RU2775998C1 - Metering roller for the paint application section assembly of a decoration apparatus and method for decorating a container using the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: decorative arts.

SUBSTANCE: apparatus and methods for decorating the outer surfaces of metal containers. In particular, the invention proposes a new metering roller for the paint application assembly of a decoration apparatus. During decoration, the adjusting mechanism is capable of moving the metering roller to a first paint transfer position. In the first paint transfer position, the metering roller receives paint from the paint roller without contact with the paint roller. In an implementation variant, during decoration, the metering roller is in contact with the transfer roller and transfers paint onto said roller. When decoration is stopped, the adjusting mechanism is capable of moving the metering roller to a second holding position so that the metering roller does not receive paint from the paint roller.

EFFECT: ensured decoration of metal containers.

21 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates, in general, to devices for decorating and methods for decorating the outer surfaces of metal containers used for packaging foodstuffs and beverages. In particular, the invention provides a novel measuring roller for the inking section assembly of a decorator.

Prior Art

Metal containers have many advantages over containers made of glass or plastic. Many consumers and distributors prefer metal containers due to their ease of handling and low weight. The surfaces of metal containers are also optimal for decorating with trade names, trademarks, designs, product information, and other preferred information for identifying, advertising, and distinguishing between competitor brands. Thanks to these and other advantages, hundreds of billions of metal containers are produced every year around the world.

In order to meet the global demand for metal containers, the equipment on the metal container production line, including decorators, must operate at very high speeds. On some production lines, decorators can decorate 500 or more metal containers per minute. Due to the high speeds of container production lines, technologies or processes that may be used in other areas or in the production of containers from other materials will not necessarily be suitable for operating at high speeds, which are required for production lines for the production of metal containers. For example, installations and methods for decorating sheets or webs of paper and paperboard materials are different from decorating devices used for 3D objects such as metal containers. In addition, inks prepared to adhere to metal containers have different properties compared to inks used for printing on paper or plastics. Accordingly, many of the operations used to produce and decorate metal containers often require special equipment and technology.

Metal containers are often decorated with an image or distinctive information, such as a trade name, trademark, product information, or pattern, using a lithographic or offset printing process. Various examples of methods and installations for printing are described in patent documents US3960073, US4384518, US5233922, US6550389, US6899998, US9475276, US9573358, US9884478; опубликованных патентных заявках US2009/0128590, US2012/0272846, US2014/0360394, US2014/0373741, US2015/0183211, US2015/0128819, US2015/0217559, US2015/0128821, US2016/0229198, US2017/0008270, US2018/0126724; WIPO Publication Nos. WO2014/006517, WO2014/008544, WO2013/113616, WO2014/108489, and WO2014/128200, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

With reference to FIG. 1 generally shows a decoration device 2 according to the prior art. The decorating device 2 includes an infeed conveyor 4 which receives undecorated metal containers 6A and guides them to a support cylinder 8. The support cylinder has mandrel pockets which receive the metal containers. Metal containers 6 located on mandrels are decorated when they come into contact with a transfer offset plate 12 on an offset drum or cylinder 10. Transfer offset plates 12 transfer colorful images to metal containers 6.

Transfer offset plates 12 receive an ink image from printing plates 16 located on printing cylinders 14. Decorating apparatus 2 may have a plurality of printing cylinders 14, each having a respective inking unit 18 . For example, decorators used to decorate metal containers 6 often have four to nine plate cylinders 14, each with a respective inking unit. Each inking unit 18 transfers ink of the same color to the plate 16 of a separate respective plate cylinder 14. When the ink has been transferred from the plate 16 of each plate cylinder to the transfer offset plate 12, the final lithographic ink image is formed on the transfer offset plate 12. For example, if the decoration apparatus 2 includes six plate cylinders 14, the plate 16 of each of the six plate cylinders transfers ink to a separate transfer plate to form a lithographic image.

After receiving the ink image from the transfer offset plate 12, the decorated metal containers 6B can receive a protective coating from the varnish supply unit 42 . The varnish supply unit 42 may include a roller for applying a protective coating to the outer surface of the metal containers. The decorated metal containers 6B are subsequently transported out of the decoration device 2 by means of a conveyor, for example with a hinged chain (not shown).

In FIG. 2 schematically shows a prior art paint application unit 18. The inking unit 18 comprises a number of rollers which transfer the ink 22 from the ink tank 20 to the plate 16 on the plate cylinder 14. The plate 16 can further transfer the ink 22 to the transfer plate 12 on the offset cylinder 10 of the decorator 2. The ink application unit 18 comprises a reservoir or ink roller 24, which captures the ink 22 from the ink reservoir 20. The amount or thickness of the ink captured by the ink roller 24 is regulated by ink screws or knives (not shown) located at a distance from each other along the geometric axis of the ink roller.

The ink roller 26 receives ink 22 from the ink roller 24. The ink roller 26 transfers the ink to a distribution or transfer roller 28. The transfer roller 28 further transfers the ink to further downstream rollers. The downstream rollers may include a second transfer roller 30, a first oscillating roller 32, a third transfer roller 34, a second oscillating roller 36, a formation roller 38, and a print roller 40. The print roller 38 transfers ink to the plate 16 on the platen cylinder 14. The ink is subsequently transferred to the transfer plate 12 as an ink image, which is then transferred to the outer surface of the metal container 6. The number of downstream rollers and their position and function in prior art decorators may vary.

During operation, the ink roller 26 rotates or oscillates at high speed between two positions in which the ink roller is alternately in contact with one of the rollers, which are the ink roller 24 and the transfer roller 28. The ink roller 26 is shown in dotted line at the first position in in contact with the ink roller 24. The second position of the ink roller 26 is shown in FIG. 2 with a solid line. In the second position, the ink roller 26 is in contact with the transfer roller 28. At any given time, the ink roller 26 is in contact with only one of the rollers, which include the ink roller 24 and the transfer roller 28. An actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder, moves ductor roller 26 between the first and second positions. In some prior art inking units 18, the ink roller 26 may move from the first position to the second position at a rate of 20 to 30 times per minute. Examples of prior art paint applicators 18 and inductor rollers 26 are described in US9475276, published patent applications US2014/0373741, US2015/0128819, US2017/0008270 and US2018/0126724, with the contents of each of these documents incorporated herein in their entirety by links.

Vibrations of the inductor roller 26 can cause significant problems in the decoration apparatus. For example, the constant movement of the ink roller 26 from the ink roller 24 to the transfer roller 28 causes wear on all three rollers 24, 26, 28. roller 26 with inking roller 24 and transfer roller 28, leading to wear. Increased wear leads to increased downtime, which causes a significant reduction in productivity and an increase in costs in the production of metal containers.

The ink roller 26 is also a significant source of heat in the inking unit 18 of the prior art decorating devices 2. Part of the heat is generated by friction when the ink roller 26 contacts the ink roller 24 or the transfer roller 28. The ink roller 26 is not driven but is free to rotate as a result of contact with the ink roller 24 and the transfer roller 28. The transfer roller 28 is set in motion. In some prior art decorators 2, the transfer roller 28 rotates at a speed that can be up to 50 times the speed of the ink roller 24. Accordingly, the ink roller 26 changes speed significantly during each oscillation. The ink roller 26 rapidly accelerates upon contact with the transfer roller 28 and then abruptly decelerates when the ink roller comes into contact with the ink roller 24.

The sudden acceleration of the inductor roller 26 caused by contact with the transfer roller 28 creates problems in addition to heat and wear. For example, abrupt acceleration of the ink roller 26 can also cause ink drops to be ejected from the ink roller 26. This is known as "ink dusting". The ink mist causes an increase in ink consumption and may form stains on the plate, reducing the decoration quality of the metal container. The ink roller 26 may also slip in contact with the transfer roller 28, leading to uneven ink flow through the ink station 18 and defective decoration of the metal containers 6. This can also cause increased downtime.

The heat generated by the ink roller 26 can change the viscosity of the ink. Some prior art decorating devices 2 have the ability to control heat by cooling one or more rollers 28, 30, 38. For example, published patent application US2014/0373741 describes channels passing through three transfer rollers. Coolant, such as water, flows through the channels to maintain the temperature of the rollers. This system increases the design complexity and cost of prior art decorators.

The cycle time (or frequency) of oscillation of the ink roller 26 can be adjusted to change the amount of ink 22 transferred to the plate 16. The amount of time that the ink roller 26 remains in contact with the ink roller 24, known as dwell time, also affects the amount of ink transferred to the plate 16. Accordingly, the operator can adjust the cycle time and dwell time to change the amount of ink transferred to the plate.

Obtaining an acceptable decoration of metal containers 6 with prior art decoration devices 2 depends on the skill and care of the operator and requires considerable effort and experience. In particular, in order to decorate metal containers for each batch of products, the decorating device 2 must be adjusted in order to obtain a new decoration. Setting up the decorating machine is a skillful task that depends on the experience of the operator. To set up the decorator, the operator must place new platens 16 on each of the plate cylinders 14. The inking units 18 associated with each of the plate cylinders 14 must then be adjusted to transfer the proper amount of ink 22 to the respective platens 16. This may include adjusting the ink screws or ink knives of the ink tanks 20 and setting the cycle time and dwell time for the ink roller 26.

Unfortunately, adjusting the cycle time and dwell time to properly transfer an acceptable amount of ink 22 to the plates 16 is difficult. When adjusting the inductor roller 26, operators often have to guess or trial and error to achieve cycle and dwell time settings that allow acceptable ink transfer to the platen. If the dwell time is too long, excessive ink may accumulate on the ink roller 26 during contact with the ink roller 24. An excess amount of ink may further splatter off the ink roller when the ink roller hits the transfer roller 28 and when the ink roller rapidly accelerates upon contact with the transfer roller.

Another problem occurs when the ink roller 26 moves from the ink roller 24 to the transfer roller 28 while the ink roller 38 transfers ink 22 to the plate 16. When the ink roller 26 contacts the transfer roller 28, the ink roller 26 applies force to the transfer roller 28. The specified force can be transmitted to the plate 16 in the form of vibrations through the rollers 30-38 located below the transfer roller 28 in the process flow. This phenomenon is known as "ductor impact". If the cycle time of the inductor roller 26 is improperly adjusted, the plate 16 will contact the feed roller 38 when the inductor roller 26 strikes the transfer roller 28. the quality of the decoration done with the plate.

In the decorators 2, there is little consistency between the dwell times and the cycle times of the inductor rolls 26. Operators tend to adjust the cycle times and dwell times based on their own preferences. Lack of consistency can create problems when operators set up a decorator for a batch of products.

These and other problems reduce the efficiency of the prior art decorating devices 2 and waste production time. Since some metal container production lines can print more than 15 different decorative images daily, the decorator 2 may be taken out of service for many hours daily during setup and calibration to prepare the decorator for printing various decorative images. Given the high operating speeds at which metal container production lines are typically operated, this leads to significant downtime and loss of productivity.

In addition, the movement and heat generated by the ink roller 26 and the friction caused by the contact of the ink roller with the transfer roller 28 and the ink roller 24 can result in significant downtime of the decoration apparatus due to maintenance and replacement of parts. In addition, in 2018, the applicant spent $180,000 on parts and maintenance of the ductor rollers of 26 decorators alone.

Heat and vibrations caused by the movement and friction of the inductor roll can also cause problems during industrial production. For example, if the inking unit of a prior art decorator is set up at the beginning of a production run, the heat generated by friction of the ink roller and vibrations of the ink roller can change ink transfer to the platen and blanket plate. In particular, varying the temperatures of the components of the prior art ink applicators can adversely affect ink transfer by the ink applicator.

Because of these and other limitations of existing decorator paint applicators used to decorate metal containers, there is a need for a paint applicator that can be more easily operated and adjusted, generates less heat and waste, requires less operator control time, and is less sensitive to operator error than prior art inking units, without compromising productivity or degrading image quality in a high-speed metal container production system.

Disclosure of invention

One aspect of the invention is a new metering roll for a paint application unit of a decorating device configured to decorate the outer surfaces of metal containers. The ink application unit comprises an ink roller configured to receive ink from an ink tank. The ink tank contains ink blades to control the thickness and volume of ink received by the ink roller. The measuring roller is positioned downstream of the ink roller to selectively receive ink from the ink roller. Below the metering roller in the process flow, there is a transfer roller for selectively receiving ink from the metering roller.

The adjustment mechanism is adapted to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. In the first ink transfer position, the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller and transfers ink to the transfer roller. However, the measuring roller is at a first distance from the ink roller. The first distance forms the ink gap between the measuring roller and the inking roller. The first distance does not exceed the thickness of the ink on the inking roller. Accordingly, although the measuring roller is not in contact with the ink roller, when it is located at the first ink transfer position, the ink roller receives ink from the ink roller. Thus, when the decorator is decorating metal containers, the measuring roller remains in the first ink transfer position in contact with the transfer roller but not in contact with the ink roller.

When the decorating device is not decorating metal containers, the adjustment mechanism is able to move the measuring roller to the second dwell position. In the second standing position, the measuring roller is located at a second distance from the ink roller, which is greater than the first distance. The second distance is greater than the thickness of the ink on the inking roller. Accordingly, in the second standing position, the measuring roller does not receive ink from the inking roller and does not transfer ink to the transfer roller.

In an embodiment, the measuring roller is also located at a distance from the transfer roller when it is in the second standing position. Accordingly, in the embodiment, in the second standing position, the measuring roller is not in contact or does not transfer ink to the transfer roller.

Another aspect of the invention is an ink application assembly that includes a drive member adapted to rotate an ink roller at a predetermined rotational speed, which may vary. The speed of the ink roller does not affect the speed of the measuring roller located below the ink roller in the process flow, and does not depend on this speed. The drive member is capable of changing the speed of the ink roller to change the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller.

In an embodiment, the speed of the ink roller is directly related to the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller. For example, when the first element rotates the inking roller at the first rotational speed, the first amount of ink may be transferred to the measuring roller in a predetermined period of time.

The drive element may also rotate the inking roller at a second rotational speed that is greater than the first rotational speed. When the drive member rotates the ink roller at the second rotational speed, a second ink amount greater than the first ink amount can be transferred to the measuring roller in a predetermined period of time.

One aspect of the invention is a paint application unit for a decorator. The inking unit generally comprises an inking roller, a measuring roller, and a transfer roller. The first drive element is adapted to rotate the inking roller at a first predetermined speed, which may vary. If necessary, the paint application unit contains a second drive element, which is connected to the transfer roller. The second drive element is capable of rotating the transfer shaft at a second rotational speed. The second rotational speed may be at least equal to the first rotational speed. In an embodiment, the second speed exceeds the first speed. In another embodiment, the second speed may be less than the first speed.

If necessary, the paint application unit may also contain an adjustment mechanism. The adjusting mechanism of the ink application unit can move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. In an embodiment, the measuring roller is made with the possibility of free rotation around the geometric axis. If necessary, the geometry axis can be defined by the axis. In the first ink transfer position, the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller and receives rotational force from the transfer roller. In an embodiment, the measuring roller is not in contact with or does not receive rotational force from the ink roller.

Another aspect of the invention is a non-volatile computer-readable medium including instructions adapted to cause a control system processor to automatically adjust the components of an inking unit of a decorator according to an embodiment of the invention. The instructions include instructions that cause the processor to perform one or more of the following: (1) obtaining sensor information related to the metal container being decorated by the decorator; (2) determining whether the decoration is acceptable or defective; (3) if the decoration is defective, the instructions cause the processor to determine whether the paint application unit component can be adjusted to correct the defect; and (4) sending a signal to change the setting of one or more components of the ink application unit to change the amount of ink transferred to the next metal containers.

The control system can send a signal to at least one of the components, which include an actuator associated with the paint knife, the first drive element, the adjustment mechanism and the second drive element of the paint application unit. The signal may cause the actuator to change the position of the inking knife relative to the inking roller. The first drive element may change the speed of the inking roller in response to receiving a signal from the control system. Similarly, the second drive element can change the speed of at least one of the rollers, which include the transfer roller and the measuring roller, in response to a signal sent from the control system. If necessary, the control system can send a signal to the adjustment mechanism to change the distance between the measuring roller and the ink roller.

One aspect of the invention is a paint application unit for a decorating device configured to decorate the outer surface of a metal container. The paint application unit includes: (1) a paint reservoir for supplying paint; (2) an ink roller for receiving ink from the ink tank; (3) a first drive member adapted to rotate the inking roller at a predetermined rotational speed; (4) a measuring roller with a first ink transfer position for receiving ink from the inking roller and a second standing position in which the measuring roller does not receive ink from the inking roller; and (5) a transfer roll located downstream of the measuring roll.

In the first ink transfer position, the measuring roller is located at a first distance from the ink roller. The first distance does not exceed the thickness of the ink on the inking roller.

In an embodiment, the first distance is at least about 0.002 inches. The first distance may be less than about 0.045 inches. Accordingly, the first distance may be from about 0.002 inches to about 0.045 inches.

In addition, in an embodiment, the measuring roller is in constant contact with the transfer roller and transfers the ink to the transfer roller in the first ink transfer position. When the decorator is decorating metal containers, the measuring roller may remain in the first ink transfer position in contact with the transfer roller but not with the ink roller. In particular, the measuring roller is not in contact with the inking roller when the measuring roller is either in the first ink transfer position or when the measuring roller is in the second standing position. However, the measuring roller remains in the first ink transfer position for constant contact with the transfer roller when the decorator is decorating the metal containers.

In the second standing position, the measuring roller is located at a second distance from the inking roller, the second distance being greater than the first distance. In an embodiment, the second distance is at least greater than the thickness of the ink on the ink roller.

Optionally, the second distance may be at least about 0.045 inches or at least about 0.090 inches. In another embodiment, the second distance is less than about 0.3 inches, or about 0.045 inches to about 0.3 inches.

In addition, in an embodiment, the measuring roller is located at a predetermined third distance from the transfer roller in the second standing position. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the measuring roller does not contact the transfer roller in the second standing position.

If necessary, the third distance may be greater than approximately 0.03 inches. In an embodiment, the third distance is less than about 0.1 inch. In particular, the third distance is from about 0.03 inches to about 0.1 inches.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the axis of the measuring roller is located at a fixed distance from the axis of the transfer roller. Accordingly, the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller, both in the first ink transfer position and in the second rest position.

The paint application unit also contains an additional adjustment mechanism associated with the measuring roller. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position.

In an embodiment, the adjusting mechanism is mutually connected to the axis of the measuring roller. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the ink roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. The axis of the measuring roller is approximately parallel to the axis of the inking roller and the axis of the transfer roller.

The axis of the inking roller and the axis of the transfer roller define the first plane. In an embodiment, the adjusting mechanism can move the axis of the measuring roller across the first plane. If necessary, the adjusting mechanism can move the axis of the measuring roller approximately perpendicular to the first plane.

In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism moves the measuring roller axis away from the first plane when the measuring roller is moved to the second dwell position. In addition, or alternatively, the adjusting mechanism may move the metering roller axis toward the first plane when the metering roller is moved to the first ink transfer position.

If necessary, the adjustment mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the transfer roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the distance between the measuring roller axis and the transfer roller axis does not change when the adjusting mechanism moves the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. In an embodiment, the adjusting mechanism rotates the measuring roller about the axis of the transfer roller while moving the measuring roller between the first ink transfer position and the second dwell position.

If necessary, the paint application unit contains a plurality of paint knives. The inking knives are configured to adjust the amount of ink received by the inking roller, so that the thickness of the ink on the inking roller is adjustable.

In an embodiment, the inking knives may be adjusted so that the thickness of the ink on the inking roller is less than about 0.040 inches or less than about 0.033 inches. In an embodiment, the inking knives may be adjusted to contact the inking roller. Accordingly, the thickness of the ink on the inking roller can be adjusted to a thickness of about 0.0 inch to about 0.040 inch by changing the position of the inking knives relative to the inking roller.

In an embodiment, the ink application assembly also includes a first drive element adapted to rotate the ink roller at a first predetermined rotational speed. By actuating the first driving member to increase the speed of the inking roller when the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position, the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller can be increased. Similarly, decreasing the first predetermined ink roller speed may decrease the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller.

In an embodiment, the first drive element is configured to rotate the inking roller only when the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position. Accordingly, the first drive member does not rotate the inking roller when the measuring roller is in the second standing position.

If necessary, the paint application unit also contains a second drive element. The second drive element is adapted to rotate the transfer shaft at a second predetermined speed. The second predetermined speed may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first predetermined speed of the inking roller.

In an embodiment, the second drive element is configured to rotate the transfer roller only when the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position. Accordingly, the second drive member does not rotate the transfer roller when the measuring roller is in the second rest position.

In an embodiment, the measuring roller is rotatable in response to a force received from the transfer roller when the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position. Additionally or alternatively, in another embodiment, the second drive element is adapted to rotate the metering roller at a speed that is at least equal to or greater than the speed of the inking roller.

If necessary, the transfer roller is rotatable in the first direction. The transfer roller may cause the measuring roller to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In an embodiment, the ink roller is rotatable in the first direction. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the measuring roller rotates in a direction that is opposite to the direction of rotation of the ink roller. In particular, the inking roller rotates in the first direction while the measuring roller rotates in the second direction.

Otherwise, in another embodiment, the ink roller is rotatable in a second direction. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the measuring roller rotates in a direction that is the same as the direction of rotation of the ink roller. In particular, the measuring roller and the inking roller can be rotated in the second direction.

In an embodiment, the decoration device comprises a plate located on a plate cylinder. The form plate is configured to transfer ink to a transfer offset plate located on the offset cylinder of the decoration device.

In an embodiment, the paint application assembly also includes at least one intermediate roller located downstream of the transfer roller. The intermediate roller is configured to transfer ink from the transfer roller to the plate. The intermediate roller is in contact with the transfer roller and the plate cylinder.

Optionally, in another embodiment, the inking unit comprises a plurality of intermediate rollers between the transfer roller and the plate cylinder. In an embodiment, the plurality of intermediate rollers may comprise at least one of a second transfer roller, a third transfer roller, a first oscillating roller, a second oscillating roller, a knurling roller, and a sheeting roller. At least one of the plurality of intermediate rollers is configured to contact the transfer roller. In addition, at least one of the plurality of intermediate rollers is configured to contact the plate. The printing plate can transfer ink to the transfer offset plate. The transfer offset plate can then transfer ink to the metal container to decorate the outer surface of the metal container with ink.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a method for decorating the outer surface of a container with an ink applicator of a decorating apparatus, comprising the steps of: (1) providing an ink supply ink reservoir; (2) providing an ink roller for receiving ink from the ink reservoir; (3) provide a measuring roller located downstream of the ink roller; (4) providing an adjustment mechanism adapted to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position; (5) provide a transfer roll located downstream of the measuring roll in the process stream; (6) provide a printing cylinder with a printing plate located downstream of the transfer roller; (7) moving the measuring roller to the first ink transfer position with the adjustment mechanism so that the measuring roller receives ink from the ink roller and transfers ink to the transfer roller; (8) transferring the ink from the transfer roller to the platen; (9) transferring the ink from the printing plate to the transfer offset plate attached to the offset drum of the decoration apparatus; and (10) transferring ink from the transfer offset plate to the outer surface of the container.

In the first ink transfer position, the measuring roller is located at a first distance from the ink roller. The first distance does not exceed the thickness of the ink on the inking roller.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the ink on the inking roller is from about 0.0 inch to about 0.040 inch. Accordingly, the first distance may be from about 0.01 inch to about 0.40 inch. The first distance defines the first paint gap.

In the second standing position, the measuring roller is located at a second distance from the ink roller. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

The second distance is greater than the thickness of the ink on the inking roller. In an embodiment, the second distance is greater than about 0.033 inches or greater than about 0.040 inches. For example, the second distance may be from about 0.033 inches to about 0.3 inches.

When the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position, the measuring roller is in constant contact with the transfer roller. In an embodiment, the measuring roller and the transfer roller are located at a fixed distance. Accordingly, the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller, both in the first ink transfer position and in the second rest position.

Otherwise, in another embodiment, the position of the measuring roller relative to the transfer roller is adjustable. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the measuring roller is located at a predetermined third distance from the transfer roller in the second standing position so that the measuring roller does not contact the transfer roller.

In an embodiment, the method also includes stopping the rotation of the inking roller when the measuring roller is in the second rest position. Optionally, the method may include stopping the rotation of the transfer roller when the measuring roller is in the second rest position.

Optionally, the method may include actuating an adjustment mechanism to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. Thus, ink transfer to the platen may be interrupted.

In an embodiment, the adjusting mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the inking roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. If necessary, the adjustment mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the transfer roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. Otherwise, in another embodiment, the distance between the measuring roller axis and the transfer roller axis does not change when the adjusting mechanism moves the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position.

The axis of the inking roller and the axis of the transfer roller define the first plane. In an embodiment, the adjusting mechanism moves the measuring roller axis across the first plane when the measuring roller is moved from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position.

In addition, or alternatively, the method may also include the step of increasing the speed of the ink roller to increase the amount of ink transferred to the plate. Alternatively, the method may include reducing the speed of the ink roller to reduce the amount of ink transferred to the plate.

If necessary, the ink roller can be rotated at a higher speed than the speed of the measuring roller. In another embodiment, the speed of the ink roller is less than the speed of the measuring roller.

The method may also include rotating the transfer roller in the first direction. In an embodiment, the measuring roller rotates in response to contact with the transfer roller. Accordingly, the measuring roller can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The method may include rotating the inking roller in a first direction. Accordingly, the inking roller can rotate in the first direction while the measuring roller rotates in the second direction.

In another embodiment, the method includes rotating the inking roller in a second direction. Accordingly, both the inking roller and the measuring roller can rotate in the second direction.

Optionally, the method also includes moving the inking knife relative to the inking roller. Thus, the thickness of the ink in the ink roller portion can be adjusted. In an embodiment, the inking knife may be up to about 0.045 inches from the surface of the inking roller. Thus, the thickness of the ink on the inking roller can be up to 0.045 inches. Accordingly, in the embodiment when the metering roller is in the second stand position, the second distance between the metering roller and the ink roller is greater than about 0.045 inches.

In an embodiment, transferring ink from the transfer roller to the platen includes transferring ink from the transfer roller to an intermediate roller. The intermediate roller is located between the transfer roller and the plate cylinder. If necessary, the ink application unit may include intermediate rollers located between the transfer roller and the plate cylinder.

The method may also include the step of collecting data on the decoration made on the outer surface of the metal container, using a sensor. The control system may determine whether the decoration is defective using data received from the sensor. If the decoration is defective, the control system may send a signal to the inking unit to change the amount of ink transferred to the plate.

In an embodiment, the control system may determine when the density of the decoration ink is insufficient. In response, the control system may send a signal to the inking unit to increase the amount of ink transferred to the plate. The signal may cause the first drive to increase the speed of the inking roller so that the inking roller can transfer the increased amount of ink to the measuring roller. In addition, or additionally, the signal may cause the adjustment mechanism to move the metering roller closer to the ink roller so that the metering roller picks up more ink from the ink roller. In an embodiment, the signal may cause an actuator associated with the ink tank ink screw to move away from the ink roller so that the thickness of the helmet on the ink roller increases.

Alternatively, the control system may determine that the density of the decoration ink is excessive. In response, the control system may send a signal to the inking station to reduce the amount of ink transferred to the plate. The signal may cause the first drive to reduce the speed of the ink roller so that the ink roller transfers the reduced amount of ink to the metering roller. In addition, or alternatively, the signal may cause the adjustment mechanism to move the metering roller away from the ink roller so that the metering roller picks up less ink from the ink roller. In an embodiment, the signal may cause an actuator associated with the ink tank ink screw to move closer to the ink roller so that the thickness of the ink on the ink roller is reduced.

Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a metering roller used in the inking unit of a decorating machine for selectively transferring ink between an inking roller and a transfer roller to decorate the outer surface of a metal container in a container decorating machine. The measuring roller generally includes, without limitation: (1) a cylindrical body with an outer surface adapted to receive ink from an ink roller and transfer ink to a transfer roller; (2) an axis passing through the cylindrical body, which is supported at the first end and/or the second end; and (3) an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the axle, the adjustment mechanism being adapted to move the measuring roller from a first ink transfer position, in which the measuring roller is in contact with a downstream transfer roller, to a second dwell position, in which the measuring roller is not in contact with the transfer roller. In the first ink transfer position, the measuring roller is able to receive ink from the ink roller and further transfer the ink to the transfer roller.

The cylindrical body is made with the possibility of rotation around the axis. In particular, in an embodiment, the metering roller rotates in response to a force received as a result of contact with the transfer roller when the metering roller is in the first ink transfer position. In addition, or alternatively, the measuring roller is capable of being driven by a second drive unit.

During operation, the measuring roller is located in the first ink transfer position with the outer surface at a first distance from the ink roller. In the first ink transfer position, the outer surface of the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller.

The first distance is limited by the first gap between the outer surface of the measuring roller and the outer surface of the ink roller. The first distance may be from about 0.002 inches to about 0.05 inches.

If necessary, the first distance can be adjusted during operation of the decorator to change the amount of ink transferred from the inking roller to the measuring roller. In particular, the adjustment mechanism can move the measuring roller closer to the ink roller when the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position. Thus, the amount of ink taken by the metering roller from the ink roller can be increased. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may move the metering roller away from the ink roller to reduce the amount of ink the metering roller takes from the ink roller in the first ink transfer position.

The adjustment mechanism can move the measuring roller to a second dwell position to interrupt ink transfer to the transfer roller. In the second standing position, the outer surface of the measuring roller is at a second distance from the ink roller, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

The second distance is defined by a second gap between the outer surface of the measuring roller and the outer surface of the ink roller. In an embodiment, the second distance is greater than the thickness of the ink on the inking roller. The second distance may be greater than about 0.040 inches or greater than about 0.045 inches. Optionally, the second distance is at least about 0.090 inches. In an embodiment, the second distance is from about 0.040 inches to about 0.30 inches.

In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the inking roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. In another embodiment, the adjusting mechanism moves the measuring roller axis away from the transfer roller axis when the adjusting mechanism moves the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position.

The outer surface of the cylindrical body contains one or more of the materials, which include rubber, plastic, ceramic and metal, such as steel. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the cylindrical body may be grooved, notched or engraved with transverse strokes. The outer surface may also contain cells for receiving ink from the ink roller. Alternatively, the outer surface of the cylindrical body may be substantially smooth.

These and other advantages will become clear from the above description. The embodiments, tasks, and arrangements described above are neither complete nor exhaustive. The invention is presented at various levels of detail in the "Disclosure of the Invention" section, as well as in the drawings and in the "Embodiments of the Invention" section, and no limitation is implied with respect to the scope of the invention, either by including or not including elements, components, etc. in the "Disclosure of the Invention" section. Additional aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the section "Embodiments of the invention", in particular with reference to the drawings.

It should be appreciated that other embodiments may be possible using, individually and in combination, one or more of the features mentioned above or described below. In addition, the section "Disclosure of the invention" should not be construed as representing the full extent and scope of the invention. It should be appreciated that other embodiments are possible using, individually and in combination, one or more of the features mentioned above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and elements shown and/or described in connection with an embodiment or figure may be combined or replaced with features or elements from other embodiments or figures, whether such combination or replacement is shown and described herein or no.

Although the container is generally referred to herein as "metal container", "beverage container", "can" and "container", it should be understood that the invention can be used to decorate containers of any size or shape, including here without limitation cans for drinks, bottles for drinks and containers for aerosols. Accordingly, the term "container" is intended to refer to containers of any type and shape for any product, and is not particularly limited to a beverage container, such as a soft drink container, or a beer can. The containers may also be in any state of manufacture and may be produced by thin drawing or impact forging. Thus, the invention can be used to decorate a "cup" which is further molded into a finished container, a "bottle preform" which is further molded into a metal bottle, or a "tube" which is molded into the body of an aerosol container.

The terms "metal" or "metallic" as used herein refer to any metallic material that can be used to form the container, including without limitation aluminum, steel, tin, and any combination thereof. However, it should be understood that the apparatus and method of the invention can be used in various forms and embodiments to decorate containers formed from any material, including paper, plastic and glass.

As used herein, the expressions "at least one", "one or more", "or" and "and/or" are open expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive when used. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B or C" and "A, B and/or C" means A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, sizes, conditions, ratios, ranges, etc. used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the terms "about" or "approximately". Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, sizes, conditions, ratios, ranges, etc. used in the description and claims may be increased or decreased by approximately 5% to achieve satisfactory results. Furthermore, all ranges described herein may be reduced to any sub-range or sub-range, or to any value within the range, without departing from the invention.

The singular word used here with any object refers to one or more such objects. As such, the word in the singular, the terms "one or more" and "at least one" can be used here on an equal footing.

The use of the terms "comprising", "comprising" or "having" and their variants herein means that they refer to the following elements and their equivalents, as well as additional elements. Accordingly, the terms "comprising", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof may be used here on an equal footing.

As used herein, "remedy" is to be understood to have the broadest possible interpretation under 35 U.S.C., section 112(f). Accordingly, the clause containing the concept of "means" applies to all structures, materials or actions specified in this document, and all their equivalents. In addition, the structures, materials or acts and their equivalents shall include the structures, materials or acts and their equivalents described in the sections "Disclosure of the Invention", "Brief Description of the Drawings", "Embodiments", "Abstract", and " Claim".

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings, which are included in and form part of the description, explain the embodiments of the described system and together with the main part of the description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, are intended to explain the principles of operation of the described system (s) and device (s) .

In FIG. 1 shows a prior art decorator, side view;

in fig. 2 schematically shows a prior art inking unit of a prior art decorating apparatus;

in fig. 3 shows an ink roller, a measuring roller and a transfer roller of an inking unit according to an embodiment of the invention, side view;

in fig. 4 is a portion of an ink application unit according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the inking roller, measuring roller and transfer roller, in perspective side view;

in fig. 5 - section of the paint application unit from FIG. 4, side view;

in fig. 6 - section of the paint application unit from FIG. 4, front view;

in fig. 7 is a top perspective view of an ink tank according to an embodiment of the invention, generally showing the inking knives in relation to the inking roller according to the invention;

in fig. 8 is a section of a decorator according to the invention, in a schematic view generally showing a paint application unit comprising a measuring roller according to an embodiment of the invention; and

in fig. 9 is a control system according to an embodiment of the invention, block diagram.

The drawings may be drawn to scale, but this is not required. In certain cases, features that are not essential to understanding the invention, or that make it difficult to understand other features, may be omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the description is not necessarily limited to the embodiments presented here. It should be appreciated that other embodiments may be defined using, individually and in combination, one or more of the features mentioned above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devices shown and/or described in connection with an embodiment may be combined or replaced with features or devices according to other embodiments, whether or not such combination or replacement is shown and described herein.

The following lists the components according to various embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.

List of reference designations

2 - decoration device

4 - loading conveyor

6 - metal container

6A - undecorated metal container

6A - decorated metal container

8 - support cylinder or transport wheel

10 - offset cylinder

12 - transfer offset plate

14 - forme cylinder

16 - form plate

18 - node for applying paint according to the prior art;

20 - colorful tank

22 - paint

24 - colorful roller

26 - ductor roller

28 - transfer roller

30 - the second transfer roller

32 - the first oscillating roller

34 - the third transfer roller

36 - second oscillating roller

38 - rolling roller

40 - rolling roller

42 - varnish supply unit

44 - decoration device

46 - paint application unit

48 - colorful tank

50 - colorful knife

52 - actuator

54 - position sensor or potentiometer

56 - colorful roller

57 - the axis of the colorful roller

58 - first drive element

60 - measuring roller

62 - the axis of the measuring roller

64 - gap

66 - first ink transfer position

68 - second standing position

70 - first distance

72 - second distance

74 - adjusting mechanism

76 - transfer roller

77 - the axis of the transfer roller

78 - frame

79 - the first plane between the axes of the ink roller and transfer roller

80 - the third distance between the transfer roller and the measuring roller

82 - second gap

84 - second drive element

86 - intermediate rollers

88 - support element

90 - control system

92 - tire

94 - CPU

96 - input devices

98 - data output devices

100 - storage devices

102 - machine-readable data reader

104 - communication system

106 - RAM

108 - processing acceleration block

110 - database

112 - network

114 - remote storage device/database

116 - operating system

118 - another code

120 - sensor

122 - light source

124 - actuator

126 - shaft

Embodiments of the invention

For the benefit of those skilled in the arts most closely related to the invention, with reference to the drawings forming part of the application, the following is a description of a preferred embodiment which explains the best embodiment considered for implementation in practice. The exemplary embodiments are described in detail without attempting to describe all the various forms and modifications in which the invention may be implemented. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative and, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, they may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention.

With reference to FIG. 3-8 generally show an inking unit 46 according to an embodiment of the invention. The ink application assembly 46 generally includes an ink reservoir 48 configured to support the supply of ink 22. An ink roller 56 is associated with the ink reservoir 48.

With reference to FIG. 7, the ink tank 48 contains ink knives 50 which are independently adjustable relative to the ink roller 56. The inking knives 50 control the amount (or thickness) of ink picked up by the inking roller 56. The inking knives can be moved independently to increase or decrease the thickness of the ink 22 taken up by the inking roller 56. For example, the inking knives 50 can be moved away from the inking roller to increase the thickness of the paint. captured by the colorful roller. Conversely, the inking knives 50 may be moved closer to the inking roller 56 to reduce the gap between the inking knives and the inking roller. Thus, the amount of ink 22 transferred to the ink roller 56 can be reduced. In an embodiment, the ink blades 50 may be adjusted such that the ink roller 56 can receive from the ink reservoir 48 a layer of ink 22 up to approximately 0.045 inches thick. In particular, in an embodiment, the thickness of the ink on the inking roller 56 can be adjusted to a thickness of about 0.0 inch to about 0.045 inch by changing the position of the inking knives 50 relative to the inking roller. In an embodiment, the inking knives 50 may be adjusted to contact the inking roller.

In an embodiment, the ink tank 48 includes an actuator 52 associated with each of the ink knives 50. Each actuator 52 is configured to move its associated ink knife 50 relative to the ink roller 56. The actuators 52 may be controlled by the control system 90 of the invention.

Optionally, a position sensor 54 is associated with each of the colorful knives 50. The position sensor 54 may detect the position of the inking knife 50 relative to the inking roller 56. Additionally or alternatively, the position sensor 54 may detect and measure movement of the inking knife. In an embodiment, the position sensor 54 may communicate to the control system 90 data collected in relation to the inking knife. The ink tank 48, ink knives 50, actuators 52, and position sensor 54 may be the same or similar to those described in Published Patent Application US2018/0024076 or Published Patent Application US2018/0201011, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

With reference to FIG. 8, if necessary, a first drive element 58 is associated with the ink roller. The first drive element 58 can rotate the ink roller 56 at a first speed that is predetermined. The ink roller 56 can receive ink from the ink tank 48 as the ink roller 56 rotates through the ink 22.

The first drive element 58 may be an electric motor. Optionally, the first drive element is a servo. Suitable drive elements are known to those skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the first drive element 58 may be controlled by the control system 90. If necessary, the first drive element 58 can rotate the ink roller 56 at a speed of up to about 100 revolutions per minute (rpm). In an embodiment, the first drive element 58 may rotate the ink roller at up to about 500 rpm. In another embodiment, the first drive element rotates the inking roller 56 at a speed of about 10 rpm to about 500 rpm. In an embodiment, the first drive element 58 is interconnected with a shaft or axle 57 around which the ink roller 56 rotates. Optionally, the first drive element 58 includes one or more gears, a chain, a belt, and a shaft that are interconnected with the axle.

In an embodiment, the speed of the ink roller 56 is directly related to the amount of ink 22 that the ink roller 56 can transfer to the downstream measuring roller 60 in a predetermined period of time. For example, when the first drive member 58 rotates the inking roller 56 at the first rotational speed, the first amount of ink 22 is picked up by the inking roller and can be transferred to the measuring roller 60 in a predetermined period of time. When the first driving member 58 rotates the inking roller 56 at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed, the second amount of ink 22 is picked up by the inking roller and can be transferred to the measuring roller 60 in a predetermined period of time. Since the ink roller 56 rotates faster at the second rotation speed, the larger outer surface of the ink roller 56 passes through the ink in the ink reservoir 48 and thus picks up the ink than when the ink roller 56 rotates at the first rotation speed. Accordingly, the ink roller 56 receives and can carry more ink 22 in a given period of time when rotating at the second rotation speed than when rotating at the first rotation speed.

Measuring roller 60 is located downstream of ink roller 56 and can selectively receive ink 22 from ink roller 56. Ink roller 60 has a shape that is generally cylindrical. The ink from the ink roller is collected on the outer surface of the measuring roller. The outer surface has a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the measuring roller 60 is made with the possibility of free rotation around the geometric axis. The geometry axis may be defined by axis 62.

If necessary, the measuring roller 60 can receive the ink 22 from the ink roller 56 without contact with the ink roller. In particular, in an embodiment, the measuring roller 60 is located at a distance from the inking roller 56 which corresponds to the gap 64 generally shown in FIG. 8. In another embodiment, the cylindrical outer surface of the measuring roller 60 never touches the outer surface of the ink roller 56.

The outer surface of the measuring roller 60 is adapted to receive ink from the inking roller 56. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the measuring roller comprises a resilient or elastomeric material. Optionally, the outer surface may include one or more materials, such as rubber, plastic, ceramic, and metal, such as steel. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the cylindrical body contains grooves, notches or engraving with transverse strokes. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface may also contain cells for receiving ink from the inking roller. Alternatively, the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the measuring roller 60 may be substantially smooth.

The inking roller 56 has a first diameter, the measuring roller 60 has a second diameter, and the transfer roller 76 has a third diameter. In an embodiment, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. Alternatively, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. If necessary, the first and second diameters may be approximately equal.

In another embodiment, the first diameter is greater than the third diameter. Alternatively, the first diameter is smaller than the third diameter. If necessary, the first and third diameters may be approximately equal.

In an embodiment, the second diameter is larger than the third diameter. Alternatively, the second diameter is smaller than the third diameter. If necessary, the second and third diameters may be approximately equal.

The adjustment mechanism 74 is configured to change the gap 64 by moving the measuring roller 60 from the first ink transfer position 66 to the second dwell position 68. In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 74 may be controlled by the control system 90.

Measuring roller 60 is generally shown in FIG. 8 in solid lines at the first ink transfer position 66. At the first ink transfer position 66, gap 64A defines a first distance 70 (generally shown in FIG. 5) at which the measuring roller 60 is located from the ink roller 56. The first distance 70 does not exceed the thickness of the ink 22 on the ink roller 56. Accordingly, despite While in an embodiment, the measuring roller 60 does not contact the ink roller 56 at the first ink transfer position 66, the measuring roller 60 can receive ink from the ink roller. The ink roller 60 generally remains in the first ink transfer position 66 while the decorator 44 performs decoration on the metal containers 6 during the decorating operation.

The gap 64A between the measuring roller 60 and the inking roller 56 reduces or eliminates friction and reduces heat when the ink is transferred to the ink roller 60 during the decorating operation. The gap 64A also eliminates wear on the metering roller 60 and the ink roller 56 because they are not in contact with each other.

In contrast, in the prior art decorator 2, during decoration, the ink roller 26 constantly comes into contact and out of contact with the ink roller 24 and transfer roller 28. Frequent contact of the inductor roller with the ink roller and transfer roller causes significant wear on all three rollers 24, 26, 28 of the prior art decorator.

With reference to FIG. 5, the first distance 70A may be at least about 0.002 inches. In an embodiment, the first distance 70B may be less than about 0.045 inches. If necessary, the adjustment mechanism 74 may move the measuring roller 60 in the first ink transfer position so that the first distance is between about 0.002 inches and about 0.05 inches.

As the first distance 70 decreases, the amount of ink 22 that is transferred to the measuring roller 60 generally increases. Conversely, as the first distance 70 increases, the amount of ink 22 that is transferred to the measuring roller 60 generally decreases. Thus, the adjustment mechanism 74 is suitable for changing the amount of ink 22 transferred to the measuring roller 60.

In another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 74 generally includes an actuator 124 that is configured to move the measuring roller. The actuator may be a low voltage DC motor. In another embodiment, the actuator 124 includes a solenoid mutually connected to the measuring roller 60. In addition or alternatively, the adjusting mechanism 74 may, if necessary, contain one or more gears, a lever and a shaft mutually connected to the axis 62 of the measuring roller 60 .

Optionally, the adjustment mechanism 74 includes a shaft 126 associated with the measuring roller 60. In an embodiment, the shaft is mutually connected to a frame 78 which supports the axle 62 of the measuring roller 60, as generally shown in FIG. 3.

Alternatively, drive shaft 126 may be coupled directly to axle 62, as generally shown in FIG. 4. The actuator 124 may move the shaft 126 to change the position of the measuring roller 60.

Measuring roller 60 is generally shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8 in the second position 68 standing. When the decoration device 44 is not decorating the containers 6, the adjusting mechanism 74 may move the measuring roller 60 to the second standing position 68. In the second standing position 68, the measuring roller 60 is located at a distance from the ink roller 56 which corresponds to a second distance 72 defined by gap 64B which is larger than gap 64A. The second distance 72 (shown in FIG. 5) is greater than the first distance 70 and also greater than the thickness of the ink 22 on the inking roller 56. Accordingly, in the second standing position 68, the measuring roller 60 does not receive the ink 22 from the inking roller 56.

The second distance 72 may be at least about 0.045 inches, about 0.06 inches, or greater than about 0.090 inches, as shown in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the second distance is from about 0.045 inches to about 0.40 inches.

The transfer roller 76 is located downstream of the measuring roller 60 in the process stream. Measuring roller 60 transfers the ink to the transfer roller. Accordingly, the measuring roller is separated from the plate cylinder 14 of the inking unit 46 by at least a transfer roller 76. In an embodiment, at least one intermediate roller 86 is located between the transfer roller 76 and the plate cylinder 14. Optionally, between the transfer roller 76 and the plate cylinder 14 is a plurality of intermediate rollers 86.

The transfer shaft 76 may be driven by a second drive element 84. The second drive element 84 is mutually coupled to the transfer shaft 76. In an embodiment, the transfer shaft 76 receives rotational force from one or more of the components, which include a belt, a gear, a shaft, and a chain. driven by the second drive element. If necessary, the second drive element 84 is mutually connected with the shaft or axis 77 of the transfer roller. Alternatively, the second drive element 84 can cause the transfer roller 76 to rotate by applying a rotational force to at least one intermediate roller 86 of the paint application unit 46 . The driven intermediate roller 86 may transmit rotational force to the transfer roller 76. In particular, in an embodiment, the second drive element may drive the first oscillating roller 32 of the intermediate rollers 86.

The second drive element 84 may be the same as the first drive element 58, or may be different from it. Optionally, the second drive element 84 is an electric motor. The second drive element may be a servomotor.

Transfer roller 76 can selectively receive ink 22 from measuring roller 60 at first ink transfer position 66 . In an embodiment, the measuring roller 60 is configured to contact the transfer roller 76 in the first ink transfer position 66 . Thus, the measuring roller can transfer the ink 22 to the transfer roller 76.

The measuring roller 60 receives a rotational force from the transfer roller 76 during contact with the transfer roller 76. The rotational force causes the measuring roller 60 to rotate about its geometrical axis defined by the axis 62.

Optionally, the second drive member 84 may rotate the transfer roller 76 such that the measuring roller 60 can rotate at a speed greater than 50 rpm, for example up to at least about 500 rpm. In an embodiment, the second drive member 84 rotates the transfer shaft 76 at a speed of about 25 rpm to about 700 rpm. In another embodiment, contact between the metering roller and transfer roller 76 causes the metering roller 60 to rotate at a speed at least equal to that of the ink roller 56. Alternatively, the second drive member 84 may adjust the speed of the metering roller to be less than , is equal to or greater than the frequency of rotation of the inking roller.

In an embodiment, the second drive member 84 is configured to rotate the transfer shaft 76 in a first direction, as generally shown in FIG. 8. The transfer roller 76 may drive the measuring roller 60 to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In an embodiment, the first drive element 58 is configured to rotate the ink roller 56 in the first direction. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the measuring roller 60 rotates in a direction opposite to that of the ink roller 56. Specifically, the ink roller 56 rotates in the first direction while the measuring roller 60 rotates in the second direction.

In contrast, in another embodiment, the first drive element is configured to rotate the ink roller 56 in a second direction. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the measuring roller rotates in a direction that is the same as the direction of rotation of the ink roller. More specifically, the measuring roller 60 and the inking roller 56 can rotate in the second direction.

Transfer roller 76 may transfer ink 22 to a plurality of intermediate rollers 86 located downstream of the transfer roller. At least one of the intermediate rollers 86 may transfer ink 22 to plate 16 attached to plate cylinder 14. In an embodiment, roller 38 transfers ink 22 to plate 16.

When the decorator 44 performs decoration, the plate 16 can transfer ink to the transfer plate 12 located on the blanket cylinder. The transfer offset plate 12 then transfers the ink to the undecorated metal container 6A. In an embodiment, the decoration device 44 includes a support member 88 for moving the undecorated metal container 6A into contact with the transfer offset plate. The support element 88 may include a plurality of sections for receiving and maintaining the metal containers 6 in a predetermined position relative to the offset cylinder 10. In an embodiment, the sections of the support element 88 include mandrels for supporting the metal containers. Those skilled in the art will be aware of applicable support elements.

Intermediate rollers 86 may be the same or similar to rollers 30-40 located downstream of the transfer roller 28 of the prior art paint applicator 18, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, in FIG. 8 generally shows an embodiment of an inking unit 46 according to the invention, in which the intermediate rollers 86 may comprise, without limitation, one or more of a second transfer roller 30, a first oscillating roller 32, a third transfer roller 34, a second oscillating roller 36, a knurling roller. 38 and the print roller 40.

The arrangement and number of intermediate rollers 86 of the paint application unit 46 may vary. In an embodiment, the inking assembly does not include any intermediate rollers 86. In another embodiment, the inking assembly comprises one intermediate roller 86. Otherwise, in another embodiment, the inking assembly 46 comprises two intermediate rollers.

When the decoration device 44 is decorating the metal containers 6, the measuring roller 60 remains in the first ink transfer position 66 . In an embodiment, the measuring roller 60 is in constant contact with the transfer roller 76 when it is located in the first ink transfer position 66 .

In contrast, as described above, the ink roller 26 of the prior art ink applicator 18 quickly comes into contact and out of contact with the transfer roller 28 when the prior art decorating apparatus 2 performs container decoration. Accordingly, the measuring roller 60 according to the invention is not subjected to rapid acceleration or deceleration, as is the case with the inductor roller 26 of the prior art.

The constant contact of the measuring roller 60 with the transfer roller 76 during decorating reduces wear and heat due to friction compared to the prior art inking unit 18. In addition, the measuring roller 60 can be rotated at a generally constant speed during decorating, reducing or eliminating dusting and spattering of ink within the ink application unit 46 of the invention. Thus, the paint application unit 46 according to the invention wastes less ink than the paint application unit 18 according to the prior art. The elimination of dusting and splashing of ink also reduces or eliminates the inadvertent or inadvertent transfer of ink droplets to platens 16 and offset transfer plates 12 of decorator 44, thereby improving the quality of decoration performed on metal containers 6.

The constant contact between the measuring roller 60 and the transfer roller 76 also improves the uniformity of the ink transferred to the transfer roller. In particular, the ink roller 26 of the prior art inking unit slides and accelerates or decelerates upon contact with the prior art transfer roller 28, resulting in uneven application of ink to the surface of the transfer roller. In addition, the prior art ink roller 26 contacts the transfer roller 28 only intermittently, so that the outer surface receives ink intermittently. In contrast, the measuring roller 60 according to the invention essentially continuously transfers a uniform layer of ink onto the transfer roller 76.

In addition, the constant contact of the measuring roll 60 with the transfer roll 76 during decorating means that the transfer roll does not receive force or impact from the measuring roll 60. In contrast, as described herein, the prior art inductor roll 26 is struck on the transfer roller 20-30 times per minute. The force from each impact of the ductor roller against the transfer roller can be transferred to the plate downstream as vibrations or "ductor shock", which reduces the quality of the ink image formed on the plate.

In the embodiment generally shown in FIG. 3, the measuring roller 60 and the transfer roller 76 are interconnected with the frame 78A. The frame 78A maintains a constant distance between the measuring roller 60 and the transfer roller 76. In particular, the axle 62 of the measuring roller 60 and the axle 77 of the transfer roller 76 are supported at a fixed distance from each other by the frame 78A. Accordingly, in the second standing position 68, the measuring roller 60 of the embodiment may remain in constant contact with the transfer roller 76. In the embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 74 is adapted to rotate the measuring roller 60 about a pivot point, such as the axis 77 of the transfer roller 76.

Otherwise, again with reference to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, when the adjustment mechanism 74 moves the measuring roller 60 to the second standing position 68, the measuring roller 60 separates by a third distance 80 from the transfer roller 76. The third distance 80 defines the second gap 82 between the measuring roller 60 and the transfer roller 76. Accordingly, in the second standing position 68, the transfer of ink 22 from the measuring roller 60 to the transfer roller 76 is interrupted. In addition, the measuring roller 60 does not receive rotational force from the transfer roller 76 in the second standing position 68 of the embodiment of FIG. 8. In this way, the measuring roller 60 can stop rotating in the second standing position 68.

In an embodiment, the third distance 80 is at least 0.03 inches. In another embodiment, the third distance is less than about 0.1 inch. Optionally, the third distance may be from about 0.03 inches to about 0.30 inches.

In an embodiment, axis 62 of measuring roller 60 is approximately parallel to axis 57 of ink roller 56 and axis 77 of transfer roller 76. As generally shown in FIG. 8, ink roller axis 57 and transfer roller axis 77 define first plane 79. In an embodiment, adjustment mechanism 74 is configured to move axis 62 of measuring roller 60 across first plane 79. In another embodiment, adjustment mechanism 74 may move measuring roller axis 62 approximately perpendicular to the first plane 79.

In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 74 moves the axis 62 of the measuring roller 60 away from the first plane 79 while moving the measuring roller to the second dwell position 68. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may move the axis 62 of the measuring roller 60 to the first plane 79 when the measuring roller 60 is moved to the first ink transfer position 66 .

Additionally or otherwise, the adjustment mechanism 74 moves the axle 62 of the measuring roller 60 away from the axle 57 of the ink roller 56 to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position 66 to the second dwell position 68. If necessary, the adjustment mechanism 74 moves the axis 62 of the measuring roller 60 away from the axis 77 of the transfer roller 76 to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position 66 to the second dwell position 68.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the distance between the axis 62 of the measuring roller 60 and the axis 77 of the transfer roller 76 is fixed and does not change when the adjustment mechanism 74 moves the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position.

In an embodiment, the first drive element 58 is configured to rotate the ink roller 56 only when the measuring roller 60 is in the first ink transfer position 66 . Accordingly, the first drive member 58 can stop applying rotational force to the inking roller when the measuring roller is in the second standing position 68 .

In another embodiment, the second drive element 84 is adapted to rotate the transfer roller 76 only when the measuring roller 60 is in the first ink transfer position 66 . Accordingly, the second drive member 84 cannot provide a rotational force to the transfer roller 76 when the measuring roller 60 is in the second rest position 68.

With reference to FIG. 9 generally shows an embodiment of a control system 90 according to the invention. In particular, in FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a control system 90 according to the invention, suitable for controlling the elements of an inking unit 46 according to the invention. The control system 90 is generally shown with hardware elements that can be electrically connected via a bus 92. The hardware elements may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) 94; one or more input devices 96 (eg, mouse, keyboard, etc.) and one or more output devices 98 (eg, display device, printer, etc.). The control system 90 may also include one or more storage devices 100. In an embodiment, storage device(s) 100 may be disk drives, optical storage devices, solid state storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM), which may be programmable, flashable and/or the like.

The control system 90 may further include a computer-readable data reader 102, a communications system 104 (e.g., a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infrared communications device, etc.), and a random access memory 106, which may include RAM and ROM devices described above. In some embodiments, control system 90 may also include a processing acceleration unit 108, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a special purpose processor, and/or the like. If necessary, the control system 90 may also include a database 110.

The computer-readable data reader 102 may also be connected to a computer-readable storage medium together (and, if necessary, in combination with the data storage device(s) 100) to fully form remote, local, fixed and/or removable storage devices, as well as storage media. data for temporary and/or permanent content of machine-readable information. The communication system may communicate with the network 112 and/or any other means of data processing. Optionally, control system 90 may provide access to data stored on a remote storage device, such as database 114, via a connection to network 112. In an embodiment, network 112 may be the Internet.

Control system 90 may also include software components shown as currently resident in random access memory 106. Software components may include an operating system 116 and/or other code 118, such as software code that implements one or more of the methods and aspects of the invention. .

One of skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of control system 90 may have numerous variations from the above description. For example, specialized hardware elements may also be used and/or specialized elements may be embedded in either hardware or software (including mobile software such as applets). In addition, a connection to other computing devices such as network input/output devices may be used.

In an embodiment, control system 90 is a personal computer, such as, but not limited to, a personal computer running on an MS Windows operating system. Optionally, control system 90 may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and similar computing devices. In an embodiment, control system 90 is a data processing system that includes, without limitation, one or more of devices including: at least one input device (eg, keyboard, mouse, or touch screen); data output device (eg display, loudspeaker); video card; communication device (eg, Ethernet card or wireless communication device); read-only storage device (eg hard disk); a temporary storage device (eg, random access memory); machine instructions stored in read-only memory, and a processor. The control system 90 may be any programmable logic controller (PLC). An example of a suitable PLC is the Controllogix PLC manufactured by Rockwell Automation, Inc., although other PLCs may be used in embodiments of the invention.

In an embodiment, the control system 90 is connected to one or more inking units 46 of the decorator 44 according to the invention. If necessary, the control system 90 may direct instructions to one or more actuators 52 associated with the ink knife 50, the first actuator 58, the adjustment mechanism 74, and the second actuator 84 to control the amount of ink 22 carried when decorating on the metal container 6. .

Additionally or alternatively, the control system 90 may receive information from the sensors of the paint application unit. For example, the control system 90 may receive information from a position sensor 54 associated with the colorful knife.

The control system 90 may also receive data from the control system's sensors. For example, the control system may receive data from a sensor 120A associated with the measuring roller 60. In an embodiment, the sensor 120A collects data about the ink on the measuring roller 60. The sensor 120A may determine the thickness of the paint on the measuring roller. Thus, if data from sensor 120A indicates that the measuring roller 60 has an inappropriate amount of ink (e.g., too much or too little ink 22), the control system 90 may send a signal to one or more elements of the ink applicator 46 to control the amount of ink. transferred from the inking roller to the transfer roller.

If necessary, the control system 90 may send a signal to the actuator 52 of the inking knife 50 to move the inking knife closer to or away from the inking roller 56. Thus, the control system can increase or decrease the thickness of the ink on the inking roller to change the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller 60.

Additionally or alternatively, the control system 90 may send a signal to the first drive element 58 to change the speed of the ink roller 56. By increasing the speed of the ink roller, the control system can increase the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller 60. roller 56, the control system 90 can reduce the amount of ink transferred to the measuring roller 60.

In addition, the control system 90 may additionally or alternatively send a signal to the adjustment mechanism 74 to adjust the gap 64 and the first distance 70 between the metering roller 60 and the ink roller 56 to control the amount of ink that the metering roller receives from the ink roller. For example, by increasing the first distance 70, the control system can reduce the amount of ink transferred from the inking roller to the measuring roller 60. Conversely, by decreasing the first distance 70 and the size of the gap 64A, the control system 90 can reduce the amount of ink 22 transferred to the measuring roller 60 .

The control system may also include a sensor 120B configured to collect data about the decoration performed on the outer surface of the metal container 6B being decorated by the decoration device 44. Examples of control systems that can be used with the paint applicator 46 and decoration device 44 are generally described in US9862204, US2012/0216689, and US2019/0257692, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Thus, the control system 90 may receive data from one or more sensors associated with the metal containers 6B to be decorated. For example, in an embodiment, the decorating device includes a sensor 120B located downstream of the support member 88. The sensor 120B is oriented to collect data about the decoration made on the cylindrical outer surface of the decorated metal container 6B. If necessary, although in FIG. 8 only one sensor 120B is shown, decorating device 44 may include a plurality of sensors 120B to collect data on all cylindrical bodies of metal containers substantially simultaneously. For example, decoration device 44 may include two to five sensors 120B located around the longitudinal axis of the container.

In an embodiment, a light source 122 is associated with the sensor 120 to illuminate the decorated metal container 6B. In an embodiment, the light source 122 comprises at least one of an incandescent lamp, an LED, a high intensity light source, a laser, a fluorescent light source, a xenon flash lamp, and an arc lamp. The light source 122 is selected to generate illumination at a predetermined wavelength based on the requirements of the sensor 120. In an embodiment, the light source is angled relative to the sensor 120. Thus, the light source 122 can illuminate the metal container at an angle relative to the sensor. In an embodiment, the light source 122 is oriented at an angle of about 1° to about 10° with respect to the axial direction of the sensor. Alternatively, the light source may be oriented at an angle of from about 1° to about 90° with respect to the axial direction of the sensor.

Sensor 120B is suitable for collecting decor density data. In an embodiment, sensor 120 is calibrated to a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) color standard. Optionally, the sensor can provide decoration color data in one or more International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color standards, including CIE XYZ, CIE LAB, CMYK, and CIE RGB. Additionally or alternatively, sensor 120 can optionally separate or describe the color characteristic curve of the incoming visible color up to about 1024 data units. In another embodiment, the sensor 120 may measure the difference or dissimilarity between a given decoration color (eg, a given value for a color in one of the color spaces) and the color of the decoration ink on the metal container 6B to be decorated. The color difference can be expressed by the sensor in CIE ΔE (or Delta E).

In an embodiment, sensor 120 is a spectrophotometer. Additionally or alternatively, sensor 120 may be a camera. Other suitable sensors are known to those skilled in the art.

Using data from one or more sensors, the control system 90 can determine whether the decoration on the metal container being decorated is unsatisfactory or appropriate. In particular, the control system 90 can determine if the decoration satisfies predetermined values corresponding to one or more parameters such as color, density, depth, and uniformity. The target values may be set by the customer or the operator of the decoration device 44 . One or more parameters may include a valid range. If the sensor data related to a parameter is within the lower and upper limits of the range, at least that decoration parameter is acceptable. In an embodiment where the decoration of the metal container 6B to be decorated does not meet one or more predetermined parameters, the decoration is unacceptable.

In an embodiment, control system 90 includes a density measurement module and an image processing module. The density measurement module and the image processing module may be program elements stored in random access memory 106 as another code 118.

The density measurement module contains instructions for determining the density of various inks used to form a decoration on a metal container using data received from the sensor 120. In particular, the density measurement module can calculate the density value as an arithmetic mean of the RGB components of the pixels in the decoration image, collected by the sensor. The RGB components can be obtained as the differences in density at each location or pixel and the density of the reference image at the corresponding location or pixel.

In an embodiment, the image processing module may perform a pixel-by-pixel comparison of a decoration image obtained by the sensor with an image of a satisfying decoration. An image of a satisfying decoration may be stored in a database 110 of the control system 90 or a database 114 that is accessible via the network 112.

The control system 90 may compare the data from the sensor with the decoration targets. In an embodiment, the control system 90 compares the data associated with the decoration image received from the sensor with a predetermined level for the respective areas of the decoration. Thus, the control system 90 can determine if one or more of the color, density, depth (or thickness), alignment, and uniformity for each decoration area differs from the predetermined values or position for each decoration area. If the sensor data for the decoration area differs from one or more of the predetermined values, the control system 90 may determine that the decoration does not meet the requirements.

In the case where the control system 90 determines that the density of a certain ink color is low, the control system may send a low color density signal to the inking unit 46 to increase the amount of ink transferred to the corresponding plate. Alternatively, in the case where the control system determines that the density of a particular color is high, the control system may send a signal to the inking unit 46 to reduce the amount of ink carried by the corresponding plate. The decorator 44 may optionally comprise four to twelve inking units 46, each of which can apply one color or type of ink to a respective plate.

When the control system 90 determines that the decoration of the decorated metal container 6B has a defect, the control system 90 can determine if the defect can be eliminated or reduced by adjusting a component of the paint application unit 46 according to the invention, if necessary. The control system 90 may determine that the defective decoration was caused by an inappropriate amount of ink 22 transferred from the inking station 46 to the metal container. For its part, the control system can send a signal to one or more components of the ink application unit 46 to change the amount of ink transferred to the next metal containers 6. For example, the control system can change the amount of ink transferred to the metal containers by the ink application unit 46 by sending a signal to one of the following components: (1) an actuator 52 for changing the position of the inking knife 50; (2) the first drive element 58 to change the speed of the ink roller 56; (3) an adjustment mechanism 74 to change the first distance of the gap 64 separating the measuring roller 60 and the ink roller 56; and (4) a second drive member 84 for changing the speed of the transfer roller 76 and the measuring roller 60.

While a number of embodiments of the decorating device according to the invention have been described in detail, it is clear that modifications and alterations to these embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art. It should be clearly understood that such modifications and changes are within the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, it should be understood that the language and phraseology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. The use of the terms "comprising", "comprising", or "having" and variations of these terms is intended to include the components listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional components.

As used herein, "automatic" and variations thereof refer to any process or operation performed without the physical involvement of a human during the execution of the process or operation. However, a process or operation may be automatic even when the process or operation involves physical or non-physical human involvement, if that involvement is used before the process or operation is performed. Human participation is considered physical if such participation affects the execution of a process or operation. The participation of a person who consents to the execution of a process or operation is not considered to be physical.

As used herein, "bus" and variations thereof may refer to a subsystem that transfers information and/or data between various components. A bus generally refers to a hardware communication and data acquisition interface, connections, bus architecture, standard and/or protocol defining a communication scheme for a communication system and/or a communication network. A bus may also refer to a piece of communications equipment that interfaces communications equipment with other components of the associated communications network. The bus may be for a wired network, such as a physical bus, or a wireless network, such as a piece of antenna or hardware that connects communication equipment to the antenna. The bus architecture supports a specific format in which information and/or data is sent and received using a communication network. The protocol may define the format and communication rules of the bus architecture.

The expression "communication modality" may refer to any established protocol or standard, or to a particular session or data exchange, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), cellular (e.g. IS-95, 1G, 2G, 3G, 3.5G , 4G, 4G/IMT-Advanced, 3GPP, WIMAX™, GSM, CDMA, CDMA2000, EDGE, 1xEVDO, iDEN, GPRS, HSPDA, TDMA, UMA, UMTS, ITU-R and 5G), Bluetooth™, Text or Instant messaging (for example, AIM, Blauk, eBuddy, Gadu-Gadu, IBM Lotus Sametime, ICQ, iMessage, IMVU, Lync, MXit, Paltalk, Skype, Tencent QQ, Windows Live Messenger™ or Microsoft Network (MSN) Messenger™, Wireclub, Xfire and Yahoo! Messenger™), email, Twitter (e.g. messaging), Digital Service Protocol (DSP), etc.

As used herein, the terms "communication system" or "communication network" and variations thereof may refer to a collection of communication components capable of performing one or more of the actions that include the transmission, relaying, interconnection, management or other manipulation of information or data on at least from at least one transmitter to at least one receiver. As such, communication may include a number of systems that support two-way communication or the broadcast of information or data. Communication system can refer to individual communications equipment and data collection, as well as the connections associated with and connecting individual communications equipment. Communications hardware may refer to dedicated communications hardware, or may refer to a processor coupled to a communications medium (eg, an antenna) and running software that can use the communications medium to send and/or receive a signal in a communications system. An interconnect refers to some type of wired or wireless communications device that connects various components, such as communications equipment, in a communications system. A communications network may refer to a particular arrangement of a communications system with a collection of individual communications equipment and interconnections having a defined network topography. The communication network may include a wired and/or wireless network having a preconfigured and specially prepared network structure.

The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any material storage and transmission medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor to execute them. Such media may take many forms, without being limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile storage media includes, for example, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) or magnetic or optical disks. The volatile medium includes a dynamic storage device such as main storage. Standard forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disk, floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape or any other magnetic media, magneto-optical media, read only memory (ROM), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) , any other optical media, punch card, paper tape, any other physical media with hole patterns, random access memory (RAM), programmable read only memory (PROM), and erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, solid state media, such as a memory card, any other microchip or memory cartridge carrying a carrier wave, as described below, or any other media that can be read by a computer. Attaching a file to an email or other independent information archive or group of archives is considered to be a distributable medium equivalent to a physical storage medium. When the computer-readable medium is configured as a database, it should be appreciated that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the invention is contemplated to include a physical storage medium or redistributable medium and prior art recognized equivalents and subsequent media in which software implementations of the invention are stored. It should be appreciated that any computer-readable medium that is not signal transmission may be considered non-transitory.

As used herein, "display device" and variations thereof may be used interchangeably and may refer to a panel and/or area of an output device that may display information to an operator or user. Display devices may include, without limitation, one or more control panels, one or more instrument housings, indicators, gauges, flow meters, lights, computers, screens, displays, head-up display (HUD) assemblies, and graphical user interfaces.

As used herein, a "module" refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, continuous logic, or combination of hardware and software that can perform a function related to that element.

The term "desktop" refers to a figurative expression used to display systems. The desktop is generally considered to be a "surface" that can contain pictures called icons, graphic elements, folders, etc., which can activate and/or display applications, windows, cabinets, files, folders, documents and other graphic elements. Icons are generally chosen arbitrarily to initiate a program module through interaction with a user interface so that the user can use applications and/or perform other operations.

The term "displayed image" refers to an image displayed on a display. A typical display image is a window or desktop. The displayed image can occupy the entire display or part of it.

The term “email address” may refer to any available address, including telephone number, instant message, email address, Uniform Resource Locator (URL), Globally Uniform Identifier (GUID), Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), Registered Address (AOR). ), an email alias in the database, etc. and their combinations.

The terms "screen", "touch screen", or "touch screen display" refer to a physical structure that allows a user to interact with a computer by touching portions of the screen and provides information to the user on the display. The touch screen can recognize a user's contact in a number of different ways, such as a change in an electrical parameter (eg, resistance or capacitance), a change in a sound wave, infrared proximity detection, a change in illumination detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, the normally separated conductive and resistive layers of the screen conduct electrical current. When the user touches the screen, the two layers can contact at the point of contact, whereby a change in the electric field is detected, and the coordinates of the point of contact are calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, the capacitive layer stores an electrical charge that is discharged onto the user upon contact with the touch screen, which causes the charge of the capacitive layer to decrease. This reduction is measured and the coordinates of the contact point are determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is carried across the screen and the acoustic wave is disturbed by the user's contact. The receiving transducer detects the moment of the user's contact and determines the coordinates of the contact point.

The term "window" refers primarily to a rectangular display image, at least on a portion of the display, that contains and provides content that is different from the rest of the screen. The window may obscure the desktop. The size and orientation of the window can be configured using a module or by the user. When a window is expanded, the window may occupy substantially all of the display space on the screen or screens.

As used herein, "determine," "count," and "calculate," and variations thereof are used interchangeably and include a technique, process, mathematical operation, or technique of any type.

While the explanatory aspects, embodiments, choices, and/or configurations show various system components located adjacent to each other, certain system components may be located remotely at remote locations in a distributed network, such as a local area network (LAN) and /or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated that system components may be combined in one or more devices such as a personal computer (PC), laptop, laptop, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, etc., or may be located next to each other in a particular node module of a distributed network, for example, an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switched network or a circuit-switched network. From the foregoing description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, it should be appreciated that the system components can be located anywhere within the component distribution network without affecting the operation of the system. For example, various components may be located in a switching device such as a non-public exchange (PBX) exchange and a media server, gateway, one or more communication devices, one or more user entities, or some combinations thereof. . Similarly, one or more functional areas of the system could be distributed between telecommunications devices and the corresponding computing device.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various lines connecting the elements may be wired or wireless lines, or combinations thereof, or any known or later developed elements that can communicate and/or transmit data to or from the connected elements. These wired and wireless lines may also be secure lines and may carry encrypted information. The transmission medium used as the lines, for example, may be any suitable conduit for the transmission of electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as waves generated during radio wave and infrared data transmission.

If desired, the systems and methods of the invention may be implemented using a dedicated computer, a programmable microprocessor or microcontroller and elements of a peripheral integrated circuit, ASIC or other integrated circuit, digital signal processor, hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete circuit, programmable a logic device or array of logic elements, for example, PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, specialized computer, any comparable tool, etc. In general, any device or means capable of implementing the methodology presented in the description can be used to implement various aspects of the invention. Illustrative hardware that may be used in the described embodiments, configurations, and aspects includes computers, portable devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, internet-enabled, digital, analog, hybrid, and others), and other hardware known from the foregoing. the level of technology. Some of these devices include processors (eg, one processor or multiple processors), a storage device, a non-volatile storage device, data input devices, and data output devices. In addition, other possible software implementations include, without limitation, distributed processing, distributed component/object processing, parallel processing, or virtual machining may also be provided to implement the methods described here.

In an embodiment, the methods described can be easily implemented in software using object and object-oriented software development environments to produce portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the described system may be implemented partially or entirely in hardware using standard logic or a very high level integration (VLSI) design. The use of software or hardware to implement the systems of the invention depends on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems used.

In yet another embodiment, the described methods may be partially implemented in software that may be stored on a storage medium provided in a general purpose programmable computer in conjunction with a controller and storage device, dedicated computer, microprocessor, or the like. In these cases, the systems and methods of the invention may be implemented as a program embedded in a personal computer, such as a mini-program, JAVA®, or a computer-generated image (CGI) script, as a resource stored on a server or computer workstation, as a standard program stored in a specially designed measuring system, a system component or the like. The system may also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system.

Although the invention describes the components and functions implemented in aspects, implementations and/or configurations with reference to specific standards and protocols, aspects, implementations and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. There are other similar standards and protocols that are not mentioned in this document and are considered to be included in the invention. In addition, the protocols mentioned in this document and others are standard and protocols that are not mentioned in this document are periodically replaced by faster and more efficient equivalents that have essentially the same functions. These standards and protocols, having the same functions, are considered as equivalents included in the invention.

Examples of processors described herein may include, without limitation, at least one of Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 800 and 801 processors, Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 610 and 615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit calculus, Apple® A7 processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple® M7 motion coprocessors, Samsung® Exynos® series, Intel® Core™ processor family, Intel® Xeon processor family, Intel® Atom™ processor family, Intel Itanium® processor family, Intel® Core® i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22nm Haswell, Intel® Core® i5-3570K 22nm Ivy Bridge, AMD® FX™ Processor Family, AMD® FX-4300, FX-6300 and FX-8350 32nm Vishera, AMD® Kaveri Processors, Automotive Infotainment Texas Instruments® Jacinto C6000™ processors, Texas Instruments® OMAP™ automotive mobile processors, ARM® Cortex™-M processors, ARM® Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-S™ processors, and other industrial equivalent processors, and may perform computing functions, use Using any known or future standard, instruction set, library and/or architecture.

The invention, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses substantially shown and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations of embodiments, subcombinations, and /or subsets. After studying the invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art how to implement and use the described aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. The invention in various aspects, embodiments and/or configurations includes providing devices and processes in the absence of components not shown and/or described herein, or in various aspects, embodiments and/or configurations includes the absence such components that may have been used in previous devices or processes, for example, to improve performance, provide ease of implementation and/or reduce the cost of implementation.

Claims (43)

1. The paint application unit of the decoration device, made with the possibility of decorating the outer surface of the metal container, comprising: paint tank to ensure the supply of paint; ink roller for receiving ink from the ink tank; a first drive member adapted to rotate the inking roller at a predetermined rotational speed; a measuring roller with a first ink transfer position for receiving ink from the inking roller and a second standing position in which the measuring roller does not receive ink from the inking roller, wherein in the first ink transfer position the measuring roller is located at a first distance from the inking roller, the first distance is not greater than the thickness paint on the ink roller, and in the second standing position, the measuring roller is located at a second distance from the ink roller, which is greater than the first distance; and a transfer roller located downstream of the measuring roller, wherein in the first ink transfer position the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller and transfers ink to it, while during decoration the measuring roller remains in the first ink transfer position for continuous contact with the transfer roller while the measuring roller is not in contact with the inking roller. 2. The paint application assembly of claim 1, wherein the first distance is at least about 0.0025 inches and the second distance is at least about 0.045 inches. 3. The ink application assembly of claim 1, wherein the ink reservoir comprises a plurality of ink knives configured to adjust the amount of ink received by the ink roller so that the ink thickness on the ink roller is less than about 0.04 inches. 4. The paint application assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment mechanism associated with the measuring roller, the adjustment mechanism being adapted to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. 5. The ink application assembly of claim 4, wherein the adjustment mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the ink roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. 6. The paint application assembly of claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism moves the metering roller axis away from the transfer roller axis to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. 7. The paint application assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second drive member adapted to rotate the transfer roller, the measuring roller rotating in response to a force received from the transfer roller when the measuring roller is in the first ink transfer position. 8. The ink application assembly of claim 1, wherein increasing the speed of the ink roller increases the amount of ink transferred to the metering roller when the metering roller is in the first ink transfer position. 9. The ink application unit according to claim 1, also comprising a plurality of intermediate rollers located downstream of the transfer roller in the process flow, the plurality of intermediate rollers being configured to transfer ink from the transfer roller to a plate located on the plate cylinder of the decoration device, and the plate the plate is capable of transferring ink to a transfer offset plate located on the offset cylinder of the decorating apparatus for decorating an outer surface of the metal container with ink. 10. The paint application unit according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of intermediate rollers comprises at least one of the rollers, which include a second transfer roller, a third transfer roller, a first oscillating roller, a second oscillating roller, a knurling roller, and a rolling roller, wherein at least one of the plurality of intermediate rollers is configured to contact the transfer roller, and at least one of the plurality of intermediate rollers is configured to contact the plate. 11. A method for decorating the outer surface of a container using a paint application unit of a decorating device, which includes the steps of: ensure the presence of a paint tank with paint supply; providing a paint roller for receiving paint from the paint reservoir; provide the presence of a measuring roller located below the ink roller in the process flow; providing an adjustment mechanism adapted to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position; ensure the presence of a transfer roller located below the measuring roller along the process flow; provide the presence of a printing cylinder with a printing plate located below the transfer roller along the process flow; moving the measuring roller to the first ink transfer position using the adjusting mechanism so that the measuring roller receives ink from the ink roller and transfers the ink to the transfer roller, wherein in the first ink transfer position the measuring roller is placed at a first distance from the ink roller to form a gap for ink, wherein at the same time the measuring roller is in contact with the transfer roller, the measuring roller remaining in the first ink transfer position for continuous contact with the transfer roller while the measuring roller is not in contact with the inking roller; transferring the ink from the transfer roller to the plate using intermediate rollers; transferring the ink from the printing plate to the transfer offset plate attached to the offset drum of the decoration apparatus; and transfer the ink from the transfer offset plate to the outer surface of the container. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising actuating an adjustment mechanism to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position to interrupt ink transfer to the platen. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein in the second standing position, the measuring roller is located at a second distance from the inking roller that is greater than the first distance, and in the second standing position, the measuring roller is located at a predetermined third distance from the transfer roller, such that the measuring roller not in contact with the transfer roller. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first distance is less than or equal to the thickness of the ink on the ink roller and the second distance is greater than the thickness of the ink on the ink roller. 15. The method of claim. 12, in which the adjusting mechanism moves the axis of the metering roller away from the axis of the paint roller to move the metering roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising increasing the speed of the ink roller to increase the amount of ink transferred to the plate, wherein decreasing the speed of the ink roller decreases the amount of ink transferred to the plate. 17. A measuring roller used in a decorator for selectively transferring ink between an ink roller and a transfer roller to decorate the outer surface of a metal container in a container decorator, comprising: a cylindrical body with an outer surface adapted to receive ink from the ink roller and transfer the ink to the transfer roller; an axis passing through the cylindrical body, which is supported at the first end and/or the second end, and the cylindrical body is rotatable about the axis; an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the axle, the adjustment mechanism being adapted to move the measuring roller from a first ink transfer position, in which the measuring roller is in contact with a transfer roller located downstream of the measuring roller, to a second dwell position, in which the measuring roller is not in contact with the transfer roller; and during operation of the decorating device, the measuring roller is located at a predetermined first distance from the inking roller in the first ink transfer position for receiving ink, which is subsequently transferred to the transfer roller, the predetermined first distance being limited by the first gap between the outer surface of the measuring roller and the outer surface of the ink roller, while during the operation of the decoration device, the measuring roller remains in the first ink transfer position for continuous contact with the transfer roller, while the measuring roller is not in contact with the inking roller. 18. Measuring roller according to claim 17, in which the outer surface of the cylindrical body contains: rubber and/or plastic and/or ceramic and/or metallic material; and/or grooves and / or notches, and / or engraving with transverse strokes; or is essentially smooth. 19. The metering roller of claim 17, wherein the adjusting mechanism is adapted to move the metering roller to a second dwell position to interrupt transfer of ink from the ink roller to the metering roller. 20. The measuring roller of claim 17, wherein the adjustment mechanism moves the measuring roller axis away from the ink roller axis to move the measuring roller from the first ink transfer position to the second dwell position. 21. The metering roller of claim 17, wherein the first gap between the metering roller and the ink roller, when the metering roller is in the first ink transfer position, is between about 0.002 inches and about 0.045 inches.

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