EP2743087B1 - Printing machine with cladding - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a printing machine, which is provided with a lining, within which a predetermined atmosphere can be generated.

State of the art

It is known to surround machines in production halls, in particular in the production of bottles, with protective walls, for example of Plexiglas. On the one hand, this provides a certain degree of safety for the operators and minimizes the risk of accidents. On the other hand, this covering also provides some protection for the products processed or manufactured in the machine located inside this cladding against external influences during the manufacturing process. Since these barriers are not fully developed in most cases, however, and further only have a certain height to ensure the requirements for occupational safety, the protection against undesirable environmental influences is not given.

Furthermore, for example, in the DE 10 2009 041 527 A1 discloses a printing machine comprising individual capsules at each container station of the printing press which can enclose a container received by the container station for reducing wind during transport through the printing press. For this purpose, appropriate ventilation systems can be provided in the capsules. However, the individual capsules are extremely maintenance-intensive and error-prone and there is still the risk of injury to operating personnel, since the machine is freely accessible.

Technical problem

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a cladding for printing presses, which improves the protection against undesirable environmental influences and at the same time meets the requirements of occupational safety.

solution

This object is achieved by the device according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 9. The subclaims include expedient embodiments of the invention.

The printing machine for directly printing on containers, the printing machine comprising a cover adapted to separate the printing machine therein from the surrounding space, with at least one supply possibility to guide the containers in the space inside the cover and a discharge possibility, around the containers is derived from this space, is provided, characterized in that the panel separates the printing press from surrounding space so that within the panel a controlled atmosphere can be generated. This lining allows printing to take place under a well-defined atmosphere.

In one embodiment, the printing machine is characterized in that it comprises a ventilation system with at least one main flow, in which an air filter is arranged, where in the ventilation system is suitable to generate an overpressure against the pressure prevailing outside within the printing press. By generating a (slight) overpressure, the unwanted ingress of outside air is effectively prevented, or at least partially suppressed.

In a further embodiment, the printing press is characterized in that the ventilation system comprises a heating device for heating recirculated process air, the heating device being arranged in a secondary flow branched off after the air filter, which recirculates the recirculated process air into the main flow upstream of the air filter. As warmer air, for example, can absorb moisture better than less warm, the attachment of a heater for a corresponding air filter is advantageous, as the cold air, which can save less moisture than warm, is first filtered and then heated, then again be fed to the main stream in front of the air filter.

In a further embodiment, the ventilation system of the printing machine is adapted to generate a constant temperature within the printing press and / or to maintain a constant air humidity and / or to suppress air flows which can lead to pressure mist distributions. By setting a predetermined temperature and a constant humidity and the suppression of unwanted air currents is ensured that the printing can be performed in the printing machine with predetermined atmospheric values.

In a further embodiment, the printing press is characterized in that a heating device is provided in the main stream. With this heater, a sufficient heating can be realized. In a further embodiment, the printing press comprises a wet-separation system with at least one cooling system, which can suck process air and washout water, wherein the washout water can be cooled by the cooling system so that the moisture content of the process air can be kept constant when flowing through the wet-separation system , By appropriate cooling, the ability of the process air to absorb moisture is minimized and a desired moisture content can be maintained. Even subsequent heating of the process air can not increase this, unless additional water or moisture is added.

In a further embodiment, the printing press is characterized in that a fine filter is provided in the main stream. Especially with the use of printing machines, deposits of residues, such as the ink or the adhesive used during printing, may occur during printing. A purification of the process air from these Pollution by means of a fine filter can on the one hand prevent accumulations of moisture from these impurities and on the other hand ensure that containers to be printed are not contaminated before printing.

In another embodiment, the wet separation system includes a recirculation pump and / or a Venturi scrubber including at least one venturi. Thus, a particularly good separation of the washout water is guaranteed by the recirculated process air.

By using, for example, this apparatus, a direct printing method of containers characterized in that a controlled atmosphere is created inside the panel can be realized. Direct printing under given atmospheric conditions can lead to better and especially always reproducible results, which can improve the quality of the products produced.

In a further embodiment, an overpressure relative to the pressure prevailing outside the printing press inside the printing press is generated by a ventilation system with at least one main flow in which an air filter is arranged. This suppresses or partially prevents the penetration of any contaminated outside air.

In one embodiment, the direct-pressure method is characterized in that recirculated process air is heated by a heater, which is arranged in a secondary flow in the flow direction of the recirculated process air behind the air filter, and passed through the bypass flow in the main flow in front of the air filter. By the recirculated process air is heated only after passing through the air filter, the unwanted absorption of humidity is prevented before passing through the air filter, whereby it is less stressed and has an increased transit time.

In a further embodiment, the ventilation system within the printing press maintains a constant temperature and / or maintains a constant air humidity and / or suppresses air flows which can lead to the distribution of the pressure mist. This ensures that printing is always carried out in the context of process-related fluctuations of constant atmosphere.

In one embodiment, the recirculated process air passes through a heating device provided therein during the passage of the main flow. This can be a targeted and complete Heating the recirculated process air can be achieved so that it can be brought in any case to the necessary process temperature.

In a further embodiment, the direct printing method is characterized in that the process air is sucked out together with washout water by a wet separation system from the printing press and the washout water is cooled by the wet separation system so far that the moisture content of the extracted process air when flowing through the wet process. Separation system remains constant. This ensures that a certain value of the moisture contained in the process air is obtained and even with subsequent heating of the recirculated process air this value is maintained, unless an additional source of humidity follows.

In one embodiment, the recirculated process air passes through a fine filter during passage of the main stream. For example, dirt that can not be removed by the air filter can be filtered out of it. For example, soiling and contamination of the process air, which are caused by emitted during printing particles are cleaned up here.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1:

Schematic representation of a machine in a panel.

Fig. 2:

Schematic representation of the supply options and diversion options.

3:

Schematic representation of the ventilation system.

Detailed description

Fig. 1 shows a system 100. This system 100 consists of a machine 102 that can be used to make or process containers. In particular, the machine 102 is a printing machine for printing on containers 120. The printing press can be operated intermittently, but can also be a continuously rotating machine for increased performance. These containers may be, for example, packaging of any kind and in particular bottles. The system 100 further includes a cowl 101 that separates the engine 102 therein from the surrounding space 160. In this case, a space 170 is created inside the lining 101. The separation of the space 170 from the surrounding space 160 by the lining 101 takes place in such a way that at least one supply possibility 103 is provided for supplying the container 120, for example by means of a conveyor belt 106, and also a discharge possibility 104 for discharging the processed container 120 ', for example also by means of a conveyor belt 105 is provided. Thus, the space 170 "produced" inside the lining 101 is not a closed or closed system in the physical sense. However, it is preferred that the supply possibility 103 and discharge possibility 104 are chosen as small as possible, preferably so small that only the corresponding delivery devices 106 and 105 and the containers 120 or even only the containers 120 and 120 'can be guided through these openings. Thus, the exchange of air from the outer space 160 with air from the interior 170 is minimized as possible, or can be generated within the panel 101, a (slight) pressure, in which case through the supply line 103 and the Auslassungsmöglichkeit 104 air escapes to the outside.

Furthermore, a ventilation system 107 is provided, which can control the internal air or the atmosphere within the lining 101 in the space 170. For this purpose, it is preferably equipped with means for controlling and controlling the temperature, the humidity and optionally with means for controlling air flows within the space 170. These means may in particular be sensors for detecting temperature and / or humidity in the ambient air. Here, the ventilation system 107 is used here only as a collective term. A detailed description of the ventilation system and its use is in Fig. 3 respectively.

Fig. 2 shows schematic representations of embodiments of the lead options and Ausleitungsmöglichkeiten 203 and 204. In addition shows Fig. 2a again an overall view of the system 200. In addition to the in Fig. 1 recognizable openings in the cladding, it is also possible to provide the supply line 203 and discharge possibility 204 in the cladding 201 in the form of extended locks. These are not only openings in the lining 201 but components with special functions. As boundary conditions, however, they must be able to ensure the transport of the containers 220 or of the processed containers 220 'after leaving the machine 202, for which reason their dimensions must be selected so that a delivery of the containers 220 to the machine 202 and a discharge of the processed containers 220'. can be done by the machine 202. This is particularly preferably done without undesirable delays, such as, for example, formation of jams from containers in front of the supply possibility 203 or after passing through the machine 202 and before passing the discharge possibility 204. Therefore, implementations of the supply possibility 203 and the discharge possibility 204 are preferred, which is the continuous continuation, for example allow a conveyor belt through them and / or the possible only by simple means of separating the inner space 270 from the outer space 260 have. In this case, doors or permanently open openings are particularly preferred since they have a low maintenance requirement and furthermore are easy to dimension.

Fig. 2b FIG. 13 shows one possible embodiment of a diversion option 204. The following figures explicitly describe only embodiments for the derivation option 204. It should be noted, however, that these can also be used in unmodified form for the supply possibility 203.

In Fig. 2b the Ausleitungsmöglichkeit 204 is realized by means of a lock in which at the entrance a permanent opening 210 is provided, which preferably has the shape of the container to be processed 220. The shape of the container 220 is to be understood in this context that the opening 210 corresponds to an imaginary cross-section of the container 220 as it is to be guided through the lock by means of the conveyor system 206. By way of example, the profile of a bottle was used here. However, another profile for the opening 210 can also be selected according to the container 220 to be processed. Embodiments of the invention 210 are particularly preferred such that they are only slightly larger than the objects 220 to be processed, if they are arranged with appropriate accuracy on the conveyor system. In this case, openings 210 which in each direction allow a clearance of 1 mm or 2 mm, preferably 5 mm, particularly preferably 1 cm, are particularly preferred, so that a slight slippage of the container 220 to be processed can also be compensated and this can not be counteracted against the opening 210 or the adjacent part of the panel 201 encounters. It may also be preferred that the opening is formed as a rectangle whose dimension in the direction perpendicular to the conveying plane 206 is selected so that it is slightly larger than the dimension of the container 220 to be processed in this direction. Particularly preferred here are dimensions that are 1 mm to 2 mm, but at most 5 mm larger than the object to be processed 220. In addition to this opening 210, another opening 210 'is provided at the opposite end of the lock through which the object to be processed from space 270 within the panel 201. This opening may be similar in shape and size to the first opening 210, but may also be designed according to one of the further described embodiments as appropriate.

Fig. 2c shows a further embodiment of the lock or the Zuleitungsmöglichkeit 204, in which the opening 210 is designed as a gate. This gate can be formed for example by means of two sliding or hinged doors, as shown here, along the Arrow directions can be moved. However, it is also possible to provide only a door instead of the two doors or a gate that can be moved up or to the side or opened to allow retraction of the container to be processed 220. If there is no container 220 in the vicinity of the opening 210, this can be permanently closed in this embodiment so that there is no exchange of air or atmosphere present in the surrounding space 260 with the atmosphere present in the interior 270. Again, a second opening 210 'is provided, which may be performed according to the opening 210 or according to another embodiment.

Further possibilities for the realization of the supply options and diversion possibilities are conceivable. In particular, it may be advantageous to close the openings according to the embodiment 2b with attached doors either behind or in front of the openings, so that when opening these doors still only an opening in the casing 201 is formed, which is just so large that the container 220 can get into the interior 270 and can be discharged from this.

Fig. 2d shows a further embodiment of a lock. In this case, an additional vent 250 is provided within the feed-out facility 204, which can draw in air. In this case, both air from the interior 270 within the casing 201 and outside air 260 is sucked out of the space outside the casing 201. Preferably, this additional ventilation 250 is designed such that there is no or only slight transfer of outside air from the outside space 260 into the interior space 270 within the lining 201. This additionally assists the effect of the trim so that the atmosphere within the trim 201 in the space 270 remains adjusted according to well-defined parameters. This additional ventilation can also help to prevent pressure mist from escaping from the device by providing appropriate exhaust the escaping from the device through the supply and / or Ausleitungsmöglichkeit 204 pressure mist.

Even if the in the FIGS. 2a-2d illustrated machine has only one Zuleitungs- and a Ausleitungsmöglichkeit and an interior 270, it is also conceivable to arrange in this interior 270 more interiors, ie further separate from each other by panels separate areas available, which in turn preferably by appropriate Zuleitungs- and Ausleitungsmöglichkeiten can be connected to each other. Additional machines, for example printing machines, which print the containers in pairs of different colors can then also be provided in these further internal spaces. Here it is in particular advantageous if the extraction of air takes place directly at the pressure modules, so that the necessary interior space may preferably be minimal.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the in Fig. 1 only schematically illustrated ventilation system. Overall, this ventilation system 390, which is shown here in the dashed area, serves to create an atmosphere within the lining 301 in the interior 370, which meets certain requirements, in particular certain parameters. In this case, it is particularly preferred if the ventilation device 390 is able to build up a slightly increased pressure within the lining 301 in relation to the external pressure prevailing in the outer space 360. As a result of this slight overpressure, an undesired entry of outside air from the space 360 into the interior space 370 can be prevented completely, even when the supply possibility or the diversion possibility is opened. However, since a complete prevention of the entry of outside air from the outside 360 into the interior 370 is difficult to realize technically, the ventilation device 390 preferably still has additional devices, the recirculated process air from the interior 370, possibly contaminated or with air the surrounding space 360 is mixed, clean. In order to keep the influence of ambient air penetrating from the surrounding space 360 into the interior space 370 inside the cladding 301 small, an overpressure in the interior 370 is preferred which is 1 hPa, preferably 2 hPa, particularly preferably 5 to 10 hPa above the normal pressure or the current external pressure is. In principle, pressure differences to the external pressure of 0.1 to 1 hPa, in particular 0.1 to 0.5 hPa are possible. The pressure in the inner space 370 and in the outer space 360 can be measured, for example, by means of sensors and the measured values are evaluated by a control unit and the ventilation system is controlled accordingly, so that the pressure difference remains constant at all times.

When using locks for the supply possibility or the Ausleitungsmöglichkeit either can be dispensed with the generation of the overpressure or this is very low in the range between 0.1 to 0.2 hPa.

The ventilation system comprises a main flow with an air filter. In this case, this main stream is designed so that it continuously extracts process air from the interior space 370 and cleans it via the air filter 316 and then can re-introduce it into the interior space 370. This can be seen with the help of the arrows shown.

If the printing press is of a type in which the printheads and / or the containers circulate at a speed sufficient to produce a wind which could deflect the print drops, the process air inlets may also be so arranged be counter-blown by the movement of the printheads and / or the container - preferably against the transport direction of the container.

Furthermore, it is preferred that after the air filter 316, a secondary flow 319 'is arranged, which comprises a heating device 315. If the recirculated process air passes through the air filter 316, it is not only led directly into the interior 370, but also passes through the secondary flow 319 'to the heating device 315, where it is heated. It may then, as it is already cleaned, be re-integrated into the main stream 319 to heat the recirculated process air. Thus, a desired temperature in the interior 370 can be achieved. It is particularly preferred that the heating device 315 is controllable, so that the heating of the recirculated process air can be controlled, for example to achieve a predetermined value.

Further, before or after the air filter 316, but preferably downstream of the air filter 316, a fine filter 317 may be arranged to remove small particles that may not have been removed from the air filter 316 from the recirculated process air. In order to ensure the permanent overpressure in the interior space 370 with respect to the exterior space 360, a suction device for drawing in outside air may preferably be provided, which is then directed, for example, into the main flow 319 before passing through the air filter 316 and the eventually provided fine filter 317. It is then treated, optionally heated and can be used in the interior 370, It may be expedient here to heat the intake air by means of a heat exchanger. For this purpose, the air in the machine, as soon as it re-enters the main stream to be passed by a heat exchanger. It gives off heat to these and thus also drier, since they can absorb less moisture. At the same time the sucked process air is passed to another area of the heat exchanger and can thus absorb the heat absorbed by this.

It may also be advantageous if the ventilation system is designed so that it sterilizes the process air or that only sterilized air is passed into the interior. Thus, a sterilization of the container can take place simultaneously. To generate the sterile air, a HEPA filter can be arranged in the flow direction of the process air to be recirculated before or after the air filters 316 and 317, which sterilizes the process air conducted through it. Thus, conditions can be met as in a clean room, so it can then act in the atmosphere in the interior of the machine to clean room atmosphere. An additional sterilization of the containers in the interior can be done by means of UV lamps, which are directed to certain parts of the container or on the entire container.

It may also be advantageous to provide a cleaning system in the ventilation system to flush and clean the ventilation system. This can be removed in particular adhering to surfaces of particles such as ink. The cleaning system can work analogously to a CIP system in the sense that a closed cycle for the cleaning liquid is produced in a cleaning cycle. For example, undeliverable sealing and / or connecting elements could be present in the area of the supply and / or discharge possibility, which can be delivered via drives in the cleaning cycle. For example, an outlet could be connected to an inlet for the air. If both lie side by side, the element could be a simple cap, sealingly applied over both openings.

In a CIP cleaning and printheads of the printing press could be included.

It is advantageous here if additional optical sensors are arranged in the interior. These may be associated with particular areas or parts of the printing press or the ventilation system, and are preferably configured to recognize color deposits at the locations to which they are assigned. If the paint deposits exceed a certain threshold, then a cleaning cycle may be automatically initiated or a notification may be sent to the operator, who may then perform the cleaning cycle in, for example, a next shutdown phase or maintenance phase.

Furthermore, a wet separation system can be provided. If wash-out water is precipitated in the process carried out in the machine 302, a correspondingly provided cooling device can be provided for cooling this washout water 314, with which process air extracted at the same time can be cooled. The extracted process air has then after cooling to a lower air humidity, as they can absorb due to the lower temperature, only a small part of water vapor. This cooled air can then either be integrated into the main flow 319 to be further purified and then optionally heated, or it can be introduced directly into the interior 370. The washout water can also be treated accordingly by means of the ventilation device 390. Preferably, the wet separation system comprises a storage tank into which the washout water can be pumped. From this storage tank, it can then be returned to the wet separation system. By cooling the process air to be recirculated by means of the cooling for the washout water, an additional cooling device in the ventilation device 390 can be dispensed with and it is simultaneously achieved that the process air that has been extracted from the interior 370 is replaced before the excess is reintroduced Humidity is released, so that the recirculated process air has a predetermined humidity.

Since in the device, in particular in the lining 301, there is preferably an overpressure relative to the outside air in the outside space 360, the propagation of pressure secondary distributions is effectively prevented, since an ingress of outside air from the outside space 360 into the interior 370 by means of the supply and diversion possibilities on the one hand and in particular by providing the overpressure, can be prevented. By providing an additional ventilation device according to Fig. 2D this effect will be further supported.

Particularly preferred is a control device is provided, which can control at least the ventilation device 390 to achieve certain predetermined operating parameters. This can control the power of the heater as well as preferably the adjustment of the overpressure. If it is necessary, for example, for a specific printing process to be carried out at a specific atmospheric humidity F1 and another printing process at a specific atmospheric humidity F2, the control unit can measure moisture and temperature by evaluating sensors provided in the interior 370 and then controlling them by controlling the ventilation system 390 adjust so that the required conditions are met. In addition to the additional ventilation 250 off Fig. 2D In particular, in the supply possibility an additional fan may be provided which dries the supplied containers should they have, for example, an undesirable moisture film.

Claims (15)

1. Printing machine (102) for the direct printing of containers (120), the printing machine (102) comprising a cladding (101) which is designed such that it separates the printing machine (102) contained therein from the surrounding space (160), at least one infeed option (103) being provided to guide the containers (120) into the space (170) within the cladding (101), and an outfeed option (104) to guide the containers (120) out of said space (170), the printing machine being designed as a cyclically or continuously rotating printing machine, characterized in that the cladding (101) separates the printing machine (102) from the surrounding space (160) such that a controlled atmosphere can be produced in the space (170) within the cladding (101).
2. Printing machine (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing machine (102) comprises a ventilation system (107), with at least one main stream (319) in which an air filter (316) is arranged, which is optionally suited to produce an overpressure relative to the externally prevailing pressure within the cladding (101).
3. Printing machine (102) according to claim 2, characterized in that the ventilation system (107) comprises a heating device (315) for heating up recirculated process air, wherein the heating device (315) is arranged in a secondary stream (319') which is branched off after the air filter (316) and which can return the recirculated process air into the main stream (319) in front of the air filter.
4. Printing machine (102) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the ventilation system (107) is suited to produce a constant temperature within the cladding (101) and/or to maintain a constant humidity and/or to suppress air flows which may lead to pressure mist distributions.
5. Printing machine (102) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a heating device is provided in the main stream.
6. Printing machine (102) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the printing machine (102) comprises a wet separation system with at least one cooling system (314) which can suck off process air and washout water, wherein the washout water can be cooled by the cooling system (314) to such an extent that the humidity content of the process air while flowing through the wet separation system can be kept constant.
7. Printing machine (102) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a fine filter (317) is provided in the main stream (319).
8. Printing machine (102) according to claim 6, characterized in that the wet separation system comprises a circulating pump and/or a venturi scrubber which includes at least one venturi nozzle.
9. Direct printing method for the printing of containers by means of a cyclically or continuously rotating printing machine (102) which comprises a cladding (101) enclosing the printing machine (102), the containers being guided into the space within the cladding and the containers being guided out of the space after printing, characterized in that a controlled atmosphere is produced within the cladding (101).
10. Direct printing method according to claim 9, characterized in that by way of a ventilation system (107), with at least one main stream (319) in which an air filter (316) is arranged, an overpressure relative to the pressure prevailing outside the printing machine (101) is produced within the printing machine.
11. Direct printing method according to claim 10, characterized in that recirculated process air is heated by a heating device (315) arranged in a secondary stream (319') in flow direction of the recirculated process air after the air filter (316), and is guided through the secondary stream (319') into the main stream (319) in front of the air filter (316).
12. Direct printing method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that by way of the ventilation system (107) a constant temperature is kept within the printing machine (102) and/or a constant humidity is kept and/or air flows which may lead to pressure mist distributions are suppressed.
13. Direct printing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the recirculated process air while flowing through the main stream (319) passes by a heating device provided therein.
14. Direct printing method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the process air together with washout water is sucked off by a wet separation system out of the printing machine (102) and the washout water is cooled by the wet separation system to such an extent that the humidity content of the sucked-off process air while flowing through the wet separation system remains constant.
15. Direct printing method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the recirculated process air while flowing through the main stream (319) passes by a fine filter (317).

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