EP2084010B1 - Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards - Google Patents

Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2084010B1
EP2084010B1 EP07846256.1A EP07846256A EP2084010B1 EP 2084010 B1 EP2084010 B1 EP 2084010B1 EP 07846256 A EP07846256 A EP 07846256A EP 2084010 B1 EP2084010 B1 EP 2084010B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
transport
band
cards
plastics
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP07846256.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2084010A1 (en
Inventor
Kurt Greinwald
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.)
Atlantic Zeiser GmbH
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Atlantic Zeiser GmbH
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Publication of EP2084010A1 publication Critical patent/EP2084010A1/en
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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
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/10—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides
    • B41J13/12—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides specially adapted for small cards, envelopes, or the like, e.g. credit cards, cut visiting cards
    • 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
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00214—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using UV radiation
    • 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
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/007—Conveyor belts or like feeding devices
    • 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
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/10—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides
    • B41J13/14—Aprons or guides for the printing section
    • 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
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/26—Registering devices
    • B41J13/30—Side lays or gauges
    • 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
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • 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
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for printing on plastic cards, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a device for printing on plastic cards, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a device is known from the document US 2001/024228 A1 known.
  • the plastic cards in example on bank cards, credit cards, identity cards, cards as access authorization, etc. referenced.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object, such a device for printing on plastic cards and further develop that a perfect position-accurate printing at a sufficiently large conveying and printing speed is possible.
  • the situation should be taken into account that it is necessary in multi-color printing, with different printing modules position accurate - even multiple times - to print, namely to produce mixed colors.
  • the problem of inaccurate positioning can occur during the transfer from a depot to the transport device or during the transfer of a defined between a depot and the printing device feed line, which may for example comprise a feed belt.
  • the part to be printed is transferred twice, which causes position inaccuracies each time.
  • the lack of inaccurate positioning of the part to be printed can be eliminated by providing special alignment means in front of the printing station, namely alignment means which serve to align the parts on the transport means. If the parts are precisely positioned on the transport device, it is important to keep these parts in the exact position and to subject the parts to the individual printing processes in the continuous production process.
  • the plastic cards to be printed are made available via a depot, wherein the depot can be arranged directly in front of the transport device.
  • the plastic cards would be transferred, preferably via a manipulator, from the depot directly to the transport device, so that the parts get from there to the printing station.
  • the alignment means act on the parts, so that they are moved exactly positioned by the printing station.
  • the parts preferably also via a manipulator or via another transfer device, transferred from the depot to the feeder.
  • the feeding device conveys the parts to the transport device, wherein the parts are handed over there again, namely directly on or to the transport device.
  • the transfer can be made such that the parts are pushed by the feeder directly to the transport device.
  • the means necessary for postponing can be assigned to the feed device, the transport device or a special transfer device.
  • the feeding device used to convey the parts from the depot to the conveyor is advantageously designed as a feed belt, wherein the feed device may comprise a lower and an upper belt.
  • the parts between the two cooperating bands would be conveyed - by movement of the two belts - up to the transfer station to the transport device.
  • the two bands may in turn be formed by respective parallel running belts or the like, so that each part or each card is supported by two lower and two upper line contacts with the belt.
  • the alignment means are arranged in front of the printing station, namely in the region of an alignment path formed in front of the printing station.
  • This alignment path may comprise a kind of ramp on which the parts are pushed and positioned by the feeder.
  • Mechanical positioning elements are suitable for this positioning, which - provided with a corresponding inlet aid - form a kind of centering channel for the respective part. It is essential that the Ausrichtrich extends to the front of the printing station, if possible from the end of the feeder until just before the inlet to the printing station.
  • the alignment means act on the plastic cards to be printed transversely to the conveying direction. Accordingly, the parts can be positioned or aligned transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the alignment can act positively and positively on the parts.
  • a combination of positive and positive action is of very particular advantage, namely to the effect that the plastic cards be moved by a movable alignment against a stationary alignment and thereby be pressed at least slightly, which inevitably results in an exact alignment of the part.
  • the alignment means comprise at least a portion of the alignment distance a lateral guide bar, which can be divided into several individual strips readily.
  • the part to be printed is conveyed along the guide bar, which already results in a very exact positioning when the part of the guide bar.
  • the guide strip advantageously extends from the end of the feed device parallel to the transport device until shortly before the printing station. A kind of positive alignment of the part is ensured.
  • the alignment means comprise, on the side opposite the guide strip, a positioning device which presses the parts at least slightly against the guide strip.
  • the positioning device may comprise a positioning means which moves with the parts in the conveying direction and which may be designed as a preferably elastic band. The tape is deflected by end-to-end rollers and therefore runs endlessly.
  • the band could run over the plastic cards, whereby they are conveyed to the transport device with exact position. In the course of this Fördems aligning or positioning of the plastic cards can take place as it were.
  • the belt is tilted relative to the transport device by 90 ° and therefore runs next to the transport device, parallel to this, in an area in front of the printing station, namely on the already previously defined alignment distance.
  • the band can serve for the positionally accurate conveying of the plastic cards, namely for conveying from the feeder or the local there Dispensing position up to the transport device and over the range of Ausrichtumble across.
  • the belt conveyor elements are assigned, preferably in the form of integral conveyor cam, which push the respective part on the transport device and position it on the Ausrichtiety on the transport device exactly, namely by applying an at least slight pressure against the guide rail. It should be noted that the conveying of the plastic cards, in particular in the area between the feed device or the feed belt and the transport device or the conveyor belt, can be done in other ways, with and without simultaneous positioning of the respective plastic card ,
  • the feed belt pushes the respective part, namely the plastic card, directly onto the transport device, wherein the transport device can likewise be provided with conveying elements, for example with conveying cams, through which the part is gripped and conveyed further becomes.
  • conveying elements for example with conveying cams
  • An adhesive coupling of the part to the surface of the conveyor belt is also conceivable.
  • the transport device comprises a precise conveyor belt.
  • This conveyor belt is designed to be low-expansion in an advantageous manner.
  • a version made of steel is advantageous in this respect.
  • the conveyor belt operates without slip and preferably comprises a form-locking drive. It is also possible to assign the conveyor belt a positive guidance of the actual belt body.
  • the provision of lateral guide strips for the band body is also advantageous, wherein the contact surfaces of the guide strips can be curved, so that the frictional forces are reduced to a minimum.
  • the conveyor belt is equipped with a rotary encoder which is optionally arranged on the drive or deflection shaft or on the conveyor belt surface.
  • the accuracy of such a measuring system is one increment per ⁇ m.
  • the conveyor belt has a reflection-poor surface, in particular a UV-light-absorbing surface, so that the majority of the UV radiation used to fix the pressure is absorbed and not reflected by the wall surface.
  • the conveyor belt comprises special holding means, namely holding means for positionally accurate holding the parts.
  • holding means must only be fully effective when the part has overcome the alignment path and is then aligned in exact position on the conveyor belt.
  • the holding means can be designed in different ways.
  • the holding means act adhesively, namely by appropriate coating of the conveyor belt.
  • the holding means work with negative pressure.
  • the holding means are designed as integrated in the conveyor belt suction system.
  • the conveyor belt is a suction belt, on which the positioned parts are firmly sucked with exact position for further transport, in particular for transport through the printing station.
  • the holding means in the region of the alignment line may at most have a small effect, so that a slight alignment of the parts on the conveyor belt is possible with little force. So it is advantageous that a lower suction pressure is generated across the alignment distance, as in the area of the printing station. For this purpose, the suction pressure over the conveying path could gradually increase, with this pressure or negative pressure in the region of the printing device or the printing station must be strongest, so that there the parts are kept accurate position.
  • a sensor device for detecting the part arriving there is provided in front of the printing station.
  • This may be a detector for detecting a front edge of the part or of the substrate.
  • the entire contour of the part is detected via a type of image recognition, whereby it is possible to unambiguously determine whether an exact positioning of the part has been achieved. If this is not the case, re-positioning would have to take place or printing would not be activated for this part.
  • the printing device can in principle be any printing device that is suitable for printing on card substrates. Specifically, this is a printing device that works by the ink-jet method.
  • the printing device comprises a four-color printing system, which in turn may comprise eight printing modules arranged in series. If every base color (CMYK) is covered with two printing modules, a sufficiently good and fast printing is possible.
  • each printing module which may be a UV freezing unit.
  • the printing device is followed by a special Lackierdrucker for final coating of the printed part.
  • This makes it possible to realize a protective layer on the part or substrate by incorporating the pressure that has occurred.
  • This further printing device can be arranged downstream of the aforementioned printing modules, specifically as an integrated or independent functional unit.
  • the entire printing device can be arranged in a housing or under a hood.
  • the printing device and optionally the Lackier horrer can be positioned vertically, namely on the one hand for the purpose of adjustment and on the other hand to release the transport device as part of an inspection, maintenance, repair, etc.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an inventive device for printing flat parts 1, which is a device for printing so-called plastic cards.
  • Fig. 1 only symbolically represented cards 1 are provided via a depot 2. They pass over a feed line 4 comprising a feed belt 3 onto a transport device 5, which comprises a conveyor belt 6.
  • the transport device 5 or the conveyor belt 6 is used to transport the transferred from the feed belt 3 cards 1 through the printing station 7 through, followed by a painting station 8 connects.
  • the printing station 7 and the coating station 8 are arranged vertically adjustable or vertically positioned.
  • alignment section 10 is provided in front of the printing station, which are used to align the parts 1 on the conveyor belt 6.
  • the region in which the alignment means 9 act is hereinafter referred to as alignment section 10.
  • Fig. 2 shows the device Fig. 1 in a plan view, but without the printing station. 7
  • Fig. 3 shows in detail the alignment path 10, in the course of which the cards 1 are aligned on the conveyor belt 6, before they to the only in Fig. 1 reach shown printing station 7 and are conveyed therethrough.
  • Fig. 3 partially shows the feed belt 3, which promotes the cards 1 over the feed line 4 away.
  • the feed belt 3 comprises two complementary belts which are formed in pairs of belts 11, 12. The parts or cards 1 are conveyed in the area between the belts 11, 12.
  • the cards 1 are transferred to the conveyor belt 6 in the alignment section 10. From there, the cards 1 reach the printing station 7, which comprises the printing device.
  • the alignment means 9 are arranged in the region of an alignment section 10 formed in front of the printing station 7, the alignment means 9 acting on the cards 1 transversely to their conveying direction. The effect is positive and positive.
  • Fig. 3 1 clearly shows that the alignment means 9 have a lateral guide strip 13 extending over the alignment section 10, along which the card 1 is conveyed.
  • the guide rail 13 is exactly adjustable by Justage Nobel 14.
  • a positioning device 15 which presses the cards 1 at least slightly against the guide rail 13.
  • the positioning device 15 comprises a moving in the conveying direction of the card 1 positioning, which is in concrete terms is an elastic band 16, which is deflected by end rollers 17 and thus runs endlessly.
  • the belt 16 is tilted relative to the transport device 5 by 90 ° and thus runs next to the transport device 5, in the area in front of the printing station 7.
  • the belt 16 is used for positionally accurate conveying the cards 1, to which the belt 16 includes integral Fördemocken 18, which push the respective card 1 onto the transport device 5 or onto the conveyor belt 6.
  • the conveyor belt 6 is designed to be low-expansion and is made of steel. It works slip-free, namely due to a form-locking drive.
  • the conveyor belt 6 is designed as a suction belt, namely, working with negative pressure holding means. More specifically, the conveyor belt comprises an integrated suction system, which serves for positionally accurate suction and thus for holding the cards 1.
  • the generation of the suction pressure is designed such that the suction pressure increases over the conveying path, so that at the beginning of the conveying path, namely in the region of the alignment means 9, a slight alignment of the parts 1 is possible. After alignment, the cards 1 are firmly positioned due to the increased suction pressure, over the entire transport path, in particular through the area of the printing station 7.
  • the suction system is symbolized by openings 19 in the conveyor belt 6, wherein the negative pressure via the openings 19 is generated from below the conveyor belt 6.
  • an end-side transfer station 20 At the end of the transport device 5 is an end-side transfer station 20, from which optionally a transfer to another transport system or the storage of the finished cards 1 is possible.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Handling Of Cut Paper (AREA)
  • Registering Or Overturning Sheets (AREA)
  • Feeding Of Articles By Means Other Than Belts Or Rollers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von Plastik-Karten, nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1. Eine solche Vorrichtung ist aus dem Dokument US 2001/024228 A1 bekannt. Berüglich der Plastikkarten bei beispielhaft auf Bankkarten, Kreditkarten, Ausweiskarten, Karten als Zugangsberechtigung, etc. verwiesen.The invention relates to a device for printing on plastic cards, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is known from the document US 2001/024228 A1 known. Regarding the plastic cards in example on bank cards, credit cards, identity cards, cards as access authorization, etc. referenced.

Das Bedrucken von Plastikkarten ist insoweit problematisch, als das Fördern und Bedrucken der Karten im Produktionsprozess mit hoher Geschwindigkeit zu erfolgen hat. So werden im Gesamtprozess maximale Geschwindigkeiten von 0,4 m/sec erreicht, wodurch sich bis zu 6.000 Teile bzw. Karten pro Stunde bedrucken lassen.The printing of plastic cards is problematic insofar as the conveying and printing of the cards in the production process has to be done at high speed. Thus, maximum speeds of 0.4 m / sec are achieved in the overall process, which means that up to 6,000 parts or cards per hour can be printed.

Bislang aus der Praxis bekannte Lösungen, bei denen herkömmliche Drucker zum Bedrucken von Karten oder dgl. verwendet werden, weisen erhebliche Probleme in Bezug auf die Präzision auf, die beim kontinuierlichen Druck gefordert ist. So lassen sich die zu bedruckenden Teile bzw. Substrate nur mit unzureichender Präzision vor der Druckstation positionieren. Beim Transport der Teile treten zu hohe Geschwindigkeitsschwankungen der Fördereinrichtung auf. Außerdem lässt sich die jeweilige Position des Teils nicht genügend oder nicht hinreichend schnell erfassen.Previously known solutions using conventional printers for printing on cards or the like have significant precision problems required in continuous printing. Thus, the parts or substrates to be printed can only be positioned in front of the printing station with insufficient precision. When transporting the parts occur to high speed fluctuations of the conveyor. In addition, the respective position of the part can not be detected sufficiently or not quickly enough.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von Plastikkarten derart auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass ein einwandfreies positionsgenaues Bedrucken bei hinreichend großer Förder- und Druckgeschwindigkeit möglich ist. Dabei soll insbesondere auch der Situation Rechnung getragen werden, dass es beim Mehrfarbendruck erforderlich ist, mit unterschiedlichen Druckmodulen positionsgenau - auch mehrfach übereinander - zu drucken, um nämlich Mischfarben zu erzeugen.The present invention is therefore based on the object, such a device for printing on plastic cards and further develop that a perfect position-accurate printing at a sufficiently large conveying and printing speed is possible. In particular, the situation should be taken into account that it is necessary in multi-color printing, with different printing modules position accurate - even multiple times - to print, namely to produce mixed colors.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1.The object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß ist erkannt worden, dass regelmäßig ein Positionierproblem vor dem Einfördern der Karte in die eigentliche Druckstation vorliegt. Das Problem einer ungenauen Positionierung kann bei der Übergabe von einem Depot auf die Transporteinrichtung auftreten oder aber bei der Übergabe von einer zwischen einem Depot und der Druckeinrichtung definierten Zuführstrecke, die beispielsweise ein Zuführband umfassen kann. In diesem Falle wird das zu bedruckende Teil gleich zweimal übergeben, wodurch ein jedes Mal Positionsungenauigkeiten auftreten.According to the invention, it has been recognized that there is regularly a positioning problem before the card is conveyed to the actual printing station. The problem of inaccurate positioning can occur during the transfer from a depot to the transport device or during the transfer of a defined between a depot and the printing device feed line, which may for example comprise a feed belt. In this case, the part to be printed is transferred twice, which causes position inaccuracies each time.

Erfindungsgemäß ist erkannt worden, dass sich der Mangel einer ungenauen Positionierung des zu bedruckenden Teils dadurch beheben lässt, dass man vor der Druckstation besondere Ausrichtmittel vorsieht, nämlich Ausrichtmittel, die zum Ausrichten der Teile auf der Transporteinrichtung dienen. Sind die Teile auf der Transporteinrichtung exakt positioniert, gilt es, diese Teile in der exakten Position zu halten und die Teile im fortlaufenden Produktionsprozess den einzelnen Druckvorgängen zu unterziehen.According to the invention, it has been recognized that the lack of inaccurate positioning of the part to be printed can be eliminated by providing special alignment means in front of the printing station, namely alignment means which serve to align the parts on the transport means. If the parts are precisely positioned on the transport device, it is important to keep these parts in the exact position and to subject the parts to the individual printing processes in the continuous production process.

Die zu bedruckenden Plastik-Karten werden über ein Depot zur Verfügung gestellt, wobei das Depot unmittelbar vor der Transporteinrichtung angeordnet sein kann. In einem solchen Falle würden die Plastik-Karten, vorzugsweise über einen Manipulator, aus dem Depot unmittelbar an die Transporteinrichtung übergeben werden, so dass die Teile von dort aus in die Druckstation gelangen. Vor der Druckstation wirken die Ausrichtmittel auf die Teile, so dass diese exakt positioniert durch die Druckstation bewegt werden.The plastic cards to be printed are made available via a depot, wherein the depot can be arranged directly in front of the transport device. In such a case, the plastic cards would be transferred, preferably via a manipulator, from the depot directly to the transport device, so that the parts get from there to the printing station. Before the printing station, the alignment means act on the parts, so that they are moved exactly positioned by the printing station.

Ebenso ist es denkbar, dass zwischen dem Depot und der Transporteinrichtung, die zum Transport der Teile durch die Druckstation dient, eine besondere Zuführstrecke mit einer entsprechenden Zuführeinrichtung vorgesehen ist. In einem solchen Falle werden die Teile, vorzugsweise ebenfalls über einen Manipulator oder über eine sonstige Übergabeeinrichtung, von dem Depot an die Zuführeinrichtung übergeben. Die Zuführeinrichtung fördert die Teile bis zur Transporteinrichtung, wobei die Teile dort abermals übergeben werden, nämlich direkt auf bzw. an die Transporteinrichtung. Die Übergabe kann derart erfolgen, dass die Teile von der Zuführeinrichtung unmittelbar auf die Transporteinrichtung geschoben werden. Die zum Aufschieben erforderlichen Mittel können der Zuführeinrichtung, der Transporteinrichtung oder einer besonderen Übergabeeinrichtung zugeordnet sein.It is also conceivable that between the depot and the transport device, which serves to transport the parts through the printing station, provided a special feed line with a corresponding feeder is. In such a case, the parts, preferably also via a manipulator or via another transfer device, transferred from the depot to the feeder. The feeding device conveys the parts to the transport device, wherein the parts are handed over there again, namely directly on or to the transport device. The transfer can be made such that the parts are pushed by the feeder directly to the transport device. The means necessary for postponing can be assigned to the feed device, the transport device or a special transfer device.

Die zum Fördern der Teile von dem Depot bis zur Fördereinrichtung dienende Zuführeinrichtung ist in vorteilhafter Weise als Zuführband ausgeführt, wobei die Zuführeinrichtung ein unteres und ein oberes Band umfassen kann. Im Falle einer solchen Ausgestaltung des Zuführbandes würden die Teile zwischen den beiden zusammenwirkenden Bändem - durch Bewegung der beiden Bänder - gefördert werden, und zwar bis zur Übergabestation an die Transporteinrichtung. Die beiden Bänder können wiederum durch jeweils parallel laufende Riemen oder dgl. gebildet sein, so dass jedes Teil bzw. jede Karte durch zwei untere und zwei obere Linienkontakte mit den Riemen gefördert wird.The feeding device used to convey the parts from the depot to the conveyor is advantageously designed as a feed belt, wherein the feed device may comprise a lower and an upper belt. In the case of such a design of the feed belt, the parts between the two cooperating bands would be conveyed - by movement of the two belts - up to the transfer station to the transport device. The two bands may in turn be formed by respective parallel running belts or the like, so that each part or each card is supported by two lower and two upper line contacts with the belt.

Wie bereits zuvor ausgeführt, sind die Ausrichtmittel vor der Druckstation, nämlich im Bereich einer vor der Druckstation ausgebildeten Ausrichtstrecke, angeordnet . Diese Ausrichtstrecke kann eine Art Rampe umfassen, auf die die Teile von der Zuführeinrichtung geschoben und dort positioniert werden. Zur diesbezüglichen Positionierung eignen sich mechanische Führungselemente, die - mit einer entsprechenden Einlaufhilfe ausgestattet - eine Art Zentrierkanal für das jeweilige Teil bilden. Wesentlich ist dabei, dass sich die Ausrichtstrecke bis vor die Druckstation erstreckt, und zwar möglichst vom Ende der Zuführeinrichtung bis kurz vor den Einlauf in die Druckstation.As already stated above, the alignment means are arranged in front of the printing station, namely in the region of an alignment path formed in front of the printing station. This alignment path may comprise a kind of ramp on which the parts are pushed and positioned by the feeder. Mechanical positioning elements are suitable for this positioning, which - provided with a corresponding inlet aid - form a kind of centering channel for the respective part. It is essential that the Ausrichtstrecke extends to the front of the printing station, if possible from the end of the feeder until just before the inlet to the printing station.

Die Ausrichtmittel wirken auf die zu bedruckenden Plastik-Karten quer zu deren Förderrichtung. Entsprechend lassen sich die Teile quer zur Förderrichtung positionieren bzw. ausrichten, wobei die Ausrichtmittel kraft- und formschlüssig auf die Teile wirken können. Eine Kombination von kraft- und formschlüssiger Einwirkung ist von ganz besonderem Vorteil, nämlich dahingehend, dass die Plastik-Karten über ein bewegliches Ausrichtmittel gegen ein ortsfestes Ausrichtmittel bewegt und dabei zumindest leicht gedrückt werden, wodurch sich zwangsweise ein exaktes Ausrichten des Teils ergibt.The alignment means act on the plastic cards to be printed transversely to the conveying direction. Accordingly, the parts can be positioned or aligned transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the alignment can act positively and positively on the parts. A combination of positive and positive action is of very particular advantage, namely to the effect that the plastic cards be moved by a movable alignment against a stationary alignment and thereby be pressed at least slightly, which inevitably results in an exact alignment of the part.

Im Konkreten umfassen die Ausrichtmittel über zumindest einen Teil der Ausrichtstrecke hinweg eine seitliche Führungsleiste, die ohne weiteres auch in mehrere Einzelleisten unterteilt sein kann. Das zu bedruckende Teil wird entlang der Führungsleiste gefördert, wodurch sich bei Anlage des Teils an die Führungsleiste bereits eine recht exakte Positionierung ergibt. Die Führungsleiste erstreckt sich in vorteilhafter Weise vom Ende der Zuführeinrichtung parallel zu der Transporteinrichtung bis kurz vor die Druckstation. Eine Art formschlüssiges Ausrichten des Teils ist dadurch gewährleistet.Specifically, the alignment means comprise at least a portion of the alignment distance a lateral guide bar, which can be divided into several individual strips readily. The part to be printed is conveyed along the guide bar, which already results in a very exact positioning when the part of the guide bar. The guide strip advantageously extends from the end of the feed device parallel to the transport device until shortly before the printing station. A kind of positive alignment of the part is ensured.

Eine zur Positionierung dienende Führungsleiste reicht nicht aus, da sich nämlich die Plastik-Karten nicht ohne weiteres an die seitliche Führungsleiste anlegen. Die Ausrichtmittel umfassen auf der der Führungsleiste gegenüberliegenden Seite eine Positioniereinrichtung, die die Teile zumindest geringfügig gegen die Führungsleiste drückt. Im Konkreten kann die Positioniereinrichtung ein sich mit den Teilen in Förderrichtung bewegendes Positioniermittel, umfassen, welches als vorzugsweise elastisches Band ausgeführt sein kann. Das Band wird über endseitige Rollen umgelenkt und läuft daher endlos.A positioning bar serving for positioning is not enough, because the plastic cards do not easily create the lateral guide bar. The alignment means comprise, on the side opposite the guide strip, a positioning device which presses the parts at least slightly against the guide strip. Concretely, the positioning device may comprise a positioning means which moves with the parts in the conveying direction and which may be designed as a preferably elastic band. The tape is deflected by end-to-end rollers and therefore runs endlessly.

Im Konkreten könnte das Band über den Plastik-Karten laufen, wodurch diese positionsgenau auf die Transporteinrichtung gefördert werden. Im Verlaufe dieses Fördems kann das Ausrichten bzw. Positionieren der Plastik-Karten gleichsam stattfinden.In concrete terms, the band could run over the plastic cards, whereby they are conveyed to the transport device with exact position. In the course of this Fördems aligning or positioning of the plastic cards can take place as it were.

In ganz besonders vorteilhafter Weise ist das Band gegenüber der Transporteinrichtung um 90° gekippt und läuft daher neben der Transporteinrichtung, parallel zu dieser, und zwar in einem Bereich vor der Druckstation, nämlich über die bereits zuvor definierte Ausrichtstrecke hinweg.In a particularly advantageous manner, the belt is tilted relative to the transport device by 90 ° and therefore runs next to the transport device, parallel to this, in an area in front of the printing station, namely on the already previously defined alignment distance.

Neben dem eigentlichen Positionieren kann das Band zum positionsgenauen Fördern der Plastik-Karten dienen, nämlich zum Fördern von der Zuführeinrichtung bzw. der dortigen Abgabeposition bis auf die Transporteinrichtung und über den Bereich der Ausrichtstrecke hinweg. Dazu sind dem Band Förderelemente zugeordnet, vorzugsweise in Form integraler Fördernocken, die das jeweilige Teil auf die Transporteinrichtung schieben und es über die Ausrichtstrecke hinweg auf der Transporteinrichtung exakt positionieren, nämlich durch Aufbringen eines zumindest geringfügigen Drucks gegenüber der Führungsleiste. An dieser Stelle sei angemerkt, dass das Fördern der Plastik-Karten, insbesondere im Bereich zwischen der Zuführeinrichtung bzw. dem Zuführband und der Transporteinrichtung bzw. dem Transportband, auf sonstige Weisen erfolgen kann, und zwar mit und ohne gleichzeitige Positionierung der jeweiligen Plastik-Karte.In addition to the actual positioning, the band can serve for the positionally accurate conveying of the plastic cards, namely for conveying from the feeder or the local there Dispensing position up to the transport device and over the range of Ausrichtstrecke across. For this purpose, the belt conveyor elements are assigned, preferably in the form of integral conveyor cam, which push the respective part on the transport device and position it on the Ausrichtstrecke on the transport device exactly, namely by applying an at least slight pressure against the guide rail. It should be noted that the conveying of the plastic cards, in particular in the area between the feed device or the feed belt and the transport device or the conveyor belt, can be done in other ways, with and without simultaneous positioning of the respective plastic card ,

Alternativ zu der voranstehend erörterten Ausführungsform ist es denkbar, dass das Zuführband das jeweilige Teil nämlich die Plastik-Karte, unmittelbar auf die Transporteinrichtung schiebt, wobei die Transporteinrichtung ebenfalls mit Förderelementen, beispielsweise mit Fördernocken, versehen sein kann, durch die das Teil ergriffen und weitergefördert wird. Eine adhäsive Ankopplung des Teils an die Oberfläche des Transportbandes ist ebenfalls denkbar.As an alternative to the embodiment discussed above, it is conceivable that the feed belt pushes the respective part, namely the plastic card, directly onto the transport device, wherein the transport device can likewise be provided with conveying elements, for example with conveying cams, through which the part is gripped and conveyed further becomes. An adhesive coupling of the part to the surface of the conveyor belt is also conceivable.

Bereits zuvor ist ausgeführt worden, dass die Transporteinrichtung ein präzises Transportband umfasst. Dieses Transportband ist in vorteilhafter Weise dehnungsarm ausgeführt. Eine Ausführung aus Stahl ist insoweit von Vorteil.It has already been stated that the transport device comprises a precise conveyor belt. This conveyor belt is designed to be low-expansion in an advantageous manner. A version made of steel is advantageous in this respect.

Insbesondere in Bezug auf eine gleichmäßige Fördergeschwindigkeit ist es von Vorteil, wenn das Transportband schlupffrei arbeitet und dazu vorzugsweise einen formschlüssigen Antrieb umfasst. Ebenso ist es möglich, dem Transportband eine Zwangsführung des eigentlichen Bandkörpers zuzuordnen. Die Vorkehrung seitlicher Führungsleisten für den Bandkörper ist ebenfalls von Vorteil, wobei die Anlaufflächen der Führungsleisten gewölbt ausgeführt sein können, so dass die Reibungskräfte auf ein Minimum reduziert sind.In particular, with respect to a uniform conveying speed, it is advantageous if the conveyor belt operates without slip and preferably comprises a form-locking drive. It is also possible to assign the conveyor belt a positive guidance of the actual belt body. The provision of lateral guide strips for the band body is also advantageous, wherein the contact surfaces of the guide strips can be curved, so that the frictional forces are reduced to a minimum.

In weiter vorteilhafter Weise ist das Transportband mit einem Drehgeber ausgestattet, der wahlweise auf der Antriebs- oder Umlenkwelle oder auf der Transportbandoberfläche angeordnet ist. Die Genauigkeit eines solchen Messsystems liegt bei einem Inkrement pro µm.In a further advantageous manner, the conveyor belt is equipped with a rotary encoder which is optionally arranged on the drive or deflection shaft or on the conveyor belt surface. The accuracy of such a measuring system is one increment per μm.

Des Weiteren ist es von Vorteil, wenn das Transportband eine reflexionsarme Oberfläche, insbesondere eine UV-Licht absorbierende Oberfläche, hat, so dass der Hauptanteil der zur Fixierung des Drucks dienenden UV-Strahlung absorbiert und nicht etwa von der Wandoberfläche reflektiert wird.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the conveyor belt has a reflection-poor surface, in particular a UV-light-absorbing surface, so that the majority of the UV radiation used to fix the pressure is absorbed and not reflected by the wall surface.

Des Weiteren ist ein randabfallender Druck zur vollflächigen Bedruckung des Teils bzw. Substrats von Vorteil,Furthermore, a dropping edge pressure for full-surface printing of the part or substrate is advantageous,

Entsprechend den voranstehenden Ausführungen wird das Teil über die Ausrichtstrecke hinweg positioniert, wobei sich das Teil beim Ausrichten bereits auf der Transporteinrichtung bzw. auf dem Transportband befindet. Ist das Teil hochpräzise ausgerichtet, gilt es fortan, das Teil in seiner exakten Position auf dem Transportband zu halten. Dazu umfasst das Transportband besondere Haltemittel, nämlich Haltemittel zum positionsgenauen Halten der Teile. Diese Haltemittel dürfen jedoch erst dann voll und ganz zur Wirkung kommen, wenn das Teil die Ausrichtstrecke überwunden hat und danach positionsgenau auf dem Transportband ausgerichtet ist.As described above, the part is positioned over the alignment line, with the part already aligned with the conveyor on the conveyor belt. If the part is aligned with high precision, it is important to keep the part in its exact position on the conveyor belt. For this purpose, the conveyor belt comprises special holding means, namely holding means for positionally accurate holding the parts. However, these holding means must only be fully effective when the part has overcome the alignment path and is then aligned in exact position on the conveyor belt.

Die Haltemittel können auf unterschiedliche Weise ausgeführt sein. So ist es beispielsweise denkbar, dass die Haltemittel adhäsiv wirken, nämlich durch entsprechende Beschichtung des Transportbandes. So ist es beispielsweise denkbar, auf der Oberfläche des Transportbandes eine Art Gummierung ähnlich einem Moosgummi vorzusehen. Ebenso ist es denkbar, auf der Oberfläche des Transportbandes einen Feuchtigkeitsfilm zu erzeugen, durch den das flächige Teil regelrecht an der Oberfläche des Transportbandes klebt.The holding means can be designed in different ways. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the holding means act adhesively, namely by appropriate coating of the conveyor belt. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, to provide a kind of rubber coating similar to a sponge rubber on the surface of the conveyor belt. Likewise, it is conceivable to produce a moisture film on the surface of the conveyor belt, through which the flat part adheres to the surface of the conveyor belt.

In ganz besonders vorteilhafter Weise arbeiten die Haltemittel mit Unterdruck. Entsprechend sind die Haltemittel als in das Transportband integriertes Saugsystem ausgeführt. Mit anderen Worten handelt es sich bei dem Transportband in einem solchen Falle um ein Saugband, an dem die positionierten Teile zum weiteren Transport, insbesondere zum Transport durch die Druckstation hindurch, positionsgenau festgesaugt sind.In a particularly advantageous manner, the holding means work with negative pressure. Accordingly, the holding means are designed as integrated in the conveyor belt suction system. In other words, in such a case, the conveyor belt is a suction belt, on which the positioned parts are firmly sucked with exact position for further transport, in particular for transport through the printing station.

Bereits zuvor ist darauf hingewiesen worden, dass die Haltemittel im Bereich der Ausrichtstrecke allenfalls gering wirken dürfen, damit nämlich ein leichtes Ausrichten der Teile auf dem Transportband - mit geringen Kräften - möglich ist. So ist es von Vorteil, dass über die Ausrichtstrecke hinweg ein geringerer Saugdruck erzeugt wird, als im Bereich der Druckstation. Dazu könnte der Saugdruck über die Förderstrecke hinweg allmählich zunehmen, wobei dieser Druck bzw. Unterdruck im Bereich der Druckeinrichtung bzw. der Druckstation am stärksten sein muss, damit dort nämlich die Teile positionsgenau gehalten werden.It has already been pointed out that the holding means in the region of the alignment line may at most have a small effect, so that a slight alignment of the parts on the conveyor belt is possible with little force. So it is advantageous that a lower suction pressure is generated across the alignment distance, as in the area of the printing station. For this purpose, the suction pressure over the conveying path could gradually increase, with this pressure or negative pressure in the region of the printing device or the printing station must be strongest, so that there the parts are kept accurate position.

In weiter vorteilhafter Weise ist vor der Druckstation eine Sensoreinrichtung zur Detektion des dort ankommenden Teils vorgesehen. Dabei kann es sich um einen Detektor zur Detektion einer vorderen Kante des Teils bzw. des Substrats handeln. Ebenso ist es denkbar, dass über eine Art Bilderkennung die gesamte Kontur des Teils detektiert wird, wodurch sich eindeutig ermitteln lässt, ob eine exakte Positionierung des Teils erreicht ist. Sollte dies nicht der Fall sein, müsste ein Nachpositionieren stattfinden oder würde für dieses Teil der Druckvorgang nicht aktiviert werden.In a further advantageous manner, a sensor device for detecting the part arriving there is provided in front of the printing station. This may be a detector for detecting a front edge of the part or of the substrate. Likewise, it is conceivable that the entire contour of the part is detected via a type of image recognition, whereby it is possible to unambiguously determine whether an exact positioning of the part has been achieved. If this is not the case, re-positioning would have to take place or printing would not be activated for this part.

Bei der Druckeinrichtung kann es sich grundsätzlich um jedwede Druckeinrichtungen handeln, die zum Bedrucken von Kartensubstraten geeignet sind. Im Konkreten handelt es sich dabei um eine Druckeinrichtung, die nach dem Ink-Jet-Verfahren arbeitet. Dabei umfasst die Druckeinrichtung ein Vier-Farben-Drucksystem, welches wiederum acht in Reihe angeordnete Druckmodule umfassen kann. Wird mit jeweils zwei Druckmodulen jede Grundfarbe (CMYK) abgedeckt, ist ein hinreichend gutes und schnelles Bedrucken möglich.The printing device can in principle be any printing device that is suitable for printing on card substrates. Specifically, this is a printing device that works by the ink-jet method. In this case, the printing device comprises a four-color printing system, which in turn may comprise eight printing modules arranged in series. If every base color (CMYK) is covered with two printing modules, a sufficiently good and fast printing is possible.

In weiter vorteilhafter Weise ist nach jedem Druckmodul eine Fixierungseinheit vorgesehen, wobei es sich dabei um eine UV-Freezing-Einheit handeln kann.In a further advantageous manner, a fixing unit is provided after each printing module, which may be a UV freezing unit.

Des Weiteren ist es von Vorteil, wenn der Druckeinrichtung ein besonderer Lackierdrucker zum abschließenden Beschichten des bedruckten Teils nachgeordnet ist. Dadurch lässt sich eine Schutzschicht auf dem Teil bzw. Substrat unter Einbindung des erfolgten Drucks realisieren. Diese weitere Druckeinrichtung kann den zuvor genannten Druckmodulen nachgeordnet sein, und zwar als integrierte oder unabhängige Funktionseinheit.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the printing device is followed by a special Lackierdrucker for final coating of the printed part. This makes it possible to realize a protective layer on the part or substrate by incorporating the pressure that has occurred. This further printing device can be arranged downstream of the aforementioned printing modules, specifically as an integrated or independent functional unit.

Die gesamte Druckeinrichtung kann in einem Gehäuse oder unter einer Haube angeordnet sein. In ganz besonders vorteilhafter Weise lässt sich die Druckeinrichtung und gegebenenfalls der Lackierdrucker vertikal positionieren, nämlich einerseits zum Zwecke der Justage und andererseits zur Freigabe der Transporteinrichtung im Rahmen einer Inspektion, Wartung, Reparatur, etc.The entire printing device can be arranged in a housing or under a hood. In a particularly advantageous manner, the printing device and optionally the Lackierdrucker can be positioned vertically, namely on the one hand for the purpose of adjustment and on the other hand to release the transport device as part of an inspection, maintenance, repair, etc.

Am Ende der Transporteinrichtung ist eine weitere Übergabestelle vorgesehen. Von dort aus ist die Übergabe an bzw. auf eine weitere Transporteinrichtung möglich. Ebenso ist es denkbar, dass die bedruckten Teile von dort aus in ein Sammelbehältnis fallen oder sonst wie entnommen bzw. übergeben werden.At the end of the transport device another transfer point is provided. From there, the transfer to or on another transport device is possible. Likewise, it is conceivable that the printed parts fall from there into a collecting container or otherwise removed or transferred.

Es gibt nun verschiedene Möglichkeiten, die Lehre der vorliegenden Erfindung in vorteilhafter Weise auszugestalten und weiterzubilden. Dazu ist einerseits auf die dem Patentanspruch 1 nachgeordneten Patentansprüche und andererseits auf die nachfolgende Erläuterung eines Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung zu verweisen. In Verbindung mit der Erläuterung des bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung werden auch im Allgemeinen bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Lehre erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigt

Fig. 1
in einer schematischen Ansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken flächiger Teile,
Fig. 2
in einer schematischen Draufsicht die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1, jedoch ohne Druckeinrichtung und
Fig. 3
in einer vergrößerten Ansicht, teilweise, den Bereich der Ausrichtstrecke mit den Ausrichtmitteln der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1.
There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand to the patent claim 1 subordinate claims and on the other hand, to refer to the following explanation of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are explained. In the drawing shows
Fig. 1
1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for printing flat parts;
Fig. 2
in a schematic plan view of the device Fig. 1 , but without printing device and
Fig. 3
in an enlarged view, partially, the area of the Ausrichtstrecke with the alignment of the device Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 1 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken flächiger Teile 1, wobei es sich um eine Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken sogenannter Plastik-Karten handelt. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an inventive device for printing flat parts 1, which is a device for printing so-called plastic cards.

Die in Fig. 1 lediglich symbolisch dargestellten Karten 1 werden über ein Depot 2 zur Verfügung gestellt. Sie gelangen über eine ein Zuführband 3 umfassende Zuführstrecke 4 auf eine Transporteinrichtung 5, die ein Transportband 6 umfasst.In the Fig. 1 only symbolically represented cards 1 are provided via a depot 2. They pass over a feed line 4 comprising a feed belt 3 onto a transport device 5, which comprises a conveyor belt 6.

Die Transporteinrichtung 5 bzw. das Transportband 6 dient zum Transport der vom Zuführband 3 übergebenen Karten 1 durch die Druckstation 7 hindurch, an die sich eine Lackierstation 8 anschließt. Die Druckstation 7 und die Lackierstation 8 sind höhenverstellbar bzw. vertikal positionierbar angeordnet.The transport device 5 or the conveyor belt 6 is used to transport the transferred from the feed belt 3 cards 1 through the printing station 7 through, followed by a painting station 8 connects. The printing station 7 and the coating station 8 are arranged vertically adjustable or vertically positioned.

In erfindungsgemäßer Weise sind vor der Druckstation 7 Ausrichtmittel 9 vorgesehen, die zum Ausrichten der Teile 1 auf dem Transportband 6 dienen. Der Bereich, in denen die Ausrichtmittel 9 wirken, ist nachfolgend als Ausrichtstrecke 10 bezeichnet.In accordance with the invention, 7 alignment means 9 are provided in front of the printing station, which are used to align the parts 1 on the conveyor belt 6. The region in which the alignment means 9 act is hereinafter referred to as alignment section 10.

Fig. 2 zeigt die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer Draufsicht, jedoch ohne die Druckstation 7. Fig. 2 shows the device Fig. 1 in a plan view, but without the printing station. 7

Fig. 3 zeigt im Detail die Ausrichtstrecke 10, im Verlaufe derer die Karten 1 auf dem Transportband 6 ausgerichtet werden, bevor sie zu der lediglich in Fig. 1 gezeigten Druckstation 7 gelangen und durch diese hindurchgefördert werden. Fig. 3 shows in detail the alignment path 10, in the course of which the cards 1 are aligned on the conveyor belt 6, before they to the only in Fig. 1 reach shown printing station 7 and are conveyed therethrough.

Fig. 3 zeigt teilweise das Zuführband 3, welches die Karten 1 über die Zuführstrecke 4 hinweg fördert. Im Konkreten umfasst das Zuführband 3 zwei sich ergänzende Bänder, die paarweise aus Riemen 11, 12 gebildet sind. Die Teile bzw. Karten 1 werden im Bereich zwischen den Riemen 11, 12 gefördert. Fig. 3 partially shows the feed belt 3, which promotes the cards 1 over the feed line 4 away. Concretely, the feed belt 3 comprises two complementary belts which are formed in pairs of belts 11, 12. The parts or cards 1 are conveyed in the area between the belts 11, 12.

Am Ende der Zuführstrecke 4 werden die Karten 1 im Bereich Ausrichtstrecke 10 an das Transportband 6 übergeben. Von dort aus gelangen die Karten 1 an die Druckstation 7, die die Druckeinrichtung umfasst.At the end of the feed section 4, the cards 1 are transferred to the conveyor belt 6 in the alignment section 10. From there, the cards 1 reach the printing station 7, which comprises the printing device.

Die Ausrichtmittel 9 sind im Bereich einer vor der Druckstation 7 ausgebildeten Ausrichtstrecke 10 angeordnet, wobei die Ausrichtmittel 9 auf die Karten 1 quer zu deren Förderrichtung wirken. Die Wirkung erfolgt kraft- und formschlüssig.The alignment means 9 are arranged in the region of an alignment section 10 formed in front of the printing station 7, the alignment means 9 acting on the cards 1 transversely to their conveying direction. The effect is positive and positive.

Fig. 3 zeigt deutlich, dass die Ausrichtmittel 9 über eine sich über die Ausrichtstrecke 10 hinweg erstreckende seitliche Führungsleiste 13 verfügen, entlang derer die Karte 1 gefördert wird. Die Führungsleiste 13 ist durch Justagemittel 14 exakt justierbar. Fig. 3 1 clearly shows that the alignment means 9 have a lateral guide strip 13 extending over the alignment section 10, along which the card 1 is conveyed. The guide rail 13 is exactly adjustable by Justagemittel 14.

Auf der der Führungsleiste 13 gegenüberliegenden Seite ist eine Positioniereinrichtung 15 vorgesehen, die die Karten 1 zumindest geringfügig gegen die Führungsleiste 13 drückt. Im Konkreten umfasst die Positioniereinrichtung 15 einen sich in Förderrichtung der Karten 1 bewegendes Positioniermittel, wobei es sich dabei im konkreten um ein elastisches Band 16 handelt, welches über endseitige Rollen 17 umgelenkt wird und somit endlos läuft. Das Band 16 ist gegenüber der Transporteinrichtung 5 um 90° gekippt und läuft somit neben der Transporteinrichtung 5, und zwar im Bereich vor der Druckstation 7. Das Band 16 dient zum positionsgenauen Fördern der Karten 1, wobei dazu das Band 16 integrale Fördemocken 18 umfasst, die die jeweilige Karte 1 auf die Transporteinrichtung 5 bzw. auf das Transportband 6 schieben.On the side opposite the guide rail 13, a positioning device 15 is provided, which presses the cards 1 at least slightly against the guide rail 13. Concretely, the positioning device 15 comprises a moving in the conveying direction of the card 1 positioning, which is in concrete terms is an elastic band 16, which is deflected by end rollers 17 and thus runs endlessly. The belt 16 is tilted relative to the transport device 5 by 90 ° and thus runs next to the transport device 5, in the area in front of the printing station 7. The belt 16 is used for positionally accurate conveying the cards 1, to which the belt 16 includes integral Fördemocken 18, which push the respective card 1 onto the transport device 5 or onto the conveyor belt 6.

Das Transportband 6 ist dehnungsarm ausgeführt und ist dazu aus Stahl hergestellt. Es arbeitet schlupffrei, nämlich aufgrund eines formschlüssigen Antriebs.The conveyor belt 6 is designed to be low-expansion and is made of steel. It works slip-free, namely due to a form-locking drive.

In Fig. 3 ist des Weiteren angedeutet, dass das Transportband 6 als Saugband ausgeführt ist, nämlich mit Unterdruck arbeitende Haltemittel umfasst. Genauer gesagt umfasst das Transportband ein integriertes Saugsystem, welches zum positionsgenauen Ansaugen und somit zum Halten der Karten 1 dient. Die Generierung des Saugdrucks ist derart ausgelegt, dass der Saugdruck über die Förderstrecke hinweg zunimmt, so dass zu Beginn der Förderstrecke, nämlich im Bereich der Ausrichtmittel 9, ein leichtes Ausrichten der Teile 1 möglich ist. Nach dem Ausrichten sind die Karten 1 aufgrund des erhöhten Saugdrucks fest positioniert, und zwar über die gesamte Transportstrecke hinweg, insbesondere durch den Bereich der Druckstation 7 hindurch.In Fig. 3 is further indicated that the conveyor belt 6 is designed as a suction belt, namely, working with negative pressure holding means. More specifically, the conveyor belt comprises an integrated suction system, which serves for positionally accurate suction and thus for holding the cards 1. The generation of the suction pressure is designed such that the suction pressure increases over the conveying path, so that at the beginning of the conveying path, namely in the region of the alignment means 9, a slight alignment of the parts 1 is possible. After alignment, the cards 1 are firmly positioned due to the increased suction pressure, over the entire transport path, in particular through the area of the printing station 7.

Das Saugsystem ist durch Öffnungen 19 im Transportband 6 symbolisiert, wobei der Unterdruck über die Öffnungen 19 von unterhalb des Transportbandes 6 generiert wird.The suction system is symbolized by openings 19 in the conveyor belt 6, wherein the negative pressure via the openings 19 is generated from below the conveyor belt 6.

Am Ende der Transporteinrichtung 5 befindet sich eine endseitige Übergabestation 20, von der aus gegebenenfalls eine Übergabe auf ein weiteres Transportsystem oder das Einlagern der fertig gestellten Karten 1 möglich ist.At the end of the transport device 5 is an end-side transfer station 20, from which optionally a transfer to another transport system or the storage of the finished cards 1 is possible.

In Bezug auf Merkmale, die sich den Figuren nicht entnehmen lassen, sei zur Vermeidung von Wiederholungen auf den allgemeinen Teil der Beschreibung verwiesen. Schließlich sei angemerkt, dass das voranstehend erörterte Ausführungsbeispiel der beispielhaften Erörterung der beanspruchten Lehre dient, diese jedoch nicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel einschränkt.With regard to features which can not be inferred from the figures, reference is made to avoid repetition to the general part of the description. Finally, it should be noted that the embodiment discussed above is for exemplary discussion of the claimed teachings, but is not limited to the embodiment.

Claims (15)

  1. Device for printing plastics cards (1), having a store (2) which contains the plastics cards (1) to be printed, a printing station (7) which has a printing device and a transport device (5) for transporting the plastics cards (1) through the printing station (7), there being provided upstream of the printing station (7) orientation means (9) which serve to orientate the plastics cards (1) on the transport device (5),
    characterised in that the orientation means (9) comprise over at least a portion of the orientation path (10) a lateral guiding strip (13), along which the plastics cards (1) are conveyed and in that the orientation means (9) at the side opposite the guiding strip (13) comprise a positioning device (15) which presses the plastics cards (1) at least slightly against the guiding strip (13).
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the store (2) is arranged directly upstream of the transport device (5) so that the plastics cards (1) can be transferred, preferably via a manipulator, from the store (2) to the transport device (5).
  3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that a supply path (4) having a supply device is provided between the store (2) and the transport device (5) so that the plastics cards (1), preferably via a manipulator, can be transferred from the store (2) to the supply device and from the supply device to the transport device (5),
    the supply device being able to be constructed as a supply band (3) and/or the supply device comprising a lower and an upper band, and in that the plastics cards (1) can be conveyed between the two cooperating bands, and
    the two bands being able to be formed by parallel-running belts (11, 12) or the like, respectively.
  4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the orientation means (9) act on the plastics cards (1) in a positive and non-positive-locking manner.
  5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the guiding strip (13) extends from the end of the supply device parallel with the transport device (5) as far as a location downstream of the printing station (7).
  6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the positioning device (15) may comprise a positioning means which moves with the plastics cards (1) in the conveying direction,
    the positioning means being constructed as a preferably resilient band (16), which is redirected over end-side rollers (17) and runs in a continuous manner and
    the band (16) running over the plastics cards (1) and conveying the plastics cards (1) onto the transport device (5) in a positionally precise manner or
    the band running beside the transport device (5) in a state tilted through 90° with respect to the transport device (5), in a region upstream of the printing station (7).
  7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that the band (16) serves to convey the plastics cards (1) in a positionally precisely manner,
    the strip (16) being able to comprise conveying elements, preferably in the form of integral conveying cams (18), which push the respective plastics card (1) onto the transport device (5).
  8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the transport device (5) is constructed as a precise transport band (6),
    the transport band (6) being able to be constructed with limited extensibility and/or
    the transport band (6) being produced from steel.
  9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the transport band (6) has a force guide of the band member and/or
    the transport band (6) is guided by means of lateral guiding strips,
    the stopping faces of the guiding strips being constructed in a curved manner.
  10. Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the transport band (6) is provided with a rotary encoder,
    the rotary encoder being arranged on the drive or redirection shaft or being arranged on the transport band surface.
  11. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the transport band (6) has a low-reflection surface, in particular a UV-light-absorbing surface.
  12. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the transport band (6) comprises retention means for retaining the plastics cards (1) in a positionally precise manner,
    the retention means acting in an adhesive manner or operating with reduced pressure.
  13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that the retention means are constructed as a suction system which is integrated in the transport band (6),
    a lower suction pressure being able to be produced over the orientation path than in the region of the printing station (7) and/or
    the suction pressure being able to increase over the conveying path.
  14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the printing device comprises a four-colour printing system,
    the printing device comprising eight printing modules which are arranged in a row,
    two printing modules being able to be provided for each basic colour in the case of four basic colours (CMYK),
    a fixing unit, in particular a UV freezing unit, being able to be provided after each printing module,
    a UV coater being able to be arranged downstream of the printing device for ultimately coating the plastics card (1), the printing device being able to be arranged in a housing or below a hood, and/or
    the printing device and optionally the UV coater being able to be vertically positioned.
  15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a transfer location can be defined at the end of the transport device (5), the transfer location being used for transfer to an onward transport device (5) or into a collection container or the like.
EP07846256.1A 2006-11-03 2007-10-25 Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards Active EP2084010B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006052302A DE102006052302A1 (en) 2006-11-03 2006-11-03 Apparatus for printing on flat parts, in particular of plastic cards
PCT/DE2007/001913 WO2008055466A1 (en) 2006-11-03 2007-10-25 Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2084010A1 EP2084010A1 (en) 2009-08-05
EP2084010B1 true EP2084010B1 (en) 2013-09-04

Family

ID=39111616

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07846256.1A Active EP2084010B1 (en) 2006-11-03 2007-10-25 Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US8152291B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2084010B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006052302A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2436491T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2008055466A1 (en)

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CN104108245B (en) * 2013-04-18 2017-12-15 航天信息股份有限公司 The method and apparatus that error compensation printing is carried out to card
DE102017110300A1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-06-21 Atlantic Zeiser Gmbh Device for conveying objects through a processing station
US11027565B2 (en) 2019-10-02 2021-06-08 Assa Abloy Ab Card printer alignment bracket

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2084010A1 (en) 2009-08-05
DE102006052302A1 (en) 2008-05-08
ES2436491T3 (en) 2014-01-02
US20100118094A1 (en) 2010-05-13
US8152291B2 (en) 2012-04-10
WO2008055466A1 (en) 2008-05-15

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