EP0879698A1 - An apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece - Google Patents
An apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0879698A1 EP0879698A1 EP98302411A EP98302411A EP0879698A1 EP 0879698 A1 EP0879698 A1 EP 0879698A1 EP 98302411 A EP98302411 A EP 98302411A EP 98302411 A EP98302411 A EP 98302411A EP 0879698 A1 EP0879698 A1 EP 0879698A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- printing
- predetermined distance
- speed
- printing member
- further characterized
- 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- Withdrawn
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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
Definitions
- This invention relates to an apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece, and in particular a pad printing apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece with such a pad printing apparatus.
- Conventional pad printing apparatus are set with a specific stroke depth (i.e. the distance travelled by the printing pad from its uppermost stationary position to the position when the printing action is complete) for each print task.
- a specific stroke depth i.e. the distance travelled by the printing pad from its uppermost stationary position to the position when the printing action is complete
- the print stroke may have to be adjusted in order to suit the size or shape of the workpiece to be printed. If the quantity of each print task is not large, such may require frequent adjustments of the stroke depth, thus reducing the efficiency, and increasing the cost, of the printing process.
- the printing pad is engaged with a stationary part of the pad printing apparatus via a number of springs. Movement of the printing pad is sensed by a mechanical sensor. through a compressed spring. When the printing pad has moved through a predetermined distance, movement thereof is halted and reversed. Such an arrangement has to be manually adjusted every time there is a new print task. The performance of such a system also deteriorates rapidly by reason of mechanical failure of the springs through use.
- a second arrangement is to arrange for an electronic pressure sensor to monitor the pressure within the pneumatic cylinder which drives the printing pad. Theoretically, the incoming and outgoing pressures of the pneumatic cylinder are the same such that there is no pressure difference. However, when the printing pad touches the workpiece to be printed, a back pressure is created which causes a difference in pressure, which is sensed by the pressure sensor. Corresponding signals are then transmitted to an integrated circuit which then causes the printing pad to reverse its direction of movement. Experience indicates that such an arrangement is not reliable and, in particular, the pressure sensor breaks down frequently.
- a printing apparatus comprising at least one printing member movable in a first direction to print a workpiece, characterized in that said printing apparatus further comprises sensing means for measuring the speed of said printing member in said first direction, comparing means for comparing the average speed of said printing member in said first direction through an initial first predetermined distance with the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance, wherein when the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance falls below said average speed, said printing member is movable further in said first direction a second predetermined distance.
- a method of printing a workpiece comprising the steps of (a) moving a printing member of a printing apparatus in a first direction towards said workpiece; characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of (b) measuring the speed of said printing member in said first direction; (c) calculating the average speed of said printing member in said first direction through an initial first predetermined distance; (d) comparing said average speed with the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance; and (e) moving said printing member further in said first direction a second predetermined distance to print said workpiece when the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance falls below said average speed.
- a pertinent part of a pad printing apparatus is shown in Figs. 1 to 4. This pertinent part may be used in such pad printing apparatus as shown in GB 2305633 A1 to form a printing apparatus according to the present invention. In particular, this pertinent part may be used in pad printing apparatus which are pneumatically operated, hydraulically operated or motorized.
- a pneumatic cylinder 2 is fixedly engaged with a stationary platform 4.
- the pneumatic cylinder 2 is operable to move a printing pad 6 via a rod 8.
- a target object 10 which may be a workpiece to be printed.
- the printing pad 6 is fixedly engaged with an optical scale 12 the movement of which is sensed by an optical sensor 14 connected to a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), such as an integrated circuit (IC), which acts as a controller.
- CPU central processing unit
- IC integrated circuit
- a possible choice is Model No. 89C52 of Intel Corporation of the US.
- a possible choice is Model No. EE-SX672 of Omron Industry of Japan.
- the mode of operation of the pad printing apparatus is as follows.
- the printing pad 6 descends from its uppermost position as shown in Fig. 1, it brings about a corresponding downward movement of the optical scale 12, which is sensed by the optical sensor 14.
- the optical sensor 14 then monitors the movement of the optical scale 12 through a first predetermined distance, e.g. 20mm, which is set by the manufacturer of the printing apparatus.
- the average velocity of the printing pad 6 through this initial 20mm will then be calculated by the CPU and stored as a reference speed.
- the speed of the downward movement of the printing pad 6 will drop significantly to below the reference speed.
- the controller will then send a signal which causes the printing pad 6 to move downward a second predetermined distance, which may be set by the user to suit the requirements of each print task. After travelling through the second predetermined distance, the printing pad 6 is retracted back to the position as shown in Fig. 1.
- the printing pad 6 it is possible to arrange for the printing pad 6 to press against the target object 10 by a fixed distance, namely the second predetermined distance, irrespective of the actual distance of the target object 10 from the printing pad 6 when in its uppermost position. If the target object 10 is a workpiece to be printed, a consistent and uniform image may thereby be printed thereon irrespective of its distance from the printing pad 6.
- an ink source e.g. an ink tray 16, which may be reciprocated in the directions of the arrows, between a first position in which it is below the printing pad 6 (as shown in dotted line), and a second position (as shown in solid line) in which the printing pad 6 may descend to print a workpiece 10.
- the ink tray 16, when in its first position, is more than 20mm below the printing pad 6. In this arrangement, the ink tray 16 is first moved to the first position, the printing pad 6 then descends to pick up an inked image from the ink tray 16, and then ascends back to the uppermost position.
- the ink tray 16 then moves to its second position, whereupon the printing pad 6 descends to print the workpiece 10 and then ascends back to its uppermost position, ready to start the cycle again. Due to the arrangement described in previous paragraphs, the image picked up from the ink tray 16 will be substantially identical to that printed on the workpiece 10, as the same pressure is applied when picking up the image and printing the workpiece 10.
Landscapes
- Inking, Control Or Cleaning Of Printing Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (18)
- A printing apparatus comprising at least one printing member movable in a first direction to print a workpiece, characterized in that said printing apparatus further comprises sensing means for measuring the speed of said printing member in said first direction, comparing means for comparing the average speed of said printing member in said first direction through an initial first predetermined distance with the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance, wherein when the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance falls below said average speed, said printing member is movable further in said first direction a second predetermined distance.
- A printing apparatus according to Claim 1 further characterized in that said printing member is movable in a second direction after said further movement in said first direction through said second predetermined distance.
- A printing apparatus according to Claim 2 further characterized in that said first direction is substantially opposite to said second direction.
- A printing apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3 further characterized in that said first direction is substantially downward.
- A printing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further characterized in that said sensing means comprises an electronic optical sensor.
- A printing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further characterized in that said printing member is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged with a scale member.
- A printing apparatus according to Claim 6 further characterized in that said sensing means measures said speed of movement of said printing member by measuring the speed of movement of said scale member.
- A printing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further characterized in that said apparatus is pneumatically operated.
- A printing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 further characterized in that said apparatus is hydraulically operated.
- A printing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 further characterized in that said apparatus is motorized.
- A printing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further characterized in that said printing apparatus is a pad printing apparatus.
- A method of printing a workpiece comprising the steps of:-(a) moving a printing member of a printing apparatus in a first direction towards said workpiece;(b) measuring the speed of said printing member in said first direction;(c) calculating the average speed of said printing member in said first direction through an initial first predetermined distance;(d) comparing said average speed with the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance; and(e) moving said printing member further in said first direction a second predetermined distance to print said workpiece when the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance falls below said average speed.
- A method according to Claim 12 further characterized in comprising the step of moving said printing member in a second direction after moving said printing member in said first direction said second predetermined distance.
- A method according to Claim 13 further characterized in that said first direction is substantially opposite to said second direction.
- A method according to Claim 12, 13 or 14 further characterized in that said first direction is substantially downward.
- A method according to Claim 12, 13, 14 or 15 further characterized in comprising the steps of: -(f) moving said printing member in said first direction towards an ink source;(g) measuring the speed of said printing member in said first direction;(h) calculating the average speed of the printing member in said first direction through said initial first predetermined distance;(i) comparing said average speed with speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance; and(j) moving said printing member further in said first direction said second predetermined distance to pick up said ink when the speed of said printing member in said first direction beyond said first predetermined distance falls below said average speed.
- A method according to Claim 16 further characterized in comprising the step of moving said printing member in said second direction after moving said printing member in said first direction said second predetermined distance.
- A method according to any one of Claims 12 to 17 further characterized in that the printing apparatus is a pad printing apparatus.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9710450A GB2325434A (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1997-05-21 | An apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece |
GB9710450 | 1997-05-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0879698A1 true EP0879698A1 (en) | 1998-11-25 |
Family
ID=10812793
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98302411A Withdrawn EP0879698A1 (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1998-04-01 | An apparatus and a method of printing a workpiece |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0879698A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1199670A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2325434A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005092617A1 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-10-06 | Laurent De Volder | Apparatus for pad printing of products having significant variations and process therefor |
EP2746050A1 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-25 | Teca-Print AG | Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine |
CN107264013A (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2017-10-20 | 苏州市烨铭塑胶制品厂 | A kind of intelligent pad printer system of automatic adaptation |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2154671A1 (en) * | 1970-11-03 | 1972-05-25 | Ridgway Potteries Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (Großbritannien) | Device for decorating workpieces |
EP0472021A1 (en) * | 1990-08-21 | 1992-02-26 | Porzellanfabrik Schirnding AG | Stamping machine for applying an under-glazing image |
EP0581096A2 (en) * | 1992-07-30 | 1994-02-02 | Markem Corporation | Pad printing apparatus and control system |
EP0677385A1 (en) * | 1994-04-13 | 1995-10-18 | Alexander Mühlhäusser | Printing machine, particularly pad printing machine |
DE19510677A1 (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1996-10-02 | Alexander Dipl In Muehlhaeuser | Rotary printing machine with round printing head |
GB2305633A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-04-16 | Ho Wang Man David | A printing apparatus |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4407193A (en) * | 1980-06-16 | 1983-10-04 | International Business Machines Corporation | Solenoid impact print hammer with uniform free flight time |
DE4025359A1 (en) * | 1990-08-10 | 1992-02-13 | Triumph Adler Ag | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE IMPRINT ENERGY OF A TYPE AND TYPEWRITER, PRINTER OR THE LIKE. FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROCEDURE |
US5383399A (en) * | 1993-09-27 | 1995-01-24 | Ncr Corporation | Zero hammer adjustment drum printer control technique |
-
1997
- 1997-05-21 GB GB9710450A patent/GB2325434A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1998
- 1998-04-01 EP EP98302411A patent/EP0879698A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-04-15 CN CN 98101284 patent/CN1199670A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2154671A1 (en) * | 1970-11-03 | 1972-05-25 | Ridgway Potteries Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (Großbritannien) | Device for decorating workpieces |
EP0472021A1 (en) * | 1990-08-21 | 1992-02-26 | Porzellanfabrik Schirnding AG | Stamping machine for applying an under-glazing image |
EP0581096A2 (en) * | 1992-07-30 | 1994-02-02 | Markem Corporation | Pad printing apparatus and control system |
EP0677385A1 (en) * | 1994-04-13 | 1995-10-18 | Alexander Mühlhäusser | Printing machine, particularly pad printing machine |
DE19510677A1 (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1996-10-02 | Alexander Dipl In Muehlhaeuser | Rotary printing machine with round printing head |
GB2305633A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-04-16 | Ho Wang Man David | A printing apparatus |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005092617A1 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-10-06 | Laurent De Volder | Apparatus for pad printing of products having significant variations and process therefor |
EP2746050A1 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-25 | Teca-Print AG | Pad printing machine and method for operating a pad printing machine |
CN107264013A (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2017-10-20 | 苏州市烨铭塑胶制品厂 | A kind of intelligent pad printer system of automatic adaptation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2325434A (en) | 1998-11-25 |
CN1199670A (en) | 1998-11-25 |
GB9710450D0 (en) | 1997-07-16 |
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