METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A MOTIF ON A SUBSTRATE

Abstract

A method and system for producing a motif (7) on a substrate (1; 4), the method, successively, providing a base layer (2) at least partially covering the substrate (1; 4), applying a plurality of drops in or on the base layer (2) and transferring at least part of a liquid (3) that has the drops or is at least partially determined by them to a transfer surface (S), by adhesion of the liquid (3) to the transfer surface (S) when the transfer surface (S) makes contact with the liquid (3) without sliding on the base layer (2), in order to at least partially reveal the motif (7).

Claims

1. A method for producing a motif (7) on a substrate (1; 4), comprising, successively, providing a base layer (2) at least partially covering the substrate (1; 4), applying a plurality of drops in or on the base layer (2), and transferring at least part of a liquid (3) that comprises said plurality of drops or is at least partially determined by them to a transfer surface (S), by adhesion of said liquid (3) to the transfer surface (S) when the transfer surface (S) makes contact with said liquid (3) without sliding on the base layer (2), in order to at least partially reveal the motif (7).

2. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer surface (S) is a rolling surface of a transfer roller (10).

3. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer surface (S) is a front surface of a transfer sheet (15).

4. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 3, wherein the transfer sheet (15) is continuously fed, from a transfer sheet feed spool (81) and/or to a transfer sheet collection spool (82), or in a closed circuit.

5. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein said liquid (3) is transferred while the substrate (1; 4) is transported or while the substrate (1; 4) remains fixed.

6. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer surface (S) is cleaned of transferred liquid (3), while additional liquid (3) is transferred to the transfer surface (S).

7. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer surface (S) has a form such that when making contact with said liquid (3) substantially reproduces the surface of the base layer (2), the transfer surface (S) being substantially flat for a substrate in the form of a panel (1) or in the form of a sheet (4), and/or the transfer surface (S) is substantially smooth and/or the transfer surface (S) is substantially elastically deformable.

8. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer surface (S) has a surface roughness less than or equal to 50 ?m.

9. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of successive transfer steps.

10. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer surface (S) is pressed against the base layer (2) and/or is brought closer to the base layer (2), when said liquid (3) is transferred.

11. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 10, wherein the pressure against the base layer (2) is increasing, and/or the height of the transfer surface (S) with respect to the surface of the base layer is decreasing, successively, in particular for different transfer surfaces (S).

12. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, comprising at least partially solidifying the base layer (2) before and/or after transferring said liquid (3), the base layer (2) being at least partially liquid when the plurality of drops is applied.

13. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 12, wherein the base layer (2) is at least partially solidified before transferring said liquid (3) in order to achieve a surface tension, or surface energy, of the base layer (2) greater than the surface energy of the transfer surface (S) when said liquid (3) is transferred.

14. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the base layer (2), the applied drops and/or the liquid (3) are at least partially solidified by curing.

15. The method for producing a motif (7) according to claim 1, wherein the drops are applied selectively, according to a digital pattern.

16. A system for producing a motif (7) on a substrate (1; 4) performing a method according to claim 1, comprising substrate transport means (60) for transporting the substrate (1; 4) with the base layer (2), and drop application means (30) for applying the drops in or on the base layer (2), wherein the system comprises at least one transfer element (10) provided with a transfer surface (S) for transferring said liquid (3) to the transfer surface (S) when the transfer surface (S) makes contact with said liquid (3), configured so that said contact is without sliding on the base layer (2) in a synchronised manner with the transport of the substrate (1; 4).

17. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 16, comprising dry cleaning means (58, 511) for cleaning the transfer surface (S) in the absence of a cleaning product (56), in particular a solvent of the product of transferred liquid (3) transferred to the transfer surface (S), further comprising auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) for facilitating the detachment of the product of transferred liquid (3) from the transfer surface (S) by the dry cleaning means (58, 511), by solidification, drying and/or evaporation of said product of transferred liquid (3) in the absence of applying cleaning means on the same product of transferred liquid (3).

18. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 17, wherein the auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) comprise: heating means by thermal radiation; heating means by thermal conduction; curing means; and/or air blowing means.

19. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 17, wherein the auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) are configured to be applied to the product of transferred liquid (3) on the transfer element (10) before and/or during its separation from the transfer surface (S), in particular in surroundings of the dry cleaning means (90) in which said separation is carried out.

20. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 16, comprising wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512) for cleaning the transfer surface (S) in the presence of a cleaning product (56), in particular a solvent of the product of transferred liquid (3) transferred to the transfer surface (S), further comprising auxiliary wet cleaning means (90) for removing cleaning product (56) applied by the wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512) from the transfer surface (S), by drying and/or evaporation of said cleaning product (56) in the absence of applying cleaning means on the same cleaning product (56).

21. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 20, wherein the auxiliary wet cleaning means (90) comprise: heating means by thermal radiation, heating means by thermal conduction; and/or air blowing means (97).

22. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 20, wherein the wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512) comprise means for reusing (59, 591) the cleaning product (56), wherein the cleaning product (56) is recirculated for reuse through a cleaning product recirculation circuit (59, 591).

23. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 22, wherein the means of reuse (59, 591) additionally comprise recycling means (592, 593, 594) of the cleaning product (56), more in particular, recycling by distillation of the cleaning product (56).

24. The system for producing a motif (7) according to claim 20, wherein the cleaning product (56) has a molecular weight between 55 and 150 g/mol.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] The following figures are included that serve to illustrate different practical embodiments of the invention that are described below by way of example but not limitation.

[0057] FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the method and system for producing a motif according to the invention, wherein the substrate used is in the form of a panel.

[0058] FIG. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the method and system for producing a motif according to the invention, wherein the substrate used is in the form of a sheet.

[0059] FIG. 3 schematically shows an embodiment of transfer by means of a transfer element in the form of a roller according to the invention applicable to the first embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 4 schematically shows an additional embodiment of transfer by means of a transfer element in the form of a roller according to the invention applicable to the second embodiment.

[0061] FIGS. 5 to 8 schematically show respective additional embodiments of transfer by means of a transfer element in the form of a continuous sheet according to the invention applicable to both the first and second embodiments.

[0062] FIGS. 9a to 9d schematically show a third embodiment of the method and system for producing a motif according to the invention, wherein the transfer is performed while the substrate remains fixed, unlike the first and second embodiments, wherein the transfer is performed while the substrate is transported in the system. The transfer is performed by means of a transfer element in the form of a plate.

[0063] FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show respective additional embodiments of transfer by means of a transfer element in the form of a continuous sheet according to the invention applicable to any of the first to third embodiments.

[0064] FIGS. 12a to 12c, 13a to 13e schematically show different embodiments of transferred liquid cleaning means, each of them being applicable independently or in combination with the embodiments of the preceding figures.

[0065] Furthermore, FIGS. 13c and 13d schematically show different embodiments of auxiliary cleaning means, and FIG. 13e schematically shows an embodiment of means for reusing cleaning product, in particular, means for recycling cleaning product. These additional embodiments are each equally applicable independently or in combination with the embodiments of the preceding figures.

[0066] FIG. 14 shows a digital pattern corresponding to a partial area of a relief to be obtained according to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.

[0067] FIGS. 15a, 16a and 17a show photographs of the relief obtained according to the invention based on the digital pattern shown in FIG. 14.

[0068] FIGS. 15b, 16b and 17b show photographs of the relief obtained according to a comparative method of the state of the art, wherein the removal of the transfer liquid is performed by means of brushing instead of by means of a transfer roller as in the invention.

[0069] FIG. 18 shows a graph that represents parameters of the method and system based on variants of the exemplary embodiment according to the invention corresponding to FIGS. 14, 15a, 16a and 17a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the substrate (1) is in the form of a panel. In the figures, the substrate (1) can be transported advancing in the direction from left to right throughout the different stations of the system, as the steps of the corresponding method are performed. To move the substrate (1), transport means (60) are used which comprise, for example, a conveyor belt (63) or a conveyor roller table, in a manner known per se.

[0071] In a first station of the system shown in FIG. 1, a liquid base layer (2) is applied on the substrate (1) by means of liquid base layer application means (20) which, in the embodiment shown, are for application by roller, comprising an applicator roller (21) and a dosing roller (22), in a manner known per se.

[0072] As seen in FIG. 1, the drops are then applied on the liquid base layer (2) by means of drop application means (30) which, in the embodiment shown, are for digital printing, comprising at least one inkjet print head (31), each print head (31) comprising a plurality of drop nozzles, corresponding to the different positions or pixels wherein the drops are applied to produce a motif (7), in this case in the form of a relief or texture, in a manner known per se. The motif (7) is revealed by removing the liquid (3).

[0073] The applied drops settle into, are introduced into and/or displace the liquid base layer (2) in the positions wherein the drops are applied, due in particular to the features of the base layer (2) and/or the drops such as the viscosity, the surface tension, or surface energy, and the density, as well as application parameters of the drops such as the injection speed and injection volume of the drops, in a manner known per se. The modification of these features or parameters enables the features of the motif (7) to be obtained to be controlled, especially influencing the fluid-dynamic forces which act between the drops and the base layer, in particular by varying the amount of movement of the drops when they are deposited on or impact the surface of the liquid base layer (2), and intermolecular adhesion and/or cohesion forces.

[0074] According to the method or system of the invention, the motif (7) is obtained on the substrate (1) by removing by transfer, from the base layer (2), a liquid (3) resulting from the applied drops; in other words, it is determined by, or comprises, at least partially the drops applied. Depending on the way in which the motif (7) is obtained, said transfer liquid (3) may contain, for example, only liquid from the applied drops or consist of a mixture of the liquid from the applied drops with the liquid from the liquid base layer (2) in the positions wherein the drops are applied. Different ways in which a motif can be obtained by removing a liquid (3) resulting from the applied drops are known; all of them can be applied to the present invention.

[0075] Continuing with the embodiment of FIG. 1, once the transfer liquid (3) has been formed in the base layer (2), base layer solidification means (40) are applied which, in the embodiment shown, are UV radiation curing by means of at least one initial UV curing lamp (41), said radiation being applied to the assembly of the base layer (1) and the transfer liquid (3). With these initial UV curing lamps (41), partial curing is provided to the base layer (2), which will enable in the following steps of the method, or stations of the system, transfer liquid (3) to be removed, especially without removing base layer (2), by transferring the liquid (3) to a transfer surface (S), in particular, by means of at least one transfer roller (10, 11, 12, 13) according to the invention.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three successive transfer rollers (11, 12, 13) are applied, configured to progressively remove the transfer liquid (3) when they roll over the base layer (2). To do so, each subsequent successive transfer roller exerts an increasing pressure against the base layer (2), through the respective rolling surface (S) thereof, i.e., the transfer surface (S), the rollers (11, 12, 13) being arranged at increasingly lower heights with respect to the substrate (1). According to the invention, the liquid (3) is removed by transfer by means of the transfer rollers (11, 12, 13), rolling over the base layer (2) through the rolling surface (S), such that the transfer liquid (3) is transferred to the rolling surface (S) by adhesion or wetting of the rolling surface (S) with the liquid (3).

[0077] For each transfer roller (11, 12, 13) shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, transferred liquid cleaning means (50) are provided, which may take the form of a blade (51), configured to clean the liquid (3) transferred from the rolling surface (S) by scraping said surface (S) with the blade (51).

[0078] Finally, base layer solidification means (40) are applied which, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, are UV curing by means of at least one final UV curing lamp (42). With these final UV curing lamps (42), the base layer (2) is provided with complete curing until the motif (7) is obtained.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein, unlike the first embodiment, the substrate (4) is in the form of a continuous sheet. The substrate (4) is continuously fed throughout the different stations of the system as the steps of the corresponding method are performed. The substrate (4) is fed from a feed spool (5) and collected in a collection spool (6), once the motif (7) has been formed in the substrate (4).

[0080] Advantageously, the invention can be applied to substrates (1; 4) with any form or configuration. Especially, the method can be applied to substrates (4) in the form of a sheet (continuous or discontinuous), unlike the methods of the state of the art wherein the abrasion forces that must be exerted on the base layer (2) in order to remove the liquid or product resulting from the applied drops, for example, by brushing, prevent them from being applied to substrates (4) with low mechanical resistance to shearing stress, such as continuous sheets, since the sheet tends to break as a result of said forces.

[0081] Unlike the state of the art, according to the invention, the removal of the liquid (3) resulting from the applied drops is performed by transfer, from the base layer to the transfer surface, substantially by means of the interaction of intermolecular forces, i.e., in a static manner or with the tendency to be in a static or quasi-static manner. In this manner, it is possible to advantageously remove the product resulting from the applied drops in order to produce a motif applied to substrates less resistant to shearing stress, such as thinner sheets.

[0082] Analogously to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a liquid base layer (2) is first applied on the surface of the substrate (4) by means of base layer application means (20) by roller, which comprise an applicator roller (21) and a dosing roller (22). Then, the drops are applied by means of inkjet drop application means (30), comprising at least one inkjet print head (31), such that the drops determine a transfer liquid (3) in the base layer (2).

[0083] Likewise, the system according to this second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 comprises base layer solidification means (40) by means of electromagnetic radiation curing, formed by an initial UV curing lamp (41) and a final UV curing lamp (42). Unlike the first embodiment, this second embodiment incorporates a single transfer roller (10) with corresponding transferred liquid cleaning means (50), comprising a cleaning blade (51).

[0084] Continuing with FIG. 2, the transport means (60) of the substrate (4) can comprise guide rollers (not shown) for the substrate (4), in a manner known per se. Likewise, in the application area of the drops and/or in the solidification area, the system can incorporate position fixing means of the substrate in order to prevent unwanted displacements of the substrate (1; 4), and therefore printing and/or solidification defects. The position fixing means of the substrate (1; 4) can be, for example, in the form of a suction chamber of the substrate, in a manner known per se. These means for preventing unwanted displacements are also applicable, in a manner known per se, especially to the first embodiment referring to the substrates (1) in the form of a panel.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the transfer liquid removal means (3) according to the invention, which are applicable, for example, to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as well as able to be combined with the rest of the embodiments described.

[0086] As seen in FIG. 3 in greater detail, the system includes a transfer roller actuator (14) for rotating the transfer roller (10) as it rolls, by means of the rolling surface (S) of the transfer roller (10), over the base layer (2). The transfer roller actuator (14) is configured so that the transfer roller (10) may roll without sliding on the base layer (2), synchronously with the transport of the substrate (1).

[0087] As also seen in FIG. 3, the transfer roller (10) presses against the base layer (2) with help from a counter roller (10), which acts on the opposite side of the substrate (1). The system additionally includes transfer roller pressure means (70) against the base layer (2), in the form of a linear actuator for height displacement (71) of the transfer roller (10).

[0088] FIG. 3 also shows in greater detail the substrate transport means (60), comprising a conveyor belt (63), guided by at least one conveyor belt guide roller (61, 62) and actuated by a conveyor belt actuator (64).

[0089] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the transfer liquid removal means (3) according to the invention, which are applicable, for example, to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, as well as able to be combined with the rest of the embodiments described.

[0090] As seen in FIG. 4 in greater detail, the system includes a transfer roller actuator (14) for rotating the transfer roller (10) as it rolls, by means of the rolling surface (S) of the transfer roller (10), over the base layer (2). The transfer roller actuator (14) is configured so that the transfer roller (10) may roll without sliding on the base layer (2).

[0091] Analogously to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the transfer roller (10) presses against the base layer (2) with help from a counter roller (10), which acts on the opposite side of the substrate (4). Likewise, the system additionally includes transfer roller pressure means against the base layer (70), in the form of a linear actuator for height displacement (71) of the transfer roller (10). The counter roller (10) is rotated by an actuator (14) in order to facilitate the guiding of the sheet of the substrate (4).

[0092] FIGS. 5 to 8 show schematic side views of respective additional embodiments of the transfer liquid removal means according to the invention, which are applicable, for example, both to the first and second embodiments, as well as able to be combined with each other and with the rest of the embodiments described.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, unlike the embodiments described above, the transfer surface (S) makes up part of a transfer sheet (15) instead of making up part of a transfer roller (10). The transfer sheet (15) shown is continuous, in other words, it is continuously fed from a feed spool (81) to a collection spool (82). According to the embodiment shown in this FIG. 5, it is envisaged that the transfer liquid (3) removed from the base layer (2) accumulates in said collection spool (82) for the disposal thereof or subsequent treatment which enables it to be reused as a feed spool (81).

[0094] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, unlike the embodiments described above, the transfer surface (S) makes up part of a transfer sheet (15) instead of making up part of a transfer roller (10) and, moreover, the transfer sheet (15) is fed continuously in a closed circuit, in other words, the transfer sheet (15) is in the form of an endless band. The transfer sheet (15) is guided in the closed circuit by means of the guide roller (83). In this manner, a larger available space is achieved in the system in order to be able to install auxiliary means such as the cleaning means (50; 51) or the pressure means (70; 73), as seen in this FIG. 6, for example, by taking advantage of the space above the pressure roller (72).

[0095] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the transfer sheet (15) is continuously fed in a closed circuit by a plurality of guide rollers, in this case two guide rollers (83), and a plurality of pressure rollers (72), in this case two successive pressure rollers (72). Advantageously, as shown in this FIG. 7, between the successive pressure rollers (72) base layer solidification means (40) can be installed, for example, in the form of electromagnetic radiation curing means, such as at least one UV radiation lamp (43), especially for the case that the transfer sheet (15) is transparent. In this manner, it is possible to optimise the solidification, in particular the curing, of the base layer (2) or the transfer liquid (3) by reducing the amount of air or oxygen between the transfer sheet (15) and the base layer (2) as a consequence of the transfer sheet (15) in this area remaining in contact with the base layer (2) without sliding on the base layer (2), in other words, jointly with the forward movement for the transport of the substrate (1) in the system.

[0096] Instead of the guide rollers (83) shown in FIG. 7, some sliding guide element (85) can be used as shown in FIG. 8, made of a suitable material and form in order to reduce the friction between the transfer sheet (15) and the sliding element (85). Likewise, instead of the pressure rollers (72), some sliding pressure element (74) can be used.

[0097] FIGS. 9a to 9d show successive steps of a third embodiment according to the invention wherein the transfer is performed by means of a transfer element in the form of a plate (16) and while the substrate (1) remains fixed. The transfer element (16) once positioned on the substrate (1), FIG. 9a, lowers until it makes contact with the base layer (2), FIG. 9b. Next, the transfer element (16) is raised, removing the liquid (3) from the base layer (2), FIG. 9c. Next, the transfer surface (S) is cleaned (50).

[0098] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the transfer element is in the form of a sheet (15). The transfer surface (S) is pressed against the base layer (2) while the substrate (1) remains fixed, FIG. 10, or while the substrate (1) is transported, FIG. 11, in the latter case the transfer sheet (15) being fed without sliding on the base layer (2), in other words, moving integrally with the base layer (2). Regarding the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9a to 9d and 10, it is envisaged that the transfer surface (S) can rise and lower successively in order to make contact with the transfer liquid (3) facing the same surface of the base layer (2), as the transfer liquid (3) is removed at a greater depth.

[0099] Another advantage, present, in particular, in the embodiments represented in FIGS. 7 to 11, is derived from the feature that the transfer surface (S) makes contact with the transfer liquid (3), the transfer surface (S) remaining facing or opposite from the base layer, in particular, between two application points of the pressure of the transfer surface (S) against the base layer (2). For example, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10 and 11, the transfer sheet makes contacts with the base layer (2) through a contact surface which extends continuously between two successive pressure elements (72; 74), throughout a certain length and time. Likewise, as shown in FIGS. 9a to 9d, the front surface of the transfer plate (16) makes contact with the base layer (2) throughout a certain length and time. In this manner, it becomes possible to facilitate the adhesion of the transfer liquid (3) to the transfer surface (S) by increasing said contact time.

[0100] FIGS. 12a to 12c and 13a and 13b show schematic side views of embodiments of means for cleaning product resulting from liquid transferred (50) to the transfer surface (S), which are applicable to embodiments of the invention, as well as able to be combined with each other and with the rest of the embodiments described.

[0101] As seen in FIGS. 12a to 12c, the cleaning means (50) shown are applied to the rolling surface (S) which makes up part of the transfer roller (10) but can also be applied, for example, to a transfer surface (S) which would form part of any other transfer element, for example, a transfer sheet (15) or a transfer plate (16). In FIGS. 13a and 13b the cleaning means (50) are applied to the transfer surface (S) which makes up part of the transfer sheet (15) but they can also be applied to a rolling surface which will make up part of any other transfer element.

[0102] FIG. 12a shows cleaning means (50) in the form of a plurality of cleaning blades, in this case two successive cleaning blades (51, 52). In order to facilitate the trapping of the transferred liquid (3) by the blades, a cleaning product (56) can be applied, such as, for example, a solvent of the product resulting from the transferred liquid (3), in particular, by means of a cleaning product applicator (56).

[0103] FIG. 12b shows cleaning means (50) in the form of a cleaning roller (53) which removes the product resulting from the transferred liquid (3) in order to be cleaned by means of a cleaning blade (53). The outer surface of the cleaning roller (53) may be configured to be substantially rigid, such as, for example, being metallic. In this manner, it is possible to provide greater resistance to the wear of the cleaning roller (53) than if said surface were deformable, from the wear due to the contact of the blade with said surface. Likewise, the safety of the system is increased by preventing possible snagging of the blade with the roller. In order to collect the cleaned product, a cleaning product collection tank (57) can be arranged.

[0104] FIG. 12c shows cleaning means (50) in the form of a cleaning brush (54). The cleaning brush (54) can be impregnated with cleaning product supplied from a cleaning product supply tank (59). FIG. 13a additionally shows cleaning means (50) in the form of a fluidic cleaning blower, such as a pressurised air blower (55), which enables the transferred product to be removed and/or enables a cleaning product added to same to be dried for the removal thereof. FIG. 13b additionally shows cleaning means (50) which comprise a cleaning aspirator (58) for aspirating the cleaned transferred product.

[0105] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 13c to 13e, according to the invention the system comprises dry cleaning means (58, 511) and/or wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512) of the transfer surface (S), to clean the transfer surface (S) of the transferred liquid (3), respectively, in the absence or in the presence of a cleaning product (56), in particular a solvent to dissolve the product of transferred liquid (3) transferred to the transfer surface (S), in particular, to dissolve the transferred liquid (3), mixing the cleaning product (56) with said product of transferred liquid (3), this product being in a liquid or at least partially solidified state.

[0106] In particular, FIGS. 13c and 13d show dry cleaning means (90) in the form of a first dry cleaning blade (511), configured to clean the transfer surface (S) by dry scraping the same to separate the resulting product of the transferred liquid (3), in other words without applying cleaning product to the same. The same FIGS. 13c and 13d also show wet cleaning means in the form of a second wet cleaning blade (512), in other words, configured to clean the transfer surface (S), the resulting product of the transferred liquid (3) being mixed or impregnated with cleaning product when the blade (512) scraps the transfer surface (S), thus facilitating the removal of the product from the transfer surface (S).

[0107] The individual or combined use of dry cleaning means (58, 511) and wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512) on a transfer roller (10), as well as in combination with the previously described embodiments, for example, replacing the transfer roller (10) with any other type of transfer element, is not discarded. Likewise, other embodiments of cleaning means other than the blades, such as for example brushes, rollers, blowers or vacuums, which in general can be applied dry or wet, are contemplated. For example, FIGS. 13c and 13d also show dry cleaning means in the form of a vacuum (58).

[0108] The same FIGS. 13c and 13d additionally represent auxiliary cleaning means, which are configured to help the cleaning means to carry out their cleaning function. Two main types of auxiliary cleaning means can be distinguished according to their function, which in the context of the present specification are called, respectively, auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) and auxiliary wet cleaning means (90).

[0109] The auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) are auxiliary cleaning means that facilitate the detachment of the resulting product of the transferred liquid (3) from the transfer surface (S) by the dry cleaning means (58, 511), by means of solidification, drying and/or evaporation of said product of transferred liquid (3), the auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) therefore being applied to the dry cleaning means (58, 511), these means being external or different from them. These auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) may comprise, for example, heating means, such as heaters with IR lamps (93, 94), air blowing means, in particular with heated air, and/or curing means by electromagnetic radiation, in particular, by UV (91, 92), of the product (3) to be cleaned from the transfer surface (S) by means of the dry cleaning means (58, 511).

[0110] The auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) can be applied before and/or during removal of the product (3) from the transfer surface carried out by the dry cleaning means (58, 511). In particular, it is contemplated that the application of these auxiliary means (90) to the product of transferred liquid (3) is carried out in surroundings of the cleaning means (for example, of the blade, brush, roller, blower, vacuum, etc.) in which the product is being separated from the transfer surface (S). The auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) facilitate the separation of the product (3) from the transfer surface (S) by mechanical or fluidic means, as a result of its lesser adherence to the transfer surface (S). These auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) also make it possible to simplify the maintenance of the very cleaning means, since it is generally easier to clean surfaces with solid residue than with liquid residue, which can be deposited on surfaces of the cleaning means.

[0111] Furthermore, the auxiliary wet cleaning means (90) are auxiliary cleaning means that remove the cleaning product (56) applied by the wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512) of the transfer surface (S) in a controlled manner, by means of drying and/or evaporating said applied cleaning product (56), in particular a solvent of the product of transferred liquid (3) transferred to the transfer surface (S), therefore being applicable to the wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512). It is contemplated that the removal of cleaning product (56) carried out by the auxiliary wet cleaning means (90) is performed in the absence of applying dry cleaning means (90) or wet cleaning means (90) on the same cleaning product (56).

[0112] These auxiliary wet cleaning means (90) may comprise, for example, heating means such as heaters with IR lamps (95) and/or air blowing means (97), in particular with heated air. These auxiliary means (90) are applied on the transfer surface (S) after the cleaning product (56) is applied and before said surface (S) comes in contact with the base layer (2) to transfer the transfer liquid (3). The auxiliary wet cleaning means (90) make it possible to control that the transfer surface (S) has the suitable adherence properties (such as wetting or surface tension) in order to properly transfer the transfer liquid (3) to the transfer element (10) when said transfer surface (S) comes in contact with the transfer liquid (3) on the base layer (2).

[0113] Likewise, heating the very transfer element (10) by means of thermal conduction is also contemplated as auxiliary dry cleaning means (90) and auxiliary wet cleaning means (90). For example, as shown in FIGS. 13c and 13d, the transfer roller (10) is heated by a heater (96) that may comprise an electrical resistance for heating, at least locally on the transfer surface. These auxiliary cleaning means (96) have the advantage that their use is allowed both as auxiliary dry cleaning means (90), by heating the product of the transferred liquid (3) transferred to the transfer element while said liquid remains on the transfer surface (S) until it is removed by the dry cleaning means, and as auxiliary wet cleaning means (90), by heating the residue of cleaning product (56) for its removal from the transfer surface (S).

[0114] According to the invention, it is also envisaged that the system may comprise wet cleaning means that comprise means for reusing the cleaning product (56). FIG. 13e represents means for reusing cleaning product (59, 591), which are applied to the wet cleaning means (56, 56, 512). These means for reusing (59, 591) the cleaning product (56) comprise means for recirculating the cleaning product (591) for its reuse between a cleaning product supply tank (59) and its application on the transfer surface (S), for example by an applicator (56), through a cleaning product circulation duct (591).

[0115] Likewise, as also shown in FIG. 13e, the means of reuse (59, 591) comprise cleaning product recycling means (592, 593, 594) for the cleaning product that is reused. The cleaning product recycling means (592, 593, 594) may comprise a recycling unit (593), for example, by distillation of the cleaning product, the recycling unit (593) being connected to the cleaning product supply tank (59) by cleaning product circulation ducts (592), recycling waste by distillation of cleaning product being extracted through the outlet duct (594).

[0116] As solvent cleaning products, acetone, butyl glycol and dipropylene glycol methyl ether (ordered from lowest to highest molecular weight), for example, can be used. Solvents with high molecular weight have the advantage that they are less volatile, which facilitates their processing and reuse. However, a sufficiently high volatility of the cleaning product is also of interest to facilitate evaporation of the same after its application on the transfer surface (S), before the transfer element (10) comes back into contact with the base layer (2) to remove more transfer liquid (3) once again, taking into account that as explained above the presence of cleaning product (56) on the transfer element (10) may alter the wetting or surface tension characteristics during contact. Therefore, a suitable compromise solution is to use cleaning product (56), in particular, a solvent of the product of the transferred liquid (3), with a molecular weight between 55 and 150 g/mol, and preferably between 100 and 125 g/m, such as, for example, butyl glycol. Additionally, the volatility of the cleaning product can be varied by modifying its polarity, taking into account that a higher polarity implies a lower volatility of the cleaning product. For the cleaning product (56) to suitably dissolve the product of transferred liquid (3), a suitable polarity of said products can also be selected, preferably being substantially similar.

[0117] According to the invention, what is described for the system that comprises different specified means for performing different steps is also generally applied to a method for producing a motif that comprises said steps, meaning that the method according to the invention is not necessarily limited to the direct use of the system or the means described.

Practical Example of Producing Negative Reliefs or Recesses in the Base Layer According to an Embodiment of the Method of the Invention

[0118] To perform this practical example, a substrate in the form of a 5 mm-thick SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) panel was used. On the flat front surface of the previously treated substrate, a liquid base layer was applied by roller, with the following features of the liquid base layer applied. [0119] Composition: UV-curable transparent polymerisable resin. [0120] Viscosity (25? C.): 7.5 Pa.Math.s. [0121] Surface tension (25? C.): 22 mN/m. [0122] Density (25? C.): 1.4 g/cm3. [0123] Thickness: 175 ?m.

[0124] Then, the drops were injected on the liquid base layer by means of digital inkjet printing, with the following features of the drops applied. [0125] Composition: Partially UV-curable transparent polymerisable resin with respect to the resin used for the liquid base layer. [0126] Viscosity (25? C.): 11 mPa.Math.s. [0127] Surface tension (25? C.): 35 mN/m. [0128] Density (25? C.): 1.0 g/cm3. [0129] Ejection speed: 5 m/s. [0130] Ejection volume: 25-45 pL.

[0131] Next, an initial UV electromagnetic radiation was applied to the assembly of the base layer and the transfer liquid (mixture of the drops with the liquid base layer) until the base layer was partially cured (??25%). The radiation was applied by means of Ga and Hg UV lamps, with 120 W/cm. Once said initial UV radiation was applied, the base layer had a measured surface energy (25? C.) of 58 mN/m.

[0132] Then, the transfer liquid was removed by using four successive transfer rollers according to the invention, provided with a substantially smooth rolling surface (transfer surface) and in correspondence with the flat surface of the substrate, covering the entire width of the substrate, with the following features. [0133] Material of the rolling surface: EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), Shore-A hardness, measured according to standard ISO 7619-1:2011. [0134] Roughness of the rolling surface: 2 ?m (Ra, measured according to ISO standard 4288) [0135] Outer diameter of the transfer roller (corresponding to the rolling surface): 245 mm. [0136] Surface energy of the rolling surface: 56 mN/m.

[0137] The transfer rolls were applied by pressing on the base layer with increasing pressure, reducing the height of each successive transfer roll in a corresponding manner by, approximately, 50 by 50 ?m, starting from the level of the surface of the base layer.

[0138] Finally, a final UV electromagnetic radiation was applied to the assembly of the base layer and the (remaining) transfer liquid until the curing energy of the base layer was completed. The radiation was applied by means of Ga and Hg UV lamps, with 120 W/cm. The total energy applied (sum of the initial and final radiated energies in the UV-A, UV-B and UV-C ranges) measured was 440 mJ/cm2.

[0139] No subsequent finishing layer or treatment was applied, the relief being directly obtained with the resulting base layer.

[0140] The exemplary embodiment described was made by varying the number of transfer rollers (N) between the initial UV curing and the final UV curing, as well as by varying the initial degree of curing (?). The graph in FIG. 18 shows the resulting transfer liquid removed as a percentage of the transfer liquid removed with respect to the total (% p), after the transfer to each successive transfer roller (N=1 to 8), for values of initial degrees of curing of ??25% (lower curve), ??75% (intermediate curve) and ??100% (upper curve), curing not being performed between successive rollers.

[0141] As seen in this graph, a lower degree of initial curing, especially ??25%, enables a larger amount of transfer fluid to be removed with a fewer number (N) of transfer rollers. Moreover, said initial curing is sufficient so that the surface energy of the initially cured base layer is greater than or equal to the surface energy of the rolling surface, such that the base layer without transfer liquid is prevented from being transferred to the rolling surface, only transfer liquid being transferred.

Comparison of the Previous Exemplary Embodiment with the Production of Negative Reliefs or Recesses in the Base Layer by Means of Brushing

[0142] A substrate with the same features as the one used in the described exemplary embodiment was used. Likewise, the liquid base layer and the drops were applied with the same features and in the same manner.

[0143] Unlike the described exemplary embodiment, a single initial UV electromagnetic radiation was applied to the assembly of the base layer and the transfer liquid (mixture of the drops with the liquid base layer) until the base layer was fully cured (??100), in other words, by applying a total energy of 440 mJ/cm2.

[0144] The transfer liquid was then removed by means of brushing with two successive brushing rollers with metal bristles in order to remove approximately the same amount of transfer liquid as with the described exemplary embodiment. The first brushing roller was applied with a linear speed in contact with the base layer in the advance direction of the substrate, while the second successive brushing roller was applied in the opposite direction. The brushing rollers used have the following features. [0145] Outer diameter: 220 mm. [0146] Bristle length: 40 mm. [0147] Rotation speed: 650 rpm.

[0148] No subsequent finishing layer or treatment was applied, the relief of the substrate being directly obtained with the resulting base layer.

[0149] FIG. 14 shows the digital pattern processed in the digital inkjet printing of the drops for a partial area of the relief which was obtained (corresponding to an area of 7 cm?10 cm on a real scale). The digital pattern takes the form of a greyscale image, wherein the colour black represents the maximum depth of the relief (175 ?m) and the colour white represents no depth (level with the base layer).

[0150] FIG. 15a is a vertical photograph of a plan view of the relief obtained based on the exemplary embodiment according to the invention described, for the partial area corresponding to the digital pattern shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16a shows an enlarged detail of the same photograph of 15a.

[0151] FIG. 17a is an angled photograph of the relief obtained based on the exemplary embodiment according to the invention, for the same partial area of the photograph of FIG. 16a.

[0152] In contrast to FIGS. 15a, 16a and 17a, FIGS. 15b, 16b and 17b show the photographs corresponding to the same partial area obtained with the same digital pattern, but for the relief obtained by applying this example of producing negative reliefs by means of brushing.

[0153] As clearly seen in these figures, the relief obtained by means of the exemplary embodiment according to the invention has a greater definition, having areas with imperceptible recesses in the example by means of brushing, as well as the absence of defects due to the abrasion of the metal bristles. Although it may be of interest to obtain motifs with a surface that has a rustic appearance as a result of the abrasion of the metallic bristles of the brushing, in other cases it may be of interest to obtain surfaces that are perfectly smooth or have the suitable gloss, for which, according to the invention, the use of brushes or other known removal means can be omitted or reduced in order to remove the transfer liquid. However, according to the invention, said known means can also be used in a complementary manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0154] 1 substrate in the form of a panel [0155] 2 base layer [0156] 3 transfer fluid [0157] 4 substrate in the form of a continuous sheet [0158] 5 feed spool of substrate in the form of a continuous sheet [0159] 6 collection spool of substrate in the form of a continuous sheet [0160] 7 motif obtained [0161] 10 transfer roller [0162] 10 counter roller of transfer roller [0163] 11 first transfer roller [0164] 12 second transfer roller [0165] 13 third transfer roller [0166] 14 rotation actuator of transfer roller [0167] 14 rotation actuator of transfer counter roller [0168] 15 transfer sheet [0169] 16 transfer plate [0170] 16 counter roller of transfer plate [0171] 20 liquid base layer application means [0172] 21 base layer applicator roller [0173] 21 counter roller of base layer applicator roller [0174] 22 base layer dosing roller [0175] 30 drop application means [0176] 31 inkjet print head [0177] 40 solidification means [0178] 41 initial UV curing lamp [0179] 42 final UV curing lamp [0180] 43 intermediate UV curing lamp [0181] 50 transfer liquid cleaning means [0182] 51 transfer surface cleaning blade [0183] 52 additional transfer surface cleaning blade [0184] 53 cleaning roller [0185] 53 cleaning roller cleaning blade [0186] 54 transfer surface cleaning brush [0187] 55 cleaning air blower [0188] 56 cleaning product applicator [0189] 56 cleaning product [0190] 57 cleaning product collection tank [0191] 58 cleaning aspirator [0192] 59 cleaning product supply tank [0193] 511 dry cleaning blade [0194] 512 wet cleaning blade [0195] 591 cleaning product circulation duct for its reuse [0196] 592 cleaning product circulation duct for its recycling [0197] 593 recycling unit by distillation of cleaning product [0198] 594 recycling waste outlet duct by distillation of cleaning product [0199] 60 substrate transport means [0200] 61 first conveyor belt guide roller [0201] 62 second conveyor belt guide roller [0202] 63 substrate conveyor belt [0203] 64 rotation actuator of conveyor belt guide roller [0204] 70 transfer surface pressure means against base layer [0205] 71 displacement actuator of transfer roller [0206] 72 pressure roller of transfer sheet [0207] 72 counter roller of pressure roller [0208] 73 displacement actuator of pressure roller [0209] 74 sliding pressure element of transfer sheet [0210] 74 counter roller of sliding pressure element [0211] 75 displacement actuator of sliding pressure element [0212] 76 rotation actuator of pressure roller [0213] 77 displacement actuator of transfer plate [0214] 80 continuous feed means of transfer sheet [0215] 81 transfer sheet feed spool [0216] 82 transfer sheet collection spool [0217] 83 guide roller of transfer sheet [0218] 84 rotation actuator of guide roller of transfer sheet [0219] 85 sliding guide element of transfer sheet [0220] 90 auxiliary dry cleaning means [0221] 90 auxiliary wet cleaning means [0222] 91 UV curing lamp before dry cleaning [0223] 92 UV curing lamp during dry cleaning [0224] 93 IR heating lamp before dry cleaning [0225] 94 IR heating lamp during dry cleaning [0226] 95 IR heating lamp after wet cleaning [0227] 96 thermal conduction roller heater [0228] 97 air blower after wet cleaning [0229] S transfer surface [0230] % p percentage of transfer liquid removed [0231] N number of transfer rollers [0232] ? degree of initial curing of the base layer