Printing apparatus, printing method, and method for producing printed matter

Abstract

To improve the color development of printing when printing is applied to cloth by a solvent-based ink for pad printing.SOLUTION: In the printing method, a cloth is printed with a solvent-based ink for pad printing. A printing method includes an ink filling step of filling an intaglio plate having a recess corresponding to a figure obtained by reversing printing with a solvent-based ink so that the solvent-based ink remains only in the recess. The printing method includes a primary transfer step of transferring the solvent-based ink in the recessed portion to a transfer pad by an operation of pressing the transfer pad against the intaglio plate and separating the transfer pad from the intaglio plate. The printing method includes a secondary transfer step of pressing the transfer pad against the flat plate and transferring the solvent-based ink transferred to the transfer pad to the flat plate. The printing method includes a tertiary transfer step of applying a cloth to the lithographic plate to which the solvent-based ink is transferred and transferring the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate to the cloth.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a method for producing a printed product, for printing fabrics with solvent-based inks for pad printing. [Background technology]

[0002] Various visual information such as manufacturer, size, material, product name, and handling precautions is displayed on fabric products (e.g., clothing). A common method of displaying information is to sew a tag bearing the information onto the fabric. However, if the fabric product is, for example, underwear, sewing a tag onto the underwear puts the tag in direct contact with the wearer's skin, which may make the underwear less comfortable to wear. For this reason, some underwear that prioritizes comfort has information printed directly onto the fabric of the underwear without using a tag. This type of printing is performed using pad printing technology, for example, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Here, "pad printing" refers to a printing method in which ink filled in the recesses of an intaglio plate is first applied (transferred) to a transfer pad that elastically deforms when pressed, and then re-applied to the print target (media), thereby printing the target. Pad printing often uses solvent-based inks that are suitable for pad printing applications. Examples of solvent-based inks used include resin dissolved in a solvent and pigments or other coloring matter mixed (dispersed). Solvent-based inks penetrate the media (print target) and fix the coloring matter to the media.

[0004] Solvent-based inks for pad printing have the property that their tackiness increases as the solvent evaporates, and then weakens as the solvent evaporates further. The solvent-based ink filled in the recesses of the intaglio plate becomes more tacky as the solvent evaporates at the openings of the recesses, and adheres to the transfer pad when pressed against it. Because the solvent in the solvent-based ink continues to evaporate even after adhering to the transfer pad, the solvent-based ink becomes less tacky on the transfer pad side. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the transfer pad, the solvent-based ink becomes more tacky as it leaves the recesses of the intaglio plate and the solvent begins to evaporate. When the transfer pad is pressed against another object in this state, the solvent-based ink separates from the transfer pad and adheres to the surface of the object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,498,277 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When printing is performed on fabric using the conventional pad printing technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that the color development of the print is worse than when printing is performed on fabric using a different printing technique, such as thermal transfer sheet printing.

[0007] The present disclosure makes it possible to improve the color development of prints when printing on fabric with solvent-based ink for pad printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printing device for printing on fabric. The printing device includes a lithographic plate. The printing device also includes an intaglio plate having recesses corresponding to a reversed print pattern. The printing device also includes an ink filling device that fills the intaglio plate with solvent-based ink for pad printing so that it remains only in the recesses. The printing device also includes one or more transfer pads that transfer the solvent-based ink in the recesses onto the printing device and then transfer the solvent-based ink to the lithographic plate. The printing device also includes a transfer device that presses a fabric against the lithographic plate to which the solvent-based ink has been transferred, and transfers the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate to the fabric.

[0009] The printing device of the present disclosure performs printing by transferring ink from a lithographic plate to a cloth, and therefore can be said to be a printing device classified as a "lithographic printing device."

[0010] The present inventors have come up with the present disclosure based on the belief that one of the causes of poor color development when printing on fabric with solvent-based ink is the penetration of the pigment of the solvent-based ink from the surface into the interior of the fabric (media) along with the solvent. That is, in the above-described aspect, the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate is transferred to the fabric by pressing the fabric against the side from which the solvent has volatilized to the extent that it is separated from the transfer pad. Therefore, the amount of solvent that penetrates into the interior of the fabric when transferring the solvent-based ink to the fabric is less than in the conventional pad printing technology. Thus, according to the above-described aspect, when printing on fabric with solvent-based ink for pad printing, the amount of pigment that penetrates into the interior of the fabric along with the solvent can be reduced, and the amount of pigment remaining on the surface of the fabric can be increased (improving the color development of the print).

[0011] According to another aspect, the printing apparatus includes a heat press device that performs a heat press process on the cloth pressed against the plate, and an ink filling device that fills the recesses with solvent-based ink, which has a pigment dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent.

[0012] According to the above aspect, by performing a heat press process when transferring the solvent-based ink on the lithographic plate to the cloth, it is possible to promote the fixation of the resin contained in the solvent-based ink to the cloth, thereby improving the fixability of the pigment.

[0013] According to another aspect, a printing apparatus includes a plurality of assemblies each having a combined intaglio plate and ink-filling device configuration, each of which uses a different type of ink, such as a solvent-based ink, and one or more transfer pads for transferring the different types of ink to the same lithographic plate.

[0014] Fabric is a deformable material and may be subject to misalignment or deformation when subjected to an external force, such as when transferring solvent-based inks. According to the above-described aspect, after multiple types of solvent-based inks are transferred to a lithographic plate, these solvent-based inks can be transferred to the fabric at once. This makes it possible to perform multi-color printing on the fabric using multiple types of solvent-based inks, while suppressing the occurrence of "misregistration" (a problem in which multiple printed areas are misaligned relative to one another) due to misalignment or deformation of the fabric.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided a printing method for printing on fabric with a solvent-based ink for pad printing. This printing method includes an ink filling step in which an intaglio plate having recesses corresponding to a reversed print pattern is filled with the solvent-based ink so that it remains only in the recesses. The printing method also includes a primary transfer step in which a transfer pad is pressed against the intaglio plate and then released to transfer the solvent-based ink in the recesses to the transfer pad. The printing method also includes a secondary transfer step in which the transfer pad is pressed against the lithographic plate to transfer the solvent-based ink transferred to the transfer pad onto the lithographic plate. The printing method also includes a tertiary transfer step in which a fabric is placed against the lithographic plate to which the solvent-based ink has been transferred, and the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate is then transferred to the fabric.

[0016] The printing method of the present disclosure involves transferring ink from a lithographic plate to a cloth, and therefore can be said to be a printing method classified as a "lithographic printing method."

[0017] According to the above aspect, the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate is transferred to a cloth by placing the cloth against the side from which the solvent has evaporated to such an extent that the side is separated from the transfer pad. Therefore, the amount of solvent that penetrates into the cloth when the solvent-based ink is transferred to the cloth is less than that of the conventional pad printing technology. Therefore, according to the above aspect, when printing on a cloth with a solvent-based ink for pad printing, the amount of dye that penetrates into the cloth together with the solvent can be reduced, and the amount of dye remaining on the surface of the cloth can be increased (improving the color development of the print).

[0018] In another aspect of the printing method, a solvent-based ink in which a pigment is dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent is used, and in the tertiary transfer step, a heat press treatment is performed on a cloth placed on a flat plate.

[0019] According to the above aspect, by performing a heat press process in the tertiary transfer step in which the solvent-based ink on the lithographic plate is transferred to the cloth, it is possible to promote the fixation of the resin contained in the solvent-based ink to the cloth and improve the fixability of the pigment.

[0020] In another aspect of the printing method, multiple types of solvent-based ink are prepared. In the printing method, an intaglio plate is prepared for each type of ink, and an ink filling step, a primary transfer step, and a secondary transfer step are performed. In the printing method, the ink is transferred to the same planographic plate in the secondary transfer step, which is performed multiple times because it is performed for each type of ink. In the printing method, a tertiary transfer step is performed after the multiple secondary transfer steps are completed.

[0021] According to the above aspect, after multiple types of solvent-based inks are transferred to a lithographic plate, these solvent-based inks can be transferred to a fabric at once. As a result, according to the above aspect, it is possible to perform "multi-color printing" using multiple types of solvent-based inks on the fabric, while suppressing the occurrence of "misregistration" due to misalignment or deformation of the fabric.

[0022] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for producing a printed item in which a fabric is printed with a solvent-based ink for pad printing. This method for producing a printed item includes an ink-filling step in which an intaglio plate having recesses corresponding to a reversed print pattern is filled with the solvent-based ink so that it remains only in the recesses. The method for producing a printed item also includes a primary transfer step in which a transfer pad is pressed against the intaglio plate and then released to transfer the solvent-based ink in the recesses to the transfer pad. The method for producing a printed item also includes a secondary transfer step in which the transfer pad is pressed against the lithographic plate to transfer the solvent-based ink transferred to the transfer pad to the lithographic plate. The method for producing a printed item also includes a tertiary transfer step in which a fabric is placed against the lithographic plate to which the solvent-based ink has been transferred, and the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate is then transferred to the fabric.

[0023] In addition, the printed matter produced by the present disclosure can be said to be classified as "lithographic printing" because the ink is transferred from the lithographic plate to the fabric.

[0024] According to the above aspect, the solvent-based ink transferred to the lithographic plate is transferred to a cloth by placing the cloth against the side from which the solvent has evaporated to such an extent that the side is separated from the transfer pad. Therefore, the amount of solvent that penetrates into the cloth when the solvent-based ink is transferred to the cloth is less than that of the conventional pad printing technology. Therefore, according to the above aspect, when printing on a cloth with a solvent-based ink for pad printing, the amount of dye that penetrates into the cloth together with the solvent can be reduced, and the amount of dye remaining on the surface of the cloth can be increased (improving the color development of the print).

[0025] In another aspect, a method for producing a printed matter uses a solvent-based ink in which a pigment is dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent, and in a tertiary transfer step, a heat press treatment is performed on a cloth placed against a lithographic plate.

[0026] According to the above aspect, by performing a heat press process in the tertiary transfer step in which the solvent-based ink on the lithographic plate is transferred to the cloth, it is possible to promote the fixation of the resin contained in the solvent-based ink to the cloth and improve the fixability of the pigment.

[0027] In another aspect of the method for producing a printed matter, multiple types of solvent-based inks are prepared. In the method for producing a printed matter, an intaglio plate is prepared for each type of ink, and an ink filling step, a primary transfer step, and a secondary transfer step are performed. In the method for producing a printed matter, the ink is transferred to the same planographic plate in the secondary transfer step, which is performed multiple times because it is performed for each type of ink. In the method for producing a printed matter, a tertiary transfer step is performed after the multiple secondary transfer steps are completed.

[0028] According to the above aspect, after multiple types of solvent-based inks are transferred to a lithographic plate, these solvent-based inks can be transferred to a fabric at once. As a result, according to the above aspect, it is possible to perform "multi-color printing" using multiple types of solvent-based inks on the fabric, while suppressing the occurrence of "misregistration" due to misalignment or deformation of the fabric. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the color development of prints when printing on fabric with a solvent-based ink for pad printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment, with some components shown in virtual lines. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part VII in FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part IX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the side facing the center of the turntable 10A shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the "center side," and the side opposite the center side will be referred to as the "outer periphery side."

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 10 produces a printed matter 90A by applying a print 91 to one side (hereinafter also referred to as the "printing side") of a fabric 90 using a solvent-based ink for pad printing. Here, the "solvent-based ink for pad printing" is configured such that a colorant (e.g., a pigment) is dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent.

[0033] The fabric 90 on which the print 91 is applied may be any of knitted fabric, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the printed matter 90A on which the print 91 is applied may be a product that will be shipped as a printed product as is, such as a tenugui (hand towel), or may be a work in progress to be used in the production of a fabric product, such as clothing.

[0034] In this embodiment, the print 91 is a full-color print having a solid corner portion 91A, a cyan corner portion 91B, a magenta corner portion 91C, a yellow corner portion 91D, a blue corner portion 91E, a green corner portion 91F, a red corner portion 91G, and a black corner portion 91H, as shown in FIG. 9 . The solid corner portion 91A is formed by applying only black ink 22A (see FIG. 4), a black solvent-based ink, to the fabric 90. The cyan corner portion 91B is formed by applying only cyan ink 32A (see FIG. 5), a cyan solvent-based ink, to the fabric 90. The magenta corner portion 91C is formed by applying only magenta ink 42A (see FIG. 6), a magenta solvent-based ink, to the fabric 90. The yellow corner portion 91D is formed by applying only yellow ink 52A (see FIG. 7), a yellow solvent-based ink, to the fabric 90. The blue corner portion 91E is formed by applying a combination of cyan ink 32A and magenta ink 42A to the fabric 90. The green portion 91F is a combination of cyan ink 32A and yellow ink 52A that are applied to the fabric 90. The red portion 91G is a combination of magenta ink 42A and yellow ink 52A that are applied to the fabric 90. The black portion 91H is a combination of cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, yellow ink 52A, and black ink 22A that are applied to the fabric 90. The solvent-based inks are combined in the form of an "overprint," where one solvent-based ink is laid on top of the other solvent-based ink.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 10 includes a turntable 10A, a belt conveyor 10B, six planographic plates 11, a transfer device 12, and four assemblies 20, 30, 40, and 50.

[0036] The lithographic plate 11 has a plate-like structure with an upper surface that is smooth and flat enough to be used for lithographic printing. In this embodiment, the lithographic plate 11 is made of silicone rubber with releasability.

[0037] Solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) are transferred onto the flat surface of the plate 11 by four assemblies 20, 30, 40, and 50. These solvent-based inks collectively form a pattern 11A (see FIG. 7) that is an inverted version of the print 91 (see FIG. 9). A cloth 90 is placed over the plate 11 to which the solvent-based inks have been transferred. The solvent-based inks are then transferred from the plate 11 to the cloth 90, forming the print 91. From this perspective, the printing apparatus 10 can be considered a printing apparatus categorized as a "lithographic printing apparatus," and the printing method using the printing apparatus 10 can be considered a printing method categorized as a "lithographic printing method." The cloth 90 with the print 91 (i.e., the printed matter 90A) is then peeled off the plate 11 and transported to the outside by a belt conveyor 10B. This printed matter 90A can be considered a printed matter categorized as "lithographic printing."

[0038] The turntable 10A is a disk-shaped structure that carries six flat plates 11 and rotates intermittently in one predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, the six flat plates 11 are arranged at equal distances from the center of the turntable 10A, spaced apart by 60°. Near the turntable 10A, an assembly 20, an assembly 30, an assembly 40, an assembly 50, a transfer device 12, and a belt conveyor 10B are arranged in this order at 60° intervals in the direction of rotation. The turntable 10A rotates 60° in synchronization with the transfer device 12 and the four assemblies 20, 30, 40, and 50, each time a step (described below) performed by these components is completed. With these components, the turntable 10A intermittently feeds the six flat plates 11 to each component arranged near the turntable 10A.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly 20 includes an intaglio plate 21, an ink filling device 22, a transfer pad 23, and a cleaner 24.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, the intaglio 21 has recesses 21A corresponding to the inverted image of the areas in the print 91 where black ink 22A is used (see the solid corner areas 91A and black areas 91H in Fig. 9). The intaglio 21 is stored in a box-shaped container 20A with the opening of the recesses 21A facing upward (upward in Fig. 3). In this embodiment, the intaglio 21 is a steel plate for single-sided platemaking, with the recesses 21A formed by etching. The intaglio 21 is moved back and forth by a push-pull mechanism (not shown) between a stored position (see solid lines in Fig. 2) in which it is stored in the container 20A, and a protruding position (see phantom lines in Fig. 2) in which it protrudes toward the center of the container 20A.

[0041] The ink filling device 22 is combined with the intaglio 21 by being fixed in the same container 20A as the intaglio 21 by a mounting fixture (not shown). In other words, the assembly 20 has a configuration in which the intaglio 21 and the ink filling device 22 are combined. The ink filling device 22 in this embodiment has a cup-like configuration that holds black ink 22A therein, and is placed on the upper surface of the intaglio 21. Furthermore, when the intaglio 21 moves back and forth between the stored position and the extended position, the ink filling device 22 fills the black ink 22A so that it remains only in the recessed portion 21A of the intaglio 21.

[0042] The transfer pad 23 is a silicone pad that is also used for pad printing and has flexibility, such that it elastically deforms when pressed against it (not shown). The transfer pad 23 is attached to the lower end of the movable arm 23A facing downward (downward in FIG. 2), and moves as the movable arm 23A moves. In this embodiment, the transfer pad 23 can move back and forth between a first region 23B, which is directly above the stop position (see FIG. 2) where the flat plate 11 is temporarily stopped during intermittent feeding of the turntable 10A, and a second region 23C (see FIG. 3), which extends above and below the recess 21A of the intaglio plate 21 in the protruding position. The transfer pad 23 can also move up and down in both the first region 23B and the second region 23C.

[0043] The cleaner 24 is a device that removes deposits (e.g., ink, dust, etc.) from the surface of the transfer pad 23. As shown in FIG. 3 , the cleaner 24 of this embodiment includes a panel 24A that extends horizontally below the protruding position of the intaglio 21 in the second region 23C. The cleaner 24 also includes a single-sided adhesive tape 24C, unwound from a tape roll 24B, stretched across both the top and bottom surfaces of the panel 24A with its adhesive side facing outward (the side opposite the panel 24A). The cleaner 24 also includes a recovery roll 24D that winds up and recovers the single-sided adhesive tape 24C stretched across the panel 24A. The transfer pad 23 is pressed from above against the adhesive surface of the single-sided adhesive tape 24C stretched across the panel 24A. At this time, deposits on the surface of the transfer pad 23 adhere to the adhesive surface of the single-sided adhesive tape 24C and are removed from the transfer pad 23. Furthermore, the tape roll 24B and recovery roll 24D of the cleaner 24 pay out and recover the single-sided adhesive tape 24C in synchronization with the operation of the transfer pad 23, thereby maintaining the performance of removing deposits from the transfer pad 23.

[0044] Assembly 30 (see FIG. 5) has the same configuration as assembly 20, except that, instead of filling black ink 22A into recesses 21A of intaglio 21 in assembly 20 (see FIG. 3), assembly 30 has a configuration in which cyan ink 32A is filled into recesses 31A of intaglio 31. For this reason, each component of assembly 30 is assigned a reference number obtained by adding "10" to the reference number assigned to each component of assembly 20, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] Assembly 40 (see FIG. 6) has the same configuration as assembly 20, except that, instead of filling recesses 21A of intaglio 21 with black ink 22A (see FIG. 3) in assembly 20, assembly 40 has a configuration in which magenta ink 42A is filled into recesses 41A of intaglio 41. For this reason, each component of assembly 40 is assigned a reference number obtained by adding "20" to the reference number assigned to each component of assembly 20, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Assembly 50 (see FIG. 7) has the same configuration as assembly 20, except that, instead of filling recesses 21A of intaglio 21 with black ink 22A (see FIG. 3) in assembly 20, assembly 50 has a configuration in which yellow ink 52A is filled into recesses 41A of intaglio 41. For this reason, each component of assembly 50 is assigned a reference number obtained by adding "30" to the reference number assigned to each component of assembly 20, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 8, the transfer device 12 is configured to lower a press ram 12A from directly above onto a flat plate 11 that has been temporarily stopped during intermittent feeding of the turntable 10A. The transfer device 12 lowers the press ram 12A onto a flat plate 11 (see the imaginary lines in Fig. 8) that has a pattern 11A made of solvent-based ink on its upper surface and is covered with a cloth 90 from above. By pressing the cloth 90 against the flat plate 11, the press ram 12A transfers the solvent-based ink transferred onto the flat plate 11 to the cloth 90, resulting in a print 91. In this embodiment, the press ram 12A is made of the same type of silicone rubber as the flat plate 11.

[0048] The press ram 12A has a built-in heater (not shown) that increases the surface temperature of the press ram 12A. The transfer device 12 performs a heat press process on the fabric 90 by causing the heater to generate heat when the press ram 12A presses the fabric 90 against the plate 11. In other words, the transfer device 12 corresponds to the "heat press device" in this disclosure.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the belt conveyor 10B is a known belt conveyor that conveys an object placed on its upper surface (for example, a printed matter 90A) toward the outer periphery.

[0050] Next, a description will be given of an embodiment of a printing method for applying print 91 to fabric 90 using the above-described printing device 10. This printing method can be described as "a method for producing a printed matter 90A in which print 91 is applied to fabric 90 using solvent-based inks for pad printing (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A)."

[0051] In this printing method, a table 92A on which fabric 90, which is the printing target (the target to which ink is transferred), is placed is installed in advance near the transfer device 12 of the printing device 10 (see FIG. 1). The fabric 90 is laid out on the table 92A. At this time, multiple sheets of fabric 90 may be placed one on top of the other on the table 92A, as shown in FIG.

[0052] In the printing method of this embodiment, an operator 92 (see FIG. 1) who will use the printing device 10 is made to wait in advance. The operator 92 waits in a location where he or she can easily reach the flat plate 11 under the transfer device 12, the stand 92A, the belt conveyor 10B, and the flat plate 11 under this belt conveyor 10B.

[0053] In the printing method, the printing apparatus 10 rotates the turntable 10A by 60° and intermittently feeds the planographic plate 11 to the assembly 20. In response, a push-pull mechanism (not shown) of the assembly 20 moves the intaglio plate 21 from a storage position (see solid lines in FIG. 2) in which it is stored in a container 20A to the above-mentioned protruding position (see imaginary lines in FIG. 2). At this time, the ink filling device 22 of the assembly 20 fills the black ink 22A so that it remains only in the recesses 21A of the intaglio plate 21 (see FIG. 3). This corresponds to the "ink filling step" in this disclosure.

[0054] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the printing device 10 operates the movable arm 23A to move the transfer pad 23 to a position directly above the intaglio 21. The printing device 10 then presses the transfer pad 23 against the intaglio 21 from above and then releases it. This operation causes the black ink 22A remaining in the recesses 21A of the intaglio 21 to leave the recesses 21A and adhere to (transfer) the transfer pad 23. In other words, the transfer pad 23 transfers the black ink 22A in the recesses 21A onto itself. In this transfer, the black ink 22A is transferred in an inverted form. This corresponds to the "primary transfer step" in this disclosure. The mechanism by which the solvent-based ink (black ink 22A) is transferred to the transfer pad 23 in response to the pressing of the transfer pad 23 has been described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0055] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 10 operates the movable arm 23A to move the transfer pad 23 to a first region 23B directly above the planographic plate 11. The printing apparatus 10 then presses the transfer pad 23 against the planographic plate 11 from above and then releases it. This operation causes the black ink 22A transferred to the transfer pad 23 to separate from the transfer pad 23 and adhere (transfer) to the upper surface of the planographic plate 11, as shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. 2. In other words, the transfer pad 23 transfers the black ink 22A transferred to itself to the planographic plate 11. In this transfer, the black ink 22A is transferred in an inverted form to the planographic plate 11. This corresponds to the "secondary transfer step" in this disclosure. The mechanism by which the solvent-based ink (black ink 22A) separates from the transfer pad 23 and adheres to the surface of the planographic plate 11, which is another item, has been described above, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0056] In the primary and secondary transfer steps for transferring the black ink 22A, the black ink 22A is reversed a total of two times. As a result, the black ink 22A transferred to the upper surface of the planographic plate 11 has the same shape as the recesses 21A of the intaglio plate 21, as shown in FIG.

[0057] After the secondary transfer step of transferring the black ink 22A is completed, the printing device 10 operates the push / pull mechanism (not shown) of the assembly 20 to move the intaglio 21 from the protruding position (see the imaginary line in FIG. 2 ) to the retracted position (see the solid line in FIG. 2 ). The printing device 10 then operates the movable arm 23A to move the transfer pad 23 to the second region 23C (see FIG. 3 ). The printing device 10 then lowers the transfer pad 23 in the second region 23C and presses the transfer pad 23 from above against the adhesive surface of the single-sided adhesive tape 24C. At this time, any adhering matter on the surface of the transfer pad 23 adheres to the adhesive surface of the single-sided adhesive tape 24C and is removed from the transfer pad 23. The tape roll 24B and recovery roll 24D of the cleaner 24 pay out and recover the single-sided adhesive tape 24C in synchronization with the operation of the transfer pad 23, thereby maintaining the ability to remove adhering matter from the transfer pad 23. This step is also referred to below as the "cleaning step."

[0058] After the cleaning step in the assembly 20 is completed, the printing apparatus 10 rotates the turntable 10A by 60° and intermittently feeds the lithographic plate 11 from the assembly 20 to the assembly 30 (see FIG. 1). In response, the assembly 30 performs a series of steps (not shown) similar to the ink filling step, primary transfer step, secondary transfer step, and cleaning step performed by the assembly 20. As a result, cyan ink 32A having the same shape as the recesses 31A of the intaglio 31 is transferred and superimposed on the upper surface of the lithographic plate 11, as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, any ink, dust, and other adhering matter is removed from the transfer pad 33 (see FIG. 5) of the assembly 30.

[0059] After the series of steps in assembly 30 is completed, the printing apparatus 10 rotates the turntable 10A by 60° and intermittently feeds the lithographic plate 11 from the assembly 30 to the assembly 40 (see FIG. 1). In response, the assembly 40 performs a series of steps (not shown) similar to those performed by the assembly 20: ink filling step, primary transfer step, secondary transfer step, and cleaning step. As a result, magenta ink 42A having the same shape as the recesses 41A of the intaglio 41 is transferred and superimposed on the upper surface of the lithographic plate 11, as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, any ink, dust, and other adhering matter is removed from the transfer pad 43 (see FIG. 6) of the assembly 40.

[0060] After the series of steps in assembly 40 is completed, the printing apparatus 10 rotates the turntable 10A by 60° and intermittently feeds the planographic plate 11 from under assembly 40 to under assembly 50 (see FIG. 1). In response, assembly 50 performs a series of steps (not shown) similar to those performed by assembly 20: ink filling step, primary transfer step, secondary transfer step, and cleaning step. As a result, yellow ink 52A having the same shape as the recesses 51A of the intaglio 51 is transferred and superimposed on the upper surface of the planographic plate 11, as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, ink, dust, and other adhering matter are removed from the transfer pad 53 (see FIG. 7) of assembly 50.

[0061] That is, in the printing method of this embodiment, four types of solvent-based ink for pad printing are prepared: black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A. Then, intaglio plates 21, 31, 41, and 51 are prepared for each type of ink, and the ink filling step, primary transfer step, secondary transfer step, and cleaning step are performed. Furthermore, in the secondary transfer step, which is performed multiple times (four times) for each type of ink, the ink is transferred to the same planographic plate 11.

[0062] After the series of steps in the assembly 50 are completed, the printing device 10 rotates the turntable 10A by 60°, intermittently feeds the lithographic plate 11 from the assembly 50 to the transfer device 12 (see FIG. 1), and then temporarily stops operation. Meanwhile, the operator 92 visually checks whether there are any problems with the inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) transferred to the lithographic plate 11. This check includes, for example, checking whether the color and shape of the figure 11A formed by the inks are appropriate, whether there is any misalignment between the relative positions of the inks, and whether there is any ink adhering to portions of the figure 11A. In this embodiment, because the inks are combined in the "overprint" manner described above, the operator 92 may additionally check for signs of a problem in which the upper ink does not adhere to the lower ink (on the lithographic plate 11 side) (so-called "trapping failure").

[0063] If the operator 92 determines that there is a problem with the ink transferred to the lithographic plate 11, he shuts down the printing apparatus 10 and then cleans the lithographic plate 11 to remove the adhering solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A).The operator 92 then resets the settings of the printing apparatus 10 and restarts each step of the printing method from the beginning.

[0064] If the operator 92 determines that there is no problem with the ink transferred to the plate 11, he or she picks up a piece of cloth 90 from an external stand 92A, as shown by the imaginary lines in Figure 8, and places this cloth 90 over the plate 11 located directly below the press ram 12A of the transfer device 12. At this time, the operator 92 (not shown in Figure 8) places the cloth 90 so that the area to be printed on the cloth 90 faces the plate 11. The operator 92 then operates the printing device 10 to resume operation of the printing device 10, and moves away from the plate 11 with the cloth 90 covered.

[0065] After restarting operation, the printing device 10 lowers the press ram 12A of the transfer device 12 toward the plate 11 directly below. This press ram 12A presses the cloth 90 against the plate 11, thereby transferring the inks transferred to the plate 11 (see black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A in FIG. 7) to the cloth 90, resulting in print 91. In this transfer, the pattern 11A formed by the inks is transferred in an inverted form to the cloth 90, resulting in print 91 (see FIG. 9). The series of steps from when the cloth 90 is placed over the plate 11 to when print 91 is applied to the cloth 90 corresponds to the "tertiary transfer step" in this disclosure. This tertiary transfer step is performed after all secondary transfer steps, which are performed multiple times (four times) for each type of ink (see black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A in Figure 7), are completed.

[0066] In this embodiment, in the tertiary transfer step, the transfer device 12 performs a heat press process on the fabric 90 by generating heat from a heater (not shown) built into the press ram 12A. This heat press process promotes the fixation of the resin contained in the solvent-based ink to the fabric 90, improving the fixability of the ink pigment.

[0067] After the tertiary transfer step (heat press process) by the transfer device 12 is completed, the printing apparatus 10 raises the press ram 12A of the transfer device 12 and further rotates the turntable 10A by 60°. This causes the printing apparatus 10 to intermittently feed the flat plate 11, together with the cloth 90 (printed material 90A) on top of it, from the transfer device 12 to the belt conveyor 10B. In response, the worker 92 peels the cloth 90 (printed material 90A) from the flat plate 11 and places it, printed side up, on the belt conveyor 10B (see FIG. 9 ; however, the worker 92 is not shown in FIG. 9 ). The belt conveyor 10B transports the placed printed material 90A to the outside. This completes one embodiment of the printing method disclosed herein. The worker 92 may wipe the top surface of the flat plate 11 with a rag or the like after peeling off the cloth 90 in preparation for the next printing (not shown).

[0068] In the printing device 10 described above, the solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) transferred to the lithographic plate 11 are transferred to the fabric 90 by pressing the fabric 90 against the side from which the solvent has evaporated to the extent that the ink is separated from the transfer pads 23, 33, 43, and 53. As a result, the amount of solvent that penetrates into the fabric 90 when the solvent-based inks are transferred to the fabric 90 is less than that of the conventional pad printing technique described above. As a result, when the printing device 10 performs a print 91 on the fabric 90 using solvent-based inks for pad printing (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A), it is possible to reduce the amount of pigment that penetrates into the fabric 90 along with the solvent and increase the amount of pigment that remains on the surface of the fabric 90 (improving the color development of the print 91).

[0069] Furthermore, according to the printing device 10, by performing a heat press process when transferring the solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) on the plate 11 to the fabric 90, the fixation of the resin contained in the solvent-based ink to the fabric 90 can be promoted, thereby improving the fixation of the pigment.

[0070] Furthermore, with the printing device 10, multiple types (four types) of solvent-based inks, namely black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A, can be transferred to the plate 11, and then these solvent-based inks can be transferred to the fabric 90 at once. As a result, with the printing device 10, the print 91 applied to the fabric 90 can be "multicolor printed" using multiple types of solvent-based inks, while preventing "misregistration" due to misalignment or deformation of the fabric 90.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described printing method (method for producing a printed matter), the solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) transferred to the lithographic plate 11 are transferred to the fabric 90 by placing the cloth 90 against the side from which the solvent has evaporated to the extent that the ink is separated from the transfer pads 23, 33, 43, and 53. Therefore, the amount of solvent that penetrates into the fabric 90 when the solvent-based inks are transferred to the fabric 90 is less than that of the conventional pad printing technique described above. As a result, according to the printing method, when a print 91 is produced on the fabric 90 using the solvent-based inks for pad printing (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A), the amount of pigment that penetrates into the fabric 90 together with the solvent can be reduced, and the amount of pigment remaining on the surface of the fabric 90 can be increased (improving the color development of the print 91).

[0072] Furthermore, according to the printing method (method for producing printed matter), by performing a heat press process in the tertiary transfer step in which the solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) on the plate 11 are transferred to the cloth 90, the fixation of the resin contained in the solvent-based ink to the cloth 90 is promoted, thereby improving the fixability of the pigment.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the printing method (method for producing printed matter), multiple types (four types) of solvent-based inks, namely black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A, can be transferred to the plate 11, and then these solvent-based inks can be transferred all at once to the fabric 90. As a result, according to the printing method, the print 91 applied to the fabric 90 can be a "multi-color print" using multiple types of solvent-based inks, while preventing the occurrence of "misregistration" due to misalignment or deformation of the fabric 90.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the printing method (method for producing printed matter), the solvent-based inks (black ink 22A, cyan ink 32A, magenta ink 42A, and yellow ink 52A) that will make up the print 91 can be checked in a state where they are concentrated on a single plate 11 before being transferred to the fabric 90. As a result, according to the printing method, defects due to interactions between the transferred inks (such as "trapping defects") can be detected in advance, and the occurrence of defective products in which the ink has been incompletely transferred to the fabric 90 can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the printing method (method for producing printed matter), when an operator 92 visually checks the solvent-based inks collected on one lithographic plate 11, the operator 92 can check the entirety of these solvent-based inks as a figure 11A that is an inverted version of the print 91. Therefore, according to the printing method, the operator 92 can intuitively grasp the correspondence between the multiple solvent-based inks collected on the lithographic plate 11 and the print 91, thereby improving the efficiency of checking for defects in printing (such as "misregistration").

[0076] Furthermore, according to the printing method (method for producing printed matter), the solvent-based ink graphic 11A that the worker 92 checks is provided on a smooth, flat surface of the lithographic plate 11. Therefore, according to the printing method, when the worker 92 checks whether there is a problem with the solvent-based ink graphic 11A, the worker 92 does not need to consider distortion due to unevenness or curvature of the surface to which each ink has been transferred, thereby improving the efficiency of the checking work.

[0077] The above-described embodiment has been used to describe the mode for carrying out the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the mode for carrying out the present disclosure may include all substitutions, modifications, and alterations that do not depart from the spirit and purpose of the claims appended hereto. For example, the following various modes can be implemented as modes for carrying out the present disclosure.

[0078] (1) The printing apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited to one that performs full-color printing using black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. That is, in the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the number of ink types used for printing may be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of assemblies that each use a different type of ink. For example, the printing apparatus may be a printing apparatus for monochrome printing with only one assembly, or a printing apparatus for two-color printing with two assemblies. Furthermore, the printing apparatus may be a printing apparatus for grayscale printing with multiple assemblies that each correspond to inks of the same color but differing in density. In these cases, the ink color is not limited to the above and may be changed as appropriate, such as to white. Here, when the printing apparatus prints using multiple types of ink, it is preferable to prepare an intaglio plate for each type of ink and perform the ink filling step, primary transfer step, and secondary transfer step. Furthermore, in the secondary transfer step, which is performed multiple times for each type of ink, it is preferable to transfer the ink to the same planographic plate.

[0079] (2) In the printing apparatus of the embodiment described above, the intaglio plate is a steel plate for single-sided printing, with recesses formed by the "etching" technique. However, the intaglio plate used in the printing apparatus of the present disclosure may be a plate with recesses formed on an appropriately selected plate material, such as a copper plate, a plastic plate, or a plate material for double-sided printing. Furthermore, the recesses on the intaglio plate may be formed by an appropriately selected technique, such as "engraving" or "mesotint."

[0080] (3) In the printing apparatus of the embodiment described above, multiple planographic plates are placed on a turntable and transported from one assembly to another by the rotation of the turntable. However, in the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, a configuration can be adopted in which the planographic plates are transported by an appropriately selected transport machine, such as a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, or a slide table.

[0081] (4) The printing apparatus of the present disclosure can also be configured to transfer all types of ink for printing to a lithographic plate without moving the lithographic plate. This can be achieved, for example, by converting a pad printing apparatus for multicolor printing developed by the present applicant into the printing apparatus assembly of the present disclosure. In this pad printing apparatus, multiple transfer pads are mounted radially on a single pivot shaft, and rotation of the pivot shaft moves each transfer pad between a position directly above the intaglio plate and a position directly above the target to which the ink is to be transferred. Furthermore, in the pad printing apparatus, multiple combinations of intaglio plates and ink-filling devices are mounted radially on a single turntable, and rotation of the turntable switches between the intaglio plates to which ink is applied. In the pad printing apparatus, the combinations of intaglio plates and ink-filling devices are paired with transfer pads, and each pair is compatible with a different type of ink, enabling multicolor printing and / or light and dark printing.

[0082] (5) Furthermore, in the case of the above-mentioned "printing apparatus for monochrome printing having only one assembly," it is clear that there is no need to move the planographic plate from one assembly to another.

[0083] (6) In the printing device of the embodiment described above, the printed fabric (printed material) is placed on a belt conveyor and transported to the outside. However, the printing device of the present disclosure can be configured to transport the fabric (printed material) using an appropriately selected transport machine, such as a roller conveyor, chain conveyor, slide table, robot arm, or self-propelled cart. The printing device of the present disclosure can also be configured to transport the fabric (printed material) by hand, rather than using a transport machine.

[0084] (7) In the present disclosure, a worker is not required. That is, in the present disclosure, a configuration can be adopted in which a camera or sensor is set corresponding to each component to be checked, and the checking work is performed by an inspection device. In addition, in the present disclosure, the checking work itself may be omitted. In addition, in the present disclosure, the work of picking up the cloth from the outside and placing it over the flat plate, or the work of peeling the printed cloth from the flat plate and placing it on a belt conveyor, may be performed by a conveying machine such as a vertical articulated robot.

[0085] (8) The printing method of the present disclosure can be carried out without using the printing apparatus described above. For example, the printing method of the present disclosure can be carried out by transferring a solvent-based ink to the surface of a lithographic plate using a conventionally known pad printing apparatus, and then placing the lithographic plate and the fabric to be printed on in a lithographic printing press. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Printing device 10A Turntable 10B conveyor belt 11 Lithography 11A Shape 12 Transfer device (heat press device) 12A Press Ram 20 Assembly 20A container 21 Intaglio 21A Recess 22 Ink filling device 22A Black ink (solvent-based ink, ink) 23 Transfer Pad 23A Movable Arm 23B 1st area 23C 2nd area 24 Cleaner 24A Panel 24B tape roll 24C single-sided adhesive tape 24D recovery roll 30 Assembly 31 Intaglio 31A Recess 32A Cyan ink (solvent-based ink, ink) 33 Transfer Pad 40 Assembly 41 Intaglio 41A Recess 42A Magenta Ink (Solvent-based Ink) 43 Transfer Pad 50 Assembly 51 Intaglio 51A Recess 52A Yellow Ink (Solvent-based Ink, Ink) 53 Transfer Pad 90 cloth 90A Printed Materials 91 Printing 91A Corner area 91B Cyan part 91C Magenta part 91D Yellow part 91E Blue part 91F Green part 91G Red part 91H Black part 92 workers 92A Stand

Claims

1. A printing device for printing on fabric, comprising: Planographic and an intaglio plate having recesses corresponding to the reversed image of the print; an ink filling device that fills the intaglio plate with solvent-based ink for pad printing so that the ink remains only in the recesses; one or more transfer pads for transferring the solvent-based ink in the recesses onto the transfer pads and for transferring the solvent-based ink to the lithographic plate; a transfer device that presses the cloth against the flat plate onto which the solvent-based ink has been transferred, thereby transferring the solvent-based ink transferred to the flat plate onto the cloth; Equipped with Printing device.

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, a heat press device for performing a heat press process on the cloth pressed against the flat plate; the ink filling device fills the recess with the solvent-based ink, in which a pigment is dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent; Printing device.

3. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: a plurality of assemblies each having a configuration in which the intaglio plate and the ink filling device are combined; The plurality of assemblies each use a different type of ink as the solvent-based ink, one or more of the transfer pads transfer different types of the ink to the same lithographic plate; Printing device.

4. A printing method for printing on a fabric with a solvent-based ink for pad printing, comprising: an ink filling step of filling the solvent-based ink into an intaglio plate having recesses corresponding to the reversed print pattern so that the ink remains only in the recesses; a primary transfer step in which the solvent-based ink in the recesses is transferred to a transfer pad by pressing the transfer pad against the intaglio plate and then releasing the pad; a secondary transfer step in which the transfer pad is pressed against a flat plate and the solvent-based ink transferred to the transfer pad is transferred to the flat plate; a tertiary transfer step in which the cloth is brought into contact with the plate onto which the solvent-based ink has been transferred, thereby transferring the solvent-based ink transferred to the plate onto the cloth; It has Printing method.

5. 5. A printing method according to claim 4, The solvent-based ink is used, in which a pigment is dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent, and In the tertiary transfer step, a heat press process is performed on the cloth placed on the plate. Printing method.

6. 6. The printing method according to claim 4 or claim 5, preparing a plurality of types of ink as the solvent-based ink; preparing the intaglio plate for each type of ink and performing the ink filling step, the primary transfer step, and the secondary transfer step; and In the secondary transfer step, which is performed multiple times since it is performed for each type of ink, the ink is transferred onto the same planographic plate; the tertiary transfer step is performed after the plurality of secondary transfer steps are completed. Printing method.

7. A method for producing a printed item in which a cloth is printed with a solvent-based ink for pad printing, comprising the steps of: an ink filling step of filling the solvent-based ink into an intaglio plate having recesses corresponding to the reversed print pattern so that the ink remains only in the recesses; a primary transfer step in which the solvent-based ink in the recesses is transferred to a transfer pad by pressing the transfer pad against the intaglio plate and then releasing the pad; a secondary transfer step in which the transfer pad is pressed against a flat plate and the solvent-based ink transferred to the transfer pad is transferred to the flat plate; a tertiary transfer step in which the cloth is brought into contact with the plate onto which the solvent-based ink has been transferred, thereby transferring the solvent-based ink transferred to the plate onto the cloth; It has A method for producing printed materials.

8. 8. A method for producing a printed product according to claim 7, comprising: The solvent-based ink is used, in which a pigment is dispersed in a resin dissolved in a solvent, and In the tertiary transfer step, a heat press process is performed on the cloth placed on the plate. A method for producing printed materials.

9. A method for producing a printed matter according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising: preparing a plurality of types of ink as the solvent-based ink; preparing the intaglio plate for each type of ink and performing the ink filling step, the primary transfer step, and the secondary transfer step; and In the secondary transfer step, which is performed multiple times since it is performed for each type of ink, the ink is transferred onto the same planographic plate; the tertiary transfer step is performed after the plurality of secondary transfer steps are completed. A method for producing printed materials.

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