TITLE: “DEVICE AND PROCESS OF TREATING A SHEET MATERIAL, PLANT AND PROCESS OF DIGITALLY PRINTING A SHEET MATERIAL”

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a device and an associated process of treating a sheet material, for example a fabric and/or a non-woven fabric. Further, the present invention refers to a plant and an associated process of printing a sheet material, for example a fabric and/or a non-woven fabric; the printing plant and process object of the present invention can find an application to the ink-jet digital print of a sheet material, obtainable by heads movable along a width of the sheet material.

STATE OF THE ART

Different printing techniques, which are used to apply inks or paints on sheet materials of different types, for example fabric, non-woven fabric and other sheet materials are nowadays known; these materials are generally subjected to a set of preparation steps before the printing step, and/or to one or more fabric finishing steps, after the printing step. A suitable pretreatment of the fibrous material enables the ink drops to be fixed to the fibers of the material without forming marks or uncontrolled smears, consequently ensuring a good color yield and a suitable definition; a treatment following the printing step can cause the ink to be suitable fixed to the fibrous material itself. A first example, described in the USA patent application N. US 2002/005870 A1 , refers to a scan-type printing plant comprising a conveyor configured to move a sheet material along an advancement direction through a printing station. Downstream the printing station, the plant has a UV treating station, a drying station, and a padding station. A second example, described in the international patent application No. WO 2018/0202420 A1, refers to a printing plant provided with a conveyor belt movable along a closed loop on which the sheet material, for part of the closed loop defining an operative section, is constrained. The printing plant has an applicator of a treatment substance and a printing device active at the operative section. The treatment substance applicator can be fixed with respect to the printing station or movable along a direction perpendicular to an advancement direction of the sheet material engaged on the conveyor belt; the applicator is configured to supply the treatment substance directly on the conveyor belt: the fabric treatment is performed after a contact between the fabric and conveyor belt, this condition enables the substance deposited on the conveyor to penetrate the fabric.

A third example, described in the European patent application No. EP 2826631 A1, refers to a treating system configured to apply a lacquer or other treatment fluid to a flat or pliable substrate before the printing step. The treating system comprises two distinct modules for applying the lacquer to the substrate. A first module comprises a plurality of fixed applicators aligned along a direction perpendicular to an advancement direction of the substrate; a second module comprises at least one applicator, comprising for example a spray nozzle movable along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction of the substrate. Due to the use of part of the fixed applicators of the first module and due to the movable applicator of the second module, the treating system enables to apply the treatment fluid to substrate portions in order to define a desired path or pattern to apply the fluid.

While the described solution of the above given examples enables to treat the fabric (or substrate), the Applicant has observed such solutions are not devoid of inconveniences and therefore are improvable from some aspects. Particularly, the above described plants do not enable to accurately apply the treatment solution to the sheet material, inside predetermined regions of interest.

Further, printing plants providing only to constrain/abut the material to be printed on a conveyor belt and the following printing step, without any type of pretreatment or post-treatment of the material, are known; such solutions are described in the patent applications No. EP 2689934 A1 and No EP 3308969 A1, for example.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to solve at least one of the inconveniences and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.

A first object of the invention consists of providing a device and an associated treating process enabling to efficiently treat the sheet materials; particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a device and an associated process enabling to accurately treat desired zones of the sheet. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and an associated treating process capable of ensure to correctly treat the sheet material, minimizing the amount of used treatment substances.

A further object of the invention consists of providing a device and a high productivity treating process, capable of quickly performing a treatment of the material; particularly, it is on object of the present invention to provide a treatment device enabling to minimize the time for treating the sheet material, consequently reducing at the minimum the process times and costs. It is a further object of the invention to provide a treatment device and printing plant having a simple and compact structure capable of simplifying the retrofit and maintenance operations, consequently capable of reducing at a minimum the machine downtimes.

These and other objects, which will better appear in the following description, are substantially obtained by a treatment device, a treating process, a printing plant and process according to one or more of the attached claims and/or of the following aspects.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, it is provided a treatment device (70) of sheet material (T), said treatment device comprising:

- at least one conveyor (2) configured to move the sheet material (T) at least along an operative section (3) according to an advancement direction (A),

- at least one applicator (12) configured to dispose a treatment composition (C) destined to treat at least one side of the sheet material (T).

In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the treatment device (70) comprises at least one containment device (71) disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device (70), above the conveyor (2). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the containment device is disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device (70), at the applicator (12). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the containment device (71) comprises at least one barrier (72) configured to confine the treatment composition (C) inside a deposit region. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier is configured to prevent said treatment composition (C) from passing through said at least one barrier (72) according to a direction transversal to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the conveyor (2) comprises an exposed surface (E) configured to receive the sheet material (T) and move it along the operative section (3) along an advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) is disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device (70), on a deposit section of said exposed surface (E). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the deposit surface is flat.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) is configured to be positioned with respect to the conveyor (2) for preventing the treatment composition (C) disposed by the applicator (12), from passing through the barrier itself along a direction transversal to the advancement direction (A) and parallel to the deposit section.

In an aspect, according to any one of the preceding aspects, the operative section (3) is defined:

- at least partially at the deposit section, or

- downstream the deposit section with respect to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) comprises a first barrier (72a) and a second barrier (72b) facing and distanced from each other. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first and second barriers delimit, cooperatively with each other, the deposit region. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the deposit region is defined between the first and second barriers (72a, 72b). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first and second barriers (72a, 72b) are configured and placeable with respect to the conveyor for confining the treatment composition (C) inside said deposit region.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the applicator (12) is placed, in condition of use of the treatment device (70), on said at least one barrier (72), optionally on said first and second barriers (72a, 72b). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the applicator (12) is configured to dispense the treatment composition (C) inside the deposit region.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the containment device (71) comprises at least one positioning device (73) configured to move the barrier (72) at least along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A) and parallel to the deposit section.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the positioning device (73) is active on at least one of said first and second barriers (72a, 72b) and is configured to move at least one of these latter along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A) and parallel to the deposit section. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the positioning device (73) comprises:

- a support frame (74),

- at least one transversal guide (75) carried by the support frame (74) and extending transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A) and parallel to the deposit section, said transversal guide (75) being disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device (70), on the conveyor (2) and extending along all a width of the conveyor measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A),

- at least one displacement member (76) slidingly movable along the transversal guide (75), said displacement member (76) being configured to move said at least one barrier (72) along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A) and parallel to the deposit section.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one displacement member (76) is configured to move at least one of the first and second barriers (72a, 72b) along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A) and parallel to the deposit section.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one displacement member (76) comprises:

- a first displacement member (76a) configured to intercept and move the first barrier (72a),

- a second displacement member (76b) configured to intercept and move the second barrier (72b).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the positioning device (73) comprises at least one actuator (73a), optionally an electric motor, configured to move the displacement member (76) along said transversal guide (75).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) comprises:

- an internal containment surface (77) configured to directly contact and confine the treatment composition (C),

- an external coupling portion (78) at least partially opposite to the internal containment surface (77), wherein the displacement member (76) is configured to engage the external coupling portion (78) of the at least one barrier (72) for moving this latter along the transversal guide (75).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the external coupling portion (78) comprises a ferromagnetic or magnetizable material, wherein the displacement member (76) comprises at least one of: a magnet, an electromagnet. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the displacement member

(76) is configured to magnetically attract the at least one barrier (72) to itself for enabling to move it along the transversal guide (75). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) comprises a plate, optionally of a metal material, still more optionally of a ferromagnetic material.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) comprises:

- a plate defining the internal containment surface (77),

- a support block engaged with the plate oppositely to the internal containment surface (77) and defining at least partially said coupling portion.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the plate of the at least one barrier (72) extends longitudinally along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the plate of the at least one barrier extends vertically along a direction perpendicular to the deposit section away from the conveyor (2). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first and second barriers (72a, 72b) comprise respective plates facing each other and extending longitudinally and parallel to each other. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the internal containment surface

(77) of the at least one barrier (72) is flat and extends parallel to the advancement direction (A) and perpendicularly to the deposit section. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first and second barriers (72a, 72b) comprise respective internal confinement surfaces facing each other and configured to laterally delimit, according to a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction and parallel to the deposit section, the deposit region.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device comprises at least one pressure member (5a), optionally comprising at least one pressure cylinder, operating on the conveyor (2), optionally on the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) of the containment device (71), is placed at the pressure member (5a) upstream this latter with respect to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) is placed adjacent the pressure member (5a) and has a front outline partially countershaped to an external surface of the pressure member (5a).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the support block is of a ferromagnetic material and is configured to cooperate with the displacement member (76) for moving the barrier (72) along the transversal guide (75).

In a further aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the positioning device (73) comprises a generator configured to:

- define an active condition in which it supplies a current to the electromagnet of the displacement member (76), so that said electromagnet generates a magnetic field capable of attracting the barrier (72) to itself,

- define an inactive condition in which the generator does not supply any current to the electromagnet.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device comprises a control unit (50).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit (50) is active in command on the positioning device (73), said control unit being configured to command the positioning device (73) for moving the at least one barrier (72) along the transversal guide (75) at least between a pick-up position and an operative one. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72), in the operative position, being configured to confine the treatment composition (C) in the deposit region. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to move the displacement member (76) at least between:

- a first operative condition in which the displacement member (76) is configured to engage the barrier (72) in the pick-up position,

- a second operative condition in which the barrier assume the operative position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is further active in command on the generator associated to the electromagnet and configured to:

- command the movement of the displacement member (76) to the first operative condition,

- command the active condition of the electromagnet so that the displacement member (76) can engage the barrier (72),

- command the movement of the displacement member in the second operative condition so that said displacement member can move the barrier to the operative position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is further configured to perform the following further steps after commanding the movement of the displacement member (76) to the second operative condition:

- commanding the inactive condition of the electromagnet so that the displacement member (76) disengages the barrier (72),

- following the disengagement of the barrier (72), moving the displacement member from the second operative condition to a distanced rest condition in which the displacement member (76) is distanced from the barrier placed in an operative position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device comprises:

- a single stationary-type applicator extending transversally, optionally perpendicularly, with respect to the advancement direction (A), optionally along all a width of said conveyor; or

- a plurality of discrete applicators reciprocally juxtaposed along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A), said applicators covering at least part of, optionally all, a width of the conveyor (2); or

- at least one applicator movable transversally to-and-fro, optionally perpendicularly, with respect to the advancement direction (A) and configured to cover at least part of, optionally all, a width of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the applicator (12) comprises at least one of:

- at least one spray dispenser (18),

- at least one drum placed with its rotation axis transversal to the advancement direction and with its lateral surface distanceable from the conveyor belt, the drum having a hollow inside destined to house a predetermined amount of the treatment composition, in particular treatment foam, and being provided with a predetermined number of nozzles or slots for supplying the composition, particularly foam,

- at least one distributor (90) comprising: o at least one reservoir (91) defining inside it a compartment (92) configured to receive the treatment composition (C), said reservoir (91) comprising at least one inlet (93) configured to enable to introduce a predetermined amount of the treatment composition (C) into the compartment (92) of the reservoir itself and at least one outlet (94) configured to enable to expel the treatment composition (C) from the reservoir itself, o at least one pusher (95) engaged at least partially in the reservoir (91) and configured to enable to dispense the treatment composition (C) from the at least one outlet (94) of the reservoir.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir (91) of the distributor (90) extends along a development direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distributor (90) comprises at least one nozzle engaged with each outlet (94) of the reservoir (91). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, each nozzle extending, from the reservoir, along the direction of the conveyor, optionally along a direction of the deposit section (3a), and being configured to dispense the treatment composition (C) present in the reservoir (91). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir (91) has a plurality of outlets (94) distributed along the development direction of the reservoir itself.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir (91) comprises:

- a first plurality of outlets (94) aligned to each other along a first direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A),

- a second plurality of outlets (94) aligned to each other along a second direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first direction of the first plurality of outlets is parallel to the second direction of the second plurality of outlets. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the second plurality of outlets is placed consecutively to the first plurality of outlets with respect to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir has a plurality of inlets (93) also distributed along the development direction of the reservoir (91) itself. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, each inlet (93) is placed oppositely to each outlet (94). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, each outlet (94) is defined on a bottom portion of the reservoir directly facing the conveyor (2), while each inlet (93) is defined on a top portion (91b) of the reservoir.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir (91) extends substantially along all a width of the conveyor, measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir (91) has, in a cross-section, a semicircular shape defined by a flat base and by a semicircular profile engaged with the base. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, each inlet (93) is defined on a top portion of the profile opposite to the base, while each outlet (94) is defined on the base wall.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the dispenser comprises a dispensing channel (93a) connected to each inlet (93) and configured to supply the treatment composition (C), particularly in a foam form.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distributor (90) comprises at least one fluid intercepting element (98) disposed in proximity of at least one outlet (94), said intercepting element being movable at least between a closed condition in which said fluid intercepting element prevents the ejection of the treatment composition outside the reservoir, and an open condition in which said fluid intercepting element allow to expel the treatment composition (C) from said reservoir. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said fluid intercepting element, in the closed condition, is configured to occlude at least one outlet (94) of the reservoir. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the reservoir has a fluid intercepting element for each outlet (94).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distributor (90) comprises at least one actuator (99) active on at least one fluid intercepting element for moving this latter from the closed condition to the open one, and vice versa. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distributor (90) comprises a plurality of actuators (99) each being active on a respective fluid intercepting element (98). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said actuator (99) comprises at least one between: a hydraulic piston, a pneumatic piston, an electric motor.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the pusher (95) comprises a blade (97) rotatively movable inside the compartment (92) of the reservoir (91) between a first and second end-stroke positions. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the blade (97), during the rotation from the first to the second end-stroke positions and/or during the rotation from the second to the first end-stroke positions, is configured to push the treatment composition (C), optionally the foam, outside one or more of said outlets (94).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the blade (97) - during the rotation between the first and second operative positions - is configured to rotate by a predetermined angle greater than 90°, optionally comprised between 90° and 200°, still more optionally substantially of 180°.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the blade (97) is configured to:

- rotate from the first to the second operative positions to enable the treatment composition (C) to flow out, optionally as a foam, from the second plurality of outlets,

- rotate from the second to the first operative positions for enabling a treatment composition (C) to flow out, optionally as a foam, from the first plurality of outlets.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the rotating blade (97) is moved by at least one electric motor.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is connected to and is active in command on the at least one actuator (99) for controlling the movement of the at least one intercepting element between the closed condition and the open one, and vice versa. In a second aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is further active in command on the rotating blade. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to synchronize the actuation of the plurality of actuators (99) connected to the intercepting element with the actuation of the electric motor connected to the blade (97) in order to control the supply of the treatment composition (C) through each outlets, optionally through the plurality of outlets.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the pusher of the dispenser can comprise one or more gears placed inside the reservoir (91) and configured to guide the treatment composition (C), particularly as a foam, outside each outlet (94).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the applicator (12), in condition of use of the plant, is disposed above the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the applicator (12) is disposed above the deposit section (3a), optionally directly faces said deposit section (3a).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the applicator (12) comprises at least one spray dispenser (18) distanced from the conveyor (2) and reciprocally movable along a dispensing direction (B) transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the spray dispenser (18) is configured to move along all a transversal width of the sheet material (T) measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device comprises at least one transversal guide (43) extending perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A) and along which a spray dispenser (18) is movable to-and-fro. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said transversal guide (43) substantially extends along all a width of the conveyor (2) measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the spray dispenser (18), in condition of use of the treatment device (70) and at least during a dispensing condition of the treatment composition, is movable above the conveyor (2) inside a vertical volume of the deposit region. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the spray dispenser (18) is movable inside a transversal vertical volume delimited by the first and second barrier (72a, 72b).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the conveyor (2) comprises at least one conveyor belt. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the conveyor belt has said exposed surface (E) treated by a water insoluble adhesive material, optionally the exposed surface is treated by an adhesive material comprising a polymeric glue sensitive to at least one of pressure and temperature.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment composition comprises at least one treatment foam comprising at least one of:

- an anti-migration agent,

- a pH control agent,

- a hydrotropic agent.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment foam comprises at least one treatment liquid in an amount comprised between 5% and 75% by weight with respect to the total weight of the foam. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment liquid comprising:

- at least one anti-migration agent, preferably selected among alginates, derivatives of the cellulose, particularly carboximethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, acrylic (co)polymers, xanthan gum, Arabic gum, and guar gum, and/or

- a fixing agent, particularly said fixing agent comprises at least one of: o at least one pH control agent, preferably selected among: sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium tartrate, and citric acid, and at least one hydrotropic agent, preferably selected between urea and thiourea, o at least one foaming agent in a weight percentage comprised between 0.2% and 5%, preferably between 0.4% and 2%, with respect to the total weight of the foam, o water in an amount needed to reach 100%.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device comprises at least one movement device (40).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) carries the containment device (71) and is configured to move said containment device (71) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the pressure member (5a) is carried by the movement device (40), wherein said movement device (40) is configured to integrally move the at least one barrier (72) and pressure member (5a) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) carries the at least one applicator, the movement device is configured to move said at least one applicator (12) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A), optionally at least during a movement of the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) stably carries the applicator (12) and the at least one barrier (72), optionally said first and second barriers (72a, 72b), the movement device (40) being configured to integrally move the applicator (12) and the at least one barrier (72) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the conveyor (2), optionally the exposed surface (E), constantly comprises a deposit section (3a) extending upstream the operative section (3) with respect to the advancement direction (A), the applicator (12) being positioned and configured to dispose the treatment composition (C) on the deposit section (3a) of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the conveyor (2) is configured to transport the treatment composition (C) applied to the deposit section (3a) to an initial contact zone wherein the conveyor is provided to enter in contact with the sheet material (T), optionally supplied along the advancement direction (A) and optionally along said operative section (T).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects wherein the pressure member (5a), optionally comprising at least one pressure cylinder, operates above the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2) at said initial contact zone, the pressure member (5a) being configured to operate by a pressure on the sheet material and to push it against the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the pressure member (5a) is carried by the movement device (40) and is integral with the applicator (12) when translates along the direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) comprises:

- at least one guide (41) placed alongside the conveyor (2) and extending parallel to the advancement direction

(A),

- at least one support structure (42) slidingly movable along said guide (41), said support structure (42) stably carrying the applicator (12).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the support structure (42) stably carries the pressure member (5a).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one guide (41) comprises a first and second guides placed alongside the conveyor (2) oppositely to each other with respect to said conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the spray dispenser (18), in condition of use of the treatment device, is disposed above the conveyor (2), optionally above the deposit section (3a).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the support structure (42) of the movement device (40) comprises said at least one transversal guide (43) extending perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A), wherein the spray dispenser (18) is movable to-and-fro along said transversal guide (43).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the transversal guide (43) along which said spray dispenser is movable, extends substantially along all a width of the conveyor (2) measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the spray dispenser (18) is movable along the transversal guide (43) for at least part of the conveyor (2) width.

In an aspect, it is provided a treating process using the treatment device according to any one of the preceding aspect. In an aspect according to the preceding aspect the process comprises the following steps:

- moving a sheet material (T) along an advancement direction (A),

- supplying, by an applicator, a treatment composition (C) destined to treat at least a side of the sheet material (T) by an applicator (12).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the process comprises a step of confining the treatment composition (C), by at least one barrier (72) of a containment device (71), inside a deposit region, optionally preventing said treatment composition (C) from passing through the barrier (72) along a direction transversal to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) comprises a first barrier (72a) and a second barrier (72b) facing each other and delimiting, cooperatively with each other, said deposit region. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the deposit region is interposed between said first and second barriers (72a, 72b). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first and second barriers (72a, 72b) confine the treatment composition (C) inside said deposit region.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, dispensing the treatment composition (C) by the applicator occurs inside the deposit region delimited by the at least one barrier, optionally by the first and second barriers (72a, 72b).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, before the step of dispensing the treatment composition (C), the process provides the following steps:

- intercepting, by a displacement member (76) of a positioning device (73), the at least one barrier (72) placed in a pick-up position,

- moving said barrier (72), by the displacement member (76), from the pick-up position to a confinement operative position along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction (A), the barrier (72), in the operative position, being configured to confine the treatment composition (C) in the deposit region.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, moving the sheet material (T) occurs by a conveyor (2) having an exposed surface (E) configured to receive the sheet material (T), the exposed surface (E) constantly having an operative section (3) configured to temporarily receive in contact a first side (T1) of the sheet material (T) and guide such sheet material (T) along an advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2) constantly comprises a deposit section (3a) extending upstream the operative section (3) of the conveyor (2) itself with respect to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of applying the treatment composition comprises at least the step of depositing a predetermined amount of the treatment composition on the deposit section (3a) of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one barrier (72) is disposed above the deposit section (3a) of the conveyor (2) and is configured to confine the treatment composition (C) inside the deposit region defined inside said deposit section (3a).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of dispensing the treatment composition is performed by one or more of the following sub-steps: - dispensing by the spray dispenser,

- dispensing by the drum placed with its rotation axis transversal to the advancement direction (A) and with its lateral surface distanced from the conveyor, the drum having a hollow inside destined to house a predetermined amount of the treatment composition and being provided with a predetermined number of nozzles or slots for dispensing the composition,

- dispensing by the distributor (90).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein - after the step of dispensing the treatment composition on the deposit section - the process comprises the following steps:

- moving, by the conveyor (2), the treatment composition to an initial contact zone wherein the conveyor (2) is provided to start coming in contact with the sheet material (T),

- placing the first side (T1) of the sheet material (T) in contact with the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2) so that the same can define the operative segment (3) wherein the conveyor (2) supports the sheet material.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment composition (C) comprises a treatment foam comprising at least one of: an anti-migration agent, a pH control agent, a hydrotropic agent. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects of the process, the sheet material (T) is in the shape of a continuous sheet. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the sheet material comprises at least one of the following materials: fabric, non-woven fabric.

In a further aspect, it is provided a plant for printing a sheet material (T) comprising a treatment device according to any one of the preceding aspects of the treatment device.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing plant comprises at least one printing station (6) configured to ink print the sheet material (T) placed on the operative section (3).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing station (6) comprises at least one head (8) transversally movable with respect to the advancement direction (A). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing station is of a digital type.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing station (6) is placed downstream the treatment device (70) with respect to the advancement direction (A) of the sheet material (T) on the conveyor (2). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) is configured to move the applicator (12), along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A), at least between a first and second operative positions, wherein the applicator (12), in the first operative position, is at a distance from the printing station (6), measured along the advancement direction, greater than a distance present between the printing station and applicator (12) placed in the second operative position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the plant comprises a control unit (50). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit (50) of the plant can be the same as the one of the treatment device or can be defined by a different unit optionally configured to communicate with the control unit of the treatment device.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit (of the plant and/or treatment device) is active in command on the conveyor (2) and movement device (40), said control unit being configured to command the conveyor (2) to move the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3) according to an intermittent advancement for defining in an alternated way:

- advancement conditions, during which this latter moves the sheet material (T) at an advancement speed greater than 0; alternated with:

- stop conditions, during which the sheet material (T) maintains unchanged its position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein two consecutive advancement conditions are alternated by one stop condition.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) is configured to move the applicator (12) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A) at least during the advancement condition of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to command the movement device (40) to move the applicator (12) at least between:

- the first and second operative positions along a forward stroke, towards the printing station, at least during the advancement condition of the conveyor (2),

- the second and first operative positions along a return stroke, away from the printing station, at least during the stop condition of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the advancement speed of the sheet material (T) given by the conveyor (2) during the advancement condition, is greater than a speed of the applicator (12) moving along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the movement device is configured to move the applicator (12) parallel to the advancement direction (A) at a predetermined movement speed.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to command the movement device (40) to move the applicator (12) along the forward stroke at a first movement speed substantially equal to a second movement speed of the same applicator (12) moving along the return stroke. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to:

- command the conveyor (2), during each advancement condition, to move the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3) by a predetermined displacement,

- command the movement device (40) to move the applicator (12) parallel to the advancement direction (A) by a predetermined stroke smaller than the predetermined displacement of the sheet material (T).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to command the conveyor (2) so that, during each advancement condition, the sheet material (T) is moved along the operative section (3) by a/the predetermined displacement.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of said predetermined displacement of the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3) to the forward stroke of the applicator (12) is comprised between 1.5 and 2.5, optionally is substantially 2. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of said predetermined displacement of the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3) to the return stroke of the applicator (12) is comprised between 1.5 and 2.5, optionally is substantially 2. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the forward stroke and return stroke define equal translations of the applicator (12) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A), but with different directions.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to command the movement device (40) for:

- moving the applicator (12) along the forward stroke during the advancement condition of the sheet material (T) imparted by the conveyor (2),

- moving the applicator (12) along the return stroke during the stop condition of the sheet material (T) imparted by the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device (70) is placed upstream the printing station (6) with respect to an advancement direction of the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment device (70) is configured to treat the sheet material (T) by applying the treatment composition on a first side (T1) of the sheet material (T). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing station (6) is configured to ink print a second side (T2) of the sheet material (T) opposite to the first side (T1).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the operative section of the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2) is configured to temporarily receive in contact the first side (T1 ) of the sheet material (T) and move such sheet material (T) along the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to synchronize the forward stroke and return stroke of the applicator respectively with the advancement condition and stop condition of the conveyor.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is further active in command on the applicator (12) and printing head (8), and wherein the control unit is configured to:

- command the conveyor (2) to move by alternating the advancement conditions with the stop conditions, in order to move the sheet material according to an intermittent advancement,

- command the printing head (8) to move and to supply ink,

- synchronize the movement of the printing head (8) and the ink supply of the head itself with the stop conditions of the conveyor (2),

- command the applicator (12) to move along the forward stroke during the advancement conditions of the conveyor (2),

- command the applicator (12) to move along the return stroke during the stop conditions of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is active on the conveyor and applicator (12), said control unit (50) being configured to:

- receive a desired value of at least one operative parameter representative of an amount of the treatment composition applied to the sheet material, said at least one operative parameter comprising at least one of the following: o a weight percentage per square meter variation of the sheet material between a section immediately upstream the treatment device (70), wherein the sheet material has not received the treatment composition, and a section immediately downstream the treatment device (70), wherein the sheet material has received the treatment composition, o a weight percentage per square meter variation of the sheet material between said section immediately upstream the treatment device (70) and a section immediately upstream the printing station (6), o a volume flow rate of the treatment composition exiting the treatment device, o a mass flow rate of the treatment composition exiting the treatment device, o a thickness of the composition at the deposit section (3a),

- command the treatment device (70) to manage the application of the treatment composition on the sheet material (T), as a function of the desired value of the operative parameter and of the movement imparted to said conveyor.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) is configured to move the at least one barrier (72), along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A), at least between a first and second operative positions. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects wherein, in the first operative position, the at least one barrier (72) is at a distance from the printing station (6), measured along the advancement direction, greater than the one in the second operative position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is active in command on the conveyor (2) and on the movement device (40), said control unit being configured to command the conveyor (2) to move the sheet material (T) along the operative section (3) according to an intermittent advancement for alternately defining:

- advancement conditions, in which this latter moves the sheet material (T) at an advancement speed greater than 0; alternated with:

- stop conditions, during which the sheet material (T) maintains unchanged its position.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) is configured to move the at least one barrier (72) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A) at least during the advancement condition of the conveyor (2). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to command the movement device (40) to move the at least one barrier (72) at least between:

- the first and second operative positions along a forward stroke, towards the printing station, at least during the advancement condition of the conveyor (2),

- the second and first operative positions along a return stroke, away from the printing station, at least during the stop condition of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to command the movement device (40) for:

- moving the at least one barrier (72) along the forward stroke during the advancement condition of the sheet material (T) imparted by the conveyor (2),

- moving the at least one barrier (72) along a return stroke during the stop condition of the sheet material (T) imparted by the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is configured to synchronize the forward stroke and return stroke of the at least one barrier (72) respectively by the advancement condition and stop condition of the conveyor. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement device (40) carries the at least one barrier (72), optionally said first and second barriers (72a, 72b), and said applicator (12), the movement device (40) is configured to integrally move the applicator (12) and the at least one barrier (72) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is active in command on the applicator (12) and is configured to command the movement of this latter along the auxiliary guide (43), wherein the control unit is configured to synchronize the movement of the applicator (12) along said auxiliary guide (43) with the movement of the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit is active in command on the applicator (12), on the conveyor (2) and on the movement device (40), said control unit being configured to determine at least one of the following operative parameters:

- an amount of the treatment composition, optionally, a treatment foam, dispensed by the dispenser,

- a movement speed of the sheet material (T), along the advancement direction, towards the printing station,

- an advancement mode of the sheet material (T), continuously or intermittently along the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit, by commanding of at least one between the applicator (12), the conveyor (2) and the movement device (40), is configured to control at least one of said operative parameters in order to be capable of managing a permanence time of the treatment composition on the sheet material (T) before said sheet material (T) reaches the printing station.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the permanence time of the treatment composition on the sheet material, before the same reaches the printing station (6), is equal to or greater than 1 sec, optionally is comprised between 1 and 20 sec.

In a further aspect, it is provided a digital printing process using a printing plant (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing process comprises a step of ink printing, by a digital printing station, the sheet material (T). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the printing is performed on the sheet material placed on the operative section (3). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said printing process comprises the following steps:

- moving a sheet material (T) along an advancement direction (A),

- dispensing, by the applicator (12), a treatment composition (C) destined to treat at least one side of the sheet material (T).

In a further aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the process comprises a step of moving the applicator (12) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A), at least during a movement of the sheet material (T).

In a further aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement of the sheet material occurs according to an intermittent advancement wherein the advancement conditions of the sheet material (T) alternate with stop conditions.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects wherein, during the advancement condition, the sheet material (T) is moved along an operative section, towards the printing station (6), at an advancement speed greater than 0, wherein during a stop condition the sheet material (T) maintains its position with respect to the printing station (6), wherein two consecutive advancement conditions alternate with a stop condition.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement of the applicator (12) provides:

- a movement along a forward stroke, towards the printing station, during an advancement condition of the sheet material (T),

- a movement along a return stroke, away from the printing station, during a stop condition of the sheet material

(T).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the sheet material is moved, during the advancement condition, at an advancement speed greater than a movement speed of the applicator (12) moving along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of the advancement speed of the sheet material (T), during an advancement condition, to the movement speed of the applicator (12), is comprised between 1 .8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement of the applicator (12) along the forward stroke is at a first movement speed substantially equal to a movement speed of the applicator (12) along the return stroke.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects wherein, during the advancement condition, the sheet material (T) advances towards to the printing station (6) for a predetermined longitudinal displacement, wherein the applicator (12), during the stop condition or during the advancement condition of the sheet material (T), performs a predetermined stroke, towards or away from the printing station (6), less than the predetermined longitudinal displacement of the sheet material (T).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of the predetermined longitudinal displacement of the sheet material (T) to the predetermined stroke of the applicator is comprised between 1 .8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of the predetermined displacement of the sheet material (T) to the return stroke of the applicator (12) is comprised between 1 .8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of the predetermined displacement of the sheet material (T) to the return stroke of the applicator (12) is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment composition (C) is applied to a first side (T1) of the sheet material (T) while the printing step is performed on a second side (T2) of the sheet material opposite to the first side (T1). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of applying the treatment composition comprises depositing this latter directly on the first side (T1) of the sheet material (T), optionally there is no direct deposit of the treatment composition on said second side (T2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the movement of the sheet material (T) occurs by a conveyor (2) having an exposed surface (E) configured to receive the sheet material (T), the exposed surface (E) having constantly an operative section (3) configured to temporarily receive in contact the first side (T 1 ) of the sheet material (T) and guide such sheet material along an advancement direction (A).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2) comprises constantly a deposit section (3a) extending upstream the operative section (3) of the conveyor (2) itself with respect to the advancement direction (A), wherein the step of applying the treatment composition comprises at least depositing a predetermined amount of the treatment composition on the deposit section of the conveyor. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of applying the treatment composition is performed by one or more of the following sub-steps:

- applying by a spray dispenser,

- applying by a drum placed with its rotation axis transversal to the advancement direction (A) and its lateral surface distanced from the conveyor, the drum having a hollow inside destined to house a predetermined amount of the treatment composition and being provided with a predetermined number of nozzles or slots for dispensing the composition,

- applying by a distributor (90), comprising: o at least one reservoir (91) defining inside it a compartment (92) configured to receive the treatment composition (C), said reservoir (91) comprising at least one inlet (93) configured to enable to introduce a predetermined amount of the treatment composition (C) into the compartment (92) of the reservoir itself, and at least one outlet (94) configured to enable to expel the treatment composition (C) from the reservoir itself, o at least one pusher (95) engaged at least partially in the reservoir (91) and configured to enable to dispense the treatment composition (C) from the at least one outlet (94) of the reservoir.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects wherein - after the step of applying the treatment composition on the deposit section - the conveyor (2) moves the treatment composition to an initial contact zone wherein the conveyor (2) is provided to start to come in contact with the sheet material (T).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the process comprises at least the following sub-steps:

- bringing in contact the first side (T1) of the sheet material (T) with the exposed surface (E) of the conveyor (2) so that the same can define the operative section (3) wherein the conveyor (2) supports the sheet material,

- ink printing, optionally by a digital printing, the second side (T2), opposite to the first side (T1), of the sheet material (T) in contact with the conveyor (2).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the treatment composition comprises a treatment foam comprising at least one of: an anti-migration agent, a pH control agent, a hydrotropic agent. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the sheet material (T) is in the shape of a continuous sheet. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the sheet material comprises at least one of the following materials: fabric, non-woven fabric.

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the process comprises a step of moving the at least one barrier (72) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction (A), at least during a movement of the sheet material (T). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the movement of the barriers (72) provides:

- a movement along a forward stroke, towards the printing station (6), during an advancement condition of the sheet material (T),

- a movement along a return stroke, away from the printing station (6), during a stop condition of the sheet material (T).

In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects wherein, during the advancement condition, the sheet material (T) advances towards each the printing station (6) by a predetermined longitudinal displacement, wherein the barrier (72), during the stop condition or during the advancement condition of the sheet material (T), performs a predetermined stroke, towards or away from the printing station (6), less than the predetermined longitudinal displacement of the sheet material (T). In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the ratio of the predetermined longitudinal displacement of the sheet material (T) to the predetermined stroke of the barrier (72) is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. In an aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sheet material (T) is a fabric or a non-woven fabric seamlessly extending from a station for supplying a sheet material to be printed, through the treatment device (70), then to the printing station (6), to a station for collecting the treated sheet material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be herein described with reference to the attached drawings provided only in an indicative and consequently non-limitative way, wherein:

- Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a printing plant according to the present invention;

- Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a treatment device of a printing plant;

- Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of a treatment device;

- Fig. 4A is a detailed view of the treatment device of Fig. 4;

- Fig. 5 is a further detailed view of a cross-section of a treatment device;

- Fig. 6 is a further perspective view of a treatment device;

- Figs. 7 and 8 are top schematic views showing a printing plant in different operative conditions;

- Fig. 9 is a further perspective view of a treatment device;

- Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a printing plant;

- Fig. 10A is a detailed view of the printing plant of Fig. 10;

- Figs. 11 and 12 are further perspective views of a treatment device;

- Figs. 13 and 14 are detailed perspective views of a treatment device;

- Fig. 15 is a further perspective view of a treatment device according to the present invention;

- Fig. 16 is a cross-section view along the line XVI-XVI of the device of Fig. 15.

DEFINITIONS, CONVENTIONS AND MEASURING PARAMETERS It is observed that in the present detailed description, the corresponding parts illustrated in the attached figures, are indicated by the same numeral references. The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by not-to-scale representations; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures regarding the object of the invention, could only indicate schematic representations.

The term ink means a mixture formed by a dispersion of pigments or by a solution of dyes in an aqueous or organic medium destined to be transferred on surfaces of different materials for obtaining one or more prints; it is understood that transparent inks and paints are also comprised.

The term treatment composition C means a composition in the form of a liquid or a foam. The treatment composition comprises one or more liquid compounds, or one or more solid compounds dissolved or dispersed in a suitable liquid phase, having the function of preparing and/or treating at least the surface or surfaces of the sheet material destined to receive one or more prints. The compound/sec can be derived from a natural and/or synthetic (polymers and/or copolymers) sources and have one or more of the following functions: anti-migration agent, thickener, surface tension modifier, acidity modifier, hydrophilicity modifier, hydrophobicity modifier, drying accelerator, fixation improver. The liquid phase can be aqueous, organic, polymeric or a combination.

The treatment composition can be according to the composition as disclosed in the international patent application No. WO 2018/020420 A1 from page 36, line 12, to page 53, line 22.

The treatment foam comprises a dispersion of a gas in a liquid medium; the foam can further have characteristics of colloidal dispersion. The foam can be obtained by directly blow the high-pressure gas in the liquid medium or by using blowing agents. The treatment foam can comprise the treatment liquid as hereinbefore described and, optionally, one or more additives such as for example: blowing agents, wetting agents and viscosity modifying agents. Particularly, the treatment foam can be according to the treatment foam disclosed in the international patent application No. WO 2018/020420 A1 from page 53 line, 23, to page 57, line 19.

The term sheet material T means a material formed by a structure having two dimensions (length and width) having dimensions substantially prevailing with respect to a third dimension (thickness). The term sheet material means both a material consisting of discrete sheets having a limited length (formats AO, A1 , A2, A3, A4, etcetera, for example), and continuous webs exhibiting a significant length which can be supplied by a roll on which the sheet material is wound or can be dispensed by an in-line printing step. The herein described sheet has two sides, or main surfaces, on at least one of which it is provided a print. However, it should not be forgotten that the invention can find an application also for treatments different from the ink fixation each time a sheet material should be moved inside a controlled environment.

The term fibrous material means a material made of fibers of different kinds, for example paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, knitted fabric, or combinations of one or more of the abovementioned supports.

The term advancement direction A of the sheet material T means a path of the material T which extends by advancing from a sheet material supplying station towards a sheet material treatment device 70 adapted to treat said material by the treatment composition C.

The terms "upstream” and "downstream” refer to an advancement direction A of the sheet material T having a direction pointing from the supplying station to the sheet material T treatment device 70.

The claimed treatment device 70 and/or printing plant 1 can comprise at least one control unit 50 adapted to control the operative conditions implemented by the same device and/or plant, particularly adapted to control the steps of the treating and printing process. The control unit can be a single unit or can be formed by a plurality of distinct control units according to design choices and operative needs.

The term "control unit” means an electronic-type component which can comprise at least one of: a digital processor (CPU), an analog-type circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processors with one or more analog-type circuits. The control unit can be "configured” or "programmed” to perform some steps: this can be practically made by any means enabling to configure or program the control unit. For example, if the control unit comprises one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs can be stored on suitable memory banks connected to the CPU or CPUs; the program or programs contain instructions which, when are executed by the CPU or CPUs, program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described with reference to the control unit. As an alternative, if the control unit is or comprises an analog-type circuitry, then the circuit of the control unit can be designed to include a circuitry configured, in use, to process electric signals in order to perform the steps regarding the control unit.

The term actuator means any device capable of imparting a movement to a body, for example by driving the control unit (reception of a command output by the control unit from an actuator). The actuator can be of an electric type (an electric motor, for example), pneumatic, mechanical (a spring, for example), hydraulic, or of another type.

The term digital printing means a printing using one or more printing heads for applying inks defining motives, patterns, colorations, etcetera on sheet materials.

The term scan digital printing station means a station comprising one or more printing heads 8 which, during the step of printing the sheet material, are movable transversally, optionally perpendicularly, to the advancement direction A of the sheet material through the printing station; particularly, the head 8 is movable along a width of the sheet material. The sheet material T, during the printing step, is configured to intermittently advance along the advancement direction, or by advancing conditions of the sheet material alternating with stop conditions: the head 8 is configured to perform the movement transversally (optionally perpendicularly) to the advancement direction A during the stop condition of the sheet material, in other words in the condition wherein the sheet material does not perform displacements along the advancement direction A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Treatment device 70

Reference 70 generally indicates a device for treating a sheet material T, for example, in the form of a continuous web, by a treatment composition C. The treatment device 70 can be used for treating fabrics, non-woven fabrics, or a sheet material also of another type. The device 70 can be used in the textile industry and in the field of knitted fabrics or non-woven fabrics to be printed by ink.

The conveyor 2 has an exposed surface E configured to receive and support the sheet material T; the exposed surface E can lie at least partially substantially on a plane: the exposed surface E has a flat deposit section adapted to directly receive the sheet material T and/or directly receive the treatment composition. The exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 is configured to face a first side T 1 of the sheet material T and to directly receive said first side T1 for guiding the sheet material T along the advancement direction A; particularly, at least part of the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 defines the operative section 3 which temporarily receives by contact and moves said first side T1 of the sheet material T. In other words, the operative section 3 is defined by the conveyor 2 portion directly carrying, by contact, and moving the sheet material T.

The conveyor 2 - at least at a continuous longitudinal band of the exposed surface E destined to receive the sheet material T - is devoid of through openings crossing the thickness of the conveyor 2; particularly, at least the exposed surface E, destined to receive the sheet material T, is completely smooth, devoid of cavities, depressions or projections.

At least part of the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 can be made adhesive, so that the conveyor can temporarily constrain the sheet material T at the operative section 3. For example, the exposed surface E can be treated by a water-insoluble adhesive material, optionally comprising a polymeric glue sensitive to at least one of pressure and temperature. As an alternative, the conveyor 2 can be gas permeable or can have through holes and can cooperate with a suction system below the conveyor in order to hold the sheet material T not by an adhesive but by vacuum. As it is visible in the attached figures, the device 70 comprises at least one conveyor 2 configured to support the sheet material T and move it along an operative section 3 according to an advancement direction A. The conveyor 2 can comprise, as illustrated in the attached figures, a closed-path conveyor belt movable around at least one first and one second idle members 2a, 2b (see Figs. 1 and 2, for example). The conveyor belt has two main surfaces, or sides: the exposed surface E and an internal surface. The internal surface is configured to contact the idle members 2a, 2b, while the exposed surface E, as hereinbefore described, is configured to receive the sheet material T. The operative section 3 of the conveyor belt is defined by at least one portion of an upper flat, rectilinear section, of the closed path of said conveyor belt.

The conveyor 2 may be moved by one or more actuators, such as for example electric motors; if the conveyor 2 comprises a conveyor belt, the movement of this latter can be performed by at least one motor operative on one or more idle members of the conveyor belt. For example, 2 indicates a configuration of the conveyor 2 wherein the electric motor is operative on the second end idle member 2b of the belt.

As it is visible in Figs. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 (particularly of the conveyor belt as illustrated in the attached figures) can constantly comprise a deposit section 3a extending adjacent and upstream the operative section 3 of the conveyor 2 itself, with respect to the advancement direction A. As it will be better described in the following, the deposit section 3a of the exposed surface E is configured to receive a treatment composition adapted to contact the sheet material T in the operative section 3. Particularly, the deposit section 3a extends on the same flat rectilinear portion of the closed path of the conveyor belt on which the operative section 3 is defined. Specifically, the deposit section 3a extends substantially from the first idle member 2a, towards the second member 2b, to the operative section 3: the deposit section 3a and operative section 3 are therefore directly consecutive to each other along the advancement direction A of the sheet material T.

From the dimensional point of view, the conveyor 2 (particularly the conveyor belt) is configured to have a width equal to or greater than a maximum width of the sheet material T; such widths are measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction A of the sheet material T. The operative section 3 can have a longitudinal extension or length measured along the advancement direction A, comprised between 0.5 and 10 m, particularly between 0.5 and 6 m. The operative section 3 and deposit section 3a have a respective length measured along the advancement direction A of the sheet material T; the ratio of the length of the operative section 3 to the length of the deposit section 3a is greater than 1, particularly is comprised between 1.5 and 5.

The conveyor 2, optionally the conveyor belt, is configured to move the sheet material T along the operative section 3, according to an intermittent or step-by-step intermittent advancement. De facto, the conveyor 2 is configured to advance the sheet material T along the direction 1, by an advancement step, in other words by alternating advancement conditions with stop conditions of the sheet material. During the advancement condition, the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt) moves the sheet material T along the operative section 3 at a substantially constant advancement speed V, greater than 0. Each advancement condition is followed by a stop condition, in which the advancement speed V of the conveyor 2, consequently of the sheet material T, is zero. Still more particularly, the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt), during each advancement condition, is further configured to move the sheet material T along the operative section 3 by a predetermined advancement: during each advancement condition, the displacement of the sheet material T, measured along the advancement direction A, is constant. The intermittent movement of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) can be managed by a control unit 50 active in command on the actuators/motors of the conveyor and configured to sequentially command the advancement conditions alternated with stop conditions. Specifically, the control unit 50 is configured to command a stop condition between two consecutive advancement conditions. Moreover, the control unit is configured to manage the motors/actuators of the conveyor 2 in order to be capable of adjusting at least one of the following parameters:

- an advancement speed of the sheet material T along the operative section 3, during each advancement condition,

- a displacement of the sheet material T along the operative section 3, during each advancement condition,

- a duration of each advancement condition,

- a duration of each stop condition.

Obviously, it is not excluded the possibility of continuously moving, by the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt) and during a predetermined operative condition - the sheet material T at a speed constantly greater than 0 along the advancement direction A: during the operative condition of the conveyor 2, the same is always constantly moving. In other words, during the operative condition of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) the same does not provide an alternated step movement, and therefore in which stops of the conveyor are provided, along the movement direction. Also, in such configuration, the movement of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) can be managed by the control unit. Particularly, the control unit is configured to define the operative condition in which the conveyors 2 is configured to continuously move, along the advancement direction A, the sheet material T at a speed constantly comprised between 20 and 100 m/min, particularly comprised between 30 and 70 m/min. In a configuration, the treatment device 70 comprises a motion sensor engaged with the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt) and capable of emitting a signal regarding the movement of the conveyor 2. The control unit is connected to the motion sensor and is configured to:

- receive, from the motion sensor, a monitoring signal regarding the movement of the conveyor 2,

- manage, as a function of said monitoring signal, a movement speed of the conveyor 2 and consequently a movement speed of the sheet material T along the advancement direction A.

In the attached figures, the conveyor 2 comprises a closed-loop conveyor belt. Obviously, it is not excluded the possibility of using a different conveyor, for example, a movable plate, roll conveyor, and chain conveyor.

The treatment device 70 comprises at least one applicator 12 (see Figs. 1, 3, 4, 4A, 6-14, for example) directly oriented towards the conveyor 2 and configured to dispense a treatment composition destined to treat at least one side of the sheet material T.

The attached figures illustrate a treatment device 70 configured to apply, by one or more applicators 12, the treatment composition C on the first side T1 of the sheet material T. In such configuration, the applicator 12 is placed upstream a first contact zone of the sheet material T (Fig. 4) and is configured to dispose the treatment composition C on the exposed surface E of the deposit section 3a: the applicator 12 is configured to deposit the treatment composition C on the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt) portion which is still not in contact with the sheet material T. Particularly, in such configuration, each applicator 12 is directly disposed above (directly faces) the deposit section and is placed upstream the operative section 3 with respect to the advancement direction A. After the movement of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) and consequently of the sheet material T along the advancement direction A, the treatment composition C is guided to an initial contact zone where the treatment composition C comes in direct contact with the first side T1 of the sheet material T. The conveyor 2 (conveyor belt) contact with the sheet material T causes the treatment composition C to be capable of treating, starting from the first side T1, the sheet material T: due to the porosity or permeability of the sheet material, the treatment composition C penetrates at least partially the thickness of the sheet material T to enable the treatment. The treatment composition C dispensed by the dispenser 12, which can be both a liquid and a treatment foam, can comprise at least one of the following agents: an anti-migration agent, a pH control agent, a hydrotropic agent.

In an alternative embodiment, the applicator 12 can be disposed above the sheet material T and configured to apply the treatment composition C directly on a second side T2 of the sheet material T opposite to the first side T 1 : the second side T2 substantially defines an exposed side of the sheet material T supported by the conveyor 2. In this latter configuration, the applicator 12 is directly positioned above the operative section 3: each applicator 12 directly faces the operative section 3 at which the sheet material T is directly in contact with the conveyor (by the exposed surface E of the conveyor belt).

The treatment device 70 can comprise at least one stationary-type applicator 12 and/or at least one movable applicator 12. All the types of applicators 12 for the treatment composition C cooperate to obtain the same purpose: correctly treating the sheet material T by applying a substantially constant amount of the treatment composition C on the sheet material T, optionally coating all the width of the sheet material T.

The fixed-type applicator 12 can have a main elongated body extending transversally, optionally perpendicularly, to the advancement direction A, substantially along all a width of the conveyor belt 2, and substantially parallel to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 (optionally parallel to the flat deposit section of the exposed surface E). The same function can be performed by a plurality of discrete applicators reciprocally juxtaposed to each other along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A and substantially parallel to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 so that the plurality of applicators cover at least partially, optionally all the width of the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt).

In case of a movable-type applicator 12, this latter is reciprocally movable along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A of the sheet material T and substantially parallel to the exposed (flat) surface E of the conveyor 2; de facto, the movement of the movable applicator 12 can be performed so that the applicator 12 can cover all (or only a part of) the width of the sheet material T and simultaneously maintain, during the movement of the applicator 12 itself, a substantially constant distance from the exposed surface of the conveyor 2. For example, if there is only one movable applicator 12, this latter can be configured to travel all a width of the sheet material. If two or more movable applicators 12 are present (see Figs. 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, for example), these can be configured to cover only a part of the width of the sheet material T so that the combined action of the two or more applicators can anyway cover the entire width of the sheet material T.

The movement of the applicator 12 along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed (flat) surface E is of a scan type. In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the movable applicator 12 is configured to translate along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed (flat) surface E to dispense the treatment composition C directly on the deposit section 3a. Particularly, the attached figures illustrate in a non-limiting way a treatment device 70 comprising two movable applicators 12 aligned along a same direction perpendicular to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed (flat) surface E, each being configured to substantially cover half the width of the conveyor 2.

The treatment device 70 can comprise a plurality of applicators 12:

- aligned along a same direction perpendicular to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed (flat) surface E, and/or

- distanced along said advancement direction A parallel to the exposed (flat) surface E.

If there are more applicators 12, each of them can be configured to cover (consequently treat) a dedicated apportioned section of the sheet material T.

Particularly, also in the case in which there are one or more movable applicators 12, the treatment device 70 comprises a support structure 42 having at least one transversal guide 43 extending perpendicularly to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed surface E: each movable applicator 12 is engaged with the transversal guide 43 by a to-and-fro sliding movement along this latter. The transversal guide 43 extends along all the width of the conveyor 2: each applicator 12 can translate along the transversal guide 43 for at least part of the width of the conveyor 2. For example, if there are two applicators 12 as illustrated in the attached figures, each applicator 12 is configured to travel a respective half of the guide 43.

According to the above given description, the transversal guide 43 can be consequently placed upstream the first contact zone: in such configuration, the applicator 12 is configured to dispense the treatment composition C at the deposit section 3a directly on the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2. As an alternative, the transversal guide 43 can be placed downstream the contact zone, so that the applicator 12 can slide by a to-and-fro movement, applying the treatment composition C directly on the side T2 of the sheet material T.

The movement of the applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43 can be performed by an actuator 73a. The attached figures illustrate an applicator 12 having an engaging portion 12a comprising a nut screw engaged with an actuating element 44 comprising a screw. The screw is supported by the support structure 42 and connected at an end to an actuator 73a, particularly comprising an electric motor: the motor rotation causes the screw to rotate and consequently to slide the applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43.

The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, an embodiment of the treatment device 70 having two applicators 12 engaged with respective actuating elements 44. The actuating elements 44 comprise respective screws having different threads, for example a left-hand thread and a right-hand thread, the screws are integral to each other and connected to a single electric motor. Each applicator comprises a respective engaging portion 12a comprising a nut screw configured to engage the respective screw (right-hand or left-hand): after the rotation of the motor, and of the screws, the applicators 12 move simultaneously along a same orientation but with opposite directions due to the different threads. More particularly, after a first rotation of the motor (clockwise, for example), the applicators 12 move towards each other while after a second rotation in a direction opposite to the first one (counterclockwise, for example), the applicators 12 move away from each other.

It is not excluded the possibility of performing the movement of the at least one applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43 by a different system, for example by an electric motor carrying an active crown on a chain or belt having one or more of said applicators 12.

The control unit can be connected to and active in command on the actuator 73a for managing the movement of the applicators 12 along the transversal guide 43. Particularly, the control unit is configured to receive an input signal representative of a zone to be treated; the control unit in dependence of said signal is configured to command the actuator 73a so that the applicators 12 are movable to-and-fro along the transversal guide 43 above the zone of the sheet material T to be treated. For example, if the zone to be treated is reduced to a central portion of the sheet material T, the control unit can command the actuator 73a so that one or more of said applicators move only for a length along the transversal guide useful to ensure a complete treatment of the desired zone.

The applicator 12 may comprise at least one of: a spray dispenser 18, a jet dispensing head, a dispenser roll, a dispenser drum or a dispenser provided with a doctor blade.

The attached figures schematically show, in a non-limiting way, a treatment device 70 comprising a plurality of movable applicators 12 defined by spray or jet dispensers 18. The dispensers 18 are configured to slide along the transversal guide 43 perpendicularly to the advancement direction A and dispense the treatment composition C towards the conveyor 2.

It is not excluded the possibility of using a plurality of spray or jet dispensers of a stationary type; the coating drums, rolls, or dispensers for the treatment composition are on the contrary suitable to define the stationary-type applicators 12, in other words are not movable along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction A. Particularly, the useable applicators 12 can be anyway of the type disclosed in the patent application No. WO 2018/020420 A1 from page 42, line 23 to page 46, line 18, this document being incorporated as a reference. Moreover, the control unit can be active in command on the applicator 12 and is configured to:

- receive a desired value of at least one operative parameter representative of an amount of the treatment composition C applied to the sheet material T, said at least one operative parameter comprises one of the following: o a weight percentage per square meter variation of the sheet material T between a section upstream the treatment device 70, wherein the sheet material has not received the treatment composition, and a section downstream the treatment device 70, wherein the sheet material receives the treatment composition, o a weight percentage per square meter variation of the sheet material between the section upstream the treatment device 70 and a section downstream the printing station 6, o a volume flow rate of the treatment composition C exiting the treatment device 70, o a mass flow rate of the treatment composition C exiting the treatment device 70, o a thickness of the composition at the deposit section 3a,

- command the applicator 12 in order to manage the application of the treatment composition on the sheet material T, in dependence of the desired value of the operative parameter and movement imparted to the conveyor belt 2.

De facto, the control unit can be configured to synchronize the movement of the movable applicators 12 (if present) along the transversal guide 43 with the supply of the treatment composition C. Specifically, the control unit is configured to synchronize the movement and/or movement speed of the applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43 with the speed and/or movement of the conveyor 2, consequently of the sheet material T.

Managing the supply of the treatment composition C, performed by the control unit, can occur according to what was described in the international patent application No. WO 2018/020420 A1 from page 36, line 24, to page 37, line 11; from page 41, line 10, to page 42, line 2; at page 46, lines 19-33; from page 48, line 28, to page 50, line 16, which is herein incorporated as a reference.

Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate an applicator 12 comprising a distributor 90 configured to dispense a predetermined amount of the treatment composition C, e.g. a treatment foam, particularly directly on the deposit section 3a. The distributor 90 comprises at least one reservoir 91 defining inside a compartment 92 configured to receive the treatment composition C; the reservoir 91 extends along a development direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A. As it is shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the reservoir 91 extends substantially along all a width of the conveyor 2, measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction A. The cross-section of the reservoir 91 is, in a semicircular shape, defined by a flat base 91a and a semicircular profile 92b engaged with the base 91a. As it is shown in Fig. 15, the cross-section of the reservoir is constant along all the development of the same.

The flat base 91a of the reservoir faces the conveyor 2, particularly is distanced from and directly faces the deposit section 3a. In other words, the reservoir 91 is disposed above the deposit section to enable the dispenser to apply the treatment composition C directly above the deposit section 3a. The semicircular profile is joined to the base and extends from this latter oppositely to the conveyor. The attached figures illustrate a distributor 90 extending along all the width of the conveyor; obviously, it is not excluded the possibility of providing a small-sized dispenser or a plurality of separated reservoirs configured to cover all the width of the conveyor.

The reservoir comprises at least one inlet 93 configured to enable to introduce a predetermined amount of the treatment composition C into the compartment 92 of the reservoir itself; particularly, the reservoir 91 comprises a plurality of inlets 93 distributed along the development direction of the reservoir 91 itself. Particularly, the plurality of inlets 93 is defined on a top portion of the semicircular profile of the reservoir (Fig. 16). As it is visible in Fig. 15, the distributor 90 can comprise a dispensing channel 93a connected to each inlet 93 and configured to dispense the treatment composition C, specifically as a foam. In the configuration of the distributor 90 having a plurality of inlets 93, the channel 93 is configured to connect a treatment composition source to the plurality of inlets 93 in order to enable to introduce the composition into the compartment 92 from the plurality of inlets.

Moreover, the reservoir 91 comprises at least one outlet 94 configured to enable to expel the treatment composition C from the reservoir 91 itself; each outlet 94 is opposite to the inlet 93 and particularly is defined on the flat base 91 a of the reservoir 91. Particularly, the reservoir 91 has a plurality of outlets 94 distributed along the development direction of the reservoir itself. The reservoir 91 can further comprise:

- a first plurality of outlets 94 aligned to each other along a first direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A,

- a second plurality of outlets 94 aligned to each other along a second direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A.

The first direction of the first plurality of outlets is parallel to the second direction of the second plurality of outlets; more particularly, the second plurality of outlets is placed consecutively to the first plurality of outlets with respect to the advancement direction A. Each outlet 94 directly faces the deposit section 3a of the conveyor 2 oppositely to each inlet 93 of the reservoir 91.

At each outlet 94, it is possible to provide a nozzle extending, from the reservoir, towards the conveyor 2, optionally towards the deposit section 3a, and is configured to supply the treatment composition C present in the reservoir 91.

The distributor 90 further comprises at least one pusher 95 at least partially engaged in the reservoir 91 and configured to enable to dispense the treatment composition C from the at least one outlet 94 of the reservoir.

The pusher 95 can comprise at least one blade 97 rotatively movable inside the compartment 92 of the reservoir 91 between a first and second end-stroke positions; the blade 97, during the rotation from the first to the second end-stroke positions and/or during the rotation from the second to the first end-stroke positions, is configured to push the treatment composition C, optionally the foam outside one or more of said outlets 94. The blade 97 - during the rotation between the first and second operative positions - is configured to rotate by a predetermined angle greater than 90°, optionally comprised between 90° and 200°, still more optionally substantially of 180°. Still more particularly, the blade 97 is configured to:

- rotate from the first to the second operative positions to enable the treatment composition C to flow out, optionally as a foam, from the second plurality of outlets,

- rotate from the second to the first operative positions to enable the treatment composition C to flow out, optionally as a foam, from the first plurality of outlets.

The rotating blade 97 may be moved by at least one electric motor.

The blade 97 is hinged to the at least one outlet, optionally to the base 91a of the reservoir. Particularly, the blade 97 is hinged at a position opposite to the plurality of inlets 93 so that said blade can receive the treatment composition and during the rotation, guide said composition C outside the at least one outlet.

The blade is configured to rotate about an axis lying on a plane substantially parallel to the deposit section 3a and perpendicular to the advancement direction A.

Inside the reservoir 91, only one blade extending along all the extension of the reservoir 91 can be provided or a plurality of blades aligned along the rotation axis of the same can be provided.

As it is visible in Fig. 16, the distributor 90 can further comprise at least one fluid intercepting element 98 disposed in proximity of at least one outlet 94; the intercepting element is movable at least between a closed condition in which said fluid intercepting element prevents the treatment composition from flowing out from the reservoir and an open condition in which said fluid intercepting element enables the treatment composition C to be expelled from said reservoir 91. Specifically, the fluid intercepting element, in the closed condition, is configured to occlude at least one outlet 94 of the reservoir.

The reservoir has a fluid intercepting element 98 for each outlet 94. Such element 98 is moved by at least one actuator 99 configured to move the fluid intercepting element from the closed condition to the open one, and vice versa. As it is visible in Fig. 15, the distributor 90 can comprise a plurality of actuators 99 each operative on a respective fluid intercepting element 98; said actuator 99 comprises at least one of: a hydraulic piston, an air piston, an electric motor.

Dispensing the treatment composition C can be managed by the control unit 50 which can be connected to and active in command on the actuator 99 and blade 97 (optionally, the electric motor moving the blade 97). Particularly, the control unit 50 is active in command on the at least one actuator 99 to control the movement of at least one intercepting element 98 between the closed condition and the open one, and vice versa. Further, the control unit can be active in command on the rotating blade. In this way, the control unit can be configured to synchronize the actuation of the plurality of actuators 99 connected to the intercepting element with the actuation of the electric motor connected to the blade 97 in order to control the supply of the treatment composition C through each outlet 94, optionally through the plurality of outlets.

As it is visible for example in Fig. 4, the treatment device 70 can comprise at least one pressure roll 5a operating on the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) at the initial contact zone. The pressure member 5a is configured to operate by pressure on the sheet material T, supplied along the advancement direction A, promoting the adhesion to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2. The pressure member 5a can be configured to operate directly by pressure on a second side T2 of the sheet material (Fig. 5) - opposite to the first side T1 — in order to enable the contact and adhesion of the first side T 1 to the conveyor 2, particularly to the exposed surface E. The pressure roll 5a can be connected to a pushing actuator adapted to vertically move the roll 5a with respect to the conveyor 2; further, the control unit can be connected to and active in command on said actuator and configured to control at least one parameter representative of at least one of: a distance of the pressure roll 5a from the exposed surface of the conveyor 2, a pressure/force exerted by the roll 5a on the sheet material.

The pressure roll 5a can be of an idle type or can be motorized, for example by an electric motor, also controllable by the control unit; the control unit can be active to command the electric motor connected to the pressure roll for defining a rotation speed of the roll, in dependence of the stop and advancement conditions of the conveyor.

The treatment device 70 can further comprise an anvil pressure member or roll 5b, shown in Fig. 5, comprising at least one anvil pressure cylinder operating below the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) at the initial contact zone. The anvil pressure member 5b can be consecutively operative on the internal surface of the conveyor 2 oppositely to the member 5a. In this configuration, the anvil pressure member 5b is configured to operate to support the conveyor 2 in order to counter the pressure member 5a.

The initial contact zone of the conveyor belt 2 and sheet material is therefore interposed between the pressure members 5a and 5b. At least the pressure member 5a (optionally both the pressure member 5a and anvil member 5b) extends transversally (optionally perpendicularly) to the conveyor belt 2 with respect to the advancement direction A of the sheet material T: the pressure member 5a has a length substantially equal to the width of the sheet material T.

Preferably, the pressure member 5a comprises a circular contact surface which is outwardly completely smooth (devoid of through cavities and/or openings) of a water-proof material.

As it is visible for example in Fig. 4, the treatment device 70 can further comprise a plurality of idle rolls 45 which, in condition of use of the treatment device 70, operate above the conveyor 2, particularly above the exposed surface E of the conveyor belt. As it is visible in Fig. 4, the idle rolls 45 are disposed above the pressure roll 5a; the plurality of rolls is disposed in order to tension and guide the sheet material T to the initial contact zone with the conveyor 2, and particularly at the inlet of the pressure roll 5a as illustrated in Fig. 4, for example.

The treatment device 70 can comprise a movement device 40, carrying the applicator 12, and configured to move this latter along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A, at least during the movement of the sheet material T along the operative section 3; such movement of the applicator 12 can be provided particularly if the conveyor moves the sheet material T according to an intermittent advancement or consecutive steps (discontinuously).

The movement device 40 is configured to move the applicator 12 (both of a type movable transversally along the advancement direction and of a fixed type in other words not movable along a direction transversal to the advancement direction A) by translating along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A at least between a first and second operative positions, and vice versa, as schematically shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Specifically, the movement device 40 is configured to move the applicator 12 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction at least during the advancement condition of the conveyor 2. Particularly, the movement of the applicator 12 occurs along a forward stroke and return stroke, which both define a displacement of the applicator 12 less than a predetermined displacement of the sheet material T performed during the advancement condition.

The forward stroke and return stroke respectively define the movement of the applicator 12 for a length parallel to the movement direction A, less than the displacement of the sheet material T along the operative section 3. Particularly, the ratio of the predetermined displacement of the sheet material T along the operative section 3 to the displacement of the applicator 12 along the forward stroke is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. Analogously, the ratio of the predetermined displacement of the sheet material T along the operative section 3 to the displacement of the applicator 12 along the return stroke is comprised, in absolute value, between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2.

Lastly, the forward stroke and return stroke define translations, with the same absolute value, but having opposite directions, of the applicator 12 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A.

Therefore, the applicator 12 can be moved by the movement device 40, along the forward stroke, at a first movement speed less than a movement speed of the sheet material T imparted by the conveyor 2. The ratio of the advancement speed of the sheet material T during the advancement condition to the movement speed of the applicator 12 along the forward stroke is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. It is useful to note the ratio of the advancement speed of the sheet material T to the first movement speed of the applicator 12, along the forward stroke, can be constant for promoting an even application of the treatment composition C which, as hereinbefore discussed, can be directly performed on the deposit section 3a or directly on the second side T2 of the sheet material T.

In the same way, the movement device 40 enables the applicator 12 to translate along the return stroke, at a second movement speed which can be constant and equal, in absolute value, to the first movement speed. Consequently, the ratio of the advancement speed of the sheet material T during the advancement condition to the movement speed of the applicator 12 along the return stroke is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. The ratio of the advancement speed of the sheet material T to the second movement speed of the applicator 12, along the return stroke, can be constant for promoting an even application of the treatment composition which, as hereinbefore described, can be directly performed on the deposit section 3a or directly on the second side T2 of the sheet material T.

De facto, the movement device 40 is configured to move to-and-fro the applicator 12 along the forward and return strokes respectively during each advancement and stop conditions of the conveyor in order to maintain, during the intermittent advancement of the conveyor, an associated movement between the applicator and sheet material T; particularly, the movement device 40 is configured to maintain, both in the advancement condition and stop condition of the conveyor, a substantially constant relative speed between a sheet material T and applicator 12 in order to enable a constant and even treatment of the sheet material also in intermittent (not constant) advancement conditions: the movement device enables the treatment composition C to evenly penetrate the sheet material T, so that the printing process can be performed with the same impregnation conditions of the sheet material T, along all the length of the sheet material itself. In detail, the movement device 40 comprises at least one guide 41, shown in Fig. 3, placed alongside the conveyor 2 and extending parallel to the advancement direction A, and at least one support structure 42 stably carrying the applicator 12 slidingly movable along the guide 41.

The at least one guide 41 comprises a first and second guides, placed alongside the conveyor 2 and oppositely to the conveyor 2 itself (optionally oppositely to the conveyor belt). The first and second guides therefore enable the support structure 42, and consequently the movement device 40, to move the applicator 12 along the forward stroke (at a predetermined speed) and along the return stroke (at a predetermined speed).

As it is visible in Fig. 4 for example, also the pressure roll 5a and idle rolls 45 can be stably carried by the support structure 42 of the movement device 40 and consequently they are also movable - with the applicator 12 - along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A.

If the applicator 12 is of a movable type, for example one or more spray dispensers 18, the support structure 42 further stably carries the transversal guide 43, along which the applicator 12 is slidingly movable, the actuating element 44 and the corresponding actuator 73a.

The movement of the whole support structure 42 (carrying the applicator 12 and optionally the pressure member 5a) along the guide 41 can be transferred to one or more actuators, for example one or more electric motors suitably connected to the structure 42 by means of a transmission. For example, the support structure 42 can be connected to a belt moved by one or more gears rotatively supported by an electric motor.

The control unit can be connected to and active to command the movement device 40 and configured to control the movement of the applicator 12, along the forward stroke (during the advancement condition of the conveyor 2) and the movement of the applicator 12 along the return stroke (during the stop conditions of the conveyor 2); the control unit is also configured to synchronize the movement conditions of the conveyor 2 with the movement of the device 40 in order to maintain a predetermined relative movement between the applicator 12 adapted to ensure an even treatment of the sheet material also during the intermittent advancement (and particularly in the stop condition) of the sheet material T.

If there are movable-type applicators 12, the control unit is configured to synchronize the movement speed of the applicator 12 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A with at least one between:

- a movement speed of the same applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43,

- the movement of the conveyor 2,

- the supply of the treatment composition C by the applicator.

As it is visible in Figs. 4, 4A, 5, 6, 9 and 10A, the treatment device 70 can further comprise a containment device 71 disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device 70, above the conveyor (2) and at the applicator 12; the containment device 71 comprises at least one barrier 72 configured to confine the treatment composition C inside a deposit region, preventing the composition C from flowing through the barrier 72, optionally along a direction transversal to the advancement direction A. Particularly, the barrier 72 is configured to prevent the treatment composition C, dispensed by the dispenser 12, from flowing through the barrier 72 itself along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A and parallel to the deposit section.

The applicator 12 (optionally each applicator 12) is configured to dispense the treatment composition C in the deposit region; the barrier 72 confines the composition C and prevents the same from flowing out the deposit region. Each applicator 12 is positioned, in condition of use of the treatment device 70, above said at least one barrier 72. Particularly, at least in condition of use of the treatment device 70 and at least when dispensing the treatment composition C, each applicator 12 is disposed above the deposit region and more particularly inside a vertical volume defined by said deposit region.

The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a condition in which each applicator 12 faces the deposit section 3a and is configured to supply the composition directly to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2, optionally of the conveyor belt; in such configuration, also the barrier 72 is positioned above the exposed surface E at the deposit section 3a so that the barrier 72 can confine the treatment composition abutting the conveyor 2; particularly, in such configuration, the at least one barrier 72 is placed at the pressure member 5a upstream this latter with respect to the advancement direction A.

As hereinbefore specified, it is not excluded the possibility to provide a supply of the treatment composition C directly to the second side T2 of the sheet material T: each applicator 12 would directly face the sheet material T supported by the conveyor 2. In such configuration, the at least one barrier 72 could be positioned above the sheet material T directly above the second side T2 or placed alongside the sheet material in order to prevent the treatment composition C from pouring on the conveyor belt 2; particularly, in such configuration, the at least one barrier 72 is placed downstream the pressure member 5a with respect to the advancement direction A.

The attached figures illustrate a containment device 71 having, in a non-limiting way, a first and second barriers 72a, 72b (see Figs. 11 and 12, for example) facing each other and together delimiting the deposit region: the deposit region is interposed between said first and second barriers 72a, 72b. If there are said first and second barriers 72a, 72b, these latter are configured to confine the treatment composition C inside said deposit region, by keeping it confined between said barriers 72a, 72b. In such configuration, each applicator 12 is disposed above said first and second barriers 72a, 72b.

In case of fixed-type applicators 12 (not movable perpendicularly to the advancement direction A), these, at least during the condition of supplying the composition C, are stably placed above the deposit region. If there are movable-type dispensers (condition illustrated in the attached figures), these are slidingly movable along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction above the deposit region. Particularly, each applicator 12, in condition of use of the treatment device 70 and at least during a condition of supplying the treatment composition C, is movable above the conveyor 2 inside a vertical volume of the deposit region.

The attached figures illustrate a treatment device 70 comprising, in a non-limiting way, two spray dispensers 18 movable along the guide 43; each spray dispenser is movable above the deposit region for a respective length. If there are the first and second barriers 72a, 72b, the applicators are disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device 70 and at least during a dispensing condition of the treatment composition C, inside a vertical transversal size delimited by the first and second barriers 72a, 72b. The attached figures illustrate two spray dispensers 18 movable inside a vertical transversal size delimited by the first and second barriers 72a, 72b.

In the following, it is made reference to the barrier 72 structure. It is understood that such structure is the same as the one of the first and second barriers 72a, 72b. The barrier 72 comprises a plate optionally of metal material, still more optionally of a ferromagnetic material. The plate extends longitudinally along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A and vertically along a direction perpendicular to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2, optionally perpendicularly to the deposit section, away from the conveyor 2. If there are the first and second plates 72a, 72b, the respective plates of said barriers extend longitudinally parallel to each other and parallel to the advancement direction A.

As hereinbefore specified, dispensing the treatment composition C can occur directly on the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) or directly on the second side of the sheet material T; as a function of this, the plate of the barrier 72 can be more or less distanced from the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2. For example, if the composition is directly dispensed on the exposed surface E, the plate of the barrier 72 can be disposed in contact with the exposed surface E or at a minimum distance comprised between 0.3 and 2 mm. Still in this configuration, the plate can be positioned adjacent the pressure member 5a; therefore, the plate can have a front outline at least partially countershaped to an external surface of the pressure member 5a (see Fig. 5, for example) so that the barrier can confine the treatment composition C until the initial contact zone.

When the composition is directly dispensed on the second side T2 of the sheet material T, the barrier 72 - if it is placed above the sheet material - it is placed at a minimum distance from the surface of the conveyor in dependence of the thickness of the sheet material, for example at a distance comprised between 0.3 and 2 mm; on the contrary, if the barrier 72 is placed alongside the sheet material T, this can be disposed in contact with the exposed surface E or at a minimum distance comprised between 0.3 and 2 mm.

The plate defines an internal containment surface 77 configured to directly contact and confine the treatment composition C: the confinement surface is flat and extends parallel to the advancement direction A and perpendicularly to the exposed surface E. If there are the first and second barriers 72a, 72b, these comprise respective internal confinement surfaces 77 facing each other and configured to laterally delimit, according to a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction and parallel to the deposit section, the deposit region.

Each barrier 72 can be fixed to a stationary frame of the treatment device 70 and carrying the conveyor 2; in such configuration, each barrier 72 can take only one position to confine the treatment composition.

As an alternative, the containment device 71 can comprise a positioning device 73 configured to move the barrier 72 (if the first and second barriers 72a, 72b are present) at least along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A and parallel to the deposit section so that said at least one barrier 72 can take different positions to confine the treatment composition C.

In detail, the positioning device 73 comprises a support frame 74 carrying at least one transversal guide 75 extending transversally, optionally perpendicularly, to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed surface E (optionally parallel to the deposit section): the transversal guide 75 is disposed, in condition of use of the treatment device 70, above the conveyor 2, extends along all a width of the conveyor 2 measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction. Moreover, the positioning device 73 comprises at least one displacement member 76 slidingly movable along the transversal guide 75 for example by an actuator 73a operative on the member 76: the displacement member 76 is configured to move said at least one barrier 72 along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed surface (optionally parallel to the deposit section).

Further, the control unit can be active in command on the actuator 73a of the positioning device 73 and configured to command the positioning device 73 to move the barrier 72 along the transversal guide 75. For example, the actuator 73a can comprise an electric motor; the control unit due to the control of the electric motor, can manage the position of the displacement member 76 along the guide 75 and consequently the barrier 72 position. The control unit is configured to command the positioning device 73 to move the barrier 72 at least between a pick-up position and an operative position: the barrier 72, in the operative position, is configured to confine the treatment composition C in the deposit region. Still more particularly, due to the control of the actuator 73a, the control unit is configured to move the displacement member 76 at least between:

- a first operative position, in which the displacement member 76 is configured to engage the barrier 72 in the pick up position,

- a second operative position, in which the barrier takes the operative position.

If there are the first and second barriers 72a, 72b, the positioning device comprises a respective first and second displacement members 76a, 76b respectively operative on the first and second barriers 72a, 72b to move these latter along the transversal guide 75.

The displacement member 76 can directly operate on the barrier 72 plate. As an alternative, the barrier 72 (each barrier) can comprise an external coupling portion 78 opposite to the internal containment surface 77: the displacement member 76 is configured to engage the external coupling portion 78 to move the barrier 72 along the transversal guide 75.

The attached figures illustrate a coupling portion 78 comprising a support block engaged with the plate oppositely to the internal containment surface 77 and having a gripping portion 79 (see Figs. 4A, 10A, 11-14) emerging above the barrier 72 plate: the gripping portion 79 is configured to engage the displacement member 76 to enable to move the barrier along the transversal guide 75.

In a configuration, the gripping portion 79 of the coupling portion 78 is at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material; the displacement member 76 comprises at least one of: a magnet, an electromagnet. In such configuration, the displacement member 76 is configured to attract to itself (due to the magnetic effect) the support block and therefore the barrier 72 which then can be moved, due to the movement of the displacement member 76, along the transversal guide 75.

If the displacement member 76 comprises an electromagnet, the positioning device 73 can comprise a generator configured to:

- define an active condition in which it supplies a current to the electromagnet of the displacement member 76 so that said electromagnet generates a magnetic field capable of attracting to itself (engaging) the coupling portion 78 and therefore barrier 72,

- define an inactive condition, in which the generator does not supply any current to the electromagnet.

The control unit is active in command on the generator of the electromagnet and configured to:

- command the movement of the displacement member 76 to the first operative condition,

- command the active condition of the electromagnet so that the displacement member 76 can engage the barrier 72,

- command the movement of the displacement member 76 to the second operative condition so that said displacement member 76 can move the barrier 72 to the operative position.

The control unit, after driving the movement of the displacement member 76 to the second operative position, is further configured to:

- command the inactive condition of the electromagnet, so that the displacement member 76 disengages from the barrier 72,

- after disengaging the barrier 72, move the displacement member from the second operative position to a rest distanced position in which the displacement member 76 is distanced from the barrier placed in the operative position.

In an embodiment, the displacement member 76 can be carried by the movable applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43 by the actuator 73a as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, for example. Due to the displacement of the applicator 12, it is consequently possible to displace the barrier 72 along the transversal guide 75. In such configuration, the control unit is active in command on the actuator 73a and electromagnet in order to be capable of managing the movement of the applicator 12 along the transversal guide 43 and, simultaneously, to command the electromagnet to take in the active and inactive conditions in order to control the grip and release of the barrier 72.

As hereinbefore described, the treatment device 70 can comprise the movement device 40 which can stably carry the containment device 71 to move it along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. Particularly, the movement device 40 is configured to move the barrier 72 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. The attached figures illustrate a movement of the applicator 12 and containment device 71; in such configuration, the movement device 40 is configured to move to-and-fro the at least one barrier 72 integrally with applicator 12 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. So, the barrier 72 can perform the displacement of the applicator 12 and therefore the treatment composition C is dispensed so that to be capable of correctly confining said composition inside the deposit region. Particularly, also the barrier 72, carried by the device 40, is movable between a respective first and second operative positions substantially coincident with the first and second operative positions of the applicator 12.

As an alternative, the movement device can carry only the applicator 12, which will be movable along a direction parallel to the direction A, while the containment device 71 is carried by the stationary frame of the treatment device: in such configuration, the applicator and barrier are movable with respect to each other along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A.

Moreover, the movement device 40 can carry only the containment device 40, while the applicator 12 is engaged only with the stationary frame of the treatment device 70 and is possibly movable only along a direction transversal to the advancement direction A. The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a treatment device in which the movement device 40 stably carries the applicator 12 (particularly, the plurality of applicators) movable along the transversal guide 43, the containment device 71 with at least one barrier 72 (particularly, the first and second barriers 72a, 72b) and the pressure roll 5a: all these elements move integrally along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. As it is visible in the attached figures, the treatment device 70 can comprise a supplying station 14, disposed upstream the applicator 12 and containment device 71 with respect to an advancement direction of the sheet material T along the operative section 3, configured to take the sheet material T to the treatment device 70. The supplying station 14 can comprise a roll of sheet material T placed on a drum rotatively driven by a motor, the sheet material T is unwound from the drum and moved to the treatment device 70. Further, the supplying station 14 can comprise one or more idle rolls 14a configured to receive the sheet material T unwound from the drum and correctly tension it before delivering it to the treatment device 70. In an embodiment variant, the sheet material T can be picked up from a different supplying station 14 configured to store as flat layers, or loops, the sheet material T (this condition is not shown in the attached figures). Between the supplying station 14 and treatment device 70, a tensioning system different from what was described, for example, using a dancer roll, is provided.

Printing plant 1

It is a further object of the present invention a digital printing plant 1 of sheet material T, for example in the shape of a continuous web. The plant 1 is useable for ink printing the sheet material T comprising for example a fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a sheet material of another type. The plant 1 can be used in the textile field or in knitted fabrics or non-woven fabrics to be ink printed.

The printing plant 1 comprises a printing station 6 configured to ink print the sheet material T placed on the operative section 3. Specifically, the printing station 6 is configured to print the second side T2 of the sheet material T, opposite to the first side T 1 in contact (optionally adhesivised) to the exposed surface E.

The printing station 6 can be of a scan type, in other words having one or more heads 8 configured to perform an ink jet printing on the sheet material during a movement of the heads 8 along a direction transversal to the advancement direction A of the sheet material T. Particularly, the head 8 (each head 8) is configured to translate with respect to the sheet material T in order to define a print on all the width of this latter.

In order to be capable of correctly printing the sheet material T by a scan type printing station 6, it is required to move the sheet material T by the conveyor 2 according to an intermittent or consecutive steps (discontinuous) advancement; the head 8 movement is synchronized with the stop conditions of the conveyor 2, so that the head 8 can deposit ink on the sheet material T when this latter does not move along the operative section 3. De facto, the heads 8 are configured to not print the sheet material T (and generally for remaining stationary) during the advancement conditions of the conveyor 2, in other words while the sheet material moves along the operative section 3.

Moreover, the movement of the head 8 is transferred to an actuator, for example an electric motor connected and commanded by the control unit 50 which is configured to adjust at least one of the following parameters:

- a movement speed of the head 8,

- a movement of the head 8 perpendicularly to the advancement direction A,

- a duration of the movement of the head 8.

Moreover, the control unit 50 is further active in command on, in a known way, the head 8 in order to be capable of supplying through the head 8 nozzles, the desired type and amounts of ink. Therefore, the control unit is configured to manage the synchronization of the printing step of the head 8 and therefore the movement of this latter, and also the ink dispensing, under the stop and advancement conditions of the conveyor 2.

It is not excluded the possibility of using a printing station 6 comprising at least one printing module 7 extending transversal ly, optionally perpendicularly, to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2. Each printing module 7 has a width, measured perpendicularly to the cited movement direction, slightly less than (for example from 5% to 10%), equal to or greater than the width of the conveyor 2. Each printing module 7 is configured to define a width equal to or greater than the width of the fibrous material T which in use adheres to the conveyor. Each printing module 7, during an operative condition of the conveyor 2 - in which the conveyor 2 continuously moves the sheet material to a predetermined speed greater than 0 - is configured to:

- define a print on all a width of the fibrous material T,

- remain in a fixed position and print the second side T2 of the fibrous material T sliding on the operative section 3. Essentially, providing a printing module 7 extending along all the width of the fibrous material T, enables simultaneously the module itself to remain still - particularly enables to not perform any type of displacement along a longitudinal and/or transversal directions with respect to the advancement direction A - during the operative condition of the conveyor (continuously moving the sheet material T) and to continuously perform a print on the fibrous material T by only the movement imparted to the fibrous material T.

More in detail, each printing module 7 comprises a plurality of heads 8 configured to cover, by the respective nozzles, all the width of the conveyor, particularly of the fibrous material T. The structure of each printing module and the control of this latter by the control unit can be according to what is described in the patent application No. WO 2018/020420 A1, from page 85, line 25, to page 88, line 5.

The printing station 6 is placed downstream the treatment device 70 with respect to an advancement direction of the sheet material T on the operative section 3 of the conveyor 2 along the advancement direction A. In such configuration, the treatment device 70 substantially defines a station for pretreating the sheet material T before the printing step: the sheet material T is beforehand treated when moves from the treatment device 70 and after that is printed when moves through the printing station 6.

As hereinbefore described with reference to the treatment device 70, the applicator 12 can be carried by the movement device 40 and can be movable between the first and second operative positions; the applicator 12, in the first operative position, is disposed at a distance from the printing station 6 greater than a distance present between the printing station 6 and applicator 12 placed in the second operative position. The above cited distances between the applicator 12 and printing head are measured along the advancement direction A (see Figs. 7 and 8). In this regard, the forward stroke defines the movement of the applicator 12, in the advancement condition of the conveyor 2, from the first to the second operative positions, towards the printing station 6 by a direction equal to the movement direction of the conveyor 2. Vice versa, the return stroke defines the movement of the applicator 12, during the stop condition of the conveyor 2, from the second to the first operative positions, away from the printing station 6.

The same movement towards and away from the printing station 6 can be performed by the containment device 71 in the configuration in which this latter is stably carried by the movement device 40. In such configuration, also the barrier 72 is movable along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A, at least between a first and second operative positions: the barrier 72, in the first operative position, is at a distance from the printing station 6, measured along the advancement direction, greater than a distance present between the printing station and the at least one barrier 72 placed in the second operative position.

As hereinbefore discussed, also the printing plant 1 can comprise a control unit separated from the control unit of the treatment device 70 or can be the same control unit 50. Such control unit is configured to synchronize the movement of the conveyor 2 (therefore of the sheet material) with the printing station 6. Particularly, in case of a scan printing station 6, the control unit is configured to synchronize the movement of the conveyor 2 with the movement of the movable heads 8 so that the printing step can be performed during the stop step of the conveyor 2. Moreover, the control unit is configured to synchronize the movement of the heads 8 with the movement of the applicators 12 along the guide 43 and the displacement of the movement device 40, optionally the movement of the applicator 12 and/or of the barrier 72 along the forward and return strokes parallel to the advancement direction A.

As hereinbefore described with reference to the treatment device 70, the unit is configured to manage the movement device 40 and conveyor so that it is set a predetermined ratio of the displacement (or movement speed) of the applicator 12 - carried by the movement device 40 - to the displacement (or movement speed) of the sheet material T carried by the conveyor 2.

However, the control unit can be active in command on the applicator 12, conveyor 2 and movement device and can be configured to determine at least one of the following operative parameters:

- an amount of the treatment composition, optionally, a treatment foam, dispensed by the dispenser,

- a movement speed of the sheet material T, along the advancement direction, towards the printing station,

- an advancement mode of the sheet material T, continuously or intermittently along the advancement direction A. The control unit - by driving at least one of the applicator 12, conveyor 2 and movement device 40 - can be configured to control at least one of said operative parameters in order to be capable of managing a residence time of the treatment composition on the sheet material T before said sheet material T arrives to the printing station 6. For example, the control unit can be configured so that the residence time of the treatment composition on the sheet material T, before the same reaches the printing station 6, is equal to or greater than 1 sec, optionally is comprised between 1 and 20 sec.

As hereinbefore described, the treatment device 70 is placed upstream the printing station. It is not excluded the possibility of providing, in addition or as an alternative, a treatment device 70 downstream the printing station 6 so that said device 70 - according to what was hereinbefore described - can define a station for post-treating the printed sheet material T. In such configuration, the treatment device 70 - optionally the at least one applicator 12 - is configured to apply the treatment composition on the second printed side T2 of the sheet material T. In this case, the treatment composition dispensed by the treatment device 70 can be different from the treatment composition dispensed by the same device 70 if positioned upstream the printing station 6; for example, the treatment composition dispensed by the device 70, downstream the printing station 6, can comprise a pH control agent and a hydrotropic agent. Further, it is not excluded the possibility of providing two treatment devices 70 according to what was hereinbefore described: a first treatment device 70 placed upstream the printing station 6 and a second treatment device 70 placed downstream the printing station 6.

As it is visible in Figs. 1 and 3 for example, the printing plant 1 can comprise a drying station interposed between the treatment device 70, disposed upstream the printing station 6 with respect to an advancement direction of the sheet material T along the operative section 3, and the printing station 6. The drying station can be used to dry the sheet material T treated by the treatment composition C before the same is printed in the printing station 6. The drying station can comprise heaters and/or blowers.

Treatment process

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention a process of treating a sheet material T particularly performed by the treatment device 70 according to any one of the attached claims and/or according to the above given description.

The process comprises a step of storing the sheet material T, for example from the supplying station 14, and delivering it to the conveyor 2 (optionally to the conveyor belt); the delivering step can be performed by continuously unwinding the sheet material T from the drum of the supplying station 14. The sheet material T can be caused to pass through a group of idle rolls adapted to enable a correct tension. After, the sheet material T is constrained to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 (optionally of the conveyor belt) in order to define an operative section 3 in which the conveyor 2 supports the sheet material T. The first side T 1 is put in contact with the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2; then, the sheet material T is moved by the conveyor 2 (optionally the conveyor belt) along the advancement direction A. The sheet material T can be constrained (for example by applying an adhesive material) to the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2 so that this latter can stably support the moving sheet material T.

The movement of the sheet material T can be performed - by the conveyor 2 - according to an intermittent advancement in which the advancement conditions of the sheet material T alternate with stop conditions; in order to cause the sheet material T to intermittently advance, two consecutive advancement conditions alternate with a stop condition. As an alternative, the material can be caused to continuously advance along the operative section 3 at a speed constantly greater than 0, particularly comprised between 20 m/min and 70 m/min. Such (intermittent and continuous) movements of the sheet material can be managed by the control unit active in command on the actuators/motors which have the capability of moving the conveyor 2.

The process comprises a step of dispensing the treatment composition C destined to treat at least one side of the sheet material T, by one or more applicators 12 according to the above given description. The application can be directly performed on the first side T 1 of the sheet material T, without a direct application to the second side T2 to be printed or can be directly performed on said second side T 1.

The attached figures illustrate a step of applying the treatment composition to the side T 1 of the sheet material T; such step can be performed by directly applying the composition C, by one or more applicators 12, to the deposit section 3a upstream the operative section 3 with respect to the advancement direction of the same sheet material. The sheet material T is then treated after the sheet material contacts the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2. It is not excluded the possibility to dispense the treatment composition C directly on the second side T2 of the sheet material T in contact with the exposed surface E of the conveyor 2.

Supplying the treatment composition C is continuously performed during the intermittent or continuous advancement of the sheet material T carried by the conveyor 2. The step of dispensing the treatment composition C can be performed by one or more of the following applications:

- dispensing by a spray dispenser 18 or by jet heads,

- applying by a drum having its rotation axis transversal to the advancement direction A and its lateral surface distanced from the conveyor, the drum having a hollow inside destined to house a predetermined amount of the treatment composition and being provided with a predetermined number of nozzle or slots for dispensing the composition,

- applying by the distributor 90.

Still more in detail, dispensing/applying the treatment composition C can be performed according to the modes described in the patent application No. WO 2018/020420 A1, from page 53, line 16, to page 56, line 23.

If the sheet material T is moved according to an intermittent mode, the process, simultaneously with a movement of the sheet material T, can provide a step of moving the applicator 12 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. The movement of the applicator 12 is performed by the movement device 40 along the forward and return strokes; the movement along the forward stroke is performed during the advancement condition of the conveyor 2 at a first speed less than the movement speed of the sheet material T. During the stop condition of the conveyor 2, the applicator 12 moves along the return stroke at a second speed substantially equal to the first movement speed of the applicator 12 along the forward stroke, consequently less than the movement speed of the sheet material T.

It is useful to observe supplying the treatment composition C is performed by the applicator 12 both during the movement of the applicator 12 along the forward stroke and during the movement of the applicator 12 along the return stroke. Since the applicator 12 is moved at a speed less than the movement speed of the sheet material T, the longitudinal movement of the applicator 12, both during the advancement condition and during the stop condition, is less than the predetermined longitudinal displacement of the sheet material T.

In particular, the ratio of the advancement/movement speed of the sheet material T to the movement speed of the applicator 12 (first and/or second speeds) is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2. Consequently, since the movement of the sheet material T and applicator 12 occurs in equal time intervals, the ratio of the predetermined longitudinal displacement of the sheet material T to the displacement of the applicator 12, both during the forward stroke and during the return stroke, is comprised between 1.8 and 2.2, optionally is substantially 2.

The process further comprises a step of confining the treatment composition C, by at least one barrier 72 of a containment device 71, inside a deposit region, preventing said treatment composition C from passing through the barrier 72 according to a direction transversal to the advancement direction A. De facto, dispensing the treatment composition C occurs directly inside the deposit region delimited by the barrier (by the first and second barriers 72a, 72b, if present) so that said at least one barrier can correctly confine the composition C.

Before the step of dispensing the treatment composition C, the process can comprise a step of moving the barrier 72 to position the same in a desired confinement operative position by the positioning device 73. Particularly, the movement of the barrier 72 can provide the following sub-steps:

- intercepting, by the displacement member 76 of a positioning device 73, the at least one barrier 72 placed in a pick-up position,

- moving said barrier 72, by the displacement member 76, from the pick-up position to the confinement operative position along a direction transversal, optionally perpendicular, to the advancement direction A, the barrier 72, in the operative position, being configured to confine the treatment composition C in the deposit region.

Moving the barrier 72 to the desired operative confinement position can be managed by the control unit active in command on the positioning device 73. For example, the control unit can be configured to command the movement of the barrier 72 to the desired operative confinement position in dependence of at least one parameter representative of:

- a section of the sheet material to be treated,

- a position of the barrier 72 with respect to a predetermined pick-up position,

- a position of one or more applicators 12,

- a movement stroke of one or more applicators 12,

- a width extension (measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction A and parallel to the exposed surface E) of the deposit region,

- a predetermined distance from a perimetral edge of the sheet material,

- a position of the barrier with respect to a longitudinal end edge of the conveyor.

As hereinbefore described with reference to the device 70, the containment device 71 can be carried by the movement device 40. Therefore, the process can comprise a further to-and-fro movement of the barrier 72 along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. The integral movement of the barriers 72 can occur with the movement of the applicator 12 if this latter is carried by the device 40.

The movement of the barrier 72 by the movement device 40 is the same as the above one described with reference to the movement of the applicator.

With reference to the above described process, it is mainly made reference to an applicator 12 and barrier 72; however, as hereinbefore described with reference to the treatment device, this latter can comprise a plurality of applicators 12 and/or a plurality of barriers (a first and second barriers 72a, 72b, for example). The process steps regarding the single applicator 12 and single barrier 72 can be transferred to one or more of the applicators or barriers of the treatment device 70.

Printing process

It is a further object of the present invention the process of printing a sheet material, optionally performed by a printing plant 1 according to one or more of the attached claims and/or according to above given description.

The printing process comprises a printing step of moving the sheet material by the conveyor 2 along the operative section 3 in the advancement direction A; the sheet material T on the operative section 3 is ink-printed by the printing station 6. As hereinbefore described, the printing station 6 can be of a scan type (this condition is illustrated in the attached figures), in other words having at least one head 8 adapted to perform the ink-printing operation by translating along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction A. The printing step is synchronized with the advancement and stop conditions of the conveyor 2; specifically, only during the stop condition of the conveyor, the head 8 moves above the sheet material for depositing the ink on the second side T2: during the advancement condition, the head 8 is kept alongside (for example, outside) the sheet material T.

If the process comprises a printing step by a scan station, the sheet material is intermittently advanced along the operative section; in such condition, it is possible to provide a movement of the applicator 12 (one or more applicators 12) and/or of the containment device 71 (optionally of one or more barriers) along a direction parallel to the advancement direction A. Such movement provides the movement of the applicator and/or barrier along the forward and return strokes, towards and away from the printing station. During the movement of the applicator 12 and/or barrier 72 along the forward stroke, these latter are moved to the printing station 6 while, during the movement of the applicator 12 and/or barrier 72 along the return stroke, these latter are moved away from the printing station 6. The movements along the forward and return strokes, are synchronized with the advancement, and stop conditions of the conveyor, as hereinbefore described.

Further, it is not excluded the possibility of comprising a step of dispensing the treatment composition C, according to what was hereinbefore described, on a side placed downstream the printing station in order to perform a post treatment of the printed sheet material. Further, it is not excluded the possibility of comprising two distinct treating steps: a step of pretreating the sheet material T before the same is printed and a step of post-treating the printed sheet material.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables to provide a treatment device of sheet material T to be capable of performing an accurate and even treatment of the sheet material; particularly, the presence of at least one barrier ensures to accurately deposit the treatment composition on the sheet material and a following action of containing the same so that the treatment composition does not flow out the desired zone. In this way, the treatment device prevents the treatment composition from flowing out the sheet material and piling up on the conveyor, consequently preventing an undesired damage to the printing station, particularly to the printing heads. In this way, the treatment device can maintain a high efficiency of the application and at the same time can ensure the evenness and precision of the sheet material T treatment.