EP2152519A1

EP2152519A1 - Device and method for printing containers

Info

Publication number: EP2152519A1
Application number: EP08784742A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Schach
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2007-08-03
Filing date: 2008-07-12
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-12
Also published as: ATE527118T1; MX2010000934A; US20130019566A1; MX336492B; JP5361885B2; CN101674940A; JP2010535112A; US9132664B2; BRPI0810301B1; WO2009018893A1; EP2152519B1; CN101674940B; EP2152519B2; WO2009018893A9; KR20100008364A; WO2009018892A1; BRPI0810301A2; US20100192517A1; KR101153104B1

Abstract

A method and device for printing containers in multiple colors on at least one outer surface thereof. The device includes at least one printing group, with at least two ink jet print heads in each printing group. Each of the print heads is designed to be moved out of the printing position after completing a printing task, and then another print head is moved into the printing position to perform a printing task.

Description

Apparatus and method for printing on containers

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1, 30 or 31 and to a method according to the preamble of claim 41, 57 or 59 and in particular to a device or to a method for applying a preferably multi-colored imprint directly on container outer surfaces ,

[0002] Containers in the sense of the invention are, in particular, packaging materials designed as containers for fillings of various kinds, and in particular also bottles or bottle-like containers or cans or can-like containers. Printing inks or inks for the purposes of the invention are those inks or inks, in particular in liquid or slightly viscous form, which can be processed with print heads which are digitally controllable and operate on the inkjet printhead principle.

Printheads in the context of the invention are therefore in particular printheads which have a plurality of printing nozzles for discharging the printing ink or ink, for example in at least one row and which can be controlled individually for discharging the printing ink or ink and for this purpose at the respective nozzle. Sen opening a pressure generating element, for example in the form of an electrode of a piezoelectric element.

[0004] Apparatuses for printing on containers using printheads operating on the inkjet printhead principle and with relative movement between the printheads and the respective containers are known. In a known device (WO 2004/009360), the containers are each arranged on a trained as a container carrier mandrel during printing. Several printheads are provided distributed around the mandrel, with which by turning the dome on the respective container a multi-color sets printed image is applied. The mandrels are provided on a peripherally driven transport element, with which the containers are pressed on an intermediate see a container inlet and a container outlet formed transport path to be moved.

The object of the invention is to provide a device with which, at high power, it is possible to print on containers having a high-quality imprint formed by at least one printed image. To solve this problem, a device according to claim 1, 30 or 31 is formed. A method of printing on containers is the subject of claim 41, 57 or 59.

In the invention, the printing of the container takes place on its container outer surface by applying the ink or ink with the printheads directly to the container outer surface or with a transfer printing process using transfer elements or transfer pads, applied to the respective print image with the printheads and then transferred to the containers.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, and that of examples of devices for multicolor printing of containers on a rotationally symmetrical about a container axis container outer surface, for example on a cone-shaped or circular cylindrical container outer surface. Show it: 1 and 2 a device according to the invention in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view;

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of a rotor of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 that can be driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis; FIG.

Fig. 4 - 6 representations as Figures 1 - 3 in a further embodiment of the invention;

7 and 8 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; 9 shows a plan view of a partial representation of the transport system of the device of FIGS. 7 and 8 with the printing units;

10 and 11 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; FIG. 12 shows in a different position in partial representation and in plan view the rotor, which can be driven circumferentially around the vertical machine axis, together with a printing unit having a plurality of print head elements in different operating states; FIG.

13 and 14 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 15 in various positions a partial view of the transporter of Figures 13 and 14 together with a plurality of printhead elements having printing unit in different operating conditions; 16 and 17 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; 18 and 19 show a schematic, perspective and plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; FIGS. 20 and 21 show a schematic, perspective and top view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 22 in different positions different operating states of the device of Figures 20 and 21, respectively in a schematic plan view and partial representation. In the figures 1 - 3, 1 is a device for multicolor printing of containers 2 on its outer or lateral surface and thereby preferably formed on a rotationally symmetrical with respect to the container axis formed area of the container outer surface, for example on a circular cylindrical or ke-5 truncated or substantially circular cylindrical or truncated conical portion of the container outer surface.

The containers 2 are upright of the apparatus 1 via a conveyor 3 schematically indicated in the figures, i. with their container

10 axis oriented in the vertical direction and supplied in a single-lane container flow, in the direction indicated by the arrow T transport direction and pass after passing a corona tunnel 4 and a sub-screw 5 to a rotor 7 of the device 1. At the periphery of the rotor , which is drivable circumferentially in the direction of the arrow R about a vertical machine axis MA, are in uniform

15 gene angular distances around this machine axis offset printing stations 8 formed, each consisting essentially of a container carrier 9 in the form of an axis parallel to the machine axis controlled rotatable turntable, from a printing unit 10 and a device 11 for drying and / or setting of printing ink or ink exist. Each printing unit 10 comprises in the illustrated

20, four printheads 10.1-10.4 have been used to produce different color sets of multi-color printing

Printing image and another printhead 10.5 for surface printing or applying a transparent sealing or covering layer, such as a topcoat on the print image generated with the printheads 10.1 - 10.4.

> 5

The printheads 10.1 - 10.4 are digitally controllable printheads on the type of inkjet printheads, such as printheads, which are available under the name "XAAR" or "XaarδOO" on the market. Accordingly, the print heads 10.1-10.5 each consist of a housing with a plurality of individually controllable print nozzles for dispensing the printing ink or ink in the distribution and quantity corresponding to the respective print image or color set on the substrate to be printed, ie in the present case the to be printed Container outer surface. The printing nozzles, which are oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally with their axes, are arranged on each print head 10.1-10.5 in at least one row parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical machine axis MA. The application of the printing ink or ink is achieved for example by appropriate control of electrodes or piezo elements in the printheads 10.1 - 10.5, for example, with a drive frequency up to 50 kHz and a relative speed between the respective printhead and the surface to be printed by 560 mm / second. The number of printing nozzles per print head is for example in the range of 500 at a printing width of about 70 mm. The printheads 10.1-10.4 contain ink or ink in different colors, namely, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

As shown in Figures 1-3, the printheads are 10.1 - 10.5 of all printing stations 8 arranged on a common, the machine axis MA enclosing circle, in such a way that the printheads all, with the rotating rotor 7 mitbewegter printing units 10th are located within a circular path with respect to the machine axis MA, on which the container carrier 9 to move. The printing nozzles of all the printing heads 10.1-10.5 are thus always directed radially outwards with their axes relative to the machine axis MA, so that the centrifugal force when the rotor 7 rotates supports the application of the printing ink or ink to the containers 2.

The printing unit 10 of each printing station 8 is, as stated, formed circumferentially with the rotor 7, but at the same time for the printhead change about the machine axis MA stepwise pivotable or weiterschaltbar in the direction of rotation and counter to this direction, so that each printhead 10.1 - 10.5 at Printing a container 2 can be moved at least once into a printing position in which the printhead in question with its printing nozzles on the container support 9 upright container 2 with a small distance (eg less than 1mm) is immediately adjacent. Offset about the axis of the respective container carrier 9 by about 90 ° relative to the printing unit 10, the device 11 is provided, which is a drying of the ink or ink by energy input or heat and / or UV radiation causes. In the device 1, the devices 1 1 are arranged on a common circumference enclosing the machine axis MA whose radius is equal to or approximately equal to the distance which the axes of the container carriers 9 have from this machine axis, in such a way that in Ro tordrehrichtuπg R the respective device 11 the associated container carrier 9 leads.

For printing, the containers 2 are each transferred individually via the transport star 6 to a printing station 8, then on a controlled rotational movement of the container carrier 10 9 and thus in a controlled rotational movement of the container 2 about its container axis with the printheads 10.1 - 10.4 successively printed the color printing color sets and then the cover layer is applied to the print head 10.5.

In detail, the printing of each container takes place so that after the transfer to a printing station 8 with the respective printhead 10.1 - 10.5 of the print head corresponding color set or the final cover layer are printed on the container outer surface, and that when printing each color set and possibly even during the indexing

10 of the printing unit 10 to a printhead division or a printhead drying of the applied ink or ink by means of the device 11 takes place. During each printing step, i. During the printing of the respective color set or the application of the cover layer and the drying of the printing ink or the cover layer, each container 2 is rotated 360 °. Every printing step

5 with the drying takes place, for example, on an angular range of the rotational movement of the rotor 7 of about 50 °, so that the printing of the container 2 is completed with certainty before the container 2 reach a container outlet, on which they have a transport star 12 on a Transporter 13 are discharged. The resetting of the printing units 10 to the starting position takes place in the angle

> 0 rich the rotational movement of the rotor 7 between the Transportstemen 12 and 6. The treatment in the corona tunnel 4 is achieved by static charging the container 2 on its outer surface an improved or sharper printed image. In the direction of rotation R of the rotor directly in front of the transport star 12, an optoelectronic control system 14 is provided, with which the imprint on the containers 2 moved past this system and further rotated about the container axis is checked, so that on the conveyor 13 Container with a faulty imprint can be discharged.

Figures 4 - 6 show a further embodiment of a device 1a, which differs from the device 1 essentially only in that at the individual printing stations 8 instead of the printing units 10 printing units 10a are provided which the printheads 10.1 - 10.5 have a about an axis parallel to the machine axis MA by turning for the printhead change further switchable carrier 15. The print heads 10.1 - 10.5 are distributed at uniform angular intervals on the circumference of the carrier 15 is provided. Again, the carriers 15 are within the path of travel of the container carriers 9, so that each is brought into the printing position, i. the printing on the container 2 immediately adjacent printhead is directed with its pressure nozzles relative to the machine axis MA radially outward. The printing of the container 2 is carried out with the device 1a in turn on the angular range of rotation of the rotor 7 between the transport star 6 and the control system 14, wherein for each color set and for the sealing or covering the corresponding print head is switched to the printing position. During printing, the drying of the printing ink or of the sealing or covering layer takes place with the device 11. During the printing steps (application of the color sets, the sealing or covering layer and drying), the respective container 2 is rotated through 360 °.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show, as a further embodiment, a device 1b which differs from the device 1 essentially only in that, instead of the rotor 7, a transport system 16 is provided which forms a closed loop on at least one of them , endless circulating drivable transport element at regular intervals a plurality of printing stations 8 with each having a container carrier 9, a printing unit 10 and means for drying the ink or ink.

The container 2 are the device 1a in turn fed via the feed dog 3 with the corona tunnel 4 and each one handed over the transport star 6 to a printing station 8, with the respective container 2 then on the transport path 17 of the transport system 16 during the oppression is moved in the transport direction TS. The printed containers 2 are forwarded to the transporter 13 with the transport star 12 forming a container outlet.

The printing of the container 2 with the individual inks or ink sets of multi-color printing and the application or the sealing or covering layer takes place in an analogous manner, as described in connection with the device 1. For this purpose, the moving together with the transport system 16 printing units 10 and their printheads 10.1 - 10.5 for the printhead change relative to the transport system 16 in the transport direction TS and against this transport direction movable or switchable and are located on the inside of the loop formed by the transport system 16. The devices 11 of all printing stations 8 are arranged on a common loop line which also intersects the vertical axes of rotation of the container carriers 9, the container carriers 9 leading in the transport direction TS of the associated device 11 in each case.

In detail, the printing of the container 2 again takes place in such a way that under advancing the printheads 10.1 - 10.5 the respective color set or the sealing or covering are applied, that during the printing process, possibly even during the Weiterschalts the Printheads drying the ink and the sealing or covering layer with the associated device 11 takes place, wherein the respective container with the container carrier 9 is rotated by 360 °.

Figures 10 - 12 show as a further embodiment of the invention also a device 1 c for multi-color printing of containers 2. The device 1c differs from the device 1 in that a multiplicity of container carriers 9 are provided on the circumference of the rotor 7 at regular angular intervals around the vertical machine axis MA, but these container carriers 9 are not part of printing stations, each with independent printing units. 5

In the apparatus 1c, rather, a single printing unit or unit 18 is provided with a plurality of printhead units 18.1 - 18.5, each of which unit has a plurality of printheads 19, in the illustrated embodiment, two printheads. The printheads 19 are the same as the

10 printheads 10.1 - 10.5 formed. Each printhead unit 18.1 - 18.5 or their printheads 19 are used in the manner described below for simultaneous application of the color sets of the respective printhead unit associated color or the sealing or Abdeckschicht to one of the number of printheads 19 corresponding number of container 2 i. in the illustrated embodiment

Form for simultaneous application to two containers 2.

The printhead units 18.1-18.5 are further provided with two deliverable and wegschaltbaren means 20 for drying the respective imprint or the ink or ink, for example by energy input, e.g.

.0 formed by heating and / or UV light, wherein each means 20 is associated with a printhead 19. The printhead units 18.1-18.5 with their printheads 19 and their devices 20 are arranged on a common carrier 21, which is reciprocable or pivotable about the machine axis MA about a stroke corresponding to a machine pitch, as described in particular.

15 re in the figure 12 is indicated by the arrows TR1 and TR2. The printing unit 18 formed by the print head units 18.1-18.5 and the carrier 21 is therefore designed to be oscillating. It is located in relation to the machine axis MA within the movement path on which the container carrier 9 move with rotating rotor 7. Furthermore, the individual print heads 19 are arranged so that they

) 0 arranged radially in each case in a row parallel or substantially parallel to the machine axis MA arranged printing nozzles with respect to this machine axis facing outward, so that the application of the ink or ink is in turn supported by the centrifugal force with rotating rotor 7.

The arrangement is further made such that the distance between the printheads 5 19 at each printhead unit 18.1 - 18.5, but also the distance between adjacent printheads 19 at the circumferential direction of the rotor 7 successive printhead units 18.1 - 18.5 is equal to the angular distance, the two adjacent container carrier 9 from each other. Furthermore, the devices 20 are in the activated or delivered state in plan view of the rotor 7 [0 relative to the printheads offset by 90 ° and arranged on a machine axis MA enclosing circle, which also intersects the axes of rotation of the container carrier, in the rotor rotation direction R dem respectively adjacent container carrier or the container 2 standing on this container carrier leading. Each printhead unit 18.1-18.4 is assigned to a color set or a color, namely yellow, magenta, cyan and black. The print head unit 18.5 or its print heads 19 are used for applying or printing on the sealing or covering layer.

The printhead units 18.1-18.5 are provided in the rotational direction R of the value, 0 speed of their reference numerals consecutively, i. E. in the direction of rotation of the rotor R, the printhead unit 18.1 forms the first and the printhead unit 18.5 the last printhead unit of the printing unit 18.

The multicolor printing of each container 2 takes place again in several ren 5 consecutive printing steps in which the printing, ie the application of the relevant color set or the sealing or covering layer and the drying at rotating around the container axis, for example, to 360 ° rotating containers 2 done. The individual printing steps are carried out on each container in succession by the print head units 18.1-18.5, and indeed with each print head unit 18.1-18.5 simultaneously to two containers 2 during each printing step, the printing unit 18 is moved in the same direction and synchronously with the rotor 7 (arrow TR1). The devices 20 are hereby granted provides and activates, so that during each printing step, the drying of the color sets generated takes place.

After completion of each printing step and before the initiation of a new printing step, the printing unit 18 is retracted in retracted devices 20 opposite to the rotor rotation direction R to the machine pitch to the starting position (arrow TR2), then in due to the rotational movement of the rotor 7 for a further printing step the printheads 19 of the printhead unit 18.1 each a blank container 2 and the printheads 19 of the printhead units 18.2 - 18.5 each adjacent to a container 2, which was already printed in a previous document by the printheads 19 a printhead unit 18.1 - 18.4. In the further printing step, the oscillating pressure unit 18 is then again moved in the same direction and synchronously with the rotational movement of the rotor 7 about the machine pitch (arrow TR1) and swung back to the starting position after completion of this printing step around the machine pitch (arrow TR2). The machine pitch is twice the distance between two container carrier. 9

The multicolor printing of the container 2 is completed before these containers 2 reach the container spout forming transport star 12, so that even in the device 1c in the rotor rotation direction R in front of the transport star 12, a control system 14, for example, an opto-electrical control system is provided , And to check the respective imprint on this system passing and thereby rotated containers 2, so that container 2 can be discharged later with missing or deficient imprint on the conveyor 13.

FIGS. 13-15 show, as a further embodiment, a device 1d which initially differs from the device 1c in that, instead of the rotor 7, a transport system 16, which forms a closed loop and is endlessly driven in the circumferential direction, is provided. On this transport system 16, the container carrier 9 are provided. Furthermore, at the transport path 17 of the transport system 16, on which the multicolor printing of the container 2 takes place, a printing unit 18a is provided which consists of a plurality of print head units, namely a total of six print head units 18.1-18.6, of which three print head units 18.1-18.3 and 18.4-18.6 on each side of the Transport route 17 are arranged. The transport system 16 has the container carrier 9 at regular intervals.

The printhead units 18.1-18.6 are formed in the same way as described in the apparatus 1c for the printhead units 18.1-18.5 there, i. Each printhead unit 18.1-18.6 has two printheads 19, which are spaced apart by half the machine pitch, and two devices 20 which are likewise spaced apart by half the machine pitch. Furthermore, the printheads 19 and devices 20 on each side of the transport path 17 of adjacent printhead units 18.1 - 18.3 or 18.4 - 18.6 each spaced by half the machine pitch from each other.

The printing unit 18a and arranged on a support, not shown, print head units 18.1 - 18.6 are synchronized by a drive, not shown, and in the same direction with the movement of the transport system 16 from a starting position in the transport direction TS to the machine pitch and against the transport direction TS back in the starting position movable, said oscillating movement with the movement of the transport system 16 is also synchronized such that after moving back to the starting position each printhead 19 again directly opposite a container carrier 9 and a local container 2 with its pressure nozzles.

The containers 2 to be printed are supplied to the device 1d via the feed dog 3 with the corona tunnel 4 and are transferred individually by means of the transport star 6 to a container carrier 9. After printing on the container 2 on the transport path 17, the printed container by means of the transport star 12 are removed from the Behälterträgem 9 and forwarded to the feed dog 13. The printing of the containers 2 is again carried out in a plurality of time-sequential printing steps, wherein in each printing step one of the number of print heads 19 of the print head units 18.1 - 18.6 corresponding number of containers 2, ie in the case of the device 1d two containers each 2 simultaneously with the two different, the printhead units associated colors (on the print head units 18.1 / 18.4, 18.3 / 18.5) or with the sealing or sealing layer-forming paint and a printing ink (to the print head units 18.3 / 18.6) are printed. During each printing step, the printheads 19 of the printhead units 18.1-18.6 are adjacent to a container 2. *** " The printing is done by rotating the container 2 by, for example 360 ° with activated devices 20, so that the ink applied with a print head 19 ink is dried by the direction of rotation of the respective container 2 on this printhead following means 20 before in the same printing step by the another printhead 19 again an ink or ink application or paint job is done. During each printing step, the printing unit 18a is moved in the same direction and synchronously with the transport unit. At the end of the printing step, the printing unit 18a is moved back into the starting position, so that then in a further printing step with the print head units 18.1 and 18.4 a print job on each still unprinted container 2 and the print head units 18.2, 18.3 and 18.5, 18.6 a print job on such containers 2, which were already printed in a previous printing step with the print head units 18.1, 18.4 or 18.2, 18.5.

While in the above-described devices 1 - 1d, the multicolor printing of the container 2 takes place on its container outer surface directly to the printing units or their printheads, Figures 16 and 17 show a device 1e for multicolor printing of containers 2 in a transfer printing. The multicolor printing takes place again on the container outer surface or container lateral surface and thereby preferably on a region of the container outer surface that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the container axis. for example, on a circular cylindrical or frusto-conical region of the container outer surface.

The containers 2 are the device 1 e via a in Fig. 16 and 5 17 schematically designated 30 transporter upright and supplied in a single-lane container stream, in the direction indicated by the arrow T transport direction and arrive after passing on the corrugated tunnel 31 provided by the transporter 30 and a dividing screw 32 via a transport star 33 to a rotor or turntable 34 of the device 1e. On the rotor 34 are

10, the containers 2 are held rotatably about their container axis provided thereon, not shown container carriers and are moved during the depression with the rotor 34 on a circular transport path. The printed containers are removed with a transport star 35 the rotor 34 and forwarded to a conveyor 36.

15

The multicolor printing of the container 2 is carried out using transfer pads 37 which are provided on the circumference of a transfer drum 38 which is circumferentially driven around the machine axis MA, in the rotor rotation direction R but with respect to the rotational speed of the rotor 34 Ge increased -

> 0 speed. The transfer pads 37 are provided on the transfer drum 38 radially adjustable to the machine axis MA, between an added, radially outward position and a down, radially further inward position. Furthermore, the transfer pads 37 are arranged so that they are circular in shape with their outer, around the machine axis MA

15 curved surface within the circular movement path of the container 2 or the container carrier between the transport stars 33 and 35 move.

In the direction of rotation R of the rotor 34 and the transfer drum 38 in front of the transport star 33, a printing unit 39 is provided with which on the Außenflä-> chen the transfer pads 37, the printed image to be applied to the container 2 is applied. The printing unit 39 consists of several successive in the rotor rotation direction R print heads 39.1 - 39.4 for different colors, for example wise for yellow, magenta, cyan and black or for the production of different color sets.

The printheads 31.1 - 31.4 are digitally controllable printheads in the manner of

5 inkjet printheads, such as printheads, available under the name "XAAR" or "Xaar500" on the market. Accordingly, the print heads 31.1 - 31.4 respectively consist of a housing with a multiplicity of individually controllable print nozzles or nozzle openings for dispensing printing ink or ink in the respective print image or color separation.

0 distribution and amount on the substrate to be printed, i. in the present case on the outer surface to be printed on each of the transfer unit 39 moving transferpads. The printing nozzles arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally with their axes are at each print head 39.1-39.4 in at least one row parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical

5 machine axis MA arranged. The application of the printing ink or ink is achieved by a corresponding control of electrodes or of piezo elements or actuators in the print heads, for example with a drive frequency of up to 50 kHz and a relative movement between the respective print head and the surface to be printed Transferpads of approx. 560

: 0 mm / second. The number of printing nozzles per print head is for example in the range of 500 at a printing width of 70 mm. The printheads 39.1-39.4 contain inks of different colors, namely yellow, magenta, cyan and black.

In the direction of rotor rotation R in front of the printing unit 39, a cleaning station 40 is provided, for example in the form of a cleaning roller, with which the printing or transfer pads 37 are freed of printing ink or ink residues before the application of a new print image.

0 on the area used for printing on the container 2 of the rotor 34, the (area) corresponds in the illustrated embodiment, an angular range of about 180 °, following the inlet star 33 following a means 41 for the Aufaufstern then bring a seal or covering layer forming paint on the respective container imprint, then in the rotor rotation direction R then a device 42 for drying the container imprint, including the sealant and cover layer, for example by energy input, eg heating or UV light and then 5 immediately thereafter an optoelectronic control system 43 is provided in front of the outlet star 35 with which the printed containers are checked with respect to the quality of the imprint while rotating about their vertical axis, so that incorrectly printed containers 2 can then be ejected on the conveyor 36.

In detail, the printing of the container 2 with the device 1e is carried out in such a way that each with the inlet member 33 to the rotor 34 and to the local container carrier individually transferred container 2 of the delivered, with the printed images on the Outer surface provided transfer pads because of the rotor 34 slightly faster rotating transfer drum 38 are rolled over, itself

Thus, the containers roll on the transfer pads by turning about their vertical container axis and thus the printed image is transferred from the respective transfer pad to a container 2. Even during the unwinding on the respective transfer pad 37, that is to say still within the transfer area, the containers 2 are moved past the device 41, with which they are moved on the respective axis of rotation about the container axis.

0 0 continuous container of the sealing or covering layer forming paint is applied, and continuously to the already generated by the unwinding on the transfer pad 37 on the container outer surface part of the container imprint.

The devices 41 and 42 as well as the control system 43 are not rotatable with the rotor 34 at the periphery of the path of movement of the containers 2.

After the complete transfer of the print image from the transfer pad 37 on the outer surface of the respective container 2 or after the complete unwinding of this container to the relevant transfer pad 37 and after the 0- permanent application of the sealing or covering layer is the relevant transfer pad 37 switched back and the respective container 2 is rotating about its container axis further by a drive of the container carrier on the device 42nd for drying the imprint and moved past the control system 43 and finally discharged with the transport star 35 on the conveyor 36.

The transfer pads 37 are again delivered after passing through the transport star 35 5, i. E. moved radially outward, namely for cleaning at the cleaning station 40 and for applying a new print image to the printing unit 39th

By treating the container 2 in the corona tunnel 31 and 10 by the local electrostatic charge of the container 2 results in a significant improvement of the generated with the transfer printing multicolored imprint on the container outer surfaces.

Figures 18 and 19 show in a very schematic representation of a device 1f, which in turn is designed for a multicolor transfer printing of containers 2 on its container outer surface. The printing of the container 2 takes place in this device on a closed loop forming endlessly driven transport system 44 or on a substantially linear transport path 45 of this system. At the transport system 44 container carriers 46 are provided at uniform intervals. The containers 2 to be printed are fed to the transport path 45 via the conveyor 30 with the corona tunnel 31 and are each transferred individually via the transport star 33 to a container carrier 46, with which the container 2 in question rotatably held about its container axis in the transport direction TS during the depression the transport '.5 star 35 moves, with the printed containers 2 are removed from the transport system 44 and forwarded to the feed dog 36.

For multicolor printing of the container 2 is provided on the transport path 45 printing device 47 with a variety of transfer 0 elements or transfer pads 48, which are provided on a closed loop forming auxiliary conveyor 49 with this circumferentially. The auxiliary conveyor 49 having the transfer pads 48 forms a vertical loop, which is connected with Rem upper, horizontally extending loop length 49.1 parallel to the transport path 45 and this is provided immediately adjacent to one side. In their initial position, for example, the transferpads 48, which are substantially rectangular and oriented with their longitudinal extent in the direction of circulation or movement of the auxiliary transport 49, are arranged with their surface sides in planes perpendicular to the loop plane of the auxiliary conveyor 49.

The auxiliary conveyor 49 is driven so that its upper length 49.1 moves in the transport direction TS of the transport path 45, but with a relation to the transport path 45 increased speed.

At the upper length 49.1, a cleaning station 50 in the form of a cleaning roller for removing ink residues on the transfer pads 48 and then a printing unit 51 are provided in the transport direction TS consecutively. The printing unit 51 consists of several successive in the transport direction TS printheads 51.1 - 51.5, for example, the same as the printheads 39.1 - 39.5 formed, however, are arranged so that the print nozzles of these printheads with their axes in the vertical direction and the rows formed by the printing nozzles each print head in the horizontal direction are perpendicular or transverse to the transport direction TS oriented. The printing unit 51 arranged above the movement path of the transfer pads 48 is used to print on each transfer pad 48 moved past on the upper side arranged in a horizontal plane. After printing, each transfer pad 48 is set up such that it is arranged with its side having the print image in a vertical plane parallel to the transport direction TS, so that the respective container 2 to be printed is rotated about its vertical container axis on a transfer pad 48 and thereby the print image is transferred from the transfer pad 48 to the container outer surface. At the same time with a device 52, the application of the sealing or covering layer and with a device 53, the drying of the imprint. The device 1f also has the advantage, inter alia, that the printing heads of the printing group 51 operating on the principle of the inkjet printhead can be arranged in a position which is optimal for the mode of operation, namely with their printing nozzles above the movement path of the transfer pads 48 and with the axes 5 pressure nozzles oriented vertically downwards.

After transferring the printed image, the relevant transfer pad 48 is pivoted back to its original position.

Figures 20-22 show in a very schematic representation a device 1g similar to the devices 1, 1a-1d for multicolor printing of containers 2 on their container outer surface by applying the ink or ink directly to the container outer surface is trained. The problem

In this apparatus, the container 2 is carried on a transport element in the form of a rotor 54 which is driven circumferentially about the vertical axis of the machine (arrow R) and on the container carrier 55 for the upright, i.e. staggered at equal angular intervals around the vertical machine axis. container 2 oriented in the vertical direction with its container axis.

-0 hen are. Within the path of movement of the container carrier 55, a coaxial with the machine axis arranged annular printhead support 56 is provided on which in the same pitch or at the same angular distance, the container carrier 55 from each other, printheads 57.1 - 57.4 for inks or inks in the different Coloring, namely in yellow (printhead 57.1), in magenta

> 5 (printhead 57.2), in cyan (printhead 57.3) and black (printhead 57.4) as well as additional printheads 57.5 are arranged for applying the cover or protective varnish. The printheads 57.1-57.5 are provided in groups on the printhead carrier 56, in such a manner that each group once has the printheads 57.1-57.5 and the printheads 57.1-57.5 in each group have the same order, ie, for example, in the valence of their Reference numerals in the circumferential direction of the print head carrier 56, for example, against the direction of rotation R of the rotor 54 are provided consecutively. The arrangement of the printheads 57.1-57.5 is further made such that in each printing phase (eg positions a and c of FIG. 22) one print head 57.1-57.5 is directly opposite a container 2 or its lateral surface in the printing position. The printheads 57.1-57.5 together with the printhead support 56 in this embodiment form the printing unit 57.

For printing, the containers 2 are in turn fed via the corona tunnel 4 and the infeed worm 5 to the infeed or transport star 6 (arrow T) and transferred individually to a respective printing station formed by a container carrier 55. The printed containers 2 are removed at the outlet or transport star 12 and fed via the feed dog 13 for further use (arrow T).

During transport with the rotor 54 between the inlet star 6 and the outlet star 12, the multicolor printing of the container 2. The color sets forming the respective multi-color printing and the subsequent cover layer are respectively rotated or pivoted at about the container axis with the container carriers 55 controlled Containers 2, for example, in a controlled rotational movement by 360 ° successively applied to the printheads 57.1 - 57.4 and the printhead 57.5.

In detail, the printing of each container 2 takes place in such a way that after the transfer from the inlet star 6 to a container carrier 55 in a first angular range of the rotational movement of the rotor 54, ie in a first printing phase, a print head for generating a first color set, For example, the print head 57.1 in printing position opposite (Fig. 22, position a). During this printing phase, the print head carrier 56 is moved in the same direction and synchronously with the rotor 54. When applying the color set, the container 2 is controlled by its vertical axis of the container rotated by 360 ° and at the same time the ink or ink applied by means of a suitable, each printhead 57.1 - 57.5 assigned device 58 dried. The printing phase following the first or in each case to a different printing phase for applying a further color set or for applying the cover layer is initiated by temporarily stopping the container support 55 or all print heads 57.1-57.5 or by a division against the rotation Movement R are moved so that the containers "overhaul" the printheads 57.1-57.5 by one pitch (distance of the printheads) (Figure 22, position b) and so each container 2 another printhead, for example after the printhead 57.1 of the printhead 57.2 , after the printhead 57.2 the printhead 57.3, after the printhead 57.3 the printhead 57.4 and after the printhead 57.4 the printhead

10 57.5 in a printing position is opposite (Fig. 22, position c). It is understood that in each subsequent to a preceding printing phase printing phase, which in turn takes place on an angular range of rotation of the rotor 54, the print head carrier 56 and the print heads 57.1 - 57.5 synchronously with the same speed and the same direction with the rotor 54 are moved.

15

The printed containers 2 are with the rotor 54 for complete curing of the ink and the cover layer at a curing or curing station 59 and then subsequently before reaching the outlet star 12 at a control station or a control system 14 over moves, with the imprint

»0 is checked on the moving past this system and continue to rotated about its vertical axis container container so that on the conveyor 13 containers with the one erroneous expression can be excluded.

The number of bin carriers 55 on the rotor 54 in the device 1g is an integer multiple of the number of print heads 57.1-57.5 that each print head group has. Correspondingly, the angle or pitch spacing between the container supports 55 is also 3607 (n1 x n2) in the apparatus 1g, where n1 = number of print heads 57.1-57.5 per print head group, namely, for example, five n2 = number of print head groups on the printhead support 56. It has been assumed above that the printhead change takes place between two successive printing phases by briefly braking the printhead support 56, so that the printheads 57.1-57.5 are "overhauled" by the containers 2. Basically, of course, the reverse is also true

5, a printhead change is possible in each case by a brief acceleration of the printhead carrier 56, so that the container carriers 55 or the containers 2 are "overtaken" by the printheads 57.1-57.5 during the printhead change Printhead change and before a new printhead change in the same direction and synchronous with the

IO rotor 54 driven.

For the sake of simplicity, the print head carrier 56 is shown as a ring in FIGS. 20-22. In the practical embodiment of the device 1g, however, this carrier can have any suitable design for the function. That's the way it is

L 5, for example, in particular also possible to form the printhead support 56 at least in two parts, consisting of at least one entrained with the rotor 54 first element and at least one provided and guided on this element further element, which for the respective printhead change relative to the first element around the vertical machine axis

! 0 stepwise rotation by one pitch (distance between the printheads 57.1 - 57.5) can be further switched, for example, against the direction of rotation R of the rotor 54 or in this direction of rotation.

The device 1g has u.a. the advantage that for the printing process at least the greater part of the angle of rotation of the rotor 54 is available, the number of print heads 57.1-57.5 can nonetheless be kept relatively small so that the total number of print heads 57.1-57.5 e.g. is equal to the number of container carrier 55, and that the respective printhead change can be made by short movement strokes. 0

Also in the device 1g, the print heads 57.1 - 57.5 are again arranged within the path of movement of the container 2 on the rotor 54, so that the application of the printed images or their color sets by the centrifugal force of the rotating rotor 54 and print head carrier 56 is supported.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. 5 It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

It has been assumed above that the containers 2 stand up on a container carrier or on a surface of a rotor or a transport system during the depression of their container bottom. Of course, embodiments are also possible in which the containers 2 are held in a different manner during the depression, for example, hanging on a container or neck flange provided in the region of the container mouth. [5

Above, it was further assumed that the drying of the respective color set takes place during the printing. In principle, however, there is also the possibility that the drying takes place only when the respective color set is applied to the container outer surface. ! 0

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1a-1f device

2 containers

3 transporter

4 corona tunnel

5 one-piece screw

6 inlet or transport stems

7 rotor

8 printing station

9 Container carrier 10, 10a Printing unit 10.1 - 10.5 Printhead

11 Device for drying the ink or

printing ink

12 outlet or transport star

13 transporter

14 control system

15 carriers

16 transport system

17 transport line 18, 18a printing unit

18.1 - 18.6 Printhead unit

19 printhead

20 Device for drying the printing ink or ink 1 carrier

30 transporter

31 Corona tunnel 2 Infeed worm 3 Infeed or transport star 4 Rotor 5 Outfeed or transport star 6 Feed dog 7 Transfer pad 8 Transfer drum 39 printing unit

39.1 - 39.5 Printhead

40 cleaning station

41 device for applying a seal or from cover layer

42 Device for drying

43 control system

44 transport system

45 transport route

46 container carrier

47 printing device

48 transfer pad

49 auxiliary transporter

49.1 upper loop length

50 cleaning station

51 printing unit

51.1 - 51.5 Printhead

52 Device for applying a seal or Ab cover layer

53 Device for drying

54 rotor

55 container carriers

56 print head carrier

57 printing unit

57.1 - 57.5 Printhead

58 Device for drying

59 curing or curing station

T ₁ TS transport direction

R Rotary direction of rotation

MA machine axis

TR1. TR2 pivoting direction of the oscillating printing unit 18

Claims

claims

1. An apparatus for printing, in particular for multicolor printing of containers (2) on at least one container outer surface, with a print formed by at least one print image, with at least one printing unit (10, 10a, 18, 18a, 57) with at least two after the inkjet printhead principle working printheads (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) for generating partial print images of the applied to the container outer surface print image in at least one printing step, and with a transport element (7, 16, 54), with which the container (2) during printing in a transport direction (R, TS) are moved, wherein the printing units (10, 10a, 18, 18a, 57) or their printheads (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 19, 57.1 - 57.5 ) are moved along with the transport element (7, 16, 54) at least during a part of the at least one printing step, characterized in that the print heads (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) are designed for a printing process Opfwechsel or partial pressure change are switchable and wegschaltbar that a in a printing position on the container in question (2) located printhead (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) from the printing position out and another printhead (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) is movable into the printing position.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by means (9) for rotating the container (2) about its container axis during oppression.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the print heads (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) are designed for printing partial print images in the form of different color sets of a multi-color print image.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (7, 16, 54) between a container insertion run (6) and a container outlet (12) forms a transport path (17) on which the containers (2) are moved during the printing.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the transport element (7, 16, 54) a plurality of printing stations (8, 55) for each container (2) is provided.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that each on the transport element (7, 16, 54) provided for printing station (8) has at least one container carrier (9) for receiving a container (2).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each printhead (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) or a group of printheads means (11, 20) for drying the ink applied to the container surface - or -tinte or the relevant partial image is assigned.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each printing station (8) on the transport element (7, 16) is assigned an independent printing unit (10, 10a) with a plurality of print heads (10.1 - 10.5), and that the print heads (10.1 - 10.5) are provided for the partial pressure change on the transport element adjustable or further switchable.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the print heads (10.1 - 10.5) on the transport element (7, 16) in the transport direction (R, TS) and against the transport direction (R, TS) are adjustable or switchable.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print heads (10.1 - 10.5) of each printing station (8) for the partial pressure change are pivotally provided on the transport element (7), preferably about a relative to the axis of the respective container offset axis. 1 and 2 a device according to the invention in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view;

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of a rotatable about a vertical axis of the machine rotatably driven rotor of the apparatus of Figures 1 and

5 2;

7 and 8 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of the transport system of the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8 with the printing units; FIG.

10 and 11 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 12 in different position in partial view and in plan view the

5 around the vertical axis of the machine rotatably driven rotor together with a plurality of print head elements having printing unit in different operating conditions;

13 and 14 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 15 shows, in various positions, a partial view of the conveyor of FIGS. 13 and 14 together with a printing unit having a plurality of print head elements in different operating states; 16 and 17 in a schematic, perspective view and in plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIGS. 20 and 21 show in schematic, perspective and plan views a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; FIGS. 20 and 21 show a schematic, perspective and plan view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 22 in different positions different operating states of the ιθ device of Figures 20 and 21, respectively in a schematic plan view and partial representation.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the distance of the at least two print heads (21) is equal to the distance of the printing stations (8) or container carrier (9) on the transport element (7, 16).

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the printing unit (18, 18a) for each partial print image at least one print head unit (18.1 - 18.6) with at least two print heads (19) for the simultaneous printing of at least two containers (2) ,

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the distance of the print heads (19) on the printing unit (18, 18a) in the transport direction (R, TS) of the transport element (7, 16) equal to the distance of the printing stations (8) or container carrier (9) on the transport element (7, 16).

18. Device according to one of claims 14-17, characterized in that the at least one printing unit (18, 18a) is pivotable about a stroke corresponding to a machine pitch from the starting position to the end position and from this back to the starting position, and that the machine pitch equal to the center distance or angular distance of two adjacent printing stations (8) or container carrier (9) on the transport element (7, 16) multiplied by the number of print heads (19) on each print head unit (18.1 - 18.6).

19. Device according to one of claims 14 - 18, characterized in that for each print head (19) of the print head units (18.1 - 18.6) is provided a means (20) for drying or setting of the ink or ink.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the means (20) for drying the ink or ink deliverable and wegschaltbar.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one oscillating printing unit or printing unit (18) is provided inside and / or outside of the circumferentially drivable transport element (7, 16).

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a plurality of the transport element (54) provided container carriers (55) or printing stations formed by them at least one common to all printing stations printing unit or printing unit (57) is provided, which at least two Printhead groups each having at least two printheads (57.1-57.5) per printhead group for generating different partial printing images and during the printing phase for generating each partial image in the same direction and synchronized with the movement of the transport element (54) is moved, so that in each printing phase at least one printhead (57.1 - 57.5) each printhead group is in a printing position on a container (2), and that for the printhead change the movement of the printing unit (57) or the printheads (57.1 - 57.5) can be braked or accelerated and after the printhead change again d Erart with the movement of the transport element (54) is synchronized that after the printhead change turn a printhead (57.1 - 57.5) each printhead group is in a printing position with the respective container (2).

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the transport element (54) is a circulating transport element, preferably a rotor (54).

24. The apparatus of claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the print heads (57.1 - 57.5) of the printing unit (57) are circumferentially movable on a self-contained path of movement.

25. Device according to one of claims 22 - 24, characterized in that the print heads (57.1 - 57.5) are provided on a peripherally drivable print head carrier (56).

26. Device according to one of claims 22 - 25, characterized in that the distance which the print heads (57.1 - 57.5) in the direction of movement of the printing unit (57) or the print heads (57.1 - have 57.5), the mutual distance of the container carrier (55 ) or the printing stations formed by them corresponds to such that during each printing phase each print head (57.1-57.5) is in printing position with respect to a printing station or with respect to a container (2) arranged there.

27. Device according to one of claims 22 - 26, characterized in that the number of print heads (57.1 - 57.5) is equal to the number of container carriers (55) or of the printing stations formed by them.

28. Device according to one of claims 22 - 27, characterized in that the number of printing stations (57.1 - 57.5) is an integer multiple of the number of container carriers (55) or of the printing stations formed by these on the transport element (54).

29. The device according to any one of claims 22 - 28, characterized in that the number of container carriers (55) or of these on the transport element (54) pressure stations formed an integer multiple of the print heads (57.1 - 57.5) of the printing unit (57).

30. An apparatus for printing, preferably for multicolor printing of containers (2) by means of a transfer printing, with at least one printing unit (39, 51) with at least two printheads (39.1-39.5; 51.1-51.5) operating according to the principle of ink-jet printhead for producing respectively at least two partial print images existing on the printing unit (39, 51) passing transferpads (37, 48), the (printed images) by rolling the respective container (2) are transferred to a transfer area on the container (2) with a container conveyor (34, 44), with which the container (2) during the printing in a transport direction (R ₁ TS) moves and with an auxiliary conveyor (38, 49) having a plurality of transfer pads (37, 48) which are moved with the auxiliary conveyor (38, 49) in a closed path of movement, characterized in that the container conveyor (34, 44) is a rotor (34) driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis (MA) and the auxiliary conveyor is a wheel-shaped or drum-shaped element (38) which can be driven circumferentially around the machine axis (MA).

31. An apparatus for printing, preferably for multicolor printing of containers (2) by means of a transfer printing, with at least one printing unit (39, 51) with at least two printheads (39.1-39.5; 51.1-51.5) operating according to the principle of ink-jet printhead for producing respectively at least two partial print images existing print images on transfer surfaces of the printing unit (39, 51) passing transferpads (37, 48), the (printed images) by rolling the container (2) are transferred to a transfer area on the container (2) with a Container transport element (34, 44), with which the containers (2) are moved in a transport direction (R, TS) during printing, and with an auxiliary conveyor (38, 49) having a plurality of transfer pads (37, 48) connected to the Hilfstransporteur (38, 49) are moved on a self-contained path of movement, characterized in that the transfer pads (37, 48) on the auxiliary conveyor (38, 49) so tax-od it is pivotally provided that they are oriented with their transfer surface when passing the printing unit (39, 51) horizontally or substantially horizontally and at the printing position with its transfer surface against the lateral surface of the upright container (2) fitting.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, characterized in that the transfer pads (48) when passing the printing unit (51) below the printing unit or the print heads (51.1 - 51.5) are arranged.

33. Device according to one of claims 30 - 32, characterized in that on the orbit of the Hilfstransporteurs (38, 49) in front of the printing unit (39, 51) a cleaning station (40, 50) for the transfer pads (37, 48) is provided ,

34. Device according to one of claims 23 - 25, characterized in that the auxiliary conveyor (49) is a circumferential at least one horizontal axis transport element, for example, a transport wheel or one of at least one vertical or substantially vertical loop forming transport element.

35. Device according to one of claims 30 - 34, characterized in that the auxiliary transporter (38, 49) is driven so that the transfer pads (37, 48) at the transfer region parallel to the transport direction (R, TS) of the container transporter (34 , 44), but at a speed that deviates in direction and / or size from the transport speed of the container transport element (34, 44).

36. Device according to one of claims 31 - 35, characterized in that the container transport element is a rotatable around a vertical machine axis rotor (7) or turntable or a transport system (16) with at least one closed loop forming transport element.

37. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one print head (10.5, 19) for applying a sealing or covering layer is used on the respective printed image.

38. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the transport direction (R, TS) following the transfer area at the periphery of the container transport element (34, 44) but not mitbewegbeweg with this at least one means (41, 52) for applying a Sealing or covering layer on the respective printed image and / or means (42, 53) for drying the respective printed image and / or the sealing and Covering layer is provided in each case at about the container axis rotated container (2).

39. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the container transport element (7, 16, 34, 44) in front of the container outlet (12, 35), a control system (14, 43) are provided for checking the respective Behälteraufdrucks.

40. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a corona tunnel (4, 31) having a feed dog (3, 30) for supplying the container (2) to the container inlet (6, 33) of the device (1, 1 a - 1 f ).

41. A method for printing, in particular for multicolor printing of containers on its container outer surface with a print formed by at least one print image, using at least one printing unit (10, 10a, 18, 18a, 57) with at least two printheads operating according to the inkjet printhead principle (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) for generating partial printed images of the printed image to be applied to the outer surface of the container in at least one printing step, wherein the container (2) during the printing on a transport element (7, 16, 54) in a transport direction (R, TS) are moved and the printing units (10, 10a, 18, 18a, 57) at least during a part of the at least one printing step with the transport element (7, 16, 54) are moved, characterized in that after the Print a field and before printing another field, a printhead change is performed, in such a way that a in a Druckpos from the printing position to a printhead (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) located on the respective container (2) and another printhead (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) into the Print position to be moved.

42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that the containers are rotated during the depression about their container axis, for example by an angle of 360 °.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that during the printing steps partial printing images in the form of different color sets of a multicolor printed image and / or in the form of at least one print image covering the sealing or covering layer are applied.

44. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing of the container (2) takes place in each case at a printing station which is provided with a plurality of similar printing stations (8) on the transport element (7, 16), wherein each printing station (8 ) is assigned a separate printing unit (10, 10a) with a plurality of printheads (10.1 - 10.5), and that for the respective partial printing or printhead change the printheads (10.1 - 10.5) relative to the printing station or its printing position in the transport direction (R, TS ) and against the transport direction (R, TS) are moved and / or pivoted about an axis, for example, about a relative to the axis of the respective container (2) offset axis or rotated.

45. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print heads (10.1 - 10.5, 18.1 - 18.6, 19, 57.1 - 57.5) are respectively positioned during printing of the partial printing images so that the application of the printing ink or ink and / or the sealing or covering layer supports centrifugal forces, which are generated by the movement of the transport element (7).

46. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective partial printing image and / or the sealing or covering layer are dried immediately after the production.

47. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective partial printing image forming ink or ink or a sealing or covering layer forming mass is dried continuously during the application.

48. The method of claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the drying is carried out by energy input, for example by heating and / or by UV light.

49. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a plurality of printing elements formed on the transport element (7, 16), the printing of the container (2) with at least one common for all printing positions printing unit (18, 18a) takes place at in that the containers are moved past for printing and which has at least two print heads (19), and in that the printing unit (18, 18a) for generating one sub-image each with the print heads from a starting position in a working stroke (TR1) with the transport element (7, 16) and moved back in a return stroke (TR) counter to the transport direction (RTS) of the transport element (7, 16) in the starting position.

50. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that the printing unit (18, 18a) after each working stroke (TR1) is moved back to the starting position such that there is a container (2) at the printing head located in the print head (19).

51. The method according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that after each in each stroke (TR1) printing of at least two containers (2) takes place with different partial printing images.

52. The method according to any one of claims 50 - 51, characterized in that in each working stroke in each case at least two groups of containers each consisting from at least two containers (2) are printed with different partial printing images.

53. The method according to any one of claims 49 - 52, characterized in that in each stroke with at least one print head (19) on at least one with the printing unit or printing unit (18, 18a) not yet printed container, a first partial image print and at least one second Printhead be applied to at least one already provided with a partial image pressure vessel another partial image, and that the printing unit (18, 18a) after each stroke (TR1) is moved back to the starting position such that at the at least one first printhead (19) respectively a with the printing unit or printing unit (18, 18a) not yet printed container (2) and at least one further printhead (19) with the printing unit or printing unit (18, 18a) already printed container (2) is in printing position.

54. The method according to any one of claims 49 - 53, characterized in that the printing unit or printing unit (18, 18a) in each working stroke (TR1) or return stroke (TR2) is pivoted about a stroke equal to the axial distance or angular distance between two printing positions (9) on the transport element (16, 17) or an integer multiple thereof.

55. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a plurality of the transport element (54) provided container carriers (55) or printing stations formed by them at least one common to all printing stations printing unit or printing unit (57) is used, which at least two Printhead groups each having at least two printheads (57.1 - 57.5) per printhead group for generating different partial printing images, that printing unit (57) during each printing phase for generating each partial image is moved in the same direction and synchronized with the movement of the transport element (54), so that in each printing phase at least one printhead (57.1-57.5) of each printhead group is in a printing position on a container (2), and that for the printhead change the movement of the printing unit (57) or the printheads (57.1-57.5) is slowed down or accelerated and after the pressure co pfwechsel again with the movement of the transport element (54) is synchronized such that after the printhead change turn a printhead (57.1 - 57.5) each printhead group is in a printing position with the respective container (2).

56. The method according to claim 55, characterized in that the braking or accelerating by short-term overlaps with the transport element (54) synchronous movement of the printing unit (57) or the print heads (57.1 - 57.5) with a further movement component opposite to or in the transport direction (R) of the transport element (54) takes place.

57. The method of claim 55 or 56, characterized in that the print heads (57.1 - 57.5) of the printing unit (57) are moved circumferentially on a self-contained path of movement.

58. A method for printing, preferably for multicolor printing of containers (2) by means of a transfer printing using a printing unit (39, 51) with at least two Druckköpfeπ working according to the inkjet printhead principle (39.1 - 39.5; 51.1 - 51.5), with those on the printing unit (39, 51) moves past transferpads (37, 48) which are applied to at least two partial print images consisting of images, which are then transferred by rolling the container (2) on the transfer pads on the container (2), wherein the container (2) during printing on a container transport element (34, 44) and the transfer pads are moved with an auxiliary conveyor (38, 49), characterized in that the container (2) with the container conveyor (34, 44) as well as the transfer pads (37, 48 ) are moved with the auxiliary conveyor (38, 49) on a circular path about a vertical axis.

59. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that the transfer pads are moved to a circular movement path within the circular movement path of the containers (2).

60. Method for printing, preferably for multiple printing, preferably for multiple printing of containers (2) by means of a transfer printing using at least one printing unit (39, 41) with at least two printheads operating according to the inkjet printhead principle (39.1 - 39.5; 51.1 - 51.5) with which transfer images (37, 48) moving past the printing unit (39, 51) are applied to the printed images comprising at least two partial printed images which are then transferred to the containers (2) by unrolling the containers (2) at the transfer pads, characterized in that the printing of the transfer pads (37, 48) takes place in a printing position in which the transfer surface of the respective transfer pads (37, 48) is arranged in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane, and in that the transfer pads (37, 48) be pivoted before the transfer of the respective print image in a transfer position in which the respective transfer surface against the Mantelfl abutting surface of the upright container (2).

61. The method according to claim 60, characterized in that the containers (2) during the printing on a container transport element (34, 44) and the transfer pads with an auxiliary conveyor (38, 49) are moved.

62. The method of claim 60 or 61, characterized in that the transfer pads (37, 48) are pivoted before the transfer of the respective print image in a horizontal or substantially horizontal transfer position.

63. The method according to any one of claims 60 - 62, characterized in that the printing of the transfer pads (37, 48) with above the respective transfer surface arranged printheads (51.1 - 51.5) takes place.

64. The method according to any one of claims 60-63, characterized in that the pivoting of the transfer pads (37, 48) takes place about at least one axis parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of their movement.

65. The method according to any one of claims 58-64, characterized in that the transfer pads (37, 48) for transferring the printed images parallel to the transport direction (R, TS) of the container (2) to be moved, but at a speed in terms Direction and / or size of the transport speed of the container (2) deviates.

66. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 41-65, characterized in that the containers (2) are treated before printing in a corona tunnel (4, 31).