Device and method for printing objects

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for printing objects, the apparatus comprising at least one receiving device which is designed to receive the surface of an object row by row as a printable substrate, a processing device which is designed to process the printable substrate row by row and to create print files, and at least one printing device which is designed to print the object on the basis of the created print files by applying ink. The invention further relates to a system for printing objects and to a method for printing objects.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRINTING OBJECTS

[0002] The invention relates to the printing of objects.

[0003] Digital printers can be used to print on objects of any shape. A print file containing the desired image data is created and scaled to the size and contour of the object. The printer must be informed of the exact position of the object positioned within its print area. For rectangular objects, this is usually done by aligning the object to stop points. For irregularly shaped objects, templates or other aids must be created to determine the precise position of the object(s) using sensors or other suitable measuring instruments and then communicate this information to the printer. Such templates may also need to be created first to be usable for the specific objects.

[0004] Especially for individual pieces, this results in considerable effort, which can significantly increase the actual printing time. Alternatively, cameras can be used to detect the position of the objects to be printed. However, especially for large or large-format parts, a large number of cameras must be used to limit system-related distortions. Special image data must then be calculated that incorporates the position and rotation angle of the object.

[0005] This is particularly time-consuming for large objects, as data packets must be calculated in gigabytes. The accuracy of the positioning down to the pixel also depends on the accuracy of the cameras, which quickly reach their limits, especially with large objects.

[0006] If a conventional printing method is used, if there are gaps in the object, e.g. holes or cutouts, the print is simply made over the free areas and the ink or printing medium lands on the underlying support, e.g. a printing table, mat or belt. This creates contamination which in turn is transferred to the underside of the subsequent parts, leading to waste. DE 102 02 553 A1 and DE 195 25 528 A1 describe a method for applying paints or varnishes to color design object surfaces in building construction, civil engineering and structural engineering. In this method, the object surface is first recorded as a digital object and a data set is created. A template of the design object to be applied is then implemented as a digital data set in the recorded data set. Finally, the data set obtained from this is used to control a movable application device for applying the paint or varnish.

[0007] EP 1 839 884 A1 discloses a device for printing decorative images onto flat workpieces. This device comprises a printing station with digitally controlled ink application elements, a transport device for transporting the workpieces through the printing station, and a print controller that interacts with a digital image data storage device and digitally controls the ink application elements for printing digital decorative image data from the image data storage device as pixels onto the workpiece. A measuring station is connected upstream of the printing station. This station records contour data of the workpiece using contour sensors and interacts with the print controller in such a way that pixels of the decorative image located outside the contour of the workpiece are not printed, while the remaining pixels remain unaffected.

[0008] US 2008 / 106568 A1 describes a device and method for patterning workpieces, particularly those made of wood, with the aim of enabling improved print image quality. The printing process comprises pre- and / or post-processing with an image capture sensor. This determines the position of the workpiece relative to the printing medium during pre-processing before the printing process. This is intended to avoid or minimize distortions and smearing of the printed image caused by inadequate relative positioning. Printing beyond a free edge of the workpiece and the deposition of ink mist on an adjacent surface of the workpiece are also to be prevented. The image data obtained from the image capture sensor is analyzed with regard to color spectrum, defects, geometry and / or color space. A disadvantage of the prior art is that current methods have inefficient deficiencies.

[0009] Specifically, scanning the object to be printed and processing the data set takes a lot of time, which causes the system to stop working and thus indirectly causes costs.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art or at least to offer an alternative. This object is achieved by the devices and methods according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments can be found in the dependent claims. Thus, an improved device and an improved method for printing objects are provided.

[0011] The present invention makes it possible, in particular, to carry out the entire printing process automatically without the need for complex data preparation.

[0012] One application example is large-format wooden elements, such as planked wood panels, that are to be printed. These can be used, for example, in house construction and are individually milled pieces. Some of the wooden elements have cutouts and openings, but the wooden elements, with or without such cutouts, can be fed to the printing device in any sequence. The lengths and widths of the wooden elements also vary, as do the sizes and positions of the cutouts. Furthermore, the wooden elements are to be printed continuously, i.e., with a cycle time of just a few minutes.

[0013] The printing itself can be achieved by moving an object to be printed or by moving the device that applies the respective printing medium. Both methods are generally known. In the first case, the objects could be moved on a conveyor belt under a print head that moves at right angles to the direction of movement of the objects in a plane parallel to the object support surface. Alternatively, the objects can be placed on a static surface, e.g., a printing table, and the print head moves on two axes in a plane parallel to the object support surface.

[0014] The objects are placed randomly on a print table or conveyor belt, meaning they have no particular alignment or orientation. It is only necessary to ensure that no object protrudes beyond the print table or conveyor belt. This could cause the object to leave the print head's printing area, and it could also impede the movement of the conveyor belt or print head.

[0015] The objects should be printed in one or more passes, with each printing medium being applied in one, uninterrupted, printing process if possible.

[0016] In a first print pass, for example, a primer or another type of wood protection can be applied.

[0017] For example, a white ink can be applied in a single print pass. Depending on the type of printing device, multi-colored decorative prints can then be applied in one or more print passes using one or more print heads. It is also possible to apply the white printing medium and the colored printing medium in a single print process if the printing device has the appropriate print heads.

[0018] According to a first embodiment, a device according to the invention for printing objects is provided. This device comprises at least one receiving device configured to record the surface of an object line by line as a printable substrate. The device further comprises a processing device configured to process the printable substrate and create print files. The device further comprises at least one printing device configured to print the object based on the created print files by applying printing media.

[0019] The device according to the invention makes the printing process more efficient, because by capturing the object line by line, processing it into print files, and printing accordingly, the processing of large amounts of data is avoided. This allows the processing device to process the first line of the object immediately after capturing it, while the capturing device is already capturing the next line. While the capturing device is capturing the third line, the processing device can process the second line and create a print file from it. Meanwhile, the printing devices can print the first line from the created print file. This makes the entire printing process significantly more efficient.

[0020] Optionally, the device may further comprise at least one drying device which is configured to dry the printing medium applied by the printing devices.

[0021] Using one or more drying devices can potentially save even more time and improve quality. Even if the receiving device and the processing device can operate quickly enough, smearing can occur when moving the printing device or the objects if the printing media are not yet dry enough.

[0022] Optionally, the receiving device, the printing devices and, if applicable, the drying devices can be spaced apart in such a way that continuous printing of the object is possible, wherein the receiving device and the printing devices are spaced apart in such a way that the processing device can create the print files from the printable substrate, and, if applicable, the printing devices and drying devices are spaced apart in such a way that the applied printing media are dry enough to allow further printing media to be applied by a subsequent printing device.

[0023] Through optimal spacing, the device can also be optimized to ensure that no unnecessary delays or pauses occur in the printing process.

[0024] Optionally, the objects can be glued wood panels measuring 16m x 4m.

[0025] This device is particularly suitable for the standard size of 16 x 4 m panels.

[0026] Optionally, the recording device is configured to detect holes, recesses, and outlines of the object, as well as its structure. In addition to detecting external contours and preventing the application of pressure media outside the objects, this device can also be used to detect internal contours and prevent pressure media from being applied where the objects have recesses or similar features.

[0027] Optionally, the processing device is configured to create print files from the printable substrate in such a way that the printing media to be applied result in a desired print image, wherein in particular a non-uniform substrate is to be printed non-uniformly in such a way that a uniform print image is created.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous if the recorded substrate is processed in such a way that irregularities, such as wood grain, defects in the wood or discolorations for other reasons, are incorporated into the print files in such a way that the irregularities are compensated for when the printing media are applied, resulting in a uniform print image after printing.

[0029] Optionally, the printing devices print one line each, which corresponds to a line of the object recorded line by line.

[0030] Depending on the capture speed of the capture device and the processing speed of the processing device, it may be efficient for the printing devices to also print line by line.

[0031] Optionally, at least one of the printing devices applies a printable protective film.

[0032] It is particularly efficient if the wooden objects can be introduced into the printing device untreated. The usual pre-treatment with wood preservative or another protective agent can then also be performed by applying the protective film as a printing medium through one or more print heads.

[0033] Optionally, at least one of the applied printing media is UV-curable, and any drying device present is a UV lamp. Using the printing device presented here, UV-curable printing media can also be applied. This further increases efficiency, as these are usually applied before or after printing in a separate step and using a separate device.

[0034] In a further embodiment, a system for printing objects is provided. The system comprises a device as described above, and furthermore a work surface configured to support the object. The system further comprises at least one movement device. These movement devices are configured to either continuously move the object beneath the receiving device, the printing devices, and optionally the drying devices, or to continuously move the receiving device, the printing devices, and optionally the drying devices over the object. A combination of the movements is also conceivable, so that both the object (or objects) and the devices of the device can be moved.

[0035] In a further embodiment, a method for printing objects is provided, the method comprising recording the surface of an object line by line as a printable substrate, creating print files by processing the printable substrate line by line, and printing on the basis of the created print files by applying printing media.

[0036] The method according to the invention makes the printing process more efficient because the line-by-line recording of the object, its line-by-line processing into print files, and the corresponding printing avoids the processing of large amounts of data. This means that after the first line of the object has been recorded, it can be processed immediately while the next line is already being recorded. While the third line is being recorded, the second line can be processed and a print file created from it. Meanwhile, the first line from the created print file can be printed. This makes the entire printing process significantly more efficient. The embodiments show possible variants; the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated variants; rather, combinations of the individual variants are also possible.In particular, the further developments of the device can also be used in the presented system or method.

[0037] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0038] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary system for printing objects according to one embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the system of Fig. 1, with different zones displayed;

[0041] Fig. 3 shows the dimensions of the device in cross section, and

[0042] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment.

[0043] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these position information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that objects 111, 112, and 113 are primarily described as being made of wood. However, the presented embodiments of the invention are also applicable to other materials, such as stone, concrete, paper, cardboard, etc.

[0045] Using wood as an example, the operation of the device according to the invention will now be described. The starting material can be, for example, untreated wooden panels, such as cross-laminated timber panels, multi-layer solid wood panels, glued laminated panels, or similar panels made of wood or wood parts, which have been prefabricated by a milling machine or saw in a variety of contours and with or without cutouts or openings and placed arbitrarily on a work surface 210, such as a printing table or other support.

[0046] In order to detect the precise positioning of the randomly placed plates, i.e., objects 111, 112, and 113, and their contours, e.g., corners, curves, openings, cutouts, shapes, etc., and to provide the printing information as a file 131 to the printing devices 140, one or more receiving devices 120, also called scanners, are to be mounted on an axis that moves the receiving devices 120 transversely to the work surface 210 and, analogous to the width of the receiving devices 120, performs a longitudinal displacement after each pass. The printing files 131 are not shown in the drawings.

[0047] The scan lines commonly used in desktop scanners can be CCD (charged coupled device) or CIS (compact image sensor) lines. These lines have a resolution of 600 dpi (dots per inch), for example, and can be configured to the desired length. To start the scan, the axis is positioned directly in front of the edge of the object 112, either manually or automatically using a suitable sensor.

[0048] The scanner 120 moves at an adjustable speed from right to left or vice versa across the width of the object, then acquires the object data, i.e., the position of each pixel, is moved forward by the number of acquired scan lines, steps one scan line, and then retracts the width from left to right or vice versa. This continues until the scanner 120 no longer acquires any object data.

[0049] The recording of two consecutive lines can be done in the same direction, ie with reversing, or alternately, thus avoiding reversing and saving time.

[0050] The scanner(s) 120 capture(s) the position data of the object 112 each time it travels across the width of the object 112, which is required for creating the print files 131. From the object data acquired by the scanner 120, an object / image file can be created for the entire object, which results in an enormous file size for large objects. This should be avoided, and therefore the data should be sent line by line directly to the printing devices 140. In this case, each scan line can be a print file, and printing can occur "on the fly." This term refers to processes in which permanent or possibly temporary storage of data is dispensed with.

[0051] For this purpose, the data of the scanner 120 ideally correspond to those of the printing unit 140 in terms of width and resolution, so that each line captured by the scanner 120 can be transferred directly to the printing module 140 and the scanner 120 and the printing axis can thus process the object 112 synchronously with a constant line spacing.

[0052] Alternatively, a wider scanner 120 or a wider print module 140 can be used, for example to process the data captured with one pass of the scanner(s) 120 with two or more print passes or to combine two or more scanner passes and transfer them to the object 112 with one print pass.

[0053] The scan data, which is captured once, can be evaluated differently depending on the number of print sequences, i.e., the number of print passes. For example, the number of print sequences varies depending on whether only wood protection is to be applied or whether multi-color decorative printing is to be performed.

[0054] For printing a print medium 141, such as wood protection or any single-color decorative print, the contour data is determined, e.g., geometric lengths, widths, outline data, cutouts, etc. This data can also be automatically processed, for example, to add an allowance to ensure overprinting of the edges. The print medium 141 is not shown in the drawings.

[0055] The desired amount of printing medium 141, for example, the layer thickness of the wood preservative and / or a base coat of white, can be defined using the application thickness. The scanner 120 delivers a pixel grid, or bit map, at a resolution of, for example, 600 x 600 dpi. This data can be easily differentiated as to whether the respective pixel captures the object or a position outside the object.

[0056] The print thickness can be varied by assigning more or fewer print dots to each scanner pixel that has captured the object, or by using variable droplets to create smaller or larger print dots. Both can also be combined.

[0057] Another possibility is the controlled application of the pressure medium 141 to compensate for the varying absorption and absorption characteristics of the natural wood surface. This varying absorption characteristic creates a patchy appearance with a uniform application of the paint, which generally requires complex manual rework. The typical absorption characteristic can be attributed to the wood color and surface structure, and thus the application can be reduced to less absorbent areas, significantly reducing patchiness and eliminating the need for manual rework.

[0058] With the multi-color printing module, a complete color palette can be created by printing the individual colors together in different job thicknesses.

[0059] The application thickness, i.e., layer thickness, is determined by an operator for each object before printing begins and / or taken from a job ticket. Values ​​can also be imported from a database and / or read via a barcode or QR code. The layer thickness is specified in pm, and the printer control unit program uses this to determine the resolution in dpi and the required droplet size.

[0060] This allows the scan data to be converted line by line into print data. These calculations can be easily performed on the fly in the interval between scan pass and corresponding print pass, so that printing can begin after the first scan line has been determined and converted into a print file 131, without having to wait until the entire object 112 or a specific part of the object has been scanned. This has the advantage that the calculation time and the printing time are shorter and the necessary calculations can also be performed using inexpensive standard hardware. The printer is therefore able to carry out the printing process fully automatically after the job thickness has been defined, without additional phases (i.e. print stages) or interventions. Once the scan data has been generated, it can be used for all subsequent printing phases, for example white and decorative colors. A separate printing module can be used for each printing phase.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a system according to the invention comprising a device for printing objects 100, a work surface 210, and movement devices 220. The device 100 is used to print objects 111, 112, and 113. Of these, already printed objects 111 are shown to the right of the device 100 in Fig. 1, as are objects 113 still to be printed to the left of the device. The object currently being processed by the device 100 is marked 112.

[0062] The device 100 comprises a recording device 120. The recording device can, for example, comprise one or more cameras. The cameras can operate at different wavelengths and record both digitally and analogically, whereby the analog signal must still be digitized for further processing. The cameras can record the object 112 from different angles. The recording device 120 can capture the object three-dimensionally, so that differences in depth can also be detected. The recording device 120 can also comprise a light source, so that ambient light can be omitted.

[0063] The recording device 120 detects or records the nature of the object 112. In particular, holes 121 in the objects, recesses 122 in the objects, outlines 123 of the objects, and the structure 124 of the objects are recorded.

[0064] Holes 121 are naturally occurring spots in the wood, such as a knothole. Recesses 122 are spots created by processing the wood, which are surrounded by wood but where no wood is present. Outlines 123 refers to the outer boundaries of objects 111, 112, and 113. Since these are clearly defined, and marking them in the drawings would impair depiction, outlines 123 are not marked in the drawings. Finally, structure 124 of objects 111, 112, and 113 refers to optical differences in the surface of objects 111, 112, and 113, such as grain or discoloration of the wood or stone, or even structuring in artificial materials such as concrete or brick. Structure 124 can also include existing painting, printing, or varnishing.Since the structure 124 refers to the surface of the objects 111, 112 and 113, the reference numeral 124 is not marked in the drawings.

[0065] It should be noted that objects 111, 112, and 113 are merely indicated by way of example in the figures. The objects can, of course, have all kinds of different holes, cutouts, and apertures. Furthermore, the objects can be fed to the printing device 100 in any sequence, with or without such cutouts. The lengths and widths of the objects, as well as the sizes and positions of the cutouts, also vary. The figures are for illustrative purposes only.

[0066] The device can have several such recording devices 120. These can be arranged one behind the other—that is, serially—and, for example, record several lines—that is, one line at a time by a recording device 120. Alternatively, recording devices 120 can also be arranged in parallel, each recording a portion of a line.

[0067] It is also conceivable that recording devices 120 are arranged both in parallel and in series, ie one line is recorded by several recording devices 120, and several lines are each recorded simultaneously.

[0068] If recording devices 120 are arranged serially, each recording device 120 skips a number of lines after recording a line (or part of a line if additional recording devices 120 are arranged in parallel), which corresponds to the number of serial rows minus 1. For example, if there are three rows of recording devices 120 arranged serially, the first row would read the following lines in sequence: 1, 4, 7, ... The second row would read the following lines in sequence: 2, 5, 8, ... And the third row would read the following lines in sequence: 3, 6, 9, ...

[0069] However, it is possible for the serially arranged recording devices 120 to also read one line at a time. This means, for example, that the three recording devices 120 explained above can be arranged relative to one another so that they read lines 1, 2, and 3 simultaneously.

[0070] Each of the recording devices 120 thus records the surface of the object 112 currently being processed line by line as a printable background. Recording as a printable background means that the areas of the object 112 that cannot be printed, ie, holes 121 and recesses 122 in the object 112, as well as the areas that lie outside the outline 123 of the object 112, are not recorded.

[0071] By capturing the object 112 line by line, processing it into print files 141, and printing accordingly, processing large amounts of data is avoided. Since this is usually the longest-lasting step in conventional processes, the entire process can be de-skewned and thus accelerated.

[0072] The device further comprises a processing device 130. This can be attached directly to the device 100. However, the processing device 130 can also be arranged remotely from the device 100, as shown in Fig. 1. The processing device 130 can be a corresponding computer configured, using appropriate software, to create a print file 131 from the recorded lines of the printable substrate. A print file 131 is created for each line.

[0073] If recording devices 120 record a line in parallel and together, the corresponding data are merged before the corresponding print data 131 is created. Since the recording of one line must be completed before processing by the processing device 130, the recording device(s) 120 can record the next line of the object 112 while the processing device 130 creates the corresponding print file 131.

[0074] If, as explained above, several lines have been read in simultaneously by serially arranged recording devices 120, the processing device 130 can also create the corresponding print files 131 simultaneously. This can be done through different processes, i.e., instances, of the creation method, but can also be performed by multiple processing devices 130. It is also possible for the processing device 130 to be so fast that it can create the three corresponding print files 131 one after the other while the three serially arranged recording devices 120 simultaneously record the next three lines.

[0075] The device further comprises at least one printing device 140 that prints the object 112 in such a way that it applies printing medium 141 to the object 112 based on the created print files 131. In this case, each printing device 140 prints based on a print file 131 that was created from the recording of a line of the object 112.

[0076] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which a receiving device 120 is mounted on one side of a movable support, or axle, and a first pressure device 140 is mounted on the other side. The movable support can be a combination of the movement devices 220 and a fastening device. Furthermore, a drying device 150 is mounted on the first movable support.

[0077] Further printing devices 143 and optional drying devices 150 are attached to a second movable support. It can be seen that a printing device 140, 143 can consist of one or more print heads. As shown, the individual print heads can be attached to opposite sides of the axis or support. Alternatively, if no drying is required, if the drying time is sufficient, or if mixing is desired, it is possible to attach the individual elements of the printing devices on the same side. This also applies to the optional drying devices 150. As already described above, attaching the device in a movable design is merely one possible way of implementing the invention.Alternatively, objects 111, 112, and 113 can also be transported on a moving surface, such as a conveyor belt, beneath static elements of the device. The movement devices will be described in more detail below.

[0078] Pressure medium reservoirs can be arranged on the device 100. Pressure medium reservoirs are not shown in the drawings. In this case, a pressure medium 141 is located in each pressure medium reservoir. It is possible for each of the pressure devices 140 to have access to each of these pressure medium reservoirs and thus be able to apply each pressure medium 141. Alternatively, each pressure device 140 can be assigned a pressure medium reservoir. This has the advantage that mixing of pressure media 141 cannot occur. Alternatively, cleaning of the pressure devices can be provided, for example using air, water, or a cleaning fluid, which can free the pressure devices 140 of pressure medium residues. Evaporation or combustion can also be carried out alternatively. Combined pressure medium reservoirs are also conceivable, such that a pressure medium reservoir contains different pressure media 141.These can, for example, be separated from each other by a partition wall.

[0079] The pressure fluid reservoirs can be arranged directly on the pressure devices 140, but the pressure fluid 141 can also be routed to the pressure devices 140 via lines or hoses. In this case, the pressure fluid reservoirs can be located away from the pressure devices 140 and thus from the device, which is advantageous if the pressure fluid 141 is sensitive to storage conditions, for example, with regard to storage temperature, humidity, brightness, or the like.

[0080] As a rule, all recording devices 120 should be arranged before all printing devices 140. However, one or more recording devices 120 can also be arranged after the printing devices 140 to perform a control recording for quality assurance purposes. Fig. 2 shows the various zones representing areas of the objects. The exemplary system arrangement shown in Fig. 1 is used here. It should be noted that other arrangements are also possible.

[0081] Zone 1 comprises the areas of objects 111, 112 and 113 that are not yet printed. Zone 2 comprises the areas of objects 111, 112 and 113 that have already been recorded by the recording device 120 or are currently being recorded. Zone 3 comprises the areas of objects 111, 112 and 113 that have already been printed by the printing device 140 or are currently being printed. The optional drying device 150 has, if applicable, dried these areas accordingly. Zone 4 comprises the areas of objects 111, 112 and 113 that have been printed by the first part of a further printing device 143 or are currently being printed. The optional drying device 150 has, if applicable, dried these areas accordingly. Zone 5 comprises the areas of objects 111, 112 and 113 that have been printed by the second part of a further printing device 143 or are currently being printed. The optional drying devices 150 have dried these areas accordingly if necessary.Zone 5 therefore includes the finished areas of objects 111, 112 and 113.

[0082] The direction of movement of the movable supports 220 is indicated by an arrow and the symbol m.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows the dimensions of the device. Ys is the width of the area that can be captured by the receiving device 120 in one pass. YDI is the distance between the receiving device 120 and the printing devices 140, 143. YD is the width of the area that can be printed by each of the printing devices 140, 143 in one pass.

[0084] It has proven advantageous that the distances are equal, ie Ys = YDI = YD.

[0085] In one embodiment, the device can further comprise one or more drying devices 150. A drying device 150 can dry a printing medium 141 previously applied by a printing device 140 using UV light, air, and / or heat. This is advantageous if another printing medium 141 is to be applied to the printing medium 141. This can be the case if one of the printing media 141, usually the one applied first, is a primer or a protective agent. Even if printing is performed in multiple ink channels, multiple printing media 141 will be applied one after the other.

[0086] Thus, a drying device 150 can be installed after each printing device 140, ie, after each drying device. Alternatively, if the printed image is not affected, only a single drying device 150 can be installed after the last printing device 140 to dry the applied printing media 141 before the object 112 is removed from or transported off the work surface or conveyor belt.

[0087] If there is no need for drying, one or more drying devices 150 may also be missing.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the distance between the receiving device 120, the printing devices 140, and any drying devices 150 present can be adjusted to enable continuous printing of the object 112. This can be achieved by spacing the receiving device 120 and the printing devices 140 such that the processing device 130 can create the print files 131 from the printable substrate, i.e., based on knowledge of the processing speed of the recorded substrate by the processing device 130, the expected time for this can be estimated with a certain degree of certainty.Since the movement of the device 100 is intended to be continuous and its speed is known, can be adjusted or measured, the distance between the receiving device 120 and the printing devices 140 can be selected such that the processing is completed in any case, and thus neither a delay in the movement nor a complete standstill is achieved.

[0089] The same applies to the distance between the printing devices 140 and the drying devices 150, if present, which are spaced such that the applied printing media 141 are dry enough to allow the next printing device 143 to apply additional printing media 141. Here, too, the time until the ink is sufficiently dry is known, or can be calculated or measured. Using this information, the distance between the printing devices 140 and the drying devices 150 can be determined to be sufficiently large so that additional printing media 141 can be applied.

[0090] Since the distance at constant speed is linear to the elapsed time, the above also applies analogously to method 300.

[0091] In a further embodiment, the device is dimensioned so that the objects 111, 112, 113 can have a size of 16m x 4m. Thus, for example, glued wood panels of this size can be processed.

[0092] In a further embodiment, the recording device 120 can capture holes 121, recesses 122, and outlines 123 of the object 112, as well as the structure 124 of the object 112. With the information thus obtained, the application of printing media 141 to the locations where no printing media 141 is to be applied, e.g., holes 121, recesses 122, outside the outline 123 of the object 112, can be omitted. Furthermore, the captured structure 124 can be evaluated to the effect that more or less printing media is applied to darker, lighter, less or more heavily structured locations in order to ultimately achieve a more uniform appearance.

[0093] In a further embodiment, the processing device 130 can create print files 131 from the printable substrate in such a way that the printing media 141 to be applied result in a desired print image. The print files can therefore in particular contain information so that an image is created from the applied printing media 141. This can be relief-like, or in the case of differently colored printing media from one or more printing devices 140, 143, it can also be a real image. This image can be photographic in nature, but can also simply depict a structure, so that, for example, an object 112 takes on a wood or stone appearance. In this case, a non-uniform substrate is printed in such a non-uniform way that the end result is a uniform print image, i.e. a uniform appearance.

[0094] In a further embodiment, the printing devices 140 each print one line, with each of these lines corresponding to a line of the object 112 recorded line by line by the recording device 120. In this case, since the processing time of one line is shorter than the processing time of multiple lines, the distance between the elements of the device can also be smaller. Furthermore, the processing time of one line can also be better estimated than the processing time of multiple lines, and thus the safety margin that must be maintained to compensate for irregularities in processing can also be smaller.

[0095] In a further embodiment, at least one of the printing devices 140 applies a printable protective film. This can be a seal at the end of the printing process, but it can also be a wood protection against all other printing media 141. By integrating the application of the protective film into the device, potentially additional processing can be eliminated.

[0096] In a further embodiment, at least one of the applied printing media 141 is UV-curable, and optionally, if drying devices 150 are present, at least one of the drying devices 150 is a UV lamp. By using UV curing, drying between the printing media 141 or at the end of printing can be significantly accelerated. This can accelerate the overall printing process.

[0097] In a further embodiment, a system 200 for printing objects comprises

[0098] 111, 112, 113 a previously presented device 100 for printing objects 111,

[0099] 112, 113, and furthermore a work surface 210 on which the objects 111, 112, 113 can be stored. The system 200 further comprises at least one movement device 220 that effects movement between the device 100 and the objects 111, 112, 113.

[0100] This is achieved, for example, by continuously moving the objects 111, 112, 113 under the receiving device 120, the printing devices 140, and optionally the drying devices 150, i.e., for example, by moving the work surface 210 or by the work surface comprising driven rollers or a conveyor belt.

[0101] Alternatively, this can be achieved by continuously moving the receiving device 120, the printing devices 140, and optionally the drying devices 150 over the objects 111, 112, 113. This can be achieved by mounting the devices on a movable holder 220, which moves in one direction over the objects 111, 112, 113, for example, on wheels, rails, cables, or rollers, or the like. In this case, the holder has no contact with the objects 111, 112, 113, but rather is in contact with the floor (for example, with wheels), the walls (for example, with rails), or the ceiling (for example, with cables). However, the movement devices can also be moved on the work surface 210, for example, on wheels or rails.

[0102] A further embodiment relates to the method 300 for printing objects 111, 112, 113. Fig. 4 shows the sequence of the method 300. In step 310, the surface of an object 112 is first recorded line by line as a printable background.

[0103] By processing the printable substrate line by line, print files 131 are then created in step 320. Finally, in step 330, the objects are printed 330 based on the created print files 131 by applying printing media 141.

[0104] The previously presented features of the embodiments of the device 100 can also be used analogously in the system 200 or in the method 300. This means, in particular, that holes and recesses can optionally be detected in step 311 as part of step 310, and further printing processes can be performed in step 331.

[0105] Drying 340 is shown as an example after each print, but it can also be performed at just one location, depending on the need. Furthermore, printing and drying processes can be repeated as required by using appropriate holders with printing devices one after the other.

[0106] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiments. It should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments. Rather, various combinations of the individual embodiments are also possible. Due to the teaching of technical action based on the invention in question, this variation possibility lies within the skill of a person skilled in the art. The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0107] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0108] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0109] Reference symbol list

[0110] Device for printing objects already printed objects currently printed object objects still to be printed

[0111] Reception facility

[0112] Holes in the objects

[0113] Recesses in the objects

[0114] Outlines of the objects

[0115] Structure of the objects

[0116] Processing facility

[0117] Print files

[0118] Printing device

[0119] Printing medium additional printing device

[0120] Drying device

[0121] System for printing objects

[0122] Work surface

[0123] Movement device

[0124] Method for printing objects line by line

[0125] Capturing holes, recesses, outlines and the structure of the object

[0126] Creating print files

[0127] Print further printing

[0128] Dry

Claims

Patent claims Device (100) for printing objects (111, 112, 113), comprising: at least one receiving device (120) which is designed to receive the surface of an object (112) line by line as a printable background, a processing device (130) which is designed to process the printable to process the background line by line and to create print files (131), and at least one printing device (140) which is configured to print the object (112) on the basis of the created print files (131) by applying printing media (141). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one drying device (150) which is configured to dry the printing media (141) applied by the printing devices (140). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (120), the printing devices (140) and, if applicable,the drying devices (150) are spaced apart to enable continuous printing of the object (112), wherein the receiving device (120) and the printing devices (140) are spaced apart to allow the processing device (130) to create the print files (131) from the printable substrate, and optionally the printing devices (140) and drying devices (150) are spaced apart to allow the applied printing media (141) to be dry enough to allow further printing media (141) to be applied by a subsequent printing device (143). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the objects (111, 112, 113) are glued wood panels measuring 16m x 4m. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recording device (120) is configured to detect holes (121), recesses (122), and outlines (123) of the object (112), as well as the structure (124) of the object (112). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device (130) is configured to create print files (131) from the printable substrate in such a way that the printing means (141) to be applied result in a desired print image, wherein, in particular, a non-uniform substrate is to be printed non-uniformly in such a way that a uniform print image is created. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing devices (140) each print a line that corresponds to a line of the object (112) recorded line by line. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the printing devices (140) applies a printable protective film.Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the applied printing means (141) is UV-curing, and any drying device (150) present is a UV lamp. System (200) for printing objects (111, 112, 113) comprising the device (100) for printing objects (111, 112, 113) according to one of the preceding claims and further comprising: a work surface (210) which is configured to support the objects (111, 112, 113), at least one movement device (220) which is configured to continuously move the objects (111, 112, 113) under the receiving device (120), the printing devices (140), and optionally the drying devices (150), and / or to continuously move the receiving device (120), the printing devices (140), and optionally the drying devices (150) over the objects (111, 112, 113). Method (300) for printing objects (111, 112, 113), the method comprising: line-by-line recording (310) of the surface of an object (112) as a printable substrate, Creating (320) print files (131) by line-by-line processing of the printable background, and Printing (330) based on the created print files (131) by applying printing media (141). The method (300) according to claim 11, further comprising drying (340) the printing media (141) applied during printing (330). Method (300) according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the steps of receiving (310), printing (330) and optionally drying (340) are spaced apart in time such that continuous printing of the objects (111, 112, 113) is enabled, wherein the receiving (310) and printing (330) are spaced apart in time such that the creation (320) of the print files (131) from the printable substrate can be completed, and optionally the printing (330) and drying (340) are spaced apart in time such that the applied printing media (141) are dried to such an extent that further printing media (141) can be applied by a next printing (331).The method (300) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the recording (310) comprises detecting (311) holes (121), recesses (122), and outlines (123) of the object (112), as well as the structure (124) of the object (112). The method (300) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the creation (320) of print files (131) from the printable substrate creates the print files (131) such that the printing means (141) to be applied produce a desired print image. wherein, in particular, a non-uniform background is to be printed non-uniformly such that a uniform print image is produced. Method (300) according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the printing (330) is carried out line by line, wherein each line to be printed corresponds to a line of the object (112) recorded line by line.

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