EP3590854B1 - System consisting of a counter and a support and direct printing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system consisting of a stationary plate and a support for the stationary plate according to the preamble of claim 1, and a direct printing machine for printing on containers according to claim 12.

State of the art

Stand plates are well known from the prior art. These usually include a base on which a container can be positioned. The containers are, for example, bottles, cans or the like. The standing plates can also be designed as turntables and can be rotated in connection with a suitable motor, so that the container is rotated about an axis of rotation that usually runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container.

Such standing plates are mostly used in equipment machines for containers, whereby labeling machines, for example, but also direct printing machines, which apply labels or printed images to the surface of the containers, are understood by this. However, such standing plates can also be used in machines that treat containers in other ways, for example inspecting, aligning, pre-treating and/or post-treating.

Corresponding stand plates are, for example, from EP 1657162 B1 or WO 00/56608 known.

the WO 2017/012772 A1 , but also the DE 1761059 A1 show standing plates that have a flexible element on the container-receiving side of the standing plate (standing side) in order to achieve correct positioning of the container.

During operation of the container treatment machines, it may be necessary to replace the individual stand plates. This is the case, for example, when a variety is changed or a standing plate has to be cleaned due to contamination. The stand plates must then be removed from the rest of the machine and replaced. For this purpose, systems are known that either require a considerable amount of time and also manual effort (use of tools) to replace the stand plate or use quick-change systems such as click connections, such as click connections. The latter have the disadvantage that the stand plates can be exchanged quickly However, precise positioning is difficult, so that when using the stand plate in direct printing machines, precise adjustment of the relative position of the print head and the container to be printed on the stand plate can become difficult.

task

Based on the known state of the art, the problem to be solved is therefore to provide a system that enables the stand plate to be changed quickly and at the same time allows the stand plate to be positioned precisely.

solution

This object is achieved according to the invention by the system of a stationary plate and a support for the stationary plate according to claim 1 and a direct printing machine according to claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are included in the dependent claims.

The system according to the invention comprises a standing plate and a support for the standing plate, the standing plate comprising a standing side for receiving a container, and the standing plate having a first connecting surface opposite the standing side and the supporting having a second connecting surface, which can be brought into touching contact with one another and the system is characterized in that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface comprise contours which correspond to one another and which can be brought into engagement with one another for the positive and play-free connection of the base plate and the support. The base plate and the support of the system can be designed in such a way that they can be connected to a drive device, in particular a motor of an associated container treatment machine, so that the support is rotated together with the base plate about an axis of rotation which, according to the invention, is perpendicular to the first and of the second connecting surface would run.

The play-free connection, which is realized by the engagement of the first connection surface and the second connection surface, is to be understood in such a way that a movement of the first connection surface and the second connection surface against one another, if they have been brought into engagement, is not possible without considerable effort and furthermore, that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface can preferably only be brought into engagement at all in exactly one relative arrangement or orientation with respect to one another. This means that, according to the invention, the deviations in the shape of the first and second connecting surfaces, in particular in the shape of the contours that correspond to one another, are so small that that an engagement of the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface is only possible in settings relative to one another which deviate by a few micrometers, preferably less than five micrometers, from an imagined ideal position. This ideal position results from the assumption of precisely manufactured contours and first and second connecting surfaces. This fixed contour can be repeated at certain (angular) intervals, for example every 180° or 360°. Other fixed distances are also conceivable.

This system of base plate and support ensures on the one hand that the base plate can be replaced as quickly as possible if necessary, whereas exact positioning of the base plate relative to a container treatment machine, such as a printing machine, is ensured since the support is only touched once with the Container treatment machine must be connected and the connection of the stand plate with the support is form-fitting and free of play, so that is very accurate. In this way, a quick change can be realized while at the same time the positioning of containers is highly accurate.

The system can be used in particular in the beverage processing industry for bottles, cans or the like, but also for non-food containers such as shampoo bottles or the like.

In one embodiment, the base plate and the support comprise at least one connecting element that can be operated quickly, in particular without tools, for producing a detachable, non-positive connection between the base plate and the support. An unintentional detachment of the base plate from the support is thus prevented, with the advantage of the rapid exchangeability of the base plate being ensured by the design of the connecting element that can be operated quickly and, in particular, can be operated without tools.

In a further development of this embodiment it is provided that the connecting element comprises a first element associated with the base plate and a second element associated with the support. This configuration allows the base plate and support to be reliably connected.

Associated elements are elements that are firmly or at least detachably connected to the base plate or the receptacle. They can also be a part of the base plate or the overlay.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first element and/or the second element comprise a magnet; or the first element or the second element as a thread and the second element or the first element are designed as a screw; or the first element is designed as a pin with a notch and the second element is designed as a receptacle for the pin and a tension spring for clamping the notch. All of these embodiments allow at least a quick change of the base plate, but at the same time a sufficiently non-positive connection of base plate and support with regard to the forces that usually occur in container treatment.

In one embodiment, the connecting element is designed to create a detachable connection through the first and the second connecting surface when the base plate and the support are in the connected state. In this way, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface, which already implement a form-fitting and play-free connection between the base plate and the support, can interact particularly advantageously with the elements in order to also ensure the frictional connection, so that a movement of the base plate relative to the support excluded in every conceivable direction.

In one embodiment, the corresponding contours include at least one depression in the first or second connecting surface and a corresponding elevation in the second or first connecting surface. The depression can be brought into engagement with the elevation in order to produce the form-fitting and play-free connection between the base plate and the support. In particular, embodiments are envisaged in which the depression and the elevation preferably extend over a significant part of the total area of the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface, in particular at least 20%, preferably 40% of the total area of the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface formed by indentations and/or elevations in order to contribute to the form-fitting and play-free engagement of the base plate and the support.

The forces acting on the base plate can thus be distributed over the entire or at least a large part of the surface of the connecting surfaces, which keeps the loads on individual depressions or elevations and the resulting wear as low as possible.

According to the invention, the depression has a base surface and side surfaces, the side surfaces forming an angle α with the base that is different from 90° and the elevation comprising a top side and side surfaces, the side surfaces forming the angle α with the top side.

Since the first and second mating surfaces are engageable, it is understood that the angle α must be greater than 90°, otherwise the protrusion could not be engaged with the recess.

By beveling the side surfaces, the freedom from play in the connection between the base plate and the support is advantageously further reduced.

It can be provided that the indentation and the elevation are formed as a curve on the first and second connecting surface. In contrast to straight indentations or elevations, the use of curves further reduces the freedom from play between the first and the second connecting surface. In addition, a better distribution of force over the connecting surface is ensured.

In one embodiment, the contours have a one-fold or two-fold symmetry. This ensures that a precisely defined relative arrangement of the base plate in relation to the support is already defined by the contours, which makes it impossible for the base plate and support to be connected incorrectly.

Furthermore, the base plate and the support can be made of stainless steel or at least the first and second connecting surfaces can have an outer surface made of stainless steel. Since the base plate is usually used in machines where the base plate can be contaminated or wetted with liquids, the use of stainless steel can prevent corrosion and the associated unintentional changes in the shape of the contours, which the form-fitting and backlash-free connection of the base plate and support with each other is guaranteed, even if the system is used for a long time.

The contours can be designed as milled contours. Corresponding contours can be milled with a high degree of accuracy, so that the desired freedom from play of a few micrometers can be achieved with this production method and at the same time the costs for the system can be kept as low as possible.

The direct printing machine according to the invention for printing containers comprises at least one print head for applying printing ink to a container and a container holder for receiving a container, the container holder being a system according to one of the preceding embodiments. This direct printing machine allows a quick change of stand plates and at the same time precise positioning of the stand plates and thus also the containers relative to the print heads of the direct printing machine.

This machine can also be used, for example, in the beverage processing industry and the non-food industry in order to print containers such as bottles, cans or the like, or shampoo containers or the like.

In one embodiment it is provided that the container receptacle is assigned a motor which is connected to the support and can rotate the system of base plate and support about an axis which runs perpendicularly to the first and second connecting surfaces. In this way, all-round printing of containers in the direct printing machine is also achieved.

Brief description of the figures

Figures 1a and b

show a system of a base plate and a support for the base plate according to one embodiment

2a to d

12 show different views of parts of the stand plate and the overlay according to different embodiments

Figures 3a and b

show different embodiments of a connecting element

Detailed description

the Figures 1a and b show a system 100 from a base plate 110 and a support 120 for the base plate according to an embodiment.

In Fig. 1a the system 100 is shown in a built-in state in a container treatment machine 150, which is only partially shown here. The container treatment machine can be a labeling machine, for example, but also in particular a direct printing machine for applying a printed image to a container 130 that is arranged on the system 100 .

In the embodiment illustrated here, the system 100 is connected to a motor or general drive 140 (e.g. a servomotor or actuator) such that the support 120 is mechanically connected to the drive or a shaft driven thereby. The standing plate 110 arranged on the support 120 is arranged in such a way that the container 130 can be arranged or set up on its upper side (the standing side 170). If the support is injured in rotation, the base plate and the container arranged on it will also rotate.

The system 100 may be embodied as part of a container receptacle that receives a container 130, for example during printing. For this purpose, the container receptacle can also have means (not shown here) for holding the top of the container, in particular centering devices such as centering bells or clamps.

The container treatment machine can, for example, be a rotary machine with a carousel, on the periphery of which at least one container receptacle according to the embodiment just described, but particularly preferably several container receptacles, are arranged. One or more print heads can be provided rotating with the carousel, which apply a printed image to the surface of the container. Alternatively, the print heads can also be provided in a fixed manner, so that they do not move with the carousel and the containers on the stationary plates are moved past the print heads. Other versions of the container treatment machine, for example as a linear machine, are also conceivable here. As is known, container treatment machines can be operated intermittently or continuously.

According to the invention, the stand plate 110 and the support 120 are detachably connected or can be connected to one another.

For better illustration, the Fig. 1b the stand plate 110 and the support 120 detached from each other. The stand plate includes on the stand side 170 according to Fig. 1a a first connecting surface 111 on the opposite side. On the support 120, this first connecting surface 111 is assigned a second connecting surface 121, with the first connecting surface 111 and the second connecting surface being able to be brought into touching contact with one another, for example by placing the stand plate 110 on the support 120. It is particularly preferred if each point on the first connecting surface 111 is in touching contact with a corresponding point on the second connecting surface 121 .

Furthermore, the first connecting surface 111 and the second connecting surface 121 each comprise contours 112 and 113 or 122 and 123. These contours or the entire first connecting surface and second connecting surface correspond geometrically to one another in such a way that, when the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are in touching contact with each other, can create a form-fitting connection between the base plate and the support. The contours 112 and 113 can be brought into engagement with the contours 122 and 123 corresponding to them in order to finally realize the form-fitting and play-free connection of the stand plate and the support.

It goes without saying that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are not to be regarded as absolutely planar or flat, but rather merely as the surface of the base plate 110 and the support 120 that can in principle be of any shape with regard to the contours. They can also serve as a "reference surface" to characterize deviations of the contours from this surface, such as height or depth.

Particularly preferably, the contours extend at least over at least 25% of the maximum extent of the first and second connecting surfaces 110 and 120 and lie completely within this connecting surface.

While the standing plate and the pad in the Figures 1a and 1b are each shown as having a round cross-section with respect to the rotating object R, it is understood that the base plate and the support can also have another external shape, in particular a quadrangular, square or pentagonal shape, which can be chosen according to reasons of expediency.

Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the support or the base plate does not include an outer or edge area outside of the first and second connecting area that can encompass an area of the respective other component. Thus, the support 120 preferably does not have any surfaces that extend upwards laterally on the second connecting surface 121 perpendicularly or at a different angle, between which the standing plate 110 can be inserted. Correspondingly, the standing plate 110 also does not have an outer surface in the form of a cylinder jacket or the like that would extend beyond the first connecting surface 111 when it is assembled with the support plate and would encompass the support plate either as a whole or in part.

In particular, the contours 112 or 113 and 122 or 123 in the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface only extend within the corresponding connecting surface and do not extend beyond it.

the 2a to d show more detailed versions of the support 120 also with reference to the standing plate 110. It goes without saying that these embodiments can also be provided for the standing plate.

For this shows Figure 2a the support 120 with the second connecting surface 121 and the contours 261 to 263 contained in this connecting surface. In the embodiment shown here the contours are all shown as indentations in the otherwise flat second connecting surface 121 . This embodiment is not mandatory. As an alternative or in addition to the depressions 261 to 263 shown here, the second connecting surface 121 can also comprise elevations which are at least partially higher than the surrounding surface of the second connecting surface.

The depressions 261 to 263 as an example of the contours can, as shown here, be designed as curved curves but also as straight lines, with their cross section preferably being angular, in particular trapezoidal. The same applies to the surveys. Compared to the average height of the second connecting surface, which can be regarded as the "zero level" or reference surface, the depth of the depressions 261 to 263 is preferably a few millimeters, in particular 3mm to 10mm, particularly preferably 3mm to 7mm. The height of the corresponding elevations can also be in this range. Not all depressions 261 to 263 have to have the same depth. This can also vary within a deepening.

As shown here, the depressions (analogously also the elevations) can extend to the edge of the second connecting surface 121 . However, they can also only run within the surface 121, so that the edge of the second connecting surface 121 can be a closed circle and the side surface of the support 120 can be connected to this in the form of a cylinder jacket.

The shape of the indentations and their dimensions in the plane defined by the second connecting surface (for example opening width) can also be selected as appropriate. In particular, an irregular shape can be selected for the contours 261 to 263 to improve the form-fitting connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface. Thus, these can be open, curved lines (not circles or ellipses) that achieve a total surface area that is twice as large as the total area for making a connection between the first connection surface and the second connection surface as just idealized first or second connecting surface 111 or 121 without elevations/depressions.

As an example, assume that the connecting surface 121 has a circular outer edge and, assuming a completely flat surface, the area can be calculated as the commonly calculated area of a flat circle with A=π·r ² , where r indicates the radius of the circle . The actual area, taking into account the surface of the depressions or elevations, is then preferably at least in this embodiment 1.5A, more preferably at least 2A. This difference in area results from the fact that the indentations or elevations not only have a base area (in the case of indentations) or top sides (in the case of elevations) that is essentially parallel to the second connecting surface, but also the indentations or elevations include delimiting side surfaces. The enlargement of the surface also achieves a better distribution of the force acting on the indentations or elevations when the entire system of base plate and support rotates, so that wear can be kept as low as possible.

Figure 2b shows how a depression in the support 120 can be brought into engagement with a corresponding elevation 281 in the corresponding base plate 110. FIG. The indentation 261 and the elevation 281 are preferably designed to correspond geometrically to one another, so that the outer geometric dimensions of the elevation 281 correspond in principle to the geometric dimensions of the indentation 261 .

It is provided that the side surfaces 284 of the depression 261 enclose an angle α with the base surface 283 which is greater than 90°. In this case, it is provided that the side faces 285 of the elevation 281 also enclose the angle α with the upper side 282 of the elevation. The angle α also shows up as the angle enclosed between the first connecting surface and the side surface 286 or 285, assuming a planar first connecting surface which runs parallel to the upper side 282 .

In principle, the angles used can have any value greater than 90° and less than 180°. However, angles that are only slightly larger than 90°, such as angles α of 91°, 92° or 93°, are particularly preferred.

This slight bevel makes it easier for the elevations and corresponding depressions to engage in the connecting surfaces of the support 120 and the base plate 110 that are to be brought into contact with one another. At the same time, the total surface area available for the engagement of the first connection surface and the second connection surface is increased.

Figure 2c 12 shows a specific embodiment of elevation 281 and indentation 261. In the embodiment illustrated here, the indentation has a depth t ₁ that is greater than the height of elevation 281, which is denoted by t ₂ . The corresponding heights are measured from the first connecting surface 111 (for the elevation 281) or starting from the second connecting surface 121 (for the depression 261). If the connecting surfaces 111 and 121 are brought into touching contact in this way so that the projection 281 engages the depression 261, the top 282 of the projection 281 is spaced from the base 283 of the depression 261 by the distance Δ. This ensures that the first connecting surface 111 and the second connecting surface 121 are in touching contact with one another and at the same time a form fit can be brought about by the elevation and the depression. Even slight deviations in the height or depth of the individual depressions or elevations do not affect the most exact and form-fitting connection between the base plate and the support.

Fig. 2d 12 shows a top view of a pad 120 according to another embodiment. Here the support 120 or the second connecting surface comprises such a large number of indentations 261 that the original second connecting surface 121 is practically only formed by a number of elevations between the indentations. These correspond geometrically to corresponding indentations in the base plate, which is 2D is not shown.

Additionally are in the Fig. 2d Connecting elements 271, 272 and 273 are shown, which can be used to positively connect the stand plate to the support 120. Some of these connecting elements can be magnets that can be brought into contact with magnets or magnetizable components correspondingly mounted in the base plate 110, so that due to the attraction of the magnets, a frictional connection between the support 120 and the base plate 110 is achieved. how on Fig. 2d As can be seen, the arrangement of elevations and depressions in the second connecting surface is selected in such a way that it can only be converted into itself by a full rotation of 360°. The second connecting surface thus has single-fold symmetry. Embodiments with two-fold symmetry are also conceivable, which can simplify assembly somewhat. Instead of magnets, connecting screws (not shown) can also establish the frictional connection. This can also be provided in combination, ie the connecting screws can also be used with a magnet in order to create the frictional connection.

It is particularly preferred if the magnets do not touch each other even when the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are arranged in a form-fitting, play-free connection. This ensures that small deviations in the manufacture of the magnets with regard to their external shape do not have any influence on the micrometer-precise positioning of the base plate and the support relative to one another. Here, for example, it can be provided that holes are provided both in the base plate and in the support, which have a certain depth, for example a depth between 5 mm and 1 cm. The magnets can be introduced into these holes and fixed, for example with suitable adhesives such as Glue or screwed. The height of the magnets is smaller than the depth of the holes, so that in this case touching of the magnets is avoided.

the Figures 3a and 3b show further embodiments of the stand plate and the support in the connected state.

in the in Figure 3a illustrated embodiment, the base plate 110 and the support 120 are in touching contact with each other, ie shown in connection with each other. On the more precise specifications of the formation of the first connection surface and the second connection surface, such as those with reference to the 1 and 2 were explained, is omitted here and shown instead flat connecting surfaces. It goes without saying that these surfaces can be implemented according to all the embodiments described above without any limitation. This also applies to the in Figure 3B illustrated embodiment.

In the Figure 3a For example, openings with corresponding threads 393 and 394 are provided both in the support 120 and in the stand plate 110, it being possible for corresponding screws 391 and 392 to be embedded in the openings. The number of two screws shown here, which can be introduced into the support 120 and the base plate 110, is only an example. Any other number of screws can also be used here.

Particularly preferably, the length of the screws (or at least the length of the part of the screw that can be screwed in without a head) that can be inserted into the threads 393 and 394 is less than the entire length of the threads, so that here too, in accordance with the in Fig. 2d described embodiment an inaccurate positioning of the support and the base plate to each other can be avoided due to long screws.

Figure 3b shows a further embodiment in which the standing plate 110 has a pin 395 on its side opposite the container 130 or the standing side, which can be let into a corresponding opening 398 of the support 120 . As in the previous embodiments, it can be provided that the total length of the pin 395 measured from the first connecting surface is less than the total depth of the recess 398 measured from the second connecting surface of the support 120. It can thus be ensured that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface can be engaged correctly for the form-fitting and play-free connection of the base plate and the support and its positioning is accurate to within a few micrometers.

In order to achieve a frictional connection between the support 120 and the base plate 110, a tensioning element 396 can be provided, which engages in a notch 399 of the pin 395 with the aid of a tension spring 397, for example, and fixes it against movement out of the opening or into the opening.

The threads and screws of the Figure 3a , as well as the pin, the recess and the tension spring according to Figure 3b are examples of elements associated with the stand plate and the support, which together form a connecting element for the detachable connection of the stand plate and the support. The same applies to the in Fig. 2d described magnets. Other embodiments can also be considered here. In principle, it is provided that a connecting element according to embodiments of the invention can be operated at least quickly in order to establish the connection between the base plate and the supports. This applies, for example, to the magnets according to Fig. 2d and the embodiment according to FIG Figure 3b to. But also detachable connections or connecting elements that cannot be operated without tools, as in Figure 3a , can be used. In any case, such connecting elements—possibly including elements associated with the base plate and the support—are chosen that ensure a non-positive connection between the base plate and the support.

In principle, it can be provided that the standing plate 110 and the support 120 are at least partially made of stainless steel, since these are less susceptible to wetting with liquids or general food. It is particularly preferred if at least the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are made of stainless steel. Furthermore, for the base plate 110 and the support 120, materials can be used whose coefficient of thermal expansion is as low as possible, so that even if the temperature changes, the outer dimensions of the base plate and support and in particular the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface with the corresponding depressions and surveys change little. Materials are particularly preferred here whose coefficient of linear expansion at 20° is less than 10 ^-5 /K. These include, in particular, titanium and tungsten. If a coefficient of thermal expansion smaller than 1.5 × 10 ^-5 is sufficient, stainless steel and general steel can also be used.

Claims (11)

1. System (100) consisting of a stand plate (110) and a support (120) for the stand plate, the stand plate comprising a stand face (170) for receiving a container (130), and the stand plate (110) comprising a first connecting surface (111) opposite the stand face and the support (120) comprising a second connecting surface (121), which surfaces can be brought into touching contact with one another, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface comprising contours (112, 113, 122, 123) which correspond to one another and which can be brought into engagement with one another in order to form-fittingly connect the stand plate and the support with zero backlash, the corresponding contours comprising at least one recess (261) in the first or second connecting surface and a corresponding elevation (281) in the second or first connecting surface, and the recess (261) having a base surface (283) and lateral faces (284), characterised in that the lateral faces enclose an angle α with the base surface that is different from 90°, and in that the elevation (281) comprises an upper face (282) and lateral faces (285), the lateral faces (285) of the elevation (281) enclosing the angle α with the upper face.
2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stand plate (110) and the support (120) comprise at least one quick-to-use connecting element which can be operated in particular without tools in order to establish a detachable, frictional connection between the stand plate and the support.
3. System (100) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element comprises a first element associated with the stand plate (110) and a second element associated with the support (120).
4. System (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first element and/or the second element comprises a magnet; or

   wherein the first element or the second element is designed as a thread (393, 394) and the second element or the first element is designed as a screw (392, 391); or

   wherein the first element is designed as a pin (395) having a notch (399) and the second element is designed as a receptacle (398) for the pin and a tension spring (397) for clamping the notch.
5. System (100) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connecting element is designed to produce a detachable connection through the first and the second connecting surface when the stand plate (110) and the support (120) are connected.
6. System according to claim 1, wherein the recess (261) and the elevation (281) are formed as a curve on the first and the second connecting surface.
7. System according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contours have a one-fold or two-fold symmetry.
8. System according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stand plate (110) and the support (120) are made of stainless steel or at least the first and the second connecting surface comprise an outer surface made of stainless steel.
9. System according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the contours are milled contours.
10. Direct printing machine for printing on containers, having at least one print head for applying printing ink to a container and having a container receptacle for receiving a container, wherein the container receptacle comprises a system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9.
11. Direct printing machine according to claim 10, wherein a motor (140) connected to the support (120) is associated with the container receptacle, and the system (100) consisting of the stand plate (110) and the support (120) can rotate about an axis which extends perpendicularly to the first and the second connecting surface (111, 121).

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