EP2072407B1 - Labelling machine - Google Patents

Labelling machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2072407B1
EP2072407B1 EP08020855.6A EP08020855A EP2072407B1 EP 2072407 B1 EP2072407 B1 EP 2072407B1 EP 08020855 A EP08020855 A EP 08020855A EP 2072407 B1 EP2072407 B1 EP 2072407B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
nozzle
lid
labelling machine
print
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP08020855.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2072407A1 (en
Inventor
Karl-Heinz Achhammer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Krones AG
Original Assignee
Krones AG
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP2072407A1 publication Critical patent/EP2072407A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2072407B1 publication Critical patent/EP2072407B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
    • B65C9/46—Applying date marks, code marks, or the like, to the label during labelling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16505—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems
    • B41J2/185—Ink-collectors; Ink-catchers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/54—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
    • B41J3/543—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements with multiple inkjet print heads

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a labeling machine for applying information to containers, comprising an ink jet printer having at least one print head with at least one nozzle.
  • a problem characteristic of on-demand printers is that the ink present in the printhead may dry up when not in use, such as with a stoppage of the labeller caused by a shift change or a malfunction. Disturbances can also be caused by upstream or downstream machines of a labeling machine integrated in a line. The cleaning or replacement of the dried printhead lead to an additional, uneconomical downtime.
  • JP 09 076527 A describes an ink jet printer in which an ink return lid is placed in front of the printhead during print head cleaning.
  • the print head must be moved out of the print area and into a cleaning position against a side driver.
  • the printer is then not operated in print mode, but ink and residues on the printhead are sucked through the lid of a pump and the ink is returned after filtering in the ink circuit.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object to provide an economical labeling machine, in which the pressure can be continued immediately and reliably after a standstill or malfunction of the labeling machine.
  • This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a cover which can be selectively brought between the nozzle and the container or the label, in front of the outlet opening of the nozzle, and which returns the ink emerging from the nozzle into the ink circuit.
  • the problem is also solved by a method in which the ink jet printer continues to operate in the print mode at a print interruption and the ink discharged from the nozzle is returned to the ink circuit.
  • the ink can continue to emerge from the nozzle during a printing pause. A stoppage of the ink and a drying of the ink caused thereby is avoided in this way.
  • the inkjet printer may be a demand-based printer.
  • the labeling machine can be operated particularly cost-effectively.
  • the inkjet printer may comprise at least two printheads. Further, the lid may be divided so as to return the ink separated by printheads into the ink circuit.
  • inks can be recovered from multiple printheads without unwanted mixing of colors using a common lid.
  • the direction of the ink jet during insertion of the lid remain unchanged. This minimizes ink consumption.
  • modular labeling machine 1 comprises in addition to the known basic construction of an ink jet printer 2 with one or more, For example, four printheads 3 and a lid 4, which can be moved between the printheads 3 and a guided over the rollers 5 label tape 6.
  • the labeling machine 1 is designed in the example shown as a rotary machine, but can also be designed as a straight runner. As Fig. 1 can be seen, the container 7 are conveyed through a bottle table 8 and labeled using a dispensing unit 9. However, it is also possible to design the labeling machine 1 for direct printing. In this case, the container 7 are positioned in place of the label tape 6 in front of the printheads 3, that is, the printheads are then aligned facing the bottle table. It is crucial that the lid 4 can be brought between the printheads 3 and the container to be labeled 7.
  • labeling is to be understood in this context that the information either first printed on a label and this is glued to the container 7, or that the information directly on the container 7 and on an already on the container. 7 attached possibly blank label is printed.
  • the labels can be provided not only individually but also in roll form.
  • Fig. 2 shows the components of the inkjet printer 2, which as usual comprises a printhead module 11 with printheads 3, and a base station 12 for driving the printheads 3, a control unit 13, a power supply 14, an ink supply pump 15, which are connected via the supply line 16 with the ink tanks 17 and the printheads 3, an ink waste container 18 and an ink drying system 19, eg based on UV light.
  • the printer 2 according to the invention also has circulating pumps 10, a motor 20 for driving the lid 4, and a controller 21 for controlling the motor 20.
  • the controller 21 automatically controls the motor 20 in the event of a print interruption, so that the cover 4 is moved between the print heads 3 and the label tape 6.
  • the controller 21 may for this purpose be coupled to a suitable monitoring device of the labeling machine 1, which recognizes, for example, whether label strip 6 is conveyed.
  • the cover 4 could also be controlled by the operating unit 13.
  • Fig. 3A clearly showing by way of example a printhead 3 and the lid 4 in a printing position.
  • the print head 3 comprises a nozzle 23 with an outlet opening 24 and an ink chamber 25, which in Fig. 3A partially filled with ink 26.
  • An ink jet 26a emerges from the exit opening 24 and strikes the label band 6.
  • the supply line 16 is connected to a first inlet opening 27 of the storage chamber 25.
  • the lid 4 abuts against the label band 6 facing side 39 of the printhead 3 and has an open towards this side collecting area 27 for ink 26 and arranged at the lower end outlet opening 29.
  • the latter is on the suction side hose 31, the circulation pump 10 and the pressure-side hose 35 is connected to a second inlet port 37 of the ink chamber 25.
  • Fig. 3B shows the otherwise identical arrangement Fig. 3A in a Umicalzposition, which is obtained by moving the lid 4 in the direction of arrow A.
  • the lid 4 In the circulating position, the lid 4 is disposed between the discharge port 24 of the nozzle 23 and the label tape 6, so that the ink jet 26a is caught by the catching portion 27.
  • the catching area 27 is formed so that the ink 26 is collected above the outlet opening 29.
  • the circulation pump 10 conveys the collected ink 26 back into the ink chamber 25 through the outlet port 29 and the tubes 31, 35.
  • the print head 3 operates as needed depending on the so-called "drop-on-demand” principle.
  • the repeated deformation of a piezocrystal (not shown) or the formation of vapor bubbles (not shown) presses ink 26 through the nozzle 23.
  • the resulting jet of individual drops of ink 26a results in a substantially constant direction, the direction being particularly independent of position of the lid 4 is.
  • a printhead 3 may have several, e.g. having line-like nozzles 23 have.
  • the number of print heads 3 is not limited to the embodiment. Rather, any number of printheads (e.g., for multicolor printing) may be placed in one or more printhead modules 11.
  • the cover 4 is z. B. metal or plastic and has a separate collecting area 27 for each printhead 3.
  • a lid 4 suitable for a combination of four printheads 3 is exemplified in FIG Fig. 4 shown.
  • the collecting areas 27 are arranged and dimensioned in such a way that the individual ink jets 26a in the circulating position are in each case completely caught by the associated collecting area 27.
  • a catchment area 27 it is also possible for a catchment area 27 to have a plurality of print heads 3 assigned to it, for example if the same ink is used in a plurality of print heads 3.
  • the collecting areas 27 may, for. B. be formed by depressions in the lid 7 or separated from each other by webs.
  • the cover 4 closes with the printheads 3 splash-proof or airtight, z. B. using a seal, not shown, so that the nozzles 23 are additionally protected against dehydration.
  • the cover 4 can optionally also close a suitable housing opening of the printhead module 11, so that the printheads 3 are indeed closed off from the environment, but the cover 4 does not rest directly on the printheads 3. It is also conceivable to attach the cover to a separate frame with a suitable guide. It is crucial that the cover 4 can be moved between the nozzles 23 and the pressure medium. Under certain circumstances, a tight closure of the print heads 3 can also be dispensed with altogether, so that only the ink 26 is collected in the catch areas 27 and returned to the ink circulation.
  • the circulation pump 10 is a self-priming pump, such as. B. a diaphragm pump or peristaltic pump. As a rule, a return cycle is required per type of ink.
  • the pressure-side line 35 does not necessarily have to open into the storage chamber 25. It is also possible to return the ink to the ink tanks 17.
  • the circulation pump 10 is preferably in the printhead module 11 integrated, but could also be arranged outside the printhead module 11.
  • the circulation pump 10 may, for. B. connected to the controller 21 or the base station 12.
  • the control unit 21 receives a control signal, eg. As a result, the control unit 21 controls the motor 20, which drives the cover 4 from the printing position to the circulation position. Is the printing break planned, such. B. in a shift change, the positioning of the lid with the feed of the label tape 6 and the container 17 is synchronized, so that the lid 4 is moved to the last printing operation in the circulation position. In the event of an unplanned interruption, such. As in the case of a defect, it is useful to constantly monitor the supply of print media and send a suitable control signal to the control unit 21 at a delivery stop to automatically stop the pressure and drive the cover 4 in the Umisselzposition. If the printing pause initiated by an internal control signal of the inkjet printer 2, the feed of the label tape 6 is to stop accordingly.
  • the print heads 3 are further operated in the print mode, so that the ink still flows through the nozzles 23.
  • the ink flowing out of the print heads 3 is separated into print heads 3 in the lid 4 collected and returned to the circulation pump 10 in the ink circuit.
  • the print heads 3 receive special pressure instructions in order to allow the ink 26 to emerge distributed as uniformly as possible over all the nozzles 23 and / or to adjust the amount of ink to be dispensed.
  • the control of the circulation pump 10 may, for. B. by the control unit 21 or by the base unit 12. In the latter case, the capacity of the circulation pump 10 can be adapted to the output from the printheads 3 amount of ink.
  • the lid 4 is moved back into the printing position, label belt 6 conveyed and the label printing continues.
  • the ink 26 can emerge from the nozzles 23 even when the print is interrupted and can be circulated. This avoids the drying of the nozzles 23 without causing increased ink consumption.
  • a common lid 4 with several the individual printheads 3 associated collecting areas 27 a clean separation of the ink types used (colors) is guaranteed at a low technical complexity.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Etikettiermaschine zum Aufbringen von Information auf Behälter, mit einem Tintenstrahldrucker, der mindestens einen Druckkopf mit mindestens einer Düse aufweist.The invention relates to a labeling machine for applying information to containers, comprising an ink jet printer having at least one print head with at least one nozzle.

In jüngerer Zeit ist es bekannt geworden, zum Etikettieren von Behältern Etikettiermaschinen mit Tintenstrahldruckern zu verwenden, die Informationen auf ein Etikett oder auch im Direktdruck auf einen Behälter aufbringen können. Im Allgemeinen werden dabei Drucker mit einem bedarfsabhängigen Tintenstrahl bevorzugt, sogenannte "Drop-On-Demand"-Ducker. Da bei diesem Druckertyp nur die tatsächlich für den Druck benötigten Tintentropfen aus den Düsen austreten, ist er deutlich wirtschaftlicher als der sogenannte "Continous-Ink"-Drucker mit seinem kontinuierlich aus den Düsen austretenden Tintenstrahl.More recently, it has become known to use labeling machines with inkjet printers for labeling containers, which can apply information to a label or even direct printing on a container. In general, printers with a demand-dependent ink jet are preferred, so-called "drop-on-demand" printers. Since in this type of printer only the ink droplets actually required for the print emerge from the nozzles, it is significantly more economical than the so-called "continuous-ink" printer with its ink jet issuing continuously from the nozzles.

Ein für bedarfsabhängige Drucker charakteristisches Problem liegt jedoch darin, dass die im Druckkopf vorhandene Tinte bei Nichtbenutzung eintrocknen kann, so zum Beispiel bei einem durch einen Schichtwechsel oder eine Störung verursachten Stillstand der Etikettiermaschine. Dabei können Störungen auch durch vor- oder nachgelagerte Maschinen einer in einer Linie eingebundenen Etikettiermaschine verursacht werden. Die Reinigung bzw. der Austausch des eingetrockneten Druckkopfs führen zu einer zusätzlichen, unwirtschaftlichen Ausfallzeit.However, a problem characteristic of on-demand printers is that the ink present in the printhead may dry up when not in use, such as with a stoppage of the labeller caused by a shift change or a malfunction. Disturbances can also be caused by upstream or downstream machines of a labeling machine integrated in a line. The cleaning or replacement of the dried printhead lead to an additional, uneconomical downtime.

Die Offenlegungsschrift EP 1 806 291 A beschreibt hierzu eine Etikettiermaschine mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1.The publication EP 1 806 291 A describes for this purpose a labeling machine with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Die Offenlegungsschrift JP 09 076527 A beschreibt einen Tintenstrahldrucker, bei dem ein Deckel zur Tintenrückführung während der Druckkopfreinigung vor dem Druckkopf platziert wird. Dabei muss der Druckkopf aus dem Druckbereich heraus und gegen einen seitlichen Mitnehmer in eine Reinigungsposition gefahren werden. Der Drucker wird dann nicht im Druckmodus betrieben, sondern Tinte und am Druckkopf befindliche Rückstände werden über den Deckel von einer Pumpe abgesaugt und die Tinte nach Filterung in den Tintenkreislauf zurückgeführt.The publication JP 09 076527 A describes an ink jet printer in which an ink return lid is placed in front of the printhead during print head cleaning. The print head must be moved out of the print area and into a cleaning position against a side driver. The printer is then not operated in print mode, but ink and residues on the printhead are sucked through the lid of a pump and the ink is returned after filtering in the ink circuit.

Der Erfindung liegt somit die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine wirtschaftliche Etikettiermaschine bereitzustellen, bei der der Druck nach einem Stillstand oder Störung der Etikettiermaschine unverzüglich und zuverlässig fortgesetzt werden kann.The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an economical labeling machine, in which the pressure can be continued immediately and reliably after a standstill or malfunction of the labeling machine.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch einen Deckel gelöst, der wahlweise zwischen die Düse und den Behälter oder das Etikett, vor die Austrittsöffnung der Düse, verbringbar ist, und der aus der Düse austretende Tinte in den Tintenkreislauf zurückführt. Das Problem wird ebenso gelöst durch ein Verfahren, bei dem der Tintenstrahldrucker bei einer Druckunterbrechung weiter im Druckmodus betrieben und die aus der Düse abgegebene Tinte in den Tintenkreislauf zurückgeführt wird.This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a cover which can be selectively brought between the nozzle and the container or the label, in front of the outlet opening of the nozzle, and which returns the ink emerging from the nozzle into the ink circuit. The problem is also solved by a method in which the ink jet printer continues to operate in the print mode at a print interruption and the ink discharged from the nozzle is returned to the ink circuit.

Dadurch kann die Tinte auch während einer Druckpause weiter aus der Düse austreten. Ein Stillstand der Tinte und ein dadurch verursachtes Eintrocknen der Tinte wird auf diese Weise vermieden.As a result, the ink can continue to emerge from the nozzle during a printing pause. A stoppage of the ink and a drying of the ink caused thereby is avoided in this way.

Günstigerweise kann der Tintenstrahldrucker ein bedarfsabhängiger Drucker sein. Dadurch lässt sich die Etikettiermaschine besonders kostengünstig betreiben.Conveniently, the inkjet printer may be a demand-based printer. As a result, the labeling machine can be operated particularly cost-effectively.

Bei einer besonders günstigen Ausgestaltung kann der Tintenstrahldrucker mindestens zwei Druckköpfe umfassen. Ferner kann der Deckel so unterteilt sein, dass er die Tinte nach Druckköpfen getrennt in den Tintenkreislauf zurückführt.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the inkjet printer may comprise at least two printheads. Further, the lid may be divided so as to return the ink separated by printheads into the ink circuit.

Dadurch lassen sich Tinten aus mehreren Druckköpfen ohne unerwünschte Vermischung der Farben mit Hilfe eines gemeinsamen Deckels zurückgewinnen.As a result, inks can be recovered from multiple printheads without unwanted mixing of colors using a common lid.

Vorteilhafterweise kann die Richtung des Tintenstrahls beim Einbringen des Deckels unverändert bleiben. Dadurch lässt sich der Tintenverbrauch minimieren.Advantageously, the direction of the ink jet during insertion of the lid remain unchanged. This minimizes ink consumption.

Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird nachstehend erläutert. Es zeigen

Fig. 1
eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Etikettiermaschine;
Fig. 2
eine Übersicht über die Komponenten des erfindungsgemäßen Tintenstrahldruckers;
Fig. 3A
eine schematische Schnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Druckkopfes samt Deckel im Druckmodus;
Fig. 3B
eine schematische Schnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Druckkopfes samt Deckel im Umwälzmodus; und
Fig. 4
eine schematische Schrägansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Deckels für mehrere Druckköpfe.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and will be explained below. Show it
Fig. 1
a schematic plan view of a labeling machine according to the invention;
Fig. 2
an overview of the components of the ink-jet printer according to the invention;
Fig. 3A
a schematic sectional view of a printhead according to the invention together with the lid in the print mode;
Fig. 3B
a schematic sectional view of a printhead according to the invention together with the lid in Umwälzmodus; and
Fig. 4
a schematic oblique view of a lid according to the invention for a plurality of print heads.

Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte, modular aufgebaute Etikettiermaschine 1 umfasst neben der bekannten Grundkonstruktion einen Tintenstrahldrucker 2 mit einem oder mehreren, beispielsweise vier Druckköpfen 3 und einem Deckel 4, der zwischen die Druckköpfe 3 und einem über die Rollen 5 geführten Etikettenband 6 verbringbar ist.In the Fig. 1 shown, modular labeling machine 1 comprises in addition to the known basic construction of an ink jet printer 2 with one or more, For example, four printheads 3 and a lid 4, which can be moved between the printheads 3 and a guided over the rollers 5 label tape 6.

Die Etikettiermaschine 1 ist im dargestellten Beispiel als Rundläufermaschine konzipiert, kann jedoch auch als Geradläufer ausgelegt sein. Wie Fig. 1 zu entnehmen ist, werden die Behälter 7 über einen Flaschentisch 8 zugefördert und mit Hilfe eines Spendeaggregats 9 etikettiert. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, die Etikettiermaschine 1 für den Direktdruck auszulegen. In diesem Fall werden die Behälter 7 an Stelle des Etikettenbands 6 vor den Druckköpfen 3 positioniert, d.h. die Druckköpfe sind dann zum Flaschentisch weisend ausgerichtet. Entscheidend ist dabei, dass der Deckel 4 zwischen die Druckköpfe 3 und den zu etikettierenden Behälter 7 gebracht werden kann. Der Begriff "Etikettieren" ist in diesem Zusammenhang so zu verstehen, dass die Information entweder zunächst auf ein Etikett gedruckt und dieses anschließen auf den Behälter 7 geklebt wird, oder dass die Information direkt auf den Behälter 7 bzw. auf ein bereits auf dem Behälter 7 befestigtes ggf. blankes Etikett gedruckt wird. Die Etiketten können nicht nur einzeln, sondern auch in Rollenform bereitgestellt werden.The labeling machine 1 is designed in the example shown as a rotary machine, but can also be designed as a straight runner. As Fig. 1 can be seen, the container 7 are conveyed through a bottle table 8 and labeled using a dispensing unit 9. However, it is also possible to design the labeling machine 1 for direct printing. In this case, the container 7 are positioned in place of the label tape 6 in front of the printheads 3, that is, the printheads are then aligned facing the bottle table. It is crucial that the lid 4 can be brought between the printheads 3 and the container to be labeled 7. The term "labeling" is to be understood in this context that the information either first printed on a label and this is glued to the container 7, or that the information directly on the container 7 and on an already on the container. 7 attached possibly blank label is printed. The labels can be provided not only individually but also in roll form.

Fig. 2 zeigt die Komponenten des Tintenstrahldruckers 2, der wie üblich ein Druckkopfmodul 11 mit Druckköpfen 3 umfasst, sowie eine Basisstation 12 zum Ansteuern der Druckköpfe 3, eine Bedieneinheit 13, eine Stromversorgung 14, eine Tinten-Versorgungspumpe 15, die über die Versorgungsleitung 16 mit den Tintentanks 17 und den Druckköpfen 3 verbunden ist, einen Tinten-Abfallbehälter 18 und ein Tinten-Trocknungssystem 19, z.B. auf Basis von UV- Licht. Neben dem Deckel 4 weist der erfindungsgemäße Drucker 2 außerdem Umwälzpumpen 10 auf, einen Motor 20 zum Antrieb des Deckels 4 sowie eine Steuerung 21 zur Ansteuerung des Motors 20. Fig. 2 shows the components of the inkjet printer 2, which as usual comprises a printhead module 11 with printheads 3, and a base station 12 for driving the printheads 3, a control unit 13, a power supply 14, an ink supply pump 15, which are connected via the supply line 16 with the ink tanks 17 and the printheads 3, an ink waste container 18 and an ink drying system 19, eg based on UV light. In addition to the lid 4, the printer 2 according to the invention also has circulating pumps 10, a motor 20 for driving the lid 4, and a controller 21 for controlling the motor 20.

Die Steuerung 21 steuert den Motor 20 bei einer Druckunterbrechung automatisch an, so dass der Deckel 4 zwischen die Druckköpfe 3 und das Etikettenband 6 verbracht wird. Die Steuerung 21 kann zu diesem Zweck an eine geeignete Überwachungsvorrichtung der Etikettiermaschine 1 gekoppelt sein, die z.B. erkennt, ob Etikettenband 6 zugefördert wird. Der Deckel 4 könnte jedoch auch mit der Bedieneinheit 13 angesteuert werden.The controller 21 automatically controls the motor 20 in the event of a print interruption, so that the cover 4 is moved between the print heads 3 and the label tape 6. The controller 21 may for this purpose be coupled to a suitable monitoring device of the labeling machine 1, which recognizes, for example, whether label strip 6 is conveyed. However, the cover 4 could also be controlled by the operating unit 13.

Die Ausgestaltung des Deckels 4 und seine Lage in Relation zu den Druckköpfen 3 wird aus Fig. 3A deutlich, die beispielhaft einen Druckkopf 3 und den Deckel 4 in einer Druckposition zeigt. Der Druckkopf 3 umfasst eine Düse 23 mit einer Austrittsöffnung 24 sowie eine Tintenkammer 25, die in Fig. 3A teilweise mit Tinte 26 gefüllt ist. Ein Tintenstrahl 26a tritt aus der Austrittsöffnung 24 aus und trifft auf das Etikettenband 6. Die Versorgungsleitung 16 ist mit einer ersten Einlassöffnung 27 der Vorratskammer 25 verbunden.The design of the lid 4 and its location in relation to the printheads 3 is made Fig. 3A clearly showing by way of example a printhead 3 and the lid 4 in a printing position. The print head 3 comprises a nozzle 23 with an outlet opening 24 and an ink chamber 25, which in Fig. 3A partially filled with ink 26. An ink jet 26a emerges from the exit opening 24 and strikes the label band 6. The supply line 16 is connected to a first inlet opening 27 of the storage chamber 25.

Der Deckel 4 liegt an der dem Etikettenband 6 zugewandten Seite 39 des Druckkopfs 3 an und weist einen zu dieser Seite hin offenen Auffangbereich 27 für Tinte 26 auf sowie eine an dessen unterem Ende angeordnete Auslassöffnung 29. Letztere ist über den saugseitigen Schlauch 31, die Umwälzpumpe 10 und den druckseitigen Schlauch 35 mit einer zweiten Einlassöffnung 37 der Tintenkammer 25 verbunden.The lid 4 abuts against the label band 6 facing side 39 of the printhead 3 and has an open towards this side collecting area 27 for ink 26 and arranged at the lower end outlet opening 29. The latter is on the suction side hose 31, the circulation pump 10 and the pressure-side hose 35 is connected to a second inlet port 37 of the ink chamber 25.

Fig. 3B zeigt die ansonsten identische Anordnung aus Fig. 3A in einer Umwälzposition, die man durch Verschieben des Deckels 4 in Richtung des Pfeils A erhält. In der Umwälzposition ist der Deckel 4 zwischen der Austrittsöffnung 24 der Düse 23 und dem Etikettenband 6 angeordnet, so dass der Tintenstrahl 26a durch den Auffangbereich 27 aufgefangen wird. Der Auffangbereich 27 ist so ausgebildet, dass die Tinte 26 über der Auslassöffnung 29 gesammelt wird. Die Umwälzpumpe 10 fördert die gesammelte Tinte 26 durch die Auslassöffnung 29 und die Schläuche 31, 35 in die Tintenkammer 25 zurück. Fig. 3B shows the otherwise identical arrangement Fig. 3A in a Umwälzposition, which is obtained by moving the lid 4 in the direction of arrow A. In the circulating position, the lid 4 is disposed between the discharge port 24 of the nozzle 23 and the label tape 6, so that the ink jet 26a is caught by the catching portion 27. The catching area 27 is formed so that the ink 26 is collected above the outlet opening 29. The circulation pump 10 conveys the collected ink 26 back into the ink chamber 25 through the outlet port 29 and the tubes 31, 35.

Der Druckkopf 3 arbeitet bedarfsabhängig nach dem sogenannten "Drop-On-Demand"-Prinzip. Hierbei presst die wiederholte Verformung eines Piezokristalls (nicht gezeigt) oder die Bildung von Dampfblasen (nicht gezeigt) Tinte 26 durch die Düse 23. Es resultiert der aus einzelnen Tintentropfen bestehende Strahl 26a mit im Wesentlichen gleichbleibender Richtung, wobei die Richtung insbesondere unabhängig von der Stellung des Deckels 4 ist.The print head 3 operates as needed depending on the so-called "drop-on-demand" principle. Here, the repeated deformation of a piezocrystal (not shown) or the formation of vapor bubbles (not shown) presses ink 26 through the nozzle 23. The resulting jet of individual drops of ink 26a results in a substantially constant direction, the direction being particularly independent of position of the lid 4 is.

Ein Druckkopf 3 kann mehrere, z.B. zeilenartig angeordnete Düsen 23 aufweisen. Die Anzahl der Druckköpfe 3 ist nicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel beschränkt. Vielmehr kann eine beliebige Anzahl von Druckköpfen (z.B. für Mehrfarbendruck) in einem oder mehreren Druckkopfmodulen 11 angeordnet werden.A printhead 3 may have several, e.g. having line-like nozzles 23 have. The number of print heads 3 is not limited to the embodiment. Rather, any number of printheads (e.g., for multicolor printing) may be placed in one or more printhead modules 11.

Der Deckel 4 besteht z. B. aus Metall oder Kunststoff und weist für jeden Druckkopf 3 einen gesonderten Auffangbereich 27 auf. Ein Deckel 4 passend zu einer Kombination aus vier Druckköpfen 3 ist beispielhaft in Fig. 4 gezeigt. Die Auffangbereiche 27 sind dabei so angeordnet und dimensioniert, dass die einzelnen Tintestrahle 26a in der Umwälzposition jeweils vollständig von dem zugeordneten Auffangbereich 27 aufgefangen werden. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, dass einem Auffangbereich 27 mehrere Druckköpfe 3 zugeordnet sind, z.B. wenn in mehreren Druckköpfen 3 die gleiche Tinte verwendet wird. Die Auffangbereiche 27 können z. B. durch Vertiefungen im Deckel 7 gebildet werden oder durch Stege voneinander abgetrennt werden.The cover 4 is z. B. metal or plastic and has a separate collecting area 27 for each printhead 3. A lid 4 suitable for a combination of four printheads 3 is exemplified in FIG Fig. 4 shown. The collecting areas 27 are arranged and dimensioned in such a way that the individual ink jets 26a in the circulating position are in each case completely caught by the associated collecting area 27. However, it is also possible for a catchment area 27 to have a plurality of print heads 3 assigned to it, for example if the same ink is used in a plurality of print heads 3. The collecting areas 27 may, for. B. be formed by depressions in the lid 7 or separated from each other by webs.

Der Deckel 4 schließt mit den Druckköpfen 3 spritzwassergeschützt oder luftdicht ab, z. B. unter Verwendung einer nicht dargestellten Dichtung, so dass die Düsen 23 zusätzlich vor Austrocknung geschützt sind. Der Deckel 4 kann wahlweise auch eine geeignete Gehäuseöffnung des Druckkopfmoduls 11 verschließen, so dass die Druckköpfe 3 zwar von der Umgebung abgeschlossen sind, der Deckel 4 jedoch nicht direkt auf den Druckköpfen 3 aufliegt. Es ist auch denkbar, den Deckel an einem gesonderten Rahmen mit einer geeigneten Führung anzubringen. Entscheidend ist, dass der Deckel 4 zwischen die Düsen 23 und das Druckmedium gefahren werden kann. Unter Umständen kann auf einen dichten Verschluss der Druckköpfe 3 auch ganz verzichtet werden, so dass lediglich die Tinte 26 in den Auffangbereichen 27 gesammelt und in den Tintenkreislauf zurückgeführt wird.The cover 4 closes with the printheads 3 splash-proof or airtight, z. B. using a seal, not shown, so that the nozzles 23 are additionally protected against dehydration. The cover 4 can optionally also close a suitable housing opening of the printhead module 11, so that the printheads 3 are indeed closed off from the environment, but the cover 4 does not rest directly on the printheads 3. It is also conceivable to attach the cover to a separate frame with a suitable guide. It is crucial that the cover 4 can be moved between the nozzles 23 and the pressure medium. Under certain circumstances, a tight closure of the print heads 3 can also be dispensed with altogether, so that only the ink 26 is collected in the catch areas 27 and returned to the ink circulation.

Die Umwälzpumpe 10 ist eine selbstansaugende Pumpe, wie z. B. eine Membranpumpe oder Schlauchpumpe. In der Regel wird pro Tintensorte ein Rückführkreislauf benötigt. Die druckseitige Leitung 35 muss dabei nicht zwangsläufig in die Vorratskammer 25 münden. Es ist ebenso möglich, die Tinte in die Tintentanks 17 zurückzuführen. Die Umwälzpumpe 10 ist bevorzugt in das Druckkopfmodul 11 integriert, könnte jedoch auch außerhalb des Druckkopfmoduls 11 angeordnet werden. Die Umwälzpumpe 10 kann z. B. mit der Steuerung 21 oder der Basisstation 12 verbunden sein.The circulation pump 10 is a self-priming pump, such as. B. a diaphragm pump or peristaltic pump. As a rule, a return cycle is required per type of ink. The pressure-side line 35 does not necessarily have to open into the storage chamber 25. It is also possible to return the ink to the ink tanks 17. The circulation pump 10 is preferably in the printhead module 11 integrated, but could also be arranged outside the printhead module 11. The circulation pump 10 may, for. B. connected to the controller 21 or the base station 12.

Nachfolgend wird ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Bedrucken von Behältern in einer Etikettiermaschine beschrieben.An inventive method for printing containers in a labeling machine will be described below.

Bei einer Unterbrechung des Etikettendrucks erhält die Steuereinheit 21 ein Steuersignal, z. B. von einer externen Überwachungseinrichtung oder von der Bedieneinheit 13 des Tintenstrahldruckers 2. In der Folge steuert die Steuereinheit 21 den Motor 20 an, der den Deckel 4 aus der Druckposition in die Umwälzposition fährt. Ist die Druckpause geplant, wie z. B. bei einem Schichtwechsel, wird die Positionierung des Deckels mit der Zuförderung des Etikettenbands 6 bzw. der Behälter 17 synchronisiert, so dass der Deckel 4 nach dem letzten Druckvorgang in die Umwälzposition gefahren wird. Für den Fall einer ungeplanten Unterbrechung, wie z. B. bei einem Defekt, ist es sinnvoll, die Zuführung von Druckmedien ständig zu überwachen und bei einem Förderstopp ein geeignetes Steuersignal zur Steuereinheit 21 zu senden, um den Druck automatisch zu unterbrechen und den Deckel 4 in die Umwälzposition zu fahren. Wird die Druckpause durch ein internes Steuersignal des Tintenstrahldruckers 2 eingeleitet, ist die Zuförderung des Etikettenbands 6 entsprechend zu stoppen.In an interruption of the label printing, the control unit 21 receives a control signal, eg. As a result, the control unit 21 controls the motor 20, which drives the cover 4 from the printing position to the circulation position. Is the printing break planned, such. B. in a shift change, the positioning of the lid with the feed of the label tape 6 and the container 17 is synchronized, so that the lid 4 is moved to the last printing operation in the circulation position. In the event of an unplanned interruption, such. As in the case of a defect, it is useful to constantly monitor the supply of print media and send a suitable control signal to the control unit 21 at a delivery stop to automatically stop the pressure and drive the cover 4 in the Umwälzposition. If the printing pause initiated by an internal control signal of the inkjet printer 2, the feed of the label tape 6 is to stop accordingly.

Während der Druckpause, insbesondere wenn der Deckel 4 in der Umwälzposition ist, werden die Druckköpfe 3 weiter im Druckmodus betrieben, so dass die Tinte nach wie vor durch die Düsen 23 strömt. Es ist jedoch vorteilhaft, den Tintenstrahl 26a, z. B. mit Hilfe zusätzlicher Steueranweisungen der Basisstation 12, während der Positionierung des Deckels 4 vorübergehend zu drosseln oder zu unterbrechen, um zu gewährleisten, dass der Tintenstrahl 26a vollständig von den Auffangbereichen 27 des Deckels 4 aufgefangen wird und dass Verschmutzungen durch nicht aufgefangene Tinte 26 vermieden werden. Dies gilt ebenso für den Wechsel von der Umwälzposition in die Druckposition.During the printing pause, especially when the lid 4 is in the circulating position, the print heads 3 are further operated in the print mode, so that the ink still flows through the nozzles 23. However, it is advantageous to inject the ink jet 26a, e.g. B. by means of additional control instructions of the base station 12, during the positioning of the lid 4 to temporarily throttle or interrupt, to ensure that the ink jet 26 a is completely absorbed by the collecting areas 27 of the lid 4 and that pollution caused by unrecovered ink 26 become. This also applies to the change from the circulation position to the printing position.

Sobald sich der Deckel 4 in der Umwälzposition befindet, wird die aus den Druckköpfen 3 strömende Tinte nach Druckköpfen 3 getrennt im Deckel 4 aufgefangen und mit den Umwälzpumpen 10 in den Tintenkreislauf zurückgeführt. Dabei erhalten die Druckköpfe 3 bei Bedarf spezielle Druckanweisungen, um die Tinte 26 möglichst gleichmäßig über alle Düsen 23 verteilt austreten zu lassen und/oder die abzugebende Tintemenge einzustellen. Die Ansteuerung der Umwälzpumpen 10 kann z. B. durch die Steuereinheit 21 erfolgen oder durch die Basiseinheit 12. Im letzteren Fall kann die Förderleistung der Umwälzpumpen 10 an die von den Druckköpfen 3 abgegebene Tintenmenge angepasst werden.As soon as the lid 4 is in the circulation position, the ink flowing out of the print heads 3 is separated into print heads 3 in the lid 4 collected and returned to the circulation pump 10 in the ink circuit. If necessary, the print heads 3 receive special pressure instructions in order to allow the ink 26 to emerge distributed as uniformly as possible over all the nozzles 23 and / or to adjust the amount of ink to be dispensed. The control of the circulation pump 10 may, for. B. by the control unit 21 or by the base unit 12. In the latter case, the capacity of the circulation pump 10 can be adapted to the output from the printheads 3 amount of ink.

Am Ende der Druckpause wird der Deckel 4 wieder zurück in die Druckposition gefahren, Etikettenband 6 zugefördert und der Etikettendruck fortgesetzt.At the end of the printing pause, the lid 4 is moved back into the printing position, label belt 6 conveyed and the label printing continues.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Tintenstrahldrucker 2, insbesondere mit einem erfindungsgemäßen, bedarfsabhängigen Drucker, sowie mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren kann die Tinte 26 auch bei einer Druckunterbrechung aus den Düsen 23 austreten und umgewälzt werden. Dadurch wird das Eintrocknen der Düsen 23 vermieden, ohne einen erhöhten Tintenverbrauch zu verursachen. Durch Verwendung eines gemeinsamen Deckels 4 mit mehreren, den einzelnen Druckköpfen 3 zugeordneten Auffangbereichen 27 ist eine saubere Trennung der verwendeten Tintensorten (Farben) bei einem geringen technischen Aufwand gewährleistet.With the ink-jet printer 2 according to the invention, in particular with a demand-dependent printer according to the invention, as well as with the method according to the invention, the ink 26 can emerge from the nozzles 23 even when the print is interrupted and can be circulated. This avoids the drying of the nozzles 23 without causing increased ink consumption. By using a common lid 4 with several, the individual printheads 3 associated collecting areas 27 a clean separation of the ink types used (colors) is guaranteed at a low technical complexity.

Claims (8)

  1. Labelling machine (1) for applying information to containers (7) and/or labels with an inkjet printer (2) which has at least one print head (3) with at least one nozzle (23), characterised by a cover (4) which can be moved optionally between the nozzle (23) and the container or label, in front of the nozzle outlet opening (24), and returns the ink (26) emerging from the nozzle to the ink circuit.
  2. Labelling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the inkjet printer (2) is a demand-dependent printer.
  3. Labelling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the inkjet printer (2) comprises at least two print heads (3), and that the cover (4) is divided so that it returns the ink to the ink circuit separated according to print heads (3).
  4. Labelling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the direction of the inkjet (26a) remains unchanged on insertion of the cover (4).
  5. Method for applying information with an inkjet printer (2) to containers (7) and/or labels in a labelling machine (1) with at least one print head (3) each having at least one nozzle (23), characterised in that on a printing interruption, the inkjet printer (2) continues to be operated in print mode and that the ink (26) emitted by the nozzle (23) is returned to the ink circuit.
  6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the ink (26) emerges from the nozzle (23) demand-dependently.
  7. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the ink (26) is returned to the ink circuit separated according to print heads (3).
  8. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the direction of the inkjet (26a) is not changed when printing is interrupted.
EP08020855.6A 2007-12-19 2008-12-01 Labelling machine Not-in-force EP2072407B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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DE102007061277A DE102007061277A1 (en) 2007-12-19 2007-12-19 labeling

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EP2072407B1 true EP2072407B1 (en) 2013-08-21

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US (1) US8215756B2 (en)
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JP (1) JP2009149067A (en)
CN (1) CN101462415B (en)
DE (1) DE102007061277A1 (en)

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JP2009149067A (en) 2009-07-09
EP2072407A1 (en) 2009-06-24
CN101462415B (en) 2011-03-23
CN101462415A (en) 2009-06-24
US8215756B2 (en) 2012-07-10
US20090160901A1 (en) 2009-06-25
DE102007061277A1 (en) 2009-06-25

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