EP3609707A1

EP3609707A1 - Segment wheel for a device for printing on hollow bodies

Info

Publication number: EP3609707A1
Application number: EP18703735.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Koblinger
Original assignee: Koenig and Bauer AG
Current assignee: Koenig and Bauer AG
Priority date: 2017-04-13
Filing date: 2018-02-01
Publication date: 2020-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-01
Also published as: CN110475667A; CN110475667B; US10786984B2; DE102017206392A1; WO2018188830A1; EP3609707B1; US20190381787A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a segment wheel (03) for a device for printing on hollow bodies (01), having a plurality of segments (32) formed on the circumference thereof, wherein: a printing blanket (33) for printing on the hollow bodies (01) is, or at least can be, arranged on at least one segment (32); the segment wheel (03) has a main body (76), the main body (76) being made from a metal material; the segments (32) are arranged along the circumference of the main body (76) at each joint (77); and each segment (32) is releasably connected to the main body (76).

Description

description

Segmented wheel of a device for printing hollow bodies

The invention relates to a segmented wheel of a device for printing hollow bodies according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such as As is known from WO 2012/148576 A1, in the packaging industry in a device for the decoration of each having a cylindrical surface having hollow bodies mostly multiple printing units are used. Each of these printing units each transfers a printing ink to a blanket commonly used by these printing units. The lateral surface of the respective hollow body is then by a relative movement between the lateral surface of the respective hollow body and the previously colored in particular multicolored blanket, in particular by rolling the lateral surface of the respective hollow body on this blanket, with a z. B. decorated multicolored print motif.

Such a device for printing or decoration of particular each having a preferably cylindrical outer surface having hollow bodies is z. B. in conjunction with an i. d. R. multiple workstations using plant for the production of such hollow body, wherein the printing or the decoration of the hollow body is carried out by a printing process, which is why these hollow body generally as

Printed products can be called. In such a system to be printed hollow body in a mass production with z. B. several hundred or even a few thousand pieces per minute, z. B. manufactured between 1, 500 and 3,000 pieces per minute. Such hollow body z. B. made of metal, especially steel or aluminum, or made of a plastic. Such hollow body made of metal z. B. used as beverage cans or aerosol cans. Such hollow plastic body z. B. prepared in the form of thermoplastic moldings and z. B. as a cup for packaging z. B. of liquid or pasty foods,

used in particular for dairy products or beverages. However, the respective hollow body may also be a round tube body produced either from a plastic or from aluminum, wherein a tube is understood to mean an elongated, firm, but malleable container which is provided for filling with a substance, in particular pasty substance. Tubes made of aluminum are z. B. produced in a Rückwärtsfließpressverfahren. Plastic tubes are z. B. produced by extrusion in each case as seamless tubes. Another kind of in one

The aforementioned device to be printed hollow bodies may be made of glass preferably cylindrical containers or vessels, for. As bottles or bottles.

Beverage cans are preferably made of aluminum and are i. d. R. so-called second doses, in which a circular ground together with a

preferably straight cylinder jacket, each of a single workpiece, d. H. from a so-called Slugs or from a Ronde, d. H. a circular disc, in a forming process, for. B. in a cold extrusion or in a Zugdruckumformverfahren, preferably by deep drawing, in particular by

Ironing, to a hollow body open on one side, d. H. be manufactured into a so-called Rohdose and wherein in a final manufacturing step, a circular cover placed on the cylinder jacket and by beading with the

Cylinder jacket is connected airtight.

Another type of can tinplate cans. Tinplate is a tinned sheet steel. For the production of tinplate cans, the thickness of the steel sheet z. B. 0.15 mm to 0.49 mm, the thickness of the tin layer z. B. 0.2 μηη to 0.8 μηη, wherein the tin coating is used for corrosion protection. Tinplate cans are so-called

Three divided doses. In order to produce the jacket of a tinplate can, a rectangular strip of sheet steel is bent to a preferably straight cylinder jacket, wherein the ends of this bent into a cylinder jacket strip in a butt joint be welded. Subsequently, a circular bottom and a circular cover are placed on the cylinder jacket and the edges are crimped. In order to obtain a higher resistance to indentations for the tinplate box in question, have z. B. all three parts, ie, the cylinder jacket, the bottom and the lid preferably a

Wave profile.

An aerosol can, also referred to as a spray can or spray can, is a metal can for spraying liquids. In an aerosol can, the filled liquid is under pressure, wherein as a propellant for discharging the liquid in question from the respective can z. As propane, butane, dimethyl ether or mixtures thereof or compressed air or nitrogen is used.

The aforementioned WO 2012/148576 A1 describes a device for decorating cans, wherein an arrangement of several printing units, each with an inking unit for multicolor decoration of a plurality of cans is provided, each of the belonging to one of the printing units inking units each have a color box to provide Printing ink, wherein in each ink fountain each ink fountain roller for receiving the ink from the ink fountain in question is provided, wherein each inking unit each a Farbduktor are provided, wherein the ink fountain each ink from the respective ink fountain roller accommodates, wherein in one in the respective inking the each inking roller subsequent roller compactor several iridescent ink roller and several each with at least one of the

Farbreiberwalzen cooperating ink transfer rollers are provided, wherein for each inking unit in each case a plate cylinder is provided with at least one printing plate, wherein cooperates with the respective plate cylinder for applying the ink in each case only a single inking roller.

By post-published DE 10 2016 201 137 A1 is a device for

Printing of hollow bodies with a plurality of segments at its periphery having segment wheel, wherein at least one segment of the

Segment wheel each a blanket for printing the hollow body is arranged.

By WO 2004/109581 A2 is an apparatus for carrying out a contactless digital printing method, z. B. an inkjet printing method to round objects, especially second-rate, without the use of a blanket, if necessary, to print individually, preferably a plurality of printheads are provided, each printing a single ink.

From DE 10 2006 004 568 A1 a short inking unit for a printing machine is known, comprising a printing form cylinder, an inking roller cooperating with the printing form cylinder and the inking roller contacting anilox roller, which is associated with a device for ink supply, wherein at least one leveling roller between the place of ink supply and the contact gap between the

Anilox roller and the inking roller, based on the direction of rotation of the anilox roller, is arranged, wherein the means for ink supply is designed as a chambered doctor blade.

From DE 101 60 734 A1 a printing machine is known which comprises at least one printing forme, a dampening unit for moistening the printing forme with a fountain solution, an inking unit for coloring the printing form with an ink and a

Dehumidifying with a heat roller (tempering) for reducing a subsidized together with the ink portion of the dampening solution, wherein the inking unit is designed as a lifeless short inking unit, wherein a Farbwerkswalze the inking unit has a first Abrollkontaktstelle at which the inking roller is in rolling contact with the heating roller , wherein the inking roller a second

Having Abrollkontaktstelle and wherein a shortest conveying path of the ink from the ink fountain roller to the printing forme is specified by at most one intermediate roller. From DE 32 32 780 A1 an inking unit for offset printing machines for printing sheets or webs with a plate cylinder is known, which receives the required color of at most two inking rollers with an elastic surface, which cooperate with a color cylinder to which the ink is fed via a Farbzuführsystem , which produces a continuous color film, the color cylinder a

Paint roller with almost the same diameter as the plate cylinder

is downstream, wherein the inking cylinder is assigned a dampening unit with at least one roller transferring the dampening solution and wherein the transfer of the fountain solution to the inking cylinder in the same direction of rotation after the inking and before the contact point with the inking roller.

From DE 10 2006 048 286 A1 a method for driving a printing unit with a short inking unit in a processing machine with an anilox roller and an associated doctor device and one of the anilox roller is arranged downstream

Inking roller known, which is arranged downstream of a plate / forme cylinder in the color flow direction, wherein the plate / forme cylinder with a blanket cylinder and the blanket cylinder with a pressure medium leading the printing cylinder in

Is operative connection, wherein the anilox roller is driven by a single drive, wherein in the printing / painting of the main drive input to a drive wheel of the printing cylinder and a drive wheel of the blanket cylinder and a second and first drive of the plate / forme cylinder and a drive wheel of the inking roller and a Drive wheel of the anilox roller is fed, wherein the single drive of

Anilox roller is inactive, and wherein in the setup mode, the drive connection to the

Main drive between first drive wheel and second drive wheel of the plate /

Form cylinder is separated, the single drive of the anilox roller is activated and by means of a single drive a drive torque to the drive wheel of the anilox roller and the

Drive wheel of the inking roller and the first drive wheel of the plate / forme cylinder is introduced. From DE 196 24 440 A1 discloses a device for filling wells of a cylinder of a printing press with a liquid is known, wherein on the cylinder at least two doctor devices for filling wells of the cylinder are arranged with the liquid, one connected to a conveyor system

Application device for the liquid and one of these in the direction of rotation of the cylinder downstream working doctor blade are provided, wherein the doctor blades are attached to a beam, wherein the abgesakelte liquid is discharged to a collecting trough.

From DE 89 12 194 U1 an inking unit for use in a printing machine with an engageable to an anilox working doctor blade and a paint tray with inking means is known, wherein the working doctor blade, the ink pan and the means for conveying the ink to the anilox roller are combined to form a unit and the assembly is releasably attachable to a carrier mounted on the printing press.

From DE 10 2007 052 761 A1 an anilox printing unit is known, which as

An inking rollers has a fountain roller and an anilox roller, wherein the anilox roller is mounted on pivot levers, wherein the anilox roller and the

Inking roller each have bearer rings, one for pressing the bearer rings of a arranged on the bearer rings of the other inking roller device springs for compensating for manufacturing tolerance

Has differences in diameter.

DE 43 00 683 A1 discloses an inking unit of a rotary printing press with an inking roller having annular grooves formed in its lateral surface.

By US 516,620 a friction roller with a plurality of axially adjacent juxtaposed elastic rings is known.

From DE 28 51 426 A1 a device for printing each one Mantle surface of hollow bodies is known, wherein a to be printed hollow body is provided about a rotation axis transporting transport means, wherein a plurality of printing units are provided, each to be printed hollow body with the transport device in a printing range of at least one of the printing units is transportable, wherein at least one of the printing units a Compressor cylinder and having an inking unit with a single inking roller.

The invention has for its object to provide a segment of a device for

To provide printing of hollow bodies with which a production adjustment to a changed format of the hollow body is economically feasible. Even smaller lot sizes, which lead to a frequent changeover of the production plant due to the upcoming after a short period of production change, should be able to be produced economically and efficiently.

The object is achieved by a segment with the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments and refinements of the solution found.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. With the invention achievable advantages are mentioned in connection with the embodiment.

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a device for printing or for decoration of one each

Lateral surface having hollow bodies;

Fig. 2 shows an inking unit in particular for the device shown in Fig. 1 in one

first operating position; FIG. 3 shows the inking unit, in particular for the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in a second operating position; FIG.

4 shows a chamber doctor blade system, in particular for the inking unit illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3;

5 shows a disk changer in a first operating position;

FIG. 6 shows the disk changer of FIG. 5 in a second operating position; FIG.

7 shows a storage device for printing blankets;

FIG. 8 shows a device for vertical transport of the storage device according to FIG. 7; FIG.

Fig. 9 shows a device for a horizontal transport of each one of

Blankets between the storage device according to FIG. 7 and a mounting location on a segmented wheel in the device according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 10, the memory device of Fig. 7 in its at the for their vertical

Transport provided device arranged operating condition;

Fig. 1 1, the device for a horizontal transport of each one of

Blankets shown in Figure 9 in cross-section with an erect spatula for removing a used blanket from the Segmentrad;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the device for a horizontal

Transport of one of the blankets of FIG. 9 with the set up Spatula;

Fig. 13 shows the device for printing or for decoration of one each

Shell surface having hollow bodies according to FIG. 1 with a

schematic representation of the segments of the segment wheel;

14 shows a perspective detail view of the segment wheel with its shaft;

FIG. 15 shows an individual perspective view of the drive driving the segment wheel in a rotational manner; FIG.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the segment wheel with its drive in the in

Device for printing hollow bodies arranged state;

17 shows a production sequence for producing a color gradient on a

Hollow body;

FIG. 18 shows a hybrid apparatus for printing hollow bodies; FIG. 19 shows the segment wheel with interchangeable segments; Fig. 20 is a single exchangeable segment.

The printing in particular of the lateral surface of a hollow body with a z. B.

multicolored print motif, d. H. at least one printed image is carried out in a preferred embodiment in a high-pressure process. Alternative printing methods are z. As a screen printing process or an offset printing process or a druckformloses

Digital printing process. In the following the invention will be described by way of example in connection with a high pressure process. To carry out the high pressure process as a printing plate, a printing plate on a lateral surface of a plate cylinder

arranged. The printing plate ready for use in the printing process is a printing form with a printing relief, this printing relief reflects the image intended for the printing process mirrored, wherein in a trouble-free printing operation only the printing relief on the transfer of the plate cylinder supplied by the inking ink is involved in the blanket. The printing form or the printing plate has a plate-shaped preferably flexible carrier finite length z. B. from a steel sheet, wherein a particularly flexible pressure body is arranged on this support. At least in the circumferential direction of the plate cylinder

opposite ends of the carrier can, for. B. be bent according to the curvature of the lateral surface of the plate cylinder or be angled to facilitate assembly of the printing form, d. H. here in particular to allow the printing plate on the plate cylinder. The support of the printing form or the printing plate has a thickness in the range of z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. The printing plate, including its carrier has a total thickness in the range of z. B. 0.7 mm to 1, 0 mm, preferably about 0.8 mm. The pressure hull is z. B. formed from a plastic. The pressure hull is used to produce the printing cliché that can be used for the printing process. B. exposed to a print image reproducing negative film, wherein unexposed areas then from the pressure body z. B. be removed by washing or by means of a laser.

A device for printing or for decoration in particular in each case a preferably cylindrical lateral surface having hollow bodies preferably has a plurality, for. B. eight or ten or even more printing units - also called printing stations - on, with at least one of these printing units, in the preferred

Execution all of these printing units each having a rotatable printing plate cylinder, in particular designed as a plate cylinder printing form cylinder. In this case, the printing units or printing stations and optionally also the printing form cylinder are each stored in a frame in this device and can in the same Printing process can be used to form on the same hollow body according to the number of participating printing units or printing forme cylinder multicolored print motif. The storage of the printing form cylinder or plate cylinder is in each case preferably designed as a flying bearing, wherein the relevant

Printing form cylinder or plate cylinder at one of its end faces in each case z. B. is mounted on a preferably conical pin. On the lateral surface of each plate cylinder is i. d. R. each arranged only a single printing plate, wherein the support of the printing plate the circumference of the respective plate cylinder completely or at least for the most part, in particular spans more than 80%. A directed in the circumferential direction of the relevant plate cylinder length of the pressure body of the printing plate is preferably formed shorter than the circumference of the relevant plate cylinder. The printing form or the printing plate is in particular magnetically arranged on the lateral surface of each plate cylinder by means of its carrier or at least can be arranged, d. H. the printing form or the printing plate is preferably magnetic there, d. H. held by a magnetic holding force. In an alternative or additional embodiment variant of the device for printing or for decoration of each having a preferably cylindrical outer surface having hollow bodies is at least one of the printing units or there are also more of these printing units each formed as a printing in a digital printing process printing unit, such a printing unit in particular has at least one inkjet print head or a laser.

The particular simultaneous transfer of a plurality of printing inks in particular on the lateral surface of the hollow body in question requires that this color transfer takes place in register, in order to achieve a good print quality in the printing process. For a register-containing arrangement of the printing plate or the printing plate on the lateral surface of the relevant printing forme cylinder or plate cylinder are in the preferred embodiment on the lateral surface of the respective printing form cylinder or

Plate cylinder preferably several z. B. in their respective position respectively adjustable dowel pins provided which engage in corresponding recesses formed on the printing plate or on the printing plate and thereby give the printing plate or the printing plate there a defined position in its or its arrangement on the lateral surface of the respective printing forme cylinder or plate cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, each plate cylinder or plate cylinder each has a diameter in the range between 100 mm and 150 mm, in particular between 120 mm and 130 mm, wherein an axial length of the respective plate cylinder or plate cylinder in each case z. B. between 200 mm and 250 mm, in particular between 200 mm and 220 mm. The printing plate to be arranged on the lateral surface of the relevant plate cylinder has a width directed in the axial direction of the relevant plate cylinder in the range of 150 mm to 200 mm, preferably approximately 175 mm.

Each of the used in the printing process z. B. trained as a plate cylinder

With its printing form or with its printing plate, the printing form cylinder transfers a specific printing ink to a printing blanket in each case. The printing inks used are i. d. To R. premixed, especially custom special colors that are tuned in terms of their respective Verdruckbarkeit in a special way to the material of the hollow body to be printed, depending on whether a surface z. B. of aluminum, a tinplate or a plastic is printed. In a preferred embodiment of a device for printing or for decoration of each z. B. a cylindrical surface having hollow bodies is a printing ink of the

Printing form or the printing plate provided on the lateral surface of the respective hollow body transmitting device. This ink-transferring device is preferably designed as a segment wheel rotating about an in particular horizontal axis, wherein at the periphery of this segment wheel, i. H. at its periphery in succession preferably several, z. For example, eight, ten, twelve, or more

Blankets are arranged or at least can be arranged. The ink-transferring device can as an alternative to the segment wheel depending on the printing method used but also as a decorative drum or as a blanket cylinder or as a Transfer cylinder may be formed, which are rotatable at least during printing in each case about an axis of rotation. The arrangement of the blankets on the circumference of the

Segment wheel is done so far in that the blankets on the circumference of the

Segmented wheel each z. B. are attached by a cohesive connection, preferably by gluing. The preferably a plurality of printing plate cylinders or

Plate cylinders are each set radially to the arranged on the circumference of the respective segment wheel blankets or at least employable. In a particularly preferred embodiment of a device for printing or for decoration of a respective z. B. cylindrical surface having hollow bodies is arranged on the circumference of the segment wheel one behind the other a larger number of blankets, as each radially to the segment radially employed or at least engageable

Printing form cylinder or plate cylinder are provided. The preferably carousel-like printing ink-transferring device, in particular the segment wheel has a diameter of z. B. 1,400 mm to 1,600 mm, preferably about 1,520 mm to 1 .525 mm, and has at z. B. eight associated printing forme cylinders or

Plate cylinders at its periphery in a row z. B. twelve blankets. The surface of each printing plate is preferably formed with a greater hardness than the hardness of the respective surface of the blankets. The surface of the blankets is preferably flat, that is formed without a profiling. In an operating state in which the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder involved in the printing process are respectively radially engaged with the blankets of the rotationally driven segment wheel, the respective printing plates of these plate cylinders or the respective printing plates of these plate cylinders roll onto the blankets moved by the segment wheel, wherein the printing plates at least their printing relief each z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm deep into the respective blanket and thereby produce in the respective Drucktuck extending in the axial direction of the segment wheel flattening, ie a roller strip. An intensity of the flattening is z. B. before or at the beginning of a printing process z. B. by means of a remote control by adjusting one of the respective printing form cylinder or plate cylinder on the relevant blanket The contact pressure exerted on the segment wheel can be set or adjusted in this way.

The example to be printed hollow body, z. B. the to be printed

Secondary doses, z. Example by means of a hollow body to be printed preferably along at least a portion of a circular path, d. H. a circular arc around one

Transporting means transporting rotation axis, preferably by means of a Zuführrades, in particular by means of a Mandrelrades continuously or in a set tact to each at least one of the device for printing in each case a lateral surface of hollow bodies associated printing units and thus transported in a printing area of at least one of these printing units.

For example, the hollow body to be printed by means of z. B. designed as feed wheel transport device to each at least one of z. B. on the

Segmentrad arranged arranged blankets, or to be printed

Hollow bodies are by means of this transport device directly and directly, d. H. without the help of a z. B. transported as a segment wheel ink transferring device transported in the respective printing area of at least one of these printing units, which is the case when the relevant printing unit in a

Direct printing method, z. B. prints in an inkjet printing process.

The like. B. the segment also about a preferably horizontal axis rotating feed wheel or mandrel has concentric with its circumferential line in preferably equidistant distribution more, z. B. 24 or 36 holder z. B. each in the form of a cantilevered from an end face of the Mandrel wheel mandrel or a spindle, wherein each holder of each one of the hollow body to be printed is held or at least can be held. A trained as Mandrelrad transport device is sometimes referred to as a turntable with spindles. A Mandrelrad is z. As described in EP 1 165 318 A1. A description of suitable holders, spindles or mandrels is found for. In WO 201 1/156052 A1. In the following, each mandrel is referred to briefly as a mandrel. One longitudinal axis each Dorns is directed parallel to the axis of the mandrel wheel. In the case of each z. B. designed as a Zweitildose formed to be printed hollow bodies, each of these

Hollow body z. B. by means of a conveyor, for. B. a belt conveyor to the z. B. introduced as Mandrelrad transport device and there at a

Transfer station z. B. sucked by suction on one of the mandrels of Mandandrades and then held by the mandrel concerned, while designed as Mandrelrad transport device to the respective hollow body to be printed z. B. to the occupied with at least one blanket segment wheel and thus transported towards at least one of the printing units or in an alternative embodiment z. B. transported without segment wheel directly to at least one of the printing units. I. d. R. be supplied to the mandrel with the conveyor in rapid succession sequentially a larger amount to be printed hollow bodies. Such

Conveyor is z. As described in EP 1 132 207 A1.

Between an inner wall of the respective hollow body to be printed and the surface of the respective mandrel of Mandandrades is preferably a gap with a width of less than 1 mm, z. B. of 0.2 mm, so that the hollow body to be printed is not held by a pressure on the relevant mandrel. Each thorn is z. B. rotatable by means of a motor about its respective longitudinal axis and in particular adjustable to a certain peripheral speed, so that each held by a mandrel to be printed hollow body in addition to the rotation of

Mandrel wheel can be rotated by an independently executed by the mandrel or at least executable rotation. The slippage of the hollow body to be printed on one of the mandrels of Mandandrades preferably takes place during a standstill phase of the mandrel in question, wherein the mandrel in question during its stoppage phase does not perform rotational movement about its own longitudinal axis. The occupation of each mandrel with a hollow body to be printed is preferably checked, for. B. contactless with a sensor. In a missing assignment of a mandrel with a hollow body to be printed Mandrelrad z. B. such that a contact of the relevant free mandrel is reliably avoided with a blanket of the segment wheel.

To be printed Zweiteildosen be before their delivery z. B. made to the Mandrel in a mandrel wheel upstream processing station, z. B. deep-drawn from a blank. In another processing station, each edge of its box is trimmed at its open end. Each second can will be further in

Processing stations z. B. washed, in particular washed out their interior, if necessary, the inner wall and the bottom of the relevant Zweiteildose are also painted. At least the outer surface of each Zweiteildose z. B. primed, especially with a white primer. After printing on its lateral surface Zweiteildose of their respective holder z. B. on mandrel z. B. removed by compressed air or by a preferably switchable magnet and fed to at least one mandrel downstream of the processing station, z. B. a painting for painting the outer surface of each printed second can and / or a border processing station. The printed Zweiteildosen go through in particular a dryer, z. B. a hot air dryer to the

to cure at least one applied to their respective lateral surface ink.

The printing process for printing in particular the respective lateral surface of z. B. held on the Mandrelrad hollow bodies, in particular Zweiteildosen, begins with the fact that all of the printing on the respective outer surface of the hollow body to be printed image required in each case z. B. from the respective printing plate of z. B. applied to the segment wheel plate cylinder are applied to the same of one of the circumference of the segment wheel blankets. The inked in question with all the required printing inks blanket then transfers in a touch contact between the blanket and the lateral surface of the hollow body to be printed these inks simultaneously during a single revolution of the held on one of the mandrels Mandandrades to be printed hollow body about its longitudinal axis on the lateral surface of this hollow body. During the transfer of Printing inks from the blanket on the lateral surface of the hollow body rotates the z. B. held by one of the mandrels Mandandrades to be printed hollow body with an absolute same circumferential speed as the concerned z. B. arranged on the circumference of the segment wheel blanket. The respective peripheral speeds of the hollow body and blanket or segment wheel are therefore synchronized with each other, wherein the z. B. on one of the mandrels of the Mandrel wheel held to be printed hollow body z. B. starting from its first contact point with the relevant

Blanket during the unwinding of its lateral surface on a stretch from the first z. B. 50 mm from the peripheral length of the blanket from its stoppage in particular until reaching the peripheral speed z. B. the segment wheel is accelerated accordingly. The segmental wheel carrying the relevant printing blanket accordingly gives the z. B. at the respective mandrel of the Mandrel wheel to be set peripheral speed. Also, the peripheral speed of the printing plate-carrying printing plate cylinder or the printing plate bearing plate cylinder is or is preferably in dependence on the peripheral speed z. B. the segment wheel set. The Mandrel and the Segmentrad z. B. from a same central

Powered machine drive and possibly mechanically z. B. coupled together via a gearbox. In the embodiment according to the invention, however, the mandrel wheel and the segment wheel are each individually driven by a separate drive and controlled or regulated by a control unit in their respective rotational behavior.

In particular, with reference to the previously described apparatus for printing or for decoration in particular of a respective z. B. cylindrical surface

having hollow bodies are exemplified still different

Details explained. 1 shows, in a schematic representation simplified and exemplified, a generic device for printing or for decorating, in particular, in each case a preferably cylindrical jacket surface

Hollow bodies 01, z. B. Secondary boxes 01, said hollow body 01 with a

Conveyor z. B. sequentially the z. B. as a rotating or at least rotatable Zuführrad, in particular supplied as Mandrelrad 02 formed transport device and there are individually held on a respective holder on this transport device. In the following, it is assumed on the basis of the selected exemplary embodiment of the printing machine or of the device for printing hollow bodies that this transport device is preferably designed as a mandrel wheel 02. With the

Mandrelrad 02 preferably acts an ink transferring device, eg. B. a rotating or at least rotatable Segmentrad 03 together, along whose or its circumference several printing blankets are arranged one behind the other. In association with the example mentioned Segmentrad 03 along the circumference several radially to this Segmentrad 03 employed or at least adjustable pressure plate cylinder, in particular plate cylinder 04 is provided, wherein on the respective lateral surface of this plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 each have a printing plate, in particular a printing plate is arranged this printing plate is particularly suitable for carrying out a high-pressure process. Each of the printing plate cylinder or

Plate cylinder 04 is supplied for coloring its printing plate or its printing plate by means of an inking unit 06 each have a specific ink. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the printing form cylinders are each designed as a plate cylinder 04 carrying at least one printing plate.

Fig. 2 and 3 show a simplified schematic representation of some details of each cooperating with a plate cylinder 04 inking unit 06, which z. B. for use in the device shown in Fig. 1 for printing or for decoration in particular of a preferably cylindrical lateral surface having hollow bodies 01 is provided. The proposed inking unit 06 has for the color transport of a paint reservoir to the relevant plate cylinder 04 advantageously a very short, d. H. from only a few, preferably a maximum of five rolls, in particular two-roll compactor. In the case of the twin-roller compactor, this compactor consists of only one single roller

Ink roller 07 and an anilox roller 08. An inking unit 06 with a maximum off five rolls existing compactor belongs to the type of short inking. Fig. 2 shows an example of a (short) inking unit 06 with a two-roll compactor in a first operating position, in which the inking roller 07 and the anilox roller 08 employed each other, employed the inking roller 07 to the plate cylinder 04 and also the plate cylinder 04 radially to the ink from the plate cylinder 04 to the lateral surface of the respective hollow body 01 transmitting device, in particular to the

Segmentrad 03 are employed. Fig. 3, however, shows the inking unit 06 shown in FIG. 2, a second operating position in which the inking roller 07 and the anilox roller 08 from each other parked, the inking roller 07 from the plate cylinder 04 and also the plate cylinder 04 from the ink-transferring device, in particular are parked by the segment wheel 03. On the arrival and

Shutdown mechanism will be discussed later.

The plate cylinder 04 and the anilox roller 08 are z. B. each independently by a motor 1 1; 12 rotatably driven, in particular in the preferred inking unit 06 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the relevant engine 1 1; 12 z. B. in its respective speed of a z. B. electronic control unit in particular regulated or at least regulated. The z. B. trained as a segment wheel 03

Ink transfer device is rotationally driven in the preferred embodiment by a separate drive or in a non-inventive embodiment by a central machine drive. The inking roller 07 is or will z. B. of the anilox roller 08 by friction or also independently driven by a motor rotatably. In the preferred embodiment, an outer diameter d07 of the inking roller 07 and an outer diameter d04 of the at least one printing plate, in particular at least one printing plate bearing plate cylinder 04 are equal in magnitude. On the lateral surface of the plate cylinder 04 at least one printing plate is arranged or at least arrangeable, so that in the embodiment with the same outer diameters d04; d07 of the printing plate bearing

Plate cylinder 04 and the inking roller 07 each have an identical circumferential length exhibit. In the preferred embodiment, in the first operating position of the cooperating with the plate cylinder 04 inking unit 06, in which the inking roller 07 and the anilox roller 08 set against each other, the inking roller 07 to the

Plate cylinder 04 employed and also the plate cylinder 04 are employed on the segment 03, at least the respective centers of the plate cylinder 04, the

Ink roller 07 and the anilox roller 08 along a same line G arranged. For detecting the rotation of the inking roller 07 is a

Detection device z. B. provided in the form of a rotary encoder, said encoder is particularly rigidly connected to a shaft of the inking roller 07. The signal generated by the rotary encoder during a rotation of the inking roller 07 is used by the control unit to adjust the speed of the inking roller 07 by means of the rotation of the anilox roller 08 or, if necessary, to adjust such that a synchronization between the plate cylinder 04 and the inking roller 07 is established is set so that the peripheral speed of the inking roller 07 coincides with the peripheral speed of the plate cylinder 04 within predetermined allowable tolerance limits. To achieve this goal, it may be provided that the control unit preferably during the executed by her

Setting phase adjusts the peripheral speed of the anilox roller 08 such that it relative to the peripheral speed of the plate cylinder 04 in particular briefly - and thus not permanently - has a lead or lag. By the

Design of plate cylinder 04 and inking roller 07 each with the same amount circumferential length and by adjusting the synchronization between the

Plate cylinder 04 and the inking roller 07 of the printing quality detrimental effect of stenciling is largely avoided. The one described here

Drive concept with a friction-driven inking roller 07 also has the advantage that the inking roller 07 a separate drive is not required, which saves costs and also because of the simpler mechanical design z. B. facilitates replacement of the inking roller 07 during maintenance or repair work. The inking roller 07 has in its preferred embodiment a closed, preferably rubberized lateral surface. The anilox roller 08 has a z. B. coated with a ceramic surface, wherein in the ceramic layer a Haschur of z. B. 80 lines per centimeter axial length of the anilox roller 08 or a

Cup structure is formed. In order to allow the screen roller 08 with each of their revolutions each a feed of the largest possible amount of ink in the roller train of the inking unit 06, the outer diameter d08 of the anilox roller 08 is preferably formed larger than the outer diameter d07 of the inking roller 07. The anilox roller 08 should therefore have the largest possible delivery volume. In FIG. 2, the respective direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03, the plate cylinder 04, the inking roller 07 and the anilox roller 08 is indicated in each case by a direction of rotation arrow.

In the preferred embodiment, at least the anilox roller 08 has a

Tempering on, with the aid of the lateral surface of the anilox roller 08 is tempered. The tempering of the anilox roller 08 operates z. B. with a introduced into the interior of the anilox roller 08 tempering, wherein the tempering z. B. is water or another liquid coolant. With the tempering of the anilox roller 08, the delivery volume of the anilox roller 08 can be influenced since this influences the viscosity of the ink to be transported by the inking unit 06. The delivery volume of the anilox roller 08 and the viscosity of the ink to be transported by the ink 06 in turn ultimately affect a color density of the aufzutragenden on the cylindrical surface of the hollow body 01 to be printed ink. A thickness of a to be applied on the cylindrical surface of the hollow body 01 to be printed, formed by the ink color film is z. B. at less than 10 μηη, in particular at about 3 μηη.

The ink reservoir of the inking unit 06 is z. B. as formed in conjunction with the anilox roller 08 chamber doctor blade system 09. Advantageously form in this Chamber doctor blade system 09 at least one ink tray, an axially parallel to the anilox roller 08 employees or at least adjustable doctor bar and preferably also a pump for conveying the ink a single unit. This is this

Chamber doctor blade system 09 in the inking unit 06, d. H. on a frame of the inking unit 06 preferably only one side z. B. held by a suspension or stored, so that this unit in a simple manner after its release from the frame of the inking unit 06 laterally, d. H. by an axially parallel to the anilox roller 08 directed movement, z. B. by pulling on a arranged on this unit handle from the inking unit 06 removable and thus interchangeable. This assembly of the chambered doctor blade system 09 preferably forms a cantilever arm on a side frame of the inking unit 06. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the chambered doctor blade system 09 formed as a single structural unit in cooperation with the anilox roller 08 of the inking unit 06.

After the anilox roller 08 prints ink from the ink reservoir, d. H. in particular picked up by the chamber doctor blade system 09, the anilox roller 08 transports them

Printing ink directly and directly or through other rollers belonging to the inking unit 06 compactor to the preferably only one inking roller 07. In an in the direction of rotation of the anilox roller 08 employed to the anilox roller 08

Chamber doctor blade system 09 subsequent area between the chamber doctor blade system 09 and the inking roller 07 is preferably a rider roll 13 to the anilox roller 08 employed or at least employable to improve the color transport of the anilox roller 08. The rider roll 13 is arranged axially parallel to the anilox roller 08. The rider roll 13 is not considered to belong to the roller train of the inking unit 06 because it does not transfer ink from the anilox roller 08 to another roller. The of the anilox roller 08 z. B. by friction rotatably driven rider roller 13 has z. B. a rubberized jacket surface. Employing the anilox roller 08 rider roller 13 sucks in their rolling on the lateral surface of the anilox roller 08 a part of the recorded from the anilox roller 08 of the chambered doctor blade 09 ink from the Haschur or the wells of the anilox roller 08 and sets this ink at least partly from on the outer surface of the anilox roller 08 formed webs. As a result, the rider roller 13 rolling on the anilox roller 08 causes the anilox roller 08 to deliver a larger quantity of printing ink to the inking roller 07. In another episode is at a z. B. a tempering having anilox roller 08 also improves the effectiveness of controlling the color density, characterized in that the rolling on the anilox roller 08 rider roller 13 contributes to the provision of a larger amount of ink. Regardless of the specific configuration of the anilox roller 08, ie with or without a tempering device, the rider roller 13 rolling on the anilox roller 08 thus reduces both differences in density which can arise due to manufacturing tolerances of the anilox roller 08 and the risk of visibility of the hematite or wells of the anilox roller 08 on the printing substrate, ie here on the lateral surface of the hollow body 01 to be printed as a result of an at least in places too low paint application.

In a very advantageous embodiment of the device for printing hollow bodies is preferably in a fixed assignment z. B. to each plate cylinder, in particular plate cylinder 04 each have a plate changer 14 is provided, with which the particular for the respective printing form cylinder printing plate or for the particular plate cylinder 04 specific printing plate within z. B. the device in question for printing or for decoration of one particular cylindrical

Shell surface having hollow bodies 01 preferably automated replaceable. Figs. 5 and 6 show in a perspective view a preferred

Execution of a very advantageous designed disk changer 14 in two

various operating positions for the execution of a very short set-up preferably automated, reliable and preferably also in register

enforceable plate change or printing plate change. Fig. 5 shows a first

Operating position, in the axially laterally adjacent to the printing unit on the plate cylinder or plate changer 14 z. B. submitted a printing plate or removed from the disk changer 14. Fig. 6 shows a second operating position, in the immediately before the plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 along to this from the plate changer 14 z. B. a printing plate placed directly on the associated plate cylinder 04 or a printing plate removed from the plate cylinder 04 and can be removed with the plate changer 14 in its first operating position. The disk changer 14 has a particular plane, z. B. table-shaped support surface 16, on which z. B. a arranged on the plate cylinder 04 or to be arranged printing plate can be placed preferably completely. The support surface 16 is preferably linear along a transport path, in particular along the axis of rotation of the associated

Printing forme cylinder or plate cylinder 04 bidirectionally movable between at least two defined positions, d. H. arranged to move back and forth. In a laterally located next to the printing unit first position of the support surface 16 of the plate changer 14 assumes its first operating position, in a directly before the plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 along this second position of the support surface 16 its second operating position. In the first operating position, the support surface 16 of the disc changer 14 is at least partially in front of an end face of the relevant printing forme cylinder or plate cylinder 04. In the second

Operating position, the support surface 16 of the plate changer 14 is preferably at least partially below the lateral surface of the plate cylinder or

Plate cylinder 04. The movement of the support surface 16 of the disc changer 14 is z. B. along a longitudinally to the plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 arranged traverse 17. The support surface 16 of the disc changer 14 thus has a reference to the respective plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 axial travel. At the first or the second operating position of the disc changer 14 defining

Positions is the movement of the support surface 16 z. B. each bounded by a stop. At least the carrier of the respective printing plate is z. B. formed by a particular running using registration marks trimming such that the relevant printing plate on the support surface 16 of the

Disk changer 14 can be arranged in register. These are at least two at a right angle to each other arranged edges of the carrier of the relevant Pressure clichés arranged in contact with the contact surface 16 of the disk changer 14, in particular formed by register pins

Stops brought, with a first edge of the carrier of the relevant

Printing clichés abuts a first register pin and a first edge orthogonal to the second edge of the carrier of the respective printing plate to a second register pin, wherein one of these two register pins is changeable in position and preferably adjustable. By adjusting the variable in its position register pin z. B. the relevant printing plate in register aligned. The setting of the variable in its position register pin can be done manually or automatically. Since the printing plate is supplied to the relevant plate cylinder 04 in register, is on the plate cylinder 04 z. B. no centering pin and no other register device provided.

The plate changer 14 has in its preferred embodiment except the support surface 16 for receiving a z. B. the plate cylinder 04 in particular to be supplied in register pressure cliche z. As a subject, in which z. B. a detached from the plate cylinder 04 printing plate can be stored. A z. B. by means of its carrier in particular magnetically held on the lateral surface of the respective plate cylinder 04 printing plate z. B. by means of a tool guided tangentially to the printing form, for. B. by means of a between the support of the printing plate and the

Lateral surface of the relevant plate cylinder 04 guided spatula of the

Lateral surface of the relevant plate cylinder 04 is lifted or at least can be lifted from there. The lifted off from the lateral surface of the respective plate cylinder 04 one end of the respective printing plate is introduced by rotation of the relevant plate cylinder 04 in the relevant compartment of the plate cylinder 04. By continuing this rotation of the relevant plate cylinder 04, the entire printing plate released from the lateral surface of the relevant plate cylinder 04 is then inserted into the relevant compartment of the plate changer 14. A printing plate which is preferably to be supplied in register with the relevant plate cylinder 04 is held on the bearing surface 16 of the plate changer 14, in particular after its register-oriented alignment, by a magnetic holding force. It is at least one stamp, preferably two in the longitudinal direction of the respective plate cylinder 04 spaced pistes each with one of the magnetic holding force directed counter to the support surface 16 of the disc changer 14 z. B. substantially orthogonal direction of action provided with which at least one punch at least one of the plate cylinder concerned 04 facing the end of the bearing surface 16 of the plate changer 14 held printing plates detachable from this support surface 16 and due to a stroke of the at least one

Stamp can be transferred to the relevant plate cylinder 04. The at least one stamp is z. B. pneumatically actuated or at least so actuated. For holding the printing plate or the printing plate on the support surface 16 of the plate changer 14 or on the lateral surface of the plate cylinder 04 each magnets are used, these magnets are preferably each formed as a permanent magnet. The above-described embodiment of the plate cylinder 04 has the advantage that a conveyor for the transfer of the printing plate to the relevant

Plate cylinder 04 or for removing the printing plate of the respective plate cylinder 04 is not required and the disc changer 14 therefore very

can be realized inexpensively. In particular, a plate change with the disk changer 14 described above can be carried out automatically.

The respective employment and / or shutdown of printing forme cylinder or plate cylinder 04, inking roller 07 and / or anilox roller 08 and / or an adjustment of each of them exerted contact pressure takes place with an example in FIGS. 2 and 3 on and off mechanism, the will now be described in more detail. In the preferred embodiment, the printing form cylinder or plate cylinder 04 is mounted in particular at both ends on a load arm of a force arm and the load arm preferably one-sided first lever assembly 18, wherein the power arm and the arranged in a fixed angle to the power arm load arm of this first lever assembly 18 are pivotable about an axis of rotation parallel to the plate cylinder 04 directed first axis of rotation 19. In an operative connection to the power arm of the first lever assembly 18 is for exerting a torque about the first axis of rotation 19, a preferably controllable by a control unit first drive 21 z. B. arranged in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic working cylinder, wherein upon actuation of this first drive 21 depending on the direction of action of the load arm of this first lever assembly 18 arranged printing form cylinder or plate cylinder 04 either of a

Blanket z. B. the segmented wheel 03 is turned off or employed on selbiges. To limit the printing forme cylinder or plate cylinder 04 against the relevant blanket z. B. the segment wheel 03 applied contact force, for example, a first stop 22 is provided for the power arm of the first lever assembly 18, by means of which a by the pivotal movement of the plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 against the Segmentrad 03 zurückgelegter path is limited. With the first drive 21, the pressing force exerted by the plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 against the segment 03 is adjustable.

In the preferred embodiment, the inking roller 07 is in particular at both ends of a load arm one consisting of a power arm and the load arm

Preferably, one-sided second lever assembly 23 is mounted, wherein the power arm and the load arm of this second lever assembly 23 are pivotable together about the axially parallel to the plate cylinder 04 directed first axis of rotation 19. Likewise, in the preferred embodiment, the anilox roller 08 is mounted in particular at both ends on a load arm of a force arm and the load arm preferably one-sided third lever assembly 24, wherein the power arm and the load arm of this third lever assembly 24 together about an axially parallel to the anilox roller 08 directed second axis of rotation 26 are pivotable, wherein the second axis of rotation 26 of the third lever assembly 24 is disposed on the second lever assembly 23, wherein the second axis of rotation 26 is formed stationary on the second lever assembly 23. At the Lastarm the first lever assembly 18 is a acting upon its actuation on the power arm of the second lever assembly 23 preferably controllable second drive 27 arranged by means of which the inking roller 07 depending on the direction of action of the second drive 27 to the plate cylinder 04 adjustable or off this. On the load arm of the second lever arrangement 23, a preferably controllable third drive 28 is actuated during its actuation on the power arm of the third lever arrangement 24, by means of which the anilox roller 08 together with the chambered doctor blade system 09, depending on the effective direction of the third drive 28, can be adjusted to the inking roller 07 or by this off. The second drive 27 and / or the third drive 28 are each z. B. also formed in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic working cylinder. It can be provided that the second drive 27 and the third drive 28 z. B.

be operated together and preferably also simultaneously or at least be actuated. The pivoting movement of the load arm of the second lever assembly 23 is z. B. limited by a preferably adjustable, in particular adjustable by an eccentric first stop system 29, whereby also from the

Inking roller 07 against the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 exerted contact force is limited or at least limited. The pivoting movement of the load arm of the third lever arrangement 24 is z. B. limited by a preferably adjustable, in particular adjustable by an eccentric second stop system 31, whereby the force exerted by the anilox roller 08 against the inking roller 07 contact pressure is limited or at least limited. FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, a first operating state in which the first drive 21 and the second drive 27 and the third drive 28 are in each case unactuated or in their idle state, as a result of which

Anilox roller 08 to the inking roller 07 and the inking roller 07 to the printing form cylinder or plate cylinder 04 and the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 are employed on the segment 03 each. Fig. 3 shows an example of a second operating state in which the first drive 21 and the second drive 27 and the third drive 28 are respectively actuated or in their working state, whereby the anilox roller 08 of the inking roller 07 and the inking roller 07 from the plate cylinder or Plate cylinder 04 and the printing plate cylinder or plate cylinder 04 are parked by the segment 03 each. The respective force arm and / or load arm of the three aforementioned lever arrangements 18; 23; 24 is or are each z. B. formed as a pair of opposing lever rods or side frame walls, between which in the respective above-described assignment of either the plate cylinder or

Plate cylinder 04 or the inking roller 07 or the anilox roller 08 is arranged. The three aforementioned lever arrangements 18; 23; 24 are each arranged in different spaced-apart vertical planes, so that they do not interfere with each other in their respective pivoting.

As already described and shown in Fig. 13, are on the periphery of the segment wheel 03 in succession i. d. R. several, z. B. eight to twelve blankets 33, wherein in the printing process during rotation of this Segmentrades 03 about a rotation axis 34 printing forms of the printing plate cylinder or printing plates of the plate cylinder 04 roll on the moving with this Segmentrad 03 blankets 33. During unrolling press clichés at least their pressure relief each z. B. 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm deep into the respective blanket 33, whereby the blankets are subject to wear and depending on their nature and in particular

mechanical stress after a certain number of prints, e.g. B. after 50,000 printed hollow bodies 01 need to be renewed. If, in a device having this Segmentrad 03 for printing or decoration of hollow bodies 01, d. H. in a so-called decorator, in a mass production z. B. several hundred or even a few thousand pieces of this hollow body 01 per minute, z. B. be made between 1, 500 and 3,000 pieces per minute, then the renewal of arranged on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 blankets 33 is quite common, sometimes half-hourly or approximately every three quarters of an hour. To the

Productivity of such a device for printing or decoration of

Hollow bodies 01 to keep high, is looking for a solution, the required

Renewal of the circumference of the segment wheel 03 arranged printing blankets 33 with to carry out as short a set-up time as possible.

It is therefore proposed to provide a device for automatically changing the printing blankets 33 in association with the segmented wheel 03. In the preferred embodiment, each of these to be arranged on the segment wheel 03 blankets 33 each on a preferably flat tabular metal carrier with a material thickness of z. B. 0.2 mm cohesively applied, in particular by gluing. The respective preferably magnetizable metal carrier is then together with the printing blanket 33 arranged on it on one of the segments 32 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 z. B. by at least one provided there on the circumference for each blanket 33 and its support holding magnet 81 in particular positionally correct. In order to support the positionally correct arrangement of the respective metal carrier on the relevant segment 32 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03, z. B. on the leading edge in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 edge 37 of the respective metal support each an acute angle angled suspension leg 38 is provided, said this

Suspension leg 38 in the arrangement of the respective metal carrier on one of the segments 32 on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 in one on the periphery of this

Segmentrades 03 parallel to the axis of rotation 34 directed z. B. recess formed as a groove 36 engages and comes to a leading edge in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 edge 39 of the respective recess 36 in particular form-fitting to the plant. The blankets 33 are each preferably formed as a blanket. The direction of rotation during the printing process

Segmented wheel 03 is indicated in Fig. 13 by a direction of rotation arrow. The rotating from the axis of rotation 41 mandrel 02 each on a mandrel to the Segmentrad 03 zoomed hollow body 01 are in the printing process by a predominantly radial movement of the mandrel concerned individually and

successively briefly, dhid R. pressed for a single revolution of the hollow body to be printed 01 to the relevant current printing blanket 33. The device for automatically changing the blankets 33 is preferably modular and has - as shown by way of example in FIGS. 7 to 12 - as modules z. B. a memory device 42 for more, z. Up to twelve blankets 33 (Fig. 7) and a device 43 for vertical transport of the aforementioned storage device 42 (Fig. 8) and a device 44 for a horizontal transport of one of the blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and a Mounting location on the segment wheel 03 (FIG. 9). FIG. 10 shows the storage device 42 in its device 43 provided for its vertical transport

arranged operating state. The storage device 42 has in a preferably cuboidal housing a plurality of vertically stacked compartments, in each of which a single blanket 33 back, d. H. lying on its support preferably stored in each case in a horizontal orientation or at least storable, wherein in the housing z. B. at least as many subjects are provided as the associated segment wheel 03 has segments 32 for blankets 33 at its periphery. The subjects are each z. B. open at least on one of its longitudinal sides to allow on the open side of each compartment, a supply or removal of the respective blanket 33. This storage device 42 is preferably on or on a support of the device 43 for the vertical transport of these

Storage device 42 as a light, z. B. tool exchangeable module attached or at least attachable. The device 43 for the vertical transport of the memory device 42 is z. B. executing a lifting movement, wherein the vertical travel z. B. is about 200 mm. The lifting movement of the device 43 for the vertical transport of the storage device 42 is z. B. by means of a

preferably designed by an electric motor driven trapezoidal screw. In order to transport the individual blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and a mounting location on a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03, a device 44 for the horizontal transport of these blankets 33 is provided. This device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 has z. B. a bidirectionally between two endpoints especially linearly movable carriage 46th on, with the carriage 46 each a single blanket 33 is transported or at least transportable. On from the storage device 42 automatically

removed blanket 33 is preferably on the carriage 46 lying backwards to a z. B. transported below the Segmentrad 03 assembly site and received there by a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03. A blanket 33 to be removed from a segment 32 of the segmented wheel 03 is preferably peeled off the relevant segment 32 with a spatula 47 employed or at least engageable with the relevant segment 32, and from its dismantling location on the periphery of the segmented wheel 03 z. B. transported on the carriage 46 to the storage device 42, wherein the employed at an acute angle or tangent to the relevant segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 spatula 47 in conjunction with a directed against the spatula 47 rotational movement of the segment wheel 03 in the preferred embodiment respectively in particular magnetically held on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 metal carrier of the relevant blanket 33 from the relevant segment 32 and thus the scope of this segment wheel 03 lifts. In Fig. 1 1, the spatula 47 is shown both in an employee employed to the relevant segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 operating position and in a parked operating position, these operating positions are taken alternatively.

The renewal or change of at least one of the scope of the

Segmented wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 is then preferably carried out as follows:

The segment wheel 03 moves by its rotation arranged on its circumference abzunehmendes blanket 33 in a position at which with the device for

automatic changing of the blankets 33 a disassembly of this blanket 33 is executable. The carriage 46 of the device 42 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 travels along its travel path to that end point which is closest to the dismantling location of the blanket 33 to be removed. This position the carriage 46 is preferably sensory and / or monitored by a first switching element 48, e.g. B. by an inductive or capacitive proximity switch. Thereafter, the spatula 47 is preferably at the in the direction of rotation of the segment 03rd

Trailing edge 37 of the metal support of the relevant abzunehmenden

Blanket 33 employed. By an at least short-term rotational movement of the

Segmented wheel 03 against its executed during the printing process

In the direction of rotation, the blanket 33, which is preferably held magnetically on the circumference of the segmented wheel 03, is peeled off from the circumference of this segmented wheel 03, ie. H. the metal carrier of the blanket 33 is lifted off its support on the segment wheel 03. Then, the spatula 47 is again turned off by the circumference of the segment wheel 03. The blanket 33 released by the relevant segment 32 of the segmented wheel 03 then falls either directly into a due to gravity

Worn blanket storage device 33 or is transported by means of the carriage 46 of the device 42 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 to this device for worn printing blankets.

In at least one subject, preferably in all subjects of several new

Blankets 33 provided storage device 42 is inserted in each case a new adhered to a metal carrier blanket 33, said storage device 42 is preferably arranged by the means 43 for their vertical transport in a raised upper position. The carriage 46 of the device 44 for the horizontal transport of each one of the blankets 33 between the

Storage device 42 and the mounting location on the segment wheel 03 is arranged below the compartment with the new blanket 33. By lowering this storage device 42 by the vertical transport device 43, the new blanket 33 is deposited on the carriage 46 of the horizontal transport device 44. It is preferably sensory and / or by a second

Switching element 49, z. B. by an inductive or capacitive proximity switch, monitors whether the new blanket 33 actually on the carriage 46 of the device 44th has been stored for the horizontal transport. If this is not the case, an error message is issued. Otherwise, so in faultless condition, moves the carriage 46 of the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 along its travel to the end point, which is closest to the installation of the new blanket 33, this position of the carriage 46 again preferably sensory and / or monitored by a third switching element 51, z. B. by an inductive or capacitive proximity switch. Also, the segment 03 is already in a suitable for receiving the new blanket 33 rotational angular position, with this rotational position z. B. at the base of the segment wheel 03 or in its vicinity. In the preferred embodiment, the new blanket 33 is aligned by at least register in register with at least stop 52 in its position before it is mounted on the circumference of the segment wheel 03. For the movement of the carriage 46 of the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33, a drive is provided, said drive z. B. is designed as a compressed air cylinder. In order to mount the new blanket 33 on the circumference of the segmented wheel 03, this segmented wheel 03 rotates in its direction of rotation during the printing process, thereby picking up the new blanket 33 on its circumference. Thereafter, the carriage 46 of the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 is again moved to the storage device 42 for the plurality of new blankets 33, if necessary, to get another new blanket 33.

In order to reduce set-up times, it is advantageous to design a device for printing hollow bodies 01 in such a way that this device has a segment wheel 03 which is rotatable about an axis of rotation 34, the segment wheel 03 having several segments 32 at its circumference one behind the other for receiving a blanket 33 wherein at least one of the arranged on one of the segments 32

Blankets 33 on the hollow body to be printed 01 rolling or at least unrolling is arranged, wherein a plurality of printing units are provided, wherein at least one of the printing units at least one of the circumference of the segment 03rd arranged printing blankets 33 is employed or at least employable, wherein at least one of the printing units has a printing plate cylinder 04, wherein in association with the respective printing forme cylinder 04, a plate changer 14 is arranged for automatically changing a printing forme on this plate cylinder 04 and wherein in association with the segment 03 a Device for automatically changing is arranged at least one of the arranged on the periphery of this segment wheel 03 blankets 33. In this case, the plate changer 14 preferably has a support surface 16 on which the printing forme cylinder 04 to be arranged or arranged printing form can be placed, said support surface 16 is bidirectionally movable along a transport path between at least two defined positions. The respective printing forme cylinder 04 to be supplied printing form is z. B. held by a magnetic holding force on the support surface 16 of the disk changer 14. The apparatus for automatically changing the printing blankets 33 is in particular modular, wherein as modules, a storage device 42 for a plurality of printing blankets 33 and a device 43 for a vertical transport of this storage device 42 and a device 44 for a horizontal transport of each one of the blankets 33 between the memory device 42 and one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 has. The storage device 42 has a plurality of vertically stacked compartments in a housing, in each of which a single blanket 33 is stored or at least storable. The blankets 33 are in the

Memory device 42 each preferably lying backwards and / or stored in a horizontal orientation. The device 43 for the vertical transport of the memory device 42 is z. B. a lifting movement executes trained and / or the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 has a bi-directionally movable carriage between two endpoints 46, wherein the carriage 46 each a single blanket 33 is transported or is at least transportable. The disc changer 14 and the apparatus for automatically changing the blankets 33 are z. B. each controlled by a control unit, wherein the disk changer 14 and the device for automatically changing the Blankets 33 are each active in particular simultaneously and their respective change of a printing plate or a blanket 33 z. B. during a same

Production interruption of this device for printing of hollow bodies 01 run. The to be arranged on the plate cylinder 04 printing form is preferably arranged in register on the support surface 16 of the plate changer 14 with respect to their mounting position on the plate cylinder 04 and / or arranged on the periphery of the segment wheel 03 blanket 33 is on the carriage 46 of the

Device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 with respect to its mounting position on a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 positionally correct

arranged. An ink for printing forme cylinder 04 transporting inking unit 06 is preferably formed as a an anilox roller 08 exhibiting short inking unit.

With regard to a device for printing on hollow bodies 01, which has a segment wheel 03 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 34, wherein the segment wheel 03 has a plurality of segments 32 at its circumference one after another for receiving a blanket 33, at least one of which is arranged on one of the segments 32 Blankets 33 on the hollow body to be printed 01 rolling or at least unrolled, wherein adjacent segments 32 are each separated by a parallel to the axis of rotation 34 of the segment wheel 03 recess 36, it is also advantageous that each of the blankets 33 each on a plate-shaped metallic carrier is arranged, wherein the carrier together with the printing blanket 33 arranged on it as such as a whole is arranged on at least one of the segments 32 of the segmented wheel 03, the carrier arranged on one of the segments 32 of the segmented wheel 03 being on this segment 3 2 is held in a positive connection and / or in a frictional connection. In this case, each carrier of a blanket 33 is bent at its leading edge in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 edge 37 preferably acute angle, said fold 38 in the arranged on a segment 32 of the segment wheel 03 operating state of this carrier to an in the direction of rotation of the segment wheel 03 leading edge 39 of concerned recess 36 formed on the circumference of the segment wheel 03 is applied, wherein the fold 38 of the carrier at this edge 39 of the recess 36 is arranged in a form-fitting or at least can be arranged. The plate-shaped metallic support is particularly flexible and forms together with the on it

arranged blanket 33 z. B. a metal blanket. The arranged on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 carrier is on this segment 32 by a

held magnetic force. At the periphery of the segment wheel 03 are in preferably equidistant distribution one behind the other z. B. eight to twelve segments 32 each arranged to receive a blanket 33. In association with the segment 03 is z. B. a device for automatically changing the blankets 33 is provided, wherein the device for automatically changing the blankets 33 is preferably constructed modular and as modules a memory device 42 for several

Printing blankets 33 and a device 43 for vertical transport of the aforementioned storage device 42 and means 44 for a horizontal transport of one of the blankets 33 between the storage device 42 and one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 has. The storage device 42 has in a housing in particular a plurality of vertically stacked compartments, in each of which a single blanket 33 is stored or at least storable. In the housing of the memory device 42 are z. B. at least as many subjects provided as the associated segment wheel 03 has segments 32 for blankets 33 at its periphery. In the preferred embodiment, the device 42 for the vertical transport of the storage device 42 is designed to carry out a lifting movement and / or the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 has a bi-directionally movable carriage 46 between two end points, wherein the carriage 46 each a individual blanket 33 is transported or at least transportable.

This also results in a method for operating a segmented wheel 03 having a device for printing hollow bodies 01, wherein on at least one segment 32 of the succession at its periphery a plurality of segments 32 having

Segmented wheel 03 each a blanket 33 is arranged, wherein at least one arranged on one of the segments 32 blanket 33 at a rotation of the

Segment wheel 03 rolls on the to be printed hollow body 01, wherein a in

Assignment to the segment gear 03 provided device for automatic

Changing of blankets 33 according to an instruction given to their control unit automatically removes the printing blanket 33 to be arranged on the relevant segment 32 of the segmented wheel 03 to a storage device 42 and transports it to the relevant segment 32 of the segmented wheel 03. The apparatus for automatically changing printing blankets 33 has a device 44 for a horizontal transport of

Blankets 33 with a movable carriage 46, wherein the blankets to be transported 33 are each transported lying on the carriage 46. In this case, a printing blanket 33 lying on the carriage 46 is preferably arranged in the correct position with respect to a mounting position on one of the segments 32 of the segmented wheel 03. In particular, a plurality of printing blankets 33 are stored in the storage device 42, wherein the blankets 33 are stored individually one after the other on the carriage 46 of the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 and transported successively to one of the segments 32 of the segmented wheel 03. A printing blanket 33 to be arranged on one of the segments 32 of the segmented wheel 03 is arranged on the relevant segment 32, in particular, by means of a form fit produced by a rotation of this segmented wheel 03 between the relevant segment 32 and the printing blanket 33. A arranged on one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 blanket 33 is preferably by a z. B. magnetic adhesion on the relevant segment 32 held. A printing blanket 33 removed from one of the segments 32 of the segmented wheel 03 is likewise preferably transported away with the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the printing blankets 33 by the respective segmented wheel 03. It is preferably provided that the device 44 for the horizontal transport of the blankets 33 alternately transported away from one of the segments 32 of the segment wheel 03 removed blanket 33 and a new, ie unused blanket 33 from the storage device 42 transported to a free segment 32 of the segment wheel 03, ie to a segment 32 to which no blanket 33 is currently arranged. By means of a switching element 49 z. B. monitors whether a from the memory device 42 to be taken or removed blanket 33 has been actually and / or positionally correct on the carriage 46 of the device 44 for the horizontal transport has been stored.

Fig. 14 shows in a perspective view again the segment 03 of the device for printing hollow bodies 01, wherein the periphery of this segment wheel 03 in succession more, z. B. twelve segments 32 are arranged for receiving a respective blanket 33. This Segmentrad 03 is preferably made of a casting material, for. B. cast iron, and has a mass z. B. of more than 500 kg, in particular of about 1,000 kg or more. The segment wheel 03 has an outer diameter in the range of z. B. 1 .400 mm to 1,600 mm. The Segmentrad 03 is with its shaft 53 in a frame 66 of this device for printing

Hollow bodies 01 preferably both ends z. B. each mounted in particular double-row bearings 63 and driven by a drive rotationally. This the

Segmented wheel 03 rotationally driving drive is designed as an electric motor 58 with a stator 61 and a hollow shaft 54 having a rotor 62, wherein the hollow shaft 54 coaxial with the shaft 53 of the segmented wheel 03 is arranged or at least can be arranged. In the device arranged in the device for printing hollow bodies 01 - as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 16 - the shaft 53 of the segmented wheel 03 projects into the installation space of the motor 58 and the shaft 53 of the segmented wheel 03 and the rotor 62 of the motor 58 are rigid connected with each other. The segment wheel 03 is preferably z. B. rigidly connected by means of clamping elements 67 with its shaft 53 and thereby fixed on the shaft 53. The one for the rotary drive of the

Segmented wheel 03 provided motor 58 is preferably as a high-pole, electric direct drive with a number of poles z. B. greater than twenty and / or formed as a permanent-magnet brushless DC motor and exemplified in the Fig. 15 shown in perspective. This motor 58 has z. B. a cooling device or is at least connected to such, wherein the cooling device is designed as a liquid cooling. Fig. 15 shows two connections formed on the housing 59 of the motor 58 for this liquid cooling, namely a connection for the coolant inlet 56 and another connection for the coolant outflow 57. In an advantageous embodiment, this motor 58 is designed as a torque motor. For this motor 58 is a controlling or regulating him preferably digital control unit is provided, wherein by the control unit by positioning the shaft 53 of the segment wheel 03 in the stator of the motor 58 has a position on the periphery of this

Segmented wheel 03 is preferably set relative to a position on the lateral surface of a hollow body 01 to be printed with a positioning accuracy of less than 0.1 mm or at least adjustable. Likewise, z. B. on the motor 58 opposite end of the shaft 53, a rotary encoder 64 is provided, wherein the rotary encoder 64 has a high angular resolution of z. B. 27 bits and a

Detected angular position of the shaft 53 of the segment wheel 03 and one with the

Rotary angular position of the shaft 53 of the segment wheel 03 corresponding measured value of the motor 58 controlling or regulating control unit provides. The motor 58 and / or the rotary encoder are preferably each connected via a control bus to the motor 58 controlling or controlling the control unit.

The aforementioned embodiment of the rotary drive of the segment wheel 03 has the advantage that this drive is designed to be decentralized and gearless and clutchless. Thus, this drive of the segment wheel 03 is free of play and compact. In conjunction with the control unit of this drive can be a position on the periphery of this

Segment wheel 03 relative to a position on the lateral surface of a hollow body to be printed 01 set easily with a positioning accuracy of less than 0.1 mm, which has a very beneficial effect on the achievable print quality. Likewise, i. V. m. the double row bearing of the segment wheel 03 a very good concentricity of this segment wheel 03, whereby a uniform color transmission of the respective inking units 06 is secured to the relevant on the circumference of the segmented wheel 03 arranged blankets 33. With the solution described here, a high acceleration and thus short acceleration times of 10 s or less can be realized for the segmented wheel 03 as well. The proposed drive for the segment 03 also has the advantage of being quiet and low maintenance. In sum, this results in a very efficient drive for the segment 03.

Fig. 19 again shows the already i. V. m. 14 and 16 described Segmentrad 03, but here in a particularly advantageous embodiment. The segmented wheel 03, which is mounted in the frame 66 of the device for printing hollow bodies in the printing process, has a preferably made of a metallic material, for. B. from a

Welded construction or made of cast iron base body 76, wherein a plurality, z. B. twelve segments 32 along the circumference of the base body 76 in each case at a joint 77 in particular each spaced from each other or at least can be arranged. The segment wheel 03 is therefore not formed in one piece, with already molded segments 32, but these segments 32 each form one of

Base body 76 separable own machine element and are arranged on the base body 76 replaceable. Each of these segments 32 is - as previously in the same way - suitable to each receive a blanket 33 in the manner already described.

An advantage of segment wheel 03 exchangeable segments 32 is that z. B. at a conversion of the machine assembly to a production of hollow bodies 01 other format, z. B. on cans with a compared to the current production shorter or longer can height and / or another can diameter, an adjustment in the format of the printing blankets required for printing 33 easier and faster possible. In a machine arrangement with a segmented wheel 03 with segments 32 already formed, the entire segment gear 03 is to be replaced when the production on hollow bodies 01 of another format is changed, which in view of the usual size with an outside diameter in the range of z. B. 1 .400 mm to 1 .600 mm and / or the usual mass of the segment wheel 03 of z. B. more than 500 kg, in particular more than 1,000 kg signify a considerable effort and unreasonably long set-up times.

In order to produce a printed image of high print quality on hollow bodies 01 in the printing process, a segmented wheel 03 has to fulfill very high demands on its rotation, which leads to such a segmented wheel 03 being highly accurate, ie. H. is to be processed with low permissible manufacturing tolerances. This is in a segment 03 with already molded segments 32 due to the relatively large outer diameter in the range of z. B. 1,400 mm to 1,600 mm very expensive and expensive. What is feasible in a first production by means of rather rare and expensive large-scale machining equipment is in the case of damage to the segments 32 or other parts of the segment 03 only over very expensive and in the machine arrangement extremely difficult executable repair measures such as straightening, cutting, welding and grinding the damaged area or by an exchange of the complete segment wheel 03 possible. This means for the operator of such a machine arrangement in addition to high

Repair costs also a long production loss, since the entire

Machine arrangement for the duration of the repair measure stands still. Finally, with one-piece segment gears 03 and no variation in the materials used z. B. to reduce the inertia of the respective segment wheel 03 possible.

A Segmentrad 03 with several along the circumference of its base body 76 in each case at a joint 77 in particular each spaced from each other and thus interchangeable segments 32 simplifies the production of the relevant

Segmented wheel 03 and, due to its modular construction, facilitates its adaptation to various formats dependent on the respective production and, if appropriate, a repair of damaged areas on this segmented wheel 03, in particular on its segments 32, to be carried out in the machine arrangement. In the embodiment of the segmented wheel 03 according to FIG. 19, the individual, respectively exchangeable segments 32 are preferably finished (FIG. 20). This means that the finished segments 32 only in their respective surface curvature must correspond to the desired outer diameter of the respective segment wheel 03 with a high accuracy. The remaining geometries play a minor role in terms of tolerance. Likewise, in the base body 76 of the segment wheel 03, the manufacturing tolerances of the outer geometry of minor importance. The example shown in FIG. 20 single segment 32 has z. B. at least one holding magnet 81 to hold after assembly of this segment 32 on the base body 76 of the segment wheel 03 a magnetizable metal carrier exhibiting blanket 33 on the periphery of this segment wheel 03 in particular positionally correct.

The necessary high accuracy of the respective running surface of the relevant printing blankets 33 with respect to concentricity and radius is determined by a z. B. by means of a particular along the circumference of the segment wheel 03 movable rider gauge 79 (FIG. 14) running alignment of the segments 32 when arranged in the machine assembly body 76 of the segment 03 reaches and z. B. by a

Potting a compensation gap fixed. Because at the respective joint 77 between the respective segment 32 and the base body 76 is a respective

Compensation gap with a arranged in the respective compensation gap

Parting joint covering formed, wherein the parting line covering preferably as a z. B. low-viscosity casting material or is formed as a filler. The respective segments 32 are thus in each case in particular precisely cast potted at its joint 77 to the main body 76 of the segment wheel 03. The compensation gap has at the relevant joint 77 a gap width of z. B. at least 1 mm up to z. B. 5 mm. In addition, the segments 32 each z. B. fixed by at least one connecting element 78 on the base body 76 and / or detachably connected to the base body 76. The at least one respective segment 32 respectively connected to the base body 76 of the segment wheel 03 connecting element 78 is z. B. as a cylinder screw or formed as a taper pin.

A joint fillet is used to adapt and fit machine parts with the highest accuracy requirements. It allows adaptation in the μπ range without expensive mechanical pre and post work. He has a high static pressure resistance of z. B. 100 N / mm ² and / or a carrying amount of z. B. 100%. A joint has a very high adhesion and hardens without technically relevant shrinkage. Such a joint lining is z. B. from the company SKC Gleittechnik GmbH in D-96469 Roedental offered.

Advantageously, a so-called "flying production change" can be carried out with the above-described apparatus for printing on hollow bodies 01, ie a first printing process is used to switch to a second printing process without interruption of production, unless production of a printing blanket is required In the case of a machine arrangement in which a few thousand pieces of these hollow bodies 01 are produced per minute, for example between 1, 500 and 3,000 pieces per minute, this means that the segmented wheel 03 continues to rotate, ie continues to rotate continuously an uninterrupted

Production change a huge increase in efficiency. And even if with the

Change of production and a change of at least one of the blankets is required, the set-up times for the decorator can be significantly shorten by the following procedure.

Thus, a method for operating a device for printing hollow bodies 01 is proposed, wherein this device rotates around its axis 34 Segmentrad 03 with a plurality of circumferentially successively arranged blankets 33 and in preferably star-shaped assignment to this Segmentrad 03, d. H. on the periphery of which a plurality of printing plates or a printing plate 68 each carry a respective one

Plate cylinder 04, wherein each of these plate cylinder 04 for coloring his Printing form or its printing plate 68 each by means of a preferably formed as a short inking unit inking unit 06 with a particular two-rolling

A single ink is supplied to each compactor. Depending on a to be executed for printing the hollow body 01 printing process will be

selected amount of plate cylinders 04 to the segment gear 03 z. B. employed radially or parked by this Segmentrad 03. In a first printing process, a first subset of each transfers a colored printing form or a colored one

Pressing cliché 68 carrying employed to the rotating segment wheel 03

Plate cylinders 04 each ink on several of the arranged on this Segmentrad 03 blankets 33. At the end of the first printing process at least part of the first printing process to the Segmentrad 03 employed plate cylinder 04 are turned off by this rotating Segmentrad 03. With continued uninterrupted rotation of the segment wheel 03, a second subset of one inked printing plate or one inked plate 68 carrying plate cylinders 04 is now employed in particular radially to execute a different from the first printing process second printing process, so that these plate cylinder 04 each ink on a plurality of arranged on this Segmentrad 03

Transfer blankets 33. The blankets 33 in turn transmit the respective

Ink on each of the rotating segment 03 for. B. brought by means of a Mandrel wheel 02 to be printed hollow body 01st

In a preferred embodiment, with a termination of the first

Printing process those inking units 06, which in the first printing process of the first

Subset of plate cylinders 04 have each supplied ink, turned off by this first subset of plate cylinders 04 respectively. In addition, at the beginning of the second printing process, those inking units 06 which in each case supply printing ink to the second subset of plate cylinders 04 in the second printing process are employed on this second subset of plate cylinders 04. The Segmentrad 03 is - as described above - preferably independently, ie at least independently of the plate cylinders 04 and / or the inking units 06, from a z. B. designed as a direct drive motor 58 rotatably driven. Also, each employed on the segment gear 03 or at least engageable plate cylinder 04 are each independently, ie at least independently of the segment gear 03, driven by a motor 1 1 rotatively. The inking units 06 each have exactly one employee employed or engageable with the relevant plate cylinder 04 or by this

Plate cylinder 04 parked or parkable inking roller 07 and z. B. a respective ink to the respective inking roller 07 promoting anilox roller 08, wherein the respective inking roller 07 and optionally the relevant

Anilox roller 08 each independently, d. H. be driven separately from a motor 12 rotatably. Alternatively, the respective inking roller 07 z. B. from the respective arranged in the same inking unit 06 anilox roller 08 are each rotationally driven by friction. The said separate drives 1 1; 12; 58, d. H. the that

Segment wheel 03 independently rotationally driving motor 58 and / or the respective the respective plate cylinder 04 independently rotationally driving motor 1 1 and / or the respective inking roller 07 and / or the anilox roller 08 each independently rotationally driving motor 12 is or are preferably each of a Control unit independently and preferably controlled or regulated individually. Also, the respective employment and / or shutdown of the relevant plate cylinder 04 and / or the respective inking units 06 is preferably each controlled independently of the control unit in each case depending on the printing process to be performed.

To shorten the set-up times on at least one of the current

Printing process uninvolved, d. H. currently not on the rotating segment gear 03 employed plate cylinder 04, the respective printing plate or the respective printing plate 68 during this ongoing printing process each using a z. B. previously described plate changer 14 preferably automatically changed. To the

Change at least one of the segmented wheel 03 arranged blankets 33 is the Segmented wheel 03 brought to a standstill and at least one arranged on this Segmentrad 03 blanket 33 is preferably changed automatically using a device for automatically changing the blankets 33.

Furthermore, with the previously described apparatus for printing

Hollow bodies 01 a process for printing hollow bodies 01 executable, in each of which one of the hollow body 01 ink is transferred from one of the successively on the circumference of a rotating around its axis 34 Segmentrades 03 printing blankets 33, wherein at least two in the rotational direction of the segment 03 successively arranged in each case a printing plate 68 carrying plate cylinder 04 are used, in which one of a staff on a first plate cylinder 04 first inking unit 06 applied to the printing plate 68 first

Printing ink on a first blanket 33 of the periphery of the segment wheel 03rd

arranged blankets 33 transferred and split back from there onto the printing plate 68 of the first plate cylinder 04 in the rotational direction of the segment wheel 03 second plate cylinder 04, d. H. is transferred by cleavage. With a second inking unit 06 employed on the second plate cylinder 04, a second printing ink other than the first printing ink is applied to the printing plate 68 thereof. The first applied by cleavage and the second of the second inking unit 06 respectively on the printing plate 68 of the second plate cylinder 04

Printing ink are then transferred together to a second blanket 33 of the printing blankets 33 arranged on the circumference of the segmented wheel 03. In this case, the various applied to the printing plate 68 of the second plate cylinder 04 inks are applied to this printing plate 68 in different adjoining areas, with the on the printing plate 68 of the second

Plate cylinder 04 applied inks in their respective boundary region 71. They are on the printing plate 68 of the second plate cylinder 04 applied printing inks 69 are then transferred to the second blanket 33 by mapping their mixing in their respective boundary region 71 mixing. For coloring the printing plates 68 z. B. one at the respective

Plate cylinder 04 employed short inking unit, d. H. an inking unit 06 with a maximum of five rollers roller compactor or in the preferred embodiment, an inking unit 06 with a two rollers 07; 08 existing compactor used, wherein the respective plate cylinder 04 each associated with only a single inking roller 07. In the respective inking units 06 is in particular one each

Used inking roller 07 whose circumferential length corresponds to the circumferential length of the respective plate cylinder 04. In the preferred embodiment, therefore

Outer diameter d04 of the respective printing plate 68 carrying the plate cylinder 04 and the outer diameter d07 of the employee to this plate cylinder 04 inking roller 07 in terms of the same amount.

For coloring the first plate cylinder 04 z. B. a full-surface coated inking roller 07 is used. For coloring the second plate cylinder 04 z. B. a full-surface coated inking roller 07 or preferably a coated inking roller 07 used with introduced on its lateral surface depressions, these depressions in particular depending on the printed image to be printed and / or z. B. are formed in the axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction. For printing the hollow body 01 z. B. blankets 33 are used with introduced recesses. The depressions in the lateral surface of the inking roller 07 used for coloring the second plate cylinder 04 and / or in the printing blankets 33 used for printing the hollow body 01 are in each case z. B. introduced by a mechanical engraving or milling or by lasers.

In the preferred embodiment, the first inking unit 06 colors at least one planar first formed on the printing plate 68 of the first plate cylinder 04

Druckbildstelle one and the second inking unit 06 colors at least one on the

Pressure cliché 68 of the second plate cylinder 04 trained flat second Print image point on. In this case, that includes on the printing plate 68 of the second

Plate cylinder 04 formed second printed image due to their position and size that area in each ink is transferred or split back from the respective surface of the at least one formed on the printing plate 68 of the first plate cylinder 04 first print image location. And the inking roller 68 of the second plate cylinder 04 inking inking roller 07 of the second inking unit 06 has in its lateral surface at the respective with the at least one first

Print image of the arranged on the first plate cylinder 04 Druckklischees 68 corresponding surface each have a recess in the manner described above.

The respective peripheral speeds of both the first plate cylinder 04 and the pressure plate 68 arranged on this first plate cylinder 04

inking inking roller 07 and the respective peripheral speeds of the second plate cylinder 04 and of the arranged on this second plate cylinder 04 printing plate 68 inking roller 07 are z. B. by a control unit in particular with respect to a common reference point in each case synchronously set to each other. Plate cylinder 04 and associated

Inking roller 07 are therefore each in synchronism. For the production of the intended color gradients, this synchronization must be used for all the printing units 73 and inking units 06 involved in the production at any time of the relevant

Be given production process, including immediately after a machine stop. In addition, the respective peripheral speeds of the hollow body 01 to be printed and the segment wheel 03 are synchronized with one another.

This procedure is used in the execution of a high-pressure process

Color gradients, so-called iris print effects produced, which increase the achievable design depth in print and / or can also be produced security features. With specifically used color gradients, it is possible to produce completely novel decors on hollow bodies 01 in their axial direction and / or circumferential direction. This succeeds with the described method even using short inking units, even those with a z. B. only two-roll compactor.

Fig. 17 shows in three phases a production sequence for the production of a

Color gradient on a hollow body 01, wherein in this apparatus for printing hollow bodies 01 at least two inking units 06 are each used with an inking roller 07 whose respective circumferential length corresponds in each case to the stretched length of the printing plate 68 used in the same inking unit 06. In a first production phase (FIG. 17 a), a first inking unit 06 with a first z. B.

full-surface coated inking roller 07 a first ink 69 applied to a first arranged on a first plate cylinder 04 printing plate 68. On a cooperating with the first plate cylinder 04 on the rotating about its axis 34 Segmentrad 03 arranged first blanket 33 results after a unrolling of the first printing plate 68 on this first blanket 33 in FIG. 17a both in a section and in a plan view illustrated color order. In a second production phase (Fig. 17b) is in a second inking unit 06 with a second z. B. a recess in the circumferential direction having inking roller 07 a second ink 69 arranged on a second on a second plate cylinder 04

Printed cliché 68 applied. On one with the second plate cylinder 04

cooperating likewise arranged on the rotating Segmentrad 03 second blanket 33 results after a rolling of the second printing plate 68 on this second blanket 33 of the color shown in Fig. 17b both in a section and in a plan view. Fig. 17c shows a third example

Production phase in which both the first ink 69 and the second ink 69 are applied in each adjacent areas on the printing plate 68 arranged on the second plate cylinder 04, wherein the first ink 69 has been applied by cleavage to the second printing plate 68. By a common transfer of both inks 69 on the second co-operating with the second plate cylinder 04 blanket 33 results in the Fig. 17c both in a section as well as in a plan view shown paint application, wherein in the respective boundary region 71 of the two applied to the second blanket 33 printing inks 69 each a splitting-related color mixture and thus a

Color gradient or an iris pressure effect forms. This color gradient can now be further transferred to the hollow body 01 to be printed.

Another very advantageous method for printing on hollow bodies comprises the method steps that on each of the hollow body 01 ink 69 each one of the successively on the circumference of a rotating about its axis 34 Segmentrades 03 arranged blankets 33 is transmitted, of several along the circumference of Segmentrades 03 arranged printing units 72; 73 each ink 69 is applied to the relevant blanket 33. It contributes in the direction of rotation of the

Segmentrades 03 a first subset of the printing units 73 ink 69 in a contact process, preferably in a high-pressure process or in a screen printing process or in an offset printing process on the relevant blanket 33 and a second subset of the printing units 72 carries ink 69 each in a digital printing process formless on the respective blanket 33, wherein all of the respective printing units 72; 73 ultimately on the respective hollow body 01 to be transferred printing ink 69 first collected on the relevant blanket 33 and then of the relevant blanket 33 together on the relevant

Hollow body 01 are transferred. In this case, the at least one printing ink 69 in each case in a digital printing process is pressure-free on the printing blanket 33 in question

applying printing unit 72 with respect to the zenith of the segment wheel 03 preferably within an angular range φ of ± 45 ° and thus arranged in an upper region of this segment wheel 03. At least one inkjet print head 74 or a laser is advantageously used for the at least one printing ink 69, in each case in a digital printing process printing-form-free on the printing blanket 33 applying printing unit 72. It is particularly advantageous if, for the at least one printing ink 69 in each case in a digital printing process, it is pressure-free on the printing blanket 33 in question applying printing unit 72 is used in each case a double array, that is, a printing unit 72, in which two preferably each the same ink on the blanket 33 applying printing devices, eg. B. two inkjet printheads 74 in

Circumferential direction of the segment wheel 03 are arranged one behind the other. As an alternative to the double array, a single array or another multiple array can be used. For example, at least one of the printing inks cyan and / or magenta and / or yellow and / or black is applied by the at least one printing ink 69 in each case in a digital printing process on the printing blanket 33 applying printing plate 72. From each of the printing ink 69 in a high-pressure process or in a screen printing process or in an offset printing process on the printing blanket 33 applying printing units 73 is preferably a particular premixed, z. B. custom or product specific color applied. For a precise angular position control of the segment wheel 03, it is advantageous if the segment gear 03 is rotationally driven by a direct drive designed as a motor 58. As described above, the hollow bodies 01 to be printed in the preferred embodiment are guided by a mandrel wheel 02 rotating counter to the segment gear 03 about an axis 41 to the rotating segment wheel 03, the printing blanket 33 in question with the printing inks 69 collected thereon for the transfer of these printing inks 69 unrolls on the relevant hollow body 01. Furthermore, in order to shorten set-up times, at least one printing blanket 33 arranged on the segmented wheel 03 can be changed automatically using a device for automatic changing of the printing blankets 33. The first subset of z. B. in a high-pressure process printing units 73 each uses a hired to the respective plate cylinder 04 inking unit 06 with a maximum of five rollers roller train, ie preferably a short inking unit. Alternatively or additionally, the first subset of the z. B. in a high-pressure process printing units 73 each an employed on the respective plate cylinder 04 inking unit 06 with only a single inking roller 07th Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of the device for printing hollow bodies 01 with a multi-colored, z. B. four-color each in one

Digital printing process printing formless printing unit 72 and with several, z. As a result, results in a hybrid device for printing on hollow bodies 01, with the in a very advantageous manner also smaller circulation levels or lot sizes of hollow bodies 01, in the Apparatus for printing on hollow bodies 01 entail a more frequent change of decor, can be produced efficiently.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01 hollow body; Two-piece can

02 Mandrel wheel

03 Segmented wheel

04 plate cylinder

05 -

06 inking unit

07 inking roller

08 Anilox roller

09 chambered doctor blade system

10 -

1 1 engine

12 engine

13 rider roll

14 plate changers

15 - 6 contact surface

17 traverse

18 lever arrangement, first

19 axis of rotation, first

20 -

21 drive, first

22 stop, first

23 lever arrangement, second

24 lever arrangement, third

25 - Rotary axis, second drive, second

Drive, third

Stop system, first stop system, second segment (03)

blanket

Rotation axis (03) - recess

Edge (33)

Suspension Leg (33) Edge (36)

- rotation axis (02) memory device device

Facility

- sledges

spatula

Switching element, first switching element, second - switching element, third stop

wave

hollow shaft - Connection for the coolant inflow

Connection for the coolant drain

engine

casing

- stator

rotor

roller bearing

encoders

- frame

clamping element

printing plate

printing ink

- border area

Printing unit (digital printing method)

Printing unit (high-pressure, screen printing or offset printing) Inkjet printhead

- basic body (03)

joint

connecting member

Reiter teaching

- Holding magnet d04 outer diameter d07 outer diameter d08 outer diameter

G straight

φ angular range

Claims

claims

1 . Segmented wheel (03) of a device for printing hollow bodies (01), with

a plurality of segments (32) formed on its circumference, wherein in each case a blanket (33) for printing on the hollow body (01) is arranged or at least arrangeable on at least one segment (32), characterized in that the segment wheel (03) has a base body (76 ), wherein the base body (76) is formed of a metallic material, wherein the segments (32) along the circumference of the base body (76) respectively at a joint (77) are arranged, wherein the segments (32) each detachable with the Base body (76) are connected.

2. segment wheel (03) according to claim 1, characterized in that at the

respective joint (77) between the respective segment (32) and the base body (76) is formed a compensating gap with a parting line covering.

3. segment wheel (03) according to claim 2, characterized in that the

Trennfugenbelag is designed as a casting material.

4. segment wheel (03) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the

Joint joint coating is designed as a non-technically relevant shrinkage hardening casting material.

5. segmented wheel (03) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized in that the respective segments (32) at its joint (77) to the base body (76) of the segment wheel (03) are each cast accurately.

6. segment wheel (03) according to claim 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that the compensating gap at the respective joint (77) has a gap width in the range of at least 1 mm to 5 mm.

7. segment wheel (03) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6, characterized in that the segments (32) in each case by at least one

Connecting element (78) are fixed to the base body (76).

8. segment wheel (03) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7,

characterized in that the segment wheel (03) has an outer diameter in the range of 1,400 mm to 1,600 mm and a mass of more than 500 kg.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8, characterized in that the segments (32) are each formed finished, wherein the finished segments (32) in their respective

Surface curvature corresponding to the desired outer diameter of the respective segment wheel (03).

10. Segmented wheel (03) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that the base body (76) of the segment wheel (03) is formed of cast iron or as a welded construction.

1 1. Segmented wheel (03) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that the respective segment (32) or each of the segments (32) each have at least one holding magnet for holding each a printing blanket (33) having a magnetizable metal carrier.

12 segment wheel (03) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the segment wheel (03) at its circumference in equidistant distribution one behind the other eight to twelve Having segments (32).

13. Device for printing on hollow bodies (01), with a segment wheel (03) having at its circumference a plurality of segments (32) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the segment wheel (03) with its shaft (53) is mounted in a frame (66) of this device.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the segment wheel (03) is rotationally driven by a direct drive connected to the shaft (53).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the direct drive is designed as a permanent-magnet brushless DC motor or as a torque motor (58).

16. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14 or 15, characterized in that the shaft (53) of the segment wheel (03) in the frame (66) is mounted at both ends in double row rolling bearings (63).

17. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14 or 15 or 16, characterized in that the segment wheel (03) on both sides by means of clamping elements (67) rigidly connected to its shaft (53) and thereby fixed on the shaft (53).