Printing pad

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing pad that enables printing of a complex shape on a printing target surface and that is lightweight and can suppress the used amount of material. A printing pad according to the present invention comprises: a printing surface that is pressed against a printing plate on which ink has been placed and a printing target surface which is subject to printing; an inner layer that is disposed in an inner part; and an outer layer that is provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer on the side on which the printing surface is disposed. The outer layer has a printing surface on an outer surface thereof. The printing surface conforms to and closely contacts the printing target surface when pressed against the printing target surface. A cavity is formed inside the inner layer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing pad that moves linearly to press a printing surface against a surface to be printed, and more particularly to the internal structure of the printing pad. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, offset printing involves pressing the printing surface of a printing pad against a printing plate, transferring ink placed on the printing plate according to a printing pattern to the printing pad, and then pressing the printing surface of the printing pad with the ink transferred onto the surface to be printed, thereby printing the printing pattern onto the surface to be printed.

[0003] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printing pad is pressed against a printing plate. The printing plate has ink placed thereon in a fine dot pattern. The printing pad pressed against the printing plate transfers the ink held on the printing plate. The printing pad is also pressed against the printing plate to transfer the ink, and the ink is then transferred from the printing pad to the printed matter.

[0004] The printing pad (printing blanket) disclosed in Patent Document 1 transfers ink placed on a printing plate to the printing surface, and then transfers the ink transferred to the printing surface to the printed material. The printing pad has an inner layer and an outer layer provided in contact with the outside of the inner layer, and by changing the hardness of the inner layer and the outer layer, it can follow the uneven shape of the printed material, making it possible to print even on printing surfaces with complex shapes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6689375 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the printing pad of Patent Document 1 is designed to print on a complexly shaped printing surface, so the printing surface is larger than the printing surface. The printing pad is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, and must be deformed to fit the complexly shaped printing surface so that the printing surface adheres closely to the entire printing surface. Therefore, the printing pad requires a large amount of elastic material to form the printing surface, which increases the size and weight, making it difficult to handle when replacing the pad.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a printing pad that is lightweight and reduces the amount of material used, while enabling printing on printing surfaces with complex shapes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The printing pad according to the present invention comprises a printing plate on which ink is placed and a printing surface to be pressed against a surface to be printed, an internal layer disposed inside, and an external layer provided in contact with the surface of the internal layer on which the printing surface is disposed, the external layer having the printing surface on its outer surface, and configured so that when pressed against the surface to be printed, the printing surface follows and adheres to the surface to be printed, and the internal layer has a cavity formed inside. and has a higher hardness than the outer layer. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the weight of the elastic body used in the printing pad can be reduced, which makes handling easier when replacing the printing pad and reduces the material cost of the printing pad, thereby reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view illustrating an example of a printing device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing pad 10 provided in a printing device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 provided in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment when pressed against a printing object 70. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 provided in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment when pressed against a printing object 70. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing plate 50 used in a printing apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a printing stage 87 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a modified example of the blower 66 of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of a printing device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a method for producing a printed matter 70 by the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is an enlarged view of the contact area between the printing surface 4 and the surfaces 71, 72, and 73 to be printed in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged view of ink 40f or 40g transferred to the printing surface 73 of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a modified flowchart of the method for producing a printed matter 70 by the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, showing the process from when the printing pad 10 receives ink 40 from the printing plate 50 to when it is pressed against the printed matter 70. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inner layer 1 of a printing pad 10 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 of FIG. 15 pressed against a printing object 70. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiment 1 The printing pad according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the same parts in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and some explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic illustration, and the present invention is not limited to the shapes shown. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "elastic body" or "elasticity" does not mean a body having a linear relationship between the load applied thereto and the amount of deformation caused by the load. It also includes a body having a non-linear relationship between the load applied thereto and the amount of deformation caused by the load, and returning to its original shape immediately or after a predetermined time when the applied load is removed.

[0012] <Printing device 100> FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 100 transfers ink placed on a printing plate 50 to a printing surface 4 of a printing pad 10, and then transfers the ink transferred to the printing surface 4 to a surface 71 to be printed of an object 70 to be printed. The surface 71 to be printed may have an uneven shape. When the surface 71 to be printed is inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the printing pad 10, the printing device 100 is capable of printing on the inclined surface.

[0013] The printing device 100 includes a printing pad 10 that can move linearly in the vertical direction. The printing pad 10 is moved up and down by a vertical movement device 11 included in the printing device 100, pressing a printing surface 4 against a printing surface 71 of a printing object 70 and transferring the ink transferred to the printing surface 4 to the printing surface 71. The printing device 100 also includes a horizontal movement device 12. The horizontal movement device 12 moves the printing pad 10 and the vertical movement device 11 in the horizontal direction. The printing pad 10 is moved above the printing object 70, the cleaning device 60, the activating device 61, the air blowing device 62, or the printing plate 50 by the horizontal movement device 12. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is moved up and down by the vertical movement device 11 and pressed against the printing object 70, the cleaning device 60, the activating device 61, or the printing plate 50, respectively. 1, the printing apparatus 100 has, from the left, a printing stage 87 on which the print object 70 is placed, a surface treatment stage 86 equipped with a cleaning device 60, an activation device 61, and an air blowing device 62, and a printing plate stage 85 on which the printing plate 50 is placed. However, in the printing apparatus 100, these stages can be freely positioned and can be changed as appropriate to suit the convenience of the operator or the location where the printing apparatus 100 is installed. Furthermore, each device of the printing apparatus 100 is installed in the printing apparatus 100 as needed, but may not be installed in some cases.

[0014] 1, a blower 66 is installed on the printing stage 87. The blower 66 blows air toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The printing device 100 may be provided with either the blower 66 or the air blowing device 62, and may function as both the blower 66 and the air blowing device 62.

[0015] <Printing Pad 10> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing pad 10 included in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 of FIG. 1 , showing a cross section passing through the vertex 6 of the printing pad 10 and perpendicular to the plane 13 of the support member 7 to which the substrate 5 is fixed. The printing pad 10 is, for example, approximately hemispherical. The shape of the printing pad 10 is not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate depending on the specifications of the print object 70, such as a bullet shape, a shape with a curved surface formed by rotating a parabola around its axis of symmetry, a shape such as a portion of an ellipsoid cut away, or a shape in which a bullet-shaped or semicircular cross section is continuously extended in a straight line. The printing pad 10 has a peak that first contacts the print object 70 or the printing plate 50, and the peak is configured as a point or a line. This prevents air from being trapped between the printing surface 4 and the print object 70 or the printing plate 50 when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the print object 70 or the printing plate 50. Avoiding air entrapment can prevent gaps in the transfer of ink 40 from the printing plate 50 to the printing pad 10 and gaps in the printed image applied to the print object 70. In the first embodiment, a predetermined range of the surface of the printing pad 10, centered on the vertex 6, becomes the printing surface 4 that transfers the ink 40 from the printing plate 50 and transfers it to the print object 70. However, the printing surface 4 may be set so as not to include the vertex 6.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the substrate 5 of the printing pad 10 includes an internal layer 1 and an external layer 2 arranged to cover the outer surface of the internal layer 1. The internal layer 1 and the external layer 2 are each fixed to a support member 7. Note that the printing pad 10 may have not only a two-layer structure but also a multi-layer structure.

[0017] The outer layer 2 is formed by molding, for example, silicone rubber. The outer layer 2 is elastic (flexible) and is mixed with silicone oil to make it easily deformable. In the first embodiment, the outer layer 2 has a substantially hemispherical shape, but the shape can be changed appropriately depending on the specifications of the printed matter 70, etc. The outer layer 2 deforms when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printing plate 50, and transfers the ink 40 (see FIG. 3) placed on the placement surface 51 of the printing plate 50 to the printing surface 4. The ink 40 placed on the placement surface 51 of the printing plate 50 is arranged in accordance with the image to be printed on the printed matter 70, forming a print pattern.

[0018] 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the printing pad 10 included in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment when pressed against the object to be printed 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner layer 1 is configured to barely deform even when the outer layer 2 is pressed against the object to be printed 70 and the printing surface 4 deforms in accordance with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. In this case, for example, the material of the outer layer 2 constituting the portion close to the printing surface 4 is set to an Asker C hardness range of 0 to 20 points. The inner layer 1 located inside the outer layer 2 is, for example, a plastic foam. For example, the inner layer 1 is made of a foamed plastic such as ABS foam or polystyrene foam. In other words, the inner layer 1 has a structure having an internal cavity. In the first embodiment, the cavity is a fine air bubble. The inner layer 1 is made of a material having an internal cavity yet having strength and rigidity sufficient to maintain its shape when pressed against the object to be printed 70.

[0019] The inner layer 1 is located on the side where a force is applied to press the printing surface 4 against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 during printing, and is arranged inside the outer layer 2 when viewed from the printing surface 4 side. The support member 7 is connected to the vertical movement device 11, and is the part that transmits the force from the vertical movement device 11 to the printing pad 10.

[0020] In order for the printing pad 10 to deform and conform to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, it is desirable for the hardness of the printing pad 10 to be set low (soft); therefore, the hardness of the portion of the printing surface 4 side that is pressed against the print object 70, i.e., the hardness of the outer layer 2, must be set lower than that of the inner layer 1. By configuring the outer layer 2 in this manner, the soft layer makes it easier for the printing surface 4 to conform to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, and the overall shape of the printing pad 10 is more easily maintained by the inner layer 1, which is almost undeformed when pressed against the print object 70. At the same time, the outer layer 2, which is pressed directly against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, has the advantage of easily deforming to conform not only to the printing surface 71, but also to the curved printing surface 72 and the printing surface 73 that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the printing pad 10 moves. However, the hardness of each portion of the substrate 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned hardness.

[0021] The printing pad 10 is preferably configured so that the printing surface 4 has an area at least 1.5 times or more the area of ​​the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. This reduces the deformation rate (the ratio of the amount of deformation to the size of the printing pad 10) of the printing pad 10 when pressed against the object 70 to be printed, thereby reducing the slippage of the printing surface 4 relative to the printing surface. Lowering the hardness of the printing pad 10 also reduces the slippage of the printing surface 4 relative to the printing surface. In the first embodiment, the printing surface 4 is located on the surface of the outer layer 2. The surface of the inner layer 1 facing the outer surface (printing surface 4) may have a shape similar to that of the outer layer 2. The volume of the inner layer 1, including internal cavities (internal air bubbles in the first embodiment), is preferably set to 40% or less of the overall volume of the substrate 5.

[0022] <Cleaning device 60> As shown in FIG. 1, a surface treatment stage 86 is disposed next to the printing stage 87 of the printing apparatus 100. A cleaning device 60 is installed on the surface treatment stage 86. The cleaning device 60 includes, for example, paper or adhesive tape. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the surface of the paper or adhesive tape to remove ink 40, dirt, dust, etc. remaining after printing.

[0023] <Activation device 61> The activation device 61 includes a reservoir tank for storing liquid and an absorption unit for absorbing and retaining the liquid. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the surface of the absorption unit, causing the liquid retained by the absorption unit to adhere to the printing surface 4. The printing pad 10 facilitates the transfer of the ink 40 placed on the printing plate 50 to the printing surface 4 by adhering or impregnating the substrate 5 with water or a solvent. The liquid is appropriately selected based on the properties of the ink 40 and has the ability to soften hard ink 40. The ink 40 is composed of water or a solvent and a pigment or dye. The liquid used in the activation device 61 is, for example, a synthetic resin such as acrylic resin or urethane resin, or a mixture of water, thinner, xylene, or toluene. It is preferable to select one that has a high affinity with the solvent contained in the ink 40. However, the liquid used in the activation device 61 is not limited to the above.

[0024] The absorption unit of the activation device 61 may be constructed, for example, by stacking thin sheet-like absorbent materials. The absorbent material is, for example, made of paper, but is not limited to paper and may be constructed of other materials, such as cloth or resin, as long as they absorb liquid. For example, the absorption unit may be constructed by stacking paper on a sponge-like resin. The surface of the absorption unit against which the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed may become contaminated with ink 40 remaining on the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, or the surface of the absorption unit may be scraped, causing the paper constituting the absorption unit to tear. Therefore, the top layer of paper in the absorption unit is configured to be peeled off and removed from the top layer of the absorption unit, and the stacked sheets may be removed one by one, or the upper layer may be replaced mechanically. However, the method for replacing the top layer of paper is not limited to this method. The absorption unit is configured so that the paper constituting the top layer can be removed or replaced freely, and the surface is always kept clean and permeated with liquid. Therefore, the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 can be activated by pressing it against the surface of the absorption unit. The absorption unit of the activation device 61 is not limited to a stacked structure, and may be made of a single member.

[0025] <Air blower 62> The air blowing device 62 adjusts the amount of water or solvent that has adhered to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 by the activating device 61 to an appropriate amount. The air blowing device 62 blows air toward the printing surface 4 after it has been pressed against the activating device 61 and before the ink has been transferred, thereby removing excess water or solvent from the printing surface 4. Note that the type, number, and direction in which the air blowing devices 62 blow air are not limited. Furthermore, if the activation device 61 can control the amount of liquid that adheres to the printing surface 4 to an appropriate amount, the air blowing device 62 may be omitted.

[0026] <50 original printing plates> The printing plate 50 is placed on the printing plate stage 85, and ink 40 is placed on the placement surface 51, and the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the placement surface 51 to transfer the ink 40 to the printing surface 4.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing plate 50 used in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. The printing plate 50 shown in FIG. 5 is an intaglio plate. The printing plate 50 has a flat plate shape and includes a support 53 and a surface layer 52 formed on the support 53. At least the surface layer 52, which faces the mounting surface 51 against which the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed, is formed of an ink-phobic material. The surface layer 52 is partially destroyed and removed, for example, with laser light, thereby removing the portion formed of the ink-phobic material. That is, the surface layer 52 is removed, for example, with laser light, to form a recess 54 that opens onto the mounting surface 51. The bottom 55 of the recess 54 exposes the support 53, which is formed of an ink-philic material. In the first embodiment, the surface layer 52 is an ink-phobic layer that is ink-phobic to which the ink 40 does not easily adhere. The support 53 is an ink-philic layer that is ink-philic to which the ink 40 easily adheres. In the first embodiment, the surface layer 52 is formed of, for example, silicone rubber or silicone resin. Silicone rubber and silicone resin are ink-phobic and chemically stable, and are therefore suitable for use as the surface layer 52 of the printing plate 50. However, the surface layer 52 is not limited to silicone rubber and silicone resin, and other materials may be used as long as they are ink-phobic.

[0028] In FIG. 5 , the surface layer 52 and the support 53 are each formed of a single layer, but this is not a limitation. The surface layer 52 may be formed of a single layer made of an ink-phobic material that is destroyed by, for example, laser light, or may have an ink-phobic layer on the side against which the printing pad 10 is pressed and a recording layer on the support 53 side. The recording layer, for example, absorbs laser light and converts it into heat, thereby reducing the adhesive strength between the recording layer and the ink-phobic layer, thereby enabling the ink-phobic layer to be removed from the printing plate 50. Alternatively, the recording layer, for example, absorbs laser light and converts it into heat, and is destroyed by the heat, thereby reducing the adhesive strength between the support 53 and the surface layer 52, enabling the ink-phobic surface layer 52 to be removed from the printing plate 50. When the surface layer 52 is formed of an ink-phobic layer and a recording layer, the ink-phobic layer is formed of silicone rubber or silicone resin, and the recording layer is formed of a heat- or light-sensitive material. In the first embodiment, printing is performed by intaglio printing, but it can also be performed by relief printing.

[0029] The support 53 may be formed of a single layer of a metal plate, for example, made of aluminum, for maintaining the shape of the printing plate 50, or may have an ink-philic layer formed on the surface of the metal plate from an ink-philic material. The support 53 may also be subjected to a surface treatment to roughen the surface of the metal plate by, for example, corroding the surface. A primer layer may also be formed on the surface of the support 53 to improve the bonding strength with the surface layer 52.

[0030] The printing plate 50 has recesses 54 formed by removing the surface layer 52. The ink 40 is supplied to the placement surface 51 by the ink placement device 63, and the ink 40 is placed inside the recesses 54. At this time, the remaining portion of the surface layer 52 forms an ink-phobic region 57, to which the ink 40 does not adhere. The recesses 54 form ink-philic regions 58, onto which the ink 40 is placed. In other words, the placement surface 51 has the ink-phobic region 57 and the ink-philic region 58, and the ink 40 is placed only in the ink-philic region 58 by the ink placement device 63.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the thickness h1 of the surface layer 52 is, for example, 3 μm or less. When the surface layer 52 is removed to form the recesses 54, the width w1 of the openings 56 of the recesses 54 is larger than the width w2 of the bottoms 55 of the recesses 54 along the mounting surface 51. However, by setting the thickness h1 of the surface layer 52 to 3 μm or less, the difference between the width w2 of the bottoms 55 of the recesses 54 and the width w1 of the openings 56 is reduced. This reduces the internal volume of the recesses 54. Furthermore, by setting the thickness h1 of the surface layer 52 to 3 μm or less, the supply of energy to the layer sensitive to the laser beam is facilitated when forming the recesses 54 with a laser beam. Furthermore, the laser beam can accurately shape the bottoms 55 of the recesses 54 of the printing plate 50, allowing the width w2 to be further reduced. The width w2 of the bottoms 55 of the recesses 54 is set to 20 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or less.

[0032] <Ink placement device 63> As shown in FIG. 1 , the ink placement device 63 includes an ink holding unit 64, which is a roller with a surface made of a material that holds ink. The ink holding unit 64 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 65. The ink placement device 63 places the ink 40 in the ink-receptive region 58 of the placement surface 51 by bringing the ink holding unit 64 into contact with the placement surface 51 of the printing plate 50 and causing the ink holding unit 64 to rotate and move on the placement surface 51. The ink placement device 63 is not limited to the configuration including a roller shown in FIG. 1 , and may be configured such that the ink holding unit 64 moves perpendicular to the placement surface 51, as long as the ink holding unit 64 and the placement surface 51 of the printing plate 50 can come into contact with each other.

[0033] The printing plate 50 has ink-phobic regions 57 and ink-philic regions 58, and because the ink-phobic regions 57 repel ink, the ink deposition device 63 can deposit ink on the ink-philic regions 58 even if the ink-philic regions 58 are small. Furthermore, because the ink-phobic regions 57 repel excess ink, the ink deposition device 63 does not need to be equipped with a doctor blade to remove excess ink after depositing the ink.

[0034] Furthermore, when printing a color image on the surface of the printed matter 70, a plurality of monochrome printing plates 50 may be used. In this case, the printing device 100 may be equipped with a plurality of ink placement devices 63. Alternatively, a single printed matter 70 may be printed using a plurality of printing devices 100. In this case, each of the plurality of printing devices 100 corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of monochrome printing plates 50.

[0035] <Blower 66> FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the printing stage 87 and its surroundings in the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 100 includes a blower 66 that blows air toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 after the ink 40 has been transferred thereto. In the first embodiment, the blower 66 is disposed around the printing stage 87, near where the object 70 to be printed is placed. The blower 66 blows air toward the printing surface 4, which has the ink 40 attached thereto and before it is pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. By blowing air toward the printing surface 4, the blower 66 evaporates liquids, such as solvents, adhering to the printing surface 4 and liquids such as solvents that have soaked into the ink 40 in the activation device 61. This reduces the affinity between the ink 40 and the printing surface 4. Furthermore, the viscosity of the ink 40 increases. In other words, the ink 40 hardens when blown by the blower 66.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the air blower 66 is disposed with its air outlet 66a facing the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 before it comes into contact with the printing object 70. It is preferable that the air blowers 66 are installed in multiple locations so that air can be blown onto the printing surface 4. The air blower 66 may also be provided with an internal heater 67 to adjust the temperature of the air blown onto the printing surface 4. The temperature of the air blown onto the printing surface 4 may be adjusted by detecting the temperature of the air blown onto the printing surface 4 with a temperature sensor 68 (see FIG. 8 ) and adjusting the output of the heater 67. The temperature sensor 68 may also detect the room temperature of the environment in which the printing device 100 is placed, and adjust the output of the heater 67 according to the room temperature. For example, the air blower 66 has a cylindrical housing with an air outlet 66a at one end, a fan and heater 67 installed inside the other end of the housing, and an air inlet 66b for taking in air.

[0037] 7 shows a modified example of the blower 66 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The blower 66 is not limited to the dryer type shown in FIG. 6, but may be in the form of a blower port 66a formed by providing a number of holes in a flat plate, for example. The blower 66 shown in FIG. 7 may be provided on the printing stage 87 or elsewhere. For example, the blower 66 may be provided on the surface treatment stage 87, as in the case of the blower 66A shown in FIG. 1. 86 Alternatively, the printing pad 10 may be provided in a position other than the printing surface 4. Before the printing pad 10 onto which the ink 40 has been transferred is pressed against the printing object 70, the printing surface 4 is moved in front of the air outlet 66a of the air blower 66, and the air from the air blower 66 is controlled so that it hits the printing surface 4. In the air blower 66 of FIG. 7, it is desirable that the range S in which the air outlet 66a is provided is set larger than the width of the printing surface 4. For example, the air blower 66 shown in FIG. 7 is configured so that air is supplied from the inlet 66b, and the air heated by the heater 67 arranged inside is blown out from the air outlet 66a.

[0038] <Method of manufacturing printed matter 70 using printing device 100> FIG. 8 is an example of a functional block diagram of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. Next, a method for producing a printed matter using the printing device 100 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the printing device 100 includes a control device 20. The control device 20 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer, and includes an arithmetic device 20a and a memory device 20b. The functions of the control device 20, i.e., the functional blocks shown in FIG. 8, are realized using the arithmetic device 20a and the memory device 20b (see FIG. 1).

[0039] The storage device 20b is a ROM that stores programs and data in advance, a RAM for temporarily storing data when a program is executed, or the like. Non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) are used as the storage device 20b. Removable recording media such as magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (Mini Discs), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) may also be used as the storage device 20b. The storage device 20b can store information obtained from the temperature sensor 68 and the like, and information processed by the arithmetic device 20a.

[0040] The arithmetic unit 20a performs various processes to execute the functions of the control unit 20. For example, the arithmetic unit 20a compares room temperature information from the temperature sensor 68 with a temperature threshold value previously stored in the storage unit 20b to determine whether the room temperature is higher than the threshold value. If the room temperature is higher than the threshold value, the control unit 20 controls the heater 67 to suppress its output to a predetermined value. Alternatively, if the room temperature is higher than the threshold value, the control unit 20 may control the fan 66 to shorten its operating time. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may control the printing pad 10 to stop in front of the fan 66 and limit the time it is exposed to air.

[0041] 9 is a flowchart of a method for producing a printed matter 70 by the printing device 100 according to embodiment 1. The printing device 100 includes a start step that is performed when the printing device 100 is started up or when operation is resumed, and a repeat step that produces a plurality of printed matters 70. The start step is performed depending on the state of the printing pad 10, and may be omitted.

[0042] (starting process) The start-up process is a process that is performed, for example, immediately after starting the printing device 100. Since the surface of the printing pad 10 may not be activated immediately after starting production of the printed matter 70, a process is performed to properly activate the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. Since the printing pad 10 is made of a hard material, such as silicone rubber, to which the ink 40 does not easily adhere, even if the printing pad 10 is pressed directly against the printing plate 50, the ink 40 may not be transferred as intended. Therefore, the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment activates the printing surface 4 as necessary in the start-up process.

[0043] First, when the printing apparatus 100 is started, the printing apparatus 100 moves the printing pad 10 above the activation device 61 and lowers it toward the activation device 61. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the absorption unit of the activation device 61, and after a predetermined area including the printing surface 4 comes into contact with the absorption unit, the printing pad 10 is raised. This is called the activation step (SP1). As a result, liquid such as water or solvent soaked in the absorption unit of the activation device 61 adheres to or soaks into the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The printing surface 4 has minute irregularities formed on its surface, which can retain any liquid from the absorption unit when it adheres. The irregularities on the printing surface 4 are preferably formed so as to have a height difference of 2 to 5 μm. The pad control unit 21 of the control device 20 controls the vertical movement device 11 and the horizontal movement device 12. This controls the position of the printing pad 10, its movement from the initial position at the start of production toward the activation device 61, and its pressing action. The activation unit 24 controls or notifies the user to maintain a predetermined amount of liquid contained in the absorption unit of the activation device 61. Furthermore, when the absorption unit deteriorates, the activation unit 24 controls or notifies the user to update the absorption unit.

[0044] After the activation step (SP1) is completed, it is determined whether the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is appropriate (SP2). If the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 is not appropriate (NO in SP2), the printing device 100 performs the air blowing step (SP3). In the air blowing step, the air blowing device 62 blows air onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 to remove excess liquid adhering to the printing surface 4. Note that an inappropriate amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 refers to an excessive amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4. The air blowing unit 23 of the control device 20 controls the operation of the air blowing device 62. When the printing pad 10 moves to a location where it will be hit by the air blown from the air blowing device 62, the air blowing unit 23 drives the air blowing device 62 to perform the air blowing step.

[0045] After completing the air blowing step (SP3), it is determined whether the amount of liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is appropriate (SP4). If excess water or solvent is still adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 (NO in SP4), the printing device 100 performs an absorbing step (SP5). In the absorbing step, the printing device 100 presses the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 against the cleaning device 60. This removes excess liquid adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10.

[0046] If an appropriate amount of water or solvent is attached to or soaked into the printing pad 10 (YES in SP2 or YES in SP4), one or both of the air blowing step (SP3) and the absorbing step (SP5) may be omitted. The order of the air blowing step and the absorbing step may be changed. Furthermore, the air blowing step and the absorbing step may be performed multiple times. The operator may visually check whether the amount of liquid attached to the printing surface 4 is appropriate. If the operator determines that excess liquid is attached to the printing surface 4, the operator may issue a command for the absorbing step, and the pad control unit 21 of the control device 20 may move the printing pad 10 to at least one of the air blowing step and the absorbing step.

[0047] (Repeat process) Once the initiation step is complete and the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 has been properly activated, the process moves to the repeating step. The repeating step includes an ink deposition step (S1), an ink transfer step (S2), an air blowing step (S3), a printing step (S4), a cleaning step (S5), an activation step (S6), an air blowing step (S8), and an absorbing step (S10). As shown in FIG. 9 , the printing device 100 performs the steps in the following order: ink deposition step (S1), ink transfer step (S2), air blowing step (S3), printing step (S4), cleaning step (S5), activation step (S6), air blowing step (S8), and absorbing step (S10). However, the repeating step is not limited to this order. For example, after the ink deposition step (S1) and the ink transfer step (S2) are completed, the printing device 100 performs the air blowing step (S3) through the absorbing step (S10). On the other hand, the printing apparatus 100 may perform the next ink depositing step (S1) in parallel while the blowing step (S3) through the absorbing step (S10) are being performed.

[0048] In the repeating process, a printed image is formed on the surface of the print object 70 each time the printing process (S4) is performed. The number of print objects 70 is not limited to one, and multiple print objects 70 may be printed simultaneously. When multiple print objects are printed simultaneously, multiple printing pads 10 may be installed in the printing device 100.

[0049] (Ink placement process) The ink deposition step (S1) is a step in which the ink 40 is deposited on the printing plate 50 by an ink deposition device 63. The ink deposition device 63 brings an ink retaining portion 64 into contact with the deposition surface 51 of the printing plate 50 and rolls the ink retaining portion 64 over the deposition surface 51. The ink 40 absorbed in the ink retaining portion 64 is deposited only on the ink-philic regions 58 provided on the deposition surface 51. The ink retaining portion 64, which has absorbed the ink 40, also comes into contact with the ink-phobic regions 57. However, the ink 40 is not deposited on the ink-phobic regions 57 because they repel the ink 40. It is desirable that the ink 40 be set to a relatively hard viscosity so that it is repelled by the ink-phobic regions 57. For example, the viscosity of the ink 40 is preferably set in the range of 700 to 1200 P (Poise). The ink placement unit 25 of the control device 20 controls the operation of the ink placement device 63 to place the ink 40 on the printing plate 50 before the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printing plate 50 .

[0050] (Ink transfer process) In the ink transfer step (S2), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50. The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 comes into contact with the ink 40 placed on the ink-philic regions 58 of the printing plate 50. The printing pad 10 then moves upward, and the printing surface 4 separates from the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50. The ink 40 that has come into contact with the printing surface 4 moves directly to the printing surface 4. The ink 40 is placed on the printing surface 4 in accordance with the ink-philic regions 58 placed on the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50. The pressing of the printing pad 10 against the printing plate 50 is also controlled by the pad control unit 21.

[0051] The printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 has water or a solvent attached or soaked therein by the activation step (SP1 or S6), making it easier for the ink 40 to adhere to it. In particular, to obtain a highly accurate printed image, it is necessary to reduce the size of each dot of ink 40 transferred to the printing surface 4 and narrow the distance between adjacent dots of ink 40. Therefore, it is desirable to use ink 40 with high viscosity. Specifically, as described above, it is desirable for the viscosity of the ink 40 to be in the range of 700 P to 1200 P. According to the printing device 100, the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is activated by the activation device 61, making it easier for the ink 40 to adhere to it even if the viscosity of the ink 40 is high.

[0052] (Blowing process) In the air blowing step (S3), the printing pad 10 is moved to a position where air sent from the air blower 66 hits the printing surface 4. Once the printing pad 10 has moved to a predetermined position, the air blower 66 starts operating and air is blown onto the printing surface 4. After a predetermined time has passed since air was blown onto the printing surface 4, the air blowing unit 22 of the control device 20 may perform control to stop the operation of the air blower 66, or may perform control to start moving the printing pad 10 that had been stopped. The air blown out from the air blower 66 is controlled to a temperature of, for example, 40 to 80°C.

[0053] Furthermore, in the air blowing step (S3), the time for blowing air onto the printing pad 10 may be controlled based on the temperature of the room environment. The air blowing unit 22 receives information about the room temperature from the temperature sensor 28, and controls the operation of the air blower 66 so that it blows air for a length of time set according to the room temperature. For example, if the room temperature is high, the blowing time is controlled to be shorter.

[0054] Furthermore, the blower unit 22 may adjust the length of time for which air is blown in response to information from a temperature control unit 26 that controls the output of a heater 67 built into the blower 66. Specifically, the blower unit 22 controls the amount of air blown based on information about the temperature of the air blown out from the blower 66, the temperature of which is measured by a temperature sensor 68. By blowing air, the viscosity of the ink 40 on the printing surface 4 may be adjusted to a range of, for example, 900 P or more and 1100 P or less. However, the viscosity of the ink is not limited to that described above.

[0055] (Printing process) In the printing step (S4), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, with the ink 40 attached thereto, is pressed against the object 70 to be printed. The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment can print on flat surfaces, but can also print on the print surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the object 70 to be printed, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . The print surface 71 of the object 70 to be printed is flat. However, the print surface 72 is curved, and the print surface 73 is flat but inclined relative to the direction in which the printing pad 10 moves. In the printing step (S4), the printing pad 10 is pressed toward the printing stage 87 so that the printing surface 4, with the ink 40 attached thereto, comes into close contact with the print surfaces 71, 72, and 73 to be printed. The ink 40 attached to the printing surface 4 comes into contact with and is transferred to the print surfaces 71, 72, and 73. The movement of the printing pad 10 in the printing step is also controlled by the pad control unit 21.

[0056] The object 70 to be printed is positioned and fixed on the printing stage 87. This determines the positional relationship between the printing pad 10 and the surfaces 71, 72, and 73 to be printed, and allows printing to be performed on the surfaces 71, 72, and 73 to be printed with high precision.

[0057] (Cleaning process) In the cleaning step (S5), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 after transferring the ink 40 to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 is pressed against a flat cleaning surface of the cleaning device 60. The ink 40 remaining on the printing pad 10 is adhered to the cleaning surface. The cleaning surface is made of paper or adhesive tape, but is not limited to these.

[0058] (Activation process, air blow process, absorption process) The activation step (S6) is the same as the activation step (SP1) in the initiation step. The air blow step (S8) is the same as the air blow step (SP3) in the initiation step. The absorption step (S10) is also the same as the absorption step (SP5) in the initiation step. The air blow step (S 8 The air blowing step (S8) and the absorbing step (S10) are carried out according to the amount of liquid such as water or solvent adhering to the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, and one of them may be omitted, or at least one of them may be carried out multiple times. The air blowing step (S8) and the absorbing step (S10) are carried out according to the activation state of the printing surface 4 after the state of the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is checked (S7 and S9) before each step.

[0059] After determining in S7 or S9 that the state of the printing surface 4 is appropriate for transferring the ink 40, the flow returns to S1 again if the next printed matter 70 is to be printed, and ends (S11) if the production of the printed matter 70 is to be completed. As described above, the printing device 100 performs a start process at startup, and then repeats the process to print a large number of printed matters 70.

[0060] For example, if the printing plate 50 is made up of a plurality of monochrome printing plates 50, printing may be performed using a plurality of printing apparatuses 100, each corresponding to a respective one of the monochrome printing plates 50. For example, one printing apparatus 100 is equipped with a monochrome printing plate 50 and prints the printed object 70 using only magenta ink. Thereafter, the printed object 70 is printed using only cyan ink in another printing apparatus 100 equipped with a monochrome printing plate 50. This process can be repeated for the number of monochrome printing plates 50.

[0061] When the printing apparatus 100 is equipped with a plurality of printing plate stages 85 and a plurality of ink placement devices 63 corresponding to a plurality of monochrome printing plates 50, the printing apparatus 100 repeats at least the ink placement step, the ink transfer step, and the printing step for one printed object 70 the same number of times as the number of monochrome printing plates 50. The printing apparatus 100 may also repeat at least one of the cleaning step, the activation step, the air blowing step, and the absorbing step the same number of times as the number of monochrome printing plates 50.

[0062] Although the method for producing the printed matter 70 using the printing device 100 has been described above, the production method is not limited to the above, and each step can be modified as appropriate.

[0063] (Effects of the First Embodiment) The printing pad 10 of embodiment 1 comprises a printing surface 4 located on the surface and pressed against a printing plate on which ink has been placed and printing surfaces 71, 72 and 73 to be printed, an internal layer 1 arranged inside, and an external layer 2 arranged in contact with the surface of the internal layer 1 on the side on which the printing surface 4 is arranged, the external layer 2 being configured so that when pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72 and 73, the printing surface 4 follows and adheres to the printing surfaces 71, 72 and 73, and the internal layer 1 has a cavity formed inside. By configuring the printing pad 10 in this manner, the internal layer 1 has a hollow, making it possible to reduce the weight. Furthermore, the printing pad 10 is configured so that the external layer 2 can deform to follow the shape of the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the printing object 70, allowing printing on the printing object 70 with an uneven surface, making it possible to print on the printing object 70 with a complex printing surface while reducing the weight. Furthermore, the printing pad 10 can reduce the elastic material that makes up the external layer 2 by the amount of the internal layer 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 2 are each fixed to the support member 7 at the end opposite to the end on which the printing surface 4 is located. As a result, the printing device 100 applies a load to the outer layer 2 via the support member 7 and the inner layer 1, causing it to deform, and therefore the outer layer 2 can be deformed to follow the printing surface 4 even on inclined surfaces such as the printing surfaces 72 and 73.

[0065] If printing were performed using a printing pad 10 without an internal layer 1, i.e., if printing were performed using a printing pad 10 with a space where the internal layer 1 is located, the external layer 2 would deform and bulge horizontally, preventing the printing surface 4 from adhering to the printing surface 73. Furthermore, because the external layer 2 can also deform in a direction that reduces the space that the internal layer 1 should have, it is difficult to push the peripheral portion of the printing surface 4 away from the vertex 6 toward the upper surface of the printing stage 87. However, in the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment, the internal layer 1 is made of a material that is difficult to deform, so the external layer 2 is prevented from deforming inward. Furthermore, because the external layer 2 is fixed to the surface of the internal layer 1, it is prevented from deforming in an outward manner. This allows the printing surface 4 to easily conform to the printing surfaces 72 and 73.

[0066] The internal layer 1 of the printing pad 10 is made of, for example, plastic foam. This prevents the internal layer 1 from deforming even when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the print object 70, making it easier to transmit the load from the printing device 100 to the external layer 2. Furthermore, because the internal layer 1 has higher rigidity than the external layer 2, it is possible to efficiently deform only the external layer 2 while reducing the weight of the printing pad 10. In particular, because the external layer 2 is made of, for example, soft silicone rubber, it is heavy and the material costs are relatively high, but because the silicone rubber can be reduced by the volume of the internal layer 1, there is the advantage that the weight and costs of the printing pad 10 as a whole can be reduced.

[0067] The volume of the internal layer 1, including the cavity, is preferably 30% or less of the combined volume of the external layer 2 and the internal layer 1 including the cavity. This configuration allows the external layer 2 to conform to the printed object 70, even if it has a complex, uneven shape. For example, by determining the height dimension of the printing pad 10 according to the dimension H of the convex portion of the printed object 70, if the volume of the internal layer 1 is 30%, approximately half of the thickness of the printing pad 10 becomes the external layer 2, allowing the printing surface 4 to conform to the printed surfaces 72 and 73. Furthermore, since the surfaces of the internal layer 1 and the external layer 2 on the side where the printing surface 4 is located have similar shapes, the external layer 2 has a uniform thickness along the printing surface 4, is uniform in deformation, and easily conforms to the printed surfaces 72 and 73. However, the shape of the internal layer 1 is not limited to being similar to the surface shape of the external layer 2.

[0068] The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment also includes a printing pad 10 having a printing surface 4, a printing plate stage 85 on which a printing plate 50 is placed, the printing plate having an ink-phobic region 57 that does not accept the ink 40 and an ink-philic region 58 that accepts the ink 40 on a placement surface 51 on which the ink 40 is placed, a printing stage 87 on which a print object 70 is placed, and a blower 66 that blows air toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The printing pad 10 is configured to be movable between the printing plate stage 85 and the printing stage 87, and is configured to move up and down relative to the printing plate stage 85 or the printing stage 87. The blower 66 then blows air toward the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10, after the ink 40 on the placement surface 51 of the printing plate 50 has been transferred to the printing surface 4.

[0069] With the above configuration, the printing device 100 can evaporate liquid adhering to or soaked into the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 immediately before transferring the ink 40 to the printing object 70. As a result, the printing surface 4, which was relatively easy to adhere to due to the presence of liquid such as water or a solvent during the activation process, has its affinity for the ink 40 reduced immediately before being pressed against the printing object 70. Therefore, even if slippage occurs between the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 and the printing surface 4, the ink 40 is in a state where it is difficult for the ink 40 to adhere to the printing surface 4, and deformation or movement after adhering to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 can be suppressed. Note that slippage refers to the displacement of the printing surface 4 in a direction along the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 when the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73.

[0070] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the contact area between the printing surface 4 and the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the ink 40f or 40g transferred to the printing surface 73 in FIG. 10. Note that the deformation of each part of the printing pad 10 and the inks 40a to 40g in FIGS. 10 and 11 are shown schematically and do not limit the structure and materials of the printing pad 10 or the configuration of the printing device 100. In FIG. 11, the left side shows the ink 40 in a state where the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printing object 70. In FIG. 11, the right side shows the state where the ink 40f or 40g has been transferred to the surface of the printing object 70. The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment may transfer the ink 40 to a curved surface or a surface inclined with respect to the movement direction of the printing pad 10, such as the printing surfaces 72 and 73. Inks 40a to 40g transferred from the printing plate 50 are placed on the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The inks 40a to 40d are transferred to the printing surface 71, which is perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing pad 10. The ink 40e is transferred to the printing surface 71, which is a curved surface. 72 The inks 40f and 40g are transferred to a printing surface 73, which is a surface inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing pad 10. Note that the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the printed matter 70 are examples, and the printed matter 70 may have other uneven shapes.

[0071] The printing pad 10 deforms so that the printing surface 4 conforms to the uneven printing surfaces 72 and 73. At this time, the printing surface 4 is slightly displaced in a direction along the printing surfaces 72 and 73. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 , the inks 40f and 40g that contact both the printing surface 4 and the printing surface 73 are transferred while sliding along the printing surface 73 in accordance with the strain ε1 of the printing surface 4. The ink 40 and the printing surface 73 come into contact with each other with a distance L1 between them. The printing surface 4 continues to deform while the printing pad 10 is pressed against the object 70 and crushed. Therefore, the inks 40f and 40g are deformed between the printing surface 4 and the printing surface 73 from the time they contact the printing surface 73 until the printing pad 10 is completely deformed. As a result, the inks 40f and 40g are transferred to the printing surface 73 from their initial width d1 to a width d2. At this time, the strain ε1 from when the inks 40f and 40g come into contact with the printing surface 73 until the deformation of the printing pad 10 ends causes the equation d2 = d1 · ε1 for the inks 40f and 40g. Here, ε1 > 1. Note that the deformation of the inks 40f and 40g shown in FIG. 11 may also occur in any of the inks 40a to 40f if the amount of deformation of the printing pad 10 is large. Note that in the following description, the inks 40a to 40f may be collectively referred to as ink 40.

[0072] In the first embodiment, blowing air onto the surface of the printing surface 4 hardens the ink 40, reducing the affinity between the printing surface 4 and the ink 40. Therefore, even if the printing surface 4 deforms in a sliding manner along the printing surface 73 in the left diagram of FIG. 11 , the ink 40 is hardened and therefore less susceptible to crushing and sliding, making it less susceptible to deformation of the printing surface 4. Therefore, d2 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 11 is kept small. In other words, when printing is performed using the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, even if the printing pad 10 has a strain ε1, the difference between d1 and d2 in FIG. 11 is kept small. Furthermore, while the shape of the ink 40 is deformed into a triangle in the right diagram of FIG. 11 , when printing is performed using the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the ink 40 is hardened before being transferred to the printing surface 73, thereby minimizing deformation of the ink 40.

[0073] That is, as shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the printing object 70 has printing surfaces 72 and 73 that are inclined relative to the direction in which the printing pad 10 is pressed, and the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printing surfaces 72 and 73 to transfer the ink 40. At this time, the printing pad 10 deforms along the printing surfaces 72 and 73 and is pressed against the printing surfaces 72, 73 and the upper surface of the printing stage 87 until it is in close contact with them. The printing pad 10 is made of a material that easily deforms, such as silicone rubber. If the printing object 70 has a large uneven shape or a complex shape, the amount of deformation of the printing pad 10 when pressed against the printing object 70 may be greater than when pressed against the printing plate 50, resulting in stretched or compressed portions of the printing surface 4. This may result in slippage between the printing surfaces 71, 72, or 73 and the printing surface 4.

[0074] Immediately after the activation step, the printing surface 4 has liquid attached or soaked therein, and is in a state in which it has high affinity with the ink 40. Therefore, the printing surface 4 is in a state in which the ink 40 from the printing plate 50 can easily adhere thereto.

[0075] When the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printed material 70 while the printing surface 4 remains in a state where the ink 40 is easily adhered to it as described above, the ink 40 adheres to the printing surface 71, 72, or 73, and the printing surface 4 is also in a state where the ink 40 is relatively easily adhered to it. Therefore, when the ink 40 comes into contact with both the printing surface 4 and the printed material 70, the printing surface 4 deforms or moves the ink 40 adhered to the printed material 70. In particular, on the printing surfaces 72 and 73, where slippage between the printing surface 4 and the surface of the printed material 70 is relatively likely to occur, the transferred ink 40 may be deformed in a direction along the surface of the printed material 70, as described in FIG. 11 . Alternatively, the printing surface 4 may be moved from the position where the ink 40 initially contacted the surface of the printed material 70. As a result, the ink 40 may not be positioned in the expected position and shape on the surface of the printed material 70, which may reduce the accuracy of the printed image.

[0076] However, as described above, with the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, by blowing air onto the printing surface 4 before pressing the printing surface 4 against the printing object 70, the ink 40 hardens and becomes less likely to collapse and slip, thereby reducing the affinity between the printing surface 4 and the ink 40. Therefore, when the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printing object 70, the ink 40 is easily separated from the printing surface 4, and even if slippage occurs between the printing surface 4 and the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, the ink 40 is prevented from being dragged along by the movement of the printing surface 4 due to the sliding. In other words, because the ink 40 hardens and becomes less likely to collapse and slip, it remains in the position where it was attached when it comes into contact with the printing surface 71, 72, or 73, even if the printing surface 4 slides. The ink 40 is hardened and has low affinity with the printing surface 4, so if the ink 40 adheres to the surface 71, 72 or 73 to be printed, even if the printing surface 4 moves due to sliding, the ink 40 slides on the surface of the printing surface 4 and is prevented from moving from the position where it adheres.

[0077] Furthermore, when air is blown onto the printing surface 4, the water or solvent that has soaked into the ink 40 evaporates, increasing the viscosity. In other words, the ink 40 becomes relatively hard while remaining attached to the printing surface 4. As a result, by the time the ink 40 is transferred from the printing surface 4 to the print-receiving surfaces 71, 72, and 73, the ink 40 is relatively hard, which prevents the ink 40 from being deformed by slippage of the printing surface 4.

[0078] As described above, the printing device 100 can suppress deformation and movement of the ink 40 when the printing surface 4 is displaced along the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 after the ink 40 comes into contact with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. Note that, as explained in FIG. 11 , the smaller the ink 40, the more effectively it can suppress deformation and movement. Therefore, the printing device 100 can achieve more accurate printing by using the printing pad 10, printing plate 50, and air blown by the air blower 66 described above in combination.

[0079] 12 is a modified flowchart of the method for producing a printed matter 70 by the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, showing the process from when the printing pad 10 receives ink 40 from the printing plate 50 to when it is pressed against the printed matter 70. After being pressed against the printing plate 50, the printing pad 10 moves to the printing stage 87 on which the printed matter 70 is placed and is pressed against the printed matter 70. During this process, air is blown onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 from the fans 66 and 66A, and then the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printed matter 70. FIG. 10 shows details of the control flow related to the movement of the printing pad 10 at this time.

[0080] (Ink transfer process) In the ink transfer step (S2), the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 is pressed against the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50. Next, the printing pad 10 is detached upward from the printing plate 50 (S2-2). Then, the printing pad 10 is moved from the printing plate stage 85 to above the printing stage 87 (S2-3). The above steps are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0081] (Printing process) The printing pad 10, which has moved above the printing stage 87, moves at a first speed toward the printing object 70 placed on the printing stage 87. The first speed is set with consideration given to minimizing the time required for the printing process (S2-4). The pad control unit 21 controls the speed of the printing pad 10 according to the specifications of the printing pad 10, such as size and hardness.

[0082] The printing pad 10, which is moving at the first speed, is stopped at a predetermined position away from the printing object 70 (S2-5). This step stops the printing pad 10 for the next air blowing step (S3), allowing air from the air blower 66 to hit the printing surface 4, and is a step for suppressing vibrations caused by the printing pad 10, which is made of a soft material, moving at the first speed. The pad control unit 21 controls the time for which the printing pad 10 is stopped based on information such as the size and hardness of the printing pad 10, the first speed setting, and printing.

[0083] After the printing pad 10 has stopped, or at the same time as it has stopped, the blower 66 blows air onto the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 (S3). This step is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0084] Next, the printing pad 10 is moved at a second speed (S3-2). When the air blowing is completed, the pad control unit 21 moves the printing pad 10 toward the printing stage 87 on which the object to be printed 70 is placed. The second speed is set lower than the first speed. The pad control unit 21 may also control the printing pad 10 to gradually increase its speed until it reaches the second speed. The pad control unit 21 may also control the printing pad 10 to start moving when it receives a signal from an acceleration sensor 69 (see FIG. 8) that detects vibration of the printing pad 10 and the acceleration due to the vibration falls below a predetermined value. The printing pad 10 may also start moving at the operator's command.

[0085] The printing pad 10 moving at the second speed is pressed against the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 of the printing object 70. The pad control unit 21 may press the printing pad 10 against the printing object 70 while maintaining the second speed, or may reduce the speed to an even slower speed.

[0086] According to the process of the above-described modified example, the printing device 100 is equipped with a pad control unit 21 that can control the printing pad 10 to at least two states: a state of movement at a first speed and a state of being stopped when moving the printing pad 10 toward the printing object 70 placed on the printing stage 87. The stopped state occurs at least before the printing pad 10 comes into contact with the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73. Then, after a predetermined time has passed from the stopped state, the printing pad 10 moves toward the printing pad 10. As a result, the printing pad 10 is stopped while the air blower 66 is blowing air, suppressing vibration, and suppressing deterioration in the accuracy of the printed image when the ink 40 is transferred to the printing object 70.

[0087] Furthermore, the printing pad 10 is controlled to move at a second speed lower than the first speed immediately before being pressed against the printing material 70, and is pressed against the printing material 70, so that movement at the second speed suppresses vibration of the printing pad 10 and prevents deterioration of the accuracy of the printed image. Furthermore, because the printing pad 10 deforms at a relatively slow speed, sudden deformation of the printing surface 4 is suppressed.

[0088] Furthermore, since air is blown by the blower 66 during the stop time for suppressing vibration of the printing pad 10, the influence of deformation and movement of the ink 40 can be suppressed and the time required for printing can be shortened.

[0089] (Modification of Movement Control of Printing Pad 10) In Fig. 12, the blower 66 starts blowing air after or at the same time as the printing pad 10 stops, but it may also start blowing air before it stops. That is, in the flow shown in Fig. 12, step S3 may be located immediately before step S2-3 or immediately before step S2-4. The blower 66 may start blowing air immediately before the printing pad 10 comes above the printing stage 87, or may start blowing air at the same time as or immediately after the printing pad 10 comes above the printing stage 87. By blowing air while moving, the time the printing pad 10 is stopped is omitted, and the time required for printing can be shortened.

[0090] In addition, in the flow shown in Figure 12, the step S2-5 of stopping the printing pad 10 may be omitted. and The second speed may be the same, and the blower 66 may blow air onto the printing surface 4 during part or all of the time that the printing pad 10 is moving.

[0091] The printing apparatus 100 may be equipped with a blower 66A that blows air onto the printing surface 4 while the printing pad 10 is moving from the printing plate stage 85 to the printing stage 87. The blower 66A may be provided independently of the printing plate stage 85, the surface treatment stage 86, and the printing stage 87. The blower 66A may also be configured to move together with the printing pad 10. In this case, it becomes possible to blow air onto the printing surface 4 while the printing pad 10 is moving from the printing plate stage 85 to the printing stage 87, which can contribute to shortening the time required for printing.

[0092] (Modification of printing pad 10) Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the printing pad 10 of Fig. 15 pressed against the object to be printed 70. The internal layer 1 of the printing pad 10 is not limited to a shape similar to the surface of the external layer 2 shown in Figs. 2 and 3. As shown in Fig. 15, the outer surface 1d of the internal layer 1 may have a shape different from that of the surface of the external layer 2 depending on the shape of the object to be printed 70. The printing pad 10 shown in Figs. 15 and 16 has recesses 1f on the surface of the internal layer 1 that correspond to the protrusions 70A provided on the object to be printed 70.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 16, the outer surface 1d is preferably formed assuming a state in which the printing pad 10 is pressed against the print object 70. In other words, the outer surface 1d of the internal layer 1 is preferably shaped to resemble the shape of the surface of the external layer 2 when pressed against the print object 70. In other words, the outer surface 1d of the internal layer 1 has recesses 1f corresponding to the protrusions 70A provided on the print surface 71 of the print object 70. In other words, the surface shape of the internal layer 1 resembles the surface shape of the external layer 2 when the print surface 4 is pressed against the print surface 71. The recesses 1f provided on the surface of the internal layer 1 are formed at positions corresponding to the recesses 2f of the surface shape of the external layer 2 when pressed against the print surface 71.

[0094] In the printing pad 10 according to the modified example, when the printing surface 4 is pressed against the object to be printed 70, the protrusions 70A and recesses 1f are aligned in the pressing direction of the printing pad 10, and when the outer layer 2 is deformed, the surface of the outer layer 2 and the surface in contact with the inner layer 1 have roughly similar shapes. This allows the load applied from the printing pad 10 to the object to be printed 70 to be averaged over all parts of the surface 71 to be printed.

[0095] 17 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to embodiment 1. The internal layer 1 of the printing pad 10 does not have to have a shape similar to the surface of the external layer 2, but may have a shape that is elongated in the pressing direction. In other words, the external layer 2 may be configured so that its thickness is thinnest at the apex 6 of the printing pad 10 and becomes thicker toward the periphery (the support member 7 side). In this case, the external layer 2 is less deformed near the apex 6 and becomes more deformed toward the periphery.

[0096] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, the internal layer 1 of the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment is modified. The printer 100 according to the second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the changes made to the first embodiment. In the drawings, parts of the printing pad 10 according to the second embodiment that have the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the drawings used to explain the first embodiment.

[0097] (Printing pad 10) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the inner layer 1 of the printing pad 10 according to the second embodiment. The inner layer 1 of the printing pad 10 may have a hollow structure, such as a bowl- or box-like structure with one open end. The printing pad 10 according to the second embodiment has an open end 1a and an outer surface 1d formed in a dome shape that protrudes downward in FIG. 13, i.e., toward the apex 1b. The outer surface 1d is formed in a shape similar to the surface of the outer layer 2. The inner surface 1c is also formed in a dome shape extending downward from the end 1a, and is formed so that the thickness between the inner surface 1c and the outer surface 1d is uniform. However, the inner surface 1c is not limited to the above shape. As with the printing pad 10 according to the modified example of the first embodiment, the inner surface 1c may be formed to match the convex shape of the printing object 70, or the shape of the inner surface 1c may be set so that the thickness of the outer layer 2 varies. The end 1a abuts against the support member 7 of the printing pad 10.

[0098] The inner layer 1 is made of, for example, plastic, and has sufficient rigidity and strength to prevent deformation when the printing pad 10 is pressed against the printing object 70. Depending on the material constituting the inner layer 1, it is advisable to set the thickness from the inner surface 1c to the outer surface 1d and provide ribs 1e or the like inside as necessary to ensure rigidity and strength. In FIG. 13, the ribs 1e are formed in a plate shape and intersect at the center, but this is not the only possible form. The inner layer 1 may also be molded, for example, by injection molding.

[0099] 13. Furthermore, the inner layer 1 may have a structure in which the open end 1a of the bowl shape shown in FIG.

[0100] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment. The printing pad 10 according to the first embodiment may include a protective coating layer 3 covering the surface of the substrate 5. The protective coating layer 3 constitutes the outer printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10. The protective coating layer 3 is formed, for example, by attaching a 0.5 mm silicone rubber sheet to the surface of the outer layer 2. The protective coating layer 3 prevents the silicone oil contained in the soft silicone rubber inside from seeping out onto the printing surface 4. Furthermore, the outer surface of the protective coating layer 3 constitutes the printing surface 4 and is repeatedly pressed against the printing plate 50 and the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73, so it must be durable against scratches and abrasion. Therefore, the protective coating layer 3 is made of a material that is harder than the outer layer 2 and is thin enough to conform to the printing surfaces 71, 72, and 73 when the printing surface 4 is pressed against them. In the first embodiment, the thickness of the protective coating layer 3 is configured to be as thin as possible, for example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Furthermore, it is desirable that the protective coating layer 3 has sufficient flexibility so that it can be attached along the surface of the substrate 5 in the step of attaching the protective coating layer 3 to the substrate 5. The printing pad 10 may be further formed into a multi-layer structure. For example, the outer layer 2 of the printing pad 10 shown in FIG. 13 may be further formed into a multi-layer structure using materials with different hardnesses.

[0101] The protective coating layer 3 is attached to the surface of the substrate 5, but if it is damaged, such as scratched or worn, it can be peeled off from the surface of the substrate 5 and replaced with a new one. The protective coating layer 3 is formed in a thin sheet shape and is less expensive than, for example, a substrate 5 formed in a hemispherical shape, and by replacing it, the internal substrate 5 can be used as is. Therefore, by updating the protective coating layer 3, the expensive substrate 5 can be used repeatedly, and the condition of the printing surface 4 of the printing pad 10 can be maintained in a state suitable for printing. Consequently, the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment can reduce printing costs.

[0102] As described above, the first and second embodiments have been described, but each embodiment is merely an example, and the embodiments and variations thereof can be combined with each other, or can be combined with other known technologies. Furthermore, parts of the configuration can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure. Furthermore, the printing pad 10 described above can also include combinations of the features shown in Supplementary Notes 1 to 9 below. Such combinations are described below. [Appendix 1] a printing plate 50 on which ink is placed and a printing surface 4 that is pressed against a printing surface 71 that is the object to be printed; an inner layer 1 disposed inside; an outer layer 2 provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer 1 on the side where the printed surface 4 is located, The outer layer 2 is The printing surface 4 is provided on the outer surface thereof, and when pressed against the surface 71 to be printed, the printing surface 4 is configured to follow and adhere to the surface 71 to be printed; The inner layer 1 is A printing pad 10 having a cavity formed therein. [Appendix 2] The inner layer 1 and the outer layer 2 are Attachment 1: A printing pad (10) fixed to a support member (7) at each end opposite to the end on which the printing surface (4) is located. [Appendix 3] The inner layer 1 is 3. The printing pad 10 according to claim 1 or 2, which is made of plastic foam. [Appendix 4] The inner layer 1 is The printing pad (10) according to appendix 1 or 2, which is a bowl-shaped member having an open end opposite to the end on which the printing surface (4) is disposed. [Appendix 5] The volume of the inner layer 1 including the cavity is The printing pad 10 according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the volume of the outer layer 2 and the inner layer 1 including the cavity is 40% or less of the combined volume of the outer layer 2 and the inner layer 1 including the cavity. [Appendix 6] The surfaces of the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 2 on which the printing surface 4 is disposed are 6. The printing pad 10 according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the shapes are similar. [Appendix 7] The inner layer 1 is The surface shape is similar to the surface shape of the outer layer 2 when the printing surface 4 is pressed against the printing surface 71, A printing pad 10 described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the recess 1f provided on the surface of the internal layer 1 is formed at a position corresponding to the recess shape of the surface shape of the external layer 2 when pressed against the printing surface 71. [Appendix 8] The inner layer 1 is It has a long shape in the pressing direction, The thickness of the outer layer 2 is 6. The printing pad 10 according to any one of appendix 1 to 5, wherein the printing pad 10 is thinnest at the apex 1b and becomes thicker towards the periphery. [Appendix 9] The protective coating layer 3 is provided in contact with the outer surface of the outer layer 2, The protective coating layer 3 is The Asker C hardness is higher than that of the outer layer 2, The printing surface 4 is The printing pad (10) according to any one of appendixes 1 to 8, which is formed on the outer surface of the protective coating layer (3). [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 inner layer, 1a end, 1b apex, 1c inner surface, 1d outer surface, 1e rib, 1f recess, 2 outer layer, 2f recessed shape, 3 protective coating layer, 4 printing surface, 5 substrate, 6 apex, 7 support member, 10 printing pad, 11 vertical movement device, 12 horizontal movement device, 13 flat surface, 20 control device, 20a arithmetic device, 20b storage device, 21 pad control unit, 22 air blowing unit, 23 air blowing unit, 24 activation unit, 25 ink placement unit, 26 temperature control unit, 28 temperature sensor, 40 ink, 40a ink, 40b ink, 40c ink, 40d ink, 40e ink, 40f ink, 40g ink, 50 (monochrome) printing plate, 51 placement surface, 52 surface layer, 53 support, 54 Recess, 55 bottom, 56 opening, 57 ink-phobic region, 58 ink-philic region, 60 cleaning device, 61 activation device, 62 air blowing device, 63 ink placement device, 64 ink holding portion, 65 rotating shaft, 66 air blower, 66a air outlet, 66b inlet, 67 heater, 68 temperature sensor, 69 acceleration sensor, 70 printed material, 70A protrusion, 71 printing surface, 72 printing surface, 73 printing surface, 85 printing plate stage, 86 surface treatment stage, 87 printing stage, 100 printing device.

Claims

1. a printing plate on which ink is placed and a printing surface that is pressed against a printing surface that is an object to be printed; an inner layer disposed therein; an outer layer provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer on the side where the printed surface is located, The outer layer is The printing surface is on an outer surface, and when pressed against the surface to be printed, the printing surface conforms to the surface to be printed and adheres closely to it; The inner layer is A printing pad having an interior cavity formed therein and having a higher hardness than the outer layer.

2. a printing plate on which ink is placed and a printing surface that is pressed against a printing surface that is an object to be printed; an inner layer disposed therein; an outer layer provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer on the side where the printed surface is located, The outer layer is The printing surface is on an outer surface, and when pressed against the surface to be printed, the printing surface conforms to the surface to be printed and adheres closely to it; The inner layer is There is a cavity inside, The printing pad is a bowl-shaped member having an open end opposite to the end on which the printing surface is located.

3. a printing plate on which ink is placed and a printing surface that is pressed against a printing surface that is an object to be printed; an inner layer disposed therein; an outer layer provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer on the side where the printed surface is located, The outer layer is The printing surface is on an outer surface, and when pressed against the surface to be printed, the printing surface conforms to the surface to be printed and adheres closely to it; The inner layer is There is a cavity inside, The volume of the inner layer including the cavity is A printing pad in which the combined volume of the outer layer and the inner layer including the cavity is 40% or less.

4. a printing plate on which ink is placed and a printing surface that is pressed against a printing surface that is an object to be printed; an inner layer disposed therein; an outer layer provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer on the side where the printed surface is located, The outer layer is The printing surface is on an outer surface, and when pressed against the surface to be printed, the printing surface conforms to the surface to be printed and adheres closely to it; The inner layer is a cavity is formed inside, and a surface shape thereof is similar to a surface shape of the outer layer when the printing surface is pressed against the surface to be printed; A printing pad, wherein the recesses provided on the surface of the inner layer are formed at positions corresponding to the recesses on the surface of the outer layer when pressed against the surface to be printed.

5. a printing plate on which ink is placed and a printing surface that is pressed against a printing surface that is an object to be printed; an inner layer disposed therein; an outer layer provided in contact with the surface of the inner layer on the side where the printed surface is located, The outer layer is The printing surface is on an outer surface, and when pressed against the surface to be printed, the printing surface conforms to the surface to be printed and adheres closely to it; The inner layer is It has a hollow inside and is elongated in the pressing direction. The thickness of the outer layer is A printing pad that is thinnest at the apex and thickens towards the periphery.

6. The inner layer and the outer layer are The printing pad according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing pad is fixed to a support member at each end opposite to the end on which the printing surface is located.

7. The inner layer is The printing pad according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is made of a plastic foam.

8. The inner layer is 6. The printing pad according to claim 1, wherein the printing pad is a bowl-shaped member having an open end opposite to the end on which the printing surface is disposed.

9. The volume of the inner layer including the cavity is 6. The printing pad according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the inner layer including the outer layer and the cavity is 40% or less of the total volume of the inner layer.

10. The surfaces of the inner layer and the outer layer on which the printed surface is disposed are The printing pad according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shapes are similar.

11. The inner layer is a surface shape that is similar to a surface shape of the outer layer when the printing surface is pressed against the surface to be printed; A printing pad as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 5, wherein the recesses provided on the surface of the inner layer are formed at positions corresponding to the recesses on the surface shape of the outer layer when pressed against the printing surface.

12. The inner layer is It has a long shape in the pressing direction, The thickness of the outer layer is 5. The printing pad according to claim 1, wherein the printing pad is thinnest at the apex and becomes thicker towards the periphery.

13. a protective coating layer provided in contact with the outer surface of the outer layer; The protective coating layer comprises: the Asker C hardness is higher than that of the outer layer, The printing surface is The printing pad according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protective coating layer is formed on the outer surface thereof.

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