EP1714883A1

EP1714883A1 - Apparatus and method for printing packaging elements

Info

Publication number: EP1714883A1
Application number: EP05405308A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Waldvogel; Mathias Theiler; Marcel Holdener
Original assignee: Romaco AG
Current assignee: Romaco AG
Priority date: 2005-04-21
Filing date: 2005-04-21
Publication date: 2006-10-25
Also published as: WO2006111581A1

Abstract

An apparatus for printing isolated packaging elements (11) comprises a conveyor (10) comprising a plurality of transportation segments (15), wherein the isolated packaging elements (11) are maintained in a stock (21). A feeder (20) is provided to transfer at least one isolated packaging element (11) from the stock (21) on one transportation segment (15), wherein each isolated packaging element (11) is held fast on the corresponding transportation segment (15) through a holding element associated to said transportation segment (15). At least one drive (26) is connected with the conveyor (10) to move the conveyor (10). A print module (40) is provided above the transportation segments (15) to print, on the isolated packaging element (11), the sides (12, 13) opposite to the surface oriented towards the transportation segment (15).

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for printing packaging elements, especially isolated packaging elements, and more specifically packaging elements having an uneven surface, e.g. pre-folded boxes or cartons, collapsible packages, blisters, or the like.

Prior Art

Apparatuses are known from the prior art to prepare packages with information, advertisement, trademarks, content relating data, and so on. Such apparatuses have a feeder, loaded with an endless sheet of packaging material, e.g. paper, cardboard, metal or plastic, wherein said sheet of material is pushed or pulled under printing modules to cover the surface of the packaging material. Then, the package element to be generated is punched out, folded, attached or glued together and filled with the content.
In case of blisters, it is possible to act as mentioned above, if the connection between a more or less stiff plastic component, as a transparent three-dimensional structure to show the content of the blister, and a closing cardboard is glued or stapled. However, a more complex problem is the preparation and printing of blister packages comprising small items introduced into cups three dimensionally formed within a plastics structure and consecutively closing of said filled cups through appliance of a covering closing sheet. Such a closing sheet can be a transparent or opaque plastics film or a metal film. Apparatuses to eventually form, to fill and to close such blisters are known in the art. Usually the film used to close such blisters are coming from a endless sheet and are already printed or become printed while unwound from a supply roll.
Such an apparatus has the drawback not to be adapted to prepare smaller batches or series of packaging elements. Especially it is not known from prior art to print isolated packaging elements having an uneven surface, because such an uneven surface is a consequence of the use of thin sheets of closing film spanning the almost empty surface of the cups filled with some content.
Apparatuses, which can at least print packaging elements as, mentioned above are not versatile because quite a lot of items of the apparatus have to be adapted within the apparatus when a different package has to be provided. This relates to the width of the sheet of packaging material, the punch dies to prepare the punched-out cartons and the guides of a folding mechanism in order to prepare the folded boxes or cartons.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method, which can be readily adapted, to prepare small batches of already isolated packaging elements, i.e. to print such packaging elements having uneven surfaces.
Said object can be reached for an apparatus through the features of claim 1.
An advantageous method of preparing such package material uses e.g. ink-jet or flexo printers to print the necessary colours and information on the package element. It is complex to use a four-colour print module to print such isolated packaging materials.
Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the conveyor comprises at least four direct driven sliding carriages being able to take at least one of said isolated packaging elements.
Preferably, in case that the packaging elements comprise packaging elements having at least two layers, one above the other, the outer form of the mounting platform for such a packaging elements on or of the sliding carriages is convex to span the upper surface over the lower surface to guarantee a predefined reproducible printing surface for the print-heads of the apparatus.
According to another embodiment of the invention, in case that the packaging elements are so called blister packaging having a upper film surface covering and closing a plurality of cups formed within and under the film surface of the packaging element, the mounting platform has a complementary form to the blister packaging to be printed wherein under at least some of the cups are provided suction cups to aspirate the corresponding cups to force the area between the cups on the flat upper surface of the mounting platform.

Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1: shows a schematic view of the different stations and modules of an apparatus, according to the invention,
Fig. 2: shows a perspective view of the conveyor device comprising four mounting platforms and the relevant driving means in a first position,
Fig. 3: shows a perspective view of the conveyor device comprising four mounting platforms and the relevant driving means in a second position,
Fig. 4: shows a path-time diagram of the conveyor device shown in Fig. 2 and 3,
Fig. 5: shows a schematic side view of a mounting platform according to the invention,
Fig. 6: shows a schematic perspective view of the mounting platform of Fig. 5 with a multilayer packaging element, and
Fig. 7: shows a schematic perspective view of the mounting platform of Fig. 5 with another oriented multilayer packaging element.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the different stations of the device, according to the invention. The central part of the apparatus is the conveyer 10, being driven at both ends by conventional drives 26. The conveyor 10 can comprise a plurality of transportation segments 15, wherein two adjacent segments can be joined together with chain elements.
A stock 21 of packaging elements 11, together with a feeder 20, initially transfers the packaging elements 11 on said transportation segments 15. Every transportation segment 15 has one or more holding elements, e.g. clamps or suction elements, to position any element 11 precisely. The transportation segment 15 can have a front abutment surface to position any element 11 correctly. However, different mounting procedures can be chosen. The elements 11 are isolated packaging elements, in the shown embodiment of Fig. 1 these are pre-folded cartons 11, having an upper surface 12 and a side surface 13 to be printed on within this passage through the apparatus, according to the invention. Therefore these pre-folded cartons comprise in most parts two layers of cardboard. Within the central area between the drives 26, there is provided the height-checking station 30 and the print module station 40. The height-checking station 30 preferably has sensors, e.g. light sensors, to detect any cartons, which are not held absolutely flat. Such packaging elements 11 are pushed out of the way of movement of the conveyor 10, because the distance between the cartons 11 and the print-heads as can be seen in connection of Fig. 2 is very small and any physical contact between the cardboard and a print-head can damage the latter. This is especially true if ink-jet print-heads are used.
An UV drying station 50 is provided downstream of the print module 40 to cure and dry the sprayed inks.
Finally the folded box or carton 11 is pushed outside the apparatus into a box 60. Later on, the stock 21 can either be replaced with the pre-printed box-content 60 presented upside-down, or there is provided a parallel two-lane system, wherein the half-printed elements 11 are reversed and pass another time through the transport circle and therefore the print module 40. In both alternatives the print module 40 prints within this second passage of the packaging material through the apparatus the necessary information on the outside of the surface 23 and on the other side surface 22.
Fig. 1 shows a conventional conveyor 10 with a plurality of transportation segments 15 to support the packaging elements 11. However this general concept can be modified to enable a different convenient and fast printing sequence. Fig. 2 now shows a perspective view of the conveyor device comprising four mounting platforms 18, 28, 38 and 48 and the relevant driving means in a first position.
The mounting platforms 18, 28, 38 and 48 can all be displaced horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the linear drive systems 17, 27, 37, 47. Said linear drive systems 17, 27, 37, 47 are only shown very schematically to explain the movements of the corresponding mounting platforms 18, 28, 38 and 48. Every linear drive system 17,..., 47 can be displaced individually in a vertical direction according to double arrow 16. Additionally every arm 19 or 29 with the corresponding mounting platforms 18, 38 or 28, 48 can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the linear drive systems 17, 27, 37, 47 following arrow 36.
The shown transport system uses four mounting platforms 18, 28, 38 and 48. An increasing number of platforms enables a quicker feeding of packaging elements 11 to the print heads. Since the print heads allow a predefined passing velocity, the optimal transport systems is long enough to permit the maximum passing rate of the packaging elements 11 under the print heads without sacrifying to much working place through a longer apparatus. Beside four platforms, a solution with six platforms is envisaged, working with the same principle as discussed in connection with Fig. 4.
Fig. 4 shows a path-time diagram of the conveyor device shown in Fig. 2 and 3. The simulated movements has a period of four seconds as shown on the time axis 24. The contemplated path of the device is less than 1200 millimetres. The movement of the mounting platforms 18, 28, 38 and 48 along arrow 36 has received the reference numerals 118, 128, 138 and 148, whereas the vertical movement along arrow 16 has received the reference numerals 218, 228, 238 and 248. Since the vertical movement is only engaged in two different time slots these are marked as "+" for the upwards movement and "-" for the downward movement.
The horizontal movement is conducted with a constant velocity beside the attitude at the reversal points. It can readily be seen that the upwards vertical movement is almost identical for all platforms 18, 28, 38 and 48. However, there are two different downwards movement, a steady movement 228- or 248- and a movement in two phases with a plateau phases as with movements 218- and 238-. This will now be explained in connection with Fig. 2 and 3. In another embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the horizontal velocity of each platform is only constant in direct neighbourhood of the print-module 40. Before reaching the area of the print-module 40 a platform can be accelerated to a higher velocity than the preceding platform in order to close on said platform. When the distance between the platforms is lesser than the throughput of the print module 40 is higher.
The point in time of Fig. 2 is marked 200, the point in time of Fig. 3 is marked 300. In Fig. 2 platform 18 is just starting the horizontal movement along arrow 36 and platform 28 is in the lowest position and glides back. In Fig. 3 platform 28 is just emerging from below and starts the horizontal movement along arrow 36, platform 18 is already on the way in comparison with Fig. 2. Platform 48 is even farther away. Platform 38, mounted on the same side as platform 48, having a cropped attachment arm, has to pass over the arm of platform 48 but beneath platform 48. Therefore it is clear that according to Fig. 4 platform 38 is in the plateau position 301 and glides back until platform 38 can go downward completely.
The small vertical travel noses 302 indicate the operation of fetching a new packaging element 11 from the feeder and going back to the usual upper position of the platform to isolate a packaging element. It is also possible that in such a time slot a robotic arm is pivoting towards the platform and positions actively a packaging element 11.
The print module 40 with the plurality of different print heads, e.g. to obtain different print colours and/or a larger width of print zones on packaging elements, is located within the central movement area 303, here shown between 300 and 700 millimetres calculated from one end of the linear drive system. If a multicolour print is contemplated, than usually the print-heads are printing magenta, cyan, yellow and black.
At the end reverse points 304 the platforms leave the packaging materials 11 or such packaging containers are directly fetched.
As can be seen from Fig. 2 and 3, there are two platforms 18, 28 and 38, 48 on both sides of the middle printing lane. One of these pairs of platforms 18 and 38 have a straight mounting arm 19 and the other corresponding platform 28 or 48 has a cropped mounting arm 29, respectively. This means that the arm 29 extends further than the width of the platform, so that platforms from the same side can glide back under an advancing platform without problems.
Upstream and before the packaging element 11 enters the print module 40, the placement of the packaging material 11 is checked with the help of the height-checking module 30 (not shown in Fig. 2 or 3). In the case that a sensor of the height-checking module 30 detects a misplaced packaging element 11 the platform in question makes a vertical downwards movement so that the misplaced packaging element 11 passes far under the printing module 40 without any danger of contact for the print-heads. It is then possible to exclude such a packaging material 11 from the further handling. Usual misplacements comprise erected flaps of folded cartons or damaged cover films of isolated blister packs.
It has to be noted that ink-jet print-heads are usually arranged in a short vertical distance from the packaging material 11, e.g. usually between 1 and 2 millimetres.
It is contemplated that the packaging element can be composed of different materials. A pre-folded and glued box or carton which has only to be de-folded to create an parallelepiped is one choice for a packaging material 11, which can be individually printed on all outer surfaces, if the packaging material 11 is guided twice through the apparatus, either the same print lane or a parallel one, depending on the re-feeder mechanism. The surface to be printed upon can be in different materials as aluminium, laminated paper, plastic material, PET or polypropylene, wherein appropriate inks or print-heads are chosen by someone skilled in the art.
Fig. 2 and 3 furthermore show, beside the movement mechanism, a first embodiment for mounting platforms 18. Said mounting platforms (only reference numeral 18 is mentioned but all four mounting platforms are identical relating to the blister mounting features) have a flat surface 31 with a longitudinal central groove 32. It is possible to use the groove 32 to eject blisters mounted on said platforms 18.
Every mounting platform 18 has two groups of four cups 33. Arrangement and number of cups 33 can be chosen according to the need of the packaging party. It is not shown in the drawings but the plurality of cups 33 is connected to a suction device, providing a negative pressure on the formed projections within the packaging element 11 so that this packaging element is urged against the upper platform surface 31 thus ensuring that such a blister pack is passing in a short reliable distance under the print-heads. The suction devices are connected to a vacuum source through lines preferably provided in the arms 19, 29.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a mounting platform 58 according to another embodiment of the invention. Platform 58 is shown with a straight base arm 19 and having a basis plate 39 and an upper plate element 49. Such an arrangement, which is already used in connection with Fig. 2 and 3, allows a quicker change of the upper plate elements 49. Such an upper plate element 49 can also be called formatting plate because this element defines the use of possible packaging elements 11. Fig. 2 and 3 disclose such a plate for the use with blisters. Fig. 5 to 7 discloses a use for multilayer packaging elements 41. Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the mounting platform 58 of Fig. 5 with such a multilayer packaging element 41, and Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the mounting platform 58 of Fig. 5 with another oriented multilayer packaging element 41.
Multilayer packaging element 41 comprises basic surfaces as 12 and 13 but also flaps 34. It is clear that these multilayer packaging elements 41 have at least partially two or more layers. Suction means 43 similar to the suction means in cups 33 are provided and may extend slightly over the upper surface of the platform 58. It can be seen from Fig. 5 that the upper surface 51 is slightly inclined with the highest zone near the central slit 32. The upper surfaces 51 on both sides of the slit 32 (in different embodiments the slit 32 can be omitted) provide a kind of ridged roof. It can be readily seen that the direct way between two diametric opposed edges of the upper surface 51 passes through solid material. This conducts to the situation that the lower layer or lower layers of the packaging element 11 are pressed against the surface 51 with a certain force but that the outer and upper layer of the packaging element 11 has an even larger way and is therefore spanned over the lower layer on the said surface 51. Such a surface 51 enables the printing of uneven packaging elements 11 under vacuum. These elements 11 can comprise blister packs, empty glued prefolded cartons and the like. The groove 32 can accommodate a ridge of a packaging element 11 to improve the spanning function. The control unit of the print module 40 is programmed to take into consideration the predefined differences between the print head and the inclined uppermost layer of the packaging elements 11.

Reference numerals

10: conveyor
11: isolated packaging element
12: upper surface of the carton
13: side surface of the carton
14: direction of conveyor movement
15: transportation segment
16: double-arrow
17: linear drive system
18: mounting platform (first embodiment)
19: straight mounting arm
20: feeder
21: stock
22: upper surface of the box
23: side surface of the box
24: time axis
25: path
26: drive
27: linear drive system
28: mounting platform
29: cropped mounting arm
30: height checking module
31: flat surface
32: groove
33: cup
34: flap
36: arrow
37: linear drive system
38: mounting platform
39: basis plate
40: print module
41: multilayer packaging element
43: suction means
47: linear drive system
48: mounting platform
49: upper plate element
51: upper surface
58: mounting platform (second embodiment)
50: UV drying module
60: box
118: horizontal movement platform 18
128: horizontal movement platform 28
138: horizontal movement platform 38
148: horizontal movement platform 48
200: time-path position of Fig. 2
218: vertical movement platform 18
228: vertical movement platform 28
238: vertical movement platform 38
248: vertical movement platform 48
300: time-path position of Fig. 3
301: plateau position
302: travel noses
303: printing zone
304: end reverse points

Claims

Apparatus for printing isolated packaging elements (11) comprising
- a conveyor (10) comprising a plurality of transportation segments (15),

- a stock (21) with isolated packaging elements (11),

- a feeder (20) to transfer at least one isolated packaging element (11) from the stock (21) on one transportation segment (15, 18), wherein each isolated packaging element (11) is held fast on the corresponding transportation segment (15) through a holding element associated to said transportation segment (15, 18),

- at least one drive (17, 27, 37, 47) connected with the conveyor (10) to move the conveyor (10),

- a print module (40) provided above the transportation segments (15, 18) to print, on the isolated packaging element (11), the sides (12, 13) opposite to the surface oriented towards the transportation segment (15).
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the print module (40) comprises four print-heads (41, 44) in a row to prepare multi-colour prints on the packaging elements (11).
Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding elements are suction devices (33, 43).
Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each transportation segment (15) comprises at least one mounting platform (39) releasably connected to the corresponding transportation segment (19, 29).
Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conveyor comprises at least four mounting platforms (18, 28, 38, 48) each connected with a drive system (17, 27, 37, 47) to displace the corresponding mounting platform independently both horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus as well as in a height changing direction.
Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that half of the platforms (18, 28 and 38, 48) are mounted on each side of the middle printing lane, wherein one of the platforms (18 and 38) have a straight mounting arm (19) and the other corresponding platform (28 or 48) has a cropped mounting arm (29) extending further over the middle printing lane than the width of the platform, so that platforms from the same side can pass each other in opposite horizontal movements.
Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that upstream of the print module (40) a height-checking module (30) is provided, wherein in case that a sensor of the height-checking module (30) detects a misplaced packaging element (11) the platform in question is controlled to make a vertical downwards movement so that the misplaced packaging element (11) passes far under the printing module (40).
Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that mounting platforms (18, 28, 38, 48) have a near flat or lightly inclined surface (31), wherein a number of cups (33) is provided within the mounting platforms (18, 28, 38, 48) connected to a suction device, providing a negative pressure on formed projections within the packaging element (11).
Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that mounting platforms (18, 28, 38, 48) have a inclined surface with at least one suction device on each side in a distance from the middle near opposite longitudinal edges, providing a negative pressure on formed projections within the packaging element (11) to span the uppermost layer of a multilayer packaging element (11).
Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a longitudinal central groove (32) is provided within each mounting platform.
Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that each platform (58) comprises a basis plate (39) and an upper formatting and holding plate releasably attached to the basis plate (39) for an exchange to adapt for specific packaging elements (11).
Method for printing isolated packaging elements (11) comprising the steps of
- providing a stock (21) of isolated packaging elements (11),

- transferring at least one isolated packaging element (11) from the stock (21) with a feeder (20) on one transportation segment (15) of a conveyor (10),

- holding each isolated packaging element (11) on the corresponding transportation segment (15) through a holding element associated to said transportation segment (15),

- driving the transportation segments (15) with at least one drive (16, 17, 27, 37, 47),

- printing the upper surfaces of the isolated packaging elements (11) opposite to the surface oriented towards the transportation segment (15) using a print module (40) provided above the transportation segments (15).