EP3237218A1 - Machine de décoration numérique - Google Patents

Machine de décoration numérique

Info

Publication number
EP3237218A1
EP3237218A1 EP14821188.1A EP14821188A EP3237218A1 EP 3237218 A1 EP3237218 A1 EP 3237218A1 EP 14821188 A EP14821188 A EP 14821188A EP 3237218 A1 EP3237218 A1 EP 3237218A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
delivery
machine according
intake
box
conduit
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14821188.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Nigel Francis GEARING-THOMAS
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.)
IRC INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COMPANY GMBH
Original Assignee
Jolyan Holding SA
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 Jolyan Holding SA filed Critical Jolyan Holding SA
Publication of EP3237218A1 publication Critical patent/EP3237218A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/02—Framework
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/377—Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a digital decorating machine.
  • the present invention relates to a digital decorating machine for products such as ceramic tiles, ceramic materials in general, as well as wood, fabric, and other similar materials.
  • the digital decorating machines of the aforementioned type provide for a printing area of the ceramic supports comprising a plurality of adjacent modules; each of the above modules is provided with respective heads for delivering ink or enamel on the surface of the supports themselves.
  • Each printing module is equipped with means for supplying a single type of ink or enamel to said delivery heads; for example, each module is typically suitable for delivering one ink of a certain color.
  • the purpose of the aforesaid cabins is mainly that of preserving and keeping stable the temperature of the heads, of the ink inside the respective tanks and the respective supply means, as well as the proper functionality of the local control units of the printing modules.
  • the aforesaid cabins have a significant footprint that requires arranging sufficient spaces for their installation in the decoration lines, with high costs for the user.
  • the costs for generating a pressurized and air-conditioned environment with the desired characteristics can be high especially if the decoration line comprises a certain number of machines.
  • the aforesaid cabins are often opened, with consequent sudden pressure drops and subsequent additional energy consumption to restore the desired pressure.
  • the technical task of the present invention is therefore to improve the state of the art.
  • the digital decorating machine comprising a base, at least one conveyor, adapted to transport the products to be decorated along a feed direction, at least one decoration module, associated with the base and positioned above said conveyor.
  • the module comprises respective heads provided with nozzles for ejecting a fluid to be delivered on the surface of the products to be decorated, and a box-like element inside which means for supplying the fluid to the heads are provided.
  • the decoration module comprises respective means for generating overpressure, to obtain a pressurized and air-conditioned environment in the inner volume of the respective box-like element.
  • figure 1 is a front perspective view of a digital decorating machine according to the invention.
  • figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of a module of the decorating machine, with some parts removed for greater clarity;
  • figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the module of figure 2, in a different operative configuration and with some parts removed for greater clarity;
  • figure 4 is a detailed rear perspective view of the machine with some parts removed for greater clarity;
  • figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of a module of the machine in a different operating configuration.
  • a digital decorating machine according to the present invention is indicated as a whole with 1.
  • the machine according to the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for the application of decorative and/or protective fluids, such as inks, l o enamels and the like on products such as ceramic tiles and the like.
  • decorative and/or protective fluids such as inks, l o enamels and the like on products such as ceramic tiles and the like.
  • the machine according to the invention is absolutely for general use and could also be employed for other types of ceramic and non-ceramic products, without any limitation.
  • the decorating machine 1 according to the present 15 invention is suitable for the application of fluids such as inks, enamels and the like on ceramic products in any state, that is for example green or fired.
  • the products 2 to be decorated consist of ceramic tiles, of any form or shape, but one must take into account that the present invention can be equally applied for the digital decoration 20 of parts made of wood, fabric and other similar materials.
  • the machine 1 according to the invention can be installed in the context of a complete decoration line for ceramic tiles, which is assumed to comprise for example other machines of the same type, or possibly also of other type.
  • the machine 1 comprises a base 10, which comprises, for example, a plurality of 25 uprights 11 , or legs, for supporting the machine 1.
  • the base 10 comprises a conveyor for the products 2 to be decorated, indicated as a whole with 12.
  • the conveyor 12 is adapted to transport the products 2 to be decorated along a feed direction A.
  • the conveyor 12 comprises a belt 14.
  • the belt 14 is developed along the feed direction A of the products 2.
  • the belt 14 is mounted on two rollers 16, 18, one of which is normally motorized and one of which is idle.
  • the rollers 16, 18 are rotatably supported by the base 10 of the machine 1 at two respective parallel rotation axes.
  • the base 10 of the machine 1 comprises support elements 20, 22.
  • the support elements 20, 22 are preferably two in number.
  • the support elements 20, 22 are developed parallel to the feed direction A and the sides of the conveyor 12.
  • the support elements 20, 22 comprise, or consist of, longitudinal elements, oriented parallel to the feed direction A, and fixed for example to the top of the uprights 11.
  • the machine 1 comprises at least one digital decoration module 30 for the products 2.
  • the machine 1 may comprise a plurality of modules 30, 30' adjacent to each other along the feed direction A of the products 2.
  • the modules 30, 30' each comprise respective heads 31 provided with nozzles for ejecting a fluid - an ink, an enamel, etc. - to be delivered on the surface of the 5 products 2 to be decorated.
  • the heads 31 can be of any type and will not be further described in detail.
  • Each of the modules 30, 30' comprises means 40 for supplying the fluid to said heads 31.
  • the supply means 40 of each of the modules 30, 30' are placed in communication l o with a respective tank 50 containing the fluid to be delivered.
  • a tank 50 is schematically illustrated in figure 4.
  • the tank 50 of the module 30, or of the modules 30, 30' if present in a greater number, can be situated in any area of the machine 1.
  • the tank 50 can be housed inside a space 52 suitably provided for in the base 10, under the belt 14.
  • the transfer of the fluid from the tank 50 to the supply means 40 occurs, for example, through a conduit 54.
  • quick connection/disconnection means can be provided, 20 possibly also for mutually and quickly exchanging the connections between the different modules 30, 30' and the respective fluid tanks 50, if present in a number greater than one.
  • the means for supplying 40 the fluid to the heads 31, which do not constitute an object of the present invention, are of a type suitable, in the context of the same
  • each module 30, 30' can comprise multiple tanks inserted in series in a circuit through which the fluid is
  • Each module 30, 30' also comprises a respective local control unit 60 of the operation of the heads 31, adapted to specifically manage the modes of fluid supply by the same.
  • the local control unit 60 can consist of, for example, an electronic board, or similar control elements.
  • Each of the modules 30, 30' comprises a respective containment box-like element 32.
  • the supply means 40 and the local control unit 60 as well as all the components necessary for the operation of the module itself are completely housed inside the box- like element 32.
  • the module 30, or each module 30, 30' comprises and houses therein a frame 34.
  • the printing heads 31, the supply means 40 and the local control unit 60 are associated with the frame 34.
  • the frame 34 is slidably associated with the box-like element 32 according to a substantially horizontal direction.
  • the frame 34 is slidably associated with the box-like element 32 by interposition of at least one guide 26, of any type.
  • the frame 34 can thus be completely translated outside of the box- like element 32, and possibly also completely extracted and removed, for the sake of maintenance, replacement, or others.
  • the box-like element 32 frontally defines an opening 35 closed by a respective door 36.
  • the door 36 can be for example of concealed type, that is recessed inside the box- like element 32 to allow access to the opening 35 and at the same time to limit bulk.
  • the module 30, or each module 30, 30' comprises a relative protection element 24 of the heads 31.
  • the protection element 24 - as schematically illustrated in figure 2 - has the function of shielding the lower delivery surface of the heads 31 from agents that could compromise its proper functionality, such as for example, as mentioned above, heat, suspended fluid particles or still others.
  • the protection element 24 is for example shaped as a tray, and can be removably associated with the lower portion of the frame 34 so as to completely cover the lower surface of the heads 31.
  • the at least one module 30,30' of the machine 1 is associated with the support elements 20, 22 in a removable manner.
  • each module 30,30' is virtually an independent operative unit, complete with all the necessary components.
  • each module 30, 30' normally operates with a single fluid- for example an ink of a certain color- it is clear that this solution allows each machine 1 present in the decoration line to be equipped with the modules 30,30' of the desired colors, in an absolutely free and highly versatile manner.
  • the machines 1 thus become completely universal and completely interchangeable, as well as being able to be prepared in a different way from time to time in relation 5 to the specific work to be performed.
  • the machine 1 comprises removable coupling means provided between the ends 33a, 33b of the base of the box-like element 32 of each module 30, 30' and suitable coupling areas 29 of the support elements 20,22.
  • such removable l o coupling means may be of self-centering type.
  • the base 33 of the box-like element 32 therefore has a substantially bridge-like conformation, which allows positioning the heads 31 at the correct height with respect to the surface of the products 2 passing freely below the same, and at the same time allows the box- like element 32 itself to be coupled to the base 10 of the
  • the removal of the module 30, 30', for example for replacement or installation on another machine, is particularly quick and easy.
  • the machine 1 comprises a central body
  • the central processing unit 80 is adapted, in particular, to manage the coordinated operation of the at least one module 30, 30' during a certain decoration work.
  • the central processing unit 80 is associated with the support elements 20, 22 of the base 10 for example by removable coupling means.
  • the central processing unit 80 comprises a respective box- like support 82, for example having a structure similar to that of the box-like element 32 of the module 30, 30'.
  • a machine control group 1 for example a PLC ⁇ programmable logic controller
  • a microprocessor for example a microprocessor, or another 30 processor equivalent thereto
  • the electric power supply of the machine 1, and/or any other component necessary to manage its operation can also be housed inside the box-like support 82.
  • a user interface 84 can also be provided, operatively connected to the machine control group 1 , for setting and controlling decoration programs and/or operation parameters of the same.
  • the aforesaid decoration programs can also be imported from a memory unit external to the central processing unit 80.
  • the machine 1 comprises electric connectors 27 that allow connecting the central processing unit 80 to the at least one module 30, 30', both as regards the power and the control logic.
  • the electrical connectors 27, both for their conformation and for their positioning, must allow a quick and easy electric attachment or detachment of the at least one module 30, 30', to allow the easy removal/replacement thereof.
  • central processing unit 80 may be provided between the central processing unit 80 and the at least one module 30, 30' wireless connection means, mainly with regard to control aspects.
  • the central processing unit 80 can possibly be permanently associated with the base 10 of a certain machine 1.
  • the at least one module 30, 30' of the machine 1 can be quickly and easily replaced, at all times, with other modules 30, for example also coming from other machines of the same type, since they constitute independent operative units.
  • the modules 30, 30' of the machine are therefore fully functionally interchangeable elements, i.e. installable on various machines of the same type and in accordance with the present invention.
  • the machine 1 comprises means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70, to create a pressurized and air-conditioned environment in the inner volume of the box-like element 32 of the respective at least one module 30, 30'.
  • the generation of overpressure - with respect to atmospheric pressure - inside the box-like element 32 of the at least one module 30, 30' allows preserving and keeping stable the temperature of the printing heads 31, of the ink inside the supply means 40, as well as the proper functionality of the local control unit 60 also providing the cooling of the electronic components.
  • the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 prevent impurities, possibly coming from the surrounding working environment, from entering inside the box-like element 32, which is thus kept under optimum clean conditions.
  • the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 comprise an air intake manifold 72 and delivery manifold 74.
  • the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 can be connected, for example, to the compressed air system of the premises where the decoration line is installed, the air being suitably cooled, filtered and dehumidified.
  • the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 are associated with the base 10 and/or the conveyor 12 of the machine 1, and are placed in fluid communication with the box-like element 32 of the at least one module 30, 30'.
  • the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 can be arranged on a same side of the base 10, and parallel with the feed direction A.
  • the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 could be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the base 10.
  • manifolds 72, 74 could have yet another different arrangement, in relation to specific application needs.
  • the intake manifold 72 and the delivery manifold 74 are arranged in fluid communication with the inner volume of the box- like element 32 by means of an intake duct 76 and a delivery duct 78, respectively, for example, but not necessarily, at the rear portion of the box-like element 32 itself.
  • the intake manifold 72 comprises - for each of the modules 30, 30' possibly present in the machine 1 - at least one intake opening 72a, inside which the intake duct 76 is engaged.
  • the intake opening 72a is provided at a respective coupling area 29 of the support 5 elements 20, 22.
  • the intake duct 76 can be rigid or flexible.
  • the intake duct 76 is substantially shaped as an "L", and mouths inside the box- like element 32 substantially at its lower portion.
  • the intake duct 76 may be engaged inside the intake opening 72a in a removable manner, to facilitate the change in height of the module 30 or even its complete removal.
  • a sealing gasket of lip type may be provided between the intake duct 76 and the intake opening 72a, allowing the translation of the intake duct 76 orthogonal to the5 intake manifold 72 while still ensuring an optimum seal.
  • the delivery manifold 74 comprises - for each of the modules 30, 30' possibly present in the machine 1 - at least one delivery opening 74a, inside which the delivery duct 78 is engaged.
  • the delivery opening 74a is provided at a respective coupling area 29 of the o support elements 20, 22.
  • the delivery duct 78 can be rigid or flexible.
  • the delivery duct 78 is substantially shaped as an "L", and mouths inside the box-like element 32 substantially at its upper portion.
  • the delivery duct 78 may be provided with small holes along its lateral surface, and possibly be closed at the end.
  • the delivery duct 78 may be engaged inside the delivery opening 74a in a removable manner, to facilitate the change in height of the module 30 or even its complete removal.
  • a sealing gasket of lip type may be provided between the delivery duct 78 and the delivery opening 74a, allowing the translation of the delivery duct 78 orthogonal to the delivery manifold 74 while still ensuring an optimum seal.
  • the intake openings 72a and the delivery openings 74a that are possibly unused - since the corresponding modules 30, 30' are not present, or also in case the same are inactive - may be closed with suitable means such as plugs or the like.
  • valves and/or other interception means may be provided that also allow activating/deactivating, for each module 30, 30' possibly present in the machine 1, the respective means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70.
  • Such interception means can also be of automatic type and therefore they can be controlled by the central processing unit 80.
  • the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 allow creating, inside the respective box-like element 32, a pressurized and air-conditioned environment that preserves the operation of the heads 31, of the supply means 40 and of the local control unit 60.
  • the constructive solution for obtaining the means for generating overpressure and air conditioning 70 of each module 30, 30' present in the machine 1 is also particularly simple and suitable for allowing the quick and easy installation/removal of the modules 30,30' for purposes of maintenance or installation on other machines.

Landscapes

  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine de décoration numérique (1) qui comprend une base (10), un convoyeur (12) pour transporter les produits (2) à décorer selon une direction d'acheminement (A), au moins un module de décoration (30, 30') associé à la base (10) et positionné au-dessus du convoyeur (12), le module (30, 30') comprend des têtes d'impression respectives ayant des buses pour éjecter un fluide à distribuer sur la surface des produits (2) à décorer, et un élément de type boîte (32) dans lequel des moyens pour fournir un fluide aux têtes sont situés; la machine (1) comprend un générateur de surpression et de climatisation (70), qui crée un environnement mis sous pression et climatisé dans le volume intérieur de l'élément de type boîte (32) du module (30, 30').
EP14821188.1A 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Machine de décoration numérique Withdrawn EP3237218A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/079154 WO2016101999A1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Machine de décoration numérique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3237218A1 true EP3237218A1 (fr) 2017-11-01

Family

ID=52273156

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14821188.1A Withdrawn EP3237218A1 (fr) 2014-12-23 2014-12-23 Machine de décoration numérique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3237218A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016101999A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5237338A (en) * 1991-08-05 1993-08-17 Eastman Kodak Company Is-enthalpic control of a thermal printing head
US5689766A (en) * 1995-10-25 1997-11-18 Xerox Corporation Apparatus for controlling air flow in a printing machine
CA2285885A1 (fr) * 1999-10-15 2001-04-15 Brendan Korneski Systeme de purification d'air pour dispositifs fonctionnant dans un milieu sans poussiere et sans produit chimique en suspension dans l'air
FR2955801B1 (fr) * 2010-02-01 2012-04-13 Markem Imaje Dispositif formant pupitre d'imprimante a jet d'encre continu, a concentrations de vapeur de solvant a l'interieur et autour du pupitre diminuees
US8851655B2 (en) * 2012-07-30 2014-10-07 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Producing a hot-air flow in a printer to heat a print media
US8845074B2 (en) * 2012-12-20 2014-09-30 Eastman Kodak Company Inkjet printing system with condensation control
JP2014180784A (ja) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-29 Fujifilm Corp 気流発生装置及び画像形成装置

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *
See also references of WO2016101999A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016101999A1 (fr) 2016-06-30

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