DE102016201140B4 - Method for operating a device having a segment wheel for printing hollow bodies - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a device having a segment wheel (03) for printing on hollow bodies (01), wherein in each case a printing blanket (33) is arranged on at least one segment (32) of the segment wheel (03) having several segments (32) on its circumference , wherein at least one printing blanket (33) arranged on one of the segments (32) rolls on the hollow body (01) to be printed on a rotation of the segment wheel (03), characterized in that a device provided in association with the segment wheel (03) is provided for automatic changing of printing blankets (33) according to an instruction given to their control unit the printing blanket (33) to be arranged on the relevant segment (32) of the segmented wheel (03) automatically picks up a storage device (42) and sends it to the relevant segment (32) of the segmented wheel ( 03) transported.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a segmented wheel having apparatus for printing hollow bodies according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such as B. from the WO 2012/148576 A1 is known to be used in the packaging industry in a device for decoration of each having a cylindrical surface having hollow bodies mostly multiple printing units. Each of these printing units each transfers a printing ink to a blanket commonly used by these printing units. The lateral surface of the respective hollow body is then by a relative movement between the lateral surface of the respective hollow body and the previously colored in particular multicolored blanket, in particular by rolling the lateral surface of the respective hollow body on this blanket, with a z. B. decorated multicolored print motif.

Such a device for printing or decoration of particular each having a preferably cylindrical outer surface having hollow bodies is z. B. in conjunction with an i. d. R. multiple workstations having used plant for the production of such hollow body, wherein the printing or the decoration of the hollow body is carried out by a printing process, which is why these hollow bodies can be generally referred to as printed products. In such a system to be printed hollow body in a mass production with z. B. several hundred or even a few thousand pieces per minute, z. B. manufactured between 1,500 and 3,000 pieces per minute. Such hollow body z. B. made of metal, especially steel or aluminum, or made of a plastic. Such hollow body made of metal z. B. used as beverage cans or aerosol cans. Such hollow plastic body z. B. prepared in the form of thermoplastic moldings and z. B. as a cup for packaging z. As used by liquid or pasty foods, especially dairy products or drinks. However, the respective hollow body may also be a round tube body produced either from a plastic or from aluminum, wherein a tube is understood to mean an elongated, firm, but malleable container which is provided for filling with a substance, in particular pasty substance. Tubes made of aluminum are z. B. produced in a Rückwärtsfließpressverfahren. Plastic tubes are z. B. produced by extrusion in each case as seamless tubes. Another type of hollow bodies to be printed in an aforementioned device may be preferably cylindrical containers or vessels made of glass, e.g. As bottles or bottles.

Beverage cans are preferably made of aluminum and are i. d. R. so-called Zweiteildosen, in which a circular bottom together with a preferably straight cylinder jacket each from a single workpiece, d. H. from a so-called Slugs or from a Ronde, d. H. a circular disc, in a forming process, for. Example, in a cold extrusion or in a Zugdruckumformverfahren, preferably by deep drawing, in particular by ironing, to a one-sided open hollow body, d. H. be made to a so-called Rohdose and wherein in a final manufacturing step, a circular cover is placed on the cylinder jacket and airtight connected by beading with the cylinder jacket.

Another type of can tinplate cans. Tinplate is a tinned sheet steel. For the production of tinplate cans, the thickness of the steel sheet z. B. 0.15 mm to 0.49 mm, the thickness of the tin layer z. B. 0.2 microns to 0.8 microns, the tin coating is used for corrosion protection. Tinplate cans are so-called three-part cans. To make the jacket of a tinplate can, a rectangular strip of steel sheet is bent to a preferably straight cylinder jacket, wherein the ends of this bent into a cylinder jacket strip are welded in a butt joint. Subsequently, a circular bottom and a circular cover are placed on the cylinder jacket and the edges are crimped. In order to obtain a higher resistance to indentations for the tinplate box in question, have z. B. All three parts, d. H. the cylinder jacket, the bottom and the lid preferably a wave profile.

An aerosol can, also referred to as a spray can or spray can, is a metal can for spraying liquids. In an aerosol can, the filled liquid is under pressure, wherein as a propellant for discharging the liquid in question from the respective can z. As propane, butane, dimethyl ether or mixtures thereof or compressed air or nitrogen is used.

The aforementioned WO 2012/148576 A1 describes a device for decorating cans, wherein an arrangement of a plurality of printing units, each with an inking unit for multicolor decoration of a plurality of cans is provided, each of the inking units belonging to one of the printing units each having a color box for providing ink, wherein in each color box each ink fountain roller is provided for receiving the ink from the ink fountain in question, wherein in each inking unit each a Farbduktor are provided, wherein the ink fountain each ink of the respective Ink fountain roller receives, wherein in a respective inking roller in the respective ink fountain roller a plurality of iridescent Farbreiberwalzen and several cooperating with at least one of Farbreiberwalzen ink transfer rollers are provided, for each inking unit a plate cylinder with at least one pressure plate is present, with the respective plate cylinder for applying the ink only a single inking roller cooperates.

By the WO 2016/008701 A1 are an inking unit of a printing unit and an apparatus for printing each having a cylindrical surface hollow bodies having known with this inking unit, wherein the inking unit comprises an ink from a ink reservoir receiving anilox roller and an employees of a printing form cylinder of the printing unit or at least engageable inking roller, wherein the printing form cylinder and the anilox roller are in each case independently rotationally driven by a motor which is regulated in its respective speed or at least controllable, the inking roller being rotationally driven by the anilox roller, a rotary encoder detecting a rotational speed of the inking roller being provided, wherein a control unit is provided the speed of the inking roller is set or tracked by the control unit based on a signal generated by the encoder by means of the rotation of the anilox roller such that a synchronization between the Druckfor mzylinder and the inking roller is set so that the peripheral speed of the inking roller coincides with the peripheral speed of the plate cylinder within predetermined allowable tolerance limits.

By the US 2010/0257819 A1 a device for printing on bottles or the like container on a container outer surface with at least one printing station is known at the printing area, the containers are moved past a container conveyor with at least one print head and with at least one transfer surface forming and provided on an auxiliary conveyor transfer element.

By the WO 2014/008544 A1 For example, an apparatus for printing a printed image is known, comprising a first cylinder having a first inked area and a second cylinder having both a second inked area and a second non-inked area, the first and second cylinders being operated such that the ink fountain second inked portion of the second cylinder receives printing ink from the first inked portion of the first cylinder, wherein the second non-inked portion of the second cylinder is at least partially registered with the first inked portion of the first cylinder, wherein the second non-inked portion of the second cylinder is formed in that a transfer of printing ink from the first inked area of the first cylinder to the second non-inked area of the first cylinder is prevented, the print image to be printed being printed by those parts of the first inked area of the first cylinder nd the second colored area of the first cylinder is determined, which are arranged in register with each other.

By the WO 2004/109581 A2 is an apparatus for carrying out a contactless digital printing method, for. B. an inkjet printing method to round objects, especially second-rate, without the use of a blanket, if necessary, to print individually, preferably a plurality of printheads are provided, each printing a single ink.

By the DE 10 2006 004 568 A1 a short inking unit for a printing press is known, comprising a printing form cylinder, an inking roller cooperating with the printing form cylinder and an inking roller contacting an inking roller associated with a means for ink supply, wherein at least one leveling roller between the location of the ink supply and the contact gap between the anilox roller and the Ink application roller, based on the direction of rotation of the anilox roller, is arranged, wherein the means for ink supply is formed as a chamber doctor blade.

By the DE 101 60 734 A1 a printing machine is known which comprises at least one printing forme, a dampening unit for moistening the printing forme with a dampening solution, an inking unit for coloring the printing forme with a printing ink and a dehumidifying device with a heating roller (tempering roller) for reducing a proportion of the dampening solution conveyed together with the printing ink , wherein the inking unit is designed as a lifeless short inking unit, wherein a Farbwerkswalze of the inking unit has a first Abrollkontaktstelle at which the inking roller with the heating roller in rolling contact, wherein the inking roller has a second Abrollkontaktstelle and wherein a shortest conveying path of the ink from the inking roller to Printing form is specified by at most one intermediate roll.

By the DE 32 32 780 A1 is known an inking unit for offset printing machines for printing sheets or webs with a plate cylinder, which receives the required color of at most two inking rollers with elastic surface, which cooperate with a color cylinder, which is supplied to the color through a Farbzuführsystem, the a continuous ink film is produced, wherein the inking cylinder an inking roller with almost the same diameter as the plate cylinder is arranged, wherein the inking cylinder is assigned a dampening unit with at least one fountain transfer roller and wherein the transfer of the dampening solution to the ink cylinder in the same direction of rotation after the inking and takes place before the contact point with the inking roller.

By the DE 10 2006 048 286 A1 a method for driving a printing unit with a short inking unit in a processing machine with an anilox roller and an associated doctor device and a subordinate roller of the anilox roller is known, which is arranged downstream of a plate / forme cylinder in the color flow direction, the plate / forme cylinder with a blanket cylinder and the Blanket cylinder is in operative connection with a printing cylinder leading the printing substrate, wherein the anilox roller is driven by a single drive, wherein in the printing / painting of the main drive a drive on a drive wheel of the printing cylinder and a drive wheel of the blanket cylinder and a second and first drive wheel of the plate / Form cylinder and a drive wheel of the inking roller and a drive wheel of the anilox roller is fed, wherein the single drive of the anilox roller is inactive, and wherein in the setup operation, the drive connection to the main drive between the first drive wheel and second Ant riebsrad the plate / forme cylinder is separated, the single drive of the anilox roller is activated and by means of a single drive a drive torque to the drive wheel of the anilox roller and the drive wheel of the inking roller and the first drive wheel of the plate / forme cylinder is introduced.

By the DE 196 24 440 A1 a device for filling wells of a cylinder of a printing press with a liquid is known, wherein on the cylinder at least two squeegee means for filling wells of the cylinder are arranged with the liquid, wherein a conveying device connected to a conveying device for the liquid and one in the direction of rotation the cylinder downstream working doctor blade are provided, wherein the doctor blades are attached to a beam, wherein the abgesakelte liquid is discharged to a collecting trough.

By the DE 89 12 194 U1 is an inking unit for use in a printing press with a viewable on an anilox roll working doctor blade and a paint tray with inking known, the Arbeitsrakelmesser, the ink tray and the means for conveying the color to the anilox roller are combined to form a unit and the unit at one of the printing press mounted carrier is detachably fastened.

By the DE 10 2007 052 761 A1 An anilox printing unit is known, which has an inking roller and an anilox roller as inking rollers, wherein the anilox roller is mounted on pivoting levers, wherein the anilox roller and the inking roller each have bearer rings, one for pressing the bearer rings arranged one on the bearer rings of the other inking roller Device has springs to compensate for manufacturing tolerance caused diameter differences.

By the DE 28 51 426 A1 a device for printing in each case a lateral surface of hollow bodies is known, wherein a to be printed hollow body is provided about a rotation axis transporting transport means, wherein a plurality of printing units are provided, each to be printed hollow body with the transport device in a printing range of at least one of the printing units is transportable wherein at least one of the printing units has a printing form cylinder and an inking unit with a single inking roller.

The invention has for its object to provide a method for operating a segmented wheel having a device for printing hollow bodies, which allows a fast, in particular automated blanket change.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments and refinements of the solution found.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. With the invention achievable advantages are mentioned in connection with the embodiment.

• 1 eine Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken bzw. zur Dekoration von jeweils eine Mantelfläche aufweisenden Hohlkörpern;
• 2 eine Speichereinrichtung für Drucktücher;
• 3 eine Einrichtung für einen senkrechten Transport der Speichereinrichtung gemäß der 2;
• 4 eine Einrichtung für einen waagerechten Transport von jeweils einem der Drucktücher zwischen der Speichereinrichtung gemäß der 2 und einem Montageort an einem Segmentrad in der Vorrichtung gemäß der 1;
• 5 die Speichereinrichtung der 2 in ihrem an der für ihren senkrechten Transport vorgesehenen Einrichtung angeordneten Betriebszustand;
• 6 die Einrichtung für einen waagerechten Transport von jeweils einem der Drucktücher gemäß 4 im Querschnitt mit einem aufgestellten Spachtel zum Abnehmen eines gebrauchten Drucktuchs vom Segmentrad;
• 7 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Einrichtung für einen waagerechten Transport von jeweils einem der Drucktücher gemäß 4 mit dem aufgestellten Spachtel;
• 8 die Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken bzw. zur Dekoration von jeweils eine Mantelfläche aufweisenden Hohlkörpern gemäß der 1 mit einer schematischen Darstellung der Segmente des Segmentrades.

Show it:

• 1 a device for printing or for decoration of each having a lateral surface having hollow bodies;
• 2 a storage device for printing blankets;
• 3 a device for a vertical transport of the storage device according to the 2 ;
• 4 a device for a horizontal transport of each one of the blankets between the storage device according to the 2 and a mounting location on a segment wheel in the device according to the 1 ;
• 5 the memory device of 2 in her at the for her vertical transport provided device arranged operating condition;
• 6 the device for a horizontal transport of one of the blankets according to 4 in cross section with an erect spatula for removing a used blanket from the segment wheel;
• 7 a perspective view of the device for a horizontal transport of each one of the blankets according to 4 with the spatula installed;
• 8th the device for printing or for decoration of each having a lateral surface having hollow bodies according to the 1 with a schematic representation of the segments of the segment wheel.

The printing in particular of the lateral surface of a hollow body with a z. B. multicolor print motif, d. H. at least one printed image is carried out in a preferred embodiment in a high-pressure process. Alternative printing methods are z. B. a screen printing or an offset printing process or a pressure-formless digital printing process. In the following the invention will be described by way of example in connection with a high pressure process. To execute the high-pressure method, a printing plate is arranged on a lateral surface of a plate cylinder as a printing plate. The printing plate ready for use in the printing process is a printing form with a printing relief, this printing relief reflects the image intended for the printing process mirrored, wherein in a trouble-free printing operation only the printing relief on the transfer of the plate cylinder supplied by the inking ink is involved in the blanket. The printing form or the printing plate has a plate-shaped preferably flexible carrier finite length z. B. from a steel sheet, wherein a particularly flexible pressure body is arranged on this support. At least the opposite in the circumferential direction of the plate cylinder ends of the carrier can, for. B. be bent according to the curvature of the lateral surface of the plate cylinder or be angled to facilitate assembly of the printing form, d. H. here in particular to allow the printing plate on the plate cylinder. The support of the printing form or the printing plate has a thickness in the range of z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. The printing plate, including its carrier has a total thickness in the range of z. B. 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably about 0.8 mm. The pressure hull is z. B. formed from a plastic. The pressure hull is used to produce the printing cliché that can be used for the printing process. B. exposed to a print image reproducing negative film, wherein unexposed areas then from the pressure body z. B. be removed by washing or by means of a laser.

A device for printing or for decoration in particular in each case a preferably cylindrical lateral surface having hollow bodies preferably has a plurality, for. B. eight or ten or even more printing units - also called printing stations - on, at least one of these printing units, in the preferred embodiment, all of these printing units each have a rotatable printing plate cylinder, in particular designed as a plate cylinder printing form cylinder. In this case, the printing units or printing stations and optionally also the printing form cylinder are each stored in a frame in this device and can be used in the same printing process to form on the same hollow body according to the number of participating printing units or printing forme cylinder multicolored print motif. The storage of the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder is preferably each formed as a flying bearing, wherein the respective plate cylinder or plate cylinder at one of its end faces in each case z. B. is mounted on a preferably conical pin. On the lateral surface of each plate cylinder is i. d. R. each arranged only a single printing plate, wherein the support of the printing plate the circumference of the respective plate cylinder completely or at least for the most part, in particular spans more than 80%. A directed in the circumferential direction of the relevant plate cylinder length of the pressure body of the printing plate is preferably formed shorter than the circumference of the relevant plate cylinder. The printing form or the printing plate is in particular magnetically arranged on the lateral surface of each plate cylinder by means of its carrier or at least can be arranged, d. H. the printing form or the printing plate is preferably magnetic there, d. H. held by a magnetic holding force. In an alternative or additional embodiment variant of the device for printing or for decoration of each having a preferably cylindrical outer surface having hollow bodies is at least one of the printing units or there are also more of these printing units each as a pressure in a digital printing process printing unit formed, wherein such a printing unit in particular has at least one inkjet print head or a laser.

Each of the used in the printing process z. B. formed as a plate cylinder printing plate cylinder transmits with its printing plate or with his printing plate each have a specific ink on a blanket. The printing inks used are usually premixed, especially custom special colors that are tuned in terms of their respective printability in a special way to the material of the hollow body to be printed, depending on whether a surface z. B. of aluminum, a tinplate or a plastic is printed. In a preferred Execution of a device for printing or for decoration of each z. B. a cylindrical surface having hollow bodies, a printing ink from the printing plate or the printing plate is provided on the lateral surface of the respective hollow body transmitting device. This ink transferring device is z. B. formed as a rotating about a preferably horizontal axis segment wheel, wherein at the periphery of this segment wheel, that are arranged along its circumference one behind the other preferably several blankets or at least can be arranged. The ink-transferring device may be formed as an alternative to the segment wheel depending on the printing method used but also as a decoration drum or as a blanket cylinder or as a transfer cylinder, which are at least rotatable about a rotation axis at least during printing. The arrangement of the blankets on the periphery of the segment wheel is done so far in that the blankets on the circumference of the segment wheel each z. B. are attached by a cohesive connection, preferably by gluing. The preferably a plurality of printing plate cylinders or plate cylinders are each set radially to the printing blankets arranged on the circumference of the respective segment wheel or at least can be set. In a particularly preferred embodiment of a device for printing or for decoration of a respective z. B. cylindrical surface having hollow bodies is arranged along the circumference of the segment wheel in a row a larger number of blankets, as are each provided to the segment radially radially employed or at least adjustable pressure plate cylinder or plate cylinder. The preferably carousel-like printing ink-transferring device, in particular the segment wheel has a diameter of z. B. 1,500 mm to 1,600 mm, preferably about 1,520 mm to 1,525 mm, and has at z. B. eight associated printing forme cylinders or plate cylinders at its periphery in a row z. B. twelve blankets. The surface of each printing plate is preferably formed with a greater hardness than the hardness of the respective surface of the blankets. The surface of the blankets is preferably flat, that is formed without a profiling. In an operating state in which the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder involved in the printing process are respectively radially engaged with the blankets of the rotationally driven segment wheel, the respective printing plates of these plate cylinders or the respective printing plates of these plate cylinders roll onto the blankets moved by the segment wheel, wherein the printing plates at least their printing relief each z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm deep into the respective blanket and thereby produce in the respective Drucktuck extending in the axial direction of the segment wheel flattening, ie a roller strip. An intensity of the flattening is z. B. before or at the beginning of a printing process z. B. by means of a remote control by adjusting a force exerted by the respective printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder on the relevant blanket of the segment wheel contact pressure adjustable or is set.

The example to be printed hollow body, z. B. to be printed Zweiteildosen be z. Example by means of a hollow body to be printed preferably along at least a portion of a circular path, d. H. a circular arc about a rotation axis transporting transport device, preferably by means of a Zuführrades, in particular by means of a Mandrelrades continuously or in a set tact to each at least one of the device for printing each of a lateral surface of hollow bodies belonging printing units introduced and thus in a printing range of at least one of these printing units transported. For example, the hollow body to be printed by means of z. B. designed as feed wheel transport device to each at least one of z. B. arranged on the segment wheel arranged blankets, or to be printed hollow body by means of this transport device each directly and directly, d. H. without the help of a z. B. as a segment wheel formed ink transferring device transported in the respective printing area of at least one of these printing units, which is the case when the printing unit in question in a direct printing method, z. B. prints in an inkjet printing process.

The like. B. the segment also about a preferably horizontal axis rotating feed wheel or mandrel has concentric with its circumferential line in preferably equidistant distribution more, z. B. 36 holder z. B. each in the form of a cantilevered from an end face of the Mandrel wheel mandrel or a spindle, wherein each holder of each one of the hollow body to be printed is held or at least can be held. A trained as Mandrelrad transport device is sometimes referred to as a turntable with spindles. A Mandrelrad is z. B. in the EP 1 165 318 A1 described. A description of suitable holders, spindles or mandrels is found for. B. in the WO 2011/156052 A1 , In the following, each mandrel is referred to briefly as a mandrel. A longitudinal axis of each mandrel is directed parallel to the axis of the Mandrel wheel. In the case of each z. B. designed as a Zweiteildose to be printed hollow bodies, each of these hollow body z. B. by means of a conveyor, for. B. a belt conveyor to the z. B. introduced as Mandrelrad transport device and there at a transfer station z. B. sucked by suction on one of the mandrels of Mandandrades and then from the mandrel in question held while the mandrel designed as a transport device the respective to be printed hollow body z. B. to the occupied with at least one blanket segment wheel and thus transported towards at least one of the printing units or in an alternative embodiment z. B. transported without segment wheel directly to at least one of the printing units. I. d. R. be supplied to the mandrel with the conveyor in rapid succession sequentially a larger amount to be printed hollow bodies. Such a conveyor is z. B. in the EP 1 132 207 A1 described.

Between an inner wall of the respective hollow body to be printed and the surface of the respective mandrel of the Mandrelrades is preferably a gap with a width of z. B. 0.2 mm, so that the hollow body to be printed is not held by a pressure on the respective mandrel. Each thorn is z. B. rotatable by means of a motor about its respective longitudinal axis and adjustable in particular to a certain peripheral speed, so that each held by a mandrel to be printed hollow body in addition to the rotation of the Mandrel wheel by an independently executed by the mandrel or at least executable rotation is rotatable.

The slippage of the hollow body to be printed on one of the mandrels of Mandandrades preferably takes place during a standstill phase of the respective mandrel, the mandrel in question during its stoppage phase does not perform rotational movement about its own longitudinal axis. The occupation of each mandrel with a hollow body to be printed is preferably checked, for. B. contactless with a sensor. In a missing assignment of a mandrel with a hollow body to be printed Mandrelrad z. B. such that a contact of the respective free mandrel is reliably avoided with a blanket of the segment wheel.

To be printed Zweiteildosen be before their delivery z. B. to mandrel in a mandrel wheel upstream processing station from a Ronde z. B. deep-drawn. In another processing station, each edge of its box is trimmed at its open end. Each Zweiteildose is z in other processing stations. B. washed, her interior in particular washed out, optionally also painted. At least the outer surface of each Zweiteildose z. B. primed, especially with a white primer. After printing on its lateral surface Zweiteildose of their respective holder z. B. on mandrel z. B. removed by compressed air or by a preferably switchable magnet and fed to at least one mandrel downstream of the processing station, z. B. a painting for painting the outer surface of each printed second can and / or a border processing station. The printed Zweiteildosen go through in particular a dryer, z. B. a hot air dryer to cure the at least one applied to their respective lateral surface ink.

The printing process for printing in particular the respective lateral surface of z. B. held on the Mandrelrad hollow bodies, in particular Zweiteildosen, begins with the fact that all of the printing on the respective outer surface of the hollow body to be printed image required in each case z. B. from the respective printing plate of z. B. applied to the segment wheel plate cylinder are applied to the same of one of the circumference of the segment wheel blankets. The inked in question with all required inks inked blanket then transfers in a touch contact between the blanket and the lateral surface of the hollow body to be printed these inks simultaneously during a single revolution of held on one of the mandrels Mandandrades to be printed hollow body about its longitudinal axis on the lateral surface of this hollow body. During the transfer of the printing inks from the blanket to the lateral surface of the hollow body of the z. B. held by one of the mandrels Mandandrades to be printed hollow body with an absolute same circumferential speed as the concerned z. B. arranged on the circumference of the segment wheel blanket. The respective peripheral speeds of the hollow body and blanket or segment wheel are therefore synchronized with each other, wherein the z. B. on one of the mandrels of the Mandrel wheel held to be printed hollow body z. B. starting from its first contact point with the relevant blanket during the rolling of its lateral surface over a distance from the first z. B. 50 mm from the peripheral length of the blanket from its stoppage in particular until reaching the peripheral speed z. B. the segment wheel is accelerated accordingly. The segmental wheel carrying the relevant printing blanket accordingly gives the z. B. at the respective mandrel of the Mandrel wheel to be set peripheral speed. Also, the peripheral speed of the printing plate-carrying printing plate cylinder or the printing plate bearing plate cylinder is or is preferably in dependence on the peripheral speed z. B. the segment wheel set. The Mandrel and the Segmentrad are z. B. driven by a same central machine drive and optionally mechanically z. B. coupled together via a gearbox. Alternatively, the Mandrel and the Segmentrad are each driven individually by a separate drive and z. B. controlled by a control unit in their respective rotational behavior.

In particular, with reference to the previously described apparatus for printing or for decoration in particular of a respective z. B. cylindrical surface having hollow bodies are explained below by way of example still different details with reference to the aforementioned figures. However, the individual assemblies explained below can also be used on or in other printing machines or printing units than in the preferred embodiment discussed here by way of example. 1 shows in a schematic representation simplified and exemplified a generic device for printing or for decoration in particular in each case a preferably cylindrical lateral surface having hollow bodies 01 , z. B. Secondary doses 01 , wherein these hollow bodies 01 with a conveyor z. B. sequentially the z. B. as a rotating or at least rotatable Zuführrad, especially as Mandrel 02 fed trained transport device and there are held individually on each transport device to a holder. In the following, it is assumed on the basis of the selected exemplary embodiment of the printing machine or of the device for printing hollow bodies that this transport device is preferably a mandrel wheel 02 is trained. With the Mandrel wheel 02 Preferably, an ink transferring device, e.g. B. a rotating or at least rotatable Segmentrad 03 together, along whose or its circumference several printing blankets are arranged one behind the other. In association with the example mentioned Segmentrad 03 are along its circumferential line a plurality of radial to this segment wheel 03 employed or at least adjustable pressure plate cylinder, in particular plate cylinder 04 provided, wherein on the respective lateral surface of this plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 in each case a printing form, in particular a printing plate is arranged, this printing plate is particularly suitable for carrying out a high-pressure method. Each of the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 is used to color his printing form or his printing plate by means of an inking unit 06 each fed a specific ink. In the following, it is assumed, by way of example, that the printing form cylinders each act as a plate cylinder carrying at least one printing plate 04 are formed.

As already described and in 8th are shown on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 one behind the other usually several, z. B. eight to twelve blankets 33 arranged, wherein in the printing process during the rotation of this segment wheel 03 around a rotation axis 34 Printing forms of the printing form cylinder or printing plates of the plate cylinder 04 on the with this segment wheel 03 moving blankets 33 roll. During unrolling press clichés at least their pressure relief each z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm deep in the respective blanket 33 a, whereby the blankets are subject to wear and, depending on their nature and in particular mechanical stress after a certain number of prints, for. B. after 50,000 printed hollow bodies 01 need to be renewed. If in a segment wheel 03 having device for printing or for decoration of hollow bodies 01 , ie in a so-called decorator, in a mass production z. B. several hundred or even several thousand pieces of this hollow body 01 per minute, z. B. between 1,500 and 3,000 pieces per minute to be manufactured, then the renewal is at the periphery of the segment wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 quite often, sometimes every half an hour or about every three quarters of an hour. To the productivity of such a device for printing or decoration of hollow bodies 01 To keep high, a solution is sought, the necessary renewal of the circumference of the segment wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 with the shortest possible set-up time.

As a solution is proposed, in association with the segment wheel 03 a device for automatically changing the printing blankets 33 provided. In the preferred embodiment, each of these is on the segment wheel 03 to be arranged blankets 33 each on a preferably flat tabular metal support with a material thickness of z. B. 0.2 mm cohesively applied, in particular by gluing. The respective preferably magnetizable metal carrier is then together with the printing blanket arranged on it 33 on one of the segments 32 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 z. B. by at least one there at the periphery for each blanket 33 or the carrier provided holding magnet arranged in particular positionally correct. To the positionally correct arrangement of the respective metal carrier on the relevant segment 32 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 to support is z. B. at the in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 leading edge 37 of the respective metal carrier in each case an acute angle angled suspension leg 38 provided, with this suspension leg 38 in the arrangement of the respective metal carrier on one of the segments 32 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 in one on the circumference of this segment wheel 03 parallel to its axis of rotation 34 directed z. B. formed as a groove recess 36 engages and at a in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 leading edge 39 the relevant recess 36 in particular comes form-fitting to the plant. The blankets 33 are each preferably formed as a blanket. The direction of rotation of the segment wheel during the printing process 03 is in the 8th indicated by a direction of rotation arrow. The from around the axis of rotation 41 rotating mandrel wheel 02 each on a mandrel to the segment wheel 03 brought up hollow body 01 be in the printing process by a predominantly radial movement of the mandrel concerned individually and successively briefly, dhid R. for a single revolution of the hollow body to be printed 01 to the relevant currently printing blanket 33 pressed.

The device for automatic change of printing blankets 33 is preferably modular and has - as in the 2 to 7 exemplified - as modules z. B. a memory device 42 for several, z. B. up to twelve blankets 33 on ( 2 ) as well as a facility 43 for a vertical transport of the aforementioned storage device 42 ( 3 ) and a facility 44 for a horizontal transport of one of the blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and a mounting location on the segment wheel 03 ( 4 ). The 5 shows the storage device 42 in their at the intended for their vertical transport facility 43 arranged operating state. The storage device 42 has a plurality of vertically stacked compartments in a preferably cuboidal housing, in each of which a single blanket 33 rear, ie lying on its support preferably stored in each case in a horizontal orientation or at least storable, wherein in the housing z. B. at least as many subjects are provided as the associated segment wheel 03 at its periphery segments 32 for printing blankets 33 having. The subjects are each z. B. open at least on one of its longitudinal sides, to the open side of each compartment, a supply or removal of the respective blanket 33 to enable. This storage device 42 is preferably on or on a support of the device 43 for the vertical transport of this storage device 42 as an easy one, e.g. B. tool exchangeable module attached or at least attachable. The device 43 for the vertical transport of the storage device 42 is z. B. executing a lifting movement, wherein the vertical travel z. B. is about 200 mm. The lifting movement of the device 43 for the vertical transport of the storage device 42 is z. B. by means of a preferably driven by an electric motor trapezoidal screw. To the individual blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and a mounting location on a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 to transport is a facility 44 for the horizontal transport of these blankets 33 intended. This device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 has z. B. a bidirectionally in particular linearly movable carriage between two endpoints 46 on, being with the sled 46 each a single blanket 33 is transported or at least transportable. On from the storage device 42 automatically removed blanket 33 gets on the sled 46 preferably lying back on a z. B. under the segment wheel 03 transported and there from a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 added. One of a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 Blanket to be removed 33 is preferably with a to the relevant segment 32 employed or there at least engageable spatula 47 from the segment concerned 32 peeled off and from its dismantling site on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 z. B. on the carriage 46 lying to the storage device 42 transported, being at an acute angle or tangential to the relevant segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 employed spatula 47 in conjunction with one against the spatula 47 directed rotational movement of the segment wheel 03 in the preferred embodiment in each case in particular magnetically on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 held metal support of the relevant blanket 33 from the relevant segment 32 and thus the extent of this segment wheel 03 takes off. In the 6 is the spatula 47 both in one to the relevant segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 employed operating position as well as in a parked operating position, these operating positions are taken alternatively.

The renewal or change of at least one of the circumference of the segment wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 is then preferably carried out as follows:

The segment wheel 03 rotates a printing blanket arranged at its circumference 33 in a position at which with the device for automatically changing the printing blankets 33 a disassembly of this blanket 33 is executable. The sled 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 moves along its travel path to the end point, the dismantling of the blanket to be accepted 33 is closest. This position of the carriage 46 is preferably sensory and / or by a first switching element 48 monitored, z. B. by an inductive or capacitive proximity switch. Then the spatula 47 preferably at the in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 trailing edge 37 the metal carrier of the respective blanket to be removed 33 hired. By an at least short-term rotational movement of the segment wheel 03 contrary to its running during the printing process direction of rotation is preferably magnetically on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 held blanket to be taken off 33 on the circumference of this segment wheel 03 peeled off, ie the metal carrier of the printing blanket 33 is from its edition on the segment wheel 03 lifted. Then the spatula 47 again from the circumference of the segment wheel 03 switched off. That of the segment concerned 32 of the segment wheel 03 dissolved blanket 33 then falls due to gravity then either directly into a storage device for worn blankets 33 or by means of the carriage 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 transported to this storage device for worn blankets.

In at least one compartment, preferably in all compartments for several new blankets 33 provided memory device 42 is in each case a new on a metal carrier glued blanket 33 inserted, this memory device 42 through the device 43 for the vertical transport is preferably arranged in a raised upper position. The sled 46 the device 44 for the horizontal transport of one of the blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and the mounting location on the segment wheel 03 is below the drawer with the new blanket 33 arranged. By one of the institution 43 for vertical transport running lowering this memory device 42 will the new blanket 33 on the sled 46 the device 44 stored for horizontal transport. It is preferably sensory and / or by a second switching element 49 , z. B. by an inductive or capacitive proximity switch, monitors whether the new blanket 33 actually on the sled 46 the device 44 has been stored for the horizontal transport. If this is not the case, an error message is issued. Otherwise, so in faultless condition, the carriage moves 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 along its travel path to the end point, the mounting location of the new blanket 33 is closest, this position of the carriage 46 again preferably sensory and / or by a third switching element 51 is monitored, z. B. by an inductive or capacitive proximity switch. Also the segment wheel 03 is already in one for receiving the new blanket 33 suitable rotational angular position, wherein this rotational angular position z. B. at the base of the segment wheel 03 or located in its vicinity. In the preferred embodiment, the new blanket is 33 by a push against at least stop 52 aligned in position at least in register, before it is on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 is mounted. To move the carriage 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 a drive is provided, this drive z. B. is designed as a compressed air cylinder. To the new blanket 33 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 to assemble, this segment wheel rotates 03 in his running during the printing process, taking the new blanket 33 at its periphery. After that, the sled 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 back to the storage device 42 for the several new blankets 33 drove to possibly another new blanket 33 pick up.

To reduce set-up times is now a device for printing on hollow bodies 01 proposed, the one about an axis of rotation 34 rotatable segment wheel 03 has, wherein the segment wheel 03 several segments at its circumference one behind the other 32 each for receiving a blanket 33 having at least one of the on one of the segments 32 arranged blankets 33 on the hollow body to be printed 01 rolling or at least unrolling is arranged, wherein a plurality of printing units are provided, wherein at least one of the printing units on at least one of the circumference of the segment wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 is employed or at least adjustable, wherein at least one of the printing units a printing form cylinder 04 having, in association with the respective printing form cylinder 04 a plate changer for automatically changing a printing plate on this plate cylinder 04 is arranged and wherein in association with the segment wheel 03 a device for automatically changing at least one of the circumference of this segment wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 is arranged. In this case, the plate changer preferably has a support surface on which the on the printing form cylinder 04 to be arranged or arranged printing form can be placed, said support surface is bidirectionally movable along a transport path between at least two defined positions. The printing forme cylinder concerned 04 supplied printing form is z. B. held by a magnetic holding force on the support surface of the disc changer. The Device for automatically changing printing blankets 33 is in particular modular, wherein they are modules as a memory device 42 for several blankets 33 as well as a facility 43 for a vertical transport of this storage device 42 and a facility 44 for a horizontal transport of one of the blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 having. The storage device 42 has in a housing a plurality of vertically stacked compartments, in each of which a single blanket 33 stored or at least storable. The blankets 33 are in the storage device 42 each preferably lying backwards and / or stored in a horizontal orientation. The device 43 for the vertical transport of the storage device 42 is z. B. executing a lifting movement and / or the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 has a bidirectionally movable slide between two end points 46 on, taking with the sled 46 each a single blanket 33 is transported or at least transportable. The plate changer and the device for automatically changing the printing blankets 33 are z. B. each controlled by a control unit, wherein the disc changer and the apparatus for automatically changing the blankets 33 are active simultaneously and their respective change of a printing form or a blanket 33 during a same production interruption of this device for printing on hollow bodies 01 To run. The on the printing plate cylinder 04 to be arranged printing form is on the support surface of the disc changer with respect to their mounting position on the printing form cylinder 04 preferably arranged in register and / or on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 to be arranged blanket 33 is on the sled 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 in terms of its mounting position on a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 positioned in the correct position. An ink to the printing plate cylinder 04 transporting inking unit 06 is preferably formed as a an anilox roller having short inking unit.

With regard to a device for printing hollow bodies 01 which one about an axis of rotation 34 rotatable segment wheel 03 has, wherein the segment wheel 03 several segments at its circumference one behind the other 32 each for receiving a blanket 33 having at least one of the on one of the segments 32 arranged blankets 33 on the hollow body to be printed 01 rolling or at least unrollable, with adjacent segments 32 each by a parallel to the axis of rotation 34 of the segment wheel 03 directed recess 36 are separated, it is also proposed that each of the blankets 33 is arranged in each case on a plate-shaped metallic carrier, wherein the carrier together with the printing blanket arranged on it 33 as such, as a whole, interchangeable with one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 arranged or at least can be arranged, wherein the on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 arranged carriers on this segment 32 is held in a positive connection and / or in a frictional connection. Here is each carrier of a blanket 33 at its in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 leading edge 37 preferably bent at an acute angle, with this fold 38 im on a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 arranged operating state of this carrier to one in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 leading edge 39 the relevant on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 trained recess 36 is applied, with the fold 38 the wearer at this edge 39 the recess 36 is arranged in a positive connection or at least can be arranged. The plate-shaped metallic support is particularly flexible and forms together with the printing blanket arranged on it 33 z. B. a metal blanket. The on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 arranged carrier is on this segment 32 held by a magnetic force. At the periphery of the segment wheel 03 are consecutively z. B. eight to twelve segments 32 each for receiving a blanket 33 arranged. In association with the segment wheel 03 is z. B. a device for automatically changing the blankets 33 provided, wherein the device for automatically changing the blankets 33 is preferably modular and as modules a memory device 42 for several blankets 33 as well as a facility 43 for a vertical transport of the aforementioned storage device 42 and a facility 44 for a horizontal transport of one of the blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 having. The storage device 42 has in a housing in particular a plurality of vertically stacked compartments, in each of which a single blanket 33 stored or at least storable. In the housing of the storage device 42 are z. B. at least as many subjects provided as the associated segment wheel 03 at its periphery segments 32 for printing blankets 33 having. In the preferred embodiment, the device is 43 for the vertical transport of the storage device 42 a lifting movement executing trained and / or the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 has a bidirectionally movable slide between two end points 46 on, being with the sled 46 each a single blanket 33 is transported or at least transportable.

There is also a method for operating a segmented wheel 03 having apparatus for printing hollow bodies 01 , wherein on at least one segment 32 the at its periphery behind each other several segments 32 having segmented wheel 03 one blanket each 33 is arranged, with at least one on one of the segments 32 arranged printing blanket 33 during a rotation of the segment wheel 03 on the hollow body to be printed 01 unrolls, one in association with the segment wheel 03 provided device for automatically changing printing blankets 33 according to an instruction given to its control unit, that on the relevant segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 to be arranged blanket 33 automatically a storage device 42 takes and to the relevant segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 transported. The device for automatic change of printing blankets 33 has a facility 44 for a horizontal transport of the blankets 33 with a movable carriage 46 on, with the blankets to be transported 33 each on the sled 46 be transported lying. This is one on the slide 46 lying blanket 33 with respect to a mounting position on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 preferably positioned in the correct position. In the storage device 42 in particular, several blankets 33 stored, with the blankets 33 one by one on the sled one at a time 46 the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 filed and one after the other to one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 be transported. One on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 to be arranged blanket 33 is in particular by a at a rotation of this segment wheel 03 between the segment concerned 32 and the blanket 33 produced positive fit on the relevant segment 32 arranged. One on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 arranged printing blanket 33 is preferably by a z. B. magnetic adhesion on the relevant segment 32 held. One of one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 removed blanket 33 is also preferably with the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 from the segment wheel concerned 03 removed. It is preferably provided that the device 44 for horizontal transport of printing blankets 33 alternately one of one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 removed blanket 33 transported away and a new, ie unused blanket 33 from the storage device 42 to a free segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 transported, ie to a segment 32 , currently no blanket 33 is arranged. By means of a switching element 49 is z. B. monitors whether one from the memory device 42 to be taken or removed blanket 33 actually and / or positionally correct on the slide 46 the device 44 has been stored for the horizontal transport.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

Hollow body; Two-piece can

02

Mandrelrad

03

segmented

04

plate cylinder

05

-

06

inking

07

-

08

-

09

-

10

-

11

-

12

-

13

-

14

-

15

-

16

-

17

-

18

-

19

-

20

-

21

-

22

-

23

-

24

-

25

-

26

-

27

-

28

-

29

-

30

-

31

-

32

Segment ( 03 )

33

blanket

34

Rotation axis ( 03 )

35

-

36

recess

37

Edge ( 33 )

38

Suspension leg ( 33 )

39

Edge ( 36 )

40

-

41

Rotation axis ( 02 )

42

memory device

43

Facility

44

Facility

45

-

46

carriage

47

spatula

48

Switching element, first

49

Switching element, second

50

-

51

Switching element, third

52

attack

Claims (9)

Method for operating a device having a segment wheel (03) for printing on hollow bodies (01), wherein in each case a blanket (33) is arranged on at least one segment (32) of the segment wheel (03) having a plurality of segments (32) on its circumference , wherein at least one printing blanket (33) arranged on one of the segments (32) rolls on the hollow body (01) to be printed on a rotation of the segment wheel (03), characterized in that a device provided in association with the segment wheel (03) is provided for automatic changing of printing blankets (33) according to an instruction given to their control unit the printing blanket (33) to be arranged on the relevant segment (32) of the segmented wheel (03) automatically picks up a storage device (42) and sends it to the relevant segment (32) of the segmented wheel ( 03) transported. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the device for automatically changing printing blankets (33) comprises means (44) for a horizontal transport of the blankets (33) with a movable carriage (46), wherein the blankets (33) to be transported each on the carriage (46) are transported lying. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that on the carriage (46) lying blanket (33) with respect to a mounting position on one of the segments (32) of the segment wheel (03) is arranged in the correct position. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 characterized in that a plurality of blankets (33) are stored in the storage means (42), the blankets (33) being stored one at a time on the carriage (46) of the means (44) for horizontally transporting the blankets (33 ) are stored and transported in succession to one of the segments (32) of the segment wheel (03). Method according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 , characterized in that on one of the segments (32) of the segment wheel (03) to be arranged blanket (33) by a upon rotation of this segment wheel (03) between the respective segment (32) and the blanket (33) made positive locking on the relevant segment (32) is arranged. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 , characterized in that on one of the segments (32) of the segment wheel (03) arranged blanket (33) is held by a frictional connection on the relevant segment (32). Method according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 , characterized in that one of one of the segments (32) of the segment wheel (03) removed blanket (33) with the means (44) for the horizontal transport of the blankets (33) of the respective segment wheel (03) is transported. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 , characterized in that the device (44) for the horizontal transport of the printing blankets (33) alternately removes a printing blanket (33) removed from one of the segments (32) of the segment wheel (03) and a new blanket (33) from the storage device (33). 42) to a free segment (32) of the segment wheel (03). Method according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8th , characterized in that by means of a switching element (49) is monitored whether a from the memory device (42) to be removed blanket (33) on the carriage (46) of the device (44) has been stored for the horizontal transport.

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