EP1525980A1 - Device for decorating rigid objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The decorating device has a transporter, along which the objects (14) are transported in steps. There are printing stations (A, B, C, D, E) and drying stations (I, II, III, IV, V) alternating along the transporter. The object holders can move up and down to move the objects during the printing process and/or to set different height positions at different stations.

Description

The invention relates to a device for decorating dimensionally stable objects according to the preamble of claim 1. In these dimensionally stable objects, it may, for. For example, bottles Act, made of glass, plastic or other suitable materials consist.

Usually the objects have been printed after being printed are subjected to a drying process. It is today common to use inks under the action of Dry UV rays relatively quickly.

Multicolor printing is often done in such a way that in succession following printing processes partial printing images with different For example, colors using the screen printing process be applied to the object, the Totality of these inter-printed partial print images the overall print image results. Such a printing process makes it normally required after each printing process for production of a partial print picture to dry the latter before the next partial print image applied or the object in another Way can be handled. Thus, it is generally included such devices in the transport direction of the objects behind each printing station arranged a drying station, in which the previously applied ink is dried.

When using UV lamps in the drying stations If necessary, precautions must be taken to the environment the individual drying stations against the UV rays shield.

Known printing machines have a considerable space requirement because in multi-color printing machines with three, five or more Printing stations and thus a corresponding number of drying stations are quite common. This requires a corresponding long transport path and thus in Rundläufern a corresponding large diameter of the device, causing the Space requirement is very large, including the transport and operation makes the machine difficult.

The invention is based on the object, a device of to design the type described above so that given Length of the transport path the possibility exists more treatment stations, So in particular printing and drying stations or for a given number of such Treatment stations with a shorter transport path to get along.

This object is achieved by the teaching according to claim 1.

This doctrine can be summarized in that the Printing stations are arranged above the transport path or form an upper boundary of the same and the drying stations are arranged below the transport path or a lower Forming a limitation of the same. In the transport direction of the objects Thus, the distance between two consecutive Printing stations are noticeably reduced, with the mounts moved down after performing the printing process can be, so if necessary, the height difference between the level at which the printing takes place and the Level in which the drying is carried out to compensate. It can, possibly simultaneously, a rotation of the object take place about its longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto, if the object is printed on the upper side, but on the lower side is dried. This applies in any case for objects which, for example have an elliptical or similar cross-section.

After carrying out the drying can then in the case of another Printing the object to be moved upwards, if necessary in turn, a rotation of the object takes place to it in to bring the position for the following printing process. These possibly necessary down and up movements and also the rotational movements can at least partially during the pre-transport of the object along the transport path of one Station to the other, so that the movements each other overlap.

The facilities required for the vertical movement components In any case, then no additional requirement when the device is also for printing on elliptical or otherwise used as irregularly shaped objects and the plane in which the printing takes place, their altitude not changed, because then the object during dese printing process anyway, perform a vertical motion component that must cause a vertical displacement of its longitudinal axis leads.

As in the inventive design, the drying stations arranged below the level of the printing stations are needed, the distance between two adjacent printing stations essentially only the cross-sectional dimensions of the objects and to comply with these supporting brackets. It Thus, a very significant saving in space is possible to a much shorter transport path or given Length of the transport line housing a larger number allowed by treatment stations. Possibly. can also do that Transport sections between stations be smaller.

The downward and upward movements of the supports carrying the objects can be easily achieved by having several Mounts a common vertically reciprocable Assigned guide element, with which the brackets, for example, via cam rollers, are connected, and the respective altitude of the brackets by appropriate vertical adjustment of the respective guide element causes becomes.

When using UV radiation for drying the printing inks on the object the invention sees further measures through which the areas containing the printing stations on the one hand and the areas containing the drying stations on the other hand shielded from each other. This can by flat screens, but also by shielding done that is placed between the holders for the objects and are movable with these.

Fig. 1 eine Draufsicht einer Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von Flaschen, wobei mit der Erfindung nicht in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang stehende Teile der Vorrichtung zur Erzielung einer deutlicheren Darstellung weggelassen sind,

Fig. 2 einen Ausschnitt aus der Vorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht quer zur Längsachse eines in einer Druckstation befindlichen Objektes, teilweise im Schnitt,

Fig. 3 eine der Fig. 2 entsprechende Seitenansicht quer zur Längsachse eines in einer Trocknungsstation befindlichen Objektes, teilweise im Schnitt,

Fig. 4 in Draufsicht einen Ausschnitt aus einer ersten Ausführungsform im Bereich der Behandlungsstationen, wobei der obere Abschirmboden weggelassen ist,

Fig. 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht der ersten Ausführungsform, die etwa den Bereich der Fig. 4 zeigt und den Grundaufbau der Maschine erkennen lässt,

Fig. 6 eine der Fig. 4 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei zur Erzielung einer besseren Übersicht Teile weggelassen sind,

Fig. 7A - 7E eine stark schematisierte Stirnansicht eines Abschnittes der Transportbahn einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit mehreren Behandlungsstationen, wobei die Teile zur Demonstration des Ablaufes eines Arbeitszyklus' unterschiedliche Positionen einnehmen.

In the drawing, two presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the diagram. Show it:

1 is a plan view of an apparatus for printing on bottles, wherein parts of the apparatus not directly related to the invention are omitted to obtain a clearer illustration,

2 shows a section of the device in a side view transversely to the longitudinal axis of an object located in a printing station, partly in section,

2 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2 transverse to the longitudinal axis of an object located in a drying station, partly in section,

4 is a plan view of a detail of a first embodiment in the region of the treatment stations, wherein the upper Abschirmboden is omitted,

5 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment, which approximately shows the region of FIG. 4 and reveals the basic structure of the machine,

FIG. 6 is a representation corresponding to FIG. 4, with parts being omitted in order to obtain a better overview, FIG.

7A - 7E is a highly schematic end view of a portion of the transport path of a second embodiment with a plurality of treatment stations, wherein the parts for demonstrating the course of a work cycle 'occupy different positions.

The embodiments illustrated in the drawings a Printing press are designed as rotary and with five Screen printing stations A - E and five UV drying stations I - V, wherein the drying stations I - V in the direction of rotation 12 of the rotary 10 each behind one of the printing stations A - F are arranged. For the objects to be printed they are bottles 14, which are supported by brackets 16 are. The latter become incremental about a vertical axis advanced along a circular transport path 18. The distance between one of the printing stations A - F and the respectively in the transport direction downstream drying station I - V is chosen to follow a transport step along the Transport path 18 corresponds.

In each of the printing stations A-F, one is substantially in horizontally extending screen printing stencil 20 is provided which cooperates in the usual way with a doctor blade 22. Each of the drying stations I-V is at least a UV radiator 24 provided, which below the transport path 18 is arranged such that the UV rays substantially to the top, ie to the object above it. 14 are directed, whose respective lower area in the drying station the UV lamp 24 faces.

The embodiments shown in the drawing are with one around the vertical axis gradually towards the Arrow vorbewegbaren ring table 26 provided on which the Mounts 16 are mounted such that each of them supported object 14 substantially radially to the axis of rotation of the ring table 26 runs. Each bracket 16 points in the usual way for bottle-shaped articles in the Bottle neck 28 engaging centering tip 29 and a receptacle 30 for the bottom of the bottle 14, that of a shaft section 32 is worn, which within a cylindrical Bearing parts 33 is held rotatably. The the objects However, supporting parts of the bracket may be dependent from the shape of objects that do not need to be bottles, be formed differently. At her the object 14 turned away End is the shaft portion 32 with a compensating coupling 34 connected in the drive train for the rotational or pivoting movement of the supported by the respective holder 16 Object is arranged and the offset between shaft section 32 and a shaft portion 35 balances.

The rotational or pivoting movements of the brackets 16 worn objects are by a common crown wheel 36th causes, which is independent of the ring table 26, but coaxial with this is rotatable in both directions. The crown wheel 36 is provided on the inside with a circumferential toothing 38, which with a drive pinion, not shown in the drawing engaged by a program controlled motor becomes. The upper side is the crown wheel 36 with a toothing 40 provided with which a gear 41 of each bracket 16 in Intervention is. The gear 41 drives via a clutch 42 and the already mentioned shaft portion 35 and via the compensating coupling 34 the shaft portion 32, which the recording 30 carries for the object 14. The shaft 32 bearing bearing part 33 is at its end facing away from the receptacle 30 over the shaft balancing clutch 34 is supported by the shaft portion 35. The clutch 42 is provided with an operating bracket 43 provided, which carries a cam roller 45, which with stationary Curved sections 90, 92 cooperates on the machine frame are attached.

Furthermore, the bearing part 33 between the differential coupling 34 and Recording 30 connected to a crossbar 44, to which a Carrier 46 is attached, which is substantially parallel to Longitudinal axis of the object 14 extends and near its free end with the interposition of an adjusting device 47, the centering tip 29 carries. The adjusting device 47 allows a shift the centering tip 29 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of Objektes 14 to clamp this in the bracket 16 and release. These devices are familiar to the expert, so that neither their function nor their concrete embodiment of a requires more detailed explanation.

Further, on the ring table 26 each between two adjacent Mounts 16 attached an approximately radially extending profile piece 48, which projects outward relative to the ring table 26. Two adjacent profile pieces 48 each carry an intermediate element 50, which is approximately parallel to a tangent on the circumference the ring table 26 extends and the upper side with a Section 51 is provided, whose dimensions are slightly larger are as the cross-sectional dimensions of the bearing part 33, which is picked up from this clipping. At the carrier 46 facing side of the intermediate element 50 is the latter with a vertical guide rail 52 provided with a U-shaped Guide shoe 53 cooperates, which the guide rail 52 engages with a tight fit, leaving between the two Divide 52, 53 is a positive fit, the only vertical Movements of the holder 16 allows.

The embodiment shown in the drawing is further provided with two lifting rings 54 and 55, which are coaxial with the axis of rotation the ring table 26 arranged movable up and down are and serve to guide cam followers, which are on the brackets 16 are attached to the objects 14. The brackets 14 are divided into two groups such that in the transport direction 12 consecutive brackets 16 alternately the belong to one or the other group and all mounts a group one of the two lifting rings 54 and 55 assigned are. To make the connection between each bracket 16 and the respective associated lifting ring 54 and 55 is the traverse 44 each holder with two vertically stacked Curved rollers 56 provided, the distance of the thickness of a Sheet metal strip or the like. 58 or 59 corresponds, which am respective cam ring 54 and 55, for example by means of welding is mounted and in a horizontal plane relative to the lifting ring protrudes so that the cam roller pair 56 of each bracket in Dependence on the group to which the respective holder 16 is engaged with the respective strips 58 and 59, respectively is as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The two Sheet metal strips 58, 59 are analogous to the two lifting rings as a closed, extending substantially in a horizontal plane Ring formed.

Each of the two lifting rings 54, 55 is of four vertically adjustable Hub spindles 60 and 62 worn, each by 90 ° are offset from each other. The lifting spindles 60 and 62 of each cam ring 54 and 55 is a common servo motor 84th or 86 assigned as drive, the program-dependent controlled is to each stroke ring and its associated mounts 16 to move vertically. The drive of the four lifting spindles 60 or 62 of each cam ring takes place via one Timing belt 87, 88, on the one hand with a on the output shaft arranged the respective servo motor, not shown Timing belt pulley and on the other hand with toothed belt pulleys is engaged, which with the interposition of Ball screws 63 drive the respective lifting spindles 60 and 62, respectively.

Furthermore, the device in which the ring table 26 surrounding Area with two flat, essentially horizontal shielding floors 64 and 65 provided, the transport path 18 respectively limit the top and bottom so that the brackets 16 located in the between the two shielding floors Extend the space into it. Above the upper shielding floor 64 are the screen printing stations A - E with the screen printing stencils 20 arranged. Fig. 1, which is a plan view in the Level of the upper shielding bottom 64 shows that the latter in the area at least of the screen printing stations A - E each provided with a rectangular cutout 66, the the size and shape of the object to be printed 14 such adapted that the object 14 from above, ie from the each located above screen printing station, is accessible. According to the arrangement of the respective holder 16 and the carried by her object 14 extend the cutouts 66 approximately radially to the vertical axis of rotation of the ring table 26.

Immediately below the lower shielding floor 65 are the Facilities of the drying stations I - V arranged, in which they are essentially UV lamps 24 (FIG. 3). These are provided on the upper side with an opening 25 (FIG. 5), through which the UV rays at least predominantly in the direction are directed to each overlying objects. there is the lower shielding bottom 65 above the passage opening for the UV rays in the housing of the UV lamp as well each with a radial, to the shape and size of the objects or the printed surface adapted cut 68 provided so that each located in the drying station Obtain object for the UV rays. The cutouts 66 and 68 are thus a transport step against each other staggered.

In the area of the two stations Y and X, in which the objects entered into or removed from the machine, the lower shielding bottom 65 has a marginal cutout 69 so as to ensure the accessibility in particular of the removal station X respectively located object and its handling to simplify. Because in the area of the input station Y and the removal station X, which are both adjacent to each other, and in the immediate adjacent areas no UV lamps available are preparing the absence of the lower shield 65 in this area 69 no problems.

The whole of the brackets 16 having transport system is in the transport path 18 with additional shielding 70 provided, each by a profile section are formed. Such a shielding element is respectively between two in the longitudinal direction of the transport path 18 to each other following mounts 16 are arranged, as this particular FIGS. 7A-7E.

The approximately radially extending shielding elements 70 are at the first embodiment asymmetrical at least in cross section formed such that the upper flange 73 from the Bridge 72 extends only to one side, whereas the lower Flange 74, albeit asymmetrical, on both sides of the Stegs 72 extends, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is. The web 72 runs parallel to that holder 16, the closest to the web 72 of the respective shielding is. The latter is so between the two shielding floors 64 and 65 arranged that the web 72 of the respective profile section vertically, ie perpendicular to the two shielding floors 64, 65 runs and one of the two flanges 73 and 74 with his outer surface respectively on the upper shield 64 and the lower shield 65 is applied, so that the shielding 70th in their transport movement together with the brackets 16 in Direction of the arrow 12 along one of the two shielding floors, preferably on the lower shielding bottom 65, touching this slide. It is expedient, between the other shielding and the shielding member 70 and the respective one Flange thereof a small distance of z. B. 1 - 2 mm provide, so that an exact fit between the two shielding floors and the shielding 70 is not required is. At this small distance there is no danger that UV rays between the shields 64, 65 on the one hand and On the other hand, the shielding elements 70 can pass through.

The drawing shows that the shielding elements 70 a have increasing width from inside to outside. They are on their ends facing the vertical axis of rotation respectively to the intermediate elements 50 of two adjacent brackets 16th attached for example by welding. These are the inner ones Ends of the shielding 70 according to the course the two adjacent intermediate elements 50 slightly bevelled executed. At its outer ends are two adjacent shielding elements 70 by a respective connecting element 96 with each other connected.

In the figures 7A - 7E, with respect to the configuration of the shielding 70 show a second embodiment, is the Course of treatments that experience the objects, as well as their Transport along the transport path 18 shown in the diagram. FIGS. 7A-7E show the stations Z, A, I, B, II, C and III containing portion of the transport path 18, wherein the treating objects 14 but as bottles with approximately elliptical Cross-section are formed, which on both sides with be provided a printed image. The brackets 16 are in the Figures 7A-7E are not shown for the sake of clarity. the One skilled in the art, however, is familiar with the embodiment according to FIG 7A - 7E, the seat of the receptacle 30 for the floor area the bottle must be adapted to these and consequently also has an approximately elliptical cross-sectional shape.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 7A-7E, the shielding elements 70 formed as a complete I-profile whose Flanges 73 and 74 are substantially the same. The representations according to FIGS. 7A-7C and 7E show the state between two Transport steps of the ring table 26, so that the brackets with the bottles each in one of the along the transport path 18 located stations are located. In the printing stations the objects take a position at the beginning of the printing process according to FIGS. 7A and 7E. In the course of the printing process the objects are pivoted about their longitudinal axis such that at the end of the printing process, they in each case the in Fig. 7B position shown. During the printing process are the Siebdruckschablonen 20 from the position shown in FIG. 7A shifted in the direction of arrow 75 in the position shown in FIG. 7B Service. At the same time there was a shift of the associated Printing doctor blades 22 from the position shown in FIG. 7A in the Fig. 7B. During the printing process the respective Silkscreen 20 by the associated doctor blade 22 against the to be printed surface 78 with slight deformation of Template moved. At the end of the printing process, which of the Position of the parts in Fig. 7B corresponds, the squeegee 22 is something raised so that the template out of contact with the Surface 78 is coming. Otherwise stencil and squeegee are during the printing process not height adjustable.

The movement of the squeegee during the printing process in Arrow direction 76 results from the fact that the object during the printing process about its longitudinal axis and not around the Axis of the curvature of the surface 78 to be printed swung becomes. These and other printing details are those skilled in the art common, so they need no further explanation.

The pivotal movement of the object 14 from the position according to Fig. 7A in the according to FIG. 7B by a corresponding rotational movement the crown wheel 36 causes, which on the gear 41 of the holder 16 acts, which each in a Print station A located object 14 carries. The rotation movement of the gear 41 is in the manner already described via the compensating coupling 34, which in general as Schmidt coupling is formed, transferred to the receptacle 30, in which the object 14 is inserted. In particular Fig. 4 and 6 of the drawing indicate that the shaft section 32, which carries the receptacle 30, opposite the shaft portion 35, which between gear 41 and Schmidt clutch 34 runs, is arranged slightly offset in the horizontal, so that holder 16 and thus object 14 is not exactly radial to vertical axis of rotation of the ring table 26 run. This horizontal parallel offset of the two shaft sections 32nd and 35 is due to the construction of the Schmidt coupling 34 and for the function of the machine without meaning.

The offset to be compensated by the Schmidt coupling 34 between the shaft sections 32 and 35 takes place in vertical Directions instead. During the printing process changes because of the rotation of the elliptical object about its longitudinal axis the altitude of the object 14 such that its longitudinal axis during the first half of the printing process, starting from the position according to FIG. 7A, until reaching a position the squeegee 22 vertically above the longitudinal axis of the object 14 in the sense of an approach of this longitudinal axis to the template 20th and then during the second part of the printing process until Achieving the position according to FIG. 7B in the sense of a distance the longitudinal axis of the template 20 by corresponding upward or downward movement of the respective lifting ring 54, 55 is moved. These two vertical displacements, which in Dependency on the simultaneous pivoting movement of the object in the direction of arrow 82, are performed by compensates the compensation coupling 34, wherein the holder 16 by the two vertically extending guide means 52, 53 to be led.

During the printing process, this is carried by the holder 16 Object 14 arranged so that at least that of the squeegee 22 acted upon part of the area to be printed 78 and 83 slightly protrudes upward against the upper shielding bottom 64, so slightly protrudes upwards from the cutout 66, so a perfect contact between the surface 78 and 83 on the one hand and the screen printing stencil 20 on the other to allow that, apart from the low elongation under the action of the squeegee 22, during the printing process is not moved vertically.

During the printing processes in the printing stations is in the Drying each one object 14 dried, which in the previous work cycle in the previous one Print station had been printed. As in the drying stations I - V respectively located UV radiator 24 below the transport path 18 are arranged, they act on the after bottom side of the in the respective drying station located object, so that, at least in the treatment objects of elliptical or similar cross-section, the object is pivoted after printing substantially by 180 ° is the area 78 and 83, respectively, during the printing process turned up in the printing station, to turn down and thus accessible to the UV rays close. This pivoting of the previously printed objects takes place, starting from the position according to FIG. 7B, again in FIG Direction of the arrow 82 via the intermediate position of Fig. 7C in the position shown in Fig. 7D, in which the surface 78 is turned down, at the same time a subsidence the brackets 16 with respective object 14 by appropriate Vertical displacement of the lifting ring 53 or 54 takes place, the respective holders 16 are assigned. These movements described above, so the pivoting in Arrow 82 and the at least partially simultaneous lowering, may be superimposed on the transport step, which the overall arrangement in the direction of arrow 12 along the Carriage 18 performs, so that at the end of this transport step the parts occupy the positions shown in FIG. 7E, which correspond to the positions of Fig. 7A.

The in the previous treatment step in the printing stations on the respective object 14 applied ink will now dried in the respective subsequent station. there those objects experience the pivoting movements simultaneously also from the objects 14 located in the printing stations be carried out during printing, the holder over the clutches 42 are connected to the crown wheel 36.

Fig. 1 and 7 can be seen that in the drying stations the upper Abschirmboden 64 continuously, so uninterrupted is executed, so that no UV rays from the area the transport path 18 can escape. In the circumferential direction, ie in the transport direction 12, the transport path is the 18th divided by the shielding elements 70 into sections 80 (FIGS. 7A, B), through the two shielding floors 64 and 65 as well each located between the brackets shielding 70 are limited. The latter, d. H. whose webs 72 extend each parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holder 16, in the transport direction 12 in front of the respective shielding 70 is arranged, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 show.

The shielding floors 64 and 65 and the shielding elements 70 shield the printing stations and the rest of the environment against the UV rays off. The shielding of the printing stations is particular important because of exposure to UV rays on the screen stencils the printing ink contained therein cure very quickly.

After drying, the applied to the object 14 in the station A. Printing ink in the drying station I (Fig. 7E), whose Duration can coincide with the same time in the Printing stations taking place printing, the object 14 is analog the same time in the printing station A after completion of the Printing process occurring pivotal movement in the direction of Arrow 82 pivots (Fig. 7C) to again the already in the Station A printed page 78 to go up, so from above accessible for the next printing in station B. (Figures 7D and E). The only difference between the Movements in the drying station I on the one hand and in the Printing station A on the other hand is that the object 14th at least at the beginning of the pivoting in a deeper Position is as the located in the printing station A object 14th

At the same time, the next transport step of the Mounts 16 and the shielding 70 having transport system in the direction of the arrow 12, so that the object 14 from the station I in the following printing station B arrives and into the position for starting the next printing process is brought. In the following treatment step is then on the applied already in the station A partial print image the surface 78 applied another partial image, wherein the object at the end of this treatment step in the printing station B occupies the position shown in Fig. 7B.

It then takes place in the already associated with the transition from the station A in the station I described the pivoting of the printed object according to FIGS. 7C and 7D, which in the following transport step of the transport system in Direction of the arrow 12 over the intermediate position shown in Fig. 7D in the position according to FIG. 7E, in which the printed surface 78 facing down and thus the located there UV lamp is facing.

The now located in the drying station II object 14th should in the following printing station C and possibly in yet another Printing stations are printed on the surface 83, which the already provided with two partial printing images surface 78 is opposite and thus, since the latter is turned down, due to the symmetrical, approximately elliptical design of the Object 14 points upward. Thus, the met by the object 14 position taken in Station II already the condition that the next to be printed surface 83 from above is accessible. It exists thus - contrary to that at the Drying in the station I subsequent positioning for the next printing in station B - no need to pivot the object 14 again by 180 °.

However, this would occur when the object 14 carrying Holder or its receptacle 30 with the crown wheel 36th stay connected. To a pivoting of the object 14 between station II and the following printing station C, is the clutch 42 located in the station II Bracket 16 is actuated such that the connection between the one with the crown wheel 36 engaged Gear 38 of this bracket and the receptacle 30 interrupted is. This happens in the course of transport from the printing station B in the drying station II, after the object 14 has reached the angular position shown in Fig. 7D, in which faces the surface 83 upwards and the longer axis of the approximately elliptical cross section substantially horizontally runs.

To actuate the clutch 42 to the brackets 16 is the device provided with two curves 90, 92, of which the Curve 90 is assigned to the area in which the treatment stations and the other to the area, in which the stations X, Y and Z are arranged. In the course the movement in the transport direction 12, the curve acts 90 and 92nd on the cam roller 45 of the respective holder 16 a with the Result that the associated operating bracket 43 pivots and the clutch 42 is disengaged. At least the curve 90 in the treatment stations is slidably arranged, so that their position to the respective circumstances adapted, so can be chosen so that the respective Clutch in the respective desired position of the associated Bracket is actuated. The disengagement of the clutch 42 results in that the object 14 in the following phases to the transmitted by the crown gear 36 pivoting movements does not participate and its position according to FIG. 7E or Fig. 7A maintains.

During the following transport step in the direction of the arrow 12 is during transport of the object 14 from the station II in the printing station C, the clutch 42 engaged again. This is caused by the curve 90 in this area has a course, the engagement of the clutch 42 under the action of the coil spring 93 allows the had been compressed when disengaging. During this Transport step, which corresponds to the representation of FIG. 7D, all objects occupy a position in which the larger axis of approximately elliptical cross-section substantially runs horizontally. Once the clutch 42 is engaged is, the respective holder 16 moves with respect their effected by the crown wheel 36 movements synchronized again with the other brackets over the respective ones Clutch 42 are operatively connected to the crown gear. In The illustration according to FIGS. 7A to 7E is here around station A, I, B, C and III.

After completion of the printing process in the station C is then the object again in the above related to the FIGS. 7A to 7D are pivoted such that the now also provided with a printed or partial image Surface 83 points downward and thus after reaching the Drying position in the station III from below for that of the There UV radiation located outgoing beams accessible is. The further treatment of the object 14 depends, for example starting from whether on the surface 83 at least one further partial print image is applied. It would then be, for example the movements that in Figs. 7A - 7D with respect to the transition from the drying station I to the printing station B are shown and described above.

The objects located in the drying stations I and III are due to the common drive through the crown wheel 36 synchronous with those located in the respective printing stations Objects pivoted about their respective longitudinal axis. On the other hand takes that located in the drying station II respectively Object not participate in these pivotal movements, as above explained, the clutch 42 of each in the station II located bracket is disengaged. This, so that Lack of pivoting movements, but does not affect the Drying process, especially by the respective lifting ring 54, 55 effected lowering movement of the holder and thus of the object from the position in the printing station to the position in the respective following drying station can be chosen so that the relative positioning of object and UV emitter in each Case to a sufficient drying of the objects located on the object Printing ink leads.

The embodiments shown in the drawing are provided with sixteen brackets, so that, as already mentioned, eight holders alternately one of the two Hubrings 54, 55 are assigned. Thus, FIGS. 1 and 7A show 7E, that those objects, each in the stations A, B, C are associated with that cam ring 54 or 55, which at the time corresponding to the individual figures higher position. This also applies to the objects and the respective mounts in stations T, W and Y. On the other hand, the position of the stations I to V, the Entnahmestation X and the stations U and Z located objects determined by the other of the two lifting rings, which in these stations a lower position of the brackets and thus causes the objects.

The extent of the vertical displacement of the brackets and thus of objects between printing station and drying station also from the cross-sectional dimensions of the objects. That's the way it is possible, for example, when printing objects whose Cross section in the area to be printed cylindrical and relative is large, the vertical shifts by appropriate Setting the programs controlling the movements of the lifting rings to reduce to a low level, which is sufficient, the To bring object in the printing stations below the level which defined by the lower boundary of the Abschirmbodens 64 is, so that the respective object in the transport step in the next station through the shielding bottom 64 not is hampered. At the presumed large diameter would the objects in the drying station with its bottom anyway so close to the UV lamp are that a proper drying would be guaranteed. This can be with all-round printing by simply rotating the object around his Longitudinal axis can be achieved. For cylindrical or almost cylindrical Objects would be in connection with the embodiment according to FIGS. 7A-7E transitions of the printing stations in the respective drying station not required, as a two-sided printing in a cylindrical Body generally does not come into consideration.

When printing a cylindrical or similar shaped object is generally a simple rotational movement around the Longitudinal axis of the object or around an axis parallel thereto, to any desired area of the surface in the respective Drying station in the effective range of UV rays bring to. It may depend on the Size of the diameter of the object be appropriate, vertical displacements the same to provide the object in the Bring the drying station closer to the UV lamp. Furthermore, can it also when printing objects with cylindrical or similar Form expedient or possibly even necessary, the Connection between bracket and crown wheel 36 by appropriate Actuation of the respective clutch 42 to interrupt, for example, certain angular positions of the object to adjust or simply to interrupt the rotation of the same.

The procedure shown in FIGS. 7A-7E applies independently how the shielding elements 70 are formed in detail are.

FIGS. 7A-7E show that in the circumferential direction of the Device when the transport system assumes its rest position and the brackets with the respective object are in the Treatment stations are located, the shielding 70 such are arranged that the cutouts 66 and 68 in the two Shielding floors 64 and 65 remain open, so through the flanges 73, 74 of the shielding 70 are not covered. The shield the printing stations and in particular the existing therein Screen printing stencils are made in particular by the webs 72 of the shielding 70, the transport path 18 vertically subdivide, whereby by the voltage applied to the shielding floors 64, 65 or flanges 73, 74 located near same between the respective shielding element 70 and bottoms 64, 65 a adequate shielding is ensured, which the passage prevented by UV rays. The shield up and down takes place through the two floors 64, 65, which, apart from the Cutouts 66 in the upper floor 64 and the cutouts 68 in bottom floor 65, are closed. This is especially true for the area above the drying stations, as already mentions the adjacent printing station (s) before the action to protect from UV rays.

The width of the flanges 73 and 74 of the shielding transverse to Longitudinal extent of the associated web 72 and also their length are chosen in the embodiments so that during the Transport step in the transport direction 12 to move forward Shielding elements 70, the cutouts 66 and 68 completely close it when it is about the middle position between occupy two treatment stations, as shown in Fig. 7D is. Leave the processes shown in FIGS. 7A-7E continue to realize that even during the transport step the shielding of the printing stations against the UV rays Guaranteed drying stations in any case is, as each limited by two adjacent shielding Sections 80 always stay locked against each other, the flanges 73 and 74 also during passing the cutouts 66 and 68 each close so far, that emerges from the cutout 68 of a drying station UV rays are not in a section 66 of an adjacent Print station can enter.

On the outside, the transport path 18 is at least in the area of Drying stations by a stationary rotating plate 95th or the like. Limited and shielded. Inside is usually the presence of a special shielding is not required because the existing components of the device anyway for a sufficient shielding against UV rays to care.

Which design of the shielding 70 each preference depends, among other things also depends on shape and size the objects and the extent of the movements that these and so that each supporting bracket in the treatment stations To run. The embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5 is normally be considered when the scope of movement the objects within the by two adjacent shielding elements 70 defined section of the trajectory especially has to be big.

The upper shielding floor 64 may be doppelbödig such that it consists of two at a small distance from, for example 1 mm spaced sheets, through which cooling air can be guided. Whether this is necessary depends on the circumstances, in particular the Number of UV lamps, the duration of radiation, so for example Also check if the UV emitters are running at full power are in operation or whether their performance is during, for example the transport step is reduced, and also by others Circumstances, such as the outside temperature.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing can the stations T, U and W, which between the transport direction 12 last drying station V and the removal station X, serve, for example, the quality of the to check the printed image applied to the objects. This can be done by cameras or other suitable means, through the respective section 66 and 68, the printed image on the object. The effected by the crown wheel 36 Pivoting or rotating movement of the object can do so be used, the entire print image in the recording area to bring the camera. It is also dependent on the respective requirements possible, the station T as another Printing station and the station U as another drying station provide, so that, for example, another printed image or partial print image, possibly in a different color the object is applied.

In the removal station X, the object is in the in Fig. 3 illustrated lower position, so that consequently also the removal device, not shown, which is at can act a gripper, which is located in this lower position Object grabs and after a pivoting about 90 ° with its bottom on a conveyor 97, which removes the printed bottles for further use.

In the input station Y, the brackets 16 are each in the upper position shown in Fig. 2, so that consequently, the input device 98 also has the objects in it upper position to each located in the station Y. Holder passes. The input device 98 is with three arms provided synchronously about a vertical axis 99 between two positions are swinging back and forth. The ones on the conveyor Means 100 each first bottle is of the first arm 102 of the input device 98 detected and in the following rotational movement about the vertical axis 99 in a Intermediate station 108 brought and there by a not shown Holder adopted. The input device 98 becomes then turned back into the starting position shown in FIG. 1, so that the first arm 102 the following, on the Transport 100 can accommodate lying bottle.

The second arm 104 of the input device 98 is located in the illustrated in Fig. 1 starting position of the input device in the intermediate station 108, in which there in the previous operation dropped object for example one undergoing preparatory treatment. At the next Rotary movement of the input device 98 from that shown in Fig. 1 Starting position to its second position is the in the intermediate station 108 located bottle through the second Arm 104 transported to a second intermediate station 110, in which the bottle of another, also not shown Holder is adopted. In this station 110 can for example, the bottle will be aligned circumferentially, if the bottle is printed in a certain circumference area shall be. In this pivoting of the input device 98 is from the home position to the second position at the same time the next bottle of transport 100 in the first intermediate station 108 has been transported. After this Place the two bottles in the respective intermediate station 108 and 110, the input device 98 is again in the in Fig. 1 shown rotated back home position, so that the third arm 106 of the input device 98 in the intermediate station 110 passes and there inter mediate, so for example aligned bottle absorbs and then in the course of following rotation of the input device 98 in the area the holder 16 transports, which are each in the input station Y, and there the bottle to this holder emits.

In the course of the movement from the station W to the removal station X is the respective bracket 16 by appropriate displacement the centering tip 29 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bottle been opened, this opening movement and the function the removal gripper, not shown, so synchronized are that latest at the moment of opening the bracket the bottle is picked up by the picking gripper. The now empty Bracket 16 remains open until reaching the input station Y. It is closed as soon as by the third arm 106th the input device 98 a bottle in the region of the holder 16 has been brought.

The displacement of the centering tip 29, for example, by a stationary curve can be established, which can be For example, a cam roller or the like, on the slidably arranged centering acts. Thus, can the operation of the centering tip for opening and closing the respective holder of the transport movement of the holder in Direction of the arrow 12 are derived. As already mentioned, are the brackets 16 when passing through the stations X. and Y disengaged from the drive by the crown gear 36 so as to Remove and enter the objects from or into the holders to facilitate.

The supplied by the input device 98 of the station Y. Bottles are through the cutout 66 in the upper shielding bottom 64, so from above into each of the station Y located Mounted. This is the bottle carrying each Part of the third arm 106 formed movable up and down. Input device on the one hand and removal device on the other are arranged at a vertical distance from each other, so that the movements of a facility independent of the Movements of each other institution are performed can.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

A -

print stations

I - V

drying stations

T, U, W - Z

other stations

10

rotary

12

direction of rotation

14

bottle

16

bracket

18

transport path

20

screen printing stencil

22

doctor

24

UV lamps

25

Opening in 24

26

Switching ring table

28

bottleneck

29

centering

30

admission

32

shaft section

33

bearing part

34

Flexible coupling

35

shaft section

36

crown

38

gearing

40

top toothing of 36

41

gear

42

clutch

43

actuating bow

44

traverse

45

follower

46

carrier

47

setting device

48

profile piece

50

intermediate element

51

neckline

52

guide rail

53

guide shoe

54

lifting ring

55

lifting ring

56

follower

58

metal strip

59

metal strip

60

lifting spindle

62

lifting spindle

63

Ballscrew

64

upper shielding bottom

65

lower shielding floor

66

Section in 64

68

Detail in 65

69

edge cutting

70

shielding

72

Footbridge of 70

73

upper flange of 70

74

lower flange of 70

75

arrow

76

arrow

78

to be printed area

80

Section of 18

82

arrow

83

to be printed area

84

servomotor

86

servomotor

87

toothed belt

88

toothed belt

90

curve section

92

curve section

93

coil spring

96

circulating sheet metal

96

connecting element

97

transport means

98

input device

99

Axis of 98

100

Mode of Transport

102

first arm

104

second arm

106

third arm

108

stopover

110

stopover

Claims (18)

Apparatus for decorating dimensionally stable objects (14) which are transportable by supports (16) along a circular arcuate transport path (18), treatment stations (A - E; I - V) being arranged along the transport path for treating these objects and these treatment stations at least one printing station (A - E) for decorating the objects and at least one in the transport direction (12) behind the printing station arranged drying station (I - V) for drying the applied ink comprise, characterized in that the at least one drying station is at a level , which is arranged at a distance below the level in which the at least one printing station is located, and the holders (16) between a treatment operation in a printing station (A - E) and a treatment process in the respectively following drying station (I - V) and between a treatment process in a drying station and a m treatment process in the respectively following printing station downwards or upwards are movable, and the objects are printed from above and dried from below. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the downward and upward movement of the holders (16) take place at least partially during the transporting step between two treatment operations. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holders (16) at least in the at least one printing station (A - E) depending on the cross-sectional shape of the object to be decorated (14) during printing up and / or downwardly movable. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one printing station (A - E) is designed as a screen printing station. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one drying station (I - V) is provided with a UV lamp. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the UV radiator (24) below the in the respective drying station (I - V) located object (14) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in the transport direction of the objects (14) behind each printing station (A - E), a drying station (I - V) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holders (16) are driven in rotation such that the respective object (14) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that a common rotary drive (36) is provided for a plurality of holders (16). Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that in the drive train for the rotational drive of the respective holder (16) is a controllable coupling (42) is inserted, by means of which the holder (16) from the common drive (36) separable and connectable thereto. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that in the drive train of each holder (16) a compensating coupling (34) is arranged, which compensates for the different heights of the respective object (14) supporting support members (29, 30). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holders (16) are divided into two groups such that in the transport direction successive holders (16) of one or the other group belong alternately and the holders of each of the two groups together vertically reciprocable are. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that two vertically along the transport path (18) extending reciprocating guide curves (54, 55) are provided and the holders (16) of the one group operatively with the one guide curve and the holders of the other Group operatively connected to the other leadership curve. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the two groups of holders (16) are alternately movable up and down and at least a part of the holders of the one group is in each case in a printing stations (A - E), if at least a part of the holders (16 ) of the other group are each located in a drying station (I - V). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the printing stations (A - E) visually shielded from the drying stations (I - V). Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the transport path (18) at least in the drying stations (I - V) receiving area of the transport path (18) on the upper side and underside by a respective planar shield (64 or 65) is limited and the printing stations (A - E) on the one hand and the drying stations (I - V) on the other side respectively top side and underside of the planar shields (64, 65) are arranged and these Abschirmböden (64, 65) at least in the region of a printing station or a drying station with a Opening (66 and 68) are provided and the objects (14) in the printing stations from above and in the drying stations from below through these openings are accessible and the openings in the printing stations on the one hand and in the drying stations on the other hand in the transport direction (12) against each other are offset. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that between two adjacent brackets (16) a shielding member (70) is arranged, which is movable with the brackets stepwise along the transport path (18), and the height of the shielding elements (70) approximately the vertical distance the two flat shielding floors (64, 65) corresponds. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the shielding element (70) is formed as a profile section whose web (72) extends substantially vertically and approximately radially to the center of the transport path (18), and at least one flange (73) of the profile section (70 ) abuts one of the stationary shielding floors (64, 65).

Images