EP2213462A2 - Method and device for applying drops of fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a feeding device (13) for feeding an object (2) to an application device (4), and a controller (11) for controlling the feeding device, an image storage device (30) and the application device. The controller has a detector device (19) for detecting a part (5) of a three dimensional structure (25) of the object, where the detector device is attached to the image storage device and/or the application device. The controller controls the application of fluid drops (14, 15) on the object corresponding to a print motive (3) depending on the detected three dimensional structure. An independent claim is also included for a method for applying fluid drops on a part of an object for forming a print motive.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for applying fluid drops to form a motif on at least a part of an object provided at least partially with a three-dimensional structure according to the preamble of claims 1, 2 or 3 and 35 and 36.

The manufacturers of ceramic products, in particular tiles, in view of the advanced printing technologies available today, require a possibility to print a desired colored image on the surface of such a product, depending on a height line structure of the respective ceramic product. It should be possible to reproduce, for example, marble reliefs faithfully.

A corresponding to the preamble of claim 1 apparatus for multicolor printing on building materials with irregular surface, such as wall cladding elements, is in the Japanese patent application JP 09-323434 described. In this printing system, the component to be printed is first provided with a rough-surface coating to be subsequently conveyed to a position with a plurality of (continuous-ink-jet) ink-jet printheads, followed by printing of the motif with a low-viscosity ink containing a has a resistivity of less than 10 ⁴ . However, this document provides no evidence of targeted printing on existing relief on the component, this font is not removable, as the selection of the motif to be printed should be made.

Another method for applying a decoration to surface elements is in DE 600 09 141 T2 described. Here, a previously selected decor is to be applied to surface elements such that the decorative patterns of juxtaposed surface elements are coordinated. This can be, for example, a wood grain extending over several surface elements installed next to one another. A suitability of this device for printing, for example marble reliefs on a three-dimensionally structured object is not apparent from this document.

The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for printing three-dimensionally structured objects, which reliably ensures a high-quality and precise print motif at the highest possible printing speed.

This object is achieved independently by a device according to claim 1, 2 and 3, and a method according to claims 35 and 36.

The object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned above in that the control device has a the image data storage device or the application device associated detector device for detecting at least a part of the three-dimensional structure of the object, and applying the fluid drops on the object according to the subject in dependence controls from the detected three-dimensional structure. With the invention, it is possible to precisely detect and classify the geometry and / or the type of object by the detector device before printing the object, whereby a reliable assignment of a print motif is possible, and reliably a high-quality and precise print motif with the highest possible Printing speed can be achieved. In particular, in the ceramic industry, the invention provides in connection with the digital coloring of tiles the possibility to print a desired image on a tile depending on a height line structure. This opens up the possibility of rendering even more complex images such as marble reliefs or wood grain absolutely true to nature. In addition to the ceramic industry, there is a wide field of application for the device according to the invention or the method in the entire printing industry. Printing on objects made of wood or plastics is just as conceivable as printing on metals. The invention provides, for the production process, a texture recognition process to be performed before coloring, which exhibits the contour of the object to be decorated, e.g. accurately picks up a tile and passes it on to the image rendering system, so that the right image can be printed accurately on the tile.

The invention can be solved independently but also in a device of the type mentioned above in that the control device of the image data storage device or the application device associated detector device for inputting a, at least a part of the three-dimensional structure of the object and / or the alignment of the same in at least two different spatial directions relative to a desired position characterizing input signal, and the control device based on the input signal, the application device for applying the fluid drops on the object according to the predeterminable subject in dependence of the three-dimensional structure controls. This solution now provides the advantage that application of the motif can take place independently of the position of the object to be coated, wherein alternatively, the three-dimensional structure for selecting the correct motif for application to the object can be made simultaneously.

A further independent solution of the problem by a device in the aforementioned type is characterized in that the control device has a detector device associated with the image storage devices or the application device for scanning or reading at least part of a coding and generates an input signal characterizing the three-dimensional structure of the object and the controller controls, based on the input signal, the application of the fluid drops to the object for producing the motif depending on the three-dimensional structure and / or the orientation thereof. It is advantageous in this embodiment that a special coding is provided on the object, with this object immediately the right motif for applying to a three-dimensional structure or the surface of the object can be selected. The advantage here is that only small amounts of data must be processed in order to uniquely identify the object and the object associated with this object is required. Thus, the production speed of such devices can be additionally increased.

It is advantageous if the coding is arranged in addition to the three-dimensional structure of the object, since thereby the applied coding can also be used for subsequent operations or logistics. The same applies if the coding is arranged in a region of the surface of the object which is distanced from the three-dimensional structure of the object. For certain objects, it is advantageous if the coding of the object has a three-dimensional structure. This is especially true for those objects that are made for example by a pressing or casting process, for example, by an injection molding or die casting process.

The processing of the objects is surprisingly considerably simplified if the coding contains a position information characterizing the position of the three-dimensional structure on the object. Thus, with a scanning not only an exact identification of the object but also an exact position detection of the object can be made.

Exact detection of the structure of the object at high speed enables a high production speed and can be achieved when the detector device associated with the image data storage device or the application or dispensing device has a high-resolution camera for detecting at least a part of the three-dimensional structure of the object, the data of the measured three-dimensional structure to the image data storage device outputs. However, it is also possible to obtain a high-resolution camera for detecting at least a part of the three-dimensional structure of the coding of the object which is obtainable in a detector device assigned to the control or image data storage device and / or application or dispensing device detects the three-dimensional structure and the orientation of the coding or their three-dimensional structure in relation to a desired orientation and outputs to the control device.

For an exact detection of the three-dimensional structure or the coding, it is advantageous if the high-resolution camera records the three-dimensional structure of the object or the coding by a relative movement between a line camera and the three-dimensional structure or if the recording of the three-dimensional structure of the object or the coding takes place in synchronism with the feed rate of the receiving device receiving the object. The last-mentioned embodiment variant has the advantage that the recognition of the structure or the coding in the continuous pass can occur upstream of the production process, that is to say in the application of the motif. It is advantageous if the supply device is associated with a sensor device for detecting the supply speed of the three-dimensionally structured object, which may have an incremental encoder.

A further embodiment variants which enable an improved recognition of the structure or the coding can be achieved if the sensor device for the detection of the Feed rate, an incremental encoder and / or the image data storage device or the application and / or dispensing device associated detector device comprises an optical reader, for example, a bar code sensor which detects an applied to the object predetermined text and / or character encoding and preferably the optical reader or the Barcode sensor is associated with a lighting.

Especially in production processes of ceramic components, it is to avoid read errors and for trouble-free operation advantageous if the detector and / or sensor device is disposed in a shielded against contamination container and / or provided with an automatic cleaning device for the optics of the reader ,

Additional advantages can also be obtained by having the three-dimensionally structured object to be printed on a length of 100 cm to 200 cm and a width of 50 cm to 150 cm, with a preferred length to width ratio of 140 cm to 80 cm or 200 cm to 150 cm and / or the detector device has a three-dimensional structure optoelectronically detecting CCD matrix and connected to an optoelectronic scanning device evaluation, for example, a Auswertemikrocontroller and / or the detector device comprises an optical measuring device which at least part of the surface geometry and / or the height relief of the three-dimensionally structured object is detected by triangulation of light beams and / or the three-dimensionally structured object is provided with a predetermined coding which is detected by the detector device and evaluated by the control device and / or the coding e a geometric image code having predetermined geometric and optionally structured picture elements, which corresponds to a stored in the image data storage device motif, as this misallocation of subjects to objects can be turned off with high security.

But above all, the correct detection of the position of the objects or in which position the objects of the application or dispensing device are supplied, since incorrectly located parts can be detected quickly and, if necessary, can be correctly aligned in the course of ongoing transport or the control of Application or dispensing device can be matched to the position of the object. For this it is advantageous if the picture elements preferably have at least one polygon of centering and / or directional marking, with a varying number of within this polygon lying at a certain angle to a side edge arranged code lines and, for example, the angle α of the arranged within the polygon code lines in the range of 20 ° to 70 °, and preferably 45 °.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further device claims.

However, the object of the invention can also be achieved by a method according to the preambles of claims 35 and 36, in which the object provided with a three-dimensional structure is guided past a detector device or sensor device associated with the control device, wherein the three-dimensional object is detected by detecting at least one Part of the surface geometry and / or the structure is classified by the detector device and based on the classification performed a motif stored in the image data storage device is assigned to the respective three-dimensional object, and the object is supplied to the application device, where applying the fluid drops takes place according to the subject or the control device has a signal input device assigned to the image data storage device or the application device for inputting at least one input signal characterizing part of the structure of the object which control device controls the printing of the object with the motif as a function of the structure or the height relief on the basis of the input signal. These methods allow a targeted, rapid processing of the individual objects while avoiding waste or a considerable reduction of the Committee. Further advantageous measures are described in the further method claims.

Further expedient features of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen von Fluidtropfen zur Bildung eines Motivs auf einem dreidimensional strukturieren Objekt in stark vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung und Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

einen Teil der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in stark vereinfachter schematischer schaubildlicher Darstellung;

Fig. 3

ein Objekt mit einer darauf aufgebrachten Codierung in stark vereinfachter schaubildlicher Darstellung in Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 4

ein Blockschaltbild des Zusammenwirkens der Detektorvorrichtung mit einem Bilddatenspeicher in vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 5

ein Blockschaltbild des Zusammenwirkens der Sensorvorrichtung und der Detektorvorrichtung mit der Steuervorrichtung in stark vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 6

ein Objekt mit einer dreidimensionalen Struktur und dem dieser zugeordneten Abgabevorrichtung für Fluidtropfen und der Sensorvorrichtung bzw. Detektorvorrichtung 19 zum Ablesen einer Text- und/oder Zeichencodierung in stark vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 7

die Darstellung eines Objekts mit einem auf eine dreidimensionale Struktur des Objekts aufgebrachten Motiv in Draufsicht und vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 8

das Objekt nach Fig. 7 mit einer auf der Unterseite aufgebrachten Codierung in Seitenansicht und stark vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 9

das Objekt nach Fig. 7 und 8 in stark vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung und Ansicht von unten.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a device according to the invention for applying fluid drops to form a motif on a three-dimensionally structured object in a highly simplified schematic representation and side view;

Fig. 2

a part of the device after Fig. 1 in a highly simplified schematic perspective view;

Fig. 3

an object with an applied coding in a highly simplified perspective view in view from below;

Fig. 4

a block diagram of the interaction of the detector device with an image data memory in a simplified schematic representation;

Fig. 5

a block diagram of the interaction of the sensor device and the detector device with the control device in a highly simplified schematic representation;

Fig. 6

an object having a three-dimensional structure and the fluid drop dispenser associated therewith and the sensor device or detector device 19 for reading text and / or character coding in a greatly simplified schematic representation;

Fig. 7

the representation of an object with a motif applied to a three-dimensional structure of the object in plan view and a simplified schematic representation;

Fig. 8

the object after Fig. 7 with an applied on the bottom coding in side view and highly simplified schematic representation;

Fig. 9

the object after FIGS. 7 and 8 in a highly simplified schematic and view from below.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new situation mutatis mutandis when a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

All statements on ranges of values in the description of the present invention should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the indication 1 to 10 should be understood to include all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i. all sub-areas begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

That in the Figures 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a device 1, with a motif 3 can be applied to a surface of an object 2.

For this purpose, the device 1 for generating the motif 3 has a dispenser 4, by means of which a motif, such as a wood grain, a stone grain, an ornament or any graphic elements or ornaments is applied to at least a part 5 of a surface 6 of the object 2. The object 2 can be formed by an MDF board, melamine board, a glass component, plywood, veneer, ceramics, greenware, tile, plastic board, cardboard or the like. The object 2 is placed on a, for example, as a single or multi-axis positioning device 7 and a feed device 8, for example, a double belt conveyor. This positioning device 7 can be used, for example, in the ceramic industry for transporting, for example, ceramic greenware called greenware before it is fed to the firing process, or by already fired ceramic tiles. The double belt conveyor 8 has two in the transport direction - Arrow 9 - extending belt, which may be driven by a motor 10, for example an asynchronous motor, which may be regulated for example via a frequency converter.

For controlling the device 1, a control device 11 is arranged, which may also comprise an integrated image data processing and / or recognition device 12 for a motif 3, which is integrated or connected to it, for example via a bus system.

Along the positioning device 7, which is designed as a feed device 13, the dispensing device 4 for applying the motif 3 by dispensing fluid drops 14, 15 is arranged by a fluid mixed with inorganic particles and / or pigments. This dispensing device 4 may be arranged downstream in the conveying direction - arrow 9 - another dispensing device 4. This subordinate dispensing device 4 is also equipped with a dispensing device 16, which is preferably, however, and with these dispensing devices 4 drops 14, 15 can also be dispensed from a fluid mixed with inorganic particles and / or pigments. Thus, the pigments can be different and in each case according to the desired colors such as white, cyan, magenta, etc., so that single or multi-colored drops for producing a single or multi-colored image or motif 3 can be delivered. For this purpose, the object 2 is supplied by means of the feed device 13 to the dispensing devices 4 or passed under them.

Of course, instead of the double-belt conveyor, with differently shaped objects 2, conveyor roller conveyors, a conveyor belt or multi-axes coordination tables with corresponding elements for holding the objects 2, e.g. be provided by vacuum.

For positioning the object 2 in the region of the dispensing devices 4, the object 2 can be fixed in the two spatial directions 17, 18 parallel to the plane running through the support surface of the straps or straps, or also moved with appropriate design of the positioning device 7. Notably, the movement takes place in the feed direction - arrow 9 - and is thereby moved through the object 2 positioned below the dispensers 4.

If an object 2 is now to be printed with the device 1, which object is at least partially provided with a three-dimensionally structured surface 6 or a height relief, the individual drops of fluid 14, 15 are provided with pigments and / or particles before application of the motif Fluids to select for the application of the fluid drops 14, 15 on the surface 6 of the object 2 required pressure data for the dispenser 4 from the image data processing and detection device 12 and an image data storage. For this purpose, the dispensing device 4 is preceded by a detector device 19 or a sensor device 20.

With the detector device 19, at least the provided with a three-dimensional structure or a height relief part 5 of the surface 6 of the object 2, to which the subject 2 is to be applied by dispensing the drops 14, 15 of fluids, be scanned. Regardless of this, however, it is also possible instead of or in addition to the aforementioned scanning of the structure or the height relief to scan an applied to the object 2 coding 21 or to scan.

This coding 21 may be arranged on the surface 6 of the object 2, for example, facing away from a support surface 22 of the positioning device 7 top 23 or the support surface 22 facing bottom 24 and, for example, as shown in FIG Fig. 3 be educated.

For this purpose, it is also possible that when the coding 21 is arranged on the bottom 24 - as in Fig. 2 shown - the detector device 19, as also in Fig. 2 shown below the support surface 22 of the double belt conveyor 8 is arranged.

Depending on the location of the object 2, the coding 21 is arranged, for example, on the upper side 23 or the lower side 24 or side surfaces, the detector device 19 can be arranged at one or more locations along the positioning device 7 or the feed device 13. Especially when at least part of a three-dimensional structure 25 or the height relief of the object 2 and additionally applied codings 21 are to be read out or scanned or scanned with the detector device 19, respectively own detector devices 19 and / or sensor devices 20 can in different technical designs, which are best suited for the respective purpose.

According to the invention, the control device 11 has a detector device 19 assigned to the image data processing and / or recognition device 12 or the dispensing device 4 for detecting at least part of the structure 25 or the height relief of the object 2, which prints the object 2 with the motif 3 depending on the structure 25 and the height relief controls.

The dispenser 4 may be, for example, an inkjet printing device for industrial applications with multiple printheads for dispensing drops 14, 15 of a fluid. The objects 2 to be printed, for example the tiles or the not yet fired ceramic parts, can be passed continuously past the dispensing device 4.

The control device 11 and the image data processing and / or recognition device 12 are connected via control lines 26 to the dispensing devices 4 and the motor 10 of the positioning device 7 or the double belt conveyor 8, the application devices 4 and their dispensing devices 16 and the detector devices 19 and 19, respectively. Sensor devices 20 connected via control lines 26.

Of course, the control lines 26 may be formed separately for each device in each of the described embodiments, but it is of course also possible to connect a bus system between the control device 11 and the other devices, in particular the positioning device 7 or motor 11 of Bilddatenverarbeitungs- and / or Detection device 12 and dispensing devices 16 and application devices 4 the detector devices 19 and the sensor devices 20, 27 provide.

For this bus system and the corresponding bus controllers, a variety of known from the prior art devices and systems can be used.

It is also possible to use a wide variety of international protocols for the interfaces between the individual devices and the control device 11 or the image data processing and / or recognition device 12.

The control device 11 also controls and monitors the supply of the objects to be printed 2, which are transported, for example, in the ceramic industry by means of a conventional belt belt drive system. This can be aligned with +/- 0.5 mm accuracy relative to the application devices 4.

The drive is preferably an asynchronous motor, whose control can be done via a frequency converter, which in turn are connected to the control device 11 via control lines 26. The belt speed, and thus also the feed speed of the objects 2, is determined with a sensor device 27, for example an incremental encoder.

Of course, it is also possible, instead of an intermediary transmitter for the sensor device 27, to use any other device and to monitor, control or preferably regulate the belt speed or the transport speed of the objects 2 with the positioning device 7 or supply device 13. The transport speed of the objects 2, such as the feed rate or the reactive speed between the dispensers 16 and the objects 2, must be taken into account for the accuracy of the scanning of the motif 3 or the coding 21 by means of the detector device 19 or sensor device or the accuracy of this scan , The higher the accuracy of the feed or relative speed between the objects 2 and the dispensers 16, the higher the accuracy of the determination of the motif 3 or the coding 21 and, conversely, the accuracy of the motif 3 applied to the objects 2 or the same Corresponding to a height relief 25 on the object 2. In this connection, it is therefore also possible to use a speed measuring device, for example the sensor device 20, with which the structure present on the surface of the objects 2 for the exact determination of the forward movement or the relative movement between the Object 2 and the dispensers 16 preferably at different locations, for example, monitored directly in the area of the dispenser 16 for the fluid droplets 14, 15 on the surface of the object 2, in particular semi or fully automatically controlled. For this purpose, for example, the use of a laser measuring device which exploits the unevenness or a three-dimensional structure 25 on the surface of the object 2 for determining the speed of the object 2 is suitable.

The accuracy of the speed measurement is advantageously less than 1% relative to the rated speed or relative speed between the object 2 and the dispensing devices 16. The sensor device 27 also supplies the measuring signal via control lines 26 to the control device 11.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, a correspondingly exact pre-positioning of the objects 2 on the positioning device 7 or the double-belt conveyor 8 and / or the support surface 22 at least in the spatial direction 18 or a spatial direction 29 (Z-axis), that is, transversely to the conveying direction - arrow 9 - the feed device 13 and him to the support surface 22 vertical direction, ie in the direction of the Z-axis.

It is expedient in this case if the object 2, in particular when it comes to tiles or green compacts, aligned on the positioning device 7 and the support surface 22 with an accuracy of +/- 1 mm in at least one of the two spatial directions 18, 28 and is positioned. For determining and determining or assigning the correct to be applied with the dispensers 16 Motives 3 on the surface 6 of the object 2 and preferably especially for adapting the applied motif to the actual height relief 25 of the object 2, it is now advantageously possible with the detector device 19 to scan the entire height relief 25 on the surface 6 of the object 2 or to capture, which is then to be printed with the adapted to this height relief 25 motif 3.

However, it is also possible to carry out only a coarse scan or to scan only individual parts of this height relief 25 and detect which are sufficient to determine which type or type of height relief 25 from a previously established library is concerned and this height relief 25 then to assign the corresponding correspondingly data-prepared motif 3.

If the entire height relief 25 is detected, it is of course possible to use the acquired data, regardless of correspondingly exactly assigned specifications, with a corresponding software to calculate a motive according to corresponding basic specifications, for example in the image data processing and / or recognition device 12 and the control of Application device 4 and their dispensing devices 16 based.

If the entire height relief 25 or the height profile is detected by the detector device 19, a high-resolution camera, for example, can be used for this purpose. With this camera or a corresponding laser scanning device, the complete surface of the object 2 can be measured under continuous or intermittent passage of the object 2 under the detector device 19. The corresponding data can be forwarded to the control device 11 and / or to the image data processing and / or recognition device 12. Of course, it is also possible to transfer these data in a separate computer via these devices, which calculates the corresponding exact height relief from these received data of the detector device 19 and thus provides the control data for the subsequent operations available.

When using a high-resolution camera, one-piece objects with a size of eg 200 cm x 150 cm or continuous webs of objects with a width of eg 200 cm or more can be measured. If, for example, a high-resolution line camera is used, the height relief 25 is determined synchronously to the conveying speed of the object 2 or to the relative speed between the object 2 and the detector device 19. The height relief 25 is composed of the recorded lines of the control device 11 and the image data processing and / or recognition device 12, respectively. Then the motif 3 or print motif corresponding to this height relief 25 is retrieved from an image database stored in the control device 11 or the image data processing and / or recognition device 12 or another computer associated therewith, and the control device 11 for controlling the dispensing devices 4 to hand over. If the object 2 is now supplied to the dispensing devices 16 or the application devices 4, the respective dispensing device 16 is actuated by the control device 11 to deliver the corresponding fluid droplets 14 and 15 of fluids added with more preferably different pigments or particles in order to apply the motif 3, as is known, for example, in the known from industrial applications inkjet printing devices to produce.

When determining or detecting or scanning the course of the three-dimensional structure 25 or the height relief, these data can also be used to determine the orientation of the three-dimensional structure 25 of the object 2 relative to a predefinable desired position and depending on the position the three-dimensional structure 25 or of the height relief and thus of the object 2 generate some corresponding input signals for the control device 11.

Likewise, tactile scanning methods such as the stylus method can be used, so for example a profilometer can be used.

With these input signals, it is now possible for the control device 11 to control the application device 4 or its dispensing devices 16 in such a way that, even if the position of the object 2 is not exactly aligned, for example with one of its longitudinal axes not parallel to the conveying direction - arrow 9 - the motif 3 in FIG desired orientation relative to the three-dimensional structure 25 and the height relief is applied. Such a procedure can increase the speed of application of the motif 3 and, for example, it is also possible to save separate guiding devices for the objects 2 or alignment devices such as positioning axes or robots for exact alignment of the position of the object 2 on the positioning device 7 or the feeding device 13 , The control device 11 therefore receives from its associated image data storage device 30 for the application device 4, the data associated therewith the required data based on the signals from the detector device 19, the at least part of the three-dimensional structure 25 and the height relief of the object 2 and / or the orientation of the object 2 in at least two different spatial directions 17, 18 is determined or scanned, set or selected or calculated. The detector device 19 generates the structure 25 and the actual alignment of the structure 25 or of the object 2 relative to a desired position characterizing input signals. On the basis of these input signals, it is thus possible for the control device 11 to actuate an alignment of the objects 2 in a desired desired position with corresponding actuating means and / or the application device 4 or its dispensing devices 16 for applying the fluid drops 14, 15 to the object 2 in accordance with the preselectable motif 3 selected on the basis of the determination of the three-dimensional structure 25 and, if appropriate, the position of the object 2.

The resulting data volumes are very extensive, but in fact virtually any number of structures can be detected and just as many different motifs 3 can be customized to be printed. For objects 2 with a low degree of reflection, appropriate illumination may be required for reliable relief detection.

As there are tile presses on the market today that can press several tiles, preferably 6 or 12 tiles at the same time, many different structures can be expected in a single production process.

It is advantageous, in particular, when applying motifs 3 to tiles or green compacts, but of course also for all other purposes in which motifs 3 are to be applied to objects 2 according to a chaotic system, to arrange a coding 21 on the object 2 before the application of the Motive 3 is scanned on the object 2 to the respective vertical relief 25 associated with the associated motif 3 or the application devices 4 and dispensing devices 16 for discharging the corresponding fluid droplets 14 and 15 to control.

The coding 21 can be configured as desired or have the most varied forms. Thus, it is possible, for example, to use a bar code or bar code known from the prior art, for example also a three-dimensional bar code for coding the individual objects 2, so that the correct motifs 3 can be assigned to them fully automatically. Of course, this bar code can be applied to any arbitrary point of the object, for example on those areas on which the motif 3 is subsequently applied.

In the case of cuboid objects 2, the coding 21 on the underside 24 of the object 2 or the side surfaces connecting the top and bottom sides is preferably arranged.

Of course, it is also possible that the bar code or the coding 21 is invisible under daylight or normally used artificial light. Such encoding 21 can therefore be arranged without further in the range of the viewer for the intended use facing visible side of the object 2, so that later with special light such as infrared or UV light or with another wave-optical method this encoding 21st can read. This is particularly advantageous when several individual objects 2 are assembled into a large overall motif and one of these objects 2 is damaged or breaks, so that the correspondingly correct object 2 can be accurately reproduced.

Electronic components that do not require their own energy source such as microchips or so-called RFID can also be embedded in the object 2 or arranged on the normal use of the non-visible to the viewer parts of the surface.

As in Fig. 3 it is also possible for objects 2, for example those which are produced by corresponding methods such as pressing, injection molding, embossing or the like, to arrange a three-dimensional coding 21. This is recommended, inter alia, in the production of green compacts in the ceramics industry, since there often the components are produced by a pressing operation and pressed in the course of this pressing process at a suitable location, the coding 21 as an identifying feature for the object 2 and the height relief 25 applied thereto or embossed or molded.

Whereas for the reading of flat applied bar codes all known from the prior art reading devices such as those used in industrial production or in the picking of goods can be used in the arrangement of three-dimensional codes and the possibility of the detector device 19 for optoelectronic scanning of Form height profile of the coding 21 as a laser measuring device, which, for example, works according to an optical triangulation method, in which the transmission beam is reflected by the measuring object 2.

Such a detector device 19, which is designed, for example, as a laser measuring device, is suitable, above all, for the scanning of codes 21, as used, for example, in US Pat Fig. 3 and 9 are shown. When scanning such a coding 21, the transmitted beam reflected by the object 2 is evaluated on a CCD matrix 29, and a signal proportional to the measuring distance is generated. Here, the detector device 19 formed by the laser measuring device takes - as in FIG Fig. 2 shown - in the bottom of the ceramic part or green body or the tile or on the bottom 24 of the object 2 applied or pressed surface coding 21.

The object 2 provided with the coding 21 or the green body or the tile is used for scanning, for example, in FIG Fig. 3 illustrated coding 21 which may be arranged on the underside 24 of the object 2 is guided past the detector device 19, which scans from below the structure of the coding 21 synchronously to the speed of movement of the object 2.

The motif 3 corresponding to the coding 21 - which is unmistakably associated with the three-dimensional structure 25 or the height relief of the object 2 - is retrieved from the image data processing and / or recognition device 12 and / or an image data memory 30 and transferred to the dispensers 19 for processing, and Finally, a printing with the respective motif 3 takes place.

The coding 21 may have, for example, code lines 31 which, in accordance with their spacing and / or their thickness, allow a distinctive identification of the object 2 or of the structure 25 arranged thereon or the height relief of the object 2, similar to a one-dimensional or multidimensional barcode.

Advantageously, however, in addition to the code lines 31 and the arrangement of a Zentrierungsmarkierung 32 as if desired one or more direction marks 33 and 34 possible. With the Zentrierungsmarkierung 32, it is possible to define the position of the side edges 35 to 38 of the object 2, so that by scanning the Zentrierungsmarkierung 32, the position of these side edges 35 to 38 relative to a desired desired position, for example, the feed direction - arrow 9 - determined and optionally can be changed. With the additional direction markings 33 and 34, it is additionally possible in the case of the arrangement specifically described below to identify each of these side edges 35 to 38. During the supply of the object 2 to the application device 4, it is possible, when using the direction markings 33, 34 and the centering mark 32, to recognize and identify the front end face 39 of the object 2 in the feed direction - arrow 9.

The front end face 39 thus forms the one with which the object 2 first enters the region of the application device 4.

In detail, this coding 21 can now be constructed in such a way that a center 41 of the centering mark 32 formed by a square 42 is arranged at the intersection of diagonals 40 of the object 2 shown in dotted lines. This centering mark 32 consists of a square with side edges 43-46 of which the side edges 44 and 46 are aligned parallel to a longitudinal center axis 47 extending through the center 41 and are each spaced by the same distance y from this longitudinal central axis 47.

The perpendicular to these side edges 44 and 46 extending side edges 43 and 45 are in turn arranged at the same distance x from a transverse central axis 48 of the object 2. Which in turn passes through the center 41. The longitudinal center axis 47 and the transverse center axis 48 are each arranged at the same distance b or a from the side edges 35, 37 and 36, 38 of the object 2.

Within the Zentrierungsmarkierung 32 are the code lines 31 which are, for example, at an angle α at 45 ° inclined to the central longitudinal axis 47 aligned. These code lines 31 or their number and optionally thickness form a code marking, for example in the sense of a bar code, wherein the course of these code lines 31 obliquely to the side edges 43 to 46 of the Zentrierungsmarkierung 32 allows a precise detection and discrimination of the same in a simple manner.

If now this centering marker 32 is scanned with the detector or sensor device 19, 20, both the position of the center 41 of the object 2 and the type of the object 2 and thus the object 2 belonging to this motif 3 can be determined, so that the right thing to the object 2 associated motif from the image data processing and / or recognition device 12 and the image memory 30 for controlling the application device 4 can be selected or determined.

If the object 2 is a square component or a rectangular one in which it is ensured by mechanical guide directions that it can only be supplied with one of the side edges 35 or 37 as end face 39 of the application device 4, the execution of the coding 21 be completely sufficient as described above.

However, if an arbitrary position of the object 2 is to be possible for the supply to the application device 4, it is advantageous if it can also be detected with the coding 21, which of the side edges 35 to 38 in the supply with the positioning device 7 and Supply device 13 on the support surface 22, the end face 39 forms. For this purpose, it is now possible that, in addition to the centering mark 32, two direction markings 33 and 34 can be arranged. These are likewise squares which, however, are no longer aligned with the center 41 but with the centering marking 32. A side length 49 of the direction marker 33 is greater than the side length 2x of the centering marker 32 and a side length 50 of the direction marker 34 is greater than the side length 49 of the direction marker 33.

In order now to enable unambiguous recognition of the respective side edges 35 to 38 of the object 2, the direction marking 33 is aligned such that side edges 51 and 52 are located at the same small distance 55 from the side edges 46 and 45 of the centering mark 32. As a result, the direction mark 33 formed by a square is arranged offset relative to the code mark 32, the center of this direction marking 33 formed by the square being offset in the direction of the side edge 36 of the object 2 in the present exemplary embodiment. The further direction marking 34, which is likewise formed by a square, is now offset relative to the center of the direction marking 33 in which the sides running parallel to the side edges 52 and 53 of the direction marking 33 are again arranged at the small distance 55 by the direction marking 34 whereas the side edges of the direction marking 34, which extend parallel to the side edges 51 and 54, again have a greater distance therefrom than the distance 55.

This results in the passage of the coding 21 through the reading range of the detector and / or sensor device 19, 20, a different sequence and distance of the individual side edges 43-46, 51-54 of the directional mark 34, 33 and the centering mark 32 and act these side edges namely the side edge 44 and the side edge 54 and the parallel to this side edge of the directional mark 34 as the bar of a bar code, the succession and distances of the side edges 46 and 51 and the side edge 51 parallel side edge of the directional mark 34th clearly different, as well as in the direction of the other two side edges 36 and 37 of the object. 2

Especially for the production of ceramic parts or objects 2 produced by a pressing process, the coding 21 can be produced on the underside of the object 2 with a press die which has incorporated this structure in the stamp base. With this procedure, which is particularly advantageous in the production of ceramic components such as green compacts or tiles, all possible tile sizes can be processed, but the minimum size of the tile 60 mm x 60 mm got to. A structure of 1 mm height difference can be resolved with a measurement signal of 1 V with sufficient accuracy. The sampling frequency of the detector or sensor device 19, 20 is preferably greater than 2 kHz. The sensor measuring range is, for example, 10 mm between 5 and 15, and the contour line scanning accuracy is 0.0 to 0.2, preferably 0.1 μm. This application variant of the coding is almost independent of the reflectance of the surface of the object 2. The stamp structure tolerance is 5% of the default values, this can be realized with presses especially tile presses according to the current state of the art.

The illustrated dispensing or application devices 16, 4 may be formed as a single-pass system, in which the dispensing devices 16 are arranged fixed. Thus, an object to be printed 2 over the entire maximum printing width continuously with the desired colors and, if desired, additionally printed with the color WHITE and / or a transparent ink layer and / or a protective layer.

Of course, the application device 4 can also be designed for the scanning application of fluid droplets 14, 15, so that with a plurality of dispensers 16 different colors, and optionally the color WHITE and / or transparent and / or protective layers can be applied, but with the dispenser or dispensers 16 resp Printheads extend over only a portion of the width of the object to be printed 2 and in each case the color strip is applied during a movement transverse to the longitudinal direction of the object to be printed 2, and the object to be printed 2 after each cross feed of the application device 4 over its width with the feeder 13um a presettable extent in the conveying direction - arrow 9 in Fig. 2 - is moved forward intermittently.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use a dispensing device 16, in which the ink drops 14, 15 are deflected after emerging from this by an electromagnetic field so that they impinge on the correct location of the object to be printed 2. The object 2 to be printed may be different materials, for example film-like materials made of paper, plastic, metal, textile, wood and the like, or nonwovens, nets and the like, or it may also be plate-shaped material and band-shaped material of the aforementioned materials be printed. In particular, it is possible plate-like material or components or films of wood, for example, with different wood structure for this wood, ceramics such as ceramic components as fired goods or as greenware, natural stones or other natural materials such as mats, nets, nonwovens or leather and other building materials such as plasterboard, plasterboard or the like to print. These objects 2 can be formed from extruded wood masses, from ceramic masses (green bodies or fired), from very different materials such as metal, non-ferrous metals, plastics and the like. Moreover, different manufacturing methods for the objects 2 are conceivable, such as injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, deep drawing, casting, and also different machining methods, such as e.g. Milling.

Contamination of the optics of the detector and / or sensor device 19, 20, 27 is counteracted by connecting a cleaning device upstream, so that a clear optics can be achieved with a blow-off attachment that uses filtered air.

By this formation of the coding 21, a fully automatic exact alignment of an object 2, for example, the longitudinal central axis 47 or the transverse central axis 48 parallel to the conveying direction - arrow 9 - done by a robot or appropriately arranged alignment and in each case a change in position of the object 2 are made, so the end face 39 required for the application of the motif 3 first enters the region of the application device 4.

On the other hand, it is now also possible to place the objects 2 in any position on the positioning device 7 or the supply device 13 and can be exactly adapted by appropriate control of the application device or devices 4, the application of the motif 3 to the respective position of the object 2 , Of course, it is also possible for objects 2 which have no rectilinear side edges 35-38, by the arrangement of the coding 21 to define the longitudinal center axis 47 and transverse center axis 48 and thus to coat objects 2 with an arbitrary circumferential contour with the desired motif 3 in a precise position or this applied.

It is advantageous in this coding 21 as in Fig. 3 is shown when a groove depth of 0.5 to 4 mm is preferably 1 mm and a groove width and / or a distance between the side edges 42 to 46 and 51 to 54 of the Zentrierungsmarkierung 32 and the direction marker 33, 34 or to the direction marker 33rd , 34 parallel side edges of the direction marker 33, 34 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm. The height tolerance of the structure should preferably be +/- 0.1 mm. The spacing of the code lines 31 can be chosen arbitrarily, for example between 2 and 6 mm, preferably 4 mm. A tolerance of these code lines 31 should be between +/- 0.1 +/- 0.5 mm, preferably +/- 0.25 mm. Also, a variable structure line spacing is possible.

In the centered orientation, when the additional direction markings 33 and 34 are provided, there is no directionality in the application of the motifs 3.

With a corresponding arrangement and design of the coding 21, it is therefore possible, a centering accuracy of the object 2 relative to the coding 21, for example, from +/- 0.1 to 1 mm, preferably +/- 0.5 mm with respect to the Zentrierungsmarkierung 32 so to achieve the inner square.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a part of the control device 11 and the image data storage processing and recognition device 12 of an exemplary device 1 for printing objects 2 as shown for example in FIG Fig. 1, 2 and 6 is shown.

The evaluation electronics belonging to the control device 11 comprise an evaluation microcontroller 56 with an analog / digital converter, interface modules 57 for setting up a proprietary RS-485 interface, and an input for the pulses of the sensor device 27 or the incremental encoder for measuring the belt speed. The evaluation microcontroller 56 samples the analog output signal of the CCD matrix 29 at a sampling rate greater than 2 kHz, preferably greater than 4 kHz.

With an edge slope of the signal, which is greater than an adjustable threshold value over a precisely defined number of samples, the evaluation microcontroller 56 starts the structure evaluation by evaluating the path of the object 2 or the tile by means of an encoder signal. If this running distance is the same length as the code marking start area, then a structure start is assumed.

The subsequent edge slopes and running distances without signal jumps in the range of the valid edge slopes define the read coding 21. If the read coding 21 is in the valid code space, then the structure has been recognized correctly. Depending on the structure detected, the evaluation microcontroller 56 of the application device 4 communicates the read coding 21 via the interface modules 57. The application device 4 requests the correct motif 3 from the image data memory 30 based on the read encoding 21. A printer controller 58 stores the codings 21 received from the detector device 19 in a ring memory and, after each image output, selectively requests the next motif 26 from the image data memory 30 for image processing. Image buffering of any desired eg 6 to 20 images is possible.

The distance between the detector device 19 and application device 4 is provided with a protective housing. This prevents objects 2 whose codes 21 have already been recognized from being taken off the conveyor belt and thus the required sequence is not adhered to, which would result in a system error.

Fig. 5 shows the interaction of the sensor device 27 and the CCD matrix 29 with the control device 11 for an exact monitoring of the position of the object 2 between the CCD matrix 29 and the application device 4. The supply device 13, or the sensor device 27 for this purpose, the clock signal ,

As a result, the transit time of the object 2 under the CCD matrix 29 is detected continuously. This has the purpose that with a change in the transit time of the object 2 under CCD matrix 29, a jam of objects 2 under the application device 4 for the fluid or between the CCD matrix 29 and the application device 4 for the fluid or fluid drops 14, 15 can be found. In this way, the reading accuracy of the coding 21 can be increased by the CCD matrix 29. This is especially true if the supply speed or the relative speed between application device 4 and object 2 is not monitored separately with a sensor device 20.

The Fig. 6 1 shows a representation of an exemplary embodiment of an encoding 21 formed by a text and / or character coding 59 on an object 2. The text and / or character coding 59 is a barcode (EAN-8 industrial standard format) which is assigned by a Sensor device 20, for example, a bar code scanner 60 is detected. The bar code scanner 60 delivers the signal to the control device 11 via a control line 26. The coding 21 is located on a side surface 61 connecting the lower side 24 with the upper side 23 of the object 2. The upper side 23 of the object 2 has a structure 25, ie a height relief ,

An exemplary (arrow) dispensing device 16 applies fluid drops 14 and / or 15 to the three-dimensional structure 25, ie the structured surface of the object 2. This dispensing device 16 can be movable in one direction, for example transversely to the longitudinal central axis 47 of the object 2 In this case, the object 2 moves in the longitudinal direction - arrow 9 - under the dispensing or application device 16, 4 and thus ensures a line feed. However, it is also alternatively possible that the dispensing or application device 16, 4 is movable in the direction of both axes and the object 2 remains immobile during the application process.

The FIGS. 7 to 9 show a representation in plan, front and bottom view of an exemplary object 2 with coding 21 on the bottom 24 and on the three-dimensional structure 25 and the height relief 25 applied motif 3 on the top 23 of the object 2. The coding 21 is during the production of the object 2 such as based on the Fig. 3 described by pressing. The innermost centering mark 32 of the coding 21 is centered on the intersection of the diagonals 40 in the object 2.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the device 1. For generating a motif 3 on an object 2, wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather also various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and this possibility of variation is due to the teaching of the technical act by objective invention in the skill of those skilled in this technical field. So are all conceivable embodiments, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment variant, includes the scope of protection.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that in order to better understand the structure of the device 1 for producing the three-dimensional structure 2, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.
The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Above all, the individual in the Fig. 1, 2 . 3 and 6 to 9 shown embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Apparatus for printing

2

object

3

motive

4

applicator

5

part

6

surface

7

positioning

8th

Twin belt conveyor

9

arrow

10

engine

11

control device

12

Image data processing and / or recognition device

13

feeding apparatus

14

fluid droplets

15

fluid droplets

16

dispensers

17

spatial direction

18

spatial direction

19

detecting device

20

sensor device

21

encoding

22

bearing surface

23

top

24

bottom

25

structure

26

control line

27

sensor device

28

spatial direction

29

CCD matrix

30

Image data storage

31

code line

32

center mark

33

direction mark

34

direction mark

35

side edge

36

side edge

37

side edge

38

side edge

39

front

40

diagonal

41

Focus

42

square

43

side edge

44

side edge

45

side edge

46

side edge

47

Longitudinal central axis

48

Transverse centerline

49

page length

50

page length

51

side edge

52

side edge

53

side edge

54

side edge

55

distance

56

Auswertemicrocontroler

57

Interface module

58

printer controller

59

Text and / or character encoding

60

barcode scanner

61

side surface

Claims (47)

Device for applying fluid droplets (14, 15) to form a motif (3) on at least part (5) of an object (2) provided at least partially with a three-dimensional structure (25), the device comprising a fluid droplet applicator (4) (14,15) to the object (2) according to the stored on an image data storage device (30) motif (3), a supply device (13) for the supply of the object (2) to the application device (4) and a control device (5) Control of the supply device (4), the image storage device (30) and the application device (4), characterized in that the control device (11) one of the image data storage device (30) and the application device (4) associated detector device (19) for detecting at least a part (5) of the three-dimensional structure (25) of the object (2), and the application of the fluid drops (14, 15) on the object (2) corresponding to the motif (3) in response to the detected three-dimensional structure (25). Device for applying fluid droplets (14, 15) to form a motif (3) on at least part (5) of an object (2) provided at least partially with a three-dimensional structure (25), the device comprising a fluid droplet applicator (4) (14,15) to the object (2) according to the stored on an image data storage device (30) motif (3), a supply device (13) for the supply of the object (2) to the application device (4) and a control device (5) Control of the supply device (4), the image storage device (30) and the application device (4), in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (11) comprises a detector device (19 ) for inputting one, at least a part (5) of the three-dimensional structure (25) of the object (2) and / or the alignment of the same in at least two different the spatial direction (17, 18, 28) relative to a target position characterizing input signal, and the control device (11) on the basis of the input signal, the application device (4) for applying the fluid drops (14, 15) on the object (2) the predeterminable motif (3) in dependence on the three-dimensional structure (25) controls. Device for applying fluid droplets (14, 15) to form a motif (3) on at least one part (5) of an object (2), in particular at least partially provided with a three-dimensional structure (25), the device comprising an application device (4 ) for fluid drops (14,15) on the object (2) corresponding to the motif (3) stored on an image data storage device (30), a supply device (13) for supplying the object (2) to the application device (4) and a control device ( 5) for controlling the supply device (4), the image storage device (30) and the application device (4), in particular according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (11) one of the image storage devices (30) and the application device (4) associated detector device (19) for scanning or reading at least a portion of a coding (21) and one of the three-dimensional structure (25) of the O generates (2) characterizing input signal and the control device (11) on the basis of the input signal, the application of the fluid drops (14, 15) on the object (2) for producing the motif (3) in dependence on the three-dimensional structure (25) and / or the alignment thereof controls. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coding (21) in addition to the three-dimensional structure (25) of the object (2) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coding (21) in one of the three-dimensional structure (25) of the object distant area of the surface of the object (2) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coding (21) of the object (2) has a three-dimensional structure. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coding (21) contains a position information characterizing the position of the three-dimensional structure (25) on the object (2). Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the image data storage device (30) or the application or dispensing device (4, 16) associated detector device (19) comprises a high-resolution camera for detecting at least a part (5) of the three-dimensional structure (25) of the object (2) which outputs the data of the measured three-dimensional structure (25) to the image data storage device (30). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control or image data storage device (30) and / or the application or dispensing device (4, 16) associated detector device (19) comprises a high-resolution camera for detecting at least a part (5) of the three-dimensional structure (25) of the coding (21) of the object (2), which detects the three-dimensional structure and the orientation of the coding (21) or its three-dimensional structure in relation to a desired orientation and to the control device (11 ). Receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the high-resolution camera, the three-dimensional structure (25) of the object (2) and the coding (21) by a relative movement between a line camera and the three-dimensional structure (25). Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the recording of the three-dimensional structure of the object (2) or the coding (21) synchronously to the feed rate of the object (2) receiving the feeding device (13). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (13) is associated with a sensor device (27) for detecting the supply speed of the three-dimensionally structured object (2). Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor device (27) for detecting the supply speed comprises an incremental encoder. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the detector device (19) assigned to the image data storage device (30) or the application and / or delivery device (4, 16) has an optical reading device, for example a bar code sensor (60), which displays an object ( 2) applied predetermined text and / or character encoding (59) detected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical reading device or the bar code sensor (60) is associated with a lighting. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector and / or sensor device (19, 20, 27) is arranged in a container sealed against contamination and / or provided with an automatic cleaning device for the optics of the reader. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensionally structured object (2) to be printed has a length of 100 cm to 200 cm and a width of 50 cm to 150 cm, with a preferred ratio of length to width of 140 cm to 80 cm or 200 cm to 150 cm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector device (19) has a three-dimensional structure (25) opto-electronically detecting CCD matrix (29) and an evaluation device connected to an optoelectronic scanning such as a Auswertemikrocontroller (56). Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the detector device (19) comprises an optical measuring device which detects at least part of the surface geometry and / or the height relief of the three-dimensionally structured object (2) by triangulation of light rays. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensionally structured object (2) with a predetermined coding (21) is provided, which is detected by the detector device (19) and evaluated by the control device (11). Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the coding (21) has a geometric image code with predetermined geometric and optionally three-dimensionally structured picture elements, which corresponds to a stored in the image data storage device (30) motif (3). Device according to Claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the picture elements preferably have at least one polygon of a centering and / or direction marking (32, 33, 34), with a varying number of within this polygon, at a certain angle (α). opposite a side edge (42-46) arranged code lines (31). Device according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the angle α of the code lines (31) arranged within the polygon is in the range of 20 ° to 70 °, and is preferably 45 °. Device according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the coding a plurality of at different positions on one or more surfaces such as side surfaces (61), top (23), bottom (24) of the object (2) arranged predetermined geometrical od has a Zentriercodierung (59) comprising pixels for an unambiguous determination of the spatial orientation of the object (2). Device according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the coding (21) asymmetrically with respect to at least one major axis of the coding (21) as longitudinal or transverse central axis (47, 48), center (46) is designed for unambiguous determination the orientation of the three-dimensional object (2). Device according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that at least part of the coding (21) is arranged centrally on the object (2). Device according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that two arranged parts of the coding (21) as centering mark (32) formed and centered on the formed by the diagonal center (41) of the object (2) is aligned. Device according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the coding (21) in addition to the centering mark (32) additionally comprises one or more direction markings (33, 34). Device according to one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that the centering mark (32) is formed by a square (43) and the direction markings are formed by squares having a larger side length (50) than the side length (49) of the centering mark (32) and the directional marks (33, 34) completely overlap the centering mark (32). Device according to one of claims 20 to 29, characterized in that the direction marking (34) has a side length which is greater than the side length (50) of the further direction marking (33) and the directional mark (33) completely overlaps. Device according to one of claims 20 to 30, characterized in that the permissible deviation from the nominal dimensions of the coding (21) at 5% based on the nominal dimensions. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser (16) is formed by an ink jet printing device having a plurality of printheads. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector device (19) and the application and / or dispensing device (4, 16) are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction (arrow 9) of the feed device (13). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector or sensor device (19, 20) and the dispensing device (4) are arranged in a secured against access from outside space. Method for applying fluid droplets (14, 15) to form a motif (3) on at least part of an object (2) provided at least partially with a three-dimensional structure, in which the object (2) is conveyed by means of a feed device (13) to an application device (3). 4), characterized in that the object (2) provided with a three-dimensional structure (25) is guided past a detector device (19) or sensor device (20) assigned to the control device (11), the three-dimensional object (2) passing through a detection of at least a part of the surface geometry and / or the structure (25) is classified by the detector device (19) and, on the basis of the classification, a motif (3) stored in the image data storage device (30) is assigned to the respective three-dimensional object (2), and the object (2) is fed to the application device (4), where application of the fluid drops (14, 15) e ntsprechend the subject (3) takes place. Method for applying fluid drops (14, 15) to form a motif (3) on at least part of an object (2) provided at least partially with a three-dimensional structure (25), in which the object (2) is conveyed by means of a feed device (13). an application device (4) is supplied, characterized in that the control device (11) has a signal input device (0) or the application device (4) associated signal input device for input at least one part of the structure (25) of the object (2) characterizing input signal in that the control device (11) controls the printing of the object (2) with the motif (3) on the basis of the input signal as a function of the structure (25) or of the height relief. A method according to claim 36, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (25) is recorded by means of a line camera synchronously with the feed speed. A method according to claim 35 to 38, characterized in that the feed rate of the three-dimensionally structured object (2) on the basis of one of the supply device (13) associated with the detector or sensor device (19, 20) is detected. A method according to claim 35, characterized in that the image data storage device (30) and the application device (4) associated signal input device comprises an optical reading device which detects a object (2) applied predetermined text and / or character encoding (59). Method according to one of claims 35 to 39, characterized in that the three-dimensionally structured object (2) is illuminated when detecting the surface geometry and / or the height relief. Method according to one of claims 35 to 40, characterized in that the surface geometry and / or the height relief of the structure (25) is detected opto-electronically by means of triangulation of light rays. Method according to one of claims 35 to 41, characterized in that the surface geometry and / or the height relief of the structure (25) is detected with an accuracy of 0.1 microns for a measuring range of 1 V / mm. Method according to one of claims 35 to 42, characterized in that the three-dimensionally structured object (2) to be printed is provided with a predetermined coding (21). A method according to claim 35, characterized in that the coding (21) by means of a press ram on the object (2) is generated. A method according to claim 35 or 44, characterized in that the coding (21) independently of the three-dimensional structure, to which the motif (3) with the fluid drops (14, 15) is applied, on one of the side surface with the motif to be printed (3) arranged angularly or facing away from or opposite side surface. Method according to one of Claims 35 to 45, characterized in that the coding (21) provided on the three-dimensional object (2) is detected by the detector device (19). Method according to one of claims 35 to 46, characterized in that a motif (3) is associated with each individual coding (21).

Images