[0003] This process is mainly for printing various concave curved surfaces, but it has poor applicability for convex curved surfaces or flat surfaces, in addition, every time the pattern is changed, the concave plate needs to be re-made, which is high in cost, in addition, when multiple color patterns are needed, not only multiple single-color concave plates need to be made, but also multiple stations are needed to print the pattern, which is complicated in process and low in operation flexibility, and color position error is easy to occur. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the present application provides a pad printing device and a pad printing process to solve the problems of low applicability, high cost, complicated process and easy error of the existing pad printing process.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a pad printing device, comprising: a base body, which is provided as an elastic member, has a flat state of being printed and a transfer printing state of being deformed under external force; a spray printing assembly, which is provided in a spaced manner with the base body, is adapted to move relative to the base body under external force, and sprays a pattern to one side of the base body; and a force applying structure, which is provided on the side of the base body away from the spray printing assembly, is adapted to move towards the base body under external force, so that the base body is in the transfer printing state and is attached to the printing surface of the printing object.

[0006] Advantages:

[0007] The base body is provided as an elastic member, which can be flat or deformed under external force. After the base body is sprayed with the pattern by the spray printing assembly, when the base body is flat, the printing object can roll on the base body to realize the transfer printing of the printing object with the outer convex curved printing surface, and when the base body is deformed under the action of the force applying structure, the transfer printing of the printing object with the inner concave surface or flat printing surface can be realized. In this way, the effective transfer printing of the printing object with different printing surfaces can be realized, and the pad printing device has a wide range of applications.

[0008] In addition, the printing assembly can directly spray the pattern on the base body, and the two can move. On the one hand, when the pattern needs to be changed, the printing assembly changes the sprayed pattern, and the base body is cleaned, without the need to set multiple concave plates or replace the ink-receiving base, saving materials and costs. When transferring a multi-color pattern, the entire multi-color pattern is sprayed on the ink-receiving base at one time by the printing assembly, without the need to make multiple single-color concave plates for overprinting, the process is simple, the work efficiency is high, and the single-molded pattern has high precision and small error. On the other hand, since the printing assembly can move with the base body, it is convenient to accurately adjust the spraying position, and the base body can be avoided when transferring to the printing object, avoiding interference of the printing assembly.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, one end of the force applying structure towards the base body is profiled with the printing surface.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the printing assembly comprises a plurality of single-color printing units, and the single-color printing units are distributed one by one along the direction of relative movement of the printing assembly and the base body.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, in the to-be-printed state, one side of the base body towards the printing assembly is a plane and is bare or is provided with one of an ink-receiving coating and a plurality of ink-receiving holes.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the pad printing device further comprises a bearing structure arranged on the lower side of the base body, having a first pad printing state of bearing the horizontally arranged base body, and a second pad printing state of moving away from the base body or limiting the edge of the base body under the action of an external force.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the pad printing device further comprises a first driving assembly connected with the bearing structure and / or the printing assembly, adapted to drive the relative movement of the printing assembly and the bearing structure; and / or a second driving assembly connected with the force applying structure, adapted to drive the movement of the force applying structure towards or away from the base body.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the pad printing device further comprises a controller in communication connection with the printing assembly, the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a transfer printing process, comprising: driving the relative movement of the base body and the printing assembly so that the printing assembly is aligned with the base body; starting the printing assembly to correspondingly spray a pattern on the base body; obtaining the structure information of the printing surface of the printing object, and correspondingly selecting the base body in the to-be-printed state or the base body in the transferred state for transfer printing.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the step of "transferring or transferring the base body corresponding to the printing surface from the printing state to the printing state" includes: judging whether the printing surface is a concave surface or a flat surface; if so, driving the force applying structure to move towards the base body to make the base body in the transfer state and fit with the printing surface of the printing object; if not, driving the printing object to move to the printing surface and roll towards the side of the base body on which the pattern is sprayed.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the step of "starting the printing assembly and corresponding spraying the pattern on the base body" further includes: driving the base body to keep relative movement with the printing assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings according to these drawings without creative labor.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S1.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S1. Figure 1 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32. Figure 1 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32. Figure 1 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32. Figure 1 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a structure schematic diagram of a part of the pad printing device shown in step S32. Figure 1 It is a structure schematic diagram of another embodiment of the base body of the pad printing device.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a structure schematic diagram of another embodiment of the base body of the pad printing device shown in step S1. Figure 2 It is a structure schematic diagram of another embodiment of the base body of the pad printing device shown in step S1.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a structure schematic diagram of another embodiment of the base body of the pad printing device shown in step S1.Figure 1 Structure diagram of the inside of the shown printing assembly;

[0027] Explanation of reference signs:

[0028] 1, base body; 2, printing assembly; 201, single-color printing unit; 3, force applying structure; 4, printing object; 401, printing surface; 5, ink-receiving coating; 6, ink-receiving hole; 7, ink supply unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0030] As Figures 1-8 In a first aspect, the present application provides a pad printing device, comprising: a base body 1, a printing assembly 2 and a force applying structure 3.

[0031] The base body 1 is an elastic member, which can be a silica gel member or a rubber member, etc., and can stably receive the printing pattern of the printing assembly 2, and the pattern can be transferred to the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4.

[0032] The base body 1 includes a to-be-printed state and a transfer state.

[0033] The base body 1 in the to-be-printed state is placed flat, which in the present embodiment refers to the initial shape of the base body 1 without deformation by external force, and can be placed on a support plane or clamped by a limiting structure. The support plane can be an external plane or a part of the bearing structure included in the pad printing device, and can be horizontal or inclined. The limiting structure for clamping the base body 1 can be an external structure or a part of the bearing structure included in the pad printing device.

[0034] The base body 1 in the transfer state is deformed by external force, which in the present embodiment refers to the force applied by the force applying structure 3 to the base body 1. Preferably, the base body 1 is in the form of a flat sheet with relatively thin thickness, which is convenient for ink receiving and easy to deform under external force. As an alternative embodiment, the base body 1 can also be in other shapes, such as disc-shaped, block-shaped, etc.

[0035] The printing assembly 2 is spaced from the base body 1 and is adapted to move relative to the base body 1 under the action of an external force and spray a pattern to one side of the base body 1, wherein the driving object of the external force can be either or both of the printing assembly 2 and the base body 1. In the embodiment, the printing assembly 2 and the base body 1 are spaced from each other in height, the printing assembly 2 is arranged on the upper side of the base body 1, and the external force drives either or both of the printing assembly 2 and the base body 1 to move in the horizontal direction. The printing assembly 2 can be internally provided with an ink source or connected with an external ink supply unit 7.

[0036] The force applying structure 3 is arranged on the side of the base body 1 away from the printing assembly 2 and is adapted to move towards the base body 1 under the action of an external force to make the base body 1 in a transfer state and abut against the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4.

[0037] The base body 1 is an elastic member and can be flat or deformed under the action of an external force. After the base body 1 is sprayed with a pattern by the printing assembly 2, the printing object 4 can roll on the base body 1 when the base body 1 is flat to realize the transfer of the printing object 4 with the printing surface 401 being an outward convex curved surface, and the base body 1 can be deformed under the action of the force applying structure 3 to realize the transfer of the printing object 4 with the printing surface 401 being an inward concave surface or a flat surface. In this way, the effective transfer of different printing surfaces 401 of the printing object 4 can be realized, and the applicability of the pad printing device is ensured.

[0038] In addition, the printing assembly 2 can directly spray a pattern on the base body 1, and the two can move. On the one hand, in this way, when the pattern needs to be changed, the printing assembly 2 changes the sprayed pattern, and the base body 1 is cleaned, without the need to arrange multiple concave plates or replace the ink receiving base, thereby saving materials and reducing costs. When transferring a multi-color pattern, only one-time spraying of the entire multi-color pattern on the ink receiving base by the printing assembly 2 is needed, without the need to make multiple single-color concave plates for overprinting, thereby simplifying the process and improving the work efficiency. The single-time formed pattern has high precision and small error. On the other hand, since the printing assembly 2 can move with the base body 1, the spraying position can be accurately adjusted, and the printing assembly 2 can be avoided from interfering with the base body 1 during the transfer of the base body 1 to the printing object 4.

[0039] Preferably, one end of the force applying structure 3 towards the base body 1 is shaped according to the printing surface 401. In this way, the base body 1 can effectively abut against the printing surface 401, and the pattern can be completely transferred to the printing surface 401, avoiding transfer omission. Further preferably, the other end of the force applying structure 3 towards the printing assembly 2 is made of soft glue, such as silicone, rubber or other high polymer elastic materials. In this way, the force applying requirement is met, and the base body 1 and the printing object 4 are not damaged during the transfer process.

[0040] As a transformable embodiment, only the side of the base body 1 facing away from the force applying structure 3 can be contoured to the printing surface 401.

[0041] In addition, the inkjet assembly 2 comprises a plurality of single-color inkjet units 201, which are distributed one by one along the direction of relative movement between the inkjet assembly 2 and the base body 1. In this way, the plurality of single-color inkjet units 201 can be started one by one during the relative movement between the inkjet assembly 2 and the base body 1, without stopping the relative movement between the two, saving process time.

[0042] Preferably, the inkjet assembly 2 is a digital inkjet unit, and each single-color inkjet unit 201 can be connected to an internal inkjet controller. By changing the pattern file input to the inkjet controller, the inkjet assembly 2 can print the corresponding pattern, so that the pattern does not need to be re-plate, only the file input system needs to be changed, which is low in cost and simple in steps.

[0043] As a transformable embodiment, the inkjet assembly 2 can also be other inkjet units, such as the colors sprayed by each single-color inkjet unit 201 on the inkjet assembly 2 being adjusted or replaced as needed. The number, arrangement position and spraying shape of the single-color inkjet units 201 in the inkjet assembly 2 can be adjusted manually or electrically.

[0044] In addition, in the state to be printed, the side of the base body 1 facing the inkjet assembly 2 is a plane, which in this embodiment is arranged upward and is a bare surface, which means that the surface of this side is smooth and does not have protrusions, pores, coatings or other structures. In this embodiment, the material of the base body 1 is silica gel, and the surface energy of the bare surface can meet the index requirements of printing and transfer.

[0045] The side of the base body 1 facing the inkjet assembly 2 is a plane, which on the one hand avoids the pattern from being distorted due to the presence of large protrusions or other irregular surfaces on the surface of the base body 1 during inkjet printing, and on the other hand, the plane is easier to clean residual ink.

[0046] As a transformable embodiment, the side of the base body 1 facing the inkjet assembly 2 can be provided with an ink-accepting coating 5 or a plurality of ink-accepting holes 6.

[0047] When the ink-accepting holes 6 are provided, the ink-accepting holes 6 are provided in the form of micropores, specifically by etching or roughening treatment, so that the side surface has a micro-porous structure. This multi-microporous structure can enhance the adhesion of ink on the surface, so that the ink is not easily scattered to damage the pattern accuracy. Further, the ink-accepting holes 6 can be uniformly distributed along the side surface, such as in an array, or the distribution density of the ink-accepting holes 6 can be adjusted according to the deformation amount of the base body 1 in the transfer state, such as increasing the distribution density in the area with a larger deformation amount.

[0048] When the ink-receiving coating 5 is set, the ink-receiving coating 5 is uniformly attached to the surface of the side of the base body 1 facing the jet printing assembly 2, preferably an elastic coating, which can be a photocuring coating, a heat curing, an oxidation curing, etc., the ink-receiving coating 5 can change the surface energy of the side, so that the ink falling on it can maintain the contact angle within a predetermined range, at this time, each ink dot can be uniformly gathered together to form a continuous pattern, and is not easy to flow and destroy the pattern accuracy, the contact angle within the predetermined range is an acute angle, preferably within the range of 30° to 60°.

[0049] The pad printing device further comprises a bearing structure, which is arranged on the lower side of the base body 1 and has a first pad printing state and a second pad printing state. In this embodiment, the bearing structure is a platform, the top of which is provided with a supporting plane, which is used to place the base body 1 in the first pad printing state, and is away from the base body 1 under the action of external force in the second pad printing state. As a convertible embodiment, the bearing structure can include a middle opening and closing through hole, when the through hole is closed, it is in the first pad printing state, when the through hole is opened, the force applying structure 3 can pass through the through hole and apply force to the base body 1.

[0050] In addition, the pad printing device further comprises a first driving assembly and a second driving assembly.

[0051] The first driving assembly is connected with both the bearing structure and the jet printing assembly 2, or one of them, and is used to drive the relative movement of the jet printing assembly 2 and the bearing structure. Specifically, the first driving assembly includes a single or multiple driving motor, and is matched with guide rails, supports and the like to guide and support the bearing structure and the jet printing assembly 2 respectively. It can be understood that the first driving assembly can also be a gas cylinder, an electric cylinder or an electric push rod structure, etc.

[0052] The second driving assembly is connected with the force applying structure 3 and is suitable for driving the force applying structure 3 to move in the direction towards or away from the base body 1. Specifically, the second driving assembly also includes a driving motor, and is matched with guide rails, supports and the like to guide and support the force applying structure 3 respectively. It can be understood that the second driving assembly can also be a gas cylinder, an electric cylinder or an electric push rod structure, etc.

[0053] As a convertible embodiment, the pad printing device can only include one of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly.

[0054] The pad printing device further comprises a controller, which can be a single-chip microcomputer, PLC and PC, etc., and is electrically connected with the jet printing assembly 2, the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly.

[0055] In the second aspect, the present application also provides a pad printing process, which comprises:

[0056] S1. Drive the base body 1 and the printing assembly 2 relative motion, so that the printing assembly 2 is aligned with the base body 1.

[0057] The body driving the base body 1 and the printing assembly 2 relative motion is a first driving assembly, which can be directly started by the user or controlled by the controller. The printing assembly 2 is aligned with the base body 1, which can be confirmed by the working time of the first driving assembly, manually identified, or a sensor corresponding to the controller is set on the printing assembly 2 or the base body 1.

[0058] S2. Start the printing assembly 2 and spray the corresponding pattern on the base body 1.

[0059] The printing assembly 2 is started by the controller in this embodiment after receiving the information that the printing assembly 2 is aligned with the base body 1. The printing assembly 2 can stop spraying by completing a single printing amount or working for a preset time, or by receiving a controller stop signal.

[0060] S3. Obtain the structure information of the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4, and correspondingly select the base body 1 in the state of the printing object 4 to be printed or the base body 1 in the state of the printing object 4 to be transferred.

[0061] The structure information of the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4 can be identified manually, and then the controller can be operated accordingly. The controller can also be pre-set with the structure information of the printing surface 401, and the order of appearance of different forms of the printing surface 401 structure can also be given. The visual sensor can also be added for corresponding identification.

[0062] Different printing surfaces 401 correspond to different states of the base body 1 for transfer. This setting can effectively transfer different forms of the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4, ensuring that the pad printing device has a larger application range. In addition, the printing assembly 2 can directly spray patterns on the base body 1, and the two can move, saving materials and reducing costs. The process is simple, efficient, accurate, and has small errors, making it easy to accurately adjust the spraying position.

[0063] In this embodiment, steps S1, S2 and S3 can be performed sequentially. As a variable implementation, the step of "obtaining the structure information of the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4" in S3 can be performed before step S1 or simultaneously with steps S1 and S2.

[0064] Further, the step of "correspondingly selecting the base body 1 in the state of the printing object 4 to be printed or the base body 1 in the state of the printing object 4 to be transferred" in S3 includes:

[0065] S31. Determine whether the printing surface 401 is a concave surface or a flat surface. As an alternative embodiment, it can also be determined whether the printing surface 401 is a convex surface.

[0066] S32. If yes, drive the force applying structure 3 to move towards the base body 1 to make the base body 1 in the transfer printing state and adhere to the printing surface 401 of the printing object 4. In addition, before driving the force applying structure 3 to move towards the base body 1, the carrying structure also needs to be driven to the second pad printing state or remain in the second pad printing state. The main body of the force applying structure 3 is the second driving assembly, which is activated by the controller in this embodiment.

[0067] S33. If no, drive the carrying structure to the first pad printing state, and drive the printing object 4 to move to the printing surface 401 of the base body 1 and roll towards the side of the base body 1 on which the pattern is sprayed. In addition, before driving the printing object 4 to move towards the base body 1, the carrying structure also needs to be driven to the first pad printing state or remain in the first pad printing state. In this embodiment, the main body of the printing object 4 is an external driving member detachably connected to the printing object 4, such as a shaft roller connected to a motor.

[0068] In addition, step S2 also includes driving the base body 1 and the printing assembly 2 to keep relative movement. In this way, the relative movement of the two does not need to be stopped during the printing process, which improves the printing efficiency.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present application are described in conjunction with the drawings, various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and such modifications and changes fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Pad printing apparatus, characterized in that The device comprises: a base body (1) provided as an elastic member, having a flat state to be printed and a deformed state under external force; a printing assembly (2) spaced apart from the base body (1) and adapted to move relative to the base body (1) under external force and spray patterns to one side of the base body (1); a force applying structure (3) provided on the side of the base body (1) away from the printing assembly (2), the force applying structure (3) being adapted to move towards the base body (1) under external force so as to make the base body (1) in the deformed state and fit the printing surface (401) of the printing object (4).

2. Pad printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that The end of the force applying structure (3) towards the base body (1) is shaped according to the printing surface (401).

3. Pad printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that The printing assembly (2) comprises a plurality of single-color printing units (201), and the single-color printing units (201) are distributed one by one along the direction of relative movement of the printing assembly (2) and the base body (1).

4. The pad printing device according to claim 1, wherein in the state to be printed, the side of the base body (1) towards the printing assembly (2) is flat and bare or provided with one of an ink-receiving coating (5) and a plurality of ink-receiving holes (6).

5. Pad printing device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Further comprising: a bearing structure provided on the lower side of the base body (1) and having a first pad printing state of bearing the flat base body (1) and a second pad printing state of moving away from the base body (1) or limiting the edge of the base body (1) under external force.

6. Pad printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein Further comprising: a first driving assembly connected with the bearing structure and / or the printing assembly (2) and adapted to drive the relative movement of the printing assembly (2) and the bearing structure; and / or, a second driving assembly connected with the force applying structure (3) and adapted to drive the movement of the force applying structure (3) towards or away from the base body (1).

7. Pad printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein Further comprising: a controller in communication connection with the printing assembly (2), the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly.

8. A process for transfer printing, characterised in that, The method comprises: driving the relative movement of the base body (1) and the printing assembly (2) so that the printing assembly (2) is aligned with the base body (1); starting the printing assembly (2) to spray patterns on the base body (1); obtaining the structure information of the printing surface (401) of the printing object (4) and selecting the base body (1) in the state to be printed or the base body (1) in the deformed state for the printing object (4) to transfer.

9. The process according to claim 8, characterized in that The step of "selecting the base body (1) in the state to be printed or the base body (1) in the deformed state for the printing object (4) to transfer" comprises: determining whether the printing surface (401) is a concave surface or a flat surface; if yes, driving the force applying structure (3) to move towards the base body (1) so that the base body (1) is in the deformed state and fits the printing surface (401) of the printing object (4); if no, driving the printing object (4) to move to the position where the printing surface (401) abuts against the base body (1) and roll towards the side of the base body (1) where patterns are sprayed.

10. The process according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The step "activating the jet printing assembly (2) to correspond to the spraying pattern on the base body (1)" further comprises: driving the base body (1) and the jet printing assembly (2) to keep relative movement.

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