Film-type edible products and apparatus for manufacturing film-type edible products

Abstract

The present invention relates to film-type edible products and an apparatus for manufacturing the film-type edible products. The apparatus for manufacturing the film-type edible products comprises: a metal mask having a plurality of printing holes; a lower substrate supply unit that supplies a lower substrate below the metal mask; a printing unit that spreads externally supplied paste-like edible raw materials on the upper surface of the metal mask, thereby printing the edible raw materials on the lower substrate via the printing holes; a drying unit for drying the edible printed materials on the lower substrate; an upper substrate supply unit that supplies an upper substrate for covering the upper portion of the lower substrate; a fusing unit that fuses the lower substrate and the upper substrate; and a cutting unit that cuts the fused upper and lower substrates to separate the edible printed materials into individual pieces. According to the film-type edible products and the apparatus for manufacturing the film-type edible products according to the present invention as described above, edible films are manufactured by a printing method using the metal mask, and thus edible products of various shapes can be produced. Also, overprinting is possible through aligning of the metal mask, and thus the thickness of the edible film itself can be adjusted. Furthermore, the raw materials in the paste phase are only ejected just before printing, and thus viscosity changes in the raw materials can be minimized since the time of contact between the raw materials and air is short.

Description

Film-type edible products and film-type edible product manufacturing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a film-type edible product, and more specifically, to a film-type edible product having excellent marketability due to having various shapes and thicknesses, and an edible product manufacturing device capable of continuously producing film-type edible products of various shapes.

[0002] Film-type edible products are made by mixing various food ingredients and molding them into a thin film, sized to fit in the mouth. When placed on the tongue, a film-type edible product gradually melts, allowing the ingredients inside to be absorbed into the body.

[0003] Film-type edible products come in a variety of forms, depending on their intended purpose. Examples include those for breath freshening, dental hygiene, and post-meal mouthwash. However, because film-type edible products take the form of thin films, they are vulnerable to moisture, and are typically packaged individually in sealed packages.

[0004] As a manufacturing device for manufacturing such film-type edible products, domestic patent registration No. 10-1214140 (Method and device for manufacturing edible film products) has been disclosed.

[0005] However, the disclosed manufacturing method is slow in production and, because it involves individually cutting the dried edible film into square shapes using a pick-and-place process, it is impossible to produce a variety of edible film shapes. In other words, only simple rectangular shapes can be produced. Furthermore, because the raw material is coated all at once, loading small quantities of raw material results in a significant loss of usable raw material relative to the input amount.

[0006] While manufacturing equipment employing metal mask printing is also in use, conventional metal mask manufacturing equipment struggles with printing patterns with wide openings. Furthermore, by simultaneously pouring raw materials onto the metal mask for printing, the exposure time of the paste-like material on the metal mask increases, making it vulnerable to contamination. Furthermore, variations in the viscosity of the raw materials make it difficult to produce consistent quality products, and they also suffer from significant raw material loss.

[0007] In addition, although roll-to-roll manufacturing equipment is advantageous for mass production, it has the disadvantage of being limited in continuous coating while maintaining a constant pattern pitch due to the square frame size of the metal mask, and the printed pattern touches the roll or other equipment.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a film-type edible product manufacturing device capable of producing edible products of various shapes and thicknesses.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a film-type edible product manufacturing device that can minimize changes in viscosity of the raw material by discharging the paste-like raw material only immediately before printing, thereby shortening the contact time of the raw material with air.

[0010] As a technical solution for achieving the above object, the film-type edible product of the present invention is manufactured by a screen printing method using a metal mask having a plurality of printing holes formed therein, and includes an edible product body of a certain thickness reflecting the shape of the printing holes; and a packaging material for sealing the product body.

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned edible product body has a multi-layered structure.

[0012] In addition, as a means of solving the problem for achieving the above object, the film-type edible product manufacturing device of the present invention includes: a metal mask having a plurality of printing holes formed therein; a lower fabric supply unit for supplying a lower fabric to a lower portion of the metal mask; a printing unit for spreading an edible raw material in a paste state supplied from the outside on an upper surface of the metal mask so that the edible raw material is printed on the lower fabric through the printing holes; a drying unit for drying the edible printed matter printed on the lower fabric; an upper fabric supply unit for supplying an upper fabric to cover the upper portion of the lower fabric; a fusing unit for fusing the lower fabric and the upper fabric; and a cutting unit for cutting the fused upper and lower fabrics to separate the edible printed matter into individual pieces.

[0013] In addition, a secondary printing unit is further included, which is installed between the drying unit and the fusing unit, and reprints another edible raw material on the upper surface of the edible printed matter printed on the lower fabric.

[0014] In addition, as a solution to the problem for achieving the above object, another film-type edible product manufacturing device of the present invention comprises: a lower fabric supply unit for supplying a lower fabric having a predetermined width; a first printing unit for passing the lower fabric supplied from the lower fabric supply unit through the lower fabric and printing a paste-state edible raw material on the upper surface of the lower fabric to obtain an edible primary printed material; a first drying unit for heating and drying the first printed material; a second printing unit for passing the lower fabric that has passed through the first drying unit through the lower fabric and printing a paste-state edible raw material on the upper surface of the first printed material to laminate an edible secondary printed material on the first printed material; a second drying unit for heating and drying the second printed material; an upper fabric supply unit for supplying an upper fabric corresponding to the lower fabric; a fusing unit for fusing and bonding the upper fabric to the lower fabric; A cutting section is included to cut the fused upper and lower fabric laminates and separate the first and second printed materials in the laminated state into individual pieces.

[0015] In addition, an inspection device for detecting the lamination state of the first and second printed materials is further provided on the upstream side of the fusion section, and a punching device for punching holes in the first and second printed materials is provided on the downstream side of the fusion section if the lamination state of the first and second printed materials is found to be defective as a result of inspection by the inspection device.

[0016] In addition, the first printing unit and the second printing unit include a support structure that provides support, a transport guide means that is mounted on the support structure and guides transport of the lower fabric passing through the support structure, a fabric support unit that is installed at the bottom of the transport path of the lower fabric and supports the lower fabric when printing the edible material, a metal mask that is positionally adjustable at the top of the transport path of the lower fabric and has a plurality of printing holes through which the edible material passes, and a printing unit that inputs the edible material to the top of the metal mask and spreads the input edible material on the metal mask so that the edible material fills the printing holes.

[0017] In addition, the above-mentioned transport guide means comprises a horizontal maintenance roll that horizontally supports the lower fabric between the fabric support portion and the metal mask, and a suction roll that is installed at a lower height than the horizontal maintenance roll and transports the lower surface of the lower fabric that has passed between the fabric support portion and the metal mask while being absorbed.

[0018] In addition, the first printed material is provided at a certain interval in the width direction and the transport direction of the lower fabric, and on the downstream side of the suction roll, a pressing roller is further provided that contacts the upper surface of the lower fabric that has passed through the suction roll and supports the lower fabric downward, and has a pressing ring portion on the outer circumference that avoids the printed material on the upper surface of the lower fabric and adheres to the lower fabric.

[0019] And, the above fabric support part includes a support base fixed to a support structure, a suction horizontal plate installed so as to be able to rise and fall on the upper part of the support base, and contacting the lower surface of the lower fabric in a raised state to absorb the lower fabric, and a suction plate cylinder that moves the suction horizontal plate up and down.

[0020] In addition, the printing unit comprises: a reciprocating beam that reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the lower fabric; an elevation support plate mounted on the reciprocating beam so as to be able to be elevated; a pair of squeegees spaced apart and parallel to each other at the lower portion of the elevation support plate and having a squeegee blade at the lower portion; a blade cylinder that alternately lowers the squeegee so that the squeegee blade makes linear contact with the metal mask; and a raw material discharge unit that is installed between the two squeegees and discharges a paste-like raw material supplied from the outside onto the upper portion of the metal mask.

[0021] In addition, the raw material discharge unit is a slit die having a bank for receiving edible raw materials and one or more discharge slits for discharging the edible raw materials within the bank in the form of a band of a certain width.

[0022] The film-type edible product and film-type edible product manufacturing device of the present invention, which are formed as described above, manufacture edible films using a printing method using a metal mask, and thus can produce edible products of various shapes.

[0023] Additionally, overlapping printing is possible through alignment of the metal mask, allowing for control of the thickness of the etching film itself.

[0024] Furthermore, by discharging the paste-like raw material only immediately before printing, the contact time of the raw material with air is short, so changes in the viscosity of the raw material can be minimized.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of a film-type edible product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 2A to 2F are cross-sectional views showing various modified examples of a film-type edible product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the overall configuration of a film-type edible product manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view separately showing the first printing section and some heating and curing units of Figure 3.

[0029] Figure 5 is a front view of the first printing unit and heating dryer of Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the transport path of the lower fabric passing through the first printing section of Figure 4.

[0031] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the printing unit and fabric support section of the first printing section of Figure 4 in an exploded view.

[0032] Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views for explaining the position adjustment method of the metal mask shown in Figure 7.

[0033] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the metal mask and printing head of Figure 7 separately.

[0034] Fig. 11 is a side view of the print head of Fig. 10.

[0035] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the slit die shown in Figure 11.

[0036] FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b are drawings for explaining the operation of the print head of FIG. 10.

[0037] Figures 14 and 15 are drawings for explaining the relative arrangement of rollers inside the primary printing section shown in Figure 4.

[0038] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the suction roll of Fig. 14.

[0039] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a modified example of a metal mask applicable to the first printing section of Fig. 4.

[0040] Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of a film-type edible product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] As shown, the film-type edible product (100) according to the present embodiment is composed of a product body (101) and a packaging material (103).

[0043] The product body (101) is manufactured by printing edible raw materials, so to speak, using a screen printing method. That is, edible raw materials in paste form are injected into a metal mask having a plurality of printing holes formed therein, and then manufactured using a screen printing method. The metal mask may be, for example, a metal mask (25) of the type illustrated in FIG. 10 or FIG. 17. Naturally, the shape of the product body (101) reflects the shape of the printing holes (25c) of the metal mask. Since the edible raw material itself is general, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In this way, since it is manufactured using a printing method using a metal mask, the shape of the product body (101) is very diverse, as shown in Fig. 2. For reference, a conventional edible product manufacturing device has a structure that flattens edible raw materials into a wide sheet shape, and then cuts the spread sheet into a number of straight lines that are orthogonal to each other to separate them into individual pieces. Naturally, conventional edible products have a simple rectangular shape. For example, they cannot be manufactured in shapes such as circles, clover shapes, triangles, or stars.

[0045] While it's possible to use a Thompson blade to cut various shapes of edible products, this method results in significant loss of edible material, making it industrially unproductive and inefficient. Furthermore, it's not possible to produce laminated edible products.

[0046] In particular, the film-type edible product (100) according to the present embodiment may have a laminated structure. (A single-layer structure can of course be produced.) For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a primary printed material (101a) may be first coated and a secondary printed material (101b) may be laminated thereon. The edible material of the primary printed material (101a) and the edible material of the secondary printed material (101b) may be the same or different.

[0047] The fact that the artificial ingredients are the same means that the primary printed material (101a) is thin, so it is manufactured thicker. Furthermore, the fact that the artificial coloring materials are different means that ingredients with different effects can be consumed simultaneously.

[0048] Although Figure 1 shows a two-layer laminated structure, the number of layers may vary. For example, it may have three or more layers.

[0049] The packaging material (13) is a sealing sheet that seals and contains the product body (101). The lower packaging sheet (103a) constituting the packaging material (13) is made of the lower fabric (13) described below, and the upper packaging sheet (103b) is made of the upper fabric (14) cut into a square.

[0050] FIGS. 2A to 2F are cross-sectional views showing various modified examples of a film-type edible product according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2F, the product body (101) of the film-type decorative product (100) of the present embodiment can have various shapes. That is, it can be manufactured in a circular, oval, triangular, star-shaped, cloud-shaped, or heart-shaped shape. The reason why the product body (101) of such various shapes can be manufactured is because the product body (101) is manufactured using a screen printing method using a metal plate. The metal plate that can be used can have a structure as illustrated in FIG. 17, for example.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the overall configuration of a film-type edible product manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The food manufacturing device of this embodiment includes a metal mask, a lower fabric supply unit, a printing unit, a drying unit, a fusing unit, and a cutting unit.

[0054] The metal mask (25) is a member installed so that its position can be adjusted in the first printing section (20A) and the second printing section (20B), and has a number of printing holes (25c).

[0055] The lower fabric supply unit (11) supplies the lower fabric to the lower portion of the metal mask (25). The lower fabric supplied from the lower fabric supply unit (11) passes through the metal mask of the first printing unit (20A) and the lower portion of the metal mask of the second printing unit in sequence.

[0056] In addition, the printing section includes a first printing section (20A) and a second printing section (20B) that spreads an edible raw material in a paste state supplied from the outside on the upper surface of the metal mask so that the edible raw material is printed on the lower fabric through a printing hole (25c).

[0057] And the drying section dries the edible printed matter printed on the lower fabric, and has a first drying section (50A) and a second drying section (50B). The first and second drying sections are arranged in series and heat the lower fabric while passing it through.

[0058] The upper fabric supply unit (71) supplies the upper fabric to cover the upper part of the lower fabric and has a bobbin (72). The upper fabric (14) wound around the bobbin (72) is unwound to cover the upper part of the lower fabric.

[0059] The fusing section (73) fuses the lower fabric (13) and the upper fabric (14), and the cutting section (77) cuts the fused upper and lower fabrics to separate the edible printed material into individual pieces. A more detailed description of this configuration is as follows.

[0060] As shown, the film-type edible product manufacturing device according to the present embodiment includes a lower fabric supply unit (11), a tension maintenance unit (15), a first printing unit (20A), a first raw material supply unit (43a), a multi-stage first drying unit (50A), a second printing unit (20B), a second raw material supply unit (43b), a multi-stage second drying unit (50B), an upper fabric supply unit (71), an inspection device (63), a fusing unit (73), a punching unit (75), and a cutting unit (77).

[0061] The edible product manufacturing device having the above configuration continuously produces edible products (100) having the structure illustrated in Fig. 1. In particular, defective products determined to be defective during the manufacturing process are discharged with holes punched in them by the punching unit (75). The worker collects and discards defective products with holes among the products being discharged.

[0062] The lower fabric supply unit (11) serves to supply the lower fabric (13) wound around the bobbin (12). A slider (11b) is provided at the bottom of the housing (11a) of the lower fabric supply unit (11). The slider (11b) is a straight member extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the lower fabric is traveling (hereinafter, width direction) and is supported on a rail (11c) on the ground.

[0063] The lower fabric supply unit (11) is supported on a rail (11c) and can be positioned in the width direction. By adjusting the width direction position of the lower fabric supply unit (11), the width direction position of the lower fabric (13) during transport is adjusted. To adjust the position of the lower fabric supply unit (11), a separate driving unit (not shown) is installed inside the housing (11a).

[0064] An EPC sensor (17) is installed on the downstream side of the lower fabric supply unit (11). The EPC sensor (17) detects the position of the widthwise edge line of the lower fabric (13) during transport. The detection results of the EPC sensor (17) are transmitted to a controller (not shown). When the EPC sensor (17) detects eccentricity of the lower fabric, the controller positions the lower fabric supply unit (11) correctly.

[0065] The tension maintenance unit (15) maintains the tension of the conveyed lower fabric at a constant level. The tension maintenance unit (15) is installed in multiple locations. For example, it is installed upstream of the first and second printing units (20A, 20B) or upstream of the upper fabric supply unit (71). The tension maintenance unit (15) pulls the lower fabric (13) that starts and stops repeatedly to keep it always taut.

[0066] Meanwhile, the primary printing unit (20A) serves to print a primary printed material (101a) on the upper surface of the supplied lower fabric (13). That is, it is a device that passes the lower fabric (13) supplied from the lower fabric supply unit (11) and prints a paste-like edible raw material on the upper surface of the lower fabric to form an edible primary printed material (101a).

[0067] The configuration and operating principle of the primary printing unit (20A) will first be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 17. For reference, the structures of the primary printing unit (20A) and the secondary printing unit (20B) are identical. Therefore, for convenience and to avoid redundant explanation, the description of the secondary printing unit (20B) will be replaced with the description of the primary printing unit (20A).

[0068] Fig. 4 is a perspective view separately showing the first printing unit and some of the heating and drying devices of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a front view of the first printing unit and the heating and drying device of Fig. 4. In addition, Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the transport path of the lower fabric passing through the first printing unit, and Fig. 7 is an exploded drawing of the printing unit and the fabric support unit in the first printing unit. In addition, Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views for explaining the position adjustment method of the metal mask illustrated in Fig. 7, and Fig. 10 is a drawing separately showing the metal mask and the printing head. In addition, Fig. 11 is a side view of the printing head of Fig. 10, Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the slit die illustrated in Fig. 11, and Figs. 13a and 13b are drawings for explaining the operation of the printing head of Fig. 10. In addition, FIGS. 14 and 15 are drawings for explaining the relative arrangement of rollers inside the primary printing section, FIG. 16 is a cut-out exploded perspective view of the suction roll of FIG. 14, and FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a modified example of a metal mask applicable to the primary printing section of FIG. 4.

[0069] As shown, the primary printing unit (20A) includes a support structure (21), a transport guide means, a fabric support unit (24), a metal mask (25), and a printing unit (30).

[0070] The support structure (21) is a fixed body erected on the ground and is a frame that supports other components.

[0071] The transport guide means is an element that is mounted on the inside of the support structure (21) and guides the transport of the lower fabric (13) passing through the support structure (21). The transport guide means includes two guide rolls (21a), a horizontal maintenance roll (21c), and a suction roll (22).

[0072] As shown in Fig. 5, the guide roll (21a) is arranged from top to bottom and guides the lower fabric (13) that has entered the interior of the primary printing section (20A) toward the horizontal maintenance roll (21c).

[0073] The horizontal support roll (21c) serves to horizontally support the lower fabric (13) between the fabric support portion (24) and the metal mask (25). Two horizontal support rolls (21c) form a set, and are symmetrical with the suction horizontal plate (24c) of the fabric support portion (24) interposed therebetween. The lower fabric positioned between the horizontal support rolls (21c) is maintained horizontally and parallel to the suction horizontal plate (24c).

[0074] The suction roll (22) is installed at a lower altitude than the horizontal maintenance roll (21c) and transports the lower surface of the lower fabric (13) that has passed between the fabric support (24) and the metal mask while being sucked. Installing at a lower altitude than the horizontal maintenance roll (21c) means that it is located at a point lower than the horizontal maintenance roll (21c) with respect to the ground. In the drawing of Fig. 5, an imaginary straight line connecting the rotation center axis of the right horizontal maintenance roll (21c) and the rotation center axis of the suction roll (22) may have an angle of 5 to 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal line, and preferably, an angle of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0075] The suction roll (22) is shown separately in Fig. 16.

[0076] As illustrated, the suction roll (22) includes a suction drum (22a), a connecting ring (22e), a roll shaft (22k), and a fixed disk (22m). The suction roll (22) is connected to a vacuum pump (41) as illustrated in Fig. 15. As the vacuum pump (41) operates, the lower fabric (13) is absorbed onto the outer surface of the suction roll (22).

[0077] The adsorption drum (22a) is a hollow cylindrical member having a certain diameter and has a space (22b) inside. A number of micro-holes (22c) are formed in the periphery of the adsorption drum (22a). The micro-holes (22c) serve as passages through which external air is sucked into the adsorption drum (22a) when the internal pressure of the space (22b) decreases.

[0078] The connecting ring (22e) is a ring-shaped member fixed to one end of the suction drum (22a) and has a suction hole (22f). The suction hole (22f) is a hole to which an external vacuum pump is connected. When the vacuum pump is in operation, the air inside the space (22b) is discharged to the outside through the suction hole (22f), and a negative pressure is formed in the space (22b). This creates a state in which external air flows into the space (22b).

[0079] As the suction drum (22a) maintains negative pressure, the lower fabric (13) in contact with the outer surface of the suction drum (22a) is pressed against the outer surface by the negative pressure. Since the lower fabric (13) is transported in an adsorbed state, not only is the tension stably maintained, but slipping or meandering is prevented. When the suction roll (22) rotates in this state, the rotational force of the suction roll (22) is transmitted to the lower fabric (13).

[0080] The roll shaft (22k) is a horizontal shaft whose one end is fixed to a suction drum (22a) and a connecting ring (22e), respectively, and whose other end is supported so as to be axially rotatably on a support structure (21) via a fixed disk (22m). A bearing (22n) is mounted between each roll shaft (22k) and the fixed disk (22m). The roll shaft (22k) is axially rotatably supported by the bearing (22n).

[0081] Meanwhile, the fabric support part (24) is installed below the transport path of the lower fabric (13) and supports the lower fabric when printing the edible material. In other words, it prevents the lower fabric (13) from sagging downward.

[0082] This fabric support part (24) is equipped with a support base (24a), an adsorption horizontal plate (24c), a vertical bar (24f), and an adsorption plate cylinder (24b).

[0083] The support base (24a) has a square frame shape and is horizontally fixed to the inside of the support structure (21). The support base (24a) supports a vertical bar (24f) so that it can be raised and lowered. The vertical bar (24f) is a vertically extended circular bar supported by the support base (24a). The suction horizontal plate (24c) is fixed to the upper end of the vertical bar (24f).

[0084] The suction horizontal plate (24c) is a rectangular horizontal plate that can be raised and lowered on top of the support base (24a). Inside the suction horizontal plate (24c), a negative pressure space (24g) is provided, as illustrated in Fig. 7. The negative pressure space (24g) is a space connected to an external vacuum pump (41) and is opened upward through a number of suction holes (24d). Therefore, when the internal pressure of the negative pressure space (24g) is lowered through the vacuum pump (41), the air above the suction horizontal plate (24c) is sucked into the inside of the suction horizontal plate (24c).

[0085] When the vacuum pump (41) is operated while the suction horizontal plate (24c) is raised and brought into close contact with the lower surface of the lower fabric (13), the lower fabric (13) is fixed to the upper surface of the suction horizontal plate (24c) by the action of negative pressure. When the vacuum pump is stopped, the suction is released.

[0086] The suction plate cylinder (24b) is an element that moves the suction horizontal plate (24c) upward and downward. Through the suction plate cylinder (24b), the suction horizontal plate (24c) is raised or lowered within a certain stroke range.

[0087] Drawing reference numeral 23 in Fig. 5 is a vision sensor. The vision sensor (23) detects the accuracy of the longitudinal (transport direction) movement distance of the lower fabric (13). The lower fabric (13) is not transported at a constant speed without changing the speed, but is transported in a so-called step manner by repeatedly starting and stopping (the distance traveled once during step transport is called a 'pitch distance'). The vision sensor detects the distance of the step transport. In other words, it senses whether it is transported by a constant pitch distance. To understand this, marks (not shown) are marked at constant intervals in the longitudinal direction on the bottom surface of the lower fabric (13).

[0088] Meanwhile, the metal mask (25) is a square frame provided on the upper portion of the transport path of the lower fabric (13) so that its position can be adjusted in the X, Y, and Z directions. The metal mask (25) is located on the vertical upper portion of the fabric support portion (24).

[0089] The metal mask (25) has a mask plate (25b) and a side wall (25a) having a certain thickness.

[0090] The lower surface of the mask plate (25b) is horizontal and can be in close contact with the upper surface of the lower fabric (13). The thickness of the mask plate (25b) may vary. The thicker the mask plate (25b), the thicker the primary printed material (101a) or secondary printed material (101b).

[0091] In addition, a number of printing holes (25c) are formed in the center of the mask plate (25b). The printing holes (25c) are square through holes and are spaced at regular intervals in the X and Y directions. Naturally, the primary printing material (101a) or secondary printing material (101b) printed on the lower fabric also are spaced at regular intervals in the width direction and transport direction of the lower fabric.

[0092] The side wall (25a) is a square frame fixed around the upper surface of the mask plate (25b), and prevents the edible raw material (Z in FIG. 13) injected into the upper surface of the mask plate (25b) from flowing out to the outside of the mask plate (25b).

[0093] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a metal mask (25).

[0094] As illustrated in Fig. 17, the printing hole (25c) may have various shapes. The printing hole (25c) in Fig. 17 has the shapes of a heart, hexagon, triangle, circle, or square. By applying various shapes of the printing hole (25c) in this way, the marketability of the product body (101) can be improved.

[0095] The above metal mask (25) can be positionally adjusted in the X, Y, and Z directions of Fig. 8 through the metal mask position adjustment means. In other words, three-dimensional movement in the forward, backward, left, right, up, and down directions is possible.

[0096] The reason why the metal mask (25) is implemented so that the position can be adjusted in the X direction is to prepare for an error in the longitudinal (transport direction) transport distance of the lower fabric (13). As explained above, the lower fabric (13) is transported in steps of a certain pitch distance, and this is to compensate for the error when an error in the pitch distance occurs due to slipping or other causes. For example, if the input pitch distance is 50 cm, but the actual length of the lower fabric moved is 49 cm, the metal mask (25) is moved 1 cm in the opposite direction to the fabric transport direction.

[0097] And the reason why the metal mask (25) is implemented so that its position can be adjusted in the Y direction is to prepare for slight misalignment of the lower fabric (13) in the width direction. For example, if the lower fabric is eccentric by about 5 mm to the left in the width direction, the metal mask (25) is moved by 5 mm in the eccentric direction.

[0098] The metal mask (25) is designed to be raised and lowered in the Z direction for printing of edible raw material (Z). That is, the metal mask (25) is lowered so that the bottom surface of the metal mask (25) is in close contact with the upper surface of the lower fabric (13), the edible raw material (Z) is introduced to perform printing, and after printing is completed, the metal mask (25) is raised again so that the lower fabric (13) is transported.

[0099] These metal mask (25) position adjustment means include a fixed frame (26), an outer bracket (34), an X driving unit (27), a Y driving unit (28), and a Z driving unit (29).

[0100] The fixed frame (26) is a square frame-shaped member surrounding the metal mask (25) and has a frame cylinder (32) at the bottom of each of the four corners. The frame cylinder (32) is fixed to the support structure (21) and adjusts the vertical position of the fixed frame (26). In addition, a Y-rail (26a in FIG. 9) is horizontally mounted on the outer surface of both ends in the X direction of the fixed frame (26). The Y-rail (26a) guides the Y-direction movement of the sliding connector (27f).

[0101] The outer bracket (34) is a bar-shaped member with a central portion in the width direction bent at a right angle and supports the metal mask (25) horizontally while being positioned on the opposite side with the metal mask (25) in between. Each outer bracket (34) is fixed to an end of a connecting bracket (27c). Since the connecting bracket (27c) is indirectly fixed to the fixed frame (26), the outer bracket (34) also remains fixed on the inside of the fixed frame (26).

[0102] The X-drive unit (27) adjusts the position of the metal mask (25) in the X direction. The X-drive unit (27) includes an X-motor (27a), a lead screw (27b), a sliding connector (27f), a connecting bracket (27c), and a nut block (27d).

[0103] The X motor (27a) is supported on the sliding connector (27f) and outputs rotational force while maintaining a horizontal position. That is, it rotates the lead screw (27b) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The sliding connector (27f) is supported on the Y rail (26a) and its position can be adjusted in the Y direction.

[0104] The nut block (27d) is a component that engages with the lead screw (27b) and is fixed to the connecting bracket (27c). The connecting bracket (27c) is a member bent in the shape of an L and one end is fixed to the outer bracket (34). Ultimately, the metal disk (25) moves in the X direction by the operation of the X motor (27a).

[0105] The sliding connector (27f) located on the right side of the drawing of Fig. 9 is also supported on the Y rail (26a) and has a second Y rail (27g) and an X rail (27K) on the upper side. The second Y rail (27g) is parallel to the Y rail (26a) and supports the X rail (27k) so that its position can be adjusted in the Y direction. The X rail (27k) supports the end of the connecting bracket (27c).

[0106] Ultimately, the X-drive unit (27) moves in the X direction of the metal mask (25) via the X motor (27a) while being supported on the fixed frame (26) (with the ability to adjust the Y-direction position).

[0107] The Y drive unit (28) plays a role in moving the metal mask (25) in the Y direction. The Y drive unit (28) is equipped with a Y motor (28a), a lead screw (28c), and a nut block (28e).

[0108] The Y motor (28a) is fixed to the inside of the fixed frame (26) and rotates the lead screw (28c) in both directions. A nut block (28e) is engaged with the lead screw (28c). The nut block (28e) is a member that is coupled to the lead screw (28c) and is coupled with a sliding connector (27f). For this purpose, a side passage (26g) is provided in the fixed frame (26). The side passage (26g) is a hole through which the nut block (28e) passes.

[0109] The nut block (28e) moves in the Y direction within the side passage (26g) when the Y motor (28a) is driven. At this time, the sliding connector (27f) connected to the nut block (28e) also moves.

[0110] The Z-actuating member (29) has a Z-cylinder (29a) fixed to both ends of the outer brackets (34) on both sides, and a connecting arm (29b). The connecting arm (29b) is a member that connects the Z-cylinder (29a) and the metal mask (25). The connecting arm (29b) is raised and lowered by the operation of the Z-actuating member (29). Consequently, the metal mask (25) is raised and lowered by the Z-actuating member (29).

[0111] As described above, the metal mask (25) can move in the forward, backward, left, right, up, and down directions by the X, Y, and Z driving units (27, 28, and 29).

[0112] Meanwhile, the printing unit (30), as shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b, inserts the edible raw material (Z) onto the upper portion of the metal mask (25), and spreads the inserted edible raw material on the metal mask (as in silkscreen printing) so that the edible raw material fills the printing holes (25c). The edible raw material filled in the printing holes (25c) is a product that is dried and then packaged.

[0113] The printing unit (30) has a structure of a pair of parallel rails (31a), a driving motor (31b), a slider (31c), a reciprocating beam (31d), and a slit die (35).

[0114] The parallel rail (31a) is a structure extending in the Y direction and supports the slider (31c). The slider (31c) receives power from the driving motor (31b) while being supported by the parallel rails (31a) on both sides and slides in the Y direction.

[0115] The reciprocating beam (31d) is a straight member with both ends connected to a slider (31c) and supports the printing head (33).

[0116] The printing head (33) is equipped with an elevating support plate (37), an elevating support plate driving unit, a pair of squeegees (39), and a raw material discharge unit.

[0117] The lifting support plate (37) is a horizontal plate installed so as to be able to be lifted at the bottom of the reciprocating beam (31d). The lifting movement of the lifting support plate (37) is guided by a vertical guide rod (31e). The vertical guide rod (31e) is a vertical circular rod whose upper end is fixed to the reciprocating beam (31d).

[0118] The lifting support plate drive unit serves to repeatedly raise and lower the lifting support plate (37). The lifting support plate drive unit includes a servo motor (36a), a belt (36e), a vertical screw (36g), and a nut portion (36h).

[0119] The servo motor (36a) is a motor installed vertically on the side of the reciprocating beam (31d) and has a drive pulley (36b) on the drive shaft. In addition, the vertical screw (36g) is a vertical rod installed to be able to rotate about the reciprocating beam (31d) and has a male screw portion (36f) on the lower side. In addition, a driven pulley (36d) is fixed to the vertical screw (36g). The driven pulley (36d) is connected to the drive pulley (36b) through a belt (36e). As the servo motor (36a) is driven, the vertical screw (36g) rotates about the axis.

[0120] The nut portion (36h) is fixed to the bottom surface of the lifting support plate (37) and is screw-connected with the male screw portion (36f). As the vertical screw (36g) rotates, the lifting support plate (37) rises and falls.

[0121] The squeegees (39) are spaced apart and parallel to each other at the lower portion of the lifting support plate (37) and have a squeegee blade (39a) at the lower portion. In addition, a blade cylinder (38) is installed at the upper portion of each squeegee (39). The blade cylinder (38) raises and lowers the squeegee (39) while being fixed to the lifting support plate (37).

[0122] The blade cylinders (38) on both sides alternately lower the squeegee. For example, when lowering the left squeegee (39) in the drawing, the right squeegee (39) is raised, and when lowering the right squeegee (39), the left squeegee is raised. When the squeegee (39) is lowered, the squeegee blade (39a) makes linear contact with the mask plate (25b) of the metal mask (25), as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0123] The raw material discharge unit is installed between two squeegees (39) and discharges paste-like raw material supplied from the outside onto the metal mask.

[0124] The raw material discharge part is a slit die (35) having the structure shown in Fig. 12.

[0125] The slit die (35) is equipped with a first die half (35e), a second die half (35a), and a closing plate (35k). The first die half (35e) and the second die half (35a) are tightly coupled to each other and allow the edible raw material to pass therethrough.

[0126] The first die halve (35e) is provided with an injection passage (35f). The injection passage (35f) allows the edible raw material (Z) supplied through the raw material supply tube (35m in Fig. 11) to pass through and guide it to the bank (35b).

[0127] A bank (35b) and a discharge slit (35c) are formed in the second die halve (35a). The bank (35b) is a space where the edible raw material supplied through the injection passage (35f) is collected. The discharge slit (35c) is a path through which the edible raw material inside the bank (35b) flows downward. The edible raw material inside the bank (35b) is discharged downward. The edible raw material discharged downward is applied in the form of a band of a certain width on the mask plate (25b). In addition, the spacing of each discharge slit (35c) can correspond to the spacing of the printing holes (25c) in the metal mask (25). The closing plate (35k) serves to fix the first and second die halves (35e, 35a). Depending on the embodiment, the number of the discharge slits may vary, and for example, only one discharge slit may be applied.

[0128] Figure 13a is a drawing showing the print head (33) moving in the direction of arrow R.

[0129] Referring to Fig. 13a, it can be seen that the edible raw material (Z) is discharged from the slit die (35), and the squeegee (39) following the slit die (35) is lowered and spreads the edible raw material (Z) on the upper surface of the mask plate (25b). The edible raw material (Z) is pushed by the squeegee blade (39a) and enters the printing hole (25c) to be printed on the lower fabric (13). The squeegee (39) leading the slit die (35) remains in an elevated state.

[0130] In addition, the printing head (33) that has moved completely in the direction of the arrow R moves in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction of the arrow S, and pushes out the edible material (Z). At this time, the squeegee (39) on the right side of the drawing of the slit die (35) descends, and the squeegee (39) on the left side rises. While the printing head (33) moves in the direction of the arrow S, the right squeegee blade (39a) pushes out the edible material (Z) and fills the printing hole (25c).

[0131] If printing through the above process is completed, lower the suction level plate (24c), raise the metal mask (25), then move the lower fabric in the direction of arrow P in Fig. 14 and repeat the above process.

[0132] Meanwhile, the lower fabric (13) that has passed through the first printing section (20A) passes through four first drying sections (50A) in sequence. The first printed material (101a) printed on the lower fabric (13) passes through the first drying section (50A) and is heated and dried. All four first drying sections (50A) have the same structure and are arranged in series.

[0133] The primary drying unit (50A) includes a cabinet (51), a heater (53), and a temperature sensor (54). The cabinet (51) is a case that passes the lower fabric (13) and accommodates the heater (53) and the temperature sensor (54).

[0134] The temperature sensor (54) detects the temperature of the lower fabric (13) and transmits the temperature information to a controller (not shown). The controller adjusts the heating temperature of the heater (53) to an optimal range. The heating method of the heater (53) can be implemented in various ways, such as IR, NIR, MIR, Xeon lamp, Laser lamp, UV lamp, and Led lamp.

[0135] In addition, a pressing roller (55) is further installed inside the cabinet (51). The pressing roller (55) is a roller installed downstream of the suction roll (22), and contacts the upper surface of the lower fabric that has passed through the suction roll and supports the lower fabric downward. The pressing roller (55) is almost attached to the bottom of the cabinet (51). The angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the lower fabric (13) connecting the suction roll (22) and the pressing roller (55) is approximately 60 degrees.

[0136] In particular, a passage groove (55a) and a pressing ring (55b) are formed on the outer surface of the pressing roller (55).

[0137] The passage groove (55a) is a groove of a certain width and depth formed along the circumference of the pressing roller (55). The primary printed material (101a) or the first and second printed material stack printed on the lower fabric (13) passes through the passage groove (55a). The pressing ring (55b) is a protrusion of a certain width extending along the circumference of the pressing roller (55), and presses down on the lower fabric by coming into contact between the printed materials (101a, 101b) on the upper surface of the lower fabric.

[0138] As described above, since a passage groove (55a) is formed in the press roller (55), even if the lower fabric (13) passes through the lower part of the press roller (55), there is no concern that the first printed material (101a) or the stack of first and second printed materials will be damaged because it is not subjected to the pressure of the press roller (55).

[0139] The lower fabric (13) that has passed through the first drying section (50A) in sequence passes through the tension maintenance section (15) and then passes through the second printing section (20B).

[0140] The secondary printing unit (20B) prints a secondary printed material (101b) using the edible raw material supplied from the second raw material supply unit (43b), and has the same configuration as the primary printing unit (20A). However, the only difference is that the primary printing unit (20A) prints a primary printed material (101a) on a lower fabric that has 'nothing printed on it', whereas the secondary printing unit (20B) laminates a secondary printed material (101b) on top of a primary printed material (101a) that has already been printed.

[0141] Additionally, the metal mask installed in the secondary printing unit (20B) has the same shape and size as the metal mask (25) of the primary printing unit.

[0142] The X driving unit (27), Y driving unit (28), and Z driving unit (29) installed in the secondary printing unit (20B) serve to align the printing hole of the metal mask (25) with the upper part of the primary printing material (101a). At this time, the upper surface of the primary printing material (101a) and the lower surface of the mask plate (25b) are located on the same plane.

[0143] Accordingly, while passing through the secondary printing section (20B), the secondary printing material (101b) is laminated on the primary printing material (101a) of the lower fabric (13). As shown in Fig. 3, the primary printing material (101a) and the secondary printing material (101b) are laminated on the upper surface of the lower fabric (13).

[0144] The lower fabric that has passed through the secondary printing section (20B) passes through a number of secondary drying sections (50B) and is heated and dried. Afterwards, it passes through the tension maintenance section (15) and the inspection device (63).

[0145] The inspection device (63) detects the stacking state of the secondary printed material (101b). For example, it determines whether the secondary printed material (101b) is stacked exactly on the upper surface of the primary printed material (101a) or is misaligned. The inspection result information of the inspection device (63) is transmitted to a controller (not shown). The controller memorizes which stacked material in which row and which column is defective.

[0146] The upper fabric supply unit (71) serves to supply the upper fabric (14) corresponding to the lower fabric. Inside the housing (71a) of the upper fabric supply unit (71), a bobbin (72) on which the upper fabric (14) is wound is located. The upper fabric (14) is a film-shaped fabric having the same size and properties as the lower fabric.

[0147] The fusing unit (73) is located downstream of the upper fabric supply unit (71) and heats and fuses the upper fabric (14) to the lower fabric (13). The fusing method is a general one. By means of the fusing unit (73), the first printed material (101a) and the second printed material (101b) laminates are independently packaged.

[0148] The punching unit (75) is a device that is operated by a controller to punch holes in the first and second printed material stacks. Based on the inspection results received from the inspection device (63), the controller causes the punching unit (75) to punch holes in defective stacks.

[0149] A cutting section (77) is located downstream of the punching section (75). The cutting section (77) cuts the fused upper and lower fabric laminates, thereby separating the laminated primary and secondary printed materials into individual pieces. Individually packaged edible products (100) are obtained through the cutting section (77). At this time, the worker separates and discards defective edible products with holes.

[0150] Above, the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various modifications are possible by a person of ordinary skill within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0151] It is industrially applicable because it allows for the continuous production of film-type decorative products with various shapes and thicknesses and excellent marketability.

Claims

1. A product manufactured by screen printing using a metal mask having a plurality of printing holes formed therein, comprising: a edible product body of a certain thickness reflecting the shape of the printing holes; Including packaging material that seals the product body, Film-type edible products.

2. In paragraph 1, The above edible product body has a multi-layer structure, Film-type edible products.

3. A metal mask having a plurality of printing holes formed therein; A lower fabric supply unit that supplies lower fabric to the lower part of the metal mask; A printing unit that spreads an edible raw material in paste form supplied from an external source on the upper surface of a metal mask, and prints the edible raw material on the lower fabric through a printing hole; A drying unit for drying edible printed matter printed on the lower fabric; An upper fabric supply unit that supplies an upper fabric to cover the upper part of the lower fabric; A fusion part that fuses the lower fabric and the upper fabric; Including a cutting section that cuts the fused upper and lower fabrics to separate the edible printed matter into individual pieces. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

4. In paragraph 3, A second printing unit is further provided, which is installed between the drying unit and the fusing unit, and reprints another edible raw material on the upper surface of the edible printed matter printed on the lower fabric. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

5. A lower fabric supply unit that supplies a lower fabric having a certain width; A primary printing unit that passes the lower fabric supplied from the lower fabric supply unit and prints a paste-like edible material on the upper surface of the lower fabric to obtain an edible primary printed product; A primary drying section that heats and dries the primary printed material; A secondary printing section that passes the lower fabric that has gone through the primary drying section, prints a paste-like edible material on the upper surface of the primary printed material, and laminates an edible secondary printed material on the primary printed material; A secondary drying unit for heating and drying the secondary printed material; An upper fabric supply unit that supplies an upper fabric corresponding to a lower fabric; A fusion part that fusion-bonds the upper fabric to the lower fabric; A cutting section is included to cut the fused upper and lower fabric laminates and separate the first and second printed materials in the laminated state into individual pieces. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

6. In paragraph 5, On the upstream side of the above fusion section, An inspection device is further provided to detect the lamination status of the primary and secondary prints. On the downstream side of the fusion section, If the inspection results of the inspection device show that the lamination state of the first and second printed materials is defective, a punching unit that punches holes in the first and second printed materials is installed. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

7. In paragraph 5, The above first printing section and second printing section; A support structure that provides support, and A transport guide means mounted on a support structure and guiding the transport of the lower fabric passing through the support structure, A fabric support part that is installed at the bottom of the transport path of the lower fabric and supports the lower fabric when printing the edible raw material, A metal mask having a number of printing holes for passing edible raw materials, which is provided so as to be positionally adjustable on the upper portion of the conveying path of the lower fabric, At the same time, a printing unit is provided that injects edible raw material into the upper part of the metal mask and spreads the injected edible raw material on the metal mask so that the edible raw material fills the printing holes. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above transport guide means; A horizontal support roll that horizontally supports the lower fabric between the fabric support and the metal mask, It includes a suction roll that is installed at a lower height than the horizontal maintenance roll and transports the lower surface of the lower fabric that has passed between the fabric support and the metal mask while being absorbed. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above primary prints are spaced at a certain interval in the width direction and transport direction of the lower fabric, On the downstream side of the suction roll, It is a device that supports the lower fabric downward by contacting the upper surface of the lower fabric that has passed through the suction roll, and further includes a pressing roller having a pressing ring portion on the outer surface that adheres to the lower fabric to avoid printed matter on the upper surface of the lower fabric. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

10. In paragraph 7, The above fabric support part; A support base fixed to the support structure, An absorption horizontal plate that is installed so as to be able to be lifted on the upper part of the support base, and that touches the lower surface of the lower fabric in the raised state and absorbs the lower fabric, Including a suction plate cylinder that moves the suction plate up and down, Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

11. In paragraph 7, The above printing unit; A reciprocating beam that reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the lower fabric, An elevator support plate mounted on a reciprocating beam to enable it to be raised and lowered, A pair of squeegees spaced apart and parallel to each other on the lower part of the lifting support plate and having a squeegee blade at the lower end, A blade cylinder that alternately lowers the squeegee so that the squeegee blade makes direct contact with the metal mask, It is provided with a raw material discharge unit that is installed between two squeegees and discharges paste-like raw material supplied from the outside to the upper part of the metal mask. Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

12. In paragraph 11, The above raw material discharge unit; A bank that accommodates edible raw materials, A slit die having one or more discharge slits that discharge the raw material within the bank in the form of a band of a certain width, Film-type edible product manufacturing device.

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