Fittings, plants and methods for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular containers such as bottles, flasks and jars

Abstract

The fitting (47) for sublimation printing of hollow bodies has a first part (29) extending along the longitudinal axis (A3) and including a surface (30) configured to be placed in abutment against the edge of the opening of the hollow body (6), a surface (31) configured to be wrapped and encapsulated by the film (13) together with the hollow body (6) so as to form a microchannel network between the film (13) on one side and the hollow body (6) and the fitting (47) on the other side, a part (32) configured to be inserted into the hollow body (6) through the opening, a part (33) configured to be connected to a connector, and a channel (34) passing through the parts (29; 33) and fluidically connecting the connector to the microchannel network at the second surface (31).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102023000003048, filed February 22, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a fitting for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular for printing on the outer surface of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars made of glass, ceramic or similar materials. [Background technology]

[0003] Certain equipment and procedures are known for thermally transferring graphics using sublimation inks.

[0004] In this field there is an increasing demand for greater attention to quality aspects of dye-sublimation printing, such as for example the definition of the graphics and the accuracy of the application of the pattern or lettering with respect to specific reference points on the hollow body.

[0005] In particular, Patent Document 1 teaches how to apply designs to glass hollow bodies, such as bottles or flasks, and the like, using a dye-sublimation printing process, with a high quality level in terms of the definition and application accuracy of the designs. The process described in the document involves providing a sleeve with an irregular inner surface, obtained from a sheet of film, typically PET or PETG, rolled to form a cylinder, and sealed at the edges with an adhesive or solvent for the polymer using a stitching machine, with a design applied along its irregular inner surface. The design is created using ink that is transferred onto the hollow body to be decorated.

[0006] This process involves placing a sleeve around a hollow body, applying heat to the sleeve to heat shrink it and make it adhere to the hollow body, and then applying heat to the sleeve and hollow body at the ink's sublimation temperature to sublimate the ink particles and transfer the design onto the hollow body, while simultaneously extracting excess gases generated during sublimation through microchannels between the heat-shrink sleeve and the hollow body. The microchannels between the hollow body and the heat-shrink sleeve are formed due to the fact that the sleeve has a rough inner surface designed to form microchannels after it is heat-shrunk to form a film that adheres to the hollow body.

[0007] Although the process described in US Pat. No. 5,629,999 is particularly satisfactory in terms of quality, one of the problems encountered in dye sublimation printing is combining a high quality level with an efficient industrialization of the production process in order to reduce production costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO 2021 / 260613 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a fitting for use in sublimation printing processes for hollow bodies, in particular for printing on the outer surface of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, which does not have the drawbacks of known techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the invention, there is provided a fitting for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular hollow bodies of containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, having at least one opening, the fitting extending along a longitudinal axis, - a first part having a first surface configured to be positioned against the edge of the opening of the hollow body and a second surface configured to be wrapped and encapsulated by the film together with the hollow body to form a microchannel network between the film on one side and the hollow body and the fitting on the other side; a second portion configured to be coupled to the hollow body at the opening; a third part configured to be connected to the at least one connector; a channel passing through the first and third portions and fluidly connecting the connector to the microchannel network at the second surface.

[0011] Thanks to the fitting that is the subject of the present invention, it is possible to establish fluid communication between the connector and the microchannel, while at the same time providing support for the hollow body by arranging the edge of the opening to rest on the first surface and inserting a second part into the hollow body to center it with respect to the fitting, thereby avoiding vibrations, and so it can be seen that the fitting that is the subject of the present invention plays an important role in the automation of the sublimation process.

[0012] In particular, the first portion has a gripping zone along its longitudinal axis, the film acting as a wedge between the first surface and the edge of the opening of the hollow body to apply a force parallel to the longitudinal axis and enable the fitting to become integral with the hollow body, said gripping zone being substantially defined by a recess in the second surface.

[0013] In this way, the fitting, hollow body, and film are integral and fluidly connected to one another.

[0014] In particular, the first part comprises a permeable disc which partially defines said second face and which is in direct communication with the channel, in particular with the porous disc which defines the first face.

[0015] In this way, the porous disc is in direct communication with the microchannels arranged along the second surface.

[0016] In particular, the second portion includes a resilient element for applying a radial force between the second portion and the hollow body, thereby retaining and centering the hollow body and fitting along the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In particular, the third portion comprises a further connector configured to be inserted into the connector and to provide fluid continuity between the microchannel, the fitting, and the vessel.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a plant for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular for printing on the outer surfaces of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, which does not have the drawbacks of known techniques.

[0019] According to the invention, a sublimation printing plant for printing on hollow bodies, in particular on the outer surfaces of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, is provided, which plant comprises: - Sublimation printing plants for printing on hollow bodies, in particular printing plants for printing on the outer surfaces of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, which plants - an assembly station configured to support the fitting identified above and inserted into the hollow body and to support a sleeve made of heat-shrinkable material at a predefined height relative to the fitting; - a heat shrinking station configured to heat shrink a sleeve around the fitting and form a film around the fitting and hollow body to form an assembly consisting of the fitting, the hollow body, and the film, wherein the microchannel network extends between the film on one side and the hollow body and the fitting on the other side; - a sublimation station configured to apply heat to the assembly and extract gases from the microchannel network of the assembly through the fitting.

[0020] In this way, the fitting can be usefully employed at all major stages of the sublimation process, both as a support element and as a fluid connection element with the microchannel.

[0021] In particular, the plant comprises a disassembly station configured to supply gas through fittings to the microchannels of the assembly at a pressure that peels the film from the hollow body or tears the film to facilitate subsequent removal.

[0022] In this way, the fitting is also applied to the disassembly station, making the movement of the hollow body much smoother.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular for printing on the outer surfaces of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, which does not have the drawbacks of known techniques.

[0024] According to the present invention, there is provided a method, the method comprising: - coupling the above-identified fitting to the hollow body; - disposing a sleeve made of heat shrinkable material around the hollow body and the fitting; - heat shrinking the sleeve around the fitting to form a film around the fitting and the hollow body, forming a microchannel network between the film on one side and the hollow body and fitting on the other side, the hollow body, fitting, and film forming an integral assembly; - Applying heat to the assembly while simultaneously extracting excess gas from the microchannel network through the fittings.

[0025] The method also involves supplying gas through the fitting into the microchannel at a pressure that peels the film from the hollow body to facilitate subsequent removal, or that tears the film apart.

[0026] It is clear that the fitting makes the gas extraction and supply process particularly efficient.

[0027] This method also involves clamping the film at a fitting to prevent fluid communication from the outside, making the degassing and feeding steps more efficient.

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments thereof, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram, with parts removed for clarity, of a dye-sublimation printing plant manufactured in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view with parts removed for clarity showing details of the plant of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view with parts removed for clarity showing details of the plant of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, with parts removed for clarity, showing a detail of FIG. 3; [Figure 5] 5 is a further enlarged scale exploded cross-sectional view of the detail of FIG. 4; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, with parts removed for clarity, of a fitting made in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, reduced-scale perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, with parts removed for clarity, of a variation of the fitting of FIG. 6; [Figure 9] 7 is a cross-sectional view, with parts removed for clarity, of a further variation of the fitting of FIG. 6; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In Figure 1, reference number 1 indicates a sublimation printing plant for printing on hollow bodies. Plant 1 comprises, in order, an assembly station 2, a heat shrinkage station 3, a sublimation station 4, and a disassembly station 5. Heat shrinkage station 3 and sublimation station 4 are equipped with respective heating elements H1 and H2 for reaching the heat shrinkage and sublimation temperatures, respectively. Sublimation station 4 is equipped with a suction system including a suction pump P1 and an associated manifold C1, and disassembly station 5 is equipped with a pump system including a pump P2 and an associated manifold C2.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, at assembly station 2, a hollow body 6, in the illustrated case a bottle, of which only a portion of the opening is illustrated in Figure 2, is coupled to a fitting 7 and a sleeve 8 arranged around the hollow body 6 and fitting 7.

[0032] The sleeve 8 is made from a heat-shrinkable material having an irregular inner surface printed with images and / or text using sublimation inks in accordance with the specification and claims of US Pat. No. 5,699,499.

[0033] Alternatively, the inner surface of the sleeve 8 is smooth and the hollow body 6 has an irregular rough outer surface.

[0034] The plant 1 comprises a support device 9 configured to support the fitting 7 and the hollow body 6, which is connected at its lower free end to the sleeve 8 separately. To this end, the support device 9 comprises a support plate 10 for the sleeve 8 and a connector 11, with which the fitting 7 engages and is supported. The connector 11 is substantially defined by a tube extending along the longitudinal axis A1 and is arranged in an opening in the plate 10 in a manner selectively adjustable with respect to the plate 10 so as to vary the distance between the support surface of the connector 11 and the support surface of the plate 10. The support device 9 further comprises a clamping mechanism 12, which is integral with the plate 10 and configured to block the connector 11 in a given position with respect to the plate 10.

[0035] The support device 9 is configured to be mounted in a pocket of a pocket conveyor (not shown in the accompanying drawings) which advances the support device 9 to the assembly station 2 and heat shrinking station 3 (Figure 1) where heat is supplied to the hollow body 6 using heating element H1 (Figure 1) and advances it to the fitting 8 and sleeve 8 causing heat shrinkage of the sleeve 8 so that the sleeve 8 adheres to the hollow body 6 and fitting 7, forming a film 13 which covers the hollow body 6 and partly the fitting 7.

[0036] In this way, the hollow body 6, the fitting 7 and the film 13 are integrated together to form an assembly 14 which is subjected to respective processing in successive sublimation and disassembly stations 4 and 5 (FIG. 1).

[0037] 3, the pocket conveyor 15 is illustrated as being provided with a plurality of pockets 16, only two of which are shown in FIG. 3. Each pocket 16 houses a support device 17 and an assembly 14 and serves to fluidly connect the microchannels between the film 13 and the hollow body 6 under controlled underpressure of the manifold C1. The interstitial spaces are formed by microchannels determined by the irregular inner surface of the sleeve 8, as described for example in US Pat. No. 5,649,999, or by the irregular surface of the hollow body 6 and / or by the irregular rough outer surface of the hollow body 6.

[0038] A pocket conveyor 15 may be used to advance the assembly 14 to both the sublimation station 4 and the disassembly station 5 (FIG. 15), and the pocket conveyor 15 is fluidly connected to a manifold C2 (FIG. 1) that is subjected to a controlled overpressure. Referring to FIG. 4, a support device 17 is coupled to the pocket 16 and the fitting 7 and functions to clamp the film 13 against the fitting 7 so as to prevent fluid communication between the external environment and the interior of the microchannel and, if necessary, the hollow body 6.

[0039] 5, the support device 17 extends about the longitudinal axis A2, has a lower portion configured to provide a shape that mates with the pocket 16, supports the assembly 14, and comprises a tubular body 19 having a seat 20 configured to receive part of the fitting 7. The seat has a connector 21 configured to receive the free end of the fitting 7, in this case a hole, an abutment 22 for the fitting, a cylindrical surface 23 for precisely supporting the fitting 7, and a receiving compartment 24 for a clamping element 25, in this case an O-ring, held in place by a ring nut 26 with an intervening washer 27.

[0040] The clamping element 25 serves to seal the microchannel at the fitting 7 .

[0041] The support device 17 further has a toothed crown 28 along the outer surface of the tubular body 19 which meshes with a gear wheel or rack, not illustrated, to rotate the support device 17 about the longitudinal axis A2 relative to the pocket 16 during advancement of the pocket 16. The rotation of the device 17 relative to the pocket 16 is made possible by the fact that the connection between the support device 17 and the pocket 16 is axisymmetric.

[0042] According to one variant not illustrated, the pockets 16 are omitted and the support devices 17 define the pockets of the pocket conveyor 15. According to this variant, the support devices 17 cannot rotate.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, fitting 7 comprises: portion 29 having a surface 30 extending along longitudinal axis A3 and configured to rest on an edge of hollow body 6 (FIG. 4) defining the opening; surface 31 extending around longitudinal axis A3 and configured to be at least partially covered by film 13 (FIG. 4); portion 32 configured to be coupled to hollow body 6 (FIG. 4); portion 33 configured to be connected to support devices 9 (FIG. 2) and 17 (FIG. 4); and channels 34 extending through portions 29 and 33 and fluidly connecting surface 31 to connectors 11 (FIG. 2) and 21 (FIG. 5) and manifolds C1 and C2 (FIG. 1).

[0044] Portion 29 has a gripping zone 35 along longitudinal axis A3 along which, in use, film 13 adheres to apply a force along longitudinal axis A3 to unite fitting 7 with hollow body 6 (FIG. 4). In this case, gripping zone 35 is substantially defined by a recess in surface 31.

[0045] Portion 29 includes a permeable disc 36 that defines a portion of surface 31 and communicates with channel 34. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, permeable disc 36 also defines surface 30. The permeability of the disc may be provided by knurling of the disc along surface 31 that forms disc openings, disc vents, channels that allow the passage of air, and more generally gases.

[0046] The portion 32 includes a resilient element 37 configured to apply a radial force between the portion 32 and the hollow body 6 (FIG. 4).

[0047] Portion 33 includes connector 38 configured to be inserted into connector 11 of support device 9 and connector 21 of support device 17 .

[0048] Structurally, and with reference to Figures 6 and 7, fitting 7 comprises a tubular body 39 defining portion 29, a tubular body 40 partially keyed to tubular body 39 and defining connector 38, and a cylindrical body 41 keyed to tubular body 39 and defining portion 32. Cylindrical body 41 has a shoulder 42 blocking permeable disc 36 between cylindrical body 41 and tubular body 39, an axial bore, and a diametric bore arranged at (or above) permeable disc 36, i.e., inside the hollow body, and intersecting with the axial bore to define part of channel 34.

[0049] The elastic element 37 is fixed to the cylindrical body 41 by means of a fixing element 43 .

[0050] 8 illustrates fitting 44, which, like fitting 7, has portions 29, 32, and 33, with tubular body portions 39 and 40 and permeable disc 36 being identical in both shape and size to the analogous components of fitting 7. Unlike fitting 7, fitting 44 includes a tubular body 45 coupled to tubular body portion 39, configured to clamp permeable disc 36 against tubular body portion 39, and defining surfaces 30 and portions of surfaces 31. Tubular body portion 45 is connected to tubular body portion 39 and permeable disc 36 and is flared to increase the average radius of surface 30. Downstream of surface 30 along longitudinal axis A3, it has a constant diameter to define portion 32 configured to be inserted into an opening in a hollow body.

[0051] Fitting 44 includes a tubular body portion 46 keyed to tubular bodies 39 and 45 and defines a portion of channel 34 .

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a fitting 47 associated with a hollow body 6 using a film 13 to form an assembly 14 .

[0053] Fitting 47 has in common with fittings 7 and 44 a transparent disc 36 , a tubular body 39 , and a connector 38 .

[0054] Fitting 47 comprises a tubular body 48 coupled to tubular body portion 39 and configured to clamp permeable disc 36 against tubular body portion 39, defining surface 30 and a portion of surface 31. Tubular body portion 48 is connected to tubular body portion 39 and permeable disc 36, and starting at permeable disc 36, its diameter gradually decreases, reducing the average radius of surface 30.

[0055] The fitting 47 comprises a tubular body portion 49 keyed to the tubular body portions 38 and 48, connecting them and defining a portion of the channel 34, and a tubular body portion 50 keyed to the tubular body portion 48, which is configured to be received inside the hollow body 6 and defines a portion 32 that defines a portion of the channel 34.

[0056] In fact, the fittings 7, 44 and 47 have different dimensions from one another, but are all suitable to be coupled with respective hollow bodies which are coupleable to the support devices 9 (FIG. 2) and 17 of FIG.

[0057] In use, the fittings 7, 44, 47 have different functions. - defining a connection with the hollow body 6 so as to enable the fitting to support the hollow body 6 in the decoration process; - Connecting the hollow body 6 to a suction pump or gas pump compressor. - the film prevents or limits leakage between the film and the fitting, making it possible to limit the suction of gas from the microchannels, possibly from the inside of the hollow body 6 which defines a significant vacuum source, and likewise the supply of gas to the microchannels, possibly to the inside of the hollow body 6.

[0058] Finally, it is clear that the invention encompasses further modifications of the described embodiments, which fall within the scope of protection of the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] A1 Longitudinal axis A2 Longitudinal Axis A3 Longitudinal Axis C1 Associated manifold C2 Associated manifolds P1 suction pump P2 Pump 1. Plant 2. Assembly Station 3 Heat Shrink Station 4 Sublimation Station 5. Disassembly Station 6 hollow body 7. Fitting 8 Sleeve 9 Supporting Devices 10 Support Plate 11 Connector 12 Clamping mechanism 13 Film 14 Assembly 15 Pocket Conveyor 16 pockets 17 Supporting Devices 19 Tubular body 20 Seat area 21 Connector 22 Contact part 25 clamping elements 23 Cylindrical Surface 24 storage compartments 25 clamping elements 26 Ring nut 27 Washer 29 parts 30 sides 31 sides 32 parts 33 parts 34 channels 35 Gripping Zone 36 Transparency disc 37 Elastic Elements 38 Connectors 39 Tubular body 40 tubular body 41 Cylindrical body 42 Shoulder 43 Fixed Elements 44 Fitting 45 Tubular body 46 Tubular body 47 Fitting 48 Tubular body 49 Tubular body

Claims

1. A fitting for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular containers such as bottles, flasks, jars, etc., having at least one opening, said fitting (7; 44; 47) extending along a longitudinal axis (A3), a first part (29) having a first surface (30) configured to be placed against the edge of the opening of the hollow body (6) and a second surface (31) configured to be wrapped and enclosed by a film (13) together with the hollow body (6), thereby forming a microchannel network between the film (13) on one side and the hollow body (6) and the fitting (7; 44; 47) on the other side; a second part (32) configured to be coupled to the hollow body (6) at the opening; a third part (33) configured to be connected to at least one connector (11; 21); a channel (34) that passes through at least said first portion (29) and said third portion (33) and fluidly connects said connector (11; 21) to said microchannel network at said second surface (31).

2. 2. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first part (29) has a gripping zone (35) along the longitudinal axis (A3), and the film (13) acts in a wedge-like manner between the first surface (30) and the edge of the opening of the hollow body (6) to apply a force parallel to the longitudinal axis (A3) and enable the fitting (7; 44; 47) to be integral with the hollow body (6), the gripping zone (35) being substantially defined by a recess in the second surface (31).

3. 3. A fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part (39) comprises a transparent disc (36) which in part defines the second surface (31) and is in direct communication with the channel (34), the transparent disc (36) in particular defining the first surface (30).

4. 4. A fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second part (32) comprises an elastic element (37) for applying a radial force between the second part (32) and the hollow body (6).

5. 5. A fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third part (33) comprises a further connector (38) configured to be inserted into the connector (11; 21).

6. 6. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a first tubular body portion (39) defining a portion of the second surface (31), and a second tubular body portion (40) partially keyed to the first tubular body portion (39) and partially defining a third portion (33).

7. 7. A fitting as claimed in claim 6, comprising a cylindrical body portion (41) keyed to the first tubular body portion (39) and partially defining the second portion (32), the cylindrical body portion (41) having a shoulder (42) configured to block the permeable disc (36) between the cylindrical body portion (41) and the first tubular body portion (39), the channel (34) extending through the cylindrical body portion (41).

8. 8. A fitting according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a third tubular body portion (45; 48) coupled to the first tubular body portion (39) and configured to clamp the permeable disc (36) against the first tubular body portion (39), the third tubular body portion (45; 48) defining part of the first surface (30) and the second surface (31).

9. 9. A fitting as claimed in claim 8, comprising a fourth tubular body portion (46; 49) keyed to said first and third tubular body portions (39, 45; 39, 48), said channel (34) extending through said fourth tubular body portion (46; 49).

10. A hollow body sublimation printing plant, in particular a plant for printing on the outer surface of hollow containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, said plant (1) comprising: an assembly station (2) configured to support the fitting (7; 44; 47) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, connected to the hollow body (6) and supporting a sleeve (8) made of heat-shrinkable material at a predetermined height relative to the fitting (7; 44; 47); a heat shrinking station (3) configured to shrink the sleeve (8) around at least a portion of the fitting (7; 44; 47) and form a film (13) around the fitting (7; 44; 47) and the hollow body (6), forming an assembly (14) comprising the fitting (7; 44; 47), the hollow body (6) and the film (13), with a microchannel network extending between the film (13) on one side and the hollow body (6) and the fitting (7; 44; 47) on the other side; a sublimation station (4) configured to apply heat to said assembly and to extract gas from said microchannel network of said assembly (14) through said fittings (7; 44; 47).

11. 11. The plant according to claim 10, comprising a disassembly station (5) configured to supply gas to the microchannels of the assembly (14) through the fittings (7; 44; 47) with a pressure that peels the film (13) from the hollow body (6) or tears the film (13).

12. 12. The plant according to claim 10 or 11, comprising at least one support device (9; 17) configured to support the fitting (7; 44; 47) and the hollow body (6) in at least one of the stations (2, 3, 4, 5), in particular the support device (9; 17) comprising a connector (11; 21) configured to achieve fluid communication with the fitting (7; 44; 47).

13. 13. The plant according to claim 12, wherein the support device (9; 17) has a seat suitable for accommodating at least a part of the third part (33) of the fitting (7; 44; 47), in particular the support device (9; 17) has a support surface for the fitting (7; 44; 47).

14. A method for sublimation printing of hollow bodies, in particular a method for printing on the outer surface of containers such as bottles, flasks and jars, said method comprising the steps of: - coupling the fitting (7; 44; 47) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to the hollow body (6); placing a sleeve (8) made of heat-shrinkable material around said hollow body and said fittings (7; 44; 47); heat-shrinking the sleeve (8) around the fitting (7; 44; 47) and the hollow body (6) to form a film (13), forming an assembly (14) comprising the fitting (7; 44; 47), the hollow body (6) and the film (13), and a microchannel network between the film (13) on one side and the hollow body (6) and the fitting (7; 44; 47) on the other side; applying heat to said assembly (14) while simultaneously extracting excess gas from said microchannel network through said fittings (7; 44; 47).

15. 15. The method of claim 14, comprising the step of supplying gas to the microchannel through the fitting (7; 44; 47) with pressure such that the film (13) tears.

Images