DE102018211788A1 - Container lid connectable to an ink container of a direct container printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Container lid (632) connectable to an ink container (631) of a direct container printing machine (1), characterized in that the container lid (632) comprises an integrated sensor unit (632c - 632d) for detecting at least one physical measured variable, in particular wherein the at least one physical measured variable is one Printing ink (T) is assigned; and that the container lid (632) comprises an integrated data processing unit (632b) which is connected to the sensor unit (632c - 632d) and is designed to store the at least one physical measurement variable at predeterminable intervals.

Description

The invention relates to a container lid connectable to an ink container of a direct container printing machine with the features of the preamble of claim 1, a direct container printing machine for printing on containers with direct printing with the features of the preamble of claim 11 and a method for detecting at least one physical measured variable with the features the preamble of claim 12.

Containers, such as beverage containers, are usually provided with a label in a labeling machine in order to identify and / or advertise the container contents.

Recently, however, direct container printing machines have been increasingly used, the containers then being provided instead of or in addition to the labels with direct printing according to the inkjet principle. This makes it possible to individually print the containers in a container stream.

Such direct container printing machines usually comprise a conveyor for transporting the containers and an attached direct printing station with a print head in order to print the containers with the direct printing. It is also conceivable that several direct printing stations of this type are connected to the transporter in order to print the containers with several direct printing heads with a multicolored direct printing. For this purpose, the containers are received with the transporter, for example in container receptacles, and transported to the direct printing station. There they are each rotated by means of the container receptacles and printed with the direct print head or else with several such direct print heads from a multiplicity of printing nozzles with a printing ink.

For supplying ink to the direct print head, the direct container printing machine comprises an ink supply system in order to supply the direct printing stations with printing ink from an ink container. The ink container can usually be changed by an operator, preferably during operation, in order to ensure a continuous supply of ink.

In addition, it is known to label the ink containers with electronic identification elements that can be read out with the ink supply system. This prevents on the one hand the supply of the container direct printing machine with foreign inks and the inadvertent insertion of an incorrect ink type or ink that has been stored for too long.

A disadvantage of such an ink supply system is that, depending on external factors, the quality of the printing ink can be adversely affected. In addition, the electronic labeling elements can be easily detached from the ink containers and used for foreign inks.

Furthermore, from the WO 2017/174363 A1 a printing ink container with a storage tank is known, which includes the printing ink and measuring electronics. The disadvantage here is that such a printing ink container has a complex structure and is therefore expensive. In addition, it can only be recycled with considerable effort.

The object of the present invention is therefore to ensure that the quality of the printing ink is as constant as possible and to increase the security against forgery of the printing inks. It is also an object of the invention to provide this with simple means and good recyclability.

To solve this problem, the invention provides a container lid with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the subclaims.

Because the container lid includes the integrated sensor unit for detecting the at least one physical measurement variable, in particular where the physical measurement variable is assigned to the printing ink, the external influencing factors on the printing ink for the ink container connected to it can be recorded individually. Since the container lid also includes the integrated data processing unit, the at least one physical measurement variable can be recorded and stored at predetermined intervals. Consequently, it is possible to record the history of the at least one physical measurement variable and use it to determine the effects on the quality of the printing ink. As a result, it is possible to ensure a constant quality of the printing ink.

Due to the fact that the integrated sensor unit and the integrated data processing unit are integrated in the container lid, a particularly high outlay would be necessary to separate them and install them in a counterfeit container lid. It is conceivable, for example, that the container lid is designed as a tamper-evident screw closure, so that an unauthorized removal of the container lid from the ink container can be recognized. In addition, the history of the at least one physical measured variable would then also have to be deleted in the data processing unit and recreated for the foreign ink. This creates a considerable effort, which increases the security against forgery of the printing inks accordingly.

In addition, the ink container connected to the container lid does not require a sensor or data processing unit. As a result, it can be recycled in a known manner. In addition, the sensor and data processing units integrated in the container lid can be reprocessed independently of the ink container and in a particularly simple manner, since they are particularly easily accessible for cleaning, for example.

The container lid can be designed as a closure for the ink container. The ink tank can be a replaceable ink tank for refilling printing ink. The container lid can preferably comprise at least one connecting element, such as a screw thread or a bayonet, in order to connect and secure it to the ink container. It is conceivable that the container lid comprises a closure cap with the at least one connecting element. The closure cap and / or the connecting element can preferably be made at least partially from a plastic material.

“Integrated” sensor unit or “integrated” data processing unit can mean here that the sensor unit and / or the data processing unit are arranged directly on the container lid or a partial component thereof or are directly connected to it, for example with the sealing cap or a suction lance. In the following, the sensor unit can mean the integrated sensor unit. In the following, the data processing unit can refer to the integrated data processing unit. It is conceivable that the sensor unit and / or the data processing unit are embedded in the container lid. This further increases the security against forgery, since the container lid must be destroyed in order to reach the sensor unit and / or the data processing unit. For example, the sensor unit and / or the data processing unit could be embedded in the plastic material.

The sensor unit can comprise a sensor, an amplifier unit and / or an analog / digital converter. As a result, the measured values of the sensor can be processed and made available as a digital data stream for the data processing unit. The at least one physical measured variable can be, for example, a temperature, a humidity, an acceleration, a fill level, an illuminance and / or a gas concentration. The temperature can be an ambient temperature and / or a printing ink temperature. For example, a printing ink temperature and / or the fill level is a physical measurement variable assigned to the printing ink.

The data processing unit can comprise a digital and / or analog data interface to the sensor unit in order to read the at least one physical measurement variable into the data processing unit. “Predetermined intervals” can mean regular or irregular time intervals. The data processing unit can be designed to provide the at least one physical measurement variable with a time stamp when it is stored. As a result, the exact time of acquisition of the at least one physical measurement variable can be recorded in the history.

The sensor unit can comprise a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, an acceleration sensor, a fill level sensor, a light sensor, a gas sensor and / or a material value sensor. As a result, the external influencing factors, such as the temperature, a movement of the container lid and / or the incidence of light, can be measured. With the gas sensor or the material value sensor, the chemical effects of the external influencing factors on the printing ink can be determined directly. The aforementioned sensors can be arranged independently of one another on the inside or outside of the container lid.

The temperature sensor can be arranged on the container lid to detect an ink temperature and / or an ambient temperature. By recording the ink temperature and / or ambient temperature, it is possible to determine a heat input into the printing ink. In addition, this makes it possible to determine whether the printing ink falls below or exceeds the permissible temperature limits. The temperature sensor can be arranged, for example, on an inside of the container lid in order to detect the ink temperature. It is also conceivable that it is arranged on an outside of the container lid in order to detect the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor can be an NTC resistor, for example.

The container lid can comprise an energy supply unit, in particular a battery and / or an induction coil, in order to supply the sensor unit and the data processing unit with electrical energy. This enables an autonomous power supply for the sensor unit and the data processing unit. It is conceivable that the induction coil is provided to charge the battery. The battery can be a rechargeable battery. It is also conceivable that the battery is designed as an environmentally friendly thin-film battery.

The data processing unit can be a microcontroller, a storage unit, a Interface unit, a display unit, an activation switch and / or include an input unit. A microcontroller can mean, for example, a CPU. The storage unit can be a non-volatile storage unit in order to permanently store the at least one physical measurement variable at the predetermined intervals. The interface unit can comprise a radio interface, an induction interface and / or a line-bound interface, in particular in order to read out the stored at least one physical measurement variable. It is conceivable that the interface unit comprises an antenna, in an induction coil and / or a plug. The display unit can be a display and / or at least one lighting element, such as an LED. In this way, operating states and / or warning signals can be displayed to the user. With the activation switch, it is possible to activate the data processing unit only when required from a sleep mode, for example in order to read out the at least one physical measurement variable stored in the predetermined intervals. For example, reading a temperature history can be activated. The input unit can be one or more buttons for manually entering information into the data processing unit. It is conceivable, for example, that the start and the end of the shaking process are entered into the data processing unit.

The storage unit can comprise an information section for ink data, which is designed in particular to store the at least one physical measurement variable, a production date, a use-by date and / or an ink type in a non-volatile manner.

The data processing unit can be designed for encrypted data processing, in particular the physical measured variables and / or the ink data. This further increases the security against counterfeiting. In particular, the encrypted data processing can include an encryption method for the at least one physical measurement variable and / or the ink data. In addition, the encrypted data processing can include a storage method in order to store and / or read out the at least one physical measured variable and / or the ink data as encrypted data in the storage unit. The encrypted data processing can comprise a symmetrical and / or asymmetrical encryption method. It is conceivable, for example, that the encrypted data processing comprises the asymmetrical encryption method in order to store the at least one physical measured variable and / or the ink data as encrypted data with a public key and to read and decrypt it with a private key. This makes it possible that the encrypted data can only be read out again with a private key provided by the manufacturer in a dongle or the machine control.

The sensor unit can be arranged on an outside or inside of the container lid. It is conceivable that the sensor unit is arranged partly on the outside and partly on the inside of the container lid. In other words, the sensors described above can be arranged independently of one another on the outside or on the inside of the container lid.

The container lid can comprise a suction lance and / or a quick coupling for ink removal, in particular with the sensor unit being arranged on the suction lance. In this way, for example, the temperature sensor for detecting the ink temperature can be arranged on the suction lance in order to ensure the most direct possible contact with the printing ink, even when the ink container is almost empty. Suction lance can here mean a rigid, flexible or articulated tube which projects from the container lid to the inside. For example, the sensor unit can be arranged at least partially on an inner end of the suction lance and can be connected to the data processing unit via an electrical line. With a quick coupling there can be a coupling element which is arranged on the outside of the container lid and can be connected to a removal hose of the ink supply system without tools. The quick coupling can be designed to be drip-free.

The container lid may include an ink filter to filter the printing ink as it is removed. This allows foreign matter to be filtered out when it is removed from the printing ink.

In addition, the invention provides the container direct printing machine with the features of claim 11 for solving the task.

Because the container lid according to claims 1-10 includes the integrated sensor unit for detecting the at least one physical measurement variable, in particular the printing ink, the external factors influencing the printing ink for the ink container connected to it can be recorded individually. Since the container lid also includes the integrated data processing unit, the at least one physical measurement variable can be recorded and stored at predetermined intervals. Consequently, it is possible to record the history of the at least one physical measurement variable and the effects on it to determine the quality of the printing ink. This makes it possible to ensure a constant quality of the printing ink.

Due to the fact that the integrated sensor unit and the integrated data processing unit are integrated in the container lid, a particularly high outlay would be necessary to separate them and install them in a counterfeit container lid. In addition, the history of the at least one physical measured variable would then also have to be deleted in the data processing unit and recreated for the foreign ink. This results in considerable effort, which increases the security against forgery of the printing inks. In addition, the sensor and data processing units integrated in the container lid can be reprocessed independently of the ink container and in a particularly simple manner, since they are particularly easily accessible for cleaning, for example.

In addition, the direct container printing machine may comprise the features described above with reference to claims 1-10 individually or in any combination.

The direct container printing machine can be arranged in a beverage processing system. The direct container printing machine can be arranged downstream of a filling system for filling a product into the containers and / or a capper for closing the containers with closures. However, the direct container printing machine can also be connected upstream of the filling process and / or can be connected directly after a container production process. Detached from this, it can also be a direct container printing machine that is not assigned to a system, but works in what is known as stand-alone operation.

The containers can be provided for holding beverages, hygiene articles, pastes, chemical, biological and / or pharmaceutical products. In general, the containers can be provided for any flowable or fillable media. The containers can be made of plastic, glass and / or metal, but hybrid containers with material mixtures are also conceivable. The containers can be bottles, cans, beverage containers and / or tubes.

The transporter can comprise a carousel and / or container receptacles arranged along it. As a result, the containers can be transported in a predetermined grid and rotated with respect to the direct printing station during printing. The carousel can preferably be rotatable about a vertical axis by means of a drive. “Vertical” here can mean the direction that points to the center of the earth or runs in the direction of gravity. The transporter can be designed to transport the containers intermittently or continuously. In the case of an intermittent transport, the containers are briefly stopped in relation to the direct printing station during printing and then transported further. However, continuous transport is also conceivable, in which the containers are transported further by the transporter during the printing process.

The direct printing station can each comprise one or more direct printing heads in order to print one of the printing inks. The direct printing station can preferably comprise a buffer tank of the ink supply system for the respective printing ink in order to buffer the printing ink when the ink container is changed. The direct print head can use a digital or ink jet printing process, in which the ink is delivered to the containers by means of a plurality of printing nozzles. “Inkjet printing process” here can mean that a sudden increase in pressure via piezo or thermocouples is generated in chambers of a pressure nozzle in such a way that a small amount of pressure fluid is pressed through the pressure nozzle and released as pressure drops into the container. The direct print head can each have a number of printing nozzles in a range from 100 to 10,000, in particular in a range from 500 to 5000 nozzles. The pressure nozzles can be arranged in one or more rows of nozzles (for example 1-4), which are in particular arranged parallel to the container axis.

The ink supply system may include at least one intermediate tank, a storage tank and the ink tank for the direct print head. The at least one intermediate tank can be arranged between the storage tank and the direct print head, preferably directly in front of the direct print head, in order to reduce flow losses towards the direct print head. This ensures a particularly high print quality. The storage tank can be provided as a buffer to ensure a continuous supply of ink to the direct print head. The storage tank can be located between the ink tank and the direct print head. The ink container can in particular be designed as an exchangeable refill tank for the ink supply system. The ink supply system can be designed to pump the printing ink from the ink container into the storage tank during refilling. It is conceivable that the ink supply system comprises a distribution unit in order to distribute the printing ink from the storage tank and / or the ink container to several direct printing heads of the direct printing station. This allows a larger print area to be printed on the containers. The distribution system can one Flow, a return, a manifold and / or include an ink pump. The ink supply system can comprise a refill station into which the ink container or a plurality of ink containers of different printing inks can be inserted.

The ink container and the container lid connected to it can be designed for an operator to be able to be coupled to the refill station, preferably with the quick coupling for removing the printing ink. The ink container and the container lid connected to it can be designed to be interchangeable. That they can be designed to be removable during a printing operation of the direct container printing machine, for example by inserting them into receiving locations of the ink supply system and / or securing them by means of the quick coupling. Likewise, “interchangeable” can mean that the ink container and the container lid connected to it are directly accessible to the operator from the outside during printing operation in order to replace them.

The direct container printing machine can comprise a control unit for controlling the direct printing station, the direct printing head and / or the transporter, preferably the container receptacles arranged thereon and / or the ink supply system, or can cooperate with it or be connected to it. The control unit can comprise a CPU, a screen and / or an input unit. The control unit can comprise a transmission interface which can be coupled to the interface unit of the container lid, in particular in order to exchange the at least one physical measurement variable and / or the ink data and / or a private key. “Couplable” here can mean an electrical connection, a radio connection and / or an inductive connection.

In addition, the invention provides a method for acquiring at least one physical measured variable with the features of claim 12 for solving the task. The method can analogously include the features described above in relation to the container lid and / or the container printing machine individually or in any combination, in particular according to one of claims 1-11.

Because the at least one physical measured variable is recorded with the integrated sensor unit of the container lid, the external influencing factors on the printing ink for the ink container connected to it can be recorded individually. Because the at least one physical measurement variable is stored with the integrated data processing unit of the container lid at the predetermined intervals, it is possible to record the history of the at least one physical measurement variable and to use it to determine the effects on the quality of the printing ink. This makes it possible to ensure a constant quality of the printing ink.

Because the method is carried out with the integrated sensor unit and the integrated data processing unit, a particularly high outlay would be necessary in order to separate the units from an original container lid and to install them in a counterfeit container lid. In addition, the history of the at least one physical measured variable would then also have to be deleted in the data processing unit and recreated for the foreign ink. This creates a considerable effort, which increases the security against forgery of the printing inks accordingly. In addition, the sensor and data processing units integrated in the container lid can be reprocessed independently of the ink container and in a particularly simple manner, since they are particularly easily accessible for cleaning, for example.

It is conceivable that the method comprises a reprocessing step in which the container lid is separated from the ink container and then cleaned. The container lid is preferably reprocessed separately from the ink container. The cleaned container lid can then be reused.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Behälterdirektdruckmaschine zur Bedruckung von Behältern mit einem Direktdruck in einer Draufsicht;
• 2 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälterdeckels in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht;
• 3 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälterdeckels in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht; und
• 4 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälterdeckels in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht.

Further features and advantages of the invention are explained below using the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. It shows:

• 1 an embodiment of a container direct printing machine according to the invention for printing containers with direct printing in a plan view;
• 2 an embodiment of a container lid according to the invention in a side sectional view;
• 3 a further embodiment of a container lid according to the invention in a side sectional view; and
• 4 a further embodiment of a container lid according to the invention in a side sectional view.

In the 1 is an embodiment of a container direct printing machine according to the invention 1 for printing on containers 2 shown with a direct print in a top view. You can see that the container 2 , for example coming from a filler and a capper, with the feed star 8th to the carrier 3 passed and there in the container receptacles 4 recorded become. They are picked up by the carrier in this way 3 at the attached direct printing stations 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p transported past and each with different printing inks using the direct print heads 52 printed, here for example with white, yellow, magenta, cyan, black and a special color (e.g. silver). Together these result in a multicolored direct print on the containers 2 , Subsequently, the multicolored direct printing applied to the containers with the curing station 7 hardened and thus permanently stabilized, for example by means of UV light. The finished printed containers 2 are then at the drain star 9 transferred and forwarded to subsequent treatment stations, for example to a packaging machine. There is also a control unit 10 to see with the container direct printing machine 1 is controlled via control lines, not shown here.

The carrier 3 is designed, for example, as a carousel that rotates in the transport direction T about the vertical axis A, but a linear feed dog is also conceivable. The on the carrier 3 arranged container receptacles 4 each include a turntable and a centering bell, so that the container 2 during the printing process compared to the respective stationary direct printing station 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p can be rotated about their longitudinal axes. A flat direct print can thereby be generated.

It can also be seen that the direct printing stations 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p one storage tank each 51 of the ink supply system and several associated direct print heads 52 include, for example, three direct print heads in this embodiment 52 , However, only one, two or even more direct print heads are conceivable 52 per direct printing station 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p , By using several direct print heads 52 the printing area on the containers, which can be printed at the same time, can be increased. In the respective storage tank 51 there is a supply of printing ink to supply the direct print head connected to it via ink lines 52 , For example, it is in the storage tank 51 the direct printing station 5w an ink supply with white printing ink for the direct print heads 52 , Correspondingly there are in the other storage tanks 51 of direct printing stations 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p Supplies of cyan, magenta, yellow, special colors and black inks to supply the direct print heads 52 ,

The direct print heads 52 each comprise at least one row of nozzles with printing nozzles which operate on the ink jet principle. This makes it possible to use the container 2 dispense drops of ink in a grid and so along with the rotation of the container 2 to generate a flat direct print on their longitudinal axes. They also overlap on the containers 2 each of the printed printing inks for a multi-color direct printing.

The ink supply system includes in the direct printing stations 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p each arranged a distribution unit to the printing ink from the storage tank 51 in one forward and optionally in one return on the direct print heads 52 divide. In addition, the ink supply system comprises between the storage tank 51 and the associated direct print head 52 at least one intermediate tank, not shown here, to ensure an operating pressure of the associated direct print head.

Furthermore, the refill station 6 to see with which the storage tanks 51 in turn can be supplied with the respective printing ink. For this purpose, the refill station includes several reception places 630 _W. . 630 _y . 630 _m . 630 _C. . 630 _K. . 630 _p for the replaceable ink tanks631 _W , 631 _Y . 631 _M . 631 _C. . 631 _K. . 631 _p , each for automatically pumping printing ink from the ink tanks 631 _W. . 631 _Y . 631 _M . 631 _C. . 631 _K. . 631 _p in the respective storage tanks 51 are trained.

You can also see that the refill station 6 than from the direct printing station 5 _W. . 5 _Y . 5 _sts . 5 _C . _5K . 5 _p and the storage tanks 51 separate cabinet unit is formed and is thus connected via connecting lines for the printing inks. This makes it possible for the operator to have the ink supply centrally at the refill station 6 by replacing the ink tanks 631w . 631 _Y . 631 _M . 631 _C. . 631 _K. . 631 _p to accomplish.

It can also be seen that the refill station 6 two more reception places 650 . 660 for a supply tank with cleaning fluid or for a waste tank for the printing ink. This can also be used to clean the direct printing press 1 necessary measures centrally at the refill station 6 be performed.

• in der 2 ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälterdeckels 632 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht dargestellt. Zu sehen ist, dass der Behälterdeckel 632 mit dem Tintenbehälter 631 verbindbar ist.

You can also see the ink tank 631 _W. . 631 _Y . 631 _M . 631 _C. . 631 _K. . 631 _p each with a container lid 632 are connected. Below are three exemplary embodiments for container lids according to the invention 632 based on 2-4 explained in more detail:

• in the 2 is an embodiment of a container lid according to the invention 632 shown in a side sectional view. You can see that the container lid 632 with the ink tank 631 is connectable.

The ink tank 631 is designed here, for example, as a bag-in-a-box. For this purpose, the ink tank 631 the bag 631a and the surrounding support structure 631b , However, it is also conceivable that it is a simple plastic container. For connection to the container lid 632 includes the ink tank 631 a connector 631c with an external thread. Accordingly, the container lid includes 632 an internal thread that when connecting into the external thread of the connector 631c intervenes. However, it is also conceivable that it is a bayonet or another connecting element.

You can also see that with the container lid 632 connected ink tank 631 with the printing ink T that is filled via the suction lance 632e and the quick connector 632a can be removed. The quick coupling 632a is in operation with a counterpart of the corresponding recording location 630 _W. . 630 _y . 630 _m . 630 _C. . 630 _K. . 630 _p connected to take out the printing ink. Through the quick coupling 632a it is possible to remove the container lid 632 without tools from the recording place 630 _W. . 630 _y . 630 _m . 630 _C. . 630 _K. , 630s to disconnect and the ink tank without much effort 631 switch.

It can also be seen that the container lid 632 the integrated sensor unit 632c for recording at least one physical measured variable and the integrated data processing unit 632b includes. The data processing unit 632b is designed to store the at least one physical measurement variable at predeterminable intervals.

The sensor unit 632c may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a fill level sensor, a light sensor, a gas sensor and / or a material value sensor. It is therefore conceivable that there are several different sensors. For example, in this exemplary embodiment it can be the sensor unit 632c act as an acceleration sensor to shake the container lid 632 connected ink tank 631 and to detect the printing ink T therein. However, it is also conceivable that the sensor unit 632c is a temperature sensor to detect the ambient temperature and thus determine the heat input to the printing ink T.

It can also be seen that the sensor unit 632c via a dashed electrical line to the data processing unit 632b is connected in order to transmit the detected, at least one physical measurement variable digitally or analogously. This is then used by the data processing unit 632b stored at predetermined intervals in a storage unit located therein. Consequently, in this exemplary embodiment, the at least one physical measured variable is an acceleration value or a temperature that is stored at the predeterminable intervals, for example at regular intervals, such as once per second.

The data processing unit 632b includes, for example, a microcontroller, a storage unit, an interface unit, a display unit and an activation switch (not shown). The storage unit can be, for example, a non-volatile memory in order to store the at least one physical measurement variable in an information section for ink data. The interface unit can be a plug or an induction coil for transmitting the stored data to the control unit 10 the one previously in the 1 shown container direct printing machine 1 include. The display unit can be an LED, for example, to signal an operating state, for example whether the quality of the ink container 631 contained printing ink T is sufficient for direct printing. With the activation switch it is possible, for example, to wake the microcontroller from a sleep state and to activate the display unit.

In addition, the data processing unit 632b trained for encrypted data processing of the physical measured quantities. For this purpose, a public key is stored in the storage unit. In encrypted data processing, this public key is read out and used to encrypt the at least one physical measurement variable. The control unit is corresponding 10 the container direct printing machine 1 trained to use a private key stored therein to encrypt the data from the container lid 632 to decrypt it again and evaluate it with regard to a sufficient quality of the printing ink T.

In addition, the container lid includes 632 the power supply unit 632f with a battery. This can be designed, for example, as an environmentally friendly thin-film battery. It is also conceivable that the energy supply unit 632f an induction coil includes to electromagnetic energy from the respective recording place 630w . 630 _y . 630 _m . 630 _C. . 630 _K. To transmit 630s.

Consequently, it is possible to use the container lid 632 to save a history of acceleration data or temperature data in order to shake movements for mixing the printing ink T in the ink container 631 or hold a heat input on it. By evaluating this history can then be determined on the basis of the comparison variables provided, whether those in the ink container 631 contained printing ink T for direct printing with the container direct printing machine 1 suitable quality.

In the 3 is a further embodiment of a container lid according to the invention 631 shown in a side sectional view. This differs from that in relation to the 2 The exemplary embodiment described above only in that the sensor unit 632d on the suction lance 632e is arranged. The sensor unit 632d is designed here, for example, as a temperature sensor. Because the suction lance 632e comprises a flexible plastic material, the inner end sinks to the bottom of the ink tank 631 from. This is the temperature sensor 632d even in the case of an almost empty container, always in direct contact with the printing ink T. Consequently, in this embodiment the ink temperature can be recorded particularly reliably and with the data processing unit 632b can be saved. You can also see that the temperature sensor 632d via a line shown in dashed lines with the data processing unit 632b is connected to digitally or analogously transmit the physical measured variable, in this case the temperature.

All other features are the same as for the previous 2 described embodiment.

In the 4 is another embodiment of the container lid 632 shown in a side sectional view. The exemplary embodiment essentially shows a combination of the 2 and 3 ,

The sensor unit 632c - 632d includes the acceleration sensor 632c and the temperature sensor 632d , Both are connected to the data processing unit via the lines shown in dashed lines 632b connected. Consequently, the data processing unit 632b designed to store several physical measurement variables at predeterminable intervals. It is conceivable that both the temperature and the acceleration are stored at the same intervals but also at different intervals. Since the acceleration usually changes quickly and the temperature changes comparatively slowly, the acceleration can be saved at shorter intervals than the temperature without losing information. This also applies to the exemplary embodiments described above 2 and 3 ,

In addition, in the 4 to see that the container lid 632 an ink filter 632g includes to filter out foreign matter from the printing ink when it is removed. It is also conceivable that the container lid 632 the previously in relation to the 2 and 3 described embodiments include the ink filter.

• Der Behälterdeckel 632 wird nach dem Befüllen mit dem Tintenbehälter 631 für die Behälterbehandlungsmaschine 1 mit Drucktinte T verbunden. Anschließend wird die wenigstens eine physikalische Messgröße, also beispielsweise eine Beschleunigung oder eine Temperatur mit der integrierten Sensoreinheit 632c - 632d des Behälterdeckels 632 erfasst. Die wenigstens eine physikalische Messgröße wird dann mit der integrierten Datenverarbeitungseinheit 632b des Behälterdeckels 632 in den vorbestimmbaren Abständen gespeichert.

The container lid shown in the previously described embodiments 632 is used as follows:

• The container lid 632 after filling with the ink tank 631 for the container handling machine 1 associated with printing ink T. Subsequently, the at least one physical measured variable, that is to say, for example, an acceleration or a temperature with the integrated sensor unit 632c - 632d the container lid 632 detected. The at least one physical measurement variable is then with the integrated data processing unit 632b the container lid 632 stored in the predetermined intervals.

As a result, a history of the at least one physical measurement variable with the data processing unit 632b recorded, which is then subsequently recorded with the control unit 10 the container direct printing machine 1 is readable. Consequently, it is possible to record the history of the at least one physical measurement variable and use it to determine the effects on the quality of the printing ink T. This makes it possible to ensure a constant quality of the printing ink T.

Because the integrated sensor unit 632c - 632d and the integrated data processing unit 632b in the container lid 632 integrated, a particularly high effort would be necessary to separate them and into a counterfeit container lid 632 install. In addition, the history of the at least one physical measurement variable would then also have to be in the data processing unit 632b deleted and recreated for the foreign ink. This results in considerable effort, which increases the security against forgery of the printing inks T accordingly. A further increase in security against counterfeiting is achieved through the encrypted data processing of the physical measured variable.

In addition, the sensor and data processing units integrated in the container lid 623c . 632b regardless of the ink tank 631 can be reprocessed particularly easily, since they are particularly easily accessible for cleaning, for example.

It goes without saying that features mentioned in the exemplary embodiments described above are not restricted to this combination, but are also possible individually or in any other desired combinations.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Patent literature cited

• WO 2017/174363 A1 [0008]

Claims (13)

Container lid (632) connectable to an ink container (631) of a direct container printing machine (1), characterized in that the container lid (632) comprises an integrated sensor unit (632c - 632d) for detecting at least one physical measured variable, in particular wherein the at least one physical measured variable is one Printing ink (T) is assigned; and that the container lid (632) comprises an integrated data processing unit (632b) which is connected to the sensor unit (632c - 632d) and is designed to store the at least one physical measurement variable at predeterminable intervals. Container lid (632) after Claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit (632c - 632d) comprises a temperature sensor (632d), a moisture sensor, an acceleration sensor (632c), a fill level sensor, a light sensor, a gas sensor and / or a material value sensor. Container lid (632) after Claim 2 , wherein the temperature sensor (632d) for detecting an ink temperature and / or an ambient temperature is arranged on the container lid (632). Container lid (632) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container lid (632) comprises a power supply unit (632f), in particular a battery and / or an induction coil, in order to supply the sensor unit (632c - 632d) and the data processing unit (632b) with electrical energy supply. Container lid (632) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data processing unit (632b) comprises a microcontroller, a memory unit, an interface unit, a display unit, an activation switch and / or an input unit. Container lid (632) after Claim 5 , wherein the storage unit comprises an information section for ink data, which is designed in particular to store the at least one physical measurement variable, a date of manufacture, a use-by date and / or an ink type in a non-volatile manner. Container lid (632) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data processing unit (632b) is designed for encrypted data processing, in particular the physical measured variables. Container lid (632) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit (632c - 632d) is arranged on an outside or inside of the container lid (632). Container lid (632) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container lid (632) comprises a suction lance (632e) and / or a quick coupling (632a) for removing ink, in particular wherein the sensor unit (632d) is arranged on the suction lance (632e). A container lid (632) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container lid (632) comprises an ink filter (632g) to filter the printing ink upon removal. Direct container printing machine (1) for printing containers with direct printing, with - a transporter (3) for transporting the containers (2), - an attached direct printing station (5 _W , 5 _Y , 5 _M , 5 _C , 5 _K , 5 _S ) with a direct print head (52) for printing on the containers (2) with direct print, and - with an ink supply system (6) for supplying the direct print station (5 _W , 5 _Y , 5 _M , 5 _C , 5 _K , 5 _S ) with Printing ink (T) from an ink container (631 _W , 631 _Y , 631 _M , 631 _C , 631 _K , 631 _S ), characterized in that the ink container (631 _W , 631 _Y , 631 _M , 631 _C , 631 _K , 631 _S ) with a container lid (632) according to one of the Claims 1 - 10 connected is. Method for recording at least one physical measured variable, in particular printing ink (T), wherein a container lid (632) according to one of the Claims 1 - 10 is connected to an ink container (631) for a direct container printing machine (1), characterized in that the at least one physical measurement variable is detected with the integrated sensor unit (632c - 632d) of the container cover (632), and that at least one physical measurement variable with the integrated one Data processing unit (632b) of the container lid (632) is stored in the predetermined intervals. Procedure according to Claim 12 wherein the container lid (632) is separated from the ink container (631) in a reprocessing step and then cleaned.

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