Patent Description:
Conventionally, a printing press described in, for example, patent literature <NUM> is used as a device capable of emboss-processing a surface of a sheet. Patent literature <NUM> shows a sheet-fed offset printing press capable of performing emboss-processing and transfer or printing of a foil.

In a bill formed by a sheet made of a polymer material, there is a demand to provide a convex portion of a different tactile feeling on a printed sheet by emboss-processing to obtain added values such as a forgery preventing technique, consideration for users, and improvement of usability.

Patent Literature <NUM>: <CIT>
<CIT> discloses a processing device configured to process a printed sheet, by comprising: an embossing device configured to perform emboss-processing of the sheet; and a final processing device configured to perform final working processing of a surface of the sheet. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose similar processing devices.

A sheet embossed by the printing press described in patent literature <NUM> is sometimes transferred to another processing machine that performs the final process of printing. The final process of printing is a process of performing certain processing for the surface of a sheet after pattern printing before cutting and folding of the sheet. Examples of the processing are number printing and varnish application.

To perform processing of the final process for a sheet after emboss-processing, a number of sheets after emboss-processing are transferred in a stacked state to a processing machine that executes the processing of the final process.

When a convex portion is provided on each sheet by emboss-processing, the thickness of the sheet partially increases in the embossed portion. When such embossed sheets are stacked, each embossed portion is strongly pressed against another sheet. For this reason, when supplying a sheet in the processing machine that executes the above-described processing of the final process, the embossed portion may be caught by another sheet, resulting in poor sheet feeding.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a processing device capable of performing emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing by performing the emboss-processing at an appropriate stage of a printing step after pattern printing is performed and after sheet transfer has ended.

In order to achieve the object, a processing device according to the present invention is a processing device configured to process a printed sheet, comprising an embossing device configured to perform emboss-processing of the sheet, and a final processing device configured to perform final working processing of a surface of the sheet, wherein the final processing device comprises at least one of a number printing device configured to print a number on the sheet, and a varnishing device configured to apply a varnish to the sheet.

In the present invention, since emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and printing or varnish application is not performed for the sheet. It is therefore possible to perform an at a stage after pattern printing is performed and after sheet transfer has ended, that is, at an appropriate stage of the printing step, in which an embossed portion does not exert an adverse effect on pattern printing and sheet feeding.

Hence, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a processing device capable of performing emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

A processing device will now be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

A processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a device configured to perform emboss-processing and final working processing (to be referred to as "final processing" hereinafter) at the final stage of the manufacturing step of securities and the like including bills. "Final processing" here is processing performed for the surface of a sheet after pattern printing before cutting and folding of the sheet. Examples of the final processing are number printing and varnish application.

The processing device <NUM> is formed by a sheet supply device <NUM>, a loading device <NUM>, an embossing device <NUM>, a number printing device <NUM>, and a sheet discharge device <NUM>. In the processing device <NUM>, a sheet <NUM> supplied from the sheet supply device <NUM> located on the rightmost side in <FIG> is sent to the sheet discharge device <NUM> located on the leftmost side in <FIG> via the loading device <NUM>, the embossing device <NUM>, and the number printing device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the conveyance path of the sheet <NUM> is indicated by a thick line.

The sheet <NUM> is a sheet that is made of a polymer material as prospective securities including bills and bank notes, which is an intermediate product after pattern printing. Note that the processing device <NUM> can perform emboss-processing and final processing not only for a sheet made of a polymer material but also for a sheet made of paper.

The sheet supply device <NUM>, the loading device <NUM>, the embossing device <NUM>, the number printing device <NUM>, and the sheet discharge device <NUM> used in the processing device <NUM> are unitized as independent devices and combined such that emboss-processing and final processing can continuously be performed for the sheet.

The sheet supply device <NUM> includes an elevating feeder pile <NUM> on which a number of sheets <NUM> are stacked, and a sucker device (not shown) configured to place the sheet <NUM> located at the uppermost position onto a feeder board <NUM>. On the feeder pile <NUM>, the sheets <NUM> are stacked in a state in which each sheet has one surface facing upward. In this specification, for the sake of convenience, one surface of the sheet <NUM> directed upward in a state in which the sheet is stacked on the feeder pile <NUM> will be referred to as an "upper surface", and the other surface as a "lower surface".

The loading device <NUM> includes a swing device <NUM> and a first transfer cylinder <NUM>. The swing device <NUM> includes a gripper device (not shown) configured to hold an end of the sheet <NUM>, sent by the feeder board <NUM>, on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and swings between the feeder board <NUM> and the first transfer cylinder <NUM>. The first transfer cylinder <NUM> rotates in synchronism with the swing of the swing device <NUM>.

The sheet <NUM> placed on the feeder board <NUM> by the sucker device (not shown) is sent to a second transfer cylinder <NUM> of the embossing device <NUM> via the swing device <NUM> and the first transfer cylinder <NUM> of the loading device <NUM>. Each of the first transfer cylinder <NUM> and the second transfer cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold the end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, although not illustrated. Each of the first transfer cylinder <NUM> and the second transfer cylinder <NUM> grips and holds the sheet <NUM> by the gripper device and rotates in the holding state, thereby conveying the sheet <NUM>.

The embossing device <NUM> includes the above-described second transfer cylinder <NUM>, an embossing impression cylinder <NUM>, and a plate cylinder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> is a single-diameter cylinder including one notch portion <NUM> on the outer peripheral portion, and an effective impression area <NUM> which has an area corresponding to one sheet and in which the notch portion <NUM> is not provided. The notch portion <NUM> is formed such that a part of the outer peripheral portion of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> obtains a small diameter as compared to the remaining portion. The effective impression area <NUM> is the outer peripheral surface of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> with which the sheet <NUM> can come into tight contact. In addition, the "area corresponding to one sheet" is an area that allows only one sheet <NUM> to be wound around it. A first plate <NUM> for emboss-processing is wound around the effective impression area <NUM>. The first plate <NUM> is in contact with the upper surface of the sheet <NUM>.

A gripper device <NUM> configured to grip and hold the end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction is provided at the upstream-side end of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> in the rotation direction (clockwise in <FIG>) in the notch portion <NUM>. The gripper device <NUM> includes a gripper pad <NUM>, and grippers <NUM> that swing with respect to the gripper pad <NUM>. In this embodiment, the gripper device <NUM> corresponds to a "sheet holding device" in the present invention.

The gripper pad <NUM> is attached to the distal end of a gripper pad bar <NUM>. The gripper pad bar <NUM> is attached to an impression cylinder main body <NUM> so as to be swingable with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> as the center. The gripper pad bar <NUM> has a function of holding one end of the first plate <NUM> in cooperation with the impression cylinder main body <NUM>. The other end of the first plate <NUM> is attached to the downstream-side end of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> in the rotation direction in the notch portion <NUM>, that is, a winding member <NUM> provided at an end on the side opposite to the gripper pad <NUM>.

The first plate <NUM> has one end fixed to the impression cylinder main body <NUM> by the gripper pad bar <NUM> and the other end wound by the winding member <NUM>, and is thus held on the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> while being wound on the effective impression area <NUM>. In this embodiment, the gripper pad bar <NUM> and the winding member <NUM> correspond to a "first plate holding device" in the present invention. The gripper pad bar <NUM> and the winding member <NUM> are capable of holding both an intaglio printing plate and a relief printing plate.

The plate cylinder <NUM> is a single-diameter cylinder including one notch portion <NUM> on the outer peripheral portion, and an effective impression area <NUM> which has an area corresponding to one sheet and in which the notch portion <NUM> is not provided. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the plate cylinder <NUM> includes a support shaft 17a in the axial portion. The support shaft 17a is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) via an eccentric bearing 17b. The eccentric bearing 17b is pivotally supported by the frame, and rotatably supports the support shaft 17a at a position eccentric from an axis C. The plate cylinder <NUM> rotates about the support shaft 17a.

Although not illustrated, a flange is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the eccentric bearing 17b. One end of a rod-shaped arm 17c is pivotally connected to the flange. A stepping motor 17d is connected to the other end of the arm 17c. The base end of the stepping motor 17d is swingably supported by the frame if a support shaft 17e.

That is, when the stepping motor 17d is operated to move the arm 17c in the axial direction, the eccentric bearing 17b pivots. When the eccentric bearing 17b pivots, the support shaft 17a moves along a virtual circle with respect to the axis C of the eccentric bearing <NUM> as the center. That is, along with the pivotal movement of the eccentric bearing 17b, the plate cylinder <NUM> moves between a position at which the plate cylinder <NUM> contacts the embossing impression cylinder <NUM>, as indicated by a solid line in <FIG>, and a position at which the plate cylinder <NUM> separates from the impression cylinder <NUM>, as indicated by an alternate long and two short dashed line in <FIG>. A second plate <NUM> for emboss-processing is wound on the effective impression area <NUM> of the plate cylinder <NUM>. The second plate <NUM> is in contact with the lower surface of the sheet <NUM>.

Plate clamps <NUM> are provided, respectively, at two ends of the plate cylinder <NUM> in the rotation direction in the notch portion <NUM> of the plate cylinder <NUM>. The plate clamps <NUM> hold one end and the other end of the second plate <NUM> while pulling the second plate <NUM> in directions along the peripheral surface of the plate cylinder <NUM>. The second plate <NUM> has the two ends pulled by the plate clamps <NUM>, and is thus held on the plate cylinder <NUM> while being wound on the effective impression area <NUM> of the plate cylinder <NUM>. In this case, the pair of plate clamps <NUM> corresponds to a "second plate holding device" in the present invention.

The plate clamps <NUM> are capable of holding both an intaglio printing plate and a relief printing plate. When the first plate <NUM> formed by an intaglio printing plate is attached to the embossing impression cylinder <NUM>, the second plate <NUM> formed by a relief printing plate is attached to the plate cylinder <NUM>.

The positioning of the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> in the rotation direction can be performed by shifting the position of the second plate <NUM> in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder <NUM> using the plate clamps <NUM>.

The number printing device <NUM> is formed by first to third number printing units <NUM> to <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first to third number printing units <NUM> to <NUM> are arranged in a cascade so as to form the conveyance path of the sheet <NUM>. In this case, the number printing device <NUM> corresponds to a "final processing device" in the present invention.

In this case, units whose structures are identical to each other are used as the first to third number printing units <NUM> to <NUM>.

The number printing device <NUM> includes third to fifth transfer cylinders <NUM> to <NUM>, first to third number printing impression cylinders <NUM> to <NUM>, first to third number cylinders <NUM> to <NUM>, first to third ink supply devices <NUM> to <NUM>, first to third inspection cameras <NUM> to <NUM>, and the like in correspondence with the number printing units. Each of the third to fifth transfer cylinders <NUM> to <NUM> and the first to third number printing impression cylinders <NUM> to <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold the end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, although not illustrated. Each of the first to third number printing impression cylinders <NUM> to <NUM> comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet <NUM>.

The third transfer cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> of the embossing device <NUM> and sends it to the first number printing impression cylinder <NUM>.

The fourth transfer cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the first number printing impression cylinder <NUM> and sends it to the second number printing impression cylinder <NUM>.

The fifth transfer cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the second number printing impression cylinder <NUM> and sends it to the third number printing impression cylinder <NUM>.

The first to third number cylinders <NUM> to <NUM> each include a numbering device (not shown) configured to print a serial number, and contact the lower portions of the first to third number printing impression cylinders <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively. Each numbering device prints a number on the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> conveyed by a corresponding one of the first to third number printing impression cylinders <NUM> to <NUM>.

The first to third ink supply devices <NUM> to <NUM> supply inks to the first to third numbering devices <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively.

The first to third inspection cameras <NUM> to <NUM> are configured to determine the quality of number printing performed by the first to third number printing units <NUM> to <NUM>, and capture the sheet <NUM> after number printing, which is conveyed by the first to third number printing impression cylinders <NUM> to <NUM>, from the lower side. The quality determination is performed based on images captured by the first to third inspection cameras <NUM> to <NUM>.

The sheet discharge device <NUM> includes a chain-type conveyance device <NUM> adjacent to the third number printing impression cylinder <NUM>, and first to third delivery piles <NUM> to <NUM>. The conveyance device <NUM> includes a pair of delivery chains 61a arranged in the axial direction of the third number printing impression cylinder <NUM>, a number of gripper bars (not shown) bridged between the delivery chains 61a, gripper devices (not shown) provided on the gripper bars, and the like.

The sheets <NUM> conveyed by the conveyance device <NUM> are classified into non-defective products and defective products based on the result of inspection performed using the first to third inspection cameras <NUM> to <NUM> and distributed to the first to third delivery piles <NUM> to <NUM>. The sheets <NUM> determined as non-defective products by the quality determination are stacked on the first and second delivery piles <NUM> and <NUM>, and the sheets <NUM> determined as defective products are stacked on the third delivery pile <NUM>.

In the thus configured processing device <NUM>, the embossing device <NUM> performs emboss-processing of the sheet <NUM> that has undergone pattern printing, and after that, the number printing device <NUM> performs number printing on the sheet <NUM>. For this reason, when the processing device <NUM> is used, emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing of a security and the like, including a bill. Hence, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and printing or varnish application is not performed for the sheet.

According to this scenario, emboss-processing can be performed at a stage after pattern printing is performed and after sheet transfer has ended, that is, at an appropriate stage of the printing step, in which an embossed portion does not exert an adverse effect on pattern printing and sheet feeding.

It is therefore possible to provide a processing device capable of performing emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

The embossing device <NUM> includes the single-diameter embossing impression cylinder <NUM> including the effective impression area <NUM> corresponding to one sheet, and the single-diameter plate cylinder <NUM> configured to be able to contact/separate from the impression cylinder <NUM> and including the effective impression area <NUM> corresponding to one sheet. The embossing impression cylinder <NUM> includes the gripper device (sheet holding device) configured to hold the sheet <NUM>, and the gripper pad bar <NUM> and the winding member <NUM> (first plate holding device) configured to hold the first plate <NUM>. The plate cylinder <NUM> includes the plate clamps <NUM> (second plate holding device) configured to hold the second plate <NUM>.

As for emboss-processing quality, it is necessary to ensure durability in plastic deformation, prevent tearing in plastic deformation, and obtain a distinct convex shape and an excellent tactile sense. According to this embodiment, since each of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> and the plate cylinder <NUM> is formed by a single-diameter cylinder, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> have a one-to-one relationship, and the positions of concave and convex patterns match in each rotation, thereby meeting the requirement. In addition, since the impression cylinder <NUM> and the plate cylinder <NUM> are single-diameter cylinders, the position adjustment between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> is easy. Hence, , it is possible to provide a processing device that ensures high emboss-processing quality.

The gripper pad bar <NUM> and the winding member <NUM> (first plate holding device) of the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> and the plate clamps <NUM> (second plate holding device) of the plate cylinder <NUM> are capable of holding both an intaglio printing plate and a relief printing plate. Emboss-processing is a function of enabling security type determination by a tactile sense. Basically, convex embossing can exist on either of the obverse and reverse sides of the sheet <NUM> such as a bank note without any problem with the tactile sense. However, which side should have the emboss-processing needs to be decided from the viewpoint of design. In other words, a processing device configured to perform emboss-processing on a bank note is required to have a function of performing emboss-processing on either of the obverse and reverse sides in accordance with the design. According to this, since an intaglio printing plate surface and a relief printing plate surface can be attached to both cylinders (the impression cylinder <NUM> and the plate cylinder <NUM>), it is possible to provide a processing device having a high degree of freedom for a bank note design.

A processing device according to the present invention can be configured as shown in <FIG>. The same reference numerals as in <FIG> and <FIG> denote the same or similar members in <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof will appropriately be omitted.

A processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is different from the processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> in the final processing device, and the rest is the same. Hence, a detailed description of a sheet supply device <NUM>, a loading device <NUM>, an embossing device <NUM>, and a sheet discharge device <NUM> of the processing device <NUM> will be omitted.

The final processing device according to this embodiment is a varnishing device <NUM>. The varnishing device <NUM> includes a first varnishing unit <NUM> configured to apply a varnish to the upper surface of a sheet <NUM>, and a second varnishing unit <NUM> configured to apply a varnish to the lower surface of the sheet <NUM>.

The first varnishing unit <NUM> includes a first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> and a skeleton cylinder <NUM>, which form a part of the conveyance path of the sheet <NUM>. The first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> is arranged between an embossing impression cylinder <NUM> and the skeleton cylinder <NUM> at a position adjacent to the embossing impression cylinder <NUM>. The first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> and the skeleton cylinder <NUM> are rotatably supported by the frame (not shown) of the first varnishing unit <NUM>. Additionally, although not illustrated, each of the first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> and the skeleton cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold an end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> of the embossing device <NUM> and conveys it. The lower surface of the sheet <NUM> comes into contact with the first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>. The skeleton cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the impression cylinder <NUM> and sends it to the second varnishing unit <NUM>. A first varnishing plate cylinder <NUM> contacts the upper portion of the first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>. A first anilox roller <NUM> contacts the upper portion of the first varnishing plate cylinder <NUM>. A first chamber device <NUM> configured to supply a varnish is connected to the first anilox roller <NUM>. The varnish is an ultraviolet curing varnish.

The second varnishing unit <NUM> includes a drying cylinder <NUM> and a second varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>, which form a part of the conveyance path of the sheet <NUM>. The drying cylinder <NUM> is arranged between the skeleton cylinder <NUM> and the second varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> at a position adjacent to the skeleton cylinder <NUM>. The drying cylinder <NUM> and the second varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> are rotatably supported by the frame (not shown) of the second varnishing unit <NUM>. Additionally, although not illustrated, each of the drying cylinder <NUM> and the impression cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold the end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The drying cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the skeleton cylinder <NUM> and conveys it. A first drying device <NUM> is provided near the upper portion of the drying cylinder <NUM>. The first drying device <NUM> dries (solidifies) the varnish applied to the sheet <NUM> by the first varnishing unit <NUM>. The first drying device <NUM> according to this embodiment irradiates the upper surface of the sheet <NUM> conveyed by the drying cylinder <NUM> with ultraviolet rays.

The second varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the drying cylinder <NUM> and transfers it to a conveyance device <NUM> of the sheet discharge device <NUM>. A second varnishing plate cylinder <NUM> contacts the lower portion of the impression cylinder <NUM>. A second anilox roller <NUM> contacts the lower portion of the second varnishing plate cylinder <NUM>. A second chamber device <NUM> configured to supply a varnish is connected to the second anilox roller <NUM>. The varnish is an ultraviolet curing varnish.

The varnish applied to the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> by the second varnishing unit <NUM> is dried (solidified) by a second drying device <NUM> provided in the sheet discharge device <NUM>. The second drying device <NUM> is arranged under the sheet <NUM> conveyed by the conveyance device <NUM> and irradiates the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> with ultraviolet rays.

In the processing device <NUM> according to this embodiment, the embossing device <NUM> performs emboss-processing of the sheet <NUM> that has undergone pattern printing, and after that, the varnishing device <NUM> performs varnishing processing for the sheet <NUM>. For this reason, when the processing device <NUM> is used, emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing of a security and the like, including a bill. Hence, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and varnishing processing is not further performed for the sheet. It is therefore possible to perform emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

A processing device according to the present invention can be configured as shown in <FIG>. The same reference numerals as in <FIG> denote the same or similar members in <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof will appropriately be omitted.

A processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is different from the processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> in the arrangement between a loading device <NUM> and an embossing device <NUM>, and the rest is the same. Hence, a detailed description of a sheet supply device <NUM>, the loading device <NUM>, the embossing device <NUM>, a varnishing device <NUM>, and a sheet discharge device <NUM> of the processing device <NUM> will be omitted.

An upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> that forms a part of a "final processing device" in the present invention is provided between the loading device <NUM> and the embossing device <NUM>. The upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> applies a varnish to the upper surface of a sheet <NUM>, and includes a third varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> and a sixth transfer cylinder <NUM>, which form a part of the conveyance path of the sheet <NUM>. Although not illustrated, each of the impression cylinder <NUM> and the sixth transfer cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold an end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

The third varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from a first transfer cylinder <NUM> of the loading device <NUM> and conveys it. The lower surface of the sheet <NUM> comes into contact with the impression cylinder <NUM>. The sixth transfer cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the impression cylinder <NUM> and sends it to a second transfer cylinder <NUM> of the embossing device <NUM>.

A third varnishing plate cylinder <NUM> contacts the upper portion of the third varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>. A third anilox roller <NUM> contacts the upper portion of the third varnishing plate cylinder <NUM>.

A third chamber device <NUM> configured to supply a varnish is connected to the third anilox roller <NUM>. The varnish is an ultraviolet curing varnish. After the application to the sheet <NUM>, the varnish is dried (solidified) by a third drying device <NUM> in the middle of the conveyance of the sheet <NUM> by the impression cylinder <NUM>. The third drying device <NUM> is arranged near the upper portion of the third varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>, and irradiates the upper surface of the sheet <NUM> conveyed by the impression cylinder <NUM> with ultraviolet rays.

In the processing device <NUM> according to this embodiment, the upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> applies a varnish to the upper surface of the sheet <NUM> that has undergone pattern printing, and after that, the embossing device <NUM> performs emboss-processing. After the emboss-processing, the varnishing device <NUM> on the downstream side applies a varnish to each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the sheet <NUM>, thereby completing a product. For this reason, in the processing device <NUM> as well, emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing of a security and the like, including a bill. Hence, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and processing such as printing or varnish application is not further performed for the sheet. It is therefore possible to perform emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

A processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is different from the processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> in the arrangements of an upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> and the upstream portion of an embossing device <NUM>, and the rest is the same. Hence, a detailed description of a sheet supply device <NUM>, a loading device <NUM>, the downstream portion of the embossing device <NUM> as the main portion, a varnishing device <NUM>, and a sheet discharge device <NUM> of the processing device <NUM> will be omitted.

The upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> according to this embodiment applies a varnish to the lower surface of a sheet <NUM>, and includes a seventh transfer cylinder <NUM> and a fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>, which form a part of the conveyance path of the sheet <NUM>. Although not illustrated, each of the seventh transfer cylinder <NUM> and the impression cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold an end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The seventh transfer cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from a first transfer cylinder <NUM> of the loading device <NUM> and conveys it. The fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the seventh transfer cylinder <NUM> and sends it to an eighth transfer cylinder <NUM> provided in the upper portion of the embossing device <NUM>.

The fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> is in contact with the upper surface of the sheet <NUM>. In addition, a fourth varnishing plate cylinder <NUM> contacts the lower portion of the fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>. A fourth anilox roller <NUM> contacts the fourth varnishing plate cylinder <NUM>. A fourth chamber device <NUM> configured to supply a varnish is connected to the fourth anilox roller <NUM>. The varnish is an ultraviolet curing varnish. After the application to the sheet <NUM>, the varnish is dried (solidified) by a fourth drying device <NUM> in the middle of the conveyance of the sheet <NUM> by the fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>. The fourth drying device <NUM> is arranged near the lower portion of the fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM>, and irradiates the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> conveyed by the impression cylinder <NUM> with ultraviolet rays.

The eighth transfer cylinder <NUM> and a ninth transfer cylinder <NUM> are provided in the upstream portion of the embossing device <NUM> according to this embodiment. Although not illustrated, each of the eighth transfer cylinder <NUM> and the ninth transfer cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold the end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The sheet <NUM> to which the varnish is applied by the upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> is sent from the fourth varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> to a second transfer cylinder <NUM> in the downstream portion of the embossing device <NUM> via the eighth transfer cylinder <NUM> and the ninth transfer cylinder <NUM>. The downstream portion of the embossing device <NUM> is formed by the second transfer cylinder <NUM>, an embossing impression cylinder <NUM>, and a plate cylinder <NUM>.

In the processing device <NUM> according to this embodiment, the upstream-side varnishing device <NUM> applies a varnish to the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> that has undergone pattern printing, and after that, the embossing device <NUM> performs embossing. After the emboss-processing, the varnishing device <NUM> on the downstream side applies a varnish to each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the sheet <NUM>. For this reason, in the processing device <NUM> as well, emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing of a security and the like, including a bill. Hence, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and processing such as printing or varnish application is not further performed for the sheet. It is therefore possible to perform emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

In a processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a drying unit <NUM> and a varnishing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> are added between a number printing device <NUM> and a sheet discharge device <NUM> of a processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Hence, a detailed description of a sheet supply device <NUM>, a loading device <NUM>, an embossing device <NUM>, the number printing device <NUM>, the varnishing device <NUM>, and the sheet discharge device <NUM> of the processing device <NUM> will be omitted. In the processing device <NUM>, the number printing device <NUM> and the varnishing device <NUM> correspond to a "final processing device" in the present invention.

The drying unit <NUM> forms a part of the number printing device <NUM>, and includes a 10th transfer cylinder <NUM> and a drying cylinder <NUM>, which form a part of the conveyance path of a sheet <NUM>. Although not illustrated, each of the 10th transfer cylinder <NUM> and the drying cylinder <NUM> includes a gripper device configured to hold an end of the sheet <NUM> on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The 10th transfer cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from a third number printing impression cylinder <NUM> and conveys it. The drying cylinder <NUM> receives the sheet <NUM> from the 10th transfer cylinder <NUM> and sends it to a first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> of the varnishing device <NUM>. A drying device <NUM> is arranged near the lower portion of the drying cylinder <NUM>. The drying device <NUM> irradiates the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> conveyed by the drying cylinder <NUM> with ultraviolet rays, and dries (solidifies) inks printed on the sheet <NUM> by first to third number printing units <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the processing device <NUM> according to this embodiment, the embossing device <NUM> performs emboss-processing of the sheet <NUM> that has undergone pattern printing, and after that, the number printing device <NUM> prints numbers on the lower surface of the sheet <NUM>. After the inks of number printing are solidified, the varnishing device <NUM> applies a varnish to both surfaces of the sheet <NUM>. For this reason, in the processing device <NUM> as well, emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing of a security and the like, including a bill. Hence, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and processing such as printing or varnish application is not further performed for the sheet. It is therefore possible to perform emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

A processing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is different from the processing device shown in <FIG> in the position of an embossing device <NUM>, and the rest is the same.

The embossing device <NUM> according to this embodiment is provided between a varnishing device <NUM> and a drying cylinder <NUM> of a number printing device <NUM>.

A second transfer cylinder <NUM> of the embossing device <NUM> receives a sheet <NUM> from the drying cylinder <NUM> of the number printing device <NUM> and sends it to an embossing impression cylinder <NUM>. In addition, the sheet <NUM> after emboss-processing is sent from the embossing impression cylinder <NUM> to a first varnishing impression cylinder <NUM> of the varnishing device <NUM>.

For this reason, in the processing device <NUM> according to this embodiment, the number printing device <NUM> prints numbers on the lower surface of the sheet <NUM> that has undergone pattern printing, after that, the embossing device <NUM> performs emboss-processing, and the varnishing device <NUM> applies a varnish to both surfaces of the sheet <NUM>. Hence, in the processing device <NUM> as well, emboss-processing can be performed in the final process of printing of a security and the like, including a bill. Hence, the sheet after emboss-processing is not transferred to another processing machine, and processing such as printing or varnish application is not further performed for the sheet. It is therefore possible to perform emboss-processing without disturbing sheet feeding when performing the final process of printing.

Claim 1:
A processing device configured to process a printed sheet (<NUM>), by comprising:
an embossing device (<NUM>) configured to perform emboss-processing of the sheet (<NUM>); and
a final processing device (<NUM>) configured to perform final working processing of a surface of the sheet (<NUM>),
characterized in that the final processing device (<NUM>) comprises a varnishing device (<NUM>) arranged downstream of the embossing device (<NUM>) and configured to apply a varnish to both surfaces of the sheet (<NUM>),
wherein the varnishing device (<NUM>) includes
a first varnishing impression cylinder (<NUM>);
a second varnishing impression cylinder (<NUM>); and
a skeleton cylinder (<NUM>) which is arranged between the first varnishing impression cylinder (<NUM>) and the second varnishing impression cylinder (<NUM>) and is configured to receive the sheet (<NUM>) from the first varnishing impression cylinder (<NUM>).