MULTI-APPLICATION MODULE, MULTI-APPLICATION DEVICE, AND WORKING METHOD FOR A MULTI-APPLICATION DEVICE

Abstract

A multi-application module (1), a multi-application device (2) and a working method for a multi-application device (2). The multi-application module (1) for printing on a substrate (6) or a transfer product (7) includes a printing unit (8) and a multifunctional element (9), wherein a printing nip (10) is formed between the printing unit (8) and the multifunctional element (9), and wherein the multifunctional element (9) has a first multifunctional roller (91) and/or at least one second multifunctional roller (92) and/or a printing table (13), and wherein the printing unit (8) is designed such that it can print along two running directions in the printing nip (10).

Claims

1. A multi-application module for printing on a substrate or a transfer product, comprising a printing unit and a multifunctional element, wherein a printing nip is formed between the printing unit and the multifunctional element, and wherein the multifunctional element has a first multifunctional roller and/or at least one second multifunctional roller and/or a printing table, and wherein the printing unit is designed such that it can print along two running directions in the printing nip, and wherein the printing unit is or comprises a UV inkjet printbar and/or wherein the printing unit comprises at least one inkjet printhead, and wherein the printing on the substrate or on the transfer product is effected with the same printing unit in the same printing nip, and wherein, if the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller is rotated in a first rotational direction, the substrate guided on the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller can be printed on in the printing nip, in a first running direction, or wherein, if the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller is rotated in a second rotational direction, opposing the first rotational direction, the transfer product guided on the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller can be printed on in the printing nip, in a second running direction, opposing the first direction.

2. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the multi-application module further has two winding rollers for receiving the transfer product.

3. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the multi-application module further has a clamping system for clamping the transfer product, wherein the clamping system has one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination from: dancer roller, controlled dancer roller, measuring roller, friction shaft.

4. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller is mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions.

5. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the first multifunctional roller in combination with a second multifunctional roller and/or the first multifunctional roller in combination with two second multifunctional rollers and/or two second multifunctional rollers are arranged such that the substrate or the transfer product can be guided via the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller and thereby forms a flat printing surface.

6. The multi-application module according to claim 5, wherein the flat printing surface is arranged perpendicular to the printing unit and/or forms a surface area with a size of between 250 mm.sup.2 and 1,000,000 mm.sup.2.

7. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the printing table is arranged such that the substrate or the transfer product can be guided over the printing table.

8. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the printing table forms a flat surface area, and/or wherein the printing table is arranged perpendicular to the printing unit.

9. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the printing table has air outlets for generating an air cushion.

10. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the multi-application module further has at least one UV precuring light source.

11. The multi-application module according to 10, wherein the at least one UV precuring light source generates an irradiance of between 0 W/cm.sup.2 and 10 W/cm.sup.2.

12. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the first multifunctional roller and/or of the at least one second multifunctional roller has a surface structure generated by a surface finishing process and/or wherein the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller has an anti-slip coating and/or a traction coating.

13. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit and/or the UV inkjet printbar has at least two rows of printheads and/or wherein the printing unit has at least two ink receiving devices for receiving at least two different inks.

14. The multi-application module according to claim 6, wherein ink is ejected from the printing unit perpendicularly, relative to the surface of the multifunctional element.

15. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate or the transfer product can be guided by means of the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller and/or wherein the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller is formed for guiding the substrate or the transfer product.

16. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate guided on the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller or the transfer product guided on the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller can be printed on along the two running directions in the printing nip by means of the printing unit.

17. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate or the transfer product is guided on the same first multifunctional roller and/or at least one second multifunctional roller.

18. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the multi-application module has a changeable substrate path and/or transfer product path.

19. The multi-application module according to claim 1, wherein the multi-application module comprises at least one detection unit, which detects the position of at least one element and/or at least one layer on the substrate and/or the transfer product, wherein the detection unit is connected to a control device, which controls the printing unit on the basis of the position data detected by the detection unit such that the printing on the substrate and/or the transfer product is effected in register with the at least one element and/or the at least one layer.

20. A multi-application device comprising a multi-application module according to claim 1 and a cold transfer unit, wherein the cold transfer unit comprises a pressure roller and a counter-pressure roller.

21. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the pressure roller is formed with a coating of rubber or silicone with a hardness of between 25 Shore A and 100 Shore A.

22. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the cold transfer unit further comprises at least one UV final curing light source.

23. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the cold transfer unit further comprises a detachment roller or a detachment blade.

24. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein, the cold transfer unit further comprises at least one further UV final curing light source.

25. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein one or more component parts selected from the group: pressure roller, at least one UV final curing light source, detachment roller or detachment blade, at least one further UV final curing light source are pivotable about the counter-pressure roller, or wherein the cold transfer unit is displaceable relative to the multi-application module.

26. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the pressure roller and/or the counter-pressure roller is driven.

27. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the cold stamping unit is designed as an extension module, which can be inserted into a processing machine.

28. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the cold stamping unit comprises at least one detection unit, which detects the position of at least one element and/or at least one layer on the substrate and/or the transfer product, and the positioning is effected via the stretching of the transfer product, with the result that, after the transport of the transfer product to the press nip, the pressure roller presses the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product onto the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the substrate in register.

29. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the multi-application device has a transfer product transport system with a clamping system for the controlled transport of material, wherein the transfer product transport system controls the register-accurate positioning in the press nip of the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product and the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the substrate via the stretching of the transfer product by means of the clamping system.

30. The multi-application device according to claim 20, wherein the multi-application device has a transfer product transport system for the controlled transport of material, wherein the transfer product transport system controls the register-accurate positioning in the press nip of the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product and the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the substrate via the stretching of the transfer product by means of a driven vacuum roller.

31. The multi-application device according to claim 29, wherein the transfer product transport system at least one driven roller influencing the transport speed of the transfer product and a detection unit, for recognizing the position of the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product by means of an optically detectable registration mark or register mark applied to the transfer product.

32. A working method for a multi-application device, according to claim 20, wherein according to a first variant i), a substrate is guided along a multifunctional element to a printing nip formed between a printing unit and the multifunctional element in order to print on the substrate and is guided further to the one counter-pressure roller and a pressure roller, with which a transfer product is pressed onto the substrate, or wherein, according to a second variant ii), the transfer product is guided along the multifunctional element to the printing nip formed between the printing unit and the multifunctional element in order to print on the transfer product and is guided further to the counter-pressure roller and the pressure roller, with which the transfer product is pressed onto the substrate, and wherein the substrate and/or the transfer product, in variants i) and ii), are guided in each case in an opposing running direction.

33. The working method according to claim 32, wherein in the first variant i) the counter-pressure roller is rotated in a rotational direction corresponding to the running direction of the substrate in the multifunctional element and wherein in the second variant ii) the counter-pressure roller is rotated in an opposing rotational direction corresponding to the running direction of the transfer product in the multifunctional element.

34. The working method according to claim 32, wherein the multifunctional element has a first multifunctional roller and/or at least one second multifunctional roller and/or a printing table.

35. The working method according to claim 34, wherein the first multifunctional roller and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller is mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions.

36. The working method according to claim 32, wherein the counter-pressure roller and/or the pressure roller are driven.

37. The working method according to claim 32, wherein the transfer product is unwound from a first of two winding rollers and is wound onto a second of two winding rollers.

38. The working method according to claim 32, wherein the substrate or the transfer product is printed on in each case on the side of the substrate or of the transfer product facing away from the surface of the first multifunctional roller and/or of the at least one second multifunctional roller and/or of the printing table.

39. The working method according to claim 32, wherein the printing on the substrate or on the transfer product is effected in the same printing nip and/or wherein the pressing of the transfer product onto the substrate is effected with the same counter-pressure roller and the same pressure roller.

40. The working method according to claim 32, wherein in the first variant i), the substrate comprises at least one element and/or at least one layer, on which the printing is positioned as a further layer in register with this at least one element and/or with the at least one layer.

41. The working method according to claim 32, wherein in the second variant ii), the substrate comprises at least one element and/or at least one layer, wherein a printing applied to the transfer product is positioned relative thereto.

42. The working method according to claim 32, wherein in the first variant i), the substrate comprises at least one element and/or at least one layer, in register with which the printing is positioned as a further layer.

43. The working method according to claim 32, wherein the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product is pressed, in the press nip between counter-pressure roller and pressure roller, in register with the at least one element and/or with the at least one layer and/or with the printing on the substrate.

44. The working method according to claim 32, wherein in the second variant ii), the substrate comprises at least one element and/or at least one layer, in register with which at least one element and/or at least one layer on the transfer product is pressed, in the press nip between counter-pressure roller and pressure roller, onto the at least one element or the at least one layer on the substrate.

Description

[0152] Embodiment examples of the invention are explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not to scale.

[0153] FIG. 1a shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application module

[0154] FIG. 1b shows, schematically, a top view of a section of FIG. 1a

[0155] FIG. 1c shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application device

[0156] FIGS. 2a to 2c show, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application module and a sectional representation of a system

[0157] FIG. 3 shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application module and a cold transfer unit

[0158] FIG. 4 shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application device

[0159] FIGS. 5a and 5b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system

[0160] FIGS. 6a and 6b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system

[0161] FIGS. 7a and 7b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system

[0162] FIGS. 8a to 8f show, in each case schematically, a sectional representation of a multifunctional element of the multi-application module

[0163] FIGS. 9a and 9b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system

[0164] FIG. 1a shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application module 1.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 1a, the multi-application module 1 comprises a printing unit 8 and a multifunctional element 9, wherein a printing nip 10 is formed between the printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9. The multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91.

[0166] In order to make it possible to print on both a substrate 6 or a transfer product 7 by means of the multi-application module 1, the first multifunctional roller 91 is here mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions. The printing unit 8 is further designed such that it can print along two running directions, which are predefined by the two opposing rotational directions, in the printing nip 10.

[0167] The multi-application module 1, shown in FIG. 1a, for printing on a substrate 6 or a transfer product 7 thus makes two running directions possible, which are predefined by two opposing rotational directions of the first multifunctional roller 91, and makes it possible to print on the substrate 6 in a first running direction of the two running directions and to print on the transfer product 7 in a second running direction of the two running directions.

[0168] It is thus possible that the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is printed on depending on the rotational direction of the first multifunctional roller 91, or the two running directions.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 1a, the printing nip is preferably arranged between the circumferential edge of the first multifunctional roller 91 and the printing unit 8. Furthermore, it is preferred if the printing unit 8 is arranged perpendicular to the first multifunctional roller 91.

[0170] It is also expedient if the printing nip 10, in particular the distance between the circumferential edge of the first multifunctional roller 91 and the underside of the printing unit 8, has a size of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0171] The first multifunctional roller 91, shown in FIG. 1a, has a diameter of between 5 cm and 100 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 50 cm, for example.

[0172] The surface of the first multifunctional roller 91 and/or of the at least one second multifunctional roller 92 can have a surface structure generated by a surface finishing process or be coated with an anti-slip coating, in particular in order to make the surface slip resistant, with the result that the first multifunctional roller 91 and/or the at least one second multifunctional roller 92 can be driven by the medium to be printed on, thus in particular the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. Here, the layer thickness of the anti-slip coating is preferably between 30 m and 3 mm, further preferably between 50 m and 100 m. A rubberization is used as anti-slip coating, for example. It is preferred that the first multifunctional roller 91 further comprises an encoder for detecting and/or controlling the rotational speed of the first multifunctional roller 91 and/or for controlling the printing procedure. In particular, an exact synchronization of the rotational speed of the first multifunctional roller 91 in particular with the printing speed of the printing unit 8 is hereby achieved, with the result that a register-accurate printing is made possible.

[0173] By registered or register, or registration accurate or register accurate, or registration accuracy or register accuracy, is meant a positional accuracy of two or more layers relative to each other. The register accuracy is to vary within a predefined tolerance, which is to be as small as possible. At the same time, the register accuracy of several elements and/or layers relative to each other is an important feature for increasing the process reliability. The positionally accurate positioning can be effected in particular by means of sensorily, preferably optically, detectable registration marks or register marks. These registration marks or register marks can either represent special separate elements or areas or layers or themselves be part of the elements or areas or layers to be positioned.

[0174] The printing unit 8 shown in FIG. 1a is preferably a UV inkjet printbar.

[0175] The UV inkjet printbar expediently has a printing width transverse to the feed direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7 of between 50 mm and 2000 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 1000 mm.

[0176] It is also possible that the printing unit 8 is or comprises an inkjet printhead.

[0177] It is possible here that the UV inkjet printbar and/or the inkjet printhead has a resolution of from 300 to 1200 npi (nozzles per inch). It is also possible that the UV inkjet printbar and/or the inkjet printhead has a resolution of from 300 to 2400 dpi (dots per inch).

[0178] Furthermore, it is possible that the UV inkjet printbar and/or the inkjet printhead has a maximum printing speed of 300 m/min, preferably a maximum printing speed of 200 m/min.

[0179] It is also advantageous if the printing unit 8 and/or the UV inkjet printbar has at least two rows of printheads. It is further advantageous if the printing unit 8 has at least two ink receiving devices for receiving at least two different inks.

[0180] The printing unit 8 is preferably configured by means of a digital program such that it can print along the two running directions.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 1a, the multi-application module 1 can further have one or more deflection rollers and/or one or more guide rollers. The multi-application module 1 shown in FIG. 1a has for example the deflection roller 15, which is used to deflect a substrate 6.

[0182] As can further be learned from FIG. 1a, the multi-application module 1 further preferably has two winding rollers 12a and 12b for receiving the transfer product 7.

[0183] It is possible here that the two winding rollers 12a and 12b have the same or opposing rotational directions. Thus, it is possible for example that a first 12b of the two winding rollers 12a and 12b is driven clockwise and/or a second 12a of the two winding rollers 12a and 12b is driven counterclockwise. However, it is also possible that a first winding roller 12a of the two winding rollers 12a and 12b and a second winding roller 12b of the two winding rollers 12a and 12b are driven in each case clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, it is possible for example that a first 12b of the two winding rollers 12a and 12b is driven clockwise and/or a second 12a of the two winding rollers 12a and 12b is driven counterclockwise.

[0184] FIG. 1b shows, schematically, a top view of a section of FIG. 1a.

[0185] As can be learned from the top view, here the printing unit 8 is preferably arranged perpendicular to the surface of the first multifunctional roller 91. The printing nip 10, through which the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is guided on the first multifunctional roller 91 in order to be printed on by means of the printing unit, as indicated in FIG. 1b, is arranged between the circumferential edge of the first multifunctional roller 91 and the printing unit 8. The substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 advantageously wraps at least partially around the first multifunctional roller 91, in particular for stable transport in the printing nip 10.

[0186] FIG. 1c shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application device 2.

[0187] The multi-application device 2 here comprises a multi-application module 1, which is formed for example as shown in FIG. 1a, and a cold transfer unit 5, wherein the cold transfer unit 5 comprises a pressure roller 17 and a counter-pressure roller 18.

[0188] The counter-pressure roller 18 and/or the pressure roller 17 is preferably driven. It is possible here that the counter-pressure roller 18 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0189] The pressure roller 17 can have for example a diameter of between 1 cm and 50 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 20 cm. The pressure roller 17 is preferably formed with a coating of rubber or silicone with a hardness of between 25 Shore A and 100 Shore A, preferably between 50 Shore A and 90 Shore A. It is further expedient if the coating has a thickness of between 1 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0190] The surface of the counter-pressure roller 18 is preferably made of a material with an abrasion resistance of from 40 Rockwell C to 80 Rockwell C, in particular from 60 Rockwell C to 70 Rockwell C, and can have a diameter of between 5 cm and 70 cm, in particular between 10 and 50 cm. It is further possible that the counter-pressure roller 18 is coated with hard chromium. It is also possible that the counter-pressure roller 18 is cooled.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 1c, it is further possible that the cold transfer unit 5 further comprises a UV final curing light source 19a, preferably wherein the UV final curing light source 19a is arranged after the pressure roller 17 and/or the counter-pressure roller 18, in particular in the running direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7. It is possible here that the UV final curing light source 19a is arranged between 5 cm and 20 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 10 cm, downstream of or after the pressure roller 17 and/or the counter-pressure roller 18, in particular in the conveying direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7.

[0192] As likewise shown in FIG. 1c, the cold transfer unit 5 preferably further comprises a detachment roller 20, in particular for detaching a carrier ply from a transfer ply of the transfer product 7. It is useful here if the detachment roller 20, in particular in the conveying direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7, is arranged between 5 cm and 50 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 20 cm, downstream of, in the conveying direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7, or after the UV final curing light source 19a. It is also useful if the detachment roller 20, via which the carrier ply can be peeled off, has a diameter of between 0.5 cm and 10 cm. As an alternative to the detachment roller 20, a detachment blade can also be used for detaching a carrier ply from a transfer ply of the transfer product 7.

[0193] The UV final curing light source 19a is preferably a UV LED, which in particular generates light from the wavelength range between 100 nm and 420 nm, preferably between 280 nm and 405 nm, further preferably between 280 nm 380 nm, still further preferably between 365 nm and 380 nm. The at least UV final curing light source 19a preferably generates an irradiance of between 5 W/cm.sup.2 and 50 W/cm.sup.2, preferably between 15 W/cm.sup.2 and 25 W/cm.sup.2.

[0194] Furthermore, as can also be learned from FIG. 1c, the cold transfer unit 5 can also further have one or more deflection or guide rollers 15.

[0195] FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c show, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application module 1 and a sectional representation of a system 4.

[0196] The multi-application module 1 shown in FIG. 2a corresponds to the multi-application module 1 shown in FIG. 1a and here serves to illustrate how, in the following FIGS. 2b and 2c, the multi-application module 1 is used in cooperation with the cold transfer unit 5 for applying a transfer ply of a transfer product 7 to a substrate 6. The multi-application module 1 shown in FIG. 2a is therefore a component of the multi-application device 2 shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c or of the system 4 shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c, which in particular has different substrate paths and transfer product paths in FIGS. 2b and 2c.

[0197] The system 4 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, or the multi-application device 2, is used for applying a transfer ply of a transfer product 7 to a substrate 6, wherein the multi-application module 1 contained in the system 4 or in the multi-application device 2 is used for printing on the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7, in particular with a UV-curable ink.

[0198] The system 4 shown FIG. 2b comprises the multi-application device 2 in already shown in FIG. 1c and further a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. In the variant shown in FIG. 2b, the substrate 6 is first guided in the cold transfer unit 5 along the counter-pressure roller 18 via a deflection roller 15 and from there to the first multifunctional roller 91 via a further deflection roller 15. The substrate 6 wraps around the first multifunctional roller 91 and thus drives it. The substrate 6 is supplied to the printing nip 10, in which the substrate 6 is printed on by means of the printing unit 8, via the first multifunctional roller 91.

[0199] The printing is here effected on the substrate 6 by means of a UV-curable ink, which in particular is used as adhesive. The printing can here be effected over the whole surface or only in areas, thus in partial areas. The printing is preferably effected here in the form of a pattern or a motif.

[0200] By area or partial area or in areas is meant here in each case a defined surface area of a layer or ply which is occupied when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the substrate 6 or transfer product 7.

[0201] The substrate 6 is then supplied to a press nip formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18 by bringing the substrate 6 together with the transfer product 7. The printing made of the UV-curable ink is then fully cured through the transfer product 7 by means of the UV final curing light source 19a through the action of the UV light, with the result that, in the printed areas, the transfer product 7 joins to the substrate 6 through full curing. The transfer product 7 is then peeled off the substrate 6 again, with the result that only the transfer ply of the transfer product 7 remains in the areas printed on beforehand. This separation is effected by means of the detachment roller 20. As shown in FIG. 2b, the substrate 6 is then guided out of the cold transfer unit via a deflection roller 15.

[0202] In FIG. 2b, the path of the transfer product 7 runs from the winding roller 12a to the press nip, formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18, where the transfer product 7, as explained above, is brought together with the substrate 6 and the transfer ply of the transfer product 7 is at least partially transferred to the substrate 6. After the separation, likewise already explained above, of the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 on the detachment roller 20, the transfer product 7 is supplied to the winding roller 12b, on which the transfer product 7 is wound up again, via a deflection roller 15.

[0203] In the variant shown in FIG. 2b, the first multifunctional roller 91 therefore rotates for example clockwise and the printing is effected along this running direction of the substrate 6 predefined by the first multifunctional roller 91.

[0204] Thus, according to the variant shown in FIG. 2b, the substrate 6 is guided along the first multifunctional roller 91 to the printing nip 10 formed between the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91, which acts as multifunctional element 9, in order to print on the substrate 6 and then guided further to the counter-pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, with which the transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6.

[0205] The system 4 shown FIG. 2c corresponds to the system shown in FIG. 2b, wherein here the substrate path and transfer product path have been changed. The system 4 shown in FIG. 2c therefore likewise comprises the multi-application device 2 already shown in FIG. 1c and further a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. However, in the variant shown in FIG. 2c, the transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a via the first multifunctional roller 91. As can be learned from FIG. 2c, here the transfer product 7 wraps around the first multifunctional roller 91 and thus drives it. The transfer product 7 is supplied to the printing nip 10, in which the transfer product 7 is printed on by means of the printing unit 8, via the first multifunctional roller 91.

[0206] Here too, the printing is effected on the transfer product 7 by means of a UV-curable ink, which in particular is used as adhesive. This printing can here also be effected over the whole surface or only in areas, thus in partial areas. Here too, the printing is preferably effected in the form of a pattern or a motif.

[0207] The transfer product 7 is then supplied to a press nip formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18, by bringing the transfer product 7 together with the substrate 6.

[0208] In the variant shown in FIG. 2c, the substrate 6 is supplied to the press nip formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18 via a deflection roller 15 and the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0209] The joining of transfer product 7 and substrate 6 is here effected analogously to the variant in already described in FIG. 2b, with the result that reference is made here to the above statements. The further paths of the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 also corresponding to the paths already described in connection with FIG. 2b, with the result that reference is also made in this respect to the above statements.

[0210] In the variant shown in FIG. 2c, the first multifunctional roller 91 therefore rotates for example counterclockwise and the printing is effected along this running direction of the transfer product 7 predefined by the first multifunctional roller 91.

[0211] Thus, according to the variant shown in FIG. 2c, the transfer product 7 is guided along the first multifunctional roller 91 to the printing nip 10 formed between the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91, which acts as multifunctional element 9, in order to print on the transfer product 7 and guided further to the counter-pressure roller 18 and pressure roller 17, with which the transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6.

[0212] As can be learned from FIGS. 2b and 2c, in the variants of FIGS. 2b and 2c the first multifunctional roller 91 rotates in each case in an opposing rotational direction.

[0213] The printing unit 8 is preferably configured by means of a digital program, with the result that it can print along the two running directions. In other words, it is useful if the printing unit 8 is configured by means of a digital program such that it can print both according to the variant shown in FIG. 2b and according to the variant shown in FIG. 2b.

[0214] FIGS. 2b and 2c thus show a (working) method for a multi-application device 2, wherein the multi-application device 2 comprises a multi-application module 1 with a printing unit 8 and a first multifunctional roller 91 as multifunctional element 9, and a cold transfer unit 5 with a pressure roller 17 and a counter-pressure roller 18, wherein a printing nip 10 is formed between the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91, wherein, according to a first variant i), a substrate 6 is guided along the first multifunctional roller 91 to the printing nip 10 in order to print on the substrate 6 and is guided further to the counter-pressure roller 18 and the pressure roller 17, with which a transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6, or wherein, according to a second variant ii), the transfer product 7 is guided along the first multifunctional roller 91 to the printing nip 10 in order to print on the transfer product 7 and is guided further to the counter-pressure roller 18 and pressure roller 17, with which the transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6, and wherein, in variants i) and ii), the first multifunctional roller 91 rotates in each case in an opposing rotational direction.

[0215] As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c, it is thus possible that both variants i) and ii) can be chosen and/or implemented in the same multi-application device 2 or are implemented by the same multi-application device 2, in particular wherein this is made possible by the multi-application module 1, which comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions and the printing unit 8 of which is designed such that it can print along two running directions, which are predefined by the two opposing rotational directions, in the printing nip 10.

[0216] FIG. 3 shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application module 1 and a cold transfer unit 5.

[0217] The multi-application module 1 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the multifunctional module shown in FIG. 1a, with the result that reference is made to the above statements with respect to its design. The cold transfer unit 5 also corresponds to the cold transfer unit 5 shown in FIG. 1c, with the difference that the cold transfer unit 5 is designed as an extension module 22. The multi-application module 1 can thus be inserted in particular into processing machines, such as for example in a flexographic printing machine, with an already present printing mechanism, here a flexographic printing mechanism, which fulfils the function of the cold transfer unit. With respect to the further design of the cold transfer unit 5, reference is made here to the above statements, for example in connection with FIG. 1c.

[0218] Here too, it is possible that an adapter, which in particular makes a mechanically stable fastening of the multi-application module 1 to the cold transfer unit 5 possible, is arranged between the multi-application module 1 and the cold transfer unit 5.

[0219] FIG. 4 shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a multi-application device 2.

[0220] The multi-application device 2 shown in FIG. 4 here comprises a printing unit 8 and a multifunctional element 9, wherein a printing nip 10 is formed between the printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9. In this design variant the multifunctional element comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 arranged above it. The printing nip 10 is therefore preferably formed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13.

[0221] In order to make it possible to print on both a substrate 6 or a transfer product 7 by means of the multi-application device 2, the first multifunctional roller 91 is here mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions. The printing unit 8 is further designed such that it can print along two running directions, which are predefined by the two opposing rotational directions, in the printing nip 10.

[0222] With respect to the further design of the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91, reference is made here to the above statements, for example in connection with FIG. 1a.

[0223] Furthermore, the multi-application device 2 shown in FIG. 4 here comprises the winding rollers 12a and 12b, wherein reference is also made here to the above statements with respect to its design.

[0224] As is shown FIG. 4, the multi-application device 2 can further have one or more clamping systems 16 for clamping the transfer product 7, wherein the clamping systems 16 are selected individually or in combination. The clamping system can have one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination from: dancer roller, controlled dancer roller, measuring roller, friction shaft.

[0225] The printing table 13 shown in FIG. 4 is arranged such that the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 can be guided over the printing table 13.

[0226] The printing table 13 preferably forms a flat surface area, in particular of between 250 mm.sup.2 and 1,000,000 mm.sup.2, preferably between 1000 mm.sup.2 and 200,000 mm.sup.2.

[0227] Furthermore, it is preferred if the printing table 13 is arranged perpendicular to the printing unit 8. It is also possible that ink is ejected from the printing unit 8 perpendicularly, i.e. vertically, relative to the flat surface area of the printing table. It is furthermore also possible that the printing table has a length in the feed direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7 of between 5 mm and 500 mm, in particular between 10 mm and 100 mm, and/or a width transverse with respect to the feed direction of the substrate 6 and/or of the transfer product 7 of between 50 mm and 2000 mm, in particular between 100 mm and 1000 mm. It is also useful if the distance between the printing unit 8 and the flat printing surface of the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7, which is guided over the printing table 13, is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0228] It is also possible that the printing table 13 has air outlets for generating an air cushion, in particular an air cushion between the printing table 13 and the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7.

[0229] As already explained above, a UV-curable ink is preferably printed by means of the printing unit 8.

[0230] It is useful here that the multi-application device 2 further has at least one UV precuring light source 14, preferably wherein in each case one UV precuring light source 14 is arranged on each side of the printing unit 8, in particular along the two running directions. It is also possible that the at least one UV precuring light source 14 is arranged remountable, in particular reconnectable, on each side of the printing unit 8, in particular along the two running directions. The UV-curable ink can be fixed by means of the UV precuring light sources 14, in order to prevent the UV-curable ink from running during the further transport of the substrate 6 or of the transfer product 7 to the press nip formed out of the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18.

[0231] The multi-application device 2 shown in FIG. 4 here has two UV precuring light sources 14, on each side of the printing unit 8.

[0232] The at least one UV precuring light source 14 is preferably a UV LED, which in particular generates light from the wavelength range between 100 nm and 420 nm, preferably between 280 nm and 405 nm, further preferably between 280 nm 380 nm, still further preferably between 365 nm and 380 nm.

[0233] The distance between the UV precuring light source 14 and the, in particular printed, substrate 6 or transfer product 7 is further preferably between 1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0234] It is also expedient if the distance between the UV precuring light source 14 and the printing unit 8 or the printing table 13 is between 10 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 100 mm.

[0235] The at least one UV precuring light source 14 preferably generates an irradiance of between 0 W/cm.sup.2 and 10 W/cm.sup.2, preferably between 0.5 W/cm.sup.2 and 7.5 W/cm.sup.2, further preferably between 2 W/cm.sup.2 and 5 W/cm.sup.2.

[0236] The multi-application device 2 shown in FIG. 4 further also has a pressure roller 17, a counter-pressure roller 18, a detachment roller 20 and a UV final curing light source 19a, with respect to the design of which reference is made here to the above statements. Furthermore, the multi-application device 2 shown in FIG. 4 also has the deflection and guide rollers 15, by means of which a substrate 6 or a transfer product 7 are guided through the multi-application device 2.

[0237] The multi-application device shown in FIG. 4 here comprises the further UV final curing light source 19b. The further UV final curing light source 19b is here arranged after the detachment roller 20, in particular in the running direction of the substrate 6. Thus, it is useful if the further UV final curing light source 19b is arranged between 5 cm and 50 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 20 cm, downstream of or after the detachment roller 20, in particular in the conveying direction of the substrate 6. With respect to the further design of the further UV final curing light source 19b, reference is made here to the above statements in connection with the UV final curing light source 19a.

[0238] As is shown in each case by the dashed line in the following FIGS. 5a and 5b as well as FIGS. 6a and 6b, here the multi-application device 2 shown in FIG. 4 also has a multi-application module 1 and a cold transfer unit 5, wherein the multi-application module 1 comprises at least the printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9 together with the associated printing nip 10, and wherein the cold transfer unit 5 comprises at least the pressure roller 17 and the counter-pressure roller 18. In addition, the multifunctional element 9 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a first multifunctional roller 9 and a printing table 13 arranged above it. The associated printing nip 10 is thus formed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13.

[0239] FIGS. 5a and 5b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system 4. The system 4 here also comprises, in addition to the multi-application device 2, a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7, wherein the substrate path and transfer product path differ in each case between the variant of the system 4 shown in FIG. 5a and the variant of the system 4 shown in FIG. 5b. FIGS. 5a and 5b therefore also show, schematically, sectional representations of a multi-application device 2 which in particular further have a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. Thus, a (working) method of a multi-application device 2 which comprises the variants shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b is also shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0240] According to the variant shown in FIG. 5a of a (working) method for a multi-application device, a substrate 6 is guided along a multifunctional element 9 to a printing nip 10 formed between a printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9 in order to print on the substrate 6. The multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 arranged above it. The printing nip 10 is therefore formed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. The substrate 6 is further guided to a counter-pressure roller 18 and a pressure roller 17. with which a transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6. According to the variant shown in FIG. 5b of the (working) method for a multi-application device 2, the transfer product 7 is guided along the multifunctional element 9 to the printing nip 10 formed between the printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9 in order to print on the transfer product 7. The multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 arranged above it. The printing nip 10 is therefore formed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. The transfer product 7 is further guided to the counter-pressure roller 18 and pressure roller 17, with which the transfer product 7 is pressed onto the substrate 6. In the variants shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b of the (working) methods for a multi-application device 2, the first multifunctional roller 91 rotates in each case in an opposing rotational direction.

[0241] Thus, in the variant shown in FIG. 5a, the substrate 6 first runs, via a deflection roller 15, a short distance along the counter-pressure roller 18 to the first multifunctional roller 91. From the first multifunctional roller 91, the substrate 6 is then guided over the printing table 13, on which the printing procedure takes place in the printing nip 10, which is formed between the printing table 13 or the multifunctional element 9 and the printing unit 8, by means of the printing unit 8. A UV-curable ink is preferably used as printing material here. From the printing table 13, the substrate 6 is guided back to the first multifunctional roller 91 again, which the substrate 6 wraps partially around, with the result that the substrate 6 can drive the first multifunctional roller 91. After the printing procedure in the printing nip 10, the printed material is fixed by means of the UV precuring light source 14. The UV precuring light source 14 is therefore arranged downstream of the printing. The substrate 6 is then brought together with the transfer product 7 in the press nip formed between pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18 and pressed on. For this, the transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a via a clamping system 16 and a deflection roller 15 to the press nip. By means of the clamping systems 16, a transport of the transfer product 7 under tension can be guaranteed here. As shown in FIG. 5a, the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 now simultaneously cover a common segment on the counter-pressure roller 18. On this common segment, the printing is fully cured through the transfer product 7 by means of a UV final curing light source 19a. Through the full curing, the transfer product 7, or the transfer ply of the transfer product 7, joins to the substrate 6 in those areas in which the printing, in particular thus the UV-curable ink, was applied beforehand. As shown in FIG. 5a, the transfer product 7 is then separated from the substrate 6 again by means of the detachment roller 20, wherein the transfer ply of the transfer product 7 remains on the substrate 6 in the areas printed on beforehand. The transfer product 7 is then wound onto the winding roller 12b via a deflection roller 15 and a clamping system 16. The substrate 6 that is now decorated with the transfer ply 7 at least in areas is guided out of the system 4 or the multi-application device 2 via a deflection roller 15.

[0242] In contrast, in the variant shown in FIG. 5b, the substrate 6 is guided onto the counter-pressure roller 15, which the substrate 6 wraps at least partially around, via a deflection roller 15. On the counter-pressure roller 15, the substrate 6 is now guided to the press nip formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18. In contrast, the transfer product 7 is guided from the winding roller 12a via a clamping system 16 and a deflection roller 15 to the first multifunctional roller 91. From the first multifunctional roller 91, the transfer product 7 is then guided over the printing table 13, on which the printing procedure takes place in the printing nip, which is formed between the printing table 13 or the multifunctional element 9 and the printing unit 8, by means of the printing unit 8. A UV-curable ink is preferably used as printing material here. From the printing table 13, the transfer product 7 is guided back onto the first multifunctional roller 91 again, which the transfer product 7 wraps partially around, with the result that the transfer product 7 can drive the first multifunctional roller 91. After the printing procedure in the printing nip 10, the printed material is fixed by means of the UV precuring light source 14. The UV precuring light source 14 is therefore arranged downstream of the printing. The UV precuring light source 14 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b is thus a remountable UV precuring light source 14, which can be attached on each side of the printing unit 8 depending on whether it is now the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 that is to be printed on. The transfer product 7 is then brought together with the substrate 6 in the press nip formed between pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18 and pressed on. As shown in FIG. 5b, the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7 now simultaneously cover a common segment on the counter-pressure roller 18. On this common segment, the printing is fully cured through the transfer product 7 by means of a UV final curing light source 19a. Through the full curing, the transfer product 7, or the transfer ply of the transfer product 7, joins to the substrate 6 in those areas in which the printing, in particular thus the UV-curable ink, was applied beforehand. As shown in FIG. 5b, the transfer product 7 is then separated from the substrate 6 again by means of the detachment roller 20, wherein the transfer ply of the transfer product 7 remains on the substrate 6 in the areas printed on beforehand. The transfer product 7 is then wound onto the winding roller 12b via a deflection roller 15 and a clamping system 16. The substrate 6 that is now decorated with the transfer ply at least in areas is guided out of the system 4 or the multi-application device 2 via a deflection roller 15.

[0243] With respect to the design of the component parts or components shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, reference is made here to the above statements, for example in the context of FIG. 4.

[0244] Corresponding to the system 4 which comprises a multi-application device 2 with a multi-application module 1 and a cold transfer unit 2 and further also comprises a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7, the printing system 3 likewise shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b is the multi-application module 1 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, which further also comprises the substrate 6 and/or the transfer product 7.

[0245] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 can thus be guided by means of the first multifunctional roller 91. It is thus possible that the substrate 6 guided on the first multifunctional roller 91 or the transfer product 7 guided on the first multifunctional roller 91 can be printed on in two opposing running directions in the printing nip 10 by means of the printing unit 8, in particular wherein the rotational directions of the first multifunctional roller 91 are opposing during the guiding of the substrate 6 and the transfer product 7.

[0246] As can be learned from FIGS. 5a and 5b, both the variant shown in FIG. 5a and the variant shown in FIG. 5b are carried out by the same multi-application device 2 or the same system 4, in particular wherein the substrate path and the transfer product path inside the multi-application device 2 differ, as described above. The printing on the substrate 6 or on the transfer product 7 is thus effected in the same multi-application module 1, wherein the substrate running direction and the transfer product running direction or transport directions differ, in particular are opposing.

[0247] Further, in the variant shown in FIG. 5a the first multifunctional roller 91 rotates clockwise, whereas in the variant shown in FIG. 5b the first multifunctional roller 91 rotates counterclockwise. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the counter-pressure roller 18 here rotates clockwise in both variants.

[0248] As can be learned from the above statements, according to the variant shown in FIG. 5a the substrate 6 is here consequently printed on and then brought together with the transfer product 7 with one and the same machine, whereas according to the variant shown in FIG. 5b the transfer product 7 is printed on and is then brought together with the substrate 6.

[0249] FIGS. 6a and 6b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system 4.

[0250] The system 4 shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b corresponds to the system shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, with the difference that one or more component parts selected from the group: pressure roller 17, at least one UV final curing light source 19a, detachment roller 20 and optionally at least one further UV final curing light source 19b is displaceable pivotably about the counter-pressure roller 18, in particular for adapting a feeding angle of the transfer product 7 into a press nip formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18.

[0251] As can be learned from FIGS. 6a and 6b and is indicated by an arrow, the pressure roller 17, UV final curing light source 19a and detachment roller 20 shown in FIG. 6b are pivoted compared with the pressure roller 17, UV final curing light source 19a and detachment roller 20 shown in FIG. 6a such that the feeding angle into the press nip can comply with a minimum value in both variants shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0252] FIGS. 7a and 7b shows, schematically, a sectional representation of a system 4.

[0253] The system 4 shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b corresponds to the system shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, with the difference that the cold transfer unit 5 is displaceable relative to the multi-application module 1, in particular for adapting a feeding angle of the transfer product 7 into a press nip formed out of pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18.

[0254] As can be learned from FIGS. 7a and 7b and is indicated by an arrow, the cold transfer unit 5 shown FIG. 7b has been displaced such that the feeding angle into the press nip can comply with a minimum value in both variants shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b.

[0255] Various embodiments of the multifunctional element 9 of a multi-application module 1 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 8a to 8f. In each representation, a printing unit 8 is additionally arranged above the multifunctional element 9, whereby the positioning of the multifunctional element 9 relative to the printing unit 8 is to be illustrated.

[0256] In FIG. 8a, the multifunctional element 9 merely comprises the first multifunctional roller 91. The printing nip is thus formed between the printing unit 8 and the first multifunctional roller 91. The substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 preferably wraps at least partially around the first multifunctional roller 91, with the result that the multifunctional roller 91 is driven by the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. Ink is preferably ejected from the printing unit 8 vertically relative to the circumferential edge of the first multifunctional roller 91. In this embodiment it is preferably provided that the first multifunctional roller 91 has as large a diameter as possible, with the result that the curvature is as slight as possible in the printing area. A high print quality is thereby guaranteed. The first multifunctional roller 91 shown in FIG. 8a is mounted rotatable and can therefore rotate in two opposing rotational directions. As described above, the rotational direction is dependent on whether a substrate 6 or a transfer product 7 is printed on.

[0257] In FIG. 8b, the multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 arranged above it. The printing nip we thus formed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. As also in the case of the design according to FIG. 8a, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 wraps at least partially around the first multifunctional roller 91, with the result that the first multifunctional roller 91 is driven by the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. As represented in FIG. 8b, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is guided over the printing table 13. The printing table 13 then preferably forms a flat surface area, which acts as printing surface. Printing on a flat surface area ensures a high print quality and print accuracy.

[0258] In FIG. 8c, the multifunctional element 9 merely comprises a printing table 13. In the design shown in FIG. 8c, the printing nip 10 is thus also formed between the printing unit 8 and the printing table 13. The substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is guided over the printing table 13. In preferred designs it is possible that the printing table 13 itself has rollers and/or rolls, which are in particular integrated in the printing table 13, in order to make better running properties of the substrate 6 or of the transfer product 7 possible.

[0259] In FIG. 8d, the multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and two second multifunctional rollers 92. The substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 wraps at least partially around the first multifunctional roller 91, whereby the first multifunctional roller 91 is driven. After the first point at which the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 touches the first multifunctional roller, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is guided onto the first second multifunctional roller 92 and diverted back to the first multifunctional roller 91 via the second second multifunctional roller 92. This means that the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is clamped between the two second multifunctional rollers 92 in such a way that the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 forms a flat printing surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8d, the printing nip 10 is formed between the flat printing surface, or between the two second multifunctional rollers 92, and the printing unit 8. A high print quality and print accuracy is also promoted by clamping the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 by means of the second multifunctional rollers to form a flat printing surface. Both the first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional rollers 92 are preferably mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions. As described previously, the rotational direction is dependent on whether the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is printed on.

[0260] In FIG. 8e, the multifunctional element 9 comprises two second multifunctional rollers 92. The substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 wraps at least partially around the two second multifunctional rollers 92 and they are thereby driven. As already shown in

[0261] FIG. 8d, in the embodiment according to FIG. 8e the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is also clamped between the two second multifunctional rollers 92 to form a flat printing surface. This makes a high print quality and print accuracy possible. The second multifunctional rollers 92 are preferably mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions, which are dependent on whether the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is printed on.

[0262] In FIG. 8f, the multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and one second multifunctional roller 92. The substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 wraps at least partially around both the first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional roller 92, which are driven by the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7. In the design shown in FIG. 8f, the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is clamped via the first multifunctional roller 91 and the one second multifunctional roller 92 such that a flat printing surface forms. The flat printing surface is preferably arranged vertically in relation to the printing unit 8 or arranged vertically in relation to the ejection of ink by the printing unit 8. The first multifunctional roller 91 and the second multifunctional roller 92 are preferably mounted rotatable in two opposing rotational directions in each case, which is dependent on whether the substrate 6 or the transfer product 7 is printed on.

[0263] FIGS. 9a and 9b in each case show a schematic sectional representation of a system 4. The systems shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b substantially correspond to the systems shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, but with the difference that the transfer product 7 is in each case conveyed, using a transfer product transport system 24, in the direction of the press nip, which is formed between pressure roller 17 and counter-pressure roller 18.

[0264] FIGS. 9a and 9b also show, schematically, sectional representations of a multi-application device 2, which in particular further have a substrate 6 and a transfer product 7. Thus, a (working) method of a multi-application device 2 which comprises the variants shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b is also shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0265] Since only the transport path of the transfer product 7 in FIGS. 9a and 9b differs from the transport path of the transfer product 7 represented in FIGS. 6a and 6b, only these changed transport paths are described, in order to avoid repetitions. In contrast, the transport path of the substrate 6 is identical to that from FIGS. 6a and 6b. The arrangement of the remaining components of the multi-application device 2 and of the system 4 are also identical to the arrangements in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0266] Thus, in the variant of a (working) method shown in FIG. 9a, the transfer product 7 runs, starting from a winding roller 12a, via a clamping system 16 along a multifunctional element 9 to a printing nip 10 formed between a printing unit 8 and the multifunctional element 9 in order to print on the transfer product 7. In this variant the multifunctional element 9 comprises a first multifunctional roller 91 and a printing table 13 arranged above it. The transfer product 7 is further guided by the transfer product transport system 24 to a counter-pressure roller 18 and a pressure roller 17, with which the transfer product 7 is pressed onto a substrate 6. The transfer product 7 is separated from the substrate 6 again by means of a detachment roller 20, wherein the transfer ply remains on the substrate 6 in the areas printed on beforehand. The transfer product 7 is then wound onto the winding roller 12b via a deflection roller 15 and a clamping system 16.

[0267] Because the transfer product transport system 24 is arranged upstream of the counter-pressure roller 18, the transfer product 7 can be arranged in register with the substrate 6 using the transfer product transport system 24. The functioning of the transfer product transport system 24 is described below in relation to the statements relating to FIG. 9b.

[0268] In the variant of a (working) methods shown in FIG. 9b, the transfer product 7 is, starting from a winding roller 12a, via a clamping system 16, by a transfer product transport system 24 to a counter-pressure roller 18, on which the transfer product 7 pressed against a substrate 6 by means of a pressure roller 17. As also shown in FIG. 9a, the transfer product 7 is then separated from the substrate 6 again by means of the detachment roller 20, wherein the transfer ply of the transfer product 7 remains on the substrate 6 in the areas printed on beforehand. The transfer product 7 is then wound onto the winding roller 12b via a deflection roller 15 and a clamping system 16.

[0269] The material transport can be exactly controlled by the transfer product transport system 24 arranged after the clamping system 16. The transfer product transport system 24 preferably controls the positioning in the press nip of an at least one element and/or an at least one layer on the transfer product 7 and an at least one element and/or an at least one layer on the substrate 6 in a register-accurate manner by means of the stretching of the transfer product 7. The at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product 7 and/or on the substrate 6 is preferably already applied in the production process of the transfer product 7 or of the substrate 6. In addition, optically detectable registration marks or register marks are applied to the at least one element and/or the at least one layer of the transfer product 7 or of the substrate 6. These registration marks or register marks can be detected by a detection unit arranged in the transfer product transport system 24 and the position of the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the transfer product 7 can be determined therefrom. With the aid of these data, a roller driven in the transfer product transport system 24 is accelerated or decelerated, as a result of which the transport speed of the transfer product 7 changes locally in relation to the overall transport speed of the transfer product 7. Because the transfer product 7 is stretchable up to a certain degree, a register-accurate application of the transfer product 7 relative to the substrate 6 or to the printing on the substrate 6 and/or the at least one element and/or the at least one layer on the substrate 6 can be achieved via the local transport speed of the transfer product 7. Such a driven roller can have one or more of the following elements, selected individually or in combination from: roller with opposing pressure roller, roller with at least one or more segmented pressure roller, or vacuum roller.

[0270] The transfer product transport system 24 can also have a clamping system, with which the stretching of the transfer product 7 can be further influenced. It is thus possible that the transport speed of the transfer product 7 upstream of the transfer product transport system 24 is different from that downstream of the transfer product transport system 24. The stretching of the transfer product 7 thus makes the registered positioning of the transfer product 7 possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0271] 1 multi-application module [0272] 2 multi-application device [0273] 3 printing system [0274] 4 system [0275] 5 cold transfer unit [0276] 6 substrate [0277] 7 transfer product [0278] 8 printing unit [0279] 9 multifunctional element [0280] 91 first multifunctional roller [0281] 92 second multifunctional roller [0282] 10 printing nip [0283] 11a, 11b running directions [0284] 12a, 12b winding rollers [0285] 13 printing table [0286] 14 UV precuring light source [0287] 15 deflection and/or guide roller [0288] 16 clamping system [0289] 17 pressure roller [0290] 18 counter-pressure roller [0291] 19a, 19b UV final curing light source [0292] 20 detachment roller or a detachment blade [0293] 21 section [0294] 22 extension module [0295] 23 processing machine [0296] 24 transfer product transport system