EP2479037B1 - Method and device for printing containers - Google Patents
Method and device for printing containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2479037B1 EP2479037B1 EP11195344.4A EP11195344A EP2479037B1 EP 2479037 B1 EP2479037 B1 EP 2479037B1 EP 11195344 A EP11195344 A EP 11195344A EP 2479037 B1 EP2479037 B1 EP 2479037B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- containers
- treatment
- transport device
- module
- circulating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 title claims description 69
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 38
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000002203 pretreatment Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009832 plasma treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003851 corona treatment Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007641 inkjet printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003848 UV Light-Curing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010924 continuous production Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010017 direct printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011143 downstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
- B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangementsĀ of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangementsĀ of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangementsĀ of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangementsĀ of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
- B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
- B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
- B41J11/00214—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using UV radiation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangementsĀ of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangementsĀ of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
- B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
- B41J11/0024—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using conduction means, e.g. by using a heated platen
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
- B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
- B41J3/40733—Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/54—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
- B41J3/543—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements with multiple inkjet print heads
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and a device according to the features of the preambles of claims 1 and 8.
- containers such as beverage bottles, PET bottles or similar.
- labels are predominantly equipped by means of labels.
- pre-printed labels are glued to the containers or bottles.
- shrink labels can be used in a shrink tunnel or similar. shrunk onto the containers.
- a method of printing containers is disclosed, for example, in the publication DE 10 2007 050 490 A1 described which can be considered as the closest prior art.
- at least two printing heads operating according to the ink-jet printing principle are used.
- the containers are moved by a transport element in the transport direction, wherein the print heads of a printing unit are moved during a part of the at least one printing step with the transport element.
- the shows EP 0 209 896 B1 a method and apparatus for decorating containers.
- individual color dots are applied to the wall of the container as a raster image along parallel circumferential lines in a program-controlled manner.
- the container is thereby rotated while the nozzles are arranged on a carriage, whereby the distance to the container can be adjusted.
- the document WO2011 / 144278 A1 (equivalent to EP 2 571 698 A0 ) is considered to be state of the art under Article 54 (3) EPC and discloses an apparatus for printing on external surfaces of containers.
- the apparatus comprises a plurality of printheads movably disposed on a first transport system and a plurality of container receptacles movable by a second transport system.
- the movement of a print head takes place at least in regions synchronously with the movement of a container receptacle.
- a suitable technology for printing for example digital DOD inkjet printing, electrophotography or other suitable digital printing techniques
- the advantages are in particular that no printing forme is necessary, so that a quick changeover to variable content is possible.
- the creation of the print image is done by mouse click.
- the consumption of films, developers, chemicals, fixing tapes etc. is eliminated, so that even small quantities can be economically implemented.
- Digital printing techniques thus allow great flexibility in the chosen design, for marketing etc.
- DOD drop-on-demand
- the so-called DOD (drop-on-demand) ink-jet technology also has a number of advantages.
- the technology is one of the non-impact-printing processes in which there is no contact with the substrate. Furthermore, ink drops are produced only when needed. In addition, the use of UV-curable inks is possible.
- the object of the invention is to provide a fast, continuously practicable method for printing on containers and to provide an apparatus for carrying out such a method.
- the invention relates to a method for printing on containers.
- the containers are transported by means of a circulating, in particular a rotating transport device.
- the continuously rotating or rotating transport device has at least one holding device for the containers to be printed.
- the transport device is further assigned at least one base module, on which at least one print head are arranged.
- the base module is located in the region of the orbit of the transport device, preferably in the outer region thereof.
- the transport device can be formed by a so-called container carousel, to which an infeed star for transferring the containers to be printed onto the carousel and an outlet star for transferring the printed containers to subsequent handling devices are assigned.
- the printing module referred to here as the base module is in this case close to the container carousel, so that the containers transported with it can be reached by the print heads.
- the base module can be arranged in particular on the outer circumference of the transport device or the container carousel.
- the containers to be printed are fed to a printing area to which at least one base module is assigned. While the container is being transported through this pressure range, the base module is at least partially in synchronism with the containers. In particular, the base module is transported in synchronism with the revolving or rotating transport device from an initial position to an end position downstream in the transport direction. During the synchronous movement of the base module and the at least one container to be printed, the container is at least partially printed by the at least one printhead arranged on the base module. While the container is transported further in the transport direction by the circulating transport device, the base module moves against the transport direction back to its original position.
- the method according to the invention thus provides for a continuously circulating transport device for the containers, formed, for example, by a uniformly rotating container carousel and an oscillating base or pressure module between two end positions, which preferably carries out a rotational movement about the same axis of rotation as the transport device.
- the printing module with the printheads thereon and optionally also a drying module (also see FIG. 2) arranged on the base module is moved synchronously in one direction over a defined path to the transport device and thus synchronously with the containers, so that the printhead is fixed relative to the respective container.
- the base module is moved back to the other end position or starting position in a pivoting movement in the opposite direction to the rotary movement or circulating movement of the transport device.
- the base module can at least temporarily remain until another container is to be printed, so that in turn a synchronous movement with the movement of the transport device is necessary.
- the printed container is subjected to post-treatment after printing.
- the printed ink is at least dried on at least simultaneously or immediately after printing by at least one drying module.
- the printed containers are irradiated, for example with UV - especially when using UV-curing dye - flows around with warm air or similar.
- a drying module is associated with and mounted on the base module.
- the drying module is arranged downstream of the base module in the transport direction of the containers, so that the aftertreatment takes place while the container in the transport device is moved further independently of the base module.
- the container treatment module a camera system or similar. be assigned to control the printed image or Druckillones.
- the camera system can be arranged on the base module or on a separate module.
- the aftertreatment may also take place after the printed containers have leaked out of the container treatment module, the aftertreatment module preferably being arranged downstream of the outlet star.
- the aftertreatment module may preferably be a drying tunnel, in particular a UV tunnel.
- the containers can be pretreated before printing.
- the containers may be subjected to corona, plasma treatment or flame treatment in which the surface energy of the material to be printed is increased, whereby the wettability of the surface to be printed with ink is improved.
- cleaning methods or other preparation methods may be used.
- this is preferably done before the supply of the container to the printing area in a first, the circulating transport device associated portion of a treatment module described in detail below.
- the pretreatment module can also be arranged on the base module with the print heads.
- pretreatment of the containers to be printed at a pretreatment station via a cleaning device, a drying tunnel, a scarfing device, but preferably a corona plasma treatment or the like may be carried out in front of the inlet star to the container treatment module. respectively.
- a plurality of containers (20) can be printed simultaneously with the present method.
- a pressure range includes at least two base modules, which are arranged according to the holder used for the container, in particular a holder for a container or a double holder for two containers, arranged in parallel and / or fixed to each other.
- the orbit of the transport device associated with two parallel base modules can also be rigidly connected.
- the containers When transporting the container by means of the aforementioned rotating or continuously rotating transport device, the containers can be moved either about their longitudinal axes.
- the containers can be pivoted or rotated at least partially about their longitudinal axis.
- the containers preferably rotate at least once completely around their axis, at least once when passing through the pretreatment area and / or the pressure area and / or the post-treatment area.
- the containers are preferably moved horizontally by the circulating transport device, i. its longitudinal axis is largely horizontal.
- This arrangement has the advantage that the printheads can be conveniently mounted recumbent so that they can eject their ink vertically downwards. The printing precision can be improved over a vertical mounting with horizontal color output.
- the horizontal arrangement of the printheads also requires a horizontal arrangement of the containers or bottles, which, depending on the available transport configuration possibly within the transport device pivoted from a stationary to a horizontal position and moved back to the standing position before passing in the outlet star have to. The change of the container position can alternatively be done on the inlet and outlet star.
- the method described is a continuous process in which the containers are moved continuously through the circulating transport device and continuously pass through the successive process or treatment steps of pretreatment, printing and post-treatment.
- the continuous transport does not necessarily require a constant transport speed.
- the rotational speed of the transport device or the rotating container carousel can vary quite cyclically.
- the invention further relates to a circulating treatment module for printing on containers.
- This is arranged between a container feed for feeding of containers to be printed from an upstream device and a container removal for removal and further transport of the printed containers.
- the treatment module comprises a circulating transport device, which has at least one holding device for the containers to be printed.
- the transport device may be, for example, a rotating transport star with a vertically arranged axis of rotation, a transport wheel with a horizontally arranged axis of rotation, or else an endless conveyor belt with at least partially linear transport sections.
- the treatment module further comprises at least one base module, wherein at least one print head is arranged on the base module.
- the base module is preferably arranged in the outer region of the circulation path of the transport device, so that the containers held in this region can be reached by the print heads and, if appropriate, further treatment devices arranged on the base module.
- the treatment module preferably comprises three subregions in which the containers are subjected to different treatment steps.
- the first section is a pretreatment area for preparing the surface of the containers for printing.
- the adjoining area forms the pressure area for direct printing of the container lateral surfaces.
- the at least one base module is arranged.
- another subarea which is in particular an aftertreatment area.
- the base module moves at least in sections synchronously with the circulating transport device, in particular the base module performs an oscillating movement.
- the base module can be moved at least in sections in the transport direction of the transport device from a starting position to an end position in order then to be returned to the starting position against the transport direction.
- the containers to be printed are preferably lying in the holding devices of the circulating transport device and arranged to be movable about their largely horizontally arranged longitudinal axis.
- the bottles can pivot about their longitudinal axis and / or rotate and are rotated in the pretreatment and / or in the printing and / or post-treatment or during the entire transport by the transport device steadily about its longitudinal axis.
- the containers rotate at least once around their longitudinal axis when passing through the subregions, so that the entire outer circumferential surface of the containers is subjected to the respective treatment.
- At least one pretreatment area and / or at least one post-treatment area, in particular a drying area may be arranged on the treatment module so that at least two different process steps: pretreatment and printing or printing and aftertreatment or pretreatment and printing and aftertreatment are carried out by the base module ,
- an outer and an inner base module are arranged on the orbit of the transport device. If the transport device is a stationary wheel with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, then the inner base module is preferably arranged between the axis of the rotating transport device and the container to be printed. As a result, an increase in machine power is possible.
- at least two containers are alternately or simultaneously printed by the outer and the inner base module.
- two base modules are arranged in parallel in the pressure region of the treatment module. This allows double-held bottles to be printed simultaneously with a special holding device.
- the treatment module may comprise means for adjusting the optimum distance between the container to be printed and the print head.
- the adjustment takes place in particular via an additional axis.
- this has Treatment module on a corresponding sensor through which the dynamic adjustment of the distance of the container to the printhead takes place.
- the sensors may include, for example, camera systems, image recognition systems, or other suitable systems for detecting and monitoring the printing process, for properly positioning the containers with respect to the printheads, and / or for controlling the printing result.
- the printheads are controlled via the sensor.
- the sensor detects the contour of the container to be printed and the distance to the print head is adjusted accordingly dynamically due to the data obtained from it to always have the optimal distance between the container and the print head and thus to achieve an optimal print result.
- the position of the printheads and / or the position of the containers on the revolving transport device is thus not permanently preset but is dynamically controlled in dependence on the containers to be printed.
- the positioning of the print heads or of the base module can be adapted during the printing process, which is advantageous in particular when printing containers with an oval diameter, since the distance between the container and the print head changes continuously as the container rotates about its longitudinal axis.
- the senor may be a picture-recognizing system which forwards the ascertained data, in particular the contour, height and width of the container to be printed, to a computing unit. Based on the transmitted data, the optimal distance between the container and the printhead is calculated. The arithmetic unit then controls the corresponding positioning of the print head or the print heads on the base module or the corresponding positioning of the base module.
- FIG. 1 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device 1a for printing on containers 20.
- the device 1a comprises an inlet device 12, a rotating treatment module 10a and an outlet device 14.
- the containers 20 to be printed are fed via an inlet device 12, in particular formed by a standard transport star such as an inlet star, the rotating treatment module 10a.
- the inlet device 12 can - as shown here - additionally take over the function of tilting the bottles or containers 20 before or during the transfer to the horizontal, so that they are transferred in this position in the device 1a and transported there in a horizontal position.
- a so-called 90 Ā° turn starter 13 as in FIG. 1 shown.
- the articles or containers 20 to be printed can also be brought to a horizontal position on the rotating treatment module 10a by a suitable turning device (not shown).
- the turning can thus take place as in the exemplary embodiment in the "approach area" to the treatment module 10a or alternatively within the treatment module 10a.
- the horizontal position of the containers 20 is advantageous due to the physical limitations of the at least one printhead 32 used.
- the printing can be done in this case with lying printheads 32, which can eject their ink down and thus without negative influence due to the acting gravitational forces.
- the containers 20 are transferred to a continuously rotating transport device 11 of the rotating treatment module 10a.
- the transport device 11 is a kind of vertically positioned wheel, which rotates about its horizontally arranged axis of rotation DA.
- the transport device 11 has special holding devices (not shown) for the containers 20, in which the containers 20 are centered and clamped in such a way that they can be moved about their longitudinal axis X, in particular pivoted and / or rotated.
- each container 20 preferably needs at least one in the pretreatment module 40 Perform 360 Ā° rotation so that the entire circumference of the container 20 is treated. This process preferably takes place continuously. According to a further embodiment, the process may also take place discontinuously or clocked.
- a printing area D Following the containers 20 due to the continuous movement of the transport device 11 in the direction of movement B reach a printing area D.
- FIG. 1 In FIG. 1 are three juxtaposed base modules shown, so that each parallel and three containers 20 can be edited simultaneously.
- the base station 29 moves in an oscillating manner, which means that initially the movement of the containers 20 in the direction of movement B over a machine angle ā until the end position EP is synchronously accompanied. This allows due to the continuous movement of the transport device 11 in the direction of movement B, a continuous treatment of the container 20, which rotate during the printing process preferably continuously about its longitudinal axis X. The application of the ink by the printheads 32 to the container 20 takes place here largely from above. The print heads 32 have no relative movement to the containers 20 in this treatment phase.
- a plurality of print heads 32 and, in particular, also a plurality of print heads 32 of the same color can be seated. That several containers 20 can be printed simultaneously, which increases the performance of the device 10.
- the containers 20 After leaving the pressure range D, the containers 20 pass through a second partial area II, in which at least one aftertreatment takes place by means of an after-treatment module 42, in particular a final drying 44.
- the containers 20 are dried continuously, for example by UV light, wherein the containers 20 are again preferably rotated continuously about their longitudinal axis X.
- the after-treatment process may also take place discontinuously or clocked.
- the containers 20 are transferred to a discharge device 14, which is similar to the inlet device 12 and in which it is in the illustrated embodiment is also a 90 Ā° turning star 15, the container 20 from the lying position in a standing position for further transport to downstream processing devices, such as packaging devices o. transferred.
- a discharge device 14 which is similar to the inlet device 12 and in which it is in the illustrated embodiment is also a 90 Ā° turning star 15, the container 20 from the lying position in a standing position for further transport to downstream processing devices, such as packaging devices o. transferred.
- FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a device 1b for printing containers 20 with a rotating treatment module 10b.
- a further base station 30 with at least one print head 32 and at least one intermediate drying station 35, which is arranged between the containers 20 and the axis of the rotating transport device 11, is used.
- the two base stations 29 and 30 oscillate synchronously.
- the container to be printed 20 is simultaneously acted upon by two base stations 29 and 30 and can be printed, for example, from both sides.
- the two base stations 29, 30 may also print heads 32 having different colors and by the rotation of the container 20 about its longitudinal axis X, these can be successively printed with the different colors. This arrangement leads to an advantageous increase in engine power.
- the base stations 29, 30 are moved alternatively. In a non-synchronous movement, it is possible to have different containers 20 printed alternately from the outer 29 or from the inner base station 30.
- FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a device 1c for printing containers with a rotating treatment module 10c.
- the axis of rotation DA of the rotating transport device 11 of the rotary treatment module 10c is arranged approximately vertically.
- the containers 20 are arranged by a respective holding device 23 movable on the transport device 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting of the container 20 takes place in the horizontal on the container table of the rotating Transport device 11.
- the inlet device 12 and outlet device 14 are each designed as a standard inlet star 16 and standard outlet star 17.
- the at least one print head 32 is arranged above the rotating transport device 11, so that the printing can in turn be "classic" from top to bottom. Furthermore, it is possible to have additional printheads (not shown) to place around the container 20, for example, for multi-color printing. Alternatively, a simultaneous printing of a container can take place over several print heads.
- FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of another device 1d for printing on containers 20.
- the device largely corresponds to the in FIG. 1 described embodiment, which is why can be dispensed with the double description of many components of the device. This embodiment is not covered by the claims.
- At least one pretreatment module 60, at least one print head 32 and at least one aftertreatment module 62 are arranged on a base station 31, so that the three process steps pretreatment, printing and aftertreatment all take place through the base module 31.
- FIG. 5 1 shows a holding device 50 for two containers 20 for use in a rotating transport device 11.
- This holding device 50 comprises two firmly coupled holders for containers 20.
- two horizontally oriented containers 20 can be transported simultaneously and each moved about its longitudinal axis X. This can double the machine power.
- two inlet and two outlet devices 12, 14 (not shown, see. FIG. 1 ), while a large part of the moving components, in particular the at least one printhead base station 29, can be shared.
- the holder is fitted from one side with a container 20, then the holder is largely 180 Ā° pivoted, the inlet and outlet device 12, 14 (not shown, see. FIG. 1 ) turns a round and then the second container 20 is attached to the double bracket 50.
- FIG. 6 shows a holding device 52, which makes it possible to transport two containers 20 at the same time largely horizontally lying.
- the holding device 52 serves, for example, for use in a treatment module 10e accordingly FIG. 7 , whereby by the simultaneous transport of two containers on a holding device 52, a doubling of the engine power can be achieved.
- FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a device 1e for simultaneous printing of double held containers 20 with a rotating treatment module 10e.
- the axis of rotation DA of the rotating transport device 11 of the rotating treatment module 10e is arranged approximately vertically.
- each container 20 is arranged by a respective double-holding device 52 movable on the transport device 11.
- the pivoting of the container 20 in the horizontal takes place on the container table of the rotating transport device 11.
- the inlet device 12 and outlet device 14 are each designed as a standard inlet star 16 and standard outlet star 17.
- the device 1d comprises at least two print heads 32, wherein a first print head 32 on a first base module 29 and a second print head 32 on a second base module 30 are each disposed above the rotating transport device 11.
- the printheads 32 are at substantially the same height level and the inside and outside printheads 32 simultaneously print both containers 20 of the double holder 52.
- FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus 1f for the simultaneous printing of doppelstalterten containers 20.
- the inlet devices 12 and outlet devices are each designed as turning stars 13.
- the inlet devices 12 and outlet devices as a standard inlet star 16 and standard outlet star (not shown) to be executed and a horizontal positioning of the container 20 on the container table of the transport device 11 (not shown).
- the device 1f likewise comprises at least two print heads 32 on a first and a second base module 29, 30, each above the rotating transport device 11 and thus arranged above the largely horizontally lying containers 20.
- the printheads 32 are at substantially the same height level, and the inside and outside printheads 32 simultaneously print both containers 20 supported on the double holder 52.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
- Labeling Devices (AREA)
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung gemĆ¤Ć den Merkmalen der Oberbegriffe der AnsprĆ¼che 1 und 8.The present invention relates to a method and a device according to the features of the preambles of claims 1 and 8.
Um den Inhalt von BehƤltern, beispielsweise GetrƤnkeflaschen, PET-Flaschen o.Ƥ. zu kennzeichnen, werden diese Ć¼berwiegend mittels Etiketten bestĆ¼ckt. Beispielsweise werden vorgedruckte Etiketten auf die BehƤlter bzw. Flaschen aufgeklebt. Weiterhin kƶnnen Schrumpfetiketten verwendet werden, die in einem Schrumpftunnel o.Ƥ. auf die BehƤlter aufgeschrumpft werden. DarĆ¼ber hinaus ist es bekannt, die MantelflƤchen von Flaschen und BehƤltern mit haftenden Farben bzw. Tinten zu bedrucken und dadurch zu kennzeichnen. Das Aufbringen eines Etiketts durch Ankleben oder Aufschrumpfen kann somit entfallen.To the contents of containers, such as beverage bottles, PET bottles or similar. To mark, these are predominantly equipped by means of labels. For example, pre-printed labels are glued to the containers or bottles. Furthermore, shrink labels can be used in a shrink tunnel or similar. shrunk onto the containers. In addition, it is known to print the lateral surfaces of bottles and containers with adhesive inks or inks and thereby to identify. The application of a label by gluing or shrinking can thus be omitted.
Ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern wird beispielsweise in der Offenlegungsschrift
Weiterhin zeigt die
Das Dokument
WƤhlt man zum Bedrucken eine geeignete Technologie, z.B. digitalen DOD-Inkjet-Druck, Elektrofotographie oder andere geeignete digitale Drucktechniken, erhƤlt man weitere Vorteile gegenĆ¼ber dem klassisch aufgebrachten Etikett. Die Vorteile bestehen insbesondere darin, dass keine Druckform nƶtig ist, so dass ein schnelles Umstellen auf variable Inhalte mƶglich ist. Die Erstellung des Druckbildes erfolgt per Mausklick. Weiterhin entfƤllt der Verbrauch von Filmen, Entwickler, Chemie, FixierbƤndern etc., so dass auch kleine StĆ¼ckzahlen wirtschaftlich umsetzbar sind.
Digitale Drucktechniken ermƶglichen somit eine groĆe FlexibilitƤt im gewƤhlten Design, fĆ¼r das Marketing usw.If one chooses a suitable technology for printing, for example digital DOD inkjet printing, electrophotography or other suitable digital printing techniques, one obtains further advantages over the classically applied label. The advantages are in particular that no printing forme is necessary, so that a quick changeover to variable content is possible. The creation of the print image is done by mouse click. Furthermore, the consumption of films, developers, chemicals, fixing tapes etc. is eliminated, so that even small quantities can be economically implemented.
Digital printing techniques thus allow great flexibility in the chosen design, for marketing etc.
Auch die sog. DOD (drop-on-demand) Ink-Jet-Technologie weist eine Reihe von Vorteilen auf. Die Technologie zƤhlt zu den non-impact-printing-Verfahren, bei der kein Kontakt zum Bedruckstoff erfolgt. Weiterhin werden Tintentropfen nur bei Bedarf erzeugt. Zudem ist die Verwendung von UV-hƤrtenden Tinten mƶglich.The so-called DOD (drop-on-demand) ink-jet technology also has a number of advantages. The technology is one of the non-impact-printing processes in which there is no contact with the substrate. Furthermore, ink drops are produced only when needed. In addition, the use of UV-curable inks is possible.
Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, ein schnelles, kontinuierlich durchfĆ¼hrbares Verfahren zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern bereitzustellen sowie eine Vorrichtung zur DurchfĆ¼hrung eines solchen Verfahrens zu liefern.The object of the invention is to provide a fast, continuously practicable method for printing on containers and to provide an apparatus for carrying out such a method.
Die obige Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung gelƶst, die die Merkmale in den PatentansprĆ¼chen 1 und 8 umfassen.The above object is achieved by a method and an apparatus comprising the features in claims 1 and 8.
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern. Die BehƤlter werden mittels einer umlaufenden, insbesondere einer rotierenden Transportvorrichtung transportiert. Die kontinuierlich umlaufende bzw. rotierende Transportvorrichtung weist mindestens eine Haltevorrichtung fĆ¼r die zu bedruckende BehƤlter auf. Der Transportvorrichtung ist weiterhin mindestens ein Basismodul zugeordnet, auf dem mindestens ein Druckkopf angeordnet sind. Das Basismodul befindet sich im Bereich der Umlaufbahn der Transportvorrichtung, vorzugsweise im AuĆenbereich derselben. So kann die Transportvorrichtung bspw. durch ein sog. BehƤlterkarussell gebildet sein, dem ein Einlaufstern zur Ćbergabe der zu bedruckenden BehƤlter auf das Karussell sowie ein Auslaufstern zur Weitergabe der bedruckten BehƤlter an nachfolgende Handhabungseinrichtungen zugeordnet sind. Das hier als Basismodul bezeichnete Druckmodul befindet sich in diesem Fall nahe am BehƤlterkarussell, so dass die damit transportierten BehƤlter von den Druckkƶpfen erreicht werden kƶnnen. Das Basismodul kann insbesondere am AuĆenumfang der Transportvorrichtung bzw. des BehƤlterkarussells angeordnet sein.The invention relates to a method for printing on containers. The containers are transported by means of a circulating, in particular a rotating transport device. The continuously rotating or rotating transport device has at least one holding device for the containers to be printed. The transport device is further assigned at least one base module, on which at least one print head are arranged. The base module is located in the region of the orbit of the transport device, preferably in the outer region thereof. Thus, for example, the transport device can be formed by a so-called container carousel, to which an infeed star for transferring the containers to be printed onto the carousel and an outlet star for transferring the printed containers to subsequent handling devices are assigned. The printing module referred to here as the base module is in this case close to the container carousel, so that the containers transported with it can be reached by the print heads. The base module can be arranged in particular on the outer circumference of the transport device or the container carousel.
Bei dem erfindungsgemƤĆen Verfahren werden die zu bedruckenden BehƤlter einem Druckbereich, dem mindestens ein Basismodul zugeordnet ist, zugefĆ¼hrt. WƤhrend der BehƤlter durch diesen Druckbereich transportiert wird, lƤuft das Basismodul zumindest teilweise synchron mit den BehƤltern mit. Insbesondere wird das Basismodul synchron zur umlaufenden bzw. rotierenden Transportvorrichtung von einer Ausgangsposition zu einer in Transportrichtung nachgeordneten Endposition transportiert. WƤhrend der Synchronbewegung von Basismodul und dem wenigstens einen zu bedruckenden BehƤlter wird der BehƤlter durch den mindesten einen auf dem Basismodul angeordneten Druckkopf zumindest teilweise bedruckt. WƤhrend der BehƤlter durch die umlaufende Transportvorrichtung weiter in Transportrichtung transportiert wird, bewegt sich das Basismodul entgegen der Transportrichtung zurĆ¼ck in seine Ausgangsposition. Das erfindungsgemƤĆe Verfahren sieht somit eine kontinuierlich umlaufende Transportvorrichtung fĆ¼r die BehƤlter vor, gebildet bspw. durch ein gleichmƤĆig rotierendes BehƤlterkarussell, sowie ein oszillierend zwischen zwei Endlagen bewegliches Basis- bzw. Druckmodul, das vorzugsweise eine Drehbewegung um dieselbe Drehachse wie die Transportvorrichtung ausfĆ¼hrt. Das Druckmodul mit den darauf befindlichen Druckkƶpfen und gegebenenfalls einem ebenfalls auf dem Basismodul angeordnete Trocknungsmodul (s.u.) wird in eine Richtung Ć¼ber einen definierten Weg synchron zur Transportvorrichtung und damit synchron zu den BehƤltern mitbewegt, so dass der Druckkopf relativ zum jeweiligen BehƤlter fest steht. Sobald der Druckvorgang beendet und die Endlage bzw. Endposition erreicht ist, wird das Basismodul zur anderen Endlage bzw. Ausgangsposition in einer Schwenkbewegung in entgegen gesetzter Richtung zur Drehbewegung oder Umlaufbewegung der Transportvorrichtung zurĆ¼ck bewegt. In dieser anderen Endlage kann das Basismodul zumindest kurzzeitig verharren, bis ein weiterer BehƤlter zu bedrucken ist, so dass wiederum eine synchrone Bewegung mit der Bewegung der Transportvorrichtung notwendig ist.In the method according to the invention, the containers to be printed are fed to a printing area to which at least one base module is assigned. While the container is being transported through this pressure range, the base module is at least partially in synchronism with the containers. In particular, the base module is transported in synchronism with the revolving or rotating transport device from an initial position to an end position downstream in the transport direction. During the synchronous movement of the base module and the at least one container to be printed, the container is at least partially printed by the at least one printhead arranged on the base module. While the container is transported further in the transport direction by the circulating transport device, the base module moves against the transport direction back to its original position. The method according to the invention thus provides for a continuously circulating transport device for the containers, formed, for example, by a uniformly rotating container carousel and an oscillating base or pressure module between two end positions, which preferably carries out a rotational movement about the same axis of rotation as the transport device. The printing module with the printheads thereon and optionally also a drying module (also see FIG. 2) arranged on the base module is moved synchronously in one direction over a defined path to the transport device and thus synchronously with the containers, so that the printhead is fixed relative to the respective container. As soon as the printing operation has ended and the end position or end position has been reached, the base module is moved back to the other end position or starting position in a pivoting movement in the opposite direction to the rotary movement or circulating movement of the transport device. In this other end position, the base module can at least temporarily remain until another container is to be printed, so that in turn a synchronous movement with the movement of the transport device is necessary.
Vorzugsweise wird der bedruckte BehƤlter im Anschluss an das Bedrucken einer Nachbehandlung unterworfen. Insbesondere wird die aufgedruckte Farbe annƤhernd gleichzeitig oder unmittelbar nach dem Bedrucken durch mindestens ein Trocknungsmodul zumindest angetrocknet. Hierbei werden die bedruckten BehƤlter beispielsweise mit UV bestrahlt - insbesondere bei der Verwendung von UV hƤrtendem Farbstoff -, mit warmer Luft umstrƶmt o.Ƥ.Preferably, the printed container is subjected to post-treatment after printing. In particular, the printed ink is at least dried on at least simultaneously or immediately after printing by at least one drying module. In this case, the printed containers are irradiated, for example with UV - especially when using UV-curing dye - flows around with warm air or similar.
GemĆ¤Ć einer ersten AusfĆ¼hrungsform ist ein Trocknungsmodul dem Basismodul zugeordnet und auf diesem montiert. GemĆ¤Ć einer alternativen AusfĆ¼hrungsform ist das Trocknungsmodul dem Basismodul in Transportrichtung der BehƤlter nachgeordnet, so dass die Nachbehandlung erfolgt, wƤhrend der BehƤlter in der Transportvorrichtung unabhƤngig vom Basismodul weiterbewegt werden.According to a first embodiment, a drying module is associated with and mounted on the base module. According to an alternative embodiment, the drying module is arranged downstream of the base module in the transport direction of the containers, so that the aftertreatment takes place while the container in the transport device is moved further independently of the base module.
Es ist auch die Verwendung weiterer Module mƶglich, die in Ƥhnlicher Weise wie das Druckmodul in oszillierender Bewegung mit dem AuĆenumfang der Transportvorrichtung und damit mit den BehƤltern mitbewegt werden. Beispielsweise kann dem BehƤlterbehandlungsmodul ein Kamerasystem o.Ƥ. zur Kontrolle des Druckbildes bzw. Druckerfolges zugeordnet sein. Das Kamerasystem kann auf dem Basismodul oder auf einem separaten Modul angeordnet sein.It is also possible to use further modules which, in a similar manner to the printing module, oscillate with the outer circumference of the Transport device and thus be moved with the containers. For example, the container treatment module, a camera system or similar. be assigned to control the printed image or Druckerfolges. The camera system can be arranged on the base module or on a separate module.
GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren alternativen AusfĆ¼hrungsform kann die Nachbehandlung auch nach dem Auslaufen der bedruckten BehƤlter aus dem BehƤlterbehandlungsmodul erfolgen, wobei das Nachbehandlungsmodul, vorzugsweise nach dem Auslaufstern angeordnet ist. Bei dem Nachbehandlungsmodul kann es sich vorzugsweise um einen Trockentunnel, insbesondere einen UV-Tunnel handeln. Durch die Bestrahlung mit UV erfolgt insbesondere ein Abbinden bzw. eine Vernetzung der Druckfarben untereinander.According to a further alternative embodiment, the aftertreatment may also take place after the printed containers have leaked out of the container treatment module, the aftertreatment module preferably being arranged downstream of the outlet star. The aftertreatment module may preferably be a drying tunnel, in particular a UV tunnel. By the irradiation with UV in particular a setting or a cross-linking of the printing inks takes place among each other.
Bedarfsweise kƶnnen die BehƤlter vor dem Bedrucken vorbehandelt werden. Insbesondere kƶnnen die BehƤlter einer Corona-, Plasmabehandlung oder Beflammung unterzogen werden, bei der die OberflƤchenenergie des zu bedruckenden Materials erhƶht wird, wodurch die Benetzbarkeit der zu bedruckenden OberflƤche mit Druckfarbe verbessert wird. ZusƤtzlich oder alternativ kƶnnen beispielsweise Reinigungsverfahren oder andere Vorbereitungsverfahren (ErwƤrmung o.Ƥ.) angewendet werden.If necessary, the containers can be pretreated before printing. In particular, the containers may be subjected to corona, plasma treatment or flame treatment in which the surface energy of the material to be printed is increased, whereby the wettability of the surface to be printed with ink is improved. Additionally or alternatively, for example, cleaning methods or other preparation methods (heating or the like) may be used.
GemĆ¤Ć einer bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsform geschieht dies vorzugsweise vor der ZufĆ¼hrung der BehƤlter zum Druckbereich in einem ersten, der umlaufenden Transportvorrichtung zugeordneten Teilbereich eines weiter unten im Detail beschriebenen Behandlungsmoduls. GemĆ¤Ć einer alternativen AusfĆ¼hrungsform kann das Vorbehandlungsmodul auch auf dem Basismodul mit den Druckkƶpfen angeordnet sein.According to a preferred embodiment, this is preferably done before the supply of the container to the printing area in a first, the circulating transport device associated portion of a treatment module described in detail below. According to an alternative embodiment, the pretreatment module can also be arranged on the base module with the print heads.
GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren alternativen AusfĆ¼hrungsform kann vor dem Einlaufstern zum BehƤlterbehandlungsmodul eine Vorbehandlung der zu bedruckenden BehƤlter an einer Vorbehandlungsstation Ć¼ber eine Reinigungseinrichtung, einen Trockentunnel, eine Abflammeinrichtung vorzugsweise aber eine Corona -Plasmabehandlung o.Ƥ. erfolgen.According to a further alternative embodiment, pretreatment of the containers to be printed at a pretreatment station via a cleaning device, a drying tunnel, a scarfing device, but preferably a corona plasma treatment or the like may be carried out in front of the inlet star to the container treatment module. respectively.
GemĆ¤Ć einer bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsform kƶnnen mit dem vorliegenden Verfahren mehrere BehƤlter (20) gleichzeitig bedruckt werden.According to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of containers (20) can be printed simultaneously with the present method.
Insbesondere kƶnnen hierfĆ¼r spezielle Halterungen fĆ¼r die BehƤlter vorgesehen sein, die zwei BehƤlter gleichzeitig haltern und dem Druckbereich zufĆ¼hren, wobei die beiden BehƤlter gleichzeitig bedruckt werden. Ein solcher Druckbereich umfasst mindestens zwei Basismodule, die entsprechend der verwendeten Halterung fĆ¼r die BehƤlter, insbesondere einer Halterung fĆ¼r einen BehƤlter oder eine Doppel- Halterung fĆ¼r jeweils zwei BehƤlter, parallel angeordnet und/oder fest miteinander gekoppelt sind. Insbesondere sind der Umlaufbahn der Transportvorrichtung zwei parallel angeordnete Basismodule zugeordnet. Diese kƶnnen auch starr miteinander verbunden sein.In particular, special holders for the containers may be provided for this purpose, which hold two containers at the same time and feed the print area, the two containers being printed simultaneously. Such a pressure range includes at least two base modules, which are arranged according to the holder used for the container, in particular a holder for a container or a double holder for two containers, arranged in parallel and / or fixed to each other. In particular, the orbit of the transport device associated with two parallel base modules. These can also be rigidly connected.
Beim Transport der BehƤlter mittels der erwƤhnten umlaufenden bzw. kontinuierlich rotierenden Transportvorrichtung kƶnnen die BehƤlter wahlweise jeweils um ihre LƤngsachsen bewegt werden. Beispielsweise kƶnnen die BehƤlter zumindest teilweise um ihre LƤngsachse verschwenkt werden oder rotieren. Vorzugsweise rotieren die BehƤlter zumindest beim Durchlaufen des Vorbehandlungsbereiches und / oder des Druckbereiches und / oder des Nachbehandlungsbereiches zumindest einmal komplett um ihre Achse.When transporting the container by means of the aforementioned rotating or continuously rotating transport device, the containers can be moved either about their longitudinal axes. For example, the containers can be pivoted or rotated at least partially about their longitudinal axis. The containers preferably rotate at least once completely around their axis, at least once when passing through the pretreatment area and / or the pressure area and / or the post-treatment area.
Die BehƤlter werden vorzugsweise liegend durch die umlaufende Transportvorrichtung bewegt, d.h. ihre LƤngsachse ist weitgehend horizontal angeordnet. Diese Anordnung hat den Vorteil, dass die Druckkƶpfe in gĆ¼nstiger Weise liegend montiert werden kƶnnen, so dass sie ihre Druckfarbe vertikal nach unten ausstoĆen kƶnnen. Die DruckprƤzision kann dadurch gegenĆ¼ber einer stehenden Montage mit horizontalem FarbenausstoĆ verbessert werden. Die liegende Anordnung der Druckkƶpfe bedingt allerdings auch eine liegende Anordnung der BehƤlter bzw. Flaschen, die je nach der verfĆ¼gbaren Transportkonfiguration ggf. innerhalb der Transportvorrichtung aus einer stehenden in eine liegende Position verschwenkt und vor der Weitergabe in den Auslaufstern wieder in die stehende Position zurĆ¼ckbewegt werden mĆ¼ssen. Die Ćnderung der BehƤlterposition kann alternativ auch am Ein- bzw. Auslaufstern erfolgen.The containers are preferably moved horizontally by the circulating transport device, i. its longitudinal axis is largely horizontal. This arrangement has the advantage that the printheads can be conveniently mounted recumbent so that they can eject their ink vertically downwards. The printing precision can be improved over a vertical mounting with horizontal color output. The horizontal arrangement of the printheads, however, also requires a horizontal arrangement of the containers or bottles, which, depending on the available transport configuration possibly within the transport device pivoted from a stationary to a horizontal position and moved back to the standing position before passing in the outlet star have to. The change of the container position can alternatively be done on the inlet and outlet star.
Bei dem beschriebenen Verfahren handelt es sich insbesondere um ein kontinuierliches Verfahren, bei dem die BehƤlter stetig durch die umlaufende Transportvorrichtung bewegt werden und die aufeinander folgenden Verfahrens- bzw. Behandlungsschritte der Vorbehandlung, des Bedruckens und der Nachbehandlung kontinuierlich durchlaufen. Der kontinuierliche Transport bedingt nicht zwangslƤufig eine konstante Transportgeschwindigkeit. So kann die Umlaufgeschwindigkeit der Transportvorrichtung bzw. des rotierenden BehƤlterkarussells durchaus zyklisch schwanken. Sinnvollerweise jedoch dreht sich das Karussell bzw. die Transportvorrichtung annƤhernd mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit, da die notwendige Anpassung der Geschwindigkeiten in aller Regel Ć¼ber die Oszillationsgeschwindigkeit des Basismoduls mit den daran angeordneten Druckkƶpfen erfolgen kann.In particular, the method described is a continuous process in which the containers are moved continuously through the circulating transport device and continuously pass through the successive process or treatment steps of pretreatment, printing and post-treatment. The continuous transport does not necessarily require a constant transport speed. Thus, the rotational speed of the transport device or the rotating container carousel can vary quite cyclically. However, it makes sense to turn the carousel or the transport device approximately at a constant speed, since the necessary Adjustment of the speeds can usually be done via the oscillation speed of the base module with the printheads arranged thereon.
Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein umlaufendes Behandlungsmodul zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern. Dieses ist zwischen einer BehƤlterzufĆ¼hrung zur ZufĆ¼hrung von zu bedruckenden BehƤltern aus einer vorgeschalteten Vorrichtung und einer BehƤlterabfĆ¼hrung zum Entfernen und zum Weitertransport der bedruckten BehƤlter angeordnet. Das Behandlungsmodul umfasst eine umlaufende Transportvorrichtung, die mindestens eine Haltevorrichtung fĆ¼r die zu bedruckenden BehƤlter aufweist. Bei der Transportvorrichtung kann es sich beispielsweise um einen rotierenden Transportstern mit vertikal angeordneter Rotationsachse, um ein Transportrad mit horizontal angeordneter Rotationsachse oder aber auch um ein Endlosfƶrderband mit zumindest abschnittsweise linearen Transportabschnitten handeln.The invention further relates to a circulating treatment module for printing on containers. This is arranged between a container feed for feeding of containers to be printed from an upstream device and a container removal for removal and further transport of the printed containers. The treatment module comprises a circulating transport device, which has at least one holding device for the containers to be printed. The transport device may be, for example, a rotating transport star with a vertically arranged axis of rotation, a transport wheel with a horizontally arranged axis of rotation, or else an endless conveyor belt with at least partially linear transport sections.
Das Behandlungsmodul umfasst weiterhin mindestens ein Basismodul, wobei auf dem Basismodul mindestens ein Druckkopf angeordnet ist. Das Basismodul ist vorzugsweise im ƤuĆeren Bereich der Umlaufbahn der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet, so dass die in diesem Bereich gehalterten BehƤlter von den Druckkƶpfen und gegebenenfalls weiteren auf dem Basismodul angeordneten Behandlungseinrichtungen erreicht werden kƶnnen.The treatment module further comprises at least one base module, wherein at least one print head is arranged on the base module. The base module is preferably arranged in the outer region of the circulation path of the transport device, so that the containers held in this region can be reached by the print heads and, if appropriate, further treatment devices arranged on the base module.
GemĆ¤Ć einer bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsform umfasst das Behandlungsmodul vorzugsweise drei Teilbereiche, in denen die BehƤlter unterschiedlichen Behandlungsschritten unterworfen werden.According to a preferred embodiment, the treatment module preferably comprises three subregions in which the containers are subjected to different treatment steps.
Der erste Teilbereich ist ein Vorbehandlungsbereich zur Vorbereitung der OberflƤche der BehƤlter auf das Bedrucken. Der sich daran anschlieĆende Bereich bildet den Druckbereich zum direkten Bedrucken der BehƤltermantelflƤchen. In diesem Bereich ist das mindestens eine Basismodul angeordnet. Daran schlieĆt sich ein weiterer Teilbereich an, bei dem es sich insbesondere um einen Nachbehandlungsbereich handelt. ErfindungsgemĆ¤Ć bewegt sich das Basismodul zumindest abschnittsweise synchron zu der umlaufenden Transportvorrichtung, insbesondere fĆ¼hrt das Basismodul eine oszillierende Bewegung durch. Das Basismodul kann zumindest abschnittsweise in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung von einer Ausgangsposition in eine Endposition bewegt werden, um dann entgegen der Transportrichtung wieder in die Ausgangsposition zurĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt zu werden. Dadurch werden die BehƤlter wƤhrend ihres Bedruckens vom Basismodul begleitet, so dass annƤhernd keine Relativbewegung zwischen Druckkopf und BehƤlter stattfindet.The first section is a pretreatment area for preparing the surface of the containers for printing. The adjoining area forms the pressure area for direct printing of the container lateral surfaces. In this area, the at least one base module is arranged. This is followed by another subarea, which is in particular an aftertreatment area. According to the invention, the base module moves at least in sections synchronously with the circulating transport device, in particular the base module performs an oscillating movement. The base module can be moved at least in sections in the transport direction of the transport device from a starting position to an end position in order then to be returned to the starting position against the transport direction. As a result, the containers during their Printing accompanied by the base module, so that there is almost no relative movement between printhead and container.
Die zu bedruckenden BehƤlter sind in den Haltevorrichtungen der umlaufenden Transportvorrichtung vorzugsweise liegend und um ihre weitgehend horizontal angeordnete LƤngsachse beweglich angeordnet. Insbesondere kƶnnen die Flaschen um ihre LƤngsachse verschwenken und / oder rotieren und werden im Vorbehandlungs- und / oder im Druck- und / oder im Nachbehandlungsbereich oder wƤhrend des gesamten Transports durch die Transportvorrichtung stetig um ihre LƤngsachse rotiert. GemĆ¤Ć einer bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsform rotieren die BehƤlter beim Durchlaufen der Teilbereiche jeweils mindestens einmal um ihre LƤngsachse, so dass die gesamte AuĆenmantelflƤche der BehƤlter der jeweiligen Behandlung unterworfen ist.The containers to be printed are preferably lying in the holding devices of the circulating transport device and arranged to be movable about their largely horizontally arranged longitudinal axis. In particular, the bottles can pivot about their longitudinal axis and / or rotate and are rotated in the pretreatment and / or in the printing and / or post-treatment or during the entire transport by the transport device steadily about its longitudinal axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the containers rotate at least once around their longitudinal axis when passing through the subregions, so that the entire outer circumferential surface of the containers is subjected to the respective treatment.
GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren AusfĆ¼hrungsform kƶnnen auf dem Behandlungsmodul jeweils mindestens ein Vorbehandlungsbereich und / oder mindestens ein Nachbehandlungsbereich, insbesondere ein Trocknungsbereich angeordnet sein, so dass durch das Basismodul mindestens zwei unterschiedliche Verfahrensschritte: Vorbehandlung und Bedrucken oder Bedrucken und Nachbehandlung oder Vorbehandlung und Bedrucken und Nachbehandlung durchgefĆ¼hrt werden.According to a further embodiment, at least one pretreatment area and / or at least one post-treatment area, in particular a drying area, may be arranged on the treatment module so that at least two different process steps: pretreatment and printing or printing and aftertreatment or pretreatment and printing and aftertreatment are carried out by the base module ,
GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren AusfĆ¼hrungsform sind im Druckbereich des Behandlungsmoduls ein ƤuĆeres und ein inneres Basismodul an der Umlaufbahn der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet. Handelt es sich bei der Transportvorrichtung um ein stehendes Rad mit einer weitgehend horizontalen Rotationsachse, dann ist das innere Basismodul vorzugsweise zwischen der Achse der rotierenden Transportvorrichtung und dem zu bedruckenden BehƤlter angeordnet. Dadurch ist eine Steigerung der Maschinenleistung mƶglich. GemĆ¤Ć einer AusfĆ¼hrungsform werden durch das ƤuĆerere und das innere Basismodul im Wechsel oder gleichzeitig mindestens zwei BehƤlter bedruckt. GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren AusfĆ¼hrungsform sind im Druckbereich des Behandlungsmoduls zwei Basismodule parallel angeordnet. Damit kƶnnen mit einer speziellen Haltevorrichtung doppelt gehalterte Flaschen gleichzeitig bedruckt werden.According to a further embodiment, in the pressure region of the treatment module, an outer and an inner base module are arranged on the orbit of the transport device. If the transport device is a stationary wheel with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, then the inner base module is preferably arranged between the axis of the rotating transport device and the container to be printed. As a result, an increase in machine power is possible. According to one embodiment, at least two containers are alternately or simultaneously printed by the outer and the inner base module. According to a further embodiment, two base modules are arranged in parallel in the pressure region of the treatment module. This allows double-held bottles to be printed simultaneously with a special holding device.
Weiterhin kann das Behandlungsmodul Mittel zur Einstellung des optimalen Abstands zwischen dem zu bedruckenden BehƤlter und dem Druckkopf aufweisen. Die Verstellung erfolgt insbesondere Ć¼ber eine zusƤtzliche Achse. Vorzugsweise weist das Behandlungsmodul eine entsprechende Sensorik auf, Ć¼ber die die dynamische Einstellung des Abstands des BehƤlters zum Druckkopf erfolgt.Furthermore, the treatment module may comprise means for adjusting the optimum distance between the container to be printed and the print head. The adjustment takes place in particular via an additional axis. Preferably, this has Treatment module on a corresponding sensor through which the dynamic adjustment of the distance of the container to the printhead takes place.
Die Sensorik kann beispielsweise Kamerasysteme, Bilderkennungssysteme oder andere geeignete Systeme zur Erkennung und Ćberwachung des Druckvorganges, zur richtigen Positionierung der BehƤlter in Bezug auf die Druckkƶpfe und / oder zur Steuerung bzw. Ćberwachung des Druckergebnisses beinhalten.The sensors may include, for example, camera systems, image recognition systems, or other suitable systems for detecting and monitoring the printing process, for properly positioning the containers with respect to the printheads, and / or for controlling the printing result.
GemĆ¤Ć einer AusfĆ¼hrungsform werden die Druckkƶpfe Ć¼ber den Sensor gesteuert. Insbesondere erkennt der Sensor die Kontur des zu bedruckenden BehƤlters und der Abstand zum Druckkopf wird aufgrund der daraus gewonnenen Daten entsprechend dynamisch angepasst, um jederzeit den optimalen Abstand zwischen BehƤlter und Druckkopf zu haben und somit ein optimales Druckergebnis erzielen zu kƶnnen. In dieser AusfĆ¼hrungsform ist die Position der Druckkƶpfe und / oder die Position der BehƤlter an der umlaufenden Transportvorrichtung somit nicht fest voreingestellt sondern wird in AbhƤngigkeit von den zu bedruckenden BehƤltern dynamisch geregelt. Insbesondere kann die Positionierung der Druckkƶpfe bzw. des Basismoduls wƤhrend des Druckvorganges angepasst werden, was insbesondere beim Bedrucken von BehƤltern mit einem ovalen Durchmesser vorteilhaft ist, da sich der Abstand zwischen BehƤlter und Druckkopf bei Rotation des BehƤlters um seine LƤngsachse immer wieder Ƥndert.In one embodiment, the printheads are controlled via the sensor. In particular, the sensor detects the contour of the container to be printed and the distance to the print head is adjusted accordingly dynamically due to the data obtained from it to always have the optimal distance between the container and the print head and thus to achieve an optimal print result. In this embodiment, the position of the printheads and / or the position of the containers on the revolving transport device is thus not permanently preset but is dynamically controlled in dependence on the containers to be printed. In particular, the positioning of the print heads or of the base module can be adapted during the printing process, which is advantageous in particular when printing containers with an oval diameter, since the distance between the container and the print head changes continuously as the container rotates about its longitudinal axis.
Bei dem Sensor kann es sich beispielsweise um ein bilderkennendes System handeln, das die ermittelten Daten, insbesondere die Kontur, Hƶhe und Breite des zu bedruckenden BehƤlters an eine Recheneinheit weiter gibt. Anhand der Ć¼bermittelten Daten wird der optimale Abstand zwischen dem BehƤlter und dem Druckkopf berechnet. Die Recheneinheit steuert dann die entsprechende Positionierung des Druckkopfes bzw. der Druckkƶpfe auf dem Basismodul bzw. die entsprechende Positionierung des Basismoduls.By way of example, the sensor may be a picture-recognizing system which forwards the ascertained data, in particular the contour, height and width of the container to be printed, to a computing unit. Based on the transmitted data, the optimal distance between the container and the printhead is calculated. The arithmetic unit then controls the corresponding positioning of the print head or the print heads on the base module or the corresponding positioning of the base module.
Mit dem erfindungsgemƤĆen Verfahren und der beschriebenen Vorrichtung ist es also mƶglich, sich stetig bewegende BehƤlter kontinuierlich zu bedrucken. Die bisher erforderliche Taktung der Maschinen aufgrund der zumindest kurzzeitig an der Druckstation stehenden BehƤlter kann entfallen. Die BehƤlter kƶnnen nun permanent in Bewegung bleiben, so dass das gesamte Handling vereinfacht und die Maschinenleistung gesteigert werden kann. Das Verfahren und die Vorrichtung werden insbesondere fĆ¼r den Direktdruck auf die MantelflƤche von BehƤltern verwendet. Alternativ besteht auch die Mƶglichkeit, auf dem BehƤlter befindliche Etiketten oder Beschichtungen oder UmhĆ¼llungen zu bedrucken.With the method according to the invention and the device described, it is thus possible to continuously print continuously moving containers. The previously required timing of the machines due to the at least temporarily standing at the printing station container can be omitted. The containers can now remain in constant motion, so that the entire handling can be simplified and the machine performance can be increased. The method and the device are used in particular for Direct pressure on the lateral surface of containers used. Alternatively, it is also possible to print on the container located labels or coatings or wraps.
Im Folgenden sollen AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiele die Erfindung und ihre Vorteile anhand der beigefĆ¼gten Figuren nƤher erlƤutern. Die GrƶĆenverhƤltnisse der einzelnen Elemente zueinander in den Figuren entsprechen nicht immer den realen GrƶĆenverhƤltnissen, da einige Formen vereinfacht und andere Formen zur besseren Veranschaulichung vergrƶĆert im VerhƤltnis zu anderen Elementen dargestellt sind.
-
Figur 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine erste AusfĆ¼hrungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern. -
Figur 2 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine zweite AusfĆ¼hrungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern. -
Figur 3 zeigt eine dritte AusfĆ¼hrungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern. -
Figur 4 zeigt eine weitere Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von BehƤltern. -
Figur 5 zeigt eine Haltevorrichtung fĆ¼r zwei BehƤlter. -
Figur 6 zeigt eine weitere AusfĆ¼hrungsform einer Haltevorrichtung fĆ¼r zwei BehƤlter. -
Figur 7 zeigt eine AusfĆ¼hrungsform einer Vorrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Bedrucken von doppelt gehalterten BehƤltern. -
Figur 8 zeigt eine weitere AusfĆ¼hrungsform einer Vorrichtung zum gleichzeitigen Bedrucken von doppelt gehalterten BehƤltern.
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an apparatus for printing on containers. -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an apparatus for printing on containers. -
FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of an apparatus for printing on containers. -
FIG. 4 shows another device for printing on containers. -
FIG. 5 shows a holding device for two containers. -
FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a holding device for two containers. -
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an apparatus for the simultaneous printing of doppelhaltalterten containers. -
FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for simultaneous printing of doppelstalterten containers.
FĆ¼r gleiche oder gleich wirkende Elemente der Erfindung werden identische Bezugszeichen verwendet. Ferner werden der Ćbersicht halber nur Bezugszeichen in den einzelnen Figuren dargestellt, die fĆ¼r die Beschreibung der jeweiligen Figur erforderlich sind. Die dargestellten AusfĆ¼hrungsformen stellen lediglich Beispiele dar, wie die erfindungsgemƤĆe Vorrichtung oder das erfindungsgemƤĆe Verfahren ausgestaltet sein kƶnnen und stellen keine abschlieĆende Begrenzung dar.For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.
Die zu bedruckenden BehƤlter 20 werden Ć¼ber eine Einlaufvorrichtung 12, insbesondere gebildet durch einen Standard- Transportstern wie z.B. einem Einlaufstern, dem rotierenden Behandlungsmodul 10a zugefĆ¼hrt. Die Einlaufvorrichtung 12 kann - wie hier dargestellt - zusƤtzlich die Funktion Ć¼bernehmen, die Flaschen bzw. BehƤlter 20 vor oder wƤhrend der Ćbergabe in die Horizontale zu kippen, so dass sie in dieser Lage in die Vorrichtung 1a Ć¼bergeben und dort in horizontaler Lage weitertransportiert werden. DafĆ¼r geeignet ist beispielsweise ein so genannter 90Ā°-Wendestern 13, wie in
Alternativ kƶnnen die zu bedruckenden Artikel bzw. BehƤlter 20 auch auf dem rotierenden Behandlungsmodul 10a durch eine geeignete Wendevorrichtung in eine horizontale Lage gebracht werden (nicht dargestellt). Das Wenden kann also wie im AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel dargestellt im "Anfahrtsbereich" zum Behandlungsmodul 10a oder alternativ innerhalb des Behandlungsmoduls 10a erfolgen.Alternatively, the articles or
Die horizontale Lage der BehƤlter 20 ist aufgrund der physikalischen Grenzen des mindestens einen verwendeten Druckkopfes 32 vorteilhaft. Die Bedruckung kann in diesem Fall mit liegenden Druckkƶpfen 32 erfolgen, die ihre Druckfarbe nach unten und damit ohne negative Beeinflussung aufgrund der wirkenden SchwerkrƤfte ausstoĆen kƶnnen.The horizontal position of the
Die BehƤlter 20 werden an eine kontinuierlich rotierende Transportvorrichtung 11 des rotierenden Behandlungsmoduls 10a Ć¼bergeben. Die Transportvorrichtung 11 stellt eine Art senkrecht aufgestelltes Rad dar, das um seine horizontal angeordnete Drehachse DA rotiert. Die Transportvorrichtung 11 weist spezielle Haltevorrichtungen (nicht dargestellt) fĆ¼r die BehƤlter 20 auf, in denen die BehƤlter 20 so zentriert und eingespannt werden, dass sie um ihre LƤngsachse X bewegt, insbesondere verschwenkt und / oder rotiert, werden kƶnnen.The
Die BehƤlter 20 passieren nach der Ćbergabe an die rotierende Transportvorrichtung 11 einen ersten Teilbereich I, in dem eine Vorbehandlung stattfindet. Jeder BehƤlter 20 muss in dem Vorbehandlungsmodul 40 vorzugsweise mindestens eine 360Ā°-Drehung vollziehen, damit der komplette Umfang des BehƤlters 20 behandelt wird. Dieser Vorgang findet vorzugsweise kontinuierlich statt. GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren AusfĆ¼hrungsform kann der Prozess auch diskontinuierlich bzw. getaktet stattfinden.After the transfer to the
Im Anschluss erreichen die BehƤlter 20 aufgrund der stetigen Bewegung der Transportvorrichtung 11 in Bewegungsrichtung B einen Druckbereich D. Dabei handelt es sich um den Druckbereich D mit mindestens einer Basisstation 29, auf der mindestens ein Druckkopf 32 und mindestens eine Zwischentrocknungsstation 35 in einer Anfangsposition AP angeordnet sind. In
Die Basisstation 29 bewegt sich oszillierend, was bedeutet, dass zunƤchst die Bewegung der BehƤlter 20 in Bewegungsrichtung B Ć¼ber einen Maschinenwinkel Ī± hinweg bis zur Endposition EP synchron begleitet wird. Dies ermƶglicht aufgrund der kontinuierlichen Bewegung der Transportvorrichtung 11 in Bewegungsrichtung B eine kontinuierliche Behandlung der BehƤlter 20, welche sich wƤhrend des Druckvorgangs vorzugsweise kontinuierlich um ihre LƤngsachse X drehen. Das Aufbringen der Druckfarbe durch die Druckkƶpfe 32 auf die BehƤlter 20 erfolgt hierbei weitgehend von oben. Die Druckkƶpfe 32 weisen in dieser Behandlungsphase keine Relativbewegung zu den BehƤltern 20 auf.The
Auf einer Basisstation 29 kƶnnen in einer alternativen AusfĆ¼hrungsform neben dem Zwischentrocknungsstation 35 auch mehrere Druckkƶpfe 32 und im speziellen auch mehrere Druckkƶpfe 32 gleicher Farbe sitzen. D.h. es kƶnnen mehrere BehƤlter 20 gleichzeitig bedruckt werden, wodurch die Leistung der Vorrichtung 10 erhƶht wird.On an
Nach Verlassen des Druckbereiches D durchlaufen die BehƤlter 20 einen zweiten Teilbereich II, in dem mindestens eine Nachbehandlung durch ein Nachbehandlungsmodul 42, insbesondere eine finale Trocknung 44, stattfindet. Hier werden die BehƤlter 20 beispielsweise durch UV-Licht kontinuierlich getrocknet, wobei die BehƤlter 20 wiederum vorzugsweise kontinuierlich um ihre LƤngsachse X gedreht werden. GemĆ¤Ć einer weiteren AusfĆ¼hrungsform kann der Nachbehandlungsprozess auch diskontinuierlich bzw. getaktet stattfinden.After leaving the pressure range D, the
AnschlieĆend werden die BehƤlter 20 an eine Auslaufvorrichtung 14 Ć¼bergeben, die der Einlaufvorrichtung 12 Ƥhnelt und bei der es sich im gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel ebenfalls um einen 90Ā° Wendestern 15 handelt, der die BehƤlter 20 aus der liegenden Position in eine stehende Position fĆ¼r den Weitertransport zu nachgeordneten Verarbeitungsvorrichtungen, beispielsweise Verpackungsvorrichtungen o.Ƥ. Ć¼berfĆ¼hrt.Subsequently, the
WƤhrend die BehƤlter 20 zu dem zweiten Teilbereich II transportiert werden bzw. den zweiten Teilbereich II durchlaufen bzw. Ć¼ber die Auslaufvorrichtung 14, 15 aus dem rotierenden Behandlungsmodul 10a entfernt werden, wird die mindestens eine Basisstation 29 entgegen der Bewegungsrichtung B der Transportvorrichtung 11 zurĆ¼ck in die Ausgangsposition AP bewegt und steht nunmehr fĆ¼r das Bedrucken neu zugefĆ¼hrter BehƤlter 20 erneut bereit.While the
Weiterhin ist es auch mƶglich, dass die Basisstationen 29, 30 alternativ bewegt werden. Bei einer nichtsynchronen Bewegung ist es mƶglich, verschiedene BehƤlter 20 abwechselnd von der ƤuĆeren 29 oder von der inneren Basisstation 30 bedrucken zu lassen.Furthermore, it is also possible that the
Die BehƤlter 20 sind durch jeweils eine Haltevorrichtung 23 beweglich an der Transportvorrichtung 11 angeordnet. Im gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel erfolgt das Schwenken der BehƤlter 20 in die Horizontale auf dem BehƤltertisch der rotierenden Transportvorrichtung 11. Die Einlaufvorrichtung 12 bzw. Auslaufvorrichtung 14 sind jeweils als Standard-Einlaufstern 16 bzw. Standard-Auslaufstern 17 ausgefĆ¼hrt.The
Der mindestens eine Druckkopf 32 ist oberhalb der rotierenden Transportvorrichtung 11 angeordnet, so dass das Drucken wiederum "klassisch" von oben nach unten erfolgen kann. Weiterhin ist es mƶglich, zusƤtzliche Druckkƶpfe (nicht dargestellt), um den BehƤlter 20 herum anzuordnen, bspw. fĆ¼r einen Mehrfarbendruck. Alternativ kann auch eine gleichzeitige Bedruckung eines BehƤlters Ć¼ber mehrere Druckkƶpfe stattfinden.The at least one
Auf einer Basisstation 31 sind jeweils mindestens ein Vorbehandlungssmodul 60, mindestens ein Druckkopf 32 und mindestens ein Nachbehandlungssmodul 62 angeordnet, so dass die drei Verfahrensschritte Vorbehandlung, Bedrucken und Nachbehandlung alle durch das Basismodul 31 erfolgen.At least one
Durch Verwendung einer Doppel- Halterung 50 (vgl.
Mit der gezeigten Haltevorrichtung 50 kƶnnen gleichzeitig zwei horizontal ausgerichtete BehƤlter 20 transportiert und jeweils um ihre LƤngsachse X bewegt werden. Dadurch kann die Maschinenleistung verdoppelt werden. FĆ¼r den Zu- und Ablauf der behandelten BehƤlter 20 sind dann allerdings zwei Einlauf- und zwei Auslaufvorrichtungen 12, 14 (nicht dargestellt, vgl.
Alternativ ist es auch mƶglich, dass die Halterung von einer Seite mit einem BehƤlter 20 bestĆ¼ckt wird, anschlieĆend wird die Halterung um weitgehend 180Ā° geschwenkt, die Ein- bzw. Auslaufvorrichtung 12, 14 (nicht dargestellt, vgl.
Alternatively, it is also possible that the holder is fitted from one side with a
Die Ćbergabe der BehƤlter 20 vom Eingabestern 16 zur Transportvorrichtung 11 und die Positionierung der BehƤlter 20 erfolgt bei der in
FĆ¼r den BehƤltertransport sind dazu nur ein Einlauf- und ein Auslaufstern notwendig, wƤhrend ein GroĆteil der bewegten Bauteile gemeinsam genutzt werden kann.For container transport, only one inlet and one outlet star are necessary, while a large part of the moving components can be shared.
Jeweils zwei BehƤlter 20 sind durch jeweils eine Doppel-Haltevorrichtung 52 beweglich an der Transportvorrichtung 11 angeordnet. Im gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel erfolgt das Schwenken der BehƤlter 20 in die Horizontale auf dem BehƤltertisch der rotierenden Transportvorrichtung 11. Die Einlaufvorrichtung 12 bzw. Auslaufvorrichtung 14 sind jeweils als Standard-Einlaufstern 16 bzw. Standard-Auslaufstern 17 ausgefĆ¼hrt.In each case two
Die Vorrichtung 1d umfasst mindestens zwei Druckkƶpfe 32, wobei ein erster Druckkopf 32 auf einem ersten Basismodul 29 und ein zweiter Druckkopf 32 auf einem zweiten Basismodul 30 jeweils oberhalb der rotierenden Transportvorrichtung 11 angeordnet sind. Insbesondere befinden sich die Druckkƶpfe 32 auf weitgehend gleichem Hƶhenniveau und die innen und auĆen liegenden Druckkƶpfe 32 bedrucken gleichzeitig beide BehƤlter 20 der Doppel- Halterung 52.The device 1d comprises at least two
Weiterhin ist es mƶglich, zusƤtzliche Druckkƶpfe 32 (nicht dargestellt), um den BehƤlter 20 herum anzuordnen, bspw. fĆ¼r einen Mehrfarbendruck. Alternativ kann auch eine gleichzeitige Bedruckung der BehƤlter Ć¼ber jeweils mehrere Druckkƶpfe 32 stattfinden.It is also possible to place additional printheads 32 (not shown) around the
Die Vorrichtung 1f umfasst ebenfalls mindestens zwei Druckkƶpfe 32 auf einem ersten und einem zweiten Basismodul 29, 30 jeweils oberhalb der rotierenden Transportvorrichtung 11 und somit oberhalb der weitgehend horizontal liegenden BehƤlter 20 angeordnet sind. Insbesondere befinden sich die Druckkƶpfe 32 auf weitgehend gleichem Hƶhenniveau und die innen und auĆen liegenden Druckkƶpfe 32 bedrucken gleichzeitig beide an der Doppel- Halterung 52 gehalterte BehƤlter 20.The device 1f likewise comprises at least two
Die Erfindung wurde unter Bezugnahme auf eine bevorzugte AusfĆ¼hrungsform beschrieben.The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment.
- 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d
- Vorrichtung zum Bedrucken von BehƤlternDevice for printing on containers
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10, 10a, 10b 10c, 10d10, 10a,
10c, 10d10b - rotierendes Behandlungsmodulrotating treatment module
- 1111
- Transportvorrichtungtransport device
- 1212
- Einlaufvorrichtunginlet device
- 1313
- 90Ā° Wendestern90 Ā° Wendestern
- 1414
- Auslaufvorrichtungdischarge device
- 1515
- 90Ā° Wendestern90 Ā° Wendestern
- 1616
- Einlaufsternfeed star
- 1717
- Auslaufsternoutlet star
- 2020
- BehƤltercontainer
- 2222
- Haltevorrichtungholder
- 2323
- Haltevorrichtungholder
- 2929
- Basisstationbase station
- 3030
- Basisstationbase station
- 3131
- Basisstationbase station
- 3232
- Druckkopfprinthead
- 3535
- ZwischenbehandlungsstationBetween treatment station
- 4040
- Vorbehandlungsmodulpretreatment module
- 4242
- Nachbehandlungsmodulpost-treatment module
- 4444
- Trocknungdesiccation
- 5050
- Haltevorrichtung fĆ¼r zwei BehƤlterHolding device for two containers
- 5252
- Haltevorrichtung fĆ¼r zwei BehƤlterHolding device for two containers
- 6060
- Vorbehandlungsmodulpretreatment module
- 6262
- Nachbehandlungsmodulpost-treatment module
- Ī±Ī±
- Maschinenwinkelmachine angle
- APAP
- Anfangspositionstarting position
- BB
- Bewegungsrichtungmovement direction
- EPEP
- Endpositionend position
- II
- erster Teilbereichfirst subarea
- DD
- zweiter Teilbereichsecond subarea
- DATHERE
- Drehachseaxis of rotation
- IIII
- dritter Teilbereichthird subarea
- XX
- LƤngsachselongitudinal axis
Claims (14)
- A method for printing onto containers (20) wherein the containers (20) are transported by means of a circulating transport device (11), which has at least one holding device (23, 50, 52) for the containers (20) to be printed onto, wherein the circulating transport device (11) has at least one basic module (29, 30, 31) associated with it, upon which at least one print head (32) is arranged, and wherein the at least one basic module (29, 30, 31) is arranged in the area of the orbit of the transport device (11), wherein the following method steps take place:- feeding the containers (20) to a print area (D), wherein the print area (D) has at least one basic module (29, 30, 31) associated with it;- driving along the at least one basic module (29, 30) at least partially synchronously with the containers (20) being transported through the circulating transport device (11), which containers (20) are to be printed onto, wherein the basic module (29, 30) assumes a start position (AP) and an end position (EP) in the print area (D) at the circulating transport device (11);- printing onto the containers (20) during a synchronous movement of the basic module (29, 30) and the circulating transport device (11) between the start position (AP) and the end position (EP) by means of the at least one print head (32) arranged on the basic module (29, 30);characterised by the following process steps:- returning the basic module (29, 30) opposite to the transport direction (B) of the circulating transport device (11) into the start position (AP) while the containers (20) are being further transported in the transport direction (B) by the circulating transport device (11);- wherein the basic module (29, 30) is returned into the start position (AP) in a swivelling movement in an opposite direction to a rotary movement (B) or to a circulating movement of the transport device (11).
- The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the containers (20) are subjected to a pre-treatment prior to being printed onto and/or wherein the containers (20) are subjected to an after-treatment subsequent to being printed onto.
- The method as recited in claim 1 or 2 wherein a plurality of containers (20) is simultaneously printed onto.
- The method as recited in claim 2 or claim 2 and 3 wherein the containers (20) are swivelled and/or rotated about their longitudinal axis (X) during the printing and/or during the pre-treatment and/or during the after-treatment.
- The method as recited in claim 2 or claim 2 together with claim 3 or 4 wherein the pre-treatment of the containers (20) prepares the surface of the containers (20) for printing, in particular wherein the pre-treatment comprises a flame treatment, a corona treatment, or a plasma treatment.
- The method as recited in claim 2 or claim 2 together with one of the claims 3 to 5 wherein the after-treatment of the printed containers (20) comprises a final drying of the printed containers (20), in particular a drying with hot air or a UV crosslinking.
- The method as recited in claim 2 or claim 2 together with one of the claims 3 to 6 wherein the method steps pre-treatment, printing, and after-treatment for the containers (20) are carried out continuously, wherein the containers (20) are constantly moved by the circulating transport device (11).
- A circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) for printing onto containers (20), which treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) can be arranged between a container in-feed (12, 13, 16) and a container out-feed (14, 15, 17), with a circulating transport device (11), which has at least one holding device (23, 50, 52) for the containers (20) to be printed onto, with at least one basic module (29, 30), wherein the basic module (29, 30) comprises at least one print head (32), and wherein the basic module (29, 30) is arranged in the area of the orbit of the transport device (11), wherein the circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises at least one print area (D), wherein the print area (D) comprises the at least one basic module (29, 30, 31), wherein the at least one basic module (29, 30, 31) is arranged in the outer area of the orbit of the transport device and is in sections movable in the print area synchronously with the circulating transport device (11) between a start position (AP) and an end position (EP) such that the at least one print head is stationary in relation to the particular container, characterised in that the basic module (29, 30) is swivelable back into the start position (AP) in the opposite direction to the circulating movement of the transport device (11).
- The circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) as recited in claim 8 wherein at least one pre-treatment module (40, 60) and/or at least one after-treatment module (42, 62) is/are arranged on the at least one basic module (29, 30, 31).
- The circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) as recited in claim 8 or 9 wherein the basic module (29, 30, 31) is movable in an oscillating manner.
- The circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) as recited in one of the claims 8 to 10 wherein the containers (20) to be printed onto are arranged in the holding devices (23, 50, 52) of the circulating transport device (11) in a lying position and so as to be movable about their largely horizontally arranged longitudinal axis (X).
- The circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) as recited in one of the claims 8 to 11 wherein the treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) comprises holding devices (23) for one container (20) or holding devices (50, 52) for two containers (20).
- The circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) as recited in one of the claims 8 to 12 that has two basic modules (29, 30, 31) associated with it in the print area, wherein the basic modules (29, 30, 31) are arranged to be parallel and/or fixedly coupled with each other, in particular a treatment module that has an outer and an inner basic module (29, 30) at the orbit of the transport device (11) associated with it in the print area (D).
- The circulating treatment module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) as recited in one of the claims 8 to 13 wherein the circulating transport device (11) is a rotating transport device or a transport star or wherein the circulating transport device is in sections linear.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102011009391A DE102011009391A1 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2011-01-25 | Apparatus and method for printing on containers |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2479037A1 EP2479037A1 (en) | 2012-07-25 |
EP2479037B1 true EP2479037B1 (en) | 2017-08-30 |
EP2479037B2 EP2479037B2 (en) | 2021-01-06 |
Family
ID=45418486
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP11195344.4A Active EP2479037B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2011-12-22 | Method and device for printing containers |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2479037B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102615956B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102011009391A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (21)
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DE102012213079A1 (en) * | 2012-07-25 | 2014-01-30 | Krones Ag | System for printing containers, particularly plastic bottles filled with flowable medium with decorative or characterizing print motifs, has printing device and container pre-treatment device with four different pre-treatment units |
DE102013213843A1 (en) * | 2013-07-16 | 2015-01-22 | Krones Ag | Container treatment device for printing on containers |
DE102013214934A1 (en) * | 2013-07-30 | 2015-02-05 | Krones Ag | Apparatus and method for direct printing of containers |
ITMI20131318A1 (en) * | 2013-08-02 | 2015-02-03 | Tapematic Spa | EQUIPMENT AND METHOD FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF OBJECTS |
DE102013217681A1 (en) * | 2013-09-04 | 2015-03-05 | Krones Ag | Treatment machine for containers and method for monitoring the processing machine |
DE102013217667A1 (en) * | 2013-09-04 | 2015-03-05 | Krones Ag | Device for printing on containers, in particular by means of a rotary machine |
DE102013110125A1 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2015-03-19 | Till Gmbh | Method and device for surface pretreatment of a three-dimensional body |
DE102015203798A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2015-10-01 | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag | Apparatus for printing a curved surface of an object |
DE102014106573A1 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2015-11-12 | Khs Gmbh | Holding and centering device, container treatment device and method for treating containers |
DE102014109948A1 (en) * | 2014-07-16 | 2016-01-21 | Krones Ag | Method and device for printing on containers |
DE102014216576A1 (en) * | 2014-08-21 | 2016-02-25 | Krones Ag | Container treatment machine with an inspection device |
DE102014116987A1 (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2016-05-25 | Krones Ag | Container treatment plant and method for treating containers |
CN104772985A (en) * | 2015-04-13 | 2015-07-15 | äŗäø° | UV printer adopting plasma technology or corona technology |
DE102015215295A1 (en) | 2015-08-11 | 2017-02-16 | Krones Ag | Printing machine for containers and method for printing on containers |
CN105252894B (en) * | 2015-11-13 | 2017-08-25 | åéčŖčæčäøęęÆå¦é¢ | A kind of full-automatic knitted gloves thermal transfer scalds device for mark and method |
DE102016110721A1 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2017-12-14 | Krones Ag | Apparatus and method for filling containers with a filling product |
FR3057490B1 (en) * | 2016-10-13 | 2019-06-14 | Machines Dubuit | MACHINE FOR PRINTING A PLURALITY OF OBJECTS AT LEAST PARTLY TRUNCONIC |
DE102017215459A1 (en) * | 2017-09-04 | 2019-03-07 | Krones Ag | Printing machine for direct printing on containers |
CA3075637A1 (en) | 2017-09-19 | 2019-03-28 | Ball Corporation | Container decoration apparatus and method |
DE102021130583A1 (en) | 2021-11-23 | 2023-05-25 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Direct printing system and method of operating a direct printing system |
FR3145307A1 (en) * | 2023-01-30 | 2024-08-02 | Pochet Du Courval | Installation for decorating hollow glass objects including a conveyor for moving the objects past at least one digital printing station |
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DE69811683T2 (en) | 1997-08-21 | 2003-12-04 | The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati | APPLICATION OF SUBSTANCES ON A PACKAGING |
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DE3526769A1 (en) * | 1985-07-26 | 1987-01-29 | Schmalbach Lubeca | METHOD FOR DECORATING METAL OR PLASTIC CONTAINERS |
JP3140657B2 (en) * | 1995-05-09 | 2001-03-05 | ę Ŗå¼ä¼ē¤¾ć¤ćÆć«ćę¬ē¤¾ | Printing device for circular cross-section containers |
DE10029181A1 (en) * | 2000-06-14 | 2001-12-20 | Balsfulland Maschfabrik Gmbh | Device for decorating individual objects |
WO2004009360A1 (en) ā | 2002-07-22 | 2004-01-29 | Sealed Air Limited | Printing process and apparatus |
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DE102007050490A1 (en) | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-23 | Khs Ag | Device for printing containers, has printing group provided with printing heads operating according to ink jet printing principle |
ATE534526T1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2011-12-15 | Khs Gmbh | DEVICE FOR PRINTING BOTTLES OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE CONTAINER |
AT506191B1 (en) * | 2007-12-21 | 2009-09-15 | Corbic Gmbh | PRINTING |
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2011
- 2011-01-25 DE DE102011009391A patent/DE102011009391A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2011-12-22 EP EP11195344.4A patent/EP2479037B2/en active Active
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2012
- 2012-01-30 CN CN201210020905.6A patent/CN102615956B/en active Active
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GB2134045A (en) | 1983-01-27 | 1984-08-08 | Hoffmann Cyklop | Apparatus for marking objects |
DE69811683T2 (en) | 1997-08-21 | 2003-12-04 | The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati | APPLICATION OF SUBSTANCES ON A PACKAGING |
EP1435296A1 (en) | 2002-12-30 | 2004-07-07 | Tecno - Europa S.R.L. | System for printing on items |
DE102006001223A1 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-12 | Khs Ag | Apparatus for printing on bottles or similar containers |
WO2009018893A1 (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-12 | Khs Ag | Device and method for printing containers |
DE102009014663A1 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2010-10-07 | Khs Ag | Device and method for detecting the rotational position of at least one intended for receiving a container rotating device |
WO2011144278A1 (en) * | 2010-05-19 | 2011-11-24 | Khs Gmbh | Device and method for printing, in particular for printing containers in several colors |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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DE102011009391A1 (en) | 2012-07-26 |
CN102615956B (en) | 2015-04-22 |
EP2479037B2 (en) | 2021-01-06 |
EP2479037A1 (en) | 2012-07-25 |
CN102615956A (en) | 2012-08-01 |
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