EP3221151B1 - Container-treating device and method for treating containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container treatment plant and a method for treating containers, wherein the container treatment plant is or has in particular a labeling machine.

A container treatment plant is used for example in the beverage industry. Here, containers, such as bottles, cans, etc., are made from a preform and / or treated, for example, cleaned, sorted, filled, labeled, etc., to provide a finished product for a beverage retailer. Accordingly, in the case of plastic containers, a container treatment plant is or includes, for example, a blow molding machine, a cleaning machine, a filling machine, a labeling machine, etc.

To create a recognition value, for example, the containers are printed with a label of the manufacturer. In this case, for example, a name, a picture, a sign, etc., of the manufacturer with the container treatment plant is printed on the container in direct printing or on a label for the container. Then, the container passes through a carousel in which the printing medium of the label printed on the container is dried by means of a lamp and light-reflecting reflectors. DE-A1-10 2013 208 061 discloses a container treatment plant.

The problem is that the radiation intensity or performance of the lamp deteriorates in the course of operation of the container treatment plant, for example due to contamination, age of the lamp, temperature of the lamp, etc .. This also decreases the performance of the lamp for drying the pressure medium. As the operating time increases, fluctuations of the radiated luminous energy or radiant power of the lamp occur. In this case, a label image does not dry in time in the printing device and the image smeared in the further processing of the container. As a result, low-quality containers or rejects are produced especially towards the end of the life of the lamp.

As a countermeasure, it was considered by the applicant to increase the lamp current when the UV lamp is soiled. For this purpose, the labeling is currently stopped at regular intervals to determine the deterioration or degradation of the radiant power of the UV lamp with a UV meter. If a radiated too low emitted radiation power to the UV lamp, the lamp current is manually up-regulated. This in turn increases the radiant power of the UV lamp and ensures timely drying of the label images on the containers.

However, this results in the further problem that the container treatment plant must be stopped by the regular determination of the degradation of the radiant power of the lamp. This increases the production flow of the container to be labeled, which reduces the production volume of the plant.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container treatment plant and a method for treating containers, with which the aforementioned problems can be solved. In particular, it should be made possible with the container treatment plant and the method that even with the maximum possible production quantity of the container treatment plant, the containers are provided with high-quality labels.

This object is achieved by a container treatment plant according to claim 1. The container treatment system comprises a printing device for printing on containers with a label and a measuring device for measuring a radiation power of a lamp, which serves for curing a printed label on the container, wherein the measuring device and the lamp are arranged relative to each other movable.

The advantage of such a container treatment system is that constant conditions for the drying of a label image can be established. Moreover, the operation of the container treatment plant does not have to be interrupted for a measurement due to the automatic measurement with the measuring device. Thus, a contamination of the lamp can be detected immediately, whereby the quality of the production of the container can be improved. As a result, the operation of the container treatment plant can both produce more containers with high quality labels and produce fewer rejects.

Advantageous further embodiments of the container treatment system are specified in the dependent claims.

Advantageously, the measuring device can be arranged on a carousel of the container treatment plant, that the measuring device is moved with the containers in a transport direction of the carousel, and / or the measuring device can be arranged vertically adjustable to scan the lamp line by line. As a result, the lamp can be scanned horizontally in the entire width or even a two-dimensional measurement image of the lamp can be detected. This makes it possible to detect the radiant power of the lamp at each point. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device can also be arranged independently of the containers on the carousel. This ensures that, when the containers are treated with the container treatment system, there is no coupling between measurement and pressure on the containers, so that a maximum production quantity can be achieved in a simple manner possible without affecting the pressure.

At least one print head of the printing device can be arranged stationary on the carousel. Thus, a container as it passes through the carousel both printed as well as the label image are dried.

Moreover, it is possible that the measuring device for measuring the radiation power is designed to measure the radiant power of the lamp horizontally each time the measuring device moves past the lamp.

It is also possible that the measuring device has a sensor with a closure, which is designed for automatically closing the sensor when the measuring device is arranged at the at least one print head, and / or the Printing device is a direct printing device, and / or the lamp is a UV lamp for emitting UV light to dry the label image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the container treatment system may have a control device for controlling the radiant output of the lamp on the basis of the radiant output of the lamp measured by the measuring device. Thus, a constant radiant power of the lamp can always be set.

The container treatment system may have a display device for displaying the radiation power of the lamp measured by the measuring device, and / or an input device for inputting a minimum value for the radiant output of the lamp. Hereby, a control or regulation of the radiation power of the lamp can also be changed during operation of the container treatment plant.

It is also conceivable that the control device for outputting a warning signal when the minimum value entered is configured by a radiant output of the lamp measured by the measuring device, and / or the control device is configured when the input minimum value is undershot, the radiant power of the lamp by increasing the lamp to increase the supplied lamp current. As a result, on the one hand an operator of the container treatment plant can be warned about the condition of the lamp and / or it can be prevented by means of the control device fluctuations in the radiant power of the lamp. It is also conceivable to use the measuring device for mechanical basic alignment of the lamp. Thus, it is conceivable to measure the brightness profile of the lamp in order to obtain the optimum i. Align the most homogeneous radiation range to the container or to adjust.

It is possible that the container treatment system is or has a labeling machine in which the printing device and the measuring device are arranged on a carousel for transporting the containers.

The object is also achieved by a method for treating containers by means of container treatment plant according to claim 10. The method comprises the steps of: printing, by means of a printing device of the container treatment plant, of containers with a label image, measuring, with a measuring device of the container treatment plant a radiation power of a lamp, which serves to dry a printed by the printing device on the container label image, said Measuring device and the lamp at the step of measuring are moved relative to each other.

The process achieves the same advantages as previously mentioned with respect to the container treatment plant.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• Fig. 1 eine vereinfachte Draufsicht auf eine Behälterbehandlungsanlage gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 2 eine vereinfachte Schnittansicht einer Messeinrichtung einer Behälterbehandlungsanlage gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine vereinfachte Draufsicht auf eine Behälterbehandlungsanlage gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel.

The invention with reference to the accompanying drawings and an exemplary embodiment is described in detail. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a simplified plan view of a container treatment plant according to a first embodiment;
• Fig. 2 a simplified sectional view of a measuring device of a container treatment plant according to a second embodiment; and
• Fig. 3 shows a simplified plan view of a container treatment plant according to a third embodiment.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a container treatment plant 1 for treating a container 5. In particular, the container treatment plant 1 is used to label the container 5 with a label image 6. The label image 6 can be printed directly without label on the container 5. However, the label image 6 may also be printed on a label of the container 5. The label image 6 may be a number, for example a best before date, date of manufacture, etc., or a two-dimensional image arbitrarily configured with numbers and / or letters and / or graphics.

The containers 5 are in Fig. 1 presented as a tin. However, the containers 5 may also be, for example, a bottle, etc. In Fig. 1 are for the sake of simplicity of illustration only individual containers 5 are shown. However, the containers 5 may be arranged with only a very small distance therebetween. The distance is intended to ensure that the label image 6 of a container 5 is not damaged by a subsequent container 5 or a container 5 arranged in front of it.

In Fig. 1 The container treatment system 1 comprises a measuring device 10 on a frame 11, a printing device 20 and a transport device 30. The printing device 20 has a lamp 21, a plurality of reflectors 22, printheads 23, 24, a control device 25 with threshold values 251, 252 stored therein, a display device 26, and an input device 27. However, the control device 25, the display device 26 and the input device 27 do not have to be part of the printing device 20. It is advantageous to attach the measuring sensor in the vicinity of the container to be treated, so that almost the same radiation intensity impinges on the sensor, as well as on the object to be treated. The transport device 30 has two transport paths 31, 32 and a carousel 33. The first transport path 31 leads the carousel 33 to the containers 5. The carousel 33 delivers the container 5 provided with the label image 6 to the second transport path 32.

The measuring device can also be integrated in a container similar to the production bottle. This measuring container can be designed as a data logger, or send the data wirelessly to a higher-level control. This has the advantage that the radiation intensity is measured at the location where the imprint to be treated will also be located. This measuring device can be fed to the machine in a certain cycle. This embodiment would be particularly advantageous in direct printing machines which operate on the principle of the linear machine.

The container treatment plant 1 in the present embodiment is a labeling machine in which the label image 6 in the printing device 20, in particular a direct printing device, is printed on a container 5. For this purpose, the still to be labeled container 5 after passing from the transport path 31 to the carousel 33 first moved past the printheads 23, 24, so that from at least one of the printheads 23, 24 a printed image can be printed as a label image 6 on the container 5. The printed on the container 5 label image 6 is then dried with the lamp 21. For this purpose, light is radiated from the lamp 21, which is in particular UV light, and with the aid of the light-reflecting reflectors 22 to the containers 5, more precisely whose label image 6, zurückgelenkt .. In the case of UV light, the label image 6, for example UV-crosslinking paint as a pressure medium be formed, which lacquer dries quickly under the influence of UV light. However, the lamp 21 can also radiate heat radiation, which quickly dries the label image 6 by the action of warm air.

Fig. 1 shows a supply of the container 5 along the first transport path 31 in a transport direction TR1 to the carousel 33. The first transport path 31, the container 5, for example, from a stretch blow molding machine to the carousel 33 lead. The first transport path 31 and the carousel 33 are arranged so that the container 5 can not tip over. In the carousel 33, the containers 5 along the transport direction TR2 are guided along printheads 23, 24 substantially along a circular path. In this case, at least one of the print heads 23, 24 prints one or more print images as a label image 6 onto a container 5 moved past the print heads 23, 24. The print heads 23, 24 are arranged stationarily on the carousel 33 at least in the transport direction TR2. Thereafter, the carousel 33 guides the containers 5 along the stationary reflectors 22 and the light-emitting lamp 21. Thereby, the printing means of a label image printed on the containers 5 is dried. Thereafter, the carousel 33 can pass the container 5 provided with the label image 6 to the second transport path 32, so that the containers 5 can be forwarded in a transport direction TR3 to, for example, a filling device or packaging device, etc.

The frame 11 with the measuring device 10 is located at the center of the carousel 33. The measuring device 10 or the frame 11 is coupled to the carousel 33 such that the measuring device 10 moves or rotates with the containers 5 in the transport direction TR2. Here, the measuring device 10 can move at the same or a different speed than the carousel 33, that is to turn faster or slower. The measuring device 10 is thus arranged independently of the containers 5 on the carousel 33. The measuring device 10 can thus measure the radiant power of the lamp 21, even if no containers 5 are treated with the container treatment system 1.

The measuring device 10 measures, for example, with each revolution of the frame 11, the light emitted by the lamp 21 or the radiant power of the lamp 21. The measured radiant power of the lamp 21 can be displayed with the display device 26. The display device 26 may in particular be a graphical user interface so that the measured radiation power can be displayed statistically over time.

With the control device 25, it is possible to compare the radiant power of the lamp 21 measured by the measuring device 10 with previously stored desired values of the radiant power. For example, the input device 27 makes it possible to input a threshold value 251, in particular a minimum value, for the radiant power of the lamp 21. There may also be a threshold 252, in particular a value at which maintenance of the lamp 21 is advisable, but still qualitatively acceptable label images 6 may be generated. The threshold values 251, 252 can be stored, for example, in a memory device, not shown, of the control device 25. However, further threshold values, in particular due to an input from the input device 27, may be stored in the memory device of the control device 25.

If a value measured by the measuring device 10 falls below the minimum value 251 or threshold value, the control device 25 can also output a signal to the display device 26. As a result, with the display device 26, for example, a warning signal, in particular a sound, an image, etc. are issued to the need for maintenance or replacement of the. Lamp 21 display.

Thus, in a method for treating containers 5 with the printing device 20, containers 5 are printed with the label image 6. In addition, a radiation power of the lamp 21 is measured with the measuring device 10. Here, the measuring device 10 and the lamp 21 are moved relative to each other.

With the container treatment plant 1 so constant conditions for the drying of the label images 6 can be set up without the operation of the container treatment plant 1 due to a measurement with the measuring device 10 must be interrupted more than absolutely necessary.

Fig. 2 shows a simplified representation of a measuring device 15 according to a second embodiment. The measuring device 15 according to the present embodiment can be used in a container treatment system 1 according to the preceding embodiment instead of the measuring device 10 according to the preceding embodiment.

The measuring device 15 according to the present embodiment has a sensor 16 for measuring the radiated radiant power of the lamp 21 on the sensor 16 there is an automatically closable closure 17. The closure 17 is designed such that the closure 17 automatically closes when passing by the print heads 23, 24 of the printing device 20. For this purpose, the closure 17 can be controlled by the control device 25 accordingly.

By closing the shutter 17, the sensor 16 is protected from contamination by spray, which may occur during printing with the print heads 23, 24.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a container treatment plant 2 according to a third embodiment for treating a container 5. The container treatment plant 2 is largely carried out in the same manner as described with respect to the container treatment plant 1 according to the first or second embodiment. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, in the case of the container treatment plant 2 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the printing device 20 with the print heads 23, 24 is arranged separately from a curing device 200 for curing the label image 6. The curing device 200 with its lamp 21, its reflectors 22 and its measuring device 10 with optionally the frame 11 of the printing device 20 is connected downstream.

Otherwise, the container treatment plant 2 according to the third embodiment is carried out in the same manner as described with respect to the container treatment plant 1 according to the first embodiment.

According to a fourth embodiment, the measuring device 10, the light or lamp 21 line by line scanning. For this purpose, the measuring device 10 is height-adjustable attached to the frame 11. When measuring the radiant power of the lamp 21, the measuring device 10 moves with one revolution to the lamp 21, starting from the bottom in turn one line up. Alternatively, the measuring device 10, with one revolution to the lamp 21 starting from the top in turn one line down drive. As a result, a two-dimensional image of the lamp 21 can be created by the control device 25. As a result, all areas of the luminaire or lamp 21 which emit radiation can be examined in detail. If necessary, the image can be displayed on the display device 26.

As an alternative to the height-adjustable measuring sensor or measuring device 10, a measuring line consisting of at least two, predominantly vertically arranged, sensors can also be used.

According to a fifth embodiment, it is possible with the control device 25 to regulate the radiant power of the lamp 21 so that the label images 6 continue to dry in such a way that the required quality of the label images 6 is ensured.

For this purpose, the control device 25, depending on the measured value of the radiant power of the lamp 21, the power supply to the lamp 21 automatically regulate. As a result, when the input minimum value 251 is undercut, more power can be supplied to the lamp 21. As a result, the lamp 21, in spite of aging, such as in particular pollution, decrease in the radiation output of the lamp, etc. radiate again as much radiant power as in the case in which the lamp 21 is not aged, especially dirty.

All of the previously described embodiments of the container treatment plants 1, 2 and of the method can be used individually or in all possible combinations. In addition, the following modifications are conceivable, in particular.

The parts shown in the figures are shown schematically and may differ in the exact embodiment of the shapes shown in the figures, as long as their functions described above are guaranteed.

In the case of containers 5 made of plastic, the container treatment installation 1 or the container treatment installation 2 can have, for example, a blow molding machine with an upstream heating device, a cleaning machine, a filling machine, a labeling machine, etc. In the case of containers 5 made of glass, the blow molding machine with upstream heating device can be dispensed with.

The measuring device 10 may be immovably mounted on a frame and detect the radiation power, and thus in particular the pollution, the lamp 21 in a predetermined time cycle.

The control device 25, the display device 26 and the input device 27 can be designed as a central or general user interface (GUI = General User Interface).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 2

Container treatment plant

5

container

6

label image

10

measuring device

11

frame

15

measuring device

16

sensor

17

shutter

20

print Setup

21

lamp

22

reflector

23

printhead

24

printhead

25

control device

26

Graphical user interface

27

input device

30

transport means

31

First transport railway

32

Second transport path

33

carousel

200

curing device

251, 252

threshold

TR1

First transport direction

TR2

Second transport direction

TR3

Third transport direction

Claims (10)

1. A container treatment plant (1) for treating containers (5), the container treatment plant (1) comprising
   printing means (20) for imprinting containers (5) with a label image (6), characterized by
   measuring means (10; 15) for measuring a radiant power of a lamp (21) which serves for drying a label image (6) which was printed on the container (5),
   wherein the measuring means (10; 15) and the lamp (21) are positioned movably relative to one another.
2. The container treatment plant (1) according to claim 1,
   wherein the measuring means (10; 15) is positioned at a carousel (33) of the container treatment plant (1) such that the measuring means (10; 15) is moved together with the containers (5) in a transport direction (TR2) of the carousel (33), and/or
   wherein the measuring means (10; 15) is positioned adjustable in height to scan the lamp (21) line by line, and/or
   wherein the measuring means (10; 15) is positioned independent from the containers (5) at the carousel (33).
3. The container treatment plant (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least one printing head (23, 24) of the printing means (20) is positioned stationary at the carousel (33).
4. The container treatment plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring means (10; 15) is configured, for measuring a radiant power of the lamp (21), to measure the radiant power of a lamp (21) horizontally whenever the measuring means (10; 15) moves past the lamp (21).
5. The container treatment plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the measuring means (10; 15) comprises a sensor (16) having a shutter (17) which is configured for automatically shutting the sensor (16) when the measuring means (10; 15) is positioned near the at least one printing head (23, 24), and/or
   wherein the printing means (20) is a direct printing means, and/or
   wherein the lamp (21) is a UV-lamp for radiating UV light for drying the label image (6).
6. The container treatment plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising control means (25) for controlling the radiant power of the lamp (21) on the basis of the radiant power of the lamp (21), which was measured by the measuring means (10; 15).
7. The container treatment plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising
   display means (26) for displaying the radiant power of the lamp (21), which was measured by the measuring means (10; 15), and/or
   input means (27) for inputting a minimum value (251) for the radiant power of the lamp (21).
8. The container treatment plant (1) according to claim 6 and 7,
   wherein the control means (25) is configured for outputting a warning signal in case the radiant power of the lamp (21), which was measured by the measuring means (10; 15), falls below an inputted minimum value (251), and/or
   wherein the control means (25) is configured for increasing the radiant power of the lamp (21) by increasing the lamp current supplied to the lamp (21), in case the radiant power of the lamp (21) falls below the inputted minimum value (251).
9. The container treatment plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container treatment plant (1) is or comprises a labeling machine in which the printing means (2) and the measuring means (10, 15) are positioned at a carousel (33) for transporting the containers (5).
10. A method for treating containers (5), the method comprising the steps of
    imprinting, by printing means (20) of a container treatment plant (1), containers (5)
    characterized by
    measuring, by measuring means (10; 15) of the container treatment plant (1), a radiant power of a lamp (21) which serves for drying a label image (6) which was printed by the printing means (20) on the container (5),
    wherein the measuring means (10; 15) and the lamp (21) are moved relative to one another in the step of measuring.

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