Foil press printing die and printed article

Abstract

A foil press printing die (20; 20A; 20B) that, by pressing against an object to be printed on (11) on which a foil (12) is placed, transfers the foil (12) onto the object (11) while also imparting a relief pattern onto the surface of the object (11) comprises: a pattern-forming part (22) including a portion corresponding to the relief pattern; and an air vent means (24; 24A; 24B1, 24B2) for venting air to the outside in order to suppress accumulation of air between the pattern-forming part (22) and the foil (12). Preferably, the air vent means (24; 24A; 24B1, 24B2) is formed by a through-hole facing the pattern-forming part (22).

Description

Foil stamping printing mold and printed matter

[0001] The present invention relates to a foil stamping printing mold and a printed matter decorated by this foil stamping printing mold.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a seam pattern is pseudo-formed on a synthetic resin sheet by die stamping, and the seam pattern is decorated by foil stamping.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5054944

[0004] As a result of research by the present inventors, it has been found that when transfer is performed on a printing object by foil stamping printing, portions where the foil is not in close contact with the printing object can occur. The portions where the foil is not in close contact are easily peeled off from the printing object, which causes a decrease in the design quality of the printed matter.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foil stamping printing mold capable of enhancing the design quality of printed matter.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, in a foil stamping printing mold that transfers the foil while forming an uneven pattern on the surface of the printing object by pressing against the printing object on which the foil is placed, a pattern shape portion including a portion corresponding to the uneven pattern, and air venting means for venting air to the outside in order to suppress air from accumulating between the pattern shape portion and the foil are provided.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a foil stamping printing mold capable of enhancing the design quality of printed matter can be provided.

[0008] This is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of the foil stamping die according to Example 1. This is a diagram illustrating a printed product decorated using the foil stamping die shown in Figure 1. This is a bottom view of Figure 1. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view along line 4A-4A in Figure 3, Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating the preparation process, and Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating the foil stamping process. Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating the problems with the comparative example, and Figure 5B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the foil stamping die according to the example. This is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of the foil stamping die according to Example 2. This is a diagram illustrating a printed product decorated using the foil stamping die shown in Figure 6. Figure 8A is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of the foil stamping die according to Example 3, and Figure 8B is a front view of the die shown in Figure 8A. This is a diagram illustrating a printed product decorated using the foil stamping die shown in Figure 8A. Figure 10A is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of the foil stamping die according to Example 4, and Figure 10B is a diagram illustrating the foil stamping process of Example 4. Figure 11A is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of the foil stamping die according to Example 5, and Figure 11B is a diagram illustrating the foil stamping process of Example 5. Figure 12A is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of the foil stamping die according to Example 6, and Figure 12B is a diagram illustrating the foil stamping process of Example 6.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] <Example 1> Example 1 will be described based on the drawings.

[0011] Refer to Figure 1. The foil stamping die 20 is used in a transfer device that performs transfer by manually moving it up and down. The foil stamping die 20 is installed in the transfer device so as to be able to move up and down. In addition to the foil stamping die 20, the transfer device may also be provided with a heater for heating the foil stamping die 20, an operating lever for raising and lowering the foil stamping die 20, etc.

[0012] Furthermore, the foil stamping die 20 can be constructed from a porous metal. A porous metal is a metal material that has countless tiny pores.

[0013] The foil stamping die 20 has a pattern shape portion 22, protrusions 23, 23 formed at both ends so as to sandwich the pattern shape portion 22, and an air venting means 24 which is composed of a through hole that penetrates the pattern shape portion 22.

[0014] Refer to Figure 2 as well. Figure 2 shows a printed product 10 printed using a foil stamping die 20. The printed product 10 has a textured surface formed on a resin printing target 11 and foil 12 is printed on it. The patterned part 22 is used by pressing it against the printing target 11 and the foil 12, forming a predetermined pattern on the surface of the printing target 11 and transferring the foil 12.

[0015] As will be explained in more detail later, the foil 12 is a sheet that is sandwiched between the foil stamping die 20 and the object to be printed 11, and the color is transferred to the object to be printed 11.

[0016] When the foil stamping die 20 is pressed against the object to be printed 11, the surface of the object to be printed is shaped to conform to the leading edge 22b of the patterned portion 22 and the leading edge 23b of the protruding portion 23, and the foil 12 is transferred, coloring the surface of the object to be printed 11. For example, a raised (three-dimensional) stitch pattern is formed on the surface of the object to be printed 11. By repeatedly moving the object to be printed 11 relative to the foil stamping die 20 and lowering the foil stamping die 20, the stitch pattern is formed in a straight line.

[0017] The printed product 10 is, for example, an interior part for a vehicle. Hereinafter, the printed product 10 may be referred to as the interior part for a vehicle 10. More specifically, an example of the interior part for a vehicle 10 is the surface material of an instrument panel. By adding a stitching pattern to the surface material of an instrument panel, the interior part for a vehicle 10 can be made to appear more luxurious.

[0018] Refer to Figures 2 and 3. The leading edge surface 22b of the patterned portion 22 is formed in a concave shape that follows the stitch pattern. The bottom of the concave portion has diagonal lines that resemble the stitching pattern.

[0019] Refer to Figure 4A. When the direction corresponding to the direction in which the stitch pattern extends is defined as the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is defined as the width direction, Figure 4A shows a cross-section in the width direction. The leading surface 22b of the patterned portion 22 is formed in a roughly U-shape with a concave shape.

[0020] Refer to Figure 3. The edge 22a of the patterned portion 22 is formed in a cloud shape, and the thickness T1 is the same throughout its entire length. The patterned portion 22 corresponds to a single stitch pattern (see Figure 2).

[0021] The protruding portion 23 is formed at the longitudinal end of the patterned portion 22 and protrudes higher than the patterned portion 22. Also, the widthwise length L1 of the protruding portion 23 is shorter than the widthwise length L2 of the patterned portion 22. The protruding portion 23 is formed so as to fit within the region between adjacent patterned portions 22 without protruding from there.

[0022] Refer to Figure 2 as well. When a continuous stitch pattern is formed, the areas between the stitch patterns on the printed product 10 are formed by protrusions 23. By creating a deeper recess with the protrusions 23, the color of the areas between the stitch patterns becomes less visible from the surface. This represents the areas between the stitches.

[0023] Refer to Figure 4B. The air venting means 24 is composed of a through hole that penetrates the patterned portion 22 in a straight line. The through hole is opened along the direction of movement of the foil stamping die 20. The air venting means 24 faces the deepest part of the tip surface 22b of the patterned portion 22, which is formed in a concave shape. Multiple concave shapes are formed on the tip surface 22b of the patterned portion 22, and the air venting means 24 is formed to match the bottom of each of these concave shapes.

[0024] Furthermore, if a porous metal material is used for the foil stamping die 20, the air venting means can also be constructed from the porous metal material. In this case, the air venting means 24 can also be constructed by further creating through holes in the porous metal material.

[0025] Refer to Figure 2. Traces Tr1 of the air venting means 24 (see Figure 1) may remain on the stitch pattern. Refer also to Figure 4B. The air venting means 24 is a part that releases air to prevent air from accumulating between the patterned portion 22 and the foil 12. Insofar as this purpose can be achieved, it is preferable that the diameter of the air venting means 24 be small. This makes it possible to reduce the traces Tr1 that may remain on the surface of the foil 12 and to make the foil 12 adhere more reliably to the printing target 11. Note that the traces Tr1 of the air venting means 24 may be removed in a later process.

[0026] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle interior component 10 will be described.

[0027] Refer to Figure 4B. First, prepare the object to be printed 11, the foil 12, and the foil stamping die 20 (preparation step), and then place the foil 12 on the upper surface of the object to be printed 11 (placement step).

[0028] Refer to Figure 4C. Next, the heated foil stamping die 20 is pressed against the object to be printed 11 (foil stamping process), thereby shaping the surface of the object to be printed 11 to conform to the leading edge surface 22b of the patterned portion 22, and transferring the foil 12. This completes the vehicle interior part 10.

[0029] Refer to Figure 5A. Figure 5A shows a foil stamping die 120 according to a comparative example. The foil stamping die 120 according to the comparative example does not have an air release means 24 (see Figure 5B). When such a foil stamping die 120 is used, air Ar may remain between the foil 12 and the leading edge surface 122b of the patterned portion 122. In the areas where air Ar remains, the foil 12 cannot be pressed, and the foil 12 may not adhere closely to the printing object 11. In this case, the foil 12 may peel off from the printing object 11.

[0030] Refer to Figure 5B. Figure 5B shows a foil stamping die 20 according to an embodiment. The foil stamping die 20 according to the embodiment has an air venting means 24. When the foil stamping die 20 is lowered toward the foil 12, the air present between the foil 12 and the leading edge surface 22b of the pattern-shaped portion 22 can pass through the air venting means 24. This prevents air from remaining between the foil 12 and the leading edge surface 22b of the pattern-shaped portion 22. As a result, the leading edge surface 22b of the pattern-shaped portion 22 can be sufficiently pressed toward the foil 12. This suppresses the foil 12 from peeling off the printing object 11.

[0031] <Example 2> Next, Example 2 will be described based on the drawings.

[0032] Figure 6 shows the foil stamping die 20A of Example 2. The foil stamping die 20A of Example 2 is a combined die made by combining two dies 20A1 and 20A2. The other basic configurations are the same as the foil stamping die 20 of Example 1 (see Figure 1). For parts common to Example 1, the same reference numerals are used and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0033] A line 24A appears on the surface of the foil stamping die 20A where two dies 20A1 and 20A2 are joined. This line 24A is formed along the joint surface where the two dies 20A1 and 20A2 are joined. A small amount of air leaks from the joint surface where the two dies 20A1 and 20A2 are joined. By positioning the end of the joint surface toward the leading edge 22b of the pattern shape portion 22, air can be released to the outside in order to prevent air from accumulating between the pattern shape portion 22 and the foil 12 (see Figure 4B). In other words, the line 24A can be said to be an air release means formed by the joint surface of multiple dies 20A1 and 20A2. Hereinafter, the line 24A may be referred to as the air release means 24A.

[0034] Furthermore, the number of molds 20A1 and 20A2 that make up the foil stamping mold 20A may be three or more.

[0035] Refer to Figure 7. Traces Tr2 of the air venting means 24A (see Figure 6) may remain on the printed product 10A. These traces Tr2 of the air venting means 24A may be removed in a later process.

[0036] <Example 3> Next, Example 3 will be described based on the drawings.

[0037] Figure 8A shows the foil stamping die 20B of Example 3. The foil stamping die 20B according to Example 3 is a combined die made by combining two dies 20A1 and 20B2. Other basic configurations are the same as the foil stamping die 20 according to Example 1 (see Figure 1). Parts common to Example 1 or Example 2 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0038] A line 24B1 appears on the surface of the foil stamping die 20B where the two dies 20A1 and 20B2 are joined. This line 24B1 is formed along the joint surface where the two dies 20A1 and 20B2 are joined. A small amount of air leaks from the joint surface where the two dies 20A1 and 20B2 are joined. By positioning the end of the joint surface toward the leading edge 22b of the pattern shape portion 22, air can be released to the outside in order to prevent air from accumulating between the pattern shape portion 22 and the foil 12 (see Figure 4B). In other words, the line 24B1 can be said to be an air release means formed by the joint surface of multiple dies 20A1 and 20B2. Hereinafter, the line 24B1 may be referred to as the air release means 24B1.

[0039] Refer to Figure 8B as well. A groove 24B2 is formed on the mating surface of one of the molds 20B, along the direction of movement of the foil stamping mold 20B. The groove 24B2 is formed in a straight line and continuously from the portion facing the leading edge surface 22b of the pattern shape portion 22 to the upper end.

[0040] The groove 24B2 allows air to be released to the outside, preventing air from accumulating between the patterned portion 22 and the foil 12 (see Figure 4B). In other words, the groove 24B2 can be considered an air release means for releasing air to the outside. Hereafter, the groove 24B2 may be referred to as the air release means 24B2.

[0041] Furthermore, the number of molds 20A1 and 20B2 that constitute the foil stamping printing mold 20B may be three or more. Also, the groove 24B2 may be formed only in the other mold 20A1, or it may be formed in both molds 20A1 and 20B2.

[0042] Refer to FIG. 9. Traces Tr3 of the air venting means 24B1 and 24B2 (see FIG. 8A) may remain on the printed matter 10B. The traces Tr3 of the air venting means 24B1 and 24B2 may be deleted in a subsequent process.

[0043] <Example 4> Next, Example 4 will be described based on the drawings.

[0044] FIGS. 10A and 10B show the foil stamping printing die 20C of Example 4. In the foil stamping printing die 20C according to Example 4, the tip surface 22Cb of the pattern-shaped portion 22C is formed in a planar shape. Regarding other basic configurations, they are common to the foil stamping printing die 20 (see FIG. 1) according to Example 1. For parts common to Examples 1 to 3, the reference signs are reused and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0045] The tip surface 22Cb of the pattern-shaped portion 22C is formed entirely in a planar shape and has a substantially rectangular shape. The pattern-shaped portion 22C does not have an edge 22a or a protruding portion 23 (see FIG. 1) that protrudes more than the tip surface 22Cb. By pressing such a foil stamping printing die 20C against the printing object 11, the surface of the printing object 11 is recessed and the foil 12 is transferred to the recessed portion.

[0046] <Example 5> Next, Example 5 will be described based on the drawings.

[0047] FIGS. 11A and 18B show the foil stamping printing die 20D of Example 5. The foil stamping printing die 20D according to Example 5 is a combined die formed by combining two dies 20D1 and 20D2. Also, in the foil stamping printing die 20D, the tip surface 22Db of the pattern-shaped portion 22D is formed in a planar shape. Regarding other basic configurations, they are common to the foil stamping printing die 20 (see FIG. 1) according to Example 1. For parts common to Examples 1 to 4, the reference signs are reused and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0048] The front end surface 22Db of the pattern-shaped portion 22D is formed entirely in a planar shape and exhibits a substantially rectangular shape. The pattern-shaped portion 22D does not have an edge 22a or a protruding portion 23 (see FIG. 1) that protrudes more than the front end surface 22Db. By pressing such a foil stamping mold 20D against the printing object 11, the surface of the printing object 11 is recessed, and the foil 12 is transferred to the recessed portion.

[0049] On the surface of the foil stamping mold 20D, a line 24D appears at the portion where the two molds 20D1 and 20D2 are combined. This line 24D is formed along the mating surface where the two molds 20D1 and 20D2 are combined. A small amount of air leaks from the mating surface where the two molds 20D1 and 20D2 are combined. By making the end of the mating surface face the front end surface 22Db of the pattern-shaped portion 22D, air can be vented to the outside in order to prevent air from accumulating between the pattern-shaped portion 22D and the foil 12. That is, the line 24D can be said to be an air venting means formed by the mating surface where the plurality of molds 20D1 and 20D2 are combined. Hereinafter, the line 24D may be referred to as the air venting means 24D.

[0050] Note that the number of the molds 20D1 and 20D2 constituting the foil stamping mold 20D may be three or more.

[0051] <Example 6> Next, Example 6 will be described based on the drawings.

[0052] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a foil stamping mold 20E of Example 6. The foil stamping mold 20E according to Example 6 is a combined mold formed by combining two molds 20E1 and 20E2. Also, in the foil stamping mold 20E, the front end surface 22Eb of the pattern-shaped portion 22E is formed in a planar shape.Corresponding reference numerals are used for the other basic configurations that are common to the foil stamping mold 20 (see FIG. 1) according to Example 1, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0053] The leading edge 22Eb of the patterned portion 22E is formed to be entirely flat and has a substantially rectangular shape. The patterned portion 22E does not have edges 22a or protrusions 23 (see Figure 1) that protrude beyond the leading edge 22Eb. By pressing such a foil stamping die 20E onto the object to be printed 11, the surface of the object to be printed 11 is indented, and the foil 12 is transferred to the indented portion.

[0054] A line 24E1 appears on the surface of the foil stamping die 20E where two dies 20E1 and 20E2 meet. This line 24E1 is formed along the joint surface where the two dies 20E1 and 20E2 meet. A small amount of air leaks from the joint surface where the two dies 20E1 and 20E2 meet. By positioning the end of the joint surface toward the leading edge 22Eb of the pattern shape portion 22E, air can be released to the outside in order to prevent air from accumulating between the pattern shape portion 22E and the foil 12. In other words, the line 24E1 can be said to be an air release means formed by the joint surface of multiple dies 20E1 and 20E2. Hereinafter, the line 24E1 may be referred to as the air release means 24E1.

[0055] On the mating surface of one of the molds 20E2, a groove 24E2 is formed along the direction of movement of the foil stamping die 20E. The groove 24E2 is formed in a straight line and continuously from the portion facing the leading edge surface 22Eb of the pattern shape portion 22E to the upper end.

[0056] The groove 24E2 allows air to be released to the outside, preventing air from accumulating between the patterned portion 22E and the foil 12. In other words, the groove 24E2 can be considered an air release means for releasing air to the outside. Hereafter, the groove 24E2 may be referred to as the air release means 24E2.

[0057] Furthermore, the number of molds 20E1 and 20E2 that constitute the foil stamping printing mold 20E may be three or more. Also, the groove 24E2 may be formed only in the other mold 20E1, or it may be formed in both molds 20E1 and 20E2.

[0058] The foil stamping dies 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E described above are summarized below.

[0059] Refer to Figure 5B. Firstly, the foil stamping die 20 transfers the foil 12 to the surface of the printing object 11 by pressing it against the printing object 11 on which the foil 12 is placed, thereby creating an uneven pattern. The foil stamping die 20 has a pattern-shaped section 22 that includes parts corresponding to the uneven pattern, and an air-releasing means 24 for releasing air to the outside in order to prevent air from accumulating between the pattern-shaped section 22 and the foil 12.

[0060] The foil stamping die 20 has an air venting means 24 for releasing air to the outside. When printing using the foil stamping die 20, the air between the foil 12 and the leading edge 22b of the patterned portion 22 can pass through the air venting means 24. This prevents air from remaining between the foil 12 and the leading edge 22b of the patterned portion 22. As a result, the leading edge 22b of the patterned portion 22 can be sufficiently pressed against the foil 12. This suppresses the foil 12 from peeling off the printing object 11, and provides a foil stamping die 20 that can enhance the design of the printed product 10. The same applies to foil stamping dies 20A (see Figure 6), 20B (see Figure 8A), 20C (see Figure 10A), 20D (see Figure 11A), and 20E (see Figure 12A).

[0061] Secondly, in the first foil stamping die 20, the air venting means 24 is formed by a through hole facing the leading edge surface 22b of the patterned portion 22. Because the air venting means 24 is formed by a through hole, there is a high degree of freedom in setting the position and size of the air venting means 24. This can further enhance the design of the printed object 11. The foil stamping die 20C (see Figure 10A) is similar.

[0062] Refer to Figure 6. Thirdly, in the first foil stamping die 20A, the pattern shape portion 22 is formed by joining multiple dies, and the air venting means 24A is formed by the joining surface of the multiple dies 20A1 and 20A2. By using the joining surface to construct the air venting means 24A, a separate process for forming the air venting means 24A is unnecessary, and the manufacturing of the foil stamping die 20A becomes easier. The same applies to the foil stamping die 20D (see Figure 11A).

[0063] Refer to Figure 8A. Fourth, in the third foil stamping die 20B, the air venting means 24B2 is formed by grooves 24B2 formed on the mating surface. By forming grooves 24B2, air can be removed more reliably. Also, since air is removed from the mating surface, even if the size of the grooves 24B2 is small, sufficient air can be removed. The same applies to the foil stamping die 20E (see Figure 12A).

[0064] Refer to Figure 1. Fifth, in any of the first to fourth foil stamping molds 20, the pattern shape portion 22 is formed of a porous metal material, and the air venting means is made of a porous metal material. A separate step for forming the air venting means is unnecessary, and the manufacturing of the foil stamping mold 20 becomes easier. The same applies to foil stamping molds 20A (see Figure 6), 20B (see Figure 8A), 20C (see Figure 10A), 20D (see Figure 11A), and 20E (see Figure 12A).

[0065] Refer to Figures 3 and 5B. Sixth, in any of the first to fifth foil stamping molds 20, the pattern shape portion 22 has edges formed to the same thickness over its entire range. When using foil stamping mold 20, the foil 12 adheres to a position T1 away from the pattern. Compared to using a foil stamping mold with varying edge thickness, the area to which the foil 12 adheres can be narrowed. This makes it possible to provide a printable object 11 with an even higher design quality. The same applies to foil stamping molds 20A (see Figure 6) and 20B (see Figure 8A).

[0066] Refer to Figures 1 and 2. Seventh, the printed product 10 is decorated with a foil stamping die 10 as described in any of the first to sixth descriptions. Since the foil 12 is prevented from peeling off the printed object 11, the design is highly aesthetic. The same applies to printed products 10A (see Figure 7) and 10B (see Figure 9).

[0067] Although the foil stamping die according to the present invention has been described using an example of transferring a stitch pattern to an interior part of a vehicle, the printed product may be something other than an interior part of a vehicle, and the pattern to be transferred may be a pattern other than a stitch pattern. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the examples, as long as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention.

[0068] The foil stamping die of the present invention is suitable for decorating interior parts of vehicles.

[0069] 10...Printed product (interior parts for vehicles) 11...Printing target 12...Foil 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E...Foil stamping mold, 20A1, 20A2, 20B2, 20D1, 20D2, 20E1, 20E2...Mold 22...Pattern shape part, 22a...Edge 24, 24A, 24B1, 24B2, 24D, 24E1, 24E2...Air venting means

Claims

1. A foil stamping die that transfers foil to a printing object on which foil is placed, thereby creating an uneven pattern on the surface of the printing object, comprising: a pattern-shaped portion including a portion corresponding to the uneven pattern; and an air-releasing means for releasing air to the outside in order to prevent air from accumulating between the pattern-shaped portion and the foil.

2. The foil stamping die according to claim 1, wherein the air venting means is formed by a through hole facing the patterned portion.

3. The foil stamping mold according to claim 1, wherein the patterned portion is formed by joining a plurality of molds, and the air venting means is formed by the joining surface of the plurality of molds.

4. The foil stamping die according to claim 3, wherein the air venting means is formed by a groove formed on the mating surface.

5. The foil stamping die according to claim 1, wherein the patterned portion is formed of a porous metal body, and the air venting means is made of the porous metal body.

6. The foil stamping die according to claim 1, wherein the patterned portion has edges formed to the same thickness over its entire length.

7. A printed article decorated with a foil stamping die according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images