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(11) | EP 4 382 298 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | MOBILE SCREEN-PRINTING DEVICE, MANUFACTURING PROCESS AS WELL AS OPERATING METHOD THEREOF |
| (57) The present invention relates to a mobile screen-printing device (8) for receiving
a pallet (2) from a multi-station screen-printing machine with pallets (2) rotatably
arranged around said machine, wherein said device (8) comprises a movable support
structure and a printing station (10) comprising a screen-printing frame (4) for printing
on said pallet (2); wherein the screen-printing frame (4) is displaceable relative
to said pallet (2) between a lowered position for printing and a raised position for
allowing the rotation of the pallets (2); wherein the printing station (10) is mounted
on said movable support structure and said printing station (10) comprises one or
more lifting actuators for moving the screen-printing frame (4) relative to said pallet
(2) between the lowered position and the raised position.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present description concerns a mobile screen-printing device for multi-station carousel screen-printing machines and respective manufacturing process. More specifically, it relates to a mobile screen-printing device for receiving a pallet from a multi-station screen-printing machine with pallets rotatably arranged around said machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Screen-printing is a printing process that comprises the use of a mesh screen for transferring ink to an object, but only in those areas permeable to ink on a tensioned screen. Screen-printing is also known as silk screening, screen printing with stamped printing.
[0003] Generally, a surface or blade is moved across the screen to fill the mesh openings, and causes the screen to touch the object along a contact line. This causes the ink to touch and adhere to the object through the mesh openings as the screen returns after passing the blade.
[0004] Typically, one colour is printed at a time, so typically multiple screens are used to produce a multicoloured image or design.
[0005] There are several models of machines with different lifting mechanisms used in a printing station; each machine model allows the installation of one or several printing stations arranged in circular or oval positions around the main body of the machine.
[0006] In all models of machines existing on the market, the objective is to apply a product, ink or other materials, to articles and create a decorative motif on the article. The application of the product on the article is implemented by a screen-printing process using a screen frame containing a pattern or the shape to be applied. Each printing station applies the product through the screen-printing process to the article placed on a flat pallet attached to the pallet support. Each station can apply one product or several products at the same time, depending on the technology of the printing station.
[0007] The pallets supporting the article to be printed are arranged in a circle or in another shape, and are supported by a pallet holder, mounted on the base structure of the carousel and inserted into the central axis of the machine base. Rotating the carousel around the centre of the machine allows the pallets that support the item to be positioned over the printing stations as a colour is applied in each station.
[0008] Screen-printing machines comprise the printing station and the printing base with a flat pallet coupled to the pallet support mounted on the base structure of the carousel rotating around the base of the machine.
[0009] However, it has been found that multi-station machines have a fixed configuration of printing stations and do not allow for their reconfiguration without resorting to specialized operators. During the operation of multi-station machines, it is necessary to apply an extra colour or apply another product, which is not possible with the multi-station machine due to lack of stations or specific requirements of the work being performed.
[0010] The present solution can be used for applying extra products or for complementing the existing stations. Extra products can be glues, other ink colours or other products to be applied in the printing operation. These facts are described in order to illustrate the technical problem solved by the embodiments of the present document.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present description concerns a mobile screen-printing device attachable to other multi-station carousel screen-printing machines and respective manufacturing process. More specifically it concerns a mobile printing device for receiving a pallet from a multi-station screen-printing machine to carry out printing.
[0013] The present description relates to a mobile screen-printing device for receiving a pallet from a multi-station screen-printing machine with pallets rotatably arranged around said machine, wherein said device comprises a movable support structure and a printing station comprising a screen-printing frame for printing on said pallet;
wherein the screen-printing frame is displaceable relative to said pallet between a lowered position for printing and a raised position for allowing the rotation of the pallets;
wherein the printing station is mounted on said movable structure and said printing station comprises one or more lifting actuators for moving the screen-printing frame relative to said pallet between the lowered position and the raised position.
[0014] In an embodiment, the screen-printing frame is displaceable relative to the printing station between a lowered position for printing and a raised position.
[0015] In an embodiment, the screen-printing frame is displaceable relative to the printing station with translational movement, in particular with translational movement in the vertical direction.
[0016] In an embodiment, the screen-printing station or the movable support structure comprises a coupling for coupling said printing station to the multi-station screen-printing machine.
[0017] In an embodiment, the printing station comprises at least one pair of ink spreaders with printing actuators for moving said ink spreaders along the screen-printing frame for applying ink.
[0018] In an embodiment, the movable support structure comprises a lifting actuator for moving the printing station between a raised position and a lowered position for printing.
[0019] In an embodiment, in the raised position the angle between the movable support structure and the printing station is a predetermined value for moving the printing station away from the pallet for the rotational displacement of the pallet, in particular wherein the printing station is displaceable relative to the movable support structure with rotational movement.
[0020] In an embodiment, the movable support structure comprises a plurality of bearings for supporting the movable support structure to the ground, in particular the bearings are a plurality of vertically adjustable feet.
[0021] In an embodiment, the movable support structure comprises a plurality of elements for movement on the ground, in particular the elements are a plurality of casters or other devices that allow easy movement of the station.
[0022] In an embodiment, the device comprises an electronic data processor configured for operating the device, in particular for operating one or more actuators.
[0023] In an embodiment, the device comprises an actuator arranged on the movable support structure for moving the printing station between a raised position for washing and a resting position.
[0024] The present description further relates to a process for manufacturing a mobile screen-printing device for receiving a pallet from a multi-station screen-printing machine with pallets rotatably arranged around said machine, comprising the steps of:
arranging a movable support structure and a printing station comprising a screen-printing frame for printing on said pallet;
wherein the screen-printing frame is displaceable relative to said pallet between a lowered position for printing and a raised position for allowing the rotation of the pallets;
wherein the printing station comprises one or more lifting actuators for moving the screen-printing frame relative to said pallet between the lowered position and the raised position.
[0025] Some of the advantages of the present description are:
allowing flexibility to fit existing machines with an additional station;
allowing placing a screen-printing station in any position without a printing station;
allowing screen-printing to function as a unitary station;
having a central support that allows printing quality and precision to be maintained;
allowing the application of screen-printing ink as well as the application of glue to fix the textiles. This avoids the need to apply glue by spraying, which causes the emission of aerosols that contaminate the environment and the machine with their application. Aerosols dirty and contaminate the machine, which reduces its operating time;
the application of glue with this process allows for material savings compared to the use of aerosols, as well as less contamination of the part during the production process. Preferably, the glue is applied in the same way as ink at a printing station. It uses a screen-printing frame and applies a shape of the part to the pallet and then the part is placed on top of this glue.
[0026] The present description further relates to a method of operating the mobile screen-printing device, wherein said device comprises a movable support structure and a printing station comprising a screen-printing frame for printing on said pallet, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
receiving a pallet from a multi-station screen-printing machine with pallets rotatably arranged around said machine;
actuating one or more lifting actuators for moving the screen-printing frame relative to said pallet;
moving the screen-printing frame to a lowered position for printing;
moving the screen-printing frame to a raised position for rotating the pallets.
[0027] Unlike other screen-printing machines that use the lifting movement of the whole printing station with all accessories, the mobile printing device or the single station screen-printing machine uses only the screen-printing frame, respectively with its supports.
[0028] Unlike other screen-printing machines, the single-station screen-printing machine or mobile screen-printing device does not have a carousel or pallets. This is equipment to be used in other carousel screen-printing machines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] For an easier understanding, figures are herein attached, which represent preferred embodiments that are not intended to limit the object of the present description.
Figure 1: Three-dimensional schematic representation of an embodiment of the mobile screen-printing device comprising all components constituting said device.
Figure 2: Three-dimensional schematic representation of a circular printing machine, showing the coupling of the mobile screen-printing device, with said mobile device being attachable in any free position.
Figure 3: Schematic representation of a profile of the mobile screen-printing device in the resting position.
Figure 4: Schematic representation of a profile view of an embodiment of the mobile screen-printing device in the printing position.
Figure 5: Schematic representation of a profile of the mobile screen-printing device in the cleaning position.
Figure 6: Schematic representation of a detail of an embodiment of the bearings (17) for adjustment in relation to the ground, at maximum height.
Figure 7: Schematic representation of a detail of the bearing (17) for adjustment in relation to the ground, at the minimum height.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present description refers to a mobile screen-printing device attachable to other multi-station screen-printing machines and manufacturing process thereof. Said device allows coupling to all formats of any type of carousel screen-printing machines, whether circular or oval. In an embodiment, the mobile printing device can also operate as a screen-printing station on a static base wherein the pallet will not be on a carousel but will be a fixed base and applying only one colour to the piece.
[0031] The mobile screen-printing device has a similar operation to that of screen-printing stations in multi-station machines, however one of the advantages of the present solution consists in its application or movement in any position of the machine that is without printing stations, complementing the machine with an extra printing station.
[0032] In an embodiment, Figure 1 represents an embodiment of the mobile screen-printing device 8, wherein the following are represented: 9 control box of the mobile printing device; 10 printing station; 11 coupling for central coupling; 12 screen-printing frame support comprising an actuator; 13 mobile printing device base; 14 adjustable stabilizers of the mobile printing device base; 15 an ink spreader, preferably a first product application ruler, wherein the first ruler is optionally called an advanced ruler; 16 a second ink spreader, preferably a second product application ruler, wherein said ruler is between the first ruler and the control box, optionally called a recessed ruler; 17 element for adjusting the mobile printing device in height relative to the ground; and 18 casters for displacing or moving the mobile printing device.
[0033] In an embodiment, and as shown in Figure 2, a multi-station machine comprising 2 pallet or flat pallet; 3 printing station; 4 screen-printing frame; 5 machine centre or central base of the machine; 7 machine control centre, the station is moved between the printing position and the resting position using a rod 6. In the mobile printing device (or single station machine) 8 the movement between the printing position and the resting position is carried out by the lifting actuator placed on the support 12 of the screen-printing frame and the printing station 10 remains stationary. The movement of the actuator 12 allows the distance 20, 21 and 22 to be created.
[0034] In an embodiment, distance 20 refers to the resting position wherein the screen-printing station head 10 is immobilized, as shown in Figure 3.
[0035] In an embodiment, distance 21 refers to the position of the screen-printing application of the product, as shown in Figure 4.
[0036] In an embodiment, distance 22 refers to the cleaning position which allows access to the screen-printing frame and carrying out cleaning operations, as shown in Figure 5.
[0037] In an embodiment, the mobile printing device is in a resting position at a distance 20 between the pallet 2 and the frame 4, as shown in Figure 3. After receiving the command to perform the screen-printing operation from the control box 9, actuators 12 move the screen-printing frame to the printing position. The printing station 10 is immobile in relation to the central machine 5 and the base 13 of the mobile device through the coupling 11.
[0038] In an embodiment, Figure 4 shows that the printing position leans against the pallet 2 and at distance 21. During the printing operation, the printing movement is carried out through the vertical movement 23 and the horizontal movement 24 of the rulers or blade or spreaders 16 and 15. After finishing the printing operation, the actuator 12 moves the screen-printing frame 4 to the resting position, wherein the screen-printing frame is no longer in contact with the pallet, as shown in Figure 3, remaining at distance 20 from the pallet.
[0039] As shown in Figure 5, if necessary, the machine operator can carry out the cleaning operation of the screen-printing frame by activating the actuator 19. Once cleaning is complete, the actuator 19 moves to the resting position as shown in Figure 3. The printing station 10 rises at an angle based on the base 13 of the machine and releases the coupling 11. Once finished, the station returns to the resting position shown in Figure 3.
[0040] In an embodiment, a plurality of casters 18 allow the mobile printing device to be moved without restrictions.
[0041] In an embodiment, the stabilizers 14 allow the mobile printing device to be stabilized after displacements, and when adjusted and in contact with the ground, functioning as a more solid base.
[0042] The stabilizers are activated when the mobile device is stationary and are deactivated when the mobile printing device needs to be moved.
[0043] In an embodiment, Figure 6 represents the adjustment element 17, which allows adjusting the printing height at each printing station. In an embodiment, Figure 7 represents the distance 25 less than that represented in Figure 6, resulting from the adjustment element 17. The reference numbers of the figures will be described below: 1 represents pallet support or pallet holder; 2 pallet or flat pallet; 3 printing station; 4 screen-printing frame; 5 machine centre or central machine base; 6 arm ortie rod of the multi-station machine; 7 multi-station machine control centre; 8 mobile screen-printing device or attachable single station printing machine; 9 mobile printing device control box; 10 mobile printing device printing station; 11 coupling for central coupling; 12 screen-printing frame support with actuator; 13 base of the mobile printing device or attachable single-station stamping machine; 14 adjustable stabilizers of the device base; 15 first spreader or first product application ruler; 16 second spreader or second product application ruler; 17 height adjustment element relative to the ground of the mobile printing device; 18 caster for moving the device; 19 head lift actuator; 20 distance from the screen-printing frame to the pallet, at rest; 21 distance from the screen-printing frame to the pallet in printing mode; 22 cleaning distance for screen-printing frame, preferably predetermined angle; 23 downward or upward movement of the screen-printing ruler; 24 forward or backward movement of the screen-printing ruler; 25 adjustable distance referring to adjustment 17.
[0044] The term "comprises" or "comprising" when used herein is intended to indicate the presence of the features, elements, integers, steps and components mentioned, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps and components, or groups thereof.
[0045] The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the embodiments described in this document and a person with average knowledge in the field will be able to foresee many possibilities for modifying it and replacing technical characteristics with other equivalent ones, depending on the requirements of each situation, as defined in the appended claims.
wherein said device comprises a movable support structure and a printing station comprising a screen-printing frame (4) for printing on said pallet;
wherein the screen-printing frame (4) is displaceable relative to said pallet (2) between a lowered position for printing and a raised position for allowing the rotation of the pallets (2);
wherein the printing station (10) is mounted on said movable structure and said printing station comprises one or more lifting actuators for moving the screen-printing frame (4) relative to said pallet (2) between the lowered position and the raised position.
arranging a movable support structure and a printing station comprising a screen-printing frame (4) for printing on said pallet (2);
wherein the screen-printing frame (4) is displaceable relative to said pallet (2) between a lowered position for printing and a raised position for allowing the rotation of the pallets;
wherein the printing station comprises one or more lifting actuators (19) for moving the screen-printing frame relative to said pallet between the lowered position and the raised position.
receiving a pallet (2) from a multi-station screen-printing machine with pallets rotatably arranged around said machine;
actuating one or more lifting actuators for moving the screen-printing frame (4) relative to said pallet;
moving the screen-printing frame (4) to a lowered position for printing;
moving the screen-printing frame (4) to a raised position for rotating the pallets.