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EP2746050B1 - Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine - Google Patents

Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2746050B1
EP2746050B1 EP12198557.6A EP12198557A EP2746050B1 EP 2746050 B1 EP2746050 B1 EP 2746050B1 EP 12198557 A EP12198557 A EP 12198557A EP 2746050 B1 EP2746050 B1 EP 2746050B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
pad
print image
printed
during
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12198557.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2746050A1 (en
Inventor
Rudolf Kälin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Teca Print AG
Original Assignee
Teca Print AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Teca Print AG filed Critical Teca Print AG
Priority to EP12198557.6A priority Critical patent/EP2746050B1/en
Publication of EP2746050A1 publication Critical patent/EP2746050A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2746050B1 publication Critical patent/EP2746050B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F17/00—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
    • B41F17/001—Pad printing apparatus or machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F33/00—Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
    • B41F33/0036—Devices for scanning or checking the printed matter for quality control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F33/00—Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
    • B41F33/02—Arrangements of indicating devices, e.g. counters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for operating a pad printing machine, which has at least one printing pad and a plate and is used for printing objects, as well as a pad printing machine for operation with such a method.
  • Pad printing machines are known in the prior art in numerous designs and are used for printing differently shaped objects.
  • a print image is taken from a cliche by means of a printing pad and then transferred to an object to be printed.
  • a tampon printing machine in which the speed of the tampon movement is specified during the print image recording according to a specific motion profile. Vibrations of the tampon during the print image recording, which can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the print result, are avoided by slowing down the printing pad during print image recording. However, the speed of the print pad as it moves away from the cliche is faster in comparison to maximize print speed.
  • a method with an optimized motion profile of the printing pad for the print image recording is also in the DE 163 13 753 disclosed.
  • the disadvantage of these disclosed in the prior art method is particularly in the relatively cumbersome determination and adjustment of the motion profile or the speed function with which the printing pad is moved during the print image recording.
  • the speed function for the print image recording has to be re-optimized and adapted to the condition and shape of the respective printing tampon.
  • An optimization of the speed function is also desirable in terms of print image transmission depending on the respective object to be printed. This is a tedious and time-consuming task for the operator.
  • a method is proposed, as indicated in claim 1.
  • a tampon printing machine for carrying out this method is specified in claim 12.
  • Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
  • a contact point is determined in particular by the fact that at this point the printing pad with a print image transfer surface for receiving and for Transferring the print image is used, meets a surface of the plate or the object to be printed.
  • “meeting" at the point of contact it is meant that the print image transfer surface of the print pad and the surface of the plate or object to be printed are just touching at the point of contact, but not in an area immediately adjacent to the contact point.
  • the print image recording or during the print image transfer is formed between the printing pad and cliché or between the printing pad and the object to be printed each have a contact surface in which touch the printing pad and the cliché or the object to be printed with their surfaces. The outer edge of this contact surface then forms such contact points.
  • step a The position of at least one of these contact points, but advantageously of a plurality of these contact points, is detected.
  • step a By detecting the position of at least one contact point during the print image recording or print image transmission by means of a detection device of the pad printing machine in step a.), A relationship between the tampon movement and the arrangement and design of the cliché or the object to be printed can be established. In particular, it is known at which point in time the printing pad with its printed image transfer surface strikes a specific point of the printing plate or of the object to be printed. This information can be utilized in step b.) In order to adapt the speed function for the movement of the printing pad with regard to a later print image recording or print image transmission.
  • the speed function may then be slowed down, in particular, with respect to the movement of the printing pad during contact with the surface of the cliché, the object to be printed or the uneven spot in comparison to the rest of the movement. Air pockets, which lead to deficient areas in the print result, can thereby be efficiently avoided.
  • the first print image and the second print image respectively the first Print image transfer and the second print image transfer can, but need not, follow each other directly.
  • further print image recordings or print image transfers can take place before step c.) Is carried out and the print pad is moved at a speed in accordance with the newly determined speed function.
  • a camera For detecting the position of the at least one contact point, a camera is advantageously used. The position detection then takes place based on image data.
  • the camera preferably captures an image sequence which, in particular, records the entire process of a respective print image recording or print image transmission.
  • the time at which the printing pad is placed on a specific location of the plate or the object to be printed can be determined very accurately.
  • the camera advantageously has a CCD chip and is preferably suitable for taking pictures with a temporal resolution of less than 5 milliseconds, in particular less than 3 milliseconds.
  • a real-time bus system with cycle times of preferably at most 100 ⁇ s and a jitter of at most 1 ⁇ s is advantageously provided.
  • step a Even the positions of more than one contact point are detected in order to obtain even more information regarding the tampon movement relative to the cliché or the object to be printed.
  • several cameras are advantageously used, which capture the print image recording or print image transmission, in particular from different directions.
  • the printing pad is usually rotationally symmetrical.
  • the printing pad is made of silicone rubber and thus formed elastically.
  • the hardness of the printing pad is preferably in the range of 40 Shore 00 to 90 Shore 00 and particularly preferably in the range of 50 Shore 00 to 70 Shore 00.
  • the printing pad is moved during the print image recording or the print image transmission in each case along a main movement direction, which preferably extends along a longitudinal central axis of the printing pad.
  • the capture of Position of the at least one contact point is then preferably from a direction which is substantially perpendicular to this main movement direction. The position of the contact point can be detected very accurately.
  • the speed function is determined by the fact that based on the detected position of the contact point, the change in size and / or shape of the contact surface between the printing pad and the plate during the print image recording or between the printing pad and the object to be printed during the print image transfer is calculated, and that based on this calculation, the speed function is determined. Since the change in the size and / or shape of the contact surface has a direct influence on the formation of air pockets, this procedure is particularly suitable for optimizing the speed function while ensuring sufficient print quality.
  • the contact surface based on the position of the contact point for example, the previously known, for example rotationally symmetrical shape of the printing pad and / or the object to be printed can be used.
  • step a0. The print quality can be checked before and / or after determining a new speed function in step b.) And in particular in a subsequent step b.) Be taken into account in the determination of a new speed function.
  • the speed function is determined in step b.)
  • the determination of the position of defective places in the print result can be carried out by the operator. However, this determination is advantageously carried out fully automatically, for example by means of an evaluation unit and an additional camera connected to it, which is arranged such that it can take an image of the printed object after the print image has been transmitted. In the evaluation unit can for comparison purposes the image of an ideal print result can be stored.
  • the speed function in step b.) Is determined in such a way that the movement of the printing pad in step c.) Is slowed down when contacting those areas of the cliché or object to be printed which correspond to the defective locations in the printed result Comparison to the movement of the printing pad during the first print image recording or print image transmission when contacting the same areas. The formation of trapped air can be avoided.
  • step a0.) And / or a.) And / or b.) And / or c.) are carried out fully automatically.
  • the necessary interventions by the operating staff are thereby reduced to a minimum.
  • a plurality of printing operations are carried out in step a0.)
  • the speed of movement of the printing pad relative to the plate during the print image recording and / or the speed of movement of the printing pad relative to the object to be printed during the print image transmission at least once from is increased to a printing operation to a subsequent printing operation, and wherein the printing result is checked at least once after this increase in the speed of the object to be printed.
  • the speed of the movement of the printing pad during the print image recording and / or the print image transfer is thereby increased from printing process to printing process until a deficient printing result is determined. In other words, therefore, the speed of the printing tampon movement is increased until a defective printing result is determined.
  • the speed function is then redetermined in step b.) In order to achieve a satisfactory printing result, preferably at substantially the same speed in step c.).
  • a tampon printing machine for operation by a method as set forth above, comprising at least one printing pad and at least one cliché, the printing pad being movable relative to the cliche and serving to receive a print image from the cliche and transfer it to an object to be printed.
  • the pad printing machine has at least one detection device, which serves for detecting the position of at least one contact point, in which the printing pad and the cliché meet during a print image recording, and / or at least one contact point, in which the printing pad and the object to be printed during a Collide print image transfer.
  • the pad printing machine also has a determining unit which serves to determine a speed function for the movement of the printing pad during the print image recording relative to the cliche or during the print image transfer relative to the object to be printed based on a position determined by the detection device of a contact point.
  • the pad printing machine also has a motion control unit, which serves to control the movement of the printing pad relative to the plate or to the object to be printed at a speed according to this speed function.
  • the detection device is preferably a camera, which is advantageously arranged at the level of the cliché surface or at the level of a surface to be printed of the object to be printed.
  • the pad printing machine preferably has an electric motor, in particular a servomotor, for moving the printing pad.
  • an electric motor in particular a servomotor
  • Other drive devices for moving the printing pad in particular a pneumatic drive, are conceivable, but less preferred.
  • FIGS. 1 to 7 a tampon printing machine 1 is shown, which is suitable for operation with a method according to a first embodiment.
  • the pad printing machine 1 has a machine frame 10 with an upper arm 101 extending in the horizontal direction. At the end face of this arm 101, a display 102 is arranged, which serves to display operating conditions, machine parameters, etc. Below the display 102 a plurality of input elements 103 are provided on the arm 101, which serve for setting and operating the pad printing machine 1 by the user.
  • a plate carrier 11 is arranged with a cliché attached thereto 12, which has a surface extending in the horizontal direction.
  • adjusting elements 110 the position of the plate 12 on the plate carrier 11 is manually adjustable.
  • a paint pot 13 is also arranged.
  • a pad carrier 14 displaceable in the horizontal direction along the arm 101 is arranged, to which a printing pad 15 is attached.
  • the pad carrier 14 is in this case attached to the underside of a rail 101 displaceable along the arm, that the printing pad carrier 14 and thus the printing pad 15 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm 101 direction are manually displaced horizontally.
  • the printing pad 15 has a rotationally symmetrical shape which is well known from the prior art, with an upper, slightly conical downwards tapered base part, which is followed at the bottom by a print image transfer part with a downwardly arched print image transfer surface 150.
  • the print image transfer surface 150 is in particular designed in such a way that, when the printing pad 15 is lowered onto a flat, horizontal surface, in particular the surface of the printing plate 12, it first rests on it with a central region and then, on a further lowering onto the surface, forming an enlarging, circular contact surface 2 with the surface (see Figures 3 and 5 ). Due to the overall rotationally symmetrical shape of the printing pad 15, a longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad is defined.
  • the printing pad 15 is usually made of silicone rubber and formed correspondingly elastic.
  • the hardness of the printing pad 15 is preferably in the range of 40 Shore 00 to 90 Shore 00 and more preferably in the range of 50 Shore 00 to 70 Shore 00. Specifically, in the present case, printing pads with hardnesses of about 54 Shore 00 and about 64 Shore 00 used.
  • a main movement direction which here is perpendicular to the surface of the plate 12 and extends along the vertical direction.
  • the main movement direction also extends along the longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad 15.
  • the pad printing machine 1 In order to detect the position of the printing pad 15 relative to the printing plate 12, the pad printing machine 1 has a camera 19 which is directed from one direction to the contact area between the printing pad 15 and the printing plate 12, which is substantially perpendicular to the main movement direction or to the longitudinal center axis of the printing pad 15 stands.
  • the camera 19 is arranged in particular at the level of the surface of the plate 12.
  • the camera 19 may in particular be a camera with a CCD sensor, which allows the acquisition of images with a temporal resolution of advantageously less than 5 milliseconds, in particular less than 3 milliseconds.
  • the pad printing machine 1 for moving the Pressure pads 15 in the vertical direction to a servo motor 16, which is arranged in the interior of the arm 101.
  • a motion control unit 18 is provided inside the machine frame 10 and a detection unit 17 connected to it.
  • the detection unit 17 is also preferably connected to the camera 19 in order to evaluate the images recorded by the camera 19 in the To enable determination unit 17.
  • the real-time bus system EtherCAT TM can be used which has a cycle time of at most 100 ⁇ s and a jitter of at most 1 ⁇ s.
  • the detection unit could also be arranged outside of the machine frame 10 and be designed, for example, in the form of an external computer.
  • the printing pad 15 is moved in a first step according to a predetermined, based on experience speed function, in which a qualitatively satisfactory recording of the printed image from the cliche 12 to each Case is guaranteed.
  • the predetermined speed function By means of the predetermined speed function, the printing pad 15 is braked continuously, for example, before reaching the lowermost point, and continuously accelerated after reversal of its direction of movement during lifting. The transition from the lowering to lifting movement can be done in particular harmonious.
  • the recorded by the printing pad 15 print image is then transferred in accordance with the usual printing process of the pad printing machine 1 on an object to be printed and checked the printed result. This check of the print result can be performed by the operator.
  • the check is carried out fully automatically, for example by means of an evaluation unit and an additional camera connected to it, which is arranged such that it can take a photo of the printed object after the print image transfer.
  • This process of print image recording according to a predetermined speed function, the print image transfer to an object to be printed and checking the printing result is repeated a plurality of times, wherein the speed of the printing pad 15 is incrementally increased during the print image recording at each pass.
  • an image sequence is detected at each pass from the camera 19 during the print image recording and z. B. stored in a memory module of the determination unit 17.
  • the respective position of a contact point 3 is detected, in which the print image transfer surface 150 of the printing pad 15 impinges on the surface of the printing plate 12.
  • Contact points in which the print image transfer surface 150 of the printing pad 15 impinges on the surface of the printing plate 12 are arranged along the entire outer edge of the contact surface 2 (see FIG. 5 ).
  • the camera 19 is arranged and adjusted such that it can detect at least the radial distance of one of these contact points 3 relative to the longitudinal central axis 151 of the printing pad 15 during the entire print image recording.
  • a suitable image capture area 4 of the camera 19 used in this embodiment is shown in FIGS FIGS. 6 and 7 represented by a dashed line.
  • the image-capturing area 4 is selected such that, on the one hand, the first contact point 3, in which the print-image transfer area 150 first impinges on the cliché 12 during lowering of the printing pad 15, is detected (see FIG FIG. 6 ).
  • the image-capturing area 4 is selected such that even the outermost contact point 3, in which the print image transfer area 150 impinges on the cliché 12 at the maximum lowering of the printing pad 15, is detected (see FIG FIG. 7 ).
  • the image capture area 4 of the camera 19 could also be chosen such that not only the contact point 3 is detected, but at the same time also in the Figures 5 and 7 illustrated contact point 3 ', in which the print image transfer surface 150 on the relative to the contact point 3 diametrically opposite side of the contact surface 2 impinges on the plate 12.
  • the image sequence advantageously comprises temporally images taken at regular intervals, wherein the first image is taken immediately before the first touch of the printing pad 15 with the cliché 12 when lowering the printing pad 15 and the last image immediately after the last contact of the printing pad 15 with the cliché 12th is recorded during subsequent lifting of the printing pad 15.
  • a new speed function is determined by the determination unit 17.
  • the radial position of the defective point in the printed image is determined.
  • the image sequence recorded by the camera 19 during the preceding printing operation is evaluated with regard to the position of the contact point 3 between the printing pad 15 and the printing plate 12 during the print image recording. Due to the known rotationally symmetrical shape of the printing pad 15 can be concluded from the position of the contact point 3 relative to the longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad 15 on the shape and size of the contact surface 2 and in particular their change during the print image transfer.
  • the point in time at which the contact point 3 occupies the radial position relative to the longitudinal center axis 151, which corresponds to the radial position of the defective point in the printed image on the printed object, is determined on the basis of the recorded image sequence. Starting from this point in time, a corresponding vertical position of the printing pad 15 can be calculated. The speed function is then modified to slow down the printing pad 15 as it is lowered and / or raised in the range of that vertical position as compared to the previous printing operation. Air pockets between the printing pad 15 and plate 12, which have arisen due to the rapid movement of the printing pad 15 and have led to the defective location in the print result, can be avoided in the subsequent passage.
  • the printing pad 15 is thus moved in the subsequent printing process according to a newly determined speed function. It may be followed by further printing operations in which the speed of the printing pad 15 is further incrementally increased during the print image recording. If defects occur in the printed result, the speed function can again be determined again by the determination unit 17, as described above, and the method can be repeated as often as desired in order to further optimize the speed function and to maximize the printing speed.
  • the pad printing machine 1 advantageously has a second camera which is directed onto the object to be printed in order to record an image of the printed image printed on the object after the print image transfer.
  • this second camera is preferably connected to the determination unit 17, in which the recorded images are compared with images of an ideal printing result stored in the determination unit 17.
  • FIGS. 8 to 10 a tampon printing machine 1 is shown according to a second embodiment. Equal or similar elements of the pad printing machine 1 of this embodiment will be denoted below with the same reference numerals as the corresponding elements in the FIGS. 1 to 7 shown first embodiment.
  • Pad printing machine 1 shown has a camera 19 ', which is directed to an object to be printed 6 to detect the position of a contact point 3, in which impinges upon transfer of the print image of the printing pad 15 on the object to be printed.
  • the image detection area 4 imaged by the camera 19 ' is in the FIGS. 8 to 10 indicated by a dashed line on the relative to the camera 19 'opposite side of the printing pad 15.
  • the camera 19 ' which is arranged at the height of the printable top side of the object to be printed 6, is aligned such that it detects the position of the contact point 3 from a horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad 15 and to the vertical Main movement direction 151 of the printing pad 15 is during the image transfer to the object to be printed 6.
  • the object 6 to be printed is on during a print image transfer Slide 5 is arranged and advantageously held in this.
  • the slide 5 has adjusting elements 50.
  • the method for determining an optimal speed function for the movement of the printing pad 15 relative to the object to be printed 6 during the print image transfer is analogous to the above-performed method, by means of which an optimized speed function for the movement of the printing pad 15 during the print image recording at the in the FIGS. 1 to 5 embodiment shown is determined.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 an object to be printed 6 is shown, which has a flat surface which is printed by means of the pad printing machine 1.
  • FIG. 10 an object 6 'to be printed is shown, which has an uneven surface to be printed on.
  • the method according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of objects of this kind having uneven surfaces to be printed, since in the case of these objects the danger of air inclusions between the print image transfer surface 150 and the object 6 'to be printed is increased.
  • the change in the contact surface 2 during the print image transfer is here dependent in particular on the shape of the surface of the object 6 to be printed.
  • an optimized speed function can be determined automatically and without prior knowledge of the exact shape of the object 6 'to be printed, which in particular ensures uniformly fast movement of the contact point 3 and thus of the outer edge of the contact surface 2 relative to the surface of the object 6' to be printed. ensures throughout the print image transfer.
  • the invention described herein is not limited to the mentioned embodiments and a variety of modifications is possible.
  • a camera instead of a camera for contact point position detection, for example, a laser measuring device could be provided.
  • a plurality of cameras or detection devices could also be provided in order to detect the positions of different contact points from different directions during the print image recording and / or the print image transmission. This is particularly advantageous in the case of non-rotationally symmetric pressure pads and / or non-rotationally symmetric objects to be printed.
  • a variety of other modifications is conceivable.
  • Pad Printing Machine 16 servomotor 10 machine frame 17 determining unit 101 poor 18 Motion control unit 102 display 19, 19 ' camera 103 input elements 11 plate holder 2 contact area 110 adjusting 3, 3 ' contact point 12 cliche 4 Image capture area 13 paint pot 14 Pressure pad carrier 5 slides 15 printing pad 50 adjusting 150 Print image transfer surface 6, 6 ' Object to be printed 151 Longitudinal central axis

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Description

TECHNISCHES GEBIETTECHNICAL AREA

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Tampondruckmaschine, welche zumindest einen Drucktampon sowie ein Klischee aufweist und zum Bedrucken von Objekten dient, sowie eine Tampondruckmaschine zum Betrieb mit einem derartigen Verfahren.The present invention relates to a method for operating a pad printing machine, which has at least one printing pad and a plate and is used for printing objects, as well as a pad printing machine for operation with such a method.

STAND DER TECHNIKSTATE OF THE ART

Tampondruckmaschinen sind im Stand der Technik in zahlreichen Ausführungen bekannt und werden zum Bedrucken von unterschiedlich ausgebildeten Gegenständen verwendet. Dabei wird mittels eines Drucktampons ein Druckbild von einem Klischee aufgenommen und anschliessend auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt übertragen. Indem der Drucktampon aus einem elastischen Material ausgebildet ist, ist auch ein Bedrucken von unebenen Oberflächen möglich.Pad printing machines are known in the prior art in numerous designs and are used for printing differently shaped objects. In this case, a print image is taken from a cliche by means of a printing pad and then transferred to an object to be printed. By forming the printing pad from an elastic material, it is also possible to print on uneven surfaces.

Üblicherweise wird mittels Tampondruckmaschinen eine grosse Anzahl von gleichartigen Objekten bedruckt. Dabei stellt insbesondere die Druckgeschwindigkeit, mit welcher die einzelnen Objekte bedruckt werden können, einen wichtigen Parameter dar, um den Durchsatz maximieren zu können. Bei hohen Druckgeschwindigkeiten erhöht sich jedoch die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass mangelhafte Stellen im Druckergebnis auftreten und somit die Druckqualität beeinträchtigt ist. Mangelhafte Stellen entstehen im Druckergebnis insbesondere dann, wenn der Drucktampon während der Druckbildaufnahme vom Klischee und/oder der anschliessenden Druckbildübertragung auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt, so schnell bewegt wird, dass es zu Lufteinschlüssen zwischen Drucktampon und Klischee bzw. dem zu bedruckenden Objekt kommt. Derartige Lufteinschlüsse sind vor allem bei der Druckbildübertragung auf Objekte mit unebenen Oberflächen ein Problem. Im oft vorkommende Falle, dass mittels eines rotationssymmetrischen Drucktampons ein ebenfalls rotationssymmetrisches Objekt mit einer unebenen Oberfläche bedruckt wird, kann es bei einer erhöhten Druckgeschwindigkeit zu kreisförmigen, für den Betrachter gut erkennbaren Druckartefakten kommen. Derartige Objekte betreffen zum Beispiel Teller oder die Ziffernblätter von Uhren. Es stellt sich somit die Herausforderung, einerseits die Druckgeschwindigkeit zu maximieren und andererseits eine zufriedenstellende Druckqualität zu gewährleisten.Usually, a large number of similar objects are printed by pad printing machines. In particular, the printing speed with which the individual objects can be printed represents an important parameter in order to be able to maximize the throughput. At high print speeds, however, the likelihood that poor spots in the print result will occur and thus compromise print quality will increase. Defective areas arise in the print result, in particular when the printing pad during the print image recording from the cliché and / or the subsequent print image transfer to an object to be printed, so is moved quickly that it comes to trapped air between the printing pad and cliché or the object to be printed. Such air pockets are a problem, especially when printing images on objects with uneven surfaces. In the often occurring case that by means of a rotationally symmetrical printing pad a likewise rotationally symmetric object is printed with an uneven surface, it can come at an increased printing speed to circular, for the viewer well recognizable printing artifacts. Such objects relate to, for example, plates or the dials of watches. The challenge, on the one hand, of maximizing the printing speed and, on the other, ensuring a satisfactory print quality.

In der WO 03/082575 ist eine Tampondruckmaschine beschrieben, bei welcher die Geschwindigkeit der Tamponbewegung während der Druckbildaufnahme gemäss eines spezifischen Bewegungsprofils vorgegeben ist. Vibrationen des Tampons während der Druckbildaufnahme, welche zu einer Qualitätsbeeinträchtigung im Druckergebnis führen können, werden dadurch vermieden, dass der Drucktampon während der Druckbildaufnahme verlangsamt bewegt wird. Die Geschwindigkeit des Drucktampons bei der Wegbewegung vom Klischee wird im Vergleich dazu jedoch schneller ausgeführt, um die Druckgeschwindigkeit zu maximieren.In the WO 03/082575 a tampon printing machine is described in which the speed of the tampon movement is specified during the print image recording according to a specific motion profile. Vibrations of the tampon during the print image recording, which can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the print result, are avoided by slowing down the printing pad during print image recording. However, the speed of the print pad as it moves away from the cliche is faster in comparison to maximize print speed.

Ein Verfahren mit einem optimierten Bewegungsprofil des Drucktampons für die Druckbildaufnahme ist auch in der DE 163 13 753 offenbart.A method with an optimized motion profile of the printing pad for the print image recording is also in the DE 163 13 753 disclosed.

Im Dokument EP 0 879 698 wird eine Tampondruckmaschine offenbart, bei welcher eine Geschwindigkeitsänderung in der Vertikalbewegung beim Auftreffen des Drucktampons auf das zu bedruckende Objekt mittels eines optischen Sensors registriert wird, um die weitere Abwärtsbewegung des Drucktampons anschliessend auf eine bestimmte Distanz zu beschränken.In the document EP 0 879 698 a tampon printing machine is disclosed in which a change in speed in the vertical movement is registered upon impact of the printing pad on the object to be printed by means of an optical sensor to subsequently limit the further downward movement of the printing pad to a certain distance.

Der Nachteil dieser im Stand der Technik offenbarten Verfahren besteht jedoch insbesondere in der verhältnismässig mühsamen Ermittlung und Einstellung des Bewegungsprofils bzw. der Geschwindigkeitsfunktion, mit welcher der Drucktampon während der Druckbildaufnahme bewegt wird. Bei der Verwendung von unterschiedlichen Drucktampons muss die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion für die Druckbildaufnahme jeweils neu optimiert und an die Beschaffenheit und Form des jeweiligen Drucktampons angepasst werden. Eine Optimierung der Geschwindigkeitsfunktion ist zudem auch hinsichtlich der Druckbildübertragung in Abhängigkeit des jeweiligen zu bedruckenden Objekts erstrebenswert. Dies stellt für das Bedienpersonal eine mühsame und zeitintensive Aufgabe dar.The disadvantage of these disclosed in the prior art method, however, is particularly in the relatively cumbersome determination and adjustment of the motion profile or the speed function with which the printing pad is moved during the print image recording. When using different Print tampons, the speed function for the print image recording has to be re-optimized and adapted to the condition and shape of the respective printing tampon. An optimization of the speed function is also desirable in terms of print image transmission depending on the respective object to be printed. This is a tedious and time-consuming task for the operator.

DARSTELLUNG DER ERFINDUNGPRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Es ist also eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Tampondruckmaschine anzugeben, welches eine möglichst effiziente sowie für das Bedienpersonal einfache und schnelle Optimierung der Druckgeschwindigkeit ermöglicht. Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird ein Verfahren vorgeschlagen, wie es in Anspruch 1 angegeben ist. Ausserdem wird in Anspruch 12 eine Tampondruckmaschine zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens angegeben. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a pad printing machine, which allows the most efficient and easy for the operator quick and easy optimization of the printing speed. To solve this problem, a method is proposed, as indicated in claim 1. In addition, a tampon printing machine for carrying out this method is specified in claim 12. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Die vorliegende Erfindung stellt also ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Tampondruckmaschine, welche zumindest einen Drucktampon sowie ein Klischee aufweist, zur Verfügung, wobei das Verfahren zumindest den Schritt aufweist, dass mittels des Drucktampons ein Druckbild vom Klischee aufgenommen wird (Druckbildaufnahme), und dass ein Druckbild vom Drucktampon auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt übertragen wird (Druckbildübertragung). Das Verfahren weist zudem zumindest die folgenden weiteren Schritte auf:

  1. a.) Erfassen der Position von zumindest einem Kontaktpunkt, in welchem der Drucktampon und das Klischee während einer ersten Druckbildaufnahme aufeinandertreffen, und/oder von zumindest einem Kontaktpunkt, in welchem der Drucktampon und das zu bedruckende Objekt während einer ersten Druckbildübertragung aufeinandertreffen;
  2. b.) Ermitteln einer Geschwindigkeitsfunktion basierend auf dieser erfassten Position; sowie
  3. c.) Bewegen des Drucktampons während einer zweiten Druckbildaufnahme relativ zum Klischee bzw. während einer zweiten Druckbildübertragung relativ zu dem zu bedruckenden Objekt mit einer Geschwindigkeit gemäss dieser Geschwindigkeitsfunktion.
The present invention thus provides a method for operating a pad printing machine, which has at least one printing pad and a cliché, wherein the method has at least the step that by means of the printing pad a print image is taken from the cliche (print image recording), and that a printed image is transferred from the printing pad to an object to be printed (print image transfer). The method also has at least the following additional steps:
  1. a.) Detecting the position of at least one contact point, in which the printing pad and the cliché meet during a first print image recording, and / or at least one contact point, in which the printing pad and the object to be printed meet during a first print image transfer;
  2. b.) determining a speed function based on this detected position; such as
  3. c.) Moving the printing pad during a second print image recording relative to the cliche or during a second print image transfer relative to the object to be printed at a speed according to this speed function.

Ein Kontaktpunkt ist insbesondere dadurch bestimmt, dass an dieser Stelle der Drucktampon mit einer Druckbildübertragungsfläche, die zur Aufnahme und zum Übertragen des Druckbildes dient, auf eine Oberfläche des Klischees bzw. des zu bedruckenden Objekts trifft. Mit dem "Aufeinandertreffen" im Kontaktpunkt ist gemeint, dass sich die Druckbildübertragungsfläche des Drucktampons und die Oberfläche des Klischees bzw. des zu bedruckenden Objekts im Kontaktpunkt gerade berühren, nicht jedoch in einem unmittelbar an den Kontaktpunkt angrenzenden Bereich. Während der Druckbildaufnahme bzw. während der Druckbildübertragung bildet sich zwischen Drucktampon und Klischee bzw. zwischen Drucktampon und dem zu bedruckenden Objekt jeweils eine Kontaktfläche, in welcher sich der Drucktampon und das Klischee bzw. das zu bedruckende Objekt mit ihren Oberflächen berühren. Der äussere Rand dieser Kontaktfläche bildet dann derartige Kontaktpunkte. In Schritt a.) wird die Position von zumindest einem dieser Kontaktpunkte, vorteilhaft jedoch von mehreren dieser Kontaktpunkte, erfasst.A contact point is determined in particular by the fact that at this point the printing pad with a print image transfer surface for receiving and for Transferring the print image is used, meets a surface of the plate or the object to be printed. By "meeting" at the point of contact, it is meant that the print image transfer surface of the print pad and the surface of the plate or object to be printed are just touching at the point of contact, but not in an area immediately adjacent to the contact point. During the print image recording or during the print image transfer is formed between the printing pad and cliché or between the printing pad and the object to be printed each have a contact surface in which touch the printing pad and the cliché or the object to be printed with their surfaces. The outer edge of this contact surface then forms such contact points. In step a.) The position of at least one of these contact points, but advantageously of a plurality of these contact points, is detected.

Durch das Erfassen der Position von zumindest einem Kontaktpunkt während der Druckbildaufnahme bzw. Druckbildübertragung mittels einer Erfassungsvorrichtung der Tampondruckmaschine in Schritt a.) kann eine Beziehung zwischen der Tamponbewegung sowie der Anordnung und Ausbildung des Klischees bzw. des zu bedruckenden Objekts hergestellt werden. Es ist dadurch insbesondere bekannt, zu welchem Zeitpunkt der Drucktampon mit seiner Druckbildübertragungsfläche auf eine bestimmte Stelle des Klischees bzw. des zu bedruckenden Objekts trifft. Diese Information kann in Schritt b.) ausgenützt werden, um die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion für die Bewegung des Drucktampons hinsichtlich einer späteren Druckbildaufnahme bzw. Druckbildübertragung anzupassen. Es kann beispielsweise der Zeitpunkt bestimmt werden, in welchem der Drucktampon auf die Klischeeoberfläche oder die Oberfläche des zu bedruckenden Objekts trifft, oder in welchem der Drucktampon mit seiner Druckbildübertragungsfläche auf eine bestimmte unebene Stelle des zu bedruckenden Objekts trifft. Die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion kann dann hinsichtlich der Bewegung des Drucktampons während der Berührung mit der Klischeeoberfläche, dem zu bedruckenden Objekt oder der unebenen Stelle im Vergleich zur übrigen Bewegung insbesondere verlangsamt werden. Lufteinschlüsse, welche zu mangelhaften Stellen im Druckergebnis führen, können dadurch effizient vermieden werden.By detecting the position of at least one contact point during the print image recording or print image transmission by means of a detection device of the pad printing machine in step a.), A relationship between the tampon movement and the arrangement and design of the cliché or the object to be printed can be established. In particular, it is known at which point in time the printing pad with its printed image transfer surface strikes a specific point of the printing plate or of the object to be printed. This information can be utilized in step b.) In order to adapt the speed function for the movement of the printing pad with regard to a later print image recording or print image transmission. For example, it is possible to determine the point in time at which the printing pad encounters the surface of the cliché or the surface of the object to be printed, or in which the printing pad strikes its printing image transfer surface with a certain uneven spot of the object to be printed. The speed function may then be slowed down, in particular, with respect to the movement of the printing pad during contact with the surface of the cliché, the object to be printed or the uneven spot in comparison to the rest of the movement. Air pockets, which lead to deficient areas in the print result, can thereby be efficiently avoided.

Die erste Druckbildaufnahme und die zweite Druckbildaufnahme bzw. die erste Druckbildübertragung und die zweite Druckbildübertragung können, müssen aber nicht, unmittelbar aufeinander folgen. Es können also nach der ersten Druckbildaufnahme bzw. der ersten Druckbildübertragung auch weitere Druckbildaufnahmen bzw. Druckbildübertragungen erfolgen, bevor Schritt c.) ausgeführt wird und der Drucktampon mit einer Geschwindigkeit gemäss der neu ermittelten Geschwindigkeitsfunktion bewegt wird.The first print image and the second print image respectively the first Print image transfer and the second print image transfer can, but need not, follow each other directly. Thus, after the first print image recording or the first print image transmission, further print image recordings or print image transfers can take place before step c.) Is carried out and the print pad is moved at a speed in accordance with the newly determined speed function.

Zur Erfassung der Position des zumindest einen Kontaktpunktes wird vorteilhaft eine Kamera verwendet. Die Positionserfassung erfolgt dann also basierend auf Bilddaten. Bevorzugt wird dabei von der Kamera eine Bildsequenz aufgenommen, welche insbesondere den gesamten Vorgang von jeweils einer Druckbildaufnahme bzw. Druckbildübertragung erfasst. Dadurch kann zum Beispiel der Zeitpunkt, in welchem der Drucktampon auf einer bestimmten Stelle des Klischees bzw. des zu bedruckenden Objekts aufsetzt, sehr genau bestimmt werden. Die Kamera weist hierzu vorteilhaft einen CCD-Chip auf und ist vorzugsweise dazu geeignet, Bilder mit einer zeitlichen Auflösung von weniger als 5 Millisekunden, insbesondere von weniger als 3 Millisekunden, aufzunehmen. Für die Übermittlung der von der Kamera erfassten Daten ist vorteilhaft ein Echtzeitbussystem mit Zykluszeiten von bevorzugt höchstens 100 µs und einem Jitter von höchstens 1 µs vorgesehen. Bevorzugt werden in Schritt a.) sogar die Positionen von mehr als einem Kontaktpunkt erfasst, um noch mehr Informationen hinsichtlich der Tamponbewegung relativ zum Klischee bzw. dem zu bedruckenden Objekt zu erlangen. Dazu werden vorteilhaft auch mehrere Kameras verwendet, welche die Druckbildaufnahme bzw. Druckbildübertragung insbesondere aus unterschiedlichen Richtungen erfassen.For detecting the position of the at least one contact point, a camera is advantageously used. The position detection then takes place based on image data. In this case, the camera preferably captures an image sequence which, in particular, records the entire process of a respective print image recording or print image transmission. As a result, for example, the time at which the printing pad is placed on a specific location of the plate or the object to be printed, can be determined very accurately. For this purpose, the camera advantageously has a CCD chip and is preferably suitable for taking pictures with a temporal resolution of less than 5 milliseconds, in particular less than 3 milliseconds. For the transmission of the data captured by the camera, a real-time bus system with cycle times of preferably at most 100 μs and a jitter of at most 1 μs is advantageously provided. Preferably, in step a.) Even the positions of more than one contact point are detected in order to obtain even more information regarding the tampon movement relative to the cliché or the object to be printed. For this purpose, several cameras are advantageously used, which capture the print image recording or print image transmission, in particular from different directions.

Der Drucktampon ist in der Regel rotationssymmetrisch ausgebildet. Üblicherweise ist der Drucktampon aus Silikonkautschuk hergestellt und somit elastisch ausgebildet. Die Härte des Drucktampons liegt bevorzugt im Bereich von 40 Shore 00 bis 90 Shore 00 und insbesondere bevorzugt im Bereich von 50 Shore 00 bis 70 Shore 00.The printing pad is usually rotationally symmetrical. Usually, the printing pad is made of silicone rubber and thus formed elastically. The hardness of the printing pad is preferably in the range of 40 Shore 00 to 90 Shore 00 and particularly preferably in the range of 50 Shore 00 to 70 Shore 00.

Üblicherweise wird der Drucktampon während der Druckbildaufnahme bzw. der Druckbildübertragung jeweils entlang einer Hauptbewegungsrichtung bewegt, welche sich bevorzugt entlang einer Längsmittelachse des Drucktampons erstreckt. Die Erfassung der Position des zumindest einen Kontaktpunktes erfolgt dann bevorzugt von einer Richtung aus, die im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu dieser Hauptbewegungsrichtung steht. Die Position des Kontaktpunktes kann dadurch besonders genau erfasst werden.Usually, the printing pad is moved during the print image recording or the print image transmission in each case along a main movement direction, which preferably extends along a longitudinal central axis of the printing pad. The capture of Position of the at least one contact point is then preferably from a direction which is substantially perpendicular to this main movement direction. The position of the contact point can be detected very accurately.

Vorzugsweise wird in Schritt b.) die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion dadurch ermittelt, dass basierend auf der erfassten Position des Kontaktpunktes die Veränderung der Grösse und/oder Form der Kontaktfläche zwischen dem Drucktampon und dem Klischee während der Druckbildaufnahme bzw. zwischen dem Drucktampon und dem zu bedruckenden Objekt während der Druckbildübertragung berechnet wird, und dass basierend auf dieser Berechnung die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion ermittelt wird. Da die Veränderung der Grösse und/oder Form der Kontaktfläche einen direkten Einfluss auf das Entstehen von Lufteinschlüssen hat, ist dieses Vorgehen insbesondere dazu geeignet, die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion bei gleichzeitiger Gewährleistung einer ausreichenden Druckqualität zu optimieren. Zur Berechnung der Kontaktfläche basierend auf der Position des Kontaktpunktes kann beispielsweise die vorbekannte, zum Beispiel rotationssymmetrische Form des Drucktampons und/oder des zu bedruckenden Objekts herangezogen werden.Preferably, in step b.) The speed function is determined by the fact that based on the detected position of the contact point, the change in size and / or shape of the contact surface between the printing pad and the plate during the print image recording or between the printing pad and the object to be printed during the print image transfer is calculated, and that based on this calculation, the speed function is determined. Since the change in the size and / or shape of the contact surface has a direct influence on the formation of air pockets, this procedure is particularly suitable for optimizing the speed function while ensuring sufficient print quality. To calculate the contact surface based on the position of the contact point, for example, the previously known, for example rotationally symmetrical shape of the printing pad and / or the object to be printed can be used.

Gemäss einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung weist das Verfahren den folgenden zusätzlichen Schritt auf:

  • a0.) Überprüfen des Druckergebnisses an dem zu bedruckenden Objekt.
According to a development of the invention, the method has the following additional step:
  • a0.) Check the print result on the object to be printed.

Mittels Ausführen des Schritts a0.) kann die Druckqualität vor und/oder nach Ermitteln einer neuen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion in Schritt b.) überprüft werden und insbesondere in einem nachfolgenden Schritt b.) bei der Ermittlung einer neuen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion mitberücksichtigt werden. Hierzu wird die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion in Schritt b.) bei Feststellung eines mangelhaften Druckergebnisses in Schritt a0.) bevorzugt basierend auf der Position von mangelhaften Stellen im Druckergebnis ermittelt. Die Ermittlung der Position von mangelhaften Stellen im Druckergebnis kann vom Bedienpersonal durchgeführt werden. Vorteilhaft erfolgt diese Ermittlung aber vollautomatisch, zum Beispiel mittels einer Auswerteeinheit und einer mit dieser verbundenen zusätzlichen Kamera, die derart angeordnet ist, dass sie nach der Druckbildübertragung ein Bild des bedruckten Objekts aufnehmen kann. In der Auswerteeinheit kann zu Vergleichszwecken das Bild eines idealen Druckergebnisses abgespeichert sein.By executing step a0.), The print quality can be checked before and / or after determining a new speed function in step b.) And in particular in a subsequent step b.) Be taken into account in the determination of a new speed function. For this purpose, the speed function is determined in step b.) Upon detection of a defective printing result in step a0.), Preferably based on the position of defective locations in the printed result. The determination of the position of defective places in the print result can be carried out by the operator. However, this determination is advantageously carried out fully automatically, for example by means of an evaluation unit and an additional camera connected to it, which is arranged such that it can take an image of the printed object after the print image has been transmitted. In the evaluation unit can for comparison purposes the image of an ideal print result can be stored.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion in Schritt b.) derart ermittelt, dass die Bewegung des Drucktampons in Schritt c.) bei Kontaktaufnahme mit denjenigen Bereichen des Klischees bzw. des zu bedruckenden Objekts, welche den mangelhaften Stellen im Druckergebnis entsprechen, verlangsamt wird im Vergleich zur Bewegung des Drucktampons während der ersten Druckbildaufnahme bzw. Druckbildübertragung bei Kontaktaufnahme mit denselben Bereichen. Das Bilden von Lufteinschlüssen kann dadurch vermieden werden.In a preferred embodiment, the speed function in step b.) Is determined in such a way that the movement of the printing pad in step c.) Is slowed down when contacting those areas of the cliché or object to be printed which correspond to the defective locations in the printed result Comparison to the movement of the printing pad during the first print image recording or print image transmission when contacting the same areas. The formation of trapped air can be avoided.

Vorteilhaft wird der Schritt a0.) und/oder a.) und/oder b.) und/oder c.) vollautomatisch ausgeführt. Die notwendigen Interventionen durch das Bedienpersonal reduzieren sich dadurch auf ein Minimum.Advantageously, step a0.) And / or a.) And / or b.) And / or c.) Are carried out fully automatically. The necessary interventions by the operating staff are thereby reduced to a minimum.

In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung werden in Schritt a0.) mehrere Druckvorgänge ausgeführt, bei denen die Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung des Drucktampons relativ zum Klischee während der Druckbildaufnahme und/oder die Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung des Drucktampons relativ zu dem zu bedruckenden Objekt während der Druckbildübertragung zumindest einmal von einem Druckvorgang zu einem nachfolgenden Druckvorgang erhöht wird, und wobei das Druckergebnis zumindest einmal nach dieser Erhöhung der Geschwindigkeit an dem zu bedruckenden Objekt überprüft wird. Vorteilhaft wird die Geschwindigkeit der Bewegung des Drucktampons während der Druckbildaufnahme und/oder der Druckbildübertragung dabei solange von Druckvorgang zu Druckvorgang erhöht bis ein mangelhaftes Druckergebnis festgestellt wird. Mit anderen Worten wird also die Geschwindigkeit der Drucktamponbewegung erhöht bis ein mangelhaftes Druckergebnis festgestellt wird. Die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion wird dann in Schritt b.) neu ermittelt, um bevorzugt im Wesentlichen mit derselben Geschwindigkeit in Schritt c.) dennoch ein zufriedenstellendes Druckergebnis zu erreichen.In a further development of the invention, a plurality of printing operations are carried out in step a0.) In which the speed of movement of the printing pad relative to the plate during the print image recording and / or the speed of movement of the printing pad relative to the object to be printed during the print image transmission at least once from is increased to a printing operation to a subsequent printing operation, and wherein the printing result is checked at least once after this increase in the speed of the object to be printed. Advantageously, the speed of the movement of the printing pad during the print image recording and / or the print image transfer is thereby increased from printing process to printing process until a deficient printing result is determined. In other words, therefore, the speed of the printing tampon movement is increased until a defective printing result is determined. The speed function is then redetermined in step b.) In order to achieve a satisfactory printing result, preferably at substantially the same speed in step c.).

Bevorzugt weist das Verfahren den folgenden zusätzlichen Schritt auf:

  • d.) Durchführen von zwei oder mehr Durchgängen, welche jeweils alle Schritte a0.) bis c.) umfassen, wobei ab dem zweiten Durchgang das Ermitteln der Geschwindigkeitsfunktion in Schritt b.) zusätzlich jeweils auf der im vorhergehenden Durchgang ermittelten Geschwindigkeitsfunktion basiert.
Die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion kann dadurch von Durchgang zu Durchgang weiter optimiert werden.Preferably, the method has the following additional step:
  • d.) performing two or more passes, each comprising all steps a0.) to c.), wherein from the second pass, the determination of the speed function in step b.) additionally in each case on the previous passage determined speed function based.
The speed function can thus be further optimized from one pass to the next.

Es wird ausserdem eine Tampondruckmaschine angegeben zum Betrieb mit einem Verfahren wie oben ausgeführt, aufweisend zumindest einen Drucktampon und zumindest ein Klischee, wobei der Drucktampon relativ zum Klischee bewegbar ist und dazu dient, ein Druckbild vom Klischee aufzunehmen und auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt zu übertragen. Die Tampondruckmaschine weist zumindest eine Erfassungsvorrichtung auf, welche zur Erfassung der Position von zumindest einem Kontaktpunkt dient, in welchem der Drucktampon und das Klischee während einer Druckbildaufnahme aufeinandertreffen, und/oder von zumindest einem Kontaktpunkt, in welchem der Drucktampon und das zu bedruckende Objekt während einer Druckbildübertragung aufeinandertreffen.There is also provided a tampon printing machine for operation by a method as set forth above, comprising at least one printing pad and at least one cliché, the printing pad being movable relative to the cliche and serving to receive a print image from the cliche and transfer it to an object to be printed. The pad printing machine has at least one detection device, which serves for detecting the position of at least one contact point, in which the printing pad and the cliché meet during a print image recording, and / or at least one contact point, in which the printing pad and the object to be printed during a Collide print image transfer.

Die Tampondruckmaschine weist ausserdem eine Ermittlungseinheit auf, welche dazu dient, eine Geschwindigkeitsfunktion zu ermitteln für die Bewegung des Drucktampons während der Druckbildaufnahme relativ zum Klischee bzw. während der Druckbildübertragung relativ zu dem zu bedruckenden Objekt basierend auf einer von der Erfassungsvorrichtung ermittelten Position eines Kontaktpunktes. Die Tampondruckmaschine weist zudem eine Bewegungskontrolleinheit auf, welche dazu dient, die Bewegung des Drucktampons relativ zum Klischee bzw. zu dem zu bedruckenden Objekt mit einer Geschwindigkeit gemäss dieser Geschwindigkeitsfunktion zu steuern. Bei der Erfassungsvorrichtung handelt es sich bevorzugt um eine Kamera, welche vorteilhaft auf der Höhe der Klischeeoberfläche oder auf der Höhe einer zu bedruckenden Oberfläche des zu bedruckenden Objekts angeordnet ist.The pad printing machine also has a determining unit which serves to determine a speed function for the movement of the printing pad during the print image recording relative to the cliche or during the print image transfer relative to the object to be printed based on a position determined by the detection device of a contact point. The pad printing machine also has a motion control unit, which serves to control the movement of the printing pad relative to the plate or to the object to be printed at a speed according to this speed function. The detection device is preferably a camera, which is advantageously arranged at the level of the cliché surface or at the level of a surface to be printed of the object to be printed.

Die Tampondruckmaschine weist ausserdem zum Bewegen des Drucktampons bevorzugt einen elektrischen Motor, insbesondere einen Servomotor, auf. Andere Antriebsvorrichtungen zum Bewegen des Drucktampons, wie insbesondere ein pneumatischer Antrieb, sind denkbar, aber weniger bevorzugt.In addition, the pad printing machine preferably has an electric motor, in particular a servomotor, for moving the printing pad. Other drive devices for moving the printing pad, in particular a pneumatic drive, are conceivable, but less preferred.

KURZE BESCHREIBUNG DER ZEICHNUNGENBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden im Folgenden anhand der Zeichnungen beschrieben, die lediglich zur Erläuterung dienen und nicht einschränkend auszulegen sind. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Tampondruckmaschine gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform;
Fig. 2
eine perspektivische Teilansicht der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine zu Beginn der Druckbildaufnahme;
Fig. 3
eine perspektivische Teilansicht des Klischees der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine zu Beginn der Druckbildaufnahme, mit eingezeichneter Kontaktfläche;
Fig. 4
eine perspektivische Teilansicht der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine während der Druckbildaufnahme bei vollständig abgesenktem Drucktampon;
Fig. 5
eine perspektivische Teilansicht des Klischees der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine während der Druckbildaufnahme bei vollständig abgesenktem Drucktampon, mit eingezeichneter Kontaktfläche;
Fig. 6
eine Seitenansicht auf den Drucktampon und das Klischee der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine in Blickrichtung der Kamera, zu Beginn der Druckbildaufnahme;
Fig. 7
eine Seitenansicht auf den Drucktampon und das Klischee der in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine in Blickrichtung der Kamera, bei vollständig abgesenktem Drucktampon;
Fig. 8
eine Seitenansicht einer Tampondruckmaschine gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform zu Beginn der Druckbildübertragung auf ein erstes zu bedruckendes Objekt;
Fig. 9
eine Seitenansicht der in der Fig. 8 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine während der Druckbildübertragung auf ein erstes zu bedruckendes Objekt; sowie
Fig. 10
eine Seitenansicht der in der Fig. 8 gezeigten Tampondruckmaschine während der Druckbildübertragung auf ein zweites zu bedruckendes Objekt.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:
Fig. 1
a perspective view of a pad printing machine according to a first embodiment;
Fig. 2
a partial perspective view in the Fig. 1 shown pad printing machine at the beginning of the print image recording;
Fig. 3
a partial perspective view of the cliche in the Fig. 1 shown pad printing machine at the beginning of the print image recording, with marked contact surface;
Fig. 4
a partial perspective view in the Fig. 1 shown pad printing machine during the print image recording with fully lowered pressure pad;
Fig. 5
a partial perspective view of the cliche in the Fig. 1 shown pad printing machine during the print image recording at fully lowered printing pad, with marked contact surface;
Fig. 6
a side view of the printing pad and the cliché in the Fig. 1 shown pad printing machine in the direction of the camera, at the beginning of the print image recording;
Fig. 7
a side view of the printing pad and the cliché in the Fig. 1 shown pad printing machine in the direction of the camera, with fully lowered pressure pad;
Fig. 8
a side view of a pad printing machine according to a second embodiment at the beginning of the print image transfer to a first object to be printed on;
Fig. 9
a side view of the in the Fig. 8 shown pad printing machine during the print image transfer to a first object to be printed; such as
Fig. 10
a side view of the in the Fig. 8 shown pad printing machine during the print image transfer to a second object to be printed.

BESCHREIBUNG BEVORZUGTER AUSFÜHRUNGSFORMENDESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In den Figuren 1 bis 7 ist eine Tampondruckmaschine 1 gezeigt, welche zum Betrieb mit einem Verfahren gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform geeignet ist.In the FIGS. 1 to 7 a tampon printing machine 1 is shown, which is suitable for operation with a method according to a first embodiment.

Wie es in der Figur 1 gezeigt ist, weist die Tampondruckmaschine 1 ein Maschinengestell 10 mit einem oberen, sich in die horizontale Richtung erstreckenden Arm 101 auf. An der Stirnfläche dieses Arms 101 ist eine Anzeige 102 angeordnet, welche zum Anzeigen von Betriebszuständen, Maschinenparametern etc. dient. Unterhalb der Anzeige 102 sind am Arm 101 mehrere Eingabeelemente 103 vorgesehen, welche zum Einstellen und Bedienen der Tampondruckmaschine 1 durch den Benutzer dienen.As it is in the FIG. 1 1, the pad printing machine 1 has a machine frame 10 with an upper arm 101 extending in the horizontal direction. At the end face of this arm 101, a display 102 is arranged, which serves to display operating conditions, machine parameters, etc. Below the display 102 a plurality of input elements 103 are provided on the arm 101, which serve for setting and operating the pad printing machine 1 by the user.

Wie es insbesondere aus den Figuren 1 und 2 ersichtlich ist, ist am Maschinengestell 10 unterhalb des Arms 101 ein Klischeeträger 11 mit einem drauf angebrachten Klischee 12 angeordnet, welches eine sich in die horizontale Richtung erstreckende Oberfläche aufweist. Mittels Verstellelementen 110 ist die Position des Klischees 12 auf dem Klischeeträger 11 manuell einstellbar. In einem Bereich nahe dem Klischee 12 ist zudem ein Farbtopf 13 angeordnet.As it is in particular from the FIGS. 1 and 2 it can be seen, on the machine frame 10 below the arm 101, a plate carrier 11 is arranged with a cliché attached thereto 12, which has a surface extending in the horizontal direction. By means of adjusting elements 110, the position of the plate 12 on the plate carrier 11 is manually adjustable. In a region near the plate 12, a paint pot 13 is also arranged.

An der Unterseite des Arms 101 ist ein in die horizontale Richtung entlang des Arms 101 verschiebbarer Tamponträger 14 angeordnet, an welchem ein Drucktampon 15 angebracht ist. Wie es insbesondere aus der Figur 2 ersichtlich ist, ist der Tamponträger 14 dabei derart an der Unterseite einer entlang des Armes 101 verschiebbaren Schiene angebracht, dass der Drucktamponträger 14 und somit der Drucktampon 15 in einer sich senkrecht zur Längsrichtung des Arms 101 erstreckenden Richtung manuell horizontal verschiebbar sind. Es können Feststellelemente, wie z. B. Schrauben, vorgesehen sein, welche ein Fixieren des Tamponträgers 14 an der Unterseite dieser mit einer Skala versehenen Schiene erlauben.On the underside of the arm 101, a pad carrier 14 displaceable in the horizontal direction along the arm 101 is arranged, to which a printing pad 15 is attached. As it is in particular from the FIG. 2 it can be seen, the pad carrier 14 is in this case attached to the underside of a rail 101 displaceable along the arm, that the printing pad carrier 14 and thus the printing pad 15 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm 101 direction are manually displaced horizontally. There may be locking elements, such. As screws, may be provided which allow fixing of the tampon carrier 14 on the underside of this provided with a scale rail.

Der Drucktampon 15 weist hier eine rotationssymmetrische, aus dem Stand der Technik hinlänglich bekannte Form auf, mit einem oberen, sich nach unten hin leicht konisch verjüngenden Basisteil, an welches sich nach unten hin ein Druckbildübertragungsteil mit einer nach unten hin gewölbten Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 anschliesst. Die Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 ist dabei insbesondere derart ausgebildet, dass sie beim Absenken des Drucktampons 15 auf eine ebene, horizontale Oberfläche, wie insbesondere der Oberfläche des Klischees 12, zuerst mit einem zentralen Bereich auf dieser aufsetzt und dann, bei einem weiteren Absenken auf die Oberfläche, eine sich vergrössernde, kreisrunde Kontaktfläche 2 mit der Oberfläche bildet (siehe Figuren 3 und 5). Durch die insgesamt rotationssymmetrische Form des Drucktampons 15 ist eine Längsmittelachse 151 des Drucktampons definiert. Der Drucktampon 15 ist üblicherweise aus Silikonkautschuk hergestellt und entsprechend elastisch ausgebildet. Die Härte des Drucktampons 15 liegt bevorzugt im Bereich von 40 Shore 00 bis 90 Shore 00 und insbesondere bevorzugt im Bereich von 50 Shore 00 bis 70 Shore 00. Konkret werden im vorliegenden Fall Drucktampons mit Härten von ungefähr 54 Shore 00 sowie von ungefähr 64 Shore 00 verwendet.Here, the printing pad 15 has a rotationally symmetrical shape which is well known from the prior art, with an upper, slightly conical downwards tapered base part, which is followed at the bottom by a print image transfer part with a downwardly arched print image transfer surface 150. In this case, the print image transfer surface 150 is in particular designed in such a way that, when the printing pad 15 is lowered onto a flat, horizontal surface, in particular the surface of the printing plate 12, it first rests on it with a central region and then, on a further lowering onto the surface, forming an enlarging, circular contact surface 2 with the surface (see Figures 3 and 5 ). Due to the overall rotationally symmetrical shape of the printing pad 15, a longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad is defined. The printing pad 15 is usually made of silicone rubber and formed correspondingly elastic. The hardness of the printing pad 15 is preferably in the range of 40 Shore 00 to 90 Shore 00 and more preferably in the range of 50 Shore 00 to 70 Shore 00. Specifically, in the present case, printing pads with hardnesses of about 54 Shore 00 and about 64 Shore 00 used.

Beim Absenken des Drucktampons 15 auf das Klischee 12 zur Druckbildaufnahme bzw. beim anschliessenden Anheben des Drucktampons 15 wird der Drucktampon 15 entlang einer Hauptbewegungsrichtung bewegt, welche hier senkrecht auf der Oberfläche des Klischees 12 steht und sich entlang der vertikalen Richtung erstreckt. Die Hauptbewegungsrichtung erstreckt sich zudem entlang der Längsmittelachse 151 des Drucktampons 15.When lowering the printing pad 15 on the plate 12 for printing image recording or the subsequent lifting of the printing pad 15 of the printing pad 15 is moved along a main movement direction, which here is perpendicular to the surface of the plate 12 and extends along the vertical direction. The main movement direction also extends along the longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad 15.

Um die Position des Drucktampons 15 relativ zum Klischee 12 zu erfassen, weist die Tampondruckmaschine 1 eine Kamera 19 auf, welche aus einer Richtung auf den Kontaktbereich zwischen Drucktampon 15 und Klischee 12 gerichtet ist, welche im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Hauptbewegungsrichtung bzw. zur Längsmittelachse des Drucktampons 15 steht. Die Kamera 19 ist dabei insbesondere auf der Höhe der Oberfläche des Klischees 12 angeordnet. Bei der Kamera 19 kann es sich insbesondere um eine Kamera mit einem CCD-Sensor handeln, welche die Aufnahme von Bildern mit einer zeitlichen Auflösung von vorteilhaft weniger als 5 Millisekunden, insbesondere von weniger als 3 Millisekunden, erlaubt.In order to detect the position of the printing pad 15 relative to the printing plate 12, the pad printing machine 1 has a camera 19 which is directed from one direction to the contact area between the printing pad 15 and the printing plate 12, which is substantially perpendicular to the main movement direction or to the longitudinal center axis of the printing pad 15 stands. The camera 19 is arranged in particular at the level of the surface of the plate 12. The camera 19 may in particular be a camera with a CCD sensor, which allows the acquisition of images with a temporal resolution of advantageously less than 5 milliseconds, in particular less than 3 milliseconds.

Wie es in der Figur 1 erkennbar ist, weist die Tampondruckmaschine 1 zum Bewegen des Drucktampons 15 in die vertikale Richtung einen Servomotor 16 auf, welcher im Inneren des Arms 101 angeordnet ist. Mittels des Servomotors 16 ist die Bewegung des Drucktampons 15 relativ zum Klischee 12 sehr präzise steuerbar. Zur Ansteuerung des Servomotors 16 ist im Innern des Maschinengestells 10 eine Bewegungskontrolleinheit 18 vorgesehen sowie eine mit dieser in Verbindung stehende Ermittlungseinheit 17. Die Ermittlungseinheit 17 steht ausserdem bevorzugt mit der Kamera 19 in Verbindung, um eine Auswertung der mittels der Kamera 19 aufgenommenen Bilder in der Ermittlungseinheit 17 zu ermöglichen. Für die Übermittlung der von der Kamera 19 aufgenommenen Daten zur Ermittlungseinheit 17 kann zum Beispiel das Echtzeitbussystem EtherCAT™ verwendet werden, welches eine Zykluszeit von höchstens 100 µs und einen Jitter von höchstens 1 µs aufweist. In einer alternativen Ausführungsform könnte die Ermittlungseinheit auch ausserhalb des Maschinengestells 10 angeordnet sein und beispielsweise in Form eines externen Computers ausgebildet sein.As it is in the FIG. 1 can be seen, the pad printing machine 1 for moving the Pressure pads 15 in the vertical direction to a servo motor 16, which is arranged in the interior of the arm 101. By means of the servomotor 16, the movement of the printing pad 15 relative to the plate 12 is controlled very precisely. To control the servomotor 16, a motion control unit 18 is provided inside the machine frame 10 and a detection unit 17 connected to it. The detection unit 17 is also preferably connected to the camera 19 in order to evaluate the images recorded by the camera 19 in the To enable determination unit 17. For the transmission of the data recorded by the camera 19 to the determination unit 17, for example, the real-time bus system EtherCAT ™ can be used which has a cycle time of at most 100 μs and a jitter of at most 1 μs. In an alternative embodiment, the detection unit could also be arranged outside of the machine frame 10 and be designed, for example, in the form of an external computer.

Zum Ermitteln einer optimalen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion für die Bewegung des Drucktampons 15 relativ zum Klischee 12 während der Druckbildaufnahme wird der Drucktampon 15 in einem ersten Schritt nun gemäss einer vorgegebenen, auf Erfahrungswerten beruhenden Geschwindigkeitsfunktion bewegt, bei welcher eine qualitativ zufriedenstellende Aufnahme des Druckbildes vom Klischee 12 auf jeden Fall gewährleistet ist. Mittels der vorgegebenen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion wird der Drucktampon 15 beispielsweise vor Erreichen des untersten Punktes kontinuierlich abgebremst und nach Umkehr seiner Bewegungsrichtung beim Anheben kontinuierlich beschleunigt. Der Übergang von der Absenk- zu Anhebbewegung kann dabei insbesondere harmonisch erfolgen. Das vom Drucktampon 15 aufgenommene Druckbild wird dann gemäss dem üblichen Druckvorgang der Tampondruckmaschine 1 auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt übertragen und das Druckergebnis überprüft. Diese Überprüfung des Druckergebnisses kann vom Bedienpersonal durchgeführt werden. Vorteilhaft erfolgt die Überprüfung aber vollautomatisch, zum Beispiel mittels einer Auswerteeinheit und einer mit dieser verbundenen zusätzlichen Kamera, die derart angeordnet ist, dass sie nach der Druckbildübertragung ein Foto des bedruckten Objekts aufnehmen kann.To determine an optimal speed function for the movement of the printing pad 15 relative to the plate 12 during the print image recording, the printing pad 15 is moved in a first step according to a predetermined, based on experience speed function, in which a qualitatively satisfactory recording of the printed image from the cliche 12 to each Case is guaranteed. By means of the predetermined speed function, the printing pad 15 is braked continuously, for example, before reaching the lowermost point, and continuously accelerated after reversal of its direction of movement during lifting. The transition from the lowering to lifting movement can be done in particular harmonious. The recorded by the printing pad 15 print image is then transferred in accordance with the usual printing process of the pad printing machine 1 on an object to be printed and checked the printed result. This check of the print result can be performed by the operator. Advantageously, however, the check is carried out fully automatically, for example by means of an evaluation unit and an additional camera connected to it, which is arranged such that it can take a photo of the printed object after the print image transfer.

Dieser Vorgang der Druckbildaufnahme gemäss einer vorgegebenen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion, der Druckbildübertragung auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt und dem Überprüfen des Druckergebnisses wird mehrfach wiederholt, wobei bei jedem Durchgang die Geschwindigkeit des Drucktampons 15 während der Druckbildaufnahme inkrementell erhöht wird. Dabei wird bei jedem Durchgang von der Kamera 19 während der Druckbildaufnahme eine Bildsequenz erfasst und z. B. in einem Speichermodul der Ermittlungseinheit 17 abgespeichert. In dieser Bildsequenz ist insbesondere die jeweilige Position eines Kontaktpunktes 3 erfasst, in welchem die Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 des Drucktampons 15 auf die Oberfläche des Klischees 12 auftrifft. Kontaktpunkte, in welchen die Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 des Drucktampons 15 auf die Oberfläche des Klischees 12 auftrifft, sind entlang des gesamten äusseren Randes der Kontaktfläche 2 angeordnet (siehe Figur 5). Die Kamera 19 ist dabei derart angeordnet und eingestellt, dass sie während der gesamten Druckbildaufnahme zumindest den radialen Abstand von einem dieser Kontaktpunkte 3 relativ zur Längsmittelachse 151 des Drucktampons 15 erfassen kann. Einen geeigneten und in dieser Ausführungsform verwendeten Bilderfassungsbereich 4 der Kamera 19 ist in den Figuren 6 und 7 mittels einer gestrichelten Linie dargestellt. Der Bilderfassungsbereich 4 wird derart gewählt, dass einerseits der erste Kontaktpunkt 3, in welchem die Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 beim Absenken des Drucktampons 15 zuerst auf das Klischee 12 auftrifft, erfasst ist (siehe Figur 6). Andererseits wird der Bilderfassungsbereich 4 derart gewählt, dass auch der äusserste Kontaktpunkt 3, in welchem die Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 beim maximalen Absenken des Drucktampons 15 auf das Klischee 12 auftrifft, erfasst ist (siehe Figur 7).This process of print image recording according to a predetermined speed function, the print image transfer to an object to be printed and checking the printing result is repeated a plurality of times, wherein the speed of the printing pad 15 is incrementally increased during the print image recording at each pass. In this case, an image sequence is detected at each pass from the camera 19 during the print image recording and z. B. stored in a memory module of the determination unit 17. In this image sequence, in particular the respective position of a contact point 3 is detected, in which the print image transfer surface 150 of the printing pad 15 impinges on the surface of the printing plate 12. Contact points in which the print image transfer surface 150 of the printing pad 15 impinges on the surface of the printing plate 12 are arranged along the entire outer edge of the contact surface 2 (see FIG. 5 ). The camera 19 is arranged and adjusted such that it can detect at least the radial distance of one of these contact points 3 relative to the longitudinal central axis 151 of the printing pad 15 during the entire print image recording. A suitable image capture area 4 of the camera 19 used in this embodiment is shown in FIGS FIGS. 6 and 7 represented by a dashed line. The image-capturing area 4 is selected such that, on the one hand, the first contact point 3, in which the print-image transfer area 150 first impinges on the cliché 12 during lowering of the printing pad 15, is detected (see FIG FIG. 6 ). On the other hand, the image-capturing area 4 is selected such that even the outermost contact point 3, in which the print image transfer area 150 impinges on the cliché 12 at the maximum lowering of the printing pad 15, is detected (see FIG FIG. 7 ).

Selbstverständlich könnte der Bilderfassungsbereich 4 der Kamera 19 auch derart gewählt werden, dass nicht nur der Kontaktpunkt 3 erfasst wird, sondern gleichzeitig auch der in den Figuren 5 und 7 dargestellte Kontaktpunkt 3', in welchem die Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 auf der relativ zum Kontaktpunkt 3 diametral gegenüberliegenden Seite der Kontaktfläche 2 auf das Klischee 12 auftrifft.Of course, the image capture area 4 of the camera 19 could also be chosen such that not only the contact point 3 is detected, but at the same time also in the Figures 5 and 7 illustrated contact point 3 ', in which the print image transfer surface 150 on the relative to the contact point 3 diametrically opposite side of the contact surface 2 impinges on the plate 12.

Die Bildsequenz umfasst vorteilhaft zeitlich in gleichmässigen Abständen aufgenommene Bilder, wobei das erste Bild unmittelbar vor der ersten Berührung des Drucktampons 15 mit dem Klischee 12 beim Absenken des Drucktampons 15 aufgenommen wird und das letzte Bild unmittelbar nach der letzten Berührung des Drucktampons 15 mit dem Klischee 12 beim anschliessenden Anheben des Drucktampons 15 aufgenommen wird.The image sequence advantageously comprises temporally images taken at regular intervals, wherein the first image is taken immediately before the first touch of the printing pad 15 with the cliché 12 when lowering the printing pad 15 and the last image immediately after the last contact of the printing pad 15 with the cliché 12th is recorded during subsequent lifting of the printing pad 15.

Sobald beim Überprüfen des Druckergebnisses aufgrund der Erhöhung der Geschwindigkeit des Drucktampons 15 während der Druckbildaufnahme eine mangelhafte Stelle im Druckergebnis festgestellt wird, wird von der Ermittlungseinheit 17 eine neue Geschwindigkeitsfunktion ermittelt. Dabei wird zuerst die radiale Lage der mangelhaften Stelle im Druckbild ermittelt. Anschliessend wird die beim vorangehenden Druckvorgang mittels der Kamera 19 aufgenommene Bildsequenz hinsichtlich der Position des Kontaktpunktes 3 zwischen dem Drucktampon 15 und dem Klischee 12 während der Druckbildaufnahme ausgewertet. Aufgrund der bekannten rotationssymmetrischen Form des Drucktampons 15 kann von der Position des Kontaktpunktes 3 relativ zur Längsmittelachse 151 des Drucktampons 15 auf die Form und Grösse der Kontaktfläche 2 und insbesondere auf deren Veränderung während der Druckbildübertragung geschlossen werden. Zum Ermitteln der neuen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion wird nun anhand der aufgenommenen Bildsequenz der Zeitpunkt bestimmt, in welchem der Kontaktpunkt 3 diejenige radiale Lage relativ zur Längsmittelachse 151 einnimmt, welche der radialen Lage der mangelhaften Stelle im Druckbild auf dem bedruckten Objekt entspricht. Ausgehend von diesem Zeitpunkt kann eine entsprechende vertikale Position des Drucktampons 15 berechnet werden. Die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion wird dann derart abgeändert, dass der Drucktampon 15 beim Absenken und/oder beim Anheben im Bereich dieser vertikalen Position im Vergleich zum vorausgehenden Druckvorgang verlangsamt wird. Lufteinschlüsse zwischen Drucktampon 15 und Klischee 12, welche aufgrund der schnellen Bewegung des Drucktampons 15 entstanden sind und zu der mangelhaften Stelle im Druckergebnis geführt haben, können dadurch im nachfolgenden Durchgang vermieden werden.As soon as a deficient position in the print result is determined during the checking of the printing result due to the increase in the speed of the printing pad 15 during the print image recording, a new speed function is determined by the determination unit 17. First, the radial position of the defective point in the printed image is determined. Subsequently, the image sequence recorded by the camera 19 during the preceding printing operation is evaluated with regard to the position of the contact point 3 between the printing pad 15 and the printing plate 12 during the print image recording. Due to the known rotationally symmetrical shape of the printing pad 15 can be concluded from the position of the contact point 3 relative to the longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad 15 on the shape and size of the contact surface 2 and in particular their change during the print image transfer. To determine the new speed function, the point in time at which the contact point 3 occupies the radial position relative to the longitudinal center axis 151, which corresponds to the radial position of the defective point in the printed image on the printed object, is determined on the basis of the recorded image sequence. Starting from this point in time, a corresponding vertical position of the printing pad 15 can be calculated. The speed function is then modified to slow down the printing pad 15 as it is lowered and / or raised in the range of that vertical position as compared to the previous printing operation. Air pockets between the printing pad 15 and plate 12, which have arisen due to the rapid movement of the printing pad 15 and have led to the defective location in the print result, can be avoided in the subsequent passage.

Der Drucktampon 15 wird somit im nachfolgenden Druckvorgang gemäss einer neu ermittelten Geschwindigkeitsfunktion bewegt. Es können weitere Druckvorgänge folgen, in welchen die Geschwindigkeit des Drucktampons 15 während der Druckbildaufnahme weiter inkrementell gesteigert wird. Bei Auftreten von Fehlstellen im Druckergebnis kann die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion, wie oben ausgeführt, von der Ermittlungseinheit 17 wiederum neu ermittelt werden und das Verfahren kann beliebig oft wiederholt werden, um die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion weiter zu optimieren und eine Maximierung der Druckgeschwindigkeit zu erreichen.The printing pad 15 is thus moved in the subsequent printing process according to a newly determined speed function. It may be followed by further printing operations in which the speed of the printing pad 15 is further incrementally increased during the print image recording. If defects occur in the printed result, the speed function can again be determined again by the determination unit 17, as described above, and the method can be repeated as often as desired in order to further optimize the speed function and to maximize the printing speed.

Die oben erwähnten Verfahrensschritte zum Anpassen der Geschwindigkeitsfunktion des Drucktampons 15 während der Druckbildaufnahme und somit zum Maximieren der Druckgeschwindigkeit können jeweils vollständig automatisch durchgeführt werden, so dass keine Interventionen durch das Bedienpersonal notwendig sind. Um ein derartiges vollautomatisches Durchführen dieses Verfahrens zu ermöglichen, weist die Tampondruckmaschine 1 vorteilhaft eine zweite Kamera auf, welche auf das zu bedruckende Objekt gerichtet ist, um nach der Druckbildübertragung ein Bild des auf das Objekt aufgedruckten Druckbildes aufzunehmen. Diese zweite Kamera ist dabei bevorzugt mit der Ermittlungseinheit 17 verbunden, in welcher die aufgenommenen Bilder mit in der Ermittlungseinheit 17 abgespeicherten Bildern eines idealen Druckergebnisses verglichen werden.The above-mentioned method steps for adjusting the speed function of the printing pad 15 during the print image recording and thus for maximizing the printing speed can each be carried out completely automatically, so that no interventions by the operating personnel are necessary. In order to enable such a fully automatic implementation of this method, the pad printing machine 1 advantageously has a second camera which is directed onto the object to be printed in order to record an image of the printed image printed on the object after the print image transfer. In this case, this second camera is preferably connected to the determination unit 17, in which the recorded images are compared with images of an ideal printing result stored in the determination unit 17.

In den Figuren 8 bis 10 ist eine Tampondruckmaschine 1 gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform dargestellt. Gleich oder ähnlich wirkende Elemente der Tampondruckmaschine 1 dieser Ausführungsform werden im Folgenden jeweils mit denselben Bezugszeichen gekennzeichnet, wie die entsprechenden Elemente der in den Figuren 1 bis 7 gezeigten ersten Ausführungsform.In the FIGS. 8 to 10 a tampon printing machine 1 is shown according to a second embodiment. Equal or similar elements of the pad printing machine 1 of this embodiment will be denoted below with the same reference numerals as the corresponding elements in the FIGS. 1 to 7 shown first embodiment.

Die in den Figuren 8 bis 10 gezeigte Tampondruckmaschine 1 weist eine Kamera 19' auf, welche auf ein zu bedruckendes Objekt 6 gerichtet ist, um die Position eines Kontaktpunktes 3 zu erfassen, in welchem bei der Übertragung des Druckbildes der Drucktampon 15 auf das zu bedruckende Objekt 6 auftrifft. Der von der Kamera 19' abgebildete Bildererfassungsbereich 4 ist in den Figuren 8 bis 10 mittels einer gestrichelten Linie auf der relativ zur Kamera 19' gegenüberliegenden Seite des Drucktampons 15 angedeutet. Die Kamera 19', welche auf der Höhe der zu bedruckenden Oberseite des zu bedruckenden Objekts 6 angeordnet ist, ist derart ausgerichtet, dass sie die Position des Kontaktpunktes 3 aus einer horizontalen Richtung erfasst, welche senkrecht zur Längsmittelachse 151 des Drucktampons 15 bzw. zur vertikalen Hauptbewegungsrichtung 151 des Drucktampons 15 während der Bildübertragung auf das zu bedruckende Objekt 6 steht.The in the FIGS. 8 to 10 Pad printing machine 1 shown has a camera 19 ', which is directed to an object to be printed 6 to detect the position of a contact point 3, in which impinges upon transfer of the print image of the printing pad 15 on the object to be printed. The image detection area 4 imaged by the camera 19 'is in the FIGS. 8 to 10 indicated by a dashed line on the relative to the camera 19 'opposite side of the printing pad 15. The camera 19 ', which is arranged at the height of the printable top side of the object to be printed 6, is aligned such that it detects the position of the contact point 3 from a horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis 151 of the printing pad 15 and to the vertical Main movement direction 151 of the printing pad 15 is during the image transfer to the object to be printed 6.

Das zu bedruckende Objekt 6 ist während der Druckbildübertragung auf einem Objektträger 5 angeordnet und vorteilhaft in diesen gehalten. Zum manuellen Einstellen der Position des zu bedruckenden Objekts 6 relativ zum Drucktampon 15 während der Druckbildübertragung weist der Objektträger 5 Verstellelemente 50 auf.The object 6 to be printed is on during a print image transfer Slide 5 is arranged and advantageously held in this. For manually adjusting the position of the object 6 to be printed relative to the printing pad 15 during the print image transfer, the slide 5 has adjusting elements 50.

Das Verfahren zum Ermitteln einer optimalen Geschwindigkeitsfunktion für die Bewegung des Drucktampons 15 relativ zu dem zu bedruckenden Objekt 6 während der Druckbildübertragung erfolgt analog zum oben ausgeführten Verfahren, mittels welchem eine optimierte Geschwindigkeitsfunktion für die Bewegung des Drucktampons 15 während der Druckbildaufnahme bei der in den Figuren 1 bis 5 dargestellten Ausführungsform ermittelt wird.The method for determining an optimal speed function for the movement of the printing pad 15 relative to the object to be printed 6 during the print image transfer is analogous to the above-performed method, by means of which an optimized speed function for the movement of the printing pad 15 during the print image recording at the in the FIGS. 1 to 5 embodiment shown is determined.

In den Figuren 8 und 9 ist ein zu bedruckendes Objekt 6 gezeigt, welches eine ebene Oberfläche aufweist, die mittels der Tampondruckmaschine 1 bedruckt wird. In der Figur 10 hingegen ist ein zu bedruckendes Objekte 6' gezeigt, welches eine unebene zu bedruckende Oberfläche aufweist. Das erfindungsgemäss Verfahren ist insbesondere bei derartigen Objekten mit unebenen zu bedruckenden Oberflächen vorteilhaft, da bei diesen Objekten die Gefahr von Lufteinschlüssen zwischen der Druckbildübertragungsfläche 150 und dem zu bedruckenden Objekt 6' erhöht ist. Die Veränderung der Kontaktfläche 2 während der Druckbildübertragung ist hier insbesondere von der Form der Oberfläche des zu bedruckenden Objekts 6 abhängig. Mittels des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens kann automatisch und ohne Vorkenntnis der genauen Form des zu bedruckenden Objekts 6' eine optimierte Geschwindigkeitsfunktion ermittelt werden, welche insbesondere eine gleichmässig schnelle Bewegung des Kontaktpunktes 3 und somit des äusseren Randes der Kontaktfläche 2 relativ zur Oberfläche des zu bedruckenden Objekts 6' während der gesamten Druckbildübertragung sicherstellt.In the FIGS. 8 and 9 an object to be printed 6 is shown, which has a flat surface which is printed by means of the pad printing machine 1. In the FIG. 10 however, an object 6 'to be printed is shown, which has an uneven surface to be printed on. The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of objects of this kind having uneven surfaces to be printed, since in the case of these objects the danger of air inclusions between the print image transfer surface 150 and the object 6 'to be printed is increased. The change in the contact surface 2 during the print image transfer is here dependent in particular on the shape of the surface of the object 6 to be printed. By means of the method according to the invention, an optimized speed function can be determined automatically and without prior knowledge of the exact shape of the object 6 'to be printed, which in particular ensures uniformly fast movement of the contact point 3 and thus of the outer edge of the contact surface 2 relative to the surface of the object 6' to be printed. ensures throughout the print image transfer.

Selbstverständlich ist die hier beschriebene Erfindung nicht auf die erwähnten Ausführungsformen beschränkt und eine Vielzahl von Abwandlungen ist möglich. So kann beispielsweise die in den Figuren 1 bis 7 gezeigte Ausführungsform auch mit der in den Figuren 8 bis 10 gezeigten Ausführungsform kombiniert werden, so dass die Tampondruckmaschine entsprechend zwei Kameras aufweist und die Geschwindigkeitsfunktion sowohl während der Druckbildaufnahme als auch während der Druckbildübertragung optimiert wird. Zur Erfassung der Position des Kontaktpunktes muss zudem nicht zwingend eine Kamera vorgesehen sein. Anstelle einer Kamera könnte zur Kontaktpunktpositionserfassung beispielsweise auch ein Lasermessgerät vorgesehen sein. Anstelle von nur einer Kamera könnten auch mehrere Kameras oder Erfassungsvorrichtungen vorgesehen sein, um aus unterschiedlichen Richtungen die Positionen von verschiedenen Kontaktpunkten während der Druckbildaufnahme und/oder der Druckbildübertragung zu erfassen. Dies ist insbesondere im Falle von nicht rotationssymmetrischen Drucktampons und/oder nicht rotationssymmetrischen zu bedruckenden Objekten vorteilhaft. Eine Vielzahl weiterer Abwandlungen ist denkbar.Of course, the invention described herein is not limited to the mentioned embodiments and a variety of modifications is possible. For example, in the FIGS. 1 to 7 embodiment shown also with in the FIGS. 8 to 10 shown embodiment, so that the pad printing machine according to two cameras and the speed function is optimized both during the print image recording and during the print image transmission. To capture the position of the contact point must In addition, not necessarily be provided a camera. Instead of a camera for contact point position detection, for example, a laser measuring device could be provided. Instead of just one camera, a plurality of cameras or detection devices could also be provided in order to detect the positions of different contact points from different directions during the print image recording and / or the print image transmission. This is particularly advantageous in the case of non-rotationally symmetric pressure pads and / or non-rotationally symmetric objects to be printed. A variety of other modifications is conceivable.

BEZUGSZEICHENLISTELIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11 TampondruckmaschinePad Printing Machine 1616 Servomotorservomotor 1010 Maschinengestellmachine frame 1717 Ermittlungseinheitdetermining unit 101101 Armpoor 1818 BewegungskontrolleinheitMotion control unit 102102 Anzeigedisplay 19, 19'19, 19 ' Kameracamera 103103 Eingabeelementeinput elements 1111 Klischeeträgerplate holder 22 Kontaktflächecontact area 110110 Verstellelementeadjusting 3, 3'3, 3 ' Kontaktpunktcontact point 1212 Klischeecliche 44 BilderfassungsbereichImage capture area 1313 Farbtopfpaint pot 1414 DrucktamponträgerPressure pad carrier 55 Objektträgerslides 1515 Drucktamponprinting pad 5050 Verstellelementeadjusting 150150 DruckbildübertragungsflächePrint image transfer surface 6, 6'6, 6 ' Zu bedruckendes ObjektObject to be printed 151151 LängsmittelachseLongitudinal central axis

Claims (14)

  1. Method for the operation of a pad printing machine (1) which comprises at least a printing pad (15) and a printing plate (12), wherein the method comprises at least the step that a print image is taken up from the printing plate (12) by means of the printing pad (15) and that a print image is transferred from the printing pad (15) onto an object to be printed on (6, 6'), wherein the method comprises the following step:
    a.) Detecting the position of at least one contact point (3) in which the printing pad (15) and the printing plate (12) get into contact with each other during a first take-up of a print image, and/or of at least one contact point (3) in which the printing pad (15) and the object to be printed on (6, 6') get into contact with each other during a first transfer of a print image,
    characterized in that the method comprises at least the following further steps:
    b.) Determining a velocity function based on this detected position; as well as
    c.) Moving the printing pad (15) during a second take-up of a print image relatively to the printing plate (9) or during a second transfer of a print image relatively to the object to be printed on (6, 6') at a velocity in accordance to this velocity function.
  2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a camera (19) is used for the detection of the position of the at least one contact point (3).
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing pad (6) is moved along a main direction of motion in each case during the take-up of a print image or the transfer of a print image, and wherein the detection of the position of the at least one contact point (3) is carried out from a direction which is essentially perpendicular to this main direction of motion.
  4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step b.) the velocity function is determined such that the change of the size and/or form of the contact surface (2) between the printing pad (15) and the printing plate (12) during the take-up of the print image or between the printing pad (15) and the object to be printed on (6, 6') during the transfer of the print image is calculated based on the detected position of the contact point (3) and that the velocity function is determined based on this calculation.
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, before determining a new velocity function in step b.), the method comprises the further step:
    a0.) Checking of the printing result on the object to be printed on (6, 6').
  6. Method according to claim 5, wherein, if a flawed printing result is detected in step a0.), the velocity function is additionally determined in step b.) based on the position of flawed spots in the printing result.
  7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the velocity function is determined such in step b.) that the motion of the printing pad (15) in step c.) when getting into contact with the areas of the printing plate (12) or of the object to be printed on (6, 6') that correspond to the flawed spots in the printing result is slowed down as compared to the motion of the printing pad (15) when getting into contact with the same areas during the first take-up or a print image or transfer of a print image.
  8. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each of the steps a0.), a.), b.) and c.) is carried out fully automatically.
  9. Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a plurality of printing processes are carried out in step a0.), in which the velocity of the motion of the printing pad (15) relatively to the printing plate (12) during the take-up of a print image and/or the velocity of the motion of the printing pad (15) relatively to the object to be printed on (6, 6') during the transfer of a print image is increased at least once from a printing process to the subsequent printing process, and wherein the printing result is checked at least once on the object to be printed on (6, 6') after this increase of the velocity.
  10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the velocity of the motion of the printing pad (15) during the take-up of a print image and/or the transfer of a print image is increased from printing process to printing process until a flawed printing result is detected.
  11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises the additional step:
    d.) Carrying out two or more rounds each of which includes all of steps a0.) - c.), wherein from the second round on the determination of the velocity function in step b.) is additionally based on the velocity function as determined in the previous round.
  12. Pad printing machine (1) for operation with a method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one printing pad (15) and at least one printing plate (12), wherein the printing pad (15) is movable relative to the printing plate (12) and serves to take up a print image from the printing plate (12) and to transfer the print image onto an object to be printed on (6, 6'),
    wherein the pad printing machine (1) comprises at least one detection device (19) which serves for the detection of the position of at least one contact point (3) in which the printing pad (15) and the printing plate (12) get into contact with each other during a take-up of a print image and/or serves for the detection of the position of at least one contact point (3) in which the printing pad (15) and the object to be printed on (6, 6') get into contact with each other during a transfer of a print image,
    characterized in that the pad printing machine (1) additionally comprises a determination unit (17) for the determination of a velocity function for the motion of the printing pad (15) during the take-up of a print image relatively to the printing plate (12) or during the transfer of a print image relatively to the object to be printed on (6, 6') based on the position of the contact point (3) as determined by the detection device (19) and comprises a motion control unit (18) which serves to control the motion of the printing pad (15) relative to the printing plate (12) or to the object to be printed on (6, 6') with a velocity in accordance to this velocity function.
  13. Pad printing machine (1) according to claim 12, wherein the detection device is a camera (19).
  14. Pad printing machine (1) according to one of claims 12 or 13, which comprises an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, for moving the printing pad (15).
EP12198557.6A 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine Active EP2746050B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12198557.6A EP2746050B1 (en) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12198557.6A EP2746050B1 (en) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine

Publications (2)

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EP2746050A1 EP2746050A1 (en) 2014-06-25
EP2746050B1 true EP2746050B1 (en) 2017-02-01

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Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017100423A1 (en) * 2017-01-11 2018-07-12 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Pad Printing Machine
CN110027332B (en) * 2018-01-11 2021-01-26 昆山瑞咏成精密设备有限公司 Concave surface high-precision repeated overprinting method and blind hole printing machine
CN111409358B (en) * 2020-05-11 2021-11-05 台州市莱恩克智能科技有限公司 Integrated movable printing mechanism of pad printing machine

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5392706A (en) 1992-07-30 1995-02-28 Markem Corporation Pad transfer printing method
DE4412599C2 (en) * 1994-04-13 1996-07-18 Alexander Dipl In Muehlhaeuser Printing machine, in particular pad printing machine
GB2325434A (en) * 1997-05-21 1998-11-25 Wang Man David Ho An apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece
BE1014737A4 (en) 2002-03-29 2004-03-02 Volder Laurent De Method for printing caps.

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Title
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