Modular production system, process and fragrance module unit for processing and / or refining a printed substrate

Abstract

Modular production system (1) for processing and / or refining a printing substrate, comprising several module units, wherein the module units comprise a fragrance module unit (3) configured to apply a fragrance to the printing substrate, and wherein the fragrance module unit (3) comprises a tank device (6) for storing the fragrance.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular production system for processing and / or finishing a printing medium, comprising several modular units.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for processing and / or finishing a printing medium.

[0003] Finally, the invention relates to a fragrance module unit for processing and / or finishing a print carrier.

[0004] Production printing systems and processes of the type in question for processing and / or finishing a printing substrate have been established in practice for many years. Within the field of print finishing and embellishment, there are various techniques and options available to provide an attractive, high-quality print product tailored to the specific target group, depending on the intended use. Print finishing can involve modifying the surface of a printed product, either inline (within the printing press) or in a subsequent process. Different finishing effects can alter the structure, visual appearance, and tactile qualities of the material. Print finishing offers a variety of design possibilities, with paper, for example, being coated using various methods.This allows print products to be enhanced through print finishing, making corresponding advertising materials appear more high-quality.

[0005] In practice, there is regularly a need to create a print product that is as personalized as possible, which allows for differentiation from competitors in the market through high quality and innovation.

[0006] In addition to various types and possibilities of print finishing, whereby special effects can be created or achieved, for example by means of special varnishes (dispersion varnish, UV varnish, relief varnish, etc.) or special embossing (blind embossing, relief embossing, steel engraving, etc.), it is also known in practice to add a fragrance to the printed product.

[0007] Especially in communication, it is crucial that images are remembered longer when perceived in conjunction with scents. Scent significantly enhances recall. For example, a multisensory approach can considerably increase the impulse purchase rate of scented product packaging. Furthermore, specific emotions are conveyed simultaneously. Thus, an advertising message with scent evokes emotions and curiosity, thereby increasing the attention of the target audience.

[0008] Scented papers, for example, are a well-known sales tool. To produce these papers, fragrance pigments are incorporated into a special paper using complex coating processes to ensure the aroma lasts. When the scent comes into contact with the air, it is automatically released. However, the production of such scented papers is complex and expensive, making the use of specially designed printed materials disadvantageous.

[0009] Furthermore, print finishing of print products with scented varnishes is known in practice. A scented varnish is an effect varnish that is provided with microencapsulated aromas and is applied to the printed product as the final layer. The aromas or essential oils thus enclosed are applied directly with the varnish to be printed onto the print product. When pressure is applied, friction is applied, or a print medium coated with this scented varnish is opened, these capsules burst and release a scent. However, a disadvantage of using scented varnishes is that corresponding scented varnishes are expensive. Another problem is that pressure or abrasion on the already finished product is difficult or impossible to avoid during further processing. This destroys the microcapsules contained in the varnish. During the feeding or transport of a print medium / substrate, as well as during any folding, stapling, enveloping, etc.The mechanical stress on the print carrier / substrate is so severe that the microcapsules contained in the varnish are destroyed at this point. Furthermore, printing on the varnish that has already been printed should not be repeated. This also makes it impossible to print on the back, as this would cause the capsules on the front to burst.

[0010] A machine for dyeing paper webs on both sides is known from DE 100 02 739 A1. The known machine consists of at least two color printing units of identical construction arranged one behind the other. The machine for dyeing paper webs on both sides can be used to apply fragrances and adhesives to paper webs made of different paper types and paper-like materials such as wallpaper and corrugated board.

[0011] DE 198 26 505 A1 discloses a method and a device for printing surfaces of printing materials, in particular using a modified offset printing machine, wherein a material applied to a printed product can contain microencapsulated fragrances.

[0012] Document DE 102 06 601 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for producing a barrier layer on a substrate or packaging material. The barrier layer is applied to the substrate and is greaseproof. The end product produced in this way is used as packaging material for food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. The solution for producing the barrier layer may contain flavorings and / or fragrances.

[0013] WO 2008 / 132185 A2 concerns a non-corrugated printed substrate and a corresponding manufacturing process for it.

[0014] The present invention is based on the object of designing and developing a modular production system and a method of the type mentioned at the outset for processing and / or finishing a print carrier in such a way that the most efficient and / or flexible fragrance finishing of the print carrier is possible using structurally simple means, in particular with regard to the most efficient and flexible processing chain through the production system.

[0015] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. This object is achieved by a modular production system for processing and / or finishing a print carrier comprising a plurality of module units, wherein the module units comprise a fragrance module unit configured to apply a fragrance to the print carrier, and wherein the fragrance module unit comprises a tank device for storing the fragrance.

[0016] The above object is further achieved by a method having the features of claim 11. This method provides a method for processing and / or finishing a print carrier with a production system comprising several modular units, wherein a fragrance is applied to the print carrier using a fragrance module unit, and wherein the fragrance is stored in a tank device of the fragrance module unit.

[0017] Finally, the foregoing problem is solved by a fragrance module unit with the features of claim 16. According to this claim, a fragrance module unit for a production system according to the invention is specified, wherein the fragrance module unit comprises means for applying a fragrance to the print carrier and a tank device for storing the fragrance.

[0018] According to the invention, it has been recognized that it is significantly advantageous if, with regard to scenting the print medium (i.e., providing the print medium with a fragrance), the scenting process (i.e., the process of applying the fragrance to the print medium) is carried out by means of a module unit specifically provided or designed for this purpose. Accordingly, the print medium is not provided with a fragrance as part of the actual printing process in which text and / or image content is printed onto the print medium, but rather as part of a separate scenting process by the fragrance module unit. This provides significantly more flexibility and efficiency with regard to the handling of the production system, in particular with regard to the processing chain to be carried out by the production system. The scenting process can thus take place independently and detached from the printing process.For example, the fragrance module unit can be used to apply a fragrance to the printing medium during a fragrance application process, in such a way that neither optical nor haptic effects are created on the printing medium, as would be the case when using a scented varnish.

[0019] Since the fragrance can be applied to the print substrate in liquid and / or gaseous form, particularly as aerosols, the resulting print substrate is virtually "invisible." No rubbing is required. Rather, a print substrate can be created that creates neither a visual nor a tactile impairment, as is the case with a scented varnish, for example. By using flavorings or essential oils, a wide variety of fragrances are conceivable that could be used to scent the print substrate.

[0020] It should be noted here that a print medium can be any print product. The print medium (printing material or substrate) can also be a component of a print product produced by the processing chain of the modular production system. In the simplest case, it could be paper, which is conveyed as a print medium through the individual modular units of the production system. The print medium can therefore be a material that can be printed using various printing processes, i.e., a material that can be printed using known technical processes. Examples could be paper, cardboard, foil, metal, and / or textiles (photo canvas), etc.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be noted that a production system—particularly within the scope of the claims and preferably within the scope of the description—is to be understood as a system for processing and / or finishing a print medium or substrate in the broadest sense. A production system can preferably be understood as a production printing system, where, in addition to printing on a print medium, further processing steps can also be performed. A wide variety of printing technologies can be considered for the production printing system. For example, digital printing is conceivable here, possibly in the office sector, etc.

[0022] A fragrance module unit according to an embodiment of the invention can also be used or integrated as a finishing or production system within offline or nearline processes and / or post-press systems. Examples include brochure making, hot melt gluing, stapling, folding, varnishing, and / or inserting systems or finishers.

[0023] The fragrance module unit can advantageously be designed as a separate module unit. It is conceivable that the fragrance module unit could be used as an independent module unit within the scope of offline processing / finishing or in the offline process (also called nearline process). Accordingly, the fragrance module unit can be used as an isolated processing station for finishing the print medium.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the fragrance module unit could be used as a separate module within an inline processing / finishing process. In inline processing, the fragrance module unit scents the printing substrate directly within the printing press or production system. This means the fragrance module unit can be permanently integrated or coupled to the printing press as a separate module, forming its own distinct and potentially interchangeable component within the overall processing chain of the modular production system. Therefore, the fragrance module unit can be integrated into a processing chain of modules for printing, varnishing, folding, stapling, and / or quality control, etc.The modular integration of the fragrance module unit into the modular production system enables flexible and variable installation and uninstallation of the fragrance module unit in the production system.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the fragrance module unit can be arranged downstream of a printing module unit for printing the print medium within the production system's processing chain. Thus, the fragrance module unit's process of fragrancing the print medium can be arranged downstream of the printing process, which is carried out by a corresponding printing module unit. Within the processing chain, the print medium can be guided or conveyed through the individual module units of the production system and thus processed or finished sequentially to ultimately provide a finished, high-quality, and optionally customized print product.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fragrance module unit can be designed in such a way that it serves as a rehumidification unit for the printing medium.

[0027] This ingenious combination allows both remoistening and scenting of the print substrate to be achieved in a single module. The fragrance can be applied to the print substrate in liquid form and / or as an aerosol. With various printing processes, the inks dry, which can cause significant problems during further processing. By remoistening the fragrance module, which thus acts as a remoistening unit, the water content in the paper or print substrate can be increased to the required level after drying. Advantageously, the front and back of the print substrate or printing paper can be moistened to smooth the print substrate. Both sides of the print substrate can be moistened evenly. The particular benefit is the improved runnability of the remoistened print substrates / papers.Fewer web breaks and higher speeds are the result, both during printing on the substrate and in subsequent processing steps within the printing production system. This enables a more efficient workflow.

[0028] The following advantages are possible, for example, through re-moistening or re-wetting of the print medium, preferably electrostatically: - significantly less waviness during adhesive binding - no fiber breakage in the fold - no outgrowth of the trimmed products - no climate waves

[0029] The efficiency of the production system can therefore be increased by re-moistening the paper with the fragrance module unit. This paper re-moistening can effectively prevent waviness and warping of the printing substrate (e.g., a printed sheet) through moistening.

[0030] With regard to scenting the print medium using structurally simple means, the fragrance module unit can have at least one contact roller. The contact roller is designed and arranged in the fragrance module unit such that the fragrance is applied to the print medium via the contact roller. The fragrance can expediently be in liquid form. The contact roller is wetted with the liquid fragrance and then serves to apply the fragrance to the print medium. The contact rollers can expediently be arranged such that the print medium is conveyed over the contact rollers. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the print medium is conveyed or moved, for example, through two opposing contact rollers, and that the liquid fragrance is applied to the print medium, on both sides or one side. This enables simple and efficient application of the printing material to the print medium.

[0031] Advantageously, the fragrance module unit can have at least one wetting roller. The wetting roller is designed to wet a contact roller with the, preferably liquid, fragrance. Depending on the number of contact rollers used, it is conceivable that at least one wetting roller is provided for each contact roller to wet or supply the contact rollers with the liquid fragrance.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the fragrance module unit can comprise a liquid bath that provides the fragrance in liquid form. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, that the print carrier is brought into direct contact with the liquid bath in order to apply the fragrance to the print carrier. Furthermore, it is conceivable that application means of the fragrance module unit are in contact with the liquid bath in order to supply the application means with the fragrance, whereby the application means can then in turn supply the print carrier with the fragrance directly or indirectly. It would also be conceivable for a wetting roller to absorb the fragrance via the liquid bath and then wet the contact roller with the fragrance, so that the contact roller can then apply the fragrance to the print carrier.In any case, the fragrance in the fragrance module unit can be provided via the liquid bath, which is designed, for example, as a liquid container.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the fragrance module unit can comprise a spraying device, wherein the spraying device is designed to spray the print carrier with the fragrance or to mist the print carrier with the fragrance. This enables a simple and efficient application of the fragrance to the print carrier.

[0034] With regard to the availability of the fragrance, the fragrance module unit according to the invention comprises a tank device for storing the fragrance. The tank device can advantageously comprise a magazine of several tank containers. Thus, several and very different fragrances can be stored by the tank device and made available as needed for scenting the print medium. The fragrance can preferably be stored in the tank device in liquid form. It is conceivable that the application means of the fragrance module unit are supplied with the fragrance via the tank device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tank device serves to supply or fill the liquid bath with the fragrance as needed.Particularly in a variant with a tank device that comprises a magazine of several tank containers, it is ingeniously possible that, as required, the liquid bath is filled with the desired fragrance and / or the application means of the fragrance module unit are supplied with the desired fragrance directly or indirectly.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the fragrance module unit can include a cleaning device. This cleaning device can, for example, pump out and / or rinse and / or refill the liquid bath or container used to supply a fragrance. This allows the fragrance module unit to be filled and operated with different fragrances as needed. In any case, it is possible to easily switch between different fragrances in the fragrance module unit. This can also include returning the fragrance to the tank for further storage.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the fragrance can be applied to the print substrate by the fragrance module unit using a print head. This could be achieved, for example, with an inkjet print head. This provides an efficient design for an application means for the fragrance module unit.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable for the fragrance to be mixed with a preferably odorless ink. The ink can then be printed onto the print substrate along with the fragrance. This ensures the most efficient possible application of the fragrance to the print substrate.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the fragrance module unit can comprise a separate printing unit. This could, for example, be a printing unit using offset printing technology. The printing unit uses a dampening solution during operation, with the fragrance being mixed into the dampening solution in a sophisticated way. Thus, it is conceivable for a separate printing unit to run in offset printing, which then runs in "idle" mode, so to speak, with the liquid fragrance instead of the usual dampening solution or the usual aqueous solution. This creates an efficient design for an application means for the fragrance module unit.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the preferably liquid fragrance can be applied to the printing carrier by means of a screen printing process.

[0040] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claims 1 and 11 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows the only Fig. in a schematic view a modular production printing system as a production system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] The single figure shows a modular production printing system 1 comprising several module units for processing and / or finishing a printing substrate. The printing substrate can be any printed product and / or a component of a printed product that is produced by the processing chain of the production printing system 1 or completed by processing / finishing. In the simplest case, it could be paper, which is transported as the printing substrate through the individual module units of the production printing system 1. Depending on the module unit, the printing substrate undergoes corresponding processing or finishing.

[0042] The production printing system 1 comprises a printing module unit 2, a fragrance module unit 3, a folding and punching module unit 4, and a stapling module unit 5. The printing module unit is used to print text or images onto the print substrate. This can also include the application of various varnishes to the print substrate. Additional modules can be coupled to the production system 1 or, as required, replaced or completely removed.

[0043] Due to the modular design of the production printing system, additional and / or alternative modular units are conceivable, for example, a booklet finisher and the like. The arrangement of the fragrance module unit 2 according to the invention within the production printing system 1 can also vary. In particular, due to its installation as a separate fragrance module unit, it can - in principle - be arranged at any point in the processing chain.

[0044] The fragrance module unit 2 serves to apply a fragrance to the print substrate. The fragrance module unit 2 comprises a tank device 6 with several tank containers 7, 8, 9, and 10 for storing several different fragrances. The fragrance is applied to the print substrate via application means 11. The application means 11 can comprise various rollers and / or a liquid bath, which are / are designed to provide the print substrate with the fragrance. Furthermore, a spray device is also conceivable as the application means 11.

[0045] Because the fragrance is applied to the print substrate in liquid and / or gaseous form, particularly as aerosols, the resulting print substrate is virtually "invisible." No rubbing is required, as is the case with an applied scented varnish containing microencapsulated aromas.

[0046] The tank device 6 serves to supply the application agent 11. Furthermore, the fragrance module unit 3 includes a cleaning device 12. The cleaning device 12 serves to clean the application agent 11 so that the fragrance can be changed depending on the application. This allows the fragrance module unit 3 to be filled and operated with different fragrances as needed. This ensures easy changing of the fragrances for the fragrance module unit 3.

[0047] After the print medium has been scented, the scented (scented) print medium can be transported to other module units within the print production system 1 and further processed or refined there. However, it is also conceivable for the scent module unit 3 to be arranged at a different point, for example, at the last point, in the processing chain. It is advantageous if the scenting process takes place after the actual printing process of the print module unit 2. However, due to the modular implementation, it would also be possible to place the scent module unit 3 upstream of the print module unit 2.

[0048] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the production system and the method according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims to avoid repetition.

[0049] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention described above serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 Production printing system 2 Pressure module unit 3 Fragrance module unit 4 Folding & punching module unit 5 stapling module unit 6 Tank system 7 tank containers 8 tank containers 9 tank containers 10 tank containers 11. Applicators 12 Cleaning equipment

Claims

[1] Modular production system (1) for processing and / or finishing a print carrier, comprising a plurality of module units, wherein the module units comprise a fragrance module unit (3) which is designed to apply a fragrance to the print carrier, and wherein the fragrance module unit (3) comprises a tank device (6) for storing the fragrance. [2] Modular production system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) is designed as a separate module unit. [3] Modular production system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) is arranged downstream of a printing module unit (2) for printing the printing carrier. [4] Modular production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) is designed such that it serves as a re-moistening unit for the print carrier. [5] Modular production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) has at least one contact roller which is designed to apply the fragrance to the printing carrier. [6] Modular production system (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) has one or more wetting rollers which are designed to wet the at least one contact roller with the fragrance. [7] Modular production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) comprises a liquid bath which provides the fragrance in liquid form. [8] Modular production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) comprises a spraying device which is designed to spray the print carrier with the fragrance. [9] Modular production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the tank device (6) comprises a magazine of several tank containers (7, 8, 9, 10). [10] Modular production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) comprises a cleaning device (12). [11] Method for processing and / or finishing a print carrier with a production system (1) comprising a plurality of module units, wherein a fragrance is applied to the print carrier with a fragrance module unit (3), and wherein the fragrance is stored in a tank device (6) of the fragrance module unit (3). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by that the fragrance is applied to the print carrier by means of the fragrance module unit (3) after the print carrier has been printed by means of a print module unit (2). [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized bythat the fragrance is applied to the printing medium by the fragrance module unit (3) by means of a print head, and / or wherein the fragrance is mixed with an ink, wherein the ink is printed onto the printing medium. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the fragrance module unit (3) comprises a separate printing unit, wherein the printing unit uses a dampening solution during operation, wherein the fragrance is mixed with the dampening solution. [15] Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by that the fragrance is applied to the print carrier by the fragrance module unit (3) by means of screen printing. [16] Fragrance module unit (3) for processing and / or refining a print carrier for a production system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising means for applying a fragrance to the print carrier and a tank device (6) for storing the fragrance.

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