Can Printing Shield Layout for Curing Heat and Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of images formed on can bodies is deteriorated due to the use of light or heat in the curing process by the curing unit in printing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a shielding member that moves between shielding and out-of-route positions to block light or heat from the curing unit, preventing deterioration of the image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a curing unit is used to cure images on can bodies, then image curing is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to light or heat action on the printing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The curing unit is divided into multiple independent light sources (first, second, third, and fourth curing lamps) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary curing lamps during operation, reducing overall light exposure to the printing unit while maintaining effective curing of the printed images on can bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the can bodies on rotating spindles and arranges the curing lamps in specific configurations before the curing process begins. The control unit is pre-programmed to activate specific lamps based on the can body position and printing unit location, ensuring that curing occurs without unnecessary light exposure to sensitive components.
2Reliability
If a curing unit with multiple light sources is used, then curing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curing unit is designed with multiple light sources that can serve different functions: some lamps are positioned to cure images on the front surface of can bodies, while others cure images on the back surface or side surfaces. The same curing unit structure handles various curing requirements through selective activation of different lamps, reducing the need for separate curing systems for different surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The curing system incorporates a control unit that dynamically activates or deactivates specific light sources based on real-time operational conditions. The control unit receives signals about can body position, printing unit status, and curing requirements, then adjusts which lamps are active, making the system adaptable rather than statically complex.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively suppresses image deterioration by shielding the curing unit's light or heat from the printing unit, ensuring high-quality image formation on can bodies.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding member (400, 421, 422) shielding the light or heat from the curing unit (750) to the printing unit (11)
Implementation Method 2
a mover unit (560, 600) that moves the shielding member (400, 421, 422)
Implementation Method 3
a curing unit (750) disposed at a position facing the outer circumferential surface of the can body (10) to cure a print image formed on the outer circumferential surface by the printing unit (11) by using light or heat
Implementation Method 4
a curing unit (750) disposed at a position facing the outer circumferential surface of the can body (10) to cure a print image formed on the outer circumferential surface by the printing unit (11) by using light or heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A printing apparatus is provided with: a printing unit disposed at a position facing an outer circumferential surface of a can body and performing printing on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating can body; and a curing unit disposed on a side opposite to a side on which the printing unit is installed across the can body, and curing a print image formed on the outer circumferential surface by the printing unit. The printing unit performs printing on the outer circumferential surface using an inkjet head, and the curing unit is disposed on a side opposite to a side on which the inkjet head is installed across the can body.