Apparatus for transferring images onto objects.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an image initially printed on a support sheet onto an object.

[0002] The apparatus according to the invention is especially suitable for transferring images on objects exhibiting at least a portion of curved surface, such as containers.

[0003] EP 1337402 discloses an apparatus for decorating containers, comprising a pair of reels on which a film is wound, the film supporting a transferable decoration. The apparatus further comprises a presser element for pressing the surface of the film which supports the decoration against the container to be decorated. A dispenser of hot air is located near the presser element, for sending a hot air flow towards the film. The transferable decoration, by effect of the heating caused by the flow of hot air and the pressure exerted by the presser element, is transferred onto the container to be decorated.

[0004] A drawback of the apparatus disclosed in EP 1337402 is that in order to heat the film to a sufficient temperature for the decoration to be transferred onto the container to be decorated, the hot air which exits the dispenser must have a relatively high temperature, which in some cases can be around 300°C. Such high air temperatures can damage the container, in a case in which the container is made of delicate materials or has very thin walls. Further, the hot air which exits the dispenser can burn the inks with which the transferable decorations supported on the film are made, thus unacceptably damaging the quality of the decoration.

[0005] A further drawback of the apparatus disclosed in EP 1337402 is that the hot air dispenser does not enable precise regulation of the temperature to which the film is heated. It is further difficult to uniformly heat the film supporting the transferable decoration. This can generate imperfect decorations, for example opaque decorations which have to be subjected to a subsequent polishing operation.

[0006] US 4539063 discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 and in particular a device for transferring a print design under action of heat from a carrier band onto an object. The carrier band is transported from a tape dispensing roll past a scanning arrangement and a preheating arrangement by a drive roller driven by a band drive motor through a transfer zone to a band take-up reel.

[0007] US 5565055 discloses a method and a system for decorating a round, oval or irregularly-shaped, openended article with a heat-transfer, wrap-around label supported on a carrier web.

[0008] WO 2007/103002 discloses a decorating or graphic transfer system, that accommodates transfer to contoured surfaces and accommodates differences in pitch between the graphic and the receiving surface.

[0009] WO 96/09966 discloses a method and a machine for decorating cooking vessels. The vessel is coated with silicone resin at least on the surface to be decorated. A carrier, to which a heat releasable decoration is applied, is provided, and the carrier is brought into contact with the coated surface of the vessel to be decorated, heat being supplied so as to transfer the decoration to the coated surface of the vessel.

[0010] An object of the invention is to improve apparatus for transferring images from a transfer support onto an object.

[0011] A further object is to provide an apparatus for transferring an image onto an object, in which the risks of damaging the object to be printed and/or the image to be transferred are low.

[0012] Another object is to provide an apparatus which is able to uniformly heat the transfer support.

[0013] A further object is to provide an apparatus which enables the temperature of the transfer support to be regulated precisely.

[0014] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus according to claim 1.

[0015] The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention enables the transfer support to be heated while reducing the risk of damaging the object to be printed, the transfer support or the inks which form the image to be transferred. Since the contact means operate in contact with the transfer support, the heat passes from the contact means to the transfer support very efficiently. The contact means can therefore have a temperature which is lower than the temperature of the hot air used for heating the transfer support in the prior art, which enables a lowering of the risk of damaging the elements cooperating with the contact means, i.e. the transfer support and the object to be pointed.

[0016] The temperature of the contact means can be regulated precisely by acting on the heating means, which enables a precise choice of the most suitable temperature according to the material forming the transfer support, the material forming the object to be printed and the type of inks used for the image to transfer.

[0017] Further, by controlling the temperature of the heating means and thus of the contact means, a uniform heating of the transfer support can be obtained.

[0018] The dimensions of the contact means can be selected such that the contact means interact with the transfer support along a portion of the path of the transfer support having a desired length. Thus, when the transfer support interacts with the presser device, the transfer support can already be at the desired temperature. Consequently, the presser device is able to transfer the image onto the object even after only a relatively short interaction with the transfer support, which enables the productivity of the apparatus to be improved.

[0019] The invention can be better understood and carried out with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of nonlimiting example, and in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of an apparatus for transferring an image onto an object;

Figure 2 is a plane view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged lateral view of contact means of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the contact means of Figure 3, showing heating means associated to the contact means;

Figure 5 is a view like Figure 2, showing an apparatus according to an alternative embodiment.

[0020] Figures 1 and 2 show an apparatus 1 for transferring images onto objects by transfer printing.

[0021] The apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for processing objects delimited by a surface having at least a curved portion. The objects processed by the apparatus 1 can have an axialsymmetric geometry, for example cylindrical or frustum-conical. It is however possible also to transfer images onto objects having a non-axialsymmetric geometry, for example elliptical, or having a portion of curved surface and a further portion which is flat. The objects onto which the images are transferred can be made of plastics.

[0022] In an embodiment, the objects on which the images are transferred can be internally hollow.

[0023] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the objects on which the images are to be transferred are containers 2, in particular pails, possibly provided with a metal handle 3.

[0024] The images that the apparatus 1 can transfer can comprise, for example, decorations, writing or photographs. The images are initially printed on a transfer support, especially in sheet-form, by technologies such as digital printing or other types of printing. The images can be formed by dry inks in powder form, for example thermoplastic inks or polyester-based inks, of a type normally used in toners for photocopiers. The inks can be hot-melt, i.e. passing from the powder state to a liquid or paste state following heating to an appropriate temperature.

[0025] The transfer support on which the images to be transferred are initially printed can be made of a paper material possibly provided with at least a detaching layer, or it can comprise a plastic film.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 1 can comprise a conveyor device 8 for indexing the objects to be decorated, in particular the containers 2, through a plurality of operating stations or units.

[0027] The conveyor device 8 can comprise a plurality of support elements 4, for example mandrels, each of which is suitable for supporting a container 2. Each support element 4 can be delimited by a side' surface having a shape which at least partially corresponds to the internal shape of the container 2, such that the container 2 can be inserted on a support element 4.

[0028] In the illustrated example, both the containers 2 and the support elements 4 have a slightly frustum-conical shape. Each support element 4 can comprise suction means (not shown) for maintaining the container 2 adherent to the support element 4, while the container 2 is moved between the operating stations of the apparatus 1. The suction means can comprise, for example, at least a suction cup arranged such as to act on a bottom wall of the container 2.

[0029] Each support element 4 can further comprise a flange 9, possibly provided with at least a blocking element for maintaining the handle 3 in contact with the flange 9 while the container 2 is moved in the apparatus 1. If the handle 3 is made of a magnetic metal material, as often happens, the blocking element can comprise a magnetic element destined suitable for keeping the handle 3 still owing to a magnetic attraction force.

[0030] Each support element 4 is free to rotate about a respective axis X, which in the illustrated example is horizontal. To this end, each support element 4 is fixed to a shaft 5 which is freely rotatable with respect to a housing 6. The support elements 4 are mounted in a peripheral region of a carousel body 7 which is rotatable about a rotation axis Y, which in the illustrated example is vertical. In the illustrated example, the housings 6 are fixed to the carousel body 7. The support elements 4 project radially from the carousel body 7.

[0031] The carousel body 7 is arranged above a base 10, internally of which a motor device is housed (not illustrated) which enables the carousel body 7 to rotate about the rotation axis Y.

[0032] Each container is associated to the corresponding support element 4 in a loading station 11, shown in Figure 2. A conveyor of known type, not illustrated, enables the containers 2 to be brought in succession into the loading station 11, in which each container 2 is inserted on a corresponding support element 4 either manually or by means of a known-type device which is not illustrated.

[0033] A pre-treatment station 12 is arranged downstream of the loading station 11. In the pre-treatment station 12 each container 2 can be subjected to a pre-treatment which enables the side surface of the container 2 to be made receptive to the inks forming the image to be transferred.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the pre-treatment station 12 comprises a flaming station arranged for applying a flaming treatment to the external surface of the container 2. The flaming station comprises an elongate element 13, for example a bar, illustrated in Figure 2, having a plurality of nozzles arranged on a surface of the elongate element 13 facing towards the container 2. A burner 14 is associated to the elongate element 13, the burner 14 being supplied with methane gas, for example. The burner 14 generates, at the nozzles afforded on the elongate element 13, a plurality of little flames which cause the plastics constituting the container 2 to be locally softened. Thus, the inks and possibly the lacquers forming the image to be transferred adhere more easily to the external surface of the container 2.

[0035] The temperature of the flame is selected according to various parameters, such as the material which forms the container 2 and the inks forming the image to be transferred, and is, indicatively, comprised between 200. and 800°C.

[0036] The elongate element 13 extends along a direction which is parallel to the axis X of the support element 4, when the support element 4 is stationary in the pre-treatment station 12, i.e. along a direction which is parallel to an axis of the container 2. The elongate element 13 can be of about the same length as an axial dimension of the container 2. In general, the length of the elongate element 13 is such that the portion of surface of the container 2 subjected to flaming has an axial dimension which is at least equal to the axial dimension of the portion of surface of the container 2 on which the image is to be transferred.

[0037] The flaming station can comprise a second elongate element connected to a second burner, entirely similar to the elongate element 13. The second elongate element can be arranged in a diametrically opposite position with respect to the elongate element 13, i.e., in the illustrated example, below the container 2.

[0038] The pre-treatment station 12 comprises a driving device for rotating the support element 4 about the axis X. For example, the driving device can comprise a motor 15 which rotates a wheel (not illustrated). When the support element 4 reaches the pre-treatment station 12 and stops there, the wheel is brought into contact with the shaft 5. At this point, the motor 15 drives the wheel, which by friction rotates the shaft 5 and the support element 4 that is fixed relative to the shaft 5. If necessary, the container 2 can perform more than a revolution about the axis X in the pre-treatment station 12, such as to interact with the elongate element 13 more than once.

[0039] Instead of the flaming station, pre-treatment stations 12 of different type can be used. For example, the pre-treatment station 12 might comprise a corona-treatment station or a plasma-treatment station.

[0040] A positioning station 16 can be located downstream of the pre-treatment station 12, which positioning station 16 enables the container 2 to be positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the axis X, such that the image can be transferred onto all the containers 2 starting from the same zone. The positioning station 16 is of known type and is not described here in detail.

[0041] The apparatus 1 further comprises a transfer station 17 arranged downstream of the pre-treatment station 12 and the positioning station 16, if present.

[0042] The transfer station 17 is suitable for transferring onto each container 2 an image initially printed on a transfer support 18. The transfer support 18 can be in the form of a sheet which is unwound from a first reel 19 supported by the base 10 through a first supporting core 21. The base 10 comprises a second supporting core 22 for supporting a second reel 20 on which the used transfer support 18 is wound, i.e. the transfer support from which the images have been detached in order to be transferred onto the containers 2.

[0043] The apparatus 1 further comprises an unwinding device arranged for unwinding the transfer support 18 from the first reel 19 and for winding the used transfer support 18 onto the second reel 20. In this way the transfer support 18 is moved along an advancement direction F shown in Figure 1. The unwinding device can comprise a motorised roller 26, possibly connected to the second supporting core 22.

[0044] A plurality of return or tensioning rollers is also provided, to enable the transfer support 18 to be conveyed along the desired path in a sufficiently stretched configuration.

[0045] The transfer station 17 further comprises a presser device for pressing the transfer support 18 against the container 2. The presser device comprises a presser element, for example a presser roller 23 which is rotatable about an axis which in the illustrated example is horizontal. The presser element is positioned such that the transfer support 18 winds on a portion of the side surface of the presser element, along the path of the transfer support 18 from the first reel 19 to the second reel 20.

[0046] A movement device enables the presser roller 23 to be moved away from the container 2 positioned in the transfer station 17 or alternatively to move the presser roller 23 towards the container 2. The movement device can comprise an actuator 25, for example a pneumatic actuator, acting on a support plate 24 to which the presser roller is fitted.

[0047] The transfer station 17 further comprises contact means which are distinct from the presser device, the contact means being positioned upstream of the presser device along the advancement direction F and being associated to heating means arranged for heating the transfer support 18. The contact means can comprise a guide element 27, which the transfer support 18 slides in contact with before interacting with the presser roller 23. Thus the guide element 27 defines a portion of the path of the transfer support 18.

[0048] The guide element 27 is positioned such as to be contacted by the surface of the transfer support 18 opposite the one on which the images to be transferred are printed.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide element 27 can be shaped substantially as a plate. The guide element 27 can be delimited by a curved surface, particularly a convex surface 28 which projects towards the transfer support 18, such as to ensure contact between the guide element 27 and the transfer support 18.

[0050] The guide element 27 is made of a material having good heat conductivity properties, for example metal. The convex surface 28 can be treated or coated such as to have a low friction coefficient and/or anti-adherence properties. This ensures that the transfer support 18 slides easily in contact with the guide element 27 and does not adhere thereto.

[0051] The heating means associated to the guide element 27 can comprise one or more heating elements 29 embedded into the thickness of the guide element 27. The heating elements 29 can be electric resistances, even though it is possible to use heating elements of different type. The heating means can be distributed along the advancement direction F such as to heat consecutive portions of the guide element 27 in a differentiated way.

[0052] For example, the heating means can be configured in such a way as to ensure that the guide element 27 is heated in a substantially uniform way.

[0053] In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, a plurality of heating elements 29 has been used, the heating elements 29 being housed in respective holes arranged in sequence along the advancement direction F. These holes extend transversely to the advancement direction F and can be parallel to one another.

[0054] In particular, a first hole 30 is made near a first end of the guide element 27 and a second hole 31 is made near a second end of the guide element 27, the second end being opposite the first end.

[0055] At least one intermediate hole 32 can be interposed between the first hole 30 and the second hole 31. At least one heating element 29 is housed in each hole. In the illustrated example, two heating elements 29 are housed in each hole, each heating element 29 having a length, the sum of the lengths of the two heating elements 29 inserted in a same hole being about equal to, or slightly less than, the length of the corresponding hole. In this way the heating elements 29 enable the guide element 27 to be heated along the whole dimension thereof which is transversal to the advancement direction F.

[0056] Each heating element 29 is provided with an electrical connector 33 in order to be connected to an electric supply system.

[0057] The apparatus 1 can also comprise at least one temperature sensor, not illustrated, in order to detect the temperature of the guide element 27. Control means are provided, which receive a signal from the temperature sensor and possibly change in feedback the working parameters of the heating means, such as to ensure that the guide element 27 has the desired temperature.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the guide element 27 is arranged in an almost-vertical position. The heat therefore tends to rise from a lower portion towards an upper portion of the guide element 27. In order to ensure that the temperature of the guide element 27 is as uniform as possible, the heating elements 29 arranged internally of the first hole 30, which is at a lower level, are kept at a higher temperature with respect to the heating elements 29 arranged internally of the second hole 31, which is at a higher level. The heating elements 29 arranged internally of the intermediate hole 32 can be maintained at an intermediate temperature.

[0059] The heating elements 29 can have a temperature distribution which is different from the above-described example, according to how the guide element 27 is positioned.

[0060] The heating elements 29 can indicatively be of a temperature comprised between 100 and 170°C. This temperature is generally sufficient to ensure that the image detaches from the transfer support 18 in order to be transferred onto the container 2.

[0061] Owing to the contact between the guide element 27, heated by the heating elements 29, and the transfer support 18, the heat can be transmitted very efficiently to the transfer support 18. This enables temperatures of the heating means that are lower than the hot air temperatures used in the prior art, thus reducing the risks of damaging the images printed on the transfer support 18 and/or the containers 2.

[0062] Further, the temperature of the heating means can be regulated precisely, such as to guarantee a uniform heating of the transfer support 18 which comes into contact with the guide element 27.

[0063] The apparatus 1 can comprise means for moving the guide element 27 towards the transfer support 18 or alternatively for moving the guide element 27 away from the transfer support 18. In particular, the guide element 27 is neared to the transfer support 18 when the transfer support 18 is to be heated, while it is moved away from the transfer support 18 when the apparatus 1 is halted, in order to prevent burning of the transfer support 18.

[0064] To this end, the guide element 27 can be mounted on the support plate 24, such as to be moved towards or away from the transfer support 18 together with the presser roller 23.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the guide element 27 extends up to the presser roller 23, such that the free space between the presser roller 23 and the guide element 27 is very small or indeed non-existent.

[0066] The presser roller 23 too can be heated by means of a heating device, not illustrated, comprising for example an electric resistance. The temperature of the presser roller 23 can be comprised between 100° and 170°C.

[0067] The guide element 27 enables the productivity of the apparatus 1 to be increased with respect to a case in which only the presser roller 23 is heated. The guide element 27 ensures that when the transfer support 18 interacts with the presser roller 23, the transfer support 18 is already at a temperature close to the melting temperature or sublimation temperature of the inks forming the image. In this way, the image can be transferred very quickly onto the container 2 and does not require to be kept in contact with the presser roller 23 for long heating times.

[0068] As shown in Figure 2, a post-treatment station 34 can be provided downstream of the transfer station 17, which post-treatment station 34 enables improvement of the adhesion of the image to the container 2. To this end, the post-treatment station 34 can be a flaming station similar to the flaming station of the pre-treatment station 12. In particular, a further elongate element 35 can be arranged in the post-treatment station 34, which further elongate element 35 can be connected to a further burner 36, supplied for example with methane gas. The further elongate element 35 which can be bar-shaped, can comprise a plurality of nozzles facing towards the container 2 such as to generate a plurality of small flames which interact with the external surface of the container 2 on which the image has been transferred. In this way, apart from improving the anchorage of the transferred image to the container 2, it is also possible to burn any eventual residues of inks which have not adhered well to the container 2 or any small pieces of transfer support 18 which have passed onto the container 2. This enables substantial elimination of risks of contamination due to any residues of inks which detach from the container 2. The container 2 can thus also be used for foods.

[0069] As already disclosed for the pre-treatment station 12, the temperature of the flames which exit from the further elongate element 35 can be comprised in the range 200-800°C.

[0070] The further elongate element 35 can be at least as long as the height of the strip of the container 2 on which the image has been transferred.

[0071] The post-treatment station 34 can comprise several bars connected to respective burners, for example two diametrically-opposite bars positioned respectively above and below the container 2.

[0072] In the post-treatment station 34, the container 2 can be rotated about the axis X by a further driving device, entirely similar to the driving device present in the pre-treatment station 12.

[0073] The post-treatment station 34 can be different from a flaming station and can comprise, for example, a plasma-treatment station.

[0074] The apparatus 1 comprises, finally, downstream of the post-treatment station 34, an unloading station 37 arranged such as to remove the container 2 onto which the image has been transferred from the support element 4. This can be done manually or by using a removal system of known type, which is not illustrated.

[0075] During functioning, a container 2 on which an image is to be transferred is inserted on a support element 4 in the loading station 11. The suction means associated to the support element 4 are activated such that the container 2 is firmly retained by the support element 4. If the container 2 has a handle 3, the handle 3 can be maintained in contact with the flange 9 by the magnetic blocking element.

[0076] Subsequently the carousel body 7 rotates by a predefined angle such as to bring the container 2 into the pre-treatment station 12. The carousel body 7 stops such that the container 2 can receive the flaming treatment from the elongate element 13 and from any other additional elongate elements. The container 2 is rotated about the axis X such as to bring consecutive zones of the container 2 to interact with the elongate element 13. This is done by rotating the support element 4, by action of the motor 15.

[0077] When the pre-treatment of the container 2 has been completed, the carousel body 7 rotates by a predefined angle such as to bring the container 2 into the positioning station 16, in which the container 2 is positioned in the desired angular position about the axis X, such as to ensure that the image is transferred starting from a predetermined position. Thus, the images can be transferred in a registered manner onto all the containers 2.

[0078] The container 2 is thus transferred, owing to the rotation of the carousel body 7, into the transfer station 17. Here, the unwinding device unwinds a portion of transfer support 18 having a predefined length from the first reel 19.

[0079] The guide element 27 enables the portion of transfer support 18 in contact therewith to be heated to a sufficient temperature such that when the portion is pushed against the container 2 by the presser roller 23 the image transfers from the transfer support 18 onto the container 2 by effect of the combined action of heat and pressure.

[0080] While the image is transferred on the container 2 in the transfer station 17, the container 2 can be rotated about the axis X by any rotation system. For example, the container can be rotated due to the friction exerted by the transfer support 18 which is pressed against the container 2 by the presser roller 23. The transfer support 18 is in turn moved by the unwinding device. After the image has been transferred onto the container 2, the carousel body 7 is rotated such as to bring the container 2 into the post-treatment station, in which the container 2 is treated for example by the further elongate element 35 and by any additional elongate elements.

[0081] At this point the image is firmly anchored on the container 2, which can be transferred into the unloading station 37 in order to be removed from the apparatus 1. The pre-treatment station 12 and the post-treatment station 34 enable a very good quality to be obtained for the images transferred onto the container 2. In an embodiment not forming part of the present invention and which is not illustrated herein, the pre-treatment station 12 and the post-treatment station 34 can also be used without the contact means, i.e. by heating the transfer support 18 in a traditional way. Further, the apparatus 1 enables transferring the images onto the container 2 at high productivity levels. This is because while a container 2 is being processed in the transfer station 17, other containers 2 can be processed in the stations located upstream and downstream of the transfer station 17.

[0082] Figure 5 shows an apparatus 101 according to an alternative embodiment, which differs from the apparatus 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3 only in that it does not comprise a post-treatment station. In this case, a passive station 134 can be provided downstream of the transfer station 17. In the passive station 134, the container 2 is subjected to no operation.

[0083] Alternatively, the unloading station 37 can be positioned directly downstream of the transfer station 17.

[0084] The post-treatment station can be omitted in a case in which inks or materials of the containers 2 are used which already due to their own properties guarantee good adhesion of the image to the container 2, and/or in the case of containers 2 destined for non-food use, where the risks of contamination deriving from the detachment of small particles of ink are less critical.

Claims

1. Apparatus for transferring an image from a transfer support (18) onto an object (2), comprising a presser device (23) for pressing the transfer support (18) against the object (2), contact means (27) arranged upstream of the presser device (23) such as to be contacted by the transfer support (18), the apparatus (1; 101) further comprising heating means (29) for heating the contact means (27), characterized in that the apparatus (1; 101) further comprises a pre-treatment station (12) for making the object (2) receptive to receiving the image, the pre-treatment station (12) being arranged upstream of a transfer station (17) in which the presser device (23) is positioned, wherein the pre-treatment station (12) is selected from a group comprising: a flaming station, a plasma-treatment station, a corona-treatment station.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact means comprise a guide element (27) in contact with which the transfer support (18) is slidable, the guide element (27) defining a portion of a path of the transfer support (18) upstream of the presser device (23).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact means (27) comprise a heating plate, preferably delimited by a convex surface (28) which projects towards the transfer support (18).

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating means comprise at least two heating elements (29), preferably electric resistances, arranged in sequence along an advancement direction (F) of the transfer support (18).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at least two heating elements (29) are programmed to work at different temperatures, such as to transfer different quantities of heat to different zones of the contact means (27).

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a first heating element (29) positioned in a lower portion of the contact means (27) is programmed to work at a higher temperature with respect to a second heating element (29) positioned in an upper portion of the contact means (27).

7. Apparatus according to anyone of claims 4 to 6, wherein said at least two heating elements (29) are embedded in the thickness of the contact means (27).

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, and further comprising at least one sensor element for detecting a temperature of the contact means (27), the presser element being connected to control means for controlling in feedback the heating means (29).

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a post-treatment station (34) for improving adhesion of the image to the object (2), the post-treatment station (34) being arranged downstream of said transfer station (17).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the post-treatment station (34) is selected from a group comprising: a flaming station, a plasma-treatment station, a corona-treatment station.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pre-treatment station (12) and/or the post-treatment station (34) comprise at least one elongate element (13; 35) having a plurality of nozzles facing towards the object (2) for applying a flaming treatment to the object (2), said at least one elongate element (13; 35) preferably extending along an axial dimension of the object (2).

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a carousel device (7) for moving the object (2) towards the presser device (23).

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the object (2) has a hollow body and the carousel device (7) comprises at least one support element (4) suitable for being inserted internally of the hollow body, said at least one support element (4) being preferably provided with suction means for retaining the object (2).

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said at least one support element (4) comprises magnetic blocking means for retaining a metal handle (3) of the object (2) in contact with a surface of the support element (4).

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zur Übertragung eines Bildes von einem Übertragungsträger (18) auf ein Objekt (2), umfassend eine Presseinrichtung (23) zum Pressen des Übertragungsträgers (18) gegen das Objekt (2), Kontaktmittel (27), die der Presseinrichtung (23) so vorgelagert sind, dass sie vom Übertragungsträger (18) kontaktiert werden, wobei die Vorrichtung (1; 101) ferner Heizmittel (29) zum Erhitzen der Kontaktmittel (27) umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung (1; 101) ferner eine Vorbehandlungsstation (12) umfasst, um das Objekt (2) empfänglich für dem Empfang des Bildes zu machen, wobei die Vorbehandlungsstation (12) einer Übertragungsstation (17) vorgelagert angeordnet ist, in der die Presseinrichtung (23) positioniert ist, wobei die Vorbehandlungsstation (12) aus einer Gruppe ausgewählt wird, die Folgendes umfasst: eine Beflammstation, eine Plasmabehandlungsstation, eine Koronabehandlungsstation.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Kontaktmittel ein Führungselement (27) umfassen, in dessen Kontakt der Übertragungsträger (18) gleitfähig ist, wobei das Führungselement (27) einen Abschnitt einer Bahn des Übertragungsträgers (18) definiert, der der Presseinrichtung (23) vorgelagert ist.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Kontaktmittel (27) eine Heizplatte umfassen, die vorzugsweise von einer konvexen Oberfläche (28) begrenzt wird, die in Richtung des Übertragungsträgers (18) vorkragt.

4. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Heizmittel mindestens zwei Heizelemente (29), vorzugsweise elektrische Widerstände, umfassen, die entlang einer Vorschubrichtung (F) des Übertragungsträgers (18) in einer Reihe angeordnet sind.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei die mindestens zwei Heizelemente (29) dazu programmiert sind, bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen zu funktionieren, sodass unterschiedliche Wärmemengen an unterschiedliche Bereiche der Kontaktmittel (27) übertragen werden.

6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei ein erstes, in einem unteren Abschnitt der Kontaktmittel (27) positioniertes Heizelement (29) dazu programmiert ist, bei einer höheren Temperatur als ein zweites, in einem oberen Abschnitt der Kontaktmittel (27) positioniertes Heizelement (29) zu funktionieren.

7. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei die mindestens zwei Heizelemente (29) in die Dicke der Kontaktmittel (27) eingebettet sind.

8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, und ferner umfassend mindestens ein Sensorelement zum Erfassen einer Temperatur der Kontaktmittel (27), wobei das Presselement mit Steuermitteln verbunden ist, um die Heizmittel (29) nach Rückmeldung zu steuern.

9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, und ferner umfassend eine Nachbehandlungsstation (34) zur Verbesserung des Haftvermögens des Bildes am Objekt (2), wobei die Nachbehandlungsstation (34) der Übertragungsstation (17) nachgelagert angeordnet ist.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Nachbehandlungsstation (34) aus einer Gruppe ausgewählt wird, die Folgendes umfasst: eine Beflammstation, eine Plasmabehandlungsstation, eine Koronabehandlungsstation.

11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei die Vorbehandlungsstation (12) und/oder die Nachbehandlungsstation (34) mindestens ein längliches Element (13; 35) umfassen, aufweisend eine Vielzahl von Düsen, die dem Objekt (2) zugewandt sind, um das Objekt (2) einer Beflammungsbehandlung zu unterziehen, wobei sich das mindestens eine längliche Element (13; 35) vorzugsweise in einer axialen Dimension des Objekts (2) erstreckt.

12. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, und ferner umfassend eine Karusselleinrichtung (7) zum Bewegen des Objekts (2) in Richtung der Presseinrichtung (23).

13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 12, wobei das Objekt (2) einen Hohlkörper aufweist und die Karusselleinrichtung (7) mindestens ein Trägerelement (4) umfasst, das dazu geeignet ist, in den Hohlkörper eingeführt zu werden, wobei das mindestens eine Trägerelement (4) vorzugsweise mit Saugmitteln zum Festhalten des Objekts (2) ausgestattet ist.

14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, wobei das mindestens eine Trägerelement (4) magnetische Blockiermittel zum Festhalten eines Metallgriffs (3) des Objekts (2) umfasst, der in Kontakt mit einer Oberfläche des Trägerelements (4) ist.

Revendications

1. Appareil pour transférer une image à partir d'un support de transfert (18) sur un objet (2), comprenant un dispositif de pressage (23) pour presser le support de transfert (18) contre l'objet (2), des moyens de contact (27) disposés en amont du dispositif de pressage (23) de manière à être mis en contact par le support de transfert (18), l'appareil (1 ; 101) comprenant de plus des moyens de chauffage (29) servant à chauffer les moyens de contact (27), caractérisé en ce que l'appareil (1 ; 101) comprend de plus un poste de prétraitement (12) pour faire en sorte que l'objet (2) soit prêt à recevoir l'image, le poste de prétraitement (12) étant disposé en amont d'un poste de transfert (17) dans lequel le dispositif de pressage (23) est positionné, dans lequel le poste de prétraitement (12) est sélectionné à partir d'un groupe comprenant : un poste de flambage, un poste de traitement par plasma, un poste de traitement corona.

2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de contact comprennent un élément de guidage (27) en contact avec lequel le support de transfert (18) peut coulisser, l'élément de guidage (27) définissant une partie d'une trajectoire du support de transfert (18) en amont du dispositif de pressage (23).

3. Appareil selon les revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel les moyens de contact (27) comprennent une plaque chauffante, de préférence délimitée par une surface convexe (28) qui se projette vers le support de transfert (18).

4. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens de chauffage comprennent au moins deux éléments chauffants (29), de préférence des résistances électriques, disposés en série le long d'une direction de progression (F) du support de transfert (18).

5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel lesdits au moins deux éléments chauffants (29) sont programmés pour fonctionner à des températures différentes, de manière à transférer des quantités différentes de chaleur à des zones différentes des moyens de contact (27).

6. Appareil selon les revendications 4 ou 5, dans lequel un premier élément chauffant (29) positionné dans une partie inférieure des moyens de contact (27) est programmé pour fonctionner à une température plus élevée par rapport à un second élément chauffant (29) positionné dans une partie supérieure des moyens de contact (27).

7. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 4 à 6, dans lequel lesdits au moins deux éléments chauffants (29) sont incorporés dans l'épaisseur des moyens de contact (27).

8. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, et comprenant de plus au moins un élément capteur servant à détecter une température des moyens de contact (27), l'élément de pressage étant relié à des moyens de contrôle pour contrôler en rétroaction les moyens de chauffage (29).

9. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, et comprenant de plus un poste de post-traitement (34) servant à améliorer l'adhérence de l'image sur l'objet (2), le poste de post-traitement (34) étant disposé en aval dudit poste de transfert (17).

10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le poste de post-traitement (34) est sélectionné à partir d'un groupe comprenant : un poste de flambage, un poste de traitement par plasma, un poste de traitement corona.

11. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 1 à 10, dans lequel le poste de prétraitement (12) et/ou le poste de post-traitement (34) comprennent au moins un élément allongé (13 ; 35) disposant d'une pluralité de buses orientées vers l'objet (2) afin d'appliquer un traitement de flambage à l'objet (2), ledit au moins un élément allongé (13 ; 35) se développant de préférence le long d'une dimension axiale de l'objet (2).

12. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, et comprenant de plus un dispositif de carrousel (7) servant à déplacer l'objet (2) en direction du dispositif de pressage (23).

13. Appareil selon la revendication 12, dans lequel l'objet (2) possède un corps creux et le dispositif de carrousel (7) comprend au moins un élément de support (4) adapté pour être inséré à l'intérieur du corps creux, ledit au moins un élément de support (4) étant de préférence pourvu de moyens d'aspiration servant à retenir l'objet (2).

14. Appareil selon la revendication 13, dans lequel ledit au moins un élément de support (4) comprend des moyens de blocage magnétiques servant à retenir une poignée en métal (3) de l'objet (2) en contact avec une surface de l'élément de support (4).

Drawing