DE102013208061A1 - Apparatus for printing e.g. content information on e.g. drink bottle, has UV lamp that is arranged on one of pressure plane to emit UV radiation for curing applied ink on containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The printing apparatus has print heads (59-62) which are arranged at preset interval in each pressure plane along outer circumference for applying ink on containers (58). A UV lamp (64) is arranged on one of the pressure plane to emit the UV radiation for curing the applied ink on containers. The annular shields (65) are arranged between the adjacent pressure planes. An independent claim is included for a method for printing on containers.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for printing on containers according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 and of claim 16 and a method for printing on containers according to the features of the preamble of claim 14.

State of the art

Container equipment usually provides information to containers that inform the end user of the contents of the container. Through their graphic design they serve u.a. also the sales promotion. A typical field of application is the food industry, where, for example, a beverage is filled in the containers. In addition to the content information, it may also be necessary to provide perishable food containers with perishable foods. This has been done for a long time by applying printed labels. Recently, however, the developments have also been to dispense with the label material and to print the containers directly. In systems in which the complete equipment is not done in one step, the containers go through several equipment machines, the space for setting up several equipment machines is sometimes very limited. For this purpose direction changes in the main conveying path are necessary in order to be able to realize, for example, a gorget-shaped arrangement of the equipment machines. In addition, with given equipment media or materials (for example, the currently realizable printing speeds are relatively low) and / or container sizes often relatively long treatment times are necessary, resulting in high output rates to large machine diameters. Therefore, it is endeavored to allow a decoration of the container as quickly as possible or over a large part of the scope of the equipment machine.

The DE 10 2010 034 780 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for printing on containers, wherein on a rotating machine treatment stations are provided, which substantially above each other the necessary printing printheads and optionally further for pre- and post-treatment of the container required facilities in a transport plane to the container preferably by about 90˚ inclined track, wherein the containers are guided by moving along the inclined path to different treatment stations. One or more colors may be applied to the container outer surface in two separate planes, with UV irradiation to cure the ink in a third plane after the application of the ink.

The DE 10 2009 013 477 A1 discloses a sleeve-like enclosure of a printing position, which encloses in the closed state, the space provided at the respective printing position bottle at its entire height at a distance and receives. For suction of sprayed ink, a suction device is provided, so that a strong contamination of the printing device with printing ink can be prevented.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for printing on containers in order to enable efficient printing of the container with color and curing of the applied color, in particular for containers that are transparent to UV radiation.

solution

The object is achieved by the device according to claim 1 and 16 and by the method according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

In the context of the present invention, the term "container" means all for the admission of any products, such as e.g. Drinks, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, etc. suitable containers such as vessels, bottles, cans, glasses with and without screw cap, etc. to understand.

The inventive device for printing on containers comprises at least one printing plane, wherein in each printing plane along an outer circumference of a free space, which is adapted to receive a container, at least one print head for applying color is arranged on the container. In addition, at least one UV lamp is arranged in at least one printing plane for curing applied to the container color.

A printing plane may be defined by passing through the lower edges, upper edges or center of the at least one printhead and / or the at least one UV lamp. In general, the printing planes are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a container to be printed. Printing in a printing plane does not necessarily mean line printing along a perimeter of the container, but generally two-dimensional areal printing along the container outer surface.

The one or more printheads are configured to apply print media to a container exterior surface. The printing medium may be a UV-curable medium, such as ink, paint, varnish or the like, in particular UV-curable ink. In general, UV radiation in a wavelength range of 200 to 480 nm is used for UV curing.

The printheads preferably have a plurality of individually controllable nozzles and operate on the inkjet principle. The nozzles are preferably arranged to spray the ink radially inwards into the region of the free space in which a container can be arranged and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container to be printed, so that at Rotation of the container about its longitudinal axis, the color along the circumferential direction of the container can be applied flat. In particular, a print head comprises at least one row of nozzles, preferably at least two rows of nozzles. In particular, the line which intersects the nozzles of a row is arranged substantially parallel to a container longitudinal axis. The nozzles can be operated for example by means of a piezoelectric actuator.

In a printing plane, a partial print image or even a total print image - depending on the specification of the image - be applied by color of the at least one print head on the container, the container, while color is sprayed or fired by means of the print head, preferably rotates, so that An angular range of the container outer surface can be sprayed with the paint. In order to cure the applied ink, the container is preferably rotated by the corresponding angular range in front of the UV lamp so that the ink can cure by the UV radiation emitted by the UV lamp.

If the device for printing on containers comprises more than one printing plane, it can be provided that a partial printed image is applied to the container outer surface in each of these printing planes. For example, the rotation of the containers about their longitudinal axis can also be superimposed on a linear process along the longitudinal axis of the container, whereby process time can be saved.

Characterized in that at least one printhead and at least one UV lamp are arranged in a printing plane, it is not necessary to spend a color printed by means of the printhead container for curing the color by means of a UV lamp in a separate plane, for example includes a single UV lamp. The container thus does not have to be moved linearly so that ink applied in one printing plane can be cured in the separate plane. This saves process time.

In each of the at least one printing plane, two, three, four, five or more print heads may be arranged. When providing a plurality of printheads in a printing plane, in this printing plane, for example, a number of different colors corresponding to the number of printheads can be applied to a container. For example, if you have five printheads, the five colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, white, and black (key) can be provided by one of the printheads at a time. It may also be contemplated that multiple printheads in a printing plane provide a first color so that a container must be rotated a smaller angle compared to if there were only one printhead providing that first color Apply partial image in the first color on the container outer surface.

It can also be provided that, in addition to the plurality of printheads, which provide the first color, one or more other printheads provide a second color.

For example, if polymer additives are added to the PET material to provide UV stabilization, or if the container comprises a UV radiation-impermeable layer, printheads in one or more printing planes may also face the UV lamp on the other side of the container or be arranged in the scattering range of the UV radiation, without that in a (desired) curing of ink applied to the container by means of the UV lamp and UV radiation can penetrate through the container and hit such a printhead. Thus, no drying out of the color of such a printhead and thus no erroneous operation can occur, since none of the nozzles of such a printhead become clogged with dried paint.

The apparatus may further comprise a UV radiation-opaque mandrel exposed by the UV lamp and adapted to be inserted into the container through an opening of a container. This mandrel is particularly advantageous when more than one print head is provided in a printing plane and containers are to be printed, which are transparent to UV radiation. The mandrel can be moved in particular along the container longitudinal axis.

Without the mandrel UV radiation could penetrate through the container in a (desired) curing of color applied to the container by means of the UV lamp and, for example, on hit a printhead opposite the UV lamp on the other side of the container. This could then lead to a drying out of the color of this opposing printhead and thus to erroneous operation, since then, for example, all or some of the nozzles of an affected printhead become clogged with dried paint. Even printheads that are not exactly opposite to the UV lamp but arranged in a scattering range of UV radiation can be influenced by the UV radiation, which can lead to a drying out of the color of these printheads.

The mandrel introduced through an opening of the container into the container secures the UV radiation, so that more than one print head and, in addition, a UV lamp can be arranged in one printing plane without the print heads being blocked by the UV radiation of the UV lamp. Lamp be affected negatively.

Between adjacent pressure planes, an annular shield can be provided in each case. The annular shield can prevent sprayed color of one printing plane from reaching another printing plane and having an effect there on the printing result. For example, the annular shield may be opaque to UV radiation emitted by one or more UV lamps.

The device may further include an enclosure surrounding the device. The housing may surround the at least one printing plane, the at least one print head and the at least one UV lamp, wherein the housing preferably consists of a plurality of housing elements which can be moved relative to one another. For example, the housing can enclose the device and thus also the at least one printing plane, the at least one print head and the at least one UV lamp in the form of a sleeve. If the enclosure comprises a plurality of housing elements which are movable relative to one another, one of these housing elements can for example be fixed with respect to a carousel or the turntable and another housing element can be movably arranged to allow the containers to be removed from the housing. With the housing can be prevented that too much pressure mist is distributed by the device into the environment, also provides the housing provides protection against air turbulence when moving the device, for example in a carousel. For example, the housing may also include a suction for pressure mist.

The enclosure may also have the advantage that UV radiation from one station, should the device comprise several, not hit the printheads of the adjacent station and / or vice versa. It would also be conceivable, only to avoid this, to provide only every second station with an enclosure.

The apparatus may further comprise means adapted to change the outer circumference along which the at least one printhead and the at least one UV lamp are arranged for each of the at least one printing plane. By varying the outer circumference, containers of different diameters can be printed by the device. Since a change in the outer circumference for the different pressure levels is independent of each other, for example, the outer circumference of a printing plane can be chosen small, when applied in the region of a container neck paint and cured, whereas a larger outer circumference can be selected for a different printing plane if paint is applied and cured in the area of the container shell. Thus, it can be ensured that the distance between the print head and the container surface or UV lamp and container surface is not too large or too small, so that an optimal print result can be achieved.

The change of the outer circumference can preferably be done by motor, but also manually, so that the position of the printheads is adapted to the outer contours of the container by this change. The change of the outer circumference can take place in a container format change, for example by reading in CAD or image data of the new container, but also by measuring the new container by means of a sensor or a camera. The change can also be made during the printing of the same bottle should it have different diameters.

The device may further comprise a linearly movable centering head and a linearly movable container receptacle, between which a container can be arranged and by means of which the container can be moved into the free space of the at least one printing plane. By arranging the container between the centering head and the container receptacle, the container can for example be held securely, whereby a movement - for example, in the horizontal or vertical direction or in an inclined direction - of the container in the free space of the at least one printing plane is possible. Preferably, the centering head and the container receptacle are linearly movable along the longitudinal axis of a container. The longitudinal axis is in particular vertically aligned at least at one point in time, preferably during the entire printing process.

The container receptacle may comprise a turntable, such as a centering plate, which is adapted to be rotated about its axis. By a rotation of the turntable about its axis, a container located on the turntable can be rotated about its longitudinal axis - the longitudinal axis depending on the design of the device for printing in a horizontal or vertical direction or in an inclined direction - so that after Spend the Container in the free space of the at least one printing plane, applied by means of the at least one print head color on a part of or on the whole container outer surface and cured by means of at least one UV lamp. By rotating the turntable by an angle of x °, where 0 ° <x <360 °, an x / 360th part of the circumference of the container can be printed.

On the turntable can also be dispensed with, if the container is to be transported only in Neckhandling. Here then a rotary drive can be provided on a receptacle which supports the container only in its mouth region and / or engages and centered. The same applies if slaves are used to transport the container, except that then the recordings (turntable, centering, Neckgreifer) do not attack the container, but at least partially on the slave. The slave can then also have an opening through which the mandrel can be introduced into the container.

The mandrel may be disposed in a fixed predetermined position relative to the centering head. Such a fixed position is advantageous if one type of container is to be printed with the device, since then the dimensions of the container and the mandrel are predetermined and no individual adjustment of the mandrel to another type of container is required. By positioning the centering head on the container, the mandrel is thus also positioned immediately.

Alternatively, the mandrel can be moved relative to the centering head and the centering head can preferably have a center bore, in which the mandrel can be arranged to be movable. A method of the mandrel relative to the centering head is advantageous when different types of containers are to be printed with the device. Then the mandrel can be adapted to the dimensions of the containers.

The mandrel may further comprise at least one expansion element integrated with the mandrel and adapted to be spread away from the mandrel after the mandrel has been inserted into a container and further configured to deploy the mandrel out of the container to be returned to its original position. By means of the at least one expansion element, the area which is shielded by means of the mandrel can be increased. Also, since the at least one expansion element is adapted to be spread after the mandrel has been inserted into the container, the inner shape of the container may be taken into account so that optimum UV radiation shielding could be obtained which would otherwise penetrate the container ,

The at least one expansion element can be designed as a sheet, so that when it is spread away from the mandrel, preferably pointing away from the mandrel in the radial direction.

The mandrel may occupy at least 20%, preferably at least 40% of the container diameter at a certain height along the longitudinal axis, in particular with the expansion element.

A spreading element can easily be stored and / or actively moved / controlled, so that the spreading element can be reliably and easily spread away from the mandrel and can also be brought into its starting position.

The mandrel may include an insertion bevel and / or an extension bevel to allow the mandrel to be more easily inserted into the opening of the container and thus into the container and / or more easily removed from the container.

The spine can also be inflated like a balloon. To shield from UV radiation, instead of using the mandrel, hot steam, mist, CO ₂ (dry ice) or smoke could also be blown into the container in order to weaken the intensity of the UV light. This can only take place via the centering head or the receptacle, or through a mandrel, which can be introduced into the container and releases the medium at the bottom of the container. In addition to the sterilizing effect of UV light could thus also - depending on the medium - a sterilization of certain areas of the container take place. It is also intended to wetting the container to be filled or a part of the product to be filled. If this is at least partially UV-impermeable, then this could be sprayed by a arranged in the centering atomizer to the inner walls of the container.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for printing on containers using a printing device as described above and below, the method comprising the following steps: placing a container in the free space; then applying paint to the container by means of the at least one printhead; Curing of paint applied to the container by means of the at least one UV lamp.

When the apparatus for printing comprises a mandrel, the method may further comprise, prior to the step of curing, the step of introducing the UV radiation opaque mandrel emitted by the at least one UV lamp through an opening of the container.

• – mindestens eine Druckebene, wobei in dieser Druckebene entlang eines äußeren Umfangs eines, insbesondere im Wesentlichen ringförmigen, Freiraums, der dazu ausgelegt ist, einen Behälter aufzunehmen, mindestens zwei Druckköpfe zum Aufbringen von Farbe auf den Behälter angeordnet sind
• – mindestens eine Trocknungsebene zur Trocknung der auf die Behälter aufgebrachten Farbe, wobei vorzugsweise jede Trocknungsebene eine UV-Lampe umfasst.

If you want to gain process time, but it is for some reason (eg lack of space, or you need an additional level in which additional drying) is not possible, the drying or curing of the applied to a container color, for example by means of a UV lamp to perform in the plane in which the printheads are arranged, the device for printing on containers comprises:

• - At least one printing plane, wherein in this printing plane along an outer periphery of a, in particular substantially annular, free space, which is adapted to receive a container, at least two print heads for applying paint are arranged on the container
• - At least one drying level for drying the applied to the container color, wherein preferably each drying level comprises a UV lamp.

In particular, each printing plane then adjoins a plane for drying the ink applied to the containers, with a shield in particular still being arranged between each printing and drying plane. Due to the proximity of the planes, the linearly movable drive can jump back and forth between the planes as quickly as possible.

In particular, the device further comprises a linearly movable and controlled rotatable receptacle, by means of which the container can be placed in the free space of the at least one printing plane and rotated during printing and / or drying.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a continuously driven carousel rotatable about a vertical machine axis and along the circumference of which a plurality of printing stations arranged at equidistant intervals are arranged with the carousel revolving printheads, wherein in each printing station a container is receivable and vertically movable relative to the carousel ,

In particular, at least two printing heads face each other in at least one printing plane. It may also face in a printing plane two pairs of printheads.

It is also possible that in at least one printing plane at least two, in particular at least three printheads are arranged in a U-shape and in this plane along the circumference of the free space an area is free of print head for, in particular horizontal, input and / or output of the container , Here then only a maximum of two printheads can face each other.

It is also possible for at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, of the circumference of the free space to be occupied by printheads, including their housings, in at least one printing plane.

All features of the embodiment described above can also be integrated in the embodiment just described.

The invention may also relate to a container equipment for printing on containers, with a conveyor system for transporting the containers through the equipment along a predetermined transport path, arranged on the conveyor system, in particular fixed, recordings for receiving individual containers or groups of containers and with at least two rotating equipment devices for printing on the containers, wherein the equipment devices each have at least one print head for printing the container is arranged.

According to the invention, the equipment system has a plurality of similar modules. Through the use of individual modules, the system can be flexibly adapted to new requirements emerging at the site by easily exchanging, removing or adding individual modules.

The object is achieved in a particular arrangement of the equipment devices by a container equipment for furnishing containers, with a conveyor system for transporting the container through the equipment along a predetermined transport path, arranged on the conveyor system, in particular fixed, recordings for receiving individual containers or Groups of containers, comprising at least two rotating equipment for equipping the containers, wherein a main conveying path of the containers through the equipment system has a change of direction, wherein at least one equipment device before and an equipment after the change of direction is arranged. The transport path in the region of the change in direction in this case has a section which has an at least partially different curvature, such as the upstream equipment device.

According to the invention no decoration of the container takes place on this section and the length of the section is at least one fifth of the distance traveled by the container in the upstream equipment device.

By decoration is meant, for example, a surface printing of the container with pressure medium.

As a result, space can be created through the interposed conveying section without equipment in order to transport the containers to the most favorable entry point of the subsequent equipment device. This may - depending on the design of the conveyor section - Although the total space requirement of the system grow slightly, but this is deliberately accepted to ensure high performance or utilization of the equipment of the container. The conveyor section is relatively inexpensive compared to the treatment time gained by it. In particular, the length of the conveying section can amount to at least a quarter or at least a third, or at least half of the transport path of the containers in the upstream equipment device, depending on which angle is to be realized in a main conveying path. In order not to make the conveyor section unnecessarily long, the section has, in particular, a shorter distance traveled by the containers than twice the distance traveled by the containers in an upstream equipment device. Depending on the system design, the distance of the conveyor section may also be longer.

In particular, the conveyor section or the transport path in the direction of change connects an outlet of the upstream in the transport direction equipment with an inlet of the downstream equipment such that the containers from the inlet to the outlet of the upstream equipment and the inlet to the outlet of the downstream equipment a treatment angle of more than 235 °, in particular more than 265 ° is available. For non-rotating equipment, the angles may also be considered as a function of the time or distance of one turn - the indicated 265 ° would be two hundred and sixty five, three hundred and sixtieth of the orbit or orbit.

The conveyor system transports the containers in the region of the rotating equipment in particular such that the transport path is at least in sections concentric with the circulation path of the equipment.

In particular, the conveying section can also have a different curvature sign. However, if, for example, it provides only a straightforward delivery of the containers, it merely has a different curvature. Furthermore, the container can be transported further away from a conveyor in certain embodiments of the system by the change in curvature, which is arranged in the transport direction in front of the conveyor, which transfers the container to the conveyor section. The curvature of the transport path may also change twice or three times or more on the conveyor section.

In particular, the conveyor section comprises an independent, circulating conveyor, on which a plurality of container receptacles, for example in the form of external grippers, in particular clamps, or the container inside holding holder mandrels, is arranged. This conveyor section may comprise in its entirety, for example, a belt conveyor or a circulating transport star. In particular, the containers are transferred to the receptacles of this conveyor section of the upstream equipment device and passed from the recordings of the conveyor to the downstream equipment device. The recordings then run empty until they are assigned the next container. The conveyor section may also comprise two or more independent conveyors, e.g. Include conveyor stars.

The conveyor system may be directly attached to the equipment devices. Preferably, this is a system similar to that described for the conveyor section - the configuration of the images may, however, differ.

However, it may also be an independent (independent of the equipment devices) conveyor system, with which the containers are transported through the system. For example, it can be a shuttle transport system, in which the containers are assigned to individual shuttles or "carriages" which travel on rails to the individual equipment machines, In particular, a plurality of electric means for driving, in particular magnets, can be attached to the rails which cooperate with means arranged on the shuttles, in particular permanent magnets, for the individual drive The conveyor section according to the invention may in this case also comprise a rail instead of a conveyor with own gripping means for the containers.

If the equipment consists of a large number of rotating transport or equipment stars, that of the containers continuous transport path substantially meandering, wherein it can also give linear sections (eg, by the use of a belt transport) depending on the configuration of the arranged in the region of the direction change conveyor section. If the conveying section likewise only has continuous transport stars, then the meandering shape is continuous, although the angle ranges passed through in the region of the conveying section can be smaller than those in the area of the equipment devices. The equipment stars with means for equipment arranged thereon can also provide the conveyor system itself by arranging receptacles for conveying the containers to them.

The main conveying path is not formed by every differentially small point of the transported transport route, but by the stations that have passed through as a whole. In the case of a plurality of juxtaposed, circulating transport or Ausstattungssternen the main conveying path can be formed by the connection of the individual transfer points of the containers or bottles from conveyor to conveyor. Another possibility is the resultant of connecting the centers of several stars.

In particular, at least two equipment devices are provided before and / or after the change of direction. The respective two equipment devices may directly connect to each other, i. that no intermediate conveyor is placed between them. This has the advantage of a very compact design.

The equipment devices are advantageously arranged to one another such that an equipment of the containers along at least two thirds, in particular at least three quarters, of the total circumference is possible. For continuous equipment, this corresponds to a continuous angle of the circle segment of at least 240 °, in particular of at least 270 °. This can be achieved, for example, by a zigzag arrangement of the equipment devices relative to each other. The zigzag arises from the connection of the individual centers (axes of rotation) of the rotary. Theoretically, in this setup, a treatment angle of almost 300 ° is possible in this way, but depending on the size of the containers to be treated, a distance for their transport must be allowed past each other when the equipment devices are in the same plane.

The equipment devices are, in particular, devices for direct printing on the container outer surfaces, in particular on the side surfaces along the circumference of the containers. For this purpose, several print heads can be present per equipment device, which apply pressure medium to the container outer surface. The printing medium can be ink, paint, varnish or the like, in particular UV-curable ink. In particular, the print heads have a plurality of individually controllable nozzles and operate on the inkjet principle.

Furthermore, the printheads may be movably mounted on the equipment devices. In particular, it is possible that individual printheads accompany the containers during the entire circulation and thus circulate regularly. In the case of a transport system mounted on the equipment, then the printheads will run in synchronism therewith.

It may also be possible for individual printheads to accompany the containers only during part of the way through the equipment. In particular, the printheads are then moved back into their initial position against the accompaniment direction, but it would also be conceivable that they slow down or stop for a short time and accompany the next container briefly along a further portion of the circumference. Thus, there is virtually an intermittent circulation.

All of these variants can be carried out with a cyclic or continuous container transport.

It is also thought of a motor or manual adjustment of the printheads to the outer contours of the bottles. The adjustment can take place in a bottle format change, for example by reading CAD or image data of the new bottle but also by measuring the new bottle by means of a sensor or a camera. The motors could also be approached by hand to the new contours of the bottles and stored this setting so that they can be reused in printing the same bottles, so if they are used again in a time-lag behind production cycle. In particular, a height (in the vertical direction) of the print heads and / or an angle of attack can be adjusted via the motors. The angle of attack is in the plane formed by the machine rotation axis and the circumferential position of the print head on the equipment. Also, an angle of attack can be adjustable, which lies in the horizontal plane. This angle can change the resolution of the print image, especially if the print heads are provided with a plurality of nozzle rows which extend along the print head longitudinal axis. The printhead longitudinal axis is usually the one along which most of the nozzles of the printhead are located. In particular, the print head longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transport plane when printing on cylindrical containers which are transported upright. Furthermore, a drive for linear adjustment of the print heads may be present, with which a distance of the print head is changed to the container, in particular parallel to the container transport plane, in particular in the horizontal direction. The printheads can also be adjusted in a vertical direction. Based on the containers to be printed, the print heads can also be moved along the container longitudinal axis adjustable or even during printing. Alternatively, the containers can also be moved along their longitudinal axis.

Preferably, some equipment devices are direct printing modules, which essentially differ from one another only in that different colors and / or print motifs are applied to the containers with them.

Alternatively or additionally, other printing techniques such as screen printing or pad printing can also be used.

Likewise, at least one equipment device can also be formed by a labeling machine, in particular by one which applies stretchable, tubular labels to the containers.

As a device for equipment can also serve a labeling machine which attaches labels made of paper or plastic to the container from the side. For example, self-adhesive labels can also be used here, in particular in the "no-label look".

Furthermore, the container equipment system can also have independent modules for curing or crosslinking of UV-curable colors (pinning). Such a module has at least one UV lamp, which is directed to at least the area to which the ink is applied. For sterilization purposes, this area can also be extended or it is an additional UV lamp mounted in the region of the mouth of the container, which sterilizes them. It is also intended to a retractable into the container UV lamp to harden the externally applied ink from the inside and at the same time to sterilize the inner wall of the container. The inward retractable UV lamp is mounted in particular co-rotating on a module. The UV lamps that handle the outside of the containers may also be co-rotating lamps, but it is also possible to build this module a housing in the form of a fixed tunnel, which is equipped with fixed UV lamps , The embodiments mentioned in this paragraph can also find application in the conveyor section according to the invention.

In general, in the conveying section according to the invention, an intermediate treatment of the container can certainly take place, for example an intermediate pinning of the printing ink or an application of a best-before date. In particular, the funds are fixed in comparison to the sponsor.

Alternatively or additionally, curing and / or sterilization can also take place in the equipment modules. Alternatively or additionally, curing and / or sterilization may also take place in a station which is spatially spaced apart (for example by more than one meter) from the modules. In this way, a better shielding of the UV radiation can be made, so that as far as possible UV light hits the print heads. In addition, sterilization with liquid or gaseous sterilization medium, such as hydrogen peroxide, could be carried out in the station, which is introduced into the container via a nozzle.

As an equipment module, a coating of the container with an adhesive may be upstream of the printing modules, for example, with which an adhesive layer is applied to the container on which in turn the ink is applied, the adhesion between the container and the adhesive layer is smaller than the adhesion between Adhesive layer and the printing medium. In particular, the adhesive layer is such that it can be detached from alkali. This is especially needed for recycling, where the ink is to be separated from the container material.

The containers are in particular PET bottles, in particular PET disposable bottles.

It is also possible to provide means for pretreating the containers, for example a plasma treatment device with which a thin silicon oxide layer is applied to the container outer or inner surface for improving the barrier properties. Also possible as a pretreatment unit is a container cleaning unit, a conditioning unit, in particular configured for drying and / or tempering the containers, a surface activation unit, in particular configured to increase the surface energy of the container surface, and / or an electrostatic unit for electrostatic discharge or charge the container surface.

The use of the mentioned pretreatment units or combinations thereof is described in US Pat Essentially dependent on customer requirements. In principle, the units can also be integrated into a modular concept of container-printing devices. These modules can be equipped with the same means of transport as the printing modules.

In general, a modular concept for the printing modules and / or pretreatment units is characterized in that further modules can be easily added or removed retrospectively. One point for this can be a uniform transfer of the containers between the modules. Even a uniform size of the modules, in particular a uniform diameter in the case of continuous modules, can offer an advantage in a modular concept to one another when installed. It is also thought that each module also rotates at the same peripheral speed. It may also be advantageous that a container transfer between the modules takes place directly, ie without further interposed conveyor.

In a direct transfer between two modules in which the container receptacle a centering placed on a container mouth in the upper region of the container and the container is supported from below in the bottom area by another recording, in particular by a turntable, a direct transfer to another Module be made such that in addition to at least one module, a clamp is arranged, which at least temporarily record the container from the side or can hold - especially in neck handling (in the mouth of the container containers are usually not printed, so here could the clip also stay in constant operation).

It would also be possible to grasp the container in the body region with the clip, here it may be advantageous if the clip can be moved away at the moment of printing or treatment to release the container outer surface. This could then represent a sub-element of an enclosure (see below). The same applies to an above-mentioned Neckhandlingklammer if the container is to be printed in the area of its mouth yet.

The centering heads and the bottom receptacles of the transferring module can be moved so far apart, in particular in the vertical direction, for the transfer of the containers that the centering heads and the bottom receptacles of the receiving module intervene therebetween. After moving apart, the container is held only by the clip of the transferring module until the centering heads and the bottom receptacles of the receiving module are engaged with the container. Alternatively, clamps can also be arranged on the transferring and receiving module, which grips the containers, for example, alternately above a transport ring and below this ring. However, the centering heads and the bottom receptacles of at least one module would still have to be moved apart as just described.

Alternatively, one could make the clip (in its entirety) movable, ie telescopic / extendable or pivotable. This could, for example, "drive out" containers from the module subcircuit before the moment of transfer and transfer them to the next module (either to a clamp there or directly to the centering heads there and to the bottom receptacles) Moving away or moving the clamps in the direction of the adjacent treatment position of one or both carousels would also be an option, for which the treatment positions of the receiving and transferring carousel may be offset by a half pitch, so that the respective centering heads and the bottom receptacles By pivoting or placing the staples toward the adjacent treatment position at the transferring carousel by preferably a half pitch, a handover to the receiving carousel could be made, with either a staple the container takes over or directly the respective centering heads and the bottom shots. In this way, a very space-saving installation can be realized.

In particular, a continuous transport of the containers or the container groups takes place in the equipment system at least temporarily and at least in regions.

To each container can be positioned during printing a protection or the aforementioned housing, which is substantially sleeve-shaped. The protection can also be formed by a plurality of elements, wherein one element is fixed with respect to the carousel or the turntable and another element for removing the container from the protection is arranged movable. With it can be prevented that too much pressure mist is distributed in the machine. In particular, a suction is attached to the protection. The protection avoids in particular air turbulence. In particular, when a clip for holding the container is part of the guard, it has a seal with the clip at the locations where the clip must be moved to grip the container. As a seal, for example bellows, but also brushes be used. In particular, the areas of protection have a recess for the movement of the clip.

The already mentioned turntables for rotating the containers during a treatment (in particular in the printing) are in particular connected to servomotors, which can set the respective desired rotational position of the container relatively accurately. For a more precise adjustment of the rotational position, a rotary encoder can also be arranged on the turntable or at least outside the housing of the turntable drive. In particular, it is arranged closer to the container to be printed as the housing of the drive. It would also be conceivable to provide a part of the shaft with a larger diameter and to install there the rotary encoder. The latter and the mounting on the turntable (the turntable usually has a larger circumference than the shaft of the servomotor) have the advantage that more increments along the circumference of the rotating part can be arranged and thus a rotational position can be detected more accurately. In particular, the encoder detects differently magnetized regions of the wave to be detected, but in certain embodiments it could also work optically. The encoder could also detect the rotational position of the container itself by optical means. Here, it would be conceivable to inject reference marks into the container contour and / or to impress and / or inject and / or inject (into the preform, preferably not the parts which are included in the stretch blow molding process (for example the orifice)). Precise positioning is particularly important when using multiple modules when colors must be brought together to a specific position on the container. If slight tolerances occur here, these can add up and the quality of the pressure suffers all the more. In particular, in the equipment machine directly after the conveyor section according to the invention, a precise positioning can be very useful.

It may also be present on at least one equipment device, in particular on a module, a rotary encoder, with which the rotational position of the equipment device is detected. The detected values are in particular forwarded to a controller and serve to control the print heads or nozzles and / or the turntables.

In particular, it is also possible to connect the drives of the turntable motors with a controller, which is connected to another input of a camera (or the above-mentioned sensor, which detects a reference mark on the container). With a camera, it is possible to determine the current rotational position of a container before or at the beginning of an equipment module. The determined rotational position is evaluated by the controller and compared with a desired value which specifies in which rotational position an equipment or a pressure of the container should begin. The container is then rotated by the respective angular difference from actual to desired. Such a camera can sit in front of or on each individual equipment device, but in particular at least at the beginning of the installation, in particular also after or at the end of the conveyor section, at which no decoration of the containers takes place.

If a rotational position of a container in the transfer of an equipment to the next equipment by a form or friction, so to speak mechanically, can be ensured - for example, by using a slave running with the container or by a very precise transfer - so it is possible that the container between the equipment devices does not have to be aligned. Alignment prior to entry into the equipment installation may, for example, be done by camera or by maintaining the rotational orientation if the equipment installation is preceded by a blow molding machine. In the last possibility, the rotational position of the containers is predetermined in a blow mold by the analysis of the containers on the blow molding wall.

However, it should be noted that even if an orientation of the containers is predetermined, additional verification of the diameter will not be harmful because it may vary widely depending on the manufacturing process of the containers. The review can also be done with a - preferably the same - camera. Depending on the diameter, a printing original can be matched to each individual container in the subsequent printing process, in which the original is scaled at least in the circumferential direction.

Depending on the angle which occupies a print image on the containers in the circumferential direction, a particular direct transfer of the container from one printing module to the next printing module can be carried out with or without reorienting the container. In the case of all-around circumferential pressure, the pressure could begin with a different color at a different rotational position along the circumference than the pressure in the upstream equipment module has ended or begun. In particular, the pressure of the downstream module may begin at a different angular range with respect to the container circumference than the pressure in the upstream module has commenced and / or ended. In particular, the region can be more than 5 ° away from one of the two ends. For example, if the printheads are within the pitch circle of both of the containers Print modules and the nozzles of the printhead fire the ink radially outward onto the containers, so the printhead of a downstream module is exactly 180 ° offset with respect to the container as compared to the printhead of the upstream module. In that case, the beginning of the printing of the downstream module could be offset by 180 ° from the print-forming end of the upstream module. An alignment could then be dispensed with and process time is gained.

This would also be conceivable if the pressure extends only 270 ° along the container circumference. Here, 90 ° (or 180 ° (depending on the direction of rotation)) of the container circumference would then be printed in the following module, then skipped 90 ° and finally the remaining 90 ° (or 180 °) printed. A similar principle can be used if the master is interrupted several times along the circumference, or if there are different masters for different angles - comparable to a back label and a torso or chest label.

Depending on the control of the printing process, the containers can also be rotated in the downstream module to the beginning or end of a pressure of the upstream module and the printing of the next color only started there. It would thus be conceivable, in principle, to align the container before or in a pressure module before the beginning of the pressure in such a way that the pressure begins at the same rotational position as in the upstream module. This is particularly advantageous if only a part of a circumference of a container to be printed. It is also intended to continue the pressure in the downstream module at the edge (end) of the pressure of the upstream module, which can be positioned faster (by the smaller angle of rotation) to the printhead of the downstream module upon handover by rotation of the container in other words, in the subsequent module, the pressure is started at the edge, which, after taking over the container in the circumferential direction, is closer to the position of the printhead of the receiving module. Thus it may be that the direction of rotation of the container changes about its longitudinal axis during the printing processes of two adjacent modules. This has the particular advantage that the time required for the rotation can be kept very small, which in turn has advantages with respect to the size of the equipment devices.

The rotational position of the container can also be changed during or after the transfer from one module to the next such that a pressure basically begins at the same position and the direction of rotation of the container about its longitudinal axis on each module is the same.

In general, if a change in the orientation of the container is desired in the downstream printing module, this can also be done already in the upstream printing module. This can also be regulated depending on the required process angles of the modules. If, for example, less color (lower resolution of one color, less angular range in which this color is needed) is required for printing the artwork in the upstream module than in the downstream module, the alignment can already take place in the upstream module. Generally speaking, the location (the module) where alignment of the containers takes place is predetermined based on the process time required in each module. This can be done automatically by detecting the artwork or manually set. The alignment can also be done in two steps by the container is rotated on the upstream module only a part of the required rotation angle after printing and on the subsequent module, the rest.

In principle, all of these scenarios for finding the correct position on adjacent equipment devices would also be possible with a conveyor system mounted therebetween - for example when a transport star is interposed. Also, this transport star could partially or completely take on the task of alignment.

A machine guard can also be arranged around the device for equipping the containers, the machine guard having two openings for introducing the containers and for dispensing the containers. Within this machine protection, a suction may be present, which sucks any resulting pressure mist - this may be particularly attached to the two openings. Also, a device for the entry of air may be present, with which (in spite of the suction) an overpressure within the machine protection can be generated, so that no dust particles from the outside reach the area of the print heads. The machine protection starts in particular before the first printing module. If a unit is provided for cleaning or surface treatment of the containers, these are at least partially housed within the shelter. This machine protection is to be seen separately from each container individually assigned protection (enclosure), which can be additionally present.

The individual printing modules can either be driven by a gearbox and a common main drive or have their own motors. The first variant is cheaper, but depending on the gearbox, inaccuracies may occur. The second variant may be designed such that each Pressure module has a direct drive, which means that the drive drives the carousel of the printing module without interposing a gearbox. For example, this could be a magnetically acting drive with stator and rotor, with the stator is arranged on the stationary machine frame and the rotor on the rotating part. In particular, the stator and / or the rotor can extend only over a partial segment of the circumference of the module, which is in particular smaller than 90 °. There may also be two such opposite sub-segments.

In particular, the conveying section, in which no decoration of the container takes place, is connected via a transmission to a pressure module. In particular, the conveyor section, in which no decoration of the container takes place, so scheduled that this is near a wall at the site (hall at the customer), due to the change of direction in the main conveyor is necessary.

In particular, at least two modules can be firmly connected to each other, so for example have a common frame and other modules are added separately. In particular, modules are firmly interconnected, which are present in virtually every printing press configuration. These are in particular the direct printing modules, which each apply a color to the container. The colors may be, for example, magenta, cyan, yellow, white or black.

• a) Eingabe eines Behälters in ein Druckmodul
• b) Ausrichten des Behälters am Anfang des Druckmoduls, insbesondere auf eine Markierung am Behälter oder Sklaven
• c) Durchfahren des Druckmoduls, insbesondere entlang eines Teilkreises, bei gleichzeitiger Drehung des Behälters um seine Längsachse, um eine Relativbewegung zum Druckkopf zu erzeugen, und Drucken der Druckvorlage auf die Außenoberfläche des Behälters von einer Anfangskante bis zu einer Endkante, insbesondere in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters
• d) Stoppen des Druckvorgangs und Übergabe des Behälters an ein nachfolgendes Druckmodul
• e) Ausrichten des Behälters, so dass sich die Anfangskante vor einem Druckkopf des nachfolgenden Druckmoduls befindet und Wiederholung des Schritts c)
• f) Drehen des Behälters während des Drucks in der gleichen Richtung in beiden Druckmodulen

If a partial image to be applied is to begin at an end edge of a previously applied partial image and the partial images are not all-round prints (≦ 359 °), the following two processes are possible in principle:

• a) input of a container in a printing module
• b) aligning the container at the beginning of the printing module, in particular to a mark on the container or slave
• c) traversing the printing module, in particular along a pitch circle, while rotating the container about its longitudinal axis to produce a relative movement to the print head, and printing the artwork on the outer surface of the container from an initial edge to an end edge, in particular in the circumferential direction of the container
• d) stopping the printing process and transferring the container to a subsequent printing module
• e) aligning the container so that the leading edge is in front of a printhead of the subsequent printing module and repeating step c)
• f) turning the container during printing in the same direction in both printing modules

• a) Eingabe eines Behälters in ein Druckmodul
• b) Ausrichten des Behälters am Anfang des Druckmoduls, insbesondere auf eine Markierung am Behälter oder Sklaven
• c) Durchfahren des Druckmoduls, insbesondere entlang eines Teilkreises, bei gleichzeitiger Drehung des Behälters um seine Längsachse, um eine Relativbewegung zum Druckkopf zu erzeugen, und Drucken der Druckvorlage auf die Außenoberfläche des Behälters von einer Anfangskante bis zu einer Endkante, insbesondere in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters
• d) Stoppen des Druckvorgangs und Übergabe des Behälters an ein nachfolgendes Druckmodul
• e) Ausrichten des Behälters, so dass sich die Endkante vor einem Druckkopf des nachfolgenden Druckmoduls befindet und Wiederholung des Schritts c)
• f) Drehen des Behälters während des Drucks in unterschiedlichen Richtungen in den beiden Druckmodulen

The other method comprises the following steps:

• a) input of a container in a printing module
• b) aligning the container at the beginning of the printing module, in particular to a mark on the container or slave
• c) traversing the printing module, in particular along a pitch circle, while rotating the container about its longitudinal axis to produce a relative movement to the print head, and printing the artwork on the outer surface of the container from an initial edge to an end edge, in particular in the circumferential direction of the container
• d) stopping the printing process and transferring the container to a subsequent printing module
• e) aligning the container so that the end edge is in front of a printhead of the subsequent printing module and repeating step c)
• f) rotating the container during printing in different directions in the two printing modules

These steps in these two methods can eliminate at least "skipping" of a non-printable area during printing within a module if the print is continuous in that area, the partial print images overlap, especially completely, so that the respective beginning In particular, the containers are rotated to the respective edge by the shorter angle and the alignment is also possible at least partially in the upstream module.

Particularly advantageous examples of methods with spaced start and end edges, which ensure a short period of time for the orientation of the container and thus also solve the object set out above, are the following:
The invention relates to a method for printing on containers, in which a container of at least two circulating modules, at which at least temporarily circulating print heads are arranged, is provided with one partial print image per module, the containers being transferred directly from one module to the next and wherein the partial printing images in each case in the circumferential direction of the container have a spaced-apart start and end edge, wherein the container after completion of the first partial print image is aligned so that the print head of the following module begins the printing of the next partial print image at the beginning edge of the first partial print image.

Include here the partial pressure images in each case 180 ° on the container circumference, so no coarse alignment is necessary.

It is also possible to realize a method for printing on containers, in which a container of at least two circulating modules, on which at least temporarily co-rotating printheads are arranged, is provided with one partial image per module, wherein the container via an intermediate conveyor of a Module are transferred to the next and wherein the partial printing images each have in the circumferential direction of the container a spaced start and end edge, wherein the container after completion of the first partial print image is aligned such that the print head of the following module, the pressure of the next partial print image at the end edge of the first partial print image begins.

The distance between the beginning and end edge is in particular more than 1 °. In particular, no further coarse alignment of the container takes place between completion of the first partial print image and the beginning of the printing of the second partial print image.

The following procedure is suitable for the purposes just mentioned as well as for a 360 ° wrap around:

Method for printing on containers, in which a container of at least two circulating modules, on which at least temporarily co-rotating printheads are arranged, each equipped with a partial image per module, wherein the containers are transferred from one module to the next directly or with an intermediate conveyor and wherein the partial printing images each have a beginning and an end edge in the circumferential direction of the container, wherein the container after the completion of the first partial print image remains aligned so that the printing of the second partial print image starts with the print head of the following module at a circumferential position of the container Distance from the beginning and end edge of the first partial print image has.

The beginning edge and the end edge respectively mean the beginning or the end of a (partial) printed image in the circumferential direction of the container.

If you still want to align the container for applying a partial print image to an edge, the container is preferably rotated so that the following partial printing starts on the edge closest to the next print head. In summary, one can say:
Method for printing on containers, in which a container of at least two circulating modules, on which at least temporarily co-rotating printheads are arranged, each equipped with a partial image per module, wherein the containers are transferred from one module to the next directly or with an intermediate conveyor and wherein the partial printing images each have a beginning and an end edge in the circumferential direction of the container, wherein the container after the completion of the first partial print image is aligned so that the beginning of the second partial image with the print head of the following module at the edge closest to the print head of the following module starts.

If one wishes to start with a subsequent pressure always on the starting edge of the preceding pressure, it is advantageous if the container is rotated in the direction in which an angle of the starting edge to be covered is smaller. Thus, must be rotated by a maximum of 180 °. If one is flexible in the choice of the beginning of the following partial pressure (on the beginning or end edge), the path is on average even shorter.

In particular, all methods are performed by a control device which controls the processes. In particular, a calculation is also performed by the controller as to which directions of rotation of the containers are most favorable. However, these values can also be specified manually.

In principle, the methods can also be used in container printing machines, which are not necessarily designed as modules, but have a rotating about a vertical axis rotary with several distributed on the periphery printing stations, in which the containers are transported in addition in a direction perpendicular to the orbital plane and thereby In particular, at least two, arranged in different planes printheads are passed. The print heads are arranged in particular stationary with respect to the rotary. Before this the containers are turned. In principle, however, the relative movement can also be performed by rotating the print heads about a plane parallel to the orbital plane. As an alternative to the arrangement of the at least two print heads in two different planes, all print heads can also be arranged in a circle in a plane. There are also two such circles in different levels possible.

The object mentioned in the introduction is achieved in this embodiment, it is determined which edge of the container directly after completion of the first partial print image has the lowest possible angle of rotation to the circumferential position of the second print head or to a device for drying or curing the pressure medium of the first partial pressure and the container over this angle is turned.

It is also possible that reorientation of the containers occurs during the period in which the container is moved from a first vertical position on the rotary to a second vertical position.

If two printheads print immediately (with the exception of UV-intermediate pinning) on the container one after the other and are arranged in a plane, the steps described in the modular construction methods can be carried out analogously when the printheads face each other within the circle. If the at least two print heads are not facing each other, but are, for example, offset by 120 ° within the circle, then this angle is considered analogously.

In the first printhead plane in this case a first partial print image is applied to the container, in the second plane a second. By simultaneously moving the containers in the vertical direction and rotating the container about its longitudinal axis, process time can be saved. In particular, in the case of a print image, the container is aligned between the two planes if it does not extend over the entire circumference of the container and the print heads are not located exactly at the angle to each other which the image occupies. However, reorientation may also be necessary if two printheads arranged in different planes and to be used directly one after the other do not have exactly the same orientation and radial distance to the machine axis of rotation or to the vertical path of movement of the containers - in other words, if the printhead in the second level has a different circumferential position with respect to the container. The latter also applies to a wrap-around printing.

In particular, the container is then - as in the method above - rotated to the nearest edge.

On the way to the next level, a UV curing can take place, either by means of a arranged between the two print head planes full-scale UV tunnel, which is tubular, or via a arranged in between the two print head planes UV lamp, which only one Circumferential position can illuminate the container. In the second variant, it is necessary to rotate the container in front of the UV lamp once at least over the circumferential angle, which also occupies the partial image on the container. Alignment may be analogous to alignment with a subsequent printhead. In a tube variant, the container can be rotated directly to the new print start edge by the shortest angle, since all sides of the container can be irradiated simultaneously.

If a UV pinning is carried out according to the second variant between two printing levels, it may behave in accordance with the rotation of the container on the printed edges analogous to approaching a printing plane.

However, it would also be conceivable to carry out the UV pinning in another plane, which lies below or above the two printing planes or in the printing plane.

In general, the following procedure can be carried out:
A container is successively printed by at least two, at least temporarily with a carousel rotating printheads and each print head is a partial print image applied. The partial printing images each have a beginning and an end edge in the circumferential direction of the container.

The two print heads or a print head and a device for drying or curing the print medium are arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the container. It is determined which edge of the container directly after completion of the first partial print image has the lowest possible angle of rotation to the circumferential position of the second print head or to a device for drying or curing the print medium of the first partial image and the container is rotated over this angle.

In this case, it is particularly advantageous that the printheads and / or the device for drying or curing the printing medium, in addition to the circumferential offset with respect to the container, have a height offset in the vertical direction to each other, wherein the container successively and gradually the planes in which these elements are arranged, passed through, and on the transport path between two levels for the next step, in particular completely, is aligned.

figure description

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration. The position sign 2 generally represents the modules 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 etc. and if the reference numerals 1.1 . 1.2 . 3 . 4 are also designed as modules, including these.

1 shows a schematic plan view of an equipment device.

2 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of an equipment device.

3 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of an equipment device.

4 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of an equipment device.

5 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of an equipment device.

6 shows in a plan view schematically different procedures between two direct printing modules.

7 shows a sectional view of two direct printing modules.

8th shows a sectional view of a direct printing machine.

9a to 9c show variants of a bottle rotation.

10 shows an embodiment of a device for printing on containers.

11 shows a view of a container with a mandrel with a spreader.

12 shows a plan view of an apparatus for printing containers with a mandrel.

13 shows a plan view of an apparatus for printing on containers with a mandrel comprising a spreader.

14a shows a flow chart for a method for printing a container using a device for printing, the mandrel is arranged in a fixed predetermined position relative to the centering.

14b shows a flow chart for a method for printing a container using a device for printing, the mandrel is arranged movable relative to the centering.

1 shows a stove 100 for heating preforms made of PET, which after heating via an input starter in a continuously rotating stretch blow molding machine 200 be handed over. This has at its periphery a plurality of blowing stations, by means of which the preforms are first stretched by means of a stretch rod and blown through a blow nozzle, then finished by high pressure against the inner wall of an openable blow mold. Subsequently, the finished shaped container with a sampling star 120 to a device 5 to provide containers.

The container equipment 5 includes several modules 2 , which are placed directly next to each other. 1.1 denotes a module in which a surface treatment, in particular a cleaning of the container takes place. 1.2 indicates a module in which a coating is applied to the containers. 2.1 indicates a module in which one or more print heads are arranged and in which the color white is applied to the container outer surface. 2.2 indicates a module in which one or more print heads are arranged and with which the color yellow is applied to the container outer surface. 2.3 indicates a module in which one or more print heads are arranged and with which the color magenta is applied to the container outer surface. 2.4 denotes a module in which one or more print heads are arranged and with which the color cyan is applied to the container outer surface. 2.5 indicates a module in which one or more print heads are arranged and with which the color black is applied to the container outer surface. 2.6 denotes a module in which one or more print heads are arranged and with which a special color can be applied to the container outer surface, which can only be made poorly by a combination of the other colors, such as gold. 4 denotes a module in which one or more UV radiation emitters are mounted and in which the previously applied printing inks are dried. The modules 1.1 . 1.2 2.1 and 2.2 are set up in a zig-zag. The module 2.3 no longer falls under this pattern, since this has been set up so that the container is on a wall 10 can be bypassed. Through this lineup is in the module 2.2 a shorter treatment time or a shorter treatment angle 53 given as in the module 2.1 , reference numeral 52 refers to the treatment angle module 2.1 ,

The colors can also be applied in a different order, for example black first, then cyan, then magenta, then yellow and finally white.

After the passage of the container equipment 5 the containers are about more Conveying transported to a filling machine in which they are filled with a drink. Subsequently, the containers are closed by a capper by means of a closure.

In 2 was compared to 1 an additional transport star 3 placed between module 2.2 and module 2.3 was inserted. On this transport star (conveyor section), the containers are transported without being equipped. In this way, in the alley arrangement of the individual modules 2 the container equipment 5 a consistently large treatment angle can be achieved. On the transport star 3 the containers are transported by means not shown in detail brackets - especially in neck handling. The transport star 3 is larger in diameter than the printing modules 2 , To overcome smaller angles in the area of the change in direction of the main conveying path, the transport star 3 also smaller than the print modules 2 , The angle of change of direction shown here is approx. 180˚. It can also be seen that the conveying path of the container in the transport star 3 is shorter than the distance covered by the holding elements of the transport star.

It can also be seen that the curvature of the transport path of conveyors 2.2 to conveyors 3 changed. On the conveyor 2.2 the containers are transported - seen from above - in a counterclockwise direction and on the conveyor 3 clockwise. On the conveyor 3 downstream conveyor 2.3 the transport direction is again counterclockwise. Here, therefore, the curvature has changed.

In 3 became the transport star 3 out 2 through a belt conveyor 3a replaced. The transport belt is stretched around two encircling stars not provided with position markings. On the belt a plurality of retaining elements such as brackets or mandrels is arranged. It can be seen that the belt conveyor 3a as a direction-changing element of the main conveyor in the direction of the bottom floor of the main conveyor way still requires less space than the transport star 3 , Also with this belt conveyor 3a the delivery path of the containers is shorter than the path taken by the holding elements of the belt conveyor 3a cover empty. Instead of the belt, a chain can also be used.

The curvature of the transport path changes here during the passage of the container conveyor 3 twice. It can be seen that the containers are still in the area of the belt spanning the stars, which have a different curvature than the linear area in between, both at the takeover and at the transfer.

Furthermore, in 3 to realize that around the device a protection 12 which shields individual modules from the environment. The enema in the shelter 12 is located at a pretreatment star 1.1 , the spout is after the last print module 2.5 and before the UV drying 4 arranged. The conveyor 3a is also inside the shelter. In addition, there is also a variant 13 of protection with dashed lines. This ends the protection 13 not within the equipment 5 but is consistently up to a filling and sealing area, not shown. This is particularly advantageous if the containers or preforms sterilization - for example, has taken place with UV irradiation. To prevent that no additional contaminations reach the container walls. For this purpose, an overpressure of about 3-30 Pa can be maintained within the protection. Furthermore, also suction can 14 be present to prevent the pressure mist from being dragged or dust in the protection 12 becomes. The suction 14 For example, they can be arranged in an inlet area. Furthermore, there are exhausts above each individual pressure module 2 appropriate. position mark 15 indicates an insufflation by means of clean, in particular germ-free, air, in order to be able to maintain the overpressure. The protective measures are also applicable to the other embodiments. The UV treatment star 4 is additionally enclosed by a separate protection, so that no UV radiation can penetrate into its environment.

In 4 is the main promotion route 6 the container shown. One recognizes the lane form with the lane soil existing on the left side. The change of direction is here essentially 180 °. But there are also direction changes of, for example, 90 ° conceivable. If there is no change of direction, it could also be on the conveyor 3 . 3a be waived.

5 illustrates a variant with a rail transport system 18 on which a variety of shuttles run along. The individual modules 2 with the elements for treating the containers also run around here constantly about a central axis of rotation. The shuttles on the transport system 18 are suitable for receiving one or more containers. Again, there is a linear conveyor section, with which the treatment time in the modules can be increased at the change of direction. The shuttles with the containers on top are here in the range of the individual modules 2 at the same angular velocity about the module axis of rotation as the modules 2 rotate. It can also be a cyclic transport of the shuttles with a simultaneous cyclic rotation of the modules 2 be done.

An advantage of this system is that no complicated handovers of a container must be made, but the containers are constantly added to lying on the shuttle support member. The holding element is in particular rotatable to the relative movement of the container surface to the printheads of the modules 2 during the printing process.

position mark 19 Features a return route of shuttles to the start of the track system 18 at position 1.1 , The containers, after passing through the container equipment, are moved to another transport system by position 4 to hand over. It would also be conceivable to let the shuttle transport go to a filler or capper. It is also thought, the shuttle transport continuously from the blowing device 200 or the oven 100 to be held.

The 6a to 6g show examples of the container rotation on two consecutive mounted printing modules 2 , The container is with position mark 7 provided, the area to be printed on the container 7 is marked in bold and with item number 8th characterized. The printheads running in this case 9 are directed in particular perpendicular to the container outer wall and point from the central axis of the modules 2 radially outward. Per module 2 is just a printhead 9 Drawn, however, is a variety of printheads 9 on a module 2 arranged at equidistant intervals, which with the module 2 preferably rotate continuously in the direction of rotation. You can see snapshots of a single container in each figure 7 with a single associated printhead 9 ,

In all 6a to 6g become the containers 7 to the left module 2.3 supplied from above, run in this along its circumference about 270 ° to the counterclockwise, are printed with a color of a multi-color print image and are then to the right module 2.4 with which a second color is applied to the container outer surface and in which they are clockwise (exception: 6e ) are transported on.

In the 6a to 6f becomes a container 7 only provided along a part of its circumference with a printed image, in 6g with a wrap-around print. The rotation of the container 7 about its longitudinal axis is hereinafter referred to in relation to the relative movement of the container 7 to the rotating module 2 portrayed.

In 6a it can be seen that the container 7 clockwise during printing while being transported counterclockwise along the circumference of the module. In the left position in the left module, the print is already half finished. Approximately after half of a complete cycle of the module 2.3 , So after about 180 ° (in the lower position), the partial print image is completely applied in a first color. Now the container can 7 even before the handover to the next module 2.4 be brought into the correct orientation. This is in the left module 2.3 to be seen in the lower right position. The container 7 is further rotated clockwise until the beginning edge of the first partial print image back to the printhead of the first module 2.3 facing (right position of the left module). The end edge of the first partial print image is at the transfer to the next module 2.4 the printhead associated with the next module 9 facing, so this printhead 9 begins its printing at the end edge of the first partial print image. The container 7 will now be in the next module 2.4 transported in a counterclockwise direction while turning clockwise around its axis during printing. For realignment, the container must 7 be rotated by its recording (turntable) relative to the carousel on further rotation in the same direction by 180 °.

In 6b the steps until the completion of the first partial print image are identical to 6a , After its completion (left module, position below) the rotation is stopped. Due to the fact that the partial print image extends exactly over 180 ° along the container circumference, the beginning edge of the first partial print image is located at the transfer to the next module 2.4 exactly at the position in which they are the printhead 9 of the next module 2.4 is facing. The print can start immediately at the edge in the next module 2.4 to be continued. The direction of rotation of the container 7 (clockwise) is retained in the next module. Here you can see how treatment time can be gained in principle. But it can also be beneficial to the container 7 as in 6a shown by default continue to rotate in the same direction until the first leading edge of the printhead 9 of the next module 2.4 is facing.

In 6c the steps until the completion of the first partial print image are identical to 6a , only the printed image extends in a circumference of 90 °. After its completion (left module, position below), the direction of rotation to the orientation of the container 7 maintained. It is used for printing in the next module in the direction in which it was rotated during printing 2.4 aligned in such a way that the printing of the next partial image begins with a different color at the same point (starting edge) at which the first partial printing also started. At a print image of 90 ° along the circumference of the container 7 In this way, only one turn to align 90 ° is necessary. Would you on the end edge of the first partial pressure in If you want to start the next module with the pressure, you would need a rotation of 180 °.

The same time savings will be in 6d reached, in which the printed image extends 270 ° along the container circumference. Here, the recording is controlled so that after completion of the first partial image, the direction of rotation of the container 7 changed to the orientation for the next module. Since only 90 ° rotation is required to align with the start edge, this variant is selected.

It can be seen from these examples that in terms of the process time it is always more favorable if the starting edge of a first applied partial image corresponds to the starting edge of the next partial image.

In other words, the container 7 can be aligned faster in a rotational position in which the printhead 9 of the next module is located at an edge of the first sub-print, when the leading edge of the first sub-print image is oriented to correspond to the print head 9 of the next module 2.4 is facing. However, this only applies to a direct transfer between two modules 2 ,

Should, as in 6e , an intermediate conveyor 3 between two modules 2 be arranged in which no alignment takes place, so it is best if the container 7 aligned immediately after completion so that the end edge on the printhead 9 is aligned. By the intermediate conveyor, the end edge is automatically the printhead 9 of the next module 2.4 facing. If the next partial pressure in this case to start on the starting edge of the previous partial pressure, so it is best to the container 7 rotate at a print image of greater than 180 ° counter to the direction of rotation, which was taken in the previous partial pressure and the container 7 continue to rotate in the printing direction of rotation of the first partial image when the print image is smaller than 180 °.

If an alignment in the intermediate conveyor 3 can take place, it is the cheapest, this also in the intermediate conveyor 3 perform. This could be done immediately with an intermediate drying or curing, in relation to fixed UV lamps anyway a rotation of the container 7 must be completed around its longitudinal axis, around the entire circumference of the container 7 to turn to the UV lamps (not shown). Here also a horizontal UV tunnel could be used.

With two intermediary intermediate conveyors (not shown), the same conditions apply as in the situation of 6a to 6d ,

In 6f is shown that an orientation of the container 7 on the printheads of the following module 2.4 partly on the previous module 2.3 and partly on the following module 2.4 can be done - depending on how much process time on the previous module 2.3 is available. The pressure in the following module 2.4 (right) starts in the upper left position (at half past 11 o'clock). The container 7 could therefore be completely aligned only in the module for the pressure in which it should take place. In particular, this can be flexibly adjusted or even regulated via a controller, depending on the print original and / or container.

In 6g the special case is shown, in which a (overlap as possible) all-round pressure on the container 7 is applied. The orientation could also according to the examples according to the 6a to 6f take place - but is shown an embodiment in which the container 7 when transferring from a module 2.3 to another 2.4 is not aligned at all (when a print is to be aligned to surface features (eg bumps or panels), a one-time alignment is required before entering a first module 2.1 already necessary). The beginning edge of the printed image, which is in Modul 2.3 is applied with a nose 8a characterized. It will be in the upstream module 2.3 the whole available treatment angle and the container exploited 7 no longer aligned. The container 7 is passed so that the opposite side of the container 7 to the beginning and end edge 8a the first partial print the printhead 9 of the next module 2.4 is facing. There, the pressure in the middle of the partial print image of the previous module 2.3 began. In other words, the two start and end edges of two partial print images are spaced from one another. The distance is in particular greater than 5 °, in the case shown it is 180 °.

In 7 is the transfer situation of a container 7 between two modules 2.3 and 2.4 shown. Only one half of a module is shown at a time. The upper part of a module 2 is by means of ball slewing connectors 88 rotatably mounted. On a middle column shown halfway 92 is right next to the ball pivot connection of the runners 90 a magnetic direct drive attached. The stator 89 is fixed to the frame 93 connected on a hall floor 93a stands. The rotatable column also provides the ink supply to a print head via a rotary distributor, not shown 9 ready. This one is over lead 91 with a supply channel inside the column 92 connected. The printhead 9 is exactly like the turntable 85 , the drive for the turntable 87 , a gripper 82 for the containers 7 and a centering head 83 for the containers 7 mounted on the rotating part. The centering head 83 is via a magnetically acting linear drive with rotor 81 and stator 80 height-adjustable. The turntable 85 and his drive 87 is via a magnetically acting linear drive with rotor 86 and stator 87 height-adjustable. When driving 87 In particular, it is also a servo drive, which with a sensor 98 for exact rotational position positioning of the containers 7 interacts. The sensor 98 is outside the housing of the servo 87 attached and thus can cooperate with a part of the drive shaft, which has a larger diameter. On the larger diameter more increments can be applied to measure the rotational position. Here are the increments on the turntable 85 self-attached.

To transfer the container from module 2.3 on module 2.4 after printing with the first partial print image and after a possible alignment of the centering moves 83 upwards and the turntable 85 down, leaving the container 7 only from grapple 82 is held. The gripper 82 of the module 2.4 is then by means of linear drive 84 extended and engages at a different location along the longitudinal axis of the container 7 (not shown, preferably alternately the areas above and below a support ring are gripped) and pulls the container 7 to the module 2.4 over and positions the container 7 between the turntable 85 and the centering head 83 of the module 2.4 , Subsequently, these two elements 83 . 85 of the module 2.4 for gripping and turning the container 7 placed on each other and the container 7 will be either still aligned or directly via inkjet printhead 9 printed. Likewise it would be possible that the gripper 82 of the module 2.3 moves out and the tank to module 2.4 passes. It would also be a move out of both grippers 82 conceivable, so that the container 7 in the middle between both modules 2 is handed over.

It would also be conceivable, all shown drives 80 . 81 . 84 . 86 . 93 . 87 to realize as curve control. All combinations are possible.

Also remembered is the gripper 82 to open during printing and turning to avoid friction.

The containers may be round containers but may also be mold containers having a geometric element (for example a nose), by means of which they can be positioned in the individual modules, for example by the centering head 83 or the turntable 85 or the bracket 82 a counter element (for example, a groove), in which the element can engage. To find the position, a relative movement could, for example, between rotary divider 85 and containers 7 be carried out until a catch occurs. The involved drives 80 . 81 . 84 . 86 . 93 . 87 could be force-controlled for this process. This example is particularly suitable for a first orientation of the container 7 before or at the inlet to the container equipment 5 ,

The gripper claws of the clamps 82 could also have their own drive. Make elements of this figure are shown for clarity not hatched. In 8th is another embodiment of a printing device according to the invention 300 to see. This has a carousel, which is continuous around the vertical axis 301 rotates. The not provided with reference numerals elements (drives, sensors, etc.) work analogously to those in the 7 , The bottles are inserted into the carousel between the downwardly driven centering head and the base plate in level E0 and clamped by these elements. Subsequently, the bottle is raised in level E1, where the first partial pressure with the printheads 9.1 and or 9.4 is carried out. Subsequently, the bottle is attached to the annular shields 303 over to UV curing 302 transported in plane E2, where the first partial pressure is dried. Subsequently, the bottle is transported to the plane E3 where the remaining colors for the printed image are applied.

On the planes E1, E2, E3, the bottle is rotated by at least the angle that occupies the printed image on the bottle circumference. Comes with two printheads 9.1 - 9.4 printed per printing plane, the bottle can be briefly moved between the two steps in the UV curing plane and then again in the same printing plane E1, E3. It would also be conceivable to arrange all the print heads in a printing plane like a ring and to apply the methods described in the general part only between E2 and E1. E2 can also be arranged below or above all printing levels. Also, multiple levels may be present for pinning the ink, for example, between levels E3 and E4 and level E2.

After printing, the bottle may either be above all printheads 9 and UV stations 302 be output in level E4 or be returned to the output from the carousel in level E0. E4 would have the advantage that a larger process angle on the carousel could be exploited because an output can almost take place (the centering and the stand plate still need time to return to plane E0) at the same circumferential position of the carousel as the input. Here, in particular, a second pinning plane between E3 and E4 may be present.

During printing, the bottle can 7 to stay in one plane as long as it is rotated to do so. Shall the bottle 7 be printed over a height, which is larger than the length Ld of the print head 9 so the bottle can be in front of the same printhead 9 take two different positions vertically in succession. Corresponding nozzles that are in a position that has already been printed remain inactive in the second position.

It would also be conceivable that the bottle 7 in relation to the printhead 9 Performs a combined linear and rotary motion and thus spirally on the bottle 7 is printed. To create a straight, horizontal top and bottom edge (OK, UK), the bottle may also stop for a short time. For example, if you start printing at the lower edge of the UK with a wrap-around print, the bottle becomes 7 first of all in front of the printhead 9 turned while she lingers at a height. After that turn on further rotation about the longitudinal axis of the bottle 7 slowly more and more nozzles of the printhead 9 from top to bottom (along the printhead height) while the bottle is being moved up. When the upper edge of the OK is reached, the bottle remains vertical again and only rotates once more through 360 °.

In 9a a variant of the successive rotational movements is shown in which the pressure is about 90 ° of the bottle circumference. In E1, the print just got out of printhead 9.4 finished. On the way to level E2 or E3 The bottle is rotated in the same direction by 90 ° as before, so that they are aligned with printhead 9.2 or UV lamp 302 arrives with the beginning edge of the first partial print image and can be directly further printed or dried.

In 9b the bottle is in the same starting position after completion in plane E1 as in 9a , In the plane E2 or E3 but then a drying or printing with element 9.5 occur. Therefore, the original direction of rotation is changed during the application of the first partial image and the end edge of the first partial image is rotated back by about 30 ° so that it is in front of the element 9.5 comes to a standstill, with which they will next be printed / irradiated. If the bottle continued to turn, then 330 ° would have to be further rotated, which can cost process time. If in level E3 only printheads are concerned, the ring-shaped arrangement is clearly visible in the lower picture.

9c shows a UV tunnel with a circular curved UV lamp 302 , Instead of the curved lamp, a plurality of individual lamps could also be arranged around the vertical container transport path.

10 shows an embodiment of a device for printing on containers. This device comprises three printing planes D1, D2, D3, which are arranged vertically above one another here. The print planes D1, D2, D3 are represented by the top edges of the printheads 20 . 21 . 22 / UV lamps 23 . 24 . 25 set in the respective levels. In the three printing planes D1, D2, D3 are in the cross section shown in each case a print head 20 . 21 . 22 and a UV lamp 23 . 24 . 25 to see. The printheads 20 . 21 . 22 and UV lamps 23 . 24 . 25 are annular around the outer periphery of the clearance 26 arranged in a container 27 can be introduced for printing and curing of the applied color.

Between two adjacent printing planes D1, D2, D3 is in each case an annular shield 28 . 29 arranged so that it can be prevented that sprayed color and / or UV radiation of a printing plane D1, D2, D3 enters another printing plane D1, D2, D3 and there has an impact on the printing result.

The printheads 20 . 21 . 22 , the UV lamps 23 . 24 . 25 and the annular shields 28 . 29 be from an enclosure 30 Surrounded by several housing elements 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 includes. Due to the presence of several housing elements 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 is it possible for the outer circumference of the free space 26 for each printing plane D1, D2, D3 can be changed independently of the other printing planes D1, D2, D3, so that the free space 26 the respective container 27 can be adjusted, which is to be printed.

In the open space 26 runs a runner 35 , at one end of a centering 36 is arranged. The runner 35 is with a moving device 37 connected by means of which the device, for example, to the dash-dotted axis of rotation 38 a carousel can be moved. The centering head 36 is via a magnetically acting linear drive with the rotor 35 and one at the shuttle 37 arranged stator 39 height adjustable executed. In the 10 engages the centering head 36 the container 27 at the container mouth 40 at.

The container 27 is on a turntable 41 arranged. The turntable 41 can by means of a servomotor around the longitudinal axis of the container 27 be rotated, the servomotor with a sensor 42 for exact rotational position positioning of the container 27 can interact. In addition, the turntable 41 via a magnetically acting linear drive with rotor 43 and stator 44 linear, ie vertical in the representation. Thus, the on the turntable 41 arranged containers 27 to be moved upwards so that the container 27 in the open space 26 introduced and can be printed in the three printing levels D1, D2, D3. To transfer the container of the centering 36 and / or the turntable 41 from the container 27 be adjusted away.

In the container 27 There is a UV radiation impermeable mandrel 45 , This thorn 45 is so below the centering head 36 arranged that the thorn 45 in the container 27 can retract when the container mouth 40 from the centering head 36 is attacked. The thorn 45 can in this case in a fixed predetermined position relative to the centering 36 be arranged, or the thorn 45 can relative to the centering head 36 be movable, with the centering 36 has a bore in the center and the mandrel 45 for example, wholly or partially in the runner 35 of the centering head 36 is movably arranged. In the container 27 is the thorn 45 preferably arranged so that it extends at least from an upper edge to a lower edge of a printed image to be created.

Should the container 27 be pressurized with compressed air, so the centering head may include sealing means which seal the mouth or sealed to the container slaves. The compressed air can be between centering head 36 and thorn 45 through the thorn 45 be introduced. In the latter case, the mandrel has a bore as a compressed air line through its longitudinal axis (not shown).

To shield from UV radiation could instead of the thorn 45 Also mist or smoke are blown into the container through the centering to weaken the intensity of UV light.

Be transparent containers for UV radiation 27 with paint using printheads 20 . 21 . 22 printed and the applied color by means of a UV lamp 23 . 24 . 25 dried, so prevents the thorn 45 that UV radiation from the UV lamp 23 . 24 . 25 through the container 27 for example, in a scattering range of the UV radiation printheads 20 . 21 . 22 penetrates and provides there for a drying of the ink on the printhead or at the nozzle. The one in the container 27 introduced thorn 45 thus ensures the UV curing of the ink for shielding printheads 20 . 21 . 22 against UV radiation.

The moving device 37 is by means of ball slewing connection 46 on a rack 47 rotatably mounted, wherein the traversing device 37 by means of runner 48 and stator 49 is movable and the stator 49 to drive the traversing device 37 stuck with the frame 47 is connected, which stands for example on a hall floor.

The moving device 37 includes a - here vertical - center column, which provides the ink supply for the printheads 20 . 21 . 22 via a rotary distributor, not shown, to the printheads 20 . 21 . 22 provides. This rotary distributor is over a line 50 connected to a supply channel within the center column. Instead of the center column, a plate can be used.

11 shows a container 51 into which a thorn 54 that is a spreading element 55 comprises, has been introduced; For clarity, the centering was in 11 not shown. The thorn 54 has a circular cylindrical body in which the expansion element 55 , here a spreader plate 55 , is arranged. The diameter of the spine 54 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mouth opening 56 of the container 51 chosen, so that the thorn 54 in the container 51 can be introduced. If the thorn 54 is also movable relative to the centering, is the diameter of the mandrel 54 also adapted to the diameter of the central bore in the centering head, allowing the mandrel 54 is movable, ie, the diameter of the mandrel 54 is smaller than the diameter of the hole. The thorn 54 Alternatively, it can be fixedly mounted on the centering head or comprise it.

After the introduction of the thorn 54 in the container 51 can the encompassed expansion element 55 from the thorn 54 be spread apart. The illustration shows the spreader plate 55 on the left side of the spine 54 , This can take place actively, for example via compressed air, or passively, in that the spreading element is spring-loaded on the mandrel and, after penetrating the container opening, is pushed out by the springs.

12 shows a plan view of an apparatus for printing containers with a mandrel 57 that in the container 58 was introduced. The device shown comprises five printing heads in the illustrated printing plane 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 and a UV lamp 64 , The UV lamp 64 is from a shield 65 so that the area in which UV radiation is emitted is reduced. This area extends between the first dashed line 66 and the second dashed line 67 , The first printhead 59 is outside the range where UV radiation is emitted. By presence of the spine 57 in the container 58 Part of the UV radiation is shielded, leaving the third printhead 61 in the shielding area 68 of the thorn 57 located. On the nozzles of the printheads 60 . 62 and 63 can hit UV radiation.

13 shows a plan view of an apparatus for printing containers with a mandrel 69 that is a spreading element 70 includes. By the additional expansion element 70 of the thorn 69 in the container 58 results in comparison to the illustration in 12 a larger shielding area 71 , so next to the third printhead 61 also the fourth printhead 62 and the fifth printhead 63 in the shielding area 71 lie. By another (not shown) expansion element, it would be possible even the printhead 60 shield.

14a shows a flow chart for a method for printing a container using a device for printing, wherein the mandrel is arranged in a fixed predetermined position relative to the centering head. In a first step 400 a container is received by the receptacle (eg placed on the turntable, and the centering head engages the receptacle at the mouth opening with the mandrel inserted into the receptacle).

Depending on whether the mandrel comprises one or more spreading elements or no spreading elements 401 and whether the container is permeable to UV radiation or impermeable to UV radiation 402 , the further steps of the procedure differ.

If the mandrel comprises one or more expansion elements and the container is permeable to UV radiation, will / will be in step 403 the spreading element (s) spread out from the mandrel. Depending on the arrangement of the printheads and UV lamps can be dispensed with a spreading of the / the splay / Abspreizelemente.

In a next step 404 the container is moved into the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering head. In a further step 405 is rotated by the turntable of the container about its longitudinal axis by the angular range which is necessary to apply color for the desired image on the container outer surface, the color is applied by means of the print heads and the applied color is cured by means of the UV lamps.

When the application of the paint and the curing of the paint are completed, that is, when the desired image has been applied to the container outer surface and fixed there, the container is in a further step 406 removed from the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering. In step 407 the spreader (s) of the mandrel are returned to its original position (s) before removal of the mandrel from the container.

In next step 408 the centering head is removed from the mouth opening, whereby the mandrel is brought out of the container, and the container is taken from the turntable.

If the mandrel comprises one or more expanders and the container is impermeable to UV radiation, it will / will be in step 409 optionally, the spreading element (s) spread out from the mandrel. An enlargement of the shielding area by the / the spreader / e is not required because the container for UV radiation is not permeable. But a spreading can be done, for example to avoid a more complex process control.

The steps 410 . 411 and 412 correspond to the steps 404 . 405 and 406 , If the spreader (s) of the spine has been splayed out, the step (s) will (are) in step 413 the spreader (s) are returned to its original position (s) before removal of the mandrel from the container.

In next step 414 the centering head is removed from the mouth opening, whereby the mandrel is brought out of the container, and the container is taken from the turntable.

If the mandrel does not comprise a spreading element, the process steps are independent of whether the container is transparent to UV radiation or impermeable to UV radiation.

In step 415 the container is moved into the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering head. In a further step 416 is rotated by the turntable of the container about its longitudinal axis by the angular range which is necessary to apply color for the desired image on the container outer surface, the color is applied by means of the print heads and the applied color is cured by means of the UV lamps.

When the application of the paint and the curing of the paint are completed, the container is in a further step 417 removed from the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering. In next step 418 the centering head is removed from the mouth opening, whereby the mandrel is brought out of the container, and the container is taken from the turntable.

14b shows a flow chart for a method for printing a container using a device for printing, the mandrel is arranged movable relative to the centering. In a first step 500 a container is placed on the turntable and the centering head engages the container at the mouth opening. Since the mandrel is arranged to be movable relative to the centering head, it can, if desired, be introduced into the container at a later time.

Depending on whether the container is permeable to UV radiation or impermeable to UV radiation 501 or whether the mandrel comprises one or more spreading elements or no spreading elements 502 . the further steps of the procedure differ.

If the container is transparent to UV radiation and the mandrel comprises one or more spreading elements, in step 503 the mandrel is placed in the container and in step 504 the spreading element (s) will be spread by the mandrel. Depending on the arrangement of the printheads and UV lamps can be dispensed with a spreading of the / the splay / Abspreizelemente.

In a next step 505 the container is moved into the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering head. In a further step 506 is rotated by the turntable of the container about its longitudinal axis by the angular range which is necessary to apply color for the desired image on the container outer surface, the color is applied by means of the print heads and the applied color is cured by means of the UV lamps.

When the application of the paint and the curing of the paint are completed, that is, when the desired image has been applied to the container outer surface and fixed there, the container is in a further step 507 removed from the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering. In step 508 the spreader (s) of the mandrel are returned to its original position (s) before removal of the mandrel from the container. In next step 509 the centering head is removed from the orifice, the mandrel is removed from the container, and the container is removed from the turntable.

If the container is permeable to ultraviolet radiation and the mandrel does not comprise a spreading element, in step 510 the mandrel inserted into the container.

The steps 511 . 512 and 513 correspond to the steps 505 . 506 and 507 , In next step 514 the centering head is removed from the mouth opening, whereby the mandrel is brought out of the container, and the container is taken from the turntable.

If the container is impermeable to UV radiation, it is necessary that the mandrel be introduced into the container. In step 515 the container is moved into the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering head. In a further step 516 is rotated by the turntable of the container about its longitudinal axis by the angular range which is necessary to apply color for the desired image on the container outer surface, the color is applied by means of the print heads and the applied color is cured by means of the UV lamps.

When the application of the paint and the curing of the paint are completed, the container is in a further step 517 removed from the free space by linear method of the turntable and the centering. In next step 518 the centering head is removed from the mouth opening, the mandrel is removed from the container and the container is removed from the turntable.

If the container is impermeable to UV radiation, however, it is optionally also possible to go through the process steps which have been described for a container which is permeable to UV radiation.

• 1. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 zum Bedrucken von Behältern, mit einem Fördersystem 92, 82, 83, 85, 18 zum Transportieren der Behälter 7 durch die Ausstattungsanlage 5 entlang einer vorgegebenen Transportstrecke, mit an dem Fördersystem 92, 82, 83, 85, 18 angeordneten Aufnahmen 82, 83, 85 zur Aufnahme einzelner Behälter 7 oder Gruppen von Behältern, mit mindestens zwei umlaufenden Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 zum Ausstatten von den Behältern 7, wobei ein Hauptförderweg 6 der Behälter 7 durch die Ausstattungsanlage 5 Richtungsänderung aufweist, wobei mindestens eine Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 vor und eine Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 nach der Richtungsänderung angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Transportstrecke im Bereich der Richtungsänderung einen Abschnitt aufweist, welcher eine zumindest abschnittsweise andere Krümmung aufweist, wie die vorgeordnete Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 und dessen Länge mindestens ein Fünftel des zurückgelegten Weges der Behälter 7 in der vorgeordneten Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 beträgt, und auf welchem keine Dekoration der Behälter 7 erfolgt.
• 2. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 zum Bedrucken von Behältern, mit einem Fördersystem zum Transportieren der Behälter 7 durch die Ausstattungsanlage 5 entlang einer vorgegebenen Transportstrecke, mit an dem Fördersystem 92, 82, 83, 85, 18 angeordneten, insbesondere fest angeordneten, Aufnahmen 82, 83, 85 zur Aufnahme einzelner Behälter 7 oder Gruppen von Behältern und mit mindestens zwei umlaufenden Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 zum Bedrucken von den Behältern 7, wobei an den Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 jeweils mindestens ein Druckkopf 9 zum Bedrucken der Behälter 7 angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausstattungsanlage 5 mehrere gleichartige Module 2 aufweist.
• 3. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach Ausführungsbeispiel 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens zwei Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 vor und/oder nach der Richtungsänderung angeordnet sind und die jeweils zwei Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 vor und/oder nach der Richtungsänderung unmittelbar aneinander anschließen.
• 4. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach Ausführungsbeispiel 1 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sowohl in der Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 vor als auch in der Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 nach der Richtungsänderung ein Umlauf der Behälter 7 entlang mindestens zwei Dritteln, insbesondere mindestens drei Vierteln, des Gesamtumfangs der jeweiligen Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 realisiert ist.
• 5. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es sich bei den Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 um im Wesentlichen baugleiche Direktdruckmodule 2 handelt, auf welchen mehrere Druckköpfe 9 zum direkten Aufbringen von Druckmedium auf die Behälteraußenoberfläche angeordnet sind.
• 6. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele 1, 3 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im Bereich des Abschnitts eine Einrichtung zur Zwischentrocknung des Druckmediums angeordnet ist.
• 7. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckköpfe 9 mit einem Antrieb 89, 90, 86, 93 gekoppelt sind und sie die Behälter 7 über zumindest eines Teils ihres Transportwegs durch die Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 begleiten.
• 8. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Behältergruppe oder jeder Behälter 7 kontinuierlich durch die Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 5 gefördert wird.
• 9. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Antrieb 87 zum Drehen der Behälter 7 um deren Längsachse während des Druckvorgangs vorgesehen ist und es sich bei dem Antrieb 87 insbesondere um einen Drehtellerantrieb mit zugeordnetem Servomotor handelt und dass jedem Antrieb ein Sensor 98 zur Erfassung der Drehstellung des Behälters 7 oder der Antriebsachse bzw. des Drehtellers 85 zugeordnet ist, wobei der Sensor 98 außerhalb des Bereichs des Antriebs 87 angeordnet ist.
• 10. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass um die Behälter 7 eine Einhausung während des Bedrucken angeordnet ist.
• 11. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass entlang des Umfangs der Behälterausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 eine Vielzahl von äquidistanten Behälteraufnahmen 82, 83, 85 angeordnet ist, wobei die Behälteraufnahmen 82, 83, 85 insbesondere aus einem Drehteller 85 und einem Zentrierkopf 83 zum zumindest mittelbaren Zentrieren der Behältermündung besteht.
• 12. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeder Behälter 7 oder Gruppe von Behältern mit einem Sklaven zur genaueren Aufnahme der Behälter 7 versehen ist und nach der letzten Ausstattungsvorrichtung 2 der Ausstattungsanlage 5 eine Einrichtung zum Trennen der Behälter 7 von ihren Sklaven und zur Zurückführung der Sklaven angeordnet ist.
• 13. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Sterilisationsvorrichtung 4 im Bereich der Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 oder im Bereich nach den Ausstattungsvorrichtungen 2 zur zumindest bereichsweisen Sterilisation der Behälter 7 mit Strahlung vorgesehen ist.
• 14. Behälterausstattungsanlage 5 nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass vor dem ersten Ausstattungsmodul 2 eine Einrichtung 1.1, 1.2 zur Vorbehandlung der Behälteraußenoberfläche vorgesehen ist, insbesondere zur Beschichtung der Behälter 7 mit einer Haftschicht, welche ein Ablösen des Druckmediums dieser Haftschicht oder ein Ablösen der Haftschicht inklusive des Druckmediums von dem Behälter 7 ermöglicht.
• 15. Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Behältern, bei dem ein Behälter 7 von mindestens zwei umlaufenden Modulen 2, an denen zumindest zeitweise mitumlaufende Druckköpfe 9 angeordnet sind, mit jeweils einem Teildruckbild pro Modul ausgestattet wird, wobei die Behälter 7 direkt von einem Modul 2 an das nächste übergeben werden und wobei die Teildruckbilder jeweils in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters 7 eine Anfangs- und eine voneinander beabstandete Endkante aufweisen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter 7 nach Fertigstellung des ersten Teildruckbildes derart ausgerichtet wird, dass der Druckkopf 9 des folgenden Moduls 2 den Druck des nächsten Teildruckbildes an der Anfangskante des ersten Teildruckbildes beginnt.
• 16. Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Behältern, bei dem ein Behälter 7 von mindestens zwei umlaufenden Modulen 2, an denen zumindest zeitweise mitumlaufende Druckköpfe 9 angeordnet sind, mit jeweils einem Teildruckbild pro Modul ausgestattet wird, wobei die Behälter 7 über einen Zwischenförderer 3 von einem Modul 2 an das nächste übergeben werden und wobei die Teildruckbilder jeweils in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters 7 eine voneinander beabstandete Anfangs- und eine Endkante aufweisen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter 7 nach Fertigstellung des ersten Teildruckbildes derart ausgerichtet wird, dass der Druckkopf 9 des folgenden Moduls 2 den Druck des nächsten Teildruckbildes an der Endkante des ersten Teildruckbildes beginnt.
• 17. Verfahren nach Ausführungsbeispiel 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass keine weitere Ausrichtung des Behälters 7 zwischen Fertigstellung des ersten Teildruckbildes und dem Beginn des Drucks des zweiten Teildruckbildes erfolgt.
• 18. Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Behältern, bei dem ein Behälter von mindestens zwei umlaufenden Modulen 2, an denen zumindest zeitweise mitumlaufende Druckköpfe 9 angeordnet sind, mit jeweils einem Teildruckbild pro Modul 2 ausgestattet wird, wobei die Behälter 7 von einem Modul an das nächste direkt oder mit einem Zwischenförderer 3 übergeben werden und wobei die Teildruckbilder jeweils in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters 7 eine Anfangs- und eine Endkante aufweisen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter 7 nach Fertigstellung des ersten Teildruckbildes so ausgerichtet bleibt, der Druck des zweiten Teildruckbildes mit dem Druckkopf 9 des folgenden Moduls 2 an einer Umfangsposition des Behälters 7 beginnt, die einen Abstand zu Anfangs- und Endkante des ersten Teildruckbildes aufweist.
• 19. Verfahren nach Ausführungsbeispiel 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es sich um einen Rundumdruck handelt.
• 20. Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Behältern, bei dem ein Behälter 7 von mindestens zwei umlaufenden Modulen 2, an denen zumindest zeitweise mitumlaufende Druckköpfe 9 angeordnet sind, mit jeweils einem Teildruckbild pro Modul ausgestattet wird, wobei die Behälter 7 von einem Modul an das nächste direkt oder mit einem Zwischenförderer 3 übergeben wird und wobei die Teildruckbilder jeweils in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters 7 eine Anfangs- und eine Endkante aufweisen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter nach Fertigstellung des ersten Teildruckbildes derart ausgerichtet wird, dass der Beginn des zweiten Teildruckbildes mit dem Druckkopf 9 des folgenden Moduls 2 an der dem Druckkopf 9 des folgenden Moduls 2 nächstliegenden Kante beginnt.
• 21. Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Behältern, bei dem ein Behälter 7 nacheinander von mindestens zwei, zumindest mit einem Karussell 92 umlaufenden Druckköpfen 9 bedruckt wird und von jedem Druckkopf 9 jeweils ein Teildruckbild aufgebracht wird und die Teildruckbilder jeweils in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters 7 eine Anfangs- und eine Endkante aufweisen, wobei a) die zwei Druckköpfe 9 oder b) ein Druckkopf 9 und eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen oder Härten des Druckmediums 302 in Umfangsrichtung des Behälters 7 versetzt zueinander angeordnet sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ermittelt wird, welche Kante des Behälters 7 direkt nach Fertigstellung des ersten Teildruckbildes den geringstmöglichen Drehwinkel zur Umfangsposition des zweiten Druckkopfs 9 oder zu der Vorrichtung zum Trocknen oder Härten des Druckmediums 302 des ersten Teildruckbildes aufweist und der Behälter 7 über diesen Winkel gedreht wird.
• 22. Verfahren nach Ausführungsbeispiel 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckköpfe 9 und/oder die Vorrichtung zum Trocknen oder Härten des Druckmediums 302, zusätzlich zum Umfangsversatz in Bezug auf den Behälter 7, einen Höhenversatz in lotrechter Richtung zueinander aufweisen, wobei der Behälter 7 nacheinander und schrittweise die Ebenen E1, E2, E3, E4, in denen diese Elemente angeordnet sind, durchfährt und auf dem Transportweg zwischen zwei Ebenen E1, E2, E3, E4 für den nächsten Schritt, insbesondere vollständig, ausgerichtet wird.

The invention also includes the following embodiments:

• 1. Container equipment 5 for printing on containers, with a conveyor system 92 . 82 . 83 . 85 . 18 for transporting the containers 7 through the equipment 5 along a given transport route, with on the conveyor system 92 . 82 . 83 . 85 . 18 arranged shots 82 . 83 . 85 for holding individual containers 7 or groups of containers, with at least two rotating equipment devices 2 to equip the containers 7 , being a main funding route 6 the container 7 through the equipment 5 Direction change, wherein at least one equipment device 2 before and a fitting device 2 is arranged after the change in direction, characterized in that the transport path in the region of the change in direction has a portion which has an at least partially different curvature, as the upstream equipment device 2 and whose length is at least one fifth of the distance traveled by the containers 7 in the upstream equipment 2 is, and on which no decoration of the container 7 he follows.
• 2. Container equipment 5 for printing on containers, with a conveyor system for transporting the containers 7 through the equipment 5 along a given transport route, with on the conveyor system 92 . 82 . 83 . 85 . 18 arranged, in particular fixed, recordings 82 . 83 . 85 for holding individual containers 7 or groups of containers and with at least two rotating equipment devices 2 for printing on the containers 7 , wherein at the equipment devices 2 at least one print head each 9 for printing on the containers 7 is arranged, characterized in that the equipment 5 several similar modules 2 having.
• 3. Container equipment 5 according to embodiment 1, characterized in that at least two equipment devices 2 are arranged before and / or after the change of direction and the two equipment devices 2 connect directly before and / or after the change of direction.
• 4. Container equipment 5 according to embodiment 1 or 3, characterized in that both in the equipment device 2 before as well as in the equipment 2 after the change of direction a circulation of the container 7 along at least two-thirds, in particular at least three quarters, of the total circumference of the respective equipment device 2 is realized.
• 5. Container equipment 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that it is in the equipment devices 2 Essentially identical direct printing modules 2 acts on which multiple printheads 9 for direct application of pressure medium on the container outer surface are arranged.
• 6. Container Equipment System 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments 1, 3 to 5, characterized in that a device for intermediate drying of the pressure medium is arranged in the region of the section.
• 7. Container Equipment Facility 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the print heads 9 with a drive 89 . 90 . 86 . 93 are coupled and they are the containers 7 over at least part of its transport path through the equipment devices 2 accompany.
• 8. Container equipment 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that each group of containers or each container 7 continuously through the equipment devices 5 is encouraged.
• 9. Container equipment 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that a drive 87 for turning the containers 7 is provided about the longitudinal axis during the printing process and it is in the drive 87 is in particular a turntable drive with associated servo motor and that each drive is a sensor 98 for detecting the rotational position of the container 7 or the drive axle or the turntable 85 is assigned, wherein the sensor 98 outside the range of the drive 87 is arranged.
• 10. Container Equipment System 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the containers 7 an enclosure is arranged during printing.
• 11. Container equipment 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that along the periphery of the container equipment devices 2 a variety of equidistant container receptacles 82 . 83 . 85 is arranged, wherein the container receptacles 82 . 83 . 85 in particular from a turntable 85 and a centering head 83 for at least indirect centering of the container mouth exists.
• 12. Container equipment 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that each container 7 or group of containers with a slave for more accurate uptake of the containers 7 is provided and after the last equipment 2 the equipment system 5 a device for separating the containers 7 from their slaves and for the repatriation of the slaves is arranged.
• 13. Container equipment 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that a sterilization device 4 in the field of equipment 2 or in the area after the equipment devices 2 for at least regional sterilization of the containers 7 is provided with radiation.
• 14. Container Equipment Facility 5 according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that before the first equipment module 2 An institution 1.1 . 1.2 is provided for pretreatment of the container outer surface, in particular for coating the container 7 with an adhesive layer, which is a detachment of the printing medium of this adhesive layer or a detachment of the adhesive layer including the pressure medium from the container 7 allows.
• 15. A method for printing on containers, wherein a container 7 of at least two rotating modules 2 , where at least temporarily co-rotating printheads 9 are arranged, each equipped with a partial printing image per module, wherein the container 7 directly from a module 2 transferred to the next and wherein the partial pressure images each in the circumferential direction of the container 7 have an initial and a spaced-apart end edge, characterized in that the container 7 after completion of the first Partial image is aligned such that the print head 9 of the following module 2 the printing of the next partial print image begins at the beginning edge of the first partial print image.
• 16. A method for printing on containers in which a container 7 of at least two rotating modules 2 , where at least temporarily co-rotating printheads 9 are arranged, each equipped with a partial printing image per module, wherein the container 7 via an intermediate conveyor 3 from a module 2 transferred to the next and wherein the partial pressure images each in the circumferential direction of the container 7 having a spaced-apart starting and an end edge, characterized in that the container 7 after completion of the first partial print image is aligned such that the print head 9 of the following module 2 the printing of the next partial print image begins at the end edge of the first partial print image.
• 17. The method of embodiment 16, characterized in that no further orientation of the container 7 between the completion of the first partial image and the beginning of the printing of the second partial image.
• 18. A method for printing on containers, wherein a container of at least two rotating modules 2 , where at least temporarily co-rotating printheads 9 are arranged, each with a partial image per module 2 is equipped, the containers 7 from one module to the next directly or with an intermediate conveyor 3 be transferred and wherein the partial printing images each in the circumferential direction of the container 7 have a beginning and an end edge, characterized in that the container 7 after completion of the first partial print image remains aligned, the pressure of the second partial print image with the print head 9 of the following module 2 at a circumferential position of the container 7 begins, which has a distance to the beginning and end edge of the first partial print image.
• 19. The method of embodiment 18, characterized in that it is a wrap-around.
• 20. A method for printing on containers, wherein a container 7 of at least two rotating modules 2 , where at least temporarily co-rotating printheads 9 are arranged, each equipped with a partial printing image per module, wherein the container 7 from one module to the next directly or with an intermediate conveyor 3 is transferred and wherein the partial printing images each in the circumferential direction of the container 7 Having a start and an end edge, characterized in that the container is aligned after completion of the first partial print image such that the beginning of the second partial print image with the print head 9 of the following module 2 at the printhead 9 of the following module 2 nearest edge begins.
• 21. A method for printing on containers, wherein a container 7 successively of at least two, at least with a carousel 92 circumferential printheads 9 is printed and from each printhead 9 in each case a partial printing image is applied and the partial printing images each in the circumferential direction of the container 7 have a beginning and an end edge, wherein a) the two print heads 9 or b) a printhead 9 and a device for drying or curing the printing medium 302 in the circumferential direction of the container 7 offset from one another, characterized in that it is determined which edge of the container 7 directly after completion of the first partial image, the lowest possible angle of rotation to the circumferential position of the second print head 9 or to the device for drying or curing the pressure medium 302 of the first partial image and the container 7 is rotated over this angle.
• 22. The method of embodiment 21, characterized in that the print heads 9 and / or the device for drying or curing the pressure medium 302 , in addition to the circumferential offset with respect to the container 7 , Have a height offset in the vertical direction to each other, wherein the container 7 successively and stepwise the planes E1, E2, E3, E4, in which these elements are arranged, passes through and on the transport path between two planes E1, E2, E3, E4 for the next step, in particular completely, is aligned.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010034780 A1 [0003]
• DE 102009013477 A1 [0004]

Claims (22)

Apparatus for printing on containers, the apparatus comprising: - at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3), wherein in each printing plane (D1, D2, D3) along an outer periphery of a free space ( 26 ), which is designed to hold a container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ), at least one print head ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ) is arranged for applying paint to the container, characterized in that in at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) at least one UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ) is arranged for curing applied to the container color. The device of claim 1, wherein in each of the at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) two, three, four, five or more print heads ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ) are arranged. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device further comprises one for the UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ) emitted ultraviolet radiation impermeable mandrel ( 45 . 54 . 57 . 69 ), which is designed to pass through an opening ( 40 . 56 ) of a container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) in the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) to be introduced. The device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein between adjacent pressure planes (D1, D2, D3) in each case an annular shield ( 28 . 29 ) is provided. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device further comprises an enclosure ( 30 ) surrounding the device. The device according to claim 5, wherein the enclosure ( 30 ) the at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3), the at least one print head ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ) and the at least one UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ) enclosing the enclosure ( 30 ) preferably of a plurality of housing elements which can be moved relative to each other ( 31 . 32 . 33 . 34 ) consists. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises means adapted to enclose the outer perimeter along the at least one printhead (Fig. 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ) and the at least one UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ) are arranged to change for each of the at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3). The device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device further comprises a linearly movable centering head ( 36 ) and a linearly movable container receptacle ( 41 ) between which a container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) and by means of which the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) into the open space ( 26 ) of the at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) can be spent. The device of claim 8, wherein the container receptacle ( 41 ) a turntable ( 41 ), for example a centering plate, which is adapted to be rotated about its axis. The device according to claim 8 or 9, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the mandrel ( 45 . 54 . 57 . 69 ) in a fixed position relative to the centering head ( 36 ) is arranged. The device according to claim 8 or 9, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the mandrel ( 45 . 54 . 57 . 69 ) relative to the centering head ( 36 ) and wherein the centering head ( 36 ) preferably has a bore in the center, in which the mandrel ( 45 . 54 . 57 . 69 ) is arranged movable. The device according to one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the mandrel ( 54 . 69 ) at least one expansion element ( 55 . 70 ) contained in the mandrel ( 54 . 69 ) is integrated and adapted from the mandrel ( 54 . 69 ) to be spread apart after the thorn ( 54 . 69 ) into a container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) and which is further adapted to apply the mandrel ( 54 . 69 ) from the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) to be returned to its original position. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the mandrel comprises an insertion slope and / or an extension slope. A method of printing on containers using a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of: - inserting a container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) into the open space ( 26 ); - then applying paint to the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) by means of the at least one print head; - curing on the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) applied color by means of at least one UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ). The method of claim 14, using a device according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the method further comprises the step of, prior to the step of curing, of introducing the target through the at least one UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ) emitted ultraviolet radiation impermeable spine ( 45 . 54 . 57 . 69 ) through an opening ( 40 . 56 ) of the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ). Apparatus for printing on containers, the apparatus comprising: - At least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3), wherein in this printing plane (D1, D2, D3) along an outer periphery of a, in particular substantially annular, free space ( 26 ), which is designed to hold a container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ), at least two printheads ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ) are arranged for applying paint to the container - at least one drying plane for drying the paint applied to the container, wherein preferably each drying plane is a UV lamp ( 23 . 24 . 25 . 64 ). Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that each printing plane (D1, D2, D3) adjacent to a drying plane, wherein in particular still a shield ( 29 . 303 ) is arranged between each pressure (D1, D2, D3) and drying level. Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the device further comprises a linearly movable and controlled rotatable recording ( 36 . 41 ) by means of which the container ( 27 . 51 . 58 ) into the open space ( 26 ) of the at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) can be spent and rotated during printing and / or drying. Device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the device comprises a continuously driven and rotatable about a vertical machine axis carousel, along the circumference of a plurality of equidistantly spaced printing stations are arranged with circulating printheads, wherein in each printing station a container is receivable and vertically movable relative to the carousel. Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that in at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) at least two print heads ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ). Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that in at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) at least two, in particular at least three print heads ( 20 . 21 . 22 . 59 . 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 ) Are arranged U-shaped and in this plane along the circumference of the free space, an area is free of print head for, in particular horizontal, input and / or output of the container is formed. Device according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that in at least one printing plane (D1, D2, D3) at least 30%, in particular at least 40% of the circumference of the free space with print heads, including the housing, is occupied.

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